Tradición y evolución moderna. Tres arquitecturas patio de Francisco de Asís Cabrero.

A partir del estudio de tres ejemplos seleccionados: El "zoco" expositivo de la primera Feria Nacional del Campo (1950), la Escuela Nacional de Hostelería y el pabellón de la Obra Sindical del Hogar (1956) describimos los mecanismos proyectuales utilizados por Francisco de Asís Cabrero en sus arquitecturas-patio. La investigación parte de las referencias basadas en los invariantes de la tradición hispanomusulmana descritos por Fernando Chueca, que se transforman y adaptan al incorporar las referencias modernas: el racionalismo italiano, las casas patio de Mies o las construcciones ligeras de Charles y Ray Eames. Concluiremos que los sistemas o tapices de muros paralelos y organizaciones en "U" son una referencia poco conocida a los sistemas clásicos empleados por Cabrero, y que subyace en su obra radicalmente moderna. La investigación surge de la documentación original recopilada durante la realización de la tesis doctoral y se ilustra con dibujos del autor.

El palacio de la Agricultura: expresión y gesto moderno. Francisco de Asís Cabrero y Jaime Ruiz: pioneros de la arquitectura expositiva madrileña.

Investigación sobre los edificios que componen el núcleo del recinto ferial de la Casa de Campo de Madrid, denominados el "agora expoositivo". El estudio se centra en el actual pabellón de la Pipa que originalmente fue concebido como Palacio de la Agricultura de la II Feria Internacional del Campo celebrada en 1953.

