Similarities and Differences in Barrel Vaults of Traditional and Stately Houses in the Historic Centre of Arequipa, Per��

The traditional architecture of the centre of the city of Arequipa has been analyzed by comparing floor-plans of houses from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in order to explain the reasons behind the arrangement of their constructional elements and the evolution of said elements and floor-plans. The historic centre of Arequipa, a city located in the South of Per��, South America (Latitude 16��23' South, Longitude 71 ��31' West), is based on a ground plan from 1540 that was set during the city's Spanish foundation. It was declared Patrimony of the Humanity by UNESCO. The manorial architecture is widely known for its decorated fronts and one-of-a-kind designs, but its differences with respect to the popular architecture are not based exclusively on decorative aspects. Peru's colonial period finished around 1825, but the barrel-vault, construction style continued in Arequipa through 1868, when an earthquake destroyed the city. Thereafter, the vaults were replaced by roofs made of rails, with cinders made out of the lava stone. The stately houses belonged to the founding families who settled around the main square on forty nine blocks that formed a square-grid, street layout. Also belonging to this category are the houses of landlords and traders from post-colonial times.

Analysis of duplication in the Spanish durum wheat collection maintained in the CRF-INIA on the basis of agro-morphological traits and gliadin proteins

A total of 106 potential duplicate cases involved 277 accessions were detected on the basis of passport data in the durum wheat collection maintained in the CRF-INIA. Similarity between accessions was measured by agro-morphological traits. The 90% of the agro-morphological duplication were verified with gliadin proteins, allowing identification of similar material with greater refinement than agro-morphological data. However, the results indicated not to decide for rationalisation only on the basis of molecular data.

Analysis of duplication in the Spanish durum wheat collection maintained in the CRF-INIA on the basis of agro-morphological traits and gliadin proteins

A total of 106 potential duplicate cases involved 277 accessions were detected on the basis of passport data in the durum wheat collection maintained in the CRF-INIA. Similarity between accessions was measured by agro-morphological traits. The 90% of the agro-morphological duplication were verified with gliadin proteins, allowing identification of similar material with greater refinement than agro-morphological data. However, the results indicated not to decide for rationalisation only on the basis of molecular data

Combined use of gliadins and SSRs to analyse the genetic variability of the Spanish collection of cultivated diploid wheat (Triticum monococcum L. ssp. monococcum)

This work studied the combined use of gliadins and SSRs to analyse inter- and intra-accession variability of the Spanish collection of cultivated einkorn (Triticum monococcum L. ssp. monococcum) maintained at the CRF-INIA. In general, gliadin loci presented higher discrimination power than SSRs, reflecting the high variability of the gliadins. The loci on chromosome 6A were the most polymorphic with similar PIC values for both marker systems, showing that these markers are very useful for genetic variability studies in wheat. The gliadin results indicated that the Spanish einkorn collection possessed high genetic diversity, being the differentiation large between varieties and small within them. Some associations between gliadin alleles and geographical and agro-morphological data were found. Agro-morphological relations were also observed in the clusters of the SSRs dendrogram. A high concordance was found between gliadins and SSRs for genotype identification. In addition, both systems provide complementary information to resolve the different cases of intra-accession variability not detected at the agro-morphological level, and to identify separately all the genotypes analysed. The combined use of both genetic markers is an excellent tool for genetic resource evaluation in addition to agro-morphological evaluation.

Lesson from the habitat suitability models to evaluate the environmental of Pinus nigra Arnold and Pinus sylvesris L. in the Iberian Peninsula

PREDICT POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTION. Spatial and temporal evolution of the species under different climate scenarios. Generation of habitat suitability models (HSM) ��� high degree of uncertainty and limitations. The importance of their validation has been stressed. In this work we discuss the present potential distribution of P. sylvestris and P. nigra in the Iberian Peninsula by using MaxEnt, and evaluate the influence of the different environmental variables. Our intention is to select a set of environmental variables that explains better their current distribution, to achieve the most accurate and reliable models. Then we project them to the past climatic conditions (21 to 0 kyrs BP), to evaluate the outputs with existing palaeo-ecological data.

