Development of a Wireless System for Monitoring and Control of a Wind Turbine

El artículo presenta el uso de una tecnología de comunicación inalámbrica a través del protocolo ZigBee, mediante la implementación de los módulos XBee S2B. La comunicación inalámbrica fue implementada sobre un prototipo de sistema de aerogenerador eléctrico (es decir, para generación de energía eólica), con el objetivo de controlar en forma automática diferentes variables como son: La dirección del viento, temperatura ambiente, humedad y velocidad del motor. Los XBee fueron acondicionados por medio de una tarjeta Arduino Mega ADK, en la cual se adquirieron las señales generadas por diferentes sensores y posteriormente fueron enviadas inalámbricamente. La programación del módulo Arduino y el monitoreo de cada una de las variables fueron realizadas a través del software Labview. El estudio también fue desarrollado con el fin de explorar nuevas tecnologías de comunicación inalámbrica, el cual es de gran utilidad en sistemas interoperables para monitorear, controlar y automatizar diferentes procesos. Como resultado, las pruebas de funcionamiento con el sistema inalámbrico fue estable y la transmisión de datos confiable.This article presents the use of a wireless communication technology through the ZigBee protocol, by implementing XBee S2B. Wireless communication was implemented on a wind turbine prototype (i.e. wind power generation) in order to controlling variables automatically, such as: Direction of the wind, temperature, humidity and velocity engine. The XBee were conditioned using a Mega ADK Arduino card, which the signals generated were acquired by several sensors and subsequently sent wirelessly. The programming and monitoring of Arduino module with each of the variables was performed through Labview software. The study was also conducted in order to explore new technologies for wireless communication, which is useful in interoperable systems to monitor, control and automate different processes. As a result, the performance test with the wireless system was stable and data transmission was reliable

Horseradish tree (Moringa oleifera) as a food product: value chain in the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua

Abstract Objective: to set up a local market and to generate a value chain for moringa (moringa oleífera), as a raw matter in order to elaborate diet food supplements. Design/methodology/approach: a strategy for introducing moringa in Ometepe island was based on food value chain concept and sustainability issues. Four were the aspects for the analysis: a) production, b) sustainability, c) socio-economical and d) political. Equally, were identified the requirements and obstacles for adequately introduce moringa as a sustainable food product. Results: in order to approach a commercial production of leaf powder of moringa, it is desirable do no to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Profit from 1 ha of moringa will move to the local economy from USD $7500 to$ 8000 in the first year of production and between USD $14200 to$15200 in the following years. Limitations on study/implications: although moringa improves nutrition, consumption of fresh edible parts of moringa urges a change on cultural feeding habits. Findings/conclusions: leaf powder of moringa is a viable alternative as organic food and has the potential to reduce malnutrition in Ometepe. Once this product push commercially, net profit is between USD $5050 to$5060 in the first year of production and between USD $11200 to 12200 in each of the following years.Objective: To establish a local market and generate the value chain of horseradish tree (Moringa oleifera) as a food product to produce dietary supplements. Design/Methodology/Approach: We propose a strategy to introduce horseradish tree to the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua, based on the concept of value chain analysis and the characteristic of sustainability. Four analysis aspects were taken into consideration: a) production, b) sustainability, c) socioeconomic, and d) political. Likewise, requirements and barriers to the introduction of horseradish tree as a sustainable food product were identified. Results: Using synthetic fertilizers or pesticides is not recommended for the commercial production of horseradish tree leaf powder. From the polyculture farming of horseradish tree alone a$7,500-$8,000 USD yield in a 1-ha plot has been projected in the local economy for the first year and between$14,200 and $15,200 USD in the following years. Study Limitations/Implications: Although the horseradish tree contributes to an improved nutrition, the consumption of the fresh parts of this species involves a change in the food culture. Findings/Conclusions: Horseradish tree leaf powder is a viable alternative organic food and has the potential to respond to malnutrition in Ometepe, Nicaragua. It also represents a net profit between$5,050 and $5,600 USD in the first year and between$11,200 and $12,200 USD in subsequent years

