Scipedia: Documents published in 2017

Hybrid Metaheuristic for Air Traffic Management with Uncertainty

Scipedia content — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 10:03:50 +0200

International audience To sustain the rapidly increasing air traffic demand, the future air traffic management system will rely on a concept, called Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO), that will require aircraft to follow an assigned 4D trajectory (time-constrained trajectory) with high precision. TBO involves separating aircraft via strategic (long-term) trajectory deconfliction rather than the currently-practicing tactical (short-term) conflict resolution. In this context, this chapter presents a strategic trajectory planning approach aiming at minimizing the number of conflicts between aircraft trajectories for a given day. The proposed methodology allocates an alternative departure time, a horizontal flight path, and a flight level to each aircraft at a nation-wide scale.In real-life situations, aircraft may arrive at a given position with some uncertainties on its curvilinear abscissa due to external events. To ensure robustness of the strategic trajectory plan, the aircraft arrival time to any given position will be represented here by a probabilistic distribution over its nominal assigned arrival time.The proposed approach optimizes the 4D trajectory of each aircraft so as to minimize the probability of potential conflicts between trajectories. A hybrid-metaheuristic optimization algorithm has been developed to solve this large-scale mixed-variable optimization problem. The algorithm is implemented and tested with real air traffic data taking into account uncertainty over the French airspace for which a conflict-free and robust 4D trajectory plan is produced.

Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

The recharging infrastructure needs for long distance travel by electric vehicles a comparison of battery switching and quick charging stations

Scipedia content — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 09:59:04 +0200

On-road electric vehicle recharging infrastructure is essential in the transformation of electric vehicles into a practical transportation option. This study focuses upon assessing the need for recharging infrastructure for long distance travel for a large market share of electric vehicles, finding the optimal infrastructure deployment, and understanding the economic, social and environmental costs and benefits associated with the optimal infrastructure deployment. The analysis considers quick-charging and battery-switching as plausible recharging technologies. Results show: (i) the promotion of electric vehicles is beneficial when considering economic costs and benefits for operators and users, tax redistribution, and environmental externalities, even with a relatively modest market share; (ii) the number of required recharging stations for satisfaction of the travel demand is at the magnitude of 1–2% of the current gasoline infrastructure, under the assumption of wide availability of off-road recharging at home and the workplace; (iii) the optimal deployment of the recharging stations is along the main national highways outside of urban conurbations, under the assumption of wide availability of home recharging; (iv) the battery-switching technology is far more attractive to the consumer than the quick-charging technology for long-distance travel requiring more than one recharging visit.

Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Erratum non destructive testing and repair of pipelines

Scipedia content — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 09:46:40 +0200

Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Difficulties of geological engineering in arctic seas

Scipedia content — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 09:26:16 +0200

The Arctic continental shelf is a promising area for oil and gas exploration and mining. Extremely harsh environmental conditions affect the work of engineering geologists, whose work is essential for building and construction of pipelines and rigs for the petroleum industry. With the massive interest and growth of fossil fuels offshore production, more and more geotechnical issues are to be solved. The necessity of studying marine sediments becomes clear when the specific physical and mechanical properties of bottom soils in the Arctic sea shelf are taken into consideration. Certain geological aspects determine what marine soils comprise and how they behave under loads exerted by a construction. Traditional methods of measuring deformation and strength parameters are reviewed, compared and contrasted by their feasibility of using to study marine sediments from offshore the Arctic. A substantial range of published studies has been analyzed and the findings summarized to provide potential solutions. The article stresses the importance of proper geotechnical survey and collaboration between industries and environmental scientists to achieve best results in studying the Arctic and building long-term human capacity alongside with protection of its vulnerable environment.

Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

The theory of constraints applied in a manufacture CAD-CAM system in the industry Metalworking-plastic

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:17:44 +0200

In the following project, the theory of constraints was applied in order to implement a manufacture CAD-CAM system into the metal mechanic industry processes of polymers injection and blown of polymers. The research showed that the manufacture of the mold with the engraving took 223,17 hours. In the workflow for the manufacture of the mold, a restriction was found in the outsource service of CNC. It took 120 hours of the whole process and represent the 51,47 % the total time of tooling manufacturing. There is also a constraint found in the design time. It was 60 hours that corresponds to 26,88 % of the overall time. In order to reduce the time, a modern system of design in 3D and CAM was established to improve the model process of design and manufacture. A simulation by computational resource was applied to the plastic. The design was changed from 2D to 3D. The implementation was focused in the design. A software was installed to improve the speed of modeling methods with reliable information. In the manufacture of molds, a new CNC machine was acquired with three simultaneous axes to eliminate the outsource service. By acquiring the design system, the working time was diminished in 79% and regarding to the CNC process, the working time was improved in 88%.

Implementation of a classifier didactical machine for learning mechatronic processes

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:17:31 +0200

The present article shows the design and construction of a classifier didactical machine through artificial vision. The implementation of the machine is to be used as a learning module of mechatronic processes. In the project, it is described the theoretical aspects that relate concepts of mechanical design, electronic design and software management which constitute popular field in science and technology, which is mechatronics. The design of the machine was developed based on the requirements of the user, through the concurrent design methodology to define and materialize the appropriate hardware and software solutions. LabVIEW 2015 was implemented for high-speed image acquisition and analysis, as well as for the establishment of data communication with a programmable logic controller (PLC) via Ethernet and an open communications platform known as Open Platform Communications - OPC. In addition, the Arduino MEGA 2560 platform was used to control the movement of the step motor and the servo motors of the module. Also, is used the Arduino MEGA 2560 to control the movement of the stepper motor and servo motors in the module. Finally, we assessed whether the equipment meets the technical specifications raised by running specific test protocols.

Evaluation of four bioestimulantes and three sustrates in the propagation of Vallea stipularis L.f.

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:17:17 +0200

The research consisted in evaluating four biostimulants and three substrates for the propagation of Vallea stipularis L.f. in greenhouse conditions. The biostimulants corresponded to: plant hormone rooting (B1), agrohormones 10-10-10 (B2), ESPOCH biostimulant (B3) and Gron Gibb (B4). The substrates consisted of: 50% black soil + 25% peat + 25% sand (S1); 50% black soil + 25% peat + 25% humus (S2) and 50% peat + 50% humus (S3). For the study, it was used a randomized complete design (RCD) with factorial arrangement, it was determined the coefficient of variation and the Tukey test at 5% for the separation of means. The application of the biostimulants in the substrates was done at the time of planting. According to the results obtained, the best biostimulants corresponded to B1 (plant hormone rooting), applied in the seeds for 15 minutes, with which the highest emergency percentage was obtained (70.96%); with biostimulant B2 (agrohormones 10-10-10), applied for five minutes it was obtained 70.67% and with B3 (Gron Gibb) 70.37%. The best substrate for emergence of plants was: 50% peat + 50% humus) with 73.67% of emergence, where the highest plant height and root length were achieved, instead, the ESPOCH biostimulant (microoganisms) reported a 67, 11% emergency.

Mathematical model for the prediction of the dead heavy crude oil viscosity produced in Monagas State, Venezuela

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:17:03 +0200

Viscosity is the property of fluids to oppose movement when a cutting effort is applied on them to convey them from one point to another. Heavy oil has a high viscosity greater than 1000 cP, which makes it difficult to transport. The present work shows a mathematical model for the prediction of the viscosity of dead heavy oils produced in the fields of Monagas State, Venezuela. For the development of the work, 25 samples of oil were collected and the viscosity was measured at 5 temperatures, in addition to the API gravity and the percentage of Asphaltenes. The data were introduced in the Statgraphics Centurion XVI statistical package and through multiple regression analysis two mathematical models were obtained, 1) linear multiple and 2) multiple nonlinear; The best model being divided according to its coefficient of determination R2 and the average relative error (ARE). The selected model was compared with the Glaso, Bennison and Naseri models. The nonlinear multiple model with R2 of 0.9792 and ARE of 5.05% was obtained as the best model, surpassing the models of Glaso (35.5% ARR, Bennison (107.5% ARE) and Naseri (61.7% ARE).

Analysis of the mechanical properties of the composite of polyester matrix reinforced with glass fiber 375 and cabuya applied to the automotive industry

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:16:50 +0200

Studies of composite materials play an important role in engineering, materials, metallurgy and mechanical applications. Polymer reinforced fibers are widely used in the automotive and aeronautical industry because of their benefits such as low cost, noise control, low weight and ease of processing. The objective of this research was to prepare a composite based on 375 (FV) glass fiber with additions of natural cabuya (CF) fiber in laminations of short natural fiber of cabuya (FCO1-30%) and long fiber of the same (FL-30%). The results showed a better mechanical tensile behavior in 7.7% compared to the material commonly used. It was observed that 30% long fiber in a layer order, FV+FC+FV, is a potential reinforcement of the alternative hybrid material for automotive applications. In addition, a balanced reinforcement organization, FV+FC, and micro structural adhesion with the polymeric reinforcement matrix (RP) were evidenced by scanning microscopy. The results of tensile stress and axial deformation of the best combination of composite material, FL-30%, are validated using the finite element method (MEF).

Denaturation of milk proteins and their influence on the yield of fresh cheese

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:16:36 +0200

To determine the denaturation of milk proteins by the effects of heat treatment on pasteurization and to establish their influence on the yield of the fresh cheese manufactured, 20 laboratory- scale controlled trials and 40 plant productions were made. Crude and treated milk was used at 65 ° C for 30 minutes, 72 ° C for 15 seconds and boiled for 2 seconds, and the protein was quantified in milk to calculate percent denaturation. In the cheese the moisture content was determined and the amount of cheese obtained was quantified. The data were processed by Tukey's mean analysis (p> 0.05). The results at the laboratory level showed that the increase in temperature caused higher denaturation of the proteins, a higher yield and an increase in moisture in the cheese compared to that obtained with raw milk. However, statistically the results showed that the heat treatment does influence the denaturation of the proteins but not the performance of the cheese. The results obtained in the factory investigation revealed that at 65 and 72 ° C the yield decreases relative to the production with raw milk, but statistically does not present significant differences in the yield, concluding that the pasteurization at different temperatures denature the protein But does not influence the performance of fresh processed cheese.

Performance of Self-Triggered Control Approaches

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:16:20 +0200

The self-triggered control produces non-periodic sampling sequences that vary depending on design factors related to stability and performance of the controlled system. Within this framework, two approaches aimed at minimizing a quadratic cost have been developed recently, considering an optimal performance and pursuing the same control objective; each approach follows a different sampling rule. One approach is based on maintaining the current control value as long as possible, while an optimal performance threshold is not passed. The other approach is based on the generation of a piecewise control signal, which approximates a continuous optimal control signal subject to certain constraints. This article presents a comparative study between the two approaches, providing a useful insight for conducting future research. Control performance and resource utilization were considered as metrics of interest and to evaluate them, the average sampling interval and the standardized cost were taken into account. It was shown that the different search space of each approach poses a challenge to design an equitable framework of comparison, and that both approaches exceed the periodic sampling.

