Search

Combined Kelly syndrome, also known as anterior hyperfunction syndrome, is a complex pathological condition of the stomatognathic system, originally established by five characteristics but primarily triggered by edentulism, specifically, the absence of the upper and posterior mandibular teeth. This condition is characterized by a series of clinical features, such as bone loss, tuberosity growth, enamel wear, periodontal damage, muscle fatigue, pain, and temporomandibular joint issues. However, these features are not unique and rather reflect an oral hyperfunction state. There is a lack of consensus on the best way to assess and diagnose this condition, which is proposed to be understood as an “oral hyperfunction state” rather than a syndrome. This study aims to conduct a literature review to analyze the available information on anterior hyperfunction syndrome in dentistry, with the goal of proposing a conceptual model of the etiological risk factors that contribute to early diagnosis and the prevention of complications. This approach has important clinical implications, as it would allow for the early identification and management of risk factors, thus improving the quality of life of patients and preventing malpractice that could compromise their oral health.

Mental health and emotions are two fundamental aspects of our overall well-being. Good mental health can help us manage and regulate our emotions in a healthy way. Similarly, emotions can affect our mental health if we are not able to recognize, express, and manage our emotions in a healthy way. The present research aims to conduct a thematic analysis on the presence of emotions in X (formerly known as Twitter) discourse on mental health. A total of 455 tweets dealing with mental health have been collected in this study. The results show that the presence of emotions in mental health discourse is quite limited compared to the non-use of emotions. Regarding those who do use emotions, love and anxiety stand out. When users do not address emotions, they do argue certain variables such as stress, depression, suicide, or job insecurity. It is argued that emotions do not receive the attention and importance they deserve in the field of mental health. If emotions are not properly recognized, understood, or managed, there may be several risks for society in general. Therefore, the need to promote emotional education with the intention of increasing people’s well-being and mental health is raised.

Bullying is a social problem that usually increases during adolescence and can have serious consequences on the wellbeing of students. One of the members of the educational community that is most present in these situations is the teachers. This qualitative research aims to know the teachers’ perceptions about bullying among adolescents within the school environment. It was possible to deepen the experiences of 20 teachers by conducting semistructured interviews with open-ended questions. The results obtained indicate that education professionals have been bystanders to episodes of bullying among their students and that they opt for mediation between both parties (bully and victim) as an intervention measure. Teachers believe that bullied students tend to be young people with low self-esteem, introverted and sad. On the contrary, bullies are shown to be leaders with social support, egocentric, and with low empathy. The need to know the different perceptions and strategies used by teachers in situations of bullying among their students is discussed, with the intention of promoting resources and programs that can help them in this type of situation.

This research focuses on the development and simulation analysis of heat-dissipating fins made of copper, integrated into photovoltaic panels, with the aim of mitigating temperature increases during operation. This initiative arises from evidence that solar panels experience a reduction in energy efficiency when operating at temperatures higher than standard test conditions. The photovoltaic panel was simulated both without fins and with fins under standard test conditions and extreme conditions. The simulation consists of the following steps: design, meshing, selection of physical models and materials, assignment of boundary conditions, validation of the simulation, and interpretation of the results. During validation, results obtained via simulation were compared experimentally, yielding a mean absolute percentage error of 0.28%. It was concluded that the fins with the greatest heat dissipation relative to their area are those of 40 mm height; with this height, the temperature of the photovoltaic panel is reduced by 2.64 K, which represents an efficiency increase of 1.32%. Furthermore, it was concluded from the analyzed data that the efficiency of the fins increases at high temperatures.

The geotechnical characterisation of offshore wind farm sites requires measurement or estimation of the small-strain shear stiffness Gmax of the subsoil. This parameter can be derived from shear wave velocity Vs measurements if the bulk density of the soil is known. Since direct measurements of Vs are generally not available at all foundation locations in a wind farm, correlations with cone penetration test (CPT) results are often used to determine location-specific stiffness parameters for foundation design. Existing correlations have mostly been calibrated to onshore datasets which may not contain the same soil types and stress conditions found in the North Sea. The distinct geological history of the North Sea necessitates a critical review of these existing CPT-based correlations. They are evaluated against an extensive database of in situ Vs measurements in the southern North Sea. The importance of modelling the stress-dependent nature of Vs is highlighted, and a novel stress-dependent model for Vs from CPT data, which leads to an improved fit, is presented. As the small-strain stiffness is used as an input to foundation response calculations, the model uncertainty of the correlation can introduce significant uncertainty into the resulting foundation response. This transformation uncertainty is quantified for each of the correlations evaluated in this study and shows important variations.

Background: Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is a common clinical condition caused by inflammation and the presence of a thrombus inside a superficial vein. It has traditionally been considered a benign and banal disorder, although it can progress or can be associated with thromboembolic disease of deep territories in up to 20%, asymptomatic or symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE), especially if it affects the main trunk of the internal saphenous vein. The impact of deep vein thrombosis on the quality of life and its sequelae have long been described in the literature; however, they have not been studied in superficial vein thrombosis. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the risk factors, management, and complications of SVT and its impact on the quality of life of our patients. Methods: Observational, prospective, single-center study to evaluate the management of SVT. The ultrasound (US) was performed initially on symptomatic patients, during treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), at a follow-up, and at the end of 45 days of treatment. A quality-of-life questionnaire was administered to determine the risk factors, management, and complications of SVT at the moment of diagnosis and at the end of treatment. We included patients referred from the emergency department to a monographic consultation for thromboembolic disease, over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of acute SVT symptomatic, without contraindication to initiate anticoagulation. Results: In total, 63 patients were evaluated between October 2020 and April 2022. The mean age was 65.8 years (SD 13.5), of which 35 were women (55.6%), 39 presented cardiovascular risk factors (61.9%), 25 had a history of previous personal venous thromboembolism (VTE) (39.7%), and 10 had obesity (15.9%), 47 had chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins (74.9%). During follow-up with ultrasound, 39.7% had partial revascularization, and at discharge, 63.5% had permeabilized the thrombosis against 19% who had residual thrombosis or progression of thrombosis. There was a positive correlation between mobility parameters and improvement in the performance of daily activities (rho = 0.35; p = 0.012) and with improvement in pain/discomfort (rho = 0.37; p = 0.007). An improvement in pain parameters was statistically significantly related to a global assessment health perception (rho = 0.48; p < 0.001). Anxiety and depression parameters were related to a global assessment health perception (rho = 0.462; p = 0.001) and to an overall improvement at 12 months (rho = 0.45; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is a highly prevalent disease, which is traditionally considered banal and has good evolution, with heterogeneous management in clinical practice and limited information on patient selection for therapies, current treatment routes, and drug use, as well as outcomes. In recent years, the importance of this entity has become evident due to its frequency in clinical practice, its risk of complications, and the impact it has on the quality of life. This study’s results emphasize the importance of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of superficial venous thrombosis.

