Sistema de control y visualizaci��n de informaci��n sobre riesgo de incendios

Una red inal��mbrica de sensores (Wireless Sensor Network, WSN) constituye un sistema de comunicaci��n de datos flexible utilizado como alternativa a las redes cableadas o como extensi��n de ��stas. Una de las aplicaciones de estas redes es para su uso en sistemas de predicci��n y prevenci��n de incendios en ��reas naturales. Su implementaci��n se basa en el despliegue de sensores inal��mbricos, realizado en una zona de riesgo de incendio que puedan recolectar informaci��n tal como temperatura, humedad y presi��n. Desde una estaci��n base (o nodo "sumidero"), se suministra la informaci��n de los sensores a un centro de monitorizaci��n y control de forma estructurada. En estos centros la informaci��n recibida puede ser analizada, procesada y visualizada en tiempo real. Desde este centro de control se puede controlar tambi��n la red WSN modificando el comportamiento de los sensores seg��n el nivel de riesgo de incendio detectado. Este proyecto se basa en el dise��o, desarrollo e implementaci��n de un Sistema de Control y Visualizaci��n de Informaci��n sobre Riesgo de Incendio (SCVIRI), que implementa las funciones de los centros de monitorizaci��n y control. La implementaci��n de este sistema, junto con el desarrollado, en paralelo, de otro proyecto denominado Sistema de Estimaci��n de Riesgo de Incendio Utilizando una WSN (SERIUW) que implementa la emulaci��n de la red WSN, conforman un sistema general de anticipaci��n y seguimiento de Fuegos. Se han realizado pruebas de funcionalidad y eficacia, incluidas en la presente memoria del sistema general (ambos proyectos), en un entorno controlado simulado. Este sistema es una soluci��n para la lucha contra los incendios forestales ya que predice y previene, de forma temprana, posibles incendios en las ��reas naturales bajo supervisi��n. Ante un evento de incendio declarado este sistema es un poderoso instrumento de apoyo permitiendo, por un lado, generar alertas autom��ticas (con localizaci��n y gravedad de fuegos detectados) y por el otro, hacer un seguimiento del incendio con mapas en tiempo real (con su consecuente apoyo para la protecci��n e informaci��n con las brigadas de bomberos en las zonas activas). ABSTRACT. A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a flexible data communication system used as an alternative to wired networks or as an extension of them. One possible application of these networks is related to fire prediction and prevention in natural areas. Its implementation is based on a deployment of wireless sensors, in an area with high or moderate fire risk, to collect information such as temperature, humidity, luminance and pressure. A base station (or "sink") sends the collected information to a monitoring and control center according to an agreed structured format. At this center, the information received can be analyzed, processed and displayed in real time by using monitoring systems. From this control center the WSN can also be controlled by changing the sensors behavior in consistence with the detected level of fire risk. The work carried out in this project consists on the design, development and implementation of a system named SCVIRI, which implements the functions of the aforementioned monitoring and control center. This system works in connection with other one, called SERIUW, which has been developed in a different project and implements the WSN in an emulated environment. These two systems working together make up a general system of anticipation and monitoring of fires. This document also includes the functionality and performance tests performed on the overall system in a controlled and simulated environment. The global system is a solution that makes it easier to predict and prevent possible fires in natural areas under supervision. This system can be a powerful tool since, before a fire event is declared, it generates automatic alerts (including location and severity information) and allows the real-time motorization of fire evolution and its graphical visualization on maps. This could be also very useful for providing fire brigades with support, protection and information in zones in which a fire is already active.

