High speed image techniques for construction safety net monitoring in outdoor conditions

Póster presentado en SPIE Photonics Europe, Brussels, 16-19 April 2012.

El sector nororiental de la Cuenca de Antepaís del Guadalquivir (Cordillera Bética, Mioceno Superior): estratigrafía, cronología y evolución sedimentaria

Estudios estratigráficos y sedimentológicos de afloramiento y el análisis paleoecológico y bioestratigráfico mediante foraminíferos, han permitido realizar una reinterpretación sedimentaria de las unidades de margas y areniscas miocenas del sector nororiental de la Cuenca del Guadalquivir. El relleno sedimentario ha sido dividido en cuatro unidades litoestratigráficas (I-IV), todas ellas depositadas durante el Tortoniense, entre 10 y 7.89 Ma, aproximadamente. La Unidad I (Tortoniense antiguo no basal) está fomada por arenas y calizas de algas, y es interpretada como una unidad transgresiva y expansiva sobre el basamento que evoluciona desde ambientes marinos someros a rampa de carbonatos tipo rhodalgal. La Unidad II (Tortoniense inferior, biozona MMi11: entre 10 y 9.54 Ma) está caracterizada por una alternancia rítmica de margas arcillosas y silíceas, depositadas en ambientes pelágicos y profundos de aguas frías-eutróficas, si bien con repetidos cambios en la estratificación y distribución de nutrientes en la columna de agua. Esta unidad registra una importante somerización en su parte superior, dando paso gradual a la Unidad III. La Unidad III (Tortoniense inferior, biozonaMMi11: desde 9.54 Ma) está dominada por areniscas, aunque lateralmente aparecen brechas intraformacionales con estratos contorsionados. Está nutrida por deltas desde la costa y se interpreta como el depósito de bancos arenosos movilizados por la acción de corrientes mareales y el oleaje de tormentas en rampas. La Unidad IV (Tortoniense superior, biozona MMi12: desde 8.35 Ma) está representada por margas pelágicas similares a las de la Unidad II, de la que difiere por la presencia de intercalaciones arenosas genéticamente relacionadas con procesos mareales y de tormentas.

La Plataforma Triásica Alpujárride (Zonas Internas de la Cordillera Bética, España)

A partir de estudios estratigráficos, centrados en la sucesión triásica alpujárride de la Sierra de Gádor (Almería, Cordillera Bética) y su correlación con otros sectores, proponemos una columna estratigráfica sintética para la Plataforma Triásica Alpujárride. Esta columna estaría dividida en dos formaciones: una metasiliciclástica basal (subdividida en tres miembros: inferior, intermedio y superior) y una metacarbonática suprayacente (subdivididida en seis miembros, numerados del 1 al 6 de muro a techo). Esta plataforma habría sufrido una evolución morfológica en tres fases: Fase 1 de rampa homoclinal (Anisiense-Ladiniense); Fase 2 de plataforma fallada (Ladiniense-Carniense); y Fase 3 de plataforma orlada (Noriense). Además, a partir del análisis sedimentario de las asociaciones de facies reconocidas en la sucesión triásica de la Sierra de Gádor proponemos su división en cuatro secuencias deposicionales para el intervalo comprendido entre el Anisiense y el Noriense. La primera secuencia comprendería los miembros inferior e intermedio de la formación metasiliciclástica; la segunda secuencia deposicional incluiría el miembro superior de la formación metasiliciclástica y los miembros 1 y 2 de la formación metacarbonática; la tercera secuencia constaría de los miembros 3 y 4, mientras que la cuarta secuencia estaría constituida por los miembros 5 y 6.

Análise do regime de produção distribuída fotovoltaica para autoconsumo

Tese de mestrado integrado em Engenharia da Energia e do Ambiente, apresentada à Universidade de Lisboa, através da Faculdade de Ciências, 2016

Geometry of profiles across Inner Continental Shelves of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States /

Along most of the U.S. east and gulf coasts from Long Island to the Mexican Border, bottom profiles extending over the Inner Continental Shelves normal from the coast display a characteristic two-sector shape. Near the coast, the 'shoreface' profile sector is steep and concave-up; the seaward 'ramp' sector is planar with a gradual slope away from the coast. As part of the Beach Evaluation Program at this Center, 9 profiles extending from the coast 30.5 km (19 miles) seaward at each of 49 localities were averaged to mathematically characterize the profiles and to develop and test criteria for discriminating among groups of profiles. Results indicate Inner Continental Shelf profiles can be mathematically defined by 4 parameters: a = ramp slope (0 - 0.00107); b = depth of the ramp at the shoreline, when the ramp is extended as a straight line below the shoreface sector (0 - 24.7 meters, 0 - 81 feet); c = distance from the shoreline to the shoreface-ramp boundary (0.2 - 20.6 km, 0.12 - 12.9 miles); and f = index of concavity of the shoreface sector (0.21 - 1.72). Values in parentheses are the range of values obtained for the 49 averaged profiles. An equation was developed to define bottom depth as a function of distance from shore incorporating these four parameters. Computed depths using the equation were found to be generally within 5% of actual profile depths. In most cases, no relationship was found between the geometric characteristics of the shoreface and the ramp.

