This study was conducted to propose the Green Economic Development Plan for Manufacturing S.M.E.s based on financial performance and operations thru Green Initiatives. The descriptive survey method used to gather data to determine the green initiative's implementation of small and medium (S.M.E.s) manufacturing enterprises. Green initiatives use as a basis for crafting a green economic development plan. Document analysis was also employed to obtain data from any available printed materials and records provided by the respondents. Such methods of gathering information used to validate data gathered from local and foreign-related literature. The observation also employed to survey the assets owned and validate any green initiatives practiced, including their implementation. The study's findings show that among the green initiatives implemented by SMMEs, which resulted in the reduction of total costs and expenses, were the proper disposal and segregation of waste materials, water management by recycling wastewater and using water-efficient equipment, natural resources, and raw materials management. SMMEs should encourage active participation and support of suppliers and customers in achieving G.E.D.'s objectives by developing incentive schemes.Furthermore, SMMEs should continue to benchmark with G.E.D. Practitioners are operating locally and abroad to adopt best greening strategies and regularly network with concerned government agencies for continuous updating on G.E.D. Initiatives that may benefit the firm. Further research may be conducted on green initiatives implemented by small and medium enterprises in other industry sectors.

: The performance of the students in academics depends on many different factors. One of these factors is the economic status of their families. Education in public schools, though it is free, some parents cannot afford to send their children to school due to financial constraints. Education as a free is every individual's right in society, but it becomes a privilege because of a lack of financial support. This research work is a comparative study of students' or learners' performance in mathematics among students from working and non-working. This research article's ultimate objective is to investigate and compare a significant difference in their performance in the subject mathematics. The research methodology utilizes a t-test to analyze and synthesize primary data sources collected via interview and academic records, and diverse literature on the study area. However, the research findings revealed no significant difference in the two groups (the working and non-working group of learners). Therefore, it is recommended that secondary schools should be provided with adequate books and facilities and faculty school interventions and programs and promote the usage of SIM or Strategic Intervention Materials for learning and memory enhancement among learners.

Philippine Lime or Calamansi is considered one of the Philippine high-value crops in Nueva Ecija province. This article presents some issues and problems of the calamansi industry in terms of marketing. The study used a descriptive survey of 56 farm-owners or calamansi growers. Findings revealed that lime production could be a stable income source if the growers can provide the necessary production inputs on a sustainable basis. Calamansi farmers in the province some often confronted with the following problems: the high cost of farm inputs, price fluctuations, price manipulation of big-time traders, and other intermediaries. The study also found out that the existing actors in the chain were limited to growers, laborers, agri-supply shops, nursery owners, intermediaries, and traders. In terms of trading, there is a high degree of competition among traders in the market. The findings and results from this study may have important factors in developing and designing effective agricultural marketing program and strategic development plan by the authorities in the region.

Philippine Lime or Calamansi is considered one of the Philippine high-value crops in Nueva Ecija province. This article presents some issues and problems of the calamansi industry in terms of marketing. The study used a descriptive survey of 56 farm-owners or calamansi growers. Findings revealed that lime production could be a stable income source if the growers can provide the necessary production inputs on a sustainable basis. Calamansi farmers in the province some often confronted with the following problems: the high cost of farm inputs, price fluctuations, price manipulation of big-time traders, and other intermediaries. The study also found out that the existing actors in the chain were limited to growers, laborers, agri-supply shops, nursery owners, intermediaries, and traders. In terms of trading, there is a high degree of competition among traders in the market. The findings and results from this study may have important factors in developing and designing effective agricultural marketing program and startegic development plan by the authorities in the region.

This study examined the economics of Philippine Lime or Calamansi production in selected Cities and Municipalities in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The study was conducted within the rural farming households' framework, which constitutes the Philippine agricultural sector's backbone, producing about 5.8 percent of the total national agricultural output with the Central Luzon area, including the portion of the locale of the study. Using quota sampling, data collected from 50 selected calamansi grower- farmers from top 5 producing area in Nueva Ecija, the study measured the profitability of and the production efficiency of calamansi production in the area. Using a formal interview schedule, primary data was obtained from the sampled farming households. The study revealed that the typical calamansi farmer in the area as reflected in the instrument, thirty-two (32) or 64% which covers the majority of the respondents claimed that they fully owned the land they cultivated. Calamansi yield depends on its age as well. Fertilizer was found to harm output. Majority of them shared the same production and post–production practices, though a slight difference in terms of labor cost was observed. There were some who were already in the industry for quite a long time and learned other farming techniques and practices different from the conventional and were proven effective. For better efficiency, the land area cultivated, the farmers' educational status, accessibility to credit facility, and development of the rural areas and farmers' contact with the extension agents are some of the key issues to address. The local government in cities and municipalities may engage in an intensive campaign in encouraging capitalists to form cooperatives, processing and manufacturing houses to produce calamansi juice and other valuable products out of the calamansi fruit.

: A strong financialtransaction is an important factor in organizational triumph and sustainability, and it is elucidated in the revised student handbook of the University that can be found on page 96 rules 1 to 5. This study assessed the registered students organizations' profile in terms of its type, registration, years of establishment, functions, and designations of student leaders and advisers. The financial practices or internal control system manages their organizational finances and the problems encountered by the student organizations and eventually proposed a manual of operation for students and youth organization's internal control system. This research used the descriptive design with the aid of questionnaire; data gathering through quota sampling from 57 student leaders and advisers of different student organizations of NEUST. Findings showed that most organizations had their constitution and by-laws but kept only as files and renewal requirements. Some provisions were not known to the officers, mostly were registered more than five years in operation; however, in terms of functions of officers and advisers, the results showed that some functions were not done by the officers who supposed to do it like the auditors who serve as treasurers also, the PRO as the record keeper and the presidents who handled finances and collections and as well as disbursements of funds. Generally, the organizations' financial activities were deemed to be "good", especially budgeting and cash receipt, due to the implementation of "no collection and no tuition fee policy". The researchers concluded that the absence of the proper internal control systems and manual of operation and lack of proper transfer of financial records from the previous sets of officers were the serious problems that should be addressed. Moreover, the student organizations' internal control system could still be improved if there is proper training and supervision in accounting operation.

The coffee industry loses millions of dollars annually worldwide due to the Coffee Berry Borer (CBB); these losses imply a decrease in quality and production. Traps are used to monitor their flight and for pest control. The main objective was to determine the flight pattern and trap capture percentages of the CBB population over time using column traps (CTs) in two independent field experiments. CTs were composed of four traps installed at four different heights 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5m above ground. Our results demonstrated a significant difference in CBB capture by traps placed at different heights above the ground. The CT capture maintained a pattern throughout this study's lag; the lower the height, the greater the percentage of CBBs captured. In Experiments A and B, the traps placed at 0.5m caught 67% and 85% of the CBBs captured, respectively. Furthermore, the trap set at 1.5m above the ground in the multi-level CT showed a higher capture percentage than the individually placed trap (also at 1.5m). The pattern of the capture and proportion of the CBB in the CTs were maintained throughout the study despite the season, changes in temperature, and relative air humidity. We suggested that CTs could be explored as a useful tool for capturing the CBB, considering its monitoring and management.

This paper provides a framework for the assessment of household-level risk, incorporating both a individual social risk perspective and a location-based perspective. We use this framework as a heuristic to explore the effect of social reintegration choices individuals face, which are not be addressed by current policies. For example, we explore how integrating extended family households during COVID-19 without social distancing may affect household and community risk. The goal is to aid individual decision makers, who are seeking to maintain quality-of-life while navigating local policy, with nuance relating to location-specific behavior and disease prevalence.

The focus of this work lies in the construction of monitoring system designed in the form of a patch using a long-lasting potentiometric electrolyte concentration sensor from metal electrodes, in a galvanic cell configuration Mg(s)|NaCl(aq)|Cu(s). Initially, a mathematical analysis was conducted on the expected sensor output through the Nernst equation. The experimental phase involved conducting controlled tests in the laboratory using various molar concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) in aqueous solution. Results showed that the electrolyte sensor allows for monitoring electrolyte levels in NaCl in the range of 0.02 to 1 M/L, with electrode lifespan exceeding 10 days. On the other hand, when patch is using human sweat during controlled exercise routines, it showed the sensor's capability for monitoring changes in the subjects' hydration levels in real time. The sensor output potential is greater than 1.7 volts when the sensor electrodes are in contact with human sweat, which is equivalent to measuring molar concentrations at normal hydration and moderately high hydration levels. Sensor results indicate that the system can function in a self-powered manner without external batteries. Additionally, the extended lifespan of its electrodes allows for continuous monitoring of imbalances in the human body, showcasing the system capability for long-term health assessment.

In this study, we focus on the effects of fuel bed representation and fire heat and smoke distribution in a coupled fire-atmosphere simulation platform for two landscape-scale fires: the 2018 Camp Fire and the 2021 Caldor Fire. The fuel bed representation in the coupled fire-atmosphere simulation platform WRF-Fire currently includes only surface fuels. Thus, we enhance the model by adding canopy fuel characteristics and heat release, for which a method to calculate the heat generated from canopy fuel consumption is developed and implemented in WRF-Fire. Furthermore, the current WRF-Fire heat and smoke distribution in the atmosphere is replaced with a heat-conserving Truncated Gaussian (TG) function and its effects are evaluated. The simulated fire perimeters of case studies are validated against semi-continuous, high-resolution fire perimeters derived from NEXRAD radar observations. Furthermore, simulated plumes of the two fire cases are compared to NEXRAD radar reflectivity observations followed by buoyancy analysis using simulated temperature and vertical velocity fields. The results show that while the improved fuel bed and the TG heat release scheme have small effects on the simulated fire perimeters of the wind-driven Camp Fire, they affect the propagation direction of the plume-driven Caldor Fire, leading to better-matching fire perimeters with the observations. However, the improved fuel bed representation together with the TG heat smoke release scheme leads to more realistic plume structure in comparison to the observations in both fires. The buoyancy analysis also depicts more realistic fire-induced temperature anomalies and atmospheric circulation when the fuel bed is improved.

The rising severity and frequency of wildfires in recent years in the United States have raised numerous concerns regarding the improvement in wildfire emergency response management and decision-making systems, which require operational high temporal and spatial resolution monitoring capabilities. Satellites are one of the tools that can be used for wildfire monitoring. However, none of the currently available satellite systems provide both high temporal and spatial resolution. For example, GOES-17 geostationary satellite fire products have high temporal (1-5 min) but low spatial resolution (2 km), and VIIRS polar orbiter satellite fire products have low temporal (~12 h) but high spatial resolution (375 m). This work aims to leverage currently available satellite data sources, such as GOES and VIIRS, along with Deep Learning (DL) advances to achieve an operational high-resolution, both spatially and temporarily, wildfire monitoring tool. Specifically, this study considers the problem of increasing the spatial resolution of high temporal but low spatial resolution GOES-17 data products using low temporal but high spatial resolution VIIRS data products. The main idea is using an Autoencoder DL model to learn how to map GOES-17 geostationary low spatial resolution satellite images to VIIRS polar orbiter high spatial resolution satellite images. In this context, several loss functions and DL architectures are implemented and tested to predict both the fire area and the corresponding brightness temperature. These models are trained and tested on wildfire sites from 2019 to 2021 in the western U.S. The results indicate that DL models can improve the spatial resolution of GOES-17 images, leading to images that mimic the spatial resolution of VIIRS images. Combined with GOES-17 higher temporal resolution, the DL model can provide high-resolution near-real-time wildfire monitoring capability as well as semi-continuous wildfire progression maps.

Background: Mycobacterium avium complex includes the commonest nontuberculous mycobacteria associated with human infections. These infections have been associated with the production of biofilms in many cases, but there are only a few studies about biofilms produced by the species included in this group. Methods: Three collection strains (M. avium ATCC25291, M. intracellulare ATCC13950, and M. chimaera DSM756), three clinically significant strains (647, 657, and 655), and three clinically nonsignificant ones (717, 505, and 575) of each species were included. The clinical significance of the clinical isolates was established according to the internationally accepted criteria. Biofilm ultrastructure was studied by Confocal-Laser Scanning Microscopy using Backlight Live dead and Red Nile stains. Viability, covered surface, height and relative autofluorescence were measured in several images/strain. The effect of clarithromycin was studied the technique described by Muñoz-Egea et al with modifications regarding incubation time. The study included clarithromycin in the culture medium at a concentration achievable in the lungs (11.3 mg/L), using one row of wells as the control without antibiotic. Bacterial viability inside the biofilm is expressed as a percentage of viable cells. The differences between the different parameters of biofilm ultrastructure were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test. The correlation between bacterial viability in the biofilm and treatment time was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ). Results: The strains showed differences between them with all the studied parameters, but neither a species-specific pattern nor a clinical significance-specific patter were detected. For the effect of clarithromycin, the viability of the bacteria contained in the biofilm was inversely proportional to the exposure time of the biofilm (ρ > -0.3; p-value < 0.05), excluding two M. chimaera strains (M. chimaera DSM756 and 575), which showed a weak positive correlation with treatment time (0.2 < ρ < 0.39; p-value < 0.05). Curiously, despite a clarithromycin treatment of 216 hours, the percentage of biofilm viability of the strains evaluated here was not less than 40% at best (M. avium 717). Conclusions: All the M. avium complex studied strains are able to form biofilm in vitro, but ultrastructural characteristics between them suggest that these are strain-specific characteristics unrelated with neither with the species nor with the clinical significance. The clarithromycin effect on MAC species is biofilm age/time of treatment-dependent and appears to be strain-specific while being independent of the clinical significance of the strain.

