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This paper deals with the study of construction and geometry, as well as with the analysis of deformations and active degradations of the natatio belonging to the Western Baths in La Alcudia archaeological site. Its location in Elche-Alicante, Spain (Colonia Iulia Ilici Augusta), is widely known for the discovery of The Lady of Elche in 1897. The dimensions of this natatio in the frigidarium are 6.60 x 9.30 m (22 x 31 Roman feet) and 1.50 m deep, making it one of the largest Roman swimming pools documented to date on the Iberian Peninsula. The natatio has several cracks sealed with materials used in earlier interventions at the end of the third century. Its comparison with the hypothetical original form allowed the researchers to quantify the current deformations. A damage evolution study has been made comparing the 2016 point cloud with the 2022 cloud, both obtained by light detection and ranging (LIDAR). There is evidence that an active process of degradation and deformation is gradually increasing damage to the pool. By studying the geometry and constructive systems of the natatio, relevant data to understand the historical evolution of the Western Baths have been provided. A results analysis conclusion is that the pool was built in two different stages. The eastern half corresponds to the original natatio, while the western half was extended or rebuilt after having collapsed. The early abandonment of the use of the natatio was most likely due to deformations caused by differential settlement; this occurred when the western half was cemented on landfill between the ancient wall and that of the last third of the 1st century AD.

This work provides new data on the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Biar, combining the investigation of documentary sources with the analysis of the geometry obtained using LiDAR technology and the study of stone materials. This monument has a Proto-Renaissance façade of great architectural value, as it was the first building in the province of Alicante, in Spain, to use Renaissance decorations at the beginning of the 16th century. Its main façade reflects the four centuries of its construction from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The building has been digitised using LiDAR technology and photogrammetry. The graphic representation of the point cloud obtained from the aforementioned techniques makes it possible to study deformations in colour gradient with respect to a reference plane. The results obtained after the analysis of these data show that the method used in this work has served to detect and corroborate the constructive evolutions of the church obtained from the documentary sources investigated. This work serves as an example for similar works, proposing the incorporation of the analysis of anomalies in the geometry of the facings as a new variable that should be considered to complement the rest of the usual studies, bringing to light deformations and irregularities that at first sight may go unnoticed.

Abstract Antigen cognate dendritic cell (DC)-T cell synaptic interactions drive activation of T cells and instruct DCs. Upon receiving CD4+ T cell help, post-synaptic DCs (psDCs) are licensed to generate CD8+ T cell responses. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable psDCs licensing remain unclear. Here, we describe that antigen presentation induces an upregulation of MHC-I protein molecules and increased lipid peroxidation on psDCs in vitro and in vivo. We also show that these events mediate DC licensing. In addition, psDC adoptive transfer enhances pathogen-specific CD8+ T responses and protects mice from infection in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner. Conversely, depletion of psDCs in vivo abrogates antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses during immunization. Together, our data show that psDCs enable CD8+ T cell responses in vivo during vaccination and reveal crucial molecular events underlying psDC licensing.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a multisystem genetic disorder with over 3000 mutations described in the fibrillin 1 (FBN1) gene. Like MFS, other connective tissue disorders also require a deeper understanding of the phenotype-genotype relationship due to the complexity of the clinical presentation, where diagnostic criteria often overlap. Our objective was to identify mutations in patients with connective tissue disorders using a genetic multipanel and to analyze the genotype-phenotype associations in a cohort of Mexican patients. We recruited 136 patients with MFS and related syndromes from the National Institute of Cardiology. Mutations were identified using next-generation sequencing (NGS). To examine the correlation between mutation severity and severe cardiovascular conditions, we focused on patients who had undergone Bentall-de Bono surgery or aortic valve repair. The genetic data obtained allowed us to reclassify the initial clinical diagnosis across various types of connective tissue disorders. The transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TGFBR2) rs79375991 mutation was found in 10 out of 16 (63%) Loeys-Dietz patients. We observed a high prevalence (65%) of more severe mutations, such as frameshift indels and stop codons, among patients requiring invasive treatments like aortic valve-sparing surgery, Bentall and de Bono procedures, or aortic valve replacement due to severe cardiovascular injury. Although our study did not achieve precise phenotype-genotype correlations, it underscores the importance of a multigenetic panel evaluation. This could pave the way for a more comprehensive diagnostic approach and inform medical and surgical treatment decision-making.

