Fault Estimation Methods for Semi-Active Suspension Systems

International audienceSemi-Active (SA) suspension systems aim to improve the stability and comfort of vehicles. Although they offer better performance than passive suspensions, the actuators such as magneto-rheological dampers are more susceptible to failure. Oil leakage is the most common fault, and its effect is a reduction of the damping force. The estimation of suspension faults can be used with a Fault Tolerant Control system to prevent handling and comfort deterioration. However, fault estimation schemes introduce additional challenges due to the damper non-linear dynamics and the strong influence of the disturbances (i.e the road profile). One of the first obstacles for appropriate damper fault detection is the modeling of the fault, which has been shown to be of multiplicative nature. However, many of the most widespread fault detection schemes consider additive faults due to mathematical convenience. Two complementary model-based fault estimation schemes for semi-active dampers are proposed: an observer-based approach, which is intended to estimate additive faults; and a parameter identification approach, which is intended to estimate multiplicative faults. The performance of these schemes is validated and compared through simulations using a pickup truck model. Early results shows that a parameter identification approach is more accurate in fault estimation, whereas an observer-based approach is less sensible to parametric uncertainty

FasL Expression in Articular Discs of Human Temporomandibular Joint and Association with Osteoarthrosis

Background Apoptosis is a programme of cell death which does not induce an inflammatory response. Recent previous research has suggested a correlation between temporomandibular internal derangement and apoptosis. Fas ligand (FasL) is an apoptosis‐inducing factor, known to trigger apoptosis through distinct signal pathways. This study aims to examine, by immunohistochemistry, the expression of FasL in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular discs of patients with anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) and without reduction (ADDwoR) in patients with and without osteoarthrosis (OA). Methods Forty‐two (n = 42) TMJ articular discs were divided into two cut‐offs: (i) 8 control, 17 ADDwR, 17 ADDwoR, and (ii) without OA (n = 25) and with OA (n = 17). The area of immunostaining was compared statistically between groups (P \u3c 0.05). Results Statistically significant differences were found in the expression of FasL in TMJ discs between the three groups (P = 0.001). ADDwR presented significant higher FasL expression when compared with ADDwoR (P \u3c 0.001). Significant higher FasL expression was observed in the group without OA (P = 0.001). All patients without OA presented ADDwR, while all the patients with OA presented ADDwoR. Conclusion A higher area of in situ immunostaining of FasL was found in temporomandibular discs with reduction, which is the less severe condition. Moreover, a reduced expression of FasL in the discs of patients with osteoarthrosis was found, suggesting that some aspects of apoptosis might underlie the progression of TMJ disorders

Diagnóstico de la empresa Melamuebles E.I.R.L para desarrollar una propuesta de mejora en las áreas de logística y producción de escritorios de Melamine

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo general conocer los costos operacionales en los que incurre la empresa MELAMUEBLES E.I.R.L, en la implementación de un sistema de gestión logística y de producción y plantear propuestas de mejora que le permitan reducirlos. Se realizó un diagnóstico de la situación actual de la empresa MELAMUEBLES E.I.R.L, en las áreas de logística y producción. Una vez culminada la etapa de identificación del problema, se procedió a redactar el diagnóstico de la Empresa, e identificar las Causas Raíces aplicando para ello el Diagrama de Ishikawa. Posteriormente, se realizó la priorización de Causas Raíces mediante el uso de la Encuesta y del Diagrama de Pareto para dar paso a determinar el impacto económico que genera en la empresa esta problemática representado en pérdidas monetarias. Dichos costos asciende a S/ 263,219.24. El presente trabajo aplicativo detalla además las propuestas de mejora como son: El sistema MRP I, DOP-DAP, Kardex y Plan de capacitación que fueron evaluadas económica y financieramente para reducir los costos operacionales. Finalmente con la información analizada y recolectada; y a partir del diagnóstico elaborado, se presentará un análisis de los resultados y conclusiones con las Herramientas de Mejora propuestas con la finalidad de reducir costos en la empresa MELAMUEBLES E.I.R.L

Diversity and Spatial Analysis of Passerine Birds in Relation to Habitat Characteristics of Woods Along the Northern Coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

I studied the ecological diversity and spatial patterns of passerine birds during the springs of 1993, 1994, and 1995 at 3 stopover sites on the Chenier Plains of Louisiana and Texas. A control stand with dense understory vegetation and a reduced stand with modified understory were at each site. Data were collected on the structure and composition of vegetation and on the abundance and location of birds. Species richness, dominance, and diversity indices were computed for both vegetation and birds. Patterns of floristic impoverishment, greater dominance, and greater plant species diversity were found at the reduced stands. Control vegetation did not have greater bird species richness than the reduced stands. Nevertheless, bird species diversity tended to be lower in the reduced plots. This difference was consistent at 2 of the study sites in all 11-week observation periods. Between 30--40% of the bird species considered had dispersion patterns that differed from random. More bird species had clumped patterns on the control stands than at the reduced ones. Therefore, it seems that vegetation composition and structure influenced the spatial use of habitat. A more detailed study of the spatial patterns of 2 target species was carried out with Ripley\u27s K functions. Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) had clumped patterns at both control and reduced stands in 2 study sites but only in the control stand at the third site; the reduced plot was basically not used there. Hooded Warblers (Wilsonia citrina) had the same pattern at the same stand but a tendency to be more clumped in the control stands at the other 2 sites. A direct link between clumped patterns and specific vegetation characteristics was not found, yet patchiness in birds on the chenier woods seems to result from environmental factors. In short, in this study I present evidence that birds (particularly Neotropical migrants) tend to respond to the overall structure of their spring stopover habitat in the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico

