Positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) viruses comprise many (re-)emerging human pathogens that pose a public health problem. Our innate immune system and in particular the interferon response form the important first line of defense against these viruses. Given their genetic flexibility, these viruses have therefore developed multiple strategies to evade the innate immune response in order to optimize their replication capacity. Already many molecular mechanisms of innate immune evasion by +ssRNA viruses have been identified. However, research addressing the effect of host innate immune evasion on the pathology caused by the viral infection is less prevalent in literature, though very relevant and interesting. Since interferons have been implicated in inflammatory diseases and immunopathology in addition to their protective role in infection, the influence of antagonizing the immune response may have an ambiguous effect on the clinical outcome of the viral disease. Therefore, this review discusses what is currently known about the role of interferons and host immune evasion in the pathogenesis of emerging viruses belonging to the coronaviruses, alphaviruses and flaviviruses.

The extensive collection of paper documents and books stored in the archives of universities worldwide is a hidden cultural heritage that is frequently inaccessible. To overcome this problem, the University of Genoa, Italy, seeks to collect, store, and digitize a wide variety of items, encompassing books, manuscripts, archival materials, and documents related to museum artifacts, which together form a cultural heritage of great importance and historical significance. To make such a cultural heritage accessible to both humans and machines, images and videos must be provided with alternate descriptions, metadata, and speech-to-text transcriptions while ancient texts, for which OCR techniques are often not effective, must be accompanied by word-for-word transcripts. This work presents the design of a transcription system for the “University Museum System” at the University of Genoa, Italy (SMA-UniGe), including user interface elements and users’ engagement techniques. The goal is to create an accessible digital heritage that can be enjoyed by all, facilitated by a community of digital volunteers who are eager to dedicate their time, have a great experience, socialize, and interact on the proposed transcription system. The system exploits gamification theory to transform the typically monotonous task of transcription into a captivating experience. This activity is in line with the so-called University third mission, i.e., the activity of public engagement that aims at generating knowledge outside the academic environment to the benefit of the social, cultural, and economic development.

Nowadays, the identification and characterization of grapevine cultivars resilient to climate and water stress while preserving quality traits is crucial for the wine industry. Therefore, the objective of this work was to characterize according to their aromatic potential 9 white and 6 red minority cultivars recently recovered from Castilla-La Mancha region (Spain), subjected at two different water deficit regimes: rainfed, with subsistence irrigation, and irrigated. For this, the varietal aromatic potential index (IPAv) and the detailed aromatic composition were analyzed by HS-SBSE-GC/MS, in extracts of two different ph. For IPAv values, red varieties did not show a clear trend with respect to irrigation. However, in white minority varieties, higher values were obtained under irrigation conditions. Thus, a clear differentiation of the minority varieties in comparison to the references was observed, primarily attributed to the content of esters and acids, in both white and red varieties. A notable contrast was observed at different pH, indicating a greater extractability of certain compounds like linalool, under more acidic conditions. This suggests that some recovered minority cultivars could be promising for cultivation in semi-arid regions with limited water, contributing to the wine sector sustainability in the future.

Injured peripheral nerves regenerate their axons in contrast to those in the central nervous system. However, functional recovery after surgical repair is often disappointing. The basis for the poor recovery is the progressive deterioration with time and distance, of the growth capacity of the neurons that lose their contact with targets (chronic axotomy) and the growth support of the chronically denervated Schwann cells (SC) in the distal nerve stumps. This is despite the retained capacity of chronically denervated and atrophic muscle to accept reinnervation. Progressive decline in regeneration associated genes in both axotomized neurons and denervated SCs accounts for the decline in regenerative success in association with silencing of neural activity in sensory neurons due to their disconnection from their sense organs and, in motoneurons due to loss of their synaptic contacts in the spinal cord. Whilst exogenous neurotrophic factors promote nerve regeneration, the profuse axonal outgrowth and difficulties in delivery are avoided by promoting their endogenous expression with brief (1 hour) low frequency (20Hz) electrical stimulation (ES) proximal to the injury site. ES accelerates axon outgrowth and in turn, target reinnervation in both animals and human subjects. Applying ES to intact nerve days prior to nerve injury, conditional ES (CES) increases axonal outgrowth and regeneration rate with the potential for application in nerve transfer surgeries and end-to-side neurorrhaphies. However, the additional surgery for applying CES electrodes may be a hurdle. ES is applicable in all surgeries with excellent outcomes.

There are several well-described molecular mechanisms that influence cell growth and are relat-ed to the development of cancer. Chemokines constitute a fundamental element which are not only involved in local growth but also affect angiogenesis, tumor spread and metastatic disease. Among them, the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its specific receptor the chemo-kine C-X-C motif receptor 4 (CXCR4) have been widely studied. The overexpression in cell mem-branes of CXCR4 has been shown to be associated with the development of different kinds of his-tological malignancies, such as adenocarcinomas, epidermoid carcinomas, mesenchymal tumors or neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). The molecular synapsis between CXCL12 and CXCR4 leads to the interaction of G proteins and activation of different intracellular signaling pathways in both gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) and bronchopulmonary (BP) NENs conferring greater ca-pacity for locoregional aggressiveness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the ap-pearance of metastases. Therefore, it has been hypothesized how to design tools that target this receptor. The aim of this review is to focus on current knowledge of the relationship between CXCR4 and NENs, with a special emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic molecular targets.

In this work, we report manganese phthalocyanine (MnPc) films obtained by ultrasonic spray-pyrolysis technique at 40°C deposited on glass substrate subjected to thermal annealing at 100 °C and 120°C. The MnPc films were characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The absorption spectra of the MnPc films were studied in a wavelength range from 200 to 850 nm, where the characteristic bands of a metallic phthalocyanine known as B and Q bands were observed in this range of the spectrum. The optical energy band (Eg) was calculated by the Tauc equation. It was found that for these MnPc films, the Eg has the values of 4.41, 4.46 and 3.58 eV corresponding to as deposited, annealing 100°C and 120°C, respectively. The Raman spectra of the films showed their characteristic vibrational modes of the MnPc films. In X-ray diffractograms of these films, the characteristic diffraction peaks of a metallic phthalocyanine are observed, presenting a monoclinic phase. SEM images of these films were studied in cross section obtaining thicknesses of 2, 1.2 and 0.3 μm to as deposited, annealing 100°C and 120°C, successively. Also, in the SEM images of these films, both the average particle sizes ranging from 4 to 0.041 µm and the average diameter from 4.8 to 0.091 μm were obtained. The results agree with those reported in the literature for MnPc films deposited with other techniques.

In the former mining district of La Carolina (southern Spain), waste materials were accumulated without first waterproofing the substrate. Additionally, these mining dams were abandoned without any type of restoration, conditions that present a significant risk of contaminating the surrounding soils and waters. Prior to carry out the necessary works for isolating these residues, morphological characterization of the contact with the base substrate is needed. For that purpose, in recent years, different indirect study techniques have been used, among which electrical to-mography stands out. In this work, a less common geophysical technique, magnetometry, both in its magnetic and gra-diometric modalities, is used as an alternative method to analyse the geometry and structure of a mining dam. The results obtained with this methodology are compared with the results provided by electrical techniques, as well as with direct data from mechanical surveys and aerial photo-graphs prior to waste deposition. The magnetic anomaly curves obtained with geometric models generated with the Mag2dc program were also analysed. This comparative study shows the use-fulness of magnetic prospecting in characterizing the base geometry of these mining structures and therefore the interest in its application to environmental characterization studies.

Global coverage and scale up of interventions to reduce newborn mortality remains low, though progress has been achieved in improving newborn survival in many low-income settings. An important factor in the success of newborn health interventions, and moving to scale, is appropriate design of community-based programs and strategies for local implementation. We report the results of formative research undertaken to inform the design of a newborn health intervention in Cambodia. Information was gathered on newborn care practices over a period of three months using multiple qualitative methods of data collection in the primary health facility and home setting. Analysis of the data indicated important gaps, both at home and facility level, between recommended newborn care practices and those typical in the study area. The results of this formative research have informed strategies for behavior change and improving referral of sick infants in the subsequent implementation study. Collection and dissemination of data on newborn care practices from settings such as these can contribute to efforts to advance survival, growth and development of newborns for intervention research, and for future newborn health programming.

Rice, as a staple crop feeding billions, faces constant threats from various diseases jeopardizing global food security. Precise understanding of disease resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing resilient rice varieties. Traditional genetic mapping methods, such as QTL mapping, provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of diseases. However, the complex nature of rice diseases demands a holistic approach to gain accurate knowledge of it. Omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, enable a comprehensive analysis of biological molecules, uncovering intricate molecular interactions within the rice plant. Integration of various mapping techniques using multi-omics data has revolutionized our understanding of rice disease resistance. By overlaying genetic maps with high-throughput omics datasets, researchers can pinpoint specific genes, proteins, or metabolites associated with disease resistance. This integration enhances the precision of disease-related biomarkers with better understanding of their functional roles in disease resistance. Improvement of rice breeding for disease resistance through this integration represents a significant stride in agricultural science because better understanding of the molecular intricacies and interactions underlying disease resistance architecture leads to more precise and efficient development of resilient and productive rice varieties. In this review, we explore how the integration of mapping and omics data can give a transformative impact on rice breeding for enhancing disease resistance.

ω-Transaminases have been immobilized on macrocellular silica monoliths and used as heterogeneous biocatalysts in a continuous flow mode enantioselective transamination reaction. The support was prepared by a sol-gel method based on emulsion templating. The enzyme was immobilized on the structured silica monoliths both by adsorption, and by covalent grafting using amino-functionalized silica monoliths and glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent. A simple reactor set-up based on the use of a heat-shrinkable Teflon tube is presented and successfully used for the continuous flow kinetic resolution of a chiral amine, 4-bromo-α-methylbenzylamine. The porous structure of the supports ensures effective mass transfer and the reactor works in the plug flow regime without preferential flow paths. When immobilized in the monolith and used in the flow reactor, transaminases retain their activity and their enantioselectivity. The solid biocatalyst is also shown to be stable both on stream and during storage. These essential features pave the way to the successful development of an environmentally friendly process for chiral amines production.

There are several challenges on how to attain energy efficiency while maintaining balance among factors affecting energy consumption such as power rating and temperature setpoints of cooling units, room temperature and humidity, and indoor air quality (IAQ). A real-time energy and IAQ monitoring system were installed in an educational building to profile the operational power consumption of inverter-based air condition unit (ACU) installed in each room. Polynomial curve and neural fitting regression analysis were applied to the real-time power consumption, indoor temperature and humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) level data. The derived models were able to provide the stabilizing indoor thermal and air conditions of the room to reach steady state ACU power consumption. These collected data and calculated parameters can be used to define rules in automating control of cooling appliances for an efficient energy utilization. The regression approaches, using real-time data, have determined the influence of indoor heat conditions and carbon dioxide levels on ACU power consumption. These parameters were utilized to establish consistent values for temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels under stable settings of inverter-based air conditioning units.

The food system, the most important driver of planetary transformation, is in a deep crisis. Therefore, seeking a sustainable and socially-fair transition pathway becomes an issue of utmost priority for our own survival. The consideration of food as a commodity, a social construct that played a central role in driving this crisis, remains the uncontested narrative to lead the different transition pathways what seems rather contradictory. By exploring the normative values in the transition landscape, this paper seeks to understand how relevant is the hegemonic narrative of “food as commodity” and its alternative of “food as commons” to determine transition trajectories and food policy beliefs. Applying the Multi-level Perspective framework and developing the ill-studied “agency in transition”, this research enquired food-related professionals that belong to an online community of practice (N=95) on valuation of food dimensions and agency in food transitions to check whether the valuation of food is relevant to explain personal stances in transition. Results suggest the socially-constructed view of food as commodity is positively correlated to the gradual reforming attitude, whereas food as commons is positively correlated to the counter-hegemonic transformers regardless the self-defined position in the transition landscape (regime or niches). At personal level, there are multiple loci of resistance with counter-hegemonic attitudes in varied institutions of the regime and the innovative niches, many of them holding this discourse of food as commons. Conversely, alter-hegemonic attitudes are not positively correlated to this alternative discourse and they may inadvertently or purportedly reinforce the ‘‘neoliberal narrative’’. Food as commons, a different narrative whose rationale is explained in the paper, seems to be a relevant framework that could enrich the multiple transformative constituencies that challenge the industrial food system and therefore facilitate the convergence of movements that reject the commodification of food.