Efectos territoriales de las denominaciones de origen protegidas de aceite de oliva en Espa��a

La implementaci��n de indicaciones geogr��ficas, generan distintos efectos socio-econ��micos, tecnol��gicos y ambientales, no s��lo a nivel de los productores directamente involucrados, sino tambi��n en el marco del sistema agroalimentario local (SIAL). Entre estos ��ltimos, se destaca la organizaci��n colectiva de los productores y el desarrollo de una gobernanza, a partir del conjunto de actividades desarrolladas por el Consejo Regulador (CR), en torno al control de calidad y la promoci��n del producto. El concepto de gobernanza territorial implica llevar a cabo procesos de organizaci��n colectiva en red en los que tienen lugar procesos de coordinaci��n multi-nivel entre los agentes, las empresas y las instituciones locales, en un contexto de asimetr��a en la informaci��n y de la existencia de numerosos decisores. El objetivo de esta Tesis Doctoral es realizar un aporte metodol��gico para el estudio de la gobernanza territorial en sistemas agroalimentarios localizados, a partir de la construcci��n de indicadores (de calidad, innovaci��n, efectos econ��micos y pr��cticas ambientales) y el an��lisis de las redes de colaboraci��n en materia de difusi��n del conocimiento e innovaciones t��cnicas, organizativas y comerciales en la Comarca de Sierra M��gina. Para responder el objetivo se aplica an��lisis de redes sociales y se construyen indicadores sint��ticos para valorizar los efectos. Se realizan encuestas a la totalidad de almazaras presentes en la Comarca de Sierra M��gina, tanto a las que poseen el signo de calidad como a las que no cuentan con dicha marca territorial y entrevistas a testigos privilegiados. En las mismas se consulta sobre las actividades y proyectos que realizan en forma conjunta con otras almazaras e instituciones, as�� como los actores o referentes a qui��nes consultan en temas relacionados con la calidad en la producci��n oliv��cola y la obtenci��n de aceite, as�� como aquellos actores a quienes consultan en aspectos referidos a la Comercializaci��n y gesti��n. A partir de la informaci��n recabada, se obtienen cuatro indicadores sint��ticos de efectos de la implantaci��n de una DOP en las almazaras adheridas, referidos a la adopci��n de innovaciones productivas y organizativas, a la calidad en producto y procesos, a las rentas de diferenciaci��n y a las pr��cticas ambientales. Asimismo se generan las matrices bi-narias y valuadas para las redes de colaboraci��n en la difusi��n del conocimiento y se calculan los indicadores particulares. Esto nos permite estudiar las caracter��sticas de las redes que se generan (tama��o, conectividad), el papel del CR en la gobernanza territorial y de otras instituciones del medio, as�� como identificar actores centrales y grupos en el proceso de difusi��n de conocimientos. Los resultados muestran que los SIAL pueden beneficiarse de la organizaci��n interprofesional y de cooperaci��n interinstitucional a escala local que se producen tras la implantaci��n de una DOP. Se desarrolla un proceso de articulaci��n y un fuerte intercambio de conocimientos entre actores ligados al propio proceso de control de la calidad diferencial. Pero, junto con ello, se desarrollan actividades de formaci��n y de promoci��n del patrimonio comarcal y se consolidan redes locales de innovaci��n y colaboraci��n mutua en distintas actividades, tanto entre actores de la propia cadena de producci��n, como entre ��stos y las instituciones del medio. Estas actividades, junto con la presencia de un entramado institucional denso, permiten el desarrollo de una gobernanza territorial alrededor del sistema agroalimentario del aceite de oliva. ABSTRACT The implementation of geographical indications has different socio-economic, technological and environmental effects not only for the producers involved but also for the local agro food system (LAFS). Among the latter, we can highlight the collective organization of producers and the development of territorial governance through a series of tasks developed by the Regulatory Board (RB) as regards quality control and product marketing. The concept of territorial governance involves processes of collective organization in networks, where processes of multi-level coordination among agents, enterprises and local institutions take place within a context of asymmetry of information and numerous decision makers. The objective of this Doctoral Thesis is to contribute with methodological tools for the study of territorial governance in local agro food systems by constructing indicators (of quality, innovation, economic effects and environmental practices) and by analyzing networks of collaboration in terms of dissemination of technical, organizational and commercial innovation and knowledge in Comarca de Sierra M��gina. To achieve that objective, social network analysis is applied and synthetic indicators are elaborated to valorize the effects. Interviews to key actors and surveys to every oil mill in Comarca de Sierra M��gina are carried out, not only in those oil mills that host a label of quality but also in the ones that do not hold it. These interviews inquire about tasks and projects performed together with other oil mills and institutions and about actors or referents consulted in topics related to quality in olive production and oil extraction as well as in management and marketing. From all the information collected, four synthetic indicators of the effects of establishing Protected Designations of Origen (PDOs) in the associate oil mills are obtained, in terms of adoption of productive and organizational innovations, process and product quality, income differentiation and environmental practices. In the same way, binary and valorized matrixes are generated for those networks collaborating in the dissemination of knowledge and specific indicators are calculated. This allows to study networks (size, connectivity), the role of RB in territorial governance and other institutions involved and to identify main actors and groups in the process of knowledge dissemination. The results show that the LAFS can benefit from inter-professional organizations and inter- institutional cooperation at local levels by implementing PDOs. A process of articulation and strong exchange of knowledge is developed among those actors involved in controlling differential quality. But, at the same time, activities for the formation and promotion of the ���comarca��� patrimony are developed and local networks of innovation and mutual collaboration are built for different activities, not only among actors in the production process itself, but between these actors and local institutions as well. These tasks, together with the existence of a dense spatial entrepreneurial network, allow the development of territorial governance on the olive oil agro food system.

