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Controlling the volume and geometrical ratio of microdroplets offers numerous advantages, particularly in fields like pharmaceutics, photonics, soft electronics, and robotics. For microdroplets generated via microfluidics, precise control of their length-to-width ( L w ) ratio enhances their overall performance and contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the results. Advanced experimental tools, including droplet generation systems, visualization techniques, digital processing algorithms, and analysis, are crucial, especially for in situ control of microdroplet size during generation. This study investigates the variation in microdroplet L w ratio and their generation frequencies using two novel approaches: the probability density function (derived both from the Gaussian assumption and directly from experimental data distribution) and the fast Fourier transform. The configuration utilizing one syringe pump (1mp) and syringes (made entirely of plastic) demonstrated the best monodispersity in microdroplet generation with volume differences ranged from 40 ± 2.2 nl to 65 ± 6.7 nl, corresponding to coefficient of variation values of 5.5 % and 11 % , respectively. The analysis of ∼7 million L w data points revealed different types of oscillation frequencies. Specifically, a frequency of around 1 mHz originated from the syringe pump, while frequencies between ∼0.5 and 3 Hz were attributed to the syringe materials and the interaction of a combination of syringe pumps. These results contribute to the phenomenological understanding and classification of droplet generation within the T-junction microfluidic system. Furthermore, they present an enhanced method for visualizing the geometrical variations of the generated microdroplets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution and ecomorphology of rodent craniomandibular apparatus have been extensively studied at a broad spatial scale. However, the question of how phenotypes and developmental instability interact with ecological pressures in human‐modified landscapes has been less explored. In this study, we test the influence of evolutionary history, diet, and habitat use on skull and mandible shape variation within a rodent community composed of eight cricetid species from an agroecosystem in central Argentina. We used geometric morphometrics, phylogenetic relationships, and ecological specializations in diet and habitat use to test the interplay between these factors. Our results indicated a strong phylogenetic signal for the symmetric components of the skull shape, but not for the mandible or asymmetric shapes. The strict insectivorous Oxymycterus rufus was the most phenotypically diverged within the rodent community. In general, more generalist species, both in terms of diet and habitat use, presented more phenotypic disparity (diversity) than specialists (e.g., strict insectivorous and natural and semi‐natural specialists) in craniomandibular shape variation. Dietary generalists and non‐strict granivores presented a tendency to show more skull asymmetric variation than non‐strict insectivores. These results suggest that generalist species exhibit higher levels of variation compared to specialist species, likely due to their wider range of responses to environmental stress. In cricetid species with similar ecological preferences, coexistence may thus be facilitated by morphological partitioning and developmental instability canalization based on dietary differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin films of polythiophene/graphene oxide (PTh/GO) were prepared using chronoamperometry. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) were used for characterization purposes. PTh and PTh/GO thin films were achieved through chronoamperometry at a constant anodic potential of +1.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The PTh/GO thin films exhibited visible light absorption. The thicknesses of the thin films were approximately 2.42 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimization-based tool for flow predictions in natural rivers is introduced assuming that some physical characteristics of a river within a spatial-time domain [ x min , x max ] × [ t min , t today ] are known. In particular, it is assumed that the bed elevation and width of the river are known at a finite number of stations in [ x min , x max ] and that the flow-rate at x = x min is known for a finite number of time instants in [ t min , t today ] . Using these data, given t future > t today and a forecast of the flow-rate at x = x min and t = t future , a regression-based algorithm informed by partial differential equations produces predictions for all state variables (water elevation, depth, transversal wetted area, and flow-rate) for all x ∈ [ x min , x max ] and t = t future . The algorithm proceeds by solving a constrained optimization problem that takes into account the available data and the fulfillment of Saint-Venant equations for one-dimensional channels. The effectiveness of this approach is corroborated with flow predictions of a natural river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the remanence properties and the hyperfine parameters of the strontium hexaferrite were investigated when a copper layer was deposited on its surface using magnetron sputtering. The magnetic properties and maximum energy product were significantly improved after the copper was deposited on the hexaferrite. The magnetic interactions were studied using IRM and DCD remanent magnetization processes and by the construction of the Henkel plots and the δM curves which allowed us to assess the effect of copper on the observed enhancement of the magnetic properties. X-ray diffraction confirms the copper deposition while scanning electron microscopy shows a homogeneous deposited layer. The Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to analyze the effect of copper on the hyperfine parameters of the iron nuclei. Results showed a competition between the magnetizing-like