Chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), arterial hypertension (HTN), and obesity are major global health issues, causing significant morbidity and mortality. In Latin America, these conditions contribute to millions of premature deaths annually, posing challenges exacerbated by limited healthcare access and poor primary care quality, particularly in Mexico. Complementary medicine presents a potential solution, offering minimally invasive techniques to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Effective treatment adherence, crucial for positive outcomes, is influenced by self-efficacy, the ability to manage one's behavior in response to medical conditions. However, treatment adherence rates remain low, indicating a pressing public health concern. This study aimed to explore how perception of complementary medicine and treatment adherence predict self-efficacy among individuals with chronic conditions in Mexico. Analyzing data from 113 participants revealed significant correlations between variables, with treatment adherence positively associated with self-efficacy and perception of holistic medicine negatively correlated with self-efficacy. Regression analysis showed that incorporating perception of complementary medicine and treatment adherence significantly explained self-efficacy levels, suggesting the potential of complementary therapies in holistic healthcare approaches. However, collinearity between variables highlights the need for further research to better understand these relationships and their implications for improving healthcare outcomes in Mexico. Integrating complementary therapies with conventional treatments could enhance overall well-being and treatment adherence, offering promising avenues for addressing chronic conditions in the region. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive healthcare approaches that integrate both conventional and complementary modalities to optimize health outcomes and quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions in Mexico and beyond.

Three-dimensional (3D) geological modeling technology offers intricate geological information services and technical support for the research of urban geological conditions and their evolutionary mechanisms. It further facilitates the analysis of environmental geological problems, encompassing their distinguishing features and genetic mechanisms. The precision of such three-dimensional models is predominantly influenced by the caliber of modeling data, the chosen modeling methodologies, and the intricacy of the modeled geological objects. This research, exemplified by the three-dimensional geological structure modeling of the Wuhan metropolitan development area, aims to explore a comprehensive three-dimensional modeling framework for urban geology, particularly in scenarios with large-scale and complex geological conditions. This study holds significant technical value in enhancing the application of 3D geological modeling, as well as practical importance for urban geological investigations and research.

Marine finfish landings in Cuba have decreased during the last 30 years. However, in Cuba's most productive fishing region, certain species, including rays, herrings, and snappers, have increased landings over the past decade. Despite these anomalies, no comprehensive analysis of the interactions between multispecies landing dynamics, environmental factors, and fishing effort has been carried out. This study estimates the dynamics of multispecies finfish landings between 1981 and 2017 on the southeastern coast of Cuba. Dynamic factor analyses (DFA) were performed to identify common landing trends across multiple species and their relationship with fishing effort and environmental variables. During the period analyzed, finfish landings and fishing effort decreased by 46% and over 80%, respectively. Despite concerns about overfishing, landings per unit of effort (LPUE) increased by 2.8 times, suggesting the decline in landings was closely linked to decreasing fishing effort and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation cycles, with delays of 2 and 3 years. The study highlights the changing relationship between landings and fishing effort, suggesting that LPUE may not accurately reflect true stock abundance. The findings of this study will assist in integrating the dynamics of finfish species, ecosystem status, and management actions for Cuba’s most productive fishing zone.

Dogs population increased exponentially in the past decade while the birth rate decreased gradually, especially in the developed countries. Due to dogs’ characteristics of loyalty and obedience, most pet owners treated their dogs as their family members or companions, therefore they are willing to select and purchase safe, high quality and nutrition dog food to their dogs. However, there is lack of regulation or standard to reinforce the production or distribution of dog food in Hong Kong. Consequently, this paper will first review the relationship between high dog population and declining birth rate, types of dog food and typical ingredients. Secondly, the potential health implications of various “toxic” food ingredients for dog, hazard analysis of dog food and its testing methods will be investigated. Lastly, this paper will summarize worldwide existing standards and regulations, quality and hygiene management system related to dog food safety to provide insights and suggestions to Hong Kong government about the importance and urgency of implementing regulations and policies to oversee the imported and local manufactured dog food.

A reduction in population sodium (as salt) consumption is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and it is a global health priority. High potassium intake is also recommended to reduce cardiovascular disease. To establish effective policies for setting targets and monitoring effectiveness within each country, the current level of consumption should be known. Greece lacks data on actual sodium and potassium intakes. The aim of the present study was therefore to assess dietary salt (using sodium as biomarker) and potassium intakes in a sample of healthy adults in northern Greece and to determine whether adherence to a Mediterranean diet is related to different sodium intakes or sodium-to-potassium ratio. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Thessaloniki greater metropolitan area (northern Greece) (n=252, aged 18-75 years, 45.2% males). Participants’ dietary sodium and potassium intakes were determined by 24h urinary sodium and potassium excretions. In addition, we estimated their adherence to Mediterranean diet by the use of an 11-item MedDietScore (range 0-55). The mean sodium excretion was 175 (SD 72) mmol/day, equivalent to 4,220 (1,745) mg of sodium or 10.7 (4.4) g of salt per day and potassium excretion was 65 (25) mmol/day, equivalent to 3,303 (1,247) mg/day. Men had higher sodium and potassium excretions compared to women. Only 5.6% of the sample had salt intake <5g/d, which is the target intake recommended by the WHO. Mean sodium-to-potassium excretion ratio was 2.82 (1.07). There was no significant difference in salt or potassium intake or their ratio across MedDietScore quartiles. No significant relationships were found between salt intake and adherence to Mediterranean diet, suggesting that the perception of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet does not hold when referring to salt consumption. These results suggest the need for a larger nation-wide survey on salt intake in Greece and underline the importance of continuation of salt reduction initiatives in Greece.

The analysis of the human movement patterns based on the mobile network data makes it possible to examine a very large population cost-effectively, and led to several discoveries about human dynamics. However, the application of this data source is still not common practice. The goal of this study was to analyze the commuting tendencies of the Budapest Metropolitan Area using mobile network data and propose an automatized alternative to the current, questionnaire-based method. Commuting is predominantly analyzed by the census, but that is performed only once in a decade in Hungary. To analyze commuting, the home and the work locations of the subscribers are determined based on their appearances during and outside the working hours. The home locations were compared to census data at a settlement level. Then, the settlement and district level commuting tendencies were identified and compared to the findings of census-based sociological studies. It has been found that commuting analysis based on mobile network data strongly correlates with the census-based findings, even though home and work locations have been estimated by statistical methods. All the examined aspects, including commuting from sectors of the agglomeration to the districts of Budapest and demographic distribution of the commuters, show that mobile network data can be an automatized, fast, cost-effective, and relatively accurate way of commuting analysis, that could provide a powerful tool to the sociologists interested in commuting.

Our study clarified what is the same or not between Tier 1(Tokyo) and Tier 2(Kansai) metropolitan areas on shrinking cities problems. Both of metropolitan areas will dramatically decrease the Housing Asset Value (HAV) where areas of bedroom communities are located. On the other hand, compared to Tokyo, Kansai has been hit by decline at a faster pace. This raises the question of whether Kansai will be more or less impoverished by the deflation of the HAV. According to our results, Kansai municipalities should expect the HAV losses of 38% by 2045, but the HAV losses would be higher in the northern suburbs of Osaka. Kansai has to face the effects of the HAV deflation faster than Tokyo. But Tokyo has a neck of higher residential land price, the income multiplier of the HAV per household is about 4. The HAV deflation hits more severe problems for elderly households in Tokyo. Considering our study, Tier 2 metropolitan area is much faster effects of the HAV deflation, but Tier 1 metropolitan area has more serious social problem than Tier 2. Hence, there are different problems of different natures rather than which one is more severely affected by the deflation of the HAV.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common respiratory pathogen known for causing respiratory illnesses, ranging from mild symptoms to severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants and the elderly. This virus is responsible for one-third of pneumonia deaths in the pediatric population, but there are currently only a few effective vaccines and pharmacological treatments. The frac-talkine (CX3CL1) receptor (CX3CR1) is a co-receptor for RSV expressed by airway epithelial cells and a diversity of immune cells. Recent research has highlighted the role of CX3CR1 in the host immune response to RSV infection, and its potential role in the development of an efficient vaccine and novel treatments.

The effects of global warming combined with the progressive expansion of urbanization have considerably increased exposure to urban flooding and runoff widespread erosion risk, also causing shallow landslides and mud flows, respectively in urbanized areas of lowland and hill/foothill environments. Increasing urban flooding resilience has become a priority at virtually all levels of governance. The analysis of a different hazard scenarios, in which various hydro-meteorological conditions and management alternatives are examined, should act as the basis for the effective design and evaluation of interventions to improve urban flooding resilience. Turin Metropolitan Area (TMA), located in north-western Italy, represents a unique case due to its complex orography, with a mountainous sector in the west side and a flat or hilly part in the east side. During the warm season, these environmental conditions make the urban area prone to severe atmospheric convection causing frequent hailstorms and rainstorms of high intensity that may impact on urban infrastructures (i.e., drainage system and road network), thus requiring an adequate management as a key factor to reducing risk and losses. The urban areas of TMA are monitored by polarimetric Doppler weather radars and by a dense rain gauges network. Analyzing several case studies of urban flooding, this research work assesses the feasibility of a meteorological radar early warning system based on the identification of rainfall thresholds that characterize urban flooding, occurring in the lowlands, and the runoff erosion phenomena affecting the urbanized hills and foothills.

The participation of civil society is essential for environmental health policies to be effective. The objective of this study was to know the perceptions of government officials, members of civil society, and academics about environmental health problems and its governance in Bucaramanga Metropolitan Area, Colombia. In the region there is a strong citizen movement that defends the moorland ecosystem (paramo) as source of drinking water, of large-scale mining projects. A multi-method study was carried out including the review of newspaper and scientific articles, a citizen survey, and interviews and focus groups with identified key stakeholders. The findings indicate that government officials prioritize their actions on issues related to air and water pollution and environmental education. In contrast, citizens prioritize water availability from the moorland ecosystem. There are some advances in the management of environmental health, mainly related to greater citizen awareness. The participation of civil society in the environmental health governance must be enforced to broaden the issues of interest and prioritize the activities in the short- and long-term policy planning. An experience between high school students and the academy that measures air pollutants can be the first meeting point with government officials in the pathway to improve the environmental governance in the territory.

The article presents the author’s works in the field of modifications and modeling of the PQC CSIDH algorithm on non-cyclic supersingular Edwards curves and its predecessor CRS scheme on ordinary non-cyclic Edwards curves are reviewed. Lower estimates of the computational speed gains of the modified algorithms over the original ones are obtained. The most significant results were obtained by choosing classes of non-cyclic Edwards curves connected as quadratic twist pairs instead of cyclic complete Edwards curves, as well as the method of algorithm randomization as an alternative to “constant time CSIDH.” It is shown that in the CSIDH and CSIKE algorithms, there are two independent cryptosystems with the possibility of parallel computation, eliminating the threat of side-channel attacks. For the CRS scheme, there are four such cryptosystems. Integral lower bound estimates of the performance gain of the modified CSIDH algorithm are obtained at 1.5 ∙ 29, and for the CRS scheme are 3 ∙ 29.

Background: Current treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) focuses on improving manifestations and delaying progression. Nutritional approaches play a crucial role in CKD management, and various supplements have become available. Ketoanalogues of amino acids (KA), calcum citrate, and inulin have been proposed as suitable supplements, yet their widespread use has been limited due to insufficient evidence. This study aimed to generate general guidance statements on the appropriateness of these supplements through a RAND/UCLA consensus process; Methods: A RAND/UCLA consensus panel was convened to evaluate the appropriateness of these supplements in different clinical scenarios. In this study, we present a subgroup analysis focusing on a panel of eleven clinical nephrologists from among the experts; Results: Supplementation of low protein diets (LPD) and very low protein diets (VLPD) with KA was considered appropriate to reduce manifestations and delay CKD outcomes, supplementation with calcium citrate is considered appropriate to reduce CKD manifestations, and supplementation with inulin is considered appropriate to delay CKD outcomes and manage comorbidities; Conclusions: Based on a combination of clinical experience and scientific evidence , the panel reached a consensus that KA supplementation of LPD and VLPD, calcium citrate, and inulin are appropriate in patients with CKD across various scenarios.

Recently, microfluidics deformability cytometry has emerged as a powerful tool for high throughput mechanical phenotyping of large populations of cells. These methods characterize cells by their mechanical fingerprints through exerting hydrodynamic forces and monitoring the resulting deformation. These devices have shown great promise for label free cytometry, yet there is a critical need to improve their accuracy and reconcile any discrepancies with other methods, such as atomic force microscopy. In this study, we employ computational fluid dynamics simulations and uncover how the elasticity of frequently used carrier fluids such as methyl-cellulose dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline is significantly influential to the resulting cellular deformation. We conducted CFD simulations that are conventionally used within the deformability cytometry field, which neglect fluid elasticity. Subsequently, we incorporated a more comprehensive model that simulates the viscoelastic nature of the carrier fluid. A comparison of the predicted stresses between these two approaches underscores the significance of the emerging elastic stresses in addition to the well-recognized viscous stresses along the channel. Furthermore, we utilize a two-phase flow model to predict the deformation of a promyelocyte (i.e. HL-60 cell type) within a hydrodynamic constriction channel. The obtained results highlight a substantial impact of the elasticity of carrier fluid on cellular deformation and raise questions about the accuracy of mechanical property estimates derived by neglecting elastic stresses.

