TFC Magatzems de dades: construcció i explotació d'un magatzem de dades de planificació hidrològica

Aquest TFC consisteix en la creació d'un magatzem de dades que automatitzi la recollida de dades de l'estat dels embassaments de la Confederació Hidrogràfica Nord-Est mitjançant processos ETL, per posteriorment tractar aquestes dades amb processos PL/SQL amb l'objectiu de poder explotar aquestes dades mitjançant eines de Business Intelligence.

Interacting software-agents to support a kind of expert supervision systems

Expert supervision systems are software applications specially designed to automate process monitoring. The goal is to reduce the dependency on human operators to assure the correct operation of a process including faulty situations. Construction of this kind of application involves an important task of design and development in order to represent and to manipulate process data and behaviour at different degrees of abstraction for interfacing with data acquisition systems connected to the process. This is an open problem that becomes more complex with the number of variables, parameters and relations to account for the complexity of the process. Multiple specialised modules tuned to solve simpler tasks that operate under a co-ordination provide a solution. A modular architecture based on concepts of software agents, taking advantage of the integration of diverse knowledge-based techniques, is proposed for this purpose. The components (software agents, communication mechanisms and perception/action mechanisms) are based on ICa (Intelligent Control architecture), software middleware supporting the build-up of applications with software agent features

Rank estimation of trajectory matrix in motion segmentation

A novel technique for estimating the rank of the trajectory matrix in the local subspace affinity (LSA) motion segmentation framework is presented. This new rank estimation is based on the relationship between the estimated rank of the trajectory matrix and the affinity matrix built with LSA. The result is an enhanced model selection technique for trajectory matrix rank estimation by which it is possible to automate LSA, without requiring any a priori knowledge, and to improve the final segmentation

How does basis set superposition error change the potential surfaces for hydrogen-bonded dimers?

We describe a simple method to automate the geometric optimization of molecular orbital calculations of supermolecules on potential surfaces that are corrected for basis set superposition error using the counterpoise (CP) method. This method is applied to the H-bonding complexes HF/HCN, HF/H2O, and HCCH/H2O using the 6-31G(d,p) and D95 + + (d,p) basis sets at both the Hartree-Fock and second-order Møller-Plesset levels. We report the interaction energies, geometries, and vibrational frequencies of these complexes on the CP-optimized surfaces; and compare them with similar values calculated using traditional methods, including the (more traditional) single point CP correction. Upon optimization on the CP-corrected surface, the interaction energies become more negative (before vibrational corrections) and the H-bonding stretching vibrations decrease in all cases. The extent of the effects vary from extremely small to quite large depending on the complex and the calculational method. The relative magnitudes of the vibrational corrections cannot be predicted from the H-bond stretching frequencies alone

Bioinformática: base de datos de matrices de expresión génica para su análisis vía web

El IBB ha desarrollado un servidor de aplicaciones: http://revolutionresearch.uab.es para el análisis de microarrays. Estas microarrays las obtienen y las suben a la base de datos local los usuarios de la aplicación. En la presente memoria se detalla el proceso realizado para automatizar la subida de microarrays públicas a la base de datos local. Estas microarrays se obtendrán del NCBI. El proceso de descarga de microarrays se realizará cada dos meses y estará sincronizado con un proceso de descarga de genes marcadores de microarrays del NCBI. En la memoria también se describen las fases realizadas para crear la interfaz web para gestionar estas microarrays públicas y las modificaciones realizadas sobre el aplicativo web para permitir realizar análisis con estas microarrays.

Three-dimensional morphological analysis of intracranial aneurysms: a fully automated method for aneurysm sac isolation and quantification

Morphological descriptors are practical and essential biomarkers for diagnosis andtreatment selection for intracranial aneurysm management according to the current guidelinesin use. Nevertheless, relatively little work has been dedicated to improve the three-dimensionalquanti cation of aneurysmal morphology, automate the analysis, and hence reduce the inherentintra- and inter-observer variability of manual analysis. In this paper we propose a methodologyfor the automated isolation and morphological quanti cation of saccular intracranial aneurysmsbased on a 3D representation of the vascular anatomy.

