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Objetivo. Determinar la dosis recomendable de bentonita como quelante de arsénico (As) y plomo (Pb) en el medio ruminal, abomasal y duodenal mediante un sistema in vitro, considerando las variables de fermentación ruminal y el efecto adsorbente de As y Pb. Materiales y Métodos. Se prepararon viales con 50 mL de medio anaerobio y 0.5 g de alfalfa como sustrato. Los medios se adicionaron con 1.01 y 1.95 ppm de As y Pb, respectivamente. Los tratamientos consistieron en el nivel de bentonita (B) adicionada al medio, B-0%, B-1.5%, B-3.0% y B-4.5%. Los medios se incubaron durante 24 h y se midió el pH, producción de AGV, N-NH3, degradabilidad in vitro de MS (DIVMS) y efecto quelante de la bentonita, simulando las condiciones del rumen, abomaso y duodeno. Se usó un diseño completamente al azar y contrastes ortogonales. Resultados. La bentonita no modificó el pH ni la proporción molar de AGV (p>0.05), pero la producción total de AGV presentó un efecto lineal negativo al aumentar el nivel del mineral. Asimismo, el N-NH3 disminuyó (p

Robots are becoming an increasingly important part of our society and have started to be used in tasks that require communicating with humans. Communication can be decoupled in two dimensions: symbolic (information aimed to achieve a particular goal) and spontaneous (displaying the speaker’s emotional and motivational state) communication. Thus, to enhance human–robot interactions, the expressions that are used have to convey both dimensions. This paper presents a method for modelling a robot’s expressiveness as a combination of these two dimensions, where each of them can be generated independently. This is the first contribution of our work. The second contribution is the development of an expressiveness architecture that uses predefined multimodal expressions to convey the symbolic dimension and integrates a series of modulation strategies for conveying the robot’s mood and emotions. In order to validate the performance of the proposed architecture, the last contribution is a series of experiments that aim to study the effect that the addition of the spontaneous dimension of communication and its fusion with the symbolic dimension has on how people perceive a social robot. Our results show that the modulation strategies improve the users’ perception and can convey a recognizable affective state.

Aim: This study evaluated the effect of two prophylaxis methods over the surface roughness of different resin composites. Materials and Methods: Ten disc-shaped specimens (7 mm x 2 mm) were made for each composite tested: MH - microhybrid composite with regular viscosity (Opallis); NH – nanohybrid composite with regular viscosity (Vittra APS); BF – high-viscosity bulk fill composite (Opus Bulk Fill); MHF - microhybrid flowable composite (Opallis flow); and OS – nanohybrid one-shade composite with regular viscosity (Vittra Unique). Initial roughness (Ra) values were obtained from each sample, and then they were divided into two groups (n = 5) following the prophylaxis method: SB – prophylaxis with sodium bicarbonate powder (125µm grain) using an air-powder polishing device (30 s application distanced 10 mm with 2 bar); and PP – prophylaxis with pumice paste and rotatory brush (30 s, 3000 rpm and pressure of 150 g). After that, a new Ra measurement (Raf) was obtained, and the difference was calculated (ΔRa). Data were compared using Three-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni teste and the Ra difference (ΔRa) was analyzed by Two-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test (p

Abstract Background Social robots have demonstrated promising outcomes in terms of increasing the social health and well-being of people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. According to the World Health Organization’s Monitoring and assessing digital health interventions framework, usability and feasibility studies are crucial before implementing prototype social robots and proving their efficacy and effectiveness. This protocol paper aims to detail the plan for conducting the usability and feasibility study of the MINI robot based on evidence-based recommended methodology. Methods In this study, an experimental design and a mixed method of data collection will be applied. Twenty participants aged 65 and over with dementia or mild cognitive impairment will be recruited. Eight sessions of interaction with the robot, as well as qualitative and quantitative assessments, will be accomplished. The research will take place in a laboratory. Ethical approvals have been acquired. This research will be valuable in the development of the MINI robot and its practical deployment in the actual world, as well as the methodological evidence base in the sector of social robots. Discussion By the winter of 2022–2023, the findings of this study will be accessible for dissemination. This study will aid to improve the evidence-based methodology used to study the feasibility and usability of social robots in people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment as well as what can be learned to advance such study designs in the future.

