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This paper evaluates the stress changes and settlements following dissipation of local, 3D excess pore pressure fields induced by controlled blasting. Field data gathered during a blasting experiment in medium dense sand deposits at the Port of Portland, Oregon, were used to validate the numerical simulations. The field measurements included cone penetration tests, excess pore pressure (ue), dissipation, and ground surface and subsurface settlements. The proposed numerical framework consisted of a 2D finite-element approach using a critical state–based hypoplasticity constitutive soil model capable of reproducing changes in void ratio, thus capturing soil densification to study soil arching mechanisms as a result of the dissipation of the local ue field. The soil parameters were calibrated to match laboratory test results performed on reconstituted specimens of medium dense sand and intact specimens of medium stiff silt obtained at the project site. The methodology was validated using the field measurements in terms of changes in tip resistance, shear wave velocities, and distribution of ground surface and subsurface volumetric strains and displacements. The field measurements and numerical results were used to draw conclusions regarding the variability of the postdissipation stress field within the blasted area due to soil arching. The main variables contributing to the development of liquefaction-induced soil arching as a result of controlled blasting were analyzed in a parametric study. The effects of the extent of the blasting zone as a function of the width-to-height ratio (W/H) and blasting intensity quantified with the excess pore pressure ratio (ru) were investigated. Results of the parametric study include the identification of significant reductions in mean effective stresses occurring within the blasting zone for small W/H ratios regardless of the input ru. A discussion regarding blast-induced cone tip resistance (qt) changes with time to explain qt reductions through the lens of case histories and implications for soil arching concludes this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we employ the potent technique of Lie group analysis to derive analytical solutions for the (3+1)-extended Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (3D-EKP) equation. The systematic application of this method enables the identification of Lie point symmetries associated with the equation, leading to the derivation of an optimal system of one-dimensional subalgebras relevant to the equation. This optimal system is utilized to obtain several invariant solutions. The Lie group method is subsequently applied to the reduced governing equations derived from the given equation. We complement our findings with Mathematica simulations illustrating some of the obtained solutions. Furthermore, a direct approach is used to investigate local conservation laws. Importantly, our study addresses a gap in the exploration of the 3D-EXP equation using group theoretic methods, making our findings novel in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of crude oil (CO) on plant height, number of total leaves, and basal diameter for 27 weeks, and at week 27 on leaf area, number of total roots, root length, root dry matter, aerial dry matter, bacterial population, actinomycetes, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungy (AMF), and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) removal to propose indices as a basis for toxicity protocols and phytoremediation technologies using Jatropha curcas L. A microtunnel experiment was established for 27 weeks to evaluate the effect of seven doses of oil on the plant. CO inhibited the height and number of leaves, a longer time in the adaptation phase and a shorter time in the linear phase, compared to the control. The basal diameter showed adaptation in the linear phase in all treatments and was stimulated by the first four doses of CO at weeks 19 to 27. Plant height, total leaves, and dry matter, at week 27, were inhibited by CO, with relative toxicity indexes < 1, but leaf area, basal diameter, total roots, and root length were stimulated, with RTI ≥ 1. The population of heterotrophic and hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, hydrocarbonoclastic fungi, and AMF were stimulated by CO, but the only highly significant positive correlation was between TPH removal and the percentage of hyphae, arbuscules, vesicles, and AMF. The highest removal was in soil with 4 g/kg CO. We conclude that J. curcas is adapted to low oil concentrations. We suggest its use in toxicity and phytoremediation protocols of clay soil contaminated with CO in the Mexican humid tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize the physicochemical and nutritional compounds of meal made from shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus L.) exoskeleton, obtained through hot air dehydration processes, in order to value new products and applications, according to their nutritional components. Design/Methodology/Approach: Shrimp producers from Alvarado, Veracruz, were interviewed using a quantitative approach with a descriptive scope. Likewise, shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus L.) shells were dehydrated and powdered to transform them into meal. The proximate chemical composition was analyzed to determine its nutritional composition and its macro and micronutrients, as well as to identify the deficiencies or excesses of certain nutrients. The general public and local ranchers were surveyed and interviewed to establish the opinions, preferences, and behaviors of consumers regarding