Semiautomatización de un invernadero de pequeña escala

Objective: Implement a low-cost semi-automated system in a small-scale greenhouse Design/methodology/approach: For the automation an arduino plate, an RHT03 sensor, a 78xx regulator, a Big John Giant pump of a 1 hp and a Sun Hold Ras 0510 relay were used. With the Arduino board, a semi-automated system was implemented that controls the ignition and shutdown of the irrigation and nebulization system, the temperature, relative humidity and humidity of the substrate are regulated. Results: The parameters that were measured are humidity of the substrate, relative humidity and, temperature with a total of 5 sensors for relative humidity and temperature and three sensors for the humidity of the substrate. By measuring these variables the on and off of pumps for irrigation and fogging is controlled, as well as having terminals that in the future can control the opening and closing of the lateral vents. Implications: We were able to confirm that the automation of the greenhouse helps to streamline agricultural processes while optimizing and controlling climatic axes that can be assumed as possible threats in the framework of the planting and ripening process. We also check the effectiveness of this type of methods when producing and taking care of the fruit.Conclusions: The automation to be controlled by a computer, facilitates having several modules in operation, controllingthe irrigation and nebulization pumps according to the needs of each module.Objetivo: Implementar un sistema semiautomatizado de bajo costo en un invernadero a pequeña escala Metodología: Para la automatización se utilizó una placa arduino, un sensor RHT03, un regulador 78xx, una bomba Big John Giant de un 1 hp y un relevador Sun Hold Ras 0510. Con la placa arduino se implementó un sistema semiautomatizado que controla el encendido y el apagado del sistema de riego y nebulización, se regula la temperatura, la humedad relativa y la humedad del sustrato. Resultados: Los parámetros evaluados fueron humedad del sustrato, humedad relativa y, temperatura con un total de cinco sensores para humedad relativa y temperatura y tres sensores para la humedad del sustrato. Al medir estas variables se controla el encendido y el apagado de bombas para riego y nebulización, además de contar con terminales que en un futuro puedan controlar la apertura y el cierre de las ventilas laterales. Implicaciones: Se confirmó que la automatización del invernadero ayuda a agilizar los procesos agrícolas al tiempo que optimiza y controla ejes climáticos que pueden ser asumidos como posibles amenazasen el marco del proceso de siembra y maduración. Se comprobó la eficacia de este tipo de métodos a la hora de producir y cuidar el fruto. Conclusiones: La automatización al ser controlada por un equipo de cómputo, facilita tener diversos módulos en operación, controlando las bombas de riego y nebulización de acuerdo a las necesidades de cada módulo

