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Abstract Background Pharmacogenomics of hydroxyurea is an important aspect in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD), especially in the era of genomic medicine. Genetic variations in loci associated with HbF induction and drug metabolism are prime targets for hydroxyurea (HU) pharmacogenomics, as these can significantly impact the therapeutic efficacy and safety of HU in SCD patients. Methods This study involved designing of a custom panel targeting BCL11A, ARG2, HBB, HBG1, WAC, HBG2, HAO2, MYB, SAR1A, KLF10, CYP2C9, CYP2E1 and NOS1 as potential HU pharmacogenomics targets. These genes were selected based on their known roles in HbF induction and HU metabolism. The panel was designed using the Illumina Design Studio (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) and achieved a total coverage of 96% of all genomic targets over a span of 51.6 kilobases (kb). This custom panel was then sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform to ensure high coverage and accuracy. Results We are reporting a successfully designed Illumina (MiSeq) HU pharmacogenomics custom panel encompassing 51.6 kilobases. The designed panel achieved greater than 1000x amplicon coverage which is sufficient for genomic analysis. Conclusions This study provides a valuable tool for research in HU pharmacogenomics, especially in Africa where SCD is highly prevalent, and personalized medicine approaches are crucial for improving patient outcomes. The custom-designed Illumina (MiSeq) panel, with its extensive coverage and high sequencing depth, provides a robust platform for studying genetic variations associated with HU response. This panel can contribute to the development of tailored therapeutic strategies, ultimately enhancing the management of SCD through more effective and safer use of hydroxyurea.

The study presents the successful design and implementation of a phase-controlled patch-fractal antenna using the Butler array. This work focuses on developing a laboratory prototype of a 4x4 array using microstrip technology. Theoretical conditions are established, and the theoretical basis of the microwave circuits that make up the matrix is described. Each element is individually designed, optimized, and simulated using specialized software (Ansoft Designer and Advanced Design System), and then its performance is verified by evaluating functional parameters. The tested designs are integrated into a single circuit to form the Butler matrix and are subjected to simulation and optimization before manufacturing. The functionality of the components is verified using a vector network analyzer. An analysis of the discrepancy between the measured values and the theoretical target parameters is performed, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the prototype's performance. Implementing the 4x4 Butler matrix together with the design of patch-fractal microstrip antennas has allowed practical phase control, demonstrating its viability in various applications. Results from both simulation and laboratory tests support the ability to direct the radiation lobe in various areas without the need for additional mechanical structures. The applicability of this antenna in short-range radar systems is highlighted, offering flexibility in addressing without compromising essential electromagnetic properties. For future applications requiring more precise control with a more significant number of radiation lobes, a Butler array with more ports is suggested.

PURPOSEThis study sought to delineate the clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics during multiple myeloma (MM) diagnosis, outline the treatment modalities administered, and ascertain the survival rates among patients with MM over a comprehensive 5-year span in Tanzania.METHODSThis retrospective cohort study investigated patients diagnosed with MM at the Cancer Care Clinic, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, between January 2017 and June 2022. Demographic data, clinical profiles, and survival outcomes were collected. The study employed the Kaplan-Meier method to determine overall survival (OS) and survival rates, supported by univariate analysis and a multivariate Cox regression model with significance of P < .05.RESULTSIn this study of 76 patients with MM, bone pain was the most common complaint (76.3%), and patients were age typically older than 50 years (82.5%). Laboratory tests showed frequent abnormalities, such as anemia (51.3%) and hypercalcemia (23.9%). Most patients were at stage III according to Durie Salmon Staging (82.7%), with imaging revealing various bone abnormalities. The median OS was 18.0 months, with 46.1% of patients passing away during the study period. Factors linked to shorter survival included anemia, renal failure, and bone involvement. Infection was the primary cause of death among these patients. The presenting complaint of bone pain significantly affected survival outcomes.CONCLUSIONThis study provides a comprehensive understanding of MM within the Sub-Saharan African context, highlighting age-related disparities in diagnosis, predominant presenting symptoms like bone pain, factors contributing to delayed diagnoses, and the impact on survival rates. The findings underscore the critical need for early recognition, improved diagnostics, and tailored interventions to enhance outcomes for patients with MM in this region.

Las Islas Galápagos, debido a su ubicación geográfica aislada, enfrentan desafíos únicos en la gestión de su Microrred eléctrica (MRE), pues actualmente depende de energías no renovables y en una medida considerable de fuentes de energías renovables, como la energía solar y eólica. Estas fuentes de energía intermitentes, afectan la confiabilidad y estabilidad de la MRE. Una solución destacada en la actualidad es la implementación de los sistemas de almacenamiento de energía con baterías, pues estos sistemas aportan a la estabilidad de frecuencia y voltaje, sin embargo, estos aportes a la estabilidad de frecuencia y voltaje de la MRE están en función del tipo de controlador y operación que se emplee al sistema de almacenamiento. Existen dos modos de operación en sistemas almacenamiento de energía eléctrica; seguidor de red y formador de red. Este trabajo se enfoca en la implementación y evaluación en diferentes escenarios, del modo de operación formador de red del sistema de almacenamiento, con el propósito de aportar a la regulación primaria de frecuencia en la MRE de las Islas Galápagos. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran las mejoras significativas en la estabilidad de la MRE, y una mayor eficiencia en la regulación primaria de frecuencia.

