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Objective: Research suggests that women experience more barriers to physical exercise than men do. Advocating for increased physical exercise is a primary responsibility of professionals who have specialised in the field of physical activity and sports sciences. This study aimed to examine differences in barriers to the practise of physical exercise, and the general state of mental health, among university students of physical activity and sports sciences based on gender. Design: A cross-sectional analysis of 144 students attending physical activity and sports sciences courses. Setting: Participants were recruited from a university in Spain. Method: This study used the validated Spanish versions of the Self-Report of Barriers to the Practice of Physical Exercise questionnaire and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Results: Based on the total Self Report of Barriers to the Practice of Physical Exercise questionnaire and total 12-item General Health Questionnaire scores, female students reported significantly higher barriers and significantly poorer mental health than male students did. A weak positive correlation was observed between the total Self-Report of Barriers to the Practice of Physical Exercise questionnaire and 12-item General Health Questionnaire scores. Conclusion: Among university students who studied physical activity and sports sciences, women perceive greater barriers to physical exercise than men did, even though both groups had an inherent interest in exercise. A perception of greater barriers to engaging in physical exercise was associated with a negative impact on overall mental health, suggesting the need to address these barriers in future research on students of physical activity and sports sciences.

Abstract Causality lies at the heart of scientific inquiry, serving as the fundamental basis for understanding interactions among variables in physical systems. Despite its central role, current methods for causal inference face significant challenges due to nonlinear dependencies, stochastic interactions, self-causation, collider effects, and influences from exogenous factors, among others. While existing methods can effectively address some of these challenges, no single approach has successfully integrated all these aspects. Here, we address these challenges with SURD: Synergistic-Unique-Redundant Decomposition of causality. SURD quantifies causality as the increments of redundant, unique, and synergistic information gained about future events from past observations. The formulation is non-intrusive and applicable to both computational and experimental investigations, even when samples are scarce. We benchmark SURD in scenarios that pose significant challenges for causal inference and demonstrate that it offers a more reliable quantification of causality compared to previous methods.

ABSTRACTThis article applies a modified perspective of inclusive growth in order to understand the diversity of communities within a remote and predominantly rural region of northern Europe. A transdisciplinary process co-constructed an enhanced and regionally appropriate framework of inclusive growth, which recognised the importance of evaluating the concept as multidimensional and affected by the uneven contexts of physical geography and connectivity, and social characteristics, which influence development potential and community resilience, and which extend the relevance of inclusive growth to rural places. Operationalisation of this framework was achieved at the local level through quantitative multivariate analysis, which identified underlying dimensions of inclusive growth ‘performance’ representing interactions of broad economic outcomes and variation in geographical and social contexts, and then clusters of locations with similar characteristics. The evidence of multidimensional and geographical inequalities from this analysis was evaluated using a spatial justice perspective, enhancing the applicability of an inclusive growth framing as a means of understanding the wellbeing economy and rural diversity. Conceptually, the regionally-sensitive understanding of inclusive growth performance builds on and develops existing broader framings of inclusive growth. To avoid leaving places behind, policies which seek to achieve inclusive growth should recognise and adapt to nuanced and localised inequalities.

Intertidal macroalgae play a vital role in marine ecosystems, necessitating effective monitoring of their coverage and diversity. Traditional monitoring methods are labour-intensive and costly, prompting exploration of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to characterize intertidal ecosystems. We propose an alternative process integrating UAV red-green-blue (RGB) imagery and topographic indexes to classify complex intertidal macroalgae assemblages automatically. We studied two intertidal areas capturing eight flights between May and September 2023. Orthoimages and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) were generated. Manual segmentations for 24 classes were cropped into images of individual labels. Additional channels with five topographic indices were added to the RGB images. The resulting dataset of 6412 images was then used to train a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). We tested the benefit of the additional topographic indices by training the CNN with and without the topographic channels. The best results were given by the inclusion of the Analytical hillshade to the RGB images, showing a relative 11.3% increase in classification accuracy. This indicates that 3D data can enhance the performance of macroalgae classification models. However, there was no significant improvement when using more than one topographic index to train the CNN. Our workflow offers a cost-effective and robust solution for intertidal macroalgae monitoring, contributing to ecological conservation efforts.