Efecto de salinidad sulfática en quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Objective: Evaluate a quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) cultivar in a semi-hydroponic system, simulating different levels of sulphatic salinity (CaSO4·2H2O a 0, 3 000, 4 000 y 5 000 µS cm-1). Design/methodology/approach: The cultivation of quinoa established in a semi-hydroponic system, simulating different conditions of sulphatic salinity, taking as a source of salinity reactive grade dihydrated calcium sulphate (CaSO4 · 2H2O), this salinity source is obtained to simulate the conditions of the evaporitic basin of Río Verde-Matehuala, where a saline diversity of waters and soils mainly calcium sulphate is formed. The reactions were 0, 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 µS cm-1, being that null in salts, the treatment control. Results: The seed yield per plant in sulfate salts treatments ??were for 3,000 µS cm-1 with 30.65 g/p, following the treatments of 4,000 µS cm-1 with 23.31 g/p and 5,000 µS cm-1 with 19.13 g/p; on the other hand, the control resulted in the highest value in yield with 43.41 g/p. Limitations on study/implications: It is important to develop more studies under biotic and abiotic conditions that occur in other regions and test another type of salinity such as hydrochloric. Findings/conclusions: Under the conditions in which the study will be affected, it is possible to grow quinoa in sulphate soils, but with the restrictions imposed by the effect of the decrease in osmotic potential damaged by salts.Objetivo: Evaluar un cultivar de quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) en un sistema semi-hidropónico, simulando diferentes niveles de salinidad sulfática (CaSO4·2H2O a 0, 3,000, 4,000 y 5,000 µS cm-1). Diseño/metodología/aproximación: El cultivo de quinoa establecido en un sistema semi-hidropónico, bajo la simulación de diferentes condiciones de salinidad sulfática, tomando como fuente de salinidad sulfato de calcio dihidratado grado reactivo (CaSO4·2H2O) utilizando esta fuente de salinidad para representar las condiciones de la cuenca evaporítica de Río Verde-Matehuala, donde emerge una diversidad salina de aguas y suelos principalmente sulfato cálcicos. Las concentraciones fueron 0, 3,000, 4,000 y 5,000 µS cm-1, siendo aquella nula de sales, el tratamiento control. Resultados: El rendimiento de semillas por planta en los tratamientos con sales sulfáticas, los valores altos fueron para 3,000 µS cm-1 con 30.65 g/p, seguido de los tratamientos de 4,000 µS cm-1 con 23.31 g/p y 5,000 µS cm-1 con 19.13 g/p; por su parte el control resultó con el valor más alto en rendimiento con 43.41 g/p. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Es importante desarrollar más estudios bajo condiciones bióticas y abióticas que pueden presentarse en otras regiones y probar otro tipo de salinidad tal como la clorhídrica. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Bajo las condiciones del estudio, es posible cultivar quinoa en suelos sulfáticos pero con las restricciones que impone el efecto de la disminución del potencial osmótico causado por las sales

Transportability of non-target arthropod field data for the use in environmental risk assessment of genetically modified maize in Northern Mexico

In country, non-target arthropod (NTA) field evaluations are required to comply with the regulatory process for cultivation of genetically modified (GM) maize in Mexico. Two sets of field trials, Experimental Phase and Pilot Phase, were conducted to identify any potential harm of insect-protected and glyphosate-tolerant maize (MON89Ø34-3 × MON-88Ø17-3 and MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6) and glyphosatetolerant maize (MON-ØØ6Ø3-6) to local NTAs compared to conventional maize. NTA abundance data were collected at 32 sites, providing high geographic and environmental diversity within maize production areas from four ecological regions (ecoregions) in northern Mexico. The most abundant herbivorous taxa collected included field crickets, corn flea beetles, rootworm beetles, cornsilk flies, aphids, leafhoppers, plant bugs and thrips while the most abundant beneficial taxa captured were soil mites, spiders, predatory ground beetles, rove beetles, springtails (Collembola), predatory earwigs, ladybird beetles, syrphid flies, tachinid flies, minute pirate bugs, parasitic wasps and lacewings. Across the taxa analysed, no statistically significant differences in abundance were detected between GM maize and the conventional maize control for 69 of the 74 comparisons (93.2%) indicating thatthe single or stacked insect-protected and herbicide-tolerant GM traits generally exert no marked adverse effects on the arthropod populations compared with conventional maize. The distribution of taxa observed in this study provides evidence that irrespective of variations in overall biodiversity of a given ecoregion, important herbivore, predatory and parasitic arthropod taxa within the commercial maize agroecosystem are highly similar indicating that relevant data generated in one ecoregion can be transportable for the risk assessment of the same or similar GM crop in another ecoregion

Plant characterization of genetically modified maize hybrids MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-88Ø17-3, MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6, and MON-ØØ6Ø3-6: alternatives for maize production in Mexico