Using multimedia and peer assessment to promote collaborative e-learning

Collaborative e-learning is increasingly appealing as a pedagogical approach that can positively affect student learning. We propose a didactical model that integrates multimedia with collaborative tools and peer assessment to foster collaborative e-learning. In this paper, we explain it and present the results of its application to the ���International Seminars on Materials Science��� online course. The proposed didactical model consists of five educational activities. In the first three, students review the multimedia resources proposed by the teacher in collaboration with their classmates. Then, in the last two activities, they create their own multimedia resources and assess those created by their classmates. These activities foster communication and collaboration among students and their ability to use and create multimedia resources. Our purpose is to encourage the creativity, motivation, and dynamism of the learning process for both teachers and students.

Student Reciprocal Peer Teaching as a Method for Active Learning: An Experience in an Electrotechnical Laboratory

Active learning is one of the most efficient mechanisms for learning, according to the psychology of learning. When students act as teachers for other students, the communication is more fluent and knowledge is transferred easier than in a traditional classroom. This teaching method is referred to in the literature as reciprocal peer teaching. In this study, the method is applied to laboratory sessions of a higher education institution course, and the students who act as teachers are referred to as ������laboratory monitors.������ A particular way to select the monitors and its impact in the final marks is proposed. A total of 181 students participated in the experiment, experiences with laboratory monitors are discussed, and methods for motivating and training laboratory monitors and regular students are proposed. The types of laboratory sessions that can be led by classmates are discussed. This work is related to the changes in teaching methods in the Spanish higher education system, prompted by the Bologna Process for the construction of the European Higher Education Area

