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Soybean is one of the most widely cultivated species worldwide. Empirical studies have shown that animal pollination can contribute between 0 and 50 % to soybean yields. However, the role of animal pollination in soybean production is often overlooked in management decisions. Understanding the factors driving variability in pollinator contribution can aid in developing effective management strategies. In this study, we experimentally assessed the contribution of both autonomous and animal pollination across nine widely cultivated soybean cultivars in the Chaco region of Argentina. Additionally, we explored whether specific traits of these cultivars could explain the observed variability in pollination contribution. We used field exclosure experiments to study cultivars that differed in flower color, genetic modifications, and maturity groups, and analyzed the variability in pollinators’ contributions across years and locations. We found that the overall reduction in production between open and bagged plants was, on average, 40 % (CI 25–51 %). The contribution of pollinators varied depending on flower color, maturity groups, and locations, but not across different years or genetic modifications. Cultivars with purple flowers showed greater differences between open and bagged plants compared to those with white flowers, indicating that flower color may influence the attractiveness of flowers to pollinators. Additionally, pollinators’ contribution varied across maturity groups, potentially due to the differential timing of the flowering affecting the local abundance of pollinators within the crop. Notably, the variable used to estimate pollinators’ contribution (i.e., seeds, pods, or yield) conditioned the results. Pollinators’ contribution can be highly variable, and traits associated with cultivars can help improve our understanding of such heterogeneity. Our results showed that the contribution of pollinators to soybean cultivars in the Chaco region of Argentina ranges from modest to high. This suggests that conserving pollinators and managing agricultural fields at plot and landscape scales can significantly impact soybean production.

Summary: Pneumonia stands as the primary cause of death among children under five, yet current diagnosis methods often result in inadequate or unnecessary treatments. Our research seeks to address this gap by identifying host transcriptomic biomarkers in the blood of children with definitive viral and bacterial pneumonia. We performed RNA sequencing on 192 prospectively collected whole blood samples, including 38 controls and 154 pneumonia cases, uncovering a 5-transcript signature (genes FAM20A, BAG3, TDRD9, MXRA7, and KLF14) that effectively distinguishes bacterial from viral pneumonia (area under the curve (AUC): 0.95 [0.88–1.00]). Initial validation using combined definitive and probable cases yielded an AUC of 0.87 [0.77–0.97], while full validation in a new prospective cohort of 32 patients achieved an AUC of 0.92 [0.83–1.00]. This robust signature holds significant potential to enhance diagnostics accuracy for pediatric pneumonia, reducing diagnostic delays and unnecessary treatments and potentially transforming clinical practice.

Learning mathematics is a challenge for many students, especially because of the traditionalist method with which its contents are taught. To a large extent, mathematics classes generate little motivation in students, so in this research, a novel technological method based on augmented reality is applied to improve the mathematics learning process, particularly the techniques of solving systems of linear equations. The research design used was a two-phase mixed sequential confirmatory type. The research worked with a sample of 65 students (Mage=17.72, SD=0.65; 58.5% female and 41.5% male). In the first phase, a quasi-experimental study was designed with an experimental group (M=32) and a control group (M=33). The experimental group received a mathematics teaching and learning intervention based on augmented reality vs. the control group, which received a traditional educational process. The experimental group showed improvements in acquired knowledge and motivation compared to the control group students. In the qualitative phase, two focus groups were conducted with students from their respective groups. In the experimental group, the following categories were identified: interesting, fun, innovative, and entertaining. The control group identified the following categories: little attention, low interest in learning, tired knowledge, and lack of motivation. The results are discussed in relation to the need to generate educational processes that benefit mathematics learning.

A significant increase in the use of hydrogen, expected to reach between 667 and 4000 TWh, is forecasted for the whole EU in 2050. Electrolysis is believed to be a “silver bullet” due to its synergy with the needs of the grid. However, biohydrogen generation could be complimentary to electrolysis since it does not depend on electricity prices. This review presents a comprehensive picture of the landscape in biohydrogen production, showing state-of-the-art research on different biohydrogen production processes and highlighting potential problems and shortcomings for different processes, including microbial-based production and thermal processes. The work shows that “colour coding” used nowadays is insufficient in terms of providing accurate information regarding the sustainability of particular biohydrogen production technologies. Instead, LCA can provide substantial information for each investigated process. However, there is a need for a wider scope of LCA studies since currently published studies present a syndrome of “carbon tunnel vision”, often ignoring impacts other than global warming. Moreover, studies often tend to exclude the impact of capital goods production, which might provide an incomplete overview of such technologies. Moreover, it should not be overlooked that biohydrogen is capable of achieving negative values of CO2 emissions if CCS is implemented.

