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Obtaining cellulose from forest residues develops sustainable processes in the biotechnology industry, especially in producing biopolymers, which could replace or add petroleum-derived polymers. This research seeks to optimize the ideal conditions of the mixing process to maximize the efficiency in obtaining cellulose through a process consisting of two treatment media for pine sawdust, specifically evaluating the impact of three types of impellers (propeller, flat blades, and 45° inclined flat blades) at speeds of (150, 250 and 350 rpm). DIN 28131 was used for the design of stirred tanks. Simulations were carried out with a volume of 50 L. CFD and FSI simulations of the agitation behavior of forest biomass in a stirred tank reactor were performed. The ALE method was applied, and the models were solved using the LS-DYNA computer program. The results indicate that agitation with propellers and flat blades inclined at 150 and 250 rpm was the most efficient, minimizing cell damage and optimizing energy consumption. The impeller with flat blades inclined at 45° proved to be the best option for cellulose extraction. The novelty of this research is that not only the flow fields and the agitation behavior were found, but also the stresses in the impellers were found, and the force, moment, and power required by the motor in each simulation were revealed at a different speed. The power curves shown help to understand how energy consumption varies under different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trajectory interception is a critical synchronization element in the transportation and manufacturing sectors using robotic platforms. This is usually performed by matching the position and velocity of a target object with the position and velocity of the robot interceptor. However, the synchronization task is exasperated by (i) the proper gain tuning of the controller, (ii) the dynamic response of the robotic platform, (iii) the velocity constraints in the actuators, and (iv) the trajectory profile exhibited by the moving object. This means that the interception time is not controlled, which is critical for energy optimization, resources, and production. This paper proposes a prescribed time trajectory interception algorithm for robot manipulators. The approach uses the finite-time convergence properties of sliding mode control combined with a terminal attractor based on a time base generator. The combined approach guarantees trajectory interception in a prescribed time with robust properties. Simulation studies are conducted using the first three degrees of freedom (DOFs) of a RV-M1 robot under single- and multi-object interception tasks. The results verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology under different hyperparameter configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autologous fat grafting, enriched with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), has been established as an effective and affordable treatment for various types of wound healing. However, its efficacy in managing wounds with tendon exposure has not been thoroughly investigated. Methods: We report the case of a 40-year-old male who sustained a severe friction burn on his hand and forearm from a car accident, resulting in significant tissue loss and exposed extensor tendons. Results: Traditional wound treatment strategies were not implemented due to specific patient circumstances. After initial surgical management failed to prevent necrosis and maintain coverage of the exposed tendons, the patient underwent a novel treatment involving autologous fat grafting combined with PRP and growth factors. The procedure was repeated twice within a month to promote granular tissue formation over that area and facilitate subsequent coverage with an epidermoreticular graft. By day 21 post-initial graft, the exposed tendons were 98% covered with granular tissue. Complete wound coverage was achieved by day 60, and by day 130 the patient had regained 90% functionality of the affected limbs. Conclusions: This case illustrates the potential of autologous fat grafting combined with PRP and growth factors as a viable, flap-free alternative for covering tendon exposures. This approach not only enhances wound healing but also supports functional recovery, underscoring the need for further research into its broader applicative potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on economic feasibility, renewable generators can use pumped hydro storage (PHS) to improve their profitability by performing energy arbitrage under real-time pricing (RTP) schemes. In this paper, we present a new method to optimise the size of and manage utility-scale wind–PV systems using PHS with energy arbitrage under RTP. PHS is used to supply load consumption and/or energy arbitrage. Further, both load-supply and power-generating systems are considered, and a genetic algorithm metaheuristic technique is used to perform the optimisation efficiently. Irradiance, wind speed, temperature, hourly electricity price, component characteristics, and financial data are used as data, and the system is simulated in 15 min time steps during the system lifetime for each combination of components and control variables. Uncertainty is considered for the meteorological data and electricity prices. The pump and turbine efficiencies and available head and penstock losses are considered as variables (not fixed values) to obtain accurate simulations. A sample application in Spain is demonstrated by performing a sensitivity analysis of different locations, electricity prices, and costs. PHS is not worth considering with the present cost of components. In load-supply systems in Zaragoza (Spain), we found that PHS would be worth considering if its cost was lower than 850 EUR/kW (considering all PHS components except reservoirs) +20 EUR/m3 for reservoirs (equivalent to 105 EUR/kWh with a 70 m head), whereas in Gran Canaria Island (with a considerably higher irradiation and wind speed), the required PHS cost is considerably lower (~350 EUR/kW + 10 EUR/m3). For power-generating systems, PHS required costs ranging from 400–700 EUR/kW + 15–20 EUR/m3 for obtaining the optimal PV–wind–PHS system with economic results similar to those of the optimal power-generating system without PHS. Thus, the renewable–PHS system with energy arbitrage under RTP could be profitable for many locations globally given the wide range of the PHS cost; however, each case is different and must be evaluated individually. The presented model can be used for optimising the renewable–PHS system in any location with any costs and RTP schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the results of the characterization of two 1 × 5 mm2 miniaturized rectennas developed for medical applications. They have been designed for relatively high voltage and high-power applications, given the size of the rectennas. Both rectennas were tested in open-air conditions and surrounded by pork fat and muscle tissues, whose properties are similar to those of the human body. The resonant frequencies of the rectennas were found, and the incident electric field on the rectennas tests was increased. The first chip showed a maximum output voltage of 5.29 V and a maximum output power of 0.056 mW, at 1.446 GHz, under an incident field on the rectenna of 340 V/m, and the second chip, 4.62 V and 4.27 mW, at 1.175 GHz, under 535 V/m. The second rectenna can provide an output power greater than 5 mW. The rectennas presented in this article are beyond the state of the art, as they can deliver about three times more power and voltage than those of similar dimensions reported in the literature. Based on the test results, the efficiency of the rectennas was analyzed at different locations of the human body, considering different thicknesses of tissues with high and low water content. Finally, potential applications are described in which the rectennas could power implantable medical devices or microsurgery tools, for example, pulmonary artery pressure monitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer ranks among the leading causes of mortality