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[Resumen] El objetivo de los proyectos AGRICOBIOT I y AGRICOBIOT II es el desarrollo de un sistema multi-robot colaborativo para la asistencia del operario humano en las tareas de transporte en el interior de invernaderos. El entorno elegido para la experimentación es un invernadero tipo Almería, representativo de los invernaderos mediterráneos, que a pesar de ser en general poco adecuado para la navegación de robots. El sistema consta de dos robots aunque el trabajo se centra en uno de ellos. En este trabajo se presenta el modelado y el diseño preliminar del robot que trabajará en el invernadero colaborando con el operario y cooperando con otros robots, así como el modelado del entorno de trabajo. [Abstract] The objective of the AGRICOBIOT I and AGRICOBIOT II projects is the development of a collaborative multi-robot system to assist the human operator in transport tasks inside greenhouses. The environment chosen for the experimentation is an Almeria type greenhouse, representative of Mediterranean greenhouses, which is generally not very suitable for robot navigation. The system consists of two robots, although the work focuses on one of them. This work presents the modelling and preliminary design of the robot that will work in the greenhouse collaborating with the operator and cooperating with other robots, as well as the modelling of the working environment. Universidad de Almería; UAL2020-TEP-A1991 Andalucía. Consejería de Transformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades; PY20_00767

In this paper, the problem of pH regulation in photobioreactors has been addressed by using a robust Proportional–Integral controller in combination with a linear active disturbance rejection approach. This formulation is based on the Generalized Proportional–Integral (GPI) observers design to estimate online external disturbances and non-modeled dynamics. The methodology uses a model reference optimization procedure with tracking and regulatory target closed-loop transfer functions for first-order plus dead-time models. The proposed controller is validated on a full-scale Raceway photobioreactor, whose results show a significant improvement in the accuracy of pH regulation and, consequently, a positive influence on biomass production. Moreover, a classical feedforward approach has been used for comparison purposes. The performance of the robust technique is evaluated with different indexes, whose results confirm the good performance of the proposed active disturbance rejection control scheme.

This paper demonstrates that it is possible to approach the skin lesion classification problem as a detection problem, a much more complex and interesting problem, by training a deep neural network based detection architecture and applying image processing techniques to a dermatology dataset as part of the data augmentation strategy with satisfactory and promising results. The image dataset used in the experiments comes from the ISIC Dermoscopic Archive, an openaccess dermatology repository. In particular, the ISIC 2017 dataset, a subset of the ISIC archive, released for the annual ISIC challenge was used. We show that it is possible to adapt a high quality imaging dataset to the requirements demanded by a deep learning detection architecture such as YOLOv3. In conjunction with image processing techniques as a previous step, the deep neural network was successfully trained to identify and locate three different types of skin lesions in real-time.

espanolEste trabajo presenta la implementacion de un controlador predictivo generalizado (GPC) para el control del pH en un fotobiorreactor raceway para el cultivo de microalgas. La variable mas critica en los procesos de crecimiento de microalgas es el pH, teniendo relacion directa con la productividad del sistema. La dinamica no lineal del pH se ve afectada de manera directa e indirecta por mas variables del sistema, como el aporte de CO2 al medio de cultivo, el exceso de O2 debido a la realizacion de la fotosintesis por parte de las microalgas, la radiacion solar y la concentracion de biomasa. Este tipo de reactores estan normalmente controlados mediante controladores clasicos todo/nada que no tienen en cuenta el modelo del sistema ni el consumo de CO2. Debido a la importancia de mantener el pH dentro de unos valores determinados que afectan directamente a la productividad, en este trabajo se ha optado por disenar un control predictivo lineal que permita acotar la salida del sistema a los valores optimos que permitan aumentar su productividad, reduciendo el uso de CO2 al mismo tiempo. EnglishThis paper presents the implementation of a Generalized Predictive Control (GPC) algorithm for the pH control in a photobiorreactor raceway for microalgae. The pH is the most important variable in the microalage crop growth process, which has a direct inuence on the system productivity. The nonlinear dynamics of the pH is affected by other system variables such as CO2 supply, excess of O2 due to the photosynthesis process, the solar diation and the biomass concentration. This type of reactores are usually controlled by means of on/off controllers, which do not take into account the process model and the CO2 consumption. To keep the pH within an specific range is very important and affects directly the system productive. Thus, a constrained predictive control is designed in this work to limit the pH with the optimal values allowing to increase the productivity and to reduce the CO2 consumption.

