I+ T+ C- Research, Technology and Science

Design and Development of a Speed Control System for a Stepper Motor using the PIC18F4550 microcontroller and its interface

Andrés Felipe Romero Medina — 2024-11-27

This article focuses on the design and development of a stepper motor control system, with a subsequent focus on its application in a crane that will lift a small mass vertically. Every aspect of the implementation has been examined in detail, from the choice and configuration of the 28BYJ-48 motor to the implementation of control interfaces such as the 4x4 matrix keypad and RS232 communication. In this system the control resides on the PIC18F4550 microcontroller. The control approach has been focused on two modes: manual and automatic. In manual mode, the matrix keyboard has been used to allow direct interaction with the crane, adjusting parameters such as speed and direction. On the other hand, the automatic mode has demonstrated the ability to perform predefined movements, with a specific number of steps that ensure positioning accuracy. Overall, this study has presented a comprehensive electronic control system, offering applicability in various technological areas. The stepper motor has been highlighted as a key component to achieve controlled and precise movements. As research in this field progresses, this system provides a solid foundation for future improvements and optimizations in similar systems.

Interfacial properties in multiphase food systems: scientific trends in formation, structure and functionality

Yesika López Fuertes — 2024-11-27

To examine the interfacial properties of flours in the development of instant products, a bibliometric study of 633 articles (1983–present) was conducted using the Scopus database. The Science Mapping Analysis Tool (SciMAT) was employed to generate thematic evolution structures, strategic diagrams, and thematic networks, offering both bibliometric and visual insights into the field. The study identified strategic research clusters and key trends, including a growing focus on protein assessment in recent decades. Proteins in flours are essential for stabilizing interfaces, with their behavior influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, and interactions with other food components. Among the various methods available, dilatational rheology emerges as a critical approach for analyzing interfacial properties, as it measures expansion moduli that reflect both elastic and viscous behaviors. Additionally, advanced tools like microparticle size analyzers, interfacial rheometers, and adsorption spectroscopy provide precise insights into interface topography and molecular interactions. Computational models further enhance understanding by predicting complex interfacial behaviors, supporting the optimization of formulations to improve viscoelastic properties, functionality, and sensory quality. This integrative approach, emphasizing interfacial rheology and molecular interactions, is fundamental to driving innovation in the development of stable, functional, and sensorially appealing instant products.

Advances in Agroecological Integration and Prospects for Agroecology in Cattle Systems: A literature review

Erika Pérez — 2024-05-04

The bovine livestock sector currently faces a crisis that encompasses productive, environmental, economic, and social aspects, thereby impacting food availability and human health. This crisis compels producers to modify and rethink their practices concerning the timely and proper management of livestock and the synergies linked to the production process, thereby promoting the transition towards more resilient and sustainable systems. The objective of this review article is to identify and analyze the impact of agroecological principles on animal health, the reduction of inputs for production, the optimization of the metabolic functioning of agricultural systems, the strengthening of resilience through diversification, the preservation of biodiversity, and social considerations in bovine livestock systems. For the development of this research, bibliographic databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Taylor & Francis, and Google Scholar were utilized. These databases yielded variables such as agroecological management, diversity, practices, empirical and scientific knowledge, future perspectives, policies, research support, and community participation, among others. This enriched the search and analysis of information found under the ecological and productive parameters of bovine livestock.

Evaluation of the moisture percentage of gluten-free pasta mix from hyperprotein quinoa flour and its effect on cooking characteristics and color in the final product

Astrid Carolina Vanegas Guilombo — 2024-05-04

Hydration during mixing in the preparation of pasta is of great importance since it allows for obtaining a uniform dough, which will give desirable final characteristics to the product in terms of texture, strength, and color [1]. In this research, different moisture percentages (45, 37, 35, and 30%) were evaluated on the final properties of the dough, in terms of baking and color tests. Also, two mathematical models were evaluated at the drying stage to determine which one best fit the experimental data. The results showed that the best-fitting model was Page's model, specifically in the 30% moisture mix, where the highest values of linear regression (R2) and drying constant (k) were found. In the baking tests, it was found that it was the mixture with a moisture content of 30% that presented the lowest values of baking losses and increase in weight. Finally, in the color test, the lowest values were obtained in the a* coordinate and the highest in the b* and L* coordinates in the mixture with a moisture content of 30%, results that are typical of quinoa flour.

Design of a Corrective Feedback Software for Coffee Growers in the Department of Cauca Using a User-Centered Design Methodology (UCD)

Luis Fernando Moncayo Marulanda — 2024-05-04

Considering the relevance of the coffee industry for Colombia and specifically for the department of Cauca and because of the sustainability challenges that the industry presents in the department, the article presents the design process, using a UCD methodology, a digital platform that aims to contribute to improving the quality of coffee in the department of Cauca, Colombia. An agile and iterative software design methodology is used to provide effective solutions to the needs of the different identified users. As a result, a software design is obtained that contains user history, use cases, sequence of use, data structure and evaluation. Using modern and flexible technologies such as TypeScript, React and React DO, a prototype was developed to be evaluated with coffee tasters in Cauca who expressed an understanding and interest in the exposed platform. In conclusion, the agile UCD Software design methodology proved to be effective. Furthermore, it is concluded that the implementation of this platform would represent an important contribution to the Cauca coffee industry, promoting best practices to increase the profits of coffee growers and strengthen regional competitiveness. It is suggested that future research explore the adoption of the platform in other coffee-growing regions of Colombia and internationally

Using SME to build a method for usability and accessibility evaluation in small software development companies.

Carlos Casas — 2024-05-03

Usability guarantees that a software application is effective, efficient, and satisfactory; meanwhile, accessibility ensures that the developed software can be used by all types of people regardless of their qualities and/or abilities. These two characteristics are key to providing quality software products. However, small software development companies do not have the personnel, knowledge, tools, and time necessary to carry out the evaluation process of these characteristics, resulting in the omission of these evaluations in the software development processes. The purpose of building a lightweight method is that within the software development process of small companies, it is possible to execute in a guided, simple, and correct way the usability and accessibility evaluations. For the construction of this method, the Situational Method Engineering-SME was used, resulting in the structure of the method, which consists of 5 activities with their respective tasks and formats, being subjected to expert evaluation validating its ease of use, usefulness, and completeness, obtaining as a result that it is a method moderately easy to use, useful, and complete, with elements of its structure that should be improved. Additionally, its ease of use and completeness were validated in a case study, obtaining an optimal response in the process.

Exploitation of agro-industrial wastes: Chemical and physical treatments of coconut fibers with potential use in composite materials

Eduardo Argote Ortiz — 2024-11-27

The growing demand for plastics and their poor end-of-life management has prompted the search for sustainable alternatives, such as natural fiber-reinforced composites. Fibers, such as coconut fibers, have been shown to improve these compounds' properties significantly. In this study, natural coir fibers (NCF) treated with different chemical and physical processes, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and ultrasound (U), were analyzed. Structural, morphological and water absorption properties were tested by infrared spectroscopy, water absorption and X-ray diffraction tests. These indicated that treated fibers show a decrease or loss of transmittance bands associated with lignin, hemicellulose and a higher concentration of cellulose bands. Thus, higher water absorption and an increase in the crystallinity index were observed, which enhances its reinforcing capacity and improves the interaction between a polymeric matrix and the fibers. It also highlights the potential for the use of agroindustrial waste under a circular economy approach, promoting its incorporation into new sustainable products.