and the demagnetizing-like interactions in the uncoated hexaferrite. However, the strength of the demagnetization-like interaction is significantly weakened because of the copper layer deposited on the hexaferrite surface. This behavior suggests the emergence of a magnetic coupling with a magnetizing effect. In addition, the Mössbauer analysis revealed that copper increased the hyperfine fields and strongly affected the electronic cloud of the 4fI and 2a iron sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use K -band multi-object near-infrared spectroscopy with Keck/MOSFIRE to search for environmental imprints on the gas properties of 27 narrow-band selected H α emitters (HAEs) across the three major clumps of the assembling USS1558−003 protocluster at z  = 2.53. We target the H α and [N  ii ]λ6584 emission lines to obtain star formation rates (SFR) and gas-phase oxygen abundances for our sources, confirming the membership of 23 objects. HAEs belonging to this protocluster display enhanced SFRs with respect to the main sequence of star formation at the same cosmic epoch. This effect is more prominent for low-mass galaxies (⁠|$\mathrm{\log \mathit{ M}_*/M_\odot \lt 10.0}$|⁠), which may be experiencing a vigorous phase of mass assembly shortly after they were formed. We compute the individual and stacked gas-phase metallicities for our sources finding a metallicity deficit for low-mass objects when compared against the field mass–metallicity relation and the massive Spiderweb protocluster at z  = 2.16. These results suggest that HAEs within USS1558−003 may be less evolved than those in the Spiderweb protocluster. Finally, we explore the gas metallicity–gas fraction relation for a small sample of five galaxies with CO(3–2) molecular gas information. Assuming our objects are in equilibrium, we obtain a relatively wide range of mass loading factors (λ = 0.5–2) matching field samples at the cosmic noon but in contrast with our previous results in the Spiderweb protocluster. We speculate that these discrepancies between protoclusters may be (partly) driven by differences in their current dynamical and mass assembly stages, hinting at the co-evolution of protoclusters and their galaxy populations at 2 < z < 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current monkeypox (MP) virus outbreak was declared an international emergency in July 2022. The aim of this report is to describe our initial experience with patients with MP, focusing on proctitis. Methods: We conducted an observational study between 20 May and 31 July 2022, on patients with MP at a reference tertiary center in Madrid, Spain. A descriptive analysis on MP was performed, focusing on its characteristics, symptoms, diagnosis, and outcomes. Results: A total of 143 positive MP cases were diagnosed in our center; 42 of them [all male, median age 39 years (range: 22–57 years)] had proctitis (29.37%), and 3 patients (2.09%/MP total cases and 7.14%/MP proctitis) required surgical drainage of a perianal abscess. Conclusions: General and digestive surgeons must be aware of the presence of proctological impairment and complications due to MP virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: legionnaires' disease continues to have a high incidence in Europe, requiring extreme control measures. Objective: this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of annual cleaning and disinfection treatments against Legionella in domestic water systems. Methods: a case-control study was conducted. The results of Legionella detected and enumeration were studied during the period between April 2019 and February 2021 from two groups of facilities in southeastern Spain, one without automatic disinfectant dispensers or particle filtration (group A) and the other with these two systems (group B). Results: statistically significant differences were only found only in the results of hot water samples. Thus, only in the group A facilities there was a significant increase in the number of positive samples for the bacteria between those shown at 3 and 12 months. In addition, the counts of group A are higher than those in group B in both sampling periods. Facilities B are more efficient in preventing the presence of the bacteria. Conclusions: the presence of automatic disinfectant dosing and particle filtration systems in the facilities markedly decreases the positive results in the water samples, controlling the destruction of the bacteria. Annual disinfection treatments are not effective during the period for which they are planned, and it is advisable to reserve their punctual application on the occasion of positive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we study the production and decay of the Z ′ boson predicted by the U (1) B - L model, which is phenomenologically appealing. To carry out this purpose, we consider the process μ + μ - → Z h → l + l - b b ¯ with the subsequent decay of Z to pairs of leptons and of h to pairs of bottom quarks with l = e , μ . The study is realized in the resonance of the Z ′ boson and for the energies and luminosities of a future muon collider of s = 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 TeV and L = 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 a b - 1 . Our results show that the cross-section depends significantly on the center-of-mass energy of the collider and the parameters of the U (1) B - L model. The possibility of performing precision measurements for the Z ′ boson is very promising at the future muon collider, and our results may be helpful to the High Energy Physics community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the properties of pseudoscalar mesons, pion, kaon, η and η ′ , and compute the γ ∗ γ → π 0 , η , η ′ transition form factor in the framework of the Schwinger–Dyson equations and Bethe–Salpeter equations, using a momentum independent contact interaction. The contact interaction is capable to describe the observable properties, but produces a transition form factor whose evolution for large Q 2 disagrees with experiment and