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Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review regarding the relationship between positive psychological factors, such as psychological well-being and pleasant emotions, and sports performance. Method This study, carried out through a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines considering the Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed and SPORT Discus databases, seeks to highlight the relationship between other more ‘positive’ factors, such as well-being, positive emotions and sports performance. Settings The keywords will be decided by a Delphi Method in two rounds with sport psychology experts. Participants There are no participants in the present research. Assessment The main exclusion criteria were: Non-sport thema, sample younger or older than 20–65 years old, qualitative or other methodology studies, COVID-related, journals not exclusively about Psychology. Main outcomes measures We obtained a first sample of 238 papers, and finally, this sample was reduced to the final sample of 11 papers. Results The results obtained are intended to be a representation of the ‘bright side’ of sports practice, and as a complement or mediator of the negative variables that have an impact on athletes’ and coaches’ performance. Conclusions Clear recognition that acting on intrinsic motivation continues to be the best and most effective way to motivate oneself to obtain the highest levels of performance, a good perception of competence and a source of personal satisfaction.

Abstract This study investigated the effect of the inclusion of extruded linseed and hazelnut skin on fatty acid (FA) metabolism in finishing lambs. Forty lambs were divided into 4 groups and fed for 60 d with: a conventional cereal-based diet, or the same diet with 8% of extruded linseed, or 15% of hazelnut skin, or 4% of linseed plus 7.5% of hazelnut skin as partial replacement of maize. Dietary treatments did not affect growth performances, carcass traits, and ruminal fermentation. The combined effect of linseed and hazelnut skin enriched the intramuscular fat with health promoting FA. Particularly, increases in α-linolenic acid (3.75-fold), and very long-chain n-3 poly-unsaturated FA (+ 40%) were attributed to the supplementation with linseed, rich in α-linolenic acid. In addition, increases in rumenic (+ 33%), and vaccenic (+ 59%) acids were attributed to hazelnut skin tannins modulating ruminal biohydrogenation and accumulating intermediate metabolites. The simultaneous inclusion of linseed and hazelnut skin can be a profitable strategy for enriching the intramuscular fat of lambs with health promoting FA, without adverse effects on ruminal fermentation and animal performance.

Hydropeaking negatively affects fish assemblages, but knowledge gaps still constrain our ability to rank and mitigate the impacts of different hydropower operation regimes at particular power plants. This is especially relevant for species and rivers for which the effects of hydropeaking are less investigated, such as the Iberian Cypriniformes and Mediterranean rivers. Recognizing the potential of the hydropeaking tool method (HT) developed for salmonids to systematically assess hydropeaking impacts, we adapted it for Iberian Cypriniformes. The general tool framework developed for the salmonids was kept for the Cypriniformes, with the combined use of factors describing the hydromorphological effects and factors related with fish vulnerability to assess hydropeaking impact. Effect and vulnerability factors were developed for Iberian cyprinids and leuciscids establishing preliminary thresholds for each indicator with three different levels of hydropeaking impact on the targeted taxa. The proposed factors and thresholds were critically reviewed and ranked by experts on Iberian Cypriniformes ecology and Mediterranean rivers functioning. Overall, the timing and distribution of peaking events were ranked higher by the experts in the effect factors, whereas the population size of barbel and smaller native Cypriniformes, as well as the degree of limitations in recruitment, were ranked higher in the vulnerability factors. Although there was some divergence in the expert opinions, a final set of effect and vulnerability factors was established, that retained most of the ones proposed for the salmonids, but included new ones, particularly for vulnerability. The present study provided a comprehensive, straightforward, and systematic assessment tool for evaluating hydropeaking impacts on Iberian Cypriniformes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is emerging as a global concern, affecting people from early ages to adulthood and positioning itself as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The post-COVID-19 era has been characterized by notable progress in the domains of medicine, science, and engineering, creating a favorable atmosphere for the investigation of innovative solutions. The present manuscript aims to investigate the problem of glucose regulation in adults diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1D) using a two-degree-of-freedom robust controller technique. A physiological mathematical model involving individuals with T1D serves as the foundation for the proposed closed-loop technique. The control algorithm approach successfully maintains safe glycemic levels in a virtual population of 10 adults using a sophisticated, well-known physiological T1D simulator. We evaluated this with continuous 24-hour simulations. Simulation results support the practicality of the presented approach, and we further validate it using a statistical analysis that incorporates a probability density function and control variability grid analysis (CVGA). Despite being a theoretical and simulation-based methodology, the results of this study demonstrate promise, offering promising opportunities for developments in the field of artificial pancreas technology using Mexican technology.