Mercury has a strong environmental impact since both its organic and inorganic forms are toxic and it represents a pollutant of global concern. Liquid Hg is highly volatile and it can be released during natural and anthropogenic processes in the hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. In this study the distribution of Gaseous Elemental Mercury (GEM) and the total and leached mercury concentrations on paints, plasters, roof tiles, concretes, metals, dust and wood structures were determined in the main buildings and structures of the former Hg-mining area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Siena, Central Italy). The mining complex (divided into 7 units) covers a surface of about 65 ha and contains mining structures and managers and workers buildings. In this work, nine surveys of GEM measurements were carried out from July 2011 to August 2015 for the buildings and structures located in the units 2, 3 and 6. Moreover, detailed measurements were performed in February, April, July, September and December 2016 in the edifices and mining structures of Unit 6. GEM concentrations showed a strong variability in terms of space and time mostly depending on the distance from the building hosting driers, furnaces and condensers and ambient temperature, respectively. In the Unit 2 surveys carried out in the hotter period (from June to September) showed GEM concentrations up to 27,500 ng m⁻³, while in the Unit 6 they were on average much higher and occasionally they saturated the GEM measurement device (>50,000 ng m⁻³). Concentrations of total (in mg kg⁻¹) and leached (in μg L⁻¹) mercury measured in different building materials (up to 46,580 mg kg⁻¹ and 4,470 mg L⁻¹ for total and leached mercury, respectively) showed for the same type of material highly variable values in dependence on the edifice or mining structure from which they were collected. The results obtained in this study are of relevant interest for the operational cleanings to be carried out during the reclamation activities.

Although there has been research regarding the response of horses to human behaviour, there is still a gap concerning the knowledge about the interaction of horses and humans in showing individual responses to different human behaviour in the same situation. In this work, the horses´ individual responses to different humans were examined to close this research gap and to identify whether or not horses actually respond differently to different people. To this end, 29 interactions between horses and humans, where the humans were supposed to lead the horse through a training course (including two identical exercises in each situation) were videoed and then transcribed in the style of the action-oriented system of notations HANOS (Handlungsorientiertes Notationssystem). The qualitative content analysis was appropriated on the basis of Mayring. Just nonverbal interactions between each person and one horse were focused. In total, just under 600 interactions were analyzed and categorized. The categories were then put into a chi-square-test (quantitative analyses). Based on these analyses, it can be assumed that each human individual received an individual, different feedback from the horses.

El Niño is warming of the sea surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean. Extreme flooding, drought, lack of potable water for livestock and domestic use, food insecurity and market imbalance are associated with El Niño and La Niña in Ethiopia. Drought following El Niño caused 50 to 90% crop failure, in the eastern parts of Ethiopia. El Niño episodes are detected using different statistical indices such as Oceanic Nino Index (ONI), Agricultural Stress Index System (ASIS) and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), with magnitude ranging from weak to strong. Identifying the El Niño and La Niña seasons it is very important to adopt suitable adaptation strategies, which can resolve and/or reduce the negative impacts. Early warning and immediate support to the impacted areas have been carried out to minimize risks from El Niño animal feed for livestock from other areas has been transported to the vulnerable areas. Planting early maturing and drought resistant crops, supplementary irrigation, early waning information on weather and climate have been exercised as climate change adaptation strategies, early warning mechanisms by the government of Ethiopia. El Niño and La Niña are natural phenomena; however, it is necessary to study the occurrence and distribution of El Niño and La Niña episodes to enable early warning and identify suitable adaptation strategies and policy implications in the country.

Understanding the factors which control endothelial cell (EC) function and angiogenesis in the horse is crucial for developing the horse as a disease model but equine ECs remain poorly studied. In this study we have optimised methods for the isolation and culture of equine aortic endothelial cells (EAoECs) and characterised their angiogenic functions in vitro. Mechanical dissociation, followed by magnetic purification using an anti-VE-cadherin antibody, resulted in EC-enriched cultures suitable for further study. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) increased EAoEC proliferation rate and stimulated scratch wound closure and tube formation by EAoECs on extracellular matrix. Pharmacological inhibitors of FGFR1 (SU5402) or MEK (PD184352) blocked FGF2-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and functional responses, suggesting that these are dependent on FGFR1/MEK-ERK signalling. In marked contrast, VEGF-A had no effect on EAoEC proliferation, migration or tubulogenesis and did not promote ERK1/2 phosphorylation, indicating a lack of sensitivity to this classical pro-angiogenic growth factor. Gene expression analysis showed that, unlike human ECs, FGFR1 is expressed by EAoECs at a much higher level than both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. These results suggest a predominant role for FGF2 versus VEGF-A in controlling the angiogenic functions of equine ECs. Collectively, our novel data provide a sound basis for studying angiogenic processes in the horse and lay the foundations for comparative studies of EC biology in horses versus humans.

Although Eulerian approaches are standard in computational acoustics, they are less effective for certain classes of problems like bubble acoustics and combustion noise. A different approach for solving acoustic problems is to compute with individual particles following particle motion. In this paper, a Lagrangian approach to model sound propagation in moving fluid is presented and implemented numerically, using three meshfree methods to solve the Lagrangian acoustic perturbation equations (LAPE) in the time domain. The LAPE split the fluid dynamic equations into a set of hydrodynamic equations for the motion of fluid particles and perturbation equations for the acoustic quantities corresponding to each fluid particle. Then, three meshfree methods, the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method, the corrective smoothed particle (CSP) method, and the generalized finite difference (GFD) method, are introduced to solve the LAPE and the linearized LAPE (LLAPE). The SPH and CSP methods are widely used meshfree methods, while the GFD method based on the Taylor series expansion can be easily extended to higher orders. Applications to modeling sound propagation in steady or unsteady fluids in motion are outlined, treating a number of different cases in one and two space dimensions. A comparison of the LAPE and the LLAPE using the three meshfree methods is also presented. The Lagrangian approach shows good agreement with exact solutions. The comparison indicates that the CSP and GFD method exhibit convergence in cases with different background flow. The GFD method is more accurate, while the CSP method can handle higher Courant numbers.

Expressive clinical terminologies are of utmost importance for achieving an semantically interoperable data exchange and reuse in healthcare. SNOMED CT, widely respected as the most comprehensive terminology in medicine, provides formal concept definitions based on description logic which not only allows for advanced querying of SNOMED CT-coded data but also for flexibly augmenting its 350,000 concepts. This ability for postcoordination largely increases the expressivity of the terminology but correlates with an intrinsic complexity. Complicated by the current lack of tooling support, postcoordination is widely either ignored or applied in an error-prone way. To help facilitate the adoption of postcoordination, we implemented a web application that guides through the creation of Postcoordinated expressions (PCEs) while ensuring the adherence to syntactic and semantic constraints. Our approach was largely facilitated by making use of the extensive SNOMED CT specifications as well as advanced HL7 FHIR Terminology Services. Qualitative evaluations confirmed the usability of the developed application and the correctness of PCEs created with it.

The performance of the presurgical test (preSurg) for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was evaluated via video-electroencephalography (VEEG), electroencephalography (EEG), 99mTc-HmPAO single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) and 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a group of 112 men (37.0 ± 1.1 years) and 106 women (39.7 ± 1.1 years) operated on for TLE. The epileptic zone (EZ) was adequately identified to determine whether the patient reached an Engel I grade (EI) at least one year postop. Accuracy was evaluated by the coefficient α, ranging from 3 (when result = EZ) to 2 (result in the same hemisphere as the EZ), 1 (noninformative result) or 0 (EZ in the contralateral hemisphere). The simplicity of diagnosis was defined as the number of preSurg surgeries needed to identify the EZ. EI was obtained in 85.8% of patients even though 42.2% of patients had noninformative MRI results. For preSurg α was (mean ± SEM) = VEEG (2.83 ± 0.04) > MRI (2.14 ± 0.08) > EEG (1.87 ± 0.09) > SPECT (1.71 ± 0.09). The accuracy (combination of sensitivity and specificity) was calculated as follows: VEEG (0.797) > MRI (0.518) > EEG (0.446) > SPECT (0.360). The likelihood positive ratio was greater, and the likelihood negative ratio was lower for VEEG. The most relevant factor for the regression model was VEEG (3.106) > MRI (2.558) > EEG (1.905), and the factors were not significantly related to SPECT. EZs in EI patients with low simplicity were identified mainly by VEEG. A very good postoperative outcome can be obtained even in TLE patients with no lesions on MRI. The VEEG is the most reliable preSurg test and may be the only reliable test for patients with very low simplicity (i.e., difficult).single paragraph of about 200 words maximum. For research articles, abstracts should give a pertinent overview of the work. We strongly encourage authors to use the following style of structured abstracts, but without headings: (1) Background: Place the question addressed in a broad context and highlight the purpose of the study; (2) Methods: briefly describe the main methods or treatments applied; (3) Results: summarize the article’s main findings; (4) Conclusions: indicate the main conclusions or interpretations. The abstract should be an objective representation of the article and it must not contain results that are not presented and substantiated in the main text and should not exaggerate the main conclusions.

Development encompasses processes that occur at multiple length-scales, includ- ing gene regulatory interactions, cell movements and reorganisation, cell signalling and growth. It is essential that the timing of events in all of these different processes are coordinated to generate well patterned tissues and organs. However, how the timing of intrinsic cell state changes is coordinated with events at the multi-tissue and whole organism level is unknown. Here, we argue that an important mechanism which accounts for integration of timing across levels of organisation is provided by tissue tectonics: i.e. how morphogenetic events driving tissue shape change result in the relative displacement of signalling and responding tissues and coordinate devel- opmental timing across scales. In doing so, tissue tectonics provides a mechanism by which the cell specification events intrinsic to cells can be modulated by the temporal exposure to extracellular signals. This exposure is in turn regulated by higher-order properties of the embryo such as their physical properties, rates of growth and the combination of dynamic cell behaviours impacting tissue morphogenesis. Tissue tec- tonics creates a downward flow of information from higher to lower levels of biological organisation, providing an instance of downward causation in development.

During the last years there has been a high interest in the development of new purely-organic single-component conductors. Very recently, we have reported a new neutral radical conductor based on the perchlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) radical moiety linked to a monopyrrolo-tetrathiafulvalene (MPTTF) unit by a -conjugated bridge (1). Interestingly, this system behaves as a semiconductor with high conductivity and small energy gap under high pressure. With the aim of developing a new material with improved conducting properties, we have designed and synthesized the radical dyad 2 which was functionalized with an ethylenedithio (EDT) group in order to improve the intermolecular interactions of the TTF subunits. The physical properties of the new radical dyad 2 were studied in detail in solution to further analyze its electronic structure as well as its potential use as radical conductor in the solid state.

On 19 September 2021, La Palma volcano (Canarias Archipelagos) started an eruption that persisted until 13 December 2021. Despite the Volcano Explosive Index (VEI) being estimated equal to 3, corresponding to not so powerful eruption, the long eruption activity posed much scientific in-terest in this natural hazard event. In this paper, we searched for possible effects of this eruption on the atmosphere and ionosphere, investigating the climatological archive and Swarm magnetic satellite data. In particular, we explored Aerosol, Sulphur Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide con-centrations in the atmosphere identifying both the direct emissions from the volcano as well as the plume that drifted toward West-South-West and was reinforced during the eruption period. The vertical profile of temperature from the Saber satellite was analysed to search for the possible presence of acoustic gravity waves induced by volcanic activity. Compared with the year before without eruption in the areas, a lot of Saber profiles present an Energy Potential very much higher than the previous year, proposing the presence of Acoustic Gravity Waves (AGW) induced by volcano eruption activity. We also identified Swarm magnetic disturbances on the day of the eruption and in November. The mechanism of coupling could be different for the latter one, as there is no evidence for AGW. They may be due to a more complex of physical and chemical al-terations that propagate from the lower atmosphere to the upper one into the ionosphere.

The term dehumanisation refers to the ways in which a person is perceived to be less than human or treated as if they are less than human. It involves treating a person as if they are a child or infant, like an animal or non-living object, or as if they are dead, or any other way in which someone fails to be treated like a human being with an adult identity. Dehumanisation is widespread in dementia care; it is a major obstacle to person-centred care and has poor outcomes for people with dementia. This article proposes a new model of dehumanisation. The New Model presents a new way of describing dehumanisation that has been synthesised from current understanding about the phenomenon and reflects what is presently known about the subject. The model aims to summarise existing theories and models of dehumanisation and make dehumanisation theory accessible to students and trainees in healthcare. This article describes the new model, discusses existing models and theories in the literature, and explores the potential role of the new model in solutions for reducing dehumanisation in dementia care.

