Parabolic flight microgravity educational activities in Barcelona: The ”Barcelona Zero-G Challenge"

This paper reports on different innovative research and educational activities related to parabolic flights conducted in Barcelona, based at Sabadell Airport and operated by Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell, since 2006. A CAP10B single-engine aerobatic aircraft is used, operating in Visual Flight conditions (VFR). Results from test flights have shown that these aircraft provide an environment of hypogravity for small experiments with a gravity quality of at least 0.01 g0 for as long as 8.5 seconds. An experimenter may operate her or his own experiment in parabolic flight from within the aircraft cockpit. A specific flight simulator based on SolidWorks was developed to optimize the maneuvres. This software was used to later train the pilots and get less residual accelerations during the hypogravity period. Results from recent test flights show that these advancements have significally improved the gravity quality of the platform. Sensitivity to wind gusts have been analyzed. According to our analysis, acceptable wind conditions are a maximum of 15 knots of horizontal gusts, whereas thermal and vertical gusts should be avoided. Research campaigns and student campaigns have since 2008 been conducted. A student campaign consists of between 2 and 6 local flights, where the student conducts her or his experiment on board during every flight. A local flight provides up to 12 parabolas for each subject. These educational campaigns are known as the ”Barcelona Zero-G Challenge”, an international contest aimed at motivating students to conduct research in this field. A total of 12 students have flown their experiments on board the aircraft in 3 different educational campaigns (2010, 2011 and 2014), having published their results in relevant symposiums and scientific journals. These campaigns have attracted media attention and have promoted public awareness on aeronautical and space studies. The projects have been carefully peer- reviewed and selected by members of ELGRA (European Low Gravity Research Association) and ESA Education. A new edition of this contest is underway, with the winners expected to fly their experiment in 2017. Furthermore, students from our own University, UPC, have the opportunity of designing and testing their experiments within the framework of this parabolic flights platform. Further information on the contest ”Barcelona Zero-G Challenge” can be found at: window2theuniverse.org. In conclusion, this platform has shown to be excellent for educational and outreach campaigns, and also as a testbed for a proof-of-concept, before accessing other microgravity platforms.Postprint (published version

A numerical model to assess deconditioning of the cardiovascular system in long-term exposure to microgravity. Verification and simulation of Mars mission scenarios

Numerical simulations of the cardiovascular system are particularly important in scenarios where it is difficult to experiment different weightlessness exposure conditions. Technological advances in terms of computational power in the last years, and improvement of algorithms have recently made these techniques more reliable. We report in this paper results from extensive simulations undertaken in a computing facility in our University (UPC BarcelonaTech) aimed at evaluate the risks involved in a long-term exposure to reduced gravity loads for a very extensive range of possible mission scenarios. The simulation allows to introduce different levels of exposure to hypo or hypergravity, and analyze the consequences on relevant figures of cardiovascular deconditioning, such as heart rate, mean stroke volume or vascular resistance. Neurological or thermic stress or aerobic exercise can also be applied in order to better emulate a realistic long-term space mission comprising, for example, Extra Vehicular Activities (EVA) or physical exercise as countermeasures. Gender differences have also been studied, with significant different recommendations given as outcomes of the simulation, for both men and female astronauts. Our model is based on the previous works form Melchier et al. or Heldt et al. who described in analytical terms the process of orthostatic intolerance due to gravity alterations being applied on a human subject. We incorporated these Runge-Kutta equations by using Matlab® and Simulink® software. Results from these models were validated in parabolic flight. We later developed this model to take into account all control system parts involved in the human cardiovascular system, and we finally achieved an electrical-like control model in which we could easily measure the output of the system (vascular resistance, blood volume etc.) as a means to assess the level of cardiovascular deconditioning. Step-by-step changes of gravity and thermal stress were later applied, as well as other real-like mission inputs. Different scenarios of Moon and Mars exploration missions are considered, and their associated risks are quantified. The more relevant results are provided, including the finding that the vascular resistance deconditioning appears to be alike in both microgravity and the reduced gravity at the level of the Moon; which raises concerns for a successful manned Mars mission scenario. This work may contribute to a better understanding of the underlying processes involved for both women in man adaptation to long-term microgravity, and shows the potential of such numerical simulations for designing manned mission scenarios.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

