Vascular calcification (VC), is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease and increases mortality. Although oxidative stress is involved in the onset and progression of this disorder, the specific role of some main redox regulators such as catalase, the main scavenger of H2O2, remains unclear. In the present study, epigastric arteries of kidney transplant recipients, an in vivo model of VC and an in vitro model of VC exhibiting catalase overexpression (Cts) were analyzed. Peri-calcification areas of human epigastric arteries have increased levels of catalase and cytoplasmic rather than nuclear RUNX2. In the in vivo model, advanced aortic VC concurs with lower levels of the H2O2 scavenger, glutathione peroxidase 3 compared to controls. In an early model of calcification using vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), Cts VSMCs showed the expected increase in RUNX2 total levels. However, Cts VMSC also exhibited lower percentage of the nucleus stained for RUNX2 in response to calcifying media. At this early model of VC we did not observe dysregulation of mitochondrial redox state, an increase in general redox state was observed in the cytoplasm. These in vivo and in vitro results highlight the complex role of antioxidant enzymes as catalase in the process of VC by regulation of RUNX2 location.

Migratory movements are a political, social and public health issue on a global scale. Access to sexual and reproductive health services for irregular migrant women (IMW) is a public health issue. The aim of this study is to identify qualitative evidence on IMW's experiences of sexual and reproductive health care in emergency and primary care settings. Methods: meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Synthesis includes assembling and categorising findings based on the simili-arty in meaning. The search was conducted between January 2010 and June 2022 using PubMed, WOS and CINAHL databases. Results: of 131 articles found in the initial search, only 9 articles met the criteria and were included in the review. Four main themes were established: (1) The need to focus emergency care on sexual and reproductive health, (2) Unsatisfactory clinical experiences, (3) Forced reproduction, (4) Alternating between formal and informal healthcare services. Con-clusions: IMW’s attitudes towards sexual and reproductive health are influenced by culture, ed-ucational level, fear, barriers and the attitude of healthcare providers. Healthcare institutions need to be aware of the IMW’s experiences to understand the specific difficulties they face. IMW call for socially and culturally sensitive health care, cultural mediators, improved communication and safe environments that ensure confidentiality.

We conducted this systematic review with the objective to understand the efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors [PPIs] in the pediatric population. We have used PubMed to identify randomized controlled trials [RCTs] published between 1st June 2010 and 30th June 2023, in patients from birth to 18 years old, with gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD], who received treatment with any PPI. The literature yielded 76 articles and 13 met inclusion criteria. For infants, PPIs were equal to placebo in reducing GERD symptoms in 4 articles. In 1, the number of GER episodes and esophageal acid exposure were lower in infants who received PPIs and left lateral position, but there was no significant improvement in symptoms. In another publication, the combination of PPIs and feeding modifications [FM] was not more effective than PPIs alone. For children and adolescents, PPIs were effective in improving symptoms and achieving mucosal and histological healing, which was subsequently maintained. To conclude, PPIs are not effective to reduce symptoms related to GERD in infants, but are effective in older children, along with histological remission. Generally, PPIs are well tolerated, but it is important to not forget the possible adverse events [AE], especially if they are used for a long time.

The protein TRPM8, a non-selective, calcium (Ca2+) permeable ion channel is implicated in several pathological conditions, including neuropathic pain states. In our previous research endeavors, we have identified β–lactam derivatives with high hydrophobic character that exhibit potent and selective TRPM8 antagonist activity. This work describes the synthesis of novel derivatives featuring C-terminal amides and diversely substituted N’-terminal monobenzyl groups, in an attempt to increase the total polar surface area (TPSA) in this family of compounds. The primary goal was to assess the influence of these substituents on the inhibition of menthol-induced cellular Ca2+ entry, thereby establishing critical structure-activity relationships. While the substitution of the tert-butyl ester by isobutyl amide moieties improved the antagonist activity, none of the N’-monobencyl derivatives, regardless of the substituent on the phenyl ring, achieved the activity of the model dibenzyl compound. The antagonist potency of the most effective compounds was subsequently verified using Patch-Clamp electrophysiology experiments. Furthermore, we evaluated the selectivity of one of these compounds against other members of the TRP ion channel family and some receptors connected to peripheral pain pathways. This compound demonstrated specificity for TRPM8 channels. To better comprehend the potential mode of interaction, we conducted docking experiments to uncover plausible binding sites on the functionally active tetrameric protein, which come upon four main poses by the pore zone, differents from those described for other known antagonists. Finally, in vivo experiments, involving a couple of selected compounds, revealed significant antinociceptive activity within a mice model of cold allodynia induced by oxaliplatin.

In spite of its incidence on pistachio trees, the chemical ecology of Labidostomis lusitanica (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) has been neglected so far. In this work we provide the first evidence of a biologically active male-specific compound that may be promoting field aggregation. Headspace collections by solid-phase microextraction from feral males and females reported the presence of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine exclusively on males. Electroantennographic recordings revealed that males and females responded in a dose-dependent manner to increasing stimuli of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine, with females overall displaying a higher response than males. In dual-choice tests, both males and females showed a significant preference for the compound in comparison to a pure air stimulus. In the light of these results, the possible role of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine as an aggregation cue in L. lusitanica is discussed.

Ferns and lycophytes, now known as monilophytes, have received scant molecular attention in comparison to angiosperms. The advent of high-throughput technologies allowed an advance towards a greater knowledge of their elusive genomes. In this work, proteomic analyses of heart-shaped gametophytes of two ferns were performed: the apomictic species Dryopteris affinis ssp. affinis and its sexual relative Dryopteris oreades. In total, a set of 218 proteins shared by these two gametophytes were analyzed using the STRING database, and the proteome associated with metabolism, genetic information processing, and responses to abiotic stress is discussed. Specifi-cally, we report proteins involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleotides, the biosynthesis of amino acids, and secondary compounds, energy, oxido-reduction, transcrip-tion, translation, protein folding, sorting and degradation, and responses to abiotic stress. Look-ing at the interactome of this set of proteins, it represents a total network composed of 218 nodes and 1,792 interactions, obtained mostly from databases and textmining. The interactions among the identified proteins of the ferns D. affinis and D. oreades, together with the description of their biological functions, might contribute to a better understanding of the function and develop-ment of ferns as well as to fill knowledge gaps in plant evolution.

Ferns and fern-allies, now known as Monylophytes, have received scant molecular attention, in relation to angiosperm group. The advent of high-throughput technologies allows to advance towards a greater knowledge of their elusive genome. In this work, samples of apogamous and sexual heart-shaped gametophytes from two ferns: the apomictic species Dryopteris affinis ssp. af-finisand its sexual relative Dryopteris oreades were extracted and identified. In total, a set of 218 proteins shared by these gametophytes were analysed by using the STRING database, and the proteome associated to metabolism, genetic information processing and responses to abitotic stress is discussed. Specifically, there are reported proteins involved in metabolism of carbohy-drates and lipids, biosynthesis of amino acids, metabolism of nucleotides, energy, and secondary compounds, oxido-reduction, transcription, translation, folding, sorting, and degradation, and response to abiotic stress. Some homologs of proteins found are MACCI-BOU (MAB1), MOSAIC DEATH 1 (MOD1), MAINTENANCE OF PHOTOSYSTEM II UNDER HIGH LIGHT 2 (MPH2), TRANSPARENT TESTA 5 (TT5), ALBINO OR GLASSY YELLOW 1 (AGY1), LEUCYL AMINOPEP-TIDASE 1 and 3 (LAP1 and LAP3), or LOW EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENES 1 (LOS1). The interactome of the set of proteins was also studied, being the most common interac-tions database and textmining. All these data about the interactions that exist between the stud-ied proteins of the ferns D. affinis and D. oreades, together with the description of their biological function, might contribute to better understand the functioning and development of ferns as well as to fulfil gaps of knowledge in plant evolution.

In 2020, the WHO established a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021−2030 that aims to control and eradicate 20 diseases, including Leishmaniosis and Chagas disease. In addition, since 2015, the WHO has been developing a Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. In this context, the achievement of innovative strategies as an alternative to replace conventional therapies is a first-order socio-sanitary priority, especially regarding endemic zoonoses in poor regions such as those caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp infections. In this scenario, it is worth highlighting a group of natural peptide molecules (AMPs and CPPs) that are promising strategies for improving therapeutic efficacy against these neglected zoonoses, avoiding the development of toxicity and resistance of conventional treatments. This review presents the novelties of these peptide molecules and their ability to cross a whole system of cell membranes, as well as to stimulate the host immune defenses or even serve as a vector of molecules. The efforts of the biotechnological sector will make it possible to overcome the limitations of antimicrobial peptides through encapsulation and functionalization methods to obtain approval for these treatments to be used in clinical programs for the eradication of Leishmaniosis and Chagas disease.

Marine environments represent a great opportunity for the discovery of compounds with a wide spectrum of bioactive properties. Due to the privileged conditions of natural selection, marine natural products are subject to overcome the pressure put on identify novel drugs; not only in the case of newly discovered bioactive metabolites, but also in those previously known. Since drug resistance has caused an increase in infections caused by tuberculous and nontuberculous Mycobacteria, the re-evaluation of known bioactive metabolites has been suggested as a means to address this problem. In this sense, this study presents an evaluation of in vitro effect of laurinterol (1) and aplysin (2), two brominated sesquiterpenes isolated from Laurencia johnstonii against nine Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and six nontuberculous mycobacteria. Laurinterol (1) exhibited good anti-tuberculous activity, especially against nontuberculous mycobacteria, being remarkable the effect against M. abscessus with MIC values lower than the reference drug imipenem. This study provides further evidence for the antimycobacterial activity of some sesquiterpenes from L. johnstonii, that can be considered an interesting lead compound for the discovery of novel antimycobacterial molecules to treat NTM infections.

Background: This work presents Com@Rehab, a technological patient-centred activity for individuals needing a physical rehabilitation approach and with a specific loss of functionality. Within this scope, this paper focuses on the description of the activity in virtual reality (VR), its components, design and user profile, and its versatility and future adaptability regarding different ages, pathologies and rehabilitation contexts. Methods: The VR activity has been customised according to the patient's clinical needs while replicating an activity of daily living, namely showering. In addition, to validate and get feedback on the developed system, a validation questionnaire was applied to a group of healthy individuals to test the efficiency of the technology that supports the VR activity. Results: Preliminary results show that 94% of the participants recommended the experience, the performance of the various components of the system was successfully implemented, participants quickly adhered to the VR technology, and the UI assistant’s functionality should be improved. Conclusion: This solution creates a more effective, interactive, humanised rehabilitation approach based on a Virtual Reality (VR) activity. The Com@Rehab Communication Module improves human-human and human-machine communication while contributing to health literacy.

Background: Among the cognitive markers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), semantic and phonemic verbal fluency tasks seem to be an early indicator of deterioration. The aims of this study are 1) to evaluate both types of Verbal Fluency in the early stages of AD in order to know which of them deteriorates earlier and, 2) to investigate if Verbal Fluency Tasks can help to differentiate between patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) who will progress to AD two years later (progresses) and those who do not (non-progresses). Method: A Verbal Fluency Task was administered to 25 patients with MCI and their respective control subjects. All patients underwent a neuropsychological evaluation twice in order to follow up their global cognitive status. The second time, 8 of them converted to AD. Results: On the one hand, Phonemic Verbal Fluency deteriorates earlier than Semantic Verbal Fluency in MCI patients; on the second hand, although we found statistically significant differences between patients with MCI and AD in both type of fluency tasks, they were not found when comparing the performance of progresses and non-progresses. Conclusion: These results point to a greater impairment in Phonemic Verbal Fluency in MCI patients and its potential predictive capacity to predict conversion to AD.

Many protein expression systems are primary utilised to produce a single, specific recombinant protein. In contrast, most biological processes such as virus assembly rely upon a complex of several interacting proteins rather than the activity of a sole protein. The high complexity of the baculovirus genome, coupled with a multiphase replication cycle incorporating distinct transcriptional steps, made it the ideal system to manipulate for high-level expression of a single or co-expression of multiple foreign proteins within a single cell. We have developed and utilised a series of recombinant baculovirus systems to unravel the sequential assembly process of a complex non-enveloped model virus, Bluetongue virus (BTV). The high protein yields expressed by the baculovirus system not only facilitated structure-function analysis of each viral proteins but were also advantageous to crystallography studies and supported the first atomic level resolution of a recombinant viral protein, the major BTV capsid protein. Further, the formation of recombinant double-shelled virus-like particles (VLPs) provided insights into the structure-function relationships among the four major structural proteins of the BTV whilst also representing a potential candidate for a viral vaccine. The baculovirus multi-gene expression system facilitated the study of structurally complex viruses (both non-enveloped and enveloped viruses) and heralded in a new generation of viral vaccines.

