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Background: The study of chains at a local level starts from a new configuration constitutes a new working philosophy in the agri-food sector in Cuba. Objective. The aim of the paper is to characterize of the actors in the pasteurized milk chain in four municipalities of Sancti Spíritus province. Methods: It was based on the primary and secondary available information obtained at workshops with the participation of national actors and international experts. The characterization of the actors included the variables described in previous chain studies, the construction of the SWOT Matrix and an action plan. Results: The links of the chain are: Production, collection, processing and marketing. At the primary sector, there are different productive farms with non-governmental dominance. They had a production of approximately 20,000 liters/year, having 20 not specialized female cattle in milk production. Some of the farms use animal traction for milk collection and the industry does this process with tank trucks. The processing link presents technology with limitations and insufficient equipment. The SWOT Matrix revealed that the nutrition is not sufficient and the composition of milk is not good. Besides, the process of collection and the industrial distribution that affect the quality of milk. Conclusions: The characterization of the actors showed that in the primary link with predominance of the non-state sector, but there is low milk production. For the collection of milk, they use animal traction and tanker trucks. Obsolete technologies are found in the processing link, while commercialization actors are limited by hygienic conditions.

Background: The study of chains at a local level starts from a new configuration constitutes a new working philosophy in the agri-food sector in Cuba. Objective. The aim of the paper is to characterize of the actors in the pasteurized milk chain in four municipalities of Sancti Spíritus province. Methods: It was based on the primary and secondary available information obtained at workshops with the participation of national actors and international experts. The characterization of the actors included the variables described in previous chain studies, the construction of the SWOT Matrix and an action plan. Results: The links of the chain are: Production, collection, processing and marketing. At the primary sector, there are different productive farms with non-governmental dominance. They had a production of approximately 20,000 liters/year, having 20 not specialized female cattle in milk production. Some of the farms use animal traction for milk collection and the industry does this process with tank trucks. The processing link presents technology with limitations and insufficient equipment. The SWOT Matrix revealed that the nutrition is not sufficient and the composition of milk is not good. Besides, the process of collection and the industrial distribution that affect the quality of milk. Conclusions: The characterization of the actors showed that in the primary link with predominance of the non-state sector, but there is low milk production. For the collection of milk, they use animal traction and tanker trucks. Obsolete technologies are found in the processing link, while commercialization actors are limited by hygienic conditions. Key words: Dairy production, dairy cattle, dairy value chain food chain, food access, pasteurized milk (Source: AGROVOC)

La aprobación en 2015 de la Agenda 2030 para el Desarrollo Sostenible, con sus 17 Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible y sus 169 metas significó el compromiso de todos los países con la búsqueda de un nuevo paradigma de desarrollo. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo analizar la influencia del empoderamiento de mujeres productoras rurales en el desarrollo sostenible en la provincia Cienfuegos, a través de estudios de casos que toman como referente teórico los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible que hacen referencia directa al empoderamiento de la mujer. Se utiliza la metodología mixta con fundamento en cinco estudios de caso, en la modalidad comunitaria y situacional. El tipo de investigación es exploratoria y descriptiva, como estrategia de recogida de información se utilizan: entrevista en profundidad y el test psicológico CAVIAR. El empoderamiento de mujeres productoras rurales se visualiza a través del control de sus propios recursos, refuerzan sus capacidades y protagonismo en diferentes ámbitos, e influyen en el desarrollo sostenible, contribuyendo a la elevación de la calidad de vida, la generación de empleo, el desarrollo de economías locales y el fortalecimiento de las alianzas del entramado social comunitario

Eco-friendly armor units and coastal structures provide a sustainable alternative to traditional design by incorporating eco-enhancing aspects into the design process to enhance biodiversity in their vicinity. ECOncrete's Coastalock armor units feature a nature-inclusive design utilizing a bio-enhancing concrete mix, and biological surveys from a pilot deployment have already shown their positive impact in this sense. A comprehensive research program was initiated by the University of Ottawa and the Ocean, Coastal, and River Engineering Research Center of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC-OCRE), in collaboration with ECOncrete, a science-based bio-enhancing concrete technology company. Two-dimensional physical model tests of a low-crested and emergent rubble mound breakwater, each armored with Coastalock units, were conducted in the Large Wave Flume at the NRC-OCRE. Testing was conducted at a 1/15 scale. Both models were constructed as permeable structures with uniform 2V:3H front and back slopes and exposed to irregular waves with significant wave heights ranging between 0.08 and 0.38 m (1.2 and 5.7 m at prototype scale), while the wave steepness ranged between 0.03 and 0.07. This study focused on Coastalock armor unit placement, spacing, and underlayer rock size to understand their impact on hydraulic stability. The hydraulic performance of Coastalock armor units was analyzed by investigating wave transmission using existing formulas in the literature. Overall, the Coastalock armor units exhibited commendable stability against diverse wave conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores educational and professional uses of augmented learning environment concerned with issues of training and entertainment. We analyze the state-of-art research of some scenarios based on augmented reality. Some examples for the purpose of education and simulation are described. These applications show that augmented reality can be means of enhancing, motivating and stimulating learners' understanding of certain events, especially those for which the traditional notion of instructional learning have proven inappropriate or difficult. Furthermore, the students can learn in a quick mode by interacting on the augmented environments.