Background. A global approach in the development of diets low in crude protein (CP) supplemented with amino acids is to obtain productive yields similar to standard diets. Objective. To evaluate the reduction of CP in diets with similar amounts of Methionine, Lysine, Threonine, Valine, Arginine, and Tryptophan and to measure its effect on the productive performance, carcass yield and intestinal integrity. Methodology. 882 mixed Ross chickens from 1 to 49 days were used in a 2X3 factorial arrangement; one factor was sex (male and female) and another 3 PC levels (0, 1 and 2% less), each treatment had 6 replicates of 25 chickens each. Results. The results indicated similar (P>0.05) productive and carcass performance with the different protein levels. Females showed a higher percentage of abdominal fat compared to males (P0.05) in the sex factor or the protein factor. Implications. PC reduction lowers costs and reduces nitrogen pollution. Conclusion. It is concluded that diets reduced in CP supplemented with amino acids do not affect productivity, carcass performance and intestinal integrity.

ABSTRACT Objective: Recent studies have shown a relationship between adipose tissue and coronary artery disease (CAD). The ABCA1 transporter regulates cellular cholesterol content and reverses cholesterol transport. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) R230C, C-17G, and C-69T and their expression in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue in Mexican patients with CAD. Subjects and methods: The study included 71 patients with CAD and a control group consisting of 64 patients who underwent heart valve replacement. SNPs were determined using TaqMan probes. mRNA was extracted using TriPure Isolation from epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue. Quantification and expression analyses were done using RT-qPCR. Results: R230C showed a higher frequency of the GG genotype in the CAD group (70.4%) than the control group (57.8%) [OR 0.34, 95% CI (0.14-0.82) p = 0.014]. Similarly, C-17G (rs2740483) showed a statistically significant difference in the CC genotype in the CAD group (63.3%) in comparison to the controls (28.1%) [OR 4.42, 95% CI (2.13-9.16), p = 0.001]. mRNA expression in SNP R230C showed statistically significant overexpression in the AA genotype compared to the GG genotype in CAD patients [11.01 (4.31-15.24) vs. 3.86 (2.47-12.50), p = 0.015]. Conclusion: The results suggest that the GG genotype of R230C and CC genotype of C-17G are strongly associated with the development of CAD in Mexican patients. In addition, under-expression of mRNA in the GG genotype in R230C is associated with patients undergoing revascularization.

