Expanding the biomass resource:sustainable oil production via fast pyrolysis of low input high diversity biomass and the potential integration of thermochemical and biological conversion routes

Waste biomass is generated during the conservation management of semi-natural habitats, and represents an unused resource and potential bioenergy feedstock that does not compete with food production. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to characterise a representative range of biomass generated during conservation management in Wales. Of the biomass types assessed, those dominated by rush (Juncus effuses) and bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) exhibited the highest and lowest volatile compositions respectively and were selected for bench scale conversion via fast pyrolysis. Each biomass type was ensiled and a sub-sample of silage was washed and pressed. Demineralization of conservation biomass through washing and pressing was associated with higher oil yields following fast pyrolysis. The oil yields were within the published range established for the dedicated energy crops miscanthus and willow. In order to examine the potential a multiple output energy system was developed with gross power production estimates following valorisation of the press fluid, char and oil. If used in multi fuel industrial burners the char and oil alone would displace 3.9 × 105 tonnes per year of No. 2 light oil using Welsh biomass from conservation management. Bioenergy and product development using these feedstocks could simultaneously support biodiversity management and displace fossil fuels, thereby reducing GHG emissions. Gross power generation predictions show good potential.

Análisis de la producción científica de los arquitectos técnicos docentes universitarios en España. 1980-2015. Estudio de revistas indizadas en WOS-SCOPUS-CSIC (ICYT-ISOC)

Se estudia la producción científica de los Arquitectos Técnicos docentes universitarios en España en los últimos 35 años ya que el cambio del título académico al de Grado, el aumento del número de doctores y el desarrollo de una política académica que ha convertido en parámetro especial para medir la calidad de la Universidad la cantidad y calidad de los artículos publicados han propiciado un cambio sustancial en esta área del conocimiento. Se determina la investigación producida a través del análisis de las bases de datos WOS-SCOPUS-CSIC(ICYT-ISOC) y las revistas más utilizadas por esta disciplina y se analiza el número de publicaciones de este colectivo por Universidades y revistas. El estudio llevado a cabo evidencia un cambio sustancial en la producción científica de los arquitectos técnicos en España.

Utilización de redes neuronales recurrentes para el análisis de firmas

[EN]This grade project involves the study, design, implementation and test of an signature identification system using neural networks. Recurrent neural networks,also known as recursive neural networks, show a architectonic configuration that able output signals to be fed back to the same, or previous neurons. This feature can be used, as in this project, to build a system especialized on temporal pattern recognition, given that signatures can be seen as sequence of points in time.

ANÁLISIS DE LA PRODUCCIÓN CIENTÍFICA DE LA REVISTA GEOGRÁFICA DE AMÉRICA CENTRAL EN LOS AÑOS 1991-2002

El presente artículo es un análisis métrico de la producción científica de la Revista Geográfica de América Central, publicada por la Escuela de Ciencias Geográficas de la Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica), en el cual a través de la formación de series y el análisis de unidades de estudio como: autor, año, idioma, entre otras, se pueden obtener datos de gran valor para la evaluación del desempeño y calidad de la revista, en el período comprendido entre 1991-2002.A través de este estudio, se determinó que en este período las ediciones de la revista fueron irregulares y con un nivel de producción decreciente en cada una de las ediciones analizadas, publicando en su año más productivo 27 artículos, y llegando a cuatro en sus años con más baja producción.Por otra parte, se analizan diversos puntos de interés con el fin de establecer el comportamiento de la revista y las condiciones en que se dieron, afectando de forma positiva o negativa la producción científica de la misma.

An identification procedure of multi-input Wiener models for the distortion analysis of nonlinear circuits

In this contribution, a system identification procedure of a two-input Wiener model suitable for the analysis of the disturbance behavior of integrated nonlinear circuits is presented. The identified block model is comprised of two linear dynamic and one static nonlinear block, which are determined using an parameterized approach. In order to characterize the linear blocks, an correlation analysis using a white noise input in combination with a model reduction scheme is adopted. After having characterized the linear blocks, from the output spectrum under single tone excitation at each input a linear set of equations will be set up, whose solution gives the coefficients of the nonlinear block. By this data based black box approach, the distortion behavior of a nonlinear circuit under the influence of an interfering signal at an arbitrary input port can be determined. Such an interfering signal can be, for example, an electromagnetic interference signal which conductively couples into the port of consideration. © 2011 Author(s).