Report concerning the billing practices of public utilities providing gas service to consumers in Illinois /

Pursuant to HR 102, this report contains information pertaining to the guidelines that govern the practice of using estimates in issuing utility bills, the methodologies used by utilities in estimating usage, and standards for accuracy of metering devices.

Gelatinisation of starch in mixtures of sugars. I. Dynamic rheological properties and behaviours of starch-honey systems

Dynamic rheological behaviour of starch-honey systems was studied using a strain-controlled rheometer. A dynamic temperature (30-130 degreesC) ramp test was used at 10 rad s(-1) frequency, 1% strain, 2 degreesC min(-1) ramp rate, 25 mm parallel plate, and 1.5 min gap, using Wheaten cornflour(TM) and five honeys to generate 25 formulations (0.34-0.80 g water/g dry starch). G', G, and eta* increased upon gelatinisation, and they reduced as the honey content was increased. For all the formulations, G' was higher than G, and tan 6 was generally less than 1.0. Key gelatinisation characterising temperatures (onset, peak and end) ranged from 96.0 to 122.3 degreesC, but did not vary much (CV < 5%) for each honey irrespective of the concentration. The influence of water, fructose and glucose, singly and in combination, on gelatinisation indices (temperature and rheological parameters) was investigated. An exponential equation was employed to describe the relationship, and relevant parameters were obtained. The consequences of the observations in the study are discussed particularly as they relate to extrusion of such systems, and possible interactions between fructose and glucose in the starch-honey systems. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Load profiling and data mining techniques in electricity deregulated market

This paper presents load profiles of electricity customers, using the knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) procedure, a data mining technique, to determine the load profiles for different types of customers. In this paper, the current load profiling methods are compared using data mining techniques, by analysing and evaluating these classification techniques. The objective of this study is to determine the best load profiling methods and data mining techniques to classify, detect and predict non-technical losses in the distribution sector, due to faulty metering and billing errors, as well as to gather knowledge on customer behaviour and preferences so as to gain a competitive advantage in the deregulated market. This paper focuses mainly on the comparative analysis of the classification techniques selected; a forthcoming paper will focus on the detection and prediction methods.

View along North-East elevation, Ocean View Farmhouse, Mount Mee

As seen from timber entrance ramp.

Main deck, Ocean View Farmhouse, Mt. Mee

View to main deck seating area and ramp to deck with landscape beyond.

Stratigrafia fisica ed analisi di facies dei depositi torbiditici della Formazione delle Arenarie del Monte Cervarola tra la Val Secchia e la Val Scoltenna (Aquitaniano-Burdigaliano, Appennino Settentrionale)

The Cervarola Sandstones Formation (CSF), Aquitanian-Burdigalian in age, was deposited in an elongate, NW-stretched foredeep basin formed in front of the growing Northern Apennines orogenic wedge. The stratigraphic succession of the CSF, in the same way of other Apennine foredeep deposits, records the progressive closure of the basin due to the propagation of thrust fronts toward north-east, i.e. toward the outer and shallower foreland ramp. This process produce a complex foredeep characterized by synsedimentary structural highs and depocenters that can strongly influence the lateral and vertical turbidite facies distribution. Of consequence the main aim of this work is to describe and discuss this influence on the basis of a new high-resolution stratigraphic framework performed by measuring ten stratigraphic logs, for a total thickness of about 2000m, between the Secchia and Scoltenna Valleys (30km apart). In particular, the relationship between the turbidite sedimentation and the ongoing tectonic activity during the foredeep evolution has been describe through various stratigraphic cross sections oriented parallel and perpendicular to the main tectonic structures. On the basis of the high resolution physical stratigraphy of the studied succession, we propose a facies tract and an evolutionary model for the Cervarola Sandstones in the studied area. Thanks to these results and the analogies with others foredeep deposits of the northern Apennines, such as the Marnoso-arenacea Formation, the Cervarola basin has been interpreted as a highly confined foredeep controlled by an intense synsedimentary tectonic activity. The most important evidences supporting this hypothesis are: 1) the upward increase, in the studied stratigraphic succession (about 1000m thick), of sandstone/mudstone ratio, grain sizes and Ophiomorpha-type trace fossils testifying the high degree of flow deceleration related to the progressive closure and uplift of the foredeep. 2) the occurrence in the upper part of the stratigraphic succession of coarse-grained massive sandstones overlain by tractive structures such as megaripples and traction carpets passing downcurrent into fine-grained laminated contained-reflected beds. This facies tract is interpreted as related to deceleration and decoupling of bipartite flows with the deposition of the basal dense flows and bypass of the upper turbulent flows. 3) the widespread occurrence of contained reflected beds related to morphological obstacles created by tectonic structures parallel and perpendicular to the basin axis (see for example the Pievepelago line). 4) occurrence of intra-formational slumps, constituted by highly deformed portion of fine-grained succession, indicating a syn-sedimentary tectonic activity of the tectonic structures able to destabilize the margins of the basin. These types of deposits increase towards the upper part of the stratigraphic succession (see points 1 and 2) 5) the impressive lateral facies changes between intrabasinal topographic highs characterized by fine-grained and thin sandstone beds and marlstones and depocenters characterized by thick to very thick coarse-grained massive sandstones. 6) the common occurrence of amalgamation surfaces, flow impact structures and mud-draped scours related to sudden deceleration of the turbidite flows induced by the structurally-controlled confinement and morphological irregularities. In conclusion, the CSF has many analogies with the facies associations occurring in other tectonically-controlled foredeeps such as those of Marnoso-arenacea Formation (northern Italy) and Annot Sandstones (southern France) showing how thrust fronts and transversal structures moving towards the foreland, were able to produce a segmented foredeep that can strongly influence the turbidity current deposition.