Las islas Galápagos, patrimonio natural de la humanidad, cuentan con un control minucioso de la vida silvestre y ejercen estricta inspección del número y frecuencia de visitantes. El incremento de turistas, aparte de aspectos positivos, y el incremento de la población genera una mayor demanda de energía eléctrica. En este sentido, Galápagos busca un impulso a la sostenibilidad energética integral, reemplazando la energía térmica con Energías Renovables No Convencionales (ERNC), amigables con el medio ambiente, a través del proyecto de gestión óptima de la energía mediante el proyecto de microrred Conolophus. En el presente documento se analiza la gestión óptima de la energía eléctrica (despacho económico de corto plazo) considerando la estocasticidad que presenta la alta inserción de ERNC en el sistema eléctrico Santa Cruz-Baltra. Para ello. se usa el software libre de simulación denominado “SimSEE” (Simulador de Sistemas de Energía Eléctrica), donde se modelan escenarios operativos con y sin el proyecto Conolophus con la finalidad de analiza su impacto en la planificación de la operación del sistema Santa Cruz-Baltra.

In the context of virtual learning communities (VLCs), where the participants may not know each other, it is necessary to have a mechanism to help when deciding who to work with and what reliable contents and information sources are. This study aims to design a generic trust model, named T-VLC, applicable to VLCs, which can be adapted to different learning scenarios. T-VLC is composed of eight factors--direct experience, reputation, role, knowledge, security, quality, institutional trust, and closeness, which, with their corresponding weights, will estimate the trust among the members of the community. T-VLC is a generic model that can be adapted to a particular educational context by adjusting the weights associated with each factor. In addition, this article presents the implementation of the model in the modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment (Moodle) learning environment systems and describes the experimentation and results obtained in four real educational contexts.

Introduction: The CapG gene, which is an actin-binding protein, is prevalent in eukaryotic cells and is abundantly present in various pathways associated with plateau hypoxia adaptation. Tibetan pigs, which have inhabited high altitudes for extended periods, provide an excellent research population for investigating plateau hypoxia adaptation.Results: This study focused on Tibetan pigs and Yorkshire pigs residing in Nyingchi, Tibet. The blood physiological data of Tibetan pigs were found to be significantly higher than those of Yorkshire pigs, including RBC, HGB, HCT, MCH, and MCHC. The SNP analysis of the CapG gene identified six sites with mutations only present in Tibetan pigs. Notably, the transcription factors at sites C-489T, C-274T, and A-212G were found to be altered, and these sites are known to be associated with hypoxia adaptation and blood oxygen transportation. The mRNA expression of the CapG gene exhibited highly significant differences in several tissues, with the target proteins predominantly higher in the Yorkshire pig compared to the Tibetan pig. Specifically, a notable difference was observed in the lung tissues. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed high expression levels of CapG proteins in the lung tissues of both Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs, primarily localized in the cytoplasm and cell membrane.Conclusion: The CapG gene plays a significant role in regulating hypoxia adaptation in Tibetan pigs. This study provides a theoretical basis for the conservation and utilization of Tibetan pig resources, the breeding of highland breeds, epidemic prevention and control, and holds great importance for the development of the highland livestock economy.

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of developing tuberculosis infection (TBI). However, the evidence on the burden and phenotypic characteristics of TBI in African patients with DM is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characterisation of TBI in native African patients living with DM. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and African Journals Online for original studies reporting information on the prevalence and characteristics of TBI in adult Africans with DM. A forest plot was used to describe the pooled prevalence estimate of TBI and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Six studies conducted in four African countries involving 721 participants with DM were included in this systematic review. The pooled prevalence estimate of TBI was 40% (95% CI 20–60%, I2 = 98.52%, p

Persimmon fruit processing-derived waste and by-products, such as peels and pomace, are important sources of dietary fiber and phytochemicals. Revalorizing these by-products could help promote circular nutrition and agricultural sustainability while tackling dietary deficiencies and chronic diseases. In this study, fiber-rich fractions were prepared from the by-products of Sharoni and Brilliant Red persimmon varieties. These fractions were quantified for their phenolic composition and assessed for their ability to promote the growth of beneficial human colonic Firmicutes species and for their in vitro anti-inflammatory potential. Gallic and protocatechuic acids, delphinidin, and cyanidin were the main phenolics identified. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii strains showed significantly higher growth rates in the presence of the Brilliant Red fraction, generating more than double butyrate as a proportion of the total short-chain fatty acids (39.5% vs. 17.8%) when compared to glucose. The fiber-rich fractions significantly decreased the inflammatory effect of interleukin-1β in Caco-2 cells, and the fermented fractions (both from Sharoni and Brilliant Red) significantly decreased the inflammatory effect of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, fiber-rich fractions from persimmon by-products could be part of nutritional therapies as they reduce systemic inflammation, promote the growth of beneficial human gut bacteria, and increase the production of beneficial microbial metabolites such as butyrate.

The essential oil (EO) of Tagetes filifolia Lag. was obtained from dried plant material through Clevenger-type steam distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS), a gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC/FID) and enantioselective gas chromatography. The results showed 50 compounds (93.33%) with a predominance of oxygenated monoterpenes. The main components were trans-anethole (55.57 ± 9.83%), tridecene (8.66 ± 0.01), methyl chavicol (5.81 ± 0.85%) and Neophytadiene (3.45 ± 0.88) Enantioselective analysis revealed linalool and ionone as enantiomers. The identification of secondary metabolites from the ethyl acetate extract obtained by maceration was performed by GC-MS, NMR and by a literature comparison, determining the presence of mostly trans-anethole and a mixture of two triterpenes, fernenol and lupeol.