LA REFORMA ECONÓMICA Y SU IMPACTO SOCIAL EN COSTA RICA DURANTE EL PERÍODO DE AJUSTE ESTRUCTURAL: apuntes críticos para el análisis

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la reforma económica implementada en Costa Rica en los últimos veinticinco años como resultado de la aplicación de los programas y políticas de ajuste estructural. Para tal efecto se analiza el debate que acompañó el proceso de aprobación e implementación de los mencionados programas, el discurso de los mismos, su desempeño y algunos de sus principales efectos sociales. Esta reforma económica representó un cambio importante en el estilo de desarrollo y en las funciones del estado social vigentes desde la década de los 1950s. De ahí que resulte de gran interés analizar cuál fue el nuevo enfoque de desarrollo que se implementó a partir de la década de los años ochenta y los resultados del mismo en materia de crecimiento económico y equidad social. Esta publicación pretende servir de insumo para promover la tarea académica de repensar la política de desarrollo que la sociedad costarricense debe definir dentro del nuevo contexto de la globalización.   Abstract The objective of this article is to analyze the economic reform implemented in Costa Rica in the last twenty-five years as result of the application of the structural adjustment programs and policies. For such effect we analyze the debate that accompanied the process of approval and implementation of the mentioned programs, the speech of such, its performance and some of its main social effects. This economic reform represented an important change in the style of development and in the current functions of the social state from the decade of 1950s. Hence it results of big interest to analyze which was the new approach of development that was implemented from the decade of the eighties and the results of the same one on the subject of economic growth and social equity.This publication tries to serve as input to promote the academic task of rethinking the politics of development that the Costa Rican society must define inside the new context of the globalization.

Análisis de Disfluencias y Gestos en Nativos Españoles y en Estudiantes de Español como Lengua Extranjera

Esta tesis se centra en el estudio de los gestos durante disfluencias, conflictos en el acto comunicativo en los que el hablante los externaliza mediante pausas, marcadores como ‘eh’ o ‘em’, interrupciones o alargamientos. En particular nuestro interés reside en el contexto de la enseñanza y adquisición de segundas lenguas en situaciones formales y en cómo estudiantes de español como lengua extranjera hacen uso de las disfluencias y los gestos a la hora de comunicarse en la lengua estudiada. Cada vez más se acepta la idea de que los gestos son una parte intrínseca del acto comunicativo, relacionados con el proceso del habla, o incluso parte del mismo proceso que la crea. Por lo tanto, consideramos esencial estudiar los dos, gesto y habla, juntos. Este trabajo tuvo su origen en un previo estudio sobre comunicación no verbal donde se observaron disfluencias y gestos en alumnos de español y se buscó confirmar si eran parecidos a los realizados por hablantes nativos de español. El estudio principal se basó en la participación de veintiocho voluntarios, la mayoría nativos españoles de la Universidad de Málaga o estudiantes de español de la Universidad Politécnica de Hong Kong (bilingües en inglés y cantonés, pero en este estudio se clasificó el inglés como su primera lengua, L1). Se eligieron las transcripciones de ocho participantes, cuatro de cada institución, 50 % mujeres. Cada participante había contado tres historias en su L1 (español o inglés), basadas en input escrito, oral o visual (sin sonido) y una en la lengua extranjera, la L2, basada en la segunda parte del input visual, un vídeo. Las participaciones fueron grabadas en vídeo y tanto el habla como los gestos fueron transcritos, marcando las disfluencias y las subsecuentes reparaciones. Los resultados muestran que existen diferencias en el uso de disfluencias, algunas relacionadas con el nivel de competencia, otras relacionadas con la lengua en sí (inglés o español), pero también parece que pueden estar relacionadas con el tipo de conflicto que el hablante necesita resolver. Así mismo, los gestos relacionados con estas disfluencias apoyan estas observaciones, con gestos que continúan normalmente durante alargamientos pero que se interrumpen con truncamientos de sílabas (interrupciones). Los resultados no nos permiten concluir si el proceso gesto-habla es uno o son dos procesos paralelos; sin embargo, abren nuevas líneas de investigación en el campo de disfluencias, gestos y estudios cognitivos. Por otro, lado confirman la importancia de la observación del gesto como acto comunicativo, en especial en el contexto formal de adquisición de lenguas.