Human non-conscious reasoning is one of the most successful procedures developed to solve everyday problems in an efficient way. This is why the field of artificial intelligence should analyze, formalize and emulate the multiple ways of non-conscious reasoning with the purpose of applying them in knowledge based systems, neurocomputers and similar devices for aiding people in the problem-solving process. In this paper, a framework for those non-conscious ways of reasoning is presented based on object-oriented representations, fuzzy sets and multivalued logic.

Sport has the potential to support psychosocial development in young people. However, extant studies have tended to evaluate purpose-built interventions, leaving regular organised sport relatively overlooked. Moreover, previous work has tended to concentrated on a narrow range of outcomes. To address these gaps, we conducted a season-long ethnography of a youth performance sport club based on a novel Realist Evaluation approach [1]. We construed the club as a social intervention within a complex system of agents and structures. In this - Part 1 - account we detail the perceptions of former and current club parents, players and coaches, using them to build a set of programme theories. The resulting network of outcomes (i.e. self, emotional, social, moral and cognitive) and generative mechanisms (i.e., the attention factory, the greenhouse for growth, the personal boost, and the real-life simulator) spanning across multiple contextual layers provides a nuanced understanding of stakeholders’ views and experiences. This textured perspective of the multi-faceted process of development provides new insights for administrators, coaches and parents to maximise the developmental properties of youth sport, and signposts new avenues for research in this area.

The complex color patterns on the wings and body of Drosophila guttifera (D. guttifera) are emerging as model systems for studying evolutionary and developmental processes. Studies regarding these processes depend on overexpression and down-regulation of developmental genes, which ultimately rely upon an effective transgenic system. Methods describing transgenesis in Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) have been extensively reported in several studies. However, these methods cannot be directly applied to D. guttifera due to the low egg production rate and very delicate embryos’ pre-injection treatment requirements. In this protocol, we describe extensively a comprehensive method used for generating transgenic D. guttifera. Using the protocol described here, we are able to establish transgenic lines, identifiable by the expression of Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP) in the eye disks of D. guttifera larvae. The entire procedure, from injection to screening for transgenic larvae, can be completed in approximately 30 days and should be relatively easy to adapt to other non-model Drosophila species, for which no white-eyed mutants exist.

This paper addresses the parameter identification of a one-link flexible manipulator based on the experimental measurement of the inputs/outputs, the finite element model, and the application of evolutionary algorithms. A novel approach is proposed to find the values of inertia, stiffness, and damping parameters by minimizing the difference between the numerical model’s outputs and the testbed’s outputs, considering the joint position and acceleration of the link’s tip. The dynamic model is initially obtained using the finite element method and the Lagrange principle. A prototype of a single one-link flexible manipulator is used in the experimental application wherein the servomotor applies the input torque, and the outputs are the joint angle and the link’s tip acceleration. Then, an optimization problem minimizes the difference between numerical and experimental outputs to determine the set of parameters using evolutionary algorithms. A comparative analysis to obtain the identified parameters is established using genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, and differential evolution. The proposed identification approach permitted the determination of the dynamic parameters based on the complete dynamic model of the flexible-link manipulator, which is different from the approaches reported in the literature that identify a simplified model. This information is essential for the design of the motion and vibration control laws.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive primary brain tumor. GBM is formed by a very heterogeneous astrocyte population, neurons, neovascularization and infiltrating myeloid cells (microglia and monocyte derived macrophages). The IQGAP1 scaffold protein interacts with components of the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion molecules, and several signaling molecules to regulate cell morphology and motility, cell cycle and other cellular functions. IQGAP1 overexpression and delocalization has been observed in several tumors, suggesting a role for this protein in cell proliferation, transformation and invasion. IQGAP1 has been identified as a marker of amplifying cancer cells in GBMs. To determine the involvement of IQGAP1 in the onco-biology of GBM, we performed immunohistochemical confocal microscopic analysis of the IQGAP1 protein in human GBM tissue samples using cell type-specific markers. IQGAP1 immunostaining and subcellular localization was heterogeneous; the protein was located in the plasma membrane and, at variable levels, in nucleus and/or cytosol. Moreover, IQGAP1 positive staining was found in podosome/invadopodia-like structures. IQGAP1⁺ staining was observed in neurons (Map2⁺ cells), in cancer stem cells (CSC; nestin⁺) and in several macrophages (CD31⁺ or Iba1⁺). Our results indicate that the IQGAP1 protein is involved in normal cell physiology as well as oncologic processes.

Bacterial endophytes (120) were isolated from six halophytes (Distichlis spicata, Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis obtusiflora, Suaeda torreyana, Kochia scoparia, and Baccharis salicifolia). These halophiles were molecularly identified and characterized with or without NaCl conditions. Characterization was based on tests such as indole acetic acid (IAA), exopolysaccharides (EPS), and siderophores (SID) production; solubilization of phosphate (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn); mineralization of phytate; enzymatic activity (acid and alkaline phosphatase, phytases, xylanases, and chitinases) and mineralization/solubilization mechanisms involved (organic acids and sugars). Eleven halophiles (tolerated NaCl 2.5 M) were identified as Oceanobacillus sp. (1), Bacillus sp. (2), Nesterenkonia sp. (3), Bacillus velezensis (4), Halobacillus sp. (5), Oceanobacillus sp. (6), B. velezensis (7) Halomonas sp. (8), B. pumilus (9), Pseudomonas sp. (10) and Oceanobacillus sp. (11). Biochemical responses of nutrient solubilization and enzymatic activity varied between bacteria and the presence of NaCl. Organic acids were involved in P-mineralization and nutrient solubilization. Tartaric acid was common in the solubilization of P, Zn, and K. Maleic and vanillic acid were only detected in Zn and K solubilization, respectively. Moreover, sugars appeared to be involved in the solubilization of nutrients; fructose was detected in solubilization tests. Therefore, these bacteria should be tested as a consortium to mitigate saline stress in glycophytes under a global climate change scheme that threatens to exacerbate soil salinity.

This study advances the field of infectious disease forecasting by introducing a novel approach to micro-level contact modeling, leveraging human movement patterns to generate realistic temporal dynamic networks. Through the incorporation of human mobility models and parameter tuning, this research presents an innovative method for simulating micro-level encounters that closely mirror infection dynamics within confined spaces. Central to our methodology is the application of Bayesian optimization for parameter selection, which refines our models to emulate both the properties of real-world infection curves and the characteristics of network properties. By focusing on the distinct aspects of infection propagation within confined spaces, our approach significantly improves the realism of temporal-dynamic contact networks, offering a powerful tool for assessing the impact of specific locations on pandemic dynamics. The resulting models shed light on the role of spatial encounters in disease spread and strengthen the capability to forecast and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. This work not only contributes to the scientific understanding of micro-level transmission patterns but also offers practical insights for public health strategies and digital contact tracing efforts, aiming at more effective intervention and containment measures during pandemics.

In this paper, we study the asymptotic behavior of the sequential empirical process and the sequential empirical copula process, both constructed from residuals of multivariate stochastic volatility models. Applications for the detection of structural changes and specification tests of the distribution of innovations are discussed. It is also shown that if the stochastic volatility matrices are diagonal, which is the case if the univariate time series are estimated separately instead of being jointly estimated, then the empirical copula process behaves as if the innovations were observed; a remarkable property. As a by-product, one also obtains the asymptotic behavior of rank-based measures of dependence applied to residuals of these time series models.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and pathogenesis are linked to the disruption of neurogenesis, congenital Zika syndrome and microcephaly by affecting neural progenitor cells. Nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) is the largest product encoded by ZIKV-RNA and is important for replication and immune evasion. Here, we studied the potential effects of NS5 on microtubules (MTs) and autophagy flux, together with the interplay of NS5 with histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). Fluorescence microscopy, biochemical cell-fractionation combined with the use of HDAC6 mutants, chemical inhibitors and RNA interference indicated that NS5 accumulates in nuclear structures and strongly promotes the acetylation of MTs that aberrantly reorganize in nested-like structures. Similarly, NS5 accumulates the p62 protein, an autophagic-flux marker. Therefore, NS5 alters events that are under the control of the autophagic tubulin-deacetylase HDAC6. HDAC6 appears to degrade NS5 by autophagy in a deacetylase- and BUZ domain-dependent manner and to control the cytoplasmic expression of NS5. Moreover, NS5 inhibits RNA-mediated RIG-I interferon (IFN) production, resulting in greater activity when autophagy is inhibited (i.e., effect correlated with NS5 stability). Therefore, it is conceivable that NS5 contributes to cell toxicity and pathogenesis, evading the IFN-immune response by overcoming HDAC6 functions. HDAC6 has emerged as an anti-ZIKV factor by targeting NS5.

The experiences gathered during the past 30 years support the operational use of irrigation scheduling based on frequent multi-spectral image data. Currently, the operational use of dense time series of multispectral imagery at high spatial resolution makes monitoring of crop biophysical parameters feasible, capturing crop water use across the growing season, with suitable temporal and spatial resolutions. These achievements, and the availability of accurate forecasting of meteorological data, allow for precise predictions of crop water requirements with unprecedented spatial resolution. This information is greatly appreciated by the end users, i.e. professional farmers or decision-makers, and can be provided in an easy-to-use manner and in near-real-time by using the improvements achieved in web-GIS methodologies. This paper reviews the most operational and explored methods based on optical remote sensing for the assessment of crop water requirements, identifying strengths and weaknesses and proposing alternatives to advance towards full operational application of this methodology. In addition, we provide a general overview of the tools which facilitates co-creation and collaboration with stakeholders, paying special attention to these approaches based on web-GIS tools.

The process of establishing secure communication between devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) can be approached by using a One-time-Pad (OTP) protocol. We propose using a known secure multiparty sum protocol for generating a One-time-Pad key using true (physical) random numbers in each device (party). We implemented the proposal using ZeroC-Ice, a middleware for distributed computing. The protocol security properties were analyzed under the assumptions of the Dolev-Yao threat model.

Part 1 of this 2-paper series identified a wide and deep network of context, generative mechanisms and outcomes responsible for psychosocial development in a performance basketball club. In this – part 2 – study, the stakeholder’s programme theories were tested during a full-season ethnography of the same club. The findings confirm the highly individualised nature of each young person’s journey. Methodologically, immersion in the day-to-day environment generated a fine-grain analysis of the processes involved, including: i) sustained attentional focus; ii) structured and unstructured skill building activities; iii) deliberate and incidental support; and iv) feelings indicating personal growth. Personal development in and through sport is thus shown to be conditional, multi-faceted, time-sensitive and idiosyncratic. The findings of this two-part study are considered to propose a model of psychosocial development in and through sport. This heuristic tool is presented to support sport psychologists, coaches, club administrators and parents to deliberately create and optimise developmental environments.

Neurological disorders are the leading cause of cognitive and physical disability worldwide, affecting 15% of the global population. Due to the demographics of aging, the prevalence of neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, will double over the next two decades. Unfortunately, while available therapies provide symptomatic relief for cognitive and motor impairment, there is an urgent unmet need to develop disease-modifying therapies that slow the rate of pathological progression. In that context, biomarkers could identify at-risk and prodromal patients, monitor disease progression, track response to therapy, and parse causality of molecular events to identify novel targets for further clinical investigation. Thus, identifying biomarkers that discriminate between diseases and reflect specific stages of pathology would catalyze the discovery and development of therapeutic targets. This review will describe the prevalence, known mechanisms, ongoing or recently concluded therapeutic clinical trials, and biomarkers of three of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Antler is the fastest growing tissue. Because is based on proto-oncogenes, to avoid the risk of cancer, antlers evolved strong anticancer mechanisms, and thus its extract (DVA) is effective also against the few human tumours studied so far. We assessed whether DVA is a general anticancer compound testing direct effects in cells of different tumours: glioblastoma (GBM), colorectal and breast cancer, and leukaemia. DVA reduced viability of tumour but not healthy cells. Mobility decreased at least at the longest test (72 h). Intraperitoneal/oral 200 mg DVA/kg administration in GBM xenograft mice for 28 d reduced tumour weight 66.3% and 61.4% respectively, and also spleen weight. In addition, tumours treated with DVA showed symptoms of liquefactive necrosis. Serum cytokines showed DVA up-regulated factors related with tumour fighting and down-regulated those related with inducing immune tolerance to the tumour. DVA shows general anticancer effects in the lines tested and, in GBM mice, also strong indirect effects apparently mediated by the immune system.