Fusarium verticillioides represents a major phytopathogenic threat to maize crops worldwide. In this study, we present genomic sequence data of a phytopathogen isolated from a maize stem that shows obvious signs of vascular rot. Using rigorous microbiological identification techniques, we correlated the disease symptoms observed in an affected maize region with the presence of the pathogen. Subsequently, the pathogen was cultured in a suitable fungal growth medium and extensive morphological characterization was performed. In addition, a pathogenicity test was carried out in a DCA model with three treatments and seven repetitions. De novo assembly from Illumina Novaseq 6000 sequencing yielded 456 contigs, which together constitute a 42.8 Mb genome assembly with a GC % content of 48.26. Subsequent comparative analyses were performed with other Fusarium genomes available in the NCBI database.

Coastal lagoons, such as the Mar Menor, have suffered significant environmental crises that have adversely affected tourism, leisure, and fishing activities, while also decreasing property values in the area. To address the challenges of restoring these ecosystems, the development of automated methods for continuous monitoring of various parameters at different depths and locations is being promoted. In this context, a lightweight, autonomous, submersible profiler with depth control capability was designed for monitoring the stratifications in shallow waters like the Mar Menor. This study presents two depth control methodologies for the profiler: a system based on thrusters, and another based on a variable ballast system, along with the challenges encountered during real-world tests of each methodology. The first methodology uses a simple PID control algorithm to manage depth via thrusters, suitable for marine environments where fouling is minimal. This system resulted in a mean absolute depth error of 5.6 cm and an autonomy of 127 days. The second methodology, based on a variable ballast system, is effective even in environments with significant fouling. It employs a cascaded control structure with a rule-based dynamic operating point, achieving a mean absolute depth error of 5.7 cm and an autonomy of 48 days in locations of the Mar Menor.

Laguna Bacalar, one of Mexico's most significant near-coast lakes, remains underexplored in the context of its Late Holocene paleoecology. A 2,40 m long core was retrieved in northern Laguna Bacalar. Palynological and geochemical proxies were isolated and analyzed. Our findings reveal the intricate paleoecological dynamics and hydrodynamic shifts of this vital area in southeastern Mexico. Climate and ecological changes delineate three pivotal phases during the Late Holocene at Laguna Bacalar: (i) a period between 3600 and 3250 cal BP mirroring current climatic conditions with seasonal dry tropical forest and mangroves as the dominant vegetation and evidence of human activities indicated by the presence of fossil maize pollen, (ii) a relatively arid phase from 3250 to 2600 cal BP, influenced by heightened ENSO-driven precipitation variability and sea level rise favoring an estuarine environment at Laguna Bacalar, and (iii) a period between 2600 and 2200 cal BP, exhibiting hydrological conditions akin to contemporary conditions with wetland forest mangrove vegetation. These data ultimately underscore the region's susceptibility to regional climatic fluctuations and ecological resilience, providing a case study from which to predict future conditions and establish modern conservation policy for Laguna Bacalar and similar environments.

Summary: Background: Surgical care holds significant importance in healthcare, especially in low and middle-income countries, as at least 50% of the 4.2 million deaths within the initial 30 days following surgery take place in these countries. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery proposed six indicators to enhance surgical care. In Colombia, studies have been made using secondary data. However, strategies to reduce perioperative mortality have not been implemented. This study aims to describe the fourth indicator, perioperative mortality rate (POMR), with primary data in Colombia. Methods: A multicentre prospective cohort study was conducted across 54 centres (hospitals) in Colombia. Each centre selected a 7-day recruitment period between 05/2022 and 01/2023. Inclusion criteria involved patients over 18 years of age undergoing surgical procedures in operating rooms. Data quality was ensured through a verification guideline and statistical analysis using mixed-effects multilevel modelling with a case mix analysis of mortality by procedure-related, patient-related, and hospital-related conditions. Findings: 3807 patients were included with a median age of 48 (IQR 32–64), 80.3% were classified as ASA I or II, and 27% of the procedures had a low-surgical complexity. Leading procedures were Orthopedics (19.2%) and Gynaecology/Obstetrics (17.7%). According to the Clavien–Dindo scale, postoperative complications were distributed in major complications (11.7%, 10.68–12.76) and any complication (31.6%, 30.09–33.07). POMR stood at 1.9% (1.48–2.37), with elective and emergency surgery mortalities at 0.7% (0.40–1.23) and 3% (2.3–3.89) respectively. Interpretation: The POMR was higher than the ratio reported in previous national studies, even when patients had a low–risk profile and low-complexity procedures. The present research represents significant public health progress with valuable insights for national decision-makers to improve the quality of surgical care. Funding: This work was supported by Universidad del Rosario and Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología grant number CTO-057-2021, project-ID IV-FGV017.

