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A wavelength-switchable L-band erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) assisted by an artificially controlled backscattering (ACB) fiber reflector is here presented. This random reflector was inscribed by femtosecond (fs) laser direct writing on the axial axis of a multimode fiber with 50 um core and 125 um cladding with a length of 17 mm. This microstructure was placed inside a surgical syringe to be positioned in the center of a high-precision rotation mount to accurately control its angle of rotation. Only by rotating this mount, three different output spectra were obtained: a single wavelength lasing centered at 1574.75 nm, a dual wavelength lasing centered at 1574.75 nm and 1575.75 nm, and a single wavelength lasing centered at 1575.5 nm. All of them showed an optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) of around 60 dB when pumped at 300 mW. This work was financed by the program “José Castillejo para estancias de movilidad en el extranjero de jóvenes doctores”, funded by the Ministerio de Universidades of Spain (reference CAS21/00351); the Spanish AEI projects PID2019-107270RB, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and FEDER “A way to make Europe”, and projects PDC2021-121172 and TED2021-130378B funded by MCIN/ AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and European Union “Next generation EU”/PTR. Finally, the work was also founded by the Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte of Spain (PhD grant FPU2018/02797).

La Incidencia Lesional (IL) se define como el número de lesiones por 1.000 horas de exposición. El objetivo fue determinar la IL y los posibles factores que pudieran tener alguna influencia en las lesiones en los jugadores de la selección española de fútbol masculina absoluta de 2008 a 2015. Durante este periodo se convocaron 85 jugadores. El tiempo de exposición fue de 10.450 horas de las que 8.800 correspondían a entrenamiento y 1.650 horas a competición. El IL fue 7,46 lesiones por 1.000 horas de exposición correspondiendo el 76,9% a partidos de competición y el resto a entrenamientos. Las lesiones musculares fueron las más frecuentes (52,4%). La severidad de la lesión estaba relacionada con la posición del jugador y con el mecanismo lesional. En conclusión, la selección española absoluta de fútbol presentó un IL en la media de otros equipos de la élite del fútbol mundial.

Plasma optical spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (both on and off-line) are used in this work to analyze the effects of different perturbations applied to a tungsten inert gas welding process. This approach enables the analysis and comparison of the spectra acquired with the two setups, thus providing more information about the process evolution and dynamics and the resulting chemical composition of the seams. It will be demonstrated that, in agreement with previous studies, the analysis of different elements gives rise to rich information regarding the resulting weld quality, thus enabling the on-line monitoring of arc-welding processes. Elements such as lithium or sodium, not commonly employed in spectroscopic analysis of welding processes, will prove to provide interesting information on surface defects and contamination. Additionally, LIBS 2D scanning of the performed seams will enable a detailed analysis of the resulting elemental distributions. This work is part of the project R+D project PID2019-107270RB-C21 funded by MCIN/ AEI /http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100011033.

International audience; Poly(styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene) (SEBS) is functionalized via radical grafting with 4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene 1,2-epoxide (VCHO) initiated using 2,5-Bis(tert-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethylhexane. The existence of the epoxide group on the SEBS backbone is evidenced by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. A size exclusion chromatography (SEC) study reveals some chain coupling, and this phenomenon is limited by controlling the quantities of peroxide and monomer reagents used during the radical grafting. Photo-crosslinking of SEBS-g-VCHO under ultraviolet irradiation in the presence of a cationic initiator is then successfully performed with resultant gel contents higher than 85%. Mechanical properties of SEBS and crosslinked materials are measured by tensile tests on thin films. On the one hand, those tests reveal a significant increase of Young's modulus of the crosslinked materials. On the other hand, the diminution of elongation at break is much more limited; crosslinked materials retain their elastomeric properties with an elongation at break greater than 200%. Finally, the photosensitive SEBS-g-VCHO is used to show the adhesion performance of the photo-crosslinking coating as well as a resin for the stereolithography process.

In recent years there has been a growing interest in electronic design automation methodologies for the optimizationbased design of radiofrequency circuits and systems. While for simple circuits several successful methodologies have been proposed, these very same methodologies exhibit significant deficiencies when the complexity of the circuit is increased. The majority of the published methodologies that can tackle radiofrequency systems are either based on high-level system specification tools or use models to estimate the system performances. Hence, such approaches do not usually provide the desired accuracy for RF systems. In this work, a methodology based on hierarchical multilevel bottom-up design approaches is presented, where multi-objective optimization algorithms are used to design an entire radiofrequency system from the passive component level up to the system level. Furthermore, each level of the hierarchy is simulated with the highest accuracy possible: electromagnetic simulation accuracy at device-level and electrical simulations at circuit/system-level.