As participating molecules in nucleic acids, nucleotides also have signaling functions and act as second messengers in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the most common example being cyclic AMP (cAMP). In bacteria, a great interest has arisen in studying nucleotide signaling. It has been determined that cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP), cAMP, and cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) participate in biological events such as bacterial growth, biofilm formation, sporulation, cell differentiation, motility, virulence, and other. Moreover, these cyclic-di-nucleotides (c-di-nucleotides) produced in pathogenic intracellular bacteria can affect eukaryotic host cells for infection. On the other hand, the nucleotide molecules pppGpp, and ppGpp are alarmones involved in regulating bacterial nutritional stress; they are also considered second messengers. These second messengers can be used as therapeutic agents because of their immunological functions on eukaryotic cells. In this review, different topics on the role of c-di-nucleotides as second messengers in different bacterial processes are addressed.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a safe and non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid with a wide range of potential therapeutic antiinflamatory and antioxidant activity. Due to its lipophilicity, it is normally available dissolved in oily phases. The main aim of this work was to develop and characterize a new formulation of a microemulsion with a potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action for topical treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. The micro-emulsion system was obtained from a 20% CBD oil as hydrophobic phase, Labrasol/Plurol Oleique (1:1) as surfactant and cosurfactant (S/CoS) respectively and an aqueous vegetal extract obtained from S. ebulus L. ripe fruits, with a potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, as water phase. A pseudo-ternary phase diagram was elaborated, selecting an optimal proportion of 62% (S/CoS), 27% CBD oil and 11% water and, after testing its reproducibility, the aqueous phases were replaced by the vegetal hydrophilic extract. The defined systems were characterized in terms of conductivity, droplet size by laser scattering, compatibility of components by differential scanning calorimetry and rheological properties using a rotational rheometer. The designed microemulsion showed good stability and a slight pseudo-plastic behavior. The release properties of CBD from the oil phase and caffeic acid from the water phase of the microemulsion were studied by in vitro diffusion experiments using flow-through diffusion cells in comparison to a CBD oil and a microemulsion only with CBD as active substance. It was evidenced that the inclusion of the original oil in microemulsions did not provoke a significant modification of the release of CBD, incorporating the possibility of including hydrophilic active compounds in the formulation, stablishing an interesting strategy for the development of future formulations.

Different types of disasters, whether natural or human character, lead to the significant loss of human lives. In the latter case, the quick action of identification of corpses and human remains is mandatory. There are a variety of protocols to identify victims, however, genetics is one of the tools that allow an exact identification of the victim. However, several factors may interfere with this identification, from the biological samples’ degradation not allowing the analysis of nuclear information, to failure to dispose of biological samples from family members. Access to certain family members could be a determinant of the proper choice of genetic markers that allow the identification of the victim, or his/her inclusion in a given genetic maternal or paternal lineage. With the new advances in the genetic field, it is expected to allow soon the identification of victims from disasters only with his/her biological postmortem samples, being possible to draw a robot portrait and its most likely physical characteristics. In all cases, genetics is the only modern tool with universal character and can be used in essentially all biological samples, giving and identification of more or less accurate statistical character, depending on whether nuclear or lineage markers are used.

We present an open-source Star Tracker (ST) for Attitude Determination. Our implementation makes use of open source software of common usage in astronomy running on a Raspberry Pi 2 platform. The developed platform is open and available for parties interested in further development. Evaluation of the system showed that the ST is suitable for Cubesats of 2U or larger. The ST platform is capable of solving the Lost-In-Space (LIS) problem. Currently, the average accuracy reached of the algorithm is close to 5 seconds of arc with an average processing time of 75 seconds. However, a average accuracy of about 3 minutes of arc can be reached with 35 seconds in average processing time. We also describe the evaluation procedure, the found conclusions of this procedure, in particular the section of the algorithm where most of the processing time is spent and other possible source of errors not included in this study.

Background: The tsunami and earthquake occurred in 1927 and 2018 made life quality of Da’a Tribe women in refugee camps was affected by violence. It affects on women reproductive health in various aspects of life as high maternal mortality rate of 450 per 100 thousand live births and half of women victims of natural disasters have reproductive health problems such as anemia and malnutrition during pregnancy. The study objective is to explore the health quality of women related to the couple violence during the humanitarian crisis at refugees’ camps. Method: The population was 798 cases of violence. The 90 samples were selected by simple random sampling and calculated by Slovin method. Data analysis was done by descriptive qualitative and cross tabulation. The research location was Palu City. Results: The research findings showed that health quality of Da’a Tribe women after the couple violence is influenced by three factors, namely economic by 40%, psychological by 7%, violence during pregnancy 59.3%. Conclusion: Social life and women violence handling can be done by symbolizing the threat of criminal law for male perpetrators in accordance with applicable laws in Indonesia and improving the life quality of population, especially women in education and skills through empowering the family economy and increasing gender equality justice.

The repeated application of herbicides has led to the development of herbicide resistance. Models are useful for identifying key processes and understanding the evolution of resistance. This study developed a spatially explicit model at a landscape scale to examine the dynamics of Lolium rigidum populations in dryland cereal crops and the evolution of herbicide resistance under var-ious management strategies. Resistance evolved rapidly under repeated herbicide use, driven by weed fecundity and herbicide efficacy. Although fitness costs associated with resistant plants re-duced resistance evolution, they did not affect the speed of spread. The most effective strategies to slow resistance involved diversifying cropping sequences (e.g., crop rotation) and the herbicide applications (e.g., rotating different herbicide modes of action). Pollen flow was the main disper-sal vector, with seed dispersal also contributing significantly. Strategies limiting seed dispersal effectively decreased resistance spread. However, the use of a seed-catching device at harvest could unintentionally enrich resistance in the area. It would be beneficial to optimise the move-ment of harvesters between fields. The model presented here is a useful tool that may assist in the exploration of novel management strategies within the context of site-specific weed management at the landscape scale, as well as in the advancement of our understanding of resistance dynamics.

Vacuum pump wear is the most prevalent failure mode of the IBA Synthera® automated radiochemistry system. Rebuilding or replacing the pump causes equipment downtime and increases the radiation exposure of the service personnel. We built a dedicated test device to assess new or rebuilt pumps prior to installation, thus reducing downtime and radiation exposure during repairs. The Testbed incorporates a microprocessor that actuates the pump, valves, pressure sensor, and communicates with the user through lights, buttons, and an alphanumeric screen. The Testbed increases productivity and safety in the radiochemistry laboratory.

Confinement can induce substantial changes in the physical properties of macromolecules in suspension. Soft confinement is a particular class of restriction where the boundaries that constraint the particles in a region of the space are not well-defined. This scenario leads to a broader structural and dynamical behavior than the observed in systems enclosed between rigid walls. In this contribution, we study the ordering and diffusive properties of a two-dimensional colloidal model system subjected to a one-dimensional parabolic trap. Increasing the trap strength makes it possible to go through weak to strong confinement, allowing a dimensional transition from two- to one-dimension. The non-monotonic response of the static and dynamical properties to the gradual dimensionality change affects the system phase behavior. We find that the particle dynamics is connected with the structural transitions induced by the parabolic trap. In particular, at low and intermediate confinement regimes, complex structural and dynamical scenarios arise, where the softness of the external potential induces melting and freezing, resulting in faster and slower particle diffusion, respectively. Besides, at strong confinements, colloids move basically along one direction, and the whole system behaves structurally and dynamically similar to a one-dimensional colloidal system.

This study uses Landsat 8 and Digital Elevation Models (DEM) to show the dominant orientations of digital lineaments and morphotectonic features between measured trends and the tectonic evolution of the Upper Guajira, Colombia, in the northernmost region of the South American plate. Data from Landsat-8 and hillshaded images of three Digital Elevation Model (DEM) images with different resolutions (SRTM: 90m, ASTER-GDEM: 30m and Alos-Palsar: 12.5m), were used for the extraction and mapping of morpholineaments, drainage network and morphological features. Lineaments were analyzed by means of north azimuth frequency, length, density distributions, lithological distributions and geochronological periods. Tectonic control was supported by using the digitized geological map created by the Colombian Geological Service (SGC). Lineaments and faults were analyzed through the interpretation of a Riedel shear model as a result of the transtensional/transpressional tectonic arrangement of the Caribbean and South American plates. The directional trends of lineaments and faults indicate two dominant directions: NE-SW and E-W. The azimuth distribution analysis of measured structures and drainage channels show similar trends, except for some differences in the predominant directions of some drainage channels. The similarity in the orientation of lineaments, faults and drainage system highlights the degree of control exerted by underlying structures on the surface geomorphological features. Drainage channel classification illustrates the morphological and neo-tectonic complexity of the region. The extracted lineaments were divided into five geochronological groups based on the main ages of host rock formations according to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) geological map. From the Cretaceous onward, the lineament azimuth frequency rotates from a NE-SW trend to a prominent E-W direction, which resembles the translation that Caribbean plate has been undergoing since the Cretaceous. Our results confirm that Remote Sensing techniques are reliable and useful to study the morphotectonic of an area and can be applied to zones of difficult access.

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its close paralogue, proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2), are key regulators of aggressive spreading and metastasis of cancer cells. While targeted small-molecule inhibitors of FAK and PYK2 are showing promising antitumor activity, their clinical long-term efficacy may be undermined by the strong capacity of cancer cells to evade anti-kinase drugs. In healthy cells, the expression and/or function of FAK and PYK2 is tightly controlled through modulation of gene expression, competing alternatively spliced forms, non-coding RNAs, and proteins that directly or indirectly affect kinase activation or protein stability. The molecular factors involved are frequently deregulated in cancer cells. Here, we review the endogenous mechanisms controlling FAK and PYK2, and discuss how these mechanisms could inspire or improve anticancer therapies.

Leaf area estimation is a critical component in the study of plant growth and productivity within agricultural systems. This research introduces the LeafArea package, a specialized tool designed to calculate the leaf area of six distinct Andean fruit species: S. quitoense, S. betaceum, P. peruviana, R. fruticosus, P. ligularis and P. edulis. Leveraging response variables such as species type, leaf length and width, the package employs advanced machine learning algorithms to estimate leaf area accurately. The primary focus of the study is to identify the most effective model for describing the relationship between leaf width, length, and area for each plant species. Currently, the LeafArea package utilizes four different machine learning algorithms, namely generalized linear model (GLM), generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), Random Forest and XGBoost. Among these, XGBoost stands out as a top-performing algorithm, exhibiting exceptional predictive accuracy. The evaluation metrics employed in the program provide valuable insights for researchers, aiding in informed decision-making. Specifically, XGBoost demonstrates significantly lower prediction errors and approaches a near-perfect R2 value, emphasizing its potential to enhance predictive accuracy. These results underscore the efficacy of machine learning techniques, as a compelling choice for researchers seeking precise and robust predictions in leaf area estimation. The LeafArea package thus represents a valuable tool for advancing our understanding of plant growth dynamics, resource allocation, and overall productivity within agricultural ecosystems.

Abstract Introduction Minimally invasive approaches to oncological liver resection is common in many hepatobiliary centres. This study aims to compare the key oncological and survival outcomes of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) undergoing laparoscopic or open resections using propensity score matching (PSM). Methods A single-centre retrospective study was performed using a prospective database of patients undergoing liver resection for CRLM between January 2016 and December 2019. Different co-variates were selected for matching using PSM. Pre-matching and post-matching analyses were compared. Surgical and survival outcomes were analysed. Results In total, 303 patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified: 214 underwent open liver resection (OLR) and 91 laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). LLR had a significantly reduced length of intensive treatment unit (ITU) and overall in-patient stay but longer pringle and operative times. In the unmatched cohort, the median overall and disease-free survival time was significantly longer in patients undergoing laparoscopic compared with open surgery. A PSM model demonstrated significantly reduced blood loss and length of hospital stay, with a significantly greater Pringle and operative time in the LLR group. Differences seen in overall and disease-free survival were lost with propensity score matching, possibly due to lack of bi-lobar disease within the minimally invasive group. Conclusion In selected patients with CRLM, LLR presents similar survival and oncological outcomes with the advantages of the short-term results associated with the laparoscopic approach.

Waste heat dissipated in the exhaust system in a combustion engine represents a major source of energy to be recovered and converted into useful work. A waste heat recovery system (WHRS) based on an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is a promising approach, and has gained interest in the last few years in an automotive industry interested in reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Understanding the thermodynamic response of the boiler employed in an ORC plays an important role in steam cycle performance prediction and control system design. The aim of this study is therefore to present a methodology to study these devices by means of pattern recognition with infrared thermography. In addition, the experimental test bench and its operating conditions are described. The methodology proposed identifies the wall coordinates, traces paths, and tracks wall temperature along them in a way that can be exported for subsequent post-processing and analysis. As for the results, through the wall temperature paths on both sides (exhaust gas and working fluid) it was possible to quantitatively estimate the temperature evolution along the boiler and, in particular, the beginning and end of evaporation.

