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A techno-economic assessment was made for thirteen large off-grid islands in the Philippines using HOMER Pro (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables Software) to determine the feasibility of integrating waste biomass into their energy systems. Sensitivity analysis on the diesel fuel prices and biomass feedstock prices was performed to determine their effects on the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and the renewable energy (RE) share. The results suggest that an average LCOE reduction of around 4.57 %, fuel reduction of 5.71 %, and RE share increase of 4.99 % can be realized by integrating biomass to the existing diesel system even without incorporation of other renewable energy generators such as solar photovoltaics. In cases where biomass is available in large quantities, and the energy demand is relatively low, LCOE reduction, fuel reduction, and RE share increase may even reach up to more than 20 %. This makes the integrated biomass-diesel hybrid system a viable option for reducing diesel consumption in the off-grid islands. And even with the establishment of a feedstock market, the biomass-diesel hybrid system still has a lower LCOE compared to the existing diesel-only systems. This work provides the first systematic techno-economic study on the potential of incorporating waste biomass in off-grid islands.

Summary: Dietary interventions are potentially effective therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). We tested the effect of 4-day fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) cycles on a chronic dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced murine model resulting in symptoms and pathology associated with IBD. These FMD cycles reduced intestinal inflammation, increased stem cell number, stimulated protective gut microbiota, and reversed intestinal pathology caused by DSS, whereas water-only fasting increased regenerative and reduced inflammatory markers without reversing pathology. Transplants of Lactobacillus or fecal microbiota from DSS- and FMD-treated mice reversed DSS-induced colon shortening, reduced inflammation, and increased colonic stem cells. In a clinical trial, three FMD cycles reduced markers associated with systemic inflammation. The effect of FMD cycles on microbiota composition, immune cell profile, intestinal stem cell levels and the reversal of pathology associated with IBD in mice, and the anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated in a clinical trial show promise for FMD cycles to ameliorate IBD-associated inflammation in humans. : Rangan et al. show that cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) ameliorate intestinal inflammation, promote intestinal regeneration, and stimulate the growth of protective gut microbial populations in a mouse model displaying symptoms and pathology associated with IBD. They also show that a similar FMD is safe, feasible, and effective in reducing systemic inflammation and the consequent high levels of immune cells in humans. Keywords: fasting-mimicking diet, gut microbiota, microbiome, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, inflammation, fasting, intermittent fasting

Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) is a frequent complication after repair of congenital heart disease. Three different GRK isoforms (GRK2, GRK5, and GRK3) and two β-adrenoceptors (β1-AR and β2-AR) are present in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and their expression changes as a consequence of the hemodynamic and neurohumoral alterations that occur in some cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, they could be useful as biomarkers in PR. A prospective study was conducted to describe the expression (TaqMan Gene Expression Assays) of β-ARs and GRKs in PBMC isolated (Ficoll® gradient) from patients with severe PR before and after pulmonary valve replacement and establish if this expression correlates to clinical status. 23 patients with severe PR were included and compared with 22 healthy volunteers (controls). PR patients before the PVR had a significantly lower expression of β2-AR (513.8 ± 261.2 mRNA copies) vs. controls (812.5 ± 497.2 mRNA copies), so as GRK2 expression (503.4 ± 364.9 copies vs. 858.1 ± 380.3 mRNA copies). The expression of β2-AR and GRK2 significantly decreases in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, as well as in patients under treatment with beta-blockers and non-treated patients. The expression of β2-AR and GRK2 in PR patients recovers the normal values after pulmonary valve replacement (754,8 ± 77,1 and 897,8 ± 87,4 copies, respectively). Therefore, changes in the expression of β2-AR and GRK2 in PBMC of PR patients, could be considered as potential biomarkers to determine clinical decisions.