International audience; The interactions between kaolinite and a commercially available phosphinate-based flame retardant (Exolit® OP1311) were evaluated as flame retardant systems in Polyamide 6 (PA6). The thermal degradation and flammability of PA6 composites were studied by TGA and cone calorimeter tests. Characterizations were conducted using FTIR, EDX and XRD. Cone calorimeter results showed a reduction in peak heat release rate (pHRR) as a function of filler loading and type with a greater reduction for OP1311 containing composites. Interestingly, OP1311 can be partially substituted by kaolinite without detrimental effect on peak of release rate (pHRR) measured by cone calorimeter. FTIR, EDX and XRD analysis of cone calorimeter residues showed that kaolinite may trap some phosphorous compounds in condensed phase leading to the formation of a glassy structure on sample residue. To assess possible interactions between kaolinite and phosphinate, a controlled thermal degradation was carried out on kaolinite, OP1311 and kaolinite/OP1311 (50:50) blends. The residues were analyzed by EDX and XRD. Results showed that almost all phosphorous present in the initial sample remains in residue for Kaolinite/OP1311 blend versus only about 60% for OP1311 alone. Also, XRD results showed that during combustion, new crystalline phases can be formed in the sample when kaolinite is combined with OP1311. These results suggest that some interactions between both components may occur and could explain the observed fire behavior of the composites containing kaolinite and phosphinate.

Currently available hyperthermia technology is not well suited to treating cancer malignancies in the intact breast. This study investigates a microwave applicator incorporating multiple patch antennas, with the goal of facilitating controllable power deposition profiles for treating lesions at diverse locations within the intact breast.A 3D-computational model was implemented to assess power deposition profiles with 915 MHz applicators incorporating a hemispheric groundplane and configurations of 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 antennas. Hemispheric breast models of 90 mm and 150 mm diameter were considered, where cuboid target volumes of 10 mm edge length (1 cmComputational models identified an optimal inter-antenna spacing of 22.5° along the applicator circumference. Applicators with 8 and 12 antennas excited with constant phase presented the highest αPA at centrally located and deep-seated targets, respectively. Experimental measurements with a 4-antenna proof-of-concept array illustrated the potential for electrically steering power deposition profiles by adjusting the relative phase of the signal at antenna inputs.Computational models and experimental results suggest that the proposed applicator may have potential for delivering conformal thermal therapy in the intact breast.

A new design methodology for radiofrequency circuits is presented that includes electromagnetic (EM) simulation of the inductors into the optimization flow. This is achieved by previously generating the Pareto-optimal front (POF) of the inductors using EM simulation. Inductors are selected from the Pareto front and their S-parameter matrix is included in the circuit netlist that is simulated using an RF simulator. Generating the EM-simulated POF of inductors is computationally expensive, but once generated, it can be used for any circuit design. The methodology is illustrated both for a singleobjective and a multiobjective optimization of a low noise amplifier

This chapter describes the special features of adipose tissue in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Patients in peritoneal dialysis gain weight, mainly fat mass, but present decreased lean mass. Due to changes in both fat and lean mass, body mass index should not be used as the only anthropometric parameter in the evolution of PD patients. Peritoneal glucose absorption may be the main determinant of fat mass increase. Other tests to better assess body composition have been developed. Study results concerning obesity-related mortality are controversial. Adipose tissue in PD patients is related to a proinflammatory state, alteration in adipokine profile, and insulin resistance; all of them are related to cardiovascular mortality.

Nowadays, most areas of human activity should be reviewed with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions, since these activities are producing the majority of these emissions. Specifically, the building sector is one of the main responsible activities. In order to minimize the ecological footprint and ensure energy sufficiency, European Union created the nearly-Zero Energy Building (nZEB) concept. More than ten years have elapsed and it worth to review the current state around the concept, considering the new advances in computer development that are already applicable to this field. Accordingly, recent researches published in reputed indexed journals and international conferences have been reviewed. This paper explains the nZEB concept and reviews research articles focused on achieving it. A research gap is detected, so enabling concepts and technologies as Building Energy Performance Simulation (BEPS) tools and Model Predictive Control (MPC) are recalled, and relevant researches where used are included in a specific state-of-the-art for each concept, since the academia considers that these tools should be applied in building air conditioning to achieve nZEB. After this deep analysis, we conclude that the possibilities to optimize the energy consumption are huge combining properly in a holistic way BEPS tools for modeling and simulation and MPC for control strategies. It is possible to manage a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system using Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in an effective means, reducing CO2 emissions problems worldwide and reaching considerable energy savings.