Transport infrastructures (TIs) play a crucial role for facilitating transportation and enhancing mobility. Nevertheless, they face significant risks from forest fires mainly due to climate change. Developing accurate fire risk maps is essential for planning vegetation maintenance, predicting fire-prone areas, and assessing potential damage levels. Risk maps often rely on field data, which are difficult to update promptly for effective management. This paper introduces an approach to identify and continuously monitor road sections at high risk of forest fires using Random Forest (RF) models along with satellite images. Multiple models were trained using different risk predictors, all achieving test accuracies exceeding 79% and good agreement in the kappa coefficient. Additionally, the key predictors in each model were analyzed. As a result, these models offer a dynamic updating mechanism for risk maps over time. The methodology also enables the integration and fusion of multi-source datasets to pinpoint areas with the highest risk associated with TIs and forest fires. These insights facilitate the delineation and timely update of critical TI areas, thereby enhancing overall risk management.

ABSTRACT Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare but life‐threatening complication in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The case highlights the diagnostic challenges and treatment complexities in managing SLE‐associated pancreatitis. A 20‐year‐old female with a history of SLE presented with acute onset epigastric pain, vomiting, and signs of systemic inflammation. Laboratory findings revealed elevated amylase and lipase levels, confirming AP. Imaging studies showed interstitial edematous pancreatitis and bilateral pleural effusion. The patient was managed with aggressive fluid resuscitation, pain management, and supportive care. A systemic inflammatory response complicated her clinical course, and she required intensive care unit monitoring. This case underscores the importance of early recognition of AP in SLE patients and highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to manage this severe complication.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication associated with severe COVID-19 and has been linked to increased mortality. While vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has shown effectiveness in reducing severe COVID-19 outcomes, its impact on the development of AKI among hospitalized patients remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on the incidence and severity of AKI and 28-day mortality among hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. Design: Retrospective case-control study. Setting: Conducted at the Internal Medicine Department of Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico, from April 2020 to December 2021. Patients: 413 patients over 18 with confirmed severe COVID-19 were included. Patients were categorized based on their vaccination status before COVID-19 infection. Measurements: Key outcomes included the incidence of AKI, progression to AKI stage 3, and 28-day mortality. AKI was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. Methods: Data were analyzed using univariate and logistic regression models to assess the association between vaccination status and the studied outcomes. Covariates included age, sex, BMI, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and inflammatory markers. Results: Among the 413 patients, 70% developed AKI, with a median hospital stay of 10 days (range 6-17). Vaccinated patients had a significantly lower incidence of AKI compared with nonvaccinated patients (48.7% vs 74.9%; P < .001). After adjusting for confounding factors, vaccination was associated with lower odds of AKI (OR: 0.252, 95% CI: 0.140-0.452), AKI stage 3 (OR: 0.448, 95% CI: 0.205-0.981), and 28-day mortality (OR: 0.187, 95% CI: 0.064-0.544). Limitations: As a single-center retrospective study, generalizability is limited. In addition, vaccination data were obtained from medical records, and the completeness of vaccination could not be independently verified. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was independently associated with a reduced risk of AKI, AKI stage 3, and 28-day mortality in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. These findings highlight the potential protective effects of vaccination against severe kidney complications in this population.

Macroalgae have been used as indicators of the health of coastal ecosystems, they function as sinks of CO2 and are essential contributors to primary production. With the increase in anthropogenic activities, it is crucial to assess the impact of such activities on these ecosystems. As traditional surveying techniques, although accurate, are time-consuming and their area coverage is limited, novel techniques are required to monitor the coverage and diversity of intertidal macroalgae. We propose a methodology using the free-source Semi-Automatic Classification Plugin from QGIS to use UAV and multispectral cameras for the spatiotemporal monitoring of intertidal macroalgae. We also compared the performance of six classifiers: Minimum Distance (MD), Maximum Likelihood (ML), Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), for three types of macroalgae classification: general, taxonomical groups and species. As proof of concept, an intertidal rocky shore in a marine protected area (NW Spain) was studied for four months. RF and SVM achieved similar results, with both being recommended for the general (OASVM = 97.4±1.7 and OARF = 98.3±1.7) and taxonomical groups (OASVM = 91.6±1.9 and OARF = 89.2±4.5). SVM and ML were found to be more suitable for species classification (OASVM = 77.4±11.4 and OAML = 74.2±9.7). SAM and MLP provided the least performant species classifiers because of the overlap in the macroalgae spectral signatures. The plugin showed limitations when tuning the input parameters of the MLP classifier and did not let to add a validation dataset. Additionally, we present an open-access GIS web application, Alganat 2000 GIS web, to facilitate the monitoring and management of coastal areas. We conclude that the proposed methodology using the SVM or ML classifiers is an effective tool for assessing intertidal macroalgal assemblages. Its easy and rapid implementation is beneficial for researchers who are not very familiar with coding and machine learning frameworks and reduces the time and cost of fieldwork. As future work, we propose the combination of the multispectral bands with topographic and spectral indices and to research the application of deep learning models to the classification of intertidal macroalgae.