Renewable energy (RE) utilization is expected to increase in the coming years due to its decreasing costs and the mounting socio-political pressure to decarbonize the world’s energy systems. On the other hand, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are on track to hit the target 100 USD/kWh price in the next decade due to economy of scale and manufacturing process improvements, evident in the rise in Li-ion gigafactories. The forecast of RE and Li-ion technology costs is important for planning RE integration into existing energy systems. Previous cost predictions on Li-ion batteries were conducted using conventional learning curve models based on a single factor, such as either installed capacity or innovation activity. A two-stage learning curve model was recently investigated wherein mineral costs were taken as a factor for material cost to set the floor price, and material cost was a major factor for the battery pack price. However, these models resulted in the overestimation of future prices. In this work, the future prices of Li-ion nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery packs - a battery chemistry of choice in the electric vehicle and stationary grid storage markets - were projected up to year 2025 using multi-factor learning curve models. Among the generated models, the two-factor learning curve model has the most realistic and statistically sound results having learning rates of 21.18% for battery demand and 3.0% for innovation. By year 2024, the projected price would fall below the 100 USD/kWh industry benchmark battery pack price, consistent with most market research predictions. Techno-economic case studies on the microgrid applications of the forecasted prices of Li-ion NMC batteries were conducted. Results showed that the decrease in future prices of Li-ion NMC batteries would make 2020 and 2023 the best years to start investing in an optimum (solar photovoltaic + wind + diesel generator + Li-ion NMC) and 100% RE (solar photovoltaic + wind + Li-ion NMC) off-grid energy system, respectively. A hybrid grid-tied (solar photovoltaic + grid + Li-ion NMC) configuration is the best grid-tied energy system under the current net metering policy, with 2020 being the best year to deploy the investment.

The industrial sector is a major contributor to the economic growth of the Philippines. However, it is also one of the top consumers of energy, which is produced mainly from fossil fuels. The Philippine industrial sector must therefore be supported economically while minimizing the emissions associated with energy consumption. A potential strategy for minimizing costs and emissions is the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules on the rooftops of industrial facilities, but this approach is hindered by existing energy policies in the country. In this work, we performed a techno-economic assessment on the implementation of rooftop solar PV in Philippine industrial facilities under different policy scenarios. Our study considered 139 randomly sampled industrial plants under MERALCO franchise area in the Philippines. Under the current net metering policy, 132 of the evaluated facilities were economically viable for the integration of rooftop solar PV. This corresponds to an additional 1035 MWp of solar PV capacity and the avoidance of 8.4 million tons of CO2 emissions with minimal financial risk. In comparison, an expanded net metering policy supports the deployment of 4653 MWp of solar PV and the avoidance of 38 million tons of CO2. By enabling an enhanced net metering policy, the widespread application of rooftop solar PV may present considerable savings and emission reduction for energy-intensive industries (electrical and semiconductors, cement and concrete, steel and metals, and textile and garments) and lower generation costs for less energy intensive industries (construction and construction materials, transportation and logistics, and food and beverages).

Several confirmed cases of arsenic (As) poisoning have been reported in Central Luzon, the Philippines, in recent years. There is a growing interest in As research in the Philippines due to the reported As poisoning cases. However, an extensive spatiotemporal As study has not been conducted. In this work, As concentration measurements were conducted in 101 wells in Guagua, Pampanga, in Central Luzon, the Philippines, from November 2018 to November 2019. The wells included 86 public hand pumps, 10 pumping stations, and 5 private, jet-powered pumps. Using hydride generation—inductively coupled plasma—optical emission spectroscopy (HG-ICP-OES), analysis of the wells in 12 barangays in Guagua revealed that 38.7% had average As concentrations beyond the 10 ppb limit with some wells having high Mn (4.0 ppm) and Fe (2.0 ppm) content as well. The high pH and reducing conditions in the wells in Guagua may have contributed to the persistence of As in the groundwater. The mean difference in wet season versus dry season As measurements were −4.4 (As < 10 ppb), −13.2 (10 to 50 ppb As), and −27.4 (As > 50 ppb). Eighty-three wells (82.2%) had higher As concentrations in the dry season, 8 wells (7.92%) had higher As concentrations in the wet season, 7 wells (6.93%) had no significant difference between the wet and dry season, and 3 wells had been decommissioned. These results indicate that there is a significant difference in As concentrations in the wet and dry seasons, and this could have implications in water treatment technology and policy implementation. The work resulted in the first year-long characterization of groundwater As in the Philippines.