Sunburn, immunodepression, photoaging, and photocarcinogenesis, are some of the most significant adverse effects of solar radiation in humans. Children are a population group of special vulnerability, due to the fact that exposure to the sun has more pronounced biological effects compared to adults. Furthermore, childhood is a critical period for promoting the development of photo damage and photocarcinogenesis in the later stages of life if adequate measures are not put into place. This is because it is estimated that between 18 and 20 years of age 40–50% of the accumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation up to 60 years of age is received. The most important strategy for the photoprotection of children is changes in behaviour and habits associated with exposure to the sun at all levels (school, society, family, etc.). Resorting to the shade, reduction in overall time of exposure to the sun, and physical protection (clothes, hats, and sunglasses) are the best and least costly photoprotection strategies. The photoprotectors must be incorporated into the daily routine of children in the same way as adults, and must complete a series of requirements in order to make them effective, safe, and in line with the environment. Resumen: Las quemaduras solares, la inmunodepresión, el fotoenvejecimiento y la fotocarcinogénesis son algunos de los efectos adversos más importantes de la radiación solar en el ser humano. Los niños son un grupo poblacional de especial vulnerabilidad debido a que en ellos la exposición solar tiene efectos biológicos más pronunciados en comparación con los adultos. Por otro lado, la infancia es un periodo crítico para promover el desarrollo de fotodaño y fotocarcinogénesis en etapas más tardías de la vida si no se ponen las medidas adecuadas, ya que se estima que entre los 18 y 20 años de edad se recibe del 40-50% de la exposición acumulativa a la radiación ultravioleta hasta la edad de 60 años. La estrategia más importante para la fotoprotección de los niños son las modificaciones de comportamiento y hábitos relacionados con la exposición al sol a todos los niveles (colegio, sociedad, familia, etc.). El recurso de la sombra, la reducción del tiempo global de exposición al sol y la protección física (ropa, sombreros y gafas de sol) representan las mejores y menos costosas estrategias de fotoprotección. Los fotoprotectores deben incorporarse a la rutina diaria de los niños, de la misma manera que los adultos, y deben cumplir una serie de requisitos que los hagan eficaces, seguros y comprometidos con el medio ambiente.

Resumen: Las quemaduras solares, la inmunodepresión, el fotoenvejecimiento y la fotocarcinogénesis son algunos de los efectos adversos más importantes de la radiación solar en el ser humano. Los niños son un grupo poblacional de especial vulnerabilidad debido a que en ellos la exposición solar tiene efectos biológicos más pronunciados en comparación con los adultos. Por otro lado, la infancia es un periodo crítico para promover el desarrollo de fotodaño y fotocarcinogénesis en etapas más tardías de la vida si no se ponen las medidas adecuadas, ya que se estima que entre los 18 y 20 años de edad se recibe del 40-50% de la exposición acumulativa a la radiación ultravioleta hasta la edad de 60 años. La estrategia más importante para la fotoprotección de los niños son las modificaciones de comportamiento y hábitos relacionados con la exposición al sol a todos los niveles (colegio, sociedad, familia, etc.). El recurso de la sombra, la reducción del tiempo global de exposición al sol y la protección física (ropa, sombreros y gafas de sol) representan las mejores y menos costosas estrategias de fotoprotección. Los fotoprotectores deben incorporarse a la rutina diaria de los niños, de la misma manera que los adultos, y deben cumplir una serie de requisitos que los hagan eficaces, seguros y comprometidos con el medio ambiente. Abstract: Sunburn, immunodepression, photoaging, and photocarcinogenesis, are some of the most significant adverse effects of solar radiation in humans. Children are population group of special vulnerability, due to the fact that exposure to the sun has more pronounced biological effects compared to adults. Furthermore, childhood is a critical period for promoting the development of photo damage and photocarcinogenesis in the later stages of life if adequate measures at not put into place. This is because it is estimated that between 18 and 20 years of age is when 40% to 50% of the accumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation up to 60 years of age is received. The most important strategy for the photoprotection of children is changes in behaviour and habits associated with exposure to the sun at all levels (school, society, family, etc.). Resorting to the shade, reduction in overall time of exposure to the sun, and physical protection (clothes, hats, and sunglasses) are the best and least costly photoprotection strategies. The photoprotectors must be incorporated into the daily routine of children in the same way as adults, and must complete a series of requirements in order to make them effective, safe, and in line with the environment.

This paper presents an active disturbance rejection control scheme to automatically regulate the glucose level in type 1 diabetic patients. Although the blood glucose system is nonlinear, in this control approach, it is represented as a linear perturbed system, whose lumped disturbance input is estimated by an Extended State Observer (ESO) and then compensated by an robust controller tuned with Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT). The robust control scheme uses a Smith predictor for the time delay compensation and allows taking into account the inter-patient variability presented in the glucose control problem. In order to validate the effectiveness of this approach, the controller is tested in silico on a cohort of adult patients of the UVA/Padova metabolic simulator, which has been accepted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In silico results indicate that safe blood glucose control can be achieved by the proposed controller.

This paper presents the modification of the well-known pole placement method for first-order systems and PI control for the tracking problem. The main drawback of the original method is the presence of a zero in the closed-loop transfer function, which has a negative influence in the desired closed-loop response. Typically, this effect is cancelled by using a reference filter within a two-degree-of-freedom control scheme. However, in this work we present a simple modification of the original method that allows us to consider the zero effect in advance. First, the effect of a zero term in the response of second-order systems is analyzed to see how the time response parameters (overshoot, peak time, rise time and settling time) are affected. Afterwards, this analysis and the resulting equations are combined with the pole placement method to propose the new solution. Finally, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method, where it is shown that faster responses than by using a reference filter are obtained.

Feedforward control schemes to compensate for disturbances are very well known in process control. In those control approaches, PID controllers are usually considered in the feedback loop, where nominal design for both feedback and feedforward controllers are commonly performed. This paper presents a robustness analysis to study how uncertainties can affect the classical feedforward control scheme. Afterwards, a robust PID controller is designed by using Quantitative Feedback Theory to account for these uncertainties and to fulfill robust specificaitons for the regulation control problem. Results based on frequency and time domains are presented.