Background: Tobacco consumption is a relevant public health problem, with adolescence being a common period of initiation. One factor that has rarely been investigated is the information available to adolescents regarding the consequences of substance use. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the correlation between teenagers' self-reported information level about substance consumption and its sources and smoking prevalence. The study differentiates between sources monitored by state or supranational organizations (schools, parents, and mass media) and those that are not (peers, siblings, and the Internet). Three modes of tobacco consumption were examined: cigarette, e-cigarette, and hookah. Methods: This study used a survey conducted in 2023 with teenagers residing in Tarragona (Spain). The survey received 1307 responses from a target demographic comprising approximately 8000 individuals. Hierarchical ordered logistic regression was employed to evaluate the significance of the variables pertaining to each modality of tobacco consumption. The assessed variables encompassed the perceived level of information concerning substance use and the quantity of monitored and unmonitored resources that provide that information. These variables were controlled for four individual and four environmental factors. Results: Logistic regressions indicated that although the extent of information regarding substance consumption consequences does not correlate with smoking in any form, the amount of monitored and unmonitored information resources was significantly associated with all consumption modalities. Information derived from monitored sources consistently exerts a protective effect. In the case of cigarette consumption, the 95 % confidence interval of the odds ratio (95%CI) was 0.43–0.91; for e-cigarrette, 95%CI = 0.45–0.86, and for hookah usage 95%CI = 0.42–0.86. The use of unmonitored resources appears to encourage consumption. In the case of cigarette, 95%CI = 1.08–2.34; for e-cigarette, 95%CI = 1.39–2.69; and for hookah use 95%CI = 1.39–2.68. Conclusions: The results in this paper have significant implications for health literacy dissemination, underscoring the need for public authorities to consider both monitored and unmonitored information sources in relation to smoking prevalence in adolescents. These results imply that information emanating from monitored sources of information in the design and implementation of measures against adolescents’ tobacco use.

Although the compressive strength is the most commonly used property to characterize mortars, it has limited representativeness in real-world applications. The deformation properties of mortars, specifically the elastic modulus, are responsible for masonry behavior. However, there is currently no standard method for determining the elastic modulus of mortars and no consensus on the best approach. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to obtain both static and dynamic moduli of a one-coat rendering mortar following the standards for calculating them on concrete specimens and verify their validity. The static modulus was determined under compression by adapting the standard for concrete specimens (EN-1352) to mortars using two gauges, and under the flexural tensile test following the standard EN-1015–11. The dynamic modulus was calculated by measuring the fundamental resonant frequencies of longitudinal and transverse vibration modes, adapting the American standard for concrete (ASTM C215) for mortar. The tests were performed on both standardized and non-standardized prismatic specimens, as well as in situ samples at various ages. The results indicated that dynamic modulus obtained from the longitudinal vibration mode was higher than that from the transverse mode, but differences were smaller using a uniaxial accelerometer than with a triaxial accelerometer. The dynamic modulus exhibited a slightly higher value and lower dispersion than the static modulus. Both moduli decreased with time and were easily correlated through linear regressions. Additionally, both moduli were correlated with flexural and compressive strength values. In situ samples had lower elastic moduli, but the compaction procedure in real works differs from laboratory tests. In summary, it was demonstrated that the procedures for calculating dynamic and static elastic moduli in concrete can be applied to mortar samples, and their effectiveness was confirmed.