Arsenic (As) is a naturally occurring element in the environment that poses significant risks to human health. Several treatment technologies have been successfully used in the treatment of As-contaminated waters. However, limited literature has explored advanced electrocoagulation (EC) processes for As removal. The present study evaluates the As removal performance of electrocoagulation, electrochemical peroxidation (ECP), and photo-assisted electrochemical peroxidation (PECP) technologies at circumneutral pH using electroactive iron electrodes. The influence of As speciation and the role of oxidants in As removal were investigated. We have identified the ECP process to be a promising alternative for the conventional EC with around 4-fold increase in arsenic removal capacity at a competitive cost of 0.0060 $/m3. Results also indicated that the rate of As(III) oxidation at the outset of electrochemical treatment dictates the extent of As removal. Both ECP and PECP processes reached greater than 96% As(III) conversion at 1 C/L and achieved 86% and 96% As removal at 5 C/L, respectively. Finally, the mechanism of As(III) oxidation was evaluated, and results showed that Fe(IV) is the intermediate oxidant generated in advanced EC processes, and the contribution of •OH brought by UV irradiation is insignificant.

Philippine off-grid islands are mostly electrified by diesel generators, resulting in costly electricity that is interrupted by fuel supply disruptions. The archipelagic nature of the country also impedes off-grid electrification due to the high capital cost of grid extension. Transitioning from diesel-only systems to hybrid renewable energy systems and interconnecting the island microgrids can solve these problems while promoting cleaner energy production. In this work, a comparative study on decentralized and clustered hybrid renewable energy system microgrids in the Polillo group of islands in the Philippines, using HOMER Pro, was performed. Microgrids comprising solar photovoltaics, lithium-ion battery energy storage, and diesel generators were designed on each island. Clustered systems encompassing multiple islands in the island group were simulated by also considering the least-cost interconnection paths. The techno-economics of each decentralized or clustered system and the four-island system were evaluated based on the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Reliability was assessed using the change in LCOE upon the failure of a component and during weather disturbances. Transitioning from diesel-only systems to hybrid systems reduces generation costs by an average of 42.01% and increases the renewable energy share to 80%. Interconnecting the hybrid systems results in an average increase of 2.34% in generation costs due to the cost of submarine cables but improves system reliability and reduces the optimum solar photovoltaic and lithium-ion storage installations by 6.66% and 8.71%, respectively. This research serves as a framework for the interconnection pre-feasibility analysis of other small off-grid islands.

The electrooxidation kinetics of ethanol is key to making direct ethanol fuel cells and electrocatalytically reforming ethanol viable technologies for a more sustainable energy conversion. In this study, the electrooxidation of ethanol was investigated on nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) catalysts synthesized using a facile solvothermal method. Variations in the temperature, heating time, and the addition of oleylamine in the precursor enabled the phase and morphology control of the catalysts. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy show that the addition of oleylamine in the precursor resulted in microspheres with a high surface area, but favored the formation of β-phase Ni(OH)2. Elevated temperatures or prolonged periods of heating in a controlled environment, on the other hand, can lead to the formation of the ethanol oxidation reaction-active α-phase. Among the synthesized catalysts, the α-Ni(OH)2 microspheres with nanoflakes achieved the highest activity for ethanol oxidation with a current density of 24.4 mA cm−2 at 1.55 V (vs. RHE, reversible hydrogen electrode) in cyclic voltammetry tests and stable at 40 mA cm−2 in chronoamperometric tests at the same potential, comparatively higher than other Ni-based catalysts found in the literature. While the overpotential is beyond the useful range for direct ethanol fuel cells, it may be useful for understanding the mechanism of ethanol oxidation reactions on transition metal hydroxides at their oxidizing potential for ethanol electroreforming.

