There is a pressing need for more precise biomarkers of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Plasma samples from 820 subjects [231 with CKD, 325 with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and 264 controls] were analyzed by LC-MS/MS to determine a metabolic profile of 28 aminoacids (AA) and biogenic amines to test their value as markers of CKD risk and progression. The Kynurenine/Tryptophan ratio showed the strongest correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate values (coefficient=-0.731, P<0.0001). Models created with Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) containing the metabolic signature showed high goodness of fit and predictability for controls/CKD (R2X:0.73;R2Y:0.92;Q2:0.92) and lower for CDK/ESKD (R2X:0.56;R2Y:0.59;Q2:0.55). Based on generated VIP scores, the most relevant markers for segregating samples into control/CKD or CKD/ESKD groups were citrulline (1.67) and tryptophan (1.59), respectively. ROC analysis showed that the addition of the metabolic profile to a model including CKD classic risk factors improved AUC from 86.7% (83.6-89.9) to 100% (100-100) for CKD risk (P<0.0001), and from 63.0% (58.2-67.8) to 96.5% (95.3-97.8) for the risk of progression from CKD to ESKD (P<0.0001). Plasma concentrations of AA and related amines may be useful as diagnostic biomarkers of kidney disease, both for CKD risk and for progression of CKD patients to ESKD.

Objetives: Adequate donor-recipient matching is necessary to achieve the best renal function after transplantation. The nephron load received from the donor, which can be reflected in variables such as age, sex and body mass index, may influence the evolution of the graft. Our objetive was develop a combined score according to the donor-recipient pairing in age, sex and body mass index, and assess its influence on the evolution of the renal graft. Materials and methods: Transplant patients between 2013 and 2020 who had at least 1 year of post-transplant follow-up. A ranking of 0 to 2 points was awarded according to the match between donor and recipient for sex, age and body mass index individually, with higher rank to greater mismatch. Subsequently, a Score with value of 0 to 6 points was created with the combined ranking of the indivudual variables, analyzing its influence on the evolution of the graft by multivariate linear regression. Results: 280 patients followed for 4.3 years of median. Worse renal function was observed at the end of follow-up as the range of each variable increased separately, and the Score created, with a worsening of renal function as the combined Score increased in the multivariate analysis: Coefficient B= -2.4 ml/min, p=0.018. Conclusions: An adequate match between donor and recipient in age, sex and body mass index using this combined Score can help achieve better kidney function after transplantation.

Energy transitions are reshaping the global energy system. Such shift has taken the power system to become a critical infrastructure for achieving economic development of every nation in the planet, therefore, guaranteeing its security is crucial, not only for energy purposes but as a part of a national security strategy. This paper presents a multi-dimensional index developed to assess energy security of electrical systems in the long term. This tool, named Power System Security Index (PSIx), and which has been previously used for the evaluation of a country in two different time frames, is applied to evaluate the member countries of the Latin American Energy Organization, located within the Latin America and the Caribbean region, in order to measure their performance on energy security. Mixed results were obtained from the analysis, with clear top performers in the region such as Argentina, while there are others with broad areas of opportunity, as it is the case of Haiti.

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) present drawbacks for modeling geometric transformations, such as scaling and rotation, caused by the convolution operation’s locality. Deformable convolution (DCON), a mechanism that substitutes standard convolution, increasing the receptive field to capture relevant features, is a promising approach to solve this drawback and improve the robustness of CNNs. However, the optimal way to replace the standard convolution with its deformable counterpart in a CNN model is unclear. In this study, we clarify this aseveration by conducting several experiments using deformable convolutions applied in the layers that conform a small four-layer CNN model. We also use deformable convolutions on the four-layers of several ResNet CNNs with depths 18, 34, 50, and 101. The models were tested in binary balanced classes with 2D data for image classification: Cats & Dogs, EyesPACS, Spyders & Chickens, and Shapes. After this testing, we evaluated DCON in 3D data for action recognition: UCF101 and Human2 (a dataset we compiled to control movement, clothing and background). The contribution of this research lies in a guideline to use DCON. It can be summarized as follows: if DCON is used on the first layers of the proposal of model (with simple features), the computational resources expressed as the quantity of Flops will tend to increase and produce bigger misclassification than the standard CNN. However, if the DCON is used at the end layers, the quantity of Flops used in the training and testing will decrease, and the classification accuracy will improve by up to 20% about the base model. Moreover, it gains robustness when using deformable convolutions because it can adapt to the region of interest. Also, the best kernel size of the DCON is three. It showed better results than size five. In the last case, the quantity of Flops increase quadratically, but their performance does not increase significantly. With these results, we propose a guideline to use the DCON and contribute to understanding the impact of DCON on the robustness of CNNs.

The relationship between religion and politics is a constant in the history of humanity. In the specific case of Western culture, it is possible to trace an archeology of the political as an effect of theological-political devices (essentially Christian-inspired). If we add to this the evolution of politics, in modern times, towards biopolitics, then the relationship focuses on very concrete topics. This is the case of the immunological process – from a personal, social, and philosophical perspective – thoroughly analyzed by Italian philosopher Roberto Esposito. In the context of his philosophical immunology, the place of religion is mainly archaeological and is interpreted critically. This article also aims to critically analyze his position, proposing a reading close to his thought but which is, at the same time, somewhat different.

Elovanoids (ELV) are novel lipid mediators synthesized from very long-chain (VLC) omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or eicosa-pentaenoic acid (EPA), by the elongase enzyme ELOVL4. ELV have been shown to play a funda-mental role in maintaining brain and retina function, neuroprotection, maintaining the skin's permeability barrier, and sperm function, among other important cellular processes. Furthermore, the methyl ester or sodium salt of ELV-N32 and ELV-N34 have been found to be efficient in re-duced infarct volumes, promoting cell survival and decreasing the alteration of the neurovascular unit in a model of ischemia due to occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Their bioactivity in-cludes enhancing of anti-apoptotic and pro-survival protein expression combined with the downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins. House dust mite (HDM) is the most prevalent indoor allergen, and HDM exposure is frequently the cause of allergic respiratory disease, including aller-gic rhinitis and allergic asthma in HDM sensitized individuals. In our study, human nasal epithe-lial cells (HNEpC) were used as an in vitro model for allergy. The cells were challenged with HDM (mixture of Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus extract), with or without treat-ment with ELV-34. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (vehicle) and ELV-34 (500 nM) alone were used as the control. Our findings show that ELV-34 promotes cell viability and reduces cytotoxi-city upon HDM sensitization of HNEpC. ELV-34 treatment significantly reduces the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, VEGF, ICAM1, CXCL1 and CCL2, restored the IL-10 level and diminishes the induc-tion of the transcription of inflammatory and senescence genes in HNEpC. Our data also shows that HDM triggered the expression of several key genes in human nasal epithelial cells, including autophagy, unfolded protein response (UPR), Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), senescence and inflammation markers. Together, our data reveal a novel pro-homeostatic and cell-protective li-pid-signaling mechanism in nasal epithelial cells that envision novel potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of allergies.

The ability of 2D hybrid structures formed by boron, nitrogen and carbon atoms (h-BNCs) as potential substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection of dioxin-like pollutants is theoretically analyzed. The strong confinement and high tunability of the electromagnetic response of the carbon nanostructures embedded within the h-BNC sheets point out that these hybrid structures could be promising for applications in optical spectroscopies, such as SERS. In this work, two model dioxin-like pollutants, TCDD and TCDF, and a model h-BNC surface composed by a carbon nanodisk of ninety-six atoms surrounded by a string of borazine rings, BNC96, are employed for the simulation of the adsorption complexes and the static and pre-resonance Raman spectra of the adsorbed molecules. A large affinity of BNC96 by these pollutants is reflected on the large interaction energies obtained for the most stable stacking complexes, with dispersion being the most important contribution to their stability. The large vibrational coupling of some active modes of TCDF and, specially, of TCDD makes the Raman static spectra display a ‘pure’ chemical enhancement of one order of magnitude. On the other hand, due to the strong electromagnetic response of BNC96, confined within the carbon nanodisk, pre-resonance Raman spectra obtained for TCDD and TCDF display large enhancement factors of 108 and 107, respectively. Promisingly, laser excitation wavelengths frequently used in SERS experiments also provoke significant Raman enhancements, around 104, for the TCDD and TCDF signals. Both the strong confinement of the electromagnetic response within the carbon domains and the high modulation of the resonance wavelengths within the visible and/or UV ranges in h-BNCs should lead to a higher sensitivity than graphene and white graphene parent structures, solving one of the main disadvantages of using 2D substrates for SERS applications.

There is a formal analogy between the evolution of the universe, when this is seen as a trajectory in the minisuperspace, and the worldline followed by a test particle in a curved spacetime. The analogy can be extended to the quantum realm, where the trajectories are transformed into wave packets that give us the probability of finding the universe or the particle in a given point of their respective spaces: the spacetime in the case of the particle and the minisuperspace in the case of the universe. The wave function of the spacetime and the matter fields, all together, can then be seen as a super-field that propagates in the minisuperspace and the so-called third quantisation procedure can be applied in a parallel way as the second quantisation procedure is performed with a matter field that propagates in the spacetime. The super-field can thus be interpreted as made up of universes propagating, i.e. evolving, in the minisuperspace. The analogy can also be used in the opposite direction. The way in which the semiclassical state of the universe is obtained in quantum cosmology allows us to obtain, from the quantum state of a field that propagates in the spacetime, the geodesics of the underlying spacetime as well as their quantum uncertainties or dispersions. This might settle a new starting point for a different quantisation of the spacetime.

Growing evidence suggests that healthcare provider advice may increase tobacco cessation, reduce alcohol use, and improve the adoption of desirable lifestyle behaviors among patients. However, how brief interventions and other provider-patient interactions can shape cumulative adoption of multiple modifiable behaviors is less well studied for diabetes prevention and control. Using weighted internet panel survey data from a large socio-demographically diverse urban population in the United States (n=1,003), the present study describes differences in group characteristics among those who had been “ever diagnosed” with prediabetes/diabetes versus those who had not. It also examines the associations between the cumulative adoption of lifestyle behaviors and each of the following: a) lifetime prediabetes/diabetes diagnosis; b) brief lifestyle intervention exposure (i.e., received provider advice/encouragement); and c) recent provider-patient communication about diabetes. There were several group differences in “ever diagnosed” prediabetes/diabetes status by age, employment status, health status, nutrition knowledge, blood pressure/hypertension diagnosis, and diabetes-related health behaviors (p<0.05). Each of the three provider-patient interactions of interest were positively associated with a higher cumulative sum of adopted modifiable lifestyle behaviors for diabetes prevention and management. Results suggest that provider advice/provider-patient interactions of any type can have a salutary impact on whether individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes will engage in recommended lifestyle behavior modifications.

The wave-particle description of quantum mechanics is briefly reviewed to set an analogy between the quantum mechanics of particles and fields and quantum cosmology. It is shown that quantum cosmology can be seen as a quantum field theory developed in the space of three metrics (the metrics of the spatial sections of the spacetime), where the classical evolution of the universe corresponds to a definite trajectory and the quantum mechanics of matter fields emerges as the first order quantum correction. Like in a quantum field theory developed in an isotropic background, the universes are created in universe-antiuniverse pairs, which might provide us with an explanation for the matter-antimatter asymmetry observed in our universe without going beyond the standard model. Moreover, the states of the matter and the antimatter fields of the pair of universes are entangled and that makes that their initial states are in a non-vacuum state (presumably in a thermal state). That might open the possibility of looking for observable imprints of the creation of universes in pairs is the astronomical data.

Luminal breast cancer has a high incidence worldwide and is a severe health threat. Estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) is activated by 17β-estradiol (E2), and its overexpression promotes cancerous characteristics. Luminal breast cancer is an epithelial type; however, the cytokine IL-6 secreted by cells from the tumor microenvironment stimulates the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promotes metastasis. Also, IL-6 decreases ER-α levels, favoring the tamoxifen (TMX) resistance development. However, genes under E2 regulation continue expressing even though this receptor is absent. GPR30 is an alternative E2 receptor present in both luminal and aggressive triple-negative breast cancer and is related to TMX resistance and cancer progression. The roles of GPR30 and IL-6 on metastasis have been individually established; however, their interplay remains unexplored. This study aims to elucidate the role of GPR30 in IL-6-induced metastatic properties in MCF-7 luminal breast cancer cells. Results showed that GPR30 contributes to the E2-induced MCF-7 proliferation because its inhibition with the antagonist G15 and the Pertussis toxin (PTX) diminished it. Besides, GPR30 upregulated vimentin and downregulated E-cadherin levels in MCF-7 and in TMX-resistant (R-TMX) cells and is also involved in the IL-6-induced migration, invasion, and TMX resistance in MCF-7 cells. In addition, in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative cells, both basal and IL-6-induced metastatic properties were related to GPR30 activity. These results indicate that the GPR30 receptor regulates the EMT induced by IL-6 in breast cancer cells.