El siguiente artículo expone una revisión del registro arqueológico de la necrópolis de Cadabarcos (Mañón, A Coruña). Este yacimiento, excavado en la década de los 40 por Federico Maciñeira e identificado como una necrópolis “galaicorromana”, podría presentar una cronología bastante más tardía respecto a lo habitual en los enterramientos con fosas de cremación. En el siguiente trabajo, se expone una profunda revisión de las características de este yacimiento, explorando su contexto de intervención, las dinámicas históricas de la región, los hallazgos documentados y las características de la zona intervenida, con la intención de verificar su adscripción funcional, cronológica y cultural. Atendiendo a los resultados, se realiza un análisis contextual del yacimiento, relacionándolo con las principales dinámicas de enterramiento del Noroeste penisular. Se analizan las prácticas y tradiciones funerarias desde el Alto Imperio hasta los inicios de la Antigüedad Tardía, estableciendo una comparativa entre distintas dinámicas regionales, y se propone una revisión cronológica y territorial de la cremación como práctica funeraria. [gl] O siguiente artículo expón unha revisión do rexistro arqueolóxico da necrópole de Cadabarcos (Mañón, A Coruña). Este xacemento, escavado nos anos 40 por Federico Maciñeira e idenntificado como unha necrópole “galaicorromana”, podería presentar unha cronoloxía bastante máis tardía do habitual para os xacementos con foxas de cremación. No seguinte traballo, exponse unha profunda revisión das características deste xacemento, explorando o seu contexto de intervención, as dinámicas históricas da rexión, os achados documentados e as características da zona intervida, co obxectivo de verificar a súa adscrición funcional, cronolóxica e cultural. Atendendo aos resultados, realízase unha análise contextua, do xacemento, relacionándoo coas principais dinámicas de enterramento do Noroeste peninsular. Analízanse as prácticas e tradicións principais dende o Alto Imperio ata o comezo da Antigüidade Tardía, establecendo unha comparativa entre distintas dinámicas rexionais, e proponse unha revisión cronolóxica e territorial da cremación como práctica funeraria.

Urban wetlands are biodiversity reservoirs sustained by microbe-mediated processes. In tropical zones, wetland microbial dynamics remain poorly understood. Chemical parameters, heavy metal content, and microbiological community structure were investigated in surface sediments of the Santa Maria del Lago (SML) wetland in Bogota, Colombia. High-throughput sequencing was employed to generate RNAr 16S and nosZ gene sequence data with which bacteria, archaea, and nosZ-type denitrifier community composition and their phylogenetic relationships were investigated. A canonical correspondence analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between assessed environmental variables and microbial community composition. Results showed that the most abundant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria (group GP18), and Aminicenantes; Archaea were represented by the taxa Methanomicrobia and Thermoprotei, and the nosZ community was dominated by Candidatus Competibacter denitrificans. A phylogenetic analysis revealed a high diversity of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), according to 16S rRNA gene sequence data; however, the quantity and diversity of OTUs from the nosZ community were low compared to previous studies. High concentrations of ammonium, phosphorus, organic carbon, Pb, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Cd, were detected in sediments, but they were not strongly related to observed microbial community compositions. In conclusion, in the same polluted SML wetland sediments diverse bacteria and archaea communities were detected, although not nosZ-type denitrifiers.

This special issue of the Management Letters / Cuadernos de Gestión is dedicated to presenting those articles that are included as part of the special issue on consumer behavior and sustainable issues and that highlight marketing’s important role in encouraging sustainable consumption. The first part of this editorial presents six articles that structure this special issue. The second part examines the concept of sustainable marketing and the most effective ways to change consumer behaviour to become more sustainable.