Fixed-time artificial insemination is an important technique in swine production that can improve reproductive efficiency and meat production quality by making better use of the genetic potential of breeding males and reducing the costs associated with double or multiple inseminations. Our goal was to evaluate the vaginal application of the GnRH agonist triptorelin acetate to synchronize post-weaning sows and facilitate implantation of a single fixed-time insemination. In a first experiment, the efficacy of treatment with the triptorelin in animals with or without signs of estrus was analyzed using a single insemination at a fixed time compared to the control following the standard insemination strategy. Farrowing rate was comparable between triptorelin and control groups (100 vs. 87.50%), but triptorelin without estrus had a lower rate (50%). Litter size did not differ between groups. Estradiol and progesterone levels at 96- and 120-hours post-weaning were similar in the control and triptorelin groups (P>0.05). These results suggest that Triptorelin has the potential to synchronize ovulation in pigs without affecting post-weaning hormonal profiles. In a second experiment, the objective was to evaluate the productive and economic impact of implementing a treatment with triptorelin acetate 96 hours after weaning compared to the standard insemination protocol. Sows were grouped according to treatment (control vs. triptorelin) and estrus onset (≤5 days and >5 days after weaning considered as late estrus). Farrowing rate was lower in the control late estrus group than in the control and triptorelin groups and similar to the triptorelin late estrus group. No differences were found for litter size, live or dead piglets born (P>0.05). We developed an estimation model to assess the cost/benefit of intravaginal triptorelin administration at 96 h post-weaning. The overall result is that the use of triptorelin increases the benefit per inseminated sow in the range of €15-20. This improvement is mainly related to an increase in the reproductive performance of the treated sows compared to the control sows and the reduction in the number of inseminations per sow. These results highlight the potential of triptorelin to optimize reproductive management in pigs, improving efficiency and economic viability.

Our hypothesis that controlled ozone applications interfere into the redox balance of the biological organism (first published in 1998 with a preclinical trial on protecting the liver from CCl4 intoxication), has been verified over the last 2 decades in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced mitochondrial pathologies, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, aging processes, diabetes-2 and in prevention of intoxications. Low-dose ozone acts as a redox bioregulator: The restoration of the disturbed redox balance is comprehensible in a number of preclinical and clinical studies by a remarkable increase of the antioxidant repair markers, here mainly shown as glutathione increase and a reduction in oxidative stress markers, mainly malondialdehyde. The mechanism of action is shown, relevant data are displayed, evaluated and comprehensively discussed: The repair side of the equilibrium increases by 21% up to 140% compared to the non-ozone treated groups and depending on the indication; the stress markers are simultaneously reduced, the redox system regains its balance.

We argue that several potentials proposed recently for the analysis of the vibrational-rotational spectra of diatomic molecules and their thermodynamic properties exhibit a flaw. One can easily show that the parameters $D_e $ and $r_e$ in those potentials are not the dissociation energy and equilibrium bond length, respectively, as the proposers believe. We show how to overcome the mistake in a simple and quite general way.

Supramolecular structures are of great interest due to their applicability in various scientific and industrial fields. These fields of scientific action include promising applications i biomedical areas, in sensing, and in conductive and electrical phases. The sensible definition of supramolecular molecules is being set by investigators, who, because of the different sensitivities of their methods and observational timescales, may have different views as to what constitute these supramolecular structures. Besides, diverse polymers can be found to offer unique avenues for multifunctional systems with properties in medicine industrial applications. Aspects of this review provide different conceptual strategies to address molecular design, properties, and potential applications of self-assembly materials and the use of metal coordination as a feasible and useful strategy for constructing complex supramolecular structures. In this order of appreciations and ideas order, it is that this review report involves classic topics such as hydrogels that range from their relationship with drug delivery systems, to metallo-supramolecular materials, through applications in ophthalmic systems, in applications that require adhesiveness and electrically conductive hydrogels. This review also addresses systems that are largely based on hydrogel chemistry and the enormous opportunities to design very specific structures for applications that demand enormous specificity.

This article presents a unique set of voltage and current data from a public building and acquired using a hybrid measurement solution that combines Python and Grafana. The transversal purpose consists of contributing to the community with a vision of the quality of the supply more oriented to the monitoring of the state of the network, providing a more realistic vision, which allows a better understanding, and the adoption of the best decisions to achieve the efficient energy management and thus optimize the operation and maintenance of power systems. The work focuses on higher order statistical estimators that, combined with exploratory data analysis techniques, improve the characterization of the shape of the stress signal. These techniques and data, together with the acquisition and monitoring system, present a unique combination in the line of low-cost measurement solutions. It also incorporates the underlying benefit of the contribution to industrial benchmarking. The paper also includes a computational comparison between Python and LabVIEW to elicit the performance of the measurement solution.

Sea-level rise is a problem increasingly affecting coastal areas worldwide. The existence of Free and Open-Source Models to estimate the sea-level impact can contribute to better coastal man-agement. This study aims to develop and to validate two different models to predict the sea-level rise impact supported by Google Earth Engine (GEE) – a cloud-based platform for planetary-scale environmental data analysis. The first model is a Bathtub Model based on the uncertainty of projections of the Sea-level Rise Impact Module of TerrSet - Geospatial Monitoring and Modeling System software. The validation process performed in the Rio Grande do Sul coastal plain (S Brazil) resulted in correlations from 0.75 to 1.00. The second model uses Bruun Rule formula implemented in GEE and is capable to determine the coastline retreat of a profile through the creation of a simple vector line from topo-bathymetric data. The model shows a very high cor-relation (0.97) with a classical Bruun Rule study performed in Aveiro coast (NW Portugal). The GEE platform seems to be an important tool for coastal management. The models developed have been openly shared, enabling the continuous improvement of the code by the scientific commu-nity.

Sea-level rise is a problem increasingly affecting coastal areas worldwide. The existence 15 of Free and Open-Source Models to estimate the sea-level impact can contribute to better coastal 16 management. This study aims to develop and to validate two different models to predict the 17 sea-level rise impact supported by Google Earth Engine (GEE) – a cloud-based platform for plan-18 etary-scale environmental data analysis. The first model is a Bathtub Model based on the uncer-19 tainty of projections of the Sea-level Rise Impact Module of TerrSet - Geospatial Monitoring and 20 Modeling System software. The validation process performed in the Rio Grande do Sul coastal 21 plain (S Brazil) resulted in correlations from 0.75 to 1.00. The second model uses Bruun Rule for-22 mula implemented in GEE and is capable to determine the coastline retreat of a profile through the 23 creation of a simple vector line from topo-bathymetric data. The model shows a very high correla-24 tion (0.97) with a classical Bruun Rule study performed in Aveiro coast (NW Portugal). The GEE 25 platform seems to be an important tool for coastal management. The models developed have been 26 openly shared, enabling the continuous improvement of the code by the scientific community.

In the olive orchard on the western part of Istria, Croatia, twig and branch dieback was observed on several olive trees from the local cultivar ‘Buza’. In total, seven samples from symptomatic trees were collected. Samples were analyzed, and four fungal isolates showed morphological similarities to the species Phaeoacremonium iranianum. One isolate, chosen as a representative, was taken for molecular identification and pathogenicity tests. Based on DNA sequence data of ITS1/ITS4, βt2a/βt2b, EF1-728F/EF1-986R, the isolate was identified as P. iranianum. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on detached olive branches and olive trees in the greenhouse, and identified fungal species was pathogenic on olive. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of twig and branch dieback on olive causing by phytopathogenic specie of fungus Phaeoacremonium iranianum.

This work assesses sea-level rise using three different models created on Free and Open-Source Software for Geographic Information System (FOSS4GIS). Based on regional projections of Special Report on Climate Change and Oceans and Cryosphere (SROCC) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the models were applied to a case of study on Rio Grande do Sul coast – Brazil under different sea-level rise scenarios by the end of this century. The End Point Rate for QGIS (EPR4Q), calculates a shoreline projection using End Point Rate method. The Uncertainty Bathtub Model (uBTM), analyses the sea-level rise impact by the uncertainty of sea-level projec-tions and vertical error of the Digital Elevation/Terrain Model (DEM/DTM). The Bruun Rule for Google Earth Engine Model (BRGM) predicts the shoreline position with sea-level rise, using topographic and bathymetric data from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Coastal Modelling System (SMC – Brazil), respectively. The results indicated a maximum shoreline retreat for 2100 of -502 m and -1727 m using EPR4Q and BRGM, correspondingly. The uBTM using the land-use of Mapbiomas showed a maximum of 44.57 km2 of urban area impacted by the sea-level flood. This research highlights the possibility of performing coastal management analysis in GIS environ-ment using non-commercial software.

This paper presents the validation of the End Point Rate (EPR) tool for QGIS (EPR4Q), a tool built-in QGIS Graphical Modeler to calculate the shoreline change by End Point Rate method. The EPR4Q tries to fill the gap of user-friendly and free open-source tool for shoreline analysis in Geographic Information System environment, since the most used software - Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) - although is a free extension, is suited for commercial software. Besides, the best free open-source option to calculate EPR called Analyzing Moving Boundaries Using R (AMBUR), since it is a robust and powerful tool, the complexity and heavy processes can restrict the accessibility and simple usage. The validation methodology consists of applying the EPR4Q, DSAS, and AMBUR on different examples of shorelines found in nature, extracted from the U.S. Geological Survey Open-File. The obtained results of each tool were compared with Pearson correlation coefficient. The validation results indicate that the EPR4Q tool created acquired high correlation values with DSAS and AMBUR, reaching a coefficient of 0.98 to 1.00 on linear, extensive, and non-extensive shorelines, guarantying that the EPR4Q tool is ready to be freely used by the academic, scientific, engineering, and coastal managers communities worldwide.

Six bacterial strains with differing abilities to produce varying concentrations of Indole Acetic Acid were tested individually and in consortia for plant growth promoting and fitness related traits of Cicer arietinum. In all experiments the presence of the nitrogen fixer Mesorhizobium ciceri resulted in increased biomass production. In the absence of this strain, IAA Psedomonas putida and Bacillus megaterium hinder plant growth and fitness related traits. The application of mixes of the three strains always resulted in better plant performance when M. ciceri was present. Whereas P. putida has a noticeable plant growth-promoting effect B. megaterium resulted less effective. The low levels of IAA produced by the selected strains had a significantly greater positive effect on plant biomass accumulation, flower, pods and seed production as well as on total plant nitrogen and nitrogen concentration in seed than high IAA producer strains.

After brings about a brief review of the theoretical explanations and researches on the reasons for being a victim, this article is organized into two sections. The first presents a comparative analysis of the data for 1999 and 2016 in terms of perceptions, profiles and most significant sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables. The second one shows an explanatory analysis based on a multivariate logistical regression model using as an independent variable lifestyle of the population and socioeconomic variables, and as dependent variables individual’s susceptibility to becoming a victim of certain crimes. The results points towards an explanatory model of victimization in which sociodemographic variables play an increasingly less important role while variables related to lifestyle and subjective perceptions make a significant contribution to greater understanding of the nature of being the victim of a crime.

We discuss in detail a well known method for obtaining the frequencies of the normal modes of coupled harmonic oscillators that is based on the simultaneous diagonalization of two symmetric matrices. We apply it to some simple illustrative examples recently chosen for the presentation of an alternative approach based on a set of constants of the motion. We show that the traditional method is simpler, even in the case of equal frequencies. We also discuss a problem that commonly appears in elementary courses on quantum mechanics that also requires the diagonalization of two symmetric matrices.

This study aims to identify the model that best approximates the credit spread that should be fixed on debt instruments issued by both public and private companies, considering the particularities of the Mexican market. Five models were analyzed: Merton's [1], those proposed by Denzler et al., the one presented in this paper, which includes the conformable derivatives, taking as a reference the change of variable made by Morales-Bañuelos et al., and the Corporate Default Risk Model (DRSK) for Publics Firms of Bloomberg [4]. The required financial information was obtained from the Bloomberg platform, from which the probabilities of default, credit spreads, and credit ratings for each company in the sample under the model (DRSK) were extracted directly. Likewise, the program developed by Moody's K.M.V. was used to obtain the EDF (Expected Default Frequencies). It was concluded that the Modified Merton model approximates to a greater extent the credit spreads that fix on a prime rate on the loans granted to the Mexican non-financial companies.