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.

There is a disproportionate increase in the incidence of diet-related cardiometabolic disorders in racial and ethnic minority groups. This systematic review examines the extent to which diet-induced changes in health outcomes have been discussed by race or ethnicity in randomized controlled trials recruiting both minority and non-Hispanic White groups. Databases i.e. PubMed, Cochrane library and Web of Science were searched up to November 2019. Studies that discussed effects of defined dietary interventions on health outcomes by racial or ethnic minority group vs. non-Hispanic Whites (n=29) were included in the review. Most studies were conducted in Black vs. White people testing effects of energy restriction, macronutrient modification, sodium reduction, or variations of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on cardiometabolic outcomes. There was limited focus on other minority groups. Evidence suggests greater blood pressure reduction for Black people compared to Whites particularly on DASH (or similar) diets. Overall, there was limited consideration for group-specific eating patterns and diet acceptability in most studies. Adequately powered studies are needed for accurate interpretation of race by diet effects. With emerging precision nutrition initiatives, it is imperative to ensure adequate representation of racial and ethnic subgroups for addressing nutrition-related health disparities.

Despite chronic fibrosis and associated excess extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and crosslinking occurring in many pathological conditions, few in vitro studies examine how fibrosis-induced ECM stiffening impacts lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) behavior and subsequent new lymphatic vessel growth and function. This study examined the stiffening profile of PhotoCol®—commercially available methacrylated type I collagen—photo-crosslinked with photoinitiators Lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP), Irgacure 2959 (IRG), and Ruthenium/Sodium Persulfate (Ru/SPS) prior to evaluating PhotoCol® permeability and LEC response to PhotoCol® at low and high stiffness levels representing normal and fibrotic ECM stiffness. Ru/SPS produced the highest maximum stiffness for photo-crosslinked PhotoCol® hydrogels. While Ru/SPS stiffness values did not differ significantly with increased light exposure, permeability decreased significantly with increasing light exposure for 40 kDa dextran. Finally, LECs on softer PhotoCol® appeared smaller with less prominent VE-Cadherin (cell-cell junction) and F-actin expression compared to cells on stiffer PhotoCol®. Overall, PhotoCol® with Ru/SPS photoinitiator provides the fibrillar microstructure and dynamic stiffness range that enables systematic study of LEC stiffness responses relevant to the stiffened ECM observed in pathologies with significant fibrotic activity. Therefore, this study demonstrates the utility of PhotoCol® with Ru/SPS for disease modeling applications, particularly modeling lymphatic vascular growth and function during fibrosis.

Over the years, researchers have been studying the effect of weather and context data on the transport mode choice. The majority of these works are based on survey data, however the accuracy of their findings relies on how respondents give accurate and honest answers. In this paper, the potential of using GPS trajectories as an alternative to travel surveys in studying the impact of weather and context data on transport mode choices is investigated in Beijing city. In the analysis, we apply both descriptive and statistical models such as the MNL and MNP models. Our findings indicate that temperature has the most prominent effect among weather conditions. For instance, for temperatures greater than 25 °C, the walking share increases by 27% and the bike share reduces by 21%, which is line with the results from several survey studies. In addition, the evidence of government policy on transport regulation is revealed when the air quality becomes hazardous as people are encouraged to use environmentally friendly travel mode choices such as the bike instead of the bus and car, which are known CO2 emitters. Moreover, due to a series of traffic restrictions introduced by the Beijing government during the 2008 summer Olympics, a decrease of 17.5% in the car share and an increase of 13% and 10% in the walking and bus shares, respectively are observed. These findings provide a scientific basis for effective transport regulation and planning purposes.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an pathogenic and opportunistic Gram-positive bacteria that is the leading cause of community acquired respiratory diseases, varying from mild- to deathly- infections. Appearance of antibiotic resistant isolates has prompted the search for novel targets. One of the most promising approaches is the structure-based knowledge of possible targets in conjunction to rational design and docking of inhibitors of the chosen targets. A useful technique to help solving protein structures is to label them with a heavy atom, like selenium, that facilitates tracing of the some of the amino acid residues. We have chosen two pneumococcal DNA-binding proteins, namely the relaxase domain of MobM protein from plasmid pMV158, and the RelB-RelE antitoxin-toxin protein complex. Through the update of a previous protocol [1] that uses seleno-L-methionine, we could achieve 100% labelling of the proteins. Furthermore, the labelled proteins retained full activity as judged from relaxation of supercoiled plasmid DNA and from gel-retardation assays.

In the clinical electrophysiologic practice, the reading and comparing electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings some times is insufficient and take to much time. That is why in the last years it has begun to introduce new methods of EEG analysis, that give a better and faster understanding of the EEG dynamics and allow a rapid intervention in the patient's treatment. Tools coming from the information theory or nonlinear system as an entropy and complexity have been shown to be a very good alternative to address this problem. In this work we introduce a novel method -the permutation Lempel-ziv complexity vs permutation entropy map. This method was applied to EEG of two patients with specific diagnosed pathologies during respective follow up processes of pharmacological changes in order to detect changes that are not evident with the usual inspection method. Our results show that the proposed method are useful for observing an evolutionary retrospective clinical effects of pharmacological interventions in both patients, and from these, to follow the clinical response to the proposed treatment.

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, economic fluctuations, and global competition, adaptability and resilience have become critical success factors for businesses navigating uncertainty and complexity. This article explores the role of enterprise agility in today’s business landscape at Latam branch of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where organizations face complex and diverse operations. We aim to examine how companies can become more agile in the face of emerging challenges and seize opportunities swiftly to drive growth and deliver value. Since 2014, the division has embarked on an agile transformation journey to drive growth, deliver value, foster innovation, and build resilience in an increasingly dynamic environment. We scrutinize an approach to measuring and enhancing enterprise agility, employing statistical analysis and continuous improvement methodologies to tackle real-world challenges while offering valuable insights and recommendations for organizations aiming to implement similar systems. The results of an agile transformation in a certain company’s Latam branch serve as a compelling case study, demonstrating how the implementation of targeted measures and continuous improvement can significantly bolster enterprise agility. Methodologically, our work applies a novel sequence of parametric statistical tests which, to the best of our knowledge, have not been used in the industry to validate the results of business agility metrics. In future work, we aim to create a new workflow considering non-parametric tests to address data with other statistical distributions. We conclude our work by proposing a sequence of steps for organizations to implement business agility metrics.

We investigate the behavior of the solutions of the ray equation in isotropic media. We discuss local and global transversals and wavefronts and give examples of rays without wavefronts.

This paper presents a novel approach for indoor acoustic source localization using microphone arrays and based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The proposed solution is, to the best of our knowledge, the first published work in which the CNN is designed to directly estimate the three dimensional position of an acoustic source, using the raw audio signal as the input information avoiding the use of hand crafted audio features. Given the limited amount of available localization data, we propose in this paper a training strategy based on two steps. We first train our network using semi-synthetic data, generated from close talk speech recordings, and where we simulate the time delays and distortion suffered in the signal that propagates from the source to the array of microphones. We then fine tune this network using a small amount of real data. Our experimental results show that this strategy is able to produce networks that significantly improve existing localization methods based on SRP-PHAT strategies. In addition, our experiments show that our CNN method exhibits better resistance against varying gender of the speaker and different window sizes compared with the other methods.

The current research investigated the environmental risk of the polycyclic musk compounds, Galaxolide® (HHCB) and Tonalide® (AHTN), in the marine environments. These substances are lipophilic, bioaccumulated and potentially biomagnified in aquatic organisms. To understand the toxicity of HHCB and AHTN, we performed acute toxicity tests by exposing marine microalgae (Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Tretraselmis chuii and Isochrysis galbana), crustaceans (Artemia franciscana), echinoderms (Paracentrotus lividus), bivalves (Mytilus galloprovincialis), fish (Sparus aurata) and a candidate freshwater microalga (Raphidocelis subcapitata) to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.005 - 5 µg/L) following standardized protocols. The effects of both substances on microalgae growth were incipient and only I. galbana was sensitive to HHCB and AHTN, with IC10 values of 5.22 µg/L and 0.328 µg/L, respectively. Significant (p < 0.01) concentration dependent responses were measured in P. lividus and M. galloprovincialis larvae developments as well as S. aurata mortality tested with HHCB. The effect of HHCB on P. lividus larvae development was the most sensitive endpoint recorded, producing an EC50 value of 4.07 µg/L. Our results show that HHCB represents a high risk to P. lividus larvae development for early life stages in marine environments.

Glucose is the primary energy fuel used by the brain and is transported across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by the glucose transporter type 1 and 2.[1] A GLUT1 genetic defect is responsible for glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1DS). Patients with GLUT1DS may present with pharmaco-resistant epilepsy, developmental delay, microcephaly, and/or abnormal movements, with tremendous phenotypic variability. Diagnosis is made by the presence of specific clinical features, hypoglycorrhachia and an SLC2A1 gene mutation. Treatment with a ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) is the standard of care as it results in production of ketone bodies which can readily cross the BBB and provide an alternate energy source to the brain in the absence of glucose. KDTs have been shown to reduce seizures and abnormal movements in children diagnosed with GLUT1DS. However, little is known about the impact of KDT on cognitive function, seizures and movement disorders in adults newly diagnosed with GLUT1DS and started on a KDT in adulthood, or the appropriate ketogenic diet therapy to administer. This case report demonstrates the potential benefits of using a modified Atkins diet (MAD), a less restrictive ketogenic diet therapy on cognition, seizure control and motor function in an adult with newly-diagnosed GLUT1SD.

RNA silencing serves key roles in a multitude of cellular processes, including development, stress responses, metabolism, and maintenance of genome integrity. Dicer, Argonaute (AGO), double-stranded RNA binding (DRB), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) and DNA-dependent RNA polymerases known as Pol IV and Pol V form core components to trigger RNA silencing. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is an important staple crop worldwide. In this study, we aimed to unravel the components of the RNA-guided silencing pathway in this non-model plant taking advantage of the availability of two genome assemblies of Andean and Meso-American origin. We identified six PvDCLs, thirteen PvAGOs, 10 PvDRB, 5 PvRDR, in both genotypes, suggesting no recent gene amplification or deletion after the gene pool separation. In addition, we identified one PvNRPD1 and one PvNRPE1 encoding the largest subunits of Pol IV and Pol V, respectively. These genes were categorized into subgroups based on phylogenetic analyses. Comprehensive analyses of gene structure, genomic localization and similarity among these genes were performed. Their expression patterns were investigated by means of expression models in different organs using online data and quantitative RT-PCR after pathogen infection. Several of the candidate genes were up-regulated after infection with the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum.

Experimental and epidemiological evidence has shown that modifications of the intrauterine environment can have deleterious consequences for individuals, expressed as an increased risk of suffering non-communicable pathologies in adult life, which is known as the hypothesis of the early origin of diseases or programming fetal. On the other hand, changes in gene expression patterns through epigenetic modifications can be the basis for long-term maintenance of the effects of fetal programming. In this sense, epigenetics comprises the study of intrauterine disturbances, which develop diseases in the adult, including Celiac Disease (CD). In addition, early feeding practices could influence the risk of CD development, such as breastfeeding timing and duration and age at gluten introduction in the diet. Gluten acts as a trigger for CD in genetically predisposed subjects, although approximately 30% of the world population has HLA DQ2 or DQ8, the prevalence of the disease is only 1-3%. It is not known what factors act to modify the risk of disease in genetically at risk subjects. Taking into account all these considerations, the aim of the current review is to elucidate the role of early programming and the effect of early nutrition on the development and progression of CD.

Objectives: In this retrospective observational study, it is intended to establish how the implementation of the use of antimicrobial optimization programs at the hospital and ICU level in a Sincelejo Sucre Clinic has significantly impacted the improvement of the rational use of antibiotics1, due to the alarming situation of increasing antibiotic resistance. Materials and methods: The methodology used was to analyze the Excel database of the Clinic, in such a way that it would allow comparing the pre-PROA and post-PROA data of 4 antibiotics, ceftriaxone3, ciprofloxacin4, meropenem5 and vancomycin6, measured in Daily Dose. defined. Results: According to the DDD values obtained for the 4 antibiotics, a reduction in DDD was identified in the post-Proa period. On the other hand, considering the DDD reported by the WHO for each of the antibiotics, significant differences were verified compared to the DDD obtained in the clinic in the hospitalization and ICU services. Conclusions: In conclusion, in the clinic there was evidence of a reduction in DDD in the post-ASP2 period compared to the pre-PROA period, both in hospitalization and in the ICU, as well as a slight to large effect with Cohen's D.