Ticks are a globally distributed group of hematophagous ectoparasites that parasitize terrestrial vertebrates such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Ticks are vectors and reservoirs of pathogens that play an important role in wildlife and human health. Rickettsia is one of the bacteria transmitted by ticks, which some pathogenic species can cause rickettsiosis, a zoonotic disease that can cause serious harm to humans and animals. More information is necessary on the interactions between ticks and wildlife despite the fifty-seven ticks species already identified in Colombia. The objective of the present study was to determine the associations between ticks parasitizing wildlife and bacteria of the genus Rickettsia in six departments of Colombia. One hundred eighty-five ticks (80 larvae, 78 nymphs, and 27 adults) were collected from 55 wildlife species (amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles). Nine tick species were identified, and Rickettsia bellii, Rickettsia felis, ‘Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi’ and Rickettsia parkeri were detected. Our results contribute to the current knowledge of tick-associated rickettsiae and the role of wildlife in their transmission dynamics.

Objective: to describe the norms and perceptions of a sample of Spanish parents and guardians on the use of mobile devices (smartphone and/or tablet) by their children and their association with such use. Method: a quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional, online, exploratory study was conducted with a non-probability sample of parents or guardians of children using smartphones or tablets. The virtual questionnaire consisted of 44 questions and was available at https://www.kenkolab.org/participa/ . Results: the total number of participants (parents or guardians) was 183 people. It was observed that 26.2% of parents admitted that their children had free and unrestricted access to smartphones or tablets. Associations were identified between time spent using mobile devices and parental attitudes, such as permission without time limitation and use as a reward or punishment. Approximately half of the respondents believe that their children use the mobile device longer than recommended. Conclusion: most parents exercise some control over their children’s use of devices. Acting on parental norms and perceptions is vital to success in addressing children’s time spent on mobile devices. Community nursing could be a vehicle for education in healthy screen consumption habits in early childhood.

Presentamos la documentación y estudio del denominado Dolmen de arroyo de las Sileras publicado en la década de 1930 y posteriormente desaparecido. Descrito inicialmente como un conjunto compuesto por fragmentos de ortostatos con grabados de espirales y círculos concéntricos, se presentó como un unicum en el contexto del sur de Iberia. Su ‘redescubrimiento’ nos ha permitido desarrollar una prospección arqueológica pedestre, dibujo arqueológico convencional, fotogrametría, anastilosis digital y análisis morfológico virtual. Los resultados aportan datos inéditos sobre los soportes grabados para discutir la interpretación del sitio. La prospección ha revelado concentraciones próximas de restos cerámicos datables entre el Neolítico Antiguo y el inicio de la Edad del Cobre. En conjunto, los soportes grabados de las Sileras se integran en un paisaje cultural más rico y complejo de lo esperable en el Guadalquivir Medio durante la Prehistoria Reciente.

Abstract Background Obesity is a significant risk factor for metabolic‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The association between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and liver fibrosis has not been fully elucidated in patients with obesity and MASLD. Methods This observational retrospective study included clinical and biochemical parameters of patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. HP infection was confirmed by gastric endoscopy, and liver biopsies were performed during surgery. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were employed to evaluate independent associations with liver fibrosis and steatosis by biopsy. Results The mean age of the subjects was 42 ± 10 years, with 84.7% being women, and they had a mean BMI of 42.97 ± 7.56 kg/m2. Overall, 41.7% of patients had an HP infection. Multiple logistic regression models were conducted to assess the association between HP infection, liver steatosis, and fibrosis by biopsy. HP infection was independently associated with liver fibrosis [OR = 3.164 (95% CI 1.011–9.900)]. Conclusion Biopsy findings associated HP infection with increased liver fibrosis.

