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Hydrogen is envisioned to become a fundamental energy vector for the decarbonization of energy systems. Two key factors that will define the success of hydrogen are its sustainability and competitiveness with alternative solutions. One of the many challenges for the proliferation of hydrogen is the creation of a sustainable supply chain. In this study, a methodology aimed at assessing the economic feasibility of holistic hydrogen supply chains is developed. Based on the designed methodology, a tool which calculates the levelized cost of hydrogen for the different stages of its supply chain: production, transmission & distribution, storage and conversion is proposed. Each stage is evaluated individually, combining relevant technical and economic notions such as learning curves and scaling factors. Subsequently, the findings from each stage are combined to assess the entire supply chain as a whole. The tool is then applied to evaluate case studies of various supply chains, including large-scale remote and small-scale distributed green hydrogen supply chains, as well as conventional steam methane reforming coupled with carbon capture and storage technologies. The results show that both green hydrogen supply chains and conventional methods can achieve a competitive LCOH of around €4/kg in 2030. However, the key contribution of this study is the development of the tool, which provides a foundation for a comprehensive evaluation of hydrogen supply chains that can be continuously improved through the inputs of additional users and further research on one or more of the interconnected stages. • Methodology for economic feasibility of hydrogen chains. • Tool calculates hydrogen's levelized cost at all supply stage. • Combines technical, economic factors, such as learning curves. • LCOH may reach €4/kg by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with higher cardiovascular and metabolic risks, as well as with psychosocial disorders. Data regarding quality of life (QoL) in patients with MetS, point towards a significative association between MetS and a worse QoL. It remains unclear whether MetS components and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are associated with QoL in these individuals. We aimed to evaluate the association between QoL of patients with MetS and prespecified metabolic parameters (anthropometric, lipidic and glucose profiles), the risk of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, and hepatic elastography parameters. Cross-sectional study including patients from microDHNA cohort. This cohort includes patients diagnosed with MetS, 18 to 75 years old, followed in our tertiary center. The evaluation included anamnesis, physical examination, a QoL questionnaire (Short-Form Health Survey, SF-36), blood sampling and hepatic elastography. We used ordered logistic regression models adjusted to sex, age and body mass index to evaluate the associations between the QoL domains evaluated by SF-36 and the prespecified parameters. We included a total of 65 participants with MetS, with 54% being female and the mean age 61.9 ± 9.6 years old. A worse metabolic profile, specifically higher waist circumference, lower HDL, higher triglycerides, and more severe hepatic steatosis, were associated with worse QoL scores in several domains. We found no significant association of hepatic fibrosis with QoL. Our data suggests that there is a link between a worse metabolic profile (specifically poorer lipidic profile and presence of hepatic steatosis) and a worse QoL in patients with MetS. • There is scarce data on quality of life in MetS, regarding metabolic parameters. • We showed that higher waist circumference associated with worse QoL. • Lower HDL and higher triglycerides associated with worse QoL. • More severe hepatic steatosis but not fibrosis associated with worse QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the efficacy of combination therapy is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of GLP-1 RAs on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T2D treated with or without SGLT2 inhibitors. Post hoc analysis of Harmony Outcomes (Albiglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease) evaluating the effect of albiglutide in T2D with cardiovascular disease by background SGLT2 inhibitor use. Additionally, a trial-level meta-analysis of Harmony Outcomes and AMPLITUDE-O (Effect of Efpeglenatide on Cardiovascular Outcomes), which evaluated T2D with cardiovascular or renal disease, was performed, combining the treatment effect estimates according to SGLT2 inhibitor use. Of the 9,462 participants in Harmony Outcomes, 575 (6.1%) were treated with SGLT2 inhibitors at baseline. The effect of albiglutide on reducing the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (major adverse cardiovascular events) was consistent with or without SGLT2 inhibitors (P interaction = 0.70). The effect of albiglutide on secondary outcomes and adverse events was not modified by SGLT2 inhibitors. A meta-analysis of Harmony Outcomes and AMPLITUDE-O included 13,538 patients, of whom 1,193 (8.8%) used SGLT2 inhibitors. Compared to placebo, GLP1-RAs reduced major adverse cardiovascular events without effect modification by SGLT2 inhibitor use (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.68-0.87 without SGLT2 inhibitors; and HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.49-1.24 with SGLT2 inhibitors) (P for interaction = 0.95) and reduced heart failure hospitalization (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55-0.92 vs