Rational Hausdorff Divisors: A New approach to the Approximate Parametrization of Curves.

When applying computational mathematics in practical applications, even though one may be dealing with a problem that can be solved algorithmically, and even though one has good algorithms to approach the solution, it can happen, and often it is the case, that the problem has to be reformulated and analyzed from a different computational point of view. This is the case of the development of approximate algorithms. This paper frames in the research area of approximate algebraic geometry and commutative algebra and, more precisely, on the problem of the approximate parametrization.

Rational conchoid and offset constructions: algorithms and implementation

This paper is framed within the problem of analyzing the rationality of the components of two classical geometric constructions, namely the offset and the conchoid to an algebraic plane curve and, in the affirmative case, the actual computation of parametrizations. We recall some of the basic definitions and main properties on offsets (see [13]), and conchoids (see [15]) as well as the algorithms for parametrizing their rational components (see [1] and [16], respectively). Moreover, we implement the basic ideas creating two packages in the computer algebra system Maple to analyze the rationality of conchoids and offset curves, as well as the corresponding help pages. In addition, we present a brief atlas where the offset and conchoids of several algebraic plane curves are obtained, their rationality analyzed, and parametrizations are provided using the created packages.

Optimización granulométrica de morteros de base cemento

En la práctica habitual, para la elaboración de morteros se recomienda la utilización de granulometrías continuas. El requisito de continuidad y que los tamaños de partícula se encuentren dentro de los límites establecidos por “husos granulométricos” surge de las teorías clásicas de Fuller – Thompson y se apoya en la necesidad de obtener mezclas con adecuada docilidad en el estado fresco. Sin embargo, las distribuciones continuas de árido no representan las únicas alternativas para obtener mezclas que tengan una adecuada docilidad en estado fresco y mediante nuevos criterios de interferencia de partículas es posible demostrar que las distribuciones discontinuas aun siendo más compactas y con menor requerimientos de volumen de pasta pueden ser igual de dóciles en estado fresco. Aunque el volumen mínimo de pasta está condicionado por su fluidez y viscosidad estos parámetros pueden modificarse mediante la incorporación de filler de distinta naturaleza y aditivos químicos de reciente desarrollo. En consecuencia, se propone analizar la posibilidad de minimizar el contenido de pasta de morteros de base cemento, manteniendo las prestaciones en el estado fresco, con el objetivo de obtener una mejor estabilidad volumétrica, posibilitando mejor control de la retracción y de la fisuración. Para ello se emplearán criterios de interferencia de partículas, combinados con el uso de filler de distinta naturaleza La reducción del contenido de pasta conducirá también a mejorar el perfil sostenible de los morteros. El proceso de optimización tiene una base racional y, por lo tanto, será aplicable a distintos tipos de mortero, y las proporciones óptimas podrán adecuarse según las prestaciones requeridas para el material. SUMMARY In common practice, continuous sand gradings are recommended to produce ordinary mortars. This requirement, along with grading limits are based on classical theories, such as Fuller, aimed at achieving a reasonable packing density without compromising workability at the fresh state. Nevertheless, there are other alternatives, such as discontinuous curves based on particle interference criteria, which are capable of having even higher packing density. The less the content of voids in the granular skeleton, the less the amount of cement paste required to fill in these voids and coating the particles. Yet, the minimum volume of paste in a mortar is determined by requirements associated to the fresh state and thus, fluidity and viscosity of the paste play a significant role on the matter. These two properties can be modified by the use of suitable fillers and by the use of last-generation chemical admixtures. As a result, it is proposed to analyse the possibility of combining current particle interference criteria with the use of different types of filler and chemical admixtures to optimise cement-based mortar formulations. This optimisation is aimed at reducing the paste content while maintaining a suitable performance at the fresh state. The reduction in paste content would lead to a better dimensional stability, with better control of shrinkage and cracking behaviour. The foreseen optimisation process will have a strong rational basis and thus, it should be potentially useful to optimise mortar proportions according to a performance-based approach.

Comparative Analysis of Tolerances Allocation in Mechanical Assemblies based on Cost-tolerance Curves

El presente trabajo propone un método para la determinación de los valores de las tolerancias individuales de las piezas que forman un conjunto ensamblado a partir de valores de tolerancias especificados en el conjunto final, optimizando el coste total de fabricación de las piezas individuales a partir de funciones de coste-tolerancia basadas en el proceso de fabricación de cada una de ellas. Para ello se parte de los principales trabajos desarrollados en la línea de asignación de tolerancias y se realiza la propuesta del modelo de trabajo, basado en la optimización de costes a partir de la aplicación del método de los multiplicadores de Lagrange a diversas curvas de coste-tolerancia

Driving assistance system applied in curves for real vehicles | Sistema de ayuda a la conducción en curvas para vehículos reales

Decreasing the accidents on highway and urban environments is the main motivation for the research and developing of driving assistance systems, also called ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). In recent years, there are many applications of these systems in commercial vehicles: ABS systems, Cruise Control (CC), parking assistance and warning systems (including GPS), among others. However, the implementation of driving assistance systems on the steering wheel is more limited, because of their complexity and sensitivity. This paper is focused in the development, test and implementation of a driver assistance system for controlling the steering wheel in curve zones. This system is divided in two levels: an inner control loop which permits to execute the position and speed target, softening the action over the steering wheel, and a second control outer loop (controlling for fuzzy logic) that sends the reference to the inner loop according the environment and vehicle conditions. The tests have been done in different curves and speeds. The system has been proved in a commercial vehicle with satisfactory results.