IntroductionThe current investigation presents a two-fold approach to rediscovering the potential of Sonchus asper as a wild edible plant, both in its raw extract form and as a nanoformulated product. Furthermore, the study aimed to promote the valorization of traditional dishes and contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of S. asper, thus enhancing economic profits.MethodsLiquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses were conducted to characterize the metabolite profile of the raw and cooked leaf extracts, and the extract from discarded leaves. The antioxidant activity, the hypoglycaemic effect and the incorporation into liposomes were evaluated.Results38 compounds and 6 essential amino acids were identified. The incorporation into liposomes maximized the health-promoting properties for potential pharmaceutical or food applications.DiscussionThe commercialization of S. asper could: (i) contribute to improving the well-being of rural and urban communities, being S. asper a wild edible plant available at low cost, environmentally friendly, resilient, and adaptable; (ii) generate landowner economic returns.

Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) overexpression is linked to the development and progression of multiple cancers. RTKs are classically considered to initiate cytoplasmic signalling pathways via ligand-induced tyrosine phosphorylation, however recent evidence points to a second tier of signalling contingent on interactions mediated by the proline-rich motif (PRM) regions of non-activated RTKs. The presence of PRMs on the C-termini of >40 % of all RTKs and the abundance of PRM-binding proteins encoded by the human genome suggests that there is likely to be a large number of previously unexplored interactions which add to the RTK intracellular interactome. Here, we explore the RTK PRM interactome and its potential significance using affinity purification mass spectrometry and in silico enrichment analyses. Peptides comprising PRM-containing C-terminal tail regions of EGFR, FGFR2 and HER2 were used as bait to affinity purify bound proteins from different cancer cell line lysates. 490 unique interactors were identified, amongst which proteins with metabolic, homeostatic and migratory functions were overrepresented. This suggests that PRMs from RTKs may sustain a diverse interactome in cancer cells. Since RTK overexpression is common in cancer, RTK PRM-derived signalling may be an important, but as yet underexplored, contributor to negative cancer outcomes including resistance to kinase inhibitors.

