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CRISPR-Cas greatly facilitated the integration of exogenous sequences into specific loci. However, knockin generation in multicellular animals remains challenging, partially due to the complexity of insertion screening. Here, we describe SEED/Harvest, a method to generate knockins in Drosophila , based on CRISPR-Cas and the single-strand annealing (SSA) repair pathway. In SEED (from "scarless editing by element deletion"), a switchable cassette is first integrated into the target locus. In a subsequent CRISPR-triggered repair event, resolved by SSA, the cassette is seamlessly removed. Germline excision of SEED cassettes allows for fast and robust knockin generation of both fluorescent proteins and short protein tags in tandem. Tissue-specific expression of Cas9 results in somatic cassette excision, conferring spatiotemporal control of protein labeling and the conditional rescue of mutants. Finally, to achieve conditional protein labeling and manipulation of short tag knockins, we developed a genetic toolbox by functionalizing the ALFA nanobody. [Display omitted] • SEED/Harvest permits scarless tagging via single-strand annealing pathway in Drosophila • Tissue-specific Cas9 expression permits conditional endogenous tagging and mutant rescue • Tandem tagging strategy to simultaneously manipulate and visualize proteins • Engineered ALFA nanobody permits efficient live imaging of endogenously tagged proteins Aguilar and Bauer et al. propose SEED ("scarless editing by element deletion")/Harvest, a two-step gene-editing strategy that utilizes the SSA pathway to generate seamless knockins in Drosophila. SEED/Harvest allows for spatially restricted endogenous tagging and conditional rescues, mediated by tissue-specific Cas9 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to assess the impact of alfa and date palm natural fibers as reinforcement for epoxy, vinyl ester, and polyimide polymer (AlfaDate palm/epoxy, Alfa-Date palm/vinyl ester, and Alfa-date palm/polyimide) through a genetic approach. The study employs a genetic simulation rooted in the Weibull formalism, employing genetic operators such as selection, crossing, and mutation for a nuanced evaluation of the damage at the fibermatrix interface across the studied materials. The genetic algorithm results authentically capture the intrinsic behaviour of these materials, emphasising key mechanical properties like Young's Modulus, deformation, and stress at break. The obtained results highlight that the matrix showing the highest Young's modulus value at its fiber-matrix interface exhibits superior strength. These conclusions align with contemporary advancements in natural fiber-reinforced composite materials tailored for diverse industries and eco-friendly applications.

The present study aims to assess the impact of alfa and date palm natural fibers as reinforcement for epoxy, vinyl ester, and polyimide polymer (Alfa-Date palm/epoxy, Alfa-Date palm/vinyl ester, and Alfa-date palm/polyimide) through a genetic approach. The study employs a genetic simulation rooted in the Weibull formalism, employing genetic operators such as selection, crossing, and mutation for a nuanced evaluation of the damage at the fibermatrix interface across the studied materials. The genetic algorithm results authentically capture the intrinsic behaviour of these materials, emphasising key mechanical properties like Young's Modulus, deformation, and stress at break. The obtained results highlight that the matrix showing the highest Young's modulus value at its fiber-matrix interface exhibits superior strength. These conclusions align with contemporary advancements in natural fiber-reinforced composite materials tailored for diverse industries and eco-friendly applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliability is a property that all tests must exhibit. Since it is not generalizable from one sample to another, the meta-analysis of reliability generalization was developed. Currently, there are many statistical methods, but there is no agreement on the most suitable for this type of meta-analysis. This study compares 15 different statistical methods in three real datasets regarding the distribution of reliability coefficients, the estimation of average reliability, and the effect of moderator variables. The results indicated that distributions tend to achieved normality with the transformations. Discrepancies in estimates of average reliability were small but could lead to different substantive conclusions. Moderator variables yielded significant results depending on the method employed. The discussion revolves around how this discrepancy between methods may influence on specific applications of reliability generalization studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Supporting