The Extended Water Footprint and illegal groundwater use in the Upper Guadiana Basin (Spain)

Tablas de Daimiel National Park is located in the Upper Guadiana Basin and represents one of the largest and most important wetlands in Europe. The long term ecological integrity of this wetland is inherently associated with the maintenance of a shallow groundwater table, namely the Western Mancha aquifer (WMA) or Aquifer 23. The intensive use of groundwater, mainly for irrigation, has led over the last decades to deep socio���economic changes. Such intensive use has also lowered the water table of Aquifer 23, drastically reducing the flooded area of the wetland and threatening its ecological integrity. A number of plans and measures have been developed and implemented since the declaration of overexploitation of Aquifer 23 in the year 1987. The most recent one is the Special Plan for the Upper Guadiana (SPUG), approved in 2008. This Plan is the main measure to comply with achieving the objective of good quantitative and qualitative status required under the Water Framework Directive (2000). This paper offers a new type of integrated analysis which allows assessing under a common lens the physical, economic and social dimensions of groundwater use in the area. The first objective is to calculate the groundwater footprint of agricultural production in the Upper Guadiana basin and its evolution during 2000���2008. For this purpose, we have applied the Extended Water Footprint (EWF) methodology ���a novel approach based on the classical Water Footprint (WF) approach��� that includes an assessment of the water productivity from an economic and social perspective. Compared to the classical WF, the EWF allows for a more complete overview of the sector, providing new insights for policy decisions (e.g. to define options and possibilities on water re���allocation in order to achieve both better ecosystem conservation and social equity). The second objective is to use the EWF to compare the existing authorized and non���authorized or illegal use of water. This allows us to discuss current initiatives by public authorities in relation to the existing frame of water rights

Advances in the modeling, characterization and reliability of concentrator multijunction solar cells

