Functionalism and Caprice in Stonecutting. The Case of the Nativity Chapel in Burgos Cathedral

Starting from the inaugural text of Philibert de L'Orme, stereotomic treatises and manuscripts are subject to the opposing forces of reason and fancy. The Nativity Chapel in Burgos Cathedral provides an outstanding case study on this subject. It was built in 1571-1582 by Martín de Bérriz and Martín de la Haya, using an oval vault resting on trumpet squinches to span a rectangular bay. Bed joints and rib axes are not planar curves, as usual in oval vaults. This warping is not capricious; we shall argue that it is the outcome of a systematic tracing method. As a result of this process, the slope of the bed joints increases slightly in the first courses, but stays fairly constant after the third course; this solution prevents the upper courses from slipping. Thus, in the Nativity Chapel of Burgos Cathedral, the constraints of masonry construction fostered a singular solution verging on capriccio. It is also worthwhile to remark that the warping of the joints is not easily appreciable to the eye and that the tracing process does not seem to start from a previous conception of the resulting form. All this suggests that we should be quite careful when talking about the whimsical character of Late Gothic and Early Renaissance; in some occasions, apparent caprice is the offspring of practical thinking.

Selective area growth of a- and c-plane GaN nanocolumns by molecular beam epitaxy using colloidal nanolithography

Selective area growth of a-plane GaN nanocolumns by molecular beam epitaxy was performed for the first time on a-plane GaN templates. Ti masks with 150 nm diameter nanoholes were fabricated by colloidal lithography, an easy, fast and cheap process capable to handle large areas. Even though colloidal lithography does not provide a perfect geometrical arrangement like e-beam lithography, it produces a very homogeneous mask in terms of nanohole diameter and density, and is used here for the first time for the selective area growth of GaN. Selective area growth of a-plane GaN nanocolumns is compared, in terms of anisotropic lateral and vertical growth rates, with GaN nanocolumns grown selectively on the c-plane

Reduction in Calculated Uncertainty of a Noise Map by Improving the Traffic Model Data Through Two Phases

The influence of applying European default traffic values to the making of a noise map was evaluated in a typical environment like Palma de Mallorca. To assess these default traffic values, a first model has been created and compared with measured noise levels. Subsequently a second traffic model, improving the input data used for the first one, has been created and validated according to the deviations. Different methodologies were also examined for collecting model input data that would be of higher quality, by analysing the improvement generated in the reduction in the uncertainty of the noise map introduced by the road traffic noise emission

Area-Efficient Linear Regression Architecture for Real-Time Signal Processing on FPGAs

Linear regression is a technique widely used in digital signal processing. It consists on finding the linear function that better fits a given set of samples. This paper proposes different hardware architectures for the implementation of the linear regression method on FPGAs, specially targeting area restrictive systems. It saves area at the cost of constraining the lengths of the input signal to some fixed values. We have implemented the proposed scheme in an Automatic Modulation Classifier, meeting the hard real-time constraints this kind of systems have.

Si and SixGe1-x NWs studied by Raman spectroscopy

Group IV nanostructures have attracted a great deal of attention because of their potential applications in optoelectronics and nanodevices. Raman spectroscopy has been extensively used to characterize nanostructures since it provides non destructive information about their size, by the adequate modeling of the phonon confinement effect. The Raman spectrum is also sensitive to other factors, as stress and temperature, which can mix with the size effects borrowing the interpretation of the Raman spectrum. We present herein an analysis of the Raman spectra obtained for Si and SiGe nanowires; the influence of the excitation conditions and the heat dissipation media are discussed in order to optimize the experimental conditions for reliable spectra acquisition and interpretation.

Preliminary test to characterize the soundscape of the Plaza Mayor in Madrid

This paper is a first step of a research about the analysis of the richness of the existing sounds in the Plaza Mayor, due to the old and traditional shops and bars under its porticoes together with the huge daily affluence of people. In this paper we study the sound preferences of the salesmen and bar tenders at those traditional shops. These sound preferences include particular sounds, time of occurrence and date of specific annoying and pleasant sounds perceived at the square and the shops surrounding it. To carry out this study, several noise level measurements and socio-acoustic surveys were held. We will also try to correlate sound preferences and annoyance with noise levels of specific events existing at this particular square.