Our study aimed to validate existing equations and develop the new NRGCO equation to estimate resting energy expenditure (REE) in the Colombian population with moderate-to-high physical activity levels. Upon satisfying the inclusion criteria, a total of 86 (43F, 43M) healthy adults (mean [SD]: 27.5 [7.7] years; 67.0 [13.8] kg) were evaluated for anthropometric variables and REE by indirect calorimetry using wearable gas analyzers (COSMED K4 and K5). Significant positive correlations with REE were found for body mass (r = 0.65), body mass-to-waist (r = 0.58), arm flexed and tensed girth (r = 0.66), corrected thigh girth (r = 0.56), corrected calf girth (r = 0.61), and sum of breadths (∑3D, r = 0.59). As a novelty, this is the first time a significant correlation between REE and the sum of corrected girths (∑3CG, r = 0.63) is reported. Although existing equations such as Harris–Benedict (r = 0.63), Mifflin–St. Jeor (r = 0.67), and WHO (r = 0.64) showed moderate-to-high correlations with REE, the Bland-Altman analysis revealed significant bias (p < 0.05), indicating that these equations may not be valid for the Colombian population. Thus, participants were randomly distributed into either the equation development group (EDG, n = 71) or the validation group (VG, n = 15). A new model was created using body mass, sum of skinfolds (∑8S), corrected thigh, corrected calf, and age as predictors (r = 0.755, R2 = 0.570, RMSE = 268.41 kcal). The new NRGCO equation to estimate REE (kcal) is: 386.256 + (24.309 × BM) − (2.402 × ∑8S) − (21.346 × Corrected Thigh) + (38.629 × Corrected Calf) − (7.417 × Age). Additionally, a simpler model was identified through Bayesian analysis, including only body mass and ∑8S (r = 0.724, R2 = 0.525, RMSE = 282.16 kcal). Although external validation is needed, our validation resulted in a moderate correlation and concordance (bias = 91.5 kcal) between measured and estimated REE values using the new NRGCO equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread sharing of information on the Internet has given rise to ecological studies that use data from digital sources including digitized museum records and social media posts. Most of these studies have focused on understanding species occurrences and distributions. In this essay, we argue that data from digital sources also offer many opportunities to study animal behavior including long-term and large-scale comparisons within and between species. Following Nikko Tinbergen's classical roadmap for behavioral investigation, we show how using videos, photos, text, and audio posted on social media and other digital platforms can shed new light on known behaviors, particularly in a changing world, and lead to the discovery of new ones. Data from digital sources offer many opportunities to study animal behavior. Following Niko Tinbergen's classical roadmap for behavioral investigation, this essay shows how using videos, photos, text, and audio posted online can shed new light on known behaviors and lead to the discovery of new ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This review aims to explore the role of the microRNA-204 (miR-204), a tumor suppressor gene, in the development of breast cancer, focusing on how it influences the hallmarks of cancer. By understanding the impact of miR-204 on these hallmarks, this review seeks to shed light on its potential as a molecular target for breast cancer therapy. microRNA-204-5p (miR-204) is a small noncoding RNA with diverse regulatory roles in breast cancer (BC) development and progression. miR-204 is implicated in the instauration of fundamental traits acquired during the multistep development of BC, known as the hallmarks of cancer. It may act as a potent tumor suppressor by inhibiting key cellular processes like angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, invasion, migration, and metastasis. It achieves this by targeting multiple master genes involved in these processes, including HIF-1α, β-catenin, VEGFA, TGFBR2, FAK, FOXA1, among others. Additionally, miR-204 modulates signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT and interacts with HOTAIR and DSCAM-AS1 lncRNAs, further influencing tumor progression. Beyond its direct effects on tumor cells, miR-204 shapes the tumor microenvironment by regulating immune cell infiltration, suppressing pro-tumorigenic cytokine production, and potentially