Learning FCMs with multi-local and balanced memetic algorithms for forecasting industrial drying processes

In this paper, we propose a Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) learning approach with a multi-local search in balanced memetic algorithms for forecasting industrial drying processes. The first contribution of this paper is to propose a FCM model by an Evolutionary Algorithm (EA), but the resulted FCM model is improved by a multi-local and balanced local search algorithm. Memetic algorithms can be tuned with different local search strategies (CMA-ES, SW, SSW and Simplex) and the balance of the effort between global and local search. To do this, we applied the proposed approach to the forecasting of moisture loss in industrial drying process. The thermal drying process is a relevant one used in many industrial processes such as food industry, biofuels production, detergents and dyes in powder production, pharmaceutical industry, reprography applications, textile industries, and others. This research also shows that exploration of the search space is more relevant than finding local optima in the FCM models tested

PETER building : an example of integration of renewable energies into the edification

El objetivo principal del presente artículo es mostrar y dar a conocer las aplicaciones de la edificación bioclimática, sus ventajas y características. Para ello, se muestra el proyecto de Construcción de un Edificio Inteligente de “Energía Convencional Cero” (“Bioclimático”) de unos 1700 m2 en el Campus de la Universidad de Extremadura en Badajoz. Se pondrán en práctica los conceptos sobre ahorro y eficiencia energética en la edificación, así como la integración de las energías renovables en el edificio PETER. Además se mostrará como es posible en ciudades de clima extremo (como es la ciudad de Badajoz, con necesidad de calefacción en invierno y de refrigeración en verano), climatizar edificios aplicando medidas que minimizan el consumo energético. Finalmente, se lleva a cabo un proceso de simulación energética que permite comprobar el comportamiento energético del edificio.The present article is intended to show the main features, advantages and applications of bioclimatic architecture as well as the the integration of renewable energies ito the edification. For such purpose, the Project of an approximate 1 700 m2 intelligent zeroconventional- energy (“Bioclimatic”) building (referred to as PETER Project (Experimental Transborder Park on Renewable Energies)), to be located in the Campus of the University of Extremadura in Badajoz, is described. Specific principles directly relating building design, like energy saving, energy efficient and integration of renewable energy sources, are put in practice. In addition will be shown as it is possible in cities of extreme climate (as it is the city of Badajoz, with necessity of heating in winter and refrigeration in summer), to acclimate buildings applying measures that diminish the power consumption. Finally, a description of the energy response of the building is carried out via computer simulation techniques

Influence of air temperature on drying kinetics and antioxidant potential of olive pomace

This work aims to evaluate the influence of olive pomace drying (a solid by-product of the olive oil industry) on both antioxidant potential and drying kinetics. The two main fractions of olive pomace (pits, PI and pulps + peels, P + P) were characterized by image analysis and density measurement. The drying process was analyzed in experiments carried out at different temperatures (from 50 to 150 C) and mathematically described from the diffusion and Weibull models. The antioxidant potential of the extracts (ethanol water 80:20 v/v, 22 ± 1 C, 170 rpm for 24 h) obtained from the dry product was analyzed by measuring the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity and the main polyphenols were quantified by HPLC DAD/MS MS. The drying behavior of olive pomace was well described by considering the diffusion in the PI and P + P fractions separately and the influence of temperature on effective moisture diffusivities was quantified by an Arrhenius type equation. The antioxidant potential was only mildly influenced by the drying temperature. However, long drying times at the highest temperature tested (150 C) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the antioxidant potentialThe authors acknowledge the Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2010/062 and PROMETEO/2012/007) and Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (AGL2011-29857-C03-04) for their financial support and the Ministerio de Educacion, Cultura y Deporte of Spain for the financing through the Formacion de Profesorado Universitario del Programa Nacional de Formacion de Recursos Humanos de Investigacion.Ahmad-Qasem Mateo, MH.; Barrajón Catalán, E.; Micol, V.; Cárcel Carrión, JA.; García Pérez, JV. (2013). Influence of air temperature on drying kinetics and antioxidant potential of olive pomace. Journal of Food Engineering. 119(3):516-524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2013.06.027S516524119

Peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence detection for the highly sensitive determination of fluorescence-labeled chlorpheniramine with Suzuki coupling reaction.

A sensitive and selective high performance liquid chromatography-peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence (PO-CL) method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of chlorpheniramine (CPA) and monodesmethyl chlorpheniramine (MDCPA) in human serum. The method combines fluorescent labeling with 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole-2-yl)phenyl boronic acid using Suzuki coupling reaction with PO-CL detection. CPA and MDCPA were extracted from human serum by liquid-liquid extraction with n-hexane. Excess labeling reagent, which interfered with trace level determination of analytes, was removed by solid-phase extraction using a C18 cartridge. Separation of derivatives of both analytes was achieved isocratically on a silica column with a mixture of acetonitrile and 60 mM imidazole-HNO(3) buffer (pH 7.2; 85:15, v/v) containing 0.015% triethylamine. The proposed method exhibited a good linearity with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 for CPA and MDCPA within the concentration range of 0.5-100 ng/mL. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) were 0.14 and 0.16 ng/mL for CPA and MDCPA, respectively. Using the proposed method, CPA could be selectively determined in human serum after oral administration

