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Ultrathin whitetopping (UTW) is a rehabilitation technique that consists of pouring a thin layer of concrete on top of distressed asphalt pavement. UTW has shown satisfactory performance in the field; however, due to the brittleness of concrete, early pavement failure has been reported. Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) have been considered for UTW applications due to its superior tensile ductility, flexural performance, and fatigue resistance in order to serve as an alternative to concrete. To investigate this application, an ECC-UTW was constructed at the Pavement Research Facility (PRF) in Port Allen, Louisiana. A critical factor that contributes to the performance of UTWs is the bond strength with the existing asphalt concrete (AC) layer. Therefore, prior to loading, a series of laboratory bond tests were conducted on drilled core specimens to characterize the strength of ECC/AC and concrete/AC interfaces. Two existing AC surface conditions were considered: milled and unmilled. ECC/AC and concrete/AC specimens were prepared and subjected to direct shear in accordance with AASHTO TP 114. Furthermore, the tensile bond strength was assessed through the pull-off test by ASTM C1583. Results showed that concrete had a superior bond strength with AC compared to ECC under the direct shear condition. In addition, the pull-off tests carried out in the UTW also indicated that concrete had a superior bond in tension with the AC substrate compared to ECC. Interfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy–electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), and findings indicated a lack of hydration products at the ECC/AC interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMaterial and methodsResultsConclusionsFleck corneal dystrophy (FCD) is a rare autosomal dominant disease that affects exclusively the corneal stroma. The disease is caused by heterozygous variants in PIKFYVE, a gene encoding a lipid kinase involved in multiple cellular pathways, primarily participating in membrane dynamics and signaling. This report describes a familial case of FCD caused by a complete deletion of the PIKFYVE gene.A clinical ophthalmic examination was performed on the proband and family members. Genetic testing included next-generation sequencing (multigene panel), and chromosomal microarray analysis. A quantitative PCR assay was designed in order to segregate the deletion.A 19-year-old male, with no family or personal history of ocular disease, presented for evaluation due to an acute illness consisting of burning, foreign body sensation, and red eye. Slit lamp biomicroscopy revealed bilateral small pterygia and scattered bilateral white opacities in the corneal stroma, a very similar corneal phenotype was found in the 47-year-old father, who was asymptomatic. NGS detected a heterozygous deletion of the entire PIKFYVE coding sequence. CMA in DNA from the propositus indicated a 543 kb deletion in 2q33.3q34 spanning the entire PIKFYVE gene. The deletion was confirmed in the father.We add to the molecular spectrum of FCD by describing a familial case of a whole PIKFYVE gene deletion in affected subjects. Our findings support that normal expression of PIKFYVE is necessary for corneal keratocytes homeostasis and normal corneal appearance. We conclude that PIKFYVE haploinsufficiency is the molecular mechanism underlying this familial case of FCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sympathetic restoration and conservation of built cultural heritage play a significant role in the management and preparedness for future climate scenarios by facilitating adaptive reuse, enhancing cultural resilience, preserving traditional knowledge, and boosting tourism. The importance of restoring damaged heritage sites after an earthquake drew international attention to Nepal after the 2015 Gorka Earthquake. UNESCO established an office in Kathmandu to promote the restoration of tangible and intangible heritage in the area. This included developing structural analyses of buildings with historical and cultural value that, due to their nature, cannot be intervened with the same methodology as modern buildings. In this paper, the case study of the earthquake-damaged Gopinath temple is discussed. First, an initial visual inspection phase and the following diagnosis of the structure are discussed. Then, the results from a series of static and dynamic structural analyses performed to determine the safety level of the structure, together with a sensitivity analysis, are presented. A sympathetic intervention proposal capable of increasing the temple's safety level, and based on the addition of timber plates, has resulted in substantial improvements in the lateral behavior of the structure. The proposed intervention is deemed sustainable and able to increase the resilience of the temple in the face of future hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women with left-sided breast cancer receiving adjuvant radiotherapy have increased incidence of cardiac mortality due to ischemic heart disease; to date, no threshold dose for late cardiac/pulmonary morbidity or mortality has been established. We investigated the likelihood of cardiac death and radiation pneumonitis in women with left-sided breast cancer who received comprehensive lymph node irradiation. The differences in dosimetric parameters between free-breathing (FB) and deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) techniques were also addressed. Based on NTCP calculations, the probability of cardiac death was significantly reduced with the DIBH compared to the FB technique (p < 0.001). The risk of radiation pneumonitis was not clinically significant. There was no difference in coverage between FB and DIBH plans. Doses to healthy structures were significantly lower in DIBH plan than in FB plan for V20, V30, and ipsilateral total lung volume. Inspiratory gating reduces the dose absorbed by the heart without compromising the target range, thus reducing the likelihood of cardiac death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meshless methods are a type of numerical method used to simulate continuum mechanics problems. These methods have been applied to several types of problems, there are a few works using meshless method focused on dynamic problems, but most works study static loading conditions. The current work aims at using two different meshless methods, the Radial Point Interpolation Method (RPIM) and the Natural Neighbours RPIM (NNRPIM), in a dynamic problem, specifically forced vibrations. This problem requires time integration, therefore three different time integration methods have also been tested, namely: the Central Difference Method (CDM), the Wilson method, and the Newmark method. The CDM is an explicit method, while the other two are implicit. A discretization study was performed to assess the ideal nodal discretization before the numerical and time integration methods are validated. For the implicit methods, different time step lengths were also tested. In the final example damping was introduced. The results prove the validity of the two meshless methods by having similar results to the Finite Element Method (FEM) using the three distinct time integration methods, different loading conditions, and damping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the properties of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) obtained from different production processes for use as partial replacement of cement: (1) minimally post-processed (MP) SCBA, obtained by sieving and grinding SCBA from Louisiana's sugarcane field production; (2) fully post-processed (FP) SCBA, obtained by sieving, further burning under controlled conditions at temperature T, and grinding field-produced SCBA, denoted as FP-T; and (3) laboratory-produced (LP) SCBA, obtained by controlled burning at temperature T of bagasse fibers and grinding of the obtained ashes, denoted as LP-T. The temperatures of burning, T, for FP-T and LP-T SCBA were varied between 450 and 650 °C at 50 °C intervals. The significance of this study is the valorization of agricultural waste for the production of low-carbon concrete for transportation applications in Louisiana, and other locations where SCBA are produced from a low-efficiency boiler in a sugar mill. A comprehensive characterization of the different SCBA materials was conducted, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), laser diffraction particle size analysis, Chapelle's test, strength activity index (SAI), loss on ignition (LOI), and moisture content. Experimental results showed