wellbeing beyond symptom reduction is necessary in trauma care. Research suggests increased posttraumatic growth (PTG) may promote wellbeing more effectively than posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom reduction alone. Understanding neurobiological mechanisms of PTG would support PTG intervention development. However, most PTG research to-date has been cross-sectional data self-reported through surveys or interviews. Objective: Neural evidence of PTG and its coexistence with resilience and PTSD is limited. To advance neural PTG literature and contribute translational neuroscientific knowledge necessary to develop future objectively measurable neural-based PTG interventions. Method: Alpha frequency EEG and validated psychological inventories measuring PTG, resilience, and PTSD symptoms were collected from 30 trauma-exposed healthy adults amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. EEG data were collected using custom MNE-Python software, and a wireless OpenBCI 16-channel dry electrode EEG headset. Psychological inventory scores were analysed in SPSS Statistics and used to categorise the EEG data. Power spectral density analyses, t-tests and ANOVAs were conducted within EEGLab to identify brain activity differentiating high and low PTG, resilience, and PTSD symptoms. Results: Higher PTG was significantly differentiated from low PTG by higher alpha power in the left centro-temporal brain area around EEG electrode C3. A trend differentiating high PTG from PTSD was also indicated in this same location. Whole-scalp spectral topographies revealed alpha power EEG correlates of PTG, resilience and PTSD symptoms shared limited, but potentially meaningful similarities. Conclusion: This research provides the first comparative neural topographies of PTG, resilience and PTSD symptoms in the known literature. Results provide objective neural evidence supporting existing theory depicting PTG, resilience and PTSD as independent, yet co-occurring constructs. PTG neuromarker alpha C3 significantly delineated high from low PTG and warrants further investigation for potential clinical application. Findings provide foundation for future neural-based interventions and research for enhancing PTG in trauma-exposed individuals. Objective translational study designed to increase neural understanding of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and provide a basis for future neural-based interventions to enhance PTG. Results provide neural evidence of PTG as an independent construct that coexists, and shares limited neural relatedness with resilience and PTSD symptoms. Increased PTG was significantly related to higher alpha power in the left centro-temporal brain area around EEG electrode C3: This finding warrants further investigation for potential clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract What are the pertinent indicators of the Church being lived by the GPI in the middle of a disruption related to its identity between oneness and independence, as well as the difficulties of the international context and nationality? is the question that this essay’s introduction poses. This article employs a qualitative approach to address this query, attempting to build a meaning for the church in the age of disruption by analytically interpreting the data obtained. The findings of this research demonstrate that GPI’s courage is walking with God to maintain the independence and unity of being a brother-sisterhood in God’s open banquet by fostering the concept of brother-sisterhood within its own body and assisting in the resolution of national and international problems. It is clear that GPI deserves to display the distinctive characteristics of the Church, including its commitment to multiculturalism, freedom, and Indonesian public liquidity. Abstrak Tulisan ini dimulai dengan sebuah pertanyaan, apa tanda-tanda Gereja yang relevan dihidupi oleh GPI di tengah disrupsi terkait identitas dirinya di antara keesaan dan kemandirian, dan tantangan konteks global dan kebangsaan? Untuk menjawab pertanyaan ini, pembahasan tulisan ini menggunakan metode kualitatif, dengan berusaha menginterpretasi secara analitis ke atas data-data yang ditemukan untuk mengonstruksi makna menggereja di era disrupsi. Hasil penelitian ini memperlihatkan bahwa keberanian (courage) GPI adalah berjalan bersama Allah untuk meneruskan keesaan dan kemandirian menjadi persaudaraan dalam perjamuan Allah yang terbuka dengan mengusung gagasan persaudaraan di tubuhnya sendiri dan turut mengatasi tantangan kebangsaan dan global hingga ke titik omega. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa GPI layak mengusung tanda-tanda Gereja yang khas, yaitu: persaudaraan, keesaan, kemandirian, multikultural dan keindonesiaan-kepublikan-kecairan.