We overview the main equations of the Rayleigh-Ritz variational method and discuss their connection with the problem of simultaneous diagonalization of two Hermitian matrices.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a form of brain dysfunction that is specifically caused by liver insufficiency and/or portal-systemic shunt. The exact nature of HE is debated, so that conflicting uses of the term HE may cause inconsistencies in its detection and, in turn, issues with its management. This review highlights the meaning of the term HE on the basis of both its historical origins and current consensus. It also provides criteria for the diagnosis of the condition, on the basis of its phenotypes and the risk factors for its occurrence. The procedure for differential diagnosis from other conditions which result in similar phenotypes is considered, together with precipitants and confounders. Finally, the current multidimensional approach for the correct clinical recording of HE episodes is discussed.

The analysis of curated genomic, metagenomic, and proteomic data are of paramount importance in the fields of biology, medicine, education, and bioinformatics. Although this type of data is usually hosted in raw form in free international repositories, its access requires plenty of computing, storage, and processing capacities for the domestic user. The purpose of the study is to offer a comprehensive set of genomic and proteomic reference data, in an accessible and easy-to-use form to the scientific community. A representative type material set of genomes, proteomes and metagenomes were directly downloaded from the site: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/assembly/ and from Genome Taxonomy Database, associated with the major groups of Bacteria, Archaea, Virus, and Fungi. Sketched databases were subsequently created and stored on handy raw reduced representations, by using Mash software. Our dataset contains near to 100 GB of space disk reduced to 585.78 MB and represents 87,476 genomics/proteomic records from eight informative contexts, which have been prefiltered to make them accessible, usable, and user-friendly with computational resources. Potential uses of this dataset include but are not limited to, microbial species delimitation, estimation of genomic distances, genomic novelties, paired comparisons between proteomes, genomes, and metagenomes.

Context: Mutations in Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) cause a form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). We are reporting a novel R550W mutation in POR identified in a 46, XX patient with signs of aromatase deficiency. Objective: Analysis of aromatase deficiency from R550W mutation in POR. Design, Setting, and Patient: Both the child and the mother had signs of virilization. Ultrasound revealed the presence of uterus and ovaries. No defects in CYP19A1 were found, but further analysis with a targeted Disorders of Sexual Development NGS panel (DSDSeq.V1, 111 genes) on a NextSeq (Illumina) platform in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain, revealed compound heterozygous mutations c.73_74delCT/p.L25FfsTer93 and c.1648C>T/p.R550W in POR. WT and R550W POR were produced as recombinant proteins and tested with multiple cytochrome P450 enzymes at University Children’s Hospital, Bern, Switzerland. Main Outcome Measure and Results: R550W POR showed 41% of the WT activity in cytochrome c and 7.7% activity for reduction of MTT. Assays of CYP19A1 showed a severe loss of activity and CYP17A1, as well as CYP21A2 activities, were also lost by more than 95%. Loss of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 activities was observed for the R550W-POR. Predicted adverse effect on aromatase activity as well as a reduction in binding of NADPH was confirmed. Conclusions: Pathological effects due to POR R550W were identified, expanding the knowledge of molecular pathways associated with aromatase deficiency. Screening of the POR gene may provide a diagnosis in CAH without defects in genes for steroid metabolizing enzymes.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a protease-modulated chronic disorder with heterogenous clinical manifestations which may lead to an imprecise diagnosis. So far, there are no diagnostic protease tests for AD. We explored the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) protease profile of periodontally-healthy individuals with moderate/severe AD compared to healthy controls. An exploratory case-control study was conducted. Matching AD patients (n=6) and controls (n=6) were enrolled at the International Center for Clinical Studies, Santiago, Chile. Complete dermatological and periodontal evaluations (involving the collection of GCF samples) were made. The levels of 35 proteases were analyzed using a human protease antibody array. The GCF levels of zinc-binding ADAM8, ADAM9, MMP8 and Neprilysin/CD10, aspartyl-binding Cathepsin E, and serin-binding Protein convertase9 and uPA/Urokinase proteases were lower in moderate/severe AD patients compared to controls (p<0.05). No inter-group differences in the levels of the other 28 proteases were found. MMP8, Cathepsin E and ADAM9 were the biomarkers with the highest sensitivity and specificity regarding the detection of AD (p < 0.05). The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for MMP-8+ADAMP-9 was 0.90. In conclusion, differences in the protease profile between AD and control patients associated with MMP8, Cathepsin E and ADAM9. MMP8, ADAM9 and Cathepsin E may be useful as combined diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers of moderate/severe AD.

This article analyses from a post-Marxist view, particularly, an ecological and gender-oriented perspective, the perception and attitudes of the Mexican people by gender, political affiliation and income level towards such current environmental issues as global warming, water shortage, water pollution and the influence of economic growth on the environment, among others. It highlights the influence of political ideology on the environment and of gender awareness on conservation and a more positive attitude towards ecological issues, despite women having usually been excluded from the administrative and decision-making arenas. A new theoretical model is proposed related to the Responsibility Footprints, a new concept more critical than the neoliberal Corporate Social Responsibility. The data for this study come from the 2012 International Social Survey Program. The results analysed brought to light some relevant questions for designing public policies that will greatly bolster initiatives to prompt better female professional involvement in the conservation of natural resources.

Cities are complex systems requiring urban design models that balance order and disorder. Collective creativity initiatives engage citizens in these processes, empowering bottom-up approaches that prioritize people and social well-being within urban development. This paper investigates an 'Urban Laboratory' as a case study, examining the potential of collective creativity to address urban complexity. The successful and ongoing project 'El Campo de Cebada' in Madrid, Spain, demonstrates how a community transformed a vacant lot into a vibrant social hub. The phases of this study include case selection, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of the results. This study identifies key enabling factors, including agents, management, social dynamics, infrastructure, and actions. These insights offer a methodological framework for designing future collaborative, resilient, and inclusive urban spaces, addressing the complex needs of communities within our cities.

Transcription is carried out in most eukaryotes by three multimeric complexes (RNA polymerases I, II and III). However, plants contain two additional RNA polymerases (IV and V), which have evolved from RNA polymerase II. RNA polymerases II, IV and V contain both common and specific subunits that may specialize some of their functions. In this study, we conducted a search for the genes that putatively code for the specific subunits of RNA polymerases IV and V, as well as the corresponding of RNA polymerase II in olive. Based on the homology with the genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified 13 genes that putatively code for the specific subunits of polymerases IV and V, and 16 genes that code for the corresponding specific subunits of polymerase II in olive. The transcriptomic analysis by RNA-Seq revealed that the expression of the RNA polymerases IV and V genes was induced during the initial stages of fruit development. Given that RNA polymerases IV and V are involved in the transcription of long non-coding RNAs, we investigated their expression and observed relevant changes in the expression of this type of RNAs. Particularly, the expression of the intergenic and intronic long non-coding RNAs tended to increase in the early steps of fruit development, suggesting their potential role in this process. The positive correlation between the expression of RNA polymerases IV and V subunits and the expression of non-coding RNAs supports the hypothesis that RNA polymerases IV and V may play a role in fruit development throughout the synthesis of this type of RNAs.

This article provides an overview of multi-fidelity modeling trends. Fidelity in modeling refers to the level of detail and accuracy provided by a predictive model or simulation. Generally, models with higher fidelity deliver more precise results but demand greater computational resources. Multi-fidelity models integrate high-fidelity and low-fidelity models to obtain fast yet accurate predictions. Their growing popularity is due to their ability to approximate high-fidelity models with high accuracy and low computational cost. This work classifies publications in multi-fidelity modeling based on various factors, including application, surrogate selection, fidelity difference, fidelity combination method, field of application, and year of publication. The study also examines the techniques used to combine fidelities, focusing on multi-fidelity surrogate models. To accurately evaluate the advantages of utilizing multi-fidelity models, it is necessary to report the achieved time savings. This paper includes guidelines for authors to present their multi-fidelity-related savings in a standard, succinct, yet thorough way to guide future users. According to a select group of publications that provided sufficient information, multi-fidelity models achieved savings of up to 90% while maintaining the desired level of accuracy. However, the savings achieved through multi-fidelity models depend highly on the problem.

This comprehensive review scrutinizes tissue culture and micropropagation methodologies in geophytes, focusing on bulbous plants. The examination encompasses key stages, including somatic embryogenesis, bulb growth, dormancy breaking, and planting. Studies underscore the pivotal role of plant growth regulators in plant regeneration and bulb growth. Bioreactor systems for healthy plant regeneration, rooting methods, acclimatization strategies, and considerations for ex vitro survival are elucidated. The review also delves into somaclonal variation dynamics and acknowledges the burgeoning field of genetic editing, particularly CRISPR studies, as a promising avenue for enhancing valuable compound content in geophytes. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity of a multifaceted approach integrating biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology to address existing challenges and propel tissue culture protocols for diverse geophyte species.

The evaluation of geometric defects is necessary in order to maintain the integrity of structures over time. These assessments are designed to detect damages of structures and ideally help inspectors to estimate the remaining life of structures. Current methodologies for monitoring structural systems, while providing useful information about the current state of a structure, are limited in the monitoring of defects over time and in linking them to predictive simulation. This paper presents a new approach to the predictive modeling of geometric defects. A combination of segmented from point clouds are parametrized using the convex hull algorithm to extract features from detected defects, and a stochastic dynamic model is then adapted to these features to model the evolution of the hull over time. Describing a defect in terms of its parameterized hull enables consistent temporal tracking for predictive purposes, while implicitly reducing data dimensionality and complexity as well. In this study, 2D point clouds analogous to information derived from point clouds were first generated over simulated life-cycles. The evolutions of point cloud hull parameterizations were modeled as stochastic dynamical processes via autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and vectorized autoregression (VAR) and compared against ground truth. The results indicate that this convex hull approach provides consistent and accurate representations of defect evolution across a range of defect topologies and is reasonably robust to noisy measurements, however assumptions regarding the underlying dynamical process play a significant the role in predictive accuracy. The results were then validated on experimental data from fatigue testing with high accuracy. Longer term, the results of this work will support finite element model updating for predictive analysis of structural capacity.

(1) Background: Since the pandemic, adolescent girls have increasingly faced mental health challenges. We examined prevalence trends and associated risk factors for depression among adolescent girls. 2) Methods: Data for girls aged 12 to 17 years (N=4346) from the 2021 cross-sectional National Survey on Drug Use and Health were analyzed. Factors associated with depression were examined using multiple regression analysis. (3) Results: Rates of severe depression were significantly higher (p&lt;.001) in older girls (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.63, 1.61, those who did not have authoritative parents (AOR: 3.40), and those with negative school experiences (AOR: 4.03). Black and Asian/Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders were less likely to report severe depression than white girls. As previously reported, non-White girls were significantly less likely to receive treatment for depression (p&lt;.05). Parents’ characteristics and school experiences had no effect on the likelihood of receiving mental health treatment. (4) Conclusion: Depression has become increasingly common among American adolescent girls, who are now three times as likely as adolescent boys to have had recent experiences with depression. Our results show that family structure, parenting style, and negative school experiences significantly contribute to the rate of depression and that treatment disparities exist with regard to race and ethnicity.

In the last years evidence has emerged that neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are strongly associated with the microbiome composition in the gut. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most intensively studied neurodegenerative disease in this context. In this review, we performed a systematic evaluation of published literature comparing changes in colonic microbiome in PD to the ones observed in other NDs including Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Multiple system atrophy (MSA), Multiple sclerosis (MS), Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To warrant comparability of different studies, only human case-control studies were included. Several studies showed an increase of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Verrucomicrobiaceae and Akkermansia in PD. A decrease in PD was observed of Faecalibacterium spp., Coprococcus spp., Blautia spp., Prevotella spp. and Prevotellaceae. On low taxonomic resolution, like phylum level, the changes are not disease specific and inconsistent. However, on higher taxonomic resolution like genus or species level, a minor overlap was observed between PD and MSA, both alpha synucleinopathies. We show that a methodical standardization of sample collection and analysis is necessary for ensuring the reproducibility and comparability of data. We also provide the evidence, that assessing the microbiota composition at high taxonomic resolution, reveals changes in relative abundance, that may be specific or characteristic for one disease, or a disease-group and might evolve discriminative power. The interactions between bacterial species and strains and moreover the co-abundances must be more deeply investigated before assumptions of the effects of specific bacteria on the host can be made with certainty.