This document addresses the problem of controlling a one-stage refrigeration cycle by using the opening of the expansion valve and the compressor speed as control variables, while the outlet temperature of evaporator secondary flux and the superheating degree of refrigerant at evaporator outlet are the controlled variables. An uncertain matrix function is obtained in order to represent the full operating range of the nonlinear system. Thus, the control decentralized approach control consists of designing Generalized- Proportional-Integral (GPI) observers for the internal loops of each controlled variable while PID controllers are tuned based on the Quantitative Feedback Theory for the respective external loops. Simulations results show that the robust controllers reacts quickly reference settings, despite the non-measurement of the disturbance variables and the dynamic coupling of the multi-variable system, compared to decentralised single PIDs proposed with the benchmark.

The screening programme of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is probably one of the best achievements in paediatrics. Thyroid hormones are essential for brain development and brain maturation that continue through the neonatal period. Hypothyroidism that begins in the first months of life causes irreversible damage to the central nervous system, and is one of the most frequent and preventable causes of mental retardation. As children with congenital hypothyroidism are born with a normal appearance, analytical studies are required to immediately start the appropriate therapy.This article analyses the aims, diagnostic procedures, tests required, aetiology, and differential diagnosis in this disorder. Especially relevant is to perform frequent monitoring to ensure dose adjustments of L-Thyroxine therapy, avoiding infra- or supra-dosing that negatively affects neurosensory functions. Re-evaluation of the aetiology permanent vs transient hypothyroidism is always recommended after 3 years of chronological age.The relevance of this screening programme should be widely discussed in paediatrics. The main objective is to avoid cerebral damage in these patients, and has been highly successful and economically beneficial.Other aspects are required to optimise patient outcomes, to perform all the controls according to the recommendations and to include, in the near future, the diagnosis of central hypothyroidism. Implementation of this programme is necessary to progress in accordance with current scientific knowledge. Resumen: El Programa de cribado o detección precoz del hipotiroidismo congénito (HC) es uno de los mayores avances logrados en Pediatría. Las hormonas tiroideas son imprescindibles para el desarrollo y la maduración cerebral, que continúan en la etapa neonatal. El hipotiroidismo de comienzo en los primeros meses de vida origina lesiones irreversibles en el sistema nervioso central y es una de las causas más frecuentes y evitables de retraso mental. El diagnóstico clínico es tardío, por lo que requiere estudio analítico para poder efectuar el tratamiento adecuado.Este artículo actualiza los objetivos, los procedimientos diagnósticos, las pruebas imprescindibles y complementarias requeridas, la etiología y los diagnósticos diferenciales en esta patología. Con especial énfasis en los requerimientos de los centros de seguimiento para protocolizar los resultados del tratamiento con L-tiroxina administrada de forma inmediata al diagnóstico y a las dosis que eviten fases de infra o supradosificación que pueden alterar diversos aspectos del desarrollo cognitivo. La revaluación de etiología permanente vs. transitoria se recomienda siempre después de los 3 años de edad.La relevancia de este programa precisa su difusión a todas las áreas de pediatría. El objetivo principal, evitar el daño cerebral en estos pacientes, se ha logrado y es además altamente beneficioso desde el punto de vista económico.Otros aspectos para optimizar los resultados cognitivos con todos los controles periódicos necesarios y lograr la inclusión del diagnóstico del HC central, precisan implementar los recursos de los centros de seguimiento y continuar avanzando según los conocimientos actuales.

In this paper, a control scheme based on feedback linearization technique and quantitative feedback theory (QFT) is used to regulate the inner diurnal temperature in a greenhouse located in the south of Spain. In a first step, a non-linear model for the greenhouse is used to design a feedback linearization controller, which provides the vents opening percentage from a virtual control signal provided by a robust proportional integral (PI) controller. The relation between the system output (inside temperature of the greenhouse) and the virtual control signal is given by a first order plus dead time (FOPDT) system. The values for the three parameters of this linear model are identified in the experimental greenhouse by applying several step changes in the virtual control signal and analyzing the process response. Different values for gain, the time constant, and time delay are identified. So, this uncertain linear description for the system is used to design a quantitative feedback theory (QFT) controller with a PI structure. Finally, experimental results are analyzed showing satisfactory performance of the proposed control approach.

Although iodine nutrition in Spain has improved in recent years, the problem is not completely resolved. It is necessary that health institutions establish measures to ensure an adequate iodine nutrition of the population, especially among the highest risk groups (children and adolescents, women of childbearing age, pregnant women and nursing mothers). A low salt intake should be advised, but it should be iodized. It is also imperative that food control agencies establish effective control over adequate iodization of salt. Indicators on iodine nutrition should be included in future health surveys. The EUthyroid study and the Krakow Declaration on iodine nutrition provide an opportunity to set up a pan-European plan for the prevention of iodine deficiency that should be considered and used by health authorities.