Purpose: To analyze whether exercise training conducted at night disturbs sleep and affects nocturnal cardiac autonomic control in high-level female athletes. Methods: A total of 18 high-level female soccer players (mean [SD] age 20.4 [2.1] y) wore actigraphs and heart-rate (HR) monitors during night sleep throughout night training days (n = 8) and resting days (n = 8), for 3 consecutive weeks. This was a longitudinal study that measured internal training load, sleep, nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity, and well-being ratings prior to training sessions. Results: Training load varied across training days (eg, training impulse range, mean [SD]; effect size, ES [95% confidence interval]: 72.9 [18.8] to 138.4 [29.6] a.u.; F4.62 = 32.331; ηp² = .673 [.001-16], large effect; P < .001). However, no differences in subjective well-being ratings were observed, although ES was large. Total sleep time (training days vs resting days: 07:17 [00:47] h vs 07:51 [00:42] h; ES = 0.742 [0.59-0.92], P - .005; moderate effect) and sleep-onset time (00:58 [00:19] h vs 00:44 [00:16] h; ES = 0.802 [0.68-0.94], P = .001; moderate effect) were negatively affected after night training. In addition, small effects were detected for wake-up time, time in bed, and sleep latency (P > .05). No differences were detected in HR variability during sleep (range of InRMSSD: 4.3 [0.4] to 4.5 [0.4] ln[ms] vs 4.6 [0.3] to 4.5 [0.4] ln[ms]; F3.52 = 2.148; P> .05; ηp² = . 112 [.01- .25], medium effect), but HR during sleep was significantly higher after training days (range of HR: 56 [4] to 63 [7] beats/min vs 54 [4] to 57 [6] beats/min; F2.32 = 15.956; P < .001; ηp² = .484 [.20-.63], large effect). Conclusion: Overall, the results indicate that exercise training conducted at night may disturb sleep and affect HR, whereas limited effects can be expected in HR variability assessed during sleep in high-level female soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives To assess the incidences of Herpes Simplex-1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) reactivations in critically ill COVID-19 patients. To determine the association between viral reactivation and in-hospital mortality, Intensive Care Unit Bloodstream infection (ICU–BSI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Design Observational retrospective cohort study. Setting COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit. Patients From November 2020 to May 2021, one hundred and twenty patients with COVID-19 severe pneumonia were enrolled and tested for HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV and EBV at the admission in ICU and weekly until discharge or death. The presence of VAP and ICU–BSI was evaluated according to clinical judgement and specific diagnostic criteria. Measurements and main results One hundred and twenty patients were enrolled. Multiple reactivations occurred in 75/120 (63%) patients, single reactivation in 27/120 patients (23%). The most reactivated Herpesvirus was EBV, found in 78/120 (65%) patients. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that viral reactivation is a strong independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.02–5.89), ICU–BSI (OR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.06–5.29) and VAP (OR = 2.64, 95% CI 1.20–5.82). Conclusions Human Herpesviruses reactivations in critically ill patients with COVID-19 severe Pneumonia are associated with mortality and with a higher risk to develop both VAP and ICU–BSI.

The present work is concerned with studying surface parameters of coatings deposited to titanium alloy Ti6Al4V by electrospark deposition (ESD) with hard alloy depositing electrodes based on WC, TiC and TiCN. The variation of roughness parameters, composition, structure and tribological characteristics of coatings as a function of ESD mode parameters was investigated. The influence of the mode parameters on the main coating roughness parameters (Ra, Rz, Rmax, Rpk, Rk, Rs, Rsk, Rku (ISO 21920-2:2021) was analysed, the values of which can be used to determine the load bearing capacity and wear resistance. The results of the tribological tests showed that within the test range, the roughness of the coatings has a controversial influence on their frictional wear performance. As the roughness parameters increase to Ra=3÷3.5 µm, the relative wear resistance of the coated surfaces also increases, reaching values up to 4÷5 µm for the electrodes used and no significant changes in the wear mechanism were observed. However, increasing coating roughness above Ra=3.5 to 5 µm results in a monotonic decrease in relative wear resistance to 2.5÷3 times. Possible ways to reduce the surface roughness and increase the wear resistance of coatings were presented.

Abstract TBX4 gene, located on human chromosome 17q23.2, encodes for T-Box Transcription Factor 4, a transcription factor that belongs to the T-box gene family and it is involved in the regulation of some embryonic developmental processes, with a significant impact on respiratory and skeletal illnesses. Herein, we present the case of a female neonate with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PH) who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on the first day of life and then resulted to have a novel variant of the TBX4 gene identified by Next-Generation Sequencing. We review the available literature about the association between PH with neonatal onset or emerging during the first months of life and mutations of the TBX4 gene, and compare our case to previously reported cases. Of 24 cases described from 2010 to 2023 sixteen (66.7%) presented with PH soon after birth. Skeletal abnormalities have been described in 5 cases (20%). Eleven cases (46%) were due to de novo mutations. Three patients (12%) required ECMO. Identification of this variant in affected individuals has implications for perinatal and postnatal management and genetic counselling. We suggest including TBX4 in genetic studies of neonates with pulmonary hypertension, even in the absence of skeletal abnormalities.