International audience; Silica/polystyrene Janus hybrid nanoparticles (JHNPs) were synthesized at the gram scale via miniemulsion polymerization technique and then incorporated into polystyrene/polyamide-6 melted blends. Due to their intrinsic amphiphilic properties, the JHNPs migrate to the interface of the PS/PA6 blend during the mixing process and play the role of a compatibilizing agent. First, a significant decrease of the size of the dispersed nodules was observed even at low content of JHNPs, whereas an optimum content of JHNPs corresponding to the saturation of the polystyrene/polyamide-6 (PS/PA6) interface was found in the 3–5 phr range. Secondly, the rheological properties of the blends were also significantly modified. The complex viscosity increased as a function of JHNPs content over the entire frequency range studied. Up to 5 phr of JHNPs, a high increase of the viscosity at low frequencies was observed. This is attributed to the formation of a solid network through the matrix/nodules interface of the nanocomposite. Finally, the Palierne model extended to the field of immiscible polymer blends was used; an important decrease of the effective interfacial tension of the system was observed when JHNPs were added. The asymmetry of these nanoparticles allows the combination of a “Pickering effect” of a solid particle with a “copolymer effect” of an amphiphilic structure. The synthesis procedure of JHNPs developed in this work renders these silica/polymer JHNPs interesting as a route for the compatibilization of polymer blends.

Physical and mechanical properties of cellular structures made of polyamide-12 were studied. The samples represent structural elements, which are repeating in 3 directions and have a geometric form of Schwarz Primitive. Samples have the shape of a cube (the sizes 30 × 30 × 30 mm). The technology of layer-by-layer sintering of powder material on SLS (selective laser sintering) 3D printer was used to fabricate the samples. Compression tests of samples with different geometries have shown that with the increase of the characteristic size of repeating structural element the strength of samples grows. With the use of finite element annalists, we have found that this is related to the increase of dangerous section area. The possibility of a substantial increase of specific strength of material while maintaining its density was shown.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) against women is a major problem in Colombia. Nowadays the question about the effects of violence on women and the identification of latent risks that affect their health, is increasingly relevant. This article describes a pilot study that aimed to measure electrophysiological signals corresponding to the emotional neurophysiological response of women who had experienced IPV in contrast to those who did not. Six healthy female adults, ranged in age from 18 to 55 years old enrolled in this study. For the measurement we used the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) and an Auditory and Visual Emotional Memory Test (avEMT), and we recorded the EEG signal with a g.Nautilus 32 g.LadyBird. EEG signals acquired from baseline and during the tests were compared. As a result of IAPS test, we found for all the participants a higher power spectrum at low EEG frequencies and a decrease in power as the frequencies increase for baseline and emotional pictures. For the avMET, both groups show a higher power spectrum in the different phases of the task compared with the baseline, with an exception of one participant from the WIPV group who show the opposite tendency. Also, two machine learning models were trained and an accuracy of more than 85% were achieved to classify EEG signals from women who experienced IPV and women who had not. This research is an approach to the phenomenon of violence against women and broadens the understanding of the effects on emotional response and electrophysiological activation in women who have experienced this type of situation., La violencia de pareja (VPI) contra las mujeres es un problema importante en Colombia. Hoy en día la pregunta sobre los efectos de la violencia en las mujeres y la identificación de los riesgos latentes que afectan su salud, es cada vez más relevante. Este artículo describe un estudio piloto que tuvo como objetivo medir las señales electrofisiológicas correspondientes a la respuesta neurofisiológica emocional de las mujeres que habían experimentado la VPI en contraste con las que no lo hicieron. Seis mujeres adultas sanas, con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 55 años, se inscribieron en este estudio. Para la medición se utilizó el Sistema Internacional de Imágenes Afectivas (IAPS) y un Test de Memoria Emocional Auditiva y Visual (avEMT), y se registró la señal EEG con un g.Nautilus 32 g.LadyBird. Se compararon las señales de EEG adquiridas en la línea de base y durante las pruebas. Como resultado de la prueba IAPS, encontramos para todos los participantes un espectro de potencia más alto en las frecuencias bajas del EEG y una disminución de la potencia a medida que aumentan las frecuencias para la línea de base y las imágenes emocionales. Para el avMET, ambos grupos muestran un espectro de potencia más alto en las diferentes fases de la tarea en comparación con la línea de base, con la excepción de un participante del grupo WIPV que muestra la tendencia opuesta. Además, se entrenaron dos modelos de aprendizaje automático y se logró una precisión de más del 85% para clasificar las señales de EEG de las mujeres que habían experimentado la VPI y las que no. Esta investigación supone una aproximación al fenómeno de la violencia contra las mujeres y amplía la comprensión de los efectos sobre la respuesta emocional y la activación electrofisiológica en mujeres que han vivido este tipo de situaciones.

