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Power production from renewable sources has advanced significantly in the United States in the past decade. Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal systems based on nanofluid spectral-splitting are one example of solar energy harvesting systems that have received considerable attention from the scientific community due to their dual energy conversion capacity. One of the most important aspects of these systems is their capability of transmitting and absorbing solar radiation only in certain ranges of the spectrum. Therefore, the task of finding the best optical fluid filter to be used is essential. In this work, a multiparticle optimization routine was developed for selection of the best particle parameters, such as volume fraction and size, for three different base fluids (water, ethylene glycol, and Therminol VP-1) and solar cells (including Si, GaAs, and GaInP/GaAs). A demonstration of this optimization routine based on the filter efficiency metric was performed where efficiency values near 40% were obtained for Si and GaAs solar cells, including using a lower-cost nanofluid solution. Additionally, novel insights on the parameters affecting the plasmon resonance and damping of indium tin oxide nanocrystals are detailed. The findings in this work provide a pathway for the development of nanofluid solutions as optical filters for photovoltaic-thermal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision agriculture has emerged as a dominant force in the United States, with widespread adoption of advanced technologies and decision support systems (DSS) since the 1980s. Key tools such as variable rate application (VRA), autopilot systems, and remote sensing have become integral for U.S. farmers, offering invaluable insights from crop, soil, and weather information to optimize agricultural production while minimizing environmental impact. To synthesize and categorize the extensive research available on precision agriculture, a systematic review protocol has been designed. Our objective is to offer clear and authoritative insights into the nature, scope, and volume of this field. Implementing a rigorous search strategy, we utilized renowned databases such as Scopus® and Web of ScienceTM to gather relevant and significant materiality. The retrieval process involved the use of indexing terms and Boolean operators, with a focus on 'precision agriculture' and 'precision farming', striking a balance between specificity and comprehensiveness. To ensure the credibility of our findings, only peer-reviewed papers authored by individuals affiliated with U.S. institutions have been included. Expert reviewers with deep knowledge in the field independently assessed the selected papers, thoroughly evaluating titles, abstracts, keywords, methods, conclusions, and declarations. Consistency and eligibility were paramount in determining which papers met the criteria for inclusion. Any discrepancies or disagreements were resolved through rigorous consensus-building discussions among the reviewers. Through this comprehensive meta-review, we provide a scientific contribution that enhances our understanding of precision agriculture, highlighting focus areas for further research and development (R&D). By synthesizing and categorizing the existing literature, we offer authoritative insights into the research landscape, informing future investigations and fostering innovation. Focusing specifically on the U.S., we shed light on the unique aspects and pioneering advancements in precision agriculture within the country. Ultimately, our findings have the potential to drive progress, contributing to sustainable development, increased productivity, enhanced environmental sustainability, and responsible agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We studied the association between android (A) to gynoid (G) fat ratio and functional capacity (peak VO 2 ) in male patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)., Methods and Results: We enrolled 118 male patients with HFrEF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%. Body composition (by using dual x-ray absorptiometry) and peak VO 2 (by cardiopulmonary exercise testing) were measured. Sarcopenic obesity was defined according to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health criteria (FNIH). Blood sample for metabolic and hormonal parameters were measured. Fifteen patients (12.7%) showed sarcopenic obesity (body mass index > 25 kg/m 2 with FNIH index < 0.789). The median A/G ratio was 0.55. A/G ratio > 0.55 was detected in 60 patients. Relative peak VO 2 was lower in patients with A/G ratio > 0.55 than in patients with A/G ratio <0.55 (18.7 ± 5.3 vs. 22.5 ± 6.1 mL/kg/min, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed A/G ratio >0.55 to be independently associated with reduced peak VO 2 adjusted for age, body mass index, LVEF, presence of sarcopenia, anabolic hormones, and haemoglobin (odds ratio 3.895, 95% confidence interval 1.030-14.730, P = 0.045)., Conclusions: Body fat distribution, particularly android and gynoid fat composition, together with other cofactors, might have an important adverse role on functional capacity in male patients with HFrEF. Future studies are needed to address possible mechanisms involved in this relationship., (© 2020 The Authors. ESC Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Society of Cardiology.)