Lichen Amyloidosis (LA) is a type of cutaneous amyloidosis characterized by brownish hyperkeratotic and itchy papules on the lower leg, back, forearm or thigh. It is associated with itching and Atopic Dermatitis (AD) according to an etiopathogenetic mechanism that has not yet been fully elucidated. Currently, available therapies for this condition include oral antihistamines, laser, cyclosporine, topical corticosteroids and phototherapy, but in light of the overlap with AD, Dupilumab may also be indicated. We report the case of a female, 52 years old, suffering from AD and LA for about 27 years. She had lesions attributable to both diseases on the trunk and lower limbs associated with severe itching and had proved resistant to cyclosporine therapy. It was decided to opt for Dupilumab with induction of 2 fl of 300 mg and maintenance with 1 fl every other week. The therapy proved effective, returning a total resolution of both diseases one year after the beginning of the treatment. Dupilumab demonstrated efficacy and safety in LA related to AD and led to clinical and quality of life improvement in this patient. Therefore, Dupilumab should be considered when treating LA. Further studies should be conducted focusing on the efficacy of the drug on LA (whether or not related to AD), changes in skin lesions after discontinuation, and the safety of long-term application.

Due to its high short-term global warming potential (GWP) compared to carbon dioxide, methane (CH₄) is a considerable agent of climate change. This research is aimed at analyzing data on methane gathered at the GAW (Global Atmosphere Watch) station of Lamezia Terme (Calabria, Southern Italy) spanning seven years of continuous measurements (2016-2022) and integrating the results with key meteorological data. Compared to previous studies on detected methane mole fractions at the same station, daily-to-yearly patterns have become more prominent thanks to the analysis of a much larger data set. Overall, the yearly increase of methane at the Lamezia Terme station is in general agreement with global measurements by NOAA, though local peaks are present, and an increase linked to Covid-19 is identified. Seasonal changes and trends have proved to be fully cyclic, with the daily cycles being largely driven by local wind circulation patterns and synoptic features. Outbreak events have been statistically evaluated depending on their weekday of occurrence to test possible correlations with anthropic activities. A cross analysis between methane peaks and specific wind directions has also proved that local sources may be deemed responsible for the highest mole fractions.

The state of Oaxaca, Mexico obtained the “Pluma” designation of origin in 2022 and has stood out for the production of specialty coffee. Within its process, roasting is one of the stages that contributes to the physical, chemical and sensory quality of the coffee bean. Therefore, the microstructure and elemental chemical composition of special medium-roasted Coffea arabica L beans from six locations with this denomination were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The average values of roughness Rz (25.93±2.69-34.18±1.15 and 13.85±1.66-21.85±6.63) and Ra (5.20±0.47- 8.27±0.82 and 6.55±0.94-11.53±1.65) were obtained at 400 and 2000x, respectively. The roasted Coffea arabica L. beans from MAP and HUA are the ones with the greatest roughness and both are located at a lower altitude compared to the rest. PLU and PTO roasted beans showed the highest physical and structural integrity. In all grains, 6C (66.48-81.14%), 8O (18.86-28.69%) and only 20Ca (4.5%) were found on the outside. This research constitutes a standard of authenticity and microstructural and elemental quality of Coffea arabica L. beans with designation of origin "Pluma".

In this paper, based on the cumulated damage generated by the cyclical application of the testing vibration profile, a methodology to determine the reliability index of the analyzed component is given. In the analysis, the testing time, component geometry, applied weight, and material resonant frequency are all of them considered by using a dynamic, and amplitude factor. Then, from the generated vibration response data of the analysis, the corresponding bending stress is determined for each one of the rows of the testing profile. And by the cyclical application of the whole testing profile, the corresponding damage is cumulated to each profile cycle until the cumulated damage is D=1. Finally, the reliability that each one of the cumulated blocks (cyclical profile application) is determined by considering, the random vibration is a stress variable. Thus, we use the cumulative damage model with the inverse power law stress/life relationship to determine the two parameter Weibull distribution used to estimate the reliability index of each cumulated block. As a numerical application, we analyze a cantilever aluminum beam Al 6061-T6.

Commuting is a vital travel channel for college students throughout their higher education career; nevertheless, excessive commute time negatively impacts students’ school satisfaction, academic achievement, health, and quality of life. Meanwhile, few studies have explored students’ commute time, covering a large population and scope. Therefore, this study analyzes the dwelling type that influences college and graduate students’ school commute times in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, using data from the 2016 Household Travel Diary Survey. This study uses spatial data on housing development to classify five dwelling types (i.e., new town, housing site development, Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do). A multiple linear regression model empirically analyses students’ household and personal characteristics. The results reveal that dwelling type significantly affects students’ commute time. Specifically, Students living in Seoul have a shorter commute to school than those living in new towns. Socioeconomic characteristics have less effect on college and graduate students' school commute time. This study discusses the problem of excessive commuting of college and graduate students in new towns.

The negative effect of COVID-19 pandemic has reach world economy due to absence from work for SARS-CoV-2 infection in workers, among other things. However, some economic areas are essential to society and people must continue working outside home, to support economic reactivation; their serological profile could be different from global population. Cross-sectional study. Workers from health, construction, public transportation, public force, bike delivery messengers, independent or informal commerce areas, and residents of Bucaramanga or its metropolitan area were invited to participate. All participants self-completed a virtual survey and a blood test was taken to assess IgG and IgM with ARC COV2 test. Seroprevalence was estimated considering a complex survey design, correcting for finite population effect and adjusting for test performance. 7.045 workers were enrolled; 59.9% were women, most were residents of Bucaramanga and working in health occupations. Global adjusted seroprevalence was 19.5% (IC95% 18.6 - 20.4), being higher for Girón [27.9% (CI95% 24.5 - 31.30]). Workers with multiple contact with people during working hours or using public transportation to go to work had higher frequency of seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2. Seroprevalence among workers living in these four municipalities from the Colombian northeast area is still low.

Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of patterned laser trabeculoplasty (PSLT) as an additional treatment for patients of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) receiving maximized ocular hypotensive medications (OHM). Methods: Forty eyes of 33 patients (average age 72.7±10.7 years) who had not previously undergone open glaucoma surgery or laser trabeculoplasty and were treated with maximized OHM between June 2018 and March 2022 were included. A 360-degree PSLT was conducted and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and survival curves at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were evaluated. Results: According to the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the average survival time was 8.1 months with death defined as postoperative IOP reduction of less than 10% or requiring additional treatment. The average survival time was 4.9 months with death defined as postoperative IOP reduction of less than 20% or requiring additional treatment. In the 31 eyes which received no additional treatment after PSLT, the mean preoperative IOP was 18.5±3.9 mmHg, which reduced to 15.3±4.1 mmHg (p=1.62 x 10-6)), 15.5±3.4 mmHg (p=1.51 x 10-5), 15.7±4.0 mmHg (p=1.75 x 10-5), 14.7±4.38 (p=2.89 x 10-6), and 15.0±4.0 mmHg (p=5.74 x 10-9) at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after PSLT, respectively. The IOP reduction rate one year after PSLT was 18.7%. Thirteen of the 31 eyes (42%) achieved a 20% reduction in IOP compared to the baseline. Conclusion: Adjunctive treatment with PSLT in OAG patients receiving maximized OHM may be effective over 12-months of follow-up.

In this paper, comprehensive analysis of combined effect of major influencing parameters on heat transfer in the single U-tube BHE (sBHE) and double U-tube BHE (dBHE) with two independent circuits was performed by using validated numerical heat transfer model. Geometrical parameters, such as shank spacing (with maximum, average and minimum values) and borehole diameter (large, medium and small borehole sizes) and borehole depth (shallow, average and deep borehole depths) as well as thermal conductivity of soil and grout which ranges from minimum to high value were considered. The combined impact of these parameters was included under four major cases: 1) combined effect of borehole depth, borehole size and shank spacing; 2) combined effect of borehole depth, and soil and grout thermal conductivity; 3) combined effect of soil and grout thermal conductivity and borehole size; and 4) combined effect of soil thermal conductivity, borehole size and shank spacing. Each of these major cases has nine different design options of both sBHE and dBHE. Series of results of heat transfer per unit borehole depth were generated for all the considered various cases. With the given parameters, the BHE case that provides highest heat transfer among the various cases of sBHE and dBHE were obtained.

Introduction. Autopsy is a medical procedure that consists of the corpse’s examination to determine the cause of death and obtain information on pathological conditions or injuries present in the body. In recent years there has been a reduction in hospital autopsies and an increase in forensic autopsies. Material and methods. A retrospective observational study was conducted on the reports of all the 645 hospital autopsies performed at Polyclinic of Bari from 2006 to 2021.Results. Group A, 2006-2009, 174 cases were studied: 58% male, 58% adults, 55% neonatology, pulmonary disease was the cause of death in 23%, and 55% of discrepancy between clinical and autopsy diagnosis. Group B, 2010-2013, comprised 119 cases: 52% male, 46% infants, 48% neonatology, pulmonary disease was the cause of death in 25%, and 56% of discrepancy between clinical and autopsy diagnosis. Group C, 2014-2017, comprised 168 cases: gender equality, 37% infants, 25% gynecology, pulmonary disease was the cause of death in 24%, and 58% of discrepancy between clinical and autopsy diagnosis. Group D, 2018-2021 comprised 184 cases: 56% male, 38% adult, 32% gynecology, pulmonary disease was the cause of death in 27%, and 58% discrepancy between clinical and autopsy diagnosis.Conclusion. The study of hospital autopsies at the Polyclinic of Bari shows that the discrepancy between clinical and autopsy diagnosis is around 56.75%. Thus, the hospital autopsy is helpful in the modern age, especially for diagnosing fetal and neonatal diseases.

In polymer-based dental composites, wear is a three-body wear system mainly abrasive, because of the food particles and wear products suspended in the oral cavity, which are transferred to the microcavities of the surface of the replacements. Due to this fact, the incorporation of nanodiamond as reinforcement in these polymer matrix composites, which promotes the creation of a solid lubricant tribofilm surface could be advantageous. When nanodiamond is added in contents of 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 wt %, an increase in microhardness from 95 up to 420 %, compared to the one of neat BisGMA/TEGDMA, is observed. Additionally, the incorporation of a content of 1.6 wt % is enough to cause a diminution of ~78 % in the friction coefficient and a reduction of the specific wear rate and Archard’s coefficient of ~50 %. Nevertheless, the addition of relatively high contents reduces the effectiveness of photoinitiation and UV-curing, which is related to the scattering and absorption of UV radiation by ND.

Pigmented corn is a gramineae food of great biological, cultural and nutritional importance for many Latin American countries, with more than 250 breeds in the American continent. It confers a large number of health benefits due to its diverse and abundant bioactive compounds. In this narrative review we decided to organize the information on the nutrients, bioactive compounds and phytochemicals present in pigmented corn, as well as their effects on human health. Phenolic compounds and anthocyanins are some of the most studied and representative compounds in these grasses, with a wide range of health properties, mainly the reduction of prooxidant molecules. Carotenoids are a group of molecules belonging to the terpenic compounds, present in a large number of pigmented corn breeds, mainly the yellow ones, whose biological activity incorporates a wide spectrum. Bioactive peptides can be found in abundance in corn, having very diverse biological effects that include analgesic, opioid, antihypertensive, etc. activity. Other compounds with biological activity found in pigmented corn are resistant starches, some fatty acids, phytosterols, policosanols, phospholipids, ferulic acid and phlobaphenes, as well as a great variety of vitamins, elements, and fibers. This review aims to disseminate and integrate the existing knowledge on compounds with biological activity in pigmented corn, in order to promote their research, interest and use by scientists, nutrition professionals, physicians, industries and the general population.