Resumen: Objetivo: Conocer las motivaciones de los adolescentes para el consumo de alcohol. Diseño: Metodología cualitativa con grupos de discusión. Participantes y contexto: Participaron 131 adolescentes (15-17 años) escolarizados en nueve institutos de Tarragona (España). Método: Estrategia de codificación sistemática, adaptada a los grupos de discusión. Se seleccionaron centros educativos a través de un muestreo intencional estratificado por niveles educativos (criterio de segmentación) y titularidad del centro (pública o privada). Los participantes de los grupos fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente dentro de los niveles educativos. El análisis de contenido se realizó siguiendo una estrategia de codificación abierta y flexible. Resultados: Se identifican motivaciones para consumir alcohol que giran en torno a seis dimensiones fundamentales: a) búsqueda de diversión y nuevas sensaciones, b) reducción del malestar, c) consumo por contagio social y presión de grupo, c) consumo como rito de iniciación en la vida adulta, d) disponibilidad ambiental del alcohol, y e) baja percepción de riesgo. Estos motivos variaron según el sexo del adolescente. En las chicas, la conducta de beber apareció relacionada con la superación de estados emocionales negativos, mientras que para los chicos primó la pertenencia al grupo de iguales: beber refuerza la masculinidad hegemónica y garantiza la complicidad entre pares. Los adolescentes consideraron que la información que reciben desde los centros educativos es suficiente, pero no motiva al cambio. Conclusiones: Las estrategias de salud pública focalizadas en la prevención de consumo de alcohol en adolescentes deben incorporar sus motivaciones para lograr una mayor eficiencia, prestando debida atención a las variables sexo/género. Abstract: Objective: To find out the motivations of adolescents for alcohol consumption. Design: Qualitative methodology with discussion groups. Participants and context: 131 adolescents (15-17 years old) enrolled in nine schools in Tarragona (Spain). Method: Systematic coding strategy, adapted to focus groups. Educational centers were selected through a stratified purposive sampling by educational levels (segmentation criterion) and ownership of the center (public or private). Participants within the educational levels were randomly selected for the groups. Content analysis was conducted using an open and flexible coding strategy. Results: Motivations for alcohol consumption were identified, revolving around six fundamental dimensions: a) seeking fun and new sensations, b) alleviating discomfort, c) consumption due to social contagion and group pressure, d) consumption as a rite of passage into adulthood, e) environmental availability of alcohol, and f) low perception of risk. This motivation varied according to the adolescent's gender. In girls, drinking behavior appeared related to overcoming negative emotional states, while for boys, belonging to the peer group took precedence: drinking reinforces hegemonic masculinity and ensures complicity among peers. Adolescents considered that the information they receive from educational centers is sufficient, but it does not motivate change. Conclusions: Public health strategies focused on preventing alcohol consumption in adolescents should incorporate their motivations to achieve greater efficiency, paying due attention to sex/gender variables.

Forty-five accessions of the genus Phaseolus from the orthodox seed collection of the National Center for Genetic Resources (CNRG) of the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural, and Livestock Research (INIFAP) of Mexico were sequenced using RADseq. The species utilized were: P. acutifolius (14), P. coccineus (12), P. lunatus (8), P. dumosus (6), P. leptostachyus (2), P. filiformis (2), and P. vulgaris (1). A variant call file (VCF) was generated using GATK with the P. vulgaris reference genome GCF_000499845.1, identifying 97,103 shared SNPs among the species. These data have the potential to be used for studies of genetic diversity intra and interspecies, phylogeny, evolution, genetic resource conservation, and agricultural improvement.

Background: Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSM) account for 3–10% of intracranial meningiomas. Visual loss is the presenting symptom in up to 80% of cases. Surgical management poses a great challenge due to tumor proximity to neurovascular structures such as the optic nerve and the internal carotid artery (ICA); hence, there is controversy regarding the optimal approach. The aim of this study is to determine differences in visual outcomes between transcranial (TCA) and endoscopic endonasal (EEA) approaches. Methods: A retrospective study including 29 patients with TSM surgically treated by TCA or EEA between 2011 and 2023 in a single referral center was conducted. Pre-and post-operative neuro-ophthalmologic evaluations, focusing on visual acuity and campimetry, were evaluated. Results: Sixteen (55.16%) patients were intervened through a TCA and the remaining 13 (44.84%) via an EEA. The lesions in each group were similar in terms of pre- operative volume (15.12 vs 12.9 cm3, p = 0.497) and neurovascular invasion (optic canal invasion 48.26 vs 41.37%, p = 0.664; ICA 44.81 vs 31.03%, p = 0.797). There were no significant differences in visual outcomes between both approaches; TCA presented an improvement of 5.18 points in visual fields (p = 0.140), whereas EEA had an improvement of 17.39 points in visual acuity (p = 0.114). Conclusion: EEA seems to offer greater improvement in visual acuity than TCA. However, the ideal approach should be individualized; taking into account the tumor’s volume and invasiveness, as well as the patient's visual complaints.

