Punto de Inicio: una ayuda on line a los estudiantes con carencias cient��ficas en el acceso a la universidad

La diversidad de centros de ense��anzas previas a la universidad y el margen de desarrollo y contenido de las mismas que contempla su regulaci��n, hace que la preparaci��n de los estudiantes tenga distintos niveles en sus contenidos. El espacio Web "Punto de Inicio" es un espacio orientado a proporcionar a los estudiantes de la Universidad Polit��cnica de Madrid (UPM) un apoyo para superar sus carencias en las asignaturas de: Matem��ticas, F��sica, Dibujo y Qu��mica. Cada materia est�� organizada en un Aula soportada en la Plataforma Moodle. Cada una de las cuatro Aulas tiene su singularidad pero, con criterio general, todas tienen la siguiente estructura: 1) Contenidos de autoestudio organizados en las cinco o seis ��reas tem��ticas m��s relevantes de cada materia. 2) Tests de autoevaluaci��n asociados a cada ��rea tem��tica y con realimentaci��n a las respuestas. 3) Material complementario: Pr��cticas, ejercicios no formales, enlaces web,... 4) Prueba diagn��stico de conocimientos. Los autores de los materiales son profesores de la UPM, pertenecientes a los Departamentos relacionados con la docencia de estas materias y los contenidos han sido desarrollados por equipos interdisciplinares de profesores de la UPM, especialistas en dichas materias, en colaboraci��n con profesores de ense��anzas previas a la universidad. Una de las principales preocupaciones ha sido el asegurar que los niveles expuestos en las cuatro Aulas mencionadas se correspondieran con los definidos oficialmente para las materias previas a la Universidad, evitando incorporar nuevos contenidos y garantizando que, efectivamente, se atienden las posibles deficiencias de conocimientos en las asignaturas b��sicas requeridos para la integraci��n, con ��xito, en la misma. La primera versi��n de Punto de Inicio se public�� en el curso 2005-2006 y desde entonces ha venido mejor��ndose a��o a a��o hasta la versi��n actual que se public�� en Julio del 2012. Una expresi��n del inter��s de esta plataforma es su utilizaci��n por los alumnos, habiendo tenido, en los siete a��os de su existencia, un n��mero medio de accesos por curso acad��mico de 26.100, un n��mero medio de registros por curso acad��mico de 124.000 y un n��mero medio de cuestionarios de autoevaluaci��n realizados por curso acad��mico de 4.250. Punto de Inicio es un espacio Web de acceso limitado a los miembros de la UPM. Hay una versi��n en abierto para el exterior, de contenido y estructura similar, cuya referencia es: http://ocw.upm.es/apoyo-para-la-preparacion-de-los-estudios-de-ingenieria-y-arquitectura

Una evaluaci��n on-line a la demanda para el autoaprendizaje

En la Escuela de Minas de la Universidad Polit��cnica de Madrid (UPM) se ha llevado a cabo el proceso de adaptaci��n a los principios de Bolonia. Esto ha implicado cambios en la metodolog��a de la ense��anza. En este art��culo se describe una nueva metodolog��a aplicada a un curso introductorio de Mec��nica ubicado en el primer semestre del grado de dos diferentes t��tulos de ingenier��a. Los diferentes resultados se presentan mediante un ��ndice que permite evaluar el resultado global del proceso de ense��anza-aprendizaje alcanzado con esta metodolog��a.

Using a causal smoothing to improve the performance of an on-line neural network glucose prediction algorithm

This work evaluates a spline-based smoothing method applied to the output of a glucose predictor. Methods:Our on-line prediction algorithm is based on a neural network model (NNM). We trained/validated the NNM with a prediction horizon of 30 minutes using 39/54 profiles of patients monitored with the Guardian�� Real-Time continuous glucose monitoring system The NNM output is smoothed by fitting a causal cubic spline. The assessment parameters are the error (RMSE), mean delay (MD) and the high-frequency noise (HFCrms). The HFCrms is the root-mean-square values of the high-frequency components isolated with a zero-delay non-causal filter. HFCrms is 2.90��1.37 (mg/dl) for the original profiles.