in women worldwide, underscoring the critical need for early detection to ensure patient survival. While the Pap smear test is widely used, its effectiveness is hampered by the inherent subjectivity of cytological analysis, impacting its sensitivity and specificity. This study introduces an innovative methodology for detecting and tracking precursor cervical cancer cells using SIFT descriptors in video sequences captured with mobile devices. More than one hundred digital images were analyzed from Papanicolaou smears provided by the State Public Health Laboratory of Michoacán, Mexico, along with over 1800 unique examples of cervical cancer precursor cells. SIFT descriptors enabled real-time correspondence of precursor cells, yielding results demonstrating 98.34% accuracy, 98.3% precision, 98.2% recovery rate, and an F-measure of 98.05%. These methods were meticulously optimized for real-time analysis, showcasing significant potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the Pap smear test in early cervical cancer detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging design is pivotal in motivating consumer decisions, as a key communication tool from creation to purchase. Currently, the interpretation and evaluation of packaging's impact are shifting toward non-traditional methods. This pilot study evaluated the packaging perception of York Ham and Turkey Breast products. The event-related potential (ERP) technique, the methodology priming words (positive and negative), and target images (original and modified packaging) were applied. A total of 23 participants were sampled using a 32-channels scalp elastic electrode cap and viewed 200 trials of word–image matching. Participants responded whether the images and adjectives matched or not, using the two groups of images. The results demonstrate an N400 effect in the parietal area. This region was observed to show evidence of cognitive processing related to congruency or incongruency, by contrasting the priming and target of this study. The evaluation positioned the York Ham packaging as the best rated. The findings show a relevant contribution to ERPs and research related to the food packaging perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background/Objectives: Dexmedetomidine is a sedative for patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) that previous single-site studies have found to be associated with improved survival in patients with COVID-19. The reported clinical benefits include dampened inflammatory response, reduced respiratory depression, reduced agitation and delirium, improved preservation of responsiveness and arousability, and improved hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and ventilation-perfusion ratio. Whether improved mortality is evident in large, multi-site COVID-19 data is understudied. (2) Methods: The association between dexmedetomidine use and mortality in patients with COVID-19 receiving IMV was assessed. This retrospective multi-center cohort study utilized patient data in the United States from health systems participating in the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) from 1 January 2020 to 3 November 2022. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality rate from the initiation of IMV. Propensity score matching adjusted for differences between the group with and without dexmedetomidine use. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for 28-day mortality were calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models with dexmedetomidine use as a time-varying covariate. (3) Results: Among the 16,357,749 patients screened, 3806 patients across 17 health systems met the study criteria. Mortality was lower with dexmedetomidine use (aHR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73–0.90; p < 0.001). On subgroup analysis, mortality was lower with earlier dexmedetomidine use—initiated within the median of 3.5 days from the start of IMV—(aHR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.60–0.76; p < 0.001) as well as use prior to standard, widespread use of dexamethasone for patients on respiratory support (prior to 30 July 2020) (aHR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.42–0.69; p < 0.001). In a secondary model that was restricted to 576 patients across six health system sites with available PaO2/FiO2 data, mortality was not lower with dexmedetomidine use (aHR 0.95, 95% CI, 0.72–1.25; p = 0.73); however, on subgroup analysis, mortality was lower with dexmedetomidine use initiated earlier than the median dexmedetomidine start time after IMV (aHR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53–0.98; p = 0.04) and use prior to 30 July 2020 (aHR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06–0.78; p = 0.02). (4) Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine use was associated with reduced mortality in patients with COVID-19 receiving IMV, particularly when initiated earlier, rather than later, during the course of IMV as well as use prior to the standard, widespread usage of dexamethasone during respiratory support. These particular findings might suggest that the associated mortality benefit with dexmedetomidine use is tied to immunomodulation. However, further research including a large randomized controlled trial is warranted to evaluate the potential mortality benefit of DEX use in COVID-19 and evaluate the physiologic changes influenced by DEX that may enhance survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the measurements of exposure to electromagnetic fields, carried out comparatively following standard methods from fixed sites using a broadband meter and using a smartphone on which an App designed for this purpose has been installed. The results of two measurement campaigns carried out on the campus of the University of Alcalá over an area of 1.9 km2 are presented. To characterize the exposure, 20 fixed points were measured in the first case and 860 points along the route made with a bicycle in the last case. The results obtained indicate that there is proportionality between the two methods, making it possible to use the smartphone for comparative measurements. The presented methodology makes it possible to characterize the exposure in the area under study in four times less time than that required with the traditional methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power quality improvement and Power quality disturbance (PQD) detection are two significant concerns that must be addressed to ensure an efficient power distribution within the utility grid. When the process to analyze PQD is migrated to real-time platforms, the possible occurrence of a phase mismatch can affect the algorithm's accuracy; this paper evaluates phase shifting as an additional stage in signal acquisition for detecting and classifying eight types of single power quality disturbances. According to their mathematical models, a set of disturbances was generated using an arbitrary waveform generator BK Precision 4064. The acquisition, detection, and classification stages were embedded into a BeagleBone Black. The detection stage was performed using multiresolution analysis. The feature vectors of the acquired signals were obtained from the combination of Shannon entropy and log-energy entropy. For classification purposes, four types of classifiers were trained: multilayer perceptron, K-nearest neighbors, probabilistic neural network, and decision tree. The results show that incorporating a phase-shifting stage as a preprocessing stage significantly improves the classification accuracy in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As cell culture supplements, human platelet lysate (PL) and human platelet lysate serum (PLS) are alternatives to fetal bovine serum (FBS) due to FBS-related issues such as ethical concerns, variability between batches, and the possible introduction of xenogenic contaminants. This study compared the composition and efficacy of PL, PLS, and FBS as supplements in the culture and cryopreservation of human dermal fibroblasts, Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MCS), and adipose tissue (AdMSC). Biochemical components, some growth