Objectives: Describe the epidemiology of burns in the pediatric population. Analyze and compare the results obtained from the treatment of burn wounds by using the bio-preserved human epidermis allograft (BHEA) and other types of dressings and determine the need for further need of a skin graft. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of pediatric population with burn injuries was conducted, grouped into categories based on their age group, and the mechanisms of injury into 6 categories: scald, flame, contact, electrical, chemical and friction. Describing the extension and depth of the burn injury. The results of treatment of two groups; the patients who used (BHEA) and the group with “other dressings” were analyzed by inferential statistics to establish the relationship between the use of BHEA and the need for skin grafts compared to the other group. Results: A total of 65 patients were obtained. The average age was 4.5 years (±3.8). Preschoolers (1-5 years old) were the most frequent age group 64% (n=42). Male patients represented 61% (n=40) of cases. Scald was the most reported mechanism 64% (n=42). The average total body surface area burned (TBSAB) was 10.8% (± 9.2). Mixed partial thickness burn (superficial and deep) was the most common with a 55%. The head was the most affected anatomical site; 30%. The face was the most reported “special anatomical site” with a 40% (n=30). 32.2 % of the population (n=21) was treated with BHEA. The average time of epithelialization of the BHEA group was 8 days (±7.2), and their average hospital stay time was 7 days (±5.7). In the “other dressing” group, the average epithelialization time was 18 days (±13.6), and the average hospital stay time was 11 days (±12.6). Fifty percent (n=22) of the “other dressing” group required skin grafts. In the BHEA group only 19% (n=4) required skin grafts. An OR of 0.23 and CI of 95% (0.06 – 0.81) with a p value of (0.017) for the need of skin grafts after de use of BHEA was obtained. Conclusion: The epidemiological results reported are similar to those described in the literature. The use of (BHEA) proved to be a good option for the management of partial thickness burns and burns in transition, promoting timely epithelilization and avoiding deepening of the burns while reducing morbidity, hospital stay and care costs.

This comprehensive review explores the advancements in processing-in-memory (PIM) techniques for deep learning applications. It addresses the challenges faced by monolithic chip architectures and highlights the benefits of chiplet-based designs in terms of scalability, modularity, and flexibility. The review emphasizes the importance of dataflow-awareness, communication optimization, and thermal considerations in designing PIM-enabled manycore architectures. It discusses different machine learning workloads and their tailored dataflow requirements. Additionally, the review presents a heterogeneous PIM system for energy-efficient neural network training and discusses thermally efficient dataflow-aware monolithic 3D (M3D) NoC architectures for accelerating CNN inferencing. The advantages of TEFLON (Thermally Efficient Dataflow-Aware 3D NoC) over performance-optimized SFC-based counterparts are highlighted. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the development and evaluation of chiplet and PIM architectures, emphasizing improved performance, energy efficiency, and inference accuracy in deep learning applications.

Abstract: Chemical investigation of the leaves from Ageratina glabrata yielded four new thymol derivatives, namely: 10-Benzoyloxy-8,9-dehydro-6-hydroxythymol isobutyrate (4), 10-benzoyloxy-8,9-dehydro thymol (5), 10-benzoyloxythymol (6) and 10-benzoyloxy-6,8-dihydroxy-9-isobutyryloxythymol (7). In addition, (8S)-10-benzoyloxy-8,9-epoxy-6-hydroxythymol isobutyrate (1), together with other two already known thymol derivatives identified as: 10-benzoyloxy-8,9-epoxy-6-methoxythymol isobutyrate (2) and 10-benzoyloxy-8,9-epoxythymol isobutyrate (3). In this paper, we wish to publish the structures and complete assignments of ¹H and ¹³C NMR data of compounds 1 – 7, and the absolute configuration for compound 1, unambiguously established by single crystal X-ray diffraction, and evaluation of the Flack parameter. The in vitro antiprotozoal assay showed that compound 1 and its derivative 1a were the most potent antiamoebic and antigiardial compounds. Both compounds showed selectivity and good antiamoebic activity like emetine and metronidazole, respectively, two antiprotozoal drugs used as positive controls. In relation of anti-propulsive effect, compound 1 and 1a showed moderate inhibitory activity, their activities were comparable to quercetin and compound 9, respectively, two natural antipropulsive compounds used as positive controls. These data suggest that compound 1 may play an important role in antidiarrheal properties of Ageratina glabrata.

This research investigates the lane width standards and guidelines implemented by various State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance road safety. Lane width reduction is often perceived as a strategy to mitigate speed and improve safety. Still, its effectiveness and implications vary across different contexts, including regions, urban/rural settings, or other geometric design features. Drawing from interviews with five State DOTs and a review of their road design manuals, this study aims to identify suggested lane widths depending on the contexts, design exception process when narrowing or widening lane widths, and introduce representative before/after studies. The findings indicate that State DOTs tend to have lower recommended lane widths in urban areas than in rural areas. Moreover, lane width standards among these states vary due to several factors, including the geographical location of roadways (urban or rural areas), design or posted speeds, traffic volume, road classification, and geometric road design features. Design exceptions are required if the existing or proposed design element is incompatible with both AASHTO and department governing criteria. In conclusion, the findings will provide valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, transportation planners, and road engineers to inform optimal lane width and decision-making processes.

The rheological properties of a polyamide (PA) resin with low crystallinity were modified by melt-mixing it with a small amount of an alternative a-olefin–maleic anhydride copolymer as a reactive compound. Because PA has a low melting point, rheological characterization was performed over a wide temperature range. Owing to the reaction between PA and the alternative a-olefin–maleic anhydride copolymer, the blend sample behaved as a long-chain branched polymer in the molten state. The thermo-rheological complexity was obvious owing to large flow activation energy values in the low modulus region. The primary normal stress difference under steady shear was greatly increased in the wide shear rate range, leading to a large swell ratio at capillary extrusion. Furthermore, strain hardening in the transient elongational viscosity, which is responsible for favorable processability, was clear. Because this is a simple modification method, it will be widely employed to modify the rheological properties of various polyamide resins.

Neuromorphic computing, a brain inspired non-Von Neumann computing system, addresses the challenges posed by the Moore’s law memory wall phenomenon. It has the capability to increasingly enhance performance while maintaining power efficiency. Neuromorphic chip architecture requirements vary depending on the application and optimizing it for large-scale applications remains to be a challenge. Neuromorphic chips are programmed using spiking neural networks which provide them with important properties such as parallelism, asynchronism, and on-device learning. Widely used spiking neuron models include the Hodgkin-Huxley Model, Izhikevich model, integrate-and-fire model and spike response model. Hardware implementation platforms of the chip follow three approaches: analog, digital, or a combination of both. Each platform can be implemented using various memory topologies which interconnects with the learning mechanism. Current neuromorphic computing systems typically use the unsupervised learning spike timing-dependent plasticity algorithms. However, algorithms such as voltage-dependent synaptic plasticity have the potential to enhance performance. This review summarizes the potential neuromorphic chip architecture specifications and highlights which applications they are suitable for.

Tumid Lupus Erythematosus has been the subject of heated debate as to its correct nosographic classification. In particular, its definition has changed over time, depending on the different studies performed. In this review we address the initial definition of TLE, the changes that have taken place in the understanding and placement within the classification of Lupus Erythematosus (LE), and focus on clinical, histopathological, immunophenotypical and differential diagnosis aspects.

Abstract: Patients with Cleft Lip Palate (CLP) require comprehensive treatment, so the people who take care of them must constantly provide care and support, along with continuous care and support from their caregivers, often extending until youth. The purpose was to compare the Quality of Life (QoL) of caregivers of children with CLP with those without the condition. A cross-sectional paired study was conducted at the Dental Clinic of the Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores (ENES León), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), from May to December 2021. Primary caregivers of patients with CLP (n=70) were included as well as those of the patients without CLP (n=70) of the same institution. Sample size was calculated considering an OR=2.5, establishing a convenience selection. Caregivers answered the WHOQoL Bref instrument to assess QoL. Of the total sample analyzed, 88.6% of the caregivers were female (p>0.05). Caregivers of patients with CLP reported poor QoL (64.8%), compared to caregivers in the control group (p

Obesity has increasingly become a worldwide epidemic, as demonstrated by epidemiological and clinical studies. Obesity may lead to development of a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, heart failure (HF), cerebrovascular disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). In addition to hypertension, there are other cardiometabolic risk factors (CRFs) such as visceral adiposity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, elevated levels of fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein and others, all of which increase the risk of CVD events. Mechanisms involved between obesity and CVD mainly include insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and adipokines dysregulation, which cause maladaptive structural and functional alterations of the heart, particularly left ventricular (LV) remodeling and diastolic dysfunction. Natural products of plants, provide a diversity of nutrients and different bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, vitamins, minerals, fibers, and others, which possess a wide range of biological activities including antihypertensive, antilipidemic, antidiabetic, and other activities, thus conferring cardiometabolic benefits. In this review, we discussed the main therapeutic interventions using extracts from herbs and plants in preclinical and clinical trials with protective properties targeting CRFs. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets of herbs and plants extracts for the prevention and treatment of CRFs are also reviewed.

The construction time of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels is long, the construction environment is complex, and there are many influencing factors. The requirements for construction quality are high, not only to meet the strength requirements, but also to meet the design requirements of erosion resistance, crack resistance, and seepage resistance according to its specific operating environment. Therefore, evaluating the construction quality of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels is of great significance. Considering the randomness and fuzziness of factors affecting the construction quality of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels, this paper proposes a comprehensive evaluation model based on Combined Weighting (CWM) and Uncertainty Measurement Theory (UM). The IAHP method and CRITIC method are used to determine the subjective and objective weights of evaluation indicators, combined weighting is based on the principle of minimum entropy, and the UM method is used to evaluate the construction quality level. Finally, taking a hydraulic tunnel as an example, its construction quality grade is calculated to be III according to the evaluation model proposed in this paper, which matches with the engineering reality, and a comparative study is made with the mixture element topology theory at the same time. It is verified that the evaluation model can scientifically and reasonably evaluate the construction quality level of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels.

As a precious natural resource, forests are being destroyed. In previous studies, there is a lack of interactive assessment of its distribution that comprehensively considers multiple external disturbances. This paper takes the Barcelona Metropolitan Region as an example. Based on remote sensing, it analyzes the development process of the forest from 2006 to 2018 through multiple landscape indicators, and OLS models were established to analyze variables that have direct and indirect effects on forest distribution. In addition, the ecological structure of the forest was analyzed based on NDVI. It was found that the forest area is the largest but has been decreasing, becoming more complex in distribution structure. Much of the forest was converted to agricultural land and grassland. The green quality of forests was increasing, and the broad-leaved forest, the second largest area, contributes the most. NDVI is the most important positively correlated variable, and daytime surface temperature is an important inverse factor related to NDVI. In addition, NDBI is also a negative condition that inhibits forest development. In conclusion: The BMR forest area is decreasing and becoming more fragmented. NDVI and daytime LST are the two most significant factors. Climate warming may lead to worse forest development.

Protein glycation impacts enzymatic activity, disrupts metabolic processes, and is associated with chronic degenerative diseases. The human glycolytic enzyme triosephosphate isomerase (HsTIM, TPI1, or HsTPI) is associated with various disorders, such as enzymopathies originating from mutations. It also possesses moonlighting functions and is now recognized as a cancer marker. Previous reports of HsTPI mutants have demonstrated a significant increase of methyl-glyoxal (MGO) due to trioses accumulation. We compared how catalytic activity exerts differen-tial kinetic and structural stability effects due to mutations by tracking fluorescent argpyrimi-dine adduct (ARGp) through interaction with Arginine-MGO. Circular dichroism and fluores-cence spectroscopy were explored in HsTPI-WT and mutants HsTPI-C217K “Like-WT”, HsTPI-N16D accumulated in cancer, and HsTPI-E104D human deficiency mutant, by cysteines accessibility and time loss of activity and unfolding propensity in mutant enzymes with aggre-gates refractory to proteolysis in the C217K. Our study sheds new light on the increased suscep-tibility of mutants to generate MGO adducts due to TPI isomerization of MGO precursor sub-strates. Nevertheless, mutations enhance a negative feedback cycle, in which accumulated MGO access promotes accelerated loss of activity that leads to unfolding and aggregation. The cumu-lative and accelerated increase in MGO adducts, which probably are responsible for the patho-logical state in this TPI variant, are partially reversed by adding MGO-scavenger molecules.

This study delves into the complex interplay among attachment styles, hypersexuality, and sexual and couple satisfaction in emerging adults within the Mexican population. Despite established correlations between anxious and avoidant attachment styles and emotion dysregulation and hypersexuality, the roles of sexual and couple satisfaction in this context have remained relatively unexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by examining how these variables interact and contribute to psychological distress and sexual risk behaviors. Data analysis on 214 emerging adults, utilizing the Experiences in Close Relationships scale, Couple Satisfaction Index, Sexual Satisfaction Scale, SCL-90, and SAST-R, revealed a significant association between risky sexual behaviors—such as a higher number of sexual partners, drug and alcohol use during sexual activity, and lack of sexual protection—and heightened levels of hypersexuality. Notably, individuals with hypersexual tendencies reported diminished levels of sexual satisfaction but elevated levels of couple satisfaction. Avoidant attachment emerged as the attachment style most strongly correlated with early sexual experiences. Moreover, the abbreviated versions of the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI-4) and the Experiences in Close Relationships scale (ECR-8) exhibited commendable psychometric properties, enhancing their applicability for research and clinical purposes. This research furnishes valuable insights into the complex dynamics among attachment styles, hypersexuality, and couple and sexual satisfaction, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to foster healthier sexual and relationship behaviors among emerging adults.

