RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência de diferentes épocas de plantio e variáveis meteorológicas no desempenho produtivo da mandioca industrial na região do Agreste de Alagoas. Os tratamentos foram cinco datas de plantio, com espaçamento temporal de 25 dias entre elas: D1 - 10 de abril, D2 - 05 de maio, D3 - 30 de maio, D4 - 24 de junho e D5 - 19 de julho. O período experimental foi de abril de 2021 a setembro de 2023, dois ciclos de cultivo. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: dados agrometeorológicas e de crescimento e produção da cultura. Na região do Agreste de Alagoas, entre as estações chuvosa e seca, a ET0 média diária varia de 2,9 a 4,7 mm, respectivamente. A temperatura média do ar é 24,3 °C e atende as demandas térmicas da cultura da mandioca. A precipitação anual é suficiente para garantir a produção de mandioca, porém, há sazonalidade nas chuvas, com período seco da primavera ao verão, o que prejudica plantios mais tardios. Na região do Agreste de Alagoas, o melhor período para o plantio da mandioca é de 10 de abril a 5 de maio, que é o início do período chuvoso da região e garante melhores resultados em: altura do dossel vegetativo (3,2 m), diâmetro do caule (2,8 cm), índice de área foliar (3,0), comprimento máximo (43,1 cm), número (6,6) e rendimento de raízes (72,8 t ha-1), biomassa total (145 t ha-1) e teor de amido (34,3%).

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different planting times and meteorological variables on the productive performance of industrial cassava in the Agreste region of Alagoas state, Brazil. The treatments were five planting dates, 25 days apart: D1 - April 10, D2 - May 5, D3 - May 30, D4 - June 24 and D5 - July 19. The experiment was conducted from April 2021 to September 2023 (two cultivation cycles), using randomized blocks, with four replicates. The variables analyzed were agrometeorological data, crop growth and yield. In the Agreste region of Alagoas, the average daily ET0 varies from 2.9 to 4.7 mm between the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. The average temperature of 24.3 °C meets the thermal demands of cassava cultivation. Although annual rainfall is sufficient to guarantee cassava production, it is seasonal, with a dry period from spring to summer, which compromises subsequent plantings. In the Agreste region of Alagoas, the best time to plant cassava is from April 10 to May 5, which is the beginning of the rainy season and ensures better vegetative canopy height (3.2 m), stem diameter (2.8 cm), leaf area index (3.0), maximum root length (43.1 cm), number (6.6) and yield (72.8 t ha-1), total biomass (145 t ha-1) and starch content (34.3%).

RESUMO O conteúdo de água no solo é um fator-chave na avaliação nas áreas agrícola e ecológica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi explorar a combinação de informações multisatélites para abordar a questão da baixa precisão na recuperação do conteúdo de água do solo a partir de informações de banda única e fonte única, e estabelecer um modelo para estimativa do conteúdo de água do solo baseado no método multiespectral simulado. Foi realizado um experimento de determinação hiperespectral de amostras de solo (Latossolos) com valores variáveis de teor de água. A reflectância de oito sensores de satélite multiespectral foi remapeada com base nas funções de resposta espectral. Os índices de vegetação (VIs) foram estabelecidos combinando todas as bandas de sensores disponíveis. Os VIs significativos e a reflectância da banda foram extraídos pelos métodos de coeficiente de correlação e análise de importância de dados out-of-bag (OOB), e em seguida modelos lineares e não lineares foram estabelecidos para a estimativa do conteúdo de água no solo. Correlação significativa foi obtida entre refletância multiespectral simulada, VIs e teor de água no solo. Os modelos não lineares apresentaram melhor desempenho que o modelo linear. A combinação do modelo OOB e Random Forest (OOB-RF) obteve a maior acurácia de predição, com R2 calibração e R2 predição de 0,852 e 0,834, respectivamente. De forma geral, verificou-se que o método de modelagem OOB-RF baseado em sensoriamento remoto multiespectral foi viável para estimar o teor de água no solo.