Study of the working conditions in libraries of Quito city and the exposure of its workers to fungi

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:16:04 +0200

The aim was to establish the risk determinants of the library workers in Quito city, due to fungi exposure. Data were collected on infrastructure conditions and work organization, measurements of temperature, relative humidity, lighting and ventilation. The microbial load of fungi in air, surfaces of documentary goods and gloves of manipulators was determined; In 5 libraries of the Equinoctial Technological University, Quito. The research showed the temperature and relative humidity of the library environments is suitable. The ventilation system

is not appropriate, so it promotes dust accumulation on physical archives, It was also evidenced that workers do not know about any risk prevention procedures. The microbial contamination in the air is low and it is high in the handlers’ gloves; in the books surface microbial load has a direct relationship with the amount of accumulated dust. Some types of pathogenic opportunistic allergenic fungi, like: Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Penicillium, among others were identified. In conclusion, the biological risk due to fungi exposure is moderate because the exposure mechanism is through contact with the physical archives and the fungi presence is determined by the lack of an adequate ventilation system, physical archives preventive conservation programs, facility maintenance plans and safety and work risk training.

Application of the CUDA programming model in the simulation of genetic sequences evolution

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:15:48 +0200

Simulation is a powerful approach in the study of the molecular evolution of genetic sequences and their divergence over time; there are different procedures for the simulation of molecular evolution, but all of them have high computational complexity, and in most cases the genetic sequences have large size, increasing the execution time of the implementations of those procedures. Based on this problem, this paper describes a proposal of parallelization model using CUDA technology and the results of this proposal are compared with its sequential equivalent.

Enzymatic browning control in cut apples (Red delicious) through a system of active packaging

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:15:33 +0200

Enzymatic browning is one of the most relevant mechanisms of deterioration that take place in fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as a consequence of the activity of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme on the phenolic compounds release after cellular lysis . This work is focused on the reduction of these enzymatic activity by an active packaging technology, which make use of a material that incorporates antioxidant active agents. Thus, films of ethylene-vynil alcohol copolymer (EVOH) containing a typical food antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid and a polyphenol oxidase-inhibiting agent, the 4-hexylresorcinol have been developed and used to wrap apple slices. The evolution of color, the enzymatic activity and the kinetic of agents release to food simulants were monitored. The results showed an improvement of apple slice color stability and a reduction of the enzymatic activity. The film with 10 % of agents in 3/1 ratio (4-hexylresorcinol/ascorbic acid) provided the best results.

Influence of minimum quantity of lubricant (MQL) on tool life of carbide cutting tools during milling process of steel AISI 1018

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:15:22 +0200

Nowadays, high productivity of machining is an important issue to obtain economic benefits in the industry. This purpose could be reached with high cutting velocity and feed rate. However, the inherently behavior produce high temperatures in the interface of couple cutting tool/workpiece. Many cutting fluids have been developed to control temperature in process and increase tool life. The objective of this paper is to compare the carbide milling tool wear using different systems cutting fluids: flood and minimum quantity of lubrication (MQL). The values of carbide milling cutting tool wear was evaluate according with the standard ISO 8688-1 1989. The experimental results showed that using MQL reduces significantly (about 40%) tool wear in milling AISI 1018 steel at industrial cutting conditions.

Applying Ant Colony Optimization to the Problem of Cell Planning in Mobile Telephone System Radio Network

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:15:10 +0200

This paper presents a computational proposal for the solution of the Cell Planning Problem. The importance of this problem in the area of Telecommunications imposes it as a reference in the search for new methods of optimization. Due to the complexity of the problem, this work uses a discrete relaxation and proposes a mathematical model for the application of the Meta-heuristic Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). For the analysis of the results, 5 instances of the problem of different sizes were selected and the Ants System (AS) algorithm was applied. The results show that the proposal efficiently explores the search space, finding the optimal solution for each instance with a relatively low computational cost. These results are compared with 3 evolutionary alternatives of international reference that have been applied to the same study instances, showing a significant improvement by our proposal.

Evaluation of different physical treatments in minimally processed green and red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:14:57 +0200

This work evaluates three different conservation methods for red and green fresh-cut peppers. Red and green fruit were processed into sticks and treated as follows: A) water batch immersion (45 oC, 3 min) (TT), B) UV-C radiation (20 kJ m-2) or C) modified atmosphere storage (AM). Other group of pepper sticks were left untreated (control). The sticks were stored at 5 oC during 12 d. Fruit decay, soft-rot and respiratory rate were evaluated during storage. The three treatments were effective to reduce sticks deterioration and the treated fruit evidenced lower respiratory rate at 7 d of storage with respect to control. While the three methods were beneficial to maintain quality, in the red sticks the best results were found with TT and UV, mainly because the AM had less control of the soft-rot at the end of storage. In green sticks all the treatments were equally effective.

Design and construction of a prototype for the continuous extraction of Sacha Inchi seed oil with a cold pressing process

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:14:46 +0200

This work presents the design of an oil extractor from the Sacha Inchi seed with an extruder screw mechanism allows a maximum yield of 34% through a continuous cold extraction process at working temperatures below 45 ° C. The temperature is a critical parameter because when it exceeds 50 ° C, the oil decreases its nutritional value by the loss of its most important properties such as: Omega 3 (48%), Omega 6 (36%), Omega 9 (8%), digestibility (96%), vitamin A and E. The methodology used for the development of the work was the concurrent and simultaneous design according to the recommendations of National Instruments. The prototype consists of the extruder screw, pressure chamber, feed chamber, sieve and filter. The advantage of modular design is the flexibility it offers, so that when changing certain components it is possible to use the prototype to extract oil of different types and sizes of seeds. The products obtained from this mechanism are: 33.34% of oil and the solid residue known as Cake in 66.66% which has many applications in the field of human food and pets. Due to the processing of a food product, the requirements of ISO 22005 were applied for the design and implementation of the prototype.

Implementation of a low-cost agricultural machine for the soft dry corn harvesting process originating in the Andean region

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:14:35 +0200

An agricultural machine of compact size, low cost of manufacture and operation, has been developed for the process of threshing the soft dry corn, originating from the Ecuadorian Andean Region. The simple manufacturing prototype is unique for application in the aforementioned corn species. The main contribution of this development is to provide the farmer with a simple tool that allows him to technify the operation of corn harvesting, an operation that is critical in the harvest stage.

Implementation of a fuzzy relational database. Case study: academic tutoring

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:14:24 +0200

This paper describes the process of implementation of a diffused relational database in the practical case of the academic tutorials of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences of the Equinoctial Technological University (UTE). For the implementation, the ANSI-SPARC database architecture was used as the methodology, which abstracts the information into levels, at the external level the functional requirements were obtained, at the conceptual level, the diffused relational model was obtained. To achieve this model, we performed the transformation of the diffuse data through mathematical models using the Fuzzy-Lookup tool and at the physical level the diffused relational database was implemented. In addition, an user interface was developed using Java through which data is entered and queries are made to the diffused relational database to verify its operation.

Assessment of the Quality of Leadership in the Government of Technologies and Information Systems

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:14:13 +0200

Nowadays, leadership and the style of governing have become one of the quality criteria that challenges the Government of Technologies and Information Systems (GoTIS) value-based on public domain. In this aspect, the excellence models and GoTIS standards play a vital role in the success of the organizations due to their usefulness as systems that help the improvement towards the organizational excellence. Two of them are the Ibero-american Model of Excellence in Public Administration and the GoTIS standard ISO/IEC 38500. This paper takes them into account to create a new assessment model of GoTSI, the same one that is validated through the opinion of leaders of technologies and information systems of high-level. The work provides two sub-criteria, eleven dimensions and five components of assessment. This model will allow GoTIS assess itself as a principle of quality and, from there, make an improvement and an organizational change of the processes and GoTIS team decisions. Similarly, it will also help to open the way to the development of new quality criteria from a specific and comprehensive view.

Websockets Shared Virtual Whiteboard; an alternative for remote collaborative work

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:14:00 +0200

The Websockets Shared Virtual Whiteboard, is a system for cooperative work, that allows its users to collaborate remotely, online and in real time. The system provides with a virtual whiteboard acting as a shared workspace where any user´s interactions synchronize automatically and immediately with all the other users. Server side, the system is implemented with the Java Enterprise Edition, mainly using WebSockets technology. Client side, no installing process is necessary, given that any recent browser supporting WebSockets through Javascript, whether on desktop or mobile systems, is able to integrate itself into a working session. The chosen configuration allows the users to hand-draw, and use geometric figures and text boxes; it is possible to save any stage of the working environment to file and reload it for a different session; moreover, a chat tool has been incorporated, which provides with a complementary workspace for adding contextual explanations to the session, everything in a collaborative environment.

VALE-Emotions: Teaching mobile application for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:13:48 +0200

In this paper, the development of an interactive mobile application to strengthen the learning of emotion recognition in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is presented. This App is part of an authoring Virtual Advanced Learning Environment (VALE) devoted to support teaching and learning activities. VALE-Emotions App is based on the six basic emotions studied by (Paul Ekman, 1992), but it is not only limited to the recognition of such emotions in their highest intensity levels. In fact, the app allows for determining the effective recognition of these emotions at different intensity levels. Such intensity levels are generated by an authoring Dynamic Facial Expressions (DFE) coding using virtual avatars. Each learning activity is carried out through training and tests applications, giving to the users the opportunity of freely developing, learning, and strengthen social skills in an entertaining way. The results of the experimentation of the VALE-Emotions on subjects with ASD are also reported. In general, the participants showed efficient response at the stimulus during the developed activities obtaining a high and fast recognition of certain emotions.

Suggested Methodologies for Evaluation and Selection of Enterprise Architecture Software for Knowledge Digitization

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:13:35 +0200

Knowledge Management (KM) is a practice that allows the creation, use, distribution and transfer of knowledge in organizations. Different KM frameworks exist that include business intelligence or enterprise architecture (EA) components for the implementation of KM in organizations. EA tools are used to digitize, relate and visualize the following dimensions of knowledge: organizational structure, business processes, applications and technology. The objective of this paper is to assess the role of EA as a key component in KM and to suggest software evaluation methodologies that can be adapted for the field of EA. For this, an investigation was realized to identify the existing software evaluation methodologies in the market and to filter those that can be adapted for the field of EA. The methodology used for the research was qualitative and exploratory using a case study performed in an international logistic service provider. The case study describes the process done for the selection of the evaluation methodology. Furthermore, it describes the steps for knowledge digitization.

Smart public transportation at your fingertips

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:13:23 +0200

QBus is a system that locates the bus routes circulating in the city of Quito. It consists of a mobile application which uses either Bluetooth Low Energy technology or Quick Response codes to identify the stops. It is based on the location of the user to show the nearest stops and search the available bus routes. The application shows relevant information of each route and, using a digital map, draws its path and the stops it performs. In addition to this, it offers the "How do I get there" functionality that allows the user to search the available bus routes to move from one point to another within the city. In order to comply with this process, QBus performs a search of the bus routes that have stops near the points of origin and destination; this functionality indicates to the user the stop in which he must take the bus and in which it must get off. On the other hand the system consists of a web portal which allows to manage all the information of the application, ie cooperatives, stops and bus routes in a graphical way through the use of the Google Maps V3 API.