The best form of prevention against human infection through bacteria, viruses and other parasites is ozone disinfection of wastewater and drinking water as a highly effective, well-known method. As a therapeutic measure, various preclinical studies showed promising results, which are being revisited and reconsidered in times of pandemics and led to interesting results in recent clinical trials and reports, as presented by the example of protective measures against covid-19 in particularly vulnerable clinical personnel. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, repeated ozone treatments have led to new findings in the "immunomodulation" through ozone. The more effective immune response is discussed as the response of innate immune memory and opens interesting aspects for complementary treatment of autoimmune diseases.

This paper presents a new methodology that provides the analysis of surface texture changes in areas adjacent to the volcano and its impact product of volcanic activity. To do this, algorithms from digital image processing such as the co-occurrence matrix and the wavelet transform are used. These methods are working on images taken by the Landsat satellite platform sensor 5 TM and Landsat 7 ETM + sensor, and implemented with the purpose of evaluating superficial changes that can warn of surface movements of the volcano. The results were evaluated by similarity metrics for grayscale images, and validated in two different scenarios that have the same type of eruption, but differ, essentially, in climate and vegetation. Finally, the proposed algorithm is presented, setting the parameters and constraints for implementation and use.

Pompeii was connected to the great Serino aqueduct under the principate of Augustus. From that moment on, water became not only a precious resource for the inhabitants but also their true social indicator. It is no coincidence, in fact, that the concentration of sumptuous dwellings is in Regio VI, the district closest to the aqueduct reservoir (castellum aquae in Latin) and the one most equipped with piezometric towers, the first of the network, the ones that would never leave the decorative fountains of the peristyles dry. From this observation follows the original possibility of considering the water network a factor that contributed to designating the morphology of urban neighbourhoods and blocks.

The Coronavirus pandemic is a major challenge to human wellbeing; it directly affects health, and indirectly involves the economic, politic and social spheres. This, in turn, is going to have major systemic, worldwide health, social and environmental consequences. In this paper, I will briefly sum up the history of the pandemic, the worldwide diffusion, the major different political reactions, as well as health and political countermeasures, and the economic consequences / evaluations for the future. The aim of this paper is to show and address all the different spheres involved and their relationships. Emphasis will be placed on the paradoxical presence of a large amount of data and the big uncertainty for the future. The outcomes will be briefly analyzed on a healthcare, political and socio-economical level. The point of view is systemic with human beings, institutions and the environment seen as a whole. Systemic thinking allows interdisciplinary research to be decisive in understanding the worldwide reaction to the pandemic. The global response to this crisis is of historical significance, and therefore potentially decisive for the multi-layered future of the world.

As a complex system, our body acts as a whole system connected to the environmental incitements. It is ordered, coherent, and tries to maintain the least possible entropy, saving the greatest amount of energy. In order to explain the dynamics of the systemic regulative network, a theoretical and speculative model is proposed, with a comprehensive approach that allows seeing the entire regulative system as a continuous unicuum. This paper covers two themes: 1) the connections between the quantum level and the classical one, through some principles of the QFT and through the Coherence Domains. The system is modeled as a field described by the wave function, with synchronous and consistent events, driven in a global computing by the quantum potential Q. The quantum potential implies the non-locality, and it needs only ultra-weak waves to occur, so it may explain how the rapid and global activation of the organism in response to perturbation/punctiform information works. The initial hypothesis is that some consistent quantum phenomena are amplified through the systemic regulative network until they become macroscopic observable. This is possible because of Coherence Domains. 2) The reactions of the different systemic networks to perturbations/punctiform information, with the attempt to model and measure information in biology, going beyond the Shannon and Turing theories. Hopfield Networks and an informational point of view are used to address the crucial informational and organizational role of proteins and nucleic acids.

As companies increasingly undergo digital transformation, the role of talent management pro-cesses becomes pivotal in enhancing overall organizational performance. The research addresses the significance of talent management in corporate digital transformation, examining whether variations in the digitalization of these processes can be attributed to company size. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing a questionnaire, collecting responses from 202 organizations across diverse sectors. Findings reveal disparities in digitalization throughout the talent man-agement process, with pronounced presence in the attracting, selecting, and rewarding phases, but diminishing in deployment and development, further declining in planning. A positive cor-relation between company size and adoption of specific digital platforms was observed. Larger enterprises exhibit greater utilization of digital platforms in talent deployment and development. Moreover, corporate communication tools are consistently utilized in the rewarding phase, irre-spective of company size. These findings offer practical insights for organizations to optimize their digitalization strategies based on their scale, thereby contributing to more effective and tailored digitalization endeavors. The uniqueness of this research lies in its exploration of the in-fluence of company size on the digitalization of talent management processes and its potential to explain variations across different stages of these processes.

Barcode medication administration (BCMA) is advocated as a technology that reduces medication errors relating to incorrect patient identity, drug or dose. Little is known, however, about the impact it has on nursing workflow. Our aim was to investigate the impact of BCMA on nursing activity and workflow. A comparative study was conducted on two similar surgical wards within an acute UK hospital. We observed nurses during drug rounds on a non-BCMA ward and a BCMA ward. Data were collected on drug round duration, timeliness of medication administration, patient identification, medication verification and general workflow patterns. BCMA appears not to alter drug round duration, although it may reduce the administration time per dose. Workflow was streamlined, with a reduction in use of the medicines room. The rate of patient identification increased from 74% (of 47) patients to 100% (of 43), with 95% of 255 scannable medication doses verified using the system. This study suggests that BCMA does not affect drug round duration; further research is required to determine the impact it has on timeliness of medication administration. There was reduced variability in the medication administration workflow of nurses, along with an increased patient identification rate and high medication scan rate, representing potential benefits to patient safety.

The “NWCSAF High Resolution Winds (NWC/GEO-HRW)” software is developed by the EUMETSAT’s “Satellite Application Facility on support to Nowcasting and very short range forecasting (NWCSAF)”, inside its stand-alone software package for calculation of meteorological products with geostationary satellite data (NWC/GEO). The whole NWC/GEO software package can be obtained after registration at the NWCSAF Helpdesk, www.nwcsaf.org. It is easy to get, install and use. The code is easy to read and fully documented. And in the NWCSAF Helpdesk, users find support and help for its use. “NWCSAF High Resolution Winds” provides a detailed calculation of Atmospheric Motion Vectors (AMVs) and Trajectories, locally and in near real time, using as input NWP model data and geostationary satellite image data. The latest version of the software, v2018, is able to process MSG, Himawari-8/9, GOES-N and GOES-R satellite series images, so that AMVs and Trajectories can be calculated all throughout the planet Earth with the same algorithm and quality. In the “2014 and 2018 AMV Intercomparison Studies”, “NWCSAF High Resolution Winds” has shown to be one of the two best AMV algorithms for both MSG and Himawari-8/9 satellites. And the “Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS)” has recognized in its “2012 Meeting Report”: 1. “NWCSAF High Resolution Winds” fulfills the requirements to be a portable stand-alone AMV calculation software due to its easy installation and usability. 2. It has been successfully adapted by some CGMS members and serves as an important tool for development. It is modular, well documented, and well suited as stand-alone AMV software. 3. Although alternatives exist as portable stand-alone AMV calculation software, they are not as advanced in terms of documentation and do not have an existing Helpdesk. Considering this, a full description and validation of the “NWCSAF/High Resolution Winds” is shown here for the first time in a peer-reviewed paper. The procedure to obtain the software for operational meteorology and research is also explained.

Greek roots: "phos" (φῶς) - means "light" and "dynamis" (δύναμις) - means "force" or "power". Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative treatment method based on the ability of photosensitizers to produce reactive oxygen species after exposure to light of a specific wavelength range, either in the visible or near infrared range. This process results in damage to pathological cells, such as cancer cells, while minimizing the impact on healthy tissues. PDT is a promising direction in the treatment of many diseases, with particular emphasis on the fight against cancer and other diseases asso-ciated with excessive cell growth. The power of light contributed to the creation of phototherapy, whose history dates back to ancient times. It was then noticed that some substances exposed to the sun have a negative effect on the body, while others have a therapeutic effect. This work provides a detailed review of photodynamic therapy, from its origins to the present day. It is surprising how a seemingly simple beam of light can have such a powerful healing effect, which is used not only in dermatology, but also in oncology, surgery, microbiology, virology, and even dentistry. However, despite promising re-sults, photodynamic therapy still faces many challenges. The availability of this thera-py is limited due to the small number of centers offering this type of treatment and the high costs, which may be unaffordable for many patients. Moreover, photodynamic therapy requires further research and improvement.

In the last decades we have experienced great social, cultural, and educational changes, spending more time performing tasks in near vision and less hours in outdoor activities, having more overexposure to digital screens, especially the youngest and increasingly from younger ages. It is common to see cases when performing tasks in near vision the posture or position of the head is not adequate, especially the youngest, being essential to have a correct posture of the head to avoid visual, muscular, or articular problems. We present a procedure to try to control the correct position of the head in real time when performing close-up activities. The aim is to detect the inclination of the head and to know if a bad position is adopted due to a visual problem or simply to inadequate visio-postural habits, warning us of the postural anomaly to correct it.

Although it may seem paradoxical, primary care and mental health professionals develop prejudices and discriminatory attitudes towards people with mental health problems in a very similar way to the rest of the population. The main objective of this project was to design, implement and evaluate two awareness interventions respectively tailored to reduce stigma and discrimination beliefs and attitudes towards persons with a mental health diagnosis among primary care (PC) and mental health (MH) professionals. These interventions were developed by Obertament, the Catalan alliance against stigma and discrimination in mental health. The TLC3 (Targeted, Local, Credible, Continuous Contact) methodology was adapted to the Catalan PC and MH professional contexts. Activists with lived experience of mental health diagnosis carried out awareness-raising interventions in PC and MH health centres. The efficacy of these interventions was evaluated using two prospective double-blind cluster-wait-list-randomized-controlled trial experimental designs. Stigmatizing beliefs and behaviours were measured with the Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Health Care Providers in primary care centres and with the Beliefs and Attitudes towards Mental Health Service users’ rights in mental health centres. Positive reductions in both PC and MH professionals’ stigmatising beliefs and attitudes were found in the 1-month follow-up, although a ‘rebound effect’ at the 3-month follow up was also detected. This emphasizes the importance of the continuity of the presence of anti-stigma activities and messages. Attrition rates where high, which can hamper the reliability of the results. Further follow-up studies should enquiry effects of long-term interventions aimed at reducing stigmatising beliefs and attitudes among primary care and mental health professionals.

Anthropogenic lead pollution is an environmental problem that threatens the quality of soils and waters and endangers living organisms in numerous surface and subsurface habitats. Lead coprecipitation on mineral surfaces through dissolution-recrystallization processes has long term effects on lead bioavailability. Gypsum and calcite are among the most abundant and reactive rock forming minerals present in numerous geological settings. In this work, we study the interaction of slightly acidic (pHi = 5.5) Pb-bearing aqueous solutions ([Pb]i = 1 mM and 10 mM) with crystals of gypsum and /or calcite under atmospheric conditions. This interaction results in a reduction of the concentration of lead in the liquid phase due to the precipitation of newly formed Pb-bearing solid phases. The extent of this Pb removal mainly depends on the nature of the primary mineral phase involved in the interaction. Thus, when gypsum is the only solid phase initially present in the system the Pb-bearing liquid-gypsum interaction results in Pb removals in the 98-99.8 % range, regardless of [Pb]i. In contrast, when the interaction takes place with calcite, Pb removal strongly depends on [Pb]i. It reaches 99% when [Pb]i = 1 mM while it is much more modest (⁓13%) when [Pb]i = 10 mM. Interestingly, Pb-removal is maximized for both [Pb]i (99.9 % for solutions with [Pb]i = 10 mM and 99.7% for solutions with [Pb]i = 1 mM) when Pb-polluted solutions simultaneously interact with gypsum and calcite crystals. Despite the large Pb removals found in most of the cases studied, the final Pb concentration ([Pb]f) in the liquid phase always is well above the maximum permitted in drinking water (0.1 ppm), with the minimum ([Pb]f = 0.7 ppm) being obtained for solutions with [Pb]i =1 mM after their interaction with mixtures of gypsum and calcite crystals. This result suggests that integrating the use of mixtures of gypsum-calcite crystals might help to develop more efficient strategies for in-situ decontaminating Pb-polluted waters through mineral coprecipitation processes.

Abstract: The purpose of this review is to summarize recent knowledge on the main processes that occur during wound healing, including the responses of various cell types and the molecular mechanisms involved. Particular attention is also dedicated to new therapies often involved in the resolution of wounds, whether acute or chronic. Awareness of these dynamics is important for the various professional figures who are confronted with these kinds of problem daily. However, the study of the healing mechanisms has yet to be defined in detail, in fact there are alterations of variously coordinated events which lead to a delayed resolution or, as in the case of keloids, to pathological states consisting in the excessive formation of scars with consequences yet to be seen. to define. Therefore, it is necessary to know the most feasible approaches and the most effective therapies.