factors, and cytokines present in each of them were analyzed; in addition, the cells were cultured in media supplemented with 5% PL, 5% PLS, and 10% FBS and exposed to different freezing and thawing solutions with the supplements under study. Biochemical parameters were found to be similar in PL and PLS compared to FBS, with some differences in fibrinogen and calcium concentration. Growth factors and cytokines were higher in PL and PLS compared to FBS. Cell proliferation and morphology showed no significant differences between the three culture media. Regarding the cryopreservation and thawing of cells, better results were obtained with PLS and FBS. In conclusion, PL and PLS are an excellent choice to replace the standard supplement of animal origin (FBS) in the media used for the culture and cryopreservation of fibroblasts, WJ-MSC, and AdMSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Countries located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, such as Chile, require robust evacuation plans for tall buildings to manage the ongoing threat of natural disasters. This study presents a methodology for developing evacuation plans by conducting pedestrian movement simulations with agents that have a model of their surroundings. This approach allows us to assess different scenarios and choose the best option based on the specific characteristics of the site. The method combines simulation and data analysis, using the Monte Carlo method to improve emergency evacuations. Initially, Pathfinder software was employed to simulate the evacuation of a tall building. This involved modeling pedestrian movements using a multiagent system. These agents were programmed to behave like real pedestrians and make decisions during evacuation scenarios, providing valuable information. The effectiveness of two evacuation strategies was then evaluated using the simulation data. The proposed methodology was validated using a case study. The simulations showed that the best strategy depends on factors such as the distribution of people, the capacity of the exits, and the time available for evacuation. Finally, the model includes a training process that uses virtual reality technology to improve situational awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating genetic neurodegenerative disease caused by the insufficient production of Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein. It presents different phenotypes with frequent contractures and dislocations, scoliosis, and pain. This study aims to report the prevalence and description of pain and how it affects daily life by analyzing a new ad hoc questionnaire. An observational study of patients under 18 years of age with SMA was conducted at two referral centers in Spain. Data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis and a Bayesian ordinal regression model to assess the association with clinical and demographic variables. Fifty-one individuals were included in this study, 27% of whom reported pain with a median duration of 5.2 years and a mean Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) score of 5. Notably, 77% were receiving disease-modifying treatment, with more than 50% receiving analgesic treatment. The Bayesian model showed that functional status, lower limb contractures, and number of visits have a high probability (>90%) of influencing pain. Thus, the prevalence of pain in the SMA population under 18 years is substantial, and its presence could be associated with lower limb contractures, better functional status, and higher RULM (Revised Upper Limb Module) scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the training process of artificial neural networks (ANNs) is vital for enhancing their performance and broadening their applicability. This paper employs the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) technique, integrated with a stopping criterion, to construct the probability distribution of the learning error of an ANN designed for short-term forecasting. The training and validation processes were conducted multiple times, each time considering a unique random starting point, and the subsequent forecasting error was calculated one step ahead. From this, we ascertained the probability of having obtained all the local optima. Our extensive computational analysis involved training a shallow feedforward neural network (FFNN) using wind power and load demand data from the transmission systems of the Netherlands and Germany. Furthermore, the analysis was expanded to include wind speed prediction using a long short-term memory (LSTM) network at a site in Spain. The improvement gained from the FFNN, which has a high probability of being the global optimum, ranges from 0.7% to 8.6%, depending on the forecasting variable. This solution outperforms the persistent model by between 5.5% and 20.3%. For wind speed predictions using an LSTM, the improvement over an average-trained network stands at 9.5%, and is 6% superior to the persistent approach. These outcomes suggest that the advantages of exhaustive search vary based on the problem being analyzed and the type of network in use. The MCS method we implemented, which estimates the probability of identifying all local optima, can act as a foundational step for other techniques like Bayesian model selection, which assumes that the global optimum is encompassed within the available hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspinous spacers are a minimally invasive surgical device for treating degenerative lumbar diseases, limiting spinal extension, and decreasing pressures within the disc and facets, relieving symptoms caused by lumbar spinal stenosis. This work uses the finite element method to calculate the stresses and deformations of an interspinous spacer with steel wire clamping. The cables also provide an easier way to set up the device. The reconstruction of the model was undertaken by computerized tomography, considering a person with average Mexican height (1.64 m) and a mass index grade of 2 (108 kg). The maximum movements reported in the literature were used for the range of motion. The interspinous spacer increases in a ratio of 2.7 times the stresses. Still, these stresses are generated in the prosthesis, which causes the vertebrae to be relieved since the forces and pressures are reduced. Deformations decrease by 53% with the reduction of the range of motion. Therefore, the prosthesis provides excellent stability for the vertebrae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza, a respiratory disease mainly caused by influenza A and B, viruses of the Orthomyxoviridae, is still a burden on our society's health and economic system. Influenza A viruses (IAV) circulate in mammalian and avian populations, causing seasonal outbreaks with high numbers of cases. Due to the high variability in seasonal IAV triggered by antigenic drift, annual vaccination is necessary, highlighting the need for a more broadly protective vaccine against IAV. The safety tested Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is licensed as a third-generation vaccine against smallpox and serves as a potent vector system for the development of new candidate vaccines against different pathogens. Here, we generated and characterized recombinant MVA candidate vaccines that deliver the highly conserved internal nucleoprotein (NP) of IAV under the transcriptional control of five newly designed chimeric poxviral promoters to further increase the immunogenic properties of the recombinant viruses (MVA-NP). Infections of avian cell cultures with the recombinant MVA-NPs demonstrated efficient synthesis of the IAV-NP which was expressed under the control of the five new promoters. Prime-boost or single shot immunizations in C57BL/6 mice readily induced circulating serum antibodies' binding to recombinant IAV-NP and the robust activation of IAV-NP-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Moreover, the MVA-NP candidate vaccines protected C57BL/6 mice against lethal respiratory infection with mouse-adapted IAV (A/Puerto Rico/8/1934/H1N1). Thus, further studies are warranted to evaluate the immunogenicity and efficacy of these recombinant MVA-NP