that all LP-T and FP-T SCBAs met ASTM C618 chemical requirements and SAI requirements for Class N pozzolans. By contrast, MP SCBA did not meet these requirements, thus resulting in unsuitable SCM application. LP calcinated at 650 °C and FP calcinated at 450 °C exhibited the greatest SAI and SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3 among LP-T and FP-T SCBAs, respectively. Based on a combination of properties and production practicality considerations, FP calcinated at 450 °C was identified as the most promising SCM-grade SCBA for large-scale production in Louisiana, and was used to further evaluate the fresh and hardened properties of concrete incorporating SCBA at 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% cement replacement by mass. A decrease in workability as well as 28- and 90-day compressive strength with the increase in SCBA content was observed. However, the relative strength gain from 28 to 90 days and the 90-day surface resistivity increased with increments in SCBA dosage. Characterization of cement-SCBA paste through XRD and SEM revealed portlandite consumption and densification of the cementitious matrix from 28 to 90 days, thus suggesting the pozzolanic activity of SCBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In animal fights, there are often size asymmetries between opponents. Although larger individuals typically dominate smaller ones, size is not the sole determining factor, as the competitors' motivation, aggressiveness, resource value, physiological characteristics, and strength also play crucial roles in fighting outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the influence of body size on dominance hierarchy and contest success during intra‐ and inter‐specific contests in two fish species: the native mojarra of the Balsas basin Amphilophus istlanus and the invasive convict cichlid Amatitlania nigrofasciata. We used size‐asymmetric males to carry out experimental contests. The number and type of aggressive behaviors, time to contest outcome, and dominant individual at the end of the contest were determined. In contests between two native mojarra, the smaller individual always lost. In contests between convict cichlids, the smaller contestants lost in all contests where size asymmetry was greater than 20%. In interspecific contests, the native mojarra performed more aggressive behaviors than the invasive convict cichlid and dominated convict cichlids despite a size disadvantage. This suggests that in terms of competition via interference, the native mojarra can counter the arrival of the invasive convict cichlid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic drove most users online, chat was establishing itself as a core service for asking library-related questions of many types, from basic directional and reference to research queries of a more sophisticated nature. This investigation seeks to provide insight into how academic libraries are seen not only as a source of library assistance, but also as a means of filling an information gap on a wider subject: the university campus at large. The study’s methods involved analyzing chat transcripts from five large four-year public universities during a two-year period (2019–2021), noting the frequency of campus-related chat questions and coding the specific topics of those inquiries. The findings show that library reference services, particularly live virtual chat, are consistently valuable to the campus community and may be especially important to supporting less privileged student populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal simulations have become increasingly popular in assessing energy efficiency and predicting thermal behaviors in various structures. Calibration of these simulations is essential for accurate predictions. A crucial aspect of this calibration involves investigating the influence of meteorological variables. This study aims to explore the impact of meteorological variables on thermal simulations, particularly focusing on ships. Using TRNSYS (TRaNsient System Simulation) software (v17), renowned for its capability to model complex energy systems within buildings, the significance of incorporating meteorological data into thermal simulations was analyzed. The investigation centered on a patrol vessel stationed in a port in Galicia, northwest Spain. To ensure accuracy, we not only utilized the vessel's dimensions but also conducted in situ temperature measurements onboard. Furthermore, a dedicated weather station was installed to capture real-time meteorological data. Data from multiple sources, including Meteonorm and MeteoGalicia, were collected for comparative analysis. By juxtaposing simulations based on meteorological variables against those relying solely on in situ measurements, we sought to discern the relative merits of each approach in enhancing the fidelity of thermal simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion Metronidazole (MTZ) is an antimicrobial agent used to treat anaerobic infections. It has been hypothesized that MTZ may also have anti‐inflammatory properties, but the evidence is limited and has not been previously reviewed. Thus, this scoping review aimed to answer the following question: “What is the evidence supporting anti‐inflammatory properties of metronidazole that are not mediated by its antimicrobial effects?”A scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA‐ScR statement. Five databases were searched up to January 2023 for studies evaluating the anti‐inflammatory properties of MTZ used as monotherapy for treating infectious and inflammatory diseases.A total of 719 records were identified, and 27 studies (21 in vivo and 6 in vitro) were included. The studies reported experimental evidence of MTZ anti‐inflammatory effects on (1) innate immunity (barrier permeability, leukocyte adhesion, immune cell populations), (2) acquired immunity (lymphocyte proliferation, T‐cell function, cytokine profile), and (3) wound healing/resolution of inflammation.Taken together, this scoping review supported a potential anti‐inflammatory effect of MTZ in periodontitis treatment. We recommend that future clinical studies should be conducted to evaluate specific MTZ anti‐inflammatory pathways in the treatment of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scheduling for a construction project with a limited number of machines is a critical and well-studied problem. Most studies assume that task processing times are exact; in practice, delays frequently occur, rendering the initial work plan invalid. Therefore, adaptability is crucial to the success of a project. This work introduces a fuzzy optimization model for the planning of construction projects executed simultaneously and having only one backhoe. The model assumes imprecise task processing times, represented by triangular fuzzy sets, that accept delays up to a permitted degree of tolerance. The model solution obtains a fuzzy work plan. This is a robust plan that supports incidents (delays). A method to apply the model was created. The fuzzy model can help construction companies reduce delays in the delivery of their projects and avoid excessive penalties. The model was implemented in the CPLEX solver, which can quickly obtain an optimal solution for small and medium instances. For large instances, the model must be solved with metaheuristics. This scientific contribution is important for future work since it consists of the application of fuzzy optimization in a specific area of civil engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Candida albicans on subgingival biofilm formation on dental implant surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to compare biofilm structure and microbial biomass in the presence and absence of the fungus after periods of 24, 48, and 72 h. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to quantify the number of viable and total micro-organisms for each of the biofilm-forming strains. A general linear model was applied to compare CLSM and qPCR results between the control and test conditions. The biofilm developed with C. albicans at 72 h had a higher bacterial biomass and a significantly higher cell viability (p < 0.05). After both 48 and 72 h of incubation, in the presence of C. albicans, there was a significant increase in counts of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis and in the cell viability of Streptococcus oralis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, F. nucleatum, and P. gingivalis. Using a dynamic in vitro multispecies biofilm model, C. albicans exacerbated the development of the biofilm grown on dental implant surfaces, significantly increasing the number and cell viability of periodontal bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sierra Chichinautzin Volcanic Field (SCVF) is constituted by diverse monogenetic volcanic structures with heterogeneous chemical composition. Dacitic magmas are widely distributed in this volcanic field and are the most felsic products. Tabaquillo lava is an example of such felsic rocks, it is porphyritic and highly crystalline, constituted by large phenocrysts of plagioclase and quartz (>1 mm long) + ortho and clinopyroxene + biotite and minor amphibole. Coarse-grained and equigranular clasts classified as ‘crystal-rich enclaves’ are also common in the lava flow, with variable compositions (basaltic andesite, andesite, and dacite) and ages of 0.35–0.36 Ma. The presence of metasandstone crustal xenoliths in the Tabaquillo lava flow, with a maximum sedimentation age of 150 Ma, attests to crustal assimilation of the Guerrero terrain rocks. Isotopic data of Tabaquillo lava and other volcanic rocks from the SCVF show notable variations (87Sr/86Sr = 0.70379–0.70474; 143Nd/144Nd = 0.51272–0.51288). Most of them lie in the mantle array but trending to the more radiogenic metasandstone xenolith and Guerrero terrain rocks (87Sr/86Sr = 0.71271 and 0.71627), suggesting that SCVF magmas have partially assimilated these rocks. Interaction between SCVF magmas with metasandstone, quartzite, and skarn rocks took place at depths > 1.3 km, imprinting geochemical and isotopic characteristics on the felsic magmas and produced the diverse compositional lithologies in the entire SCVF. Additionally, crystal-rich enclaves produced during previous magmatic pulses stalled at different depths, were later mixed with the ascending mafic magma, and subsequently incorporated into the crystal cargo that reached the surface. The common presence of quartz crystals (sometimes with reaction rims of clinopyroxene) found in many SCVF lavas could derive from the crystal-rich magmatic enclaves and/or from the metasandstone basement rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of the study is to describe the genotype and phenotype of a Mexican cohort with PCARE-related retinal disease. Methods. The study included 14 patients from 11 unrelated pedigrees with retinal dystrophies who were demonstrated to carry biallelic pathogenic variants in PCARE. Visual assessment methods included best corrected visual acuity, color fundus photography, Goldmann visual field test, kinetic perimetry, dark/light adapted chromatic perimetry, full-field electroretinography, autofluorescence imaging, and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography imaging. Genetic screening was performed either by gene panel sequencing or by exome sequencing. Results. According to the results of multimodal imaging and functional tests, all 14 patients were diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy. Six different PCARE pathogenic alleles were identified in our cohort, including three novel mutations: c.3048_3049del (p.Tyr1016 ∗), c.3314_3315del (p.Ser1105 ∗), and c.551A > G (p.His184Arg). Notably, alleles p.His184Arg, p.Arg613 ∗ , and p.Arg984 ∗ were present in 18 of the 22 (82%) PCARE alleles from probands in our cohort. Conclusion. Our work expands the PCARE mutational profile by identifying three novel pathogenic variants causing retinal dystrophy. While phenotypic variations occurred among patients, a cone-rod dystrophy pattern was observed in all affected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subunit vaccines stand as a leading approach to expanding the current portfolio of vaccines to fight against COVID-19, seeking not only to lower costs but to achieve long-term immunity against variants of concern and have the main attributes that could overcome the limitations of the current vaccines. Herein a chimeric protein targeting S1 and S2 epitopes, called LTp50, was designed as a convenient approach to induce humoral responses against SARS-CoV-2. LTp50 was produced in recombinant Escherichia coli using a conventional pET vector, recovering the expected antigen in the insoluble fraction. LTp50 was purified by chromatography (purity > 90%). The solubilization and refolding stages helped to obtain a stable protein amenable for vaccine formulation. LTp50 was adsorbed onto alum, resulting in a stable formulation whose immunogenic properties were assessed in BALB/c mice. Significant humoral responses against the S protein (BA.5 variant) were detected in mice subjected to three subcutaneous doses (10 µg) of the LTp50/alum formulation. This study opens the path for the vaccine formulation optimization using additional adjuvants to advance in the development of a highly effective anti-COVID-19 vaccine directed against the antigenic regions of the S protein, which are less prone to mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Wet granulation (WG) is one of the most versatile processes to improve blend properties for processing. However, due to its need for moisture and heat, it is often considered not amenable to active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) prone to forming hydrates. Despite this claim, little literature exists evaluating the extent to which polymorphic form conversions occur for such API when processed with WG. This work sets out to explore two common WG methods, high-shear (HSG) and fluid-bed (FBG), and two drying processes, tray-drying (TD) and fluid-bed drying (FBD), and evaluate the risk they pose to hydrate form conversion. Methods: The progression of anhydrous to hydrate form conversion of two model compounds with vastly different solubilities, fexofenadine hydrochloride and carbamazepine, was monitored throughout the various processes using powder X-ray diffraction. The resultant granules were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, BET adsorption, and sieve analysis. Results: FBG and FBD processing resulted in the preservation of the original form of both APIs, while HSG+TD resulted in the complete conversion of the API. The FBD of fexofenadine and carbamazepine granules prepared with HSG resulted in partial and complete re-conversion back to the original anhydrous forms, respectively. Conclusion: The drying process is a critical factor in anhydrous form conservation. FBG and FBD yielded better preservation of the initial anhydrous forms. HSG could be an acceptable granulation method for API susceptible to hydrate formation if the API solubility is low. Selecting an FBG+FBD process minimizes API hydrate formation and preserves the original anhydrous form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating profit inefficiency and its drivers is highly relevant for water utilities and water regulators to reduce water tariffs. We employed a novel methodological approach to compute profit inefficiency and changes to profit efficiency based on the Luenberger productivity indicator. This empirical application focused on the water industry in Chile from 2010 to 2018. Estimated average profit inefficiency was 43.6%, with the main contributor being allocative inefficiency (35.7%). In contrast, the effect of technical inefficiency was more limited (7.9%). Changes to profit efficiency differed among full private and concessionary utilities, with averages of 0.021 and 0.002, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol is one of the most used legal drugs abused worldwide, and its consumption is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. There is an increasing concern about the starting age of consumption of this drug since it has become evident that it is at younger ages. The so-called "pattern of consumption by binge" corresponds to ingesting large amounts of alcohol in a short period and is the most popular among young people. Previous studies show that alcohol causes damage in different areas, such as the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and prefrontal cortex, and adolescents are more susceptible to alcohol toxicity. Alcohol inhibits the membrane glutamate receptor, NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDAR). Using a binge-like alcohol administration protocol in adolescent rats (PND25), we investigate decision making through the attentional set-shifting test (ASST) and alterations in the NMDAR signaling in related areas. We observe an impairment in executive function without alterations in NMDAR abundance. However, binge alcohol changes NMDAR signaling and decreases quantity in the synapse, mainly in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. We suggest that prefrontal cortex impairment could arise from damaged connections with the