Green hydrogen production is a sustainable energy solution with great potential, offering advantages such as adaptability, storage capacity and ease of transport. However, there are challenges such as high energy consumption, production costs, demand and regulation, which hinder its large-scale adoption. This study explores the role of simulation models in optimizing the technical and economic aspects of green hydrogen production. The proposed system, which integrates photovoltaic and energy storage technologies, significantly reduces the grid dependency of the electrolyzer, achieving an energy self-consumption of 64 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen produced. By replacing the high-fidelity model of the electrolyzer with a reduced-order model, it is possible to minimize the computational effort and simulation times for different step configurations. These findings offer relevant information to improve the economic viability and energy efficiency in green hydrogen production. This facilitates decision-making at a local level by implementing strategies to achieve a sustainable energy transition.

Electric vehicles are increasingly seen as a viable alternative to conventional combustion-engine vehicles, offering advantages such as lower emissions and enhanced energy efficiency. The critical role of batteries in EVs drives the need for high-performance, cost-effective, and safe solutions, where thermal management is key to ensuring optimal performance and longevity. This study is motivated by the need to address the limitations of current battery thermal management systems (BTMS), particularly the effectiveness of cooling methods in maintaining safe operating temperatures. The hypothesis is that immersion cooling offers superior thermal regulation compared to the widely used indirect liquid cooling approach. Using MATLAB Simulink, this research investigates the dynamic thermal behaviour of three cooling systems, including air cooling, indirect liquid cooling, and immersion cooling, by comparing their performance with an uncooled battery. The results show that immersion cooling outperforms indirect liquid cooling in terms of temperature control and safety, providing a more efficient solution. These findings challenge the existing literature, positioning immersion cooling as the optimal BTMS. The main contribution of this paper lies in its comprehensive evaluation of cooling technologies and its validation of immersion cooling as a superior method for enhancing EV battery performance.

Nowadays, advanced metering and communication infrastructures make it possible to enable decentralized control and market schemes. In this context, prosumers can interact with their neighbors in an active manner, thus sharing resources. This practice, known as peer-to-peer (P2P), can be put into practice under cooperative or competitive premises. This paper focuses on the second case, where the peers partaking in the P2P platform compete among themselves to improve their monetary balances. In such contexts, the domestic assets, such as on-site generators and storage systems, should be optimally scheduled to maximize participation in the P2P platform and thus enable the possibility of obtaining monetary incomes or exploiting surplus renewable energy from adjacent prosumers. This paper addresses this issue by developing a home energy management model for optimal participation of prosumers in competitive P2P platforms. The new proposal is cast in a three-stage procedure, in which the first and last stages are focused on domestic asset scheduling, while the second step decides the optimal offering/bidding strategy for the concerned prosumer. Moreover, uncertainties are introduced using interval notation and equivalent scenarios, resulting in an amicable computational framework that can be efficiently solved by average machines and off-the-shelf solvers. The new methodology is tested on a benchmark four-prosumer community. Results prove that the proposed procedure effectively maximizes the participation of prosumers in the P2P platform, thus increasing their monetary benefits. The role of storage systems is also discussed, in particular their capability of increasing exportable energy. Finally, the influence of uncertainties on the final results is illustrated.

The natural compounds PSK and PSP have antitumor and immunostimulant properties. These pharmacological benefits have been documented in vitro and in vivo, although there is no information in silico which describes the action mechanisms at the molecular level. In this study, the inverse docking method was used to identify the interactions of PSK and PSP with two local databases: BPAT with 66 antitumor proteins, and BPSIC with 138 surfaces and intracellular proteins. This led to the identification interactions and similarities of PSK and the AB680 inhibitor in the active site of CD73. It was also found that PSK binds to CD59, interacting with the amino acids APS22 and PHE23, which coincide with the rlLYd4 internalization inhibitor. With the isoform of the K-RAS protein, PSK bonded to the TYR32 amino acid at switch 1, while with BAK it bonded to the region of the α1 helix, while PSP bonded to the activation site and the C-terminal and N-terminal ends of that helix. In Bcl-2, PSK interacted at the binding site of the Venetoclax inhibitor, showing similarities with the amino acids ASP111, VAL133, LEU137, MET115, PHE112, and TYR108, while PSP had similarities with THR132, VAL133, LEU137, GLN118, MET115, APS111, PHE112, and PHE104.

In this research, the design and simulation of a heat sink for photovoltaic panels were carried out using aluminum and copper, the most commonly used materials in heat dissipation systems. This heat sink consisted of fins that were tested both perforated and non-perforated to improve heat dissipation efficiency. This research stems from the need to reduce the temperature of photovoltaic panels during operation, as scientific evidence shows that photovoltaic panels experience a decrease in efficiency as the temperature increases, taking as a reference the temperature under standard test conditions. The simulations of photovoltaic panels with aluminum and copper fins, both perforated and non-perforated, followed a rigorous methodology. For validation, the simulation results were compared with field data, yielding a mean absolute percentage error of 1.71%. The findings indicate that copper fins reduced the temperature of the photovoltaic panel by 2.62 K, resulting in a 1.31% increase in efficiency. Similarly, aluminum fins reduced the temperature by 2.10 K, with a 1.05% increase in efficiency. Perforated copper fins achieved a temperature reduction of 3.07 K, increasing efficiency by 1.54%, while perforated aluminum fins reduced the temperature by 2.49 K, contributing to a 1.25% increase in efficiency.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the color stability of bulk-fill flowable resin composites with 2 difference shades at baseline and after artificial aging. Methods: Disk-shaped specimens (Ø10 × 4 mm) were fabricated from three bulk-fill flowable resin resin composites (Filtek Bulk-Fill Flow, Venus Bulk-Fill Flow, and Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow). The specimens in each bulk-fill resin composite group were divided into two subgroups (n = 10 per subgroup) with two different shades, A1 (N = 30) and A3 (N = 30), and were polymerized with light curing (800 mW/cm2/Valo LED Unit, Ultradent) and polished. The color difference between bulk-fill resin composites was evaluated at baseline and after artificial aging using a spectrophotometer (CM-700d, Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) under D65 illumination. Color coordinates were measured with CIEDE2000, and color differences (∆E00) and relative translucency parameter (RTP) values were calculated. Subsequently, the comparison of color changes (∆E00) before and after thermocycling was performed using the t-test for paired samples. Results: The bulk-fill flow resin composites evaluated in the present study were capable of mimicking important optical properties such as light transmission. All the resin composites provided acceptable color stability at baseline and after thermocycling when the color A1 was used. On the other hand, whenever the shade A3 was used, the Venus Bulk-Fill Flow demonstrated the best optical properties. There was no statistically significant difference when comparing baseline and after thermocycling in bulk-fill flowable resin composites (p > 0.05). After thermocycling, A1 bulk-fill flowable resin composites provided acceptable color stability, and all A3 bulk-fill flowable resin composites provided visible color change, except for the Venus Bulk-Fill Flow (∆E00 = 2.35). Conclusions: Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow displayed the best color stability (∆E00 = 2.22) between all the combinations evaluated.

The incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into alginate–gelatin (Alg-Gel) hydrogels can enhance the properties of these materials for bone regeneration applications, due to the antimicrobial properties of AgNPs and non-cytotoxic concentrations, osteoinductive properties, and regulation of stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, the hydrogel formulation included 2% (w/v) sodium alginate, 4 µg/mL AgNPs, and 2.5% (w/v) gelatin. AgNPs were synthesized using a 2% (w/v) aqueous extract of roasted green tea with silver nitrate. The aqueous extract of roasted green tea for AgNP synthesis was characterized using HPLC and UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, and antioxidant capacity was measured in Trolox equivalents (TE) from 4 to 20 nmol/well concentrations. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous tooth cells were used for differentiation assays including positive (SHEDs/hydrogel with AgNPs) and negative controls (hydrogel without AgNPs). FTIR was used for hydrogel chemical characterization. Statistical analysis (p < 0.05, ANOVA) confirmed significant findings. Roasted green tea extract contained caffeine (most abundant), (−)-Gallocatechin, gallic acid, and various catechins. XRD analysis revealed FCC structure, TEM showed quasispheroidal AgNPs (19.85 ± 3 nm), and UV–Vis indicated a plasmon surface of 418 nm. This integration of nanotechnology and biomaterials shows promise for addressing bone tissue loss in clinical and surgical settings.

Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behaviors. Emerging research suggests a link between gut microbiota and neuropsychiatric conditions, including PMS. This study aimed to investigate the fecal microbiota and immune profiles of children with PMS compared to healthy controls. Fecal samples were collected from children diagnosed with PMS and age-matched healthy controls. The bacterial composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, while short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified through gas chromatography. Immunological profiling was conducted using a multiplex cytokine assay. Significant differences were observed in the gut microbiota composition between PMS patients and controls, including a lower abundance of key bacterial genera such as Faecalibacterium and Agathobacter in PMS patients. SCFA levels were also reduced in PMS patients. Immunological analysis revealed higher levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in the PMS group, although these differences were not statistically significant. The findings indicate that children with PMS have distinct gut microbiota and SCFA profiles, which may contribute to the gastrointestinal and neurodevelopmental symptoms observed in this syndrome. These results suggest potential avenues for microbiota-targeted therapies in PMS.

Viral hepatitis (A–E) presents a major global health challenge. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched an initiative to eliminate viral hepatitis, with the aim of reducing new infections by 90% and deaths by 65% by 2030. Mexico is one of 38 focus countries identified by the WHO, collectively accounting for 80% of global infections and deaths. While hepatitis B and C are commonly diagnosed in Mexico, routine diagnosis for hepatitis D and E is lacking, with no specific epidemiological data available. In 2020, Mexico implemented the National Hepatitis C Elimination Program, focusing on preventing new infections, reducing complications like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, ensuring access to treatment, and improving patient care. However, this program has not been extended to hepatitis B and E. Addressing the challenges of viral hepatitis control in Mexico requires increased resource allocation, expanded diagnosis, vaccination for hepatitis A and B, and treatment coverage for hepatitis B and C, along with multisectoral engagement. This work provides an overview of Mexico’s response to the global initiative, highlighting its progress, challenges, and areas of opportunity.

The standardization of the semen cryopreservation technique could be an effective tool in poultry for the conservation of genetic resources. During this process, the production of reactive oxygen species increases, leading to oxidative stress that causes damage to the spermatozoa. To reduce this effect, the addition of exogenous antioxidants in the cryopreservation diluent has been reported to be effective. Multiple antioxidants such as catalase, vitamin E, cysteamine, ergothioneine, and serine have been studied in roosters. Therefore, the present investigation aims to perform a meta-analysis to determine if the use of the aforementioned antioxidants added to the cryopreservation extender produces an improvement in semen quality parameters in roosters after thawing. After collecting the data, a discriminant canonical analysis was performed to determine which of the selected semen quality traits provided the most information, with hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), viability, and total motility variables showing the highest discriminatory power. However, according to the descriptive statistics, catalase and serine are the antioxidants that improve a greater number of seminal quality parameters, and since catalase gives the most favorable results for most of the discriminating variables, it could be the antioxidant of choice.

At a time when distance vocational training is on the rise, it seems logical to investigate the variables that can affect the quality of such teaching. The usability of the virtual environment, as well as the behaviour and disposition of the teaching staff, emerge as key factors that influence burnout, engagement, and academic satisfaction. Using a cross-sectional sample of 208 distance vocational training students, the mediating role of burnout and academic engagement in the relationships established between the usability of the virtual environment, teacher support, and academic satisfaction was analysed. On the other hand, multiple regression analyses were carried out in order to investigate the relationships between the challenges and obstacles faced by distance vocational training students and their level of burnout or engagement. Our results confirm the mediating role of academic burnout and engagement in students’ academic satisfaction. Regression analyses suggest that the obstacles faced by distance vocational education and training (D-VET) students influence their level of academic burnout or engagement. Our findings are consistent with the current understanding of the role that certain variables play in the well-being of students and which, in turn, influence the quality of teaching.

Transitioning to low-carbon energy systems is crucial for sustainable development, particularly in oil-rich developing countries (ORDCs) that face intertwined economic and environmental challenges. This review uses the PRISMA methodology to systematically assess the current state and prospects of low-carbon thermal electricity generation and utilization technologies in ORDCs. The study emphasizes clean thermal technologies such as biogas, biofuels, biomass, hydrogen, and geothermal energy, focusing on solutions that are technically feasible, economically viable, and efficient in combustion processes. These nations face significant challenges, including heavy reliance on fossil fuels, transmission losses, and financial constraints, making energy diversification urgent. The global shift towards renewable energy and the need to mitigate climate change presents an opportunity to adopt low-carbon solutions that align with Sustainable Development Goals related to energy access, economic growth, and climate action. This review aims to (1) evaluate the current state of low-carbon thermal electricity technologies, (2) analyze the technical and economic challenges related to combustion processes and energy efficiency, and (3) provide recommendations for research and policy initiatives to advance the transition toward sustainable thermal energy systems in ORDCs. The review highlights practical approaches for diversifying energy sources in these nations, focusing on overcoming existing barriers and supporting the implementation of clean thermal technologies.