Abstract Background Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the large arteries and their branches; its etiology is still unknown. In individuals suffering from TA, arterial inflammation progresses to stenosis and/or occlusion, leading to organ damage and affecting survival. Relation of TA with Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been known, but there have been only a few systematic studies focusing on this association. The IS6110 sequence identifies the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and the HupB establishes the differences between M. tuberculosis and M. bovis. Our objective was to search the presence of IS6110 and HupB genes in aorta of patients with TA. Methods We analyzed aorta tissues embedded in paraffin from 5760 autopsies obtained from our institution, we divided the selected samples as cases and controls; Cases: aortic tissues of individuals with Takayasu’s arteritis. Control positive: aortic tissues (with tuberculosis disease confirmed) and control negative with other disease aortic (atherosclerosis). Results Of 181 selected aorta tissues, 119 fulfilled the corresponding criteria for TA, TB or atherosclerosis. Thus 33 corresponded to TA, 33 to tuberculosis (TB) and 53 to atherosclerosis. The mean age was 22 ± 13, 41 ± 19, and 57 ± 10, respectively. IS6110 and HupB sequences were detected in 70% of TA tissues, 82% in tuberculosis, and in 32% with atherosclerosis. Important statistical differences between groups with TA, tuberculosis versus atherosclerosis (p = 0.004 and 0.0001, respectively) were found. Conclusion We identified a higher frequency of IS6110 and HupB genes in aortic tissues of TA patients. This data suggests that arterial damage could occur due to previous infection with M. tuberculosis.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which makes up about 70% of the cholesterol in the blood, is critical in the formation of arteriosclerotic plaques, increasing the risk of heart disease. LDL-C levels are estimated using Friedewald, Martin and Sampson equations, though they have limitations with high triglycerides. Our aim is to compare the effectiveness of these equations versus the ultracentrifugation technique in individuals with and without dyslipidemia and identify precision. There were 113 participants, 59 healthy controls and 54 dyslipidemic patients. Samples were collected after fasting. LDL-C was estimated using the Friedewald, Martin and Sampson equations. The purified LDL-C, ultracentrifugated and dialysized control group without dyslipidemia vs. patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) showed differences in age, HDL-C, triglycerides and glucose non-HDL-C (p = 0.001 in all). There were correlations in CGWD between ultracentrifugation and Sampson R-squared (R2) = 0.791. In the dyslipidemia control group, ultracentrifugation and Friedewald R2 = 0.911. In patients with CAD, correlation between ultracentrifugation and Sampson R2 = 0.892; Bland–Altman confirmed agreement in controls without dyslipidemia. The Martin and Sampson equations are interchangeable with ultracentrifugation. Conclusion: The role of LDL analysis using precise techniques is necessary to obtain better control of disease outcomes after the use of precise therapies and suggests verifying its importance through clinical trials.

In this study, we evaluate how ChatGPT complements and enriches the traditional flipped learning strategy in higher education, particularly in engineering courses. Using an experimental design involving 356 students from basic programming courses in undergraduate engineering programs, we compared the normalized learning gain between groups that used the ChatGPT-assisted flipped learning strategy (focus groups) and those that followed a traditional video-based flipped learning methodology (control groups). The intervention lasted ten weeks, with two sessions of two hours each week. A pre-test–post-test analysis revealed that the focus groups showed significant improvement in normalized learning gain values compared to the control groups. These results confirm that incorporating ChatGPT into the flipped learning strategy can significantly enhance student performance by providing a more active, interactive, and personalized approach during the teaching–learning process. We conclude that the flipped learning strategy, upgraded with the assistance of ChatGPT, provides an effective means to improve understanding and application of complex concepts in programming courses, with potential to be extended to other areas of study in higher education. This study opens routes for future research on the integration of artificial intelligence into innovative pedagogical strategies with the goal of scaffolding the learning experience and improving educational outcomes.

Este trabajo describe los estudios realizados y la intervención llevada a cabo para la restauración de la portada de la fachada de San Pedro Apóstol en la Iglesia parroquial de Agost. Esta portada se realizó a finales del siglo XVIII en piedra calcárea. Tras una primera inspección y levantamiento gráfico de la misma se identificaron las lesiones, su origen y la solución a las mismas, empleando técnicas avanzadas de restauración. Los elementos de piedra dañados o destruidos por el paso del tiempo están compuestos por calcita, dolomita y sílice, con juntas de yeso, y se han reconstruido bien mediante el uso de nuevos elementos o, en su mayor parte, mediante sistemas de recuperación del volumen inicial con la utilización de un núcleo ligero de poliestireno, morteros de cal, arcilla expandida, fibra de vidrio y carbono junto con infiltraciones de resinas en las zonas disgregadas. Tras un proceso delicado proceso de intervención con técnicas innovadoras la fachada ha finalizado su restauración en junio de 2023.

