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Biodiesel is a promising fuel with the potential to reduce some negative aspects of fossil fuels, such as the emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs), the scarcity of natural resources and market instability. To amplify its low durability and stability the use of technologies based on molecular compounds that reduce the oxidation rate of biodiesel and preserve its physical–chemical properties is very common and necessary throughout the world. To reduce oxidative stability problems of diesel–biodiesel blends, arylsulfonamide chalcones were evaluated as potential additives for B20 blends. In this study, comprehensive structural, computational, and experimental analyses were undertaken to understand the antioxidant potential of these compounds as possible additives. The supramolecular arrangements were stabilized by weak molecular interactions (C–H⋯O and C–H⋯π), which are related to antioxidant and antibacterial action, and groups can act as electron-donating substituents. The energy range of 593.1–570.2 kJ mol−1 in the frontier molecular orbitals indicates high structural stability, due particularly to sulfonamide groups which enable electrophilic attack. Furthermore, the Fukui function aligned with kinetics parameters, obtained using machine learning protocols, provided information to clarify and expand the comprehension of chalcone antioxidant features mediated by free-radical capture. The heat of combustion indicated good energy availability (6530.5–7306.5 kcal kg−1), close to those of conventional fuels. In addition, the oxidative stability of the diesel–biodiesel blend (B20) remained at around 27 hours, after 140 days of storage, which is better than for some commercial additives. We hope that this comprehensive study will support the understanding of chalcone-based compounds as alternatives to fuel additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O presente trabalho se propõe a estudar os Direitos Humanos, haja vista a árdua luta para a proteção e a conquista destes direitos primários e essenciais de cada cidadão. A essência deste artigo é a análise da evolução da proteção do ser humano, primeiramente no plano interno dos países, passando a tutela internacional, a fim de estabelecer a justificativa para a sua existência. Ainda, o conteúdo do texto se inclina ao estudo da aplicabilidade e da efetividade dos Direitos Humanos no contexto atual, buscando seus aspectos mais relevantes, que tem como intento tornar exigível as normas de proteção da pessoa humana.

Naturally regenerating forests or secondary forests (SFs) are a promising strategy for restoring large expanses of tropical forests at low cost and with high environmental benefits. This expectation is supported by the high resilience of tropical forests after natural disturbances, yet this resilience can be severely reduced by human impacts. Assessing the characteristics of SFs and their ecological integrity (EI) is essential to evaluating their role for conservation, restoration, and provisioning of ecosystem services. In this study, we aim to propose a concept and indicators that allow the assessment and classification of the EI of SFs. To this end, we review the literature to assess how EI has been addressed in different ecosystems and which indicators of EI are most commonly used for tropical forests. Building upon this knowledge we propose a modification of the concept of EI to embrace SFs and suggest indicators of EI that can be applied to different successional stages or stand ages. Additionally, we relate these indicators to ecosystem service provision in order to support the practical application of the theory. EI is generally defined as the ability of ecosystems to support and maintain composition, structure and function similar to the reference conditions of an undisturbed ecosystem. This definition does not consider the temporal dynamics of recovering ecosystems, such as SFs. Therefore, we suggest incorporation of an optimal successional trajectory as a reference in addition to the old‐growth forest reference. The optimal successional trajectory represents the maximum EI that can be attained at each successional stage in a given region and enables the evaluation of EI at any given age class. We further suggest a list of indicators, the main ones being: compositional indicators (species diversity/richness and indicator species); structural indicators (basal area, heterogeneity of basal area and canopy cover); function indicators (tree growth and mortality); and landscape proxies (landscape heterogeneity, landscape connectivity). Finally, we discuss how this approach can assist in defining the value of SF patches to provide ecosystem services, restore forests and contribute to ecosystem conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional, trans-cervical thyroidectomy results in the presence of a neck scar, which has been shown to correlate with lower quality of life and lower patient satisfaction. Transoral thyroid surgery (TOTS) has been utilized as an alternative approach to avoid a cutaneous incision and scar by accessing the neck and thyroid through the oral cavity. This study was designed to evaluate patient preference through health-state utility scores for TOTS as compared to conventional trans-cervical thyroidectomy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patient preferences were elicited for TOTS and trans-cervical thyroidectomy with the use of an online survey. Respondents were asked to consider 4 hypothetical health scenarios involving thyroid surgery with varying approaches. Health-state utility scores were elicited using visual analog scale and standard gamble exercises. Results: Overall, 516 respondents completed the survey, of whom 261 (50.6%) were included for analysis, with a mean age of 41.5 years (SD 14.9 years), including 171 (65.5%) females. Health utility scores were similar for TOTS and conventional transcervical techniques. Statistically significant differences in the standard gamble utility score were noted for gender and ethnicity across all scenarios. Comparisons of visual analog score utilities were not statistically significant based on respondent demographics. Conclusion: Preferences for TOTS and trans-cervical thyroidectomy did not significantly differ in the current study. Females and white ethnicity indicated stronger preference for a TOTs approach compared to males and other ethnicities, respectively. Some literature suggests certain types of patients who might prefer minimally invasive thyroidectomy more so than other patients—in keeping with the current findings of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An international survey was conducted to investigate the preferences for completion lymph node dissection (CLND) in head and neck melanomas. Methods: A questionnaire was sent through the American Society of Head & Neck Surgery (AHNS) and Canadian Society of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery (CSO). Results: Hundred and forty‐nine surgeons completed the survey. Response rate was 6.3% and 9.7% from AHNS and CSO members, respectively. When presented the scenario of a 47‐year‐old male with a clinical T3bN0 cheek melanoma, with 1/1 positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) with nodal deposit <2 mm, 72 of respondents (48.3%) would perform a CLND. Reasons for CLND included multiples positive SLN (64.1%), size of nodal deposits (54.2%), and perceived lack of compliance to follow‐up (54.2%). Surgeons with access to immunotherapy treatment were less likely to recommend CLND (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Following SLN biopsy, nearly half of the surveyed head and neck surgeons would recommend CLND, which contrasts with the current melanoma practice patterns in other anatomic locations. However, compared with an earlier study in the literature it does seem that there has been a shift away from completion neck dissection. Further investigation into understanding practice variations is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we investigate the effect of the number of available adsorption sites for diffusing particles in a liquid confined between walls where the adsorption (desorption) phenomena occur. We formulate and numerically solve a model for particles governed by Fickian's law of diffusion, where the dynamics at the surfaces obey the Langmuir kinetic equation. The ratio between the available number of adsorption sites and the number of total particles are used as a control parameter. The investigation is carried out in terms of characteristic times of the system for different initial configurations, as well as the cases of identical or non-identical surfaces. We calculate the bulk and surface densities dynamics, as well as the variance of the system, and demonstrate that the number of sites affects the bulk, surface distributions, and diffusive regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian Amazon is part of one of the largest river systems in the world, in which the transport of cargo and passengers is commonplace. However, several accidents still occur to passenger ships, causing fatalities. Transportation occurs commonly in remote regions, where there are transport inequalities, and emergency assistance is hard to find. This can affect sustainability in communities with considerable levels of economic and social vulnerability. More information is needed about accidents involving inland transport in the Amazon, to identify the threats to ships and propose strategies for accident prevention. This paper addresses the main problems that long-distance passenger ships face in the Brazilian Amazon, presenting an integrated framework towards accident prevention. First, the present situation is characterized in terms of ship description, spatial distribution, and regulations that are applicable. Next, possible causes of passenger ship accidents are discussed, including topics of concern that should be considered in the Amazon waterways. Finally, measures to help minimize passenger ship accidents are proposed, and the social relevance is discussed. It was found that accidents in the Amazon are due to a combination of human and environmental factors. Stakeholders should strengthen the technical and legal training of ship operators. The use of new technologies for navigational aid and necessary maintenance of ships is suggested. Marine accident prevention initiatives should consider local conditions, such as environmental preservation, cultural respect, and difficulties related to navigation through the complex riverine system of the Amazon region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate clinical outcome of low (G1), intermediate (G2), and high‐(G3) grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) of the parotid gland. Study Design: Retrospective chart review including 212 patients. Clinicopathological data was statistically analyzed regarding grading, overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS). Results: 105 (49.5%) G1, 73 (34.5%) G2, and 34 (16%) G3 MEC were included and 56 (26.4%) patients presented with neck node metastases. The risk of occult nodal metastases was significantly associated with grading and increased from 9.2% in G1 to 26.7% and 27.8% in G2 and G3 tumors, respectively (p = 0.008). Elective periparotid and cervical lymph node dissection was performed in 170 (80.2%) and 70 (33%) patients, respectively. All patients with positive periparotid nodes when subjected to an additional neck dissection had associated cervical neck node involvement (p < 0.001). Grading was an independent significant prognostic factor for OS (HR 4.05; 95%CI: 1.15–14.35; p = 0.030) and DSS (HR 17.35; 95%CI: 1.10–273.53; p = 0.043). In a subgroup analysis, elective neck dissection (END) was also significantly associated with a better DFS (p = 0.041) in neck node‐negative G1 MECs. Conclusion: The risk of occult nodal metastasis in intermediate‐grade MEC is as high as in high‐grade MEC and that END in G1 tumors is associated with a prolonged DFS. Additionally, periparotid node involvement seems to be a predictor for positive neck node involvement. This study presents some preliminary data to consider END in clinically neck node negative patients with parotid MEC; however, larger series are needed. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:124–132, 2023 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]