The forest is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that requires integrated planning and management, considering economic, social, environmental, and ecological dimensions. Different stakeholders often have conflicting goals, making optimal management decisions challenging. This study aims to balance increasing economic benefits for forest users with reducing negative environmental impacts, aligning the interests of managers, government institutions, and policymakers. To achieve this, multi-objective optimization methods and game theory were used. The objectives were to maximize the net present value of wood harvesting and the amount of carbon sequestration. The study was conducted in the Shafarood forest in northern Iran. Data collected included stumpage prices, variable harvesting costs, tree density per ha, volume per ha, growth rates, interest rates, carbon sequestration, and labor costs. Using this data, models were developed for the expected mean price of various species, stored carbon, logistics growth, and labor. After adjusting the objective functions and model constraints, the range of Pareto optimal solutions for the multi-objective model and the Nash equilibrium for the game theory model were determined using the epsilon-constrain method. The results indicate that both modeling approaches can identify optimal points for balancing economic and environmental goals. The Pareto optimal range and Nash equilibrium allow for informed decision-making in managing the Hyrcanian forests, accommodating different user goals. Therefore, both models are effective tools for forest management planning and provide a framework for achieving sustainable management practices.

Apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy are cellular mechanisms by which cells are programmed to die under a wide range of physiological and developmental stimuli. A multitude of protein mediators of programmed cell death have been identified and apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy signals have been found to utilize common pathways elucidating the proteins involved. This narrative review focuses on caspase-dependent and caspase-independent programmed cell death systems. Included studies of caspase-dependent programmed cell death include extrinsic pathway apoptotic mechanisms including phosphatidylserine (PS), FAS (APO-1/CD95), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Receptor type 1 (TNF-R1) and TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) and intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway such as Cytochrome C, the Bcl-2 family of proteins and Smac/Diablo. The Bcl-2 family has apoptotic mediators Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer (Bak), Bcl-2-Interacting Protein BIM (Bim), Bcl-2 agonist of cell death (Bad), Bid, Bcl-2 adenovirus E1B 19kDa-interacting protein 1 NIP3 (Bnip3), BMF, HRK, Noxa and PUMA and anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 itself, Mcl-1, Bcl-w, A1, and Bcl-XL. Moreover, caspase-independent programmed cell death pathways include the mitochondrial pathway with the protein mediators Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF), and Endonuclease G, the pathways Necroptosis, and Autophagy. Understanding programmed cell death from those reported in this review could shed substantial light on the processes of biological homeostasis. In addition, identifying specific proteins involved in these processes is mandatory to identify molecular biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets. This knowledge could provide the ability to modulate the programmed cell death response and could lead to new therapeutic interventions in a wide range of diseases.

The complexity of software is increasing day by day due to the increase in the size of the projects being developed. For better planning and management of large software projects, estimation of software quality is important. During the development processes, complexity metrics are used for the indication of the attributes/characteristics of the quality software. There are many studies about the effect of the complexity of the software on the cost and quality. In this study, we discussed the effects of software complexity on the quality attributes of the software for open source and closed source software. Though, the quality metrics for open and closed source software are not distinct from each other. In this paper, we comparatively analyzed the impact of complexity metrics on open source and private software. We also presented various models for the management of the project complexity such as William’s Model, Stacey’s Agreement and Certainty matrix, Kahane’s Approach and UCP Model. Quality metrics here refer to the standards for the measurement of the quality of software which contains certain attributes or characteristics of the software that are related to the quality of the software. Certain quality attributes addressed in this study are Usability, Reliability, Security, Portability, Maintainability, Efficiency, Cost, Standards and Availability, etc. Both Open source and Closed source software are evaluated on the basis of these quality attributes. This study also recommended future approaches to manage the quality of project Open source and Closed source software and specify which one of them is mostly used in the industry.

Background: Diets based on meat products are not recommended in the case of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, some foods, as those containing high oleic acid and a low omega-6/omega-3 ratio show anti-inflammatory properties. The objective here is to test if some traditional cured meat products, as acorn-fed ham (high levels of oleic acid), may be useful for controlling inflammatory diseases as UC in animal models. Methods: 3 rat cohorts have been used: vegetable rat feed, control ham and acorn-fed ham (a traditional ham where high oleic acid concentration from acorns is storage in the muscle fat). UC was induced with DSS in drinking water ad libitum for one week. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and 16S rRNA from bacterial populations were analyzed in cecum samples. Colon samples were analyzed for histological parameters (inflammatory cell density, mucosa damages, myeloperoxidase). Results: In the acorn-fed ham cohort, a protective effect was observed with respect to UC disease activity index, inflammatory cells density, colon mucosa alterations, myeloperoxidase levels, blood total antioxidant capacity and lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, in comparison with feed cohort. Both ham diets caused a reduction in Firmicutes and an increase in Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria in comparison with rat feed diet. Also, acorn-fed ham diet induced changes in gut microbiota composition, with pronounced enrichments in anti-inflammatory bacterial genera such as Alistipes, Bacteroides, Blautia, Butyricimonas and Parabacteroides. Conclusions: In the acorn-fed ham cohort, as a result of the dietary intake of oleic acid and low intake of omega-6 fatty acids, a strong preventive effect against UC symptoms was observed, indicating a valuable effect of this traditional Mediterranean cured meat product.

This paper presents a co-designed solution aimed at improving community healthcare assistance management. To enhance patients’ self-awareness of their health status, encouraging active participation in care process, and to support nurses in delivering patient-centered care, we have developed an innovative platform with a highly customized app. This platform was designed using a multi-disciplinary bottom-up approach. Patient data collection and processing facilitate the automation of care timeline planning, based on real time patients’ needs and the available resources. To achieve this goal different components have been considered: real-time health data collection and processing, patient care planning, decision support for nurses, secure communication for data transmission, and user-friendly interfaces to ensure easy access to platform functionalities.

The host glycosylation mechanism synthesizes the carbohydrates of glycoproteins of viral envelopes. Due to the loss of the Cytidine Monophospho-N-Acetylneuraminic Acid Hydroxylase gene by some mammalian species, including humans (negative-CMAH), Neu5Gc is no longer synthesized. Uptake of Neu5Gc by negative-CMAH species, through the intake of food products derived from positive-CMAH mammals, leads to incorporating Neu5Gc-glycans in the glycocalyx (xenosialylation). Neu5Gc, being a Mammalian-associated Carbohydrate Antigen (MCA), acts as a non-self-antigen, inducing an inflammatory reaction (Xenosialitis), and triggering the production of circulating antiNeu5Gc antibodies to attack/remove all incorporated Neu5Gc. In the state of Xenosialitis, the virus-neutralizing antibodies produced by a heavily xenosialylated patient following exposure to viral infection (including SarsCoV2) or anti SarsCoV2 vaccination cross-react against all incorporated non-self Neu5Gc-MCA glycans due to their resemblance with viral envelope antigens synthesized by the host glycosylation mechanism. In addition, the circulating anti-XeSias antibodies determine the massive removal of the circulating neutralizing FC-xeno-contaminated antibodies by the serum, living only the hyper-inflammatory agalattosylated antiviral IgG antibodies. Therefore, we hypothesize that the combination of antibody cross-reaction against non-self Neu5Gc-MCA glycans and the massive removal of the xeno-contaminated newly formed neutralizing antibodies in favor of hyper reactive antibodies, could be the cause of the massive inflammatory reaction (cytokine storm, coagulopathies, neuropathies) observed in Covid 19 patients or after anti-SarsCoV2 vaccination. This analysis is an invitation to investigate the post-infectious and/or post-vaccination adverse phenomena in the light of xenosialization as a key to understanding the severe post viral and post vaccine complications, including SARS-CoV2 infection or related vaccination.

The ankle is a complex joint with a high injury incidence. Rehabilitation Robotics applied to the ankle is a very active research field. We present cable-driven reconfigurable robot kinematics and statics. We studied how the tendons pull mid-foot bones around the talocrural and subtalar axes. Likewise, we propose a hybrid serial-parallel mechanism analogous to the ankle. Then, using screw theory, we synthesized a cable-driven robot with the human ankle in the closed-loop kinematics. We incorporate a draw-wire sensor to measure the axes’ pose and compute the product of exponentials. We reconfigure the cables to balance the tension and pressure forces using the axis projection on the base and platform planes. Likewise, we also computed the workspace to show that the reconfigurable design fits several sizes. The data used is from anthropometry and statistics. Finally, we validated the robot’s statics with MuJoCo for various cable length groups corresponding to the axes’ range of motion. We suggested a platform adjusting system and an alignment method. The design is lightweight, and the cable-driven robot has advantages over rigid parallel robots, such as Stewart platforms. We will use compliant actuators.

Lattice structures have emerged as promising materials for aerospace structures applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratios, customizable properties, and efficient use of materials. These properties make them at-tractive for use in anti-ice systems, where lightweight and heat exchanging are essential. This paper presents an extensive experimental investigation into mechanical compression properties of lattice trusses fabricated from AlSi10Mg powder alloy, a material commonly used in casted aerospace parts. The truss structures were manufactured using additive manufacturing Selective Laser Melting technique and subjected to uniaxial compressive loading to assess their performance. The results demonstrate that AlSi10Mg lattice trusses exhibit remarkable compressive strength with strong correlations depending upon both topology and cells’ parameters setup. The finding described highlights the potential of AlSi10Mg alloy as a promising material for custom truss fabrication, offering customizable cost-effective and lightweight solutions for aerospace market. The paper also emphasizes the role of additive manufacturing in producing complex structures with pointwise tailored mechanical properties.

Greenhouses are instrumental in the advancement of regions globally. The geometric arrangement of these structures plays a pivotal role in governing sunlight distribution, facilitating ventilation, and managing condensation. The roof's shape significantly affects energy efficiency and the accumulation of condensation water, which, when dripping onto crops, can induce diseases and diminish production. This study introduces a Matlab program designed for defining and analyzing greenhouse roof geometry, adaptable to both single-span and multi-span structures. Various roof shapes are examined, determining angles along their length to facilitate condensation droplet runoff. Furthermore, the greenhouse's energy efficiency is evaluated by analyzing diverse roof models, accounting for surface area and internal air volume. The results aim to aid in selecting the optimal greenhouse type based on climate and latitude. This study offers a valuable decision-making tool for the planning and design of agricultural structures, providing insights to enhance overall sustainability and performance in diverse environmental contexts.

Functional Data Analysis (FDA) is a relatively new field of statistics dealing with data expressed in the form of functions. FDA methodologies can be easily extended to the study of imaging data, an application proposed in Wang et al. (2020), where the authors settle the mathematical groundwork and properties of the proposed estimators. This methodology allows for the estimation of mean functions and simultaneous confidence corridors (SCC), also known as simultaneous confidence bands, for imaging data and for the difference between two groups of images. This is especially relevant for the field of medical imaging, as one of the most extended research setups consists on the comparison between two groups of images, a pathological set against a control set. FDA applied to medical imaging presents at least two advantages compared to previous methodologies: it avoids loss of information in complex data structures and avoids the multiple comparison problem arising from traditional pixel-to-pixel comparisons. Nonetheless, computing times for this technique have only been explored in reduced and simulated setups (Arias-López et al., 2021). In the present article, we apply this procedure to a practical case with data extracted from open neuroimaging databases and then measure computing times for the construction of Delaunay triangulations, and for the computation of mean function and SCC for one-group and two-group approaches. The results suggest that previous researcher has been too conservative in its parameter selection and that computing times for this methodology are reasonable, confirming that this method should be further studied and applied to the field of medical imaging.

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes whose taxonomy follows the same rules of a code (the International Botanical Nomenclature Code, IBNC) built for eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms. Hence, names of cyanobacteria follow the same rules and are assigned to biological entities (species) that should correspond to eukaryotic species. The main difficulty in the current situation is that the species concept in eukaryotes is based theoretically mainly on the biological species concept, that is centered on genetic exchange through sexual reproduction or lack of them. However, as shown, this difference is important from a theoretical point of view, but also in eukaryotes, the boundaries between different species are very rarely checked experimentally by direct observation of sexual barriers and hybridization events. The main concept for species delimitation is hence that related to morphology and, more recently and always in relation to morphology, DNA sequences. The introduction of distances obtained from matrixes of aligned sequences in the framework of a barcoding project provides a quantitative interpretation of species delimitation in relation to genetic distance that can be used both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. However, the introduction of quantitative criteria needs the definition of distance thresholds to identify the boundaries between different species and, for doing that, it is necessary to test the distance thresholds in models of traditionally defined and recognized species. An alternative approach may be the comparison of the molecular distance (quantitative approach) to data about the capability of strains/species to exchange genetic information. Unfortunately data about this last question is still scarce. The adoption of molecular criteria to check species boundaries based on morphological characters has proved particularly challenging in cyanobacteria: a known example is provided. In conclusion, the only possible approach appears to be the association of molecular data to the increase of available data about the cell structure and the variation thereof in different physiological situations, particularly at the ultrastructural level. A further necessity is the check of the typus for a large number of cyanobacteria species, often based on old basionyms. In many of these cases the typus is often a drawing and more rarely a herbarium specimen or a microscope slide. In many cases an epitypification or a neotypification appears to be necessary.