The mountain region of central Veracruz, Mexico hosts a large system of karst and volcanic caves that are unexplored. In particular, the vertebrates that inhabit these subterranean ecosystems are unknown. This study evaluated the diversity of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish in three environments (euphotic, disphotic, and aphotic) of 16 caves of different geological origin (12 karst caves and 4 volcanic caves) distributed along an altitudinal gradient (300-2400 m a.s.l.). We found a richness of 242 vertebrate species (184 birds, 30 mammals, 15 reptiles, 12 amphibians, and 1 fish) and an abundance of a total of 11,323 individuals (4,969 mammals, 6,483 birds, 36 reptiles, 27 amphibians, and 5 fish). The richness of all vertebrate classes was higher in karst than in volcanic caves. Vertebrate diversity was also higher at mid-altitudes between 600-899 m a.s.l. Diversity varied between environments, where bird and reptile richness was higher in the euphotic environment, while mammal and amphibian diversity was higher in the aphotic environment. The similarity in the composition of vertebrate species does not depend on the distance between karstic and volcanic caves. Volcanic and karst caves shared on average up to 70% and 55% of vertebrate species, which indicates that only 30% and 45% of species, respectively, is different in each cave type. Given the vulnerability and fragility of these subterranean ecosystems, as well as the important diversity that they contain, we recommend including the caves of the central region of Veracruz in the conservation agenda of local governments and communities. Community-based conservation can help ensure the presence of vertebrate species in the caves of this region.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder. As the spinal growth depends on delicate balance of forces, conditions that affect musculoskeletal matrix often lead to spinal deformities. A large cross-sectional study revealed a 63% prevalence of scoliosis among patients with MFS. Multi-ethnic genome-wide association studies and analyses of human genetic mutations showed that variations and mutations of G protein-coupled receptor 126 (GPR126)locus are associated with multiple skeletal defects, including shorter stature and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The study included 54 patients with MFS and 196 control patients. The DNA was extracted from peripheral blood using the saline expulsion method and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) determination was carried out using TaqMan probes. Allelic discrimination was performed by RT-qPCR. Significant differences in genotype frequencies were found for SNP rs6570507 in relation to MFS and sex (recessive model, OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.03 -5.87; P = 0.03) and rs7755109 (overdominant model, OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.91; P = 0.03). The most significant association was found in SNP rs7755109, where the frequency of genotype AG was significantly different between MFS patients with scoliosis and those without (OR 5.68, 95% CI 1.09-29.48; P=0.04). This study, for the first time, examined the genetic association of SNP GPR126 with the risk of scoliosis in patients with connective tissue diseases. The study revealed that SNP rs7755109 is associated with the presence of scoliosis in Mexican patients with MFS.

This work evaluates the effectiveness of various consolidating treatments applied to Pugliese tuff (Gravina Calcarenite). This type of stone has been used in numerous historic buildings in the Puglia area (southeast of Italy), which presents durability problems due to high porosity, low cohesion between clasts, and low mechanical resistance. Eco-friendly treatments that generate CaCO3 have been selected, specifically bioconsolidant KBYO biological and lime water, which a priori are capable of consolidating without occluding the pores or reducing them excessively, thereby creating compounds similar to those contained in the stone and being respectful of the environment. Nano-sized treatments have also been tested, including nanosilica and nanolime, to compare results with eco-friendly treatments. The bioconsolidating treatment has been applied in two different ways, the usual way consisting of two applications a day for 7 days, as well as a double treatment that is applied in two batches of 7 days with a rest of 7 days between applications. Double treatment has shown a great improvement in consolidation compared to the usual 7-day application; this treatment has obtained the best results in both mechanical and petrophysical properties. This study not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the bioconsolidant but also expands eco-friendly conservation strategies to improve the preservation of historical structures built in calcarenite.