Freshwater in off-grid islands is sourced from rain, groundwater, or mainland imports, which are unreliable, limited, and expensive, respectively. Sustainable freshwater generation from desalination of abundant seawater is another alternative worth exploring. Model-based techno-economic simulations have focused on reverse osmosis desalination due to its low energy consumption and decreasing costs. However, reverse osmosis requires frequent and costly membrane replacement. Other desalination technologies have advantages such as less stringent feedwater requirements, but detailed studies are yet to be done. In this work, a techno-economic comparison of multi-effect distillation, multi-stage flash, mechanical vapor compression, and reverse osmosis coupled with solar photovoltaic-lithium ion-diesel hybrid system was performed by comparing power flows to study the interaction between energy and desalination components. Optimization with projected costs were then performed to investigate future trends. Lastly, we used stochastic generation and demand profiles to infer uncertainties in energy and desalination unit sizing. Reverse osmosis is favorable due to low energy and water costs, as well as possible compatibility with renewable energy systems. Multi-effect distillation and multi-stage flash may also be advantageous for low-risk applications due to system robustness.

Sluggish kinetics in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) requires low-cost and highly durable electrocatalysts ideally produced from facile methods. In this work, we explored the conversion and utilization of waste biomass as potential carbon support for α-MnO2 catalyst in enhancing its ORR performance. Carbon supports were derived from different waste biomass via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) at different temperature and duration, followed by KOH activation and subsequent heat treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) were used for morphological, chemical, and structural characterization, which revealed porous and amorphous carbon supports for α-MnO2. Electrochemical studies on ORR activity suggest that carbon-supported α-MnO2 derived from HTC of corncobs at 250 °C for 12 h (CCAC + MnO2 250-12) gives the highest limiting current density and lowest overpotential among the synthesized carbon-supported catalysts. Moreover, CCAC + MnO2 250-12 facilitates ORR through a 4-e‑ pathway, and exhibits higher stability compared to VC + MnO2 (Vulcan XC-72) and 20% Pt/C. The synthesis conditions preserve oxygen functional groups and form porous structures in corncobs, which resulted in a highly stable catalyst. Thus, this work provides a new and cost-effective method of deriving carbon support from biomass that can enhance the activity of α-MnO2 towards ORR.

Energy poverty or lack of access to electricity is still a pressing development challenge worldwide particularly in archipelagic countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. As rural electrification in these remote areas through on-grid extension becomes costly, these communities typically resort to diesel-powered off-grid generators, characterized by high operating costs, unstable supply and price of fuel, and environmental issues. The deployment of clean energy alternatives is clearly needed, but these must be selected systematically using multiple but possibly conflicting criteria. Currently, the decision on which technology to use is derived based on the levelized cost of electricity primarily. In this illustrative case study, a novel multi-criteria decision-making methodology is proposed for the selection of the most appropriate energy system for the off-grid electrification of Marinduque Island. Eight technology combination options were evaluated using six criteria covering socio-economic, environmental, and technical aspects. Fuzzy AHP was used to derive weights of the criteria while addressing ambiguity and subjectivity of decision-makers. Performances of the technology options across different criteria were determined quantitatively via techno-economic simulations, or qualitatively via domain expert estimates. Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) was then used to aggregate the entire range of performance attributes of each alternative into a single score. Results indicate that system reliability and social acceptability are the most important criteria in selecting hybrid energy systems for off-grid electrification. Among the eight alternatives, the fuel saver (diesel-solar PV hybrid) and diesel-solar PV-Li-ion hybrid systems yield the highest performance scores. The prioritization was mainly affected by system reliability and social acceptability, indicating that decision making for the attainment of sustainable island energy supply should not be limited to technical and economic considerations only. This is consistent with the current worldwide trend of implementing the diesel-solar PV-Li-ion hybrid systems in off-grid areas, thus, validating the applicability of the facile methodology developed in this work.

