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Altitudinal gradients, which involve diverse biotic and abiotic variables in small-scale spaces, provide a good opportunity to investigate the local and regional patterns that influence species assemblages, including those of pollinators and the plants with which they interact him. Here, we studied the variation in butterfly assemblages and their interactions with flowering plants across different altitudes in a Mediterranean mountain system. Moreover, considering the different vegetation (i.e. grassland, forest, shrubland)at each altitudinal level (i.e. lowland, mid-mountain, high-mountain), we examined the effects of food availability on butterfly assemblages. We found butterfly richness and number of interactions between butterflies and flowering plants to be mainly influenced by the altitudinal level, with the mid-mountain region exhibiting the highest levels of both variables. Flower abundance positively correlated with butterfly richness on the lowland and high-mountain levels, while vegetation was a key factor impacting both butterfly richness and butterfly-flower interactions. Network modularity was highest at the mid-mountain level, while species specialization increased with the altitudinal levels. Species composition varied significantly across the altitudinal gradient, occurring at each specific altitudinal level and between different habitats, driven primarily by species turnover rather than a nested decline in species as altitude increases. Our findings suggest that even though topoclimate may shape species composition at a regional scale, resource availability is key to explaining the differences among habitats with similar climatic conditions. This underscores the importance of promoting and maintaining diverse food resources for butterflies, particularly in the challenging environmental conditions found at both high and low altitudinal levels in Mediterranean mountain regions. Furthermore, a multiscale approach to butterfly conservation is imperativ

[Aim] Intraspecific variation in species relative abundance is shaped by a complex interplay of abiotic and biotic factors, making it both necessary and challenging to assess their combined relative importance in explaining variations across space and time. We used two congeneric butterfly species for which extensive count data and a deep understanding of their natural history is available to test three hypotheses explaining intraspecific variation in their abundance: (H1) seasonal dispersal behaviour driven by climate, (H2) resource availability and (H3) apparent competition mediated via shared parasitoids., [Taxon] Gonepteryx rhamni (Brimstone) and G. cleopatra (Cleopatra)., [Location] NE Iberian Peninsula, where both species coexist, and a nearby archipelago (Balearic Islands), where only Cleopatra occurs., [Methods] We analysed spatial abundance variations for both species in the mainland and island–mainland differences in the abundance of Cleopatra. Abiotic and biotic factors, including temperature, host plant and overwintering habitat availability, larval parasitism and density dependence, were tested to explain the observed variations., [Results] H1 can explain variation in butterfly abundance between mainland regions since in warmer summers populations increased in cooler areas but decreased in warmer areas. H2 explains the variation within mainland climate regions with a strong positive relationship between resource availability and abundance but is unlikely to explain the island–mainland variation in the abundance of Cleopatra. H3 could neither explain biogeographical variation in abundance because although richer parasitoid communities were found on the mainland, larval mortality rates were similar or lower on the mainland than in the islands., [Main Conclusions] Climate and resource availability jointly account for variation in butterfly abundance across the mainland, but neither these factors nor parasitism can explain island–mainland differences. Both coexisting butterfly species and their larval parasitoids may have undergone evolutionary processes, resulting in spatial segregation that promotes the coexistence of the two butterfly species on the mainland.

Community-based natural resource governance is increasingly valued by the leading international organizations that promote environmental conservation and sustainable development. At the same time, the ecosystems of the northeastern Andalusian mountains are intrinsically related to the long-standing presence of pastoralism and its different communal forms that have favored a very particular biocultural diversity and sustainable socio-ecological systems locally. Through a transdisciplinary anthropological and ecological study, we aimed to compare how different types of communal governance and pastoral mobilities impact pasturelands in the region. We focused on three contiguous mountain pastoral commons, those of Castril, Santiago de la Espada, and Pontones, which exhibit different forms of communal organization and two main transhumant types of mobility: long-distance and short-distance transhumance. We conducted long-term ethnographic fieldwork with year-round participatory observations of social life, pastoral practices, and governance systems, and performed botanical and soil analyses. As a general result, we found that local pastoralism positively impacts the environment. There were differences between commons and mobility regimes, with a positive impact related mainly to closer forms of cooperation between herders and daily guiding of flocks, along with seasonal long-distance transhumance, especially when the latter is combined with stricter formal community rules. Within the current context highly determined by public subventions, particularly from the EU, primarily directed at pastureland management’s administrative and economic aspects, local governance increasingly favors these methods over the conservation of traditional, sustainable uses of pastures. This innovative research marks the first step towards a sounder intertwining of anthropological and ecological approaches towards a more holistic understanding of pastoral commons in general and in the Mediterr

Chemical cues in subterranean habitats differ highly from those on the surface due to the contrasting environmental conditions, such as absolute darkness, high humidity or food scarcity. Subterranean animals underwent changes to their sensory systems to facilitate the perception of essential stimuli for underground lifestyles. Despite representing unique systems to understand biological adaptation, the genomic basis of chemosensation across cave-dwelling species remains unexplored from a macroevolutionary perspective. Here, we explore the evolution of chemoreception in three beetle tribes that underwent at least six independent transitions to the underground, through a phylogenomics spyglass. Our findings suggest that the chemosensory gene repertoire varies dramatically between species. Overall, no parallel changes in the net rate of evolution of chemosensory gene families were detected prior, during, or after the habitat shift among subterranean lineages. Contrarily, we found evidence of lineage-specific changes within surface and subterranean lineages. However, our results reveal key duplications and losses shared between some of the lineages transitioning to the underground, including the loss of sugar receptors and gene duplications of the highly conserved ionotropic receptors IR25a and IR8a, involved in thermal and humidity sensing among other olfactory roles in insects. These duplications were detected both in independent subterranean lineages and their surface relatives, suggesting parallel evolution of these genes across lineages giving rise to cave-dwelling species. Overall, our results shed light on the genomic basis of chemoreception in subterranean beetles and contribute to our understanding of the genomic underpinnings of adaptation to the subterranean lifestyle at a macroevolutionary scale.

Exposure to extreme temperatures can negatively affect animal reproduction, by disrupting the ability of individuals to produce any offspring (fertility), or the number of offspring produced by fertile individuals (fecundity). This has important ecological consequences, because reproduction is the ultimate measure of population fitness: a reduction in reproductive output lowers the population growth rate and increases the extinction risk. Despite this importance, there have been no large-scale summaries of the evidence for effect of temperature on reproduction. We provide a systematic map of studies testing the relationship between temperature and animal reproduction. We systematically searched for published studies that statistically test for a direct link between temperature and animal reproduction, in terms of fertility, fecundity or indirect measures of reproductive potential (gamete and gonad traits). Overall, we collated a large and rich evidence base, with 1654 papers that met our inclusion criteria, encompassing 1191 species. The map revealed several important research gaps. Insects made up almost half of the dataset, but reptiles and amphibians were uncommon, as were non-arthropod invertebrates. Fecundity was the most common reproductive trait examined, and relatively few studies measured fertility. It was uncommon for experimental studies to test exposure of different life stages, exposure to short-term heat or cold shock, exposure to temperature fluctuations, or to independently assess male and female effects. Studies were most often published in journals focusing on entomology and pest control, ecology and evolution, aquaculture and fisheries science, and marine biology. Finally, while individuals were sampled from every continent, there was a strong sampling bias towards mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, such that the tropics and polar regions are less well sampled. This map reveals a rich literature of studies testing the relationship between t

Exposure to extreme temperatures can negatively affect animal reproduction, by disrupting the ability of individuals to produce any offspring (fertility), or the number of offspring produced by fertile individuals (fecundity). This has important ecological consequences, because reproduction is the ultimate measure of population fitness: a reduction in reproductive output lowers the population growth rate and increases the extinction risk. Despite this importance, there have been no large-scale summaries of the evidence for effect of temperature on reproduction. We provide a systematic map of studies testing the relationship between temperature and animal reproduction. We systematically searched for published studies that statistically test for a direct link between temperature and animal reproduction, in terms of fertility, fecundity or indirect measures of reproductive potential (gamete and gonad traits). Overall, we collated a large and rich evidence base, with 1654 papers that met our inclusion criteria, encompassing 1191 species. The map revealed several important research gaps. Insects made up almost half of the dataset, but reptiles and amphibians were uncommon, as were non-arthropod invertebrates. Fecundity was the most common reproductive trait examined, and relatively few studies measured fertility. It was uncommon for experimental studies to test exposure of different life stages, exposure to short-term heat or cold shock, exposure to temperature fluctuations, or to independently assess male and female effects. Studies were most often published in journals focusing on entomology and pest control, ecology and evolution, aquaculture and fisheries science, and marine biology. Finally, while individuals were sampled from every continent, there was a strong sampling bias towards mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, such that the tropics and polar regions are less well sampled. This map reveals a rich literature of studies testing the relationship between t