Dimensionamiento asistido por ordenador de sistemas fotovoltaicos para riego por goteo de olivares en climas semiáridos

One of the most promising applications of photovoltaic solar power, especially in areas which have high levels of solar radiation, is for pumping the water needed to irrigate the existing crops. However, it is absolutely necessary to accurately dimension the installations due to the high prices of photon capture devices. In this paper, a simple method, implemented in a spreadsheet, to calculate the design requirements of a photovoltaic system to power the drip irrigation of a field is proposed. The methodology is based on the link between the existing photovoltaic pumping techniques and the procedure to determine the crop water requirements. In the case study, 10 ha of olive grove, a photovoltaic field with 18 solar panels for 1.43 kWp is required. Besides the advantages for the environment, since it uses a renewable energy, a study on the economic viability of a photovoltaic system shows that it is similar to conventional systems which use a generator unit (twice the net present value for the photovoltaic system). Moreover, the high price of fossil fuels guarantees a progressive advantage of photovoltaic systems.Una de las aplicaciones más prometedoras de la energía solar fotovoltaica, especialmente en áreas con niveles elevados de radiación solar, es el bombeo del agua necesaria para regar los cultivos. Sin embargo, es absolutamente necesario dimensionar de forma precisa las instalaciones, debido al alto precio de los sistemas de captura fotónica. En este trabajo se propone un método simple, implementado en una hoja de cálculo, para calcular los parámetros de diseño de un sistema fotovoltaico capaz de suministrar la energía que precise un sistema de riego por goteo de una parcela agrícola. El método se basa en la unión de las técnicas conocidas para el bombeo fotovoltaico y para el cálculo de las necesidades hídricas de un cultivo. En el caso estudiado, con 10 ha de olivar, es necesario un campo fotovoltaico con 18 paneles solares para 1,43 kWp. Aparte de las ventajas medioambientales, ya que se emplea energía renovable, un estudio adicional demuestra la viabilidad económica de un sistema fotovoltaico, con unos costes similares a los sistemas convencionales consumidores de combustibles fósiles (más del doble de valor actualizado neto para el sistema fotovoltaico). Además, el precio cada vez más elevado de los combustibles hace que los sistemas fotovoltaicos sean una opción cada vez más ventajosa

Documentación de enfermería en una unidad de arritmias

• Introduction: In 1995 a clinical trajectory protocol was initiated in our center. The Unit of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmias has incorporated this clinical tool in order to improve the nursing care of our patients. We have previously developed an informative form regarding the indication and usefulness of the electrophysiological study, including patient’s personal cares needed after hospital discharge. • Aim: We aimed to assess the quality and continuation of the patient’s clinical assistance during hospital admission. We further aimed to elaborate an advisory written protocol including medical self-care after hospital discharge for the patients and their relatives. • Methods: We first evaluated previous clinical trajectories performed in our Cardiology Department. In order to assess for quality of nursing cares, the Marjory Gordon patterns were used. The NANDA (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association) classification was used in order to label the nursing diagnoses. • Results: The nursing team of the Electrophysiology Unit has developed 3 written forms, including a trajectory sheet during the electrophysiological study; an informative form for the patient, with a detailed explanation of the procedure before the electrophysiological study/ablation is performed; and an informative form with clinical care recommendations after discharge. • Conclusions: The written forms we have developed are a guarantee for continuation of adequate medical cares during and after an electrophysiological study and ablation. These documents also enhance the learning process of new professionals in an electrophysiology unit, as well as an adequate patient’s self-care after discharge.• Introducción: En el año 1995 se inició en nuestro centro un proceso de implantación de trayectorias clínicas. La unidad de arritmias ha incorporado dicha herramienta con el fin de mejorar los cuidados de enfermería, además de una hoja informativa en la que se explica en qué consiste un estudio electrofisiológico y unas recomendaciones sobre el autocuidado del paciente tras el alta hospitalaria. • Objetivo: Garantizar la calidad y continuidad del proceso asistencial. Ofrecer soporte escrito para la implicación del paciente y su familia en la continuidad de los cuidados. • Material y método: Se ha realizado una revisión de las trayectorias ya existentes en la unidad de cardiología. Como método de valoración enfermera del paciente se han seguido los patrones funcionales de Marjory Gordon, utilizando la taxonomía de la NANDA (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association) para los diagnósticos de enfermería. • Resultados: Se ha realizado una trayectoria propia del Estudio Electrofisiológico, una hoja informativa del procedimiento para entregar al paciente, previo a la intervención, así como un documento con recomendaciones al alta para el paciente. • Conclusiones: La documentación elaborada asegura la continuidad de los cuidados, favorece el aprendizaje de los nuevos profesionales que se incorporan a las distintas unidades que intervienen en el proceso y facilita el autocuidado del paciente tras el alta hospitalaria