Resumen: El objetivo de este documento es revisar las recomendaciones actuales en el manejo del hijo de madre con patología autoinmune tiroidea. En este 2017 se ha publicado la guía de la Asociación Americana de Tiroides para el diagnóstico y manejo de la enfermedad tiroidea durante el embarazo y el posparto. En dicha guía se establecen 97 recomendaciones y se propone un algoritmo de diagnóstico y tratamiento del hipotiroidismo gestacional. También en este último año se ha publicado una amplia revisión sobre el abordaje fetal y neonatal del hijo de madre con enfermedad de Graves. Se insiste en la trascendencia de la determinación de anticuerpos maternos frente al receptor de TSH en la segunda mitad del embarazo para estratificar adecuadamente el riesgo en el neonato. Abstract: The objective of this document is to review the current recommendations in the management of the foetus and the newborn child born to mothers with autoimmune thyroid disease. In 2017, the American Thyroid Association published guidelines for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease during pregnancy and post-partum. In this guide, 97 recommendations were made, and an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of gestational hypothyroidism was proposed. Also, in this last year, a wide review was been published on the foetal and neonatal approach of the child of a mother with Graves’ disease. The importance of the determination of maternal antibodies against thyrotropin receptor in the second half of pregnancy is stressed, in order to adequately stratify the risk in the neonate.

The objective of this document is to review the current recommendations in the management of the foetus and the newborn child born to mothers with autoimmune thyroid disease. In 2017, the American Thyroid Association published guidelines for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease during pregnancy and post-partum. In this guide, 97 recommendations were made, and an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of gestational hypothyroidism was proposed. Also, in the last year, a wide review was published on the foetal and neonatal approach of the child of a mother with Graves’ disease. The importance of the determination of maternal antibodies against thyrotropin receptor in the second half of pregnancy is stressed, in order to adequately stratify the risk in the neonate. Resumen: El objetivo de este documento es revisar las recomendaciones actuales en el manejo del hijo de madre con patología autoinmune tiroidea. En este 2017 se ha publicado la guía de la Asociación Americana de Tiroides para el diagnóstico y manejo de la enfermedad tiroidea durante el embarazo y el posparto. En dicha guía se establecen 97 recomendaciones y se propone un algoritmo de diagnóstico y tratamiento del hipotiroidismo gestacional. También en este último año se ha publicado una amplia revisión sobre el abordaje foetal y neonatal del hijo de madre con enfermedad de Graves. Se insiste en la trascendencia de la determinación de anticuerpos maternos frente al receptor de TSH en la segunda mitad del embarazo para estratificar adecuadamente el riesgo en el neonato.

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This work presents a teaching experience of Robotics in Computer Science & Engineering studies at the University of Almeria (Spain). The teaching methodology is mainly based on the use of ICT. In particular, interactive software tools, virtual and remote laboratories, and an e-learning content management are used. Such technologies have significantly helped to improve the learning ability of the students. A discussion and feedback from students are presented to show the result of this educational approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:202–214, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21698

Resumen Antecedentes La informacion disponible sobre el uso de ciclopirox olamina en ninos es limitada. Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de ciclopirox olamina crema al 1% en el tratamiento de la dermatomicosis en pacientes pediatricos. Metodos Ensayo clinico fase iii multicentrico, no controlado y abierto en pacientes de entre 3 meses y 9 anos de edad diagnosticados de dermatomicosis mediante microscopia directa y cultivo, y tratados con ciclopirox olamina crema al 1% durante 28 dias. Las evaluaciones clinicas y micologicas fueron realizadas antes del inicio del tratamiento, a los 7, 14 y 28 dias de su inicio, y a los 28 dias tras la finalizacion del mismo. Resultados Se incluyeron 21 pacientes con una media de edad de 2,7 anos (rango 3 meses-9 anos). La localizacion mas frecuente de la micosis fue la ingle (62%), y el agente causal mas comun Candida spp. (71%). El 62% de los pacientes no presento ningun acontecimiento adverso; se notificaron acontecimientos adversos leves o moderados y unicamente uno, una dermatitis irritativa, se relaciono con el tratamiento. La seguridad global fue excelente en el 95% de los casos, y buena en el 5%. Tras la primera semana de tratamiento, 12 de 13 (92%) pacientes mostraron mejoria clinica, y en 5 de 7 (71%) se constato una eficacia clinica y micologica favorable. Al final del tratamiento, la curacion clinica se observo en 7 de 9 (78%) pacientes. Ningun caso sufrio recidivas. Conclusiones Ciclopirox olamina crema al 1% constituye un tratamiento seguro y efectivo de las micosis cutaneas superficiales, particularmente en infecciones por levaduras del genero Candida, en ninos de entre 3 meses y 10 anos.