Exposure to extreme temperatures can negatively affect animal reproduction, by disrupting the ability of individuals to produce any offspring (fertility), or the number of offspring produced by fertile individuals (fecundity). This has important ecological consequences, because reproduction is the ultimate measure of population fitness: a reduction in reproductive output lowers the population growth rate and increases the extinction risk. Despite this importance, there have been no large-scale summaries of the evidence for effect of temperature on reproduction. We provide a systematic map of studies testing the relationship between temperature and animal reproduction. We systematically searched for published studies that statistically test for a direct link between temperature and animal reproduction, in terms of fertility, fecundity or indirect measures of reproductive potential (gamete and gonad traits). Overall, we collated a large and rich evidence base, with 1654 papers that met our inclusion criteria, encompassing 1191 species. The map revealed several important research gaps. Insects made up almost half of the dataset, but reptiles and amphibians were uncommon, as were non-arthropod invertebrates. Fecundity was the most common reproductive trait examined, and relatively few studies measured fertility. It was uncommon for experimental studies to test exposure of different life stages, exposure to short-term heat or cold shock, exposure to temperature fluctuations, or to independently assess male and female effects. Studies were most often published in journals focusing on entomology and pest control, ecology and evolution, aquaculture and fisheries science, and marine biology. Finally, while individuals were sampled from every continent, there was a strong sampling bias towards mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, such that the tropics and polar regions are less well sampled. This map reveals a rich literature of studies testing the relationship between t

Exposure to extreme temperatures can negatively affect animal reproduction, by disrupting the ability of individuals to produce any offspring (fertility), or the number of offspring produced by fertile individuals (fecundity). This has important ecological consequences, because reproduction is the ultimate measure of population fitness: a reduction in reproductive output lowers the population growth rate and increases the extinction risk. Despite this importance, there have been no large-scale summaries of the evidence for effect of temperature on reproduction. We provide a systematic map of studies testing the relationship between temperature and animal reproduction. We systematically searched for published studies that statistically test for a direct link between temperature and animal reproduction, in terms of fertility, fecundity or indirect measures of reproductive potential (gamete and gonad traits). Overall, we collated a large and rich evidence base, with 1654 papers that met our inclusion criteria, encompassing 1191 species. The map revealed several important research gaps. Insects made up almost half of the dataset, but reptiles and amphibians were uncommon, as were non-arthropod invertebrates. Fecundity was the most common reproductive trait examined, and relatively few studies measured fertility. It was uncommon for experimental studies to test exposure of different life stages, exposure to short-term heat or cold shock, exposure to temperature fluctuations, or to independently assess male and female effects. Studies were most often published in journals focusing on entomology and pest control, ecology and evolution, aquaculture and fisheries science, and marine biology. Finally, while individuals were sampled from every continent, there was a strong sampling bias towards mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, such that the tropics and polar regions are less well sampled. This map reveals a rich literature of studies testing the relationship between t

En este artículo se estudian las razones de los políticos valencianos de ámbito local para participar en asociaciones festivo-culturales, siguiendo la teoría de los incentivos generales, así como la influencia que tienen la ideología y la identidad. El propósito del trabajo es contribuir a un mayor conocimiento sobre el activismo de los políticos en espacios cívicos organizados, y ampliar a la vez los estudios sobre el fenómeno festivo valenciano con la interrelación entre políticos y asociaciones festivas. Para llevarlo a cabo se han recogido una serie de encuestas entre algunos concejales de las principales ciudades valencianas de más de 50.000 habitantes. Posteriormente se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a los cargos públicos de la ciudad de Alcoi. Los resultados nos indican claramente que la participación festiva puede tener un carácter “económico” y político, y no solo lúdico cuando se habla de políticos en activo. Además, nos dan una visión diferente, más matizada, sobre las implicaciones políticas del fenómeno festivo a través de su vertiente organizativa y participativa: las asociaciones. Finalmente se ratifica, si bien relativamente, la mayor implicación del conservadurismo regionalista en estos espacios. En resumen, se reafirma el poderoso impacto político de las fiestas populares valencianas y la particular relación entre las carreras políticas de los concejales y las organizaciones festivas., This article studies the reasons for local Valencian politicians to participate in festive-cultural associations, following the theory of general incentives, as well as the influence of ideology and identity. The aim of the study is to contribute to a better understanding of the activism of politicians in organised civic spaces, and at the same time to extend studies on the Valencian festive phenomenon with the interrelationship between politicians and festive associations. In order to do so, a series of surveys were carried out among councillors in the main Valencian cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with public officials in the city of Alcoi. The results clearly indicate that festive participation can have an “economic” and political character, and not only a recreational one when talking about active politicians. Moreover, they give us a different, more nuanced view of the political implications of the festive phenomenon through its organisational and participatory aspect: the associations. Finally, the greater involvement of regionalist conservatism in these spaces is ratified, albeit relatively speaking. In short, it reaffirms the powerful political impact of Valencian popular festivals and the particular relationship between the political careers of councillors and festive organisations.

Overexploitation of fisheries is a worldwide problem, which is leading to a large loss of diversity, and affects human communities indirectly through the loss of traditional jobs, cultural heritage, etc. To address this issue, governments have started accumulating data on fishing activities, to determine biomass extraction rates, and fisheries status. However, these data are often estimated from small samplings, which can lead to partially inaccurate assessments. Fishing can also benefit of the digitization process that many industries are undergoing. Wholesale fish markets, where vessels disembark, can be the point of contact to retrieve valuable information on biomass extraction rates, and can do so automatically. Fine-grained knowledge about the fish species, quantities, sizes, etc. that are caught can be therefore very valuable to all stakeholders, and particularly decision-makers regarding fisheries conservation, sustainable, and long-term exploitation. In this regard, this article presents a full workflow for fish instance segmentation, species classification, and size estimation from uncalibrated images of fish trays at the fish market, in order to automate information extraction that can be helpful in such scenarios. Our results on fish instance segmentation and species classification show an overall mean average precision (mAP) at 50% intersection-over-union (IoU) of 70.42%, while fish size estimation shows a mean average error (MAE) of only 1.27 cm.

Recently, low-dimensional models of neuronal activity have been exactly derived for large networks of deterministic, quadratic integrate-and-fire (QIF) neurons. Such firing rate models (FRM) describe the emergence of fast collective oscillations (>30 Hz) via the frequency locking of a subset of neurons to the global oscillation frequency. However, the suitability of such models to describe realistic neuronal states is seriously challenged by the fact that during episodes of fast collective oscillations, neuronal discharges are often very irregular and have low firing rates compared to the global oscillation frequency. Here we extend the theory to derive exact FRM for QIF neurons to include noise and show that networks of stochastic neurons displaying irregular discharges at low firing rates during episodes of fast oscillations are governed by exactly the same evolution equations as deterministic networks. Our results reconcile two traditionally confronted views on neuronal synchronization and upgrade the applicability of exact FRM to describe a broad range of biologically realistic neuronal states., The authors thank Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo for helpful discussions. PC acknowledges financial support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101017716 (Neurotwin). EM acknowledges support by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación under the Project No. PID2019-109918GB-I00., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)

Microgrids (MG) are exposed to voltage quality deterioration due to the presence of voltage unbalance. To deal with this problem, existing solutions based on Distributed Generation (DG) units interfaced by power electronics offer two type of strategies for voltage unbalance compensation depending on whether the compensation is performed at one remote node or at multiple local nodes. The first type is limited to a single node, and the second type is limited to apply at the DG units output (locally). This paper presents a multi nodal control scheme where DGs can compensate for voltage unbalance at multiple remote nodes of the MG, thus overcoming both state-of-the-art strategies limitations. In particular, negative-sequence voltage is eliminated at as many remote nodes as the number of available DG's. A systematic approach for the multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) nature of the problem is presented covering three aspects. First, a square MIMO control strategy is established and a feasibility test is derived to assess whether the problem can be solved. Second, the cross-coupling interaction between the multiple controllers is minimized by optimally selecting which DGs will contribute to mitigate the remote unbalances. Third, stability and transient dynamics are analyzed. Laboratory experimental results corroborate the control performance., This work was supported by I+D+i PID2021-122835OB-C21 research project, financed by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501000011033 and FEDER “Una manera de hacer Europa., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)

La transició energètica és essencial per a reduir les emissions de gasos d'efecte d'hivernacle, mitigar el canvi climàtic i garantir un futur sostenible per a les generacions esdevenidores. En passar a fonts d'energia renovables, podem disminuir la nostra dependència de combustibles fòssils finits, millorar la seguretat energètica i també millorar la qualitat de l'aire i de l'aigua. D'aquesta manera, la transició energètica és cada vegada un aspecte més important de manera global i és per això que moltes empreses ja estan optant pel desenvolupament de noves energies renovables com ara el biodiésel, el qual s'obté del procés a executar en aquest projecte en una planta química existent situada a Sines, Portugal. El biodièsel s'obté mitjançant l'hidrotractament, procés que consisteix a sotmetre un material a alta temperatura i pressió d'hidrogen en presència d'un catalitzador adequat fent possible la conversió de biomassa de diferent origen en un biocombustible. En particular, quan un greix o oli és destinat a aquest tipus de procés és possible la seva conversió a una barreja de parafines i isoparafines aptes per a la substitució del gasoil. Més concretament, aquest Treball de Final de Màster es centra en un dels edificis principals d'aquest projecte d'enginyeria. No es tracta d'una ampliació d'un edifici existent ja que aquest s'aixecarà des d'un terreny actualment no ocupat, per la qual cosa no hi haurà cap tipus d'interferència amb la planta actual. L'estructura metàl·lica en qüestió és sobre el que es tracta aquest treball, començant per una anàlisi global d'aquesta i acabant per comprovacions més locals com ara les connexions entre elements, mitjançant anàlisis estàtics lineals i també un dinàmic per a l'anàlisi de l'estructura sota els efectes de sisme a la localització en particular. Definir la geometria, especificar les condicions de contorn, aplicar les càrregues i combinacions corresponents, ajustar els paràmetres de disseny normatius i trobar els perfils ade

