Techniques for monthly rainfall regionalization in southwestern Colombia.

The knowledge of rainfall regimes is a relevant requirement for many activities such as water resources planning, risk management, agriculture activities management, and other hydrologic applications. The present study has consisted of validating four techniques (one linear, one non-linear, and two hybrids) that allow identifying homogenous regions. We take the monthly rainfall in the Southwestern Colombia (Nariño), an area of 33,268 km2 characterized by complex topography and local factors that can influence the rainfall behavior, to test all techniques. The results showed overall the best performance for the approach related to non-linear principal component analysis and self-organizing map. However, in all mainly prevail two regions: the Andean Region and Pacific Region with a bimodal and unimodal regime, respectively. The bimodal one dominates over the Andes mountains range and the unimodal one the coastal zone. The application of non-linear approaches provided a better understanding of the seasonality of rainfall, and the results may be useful for water resource management.

A Data Analytics/Big Data Framework for Advanced Metering Infrastructure Data.

The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data represent a source of information in real time not only about electricity consumption but also as an indicator of other social, demographic, and economic dynamics within a city. This paper presents a Data Analytics/Big Data framework applied to AMI data as a tool to leverage the potential of this data within the applications in a Smart City. The framework includes three fundamental aspects. First, the architectural view places AMI within the Smart Grids Architecture Model-SGAM. Second, the methodological view describes the transformation of raw data into knowledge represented by the DIKW hierarchy and the NIST Big Data interoperability model. Finally, a binding element between the two views is represented by human expertise and skills to obtain a deeper understanding of the results and transform knowledge into wisdom. Our new view faces the challenges arriving in energy markets by adding a binding element that gives support for optimal and efficient decision-making. To show how our framework works, we developed a case study. The case implements each component of the framework for a load forecasting application in a Colombian Retail Electricity Provider (REP). The MAPE for some of the REP's markets was less than 5%. In addition, the case shows the effect of the binding element as it raises new development alternatives and becomes a feedback mechanism for more assertive decision making.

Solving the SSVEP Paradigm Using the Nonlinear Canonical Correlation Analysis Approach.

This paper presents the implementation of nonlinear canonical correlation analysis (NLCCA) approach to detect steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) quickly. The need for the fast recognition of proper stimulus to help end an SSVEP task in a BCI system is justified due to the flickering external stimulus exposure that causes users to start to feel fatigued. Measuring the accuracy and exposure time can be carried out through the information transfer rate-ITR, which is defined as a relationship between the precision, the number of stimuli, and the required time to obtain a result. NLCCA performance was evaluated by comparing it with two other approaches-the well-known canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and the least absolute reduction and selection operator (LASSO), both commonly used to solve the SSVEP paradigm. First, the best average ITR value was found from a dataset comprising ten healthy users with an average age of 28, where an exposure time of one second was obtained. In addition, the time sliding window responses were observed immediately after and around 200 ms after the flickering exposure to obtain the phase effects through the coefficient of variation (CV), where NLCCA obtained the lowest value. Finally, in order to obtain statistical significance to demonstrate that all approaches differ, the accuracy and ITR from the time sliding window responses was compared using a statistical analysis of variance per approach to identify differences between them using Tukey's test.

The Power of Big Data and Data Analytics for AMI Data: A Case Study.

In recent years, there has been a transformation in the value chain of different industrial sectors, like the electricity networks, with the appearance of smart grids. Currently, the underlying knowledge in raw data coming from numerous devices can mark a significant competitive advantage for utilities. It is the case of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Such technology gets user consumption characteristics at levels of detail that were previously not possible. In this context, the terms big data and data analytics become relevant, which are tools that allow using large volumes of information and the generation of valuable knowledge from raw data that can support data-driven decisions for operating on the grid. This paper presents the results of the big data implementation and data analytics techniques in a case study with smart metering data from the city of London. Implemented big data and data analytic techniques to show how to understand user consumption patterns on a broader horizon, the relationships with seasonal variables identify behaviors related to specific events and atypical consumptions. This knowledge helps support decision making about improving demand response programs and, in general, the planning and operation of the Smart Grid.

A motor learning therapeutic intervention for a child with cerebral palsy through a social assistive robot.