Active learning strategies are widely studied, but perspective on their effectiveness in complete undergraduate studies or about their contribution to closing the gender gap are still required. Challenge-based learning has been around for more than a decade. However, results have been collected in limited time and application environments, for example, one semester or one activity in a course. In this work, we present a quantitative study that was applied to results of the National Center for the Evaluation of Higher Education’s Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Standardized General Examination of 4226 students comparing those who received a traditional educational model and those who received a challenge-based learning educational model. A statistical analysis of communication and disciplinary competencies found that the traditional educational model induces a greater marginal significant result in the test. Additionally, we found that female students perform better in communication competencies while male students perform better in disciplinary competencies. Our results confirm that challenge-based learning is as effective as a traditional educational model when applied during complete undergraduate studies while developing competencies like critical thinking, long-term retention, leadership, multidisciplinary teamwork, and decision-making. Challenge based learning is a prolific learning strategy for evolving into a new way of teaching in undergraduate programs.

Lysosomes are subcellular compartments characterised by an acidic pH, containing an ample variety of acid hydrolases involved in the recycling of biopolymers. Among these hydrolases, lysosomal proteases have merely been considered as end-destination proteases responsible for the digestion of waste proteins, trafficked to the lysosomal compartment through autophagy and endocytosis. However, recent reports have started to unravel specific roles for these proteases in the regulation of initially unexpected biological processes, both under physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, some lysosomal proteases are no longer restricted to the lysosomal compartment, as more novel non-canonical, extralysosomal targets are being identified. Currently, lysosomal proteases are accepted to play key functions in the extracellular milieu, attached to the plasma membrane and even in the cytosolic and nuclear compartments of the cell. Under physiological conditions, lysosomal proteases, through non-canonical, extralysosomal activities, have been linked to cell differentiation, regulation of gene expression, and cell division. Under pathological conditions, these proteases have been linked to cancer, mostly through their extralysosomal activities in the cytosol and nuclei of cells. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of our current knowledge about the extralysosomal, non-canonical functions of lysosomal proteases, both under physiological and pathological conditions, with a particular interest in cancer, that could potentially offer new opportunities for clinical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment options for viral infections are limited and viruses have proven adept at evolving resistance to many existing therapies, highlighting a significant vulnerability in our defenses. In response to this challenge, we explored the modulation of cellular RNA metabolic processes as an alternative paradigm to antiviral development. Previously, the small molecule 5342191 was identified as a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 replication by altering viral RNA accumulation at doses that minimally affect host gene expression. In this report, we document 5342191 as a potent inhibitor of adenovirus, coronavirus, and influenza replication. In each case, 5342191-mediated reduction in virus replication was associated with altered viral RNA accumulation and loss of viral structural protein expression. Interestingly, while resistant viruses were rapidly isolated for compounds targeting either virus-encoded proteases or polymerases, we have not yet isolated 5342191-resistant variants of coronavirus or influenza. As with HIV-1, 5342191's inhibition of coronaviruses and influenza is mediated through the activation of specific cell signaling networks, including GPCR and/or MAPK signaling pathways that ultimately affect SR kinase expression. Together, these studies highlight the therapeutic potential of compounds that target cellular processes essential for the replication of multiple viruses. Not only do these compounds hold promise as broad-spectrum antivirals, but they also offer the potential of greater resilience in combating viral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the assessment of seismic effects on RC buildings, the real structural condition has to be modelled as accurately as possible. Medical facilities and hospitals have to resist seismic actions and remain operational after seismic events. For this reason, a detailed seismic vulnerability assessment of a hospital building located in Orihuela, Spain, is presented in this paper using a combination of field monitoring data and numerical analysis. Ambient noise measurements from field monitoring using Raspberry Shake-based sensors are used to capture dynamic characteristics that describe the building behaviour. Data