hippocampus and hypothalamus, affecting the survival pathway and memory and learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The environmental impact on industrial X-ray tomography systems has gained its attention in terms of image precision and metrology over recent years, yet is still complex due to the variety of applications. OBJECTIVE: The current study explores the photothermal repercussions of the overall radiation exposure time. It shows the emerging dimensional uncertainty when measuring a stainless steel sphere by means of circular tomography scans. METHODS: The authors develop a novel frame difference method for X-ray radiographies to evaluate the spatial changes induced in the projected absorption maps on the X-ray panel. The object of interest has a simple geometry for the purpose of proof of concept. The dominant source of the observed radial uncertainty is the photothermal effect due to high-energy X-ray scattering at the metal workpiece. Thermal variations are monitored by an infrared camera within the industrial tomography system, which confines that heat in the industrial grade X-ray system. RESULTS: The authors demonstrate that dense industrial computed tomography programs with major X-ray power notably affect the uncertainty of digital dimensional measurements. The registered temperature variations are consistent with dimensional changes in radiographies and hence form a source of error that might result in visible artifacts within the 3D image reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: This contribution is of fundamental value to reach the balance between the number of projections and radial uncertainty tolerance when performing analysis with X-ray dimensional exploration in precision measurements with industrial tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowers of most Piperales do not reward pollinators. However, a few mutualistic pollination relationships have been proposed among the perianth-bearing species. To test the hypothesis of a mutualistic relationship between Prosopanche and beetle pollinators, we studied the pollination biology of three species (P. americana , P. bonacinae , P. panguanensis). For all three species, we recorded flower visitors and flower volatile organic compounds (VOCSs). In addition, for P. americana we investigated flower phases, thermogenesis, visitors' behaviour, and viability of transported pollen. Using a behavioural experiment, we identified the role of flower heat and fragrance in pollinator attraction. We recorded Neopocadius nitiduloides and Lasiodactylus sp. sap beetles (Nitidulidae) as main pollinators and Hydnorobius hydnorae and H. helleri weevils (Belidae) as occasional pollinators. Thermogenic female flowers heat up to 8°C above the ambient temperature. Flowers only trap the small-sized sap beetles. Methyl-3-methyl-2-butenoate dominated the VOC profile. This was a powerful attractant for sap beetles in controlled bioassays. We conclude that pollination in Prosopanche is mutualistic. This was observed through a pollinator-size-based access limit to the stigmatic chamber and a strong olfactory attractant. Mutualism in Prosopanche therefore contrasts with that of most perianth-bearing Piperales, suggesting it is a novel pollination relationship in early-diverging angiosperms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, social assistive robots have gained significant acceptance in healthcare settings, particularly for tasks such as patient care and monitoring. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the expressive humanoid robot, Qhali, with a focus on its industrial design, essential components, and validation in a controlled environment. The industrial design phase encompasses research, ideation, design, manufacturing, and implementation. Subsequently, the mechatronic system is detailed, covering sensing, actuation, control, energy, and software interface. Qhali's capabilities include autonomous execution of routines for mental health promotion and psychological testing. The software platform enables therapist-directed interventions, allowing the robot to convey emotional gestures through joint and head movements and simulate various facial expressions for more engaging interactions. Finally, with the robot fully operational, an initial behavioral experiment was conducted to validate Qhali's capability to deliver telepsychological interventions. The findings from this preliminary study indicate that participants reported enhancements in their emotional well-being, along with positive outcomes in their perception of the psychological intervention conducted with the humanoid robot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a numerical heat transfer study of a solar air collector with two channels (SAC-2C) was carried out. Energy global balances in two dimension (2D) and unsteady state were considered, as well as bio-climatic conditions of Toluca city in Mexico (sub-humid temperate climate). Six mass flowrates (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.5 kg/s) were considered during the numerical simulation, for the coldest and the warmest day of each month during a complete year (2019). Among the results, it was found that thermal efficiency of the system increases up to 35% when the mass flowrate changes from 0.01 to 0.2 kg/s, meanwhile, maximum efficiency of 84% were obtained for a mass flowrate of 0.5 kg/s. Finally, based on a cost-benefit analysis, it was determined that the SAC-2C has a recovery time of the initial investment ($ 250 USD) of three and a half years. So that the SAC-2C has the capacity to produce 1, 654, 451 kW h/m² of clean energy annually, which is equivalent to ceasing to produce 871, 895 kg CO2 per square meter of installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) were used to study the clay fractions of soil profile samples from the quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) plantations at the Salcedo Experimental Station of the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation located in the southern Peruvian plateau. The sample extraction was made at 40 cm intervals from 20 cm to 180 cm in depth, and the clay fraction was obtained by the Stokes' law. In addition, the tests of the physical and chemical properties were included, such as pH, organic matter, and humidity, which present values that increase in relation to the depth from 6.75 to 8.09, 4.31% to 6.25%, and 5.38% to 27.08% respectively, and with class texture of sandy loam (first three) and clay loam (remaining two samples). The XRD results showed the presence of phases such as quartz, montmorillonite, andesine and hematite. The room temperature MS spectra were fitted using four paramagnetic sites, doublets, and one magnetic site, sextet. The hyperfine parameters for the sextet are compatible with hematite. Three of the paramagnetic sites were assigned to montmorillonite, two in the octahedral sites, trans and cis configurations, and one at the edge site. The presence of hematite and montmorillonite were confirmed at low temperature; in addition, a second sextet was observed with hyperfine parameters that were compatible with goethite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecology is highly promoted in research and development discourse as a holistic and effective response to climate change. The objective of this study is to contribute to the analysis of the existing evidence that agroecology enables climate change (CC) adaptation and mitigation in the agricultural systems of Latin America, a region known for pioneering the development of this science, praxis, and movement. We applied the PRISMA method to analyze the existing literature providing such evidence. Stakeholder interviews were used to obtain in-depth perceptions of agroecology's contributions to CC adaptation and mitigation from a wide range of actors and development practitioners based in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru: farmers, NGO representatives, researchers, university program leaders, and public officials. From a total of 1821 initially identified articles, 62 were screened, and 24 case studies analyzed for methods and evidence provided. Twenty-six stakeholders were interviewed. Combining quantitative and qualitative assessment methods, the scientific literature shows that agroecological systems are appreciated for addressing resilience in a systemic way hence not just climate change per se. Mitigation was generally assess by quantitative approaches. Integrating stakeholders' discourse to our analysis highlighted their knowledge of underlying processes contributing to farm CC resilience, where crop