Gestão Documental: Gestão de Processos de Aposentação usando a Plataforma IBM FileNet na Direcção Geral de Administração Pública

Ainda, nos nossos dias, o papel como sendo base de suporte das informações, é o maior problema operacional na maioria das empresas, órgãos governamentais e instituições. A administração pública cabo-verdiana lida anualmente com um grande volume de documentos e, a dificuldade de se lidar cada vez mais com os documentos produzidos é crescente. Daí, a necessidade de estabelecer princípios de racionalidade administrativa, a partir da intervenção nas etapas do ciclo de produção, utilização, conservação e destinação dos documentos de arquivo - a Gestão Documental. Com a evolução das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TIC) é contínua, igualmente a gestão da informação precisa adaptar-se a cada nova onda de mudança. A utilização de sistemas de gestão de conteúdos e de processos constituem ferramentas indispensáveis para o desenvolvimento de modernos sistemas de informação, agilizando assim os processos críticos nas instituições, de forma a optimizar o binómio produtividade - qualidade. Este trabalho faz referência à utilização da IBM FileNet, para modelação do processo de pedido de aposentação na Administração Pública. Ficou comprovado que o sistema de gestão de Workflow - Bussiness Process Management (BPM) da IBM, é capaz de automatizar o procedimento dos processos, gerir a sequência de actividades de trabalho e chamar (ou invocar) os recursos humanos e electrónicos apropriados, associados aos vários passos de actividades numa instituição. As evidências da plataforma FileNet como solução de Gestão de Conteúdos, e Gestão de Processos na nossa Administração Pública, demonstram vantagens consideráveis em todos os níveis. Para além de dinamizar e automatizar os processos críticos, o FileNet BPM pode permitir a optimização das operações e melhorar a capacidade de tomar decisões rápidas e acertadas, capacitando a instituição, para tomar decisões atempadas, baseadas na mais rigorosa informação disponível.

Improved nonparametric confidence intervals in time series regressions

Condence intervals in econometric time series regressions suffer fromnotorious coverage problems. This is especially true when the dependencein the data is noticeable and sample sizes are small to moderate, as isoften the case in empirical studies. This paper suggests using thestudentized block bootstrap and discusses practical issues, such as thechoice of the block size. A particular data-dependent method is proposedto automate the method. As a side note, it is pointed out that symmetricconfidence intervals are preferred over equal-tailed ones, since theyexhibit improved coverage accuracy. The improvements in small sampleperformance are supported by a simulation study.

Control de la derivació de l'aigua de reg de Masjoan

RESUM Masjoan és una masia del segle XII on resideix la família Masferrer des del 1710. Actualment a Masjoan l’activitat principal és el cultiu i venta de plantes ornamentals, i l’explotació forestal per obtenir fusta. Pel que fa a l’aigua, tant per a la realització de l’activitat professional com per al subministrament de la casa, aquesta prové de mines d’aigua natural situades en la finca. L’objectiu d’aquest TFC ha estat dissenyar un sistema autònom per automatitzar el procés de derivació de l’aigua procedent d’una mina, i d’aquesta manera aprofitar millor els recursos naturals dels que és disposa. El desenvolupament d’aquest sistema, comprèn la selecció i configuració de sensors i actuadors, el disseny del circuit amb la realització de la placa, el disseny del sistema d’alimentació autònom, el software que controla el sistema, i dimensionar la resta d’elements de la instal•lació. Tot el sistema està controlat per un microcontrolador PIC16F876 i alimentat per un mòdul solar de 4W. En el disseny s’ha procurat, sobredimencionar les diferents etapes per possibles ampliacions o modificacions del sistema i que el circuit procures optimitzar el consum d’energia. Com a conclusions cal dir que s’han assolit els objectius proposats amb èxit. S’ha aconseguit un disseny funcional i estable que actualment es troba en funcionament.

Computer-assisted cartography using topographic properties: precision and accuracy of local soil maps in central Mexico

Map units directly related to properties of soil-landscape are generated by local soil classes. Therefore to take into consideration the knowledge of farmers is essential to automate the procedure. The aim of this study was to map local soil classes by computer-assisted cartography (CAC), using several combinations of topographic properties produced by GIS (digital elevation model, aspect, slope, and profile curvature). A decision tree was used to find the number of topographic properties required for digital cartography of the local soil classes. The maps produced were evaluated based on the attributes of map quality defined as precision and accuracy of the CAC-based maps. The evaluation was carried out in Central Mexico using three maps of local soil classes with contrasting landscape and climatic conditions (desert, temperate, and tropical). In the three areas the precision (56 %) of the CAC maps based on elevation as topographical feature was higher than when based on slope, aspect and profile curvature. The accuracy of the maps (boundary locations) was however low (33 %), in other words, further research is required to improve this indicator.