Urban development and planning are increasingly centered on matters of sustainability, balancing economic development with ecosystem services and biotic structures within urban environments. In addition to these institutional and structural factors, the decision-making process within individual households must be understood to address rising concerns about water use. Therefore, individual characteristics and preferences that influence the use of water also warrant examination. In response to a survey of occupants of single-family residences in the Fresno Clovis Metropolitan Area of California, contextual interviews and focus group interviews with a homeowner sub-sample, we find evidence of an interplay of social-structural, institutional, and cultural factors involved in influencing individual water use behaviors and landscape decision making. The complexity of residential behaviors and decision-making poses some potential issues with regards to the interactions between individual households and institutional actors in matters of water usage and landscaping, as survey respondents indicate relatively little confidence in institutions and groups to make wise water policy decisions. We conclude that the promotion and implementation of sustainable water use practices will require not only environmental education for the citizenry, but also a tailoring of information for environmental educational initiatives that address the particularities of individual neighborhoods and communities.

The construction of tunnels excavated by the conventional method in densely populated urban environments requires an adequate characterization of the loads acting on the primary lining during the excavation process to ensure that the ground is deformed and stresses around the tunnel are relieved, simultaneously complying with the failure and serviceability limits of international standards while minimizing damage to nearby structures. In this paper, common lining design criteria are revisited, through the numerical simulation of an instrumented tunnel section which is part of a 4.5 km long metro line currently under construction in Mexico City. Key needs for improvement in current design approaches are identified. The tunnel was instrumented with load cells, extensometers, and topographical references for convergences and divergences. A three-dimensional finite difference model of the instrumented section was developed, and the load transfer mechanisms between the excavated soil and the primary lining was analyzed. Then, the numerical simulation of the contribution of the secondary lining in the overall stability for sustained load was established, along with the expected ground settlements, which can significantly affect nearby structures. Results gathered from this research are key for updating lining design criteria for urban tunnels built in stiff brittle soils.

Malware detection is a crucial pillar of cybersecurity and aims to identify and neutralize malware threats. This study investigates how three deep learning algorithms - Convolutional Neural Net-works with One-Dimensional Architecture (CNN1D), Neural Networks (NN), and a hybrid model of one dimensional convolutional neural networks (CNN1D) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) - help detect malware in Portable Executable working (.exe) files. Using a large dataset of tagged malware and benign samples, the effectiveness of these algorithms in distinguishing dangerous from harmless executables is extensively tested. In addition, the study evaluates the computational efficiency of the proposed methods for a variety of hardware configurations, including Central Processing Units (CPU), Graphics Processing Units (GPU), Raspberry Pi (IoT device), and Tensor Processing Units (TPU). Performance metrics provide insight into the scalability and effectiveness of the model across different hardware configurations. The results of this study have significant impact on the development of malware detection, particularly in the context of IoT security. By demonstrating the capabilities and limitations of CNN1D, Neural Networks, and CNN1D with LSTM models, the study provides practitioners with efficient and scalable solutions to real-world malware detection difficulties. In addition, insights from performance tests on various hardware platforms provide important assistance in developing robust security measures in IoT contexts, strengthening cybersecurity defenses in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas emitted from carbon fuel combustion. In this study we monitored indoor carbon monoxide (CO) levels for 120 homes over three seasons in the North Denver metropolitan region as part of an environmental justice initiative to quantify health and social well-being impacts from a major freeway construction upgrade nearby. Urban outdoor CO levels are typically very low (less than 1 ppm in Denver) due to air pollution control strategies and technologies implemented over the past several decades. However, people can still be exposed to higher than outdoor levels of CO in their homes due to the operation of indoor appliances that use carbon fuels such as natural gas. Our data show that ~10% of the homes had consistent daily average levels of CO above 3.5 ppm and 24-57% of the homes showed peaks greater than 9 ppm. While much higher levels can result in CO poisoning and fatalities, these lower levels of CO have been associated with adverse health impacts, especially pregnant women, and sensitive populations. Our results highlight the need for increasing awareness regarding CO exposures in homes with gas appliances and motivate the transition from non-electrified homes toward electrification.

Objective: Several authors have analyzed the impact of the pandemic on the incidence rates of different conditions. Our aim was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary care new diagnoses of respiratory diseases. Methods: This was an observational retrospective study performed to describe the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on primary care new diagnosis of respiratory diseases other than lung cancer. Incidence rate ratio between pre-pandemic and pandemic period was calculated. Results: We found an decrease in the incidence of respiratory conditions (IRR 0.65) during the pandemic period. When we compared the different groups of diseases according to ICD-10, we found a significant decrease in the number of new cases during the pandemic period, except in the case of pulmonary tuberculosis, abscesses or necrosis of the lungs and other respiratory complications. Instead, we found increases in new diagnoses of flu and pneumonia (IRR 2.17) and respiratory interstitial diseases (IRR 1.41). Conclusion: There has been a decrease in new diagnosis of most respiratory diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The real clinical impact of this situation is still unknown. Large-scale real-life studies will make it possible to evaluate the long-term true impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the respiratory diseases management.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global public health issue, particularly in developing countries. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are at elevated risk for TB due to immunosuppression. This retrospective study (2005-2022) assessed a preemptive latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening and treatment strategy in 338 HSCT recipients and their donors. Screening included tuberculin skin test (TST) or QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT), and pulmonary imaging, with positive cases receiving isoniazid (INH) therapy. Statistical analyses aimed to compare TB reactivation rates, overall survival (OS), and relapse-free survival (RFS) across HSCT groups. Of 338 patients, 92 (27%) were diagnosed with LTBI. Screening involved TST in 325 cases and QFT in 13. INH therapy was completed by 81 patients, with 5 discontinuing due to hepatotoxicity. The cumulative incidence of active TB was 0.6%, and LTBI reactivation rate in patients who received INH was 1.2%. LTBI status did not affect OS or RFS. Our study exemplifies the effectiveness of LTBI protocols incorporating TST/QFT and CT-scan testing, followed by INH therapy, in reducing TB reactivation among HSCT recipients in a high-burden region.

Pragmatic trials aim to assess intervention efficacy in usual patient care settings, contrasting with explanatory trials conducted under controlled conditions. In aging research, pragmatic trials are important designs for obtaining real-world evidence in elderly populations, which are often underrepresented in trials. In this review, we discuss statistical considerations from a frequentist approach for the design and analysis of pragmatic trials. When choosing the dependent variable, it is essential to use an outcome that is highly relevant to usual medical care while also providing sufficient statistical power. Besides traditionally used binary outcomes, ordinal outcomes can provide pragmatic answers with gains in statistical power. Cluster randomization requires careful consideration of sample size calculation and analysis methods, especially regarding missing data and outcome variables. Mixed effects models and generalized estimating equations (GEEs) are recommended for analysis to account for center effects, with tools available for sample size estimation. Multi-arm studies pose challenges in sample size calculation, requiring adjustment for design effects and consideration of multiple comparison correction methods. Secondary analyses are common but require caution due to the risk of reduced statistical power and false-discovery rates. Safety data collection methods should balance pragmatism and data quality. Overall, understanding statistical considerations is crucial for designing rigorous pragmatic trials that evaluate interventions in elderly populations under real-world conditions. In conclusion, this review focuses on various statistical topics of interest to those designing a pragmatic clinical trial, with consideration of aspects of relevance in the aging research field.

Hydraulic fracturing has enabled production from unconventional reservoirs in the U.S., but production rates often decline sharply, limiting recovery factors to under 10%. This study optimizes the CO2 huff-n-puff process for multistage-fractured horizontal wells in Wolfcamp A formation in the Delaware Basin. The potential for enhanced oil recovery and CO2 sequestration simultaneously was addressed using a coupled geomechanics-reservoir simulation. Geomechanical properties were derived from a 1D mechanical earth model and integrated into reservoir simulation to replicate hydraulic fracture geometries. The fracture model was validated using a robust production history matching. Fluid phase behavior analysis refined the equation of state, and 1D slim tube simulations determined a minimum miscibility pressure of 4300 psi for CO2 injection. After the primary production phase, various CO2 injection rates were tested from 1 to 25 MMSCFD/well, resulting in incremental oil recovery ranging from 6.3% to 69.3%. Different injection, soaking, and production cycles were analyzed to determine the ideal operating condition. The optimal scenario improved cumulative oil recovery by 68.8% while keeping the highest CO2 storage efficiency. The simulation approach proposed by this study provides a systematic workflow for evaluating and optimizing CO2 huff-n-puff in hydraulically fractured wells, enhancing the recovery factor of unconventional reservoirs.

Predicting ground reaction forces (GRFs) and ground reaction moments (GRMs) through a biomechanical model-based approach offers advantages for biomechanical analysis, particularly in situations where the application of a statistical model is limited by insufficient training data. However, the current prediction method is unsuitable for clinical applications due to its long computational time. The present study developed a new optical motion capture (OMC)-based method to predict GRFs, GRMs, and joint torques. The proposed approach performed the estimation process by distributing external forces, as determined by the equation of motion, between the left and right feet based on foot deformations, thereby predicting the GRFs and GRMs without relying on machine learning or optimization techniques. We investigated the prediction accuracy during walking by comparing a conventional analysis using a force plate with the OMC results. The comparison revealed excellent or strong correlations between the prediction and measurement for all GRFs, GRMs, and lower limb joint torques. The proposed method, which provides practical estimation with low computational cost, facilitates efficient biomechanical analysis and rapid feedback of analysis results, thereby increasing its applicability for kinetics estimation in clinical settings.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development is associated with altered modifications in DNA methylation, changing transcriptional regulation. Emerging evidence indicates that DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) plays a key role in carcinogenesis process. This study aimed to investigate how pirfenidone (PFD) modifies this pathway and the effect generated by the association between c-Myc expression and DNMT1 activation. Rats F344 were used for HCC development using 50 mg/kg of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 25 mg/kg of 2-aminofluorene (2-AAF). HCC/PFD group received simultaneous doses of 300 mg/kg of PFD. All treatments lasted 12 weeks. On the other hand, HepG2 cells were used to evaluate the effects of PFD in restoring DNA methylation in the presence of the inhibitor 5-Aza. Histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and western blot analysis were carried out and our findings showed that PFD treatment reduced the amount and size of tumors along with decreased Glipican-3, β-catenin, and c-Myc expression in nuclear fractions. Also, this treatment improved lipid metabolism by modulating PPARγ and SREBP1 signaling. Interestingly, PFD augmented DNMT1 and DNMT3a protein expression, which restores global methylation, both in our in vivo and in vitro models. In conclusion, our results suggest that PFD could slow down HCC development by controlling DNA methylation.

Background: While it is established that intravenous catheter placement duration is strongly linked to the risk of catheter colonization and bloodstream infections, there are still substantial knowledge gaps concerning the varying durations of PICC placement that lead to either infection or colonization by common pathogens, particularly MDR pathogens. The present study aims to compare the dwell time required for MDR pathogens to colonize with the time required to cause Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) in critically ill patients with PICCs and compares it with non-MDR pathogens, shedding light on the significance of preventive procedures to control MDR infections in clinical settings. Methods: Data from critically ill patients with PICCs admitted consecutively to «Metropolitan» Hospital in Athens, Greece, from May 2017 to May 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Results: In this study, 86 hospitalized patients, consisting of 56 (65.1%) males and 30 (34.9%) females, with a mean age of 55.67±21.1 years (range 16-91 years), presented with both CLABSIs and colonization following PICC placements. Specifically, 42 (48.8%) of them presented with CLABSIs, while 44 (51.2%) presented with colonization. Among the total participants, an MDR pathogen was isolated from 26 (30.2%) PICCs, while other pathogens were isolated from 60 (69.8%). The mean duration of catheter dwell time for all participants was 20.94±14.22 days (range 3-72 days). When analysed separately for each group, the dwell time for PICCs with CLABSIs was 25.73±16.19 days and 16.36±10.28 days for those with colonization (T test, p=0.002). Additionally, the mean dwell time for PICCs infected by non-MDROs was 22.48±15.64 days whereas for PICCs with MDROs, it was 17.38±9.5 days (T test, p=0.005). In PICCs with CLABSIs, the mean indwelling time for MDR pathogens was 21.50±12.31 days, while for non-MDROs, it was 27.73±16.98 days (T test, p=0.417). In PICCs with colonization, the mean dwell time for MDR pathogens was 15.55±7.73 days, while for non-MDROs, it was 16.92±11.85 days (T test, p=0.124). Among PICCs with MDR pathogens (n=26), the mean duration in CLABSIs events (n=18) was 21.5±12.31 days and in colonization events 15.55±7.73 days, (n=8) (T test, p=0.146). Conclusions: The present study reveals that colonization of PICCs exhibited a shorter dwell time compared to those with CLABSIs. Moreover, PICCs infected by MDROs had a shorter mean dwell time than those with non-MDROs. These findings underscore the importance of considering infection status and microbial resistance patterns when evaluating PICC dwell times.