Understanding and measuring rock characteristics is crucial for scientific and practical applications. This study investigates stone quarries in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, evaluating ten quarries (both volcanic and crushed) using diverse analytical methods. Physical properties such as density were measured alongside mechanical tests like uniaxial compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity. Results demonstrate that crushed materials exhibit superior physical and mechanical properties compared to volcanic stones. Advanced techniques including high-magnification scanning electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence provided insights into surface morphology and elemental composition. Additionally, a novel finite element model was constructed, leveraging dynamic modulus of elasticity (Ed) derived from ultrasonic pulse velocity and maximum load data from uniaxial compressive strength tests. This model facilitated the classification of quarries based on their engineering characteristics. The findings underscore the model’s potential applicability to quarry assessments globally, offering valuable insights into optimizing stone resource utilization and enhancing structural integrity in construction projects.

This study presents a new kinetic scheme for the mass yield prediction of waste lignocellulosic biomasses treated by Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC). The proposed reactions are based on the decomposition, solubilization, and polymerization of each main fraction of the biomass: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The ash content was assumed to be inert. The kinetic parameters have been obtained by non-linear adjustment using a data set with 220 experimental runs collected from the literature. The results indicate that the pre-exponential factors range was from 7.33 x10¹ to 1.412x10⁵ min^-1, and activation energies were between 33.75 y 225.3 kJ/mol. A good fit is achieved between the observed and predicted data with an R² of 0.81 and an RMSE of 7.7 %. The proposed scheme was validated with the experimental data obtained by the HTC of sawdust (Pinus radiata) and rapeseed (Brassica napus). The experiments were carried out at temperatures of 190, 220, and 250 ºC and reaction times of 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. The predicted values showed an average error of 2.3 and 3.5 %, respectively. Therefore, the kinetic scheme is a useful tool in the conversion analysis of waste biomass treated by HTC.

Introduction and objectives: arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a hereditary heart disease defined by the progressive replacement of the ventricular myocardium with fibroadipose tissue, which can act as a substrate for arrhythmias, sudden death, or even give rise to heart failure (HF). Sudden death is frequently the first manifestation of the disease, particularly among young patients. The aim of this study is to describe a new pathogenic variant in the PKP2 gene. Methods: A descriptive observational study that included 8 initially non-interrelated families with a diagnosis of ACM undergoing follow-up at our HF and Familial Cardiomyopathies Unit, who were carriers of the NM_004572.3:c.775_776insG; p. (Glu259Glyfs*77) variant in PKP2 gene. The genetic testing employed next-generation sequencing for the index cases, and the Sanger method for the targeted study with family members. We compiled personal and family histories, demographic and clinical characteristics, data from the additional tests at the time of diagnosis, and arrhythmic events at diagnosis and during follow-up. Results: We included 47 subjects, of whom 8 were index cases (17%). Among the evaluated family members, 16 (34%) were carriers of the genetic variant, 3 of whom also had a diagnosis of ACM. The majority were women (26 patients; 55.3%), with a mean age on diagnosis of 48.9 ± 18.6 years, and a median follow-up of 39 [24-59] months. Worthy of note are the high incidence of arrhythmic events as the form of presentation and in follow-up (21.5% and 20.9% respectively), and the onset of HF in 25% of the sample. The most frequent ventricular involvements were right (4 patients 16.7%) and biventricular (4 patients 16.7%); we found no statistical differences in any of the variables analysed. Conclusions: This variant is a pathogenic variant of gene PKP2 that has not previously been described and is not present in the control groups associated with ACM. It has incomplete penetrance, a highly variable phenotypic expressivity, and was identified in 8 families of our geographical area in Malaga (Andalusia, Spain), where we can establish a founder effect and describe the clinical and risk characteristics.

Gastroenteritis cases associated with non-toxigenic strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus have been reported in many countries, suggesting the contribution of novel virulence factors. One candidate is zonula occludens toxin (Zot), which increases the intestinal permeability by other bacteria. Recently we identified prophages belonging to the Inoviridae family encoding putative Zot-like toxins in Chilean strains. Based on this information we performed sequence-based analyses of these toxins, followed by phylogenetic and structural analyses using computational tools. Our results showed that Zots found in Chilean V. parahaemolyticus strains are grouped into three different phylogenetic clusters, sharing two conserved motifs (Walker A and B) in their N-terminal region. These motifs are also conserved in Zots from the human pathogens Vibrio cholerae, Neisseria meningitidis and Campylobacter concisus. Although Zots of V. parahaemolyticus do not possess the FCIGRL sequence responsible for the effects produced by V. cholerae, they do possess a conserved secondary structure within their C-terminal region with Zots proteins able to disrupt the intestinal barrier, which is interesting since it has been suggested that the structure and not the Zot sequence would be responsible for the biological effects. This preliminary study provides the basis to study the function of Zots found in V. parahaemolyticus on the intestinal barrier and their possible role as a virulence factor.

In the southeastern coast of Brazil, the bays of Ilha Grande and Sepetiba are linked by the Ilha Grande Channel, where remarkably vigorous currents have been consistently observed. The sheer intensity of these currents defies a simple explanation through tidal forcing alone, prompting researchers to delve into potential influences such as basin resonance and the baroclinic effect. This study aims to elucidate the role of remote meteorological effects within this complex hydrodynamic system. A numerical approach with a coastal model nested within an ocean model was employed, enabling an in-depth examination of the intricate interplay between meteorological and tidal forcings. The study revealed a significant finding: the lag in signal propagation plays a pivotal role in determining how these signals impact the dynamics of the bays. The astronomical signal exhibits a minimal lag along the coast (1 minute), and leads to water level differences between the sea and the coastline, resulting in the generation of tidal currents at the bay entrances. On the other hand, the remote meteorological signal, with a stronger signal lag along the coast (4.92 hours), leads to the creation of water level difference between the bay’s entrances, inducing significant fluxes along the narrow Ilha Grande Channel.

Two mononuclear Ru(III) complexes of formula trans-[RuCl4(Hgua)(dmso)]·2H2O (1) and trans-[RuCl4(Hgua)(gua)]·3H2O (2) [Hgua = protonated guanine (gua), dmso = dimethyl sulfoxide] have been synthesized and characterized magnetostructurally. Compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in the monoclinic system with space groups P21/n and Pc, respectively. Each Ru(III) ion in 1 and 2 is six-coordinate and bonded to four chloride ions and one (1) or two (2) nitrogen atoms from guanine molecules and one sulfur atom (1) of a dmso solvent molecule, generating quasi regular octahedral geometries in both cases. In their crystal packing, the Ru(III) complexes are self-assembled mainly through an extended network of N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds and π⋯Cl type intermolecular interactions, forming novel supramolecular structures based on this paramagnetic 4d metal ion. Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility measurements performed on microcrystalline samples of 1 and 2 show a different magnetic behavior. While 1 is a ferromagnetic compound at low temperature, 2 exhibits a behavior typical of noninteracting mononuclear Ru(III) complexes with S = 1/2. Ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal slow relaxation of the magnetization in the presence of external dc fields only for 2, hence indicating the occurrence of field-induced single-ion magnet (SIM) phenomenon in this mononuclear guanine-based Ru(III) complex.

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) represents 1/3 of the weight of all-waste produced. Increasing their recycling and reutilization with recycled aggregates (RA) means closing the life cycle of construction materials. Research has been carried out on artificial aggregates from the exclusive crushing of structural concrete waste in selective demolitions (CDWRConc). This study analyses the use of recycled concrete as graded aggregate (GARConc) and in cement soil (CSRConc). The material complies with the requirements as a road base, although due to the low values of resistance to fragmentation these materials are adequate for use in sensitive road systems and other places such as urban roads and car parks. The sensitive road systems are infrastructures in places of great natural wealth and low traffic intensity, with an annual average of heavy vehicle traffic (AADTh) below 50 vhp/d. As soluble salt contents have been detected, additional waterproofing or drainage measures must be adopted to prevent water infiltration into the layers made up of CDWRHorm. Finally, the high initial values of UCS allow the temporary passage of light vehicles over CSRConc after 3 days.

The aim of this study was to examine the post-injury psychological impact looking for to avoid sources of health issues. We have analyzed differences in the stress, anxiety and depression levels between male and female football players who have suffered at least one injury during the last season played respect to similar players who have not been injured. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The participants were 187 football players and data on the player’s injuries were collected. A Self-reported Questionnaire collected number, type and severity of injuries sustained during the previous sports season (twelve months), and also the player’s current situation being injured or not injured. To evaluate the psychological variables, the DASS-21 questionnaire was used. Results indicated that the male injured players presented anxiety levels higher than those who were non-injured. When we observe the female players’ data, the stress levels of the non-injured ones are higher than those of the injured players. Regarding the non-injured athletes, results showed that the female non-injured players presented values in anxiety higher than those corresponding to the non-injured male players. Thus, sport injury affects mental health issues such as anxiety and stress, and in a different way regarding gender.

Four 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives (1-4) have been synthesized as potential telomeric DNA binders, three substituted in their chains with thiosemicarbazones (TSCs), the neutral compound (1) and two ionic derivatives (PF6¯ and BF4¯ salts, 2 and 3, respectively), and a fourth corresponding to a 4-phenylthiazole derivative (4). Quadruplex and dsDNA interactions have been preliminarily studied, especially for the neutral derivative 1, by FRET-based DNA melting assays, equilibrium dialysis (both competitive and non-competitive), circular dichroism and viscosity titrations. The TSC derivatives bind and stabilize the telomeric Tel22 quadruplex more efficiently than dsDNA, with an estimated 24-fold selectivity determined by equilibrium dialysis for compound 1. In addition, cytotoxic activity against different tumor cells (PC-3, DU145, HeLa, MCF-7 and HT29), and two non-tumor cell lines (HFF-1 and RWPE-1) has been evaluated. Except for the 4-phenylthiazole derivative, which was inactive, the compounds show moderate cytotoxic properties, with the salts displaying lower IC50 values, compared to the neutral TSC. However, the neutral derivative was the only compound that exhibited a modest selectivity in the case of prostate cells (tumor PC-3 versus healthy RWPE-1). Cell cycle analysis and Annexin V/PI assays revealed that the compounds can produce cell death by apoptosis, an effect that has proven similar to that demonstrated by other known 1,10-phenanthroline G4 ligands endowed with antitumor properties, such as PhenDC3 or PhenQE8.

Amidst increasing awareness of diet-health relationships, plant-derived bioactive peptides are recognized for their dual nutritional and health benefits. This study investigates bioactive peptides released after Alcalase hydrolysis of protein from chachafruto (Erythrina edulis), a nutrient-rich South American leguminous plant, focusing on their behavior during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Evaluating their ability to scavenge radicals, mitigate oxidative stress, and influence immune response biomarkers, the study underscores the importance of understanding peptide interactions in digestion. Methods included previous enzymatic hydrolysis with Alcalase to obtain peptides, and results show significant radical scavenging and oxidative stress protection by chachafruto peptides. These findings highlight the potential of chachafruto bioactive peptides in functional foods and nutraceuticals, supporting human health through dietary interventions.

Sustainable innovation in the agro-food system has become a strategy increasingly used by companies as a means to increase their competitiveness and position themselves in the market. In this context, the objective of this work is to identify the attitudes and sensory perceptions of consumers towards sustainable food technology through two scales (Food Technology Neophobia and Domain Specific Innovativeness) and hedonic tastings. For this, a new product was selected in the market: powder to prepare rice with milk. Most consumers have attitudes toward low neophobia to products with food technology, but there is also some caution, situation that is corroborated by the moderate predisposition towards innovations. Color and flavor attributes can make the difference in positive perceptions. It should not be forgotten that there is a segment of innovative sustainable consumers that represent a key market.

In Secondary Education, the focus of History teaching must be on the development of global citizenship. The present research was a study contextualized in the Fiesta de la Historia Youth Congress in Seville (Spain). A documentary analysis with a descriptive and interpretive design was made of 63 projects of inquiry that pupils carried out. The main objectives were to assess the incidence of the proposal in terms of participation, and to determine whether the pupils' projects followed a logic of inquiry about socially relevant problems which favours the construction of global citizenship. The results point to a low incidence of schools participating in this initiative. The projects of inquiry analysed present for the most part themes related to the historical and social heritage of the locality. The proposals are approached as problems of a specific discipline, and are worked on through a method based on a pseudoscientific research process. The findings indicate the need to continue implementing initiatives based on school inquiry that allow the teaching of History to be articulated around relevant social problems, with the objective being to develop citizenship skills.