Aquest treball final de grau es basa en la construcció d’una maqueta docent. Es tracta d’un mecanisme inspirat en les obres de Theo Jansen, físic i artista holandès, anome nades “Strandbeests”. El mecanisme de Theo Jansen copia la forma de caminar dels mamífers de quatre potes, i té la peculiaritat que és d’un sol grau de llibertat. El treball inclou el disseny integral, càlculs i la producció i muntatge dels components. El projecte que es presenta ha requerit la recerca d’informació sobre aquest tipus de mecanisme de barres. S’han realitzat els càlculs cinemàtics i dinàmics del mecanisme per dos camins. En primer lloc, analíticament utilitzant expressions matemàtiques vis tes en el grau d’enginyeria mecànica que s’han implementat en un full de càlcul. En segon lloc, per simulació utilitzant el software CAD PTC Creo que incorpora un mòdul per simular mecanismes. Per a la fabricació de la maqueta s’han utilitzat processos disponibles a l’EPSEM: la impressió 3D, el tall per làser i el fresat per control numèric. Amb el procés de càlcul finalitzat s’observen resultats molt similars comparant els dos mètodes de càlcul cinemàtics i dinàmics. El procés de disseny ha estat iteratiu i conti nuat, amb millores progressives fins a l’obtenció del disseny definitiu. S’ha aconseguit la fabricació de tots els components tal i com s’havien dissenyat, culminant el projecte amb el muntatge del conjunt i el funcionament esperat. El mecanisme construït serà utilitzat com a maqueta docent per l’aprenentatge dels futurs enginyers de l’EPSEM., This final degree project is based on the construction of a teaching model. It is a mech anism inspired by the works of Theo Jansen, a Dutch physicist and artist, called “Strandbeests”. Theo Jansen's mechanism copies the way that four-legged mammals walk, and has the peculiarity that it has only one degree of freedom. The work includes the integral design, calculations and the production and assembly of the components. The project presented here required a search of information on this type of bar mecha nism. The kinematics and dynamics calculations of the mechanism have been carried out in two ways. Firstly, analytically using mathematical expressions seen in the me chanical engineering degree that have been implemented in a spreadsheet. Secondly, by simulation using the CAD software PTC Creo, which incorporates a module for sim ulating mechanisms. For the manufacture of the model, processes available at EPSEM were used: 3D printing, laser cutting and numerical control milling. With the calculation process completed, very similar results are observed when com paring both kinematic and dynamic calculation methods. The design process has been iterative and continuous, with progressive improvements until the final design was ob tained. The manufacture of all the components as designed has been achieved, culmi nating the project with the assembly of the parts and the expected operation. The mechanism built will be used as a teaching model for future EPSEM engineers.

El desarrollo de este proyecto se fundamentará en la creación de herramientas destinadas a la obtención de un conjunto de datos para realizar un análisis termográfico de algunos edificios situados en el campus Nord de la UPC. Este análisis se basará en la información recopilada por una red de sensores encargados de medir la calidad del aire, que se instalarán como punto de partida del proyecto. Además de estos sensores, se llevará a cabo la implementación de estaciones meteorológicas y sensores de temperatura en la superficie de los edificios. El conjunto de datos se complementa con un grupo de imágenes capturadas por un dron. Las herramientas diseñadas abarcan el desarrollo de nodos de monitorización y la aplicación de técnicas avanzadas para el análisis de los datos recabados. Este enfoque integral busca proporcionar una visión detallada y precisa de las condiciones ambientales y térmicas, contribuyendo así a un análisis exhaustivo de los edificios en cuestión.

This research focuses on the detailed analysis of traffic accident patterns in an urban context, uti- lizing advanced data classification techniques. Through a systematic approach and the imple- mentation of multiple studies, the project explores how the combination of different variables helps to the identification of patterns. Initially, the study employs a clustering method to identify accident patterns within a range of variables. This approach is complemented by an analysis based on a counting method that has been developed which allows for a more direct and precise classification based on the frequency of specific variable combinations. The results with both methods reveal significant patterns, that help understand the relation between the variables that are studied, for example, the prevalence of accidents involving mo- torcycles and their correlation with certain districts and times of the day. The research compares and evaluates the effectiveness of both classification methods, highlight- ing their strengths and limitations. While the clustering method provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of accident patterns, the counting method offers exceptional precision and speed in identifying the most frequent combinations of categories within a large group of vari- ables. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights for designing accident prevention strategies and improving road safety measures. The combination of classification and counting methods, thorough the pattern identification, emerges as a powerful tool for understanding the dynamics of traffic accidents and contributing to urban safety

Aquest projecte automatitza el control per visió al decolletatge, millorant l'eficiència i complint amb estàndards de qualitat. Després d'analitzar tecnologies, s'estableixen objectius que inclouen control dimensional, detecció de defectes i sistema de càrrega/descàrrega automàtic. Amb un sistema de control per visió artificial i IA, s'assoleix una inspecció completa, destacant un control precís de dimensions i forats amb una velocitat de 500-800 peces/h. La càrrega/descàrrega automatitzada millora la transició entre fases i la repetibilitat assoleix una precisió de 0,5 micres, minimitzant falsos rebuigs. Les conclusions destaquen l'èxit en els objectius, amb una ràpida recuperació de la inversió d'aproximadament un any i quatre mesos, segons un ampli estudi econòmic. També s'ha pogut identificar que es necessària una revisió dels escandalls de l'empresa i les recomanacions es centren en la completa automatització del control visual i revisió d'escandalls per optimitzar recursos i reduir costos, establint fonaments per una producció competitiva., Este proyecto automatiza el control por visión en la empresa de decoletaje, mejorando la eficiencia y cumpliendo con estándares de calidad. Tras analizar tecnologías, se establecen objetivos que incluyen control dimensional, detección de defectos y sistema de carga/descarga automático. Con un sistema de control por visión artificial e IA, se logra una inspección completa, destacando un control preciso de dimensiones y agujeros con una velocidad de 500-800 piezas/h. La carga/descarga automatizada mejora la transición entre fases y la repetibilidad alcanza una precisión de 0,5 micras, minimizando falsos rechazos. Las conclusiones resaltan el éxito en los objetivos, con una rápida recuperación de la inversión de aproximadamente un año y cuatro meses, según un amplio estudio económico. También se ha identificado la necesidad de revisar los estándares de la empresa y las recomendaciones se centran en la completa automatización del control visual y revisión de estándares para optimizar recursos y reducir costos, estableciendo fundamentos para una producción competitiva., This project automates vision control in the turning company, improving efficiency, and complying with quality standards. After analyzing technologies, objectives are set that include dimensional control, defect detection, and an automated loading/unloading system. With an artificial vision and AI-based control system, a comprehensive inspection is achieved, highlighting precise control of dimensions and holes with a production speed of 500-800 pieces/hour. Automated loading/unloading enhances the transition between phases, and repeatability achieves a precision of 0.5 microns, minimizing false rejections. The conclusions highlight success in achieving goals, with a rapid investment recovery of approximately one year and four months, according to a comprehensive economic study. It has also been identified that a review of the company's standards is necessary, and recommendations focus on the complete automation of visual control and a thorough review of standards to optimize resources and reduce costs, establishing foundations for competitive production.

La present memòria recull el treball de fi de grau del Grau Universitari d’Enginyeria en Tecnologies Industrials cursat a l’Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Industrial de Barcelona. En aquest es pretén endinsar-se en el extens món del programari de simulacions elèctriques i desenvolupar una eina com a alternativa als simuladors actuals. En primera instància es vol mostrar la problemàtica existent en la manca de versatilitat d’aquests programaris, ja que malgrat el seu gran abast, la versatilitat per a poder dur a terme simulacions parametritzades i obtenir una gran diversitat de resultats de forma ràpida i eficient no és el gran fort de bona part d’ells. Per a aquest motiu es vol crear un software amb MATLAB que automatitzi aquestes simulacions i permeti dotar a l’usuari d’una gran llibertat alhora de simular diverses variants d’un circuit, d’obtenir diversos resultats al variar certs paràmetres de la simulació i de fer comparatives dels resultats. Aquesta eina ha de ser el més genèrica possible i que l’entorn de manipulació sigui el més senzill possible per augmentar el ventall d’usuaris destí. Per a poder fer totes aquestes simulacions es poden usar diversos programaris però per aquest treball s’ha optat per usar el Cadence PSPICE. Els resultats obtinguts han validat la possibilitat d’obtenir una eina que permeti flexibilitzar les simulacions paramètriques, ja que s’ha creat un entorn EXCEL-MATLAB que internament usa el programa PSPICE per simular però que treu la obligació de manipular manualment el PSPICE a l’usuari i permet generar moltes simulacions paramètriques amb escassos esforços de l’usuari. L’eina generada, però, requereix que l’usuari tingui un cert coneixement de l’entorn PSPICE i MATLAB.

