Juan F. Jimenez

Pilot assessment of the response of several pulmonary hemodynamic variables to sublingual sildenafil in candidates for heart transplantation

To determine the acute vasodilator effect of sublingual sildenafil in heart transplant candidates with severe pulmonary hypertension due to severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVD).

Hot metal temperature prediction in blast furnace using advanced model based on fuzzy logic tools

Abstract The present work presents a model based on fuzzy logic tools to predict and simulate the hot metal temperature in a blast furnace (BF). As input variables this model uses the control variables of a current BF such as moisture, pulverised coal injection, oxygen addition, mineral/coke ratio and blast volume, and it yields as a result of the hot metal temperature. The variables employed to develop the model have been obtained from data supplied by current sensors of a Spanish BF. In the model training stage the adaptive neurofuzzy inference system and the subtractive clustering algorithms have been used.

Ant Colony Extended

This paper studies of the performance of Ant Colony Extended to the Travelling Salesman Problem.The algorithm includes two kinds of ants: patrollers (exploration search) and foragers (exploitation search).The algorithm includes a population dynamics allows the algorithm to self-organise.The algorithm is able to solve the Travelling Salesman Problem successfully compared with other classical ant algorithms. Ant Colony Extended (ACE) is a novel algorithm belonging to the general Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO) framework. Two specific features of ACE are: the division of tasks between two kinds of ants, namely patrollers and foragers, and the implementation of a regulation policy to control the number of each kind of ant during the searching process. In addition, ACE does not employ the construction graph usually employed by classical ACO algorithms. Instead, the search is performed using a state space exploration approach. This paper studies the performance of ACE in the context of the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP), a classical combinatorial optimisation problem. The results are compared with the results of two well known ACO algorithms: ACS and MMAS. ACE shows better performance than ACS and MMAS in almost every TSP tested instance.

CANbus-based distributed fuel system with smart components

A new distributed control system for fuel management and other avionics applications is introduced. The system consists of a network of smart components such as sensors, valves, and pumps which are connected via a controlled area network bus (CANbus). Thus, no central fuel management computer is required, wiring is simplified, and the weight decreases. The heart of each smart component is a CAN-enabled microcontroller. All smart components share a copy of the same code inside its microcontroller, for easier certification. A distribution methodology has been developed based on a set of automata and on the employment of CANbus (as the communication protocol) for global state broadcasting.

A simulation of aircraft fuel management system

Abstract Aircrafts usually have several fuel tanks, and there are fuel transfers among these tanks along a flight. These transfers are controlled with valves, and may follow several alternative paths, since structural fuel system redundancies are provided for evident reasons. An on board program for the management and reconfiguration of the fuel system must be developed and tested. The article introduces an aircraft fuel management system simulation, which provides a platform for the study of the fuel system logic and sequencing that the on board program must implement for normal flights and for malfunction cases. The simulation environment can be easily modified and extended, for instance to consider the use of new components. A specific example is considered: an aircraft with six tanks in the wings and a tail tank. The article presents a two-layer model, the use of the model for simulation experiments, and some illustrative examples.

Optimisation of autonomous ship manoeuvres applying Ant Colony Optimisation metaheuristic

This paper introduces the use of a swarm algorithm, derived from Ant Colony Optimisation, to solve path planning problems for autonomous vehicles. The purpose is to obtain optimal trajectories for manoeuvres of Autonomous Surface Vessels. The algorithm works with a model of the vehicle, and the solutions achieved are always feasible. With enough time, it can also obtain trajectories very close to the optimal. Provided the appropriate modifications the algorithm can be applied to solve other combinatorial optimisations problems with a non restricted number of feasible solutions. The methodology is tested through simulations on open sea manoeuvres and scenarios with the presence of obstacles.

Distributed control system for fuel management using CANbus

A new distributed control system for fuel management and other avionics applications is introduced. The system consists in a network of smart components such as sensors, valves and pumps. They are connected via CANbus. No central fuel management computer is required. Wiring is simplified and has less weight. The heart of each smart component is a CAN-enabled microcontroller. All smart components have the same code in their microcontroller, for easier certification. BIT is implemented in each smart component. A protocol is defined for the action sequences and for message exchanging among components. This paper presents first results of an European project joining the efforts of six industry partners and three universities.

A Systematic Revision of the Genus Erythrophyllopsis (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta)

Abstract A revision of the moss genus Erythrophyllopsis (Pottiaceae) recognized two species: E. andina and E. zanderi sp. nov. Barbula fuscula, Erythrophyllopsis boliviana, Glyphomitrium ferrugineum, Tortula semivaginata, and Trichostomum juniperinum are synonymized with E. andina. Erythrophyllopsis zanderi includes Zanders (1993) concept of Erythrophyllastrum andinum. Lectotypes for Barbula fuscula, Erythrophyllopsis boliviana, Trichostomum juniperinum, and Tortula semivaginata are here proposed. A new key, detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses of cpDNA sequences (trnL-trnF and trnG regions) suggest that Erythrophyllopsis is nested within Bryoerythrophyllum. A denser sampling and the use of other phylogenetic markers are required to better understand the generic and suprageneric relationships of Erythrophyllopsis.

Computer Tool With a Code Generator for Avionic Distributed Fuel Control Systems With Smart Sensors and Actuators

This paper describes the development of a graphic computer tool that facilitates the generation of control software for a new distributed fuel management system for aircraft. The system has been the result of a three-year European Community Research Project. The goal was to move from a centralized control architecture to a fully distributed one, where each component of the system makes a decision by itself and the control of the whole system is a shared task. The interchange of information between components is performed via fieldbuses. The graphic computer tool developed is able to perform an automatic code generation starting from a graphic description of the system provided by the user. Thus, different aircraft fuel system configurations can be considered. According to the specific aircraft under study, they can include more or less tanks and components in the system. For each case, the control code of the distributed system can be quickly modified. It can, then, be integrated in each component device to operate in the system. This paper describes the main ideas of the new distributed avionic system and the graphical tool. Some experimental results in a laboratory plant simulator are also shown.

Guerramontesia microdonta (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta) a New Monotypic Genus from South America

Abstract Guerramontesia microdonta (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta) is a new genus and species from Argentina and Bolivia. It is distinct from other genera of the Pottiaceae by a combination of characters: absence of central strand in the stem, Ungulate unbordered leaves with yellow KOH colour reaction, costa at midleaf with one band of dorsal stereids, (1)2–3 guide cell layers, absence of hydroids, and sporophyte with peristome of 16 variously cleft, occasionally perforate, coarsely papillose, short and straight teeth. The species is described, illustrated and mapped. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses of cpDNA sequences (trnL-trnF and trnG regions) were undertaken. The resultant trees suggest that the new genus could be one of the earlier diverging lineages within the Pottioideae and Barbuloideae subfamilies of Pottiaceae.