HR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.12-0.96) (P for interaction = 0.18). In patients with T2D and cardiovascular disease, GLP-1 RAs reduced cardiovascular events independently of SGLT2 inhibitor use. These findings suggest that the combination of GLP-1 RAs with SGLT2 inhibitors may further reduce cardiovascular risk. Clinical trials with combination therapy are needed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• More independent residential settings in the community gave youth new opportunities to develop autonomy and be more proactive in planning their future. • Extending support after 18 years old is critical because youth learn transition skills never knew before. • Institutions can develop forms of small-scale residential care, organizing the environment in a progressive, independence-demanding way. Youth with disabilities who accumulate a history of residential care face additional challenges transitioning to an independent life out of care. They usually do not receive the same family support as their non-institutionalized peers, experiencing multiple adversities that increase the risk of adverse outcomes in their adult lives. This qualitative study focused on understanding the lived experiences of youth with disabilities in residential apartments in the community and their vision for future lives. Through two focus groups, qualitative data were collected on a sample of 12 youth with disabilities aged between 16 and 23 (M = 19.7; SD = 1.9). Findings of key themes included: (a) skills development; (b) plans for the future; (c) relationships with direct service professionals; and (d) peer support. From the youth perspective, this study reveals that these residential responses help mitigate the consequences of prolonged institutionalization by promoting a context that supports self-determination and creating new and more positive perspectives for the future. Suggestions are made about future studies and intervention recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) results have been studied in short-term time frames. This study aimed to evaluate midterm and long-term outcomes of TEVAR, emphasizing postoperative aortic remodeling and need for reintervention. This is an institutional retrospective review of TEVAR for isolated descending thoracic aortic aneurysms. Data were collected from 2004 to 2018. Primary outcomes studied included aneurysm sac remodeling, freedom from reintervention, and all-cause mortality. Other outcomes studied include endoleak rates, neurologic complication rates, and any overall postoperative complication rates. During the study period, 219 patients underwent TEVAR for descending thoracic aortic aneurysms. The median effect of TEVAR on sac diameter was a 0.7-cm decrease in size (interquartile range, −1.4 to 0.0 cm). During the study period, 80% (n = 147) of patients experienced aneurysm sac regression or stability. Perioperative neurologic complications occurred in 16% (n = 34) of patients. Significant predictors of sac growth were endoleak (odds ratio [OR], 65; P <.001), preoperative carotid-subclavian bypass (OR, 8; P =.003), and graft oversizing <20% (OR, 15; P =.046). Every 1-mm increase in aortic diameter at the proximal TEVAR landing zone led to an increased odds of endoleak (OR, 2; P =.049). Access complications (OR, 8) and subclavian artery coverage (OR, 6) significantly increased the odds of reintervention, whereas every percentage of graft oversizing protected against reintervention (OR, 0.005). Life-table analysis revealed an overall survival of 78% (71%-83%) at median follow-up. At 3 years, survival was 88% (80%-93%) for those with aneurysm sac stability or regression, whereas it was 70% (49%-84%) for those with aneurysm sac growth (P =.0402). Cox proportional hazards model showed that the only protective factor for mortality was percentage oversizing, with every 1% of oversizing having a hazard ratio (HR) of <.001 (P =.032). This was counterbalanced by the fact that patients with graft oversizing >30% had an increased odds of mortality with HR >10 (P =.049). Other significant factors that increased the odds of mortality included endoleak (HR, 3.6; P =.033), diabetes (HR, 4.1; P =.048), age (every 1-year increase in age; HR, 1.2; P =.002), year of surgery (every year subsequent to 2004; HR, 1.3; P =.012), and peripheral artery disease (HR, 5.2; P =.041). The majority of patients (80%) experience sac stability or regression after TEVAR, which offers a clear survival advantage. Endoleaks are predictive of sac growth, conferring increased mortality. Rigorous surveillance is necessary to prevent future aortic events through reintervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence based radiography (EBR) is the logical development of evidence based practice applied to radiography. The aim of this study was to investigate the opinion of a cohort of Portuguese radiographers in Southern Portugal working in public hospitals regarding evidence based practice (EBP), namely about the levels of knowledge about EBR, how they access information and how they use it within daily practice. A self-administered questionnaire was applied to a sample of 40 radiographers in the Portuguese region of Algarve. This questionnaire was validated for Portuguese speakers using the translation-retranslation method. The final response rate was 69% (40/58). Results suggest that most radiographers trained EBR during their undergraduate training. Although, no statistically significant correlations were found in the practice of EBR against participant gender, age, training, career level, reading papers and workplace. The most frequent reason