In this work we aim to experimentally study the nucleation and growth of CaCO3 phases precipitated from supersaturated aqueous solutions in the presence of varying concentrations of sulphate oxyanion. The experiments were conducted under pH conditions close to neutral (7.6) and considering a wide range of initial (SO42-)/(CO32-) ratios (0 to ~ 68) in the aqueous solution. We paid special attention to the evolution of the precipitates during ageing within a time framework of 14 days. The mineralogy, morphology and composition of the precipitates were studied by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and EDX microanalysis. The concentration of sulphate ions in the reacted aqueous solution was study by ICPs. The experimental results show that the mineral composition of the precipitate recovered in each run varied with the (SO42-)/(CO32-) ratio in the parental solution, which influences the mineral evolution of the precipitates during ageing. We observe that high concentrations of sulphate in the aqueous solution stabilize the vaterite precipitates and inhibit calcite formation. Furthermore, aragonite never precipitates directly form the solution and it is only formed via a dissolution-precipitation process in solutions with high (SO42-)/(CO32-) ratio after long reaction times. Finally, gypsum only precipitates after long ageing in those aqueous solutions with the highest concentration of sulphate. The reaction pathways during ageing, the morphology of the calcite crystals and the composition of vaterite and calcite are discussed considering both, kinetic and thermodynamic factors. These results show a considerably more complex behavior of the system than that observed in experiments conducted under higher pHs and supersaturation levels and lower (SO42-)/(CO32-) ratios in the aqueous phase.

Neurodevelopmental disorders arise from genetic and/or from environmental factors and are characterized by different degrees of intellectual disability. The mechanisms that govern important processes sustaining learning and memory, which are severely affected in intellectual disability, have classically been thought to be exclusively under neuronal control. However, this vision has recently evolved into a more integrative conception, in which astroglia, rather than just acting as metabolic supply and structural anchoring for neurons, interact at distinct levels modulating neuronal communication and possibly also cognitive processes. Recently, genetic tools have made it possible to specifically manipulate astrocyte activity unraveling novel functions that involve astrocytes in memory function in the healthy brain. However, astrocyte manipulation has also underscored potential mechanisms by which dysfunctional astrocytes could contribute to memory deficits in several neurodevelopmental disorders revealing new pathogenic mechanisms in intellectual disability. Here, we review the current knowledge about astrocyte dysfunction that might contribute to learning and memory impairment in neurodevelopmental disorders, with special focus on Fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome.

Abstract: Fanconi anemia (FA), a chromosomal instability syndrome, is caused by inherited pathogenic variants in any of 22 FANC genes, that cooperate in the FA/BRCA pathway. This pathway regulates the repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) through homologous recombination. In FA proper repair of ICLs is impaired, and accumulation of toxic DNA double strand breaks occurs. In order to repair this type of DNA damage, FA cells activate alternative error-prone DNA repair pathways, that may lead to the formation of gross structural chromosome aberrations of which radial figures are the hallmark of FA and their segregation during cell division are the origin of subsequent aberrations like translocations, dicentrics and acentric fragments. The deficiency in DNA repair has pleiotropic consequences in the phenotype of patients with FA, including developmental alterations, bone marrow failure and an extreme risk to develop cancer. The mechanisms leading to the physical abnormalities during embryonic development have not been clearly elucidated, however FA has features of premature aging with chronic inflammation mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, that results in tissue attrition, selection of malignant clones and cancer onset. Moreover, the effect of the FA/BRCA pathway in germinal cells, evidenced by infertility in patients with FA attests of chromosomal instability and cell death also occurring in the germinal compartment.

Adenomyosis, a benign gynecological condition characterized by the infiltration of endometrial tissue into the myometrium, poses significant challenges to women's reproductive health. Recently, the landscape of adenomyosis diagnosis transformed significantly, thanks to advancements in imaging technologies such as transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. This lead to a noticeable shift in the demographic profile of patients diagnosed with adenomyosis, including younger women of reproductive age who frequently present with a diverse array of symptoms. Approximately 20% of women are affected by adenomyosis. Adenomyosis manifests with various subtypes, distinct epidemiological profiles, symptomatology, and treatment responses, necessitating tailored approaches for optimal management. Despite its clinical significance, adenomyosis remains understudied, resulting in a significant disparity in research and literature compared to other gynecological conditions. The severity of adenomyosis is compounded when coexisting with endometriosis, particularly deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), leading to exacerbated fertility issues and severe symptomatology. The wide range of symptoms, including adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, highlights its wider impact and emphasizes the need for increased awareness of the condition. Furthermore, Adenomyosis is frequently associated with treatment failure in endometriosis, contributing to dienogest resistance, elevated discontinuation rates, and persistent pain post endometriosis surgery. Additionally, the lack of specific treatments tailored to adenomyosis poses a considerable challenge in clinical management.

This longitudinal study aimed to analyze the effects of a team rowing-based training program on physical fitness and anthropometric parameters in female breast cancer survivors (n=40; 56.78±6.38 years). Participants were divided into two groups: one rowed in fixed seat rowing (FSR) boats (n=20; 56.35±4.89 years) and the other in sliding seat rowing (SSR) boats (n=20; 57.20±7.7 years). Both groups engaged in two 75-minute sessions per week for 24 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in both groups in terms of weight (FSR: -1.93 kg, SSR: -1.75 kg), body mass index (FSR: -0.73 kg/m², SSR: -0.67 kg/m²), waist circumference (FSR: -2.83 cm, SSR: -3.66 cm), and hip circumference (FSR: -2.02 cm, SSR: -2.88 cm). Muscle strength improved in lower extremities (jump test: FSR: 2.99 cm, SSR: 3.11 cm) and upper extremities (dominant: FSR: 4.13 kgf, SSR: 4.34 kgf; non-dominant: FSR: 3.67 kgf, SSR: 3.32 kgf). Aerobic capacity also improved, with the SSR group showing a greater increase (FSR: 63.05 m, SSR: 93.65 m). Flexibility tests revealed better results in the SSR group for both dominant (SSR: 1.75 cm vs. FSR: -5.55 cm) and non-dominant limbs (SSR: 1.72 cm vs. FSR: -3.81 cm). These findings suggest that the type of rowing modality can influence physical fitness outcomes, with the SSR group showing superior improvements compared to the FSR group.

This study aimed to evaluate the biological activities of two Allium species (Garlic and onion) as well as diallyl disulphide (DADS) and dipropyl disulphide (DPDS) as their representative bioactive compounds in a multi-assay experimental design. The genotoxic, antigenotoxic and lifespan effects of garlic, onion, DADS and DPDS were checked in Drosophila melanogaster and their cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic and DNA-clastogenic activities were analysed using HL60 tumoral cells. All compounds were non-genotoxic and antigenotoxic against H2O2-induced DNA damage with a positive dose-response effect and different inhibition percentages (the highest value: 95% for DADS) at all tested concentrations. Daily intake of Allium vegetables, DADS or DPDS had no positive effects on flies’ lifespan and healthspan. Garlic and DADS exerted the highest cytotoxic effects in a positive dose-dependent manner. Garlic and DADS exerted a DNA-internucleosomal fragmentation as an index of induced proapoptotic activity on HL60 cells. Allium vegetables and DADS were able to induce clastogenic strand breaks in the DNA of HL60 cells. This study showed the genomic safety of the assayed substances and their protective genetic effects against the hydrogen peroxide genotoxine. Long-term treatments during the whole life of Drosophila genetic model were beneficial only at low-median concentrations. The chemopreventive activity of garlic could be associated to its distinctive organosulphur DADS. We suggest that supplementary studies are needed to clarify the cell death pathway against garlic and DADS.

The municipal water supply, related mainly to the cities of Albanian, began to develop in the second half of the 19th century and much intensively after 1945. Today the reported mean water production for the cities, on average, is about 300 l/capita/d including drinking and industrial water supply. The territory of Albania consists of uneven distribution of very heterogeneous aquifers conditioning the reach variety of the municipal water supply solutions. In this article are analyzed and classified the hydrogeological aspects of water supply sources of the settlements, which are summarized in five groups: (a) Wells in alluvial intergranular aquifers; (b) karst springs; (c) wells in karst aquifers; (d) springs in fissured rocks, and (e) mixed water sources. For each group of the water supply sources the main concerns regarding the quantity and quality problems are analyzed facilitated by the description of a variety of representative examples of different situations. Based on the gained experience important recommendation are given for the better understanding of hydrogeological aspects of water supply systems emphasizing the problematics along the river water recharge areas and on the seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers, as well as on transboundary aquifers. However, the main problems of public water supply of Albania remain the poor management of water supply systems which is reflected in the e high water losses, as well as the low public awareness of request for sustainable use.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by multiple risk factors and associated conditions. HFpEF prevalence is rising, and its prognosis remains poor after the first hospitalization. Using a two-hit HFpEF murine model, we aimed at studying cardiac reverse remodelling after stopping the causing stress (Angiotensin II [AngII]) and a high-fat diet [HFD]; MHS) and introducing voluntary exercise. We studied in young male and female C57Bl6/J mice fed or not with an HFD (60% calories from fat) the cardiac response to AngII (1.5 mg/kg/day for 28 days). Then, MHS was stopped, and VE was started for another four weeks (RR). We studied the effects of MHS and RR on the circulatory microRNA (miR) profile (miRNome) and the myocardial miRNome to characterize the cardiac and non-cardiac response of small RNAs. AngII alone and MHS but not the HFD caused cardiac hypertrophy (CH), left ventricular (LV) concentric remodelling and left atrial enlargement in male mice. HFD-induced CH and LV concentric remodelling only in female mice. Four weeks after RR, CH, LV concentric remodelling and atrial enlargement were reversed. We performed bulk circulatory and LV miR sequencing. We did not observe differences linked to biological sex. RR restored normality for circulatory miRNome, whereas LV miRNome remained relatively similar to the one after MHS. Among the 25 most abundant circulatory miRs, ten were modulated by MHS (9 upregulated). In the LV, 8 of the 25 most abundant miR were upregulated by MHS, and 10 were downregulated. MiRNomes from AngII, HFD or MHS shared many common modulated miRs (32), suggesting that the overall response of organs producing the bulk of circulatory small non-coding RNA was similar even for seemingly different stress.

Increased norepinephrine (NE) release from the sympathetic nerves during pregnancy in women or animal models, as occurs during stress, modifies the fetal environment and increases flow of NE to the fetus, programing the progeny and affecting its cardiovascular and metabolic function in adulthood. In the present work, gestating rats were exposed to stress during gestation and the female progeny was analyzed for heart and metabolic function. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to cold stress (4 °C/3 h/day); rats’ female progeny were euthanized at 4, 20 and 60 days old and their hearts evaluated to determine the β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) mRNA, abundance and affinity to agonists and NE concentration. The in vivo response to glucose overload and the arterial pressure response to isoproterenol (ISO, 125 µg/kg weight/day/10 days) were monitored. Results: At 20 and 60 days old, stressed female progeny presented an increase in ventricular weight and no changes in the cardiac NE as compared with their age-matched controls. The β1AR mRNA in control rats decreased between 4 and 20 days of age, but stressed rats maintained 50% higher levels of mRNA as compared with their age-matched controls. This difference was also found in the protein abundance of β1AR. No differences were found at 60 days old. The β2AR mRNA levels were higher than in controls at both 4 and 20 days old, but not expressed in the amount of protein. An increase in the ratio of β1/β2 receptors was found at 20 days old but not at 60 days old. The displacement of 3H-dihydroalprenolol (DHA) from a membrane fraction with propranolol (β antagonist) showed decreased affinity (at 60 days old) but no changes in the βAR number. In vivo exposure to ISO induced a β-adrenergic overload and provoked death in 40% of stressed females by day 3 of ISO treatment. Regarding metabolic function, we found that stressed rats presented insulin resistance when adults. These data suggest permanent changes to the heart’s adrenergic response and metabolic function after rat progeny were stressed in the uterus.