GPCR modulation by RAMPs

Our conceptual understanding of the molecular architecture of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) has transformed over the last decade. Once considered as largely independent functional units (aside from their interaction with the G-protein itself), it is now clear that a single GPCR is but part of a multifaceted signaling complex, each component providing an additional layer of sophistication. Receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) provide a notable example of proteins that interact with GPCRs to modify their function. They act as pharmacological switches, modifying GPCR pharmacology for a particular subset of receptors. However, there is accumulating evidence that these ubiquitous proteins have a broader role, regulating signaling and receptor trafficking. This article aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive appraisal of RAMP literature and perhaps some insight into the impact that their discovery has had on those who study GPCRs. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A key role for transmembrane prolines in calcitonin receptor-like receptor agonist binding and signalling:implications for family B G-protein-coupled receptors

Calcitonin receptor like-receptor is a family B G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). It requires receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) 1 to give a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor. Little is known of how members of this receptor family function. Proline residues often form important kinks in alpha-helices. Therefore, all proline residues within the transmembrane helices of the receptor (Pro241, Pro244 in helix 4, Pro275 in helix 5, Pro321 and Pro331 in helix 6) were mutated to alanine. Pro241 Pro275, and Pro321 are highly conserved throughout all family B GPCRs. The binding of CGRP and its ability to stimulate cAMP production were investigated in mutant and wild-type receptors after transient transfection into COS-7 cells with RAMP1. The P321A mutation significantly decreased the pEC(50) for CGRP and reduced its affinity but did not change cell-surface expression. Antagonist binding [CGRP(8-37) and 1-piperidinecarboxamide N-[2-[[5amino-1-[[4-(4-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl]carbonyl]pentyl]amino]-1-[(3 5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-2-oxoethyl]-4-(1,4-dihydro-2-oxo-3(2H)-quina zolinyl) (BIBN4096BS)] was little altered by the mutation. Adrenomedullin-mediated signaling was disrupted when P321A was coexpressed with RAMP1, RAMP2, or RAMP3. The P331A mutant produced a moderate reduction in CGRP binding and receptor activation. Mutation of the other residues had no effect on receptor function. Thus, Pro321 and Pro331 are required for agonist binding and receptor activation. Modeling suggested that Pro321 induces a bend in helix 6, bringing its C terminus near that of helix 3, as seen in many family A GPCRs. This is abolished in P321A. P321A-I325P predicted to restore this conformation, showed wild-type activation. Modeling can also rationalize the effects of transmembrane proline mutants previously reported for another family B GPCR, the VPAC(1) receptor.

The pharmacology of CGRP-responsive receptors in cultured and transfected cells

Historically, CGRP receptors have been classified as CGRP(1) or CGRP(2) subtypes, chiefly depending on their affinity for the antagonist CGRP(8-37). It has been shown that the complex between calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR or CL) and receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) 1 provides a molecular correlate for the CGRP(1) receptor; however this does not explain the range of affinities seen for CGRP(8-37) in isolated tissues. It is suggested that these may largely be explained by a combination of methodological factors and CGRP-responsive receptors generated by CL and RAMP2 or RAMP3 and complexes of RAMPs with the calcitonin receptor.

Heterodimers and family-B GPCRs:RAMPs, CGRP and adrenomedullin

RAMPs (receptor activity-modifying proteins) are single-pass transmembrane proteins that associate with certain family-B GPCRs (G-protein-coupled receptors). Specifically for the CT (calcitonin) receptor-like receptor and the CT receptor, this results in profound changes in ligand binding and receptor pharmacology, allowing the generation of six distinct receptors with preferences for CGRP (CT gene-related peptide) adrenomedullin, amylin and CT. There are three RAMPs: RAMP1-RAMP3. The N-terminus appears to be the main determinant of receptor pharmacology whereas the transmembrane domain contributes to association of the RAMP with the GPCR. The N-terminus of all members of the RAMP family probably contains two disulphide bonds; a potential third disulphide is found in RAMP1 and RAMP3. The N-terminus appears to be in close proximity to the ligand and plays a key role in its binding, either directly or indirectly. BIBN4096BS, a CGRP antagonist, targets RAMP1 and this gives the compound very high selectivity for the human CGRP(1) receptor.