to read papers is the "interest" to do so, and national professional journals are read more often. It was found that radiographers that read scientific papers more frequently know more about research (p = 0.005), understand the importance of research for the professional activity (p = 0.023), and know more on how to conduct research papers (p = 0.034). EBR within radiography is not yet well established, and radiographers' have varying viewpoints. Radiographers that read scientific papers more frequently understand better the philosophy behind this concept but it is very important to deepen the knowledge on this area. When practicing radiography based on the best available scientific knowledge, professionals are ensuring the best for patients and for profession. To achieve this, and before taking any action, it is important to evaluate the current situation, and this research presents a way to do so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People spend one third of their life sleeping, but the bedroom, as a specific micro-environment, is often neglected when assessing human exposure to air pollutants. However, exposure during sleep may be significant in the long-term to the integrated individual exposure. This study aimed to assess the exposure during sleep, focusing on a multi-pollutant approach (comfort parameters, carbon dioxide – CO 2 , carbon monoxide – CO, formaldehyde (CH 2 O), total volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter – PM 2.5 and PM 10 – and ultrafine particles, particle number concentrations – PNC - and lung deposited surface area - LDSA). For that, the air quality during sleep (in real conditions) was monitored using real-time devices in 12 bedrooms of urban (Lisbon and Vila Franca de Xira) and rural (Ponte de Sor) areas of Portugal for one night. Volunteers were smokers and non-smokers. Considering the Portuguese legislation for indoor air quality (IAQ), 67% of the bedrooms registered CO 2 levels above the limit value, while CH 2 O, VOC, PM 10 and PM 2.5 thresholds were exceeded in 30, 100, 36, and 45% of cases, respectively. Regarding ultrafine parameters, LDSA and PNC ranged from 7.3 to 95.2 μm2/cm3 and from 0.6 to 4.8 × 103/cm3, respectively. Even with no smoking indoors, smokers' bedrooms were found to have significant higher levels of CO, CH 2 O, PM 2.5 , PM 10 and LDSA than non-smokers' bedrooms, showing the effect of thirdhand smoke, exhalation of pollutants after smoking and infiltration on the degradation of the air quality in the bedroom. A recent new model of real-time monitor was also used for a wide set of IAQ parameters. Its performance to measure PM 2.5 and CO 2 was assessed, showing its applicability in real conditions. Although often neglected, these micro-environments should be considered in the integrated individual exposure to air pollutants and further studied. Several pollutants (CO 2 , PM, VOCs and CH 2 O) exceeded the guidelines during sleep; smokers are exposed to higher levels of CO, CH 2 O, PM, and LDSA than non-smokers while sleeping. Image 1 • Multi-pollutant assessment of indoor air quality in 12 bedrooms during sleep. • CO 2 , PM x , VOCs and CH 2 O levels during sleep were found to be above guidelines. • Comparative study of smokers and non-smokers' exposure in bedrooms while sleeping. • Smokers are exposed to higher levels of CO, CH 2 O, PMx, and LDSA than non-smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bovine follicular fluid (bFF) is the natural milieu for oocyte growth and development. However, its value as supplementation to in vitro maturation medium is still questioned due to inconsistent results. In this study we hypothesized that adding 10% of follicular fluid as well as heat treating it to inhibit the complement system, would produce higher quality embryos. To do so, experiments were conducted to compare the effect of bFF and heat-treated bFF (bFFin) on oocyte competence assessed by different parameters such as nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, IVF efficiency, in vitro embryo development and embryo survivability post-vitrification. No differences on nuclear maturation nor cortical granules migration were observed but differences were found on oocyte's cumulus cell expansion, with bFF group having the highest increase (79.0 ± 3.7%). bFFin had a negative impact on IVF efficiency (58.6 ± 3.2%), but no differences were found between bFF (62.9 ± 3.2%) and control (72.8 ± 3.0%). Although the cleavage and blastocyst rate were similar between groups, the day 6 embryo development rate was higher in bFFin group, suggesting an accelerated developmental kinetics. Hatched blastocysts from the bFF group showed a higher cell count than the control group (241.3 ± 20.1 and 185.8 ± 10.0, respectively), and bFFin embryos showed values in between (214.9 ± 14.0). No difference on survivability post-vitrification was found between groups, although the blastocyst stage had a significant impact on the survival rate across all groups. In conclusion, using bFF as supplementation to maturation medium showed a higher benefit when comparing to the standard supplementation by having oocytes with higher cumulus expansion rate, faster development of embryos and higher number of cells per embryo. Inactivation of bFF lowered IVF efficiency but didn't compromise blastocyst development and quality. Highlights • The supplementation of maturation medium with bovine follicular fluid shows higher expansion of cumulus cells in oocytes. • The supplementation of maturation medium with bovine follicular fluid shows higher total cell number in in vitro grown embryos. • Inactivation