BackgroundAfrica has consistently had the highest prevalence (70.1%) of H. pylori, and this has led to significant cases of dyspepsia, gastric cancers, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. However, most studies have used sero-prevalence, which might not give the current state of the infection. Among the tests, the stool antigen test is simple, quick, and effective. The study aimed to determine the feco-prevalence, endoscopic pattern, and associated factors of H. pylori infection among symptomatic adult patients in Northern Tanzania.Materials and methodsA hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023 among adults attending the gastroenterology clinic at Kilimanjaro Chistian Medical Centre. A systematic random sampling was used to select the participants with indications of undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Questionnaires, stool and blood samples, and endoscopy were used to collect variable data. Numerical and categorical variables were summarized into narrations and tables. Logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with H. pylori.ResultsThe feco-prevalence of H. pylori was 43.4%. Chronic gastritis (51.1%) was the most common endoscopic pattern, whereas duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers were significantly associated with H. pylori infection. Increasing in age (p ConclusionThe feco-prevalence of H. pylori is high in this setting. H. pylori stool antigen can be used as the initial workup for symptomatic patients before the initiation of proton pump inhibitors. Additionally, due to other causes of dyspepsia, it is advised that H. pylori stool antigen testing be part of the initial evaluation and esophagogastroduodenoscopy be considered in the absence of other alarm symptoms if symptoms persist despite an appropriate trial of medical therapy.

Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry identifier: PACTR202402642155729.

En la actualidad, la operación del sistema eléctrico ecuatoriano experimenta varios desafíos técnicos, tales como: 1) la integración de sistemas eléctricos vecinos en el Sistema de Interconexión Eléctrica Andina (SINEA) y 2) la diversificación de las fuentes primarias de energía. Bajo estas nuevas condiciones operativas, la seguridad dinámica puede ser afectada por problemas de estabilidad de frecuencia. Con base en la regulación de frecuencia se busca, a través de mecanismos de control y reservas de generación disponible, responder en forma adecuada a las exigencias del sistema eléctrico. Bajo este contexto, es necesario el desarrollo de metodologías que permitan la respuesta rápida y precisa de los equipos de control potencia - frecuencia, tales como los reguladores de velocidad, los cuales actúan de forma local en los generadores para realizar la Regulación Primaria de Frecuencia. Con estos antecedentes, se propone una metodología, basada en métodos heurísticos de optimización, para el desarrollo de una herramienta que permita realizar la identificación paramétrica y ajuste de los reguladores de velocidad. Con las mediciones obtenidas en base a la metodología propuesta, la herramienta desarrollada logró de manera efectiva realizar la identificación y validación del sistema de regulación de velocidad de la central CCS así como proponer nuevos parámetros que mejoran la respuesta del sistema identificado.

ABSTRACTThis review discusses the chemical composition of radish pods and their utilization and health perspective. Radish pods are green vegetables usually consumed in East Asia. Radish pods have gained much interest due to their high chemical composition and antioxidant activity. They contain various chemical compounds, including coumarins, phenols glucosinolates, antioxidants etc. In East Asia, radish pods are usually consumed in households and can also be used commercially as an additive ingredient. However, it can be used in the household as a vegetable, mixed vegetable and additive materials. Radish pods play an important role against cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and allergies via diverse pathways. It also acts as a hepatoprotective, platelet aggregation and immunity booster. Hence, the radish pods can be used in households for improvement of chronic disorders.

ABSTRACTThe current research work was conducted to compare the external and internal egg quality parameters of different breeds of peacock. For this purpose, 130 freshly laid eggs of 2 species and 11 breeds (n = 10 per breed) were obtained from captive breeding facilities. In Pavo muticus muticus, higher egg weight (106.57 ± 0.69), egg length (7.21 ± 0.01), egg width (5.31 ± 0.01), egg breadth (28.18 ± 0.01), and egg volume (100.84 ± 0.48) were recorded. However, higher egg shape index (80.16 ± 0.27) was noted in black shoulder, while higher egg surface area (263.8 ± 0.01) was found in Spalding purple. Significantly higher albumen diameter (11.02 ± 0.05), albumen weight (47.06 ± 0.24), albumen height (0.946 ± 0.02), albumen ratio (49.83 ± 0.13), yolk height (1.66 ± 0.01), yolk index (35.75 ± 0.13), and shell thickness (0.67 ± 0.00) were found in Pavo cristatus. Albumen pH (6.43 ± 0.01), yolk diameter (6.93 ± 0.04), yolk ratio (61.80 ± 0.87), and yolk weight (51.66 ± 0.34) were noted to be higher in Indian white. Higher shell weight (16.38 ± 0.42), shell ratio (17.004 ± 0.38), and Haugh unit (88.57 ± 0.84) were observed in Buford bronze pied. The study suggested that P.m. muticus and Pavo cristatus showed best external and internal egg quality traits as compared to other breeds. It further provided a reference and theoretical basis for artificial breeding, ecological protection, raising, and management of different breeds of peacocks.

The purpose of this study was to explore and verify genes that regulate the reproductive traits of Tibetan pigs at the mRNA level. The ovarian tissues of Tibetan pigs (TPs) and Yorkshire pigs (YPs) were selected as research objects, and cDNA libraries of the ovarian tissue transcripts of Tibetan pigs and Yorkshire pigs were successfully constructed by the RNA-Seq technique. A total of 651 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, including 414 up-regulated genes and 237 down-regulated genes. Through GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, it was found that these differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in cell process, reproductive process, reproduction, cell proliferation, binding, and catalytic activity, as well as oxidative phosphorylation, endocrine resistance, thyroid hormone, Notch, and other signal transduction pathways. Genes significantly enriched in pathways closely related to reproductive regulation were analyzed and selected, and the AR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, INHBA, ARRB2, EGFR, ETS1, HSD17B1, IGF1R, MIF, SCARB1, and SMAD4 genes were identified as important candidate genes. Twelve differentially expressed genes related to reproduction were verified by RT-qPCR. The results showed that the expression of the AR, CYP17A1, EGFR, ETS1, IGF1R, and SMAD4 genes was significantly higher in Tibetan pigs than in Yorkshire pigs, while the expression of the CYP11A1, INHBA, ARRB2, HSD17B, MIF, and SCARB1 genes in Tibetan pigs was significantly lower than in Yorkshire pigs. The purpose of this study is to provide a theoretical basis for exploring the molecular mechanism of reproductive trait effect genes and the application of molecular breeding in Tibetan pigs.