Los sistemas de concentraci��n fotovoltaica (CPV) parecen ser una de las v��as m��s prometedoras para generar electricidad a gran escala a precios competitivos. La investigaci��n actual se centra en aumentar la eficiencia y la concentraci��n de los sistemas para abaratar costes. Al mismo tiempo se investiga sobre la fiabilidad de los diferentes componentes que integran un sistema de concentraci��n, ya que para que los sistemas de concentraci��n sean competitivos es necesario que tengan una fiabilidad al menos similar a los sistemas basados en c��lulas de silicio. En la presente tesis doctoral se ha llevado a cabo el estudio de aspectos avanzados de c��lulas solares multi-uni��n dise��adas para trabajar a concentraciones ultra-altas. Para ello, se ha desarrollado un modelo circuital tridimensional distribuido con el que simular el comportamiento de las c��lulas solares triple-uni��n bajo distintas condiciones de funcionamiento, as�� mismo se ha realizado una caracterizaci��n avanzada de este tipo de c��lulas para comprender mejor su modo de operaci��n y as�� poder contribuir a mejorar su eficiencia. Finalmente, se han llevado a cabo ensayos de vida acelerados en c��lulas multiuni��n comerciales para conocer la fiabilidad de este tipo de c��lulas solares. Para la simulaci��n de c��lulas solares triple-uni��n se ha desarrollado en la presente tesis doctoral un modelo circuital tridimensinal distribuido el cu��l integra una descripci��n completa de la uni��n t��nel. De este modo, con el modelo desarrollado, hemos podido simular perfiles de luz sobre la c��lula solar que hacen que la densidad de corriente fotogenerada sea mayor a la densidad de corriente pico de la uni��n t��nel. El modelo desarrollado tambi��n contempla la distribuci��n lateral de corriente en las capas semiconductoras que componen y rodean la uni��n t��nel. Por tanto, se ha podido simular y analizar el efecto que tiene sobre el funcionamiento de la c��lula solar que los concentradores ��pticos produzcan perfiles de luz desuniformes, tanto en nivel de irradiancia como en el contenido espectral de la luz (aberraci��n crom��tica). Con el objetivo de determinar cu��les son los mecanismos de recombinaci��n que est��n limitando el funcionamiento de cada subc��lula que integra una triple-uni��n, y as�� intentar reducirlos, se ha llevado a cabo la caracterizaci��n el��ctrica de c��lulas solares monouni ��n id��nticas a las subcelulas de una triple-uni��n. Tambi��n se ha determinado la curva corriente-tensi��n en oscuridad de las subc��lulas de GaInP y GaAs de una c��lula dobleuni��n mediante la utilizaci��n de un teorema de reciprocidad electro-��ptico. Finalmente, se ha analizado el impacto de los diferentes mecanismos de recombinaci��n en el funcionamiento de la c��lula solar triple-uni��n en concentraci��n. Por ��ltimo, para determinar la fiabilidad de este tipo de c��lulas, se ha llevado a cabo un ensayo de vida acelerada en temperatura en c��lulas solares triple-uni��n comerciales. En la presente tesis doctoral se describe el dise��o del ensayo, el progreso del mismo y los datos obtenidos tras el an��lisis de los resultados preliminares. Abstract Concentrator photovoltaic systems (CPV) seem to be one of the most promising ways to generate electricity at competitive prices. Nowadays, the research is focused on increasing the efficiency and the concentration of the systems in order to reduce costs. At the same time, another important area of research is the study of the reliability of the different components which make up a CPV system. In fact, in order for a CPV to be cost-effective, it should have a warranty at least similar to that of the systems based on Si solar cells. In the present thesis, we will study in depth the behavior of multijunction solar cells under ultra-high concentration. With this purpose in mind, a three-dimensional circuital distributed model which is able to simulate the behavior of triple-junction solar cells under different working conditions has been developed. Also, an advanced characterization of these solar cells has been carried out in order to better understand their behavior and thus contribute to improving efficiency. Finally, accelerated life tests have been carried out on commercial lattice-matched triple-junction solar cells in order to determine their reliability. In order to simulate triple-junction solar cells, a 3D circuital distributed model which integrates a full description of the tunnel junction has been developed. We have analyzed the behavior of the multijunction solar cell under light profiles which cause the current density photo-generated in the solar cell to be higher than the tunnel junction���s peak current density. The advanced model developed also takes into account the lateral current spreading through the semiconductor layers which constitute and surround the tunnel junction. Therefore, the effects of non-uniform light profiles, in both irradiance and the spectral content produced by the concentrators on the solar cell, have been simulated and analyzed. In order to determine which recombination mechanisms are limiting the behavior of each subcell in a triple-junction stack, and to try to reduce them when possible, an electrical characterization of single-junction solar cells that resemble the subcells in a triplejunction stack has been carried out. Also, the dark I-V curves of the GaInP and GaAs subcells in a dual-junction solar cell have been determined by using an electro-optical reciprocity theorem. Finally, the impact of the different recombination mechanisms on the behavior of the triple-junction solar cell under concentration has been analyzed. In order to determine the reliability of these solar cells, a temperature accelerated life test has been carried out on commercial triple-junction solar cells. In the present thesis, the design and the evolution of the test, as well as the data obtained from the analysis of the preliminary results, are presented.

Computational methods to create and analyze a digital gene expression atlas of embryo development from microscopy images