This case report describes the management of a woman diagnosed with a retroperitoneal cystic tumor during pregnancy. The 29-year-old patient presented at 29 weeks of pregnancy with abdominal pain. A retroperitoneal tumor measuring 224 × 156 × 235 mm was identified on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent cesarean section delivery of a healthy neonate at 37 weeks. Uncomplicated laparoscopic surgery was performed during the postpartum period, resulting in a histologic diagnosis of a retroperitoneal lymphangioma. A review of articles published between 2003 and 2023 on the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of gestational lymphangiomas was conducted using the PubMed, SCOPUS and SpringerLink databases. Ten articles, including case reports of lymphangiomas diagnosed during pregnancy, were identified. The most frequent location was the gastrointestinal tract, with no cases reported in the retroperitoneal area. A good perinatal outcome was reported in the majority of cases. Lymphangiomas are rare benign tumors that are even more uncommon during pregnancy. Watchful waiting can offer a good obstetric and perinatal prognosis.

Resumen: Las enfermedades dermatológicas que cursan con un patrón reticular son múltiples y variadas. Aunque dicho patrón particular de presentación morfológica muchas veces es muy distintivo, usualmente es poco discutido y estudiado en el contexto clínico. A menudo, estos patrones no se abordan como una categoría diagnóstica propia. Asimismo, las etiologías de este grupo de enfermedades son diversas, desde causas vasculares, infecciosas, tumorales, inflamatorias, metabólicas o genéticas. Además, pueden variar desde condiciones relativamente benignas hasta enfermedades graves que amenazan la vida. Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir la enfermedad de la piel que se manifiesta con lesiones reticulares y se propone un algoritmo de diagnóstico clínico, basado en el color predominante de las lesiones y los principales hallazgos clínicos, para un abordaje práctico inicial. Abstract: Reticular patterns are observed in a great variety of skin diseases. While these morphologic patterns are often highly distinctive, they are seldom discussed or studied in clinical contexts or recognized as a diagnostic category in their own right. Diseases presenting with reticulate skin lesions have multiple etiologies (tumors, infections, vascular disorders, inflammatory conditions, and metabolic or genetic alterations) and can range from relatively benign conditions to life-threatening ones. We review a selection of these diseases and propose a clinical diagnostic algorithm based on predominant coloring and clinical features to aid in their initial assessment.

Mathematics teaching strategies have a positive impact on learning. However, there is a lack of studies on non-traditional approaches to early mathematics education in the specialized scientific literature. In this theoretical framework, a study to connect teaching methodology with the various cognitive processes implicated in learning has been designed. A total of 114 primary school students aged 74 and 84 months who were taught mathematics either with the method called Open Algorithm Based on Numbers or with the more traditional Closed Algorithm Based on Ciphers, participated in the study. After conducting a thorough examination of cognitive processes and early math performance using well-established assessment instruments, a comparative analysis was undertaken to explore the relationship between cognitive predictors of mathematical performance, while considering the mathematics teaching strategies used. Students were distributed according to their level of mathematical competence and teaching methodology and the type of schools (Charter or Public). The results from the multivariate statistical test showed that the teaching strategy was inconclusive for most of the cognitive factors studied. Significant differences according to mathematical performance were found for fluid intelligence, verbal short-term memory, and visuospatial working memory. Finally, no significant differences were found in the cognitive variables studied when considering the interaction between the teaching approach, school characteristics, and mathematical achievement as a reference.

