Evolving Recursive Programs using Non-recursive Scaffolding

Genetic programming has proven capable of evolving solutions to a wide variety of problems. However, the successes have largely been with programs without iteration or recursion; evolving recursive programs has turned out to be particularly challenging. The main obstacle to evolving recursive programs seems to be that they are particularly fragile to the application of search operators: a small change in a correct recursive program generally produces a completely wrong program. In this paper, we present a simple and general method that allows us to pass back and forth from a recursive program to an associated non-recursive program. Finding a recursive program can be reduced to evolving non-recursive programs followed by converting the optimum non-recursive program found to the associated optimum recursive program. This avoids the fragility problem above, as evolution does not search the space of recursive programs. We present promising experimental results on a test-bed of recursive problems

Differentiating signals to make biological sense – a guide through databases for MS-based non-targeted metabolomics

Metabolite identification is one of the most challenging steps in metabolomics studies and reflects one of the greatest bottlenecks in the entire workflow. The success of this step determines the success of the entire research, therefore the quality at which annotations are given requires special attention. A variety of tools and resources are available to aid metabolite identification or annotation, offering different and often complementary functionalities. In preparation for this article, almost 50 databases were reviewed, from which 17 were selected for discussion, chosen for their on-line ESI-MS functionality. The general characteristics and functions of each database is discussed in turn, considering the advantages and limitations of each along with recommendations for optimal use of each tool, as derived from experiences encountered at the Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO) in Madrid. These databases were evaluated considering their utility in non-targeted metabolomics, including aspects such as ID assignment, structural assignment and interpretation of results

Considering the inclusion of worth and values in the design of interactive artifacts

The development and design of computational artifacts and their current widespread use in diverse contexts (from work/task oriented to ludic applications) needs to take into account end-users needs, likes/dislikes and broader societal issues including human values. However, the fast pace of technological developments highlight the acknowledgment that the process of defining the computational artifacts not only needs to understand the user but also engineering and designers creativity. In order to take into account these issues, we have been exploring the utilization of a framework to guide our own development efforts. The Worth-Centred Design (WCD) can be seen as a conceptual framework that intends to facilitate the process of making explicit the connections between high level concepts related to desired ends/worth/values and simple/basic/atomic features composing an (or to be) artifact [1, 2]. In this paper, our insights as a heterogeneous design team regarding the use of the WCD framework are presented. More specifically, two on-going cases studies are considered: (a) one concerning the on-going development of situated digital public displays and (b) the development of games to assist therapists of children with emotional and cognitive impairments to conduct their daily therapeutic activities. The utilization of the framework definitely improved our understanding of the relationships between features and high-level interaction goals. The representational tools and the process of constructing them helped making explicit the design alternatives and the design team assumptions regarding artifact use. However, there are hurdles to conquer, in particular, the creation of common ground within the team in relation to the definition of the terms employed and assuring that the emergence of common ground does not hide fundamental differences regarding the meaning of the design elements uncovered. Furthermore, more research is needed in order to understand how to elicit values related to the artifact from the different stakeholders of a particular social context

Use of CALPUFF to predict airborne Mn levels at schools in an urban area impacted by a nearby manganese alloy plant

Children are susceptible to the health effects derived from elevated manganese (Mn) environmental exposure; residents living in urban areas where ferromanganese alloy plants are located are usually exposed to high Mn levels. In this work, a dispersion model developed by the USEPA, CALPUFF, has been used to estimate the airborne Mn levels near educational centers located in Santander bay, Northern Spain, an urban area where high Mn levels have been measured in the last decade. The CALPUFF model was validated in a previous work from a multi-site one-year observation dataset. Air manganese levels in 96 primary, secondary and high schools located in Santander bay were estimated using the CALPUFF model for two months corresponding to warm and cold periods using real meteorological data and Mn emission rates corresponding to different emission scenarios. Results show that when the emission scenario that best represented the observations dataset is used, the air Mn levels exceed the WHO guideline (i.e. 150?ng?Mn/m3) in 24% and 11% of the studied schools in the cold and warm periods respectively. These exceedances depend on the distance from the FeMn alloy plant and the direction of the prevailing winds. Additional emission scenarios based on the implementation of preventive and corrective measures are simulated and analysed in terms of the number of exceedances of the WHO guideline. The age range of children has been also considered in the analysis.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) through the CTM2013-43904R Project. This funding source was not involved in the study design; data collection, analysis, or interpretation; the writing of the article; or the decision to submit for publication

Training Competences in Industrial Risk Prevention with Lego® Serious Play®: A Case Study