vaccines in other IAV challenge models in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The open shop scheduling problem (OSSP) is one of the standard scheduling problems. It consists of scheduling jobs associated with a finite set of tasks developed by different machines. In this case, each machine processes at most one operation at a time, and the job processing order on the machines does not matter. The goal is to determine the completion times of the operations processed on the machines to minimize the largest job completion time, called Cmax. This paper proves that each OSSP has associated a path algebra called Brauer configuration algebra whose representation theory (particularly its dimension and the dimension of its center) can be given using the corresponding Cmax value. It has also been proved that the dimension of the centers of Brauer configuration algebras associated with OSSPs with minimal Cmax are congruent modulo the number of machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is a functional food used worldwide and recognized for its multiple health benefits. In the present study, the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey produced by two species of bees (Melipona eburnea and Apis mellifera) in two seasons were evaluated. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of honey against three bacterial strains was studied. The quality of honey analyzed by LDA (linear discriminant analysis) showed four clusters mediated by the interaction, the bee species, and the collection season resulting from a multivariate function of discrimination. The physicochemical properties of the honey produced by A. mellifera met the requirements of the Codex Alimentarius, while the M. eburnea honey had moisture values outside the established ranges of the Codex. Antioxidant activity was higher in the honey of A. mellifera, and both kinds of honey showed inhibitory activity against S. typhimurium ATCC 14028 and L. monocytogenes ATCC 9118. E. coli ATCC 25922 showed resistance to the analyzed honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (syn. Fusarium odoratissimum) (Foc TR4) causes vascular wilt in Musaceae plants and is considered the most lethal for these crops. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), it was reported for the first time in Colombia (2019), later in Peru (2021), and recently declared in Venezuela (2023). This work aimed to analyze the evolution of Foc TR4 in Musaceae in LAC between 2018 and 2022. This perspective contains a selection of topics related to Foc TR4 in LAC that address and describe (i) the threat of Foc TR4 in LAC, (ii) a bibliometric analysis of the scientific production of Foc TR4 in LAC, (iii) the current situation of Foc TR4 in Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela, (iv) medium-term prospects in LAC member countries, and (v) export trade and local food security. In this study, the presence of Foc TR4 in Venezuela and the possible consequences of the production of Musaceae in the long term were reported for the first time. In conclusion, TR4 is a major threat to banana production in Latin America and the world, and it is important to take measures to control the spread of the fungus and minimize its impact on the banana industry. It is important to keep working on the control of Foc TR4, which requires the participation of the local and international industry, researchers, and consumers, among others, to prevent the disappearance of bananas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in the airways with a multifactorial origin but with inflammation and oxidative stress as related pathogenic mechanisms. Garlic (Allium sativum) is a nutraceutical with different biological properties due to sulfur-containing natural compounds. Studies have shown that several compounds in garlic may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases, including those related to the lungs. Therefore, it is possible to take advantage of the compounds from garlic as nutraceuticals for treating lung diseases. The objective of this article is to review the biological properties of the sulfur compounds present in garlic for the treatment of asthma, as well as the cellular mechanisms involved. Here, we discuss the potential therapeutic effects of garlic compounds in the modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as its antibiotic and antiviral activities for identifying and testing potential treatment options for asthma management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fourth Industrial Revolution requires global, structural, and technological changes in all economic and production fields. The most apparent adaptation requirements fall on Generation Z individuals, who will have more and more responsibilities within organizations. The international reports of the World Economic Forum and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development indicate that this training will mainly require a strong development of thinking diversity and lifelong learning skills. This study presents an analysis of the education in these future skills that these individuals will need to work successfully throughout their careers, taking into account the evolution of conditions toward the changes expected in the following years. The methodology used in this research belongs to the field of futures studies. Through strategies in the field of foresight, various scenarios are proposed that involve the expected changes in the short, medium, and long term, both in higher education institutions and in industries and companies, to ensure the adaptation of Generation Z individuals to changes in work, workplace, and workforce. The findings show the strong influence that other skills and attitudes, such as self-esteem, self-efficacy, initiative, emotions, and motivation, have on the capacity for self-managed development throughout professional life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn is an important part of the Mexican diet. The crop requires constant monitoring to ensure production. For this, plant density is often used as an indicator of crop yield, since knowing the number of plants helps growers to manage and control their plots. In this context, it is necessary to detect and count corn plants. Therefore, a database of aerial RGB images of a corn crop in weedy conditions was created to implement and evaluate deep learning algorithms. Ten flight missions were conducted, six with a ground sampling distance (GSD) of 0.33 cm/pixel at vegetative stages from V3 to V7 and four with a GSD of 1.00 cm/pixel for vegetative stages V6, V7 and V8. The detectors compared were YOLOv4, YOLOv4-tiny, YOLOv4-tiny-3l, and YOLOv5 versions s, m and l. Each detector was evaluated at intersection over union (IoU) thresholds of 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 at confidence intervals of 0.05. A strong F1-Score penalty was observed at the IoU threshold of 0.75 and there was a 4.92% increase in all models for an IoU threshold of 0.25 compared to 0.50. For confidence levels above 0.35, YOLOv4 shows greater robustness in detection compared to the other models. Considering the mode of 0.3 for the confidence level that maximizes the F1-Score metric and the IoU threshold of 0.25 in all models, YOLOv5-s obtained a mAP of 73.1% with a coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) of 0.78 and a relative mean square error (rRMSE) of 42% in the plant count, followed by YOLOv4 with a mAP of 72.0%, R 2 of 0.81 and rRMSE of 39.