Abstract The interspecific transmission of pathogens can occur frequently in the environment. Among wild bees, the main spillover cases are caused by pathogens associated with Apis mellifera, whose colonies can act as reservoirs. Due to the limited availability of data in Italy, it is challenging to accurately assess the impact and implications of this phenomenon on the wild bee populations. In this study, a total of 3372 bees were sampled from 11 Italian regions within the BeeNet project, evaluating the prevalence and the abundance of the major honey bee pathogens (DWV, BQCV, ABPV, CBPV, KBV, Nosema ceranae, Ascosphaera apis, Crithidia mellificae, Lotmaria passim, Crithidia bombi). The 68.4% of samples were positive for at least one pathogen. DWV, BQCV, N. ceranae and CBPV showed the highest prevalence and abundance values, confirming them as the most prevalent pathogens spread in the environment. For these pathogens, Andrena, Bombus, Eucera and Seladonia showed the highest mean prevalence and abundance values. Generally, time trends showed a prevalence and abundance decrease from April to July. In order to predict the risk of infection among wild bees, statistical models were developed. A low influence of apiary density on pathogen occurrence was observed, while meteorological conditions and agricultural management showed a greater impact on pathogen persistence in the environment. Social and biological traits of wild bees also contributed to defining a higher risk of infection for bivoltine, communal, mining and oligolectic bees. Out of all the samples tested, 40.5% were co-infected with two or more pathogens. In some cases, individuals were simultaneously infected with up to five different pathogens. It is essential to increase knowledge about the transmission of pathogens among wild bees to understand dynamics, impact and effects on pollinator populations. Implementing concrete plans for the conservation of wild bee species is important to ensure the health of wild and human-managed bees within a One-Health perspective.

Abstract Bladder cancer is considered a global health concern characterized by significant morbidity and mortality rates. The complex relationship between diet and bladder cancer is examined, with a specific focus on the role of diet in risk, outcomes, and treatment efficacy. Attention is drawn to the burgeoning field of immunotherapy in bladder cancer treatment, and the possible influence of diet on its outcomes is explored. While evidence remains limited, prior studies in other cancer types have suggested a potential connection between diet and immunotherapy response. To address this knowledge gap, the ongoing BLOSSOM study is presented, which aims to investigate the link between dietary factors, lifestyle, and the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Ongoing efforts to decipher the intricate relationship between diet and bladder cancer care are highlighted, emphasizing the quest to unravel the dietary puzzle for the improvement of bladder cancer management.

Abstract Background In 2020, the highest incidence and mortality from cervical cancer (CC) were detected in low and middle-income countries. CC remains a health problem for women living in them. In Mexico, CC ranks second in cancer incidence and mortality in women. The main characteristics of this population are low income, low educational level, and inadequate medical coverage. The present study characterized the Mexican population by CC, and the sociodemographic variables that impacted overall survival (OS) were identified. Methods A retrospective study that included a cohort of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CC at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia between 2003 and 2016. Information was collected on sociodemographic variables related to the disease and OS. Results Four thousand six hundred thirty-one patients were included. The median age was 51 years, 78.5% were unemployed, 44.4% lived in a rural/suburban area, 50.8% had a partner when collecting this information, and 74.3% were classified as having low socioeconomic status. Age, living in a rural/suburban area, more advanced stages of the disease, and not receiving cancer treatment were associated with lower OS. Conclusion CC continues to affect mainly women with minimal resources, low educational levels, and living in marginalized areas. These characteristics influence the OS. Prevention and timely detection programs, education, and training focused on this population and with broader coverage are required to identify patients with CC at earlier stages.