Soil erosion seriously affects vineyards. In this study, the influence of two plant covers on soil moisture and the effect of different physiographic conditions on runoff and sediment yields were evaluated in a rainfed vineyard formed by four fields (NE Spain) during 15 months. One field had spontaneous vegetation as plant cover and three fields had a cover crop of common sainfoin. The vineyards’ rows were dry and stable, whereas the inter-row areas were wet although very variable, and the corridors were wet and very stable. Soil moisture in the inter-row areas with Common sainfoin was much higher than in the rows (62% - 70%) whereas this difference was lower with spontaneous vegetation (40%). Two runoff and sediment traps (STs) were installed in two ephemeral gullies, and 26 time-integrated surveys (TIS) done. The mean and maximum runoff yields were 9.8 and 30.7 l TIS^–1 in ST2 and 13.5 and 30.2 l TIS^–1 in ST3. The mean turbidity was 333 and 19 g l^–1, and the maximum sediment yields were 41,260 and 2,778 g TIS^–1 in ST2 and ST3. Changes in the canopy covers (grapevines and plant covers) and rainfall parameters explained the runoff and sediment dynamics.

The aim of this study was to determine whether a rowing training program improved the quantity and quality of physical activity and quality of life in female breast cancer survivors (stage I - 4.35%; II - 30.43%; III - 52.17%; and IV - 8.7%) diagnosed 6.57 ± 5.02 years previously, who had undergone a subsequent intervention (preservation 53.52%; total mastectomy 39.13% and double mastectomy 4.35%) and had a current mean age of 53.70 ± 7.88 years. The participants (N = 30) engaged in a 12-week training program, each week comprising three sessions and each session lasting 60-90 minutes. An anthropometric evaluation was performed before and after the program. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were also administered. The results showed statistically significant improvements in levels of physical activity and in the dimensions of quality of life. We can conclude that a 12-week rowing training program tailored to women who have had breast cancer increases physical activity levels, leading to improved health status and quality of life.

The aim of this study was to determine whether a rowing training program improved the quantity and quality of physical activity and quality of life in female breast cancer survivors (stage I - 4.35%; II - 30.43%; III - 52.17%; and IV - 8.7%) diagnosed 6.57 ± 5.02 years previously, who had undergone a subsequent intervention (preservation 53.52%; total mastectomy 39.13% and double mastectomy 4.35%) and had a current mean age of 53.70 ± 7.88 years. The participants (N = 30) engaged in a 12-week training program, each week comprising three sessions and each session lasting 60-90 minutes. An anthropometric evaluation was performed before and after the program. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were also administered. The results showed statistically significant improvements in levels of physical activity and in the dimensions of quality of life. We can conclude that a 12-week rowing training program tailored to women who have had breast cancer increases physical activity levels, leading to improved health status and quality of life.

Combining the Job Demands-Resourses model and the Work Adjustment theory, this research aims to create a theoretical model that considers Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and Work Adjustment as protective factors, capable of reducing job exhaustion and turnover intention. A convenience sample of 257 Italian employees filled an online self-report questionnaire. A sequential mediation model was tested, which showed that the relationship between LMX and turnover intention is mediated by Work Adjustment and Job Exhaustion. The results show that the higher the LMX, the higher the work adjustment of the workers and the less they will perceive job exhaustion and, consequently, intent to leave the organisation. With a view to primary prevention, the aim was to investigate possible protective factors at work and the risk factors to look out for in order to move in the direction of preventing a malaise phenomenon before it develops with the aim of promoting wellbeing in organisations.

A more sustainable society and economy also implies a more sustainable behavior in the consumption of financial products. A possible change in focus can come from the demand side, so that more sustainable consumption of financial products have to go hand to hand with financial literacy. However, financial literacy, potential favoring of this sustainable behavior, is far from reaching an international consensus about its definition, object and scope. Two objectives are analyzed; the different interpretations of financial literacy in the academic literature, as well as its evolution and how, in what context and with what other concepts the term is used in social networks. Scientometric techniques and content analysis have been used to carry out a systematic review of literature and also NLP to analyze the comments on Social Networks. Critical moments are identified in the definition of financial literacy. Also ten sentiments are analyzed in social networks in wich positivity, trust, and anticipation predominate. Greater attention to this issue is necessary both from the private initiative and from public policies, so that financial literacy is an effective tool for a more sustainable behavior by consumers. Finally, a new definition is proposed based on our findings.

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is a heterogeneous, inherited, and severe optical neuropathy caused by apoptotic degeneration of the retinal ganglion cell layer. Whole-exome sequencing analysis of one PCG family identified two affected siblings who carried a low-frequency homozygous nonsense GUCA1C variant (c.52G>T/p.Glu18Ter/rs143174402). This gene encodes GCAP3, a member of the guanylate cyclase activating protein family, involved in phototransduction and with a potential role in intraocular pressure regulation. Segregation analysis supported the notion that the variant was coinherited with the disease in an autosomal recessive fashion. GCAP3 was detected immunohistochemically in the adult human ocular ciliary epithelium and retina. To evaluate the ocular effect of GUCA1C loss-of-function, a guca1c knockout zebrafish line was generated by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the presence of GCAP3 in the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium and retina of adult wild-type fishes. Knockout animals presented up-regulation of the glial fibrillary acidic protein in Müller cells and evidence of retinal ganglion cell apoptosis, indicating the existence of gliosis and glaucoma-like retinal damage. In summary, our data provide evidence for the role of GUCA1C as a candidate gene in PCG and offer new insights into the function of this gene in the ocular anterior segment and the retina.

This study presents a novel method based in ray tracing for analyzing wave propagation in composites, specifically tailored for Structural Health Monitoring applications. The method offers distinct advantages over the commonly used Finite Element Method mainly in computational resource utilization, that has become a limiting factor for this kind of analyses. The ray tracing method is evaluated against a number of example cases representing structural details such as thickness changes, stringers or simulated damages and it highlights the significance of ray tracing to study wave propagation under these conditions and how it can serve as a valuable tool for structural health monitoring.

Nurses experience significant stress and emotional exhaustion, leading to burnout and fatigue. This study assessed how the nurses’ mood and fatigue evolves during their shifts, and the lagged and accumulated factors that influence these phenomena. A two-level design with repeated measures was applied to a sample of 113 nurses, performing an ecological momentary assessment of different parameters and multilevel longitudinal two-level modelling of the data. Accordingly, mood appeared to be explained by effort, by the negative lagged effect of reward and by accumulated effort, each following a quadratic trend, and it was influenced by previously executing a direct care task. By contrast, fatigue was explained by the current and lagged effect of effort, by the lagged effect of reward and by accumulated effort, again following quadratic trends. Fatigue was also associated with direct care, and the prior effect of documentation and communication tasks. Mood was also explained by problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies, indicative of negative mood, and by support-seeking and refusal coping strategies. Hence, mood and fatigue do not depend on a single factor like workload but rather, on the evolution and distribution of tasks, as well as on the stress during a shift and how it is handled.

Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. is an adaptogenic plant traditionally used to enhance mental and physical capacities in cases of weakness, exhaustion, tiredness, loss of concentration, and during recovery. According to ancient records, Red Ginseng root preparations enhance longevity with long-term intake. Recent pharmacokinetic studies of ginsenosides in humans and our in vitro study in neuronal cells suggest that ginsenosides are effective when their level in blood is shallow - at concentrations from 10-6 to 10-18 M. In the present study, we compared the effects of Red Ginseng root preparation HRG80TM(HRG) at concentrations from 0.01 to 10,000 ng/ml with effects of White Ginseng (WG) and purified ginsenosides Rb1, Rg3, Rg5 and Rk1 on gene expression of isolated hippocampal neurons. The aim of this study was to predict the effects of differently expressed genes on cellular and physiological functions in organismal disorders and diseases. Gene expression profiling was performed by transcriptome-wide mRNA microarray analyses in murine HT22 cells after treatment with ginseng preparations. Ingenuity pathway downstream/upstream analysis (IPA) was performed with datasets of significantly up-or downregulated genes, and expected effects on cellular function and disease were identified by IPA software. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1 have substantially various effects on gene expression profiles (signatures) and are different from signatures of HRG and WG. Furthermore, the signature of HRG is changed significantly with dilution from 10000 to 0.01 ng/ml. Network pharmacological analyses of gene expression profiles showed that HRG exhibits predictable positive effects in neuroinflammation, senescence, apoptosis, and immune response, suggesting beneficial soft-acting effects in cancer, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems diseases and disorders in a wide range of low concentrations in blood.

Due to the growing demand for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (PAMs), environmental risks associated with overexploitation and inadequate waste management are increasing. Since MAPs residues have a notable potential to be valorised, the implementation of Circular Economy solutions can play a central role in transforming waste management problems into economic opportunities and in responding to the growing demand for MAPs. Circular economy is viewed as a solution for fostering a sustainable system planet and positively contributes to the economy and society. A systematic review was conducted aiming to identify potential applications for the valorisation of MAP, under a sustainable waste management and circular economy approach. A total number of 47 studies were analysed and it was verified that MAPs residues can be valorised for energy purposes, crop management and applications in chemical, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic industries, among others. Despite the wide range of possible applications, to promote a progressive implementation of circular economy strategies by the industry, further investigation is needed regarding the development of more efficient techniques and technology to develop value-added products and the assessment of sustainable performance in empirical investigations, considering both economic and environmental indicators.

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

This review was written with the aim of examining the effects that caused an insult such as a wound to an organ such as the skin. Before examining the cellular mechanisms relating to wound healing, the reader is invited to read the structure of the skin as a necessary basis for understand-ing the final aim of this review. The structure of the skin as a basis for understanding the phe-nomena relating to wound healing is addressed taking into account updated literature that ad-dresses the numerous problems of the skin microenvironment. Starting from this awareness, the paragraph dedicated to wound healing becomes complicated when this phenomenon is not im-plemented and therefore the problems dedicated to chronic wounds, keloids and hypertrophic scars are addressed, pathologies that are still difficult to understand and treat today.

Sarcopenia is an age-related condition that involves a progressive decline in muscle mass and function, leading to increased risks of falls, frailty, and mortality. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, aging-related processes like inflammation, oxidative stress, reduced mitochondrial capacity, and cell apoptosis contribute to this decline. Disruption of the circadian system with age may initiate these pathways in skeletal muscle, preceding the onset of sarcopenia. At present, there is no pharmacological treatment for sarcopenia, only resistance exercise and proper nutrition may delay its onset. Melatonin, derived from tryptophan, emerges as an exceptional candidate for treating sarcopenia due to its chronobiotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its impact on mitochondria, organelle where it is synthesized and crucial in aging skeletal muscle, further highlights its potential. In this review, we discuss the influence of clock genes in muscular aging, with special reference to peripheral clock genes in the skeletal muscle, as well as their relationship with melatonin, which is proposed as a potential therapy against sarcopenia.

The 2030 Agenda sets out seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The educational goal is to promote the education of citizens on sustainable development, among other things. Educating today's digital citizens on sustainability means training them for justice and social activism, commitment and political engagement. However, research into the subject shows a lack of consistency in the education of university students. This paper presents a study of students of Education, on education on sustainability through the practice of active and critical digital citizenship. A quasi-experimental method was used to learn about the behaviours of digital citizens, and intervention was carried out by means of an SDG-focused workshop and observation of the final level of commitment. The results show a positive level of commitment and digital activism around content related to sustainable development, which can be addressed from the university syllabus in a cross-curricular way.

Software project complexity increases day by day because the software engineering products is being used in the solution of more technically difficult problem and the size of project continuous to grow. The increase complexity causes to high numbers of software project failures in term of time, cost and quality. The main question regarding to this problem is how to handle or cope with this complexity. There is no single way to handle this, software engineer uses different perspective to handle complexity without affecting the overall project performance. A management perspective recognizes that the success of complex project requires good project management. A technically perspective reveals new paradigms for software development i.e.; object oriented and formal methods etc. and software engineer also look for automation perspective in order to reduce the complexity issues. In this paper we will find out the main software project complexity factors by focusing on the management aspects of software project development and also the problems of managing complexity in software engineering products from these different perspectives. The paper is divided in three main sections; paradigms of software development, project management in term of time, cost and quality and third one is automated support that includes methods and tools used to manage the complexity.