In the original publication [...]

This review paper thoroughly explores the impact of artificial intelligence on the planning and operation of distributed energy systems in smart grids. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence techniques such as machine learning, optimization, and cognitive computing, new opportunities are emerging to enhance the efficiency and reliability of electrical grids. From demand and generation prediction to energy flow optimization and load management, artificial intelligence is playing a pivotal role in the transformation of energy infrastructure. This paper delves deeply into the latest advancements in specific artificial intelligence applications within the context of distributed energy systems, including the coordination of distributed energy resources, the integration of intermittent renewable energies, and the enhancement of demand response. Furthermore, it discusses the technical, economic, and regulatory challenges associated with the implementation of artificial intelligence-based solutions, as well as the ethical considerations related to automation and autonomous decision-making in the energy sector. This comprehensive analysis provides a detailed insight into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the planning and operation of smart grids and highlights future research and development areas that are crucial for achieving a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient electrical system.

Variants in membrane trafficking proteins are known to cause rare disorders with severe symptoms. The highly conserved transport protein particle (TRAPP) complexes are key membrane trafficking regulators that are also involved in autophagy. Pathogenic genetic variants in specific TRAPP subunits are linked to neurological disorders, muscular dystrophies, and skeletal dysplasias. Characterizing these variants and their phenotypes is important for understanding the general and specialized roles of TRAPP subunits as well as for patient diagnosis. Patient-derived cells are not always available, which poses a limitation for the study of these diseases. Therefore, other systems, like the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, can be used to dissect the mechanisms at the intracellular level underlying these disorders. The development of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in yeast has enabled a scar-less editing method that creates an efficient humanized yeast model. In this study, core yeast subunits were humanized by replacing them with their human orthologs, and TRAPPC1, TRAPPC2, TRAPPC2L, TRAPPC6A, and TRAPPC6B were found to successfully replace their yeast counterparts. This system was used for studying the first reported individual with an autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic TRAPPC1 variants, a girl with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder and myopathy. We show that the maternal variant (TRAPPC1 p.(Val121Alafs*3)) is non-functional while the paternal variant (TRAPPC1 p.(His22_Lys24del)) is conditional-lethal and affects secretion and non-selective autophagy in yeast. This parallels defects seen in fibroblasts derived from this individual which also showed membrane trafficking defects and altered Golgi morphology, all of which were rescued in the human system by wild-type TRAPPC1. This study suggests that humanized yeast can be an efficient means to study TRAPP subunit variants in the absence of human cells and can assign significance to variants of unknown significance (VUS). This study lays the foundation for characterizing further TRAPP variants through this system, rapidly contributing to disease diagnosis.

Sperm cryopreservation is a fundamental tool for the conservation of avian genetic resources; however, avian spermatozoa are susceptible to this process. To cope with the high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the addition of exogenous antioxidants is beneficial. Pectoliv30 is a substance derived from alperujo, and in this study, its effect was analyzed on seminal quality after its addition to the cryopreservation extender of roosters at different concentrations. For this purpose, 16 Utrerana breed roosters were used, and seminal collection was performed in six replicates, creating a pool for each working day with ejaculates of quality. After cryopreservation, one sample per treatment and replicate was thawed, and several seminal quality parameters were evaluated. Statistical analysis revealed numerous correlations between these variables, both positive and negative according to the correlation matrix obtained. Furthermore, the chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision tree (DT) reported significant differences in the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) variable between groups. Moreover, results for this parameter were more desirable at high concentrations of Pectoliv30. The application of this substance extracted from the by-product alperujo as an antioxidant allows the improvement of the post-thawing seminal quality in roosters and facilitates optimization of the cryopreservation process as a way to improve the conservation programs of different endangered poultry breeds.

This study aims to assess the efficiency of caffeine mitigation in an aqueous solution through a combination of adsorption and the Fenton reaction, using granular activated carbon (GAC). The present study also investigates the reduction in the concentration of oxidation byproducts in the solution and the regeneration of the solid. The combined process was conducted in four consecutive cycles using optimal values determined in individual technique studies. For the individual adsorption study, a Box–Behnken design was employed, with varying pH (3 to 11), GAC concentration (1.0 to 10.0 g L−1), and contact time (10 to 120 min). In the individual Fenton study, based on a factorial design, concentrations of FeSO4·7H2O (4 to 20 mg L−1) and H2O2 (25 to 150 mg L−1) were used at reaction times of 5 and 60 min. GAC was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific area (BET), and pore size (BJH) throughout all stages of experimentation. The outcomes show that the adsorption achieved a 93.4% removal rate under the optimal experimental conditions (natural pH, 65 min, and 10 mg L−1) and the Fenton reaction achieved a 98.92% degradation rate at a 37.5 ratio of H2O2/FeSO4·7H2O. The combined process also achieved an efficiency of over 95.7% of caffeine removal in four cycles, reducing the Total Organic Carbon (TOC) by more than 47.65% and 20.6% at 5 and 60 min of the Fenton reaction, respectively. Regeneration efficiencies of 99.6%, 91.8%, and 93.8% for the other three evaluated cycles were obtained. These findings suggest that the combined process is a promising solution for the treatment of effluents contaminated with caffeine.

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) dentistry have significantly changed workflows in recent years. Restorations and devices can now be digitally designed and 3D-printed for dental care purposes. This clinical case report provides straightforward protocols for the digital design and 3D manufacture of gingivectomy and tooth preparation guides. These types of guides improved the gingival architecture of the anterior teeth and provided controllable tooth preparations prior to labial ceramic veneers. Thoughtful clinical evaluation started with listening to the patient’s chief complaint and extra- and intra-oral evaluations. Then a digital wax-up was performed, followed by an intra-oral mock-up, to evaluate the shape of the proposed restorations. After patient acceptance, the clinical procedure started with the gingivectomy and tooth preparation. Hand-crafted porcelain veneers were bonded under rubber dam isolation to avoid any contamination and maximize the bonding protocol. The esthetic and functional demands were fully satisfied. Predictable outcomes can be obtained whenever a meticulous evaluation and execution of all the steps are performed. Three dimensional printing technology allows the fabrication of devices such as gingivectomy and tooth reduction guides that help accomplish the desired results.