On-line breath analysis of volatile organic compounds as a method for colorectal cancer detection

Background: Analysis of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath is an emerging approach for cancer diagnosis, but little is known about its potential use as a biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated whether a combination of VOCs could distinct CRC patients from healthy volunteers. Methods: In a pilot study, we prospectively analyzed breath exhalations of 38 CRC patient and 43 healthy controls all scheduled for colonoscopy, older than 50 in the average-risk category. The samples were ionized and analyzed using a Secondary ElectroSpray Ionization (SESI) coupled with a Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (SESI-MS). After a minimum of 2 hours fasting, volunteers deeply exhaled into the system. Each test requires three soft exhalations and takes less than ten minutes. No breath condensate or collection are required and VOCs masses are detected in real time, also allowing for a spirometric profile to be analyzed along with the VOCs. A new sampling system precludes ambient air from entering the system, so background contamination is reduced by an overall factor of ten. Potential confounding variables from the patient or the environment that could interfere with results were analyzed. Results: 255 VOCs, with masses ranging from 30 to 431 Dalton have been identified in the exhaled breath. Using a classification technique based on the ROC curve for each VOC, a set of 9 biomarkers discriminating the presence of CRC from healthy volunteers was obtained, showing an average recognition rate of 81.94%, a sensitivity of 87.04% and specificity of 76.85%. Conclusions: A combination of cualitative and cuantitative analysis of VOCs in the exhaled breath could be a powerful diagnostic tool for average-risk CRC population. These results should be taken with precaution, as many endogenous or exogenous contaminants could interfere as confounding variables. On-line analysis with SESI-MS is less time-consuming and doesn���t need sample preparation. We are recruiting in a new pilot study including breath cleaning procedures and spirometric analysis incorporated into the postprocessing algorithms, to better control for confounding variables.

On-line measurement of soil properties without direct spectral response in near infrared spectral range

So far, the majority of reports on on-line measurement considered soil properties with direct spectral responses in near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). This work reports on the results of on-line measurement of soil properties with indirect spectral responses, e.g. pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable calcium (Caex) and exchangeable magnesium (Mgex) in one field in Bedfordshire in the UK. The on-line sensor consisted of a subsoiler coupled with an AgroSpec mobile, fibre type, visible and near infrared (vis���NIR) spectrophotometer (tec5 Technology for Spectroscopy, Germany), with a measurement range 305���2200 nm to acquire soil spectra in diffuse reflectance mode. General calibration models for the studied soil properties were developed with a partial least squares regression (PLSR) with one-leave-out cross validation, using spectra measured under non-mobile laboratory conditions of 160 soil samples collected from different fields in four farms in Europe, namely, Czech Republic, Denmark, Netherland and UK. A group of 25 samples independent from the calibration set was used as independent validation set. Higher accuracy was obtained for laboratory scanning as compared to on-line scanning of the 25 independent samples. The prediction accuracy for the laboratory and on-line measurements was classified as excellent/very good for pH (RPD = 2.69 and 2.14 and r2 = 0.86 and 0.78, respectively), and moderately good for CEC (RPD = 1.77 and 1.61 and r2 = 0.68 and 0.62, respectively) and Mgex (RPD = 1.72 and 1.49 and r2 = 0.66 and 0.67, respectively). For Caex, very good accuracy was calculated for laboratory method (RPD = 2.19 and r2 = 0.86), as compared to the poor accuracy reported for the on-line method (RPD = 1.30 and r2 = 0.61). The ability of collecting large number of data points per field area (about 12,800 point per 21 ha) and the simultaneous analysis of several soil properties without direct spectral response in the NIR range at relatively high operational speed and appreciable accuracy, encourage the recommendation of the on-line measurement system for site specific fertilisation.