Abstract Background In literature are reported different analytical methods (AM) to choose the proper fit model and to fit data of the time-activity curve (TAC). On the other hand, Machine Learning algorithms (ML) are increasingly used for both classification and regression tasks. The aim of this work was to investigate the possibility of employing ML both to classify the most appropriate fit model and to predict the area under the curve (τ). Methods Two different ML systems have been developed for classifying the fit model and to predict the biokinetic parameters. The two systems were trained and tested with synthetic TACs simulating a whole-body Fraction Injected Activity for patients affected by metastatic Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma, administered with [131I]I-NaI. Test performances, defined as classification accuracy (CA) and percentage difference between the actual and the estimated area under the curve (Δτ), were compared with those obtained using AM varying the number of points (N) of the TACs. A comparison between AM and ML were performed using data of 20 real patients. Results As N varies, CA remains constant for ML (about 98%), while it improves for F-test (from 62 to 92%) and AICc (from 50 to 92%), as N increases. With AM, $$\Delta \tau$$ Δ τ can reach down to − 67%, while using ML $$\Delta \tau$$ Δ τ ranges within ± 25%. Using real TACs, there is a good agreement between τ obtained with ML system and AM. Conclusions The employing of ML systems may be feasible, having both a better classification and a better estimation of biokinetic parameters.

Abstract Radar‐based human activity recognition is considered as a competitive solution for the elderly care health monitoring problem, compared to alternative techniques such as cameras and wearable devices. However, raw radar signals are often contaminated with noise, clutter, and other artifacts that significantly impact recognition performance, which highlights the importance of prepossessing techniques that enhance radar data quality and improve classification model accuracy. In this study, two different human activity classification models incorporated with pre‐processing techniques have been proposed. The authors introduce wavelet denoising methods into a cyclostationarity‐based classification model, resulting in a substantial improvement in classification accuracy. To address the limitations of conventional pre‐processing techniques, a deep neural network model called Double Phase Cascaded Denoising and Classification Network (DPDCNet) is proposed, which performs end‐to‐end signal‐level classification and achieves state‐of‐the‐art accuracy. The proposed models significantly reduce false detections and would enable robust activity monitoring for older individuals with radar signals, thereby bringing the system closer to a practical implementation for deployment.

Purpose: To assess the sensitivity of nocturnal heart-rate-variability-monitoring methods to the effects of late-night soccer training sessions in female athletes. Methods: Eleven female soccer players competing in the first division of the Portuguese soccer league wore heart-rate monitors during sleep at night throughout a 1-wk competitive in-season microcycle, after late-night training sessions (n = 3) and rest days (n = 3). Heart rate variability was analyzed through "slow-wave sleep episode" (10-min duration) and "hour by hour" (all the RR intervals recorded throughout the hours of sleep). Training load was quantified by session rating of perceived exertion (281.8 [117.9] to 369.0 [111.7] arbitrary units [a.u.]) and training impulse (77.5 [36.5] to 110.8 [31.6] a.u.), added to subjective well-being ratings (Hopper index = 11.6 [4.4] to 12.8 [3.2] a.u.). These variables were compared between training and rest days using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: The log-transformed slow-wave sleep-episode cardiac autonomic activity (lnRMSSD [natural logarithm of the square root of themean of the sumof the squares of differences between adjacent normal RR intervals] varying between 3.92 [0.57] and 4.20 [0.60] ms; ηp² = .16; 95% confidence interval, .01-.26), lnHF (natural logarithm of high frequency), lnLF (natural logarithm of low frequency), lnSD1 (natural logarithm of short-term beat-to-beat variability), and lnSD2 (natural logarithm of long-term beat-to-beat variability), and the nontransformed LF/HF were not different among nighttraining session days and rest days (P > .05). Considering the hour-by-hour method (lnRMSSD varying between 4.05 [0.35] and 4.33 [0.32] ms; ηp² = .46; 95% confidence interval, .26-.52), lnHF, lnLF, lnSD1, and lnSD2 and the nontransformed LF/HF were not different among night-training session days and rest days (P > .05). Conclusion: Late-night soccer training does not seem to affect nocturnal slow-wave sleep-episode and hour-by-hour heart-rate-variability indices in highly trained athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Os eventos científicos desempenham um papel crucial na formação de professores e também na divulgação científica e popularização da ciência, tornando-se parte essencial da rotina de qualquer curso de graduação ou programa de pós-graduação. No estado do Ceará, o Instituto Federal tem se destacado, desde 2017, ao unir diversas instituições em prol da realização de um Evento Científico Unificado, conhecido como Jornada de Física. Essa iniciativa pioneira começou com a participação de sete instituições e, ao longo dos últimos anos, tem atraído mais de uma centena de instituições de ensino representadas por professores, estudantes, funcionários administrativos, intérpretes de Libras e jornalistas. Neste trabalho, buscamos resgatar a memória das edições anteriores do Evento Científico Unificado: Jornada de Física. Esperamos que os relatos aqui descritos possam inspirar ações semelhantes, incentivando outras instituições educacionais a buscar o trabalho coletivo e colaborativo, unindo esforços na divulgação da atividade científica e na valorização da ciência e da docência.