Microgrid systems face challenges in preserving frequency stability due to the fluctuating nature of renewable energy sources (RESs), underscoring the importance of advanced frequency stabilization strategies. To ensure power system stability in situations where renewable energy significantly contributes to the energy mix, it is essential to implement load frequency controllers (LFCs). Moreover, with the widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs), leveraging battery storage from EVs for microgrid frequency control is becoming increasingly crucial. This integration enhances grid stability and offers a sustainable solution by utilizing renewable energy more efficiently and reducing dependency on traditional power sources. Therefore, this paper proposes an innovative approach to LFCs, using fractional-order control techniques to boost the resilience of the interconnected microgrid systems. The approach centers on a centralized control scheme with a tilt fractional-order integral-derivative featuring an accelerated derivative (TFOID-Accelerated) controller. The accelerated derivative component of this controller is tailored to mitigate high-frequency disturbances, while its tilt feature and fractional integration effectively handle disturbances at lower frequencies. As a result, the proposed controller is expected to efficiently counteract disturbances caused by variability in RESs and/or load changes, achieving a high level of disturbance rejection. Additionally, this paper employs the recent growth optimizer (GO) method for the optimal design of the controller’s parameter set, avoiding the need for complex control theories, elaborate disturbance observers, filters, and precise power system modeling. The GO algorithm enhances fractional-order capabilities, offering a robust solution to the challenges of renewable energy variability and demand fluctuations. This is accomplished by optimizing parameters and simplifying the control system design across different microgrid scenarios. The proposed TFOID-Accelerated LFC demonstrates superior performance in enhancing frequency stability and minimizing oscillations compared to existing controllers, including traditional proportional-integral-derivative (PID), PID-Accelerated (PIDA), and tilt-integral-derivative (TID) controllers.

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, which include preeclampsia, eclampsia, and chronic hypertension, complicate approximately 10% of all pregnancies in the world, constituting one of the most serious causes of mortality and morbidity in gestation. To help predict the occurrence of hypertensive disorders, a study based on algorithms that help model this health problem using mathematical tools is proposed. This study proposes a fuzzy c-means (FCM) model based on the Takagi–Sugeno (T-S) type of fuzzy rule to predict hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. To test different modeling methodologies, cross-validation comparisons were made between random forest, decision tree, support vector machine, and T-S and FCM methods, which achieved 80.00%, 66.25%, 70.00%, and 90.00%, respectively. The evaluation consisted of calculating the true positive rate (TPR) over the true negative rate (TNR), with equal error rate (EER) curves achieving a percentage of 20%. The learning dataset consisted of a total of 371 pregnant women, of which 13.2% were diagnosed with a condition related to gestational hypertension. The dataset for this study was obtained from the Secretaría de Salud del Estado de Hidalgo (SSEH), México. A random sub-sampling technique was used to adjust the class distribution of the data set, and to eliminate the problem of unbalanced classes. The models were trained using a total of 98 samples. The modeling results indicate that the T-S and FCM method has a higher predictive ability than the other three models in this research.

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) are prevalent, with high morbidity and mortality. We analyzed whether decompressive craniectomy (DC) without evacuation of the acute intraparenchymal hematoma could produce better functional outcomes than treatment with evacuation. Methods: Patients with acute ICH treated with DC without clot evacuation, or evacuation with or without associated craniectomy were included. Matched univariate analyses were performed, and a binary logistic regression model was constructed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) as dependent variables. Results: 27 patients treated with DC without clot evacuation were compared to 36 patients with clot evacuation; eleven of the first group were matched with 18 patients with evacuation. A significantly better functional prognosis in the group treated with DC without clot evacuation was found. Patients aged < 55 years and treated with DC without clot evacuation had a significantly better functional prognosis (p = 0.008 and p = 0.039, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the intervention performed was the greatest predictor of functional status at the end of follow-up. Conclusions: DC without clot evacuation improves the functional prognosis of patients with acute intraparenchymal hematomas. Larger multicenter studies are warranted to determine whether a change in the management of acute ICH should be recommended.

The synergistic effect of antineoplastic drug co-encapsulation systems has made them highly regarded due to their improved pharmacological efficacy. Biopolymer-coated liposomes were evaluated for paclitaxel and doxorubicin co-encapsulation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. These nanosystems are characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–VIS spectroscopy. The conventional and hybrid liposomal systems presented sizes of 150 to 230 nm and %EE greater than 80% for the encapsulated active ingredients. These drug-laden liposomal systems significantly decreased cell viability in both breast cancer cell lines compared with liposome-free drugs. The delivery of antineoplastic drugs in breast cancer therapy could potentially benefit from new hybrids for drug co-encapsulation.

Transduction of producer cells during lentiviral vector (LVV) production causes the loss of 70–90% of viable particles. This process is called retro-transduction and it is a consequence of the interaction between the LVV envelope protein, VSV-G, and the LDL receptor located on the producer cell membrane, allowing lentiviral vector transduction. Avoiding retro-transduction in LVV manufacturing is crucial to improve net production and, therefore, the efficiency of the production process. Here, we describe a method for quantifying the transduction of producer cells and three different strategies that, focused on the interaction between VSV-G and the LDLR, aim to reduce retro-transduction.

Microgrids play a crucial role in modern energy systems by integrating diverse energy sources and enhancing grid resilience. This study addresses the optimization of microgrids through the deployment of high-efficiency converters, aiming to improve energy management and operational efficiency. This study explores the pivotal role of AC-DC and DC-DC bidirectional converters in facilitating energy conversion and management across various sources and storage systems within microgrids. Advanced control methodologies, including model-based predictive control and artificial intelligence, are analyzed for their ability to dynamically adapt to fluctuations in power generation and demand, thereby enhancing microgrid performance. The findings highlight that implementing high-efficiency converters not only enhances power stability and quality but also reduces operational costs and carbon emissions, thereby reinforcing microgrids as a sustainable and effective solution for contemporary energy management challenges. This research contributes to advancing the understanding and implementation of efficient energy systems in microgrids, promoting their widespread adoption in diverse applications.

The impact of obesity on adipose tissue function is well acknowledged, but the role of physical exercise in regulating inflammatory markers and gene expression in obese individuals remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the effects of chronic exercise on inflammatory gene expression in adipose tissue and to explore sex differences in response to exercise. The study involved 29 obese participants (13 men, 16 women) aged 38 to 54 years with a mean BMI of 36.05 ± 4.99 kg/m2. Participants underwent an 8-week concurrent training program comprising three weekly sessions of ~60 min each. The sessions included joint mobility exercises, cardiovascular activation, and cardiorespiratory resistance exercises at medium to low intensity. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue was performed for gene expression analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The study demonstrated that chronic exercise modulates the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue, particularly ADIPOR2 (p = 0.028), leptin (p = 0.041), and IFNg (p = 0.040) (downregulated). Interestingly, regardless of sex, the exercise programs had an independent effect on pro-inflammatory genes. Overall, this study provides insight into the role of chronic exercise in modulating adipose tissue gene expression in obese individuals. Further research involving both sexes is recommended to tailor exercise interventions for better outcomes.

