Search

This paper presents the design of intelligent models and architectures for global learning-oriented cooperation. The research work brings our current investigations towards the definition of a general development methodology for global intelligent systems. We use a basic top-down approach to analyze global cooperation, adding more natural intelligence into our models. Then we design, integrate and adapt software architectures to be able to extract the computational requirements of our systems at an appropriate level of abstraction. Our architectural designs serve to dynamically generate cooperative knowledge and behaviour using hybrid registries and intelligent engines. The registries store knowledge and behaviour descriptions. The functional engines control knowledge delivery processes and behaviour executions involving single and composite actions. All these elements are evaluated using a designing case study in current Sustainable Development Goals for education. This last part of the paper also discusses how our intelligent models and architectures can be further developed adding implementation details based on recent technologies.

Band division multiplexing (BDM) is a promising technology to upgrade the capacity of elastic optical networks (EON). By using both C and L bands instead of just the C-band, networks can support a larger number of connections. This paper presents and analyzes a set of novel strategies to ensure resiliency in multiband optical networks leveraging the unique characteristics of these networks and their amplifiers. We investigate two new protection methods for these networks, erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) protection and hybrid protection, and compare them with two established protection techniques, dedicated path protection (DPP) and shared backup path protection (SBPP). Recognizing that protection requirements vary among services, we also propose a service level agreement (SLA) differentiated protection mechanism that combines these strategies. High-priority clients receive robust protection against single failures of fibers or EDFAs through DPP or SBPP, while low-priority clients are safeguarded at least against EDFA failures via EDFA or hybrid protection. Our studies explore the most effective combinations of these techniques across various scenarios, demonstrating the advantages of SLA-differentiated protection over the utilization of a single classical protection method for all clients. Furthermore, we propose and analyze a more flexible protection mechanism that allows clients to divide their traffic into two segments: one requiring a high level of protection and the other a lower level. This flexibility enhances the protection options available, enabling a finer categorization of user needs and making it an attractive choice for network operators.

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with chronic conditions should acquire self-management skills as part of their healthcare transition (HCT) from pediatric to adult-focused care. HCT/self-management skills have the potential to help mitigate health disparities among minority AYA with chronic conditions. This study investigated school nurses' practices promoting HCT/self-management skills in urban public schools. Methods: Seventy-nine nurses from three urban school districts in Massachusetts completed a survey of 32 Likert-type questions on HCT/self-management skills, eight demographic questions, and five open-ended practice questions assessing how often they have asked students with chronic conditions about HCT/self-management skills, based on the UNC TR[subscript x]ANSITION Index[TM]. Results: Among the 79 school nurses who participated (response rate 76%), 67% never or rarely assessed students' knowledge of HCT/self-management, and 90% would use a tool that promotes/measures HCT/self-management skills. Conclusion: In our study sample, most school nurses acknowledged the importance of assessing HCT/self-management skills. The majority favored using a tool to promote these skills.

The momentum conservation equation for glacier flow can be described through minimization of an action functional. Several software packages for glacier flow modeling use this action principle in the design of numerical solution procedures. We derive here an equivalent dual action principle for the shallow stream approximation and implement this model using the finite element method. The key feature of the dual action is that the flow law and friction law are both inverted, which changes the character of the non-linearities. This altered character makes it possible to implement numerical solvers for the dual form that work even when the ice thickness or strain rate are exactly equal to zero. Solvers for the primal form typically fail on such input data and require regularization of the problem. This robustness makes it possible to implement iceberg calving in a simple way: the modeler sets the ice thickness to zero in the desired area. We provide several demonstrations and a reference implementation.

The bioactive potential of phenolic extracts derived from olive mill solid by-product (OMSbP), also called alperujo, and olive mill water (OMW), remains a topic of significant interest due to the amount of these, especially in Mediterranean regions, and their potential health benefits. In this study, the antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of phenolic extracts obtained from OMSbP and OMW (OMSbP-P and OMW-P, respectively) in intestinal cells were evaluated. Initially, phenol-rich extracts were prepared by ethanol/ethyl acetate extraction and were characterized by HPLC-DAD analyses. The in vitro antioxidant activity showed potent bioactivities for all extracts evaluated. Toxicity assays did not reveal adverse effects on Caco-2 cell viability at concentrations relevant to immunomodulatory activity. Subsequently, the immunomodulatory effects of these extracts were assessed by measuring gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The results demonstrate that both OMSbP-P and OMW-P exhibit significant immunomodulatory activities, as evidenced by modulated cytokine gene expression in intestinal cells. Furthermore, molecular docking analyses of the identified phenols with the TLR4/MD2 receptor showed binding affinity, increasing the evidence that these extracts could exert immunomodulatory activity. Overall, our findings suggest that OMSbP-P and OMW-P possess promising immunomodulatory properties in intestinal cells, thus emphasizing their potential as natural therapeutic agents for managing immune-related disorders and promoting gut health. Further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and in vivo studies are warranted to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of these extracts.