Una asignatura on-line de Historia de los Algoritmos

This paper describes the objectives, contents learning methodology and results of an on-line course about History of Algorithms for engineering students of the Polytechnic University of Madrid. This course is conducted in a virtual environment based on Moodle, with an educational model centered at student which includes a detailed planning of learning activities. . Our experience indicates that this subject is is highly motivating for students and the virtual environment facilitates competencies development.

Consulta on-line basada en corpus de construcciones con preposici��n en el texto t��cnico en ingl��s y su traducci��n al espa��ol

Bas��ndonos en la recopilaci��n inicial de preposiciones, locuciones preposicionales, t��rminos con preposici��n dependiente y phrasal verbs utilizados en el texto t��cnico realizada en otros proyectos anteriores del Departamento de Ling����stica Aplicada a la Ciencia y a la Tecnolog��a, el objetivo de este trabajo es completar, organizar, actualizar y dar visibilidad a esta informaci��n inicial. Tras realizar un proceso exhaustivo de verificaci��n, unificaci��n, clasificaci��n y ampliaci��n de la informaci��n existente, en caso necesario, el listado resultante se utiliza para elaborar un glosario de t��rminos con preposici��n. El objetivo final de este proyecto es que este glosario est�� a disposici��n de los usuarios, a trav��s de una consulta on-line, en la p��gina del ILLLab (http://illlab.euitt.upm.es/wordpress/), dependiente del Departamento de Ling����stica Aplicada a la Ciencia y a la Tecnolog��a. Para incluir en el glosario ejemplos actualizados de textos t��cnicos, se ha recopilado un corpus ling����stico de textos t��cnicos, tomando como base diferentes n��meros de la revista IEEE Spectrum, en su edici��n digital, publicados entre los a��os 2009 y 2012. El objetivo de esta recopilaci��n es la de ofrecer al consultante diferentes ejemplos de uso en el texto t��cnico de los distintos t��rminos con preposici��n que componen el glosario, de manera que pueda acceder de manera r��pida y sencilla a ejemplos de uso real de los t��rminos que est�� buscando, con objeto de clarificar aspectos relacionados con su uso o, en su caso, facilitar su aprendizaje. Toda esta informaci��n, tanto el listado de t��rminos con preposici��n como las frases pertenecientes al corpus recopilado, se incorpora a una base de datos, alojada dentro de la misma p��gina web del ILLLab. A trav��s de un formulario de consulta, a disposici��n del usuario en dicha p��gina, se pueden obtener todos los t��rminos recopilados que coincidan con los criterios de b��squeda introducidos. El usuario puede realizar dos tipos de b��squeda principales: por preposici��n o por t��rmino completo. Adem��s, puede elegir una b��squeda global (entre todos los t��rminos que integran el glosario) o parcial (en una sola de las categor��as en las que se han dividido los diferentes t��rminos, de acuerdo con su funci��n gramatical). Por ��ltimo, se presentan unas estad��sticas de uso de los t��rminos recopilados dentro de los diferentes textos que integran el corpus ling����stico, de manera que pueda establecerse una relaci��n de los que aparecen con m��s frecuencia en el texto t��cnico. ABSTRACT. Based on the initial collection of prepositions, prepositional phrases, dependent prepositions and phrasal verbs used in technical texts collected on previous projects in the Department of Applied Linguistics to Science and Technology, the aim of this project is to improve, organize, update and provide visibility to this initial information. Following a process of verification, unification, classification and extension of existing information, if necessary, a glossary of terms with preposition is built. The ultimate objective of this project is to make this glossary available to users through an online consultation in the ILLLab webpage (http://illlab.euitt.upm.es/wordpress/). The administration of tis webpage depends of the Department of Applied Linguistics in Science and Technology. A linguistic corpus of technical texts has been compiled, based on different numbers of the IEEE Spectrum magazine, in its online edition, published between the years 2009 and 2012. The aim of this collection is to provide different examples of use in the technical text for the terms included in the glossary, so that examples of the actual use of the terms consulted can be easily and quickly accessed, in order to clarify doubts regarding their meaning or translation into Spanish and facilitate learning. All this information, both the list of terms with prepositional phrases as well as the corpus developed, is incorporated in a database. Through a searching form, the ILLLab's user may obtain all the terms matching the search criteria entered. The user can perform two types of main search: by preposition or by full term. Additionally, a global search can be selected (including all terms included in the glossary) or a partial one (including only one of the glossary's categories). Finally, some statistics of use are presented according to the various texts included in the corpus, so a relation of the most frequent prepositions in the technical text can be established.