Deep learning machines are computational models composed of multiple processing layers of adaptive weights to learn representations of data with multiple levels of abstraction. Their structure is mainly reflecting the intuitive plausibility of decomposing a problem into multiple levels of computation and representation since it is believed that higher layers of representation allow a system to learn complex functions. Surprisingly, after decades of research, from learning and design perspectives these models are still deployed in a heuristic manner. In this paper, deep learning feed-forward machines are modeled from a statistical mechanics point of view as disordered physical systems where its macroscopic behavior is determined in terms of the interactions defined between the basic constituent of these models, namely, the artificial neuron. They are viewed as the equilibrium states of a theoretical body that is subject to the law of increase of the entropy. The study of the changes in energy of the body when passing from one equilibrium state to another is used to understand the structure and role of the phase space of the system, the stability of the equilibrium states, and the resulting degree of disorder. It is shown that the topology of these models is strongly linked to their stability and resulting level of disorder. Furthermore, the proposed theoretical characterization permit to assess the thermodynamic efficiency with which information can be processed by these models, and to provide a practical methodology to quantitatively estimate and compare their expected learning and generalization capabilities. These theoretical results provides new insights to the theory of deep learning and their implications are shown to be consistent through a set of benchmarks designed to experimentally assess their validity.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in males in America, with advanced prostate cancers exhibiting a 5-year survival rate of only 32%. Castration-resistance is often developed during the course of treatment, though its influences require further understanding. This study explores the human microbiome for its implications in castration-resistance and metastasis in prostate cancer. RNA sequencing data was downloaded for bone and soft tissue biopsies of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. These sequences were mapped to bacterial sequences to yield species-level abundance approximations. Numerous species were found to correlate to the expression of known markers of castration-resistance, including AR, PI3K, and AKT. Castration-resistance-associated signaling pathways were also enriched with these species, including PI3K-AKT signaling and endocrine resistance. For their implications in cancer aggression and metastasis, cancer stem cell markers were further explored for relation to these species. EGFR and SLC3A2 were widely downregulated with greater abundance of most species. Our results suggest that the microbiome is heavily associated with castration-resistance and stemness in prostate cancer. By considering the microbiome’s importance in these factors, we may better understand the highly aggressive and highly invasive nature of prostate cancer, allowing for needed improvement in the treatment of this disease.

The aim of this study is to analyse the names given to streets, monuments, spots of interest, et cetera in a street guide of an imaginary city called The Manada, whose map is constructed as a painting. For this analysis, we start from the 257 entries of the Street Guide, select their possible antecedents in literature and contextualize this street guide with respect to these antecedents. Our methodology is focused on two specific aspects of the Street guide: (1) to detect the semantic fields that emerge (with a methodology inverse to the creative one, that is, asking ourselves what key questions would result in the names of the streets) and (2) to detect the literary devices that are put into practice in the names of the places on the map, in order to determine how the relationship with the viewer-reader is established from a connotative level. The main findings of this study demonstrate that this is a unique piece, a new format both pictorial and literary, and that it has transcendence in the theme it deals with: the concealment of systemic violence. Comments about feminism, apotropaic devices and surrealism end our text.

The application of space robotic manipulators and heightened autonomy for ios represents a paramount pursuit for leading space agencies, given the substantial threat posed by space debris to operational satellites and forthcoming space endeavors. This work presents a guidance algorithm based on drl to solve for the space manipulator path-planning during the motion synchronization phase with the mission target. The goal is the trajectory generation and control of a spacecraft equipped with a 7-dof robotic manipulator, such that its end effector remains stationary with respect to the target point of capture. The ppo drl algorithm is used to optimize the manipulator’s guidance law, and the autonomous agent generates the desired joints rates of the robotic arm, which are then integrated and passed to a model-based feedback linearization controller. The agent is first trained to optimize its guidance policy and then tested extensively to validate the results against a simulated environment representing the motion synchronization scenario of an ios mission.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 12% of the global population posing a significant health threat. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the uremic phenotype of CKD contributing to elevated cardiovascular and overall mortality in affected individuals. This study aimed to explore novel metabolic pathways in non-dialysis dependent stage 5 CKD patients using semitargeted metabolomics. In a prospective observational design involving 50 patients, blood samples collected before the initial hemodialysis session underwent liquid chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometer analysis. Univariate (Mann-Whitney test) and multivariate (logistic regression with LASSO regularization) methods identified metabolomic variables associated with inflammation. Notably, adenosine-5’-phosphosulfate (APS), dimethylglycine, pyruvate, lactate, and 2-ketobutyric acid exhibited significant differences in the presence of inflammation. Cholic acid, homogentisic acid, and 2-phenylpropionic acid displayed opposing patterns. Multivariate analysis indicated increased inflammation risk with certain metabolites (N-Butyrylglycine, dimethylglycine, 2-Oxoisopentanoic acid, and pyruvate), while others (homogentisic acid, 2-Phenylpropionic acid, and 2-Methylglutaric acid) suggested decreased probability. These findings unveil potential inflammation-associated biomarkers related to defective mitochondrial fatty acid beta oxidation and branched-chain amino acid breakdown in CKD, shedding light on cellular energy production and offering insights for further clinical validation.

The involvement of NK and other cytotoxic cells is considered the first defense' line against cancer. However, a significant lack of information prevails on the possible roles played by factors considered characteristic of primitive cells, such as c-kit and Sca-1, in activating these cells, particularly in melanoma models subjected to treatments with substances under investigation, such as the case of norcantharidin. In this study, B16F1 murine melanoma cells were used to induce tumors in DBA/2 mice, estimating the proportions of NK and iNKT cells, the presence of activation (CD107a+) and primitive/activation (c-kit+/Lya6A+) markers, some tumor parameters, such as the presence of mitotic bodies, nuclear factor area, NK and iNKT cell infiltration in the tumor, infiltrated tumor area, and infiltrating lymphocyte count at 10x and 40x in specimens treated with pentoxifylline, norcantharidin and the combination of both drugs. Possible correlations were estimated with Pearson's correlation analysis. Despite having demonstrated multiple correlations, it should be noted that immaturity/activation markers were related to these cells' activation. At the tumor site, iNKT cells are the ones that exert the cytotoxic potential on tumor cells, but they are confined to specific sites in the tumor. Due to the higher number of interactions of natural killer cells with tumor cells, it is concluded that the most effective treatment was PTX at 60 mg/kg + NCTD at 0.75 mg/kg.

The La Oroya metallurgical complex reveals a process of structural or power pathology, where economic and environmental social policies lead to a citizenry without systemic freedom, characterized by environmental contamination (PAMA executed on average 67%, some processes with 0%) and sanitary (plumbosis 8.39 to 10.28 μg / dL), the economic dependence of this industry is also observed, which caused the weakening of the communities to maintain autonomy over their own destinies.The Doe Run Peru, operated the metallurgical complex, creating added value to the extractive-export chain of mineral concentrate, but also took advantage of the legal loopholes, the little coordination between the State institutions and the little authority of the supervisory institutions to get the most out of it, complying with the law in some cases, but without moral quality in some others, such as health in the oroinos.Government institutions must have strong links that provide a normative framework with prospects with sustainable development, where the beneficiary is society and not only certain interest groups. The economic benefits of the metallurgical complex operation are multiple, which begin with labor, the purchase and sale of materials and services, the collection of taxes and energy.

A new trend in cow's milk has emerged in the market called type A1 and A2 milk. These products have piqued the interest of both consumers and researchers. Recent studies suggest that A2 milk may have potential health benefits, which is why researchers are investigating this product further. It is interesting to note that the A1 and A2 milk types have area-specific characteristics compared to breed-specific characteristics. Extensive research has focused on milk derivatives obtained from cow’s milk, primarily through in vitro and animal studies. However, few clinical studies have been conducted in humans, and the results have been unsatisfactory. New molecular techniques for identifying A1 and A2 milk may help researchers to develop new studies that can clarify certain controversies surrounding A1 milk. It is essential to exercise extreme caution when interpreting the updated literature. It has the potential to spread panic worldwide and have negative economic implications. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the new aspects of A1 and A2 milk in different research areas and clarify some aspects regarding these two types of milk.

African swine fever (ASF) is a notifiable viral disease of domestic and wild suids. Despite intensive re-search efforts, the pathogenesis of the disease is still far from being understood. Analysis of biomarkers in different body fluids may supplement traditional pathogenesis studies. As reliable protocols are often es-tablished in laboratories with lower biosafety, reliable inactivation of samples is crucial. The objective of this study was to find a procedure that inactivates the virus while preserving the biomarkers for down-stream analyses. To this means, three different inactivation protocols were employed, namely Tergitol-type NP-40 (NP-40) and polyoxyethylene-p-t-octylphenol (Triton X-100), respectively, and one with 95 °C heating. It could be demonstrated that all samples treated with 0.5% (v/v) concentration of both deter-gents showed absence of virus infectivity. The same was true for heated samples. However, heated serum was not suitable for analyses. Next, the treatment impact on biomarker readouts was assessed. While all protocols had an impact on the detection of biomarkers, correlation was retained. Especially NP-40 could be the desired detergent for more accurate measurements while achieving efficient virus inactivation. Based on these studies, samples can be reliably inactivated for most biomarker analyses and thus broader interdisciplinary cooperation is possible.

Our goal was to determine the cellular immune response (CIR) among a random sample of the Borriana COVID-19 cohort (Spain) to identify its associated factors and their relationship with infection, reinfection and sequelae. We conducted a nested case-control study using a randomly selected sample of 225 individuals age 18 and older, including 36 individual naïve to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 189 infected patients. We employed flow cytometry-based immunoassays for intracellular cytokine staining, utilizing Wuhan and BA.2 antigens and chemoluminescence microparticle immunoassay for detection SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Logistic regression models were used. A total of 215 (95.6%) participants exhibited T-cell response (TCR) to at least one antigen. Positive responses of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were 89.8% and 85.3% respectively. No difference in CIR was found for naïve and infected patients. Patients who experienced sequelae exhibited higher CIR than those without. A positive correlation was observed between TCR and Anti-Spike IgG levels. Factors positive associated with TCR included A-blood group, number of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses received, and Anti-N IgM; factors inversely related were the time elapsed since the last vaccine dose or infection, and B-blood group. These findings contribute valuable insights into the nuance immune landscape shaped by SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination.

Background: In antibiotic naïve populations, there is a strong association between the use of an antimicrobial and resistance to this antimicrobial. Less evidence is available as to whether this relationship is weakened in populations highly exposed to antimicrobials. Individuals taking HIV PrEP have a high intake of antimicrobials. We previously found that there was no difference in the prevalence of pheno- and genotypic antimicrobial resistance between two groups of PrEP clients who had, and had not, taken antimicrobials in the prior 6-months. Both groups did, however, have a higher prevalence of resistance than a sample of the general population. Methods: In the current study, we used zero-inflated negative binomial regression models to evaluate if there was an individual level association between the consumption of antimicrobials and 1. the minimum inhibitory susceptibilities of oral Neisseria subflava and 2. the abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes in the oropharynges of these individuals. Results: We found no evidence of an association between the consumption of antimicrobials and the minimum inhibitory susceptibilities of oral Neisseria subflava or the abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes in these individuals. Conclusions: We conclude that in high antimicrobial consumption populations, the association between antimicrobial consumption and resistance may be attenuated.

Infusions of Camellia sinensis leaves have been known for their health benefits. The ABC method is a method of enriching organic infusion leaves (from Camellia. sinensis) with organic dry and concentrated extracts using organic acacia gum and its application to white tea has provided Qi cha tea®. In the present study, we assessed the content of tea polyphenols and caffeine, and biochemical properties of Qi cha tea® and its botanical constituents. Antioxidant and cell viability activities were determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay and MTT assay in Caco-2 and human HCT-116 cell lines, respectively. The caffeine, catechin, epicatechin composition of Qi cha tea® was modified with less caffeine and gallic acid and more EGCG than the original white tea. The majority of the tested botanical samples including Qi cha tea® at 50 µg/mL showed similar antioxidant activities, with the exception of Echinacea. The greatest effect was found for white tea. The antioxidant power of the Qi cha tea® (90% at 50 µg/mL for pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) was divided by approximately a factor of 2 (61% at 50 µg/mL for pressurized liquid extraction products (PLEP)) which corresponds to the 48.3 % (mass/mass) white tea original content in the Qi cha tea®. Qi cha tea® showed the lowest activity in the viability of the two cell lines. The application of the ABC (Bio Concentrate Assets®) method to Qi cha tea® using various botanicals and dry extract with the acacia gum as blinder has allowed the development a new innovative functional health beverages which comply with European health claims.