Strategies for Mobile Web Design

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:13:08 +0200

This paper presents a literature review on the topic of web design, specifically with regard to mobile web design. The aim of the review is to identify and analyze major strategies and approaches to design for small-screen-size devices. Three strategies consistently appeared across the reviewed literature, namely, responsive web design, adaptive web design, and separate site. The analysis of these strategies intends to provide a clear understanding of their advantages and disadvantages, in terms of cost and user experience.

Case based reasoning applied to medical diagnosis using multi-class classifier: A preliminary study

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:12:56 +0200

Case-based reasoning (CBR) is a process used for computer processing that tries to mimic the behavior of a human expert in making decisions regarding a subject and learn from the experience of past cases. CBR has demonstrated to be appropriate for working with unstructured domains data or difficult knowledge acquisition situations, such as medical diagnosis, where it is possible to identify diseases such as: cancer diagnosis, epilepsy prediction and appendicitis diagnosis. Some of the trends that may be developed for CBR in the health science are oriented to reduce the number of features in highly dimensional data. An important contribution may be the estimation of probabilities of belonging to each class for new cases. In this paper, in order to adequately represent the database and to avoid the inconveniences caused by the high dimensionality, noise and redundancy, a number of algorithms are used in the preprocessing stage for performing both variable selection and dimension reduction procedures. Also, a comparison of the performance of some representative multi-class classifiers is carried out to identify the most effective one to include within a CBR scheme. Particularly, four classification techniques and two reduction techniques are employed to make a comparative study of multiclass classifiers on CBR

ECU@Risk, a methodology for risk management applied to MSMEs

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:12:43 +0200

Information is the most valuable element for any organization or person in this new century, which, for many companies, is a competitive advantage asset (Vásquez & Gabalán, 2015). However, despite the lack of knowledge about how to protect it properly or the complexity of international standards that indicate procedures to achieve an adequate level of protection, many organizations, especially the MSMEs sector, fails to achieve this goal.Therefore, this study proposes a methodology for information security risk management, which is applicable to the business and organizational environment of the Ecuadorian MSME sector. For this purpose, we analyze several methodologies as Magerit, CRAMM (CCTA Risk Analysis and Management Method), OCTAVE-S, Microsoft Risk Guide, COBIT 5 COSO III. These methodologies are internationally used in risk management of information; in the light of the frameworks of the industry: ISO 27001, 27002, 27005 and 31000.

Monitoring System of Environmental Variables Using a Wireless Sensor Network and Platforms of Internet of Things

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:12:31 +0200

This work proposes a system for collecting meteorological data using a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), that is able to transmit data in real-time. The system automatizes the process of collecting the data in a continuous manner for long periods of time, for this, the module is equipped with a source of solar energy that allows autonomous operation. In order to obtain viability of design and prototype implementation, the construction of two systems was proposed based on DigiMesh and Wi-Fi; those prototypes could be applied to different scenarios such as urban and rural areas. Additionally, it was performed an evaluation of broadcasting of information to platforms of Internet of Things (IoT), where the data collected by the nodes will be managed and displayed. This system was conceived as a low-cost alternative compared with conventional weather stations that offer these facilities and are based on free hardware and software components. Finally, the validation of the obtained results was performed using a statistical analysis with the collected data of the weather station Davis Vantage Pro, obtaining a maximum average relative error of 4.93%.

Biomedical equipment for the control of nutrition and for the physical exercise of people with diabetes

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:12:19 +0200

In order to contribute to the treatment of diabetes, which is one of the main causes of death in Ecuador and in the world, a research project is being developed to create equipment that allows the effective control and treatment of this disease. The electronic equipment created for nutrition control, allows the diabetic patient to have information about the amount of calories they should ingest in consideration of their activities and their medical treatment. The mechatronic equipment for the physical exercise of people with diabetic foot, allows the application of therapies according to the severity of the affection. Considering that this is a delicate and complex treatment, the equipment helps the patients to alleviate its discomfort, to decrease the time of recovery and in some cases even to avoid amputation. The construction of the biomedical equipment for the control of nutrition is completed. While the equipment for the treatment of diabetic foot is in a stage of development of prototypes and tests. Both equipment has been conceived and developed with rigorous engineering methods and under quality standards, making an important contribution to research, development of science, technology, and innovation.

Tool for the quantitative evaluation of a Facebook app-based informal training process

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:12:09 +0200

The study of the impact of Facebook in academy has been mainly based on the qualitative evaluation of the academic performance and motivation of students. This work takes as starting point the use of the Facebook app Sigma in the Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Students of this university share educative resources through Sigma. This constitutes an informal learning process. We have proposed to construct Gamma, a tool for the generation of statistics and charts that illustrates the impact of the social network in the resulting learning process. This paper presents the results of the study of how Gamma is valued by those who like to do informal learning. It was checked that 1) Gamma gives feedback about the value of educative resources and social actions and that 2) it allows the quantitative measurement of the impact of using Facebook in the informal learning process. As an added value, Gamma supports the communication between supporters and detractors of the use of Facebook in the academia.

Design and implementation of a Smart Measurement System for AMI in the microgrid of the University of Nariño

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:11:57 +0200

This project describes a proposed Measure Management System, from the design stage to the implementation of a prototype smart meter, adapted to operate in the microgrid at the University of Nariño. This device features a constant record of measures, with resolution of 24 bits, sufficient to perform power quality analysis. In addition, it is integrated into the SCADA system through the open protocols MODBUS, DNP3 and IEC 61850, with scheduled cybersecurity techniques. Likewise, several management platforms for the monitoring of electrical variables and control over the current flow to the loads is designed. Finally, two study cases show the application of the implemented measure management system in the microgrid.

Evaluating the Graph-based Visualization Technique: A Controlled Experiment

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:11:46 +0200

Many researchers have highlighted the scarcity of empirical studies that systematically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the use of visualization techniques for software understanding activities. Such studies are crucial for gathering and analyzing objective and quantifiable evidence about the usefulness of proposed visualization techniques and tools, and ultimately, for guiding the research in software visualization. This paper presents a controlled experiment aimed at assessing the impact of a graph-based visualization technique on comprehension tasks. Six common comprehension tasks were performed by 20 undergraduate software engineering students. The completion time and the accuracy of the participants’ responses were measured. The results indicate that on one hand the use of the graph-based visualization increases the correctness (by 21.45% in average) but on the other hand it does not reduce the completion time in program comprehension tasks.

Analysis of the accessibility in websites of Ecuadorian universities of excellence

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:11:35 +0200

Since the publication of the Ecuadorian Technical Standard NTE INEN ISO / IEC 40500 in 2014 and the Ecuadorian Technical Regulation RTE INEN 288 "The web contents accessibility" in 2016, web accessibility in Ecuador has taken great importance. In the educational field, the websites of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) have become a communication channel, where universities publish the information and services they offer. In addition, HEI must satisfy the rights of all citizens to have access to education, which includes persons with disabilities. In order to ensure access to the websites of HEI to all people it is important that HEI incorporate web accessibility as an essential requirement in their websites. The objective of this research is to perform the accessibility analysis of the websites of the Ecuadorian universities of excellence belonging to categories A, B and C; identify websites accessibility errors and to present some recommendations for a better fulfillment of the WCAG 2.0 accessibility guidelines by website designers and developers.

Vertical Integration in factories using OPC-UA and IEC-61499

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:11:25 +0200

Nowadays, factory automation systems need to cope with very different challenges, such as big data, IIoT, etc. These challenges lead to a new generation of automation systems based on the so-called Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS) globally connected to form a flexible System of Cyber-Physical Production Systems (SoCPPS). CPPSs require acquisition of production system data and smart data processing to extract information to improve the overall system performance. To achieve that it is needed to bridge the gap between the control systems and higher layers. This paper discusses an approach to use the IEC 61499 function block concept to exchange data between plant floor and higher layers using an industrial standard like OPC UA. The OPC UA server offers subscription mechanisms, making possible the integration of several resources residing at plant floor. As it runs on embedded devices, the proposal makes possible to acquire plant information at low cost, enabling at the same time, a component-based design for enterprise plant floor control with independence of the hardware platform used

An Approach to the Optimization of Mobile Payments for the Transport System using (NFC) through Cloud Computing

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:11:13 +0200

The use of mobile devices has gradually increased. Every day, the number of organizations adopting systems which include some type of mobile payments is becoming bigger. Because of this reason, it is mandatory to have agile and quick systems to guarantee security and reliability, not only for the user but also for the operator. In that way, users will get a high-quality service based on mobile technologies. An analysis of NFC Technology has been made in this paper taking into consideration a proposal of a system development including mobile payments, which could be used in the transportation system of Metro of Quito. To assure the response time and transactional security, the use of cloud computing is recommended.

Low-Cost Solutions Using the Infrastructure as a Service with High Availability and Virtualization Model

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:10:58 +0200

This paper presents the results obtained from the implementation of an infrastructure to improve technological services of email, virtual learning environment, digital repository and virtual library at the Polytechnic Agricultural Higher School of Manabí (Polytechnic School of Agriculture of Manabí), ESPAM, through the use of high availability and virtualization mechanisms to provide more reliable resources. Virtualization is an empowering and cutting-edge technology that is transforming the operation of technological services, but it involves a paradigm shift in serviceoriented information technologies and cloud computing. To execute each of the processes the V-cycle methodology was used as a strategy. Virtualization services empowers companies and institutions by transforming how they operate to be at the forefront of innovation in their services as a technological solution. So the implementation of redundant technology in the ESPAM, has allowed its technological services are always operative, for the benefit of the university community, because if there were failures in the main system or services, the backups will be enabled quickly allowing the systems come into operation immediately.

Analysis of free SSL/TLS Certificates and their implementation as Security Mechanism in Application Servers.

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:10:47 +0200

Security in the application layer (SSL), provides the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of the data, between two applications that communicate with each other. This article is the result of having implemented Free SSL / TLS Certificates in application servers, determining the relevant characteristics that must have a SSL/TLS certificate, the Certifying Authority generate it. A vulnerability analysis is developed in application servers and encrypted communications channel is established to protect against attacks such as man in the middle, phishing and maintaining the integrity of information that is transmitted between the client and server.

Canny Edge Detection in Cross-Spectral Fused Images

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:10:36 +0200

Considering that the images of different spectra provide an ample information that helps a lo in the process of identification and distinction of objects that have unique spectral signatures. In this paper, the use of cross-spectral images in the process of edge detection is evaluated. This study aims to assess the Canny edge detector with two variants. The first relates to the use of merged cross-spectral images and the second the inclusion of morphological filters. To ensure the quality of the data used in this study the GQM (Goal-Question- Metrics), framework, was applied to reduce noise and increase the entropy on images. The metrics obtained in the experiments confirm that the quantity and quality of the detected edges increases significantly after the inclusion of a morphological filter and a channel of near infrared spectrum in the merged images.

Estimating Sample Size for Usability Testing

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:10:23 +0200

One strategy used to assure that an interface meets user requirements is to conduct usability testing. When conducting such testing one of the unknowns is sample size. Since extensive testing is costly, minimizing the number of participants can contribute greatly to successful resource management of a project. Even though a significant number of models have been proposed to estimate sample size in usability testing, there is still not consensus on the optimal size. Several studies claim that 3 to 5 users suffice to uncover 80% of problems in a software interface. However, many other studies challenge this assertion. This study analyzed data collected from the user testing of a web application to verify the rule of thumb, commonly known as the “magic number 5”. The outcomes of the analysis showed that the 5-user rule significantly underestimates the required sample size to achieve reasonable levels of problem detection.