2N PARCIAL, 2023/2024, 1r quadrimestre

El projecte se situa a la part Sud del barri del Raval de Barcelona, concretament a la zona de l'Avinguda de les Drassanes i el seus voltants. Es tracta d'una zona problemàtica del barri degut a un seguit de males decisions i intervencions que s'han dut a terme al llarg dels últims anys. Aquestes males intervencions urbanístiques, sumades a les precàries condicions socials que han precedit el barri des de gairebé els seus orígens han fet que es tracti d'una zona marginada i insegura, poc viscuda i poc utilitzada pels veïns i veïnes del barri. És per això que en primer lloc s'analitza el perquè aquest gran espai públic és actualment un espai de poca qualitat i rebutjat pel dia a dia de la gent del barri. La morfologia de l'espai públic i les connexions que s'estableixen entre aquests espais determinen en gran part el funcionament dels diferents barris, i els fluxes que es generen revelen les àrees de major intensitat i confluència de gent. Aquest és un espai amb un gran potencial per a ser una centralitat important del Raval Sud, i en canvi no ho és. Com que aquests focos d'activitat venen determinats tant per la mixtura entre la trama històrica i l'evolució urbana del lloc com per la concentració d'equipaments i espais d'interès, es realitza un anàlisi posant èmfasi en el funcionament dels equipaments existents en aquesta zona i la relació que tenen amb l'espai públic. A partir d'aquí doncs, el que es proposa és dur a terme una intervenció de caràcter urbà que busca transformar aquest espai degradat i convertir-lo en el nou centre de caràcter barrial i social del Raval Sud. Per a fer-ho, es treballa de manera conjunta amb els edificis d'equipaments del voltant, com són un centre cívic, una residència d'avis i una escola d'idiomes per tal de crear un equipament unitari que ajudi a reflorar l'activitat i la cohesió social del barri, a més a més de crear un espai de plaça controlada i de qualitat. Amb aquesta intervenció, també es busca donar un final al gran eix centr

L'objectiu d'aquest treball consisteix a realitzar una anàlisi comparativa del comportament termomecànic, així com de la distorsió, tant tèrmica com mecànica, d'un àlep d'una turbina de gas. A aquest àlep se li aplicaran tres materials amb diferents propietats, un metàl·lic i dos ceràmics. Per assolir aquest objectiu, es duran a terme diverses simulacions tèrmiques, mecàniques i termomecàniques que simularan l'àlep en ple funcionament., This work aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the thermomechanical behavior, as well as the thermal and mechanical distortion, of a gas turbine airfoil. Three materials with different properties, one metallic and two ceramics, will be applied to this airfoil. To achieve this goal, various thermal, mechanical, and thermomechanical simulations will be carried out to simulate the airfoil in full operation.

This work highlights the impact of growth temperature on electrical and optical properties of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. The ALD process and super-cycle sequence have been optimized, identifying their influence on film resistivity. By using this optimum ALD procedure, the optical and electrical properties of AZO films have been widely analyzed considering the deposition temperature. Results show promising values with film resistivity in the range of 1 m¿cm and average optical absorption below 2% for 50 nm thick AZO layers. Hall effect, X-ray diffraction and ellipsometry measurements point out that these excellent values are related to their high carrier concentration and mobility, crystalline phase and optical band gap resulting in ALD AZO films with very good properties to be applied in photovoltaic devices as transparent conductive oxide electrode, This work has been supported by the Spanish government under projects PID2019-109215RB-C41 (SCALED), PID2020-115719RB-C21 (GETPV), TED2021-131778B–C22 (TROPIC) and TED2021-129758B–C32 (TransEl) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. TROPIC and TransEl projects have also support from the European Union “NextGenerationEU”/PRTR program. This work has been developing under the FOTOCER project's guidelines, which is partially funded by CDTI and MICIN Spanish government through the European Union NextGeneration/PRTR program. G. M. acknowledges financial support of the Grant – UPC Margarita Salas 2021, of the Spanish Ministry of Universities and the European Unión – NextGenerationEU. The authors wish to express their thanks to Ivan Caño for his help about XRD measurements included in the supplementary information and carried out at the Centre de Recerca en Ciència i Enginyeria Multiescala de Barcelona (CRCEMB)., Postprint (author's final draft)

2023/2024, 1r quadrimestre

Exposure to extreme temperatures can negatively affect animal reproduction, by disrupting the ability of individuals to produce any offspring (fertility), or the number of offspring produced by fertile individuals (fecundity). This has important ecological consequences, because reproduction is the ultimate measure of population fitness: a reduction in reproductive output lowers the population growth rate and increases the extinction risk. Despite this importance, there have been no large-scale summaries of the evidence for effect of temperature on reproduction. We provide a systematic map of studies testing the relationship between temperature and animal reproduction. We systematically searched for published studies that statistically test for a direct link between temperature and animal reproduction, in terms of fertility, fecundity or indirect measures of reproductive potential (gamete and gonad traits). Overall, we collated a large and rich evidence base, with 1654 papers that met our inclusion criteria, encompassing 1191 species. The map revealed several important research gaps. Insects made up almost half of the dataset, but reptiles and amphibians were uncommon, as were non-arthropod invertebrates. Fecundity was the most common reproductive trait examined, and relatively few studies measured fertility. It was uncommon for experimental studies to test exposure of different life stages, exposure to short-term heat or cold shock, exposure to temperature fluctuations, or to independently assess male and female effects. Studies were most often published in journals focusing on entomology and pest control, ecology and evolution, aquaculture and fisheries science, and marine biology. Finally, while individuals were sampled from every continent, there was a strong sampling bias towards mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, such that the tropics and polar regions are less well sampled. This map reveals a rich literature of studies testing the relationship between t

Objectives Laser surface micropatterning of dental-grade zirconia (3Y-TZP) was explored with the objective of providing defined linear patterns capable of guiding bone-cell response. Methods A nanosecond (ns-) laser was employed to fabricate microgrooves on the surface of 3Y-TZP discs, yielding three different groove periodicities (i.e., 30, 50 and 100 µm). The resulting topography and surface damage were characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy techniques were employed to assess the hydrothermal degradation resistance of the modified topographies. Preliminary biological studies were conducted to evaluate adhesion (6 h) of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) to the patterns in terms of cell number and morphology. Finally, Staphylococcus aureus adhesion (4 h) to the microgrooves was investigated. Results The surface analysis showed grooves of approximately 1.8 µm height that exhibited surface damage in the form of pile-up at the edge of the microgrooves, microcracks and cavities. Accelerated aging tests revealed a slight decrease of the hydrothermal degradation resistance after laser patterning, and the Raman mapping showed the presence of monoclinic phase heterogeneously distributed along the patterned surfaces. An increase of the hMSC area was identified on all the microgrooved surfaces, although only the 50 µm periodicity, which is closer to the cell size, significantly favored cell elongation and alignment along the grooves. A decrease in Staphylococcus aureus adhesion was observed on the investigated micropatterns. Significance The study suggests that linear microgrooves of 50 µm periodicity may help in promoting hMSC adhesion and alignment, while reducing bacterial cell attachment., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

A new generation of fully bioresorbable metallic Zn-based alloys could be used for stenting applications; however, the initial surface degradation delays stent re-endothelialization. Thus, this work proposes a dual strategy to control the corrosion and accelerate the endothelialization of ZnMg and ZnAg biodegradable alloys. First, a stable polycaprolactone (PCL) coating is obtained and followed by its functionalization with either linear RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) or REDV (Arg-Glu-Asp-Val) peptides or a dual peptide-based platform combining both sequences (RGD-REDV). Scratching tests showed neither delamination nor detachment of the polymeric coating. Potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements confirmed the corrosion resistance after PCL coating by revealing lower current density and higher absolute impedance values. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and fluorescent microscopy confirmed the correct peptide immobilization onto PCL coated Zn alloys. The functionalized samples exhibited enhanced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) adhesion. The higher number of adhered cells to the functionalized surfaces with the RGD-REDV platform demonstrates the synergistic effect of combining both RGD and REDV sequences. Higher corrosion resistance together with enhanced endothelialization indicates that the dual functionalization of Zn alloys with PCL and peptide-based RGD-REDV platform holds great potential to overcome the clinical limitations of current biodegradable metal stents., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

The Japan Astrometry Satellite Mission for INfrared Exploration (JASMINE) is a planned M-class science space mission by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. JASMINE has two main science goals. One is Galactic archaeology with a Galactic Center survey, which aims to reveal the Milky Way’s central core structure and formation history from Gaia-level (∼25 ${\mu} $as) astrometry in the near-infrared (NIR) Hw band (1.0–1.6 ${\mu} $m). The other is an exoplanet survey, which aims to discover transiting Earth-like exoplanets in the habitable zone from NIR time-series photometry of M dwarfs when the Galactic Center is not accessible. We introduce the mission, review many science objectives, and present the instrument concept. JASMINE will be the first dedicated NIR astrometry space mission and provide precise astrometric information on the stars in the Galactic Center, taking advantage of the significantly lower extinction in the NIR. The precise astrometry is obtained by taking many short-exposure images. Hence, the JASMINE Galactic Center survey data will be valuable for studies of exoplanet transits, asteroseismology, variable stars, and microlensing studies, including discovery of (intermediate-mass) black holes. We highlight a swath of such potential science, and also describe synergies with other missions.