Video games have been in the focus of the research and academic community for the last few years, with the study and experimentation of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) standing out. AGI experimentation platforms allow to analyze and study, in a visual way, the behavior of different AI agents previously defined. In this work a novel game engine, called GAGI, capable of serving as an AGI experimentation platform is presented. As a game engine, GAGI is able to design and create novel 2D and 3D video games using C++ programming language. Moreover, GAGI provides the user with a unique environment for simulating and studying AI agents inside the created game. Users can deploy multiple AI agents while interacting with them in real time, improving the understanding of their interactions and behaviors. The features of the proposed software is compared against others widely-used game engines in the video games industry as well as in the research community, highlighting the advantages in terms of design capability and AI support. GAGI also offers the possibility to reproduce the experiments, opening up multiple possibilities for the research community.

Physicians are used to having complementary studies that help us in all phases of our work. In the maxillofacial surgery field the most commonly used tests are radiological tests (CT and NMR) and digital clinical photographs.In recent years, the concept of 3D surgery has been developed and consists of the use of 3D technology applied to surgery. 3D surgery allows us to move from on-site planning of the surgery to pre-surgical planning, with a simulation and preview of the result at the bone and soft tissue level.Radiological studies are of very limited use in soft tissue planning and digital photography is two-dimensional and dependent on patient positioning. The use of the surface scanner solves these limitations as it computes the spatial coordinates of the patient's anatomical surface in order to create a 3D digital model.

Background: Polypharmacy and risk of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) in older adult are being continuously increased. Including a primary care pharmacist (PCP) in the healthcare team is associated with lower rates of medication-related problems (MRPs). Objectives: To determine the impact (in terms of variation of PIP, MRPs and polymedication) of treatment reviews (TR) carried out by the PCP by comparing two cohorts: standard TR vs coordinated TR with prescribing General Practitioners (GP). To assess possible health outcomes in both groups 6 months post-TR. Methods: This is an observational study of two retrospective cohorts (2018 to 2020). All patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were analyzed. Patients ≥65 years, who underwent complete TR by the PCP were included. Patients in a situation of exitus at the time of TR and those who underwent a partial TR were excluded. Control group cohort consisted of patients who underwent standard TR, and intervention group cohort consisted of those who underwent TR coordinated with GP. Sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacological variables were analyzed. Results: 181 patients were enrolled. Mean age 84.4 ± 7.2 years, 78.5% women. Variables (GP-coordinated vs standard TRs) pre-post: decrease in drugs/patient 1.9 (95%CI: 1.4–2.4) vs 0.6 (95%CI: 0.2–1.3), p

Reticular patterns are observed in a great variety of skin diseases. While these morphologic patterns are often highly distinctive, they are seldom discussed or studied in clinical contexts or recognized as a diagnostic category in their own right. Diseases presenting with reticulate skin lesions have multiple etiologies (tumors, infections, vascular disorders, inflammatory conditions, and metabolic or genetic alterations) and can range from relatively benign conditions to life-threatening ones. We review a selection of these diseases and propose a clinical diagnostic algorithm based on predominant coloring and clinical features to aid in their initial assessment. Resumen: Las enfermedades dermatológicas que cursan con un patrón reticular son múltiples y variadas. Aunque dicho patrón particular de presentación morfológica muchas veces es muy distintivo, usualmente es poco discutido y estudiado en el contexto clínico. A menudo estos patrones no se abordan como una categoría diagnóstica propia. Asimismo, las etiologías de este grupo de enfermedades son diversas, desde causas vasculares, infecciosas, tumorales, inflamatorias, metabólicas o genéticas. Además, pueden variar desde condiciones relativamente benignas hasta enfermedades graves que amenazan la vida. Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir la enfermedad de la piel que se manifiesta con lesiones reticulares y se propone un algoritmo de diagnóstico clínico, basado en el color predominante de las lesiones y en los principales hallazgos clínicos, para un abordaje práctico inicial.