This article focuses on the economic dimensions of maternal health, highlighting the benefits of investing in maternal healthcare and the policy implications for sustainable development. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the article explores the economic impact of maternal health, including its effects on human capital, productivity, and healthcare costs. It emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants such as access to healthcare services, education, employment, income, and geographical disparities. By prioritizing maternal health, societies can unlock the economic potential of women, promote inclusive growth, and reduce gender disparities. The article discusses policy interventions, including the importance of healthcare infrastructure, financial support for maternal healthcare, and promoting gender equality. It also emphasizes the need for future research to quantify the economic benefits and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different interventions. Overall, the article underscores the economic imperative of investing in maternal health and provides valuable insights for policymakers and researchers seeking to enhance maternal health outcomes and promote sustainable economic development.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be linked to various factors that narrow the upper airways, such as obesity, adenotonsillar hypertrophy and craniofacial abnormalities. Hypothyroidism has also been described as a risk factor for OSA. However, the implication of goiter independently of thyroid function in the occurrence of OSA remains unclear. We present the case of a 66-year-old patient, with a large compressive multinodular goiter for whom total thyroidectomy was indicated. During the preoperative assessment, the patient showed a body mass index (BMI) of 37.8 kg/m2 with symptoms of OSA. Respiratory polygraphy confirmed the diagnosis of severe OSA (apnea hypopnea index: AHI=32) and treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was initiated prior to thyroid surgery. Surprisingly, after total thyroidectomy, OSA symptoms disappeared and the patient abandoned CPAP therapy. Subsequent respiratory polygraphy after thyroidectomy showed a decrease in AHI to a normal value (AHI < 5). Interestingly, there was no change in BMI or other factors explaining the resolution of OSA, except for thyroidectomy. This case report suggests that goiter can be considered a risk factor for OSA. However, prospective studies are needed to accurately assess the effects of goiter on occurrence of OSA according to its dimensions and local extension.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis are two chronic diseases that are interconnected. The coexistence of these conditions leads to increased severity of periodontitis and challenges in controlling blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate both the influence of periodontal disease and its treatment in patients with DM in terms of a reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin levels at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Methods: A sequential, nonprobabilistic, controlled, prospective and longitudinal case−control study was carried out at the University Dental Clinic of the Morales Meseguer Hospital in Murcia, Spain. Thirty diabetic patients were divided into two groups: patients with periodontitis (test group) and patients without periodontitis (control group). The periodontal and endocrine-metabolic variables were measured at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after periodontal treatment for both groups. Results: Statistically significant differences were found at 3 and 6 months after periodontal treatment with respect to HbA1c levels in the group of periodontal patients. However, these differences were not observed in the control group. Conclusion: The presence of periodontal disease increased HbA1c levels in patients with DM. Nonsurgical periodontal treatment significantly decreased the degree of periodontal inflammation and the HbA1c level at 3 and 6 months after treatment.

This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization and study of a new perovskite-type materials as cathode in SOFC. The synthesized doped perovskites have been successfully synthesized with high purity. The electrochemical performance of these materials was extensively examined through the characterization of I-V-P and EIS curves at the three temperatures: 750, 800 and 850 °C. Where it is revealing a substantial reduction of total resistances by approximately 50% and 70%, accom-panied by an impressive increase in power densities by around 200% and 300%, respectively. The cell featuring Sm0.01Sr0.99Fe0.5Co0.5O3 exhibited the most commendable electrochemical properties at each temperature, following closely were Pr0.01Sr0.99Fe0.5Co0.5O3 and La0.01Sr0.99Fe0.5Co0.5O3.

It is important for researchers in material domain to reconstruct and visualize the microstructure of alloy, which helps discover morphologies and properties that can only be found in three dimensional and microscopic space. However, because of the limitation of state-of-the-art sensors, the internal microstructure of the material is not easy to obtain. In this paper, a novel automatic 3D reconstruction method is proposed using diffraction contrast tomography technology to capture the 3D microstructure of Al-La alloy. The pipeline of the proposed method starts from the imaging of Al-La alloy with the LabDCT technique from Carl Zeiss AG, which produces a sequence of 2D microstructure sections. Then, a segmentation algorithm based on superpixel and lifted multicut is proposed to extract the 2D microstructure in an image section. Finally, 2D segmentations are joined together to reconstruct and visulize the 3D microstructure. As a result, a novel morphology of Al-La alloy is recovered with both dendrite and lamellar morphologies. The proposed method has the advantage of the ability to losslessly recover the internal microstructure.

Quantifying different stocking rates effects in three study areas placed at Mediterranean forest (Cuenca, Spain) was conducted by applying a multiparametric soil quality index, SQI, developed in undisturbed forest soils (> 40 years). The main objective is to advance in the development and application of multiparametric indexes which allow for soil condition assessment. For it, is analyse the effectiveness of a multiparametric soil quality index (SQI) as an indicator livestock impacts on the soil in mediterranean forests. Control areas without stocking rates were compared in forest stands with different age (Thicket forest stand, < 30 years; High polewood forest stand, 30-60 years; Old growth forest stand, > 60 years); with various intensity grazing areas (permanent livestock passage: inactive sheepfold for 2-3 years, and active sheepfold; intermittent livestock passage: bare soil, pine stand, scrubland). The multiparametric soil quality index (SQI) applied sensitive to changes in forest ecosystems depending of different stocking rates. However, for even more preci-sion to assess cattle alteration, multiparameter index recalibrated, creating a new one; Soil Status Index by Livestock (SSIL). Correlation between quality ranges obtained with both indexes in dif-ferent study areas suggest that SSIL can be considered a livestock impact reference indicator in Mediterranean forest soils.

This study delves into the integration of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) within metaverses, probing its implications and potential. It elucidates DeFi protocols and the intricacies of metaverses before inspecting their intersection and the resulting economic prospects. The analysis further appraises inherent risks such as financial volatility, security, and regulatory issues. Case studies provide tangible insights into DeFi applications in metaverses. Future trajectories of DeFi in metaverses are projected, underlining the possible impact on the broader financial sector. This paper contributes to burgeoning research at the nexus of blockchain technology, finance, and virtual reality.

Virtual tours with 360 photos present a quick, easy and accessible way to create immersive experiences. The visualization in diverse devices, provide a user experience that can be different. A virtual tour with 360 photos of the Chapel of Dolores (Tenerife), has been created. Whose access is limited to specific days, so the creation of a virtual tour allows you to visit it at any time, in addition, a pilot test has been carried out with students of the degree of restoration and conservation of cultural heritage in order to measure the user experience of the virtual tour depending on the device used. The participants took a virtual tour of the Dolores Chapel, first with a cell phone and then with the virtual reality headset, and then completed a user experience questionnaire. The results obtained comparing both visualization technologies are detailed, highlighting that when using the virtual reality headset no better results are obtained in the immersion subscale, in addition, the visualization on a Smartphone is more comfortable and obtains better results in consequences such as dizziness and vertigo. Therefore, it may be an interesting strategy to have simple versions that work quickly on the cell phones.

Genomics has put prokaryotic rank-based taxonomy on a solid phylogenetic foundation. However, most taxonomic ranks were set long before the advent of DNA sequencing and genomics. In this concept paper, we thus ask the simple yet profound question: Should prokaryotic classification schemes besides the current phylum-to-species ranks be explored, developed, and incorporated into scientific discourse? Could such alternative schemes provide better solutions to the basic need of science and society for which taxonomy was developed, namely, precise and meaningful identification? A neutral genome-similarity based framework is then described that could allow alternative classification schemes to be explored, compared, and translated into each other without having to choose only one as the gold standard. Classification schemes could thus continue to evolve and be selected according to their benefits and based on how well they fulfill the need for prokaryotic identification.

In recent decades, a number of high-profile cases involving fraud as research misconduct have been in the media and resulted in severe consequences for those convicted. According to the increased cases of allegations and coverage in the media, this reflects a heightened awareness that fraudulent actions exist. Nonetheless, the Office of Research Integrity data suggests that despite the growth in the number of the cases of allegation there has not been a commensurate increase in findings of misconduct. The purpose of this paper is to explore misconduct to better understand what it entails. An analysis of misconduct from the perspective of the definitions of allegations and fraud of is conducted and potential frameworks for understanding both are considered. The paper considers serial-positioning effects of primacy and recency on allegation phenomena, as well as supervenience theory and contextualism as a lens for understanding fraud. Discussion of the relational semantics of the core aspects of fraud and de facto grouping of forms of misconduct. It is concluded that the interrogative pronouns of “what” and “when” could be used to categorize forms of misconduct laying the foundation for the next paper that deconstructs the definition of falsification according to the Public Health Service.

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences suggested the definition of science literacy emphasize how crucial understanding the scientific process and the ability to evaluate conflicting scientific evidence is. The purpose of this article is to present an evidence-supported curriculum covering the fundamentals of logic, reasoning, and argumentation skills to address the emphasized basic knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be scientifically literate, which will prepare the public to understand and engage with science meaningfully. An analytic-synthetic approach toward understanding the notion of public is taken using a theoretical biomimetics framework that identifies naturally occurring objects or phenomena that descriptively captures the essence of a construct to facilitate creative problem-solving. In the present case, the problem being solved is how to reconcile what is meant by public, how it ought to be interpreted, the different levels of confidence in science that exist, and various understandings of science all with one another. The results demonstrate there is an inherent denotative-connotative inconsistency in the traditional notion of public that can be explicated through the concept of a fractal allowing for comprehension of the relationship between public confidence in, and understanding of, science.

The will and intellect have been debated philosophically without resolution for centuries. It is for this reason that this article considers doctrines of the will and intellect of two 17^th-century rationalist philosophers, Rene Descartes, and Baruch Spinoza, both of whom were chosen as the focus for analysis because of their prominence and contrasting views. Our objective was to critique the doctrine of the will and intellect to develop an alternate theory that expounds on their previous work. A qualitative exploration was undertaken that compared their respective belief systems of Dualism and Monism. Despite the strengths of their arguments, an analysis of Part V of Spinoza’s Ethics and Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy by Descartes led the author to determine that both were partially correct in their positions yet consistent with one another. From this conclusion and building upon their work, this article presents the synthesis of the author’s alternate theory regarding the qualitative characteristics of both the will and intellect. An ontological argument against the existence of infinite entities as a corollary with the implication that neither the will, intellect, nor God can be infinite. While the limitation of the conclusions drawn is that they are dependent on the author’s philosophical framework, the originality of this paper is based on the author’s synthesis of one coherent theory from two philosophers espousing contrasting theistic systems and should serve as the foundation for future exploration and debate.

We present a cost- and time-efficient method for the controlled preparation of single phase La(IO3)3 nanoparticles via a simple soft-chemical route which takes a matter of hours, thereby providing an alternative to the common hydrothermal method which takes days. Nanoparticles of pure α-La(IO3)3 and pure δ-La(IO3)3 were synthesised via the new method depending on the source of iodate ions, thereby demonstrating the versatility of the synthesis route. The crystal structure, nanoparticle size-dispersal and chemical composition were characterised via angle- and energy-dispersive powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused more than 745,000 deaths worldwide. Vitamin D has been identified as a potential strategy to prevent or treat this disease. The purpose of the study was to measure vitamin D at hospital admission of COVID-19; Methods: We included critically ill patients with the polymerase chain reaction positive test for COVID-19, from March to April, 2020. Statistical significance was defined as P &lt; .05. All tests were 2-tailed; Results: A total of 35 patients (median age, 60 years; 26 [74.3%] male) were included. Vitamin D levels were categorized as deficient for 14 participants (40%). Vitamin D deficiency was associated with vitamin A (P= 0.003) and Zinc (P= 0.019) deficiency and lower levels of albumin (P= 0.026) and prealbumin (P= 0.009). Overall, none of the studied variables were associated with vitamin D status: mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) or hospital stay, necessity of vasoactive agents, intubation, prone position, C reactive protein (CRP), Dimer-D, Interleukin 6 levels (IL-6), ferritin levels, or bacterial superinfection; Conclusions: In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, deficient vitamin D status was found in 40% in COVID-19 critically ill patients. However, deficient vitamin D status was not associated with inflammation or outcome.

In municipal waterworks large amounts of waste in the form of sludge have to be discarded. This investigation focuses on the processing of ceramic floor tiles incorporated with a municipal waterworks sludge. Four floor tile formulations containing up to 10 wt. % of the municipal waterworks sludge in replacement of kaolin were prepared. The floor tile processing route consisted of dry powder granulation, uniaxial pressing, and firing between 1190 and 1250 °C using a fast-firing cycle (<60 min). The densification behavior and technological properties of the floor tile pieces as function of the sludge addition and firing temperature were determined. The development of the microstructure was followed by XRD and SEM/EDS. The results show that the replacement of kaolin with municipal waterworks sludge, in the range up to 10 wt. %, allows the production of ceramic floor tiles (group BIb and group BIIa, ISO 13006 Standard) at lower firing temperatures. These results suggest a new possibility for valorization of municipal waterworks sludge with many economical and environmental benefits.