Background: Children with cerebral palsy have difficulty to sit, stand, walk, run and jump independently. Therapy is an important factor in improving these aspects, and if applied in early intervention treatments, when the child is growing, it could have many benefits. These therapies require intensive and extended sessions, which in turn demand dedication and effort. New strategies that provide interesting and motivating interventions are often incorporated to improve the participation and performance of the children in the therapies. Therapies using social assistive robots can be alternative and complementary methods to promote the participation and motivation of children with cerebral palsy.Methods: The objective of this work is to validate the effectiveness of a 16-session physical therapy program to improve the participation and fulfillment of therapeutic objectives on an 8 year-old boy with dyskinetic cerebral palsy for motor learning to walk using a social assistive robot. The therapy program was carried out through a methodological proposal that uses SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed), Goal-Directed Therapy (GDT) and its evaluation through Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Results: A NAO robot was used as a social assistive robot to support a physical therapy for a child with cerebral palsy. In this work, it was observed that the motivation generated by the interaction with the social assistive robot facilitated the persistence in the walking and the fulfillment of the objectives. Conclusion: Using humanoid robots as social assistive robots may benefit therapeutic processes on children with motor disabilities. The methodology developed provides a formal way to achieve objectives in therapeutic processes for children with cerebral palsy.Implications for rehabilitationIt requires researchers to conduct more studies to validate the potential of the use of social robots in therapeutic interventions that promote development in children with motor disabilities, such as cerebral palsy.Promoting the use of new technologies in therapeutic processes such as humanoid robots allows us to create new strategies to know the impact of this technology in the area of rehabilitation.The use of formal methodologies focused on the patient, along with multidisciplinary teams, could increase the possibilities of using social robots to improve cognitive and motor outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.The formulation of SMART objectives and their quantification through the GAS scale can be used as recommendations to improve the formulation of goals in therapeutic interventions for children with cerebral palsy.

Sistema de biofeedback para rehabilitación de marcha asistida por un exoesqueleto / Biofeedback System for Exoskeletqn Assisted Gait Rehabilitation / Sistema de biofeedback para reabilitação de marcha assistida por um exoesqueleto

Resumen Los robots proporcionan nuevas formas de terapia para pacientes con desórdenes neurológicos. Las terapias de marcha asistidas con exoesqueletos pueden incrementar la duración y la intensidad de los entrenamientos para los pacientes y reducir el esfuerzo físico del terapeuta. Sin embargo, el uso de estos dispositivos para el entrenamiento de la marcha limita la interacción física entre el terapeuta y el paciente, en comparación con la terapia manual. Una apropiada realimentación de las funciones corporales y biomecánicas en la interacción con el sistema robótico facilita la evaluación del desempeño del paciente, motivándolo en el reaprendizaje de la marcha con resultados superiores. Este artículo presenta el diseño de una interfaz de usuario para un exoesqueleto de miembros inferiores para asistencia en la marcha y en terapias de rehabilitación. Se consideraron aspectos técnicos y clínicos para proporcionar ventajas del exoesqueleto durante las terapias, estableciendo una herramienta de apoyo para la configuración, monitoreo y registro de los parámetros involucrados. Se propuso un esquema de realimentación sensorial para el paciente acerca de la actividad muscular, la presión ejercida en diferentes puntos de los pies y algunas variables biomecánicas. Finalmente, se valida la herramienta con sujetos sanos por medio de un test de usabilidad propuesto.

Abstract The inclusion of robots in rehabilitation allow advantages for generate newer therapies in neurologic disorder patients. Assistive gait therapies using robots, like exoskeletons, allow increase the time and intensity training for patients while the strenuous labor of therapist is reduced. However, the physic interaction between therapist and patient in training with robots is limited, in relation to the traditional manual therapy. An appropriated feedback of biological and biomechanics functions in the robot interaction during training provides an easier performance evaluation of the patient for the therapist. Further, biofeedback gives a motivation to the patient and encourages him for gait relearning with higher effects than conventional. This paper presents a user interface design for a lower limb exoskeleton for human gait assistance in rehabilitation. Clinical and technical criteria for increasing the advantages of the exoskeleton in therapy were considered. A biofeedback scheme about muscle activity, plantar pressure and some biomechanics variables, for the patient is proposed. Finally, a validation for this tool with healthy subjects by a usability test was carried out.

Resumo A inclusão de robôs na reabilitação fornecem vantagens que promovem novas formas de terapia em pacientes com desordens neurológicas. Terapias de marcha assistidas por exoesqueletos permitem o aumento da duração e da intensidade dos exercícios com os pacientes, reduzindo o esforço físico dos terapeutas. Não entanto, o uso desses dispositivos para o treino da marcha limita a interação física entre o terapeuta e paciente, em comparação com a terapia manual. Uma apropriada realimentação das funções corporais e biomecânicas na interação com o sistema robótico facilita a avaliação do progresso do paciente, motiva e incentiva ao paciente na reaprendizagem da marcha gerando efeitos superiores aos convencionais. Neste artigo apresenta-se o desenho de uma interface de usuário para um exoesqueleto de membros inferiores para assistência na marcha e nas terapias de reabilitação. São considerados aspectos técnicos e clínicos para fornecer maiores vantagens do exoesqueleto durante as terapias, estabelecendo uma ferramenta de suporte para configuração, monitoramento e registro dos parâmetros envolvidos. Foi proposto um sistema de realimentação sensorial para o paciente sobre a atividade muscular, a pressão em diferentes pontos dos pés e algumas variáveis biomecânicas. Finalmente, é apresentada a ferramenta de validação para indivíduos saudáveis utilizando um teste de usabilidade proposto.