This study utilizes a regional numerical weather model incorporating multilayer urban canopy parameterization alongside a building energy model (BEP + BEM) to examine the sensitivity of various urban parameters, including those defining urban materials and building environments, during a real-case heatwave event in the Chicago Metropolitan Area (CMA) in August 2023. The application of local climate zones further refines this analysis. Findings indicate that wall conductivity and ground albedo play significant roles in affecting urban near-surface temperatures. Conversely, alterations in other urban parameters are found to exert minimal influence on near-surface temperatures throughout the heatwave. In terms of building energy consumption, the selection of the target indoor temperature emerges as a pivotal factor. While adjustments in ventilation rates also bear considerable effects, other variables appear to have a subdued impact on energy usage. Additionally, the marginal effect of wall emissivity on energy consumption highlights the intricate balance between different heat transfer mechanisms and the adaptive capacity of building heating and cooling systems.

Quantum tunneling in a two-dimensional integrable map is studied. The orbits of the map are all confined to the curves specified by the one-dimensional Hamiltonian. It is found that the behavior of tunneling splitting for the integrable map and the associated Hamiltonian system is qualitatively the same, with only a slight difference in magnitude. However, the tunneling tails of the wave functions, obtained by superposing the eigenfunctions that form the doublet, exhibit significant difference. To explore the origin of the difference, we observe the classical dynamics in the complex plane and find that the existence of branch points appearing in the potential function of the integrable map could play the role for yielding non-trivial behavior in the tunneling tail. The result highlights the subtlety of quantum tunneling, which cannot be captured in nature only by the dynamics in the real plane.

Aortic stenosis continues to be still the most frequently valvular pathology in the elderly population of the Western countries. According to the latest guidelines, the therapeutic choice of aortic stenosis depends on the age of the patient (&lt;75 years or &gt;75 years) and the risk class (STS-Prom/ Euroscore II &lt; o &gt; 4%). Therefore, if the surgical indication is clear in young and low risk patients and percutaneous treatment is the gold standard in older and high-risk patients, the therapeutic choice is still debated in intermediate-risk patients. In this group of patients the aortic valve stenosis treatment depends on the patient's global evaluation, on the experience of the center and no less important on the patient's will. Two main therapeutic options are debated: surgical aortic valve replacement with sutureless prosthesis versus transcatheter aortic valve implantation. In addition, the progressive development of mininvasive techniques for aortic valve surgery (right -anterior minitoracotomy) has also reduced the peri and post -operative risk in this group of patients. The goal of our review is to analyze the literature evidence of the best therapeutic choice in intermediate risk patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are characterized by abnormal trophoblastic invasion into the myometrium, leading to significant maternal health risks. PAS includes placenta accreta (invasion &lt;50% of the myometrium), increta (invasion &gt;50%), and percreta (invasion through the entire myometrium). The condition is most associated with previous cesarean deliveries, and its incidence increases with the number of cesareans. Other risk factors include advanced maternal age, multiparity, and various uterine surgeries. The increasing global cesarean rates heighten the importance of early PAS diagnosis and management. The study reviewed molecular mechanisms driving PAS, focusing on signaling pathways, genetic expression, biomarkers, and non-coding RNAs involved in trophoblastic invasion. It explored genetic expression and key regulatory processes such as apoptosis, cell proliferation, invasion, and inflammation. The manuscript was compiled from recent scientific literature (2014 – 2024) from the Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. Placenta Acreta Spectrum; acreta; increta; percreta; trophoblast invasion; miRNAs, lncRNAs; genetic expression; biomarkers; signaling pathways were the employed keywords to compile relevant literature. The PAS is an important obstetric health problem that challenges maternal health risks associated with abnormal trophoblastic invasion that relies on abnormal placentation, uterine scarring, and impaired decidualization. Identifying new biomarkers like AFP, sFlt-1, β-hCG, PlGF, and PAPP-A aids early detection and management. Understanding genetic expression and non-coding RNAs is crucial for unraveling PAS complexities. Besides, aberrant signaling pathways like Notch, PI3K/Akt, STAT3, and TGF-β offer potential therapeutic targets to modulate trophoblastic invasion. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary care, early diagnosis, and ongoing research into PAS biomarkers and molecular mechanisms to improve prognosis and quality of life for affected women.

The evolution of some epidemics, as influenza, shows common patterns both in different regions and from year to year. On the contrary, epidemics like the novel COVID-19 show quite heterogeneous dynamics and are extremely susceptible to the measures taken to mitigate their spread. In this paper we propose empirical dynamic modeling to predict the evolution of influenza in Spain’s regions. It is a non-parametric method that looks into the past for coincidences with the present to make the forecasts. Here we extend the method to predict the evolution of other epidemics at any other starting territory and we test also this procedure with Spanish COVID-19 data. We finally build influenza and COVID-19 networks to check possible coincidences in the geographical distribution of both diseases. With this, we grasp the uniqueness of the geographical dynamics of COVID-19.

Introduction: The association between epilepsy and myasthenia gravis has rarely been reported, and only in small case series. Objective: To report the frequency of epilepsy and myasthenia gravis and to describe a case series of patients with myasthenia gravis and epilepsy, focusing on their clinical characteristics and searching for a possible physiopathological mechanism. Methods: A retrospective, observational, adult center study was conducted in 2022. Patients were recruited from the database of the outpatient clinic of the Myasthenia Gravis unit and Epilepsy unit. Results: Five patients were included. Frequency of epilepsy in the myasthenia gravis cohort was 5/469 (1.1%), and of myasthenia gravis in the epilepsy cohort was 5/1432 (0.35%). All patients suffered focal epilepsy, mainly fronto-central, and drug-resistant in half of them. Myasthenia gravis was generalized and with exacerbations in half of them. Three patients were thymectomized. Other autoimmune diseases were found in 2 (40%). Epilepsy onset preceded myasthenia gravis onset in all patients. Both diseases were considered autoimmune-related in 3/5 (60%). Conclusion: Epilepsy and myasthenia gravis are only infrequently associated. In adult patients, epilepsy onset precedes myasthenia onset in most cases. In some cases, epilepsy has an autoimmune aetiology and coexists with other autoimmune conditions.

Photocatalytic processes offer promising solutions for environmental remediation and clean energy production, yet their efficiency under visible light remains a significant challenge. Here, we report a novel silver-graphene (Ag-G) modified TiO2 (Ag-G-TiO2) nanocomposite photocatalyst that demonstrates remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity for both dye wastewater degradation and hydrogen production under visible and UV light irradiation. Through comprehensive characterization and performance analysis, we reveal that the Ag-G modification narrows the TiO2 bandgap from 3.12 eV to 1.79 eV, enabling efficient visible light absorption. The nanocomposite achieves a peak hydrogen production rate of 191 μmolesg-1h-1 in deionized water dye solution under visible light, significantly outperforming unmodified TiO2. Intriguingly, we observe an inverse relationship between dye degradation efficiency and hydrogen production rates in dye solutions with tap water versus deionized water, highlighting the critical role of water composition in photocatalytic processes. Our findings demonstrate sustained hydrogen production under visible light and rapid initial rates under UV irradiation, underscoring the versatility of Ag-G-TiO2 catalyst. This work not only advances our understanding of fundamental photocatalytic mechanisms but also presents a promising material for solar-driven environmental and energy applications, potentially contributing to the global transition towards sustainable technologies.

Background: Research suggests that cognitive and behavioural factors, including lifestyle behaviours, contribute to the mitigation of perceived stress and stress-related health outcomes in later life. Given that stress management and lifestyle behaviour interventions for older adults are an important target for healthcare efforts, there is a need to comprehensively measure stress and coping resources in later adulthood. Additionally, researchers need a relatively short, standardized assessment tool that can robustly measure stress and coping for longitudinal and intervention-based studies to reduce burden on participants and for cross-comparison across research. Methods: The Stress Assessment Inventory (SAI), a valid and reliable 123-item measure designed to assess occupational stress and coping resources in younger adults was examined in 294 independent older adults. Results: A shortened and revised SAI is proposed for older adults, with good internal consistency and strong criterion validity. The revised SAI for older adults was found to have a 4-factor model that captures Adaptive Cognitive Resources, Maladaptive Behavioural and Cognitive Habits, Social Support and Adaptive Health Habits. Conclusion: The current study supports the use of the inventory in community-dwelling older adult populations as a comprehensive tool to assess stress and coping for use by researchers and healthcare professionals.

Rotational jumps are crucial techniques in sports competitions. Estimating ground reaction forces (GRFs), one of the components constituting jumps, through a biomechanical model-based approach enables analysis even in environments where force plates or machine learning training data cannot be utilized. In this study, rotational jump movements involving twists on land were measured using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and estimated GRFs and body loads using a 3D forward dynamics model. Our estimation method, based on forward dynamics and optimization calculations, generated and optimized body movements using cost functions defined by motion measurements and internal body loads. To reduce the influence of the dynamic acceleration in the optimization calculation, the 3D orientation using sensor fusion composed of acceleration and angular velocity data obtained from IMUs and an extended Kalman filter was estimated. As a result, by generating movements based on the cost function, it was possible to calculate biomechanically valid GRFs while following the measured movements even if not all joints are covered by IMUs. This estimation method allows for 3D motion analysis independent of measurement conditions or training data.

Anticipating and planning for the urgent response to large-scale disasters is critical to increase the probability of survival in these events. These incidents present various challenges that complicate the response, such as unfavorable weather conditions, difficulties in accessing affected areas, and the geographical spread of the victims. Furthermore, local socioeconomic factors such as insufficient prevention education, limited disaster assets, and inadequate coordination between public and private emergency services may complicate these situations. In large-scale emergencies, multiple hotspots are usually observed, which requires efforts to coordinate the strategic allocation of human and material resources in different geographical areas. Therefore, the precise management of these resources based on the specific needs of each area becomes fundamental. To address these complexities, this paper proposes a methodology that models these scenarios as an optimization problem, focusing on the location and allocation of resources in mass casualty incidents. The proposed case study is Mexico City in a post-earthquake scenario, using voluntary geographic information, open government data, and historical data from the September 19, 2017 earthquake. Additionally, it is assumed that the resources that require optimal location and allocation are ambulances, which focus on medical issues that affect the survival of victims. The designed solution involves the use of a metaheuristic optimization technique, along with a parameter tuning technique, to find configurations that perform at different instances of the problem, i.e., different hypothetical scenarios that can be used as a reference for future possible situations. Finally, the objective is to present the different solutions graphically, accompanied by relevant information to facilitate the decision-making process of the authorities responsible for the practical implementation of these solutions.

ACL instability poses a significant challenge in traumatology and orthopedic medicine, often requiring accurate diagnosis for appropriate treatment. While the pivot-shift test offers a crucial means of assessment, its reliance on subjective interpretation underscores the need for supplementary imaging studies. This study aims to address this limitation by developing a Bayesian classification algorithm tailored for integration into a mobile application. Using the built-in inertial sensors of smartphones, this new approach aims to dynamically evaluate rotational stability during knee examinations. Orthopedic specialists conducted knee evaluations on 52 subjects, with subsequent analysis revealing interesting insights. Intraobserver and interobserver analyses, as measured by ICC, demonstrated strong agreement both in terms of timing between maneuvers (ICC = 0.94) and signal amplitude (ICC = 0.71-0.66). Notably, the Bayesian algorithm successfully classified 95% of joint hypermobility cases, with an additional 7 cases of hyperlaxity identified by the Pivot-Shift Meter (PSM). These findings highlight the practicality and effectiveness of implementing a Bayesian classification algorithm within a mobile application for assessing and categorizing signals captured by smartphone inertial sensors during the pivot-shift test.

In Mexico there is a deficit in the production of pine resin, because it depends on natural forests. Therefore, it is necessary to select provenances and phenotypes of potential species such as P. oocarpa. The objective was to determine the difference between provenances and the variation of resin components and quality, as well as the effect of geographic and climatic factors. Resin from five provenances was collected from southern Mexico. The percentage of rosin, turpentine and water was obtained, as well as the acidity and saponification index. P. oocarpa resin had 80.94 % rosin, 7.7 % turpentine and 11.49 % water. The saponification and acidity index was 125.47 and 117.49 mg KOH.g_1, respectively. All variables showed differences (p≤ 0.0001) between provenances. The provenance contributed between 6.44 and 11.71 % to the total variance, the error contributed between 88.29 and 93.56 %. Geographic and climatic variables only had an effect on the percentage of turpentine; the correlation was negative with altitude and longitude, but positive with temperature and precipitation. The results allow defining seed collection sites for resin plantations and orienting the selection for a P. oocarpa improvement program.