Optimization of xylanase and cellulase production by a newly isolated Aspergillus fumigatus strain grown on Stipa tenacissima (alfa grass) biomass without pretreatment was carried out using a Box-Behnken design. First, the polysaccharides of dried and ground alfa grass were characterized using chemical methods (strong and diluted acid). The effect of substrate particle size on xylanase and carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) production by the selected and identified strain was then investigated. Thereafter, experiments were statistically planned with a Box-Behnken design to optimize initial pH, cultivation temperature, moisture content, and incubation period using alfa as sole carbon source. The effect of these parameters on the two enzyme production was evaluated using the response surface method. Analysis of variance was also carried out, and production of the enzymes was expressed using a mathematical equation depending on the influencing factors. The effects of individual, interaction, and square terms on production of both enzymes were represented using the nonlinear regression equations with significant R2 and P-values. Xylanase and CMCase production levels were enhanced by 25% and 27%, respectively. Thus, this study demonstrated for the first time the potential of alfa as a raw material to produce enzymes without any pretreatment. A set of parameter combinations was found to be effective for the production of xylanase and CMCase by A. fumigatus in an alfa-based solid-state fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the Edict of Milan and the full adoption of Christianity in Egypt, the city of Oxyrhynchus became a major religious center and was one of the most important cities during the Coptic period. From 2009 to 2021 excavations have been carried out in Sector 24 of the Upper Necropolis of Oxyrhynchus, where major finds from this Christian phase are coming to light and a basilica dedicated to St. Philoxenus has been documented. In the excavation of this building a series of crosses painted on the columns of the building have been found, from which we will analyze the iconography of this type of crosses in Egypt and how Christianity adopted them from the fourth century for their shape and symbolism. In addition, we will study the value and function of the letters alpha and omega that accompany in many cases not only the ansadas crosses, but also the staurograms, chrismons and christograms in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of radon 222Rn can be quantified using active and passive measurements (in situ). This radioactive gas in enclosed spaces such as underground coal mines is a silent threat because inhaling it at high concentrations can induce lung cancer in workers exposed for extended periods. Currently, Colombia lacks protocols for the measurement and prevention of this radioactive gas. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to measure the concentrations of 222Rn to which the workers in the El Volcán coal mine, located in the municipality of Corrales in the Boyacá department of Colombia, are exposed. To achieve this, a radiological mapping was conducted inside the mine using nuclear track detectors placed within diffusion chambers. A total of 32 measurement points were monitored over a 60-day period, obtaining 222Rn activity concentrations ranging from 700 to 2000 Bq-m-3. When compared to the permissible limits recommended by the ICRP, these measurements fall within the allowed range for enclosed spaces. These measurements were extrapolated to calculate the probability of radiological risk associated with lung cancer in this specific mine. In conclusion, the calculations show low concentrations of this radioactive gas, 222Rn, and consequently, low doses absorbed by the personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La presente investigación realiza un recorrido por el concepto de confiabilidad como una de las propiedades psicométricas fundamentales en la Teoría Clásica de los Test. Se desarrolla el concepto y cuáles son sus diferentes aplicaciones prácticas para indagar el grado de confiabilidad de un instru-mento de medición. Se centra el estudio en el cálculo de la consistencia interna a partir del alfa y el omega como los coeficientes más utilizados y la importancia de calcularlos mediante la utilización de matrices de correlaciones policoricas (MCP). Como objetivo principal se presenta una guía en español para el cálculo de coeficientes ordinales de confiabilidad al utilizar el programa R/RStudio. Se brinda un ejemplo a nivel empírico que da cuenta la relevancia de calcular este tipo de coeficientes para el cálculo de la confiabilidad de un instrumento. Al emplear una muestra de 266 adultos entre 18 y 63 años (M = 31.91, DE = 11.50), se administró la versión adaptada a argentina del Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck y el Cuestionario de Regulación Emocional. De esta manera, se exponen coefi-cientes para estimar la confiabilidad de los instrumentos que dan cuenta de sus ventajas y desventa-jas, al realizar el cálculo mediante MCP, matriz de correlaciones de Pearson y matriz de covarianzas de Pearson. A partir de los resultados, se evidencia que el cálculo mediante MCP proporcionó grados de confiabilidades mayores respecto al cálculo mediante las otras dos matrices. Se espera que el pre-sente documento sea de importancia para investigadores no familiarizados con R.