The insurance sector has undergone a transformative shift with the emergence of Insurtech, integrating technological innovations into the industry. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of Insurtech on the insurance sector, focusing on the case study of Lemonade. By placing the study in the context of the broader insurance landscape, the review explores the significance and relevance of this transformation. The article analyzes Lemonade's unique business model and its departure from traditional insurance practices. Furthermore, it examines the implications of Lemonade's approach on the industry and the challenges it faces. Through this analysis, the review sheds light on how Insurtech and the transformation of the insurance sector are redefining insurance services and consumer experiences. The future implications of these trends for insurance companies, consumers, and the industry as a whole are also explored. In summary, this review provides valuable insights into the transformative power of Insurtech, emphasizing the importance of technological advancements and innovative approaches in shaping the future of the insurance sector.

Global climate change has induced a rise in sea surface temperature (SST), although this increase is not uniform across the world. Significant variations exist between coastal and offshore waters, particularly in regions affected by upwelling processes. This study focuses on the Canary Current Upwelling System (CCUS), stretching from Northwest Iberia to Northwest Africa. High-resolution remotely sensed SST data (0.05°) from the ODYSSEA Level 4 Sea Surface Temperature Reprocessed dataset were validated with in-situ measurements and employed to establish a regional climatological baseline for 1982 – 2012. Subsequent years were compared to this baseline to construct SST anomaly maps, revealing SST changes since 2012. The study area was further divided into sub-regions for comparative analysis. Results indicate that SST consistently increased at a higher rate offshore compared to the adjacent nearshore regions. A reference dataset spanning 1951 – 1981 was used to gauge SST variability between the two baselines. SST exhibited a 0.59°C increase from 1951 – 1981 to 1982 – 2012, with a slowing of SST trends beyond the 1982 – 2012 baseline. This research offers valuable insights into the climatological dynamics of the CCUS. These findings enhance our understanding of this critical coastal system's climatology, laying the groundwork for future investigations into evolving climate patterns in coastal regions.

Aging is associated with an increasing dysfunction of key brain homeostasis mechanisms and represents the main risk factor across most neurodegenerative disorders. However, the degree of dysregulation and the affectation of specific pathways set apart normal aging from neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, the neuronal metabolism of catecholaminergic neurotransmitters appears to be a specifically sensitive pathway that is affected in different neurodegenerations. In humans, catecholaminergic neurons are characterized by an age-related accumulation of neuromelanin (NM), rendering the soma of the neurons black. This intracellular NM appears to serve as a very efficient quencher for toxic molecules. However, when a neuron degenerates, NM is released together with its load (many undegraded cellular components, transition metals, lipids, antibiotics) contributing to initiate and worsen an eventual immune response, exacerbating the oxidative stress, ultimately leading to the neurodegenerative process. This review focuses on the analysis of the role of NM in normal aging and catecholaminergic metabolism due to its capability as a pro-oxidant and other harmful molecules, versus its involvement in oxidative stress and aberrant immune response, which it is highly dependent on NM saturation state and its extracellular release.

Abstract: The present work evaluates the feasibility of using volcanic fly ash (VFA), generated by the eruption of the Tajogaite volcano on the island of La Palma (Spain) in 2021, as a precursor in the preparation of cementitious materials with different Portland cement (PC) replacement levels (0%, 30%, 70% and 100%), in the absence (Blended Cement, BC) and presence of an alkaline ac-tivator (Hybrid Alkaline Cement, HAC, and Alkaline Cements, AC). Hydration kinetics (isother-mal conduction calorimetry), paste mechanical strengths and reaction products were character-ised by XRD, FTIR, TG/DTG and BSEM/EDX. The results obtained indicate that the strengths de-veloped by the hybrid alkaline cements (HAC) are higher than those of the blended cements (BC), especially at the age of 2 days, where 25 MPa was obtained with the replacement of 70% PC by VFA. Alkaline cements (AC, 100% VFA) prepared with 8M NaOH solution as activator reached 40 MPa after 2 days. It was observed that in all the binders, depending on the initial composition of the binder mixture and the percentage of replacement and/or activator, VFA reacts to form cementitious gels, C-A-S-H and N-A-S-H type, which supports its use as a mineral addition to blended cement or as a precursor in the preparation of alkaline and hybrid alkaline cements.

The 1,2,3-triazole derivative 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-2H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid with potential anticancer activity was used as a ligand in complex formation with the lan-thanum(III) ion. The molecular structure and vibrational spectra of the complex were optimized at three DFT levels and the scaled IR and Raman spectra were compared to the experimental ones. Several scaling procedures were used. Through a detailed analysis, the structure predicted for the newly synthetized La(III) complex was confirmed by the good accordance of the calculat-ed-experimental IR and Raman spectra. The best DFT method appears to be M06-2X with the Lanl2mb basis set, followed closely by Lanl2dz. The effect of the lanthanide atom on the molecular structure and atomic charge distribution of the triazole ring was evaluated. Potential free radical scavenging activity of both, ligand and complex, was investigated in several radical-generating model systems. Potential mechanisms of antioxidant action (hydrogen atom transfer – HAT and single electron transfer - SET) were elucidated.

The energy transfer process of laser selective melting is very complex. To study the effect of la-ser selective melting on the microstructure and properties of 18Ni-300 martensitic steel, ABAQUS was used to simulate the temperature of laser cladding 18Ni-300 martensitic steel at different time points and different laser power. The results show that the cross-section shape of the molten pool changes from round to oval With the increase of laser power, the higher the peak value of temperature time curve, the greater the temperature gradient; and the laser clad-ding experiment of 18Ni-300 martensitic steel was carried out, and the microstructure and me-chanical properties of the samples under different laser power were analyzed. The results show that with the increase of laser power, the grain size of the cladding layer becomes smaller and the microstructure becomes more compact; the hardness of the side surface of the sample is higher than that of the upper surface, and the tensile strength and elongation show a trend of first increasing and then decreasing.

Since the 1960s Rare earths (REs) applications gradually have expanded to everyday life. REs have great strategic importance in industrial and technological development, so it is expected an increase in their demand. Among the REs the European Commission considered Cerium and Lanthanum as critical raw materials. This research article studies the adsorption of Ce and La onto two carbon nanomaterials, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and carboxylic functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT_ox). The latter has slightly more affinity for REs than MWCNT. The recovery percentage for Ce were 89 and 98% and in the case of for La were 99 and 92% using 0.8 g of MWCNT and 0.2 g of MWCNT_ox respectively. The adsorption process fits a pseudo second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm best represented the metal uptake.

Any quantization maps linearly functions on a phase space to symmetric operators in a Hilbert space. Covariant integral quantization combines operator-valued measure with symmetry group of the phase space. Covariant means that the quantization map intertwines classical (geometric operation) and quantum (unitary transformations) symmetries. Integral means that we use all ressources of integral calculus, in order to implement the method when we apply it to singular functions, or distributions, for which the integral calculus is an essential ingredient. In this paper we emphasize the deep connection between Fourier transform and covariant integral quantization when the Weyl-Heisenberg and affine groups are involved. We show with our generalisations of the Wigner-Weyl transform that many properties of the Weyl integral quantization, commonly viewed as optimal, are actually shared by a large family of integral quantizations.

Mutations in the LMNA gene (encoding lamin A/C proteins) cause several human cardiac diseases, including dilated cardiomyopathies (LMNA-DCM). The main clinical risks in LMNA-DCM patients are sudden cardiac death and progressive left ventricular ejection fraction deterioration, and therefore most human and animal studies have sought to define the mechanisms through which LMNA mutations provoke cardiac alterations, with particular focus on cardiomyocytes. To investigate if LMNA mutations also cause vascular alterations that might contribute to the etiopathogenesis of LMNA-DCM, we generated and characterized Lmnaflox/floxSM22αCre mice, which constitutively lack lamin A/C in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), cardiac fibroblasts, and cardiomyocytes. Like mice with whole body or cardiomyocyte-specific lamin A/C ablation, Lmnaflox/floxSM22αCre mice recapitulated the main hallmarks of human LMNA-DCM, including ventricular systolic dysfunction, cardiac conduction defects, cardiac fibrosis, and premature death. These alterations were associated with hyperactivation of Smad3 and elevated expression of the proapoptotic protein caspase 3 in the heart. Lmnaflox/floxSM22αCre mice also exhibited perivascular fibrosis in the coronary arteries, and a switch of aortic VSMCs from the ‘contractile’ to the ‘synthetic’ phenotype. Ex vivo wire myography in isolated aortic rings revealed impaired maximum contraction capacity and an altered response to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agents in Lmnaflox/floxSM22αCre mice. To our knowledge, our results provide the first evidence of phenotypic alterations in VSMCs that might contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of some forms of LMNA-DCM. Future work addressing the mechanisms underlying vascular defects in LMNA-DCM may open new therapeutic avenues for these diseases.

The aim of this work is to compare two softwares (MAUD and TOPAS) based on the Rietveld algorithm and to test the concept of tolerance factor using the dissolution at high temperature of yttrium into BaTiO₃. In general, both softwares give up different values of the crystalline parameters however the trends are similar in most cases but the analysis of the strain and crystallite size in the BaTiO₃ crystals suggests that, in this particular case, MAUD offered results more consistent with the expected behavior. Using the crystalline parameters calculated by Rietveld, the tolerance factor values were obtained and these data suggest even better stability in the crystalline structure than that expected using theoretical parameters. Tolerance factor concept also indicates that Ti⁴⁺ should be preferred.

Alzheimer´s disease (AD) is characterized by the brain deposition of senile plaques composed by amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) that increase inflammation. An endogenous peptide derived from the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, glycine-proline-glutamate (GPE) has IGF-I-sensitizing and neuroprotective actions. Here, we examined the effects of GPE on Aβ levels and hippocampal inflammation generated by the intracerebroventricular infusion of Aβ25-35 during 2 weeks (300 pmol/day) in ovariectomized rats and the signaling-related pathways and levels of Aβ-degrading enzymes associated with these GPE-related effects. GPE prevented the Aβ-induced increase in the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and the reduction in activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, insulin receptor substrate-1 and Akt, as well as on interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-13 levels in the hippocampus. The functionality of somatostatin, measured as the percentage of inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity and the levels of insulin-degrading enzyme were also preserved by GPE co-treatment. These findings indicate that GPE co-administration may protect from Aβ insult by changing hippocampal cytokine content and somatostatin functionality through regulation of leptin- and IGF-I-signaling pathways that could influence the reduction in Aβ levels through modulation of levels and/or activity of Aβ proteases.

Hybrid forecasting methods have emerged as a solution surpassing the limitations of both statistical and deep learning approaches. While the first emphasize the significance of variables, they often produce worse forecasting results when compared to newer techniques. In contrast, deep learning models remain enigmatic "black boxes" in terms of interpretability, although achieving better results in forecasting. This article introduces the Comprehensive Cross-Correlation and Lagged Linear Regression Deep Learning (CCLR-DL) framework, designed to harness the best of both approaches, enhancing forecasting accuracy while retaining model interpretability through a feature selection process. CCLR-DL blens cross-correlation analysis, lagged multiple linear regression and granger's causality procedures with deep learning architectures based on LSTM. In a practical demonstration, CCLR-DL was applied to a real database of clinical visits associated to diagnoses in Catalonia, Spain (tracking a population of 6.3 million patients during 10 years). Predicting visits enables the healthcare managers to be ready for future demand shifts. Results demonstrate a consistent and substantial improvement over standalone statistical and deep learning methods when predicting healthcare demand. This hybrid approach not only showcases its efficacy but also offers a promising solution to the challenge of balancing predictive accuracy with model explicability. In this context, this work aims to design and validate a method for feature selection and forecasting of multivariate high dimensional time series datasets not only to improve prediction accuracy but also to model transparency by identifying a subset of variables that improve predictions and G-cause the target variable.