Les lleis de règim local espanyola i catalana i el decret català de l’urbanisme obliguen els ajuntaments a prestar certs serveis als “nuclis de població”, concepte prou indefinit; la seva breu definició al decret d’urbanisme no és coincident amb l’articulada definició al Nomenclàtor. No hi ha tampoc coincidència en les denominacions dels serveis públics que cal prestar de manera obligatòria: per a les lleis de règim local es tracta de certs serveis “mínims”, mentre que al decret d’urbanisme hi ha certs serveis “urbanístics bàsics”. D’altra banda, el Nomenclàtor es deixa en mans del bon sentit dels ajuntaments, fet que provoca que la delimitació dels “nuclis de població” i dels “disseminats” segueixi criteris heterogenis. L’heterogeneïtat de conceptes i el desendreçament de les dades territorials i de la cartografia no ajuden en la tasca d’identificar els serveis públics prestats als nuclis de població, un aspecte vital per a la vibració dels nostres municipis., Spanish and Catalan local government laws and the Catalan urban planning law requiret own councils to provide certain services to “population settlements” (“núcleos de población”), a quite indefined concept; its brief definition in the urban planning law does not even coincide with the articulated definition in the Spanish Census of Places (Nomenclátor). There is also no coincidence in the categories of the public services that must be provided in a mandatory manner: for the local regime laws, these are “minimum” services, where as for the urban planning law there are certain “basic urban planning” services. On the other hand, the Census of Places is left in the hands of the good judgement of the town councils, which provokes that the delimitation of the “population settlements” and of the “disseminated areas” follow heterogeneous criteria. The heterogeneity of concepts and the disorganization of territorial data and cartography do not help in the task of identifying the public services provided in population settlements, a vital aspect for the vibrancy of our municipalities., Las leyes de régimen local española y catalana y el decreto catalán de urbanismo obligan a los ayuntamientos a prestar ciertos servicios en los “núcleos de población”, concepto insuficientement definido; su breve definición en el decreto de urbanismo no coincide con la articulada definición en el Nomenclátor. Tampoco existe coincidencia en las denominaciones de los servicios públicos que hay que prestar de forma obligatoria: para las leyes de régimen local se trata de ciertos servicios “mínimos”, mientras que en el decreto de urbanismo existen ciertos servicios “urbanísticos básicos”. Por otra parte, el Nomenclátor se deja en manos del buen sentido de los ayuntamientos, lo cual provoca que la delimitación de los “núcleos de población” y de los “diseminados” siga criterios heterogéneos. La heterogeneidad de conceptos y la falta de estructuración de los datos territoriales y de la cartografia no ayudan en la tarea de identificar los servicios públicos prestados en los núcleos de población, aspecto vital para la vibración de nuestros municipios.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges to psychological well-being, but how can we predict when people suffer or cope during sustained stress? Here, we test the prediction that specific types of momentary emotional experiences are differently linked to psychological well-being during the pandemic. Study 1 used survey data collected from 24,221 participants in 51 countries during the COVID-19 outbreak. We show that, across countries, wellbeing is linked to individuals’ recent emotional experiences, including calm, hope, anxiety, loneliness, and sadness. Consistent results are found in two age, sex, and ethnicity-representative samples in the United Kingdom (n = 971) and the United States (n = 961) with preregistered analyses (Study 2). A prospective 30-day daily diary study conducted in the United Kingdom (n = 110) confirms the key role of these five emotions and demonstrates that emotional experiences precede changes in well-being (Study 3). Our findings highlight differential relationships between specific types of momentary emotional experiences and well-being and point to the cultivation of calm and hope as candidate routes for well-being interventions during periods of sustained stress.

High-efficiency thin film solar cells play a key role in the production of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) or Product Integrated Photovoltaic (PIPV). Among the most interesting emerging photovoltaic (PV) materials, kesterite absorbers such as Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1-x)4 (CZTSSe) have attracted great attention in recent years. The ambient air-processed deposition of CZTSSe films is suitable for the production of low-cost and environmentally friendly flexible devices. In this work, we report on the optimization and functionalization of the back contact to design kesterite solar cells grown by molecular ink method on Mo foil, which, thanks to its high-temperature stability, high conductivity and high purity, is one of the most interesting flexible substrates. In addition, to improve the crystal morphology and promote the grain growth of the kesterite absorber, thus achieving good device efficiencies, intrinsic and extrinsic doping of CZTSSe were also investigated and the incorporation of Ag was proved to be an effective strategy to achieve high-quality flexible solar cells. The Li and Na introduction directly into the precursor solution was also studied to overcome the lack of alkali metal elements (typically needed to promote the kesterite crystallization) in the flexible substrate. Finally, thanks to these approaches, kesterite flexible solar cells with an efficiency of over 11% have been obtained, offering promising prospects for further progress in producing highly efficient flexible kesterite solar cells.

Tobacco is a valuable crop, but its disease identification is rarely involved in existing works. In this work, we use few-shot learning (FSL) to identify abnormalities in tobacco. FSL is a solution for the data deficiency that has been an obstacle to using deep learning. However, weak feature representation caused by limited data is still a challenging issue in FSL. The weak feature representation leads to weak generalization and troubles in cross-domain. In this work, we propose a feature representation enhancement network (FREN) that enhances the feature representation through instance embedding and task adaptation. For instance embedding, global max pooling, and global average pooling are used together for adding more features, and Gaussian-like calibration is used for normalizing the feature distribution. For task adaptation, self-attention is adopted for task contextualization. Given the absence of publicly available data on tobacco, we created a tobacco leaf abnormality dataset (TLA), which includes 16 categories, two settings, and 1,430 images in total. In experiments, we use PlantVillage, which is the benchmark dataset for plant disease identification, to validate the superiority of FREN first. Subsequently, we use the proposed method and TLA to analyze and discuss the abnormality identification of tobacco. For the multi-symptom diseases that always have low accuracy, we propose a solution by dividing the samples into subcategories created by symptom. For the 10 categories of tomato in PlantVillage, the accuracy achieves 66.04% in 5-way, 1-shot tasks. For the two settings of the tobacco leaf abnormality dataset, the accuracies were achieved at 45.5% and 56.5%. By using the multisymptom solution, the best accuracy can be lifted to 60.7% in 16-way, 1-shot tasks and achieved at 81.8% in 16-way, 10-shot tasks. The results show that our method improves the performance greatly by enhancing feature representation, especially for tasks that contain categories with h

El presente proyecto de innovación docente tiene como objetivo la creación de un aula práctica para el acompañamiento de las explicaciones de cátedra mediante la publicación en acceso abierto y gratuito de los casos prácticos elaborados sobre resoluciones judiciales y administrativas a lo largo del curso académico.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common cause of early-onset dementia after Alzheimer disease (AD). Efforts in the field mainly focus on familial forms of disease (fFTDs), while studies of the genetic etiology of sporadic FTD (sFTD) have been less common. In the current work, we analyzed 4,685 sFTD cases and 15,308 controls looking for common genetic determinants for sFTD. We found a cluster of variants at the MAPT (rs199443; p = 2.5 × 10-12, OR = 1.27) and APOE (rs6857; p = 1.31 × 10-12, OR = 1.27) loci and a candidate locus on chromosome 3 (rs1009966; p = 2.41 × 10-8, OR = 1.16) in the intergenic region between RPSA and MOBP, contributing to increased risk for sFTD through effects on expression and/or splicing in brain cortex of functionally relevant in-cis genes at the MAPT and RPSA-MOBP loci. The association with the MAPT (H1c clade) and RPSA-MOBP loci may suggest common genetic pleiotropy across FTD and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) (MAPT and RPSA-MOBP loci) and across FTD, AD, Parkinson disease (PD), and cortico-basal degeneration (CBD) (MAPT locus). Our data also suggest population specificity of the risk signals, with MAPT and APOE loci associations mainly driven by Central/Nordic and Mediterranean Europeans, respectively. This study lays the foundations for future work aimed at further characterizing population-specific features of potential FTD-discriminant APOE haplotype(s) and the functional involvement and contribution of the MAPT H1c haplotype and RPSA-MOBP loci to pathogenesis of sporadic forms of FTD in brain cortex.