and animal diversification and integration of trees into farming systems are central. Stakeholders attributed agroforestry and less use of synthetic fertilizers as important roles for mitigation. Our study highlights the pertinence of combining systematic analyses of the evidence and perceptions drawn from a plurality of stakeholders to recognize the positive contribution of agroecology to climate change adaptation and resilience. However, it also pointed to future research that further assesses the specific trade-offs and synergies between agroecological practices, mitigation, and resilience at multiple scales. This will be important to mobilize and better orient the support from public institutions and donors that remains lacking on the ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the task-specific robot treadmill therapies can improve gait performance of children with cerebral palsy, not all the institutions have the possibility to access to the sensor robot information to obtain quantitative measures related actual progress of the children. The aim of this study is to propose a computer vision system to investigate the effort of children with cerebral palsy during robot treadmill therapy. Ten participants diagnosed with cerebral palsy underwent single robot therapy sessions consisting of a motivated period (active: kicking a ball), followed by an unmotivated period (passive: simple walking). The outcome measure was the ankle trajectory recorded by a video camera. Indexes based on the ankle trajectory between active and passive therapy were computed: (a) the gait analysis based on the difference on a sample-by-sample manner, and b) the step cycles with dynamic time warping (DTW). Inference statistical analysis shows that the robot trajectories for passive and active therapies with the gait analysis presents statistical differences (p- value < 0. 0 1)). Likewise, DTW showed significant differences in robot trajectories related to passive and active therapy (p- value < 0. 0 1)). We found that the statistical differences are independent of the severity of central gait impairment. This suggests that information about patient involvement could be given to the therapist and could be used to assess patient participation. The method showed the potential to be used as a tool for the assessment the improvement progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to analyze Paul Auster’s Moon Palace through the lens of philosopher and critic Maurice Blanchot, whose literary theory provides a theoretical frame to study this novel as a fictionalization of the construction of the literary space. Paul Auster’s influence of Maurice Blanchot’s poetics starts with Auster’s experience as a translator of some of Blanchot’s texts, a job that contributes to the influence French literature has in Auster’s work. I argue that Paul Auster’s Moon Palace fictionalizes Maurice Blanchot’s literary theory by introducing a central character, Marco Fogg, who implicitly performs the role of character-author and progressively transforms himself and his own world into a fictional one. In order to accomplish this task, Auster leads his central character to different stages of inspiration and creation comparable to the ones defined by Blanchot in his theorization of the literary space. Whereas most of the critics point at isolation and hunger as a rebellious behavior provoked by the existential crisis of the character, I analyze them as creative stages in the protagonist’s fictional transformation. By introducing this creative process in his fiction, Auster creates a particular Austerian metafiction in which characters become the protagonists, creators and readers of their own urban fictional space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work explores social and commercial alternative practices in a city located in a Pampean region heavily influenced by the agribusiness model. Its economy revolves around agriculture and livestock, relying heavily on external agricultural inputs for primary production. Using development anthropology and a sociology approach, this work positions the territorial space of the Agroecological Four Seasons Fair in Balcarce, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as a generator of knowledge interfaces. This approach prioritizes the actors and their creative abilities in shaping courses of action and questions the idea that capital is the driving force. The focus is on the regeneration of socio-material resources from actors' practices. Through the life stories and experiences of the actors, particularly the vendors, the aim is to understand the network of knowledge, including interactions with State institutional representatives. The consumers and the material aspects of the Four Seasons Fair represent various ways of life that are constantly evolving, undergoing processes of deterritorialization, influenced by residents from other cities. The fair is an expression of multiple ways of life that question existing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of the needs of convicts is a critical issue for the design of the intervention. Nonetheless, in the information reported by convicts in penitentiary evaluation, simulation (malingering) and dissimulation (denial of symptoms, social desirability, and both) must be suspected. Thus, a field study with the aim of estimating the prevalence rate of the distortions and its effects in the needs reported by convicts was designed. A total of 624 men convicted for intimate partner violence reported their needs in the MMPI-2 in the reception phase of a penitentiary intervention program. Results: tion consisting in denial of symptoms,.112 [.087,.137], social desirability,.223 [.190,.256], and the combination of both two,.120 [.095,.145]. The effects in denial of symptoms emerged in the information of less depressive (i.e., lack of interest in activities, excessive sensitivity, lack of sociability), paranoid (i.e., interpersonal sensitivity and perceptiveness), psychasthenic (i.e., general subjective distress and negative affect), schizoid (i.e., alienation, chaotic interpersonal relations, and disruptive cognitive processes), and hypomanic (i.e., hyperactivity, irritability, and sensation seeking) symptoms. Likewise, social desirability dissimulators detailed significantly less depressive, psychopathic (i.e., less general social maladjustment), paranoid, psychasthenic, schizoid, and hypomanic symptoms. Similarly, the whole dissimulators (combining denial of symptoms and social desirability responses) informed less depressive, psychopathic, paranoid, psychasthenic, schizoid, and hypomanic symptoms, and fewer problems of social introversion. Conversely, they related significantly more symptoms of hysteria (i.e., physical complaints). Distortions introduced by convicts in self-reports must be controlled to design effective correctional interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to determine the effect of lead (Pb) on the behavior of the Mexican mojarra, which is native to the Balsas River basin, and the convict cichlid, which is an exotic invasive there. Both fish species were exposed to Pb, followed by Pb depuration, to evaluate its impacts on behavior. We evaluated swimming activity, predation attempts, prey consumed, foraging efficiency, and aggressive behaviors. The behavioral effects of Pb differed between the two species. While swimming activity decreased in both species during Pb exposure, swimming activity recovered during the Pb depuration period in the convict cichlid, but not in the Mexican mojarra. In both species, the total predation attempts and prey consumed increased during exposure to Pb and remained elevated during Pb depuration. Pb did not affect the foraging efficiency or number of aggressive behaviors of the convict cichlid. In contrast, the foraging efficiency of the Mexican mojarra decreased with Pb exposure and remained low during Pb depuration, and the number of aggressive behaviors increased under Pb exposure and remained elevated during Pb depuration. Pb exposure affected Mexican mojarra more strongly than the convict cichlid, which could induce changes in the ecological relationships between these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercially important Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), a large migratory fish, has experienced notable recovery aided by accurate resource assessment and effective fisheries management efforts. Traditionally, this species has been perceived as consisting of eastern and western populations, spawning respectively in the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, with