Idas y venidas. Los viajes de arquitectura en España entre 1920 y 1960

Esta tesis se propone indagar en las vias por las que la arquitectura española cambió en el periodo comprendido entre 1920 y 1960 y el papel que los viajes tuvieron en dicho cambio. La investigación busca demostrar que, junto a otros factores como la llegada de revistas y libros y las conferencias de arquitectos de la talla de Le Corbusier, Gropius, Mendelsohn, Neutra o Aalto, los viajes tuvieron un papel clave en el proceso de apertura de miras y que provocó que, bien a traves de lo publicado en las revistas por los “arquitectos viajeros” o por el reflejo que tuvo lo conocido fuera de nuestras fronteras en proyectos y obras concretas, un buen numero de arquitectos, que no tuvieron la posibilidad de viajar, pudieron conocer que existía una realidad muy distinta a la que los profesores en la Escuela les habían enseñado o a la que estaban acostumbrados a ver en otros arquitectos de generaciones anteriores basada, en buena medida, en la recuperación de un estilo propio nacional centrandose en los historicismos. A lo largo de la investigación trataremos de ver que efecto produjo la apertura de fronteras y que papel tuvieron los viajes en dicho proceso. También nos centraremos en comprobar hasta qué punto cambió la manera de ver la arquitectura de los protagonistas del viaje y de aquellos que recibieron la información por ellos encontrada. Veremos cómo dicha información es cuantificable, clasificable y demostrable en propuestas concretas. Será importante ver que motivó su salida, que buscaban y que encontraron así como, entre las influencias recibidas, cuales tuvieron un mayor calado: las propuestas europeas o las americanas, y dentro de las primeras, las holandesas, las alemanas o las francesas. Los objetivos que se persigue conseguir son: contribuir a un mayor conocimiento de la arquitectura entre 1920 y 1960 a través de las conexiones internacionales y el ensanchamiento de horizontes, recopilar, clasificar y analizar todo el material obtenido relacionando los viajes con las biografías de los arquitectos protagonistas, estudiar qué interesa a los arquitectos españoles cuando van fuera y porqué (será importante ver quiénes de entre los arquitectos son más abiertos a las corrientes europeas y que motivó su salida en busca de nuevos lenguajes), ordenar las reflexiones que exponen los arquitectos a la vuelta de sus viajes y ver en que propuestas y de qué forma los arquitectos plasman lo encontrado en su búsqueda en el extranjero. Para conseguir estos objetivos estructuraremos la investigación en tres bloques: En el primero de ellos nos centraremos en profundizar como era la arquitectura española a principios del siglo XX. Para poder entender mejor las transformaciones que los viajes provocaron será necesario conocer cuál era la arquitectura predominante en estos años que, como veremos, consistía en la búsqueda de un estilo nacional propio dirigiendo su mirada al pasado. También veremos cómo un grupo de arquitectos (Palacios, Flórez, Torres Balbás o Anasagasti) fueron pioneros en el deseo de mirar fuera de nuestras fronteras así como dedicaremos especial atención a cómo era la formación en la Escuela. El segundo capítulo, que abarca desde principios de los años 20 hasta la Guerra Civil, tratará de demostrar la importancia que tuvo en el proceso de permeabilidad frente a las corrientes extranjeras los viajes que los arquitectos realizaron y que, sumados a la llegada de revistas y las visitas de los principales arquitectos modernos, provocaron una primera apertura como respuesta a los historicismos predominantes. Entre los arquitectos viajeros destacaremos las figuras de Fernando García Mercadal (incidiendo en su importancia como difusor de la arquitectura moderna), Rafael Bergamín, Ramón Sánchez Arcas y Luis Lacasa. También nos detendremos en ver la importancia que tuvieron las exposiciones (con especial atención a la de Artes Decorativas de París de 1925 y la de la Deutscher Werkbund en Stuttgart en 1927) que se realizaron estos años y como llegó la información a nuestro país. El tercer y último capítulo arranca con el periodo de posguerra, una época de transición pues los viajes que se realizaron fueron escasos y en la mayoría de las ocasiones no se llevaron a cabo en busca de nuevos caminos. Veremos cómo tras la Guerra y de la mano de la dictadura se produce, de la misma forma que en la Alemania nazi, una vuelta al interés por los historicismos de principios de siglo. Para entender mejor este periodo haremos un repaso a la obra de Luis Gutiérrez Soto por ser explicativa de lo cambiante de las corrientes arquitectónicas de estos años. Tras el análisis de los sucedido en posguerra nos dedicaremos a analizar, de la misma forma que en el primer periodo, la manera en que se produjo el rechazo al estilo nacional de nuevo gracias a la llegada de libros y revistas, lo publicado por las revistas españolas, las visitas de arquitectos de prestigio así como los viajes de un grupo de arquitectos que, de manera individual, salieron al extranjero en busca de apoyo, de referencias en los que cimentar su arquitectura. De este grupo, por la importancia que los propios protagonistas dieron al hecho de viajar como complemento a su formación y por la manera en la que reflejaron lo aprendido en proyectos concretos destacamos a Francisco de Asís Cabrero, Miguel Fisac, Ramón Vázquez Molezún y Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza. De nuevo, igual que en el primer capítulo finalizaremos la investigación dedicando un apartado a las exposiciones (fundamentalmente la Interbau de Berlín de 1957) celebradas en estos años. Para finalizar estableceremos las conclusiones que nos llevarán a comprobar hasta qué punto la arquitectura española en los periodos previo y posterior a la guerra cambió y en qué medida tuvieron importancia los viajes que los arquitectos españoles realizaron al extranjero en dicho cambio… ABSTRACT This thesis aims to look at the ways which Spanish architecture changed in the period between 1920 and 1960, and the way it was effected by travelling . The research will demonstrate that, together with other factors, such as the arrival of magazines, books, conferences and architects like Le Corbusier, Gropius, Mendelsohn, Neutra or Aalto, travelling played a key role in architecture. Also, it changed the way we look at architecture. Travelling, thanks to the published journals by "travelling architects” and the influence that they had - known beyond our borders in projects and concrete works, caused the arrival of a new type of architects. Even those who were not able to travel, knew that there was a very different reality than the reality the teachers at the school had taught them. Also, the “new reality” was different from the one that they were used to seeing in other architects of earlier generations, based mainly on the recovery of a national style focused on historicism. Throughout the investigation I will try to show the effect that the opening of borders and travelling had on this process. We will also focus on checking how it changed the way we see the architecture, from the point of view of the protagonists of the travels and those who received the information . We will see how that information is quantifiable and demonstrably classifiable into concrete proposals. It will be important to see which led to their departure. They sought and found among the influences, which had a major impact: the proposed European or American, and within the first, Dutch, German or French. The objectives to be achieved are: To contribute to a better understanding of architecture between 1920 to 1960 by the international connections, and widening the horizon. To collect, classify and analyze all obtained materials related to travelling with biographies of architects protagonists. To study what the interests of the Spanish architects were when they went abroad and why ( it will be important to see who among those architects were more open to European trends and prompted their departures for new languages). To order reflections exhibited by architects around his travels and to see what proposals and how architects reflected what they found in their search abroad. To achieve these objectives we will structure this research in three areas: In the first one, we will focus on how the Spanish architecture in the early twentieth century was. To better understand the changes that travelling caused it is necessary to understand that the predominant architecture in these years was in pursuit of its own national style, directing its gaze to the past, like we shall see. We will also see how a group of architects (Palacios, Flórez, Torres Balbás or Anasagasti) pioneered by looking beyond our borders and devote special attention to how the training was in the School. The second chapter, ranging from early 20s to the Civil War, will try to demonstrate the importance that travelling had in the process of diffusion currents. That, together with the arrival of magazines and visits by leading modern architects, led to a first opening in architecture, in response to the prevailing historicism. Among the travelers we highlight architects like Fernando García Mercadal (stressing his importance as a disseminator of modern architecture), Rafael Bergamín, Ramón Sánchez Arcas and Luis Lacasa. We will also stop to see the importance of exhibitions (with special attention to the Decorative Arts in Paris in 1925 and the Deutscher Werkbund in Stuttgart in 1927) that were held over the years and how the information came to our country . The third and final chapter starts with the post war period, a time of transition for the travels, which were scarce and in most cases were not conducted on new roads. We will see that after the war and with the dictatorship, a return to interest in historicism of the century occurred, just as in Nazi Germany. For better understanding of this period we will review the work of Luis Gutiérrez Soto. His work is explanatory of the changing of architectural trends over these years. After analyzing the case in post war, we turn to analyze, in the same way as in the first period, the manner in which rejection occurred in national style again with the arrival of books and magazines. Visits by prestigious architects and group travels of architects who, individually, went abroad in search of support, references on which to base their architecture. In this group of architects, due to the importance that the protagonists gave to the act of traveling to improve their training and the way in which they reflected what they learned in practical projects, I include Francisco de Asís Cabrero, Miguel Fisac, Ramon Vazquez Molezún and Francisco Javier Saenz de Oiza. Again, as in the first chapter, we will conclude the investigation dedicating a section to the exhibitions held in these years (mainly Interbau Berlin, 1957). Finally establishing conclusions lead us to see how far the Spanish architecture in the pre- and post -war periods changed and how much the trips were important to Spanish architects who performed abroad on the change...