of follicular fluid decreases IVF efficiency but not blastocyst yield. • Inactivation of follicular fluid promotes earlier development of embryos on day 6 of culture. • Bovine follicular fluid is a better alternative to foetal bovine serum supplementation during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Herpesvirus (HVs) infection has already been reported in cetaceans, but available information on its epidemiology is scarce. In this study we surveyed a total of 179 cetaceans belonging to 6 different species. Samples were obtained from cetaceans stranded along the Portuguese coastline, belonging to populations that roam the north-east region of the Atlantic Ocean. Detection of HVs was performed by conventional nested PCR. Amplicons were sequenced by Sanger's method and sequences used to construct phylogenetic trees by Maximum Likelihood method. Our results show that prevalence of positive samples, among fresh carcasses, reached 14.3% (10/70) and both alpha and gammaherpesvirus were detected. Histopathology showed that herpesvirus infection varied from absence of signs compatible with disease, localized genital lesions and systemic disease. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three clusters within the alphaherpesvirus family; within the gammaherpesvirus no subdivision was detected. All clusters included animals from different species and geographic origins. In seven of the positive HVs samples, co-infections with other agents such as morbillivirus and toxoplasma gondii were detected. The viral nucleotide sequences were not assigned to a specific animal species, nor presented a given geographic distribution, which may imply a wider distribution of herpesvirus in these animal populations. Our results are also the first report of herpesvirus infection in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) , with both alpha and gammaherpesvirus detected. Highlights • The percentage of animals positive to hespesvirus antigen by conventional PCR among fresh carcasses scores was of 14,3. • Herpesvirus infection was detected in 10 common dolphins, two striped dolphins and two porpoises. • Both systemic infections and localized genital lesions were detected, as well as animals without signs of HVs infection. • Co-infection with CeMV was detected in two animals, one of which also presented an active toxoplasma infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Acne vulgaris (AV) or acne is characterised as a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the pilosebaceous unit (sebaceous gland associated with hair follicle) where the causative microorganism Propionibacterium acnes has been identified. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential of 21 southern African plants against P. acnes based on antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Two species, namely, Clausena anisata and Helichryssum kraussii were able to inhibit P. acnes growth with MICs at 31.25 and 62.5 μg/ml, respectively. The antioxidant activity for the 21 extracts ranged from 1.10–109.10 μg/ml. Active antibacterial species C. anisata and H. kraussii also showed good antioxidant activity with IC 50 of 34.46 and 4.24 μg/ml, respectively. These two lead extracts were further investigated for their cytotoxicity on human leukaemic monocyte lymphoma (U937) cells. Clausena anisata showed less toxicity with an IC 50 of 74.46 μg/ml and a selectivity index of 2.38. Clausena anisata was hence further selected for investigation of anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of action studies on the lipase and hyaluronidase enzyme. The concentration of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) in cells treated with heat-killed P. acnes alone was 840.52 pg/ml. Cells stimulated with P. acnes which were co-treated with 50, 25, 12.5 and 6.25 μg/ml of C. anisata extract, showed decreased IL-8 production with concentrations of 322.48 ± 0.07, 365.98 ± 0.24, 383.62 ± 0.08 and 409.52 ± 0.13 pg/ml, respectively. The statistical analysis was done using the Graph Pad Prism 4. These results indicated the potential of C. anisata for a treatment against AV. Lipase activity was inhibited by 21.93% at 500 μg/ml by the C. anisata extract which indicated the potential of this extract to reduce sebum production associated with AV progression. Hyaluronidase activity was inhibited by 49.02% at 500 μg/ml and could potentially deter the spread of P. acnes cells to neighbouring cells during pathogenesis. The compound trans-4-hydroxy-1-methyl-L-proline was isolated for the first time from C. anisata. Anti-acne treatments often require multiple activities to function efficiently. The antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity of C. anisata make it a great candidate for further investigation against AV. Highlights • Antibacterial activity of southern African plants traditionally used for the treatment of acne and its associated symptoms. • Anti-inflammatory activity of C. anisata by reduction in IL-8 levels in U937 cells. • The first report of the compound trans-4-Hydroxy-1-methyl-L-proline from C. anisata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of Distributed Generation (DG), the consumers start to play an active role in the electric system, where they are able to invest in a specific generation system, with solar energy, as the most promising source for residential consumers Low Voltage (LV). For system planning studies, the adoption of DG by residential consumers, introduces a factor of uncertainty, since the decision to adhere to DG relays on the subjective judgment of each individual. In this context, this work presents