Muscle growth stands as a pivotal economic trait within pig production, governed by a complex interplay of multiple genes, each playing a role in its quantitative manifestation. Understanding the intricate regulatory mechanisms of porcine muscle development is crucial for enhancing both pork yield and quality. This study used the GSE99749 dataset downloaded from the GEO database, conducting a detailed analysis of the RNA-seq results from the longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) of Tibetan pigs (TP), Wujin pigs (WJ) and large white pigs (LW) at 60 days of gestation, representing diverse body sizes and growth rates. Comparative analyses between TPvsWJ and TPvsLW, along with differential gene expression (DEG) analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, revealed 1048 and 1157 significantly differentially expressed genes (p < 0.001) in TPvsWJ and TPvsLW, respectively. With stricter screening criteria, 37 DEGs were found to overlap between the 2 groups. PPI analysis identified MYL5, MYL4, and ACTC1 as the three core genes. This article focuses on exploring the MYL4 gene. Molecular-level experimental validation, through overexpression and interference of the MYL4 gene combined with EDU staining experiments, demonstrated that overexpression of MYL4 significantly promoted the proliferation of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells (PSMSC), while interference with MYL4 inhibited their proliferation. Furthermore, by examining the effects of overexpressing and interfering with the MYL4 gene on the muscle hypertrophy marker Fst gene and the muscle degradation marker FOXO3 gene, the pivotal role of the MYL4 gene in promoting muscle growth and preventing muscle degradation was further confirmed. These findings offer a new perspective on the molecular mechanisms behind porcine muscle growth and development, furnishing valuable data and insights for muscle biology research.

Since it is a productive skill, writing is considered one of the most crucial abilities in communication; nonetheless, EFL learners have difficulty composing texts which are both communicatively and linguistically competent. This study intends to explore the benefits of using authentic materials in EFL learners, with an emphasis on writing skills. To pursue this objective, fifty-two participants were chosen randomly from a B1 level (following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The participants were distributed into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The students were majoring in various degrees at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE). In this case study, in which the application of authentic materials covered fifty percent of daily two-hour classes, data was collected through a structured pre-test, a post-test, and an opinion survey. All data was analyzed using a rubric designed for this purpose. This research, which is based on the Communicative Language Teaching Approach, also deals with various concepts regarding authentic materials and researchers' perceptions. The findings elicited positive results for students' writing skills with the use of authentic materials and shed lights on participants' opinions.

En respuesta a la creciente preocupación por la gestión sostenible de los árboles urbanos, numerosas ciudades del país se encuentran buscando soluciones efectivas. Como resultado, diversas instituciones del sector público están formulando e implementando políticas destinadas a la conservación, uso y manejo adecuado de los árboles en entornos urbanos. En este contexto, se llevó a cabo el proyecto de investigación forestal titulado "Dinámica de crecimiento y servicios ecosistémicos del arbolado urbano de la ciudad de Loja". Su objetivo principal fue desarrollar un inventario completo y actualizado de los árboles dentro de los límites de la ciudad, proporcionando así una herramienta fundamental para futuras investigaciones y toma de decisiones. Para lograr este propósito, se diseñó y desarrolló una aplicación especializada capaz de gestionar eficientemente los datos científicos y técnicos recopilados por los investigadores. La metodología utilizada para el desarrollo de la aplicación se basó en ICONIX, que permitió establecer modelos arquitectónicos lógicos y físicos representados mediante diagramas UML. Posteriormente, se implementaron estos modelos utilizando un enfoque n-tier, dividiendo la aplicación en capas lógicas y físicas. Para ello, se emplearon tecnologías como JavaScript, React, Mapbox, Node, Express, Sequelize y MySQL, tanto para el backend como para el frontend de la aplicación. Esta combinación de tecnologías garantizó un desarrollo eficiente y una interfaz de usuario intuitiva y atractiva. Una vez completada la implementación, se llevaron a cabo exhaustivas pruebas de caja negra y pruebas funcionales, las cuales fueron sometidas a la validación del director del proyecto de investigación. Se verificó que la aplicación funcionara correctamente y cumpliera con los requisitos establecidos. Además, se realizaron pruebas de los servicios API-REST para asegurar la compatibilidad e integración adecuada con posibles futuras aplicaciones.

La diabetes es la segunda causa de muerte a nivel mundial sobre todo en países de bajos recursos. En el Ecuador uno de cada diez personas es diagnosticado con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, esto es debido a factores de riesgo como: antecedentes familiares con diabetes, medicación, sedentarismo o mala alimentación. Por lo tanto, es indispensable hacer una Revisión Sistemática de Literatura sobre el estado del uso de técnicas o algorítmos de Inteligencia Artificial para el diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2; con este fin de responder la pregunta: ¿Cuáles son las técnicas de inteligencia artificial aplicadas al diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2?