This paper presents the results of a study on the nature, pace and directions of socio-economic and spatial changes in the Warsaw Metropolitan Area (WMA) related to the suburbanization processes taking place there. In the course of research, data on municipalities from the Local Data Bank were used, and that made it possible to trace the changes occurring in 2002-2021. The selection of ana-lytical characteristics took into account a wide range of socio-economic diversities of the area related to changes in population, construction activity and housing stock, land use and spatial policy, economic and associated with investment attractiveness. The components of diversification were used to develop the typological classes of municipalities. The final result of the study is the identification of the specificity of suburbanization in the OMW which is reflected in the social, economic and spatial aspects of the functioning of municipalities.

The epidemiological situation generated by COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of applying non-pharmacological measures. Among these, mass screening of the asymptomatic general population has been established as a priority strategy by carrying out diagnostic tests to limit the spread of the virus. In this article, we aim to evaluate the economic impact of mass COVID-19 screenings of an asymptomatic population through a Cost-Benefit Analysis based on the estimated total costs of mass screening versus health gains and associated health costs avoided. Excluding the value of monetized health, the Benefit-Cost ratio was estimated at approximately 0.45. However, if monetized health is included in the calculation, the ratio is close to 1.20. The monetization of health is the critical element that tips the scales in favour of the desirability of screening. Screenings with the highest return are those that maximize the percentage of positives detected.

Mining wastes generate a high environmental impact, and population exposure to metals and metalloids. Phytoremediation is a technology that uses plants to remediate polluted sites, one of its limitations is seed germination in soil with high content of metals and metalloids. B. dactyloides is a native specie from semiarid regions, while C. dactylon is an introduced specie, both are tolerant to drought and low temperatures. Owing, the objective of this research was to evaluate the germination of both species, exposed to a multi-polluted soil with As, Cd, Pb and Zn of a mining site, pondering different pH conditions (from 5.0 to 9.0). The study considered 4 repetitions by type of seed and soil pH. B. dactyloides showed higher germination percentage (83%) with pH 7.8; while the greater germination of C. dactylon was 34 % at pH 6.0. In the soil at pH 5, the germination in both species was not reached, owing that metals are more bioavailable in an acid environment. C. dactylon is less tolerant to As, Cd, Pb and Zn, so it is considered not effective for phytoremediation process. B. dactyloides has a high phytoremediation potential for multi-polluted sites, but further experiments are needed.

The difficult current environmental situation, caused by construction industry residues containing ceramic materials could be improved by using these materials as recycled aggregates in mortars, with their processing causing a reduction in their use in landfill, contributing to recycling and also minimizing the consumption of virgin materials. Although some research is currently being carried out into recycled mortars, little is known about their stress-strain (σ-ε); therefore this work will provide the experimental results obtained from recycled mortars with recycled ceramic aggregates (with contents of 0, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 100%), such as: the density, the compression strength, as well as the σ-ε curves representative of their behavior. The values obtained from the analysis process of the results are those of: σ (elastic ranges and failure maximum), ε (elastic ranges and failure maximum), and Resilience and Toughness; in order to finally obtain, through numerical analysis, the equations to predict their behavior (related to their recycled content). At the end of the investigation it is established that mortars with recycled ceramic aggregate contents of up to 20% could be assimilated just like mortars with the usual aggregates, and the prediction equations produced could be used in cases of similar applications.

Dolichandrone spathacea is a rare and endangered semi-mangrove plant species with an extremely small population, naturally distributed only in Zhanjiang City and the east coast of Hainan Island, China. Regrettably, the present situation of the D. spathacea population in China has not yet been carefully investigated. In this study, we aim to evaluate the current resource status and population dynamic characteristics of D. spathacea on Hainan Island, China, in order to propose sustainable conservation and management strategies for future ecological restoration of its natural population. Our results show that D. spathacea on Hainan Island can be divided into four populations. All the D. spathacea populations present a state of overall dispersion, local concentration, and occasionally sporadic existence, and they exist in geographical isolation. The young, middle, and old D. spathacea plants account for 20.42%, 66.20%, and 13.38%, respectively, indicating that the overall age class of the D. spathacea population on Hainan Island belongs to a declining type. Furthermore, instead of temporal structure, we chose diameter at breast height (DBH) to establish a static life table, draw a population survival curve, and quantify the future development trend through population dynamic analysis and time-series prediction. These results directly point out that the D. spathacea population on Hainan Island is sensitive to external disturbances and possesses two main increases in mortality rate—namely, in its juvenile and mature stages—due to weak vitality, competition, and anthropogenic interferences, which are the most important reasons for its endangered status. Depending on the current conditions of the D. spathacea population, we should conserve and expand mature trees in situ, preserve their germplasm resources, rehabilitate their habitats to promote provenance restoration, and conduct artificial cultivation and spreading planting in order to realize the sustainable conservation and management of D. spathacea.

The Ghana Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF), a government-sponsored initiative, plays a pivotal role in providing patient capital to foster entrepreneurship and spur economic development, particularly in emerging markets where traditional funding avenues may be limited. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the VCTF's financial robustness, growth trajectory, and sustainability over a seven-year period from 2016 to 2022. Through an examination of critical financial metrics, growth indicators, and sustainability benchmarks, we scrutinize the fund's financial health, investment strategies, and capacity to bolster the Ghanaian entrepreneurial ecosystem.The analysis reveals nuanced insights into the VCTF's financial performance over the study period. Despite encountering challenges such as negative net profit margins and subdued asset turnover ratios in previous years, the fund showcases resilience and sustainability, particularly as evidenced by notable improvements in 2022. These findings carry implications for management, policymakers, and various stakeholders within the Ghanaian venture capital landscape, offering valuable insights to inform strategic decision-making and policy formulation.

Crop coefficient (Kc), the ratio of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) to reference evapotranspiration (ETo), is used to schedule an efficient irrigation regime. This research was conducted to investigate variations of ETc and growth-stage-specific Kc in a flood-irrigated winter wheat as a forage crop from 2021 to 2023 in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of southern New Mexico, USA, and evaluate the performances of the two temperature-based ETo estimation methods of Hargreaves-Samani and Blaney-Criddle with the widely used Penman-Monteith method. Results indicated that the total ETc over the whole growth stage for flood-irrigated winter wheat was 556.4 mm on a two-year average, while the average deep percolation (DP) was 2.93 cm and 2.77 cm, accounting for 28.8% and 27.2% of applied irrigation water, respectively in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 growing seasons. The ETo over the growing season computed by Penman-Monteith, Hargreaves-Samani, and Blaney-Criddle equations were 867.0 mm, 1015.0 mm, and 856.2 mm in 2021-22, and 785.6 mm, 947.0 mm, and 800.1 mm in 2022-23, respectively. The Hargreaves-Samani method performed better than the Blaney-Criddle method with higher statistical indicators of model efficiency coefficient (CE), and smaller mean bias error (MBE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the root mean square error (RMSE) in both growing seasons. The result of a global sensitivity analysis showed that the mean temper-ature is main driving factor for estimated ETo based on Blaney-Criddle and Hargreaves-Samani, but the sensitivity percentage for Blaney-Criddle was 76.9%, which was much higher than that of 48.9% for Hargreaves-Samani, given that Blaney-Criddle method is less accurate in ETo estimation for this area especially during the hottest season from May to August. In contrast, wind speed and maximum temperature were the main driving factors for the Penman-Monteith method, with sensitivity percentages of 70.9% and 21.9%, respectively. The two-year average crop coefficient (Kc) values at the initial, mid, and late growth stage were 0.54, 1.1, and 0.54 based on Penman-Monteith, 0.51, 1.0 and 0.46 based on Blaney-Criddle, and 0.52, 1.2 and 0.56 based on Hargreaves-Samani. Results showed that the Hargreaves-Samani equation serves as an alternative tool to predict ETo when fewer meteorological variables are available. The calculated local growth-stage-specific Kc can help improve irrigation water management in this region.

Within the field of nanomedicine, which is revolutionizing cancer treatment, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have shown advantages over conventional chemotherapy when tested on cancer cells in preclinical studies. SLNs have proven to be an innovative strategy for the treatment of tri-ple-negative breast cancer cells, providing greater efficiency than existing treatments in various studies. The encapsulation of antineoplastic drugs in SLNs has facilitated a sustained, controlled, and targeted release, which enhances therapeutic efficiency and reduces adverse effects. Moreover, the surface of SLNs can be modified to increase efficiency. For instance, the coating of these particles with polyethylene glycol (PEG) decreases their opsonization, resulting in a longer life in the circulatory system. The creation of positively charged cationic SLNs (cSLNs), achieved by the utilization of surfactants or ionic lipids with positively charged structural groups, increases their affinity for cell membranes and plasma proteins. Hyaluronic acid has been added to SLNs, so that the distinct pH of tumor cells, would stimulate the release of the drug and/or genetic materi-al. The current revision summarizes the recent research on SLNs, focusing on the encapsulation and transport of therapeutic agents with a cytotoxic effect on triple-negative breast cancer.

Our study utilized density functional theory (DFT) to explore a 2D MoP2 surface for hydrogen storage. Optimization determined a gravimetric capacity for pristine MoP2 of 5.72%, with an adsorption energy of ‒ 0.13 eV/molecule. For this surface with 12.5% Mo vacancies, we achieved 6.02% and ‒ 0.14 eV/molecule. We then introduced a novel criterion to test the attraction forces in hydrogen storage at a given temperature. This involved a first-principles molecular dynamics approach at various temperatures. To determine the number of molecules adsorbed on the surface at temperature T1, we conducted an FPMD calculation at T1, using the optimization as the initial system configuration. Subsequently, we performed a second FPMD calculation at a temperature T2 (with T2 ‹‹ T1), using the stable configuration of the first FPMD calculation as the initial configuration. If there were attraction forces on the molecules, they would move towards the surface. We identified as adsorbed molecules at temperature T1, only those that moved back toward the surface at temperature T2. The defective surface gave the best gravimetric capacity, ranging from 5.27% at 300 K to 6.02% at 77 K. The latter met the requirement from the US-DOE, indicating the potential practical application of our research in hydrogen storage.

In the process of sewage coagulation treatment, quartz sand is often used as a heavy medium to accelerate the settling rate of flocs, but it will adversely affect the removal efficiency of pollutants. The factors that affect the coagulation effect and can be controlled manually include the quartz sand dosage, coagulant dosage, sewage pH, stirring time, settling time, etc, their reasonable setting is critical to. This paper was to study the optimal conditions of quartz sand enhanced coagulation(QSEC), first, single-factor tests were conducted to preliminarily explore the optimal range of influencing factors, and then response surface methodology（RSM）tests were performed to accurately determine the optimums of significant factors. The results showed that the addition of quartz sand can’t improve the water quality of coagulation treatment, but it can significantly accelerate the coagulation settlement process, the quartz sand dosage, the coagulant dosage and sewage pH all impacted significantly on its coagulation effect, and existed inflection points. A model that could guide QSEC was obtained by RSM tests. The model optimization and experimental validation showed that the optimal QSEC conditions for treating domestic sewage were as follows: the polyaluminum chloride(PAC) dosage, cationic polyacrylamide(CPAM) dosage, the sewage pH, quartz sand dosage, stirring time and settling time were 0.97 g·L-1, 2.25 mg·L-1, 7.22, 2 g·L-1, 5 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively, and the turbidity of treated sewage was reduced to 1.15 NTU.

Systemic inflammation and immunodeficiency are the key components of Cirrhosis Associated Immune Dysfunction (CAID); its severity is dynamic and progressive and is associated with the greater deterioration of the liver function. There are two different immune phenotypes: the low-grade systemic inflammation phenotype and the high-grade systemic inflammation phenotype. Each of these phenotypes is related with the function of liver cirrhosis; thus, the presence of high-grade inflammation is correlated with the severity of the hepatic insufficiency, the bacterial translocation, and the organic insufficiency, with which the risk of infections increases and the prognosis worsens. Bacterial translocation plays a relevant role in the persistent systemic inflammation in patients with cirrhosis; the prophylactic employment of antibiotics is useful for reducing events of infection and mortality.

Available options to combat bacterial infections are getting scarce. We require innovative and imaginative approaches to enhance the identification and discovery of effective antimicrobials capable of combating bacteria resistant to multiple or all available drugs. These methods should either directly eliminate the resistant bacteria or influence their viability indirectly by inhibiting their virulence or reducing their resistance to antibacterial agents. One interesting approach is to analyze ancient remedies presumably used to treat bacterial infections, try formulating them, and test them against modern microbes. The field was recently named ancientbiotics. This approach allows us to take advantage of centuries of accumulated empirical knowledge, from several traditional medicines of various ancient cultures across the world. The strategy has already resulted in promising formulations to combat the ESKAPE group of nosocomial pathogens. Moreover, molecular de-extinction consists of genome analysis of extinct species in the search for useful antimicrobials, such as peptides. The de-extinction of simple organisms such as bacteriophages may eventually become a resource for novel tools to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this review, we summarize and discuss the reported antimicrobial effects of ancient remedies and de-extinct molecules known to modern science, and discuss possible new strategies to further harness the potential of past remedies and molecules to help us fight the rise of superbugs.