a new methodology for the projection of diffusion of photovoltaic systems in residential consumers of LV. The model was developed using the System Dynamic technique in conjunction with the Bass model to foresee the diffusion of photovoltaic systems in residential consumers throughout time. After the projection of these consumers, the Monte Carlo Method is used to determine the diffusion of Photovoltaic Systems throughout space. Finally, to evaluate the performance and the efficiency of the proposed method, different scenarios of diffusion projection were tested in the southern Brazil. The results demonstrate that the diffusion of Photovoltaic System depends on several factors, for example, the price of the panel's installation, energy tariff, incentives for Photovoltaic systems purchase, adoption by other consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive macular hypomelanosis (PMH) is a hypopigmentation disorder caused by the bacterium identified as Propionibacterium acnes . The current treatments for PMH are antibiotics together with ultra violet radiation; however, UV radiation is not a recommended method to increase melanin production. Currently, there are no known plants used traditionally or medicinally for PMH. The objective of this study was to find plants that could stimulate tyrosinase activity induce melanin production and inhibit P. acnes' growth. Seventeen ethanol plant extracts, used traditionally in Africa for skin diseases, were screened for their antibacterial activity against P. acnes , their effect on monophenolase activity of tyrosinase and their cytotoxicity and stimulation of melanin production on mouse melanocytes (B16-F10). Hypericum revolutum Vahl subsp. revolutum (Hypericaceae) and Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Solanaceae) (twigs and leaves), combined with the known drug tetracycline, exhibited significant antibacterial activity against P. acnes , with the minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 5.47 μg/ml to 14.06 μg/ml. The combination of a known drug with other antibacterial compounds not only decreases the concentration needed to inhibit bacterial growth, but also decreases the chances of bacterial resistance. W. somnifera was the only plant extracts that resulted in an increase in the monophenolase activity of tyrosinase. Four compounds typically present in plant extracts, namely coumarin, quercetin, withaferin and winthanone, were docked into the active site of tyrosinase enzyme to determine the interaction with active site residues. Mouse melanocytes (B16F10) treated with H. revolutum , W. somnifera (leaves) and Terminalia prunoides showed an increase in total melanin content as compared to untreated cells at 12 μg/ml, 12 μg/ml and 150 μg/ml respectively. Considering both the antibacterial activity and the stimulatory effect of the treatment on melanin production, H. revolutum and W. somnifera (leaves) could be considered as potential plants for further studies for PMH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor air quality (IAQ) measurements were carried out in two field campaigns (summer and winter) in European office buildings (approximately 140 office rooms) in eight countries, as part of the EU-funded OFFICAIR project. A source identification study was performed with principal component analysis (varimax rotation) on a database containing volatile organic compound (VOC) and aldehyde concentration data during summer and winter monitoring campaigns. The common indoor and outdoor sources of VOCs and aldehydes were identified through a critical evaluation based on checklist data and knowledge of material and product emissions from the literature. The dominant source of variance, accounting for 29% and 26% of the explained variance in the summer and winter campaigns, respectively, was attributed to the ingress of outdoor air into indoor environments. The other most relevant sources for variance were directly or indirectly associated with building materials, such as flooring materials (in particular carpets), wood-based products and various types of paint. Ozone-initiated indoor air chemistry played a key role only during summer, in which a specific source linked to ozone-initiated reactions was clearly identified. Other indoor sources explained less than 10% of the variance, such as printer emissions in both campaigns and cleaning products in winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial fishing data were used to reconstruct historical spatio-temporal patterns of fishing effort and landings in the bottom longline fishery of the Azores. Key events during an important 15-year period were charted, through fisher interviews together with GIS analysis. While effort distribution varied over time, the prevailing pattern was a shift in focus from eastern to western areas and from shelf/slope to offshore banks and seamounts in response to policy measures (e.g. banning bottom longline inside 3 NM, public aids for modernization of the fleet) and reduced fishing yields. Areas 12–50 NM from shore represented the most vital fishing grounds in terms of fishing effort and production. Declining landings of the major demersal species, in recent years, indicate that present catch levels are not sustainable and further measures need to be taken in order to sustain fisheries resources. Knowledge of fleet behavior and the distribution of fishing effort, particularly in patchy environments, provide valuable insights into the impacts of past management decisions and help predict the outcome of new policies both in this region and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst (CHFC) is a rare cystic lesion that arises from the embryonic foregut with approximately 100 cases reported. Most commonly identified in segment IV of the liver, CHFC is typically asymptomatic and incidentally found on abdominal imaging. It is important to consider this entity in the differential diagnosis of atypical liver lesions since CHFC carries a risk of transformation into squamous cell carcinoma. A suspicion of CHFC is therefore an indication for surgical resection. A 62-year-old male presented to surgery consultation for further evaluation of a hepatic cyst incidentally found on abdominal ultrasound. The patient was completely asymptomatic. Both abdominal computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scan confirmed a 4 cm subcapsular cyst in segment IVa. Additional workup was unremarkable. Considering the diagnostic doubt the patient underwent laparoscopic cyst enucleation. Histology revealed a ciliated pseudostratified epithelium consistent with a CHFC. CHFC is a rare diagnostic entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic hepatic lesions, particularly those located in segment IV of the liver. Since it is frequently asymptomatic, CHFC is usually found incidentally during surgery or imaging studies. Diagnosis of CHFC preoperatively is difficult due to the lack of specific radiographic findings. Moreover, metaplasia and squamous carcinoma can occur. Therefore complete surgical excision is the recommended treatment. Despite its rarity, CHFC carries a risk of malignant transformation. Accurate diagnosis is mandatory and surgical excision is recommended even in asymptomatic CHFC. • The ciliated hepatic foregut cyst is extremely rare, though increasingly being reported. • CHFC is a benign cyst with potential for malignant transformation. • Due to lack of evidence, management is not standardized. • Complete surgical excision through a laparoscopic approach must be the treatment of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with comparisons of numerical results of reinforced high strength concrete corbels and experimental results obtained from the literature. The application of precast structures and high strength concrete have increased in the last years and taking into account the possibility of brittle failures using this solution, specific investigations are demanded to some structural details, as for example, corbels. It should be mentioned that brittle failures and complex regions are difficult to be analyzed by means of computational resources and for that reason it is argued if the available packages software are able to correctly describe the behavior of high strength concrete, specifically for corbels. In this way, the numerical simulations described in this paper have been conducted using the Finite element method. A parametric study was then carried out using the validated model to investigate the effect of the shear span-to-effective depth ratio, the main reinforcement rate and the compressive strength of concrete in the failure load and the contribution of secondary reinforcements. The main conclusions are: the numerical and experimental results showed a very close agreement, not only in the cracking and failure modes, but also in the load-deflection and load-reinforcement strain responses; there is a strong linear correlation of the failure load and shear span-to-effective depth ratio, the main reinforcement rate and the compressive strength of concrete; the horizontal secondary reinforcement improves the load capacity and could be considered in the design models; and the vertical secondary reinforcement only affects in the cracking distribution and ductility of the corbels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study concerning the chemical characterization of PM2.5 sampled indoors of a primary school, which burns wood for classrooms' heating, was conducted in a rural area of Portugal. A Partisol sequential sampler was placed inside of a classroom, to collect PM2.5 during the day, which corresponds to the occupied period, and during the night. The collected PM2.5 was characterized by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis to determine the concentration of chemical elements and by Ion Chromatography to measure Water Soluble Ions. High PM2.5 concentrations were found principally during the occupied periods (100 ± 71 µg m-3). A source apportionment study was performed by means of Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis. Results showed that four factors contributed for PM2.5 concentration whereas one factor was associated exclusively with a mixture of indoor sources: wood burning, re-suspension of soil and chalk. During classes, this indoor factor contributed for 60% of the total PM2.5 concentration. This study showed that children are exposed to high levels of PM2.5 and indicated the existence of an indoor air quality problem associated with specific indoor sources and poor ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Passive sampling methodology was applied to collect particulate matter (PM) in classrooms of urban and rural primary schools. The samples were taken during a year by passive deposition allowing the study of seasonal variability of the particles masses and chemical content. Chemical characterization of the collected particles was performed in order to measure its soluble ions content and elemental composition. To identify the main polluting sources, correlations between parameters and enrichment factors were studied. Higher particle masses concentrations were registered in autumn, with a mean of 1.54 ± 0.74 μg day−1 cm−2. The major element