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are essential to most electronic devices. Digitalization and upgradation of gadget generates lots of PCB-containing electronic waste. Conserving resources and protecting the environment requires recycling such e-waste. The present paper is focused on the recovery of metals from PCBs by physical pretreatment and hydrometallurgical processes. Initially, the waste PCBs were pre-treated to separate metallic and non-metallic fractions. The metallic concentrate was leached using nitric acid (strong oxidative agent) for dissolution of metals. The system was fully jacketed with scrubber and condenser so that no emission of toxic gases to the environment. The process parameters viz. effect of acid concentration, pulp density, temperature, time, etc. were optimized and the obtained data were scientifically validated. Kinetics leaching fitted well with the Shrinking core model, XB = kc.t for Cu, (1-(1-XB)1/2) for Ni and 1-3(1-XB)2/3 + 2(1-XB) for Pb. The optimized conditions derived from these studies will be useful for recovery of metals from waste PCBs, and tin left in the residue could be further treated for the purpose of safe disposal or the utilization in an environmentally friendly manner. The developed process provides environmental benefits and has potential to be commercialized after scale-up studies.

Background: Craniofacial injuries are thought to be commonly associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), but there is conflicting evidence in the literature. The objective of this retrospective cohort study is to evaluate the incidence of TBI in patients with craniofacial trauma. Methods: The study included 2982 consecutive patients with either solitary or concurrent diagnoses of TBI and facial fractures, seen and evaluated at a single level II trauma center between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020. Continuous variables were compared against whether the patient had one or both diagnoses.Results: Of the target population, 55.8% had a solitary diagnosis of TBI, 30.28% had a solitary diagnosis of facial fractures, and 13.92% had concurrent diagnoses of both TBI and facial fractures. Patients with concurrent diagnoses had a significantly longer mean length of stay (LOS) compared to those with solitary diagnoses (9.92 ± 16.33 days vs. 6.21 ± 10.96 days, p&lt;0.01), but age (p=0.68) and ICU LOS (p=0.09) did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: Trauma to the face should be given special attention due to the close relationship between facial bones and the brain. Patients with concurrent diagnoses of TBI and facial fractures had worse hospital outcomes than those with solitary diagnoses of either TBI or facial trauma.

This paper, the second in a series of two, describes the experimental results for removing arsenic from the dust collected in the electrostatic precipitators of a fluidized bed roasting oven (RP dust). The RP dust produced is discharged as a toxic waste, although its copper content is close to 20% by weight. This work aims to process the RP dust; until obtained a material with a low concentration of arsenic, which could be recirculated in smelting operations and recover the valuable metals. Based on the successful experience obtained in the first document with FS dust, this work proposes to use the reduction-sulphidation-volatilization processes to carry out the volatilization of arsenic from RP dust. A set of experiments was realized in the roasting different ratios of the mixture of copper concentrate / RP dust, sulfur / RP dust varying temperature and roasting time; to reach an arsenic concentration <0.5% by weight. The RP dust was characterized using different techniques, that confirmed more than 20% by weight of copper and describing its structure as a small particle agglomerate (<5 µm), with a complex sulfoxide morphology. The main results indicated: that for a 75/25 mixture of the copper concentrate / PR dust under 700 ° C, 15 minutes roasting time with air atmosphere, the arsenic volatilization was 96% by weight. Meanwhile, for a 5/95 mixture of sulfur / RP dust, at 650 ° C, the volatilization of arsenic was 67% by weight.

This paper (the first of a series of two) seeks to describe the experimental results of removing arsenic from dust collected in electrostatic precipitators of copper into the pyro-metallurgy gas cleaning systems. The first work corresponds to the treatment of dust contained in gas off generated in the copper Flash Smelting Furnace process (FS dust), while the second focuses on the treatment of dust generated from a Fluidized Bed Roasting Furnace (RP dust). The dust is complex sulphur-oxide-metals with concentrations of copper above 10 wt % and relatively high concentrations of silver. Due to the dust has an arsenic’s concentration above 5 wt %, makes it difficult to recover valuable metals through hydro-metallurgical processes or by direct recirculation of the dust into a smelting furnace. Thus, the development of pyrometallurgical processes aimed to reduce the concentration of arsenic in dust is the main purpose of this study, particularly the production of a material suitable for recirculation in smelting operations. The works conducted provide a detailed characterization of the dust, including Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy (QEMSCAN), Scanning electron microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDS), X-ray diffraction (XR-D), elemental chemical analysis using Atomic Adsorption (A. A.) and X-Ray Fluorescence (X-RF). By considering that arsenic volatilization requires a process of reduction-sulphidation-volatilization, the works explore the roasting of mixtures of copper concentrate/dust, sulphur/dust and pyrrhotite/dust. The degree of volatilization was determined by elemental chemical analysis of arsenic in the mixture after and before the roasting process. The results indicated the effect of parameters such as temperature, gas flow, gas composition and the ratio of mixtures (concentrate, sulphur or pyrrhotite)/dust on the volatilization of arsenic. The findings indicate that the concentration of arsenic in the FS dust can be reduced to a relatively low level (<0.5 wt %), allowing to the material to be recirculated into smelting processes.

The prevalence of diagnosed cases of autism has increased rapidly, which raise interest in studying the variables related to the well-being of these families. The purpose of this paper is to review recent literature on other variables related to family well-being such a parenting styles. We conducted a systematic review using PRISMA check list and bias assessment ESTROBE with the aim of analyzing if the concepts of autism, well-being and parenting style are related. We screened 753 references, 16 full text articles and abstracts were read. It was identified that authoritative parenting style, those based on warmth, establishing relationships and emotional bonding, and low expressed emotion were positively related to family well-being. On the other hand, authoritarian, permissive and overprotective styles, as well as critical, punishing and training-based were negatively associated with well-being and quality of family life.

In this paper we show how to efficiently implement parallel discrete simulations on Multi-Core and GPU architectures through a real example of application: a cellular automata model of laser dynamics. We describe the techniques employed to build and optimize the implementations using OpenMP and CUDA frameworks. We have evaluated the performance on two different hardware platforms that represent different target market segments: high-end platforms for scientific computing, using an Intel Xeon Platinum 8259CL server with48cores and also an NVIDIA Tesla6V100 GPU, both running on Amazon Web Server (AWS) Cloud, and on a consumer-oriented platform, using an Intel Core i9 9900k CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI GPU. Performance results are compared and analysed in detail. We show that excellent performance and scalability can be obtained in both platforms, and we extract some important issues that imply a performance degradation for them. We also found that current Multi-Core CPUs with large core numbers can bring a performance very near to that of GPUs, even similar in some cases.

Fiber optic sensors cannot measure damage; for getting information about damage from strain measurements, additional strategies are needed, and several alternatives have been proposed. This paper discuss two independent concepts: the first one is based on detecting the new strains appearing around a damage spot; the structure does not need to be under loads; the technique is very robust, damage detectability is high, but it requires sensors to be located very close to the damage, so it is a local technique. The second approach offers a wider coverage of the structure, it is based on identifying the changes caused by the damage on the strains field in the whole structure for similar external loads. Damage location does not need to be known a priori, detectability is dependent upon the sensors network density, damage size and the external loads. Examples of application to real structures are given.

Although the need to assess hydration is well recognized, laboratory tests and clinical impressions are impractical and lack sensitivity to be clinically meaningful. Different approaches use bioelectrical impedance measurements to overcome some of these limitations and aid in classification of hydration status. One indirect approach utilizes single or multiple frequency bioimpedance in regression equations and theoretical models, respectively, with anthropometric measurements to predict fluid volumes (bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy; BIS) and estimate fluid overload based on deviation of calculated to reference extracellular fluid volume. Alternatively, bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) uses direct phase-sensitive measurements of resistance and reactance, measured at 50 kHz, normalized for height, then plotted on a bivariate graph, resulting in a vector with length related to fluid content normalized by standing height, and direction with phase angle that indexes hydration status. Comparison with healthy population norms enables BIVA to classify (normal, under- and over-) and rank (change relative to pre-treatment) hydration independent of body weight. Each approach has wide-ranging uses in evaluation and management of clinical groups with overhydration with an evolving emphasis on prognosis. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of BIS and BIVA for hydration assessment with comments on future applications.

This review examines methodologies studying soil carbon in urban green spaces, a field requiring higher attention as their ecosystem services are valued and urban mitigation plans against climate change are developed. In the growing global urbanization, urban green spaces play a crucial role as nature-based solutions to address climate challenges, demanding efficient carbon accounting and reduction strategies. In this research, a systematic review was conducted assessing publications from 2021 to 2023 in the databases Web of Science and Scopus. Findings expose the lack of standardization in the methodologies used to study soil carbon in urban green spaces, evidencing in situ measurements at different sampling depths and studies without longitudinal monitoring over time. In addition, studies originated primarily in universities from China, United States and Spain, which focused on carbon in the form of Soil Organic Carbon and Total Carbon. Based on these findings, recommendations are made advocating for the combination and standardizing methodologies. This review offers valuable insights that shed light on an ignore and often overseen issue. Further studies and standardized methodology are needed, to help cities efforts in their pursuit of carbon neutrality by acknowledging the influential role of urban soils, especially green spaces.

Finishing coatings in the wood-based composites industry not only influence the final appearance of the product but also serve to protect against fungi, and molds, and reduce the release of harmful substances, particularly formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Carbon-rich materials, such as those derived from birch bark extraction, specifically suberin acids, can fulfil this role. Previous research has demonstrated that adding suberin acid residues (SAR) at 20% and 50% by weight significantly enhances the gas barrier properties of surface finishing materials based on poly(lactide) (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL), particularly in terms of Total VOC (TVOC) and formaldehyde emissions. This study aims to explore whether these properties can be further improved through the incorporation of nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO). Previous research has shown that these nanoparticles possess strong resistance to biological factors and can positively affect the characteristics of nanofilms applied as surface protection. The study employed PLA and PCL finishing layers blended with SAR powder at 10% w/w and included 2% and 4% nano-zinc oxide nanoparticles. The resulting blends were milled to create a powder, which was subsequently pressed into 1 mm thick films. These films were then applied to raw particleboard surfaces. TVOC and formaldehyde emission tests were conducted. Additionally, the fungal resistance of the coated surfaces was assessed. The results showed that PLA/SAR and PCL/SAR composites with the addition of nano-zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited significantly improved barrier properties, offering a promising avenue for developing biodegradable, formaldehyde-free coatings in the furniture industry with enhanced features. Furthermore, by utilizing SAR as a post-extraction residue, this project aligns perfectly with the concept of upcycling.

Graphene-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising materials for a wide range of applications.. Therefore, in the last years carbon nanoparticles have attracted great attention due to their low toxicity, high biocompatibility and easy preparation. Recently, N-doped carbon nanoparticles have been shown to have improved antibacterial activity over the undoped nanomaterial, but it is difficult to find correlations between the structure of the nanoparticle and its antibacterial activity. With this purpose, here, we analyze the effect of both, the nanoparticle size and the surface chemical composition of four N-doped carbon nanoparticles on the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria. Our results were analyzed using a Ligand-Substrate model based on the Monod´s equation, which allows us to interpret the dependence of the nanoparticle-bacteria affinity with the nanomaterial structure.

Linear programming formulations of forest ecosystem management (FEM) problems proposed in the 60s have been adapted and improved upon over the years. Generating management alternatives for forest management planning is a key step in building these models. Global forests are diverse, and a variety of models have been developed to simulate management alternatives. Climate change has made forest management calculations even more complex, requiring flexibility, diverse parameters, models, and methods. Despite this complexity, consistent concepts can be applied in developing management alternatives for forest management planning. This work describes iGen, a flexible forest prescription generator that applies the AI technique Rule-Based System (AI-RBS). iGen projects the state and associated inputs and outputs for a set of management units using rules from its knowledge base. An Inference Engine uses the rules to simulate a set of prescriptions in a tree-like graph structure. Without needing IT specialists, forest managers can describe the potential development of their forest through variables, rules, formulas, functions, and procedures. A key feature of iGen is that it is not limited to, adapted to, or focused on any specific region, landscape, forest condition, projection method, or yield function. Instead, it aims to maximize generality, enabling it to address a broad range of FEM problems. This article introduces iGen, explaining its concepts, structure, and algorithms through two FEM problems: natural regeneration with shelterwood harvests and plantation/coppice. For data and iGen source programs, visit github.com/…/iGen.

The Southern king crab, Lithodes santolla, is an important fishery resource in the inner seas of Chilean Patagonia. The fishing gear used to catch Southern king crab (bait trap) and its operation at different depths over several months provide the opportunity to gather information about relative abundance. The aim of the present study was to analyze the information collected from the catches of Southern king crab and its associated fauna in the Magdalena Fjord to study the biodiversity and ecology of scavenging decapod crustaceans. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the bathymetric patterns of abundance by species, to model the abundance by season (winter and spring) and to determine the structuring pattern of scavenging decapods assemblage. Samples were collected between June and November 2019 by deploying traps in four bathymetric strata: 1 = 0–50 m; 2 = 51–100 m; 3 =101–150 m; 4 = 151–200 m. We registered a total of 673 decapod specimens associated with the Southern king crab fishery, representing five species: Lithodes santolla (n = 96), Libidoclaea smithii (n = 10), Metacarcinus edwardsii (n = 58), Munida gregaria (n = 507) and Peltarion spinulosum (n = 2). The abundance of decapod species varied by month and bathymetric strata. We found bathymetric patterns for L. santolla abundance, M. gregaria, M. edwardsii, and total species abundance. The most informative model to explain scavenging decapod abundance by GLM included species and season. The null model of species co-occurrence analysis revealed that all species associations during the sampled months were random. Our study is the first that provides evidence about patterns of bathymetrical and temporal variation of scavenging decapod abundance and expands the body of knowledge regarding the biodiversity of scavenger decapods in the Magdalena Sound, which currently is affected by multiple stressors such as climate change and anthropic activities (aquaculture and fisheries).