The present research aims to describe how turkey meat and carcass quality traits define the interest of the scientific community through the quality standards of journals in which studies are published. To this end, an analysis of 92 research documents addressing the study of turkey carcass and meat quality over the last 57 years was performed. Meat and carcass quality attributes were dependent variables and included traits related to carcass dressing, muscle fiber, pH, colorimetry, water-holding capacity, texture, and chemical composition. The independent variables comprised publication quality traits, including journal indexation, database, journal impact factor (JIF), quartile, publication area, and JIF percentage. For each dependent variable, a data-mining chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision tree was developed. Carcass or piece yield was the only variable that did not show an impact on the publication quality. Moreover, color and pH measurements taken at 72 h postmortem showed a negative impact on publication interest. On the other hand, variables including water-retaining attributes, colorimetry, pH, chemical composition, and shear force traits stood out among the quality-enhancing variables due to their low inclusion in papers, while high standards improved power.

The integration of renewable energy sources into isolated microgrids introduces significant power fluctuations due to their intermittent nature. This study addresses the need for advanced power smoothing methods to enhance the stability of isolated networks. An innovative adaptive strategy is presented, combining photovoltaic solar generation with vehicle-to-grid technology, utilizing an enhanced adaptive moving average filter with fuzzy logic control. The primary objective is to dynamically optimize the time frame of the Li-ion battery energy storage system for immediate power stabilization, leveraging the high energy density and rapid response capabilities inherent in electric vehicle batteries. The methodology encompasses data acquisition from photovoltaic panels, definition of fuzzy logic control rules, and implementation of the proposed method within a computer-controlled system connected to a bidirectional three-phase inverter. Experimental results highlight the proposed method’s superiority over conventional moving averages and ramp-rate filters.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, which may or may not be associated with muscle or joint stiffness, accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. It is a highly prevalent condition globally, being considered the third most common musculoskeletal disorder, following lower back pain and osteoarthritis. It is more prevalent in women than in men, and although it can occur at any age, it is more common between the ages of thirty and thirty-five. Although the pathophysiology and etiopathogenesis remain largely unknown, three underlying processes in fibromyalgia have been investigated. These include central sensitization, associated with an increase in the release of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters; peripheral sensitization, involving alterations in peripheral nociceptor signaling; and inflammatory and immune mechanisms that develop concurrently with the aforementioned processes. Furthermore, it has been determined that genetic, endocrine, psychological, and sleep disorders may influence the development of this pathology. The accurate diagnosis of fibromyalgia remains challenging as it lacks specific diagnostic biomarkers, which are still under investigation. Nonetheless, diagnostic approaches to the condition have evolved based on the use of scales and questionnaires for pain identification. The complexity associated with this pathology makes it difficult to establish a single effective treatment. Therefore, treatment is multidisciplinary, involving both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions aimed at alleviating symptoms. The non-pharmacological treatments outlined in this review are primarily related to physiotherapy interventions. The effectiveness of physical exercise, both on land and in water, as well as the application of electrotherapy combined with transcranial therapy and manual therapy has been highlighted. All of these interventions aim to improve the quality of life of patients highly affected by fibromyalgia.

This report describes multidisciplinary care combining orthodontics and restorative dentistry for a patient with Class II occlusion and stained mandibular and maxillary resin composite veneers. The orthodontic treatment improved severe overjet and malocclusion prior to restorative care. Occlusal assessment was provided with a novel digital device (PlaneSystem, Zirkonzahn) that is integrated with digital workflows for the evaluation of the occlusal plane and condylar path inclination. Diagnostic digital impressions and digital wax-up for intraoral mock-ups led to the patient’s treatment acceptance. Minimally invasive tooth preparation, final digital impressions, and bonding under dental dam isolation fulfilled the patient’s esthetic and functional demands with all-ceramic restorations.

Teacher professional development (TPD) is a process that ensures that teachers acquire the skills necessary to address the complex needs of 21st century children. To this end, over the last decade, the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) has undergone modifications, incorporating active and innovative methodologies in the study plans. Aligned with these principles, this research aims to evaluate the reforms implemented in Spanish universities for the initial training of early childhood education teachers. The opinions of 1048 future teachers from four Spanish universities were collected through a Likert-type questionnaire, measuring students’ perceptions of four factors: curricular design/planning, curricular implementation, evaluation strategies, and participation and interaction in the classroom. Perceptions on the first two factors are considered adequate and satisfactory, while problems persist in the third and fourth factors. Considering the results, we reflect on areas for improvement to provide early childhood education professionals with competencies in line with future roles and demands.

One of the main challenges for ticketing in Mobility as a Service is the integration of the public and individual transport modes into a unified ticketing service. To realize this concept, a trustworthy identification of transport modes that is resilient to possible attacks is required. In this work, we propose two smartphone-based methods to seamlessly identify the use of trams, buses, subways, walking and bicycles, which are able to detect GNSS-based attacks and continue to provide a trustworthy identification of transport modes. We have recorded real-world measurements with commercial smartphones using the transport network in Munich and Paris. Our results show that it is possible to provide trustworthy identification of transport modes even when the system is under attack. In conclusion, in this work we demonstrate the vulnerability of smartphone-based ticketing to GNSS-based attacks, propose two methods to overcome this vulnerability and demonstrate the validity of our methods with real-world measurements.