mixing occurring throughout the Atlantic. However, recent studies have challenged this assumption by revealing weak genetic differentiation and identifying a previously unknown spawning ground in the Slope Sea used by Atlantic bluefin tuna of uncertain origin. To further understand the current and past population structure and connectivity of Atlantic bluefin tuna, we have assembled a unique dataset including thousands of genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 500 larvae, young of the year and spawning adult samples covering the three spawning grounds and including individuals of other Thunnus species. Our analyses support two weakly differentiated but demographically connected ancestral populations that interbreed in the Slope Sea. Moreover, we also identified signatures of introgression from albacore (Thunnus alalunga) into the Atlantic bluefin tuna genome, exhibiting varied frequencies across spawning areas, indicating strong gene flow from the Mediterranean Sea towards the Slope Sea. We hypothesize that the observed genetic differentiation may be attributed to increased gene flow caused by a recent intensification of westward migration by the eastern population, which could have implications for the genetic diversity and conservation of western populations. Future conservation efforts should consider these findings to address potential genetic homogenization in the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between the decades of 1960 and 1990, the family dairy farming activity, a fundamental link in the dairy circuit located in the dairy basin in Buenos Aires province, experienced significant transformations. These were driven by the demands of pasteurization, the mechanization of tasks, the railways decline, the automobile transportation growth, the lower labour demand, changes in dairy demand and the expansion of large diversified plants. Within a context of process of productive change, which role did mobility, in terms of infrastructure and practices, play? How did mobility restrict family dairy production? How did (in)accessibility influence? In order to answer these questions that have not deserved enough historiographical attention, this research describes the daily life of dairy farming families in the General Paz district, with the focus placed on mobility practices and the accessibility problems that made their social reproduction difficult in the mentioned period. To do this, a socio-territorial approach will be used and multiple sources will be compiled and analyzed, such as the press, legislation, statistics, maps and interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the elementary schools of Talca, there is evidence of segregating behaviors towards the economically vulnerable population. Based on this, the main objective of this research is to analyze the consequences of this exclusion towards people with a low socioeconomic level. The difficulties perceived by the students' monetary capital influence their educational, social, emotional and family development, affecting the right to receive a quality and equitable education, which allows their integral development as a person. Therefore, the solution to this problem is to provide information on the obstacles of economic vulnerability, to train teachers, so that they have effective tools and competencies that allow an equitable and quality education for all students regardless of the socioeconomic status to which they belong. Under this margin, it is fundamental to reduce the perception of education professionals on economic influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The educational policies of the last decades in Argentina have profoundly modified the system, the population and the expectations and demands towards education. In this framework, the choice of secondary school appears as an extremely important aspect in the processes of socio-educational inequality. This article is based on two qualitative research projects on school choice and family strategies in lower and upper class contexts respectively in the city of Córdoba. The results allow us to refute some assumptions of the academic tradition, such as the assumption that lower class families do not choose or that upper class families have all the options. We identify that choice is differentially signified according to social class and involves strategies of sounding, prioritizing and choosing in order to shorten the distance between what is possible and what is desired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medieval labor guilds encompassed various forms of mutual aid in their coverage, including health, accident, widowhood, orphanage, old age, and poverty insurance. They also addressed situations typical of commercial insurance, such as bankruptcy, theft, assault, and captivity. These provisions included private and family actions (like organizing burials and funerals) and maintained a pious character through charitable and benevolent activities. Not all guilds offered the same level of protection; thus, this paper will examine exceptional cases where labor formations guaranteed their members a high degree of mutualistic commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swimmer athletes showed a decreased ventilatory response and reduced sympathetic activation during peripheral hypoxic chemoreflex stimulation. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that swimmers develop a diminished cardiorespiratory coupling due to their decreased hypoxic peripheral response. To resolve this hypothesis, we conducted a study using coherence time‐varying analysis to assess the cardiorespiratory coupling in swimmer athletes. We recruited 12 trained swimmers and 12 control subjects for our research. We employed wavelet time‐varying spectral coherence analysis to examine the relationship between the respiratory frequency (Rf) and the heart rate (HR) time series during normoxia and acute chemoreflex activation induced by five consecutive inhalations of 100% N2. Comparing swimmers to control subjects, we observed a significant reduction in the hypoxic ventilatory responses to N2 in swimmers (0.012 ± 0.001 vs. 0.015 ± 0.001 ΔVE/ΔVO2, and 0.365 ± 0.266 vs. 1.430 ± 0.961 ΔVE/ΔVCO2/ΔSpO2, both p < 0.001, swimmers vs. control, respectively). Furthermore, the coherence at the LF cutoff during hypoxia was significantly lower in swimmers compared to control subjects (20.118 ± 3.502 vs. 24.935 ± 3.832 area under curve [AUC], p < 0.012, respectively). Our findings strongly indicate that due to their diminished chemoreflex control, swimmers exhibited a substantial decrease in cardiorespiratory coupling during hypoxic stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian siadenoviruses infect diverse terrestrial and aquatic birds worldwide. Antarctica hosts several avian species that are susceptible to siadenovirus infection, such as penguins and South Polar skuas. However, the presence, diversity, and transmission of these viruses in Antarctic birds are poorly understood due to limited surveillance and sequence data. In this study, we performed a noninvasive surveillance of avian siadenoviruses using fecal samples collected from waterbirds at King George Island (part of South Shetland Islands, Antarctica) from late January to mid-February 2023. Polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis were used to investigate the occurrence, genetic diversity, and evolutionary relationships of these viruses in this unique environment. The results of these studies confirmed the presence of siadenoviruses in penguins living along the southeastern coast of King George Island. Distinct viral strains, specific to each penguin species studied, were found suggesting limited interspecies transmission and a complex viral ecosystem within Antarctic bird populations. Siadenovirus strains isolated from penguin's species were genetically distinct from those infecting South Polar skuas. An in silico 3D modeling of hexon proteins from siadenoviruses gathered from gentoo penguins permitted to detect key amino acid substitutions in the FG2 domain that may affect capsid structure and function. The persistent prevalence of siadenoviruses in Antarctica underscores the need for ongoing surveillance to understand the evolutionary dynamics of viruses in this region. This study is the first to noninvasively detect siadenoviruses in Antarctic penguins, opening a new avenue for viral research. This approach not only sheds light on viral dynamics but also contributes to the conservation of Antarctica's unique wildlife and biodiversity, especially in the face of increasing global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study on the targeting of flavodoxin to specific chloroplasts in maize cells to increase drought tolerance. The researchers generated transgenic maize lines with flavodoxin expression and targeting restricted to either mesophyll or bundle sheath chloroplasts. The results showed that maize plants with flavodoxin expression in mesophyll chloroplasts exhibited increased tolerance to oxidative stress and drought compared to wild-type and plants with flavodoxin expression in bundle sheath chloroplasts. This research suggests that targeting flavodoxin to specific chloroplasts could be a potential strategy for improving stress tolerance in maize. The study also provides insights into the relationship between environmental hardships and C4 photosynthesis in maize. [Extracted from the article]