The study analyzed Ecuador's presence in the Web of Science (WoS) post-pandemic from a multivariate dynamic, highlighting a significant transformation in scientific communication towards open access (OA). The methodology integrated multivariate statistical techniques, using R and specialized tools, to process 9,085 relevant articles, 52% of the Ecuadorian publications in WoS between 2019 and 2021 were open access. This movement reflects a commitment to quality research and accessibility, showing an increase in publications and citations under OA. The research underscores the importance of establishing robust national OA policies in Ecuador to promote scientific collaboration and an equitable distribution of knowledge. Despite funding challenges and the lack of specific regulations, educational institutions in Ecuador have maintained a constant scientific output, adapting to the global environment and the demand for transparent information. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for a holistic approach to OA in the country, recognizing the progress made despite the difficulties.

Cortical actomyosin flows, among other mechanisms, scale up spontaneous symmetry breaking and thus play pivotal roles in cell differentiation, division, and motility. According to many model systems, myosin motor-induced local contractions of initially isotropic actomyosin cortices are nucleation points for generating cortical flows. However, the positive feedback mechanisms by which spontaneous contractions can be amplified towards large-scale directed flows remain mostly speculative. To investigate such a process on spherical surfaces, we reconstituted and confined initially isotropic minimal actomyosin cortices to the interfaces of emulsion droplets. The presence of ATP leads to myosin-induced local contractions that self-organize and amplify into directed, large-scale actomyosin flows. By combining our experiments with theory, we found that the feedback mechanism leading to a coordinated, directional motion of actomyosin clusters can be described as asymmetric cluster vibrations, caused by intrinsic non-isotropic ATP consumption, in conjunction with spatial confinement. By tracking individual actomyosin clusters, we identified fingerprints of vibrational states as the basis of directed motions. These vibrations may represent a generic key driver of directed actomyosin flows under spatial confinement in vitro and in living systems.

Background: The presence of HIV residual replication markers was investigated among distinct subgroups of individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART). Methods: One hundred sixteen patients were distributed into 5 treatment groups: first-line suppressive ART with a non-nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) (n = 26), first-line suppressive ART with boosted protease inhibitors (PI-r) (n = 25), suppressive salvage therapy using PI-r (n = 27), suppressive salvage therapy with PI-r and raltegravir (n = 22) and virologic failure (n = 16). Episomal and total DNA quantitation was evaluated. HIV antibody and LPS quantitation was performed. Results: Episomal DNA was positive in 26% to 38% of individuals under suppressive ART, and it was higher among ART virologic failure group (p = 0.04). HIV proviral load was higher among patients with detectable episomal DNA (p = 0.01). Individuals receiving initial PI-r treatment presented lower HIV antibody (p = 0.027) and LPS (p = 0.029) levels than individuals receiving NNRTI. There was a negative correlation between episomal DNA quantitation and the duration of suppressive ART (p = 0.04), CD4+ T-cell count (p = 0.08), and CD8+ T-cell count (p = 0.07). Conclusions: Residual HIV replication has been inferred among individuals under suppressive ART according to episomal DNA detection. Residual replication may decrease with longer periods of suppressive ART and higher levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The relationship between episomal DNA and total DNA suggests there is a replenishment of the proviral reservoir. Lower antibody and LPS levels among patients with initial PI-r ART suggest these regimens may more effectively suppress HIV, more effectively decreasing HIV antigenic component.

Non-pharmacological interventions in the fight against COVID 19 include: a) suppression, which facilitates its extinction; and b) mitigation, which reduces its speed of spread. Left unmitigated, the intensive care unit bed capacity (ICU) is exceeded over its maximum supply, resulting in increased deaths. Suppression has shown in simulation models the potential for decreasing ICU occupation below its surge limit, effectively decreasing mortality. However, for avoiding a rebound in transmission, suppression must be maintained intermittently until a vaccine is available (which may take up to 2 years). The objective of this paper was to describe the mortality patterns observed in Spain, Italy and South Korea for discussing a hypothetical combined public health policy and socioeconomic model that could potentially reduce mortality while reducing the economic impact of this pandemic in Spain. The plan is based on a progressive-voluntary reinstatement to work of the population exposed to the lowest risks (healthy non-immune family units <50 y/o and immune population) and it depends on having sufficiently available ICU beds for providing adequate support. This model, if proven correct for Spain, could eventually be followed by other countries facing a similar impact of the present pandemic.

ICT and digital technology adoption, sustainable development, community empowerment and local wisdom and destinations uniqueness are keywords that will be further explored in the de-velopment of tourism villages in Kenderan as the most importance of tourism destinations de-velopment from the village level. Therefor this research is aimed at developing suitable model for post smart or wise tourism village through proposing Culture and Tradition Festival and the application of a circular economy. Circular economy development in tourism villages focuses on the application of sustainable production principles in the tourism value chain, namely in creating tourism experiences together with tourists (co-creation of experience) and integrated in a tourism system that supports environmental sustainability. This research is applied research conducted with a sequential mixed method research by conducting qualitative research through expert judgment and quantitative research by circulating questionnaire to tourists visiting Kenderan village, while the collected data is analyzed by Structural Equation Modelling to see the rela-tionship between variables. The results of this research show that creative event as the locality aspects of tourist village, digital competence, and sustainability practice are the building blocks of post smart tourism village, while digital competence and sustainable practice have significant mediating effect of locality on post smart tourism village. To make tourism village possesses sustainable competitive advantages, the village must explore and promote its locality aspects to differentiate its tourist village by identifying the valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable tourism resources. The implication of this research is that to develop smart tourism destination wiser and distinctive, tourist village should explore their local values and resources, embed them into its tourism basic components and core resources, and co create, distribute, deliver and promote it to global market through technology adoption and global sustainability value.

The social vulnerability approach (SV) has set up that social inequalities and disadvantages have gone beyond monetary poverty in the last years, since the process is built at different scales. In its objectives, the SV multidimensional measurement is contemplated as a priority tool to monitor the compliance of the first goal – eliminate poverty in all its forms. Therefore, the objective of this research is to calculate the SV of the fishing communities of the Gulf of Ulloa (GU), Mexico by macro-markers to subsequently contrast them with field micro-data, and finally perform a behavior scenario, considering the current public policies restrictive to fishing in such areas. The results showed significant differences depending on the type of information used, obtaining a contingency coefficient of 83.42%, which indicates that the calculus depends strongly on the data used and suggesting that macro-data may be masking the true SV values in the area, in such a way they could be severely underestimated. Even though the context at micro-scale is not the only one, SV should be calculated to analyze the fishing communities since coastal fishery represents almost the total livelihood of the inhabitants. Nevertheless, these communities confront numerous local and global threats, and these pressures on SV put their livelihoods, well-being, food security and traditional lifestyle at risk. Therefore, the role of researching human dimensions and governance is not only basic but also urgent to turn to sustainable socioeconomic management.

Data is the most valuable asset of a company or organisation nowadays, for the management of such data there are several techniques used for the storage and analysis of these data, if the organisation chooses wrongly among the alternatives it could face a very costly problem. Based on the above information we will study a very important issue today in the business world, with the global economic growth has also grown the world of technology and therefore organizations or companies also need to move forward with firm and fast pace how business evolves; Its weaknesses, strengths and the need to always be at the forefront of technological tools we will dive into the subject of business intelligence or also known as Business Intelligence (BI), Datawarehouse and Data Mining which is nothing more than a group of applications and tools that allow you to extract, transform and load some data to get to get information and knowledge in order to make a quick decision, accurate and efficient in the organization to achieve the objectives outlined. Due to the fact that there are still companies or organisations that make blind decisions in their customer or strategic processes. In order to solve this problem we rely on data mining as an alternative to minimise risks, which can lead to major and valuable losses within an organisation. In the case of a private company where data mining is applied to study patterns of customer behaviour on their own parameters of location, consumption, etc.. And third party data. The search for information is profitable for the business administration. Data mining is applied as a tool for the development of marketing tactics in competitive production and industrial sectors. This technology attempts to help perceive the attachment of databases. Data mining works on a preferential level looking for patterns, behaviours, orders or groupings that can create a model that allows us to better understand the concept and help in decision making so organisations rely on different systems such as CRM, ERP and many others, but to move from just information to generate business intelligence must be centralised in a single place where you can run data analysis of all types to discover trends that help decision making that place can be mainly a Lake or a Warehouse.

The differential distribution, size, and quality of urban green spaces (UGS) among localities generate a differential distribution of benefits provided to users. We analyzed the spatial distribution of five size categories of UGS among 15 municipalities of Mexico City, compared their total surface per capita and associated them with the social marginality index. We found 1,353 UGSs accessible for public use with a total area of 2,643 ha. Seventy-four percent of them had &lt;1 ha of surface area, and 51% were located in only three municipalities that were mostly middle- and high-income. These municipalities concentrated a higher area of green spaces per capita. We found a negative correlation between the marginality index and the area of UGS per municipality; the lower the marginality index, the higher the area of green spaces. We consider this a situation of environmental injustice since urban environmental services are distributed unequally with respect to marginalized populations.

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of 11 lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) produced by mutations in the enzymes involved in the lysosomal catabolism of glycosaminoglycans. Most of the mutations affecting these enzymes may lead to changes in processing, folding, glycosylation, pH stability, protein aggregation, and defective transport to the lysosomes. The use of small molecules, called pharmacological chaperones (PCs), that can restore the folding, trafficking and biological activity of mutated enzymes has been extensively explored in LSDs as a therapeutic alternative. PCs have the advantage of wide tissue distribution, potential oral administration, lower production cost, and fewer issues of immunogenicity. In this paper, we will review the advances in the identification and characterization of PCs for the MPS. These molecules, mainly based in molecules mimicking the enzyme substrates, have been described for MPS II, IVA, and IVB, showing a mutation-dependent enhancement of the mutated enzymes. Although the results show the potential of this strategy, further studies should focus in the development of disease-specific cellular models that allow a proper screening and evaluation of the identified PCs. In addition, in vivo evaluation, both pre-clinical and clinical, should be performed, before they can become a real therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MPS patients.

Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: PDAC) is one of the most aggressive neoplastic diseases. Metformin use was associated with reduced pancreatic cancer incidence or better survival in diabetics. Metformin has been shown to inhibit PDAC cells survival and growth in vitro and in vivo. However, clinical trials using metformin failed to decrease pancreatic cancer progression in patients, raising important questions about molecular mechanisms that protect tumor cells from the antineoplastic activities of metformin. We confirm that metformin acts through inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, decreasing the NAD+/NADH ratio and that NAD+/NADH homeostasis determines metformin sensitivity in several cancer cell lines. Metabolites that can restore the NAD+/NADH ratio turned PDAC cells resistant to metformin. In addition, metformin treatment of PDAC cell lines induced a compensatory NAMPT expression increasing the pool of cellular NAD+. The NAMPT inhibitor FK866 sensitized PDAC cells to the antiproliferative effects of metformin in vitro and decreased cellular NAD+ pool. Intriguingly, FK866 combined with metformin increased survival in mice bearing KP4 cells xenografts but not in mice with PANC1 xenografts. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the drug combination reactivated genes in the p53 pathway and oxidative stress providing new insights about the mechanisms leading to cancer cell death.

The ability to monitor Sprained Ankle Rehabilitation Exercises (SPAREs) in home environments can help therapists to ascertain if exercises have been performed as prescribed. Whilst wearable devices have been shown to provide advantages such as high accuracy and precision during monitoring activities, disadvantages such as limited battery life, users' inability to remember to charge and wear the devices are often the challenges for their usage. Also, video cameras, which are notable for high frame rates and granularity, are not privacy-friendly. This paper, therefore, proposes the use and fusion of unobtrusive and privacy-friendly sensing solutions for data collection and processing during SPAREs in home environments. Two Infrared Thermopile Array (ITA-32) thermal sensors and two Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Radar sensors were used to simultaneously monitor 15 healthy participants during SPAREs which involved twisting their ankle in 4-fundamental movement patterns namely (i) extension, (ii) flexion, (iii) eversion and (iv) inversion. Experimental results indicated the ability to identify thermal blobs of participants performing the 4 fundamental movement patterns of the human ankle. Cluster-based analysis of data gleaned from the ITA-32 sensors and the FMCW Radar sensors indicated average classification accuracy of 96.9% with K-Nearest Neighbours, Neural Network, AdaBoost, Decision Tree, Stochastic Gradient Descent and Support Vector Machine, amongst others.