This work shows the physicochemical and mineralogical characterization of diatomites form the Hidalgo and Jalisco States, Mexico. In the case of the mineral from Hidalgo State, this has the following chemical composition; 70.0 % wt. SiO₂, 11.63 wt. % Al₂O₃, 1.95 wt. % FeO, 1.79 wt. % MgO, 2.41 wt. % K₂O, 0.85 wt. % CaO and 6.10 wt. % Na₂O. On the other hand, the mineral from Jalisco has the following chemical composition; 93.58 wt. % SiO₂, 3.03 wt. % Al₂O₃, 1.81 wt. % FeO, 0.40 wt. % MgO, 0.92 wt. % K₂O, 0.11 wt. % CaO and 0.24 wt. % Na₂O. For recovery of metals, both minerals got arsenic, silver, lead and nickel recoveries upper to 95 % and lower to 10 % for chromium. According to efficiency of interchange, the mineral from Hidalgo is slightly higher in the case of arsenic, lead and silver; while for nickel and particularly chromium (VI) the efficiency is higher for the mineral from Jalisco.

Background/Aim: Baricitinib (BAR) is the first oral selective Janus kinase inhibitor approved in Europe for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Real-world data are still needed to clarify its long-term benefit/risk profile. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, persistence, adherence, and safety of BAR in a real-world setting. Methods: An ambispective study was conducted between October 2017 and December 2021 in RA patients starting BAR. Effectiveness was evaluated by change from baseline in the Disease Activity Score using 28-joint counts-C reactive protein (DAS28CRP), and achievement of low disease activity/remission. Drug persistence was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Adherence was estimated by medication possession ratio (MPR) and the 5-item Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology. Safety was assessed by global incidence proportion and adjusted incidence rates of adverse events. Results: 61/64 recruited patients were finally analyzed, 83.6% female, 78.7% seropositive, mean age of 58.1 (15.4) years, and disease duration of 13.9 (8.3) years. 32.8% were naïve to biologics and 16.4% received BAR on monotherapy. After a median exposure to BAR of 12.4 (6.6-31.2) months (range 3.1-51.4), a significant change in DAS28CRP was observed (difference -1.2, p=0.000). A total of 70.5% and 60.7% patients achieved low disease activity or remission, respectively and 50.8% (31/61) patients remained on BAR during follow-up with a median persistence of 31.2 (9.3-53.1) months. The average MPR was 0.96 (0.08) and all patients were “good adherents” by questionnaire. 21.3% patients discontinued baricitinib due to toxicity. Conclusion: In our real-world practice, BAR demonstrated effectiveness, large persistence, high adherence to treatment and acceptable safety profile.

In this study, the hot deformation of Cu-0.55Sn-0.08La (wt%) alloy was studied by gleeble-3180 testing machine at deformation temperatures of 400-700oC and various strain rates. The stress-strain curve showed that the hot deformation behavior of Cu-0.55Sn-0.08La (wt%) alloy was greatly affected by work hardening, dynamic recovery, and dynamic recrystallization. The activation energy Q was calculated as 287.141 kJ/mol , and hot compression constitutive equation was determined as ε ̇=[sinh(0.006388σ)]^12.123∙exp⁡(37.7505-287.141/RT). The microstructural evolution of the alloy during deformation at 400oC revealed the presence of both slip and shear bands in the grains. At 700oC, dynamic recrystallization grains were observed but recrystallization was incomplete. In sum, these results provided the theoretical basis for continuous extrusion process of alloys with promising future use.

Abnormal Tau phosphorylation and aggregation into neuronal paired helical filaments and neurofibrillary tangles cause tauopathies, a class of neurodegenerative diseases, that include Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17, progressive supranuclear palsy, Pick's disease, and corticobasal degeneration. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is the most critical kinase to phosphorylate Tau. We have developed the linoleic acid derivative 8-[2-(2-pentyl-cyclopropylmethyl)-cyclopropyl]-octanoic acid (DCP-LA), with cyclopropane rings instead of cis-double bonds, as an anti-dementia drug. DCP-LA serves as a selective activator of PKCε and a potent inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). DCP-LA prevents Tau phosphorylation due to PKCε-mediated direct inactivation of GSK-3β, to PKCε/Akt-mediated inactivation of GSK-3β, and to receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated inactivation of GSK-3β in association with PTP1B inhibition. DCP-LA targeting GSK-3β, thus, could become a valid drug for treatment of tauopathies.

This paper explores the rationale behind Booker T. Washington’s vocationalist philosophy of education for the then recently emancipated black population. Through the use of a critical thinking framework, an analysis of remarks from key speeches and his life according to scholars providing Washington’s prescriptive argument and rhetoric is undertaken. Despite Washington’s intentions, the argument for his vocational approach is demonstrated to be oppressive, myopic, and circular in its logic. The author proposes a framework for understanding the counterintuitive development of vocationalist philosophy based on the dichotomous nature of the human experience’s value-construct and context misalignment. Concordant or discordant dualities that result from misalignment are explained and how to reconcile Washington’s Vocationalism with opposing the philosophy of W.E.B. Du Bois due to equivalence or consistency of values with theoretical constructs is also discussed.

Calicotome villosa is a eurioic legume with broad distribution in the south of Europe. It can grow in almost any type of soils as well as in humid and dry and nutrient deficient ecosystems. The broad distribution and eurioic nature of C. villosa may be attributed to its ability to establish symbiotic associations with plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria housed in the nodules and rootless. This study examined legume-microbe symbiosis of C. villosa growing in two contrasted locations, hill top with high sun irradiance and drought; and a valley bottom, with low level or radiation and sufficient soil humidity for plant growth. Calicotome villosa adult plants established symbiotic in-teractions with bacteria in six genera, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Brevicacterium and Rhizobium as well as one uncultured bacteria. Plants growing in the hill top had associated lower bacterial richness than those grown at the valley bottom. All strains were drought tolerant and produced siderophores, IAA, HCN and NH3 that stimulated plant performance in both, C. villosa plants and other four legumes commonly present in the understory of the shrubs communities The legumes’ capacity to selectively host symbiotic bacteria that enhance plant survival in harsh conditions partly accounts for the diverse partnerships between C. villosa plants and their symbionts, ultimately explaining the wide distribution of this plant species.

Reducing the levels of toxic chemicals that cause adverse health and environmental impacts is a challenge for the international community. There is a need of a global strategy. Indeed, too often the problems associated to the exposure of chemical substances is recognized a posteriori, in the presence of consequences already observed. The prediction of the likely effects of chemical exposure on human health is based on classical tests with animals, which are time and money consuming, may deviate from an accurate prediction towards humans, and arises ethical concerns. Regulations are now considering the adoption of in silico (or computational) methods, which can be used for prioritizing substances according to the probability to be toxic for the biosphere. Several initiatives have prioritized chemicals, typically based according to some criteria, such as chemicals which may be endocrine disruptors, or persistent, bioaccumulative, or toxic (PBT). However, these initiatives focused on a certain range of adverse properties, and covered a certain number of substances only. We applied a set of largely validated and widely used predictive methods to large collections of chemicals: (i) to about 340,000 with a defined function, and (ii) to about 6 millions, which have been synthetized. The aim of this study is to quantify the putative impact of existing and future chemicals on towards human health, ecological and environment properties. The impact on the environment is the cause of major concern. This is the case of pesticides and hazardous, which is quite expected; however, also pharmacologically active candidate compounds of natural origin may have a high level of ecotoxicity. Pesticides and hazardous are also the categories of higher concern for humans, followed by pharmaceuticals. The pesticides and the hazardous are the categories of higher concern also on the environmental point of view. The results of our analysis could be the basis for the identification of new safety rules.

One new La (III) based coordination polymer , namely, [La(1,4-bdc)(H2O)].(H2O) (1) (tpa = terephthalic acid) has been synthesized through the solvothermal synthesis using terephthalic acid. Structural analysis reveals that compound 1 has a 3-D network with a cube topology. The solid state photolumienescence study shows that compound 1 has a strong emission peak at 680 nm upon excitation at 220 nm . The emission peak is characteristic of the red light emission in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Gallbladder diseases are very common and their diagnosis is based on clinical-laboratory evaluation and imaging techniques. Considering the different imaging diagnostic tools, ultrasound (US) has the advantage of high accuracy combined with easy availability. Therefore, when a gallbladder disease is suspected, US can readily assist the clinician in the medical office or in the emergency department. The high performance of US in the diagnosis of gallbladder diseases is mainly related to its anatomic location. The most frequent gallbladder pathological condition is gallstones disease, easily diagnosed by US examination. Acute cholecystitis (AC), a possible complication of gallstone disease, can be readily recognized, due to its specific sonographic features. Additionally, a number of benign, borderline or malignant gallbladder lesions may be detected by US evaluation. The combined use of standard B-mode US and additional sonographic techniques, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), may provide a more detailed study of gallbladder lesions. Multiparametric US (combination of multiple sonographic tools) can improve the diagnostic yield during gallbladder examination.

If students do not fully apply themselves, then they may be considered responsible for the result of being inadequately prepared. +- Nevertheless, student outcomes are more likely to reflect a combination of both effort and systematic problems with overall course architecture. Deficiencies in course design result in inadequate preparation that adversely and directly impacts students’ productivity upon entering the workforce. Such an impact negatively influences students' ability to maintain gainful employment and provide for their families, which inevitably contributes to the development of issues concerning their psychological well-being. It is well-documented that incorporating active learning strategies in course design and delivery can enhance student learning outcomes. Despite the benefit of implementing active learning techniques, rarely in the real world will it be possible for techniques to be used in isolation of one another. Therefore, the purpose of this proposed study is to determine the interactive effects of two active learning strategies because, at a minimum, technique-pairs more accurately represent the application of active learning in the natural educational setting. There is a paucity of evidence in the literature directed toward investigating the interactive effects of multiple active learning techniques that this study is aimed at filling. The significance of this research is that, by determining the interactive effects of paired active learning strategies, other research studies on the beneficial effects of using particular active learning technique-pairs will be documented contributing to the literature so that ultimately classroom instruction may be customized according to the determination of optimal sequencing of strategy-pairs for particular courses, subjects, and desired outcomes that maximize student learning.

Currently, the textile industry is a poorly automated sector, due in part to problems in the handling of deformable leather and textile parts during production operations. In this work, several problems in the handling process of leather and textile parts are addressed, introducing methods to increase the automation of the process. A pneumatic actuator designed to pick up textile or leather parts avoiding their deformation during transport has been developed. This actuator maximizes the number of gripping points to improve handling, making it more stable and efficient. Additionally, a vision system has been implemented in the part picking task which, in conjunction with the CAD information of the part, sends the modified gripping position of the part to the robot. This allows customized handling of each textile or leather part. Finally, validation tests have been carried out on this development, both in simulations and in laboratory conditions, demonstrating its viability and direct applicability in the production line.

Fetuses of pregnant women affected by anti-Ro/anti La antibodies are at risk to develop complete atrioventricular heart block (CAVB) and other potentially life-threatening cardiac affections. CAVB can develop in less than 24 hours. Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs and immuno-globulins (IVIG) can restore normal rhythm if applied in the transition period. Routine weekly echocardiography as often recommended will seldomly detect emergent AVB. Surveillance of these pregnancies is controversial. To obtain an overview of the current practice in Germany we have developed a web-based survey sent by the DEGUM (German Society of Ultrasound in Med-icine) to ultrasound specialists. Home-monitoring by hand-held Doppler is a promising new approach. With the intention to evaluate practicability, we instructed pregnant women at risk to use hand-held Doppler in the vulnerable period between 18-26 weeks at our university center.

Metal hydrides are one of the types of functional materials that allow safe and compact storage of a large amount of hydrogen, which is increasingly used today as an alternate fuel or energy source. The possibility of obtaining the initial energy necessary for the production of hydrogen by electrolysis process from renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind generators, makes hydrogen energetic quite attractive and rapidly developing industry sector. Solid form of hydrogen storage with the possibility of reversible sorption, gives opportunity for creation autonomous energy storage systems. La-Ni based alloys allow hydrogen storing at ambient temperatures and pressure not higher than 15 bar, which makes the application of these alloys quite practical, interesting and prospects for analysis and modifications on the ways of stored hydrogen capacity increasing, alloys price reducing and application for renewable energy storage.