H∞ dynamic output feedback control of power systems with electric vehicles

This paper presents a H∞ dynamic output feedback control scheme for load frequency control (LFC) of interconnected power systems with multiple input timedelays. In this study, electric vehicles (EVs) are participated in the LFC to support reheated thermal power units to rapidly suppress load and frequency fluctuations. A mathematical model of an interconnected power system is first introduced. This model takes into consideration of the different time delays in control inputs; specifically the communication/information delays between the control center and the fleet of EVs. We then derive stabilization conditions in terms of feasible linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for the proposed system and develop an effective algorithm to parameterize H∞ controllers ensuring stability of the closed-loop system with H∞ performance. Extensive simulations are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed control method.

Integration of electric vehicles for load frequency output feedback H ∞ control of smart grids

This study considers a novel application of electric vehicles (EVs) to quickly help reheated thermal turbine units to provide the stability fluctuated by load demands. A mathematical model of a power system with EVs is first derived. This model contains the dynamic interactions of EVs and multiple network-induced time delays. Then, a dynamic output feedback H∞ controller for load frequency control of power systems with multiple time delays in the control input is proposed. To address the multiple time delays issue, a refined Jensen-based inequality, which encompasses the Jensen inequality, is used to derive less conservative synthesis conditions in terms of tractable linear matrix inequalities. A procedure is given to parameterise an output feedback controller to guarantee stability and H∞ performance of the closed-loop system. Extensive simulations are conducted to validate the proposed control method.

The extracurriculum in an input-poor environment

This paper reports on the experiences of an extracurricular program in English language learning (ELL) that was implemented in an institute of technology in the hinterland of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Following the guidelines set out in an impact study of the reform of curriculum change in Hong Kong (Adamson & Morris, 2000), this study takes account of the context of the particular socio-cultural and political environment in which the research program takes place. Three distinct phases emerged in the career of the extracurricular program - the establishment of the program; successful implementation; and the decline. The study identifies three key factors that shaped these phases: teacher motivation; student motivation and its various influences; and available resources (including collegial and administrative support). The findings suggest that of the key factors impacting on the ELL extracurriculum, student motivation was the most influential.

Governance and effectiveness in regional planning: an analysis of North American, European, and Australasian practice

Over the past several years, there has been resurgent interest in regional planning in North America, Europe and Australasia. Spurred by issues such as metropolitan growth, transportation infrastructure, environmental management and economic development, many states and metropolitan regions are undertaking new planning initiatives. These regional efforts have also raised significant question about governance structures, accountability and measures of effectiveness.n this paper, the authors conducted an international review of ten case studies from the United States, Canada, England, Belgium, New Zealand and Australia to explore several critical questions. Using qualitative data template, the research team reviewed plans, documents, web sites and published literature to address three questions. First, what are the governance arrangements for delivering regional planning? Second, what are the mechanisms linking regional plans with state plans (when relevant) and local plans? Third, what means and mechanisms do these regional plans use to evaluate and measure effectiveness? The case study analysis revealed several common themes. First, there is an increasing focus on goverance at the regional level, which is being driven by a range of trends, including regional spatial development initiatives in Europe, regional transportation issues in the US, and the growth of metropolitan regions generally. However, there is considerable variation in how regional governance arrangements are being played out. Similarly, there is a range of processes being used at the regional level to guide planning that range from broad ranging (thick) processes to narrow and limited (thin) approaches. Finally, evaluation and monitoring of regional planning efforts are compiling data on inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes. Although there is increased attention being paid to indicators and monitoring, most of it falls into outcome evaluations such as Agenda 21 or sustainability reporting. Based on our review we suggest there is a need for increased attention on input, process and output indicators and clearer linkages of these indicators in monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The focus on outcome indicators, such as sustainability indicators, creates feedback systems that are too long-term and remote for effective monitoring and feedback. Although we found some examples of where these kinds of monitoring frameworks are linked into a system of governance, there is a need for clearer conceptual development for both theory and practice.

Work at hand : an exploration of gesture in the context of work and everyday life to inform the design of gestural input devices

This research explores gestures used in the context of activities in the workplace and in everyday life in order to understand requirements and devise concepts for the design of gestural information applicances. A collaborative method of video interaction analysis devised to suit design explorations, the Video Card Game, was used to capture and analyse how gesture is used in the context of six different domains: the dentist's office; PDA and mobile phone use; the experimental biologist's laboratory; a city ferry service; a video cassette player repair shop; and a factory flowmeter assembly station. Findings are presented in the form of gestural themes, derived from the tradition of qualitative analysis but bearing some similarity to Alexandrian patterns. Implications for the design of gestural devices are discussed.