Las prácticas funerarias del IV y III milenio cal ac se caracterizan en la mayor parte de la Península Ibérica por la generalización de la arquitectura megalítica, en paralelo a las importantes transformaciones sociales que tienen lugar a lo largo de la denominada Edad del Cobre. Al mismo tiempo, proliferan enterramientos colectivos en cuevas naturales en zonas montañosas del área meridional de Iberia, muchos de los cuales parecen compartir usos similares a los propios de cámaras ortostáticas. En este trabajo presentaremos el sorprendente caso del yacimiento de Peñacalera, en Obejo, provincia de Córdoba, una pequeña cavidad funeraria situada en un prominente afloramiento rocoso situado en el macizo de Sierra Morena descubierta en 2014. El contexto funerario comprende los restos óseos de al menos cinco individuos, asociados a elementos de ajuar como vasos cerámicos, y elementos de naturaleza orgánica en un notable estado de conservación, especialmente placas de corcho de alcornoque y algunos fragmentos textiles. El análisis de las dataciones radiocarbónicas efectuadas apunta a dos fases de uso diferenciadas, una en el tercer cuarto del iv y otra a mediados del III milenio cal AC.

This paper deals with several issues of Pius XII’s pastoral concern for the clergy, such as the new canonical framework created under his pontificate in 1947, which allowed the constitution of clerical secular institutes, among them Opus Dei; which clerical sodalities received this juridical form during his pontificate; and what kind of misgivings existed among some canonists and pastors about the associative ties that some priests contracted in supradiocesan secular institutes.

Effectively navigating the intricacies of extensive 3D point cloud data in urban environments poses a series of formidable computational challenges. These challenges are primarily attributed to the substantial data volume and density inherent in urban settings, the presence of noise and inconsistencies within the collected data, and the constraints imposed by limited transmission bandwidth, which consequently impact storage requirements. This paper introduces an innovative methodology for handling large point cloud datasets, based on concepts from Sparse Signal Processing (SSP), also known as compressive sensing. The proposed approach integrates well known geometric data manipulation such as the Octree to work hand in hand with SSP, as unified method. Through experimental validation using the Santiago Urban Dataset (SUD), we demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in achieving high data fidelity, as measured by Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) values reaching approximately 60 dB even at substantial compression ratios. Comparative analysis against traditional methods, including those implemented in the widely used Point Cloud Library (PCL), reveals the superior performance of our proposed methodology. The results underscore the robustness and efficiency of our approach, positioning it as a compelling alternative for compressing extensive 3D point cloud data. This has crucial implications for diverse applications, ranging from city planning to rapid and effective disaster response.

ABSTRACTMobile laser scanners are vital for intelligent transport infrastructure, capturing detailed 3D road representations, but their accuracy depends on factors like sensor positioning and environment. This study compares two van-mounted Mobile Laser Scanners (MLS): the dual head Lynx Mobile Mapper and the single head VUX-1 HA, along with the terrestrial laser scanner Faro Focus XX30. Using point cloud reference data from Faro Focus XX30 and GNSS data from Trimble R8, performance is assessed in road, urban, and semi-urban environments. Accuracy is measured by the difference between Trimble GNSS and MLS coordinates. Geometric features of each LiDAR are compared, and mapping tasks in road and urban areas are performed using a machine learning classifier. Results show the MLS-single head scanner achieves satisfactory accuracy in roads and semi-urban areas, while Faro performs better in urban settings for classification. MLS-single head excels in road environments, while Faro is superior in urban ones. This analysis aids researchers and professionals in selecting the appropriate mobile laser scanner for mapping transport infrastructure, providing valuable insights into MLS systems’ comparative performance across different environments.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second cause of death worldwide. The increasing burden of stroke underscores the importance of optimising rehabilitation protocols. Virtual reality (VR) can improve poststroke prognosis. A VR software combining gamification, full immersion and stroke specificity (ie, the Development and validation of a novel viRtual rEality software for improving diSability and quality of lifE in patients with sTroke (RESET) software) might substantially improve disability and quality of life (QoL). However, this technology is still very scarce. The RESET trial aims to assess the effects of an early 10-week gamified, fully immersive and stroke-specific VR intervention (ie, starting at week 3 poststroke) on disability and QoL in people with stroke in the subacute phase. People with ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke (n=94) aged ≥18 years will be randomised to receive (1) usual care (UC), (2) commercial VR or (3) gamified, fully immersive and stroke-specific VR (RESET). The three groups will receive UC (ie, three sessions/week of 90 min of standard rehabilitation). The VR groups will additionally receive three VR sessions of 20 min per week. The outcome measures will be assessed at baseline (week 2 from stroke occurrence), week 13 (approximately 90 days from the event) and week 26 (approximately 6 months from the event). The primary outcome is disability measured with the Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes include QoL, upper-extremity and lower-extremity motor function, gross manual dexterity, handgrip strength and cognitive function. This study will unravel the effects of a gamified, fully immersive and stroke-specific VR software on disability and QoL in patients with stroke in the early subacute phase.NCT06132399.