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of diseases in which the common denominator is the affection of blood vessels, heart tissue, and heart rhythm. The genesis of CVD is complex and multifactorial; therefore, approaches are often based on multidisciplinary management and more than one drug is used to achieve the optimal control of risk factors (dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypertrophy, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation). In this context, allicin, a sulfur compound naturally derived from garlic, has shown beneficial effects on several cardiovascular risk factors through the modulation of cellular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Effective pharmacological treatments for CVD or its risk factors have not been developed or are unknown in clinical practice. Thus, this work aimed to review the cellular mechanisms through which allicin exerts its therapeutic effects and to show why it could be a therapeutic option for the prevention or treatment of CVD and its risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An online failure diagnostic test is essential to ensure the robustness and reliability of high-powered systems. Furthermore, the overall design must comprise diagnostic strategies to detect in-service and high-powered module defects. This paper describes the critical failure mechanisms––cross-conduction, inductive avalanche, second turn-on, VS-undershoot, inrush current, and thermal runaway––that directly affect insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) operation. The constructed inverter contains 18 transformer-based taps (six per phase); however, this work studied a single tap (IGBT-based full-bridge module) to understand the reasons for failure and the routes to mitigate them. Moreover, a cost-effective solution using the IR2127STRPBF driver circuit was implemented to reduce the probability of thermal runaway in case of overcurrent, short-circuit, or avalanche events. For this reason, the electrical current state was adjusted using an FPGA digital resource to perform dynamic PWM control signals. The obtained correlation waveforms are valuable for verifying diagnostic data at the design stage to emphasize the significance of evading premature failure events. The comprehensive study on failure diagnosis enabled successful design strategies to construct a robust 45 kVA three-phase multilevel inverter for a 22 kW eolic-photovoltaic generation plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) has been widely studied for its diversity of compounds for product generation. However, studies describing the chemical and biological characteristics of commercial spearmint materials from different origins are scarce. For this reason, this research aimed to bioprospecting spearmint from three origins: Colombia (Col), Mexico (Mex), and Egypt (Eg). We performed a biological activity analysis, such as FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS, inhibition potential of S. pyogenes, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, P. aeuroginosa, S. aureus, S aureus Methicillin-Resistant, and E. faecalis. Furthermore, we performed chemical assays, such as total polyphenol and rosmarinic acid, and untargeted metabolomics via HPLC-MS/MS. Finally, we developed a causality analysis to integrate biological activities with chemical analyses. We found significant differences between the samples for the total polyphenol and rosmarinic acid contents, FRAP, and inhibition analyses for Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus and E. faecalis. Also, clear metabolic differentiation was observed among the three commercial materials evaluated. These results allow us to propose data-driven uses for the three spearmint materials available in current markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The automotive armoring industry, which protects against ballistic attacks, lacks studies regarding damage to the human body during a collision. In this work, we study the mass changes in a vehicle undergoing a level III armored process, through a numerical evaluation of the full-frontal impact of a sport utility vehicle (SUV)—a Ford Explorer 2002. In this work, we present two evaluations. We first analyze the displacement suffered by the vehicle during an impact due to the increase in mass and structural stiffness and we then evaluate the deceleration loads that the user suffers in the event of a crash. In addition, dynamic analyses were performed to quantify the head injury criterion (HIC) and chest severity index (CSI) on a 50th percentile dummy to calculate the probability of the occupant suffering possible injuries. The outcome shows a comparison between the acceleration severity index (ASI) of a commercial vehicle adapted to an armored process and an unshielded vehicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A breakthrough in peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy occurred in 1977 with the development of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Its simplicity, low cost, and ease with which CAPD could be performed on patients at home contributed to the popularity of this procedure. However, there is a need for continuous improvement in building optimal systems for incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This research showed the design and construction of a simplified prototype of low-cost automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) equipment that meets international standards to automatically regulate infusion and fluid drainage in and out of a patient with low margins of error. Experimental tests allowed the adjustment of the RPM values concerning the flow rate provided. In addition, thanks to the pressure sensor, it was possible to observe a fluctuation ranging from 9 to 13 kPa, which is within the permissible average specified in the catalogs of medical instruments and equipment. Furthermore, a turbidity sensor was added to decrease the possibility of presenting peritonitis. The results showed absolute values of flow, angular velocity, and pressure that it could deliver for use in APD therapies. Finally, the construction of the APD equipment is presented generally, showing the electronic and mechanical components that constitute it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the oil and gas industry, there has not been a consistent, concerted effort to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the supply chain. In addressing this challenge, this study evaluates the potential GHG emissions reduction that may be realized through deployment of a geothermal power co-production system in two Colombian oil fields, compared to a base case where energy needs are derived through non-renewable sources such as gas and diesel. These geothermal power co-production systems make use of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) engines to convert the heat from produced oilfield fluids into electrical energy. The energy potential of this resource is evaluated through the exergy concept, and a life cycle analysis is implemented to calculate the carbon footprint using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2013 methodology. In the two oil fields of interest, OFA and OFB, the results show a maximum potential energy production of 2260 kWe for OFA and 657 kWe for OFB. The co-production of crude oil and electrical energy from geothermal resources suggests a possible a carbon footprint reduction of 19% and 11% for OFA and OFB, respectively, when compared to conventional power systems. In addition, four emissions scenarios are assessed where the current energy sources in these oil fields are substituted by gas, diesel, co-generated geothermal power, or a combination of the three while maintaining the average power output in each field. The highest carbon footprint reduction is found in Scenario 1, which replaces 100% of the liquid fuel consumption with purchased gas (gas provided by a third party and treated outside the system's limits), thereby achieving carbon footprint reductions up to 54% for OFB. This research opens the prospect for the use of renewable energies in the oil and gas industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a non-invasive methodology to obtain a three-dimensional femur model of three-year-old infants affected with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) type III. DICOM® Files of a femur were processed to obtain a finite element model to assess the transverse, the oblique, and the comminuted fractures. The model is evaluated under a normal walking cycle. The loads applied were considered the most critical force generated on the normal walking cycle, and the analyses considered anisotropic bone conditions. The outcome shows stress concentration areas in the central zone of the diaphysis of the