Enhancing the quality of international orthopedic medical mission trips using the blue distinction criteria for knee and hip replacement centers

Background: Several organizations seek to address the growing burden of arthritis in developing countries by providing total joint replacements (TJR) to patients with advanced arthritis who otherwise would not have access to these procedures. Because these mission trips operate in resource poor environments, some of the features typically associated with high quality care may be difficult to implement. In the U.S., many hospitals that perform TJRs use the Blue Cross/Shield’s Blue Distinction criteria as benchmarks of high quality care. Although these criteria were designed for use in the U.S., we applied them to Operation Walk (Op-Walk) Boston’s medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Evaluating the program using these criteria illustrated that the program provides high quality care and, more importantly, helped the program to find areas of improvement. Methods: We used the Blue Distinction criteria to determine if Op-Walk Boston achieves Blue Distinction. Each criterion was grouped according to the four categories included in the Blue Distinction criteria— “general and administrative”, “structure”, “process”, or “outcomes and volume”. Full points were given for criteria that the program replicates entirely and zero points were given for criteria that are not replicated entirely. Of the non-replicated criteria, Op-Walk Boston’s clinical and administrative teams were asked if they compensate for failure to meet the criterion, and they were also asked to identify barriers that prevent them from meeting the criterion. Results: Out of 100 possible points, the program received 71, exceeding the 60-point threshold needed to qualify as a Blue Distinction center. The program met five out of eight “required” criteria and 11 out of 19 “informational” criteria. It scored 14/27 in the “general” category, 30/36 in the “structure” category, 17/20 in the “process” category, and 10/17 in the “outcomes and volume” category. Conclusion: Op-Walk Boston qualified for Blue Distinction. Our analysis highlights areas of programmatic improvement and identifies targets for future quality improvement initiatives. Additionally, we note that many criteria can only be met by hospitals operating in the U.S. Future work should therefore focus on creating criteria that are applicable to TJR mission trips in the context of developing countries

Participation in physical activity in patients 1–4 years post total joint replacement in the Dominican Republic

Background: To address both the growing burden of joint disease and the gaps in medical access in developing nations, medical relief organizations have begun to launch programs to perform total joint replacement (TJR) on resident populations in developing countries. One outcome of TJR of particular interest is physical activity (PA) since it is strongly linked to general health. This study evaluates the amount of postoperative participation in PA in low-income patients who received total joint replacement in the Dominican Republic and identifies preoperative predictors of postoperative PA level. Methods: We used the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) to assess participation in postoperative PA 1–4 years following total knee or hip replacement. We compared the amount of aerobic PA reported by postoperative TJR patients with the levels of PA recommended by the CDC and WHO. We also analyzed preoperative determinants of postoperative participation in aerobic PA in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: 64 patients out of 170 eligible subjects (52/128 TKR and 14/42 THR) who received TJR between 2009–2012 returned for an annual follow-up visit in 2013, with a mean treatment-to-follow-up time of 2.1 years. 43.3% of respondents met CDC/WHO criteria for sufficient participation in aerobic PA. Multivariate analyses including data from 56 individuals identified that patients who were both younger than 65 and at least two years postoperative had an adjusted mean activity dimensions summary index (ADSI) 22.9 points higher than patients who were 65 or older and one year postoperative. Patients who lived with friends or family had adjusted mean ADSI 17.2 points higher than patients living alone. Patients who had the most optimistic preoperative expectations of outcome had adjusted mean ADSI scores that were 19.8 points higher than those who were less optimistic. Conclusion: The TJR patients in the Dominican cohort participate in less PA than recommended by the CDC/WHO. Additionally, several associations were identified that potentially affect PA in this population; specifically, participants who are older than 65, recently postoperative, less optimistic about postoperative outcomes and who live alone participate in less PA