Unsupervised analysis applied to the detection cardiac arrhythmias

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:10:10 +0200

An arrhythmia is a pathology that consists on altering the heartbeat. Although, the 12-lead electrocardiogram allows evaluation of the electrical behavior from heart to determine certain pathologies, there are some arrhythmias that are difficult to detect with this type of electrocardiography. In this sense, it is necessary the use of the Holter monitor because it facilitates the records of the heart electrical activity for long periods of time, it is usually 24 up to 48 hours. Due to the extension of the records provided by the monitor, it is common to use computational systems to evaluate diagnostic and morphological features of the beats in order to determine if there is any type of abnormality. These computational systems can be based on supervised or unsupervised pattern recognition techniques, however considering that the first option requires a visual inspection about the large number of beats present in a Holter record, it is an arduous task, as well as it involves monetary costs. Consequently, throughout this paper we present the design of a complete system for the identification of arrhythmias in Holter records using unsupervised pattern recognition techniques. The proposed system involves stages of preprocessing of the signal, segmentation and characterization of beats, as well as feature selection and clustering. In this case, the technique k-means is used. These steps are applied within the framework of a segment-based methodology that improves the detection of minority classes. Additionally, initialization criteria are considered, which allow to enhance quality measures, especially sensitivity. As a result, it is determined that using k-means with the max-min initialization and a number of groups equal to 12, it is possible to obtain the best results, with values of: 99.36%, 91.31% and 99.16% for accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, respectively.

MOOCs: factors that decrease desertion in students

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:09:55 +0200

We are experiencing constant technological change, which implies that learning and training requirements have been increased, they are increasingly high. One of these changes are Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC). As this is a new technology in our environment, the amount of desertion is high, it is essential to the analysis, to know the reasons of the high amounts of desertion and reduce the dropout of users in MOOC courses. For that, it is proposed to meet the different factors of the problem, for example, previous experience of users in making the MOOC courses, the level of satisfaction in the interaction with platforms that have courses MOOC and satisfaction by the end of a course. Additionally, knowing the user’s profile will make it easier for future courses suit them, although entails increasing the team and tailor a course to users, for the purpose of that they feel supported, intending to follow course and that they possess a new learning experience.

Information security in data exchange between mobile devices with Android system using RSA encryption

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:09:44 +0200

The new styles and ways of life lead to greater use of wireless networks, the mobile device being a tool for data transmission, which are susceptible to threats in the transmission channels in the network. IT security plays a very important role in guaranteeing the availability, privacy and integrity of information, one of the techniques that helps in this task is cryptography, whose foundation is to transform a message so that it is unintelligible except for those who have the Key to decipher it. The research focuses on the use of the RSA algorithm between mobile devices, the encrypted data is sent through communication channels called threads that through formulas and processes executed on the server, will help to execute the encryption and decryption of the data. To carry it out, a prototype for the exchange of data between mobile devices wirelessly was designed and implemented, conducting performance tests with three nodes to improve the security. The results show the efficiency of the algorithm and additionally its functionality, the times of encryption and decryption are fast against the sending of information without any method or algorithm used.

Knowledge based systems as an aid in information systems audit

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:09:33 +0200

One of the problems that the IT auditor has when expressing an opinion about a finding is the subjectivity that can be due to many aspects, among the main ones: emotional, technical skills or abilities with which this opinion can be right or wrong. This is a major problem because the audit report issued may have distortions of the facts. On the other hand, the development of the expert systems involves capturing the knowledge of the human and transferring it to a computer program in which all the characteristics of this knowledge are emulated and considering a group of rules, the system can make decisions as a human does. Advances in artificial intelligence over the last few years have led to the development of these knowledge-based systems increasing and the results obtained are more real. The use of these systems presents a promising future in the field of computer audit. The objective of this article is to give a general idea of the characterization and use of knowledge based systems, the way they are implemented and their application to the audit of information systems as a tool to help the opinion issue at the moment of realization of an audit.

Internet of Things and Artificial Vision, Performance and Applications: Literature Review

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:09:22 +0200

Internet of Things (or also known as IoT) is one of the technologies most named today because of the ability it envisages to connect all kinds of devices to the Internet. If to the potentialities of IoT we add another technology of high impact as It is the Artificial Vision we have a wide field of innovative applications, where the processing of images and video in real time allow the visualization of large amounts of data on the Internet. The main applications developed with IoT and Artificial Vision can be implemented in education, medicine, intelligent buildings, surveillance systems of people and vehicles, among others. This type of applications improves the quality of life of users, however, for their development an infrastructure is required that allows the convergence of different protocols and devices, but in a special way that can handle the different phases of the acquisition of images. In this work, a review of the beginnings, concepts, technologies and applications related to the Artificial Vision with the Internet of Things has been carried out to be able to understand in a precise way the impact of its application in daily life.

Development of Enterprise Architecture using a Framework with Agile Approach

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:09:11 +0200

The development of an enterprise architecture (EA) in large organizations is complex. Thus, is important that the implementation of EA creates value in early stages of the process. This document contains a proposal of an EA framework design with agile approach based in TOGAF. This proposal is done with the objective to streamline the EA process. This framework presents a new design taking into account the current regulations, the target line of the organization and the principles proposed by the agile approach of EA. The objectives of each phase of the architecture development method ADM of TOGAF are matched with the requirements of the organization to extract only those that are aligned to the business. The deliverables proposed by TOGAF are analyzed with the goal to obtain, integrate and reduce the documentation in the implementation and modeling phases. This reduction allows more flexibility, less impact in the processes, reduction in development time and costs.

Potential native trees and shrubs for reforestation in the Central Sierra of Ecuador

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:51:48 +0200

Within the National Forest Restoration Plan of the Ministry of Environment of Ecuador, the ESPOCH herbarium identified the species used in the Autonomous Parochial Governments of the provinces of Chimborazo, Cotopaxi and Tungurahua. The different institutions sent samples to the Herbarium of the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Chimborazo. We checked that the mentioned species are native and that they correspond to the established zones, for this the catalog of vascular plants was used. We processed the information from which 17 lists of forest species belonging to 21 families, 26 Genres and 49 species were generated. The most frequent species is Alnus acuminata Kunth in all provinces. The species should be generated from the environmental conditions of each of the provinces, and the species to be used in the program should be exclusively native since it is about preserving what little we have, even using known species in the first stage. In addition, not all species can be found in native populations, but only cultivated; this is, therefore, necessary to take into account since the requirements of the species for its development are not the same.

Design and implementation of an automatically controlled plastic bottles cutting recycling machine

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:51:39 +0200

An automatic machine has been designed to obtain threads and ribbons through a continuous rotational cutting process. This machine processes plastic bottles used as containers for storage and transportation of soft drinks and non-carbonated drinks with a capacity of three liters. It is a mechatronic design, composed of simple mechanical / pneumatic, electrical and control systems, which allows to process up to fifty bottles per hour. A variety of products can be obtained; from threads with approximately 46.5 m in length and 1.6 mm thick (width) to ribbons with 11.3 m in length and 6.7 mm in width per bottle can be obtained. These products are economic raw material obtained from waste material such as plastic bottles, which are highly polluting elements of the environment due to the small percentage that is recycled especially in Ecuador. This raw material can have applications in some manufacturing processes such as the manufacture of brooms, ropes, baskets, bags, fasteners among others.

Study of the compliance of the INEN 2205 standard in the seats of urban public transport bus

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:51:30 +0200

An important participation in the urban public transport offer of Quito is in the hands of the private company. Given the high demand, it will show the safety indicators and the quality of the service. This fact is the fundamental motivation of this article, which verified the compliance with the INEN 2205 standard for passenger and driver seats in a specific urban transport company. A sample of the units is shown and each point shows a body model. In particular, measurements were made of seats using: flexometer, bubble level and inclinometer. In addition, visual inspections and simple experiments of mechanical friction were carried out to evaluate the qualitative characteristics. Finally, a simple verification count was performed on the sample and confidence intervals and hypothesis tests were constructed for the statistical ratio. Population inferences showed that 41% and 55% of seats for passengers and drivers, respectively, did comply with the regulations; while the multivariate analysis allowed to identify sample groups and correlations between them. It was concluded that it exists in the observation of the regulations regarding the state of the seats and angular parameters.

Physical, chemical and microbiological evaluation of cassava silage with cowpea and microbial culture

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:51:21 +0200

The aim of this work was to evaluate the physical, microbiological, fibrous and lactic acid changes of cassava silage with cowpea used on biological mix. Fifty kg whole cassava (root, stem and leaves), 20 kg of cowpea flour and 4 L of microbial culture containing Lactobacillus acidophillus, Streptococcus thermophillus and Klyumyces fragilis (L-4 UCLV) were used. The evaluated treatments were: Y100integral cassava (Y100), integral cassava more 20% cowpea (Y+C), and integral cassava more 20% cowpeas and 8% of microbial culture (Y+C+BP). The ensiled material was preserved in sterile glass bottles with wide mouth. A completely randomized design was used. The physicochemical, microbiological, fibrous and lactic acid characteristics were evaluated. For 18 months, the dry matter, crude and true protein, lactic acid contents and the microbial viability was higher (P

Use of sodium bentonite as a pretreatment to the tangential microfiltration of Castilla’s blackberry wine Rubus glaucus Benth

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:51:12 +0200

This research studied the influence of clarification techniques of Castilla's blackberry wine Rubus glaucus Benth on its chromaticity, turbidity and yields of the process. Initially, the tangential microfiltration (TMF) at three different working pressures (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 bar) and then the treatment of the feed with sodium bentonite prior the filtration. The TMF at 1.5 bar obtained the highest Volume Reduction Factor (VRF) and the best performance, standardizing the pressure conditions for the TMF with pretreatment. According the pH, the optimum quantity of flocculant added to each batch of wine was established at 9 grams, carried to rest at 6 ° C (6, 12 and 24 hours), obtaining 610 ± 38 g for the highest proportion of turbid in the batch of 6 hours of rest, product of a greater unstable catch by the clarifier. The TMF of the pretreated batches indicated representative improvements in the yield, up to 40%. All the analyzed microfiltered wine samples with and without pretreatment achieved a turbidity less than 2 NTU, accomplishing with the quality criterion of "bright red", concluding that the TMF separately and with pretreatment improve the quality of the product, but they can cause color deterioration.

The visual effect and the necessity of determinating the superficial whitening method of the macadamia’s nut

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:51:03 +0200

Macadamia nut is considered "the queen of nuts", because of its high energy content and nutritional value. Certain types of nuts are considered to be non-commercial due to their color; therefore, the aim of this study was determining a method of surface bleaching using additives that do not affect the taste, smell and texture of the walnut. Color is a sensory quality of food; it’s an indicator and a critical quality factor in fresh and processed products. Three food additives were used as bleaching agents: 1% citric acid for 2 minutes and 3% for 1 minute, 0.1% ascorbic acid for 1 minute and 0.3% for 3 minutes, and 5 and 10% sodium bicarbonate for 1 minute. For all treatments, color analysis, walnut moisture, sensory analysis of odor, taste and texture were carried out. Walnuts were bleached superficially after drying. The results indicate that the best treatment for bleaching macadamia nut is ascorbic acid at 0.3%, with this it is possible to add a more homogeneous and natural color to the nut, free of blackish spots.