A software architecture intended for stakeholder management, analysis and optimization

We propose a new software architecture based on the stakeholder analysis of a space endeavour. The information system architectures currently in consideration in the space area are mostly atomized and do not take into account the relevant role of the stakeholders that create value and momentum to the space activities. We first propose that the value chain vector should be considered, in order to identify which stakeholders are most relevant to any space endeavor. We state that from a strategic point of view, the identification and analysis of stakeholders adding value to the process should be the core of the design process. Exploration missions require that people involved in these areas make flow the benefit, tangible or intangible that emerges from the space activity. In the process of creating a value flow model framework, a number of decisions have to be made in order to simplify the value loops, and make the model easily understood. Value loops are defined as value chains that return to the starting stakeholder. Simplification of this map is a non-standard procedure, and is dependent on the level of detail needed in the reengineering. The overall system is then redesigned in order to help the value chain grow, and to lessen interferences and expenditure of resources on to areas that do not really add value in the process. Some metrics can be defined and characterized within the model: individuals, companies, Gross Domestic Product created, public awareness, capital flow, etc. The software is able then to simulate the process of industry development and growth, providing clues on which are the optimal stakeholders’ architecture for maximizing the overall benefits for all partners. .The implementation of such simulation is done via a neural network that is integrated in the software, with an easy user-friendly interface. Results from different scenarios simulation show consistent findings with what are the recent developments in the space sectors due to the appearance of more private companies in the space exploration field. Results are provided in the paper for different space mission scenarios, private and public ones, with conclusions and recommendations, regarding the optimal organization of the different stakeholders involved. In conclusion, our system shows to be capable of predicting the optimal way to efficiently process knowledge through a complex information system, including a stakeholders’ diversity, as we usually find in an international public-private space endeavour.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Do differences exist between how Engineering and non-Engineering lecturers perceive the importance of teaching competences?

A survey we conducted a few years ago concluded that higher education teachers should have the following competences: interpersonal, methodological, communicative, planning and management, teamwork and innovation. The authors of this work belong to the Institute in charge of the lecturer-training program at our university, which is basically a technical one. In order to improve our training program, we pose the following research questions: What are the competences that lecturers perceive as less important. Do our university teachers (engineering teachers) have a different perception of the importance of the different lecturer competences compared to that of other teachers? The results we present in this paper come from a survey that was sent to a total of 15,209 teachers belonging to public universities in our community, and we received a total of 2,347 valid answers. As a result of this study, we found which competences are those with a significantly bad rating by lecturers in general, and our lecturers in particular. We analyze what measures should be introduce into our teacher training program.Postprint (author's final draft