The permeation of dioxin-like pollutants, namely, chlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, through lipid membranes has been simulated using classic molecular dynamics (CMD) combined with the umbrella sampling approach. The most toxic forms of chlorinated dibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran, 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dibenzodioxin (TCDD) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), and a dioleyl-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) lipid membrane of 50 Å wide have been chosen for our study. The free energy profile shows the penetration process is largely favoured thermodynamically (DG≈-12 kcal/mol), with a progressively decrease of the free energy until reaching the energy minima at distances of 8Å and 9.5Å from the centre of the membrane for, respectively, TCDD and TCDF. At the centre of the membrane, both molecules display subtle local maxima with free energy differences of 0.5 and 1 kcal/mol with respect to the energy minima for TCDD and TCDF, respectively. Furthermore, the intermolecular interactions between the molecules and the lipid membrane have been characterized at the minima and the local maxima using hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics energy decomposition analysis (QM/MM-EDA). Total interaction energies of -17.5 and -16.5 kcal/mol have been found at the energy minima for TCDD and TCDF, respectively. In both cases, the dispersion forces govern the molecule-membrane interactions, no significant changes have been found at the local maxima, in agreement with the classical free energy profile. The small differences found in the results obtained for TCDD and TCDF point out the adsorption and diffusion processes through the cell membrane are not related to the different toxicity shown by these pollutants.

The integration of clean energy generation with wastewater treatment holds promise for addressing both environmental and energy concerns. Focusing on photocatalytic hydrogen production and wastewater treatment, the study introduces PdIn/TiO2 catalysts for the simultaneous removal of the pharmaceutical contaminant paracetamol and hydrogen production. Physicochemical characterization showed a high distribution of Pd and In on the support as well as a high interaction with it. The Pd and In deposition enhances the light absorption capability and significantly improved HER in comparison to TiO2 not only in the electrolyte but also in presence of paracetamol. Regarding PTM oxidation, TiO2 and PdIn/TiO2 showed an irreversible behavior toward the PTM oxidation, limited by the adsorption of species on the electrode surface. Thus, PdIn-doped TiO2 stands out as a promising catalyst, showcasing enhanced physicochemical properties and superior catalytic performance. This underscores its potential for both environmental remediation and sustainable hydrogen production.

After the ban on tributyltin-based antifouling paints, DCOIT (4,5-Dichloro-2-octylisothiazol-3(2H)-one) became one of the most used antifouling biocides. DCOIT is a pseudo-persistent contaminant in port areas and is toxic to non-target species, but its ability to bioaccumulate and be transferred along the trophic chain remains unknown. This study aimed to preliminarily investigate the bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, and biomagnification of DCOIT and SiNC-DCOIT (DCOIT immobilized in silica mesoporous nanocapsules) from the microalga Tetraselmis chuii to the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis during exposure experiments considering 24 h of uptake followed by 72 h depuration. Mussels rapidly internalized and metabolized both DCOIT and SiNC-DCOIT. The predator-prey biomagnification factors (BMFTL) suggested that both forms of the biocide can be trophically transferred, with higher concentrations of DCOIT and SiNC-DCOIT in mussels than in microalgae (BMFTL &gt; 1). However, the bioaccumulation and bioconcentration factors indicated a low bioaccumulation capability in the short term, suggesting that the depuration rate overcomes the uptake. Our findings contribute to the development of environmental risk assessments for DCOIT and SiNC-DCOIT, but do not exclude the possibility of DCOIT bioaccumulation in the long-term in areas with constant input of DCOIT. Further studies are needed to understand these processes under continuous exposure scenarios to DCOIT.

The natural history of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is extremely variable, ranging from asymptomatic infection, to pneumonia, and to complications eventually fatal. We propose here the first model, explaining how the outcome of first, crucial 10-15 days after infection, hangs on the balance between the cumulative dose of viral exposure and the efficacy of the local innate immune response (natural IgA and IgM antibodies, MBL). If SARS-CoV-2 runs the blockade of this innate immunity and spreads from the upper airways to the alveoli in the early phases of the infections, it can replicate with no local resistance, causing pneumonia and releasing high amounts of antigens. The delayed and strong adaptive immune response (high affinity IgM and IgG antibodies) that follows, causes severe inflammation and triggers mediator cascades (complement, coagulation, and cytokine storm) leading to complications often requiring intensive therapy and being, in some patients, fatal. Strenuous exercise and high flow air in the incubation days and early stages of COVID-19, facilitates direct penetration of the virus to the lower airways and the alveoli, without impacting on the airway’s mucosae covered by neutralizing antibodies. This allows the virus to bypass the efficient immune barrier of the upper airways mucosa in young and healthy athletes. In conclusion, whether the virus or the adaptative immune response reach the lungs first, is a crucial factor deciding the fate of the patient. This “quantitative and time-sequence dependent” model has several implications for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of COVID-19.

The aim of the research was getting to know the risk of dependency on physical exercising in individual sportspeople and the relationship with body dissatisfaction and motivation. 225 triathletes, swimmers, cyclists and athletes- with ages going from 18 to 63 years old took part in the research, of which 145 were men (M = 35.57 ±10.46 years) and 80 women (M = 32.83 ±10.31 years). The EDS-R was used to study the dependency on exercising, BSQ to study body dissatisfaction, BREQ-3 to know the motivation of participants and BIAQ to analyse conducts of avoidance to body image. The obtained results show that 8.5% of the subjects had risk of dependency on exercising and that 18.2% tend to have corporal dissatisfaction, without meaningful differences in the kind of sport they practiced. However, there were important differences concerning the dependency on physical exercise (15% vs 4.8%) and body dissatisfaction (31.1% vs 11%) in relation to sex, being the higher percentage referring to women. The introjected regulation and the conduct of food restriction were the predictor variables of the dependency on exercising and corporal dissatisfaction.

World population is in a demographic transition, with an increase in number of older adults and prevalence of diseases related to aging. This study evaluated in vitro the potential of an ultrasound-assisted extract from Durvillaea incurvata to inhibit key enzymes associated with development of age-related diseases. Results show that an ultrasound-assisted extract as well as conventional extract from Durvillaea incurvata presented anti-diabetes potential by exhibiting inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase enzymes (91.8 ± 1.0 % and 93.8 ± 0.3 % respectively, at 500 µg/mL) and α-amylase (42.2 ± 1.4 % and 61.9 ± 0.9 % respectively, at 1500 µg/mL), related to starch digestion and postprandial glycemic response. Also, extracts presented inhibitory activity on the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (51.5% and 50.8% respectively, at 500 µg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (32.8% and 34.4% respectively, at 0.5 mg /mL), biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease, and showed inhibitory activity against angiotensin-I converting enzyme (98.7 ± 7.4% and 93.0 ± 3.4% respectively, at 2.0 mg /mL), key in the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure, which helps to prevent the development of hypertension. In conclusion, the ultrasound-assisted extract of Durvillaea incurvata has the potential to prevent the development of age-related pathologies, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and hypertension.

The use of clays in beauty care comes from ancient times, with therapeutic use since prehistory, and it is considerably relevant in the current cosmetic industry worldwide. In our review, we described types of clay and clay minerals used in cosmetics and dermocosmetics, compositions, usages as active compounds and excipients, and observations about formulation techniques. From this research, we could notice that although many scientific and specialized literature reported the characterization of clays, only some involving efficacy tests when incorporated into cosmetic products, mainly concerning haircare applications. By the exposed, our review could be considered and encouraged in the coming years to provide scientific and technical information for the cosmetic industry regarding the multifunctional use of clays and clay minerals.

Inositol poly- and pyrophosphates (InsPs and PP-InsPs) are central eukaryotic messengers. These very highly phosphorylated molecules can exist in two distinct conformations, a canonical one with five phosphoryl groups in equatorial positions, and a “flipped” axial conformation. Using 13C-labeled InsPs / PP-InsPs, the behavior of these molecules was investigated by 2D-NMR under solution conditions reminiscent of a cytosolic environment. Remarkably, the most highly phosphorylated messenger InsP8 readily adopts both conformations at physiological conditions. Environmental factors - such as pH, metal cation composition, and temperature - strongly influence the conformational equilibrium. Thermodynamic data revealed that the transition of InsP8 from the equatorial to the axial conformation is, in fact, an exothermic process. The speciation of InsPs and PP-InsPs also affects their interaction with protein binding partners; addition of Mg2+ decreased the binding constant Kd of InsP8 to an SPX protein domain. The results illustrate that PP-InsP speciation reacts very sensitively to solution conditions, suggesting it might act as an environment-dependent molecular switch.

Background: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a model organism emerged for the study of human cancer. Compared with the murine model, the zebrafish model has several properties ideal for personalized therapies. The transparency of the zebrafish embryos and the development of the pigment-deficient “casper” zebrafish line give the capacity to directly observe cancer formation and progression in the living animal. Automatic quantification of cellular proliferation in vivo is critical to the development of personalized medicine. Methods: A new methodology was defined to automatically quantify the cancer cellular evolution. ZFTool was developed to establish a base threshold that eliminates the embryo auto-fluorescence and automatically measures the area and intensity of GFP (green-fluorescent protein) marked cells and define a proliferation index. Results: Proliferation index automatically computed on different targets demonstrates the efficiency of ZFTool to provide a good automatic quantification of cancer cell evolution and dissemination. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that ZFTool is a reliable tool for the automatic quantification of the proliferation index, being a measure of cancer mass evolution in zebrafish eliminating the influence of its autofluorescence.

We studied short- and long-term effects of intravitreal injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) on melanopsin-containing (m⁺) and non-melanopsin-containing (Brn3a⁺) retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In adult SD-rats, the left eye received a single intravitreal injection of 5µL of 100nM NMDA. At 3 and 15 months, retinal thickness was measured in vivo using SD-OCT. Ex vivo analyses were done at 3, 7, 14 days or 15 months after damage. Whole-mounted retinas were immunolabelled for Brn3a and melanopsin, the total number of Brn3a⁺RGCs and m⁺RGCs were quantified and their topography represented. In control retinas, the mean total numbers of Brn3a⁺RGCs and m⁺RGCs were 78,903±3,572 and 2,358±144 (mean ± SD; n=10), respectively. In the NMDA injected retinas, Brn3a⁺RGCs numbers diminished to 50% and 25%, at 3 and 14 days, respectively, but there was no further loss up to 15 months. The number of immunoidentified m⁺RGCs decreased significantly at 3 days, recovered between 3-7 days and was back to normal thereafter. OCT measurements revealed a significant thinning of the left retinas at 3 and 15 months. Intravitreal injections of NMDA induce a rapid loss of 75% of Brn3a⁺RGCs, a transient downregulation of melanopsin expression but not m⁺RGC death, and a thinning of the inner retinal layers.

Sr4Al6O12SO4 samples were obtained from the compound mixture formed by a solid–state reaction of Al2O3, SrSO4, and SrCO3. Samples were compacted at 100MPa to form pellets of 1 and 4cm in diameter and were sintered at 1400°C for 4 hours. The compound was analyzed by X–ray diffraction. Static immersion and wettability tests were performed to evaluate corrosion resistance in contact with Al–Si. Corrosion tests were carried out by immersion at 800, 900, and 1000°C for 24, 50, and 100 hours, while wettability was carried out at 900, 1000, and 1100°C for 2 hours. Subsequently, the samples were prepared metallographically. Samples were analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and image analysis. In general, reaction products consisting of alumina, spinel, oxides, and sulfates were found. The contact angles obtained were 124° to 135°. It is concluded that ceramic substrate Sr4Al6O12SO4 is resistant to corrosion by Al–Si alloy, since the slight thickness of the reaction products found in the samples (100μm) considering the severe conditions of the experiment: 1000°C and 100 hours of isothermal temperature. Furthermore, it can be said that Sr4Al6O12SO4 is not wettable by Al–Si alloys.

Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) have attracted much interest because of their spin properties and potential technological applications. Besides, a great effort has been devoted to their functionalization, which is made with functional groups convenient to connect suitable SMMs to junction devices or to perform their grafting on surfaces of different substrates. We have synthesized and characterized two lipoic acid-functionalized and oxime-based MnIII compounds, of formula [Mn6(μ3-O)2(H2N-sao)6(lip)2(MeOH)6][Mn6(μ3-O)2(H2N-sao)6(cnph)2(MeOH)6]}·10MeOH (1) and [Mn6(μ3-O)2(H2N-sao)6(lip)2(EtOH)6]·EtOH·2H2O (2) [H2N-saoH2 = salicylamidoxime, lip = lipoate anion, cnph = 2-cyanophenolate anion]. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group Pī and 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group C2/c. In their crystal packing, adjacent Mn6 complexes are connected through non-coordinating solvent molecules, which are H-bonded to N atoms of –NH2 groups of salicylamidoxime ligand. In addition, Hirshfeld surfaces of 1 and 2 were calculated to study the variety of intermolecular interactions and different level of importance that take place in their crystal lattice, this type of computed study being the first time performed on Mn6 molecules. The study of the magnetic properties of 1 and 2 through dc magnetic susceptibility measurements reveals the coexistence of ferro- and antiferromagnetic exchange couplings between the Mn(III) metal ions in both compounds, the latter being the predominant magnetic interaction. A ground state spin value of S = 4 was obtained through isotropic simulations of the experimental magnetic susceptibility data for both 1 and 2. Ac magnetic susceptibility measurements show the occurrence of slow relaxation of the magnetization in 1 and 2, which indicate that SMM behavior take place in both compounds.

