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Outdoor lighting is an essential service for modern life. However, the high influence of this type of facility on energy consumption makes it necessary to take extra care in the design phase. Therefore, this manuscript describes an algorithm to help light designers to get, in an easy way, the best configuration parameters and to improve energy efficiency, while ensuring a minimum level of overall uniformity. To make this possible, we used a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. These algorithms are well established, and are simple and effective to solve optimization problems. To take into account the most influential parameters on lighting and energy efficiency, 500 simulations were performed using DIALux software (4.10.0.2, DIAL, Ludenscheid, Germany). Next, the relation between these parameters was studied using to data mining software. Subsequently, we conducted two experiments for setting parameters that enabled the best configuration algorithm in order to improve efficiency in the proposed process optimization.

The present teaching case was made at the University of Jaén, Spain, and was concerning to the experience of conducting an innovative b-learning course for the faculty, entitled “Advanced ILIAS e-Learning”. The lessons learned by a group of teachers involved in e-learning were allowed for the course design and implementation. Specifically, the course was designed following the good practices that contribute effective e-learning, including a study-guide for virtual courses which assures quality specific criteria. The course combines conventional classroom work, online activities (web-conferences and class-recordings) and e-learning. It was organized into independent modules which were freely chosen by attendees depending on their needs. The course could be repeated by attendees as necessary to achieve modules and to deepen or improve previously acquired knowledge. The outputs of the experience reflected that b-learning modality was the best option for the academic staff, and therefore, this model should be used by institutions.

An efficient approach for the analysis of surface conformed reflector antennas fed arbitrarily is presented. The near field in a large number of sampling points in the aperture of the reflector is obtained applying the Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD). A new technique named Master Points has been developed to reduce the complexity of the ray-tracing computations. The combination of both GTD and Master Points reduces the time requirements of this kind of analysis. To validate the new approach, several reflectors and the effects on the radiation pattern caused by shifting the feed and introducing different obstacles have been considered concerning both simple and complex geometries. The results of these analyses have been compared with the Method of Moments (MoM) results.

A novel electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) antenna has been designed, optimized, and analyzed using an efficient electromagnetic solver based on the moment method. Very good agreement between simulations and measurements in anechoic chamber has been obtained. Comparisons of the antenna with and without the EBG structure have been conducted to study its influence in terms of gain. This new EBG antenna is an excellent candidate for several applications due to its high gain and good polarization purity.

Clustering is a well-known unsupervised machine learning approach capable of automatically grouping discrete sets of instances with similar characteristics. Constrained clustering is a semi-supervised extension to this process that can be used when expert knowledge is available to indicate constraints that can be exploited. Well-known examples of such constraints are must-link (indicating that two instances belong to the same group) and cannot-link (two instances definitely do not belong together). The research area of constrained clustering has grown significantly over the years with a large variety of new algorithms and more advanced types of constraints being proposed. However, no unifying overview is available to easily understand the wide variety of available methods, constraints and benchmarks. To remedy this, this study presents in-detail the background of constrained clustering and provides a novel ranked taxonomy of the types of constraints that can be used in constrained clustering. In addition, it focuses on the instance-level pairwise constraints, and gives an overview of its applications and its historical context. Finally, it presents a statistical analysis covering 315 constrained clustering methods, categorizes them according to their features, and provides a ranking score indicating which methods have the most potential based on their popularity and validation quality. Finally, based upon this analysis, potential pitfalls and future research directions are provided.

The plastid-localized phosphoglucose isomerase isoform PGI1 is an important determinant of growth in Arabidopsis thaliana, likely due to its involvement in the biosynthesis of plastidial isoprenoid-derived hormones. Here, we investigated whether PGI1 also influences seed yields. PGI1 is strongly expressed in maturing seed embryos and vascular tissues. PGI1-null pgi1-2 plants had ∼60% lower seed yields than wild-type plants, with reduced numbers of inflorescences and thus fewer siliques and seeds per plant. These traits were associated with low bioactive gibberellin (GA) contents. Accordingly, wild-type phe-notypes were restored by exogenous GA application. pgi1-2 seeds were lighter and accumulated ∼50% less fatty acids (FAs) and ∼35% less protein than wild-type seeds. Seeds of cytokinin-deficient plants overexpressing CYTOKININ OXIDASE/DE-HYDROGENASE1 (35S:AtCKX1) and GA-deficient ga20ox1 ga20ox2 mutants did not accumulate low levels of FAs, and exogenous application of the cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine and GAs did not rescue the reduced weight and FA content of pgi1-2 seeds. Seeds from reciprocal crosses between pgi1-2 and wild-type plants accumulated wild-type levels of FAs and proteins. Therefore, PGI1 is an important determinant of Arabidopsis seed yield due to its involvement in two processes: GA-mediated reproductive development and the metabolic conversion of plastidial glucose-6-phosphate to storage reserves in the embryo.