Abstract The hypothesis of this study was that the peri-implant bone healing of the group of pinealectomized rats would differ from the control group. The samples were subjected to immunohistochemical, microtomographic (total porosity and connectivity density), and fluorochrome (mineralized surface) analyses. Objectives The goal of this study was to investigate the cellular changes and bone remodeling dynamics along the bone/implant interface in pinealectomized rats. Material and Methods The total of 18 adult male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar) was divided into three groups (n=6): control (CO), pinealectomized without melatonin (PNX) and pinealectomized with melatonin (PNXm). All animals were submitted to the first surgery (pinealectomy), except the CO group. Thirty days after the pinealectomy without melatonin, the second surgery was conducted, in which all animals received an implant in each tibia (36 titanium implants with surface treatment were installed – Implalife® São Paulo, SP, Brazil). By gavage, the rats of the PNX group received the vehicle solution, and the procedure. Results Immunohistochemical analysis for runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OP) and osteocalcin (OC) showed that the bone repair process in the PNXm group was similar to that of the CO group, whereas the PNX group showed a delay. The microtomographic parameters of total porosity [Po(tot)] and bone surface (BS) showed no statistically significant differences, whereas for the connective density (Conn.Dn) a statistical difference was found between the CO and PNXm groups. Fluorochrome analysis of the active mineralized surface showed statistically significant difference between the CO and PNX and between the CO and PNXm groups. Conclusion The absence of the pineal gland impaired the bone repair process during osseointegration, however the daily melatonin replacement was able to restore this response.

Abstract Raloxifene is an antiresorptive drug, selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Objective To evaluate proteins related to bone repair at the peri-implant bone in a rat model of osteoporosis treated with raloxifene. Material and Methods 72 rats were divided into three groups: SHAM (healthy animals), OVX (ovariectomized animals), and RLX (ovariectomized animals treated with raloxifene). Raloxifene was administered by gavage (1 mg/kg/day). Tibial implantation was performed 30 days after ovariectomy, and animals were euthanized at 14, 42, and 60 days postoperatively. Samples were collected and analyzed by immunohistochemical reactions, molecular analysis, and microtomographic parameters. Results RLX showed intense staining of all investigated proteins at both time points except for RUNX2. These results were similar to SHAM and opposite to OVX, showing mild staining. The PCR gene expression of OC and ALP values for RLX (P

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteoconductive potential of BoneCeramic™ on bone healing in rat calvaria 5-mm defects. Material and Methods: A 5-mm calvaria bone defect was induced in three groups and the defect was not filled with biomaterial [Clot Group (CG)], autogenous bone (AG), or Bone Ceramic Group (BCG). Animals were euthanized after 14 or 28 days and the bone tissue within the central area of the bone defect was evaluated. Results were compared using ANOVA and Tukey test (p

The monothematic issue of Pedagogika, Historical Reflection of Education and Its Significance in (Not Only) Teacher Education, tackles several questions and problematic areas at a time.

Se presenta un análisis de las formas de coordinación agroindustrial en una región del pací­fico sur de México, en Chiapas, en el contexto de los procesos de globalización y de la transformación neoliberal del Estado. Se examinan tres agroindustrias: mango, lácteos-queso y productos no tradicionales. Se basa en trabajo de campo directo que incluye estudios de caso por agroindustria. La atención se centra en la organización para la competitividad del sistema agroindustrial; la coordinación de las cadenas especí­ficas y su relación con condiciones de competitividad territorial. Las conclusiones revelan la diversidad de formas de organización industrial en la globalización.