in the collected particles was calcium, representing 63–73% of the analyzed mass of the particles inside the urban classrooms. In the rural cluster, calcium remained the major component but with a slight lower contribution to the overall particles composition (42–46%). The calcium source was hypothesized to be the chalk used in the blackboards of the classrooms due to a strong correlation found between Ca2+ and SO4 2−. Soil re-suspension, traffic and other anthropogenic emission sources were also identified. Analysis showed enrichment of the particles with Br, Ca, Zn and Sb in the urban cluster and enrichment of the same elements, except for Ca, in the rural cluster. The comparison between the results from both clusters allowed the identification of classrooms with higher particles concentrations that can indicate potential indoor air quality problems (reflected by an indoor accumulation of pollutants). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Several studies have focused on the negative emotional state associated with drug abstinence. The peptide NPY plays an important role given its involvement in drug addiction, anxiety, and mood disorders. Interestingly, it is well established that outbred Swiss mice exhibit a prominent behavioral variability to ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization. Here, we investigated whether mice that were either susceptible or resistant to ethanol sensitization differed in their NPY expression during abstinence. The mice were treated daily with ethanol (2 g/kg, i.p.) or saline for 21 days. According to the locomotor activity after the last injection, the ethanol group was classified as sensitized (EtOH_High) or nonsensitized (EtOH_Low). To evaluate NPY expression, some of the mice were sacrificed at 18 h or 5 days of abstinence, and others were challenged at the 5th day of abstinence with ethanol (1.4 g/kg) and sacrificed after 1.5 h. At 5 days of abstinence, NPY expression increased in the orbital cortex, dorsomedial striatum, and dentate gyrus in the EtOH_High mice. These changes were counteracted by the ethanol challenge. In the EtOH_Low mice, NPY expression increased in the dentate gyrus only after 18 h of abstinence. Lastly, a decreased level of NPY was found in the prelimbic cortex of the EtOH_Low mice at 5 days of abstinence, and this was reversed by ethanol challenge. Therefore, behavioral variability in ethanol sensitization confers differential neurochemical features during the subsequent abstinence, including distinct patterns of NPY expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Develop an adaptive robust model for SHEM to handle uncertainties in load, generation and energy tariffs, thus allowing real-time operation and dispensing a residential demand load controller by energy support with the BESS and PV generation. • Implement a matheuristic solution with MILP combined with rule-based robust adjustment for fast decision-making solutions in SHEM short-term planning and real-time operation. • Apply a dynamic charging system in a SHEM that considers uncertainties in the form of variability in the breakdown of costs related to the purchase and sale of energy. • Perform modeling for the inverters that allows energy production in the network by the BESS or the PV, with limits for PV injection by curtailment mechanism. • Implement a adjustable robust two-stage model of a SHEM that considers the ideal management for the next day, a planning stage, and an adaptable real-time correction mechanism to deal with forecasting errors by adjusting the variability in the update predictability of the real-time operation process through adjustable robustness. • Permit the adoption of a price-based daily reserve for the battery energy storage system that can be applied within smart contracts or demand response programs. This paper addresses the problem of management a residential storage system with distributed generation. With the introduction of a hybrid AC/DC inverter in this system, efficient energy management is realized to achieve the minimization of the cost of the energy balance among purchasing, renewable generation, curtailment and reserve capacity. This cost reduction is achieved by either meeting the load or selling surplus energy, and dispensing a residential demand load controller. To address the dynamic problem and with uncertainties regarding the load, renewable energy, and energy purchase and sale tariffs, a mixed integer linear programming model was developed with adjustable robust programming (ADJ-ROBUST-MILP), and it also involves technical restrictions and criteria for increasing the life cycle of the storage system. The dynamic aspect imparts practical applicability via the permanent correction of the ADJ-ROBUST-MILP solution with a heuristic that acts proactively in the developed dynamics by observing prior conditions. The case studies demonstrate that the mathematical heuristic is able to confer benefit to the energy scheduling of smart home energy management while presenting computational complexity capable of being used in real systems, which is exemplified herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biodiesel, a mixture of long chain fatty acid esters, is an environmental friendly alternative to fossil fuel. This fuel is produced by a transesterification reaction between vegetable oils or animal fats and a short chain alcohol, usually methanol, in the presence of a catalyst. European governments are targeting the incorporation of 10% of biofuels in transportation fuels by 2020. Therefore, the global market for biodiesel is expected to have a significant