To study the effects of different feed additives on the weaning stress of Tibetan piglets, we selected 28 healthy, 30-day-old Tibetan weaned piglets and divided them into four groups, namely, the control group (basal feed without any antibiotic additions) (Nor), the group with the addition of the antibiotic lincomycin (Ant), the group with the addition of fifteen-flavor black pills of Tibetan medicine (Tib), and the group with the addition of fecal bacterial supernatant (Fec). We measured growth performance, blood physiological indexes, and metabolomics. The results showed that the Ant, Tib, and Fec groups significantly reduced the ratio of diarrhea to feed/weight (F/G) and increased the average daily gain (ADG) compared with the Nor group (p < 0.01). The Nor group had significantly lower leukocyte counts, hemoglobin levels, and erythrocyte counts compared with the other three groups at 21 d (p < 0.05). These physiological indexes tended to stabilize at 42 d. We found that there were beneficial metabolites and metabolic pathways for gastrointestinal function. Specifically, the porphyrin metabolic pathway was elevated in the Ant group, and the tryptophan metabolic pathway was significantly elevated in the Tib and Fec groups compared with the Nor group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adding fecal bacterial supernatant and fifteen-flavor black pills of Tibetan medicine to the feed reduced the rate of diarrhea and improved the growth performance of the piglets. Moreover, it had an effect on the microorganisms and their metabolites and pathways in the gastrointestinal tract of the animals, which might be the main reason for influencing the diarrhea rate of weaned Tibetan piglets and the growth and development of the piglets. This study provides a new approach for anti-stress applications in weaned Tibetan piglets and the development of substitute anti-products.

We present an overview of the LBT Imaging of Galactic Halos and Tidal Structures survey, which currently includes 25 nearby galaxies that are on average ∼1 mag fainter than the Milky Way, and a catalog of 54 low central surface brightness (24 < μ _0, _g /mag arcsec ^−2 < 28) satellite galaxy candidates, most of which were previously uncatalogued. The depth of the imaging exceeds the full 10 yr depth of the Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time. We find, after applying completeness corrections, rising numbers of candidate satellites as we approach the limiting luminosity ( M _r ∼ −8 mag) and central surface brightness ( μ _0, _g ∼ 28 mag arcsec ^−2 ). Over the parameter range we explore, each host galaxy (excluding those that are in overdense regions, apparently groups) has nearly four such candidate satellites to a projected radius of ∼100 kpc. These objects are mostly just at or beyond the reach of spectroscopy unless they are H i rich or have ongoing star formation. We identify three, possibly four, ultra-diffuse satellite galaxies (effective radius >1.5 kpc). This incidence rate falls within expectations of the extrapolation of the published relationship between the number of ultra-diffuse satellite galaxies and host halo mass. Last, we visually identify 12 candidate satellites that host a nuclear star cluster (NSC). The NSC occupation fraction for the sample (12/54) matches that published for satellites of early-type galaxies, suggesting that the parent’s morphological type plays at most a limited role in determining the NSC occupation fraction.

We present Selective Amplification of Ultra Noisy Astronomical Signal ( SAUNAS ), a pipeline designed for detecting diffuse X-ray emission in the data obtained with the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) of the Chandra X-ray Observatory. SAUNAS queries the available observations in the Chandra archive and performs photometric calibration, point-spread function modeling and deconvolution, point-source removal, adaptive smoothing, and background correction. This pipeline builds on existing and well-tested software including CIAO , VorBin , and LIRA . We characterize the performance of SAUNAS through several quality performance tests and demonstrate the broad applications and capabilities of SAUNAS using two galaxies already known to show X-ray-emitting structures. SAUNAS successfully detects the 30 kpc X-ray superwind of NGC 3079 using Chandra/ACIS data sets, matching the spatial distribution detected with more sensitive XMM-Newton observations. The analysis performed by SAUNAS reveals an extended low surface brightness source in the field of UGC 5101 in the 0.3–1.0 keV and 1.0–2.0 keV bands. This source is potentially a background galaxy cluster or a hot gas plume associated with UGC 5101. SAUNAS demonstrates its ability to recover previously undetected structures in archival data, expanding exploration into the low surface brightness X-ray Universe with Chandra/ACIS.

Real-time voltage stability assessment, via conventional methods, is a difficult task due to the required large amount of information, high execution times and computational cost. Based on these limitations, this technical work proposes a method for the estimation of the voltage stability margin through the application of artificial intelligence algorithms. For this purpose, several operation scenarios are first generated via Monte Carlo simulations, considering the load variability and the n-1 security criterion. Afterwards, the voltage stability margin of PV curves is determined for each scenario to obtain a database. This information allows structuring a data matrix for training an artificial neural network and a support vector machine, in its regression version, to predict the voltage stability margin, capable of being used in real time. The performance of the prediction tools is evaluated through the mean square error and the coefficient of determination. The proposed methodology is applied to the IEEE 14 bus test system, showing so promising results.

The objective of this article was to analyze the credit activity of the Popular and Solidarity Financial Sector of Ecuador in the first five-month period of 2021, according to the data generated by the Superintendency of Popular and Solidarity Economy with cuts to the months of January, February, March, April, and May of the same year. The figures of the loan portfolio by the segment of the popular and solidarity financial sector, by economic activity, as well as the distribution of the loan portfolio by segment, type of credit, sex, age range, and level of education were identified and analyzed, which made it possible to know the performance of the credit portfolio in this sector during the time analyzed.