ABSTRACT The soil water content is a key evaluation factor in the agricultural and ecological fields. The objective of this study was to explore the combination of multi-satellite information to address the issue of low accuracy in soil water content retrieval from single-band, single-source information and to establish a model for the estimation of the soil water content based on a simulated multi-spectral method. An experiment involving the hyperspectral determination of soil samples (Oxisols) with varying values of the water content was conducted. The reflectance of eight multi-spectral satellite sensors was resampled based on the spectral response functions. The vegetation indices (VIs) were established by pairing all available sensor bands. The significant VIs and band reflectance were extracted using the correlation coefficient and out-of-bag (OOB) data importance analysis methods, and then linear models and nonlinear models were established for soil water content estimation. A significant correlation was achieved between the simulated multi-spectral reflectance, VIs, and soil water content. The nonlinear models had a better performance than the linear model. The combined OOB and random forest (OOB-RF) model achieved the highest prediction accuracy, with R2 calibration and R2 prediction values of 0.852 and 0.834, respectively. Overall, it was verified that the OOB-RF modeling method based on multi-spectral remote sensing was feasible for estimating the soil water content.

RESUMO O conforto térmico adequado para o cultivo de plantas em ambientes protegidos está intrinsecamente ligado às propriedades das coberturas translúcidas. Este estudo investigou a influência de três tipos de filmes plásticos (difusor, transparente e leitoso) em três estufas agrícolas em Fortaleza, CE. O objetivo foi analisar as condições de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar, buscando recomendações para otimizar o desempenho das estufas. Dez estações de monitoramento foram distribuídas, três para cada cobertura plástica e uma externa; as leituras foram coletadas a 2 m de altura sendo equipadas com sensores de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar (SHT31). A coleta de dados ocorreu de 11 a 27 de julho de 2023, com leituras a cada 5 min (totalizando 12 leituras por hora), tratadas posteriormente por regressão linear. Diferenças significativas nas madrugadas (1 e 5%) entre as coberturas para temperatura e umidade relativa do ar foram observadas. Comparando os filmes, difusor × transparente e difusor × leitoso mostraram diferenças a 5 e 1%, respectivamente, enquanto transparente x leitoso não apresentaram diferenças. Durante o período das 12 horas, o filme difusor exibiu menores variações de temperatura. Conclui-se que a cobertura difusora proporcionou as menores temperaturas e menores variações ao longo do dia, sendo estatisticamente diferente dos filmes leitoso e transparente nos horários mais quentes. Esses resultados oferecem percepções cruciais para otimizar as condições em estufas agrícolas, contribuindo para práticas eficientes de cultivo protegido.

ABSTRACT Adequate thermal comfort for plant growth in protected environments is associated with properties of translucent coverings. This study investigated the influence of three types of plastic films (diffuser, transparent, and milky) at three agricultural greenhouses in Fortaleza city, CE, Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze air temperature and relative air humidity conditions, seeking recommendations to optimize plant growth performance in greenhouses. Ten monitoring stations were distributed, three for each plastic covering and one external; readings were taken 2 m above the ground level, using temperature and relative air humidity sensors (SHT31). Data were collected from July 11 to July 27, 2023, with readings every 5 min (totaling 12 readings per hour) and subsequently processed through linear regression. The tested coverings resulted in different temperature and relative air humidity during early morning hours (1 and 5%). The comparison between diffuser and transparent, and diffuser and milky films showed differences at 5 and 1%, respectively, while transparent and milky films did not show differences. The diffuser film exhibited lower temperature variations throughout a 12-hour period. The diffuser covering provided the lowest temperatures and smaller variations throughout the day, which was significantly different from milky and transparent films during warmer hours. These results provide valuable information for optimizing conditions in agricultural greenhouses, contributing to sustainable and efficient practices in protected cultivation.