The last decade has seen major transformations in the tourism sector, influenced by changes in consumer behaviour and the integration of technology. The Metaverse has emerged as a transformative force but with certain limitations. In this sense, the literature highlights the need to address research gaps in terms of the levels of acceptance of this new technology and with regard to the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to assess the adoption intention of high technology in tourism by small and medium-sized enterprises, focusing on the key role of the Metaverse as a new paradigm. For data collection, a total of 172 small and medium-sized enterprises have been surveyed using a double methodology, PLS-SEM and QCA, for the analysis. The results show that small and medium-sized tourism enterprises intend to adopt technologies associated with the Metaverse for the concept of Business Satisfaction rather than for the possible performance it may represent. These results represent an important advance in the understanding of the integration of Metaverse technologies in the tourism sector in this type of companies, where it can help to adopt diverse strategies in the business environment without having an excessive Resistance to Change, helping to be able to face it in conjunction with other capabilities.

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Agroclimatic variables may affect insect and plant phenology, with unpredictable effects on pest populations and crop losses. Bactrocera oleae Rossi (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a specific pest of Olea europaea plants that can cause annual economic losses of more than one billion US dollars in the Mediterranean region. In this study, we aimed at understanding the effect of olive tree phenology and other agroclimatic variables on B. oleae infestation dynamics in the Umbria region (Central Italy). Analyses were carried out on B. oleae infestation data collected in 79 olive groves during a 7-year period (from 2015 to 2021). In July–August, B. oleae infestation (1% attack) was negatively affected by altitude and spring mean daily temperatures and positively by higher winter mean daily temperatures and olive tree cumulative degree days. In September–October, infestation was negatively affected by a positive soil water balance and high spring temperatures. High altitude and cumulative plant degree days were related to delayed attacks. In contrast, high winter and spring temperatures accelerated them. Our results could be helpful for the development of predictive models and for increasing the reliability of decision support systems currently used in olive orchards.

Summary: Human genetic studies of critical COVID-19 pneumonia have revealed the essential role of type I interferon-dependent innate immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conversely, an association between the HLA-B∗15:01 allele and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated individuals was recently reported, suggesting a contribution of pre-existing T cell-dependent adaptive immunity. We report a lack of association of classical HLA alleles, including HLA-B∗15:01, with pre-omicron asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated participants in a prospective population-based study in the United States (191 asymptomatic vs. 945 symptomatic COVID-19 cases). Moreover, we found no such association in the international COVID Human Genetic Effort cohort (206 asymptomatic vs. 574 mild or moderate COVID-19 cases and 1,625 severe or critical COVID-19 cases). Finally, in the Human Challenge Characterisation study, the three HLA-B∗15:01 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed symptoms. As with other acute primary infections studied, no classical HLA alleles favoring an asymptomatic course of SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified.