The concept of joint attention holds significant importance in human interaction and is pivotal in establishing rapport, understanding, and effective communication. Within social robotics, enhancing user perception of the robot and promoting a sense of natural interaction with robots becomes a central element. In this sense, emulating human-centric qualities in social robots, such as joint attention, defined as the ability of two or more individuals to focus on a common event simultaneously, can increase their acceptability. This study analyses the impact on user perception of a responsive joint attention system integrated into a social robot within an interactive scenario. The experimental setup involves playing against the robot in the "Odds and Evens" game under two conditions: whether the joint attention system is active or inactive. Additionally, auditory and visual distractors are employed to simulate real-world distractions, aiming to test the system's ability to capture and follow user attention effectively. To assess the influence of the joint attention system, participants completed the Robotic Social Attributes Scale (RoSAS) after each interaction. The results showed a significant improvement in user perception of the robot's competence and warmth when the joint attention system was active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Affective feedback from social robots is a useful technique for communicating to people whether they are interacting "well" with the robot or not. However, some users, such as people with physical or cognitive difficulties, may not be able to interact in all the desired ways. In these cases, affective feedback from the robot could be excessively negative—an "unhappy" robot, leading to an unrewarding experience for the user. This article presents a motivation-based architecture for an autonomous multimodal social robot, that incorporates an affective feedback mechanism which generates an affective state by combining the internal needs of the robot and the social interaction quality. The balance between these two factors can dynamically change, allowing the robot to adapt its affective feedback to the user's interaction style and capabilities. We have implemented this architecture in a simulation and in a MiRo social robot, and report experiments examining the behavior of the system in interactions with different experimental user profiles. The results show that the adaptive mechanism allows the robot to change its affective feedback to give more positive encouragement to users than in non-adaptive cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, the integration of robotic systems into various aspects of daily life has become increasingly common. As these technologies continue to advance, ensuring user-friendly interfaces and seamless interactions becomes more essential. For social robots to genuinely provide lasting value to humans, a favourable user experience (UX) emerges as an essential prerequisite. This article aimed to evaluate the usability of the MINI robot, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement based on user feedback and performance. Materials and Methods: In a controlled lab setting, a mixed-method qualitative study was conducted with ten individuals aged 65 and above diagnosed with mild dementia (MD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants engaged in individual MINI robot interaction sessions, completing cognitive tasks as per written instructions. Video and audio recordings documented interactions, while post-session System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaires quantified usability perception. Ethical guidelines were followed, ensuring informed consent, and the data underwent qualitative and quantitative analyses, contributing insights into the MINI robot's usability for this demographic. Results: The study addresses the ongoing challenges that tasks present, especially for MD individuals, emphasizing the importance of user support. Most tasks require both verbal and physical interactions, indicating that MD individuals face challenges when switching response methods within subtasks. These complexities originate from the selection and use of response methods, including difficulties with voice recognition, tablet touch, and tactile sensors. These challenges persist across tasks, with individuals with MD struggling to comprehend task instructions and provide correct answers and individuals with MCI struggling to use response devices, often due to the limitations of the robot's speech recognition. Technical shortcomings have been identified. The results of the SUS indicate positive perceptions, although there are lower ratings for instructor assistance and pre-use learning. The average SUS score of 68.3 places device usability in the "good" category. Conclusions: Our study examines the usability of the MINI robot, revealing strengths in quick learning, simple system and operation, and integration of features, while also highlighting areas for improvement. Careful design and modifications are essential for meaningful engagement with people with dementia. The robot could better benefit people with MD and MCI if clear, detailed instructions and instructor assistance were available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nervous system is controlled by a collection of neurons that transmit electric signals through the organism. These signals respond to internal and external stimuli and regulate many involuntary physiological functions. The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary behaviors, such as heart rate, breathing, or pupil size through the action of neuroendocrine substances that modulate the biological processes. These physiological processes allow to express the internal state while interacting with others. This manuscript presents an artificial neuroendocrine model for regulating and expressing the involuntary physiological functions emulated in the Mini social robot. This model employs the robot's perception and simulated biological clock to generate neuroendocrine responses using simulated neuroendocrine substances to control the robot's autonomic processes of heart rate, pupil size, breathing rate, blinking rate, and locomotor activity. The primary contribution of this work is to provide biological modeling to replicate the evolution and effects of neuroendocrine substances on the regulation of autonomic processes and demonstrate how to express them in social robots using their actuators to improve their responsiveness and naturalness. These experiments show that the robot's autonomic processes can maintain proper evolution during long periods, while exhibiting circadian rhythms and responding to unexpected environmental changes.