Influence of the seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum as a growth promoter in the stage of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:50:54 +0200

The quality of the algae Ascphyllum nodosum was assessed as a growth promoter in the breeding stage of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and its immunostimulant effect with regard to fungal diseases as the Saprolegnia sp. 6000 fingerlings of 77 days of age were used, with an average weight of 0.15 g, distributed under a DCA. For the analysis of the results, it was applied the analysis of variance and separation of averages (Duncan to p

Risk assessment and modeling of technical solutions for filtrations earth dams

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:50:45 +0200

The paper presents the evaluation and the analysis of three types of filter geometry to evaluate the filtration risk in Zaza Reservoir, taking as starting point the historic characteristics of the fluctuation of water levels inside the earth dam. The work is based on the experience of a multidisciplinary team and previous research with bi-dimensional models, using the Finite Elements Method for the solution of basic engineering problems. Also, the results of the installation of a new filter system with a geospatial index are evaluated (under criteria of threats, vulnerability, and risk) with spatial visualization data in a Geographical Information System for thematic maps generation, that represent how much the water level varies inside the dam according to the different filters evaluated.

An Hybrid Genetic Algorithm to Optimization of Flow Shop Scheduling Problems under Real Environments Constraints

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:50:36 +0200

This paper aims to analyzing the effect of the inclusion of several constraints that have negative influence in the real manufacturing productions. For the solution of the scheduling problem treated in this paper, known as Flow Shop Scheduling, an efficient Genetic Algorithm is introduced combined with the Variable Neighborhood Search for problems of n tasks and m machines minimizing the total completion time or makespan. Release date, dependent setup-times and transport times are entered. These are common restrictions that can be found in multiple manufacturing environments where there are machines, tools, and a set of jobs must be processed in these, following the same flow pattern. The computational experiments carried out on a set of instances of problems of different sizes of complexity show that the proposed hybrid metaheuristic achieves high quality solutions comparable to the optimum ones reported.

Use of distributed ledger technology by central banks: A review

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:50:27 +0200

This paper reviews what stage the central banks of the world’s leading economies are at in their study and adoption of distributed ledger technology (DLT) to reengineer their various systems and functions. A brief description of DLT will be given, followed by an analysis of central banks’ publications and pronouncements to determine what each central bank is doing on their journey to DLT adoption. It was found that of the central banks for which information was available, all of them have expressed interest in DLT and have evaluated it to some extent. Nevertheless, no central bank has an operational DLT-based system at this point. This is because some issues remain regarding the speed, cost of processing, security, transparency and privacy, legal settlement finality, scalability and network effects of the technology. As DLT matures, the expectation is that these issues will begin to be resolved.

Applied geostatistics for reservoir characterization: High Resolution Cells based model

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:50:19 +0200

Is it easy to use geostatistics for reservoir characterization or not? Is SGEMS able to reproduce reservoir geological characteristics in a 3D high resolution model? After years, Geostatistics has been allowing high resolution models generation to increase reservoir lithological detail. This work presents a straightforward methodology to create a facies model conditioned with the porosity model. Therefore, Open source geostatistics software was used to interpolate data. Rock type and porosity data, obtained from 26 well-logs of the Oriente Basin, were loaded in SGEMS. A high vertical and areal resolution 3D grid was built. Finally, 20 facies and porosity equiprobable models were generated. The model that better represents the reservoir characteristics was selected. The result is a high-resolution grid that represents the porosity conditioned to a facies model.

Evaluation of extraction of fatty acids from sardine’s head (Opisthonema libertate) by-product of fishing industry

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:50:08 +0200

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are bioactive compounds employed as nutritional supplements in the food and pharmaceutical industry, those are present in blue fish like sardine (Opisthonema libertate). The purpose of this investigation was the recovery of these acids from sardine heads. A basic hydrolysis was carried out in order to extract the oil. NaOH was the hydrolyzing agent, tested in four concentrations. As a result, 3.64 % was the highest percentage of saponified oil recovery, with a concentration of 1M NaOH. This base allowed simultaneously saponify the recovered oil in the extraction. The influence of temperature and the concentration of H2SO4 in the isolation of fatty acids by the acidulation process was analyzed. The best experimental condition of the process was given at 20 °C and 75 % of H2SO4 concentration in the extracted oil, it was determined 2233.70 μg/mL of fatty acids, where 82.55% corresponded to saturated fatty acids, 13.72% to monounsaturated acids and 3.73% to polyunsaturated acids. Among the polyunsaturated fatty acids, was emphasized the presence of eicosapentaenoic acid EPA (omega-3) with a concentration of 73.12 μg/mL.

Extraction purification and characterization of trypsin inhibitors from Andean seeds

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:49:53 +0200

This work established the conditions of covalent immobilization of trypsin on a Sepharose matrix, which could be applied for the purification of trypsin inhibitors. The higher values of retention of enzymatic activity and immobilized enzymatic activity were obtained with a Sepharose 6B-CL matrix, at room temperature, a pH value of 10.5, an enzymatic load of 25 mg/mL, and a minimum immobilization time of 12 hours, in order to obtain a stable immobilization. The most active trypsin inhibitors were selected through the comparison of, extracts obtained from the seeds of amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus L.), pea (Pisum sativum), lupine or “chocho” (Lupinus mutabilis), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and “sangorache” (Amaranthus hybridus L.). The inhibitors were partially purified using centrifugal ultrafiltration, heat treatment, and TCA precipitation. The permeated and retained fractions of “sangorache” were selected as the most active trypsin inhibitors, and they were selectively purified using affinity chromatography in a Trypsin - Glyoxyl - Sepharose 6B-CL matrix. The kinetic characterization showed the presence of two inhibitors; the first one corresponded to a competitive inhibitor, while the second one behaved as a mixed inhibitor.

Towards the construction of a device to support blind people in the “cuarenta” game

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:49:42 +0200

The present work has the objective of developing a system for the automatic recognition of a playing card on a table, as part of a more general project to create a device to assist the blind in the chance game called “cuarenta”. The aim of this device will be to inform the user about the cards being played, via audio. For this phase of the project the algorithm used was k-NN, trained with a set of alphanumeric synthetic characters. The test set contained photographs taken in controlled lighting conditions, with the card positioned in arbitrary orientations. The parameterization of the algorithm gave a value of 1 as the optimal k, with which a classification error of 5% was obtained in the test set. Only two characters were confused by the classifier, the “A” and the “J”, with 20% and 40% errors each one. The algorithm was implemented in an embedded Raspberry Pi 3 system, obtaining a response time of 5 seconds, including the conversion to audio, and a memory occupation no greater than 60% of the total capacity of the system. These results suggest its applicability in portable devices.

Overhead impact on ad hoc mobile networks

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:49:33 +0200

Overhead quantifies how much routing and control information is necessary for the application data to reach the destination node. This is very important in Ad Hoc networks because the mobility of nodes makes routing paths change constantly, therefore, the exchange of control and routing information increases. In this work the overhead for AODV, BCHP and DSVD mobile routing protocols is analyzed. Protocol reliability is used like a metric based on overhead behavior. The results show that the overhead can be between 30% to 60% with respect to the total throughput. BCHP is the most effective protocol because with similar expected overhead it has a better level of application information delivered.

Thermal projection shielding in teeth flanks of a sugar cane mill drainer of a sugar factory

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:20:17 +0200

Shielding was performed on the flanks of teeth of a cane mill by means of the flame thermal projection technique using the Eutalloy 11496 micropulverized alloy. The material of the toner is AISI 1045 steel and the surface of shielding was prepared by the jet process with abrasive material of volcanic nature, in order to achieve an optimum anchorage surface for the alloy. Next, in software, iterations of the thickness of the shield were realized with the purpose of determining its useful life and through the distribution of Weibull we estimated the function of reliability and the function of probability of failure, considering a complete harvest of 240 days.

A finite element model for fluid–structure interaction problems involving closed membranes, internal and external fluids

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 16:48:22 +0100

In this paper we propose a Finite Element model for analyzing closed membranes (“bags”) interacting with internal and external (surrounding) fluids. The approach is based on embedding a Lagrangian monolithic model describing the membrane containing an internal fluid into an Eulerian external fluid model. The combination of kinematic frameworks allows us to accurately track the location of the membrane and naturally represent flow variables discontinuities across it. In order to obtain stable coupling for membrane materials with low density, a slight fluid compressibility is assumed. The coupling between the membrane and the internal fluid is automatically accounted for by a monolithic set-up. The filled membrane and the external fluid are coupled in a Dirichlet–Neumann fashion. The model is validated in several numerical examples and its potential application to a civil engineering problem of coast protection via water-filled bag reefs is shown.

PFEM formulation for thermo-coupled FSI analysis. Application to nuclear core melt accident

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:08:28 +0100

The aim of this paper is to present a Lagrangian formulation for thermo-coupled fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problems and to show its applicability to the simulation of hypothetical scenarios of a nuclear core melt accident. During this emergency situation, an extremely hot and radioactive lava-like material, the corium, is generated by the melting of the fuel assembly. The corium may induce collapse of the nuclear reactor devices and, in the worst case, breach the reactor containment and escape into the environment. This work shows the capabilities of the proposed formulation to reproduce the structural failure mechanisms induced by the corium that may occur during a meltdown scenario. For this purpose, a monolithic method for FSI problems, the so-called Unified formulation, is here enhanced in order to account for the thermal field and to model phase change phenomena with the Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM). Several numerical examples are presented. First, the convergence of the thermo-coupled method and phase change algorithm is shown for two academic problems. Then, two complex simulations of hypothetical nuclear meltdown situations are studied in 2D as in 3D.

A FIC-based stabilized finite element formulation for turbulent flows

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 14:52:18 +0100

We present a new stabilized finite element (FEM) formulation for incompressible flows based on the Finite Increment Calculus (FIC) framework (Oñate, 1998). In comparison to existing FIC approaches for fluids, this formulation involves a new term in the momentum equation, which introduces non-isotropic dissipation in the direction of velocity gradients. We also follow a new approach to the derivation of the stabilized mass equation, inspired by recent developments for quasi-incompressible flows (Oñate et al., 2014). The presented FIC-FEM formulation is used to simulate turbulent flows, using the dissipation introduced by the method to account for turbulent dissipation in the style of implicit large eddy simulation.

Generalized parametric solutions in Stokes flow

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 16:40:25 +0100

Design optimization and uncertainty quantification, among other applications of industrial interest, require fast or multiple queries of some parametric model. The Proper Generalized Decomposition (PGD) provides a separable solution, a computational vademecum explicitly dependent on the parameters, efficiently computed with a greedy algorithm combined with an alternated directions scheme and compactly stored. This strategy has been successfully employed in many problems in computational mechanics. The application to problems with saddle point structure raises some difficulties requiring further attention. This article proposes a PGD formulation of the Stokes problem. Various possibilities of the separated forms of the PGD solutions are discussed and analyzed, selecting the more viable option. The efficacy of the proposed methodology is demonstrated in numerical examples for both Stokes and Brinkman models.