Ultrasonic flowmeters face unique challenges since, in addition to withstanding high fluid pressures, they have to avoid crosstalk, which is the interaction of the signals traveling through the fluid and the solid pipe. To avoid the crosstalk, which leads to poor accuracy or complete loss of the required signal, we develop a mounting mechanism based on phononic crystals (PnCs), which are artificial periodic materials possessing band gaps (BGs) due to Bragg scattering. These PnC structures should also possess high mechanical strength to sustain the fluid pressure. Designing PnCs for such applications is challenging as the BG width and the resistance to mechanical loading are conflicting objectives. To circumvent this, we propose a step-by-step design procedure to optimize both mechanical strength and wave attenuation performance of a single-phase 3D PnC waveguide using parametric sweeping and sensitivity analysis. We use finite element analysis (FEA) to characterize the behavior of the periodic unit cell and the waveguide. Since accurate dynamic FEA at high frequencies is computationally demanding, we develop surrogate models at different levels of the design process. We also consider additive manufacturing aspects in the design procedure, which we validate by 3D-printing the final design and measuring the parameters via computer tomography.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on population mental health and the need for mental health services in many countries, while also disrupting critical mental health services and capacity, as a response to the pandemic. Mental health providers were asked to reconfigure wards to accommodate patients with COVID-19, thereby reducing capacity to provide mental health services. This is likely to have widened the existing mismatch between demand and supply of mental health care in the English NHS. We quantify the impact of these rapid service reconfigurations on activity levels for mental health providers in England during the first thirteen months (March 2020–March 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic. We use monthly mental health service utilisation data for a large subset of mental health providers in England from January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2021. We use multivariate regression to estimate the difference between observed and expected utilisation from the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Expected utilisation levels (i.e. the counterfactual) are estimated from trends in utilisation observed during the pre-pandemic period January 1, 2015 to February 31, 2020. We measure utilisation as the monthly number of inpatient admissions, discharges, net admissions (admissions less discharges), length of stay, bed days, number of occupied beds, patients with outpatient appointments, and total outpatient appointments. We also calculate the accumulated difference in utilisation from the start of the pandemic period. There was a sharp reduction in total inpatient admissions and net admissions at the beginning of the pandemic, followed by a return to pre-pandemic levels from September 2020. Shorter inpatient stays are observed over the whole period and bed days and occupied bed counts had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels by March 2021. There is also evidence of greater use of outpatient appointments, potentially as a substitute for inpatient care.

Most paleoecological investigations use different biotic or abiotic proxies for climate and environmental reconstructions. Although fossil pollen is one of the most used biological proxies, Non-Pollen Palynomorphs (NPPs), especially fungal spores and tissues, have an underestimated potential to infer local and regional climate dynamics. This dataset describes the most common Non-pollen palynomorphs of fungal origin from mangrove sediments in the Caribbean Sea, southeastern Mexico. A detailed descriptive Atlas is presented, with light micrographs taken from routine pollen slides in paleoecological reconstructions. Microphotographs were included to facilitate their identification. A total of 59 spores, 4 tissues, 2 hyphae, and 11 unidentified fungal palynomorphs are described.

The following protocol introduces a targeted methodological approach of differential gene expression analysis, which is particularly beneficial in the context of non-model species. While we acknowledge that biological complexity often involves the interplay of multiple genes in any given biological response our method provides a strategy to streamline this complexity, enabling researchers to focus on a more manageable subset of genes of interest. In this context, red cedar transcriptome (Cedrela odorata L.) and known or hypothetical genes related to the response to herbivory were used as reference. The protocol key points are: • Implementation of a transcriptome thinning process to eliminate redundant and non-coding sequences, optimizing the analysis and reducing processing time. • Use of a custom gene database to identify and retain coding sequences with high precision. • Focus on specific genes of interest, allowing a more targeted analysis for specific experimental conditions.This approach holds particular value for pilot studies, research with limited resources, or when rapid identification and validation of candidate genes are needed in species without a reference genome.

Background: The pandemic in Mexico underlined pre-existing health-care system inequalities. Within the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 154 health policies across health institutions were found to be uncoordinated and heterogeneous, leading to health inequalities in access and potential health outcomes. Data & methods: Using a rapid qualitative research methodology, data was collected using purposive sampling of institutional policies published for public access on the official websites of the four public health institutions in Mexico from June 16th, 2020 to October 30th, 2021. This policy review used archival analysis to understand the differences in health-care policies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. These policies were classified under the RREAL framework and as a continuation of our first publication. Results: During this study, categories of public health response and vaccination dominated the policies enacted. The SSA was the main author of publications. There seems to be a more unified policy response. However, health inequalities persist. Conclusions: The Mexican government continued to be reactive to the increase in cases or the arrival of new variants, rather than preventative. Research and development of policies need to work together in soaring cases like COVID-19 to work more effectively against the economic and epidemiological burden of a pandemic. It is suggested that this “vaccination” should be included in the RREAL classification. Other sectors (i.e. the ministry of foreign affairs) should be considered relevant players in the future management of a pandemic.