Somatic PDGFRB activating variants in fusiform cerebral aneurysms

The role of somatic genetic variants in the pathogenesis of intracranial-aneurysm formation is unknown. We identified a 23-year-old man with progressive, right-sided intracranial aneurysms, ipsilateral to an impressive cutaneous phenotype. The index individual underwent a series of genetic evaluations for known connective-tissue disorders, but the evaluations were unrevealing. Paired-sample exome sequencing between blood and fibroblasts derived from the diseased areas detected a single novel variant predicted to cause a p.Tyr562Cys (g.149505130T>C [GRCh37/hg19]; c.1685A>G) change within the platelet-derived growth factor receptor β gene (PDGFRB), a juxtamembrane-coding region. Variant-allele fractions ranged from 18.75% to 53.33% within histologically abnormal tissue, suggesting post-zygotic or somatic mosaicism. In an independent cohort of aneurysm specimens, we detected somatic-activating PDGFRB variants in the juxtamembrane domain or the kinase activation loop in 4/6 fusiform aneurysms (and 0/38 saccular aneurysms; Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001). PDGFRB-variant, but not wild-type, patient cells were found to have overactive auto-phosphorylation with downstream activation of ERK, SRC, and AKT. The expression of discovered variants demonstrated non-ligand-dependent auto-phosphorylation, responsive to the kinase inhibitor sunitinib. Somatic gain-of-function variants in PDGFRB are a novel mechanism in the pathophysiology of fusiform cerebral aneurysms and suggest a potential role for targeted therapy with kinase inhibitors

Observatorio Geográfico: Salud y Riesgos en México

En el año 2017, a vísperas de su culminación se publica el presente libro, en donde se abordan algunos de los temas del observatorio geográfico, cuya base teórica se centra en la Geografía de la salud, que nunca fue tan amplia y diversa en su objetivo como lo es hoy en día, además es un área científica que ha ido prosperando ampliamente en los últimos años y cuyos resultados en la actualidad son cada vez más visibles. Además de ello, el estudio sobre la salud humana ofrece al analista del territorio la oportunidad de aportar conocimiento sobre la distribución espacial de enfermedades importantes que aquejan la sociedad, presentando directamente las desigualdades ante la muerte, la enfermedad y la salud, articulando hechos naturales y sociale

Relación entre liderazgo auténtico y compromiso organizacional en el sector minero de Arequipa, 2023

Este estudio correlacional, descriptivo, no experimental y cuantitativo examina la relación entre el liderazgo auténtico (LA) y el compromiso organizacional (CO) en trabajadores del sector minero de Arequipa, Perú. Se aplicaron dos instrumentos que gozan de un adecuado grado de confiabilidad, el Authentic Leadership Inventory (ALI) de Neider y Schriesheim (2011) y el Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) de Allen y Meyer (1990), a una muestra de 379 empleados de empresas mineras. Los resultados revelaron una relación significativa y positiva entre el LA y el CO, con un coeficiente de correlación de Spearman de 0.529 y una significancia de 0.000. La investigación aporta información valiosa sobre la influencia del LA en el CO en el contexto minero, y sugiere la importancia de desarrollar e implementar programas de capacitación y desarrollo enfocados en el fortalecimiento del liderazgo auténtico para mejorar el compromiso organizacional y el rendimiento en el sector

Mujeres transexuales: identidad de género y acceso a la justicia penal en el Perú

El propósito de esta tesis analiza el panorama de la población LGBTI con el objetivo de identificar los diversos factores que promueven la vulneración de sus derechos en la sociedad peruana; el estudio está dirigido a describir la condición de la mujer transexual. Se trata de demostrar, mediante la recolección de fuentes dogmáticas, que el derecho a la identidad comprende la identidad estática y dinámica, siendo la segunda indispensable para el correcto alcance a la tutela jurisdiccional efectiva. Asimismo, planteamos que su no aplicación afecta el derecho de las mujeres transexuales que buscan registrar su identidad autopercibida y contar con su documento nacional, como tenemos todos los ciudadanos y ciudadanas (DNI); dejando como único camino el de la judicatura peruana para realizar dichos cambios mediante la vía judicial. Por otro lado, postulamos que la decisión adoptada por la Corte Suprema sobre la necesidad que la mujer transexual deba obtener una sentencia que confirme la modificación de su identidad, significa su total desamparo frente a las agresiones y exclusión social que pueda sufrir, debido al azar del juzgador, onerosidad o el tiempo que requiere dicho proceso. Por ello proponemos, la necesidad de una nueva normativa para la protección de la mujer transexual; por el delito de transfeminicidio nuevo concepto jurídico para nuestro país.The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the panorama of the LGBTI population with the objective of identifying the various factors that promote the violation of their rights in Peruvian society; the study is aimed at describing the condition of transsexual women. The aim is to demonstrate, through the collection of dogmatic sources, that the right to identity includes static and dynamic identity, the latter being indispensable for the correct scope of effective jurisdictional protection. Likewise, we propose that its non-application affects the right of transsexual women who seek to register their self-perceived identity and have their national document, as we all citizens have (DNI); leaving as the only way the Peruvian judiciary to make such changes through the courts. On the other hand, we postulate that the decision adopted by the Supreme Court on the need for the transsexual woman to obtain a sentence that confirms the modification of her identity, means total helplessness in front of the aggressions and social exclusion that she may suffer, due to the chance of the judge, onerousness or the time that such process requires. Therefore, we propose the need for a new regulation for the protection of transsexual women; for the crime of transfeminicide, a new legal concept for our country.Tesi