International audience; The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that morphological particle properties inside the polymer matrix are responsible for the variability of mechanical properties (elasticity, strength, resilience) and fire retardancy properties. Ultrafine kaolinites were modified and employed to obtain composites of polyamide. These composites were characterized by means of mechanical (tensile static and dynamic tests) and fire retardancy properties (cone calorimeter). Their morphological properties differed significantly according to the aspect ratio and surface treatment of the kaolinites. These morphologies, characterized by the particle dispersion (interparticle distance ID) and size distribution (median diameter MD) in the polymer matrix, were directly related to the mechanical properties. The experimental results demonstrate the sensitivity of strength, resilience and flammability to particle dispersion and distribution. The yield stress decreases with the increase of MD, the resilience decreases with the increase of ID with a critical ID value from which the composite became brittle, and the pHRR increases with the increase of ID.

Resumen La isquemia de larga duracion es un proceso bastante comun durante y tras la cirugia vascular, y la correcta recuperacion de la funcion del organo afectado depende de que se recupere el flujo sanguineo del organo afectado. La isquemia desencadena procesos como la inflamacion, angiogenesis o vasculogenesis, que permitiran la reperfusion del organo. Endoglina es un correceptor para los miembros de la superfamilia de citocinas de TGF-β. En nuestro laboratorio llevamos muchos anos estudiando la funcion y los mecanismos de accion de endoglina, asi como su implicacion en regulacion del tono vascular, angiogenesis, inflamacion, fibrosis y en enfermedades como la preeclampsia y la hipertension. Nuestro objetivo en este trabajo es revisar como se suceden los eventos que tienen lugar en la revascularizacion postisquemica, y mostrar las evidencias que colocan a endoglina como una molecula clave en estos eventos y como una posible diana terapeutica.

The Ramsey spectrum obtained with ultra high-resolution microwave spectroscopy of 133Cs using the CENAM's Cs fountain clock (CsF 1 ) is reported in this work. In addition, the renewed optical system is presented briefly. Ramsey fringes with an FWHM of 1.4 Hz were generated from the induced decay between two hyperfine levels of 133Cs ground state. These preliminary results were obtained as an effort to test the functionality of all systems involved in the CsF 1 operation, specially an ultra-stable laser that operates as a master oscillator referenced to the D2 line of 133Cs using modulation transfer (MT) spectroscopy. The CsF 1 is now able to operate for extended periods (weeks) without making major adjustments. Evaluation of systematic effects is currently under way.

The expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has resulted in a complex cyber-physical system of systems that is continually evolving. With ever more complex systems being developed and changed there has been an increasing reliance on simulation as a vital part of the design process. There is also a growing need for simulation integration and co-simulation in order to analyse the complex interactions between system components. To this end we propose that the Internet of Simulation (IoS) as an extension of IoT can be used to meet these needs. The IoS allows for multiple heterogeneous simulations to be integrated together for co-simulation. It's effect on the engineer process is to facilitate agile practices without sacrificing rigour. An Industry 4.0 example case study is provided showing how IoS could be utilized.

This paper presents the design and characterization of a novel, compact, multilayer, passive UHF-RFID tag solution for implantable biotelemetry based on low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. A spiral planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) was matched to the UHF integrated circuit (IC) impedance by an inductor line. The LTCC process allowed the IC to be embedded in a sealed cavity. Simulations and measurements of the reflection coefficient and the tag range were carried out when the RFID tag was implanted in the center of a 10 cm cubic skin phantom. The dimensions of the prototype were 8×7×2 mm3, leading to a total volume of 112 mm3. Results indicated a 6 dB bandwidth of 39 MHz and 84 MHz for simulations and measurements, respectively, and a tag range of approximately 10 cm.