The paper presents the main experimental capabilities of the automatic system for the study of the interaction between porous media and atmosphere. This system is one of the possible variants of patent 2-241-477. The paper shows the result of a drying and wetting study of a tailings sample. The sample is 32 cm in height and 29 cm in diameter. The saturation and drying process was carried out at 26 degrees Celsius at the sample surface, an air velocity of 2 m/s and a relative humidity of 60%. The recharge applied to the column surface was 0.3 cm3/cm2/minute. The results show the effectiveness of the system in controlling the spatial-temporal variation of different physical properties of the porous medium in the vertical and surface profile. The controlled variables include volumetric water content, suction, relative humidity, sample weight variation due to recharge or drying, shrinkage, temperature, etc. The experiment shows how the tailings saturate very quickly but dry very slowly. Tailings consolidation occurs in the drying and wetting processes, being higher in the first one.

One characteristic of mammalian species is their capacity to produce and secrete milk from their mammary glands to feed and provide vital nutrients for the growth of their offspring. Even though mammary glands provide the same function in different species, their development, shape, and structure can vary according to their reproductive and ecological adaptations. Reproduction studies are important for cetacean conservation because they provide essential information to assess the dynamics of populations and species, particularly in relation to the management of animals under human care. A vast majority of literature on the female cetacean reproductive anatomy and physiology has focused on the ovaries, which can be used to infer life history characteristics, or genital diseases and anomalies. However, literature regarding the morphology, physiology, and developmental pattern of their mammary glands is scarce, with few anatomical and histological descriptions in species such as baleen whales; and more recently it has been assessed with the use of ultrasound in finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis). The aim of this review is to describe the current diagnostic tools applied in human and veterinary medicine to assess the mammary glands and how marine mammal medicine could benefit from these tools to evaluate the mammary glands in free-ranging and captive cetaceans. With the use of imaging techniques such as B-mode ultrasound, non-invasive studies could be performed to assess the mammary tissues, as what has been done to characterize the morphology of other organs in cetaceans, such as the reproductive tract of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins under human care. By understanding and revising the current diagnostic tools to assess the mammary gland of humans and domestic animals, such as ultrasonography, it might be possible to determine which techniques could be applied by marine mammal veterinarians to enhance the evaluation of the cetacean mammary gland morphology and physiology.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have increased interpersonal and intimate violence, harmful use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD), and mental health problems. The present study uses a valid path model to describe relationships between these conditions of young Mexicans during the second year of the pandemic. A sample of 7,420 young Mexicans ages 18 to 24—two-thirds of whom were women—completed the Life Events Checklist, the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test, the Major-Depressive-Episode Checklist, the Generalized Anxiety Scale, and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist. Young Mexicans reported higher rates of victimization and perpetration of interpersonal and intimate violence and mental health symptomatology than those noted pre-pandemic and in the first year of the pandemic. Harmful use of AOD rates were like those reported by adolescents before. Findings suggested asymmetric victimization and perpetration of intimate violence by gender (with women being at a higher risk than men, p≤.05). More men than women engaged in the harmful use of AOD (except for sedatives, which more women abuse). In contrast, more women than men were at risk of all mental health conditions. The path model indicates that being a victim of intimate violence predicts harmful use of tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, and sedatives, depression, anxiety, and specific PTSD symptoms (such as re-experimentation and avoidance symptoms). Being a victim of interpersonal violence resulted in severe PTSD symptoms (including avoidance, negative alterations in cognition-mood, and hyperarousal signs). Harmful use of sedatives predicted depressive symptoms. Men´s victimizing intimate violence model contrasted with that of women, which also included being the victim of interpersonal violence and severe PTSD symptoms. The high school youth model had three paths -victimizing-intimate violence, victimizing-interpersonal abuse, and sedative use, which predicted depression. The findings of this study could serve as the basis for future studies exploring mechanisms that predict violence patterns to develop the most cost-effective preventive programs and public policies and to address mental health conditions during community emergencies.

This work is a generalization of the Lopez-Ruiz, Mancini and Calbet (LMC); and Shiner, Davison and Landsberg (SDL) complexity measures, considering that the state of a system or process is represented by a dynamical variable during a certain time interval. As the two complexity measures are based on the calculation of informational entropy, an equivalent information source is defined and, as time passes, the individual information associated to the measured parameter is the seed to calculate instantaneous LMC and SDL measures. To show how the methodology works, an example with economic data is presented.

There are increasing calls in education for deeper integration of disciplines and better preparation for the personal and job challenges of a fast-changing and smarter society. Thus, we need to search for new effective didactic strategies. However, current classrooms are isolated. They practically never connect. This hinders the exchange of ideas. It inhibits imitation and recombination, the basic blocks of cultural evolution and innovation. In this paper, we analyze online inter-class tournaments. These are lessons where entire elementary or middle school classes interconnect synchronously and play an educational game. These are new types of academic activities, and only possible thanks to digital communication technology. In this paper, we examine four online tournaments, we analyze how feasible it is to carry them out and the benefits they bring. One tournament is for teaching machine learning and statistics. The second one teaches the conservation of momentum in physics and an engineering optimization challenge. The third tournament is for learning to solve word problems. The fourth one is for teaching natural and sexual selection along with developing statistical and population thinking. We found that these inter-class tournaments are feasible to implement in schools and that they are a promising mechanism to facilitate imitation, recombination, and innovation of teaching strategies.

Zinc oxide is one of the most important semiconductor metal oxides and one of the most promising n-type materials, but its practical use is limited because of both its high thermal conductivity and its low electrical conductivity. Numerous studies have shown that doping with metals in ZnO structures leads to the modification of the band gap energy. In this work, Al-doped ZnO, Ni-doped ZnO, and undoped ZnO nanocrystalline powders were prepared by sol-gel method coupled with ultrasound irradiation. The doping concentration in ZnO was 1.0 at.% of Al and Ni. Influence of Al³⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions in the ZnO network are explored in this paper. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, Nitrogen Adsorption (BET method), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analyses demonstrated the incorporation of metal ions (aluminum and nickel) into the ZnO wurtzite structure. The crystallite size of the sample was decreased from 24.5 nm (ZnO) to 22.0 nm (ZnO-Al) and 21 nm (ZnO-Ni).

By defining a constant probabilistic orbit of and iterated functions, the stability dynamics of these functions in possible interactions through connectivity provides the formation of a dynamic fixed point as a metric space between both iterated functions. The presence of a dynamic fixed point identifies qualitatively phases of iteration time lengths and interaction orbits of the event. Qualitative results show that the greater the average distance from one of the functions to the fixed point of the other (all possible solutions), the higher the iteration expression on time (false asymptotic effect) of one of the functions and in the opposite hand, the lower the average distance, the higher orbit’s interactions proximity between iterated functions (stability). This feature reveals asymptotic (well-defined) behavior between functions f and g within a well-defined Lyapunov stability.

The potential of biological consortia designed for laccase production and dye treatment is discussed in this review. The poor yields in laccase production and low efficiency in dye decolorization of monoculture-based treatments has encouraged the use of designed biological consortia. A consortium is a system where the growth of two or more organisms, chosen to improve a particular bioprocess, is induced in the same medium. Chemical and natural mediators are being replaced by consortia for the production of laccases because, in addition to being less toxic, they induce new enzyme isoforms and lead to high laccase yields. On the other hand, consortia act synergistically in the decolorization of azo dyes through the enzymes they produce, so overall degradation is improved. Designed consortia are an attractive alternative still in development that could provide new biotechnological tools for the treatment of textile effluents.

When bioprospecting for novel industrial enzymes, substrate promiscuity is a desirable property that increases the reusability of the enzyme. Among industrial enzymes, ester hydrolases have great relevance for which the demand has not ceased to increase. However, the search for new substrate promiscuous ester hydrolases is not trivial since the mechanism behind this property is greatly influenced by the active site's structural and physicochemical characteristics. These characteristics must be computed from the 3D structure, which is rarely available, and expensive to measure, hence the need for a method that can predict promiscuity from a sequence alone. Here we report such a method called EP-pred, an ensemble binary classifier, that combines three machine learning algorithms: SVM, KNN, and a Linear model. EP-pred has been evaluated against the Lipase Engineering Database together with a hidden Markov approach leading to a final set of 10 sequences predicted to encode promiscuous esterases. Experimental results confirmed the validity of our method since all ten proteins were found to exhibit a broad substrate ambiguity.

The 3D/3D+ multidimensional geriatric assessment tool provides an optimal model of emergency care for patients aged 75 and over who attend the Emergency Department (ED). The baseline, or static, component (3D) stratifies the degree of frailty prior to the acute illness, while the current, or dynamic, component (3D+) assesses the multidimensional impact caused by the acute illness and helps to guide the choice of care facility for patients upon their discharge from the ED. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the 3D/3D+ to predict short- and long-term adverse outcomes in ED patients aged 75 years and older. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the predictors of mortality 30 days after 3D/3D+ assessment. Two hundred and seventy-eight patients (59.7% women) with a median age of 86 years (interquartile range: 83-90) were analysed. According to the baseline component (3D), 83.1% (95%CI: 78.2-87.3) presented some degree of frailty. The current component (3D+) presented alterations in 60.1% (95%CI: 54.1-65.9). The choice of care facility at ED discharge indicated by the 3D/3D+ was considered appropriate in 96.4% (95%CI: 93.0-98.0). Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 19.4%. Delirium and functional decline were the dimensions on the 3D/3D+ that were independently associated with 30-day mortality. These two dimensions had an area under receiver operating characteristic of 0.80 (95%CI: 0.73-0.86) for predicting 30-day mortality. 3D/3D+ enhances the provision of comprehensive care by ED professionals, guides them in the choice of patients’ discharge destination, and has a prognostic validity that serves to establish future therapeutic objectives.

The Canal of Aragon and Catalonia (CAC) is 134 km long and irrigates 105,000 ha (131 irrigation user communities) and it is own by the River Ebro’s Water Agency. The aqueducts are located between km 67 and 71 of the canal and were designed by the Civil Engineer Félix de los Ríos Martín in 1907. The cross-section of both aqueducts, Coll de Foix and Capedevila, was extended within the framework of the project by Fernando Hué Herrero in 1962 in order to reach design flows of 26.1 m3/s and 25.7 m3/s, respectively. The structural performance of the aqueducts has been satisfactory, nevertheless the hydraulic capacity has reduced over the years. As a result, the irrigation user communities have expressed the need to extend the cross-section of the aqueducts to meet the irrigation demands. Given the age of the structure and the different design considerations at the time, it is paramount to verify the structural reliability of the aqueducts in the new load configuration. Therefore, the objective of the paper is to present the structural safety analysis conducted and describe the new extended cross-section for both aqueducts (maintaining the original structural typology).

The revolutionary idea of complementary intelligence involves a unique strategy in which artificial intelligence (AI) works with human cognitive abilities embodied by natural intelligence (NI), creating a harmonious partnership instead of engaging in a competitive relationship. This innovative concept can potentially revolutionize how we approach scientific research and discovery. This cutting-edge process capitalizes on pooling the vast information from various distinct and autonomous sources to generate forecasts that frequently outshine human perspectives by significant margins, leading to groundbreaking advancements in scientific development based on hybrid intelligence. Multilayer networks extend traditional network theory to adjacent layers linked through copula nodes. Artificial intelligence, with its retrieval capacity to collect and interpret big data, sharply increases the number of nodes and their linking interpretation. This process, amplified by multilayer networks, dramatically improves the scalability of the networked ecosystem. Multilayer networks can represent NI and AI in complementary hyperplanes, connecting them with copula nodes and edge properties. Thus, it is possible to measure the interaction of NI and AI, assessing their scalable value co-creation properties. This study examines the interaction of NI and AI with an innovative and multidisciplinary approach. A theoretical framework of these related concepts precedes practical insights for possible applications in future research.

Background/Objectives: Instability is one of the main symptoms in patients with vestibular and neurological disorders and therapeutic exercise interventions are increasing its popularity as a way of treatment for those. Additionally, the limits of stability measurement are known to be a good tool for balance evaluation and monitoring of this interventions. The aim of this work is to understand better how a specific protocol provokes changes on this variable and study the characteristics of those who respond and non-respond to it. Methods: A retrospective study was developed with the data of 40 patients treated in the Otorhinolaryngology department in Clínica Universidad de Navarra (Madrid, Spain). Those had an initial reduction in limits of stability, completed the protocol proposed with home-based and hospital-based exercises with frequent limits of stability remeasurement, and assist to the follow-up retest after 1-2 months. Results: A progressive improvement in limits of stability measure was developed through the intervention and partially retained at follow-up visit. Differences were found between responders and non-responders patients. More specifically an initial measure of the limits of stability was able to differentiate those groups with a cut-off data of 56cm2. Conclusions: The protocol proposed was able to induce motor learning in patients included in this study with good retention after 1-2 months. Besides, there is some variability in how patients respond to the treatment. Age and diagnostic should be considered, and an interesting cut-off data for clinal decision making was found.