Aim. To evaluate the safe use of a new calcium channel blocker, lercanidipine, in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF); the protective effect of calcium channel blocker on renal function in CRF patients previously treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). Material and methods. The study included 203 CRF patients (creatinine >1,4 mg/dL for men, >1,2 mg/dL for women; or creatinine clearance

In this paper, the authors review the history of the pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder, from the first nonspecific sedative agents introduced in the 19th and early 20th century, such as solanaceae alkaloids, bromides and barbiturates, to John Cade’s experiments with lithium and the beginning of the so-called “Psychopharmacological Revolution” in the 1950s. We also describe the clinical studies and development processes, enabling the therapeutic introduction of pharmacological agents currently available for the treatment of bipolar disorder in its different phases and manifestations. Those drugs include lithium salts, valproic acid, carbamazepine, new antiepileptic drugs, basically lamotrigine and atypical antipsychotic agents (olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone, aripiprazole, asenapine, cariprazine and lurasidone). Finally, the socio-sanitary implications derived from the clinical introduction of these drugs are also discussed.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Pacientes en tratamiento con estatinas suelen presentar numerosos problemas relacionados con la medicación, no solo de seguridad sino también de necesidad y de efectividad. OBJETIVO: Proponer un algoritmo de actuación del farmacéutico comunitario en la dispensación de estatinas para optimizar la utilización de este grupo de medicamentos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Recogida de datos (cuestionario) en farmacia comunitaria (3 meses) en pacientes con prescripción de estatinas. Determinación de presión arterial, IMC, perímetro abdominal y cálculo del riesgo cardiovascular (RCV) (tablas SCORE y REGICOR). RESULTADOS: Se incluyen 48 pacientes. Se evidencia falta de control del colesterol (25%) y de la presión arterial (48%). Se deriva al médico el 21% que tiene la presión arterial >140/90 mm Hg y no están diagnosticados. También se derivan al médico cuando la falta de adherencia no es la causa de la inefectividad (29%) o cuando no tienen RCV alto (38%) que justifique la necesidad de estatina. En los restantes se detecta necesidad de información/educación y se interviene. Se han realizado un total de 145 intervenciones enel 90% de pacientes incluidos. En base a estos resultados se propone un algoritmo simplificado de actuación en la dispensación de estatinas. CONCLUSIONES: El grupo de pacientes tratados con estatinas es susceptible de actuación por parte del farmacéutico comunitario, que, mediante un algoritmo de actuación sencillo, puede detectar durante la dispensación numerosos problemas relacionados con la medicación e intervenir para mejorar el uso y la efectividad de estos fármacos.

We investigated the responses of the assemblage of Oligochaeta and Aeolosomatidae to organic pollution; comparing taxonomic richness, diversity, abundance, and diet of the individuals inhabiting two lowland streams with different degrees of anthropic impact (the Rodríguez and the Carnaval) belonging to the Río de la Plata basin, Argentina. The physicochemical parameters in the Rodríguez Stream indicated a strong deterioration of the water quality compared to that of the Carnaval. A canonical-correlation analysis indicated that the Tubificinae, Megadrili, Enchytraeidae, and Rhyacodrilinae were more closely associated with the Rodríguez Stream; whereas the Naidinae, Pristininae, and Opystocystidae were more highly represented in the Carnaval. The diversity and taxonomic richness in the Rodríguez Stream exhibited significant differences from those of the Carnaval (P

Apply It!: By reading this article, exercise professionals will learn: • Physical fitness has an important role during pregnancy, specifically in maternal and neonatal health. • An individualized, client-specific approach to selection and administration of physical fitness tests ensures safe and specific exercise program interventions and optimizes health-related outcomes in pregnant women. • Developing a proposal of fitness tests during pregnancy based on scientific evidence is useful for researchers, fitness professionals, health care providers, and pregnant individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]