Aquest projecte busca abordar la problemàtica actual dels robatoris de motocicletes en espais públics, centrant-se en la ciutat de Barcelona. Basant-se en una metodologia de recerques de mercat, anàlisi de competència, creació d'empresa i estudis d'usuari es dissenya un sistema d'aparcament que integra robustes mesures de seguretat, com a fixació de roda, sistema de vigilància, alarma, amb la finalitat de mitigar el risc de robatori i manipulació indeguda de les motocicletes. El disseny proposat, també aporta un altre tipus d'elements de valor afegit com a emmagatzematge per a cascos o altres accessoris, reserves de pàrquing, funcionament via App. D'altra banda, s'assegura el mínim impacte i modificació de la infraestructura i entorn urbà existent, de manera que es facilita en la major mesura del possible, la instal·lació d'aquests. Durant tot el procés de desenvolupament del projecte s'han aplicat els coneixements adquirits durant el Grau en Enginyeria de Disseny Industrial i Desenvolupament del Producte amb la finalitat d'aconseguir un resultat final òptim i assegurant la plausibilitat del projecte., Este proyecto busca abordar la problemática actual de los robos de motocicletas en espacios públicos, centrándose en la ciudad de Barcelona. Basándose en una metodología de investigaciones de mercado, análisis de competencia, creación de empresa y estudios de usuario se diseña un sistema de aparcamiento que integra robustas medidas de seguridad, como fijación de rueda, sistema de vigilancia, alarma, con el fin de mitigar el riesgo de robo y manipulación indebida de las motocicletas. El diseño propuesto, también aporta otro tipo de elementos de valor añadido como almacenamiento para cascos u otros accesorios, reservas de parking, funcionamiento vía App. Por otro lado, se asegura el mínimo impacto y modificación de la infraestructura y entorno urbano existente, de manera que se facilita en la mayor medida de lo posible, la instalación de estos. Durante todo el proceso de desarrollo del proyecto se han aplicado los conocimientos adquiridos durante el Grado en Ingeniería de Diseño Industrial y Desarrollo del Producto con el fin de conseguir un resultado final óptimo y asegurando la plausibilidad del proyecto., This project aims to address the current problem of motorcycle theft in public spaces, focusing on the city of Barcelona. Based on a methodology of market research, competition analysis, business start-up and user studies, a parking system is designed that integrates robust security measures, such as wheel fixation, monitoring system, alarm, in order to mitigate the risk of theft and improper handling of motorcycles. The proposed design also provides other added value elements such as storage for helmets or other accessories, parking reservations, operation via App. On the other hand, minimal impact and modification of the existing infrastructure and urban environment is ensured, so that the installation of these is facilitated as much as possible. Throughout the project development process, the knowledge acquired during the Degree in Industrial Design Engineering and Product Development has been applied in order to achieve an optimal end result and ensure the plausibility of the project.

Aquest treball presenta el disseny i implementació d’una interfície web dedicada a millorar la gestió d’equips de futbol, fusionant la passió per aquest esport amb habilitats en programació. L’objectiu principal és proporcionar una eina eficient per a entrenadors i coordinadors, simplificant la gestió de jugadors, entrenaments i partits a través d’una plataforma intuïtiva. Mitjançant l’ús de tecnologies web modernes, com React per al frontend i un disseny de base de dades eficient. Aquest projecte no només aborda necessitats concretes en la gestió esportiva, sinó que també representa una oportunitat per explorar i integrar noves competències en el camp de la programació aplicada a esports., This work presents the design and implementation of a web interface dedicated to enhancing football team management by merging a passion for the sport with programming skills. The main objective is to provide an efficient tool for coaches and coordinators, simplifying the management of players, trainings, and matches through an intuitive platform. Leveraging modern web technologies such as React for the frontend and an efficient database design, this project not only addresses specific needs in sports management but also represents an opportunity to explore and integrate new competencies in the field of programming applied to sports.

L'objectiu principal d'aquest projecte és abordar la millora operativa dels sistemes informàtics de l'empresa IThinkUPC, concretament de l'equip de Cloud Services Computing, per tal de portar a la pràctica la implementació de diferents solucions tecnològiques. Aquest treball engloba l'estudi i implementació d'eines i metodologies per a l'automatització de processos de desplegament i la gestió i creació de clústers de contenidors. Addicionalment, inclou eines d'observabilitat per a controlar el rendiment del sistema i poder garantir el seu correcte funcionament. Els resultats indiquen que és possible i necessari crear eines per a optimitzar el rendiment dels servidors per tal d'adaptar les infraestructures a les demandes digitals creixents., The main objective of this project is to address the operational improvement of IThinkUPC's computer systems, specifically the Cloud Services Computing team, to practically implement various technological solutions. This work encompasses the study and implementation of tools and methodologies for the automation of deployment processes and the management and creation of container clusters. Additionally, it includes observability tools to monitor system performance and ensure its proper functioning. The results indicate that it is possible and necessary to create tools to optimize server performance in order to adapt infrastructures to growing digital demands.

Aquest projecte sorgeix de la idea d'estudiar la viabilitat de dissenyar i fabricar components pel sector de l'automoció mitjançant tecnologies 3D. Per tal d'aconseguir-ho s'ha seguit un procés on primerament s'han estudiat les tecnologies 3D que s'utilitzen actualment i després s'ha fet el disseny de dos components d'un automòbil. La primera part documenta les tècniques d'impressió 3D més comunes i més fetes servir en l'actualitat, explicant els processos que fa servir cada tècnica, els materials, avantatges i desavantatges per poder veure les limitacions de cada una. Un cop fet això s'han buscat dos exemples on s'hagin fabricat components pel sector automobilístic, i s'han documentat per aprendre més sobre el tema en qüestió. Seguidament, s'ha fet la selecció dels dos components, en aquest cas un logotip i una llanta, definint uns criteris de selecció i s'han fet els dissenys per mostrar els grans avantatges que té emprar aquest tipus de tecnologies per fabricar components per l'automoció. Un cop fet els dissenys s'ha fet un estudi de construcció per veure quina seria la millor tècnica per poder fabricar cadascun dels components triats i els materials que es podrien fer sevir. Finalment, s'han proposat unes línies futures per on es podria continuar el treball i s'han extret unes conclusions finals de l'estudi.

(English) The study of the colonic volume has strong relevance in gastroenterology and contributes to the diagnosis and research of lowseverity diseases such as constipation, diarrhea, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In the context of these affections, the use of invasive techniques or ionizing imaging is not advisable, and the medical experts opted for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) acquired without contrast administration nor any form of patient preparation to avoid exogenous colon alteration. Specifically, two MRI modalities are of special interest: T2-weighted half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo sequence (T2-HASTE), which allows the segmentation of the colon lumen, and T1-weighted Fat-Sat (T1-FS), where fecal and gas contents can be distinguished. The colon analysis requires the segmentation of the colon both in T1-FS and T2-HASTE images, which is a cumbersome and timeconsuming process when performed manually. Moreover, manual segmentation involves a high degree of uncertainty in the colon boundaries delimitation, which leads to arbitrariness and poor measurement repeatability. This Ph.D. Thesis proposes an end-to-end quasi-automatic framework that comprises all the steps required to accurately segment the colon in T2-HASTE and T1-FS images, allowing the study of its morphology and the colonic content distribution. In order to ease the validation of the automated segmentation results, a tool for the synchronized T1-FS/T2-HASTE visualization has also been designed. T2-HASTE segmentation is organized as a three-stage pipeline. In the first stage, a custom tubularity filter is run to detect colon candidate areas. The specialists provide a list of points along the colon trajectory, which are combined with tubularity information to calculate an estimation of the colon medial path. In the second stage, the colon region of interest is delimited by applying custom segmentation algorithms to detect colon neighboring regions and the fat capsule containing, (Català) L'estudi del volum colònic és especialment rellevant per a la gastroenterologia i contribueix al diagnòstic i la recerca de malalties de caràcter lleu com poden ser el restrenyiment, la diarrea o la síndrome del còlon irritable. En el context d'aquestes afectacions, l'ús de tècniques invasives o ionitzants no està prou justificat i els equips mèdics han optat per l'ús d'imatges per ressonància magnètica (MRI) adquirides sense contrast ni cap altra forma de preparació, evitant així l'alteració de l'estat natural del còlon. Existeixen dues modalitats de MRI d'especial interès per a aquest propòsit: T2-weighted half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo sequence (T2-HASTE), que permet la segmentació del lumen del còlon, i la seqüència T1-weighted Fat-Sat (T1-FS), en la que es pot distingir el contingut fecal i el gas intestinal. L'anàlisi del còlon requereix la segmentació completa a les dues modalitats, T1-FS i T2-HASTE, el que comporta un procés manual summament lent i laboriós. Addicionalment, la segmentació manual duu associada un alt grau d'incertesa al voltant dels contorns del còlon, que es tradueix en arbitrarietat i una baixa repetitividad dels mesuraments. Aquesta tesi proposa un sistema automatitzat extrem a extrem, que inclou tots els passos necessaris per a aconseguir una segmentació de còlon precisa en imatges T2-HASTE i T1-FS, permetent l'estudi de la morfologia i la distribució dels continguts colònics. Per a facilitar la validació dels resultats de la segmentació automàtica, s'ha desenvolupat una eina per a la visualització sincronitzada de totes dues modalitats T1-FS/T2-HASTE. La segmentació d'imatges T2-HASTE és un procés constituït per tres fases. En la primera, s'utilitza un filtre de tubularidad especialitzat per a detectar àrees candidates. Els metges marquen uns punts de referència al llarg del còlon, que en combinació amb la informació de tubularidad permeten calcular una estimació de la línia medial del còlon. En una segona, (Español) El estudio del volumen colónico es especialmente relevante para la gastroenterología y contribuye al diagnóstico y a la investigación de enfermedades de carácter leve como pueden ser el estreñimiento, la diarrea o el síndrome del colon irritable. En el contexto de dichas afectaciones, el uso de técnicas invasivas o ionizantes no está suficientemente justificado y los equipos médicos han optado por el uso de imágenes por resonancia magnética (MRI) adquiridas sin contraste ni ninguna otra forma de preparación, evitando así la alteración del estado natural del colon. Existen dos modalidades de MRI de especial interés para este propósito: T2-weighted half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo sequence (T2-HASTE), que permite la segmentación del lumen del colon, y la secuencia T1-weighted Fat- Sat (T1-FS), en la que se pueden distinguir el contenido fecal y el gas intestinal. El análisis del colon requiere la segmentación completa en ambas modalidades, T1-FS y T2-HASTE, lo que conlleva un proceso manual sumamente lento y laborioso. Adicionalmente, la segmentación manual lleva sujeta un alto grado de incertidumbre alrededor de los contornos del colon, que se traduce en arbitrariedad y un bajo nivel de repetitividad de las mediciones. Esta tesis propone un sistema automatizado extremo a extremo, que incluye todos los pasos necesarios para conseguir una segmentación de colon precisa en imágenes T2-HASTE y T1-FS, permitiendo el estudio de la morfología y la distribución de los contenidos colónicos. Para facilitar la validación de los resultados de la segmentación automática, se ha desarrollado una herramienta para la visualización sincronizada de ambas modalidades T1-FS/T2-HASTE. La segmentación de imágenes T2-HASTE es un proceso constituido por tres fases. En la primera, se utiliza un filtro de tubularidad especializado para detectar áreas candidatas. Los médicos marcan unos puntos de referencia a lo largo del colon, que en combinación con la información, Postprint (published version)