Development of biomarkers of analytes with interest in clinic is an important field of study. In this work, we synthesized and analyzed the new fluorescent acetate-biomarker, Iso-PG. The mechanism of detection is the acetate buffer mediated proton transfer reaction. The rate constants involved were obtained, and we measured the change in the fluorescence lifetime produced as a consequence of the presence of acetate in the medium. Finally, we checked its potential use as acetate biomarker in synthetic serum

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) technology enables a differentiation between oxyhemoglobin (HbO) and deoxyhemoglobin (HbR) in the sensory and motor cerebral gyri, resulting in greater sensitivity for cerebral activation compared to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Here, we introduce a novel approach where functional regions of interest (ROIs) are created based on the specific signal behavior observed in DOT measurements, in contrast to the conventional use of structural-ROIs obtained from anatomical information. The generation of cerebral activation maps involves using the general linear model (GLM) to compare the outcomes obtained from both the functional and structural ROI approaches. DOT-derived maps are then compared with maps derived from fMRI datasets considered the gold standard for assessing functional brain activity. The results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of employing functional ROIs to improve the spatial location of functional activations in the sensory and motor cerebral gyri by leveraging the neural synchronization data provided by DOT. Furthermore, this methodology simplifies data processing in animal models, where anatomical differences compared to the human head can pose challenges. By incorporating functional ROIs prior to GLM application, this study offers enhancements to DOT analysis techniques and broadens its applicability in both human and animal models.

We have performed the first comparative analysis of the potential of two physiologically-diverse model cyanobacteria, Synechococcus PCC 7002 (S.7002) and Synechococcus PCC 7942 (S.7942), for the photosynthetic production of four chemically-different high-value terpenes: two monoterpenes limonene and pinene, and two sesquiterpenes bisabolene and farnesene. We showed, for the first time, that S.7002 and S.7942 can produce farnesene and bisabolene, respectively. Both cyanobac-teria produced farnesene (S.7942 better than S.7002) more efficiently than the other tested terpenes (especially pinene the weakest produced terpene). S.7002 produced limonene better than bisabo-lene, whereas S.7942 produced bisabolene better than limonene. These findings suggest that S.7942 is better suited to produce sesquiterpenes than monoterpenes. Also interestingly, higher levels of terpenes were produced by S.7942 and S.7002 expressing a terpene-synthase gene from both a RSF1010-derived replicating plasmid and a neutral chromosomal site, as compared to ei-ther the plasmid alone or the chromosome alone. These results suggest that in both cyanobacteria the production of terpenes is more limited by the activity of terpene synthases than the abondance of terpene precursors. Finally, higher levels of terpenes were produced by S.7002 growing on urea (a frequent pollutant) as compared to nitrate (or ammonium) the standard nitrogen sources for cyanobacteria (more expensive than urea).

Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) that reduces the viral load to undetectable levels, viral eradication has not been achieved due to HIV-1 persistence in resting CD4+ T-cells. We, therefore, characterized the tat gene, which is essential for HIV-1 replication, from 20 viro-logically controlled HIV-infected (HIV+) older patients on long-term ART with improved CD4+ T-cell counts. PBMC genomic DNA from HIV+ patients were used to amplify tat gene by PCR fol-lowed by nucleotide sequencing and analysis. Phylogenetic analysis showed that each patient’s tat sequences were confined to their own subtrees and well discriminated from other patients’ sequences. Moreover, there was a low degree of viral heterogeneity and lower estimates of genetic diversity within these patients’ tat sequences. Most patients’ Tat deduced amino acid sequences showed intact open reading frames and maintained the important functional domains for Tat functions, including transactivation, TAR binding and nuclear localization. Furthermore, Tat deduced amino acid sequences showed variation in previously characterized cytotoxic T lym-phocytes (CTL) epitopes, suggesting escape mutants. In conclusion, a low degree of genetic varia-bility and conservation of functional domains and variations in CTL epitopes were the features of tat sequences from 20 HIV+ older patients with undetectable viral load on long-term ART.

Type-2 diabetes mellitus is recognized as a serious public health concern with a considerable impact on human life, long-term health expenditures, and substantial health losses. In this context, the use of dietary polyphenols to prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes mellitus is widely documented. These dietary compounds exert their beneficial effects by several actions, including the protection of pancreatic islet β-cell, the antioxidant capacities of these molecules, their effects on insulin secretion and actions, the regulation of intestinal microbiota, and their contribution to ameliorating diabetic complications, particularly those of vascular origin. In the present review, we intend to highlight these multifaceted actions and the molecular mechanisms by which these plant-derived secondary metabolites exert their beneficial effects on type-2 diabetes patients.

Background. Increasing evidence demonstrate that concentration of protein in infant formula >1.9g/100Kcal with high levels of insulinogenic aminoacids is associated with accelerated weight gain, increased fat mass accumulation and risk of adiposity. Purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to determine the metabolic effects in infants feed with infant formula optimized in protein. Methods. Systematic review was conducted according PRISMA Statement. RCTs with one intervention group (infant formula with 1.6-1.9gr of protein/100Kcal) and at least one comparative control group (infant formula with >1.9gr of protein/100Kcal) were included. Standardized mean differences (SMD), through random model were calculated. Results. 15 RCT were included. Optimized protein in infant formula was associated with less gain of BMI at 24 months of follow-up (SMD -0.25, IC95% -0.36 to -0.13, p 0.01) and less fat mass accumulation (SMD -0.68, IC95% -0.98 to -0.37, p 0.01). Optimized protein was also associated to less gain of weight, weight/age Z-score, weight/length Z-score, BUN (mmol/dL) and IGF1 (ng/ml). No effect on length/age Z-score was observed. Conclusions. Robust evidence showed optimized protein (1.6gr/100Kcal to 1.9gr/100Kcal) in infant formula is associated with metabolic benefits in infants with less weight gain, BMI and fat mass accumulation.

Urban dust samples were taken from the playgrounds of 27 schools located in the urban area of the city of Murcia (S.E. Spain). Their color and degree of magnetism were determined, as well as their heavy metal content (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn) to evaluate contamination by environmental and health indexes. The highest concentration of contaminants is found in dusts of dark color and medium and high magnetism. The concentrations of heavy metals in the dust were, in this order, Zn (453.74 mg kg-1)> Cu (77.44 mg kg-1)> Cr (67.93 mg kg-1)> Pb (55.72 mg kg-1)> Ni (18.56 mg kg-1)> Cd (0.42 mg kg-1). The analysis of the magnetic and non-magnetic fraction indicates that there is a concentration of all heavy metals in the magnetic fraction. According to the geoenvironmental indices used, the ecological risk presented by school playgrounds is moderate. As for the health indices, ingestion was the main route of exposure and entry of dust particles into the body, being the main health risk for adults and children for all metals. The Hazard Index (HI) values for all elements for both adults and children were less than 1, indicating that there is no risk of developing adverse health effects. As for the Cancer Risk (CR), the values of this index indicate that there is no risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate pollution in the playgrounds of schools in the city of Murcia.

The information society has transformed human life. Technology is almost everywhere, including health and education. For example, years ago, speech and language therapy students required a long time and high-cost equipment to develop healthcare of the auditory and vestibular systems competencies. The high cost of the equipment permitted its practical use only in classes, hindering students’ autonomy in developing those competencies. That situation was a real issue, even more in times of pandemic where online education was essential. This article describes SAEF, an open-source software simulator for autonomously developing procedural audiology therapy competencies, user acceptance, and the validity of experiments and results. SAEF delivers immediate feedback and performance results. Obtained results permit validating students’ and educators’ acceptability of SAEF in audiology therapy education. Obtained results invite authors to continue developing simulator software solutions in other health education contexts. SAEF was developed using open-source technology to facilitate its accessibility, classification, and sustainability.

Background and Objectives: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth cause of cancer death worldwide. Personalised treatment improves GC outcomes. A molecular classification is needed to choose the appropriate therapy. A classification that uses on-slide biomarkers and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is preferable to comprehensive genomic analysis. In 2016, Setia et al. proposed an on-slide classification, however this is not in widespread use. We propose a modification of this classification that has six subgroups: GC associated with Epstein-Barr virus (GC EBV+), GC with mismatch repair deficiency (GC dMMR), GC with epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (GC EMT), GC with functional loss of p53 due to mutation (GC p53m), CG with intact p53 (GC p53wt) and GC not otherwise specified (GC NOS). This classification also has provision for biomarkers for current or emerging targeted therapies (Her2, PD-L1 and Claudin18.2). Here we assess the implementation and feasibility of this inclusive working classification. Materials and Methods: We constructed a tissue microarray library from a cohort of 79 resection cases from FFPE tissue archives. We used a restricted panel of on-slide markers (EBER, MMR, E-cadherin, beta-catenin and p53), defined their interpretation algorithms, and assigned each case to a specific molecular subtype. Results: GC EBV(+) cases were 6%, GC dMMR cases were 20%, GC EMT cases were 14%, GC p53m cases were 23%, GC p53wt cases were 29% and GC NOS cases were 8%. Conclusions: This working classification uses markers that are widely available in Histopathology and are easy to interpret. A diagnostic subgroup is obtained for 92% of the cases. The proportion of cases in each subgroup is in keeping with other published series. Widescale implementation appears feasible. A study using endoscopic biopsies is warranted.

Single-cell RNA sequencing data facilitates investigation of cell heterogeneity and subpopulations as well as differentially abundant states however modern single-cell RNA sequencing datasets are growing in size and complexity requiring advances in the bioinformatic methods that analyze them. Many methods exist for each step of analysis including read alignment, normalization, quality control, batch effect correction, imputation and dimensionality reduction. With so many options to choose from at each step of the analysis, benchmarking and a synthesis of the literature on the methods available is necessary to inform biological researchers on the most optimal workflow for their data. Here, recent key methods of analysis are highlighted with a focus on methods that facilitate identification of cell subpopulations and differentially abundant cell states. With a constantly expanding toolset for each step in single-cell RNA sequencing dataset analysis, biological researchers should stay informed to utilize the most applicable methods for their own analyses.

Transcriptional regulation constitutes a key step in gene expression regulation. Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) is a transcription factor of MADS box family involved in the early development of several cell types including muscle cells. Over the last decade a novel layer of complexity modulating gene regulation is emerging as non-coding RNAs have been identified, impacting in both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. microRNAs represent the most studied and abundantly expressed subtype of small non-coding RNAs and their functional role have been widely documented. On the other hand, our knowledge on the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that drive microRNA expression is still incipient. We recently demonstrated that MEF2C is able to transactive the long, but not short, regulatory element upstream of miR-23a-miR-27a-miR-24-2 transcriptional start site. However, MEF2C over-expression and silencing, respectively, displayed distinct effects on each of the miR-23a-miR-27a-miR-24-2 mature cluster members, without affecting pri-miRNA expression levels, supporting thus additional MEF2C-driven regulatory mechanisms. Within this study we demonstrated a complex post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms directed by MEF2C in the regulation of miR-23a-miR-27a-miR-24-2 cluster members, distinctly involving different domains of the MEF2C transcription factor and the physical interaction with pre-miRNAs and RNA interacting proteins such as Ksrp, HnRNPa3 and Ddx17.

In the last decade, the role of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) in diagnosing and managing pulmonary embolism (PE) has significantly evolved. Once a purely diagnostic tool, CTPA now plays a crucial role in initial emergency department assessments and treatment planning tailored to the patient’s condition. Advances in CTPA technology, including image quality enhancements and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, necessitate a reassessment of its current utility. This narrative review updates on new CTPA tools and techniques and focuses on data extraction challenges in emergency settings. CTPA studies, often conducted with multidetector scanners, provide essential information for risk stratification and treatment planning. The quantification of thrombotic burden using CTPA is vital for predicting mortality and determining appropriate treatments. Classical scoring systems, such as those developed by Qanadli, Mastora, and Ghanima, convert CTPA findings into quantifiable data to assist clinical decision-making. Despite CTPA not being a standard mortality predictor, significant research suggests including CTPA data, especially RV dysfunction indicators, for prognostic purposes. Recent studies highlight automated techniques for quantifying pulmonary perfusion and thrombus composition, enhancing the accuracy of PE severity assessment. The integration of AI in CTPA, particularly through deep learning algorithms, shows promise in automating thrombus load assessment and improving risk stratification. The continuous development of imaging techniques positions CTPA as a potential tool for comprehensive PE management, aiding in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decisions.