influencing immunotherapy response. Moreover, miR-204 plays a crucial role in metabolic reprogramming by directly suppressing metabolic genes within tumor cells, indirectly affecting metabolism through exosome signaling, and remodeling metabolic flux within the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to present an update on the current knowledge regarding the role of miR-204 in the hallmarks of BC. In conclusion, miR-204 is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker in BC, emphasizing the need for further research to fully elucidate its complex roles in orchestrating aggressive BC behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in melanoma research have unveiled critical insights into its genetic and molecular landscape, leading to significant therapeutic innovations. This review explores the intricate interplay between genetic alterations, such as mutations in BRAF, NRAS, and KIT, and melanoma pathogenesis. The MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways are highlighted for their roles in tumor growth and resistance mechanisms. Additionally, this review delves into the impact of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone changes, on melanoma progression. The tumor microenvironment, characterized by immune cells, stromal cells, and soluble factors, plays a pivotal role in modulating tumor behavior and treatment responses. Emerging technologies like single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-Cas9, and AI-driven diagnostics are transforming melanoma research, offering precise and personalized approaches to treatment. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors and personalized mRNA vaccines, has revolutionized melanoma therapy by enhancing the body's immune response. Despite these advances, resistance mechanisms remain a challenge, underscoring the need for combined therapies and ongoing research to achieve durable therapeutic responses. This comprehensive overview aims to highlight the current state of melanoma research and the transformative impacts of these advancements on clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar fertilization, an effective agricultural practice, involves the application of nutrients directly through droplets on plant leaves. The mechanisms of mass transport and deposition that arise from the drying of a drop determine the distribution of mass on a surface. Understanding these processes is crucial for optimizing foliar fertilization, ensuring even nutrient distribution, and improving crop yields and quality. This study experimentally investigates deposit formation from the evaporation of fertilizer droplets in various configurations: sessile, vertical, and pendant. We explored the effects of initial droplet volume, vapor pressure, and sorbitol presence on the final deposit morphology. The results reveal distinctive morphological patterns. Sessile drops exhibit two types of deposits—central crystal accumulation with fibrous structures or entirely fibrous structures. In contrast, vertical drops display two zones—fibrous structures at the bottom and small aggregates at the top. On the other hand, pendant drops predominantly feature intertwined crystals with peripheral fibrous structures. We found that high vapor pressures (RH = 60%) inhibit deposit formation within 72 h. Furthermore, the study measures relative evaporation time, showing that sessile droplets exhibit the longest evaporation times, followed by vertical and pendant droplets. Texture analysis, based on GLCM entropy, reveals that deposits generated under low vapor pressure (RH = 20%) show no significant differences in their entropy values, regardless of the droplet configuration and its initial volume. However, at intermediate vapor pressure (RH = 40%), entropy values vary significantly with droplet volume and configuration, being higher in sessile drops and lower in vertical ones. Additionally, we investigated the impact of sorbitol on the coating of sessile fertilizer droplets. We find that configurational entropy decreases exponentially with sorbitol concentration, inducing a morphological transition from fibrous structures to dispersed small aggregates. These findings highlight the complexity of pattern formation in fertilizer deposits and their potential implications for optimizing surface coating processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]