Seasonal Variation of Essential Oil Yield and Composition of Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Grown in Castilla - La Mancha (Central Spain)

Links between phenology, yield and composition of the essential oil of common sage, Salvia officinalis L., grown in Guadalajara (Central Spain) were determined in the different phases of the biological cycle during one year. Data showed an average yield about 1.0%. The analysis of the oil components was carried out by GC-FID and GC/MS. The main oil constituent was alpha thujone (40.1 - 46.5%). Other identified compounds are beta pinene (2.6 - 4.5%), cineole (3.5 - 8.7%), beta thujone (4.1 - 5.6%), camphor (4.1 - 8.0%), borneol (1.3 - 3.7%), alpha humulene (3.8 - 7.3%), viridiflorol (3.4-12.6%) and manool (0.1-4.5%). The highest yield of oil was obtained in the period of full flowering and the highest concentration of alpha thujone in the period of initial flowering.

Selección de métodos estadísticos para la interpretación de intercomparaciones en ensayos de áridos finos

El objeto de este proyecto es seleccionar los métodos estadísticos adecuados para el tratamiento de los resultados obtenidos en un ejercicio de intercomparación para ensayos de áridos para construcción con el fin de cumplir la normativa para dicho ejercicio. Los ensayos estudiados son: - Ensayo Azul de Metileno - Equivalente de arena - Contenido total en azufre - Contenido en humus - Reactividad álcali-carbonato Los criterios aplicables para el desarrollo de los trabajos son los exigidos por la Entidad Nacional de Acreditación (ENAC) para laboratorios acreditados conforme a la Norma UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 y para proveedores acreditados conforme a la Norma UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17043. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this Project is to select appropriate statistical methods for the treatment of the results obtained from an intercomparison exercise for testing of aggregates for construction with the target of comply the rules for this exercise. The studied assays are: - Methylene Blue Assay - Sand equivalent - Total Sulfur Content - Humus content - Alkali-carbonate reactivity The criteria for the development of the work are those required by the National Accreditation Body (ENAC) for laboratories accredited in accordance with the UNE-EN ISO / IEC 17025 and for suppliers in accordance with the UNE-EN ISO / IEC 17043.

Puente y enlace de la Avenida de las Ciudades sobre la A-42

La actuación proyectada en este estudio presenta una relevancia muy importante ya que la ciudad de Getafe en los últimos años está presentando un crecimiento muy importante tanto de población como de actividad, como es la ubicación de la universidad Carlos III muy próxima al punto de actuación, a su vez su proximidad a la ciudad de Madrid ayuda a que éste crecimiento se todavía más pronunciado, por ello en el PGOU de la ciudad se presenta como relevante y necesaria la actuación en la que se centra todo el estudio. Como prueba relevante de toda ésta información cabe destacar el estudio de tráfico que se ha realizado donde se observa claramente el crecimiento de la intensidad de tráfico y la consecuente necesidad de una mejora de infraestructura. Se ha optado por la alternativa de la construcción de dos puentes mixtos de sección cajón con canto variable, debido a la facilidad constructiva y la menor afección a la autovía que atravesará la actuación, ya que la colocación del cajón por medio de grúas permitirá la posterior colocación de la losa utilizando el cajón metálico como cimbra, otro aspecto importante a destacar es la velocidad a la que se puede realizar ésta actuación con lo cual la afección disminuirá más todavía por lo que parece una solución apropiada.

Hardware Reuse Improvement through the Domain Specific Language dHDL.

The dHDL language has been defined to improve hardware design productivity. This is achieved through the definition of a better reuse interface (including parameters, attributes and macroports) and the creation of control structures that help the designer in the hardware generation process.

