Fuzzy sets on 2D spaces for fineness representation

The analysis of the perceptual properties of texture plays a fundamental role in tasks like semantic description of images, content-based image retrieval using linguistic queries, or expert systems design based on low level visual features. In this paper, we propose a methodology to model texture properties by means of fuzzy sets defined on bidimensional spaces. In particular, we have focused our study on the fineness property that is considered as the most important feature for human visual interpretation. In our approach, pairwise combinations of fineness measures are used as a reference set, which allows to improve the ability to capture the presence of this property. To obtain the membership functions, we propose to learn the relationship between the computational values given by the measures and the human perception of fineness. The performance of each fuzzy set is analyzed and tested with the human assessments, allowing us to evaluate the goodness of each model and to identify the most suitable combination of measures for representing the fineness presence

Adaptive Multidimensional Fuzzy Sets for Texture Modeling

The modeling of the perceptual properties of texture plays a fundamental role in tasks where some interaction with subjects is needed. In order to face the imprecision related to these properties, fuzzy sets defined on the domain of computational measures of the corresponding property are usually employed. In this sense, the most interesting approaches show that the combination of different measures as reference sets improve the texture characterization. However, the main drawback of these proposals is that they do not take into account the subjectivity associated with human perception. For example, the perception of a texture property may change depending on the user, and in addition, the image context may influence the global perception of a given property. In this paper, we propose to solve these problems by combining the use of several computational measures in a reference set with adaptation to the subjectivity of human perception. To do this, we propose a generic methodology that automatically transforms any multidimensional fuzzy set modeling a texture property to the particular perception of a new user or to the image context. For this purpose, the information given by the user, or extracted from the textures present in the image, are employed

An adaptive fuzzy approach for modelling visual texture properties

The analysis of the perceptual properties of texture plays a fundamental role in tasks like semantic description of images, content-based image retrieval using linguistic queries, or expert systems design based on low level visual features. The presence of these properties in images is very difficult to characterize due to their imprecision, and, moreover, because their perception may change depending on the user or the image context. In this paper, texture properties are modeled by means of an adaptive fuzzy approach that takes into account the subjectivity of the human perception. For this purpose, a methodology in two phases has been proposed. First, non-adaptive fuzzy models, that represent the average human perception about the presence of the texture properties, are obtained. For this modeling, we propose to learn a relationship between representative measures of the properties and the assessments given by human subjects. In a second phase, the obtained fuzzy sets are adapted in order to model the particular perception of the properties that a user may have, as well as the changes in perception influenced by the image context. For this purpose, the membership functions are automatically transformed on the basic of the information given by the user or extracted from the image context, respectively

Linum flos-carmini (Linaceae), a new species from northern Morocco

Linum bicolor is a problematic North African taxon associated with L. setaceum. A consensus on the taxonomic status of a putative form (L. setaceum var. bicolor f. robusta) has not been achieved yet. We conducted a morphological study based on herbarium and field collections, combined with nuclear (ITS) and plastid (ndhF5-8 and trnL-F) phylogenies to clarify its status. The phylogenetic analysis did not reveal molecular divergence, but a comparative morphological study revealed substantial differences in traits previously used to distinguish the two taxa (stems, leaves, corolla and calyx size). In addition, we found that the indumentum of sepals, petal colour, and the arrangement of anthers and stigmas differed so clearly between the form robusta and L. setaceum s. stricto, that recognizing the former taxon as an independent species was justified. We provide an identification key to the yellow- and white-flowered Linum species in NW Africa. We also revised the unplaced name L. bicolor Schoubs. ex DC. and lectotypified it to avoid nomenclatural problems

An Approximation for Metal-Oxide Sensor Calibration for Air Quality Monitoring Using Multivariable Statistical Analysis