Field Data Acquisition Technologies for Iowa Transportation Agencies, HR-366 August 1994

This report describes the results of the research project investigating the use of advanced field data acquisition technologies for lowa transponation agencies. The objectives of the research project were to (1) research and evaluate current data acquisition technologies for field data collection, manipulation, and reporting; (2) identify the current field data collection approach and the interest level in applying current technologies within Iowa transportation agencies; and (3) summarize findings, prioritize technology needs, and provide recommendations regarding suitable applications for future development. A steering committee consisting oretate, city, and county transportation officials provided guidance during this project. Technologies considered in this study included (1) data storage (bar coding, radio frequency identification, touch buttons, magnetic stripes, and video logging); (2) data recognition (voice recognition and optical character recognition); (3) field referencing systems (global positioning systems [GPS] and geographic information systems [GIs]); (4) data transmission (radio frequency data communications and electronic data interchange); and (5) portable computers (pen-based computers). The literature review revealed that many of these technologies could have useful applications in the transponation industry. A survey was developed to explain current data collection methods and identify the interest in using advanced field data collection technologies. Surveys were sent out to county and city engineers and state representatives responsible for certain programs (e.g., maintenance management and construction management). Results showed that almost all field data are collected using manual approaches and are hand-carried to the office where they are either entered into a computer or manually stored. A lack of standardization was apparent for the type of software applications used by each agency--even the types of forms used to manually collect data differed by agency. Furthermore, interest in using advanced field data collection technologies depended upon the technology, program (e.g.. pavement or sign management), and agency type (e.g., state, city, or county). The state and larger cities and counties seemed to be interested in using several of the technologies, whereas smaller agencies appeared to have very little interest in using advanced techniques to capture data. A more thorough analysis of the survey results is provided in the report. Recommendations are made to enhance the use of advanced field data acquisition technologies in Iowa transportation agencies: (1) Appoint a statewide task group to coordinate the effort to automate field data collection and reporting within the Iowa transportation agencies. Subgroups representing the cities, counties, and state should be formed with oversight provided by the statewide task group. (2) Educate employees so that they become familiar with the various field data acquisition technologies.

Development of a Computer Controlled Underbody Plow: TR412, Final Report, January 2006

Underbody plows can be very useful tools in winter maintenance, especially when compacted snow or hard ice must be removed from the roadway. By the application of significant down-force, and the use of an appropriate cutting edge angle, compacted snow and ice can be removed very effectively by such plows, with much greater efficiency than any other tool under those circumstances. However, the successful operation of an underbody plow requires considerable skill. If too little down pressure is applied to the plow, then it will not cut the ice or compacted snow. However, if too much force is applied, then either the cutting edge may gouge the road surface, causing significant damage often to both the road surface and the plow, or the plow may ride up on the cutting edge so that it is no longer controllable by the operator. Spinning of the truck in such situations is easily accomplished. Further, excessive down force will result in rapid wear of the cutting edge. Given this need for a high level of operator skill, the operation of an underbody plow is a candidate for automation. In order to successfully automate the operation of an underbody plow, a control system must be developed that follows a set of rules that represent appropriate operation of such a plow. These rules have been developed, based upon earlier work in which operational underbody plows were instrumented to determine the loading upon them (both vertical and horizontal) and the angle at which the blade was operating.These rules have been successfully coded into two different computer programs, both using the MatLab® software. In the first program, various load and angle inputs are analyzed to determine when, whether, and how they violate the rules of operation. This program is essentially deterministic in nature. In the second program, the Simulink® package in the MatLab® software system was used to implement these rules using fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic essentially replaces a fixed and constant rule with one that varies in such a way as to improve operational control. The development of the fuzzy logic in this simulation was achieved simply by using appropriate routines in the computer software, rather than being developed directly. The results of the computer testing and simulation indicate that a fully automated, computer controlled underbody plow is indeed possible. The issue of whether the next steps toward full automation should be taken (and by whom) has also been considered, and the possibility of some sort of joint venture between a Department of Transportation and a vendor has been suggested.

Programari de consulta offline al campus virtual de la UOC

L'objectiu del projecte és el desenvolupament d'una aplicació d'escriptori que permeti a l'estudiant la consulta offline de les darreres novetats disponibles a les aules del campus UOC. Es tracta d'automatitzar el procés de consulta i descàrrega local de dades per tal de poder consultar-les posteriorment fora de línia.

Providing more informative projections of climate change impact on plant distribution in a mountain environment