The genus Crossiella contains two species, C. equi, causing nocardioform placentitis in horses, and C. cryophila, an environmental bacterium. Apart from C. equi, which is not discussed here, environmental Crossiella is rarely reported in the literature; thus, it has not been included among “rare actinobacteria”, whose isolation frequency is very low. After C. cryophila, only five reports cover the isolation of Crossiella strains. However, the frequency of published papers on environmental Crossiella has increased significantly in recent years due to the extensive use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and a huge cascade of data that has improved our understanding of how bacteria occur in the environment. In the last five years, Crossiella has been found in different environments (caves, soils, plant rhizospheres, building stones, etc.). The high abundance of Crossiella in cave moonmilk indicates that this genus may have an active role in moonmilk formation, as evidenced by the precipitation of calcite, witherite, and struvite in different culture media. This review provides an overview of environmental Crossiella, particularly in caves, and discusses its role in biomineralization processes and bioactive compound production.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic viral disease endemic to Africa and the Middle East. Live-attenuated RVF vaccines have been studied for both veterinary and human use due to their strong immunogenicity and cost-effective manufacturing. The live-attenuated MP-12 vaccine has been conditionally approved for veterinary use in the U.S.A., and next-generation live-attenuated RVF vaccine candidates are being actively researched. Assessing the virulence phenotype of vaccine seeds or lots is crucial for managing vaccine safety. Previously, preweaning 19-day-old outbred CD1 mice have been used to evaluate the MP-12 strain. This study aimed to characterize the relative virulence of three live-attenuated RVF vaccine strains in 19-day-old inbred C57BL/6 mice: the recombinant MP-12 (rMP-12), the RVax-1, and the ∆NSs-∆NSm-rZH501 strains. Although this mouse model did not show dose-dependent pathogenesis, mice that succumbed to the infection exhibited distinct brain pathology. Mice infected with ∆NSs-∆NSm-rZH501 showed an infiltration of inflammatory cells associated with infected neurons, and focal lesions formed around virus-infected cells. In contrast, mice infected with rMP-12 or RVax-1 showed a minimal association of inflammatory cells in the brain, yet the virus spread diffusely. The preweaning model is likely useful for evaluating host responses to attenuated RVFV strains, although further refinement may be necessary to quantitate the virulence among different RVFV strains or vaccine lots.

This paper introduces a comprehensive framework for generating obstacle-free flight paths for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in intricate 3D environments. The system leverages the Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm to design trajectories that effectively avoid collisions with structures of diverse shapes and sizes. Discussion revolves around the challenges encountered during development and the successful achievement of generating collision-free routes. While the system represents an initial iteration, it serves as a foundation for future projects aiming to refine and expand upon its capabilities. Future work includes simulation testing and integration into UAV missions for image acquisition and structure scanning. Additionally, considerations for swarm deployment and 3D reconstruction using various sensor combinations are outlined. This research contributes to the advancement of autonomous UAV navigation in real-world scenarios.

Twin-box decks are being extensively used in the design of long-span bridges due to their superior flutter performance. Although the significant role played by the gap distance has been previously addressed in the frame of experimental studies, there is still a lack of understanding about the complex interplay between box geometry, gap distance and the aerodynamic force coefficients and flutter derivatives. In the present work, firstly, a surrogate model is developed, considering three design inputs for the geometry of the deck along with the angle of attack, providing the force coefficients as output. Afterwards, the work is then extended by developing another surrogate model, considering as inputs the reduced velocity and the same geometric variables of the deck, with the outputs being the flutter derivatives. The methodology, comprising the selection of the design domain, the definition of the samples, the CFD-based evaluation of the samples' response and the construction of the surrogate through the application of the neural network-based radial basis method, is reviewed. The surrogate models enable a quantitative description of the impact caused in the force coefficients and the flutter derivatives by modifications in the geometry of the twin-box deck. It has been found that flutter derivatives H1*, H2* and A2* are strongly dependent on the gap distance.

An alternative to facing plagues without affecting ecosystems is the use of biocontrols that keep crops free of harmful organisms. There are some studies showing the use of conidiospores of Trichoderma harzianum as a medium for the biological control of plagues. To find the optimal parameters to maximize the production of conidiospores of Trichoderma harzianum in barley straw, this process is modeled in this work through artificial neural networks and response surface modeling. The data used in this modeling include the amount of conidiospores in grams per milliliter, the culture time from 48 to 136 h in intervals of 8 h, and humidity percentages of 70%, 75%, and 80%. The surface response model presents R2 = 0.8284 and an RMSE of 4.6481. On the other hand, the artificial neural network with the best performance shows R2 = 0.9952 and RMSE = 0.7725. The modeling through both methodologies can represent the behavior of the Trichoderma harzianum conidiospores growth in barley straw, showing that the artificial neural network has better goodness of fit than the response surface methodology, and it can be used for obtaining the optimal values for producing conidiospores.

Adolescence is recognised as a notoriously vulnerable period in the human life cycle. Influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological and social factors, adolescents show a marked propensity to engage in risk behaviours. A systematic review was conducted of studies published in the Web of Science, PsycInfo and MEDLINE databases over the last decade, with the aim of collecting studies on the relationship between self-esteem and risk behaviour in individuals aged 12–18 years. The aim was to confirm the role of high self-esteem as a consistent protective factor against risk behaviour. The results show that self-esteem is negatively related to risk behaviour. Our results also reflect the need for further research on how sociodemographic factors, among others, affect the relationship between self-esteem and risk behaviours. This review highlights the relevance of implementing specific educational interventions to strengthen self-esteem in adolescents, with the aim of preventing various risk behaviours that may emerge during adolescence and persist throughout life if not addressed early.

Adolescence is acknowledged as a critical transition stage in human development, during which factors such as family environment, psychological well-being, and emotional competencies are deemed crucial for optimal growth. Objective: A descriptive study with a quantitative, correlational, and cross-sectional approach was conducted to investigate: (1) how psychological well-being, emotional intelligence, and levels of family functioning are associated with each other; (2) the presence of gender disparities in psychological well-being, emotional intelligence, and family functioning; and (3) the identification of significant differences in psychological well-being and emotional intelligence based on family functioning. Methods: Participants were recruited from six different high schools in Spain. In total, 1092 secondary school students (584 females and 508 males) aged 12–17 years (M = 14.15) completed a series of instruments that were administered in person. Subsequently, data were statistically analysed and processed. Results: A positive correlation between family functioning, psychological well-being, and emotional intelligence was observed. In addition, significant gender differences were found in measures of psychological well-being, emotional intelligence, and family functioning. Finally, higher mean scores were identified for the high-functionality group when compared to the moderate-functionality and severe-dysfunctionality groups in both psychological well-being and emotional intelligence measures. Conclusions: The authors conclude by considering the family context as a key factor in adolescent development and propose future practical applications, such as programmes aimed at improving psychological well-being.

In this paper, experimental results about the performance of a Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Controller (TSFC) for an EV3 Ballbot Robotic System (EV3BRS) are reported. The physical configuration of the EV3BRS has the form of an inverted pendulum mounted on a ball. The EV3BRS is an underactuated robotic system with four outputs and two control torques. In this work, following the Takagi–Sugeno (TS) fuzzy control design methodology, the Parallel Distributed Compensation (PDC) approach is used in the design of the TSFC. The EV3BRS’s TS Fuzzy Model (TSFM) design comes from linearization of the nonlinear model around two operation points near the upright position of EV3BRS’s body. The Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) approach was used to obtain the feedback gains for every local linear controller, guaranteeing, via a conservative stability condition, the global asymptotic stability of the overall fuzzy control system. The main goal of the control task consists of maintaining the EV3BRS’s body at its upright position. Measurement and control data from and to the EV3BRS are transferred via telecontrol and telemetry. The appropriate performance of the controller design is corroborated via experimentation.