A semi‐analytical scheme for highly oscillatory integrals over tetrahedra

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 16:33:50 +0100

This paper details a semi‐analytical procedure to efficiently integrate the product of a smooth function and a complex exponential over tetrahedral elements. These highly oscillatory integrals appear at the core of different numerical techniques. Here, the partition of unity method enriched with plane waves is used as motivation. The high computational cost or the lack of accuracy in computing these integrals is a bottleneck for their application to engineering problems of industrial interest. In this integration rule, the non‐oscillatory function is expanded into a set of Lagrange polynomials. In addition, Lagrange polynomials are expressed as a linear combination of the appropriate set of monomials, whose product with the complex exponentials is analytically integrated, leading to 16 specific cases that are developed in detail. Finally, we present several numerical examples to assess the accuracy and the computational efficiency of the proposed method, compared with standard Gauss–Legendre quadratures.

Monitoring a PGD solver for parametric power flow problems with goal-oriented error assessment

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 16:22:32 +0100

The parametric analysis of electric grids requires carrying out a large number of Power Flow computations. The different parameters describe loading conditions and grid properties. In this framework, the Proper Generalized Decomposition (PGD) provides a numerical solution explicitly accounting for the parametric dependence. Once the PGD solution is available, exploring the multidimensional parametric space is computationally inexpensive. The aim of this paper is to provide tools to monitor the error associated with this significant computational gain and to guarantee the quality of the PGD solution. In this case, the PGD algorithm consists in three nested loops that correspond to 1) iterating algebraic solver, 2) number of terms in the separable greedy expansion and 3) the alternated directions for each term. In the proposed approach, the three loops are controlled by stopping criteria based on residual goal-oriented error estimates. This allows one for using only the computational resources necessary to achieve the accuracy prescribed by the end- user. The paper discusses how to compute the goal-oriented error estimates. This requires linearizing the error equation and the Quantity of Interest to derive an efficient error representation based on an adjoint problem. The efficiency of the proposed approach is demonstrated on benchmark problems.

Enhanced goal-oriented error assessment and computational strategies in adaptive reduced basis solver for stochastic problems

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 16:15:41 +0100

This work focuses on providing accurate low-cost approximations of stochastic finite elements simulations in the framework of linear elasticity. In [E. Florentin, P. Diez, Adaptive reduced basis strategy based on goal oriented error assessment for stochastic problems, Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg. 225-228 (2012) 116-127], an adaptive strategy has been introduced as an improved Monte-Carlo method for multi-dimensional large stochastic problems. We provide here a complete analysis of the method including a new enhanced goal-oriented error estimator and estimates of CPU cost gain. Technical insight of these two topics are presented in details and numerical examples show the interest of these new developments.

Proper generalized decomposition solution of the parameterized Helmholtz problem: application to inverse geophysical problems

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 15:28:47 +0100

The identification of the geological structure from seismic data is formulated as an inverse problem. The properties and the shape of the rock formations in the subsoil are described by material and geometric parameters, which are taken as input data for a predictive model. Here, the model is based on the Helmholtz equation, describing the acoustic response of the system for a given wave length. Thus, the inverse problem consists in identifying the values of these parameters such that the output of the model agrees the best with observations. This optimization algorithm requires multiple queries to the model with different values of the parameters. Reduced order models are especially well suited to significantly reduce the computational overhead of the multiple evaluations of the model.

In particular, the proper generalized decomposition produces a solution explicitly stating the parametric dependence, where the parameters play the same role as the physical coordinates. A proper generalized decomposition solver is devised to inexpensively explore the parametric space along the iterative process. This exploration of the parametric space is in fact seen as a post‐process of the generalized solution. The approach adopted demonstrates its viability when tested in two illustrative examples.

A new equilibrated residual method improving accuracy and efficiency of flux-free error estimates

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 15:22:13 +0100

This paper presents a new methodology to compute guaranteed upper bounds for the energy norm of the error in the context of linear finite element approximations of the reaction-diffusion equation. The new approach revisits the ideas in [20, 18] with the goal of substantially reducing the com- putational cost of the flux-free method while retaining the good quality of the bounds. The new methodology provides also a technique to compute equilibrated boundary tractions improving the quality of standard equilibration strategies. The zeroth-order equilibration conditions are imposed using an alternative less restrictive form of the first-order equilibration conditions, along with a new efficient minimization criterion. This new equilibration strategy provides much more accurate up- per bounds for the energy and requires only doubling the dimension of the local linear systems of equations to be solved.

Background of Lara State cardiovascular program

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 09:00:22 +0200

Since the beginning of Cardiology in the world and then started as specialty in Venezuela history have occurred various events that influenced the development of the Cardiovascular Program in Venezuela created to become a national response to cardiovascular disease as a public health problem. In this context, this historical note particular places emphasis on the commencement of the Cardiovascular Program in Lara State, taking into account the set of individual and institutional situations that gave the necessary momentum, before 1976, for its establishment. In accordance with the foregoing, this factual account is intended to understand the evolution of the program in the region, which, following the same doctrinal basis of the national proposal and implementing different strategies, has achieved its permanence in time. By the way of closure, in the historical note, the strengths of the Cardiovascular Program in the state of Lara, Which through time have allowed it to consolidate itself as a unique and successful experience in the country, namely, the organized participation of the community, the link with the doctrinal issues, the organization and articulation of services by levels of resolution capacity, The teaching-assistance linkage, complementary sources of program financing and teamwork.

Internal communication and organizational climate in the management of health institutions

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 09:00:14 +0200

The organizational climate of health institutions is affected by many factors, such as leadership style, the level of motivation that exists, the way decisions are made and especially the type of communication that predominates. Internal communication is a real response to growing organizational complexity, however; the tendency is to recognize dialogic communication as a dimension and as a tool to achieve effectiveness in the organizational plan of the health institution. This is designated as internal communication version 2.0, which is the second generation of communication, in which the recognition of the interlocutor predominates. In this article, internal communication and the organizational climate in the management of health institutions were analyzed through a review of publications that discuss these issues. As inclusion criteria were used thematic coherence, timeliness of the source and indexation of the same. Consultation of the primary sources was done using databases. It was concluded that management combined with organizational climate and communication allow the interaction between its members, exchange and dialogue, in order to guide the processes that determine the behavior of the collective and the health organization.

Frequency of depression and risk factors associated with students from first to eight semester in a decanate of UCLA, january-may 2013

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 09:00:00 +0200

Depression occupies one of the first places as a reason for consultation in psychiatry, with university students being one of the groups most affected. The objective of this investigation was to determine the frequency of depression and associated risk factors in students from the first to the eighth semester in a UCLA Deanery January-May 2013. A cross-sectional, observational analytical study was carried out, In 230 students, 149 females and 81 males. Data collection included a self-administered questionnaire for the measurement of risk factors, validated by experts, and the Beck Depression Inventory of 21 items. It was evidenced that there are 22.6% of depressed students, of whom 20.0% correspond to mild depression and 2.6% to moderate depression. There was a higher frequency of depression in the female sex (25.3%); In students over 20 years old (24.2%); In foreigners (28.1%); In students from the III and VII semesters (29.4% and 34.8%, respectively). In students with regular academic performance, 36.2% (p = 0.0001) of depression was observed; In those who do not share quality time with their family, 50% were evidenced (p = 0.0000); 44.4% (p = 0.000) and 50% (p = 0.007), respectively. Likewise, there is a 35.7% depression rate in students who have poor teacher-student relationships (p = 0.0007), with no respect (p = 0.021) and equity (p = 0.003). Likewise, 28.9% of students with depression have a poor relationship with their classmates. In conclusion, there is a significant percentage of depressed students, mild depression prevailing in them, however, non-depressed students present some risk factors. This paper aims to serve as a pioneer in the aforementioned campus for other research since there is little information on the subject

Cardiac structural alterations in obese patients with or without metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:59:51 +0200

Obesity has become a serious health problem worldwide, being an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In that sense, to evaluate the frequency of cardiac geometric alterations in obese patients with or without metabolic syndrome and other CV risk factors, a study was performed in 28 obese participants and 13 non-obese who went voluntarily to the Clinical Pharmacology Unit of the Dean of Health Sciences of UCLA who were given a questionnaire to determine other CV risk factors and had the following tests: triglycerides , Total and fractionated cholesterol, creatinine, fasting glycemia and insulin using the ELISA technique, and a transthoracic echocardiogram. The obese, sedentary population as a whole, showed significantly higher values in the dimensions of the interventricular septum (SVI), posterior wall of the left ventricle (PPVI), and left atrial diameter (AI); 25% of the obese population presented concentric remodeling and 4% had eccentric hypertrophy. 32.14% of the obese presented metabolic syndrome, 64.29% dyslipidemia, 21% arterial hypertension and 28.57% smoking habits. Conclusions: Mild left ventricular morphologic alterations were found in obese patients, the presence of smoking habits in males exacerbates such alterations
Keywords: Obesity, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, ventricular geometry

Rhodnius pictipes naturally infected with Beauveria bassiana invading an urban domicile in Trujillo, Venezuela

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:59:42 +0200

The objectives of this work were the identification of a triatomine captured within a home located at 9 ° 17'2 "LN and 70 ° 25¨49" LO in the capital city of Trujillo State and the characterization of an entomopathogenic fungus found on the Integument and articulations of the captured specimen. For the isolation of the entomopathogen the insect was placed in a humid chamber for four days for a greater sporulation and for the development and isolation was used potato, Dextrose, Agar (PDA) culture medium. On the basis of the morphological characteristics of the specimen studied, these correspond to Rhodnius pictipes according to the pictorial key of triatomines (Hemiptera: Triatominae) from Venezuela. No eggs or nymphs were found inside the house to discuss possible colonization. As for the fungus, this was characterized as Beauveriabassiana whose characteristics are more noticeable its pattern of development of white color, turning to a yellowish coloration on the back of the plates, with conidiogenic globose to sub globose cells. In this work, we refer for the first time to the state Trujillo, Venezuela the invasion of Rhodnius pictipes to a house and its infestation with the entomopatógeno Beauveria bassiana.

Psychosocial risks assesment on Lara State workers

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:59:31 +0200

A descriptive transversal investigation was conducted with the aim of evaluating the exposure to psycho-social risks in a stratified sample of 556 workers of the main areas of economic activities in Lara State, Venezuela. The questionnaire for evaluation of psychosocial risk in the workplace (ISTAS) was applied for the identification and measurement of exposure of workers to psychosocial demands related to claims about labor and control over job content. The results indicate that the proportion of workers exposed to situations most unfavourable to health is low (9% to 27%) prevailing dimensions of double presence and psychological demands. The rate exposure for intermediate situations is relatively high (55% to 69%) in the psychological demands dimension, active work, skill development and also compensation. Workers with higher exposures are those belonging to financial, insurance and real estate industries, shops, restaurants and hotels. The results from this study suggest that the workers whose activity involves customer interactions are exposed to higher psychological (cognitive and emotional) demands and they are limited to make decisions about their tasks, have almost no chance of skill development or control over their working time. Workers under community, social and personal service activities perceive that compensations received (stability and esteem) are not in accordance with their efforts. Social support and leadership was the dimension perceived as the most favorable for the health of all workers.