Rational invariants on the space of all structures of algebras on a two-dimensional vector space

Rational invariants on the space of all structures of algebras on a two-dimensional vector space

Learning curves of basic laparoscopic psychomotor skills in SINERGIA VR simulator

Purpose: Surgical simulators are currently essential within any laparoscopic training program because they provide a low-stakes, reproducible and reliable environment to acquire basic skills. The purpose of this study is to determine the training learning curve based on different metrics corresponding to five tasks included in SINERGIA laparoscopic virtual reality simulator. Methods: Thirty medical students without surgical experience participated in the study. Five tasks of SINERGIA were included: Coordination, Navigation, Navigation and touch, Accurate grasping and Coordinated pulling. Each participant was trained in SINERGIA. This training consisted of eight sessions (R1–R8) of the five mentioned tasks and was carried out in two consecutive days with four sessions per day. A statistical analysis was made, and the results of R1, R4 and R8 were pair-wise compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Significance is considered at P value <0.005. Results: In total, 84.38% of the metrics provided by SINERGIA and included in this study show significant differences when comparing R1 and R8. Metrics are mostly improved in the first session of training (75.00% when R1 and R4 are compared vs. 37.50% when R4 and R8 are compared). In tasks Coordination and Navigation and touch, all metrics are improved. On the other hand, Navigation just improves 60% of the analyzed metrics. Most learning curves show an improvement with better results in the fulfillment of the different tasks. Conclusions: Learning curves of metrics that assess the basic psychomotor laparoscopic skills acquired in SINERGIA virtual reality simulator show a faster learning rate during the first part of the training. Nevertheless, eight repetitions of the tasks are not enough to acquire all psychomotor skills that can be trained in SINERGIA. Therefore, and based on these results together with previous works, SINERGIA could be used as training tool with a properly designed training program.

Quick time planning using "s" curves and cost based durations.

ABSTRACT: The comparison of the different bids in the tender for a project, with the traditional contract system based on unit rates open to and re-measurement, requires analysis tools that are able to discriminate proposals having a similar overall economic impact, but that might show a very different behaviour during the execution of the works. RESUMEN: La estimación rápida de costes en fases iniciales del proyecto por métodos paramétricos y referencias estadísticas es un tema bien estudiado, divulgado y aplicado en el sector de la construcción. Sin embargo, existe poca literatura técnica sobre sistemas de predimensionado de tiempos, que permitan realizar rápidamente una planificación con un grado de aproximación razonable. Este texto reúne dos aspectos ya conocidos, pero hasta ahora independientes, y una aportación propia:  -La estimación del plazo final por referencias estadísticas (BCIS, 2000)  - La estimación del reparto del coste total a lo largo de la ejecución mediante curvas "S" (diversos autores)  La estimación de la duración de la ejecución de las actividades en función de su coste. El conjunto de estas tres técnicas, aplicadas a un proyecto, permite obtener una planificación con el suficiente grado de detalle y fiabilidad para tomar decisiones en fases iniciales del proyecto.

On the approximate parametrization problem of algebraic curves.

The problem of parameterizing approximately algebraic curves and surfaces is an active research field, with many implications in practical applications. The problem can be treated locally or globally. We formally state the problem, in its global version for the case of algebraic curves (planar or spatial), and we report on some algorithms approaching it, as well as on the associated error distance analysis.

The chair of food Banks UPM as a tool of raising awareness and promoting a culture of rational food comsumption

The Chair of Food Banks UPM arises from a cooperation agreement between the Spanish Federation of Food Banks (FESBAL) and the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), with the aim of raising awareness and promoting rational food consumption to avoid food waste, through activities of training, transfer of knowledge and promotion of I+D+i. The aim of this paper is to reflect on the activities carried out during the first year in order to obtain learning lessons and improve the management of activities and resources.

Comparison of Airborne Laser Scanning Methods for Estimating Forest Structure Indicators Based on Lorenz Curves

The purpose of this study was to compare a number of state-of-the-art methods in airborne laser scan- ning (ALS) remote sensing with regards to their capacity to describe tree size inequality and other indi- cators related to forest structure. The indicators chosen were based on the analysis of the Lorenz curve: Gini coefficient ( GC ), Lorenz asymmetry ( LA ), the proportions of basal area ( BALM ) and stem density ( NSLM ) stocked above the mean quadratic diameter. Each method belonged to one of these estimation strategies: (A) estimating indicators directly; (B) estimating the whole Lorenz curve; or (C) estimating a complete tree list. Across these strategies, the most popular statistical methods for area-based approach (ABA) were used: regression, random forest (RF), and nearest neighbour imputation. The latter included distance metrics based on either RF (NN–RF) or most similar neighbour (MSN). In the case of tree list esti- mation, methods based on individual tree detection (ITD) and semi-ITD, both combined with MSN impu- tation, were also studied. The most accurate method was direct estimation by best subset regression, which obtained the lowest cross-validated coefficients of variation of their root mean squared error CV(RMSE) for most indicators: GC (16.80%), LA (8.76%), BALM (8.80%) and NSLM (14.60%). Similar figures [CV(RMSE) 16.09%, 10.49%, 10.93% and 14.07%, respectively] were obtained by MSN imputation of tree lists by ABA, a method that also showed a number of additional advantages, such as better distributing the residual variance along the predictive range. In light of our results, ITD approaches may be clearly inferior to ABA with regards to describing the structural properties related to tree size inequality in for- ested areas.