Análisis de rendimiento de un grupo piloto de grado con docencia en inglés

La EUETIB, Escuela Universitaria de Ingeniería Técnica Industrial de Barcelona, centro asociado a la UPC, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech, ha iniciado en el curso 2012-2013 una experiencia con un grupo piloto de Grado de Ingeniería Industrial en inglés desde primer curso. En este grupo, las enseñanzas de todas las asignaturas se imparten exclusivamente en inglés, hasta donde llegan los recursos humanos disponibles. En este trabajo presentamos un análisis multifactorial (ANOVA) de los resultados obtenidos por este grupo piloto en términos de rendimiento académico y satisfacción de los estudiantes por la calidad de la docencia recibida. Además, valoramos la incidencia del uso de la metodología del porfolio electrónico (ePortfolio) en uno de los grupos de laboratorio, en comparación con otro grupo de laboratorio que no utilizó esta metodología activa, pero sí recibió la enseñanza en idioma inglés. Los resultados son altamente satisfactorios, tanto en rendimiento académico como en satisfacción por parte de los alumnos de la docencia recibida, medida ésta con encuestas estandarizadas. También se ha encontrado que la nota de acceso a la titulación es el factor principal para determinar el excelente rendimiento del grupo. Esta experiencia sugiere que la creación de un grupo de docencia en inglés desde primer curso en estudios de Grado en Ingeniería favorece la motivación y el alto rendimiento de los alumnos.SUMMARY -- The EUETIB, College of Industrial Technical Engineering in Barcelona, at UPC, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech, has started a pilot group in the Degree of Industrial Engineering, in English since the first course. We present a multivariate analysis (ANOVA) of the results provided by this pilot group in terms of academic performance and students’ satisfaction with the quality of education received. In addition, we assess the impact of the use of the methodology of the electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) in one of the lab groups, compared with another lab group that did not use this active methodology, although it did received instruction in English language. Results are highly satisfactory, both in academic achievement and satisfaction of students in the teaching received, when measured with standar- dized questionnaires. It also has been found that the entrance mark at the studies is the main factor to determine the excellent performance of the group. This experience suggests that the creation of a group of teaching English from first year in gradu- ate studies in engineering promotes high motivation and high performance of students, particularly in the teaching of Computer Engineering

Autoevaluación y coevaluación: análisis multifactorial del impacto de estas técnicas en la calidad docente

En este estudio se analizan cuál es el impacto que se produce en la calidad docente al introducir técnicas de aprendizaje cooperativo con auto y coevaluación en una asignatura optativa de cuarto cuatrimestre de ingeniería técnica industrial. Se dispone de una serie sistemática de datos recogidos durante 8 cursos académicos, incluyendo rendimiento académico y satisfacción del alumno medido con la encuesta estandarizada SEEQ, así como de dos grupos control en los que se dio enseñanza tradicional. Los resultados muestran que hay mejoras estadísticamente significativas entre los alumnos que apruban con un examen final, respecto de aquellos que siguen la evaluación contínua de la asignatura. Asimismo se observa una mejora estadísticamente significativa en los items de Motivación e Interacción con el grupo de la encuesta estandarizada. Se realizó un análisis multifactorial para explicar las diferencias en los resultados académicos, concluyéndose que la aplicación de éstas técnicas es el factor predomimante, por encima de la nota de acceso a la titulación del alumno o su procedencia (Bachillerato, módulos profesionales).Peer Reviewe

Entrando en pista. Despegando hacia la ruta de la innovación docente.

¿A qué retos se enfrenta una profesora o profesor cuando se lanza a realizar una innovación docente en su asignatura? La innovación docente es una actividad de riesgo y precisa que trabajemos, como en aviación, con estándares altos de seguridad. En primer lugar, la decisión de innovar en su docencia implica para el docente aventurarse a un terreno algo desconocido, como enfrentarse al ‘miedo a volar’. Para incrementar las probabilidades de éxito, es necesario seguir unos procedimientos estrictos antes de iniciar la carrera de despegue. En este artículo establecemos una comparación entre los procedimientos que sigue un piloto de aviación antes de despegar; y los que debería seguir un docente antes de ir al aula y cambiar sus métodos pedagógicos. Entre otros podemos mencionar: Establecer un objetivo de mejora docente, formarse y experimentar junto con otros colegas, trazar un plan de ruta, asistir a un briefing de salida, realizar una lista de chequeo antes, durante y después de la clase, realizar un debriefing al final de curso y evaluar el rendimiento. Si somos capaces de actuar con un método y seguir los procedimientos, despegaremos con seguridad por esta maravillosa ruta de la innovación docente, disfrutaremos de grandes vistas que ampliaran nuestros horizontes, y los de nuestras alumnas y alumnos...y lo más importante, nuestro aterrizaje a final de curso será suave y seguro.SUMMARY -- When a professor starts a teaching innovation, she or he faces important challenges. Teaching innovation is a risky endeavor indeed, and, as in aviation, high safety standards are required. First, the decision to innovate in the classroom puts the teacher outside her or his comfort zone, like facing the ‘fear of flying’ .In order to increase the probabilities of success, it is required that we follow some safety procedures before taking off. In this paper we establish a comparison between an aviation pilot and a teacher carrying out a teacher innovation in the classroom. Among others, we can cite the following items: setting an objective for your teaching, getting formation and interacting with other colleagues, establish a route plan, attend a briefing before going to class, do checklists, perform a debriefing at the end of the course and assess the results. If procedures are strictly followed, we will safely take off to this wonderful world of teaching innovation, we will enjoy wider horizons for us and our students. And most importantly, our landing at the end of the course will be smooth and safe