Biological rhythms are periodic internal variations of living organisms that act as adaptive responses to environmental changes. The human pacemaker is the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a brain region involved in biological functions like homeostasis or emotion. Biological rhythms are ultradian (24 h) depending on their period. Circadian rhythms are the most studied since they regulate daily sleep, emotion, and activity. Ambient and internal stimuli, such as light or activity, influence the timing and the period of biological rhythms, making our bodies adapt to dynamic situations. Nowadays, robots experience unceasing development, assisting us in many tasks. Due to the dynamic conditions of social environments and human-robot interaction, robots exhibiting adaptive behavior have more possibilities to engage users by emulating human social skills. This paper presents a biologically inspired model based on circadian biorhythms for autonomous and adaptive robot behavior. The model uses the Dynamic Circadian Integrated Response Characteristic method to mimic human biology and control artificial biologically inspired functions influencing the robot’s decision-making. The robot’s clock adapts to light, ambient noise, and user activity, synchronizing the robot’s behavior to the ambient conditions. The results show the adaptive response of the model to time shifts and seasonal changes of different ambient stimuli while regulating simulated hormones that are key in sleep/activity timing, stress, and autonomic basal heartbeat control during the day.

La queratitis herpética es la principal causa de ceguera infecciosa a nivel mundial, la principal etiología suele ser Virus Herpes Simplex tipo 1 (VHS-1). La exposición a VHS-1 a nivel mundial es sumamente común estimándose que aproximadamente un 90% de la población adulta ha sido expuesta a este virus en algún momento de sus vidas. A nivel ocular principalmente por transporte retrógrado del ganglio trigeminal al ojo cuadro clínico de queratitis herpética principalmente de tipo epitelial. La clínica va a ser variable, principalmente siendo una infección asintomática en el primer cuadro clínico. Algunos de estos pacientes van a tener recurrencias que suelen ser sintomáticas, generando úlceras corneales, queratitis estromal y endotelitis. Las recurrencias generan el riesgo de opacificación corneal y así mismo ceguera. Por esto la importancia de su diagnóstico y manejo adecuado. Esta patología suele ser autolimitada pero el uso de medicamentos como el Aciclovir tanto tópico como oral ayuda a disminuir la sintomatología y la recurrencia de la misma.

Studies on African medicinal plants have been limited to some geographically areas, and even though more than 5400 medicinal plants are recognized and documented, other valuable medicinal plant species have not been studied. Ethnopharmacological studies are important for documenting traditional knowledge associated with the medical use of biodiversity. This study aims to document the use of medicinal plants from the Province of Cuanza Norte (Angola). The field work was conducted from December 2018 to January 2019 and the ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Informants were selected in accordance with their residence and community recognition as healers. Recorded plants are listed along with their popular name, traditional use, part used, and method of preparation. A total of 131 species of medicinal plants were cited. Mukumbi (Lannea welwitschii), Santa Maria (Chenopodium ambrosioides) and Ditumbata (Boerhavia difusa) were the most cited species. Out of the total plant parts, leaves were the most frequently material used. Regarding the mode of preparation for the medicinal materials, the major form of preparation is maceration, followed by infusion and decoction. The main categories of use were infectious and parasitic diseases (e.g., Malaria); undefined pains and illness; diseases of the digestive system; and endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (e.g., Diabetes). This study revealed the importance of preserving the ethnobotanical knowledge in order to protect the biodiversity and to discover new therapeutic molecules. A comparison of the results with other studies showed that some of the traditional indications are supported by data from scientific literature.