Las lesiones deportivas son una problemática que afecta a todos los practicantes a cualquier actividad física sin importar la edad, sexo, nivel deportivo o experiencia. Una de las facetas que tiene el entrenamiento sobre los deportistas es reducir la probabilidad de lesión mediante el entrenamiento físico o preventivo. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar dos revisiones bibliográficas: una de ellas centrada en conocer la etiología de las lesiones de los practicantes de baloncesto, y la segunda sobre los métodos más empleados para la prevención de las lesiones. Método: Para ambas revisiones se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en la WOS de los estudios publicados en los últimos 10 años, obteniendo 57 artículos para la primera revisión y 15 estudios para la segunda. Resultados: Los resultados han mostrado que las lesiones más comunes se producen en la rodilla y tobillo, que los jugadores masculinos se lesionan más que los femeninos, siendo afectada con mayor frecuencia los tejidos blandos, sin contactar con otro jugador y durante la competición. Entre las técnicas preventivas activas más empleadas se encuentra el entrenamiento propioceptivo y neuromuscular, mientras que en las técnicas pasivas destacan el descanso y el empleo de tobilleras. Conclusiones: Por todo ello, se concluye que son necesarios más estudios que reúnan la etiología de las lesiones de los practicantes de baloncesto, puesto que los resultados son heterogéneos.

Los requisitos de contratación que piden las empresas van más allá de la formación académica. Ahora se exige que los candidatos puedan integrarse a los equipos de trabajo, resolver problemas o comunicarse de manera efectiva con sus compañeros. Al analizar 646 036 ofertas de trabajo en línea en México (agosto de 2021 a junio de 2022), encontramos que las habilidades sociales (26%) y cognitivas (22%) son las más buscadas. Además, cuando la educación universitaria se combina con las habilidades cognitivas, las empresas ofrecen un salario 6% más alto y, cuando la vacante hace explícito el género, el salario ofertado a las mujeres es 12% menor al de los hombres. Estos hallazgos sugieren la necesidad de modernizar el sistema educativo y cultivar las habilidades que demandan los empleadores.

Abstract Background Pirfenidone has demonstrated significant anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in both animal models and some clinical trials. Its potential for antifibrotic activity positions it as a promising candidate for the treatment of various fibrotic diseases. Pirfenidone exerts several pleiotropic and anti‐inflammatory effects through different molecular pathways, attenuating multiple inflammatory processes, including the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, and fibroblast activation. Objective To present the current evidence of pirfenidone's effects on several fibrotic diseases, with a focus on its potential as a therapeutic option for managing chronic fibrotic conditions. Findings Pirfenidone has been extensively studied for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, showing a favorable impact and forming part of the current treatment regimen for this disease. Additionally, pirfenidone appears to have beneficial effects on similar fibrotic diseases such as interstitial lung disease, myocardial fibrosis, glomerulopathies, aberrant skin scarring, chronic liver disease, and other fibrotic disorders. Conclusion Given the increasing incidence of chronic fibrotic conditions, pirfenidone emerges as a potential therapeutic option for these patients. However, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm its therapeutic efficacy in various fibrotic diseases. This review aims to highlight the current evidence of pirfenidone's effects in multiple fibrotic conditions.