Systematic design methodologies for wireless transceivers require an efficient design of integrated inductors. Early availability of feasible trade-offs between inductance, quality factor, self-resonance frequency and area, is a key enabler towards the improvement of such design methodologies. This paper introduces such an approach in two steps. First, a Pareto-optimal performance front of integrated inductors is generated by embedding a performance evaluator into a multi-objective optimization tool. Then, starting from the optimal front samples, a surrogate model of the performance front is obtained. Experimental results in a 0.35-μm CMOS technology are provided.

The work herein reports on an approach to obtain molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for Atmer 129, an antistatic added to polyolefins and a previously non imprinted template with intra molecular H-bonding capability. The template–monomer interactions occurring in pre- and post-polymerization media were analyzed by FTIR and ATR-FTIR, respectively. After the prepolymerization study, the synthesis conditions were discussed and suitable porogens and potential template:monomer stoichiometries were suggested. The imprinting efficiency and selectivity of MIPs were evaluated in batch assays by HPLC or UPLC and compared with thermal behavior and morphological characteristics checked by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The best results were obtained for MIPs synthesized at 60 °C. A relation between imprinting effect and template shape recognition was suggested by selectivity studies. The major conclusion, which has been drawn from FTIR and DSC studies, is that independently of the H-bonding strength between Atmer 129 and monomer, the template started to crystallize out during the polymerization reaction, thus reducing the imprinting effect.

A study was conducted at the University of Barcelona (Physics Faculty) to assess the electromagnetic field strengths to which students are exposed in their day-to-day lives. We analyzed different radiofrequency sources (GSM900, GSM 1800, UMTS and Wi-Fi). Our aim was to analyze not only electric field strengths but also absorption, so we considered different scenarios and situations: both empty and full classrooms with personal devices switched on and off. Areas with Wi-Fi hotspots nearby were also analyzed. We observed a huge variation in the results, but the strengths were always below the limits set by the relevant regulations.

The objective of this study was to design a comfortable, compact, wearable and easy-to-manufacture microwave applicator affording conformal thermal therapy of breast tumors. Several configurations of patch antenna arrays operating at 434 and 915 MHz were evaluated in terms of average power absorption (aPA) ratio in target tumors and impedance matching. Models incorporated breast tissue and simulated target tumors of varying size positioned at several location within breast tissue. Single antenna simulations show that the performance at the two frequencies is dependent on the model dimensions. However, multiple element arrays at 915 MHz can achieve greater aPA ratio levels (up to 60%) than arrays at 434 MHz for deep targets in large breast models.

International audience; The effects of gamma irradiation on the morphology and physical properties of various blends based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and polylactide (PLA): 50/50 w/w were studied with and without PHBV-g-MA and organomodified montmorillonite used as the compatibilizer and reinforcement agent, respectively. The different blend compositions prepared by melt compounding were compression molded to thin films of an average thickness of 150 μm, and subjected to 25, 50 and 100 kGy at room temperature; the dose rate being 1.0 Gy/h. Infrared spectra analysis indicated the occurrence of some chemical modifications in the irradiated samples, in particular an absorbed dose of 100 kGy resulted in the formation of a large absorption band in the carbonyl region. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) data showed a decrease in the average molecular weight for all irradiated samples with increasing absorbed dose due to chain scission. Nanoindentation tests showed that γ-irradiation significantly decreased both modulus and hardness of neat PHBV and neat PLA after 100 kGy, whereas no noticeable changes were observed for PHBV/PLA blends. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC) tests revealed that the organomodified clay can act as a compatibilizer and compensate for the effect of irradiation on both thermal stability and fire retardancy of PHBV/PLA blends.

International audience; Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam has been successfully flame retarded by a water-based coating containing nanoparticles of boehmite and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) as char former. Boehmite enhances the charring of PVOH. The influence of suspension viscosity, coatings number, impregnation time and drying method was studied to monitor the amount of coating deposited and the coating thickness. The coating suspension is able to penetrate into the core of the foam. EPS without hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is upgraded from F to E rating according to the NF EN ISO 11925-2 standard when the penetration of coating suspension into the core is high enough, due to the formation of a char layer reinforced by nano-boehmites even if EPS does not shrink away from the flame.