Resumen: La ingeniería civil industrial es una profesión con una fuerte base científica. En Chile, se ha comenzado a innovar los planes de estudios con un currículum basado en competencias con resultados de aprendizaje. Esto ha llevado a que los cuerpos académicos también deban ajustar sus metodologías y estrategias de enseñanza con el propósito de mejorar la formación profesional. Ante esto, la sistematización pedagógica se basó en una metodología de análisis de casos con estrategias de gamificación, el objetivo fue determinar el efecto del análisis de casos, con estrategias de gamificación como enfoque didáctico para la enseñanza de conceptos de innovación, competitividad, emprendimiento y creatividad. Participaron 32 estudiantes pertenecientes a la sección B del curso Gestión de la Innovación. Se planteó una secuencia didáctica de ocho sesiones, con diversos casos representativos de la temática. Para el análisis de los desempeños se construyó y validó una rúbrica analítica y se utilizó la escala de experiencia de aprendizaje (CEQ), adaptada por Marchant, Fauré y Abricot (2016) para el contexto chileno. Dentro de los hallazgos se evidencia que el estudiantado logra satisfactoriamente los desempeños esperados para la actividad curricular al presentar dificultades en elementos genéricos de la formación. Con respecto a la experiencia formativa y las dimensiones evaluadas, el alumnado considera que la experiencia formativa contó con una docencia de calidad, las metas y objetivos propuestos fueron claros, alcanzables y los instrumentos de evaluación son apropiados. En conclusión, proponer una secuencia didáctica con una metodología activa mejora el desempeño académico y la motivación.

Resumo: A engenharia civil industrial é uma profissão com forte base científica. No Chile, os planos de estudo começaram a ser inovados com um currículo baseado em competências com resultados de aprendizagem. Isto levou a que os órgãos académicos também tivessem de ajustar as suas metodologias e estratégias de ensino com o objetivo de melhorar a formação profissional. Diante disso, a sistematização pedagógica baseou-se em uma metodologia de análise de casos com estratégias de gamificação, o objetivo foi determinar o efeito da análise de casos, com estratégias de gamificação como enfoque didático para o ensino de conceitos de inovação, competitividade, empreendedorismo e criatividade. Participaram 32 alunos pertencentes à secção B do curso de Gestão da Inovação. Foi proposta uma sequência didática de oito sessões, com diversos casos representativos da temática. Para a análise dos desempenhos, foi construída e validada uma rubrica analítica e utilizada a escala de experiência de aprendizagem (CEQ), adaptada por Marchant, Fauré e Abricot (2016) para o contexto chileno. Dentro dos achados, fica evidente que o estudantado alcança satisfatoriamente os desempenhos esperados para a atividade curricular ao apresentarem dificuldades em elementos genéricos da formação. A respeito da experiência formativa e das dimensões avaliadas, os alunos consideram que a experiência formativa incluiu uma docência de qualidade, as metas e objetivos propostos foram claros, alcançáveis e os instrumentos de avaliação são adequados. Concluindo, propor uma sequência didática com metodologia ativa melhora o desempenho acadêmico e a motivação.

Abstract: Industrial civil engineering is a profession with a very solid scientific base. In Chile, it has begun to innovate the educational curricula with a curriculum based on competencies and learning outcomes. This has led academic institutions to adapt their methodologies and teaching strategies to improve professional training. In this context, the pedagogical systematization was based on a case analysis methodology with gamification strategies. The objective was to determine the effect of case analysis with gamification strategies as a didactic approach for teaching the concepts of innovation, competitiveness, entrepreneurship and creativity. Thirty-two students from Section B of the Innovation Management course participated. A didactic sequence of eight sessions was proposed, with a number of cases that were representative of the subject matter. To analyze the results, an analytical rubric was designed and validated, using the Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) adapted to the Chilean context by Marchant, Fauré and Abricot (2016). The results show, among other things, that students achieve the expected achievements for the curricular activity in a satisfactory manner when they encounter difficulties in the generic elements of the education. Regarding the formative experience and the dimensions evaluated, the students consider that the formative experience included quality teaching, that the proposed objectives were clear and achievable, and that the evaluation instruments were appropriate. In conclusion, the proposal of a didactic sequence with an active methodology improves academic performance and motivation.

Abstract This study examines the perception of Business Engineering students about the influence of personal and institutional factors on their academic performance. Variables such as interaction with peers and teachers, behavioral commitment, learning motivation, and perception of performance were analyzed. The research was conducted through a survey of 124 students at Universidad Católica del Maule in Chile during the second semester of 2022. The results, based on a regression analysis, indicated that all the variables studied were perceived as significant for academic performance. However, interaction with teachers stood out as the most influential factor, highlighting the need for the academic unit to focus on the design of pedagogical strategies that strengthen the performance of teachers in the educational process, through knowledge, teaching skills, and forms of interaction in the classroom.