This paper proposes the use of the Lego® Serious Play® (LSP) methodology as a facilitating tool for the introduction of competences for Industrial Risk Prevention by engineering students from the industrial branch (electrical, electronic, mechanical and technological engineering), presenting the results obtained in the Universities of Cadiz and Seville in the academic years 2017–2019. Current Spanish legislation does not reserve any special legal attribution, nor does it require specific competence in occupational risk prevention for the regulated profession of a technical industrial engineer (Order CIN 351:2009), and only does so in a generic way for that of an industrial engineer (Order CIN 311:2009). However, these universities consider the training in occupational health and safety for these future graduates as an essential objective in order to develop them for their careers in the industry. The approach is based on a series of challenges proposed (risk assessments, safety inspections, accident investigations and fire protection measures, among others), thanks to the use of “gamification” dynamics with Lego® Serious Play®. In order to carry the training out, a set of specific variables (industrial sector, legal and regulatory framework, business organization and production system), and transversal ones (leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and communication), are incorporated. Through group models, it is possible to identify dangerous situations, establish causes, share and discuss alternative proposals and analyze the economic, environmental and organizational impact of the technical solutions studied, as well as take the appropriate decisions, in a creative, stimulating, inclusive and innovative context. In this way, the theoretical knowledge which is acquired is applied to improve safety and health at work and foster the prevention of occupational risks, promoting the commitment, effort, motivation and proactive participation of the student teams.Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities / European Social Fund: Ramón y Cajal contract (RYC-2017-22222

Diagnosis and study of rare heart diseases : imaging multimodality --- stress cardiomyopathy

La miocardiopatía de estrés o síndrome de takotsubo, son variantes de una forma aguda y reversible de compromiso funcional cardiaco caracterizado por un inicio abrupto, usualmente relacionado con un evento emocional o físico estresante, acompañado de dolor torácico o disnea, y signos de lesión miocárdica (síntomas o signos compatibles con falla cardiaca, miocarditis, anormalidades electrocardiográficas y elevación de biomarcadores como troponina y péptidos natriuréticos), que hacen indistinguible la miocardiopatía de estrés del usual síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) en cualquier variedad o síndrome de falla cardiaca aguda (SFCA). Su diagnóstico, requiere alta sospecha clínica y el uso racional de diferentes ayudas imagenológicas, conocido como abordaje multimodal, en cuyo caso, el ecocardiograma transtorácico es la herramienta de mayor uso y facilidad para la aproximación inicial e identificación del patrón típico de compromiso apical y transitorio de esta entidad; sin embargo, se hace necesaria la combinación con otros métodos diagnósticos para completar los criterios diagnósticos, realizar seguimiento hemodinámico en la fase aguda, detectar complicaciones y evaluar la recuperación durante el seguimiento ambulatorio, convirtiéndose en un gran reto diagnóstico y terapéutico.Stress cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo syndrome are variants of an acute and reversible form of compromised cardiac function, characterised by an acute onset, usually related to a stressful emotional or physical event, accompanied by chest pain or dyspnoea, and signs of myocardial injury (signs or symptoms compatible with heart failure, myocarditis, anomalies in the electrocardiogram, and an increase in biomarkers, such as troponin and natriuretic peptides). These make stress cardiomyopathy indistinguishable from the usual acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in any variation or acute heart failure syndromes (AHFS). Its diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion and the rational use of imaging aids, known as the multimodal approach. In this case transthoracic cardiac ultrasound is the most used tool for the initial approach and identification of the typical pattern of apical and transient compromise of this condition. However, it needs to be combined with other diagnostic methods in order to complete the diagnostic criteria, to carry out a haemodynamic follow-up, and to detect complications. They are also required to evaluate recovery during out-patient follow-up, becoming a great diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.N/

Un análisis multinivel de un proceso de gentrificación en una ciudad mediana española: el caso de A Coruña

[Abstract]: This article has deconstructed the general phenomenon of gentrification in the historic centre of A Coruña in two models. On the one hand, a model based on social class promotion, symbolic capital and economic status in the Cidade Vella. On the other hand, the neighbourhood of Orzán as a transformation process resulting from a phenomenon of commercial gentrification based on two interrelated processes: first, the demand for new places of consumption and entertainment and second, the material devaluation of the neighbourhood. In this regard, this work brings a new dimension to the global debate around commercial gentrification.[Resumen]: Este artículo ha deconstruido el fenómeno general de la gentrificación en el centro histórico de A Coruña en dos modelos. Por un lado, un modelo basado en la promoción de la clase social, el capital simbólico y el estatus económico en la Cidade Vella. Por otro lado, el barrio del Orzán como proceso de transformación resultante de un fenómeno de gentrificación comercial basado en dos procesos interrelacionados: en primer lugar, la demanda de nuevos lugares de consumo y ocio y, en segundo lugar, la devaluación material del barrio