from these sensors were used to update and refine the finite element model of the structure for a detailed analysis of the building's seismic performance. The different analytical procedures included both elastic and inelastic modelling, as well as static and dynamic assessments, to provide an exhaustive evaluation of the building's behaviour under seismic loads. In the numerical model, the effect of masonry infill walls is considered, taking into account detailed material properties and structural configurations. Furthermore, the study carefully selects ground motion records representing two limit states—Damage Limitation (DL) and Severe Damage (SD)—to conduct an extensive seismic analysis. In each limit state applied to the structure, there are 14 bidirectional ground motions with components alternately directed along the two principal directions of the building. This analysis evaluated the structural response, focusing on torsional effects, inter-storey drift ratios, and the seismic performance of individual components. The results were compared to other analysis types, considering both overall and localised behaviour, to determine the reliability of different approaches. The findings support the idea that field monitoring data should be combined with advanced modelling techniques to achieve a more accurate evaluation of the building's seismic vulnerability, considering bidirectional effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral diseases remain among the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide, affecting almost half of the world's population. This is partly because there has been a separation of the mouth from the rest of the body and human health, and psychological aspects such as personality, thoughts, and emotions are not taken into account in the dental office. The objective was to analyze the relationship between oral health conditions and personality traits in adult patients who underwent dental treatment at the Center for Health Studies and Services. Methods: This was a descriptive, observational, and correlational study, carried out at the Center for Health Studies and Services. A total of 184 patients who attended the dentistry area in the period from October 2022 to May 2023 participated in the study, of which 59.78% were women and 40.21% men. The age of the population was 18 to 79 years, with the age range of 21–40 years being the most prevalent (48.37%). Results: The results show that although the hygiene of the population treated was good (0.77 ± 0.79) and that the perception of oral health was positive (14.34 ± 9.43), the means and percentages of oral pathologies and parafunctional habits were high (i.e., DMFT: 9.98 ± 5.40; attrition: 87.50%; onychophagia: 45.10%). It is noteworthy that both the correlation, network, multiple line regression, and logistic regression analyses showed associations of the personality, gender, and age variables with a history of caries and oral hygiene as well as with parafunctional habits. Conclusions: Therefore, variations in both the personality and the age and gender of the patients treated have repercussions on oral health conditions, which can be used in the prevention of oral diseases and in health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residency (R) and site fidelity (SF) are important parameters in population ecology, yet their quantification poses challenges in marine mammals. Based on a previous review, this study used simulated and empirical mark-resight data to assess the variations and performance of the most used R (n = 8) and SF (n = 11) indices in peer-reviewed literature under different scenarios. We applied the Jolly-Seber model to simulate thousands of bottlenose dolphin populations varying resighting (p) and survival (Phi) probabilities, and performed calibration, sensitivity, and validation analyses. Our results underscore the effects of p and Phi on individual categorization within the diverse simulated conditions, representing the often-overlooked heterogeneity in residency classification for Tursiops populations. All SF indices showed similar and consistent performance (>0.70 Gower's distance) across the simulated scenarios, even when compared to field study data from wild dolphin populations (i.e., Savannah, USA, and Alvarado, Mexico); thus, SF should be a critical parameter for interstudy comparisons. Conversely, R indices were remarkably different based on their definitions and classification criteria. The different thresholds among definitions largely biased the proportion of residents and transient individuals (or occasional visitors) even leading to counterintuitive outcomes. This emphasizes the importance of considering trade-offs in R index selection aligned with project goals, specific sampling efforts, and population dynamics. For instance, the simplified binomial categorization of R defined by Conway (2017) () easier to interpret but R indices incorporating temporal components (e.g., monthly, seasonal, and annual) outperformed (>0.70 Gower's distance) other R indices lacking such criteria. This allowed for a more detailed representation of the temporal structure of the population, and higher consistency and accuracy while classifying individuals. Also, although the residency categories proposed by Möller, Allen & Harcourt (2002) (DOI ) did not perform as