meal by-products, in order to evaluate their market acceptance. Results: In Alvarado, Veracruz, 2.5 tons of shrimp shell are wasted. The meal obtained from these shells has a high protein (45.40%) and mineral content, which includes Ca (11.17%), Na (6.86%), Fe (237 mg/Kg-1), and Zn (77 mg/Kg-1). Therefore, this nutrient content guarantees the quality of the protein input that is acquired and the food that is provided. Study Limitations/Implications: Access to outdated statistical information, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, hindered the collection of relevant data. Likewise, the lack of interest of the producers in monitoring the project and the limited participation and knowledge of the workers represented a significant challenge to the progress of the study. Findings/Conclusions: The meal under study contained nutritional elements, making it a product with high nutritional quality that could add value to shrimp waste and that has potential applications in the food industry, in the production of fertilizers, and in the formulation of balanced feed for animals. Consequently, it would contribute to the reduction of pollution in the Alvarado lagoon system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista del Museo de Antropología is the property of Museo de Antropologia - IDACOR and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper shows the development of a virtual environment for a mobile robotic system with the ability to recognize basic voice commands, which are oriented to the recognition of a valid command of bring or take an object from a specific destination in residential spaces. The recognition of the voice command and the objects with which the robot will assist the user, is performed by a machine vision system based on the capture of the scene, where the robot is located. In relation to each captured image, a convolutional network based on regions is used with transfer learning, to identify the objects of interest. For human-robot interaction through voice, a convolutional neural network (CNN) of 6 convolution layers is used, oriented to recognize the commands to carry and bring specific objects inside the residential virtual environment. The use of convolutional networks allowed the adequate recognition of words and objects, which by means of the associated robot kinematics give rise to the execution of carry/bring commands, obtaining a navigation algorithm that operates successfully, where the manipulation of the objects exceeded 90%. Allowing the robot to move in the virtual environment even with the obstruction of objects in the navigation path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A semiempirical method to determine ground deformations and vibrations induced by impact pile driving in sandy soil conditions is presented in this study. Field data during installation of precast prestressed concrete piles with impact hammers were obtained in terms of ground deformations and peak particle velocities. Semiempirical equations are proposed using a combination of field measurements and numerical analyses to consider the following triggering factors for the ground response due to impact pile driving operations: (1) rated energy of the hammer, (2) scaled distance from the pile, (3) pre-drilling depth, and (4) relative void ratio, which is closely related to the relative density. The numerical component of this framework was developed adopting a continuous pile driving modeling approach coupled with the Updated Lagrangian approach to deal with large deformations and an advanced constitutive soil model (i.e., hypoplasticity for sands enhanced with the intergranular strain concept) capable of reproducing changes in soil void ratios during pile installation. The model parameters were adopted by computationally matching published nonlinear shear modulus degradation curves of the granular layers. A highly disturbed zone close to the pile was computed arising from pile driving-induced soil liquefaction causing large variations in computed void ratios. It was concluded that even if vibration levels are below typical vibration limits defined by regulatory agencies, large levels of ground deformations can still occur. The proposed method is validated in terms of ground vibrations and deformations induced by impact pile driving using field measurements, published vibration attenuation curves, and vibration-induced ground surface settlement prediction methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antifungal activity of palindromic peptide RWQWRWQWR and its derivatives was evaluated against clinical isolates of Candida albicans and C. auris. Also, Bidens pilosa ethanolic extracts of leaves and stem were evaluated. Furthermore, combinations of peptide, extract, and/or fluconazole (FLC) were evaluated. The cytotoxicity of peptides and extracts in erythrocytes and fibroblasts was determined. The original palindromic peptide, some derivative peptides, and the ethanolic extract of leaves of B. pilosa exhibited the highest activity in some of the strains evaluated. Synergy was obtained between the peptide and the FLC against C. auris 435. The combination of the extract and the original palindromic peptide against C. albicans SC5314, C. auris 435, and C. auris 537 decreased the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) by a factor of between 4 and 16. These mixtures induced changes in cell morphology, such as deformations on the cell surface. The results suggest that the combination of RWQWRWQWR and B. pilosa extract is an alternative for enhancing antifungal activity and decreasing cytotoxicity and costs and should be considered to be a promising strategy