Recently, a concept known as μTRISTAN, which involves the acceleration of μ+, has been proposed. This initiative has led to considerations of a new design for a neutrino factory. Additionally, leveraging the polarization of μ+, measurements of T violation in neutrino oscillations are also being explored. In this paper, we present analytical expressions for T violation in neutrino oscillations within the framework of standard three flavor neutrino oscillations, a scenario involving nonstandard interactions, and a case of unitarity violation. We point out that examining the energy spectrum of T violation may be useful for probing new physics effects.

Transition from basic to higher education is regarded as a ‘juggle of many balls’ because students ought to balance between theoretical and clinical requirements, including social life. As a result, a significant number of undergraduate first-year nursing students succumb to these challenges due to lack of coping mechanisms emanating from poor resilience. As a result, the aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence resilience among undergraduate first-year nursing students at a South African university. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive research design was followed. Data was collected using an adapted self-administered online questionnaire. Principal component analysis extraction method and Varimax rotation were used to analyse data. A total of 123 participants completed the questionnaire. The eigenvalues showed that the first factor explained 23.9% of the variance, the second factor 11.2%, a third factor 7.5% while the fourth factor explained 5.9% of the variance. The fifth until the eight factor had eigenvalues greater than 1 but less than 2. This study showed that resilience can be dependent on various factors such as lecture support, parental support, academic achievement, peer and mentor support, optimism about the future and being self-determined.

The impact of propeller effects and power contribution on the aerodynamics of small aircraft is indispensable. The aerodynamic analysis of wings in flight varies from rigid wing analysis due to wing deflection caused by transferred aerodynamic loads. This paper investigates the intertwined influence of propeller effects and elasticity on the aerodynamics of small propeller-driven aircraft. Through a detailed methodology, a twin-engine propeller-driven aircraft is analyzed as a case study, providing insights into the proposed approach. Two critical analyses are presented: an examination of propeller effects in rigid aircraft and the incorporation of elastic wing properties. The former establishes a foundational understanding of aerodynamic behaviour, while the latter explores the impact of wing elasticity on performance. Validation is achieved through comparative analysis with wind tunnel test results from a similar rigid structure aircraft. Utilizing NASTRAN software, aerodynamic analysis of the elastic aircraft is conducted, complemented by semi-empirical insights. The results highlight the importance of these factors across different angles of attack. Furthermore, deviations from the rigid aircraft configuration emphasize the considerable influence of static aeroelasticity analysis, notably increasing longitudinal characteristics by approximately 20%, while showing a lower impact of 5% in lateral-directional characteristics. This study contributes to enhanced design and operational considerations for small propeller-driven aircraft, with implications for future research and innovation, particularly for the purpose of efficient concepts in advanced air mobility.

Air pollution includes particle-bound Polycyclic Aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which eventually reach the placenta triggering adverse perinatal outcomes by long-term exposure. Late-ly, air pollution has increased over the Metropolitan Area of Medellin-Colombia (MAMC) but its effects on pregnancy are still unknown. In this research, we made a real-time analysis of airborne total PAHs using a photoelectric sensor for residential places influenced by industrial and traffic sources contrasting southern and northern MAMC during the second peak of the bimodal ten-dency for PM2.5 emissions in this region. Additionally, we analyzed individual PAHs by GC/MS coupled to pressurized hot water extraction methodology. Data was applied in an Inhalation In-take Model to assess pregnancy exposure. The average concentration of PAHs over southern MAMC was three times higher than over northern MAMC where the abortion rate has been 1.4 times higher presented in database. Previous research found that PAHs act as an Endo-crine-Disrupting Chemical (EDC) during pregnancy and even heavy congeners could reside in umbilical cord blood. Finally, the annual series of abortion rates in the MAMC showed a signifi-cant correlation with the annual average levels of PM2.5 which are associate to PAHs. Although this significant correlation does not imply causality, our results suggest an important connection between both variables. This latter finding opens a gap in deeply understanding how regions with high PAHs-convergence influences abortion rates in MAMC.

The population’s mobility in urban areas is a necessary variable in the modeling of risk scenarios caused by atmospheric contamination. The inclusion of this concept makes static models more dynamic while considering people within a city to be an entity with complex mobility processes. We propose a conceptual and methodological tool to make the representation of the social, economic and territorial components, as well as the patterns in the population´s mobility to delimitate risk areas for human health by exposure of contaminants. In the volatile organic compounds (VOC), benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene and xylene (BTEX) are amongst the most dominant substances in fugitive vapor emissions in gas stations (GS). In urban areas, the exposure to BTEX by residential proximity and proximity to other facilities, which cause intra-urban agglomeration, can impact and affect human health. This model seeks to facilitate the focalization, identification and prioritization of risk areas by BTEX environmental contamination. This article goes beyond de conceptual framework. It suggests methodological and instrumental aspects to be applied in other cities. The government agencies must consider these results when establishing rules, permissions and procedures to reduce environmental pollution for managing the risk in a complex urban environment.

Although the water absorption feature (WAF) at 970 nm is not very well-defined, it may be used alongside other indices to estimate the canopy water content. The individual performance of a number of existing vegetation water content (VWC) indices against the WAF is assessed using linear regression model. We developed a new Combined Vegetation Water Index (CVWI) by merging indices to boost the weak absorption feature. CVWI showed a promise in assessing the vegetation water status derived from the 970 nm absorption wavelength. CVWI was able to differentiate two groups of dataset when regressed against the absorption feature. CVWI could be seen as an easy and robust method for vegetation water content studies using hyperspectral field data.

In the whole world, including Mexico, the rising prevalence of diabetes poses significant challenges to healthcare systems, with a notable impact on hospital admissions even being an ambulatory care sensitive condition, that means, hospital admissions are avoidable. Traditional healthcare methodologies have been instrumental in managing diabetes and preventing complications, yet they often face limitations such as merging, cleansing, and outlier analysis of health data to identify and address diseases effectively. This paper aims to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive comparison of the methodologies used in healthcare and data science for this purpose. This work uses hospital diabetes discharge records from 2010 to 2023, a total of 36,665,793 records, which belong to medical units of the Ministry of Health of Mexico. In this work, we seek to provide the arguments why as a data scientist it is mandatory to learn the field of knowledge of the problem and its implications if this is not done, and therefore to disclose insights that can help in policy decisions and reduce the burden of avoidable hospitalizations. The approach is mainly based on the standardization or adjust rates by sex and age groups. This study provides the foundations for a new way of data scientist must deal with health data.

The wellness economy has developed rapidly recently, particularly in wellness tourism. Wellness tourism transforms sustainable strategy through the availability of extended multi-actor engagement in service innovation to further the tourism experience. Therefore, when operating a wellness tourism destination, it is necessary to encourage multi-actor engagement in service innovation to achieve sustainable development. This paper introduces a mixed research method with the SWOT-AHP-QSPM, as it qualitatively analyzes the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities, and threats, constructs an evaluation index system, conducts quantitative analysis using the analytic hierarchy process, determines the index weight and weighted score, and calculate the sustainable development strategy, which is appropriate for wellness development of Chongqing Tea Mountain and Bamboo Forest National Forest Park. Purposive field surveys and personal interviews were conducted in Chongqing forest tourism destinations, involving 356 effective respondents. The research reveals that multi-actor engagement significantly enhances sustainable development. These findings bridge service innovation knowledge gaps and provide valuable insights for forest tourism destination management and sustainable policy strategies to elevate multi-actor engagement in forest sites.

In this paper we propose a module that uses features learned by a deep convolutional neural network to infer areas of corrosion and segment pixels to corrosion areas of inspection interest. Our segmentation module is based on eigen tree decomposition and information based decision criteria. To interrogate performance we use several state-of-the-art deep learning architectures and compare to our approach. The results indicate that our method produces better results in terms of accuracy and precision, whilst maintaining good (f-score) significance over the entire dataset.

MiR-204 is a small noncoding RNA with diverse regulatory roles in breast cancer (BC) development and progression. miR-204 is implicated in the instauration of fundamental traits acquired during the multistep development of BC known as hallmarks of cancer. It may act as a potent tumor suppressor by inhibiting key cellular processes like angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, invasion, migration, and metastasis. It achieves this by targeting multiple master genes involved in these processes, including HIF-1α, β-catenin, VEGFA, FAK, FOXA1, among others. Additionally, miR-204 modulates signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT and interacts with HOTAIR and DSCAM-AS1 lncRNAs, further influencing tumor progression. Beyond its direct effects on tumor cells, miR-204 shapes the tumor microenvironment by regulating immune cell infiltration, suppressing pro-tumorigenic cytokine production, and potentially influencing immunotherapy response. Moreover, miR-204 plays a crucial role in metabolic reprogramming by directly suppressing metabolic genes within tumor cells, indirectly affecting metabolism through exosome signaling, and remodeling metabolic flux within the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to present an update on the current knowledge regarding the role of miR-204 in the hallmarks of BC. In conclusion, miR-204 is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker in BC, emphasizing the need for further research to fully elucidate its complex roles in orchestrating aggressive BC behavior.

The aim of this study was to assess precipitation (P) by analyzing data from in situ stations compared with those from solely remote sensing products CHIRP and CMORPH, with a reference station in the city. The evapotranspiration (ET) was analyzed directly using SSEBop. The region chosen for this study was the Metropolitan Area of Belem (MAB), close to the estuary of the Amazon River and the mouth of the Tocantins River. Belem is the rainiest state capital of Brazil, which causes a myriad of problems for the local population. The monthly best fit is shown here. In this study, we analyzed P and ET from local stations and compared them with those from satellite products. The main metrics RMSE, NRMSE, MBE, R2, Slope, and NS were used. For the reference station, the automatic and conventional CHIRP and CMORPH results, in mm/month, were as follows: automatic CHIRP: RMSE = 93,3, NRMSE = 0.32, MBE = −33,54, R2 = 0.7048, Slope = 0.945, NS = 0.5668; CMORPH: RMSE = 195,93, NRMSE = 0.37, MBE = −52,86, R2 = 0.6731, Slope = 0.93, NS = 0.4344; conventional station CHIRP: RMSE = 94.87, NRMSE = 0.32, MBE = −33.54, R2 = 0.7048, Slope = 0.945, NS = 0.5668; CMORPH: RMSE = 105.58, NRMSE = 0.38, MBE = −59.46 R2 = 0.7728, Slope = 1.007, NS = 0.4308. This was compared with the pixel and in situ station data. The ET ranges, on average, between 83 mm/month in the Amazonian summer and 112 mm/month in the Amazonian winter. This work concludes that, although CMORPH has a coarser resolution of 0.25° compared to CHIP’s 0.05° for MAB at a monthly resolution, the remote sensing products were reliable. SSEBop also showed reliable performance. For analyses of the consistency of precipitation time series, these products could provide more accurate information.

Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that transforms high-strength organic effluents into biogas with multiple benefits. However, concurrent with organics' biological transformation, a liquid phase with a high solid content is also derived from this process. Valorizing this fraction is not an easy task if an agronomic application cannot be considered as a suitable option. The thermal valorization of this fraction allows for energy extraction, but also gives rise to additional capital investment and increases the energy demand of the global process. In addition, the thermal treatment of digestate has to deal with a mineralized material. The changes in organic matter due to anaerobic stabilization were studied in the present manuscript, by evaluating the thermal behavior of samples, activation energy and organic transformation using FTIR spectroscopy. Digested samples of a mixture composed of manure and glycerin (5% v/v) were studied. The stabilization caused a dramatic decrease in aliphatic compounds, greatly increasing the mineral content of the sample. Thermal valorization of digestates must consider the lower energy content and more complex structure of these materials, with higher content of lignin and protein-type compounds.

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in innate immunity, particularly in combating infections and tumors. However, in hematological cancers, NK cells often exhibit impaired functions. Therefore, it is very important to activate its endosomal toll-like receptors (TLRs) as a potential strategy to restore its antitumor activity. We stimulate NK cells from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and NK cells isolated, the NK cells were stimulated with specific TLR ligands (Poly I:C, Imiquimod, R848, and ODN2006) and evaluated changes in IFN-γ, CD107a, NKG2D, NKp44 expression, Granzyme B secretion, cytokine/chemokine release, and cytotoxic activity. Results revealed that Poly I:C and Imiquimod enhanced activation of both immunoregulatory and cytotoxic NK cells, increasing IFN-γ, CD107a, NKG2D, and NKp44 expression. R848 activated immunoregulatory NK cells, while ODN2006 boosted CD107a, NKp44, NKG2D, and IFN-γ secretion in cytotoxic NK cells. R848 also increased secretion of various cytokines/chemokines. Importantly, R848 and ODN 2006 significantly improved cytotoxicity against leukemic cells. Overall, TLR stimulation enhances NK cell activation, suggesting TLR8 (R848) and TLR9 (ODN 2006) ligands as promising candidates for antitumor immunotherapy.