Importance of epidemiological reports

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:59:23 +0200

Los reportes epidemiológicos periódicos en Salud Publica son fundamentales para el buen desempeño de los sistemas de salud en un país. Los programas, planes de salud y la respectiva atención y resolución de estos problemas sanitarios ameritan de sistemas de información confiables y emitidos de forma periódica, continua y completa. Recientemente fue publicado en la página Web oficial del Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud, los Boletines Epidemiológicos Semanales de las 25 últimas semanas del año 2015 y de las 52 semanas del 2016, con una mora de casi dos años. En ellos llama la atención un aumento de la mortalidad materna del 2014 al 2015 del 15%, así como la aparición de 324 casos de difteria, reportados en el Boletín Epidemiológico Semanal número 52, patología no reportada en Boletines anteriores hasta el 2012. De igual manera se notifican 240.637 casos de malaria en 2015, con un aumento considerable tomando como referencia el 2012 cuando se reportaron 136.402 casos

NaWaraos, a contribution in public health

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:59:16 +0200

The Warao indigenous community in the Delta Amacuro state, Venezuela, without intending it, became historical internationally, when the English writer, Daniel Defoe, published in 1719, the adventures of Robinson Crusoe (autobiographical and fictional), considered the first English novel1; This pre-Columbian community, whose name comes from its own language: Wa, boat and Arao, people (canoe people), presented a series of public health needs (2-5) that motivated a diverse group of professionals, headed by the Doctors Raúl Arocha, Gerardo Sánchez, Gustavo Báez and Gloria Álvarez to place all their knowledge and skills in the solution of these diseases, is how the Non-Governmental Organization and apolitical "Na'Waraos" is created, which selects the population of Nabasanuka (Naba: pipe or river, and Sanuka: small) located at the geographic coordinates of LN 09 ° 08 '11.9 "and LO 061 ° 03'31.2", to be the epicenter of the control of endemic and epidemic diseases of its inhabitants and others 30 nearby towns such as Wisidatu, Joarotu, Bajanarotu and Araguabici

Dengue risk factors study in juan guillermo iribarren municipality, Lara State.

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:59:09 +0200

Dengue es una de las arbovirosis más importantes en el mundo en términos de morbi-mortalidad. En América, destaca Venezuela donde son afectados niños, mujeres y hombres, en todos sus estados, en particular Lara, en el cual se desarrolló una investigación para determinar los factores de riesgo de dengue en cuatro parroquias del municipio Juan Guillermo Iribarren del estado en el año 2006. La muestra quedó constituida por 516 viviendas, se aplicó un cuestionario a los jefes de familia o persona mayor de edad de la vivienda seleccionada. Entre los resultados: la prevalencia de dengue fue 11,4% (IC95%:8,59 -14,23), en el grupo de edad de 1-29 años, 43,4% tuvo dengue (ORa =21, IC95%:10,7- 41,1), en el género femenino 15,3% fue afectado (ORa=1,9, IC95%: 0,9-3,5). Entre quienes desconocían sobre la transmisión de dengue, 13.3% lo padecieron (ORa=1,48, IC95%: 0,7-2,9). Con relación a las variables ambientales, se encontró que en las viviendas con presencia de criaderos de larvas de Aedes aegypti, 15,3% de los entrevistados presentaron dengue (ORa=2,1, IC95%: 1- 4,7). Los resultados evidenciaron que existe asociación significativa (c2; p

Measurement of the Wingbeart Frequency of the Aedes aegypti PROVENIENTS FROM A REGION OF VENEZUELA

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:59:01 +0200

In order to develop intelligent traps as vector control mechanisms for the prevention and reduction of metaxenic diseases, a physiological parameter is determined as the wingbeat frequency used for later characterization by genus of the Aedes aegypti mosquito in Venezuelan strains. For this, acoustic records were made with wild samples collected in rainwater reservoirs and emerged under controlled conditions in the laboratory. The recordings were made during one minute, in more than a hundred mosquitoes of this species and in both sexes, using a particle speed microphone connected to the audio input of a portable computer and a specialized program for acoustic records. A spectral analysis of the samples was carried out, determining that the average fundamental frequency of flutter for females corresponded to 454.78 ± 55.19 Hz and for males 688.39 ± 40.82 Hz, concluding that the groups were very separated in Its fundamental frequency, with which this parameter is a characteristic that can be used for the detection and classification of mosquitoes of this species, using artificial intelligence in capture devices for vector monitoring and control.

Microbiological and parasitological evaluation of fish of the species Mugil cephalus (lisa) commercialized in the city of Barquisimeto, Lara State.

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:58:53 +0200

The rate of deterioration of fish and its safety are related to the hygienic management of the fish and its conditioning,consuming poorly cooked or raw fish can lead to food poisoning, hepatitis, cholera and parasitism. The dishesregularlyinvolved include sushi, sashimi and ceviche. The parasitic disease is caused by the larval phases of anematode of the family Anisakidae. The parasite develops as an adult in marine mammals that acquire the diseasethanks to the infective L3 form developed in fish. The human consumes poorly cooked fish and acquires L3 larva,causing gastric, intestinal and extraintestinal disease or a gastro-allergic modality. Fourty - five specimens ofMugilcephalus purchased in popular markets, refrigerators and stalls in the city of Barquisimeto were studied.Through the visual inspection we evaluated the freshness index and through microbiological analysis we detectedsanitary indicators, fecal contamination and pathogens. A recount of the larvae extracted during the visual inspectionand during in vitro digestion, the results indicate that the freshness of the specimens was 8.36 ± 3.28 points.Staphylococcus aureus appeared in 64.7% of the samples. The 82.2% of the specimens showed parasitism, with anaverage of 24.48 larvae per specimen. Microscopic examination of the parasites present structures that coincide withthe genus Anisakis. These larvae are foodborne, so that in the face of symptoms and history of consumption of theseproducts,its important to consider these parasites as etiological agentsof these diseases.

Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome, risk of exposure. medical attention. San Francisco Ambulatory. Barquisimeto. Lara State. 2016

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:58:43 +0200

In order to determine the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome, occupational risk to develop it in the health personnel and the user's opinion about on medical attention, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in San Francisco's Type I Ambulatory. The sample consisted of 17 workers and 120 users. Two instruments were used to collect data addressed to health personnel: ISTAS questionnaire (CoPsoQ) 2000 short version and Maslach Burnout Inventory and a third questionnaire to users that measured opinion about medical care. For Psychosocial Risk in the staff, a favorable level was found in the categories active work and self-development possibilities with 88.2% as well as a social support and quality of leadership of 64.7%; the unfavorable level was presented in the categories insecurity 58.8%, double presence 47% and estimated 47%. Likewise, it was highlighted that no worker presented Burnout syndrome since the dimensions of personalization and depersonalization with 88.2% were located at a low level. In turn, 90.9% of the users felt totally satisfied with the medical care, deducting that the factors that contributed to feelings of exhaustion or stress did not influence the quality of care provided in the premises. This served to project new studies and make new references regarding the Burnout syndrome and its scope, giving the pertinent recommendations, both to the community and to the ambulatory staff to reduce the risks of developing the disease.

Antimicrobial activity of natural products against Helicobacter pylori

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:58:35 +0200

Since its discovery and identification in gastric tissue by Marshall and Warren in 1983, our knowledge about the effects of Helicobacter pylori infection has grown considerably. Its role in the multifactorial pathology of peptic ulcer disease (gastroduodenal ulcer disease), gastric adenocarcinoma, is now widely accepted. Currently, numerous antibiotic-based therapies are available. However, these therapies have several problems, including the appearance of resistance to the antibiotics used and associated adverse effects, the risk of re-infection and the high cost of treatment. This paper summarizes and analyzes the most important recent studies of plants with anti H. pylori activity. Plants species are presented as a very diverse source of bactericidal compounds, as well as for the development of new therapies for H. pylori control.

Prevalnce of dengue in the Parist of “Lagunillas”, Sucre Muicipaly, Mérida State, 2005 – 2015.

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:58:25 +0200

Dengue is a viral disease that depends on interactions between environment, agent, population of hosts and vector, as well as socioeconomic, political, technical and administrative determinants. The article aims to describe the prevalence of dengue for the period 2005 to 2015 in the Lagunillas parish of the municipality of Sucre, Mérida, Venezuela. Methodology: quantitative approach, descriptive type and non-experimental longitudinal design. Results: 2947 cases of dengue were found between the years under study. The presence of dengue with signs of alarm was recorded in the last three years of the study period and for severe dengue, the highest incidence occurred in 2010 with 1,085 cases / 100,000 inhabitants, the standardized prevalence rate: 2005 13/1000 inhabitants, by 2010 28/1000 inhabitants and 2015 of 8/1000 inhabitants and the projection (2016-2025) of the cases of dengue, a relation was obtained directly proportional in the time series, as Years increase the casuistry of the disease. Conclusions: The Lagunillas parish of Mérida state presents a high prevalence of dengue, being classified as an epidemic zone. It was determined that in the years 2013-2015 the dengue with signs of alarm, has suffered an increase in its incidence, although it has not been determined the cause, it is very probable that local environmental phenomena, such as the water deficit, as well as the social context , May translate into an increase in the density of the dengue transmitter vector and an increase in the reporting of dengue cases.

Public health and social problems

Scipedia content — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:57:14 +0200

Health conceived as a complex phenomenon constitutes a circuit where the effects retroact on the causes and the health disease process as a product, reproduces its causes in a reiterative way so its approach should not be made from a simplified but multidimensional and interdisciplinary logic. In the same way, the paradigm of complexity proposes to articulate the interdependencies of disciplinary or specialized knowledge, and conceives an organization or systemic complexity between the whole and the parts, which allows it to be capable of self-echo-reproduction and regeneration when relating to others. with its environment or environment. Under this approach, public health becomes a crucible where many disciplines can converge to understand and address the problems that affect the well-being of the population from that complex view of their environment that includes the physical, psychological, anthroposocial, spiritual, cultural and the politically and ideologically constructed

Variational Multiscale error estimators for solid mechanics adaptive simulations: An Orthogonal Subgrid Scale approach

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 12:40:16 +0200

In this work we present a general error estimator for the finite element solution of solid mechanics problems based on the Variational Multiscale method. The main idea is to consider a rich model for the subgrid scales as an error estimator. The subscales are considered to belong to a space orthogonal to the finite element space (Orthogonal Subgrid Scales) and we take into account their contribution both in the element interiors and on the element boundaries (Subscales on the Element Boundaries). A simple analysis shows that the upper bound for the obtained error estimator is sharper than in other error estimators based on the Variational Multiscale Method. Numerical examples show that the proposed error estimator is an accurate approximation for the energy norm error and can be used both in simple linear constitutive models and in more complex non-linear cases.

Interpolation with restrictions between finite element meshes for flow problems in an ALE setting

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 12:34:35 +0200

The need for remeshing when computing flow problems in domains suffering large deformations has motivated the implementation of a tool that allows the proper transmission of information between finite element meshes. Because the Lagrangian projection of results from one mesh to another is a dissipative method, a new conservative interpolation method has been developed. A series of constraints, such as the conservation of mass or energy, are applied to the interpolated arrays through Lagrange multipliers in an error minimization problem, so that the resulting array satisfies these physical properties while staying as close as possible to the original interpolated values in the L2 norm. Unlike other conservative interpolation methods that require a considerable effort in mesh generation and modification, the proposed formulation is mesh independent and is only based on the physical properties of the field being interpolated. Moreover, the performed corrections are neither coupled with the main calculation nor with the interpolation itself, for which reason the computational cost is very low.