Resumen Este estudio examina la percepción de estudiantes de Ingeniería Comercial sobre la influencia de factores personales e institucionales en su rendimiento académico. Se analizaron variables como la interacción con pares y profesores, el compromiso conductual, la motivación del aprendizaje y la percepción del desempeño. La investigación se realizó mediante una encuesta a 124 estudiantes de la Universidad Católica del Maule en Chile durante el segundo semestre de 2022. Los resultados, basados en un análisis de regresión, indicaron que todas las variables estudiadas fueron percibidas como significativas para el rendimiento académico. No obstante, la interacción con los profesores se destacó como el factor más influyente, dando relevancia a la necesidad de que la unidad académica refuerce el diseño de estrategias pedagógicas que fortalezcan la actuación de los profesores en el proceso educativo, mediante conocimientos, habilidades didácticas y formas de interacción en el aula.

Abstract: The building and construction sectors account for over one-third of global final energy consumption and nearly 40% of total direct and indirect CO2 emissions. At the same time, hospital buildings are often among the least energy-efficient. Enhancing the energy performance of existing hospital buildings through retrofitting measures presents a significant opportunity for cost and energy savings. However, hospitals have unique challenges, such as continuous occupancy, heavy medical equipment, and strict safety regulations. Additionally, the lack of financial incentives and supportive policies are among the biggest barriers to retrofitting hospital facilities. This paper proposes an energy management methodology for selecting the best retrofitting measures for hospital buildings. Moreover, the study seeks to define a priority ranking for the energy efficiency measures selected in an energy retrofit project, distinguishing between primary and supplementary actions. The methodology includes a generic process flow diagram, a systematic flowchart to facilitate decision-making, and two tables outlining primary and supplementary retrofitting measures.

Resumen: Los sectores de la construcción y edificación representan más de un tercio del consumo final de energía global y casi el 40 % de las emisiones totales de CO2, tanto directas como indirectas. Al mismo tiempo, los edificios hospitalarios suelen estar entre los menos eficientes en términos energéticos. Mejorar el rendimiento energético de los edificios hospitalarios existentes a través de medidas de rehabilitación presenta una oportunidad significativa para ahorrar costos y energía. Sin embargo, los hospitales enfrentan desafíos únicos, como la ocupación continua, el uso de equipos médicos pesados y estrictas regulaciones de seguridad. Además, la falta de incentivos financieros y políticas de apoyo se encuentran entre las principales barreras para la rehabilitación de las instalaciones hospitalarias. Este artículo propone una metodología de gestión energética para seleccionar las mejores medidas de rehabilitación para edificios hospitalarios. Además, el estudio busca definir un ranking de prioridades para las medidas de eficiencia energética seleccionadas en un proyecto de rehabilitación energética, distinguiendo entre acciones primarias y suplementarias. La metodología incluye un diagrama de flujo de procesos genérico, un diagrama de flujo sistemático para facilitar la toma de decisiones y dos tablas que describen las medidas de rehabilitación primarias y suplementarias.

Abstract International physical distribution is essential for the success of international purchases, as it encompasses fundamental logistic processes for the profitability of organizations and consumer satisfaction. In this context, the objective of this study is to analyze the perception of Colombian importers and the effects of international physical distribution on purchases from China. A methodological design with a quantitative approach and explanatory character was implemented, which allowed for deeper analysis of habits and influences on purchase decisions through surveys. The data obtained were processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 29.0. The population and sample corresponded to 105 Colombian importers, through non-probabilistic sampling. The findings reveal that importers prefer Chinese products due to their cost-benefit ratio, which is attributed to efficiency in logistics performance and the wide variety of options available in the market.