Random variations in microelectronic circuit structures represent the source of entropy for physical unclonable functions (PUFs). In this paper, we investigate delay variations that occur through the routing network and switch matrices of a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The delay variations are isolated from other components of the programmable logic, e.g., Look-up tables (LUTs), flip-flops (FFs), etc. using a feature of Xilinx FPGAs called dynamic partial reconfiguration (DPR). A set of partial designs are created that fix the placement of a time-to-digital converter (TDC) and supporting infrastructure to enable the path delays through the target interconnect and switch matrices to be extracted by subtracting out common-mode delay components. Delay variations are analyzed in the different levels of routing resources available within FPGAs, i.e., local routing and across chip routing. Data is collected from a set of Xilinx Zynq 7010 devices, and a statistical analysis of within-die variations in delay through a set of the randomly-generated and hand-crafted interconnects is presented.

I deduce an exact and analytic Bianchi type I solution of Einstein’s field equations which generalizes the isotropic ΛCDM universe model to a corresponding model with anisotropic expansion. The main point of the article is to present the anisotropic generalization of the ΛCDM universe model in a way suitable for investigating how anisotropic expansion modifies observable properties of the ΛCDM universe model. Although such generalizations of the isotropic ΛCDM universe model have been considered earlier, they have never been presented in this form before. Several physical properties of the model are pointed out and compared with properties of special cases such as the isotropic ΛCDM universe model. The solution is then used to investigate the Hubble tension. It has recently been suggested that that the cosmic large scale anisotropy may solve the Hubble tension. I consider those earlier suggestions and find that the formulae of these papers lead to the result that the anisotropy of the cosmic expansion is too small to solve the Hubble tension. Then I investigate the problem in a new way, using the exact solution of the field equations. This gives the result that the cosmic expansion anisotropy is still too small to solve the Hubble tension in the general Bianchi type I universe with dust and LIVE (Lorentz Invariant Vacuum Energy with a constant energy density which is represented by the cosmological constant) and anisotropic expansion in all three directions – even if one neglects the constraints coming from the requirement that the anisotropy should be sufficiently small, so that it does not have any significant effect upon the results coming from the calculations of the comic nucleosynthesis during the first ten minutes of the universe. If this constraint is taken into account, the cosmic expansion anisotropy is much too small to solve the Hubble tension.

The integration of commodities into stock exchanges marked a pivotal moment in the analysis of price dynamics. Commodities, essential for both daily sustenance and industrial processes, encompass hard commodities like metals and energy, alongside soft commodities such as agricultural produce. This paper investigates the implications of commodity price volatility on commercial and financial landscapes, recognizing its profound impact on global economies. This study employs a meticulous methodology, delineated into four stages: identification, control, and final selection of academic articles, culminating in their tabulation. Methodologically, a literature review serves as the primary tool for data acquisition, with a focus on existing scientific knowledge to bridge gaps and propose avenues for further inquiry. Drawing from reliable sources, including Google Scholar and Science Direct, the research navigates through a wealth of scholarly discourse on commodity market dynamics. By analyzing trends in academic publications, particularly focusing on the interplay between volatility spillover and gold, this paper provides insights into the evolution of research paradigms over time. Ultimately, this paper not only synthesizes existing knowledge but also identifies lacunae for future investigation, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding commodity markets and their ramifications on global economies.

The development of devices for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) of the lunar surface powder (regolith) by means of microwaves needs regolith simulants with electromagnetic properties similar to the lunar regolith. This document deals with the measurement of complex permittivity and dielectric loss tangent of the aforementioned simulants at ambient temperature from 400 MHz to 20 GHz. In addition, further studies are carried out taking into account humidity of the samples and their densities. The obtained results will be applicable for comparing the measured values of EAC-1A and JSC-2A among them and with other previously measured simulants and real samples. The measurements are carried out applying two different nonresonant techniques: Open- Ended Coaxial Probe (OECP) and Transmission Line. For this purpose, the DAK and EpsiMu commercial kits were respectively used.

Solid polymer electrolytes and composite polymer electrolytes serve as crucial components in all-solid-state energy storage devices. Structural batteries and supercapacitors present a promising alternative for electric vehicles, integrating structural functionality with energy storage capability. However, despite their potential, these applications are hampered by various challenges, particularly in the realm of developing new solid polymer electrolytes that require more investigations. In this study, novel solid polymer electrolytes and composite polymer electrolytes were synthesized using epoxy resin blends, ionic liquid, lithium salt, and alumina nanoparticles, and subsequently characterized. Among the formulations tested, the optimal system, designated as L70P30ILE40Li1MAl2 and containing 40 wt.% of ionic liquid and 5.7 wt.% of lithium salt, exhibited exceptional mechanical properties. It displayed a remarkable storage modulus of 1.2 GPa and reached ionic conductivities of 0.085 mS/cm at 60°C. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept supercapacitor was fabricated, demonstrating the practical application of the developed electrolyte system.

In this work, several random Boolean networks (RBN) are generated and analyzed from two characteristics: their time evolution diagram and their transition diagram. To do this, its randomness is estimated using three measures, of which Algorithmic Complexity is the only one capable of both a) revealing transitions towards the chaotic regime, and b) disclosing the algorithmic contribution of certain states to the transition diagram and their relationship with the order they occupy in the temporal evolution of the respective RBN. The results obtained from both types of analysis are useful for the introduction of both Algorithmic Complexity and Perturbation Analysis in the context of Boolean networks, and their potential applications in regulatory network models.

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

Despite of being an exceptionally biodiversity rich country, the forest coverage of Bangladesh is declining at an alarming rate. Declaration and management of protected areas in this regard is one of the efforts from government side to tackle the loss of biodiversity. The limited numbers of forest-protected areas (FPA), established to conserve the dwindling forest biodiversity of the country with high pressure on them for timber, non-timber forest products, and fuelwood - makes their management challenging. Moreover, most of the FPAs of the country declared only in the recent decades with very limited infrastructure, manpower and policy support for monitoring and governance. Some people-centred approaches for the management of FPAs and alternative livelihood and income generation subsidies although made available through a few project interventions, their number are still inadequate and performance remains less than satisfactory. This chapter provides a critical review of the FPAs of Bangladesh looking at their role in biodiversity conservation, management challenges, and key lessons from previous management interventions with recommendations for the future. It has been revealed that the FPA system of Bangladesh still poorly represents the diverse forest ecosystems with relatively small forest size and lack of corridors for the movement of wildlife. There are ample opportunities to render co-management of FPAs an effective strategy to minimize the conflicts in FPAs management in the country. It is, however, important to ensure the access of local forest-dependent people to different alternative income generating options that may adequately support their livelihoods.

Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) systems are garnering attention as high-efficiency air conditioning technologies that contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. This study focuses on an ATES system constructed in Japan, characterized by its complex geological conditions and thin aquifer layers. Through performance analysis using four years of operational data, we achieved a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 5 on the building load side. This paper confirms the equivalence of the dimensionless production temperature and heat recovery rate, observing nearly identical changes in the dimensionless production temperature over four cycles (eight seasons). Furthermore, we propose an operational method for the following fiscal year that maintains the balance between accumulated storage quantity and pumping volume, based on predictions from this plant's operational pattern.

The expansion of food production is getting more important due to a rising world population, which is relying on food security on a regional and local scale. Intensive food production systems create a negative impact on the regional ecosystem because of agrochemical pollution and nutrient rich water discharges into nearby rivers. Furthermore, these systems are highly depending on regional water resources causing water scarcity and soil erosion due to the overexploitation of natural resources in general. The objective of this article is to review the water usage in the two most water intensive food production systems, agriculture and aquaculture showing lacking areas, like system management and climate change, which must be considered in the implementation of sustainable water footprint. In addition, the review includes an analysis if the combination of both production system into aquaponic food production and the possibilities of water saving. There are a variety of water footprint analyses for crop and aquatic animal production, but there is also a lack of information about the system management including irrigation systems, system cleaning processes, water substitution, pond removal, evaporation due to climate change and especially in aquaculture, the water footprint of industrial elaborated fish feed.

Background: Boronic acids form di-ester bonds with cis-hydroxyl groups in carbohydrates. The formation of these adducts could impair the physical and chemical properties of the precursors, even their biological activity. Methods: Two carbohydrate-derivatives from D-fructose and D-arabinose and phenylboronic acid were synthesized in a straightforward one-step procedure and chemically characterized by spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction crystallography. Also, an acute toxicity test was performed to determine their Lethal Dose50 (LD50) by using the Lorke’s method. Results: Analytical chemistry assays confirmed adducts by the generation of the diester bonds with a β-D-pyranose of carbohydrates, including signals corresponding to the formation of new bonds, like the stretching of B-O bonds. The NMR spectra yielded information about the stereoselectivity in the synthesis reaction by the finding of just one signal in the range for the anomeric carbon in the 13C NMR spectra of both adducts. The acute toxicity tests showed that LD50 value for both compounds is 1265 mg/kg, while Effective Dose 50 for sedation is 531 mg/kg. However, differences were in the onset and lapse of sedation. Conclusions: These adducts are bioactive and highly safe agents. Further biological evaluation is desirable to explore medical purposes.

The Metropolitan Economic Freedom Index (MEFI) ranks cities based on their support of free market enterprise. In its current state, MEFI purports to measure three constructs (government spending, taxation, and labor market freedom) with three equally weighted variables for each one, assuming perfect substitutability of variables. This study investigates the statistical consistency of MEFI through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Multiple models investigate current variable selection by providing a potentially better indicator of labor market freedom, aggregation assumptions by removing the requirements for fixed and equal weights, and statistical consistency by evaluating the fit between the data and models. Results indicate that the current MEFI model is not statistically consistent with the data, that weighting of variables should not be equal, that variable selection should be investigated, and that constructs should be re-imagined. The models investigated provide an initial starting point for redefining MEFI.

In Mexico viticulture represents the second source of employment in the agricultural area after the fruit and vegetable sector. In developed countries, remote sensing is widely used for vineyard monitoring, however, this tool is barely used in developing countries of Iberoamerica. In this re-search, our overall objective is to characterize two vineyards in the state of Queretaro (Mexico) using Sentinel-2 and meteorological data, specifically spectral and thermal indices. Results showed that spectral indices obtained from Sentinel-2 bands have characterized adequately the phenolog-ical evolution of the different varieties of the vineyards. The Modified Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI) was adequately used to discriminate the first stages of vineyards, while the Nor-malized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was useful to monitor vineyards during the rest stages of vineyards. Thermal indices have shown that the best grape varieties were those that can adapt to both cooler and warmer temperatures, have a reasonable ripening period, and can produce wines with balanced acidity and flavors. In conclusion, the combination of meteorological (including thermal indices) and remote sensing data (NDVI and MSAVI) provide information for choosing the suitable grape variety for this region.

Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIases) are present in a wide variety of microorganisms, including protozoan parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Trichomonas vaginalis, Leishmania major, Leishmania donovani, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia intestinalis, all of which cause important neglected diseases. PPIases are classified as cyclophilins, FKBPs, or parvulins and play crucial roles in catalyzing the cis-trans isomerization of the peptide bond preceding a proline residue. This activity assists in correct protein folding. However, the biological structure‒function characterization of PPIases from these protozoan parasites is still incomplete. The recombinant production of these enzymes is highly relevant for this ongoing research. In this review, we explore the structural diversity, functions, recombinant production, and activity and inhibition of protozoan PPIases. We also highlight their potential as biotechnological tools for the in vitro refolding of other recombinant proteins from these parasites. These applications are invaluable for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

Solar energy is one of the most important renewable energy sources for many settings, such as households, solar-powered vehicles, power grid support, etc. However, the amount of solar energy produced is directly proportional to the surface area of the solar panel exposed to the sun rays, and so the challenges arise for the space required to install solar panels in order to get maximum area coverage of sun radiation energy absorption in constricted spaces such as vehicles powered by solar, small residential apartments, etc. The challenge with solar energy is that once a plate is installed, the space under it or above it cannot be used for another solar panel installation. This is due to the fact that the shadow cast by the above solar panel or structure prevents sun rays from reaching the below solar panel. The introduction of flexible solar panels that can take on any shape has given us the opportunity to explore the possibility of maximising solar plate surface area using surface manifold techniques. In this optimisation study, the constraint is that we have a space with fixed dimensions of length, width, and height, and the objective is to maximise the surface area of the panel within the given space dimensions to maximise solar energy absorption. Thus, this paper then proposes curving the panel surface and/or protruding the surfaces of the panel using the concept of a topology surface manifold to maximise the surface area: Protruding panel surface with shapes such as pyramidal, cone, hemisphere, sinusoidal wavy curve, etc. are analysed to check if the panel surface increases at all. The geometrical design result shows that the panel surface can increase by more than 20%. Although this paper only presents concept work and details of experimental design are yet to be performed, it should also be noted that curving surfaces have drawbacks, such as some protruding parts of solar panels when the plate is tilted, not facing the sun directly, which may cast shadows on parts of the solar panel, causing hindrance.