With the rapid development of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), abnormal state detection has become a critical technology to ensure the flight safety of UAVs. The position and orientation system (POS) data, etc., used to evaluate UAV flight status are from different sensors. The traditional abnormal state detection model ignores the difference of POS data in the frequency domain during feature learning, which leads to the loss of key feature information and limits the further improvement of detection performance. To deal with this and improve UAV flight safety, this paper presents a method for detecting the abnormal state of a UAV based on a timestamp slice and multi-separable convolutional neural network (TS-MSCNN). Firstly, TS-MSCNN divides the POS data reasonably in the time domain by setting a set of specific timestamps and then extracts and fuses the key features to avoid the loss of feature information. Secondly, TS-MSCNN converts these feature data into grayscale images by data reconstruction. Lastly, TS-MSCNN utilizes a multi-separable convolution neural network (MSCNN) to learn key features more effectively. The binary and multi-classification experiments conducted on the real flight data, Air Lab Fault and Anomaly (ALFA), demonstrate that the TS-MSCNN outperforms traditional machine learning (ML) and the latest deep learning methods in terms of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium perfringens toxinotype B is causative agent of lamb dysentery in Pakistan. For assessment of gene expression, it is preferred to optimize toxin production potential of indigenous isolates. Current study aimed to confirm the local isolates of C. perfringens toxinotype B on molecular basis followed by optimization of major toxins under varied physical and chemical conditions. The isolates were identified using microbiological and biochemical assays and confirmed by PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing of 16S rRNA amplified gene. These nucleotide sequences were submitted to NCBI GenBank® and accession numbers retrieved were MW867097, MW867098, MW867099, MW867100 and MW867101. Confirmation of toxinotype B was done by PCR amplification of alpha beta and epsilon toxin genes. Major toxins were optimized at varied physical (temperature and pH) and chemical (reinforced clostridial media, Robertson's cooked meat media, egg meat media, fluid thioglycolate media and iron milk media) conditions. Higher hemolytic units of alpha toxin (21.45±0.53 HU/mL), epsilon toxin (16.57±0.19 HU/mL) and higher cytotoxic units of beta toxin (18.65±0.34 HU/mL) were produced at 37°C with pre-adjusted pH 6.0 in Robertson cooked meat media. The ELISA percentages of alpha (14.27%, 13.92%, 13.67%, 13.56%, 13.45%), beta (12.43%, 12.81%, 12.39%, 12.61% and 13.07%) and epsilon (13.93%, 14.78%, 14.28%, 14.03% and 13.25%) toxins were also higher at same conditions. These optimized conditions can be used for major toxin gene expression studies of C. perfringens toxinotype B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light has a profound non-visual impact on the human body. It affects people’s mood, alertness, endocrine and circadian rhythm. Most non-visual effects studies focus on built environment. Yet, the non-visual effects of in-vehicle lighting have rarely drawn scholarly attention. Theoretically, by changing the transmittance and reflectance of the windshield, or adjusting the luminaires in vehicles, the physiological and mental state of the driver and the passengers can be intervened. The paper carries out series of dynamic daylight simulations in multiple categories of urban environments in China, summarizes the eye exposure characteristics of in-vehicle daylighting, and proposes new suggestions regarding the lighting design in vehicles.The main results can be summarized as follows: (1) The M/P Ratio of the in-vehicle daylighting has an average of 1.12 for clear sky, while 1.07 for overcast sky. (2) The back seat passengers receives significant lower eye exposure compares with the driver and front seat passenger when looking ahead. However, if the back seat passengers look outside the side windshield, the eye exposure they receive is mostly higher than that the driver and front seat passenger receive. (3) The floor area ratio (FAR) of the urban environment has an impact on the eye exposure of in-vehicle daylighting. The higher the FAR, the lower the non-visual effects. (4) The in-vehicle daylighting eye exposure differs significantly throughout China. Of all the seven typical cities selected in the study, Shenzhen > Lhasa > Kunming > Beijing > Shanghai > Harbin > Chongqing.

The article "From alpha to omega: Estimation of ordinal reliability. A practical guide" presents a guide in Spanish for calculating ordinal reliability coefficients using the R/RStudio program. It focuses on calculating internal consistency through alpha and omega coefficients, and highlights the importance of using polychoric correlation matrices. An empirical example is provided to demonstrate the relevance of calculating these coefficients to evaluate the reliability of an instrument. The authors of the article are Nicolás Alejandro Vizioli and Alejandro Emilio Pagano, who are teachers and researchers at the University of Buenos Aires. [Extracted from the article]

The text describes project activities which were created in response to the previous diagnostic-correlation research within the area of ICT competences carried out among schoolchildren and teachers in Lubuskie and adjacent voivodeships by E. Baron-Polańczyk. It consists of a theoretical introduction including the characteristics of website-related education, some reflexions on X, Y, Z and Alpha generations as well as the interpretation of activities of these groups in modern school. The following part of the text comprises some examples of project activities carried out in 2017-2022 among children and teenagers from rural areas and small towns of Lubuskie voivodeship. These activities exploited practical methods of mixed education, learning through experiencing and interdisciplinary education based on STEAM concept. A lot of attention was paid to solutions inspired by Lego sets: Lego MINDSTORMS, Lego Classic, Lego Education etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Childe, the Bronze Age in Europe is thought to be the first 'golden age' in European history. The development of metallurgy, clearly associated with the production of weapons, and the expansion of exchange networks covering all types of goods are considered essential in the process of consolidation of social elites, and, by extension, of social inequalities. The