Abstract. Introduction: BMD study gives partial information on bone health in patients with TSH suppression therapy due to Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC). TBS, a new parameter of bone microarchitecture is propose for bone quality study. This study analyze their long-term use in patients with DTC. Methods: BMD was measured by DXA and TBS with iNsigth software in 145 postmenopausal DTC patients. Vertebral Fractures (VFs) with a semi-quantitative x-ray method. Results: BMD at the end study was not different from initial. TBS decreased from 1.35±0.1 to 1.27±0.1 (p=0.002). PTH, Osteocalcin, and BAP were increased, suggesting increased bone remodeling. There was an increase in osteoporosis and osteopenia (40.6% and 16.5% to 46.6% and 18.6%); 31% had partially degraded and 15.1% degraded TBS changed to 48,9% and 24,8% at the end study. VFs in 30 patients, was not different in age, BMI, calcium and alcohol ingestion, smoking, radioiodine, or thyroid parameters vs. without VFs. Odds ratio for VFs increased with osteopenia (OR 2.63). Combination of TBS plus TBS did not improve discrimination. Conclusions: TBS was lowered while BMD did not differ. Percentage of osteoporosis and osteopenia and of partially degraded and degraded TBS was higher at the end study. Predominant discordance rate was found in partially degraded microarchitecture, in which the proportion of osteopenia was higher than normal or osteoporotic patients. AUC of TBS plus BMD did not improve discrimination. TBS, radioactive iodine, and sedentary lifestyle were the main differential data for patients with DTC and VFs.

Large amounts of gas hydrate are present in marine sediments offshore Taitao Peninsula, near the Chile Triple Junction. Here, marine sediments on the forearc contain carbon that is converted to methane in a zone of very high heat flow and intense rock deformation above the downgoing oceanic spreading ridge separating the Nazca and Antarctic plates. This regime enables vigorous fluid migration. Here we present an analysis of the spatial distribution, concentration, estimate of gas phases (gas hydrate and free gas) and geothermal gradients in the accretionary prism and forearc sediments offshore Taitao (45.5° - 47° S). Velocity analysis of Seismic Profile RC2901-751 indicates gas hydrate concentration values <10% of the total rock volume, and extremely high geothermal gradients (<190 °Ckm^-1). Gas hydrates are located in shallow sediments (90-280 meters below the seafloor). The large amount of hydrate and free gas estimated (7.21x10¹¹ m³ and 4.1x10¹⁰ m³, respectively), the high seismicity, the mechanically unstable nature of the sediments, and the anomalous geothermal conditions, set the stage for potential massive releases of methane to the ocean mainly through hydrate dissociation and/or migration directly to the seabed through faults. We conclude that the Chile Triple Junction is an important methane seepage area and should be the focus of novel geological and ecological research.

To describe the characteristics of patients with uveitis associated with an immunologic or idio-pathic disease that requires immunosuppressive treatment and the response to such treatments in real clinical practice. Observational, descriptive, longitudinal, and retrospective study of a cohort of patients diagnosed with idiopathic uveitis or autoimmune disease-related uveitis. To assess the response to treatment we have evaluated the change in visual acuity and vitritis and the presence of macular edema. We included 356 patients. Twelve percent required treatment with systemic corticosteroids and 66 patients (18.5%) immunosuppressive/biological treatment, with metho-trexate being the most used (55%). Immunosuppressive drugs were used in 59 cases the least re-sponsive being mycophenolate mofetil. Ten patients of the 66 (15%) started treatment with bio-logics. Thirty-five patients (53%) needed to switch drugs due to a lack of response to the first one. There were no differences between different drugs in the resolution of vitritis and improvement of vision. The disappearance of macular edema was achieved in all patients treated with tocilizumab. The use of systemic corticosteroids and Immunosuppressive/biologics was necessary for a high number of patients with non-infectious uveitis. In our series tocilizumab was significantly more effective in the resolution of macular edema.

Increasing pesticide resistance in plant pathogens is major concern in agriculture production. Research on ecofriendly alternatives of chemical pesticides are more in demand in pesticide industry. In the current study, an ethyl acetate extract from the endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. EFI 671, isolated from the stem parts of the medicinal plant Laurus sp., was screened for bioactivity against plant pathogens (Fusarium graminearum, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea), insect pests (Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi) and plant parasites (Meloidogyne javanica). The bioactive components have been characterized following a bioassay-guided isolation against M. persicae. The chemical study of this bioactive extract resulted in the isolation of 1-oleoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-palmitoylglycerol (1), eburicol (2), (24R)-stigmast-4-ene-3-one or β-sitostenone (3), ergosterol (4) and ergosterol peroxide (5). The free fatty acids present in compound 1 (oleic, linoleic and palmitic) showed strong dose-dependent aphid antifeedant effects against M. persicae. Liquid (PDB, and SDB) and solid (corn, sorghum, pearl millet and rice) growth media were tested in order to optimize the yield and bioactivity of the fungal extracts. Pearl millet and corn gave the highest extract yields. All the extracts from these solid media had strong effects against M. persicae with sorghum being the most active. Corn increased the content in linolenic, pearl millet the oleic and stearic and sorghum oleic and linolenic acids compared to rice. Their antifeedant effects correlated with linoleic /oleic acids. The phytotoxic effects of these extracts against Lolium perenne and Lactuca sativa varied with culture media, with sorghum being the least toxic.

In this investigation, Cu-Ni alloys for possible fixed dental prostheses (FDPs), with different aluminum additions were produced using vacuum atmosphere. Annealed alloys (He atmosphere) with low aluminum concentration showed a coarse dendritic structure, while samples with high aluminum concentration showed a refined dendritic structure. Structural defects analyses have shown a relative low vacancy concentrations. Hardness value increases approximately five times for the alloyed samples compared with the as-cast and unalloyed samples. Compression test results have shown a noticeable strengthening improvement, mainly in samples heat treated with 10 at % Al, while samples with 5 at % Al presented also acceptable resistance. Results are discussed in terms of dislocation mobility and hardening precipitation mechanism.

Different therapeutic strategies have been investigated to target and eliminate HIV-1-infected cells by using armed antibodies specific to viral proteins, with varying degrees of success. Herein, we propose a new strategy by combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) with HIV Env-targeted immunotherapy, and refer to it as HIV photoimmunotherapy (PIT). A human anti-gp41 antibody (7B2) was conjugated to two photosensitizers with different charges through different linking strategies; “Click” conjugation by using an azide-bearing porphyrin attached via a disulfide bridge linker with a drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of exactly 4, and “Lysine” conjugation by using phthalocyanine IRDye 700DX dye with average DARs of 2.1, 3.0 and 4.4. These photo-immunoconjugates (PICs) were compared via biochemical and immunological characterizations regarding the dosimetry, solubility, and cell targeting. Photo-induced cytotoxicity of the PICs were compared using assays for apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), photo-cytotoxicity, and confocal microscopy. Targeted phototoxicity seems to be primarily dependent on the binding of PS-antibody to the HIV antigen on the cell membrane, whilst being independent of the PS type. This is the first report of the application of PIT for HIV immunotherapy by killing HIV Env-expressing cells.

Streptococcus mutans is well known for having virulence factors associated with its cariogenic role, such as glucosyltransferases, which have been used as targets for the virtual screening of molecules with inhibitory capacity. The Antigen I/II of S. mutans is involved in the adhesion to the surface of the tooth and the bacterial co-aggregation in the biofilm formation, despite that, this protein has not been used as a target in a virtual strategy search for inhibitors. In this study we identified in silico and evaluated in vitro molecules with adhesion inhibitory potential on S. mutans Ag I/II. A virtual screening of 883,551 molecules was conducted, cytotoxicity analysis on fibroblast cells, S. mutans adhesion studies, scanning electron microscopy analysis for bacterial integrity, and molecular dynamics simulation were also performed. We have found three molecules (ZI-187, ZI-939, ZI-906) that were not cytotoxic and inhibited the adhesion of S. mutans to polystyrene microplates. Molecular dynamic simulation by 300 nanoseconds showed stability of the interaction between ZI-187 and Ag I/II (PDB: 3IPK). This work provides three new molecules that targets Ag I/II and have the capacity to inhibit in vitro the S. mutans adhesion on polystyrene microplates and provides a new computational line for the search and selection of safe inhibitory molecules against different pathogens.

The hybrid in-band on-channel (IBOC) transmission system as a digital audio radio scheme could transmit analog FM and digital audio simultaneously. In IBOC systems, broadcasters transmit signals within the allocated channel bands, so the bandwidth allocated for digital audio transmission is a big challenge. In view of the above, the use of cooperative game theory, supported by the use of the bankruptcy game and Shapley's value, is proposed as a strategy to optimize the bandwidth allocation at each node or station, according to the demand in the service, the number of stations and the radio channel conditions in the FM band. The paper proposes a scenario under saturated traffic conditions, in order to evaluate the degree of optimization that the Shapley value can perform under clearly established traffic and channel conditions. The evaluation process yielded a quite favorable result, where it is observed that the use of cooperative game theory supported by the Shapley value can be considered as an excellent alternative when performing bandwidth optimization processes for digital broadcasting over IBOC in FM and with the possibility of being implemented in other digital radio broadcasting systems.

Clinical and analytical differences between adult patients monoinfected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and patients infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. who also had IgG antibodies against Babesia divergens have not been reported so far. Both Lyme disease caused by B. burgdorferi and babesiosis caused by B. divergens, endemic in Asturias, Northwestern Spain, are transmitted by Ixodes tick bites. Clinical, laboratory and other diagnostic tests characteristics (imaging, electro-cardiographic-ECG) of 120 residents of Asturias with confirmed B. burgdorferi s.l. infection, di-agnosed during 2015-2017, of whom 47 (39.2%) had B. divergens IgG antibodies, were retrospec-tively compared. Cardiorespiratory symptoms were reported in 9/47 (19.2%) patients with Lyme disease and B. divergens IgG antibodies compared to 4/73 (5.5%) patients with B. burgdorferi s.l. monoinfection (P=0.02). Dyspnea was recorded in 4/47 (8.5%) patients with Lyme disease and B. divergens IgG antibodies compared to 1/73 (1.4%) monoinfected (P=0.07). In addition ECG atri-oventricular (AV) block, mostly 1st degree, was detected in 5/47 (15.6%) patients with Lyme dis-ease and B. divergens IgG antibodies compared to 1/73 (2.6%) B. burgdorferi s.l. monoinfected (P=0.09). No other clinical, laboratory or other tests differences were observed between B. burgdorferi and B. divergens IgG antibodies carriers and B. burgdorferi monoinfected. We con-cluded that patients with Lyme disease and B. divergens IgG antibodies had more frequent car-diorespiratory symptoms, mainly dyspnea, compared to B. burgdorferi monoinfected patients. These symptoms were unrelated to anemia. ECG AV block, perhaps induced by summative myo-cardial damage due to either infections or B. divergens induced lung microcirculation slow-ing-down, might play a role in the cardiorespiratory dysfunction.

This research program investigated the effects of layer thickness (50 and 100 microns) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of electron beam powder bed fusion (EBPBF) additive manufacturing of Inconel 625 alloy. The as-built 50 and 100 micron layer thickness components were also heat treated at temperatures above 1100 oC, which produced a recrystallized grain structure containing annealing twins in the 50 micron layer thickness components, and a duplex grain structure consisting of islands of very small equiaxed grains dispersed in a recrystallized, large-grain structure containing annealing twins. The heat treated component microstructures and mechanical properties were compared with the as-built components in both the build direction (vertical) and perpendicular (horizontal) to the build direction. Vickers microindentation hardness (HV) values for the vertical and horizontal geometries averaged 227 and 220 for the as-built 50 and 100 micron layer components, and 185 and 282 for the corresponding heat treated components. The yield stress values were 387 MPa and 365 MPa for the as-built layer horizontal and vertical 50 micron layer geometries, and 330 MPa and 340 MPa for the as-built 100 micron layer components. For the heat treated 50 micron components, the yield stress values were 340 and 321 MPa for the horizontal and vertical geometries, and 581 and 489 MPa for the 100 micron layer components, respectively. The elongation for the 100 micron layer as-built horizontal components was 28% in contrast to 65% for the corresponding 100 micron heat treated layer components, an increase of 132% for the duplex grain structure. However, the coarse grains containing annealing twins and the equiaxed small grain islands in the duplex structure for the heat treated components contained continuous carbides in the grain boundaries, and this may indicate sensitization and a reduction in corrosion resistance. These findings point to the potential mechanical property advantage for heat treatment of Inconel 625 alloy 100 micron layer thickness components fabricated by EBPBF.

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by alterations in motile cilia func-tion. The diagnosis of PCD is challenging due to the lack of standardized methods in clinical practice. High-speed video microscopy analysis (HSVA) directly evaluates ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in PCD. Recently, open-source ciliary analysis software applications have shown promise in measuring CBF accurately. How-ever, there is limited knowledge about the performance of different software applications, creating a gap in understanding their comparative effectiveness in measuring CBF in PCD. We compared two open-source software applications, CiliarMove and Cilialyzer, against the manual count method. We used videos rec-orded at high-speed of nasal ciliary brush samples from PCD patients and healthy controls. All three meth-ods showed lower median CBF values in PCD patients than healthy controls. CiliarMove and Cilialyzer identified lower CBF in PCD patients, similar to the manual count. Cilialyzer, CiliarMove and manual count demonstrated statistical significance (p-value < 0.0001) in the difference of median CBF values be-tween PCD and healthy controls. These findings support the utility of open-source software-based analysis tools. Further studies are needed to validate these findings with other genetic variants and identify the op-timal software for accurate CBF measurement in PCD.