Environmental risk assessment (ERA) of genetically modified (GM) crops is a process to evaluate whether the biotechnology trait(s) in a GM crop may result in increased pest potential or harm to the environment. In this analysis, two GM insect-resistant (IR) herbicide-tolerant maize hybrids (MON-89Ø34-3 9 MON-88Ø17-3 and MON-89Ø34-3 9 MON-ØØ6Ø3-6) and one herbicide-tolerant GM hybrid (MON-ØØ6Ø3-6) were compared with conventional maize hybrids of similar genetic backgrounds. Two sets of studies, Experimental Phase and Pilot Phase, were conducted across five ecological regions (ecoregions) in Mexico during 2009–2013, and data were subject to meta-analysis. Results from the Experimental Phase studies, which were used for ERA, indicated that the three GM hybrids were not different from conventional maize for early stand count, days-tosilking, days-to-anthesis, root lodging, stalk lodging, or final stand count. Statistically significant differences were observed for seedling vigor, ear height, plant height, grain moisture, and grain yield, particularly in the IR hybrids; however, none of these phenotypic differences are expected to contribute to a biological or ecological change that would result in an increased pest potential or ecological risk when cultivating these GM hybrids. Overall, results from the Experimental Phase studies are consistent with those from other world regions, confirming that there are no additional risks compared to conventional maize. Results from Pilot Phase studies indicated that, compared to conventional maize hybrids, no differences were detected for the agronomic and phenotypic characteristics measured on the three GM maize hybrids, with the exception of grain moisture and grain yield in the IR hybrids. Since MON-89Ø34- 3 9 MON-88Ø17-3 and MON-89Ø34-3 9 MONØØ6Ø3- 6 confer resistance to target insect pests, they are an alternative for farmers in Mexico to protect the crop from insect damage. Additionally, the herbicide tolerance conferred by all three GM hybrids enables more cost-effective weed management

Search for Multimessenger Sources of Gravitational Waves and High-energy Neutrinos with Advanced LIGO during Its First Observing Run, ANTARES, and IceCube

Astrophysical sources of gravitational waves, such as binary neutron star and black hole mergers or core-collapse supernovae, can drive relativistic outflows, giving rise to non-thermal high-energy emission. High-energy neutrinos are signatures of such outflows. The detection of gravitational waves and high-energy neutrinos from common sources could help establish the connection between the dynamics of the progenitor and the properties of the outflow. We searched for associated emission of gravitational waves and high-energy neutrinos from astrophysical transients with minimal assumptions using data from Advanced LIGO from its first observing run O1, and data from the Antares and IceCube neutrino observatories from the same time period. We focused on candidate events whose astrophysical origins could not be determined from a single messenger. We found no significant coincident candidate, which we used to constrain the rate density of astrophysical sources dependent on their gravitational-wave and neutrino emission processes

Radiaciones ionizantes y su impacto Primer Simposio Internacional sobre Medioambiente (ISE 2017)

Son ya varias las décadas en las que en América Latina se ha trabajado arduamente sobre las radiaciones ionizantes; tanto en las ionizantes directas, tales como las partículas beta positivas y negativas, las partículas alfa, los protones, los mesones cargados, los muones y los iones pesados, así como también en las ionizantes indirectas (las producidas por partículas sin cargas), como las generadas por fotones con energías superiores a los 10 keV y los neutrones. Por otro lado, las radiaciones no ionizantes también han sido objeto de detallados estudios, y muy especialmente las provenientes del Sol, como el factor natural más influyente sobre la Tierra. En esta obra se presentan algunos de los avances en los que han participado reconocidos científicos latinoamericanos, como el Dr. Héctor Vega Carrillo, Dr. Daniel Palacios, Dra. Patrizia Pereyra, Dra. Sheila Serrano, y el Dr. Manuel Ernesto Delgado, entre otros. Esta obra puede ser de interés para profesionales del área de la protección radiológica, la ingeniería ambiental, física de la atmósfera y áreas afines, así como para estudiantes

Evaluación del perfil competencial del estudiantado UCM por nivel de iniciativa emprendedora y género. Validación del Modelo Entrecomp de competencias emprendedoras

Examinar la relación entre las competencias emprendedoras propuestas por el Marco Europeo de Competencias Emprendedoras (Entrecomp) y el nivel de intención emprendedora. Se consideran las siguientes variables: sexo, estudios que realiza, si compagina trabajo y estudio, y Universidad en la que estudia