Resumen La distribución física internacional es esencial para el éxito de las compras internacionales, ya que abarca procesos logísticos fundamentales para la rentabilidad de las organizaciones y la satisfacción del consumidor. En este contexto, el objetivo de este estudio es analizar la percepción de los importadores colombianos y los efectos de la distribución física internacional en las compras provenientes de China. Se implementó un diseño metodológico con enfoque cuantitativo y carácter explicativo, lo que permitió profundizar en los hábitos y en la influencia sobre la decisión de compra a través de encuestas. Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados utilizando el software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), versión 29.0. La población y muestra correspondió a 105 importadores colombianos mediante un muestreo no probabilístico. Los hallazgos revelan que los importadores prefieren productos chinos debido a su relación costo-beneficio, lo que se atribuye a la eficiencia en el desempeño logístico y a la amplia variedad de opciones disponibles en el mercado.

Abstract This study evaluates the effectiveness of Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and Transformer-based models in predicting the Air Quality Index (AQI). Accurate AQI prediction is critical for mitigating the significant health impacts of air pollution and plays a vital role in public health protection and environmental management. The research compares traditional RNN models, including Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) networks, with advanced Transformer architectures. Data were collected from a weather station in Cuenca, Ecuador, focusing on key pollutants such as CO,NO2,O3, PM2.5, and SO2. Model performance was assessed using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and the Coefficient of Determination (R2). The findings reveal that the LSTM model achieved superior performance, with an R2 of 0.701, an RMSE of 0.087, and an MAE of 0.056, demonstrating superior capability in capturing temporal dependencies within complex datasets. Conversely, while Transformerbased models exhibited potential, they were less effective in handling intricate time-series data, resulting in comparatively lower accuracy. These results position the LSTM model as the most reliable approach for AQI prediction, offering an optimal balance between predictive accuracy and computational efficiency. This research contributes to improving AQI forecasting and underscores the importance of timely interventions to mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution.

Resumen Este estudio evalúa la eficacia de las redes neuronales recurrentes (RNN) y los modelos basados en transformadores para predecir el índice de calidad del aire (ICA). La investigación compara los modelos RNN tradicionales, incluidos los de memoria a corto y largo plazo (LSTM) y la unidad recurrente controlada (GRU), con arquitecturas avanzadas de transformadores. El estudio utiliza datos de una estación meteorológica en Cuenca, Ecuador, centrándose en contaminantes como CO,NO2,O3, PM2.5 y SO2. Para evaluar el rendimiento de los modelos, se utilizaron métricas clave como el error cuadrático medio (RMSE), el error absoluto medio (MAE) y el coeficiente de determinación (R2). Los resultados del estudio muestran que el modelo LSTM fue el más preciso, alcanzando un R2 de 0,701, un RMSE de 0,087 y un MAE de 0,056. Esto lo convierte en la mejor opción para capturar dependencias temporales en los datos de series temporales complejas. En comparación, los modelos basados en transformadores demostraron tener potencial, pero no lograron la misma precisión que los modelos LSTM, especialmente en datos temporales más complicados. El estudio concluye que el LSTM es más eficaz en la predicción del ICA, equilibrando tanto la precisión como la eficiencia computacional, o que podría ayudar en intervenciones para mitigar la contaminación del aire.

Abstract Multichannel Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) technology is widely employed in artificial motor control research. This study presents the design and evaluation of a four-channel, remotely controlled surface electrical muscle stimulator prototype. The prototype introduces a modern alternative for the control block, employing a Wi-Fi-enabled solution based on the ESP32 microcontroller. This controller enables remote configuration of activation sequences for individual channels and supports extensive customization of parameters for a biphasic waveform stimulus. The current signal is demultiplexed into four outputs. Additionally, this study provides a detailed functional evaluation of the amplification stage and examines the load-dependent limitations of the output current magnitude. Preliminary experimental testing demonstrates the prototype’s ability to generate controlled stimulation sequences in hand muscles. The prototype’s functional and experimental performance suggests its potential application in artificial motor control research.

Resumen La tecnología de estimulación eléctrica funcional (EEF) multicanal se utiliza actualmente en la investigación del control motor artificial. Este trabajo describe el diseño y evaluación de un prototipo de estimulador eléctrico muscular de cuatro canales controlado remotamente. El prototipo propone una alternativa moderna para el bloque de control, utilizando el microcontrolador wifi/ESP32. Este permite una secuencia de activación de canales configurable de manera remota y una extensiva configuración de los parámetros de un estímulo en forma de onda bifásica. La señal de corriente se demultiplexa en cuatro salidas. Este estudio también contribuye detallando la evaluación funcional de la etapa de amplificación y estableciendo la dependencia de la magnitud de la carga en los límites de la corriente de salida. La prueba experimental preliminar demuestra la capacidad del prototipo para generar secuencias de estimulación controladas en los músculos de la mano. El desempeño funcional y experimental del prototipo sugiere su potencial uso para investigaciones del control motor artificial.