for treating diseases caused by Candida spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Roca: Revista Científico-Educacional de la Provincia de Granma is the property of Universidad de Granma, Departamento Editorial and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the present study, a calcium alginate bead adsorbent was prepared from brown algae (Macrosystis pyrifera) and was used for removal of Pb+2, Cu+2, and Sb+3 ions from aqueous solutions, using a fixed bed column. The initial concentration of metal ions, mass of adsorbent, recirculation flow, hydrodynamic cavitation, and contact time were examined, and the adsorption kinetics and isotherms were systematically studied. The Taguchi five-factor methodology was used for the development at three levels of experimentation. Experiment N° 24 (concentration, 10 mg/L; flow rate, 10 mL/s; adsorbent mass, 10 g; hydrodynamic cavitation with maximum air flow, and treatment time 240 min) resulted in the maximum removal of 92%, 78%, and 16% of lead, copper, and antimony ions, respectively. The average rate constants corresponding to pseudo-second-order kinetics for lead, copper, and antimony ions were 5.3 × 10−3, 1.4 × 10−3, and 7 × 10−5 g.mg−1min−1, respectively. In the adsorption process, they closely approximate to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, with adsorption capacities for Pb2+, Cu2+, and Sb3+ of 7.60, 2.07, and 0.37 mg/g, respectively, with good bioadsorption affinity of Pb > Cu > Sb. It was demonstrated that the bioadsorption equipment, with proper control of the factors, achieves concentration values of lead and copper ions below the current environmental regulations. The results of these studies indicated that calcium alginate is a promising adsorbent for separating and recovering heavy metal ions from contaminated water, although further research is needed for antimony ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food industry faces significant challenges in generating biodegradable materials for packaging food. Studies on the production of edible films and coatings based on macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids (and their combination) from cereal grains or legumes have provided helpful information about component concentrations, interactions, and the optimal conditions to elaborate films or coatings. However, the final application of edible films and coatings can depend on the compatibility between polymer matrix materials and their mechanical and barrier properties. This paper reviews the utilization of proteins from cereal and legumes in the development of edible films and the processing conditions that potentially modify the functional properties of the films, including the combination with additives to improve their properties enhancing food handling, transportation, storage, and preservation, without affecting the environment. In addition, the present research addresses the main methods to elaborate edible films and the use of novel technologies in film formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-based solutions (NbSs) have long recognized the value of coastal and marine ecosystem management and associated ecosystem services as useful tools for climate change mitigation (e.g., blue carbon) and adaptation (e.g., coastal protection against flooding and storm surges). However, NbSs remain poorly acknowledged and mostly absent from coastal planning for disaster risk reduction policies in the Caribbean, as well as from ex-post disaster reconstruction funds. With the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes in the region, NbSs are now more needed than ever. Taking Mexico as a representative case study for the wider Caribbean, we here seek to identify and analyze the barriers and opportunities perceived by relevant stakeholders for mainstreaming coastal-marine NbSs into coastal management and disaster risk reduction policies (e.g., mangroves as green infrastructure) to protect coastal societies and national economies against hurricanes. We conduct semi-structured, in-depth interviews with twenty stakeholders covering academic, governmental, tourism, NGO, coastal planning, and financial domains. Among the twenty-three identified barriers, governance, institutional, financial, and human-capacity aspects are the most dominant perceptions behind the current lack of NbS implementation. Future action for the policy integration of NbSs requires widespread political will and better quantification of both the provision of ecosystem services and their economic benefits under conventional markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archivos Venezolanos de Farmacología y Terapéutica is the property of Archivos Venezolanos de Farmacologia y Terapeutica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents the economic feasibility analysis of a 2 MW Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) power plant in the open cycle. The plant can supply 6.35% of the average annual consumption of the electricity demand located at San Andrés Island (Colombia). On the one hand, the work presents the selection of the place to locate an offshore facility considering the technical viability while, on the other hand, the economic viability analysis is performed. The latter considers two scenarios: one without desalinated water production and another one with desalinated water. In this way, it is intended to first determine its construction's technical requirements to analyse its economic performance. This approach allows us to have a general idea of the implementation costs and the benefits obtained with this type of plant, for the particular case of San Andrés, an island