ABSTRACT The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is an important forest species that yields natural rubber. Traditionally, rubber tree grafts are cultivated in clonal gardens on soil, which necessitates enormous acreage. However, this approach is not only inefficient in terms of productivity, but it also has nutritional and water control constraints. A tiny clonal garden with a balanced fertilizer treatment is an approach that has previously been employed for other species. To apply this same system to the rubber tree, the goal was to investigate the effects of applying macro and micronutrients via fertigation on the productivity of a mini rubber tree clonal garden, as well as to assess the efficacy of using green stems produced under these conditions in three grafting techniques. Five dosages of macro and micronutrients were administered to grafted rubber tree seedlings (clone ‘RRIM 600’ on ‘GT1’) before transplanting them into plastic pots. A totally randomized design was adopted, with five treatments and ten replications, each with two plants per pot, for a total of twenty plants per treatment. The shoot apex was cut after 105 days, and the green stems measuring more than 20 cm were harvested throughout the course of a year. The number of stems was highest in the months of January to March 2014, after 135 days, reaching 3 green stems per plant-1 per month-1, and productivity increased up to an estimated electrical conductivity of 1.64 mS cm-1. Nutrition was found to boost the output of the rubber tree clonal mini garden as well as the survival of grafts after grafting. The tiny clonal garden is a potential method for getting more vegetative rubber tree propagules.

Purpose: The present study aims to provide an overview of the topic of intellectual capital in SMEs in the construction industry. Identifying the different research paths based on a systematic literature review will allow effective knowledge of the topics under study and the definition of a research agenda for the future. Design/methodology/approach: This Systematic literature review considers articles collected from the Web of Science (WoS) database, a total of 105 scientific articles published in various reference journals without a defined time interval, using two analyses. A co-citation analysis allows the identification of the most influential authors and references cited within the theme, and a bibliographic coupling analysis enables the identification of the most referenced thematic clusters. Findings: The systematisation of the available literature through the bibliographic coupling analysis identified four clusters, namely cluster (1) Intellectual Capital and Organizational Performance, cluster (2) Knowledge Management, cluster (3) Innovation, and cluster (4) Strategic Partnerships. Originality: The study seeks to provide insights into effective strategies for leveraging intellectual resources to achieve organisational success in the construction industry., The steps that have already been taken are analysed, and the way forward is indicated through a future research agenda to strengthen a poorly explored area.

The increasing focus on promoting sustainable transportation in higher education institutions has resulted in studies that examine different aspects of the planning process. However, little research has focused on an essential element of the process: indicators of sustainable mobility in the context of university campuses. This gap is particularly noticeable in countries like Brazil, where this investigation was carried out. This study aimed to identify a set of key indicators to evaluate sustainable mobility on university campuses by taking into account their relevance and suitability to different contexts. The study combined knowledge gained from real-life planning initiatives with experts' judgment to identify the key indicators. After selecting potentially transferable indicators, we formed an expert panel with professionals from various university campuses to determine the degree of relevance and suitability of these indicators in different contexts. The results were analyzed using the Friedman non-parametric test, which indicated experts' agreement, in terms of relevance and suitability, in the following 13 indicators: Public transport infrastructure, Quality of pedestrian paths (inside and to access the campus), Parking spaces for users with mobility constraints, Urban public transport, Security within and around the campus, Universal access to buildings, Parking infrastructure, Bike racks and bike shelters, Infrastructure to access the campus, Adequacy of transport modes, Quality of campus roads, Cycling infrastructure, and Road safety campaigns. The final list may be particularly convenient for preliminary assessments or for universities that do not have resources available for wide-ranging evaluations of sustainable mobility.

Identifying the most suitable strategy for the adaptive reuse of historic architectural heritage is a complex challenge. This is because each rehabilitation project of an abandoned historic building must not only ensure the simultaneous pursuit of social, cultural and financial goals, but also the transmission of tangible and intangible values to future generations.In this context, the use of multi-criteria approaches helps to synthesise stakeholders' preferences based on multiple and conflicting criteria, with the aim of promoting sustainable solutions for the restoration and valorisation of valuable architectural assets. To this end, we characterise the Historical heritage - MultiCriteria Decision Method (H-MCDM), an analysis and evaluation tool aimed at identifying the best adaptive reuse of historic buildings considering the principles of architectural conservation and both economic and socio-cultural values. It is a model based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which employs 7 evaluation indicators, chosen after a critical and interpretative analysis of both the sustainability principles promoted by the United Nations and UNESCO, and the ICOMOS quality principles.The H-MCDM is structured on the following five logical-operational steps: (i) identification of strategies for adaptive reuse of the historic building; (ii) construction of the matrices of the pairwise comparisons of the criteria and estimation of the vector of the weights of the criteria; (iii) construction of the matrices of the pairwise comparisons of the alternatives against each evaluation criterion and estimation of the local scores of the alternatives; (iv) consistency checks of the decision matrices; (v) calculation of the total priority and ranking of the HBU strategies for historic assets.The application to a case study demonstrates that, due to its adaptability and versatility, the H-MCDM can be a valid and consistent decision support in public resource allocation processes for the rehabilitation of architectural heritage. • The H-MCDM is a flexible and practical tool to evaluate the best strategy for adaptive reuse of historical heritage. • The H-MCDM is an AHP-based model which employs 7 indicators relating to the social, cultural and economic spheres. • The evaluation indicators are chosen in accordance with 2030 SDGs and European Quality Principles.