femur, and the highest levels of stress occur in the case of the comminuted fracture, while the transverse fracture presents the lowest values. Thus, the method can be helpful for determining the bone fracture behavior of certain pathologies, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic analysis of materials is a common non-destructive technique, but most efforts are focused on the ultrasonic range. In the audible range, such studies are generally devoted to audio engineering applications. Ultrasonic sound has evident advantages, but also severe limitations, like penetration depth and the use of coupling gels. We propose a biomimetic approach in the audible range to overcome some of these limitations. A total of 364 samples of water and fructose solutions with 28 concentrations between 0 g/L and 9 g/L have been analyzed inside an anechoic chamber using audible sound configurations. The spectral information from the scattered sound is used to identify and discriminate the concentration with the help of an improved grouping genetic algorithm that extracts a set of frequencies as a classifier. The fitness function of the optimization algorithm implements an extreme learning machine. The classifier obtained with this new technique is composed only by nine frequencies in the (3–15) kHz range. The results have been obtained over 20,000 independent random iterations, achieving an average classification accuracy of 98.65% for concentrations with a difference of ±0.01 g/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: These connectors are used in continuous ambulatory peritoneal emergency dialysis for exchanging different dialysis bags and transfer line brands. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progressively and irreversibly affects the kidneys and is considered a catastrophic disease on a global scale. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is one of the most used methods of treatment, involving infusion and draining bags and a transfer line. Patients receiving this treatment have a catheter that is placed during surgery; this depends on having the same catheter supplies, as they are not compatible with other market brands. This research shows the comparison between connector brands used at the outlet of the Tenckhoff® catheter. The methodology shows the design of two connectors using the 3D printing technique. Numerical simulations were carried out to establish the flow patterns through each of the designs; the maximum values of velocity reached 74 mm/s inside the PISA to Baxter (PB) connector, while the pressure and vorticity were controlled and did not represent failures inside the connectors and threads connections. An experimental testbed was designed to verify the connections between the manufactured devices and the market brand elements. The results show numerical and experimental comparisons of the developed titanium-ELI connectors with no leaks at the connection points due to the lack of commercial supplies. These connectors can be used in the treatment of CAPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the biodiesel produced by a biodiesel plant located in the Mexican Centre for Cleaner Production (CMP + L by its acronym in Spanish) of the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico. Pollutant emissions from two types of engines were studied: a low power monocylinder engine and a 30-kW electric generator diesel engine. The tests were performed with the following blends: B5, B10, B15, B20, B30, B40, and B50. Parameters such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons, and combustion efficiency were analyzed, as well as sulfur dioxide, oxygen, and combustion temperatures. It was demonstrated that NOx increases as the percentage of biodiesel increases, while CO decreases slightly using the monocylinder engine. In the case of the electric generator diesel engine, the B5 mixture had the highest trend for NOx and the lowest trend for CO. Likewise, combustion efficiency was found to be severely affected by the biodiesel blends, i.e., from B5 to B20. An analytical study and experimental thermography tests of the combustion process with biodiesel blends were carried out, and the technical problems of operation when incorporating biodiesel blends are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physicochemical characterization of pharmaceutical materials is essential for drug discovery, development and evaluation, and for understanding and predicting their interaction with physiological systems. Amongst many measurement techniques for spectroscopic characterization of pharmaceutical materials, Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is powerful as it can be used to model the electrical properties of pure substances and compounds in correlation with specific chemical composition. In particular, the accurate measurement of specific properties of drugs is important for evaluating physiological interaction. The electrochemical modelling of compounds is usually carried out using spectral impedance data over a wide frequency range, to fit a predetermined model of an equivalent electrochemical cell. This paper presents experimental results by EIS analysis of four drug formulations (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole C14H18N4O3-C10H11N3O3, ambroxol C13H18Br2N2O.HCl, metamizole sodium C13H16N3NaO4S, and ranitidine C13H22N4O3S.HCl). A wide frequency range from 20 Hz to 30 MHz is used to evaluate system identification techniques using EIS data and to obtain process models. The results suggest that arrays of linear R-C models derived using system identification techniques in the frequency domain can be used to identify different compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: A potential application of this work is an ergonomic method for designing personalized hiking and jogging prostheses for use in rehabilitation after amputation. This work addresses the design, analysis, and validation of a transtibial custom prosthesis. The methodology consists of the usage of videometry to analyze angular relationships between joints, moments, and reaction forces in the human gait cycle. The customized geometric model of the proposed prosthesis was defined by considering healthy feet for the initial design. The prosthesis model was developed by considering the Flex-Foot® Variflex® architecture on a design basis. By means of the analytical method, the size and material of the final model were calculated. The behavior of the prosthesis was evaluated analytically by a curved elements analysis and the Castigliano theorem, and numerically by the Finite Element Method (FEM). The outcome shows the differences between the analytical and numerical methods for the final prosthesis design, with an error rate no greater than 6.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacilli are used in food because of their beneficial effect on human health and their biopreservative activity in matured meat products. The objective of this work was to study the growth kinetics of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 by submerged fermentation at laboratory and bench scales, using a culture medium based on bovine blood plasma (BBP) with hydrolyzed proteins, and to evaluate the maturational effects and sensory properties conferred by the obtained biomass on a matured meat product (pepperoni). At bench scale, it was found that the maximum viable biomass concentration of L. plantarum was 9.58 log CFU/mL, which was higher than what was found in the MRS culture medium (9.53 log CFU/mL). The mathematical model proposed appropriately described the L.plantarum growth kinetics and carbohydrate dynamics during fermentation at laboratory and bench scales in hydrolyzed BBPmedium. The application of viable L. plantarum biomass propagated on this medium did not show statistically significant differences during pepperoni maturation compared to the product made with the commercial starter culture. The sensory panel found no differences in the evaluated sensory attributes between these two products. The L. plantarum biomass obtained on this medium can be used successfully in maturation processes in different meat matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a management strategy for the daily operation of an isolated hybrid energy system (HES) using heuristic techniques. Incorporation of heuristic techniques to the optimal scheduling in day-head basis allows us to consider the complex characteristics of a specific battery energy storage system (BESS) and the associated electronic converter efficiency. The proposed approach can determine the discharging time to perform the load peak-shaving in an appropriate manner. A recently proposed version of binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO), which incorporates a time-varying mirrored S-shaped (TVMS) transfer function, is proposed for day-ahead scheduling determination. Day-ahead operation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are studied through different operating conditions. The complexity of the optimization problem depends on the available wind resource and its relationship with load profile. In this regard, TVMS-BPSO has important capabilities for global exploration and local exploitation, which makes it a powerful technique able to provide a high-quality solution comparable to that obtained from a genetic algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The proposed method can be used for detecting suspected incipient breast lesions that may cause breast cancer. The image processing of mammograms is very important for the early detection of breast pathologies, including cancer. This paper proposes a new technique based on directional fractal filtering for detecting microcalcification clusters or irregularly shaped microcalcifications. The proposed algorithm has two parts: a preprocessing step for detecting and locating microcalcification; and a second zooming, enhancement, and segmentation step. Detection is performed by image convolution using a set of masks with interesting fractal properties. Combined with other simple mathematical operations, remarkable contrast enhancement and segmentation are produced. The final result permits the clear delineation of the shape of individual microcalcifications. A comparison is made with other microcalcification enhancement techniques described in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robot introspection is expected to greatly aid longer-term autonomy of autonomous manipulation systems. By equipping robots with abilities that allow them to assess the quality of their sensory data, robots can detect and classify anomalies and recover appropriately from common anomalies. This work builds on our previous Sense-Plan-Act-Introspect-Recover (SPAIR) system. We introduce an improved anomaly detector that exploits latent states to monitor anomaly occurrence when robots collaborate with humans in shared workspaces, but also present a multiclass classifier that is activated with anomaly detection. Both implementations are derived from Bayesian non-parametric methods with strong modeling capabilities for learning and inference of multivariate time series with complex and uncertain behavior patterns. In particular, we explore the use of a hierarchical Dirichlet stochastic process prior to learning a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) with a switching vector auto-regressive observation model (sHDP-VAR-HMM). The detector uses a dynamic log-likelihood threshold that varies by latent state for anomaly detection and the anomaly classifier is implemented by calculating the cumulative log-likelihood of testing observation based on trained models. The purpose of our work is to equip the robot with anomaly detection and anomaly classification for the full set of skills associated with a given manipulation task. We consider a human–robot cooperation task to verify our work and measure the robustness and accuracy of each skill. Our improved detector succeeded in detecting 136 common anomalies and 368 nominal executions with a total accuracy of 91.0%. An overall anomaly classification accuracy of 97.1% is derived by performing the anomaly classification on an anomaly dataset that consists of 7 kinds of detected anomalies from a total of 136 anomalies samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new haptic sensor that is based on vibration produced by mechanical excitation from a clock coupled to a resonant cavity is presented. This sensor is intended to determine the chemical composition of liquid mixtures in a completely non-destructive method. In this case, a set of 23 samples of water, ethanol, and fructose mixtures has been used to simulate different kinds of alcoholic beverage. The spectral information from the vibrational absorption bands of liquid samples is analyzed by a Grouping Genetic Algorithm. An Extreme Learning Machine implements the fitness function that is able to classify the mixtures according to the concentration of ethanol and fructose. The 23 samples range from 0%–13% by volume of ethanol and from 0–3 g/L of fructose, all of them with different concentration. The new technique achieves an average classification accuracy of 96%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is the detailed calculation of microwave propagation inside raw timber in cylindrical configurations. Two different approaches have been used. The first one uses an exact formulation and analytical approximations in order to explore the electromagnetic field distribution inside dry wood. The introduction of conductivity in the exact model makes it so complex that the equations are unsuitable for analytical manipulation. In order to further explore the effect of moisture in cylindrical wood structures, a full scale numerical simulation using commercial software has been performed. The results show that for microwave frequencies in the 3 GHz range and for typical wood parameters, a cylindrical log behaves as a kind of Fresnel lens. This work has important applications in microwave treatment and sensing of wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a Least Mean Square (LMS) programming scheme is used to set the offset voltage of two operational amplifiers that were built using floating-gate transistors, enabling a 0.95 VRMS trimmer-less flame detection sensor. The programming scheme is capable of setting the offset voltage over a wide range of values by means of electron injection. The flame detection sensor consists of two programmable offset operational amplifiers; the first amplifier serves as a 26 μV offset voltage follower, whereas the second amplifier acts as a programmable trimmer-less voltage comparator. Both amplifiers form the proposed sensor, whose principle of functionality is based on the detection of the electrical changes produced by the flame ionization. The experimental results show that it is possible to measure the presence of a flame accurately after programming the amplifiers with a maximum of 35 LMS-algorithm iterations. Current commercial flame detectors are mainly used in absorption refrigerators and large industrial gas heaters, where a high voltage AC source and several mechanical trimmings are used in order to accurately measure the presence of the flame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncertainty and variability in electricity market price (EMP) signals and players' behavior, as well as in renewable power generation, especially wind power, pose considerable challenges. Hence, enhancement of forecasting approaches is required for all electricity market players to deal with the non-stationary and stochastic nature of such time series, making it possible to accurately support their decisions in a competitive environment with lower forecasting error and with an acceptable computational time. As previously published methodologies have shown, hybrid approaches are good candidates to overcome most of the previous concerns about time-series forecasting. In this sense, this paper proposes an enhanced hybrid approach composed of an innovative combination of wavelet transform (WT), differential evolutionary particle swarm optimization (DEEPSO), and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to forecast EMP signals in different electricity markets and wind power in Portugal, in the short-term, considering