significance of textile production has, however, been undervalued as a specialized craft and as a manufacturing process that creates cultural differences and signals social inequalities. Being associated with domestic contexts rather than with specialized workshops, textile production in the eastern Iberian Peninsula has been underestimated; it is addressed here, as is its potential importance in societies immersed in a process of social stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterotoxaemia is one of the hazardous diseases of the livestock. In Pakistan prophylaxis failure is due to the vaccination with type D monovalent vaccine. There is a need to develop a cost effective multivalent vaccine against enterotoxaemia using characterized toxinotypes isolated from field. Indigenously (Punjab, Pakistan) characterized Clostridium perfringens toxinotypes A (MW551947.1), B (MW332247.1) and D (MW332258.1) (n=1 each) were used. These toxinotypes were used to produce higher amount of alpha, beta and epsilon toxin units under culture conditions. Colony forming units (CFU) of each bacterium was determined through the standard plate count method and 106CFU/mL bacteria were used for vaccine dose. Monovalent, bivalent and multivalent oil adjuvant and alum precipitate vaccines were prepared. Formulated vaccines were passed the stability, sterility and safety test. Bacterin plus toxoid oil adjuvant vaccine produced higher (868.25±3.54 IU/mL) antibody titer at 28th day post vaccination in rabbits and 100% protection was observed after challenge. Multivalent bacterin plus toxoid oil adjuvant vaccine was used in field trials. Increased antibody response was detected after 4 months in sheep (1294.81±1.90 IU/mL) and goats (1091.85±2.51 IU/mL). During the experimental and field trials commercial vaccine did not produced higher antibody titer. Multivalent bacterin plus toxoid oil adjuvant vaccine proved as an excellent candidate for vaccination of animals against C. perfringens diseases, and it produced specific and efficient immune response to be used in field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of daylight in the built environment is often preferred to artificial light sources as its successful application can provide visual comfort and satisfaction along with the potential for significant energy savings. Exposure to daylight is also the primary source for stimulus that establishes a healthy day/night cycle in all living organisms. This is known as circadian rhythm. Newly discovered photoreceptors (intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells – ipRGC) within the mammalian eye, including humans, are specifically linked to the portion of the brain responsible for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm. This discovery has led to a new subject area in the field of lighting design focused on controlling the spectrum of light that these photoreceptors are sensitive to. Currently, work in the field of circadian lighting design is concentrated on the use of artificial light sources for circadian stimulus. This is largely due to the advent of the widespread use of LED technology, which has proven that it can be a significant source of light that can delay or advance the circadian clock. The use of daylight to provide circadian stimulus has been a given in this field of design, however, there has not been very much research into how the built environment affects our ability to effectively receive this stimulus from daylight. In this research, the groundwork is established to start to create a set of guidelines to help architects and designers maximize the potential for daylight to provide circadian stimulus at the earliest stages of a project. This is accomplished through a series of lighting simulations that explore and test various architectural parameters that affect daylight-driven circadian lighting, with simultaneous consideration given to photopic lighting availability and visual comfort. The architectural parameters tested in this study included window head height, building orientation, shading devices, visual obstructions to the sky, and room depth. The results show that informed design decisions could maximize circadian potential in a given space, while achieving visually satisfactory luminous environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythropoietin (EPO) is an exciting neurotherapeutic option. Despite its potential, concerns exist regarding the potential for thrombosis and adverse events with EPO administration in normonemic adults. Systematic review of literature using PRISMA guidelines to examine the application and risks of EPO as a treatment option for neuroprotection in normonemic adults. Independent, systematic searches were performed in July 2019. PubMed (1960–2019) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (1960–2019) were screened. Search terms included erythropoietin, neuroprotection, and humans. The PubMed search resulted in the following search strategy: ("erythropoietin" [MeSH Terms] OR "erythropoietin" [All Fields] OR "epoetin alfa" [MeSH Terms] OR ("epoetin" [All Fields] AND "alfa" [All Fields]) OR "epoetin alfa" [All Fields]) AND ("neuroprotection" [MeSH Terms] OR "neuroprotection" [All Fields]) AND "humans" [MeSH Terms]. PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and articles based on prior searches yielded 388 citations. 