Monitoreo ambulatorio y generación de alertas tempranas ante anomalías cardiacas usando dispositivos móviles / Ambulatory monitoring and early warning generation of cardiac anomalies using mobile devices / Monitoramento ambulatorial e geração de aviso prévio de anomalias cardíacas usando dispositivos móveis

Resumen En este artículo se presenta un sistema portátil para el monitoreo ambulatorio del ritmo cardiaco y la detección temprana de las arritmias cardiacas de mayor riesgo. El sistema consta de un sensor con tres electrodos superficiales para la captura de la señal ECG, la cual se transmite vía Bluetooth a un dispositivo móvil con Android, en donde se realiza el análisis de la señal capturada durante lapsos de 5 s. El sistema propuesto distingue entre Ritmo Normal [Ritmo Sinusal - RS), Taquicardia Ventricular [TV), Fibrilación Ventricular [FV) y Asistolia, con una precisión del 100%, 55%, 75% y 90% respectivamente. Sin embargo, el sistema puede recuperarse de los errores rápidamente en el análisis de la trama subsecuente. Este trabajo se centra en el uso de dispositivos móviles de uso cotidiano, multitarea y de fácil acceso, implementando algoritmos en el dominio del tiempo para la extracción de parámetros, los cuales son idóneos para ser usados en aplicaciones móviles principalmente por su baja carga computacional y posibilidad de ejecución en tiempo real, permitiendo la detección de anomalías cardiacas de forma automática y rápida sin la necesidad de una supervisión constante por parte de un especialista para el análisis preliminar.

Abstract This paper presents a portable system for ambulatory heart rate monitoring and early detection of cardiac arrhythmias at high risk. The system consists of a sensor with three surface electrodes to capture the ECG signal, which is transmitted via bluetooth to a mobile device with Android, where the analysis is performed of the acquired signal during a time of 5 s. The proposed system distinguishes between Normal Rhythm [Rhythm Sinus - RS), Ventricular Tachycardia [VT), Ventricular Fibrillation [VF) and Asystole with an accuracy of 100%, 55%, 75% and 90% respectively. However, the system can quickly recover from errors in the subsequent analysis frame. This work focuses on using regular mobile devices which have multitasking and easy access characteristics, implementing algorithms in time domain for extracting parameters that are suitable to use in mobile applications, mainly because of their low computational load and possibility of execution in real time, allowing the detection of cardiac abnormalities automatically and quickly without the need of constant supervision by a specialist for preliminary analysis.

Resumo Neste artigo se apresenta um sistema portátil para o monitoramento da freqüência cardíaca ambulatorial e detecção precoce das arritmias cardíacas de mais risco. O sistema possui um sensor com três eletrodos superficiais para pegar o sinal ECG, o qual é transmitido via Bluetooth para um dispositivo móvel com Android, onde se faz a análise do sinal capturado durante um período de 5 s. O sistema proposto distingue entre Normal Ritmo [Ritmo Sinusal - RS), Taquicardia Ventricular [TV), Fibrilação Ventricular [FV) e Assistolia, com uma precisão do 100%, 55%, 75% e 90%, respectivamente. Porém, o sistema pode - se recuperar rapidamente dos erros na análise do quadro subsequente. Este trabalho centra-se no uso de dispositivos móveis de utilização diária, multitarefa e utilização acessível, implementação de algoritmos no domínio do tempo para a extração de parâmetros que são adequados para utilização em aplicações móveis, principalmente pela baixa carga computacional e possibilidade de execução em tempo real, permitindo a detecção de anormalidades cardíacas numa forma automática e rápida sem a necessidade de um controlo constante por um especialista para análise preliminar.

Identificación de la delimitación administrativa de la malaria usando redes neuronales artificiales / Boundary Delimitiation of Malaria using Artificial Neural Networks / Identificação da Delimitação Administrativa da Malária usando Redes Neurais Artificiais

Resumen La metodología de clustering fue utilizada para agrupar tres barrios en Quibdó teniendo en cuenta factores que favorecen el desarrollo de la malaria. Los mapas auto-organizados de Kohonen fueron utilizados para el análisis de las características más significativas en la clasificación. Los clusters detectados fueron comparados con la clasificación geográfica de las casas, encontrando, que los mapas auto-organizados de Kohonen clasifican las casas por las condiciones ambientales propicias para el desarrollo del mosquito más que por la clasificación administrativa de la ciudad.

Resumo A Metodologia de Clustering foi usada para agrupar três bairros em Quibdo, Colômbia, levando em consideração fatores que favorecem o desenvolvimento da malária. Mapas auto-organizados de Kohonen foram utilizados para a análise das características mais significativas no agrupamento. Os Clusters detectados foram comparados com o agrupamento geo-gráfico de casas, mostrando que os mapas auto-organizados de Kohonen agrupam as casas pelas condições ambientais favoráveis ao desenvolvimento do mosquito e não pelo agrupamento administrativo da cidade.

Abstract Clustering methodology was used to group three neighborhoods in Quibdo taking into account factors that favor the development of malaria. The Kohonen self-organizing maps were used for the analysis of the most significant features in the standings. The detected clusters were compared with the geographical classification of houses, finding that the Kohonen self-organizing maps households classified by environmental conditions conducive to development rather than the administrative classification of the city.