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to determine the effects of a rowing training program on physical fitness and body composition in female breast cancer survivors (56.78 ± 6.38 years). Over six months, the participants (n=40) performed two training sessions per week for an average of 75 minutes, combining resistance and muscle strength exercises with rowing. To evaluate the impact of the program, physical fitness tests and anthropometric measurements were carried out before and after the training protocol. The results show statistically significant improvements in measures such as weight (-1.84 kg), BMI (-0.7 kg/m2), hip (-3.24 cm) and waist circumference (-2.45 cm). In addition, variables associated with physical fitness also improved including leg strength (3.04 cm), dominant handgrip strength (4.24 kgf), non-dominant handgrip strength (3.49 kgf), aerobic endurance (78.35 m) and muscle flexibility (3.96 cm). We can therefore conclude that a rowing-based exercise program is an effective strategy to improve physical fitness in this type of population, yielding improvements in both anthropometric measurements and basic physical capacity variables, essential factors for better health and quality of life.

New antibacterial agents are needed to overcome the increasing number of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms due to the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains. In this context, halogens, especially Iodine is known since ages for its antimicrobial activity. Therefore, especially triiodides encapsulated in organometallic complexes can be helpful as new agents against microorganisms. The aims of this work was to study the biological activity of [Na(12-Crown-4)₂]I₃ against gram positive Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus faecalis, the spore forming bacteria Bacillus subtilis and gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, as well as the yeast Candida albicans. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the triiodide were determined by zone of inhibition plate studies. [Na(12-Crown-4)₂]I₃ exhibited potent antimicrobial activity on gram positive Streptochocci and the yeast C. albicans. Furthermore, the gram negative bacteria P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae were less effectively inhibited, while E. coli and P. mirabilis proved to be even resistant.

Quality of life (QoL) assessments are integral to cancer care, yet their effectiveness in providing essential information for supporting survivors varies. This study aimed to elucidate key indicators of QoL among colorectal cancer survivors from the perspective of healthcare professionals, and to evaluate existing QoL questionnaires in relation to these indicators. Two studies were conducted: a Delphi study to identify key QoL indicators and a scoping review of questionnaires suitable for colorectal cancer survivors. Fifty-four healthcare professionals participated in the Delphi study's first round, with 25 in the second. The study identified two primary QoL domains (Physical and Psychological) and 17 subdomains deemed most critical. Additionally, a review of 12 questionnaires revealed two instruments assessing the most important general domains. Findings underscored a misalignment between existing assessment tools and healthcare professionals' clinical priorities in working with colorectal cancer survivors. To enhance support for survivors' QoL, efforts are needed to develop instruments that better align with the demands of routine QoL assessment in clinical practice.

heterocycles are particularly common moieties within marine natural products. Specifically, tetrahydrofuranyl rings are present in a variety of compounds which present complex structures and interesting biological activities. Focusing on terpenoids, a high number of tetrahydrofuran-containing metabolites have been isolated during the last decades. They show promising biological activities, making them potential leads for novel antibiotics, antikinetoplastid drugs, amoebicidal substances or anticancer drugs. Thus, they have attracted the attention of the synthetic community, and numerous approaches to their total syntheses have appeared. Here, we offer the reader an overview of marine-derived terpenoids and related compounds, with a special focus on their isolation, structure determination, biological profiles and total syntheses.

Encephalartos spp. establish symbioses with nitrogen (N)-fixing bacteria that contribute to soil nutrition and improve plant growth. Despite the Encephalartos mutualistic symbioses with N-fixing bacteria, the identity of other bacteria and their contribution to soil fertility and eco-system functioning are not well understood. This limited information presents a challenge in developing comprehensive conservation and management strategies for these cycad species. Therefore, this study identified the nutrient cycling bacteria in Encephalartos natalensis coral-loid roots, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere soils. Additionally, the soil characteristics and soil enzyme activities of the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were assayed. The coral-loid roots, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere soils of E. natalensis were collected from a popu-lation of >500 E. natalensis in a disturbed savanna woodland at Edendale in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) for nutrient analysis, bacterial identification, and enzyme activity assays. Nu-trient cycling bacteria such as Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus; Paraburkholderia sabiae, and Novo-sphingobium barchaimii were identified in the coralloid roots, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere soils of E. natalensis. Phosphorus (P) cycling (alkaline and acid phosphatase) and N cycling (β-(D)-Glucosaminidase and nitrate reductase) enzyme activities showed a pos-itive correlation with the P and N concentrations in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils of E. natalensis. Nutrient cycling bacteria identified in E. natalensis coralloid roots, rhizo-sphere, and non-rhizosphere soils and associated enzymes assayed may contribute to soil nu-trient inputs of E. natalensis plants growing in acidic and nutrient-poor savanna woodland ecosystems.

High-resolution GPS/GSM dataloggers provide spatial information of the highest quality, which outperform previous tracking methods, such as Argos telemetry or conventional VHF ground-tracking. As a result, this has improved our knowledge of home-range behavior and spatial ecology of many species, including large raptors. In this paper, we use high-resolution GPS/GSM dataloggers to assess the home-range size and the role of sex, season (breeding or non-breeding season), and breeding status (reproductive or non-reproductive individuals) on the space use of Bonelli’s eagle (Aquila fasciata). To this end, 51 territorial individuals (25 females and 26 males) were equipped with GPS/GSM transmitters and were tracked over 7 years (2015–2021) in eastern Spain. Overall, we recorded 4,791,080 fixes that were analyzed through kernel density methods (50%, 75%, and 95% fixed kernels). The average individual home-range size according to the 95%, 75%, and 50% kernels was 54.84 ± 20.78 km², 24.30 ± 10.18 km², and 11.17 ± 4.90 km², respectively. Overall, the home-range size of individuals occupying the same territory was similar, mainly due to the cooperative hunting behavior exhibited by the species. We did not find interannual differences in the home-range size (95% fixed kernel) of the majority of individuals, showing a strong territorial fidelity of the breeding pairs. In general, females’ home-range size was slightly smaller than males’ size due to the decrease in activity in the breeding season as a result of laying, incubation, and chick attendance at nests. No seasonal variation in the 95% kernel was found, but it was found in the 75% and 50% kernels. In regard to the breeding status, higher home-range size was recorded in the non-reproductive individuals. Moreover, we found a low neighbor overlap among the territories (4.18% ± 3.06%), which evidences a high level of intraspecific competition in the Bonelli’s eagle. Finally, this study highlights the advantages of the use of accurate telemetry information to improve our understanding of the spatial ecology of the endangered Bonelli’s eagle, which ultimately will serve to better inform management actions for its conservation.

The ubiquity of mobile sensors (such as GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope) together with increasing computational power have enabled an easier access to contextual information, which proved its value in next generation of the recommender applications. The importance of contextual information has been recognized by researchers in many disciplines, such as ubiquitous and mobile computing, to filter the query results and provide recommendations based on different user status. A context-aware recommendation system (CoARS) provides a personalized service to each individual user, driven by his or her particular needs and interests at any location and anytime. Therefore, a contextual recommendation system changes in real time as a user’s circumstances changes. CoARS is one of the major applications that has been refined over the years due to the evolving geospatial techniques and big data management practices. In this paper, a CoARS is designed and implemented to combine the context information from smartphones’ sensors and user preferences to improve efficiency and usability of the recommendation. The proposed approach combines user’s context information (such as location, time, and transportation mode), personalized preferences (using individuals past behavior), and item-based recommendations (such as item’s ranking and type) to personally filter the item list. The context-aware methodology is based on preprocessing and filtering of raw data, context extraction and context reasoning. This study examined the application of such a system in recommending a suitable restaurant using both web-based and android platforms. The implemented system uses CoARS techniques to provide beneficial and accurate recommendations to the users. The capabilities of the system is evaluated successfully with recommendation experiment and usability test.

Due to the host immunological disease brought on by infection is sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which has a high morbidity and mortality rate, could be the result. With advances in pathogen detection technologies, breakthroughs in anti-infection drugs, and the creation of organ function support, the clinical diagnosis and treatment of sepsis have advanced significantly. Pathogen-induced abnormal immunological responses, which can range from excessive inflammation to immunosuppression, are recognized to play a significant role in the high death rate. Unfortunately, no medications that are specifically intended to treat sepsis have been licensed. In order to offer a theoretical foundation for the management of sepsis, we will now discuss current advancements in research on immunological responses in sepsis. The prognosis of sepsis patients may be improved by developing and optimizing a dynamic immune system treatment plan based on anti-infection therapy, fluid replacement, support for organ function, and timely application of immunomodulatory therapies

This contribution illustrates the training evaluation system developed within the Master’s Program in Family and Community Mediation at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. This is an interim evaluation, which focuses on the training process and which considers fundamental the collaboration with the subjects of the training. The peculiarity of this work concerns the possibility of inserting research within the training process, following a logic of mutual enrichment both in terms of content and learning. The contribution illustrates in detail the outcome and the process evaluation system, defining the perspective, the objectives, and the methodology of implementation. In particular, the outcome evaluation focuses on the distal and proximal outcomes of the training, while the process analysis focuses on the dynamics within the group of participants. Although further evaluations involving different training groups and other training processes are needed, this training evaluation system allows to shed light on both the topic and the context in which training is delivered. The integration between different points of view and several levels of analysis allows the researchers to deepen the individual path of each participant as well as to have feedbacks on the progress of the training group as a whole.

The deposition of dust particles on solar panel modules constitutes a significant challenge, leading to a potential reduction in solar cell performance. This work tackles this issue by investigating the surface modification of a layer of transparent indium tin oxide (ITO), with a detailed analysis of the influence of its characteristics via different annealing conditions/processing. The ITO layer has been studied to enhance its characteristics for dust removal applications. Of particular note is that the developed ITO layer can be applied to dust removal using electrostatic or magnetic-based approaches. Thus, the correlation between annealing gas (using Argon, Oxygen, and Nitrogen), annealing temperature, and annealing ramping rate is explored with the obtained surface topography, as well as electrical and optical properties. The developed ITO layers annealed in the Argon medium at 600°C with an annealing ramping rate of 50°C/s showed smooth surface roughness, the highest electrical conductivity, and a relatively low refractive index. Such findings can play a crucial role in the future implementation of using the enhanced ITO layer for dust mitigation in solar panels, thus improving their long-term performance.

Research on microglia in Down syndrome (DS) has shown that microglial activation, increased inflammatory gene expression, and oxidative stress occur at different ages in DS brains. However, most studies resulted in simplistic definitions of microglia as quiescent or active, ignoring potential intermediate states. However, a recent work on microglial cells in young DS brains indicated that those evolve through different intermediate activation phenotypes before reaching a full activated state. Here we used single nucleus RNA sequencing, to examine how trisomy affects microglial states in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS. Despite no substantial changes in the proportion of glial populations, differential expression analysis revealed cell type-specific gene expression changes, most notably in astroglia, microglia, and oligodendroglia. Focusing on microglia, we identified differential expression of genes associated with different microglial states, including disease-associated microglia (DAMs), activated response microglia (ARMs), and human Alzheimer’s disease microglia (HAMs), in trisomic microglia. Furthermore, pseudotime analysis reveals a unique reactivity profile in Ts65Dn microglia, with fewer in a homeostatic state and more in an intermediate aberrantly reactive state than in euploid microglia. This comprehensive understanding of microglial transcriptional dynamics sheds light on potential pathogenetic mechanisms but also possible avenues for therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders.

In the last decade several projects have been developed for the digitization and semantization of cultural heritage data. They were developed to preserve and maintain this heritage, but bringing it closer to all types of users and allowing access to this information to other sectors such as tourism, education, etc. In these developments, web technologies are combined, along with the use of knowledge graphs and interactive visualisation tools. Although remarkably interesting projects have been developed, in those projects, the data visualization tools are usually focused on the project context. This makes it difficult to reuse these jobs. Additionally, there are peculiarities of cultural heritage data considered with little depth, such as uncertainty, spatial and temporal granularity, as well as other aspects, such as relationships between data. In this article, these problems are described and based on other works such as VUMO or VISO, the design of an ontology that formalizes how to visualise this information is proposed, considering these problems. In addition, the development of a platform that allows the visualisation of this information through a web application and its evaluation of its use in projects such as SILKNOW, or Arxiu Valencià del Disseny is exposed

This research is aimed at the knowledge of the effectiveness of the material resources in the sensa-tions of exploratory procedures in 365 older people who take part in the physical activity that the Sport Municipal Institute (SMI) offers in the different sports centers assigned to it in the city of Se-ville, using a descriptive design and with a questionnaire developed and validated previously by the Delphi method; showing the relationship between the basic emotions that seniors experience when handling sport, and the materials. So it is claimed that exist a relation between older people, which practice exercise with the materials that they use on it.