in the Colombian Caribbean with sustained stress on electricity production and freshwater generation. The results obtained show that the technology is viable and that the investment can be recovered in an adequate time horizon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Medicina y Cine / Journal of Medicine & Movies is the property of Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article presents the creation of bathymetric cartography for San Andrés, Providencia, Santa Catalina, and the Colombian Caribbean to find suitable areas for implementing an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system. The methodology to obtain the bathymetry uses data collection, digitization, and interpolation. The data are processed using the Surfer® software; in this way, the digital terrain model (DTM) maps are generated for each sector. The objective is to find the minimum distance to reach a depth of 1000 m since this is the distance where a temperature difference of 20 ∘ C is obtained. Thus, it is possible to identify suitable areas to locate an onshore or offshore plant in Santa Marta, Barranquilla, southwestern and northwestern San Andrés, the western part of Santa Catalina, and the southwestern part of Providencia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the productive potential of taro in the state of Tabasco, Mexico, in order to suggest the edaphoclimatic zones with the best conditions for its use. Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis was carried out using geographic information systems QGIS 3.16.1 and Arc GIS 10.2.2, to generate spatial interpolations of edaphic and climatic variables. The edaphoclimatic zoning for this crop in the state was generated through map algebra. Results: The results indicate that the edaphoclimatic conditions allow the establishment of this crop in 1 608, 565 hectares, which is equivalent to 67% of the territory of Tabasco, although the optimal surface is only 655, 632 hectares (27%). Study Limitations/Implications: The main limitations for cultivation are mainly edaphic, rather than climatic. Findings/Conclusions: From the edaphic point of view, the most suitable soils are flat, deep, with loamy or clayey textures, with slightly acidic or neutral pH. The physiographic areas of the alluvial plain, river valley and hills are the optimal ones for the cultivation of taro. The unsuitable areas are those with permanent flooding and close to the coast, as well as in the highest areas of the Sierra de Tabasco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) is the only definitive therapy for prevention of sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Conventional transvenous ICDs can provide cardiac pacing unlike new subcutaneous ICD, but the usefulness of cardiac pacing in HCM patients is not well defined. We sought to assess the usefulness of ICD pacing in HCM. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 93 HCM patients who had undergone ICD implantation at our center. Usefulness of pacing was defined as follows: 1) need of pacing due to bradycardia or AV conduction disturbances, 2) improvement of LV outflow tract obstruction by sequential AV pacing, 3) need for CRT pacing, or 4) successful antitachycardia pacing without a subsequent shock. Independent predictors of useful pacing were investigated by multivariable analysis. Results: During a mean follow-up of 91.3 ± 5.5 months, 43 patients (46.2%) reached the composite endpoint. Independent predictors of pacing usefulness were older age (HR 1.36; 95%CI: 1.088–1.709; p=0.007) and NYHA functional class ≥ II (HR 2.15; 95%CI: 1.083–4.301; p=0.029). Twenty-eight (30.1%) patients had appropriate ICD interventions, triggered by a monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (MVT) in 22 of them (78.5%). In 17 individuals with MVT (77%), antitachycardia pacing successfully treated MVT. Conclusions: In our HCM series of patients with ICD, 46% of individuals benefitted from cardiac pacing. MVT were documented in nearly 80% of the patients with ventricular arrhythmias and antitachycardia pacing successfully treated them in 77% of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the complex interplay of various meteorological phenomena, simulating weather is a challenging and open research problem. In this contribution, we propose a novel physics-based model that enables simulating weather at interactive rates. By considering atmosphere and pedosphere we can define the hydrologic cycle - and consequently weather - in unprecedented detail. Specifically, our model captures different warm and cold clouds, such as mammatus, hole-punch, multi-layer, and cumulonimbus clouds as well as their dynamic transitions. We also model different precipitation types, such as rain, snow, and graupel by introducing a comprehensive microphysics scheme. The Wegener-Bergeron-Findeisen process is incorporated into our Kessler-type microphysics formulation covering ice crystal growth occurring in mixed-phase clouds. Moreover, we model the water run-off from the ground surface, the infiltration into the soil, and its subsequent evaporation back to the atmosphere. We account for daily temperature changes, as well as heat transfer between pedosphere and atmosphere leading to a complex feedback loop. Our framework enables us to interactively explore various complex weather phenomena. Our results are assessed visually and validated by simulating weatherscapes for various setups covering different precipitation events and environments, by showcasing the hydrologic cycle, and by reproducing common effects such as Foehn winds. We also provide quantitative evaluations creating high-precipitation cumulonimbus