Abstract The initial teacher training for basic education gained prominence on the Brazilian public agenda in the 2000s, leading to a series of public policies. One of these policies involved reserving 20 % of the seats in the newly created Federal Institutes for initial teacher training, in what were called undergraduate teaching courses. At the time, there was a growing shortage of teachers, both in quantitative terms (reflected in the lack of teachers) and qualitative terms (with many professionals in the classroom who did not have specific graduation in the subject they were teaching). This study specifically focuses on the Federal Institutes, with the aim of analyzing their impact on improving the educational indicator "teacher training adequacy," an instrument used by the Ministry of Education to monitor the progress of public policies designed to address issues related to teaching in basic education. Using a quantitative and descriptive correlational approach, the study uses three statistical databases from the Ministry of Education to explore the relationship between the availability of seats in teaching courses and the teacher training adequacy indicator. In the end, it confirms the hypothesis that the Federal Institutes contributed to raising the mentioned indicator: on average, the 336 Brazilian cities that have Federal Institutes showed a 5.2 % higher performance in teacher training adequacy when compared to cities without the presence of the institution.

Resumen La formación inicial de docentes para la enseñanza de la educación básica ganó protagonismo en la agenda pública brasileña en la década del 2000, generando una serie de políticas públicas. Una de estas políticas implicó reservar el 20 % de las plazas en los recién creados Institutos Federales para la formación inicial de docentes, en las llamadas carreras de licenciatura. En su momento se diagnosticó el agravamiento de la escasez de docentes, tanto en términos cuantitativos (traducidos en falta de docentes) como cualitativos (con muchos profesionales en las aulas que no contaban con una titulación específica en el componente curricular que impartían). Este estudio depende precisamente de los Institutos Federales y tiene como objetivo analizar su impacto en la mejora del indicador educativo “adecuación de la formación docente”, instrumento utilizado por el Ministerio de Educación en el seguimiento de los avances en las políticas públicas destinadas a enfrentar los problemas que orbitan alrededor de enseñanza en la educación básica. Con un enfoque cuantitativo y de carácter descriptivo y correlacional, el estudio utiliza tres bases de datos estadísticas del Ministerio de Educación para explorar la relación entre la oferta de plazas en carreras de licenciatura y el indicador de adecuación de la formación docente. Al final, se confirma la hipótesis de que los Institutos Federales colaboraron para elevar el indicador antes mencionado: en promedio, las 336 ciudades brasileñas que tienen Institutos Federales que ofrecen cursos de licenciaturas presentaron un desempeño 5,2 % mayor en la adecuación de la formación docente en comparación con las ciudades sin la presencia de la institución.

Abstract The early detection of diabetic retinopathy remains a critical challenge in medical diagnostics, with deep learning techniques in artificial intelligence offering promising solutions for identifying pathological patterns in retinal images. This study evaluates and compares the performance of three convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures ResNet-18, ResNet-50, and a custom, non-pretrained CNN using a dataset of retinal images classified into five categories. The findings reveal significant differences in the models’ ability to learn and generalize. The non-pretrained CNN consistently outperformed the pretrained ResNet-18 and ResNet-50 models, achieving an accuracy of 91 % and demonstrating notable classification stability. In contrast, ResNet-18 suffered severe performance degradation, with accuracy dropping from 70 % to 26 %, while ResNet-50 required extensive tuning to improve its outcomes. The non-pretrained CNN excelled in handling class imbalances and capturing complex diagnostic patterns, emphasizing the potential of tailored architectures for medical imaging tasks. These results underscore the importance of designing domain-specific architectures, demonstrating that model complexity does not necessarily guarantee better performance. Particularly in scenarios with limited datasets, well-designed custom models can surpass pre-trained architectures in diagnostic imaging applications.