At the beginning of a project or research that involves the issue of autonomous navigation of mobile robots, a decision must be made about working with traditional control algorithms or algorithms based on artificial intelligence. This decision is not usually easy, as the computational capacity of the robot, the availability of information through its sensory systems and the characteristics of the environment must be taken into consideration. For this reason, this work focuses on a review of different autonomous-navigation algorithms applied to mobile robots, from which the most suitable ones have been identified for the cases in which the robot must navigate in dynamic environments. Based on the identified algorithms, a comparison of these traditional and DRL-based algorithms was made, using a robotic platform to evaluate their performance, identify their advantages and disadvantages and provide a recommendation for their use, according to the development requirements of the robot. The algorithms selected were DWA, TEB, CADRL and SAC, and the results show that—according to the application and the robot's characteristics—it is recommended to use each of them, based on different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warps have often been used to explain disc properties, but well-characterized examples are important due to their role in disc evolution. Scattered light images of discs with central gaps have revealed sharp warps, such that the outer rings are shadowed by tilted inner discs. The near-infrared intensity drops along the ring around T-Tauri star DoAr 44 have been interpreted in terms of a central warp. We report new ALMA observations of DoAr 44 in the continuum at 230 and 350 GHz (at ∼10 au), along with a new epoch of Spectro Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch (SPHERE)/Infrared Dual-band Imager and Spectrograph differential polarized imaging taken during excellent weather conditions. The ALMA observations resolve the ring and confirm the decrements proposed from deconvolution of coarse 336 GHz data. The scattered light image constrains the dips, which correspond to a misaligned inner disc with a relative inclination ξ = 21.4  |$^{+6.7}_{-8.3}$|  deg. The SPHERE intensity profile shows a morphological change compared to a previous epoch that may be interpreted as a variable orientation of the inner disc, from ξ ∼ 30 deg to ξ ∼ 20 deg. The intensity dips probably correspond to temperature decrements, as their mm-spectral index, |$\alpha ^{230 \textrm {GHz}}_{350 \textrm {GHz}} \sim$|  2.0 ± 0.1, is indicative of optically thick emission. The azimuth of the two temperature decrements are leading clockwise relative to the infrared-dips, by η = 14.95 deg and η = 7.92 deg. For a retrograde disc, such shifts are expected from a thermal lag and imply gas surface densities of Σg = 117 ± 10 g cm−2 and Σg = 48 ± 10 g cm−2. A lopsided disc, with contrast ratio f r = 2.4 ± 0.5, is also consistent with the large continuum crescent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotor blade geometry (linear and screw) was experimentally identified for particle size characteristics and specific energy demand for knife-milled beech chips (7.8 wt % moisture content). The operational conditions of peripheral speed (6.8–20.4 m s−1) and screen sieve openings (0.75–6 mm) were considered for the knife milling of beech chips. The Rossin-Rammler-Sperling-Bennet model precisely described particle size distribution of comminuted beech chips with its parameters depending on screen sieve, rotor speed and blade geometry in a linear relationship. This relationship allowed the development and calibration of a unique empirical linear model. The model predicted particle size under the conditions considered for each blade geometry with accuracy. Energy demand values between 6.97 and 101.6 kW h t−1 were identified for D 50 particle sizes between 0.29 and 2.60 mm. Energy demand was independent of the rotor blade geometry, and it was mainly affected by particle size characteristics, even though speed was also impactful. The linear model obtained allowed the prediction of energy requirements using speed and final particle size with an R2 value of 0.97. [Display omitted] • Particle size is affected by screen sieve, rotor blade geometry and its revolutions. • The lower the blade peripheral speed the greater the difference in particle size. • Larger screen sieve sizes and lower rotor speeds produce bigger particle size. • Size reduction factor dominates the energy requirement for biomass comminution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological associations between wild felids and parasites from the Taeniidae family are related to predator–prey interactions, where felids act as definitive hosts while their prey, herbivores and/or omnivores, act as intermediate hosts. In the Atlantic Forest, six neotropical felid species coexist in sympatry, but the ecological parasite-host interactions remain poorly studied. Taenia omissa is a tapeworm that parasitizes cougars (Puma concolor) as its only definitive host and their ungulate prey as intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was to identify tapeworms present in road-killed fauna using both molecular and morphological characteristics and their predator–prey relationship. Adult tapeworms found in a cougar, a jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), and two ocelots (Leopardus pardalis); and metacestodes found in a red brocket deer (Mazama americana) and a wild guinea pig (Cavia aperea) were analyzed. Through morphological analysis of rostellar hooks and molecular analysis of the mitochondrial genetic marker cox1, Taenia omissa adult individuals were identified in the cougar, and metacestodes in the red brocket deer, proving the existence of a full host-parasite life cycle in the Atlantic Forest region. This new report reveals the southernmost record of T. omissa and broadens its geographic distribution. In addition, isolates of the Taenia genus divergent from those described so far in molecular databases were reported and suggested a wild cycle that involves the jaguarundi and agouti (Dasyprocta asarae) as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. These results highlight the complexity of the tapeworm population in the region and the need to study it with both morphological and molecular approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to demonstrate that chronoamperometry is a valuable tool for determining diffusivities in all‐solid‐state nanometer‐thick cells. The transient current in chronoamperometry of electrochemical cells under constant voltage is described by firstly considering purely capacitive processes, defined by RC circuit equations, and then purely diffusive processes, by Cottrell's equations. The physical meaning of the equations has been amply described in liquid cells with porous electrodes but scarcely in solid‐state cells. Thus, we studied Metal/Insulator/Metal nano‐cells with Ru and Au electrodes, Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte at temperatures between 50 and 170°C and voltages between 0.5 V and 1.5 V, where non‐Faradaic processes occur. The calculated diffusive and capacitive contributions at different temperatures obey the Arrhenius law. The activation energy was associated with vacancies, the major carrier during electrical transport. The analysis discusses other parameters, such as capacitance, effective concentration, and leakage current. The experimental diffusivity of YSZ electrolytes was compared with diffusivity values obtained by the statistical moment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the synthesis of four gold(I) [AuClL] compounds containing chloro and biologically active protonated thiosemicarbazones based on 5‐nitrofuryl (L=HSTC). The stability of