On-line MRI sequences for the evaluation of apple internal quality.

On-line dynamic MRI, which is oriented to industrial grading lines, requires high-speed sequences with motion correction artefacts. In this study two different types of motion correction sequences have been used and have been implemented in real-time (FLASH and UFLARE). They are based on T2* and T2 respectively and their selection depends on the expected contrast effect of the disorder: while watercore enhances bright areas due to higher fluid mobility, internal breakdown potentiates low signal due to texture degradation. For watercore study, five different apple cultivars were used (Normanda-18-, Fuji-35-, Helada-36-, Verde Doncella-54-, Esperiega-75-) along two seasons (2011 and 2012). In total 218 fruits were measured under both, static conditions (20 slices per fruit) and under dynamic conditions (3 repetitions without slice selection). For internal breakdown, Braeburn cultivar has been studied (in total 106 fruits) under both static (20 slices per fruit) and dynamic conditions (3 replicates with slice selection). Metrological aspects such as repeatability of dynamic images and subsequent histogram feature stability become of major interest for further industrial application. Segregation ability among varying degrees of disorder is also analyzed.

Model Based On-Line Energy Prediction System for Semi-Autonomous Mobile Robots

Maximizing energy autonomy is a consistent challenge when deploying mobile robots in ionizing radiation or other hazardous environments. Having a reliable robot system is essential for successful execution of missions and to avoid manual recovery of the robots in environments that are harmful to human beings. For deployment of robots missions at short notice, the ability to know beforehand the energy required for performing the task is essential. This paper presents a on-line method for predicting energy requirements based on the pre-determined power models for a mobile robot. A small mobile robot, Khepera III is used for the experimental study and the results are promising with high prediction accuracy. The applications of the energy prediction models in energy optimization and simulations are also discussed along with examples of significant energy savings.

On-line learning of a fuzzy controller for a precise vehicle cruise control system

Usually, vehicle applications require the use of artificial intelligent techniques to implement control methods, due to noise provided by sensors or the impossibility of full knowledge about dynamics of the vehicle (engine state, wheel pressure or occupiers weight). This work presents a method to on-line evolve a fuzzy controller for commanding vehicles? pedals at low speeds; in this scenario, the slightest alteration in the vehicle or road conditions can vary controller?s behavior in a non predictable way. The proposal adapts singletons positions in real time, and trapezoids used to codify the input variables are modified according with historical data. Experimentation in both simulated and real vehicles are provided to show how fast and precise the method is, even compared with a human driver or using different vehicles.

Tratamiento de im��genes de mineral acarreado post-voladura. An��lisis de curvas granulom��tricas y comparativa mediante sistemasplit on-line y Split desktop: autom��tico y manual