Neuropathological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease appear in advances stages, once neuronal damage arises. Nevertheless, recent studies demonstrate that in early asymptomatic stages, ß-amyloid peptide damages the cerebral microvasculature through mechanisms that involve an increase in reactive oxygen species and calcium, which induces necrosis and apoptosis of endothelial cells, leading to cerebrovascular dysfunction. The goal of our work is to study the potential preventive effect of the lipophilic antioxidant coenzyme Q (CoQ) against ß-amyloid-induced damage on human endothelial cells. We analyzed the protective effect of CoQ against Aβ-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using fluorescence and confocal microscopy, biochemical techniques and RMN-based metabolomics. Our results show that CoQ pretreatment of HUVECs delayed Aβ incorporation into the plasma membrane and mitochondria. Moreover, CoQ reduced the influx of extracellular Ca(2+), and Ca(2+) release from mitochondria due to opening the mitochondrial transition pore after β-amyloid administration, in addition to decreasing O2(.-) and H2O2 levels. Pretreatment with CoQ also prevented ß-amyloid-induced HUVECs necrosis and apoptosis, restored their ability to proliferate, migrate and form tube-like structures in vitro, which is mirrored by a restoration of the cell metabolic profile to control levels. CoQ protected endothelial cells from Aβ-induced injury at physiological concentrations in human plasma after oral CoQ supplementation and thus could be a promising molecule to protect endothelial cells against amyloid angiopathy.

Spain is one of the European countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Serological surveys are a valuable tool to assess the extent of the epidemic, given the existence of asymptomatic cases and little access to diagnostic tests. This nationwide population-based study aims to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Spain at national and regional level. 35 883 households were selected from municipal rolls using two-stage random sampling stratified by province and municipality size, with all residents invited to participate. From April 27 to May 11, 2020, 61 075 participants (75·1% of all contacted individuals within selected households) answered a questionnaire on history of symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and risk factors, received a point-of-care antibody test, and, if agreed, donated a blood sample for additional testing with a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Prevalences of IgG antibodies were adjusted using sampling weights and post-stratification to allow for differences in non-response rates based on age group, sex, and census-tract income. Using results for both tests, we calculated a seroprevalence range maximising either specificity (positive for both tests) or sensitivity (positive for either test). Seroprevalence was 5·0% (95% CI 4·7–5·4) by the point-of-care test and 4·6% (4·3–5·0) by immunoassay, with a specificity–sensitivity range of 3·7% (3·3–4·0; both tests positive) to 6·2% (5·8–6·6; either test positive), with no differences by sex and lower seroprevalence in children younger than 10 years (<3·1% by the point-of-care test). There was substantial geographical variability, with higher prevalence around Madrid (>10%) and lower in coastal areas (<3%). Seroprevalence among 195 participants with positive PCR more than 14 days before the study visit ranged from 87·6% (81·1–92·1; both tests positive) to 91·8% (86·3–95·3; either test positive). In 7273 individuals with anosmia or at least three symptoms, seroprevalence ranged from 15·3% (13·8–16·8) to 19·3% (17·7–21·0). Around a third of seropositive participants were asymptomatic, ranging from 21·9% (19·1–24·9) to 35·8% (33·1–38·5). Only 19·5% (16·3–23·2) of symptomatic participants who were seropositive by both the point-of-care test and immunoassay reported a previous PCR test. The majority of the Spanish population is seronegative to SARS-CoV-2 infection, even in hotspot areas. Most PCR-confirmed cases have detectable antibodies, but a substantial proportion of people with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 did not have a PCR test and at least a third of infections determined by serology were asymptomatic. These results emphasise the need for maintaining public health measures to avoid a new epidemic wave. Spanish Ministry of Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, and Spanish National Health System.

Most studies, aimed at determining the incidence and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in children and teenagers, have been developed in school settings. Our study conducted surveillance and inferred attack rates focusing on the practice of sports. Prospective and observational study of those attending the sports facilities of Fútbol Club Barcelona (FCB), in Barcelona, Spain, throughout the 2020–2021 season. Participants were young players (from five different sports) and adult workers, who belonged to stable teams (shared routines and were involved in same quarantine rules). Biweekly health questionnaires and SARS-CoV-2 screening were conducted. From the 234 participants included, 70 (30%) both lived and trained in the FCB facilities (Recruitment Pathway 1;RP1) and 164 (70%) lived at their own household and just came to the facilities to train (RP2). During the study, 38 positive cases were identified; none had severe symptoms or needed hospitalization. The overall weekly incidence in the cohorts did not differ compared to the one expected in the community, except for 2 weeks when an outbreak occurred. The attack rate (AR) was three times higher for the participants from RP1, in comparison to those from RP2 ( p  < 0.01). A Basketball team showed a significant higher AR.   Conclusion : Physical activities in stable teams are not related to an increased risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, since there were the same observed cases than expected in the community. The risk is higher in indoor sports (Basketball vs. Football), and in closed cohort living settings (RP1 vs. RP2). The fulfilment of preventive measures is essential. What is Known: • Despite the low numerical impact caused in paediatric hospitalizations during COVID-19 pandemic, the social impact has been maximum. • The transmission potential in children and teenagers is limited, and it had been widely demonstrated in school settings. What is New: • Group physical activities in children and teenagers are not also related to an increased risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, when preventive measures, such as washing hands, and screening protocols are applied. • Routine and semi-professional sports activities seem safe environments to promote during this pandemic.