The purpose of this disquisition is to analyze bullfighting, its advances and setbacks at a global and local level in terms of animal law. It was developed as a descriptive documentary research with a non-experimental design, using the observation and interpretation of documents related to the subject, from the global level, to the local, the national, specific to the regions and communities, being interpreted through the hermeneutic method. In the analysis, results were reached such as: every day more countries are willing to assume that bulls, because they are living beings that feel, are being attended to from the legal and the ethical, propitiating changes in the way of thinking of people in terms of wanting to consider bullfighting, a sport, art and hobby considered cultural heritage of many countries. For this reason, different actions have been generated from surveys, to define the acceptance or not of these events. It is concluded that there are important advances in this regard, as bullfighting is being prohibited in different parts of the world, taking into account the protection that protects animals, but the laws do not establish specific prohibition in this regard worldwide.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is the most serious injury in judo. Therefore, its prevention is of great importance. The main mechanism of injury is the collapse of the knee in valgus, which usually occurs when there are deficits of strength and neuromuscular control of the core, external rotators and hip abductors, as well as limitations of ankle and hip mobility. In most sports there is a difference in the prevalence of this injury between both sexes, being more common in women. Therefore, in the present study we observed this possible intersexual disparity in the difference of movement patterns among elite judokas according to their sex, in order to identify those athletes with a higher risk of ACL injury. In addition, it was not observed differences between sexes in the performance of the Single Leg Squat test (SLS test); There was worse neuromuscular control of the non-dominant leg in men and women; No differences were observed in in the range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion and hip external rotation between men and women, but there were differences in internal rotation, a movement whose restriction may be related to an increased risk of ACL injury.

The epigenetic modifications control the pathogenicity of human pathogenic fungi, which have been poorly studied in Mucorales; causative agents of mucormycosis. This order belongs to a group referred to as early-diverging fungi that are characterized by high levels of N6-methyldeoxyadenine (6mA) in their genome with dense 6mA clusters associated with actively expressed genes. AlkB enzymes can act as demethylases of 6mA in DNA, with the most remarkable eukaryotic examples being mammalian ALKBH1 and Caenorhabditis elegans NMAD-1. Mucor lusitanicus (formerly M. circinelloides f. lusitanicus) genome contains one gene, dmt1, and two genes, dmt2 and dmt3, encoding proteins homologs to C. elegans NMAD-1 and ALKBH1, respectively. The function of the three genes was analyzed by the generation of single and double deletion mutants for each gene. Multiple processes were studied in the mutants, but defects were only found in single and double deletion mutants for dmt1. In contrast to the wild-type strain, dmt1 mutants showed an increase of 6mA levels during the dimorphic transition, suggesting that 6mA regulates dimorphism in M. lusitanicus. Furthermore, the spores of dmt1 mutants challenged with macrophages underwent a reduction of polar growth, suggesting that 6mA also has a role during the spore-macrophage interaction that could be important in the infection process.

The European Union's recent decision to renew the authorization for the use of glyphosate until 15 December 2033 stimulates the scientific discussion all around the world regarding its toxicity or otherwise for humans. Glyphosate is a chemical used by millions of tons in the last 50 years worldwide to drying weeds in cultivated fields, greenhouses, roadsides. Concern has been raised in many quarters about the possible presence in the food chain and the consequent adverse effects on health: both aspects that argue in favor of toxicity and those that instead may indicate limited toxicity of glyphosate are here discussed. The great debate that has been generated requires further investigations and field measurements to understand its fate once dispersed in the environment and its concentration in the food chain. Hence the need for validated analytical methods that are available to analysts in the field. In the present review, methods for the analytical determination of glyphosate and its main metabolite, AMPA, are discussed, with a specific focus on chromatographic techniques applied to cereal products. The experimental procedures are explained in any detail, including cleanup, derivatization, and instrumental conditions to give the laboratories involved enough information to proceed with the implementation of this line of analysis. The prevalent chromatographic methods used are LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/SIM, and GC-MS/MS but sufficient indications are also given to those laboratories that wish to use the simpler HPLC-FLD, HPLC-UV, GC-NPD or GC-FPD techniques for screening purposes. Concentrations from literature measured in wheat, corn, barley, rye, oats, soybean, and cereal-based foods are reported together with the regulatory status in various parts of the world and the accumulation mechanism. As for the accumulation in cereals, available data show that glyphosate tends to accumulate more in wholemeal flours than in refined ones, that its concentration in the product strictly depends on the treatment period (the closer it is to the time of harvesting, the higher the concentration) and that in cold climates the herbicide tends to persist in the soil for a long time.

Despite being stored at 113 K and atmospheric pressure, LNG cold potential is not exploited to reduce green ships’ energy needs. An innovative system based on three Organic Ranking Cycles integrated into the regasification equipment is proposed to produce additional power and recover cooling energy from condensers. A first-law analysis identified ethylene and ethane as suitable working fluids for the first and the second ORC making available freshwater and ice. Propane, ammonia and propylene could be arbitrarily employed in the third ORC for air-conditioning. An environmental analysis that combines exergy efficiency, ecological indices and hazard aspects for marine environment and ship’s passengers, indicated propylene as safer and more environmentally friendly. The exergy analysis confirms more than 20% of the LNG potential can be recovered from every cycle to produce a net clean power of 76 kW, whereas 270 kW can be saved by recovering condensers' cooling power to satisfy some ship needs. Assuming the sailing mode, a limitation of 162 kg in LNG consumptions was determined, avoiding the emission of 1584 kg of CO2 per day. Marine thermal pollution is reduced by 3.5 times by recovering the working fluids' condensation heat for the LNG pre-heating.

Dual-energy CT (DECT) imaging has broadened the potential of CT imaging by offering multiple postprocessing datasets with a single acquisition at more than one energy level. DECT shows profound capabilities to improve diagnosis based on its superior material differentiation and its quantitative value. However, the potential of dual energy imaging remains relatively untapped, possibly due to its intricate workflow and intrinsic technical limitations of DECT. Knowing the clinical advantages of dual-energy imaging and recognizing its limitations and pitfalls is neces-sary for an appropriate clinical use. The aims of this paper are to review physical and technical basis of DECT acquisition and analysis, to discuss advantages and limitations of DECT in dif-ferent clinical scenarios, to review technical constraints in material labeling and quantification, and to evaluate cutting-edge applications of DECT imaging, including artificial intelligence, qualitative and quantitative imaging biomarkers, and DECT-derived radiomics and radioge-nomics

The heat and matter transfer during glucose catabolism in living systems and their relation with entropy production are a challenging subject of the classical thermodynamics applied to biology. In this respect, an analogy between mechanics and thermodynamics has been performed via the definition of the entropy density acceleration expressed by the time derivative of the rate of entropy density and related to heat and matter transfer in minimum living systems. Cells are regarded as open thermodynamic systems that exchange heat and matter resulting from irreversible processes with the intercellular environment. Prigogine’s minimum energy dissipation principle is reformulated using the notion of entropy density acceleration applied to glucose catabolism. It is shown that, for out-of-equilibrium states, the calculated entropy density acceleration is finite and negative and approaches as a function of time a zero value at global thermodynamic equilibrium for heat and matter transfer independently of the cell type and the metabolic pathway. These results could be important for a deeper understanding of entropy generation and its correlation with heat transfer in cell biology with special regard to glucose catabolism representing the prototype of irreversible reactions and a crucial metabolic pathway in stem cells and cancer stem cells.

Particle size can pose a challenge to random embankment compaction control methods, where practical techniques have hardly been developed and procedural control is used instead. In order to develop new quality control procedures for slate random fill, the necessary fieldwork and laboratory tests were carried out. This involved the revision of certain methods such as the wheel-tracking or topographic settlement tests. More than four thousand five hundred in-situ density and moisture content measurements were carried out for this research. In addition, more than five hundred and eighty topographic settlements and nine hundred and sixty wheel-tracking carriage tests were performed. The quality control processes were completed with more than one hundred and thirty plate bearing tests. Possible evidence of statistical correlations between compaction control tests were identified. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. When testing proved relationships between them, the replacement of one of them by the other was assessed by deduction. Finally, the study suggests new procedures for compaction quality control of random slate fill used in core area.

This work aimed to synthesize new N-rich triazole compounds. In this article we describe the synthesis of three different 1,2,4-triazole-based systems starting from 1,3-diaminoguanidine hydrochloride monohydrate. The structure of the obtained crystals was established by single-crystal X-Ray diffraction. The high nitrogen content of the synthetized compounds makes them building blocks for the application in the High-Energy-Density material science.

We report a photonic-based radio frequency (RF) arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) using a soliton crystal micro-comb source with a free spectral range (FSR) of 48.9 GHz. The comb source provides over 80 wavelengths, or channels, that we use to successfully achieve arbitrary waveform shapes including square waveforms with a tunable duty ratio ranging from 10% to 90%, sawtooth waveforms with a tunable slope ratio of 0.2 to 1, and a symmetric concave quadratic chirp waveform with an instantaneous frequency of sub GHz. We achieve good agreement between theory and experiment, validating the effectiveness of this approach towards realizing high-performance, broad bandwidth, nearly user-defined RF waveform generation.

We report a broadband radio frequency (RF) channelizer with up to 92 channels using a coherent microcomb source. A soliton crystal microcomb, generated by a 49 GHz micro-ring resonator (MRR), is used as a multi-wavelength source. Due to its ultra-low comb spacing, up to 92 wavelengths are available in the C band, yielding a broad operation bandwidth. Another high-Q MRR is employed as a passive optical periodic filter to slice the RF spectrum with a high resolution of 121.4 MHz. We experimentally achieve an instantaneous RF operation bandwidth of 8.08 GHz and verify RF channelization up to 17.55 GHz via thermal tuning. Our approach is a significant step towards the monolithically integrated photonic RF receivers with reduced complexity, size, and unprecedented performance, which is important for wide RF applications ranging from broadband analog signal processing to digital-compatible signal detection.

The climate and its changes are major risk factors for agricultural activities because agricultural systems are highly affected by climatic factors such as temperature, rain, humidity, wind, and solar radiation. While some agricultural areas of the world are irrigated, the vast majority rely on natural rainfall patterns. Farmers will consume more water as a result of climate change and experience less water availability, resulting in a decrease in production capacity. As one of the most important natural phenomena affecting agricultural productivity, drought is a limiting environment for plant growth. The response of plants to water stress is complex and involves coordination between gene expression and its integration with hormones. It has been shown that bacteria have mechanisms to reduce water stress in these plant species and promote greater growth. The underlined mechanism involves root-to-shoot phenotypic changes in growth rate, architecture, hydraulic conductivity, water conservation, plant cell protection, and damage restoration through integrating phytohormones modulation, stress-induced enzymatic apparatus, and metabolites. This review demonstrates how plant growth-promoting bacteria can mitigate negative effects associated with water stress in plants and provide examples of technology conversion in agroecosystems.

Despite decreasing anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emissions in Europe and the banning and restriction of many persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention, Mediterranean marine mammals still have one of the highest body burdens of persistent pollutants in the world. Moreover, the Mediterranean basin is one of the most sensitive to climate change, with likely changes in the biogeochemical cycle and bioavailability of Hg, primary productivity, and the length and composition of pelagic food webs. The availability of food resources for marine mammals is also affected by widespread overfishing and the increasing number of alien species colonizing the basin. After reporting the most recent findings on the biogeochemical cycle of Hg in the Mediterranean Sea and the physico-chemical and bio-ecological factors determining its exceptional bioaccumulation in odontocetes, this review discusses possible future changes in the bioavailability of the metal. Recent ocean-atmosphere-land models predict that in mid-latitude seas, water warming (which in the Mediterranean is 20% faster than the global average) is likely to decrease the solubility of Hg and favor the escape of the metal to the atmosphere. However, the basin has been affected for thousands of years by natural and anthropogenic inputs of metals, and climate change with sea level rise (3.6 ± 0.3 mm year-1 in the last two decades) and the frequency of extreme weather events will likely remobilize large amount of legacy Hg from soils, riverine and coastal sediments. Moreover, possible changes in pelagic food webs and food availability could determine dietary shifts and lower growth rates in Mediterranean cetaceans, increasing their Hg body burden. Although adult marine mammals have evolved the ability to detoxify monomethylmercury (MMHg) and store the metal in the liver and other organs as insoluble Hg-Se crystals, in Mediterranean populations more exposed to the metal, this process can deplete the biological pool of Se, increasing their susceptibility to infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. Mediterranean mammals are also among the most exposed in the world to legacy POPs, micro- and nanoplastics and contaminants of emerging interest. Concomitant exposure to these synthetic chemicals may pose a much more serious threat than the Se depletion. Unfortunately, as shown by literature data summarized in this review, the most exposed populations are those living in the NW basin, the main feeding and reproductive area for most Mediterranean cetaceans, declared a sanctuary for their protection since the 2002. Thus, while emphasizing the adoption of all available approaches to mitigate anthropogenic pressure with fishing and maritime traffic, it is recommended to direct future research efforts towards the assessment of possible biological effects, at individual and population level, of chronic and simultaneous exposure to Hg, legacy POPs, contaminants of emerging interest and microplastics.