clouds by prescribing atmospheric conditions based on infrared satellite observations. With our model we can generate dynamic 3D scenes of weatherscapes with high visual fidelity and even nowcast real weather conditions as simulations by streaming weather data into our framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the optimum pH at which the pineapple peel can adsorb the greatest amount of copper. Design/methodology/approach: Sorbent material. The size of the pineapple peel was reduced to 0.250 mm; it was chemically modified with 0.2 M NaOH and 0.2 M CaCl2. Point of zero charge (PZC). Six solutions were prepared with 0.5 g of sorbent in an aqueous medium (with a 3-8 pH range), they were stirred at 225 rpm for 48 h. The derivative method was used to plot the initial pH versus final pH, in order to determine the PZC. Copper adsorption. CuSO4 solutions were prepared in 2, 4, 6, 8 10 mg/L concentrations; 0.1 g of pineapple biomass was added adjusting the pH to 5. The solutions had a contact time of 0 to 24 h. Results: The pineapple peel had a 5.0 point of zero charge (PZC) value, which indicates that pH values higher than the PZC are required to obtain an adsorbent with a negatively charged surface and favor the copper adsorption. A 50% copper removal was obtained in all concentrations after a 1 h contact time. Limitations on study/implications: This research had no limitations. Findings/conclusions: The point of zero charge is a reliable parameter that allows the adsorption process to take place and provides a greater certainty to the metal adsorption process. Meanwhile, pineapple peel can be used as an adsorbent material, consequently reducing its accumulation in open dumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Bioéthica is the property of Universidad de Chile, Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios en Bioetica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To determine the main nutritional properties and content of bioactive compounds of five varieties of taro, grown in the municipalities of Huimanguillo and Cunduacán, Tabasco. Methodology: The Campechana, Chiapaneca, Tabasqueña, Dulce (P1 and P2) varieties were evaluated to determine their proximal chemical composition, non-nutritional compounds, and antioxidant activity. An analysis of variance and the Tukey test were applied to the data obtained. Results: These varieties had a protein, lipid, ash, and moisture content of 1.13-3.95, 0.64-2.94, 1.58-7.32, and 2.28-5.34%, respectively. In all cases, the starch content stood out with 62.7-74.7% values. This compound is important in the food industry because its functional properties enable its use in various food systems or other applications. Among the non-nutritional compounds, the following concentrations were identified: phytates (0.235-0.40 Eq/g sodium phytate/100 g sample); total phenols (0.54-5.76 Eq/g gallic acid/100 g sample); condensed phenols (1.20-1.51 Eq/mg catechin/100 g sample); saponins (0.37-1.02 Eq/mg Diosgenin/100 g sample); and trypsin inhibitors (0.00-0.70 UIT/100 g sample). Finally, the antioxidant activity had 0.29-0.57 Eq/mg of trolox/g of flour values. Limitations: This work had no limitations. Conclusions: The varieties evaluated presented low concentration of non-nutritional compounds and adequate antioxidant activity; therefore, the taro varieties from the State of Tabasco can be considered sources of starch and compounds with antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Medicina y Cine / Journal of Medicine & Movies is the property of Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Logos Ciencia & Tecnologia is the property of Policia Nacional and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Mexicana de Pediatria is the property of Sociedad Mexicana de Pediatria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is appreciated for its nutritional and functional quality. This study evaluated the effects of consuming amaranth seeds and their sprouts on the metabolic markers in ICR male mice. Ungerminated amaranth seeds (A) and one‐day (G1) and three‐day (G3) germinated amaranth sprouts were dried and milled. The mice groups (n = 10) were fed standard (N) or hypercaloric (H) diets and 1 g A, G1 or G3/kg body weight for 28 days. The total cholesterol (TC), high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein (HDL and LDL), atherogenic index (AI), triglyceride (TG) and glucose levels were determined in blood samples. Germination increased the dietary fibre, phenolic and flavonoid concentration and decreased ash and squalene concentration. A, G1 or G3 consumption also decreased body weight, TC, LDL, AI and glucose levels in H group mice. Thus, amaranth seed or sprout consumption could be beneficial for people with altered lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power system stability is widely assessed based on tools that rely on the representation of voltages and currents through quasi-static phasor calculus, implying that the network itself and the synchronous machine stators are modeled by algebraic equations. Accordingly, the associated fast transients are neglected, assuming those decay rapidly. However, with the increasing penetration of converter interfaced generation in power systems, the reliance on quasi-static phasor calculus is to be questioned. In this paper, the validity of quasi-static phasor calculus models is verified, and dynamic phasor calculus is considered as the alternative. A methodology to systematically compare quasi-static and dynamic phasor calculus is developed. It includes frequency response, modal, and sensitivity analyses. The methodology is applied to an IEEE test