Durante la década de 1980 existieron tres puntos de vista acerca del Centro histórico de Quito (CHQ): como un lugar marcado por el monumentalismo; la ciudad y su centro como diversidad social; y como un lugar habitable, dinámico, patrimonial y social. Los dos primeros expresaban la visión del Municipio de Quito, mientras que el último correspondía a los pobladores barriales. Así, el objetivo de esta investigación busca reflexionar la tercera vertiente que proviene de la periferia del centro. En cuanto a la metodología se fundamentó en entrevistas a moradores barriales y urbanistas, artículos de prensa y fuentes secundarias, a partir de lo cual se analizó a los barrios San Marcos y La Loma Grande como casos de estudio. De las entrevistas se obtuvo como resultado que el componente periférico constituyó un soporte reflexivo con lo que se sacó a la luz el patrimonio barrial y otras dinámicas sociales que moldearon a los barrios y enriquecieron a su centro. Sobre las conclusiones, se visualiza a los barrios con vínculos sociales, comunales y portaron memoria social y patrimonial en los años investigados, aspectos importantes a considerar para una mejor política pública sobre turismo, patrimonio y cultura en Quito actual.

Background: It is an imperative in most developing countries to improve the performance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and increase the accessibility of government services. State-Owned Enterprises have failed to deliver public value rendering most public services inefficient and costly. Aim: This study seeks to establish the influence of intrapreneurship on the efficacy of SOEs in developing countries, using the case of SOEs in Zimbabwe. Setting: The study took place in Zimbabwe. Methods: A mixed research approach was adopted and a cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from managers and employees of 39 parastatals in Zimbabwe. Data collection instruments were questionnaires and interviews. Data collected from questionnaires were analysed using STATA version 12, whilst data from interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The study revealed that most SOEs have a poor Intrapreneurship Orientation, which negatively impacts on the performance of SOEs. Most SOEs generally have low innovation levels and have not developed services in line with customer demands. However, SOEs anchored in an intrapreneurial architecture were able to achieve greater public value through innovations which led to better service delivery and cost effectiveness. Conclusion: This study advances the notion of intrapreneurship and revealed that intrapreneurship is a strategic workplace activity which can be adopted to improve SOEs’ organisational performance. Contribution: This study provides empirical evidence of the use of intrapreneurship as a systematic mechanism that can improve organisational performance and assist SOEs in emerging economies to sustain their role as engines of economic growth.

The bacterial stem blight of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), first reported in the United States in 1904, has emerged recently as a serious disease problem in the western states. The causal agent, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, promotes frost damage and disease that can reduce first harvest yields by 50%. Resistant cultivars and an understanding of host-pathogen interactions are lacking in this pathosystem. With the goal of identifying DNA markers associated with disease resistance, we developed biparental F1 mapping populations using plants from the cultivar ZG9830. Leaflets of plants in the mapping populations were inoculated with a bacterial suspension using a needleless syringe and scored for disease symptoms. Bacterial populations were measured by culture plating and using a quantitative PCR assay. Surprisingly, leaflets with few to no symptoms had bacterial loads similar to leaflets with severe disease symptoms, indicating that plants without symptoms were tolerant to the bacterium. Genotyping-by-sequencing identified 11 significant SNP markers associated with the tolerance phenotype. This is the first study to identify DNA markers associated with tolerance to P. syringae. These results provide insight into host responses and provide markers that can be used in alfalfa breeding programs to develop improved cultivars to manage the bacterial stem blight of alfalfa.

This paper shows the implementation and performance analysis of motion control algorithms for a 3D Concrete Printing system based on an industrial robotic arm. This work is part of the project of digital fabrication of low-cost housing. Regarding the technological architecture integrated in the present work, the hardware devices used are the EPSON C12 industrial robot arm and the RC700-A controller, and the software tools are Fusion 360 and RC+. To evaluate the point extraction and sequencing algorithms of a 3D structure and the motion control algorithms of the robot arm, three test wall models were designed: a semi-circle with horizontal undulations, a semi-circle with vertical undulations and an orthohedron without undulations. For the performance analysis, 140 trajectory times were extracted for each test model. The extracted values are the trajectory time intervals of the wall model envelope for each layer and of the internal trajectory of the wall model infill. Due to the increasing and decreasing trends of time for specific cases, it was concluded that in the working area of the robot arm, there are parts in which the robot is more efficient and therefore the joints offer less inertia for certain types of movements, for example straight or curved movements and short or long movements.

An Electric Power System (EPS) is a dynamic system that, due to continuous variations in the load, the presence of disturbances, switching operations, and/or the operation of the protection system, is never in a steady state. A deficit in generation causes a drop in the system’s frequency that, if not controlled, could result in the loss of synchronism between generators or areas and, in the worst-case scenario, a total or partial system collapse. This article presents a methodology to identify a subset of representative events that generalizes the N-1 generation contingency space; this subset can later be applied in the development of Under-Frequency Load-Shedding (UFLS) schemes based on the Rate of Change of Frequency (ROCOF).

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of tuberculosis (TB) and will hamper global TB control due to the dramatic rise in type 2 DM in TB-endemic settings. In this trial, we will examine the efficacy and safety of TB preventive therapy against the development of TB disease in people with DM who have latent TB infection (LTBI), with a 12-week course of rifapentine and isoniazid (3HP). Methods The ‘Prevention of tuberculosis in diabetes mellitus’ (PROTID) consortium will randomise 3000 HIV-negative eligible adults with DM and LTBI, as evidenced by a positive tuberculin skin test or interferon gamma release assay, to 12 weeks of 3HP or placebo. Participants will be recruited through screening adult patients attending DM clinics at referral hospitals in Tanzania and Uganda. Patients with previous TB disease or treatment with a rifamycin medication or isoniazid (INH) in the previous 2 years will be excluded. The primary outcome is the occurrence of definite or probable TB disease; secondary outcome measures include adverse events, all-cause mortality and treatment completion. The primary efficacy analysis will be intention-to-treat; per-protocol analyses will also be carried out. We will estimate the ratio of TB incidence rates in intervention and control groups, adjusting for the study site using Poisson regression. Results will be reported as efficacy estimates (1-rate ratio). Cumulative incidence rates allowing for death as a competing risk will also be reported. Approximately 1000 LTBI-negative, HIV-negative participants will be enrolled consecutively into a parallel cohort study to compare the incidence of TB in people with DM who are LTBI negative vs positive. A number of sub-studies will be conducted among others to examine the prevalence of LTBI and active TB, estimate the population impact and cost-effectiveness of LTBI treatment in people living with DM in these African countries and address gaps in the prevention and therapeutic management of combined TB-DM. Discussion PROTID is anticipated to generate key evidence to guide decisions over the use of TB preventive treatment among people with DM as an important target group for better global TB control. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04600167 . Registered on 23 October 2020