Resumen La detección temprana de la retinopatía diabética representa un desafío crítico en el diagnóstico médico, donde el aprendizaje profundo dentro del campo de la inteligencia artificial emerge como una herramienta prometedora para optimizar la identificación de patrones patológicos en imágenes retinales. Este estudio evaluó comparativamente tres arquitecturas de redes neuronales convolucionales ResNet-18, ResNet-50 y una CNN personalizada o no-preentrenada para clasificar imágenes de retinopatía diabética en un conjunto de datos de imágenes agrupadas en cinco categorías, revelando diferencias significativas en su capacidad para aprender y generalizar. Los resultados demostraron que la arquitectura de red neuronal convolucional no-preentrenada superó consistentemente a los modelos preentrenados basados en ResNet-18 y ResNet-50, alcanzando una precisión del 91 % y una notable estabilidad en la clasificación. Mientras ResNet-18 mostró limitaciones severas, degradándose de un 70 % a un 26 % de precisión, y ResNet-50 requirió ajustes para mejorar su rendimiento, la CNN no preentrenada exhibió una capacidad sobresaliente para manejar el desbalance de clases y capturar patrones diagnósticos complejos. El estudio subraya la importancia de diseñar arquitecturas específicamente adaptadas a problemas médicos, destacando que la complejidad no garantiza necesariamente un mejor desempeño, y que un diseño cuidadoso puede superar modelos preentrenados en tareas de diagnóstico por imagen cuando la cantidad de datos con que se cuenta es limitada.

Abstract The aspect ratio of tires significantly influences the tread contact patch, which is closely related to the vehicle’s driving performance and handling. This study investigates the effect of radial tires with varying aspect ratios on contact patches under different loads and inflation pressures. The size and shape of the contact patches, along with the pressure distribution in tires with different aspect ratios, were analyzed. Five finite element tire models with aspect ratios of 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, and 75% were developed. The simulation models of 205/55R16 were validated against experimental results. The findings reveal that as the aspect ratio increases, the contact length along the tire’s axial direction decreases, while the contact width along the rolling direction increases. Minimal differences in contact area were observed among tires with different aspect ratios under the same static load. For a given load, as the length-to-width ratio increases, the tread width of the contact patch decreases, while its length increases. Additionally, with an increasing length-to-width ratio, the contact patch shape transitions from a saddle to a barrel-like form. The maximum normal contact stress occurs at the shoulder of the tire for aspect ratios of 55%, 60%, and 65%, but shifts to the center of the tread for aspect ratios of 70% and 75%. The primary influence of the aspect ratio is on the contact size.

Resumen La relación de aspecto de los neumáticos influye significativamente en el área de contacto de la banda de rodadura, afectando el rendimiento de conducción y manejo del vehículo. Este estudio analiza el efecto de neumáticos radiales con diferentes relaciones de longitud y diámetro en las manchas de contacto bajo diversas cargas o presiones de inflado. Se evaluaron el tamaño, forma y distribución de presión en neumáticos con relaciones de aspecto de 55 %, 60 %, 65 %, 70 % y 75 %, mediante cinco modelos de elementos finitos. El modelo 205/55R16 fue validado experimentalmente. Los resultados indican que, al aumentar la relación de aspecto, la longitud de contacto a lo largo del eje del neumático disminuye, mientras que la anchura en la dirección de rodadura aumenta. Bajo la misma carga estática, el área de contacto varía poco entre relaciones de aspecto diferentes. Sin embargo, con mayor relación longitud-anchura, el ancho de la banda de rodadura disminuye y la longitud aumenta. Asimismo, la forma de la mancha de contacto cambia de silla de montar a tambor de cintura. Los máximos valores de tensión de contacto normal se localizan en los hombros para relaciones de aspecto de 55 %, 60 % y 65 %, y en el centro de la banda para relaciones de 70 % y 75 %. La principal influencia de la relación de aspecto radica en el tamaño del contacto.