[Resumen] Si bien la robótica industrial se ha desarrollado ampliamente durante los últimos treinta años en la industria manufacturera, la robótica de servicio se encuentra en pleno desarrollo, presentando grandes posibilidades de innovación y con gran potencial de crecimiento, donde cada vez los robots poseen mayor capacidad para interactuar con las personas. Basándose en esta habilidad, jugarán un rol esencial en la sociedad en un futuro no muy lejano. En este estudio, la motivación es analizar cómo funciona el robot social Aisoy1 desde el punto de vista tecnológico, y aplicar todo su potencial y las características que posee, en el diseño de actividades que ayuden a los niños y niñas para una mejor calidad de vida. Los resultados obtenidos son positivos, ya que teniendo en cuenta que un tratamiento se desarrolla en un periodo largo de tiempo, con el apoyo del robot, en un corto periodo, se han mostrado mejoras en la comunicación respecto al inicio del presente proyecto, como mayor vocalización, repetición de palabras, mejoría en la asociación de emociones y colores o mayor interacción con el entorno, que en un principio no existían o eran limitados. [Abstract] Although industrial robotics has been widely developed in the manufacturing industry over the last thirty years, service robotics is under development and research, presenting great possibilities for innovation and with great growth potential, where robots are increasingly capable of interact with people. Based on this ability, they will play an essential role in human society in the near future. In this study, the motivation is to analyze how the social robot Aisoy1 works from the technological point of view, and to apply all its potential in the design of activities that help people with some degree of disability. The results obtained are positive, because knowing that a treatment is developed over a long period of time, with the robot's support in a short period of time there have been improvements in communication, such as vocalization, repetition of words, association of emotions and colors or better interaction with the environment, which at the beginning did not exist or were limited.

This paper presents the black-box modelling and the simulator of a non-commercial hex-rotor platform created completely at the University of Almeria, in order to have a tool for teaching control and robotics subjects in industrial engineering and computer science degrees. This tool aims to be a real and simulated scenario for control and robotics students who will be able to implement their controllers in both the simulator and the real UAV.

This paper presents the idea about how to combine a set of software and hardware resources available in literature to be used as support to control engineering education. The available tools allow to mix topics related to programming, communications, operating systems, and control theory. The well-known Raspberry Pi board is used as platform to exploit the di_erent proposed concepts. SciPy, Matplotlib, and NumPy libraries, which are Python-based open-source libraries for scienti_c computing and graphical representation, are used to perform Matlab-like simulations and to implement classical control loops. On the other hand, virtual processes developed in Easy Java Simulations are adapted to be controlled through the network from a controller implemented on the Raspberry Pi with Python. This option is very useful from a teaching point of view since time-based, networked-based, or event-based control approaches can be easily introduced on this proposed architecture. Furthermore, once students know how to implement control loops on the Raspberry Pi using Python, external real processes can be easily controlled by using the GPIO interface available in the this electronic board. Then, a project based on these tools and ideas is motivated and presented in this paper to control a two-tank level process © Copyright IFAC 2015.

Electricity load forecasting, optimal power system operation and energy management play key roles that can bring significant operational advantages to microgrids. This paper studies how methods based on time series and neural networks can be used to predict energy demand and production, allowing them to be combined with model predictive control. Comparisons of different prediction methods and different optimum energy distribution scenarios are provided, permitting us to determine when short-term energy prediction models should be used. The proposed prediction models in addition to the model predictive control strategy appear as a promising solution to energy management in microgrids. The controller has the task of performing the management of electricity purchase and sale to the power grid, maximizing the use of renewable energy sources and managing the use of the energy storage system. Simulations were performed with different weather conditions of solar irradiation. The obtained results are encouraging for future practical implementation.

The Thermal InfraRed Sensor (TIRS), an infrared (IR) radiometer developed at Centro de Astrobiología, is one the sensors that compose the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) onboard NASA?s Mars 2020 mission. It will measure the net thermal infrared radiation, reflected solar radiation at the surface, atmosphere temperature and surface skin brightness temperature using five different channels. The present paper provides a brief description on TIRS design and channels requirements. Then, a detailed presentation of sensor model equations and a sensitivity analysis to model uncertainties are included. Finally, accuracy and resolution calculus for each channel versus operational temperature is presented. The calculus is performed based on sensitivity equations and the estimated values for different uncertainties source

Extremadura has been one of the regions in Spain most severely affected by Bluetongue (BT) epidemics. The first incursion of BTV, which was successfully eradicated one year later, occurred in 2004, involving the BTV-serotype 4. However, a second incursion occurred in September 2007, this time involving serotype 1. Since then, the implementation of intensive vaccination programs have significantly reduced BTV-1 occurrence, but the disease has not been completely eradicated yet. This study aimed to provide, for the first time, a complete description of the spatial and temporal patterns of BTV-1 occurrence in sheep in Extremadura from 2007 to 2011 and to identify the risk factors that contributed to the seasonal occurrence of BTV-1 in this region. The results showed that risk factors contributing to BTV-1 occurrence in sheep changed between 2007 and 2011. Initially, when the population was still immunologically naïve, the main risk factors for BTV-1 occurrence were extensive management practices, large sheep farms and Culicoides abundance on farms. However, after the implementation of vaccination, other factors became more relevant for BTV-1 occurrence, mostly related to BTV reservoirs, such as the proximity of cattle farms or the introduction of cattle into farms. The Talaverana sheep breed also seemed to be associated with a significantly higher risk of BTV-1 occurrence, although it may be due to confounding factors, such as the geographical concentration of where this breed is kept and/or management practises used for this breed. The results of this study suggest that preventive and control strategies, including vaccination and active surveillance strategies, should be primarily focused on cattle farms kept in close vicinity to sheep flocks as well as in high-risk sheep farms (i.e. farms with a large farm size keeping both cattle and sheep and with a high number of animal introductions). Methods and results presented here may be used to guide decisions for the annual update of the control and eradication program in Spain.