The clonal materials of Tectona grandis L. f. in fast-growing plantations exhibit faster growth than the seminal materials. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the differences in wood drying to ensure the quality and yield of the final product. This study evaluated the outdoor drying behavior of three genotypes of teak lumber. Two clonal genotypes (G1 and G2) and one of seminal origin (G3) were assessed. Boards measuring 30 × 150 × 1000 mm (thickness × width × length) were produced from the basal logs. The average moisture content (79.3, 64.9, and 60,1%), final moisture content (10.8, 9.8, and 11.6%), and mean drying rate (1.2, 0.97, and 0.85%.day-1) were observed in the wood from genotypes G1, G2 and G3, respectively. The clonal material crooked and bowed below 5 mm.m-1, which is considered the tolerance limit for both warpings. The seminal material had a greater incidence of splitting. The clonal genotypes G1 and G2 had similar qualities and presented higher drying rates, final moisture contents below 11% and a lower incidence of defects, especially splitting, compared to the naturally seeded material.

Background Among patients with stroke eligible for endovascular treatment, preprocedure identification of those with low chances of successful recanalization with conventional devices (stent‐retrievers and/or direct aspiration) may allow anticipating procedural rescue strategies. We aimed to develop a preprocedural algorithm able to predict recanalization failure with conventional devices (RFCD). Methods Observational study. Data from consecutive patients with stroke who received endovascular treatment between 2019 and 2022 in 10 centers were collected from the Catalan Stroke Registry (Codi Ictus Catalunya Registry, CICAT). RFCD was defined as final thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≤2a or the use of rescue therapy defined as balloon angioplasty±stent deployment. Univariate and multivariate analysis to identify variables associated with RFCD were performed. A gradient boosted decision tree machine learning model to predict RFCD was developed utilizing preprocedure variables previously selected. Clinical improvement at 24 hours was defined as a drop of ≥4 points from baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score or 0–1 at 24 hours. Results In total, 984 patients were included; RFCD was observed in 14.3% (n:141) of the cases. Of these, 47.5% (n = 67) received balloon angioplasty±stent deployment as rescue therapy. Among patients receiving balloon angioplasty±stent deployment, clinical improvement was associated with lower number of attempts with conventional devices (median number of passes 2 versus 3; P = 0.045). In logistic regression, the absence of atrial fibrillation (odds ratio [OR]: 2.730, 95%CI: 1.541–4.836; P = 0.007) and no‐thrombolytic treatment (OR: 1.826, 95%CI: 1.230–2.711; P = 0.003) emerged as independent predictors of RFCD. A predictive model for RFCD, based on age, sex, hypertension, wake‐up stroke, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT [Computed Tomography] Score, occlusion site, thrombolysis, and atrial fibrillation showed an acceptable discrimination (area under the curve: 0.72±0.024 SD) and accuracy (0.75±0.015 SD). Overall performance was moderate (weighted F1‐score: 0.77±0.041 SD). Conclusion In RFCD patients, early balloon angioplasty±stent deployment rescue was associated with improved outcomes. A predictive model using affordable preprocedure clinical variables could be useful to identify these patients before intervention.

The history of the discovery, use, and development of dyes is closely linked to the history of humanity itself. Among the first records of human civilization are cave paintings made from, e.g., fruits, plants, minerals, and insects. Over the centuries, using different techniques, colors have been given to all types of materials and products, from clothing to food. The chemicals responsible for colors are dyes - a vast collection of molecules of the most varied compositions, but which have in common the absorption of light within the visible window of the electromagnetic spectrum. This article aims not only to review the properties of some classes of natural dyes, their origins, and their applications but also to describe the various computational chemistry methods involved in designing new bio-inspired molecules.