Numerical analysis of a stabilized finite element approximation for the three-field linearized viscoelastic fluid problem using arbitrary interpolations

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:51:07 +0200

In this paper we present the numerical analysis of a three-field stabilized finite element formulation recently proposed to approximate viscoelastic flows. The three-field viscoelastic fluid flow problem may suffer from two types of numerical instabilities: on the one hand we have the two inf-sup conditions related to the mixed nature problem and, on the other, the convective nature of the momentum and constitutive equations may produce global and local oscillations in the numerical approximation. Both can be overcome by resorting from the standard Galerkin method to a stabilized formulation. The one presented here is based on the subgrid scale concept, in which unresolvable scales of the continuous solution are approximately accounted for. In particular, the approach developed herein is based on the decomposition into their finite element component and a subscale, which is approximated properly to yield a stable formulation. The analyzed problem corresponds to a linearized version of the Navier–Stokes/Oldroyd-B case where the advection velocity of the momentum equation and the non-linear terms in the constitutive equation are treated using a fixed point strategy for the velocity and the velocity gradient. The proposed method permits the resolution of the problem using arbitrary interpolations for all the unknowns. We describe some important ingredients related to the design of the formulation and present the results of its numerical analysis. It is shown that the formulation is stable and optimally convergent for small Weissenberg numbers, independently of the interpolation used.

An adaptive Fixed-Mesh ALE method for free surface flows

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:40:34 +0200

In this work we present a Fixed-Mesh ALE method for the numerical simulation of free surface flows capable of using an adaptive finite element mesh covering a background domain. This mesh is successively refined and unrefined at each time step in order to focus the computational effort on the spatial regions where it is required. Some of the main ingredients of the formulation are the use of an Arbitrary-Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation for computing temporal derivatives, the use of stabilization terms for stabilizing convection, stabilizing the lack of compatibility between velocity and pressure interpolation spaces, and stabilizing the ill-conditioning introduced by the cuts on the background finite element mesh, and the coupling of the algorithm with an adaptive mesh refinement procedure suitable for running on distributed memory environments. Algorithmic steps for the projection between meshes are presented together with the algebraic fractional step approach used for improving the condition number of the linear systems to be solved. The method is tested in several numerical examples. The expected convergence rates both in space and time are observed. Smooth solution fields for both velocity and pressure are obtained (as a result of the contribution of the stabilization terms). Finally, a good agreement between the numerical results and the reference experimental data is obtained.

Finite element approximation of the viscoelastic flow problem: A non-residual based stabilized formulation

María Jesús Samper — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:27:56 +0200

In this paper, a three-field finite element stabilized formulation for the incompressible viscoelastic fluid flow problem is tested numerically. Starting from a residual based formulation, a non-residual based one is designed, the benefits of which are highlighted in this work. Both formulations allow one to deal with the convective nature of the problem and to use equal interpolation for the problem unknowns σ−u−p (deviatoric stress, velocity and pressure). Additionally, some results from the numerical analysis of the formulation are stated. Numerical examples are presented to show the robustness of the method, which include the classical 4: 1 planar contraction problem and the flow over a confined cylinder case, as well as a two-fluid formulation for the planar jet buckling problem.

Conserving algorithms for frictionless and full stick friction contact dynamic problems using the direct elimination method

María Jesús Samper — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 11:25:38 +0200

In this paper, conserving time‐stepping algorithms for frictionless and full stick friction dynamic contact problems are presented. Time integration algorithms for frictionless and full stick friction dynamic contact problems have been designed to preserve the conservation of key discrete properties satisfied at the continuum level. Energy and energy‐momentum–preserving algorithms for frictionless and full stick friction dynamic contact problems, respectively, have been designed and implemented within the framework of the direct elimination method, avoiding the drawbacks linked to the use of penalty‐based or Lagrange multipliers methods. An assessment of the performance of the resulting formulation is shown in a number of selected and representative numerical examples, under full stick friction and slip frictionless contact conditions. Conservation of key discrete properties exhibited by the time‐stepping algorithm is shown.

The CIMNE model for generating knowledge on computational engineering and its transfer to society

María Jesús Samper — Mon, 20 May 2019 10:03:06 +0200

We present an overview of the model implemented by the International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE, www.cimne.com ) for the generation of scientific and technical knowledge on computational engineering, understood in the broad sense, the subsequent generation of product resulting from the research activities and the transfer of these products to society for their exploitation in the industrial sector.

We present examples of application of the CIMNE model to a number of academic, scientific and industry activities of CIMNE.

Early detection of anomalies in dam performance: A methodology based on boosted regression trees

María Jesús Samper — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 11:40:14 +0200

The advances in information and communication technologies led to a general trend towards the availability of more detailed information on dam behaviour. This allows applying advanced data‐based algorithms in its analysis, which has been reflected in an increasing interest in the field. However, most of the related literature is limited to the evaluation of model prediction accuracy, whereas the ulterior objective of data analysis is dam safety assessment. In this work, a machine‐learning algorithm (boosted regression trees) is the core of a methodology for early detection of anomalies. It also includes a criterion to determine whether certain discrepancy between predictions and observations is normal, a procedure to compute a realistic estimate of the model accuracy, and an original approach to identify extraordinary load combinations. The performance of causal and noncausal models is assessed in terms of their ability to detect different types of anomalies, which were artificially introduced on reference time series generated with a numerical model of a 100‐m‐high arch dam. The final approach was implemented in an online application to visualise the results in an intuitive way to support decision making.

Discrete/finite element modelling of rock cutting with TBM disc cutter

María Jesús Samper — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 11:24:54 +0200

This paper presents advanced computer simulation of rock cutting process typical for excavation works in civil engineering. Theoretical formulation of the hybrid discrete/finite element model has been presented. The discrete and finite element methods have been used in different subdomains of a rock sample according to expected material behaviour, the part which is fractured and damaged during cutting is discretized with the discrete elements while the other part is treated as a continuous body and it is modelled using the finite element method. In this way, an optimum model is created, enabling a proper representation of the physical phenomena during cutting and efficient numerical computation. The model has been applied to simulation of the laboratory test of rock cutting with a single TBM (tunnel boring machine) disc cutter. The micromechanical parameters have been determined using the dimensionless relationships between micro- and macroscopic parameters. A number of numerical simulations of the LCM test in the unrelieved and relieved cutting modes have been performed. Numerical results have been compared with available data from in-situ measurements in a real TBM as well as with the theoretical predictions showing quite a good agreement. The numerical model has provided a new insight into the cutting mechanism enabling us to investigate the stress and pressure distribution at the tool–rock interaction. Sensitivity analysis of rock cutting performed for different parameters including disc geometry, cutting velocity, disc penetration and spacing has shown that the presented numerical model is a suitable tool for the design and optimization of rock cutting process.

An Implicit Material Point Method Applied to Granular Flows

María Jesús Samper — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 11:07:59 +0200

The main objective of this work lies in the development of a variational implicit Material Point Method (MPM), implemented in the open source Kratos Multiphysics framework. The ability of the MPM technique to solve large displacement and large deformation problems is widely recognised and its use ranges over many problems in industrial and civil engineering. In the current work the continuum based implicit MPM is applied to engineering applications, where granular material flow is involved.

For the resolution of the length and time scale of these particular problems, both continuum and discrete models are typically used. Even if discrete techniques predict more feasible results, nowadays, their use is limited to the investigation of element tests of particles, or to the simulation of reduced systems, not allowing to make important decisions in the analysis and design of granular processes. Some advantages of MPM over discrete methods are tested, such as, the ability to simulate granular flow at the large scale with acceptable computational cost and the capability to get information of stress and strain state in a more straightforward way.

The focus of this paper is a comparative study between an irreducible and a mixed formulation, both implemented in the MPM code, to assess the improvement in accuracy and reliability of the numerical results when the latter formulation is adopted.

A FIC‐based stabilized mixed finite element method with equal order interpolation for solid–pore fluid interaction problems

María Jesús Samper — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 10:59:03 +0200

A new mixed displacement‐pressure element for solving solid–pore fluid interaction problems is presented. In the resulting coupled system of equations, the balance of momentum equation remains unaltered, while the mass balance equation for the pore fluid is stabilized with the inclusion of higher‐order terms multiplied by arbitrary dimensions in space, following the finite calculus (FIC) procedure. The stabilized FIC‐FEM formulation can be applied to any kind of interpolation for the displacements and the pressure, but in this work, we have used linear elements of equal order interpolation for both set of unknowns. Examples in 2D and 3D are presented to illustrate the accuracy of the stabilized formulation for solid–pore fluid interaction problems.

Numerical modelling of granular materials with spherical discrete particles and the bounded rolling friction model. Application to railway ballast

María Jesús Samper — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 14:16:45 +0200

The Discrete Element Method (DEM) was found to be an effective numerical method for the calculation of engineering problems involving granular materials. However, the representation of irregular particles using the DEM is a very challenging issue, leading to different geometrical approaches. This document presents a new insight in the application of one of those simplifications known as rolling friction, which avoids excessive rotation when irregular shaped materials are simulated as spheric particles. This new approach, called the Bounded Rolling Friction model, was applied to reproduce a ballast resistance test.

A hierarchical finite element for composite laminated beams using a refined zigzag theory

María Jesús Samper — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 13:18:25 +0200

In this work a kinematics for laminated beams enriched with a refined formulation ZigZag (RZT), originally presented by Tessler et al. in 2007, introduced in a hierarchical one dimensional type “p” finite element is presented. The finite element employs Lagrange polynomials for the approximation of the degrees of freedom of the ends (nodes) and orthogonal Gram-Schmidt polynomials to the internal degrees of freedoms. This finite element allows a very low discretization, is free of shear locking and behaves very well when the analysis of laminated composites with accurate determination of local stresses and strains at laminar level is necessary.

This element has been validated in the analysis of laminated beams with various sequences of symmetric and asymmetric stacking, studying in each case its accuracy and stability.

Data-Based Models for the Prediction of Dam Behaviour: A Review and Some Methodological Considerations

María Jesús Samper — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 12:12:27 +0200

Predictive models are an important element in dam safety analysis. They provide an estimate of the dam response faced with a given load combination, which can be compared with the actual measurements to draw conclusions about dam safety. In addition to numerical finite element models, statistical models based on monitoring data have been used for decades for this purpose. In particular, the hydrostatic-season-time method is fully implemented in engineering practice, although some limitations have been pointed out. In other fields of science, powerful tools such as neural networks and support vector machines have been developed, which make use of observed data for interpreting complex systems . This paper contains a review of statistical and machine-learning data-based predictive models, which have been applied to dam safety analysis . Some aspects to take into account when developing analysis of this kind, such as the selection of the input variables, its division into training and validation sets, and the error analysis, are discussed. Most of the papers reviewed deal with one specific output variable of a given dam typology and the majority also lack enough validation data. As a consequence, although results are promising, there is a need for further validation and assessment of generalisation capability. Future research should also focus on the development of criteria for data pre-processing and model application.