50 studies were included, comprising of 4351 patients. There were 13 studies that noted adverse effects from EPO. Three attributed serious adverse effects to EPO and complications were statistically significant. Two of these studies related the adverse events to the co-administration of EPO with tPA. Minor adverse effects associated with the EPO group included nausea, pyrexia, headache, generalized weakness and superficial phlebitis. Most published studies focus on spinal cord injury, peri-surgical outcomes and central effects of EPO. We found no studies to date evaluating the role of EPO in post-operative pain. Future trials could evaluate this application in persistent post-surgical pain and in the peri-operative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have investigated and studied the effect of thermal stress on the fiber–matrix interface damage of three new hybrid biocomposite and biocomposite materials. Our genetic simulation based on Weibull probabilistic models showed that the jute–Alfa/PEEK (PEEK: thermoplastic matrix—polyetheretherketone) hybrid biocomposite material is more resistant to the mechanical and thermal stress applied comparing with the other biocomposites such as jute/PEEK and Alfa/PEEK with the same volume fraction used in our genetic model. Our results also show that natural fibers improve the physical properties of biocomposite materials, especially hybrid biocomposite materials. This finding is similar to that found by Antoine Le Duigou et al. where they have shown experimentally that the natural reinforcements greatly improve the properties of composite materials and also they have a very low environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study compares the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections caused by Alpha, Delta or Omicron variants in periods of co-circulation in Spain, and estimates the variant-specific association of vaccination with severe disease., Methods: SARS-CoV-2 infections notified to the national epidemiological surveillance network with information on genetic variant and vaccination status were considered cases if they required hospitalisation or controls otherwise. Alpha and Delta were compared during June-July 2021; and Delta and Omicron during December 2021-January 2022. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated using logistic regression, comparing variant and vaccination status between cases and controls., Results: We included 5,345 Alpha and 11,974 Delta infections in June-July and 5,272 Delta and 10,578 Omicron in December-January. Unvaccinated cases of Alpha (aOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.46-0.69) or Omicron (0.28; 0.21-0.36) had lower probability of hospitalisation vs. Delta. Complete vaccination reduced hospitalisation, similarly for Alpha (0.16; 0.13-0.21) and Delta (June-July: 0.16; 0.14-0.19; December-January: 0.36; 0.30-0.44) but lower from Omicron (0.63; 0.53-0.75) and individuals aged 65+ years., Conclusion: Results indicate higher intrinsic severity of the Delta variant, compared with Alpha or Omicron, with smaller differences among vaccinated individuals. Nevertheless, vaccination was associated to reduced hospitalisation in all groups., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

INTRODUCTION: In medical cyber-physical systems (mCPS), availability must be prioritized over othersecurity properties, making it challenging to craft least-privilege authorization policies which preserve patientsafety and confidentiality even during emergency situations. For example, unauthorized access to device(s)connected to a patient or an app controlling these devices could result in patient harm. Previous work hassuggested a virtual version of “Break the Glass” (BTG), an analogy to breaking a physical barrier to accessa protected emergency resource such as a fire extinguisher or “crash cart”. In healthcare, BTG is used tooverride access controls and allow for unrestricted access to resources, e.g. Electronic Health Records. After a“BTG event” completes, the actions of all concerned parties are audited to validate the reasons and legitimacyfor the override.OBJECTIVES: Medical BTG has largely been treated as an all-or-nothing scenario: either a means to obtainunrestricted access is provided, or BTG is not supported. We show how to handle BTG natively within theABAC model, maintaining full compatibility with existing access control frameworks, putting BTG in thepolicy domain rather than requiring framework modifications. This approach also makes BTG more flexible,allowing for fine-grained facility-specific policies, and even automates auditing in many situations, whilemaintaining the principle of least-privilege.METHODS: We do this by constructing a BTG “meta-policy” which works with existing access control policiesby explicitly allowing override when requested.RESULTS: We present a sample BTG policy and formally verify that the resulting combined set of accesscontrol policies correctly satisfies the goals of the original policy set and allows expanded access during a BTGevent. We show how to use the same verification methods to check new policies, easing the process of craftingleast-privilege policies.

El objetivo de este trabajo es recordar la figura de Toribio Echevarria Ibarbia (1887- 1968) en el 50 aniversario de su muerte. Para su elaboración he recurrido a sus libros y a la correspondencia con sus amigos. En el artículo se traza su biografía, se analiza su obra escrita y se ponen en relieve sus ideas. Echevarria fue un socialista eibarrés atípico. No puede decirse que fuera un político propiamente dicho, pues nunca ocupó cargo electo alguno. Sin embargo, fue considerado la 'materia gris' del socialismo eibarrés, un movimiento peculiar dentro del socialismo vasco y español.

Esta revisión pretende comprobar si el entrenamiento de Neurofeedback (NFB) es eficaz para la mejora sintomática del Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático (TEPT) en población adulta. Se realiza una búsqueda de estudios en las bases de datos PubMed y Science Direct. Los cinco estudios encontrados se centran en la regulación de la amplitud alfa con el entrenamiento de Neurofeedback a través del electroencefalograma (EEG) e imagen por resonancia magnética funcional (fMRI). En ellos se obtiene un aumento de amplitud alfa (“rebote”) tras el entrenamiento, asociado con la mejora sintomática, una mayor relajación y una conexión significativa entre amígdala y prefrontal. En base a la literatura, los resultados no reportan la eficacia y evidencia suficiente, pero se considera que la neuromodulación obtenida con NFB y asociada a la mejora sintomática, puede potenciar un progreso para el tratamiento tanto del TEPT como de otras patologías.