We have modelled the energy consumption of prototype and real buildings under present and future climatic conditions with the EnergyPlus model to develop a better understanding of the relationship between changing climate conditions and energy demand. We have produced detailed meteorological information with 50 meters of spatial resolution through dynamical downscaling process combining regional, urban and computational fluid dynamics models which include the effects of the buildings on urban wind patterns. The city of Madrid has been chosen for our experiment. The impact on energy demand and their respective economic cost are calculated for year 2100 versus 2011 based on two IPCC climate scenarios, RCP 4.5 (stabilization of emissions) and RCP 8.5 (not reduction of emissions). Findings show that climate change will have a significant impact on the energy demand for buildings. Space heating demand will be increased by the RCP 4.5 and cooling demand will be increased for the RCP 8.5 in the analysed buildings.

A numerical approach for generating a limited number of water demand scenarios and estimating their occurrence probabilities in a Water Distribution Network (WDN) is proposed. This approach makes use of the demand scaling laws in order to consider the natural variability and spatial correlation of nodal consumptions. The scaling laws are employed to determine the statistics of nodal consumption as a function of the number of users and the main statistical features of the unitary user's demand. Besides, consumption at each node is considered to follow a Gamma probability distribution. A high number of groups of cross-correlated demands, i.e., scenarios, for the entire network were generated using Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) and the numerical procedure proposed by Iman and Conover. The Kantorovich distance is used to reduce the number of scenarios and estimate their corresponding probabilities, while keeping the statistical information on nodal consumptions. By hydraulic simulation, the whole number of generated demand scenarios was used to obtain a corresponding number of pressure scenarios on which the same reduction procedure was applied. The probabilities of the reduced scenarios of pressure were compared with the corresponding probabilities of demand.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intensity of the annual sexual behavior (SB) of Boer bucks under tropical conditions in southern Mexico. For one year, 16 extensively grazing males were evaluated for SB individually with estrogenized goats. From the beginning of the experiment and every 30 days, body weight (BW), body condition (BC), testicular circumference (TC), odor intensity (OI) and SB (nudging, ano-genital sniffing, flehmen, mounting attempts, mounts with intromission, and self-urination) were recorded. The bucks showed a more intense SB during the months of November to May than during the months of June to October (p < 0.05). Greater frequency was found for nudging, ano-genital sniffing, mounting attempts, and self-urination in the months of November to May (p < 0.001). BW was lower during the months of January to August than in the months of September to December (p < 0.05). On the other hand, TC increased from October to December (p < 0.05). Similarly, the OI in males varied over time (time effect; p < 0.001). In fact, an increased odor was found from October to December. The conclusions were that breed male goats from the tropics of Guerrero have a more intense SB during the months of November to May, which corresponds to the time of the year when forage availability is the greatest.

The construction industry has a notable negative impact on the environment; thus, the promotion of the use of timber structures is an alternative to mitigate its effects. The research develops an artificial intelligence-based decision approach in the calculation of timber structures focused on the enhancement of the sustainability of roof structures. Based on the optimization carried out through genetic algorithms and the framework established in Eurocode 5, a general set of equations has been proposed for a laminated timber roof structure. The tool, which determines the most suitable roof structure for each strength class of laminated timber, allows for the determination of the dimensions of beams and purlins and their respective separations in order to minimize wood consumption. The ultimate goal is to offer multiple solutions regarding strength classes and structural designs in order to foster informed sustainable choices that promote efficient use of resources in construction.

Interoperable multilayer networks are pivotal and transformative in public digital health. They not only enhance the delivery of healthcare services but also contribute significantly to improving public health outcomes. Through better accessibility, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making, these networks are revolutionizing how we approach public health. The seamless data exchange and integration they facilitate across different healthcare systems and providers can lead to substantial cost savings for public healthcare systems. These networks pave the way for a more efficient and effective healthcare system by reducing redundancies, optimizing resource allocation, and minimizing unnecessary procedures. This study combines the pressing issues of public digital health with the innovative interpretation of multilayer network theory, proposing practical solutions that inspire academics and practitioners alike.Public digital health is not just about improving care access and patient engagement. It is also about ensuring the financial sustainability of our healthcare systems. Innovative multilayer network analysis is critical in this game, improving interoperability and reducing spatial and temporal constraints. These networks streamline processes and improve efficiency by easing complex interactions within healthcare systems. This process, in turn, allows healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care at a lower cost, transforming, whenever possible, in-patients and out-patients into home-patients. Networks are a cornerstone and a beacon of hope for transforming public digital health. They are increasing the Value for Money and enhancing a patient-centric approach, making us optimistic about the future of healthcare.This study shows that revolutionizing digital healthcare methodologies has a profound impact on crucial elements like resilience, interoperability, and patient well-being within public health. The enhancement of interoperability facilitates the smooth flow of data exchange across various platforms and healthcare providers, fostering improved collaboration and decision-making processes and elevating the safety of patients.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the production and phytochemical quality of cucumber fruits (Cucumis sativus), in response to the foliar application of different seaweed extracts. This study was carried out under shadow mesh conditions in the autumn - winter agricultural cycle at Instituto Tecnológico de Torreón, Torreón, Coahuila. The experimental design was completely random, using six treatments with six repetitions each. The treatments evaluated were: Macrocystis pyrifera, Bryothamnion triquetrum, Ascophyllum nodosum, Grammatophora sp., Macrocystis intergrifolia, and a control treatment with inorganic fertilization. The substrate used was a mixture of sand and vermicompost. The yield, commercial quality and phytochemical compounds of the fruit were evaluated. Results showed that yield using Steiner solution (6.75 kg m⁻²) was higher than that obtained with Bryothamnion triquetrum algae (6.07 kg m⁻²). Regarding the phenolic content, the extracts surpassed the control treatment, with Macrocystis pyrifera and Macrocystis integrifolia being statistically equal, with values of 47.37 and 43.73 mg equiv. of Ac. Gallic 100 g fresh weight, respectively. The antioxidant capacity by ABTS+ and DPPH+ methods was higher using the treatment with algae Macrocystis pyrifera with 149.4 and 454.1 μM equiv Trolox/100 g fresh base, respectively. This treatment also presented the highest value of vitamin C with 5.07 mg/100 g fresh base, being 27% greater than the control treatment. Algae extracts increased the quality of the fruits by obtaining the highest antioxidant capacity, making their use a viable option to minimize the application of conventional fertilizers, thereby attenuating the effects on the environment and improving the health of the population.

The search for growth and sustainability in any organization largely depends on its ability to carry out digital transformation and agility processes. These processes are essential to adapt to an increasingly changing and competitive business environment, allowing companies to be more efficient and effective in creating an unbreakable bond with their customers. This manuscript addresses the importance of detecting and eliminating anti-patterns in organizational culture for a successful digital and agile transformation. During the early stages of the transformation process, prejudices and paradigms rooted in the organization can become an obstacle to change. The goal of this writing is to offer a practical guide for leaders and teams in organizations seeking successful cultural transformation. Effective strategies are proposed to overcome the challenges faced by organizations during this early stage. In summary, the key steps to be followed in the initial stages of digital transformation with agility are described, including the importance of establishing strong leadership, defining a clear vision and scope of the transformational process, among others. A set of recommendations will be provided to overcome recurring anti-patterns, such as lack of stakeholder participation and commitment, lack of proper planning, and confusion of roles and responsibilities.

Audio recording in classrooms is a common practice in educational research, with applications ranging from detecting classroom activities to analysing student behaviour. Previous research has employed neural networks for classroom activity detection and speaker role identification. However, these recordings are often affected by background noise that can hinder further analysis, and the literature has only sought to identify noise with general filters and not specifically designed for classrooms. Although the use of high-end microphones and environmental monitoring can mitigate this problem, these solutions can be costly and potentially disruptive to the natural classroom environment. In this context, we propose the development of a neural network model that can specifically detect and filter out background noise in classroom recordings. This model would allow the use of lower quality recordings without compromising analysis capability, thus facilitating data collection in natural educational environments and reducing the costs associated with high-end recording equipment.

With the term neuroinflammation has defined the typical inflammatory response of the brain closely related to the onset of many neurological diseases. Neuroinflammation is well known, but its mechanisms and pathways are not entirely comprehended. Currently, some progress has been achieved through many efforts and research. Consequently, new cellular and molecular mecha-nisms, diverse from conventional ones, are emerging. In listing some of those that will be the sub-ject of our description and discussion, essential are the important role of peripheral and infiltrated monocytes and clonotypic cells, alterations in gut/brain axis, dysregulation of the apelinergic sys-tem, as well as changes in the endothelial glycocalyx of blood-brain barrier, variation in expres-sion of some genes and levels of the encoding molecules by microRNAs (miRNAs), or other epige-netic factors and distinctive transcriptional factors, as well as the role of autophagy, ferroptosis, sex differences and modifications in the circadian cycle. Such mentioned mechanisms can add significant pieces in understanding the complex etiological puzzle of neuroinflammation. In addi-tion, they could represent biomarkers and targets of neurodegenerative diseases, in increase in our old populations.

Learning disorders (LD) are diagnosed in children whose academic skills of reading, writing or mathematics are impaired and lagged according to their age, schooling and intelligence. Children with LD experience substantial working memory (WM) deficits, even more pronounced if more than one of the academic skills is affected. We compared the task-related EEG power spectral density of children with LD (n= 23), with a control group of children with good academic achievement (n= 22), during the performance of a WM task. sLoreta was used to estimate the current distribution at the sources, and 18 brain regions of interests (ROIs) were chosen with an extended version of the eigenvector centrality mapping technique. In this way, we lessen some drawbacks of the traditional EEG at the sensor space by an analysis at the brain sources level over data-driven selected ROIs. Results: The LD group showed fewer correct responses at the WM task, an overall slower EEG with more theta activity in all ROIs, less upper-alpha power at posterior areas, and less high-frequency beta activity in frontal areas. We explain these EEG patterns in LD children as indices of an inefficient neural resource management related with a delay in the neural development.

This manuscript explores the significance of continuous improvement in software development and digital product management, highlighting its role in addressing challenges and achieving superior results in today's dynamic business landscape. Drawing on Lean Thinking and Agile principles, the paper emphasizes the importance of customer focus, multidisciplinary collaboration, respect for people, inspection and adaptation, experimentation, incremental delivery, and continuous feedback in driving continuous improvement. It identifies key problems associated with the lack of continuous improvement, including quality issues, stagnation, inefficiency, lack of learning, lack of participation and collaboration, and lack of adaptability. To overcome these challenges, the paper proposes a solution that leverages agile events and interactions, such as sprint retrospectives and daily scrum meetings, and introduces a "kaizen board" as a visual tool to manage and monitor the continuous improvement process. The manuscript highlights the benefits of continuous improvement in terms of quality enhancement, efficiency gains, improved customer satisfaction, and adaptability to change. It stresses the need for fostering a culture of learning and constant adaptation, and provides insights on applying continuous improvement across different dimensions: product, process, team, and culture. The paper concludes by emphasizing the significance of commitment and active participation from all team members for achieving sustainable progress and success in digital transformation efforts.

Micro-combs [1-4] - optical frequency combs generated by integrated micro-cavity resonators – offer the full potential of their bulk counterparts [5,6], but in an integrated footprint. The discovery of temporal soliton states (DKS – dissipative Kerr solitons) [4,7-11] as a means of mode-locking micro-combs has enabled breakthroughs in many fields including spectroscopy [12,13], microwave photonics [14], frequency synthesis [15], optical ranging [16,17], quantum sources [18,19], metrology [20,21] and more. One of their most promising applications has been optical fibre communications where they have enabled massively parallel ultrahigh capacity multiplexed data transmission [22,23]. Here, by using a new and powerful class of micro-comb called “soliton crystals” [11], we achieve unprecedented data transmission over standard optical fibre using a single integrated chip source. We demonstrate a line rate of 44.2 Terabits per second (Tb/s) using the telecommunications C-band at 1550nm with a spectral efficiency – a critically important performance metric - of 10.4 bits/s/Hz. Soliton crystals exhibit robust and stable generation and operation as well as a high intrinsic efficiency that, together with a low soliton micro-comb spacing of 48.9 GHz enable the use of a very high coherent data modulation format of 64 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulated). We demonstrate error free transmission over 75 km of standard optical fibre in the laboratory as well as in a field trial over an installed metropolitan optical fibre network. These experiments were greatly aided by the ability of the soliton crystals to operate without stabilization or feedback control. This work demonstrates the capability of optical soliton crystal micro-combs to perform in demanding and practical optical communications networks.