BackgroundPrimary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is considered a rare cause of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), which is reported in 6% of children with PCD. The forms of PCD associated with the variants of the GAS8 gene identified so far seem to be linked to recurrent respiratory infections (sinusitis, otitis, and bronchiectasis) without situs inversus.Case presentationWe report a case of an 11-year-old girl with recurrent otitis media, productive cough, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis with homozygosity for a novel nonsense mutation in the GAS8.ConclusionChildren with CRSwNP should be treated in a multidisciplinary manner (ENT, pulmonologist, allergist, pathologist, pediatrician, and geneticist) because nasal polyposis often hides etiologies that must be recognized.

BackgroundCurrent guidelines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) recommend high volumes and/or intensities of physical activity (PA), the achievement of which generally requires participation in supervised exercise training programs that however are difficult to implement in routine clinical practice. Conversely, counselling interventions may be more suitable, but result in only modest increases in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA). This study assessed whether a counseling intervention for increasing PA and decreasing sedentary time (SED-time) is effective in improving NAFLD markers in people with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThree-hundred physically inactive and sedentary patients were randomized 1:1 to receive one-month theoretical and practical counseling once-a-year (intervention group) or standard care (control group) for 3 years. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γGT) levels were measured and fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were calculated. Total PA volume, light-intensity PA (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), and SED-time were objectively measured by an accelerometer.ResultsThroughout the 3-year period, NAFLD markers did not change in the control group, whereas ALT, γGT, FLI, and HSI decreased in the intervention group, with significant between-group differences, despite modest MVPA increases, which however were associated with larger decrements in SED-time and reciprocal increments in LPA. Mean changes in NAFLD markers varied according to quartiles of (and correlated with) changes in MVPA (all markers) and SED-time, LPA, and PA volume (ALT, γGT, and HSI). Mean changes in MVPA or PA volume were independent predictors of changes in NAFLD markers. When included in the models, change in cardiorespiratory fitness and lower body muscle strength were independently associated with some NAFLD markers.ConclusionA behavior change involving all domains of PA lifestyle, even if insufficient to achieve the recommended MVPA target, may provide beneficial effects on NAFLD markers in people with type 2 diabetes.

22-year-old male diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a genetic disorder characterized by benign tumors in various organs, with a focus on neurological implications. Central to the study is the development of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytomas (SEGAs), leading to hydrocephalus in the patient. The diagnosis of TSC was made in the patient’s childhood, and he was monitored regularly. The study highlights a significant growth in a subependymal nodule, leading to monoventricular hydrocephalus. MRI scans played a crucial role in identifying the progression of SEGAs and the subsequent hydrocephalus. The treatment approach involved endoscopic surgical removal of the SEGA, with histopathology confirming the diagnosis. Post-surgical outcomes over an eight-year follow-up period showed a normalization in ventricular size and the stability of other subependymal nodules, without any complications. This case underscores the importance of regular monitoring for TSC patients, early intervention for complications like hydrocephalus, and the need for a multidisciplinary treatment approach. The case study provides valuable insights into the management of neurodevelopmental disorders and the complexities surrounding TSC and SEGAs.