Introduction: From its earliest days, the US. military has embraced the use of vaccines to fight infectious diseases. The Army Liposome Formulation (ALF) has been a pivotal innovation as a vaccine adjuvant that provides excellent safety and potency and could lead to dual-use military and civilian benefits. For protection of personnel against difficult disease threats found in many areas of the world, Army vaccine scientists have created novel liposome-based vaccine adjuvants. Areas covered: ALF consists of liposomes containing saturated phospholipids, cholesterol, and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) as an immunostimulant. ALF exhibited safety and strong potency in many vaccine clinical trials. Improvements based on ALF include: ALF adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide (ALFA); ALF containing QS21 saponin (ALFQ); and ALFQ adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide (ALFQA). Preclinical safety and efficacy studies with ALF, LFA, ALFQ, and ALFQA are discussed in preparation for upcoming vaccine trials targeting malaria, HIV-1, bacterial diarrhea, and opioid addiction. Expert opinion: The introduction of ALF in the 1980s stimulated commercial interest in vaccines to infectious diseases, and therapeutic vaccines to cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. It is likely that ALF, ALFA, and ALFQ, will provide momentum for new types of modern vaccines with improved efficacy and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this study is to characterize of Algerian Alfa (Esparto grass or Stipa tenacissima L), and also to examine the effect of chemical treatment on different properties of this fiber. The surface of the Alfa vegetable fibers was modified by alkali treatment in 5% (NaOH) aqueous solution for 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h. The chemical, physical, and morphological properties of the Alfa fibers were investigated. The results show that the Alfa fibers are composed of 39% cellulose, 33% hemicelluloses, 20% lignin, and certain minerals (e.g., SiO2, K2O, and CaO). The alkali treatment of the fibers contributes to a decrease in the rate of moisture absorption and to an increase the crystallinity and stiffness. The processing time for adequate alkali treatment is observed at 6 h.

INTRODUCTION: In medical cyber-physical systems (mCPS), availability must be prioritized over other security properties, making it challenging to craft least-privilege authorization policies which preserve patient safety and confidentiality even during emergency situations. For example, unauthorized access to device(s) connected to a patient or an app controlling these devices could result in patient harm. Previous work has suggested a virtual version of "Break the Glass" (BTG), an analogy to breaking a physical barrier to access a protected emergency resource such as a fire extinguisher or "crash cart". In healthcare, BTG is used to override access controls and allow for unrestricted access to resources, e.g. Electronic Health Records. After a "BTG event" completes, the actions of all concerned parties are audited to validate the reasons and legitimacy for the override. OBJECTIVES: Medical BTG has largely been treated as an all-or-nothing scenario: either a means to obtain unrestricted access is provided, or BTG is not supported. We show how to handle BTG natively within the ABAC model, maintaining full compatibility with existing access control frameworks, putting BTG in the policy domain rather than requiring framework modifications. This approach also makes BTG more flexible, allowing for fine-grained facility-specific policies, and even automates auditing in many situations, while maintaining the principle of least-privilege. METHODS:We do this by constructing a BTG "meta-policy" which works with existing access control policies by explicitly allowing override when requested. RESULTS: We present a sample BTG policy and formally verify that the resulting combined set of access control policies correctly satisfies the goals of the original policy set and allows expanded access during a BTG event. We show how to use the same verification methods to check new policies, easing the process of crafting least-privilege policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experimental study highlights the effect of the geometric form factor (λ=length/diameter) and the fiber mass fraction on the mechanical behavior of an Alfa/Greenpoxy bio-composite. The Alfa stalks, collected in the Djelfa region in the Algeria highlands, were cut into pieces with length of 7 to 10 cm, washed and dried for two days at 70 °C. Using a knife mill coupled to three sieves (1.6, 2 or 2.5 mm), three categories of short fibers, according to their form factor λ, were obtained. Depending on the incorporated mass fraction (5, 10, 15 or 20 %) and the three form factors λ of the fibers, twelve types of plates were manufactured by hand molding followed by a curing cycle to accelerate the polymerization, reduce porosity and improve the final surface state. The main mechanical characteristics were determined with tensile, bending and shock tests on ISO 3167-type A samples, obtained by laser cutting. The results revealed that the increase of the form factor and the mass fraction gives rise to a significant improvement of the mechanical properties. We conclude that optimal processing conditions will maximize the mechanical properties of Alfa/Greenpoxy bio-composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to remove ionic Cr(IV) from aqueous solution using