Sistemas Avanzados de Asistencia al Conductor

El control inteligente de vehículos autónomos es uno de los retos actuales más importantes de los Sistemas Inteligentes de Transporte. La aplicación de técnicas de inteligencia artificial para la gestión automática de los actuadores del vehículo permite a los diferentes sistemas avanzados de asistencia al conductor (ADAS) y a los sistemas de conducción autónoma, realizar una gestión de nivel bajo de una manera muy similar a la de los conductores humanos, mejorando la seguridad y el confort. En este artículo se presenta un esquema de control para gestionar estos actuadores de bajo nivel del vehículo (dirección, acelerador y freno). Este sistema automático de control de bajo nivel se ha definido, implementado y probado en un vehículo Citroën C3 Pluriel, cuyos actuadores han sido automatizados y pueden recibir señales de control desde un ordenador de a bordo.

Optimization of a label-free biosensor vertically characterized based on a periodic lattice of high aspect ratio SU-8 nano-pillars with a simplified 2D theoretical model

We have recently demonstrated a biosensor based on a lattice of SU8 pillars on a 1 μm SiO2/Si wafer by measuring vertically reflectivity as a function of wavelength. The biodetection has been proven with the combination of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) protein and its antibody (antiBSA). A BSA layer is attached to the pillars; the biorecognition of antiBSA involves a shift in the reflectivity curve, related with the concentration of antiBSA. A detection limit in the order of 2 ng/ml is achieved for a rhombic lattice of pillars with a lattice parameter (a) of 800 nm, a height (h) of 420 nm and a diameter(d) of 200 nm. These results correlate with calculations using 3D-finite difference time domain method. A 2D simplified model is proposed, consisting of a multilayer model where the pillars are turned into a 420 nm layer with an effective refractive index obtained by using Beam Propagation Method (BPM) algorithm. Results provided by this model are in good correlation with experimental data, reaching a reduction in time from one day to 15 minutes, giving a fast but accurate tool to optimize the design and maximizing sensitivity, and allows analyzing the influence of different variables (diameter, height and lattice parameter). Sensitivity is obtained for a variety of configurations, reaching a limit of detection under 1 ng/ml. Optimum design is not only chosen because of its sensitivity but also its feasibility, both from fabrication (limited by aspect ratio and proximity of the pillars) and fluidic point of view. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Methodology to assess economic and environmental impacts of nitrogen in fertirrigation systems.