La pandemia en 2020 planteó diversos desafíos para los hogares mexicanos, sobre todos aquellos donde alguno de sus miembros tuvo la enfermedad. Este artículo analiza las estrategias de supervivencia que desarrollaron los hogares y las comunidades que habitan en el Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México y el municipio de Nezahualcóyotl. Se definieron tres variables para analizar dichas estrategias: la cohesión social, la intervención de los vecinos en acciones colectivas y la participación comunitaria. Usando los datos recolectados por la encuesta “Empoderamiento ciudadano para mejorar la seguridad pública y el estado de derecho en la Ciudad de México”, junto con modelos econométricos, se evidenció que ambas comunidades destacaron por su cohesión y participación vecinal. En Nezahualcóyotl, la familia y las relaciones vecinales fueron esenciales, mientras que en el Centro Histórico prevaleció la solidaridad entre vecinos.

In a discourse characterised by technical innovation, alternative business models and material flows, the seemingly mundane, everyday forms of individual action toward circularity that can and are being taken by members of the public can sometimes feel overlooked. Whilst the importance of behaviour change is often acknowledged, in-depth conceptual engagement around circular behaviours remains uncommon in the field of circular economy research. In this perspective article we advocate for a person-centred perspective on circular behaviours, viewing people as not just consumers or users of circular products, but as individuals, nested within social groups, whose everyday, yet complex, relationships with material goods must undergo a shift if a circular economy is to be achieved. Drawing on insights from the wider field of pro-environmental behaviour research, we explore how we conceptualise circular behaviours themselves and how the behavioural theories we apply may constrain the ambition of the policy action our research supports. In doing so, we set out a person-centred agenda for research on circular behaviours, recommending: (1) greater application of systems-oriented approaches; (2) conceptual development on categorising circular behaviours, and (3) interdisciplinary efforts to integrate theory from across social science disciplines to underpin behavioural analyses and public engagement and action on the circular economy.

In this work, a bibliometric study was carried out to perform a scientific and technological analysis of exchange-spring magnets, an alternative permanent magnet synthesized by reducing or eliminating the use of critical raw materials, such as rare earths. The bibliometric analysis utilized the Scopus database, Orbit-Intellixir, VOSviewer, Orbit-Intelligence and Loglet Lab 4 software for maturity analysis, keyword network representations, charts and graphs for scientific articles and/or patents. A special analysis was performed on nanocomposite and thin-films systems based on Nd-Fe-B, SmCo5 and Mn–Al–C alloys, either mixed or layered with a soft magnetic phase, where relevant information on their magnetic parameters was compilated in tables, highlighting the nanostructured systems that have been exhibited the best permanent magnet properties. The bibliometric analysis revealed that the primary production of scientific articles is concentrated in industrialized countries, and they are predominantly published in journals dedicated to magnetism. A patents analysis showed that Nissan motors is by far the main applicant, with most of its patents is focused on technological domains related to electrical machinery, apparatus, energy and metallurgy. On the other hand, the S-curve of maturity for scientific articles indicated that the study of exchange-spring magnets is entering a mature state. In contrast, patent production, following a bi-logistic model, is in a saturation stage for the second S-curve. Maturity analyses, employing S-curve, bi-logistic and multi-logistic models, were performed on nanocomposites and thin films based on Nd-Fe-B, SmCo5 and Mn–Al–C alloys, respectively. We found that the investigation in Nd-Fe-B-based alloys is close to enter to a scientific saturation stage, while an average growth stage is observed for the SmCo5 and Mn–Al–C-based alloys. This suggests that research on alternative magnets, capable of fulfilling technological applications where a Nd-Fe-B magnets are commonly used, is a topic of significant interest.

Mitochondrial carrier homologs 1 (MTCH1) and 2 (MTCH2) are orphan members of the mitochondrial transporter family SLC25. Human MTCH1 is also known as presenilin 1‐associated protein, PSAP. MTCH2 is a receptor for tBid and is related to lipid metabolism. Both proteins have been recently described as protein insertases of the outer mitochondrial membrane. We have depleted Mtch in Drosophila and show here that mutant flies are unable to complete development, showing an excess of apoptosis during pupation; this observation was confirmed by RNAi in Schneider cells. These findings are contrary to what has been described in humans. We discuss the implications in view of recent reports concerning the function of these proteins.