Abstract Introduction: Research on the governmental approach to drug trafficking in the province of Buenos Aires establishes that most governments have dismissed this problem and dealt with it superficially. However, little is known about the performance of the provincial government headed by María Eugenia Vidal (2015-2019) in this area. Objective: In this framework, the work aims to contribute to the knowledge about the discourses and governmental practices regarding drug trafficking during Vidal's administration. Methodology: For this purpose, a qualitative methodology based on the application of a case study and a theoretical approach based mainly on the notion of public policies to control drug trafficking is proposed. Conclusions: The article highlights the discursive overreaction and the profound lack of knowledge that prevails in the provincial sphere in terms of drug trafficking control and the deficiencies exhibited by the institutional actions and policies promoted by the government of Buenos Aires during the period in question.

Resumen Introducción: las investigaciones sobre el abordaje gubernamental del narcotráfico en la provincia de Buenos Aires establecen que la mayoría de los gobiernos desestimaron esta problemática y la afrontaron de manera superficial. Sin embargo, poco se conoce respecto del desempeño del gobierno provincial encabezado por María Eugenia Vidal (2015-2019) en esa materia. Objetivo: en este marco, el trabajo tiene por objeto aportar al conocimiento sobre los discursos y las prácticas gubernamentales en torno al narcotráfico durante la gestión de Vidal. Metodología: se propone una metodología cualitativa basada en la aplicación de un estudio de caso y un enfoque teórico asentado, principalmente, en la noción de políticas públicas de control del narcotráfico. Conclusiones: el artículo evidencia la sobreactuación discursiva y el profundo desconocimiento que predomina en el ámbito provincial en materia de control del narcotráfico, y las deficiencias que exhibieron las acciones institucionales y políticas impulsadas por el gobierno bonaerense durante el periodo señalado.

ABSTRACT Armyworm (Spodoptera litura) is the main leaf-damaging pest of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants. The research aims to assess the resistance response of soybean advanced lines against S. litura, evaluate their agronomic performance, and select the best genotypes based on multiple traits. The research was conducted in Malang, Indonesia. The evaluation for armyworm resistance was based on the free-choice test (FCT) and no-choice test (NCT). Each study utilized a randomized complete block design with 38 soybean genotypes and four replicates. The results showed that the NCT exerted a higher intensity of leaf damage and greater insect pest pressure compared to the FCT. Two soybean genotypes (G17 and G19) consistently demonstrated resistance to S. litura in both the FCT and NCT. Soybean seed yield has a significant positive correlation with plant height, number of filled pods, number of nodes, and number of branches, thus those characters could be used as indirect selection criteria for soybean yield. The selection based on GT Biplot revealed that G38 (resistant-control variety) and G17 had the best performance for resistance to S. litura, but did not exhibit significantly high seed yield. In contrast, G16 exhibited high yield performance but susceptibility to S. litura. The G36 was the best performer for the number of filled pods, number of nodes, number of branches, plant height, and 100-seed weight, despite being relatively less resistant to S. litura. G17 and G19 are promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding and armyworm-resistant soybean varieties.

ABSTRACT Nutritional management of high-producing dairy cows under heat stress conditions presents a significant challenge due to the increasing issue of global warming. The study aimed to explore the effects of Cr supplementation in the form of chromium propionate (CrP) on feed intake, lactation performance, and selected biochemical serum parameters in mid-lactation Simmental dairy cows under heat stress conditions. The experiment was conducted during July and August and lasted for 8 wk. The average temperature-humidity index (THI) was 76.45 ± 2.80 during the experimental period, indicating that the cows were under heat stress. The added CrP provided 0.34 mg Cr kg-1 DM of used ration. The supplementation of diet with CrP increased DM intake (4.11%, P < 0.01) and the yield of milk (4.48%, P < 0.01), 4% fat-corrected milk (4.08%, P < 0.01), milk fat (4.46%, P < 0.01), protein (4.21%, P < 0.01), lactose (3.79%, P < 0.01), and total solids (3.51%, P < 0.01). Additionally, CrP supplementation increased blood glucose concentrations (8.39%, P < 0.01), while reducing blood urea N (BUN) levels (14.85%, P < 0.05) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels (17.14%, P < 0.05). The use of CrP as additional dietary source of Cr significantly improved productive performances of dairy cows under heat stress conditions. It was indicated that supplemented Cr could have positive effect on glucose and N metabolism, as well as on energy metabolism of lactating cows at moderately high THI values.