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of dose optimization in patients with SLE treated with BLM, its modalities and its impact on disease activity control.MethodsRetrospective longitudinal and multicenter study of SLE patients treated with BLM in Spain. Activity (SLEDAI), treatments and outcomes (remission (DORIS-2021) and low disease activity (LLDAS) were collected at baseline (pre-optimization) (VB), at 6 (V6M) and at 12 months (V12M) post optimization. A comparative analysis was performed pre- and post-optimization.Results324 patients were included; mean age (±DS): 42.4 (±12.9) years. A total of 29 patients (8.9%) were optimized. Median time to optimization 2.7 (1.77–4.48) years. Mean time on optimization: 11.36 (±2.5) months. BLM was administrated intravenously (iv) in 20 patients and 9 used the subcutaneous route (sc). A total of 15/20 iv BLM patients had their dose reduced (from 10mg/kg to 5–9 mg/Kg). Other 5/20 iv BLM patients, had their administration interval increased (from 4 weeks to 5–6 weeks). All sc BLM patients increased the interval of administration (from 7 to 10–21 days). Pre-optimization status (VB): 15/26 (57.7%) in DORIS-21 and 23/26 (88.5%) in LLDAS. Post-optimization: 2/24 (8.3%) and 3/22 (13.6%) patients lost DORIS-21 in V6M and V12M, respectively (no statistically significant differences). Regarding to LLDAS, 2/23(8.7%) and 2/21(9.5%) did so in V6M and V12M, respectively (no statistically significant differences). Out of 11/23(47.8%) and 9/21(42.9%) moved from SLEDAI 0 to SLEDAI >0 in V6M and V12M, respectively. In terms of disease activity, no significant differences were found pre- and post-optimization in any of the measures, except for hypocomplementemia (p = 0.0276). Changes in activity did not lead to relevant changes in treatment. Significantly fewer patients received GC in V12M, even though the median dose of GC was higher in V12M (5 (0.62–8.75) vs. 2.5 (0–5) in (VB) (table 1).ConclusionsIt is possible to optimize doses of BLM without relevant changes in disease activity, at least in the short term, in a significant percentage of patients, and the most of them maintain the optimized dose. However, the increased clinical or serologic activity is possible in some patients. This makes a tighter post-optimization follow-up advisable.Abstract P147 Table 1Clinical, serological and treatment differences between pre and post BLM treatment VB (pre opBLM) V6M (post opBLM) V12M (post opBLM) SLEDAI, median (p25-p75) 0 (0–2) 2 (0–49) 0 (0–2) PGA (0–3), median (p25-p75) 0.33 (0–0,5) 0.28 (0–0,48) 0.2 (0–0.4) Remission DORIS, N/total (%) 15/26 (57.7%) 14/22 (63.6%) 12/19 (63.2%) LLDAS, N/total (%) 23/26 (88.5%) 20/22(90.9%) 17/19(89.5%) CRP, median (p25-p75) 1.65 (0.4–5.5) 1.63(0.46–4.14) 0.7(0.25–3.9) C3 or C4 low, N/total (%) 5/26(19.2%) 11/25(44%) # 7/20(35%) # Anti-DNA antibodies, N/total (%) 5/26(19.2%) 2/24(8.3%) 0/20(0%) Active serology *, N/total (%) 8/29(27.6%) 13/24(54.2%) 7/20(35%) DMARDs, N/total (%) 17/26(65.4%) 14/25(56%) 10/20(50%) Patients on GC, N/total (%) 15/26(57.7%) 12/24(50%) 8/20(40%) # GC dose, median (p25-p75) 2.5 (0–5) 2.5 (0–5) # 1.25 (0–5) # SLEDAI: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity IndexPGA: Physician Global AssessmentLLDAS: Lupus Low Disease Activity StateDMARDs: Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugsGC: Glucocorticoids. CRP: C Reactive Protein. * Active serology means complements and or anti-DNA