Improving Hardware Reuse through XML-based Interface Encapsulation

This work proposes an encapsulation scheme aimed at simplifying the reuse process of hardware cores. This hardware encapsulation approach has been conceived with a twofold objective. First, we look for the improvement of the reuse interface associated with the hardware core description. This is carried out in a first encapsulation level by improving the limited types and configuration options available in the conventional HDLs interface, and also providing information related to the implementation itself. Second, we have devised a more generic interface focused on describing the function avoiding details from a particular implementation, what corresponds to a second encapsulation level. This encapsulation allows the designer to define how to configure and use the design to implement a given functionality. The proposed encapsulation schemes help improving the amount of information that can be supplied with the design, and also allow to automate the process of searching, configuring and implementing diverse alternatives.

Electrohydrodynamic behavior in twisted-wedge nematic structures

A new type of domain for nematic liquid crystals with a twisted-wedge structure is presented. This new type of domain appears from the low frequency range to 10 kHz. This behavior was observed for square and pulsed excitations. The liquid crystal was N-(p-methoxybenzylidene)-p'-butylaniline) (MBBA) used at room temperature. These domains offer a higher degree of complexity than conventional Williams domains. The corresponding stability chart is presented.

Mejora de conexión entre las márgenes del rio Ebro a la altura de la población de Valdenoceda, Merindad de Valdivielso (Burgos).

El propósito del proyecto es la construcción de un puente que se situará cercano a la población de Valdenoceda,a la altura del kilómetro 532 de la N-232, cruzando dicha carretera el río Ebro. Los principales objetivos a alcanzar son los mencionados a continuación: mejorar la conectividad entre las poblaciones situadas a ambas márgenes del rio Ebro, perfeccionar el trazado de la carretera N-232, evitar la travesía de la carretera N-232, atravesando las poblaciones situadas entre los puntos kilométricos 531 y 535 de la carretera N-232, aumentando su seguridad y bienestar y, finalmente, mejorar la seguridad para el tráfico de la carretera N-232 y su conexión con la CL-629.

Cálculo de las características de transmisión de una fibra de índice gradual mediante el empleo de su matriz ABCD

Se desarrolla, en el presente trabajo, un nuevo método para el cálculo de la dispersión temporal de la radiación óptica que se propaga a través de una fibra de Índice gradual mediante el empleo de la matriz ABCD de dicha fibra. Este método de una mayor simplicidad que los usados habitualmente, proporciona análogos resultados a los ya presentados en la literatura del tema con la ventaja de su mayor facilidad de cálculo.

Optimisation of a Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. Analysis and Redesign of Corner Vanes.

This paper includes the experimental study, analysis, redesign and subsequent test of the parts of a closed circuit, low speed wind tunnel which are relevant in terms of total pressure loss. The objective is to lower the energy consumption of this system for given conditions in test chamber, so as to reduce the operational costs. In order to achieve this objective, several tasks were performed as the text shows in its different parts. For these tasks, the ETSIAE wind tunnel was used, although the results of this work can be extrapolated to any wind tunnel with the same characteristics. Part II presents a theoretical previous study of the general running of a closed circuit, low speed wind tunnel, as well as the followed procedure to conduct experimental tests for obtaining the total pressure loss in its parts. Results from these tests and their analysis are included in this part. In part III, the analysis of the influence of corner 1 on the pressure loss takes place. As it is said in this part, corner 1 has great importance in the total pressure loss of the wind tunnel. Therefore, it is the first part that should be modified in order to improve the performances of the wind tunnel. During part IV, an optimised guide vane is designed in order to reduce the pressure loss in corner 1 of the wind tunnel. Software MISES is used to achieve this goal by means of selecting the optimum guide vane. In order to introduce the new guide vane in wind tunnels with affordable costs, the easily constructable criterion is kept during design. For this reason, the guide vane will consist of simple aerodynamic contours. Part V includes some possible improvements for the proposed guide vane, in order to evaluate if there is room for improvement in its design. Finally, part VI includes the tests that were conducted in the wind tunnel with the new guide vane cascade and the analysis of their results, in order to asses whether the proposed design fulfills the requirement of lowering the total pressure loss in the wind tunnel. Part VII gathers the main ideas resulting from the whole work.