This review focuses on the role of small extracellular vesicles in the pathophysiological mechanisms of retinal degenerative diseases. Many of these mechanisms are related or modulated by the oxidative burden of the retinal cells. It has been recently demonstrated that cellular communication in the retina involves extracellular vesicles and that their rate of release and cargo features might be affected by the cellular environment and in some instances also mediated by autophagy. The fate of these vesicles is diverse, and could end up in the circulation and be used as markers, or target neighbour cells modulating gene and protein expression and eventually also angiogenesis. Neovascularization in the retina promotes vision loss in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The importance of micro RNAs, either as small extracellular vesicles’ cargo or free circulating, on the regulation of retinal angiogenesis is also discussed.

Current hydrogen production is based on the reforming process leading to the emission of pollutants; therefore, a substitute production method is imminently required. Water electrolysis is an ideal alternative for large-scale hydrogen production, as it does not produce any carbon-based pollutant byproducts. Production of green hydrogen from water electrolysis using intermittent sources (e.g., solar, eolic) would facilitate clean energy storage. However, the electrocatalysts currently required for water electrolysis are noble metals, making this potential option expensive and inaccessible for industrial applications. Therefore, there is a need to develop electrocatalysts based on earth-abundant and low-cost metals. Nickel-based electrocatalysts are a fitting alternative because they are economically accessible. Extensive research has focused on developing nickel-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution. Theoretical and experimental work have addressed the elucidation of these electrochemical processes and the role of heteroatoms, structure, and morphology. Even though some works tend to be contradictory, they have lit up the path for efficient nickel-based electrocatalysts. For these reasons, herein, a review of recent progress is presented.

We have carried out a systematic review of the scientific literature published on PM and, more specifically, on its presence in fish and seafood of interest to the population from Mediterranean area. Given its preference and wide acceptability in the scientific community, we followed the PRISMA. The potential functional and clinical toxicity in humans due to MP in fish must be considered by the chemical composition of the microplastics the presence of PM and its additives, associated contaminants and pathogens in fish and shellfish, as well as the possible effects on human health, requires improving legislation on evaluation and providing a basis for consumer protection.

As part of our ongoing silybin project, this study aims to introduce a basic nitrogen-containing group to 7-OH of 3,5,20-O-trimethyl-2,3-dehydrosilybin or 3-OH of 5,7,20-O-trimethyl-2,3-dehydrosilybin via an appropriate linker for in vitro evaluation as potential anti-prostate cancer agents. The synthetic approaches to 7-O-substituted-3,5,20-O-trimethyl- 2,3-dehydrosilybins through a five-step procedure and to 3-O-substituted-5,7,20-O-trimethyl-2,3- dehydrosilybins via a four-step transformation have been developed. Thirty-two nitrogen-containing derivatives of silybin have been achieved through these synthetic methods for the evaluation of their antiproliferative activities towards both androgen-sensitive (LNCaP) and androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3 and DU145) using WST-1 cell proliferation assay. These derivatives exhibited greater in vitro antiproliferative potency than silybin. Among them, 11, 29, 31, 37, and 40 were identified as five optimal derivatives with IC50 values in the range of 1.40–3.06 µM, a 17- to 52-fold improvement in potency as compared with silybin. All these five optimal derivatives can arrest the PC-3 cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase and promote PC-3 cell apoptosis. Derivatives 11, 37, and 40 are more effective than 29 and 31 in activating PC-3 cell apoptosis.

Background: Public engagement is needed to make sure urban forestry management efforts align with the values of the public being served. Noting this, we determined current and desired urban forest access of Florida (United States) residents using the criteria from the 3-30-300 rule (i.e., 3 trees visible from home, 30% canopy in neighborhood, and a green space within 300 meters of home). Methods: A survey of 1,716 Florida residents was conducted to assess canopy coverage and green space access. Respondents were then asked if this level of urban forest access was sufficient for their needs. We also asked their perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of urban trees and whether they had any negative interactions with trees in the past. Results: We found that 37.3% of Florida residents met all three criteria of the 3-30-300 rule. Despite this, half the respondents would prefer more trees in their neighborhoods. When asked to name the top benefits provided by trees, the most common responses were shade, beauty, and attracting wildlife. The most common drawbacks to urban trees included risk to property, leaves/debris, and fears regarding storms and hurricanes. Conclusions: Florida residents largely value their urban forest and would like to see it maintained or enhanced. Improving access to greenspaces for recreation is the most pressing concern for urban forest managers in Florida looking to meet the requirements of the 3-30-300 rule. Results from this study can inform and test urban forest management at national and global scales.

This study delves into the realm of heuristic evaluation within usability testing, focusing on refining and applying a tailored algorithm that simplifies the implementation of the Analytic Hierarchy Process for heuristic prioritization. Addressing the prevalent challenge of disparate evaluation methodologies and the absence of a standardized process in usability testing, our research introduces a novel method that leverages the Analytic Hierarchy Process alongside a bespoke algorithm. This algorithm utilizes transitive properties for pairwise comparisons, significantly reducing the evaluative workload. This innovative approach facilitates the estimation of heuristic relevance irrespective of the number of items per heuristic or the item scale and streamlines the overall evaluation process. In addition to rigorous simulation testing of the tailored algorithm, we applied our method in a practical scenario, engaging seven usability experts in evaluating a web interface. This empirical application underscored our method’s capacity to diminish the requisite comparison count and spotlight areas of improvement for critically weighted yet underperforming heuristics. The outcomes of this study underscore the efficacy of our approach in enhancing the efficiency and organization of heuristic evaluations, paving the way for more structured and effective usability testing methodologies in future research endeavors.

: The interaction of the Activating Transcription Factor 6 (ATF6), a key effector of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum, with the neuronal calcium sensor Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonist Modulator (DREAM) is a potential therapeutic target in neurodegeneration. Modulation of the interaction ATF6-DREAM with repaglinide (RP) induced neuroprotection in a model of Huntington´s disease. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder with no cure, characterized by the progressive loss of motoneurons resulting in muscle denervation, atrophy, paralysis and death. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential therapeutic significance of DREAM as a target for intervention in ALS. We found that the expression of the DREAM protein was reduced in the spinal cord of SOD1G93A mice compared to wild type littermates. RP treatment improved motor strength and reduced the expression of the ALS progression marker collagen type XIX1 (Col191 mRNA) in the quadriceps muscle in SOD1G93A mice. Moreover, treated SOD1G93A mice showed reduced motoneuron loss and glial activation and increased ATF6 processing in the spinal cord. These results indicate that the modulation of the DREAM-ATF6 interaction ameliorates ALS symptoms in SOD1G93A mice.

Industries are required to utilize treatment technologies to reduce contaminants in wastewater prior discharge and valorize by-products to increase sustainability and competitiveness. Most acid leaching gypsum purification studies have obviated the treatment of the highly acidic wastewater produced. In this work, acidic wastewater from acid leaching purification of post-consumer gypsum was treated to recover a valuable solid product and reusable water. The main aims of this work were to determine the impact of recirculating acidic and treated wastewaters on the efficiency of the acid leaching purification process and to valorize the impurities in the wastewater. Samples were characterized through X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction. SimaPro 9.5 and ReCiPe 2016 midpoint method were used for the life cycle assessment of three wastewater management approaches. The reuse of the acidic wastewater did not improve the chemical purity of gypsum. Soluble impurities were precipitated at pH 10.5 as a magnesium-rich gypsum that could be commercialized as fertilizer or soil ameliorant. The alkaline treated water was reused for 6 acid leaching purification cycles without impacting the efficiency of the purification process. An acid leaching-neutralization-filtration-precipitation approach demonstrated superior overall environmental performance. Barriers and enabling measures for the implementation of an in-house wastewater treatment were identified.

Since the 1960s, forest planners have used linear programming models to develop management plans for large, forested areas. Hundreds of academic papers have presented such models, incorporating multiple objectives, a growing diversity of management interventions, and uncertainty, among other things. Three basic ways to formulate these models have been used: Model I, III, and III. We define these models based on the sequence of management unit states represented by the variables. In Model I, variables represent a sequence of states from the beginning of the planning horizon to the end. In Model II, variables represent a sequence of states from one intervention to the next. Finally, in Model III, variables represent a single arc in a management unit’s decision tree, including only a beginning and an ending state. We formulate each type of model for a case study with three increasingly complex scenarios incorporating additional ecosystem services. Our results indicate that, despite requiring more variables and constraints, Model III requires the least time to formulate, largely because it has the least dense parameter matrix. Model II has the shortest solution times, with Model III close behind. Model I requires both the longest formulation and solution times.

Introduction: Bovine tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease of considerable impact, especially in livestock countries, which can cause human disease. Despite its importance, Colombia is a country in which few studies analyse its behaviour, and none develop maps using geographic information systems to characterise it. Objective: To describe the temporal-spatial distribution of bovine tuberculosis in Colombia between 2001 and 2019. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study, based on reports by the Colombian Agricultural Institute, of tuberculosis surveillance in cattle on farms in Colombia from 2001 to 2019. The data were converted into databases in Microsoft Access 365®, and multiple epidemiological maps were generated with the Kosmo RC1®3.0 software coupled to shape files of all the country's departments. Results: During the study period, 5,273 tuberculosis cases in bovines were identified in the different departments of Colombia (mean 278 cases/year). Regarding its temporal distribution, the number of cases varied from a maximum of 903 cases (17.12% of the total) in 2015 to a minimum of 0 between 2001 and 2004 and between 2017 and 2019 (between 2005 and 2016, the minimum was 46 cases, 0.87%). Conclusions: GIS is an essential tool for understanding the temporospatial behaviour of zoonotic diseases in Colombia, as is the case of bovine tuberculosis, with its potential implications for Human and One Health.

The dielectric constant (ε) reflects the ability of a material to align and orient electrical dipoles within its structure in response to an externally applied electric field; the greater the polarizability of molecules, the greater the value of dielectric constant. In this study a data set of 86 polymers was investigated to develop a structure-property quantitative relations (QSPR) model to predict the dielectric constant in polymers. An initial set of 1273 descriptors was used to select a best set of descriptors and to construct two machine learning models with Gradient Boosting Regressor (GB_A and GB_B). The best performing model (GB_A) with 8 descriptors, exhibited a performance of (R2train) = 0.938 and (R2test) = 0.802. The models were internally validated by 5 folds cross-validation, demonstrating robustness. Additionally, using the Accumulative Local Effect (ALE) technique, we analyzed the relationship between the 8 descriptors involved and the impact of these descriptors to dielectric constant of polymers.

The cancer burden is increasing worldwide with contrasting national patterns. Therefore, providing national estimations is necessary to understand and control this health issue. Herein, we comparatively describe incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted lived years (DALYs) due to 29 groups of cancer in Mexico from 1990 to 2019 by sex and age. Using public data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we assessed the national burden of cancer using counts and crude and age-standardized rates per 100,000 people with 95% uncertainty intervals for 2019 and their trends using the annual percentage of change from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, cancer caused 222,060 incident cases, 105,591 deaths, and 2,86,054 DALYs in the general population. Nonmelanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer had the highest incidence, and six groups of cancer (lung, colorectal, stomach, prostate, breast, and pancreatic) caused 53% of the deaths in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, incidence and mortality showed an increasing trend that varied between 10% and 436% among the groups of cancer, whereas the crude and age-standardized rates showed cancer-specific sex disparities. Our results demonstrate a substantial growth of the national burden of cancer with sex-specific patterns of change. These results may guide national efforts toward reducing health loss due to cancer.

Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC) is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NAC) is usually performed in order to achieve loco-regional radical resection; although its importance in the multidisciplinary approach to LABC is well recognised, a small number of patients show Progressive Disease (PD). No standard Salvage Treatment (ST) has been defined and different strategies can be adopted, such as second line systemic therapies, radiation therapy, and surgery. Herein a case of LABC in PD during NAC is reported with a literature review, with the aim of highlighting the importance of a tailored multidisciplinary treatment in each patient.

Drowning remains a prominent global pediatric health concern, necessitating preventive measures such as educational initiatives for children and caregivers. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and educational effectiveness of an interactive puppet show centered on water safety for children and parents. A 30-minute original theater performance, featuring two actors and three puppets (a girl, a crab, and a lifeguard), was conducted. Subsequently, 185 children (aged 4 to 8) and their 160 parents (134 mothers and 26 fathers) participated in this quasi-experimental study. Pre- and post-show tests were administered to evaluate knowledge and behaviors in aquatic environments. Prior to the puppet show, 78% of children exhibited basic aquatic competency. Only 33% considered swimming alone risky. Following the intervention, 81.6% of children changed their perception of the risks of solo beach activities, showing improved knowledge of emergency number activation (from 63.2% to 98.9%, p&lt;0.001). The intervention increased parents' intention to visit lifeguard-patrolled beaches and improved their CPR knowledge for drowning victims by 58.8%. In conclusion, a drowning prevention puppet show positively impacts children and parents, potentially enhancing safety behaviors during water-related leisure activities, warranting consideration as part of comprehensive drowning prevention strategies.