La presente investigación consistió en el desarrollo de una aplicación móvil denominada “Escribir con puntos“, para la enseñanza del Sistema de Lectura y Escritura Braille a personas con o sin discapacidad visual. Se partió examinando el estado del arte sobre la enseñanza basada en TIC del sistema Braille, se diseñó y construyó la aplicación junto a una persona con este tipo de discapacidad; para la evaluación de la aplicación se recogió recomendaciones de una experta en el campo de la Psicorehabilitación. La investigación es de carácter científica, exploratoria y descriptiva, ya que hace uso del método analítico, científico, estudio de casos, entrevistas y recursos académicos como la guía didáctica para la lectoescritura Braille. Finalmente se demostró que “Escribir con puntos“ ayudará en la enseñanza del sistema Braille apoyando al proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje a los docentes, basado en los resultados obtenidos en la evaluación de la aplicación, siguiendo los lineamientos pedagógicos dados por la experta en psicorehabilitación.

Encontrar un bien inmueble donde vivir para satisfacer la necesidad de vivienda cuando se reside, trabaja o estudia fuera de la ciudad natal, es algo importante que requiere de tiempo y dinero. En base a ello, el presente artículo consistió en desarrollar una aplicación informática para la búsqueda de oferta de alquiler de inmuebles para los habitantes de la ciudad de Loja, el cual consta de 4 fases, en la primera fase se realizó una revisión de trabajos similares para identificar requisitos generales, luego se aplicó encuestas a 186 personas para adquirir requisitos que contrasten con los obtenidos anteriormente, dando como resultado el documento de especificación de requerimientos según el estándar IEEE830. En la segunda fase se llevó a cabo el diseño de la aplicación, donde se utilizó la metodología XP y el modelo 4+1 respectivamente para organizar la aplicación, de igual manera se utilizó la arquitectura cliente servidor multicapa para separar la lógica de presentación, lógica de negocio y la lógica de datos; en la tercera fase se codificó el web service API REST, el cliente web y móvil. Finalmente, en la cuarta fase se realizó pruebas de funcionalidad en base a los criterios de aceptación de las Historias de Usuario, las pruebas de carga y estrés obteniendo tiempos de respuesta adecuados de la petición entre el cliente y el servidor, y las pruebas de usabilidad se llevaron a cabo en un ambiente controlado donde se encuestó a 63 personas identificando que la aplicación es fácil de usar y ayuda a reducir el tiempo de búsqueda de un bien inmueble.

Abstract Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a severe complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) and one of the leading causes of mortality in SCD patients. The management of ACS is challenging and requires prompt intervention to halt clinical deterioration. With the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, which also primarily results in acute respiratory illness, the clinical picture and treatment outcome in SCD patients with ACS remain unknown. We present a case of a 30‐year‐old male who came in with features of painful vaso‐occlusive episode and haemolysis that later evolved to acute chest syndrome. Chest X‐ray showed pneumonic changes and mild bilateral pleural effusion, and nasal Reverse Transcription‐Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) for COVID‐19 test came out positive. He was managed supportively with simple transfusion, antibiotics, dexamethasone and oxygen support with a good clinical outcome. Presenting with non‐specific symptoms and similar respiratory symptoms and signs, the clinical picture of COVID‐19 can prove difficult to discern from that of ACS due to other causes. This report emphasizes a need for a higher index of suspicion whenever a SCD patient presents with symptoms of acute respiratory distress.

Abstract Background The capacity for invasive tissue biopsies followed by histopathology diagnosis in sub-Saharan Africa is severely limited. Consequently, many cancer patients are diagnosed late and outcomes are poor. Here, we propose to evaluate circulating tumour (ct) DNA analysis (“liquid biopsy”), a less invasive and faster approach to diagnose endemic EBV-driven lymphomas (EBVL) in East Africa. Methods We will evaluate the clinical utility of an already validated ctDNA test prospectively in a head-to-head comparison against histopathology. The primary endpoint is the time from presentation to the specialist centre to a final diagnosis of EBV- Lymphoma. Secondary endpoints include the sensitivity and specificity of liquid biopsy and health economic benefits over histopathology. One hundred forty-six patients will be recruited over 18 months. Patients will be eligible if they are 3–30 years of age and have provided written consent or assent as per IRB guidelines. Tissue and venous blood samples will be processed as per established protocols. Clinical data will be captured securely and in real-time into a REDCap database. The time from presentation to diagnosis will be documented. The sensitivity and specificity of the methods can be estimated within 5% error margin with 95% confidence level using 73 cases and 73 controls. Health-economic assessment will include micro-costing of ctDNA test and histopathology. All results will be reviewed in a multidisciplinary tumour board. Discussion The study evaluates the clinical utility of ctDNA in improving the speed of diagnostic pathways for EBVL in sub-Saharan Africa. Our results would provide proof-of-principle that ctDNA can be used as a diagnostic tool in areas without access to regular pathology, that transfer of the tool is feasible, and that it leads to an earlier and faster diagnosis. The potential clinical and economic impact of this proposal is thus significant. If successful, this study will provide appropriate, and cost-effective diagnostic tools that will promote earlier diagnosis of EBVL and potentially other cancers in countries with restricted healthcare resources. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trials Registry: PACTR202204822312651 , registered on 14th-April-2022.