Architectures for Video-on-Demand content distribution in managed networks

La demanda de contenidos de v��deo ha aumentado r��pidamente en los ��ltimos a��os como resultado del gran despliegue de la TV sobre IP (IPTV) y la variedad de servicios ofrecidos por los operadores de red. Uno de los servicios que se ha vuelto especialmente atractivo para los clientes es el v��deo bajo demanda (VoD) en tiempo real, ya que ofrece una transmisi��n (streaming) inmediata de gran variedad de contenidos de v��deo. El precio que los operadores tienen que pagar por este servicio es el aumento del tr��fico en las redes, que est��n cada vez m��s congestionadas debido a la mayor demanda de contenidos de VoD y al aumento de la calidad de los propios contenidos de v��deo. As��, uno de los principales objetivos de esta tesis es encontrar soluciones que reduzcan el tr��fico en el n��cleo de la red, manteniendo la calidad del servicio en el nivel adecuado y reduciendo el coste del tr��fico. La tesis propone un sistema jer��rquico de servidores de streaming en el que se ejecuta un algoritmo para la ubicaci��n ��ptima de los contenidos de acuerdo con el comportamiento de los usuarios y el estado de la red. Debido a que cualquier algoritmo ��ptimo de distribuci��n de contenidos alcanza un l��mite en el que no se puede llegar a nuevas mejoras, la inclusi��n de los propios clientes del servicio (los peers) en el proceso de streaming puede reducir a��n m��s el tr��fico de red. Este proceso se logra aprovechando el control que el operador tiene en las redes de gesti��n privada sobre los equipos receptores (Set-Top Box) ubicados en las instalaciones de los clientes. El operador se reserva cierta capacidad de almacenamiento y streaming de los peers para almacenar los contenidos de v��deo y para transmitirlos a otros clientes con el fin de aliviar a los servidores de streaming. Debido a la incapacidad de los peers para sustituir completamente a los servidores de streaming, la tesis propone un sistema de streaming asistido por peers. Algunas de las cuestiones importantes que se abordan en la tesis son saber c��mo los par��metros del sistema y las distintas distribuciones de los contenidos de v��deo en los peers afectan al rendimiento general del sistema. Para dar respuesta a estas preguntas, la tesis propone un modelo estoc��stico preciso y flexible que tiene en cuenta par��metros como las capacidades de enlace de subida y de almacenamiento de los peers, el n��mero de peers, el tama��o de la biblioteca de contenidos de v��deo, el tama��o de los contenidos y el esquema de distribuci��n de contenidos para estimar los beneficios del streaming asistido por los peers. El trabajo tambi��n propone una versi��n extendida del modelo matem��tico mediante la inclusi��n de la probabilidad de fallo de los peers y su tiempo de recuperaci��n en el conjunto de par��metros del modelo. Estos modelos se utilizan como una herramienta para la realizaci��n de exhaustivos an��lisis del sistema de streaming de VoD asistido por los peers para la amplia gama de par��metros definidos en los modelos. Abstract The demand of video contents has rapidly increased in the past years as a result of the wide deployment of IPTV and the variety of services offered by the network operators. One of the services that has especially become attractive to the customers is real-time Video on Demand (VoD) because it offers an immediate streaming of a large variety of video contents. The price that the operators have to pay for this convenience is the increased traffic in the networks, which are becoming more congested due to the higher demand for VoD contents and the increased quality of the videos. Therefore, one of the main objectives of this thesis is finding solutions that would reduce the traffic in the core of the network, keeping the quality of service on satisfactory level and reducing the traffic cost. The thesis proposes a system of hierarchical structure of streaming servers that runs an algorithm for optimal placement of the contents according to the users��� behavior and the state of the network. Since any algorithm for optimal content distribution reaches a limit upon which no further improvements can be made, including service customers themselves (the peers) in the streaming process can further reduce the network traffic. This process is achieved by taking advantage of the control that the operator has in the privately managed networks over the Set-Top Boxes placed at the clients��� premises. The operator reserves certain storage and streaming capacity on the peers to store the video contents and to stream them to the other clients in order to alleviate the streaming servers. Because of the inability of the peers to completely substitute the streaming servers, the thesis proposes a system for peer-assisted streaming. Some of the important questions addressed in the thesis are how the system parameters and the various distributions of the video contents on the peers would impact the overall system performance. In order to give answers to these questions, the thesis proposes a precise and flexible stochastic model that takes into consideration parameters like uplink and storage capacity of the peers, number of peers, size of the video content library, size of contents and content distribution scheme to estimate the benefits of the peer-assisted streaming. The work also proposes an extended version of the mathematical model by including the failure probability of the peers and their recovery time in the set of parameters. These models are used as tools for conducting thorough analyses of the peer-assisted system for VoD streaming for the wide range of defined parameters.