Background To our knowledge, there are no large multicenter studies concerning frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) that could give clues about its pathogenesis and best treatment. Objective We sought to describe the epidemiology, comorbidities, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic choices in a large series of patients with FFA. Methods This retrospective multicenter study included patients given the diagnosis of FFA. Clinical severity was classified based on the recession of the frontotemporal hairline. Results In all, 355 patients (343 women [49 premenopausal] and 12 men) with a mean age of 61 years (range 23-86) were included. Early menopause was detected in 49 patients (14%), whereas 46 (13%) had undergone hysterectomy. Severe FFA was observed in 131 patients (37%). Independent factors associated with severe FFA after multivariate analysis were: eyelash loss, facial papules, and body hair involvement. Eyebrow loss as the initial clinical presentation was associated with mild forms. Antiandrogens such as finasteride and dutasteride were used in 111 patients (31%), with improvement in 52 (47%) and stabilization in 59 (53%). Limitations The retrospective design is a limitation. Conclusions Eyelash loss, facial papules, and body hair involvement were associated with severe FFA. Antiandrogens were the most useful treatment.

Resumen: El Programa de cribado o detección precoz del hipotiroidismo congénito (HC) es uno de los mayores avances logrados en Pediatría. Las hormonas tiroideas son imprescindibles para el desarrollo y la maduración cerebral, que continúan en la etapa neonatal. El hipotiroidismo de comienzo en los primeros meses de vida origina lesiones irreversibles en el sistema nervioso central y es una de las causas más frecuentes y evitables de retraso mental. El diagnóstico clínico es tardío, por lo que requiere estudio analítico para poder efectuar el tratamiento adecuado.Este artículo actualiza los objetivos, los procedimientos diagnósticos, las pruebas imprescindibles y complementarias requeridas, la etiología y los diagnósticos diferenciales en esta patología. Con especial énfasis en los requerimientos de los centros de seguimiento para protocolizar los resultados del tratamiento con L-tiroxina administrada de forma inmediata al diagnóstico y a las dosis que eviten fases de infra o supradosificación que pueden alterar diversos aspectos del desarrollo cognitivo. La revaluación de etiología permanente vs. transitoria se recomienda siempre después de los 3 años de edad.La relevancia de este programa precisa su difusión a todas las áreas de pediatría. El objetivo principal, evitar el daño cerebral en estos pacientes, se ha logrado y es además altamente beneficioso desde el punto de vista económico.Otros aspectos para optimizar los resultados cognitivos con todos los controles periódicos necesarios y lograr la inclusión del diagnóstico del HC central, precisan implementar los recursos de los centros de seguimiento y continuar avanzando según los conocimientos actuales. Abstract: The screening program of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is probably one of the best achievements in paediatrics. Thyroid hormones are essential for brain development and brain maturation that continue through the neonatal period. Hypothyroidism that begins in the first months of life causes irreversible damage to the central nervous system, and is one of the most frequent and preventable causes of mental retardation. As children with congenital hypothyroidism are born with a normal appearance, analytical studies are required to immediately start the appropriate therapy.This article analyses the aims, diagnostic procedures, tests required, aetiology, and differential diagnosis in this disorder. Especially relevant is to perform frequent monitoring to ensure dose adjustments of L-Thyroxine therapy, avoiding infra- or supra-dosing that negatively affects neurosensory functions. Re-evaluation of the aetiology permanent vs transient hypothyroidism is always recommended after 3 years of chronological age.The relevance of this screening program should be widely discussed in paediatrics. The main objective is to avoid cerebral damage in these patients, and has been highly successful and economically beneficial.Other aspects are required to optimise patient outcomes, to perform all the controls according to the recommendations and to include, in the near future, the diagnosis of central hypothyroidism. Implementation of this program is necessary to progress in accordance with current scientific knowledge.

This paper presents a non-linear control scheme to deal with dead-time processes, specially for systems where fast closed-loop responses are required. The control scheme is based on the combination of two control strategies appeared in the literature to deal with dead-time processes, the Filtered Smith Predictor (FSP), which is a Smith Predictor (SP) including a filter to improve the robustness; and the PI+CI, a PI with a partial reset action on the control signal when the process output reaches the reference input. In the proposed strategy, the reset action allows to achieve very small rise times with small overshoots, improving the results from FSP. On the other hand, the use of the robust predictor allows to deal with the dead-time in a better and systematic way than the existing PI+CI solutions. The improvements of the proposed control scheme are evaluated through simulations and real experiments on an industrial heat exchanger.