Abstract The creation of atlases, or digital models where information from different subjects can be combined, is a field of increasing interest in biomedical imaging. When a single image does not contain enough information to appropriately describe the organism under study, it is then necessary to acquire images of several individuals, each of them containing complementary data with respect to the rest of the components in the cohort. This approach allows creating digital prototypes, ranging from anatomical atlases of human patients and organs, obtained for instance from Magnetic Resonance Imaging, to gene expression cartographies of embryo development, typically achieved from Light Microscopy. Within such context, in this PhD Thesis we propose, develop and validate new dedicated image processing methodologies that, based on image registration techniques, bring information from multiple individuals into alignment within a single digital atlas model. We also elaborate a dedicated software visualization platform to explore the resulting wealth of multi-dimensional data and novel analysis algo-rithms to automatically mine the generated resource in search of bio��logical insights. In particular, this work focuses on gene expression data from developing zebrafish embryos imaged at the cellular resolution level with Two-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy. Disposing of quantitative measurements relating multiple gene expressions to cell position and their evolution in time is a fundamental prerequisite to understand embryogenesis multi-scale processes. However, the number of gene expressions that can be simultaneously stained in one acquisition is limited due to optical and labeling constraints. These limitations motivate the implementation of atlasing strategies that can recreate a virtual gene expression multiplex. The developed computational tools have been tested in two different scenarios. The first one is the early zebrafish embryogenesis where the resulting atlas constitutes a link between the phenotype and the genotype at the cellular level. The second one is the late zebrafish brain where the resulting atlas allows studies relating gene expression to brain regionalization and neurogenesis. The proposed computational frameworks have been adapted to the requirements of both scenarios, such as the integration of partial views of the embryo into a whole embryo model with cellular resolution or the registration of anatom��ical traits with deformable transformation models non-dependent on any specific labeling. The software implementation of the atlas generation tool (Match-IT) and the visualization platform (Atlas-IT) together with the gene expression atlas resources developed in this Thesis are to be made freely available to the scientific community. Lastly, a novel proof-of-concept experiment integrates for the first time 3D gene expression atlas resources with cell lineages extracted from live embryos, opening up the door to correlate genetic and cellular spatio-temporal dynamics. La creaci��n de atlas, o modelos digitales, donde la informaci��n de distintos sujetos puede ser combinada, es un campo de creciente inter��s en imagen biom��dica. Cuando una sola imagen no contiene suficientes datos como para describir apropiadamente el organismo objeto de estudio, se hace necesario adquirir im��genes de varios individuos, cada una de las cuales contiene informaci��n complementaria respecto al resto de componentes del grupo. De este modo, es posible crear prototipos digitales, que pueden ir desde atlas anat��micos de ��rganos y pacientes humanos, adquiridos por ejemplo mediante Resonancia Magn��tica, hasta cartograf��as de la expresi��n gen��tica del desarrollo de embrionario, t��picamente adquiridas mediante Microscop��a Optica. Dentro de este contexto, en esta Tesis Doctoral se introducen, desarrollan y validan nuevos m��todos de procesado de imagen que, bas��ndose en t��cnicas de registro de imagen, son capaces de alinear im��genes y datos provenientes de m��ltiples individuos en un solo atlas digital. Adem��s, se ha elaborado una plataforma de visualization espec��ficamente dise��ada para explorar la gran cantidad de datos, caracterizados por su multi-dimensionalidad, que resulta de estos m��todos. Asimismo, se han propuesto novedosos algoritmos de an��lisis y miner��a de datos que permiten inspeccionar autom��ticamente los atlas generados en busca de conclusiones biol��gicas significativas. En particular, este trabajo se centra en datos de expresi��n gen��tica del desarrollo embrionario del pez cebra, adquiridos mediante Microscop��a dos fotones con resoluci��n celular. Disponer de medidas cuantitativas que relacionen estas expresiones gen��ticas con las posiciones celulares y su evoluci��n en el tiempo es un prerrequisito fundamental para comprender los procesos multi-escala caracter��sticos de la morfog��nesis. Sin embargo, el n��mero de expresiones gen��ticos que pueden ser simult��neamente etiquetados en una sola adquisici��n es reducido debido a limitaciones tanto ��pticas como del etiquetado. Estas limitaciones requieren la implementaci��n de estrategias de creaci��n de atlas que puedan recrear un multiplexado virtual de expresiones gen��ticas. Las herramientas computacionales desarrolladas han sido validadas en dos escenarios distintos. El primer escenario es el desarrollo embrionario temprano del pez cebra, donde el atlas resultante permite constituir un v��nculo, a nivel celular, entre el fenotipo y el genotipo de este organismo modelo. El segundo escenario corresponde a estadios tard��os del desarrollo del cerebro del pez cebra, donde el atlas resultante permite relacionar expresiones gen��ticas con la regionalizaci��n del cerebro y la formaci��n de neuronas. La plataforma computacional desarrollada ha sido adaptada a los requisitos y retos planteados en ambos escenarios, como la integraci��n, a resoluci��n celular, de vistas parciales dentro de un modelo consistente en un embri��n completo, o el alineamiento entre estructuras de referencia anat��mica equivalentes, logrado mediante el uso de modelos de transformaci��n deformables que no requieren ning��n marcador espec��fico. Est�� previsto poner a disposici��n de la comunidad cient��fica tanto la herramienta de generaci��n de atlas (Match-IT), como su plataforma de visualizaci��n (Atlas-IT), as�� como las bases de datos de expresi��n gen��tica creadas a partir de estas herramientas. Por ��ltimo, dentro de la presente Tesis Doctoral, se ha incluido una prueba conceptual innovadora que permite integrar los mencionados atlas de expresi��n gen��tica tridimensionales dentro del linaje celular extra��do de una adquisici��n in vivo de un embri��n. Esta prueba conceptual abre la puerta a la posibilidad de correlar, por primera vez, las din��micas espacio-temporales de genes y c��lulas.