En este proyecto se han analizado distintas im��genes de fragmentos de rocas de distintas granulometr��as correspondientes a una serie de voladuras de una misma cantera. Cada una de las voladuras se componen de 20 im��genes. A posteriori utilizando el programa Split Desktop en su versi��n 3.1, se delimitaron los fragmentos de roca de los que est�� compuesta la imagen, obteni��ndose posteriormente la curva granulom��trica correspondiente a dicha imagen. Una vez se calculan las curvas granulom��tricas correspondientes a cada imagen, se calcula la curva media de todas ellas, pudi��ndose considerar por tanto la curva media de cada voladura. Se han utilizado las distintas soluciones del software, manual, online y autom��tico, para realizar los an��lisis de dichas im��genes y a posteriori comparar sus resultados. Dichos resultados se muestran a trav��s de una serie de gr��ficos y tablas que se explican con detalle para la comprensi��n del estudio. De dichos resultados es posible afirmar que, el tratamiento de im��genes realizado de manera online y autom��tico por Split, desemboca en el mismo resultado, al no haber una diferencia estad��stica significativa. Por el contrario, el sistema manual es diferente de los otros dos, no pudi��ndose afirmar cual es mejor de los dos. El manual depende del operario que trabaje las im��genes y el online de los ajustes realizados y por tanto, ambos tienen ciertas incertidumbres dif��ciles de solucionar. Abstract In this project, different images of rock fragments of different grain sizes corresponding to a series of blasts from the same quarry have been analyzed. To study each blast, 20 images has been used and studied with the software Split Desktop 3.1. Rock fragments from each image has been delimitated with the software, obtaining a grading curve of each one. Once these curves are calculated, the mean curve of these data set is obtained and can be considered the mean curve of each blast. Different software solutions as manual, online and automatic, has been used for the analysis of these images. Then the results has been compared between them. These results are shown through a series of graphs and tables, that are explained in detail, to enhance the understanding of the study. From these results, it can be said that the image processing with online and automatic options from Split, leads to the same result, after an statistical study. On the contrary, the manual Split mode is different from the others; however is not possible to assert what will be the best. The manual Split mode depends on the operator ability and dedication, although the online mode depends on the software settings, so therefore, both have some uncertainties that are difficult to solve.

Novel educational assessment for building structures: Automatic evaluation of on-line graphics

This article presents a new automatic evaluation for on-line graphics, its application and the numerous advantages achieved applying this developed correcting method. The software application developed by the Innovation in Education Group ���E4���, from the Technical University of Madrid, is oriented for the online self-assessment of the graphic drawings that students carry out as continuous training. The adaptation to the European Higher Educational Area is an important opportunity to research about the possibilities of on-line education assessment. In this way, a new software tool has been developed for continuous self-testing by undergraduates. Using this software it is possible to evaluate the graphical answer of the students. Thus, the drawings made on-line by students are automatically corrected according to the geometry (straight lines, sloping lines or second order curves) and by sizes (depending on the specific values which define the graphics).

Cursos de formaci��n continua on-line de la SEM. Cinco a��os de actividad.

Se presentan los objetivos y las actividades llevadas a cabo en el ��rea de formaci��n continua on-line de la Sociedad Espa��ola de Microbiolog��a (SEM).

New On-Line Excitation-System Ground Fault Location Method Tested in a 106 MVA Synchronous Generator

In this paper, a novel excitation-system ground-fault location method is described and tested in a 106 MVA synchronous machine. In this unit, numerous rotor ground-fault trips took place always about an hour after the synchronization to the network. However, when the field winding insulation was checked after the trips, there was no failure. The data indicated that the faults in the rotor were caused by centrifugal forces and temperature. Unexpectedly, by applying this new method, the failure was located in a cable between the excitation transformer and the automatic voltage regulator. In addition, several intentional ground faults were performed along the field winding with different fault resistance values, in order to test the accuracy of this method to locate defects in rotor windings of large generators. Therefore, this new on-line rotor ground-fault detection algorithm is tested in high-power synchronous generators with satisfactory results.

Creating and modelling personal socio-economic networks in on-line banking

The banking industry is observing how new competitors threaten its millennial business model by targeting unbanked people, offering new financial services to their customer base, and even enabling new channels for existing services and customers. The knowledge on users, their behaviour, and expectations become a key asset in this new context. Well aware of this situation, the Center for Open Middleware, a joint technology center created by Santander Bank and Universidad Polit��cnica de Madrid, has launched a set of initiatives to allow the experimental analysis and management of socio-economic information. PosdataP2P service is one of them, which seeks to model the economic ties between the holders of university smart cards, leveraging on the social networks the holders are subscribed to. In this paper we describe the design principles guiding the development of the system, its architecture and some implementation details.