Thyroid hormones induce several changes in whole body metabolism that are known to improve metabolic homeostasis. However, adverse side effects have prevented its use in the clinic. In view of the promising effects of thyroid hormones, we investigated the effects of levothyroxine supplementation on glucose homeostasis.C57BL/6 mice were treated with levothyroxine from birth to 24 weeks of age, when mice were killed. The effects of levothyroxine supplementation on metabolic health were determined. C57BL/6 mice treated with levothyroxine for 2 weeks and then challenged with streptozotocin to monitor survival. Mechanistic experiments were conducted in the pancreas, liver and skeletal muscle. RIP-B7.1 mice were treated with levothyroxine for 2 weeks and were subsequently immunized to trigger experimental autoimmune diabetes (EAD). Metabolic tests were performed. Mice were killed and metabolic tissues were extracted for immunohistological analyses.Long-term levothyroxine supplementation enhanced glucose clearance and reduced circulating glucose in C57BL/6 mice. Levothyroxine increased simultaneously the proliferation and apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells, promoting the maintenance of a highly insulin-expressing beta cell population. Levothyroxine increased circulating insulin levels, inducing sustained activation of IRS1-AKT signalling in insulin-target tissues. Levothyroxine-treated C57BL/6 mice challenged with streptozotocin exhibited extended survival. Levothyroxine blunted the onset of EAD in RIP-B7.1 mice by inducing beta cell proliferation and preservation of insulin-expressing cells.Interventions based on the use of thyroid hormones or thyromimetics could be explored to provide therapeutic benefit in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Jornadas de Automática (37ª. 2017. Gijón), Este trabajo ha sido nanciado con el Proyecto del Plan Nacional DPI2014-55932-C2-1-R del Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad y Fondos FEDER.

The main step of the production of l -aminoacids concentrates from microalgae is the enzymatic hydrolysis. This process has to be done at the optimum temperature and pH of the enzyme in order to obtain the maximum yield. In order to keep a constant pH, NaOH (1 M) or H 2 SO 4 (1 M) are used, depending on the reaction step. When working with pH it is not possible to use the governing equations due to the complexity of the enzymatic hydrolysis. In this work, the modelling of pH is experimentally performed on a laboratory scale plant. Since the obtained model presents delay and uncertainty in the parameters, a Filtered Smith Predictor is proposed as control strategy. This control scheme has been tested in the real system. The Filtered Smith Predictor has reduced the Integral Absolute Error and the time for the solution addition in more than 25% and it has increased 5% the production of l -aminoacids compared to an on-off control, which is the controller most used in these processes.

The reuse of tertiary wastewater for crop irrigation presents itself as an alternative to the scarcity of quality water suffered by many countries in the Mediterranean region. Furthermore, this resource can provide an important saving of fertilizers as well as benefits to the environment, as it avoids the discharge of contaminated water into public waterways. This study focuses on the effect of irrigation with ozonized wastewater on the melon crop. In this study, melon crops were irrigated with either ozonized wastewater or ground water commonly used in the agricultural area (control treatment). Fertigation, by means of drip irrigation, was delivered according to the crop’s needs, evaluating the fertilizers contributed by each of the waters and that added in mineral form. Throughout the crop’s development, the characteristics of the water, soil and plant (leaf and fruit) were studied from a chemical, physicochemical and microbiological perspective. The results obtained show that irrigation with ozonized wastewater, in these conditions of crop growth, produces similar effects as ground water on the soil properties, on the concentration of macroelements in the leaf and fruit and on the yield of melon fruit. Furthermore, the reuse of this effluent leads to a greater saving in nitrogenous and potassium fertilizers compared to fertigation of the crop with ground water.

This paper presents a robust control scheme for a distributed solar collector (DSC) field. As DSC are systems subjected to strong disturbances (mainly in solar radiation and inlet oil temperature), a series feedforward is used as a part of the plant, so that the system to be controlled has one input (fluid flow) and one output (outlet temperature) as the disturbances are partially compensated by the series feedforward term, so that the nonlinear plant is transformed into an uncertain linear system. The Quantitative Feedback Theory technique (QFT) has been used to design a control structure that guarantee desired control specifications, as settling time and maximum overshoot, under different operating conditions despite system uncertainties and disturbances. To account for input and output constraints, both an antireset-windup mechanism and a reference governor have been used. Experimental tests are presented.

Eccrine hidrocystoma is a benign tumor derived from eccrine sudoriparous glands. Most eccrine hidrocystomas are solitary and asymptomatic lesions. Multiple hidrocystomas are unusual and have been associated with Graves' disease, Parkinson's disease, and idiopathic craniofacial hyperhidrosis. This report describes the successful treatment of multiple center facial eccrine hidrocystomas associated with craniofacial hyperhidrosis with 0.5% glycopyrrolate aqueous solution applied locally for 1 week. The present authors obtained a very significant improvement without leaving any trace of clinical examination. Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas are a rare condition and, to date, no effective treatment has been reported. Topical glycopyrrolate is a very good first-line treatment option.

[Resumen] La previsión de la demanda eléctrica juega un papel clave en el funcionamiento de los sistemas de energía, esto se debe a que la generación de energía por medio de fuentes renovables y sistemas distribuidos está creciendo en muchos países. Un análisis y modelado de la potencia eléctrica de los sistemas que conforman una Micro-red (MG) se presenta en este trabajo. El sistema que se estudia consiste en una MG, esta MG se encuentra integrada por un sistema fotovoltaico (PV), un edificio bioclimático, un invernadero, un vehículo eléctrico y una interconexión con la red eléctrica que permite la compra y venta de energía. Este trabajo se centra en el estudio de cómo los métodos basados en series temporales y redes neuronales se pueden utilizar para las predicciones de la demanda de energía. El principal objetivo de los métodos presentados en este documento es predecir el comportamiento futuro a corto plazo. Se proporcionan comparaciones entre los diferentes métodos de predicción de energía. Este trabajo ha sido financiado con el Proyecto R+D+i del Plan Nacional DPI2014-56364-C2-1-R del Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad y Fondos FEDER https://doi.org/10.17979/spudc.9788497498081