Summary Due to their conic shape and the reduction of area with increasing elevation, mountain ecosystems were early identified as potentially very sensitive to global warming. Moreover, mountain systems may experience unprecedented rates of warming during the next century, two or three times higher than that records of the 20th century. In this context, species distribution models (SDM) have become important tools for rapid assessment of the impact of accelerated land use and climate change on the distribution plant species. In my study, I developed and tested new predictor variables for species distribution models (SDM), specific to current and future geographic projections of plant species in a mountain system, using the Western Swiss Alps as model region. Since meso- and micro-topography are relevant to explain geographic patterns of plant species in mountain environments, I assessed the effect of scale on predictor variables and geographic projections of SDM. I also developed a methodological framework of space-for-time evaluation to test the robustness of SDM when projected in a future changing climate. Finally, I used a cellular automaton to run dynamic simulations of plant migration under climate change in a mountain landscape, including realistic distance of seed dispersal. Results of future projections for the 21st century were also discussed in perspective of vegetation changes monitored during the 20th century. Overall, I showed in this study that, based on the most severe A1 climate change scenario and realistic dispersal simulations of plant dispersal, species extinctions in the Western Swiss Alps could affect nearly one third (28.5%) of the 284 species modeled by 2100. With the less severe 61 scenario, only 4.6% of species are predicted to become extinct. However, even with B1, 54% (153 species) may still loose more than 80% of their initial surface. Results of monitoring of past vegetation changes suggested that plant species can react quickly to the warmer conditions as far as competition is low However, in subalpine grasslands, competition of already present species is probably important and limit establishment of newly arrived species. Results from future simulations also showed that heavy extinctions of alpine plants may start already in 2040, but the latest in 2080. My study also highlighted the importance of fine scale and regional. assessments of climate change impact on mountain vegetation, using more direct predictor variables. Indeed, predictions at the continental scale may fail to predict local refugees or local extinctions, as well as loss of connectivity between local populations. On the other hand, migrations of low-elevation species to higher altitude may be difficult to predict at the local scale. Résumé La forme conique des montagnes ainsi que la diminution de surface dans les hautes altitudes sont reconnues pour exposer plus sensiblement les écosystèmes de montagne au réchauffement global. En outre, les systèmes de montagne seront sans doute soumis durant le 21ème siècle à un réchauffement deux à trois fois plus rapide que celui mesuré durant le 20ème siècle. Dans ce contexte, les modèles prédictifs de distribution géographique de la végétation se sont imposés comme des outils puissants pour de rapides évaluations de l'impact des changements climatiques et de la transformation du paysage par l'homme sur la végétation. Dans mon étude, j'ai développé de nouvelles variables prédictives pour les modèles de distribution, spécifiques à la projection géographique présente et future des plantes dans un système de montagne, en utilisant les Préalpes vaudoises comme zone d'échantillonnage. La méso- et la microtopographie étant particulièrement adaptées pour expliquer les patrons de distribution géographique des plantes dans un environnement montagneux, j'ai testé les effets d'échelle sur les variables prédictives et sur les projections des modèles de distribution. J'ai aussi développé un cadre méthodologique pour tester la robustesse potentielle des modèles lors de projections pour le futur. Finalement, j'ai utilisé un automate cellulaire pour simuler de manière dynamique la migration future des plantes dans le paysage et dans quatre scénarios de changement climatique pour le 21ème siècle. J'ai intégré dans ces simulations des mécanismes et des distances plus réalistes de dispersion de graines. J'ai pu montrer, avec les simulations les plus réalistes, que près du tiers des 284 espèces considérées (28.5%) pourraient être menacées d'extinction en 2100 dans le cas du plus sévère scénario de changement climatique A1. Pour le moins sévère des scénarios B1, seulement 4.6% des espèces sont menacées d'extinctions, mais 54% (153 espèces) risquent de perdre plus 80% de leur habitat initial. Les résultats de monitoring des changements de végétation dans le passé montrent que les plantes peuvent réagir rapidement au réchauffement climatique si la compétition est faible. Dans les prairies subalpines, les espèces déjà présentes limitent certainement l'arrivée de nouvelles espèces par effet de compétition. Les résultats de simulation pour le futur prédisent le début d'extinctions massives dans les Préalpes à partir de 2040, au plus tard en 2080. Mon travail démontre aussi l'importance d'études régionales à échelle fine pour évaluer l'impact des changements climatiques sur la végétation, en intégrant des variables plus directes. En effet, les études à échelle continentale ne tiennent pas compte des micro-refuges, des extinctions locales ni des pertes de connectivité entre populations locales. Malgré cela, la migration des plantes de basses altitudes reste difficile à prédire à l'échelle locale sans modélisation plus globale.

Using Digital Video Analysis to Monitor Driver Behavior at Intersections

Commercially available instruments for road-side data collection take highly limited measurements, require extensive manual input, or are too expensive for widespread use. However, inexpensive computer vision techniques for digital video analysis can be applied to automate the monitoring of driver, vehicle, and pedestrian behaviors. These techniques can measure safety-related variables that cannot be easily measured using existing sensors. The use of these techniques will lead to an improved understanding of the decisions made by drivers at intersections. These automated techniques allow the collection of large amounts of safety-related data in a relatively short amount of time. There is a need to develop an easily deployable system to utilize these new techniques. This project implemented and tested a digital video analysis system for use at intersections. A prototype video recording system was developed for field deployment. A computer interface was implemented and served to simplify and automate the data analysis and the data review process. Driver behavior was measured at urban and rural non-signalized intersections. Recorded digital video was analyzed and used to test the system.