growth in the next 10 years. According to the European legislation, from the 25 parameters that have to be analyzed to certify biodiesel quality, oxidative stability is of concern, especially when storing biodiesel for long periods. In fact, that property measures the susceptibility of biodiesel to oxidative degradation and is strongly dependent on the type of oil used in the production process and on storage conditions. Thus, EN 14214 establishes a minimum value of 6h for the oxidative stability of biodiesel under stressed conditions of a standardized assay. This work reports the use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), coupled with multivariable classification and calibration techniques, to determine the oxidative stability of biodiesel with and without antioxidants. Therefore, biodiesel samples produced from soybean, palm, rapeseed, sunflower and waste frying oils, from mixtures of these oils and also several of these samples after different storage conditions and storage periods some of them containing antioxidants (induction periods between 0.66 and 17.75h) were used to develop the calibration models. The model for samples without antioxidants is able to estimate the oxidative stability of unknown samples with a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.6h, which is similar to the reference method error (0.5h). The introduction of samples containing antioxidants in the calibration/validation sets led to higher prediction errors (RMSEP=1.28h) that may be considered acceptable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Evidence continues to emerge showing that poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can cause illness requiring absence from schools, and can cause acute health symptoms that decrease students’ performance. Since children spend on average 7–11 h per weekday at school, the IAQ in classrooms is expected to play a key role in the assessment of the effects of their personal exposure to air pollution. Within this context the present study was conducted in order to fulfill three primary objectives 1) to measure the levels and the element composition of PM2.5 and PM2.5–10, in three primary schools placed in Lisbon, in order to assess the children exposure to these pollutants; 2) to study the relationship between indoor and outdoor atmospheric particles concentrations and 3) to investigate the sources of high aerosols concentrations in classrooms. In the studied classrooms, the concentrations of coarse particles significantly exceeded the ambient levels. Element concentrations suggested that the physical activity of students highly contributed to the re-suspension of sedimented particles. The high levels of CO2 indicated that in these schools the ventilation was inadequate. This fact contributed to the establishment of poor IAQ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, the results of chemical concentrations inside and outside of a Lisbon (Portugal) traffic tunnel were compared, during one week. They were obtained by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The tunnel values largely exceed the Air Ambient legislated values and the Pearson Correlations Coefficients point out to soil re-suspension/dispersed road dust (As, Ce, Eu, Hf, Fe, Mo, Sc, Zn), traffic-markers (Ba, Cr), tire wear (Cr, Zn), break wear (Fe, Zn, Ba, Cu, Sb), exhaust and motor oil (Zn) and sea-spray (Br, Na). On all days these elements inside the tunnel were more enriched than outside; significant statistical differences were found for Co (p=0.005), Br (p=0.008), Zn (p=0.01) and Sb (p=0.005), while enrichment factors of As and Sc are statistically identical. The highest values were found for As, Br, Zn and Sb, for both inside and outside the tunnel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study aims the identification and quantification of trace elements in two types of honey samples: Orchard honey and Wild honey from mainland Portugal. Chemical elements content was assessed by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Concentrations were determinated for Ag, As, Br, Ca, Cl, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, U, V and Zn. The nutritional values of both honey types were evaluated since this product contains some elements that are essential dietary nutrients for humans. Physical properties of the honey samples, such as electrical conductivy and pH, were assessed as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, 14 primary schools of Lisbon city, Portugal, followed a questionnaire of the ISAAC - International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Program, in 2009/2010. The questionnaire contained questions to identify children with respiratory diseases (wheeze, asthma and rhinitis). Total particulate matter (TPM) was passively collected inside two classrooms of each of 14 primary schools. Two types of filter matrices were used to collect TPM: Millipore (IsoporeTM) polycarbonate and quartz. Three campaigns were selected for the measurement of TPM: Spring, Autumn and Winter. The highest difference between the two types of filters is that the mass of collected particles was higher in quartz filters than in polycarbonate filters, even if their correlation is excellent. The highest TPM depositions occurred between October 2009 and March 2010, when related with rhinitis proportion. Rhinitis was found to be related to TPM when the data were grouped seasonally and averaged for all the schools. For the data of 2006/2007, the seasonal variation was found to be related to outdoor particle deposition (below 10μm). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]