To determine the risk of nitrate pollution in agricultural systems have identified several indexes and efficiencies that may lead an effective N fertilizer management for obtain the maximum yield with minimum environmental impact and health

Clean Coal Technologies Scenario and Evaluation of Present CO2 Dwindling Initiatives to Approach Zero Emission Power Stations By Coal Combustion. Deployment Situation and Evaluation Study

In the present uncertain global context of reaching an equal social stability and steady thriving economy, power demand expected to grow and global electricity generation could nearly double from 2005 to 2030. Fossil fuels will remain a significant contribution on this energy mix up to 2050, with an expected part of around 70% of global and ca. 60% of European electricity generation. Coal will remain a key player. Hence, a direct effect on the considered CO2 emissions business-as-usual scenario is expected, forecasting three times the present CO2 concentration values up to 1,200ppm by the end of this century. Kyoto protocol was the first approach to take global responsibility onto CO2 emissions monitoring and cap targets by 2012 with reference to 1990. Some of principal CO2emitters did not ratify the reduction targets. Although USA and China spur are taking its own actions and parallel reduction measures. More efficient combustion processes comprising less fuel consuming, a significant contribution from the electricity generation sector to a CO2 dwindling concentration levels, might not be sufficient. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies have started to gain more importance from the beginning of the decade, with research and funds coming out to drive its come in useful. After first researching projects and initial scale testing, three principal capture processes came out available today with first figures showing up to 90% CO2 removal by its standard applications in coal fired power stations. Regarding last part of CO2 reduction chain, two options could be considered worthy, reusing (EOR & EGR) and storage. The study evaluates the state of the CO2 capture technology development, availability and investment cost of the different technologies, with few operation cost analysis possible at the time. Main findings and the abatement potential for coal applications are presented. DOE, NETL, MIT, European universities and research institutions, key technology enterprises and utilities, and key technology suppliers are the main sources of this study. A vision of the technology deployment is presented.

Nitrogen Fertirrigation: an Integrated Agronomic and Environmental Study

Proper management of the N applied to crops is necessary in order to increase yield, improve water use efficiency (WUE) and reduce the pollutions risks with the least economic, environmental and health costs. A field study with melon crops was conducted during 2005, 2006 and 2007 in central Spain, using 11 different amounts of N. Some environmental indexes have been proposed, to provide an essential tool for determining the groundwater pollution risks associated with common agricultural practices. These indexes are related to variation in the nitrate concentration of drinking water (Impact Index (II)) and groundwater (Environmental Impact Index (EII)). Also, the Management Efficiency (ME) was calculated, which is related to the amount of fruit produced per gram of N leached (Nl). To determine the optimum dose of N, it was also necessary to know the N mineralisation (NM). Our results show that 160 kg ha?1 of available N (Nav) produced the maximum fruit yield (FY), enhanced WUE and gave an NM of 85 kg ha?1, while the impact indexes did not exceed the fixed maximum allowable limits and ME was adequate. The proposed indexes proved to be an effective tool for determining the risk of nitrate contamination and confirmed that the optimum dose of N corresponded to the maximum FY with minimal loss of Nl.

Impact of nitrogen uptake on field water balance in fertirrigated melon.

Agronomic management in Ciudad Real, a province in central Spain, is characteristic of semi-arid cropped areas whose water supplies have high nitrate (NO3?) content due to environmental degradation. This situation is aggravated by the existence of a restrictive subsurface layer of ?caliche? or hardpan at a depth of 0.60 m. Under these circumstances, fertirrigation rates, including nitrogen (N) fertilizer schedules, must be carefully calibrated to optimize melon yields while minimizing the N pollution and water supply. Such optimization was sought by fertilizing with different doses of N and irrigating at 100% of the ETc (crop evapotranspiration), adjusted for this crop and area. The N content in the four fertilizer doses used was: 0, 55, 82 and 109 kg N ha?1. Due to the NO3? content in the irrigation water, however, the actual N content was 30 kg ha?1 higher in all four treatments repeated in two different years. The results showed correlation between melon plant N uptake and drainage (Dr), which in turn affects the amount of N leached, as well as correlation between Dr and LAI (leaf area index) for each treatment. A fertilizer factor (?) was estimated through two methods, from difference in Dr and in LAI ratio with respect to the maximum N dose, to correct ETc based on N doses. The difference was found in the adjusted evapotranspiration in both years using the corresponding ? achieved 42?49 mm at vegetative period, depending on the method, and it was not significant at senescent period. Finally, a growth curve between N uptake and plant dry weight (DW) for each treatment was defined to confirm that the observed higher plant vigour, showing higher LAI and reduced Dr, was due mainly to higher N doses.