network considering penetrations of converter interfaced generation of up to 100%. The models are implemented in MATLAB. The H-infinity norm is proposed as an indicator to identify differences in the applicability of the models. The results show that the quasi-static phasor calculus is suitable for stability analysis only if low bandwidths of converter controls are given. Dynamic phasor calculus instead is suitable and applicable to generic stability studies of integrated power electric and electronic systems with high penetration of renewables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Economía (Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán) is the property of Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Facultad de Economia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Investigacion en Enfermeria: Imagen y Desarrollo is the property of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Enfermería Global is the property of Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Enfermería Global is the property of Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Cuidarte is the property of Universidad de Santander and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this research, the dough rheological properties of wheat flour mixed with defatted edible J. curcas flour to improve protein content in cookies were study. The wheat and J. curcas mix proportions were 100:0 (CT, control), 95:5% (T-5), 90:10% (T-10), 85:15% (T-15), 80:20% (T-20). The dough variables responds were strength, toughness, extensibility, tenacity extensibility index, water adsorption, development time, weakening grade, and mix tolerance index. In cookies, the physicochemical and hedonic characteristic were quantified. As the addition of J. curcas flour increased, the dough force and extensibility decreased up to 200.5 W × 10−4 J and 60 mm, but tenacity increased up to 16.46 mm, which in consequence increased the tenacity extensibility index in 1.75, respect to the control. Dough water adsorption and development time increased 7.62% and 1.00% while the weakening grade, mix tolerance index and stability decreased 60.17 UB, 79.2 UB and 2.1 min, respectively, when J. curcas flour was added up to 20%. In cookies water adsorption, protein, lipids and ashes increased 1.18%, 6.98%, 0.42%, 2.26%, respectively, when 20% J. curcas flour was added. The fortify cookies factor decreased 0.4 that correspond to a very good quality. The sensory evaluation indicated no differences in acceptability of fortify cookies with J. curcas flour. It can be concluded that it is suitable to mix up to 80:20% wheat and J. curcas flour because the alveographic and farinographic properties were in the require range to elaborate cookies, which increased 6.98% the protein content and maintained the physicochemical and hedonic acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from wild birds in Panama were tested for the presence of tick-borne pathogens as Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, Borrelia, Hepatozoon sp., and Babesia. Overall 124 ticks were found in 57 birds belonging to 28 species: Amblyomma longirostre (32 larvae, 1 nymph), Amblyomma nodosum (30 nymphs), Amblyomma geayi (15 larvae, 1 nymph), Amblyomma varium (5 larvae, 2 nymphs), Amblyomma naponense (2 larvae), Amblyomma ovale (2 larvae), and Amblyomma calcaratum (1 larva). DNA of Rickettsia amblyommatis was detected in 65% of A. longirostre, 69% of A. geayi and 14% of A. varium. Moreover, results from two larvae of A. longirostre showed DNA of unidentified Rickettsia sp. No DNA of Borrelia, Bartonella, Anaplasmataceae neither Babesia nor Hepatozoon was detected. These results expand knowledge about the host for immature Amblyomma ticks in Panama and show the first data of Rickettsia in ticks collected from birds in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Mexicana de Endocrinología, Metabolismo y Nutrición is the property of Publicidad Permanyer SLU and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Enfermería Global is the property of Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although many studies have focused on aggression or visual-spatial cognition effects of video games, the problem-solving aspects have been largely ignored. This study sought to expand the existing literature on video game effects by focusing on a rarely-tested outcome: creative production. As a game with few rules and a high amount of player freedom, Minecraft exemplifies a game that fosters players' abilities for creative expression. This experimental study included 352 undergraduates and it compared the effect of playing Minecraft on creativity measures compared to watching a TV show (passive control), a driving game (game control), and playing Minecraft with specific instructions (an instructional control). A within-subjects analysis found a significant correlation between trait creativity and game play habits. Between-groups experimental analyses showed that players randomly assigned to play Minecraft without instruction demonstrated significantly higher scores on post-game creativity measures compared to those who played Minecraft with instructions to "be creative," those who played a driving game, or those who watched a television show. Results indicate that effects are not solely predicted by game mechanics, but also by the way the player plays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesocosms are an alternative to in situ ocean environmental studies which are very difficult to implement due to the challenges that the aquatic environment impose. The design of a mesocosm should consider as many variables as possible of the ecosystem to be