Physical model testing is a crucial step in the validation process of floating offshore wind concepts that can be used to contribute to the worldwide decarbonization objectives. It is also important to understand the coupled performance of all the sub-systems that conform to a floating wind concept: wind turbines, mooring systems or floating platform hydrodynamic responses. Few experimental tests had been conducted, and no real-time hybrid modelling had been performed in these tests. In this paper, an open-source experimental dataset is presented, and the dynamics of a concrete spar-based floating concept withstanding the IEA 15-MW Reference Wind Turbine are investigated. An experiment on a 1:55 scale concrete-based spar (WindCrete) at IHCantabria's ocean basin was developed by means of the hardware-in-the-loop technique under the COREWIND EU-H2020 project. The available data consist of the hydrodynamic characterizations and seakeeping tests with a total of 57 available datasets. The proper behaviour of the WindCrete platform and the designed mooring system is confirmed by the maximum motion values and accelerations below the established acceptance criteria defined. Moreover, this test program identifies the importance of the wind loads over the dynamic performance of the concept., Postprint (published version)

Vídeo del procés docent de l’assignatura Projectes V tarda durant tot el quadrimestre, des de la visita a l’emplaçament, al treball a taller, al lliurament final com a cloenda de l’assignatura. S’hi inclouen dues visions per part de l’estudiantat de tot el procés.

En este trabajo se comparan los algoritmos BiTRRT y RRT Connect de la librería OMPL para la generación de trayectorias en un robot móvil Pioneer 3DX simulado en Coppelia Sim. Para desarrollar el programa de control del robot, se obtuvieron primero las ecuaciones cinemáticas del mismo. Posteriormente, se implementaron los algoritmos y se ejecutaron simulaciones para comparar su rendimiento. Se usaron dos tipos de escenarios para las simulaciones, una con obstáculos fijos y otra con obstáculos móviles. Para el objeto móvil se usó el robot Zummit, con una trayectoria circular fija. Los resultados mostraron que BiTRRT genera trayectorias más cortas y tiene una tasa de éxito del 100%, mientras que RRT Connect en algunos casos sólo alcanzó el 40% de aciertos. Podemos ver que BiTRRT es un algoritmo más efectivo para la generación de trayectorias en robots móviles Pioneer 3DX. El presente trabajo servirá además como base para futuros estudios de Robots móviles autónomos (AMR) en entornos más complejos y desafiantes., This master final work investigates the effectiveness of the BiTRRT and RRT Connect algorithms from the OMPL library for trajectory planning in a Pioneer 3DX mobile robot simulated in Coppelia Sim. To develop the robot's control program, the robot's kinematic equations were first obtained. Subsequently, the algorithms were implemented, and simulations were run to compare their performance. Two types of scenarios were used for the simulations: one with fixed obstacles and another with moving obstacles. For the moving object, a Zummit robot was used, with a fixed circular trajectory. The results showed that BiTRRT generates shorter trajectories and has a 100% success rate, while RRT Connect only achieved 40% success in some cases. It is concluded that BiTRRT is a more effective algorithm for trajectory planning in Pioneer 3DX mobile robots. This work will also serve as a basis for future studies of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) in more complex and challenging environments.

Com és ben sabut, la qualitat ocupa un lloc en el nostre entorn diari. Especialment, en l’entorn industrial, com, ara bé, les fàbriques de producció en el sector de l’automoció. Aquestes, són característiques pels alts requisits pel que fa a qualitat així com l’alt volum de producció diari. L’objectiu principal d’aquest treball és proposar una millora de qualitat per tal de reduir costos a una empresa del sector. Per aconseguir-ho, s’ha de primer entendre el concepte de qualitat i donar un petit context al lector de l’estació de treball en qüestió. Un cop donat tot aquest context, s’ha de seguir una metodologia sistemàtica on primer, s’ha de conèixer el producte, per saber que és el que s’està produint, on i en quines condicions. Seguidament, s’ha de fer una anàlisi profunda del problema. Un cop aquí, es podran definir accions de millora i amb elles un estudi de viabilitat econòmica.

Les previsions de creixement de l'energia eòlica marina apunten a increments notables en les properes dècades. Un component d'aquest creixement dependrà de la tecnologia de plataformes flotants, que encara es troba en fases relativament incipients de maduresa. Entre els desafiaments a abordar, es troben les forces hidrodinàmiques generades per l'onatge. Fins a la data, una part significativa dels models existents només consideren les forces de l'onatge de primer ordre, mentre que els efectes de les forces de l'onatge de segon ordre romanen com un dels efectes menys estudiats en la interacció fluid-estructura. No obstant això, s'ha documentat que les forces de l'onatge de segon ordre poden donar lloc a fenòmens de ressonància, vibració i moviments de deriva lenta en les estructures marines flotants, en relació amb els períodes naturals de moviment d'aquestes estructures. En aquest context, aquest treball proposa el desenvolupament d'un codi en llenguatge de programació Python amb l'objectiu d'integrar el programari de codi obert NEMOH v3.0 per al càlcul de les forces de l'onatge en estructures marines amb FloaWDyn, un model numèric 3D acoblat aero-hidro-servo-elàstic desenvolupat a la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (BarcelonaTech–UPC). La versió més recent de NEMOH inclou el càlcul de les Funcions de Transferència Quadràtiques (Quadratic Transfer Functions, QTFs) en el mòdul de segon ordre, que són després utilitzades per calcular les forces de segon ordre utilitzant la teoria del flux potencial. La validació d'aquest model es realitza mitjançant comparació amb una solució semi-analítica per a un cilindre vertical en un onatge bicromàtic, i els resultats indiquen errors relatius mitjans de l'ordre del 20-25%. Per analitzar els potencials efectes de les forces de segon ordre sobre la plataforma WindCrete, s'ha emprat el model numèric OpenFAST desenvolupat pel National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)., Las previsiones de crecimiento de la energía eólica marina apuntan a incrementos notables en las próximas décadas. Un componente de ese crecimiento dependerá de la tecnología de plataformas flotantes, que aún se encuentra en fases relativamente incipientes de madurez. Entre los desafíos por abordar, se encuentran las fuerzas hidrodinámicas generadas por el oleaje. Hasta la fecha, una parte significativa de los modelos existentes solo consideran las fuerzas del oleaje de primer orden, mientras que los efectos de las fuerzas del oleaje de segundo orden permanece como uno de los efectos menos estudiados en la interacción fluido–estructura. Sin embargo, se ha documentado que las fuerzas del oleaje de segundo orden pueden dar lugar a fenómenos de resonancia, vibración y movimientos de deriva lenta en las estructuras marinas flotantes, en relación con los períodos naturales de movimiento de dichas estructuras. En este contexto, este trabajo propone el desarrollo de un código en lenguaje de programación Python con el fin de integrar el software de código abierto NEMOH v3.0 para el cálculo de las fuerzas del oleaje en estructuras marinas con FloaWDyn, un modelo numérico 3D acoplado aero–hydro–servo–elástico desarrollado en la Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (BarcelonaTech–UPC). La versión más reciente de NEMOH incluye el cálculo de las Funciones de Transferencia Cuadráticas (Quadratic Transfer Functions, QTFs) en el módulo de segundo orden, que son luego utilizadas para calcular las fuerzas de segundo orden utilizando la teoría del flujo potencial. La validación de este modelo se realiza mediante comparación con una solución semi–analítica para un cilindro vertical en un oleaje bicromático, y los resultados indican errores relativos promedio del orden del 20–25%. Para analizar los potenciales efectos de las fuerzas de segundo orden sobre la plataforma WindCrete, se ha empleado el modelo numérico OpenFAST desarrollado por el National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)., Forecasts for the growth of offshore wind energy point to significant increases in the coming decades. A component of this growth will depend on the technology of floating platforms, which is still in relatively early stages of maturity. Among the challenges to be addressed are the hydrodynamic forces generated by wave action. To date, a significant portion of existing models only consider first-order wave forces, while the effects of second-order wave forces remain one of the less studied aspects in fluid-structure interaction. However, it has been documented that second-order wave forces can lead to phenomena of resonance, vibration, and slow drift movements in floating marine structures, in relation to the natural periods of movement of these structures. In this context, this work proposes the development of a code in the Python programming language with the aim of integrating the open-source software NEMOH v3.0 for the calculation of wave forces in marine structures with FloaWDyn, a 3D numerical model of coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic developed at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (BarcelonaTech–UPC). The latest version of NEMOH includes the calculation of Quadratic Transfer Functions (QTFs) in the second-order module, which are then used to calculate second-order forces using potential flow theory. The validation of this model is carried out by comparison with a semi-analytical solution for a vertical cylinder in a biochromatic wave field, and the results indicate average relative errors of the order of 20-25%. To analyze the potential effects of second-order forces on the WindCrete platform, the OpenFAST numerical model developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been used.