Biomolecular interaction analysis of gestrinone-anti-gestrinone using arrays of high aspect ratio SU-8 nanopillars

In this paper, label-free biosensing for antibody screening by periodic lattices of high-aspect ratio SU-8 nano-pillars (BICELLs) is presented. As a demonstration, the determination of anti-gestrinone antibodies from whole rabbit serum is carried out, and for the first time, the dissociation constant (KD = 6 nM) of antigen-antibody recognition process is calculated using this sensing system. After gestrinone antigen immobilization on the BICELLs, the immunorecognition was performed. The cells were interrogated vertically by using micron spot size Fourier transform visible and IR spectrometry (FT-VIS-IR), and the dip wavenumber shift was monitored. The biosensing assay exhibited good reproducibility and sensitivity (LOD = 0.75 ng/mL).

Exercise during pregnancy improves maternal glucose screen at 24-28 weeks: a randomised controlled trial

Objective. The influence of an exercise programme performed by healthy pregnant women on maternal glucose tolerance was studied. Study design. A physical activity (PA, land/aquatic activities) programme during the entire pregnancy (three sessions per week) was conducted by a qualified instructor. 83 healthy pregnant women were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (EG, n=40) or a control (CG, n=43) group. 50 g maternal glucose screen (MGS), maternal weight gain and several pregnancy outcomes were recorded. Results. Significant differences were found between study groups on the 50 g MGS. Values corresponding to the EG (103.8±20.4 mg/dl) were better than those of the CG (126.9±29.5 mg/dl), p=0.000. In addition, no differences in maternal weight gain and no cases of gestational diabetes in EG versus 3 in CG (7%) (p>0.05) were found. Conclusion. A moderate PA programme performed during pregnancy improves levels of maternal glucose tolerance.

Towards materials with enhanced electro-mechanical response: CaCu3Ti4O12-polydimethylsiloxane composites

We describe a straightforward production pathway of polymer matrix composites with increased dielectric constant for dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). Up to date, the approach of using composites made of high dielectric constant ceramics and insulating polymers has not evidenced any improvement in the performance of DEA devices, mainly as a consequence of the ferroelectric nature of the employed ceramics. We propose here an unexplored alternative to these traditional fillers, introducing calcium copper titanate (CCTO) CaCu3Ti4O12, which has a giant dielectric constant making it very suitable for capacitive applications. All CCTO-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites developed display an improved electro-mechanical performance. The largest actuation improvement was achieved for the composite with 5.1 vol% of CCTO, having an increment in the actuation strain of about 100% together with a reduction of 25% in the electric field compared to the raw PDMS matrix.

Performance of pressure control valves and flow meters precision in operational irrigation-water balance accuracy

In pressure irrigation-water distribution networks, pressure regulating devices for controlling the discharged flow rate by irrigation units are needed due to the variability of flow rate. In addition, applied water volume is used controlled operating the valve during a calculated time interval, and assuming constant flow rate. In general, a pressure regulating valve PRV is the commonly used pressure regulating device in a hydrant, which, also, executes the open and close function. A hydrant feeds several irrigation units, requiring a wide range in flow rate. In addition, some flow meters are also available, one as a component of the hydrant and the rest are placed downstream. Every land owner has one flow meter for each group of field plots downstream the hydrant. Its lecture could be used for refining the water balance but its accuracy must be taken into account. Ideal PRV performance would maintain a constant downstream pressure. However, the true performance depends on both upstream pressure and the discharged flow rate. The objective of this work is to asses the influence of the performance on the applied volume during the whole irrigation events in a year. The results of the study have been obtained introducing the flow rate into a PRV model. Variations on flow rate are simulated by taking into account the consequences of variations on climate conditions and also decisions in irrigation operation, such us duration and frequency application. The model comprises continuity, dynamic and energy equations of the components of the PRV.

Modelling of Topographic Irregularities for Seismic Site Response

Seismic evaluation methodology is applied to an existing viaduct in the south of Spain, near Granada, which is a medium seismicity region. The influence of both geology and topography in the spatial variability of ground motion are studied as well as seismic hazard analysis and ground motion characterization. Artificial hazard-consistent ground motion records are synthesised applying seismic hazard analysis and site effects are estimated through a diffraction study. Direct BEM is used to calculate the valley displacement response to vertically propagating SV waves and transfer functions are generated allowing the transformation of free field motion to motion at each support. A closed formulae is used to estimate these transfer function. Finally, the results obtained are compared.

Delineación de rodales para la ordenación forestal a partir de información LIDAR.

Delineación de rodales para la ordenación forestal a partir de información LIDAR.