Stipa tenacissima L as a biomass source. The Arabic name for the plant Stipa tenacissima L is HALFA (ALFA) ; it belongs to the category of biosorbents agro-industrial origin. Stipa tenacissima L is from the center of the province of Djelfa Algeria. This biomass was characterized by various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In order to optimize the operating conditions for the determination of ions of Cr(VI), the initial concentration of Cr(VI) ions, temperature, pH of the solution and the solid/liquid ratio were individually studied. According to the results, a fix rate of about 90% was recorded. Optimum biosorption conditions were found to be pH ~1, Co = 50 mg/L, R = 5 g/L and T = 296 K. It was found that biosorption of Cr(VI) ions onto biomass of Stipa tenacissima L was better suitable to Langmuir model. The correlation coefficients for the second-order kinetic model obtained were found to be 0.996 for all concentrations. These indicate that the biosorption system studied belongs to the second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamics parameters as enthalpy, entropy of system and free energy were evaluated, which confirms the feasibility of the process. An empirical modeling was performed by using a 24 full factorial design, and the regression equation for adsorption chromium (VI) was determined from the data. The initial metal ion concentration has the most positive pronounced effect in increasing the chromium (VI) adsorption, whereas the pH and adsorbent dosage have the most negative effect on the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Experimental and numerical studies were conducted to analyze the low-velocity impact response of orthogrid stiffened panels reinforced with short alfa fibers. Tensile specimens and orthogrid panels were fabricated with two types of epoxy resins and different fractions of crushed and sieved alfa fibers (fiber volume fraction (V f) from 10% to 50%). Impact tests were conducted on the orthogrid panels to investigate their low-velocity transverse impact behavior. The resistance to damage increased with an increase in fiber content and improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites (measured in static). Bending tests carried out on pre-impacted and non-impacted panels revealed a change in the linearity of the initial bending behavior, which could be justified by the small cracks generated by impact. A numerical model of impact on the orthogrid stiffened composite panels was developed using the nonlinear Hertz's contact model. To simulate the failure mechanism and load-time history, a standard Tsai-Wu failure criterion was used on ANSYS explicit dynamic software. The simulations show a good correlation with the experimental data. The dominant stresses for damage evolution are found to be normal stresses. The presence of a stiffener reduces the stress, which confirms that stiffeners limit the propagation of damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The use of a cardiopulmonary machine during cardiac surgery causes a non-physiological circulation in the brain and the other body organs. This situation usually causes brain ischemia. Due to this or other factors, neurological disorders such as stroke and psychiatric disorders are encountered during the perioperative period. In this study, it was aimed to compare neuroelectrical activity measured during extracorporeal circulation in coronary bypass surgery with preoperative values of the patient. Materials and Methods: Six male patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery in cardiovascular surgery participated in the study. Both the preoperative (PrO) and during operation (InO) electroencephalography (EEG) data obtained from the frontal region. The delta (δ; 0.5-3.5 Hz), theta (ϑ; 3.5-7 Hz), alpha (α; 8-14 Hz), beta (β; 15-30 Hz) ve gamma (γ; 30-48 Hz) frequency power components were calculated. An equal number of PrO and InO period EEG power values from each participant were taken and used for statistical analysis. Results with a p-value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The main finding of the study is that the frequency power spectrum values show a decrease in the extracorporeal circulation. When the percentage reduction is compared, it is seen that the fast frequencies decrease at a statistically significant with respect to the slow frequencies. Conclusion: Changes in the EEG frequencies of this preliminary study indicate that brain functions are reduced during extracorporeal circulation. In a broader group of patients, the study included a multi-channel EEG, as well as near-infrared spectroscopy for cortical blood flow monitoring and the addition of neurocognitive assessment tests, will give us some indicator parameters calculated by meta-analyses from all these data. Early detection of the brain damage and take precaution may be achieved with this indicator data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RESUMO Neste estudo, verifica-se se os retornos dos fundos de investimento no Brasil decorrem da habilidade dos gestores ou apenas do fator sorte. Foi utilizada a metodologia de Fama e French, que concluem pela irrelevância da habilidade nos Estados Unidos da América. Para estimar a distribuição de alfas que seriam obtidos por mera sorte, foram gerados dez mil fundos simulados a partir de sorteios dentre os retornos dos fundos reais em cada mês. Na comparação dos alfas simulados com os reais, evidenciou-se haver habilidade na geração de retornos anormais positivos, especialmente pelos gestores dos fundos grandes.