Myxedema coma is a severe complication of hypothyroidism, commonly affecting women over 60 years of age, causing slow, progressive multi-organ dysfunction, and mental deterioration. Due to improved diagnostics and treatment of hypothyroidism, myxedema coma has become uncommon. However, it is hardly reported in resource-limited settings. We present an elderly female with a history of total thyroidectomy due to multi-nodular goiter. She presented with features of heart failure, excessive weight gain, and cold sensation. Although the patient was on levothyroxine replacement therapy, her laboratory tests were suggestive of overt primary hypothyroidism. During the course of her hospitalization, she developed subcutaneous bleeding with frank hematuria. This led to an altered mental state and hypotension that were suggestive of myxedema coma. Stroke and pulmonary embolism were ruled out as potential differential diagnoses of her current state. She was treated with a high dose of oral levothyroxine followed by 150 μg of oral levothyroxine daily, which resulted in a favorable outcome despite being a fatal emergency. She was also treated with intravenous hydrocortisone and furosemide. Oral thyroid hormone replacement may be an effective option in those resource-limited settings where intravenous thyroid hormone replacement is not available. However, early diagnosis and treatment with an adequate dose of thyroid hormones are crucial to achieve a favorable outcome.

Background: State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are pivotal to the socio-economic development of any country. However, in most developing countries, these entities are failing to execute their mandate effectively. State-owned enterprises have failed to be responsive to citizens’ needs and deliver public value efficiently because of low investment in intrapreneurial activities by leadership in these entities. Aim: This study set out to examine the effect of intrapreneurial capabilities (ICs) on organisational performance of SOEs. Setting: The population under study was SOEs in Zimbabwe, located in the Southern African Development Community, in Africa. Methods: The study used a qualitative research design. Interviews were the main data collection technique. Data collected from interviews were analysed using thematic network analysis. Document analysis was also used to establish the performance of the SOEs. Results: The study established that ICs have a significant influence on the organisational performance of SOEs. Organisations with stronger ICs developed greater strategic agility and delivered greater public value, in terms of service delivery, customer satisfaction, financial performance and social impact. Conclusion: The study provided evidence of the influence of ICs on intrapreneurial activities and consequently on organisational performance. The study will assist leadership in SOEs to invest in an intrapreneurial architecture in order to assist SOEs to deliver both economic and public value. Contribution: The study has important implications for both practitioners and researchers in that it highlights the importance of investing in superior IC as a means of addressing service and performance challenges faced by SOEs.

Abstract The conversion of forest into grassland can induce differentiation in the functional morphology of resilient species. To assess this effect, we have chosen a dung beetle Dichotomius problematicus, as a model species. We established 20 sampling points distributed along a transect for a forest and grassland located in the Podocarpus National Park in Ecuador. Four pit‐fall traps were baited with pig feces per sample point and were left open for 48 h. We sexed and measured 13 morphological traits of 269 individuals. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling was carried out to evaluate the influence of habitat and sexual dimorphism on the traits. We applied a principal component analysis to evaluate the morphological features that best explain the differences between land use and sexual dimorphism. We used generalized linear models to evaluate the explanatory variables: habitat and sexual dimorphism with respect to morphological traits. Five traits contributed over 70% body thickness, Pronotum width, Pronotum length, Head width and Elytra length, following the results of a principal component analysis. Both habitat and sex influence traits. In the forest, the individuals are larger than grassland likely due to available resources, but in grassland, the structures in charge of the burial process head, protibia are larger, displaying a strong pronotum and possible a greater reproductive capacity given by spherecity. These patterns of changes in the size of beetles and their structures could reflect the conservation state of an ecosystem.

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) has a cure rate of around 95% when treated with chemo-immunotherapy that is standard of care in high-income countries (Minard-Colin et al., 2020, New England Journal of Medicine 382, 2207–2219), but currently, more than 50% of children and young adults with endemic BL (Epstein Barr virus driven BL) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) do not survive. Treatment for BL is largely free of charge, but there is limited access to reliable diagnostic services leading to significant delays and misdiagnoses. Innovations in histopathology such as whole slide imaging and the use of novel diagnostic approaches, in particular using circulating cell-free viral and/or lymphoma DNA (liquid biopsy), could increase access to timely and reliable diagnosis and improve outcomes in SSA.

Assessing the genetic diversity of yam germplasm from different geographical origins for cultivation and breeding purposes is an essential step for crop genetic resource conservation and genetic improvement, especially where the crop faces minimal attention. This study aimed to classify the population structure, and assess the extent of genetic diversity in 207 Dioscorea rotundata genotypes sourced from three different geographical origins. A total of 4,957 (16.2%) single nucleotide polymorphism markers were used to assess genetic diversity. The SNP markers were informative, with polymorphic information content ranging from 0.238 to 0.288 and a mean of 0.260 across all the genotypes. The observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.12 and 0.23, respectively while the minor allele frequency ranged from 0.093 to 0.124 with a mean of 0.109. The principal coordinate analysis, model-based structure and discriminant analysis of principal components, and the Euclidean distance matrix method grouped 207 yam genotypes into three main clusters. Genotypes from West Africa (Ghana and Nigeria) had significant similarities with those from Uganda. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that within-population variation across three different geographical origins accounted for 93% of the observed variation. This study, therefore, showed that yam improvement in Uganda is possible, and the outcome will constitute a foundation for the genetic improvement of yams in Uganda.