well, these seemed to fit better when dealing with data gaps across spatial and temporal scales. Our results contribute to the ongoing discussion on methodological implications for the interpretation of ecological patterns, facilitating a nuanced understanding of population dynamics, aiding scientists, and conservation agencies in making informed decisions for bottlenose dolphin populations worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key leaf functional traits, such as chlorophyll and carotenoids content (Cab and Cxc), equivalent water thickness (EWT), and leaf mass per area (LMA), are essential to the characterization and monitoring of ecosystem function. Spectroscopy provides access to these four leaf traits by relying on their specific spectral absorptions over the 0.4–2.5 µm domain. In this study, we compare the performance of three categories of estimation methods to retrieve these four leaf traits from laboratory directional-hemispherical leaf reflectance and transmittance measurements: statistical, physical, and hybrid methods. To this aim, a dataset pooling samples from 114 deciduous and evergreen oak trees was collected on four sites in California (woodland savannas and mixed forests) over three seasons (spring, summer and fall) and was used to assess the performance of each method. Physical and hybrid methods were based on the PROSPECT leaf radiative transfer model. Physical methods included inversion of PROSPECT from iterative algorithms and look-up table (LUT)-based inversion. For LUT-based methods, two distance functions and two sampling schemes were tested. For statistical and hybrid methods, four distinct machine learning regression algorithms were compared: ridge, partial least squares regression (PLSR), Gaussian process regression (GPR), and random forest regression (RFR). In addition, we evaluated the transferability of statistical methods using an independent dataset (ANGERS Leaf optical properties database) to train the regression algorithms. Thus, a total of 17 estimations were compared. Firstly, we studied the PROSPECT leaf structural parameter N retrieved by iterative inversions and its distribution over our oak-specific dataset. N showed a more pronounced seasonal dependency for the deciduous species than for the evergreen species. For the four traits, the statistical methods trained on our dataset outperformed the PROSPECT-based methods. More particularly, statistical methods using GPR yielded the most accurate estimates (RMSE = 5.0 µg·cm−2; 1.3 µg·cm−2; 0.0009 cm; and 0.0009 g·cm−2 for Cab, Cxc, EWT, and LMA, respectively). Among the PROSPECT-based methods, the iterative inversion of this model led to the most accurate results for Cab, Cxc, and EWT (RMSE = 7.8 µg·cm−2; 2.0 µg·cm−2; and 0.0035 cm, respectively), while for LMA, a hybrid method with RFR (RMSE = 0.0030 g·cm−2) was the most accurate. These results showed that estimation accuracy is independent of the season. Considering the transferability of statistical methods, for the four leaf traits, estimation performance was inferior for estimators built on the ANGERS database compared to estimators built exclusively on our dataset. However, for EWT and LMA, we demonstrated that these types of statistical methods lead to better estimation accuracy than PROSPECT-based methods (RMSE = 0.0016 cm and 0.0013 g·cm−2 respectively). Finally, our results showed that more differences were observed between plant functional types than between species or seasons.

The formation of flow-induced, oriented structures in two-phase systems, as in this study, is a phenomenon of considerable interest to the scientific and industrial sectors. The main difficulty in understanding the formation of bands of droplets is the simultaneous interplay of physicochemical, hydrodynamic, and mechanical effects. Additionally, banded structure materials frequently show multiple length scales covering several decades as a result of complex time-dependent stress fields. Here, to facilitate understanding a subset of these structures, we studied water in oil emulsions and focused on the effects of three variables specifically: the confinement factor (Co=2R/H), the viscosity ratio (p), and the applied shear rate (γ˙). The confinement (Co) is the ratio between the drop’s diameter (2R) and the separation of (the gap between) the circular rotating disks (H) containing the emulsion. We carried out (a) observations of the induced structure under different simple shear rates, as well as (b) statistical and morphological analysis of these bands. At low shear rates, the system self-assembles into bands along the direction of the flow and stacked normal to the velocity gradient direction. At higher shear rates is possible to observe bands normal to the vorticity direction. Here, we show that a detailed analysis of the dynamics of the band structures is amenable, as well as measurements of flow field anomalies simultaneously observed. The local emulsion viscosity varies in time, increasing in regions of higher droplet concentration and subsequently inducing velocity components perpendicular to the main flow direction. Thus, the emulsion morphology evolves and changes macroscopically. A relatively plausible explanation is attributed to the competitive effects of coalescence and the rupture of drops, where p values less than one predominate coalescence.