Air traffic complexity is an indicator that allows air traffic controllers to understand the airspace situation. Controllers need support tools to reduce their workload. For this reason, complexity is a parameter that is being studied more and more, as it makes it possible to know a large amount of information about air traffic. In this article, we perform a bibliometric analysis in the field of air traffic complexity. Through Web of Science (WoS), a collection of complexity-related articles from 2001 to 2022 is compiled. Subsequently, the bibliometric analysis itself is performed. Then, a summary of five main contributions is presented, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the contributions, and thus the topic. The results of the bibliometric analysis show that future air traffic complexity indicators should consider aircraft trajectories but also take into account other aspects, such as regulations. In addition, future complexity indicators should introduce artificial intelligence predictions to foresee areas of conflict in airspace but taking into account the main limitations, such as uncertainty of the air traffic trajectories. This study helps in the study of complexity due to being able to know previous studies in a summarised form and being able to draw conclusions on future lines.

This comprehensive study on the Andalusian Black cattle breed reveals a substantial population decline, with the average herd size decreasing significantly from 305.54 to 88.28 animals per herd. This decline is primarily attributed to agricultural changes and the introduction of foreign meat-focused breeds. The male-to-female ratio shift is noteworthy, with more cows than bulls, impacting selection intensity for both genders. Inbreeding levels, though relatively low historically (5.94%) and currently (7.23%), raise concerns as 37.08% historically and 48.82% currently of the animals exhibit inbreeding. Positive assortative mating is evident, reflected by the increasing non-random mating coefficient (α). Key ancestors play a crucial role in shaping genetic diversity, with one ancestor significantly influencing the current genetic pool and the top 10 ancestors contributing substantially. Breed maintains a conservation index of 2.75, indicating relatively high genetic diversity. Recent conservation efforts have led to an increase in registered animals. The Cañadas Reales, historical transhumance routes, may have contributed to genetic connections among provinces. Challenges include the historical bottleneck, demographic changes, and potential impacts from reproductive practices. The Andalusian Black breed’s conservation necessitates ongoing efforts in genealogical registration, targeted breeding programs, and collaborative initiatives to address the observed demographic shifts and ensure sustainable genetic diversity.

Effective thermal management is essential for ensuring the safety, performance, and longevity of lithium-ion batteries across diverse applications, from electric vehicles to energy storage systems. This paper presents a thorough review of thermal management strategies, emphasizing recent advancements and future prospects. The analysis begins with an evaluation of industry-standard practices and their limitations, followed by a detailed examination of single-phase and multi-phase cooling approaches. Successful implementations and challenges are discussed through relevant examples. The exploration extends to innovative materials and structures that augment thermal efficiency, along with advanced sensors and thermal control systems for real-time monitoring. The paper addresses strategies for mitigating the risks of overheating and propagation. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of advanced models and numerical simulations in comprehending long-term thermal degradation. The integration of machine learning algorithms is explored to enhance precision in detecting and predicting thermal issues. The review concludes with an analysis of challenges and solutions in thermal management under extreme conditions, including ultra-fast charging and low temperatures. In summary, this comprehensive review offers insights into current and future strategies for lithium-ion battery thermal management, with a dedicated focus on improving the safety, performance, and durability of these vital energy sources.

Background: We compared the repeatability of the shade determination of resin composite restorations and acrylic teeth in light and darker shades at baseline and after an aging process through two digital tooth color-matching methods: using a Trios 3Shape intraoral scanner and using a Vita Easyshade Compact spectrophotometer. Material and Methods: Forty upper central incisor acrylic teeth in the shade A1 (n = 10) and A3 (n = 10) were randomly assigned to be restored with Filtek Bulk Fill in the shade A1 (n = 10) or A3 (n = 10). Subsequently, 20 Class V cavities were prepared in a standardized manner (mesio-distal = 3.0 mm, cervical–occlusal = 2.0 mm, depth = 1.5 mm). Cavities were restored using an universal adhesive system and resin composite in two increments and were light-cured. The shade difference between the resin composite Class V restorations in acrylic teeth of the A1 and A3 shades was evaluated at baseline and after aging. Aging was simulated using ultraviolet light for 120 h. An Easyshade device and an intraoral scanner were used under D65 illumination. Measurements were taken five times, on top of the restoration and on the acrylic teeth, in a randomized manner. Results: Data analysis was on the calculation of the arithmetic mean for the percentage of repeatability conducted by the Trios scanner and the Easyshade device. There was no statistically significant comparison between the shade measurement devices (p > 0.05). At baseline, the repeatability for both the Trios intraoral scanner and the Vita Easyshade Compact device for artificial teeth in the shades A1 and A3 was 100%. After aging, the trueness recorded by the intraoral scanner and the Easyshade device for artificial teeth in the shade A1 was 80%. For Class V restoration with shade A1, the intraoral scanner recorded 80% trueness and the Easyshade device recorded 60% trueness at baseline. For shade A3, the intraoral scanner recorded 60% trueness and the Easyshade device recorded 60% trueness. Conclusions: The intraoral scanner and Easyshade device are reliable for baseline shade selection, but their accuracy decreases after aging, particularly for darker shades.

Water pollution, particularly from elevated fluoride ion (F−) concentrations, is a significant challenge in many developing countries, particularly those relying on groundwater. The stable form of fluoride, F−, poses health risks, leading to concerns about various diseases and harmful effects. Despite global efforts, high F− concentrations (>1.5 mg L−1) persist in numerous countries, requiring effective and sustainable removal methods. Adsorption, known for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency, stands out as a promising technique for F− removal from drinking water. Successful commercial implementation necessitates the optimization of separation conditions. This systematic literature review focuses on the adsorption process for F− removal, exploring parameters such as temperature, adsorbent particle size, pH, adsorbent mass, and co-existing ions for efficient removal. Observations indicate that, despite the utilization of a diverse range of adsorbents, several limitations persist. These include low adsorption capacity, a sluggish adsorption rate, a restricted pH range, and high associated costs. The mechanistic understanding of adsorption and the ongoing development of novel adsorbents remain focal points for future research. Additionally, there is a need to explore alternative kinetic models grounded in statistical factors and give due consideration to thermodynamic studies.