Good air quality is essential for both human beings and the environment in general. The three most harmful air pollutants are nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O-3) and particulate matter. Due to the high cost of monitoring stations, few examples of this type of infrastructure exist, and the use of low-cost sensors could help in air quality monitoring. The cost of metal-oxide sensors (MOS) is usually below EUR 10 and they maintain small dimensions, but their use in air quality monitoring is only valid through an exhaustive calibration process and subsequent precision analysis. We present an on-field calibration technique, based on the least squares method, to fit regression models for low-cost MOS sensors, one that has two main advantages: it can be easily applied by non-expert operators, and it can be used even with only a small amount of calibration data. In addition, the proposed method is adaptive, and the calibration can be refined as more data becomes available. We apply and evaluate the technique with a real dataset from a particular area in the south of Spain (Granada city). The evaluation results show that, despite the simplicity of the technique and the low quantity of data, the accuracy obtained with the low-cost MOS sensors is high enough to be used for air quality monitoring.The researchers would like to thank the University of Cadiz for the grant obtained through its "Programa de Fomento e Impulso de la actividad de Investigacion y Transferencia". The authors would also like to thank to the Environmental Technology researching group and Acoustic Engineering Laboratory researching group, TEP-181 and TEP-195, respectively, for the access to the devices and data of the EcoBici Project (number G-GI3002/IDIC). Alfonso J. Bello acknowledges the support received from the 2014-2020 ERDF Operational Program and by the Department of Economy, Knowledge, and Business and the University of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Spain, under grant: FEDER-UCA18-107519

Genetic diversity and structure of the narrow endemic species Crepis granatensis: implications for conservation

In this study, we studied the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the endangered endemic Crepis granatensis, using amplified fragments length polymorphism (AFLP) and plastid DNA (cpDNA). No genetic divergences were obtained using cpDNA markers. Three primers combinations selected from a total of 12 produced a total of 421 fragments, of which 418 (99.3%) were polymorphic. The total genetic diversity of C. granatensis was moderate (Ht = 0.260). Neís gene diversity ranged from 0.202 to 0.258. The fixation index (Fst) was 0.137, suggesting low to moderate genetic differentiation among populations. The AMOVA analysis revealed that genetic diversity was mainly concentrated among individuals within populations (74%), while 8% was found among populations and 18% among regions. The Bayesian analysis and PCoA identified two genetic clusters: one corresponded to La Sagra population and the other corresponded to the Mágina populations. Based on our genetic results, it is necessary to preserve the evolutionary potential of C. granatensis by protecting all extant populations. Both in situ and ex-situ conservation measures should be considered. Reinforcement, reintroduction, and translocation programmes could be performed if necessary. Finally, such conservation strategies should be considered both in the current recovery plan and management actions for the species.Departamento de Biología Vegetal de la Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Botánica de la Universidad de Granad

Numerical study of the behavior of an air pre-cooler

Introducing an air pre-cooler step before an air cooler system have been proved to improve the global efficiency of a cooling setup. Several authors have studied the mass and the heat exchanges of an air stream and the water sprayed inside an adiabatic cooling pad. However, these previous studies present their results and correlations as functions of experimental dependent parameters. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a numerical modeling capable of characterizing the behavior of an air pre-cooling stage without the need of previous experimental tests, allowing an accurate initial study when designing an air cooler installation. Several numerical models and simulation tests have been developed by our researching group in order to get a proper approximation of the problem, and the employment of previous experimental data allowed the model validation in terms of pressure drop and air cooling efficiency. As a result, a numerical model is defined, validated, and compared with existing empirical correlations models as a first step to determine the best possible cooling pad configuration in every air cooling setup as a function of the pad geometry, air and water flow rates, with an only numerical simulation.The authors acknowledge the financial support received from the Spanish Government, through Projects ENE2013-48696-C2-1-R and C2-2-R as well as by the FEDER (FondoEuropeo de Desarrollo Regional

Experiencia docente en el desarrollo de competencias transversales como metodología de aprendizaje y evaluación

[SPA]En este trabajo se presenta una experiencia docente enfocada desde la óptica del EEES y conducente a la obtención de competencias transversales. La experiencia docente resume el desarrollo y evaluación de varias competencias transversales en el ámbito de la asignatura Interfaces y Periféricos de la Universidad de Córdoba. La metodología se centra en la construcción de una tarjeta de sonido USB y la programación del funcionamiento de ésta, sirviendo como base para desarrollar/evaluar varias competencias transversales. La evaluación de las competencias se realizará mediante una ficha que contempla distintos indicadores para cada competencia. Finalmente se analizarán los resultados y se proyectarán varias conclusiones de esta experiencia. [ENG]This paper presents an educational experience focused on the perspective of the EEES and conducive to the achievement of transversal competences. Teaching experience summarizes the development and evaluation of several transversal competences in the Interfaces and Peripherals subject, field of University of Córdoba. The methodology focuses on building a USB sound card and its programming operation, serving as a basis for developing / evaluating several transversal competences. The competence assessment will be made by a worksheet that provides different indicators for each competence. Finally we analyze the results and show some conclusions from this experience.Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Universidad de Murcia, Región de Murci