Co-evolutionary and Reinforcement Learning Techniques Applied to Computer Go players

The objective of this thesis is model some processes from the nature as evolution and co-evolution, and proposing some techniques that can ensure that these learning process really happens and useful to solve some complex problems as Go game. The Go game is ancient and very complex game with simple rules which still is a challenge for the Artificial Intelligence. This dissertation cover some approaches that were applied to solve this problem, proposing solve this problem using competitive and cooperative co-evolutionary learning methods and other techniques proposed by the author. To study, implement and prove these methods were used some neural networks structures, a framework free available and coded many programs. The techniques proposed were coded by the author, performed many experiments to find the best configuration to ensure that co-evolution is progressing and discussed the results. Using co-evolutionary learning processes can be observed some pathologies which could impact co-evolution progress. In this dissertation is introduced some techniques to solve pathologies as loss of gradients, cycling dynamics and forgetting. According to some authors, one solution to solve these co-evolution pathologies is introduce more diversity in populations that are evolving. In this thesis is proposed some techniques to introduce more diversity and some diversity measurements for neural networks structures to monitor diversity during co-evolution. The genotype diversity evolved were analyzed in terms of its impact to global fitness of the strategies evolved and their generalization. Additionally, it was introduced a memory mechanism in the network neural structures to reinforce some strategies in the genes of the neurons evolved with the intention that some good strategies learned are not forgotten. In this dissertation is presented some works from other authors in which cooperative and competitive co-evolution has been applied. The Go board size used in this thesis was 9x9, but can be easily escalated to more bigger boards.The author believe that programs coded and techniques introduced in this dissertation can be used for other domains.

Biofouling of crypts of historical and architectural interest at la Plata Cemetery (Argentina)

Cemeteries are part of the cultural heritage of urban communities, containing funerary crypts and monuments of historical and architectural interest. Efforts aimed at the conservation of these structures must target not only the abiotic stresses that cause their destruction, such as light and humidity, but also biofouling by biotic agents. The purpose of this study was to assess the development of biofouling of several historically and architecturally valuable crypts at La Plata Cemetery (Argentina). Samples obtained from the biofilms, lichens, and fungal colonies that had developed on the marble surfaces and cement mortar of these crypts were analyzed by conventional microbiological techniques and by scanning electron microscopy. The lichens were identified as Caloplaca austrocitrina, Lecanora albescens, Xanthoparmelia farinosa and Xanthoria candelaria, the fungi as Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Candida sp. and Rhodotorula sp., and the bacteria as Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. The mechanisms by which these microorganisms cause the aesthetic and biochemical deterioration of the crypts are discussed.