We demonstrate a photonic RF integrator based on an integrated soliton crystal micro-comb source. By multicasting and progressively delaying the input RF signal using a transversal structure, the input RF signal is integrated discretely. Up to 81 wavelengths are provided by the microcomb source, which enable a large integration time window of ~6.8 ns, together with a time resolution as fast as ~84 ps. We perform signal integration of a diverse range of input RF signals including Gaussian pulses with varying time widths, dual pulses with varying time intervals and a square waveform. The experimental results show good agreement with theory. These results verify our microcomb-based integrator as a competitive approach for RF signal integration with high performance and potentially lower cost and footprint.

Corn silage (Zea mays L.) is the most widely used energy resource in the diets of dairy cattle around the world; it stands out for its higher biomass yields, good palatability, homogeneous quality at harvest and ease of silage due to its higher soluble sugar content. It was carried out a search of studies related to dry matter yield (ton ha-1), population density (plant density ha-1), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), organic matter (OM), DM digestibility (DMD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) and milk production per hectare (kg of milk ha-1) that was determined using MILK2006®. It was carried out a cluster analysis (CL, PROC CLUSTER) obtaining six groups of corn silage: CL1: "Starch", which included DMD, DFDN, TDN1xDM, Mega calories per kg of DM and kg of milk/ton/DM; CL2: "Fats" which included TDN1xMS, Mcal/kg/DM and kg of milk/ton/DM; CL3: "Dry Matter", conformed only by DFDN; CL4: "Plant Density" including Yield of DM ha-1 and Milk Production ha-1; CL5: "Neutral Detergent Fiber" and CL6: "Raw Protein". It is concluded that CL1 was characterized by a higher DMD, DFND, CNF and starch that allow a higher TNDx1DM and an energy concentration (Mcal/kg/DM) that shows a higher milk production (kg of milk/ton/DM ha-1). The characteristics of CL2 with higher EE, allow a higher TNDx1DM and an energy concentration (Mcal/kg/DM) with a higher milk production (kg of milk/ton/DM ha-1).

COVID-19 was a terrible worldwide pandemic that caused a global public health crisis, with numerous deaths and a severe economic depression. To suppress the spread of COVID-19 and initiate patient isolation and contact tracing to reduce its effect, early diagnosis was required, with real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) swab test being the most widely used. However, the RT-PCR test was sometimes found to be lengthy and inaccurate and; for that reason, in many cases of severe complications of COVID-19 pneumonia, chest screening with radiography imaging was preferred. In this paper, we carried out a study for COVID-19 detection from computed tomography images, and compared the obtained results using deep learning (DL) and support vector machine (SVM). The findings showed that, despite the excellent results shown by deep learning, the accuracy in predicting COVID-19 using SVM, in the presence of small databases, was slightly higher than DL. The execution time using SVM was also shorter

Cities require flexible and participatory planning methodologies to address complex and evolving urban challenges. In Italy, the legislative framework is defined at the Regional level, according to the National laws and jurisprudence. The Lombardy region introduced the Planning Document (PD) in the Territorial Government Plan (PGT), as a strategic tool capable of adapting to changes. Based on a strategic vision, this document is useful to guide concrete actions for urban transformation, actively involving stakeholders, including citizens. The PD has the role to translate the political program into an urban planning design. So, the role it has is both technical and political. The political dimension is usually deepened in the strategic component of the document. Following the formation process of the whole city plan, the authors define the key strategies in the PD for a healthier urban future for the city of Voghera. It emerges as a balanced urban development that combines economic growth, environmental preservation, and community well-being. In the paper the authors synthesize the Voghera’s PD as an example of strategic planning that interacts with the practical planning actions and that guides both the public and the private decisions about the city development towards a healthier city.

We consider an evolutionary model of social coordination in a 2x2 game where two groups of players prefer to coordinate on different actions. Players can pay a cost to learn their opponent's group: if they pay it, they can condition their actions on the groups. We assess the stability of outcomes in the long-run using stochastic stability analysis. We find that three elements matter for the equilibrium selection: the group size, the strength of preferences, and the information's cost. If the cost is too high, players never learn the group of their opponents in the long-run. If one group is stronger in preferences for its favorite action than the other, or its size is sufficiently large compared to the other group, every player plays that group's favorite action. If both groups are strong enough in preferences, or if none of the group's size is large enough, players play their favorite actions and miscoordinate in inter-group interactions. Lower levels of the cost favor coordination. Indeed, when the cost is low, in inside-group interactions, players always coordinate on their favorite action, while in inter-group interactions, they coordinate on the favorite action of the group that is stronger in preferences or large enough.

The Steepest Descent (or Ascent) algorithm is one of the most widely used algorithms in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). However, this powerful mathematical tool is neither taught nor even mentioned in K12 education. We study whether it is feasible for elementary school students to learn this algorithm, while also aligning with the standard school curriculum. We also look at whether it can be used to create enriching activities connected to children’s real-life experiences, thus enhancing the integration of STEM and fostering Computational Thinking. To address these questions, we conducted an empirical study in two phases. In the first phase, we tested the feasibility with teachers. In a face-to-face professional development work-shop with 457 mathematics teachers actively participating using an online platform, we found that after a 10-minute introduction they could successfully apply the algorithm and use it in a couple of models. They were also able to complete two complex and novel tasks: selecting models and adjusting the parameters of a model that uses the steepest descent algorithm. In a second phase, we tested the feasibility with 90 fourth graders from 3 low Socioeconomic Status (SES) schools. Using the same introduction and posing the same questions, we found that they were able to understand the algorithm and successfully complete the tasks on the online platform. Additionally, we found that close to 75% of the students completed the two complex modeling tasks and performed similarly to the teachers.

The Steepest Descent (or Ascent) algorithm is one of the most widely used algorithms in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). However, this powerful mathematical tool is neither taught nor even mentioned in K12 education. We study whether it is feasible for elementary school students to learn this algorithm, while also aligning with the standard school curriculum. We also look at whether it can be used to create enriching activities connected to children’s real-life experiences, thus enhancing the integration of STEM and fostering Computational Thinking. To address these questions, we conducted an empirical study in two phases. In the first phase, we tested the feasibility with teachers. In a face-to-face professional development work-shop with 457 mathematics teachers actively participating using an online platform, we found that after a 10-minute introduction they could successfully apply the algorithm and use it in a couple of models. They were also able to complete two complex and novel tasks: selecting models and adjusting the parameters of a model that uses the steepest descent algorithm. In a second phase, we tested the feasibility with 90 fourth graders from 3 low Socioeconomic Status (SES) schools. Using the same introduction and posing the same questions, we found that they were able to understand the algorithm and successfully complete the tasks on the online platform. Additionally, we found that close to 75% of the students completed the two complex modeling tasks and performed similarly to the teachers.

We explores the relational, dynamic elements of Complex Buildings, a type of architecture designed to incubate uses, located in urban areas with high housing density. The uses of Complex Buildings concern different elements, including the network of agents using or managing them, the environment, and the activities and functions that take place occasionally, temporarily or permanently. Data was gathered through ethnographic research lasting 6 months and a chronotopian approach was used to describe time and space. We analyzed and discussed the interaction of the elements of Complex Buildings through a cellular automaton model, a computational method that simulates the growth of complex systems. It was used here to generate patterns that suggest configurations of uses that can optimize management and therefore increase economic and social capital. The cellular automaton model was also used to develop an abstraction of the Centquatre, a public cultural center in Paris. This center is a good example of a Complex Building, being based on a public-private partnership and having an architectural configuration designed to host a wide range of art, social and productive activities. The building includes a large central space used as an urban public area open to different types of people. The importance of this case study lies in its capacity to produce economic value by combining different uses, and also by welcoming different people to the public space. Regarding the building as a living organism, the cellular automaton model reveals the determinant nature of the concepts of configuration, compatibility of uses and economic value generated by the presence of people. We argue that this approach makes it possible to show that the space-time design and public space dimensions are determinant factors in Complex Buildings.

Breast and prostate cancer lead incidence rankings in Chile, with obesity and overweight as important risk factors involved in prognosis. Nutritional interventions have shown to be beneficial therapies in patients with cancer, improving anthropometric and biochemical measurements. This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of Calorie Restriction and Time-Restricted Feeding in overweight or obese patients undergoing curative radiotherapy for breast and prostate cancer. The research was conducted as a prospective, interventional, non-randomized clinical trial, involving 27 participants, of whom 23 completed the study. Findings indicate that both interventions are feasible and effective. Notably, Time-Restricted Feeding demonstrated superior adherence and more significant improvements in weight loss and metabolic parameters. A mean weight reduction of 3.6 kg and waist circumference decrease of 4.9 cm was observed across participants. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, LDL, HDL and TG showed an average reduction, indicating positive metabolic changes. Results suggest that Time-Restricted Feeding could be a superior beneficial dietary intervention for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, due to its ease of adherence and positive impact on metabolic health. This research contributes to the growing evidence on the role of nutritional interventions in cancer treatment and underscores the need for more extensive studies to validate these findings.

Wood is poised to become a material of choice for future construction. When appropriately managed, it is a renewable material with unique mechanical properties. Beyond its inherent sustainability, the use of wood has a crucial role in addressing climate change concerns due a significantly lower energy consumption and emissions during manufacturing and transportation, while simultaneously acting as a carbon sink. Thus, there has been a growing demand for hardwoods for structural applications, including Castanea sativa Mill., the focal point of this investigation. Albeit in a limited capacity, Eurocode 5-2 offers friction coefficients for softwoods, but it falls short for hardwoods which it is a gap to bridge with this research. These coefficients play a critical role in numerical simulations involving friction, enabling the optimization of joints and, by extension, the overall structural integrity. Test samples were evaluated at 18% moisture content, which is typical of Service Class 2, for various orientations of timber-to-timber and timber-to-steel friction. Considering previous friction coefficients at 12% moisture content, the linear variation was evaluated at an intermediate value of 15%. The results provide an experimental database for numerical simulations and highlight the influence of moisture content on the coefficients, which increase linearly along moisture percentages.

Materials known as Nd:YAG are crystalline materials of the cubic system made from neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, which among others, have excellent optical properties. Nd:YAG four-level laser devices are highly used in both the health and industrial sectors. In this study, a simple and inexpensive alternative to manufacturing Nd:YAG materials through solid state reactions following powder processing routes was proposed. For this, an intense mixture of the precursor materials (Al2O3 and Y2O3) was carried out, followed by the addition of neodymium atoms to improve the optical properties of the resulting material. High energy mechanical mixing of the precursor powders resulted in submicron particles, with good size distributions of the powders. The advance of YAG formation was monitored by intermediate phase formation during heat treatment through interrupted tests at different temperatures and analysis by X-ray diffraction. From this analysis, it was found that reaction for the formation of the desired YAG is completed at 1500°C. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses determined the presence of functional groups corresponding to the YAG. Finally, the study by optical emission spectroscopy showed wavelengths in agreement with the electronic structure of the elements of the synthesized Nd:YAG.

The article analyzes Bernoulli 's binary sequences in representation of empirical events about the distribution of natural resources and population sizes. Considering the event as a nonlinear system, and consisting of two dependent random variables, with memory and probabilities in maximum finite or infinite lengths, constant and equal to ½ for both variables (stationary process). The expressions of the possible trajectories remain constant in sequences that are repeated alternating the presence or absence of one of the variables at each iteration (asymmetric). There are constant oscillations in the event except if the variables X₁ and X₂ are regulated as a function of time Y. It is observed that the variables X₁ and X₂ assume in time T_k → ∞ specific behaviors (geometric variable) that can be used as management tools for random systems. In this way, the article seeks to know from this analyzes, the maximum entropy of information in the system by a theoretical view and how to model resources distribution or containment in the given problem.

Mucormycosis is a lethal disease caused by Mucorales, which are emerging as human pathogens with virulent behavior. Antifungal resistance and ineffective treatments are two major causes that explain the high mortality for this disease. Consequently, the research community is searching for virulence determinants that could be repurposed as targets to develop new treatments against mucormycosis. Our work explores an RNA interference (RNAi)-based approach to find targets involved in the virulence of Mucorales. A transcriptome-wide analysis compared sRNAs and their target mRNAs in two Mucor lusitanicus different pathotypes, virulent and avirulent, generating a list of 75 loci selected by their differential sRNA accumulation in these strains. As a proof of concept and validity, an experimental approach characterized two loci showing opposite behavior, confirming that RNAi activity causes their differential expression in the two pathotypes. We generated deletion mutants for two loci and a knockin-strain overexpressing for one these loci. Their functional analysis in murine virulence assays identified the gene wex1, a putative DEDDy exonuclease with RNase domains, as an essential factor for virulence. The identification of wex1 showed the potential of our approach to discover virulence factors not only in Mucorales but also in any other fungal model with an active RNAi machinery. But, more importantly, it adds a new layer to the biological processes controlled by RNAi in M. lusitanicus, confirming that the Dicer-dependent RNAi pathway can silence gene expression to promote virulence.