studied, in order to obtain results that are similar to those that would be obtained in the environment. The effects of tropical climatic conditions on a mesocosm enclosure were studied in order to evaluate their possible influence on the biological community. The mesocosm was equipped with an electric marine thruster as a means of avoiding stratification in the water contained in it. Also, the system is submerged in water to increase the thermal inertia and maintain the temperature variations within reasonable ranges. The design does not include auxiliary forcing cooling systems. The results revealed the influence of climatology on the mesocosms’ temperature and showed the feasibility of the proposed design in tropical environments. With high variations of ambient temperature (> 20 ºC, during the day), the variations in the mesocosm temperature were only 3 ºC. The range of temperature variations were similar to those that occur in certain tropical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciencia Administrativa is the property of Universidad Veracruzana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of TIP Revista Especializada en Ciencias Químico-Biológicas is the property of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To assess the true efficacy of direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in real-world clinical practice, taking into account those patients that do not complete therapy or the necessary follow-up to establish sustained viral response (SVR).Methods: Retrospective data collection of 261 genotype 1 HCV-infected patients, treatment naïve or treatment experienced, treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir combination therapy at an academic medical center. All patients received individualized teaching and counseling prior to starting therapy stressing importance of compliance with laboratory monitoring and treatment completion. Intention to treat SVR rates (ITT-SVR) and per-protocol SVR rates (PP-SVR) were calculated. Chi-squared test was used to compare the number of subjects lost to follow-up in the treatment-naïve vs. treatment-experienced groups. Characteristics of noncompliant patients were compared to compliant patients.Results: ITT-SVR rates for the entire cohort were 74%, significantly lower than the 95% PP-SVR rate for the compliant patients (p < 0.001). ITT-SVR was lower in treatment-naïve patients compared to treatment-experienced patients (68% vs. 86%). Among the entire cohort, 22% of patients either discontinued therapy prematurely (7%) or did not return for SVR assessment (15%). Failure to complete therapy or return for SVR assessment was statistically more common among treatment-naïve patients compared to treatment-experienced patients (28% vs. 11%, p = 0.0016).Conclusions: There is a significant rate of noncompliance among patients treated with DAA in real-world clinical practice despite pre-treatment education efforts. The ITT-SVR rates observed in clinical practice were significantly lower than those reported by clinical trials, and this difference was most pronounced among treatment-naïve patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciencia Administrativa is the property of Universidad Veracruzana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. The consumption of sweeteners has increased in recent years, being used to control body weight and blood glucose. However, they can cause increased appetite, modification of immune function, and secretion of hormones in the GALT. Objective. To assess the effect of chronic sweetener consumption on glycaemia, cytokines, hormones, and GALT lymphocytes in CD1 mice. Material and Methods. 72 CD1 mice divided into 3 groups were used: (a) baseline, (b) middle, and (c) final. Groups (b) and (c) were divided into 4 subgroups: (i) Control, (ii) Sucrose, (iii) Sucralose, and (iv) Stevia. The following were determined: body weight, hormones (GIP, insulin, and leptin), lymphocytes CD3+T cells and CD19+B cells, IgA+ plasma cells, and cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, and TNF-α). Results. Sucralose reduces secretion of GIP and glycaemia but does not modify insulin concentration, increases body weight, and reduces food intake. Stevia increases the secretion of GIP, insulin, leptin, body weight, and glycaemia but keeps food consumption normal. Sucralose and Stevia showed a higher percentage of CD3+T cells, CD19+B cells, and IgA+ plasma cells in Peyer’s patches, but only Stevia in lamina propria. Conclusion. Sweeteners modulate the hormonal response of cytokines and the proliferation of lymphocytes in the intestinal mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Maritime Archaeology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper deals with the optimization of maximum power point tracking when a photovoltaic panel is modelled as two diodes. The adopted control is implemented using a sliding mode control (SMC) and the optimization is implemented using an improved Pattern Search Method. Thus, the problem of maximum power point tracking is reduced to an optimization problem whose solution is implemented by Pattern Search Techniques, inheriting their convergence properties. Simulation examples show the effectiveness of the proposed technique in practice, being able to deal with different radiations. In addition, improved pattern search method (IPSM) is compared with other techniques such as perturb & observe and Particle Swarm optimization, after which IPSM presents lower energy losses in comparison with the other two algorithms, with the advantage of ensuring the location of the optimal power point in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]