Quo vadis accounting and auditing in Turkey

The main purpose of the research was to illustrate the history of accounting and auditing in Turkey. It is found that auditing has evolved through a number of stages. Current status of accounting and auditing profession in Turkey has been examined in this study. Recent issues and applications with regard to the statutory audits in Turkey has examined in detail. Related problems and solutions will also be discussed from a broad perspective of the professional standards

Numerical simulation of long-term microgravity effects on the cardiovascular system : validation and results for Moon and Mars exploration scenarios

We report on the results and validation of the model NELME (Numerical Emulation of Long-Term Microgravity Effect) across a wide variety of altered gravity scenarios. Computer simulations have become increasingly available tools for making predictions on the outcomes of complex physiological systems in extreme environments. However, technical limitations and difficulties of finding out opportunities to produce large series of experimental data to validate the models have made it difficult for these models to become available. In the recent years, this situation has changed as supercomputer facilities have increased their power; and more experimental data from parabolic flights and other altered gravity platforms are available to researchers as well. Results are provided about different simulations that have been conducted for short, medium-term and long exposures to microgravity; along with different events embedded. These simulations may include simulation of physical aerobic exercise during a mission, EVAs, thermal stress or human exposure to altered gravity scenarios (centrifuges, Martian or Lunar gravity, rocket launch, etc.). Risks for human health that may put in jeopardy a manned space mission in a variety of scenarios are evaluated and discussed.Postprint (published version

Numerical simulation of cardiovascular system deconditioning in different microgravity mission scenarios. Risk assessment and countermeasures

We report results from di¿erent intensive simulations aimed at evaluate the risks involved in a long-term exposure to hypo and hypergravity loads for a very extensive range of possible mission scenarios. The simulation allows us to introduce di¿erent levels of exposure to micro or hypergravity, analyse the consequences on relevant ¿gures of cardiovascular deconditioning, such as heart rate, mean stroke volume or vascular resistance; and evalatue the relative risk of putting a mission into jeopardy due to micrograv-ity deconditioning e¿ects.Thermical stress, aerobic or anaerobic exercise are also simulated to take into account a realistic long-term space mission including, for example, ExtraVehicular Activities (EVA) or physical exercise as countermeasure. Gender di¿erences have been found, with a signi¿cant di¿erence in risk decrement for women compared with that in men, when aerobic exercise is simulated in long-term missions. The model is based on previous works form Melchier et al. or Heldt et al. who described in analytical terms the process of orthostatic intolerance due to gravity alterations being applied ot a subject. We then incorporated these Runge-Kutta equations into a numerical model by using Matlab and Simulink software, to take into account the complex process of deconditioning of the cardiovascular system. Results from these models were validated in parabolic ¿ight. The simulation is based on an electrical-like control system model in which output variables of the body performance (vascular resistance,blood volume etc) are found while step-by-step changes of gravity and thermal stress were applied. Di¿erent micrograivity exposure scenarios, including Moon, Mars and other exploration missions are considered, and their asso-ciated risks are quanti¿ed. The more relevant results are provided, including the ¿nding that the vascular resistance deconditioning appears to be alike in both microgravity and the reduced gravity at the level of the Moon. This deconditioning is not reversed by applying countermeasures; which raises concerns for successful manned Mars mission scenarios and others which include long-term microgravity exposure. Last results from these intensive numerical simulations of the deconditioning of the cardiovascular system show a variety of mission scenarios, with their risk assessment; which can be an optimal tool for planifying long-term manned missions with hypo and hypergravity exposure.Postprint (published version