The literature offers limited information on the effect of obesity on the rate of force development, a critical parameter for mobility in older adults. The objectives of this study were; to explore the influence of obesity on RFD in older adults and to examine the association between this neuromuscular parameter and walking speed. 42 older adults were classified into two groups: the control group (CG, n=22; age=81.13±4.02 years; Body mass index (BMI)=25.13±3.35 kg/m²), and the obese group (OG, n=20; age=77.71±2.95 years; BMI=34.46±3.25 kg/m²). Walking speed (m/s) was measured using the 10-meter walking test. Neuromuscular parameters of the plantar flexors were evaluated during a maximal voluntary contraction test using a dynamometer. The RFD was calculated from the linear slop of the force – time curve in two phases: from the onset of the contraction to 50 ms (RFD50-100) and from 100 to 200 ms (RFD100-200). The gait speed was lower in the OG compared to the CG (p

In the computational prediction of bridge vibrations due to high-speed train traffic, the most accurate results can be obtained by considering the interaction dynamics between the train, the superstructure, and the supporting structure. To achieve this, a detailed understanding of the coupling properties of all elements is crucial as they significantly influence the calculated vibrations. The studies in this article investigate the influence of different levels of modeling complexity on the computational acceleration results of single-span girder bridges with a ballasted superstructure. A numerical study on an extensive parameter field of single-span girder bridges is conducted to investigate the influence of modeling the bridge structures as coupling beams, i.e., by considering them as two vertically coupled beams representing the track (rails and sleepers) and the supporting structure. The connection between both beams reflects the stiffness and damping properties of the ballasted superstructure and can reproduce its load-distribution capacity. The excitation is applied as either a moving load or a multi-body model of the train, an Austrian Railjet, to evaluate interdependencies of interaction effects between the vehicle and track, and between track and bridge structure. The reference model is a simply-supported Bernoulli-Euler beam excited by moving axle loads. The comparison of acceleration results allows for identifying critical combinations of structural and train parameters for which the implementation of interaction dynamics has a particularly significant impact on the calculated vibrations and quantifying that impact. These findings provide the possibility of formulating structure-dependent recommendations concerning the targeted application of more complex modeling of the structure (coupling beam model) on the one hand and train (multi-body model) on the other.

The human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) viral protease (PR) is one of the most studied viral enzymes, and approval of drugs targeting its catalytic activity opened the door to the develop-ment of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Despite the fact that its crucial role in viri-on maturation is well characterized, an increasing body of research is starting to focus on its abil-ity to cleave host cell proteins, based on recent advances in proteomics and genomics technologies. Such findings are apparently in contrast with the dogma of HIV-1 PR activity being restricted to the interior of nascent virions, and suggest catalytic activity within the host cell environment. Given the limited amount of PR present in the virion at the time of infection, it is tempting to specu-late that such events mainly occur during viral late gene expression, mediated by newly synthe-sized Gag-Pol polyprotein precursors, rather than at a very early stage of infection, before pro-viral integration. Among cellular targets of HIV-1 PR, three major clusters can be identified: pro-teins involved in viral and cellular translation, those controlling cell survival, and restriction fac-tors responsible for innate/intrinsic antiviral responses. Indeed, by cleaving host cell translation initiation factors HIV-1 PR can impair cap-dependent translation, thus promoting IRES-mediated translation of late viral transcripts and viral production, while by targeting several apoptotic fac-tors it modulates cell survival, thus promoting immune evasion and viral dissemination. Addi-tionally, HIV-1 PR counteracts restriction factors incorporated in the virion that would otherwise interfere with nascent virus vitality. Thus, HIV-1 PR appears to modulate host cell function at dif-ferent times and locations during its life cycle, to ensure efficient viral persistency and propaga-tion. This kind of PR-mediated host cell modulation is found in a plethora of different viruses and HIV-1 is no exception, and although we are far from having a complete picture, it is clear that the PR has a multifaceted role in interfering with host machineries to better suit viral replication, and is a field that needs to be explored further.

In this paper, the active front-end (AFE) converter topology for the total harmonic distortion (THD) reduction in a wind energy system (WES) is used. A higher THD results in serious pulsations in the wind turbine (WT) output power and in several power losses at the WES. The AFE converter topology improves capability, efficiency and reliability in the energy conversion devices; by modifying a conventional back-to-back converter, from using a single voltage source converter (VSC) to use pVSC connected in parallel the AFE converter is generated. The THD reduction is done by applying a different phase shift angle at the carrier of digital sinusoidal pulse width modulation (DSPWM) switching signals of each VSC. To verify the functionality of the proposed methodology, the WES simulation in Matlab-Simulink® is analyzed, and the experimental laboratory tests using the concept of rapid control prototyping and the real-time simulator Opal-RT® Technologies is achieved. The obtained results show a type-4 WT with total output power of 6MVA, generating a THD reduction up to 5.5 times at the WES.

We present a case report of a young patient with pectus carinatum who experienced a small right apex pneumothorax and exhibited Brugada patterns on electrocardiogram tracing. This is the first clinical case reporting Brugada pattern presentation in both a patient with pectus carinatum and a small pneumothorax. We conducted a clinical, anatomical, and electrocardiographic analysis to explore a physiopathological explanation for these findings, considering our patient had no history or clinical signs of Brugada Syndrome. We conclude that: 1. Pectus carinatum may create a window that facilitates the less resistive measurement of cardiac action potentials; 2. Small pneumothoraces can induce modifications in the cardiac electrical signal detected by surface electrodes, and pectus carinatum could unmask these modifications; and 3. Surface electrodes may measure subepicardial potentials that include and are modified by adjacent pericardial tissues, potentially resulting in alterations in transmural potential differences, thus producing fictitious Brugada patterns. Similarly, there is a possibility that the right ventricular outflow tract may be included within the subendocardial potentials.

Background: Early postoperative airway management after laryngo-tracheal surgery is crucial. Acute respiratory failure due to glottis’ oedema may occur, requiring reintubation. This can prolong ventilatory assistance, jeopardizing the anastomosis. To date, only judicious steroid administration and fluid management are available to avoid more invasive procedures. High-Flow-Oxygen-Therapy(HFOT) is a noninvasive O2 support method providing humidification, warmed air, Positive-End-Expiratory-Pressure(AIRVO2). No data exist about HFOT use to prevent early complications after laryngo-tracheal surgery. Methods: Between Sept.2020-Sept.2022, 107 consecutive patients underwent laryngo-tracheal surgery received HFOT(Group A). Data and long-term results were compared with those of 80 patients operated between Sept.2018-Aug.2020(Group B), when HFOT was not available. All patients were operated in a single center. No pre- or post-operative settings changed, except for HFOT introduction. We analyzed and compared the risk for “delayed” reintubation (unexpected reintubation within the first 24-48 hours after extubating/laryngeal mask removal) in the two groups. Results: No patients reported HFOT-related adverse events. Control group(B) presented “delayed” reintubation in 37% (p= 0.027), Intensive Care Unit admission in 67%(p=0.005) and longer hospital stay(p=0.001) compared to HFOT group(A). Minor complications rate was 3% in both group and overall mortality was 0%. Re-stenosis was described in 4.6% of HFOT group, without a statistically significant difference (p=0.7006). Conclusions: Our study is the first to investigate HFOT use in patients undergoing laryngo-tracheal surgery, potentially representing a consistent innovation in the peri-operative management of these patients. With the limit of a retrospective series, we would suggest HFOT use for preventing post-operative reintubation rate, possibly reducing ICU admission and hospital stay.

This study addresses the critical issue of dowel-bearing strength in Bambusa blumeana, a key sus-tainable construction material crucial for climate change mitigation. Given the lack of bamboo connection standards, the research focuses on determining the dowel-bearing strength of Bambusa blumeana, emphasizing factors such as dowel diameter, node placements, and the physical prop-erties of bamboo. A predictive equation is derived, enhancing the practicality of bamboo in struc-tural design. The results underscore a notable correlation between dowel diameter and character-istic strength, with implications for engineering practices. Node placements significantly affect dowel-bearing capacity, while bamboo's physical attributes, including thickness, culm diameter, and moisture content, exhibit modest correlations with strength. The derived equation aims to assist in structural design, mitigating splitting and bearing failures in bamboo structures. This research establishes a foundation for optimizing the use of Bambusa blumeana in sustainable construction, advancing the understanding of its dowel-bearing strength for improved sustainability and resili-ence in the construction industry. Future research suggestions include exploring bamboo-mortar composites, additional node placements, and employing more comprehensive empirical equations and curve-fitting techniques. The study advocates for further investigations with more diverse and larger bamboo samples to bolster robustness. Additionally, delving into bamboo ductility may offer valuable insights.

La integration (at various nominal contents) in SBA-15 prepared under acidic medium was intended from corresponding direct nitrate addition during mesoporous silica formation. Materials were impregnated with Pt (1.5 w%) and studied through several textural (N2 physisorption), structural (XRD, TG-DTG) and surface (FTIR, STEM-HAADF, SEM-EDS, NH3 and CO2 TPD) instrumental techniques. Pt-impregnated solids were tested in phenol hydrodeoxygenation (HDO, T=250 °C, 3.2 MPa, batch reactor, n-decane as solvent). Catalytic activity (in pseudo first order kinetic constant, kHDO basis) was related to Pt dispersion which was, however, not determined by nominal rare earth content. Determining actual composition of modified SBA-15 materials is crucial in reaching sound conclusions regarding their physicochemical properties, especially when La modifier is directly added during mesoporous matrices formation where efficient interaction among constituents could be difficult to get. Otherwise, results from some characterization techniques (N2 physisorption and FTIR, for instance) could be misleading and even contradictory. Indeed, extant modifier precursors when under SBA-15 synthesis conditions could affect the properties of prepared materials even though they were absent in obtained| formulations. Performing a simple compositional analysis could eliminate uncertainties regarding the role of various modifiers on characteristics of final catalysts. However, several groups have failed in doing so.

Small, enclosed lake is in a tourist area called "Los Negritos", by the prominences a few steps from the lake on a perimeter of tens of meters with hot pools and mud bubbles. The lake originally belonged to Lake Chapala, so the group of fish present here derives from that. This is an endorheic vessel with at least one deep water inlet to the center, with a slight salinity (2.14 to 2.38 0/00), which is precisely greater at the point of upwelling and at a depth of approximately 36 m. This study to date has continued to collect and take data, also presents the characteristic of being an area of saline soils and halophilic vegetation. This body of water we consider is as relevant as that of Alchichica in Puebla. Its study is by monthly sampling with “chinchorro” and "chango" type trawl, recording morphological parameters, also environmental variables in the water, with a Data Sonde 4 brand Hydrolab. Knowing the structure and temporal dynamics of this fish community, along with the physical and chemical characterization of the water and implementa-tion of Importance Value Index (IVI).

First, an introductory essay is carried out to build a historical, economic-productive and legal theoretical framework of the origin and formation of Secondary Technical Schools in Europe, North America and the Argentine Republic. Then a normative introduction to Technical Education is carried out at the Technical School No. 2 “Independencia” of Concordia, Entre Ríos, Argentine Republic. Its regulations and Laws that govern technical education. We continue analyzing the development of five (5) case studies generated in the E.E.T. No. 2 “Independence” of the city of Concordia, Province of Entre Ríos, Argentine Republic. Case study No. 1: Face masks for Covid-19, designed with CAD-STL software and printed in polylactic acid (PLA) with 3D printers, for protection from SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) or Covid-19. Case study No. 2: TURBO: air extractor/blower for environments contaminated by COVID-19. Case study No. 3: ROBOT-T2: Educational Robot Made by Students and Teachers of the Technical School No. 2 (E.E.T. No. 2) “Independencia”, Concordia, Entre Ríos, Argentine Republic. Case study No. 4: Self-construction EcoBlock, for social housing. Case study No. 5: Relationships of all sciences with abductive thinking, creativity, design, art and the main relationships between Social Sciences (philosophy, logic, hermeneutic research methodology, etc.) with Exact and Natural Sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, genetics), other sciences and disciplines such as engineering, medicine, etc. We obtain the conclusions of the development. Bibliography.

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus spp) is a fruit that has a significant antioxidant activity, due to its content in anthocyanins and antioxidant compounds. Emerging technologies are required as the thermoultrasound technique that ensures microbial reduction and release of compounds with antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the antioxidant content and fatty acid profile of blackberry juice when it is subjected to conservation treatment (pasteurization and thermoultrasound). The blackberry juice and the extracted oil of blackberry juice with n-hexane (control, pasteurized and thermoultrasonicated) were evaluated in antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile and antioxidant content. The thermoultrasound juice had the highest (p < 0.05) amount of total phenols (1011 mg GAE/L), anthocyanins (118 mg Cy-3-GlE/L); antioxidant activity by ABTS (44 mg VCEAC/L) and DPPH (2665 µmol TE/L) compared to the control and pasteurized samples, as well as, as well as, oil extract of obtained of the thermoultrasound juice presented high antioxidant activity (177.54 mg VCEAC/L to ABTS and 1802.60 µmol TE/L to DPPH). The fatty acid composition of the oil extract showed the presence of myristic, linolenic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid, the fatty acid profile was similar in the different samples with the exception of stearic acid where this was higher in control sample. The thermoultrasound treatment can be an alternative to pasteurization treatments because keeps and releases antioxidant bioavailable compounds, preserving their fatty acids.