Conductive hydrogels are becoming one of the most important milestones for the development of new scaffolds, biosensors, supercapacitors, and green electronics within the field of biomedicine. In this work, we study the effect of different types of electroactive additives such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), tannic acid, and carbon quantum dots (CQDs), to form different poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based hydrogels with enhanced electrochemical properties. Different physicochemical tests are carried out to characterize the different PVA-based hybrid hydrogels and the rates of their degradation and loss of electroactivity throughout an eight-week biodegradation process. This work shows the individual and synergistic effects of the additives on various mechanical properties, including storage modulus and swelling ratio, and electrochemical properties of the PVA hydrogel. The additives have proven to enhance the electroactivity of the PVA-based hydrogels but as well their degradation. Finally, the use of the new hydrogel as a pressure sensor is also investigated. The study provides an insight on the potential use of CQDs, in synergy with other electroactivity enhancers, in the fabrication of novel hybrid conducting hydrogels in green electronics., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

Este proyecto se centra en el estudio de la disciplina del Chaos Engineering, con el propósito de evaluar las plataformas disponibles que permiten la creación e inyección de experimentos. Estos experimentos tienen como objetivo la evaluación de una aplicación web desplegada en el entorno de Kubernetes de la empresa ITnow. El enfoque principal es comprender y aplicar los principios y prácticas de Chaos Engineering para analizar la resiliencia y el comportamiento de la aplicación web bajo situaciones de caos simuladas, permitiendo así mejorar su estabilidad y confiabilidad., This project focuses on the study of the discipline of Chaos Engineering, with the purpose of evaluating the available platforms that allow the creation and injection of experiments. These experiments aim at evaluating a web application deployed in the Kubernetes environment of ITnow. The focus is to understand and apply the principles and practices of Chaos Engineering to analyze the resilience and the behavior of the web application under simulated chaos situations, thus allowing to improve its stability and reliability.

In a rapidly evolving world, airlines have to continuously adapt and face new challenges to an ever-changing web of factors that will affect their methods of informed decisions. This project aims to analyze the aviation industry's approach on its delay management to then develop a framework of predicting and quantifying airline delay, which will be done around the perspective of the airport of Madrid-Barajas through an amalgamation of data sourcing and data science techniques. The study unfolds in several critical phases, beginning with the definitions of the current delay management in the aviation industry and demonstrating which are the most significant for this study. Secondly, the project will rely on different types of datasets around Madrid's airport, including, real historical flight data for encompassing departures/arrivals, and airline specifics. Additionally, a significant emphasis is placed on incorporating weather data, with a keen focus on wind gusts and wind directions. These and more variables will be cleaned, manipulated, and be considered in different ways to see how if may affect the delay in the next step of the project. Subsequent to data collection, the project transitions into the data analysis phase, which will consist of extracting key variables that will be used for the prediction phase of the project. Making sure what variables to use is essential as this will shape how the prediction models are going to use them and to what level we can draw conclusions. The last phase simulates a present-time situation to predict the delay throughout a given day after a particular hour, trying to predict the following hours of activity, which will give us insights on how it can be managed if whether it is recuperated or enhanced. This will be done by exploring two machine learning models: the Random Forest Regressor and the XGBoost model, which both serve purposes in different ways, allowing for a multi-modal analysis point of view. Overall, this project

El present projecte ofereix un estudi global en la implementació de funcions i opcions de millora en una aplicació GUI (graphic user interface) de Matlab que modela i simula el comportament dels arc elèctrics en complement d’un model matemàtic. A més, s’emprarà l’ús de la intel·ligència artificial pel desenvolupament de l’esmentada GUI, a la qual se sotmetrà a un procés d’aprenentatge invers per tal de provocar la obtenció de resultats coherents amb la matèria. L’objectiu principal recau en la millora de l’eficàcia i en l’augment de funcionalitats que permetin l’increment en la comprensió i simulació del fenomen d’arc elèctric, amb aplicacions específiques en entorns de cablejat d’aeronaus sota condicions de baixa pressió, com ara durant el vol, per tal de prevenir potencials fallades per arc elèctric i riscs associats. L’aplicació esmentada inclou la introducció de dades experimentals en fitxers d’extensió .txt, les quals es filtren i de les quals s’obtenen els cicles de tensió i corrent més estables en el rang de temps establert per, posteriorment, optimitzar-ne els paràmetres pertinents al model matemàtic escollit. Aquest model fou desenvolupat per J. Andrea1 i serà detallat el seu funcionament al llarg del present projecte. Finalment, la GUI permet la comparació qualitativa entre les dades associades a tensió i corrent predites pel model i les dades experimentals, per tal de comprendre i seleccionar en quins cicles d’arc s’obté un major ajust. Es detallaran les implementacions afegides comentant i analitzant quins avenços comporten en l’ús de l’aplicació per part de l’usuari i es posarà aprova cada una d’elles per obtenir les pertinents conclusions. Així doncs, la millora de l’aplicació presentada no només permet l’increment en la precisió de la simulació i modelització d’arc elèctric, sinó també establir una plataforma robusta i flexible en funció de les necessitats de l’usuari per a la futura recerca en l’esmentat camp de coneixement i potencialment en altres

La seqüenciació d’RNA de cèl·lules aïllades (scRNA-seq) és un àmbit de recerca crucial per a la comprensió de la diversitat cel·lular, amb grans implicacions per a la recerca en biomedicina. Entendre la informació dispersa, sorollosa i complexa que contenen les dades del scRNA-seq és un problema fonamental de la biologia computacional. Aquesta tesi pren com a punt de partida un model probabilístic desenvolupat per Shiragur i Uhler que formalitza la generació de dades d’scRNA-seq. Basant-nos en aquest model, presented tres nous algoritmes d'identificació de tipus cel·lular, un dels quals implementa un enfocament novedós tot fent servir tècniques de descomposició tensorial per estimar els paràmetres del nostre model probabilístic i, seguidament, utilitzent aquests paràmetres per identificar amb precisió el tipus cel·lular. Els algoritmes que hem desenvolupat han estat validat mitjançant nombroses simulacions i anàlisis amb dades reals i mostren un rendiment comparable als mètodes més avançats. Per tant, ofereixen una sòlida base teòrica per a futurs desenvolupaments en l’anàlisi de l’scRNA-seq. Les simulacions demostren que aquests algoritmes són capaços d’estimar amb fiabilitat els paràmetres del model, fins i tot en el règim de baixa profunditat de seqüenciació, en què els models anteriors basats en clusterització no ofereixen bons resultats., La secuenciación de ARN de células individuales (scRNA-seq) es un campo de investigación crucial para comprender la diversidad celular y tiene importantes implicaciones para la investigación biomédica. Entender la información dispersa, ruidosa y compleja en los datos de scRNA-seq es un problema fundamental en la biología computacional. Este trabajo se basa en un modelo probabilístico desarrollado por Shiragur y Uhler, que formaliza el proceso de generación de datos de scRNA-seq. Aprovechando este modelo, presentamos tres algoritmos de identificación de tipos celulares, uno de los cuales implementa un enfoque novedoso utilizando técnicas de descomposición tensorial para estimar los parámetros de nuestro modelo probabilístico y luego usar los parámetros estimados para identificar con precisión el tipo de cada célula. Nuestros algoritmos, validados a través de extensas simulaciones y análisis de datos reales, demuestran un rendimiento comparable a los métodos más avanzados, proporcionando una sólida base teórica para futuros avances en el análisis de scRNA-seq. Nuestras simulaciones demuestran que nuestros métodos estiman de manera confiable los parámetros del modelo incluso en el régimen de baja profundidad de secuenciación, donde los enfoques previos basados en la agrupación no son suficientes., The rapidly growing field of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is crucial for understanding cellular diversity and has significant implications for biomedical research. Understanding the sparse, noisy, and complex information in scRNA-seq data is a fundamental problem in computational biology. This work builds on a probabilistic model developed by Shiragur and Uhler, which formalizes the scRNA-seq data-generating process. Leveraging this model, we present three cell-type identification algorithms, one of which implements a novel approach by employing tensor decomposition techniques to estimate the parameters of our probabilistic model and then using the estimated parameters to accurately identify each cell's type. Our algorithms, validated through extensive simulations and real data analyses, demonstrate performance comparable to state-of-the-art methods, providing a solid theoretical foundation for future advancements in single-cell RNA-seq analysis. Our simulations demonstrate that our methods reliably estimate the model's parameters even in the low sequencing depth regime, where the prior clustering-based approaches fall short., Outgoing