the compounds in dichloromethane, DMSO, and DMSO/culture media solutions was investigated by spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and conductimetry, indicating the formation overtime of cationic monometallic [Au(HTSC)(DMSO)]± or [Au(HTSC)2]±, and/or dimeric species. Neutral [{Au(TSC)}2] species were obtained from one of the compounds in dichlomethane/n‐hexane solution and characterized by X‐ray crystallography revealing a Au−Au bond, and deprotonated thiosemicarbazone (TSC). The cytotoxicity of the gold compounds and thiosemicarbazone ligands was evaluated against selected cancer cell lines and compared to that of Auranofin. Studies of the most stable, cytotoxic, and selective compound on a renal cancer cell line (Caki‐1) demonstrated its relevant antimigratory and anti‐angiogenic properties, and preferential accumulation in the cell nuclei. Its mode of action seems to involve interaction with DNA, and subsequent cell death via apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Grande de Tárcoles River in Costa Rica is one of the most polluted and degraded river basins in Central America. At the same time Costa Rica is a country internationally recognized for progressive environmental management. At least on paper, the country fosters sustainable river management in the form of integrated water resources management (IWRM). In the specific case of the Grande de Tárcoles River there is the General Integral Commission of the Grande Tárcoles River basin (CGICRGT) assigned to manage the basin in an integral manner. How this works in practice has so far not been investigated. Therefore, in this article we examine the formal and informal design and working practices of the CGICRGT and determine which type of river basin organization (RBO) it represents. Based on a mixed-method approach combining document analysis with semi-structured qualitative interviews we found that the CGICRGT contains elements of both, an agency RBO and a coordinating RBO. Although coordinating the river management works well to a certain extent, critical challenges remain that hinder a fully successful management of the basin and in consequence the improvement of its ecological status. Amongst them count the overlapping responsibilities of national and local institutions, the missing participation of some important institutions, the lack of financial and personnel resources, slow progress in terms of time, and a lack of motivation of the participating institutions. Although the CGICRGT presents an excellent platform for the integrated management of the Tárcoles river basin its progress will be too slow and its impact too small as long as all participants do not prioritize its work and integrate and motivate all important actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Inorganic arsenic (As) may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality through accelerated aging, which can be estimated using epigenetic-based measures. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated three DNA methylation-based aging measures (PhenoAge, GrimAge, DunedinPACE) (epigenetic aging measures) as potential mediators of the previously reported association of As exposure with CVD incidence, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality in the Strong Heart Study (SHS), an epidemiological cohort of American Indian adults. METHODS: Blood DNA methylation and urinary As levels were measured in 2,323 SHS participants (41.5% men, mean age of 55 years old). PhenoAge and GrimAge values were calculated using a residual-based method. We tested the association of urinary As with epigenetic aging measures using linear regression, the association of epigenetic aging measures with the three health outcomes using additive hazards models, and the mediation of As-related CVD incidence, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality by epigenetic aging measures using the product of coefficients method. RESULTS: SHS participants with higher vs. lower urinary As levels had similar PhenoAge age, older GrimAge age, and faster DunedinPACE. An interquartile range increase in urinary As was associated with higher of PhenoAge age acceleration [mean difference (95% confidence interval)=0.48 (0.17, 0.80) years], GrimAge age acceleration [0.80 (0.60, 1.00) years], and DunedinPACE [0.011 (0.005, 0.018)], after adjusting for age, sex, center location, genetic components, smoking status, and body mass index. Of the 347 incident CVD events per 100,000 person-years associated with a doubling in As exposure, 21.3% (9.1, 57.1) and 22.6% (9.5, 56.9), were attributable to differences in GrimAge and DunedinPACE, respectively. DISCUSSION: Arsenic exposure was associated with older GrimAge and faster DunedinPACE measures of biological age. Furthermore, accelerated biological aging measured from DNA methylation accounted for a relevant fraction of As-associated risk for CVD, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality in the SHS, supporting the role of As in accelerated aging. Research of the biological underpinnings can contribute to a better understanding of the role of aging in arsenic-related disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emergent zoonotic virus causing viral hepatitis worldwide. Clinically, hepatitis E is not easily distinguished from other types of acute viral hepatitis. There is a need for HEV diagnostic assays to detect and prevent interspecies transmission among susceptible populations. Nanobodies (Nbs) are expressed recombinantly in different systems, produced with high yields, and have superior physicochemical properties compared with conventional antibodies (Ab). Several Nbs against ORF2, the capsid protein and main antigen, were selected and produced in E. coli. Nb39 and Nb74 specifically recognized HEV ORF2 (genotypes 3 and 4). A competitive ELISA (cELISA) was developed and validated using a reference panel of human (n = 86) and swine sera (n = 116) tested in comparison with a commercial kit. The optimal cutoff values determined by ROC analysis were 69.16% (human) and 58.76% (swine); the sensitivity and specificity were high: 97.4% (95% CI 86.5–99.5%) and 95.8% (95% CI 86.0–98.8%) for human vs. 100% (95% CI 93.5–100%) and 98.3% (95% CI 91.0–99.7%) for swine. Further, the cELISA detected total anti-HEV antibodies in wild boar, deer, and mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of production of Nbs against HEV-3 ORF2 for diagnostic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feminisms have had a significant impact on social work discussions in Latin America in recent decades. However, the gap between academic discussions and professional practice remains wide. Based on a qualitative study that included 69 semi-structured interviews with social workers in Chile, in this article, we focus the analysis on the experiences of women social workers implementing mental health programmes. These are women – professionals facing extremely precarious working conditions – who work with other women who, while below the poverty line, are users of state health policy. The findings suggest that in these highly precarious spaces, the division between professional and the user is blurred, producing what feminist philosopher María Lugones calls 'liminal space'. Professionals and users establish alliances and practices of resistance from that liminal space to challenge the oppressions they experience. Drawing upon a decolonial feminist perspective, we identify challenges for social work such as problematising professional bonds, incorporating structural readings of precariousness and feminised resistance, and repositioning the value of frontline social workers' and users' knowledge. We can learn from these women's experiences that question the deepest foundations of colonial and patriarchal capitalism still present in training and professional practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific note discusses the discovery of new state records for the riffle beetle Tolriolus ungulatus in southern Mexico. The Elmidae family of aquatic beetles, to which Tolriolus belongs, is cosmopolitan and consists of around 1500 described species. Tolriolus is a monotypic genus, meaning it only has one species, T. ungulatus, which was previously known to occur only in central Mexico. However, this study reports the first known occurrence of T. ungulatus in the southern Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, as well as specific locality records from the previously reported state of Veracruz. The species is found in cold, torrential mountain streams at elevations of 1000-2450 meters in Mexico. [Extracted from the article]