The present study aims at investigating the relationship between Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) variables mainly underpricing on one hand, and the brand value measures on the other. Our final data set is 104 international brand companies. We implement empirical approach using hierarchical OLS regression and descriptive statistics. We show that underpricing is positively related to brand value which emphasizes the marketing role of going public and underpricing in enhancing brand equity through the product market, which additionally confirms some information asymmetry models. We also find that on average brand companies had not been recognized as brands at the IPO time. Moreover, we show the positive role of private equity in enhancing brand value, additionally, the non-linear association between underpricing and brand value is not evident. Finally, we draw some policy implication and suggestions for future research.

The scratch test consists in pushing a tool across the surface of a material at a given penetration depth or applied load. It has several applications in Science and Engineering including strength testing, damage and quality control of thin films and coatings. Despite numerous attempts in scientific literature, the application of scratch test to characterizations of fracture properties remains a heavily controversial topic. Therefore, this investigation arises as an experimental study in order to assess the fracture toughness using scratch test. A study on the effect of cryogenic treatment, performed after tempering, on fracture toughness, via scratch test experiments, of different tool steels has been made. A laboratory investigation on AISI D2, AISI M2 and X105CrCoMo18 steel confirms the possibility of increasing the fracture toughness by carrying out the cryogenic treatment after the usual heat treatment

Recent advances in DNA sequencing technology have shown that the human milk microbiota of healthy women varies substantially. The gDNA extraction method may influence the observed variation, biasing the microbiological reconstruction after all. In this study, a genomic DNA extraction method for DNA isolation from human milk samples was standardized and compared with commercial and standard hose make methods. Spectrophotometric measurements, gel electrophoresis, and PCR amplifications were used as criteria for evaluating the quantity, quality, and functionality of the extracted DNA. Furthermore, the standardized method of extracting gDNA from human milk was evaluated for its ability to isolate functional DNA from gram-positive, and gram-negative bacteria and fungi, to improve the reconstruction of microbiological profiles. The novel DNA extraction method increased the quantity and quality of the gDNA extracted compared with commercial and standard house-make protocols. This method even allowed PCR amplification of the V3-V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal gene in all samples, and the ITS-1 region of the fungal 18S ribosomal gene in 95 % of the samples as well. It is concluded that the proposed method provides better performance for the extraction of gDNA from complex samples such as human milk.

In manufacturing chatter is an unwanted phenomenon that can lead to product quality reduction and tool wear. Real time chatter detection is key to preventing these issues and improving overall machining efficiency. In this paper we propose an unsupervised chatter detection method using autoencoders (AE) and Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) clustering algorithm that uses internal signals of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. The proposed method starts by using an AE to extract features from raw internal signals collected from CNC machines. This step reduces the dimensionality of the data and captures the underlying patterns of chatter. Then the extracted features are fed into DBSCAN clustering algorithm which is a density based algorithm that groups similar data points and identifies outliers. We tested the proposed method with real world data collected from various CNC machines. The results show that our unsupervised chatter detection method has high accuracy, precision and recall, can detect chatter and distinguish it from normal machining. Also the method is robust to noise and can adapt to dynamic machining conditions. In summary our work presents an unsupervised chatter detection method using AE and DBSCAN clustering that uses internal signals of CNC machines. This method is a reliable and efficient solution for real time chatter detection so manufacturers can improve product quality, optimize machining process and reduce tool wear during machining.

In this study electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique is used to prepare chitosan-based coatings with enhanced antibacterial activity suitable for bone implants applications. We designed, prepared and compared physic-chemical and biological properties of coatings obtained with commercial chitosan, chitosan enriched with silver nanoparticles and chitosan obtained from insects. With the aim to consider the sustainability issue, silver nanoparticles were directly prepared in the chitosan solution by laser ablation in liquid technique, avoiding the use of chemicals and limiting the production of wastes. Moreover, a sustainable source of chitosan such as Hermetia Illucens exuviae was considered. The EPD process was optimized by adjusting parameters like voltage and deposition time to achieve ideal coating thickness and adhesion. The prepared films were characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques such as SEM, XRD, and FTIR. Antimicrobial tests against E. coli and S. aureus revealed that silver nanoparticles enhanced the antibacterial properties of the polymer, whereas biological evaluation using the WST8 test on MG63 human osteoblasts-like cells showed that all coatings are non-toxic. Finally, chitosan obtained from insect showed comparable properties with respect to the commercial polymer, suggesting it could replace seafood-derived chitosan in biomedical applications, whereas the Ag@chitosan composite demonstrated superior antibacterial activity without compromising its biocompatibility.

The relative dislocation density of aluminum and copper samples is quantitatively measured using linear Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS). For each metallic group, four samples were prepared with different thermomechanical treatments in order to induce changes in their dislocation densities. The RUS results are compared with Nonlinear Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (NRUS) as well as Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) measurements. NRUS has a higher sensitivity by a factor of two to six and SHG by 14% to 62%. The latter technique is, however, faster and simpler. As main a result we obtain a quantitative relation between the changes in the nonlinear parameters and the dislocation density variations, which in a first approximation is a linear relation between these differences. We also present a simple theoretical expression that explains the better sensitivity to dislocation content of the nonlinear parameters with respect to the linear ones. X-Ray diffraction measurements, although intrusive and less accurate, support the acoustics results.

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against pathogens. It’s composition includes barriers, mucus and other substances as well as phagocytic and other cells. The purpose of the paper is to analyze in general grounds the immune system and the body immunity to cancer. Simple ideas and the qualitative theory of differential equations are used along with general principles such as the minimization of the pathogen load and economy of resources. In the simplest linear model, the annihilation rate of pathogens in any tissue should be greater than the pathogen’s average rate of growth. When nonlinearities are added, a reference value for the number of pathogens is set, and a stability condition emerges, which relates strength of regular threats, barrier height and annihilation rate. On the other hand, in cancer immunity, the linear model leads to an expression for the lifetime risk, which accounts for both the effects of carcinogens (endogenous or external) and the immune response. The stability condition allows a comparison of immunity in different tissues. The way the tissue responds to an infection shows a correlation with the way it responds to cancer. These statements are formulated at the qualitative level, but may and deserve to be quantitatively checked.

In sustainable agriculture, plant nutrients are the most important elements. Biofertilizers introduce microorganisms that improve the soil nutrients and increase their accessibility to crops. In order to meet the demands of a growing population, healthy crops need to be produced using the right type of fertilizers to provide them with all the major nutrients they require. However, an increasing dependency on chemical fertilizers is destroying the environment and negatively af-fecting the health of humans. Thus, using microbes as bioinoculants as the best replacement of chemical fertilizers as eco-friendly way for plant growth and soil fertility is believed to be the best method for improving plant growth and soil fertility. In sustainable agriculture, these microbes provide significant benefits to crops. In addition to colonizing plant systems (epiphytic, endo-phytic, and rhizospheric), beneficial microbes play a key role in absorbing nutrients from surrounding ecosystems. Plant associate microbes can promote plant growth regardless of natural and extreme conditions. Plant growth promoting microbes promote plant growth through a variety of direct and indirect methods, such as nitrogen fixation, plant growth hormone production, siderophores, HCN, several hydrolytic enzymes, and potassium, zinc, and phosphorus solubilization. Research on biofertilizers has been extensive and even available, which demonstrates how these microbes can deliver nutrients to crops in sufficient quantities to enhance their yield. This review examines in detail the direct and indirect mechanisms of PGPR action and their interaction in plant growth and resistance.

To identify soil microbial communities, it is essential to understand their phenotypic and genetic characteristics. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are bacteria capable of promoting plant growth. In addition, rhizobacteria also serve as biological control agents. In addition to fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilising insoluble phosphate and secreting hormones such as indoloacetic acid, kinetics and gibberellins, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria help plants grow directly. Furthermore, they facilitate plant growth indirectly by inducing systemic resistance, siderophores, antibiotics, lytic enzymes, hydrogen cyanide production and stress regulation. This review examines in detail the direct and indirect mechanisms of PGPR action and their interaction in plant growth and resistance.

Optical artificial neural networks (ONNs) — analog computing hardware tailored for machine learning [1,2] — have significant potential for ultra-high computing speed and energy efficiency [3]. We propose a new approach to architectures for ONNs based on integrated Kerr micro-comb sources [4] that is programmable, highly scalable and capable of reaching ultra-high speeds. We experimentally demonstrate the building block of the ONN — a single neuron perceptron — by mapping synapses onto 49 wavelengths of a micro-comb to achieve a high single-unit throughput of 11.9 Giga-FLOPS at 8 bits per FLOP, corresponding to 95.2 Gbps. We test the perceptron on simple standard benchmark datasets — handwritten-digit recognition and cancer-cell detection — achieving over 90% and 85% accuracy, respectively. This performance is a direct result of the record small wavelength spacing (49GHz) for a coherent integrated microcomb source, which results in an unprecedented number of wavelengths for neuromorphic optics. Finally, we propose an approach to scaling the perceptron to a deep learning network using the same single micro-comb device and standard off-the-shelf telecommunications technology, for high-throughput operation involving full matrix multiplication for applications such as real-time massive data processing for unmanned vehicle and aircraft tracking.

Lipases have tremendous potential for industrial use, particularly, those mostly active against water-insoluble substrates, such as triglycerides composed of long-chain fatty acids. However, in most cases, mutants often need to be constructed to achieve optimal performance for such substrates. Protein engineering techniques have been reported as strategies for improving lipase characteristics by introducing specific mutations in the cap domain of esterases or in the lid domain of lipases, or through lid domain swapping. Here, we have improved the lipase character of a lipase, retrieved from the Marine Metagenomics MarRef Database and assigned to the Actinoalloteichus genus (WP_075743487.1), through site-directed mutagenesis and by substituting its lid domain (FRGTEITQIKDWLTDA) by the one of Rhizopus delemar (previously Rhizopus oryzae) lipase (FRGTNSFRSAITDIVF). Results demonstrated that the redesigned mutants gain activity against bulkier triglycerides such as glyceryl tridecanoate and tridodecanoate, olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil. The absence of a residue in the new lid, present in the original lid, appears to be a key aspect to the increase in lipase character, although full activity recovery is only obtained with lid swapping.

Chipman contends, in stark contrast to the conventional view, that utility is not a real number but a vector and is inherently lexicographic in nature. According to these views, it will be proved that, for every preordered topological space (X,≾,t), the assumption t to be finer than the order topology t≾ on (X,t), i.e. t⊇t≾, and the assumption the quotient topology t∣∼≾ that is defined on the preordered set (X∣∼,≾∣∼) of indifference classes of ≾ to be Hausdorff imply that a cardinal number κ and a (complete) preorder ≲ on {0,1}κ that is coarser than the lexicographical ordering ≤lex on {0,1}κ, i.e. ≤lex⊂≲, can be chosen in such a way that there exists a continuous order-embedding ϑ:(X,≾,t)⟶({0,1}κ,≲,t≤lex). This theorem will be compared with a theorem that, in particular, describes necessary and sufficient conditions for ≾ to have a continuous multi-utility representation.

Beetles are by far one of the most successful and diverse insect species. A part of this success is attributed to their elytra which provide various functions such as protection to their bodies from mechanical forces and the harmful environmental factors. In this study, Stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) elytra were first examined for their overall flexural properties and were observed to have a localized shape retaining snap-through mechanism which could play a crucial role in energy absorption, e.g. during battles and falls from heights. The snap-through mechanism was validated using theoretical calculations and also finite element simulations. Elytra were also characterized to examine their puncture and wear resistance. Our results show that elytra resisted puncture up to a force of 1.8±0.4 N and have puncture resistance compared to that of commercially available puncture resistant gloves. The measured values of modulus and hardness of elytra exocuticle were 10.3±0.8 GPa and 0.7±0.1 GPa. Using the hardness to modulus ratio as an indicator of wear resistance, the estimated value was observed to be in the range of wear resistant biological materials. Thus, our study demonstrates different mechanical properties of the stag beetle elytra which can be explored to design shape retaining bio-inspired composites with enhanced puncture and wear resistance.

Wildfires generate large amounts of atmospheric pollutants yearly. The development of an emissions inventory for this activity is a challenge today, mainly to perform modeling of air quality. There are free available databases with historical information about this source. The main goal of this study was to process the results of biomass burning emissions for the year 2014 from the Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS). The pollutants studied were the black carbon, the organic carbon, fine and coarse particulate matter, respectively. The inputs were pre-formatted to enter to the simulation software of the emission inventory. In this case, the Sparse Matrix Operator Kernel Emissions (SMOKE) was used and the values obtained in various cities were analyzed. As a result, the spatial distribution of the forest fire emissions in the Southern Hemisphere was achieved, with the polar stereographic projection. The highest emissions were located in the African continent, followed by the northern region of Australia. Future air quality modeling at a local level could apply the results and the methodology of this study. The biomass burning emissions could add a better performance of the results and more knowledge on the effect of this source.