[Resumen] La enseñanza de asignaturas de programación en tiempo real puede resultar una difícil tarea debido a los múltiples conceptos teóricos que contiene. Este trabajo se centra en el uso de robots móviles tipo Lego Mindstorms NXT para la enseñanza de programación en tiempo real a estudiantes de grado. Como caso de estudio para mostrar la metodología de trabajo, se muestra el problema de control de estabilidad en tiempo real de un robot autobalanceado regulado mediante un controlador PI desarrollado en el lenguaje de programación Ada. En general, se obtuvieron críticas muy positivas en el cuestionario presentado a los estudiantes. Este trabajo ha sido parcialmente financiado por los siguientes proyectos: DPI2014-55932-C2-1-R y DPI2014-56364-C2-1-R del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación y fondos FEDER https://doi.org/10.17979/spudc.9788497498081

Fundamento y objetivo Evaluar y comparar la efectividad y la aceptacion por parte del paciente de dos formas de silicona (gel y laminas) en la prevencion de secuelas cicatrizales tras la extraccion de lesiones cutaneas benignas. Pacientes y metodo Estudio prospectivo, abierto y controlado realizado en 16 centros espanoles. Se incluyo a 131 pacientes con nevos melanociticos de menos de 10 mm de diametro, a los que se practico exeresis quirurgica. Tras la intervencion, se les prescribio la aplicacion de silicona topica en la cicatriz, en forma de gel (Dermatix ® gel) o en forma de laminas (Mepiform ® ) dos veces al dia durante un minimo de 1 mes. Se realizaron visitas de seguimiento a los 2, los 4 y los 6 meses tras la exeresis quirurgica. En cada visita el investigador y el paciente evaluaron el enrojecimiento, la dureza, el prurito, el dolor y la tolerancia al tratamiento. Resultados La media de edad de los pacientes fue 31,4 anos y la mayor parte eran mujeres (60,1%). El gel de silicona mejoro los sintomas de los pacientes mas que las laminas. Por ejemplo, la reduccion media del enrojecimiento fue de 1,1 puntos (en la escala Likert de 4 puntos) en el grupo de silicona en gel, frente a una reduccion de 0,7 puntos en el grupo de laminas (p = 0,126). Hubo tambien una mejoria superior en la dureza de la cicatriz en el grupo de silicona en gel respecto al grupo con laminas (mejoria media de 0,9 y 0,6 puntos, respectivamente; p = 0,168). En general, la mejoria total en las cicatrices tratadas con el gel fue de 4,1 puntos, frente a los 3,2 puntos del grupo tratado con laminas. Los pacientes refirieron que el gel de silicona se toleraba significativamente mejor que las laminas, con un 97,3% refiriendo una tolerabilidad buena o muy buena respecto a un 63,9% en el grupo silicona lamina (p Conclusiones El gel de silicona topico se tolero significativamente mejor que las laminas de silicona. Ademas, el gel de silicona proporciona una mejoria de los sintomas de la cicatriz mas importante que con las laminas de silicona. Estos resultados indican que se prefiere la presentacion de la silicona en gel respecto a la silicona en laminas para la prevencion de cicatrices.

Quantitative feedback theory (QFT) is an engineering design technique of uncertain feedback systems that uses frequency domain specifications. A key step in QFT is the mapping of these specifications into regions of the Nichols plane, whose borders are usually referred to as boundaries. Boundaries computation is a key design step, thus a precise and efficient computation is critical for both obtaining low bandwidth feedback compensators and simplification of the design process. In this work, the problem of boundaries computation is analysed, introducing a new algorithm based on the computation of level curves of a three-dimensional surface. Besides magnitude boundaries, associated with some specification over the magnitude of a closed-loop transfer function, phase boundaries are also considered. In addition, comparison with previous published algorithms is done in terms of precision and computational efficiency. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Background. In the year 2000, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology initiated a cam- paign, called «Euromelanoma Day,» for the early detection of melanoma. Objective. To discuss the results of «Euromelanoma Day» in Spain for the campaigns carried out in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Material and methods. Participating members of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology examined everyone who requested an appointment, free of charge, in order to detect suspicious lesions. Four months after the visit, telephone contact was made with all patients who had been diagnosed with suspected melanoma to ask them whether the lesions had been excised, and if so, the result of the histological study of the specimen. Results. 33,750 calls to set up an appointment were received, and 12,487 patients were examined. The average participa- tion by dermatologists was 399 academy members per year. A total of 164 lesions suspected of being melanoma were de- tected, above all in Andalusia and Catalonia, and the diagnosis was histologically confirmed in 31 cases. The clinicopathological correlation was 23.3 %, a higher figure than the one for the USA and similar to the one for Mediterranean countries. The av- erage thickness of the tumors was 0.93 mm. Conclusions. Although these campaigns have the drawback of possible bias in the findings and may cause some degree of public alarm, the benefit to the population was unquestion- able in terms of heightening awareness of a health problem.