only historical data. Test results are provided by comparing with other reported studies, demonstrating the proficiency of the proposed hybrid approach in a real environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, people in the Mediterranean region knew that the temperatures in their courtyards were cooler in summer than outside temperature. This paper provides a quantitative study on the usefulness of Mediterranean courtyards as passive energy saving systems. This work is based on the creation of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) numerical model developed using the open source Freefem++ language. In this work, first the numerical model is tested using simplified-shape courtyards which have been previously studied both physically under controlled parameters, and mathematically through numerical simulations. We also study the most appropriate depth ratio for a courtyard, based on these simplified shapes, depending on the climate. Secondly, we apply the numerical model in a real geometry, the Monte Málaga hotel. We compare the numerical results with the monitored data of the temperature in the courtyard of the hotel. The numerical model takes into account precomputed solar radiation in the walls of the courtyard, the predominant wind and buoyancy effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a design for an automatized multiposition dynamic wheelchair used to transport quadriplegic patients by reconfiguring a manual wheelchair structure. An electric actuator is attached to a four-bar mechanism fixed to each side of a wheelchair's backrest to reach multiposition. The entire device is actuated through a PID controller. An experimental test is carried out in a simplified wheelchair structure. Finally, the structure of the wheelchair is evaluated through the Dynamic analysis and Finite Element Method under the payload computed with the most critical position reached by the mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Golden berry (Physalis peruviana L.) is an exotic fruit exported from Colombia to different countries around the world. A review of the literature tends to demonstrate a hypoglycaemic effect with an improvement in insulin sensitivity after oral ingestion of fruit extracts in animal models. However, little is known about their potential effects in humans, and very little is known about the mechanisms involved. This study aimed at identifying discriminant metabolites after acute and chronic intake of golden berry. Method: An untargeted metabolomics strategy using high-performance chemical isotope-labelling LC-MS was applied. The blood samples of eighteen healthy adults were analysed at baseline, at 6 h after the intake of 250 g of golden berry (acute intervention), and after 19 days of daily consumption of 150 g (medium-term intervention). Results: Forty-nine and 36 discriminant metabolites were identified with high confidence, respectively, after the acute and medium-term interventions. Taking into account up- and downregulated metabolites, three biological networks mainly involving insulin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) were identified. Conclusions: The biological intracellular networks identified are highly interconnected with the insulin signalling pathway, showing that berry intake may be associated with insulin signalling, which could reduce some risk factors related to metabolic syndrome. Primary registry of WHO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuels represent an energy option to mitigate polluting gases. However, technical problems must be solved, one of them is to improve the combustion process. In this study, the geometry of a piston head for a diesel engine was redesigned. The objective was to improve the combustion process and reduce polluting emissions using biodiesel blends as the fuel. The methodology used was the mechanical engineering design process. A commercial piston (base piston) was selected as a reference model to assess the piston head's redesign. Changes were applied to the profile of the piston head based on previous research and a new model was obtained. Both models were evaluated and analyzed using the finite element method, where the most relevant physical conditions were temperature and pressure. Numerical simulations in the base piston and the new piston redesign proposal presented similar behaviors and results. However, with the proposed piston, it was possible to reduce the effort and the material. The proposed piston profile presents adequate results and behaviors. In future, we suggest continuing conducting simulations and experimental tests to assess its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision-making is an important part of human life and particularly in any engineering process related to a complex product. New sensors and actuators based on MEMS technologies are increasingly complex and quickly evolving into products. New biomedical implanted devices may benefit from system engineering approaches, previously reserved to very large projects, and it is expected that this need will increase in the future. Here, we propose the application of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to systematize and optimize the trade-off analysis process. The criteria, their utility functions and the weighting factors are applied in a systematic way for the selection of the best alternative. Combining trade-off with MBSE allow us to identify the more suitable technology to be implemented to transfer energy to an implanted biomedical micro device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of urbanization of cities has been the subject of numerous studies and evaluation protocols proposing to analyze the degree of economic and social sustainability of development projects. Through careful research and synthesis of the theoretical framework regarding residential properties' performance measurement and forecasting, this paper goes deeper into the proposition of property development as an asset class that represents the biggest share of the Italian property market and yet is avoided by the big portfolios. The analysis model was applied to the city of Milan and its Metropolitan Area. The method is based on the development of correlation indices to evaluate different behaviors, through time and a Geographic Information System (GIS) based on the Hedonic Price Method (HPM). Results from a hedonic model estimated for several recent years suggest that, depending on the particular view, the relation between the rent/price performance and the different external and intrinsic variables can represent a useful parameter for evaluating the feasibility of different real estate investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning (ML) and its multiple applications have comparative advantages for improving the interpretation of knowledge on different agricultural processes. However, there are challenges that impede proper usage, as can be seen in phenotypic characterizations of germplasm banks. The objective of this research was to test and optimize different analysis methods based on ML for the prioritization and selection of morphological descriptors of Rubus spp. 55 descriptors were evaluated in 26 genotypes and the weight of each one and its ability to discriminating capacity was determined. ML methods as random forest (RF), support vector machines, in the linear and radial forms, and neural networks were optimized and compared. Subsequently, the results were validated with two discriminating methods and their variants: hierarchical agglomerative clustering and K-means. The results indicated that RF presented the highest accuracy (0.768) of the methods evaluated, selecting 11 descriptors based on the purity (Gini index), importance, number of connected trees, and significance (p value < 0.05). Additionally, K-means method with optimized descriptors based on RF had greater discriminating power on Rubus spp., accessions according to evaluated statistics. This study presents one application of ML for the optimization of specific morphological variables for plant germplasm bank characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]