perturbative QCD. Invited contribution to a Special Issue of Few Body Systems: "Emergence and Structure of Baryons—Selected Contributions from the International Conference Baryons 2022" [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A populational, observational and longitudinal‐retrospective study with records of 28 dairy‐specialized and dual‐purpose farms was carried out to compare the productive performance of cows born by embryo transfer (ET), artificial insemination (AI) and natural mating (NM), using the database of Centro Regional de Investigación para la Producción Animal Sostenible (CRIPAS) of cattle herds in Costa Rica. Herds (system × altitude), conception method (ET, AI and NM), genetic background (DSpB: specialized dairy breeds [Bos taurus] and crosses, GYR × HOL: Gyr × Holstein Crossbred and DSpB × BI: crosses between dairy breeds and Bos indicus), year of birth (or at calving), lactation number and days in milk were evaluated for the productive parameters age at first calving (AFC), calving to conception interval (CCI) and lactation milk yield (LMY) using a GLIMMIX procedure on SAS. The AFC, CCI and LMY were affected (p <.0001) by all factors considered in each parameter. ET has lower (p <.0001) AFC in months (33.1) than AI (35.2) and NM (36.44). NM had lower (p =.004) CCI (110 days) than AI or ET (121 days) values which were similar (p >.05). The higher LMY (p <.0001) was observed in ET (4140 kg), compared to AI (3706 kg) and NM (3595 kg). There was no difference between AI and NM. In conclusion, the method of conception in calves affected their future reproduction and production during puberty, postpartum and lactation. The effects on management decisions will require a rigorous economical study to discern whether ET would be a cost‐effective alternative to AI or NM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suppose that B$B$ is a Brauer p$p$‐block of a finite group with defect group D$D$. If B$B$ exactly contains four ordinary irreducible characters, then we show that D$D$ has order four or five, assuming the Alperin–McKay conjecture holds for B$B$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles can enhance the intensity of susceptible vibrational modes through electromagnetic or chemical enhancement mechanisms responsible for the SERS effect (Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy). In the present work, copper nanoparticles (CuNP) with diameters between 3 and 10 nm were obtained by a simple method using rongalite and gelatin. The UV–Vis spectrum showed a well-defined absorption band centered at 570 nm, attributed to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of CuNP in a colloidal solution. The SERS effect was analyzed on the pyridine (Py) molecule, observing an enhancement in the radial breathing mode of Py. Complementarily, Cu4n clusters (with n = 1–5) were modeled under the DFT (Density Functional Theory) framework at the B3LYP (Becke, 3-parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr) approximation level in combination with the LANL2DZ base set (Los Alamos National Laboratory 2 Double-Zeta). After analyzing the molecular descriptors, the Cu4n-Py interaction study provided hints of SERS behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use multi-object near-infrared spectroscopy with VLT/KMOS to investigate the role of the environment in the evolution of the ionized gas properties of narrow-band-selected H α emitters (HAEs) in the Spiderweb protocluster at z  = 2.16. Based on rest-frame optical emission lines, H α and [N  ii ]λ6584, we confirm the cluster membership of 39 of our targets (i.e. 93 per cent success rate), and measure their star formation rates (SFR), gas-phase oxygen abundances, and effective radius. We parametrize the environment where our targets reside using local and global density indicators based on previous samples of spectroscopic and narrow-band cluster members. We find that star-forming galaxies embedded in the Spiderweb protocluster display SFRs compatible with those of the main sequence and morphologies comparable to those of late-type galaxies at z  = 2.2 in the field. We also report a mild gas-phase metallicity enhancement (0.06 ± 0.03 dex) at intermediate stellar masses. Furthermore, we identify two UVJ-selected quiescent galaxies with residual H α-based star formation and find signs of extreme dust obscuration in a small sample of starbursty submillimetre galaxies based on their FIR and H α emission. Interestingly, the spatial distribution of these objects differs from the rest of HAEs, avoiding the protocluster core. Finally, we explore the gas fraction–gas metallicity diagram for seven galaxies with molecular gas masses measured by ATCA using CO(1−0). In the context of the gas-regulator model, our objects are consistent with relatively low mass-loading factors, suggesting lower outflow activity than field samples at the cosmic noon and thus, hinting at the onset of environmental effects in this massive protocluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequential residual methods try to solve nonlinear systems of equations F(x) = 0 by iteratively updating the current approximate solution along a residual-related direction. Therefore, memory requirements are minimal and, consequently, these methods are attractive for solving largescale nonlinear systems. However, the convergence of these algorithms may be slow in critical cases; therefore, acceleration procedures are welcome. In this paper, we suggest employing a variation of the sequential secant method in order to accelerate sequential residual methods. The performance of the resulting algorithm is illustrated by applying it to the solution of very large problems coming from the discretization of partial differential equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Legionella species have their natural habitat or primary reservoir in the fresh surface waters of lakes, rivers, ponds and hot springs, from where they colonize drinking water through supply systems. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of Legionella in drinking water facilities in Spain. Methods. A systematic review was performed by searching in electronic databases of scientific information for observational studies on contamination of drinking water by Legionella, with results of analysis of water samples obtained between January 2001 and April 2021. Meta-analysis was carried out using the MetaXL© software in the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Results. A total of 21 studies were selected. The prevalence of Legionella in Spain was 21.8 % (95 % CI: 15.0-29.6). The most commonly isolated species were L. pneumophila serogroups 2-15 (44.4 %, 95 % CI: 29.5-59.8). The highest values were found at terminal points of the sanitary hot water networks (31.7 %, 95 % CI: 21.6-42.9), and in the autonomous regions of Aragon (24.7 %, 95 % CI: 8.8-44.9) and Catalonia (21.3 %, 95 % CI: 4.4-44.8). Conclusions. The overall prevalence of Legionella obtained can be compared to studies performed by other authors, being in general terms close to that obtained worldwide, with variations in relation to other countries. The facilities with the highest prevalence have turned out to be those with the highest risk of proliferation and dispersal of the bacteria according to current regulations, and those located in the eastern half of Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an innovative Erosion Anisotropy Analysis as a pioneering tool to discern the most harmful hydrometerological agents and their predominant directions of impact on built heritage. The proposed Erosion Anisotropy Analysis includes: 1) the analysis of weathering, bio-weathering and erosion processes affecting the building materials; 2) analysis of climatic series identifying preferential directionality of hydrometeorological agents; 3) erosion quantification using photogrammetric models; and 4) comparative analysis between both erosion and climatic anisotropy models. The proposed analysis is applied to the Cerrillos Tower (Almería, Spain), which is considered a paradigmatic case study due to their location and exposure conditions. Results determinate the primary vulnerability directions against hydrometeorological agents (N200–330°E) and highlight solar radiation, wind and wind-driven rain as the most damaging factors. Moreover, the Erosion Anisotropy Analysis describes the erosion patterns developed as well as their anisotropic distribution in the Tower. The proposed methodology is a benchmark for designing and dimensioning effective preventive measures to mitigate their impact under current climatic conditions as well as to prevent future scenarios within the global framework of climate change. [Display omitted] • On-site tests, laboratory analysis and photogrammetric models are combined. • Weathering, bio-weathering and erosion are explained from environmental factors. • Environmental anisotropy model combines rain, wind and solar radiation data. • Proposed tool is applied to a 16th century tower in an arid coastal environment. • Erosion Anisotropy Analysis provides results for preventive conservation proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Associations between TTS and 30-day mortality were weak. • Despite the weakness of the TTS and 30-day mortality association, there are benefits to consider if surgery was performed within 2 days. • Hip fracture patients should be fit for surgery as soon as possible. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of time to surgery (TTS) on 30-day mortality in a cohort of patients from the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (SNHFR). Retrospective study of a prospective database of hip fracture patients ≥ 75 years old between 2017 and 2019. Exclusion criterion was nonsurgical treatment. Association between TTS and 30-day mortality was assessed with a univariate analysis. Effect size was calculated using the probability of superiority. Regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between TTS and 30-day vital status. The ROC curve was used to evaluate the discrimination of mortality based on TTS. A total of 29,695 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median TTS was 53.8 h. Surgery within 48 h was performed in 51.8 % of cases. Patients with delay of surgery more than 2 days rather than within 2 days were more likely to present an ASA score above 2 (58.9 % vs. 41.1 %, p < 0.001), less likely to achieve postoperative mobilization within 24 h (63 % vs. 67.4 %, p < 0.001), more likely to develop pressure ulcers (10.7 % vs. 6.9 %, p < 0.001), and had longer length of stay (10.7 days vs. 6.9 days, p < 0.001). The overall 30-day mortality rate was 7.8 %. Median TTS was significantly higher in decedents (66 h) than in survivors (56.5 h). There were higher statistically significant differences in 30-day mortality between patients who underwent surgery after 2 days (7.5 %) and those who underwent surgery within 2 days (5.4 %). The 30-day mortality was 5.2 % in patients operated within 24 h and 9.2 % in patients operated more than 120 h. Probability of superiority value was 0.44. Area under the curve reached a value of 0.55. The associations between TTS and 30-day mortality were weak. Hip fracture surgery performed within 2 days was significantly associated with remobilization on the day after the hip fracture, with fewer postoperative pressure ulcers and shorter hospital stays. Despite the weakness of the TTS and 30-day mortality association, there are benefits to consider if surgery is performed within 2 days. Our results suggest that patients should be fit for surgery as soon as possible. IV [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A proton-conducting biopolymer electrolyte system based on corn starch doped with 0.0 to 4.0 wt% of Al(OH)3 has been prepared through the solution casting method. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal micrographs showed a partial alteration of starch granule boundary and aluminum agglomerates formation as a function of the Al(OH)3 concentration. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectra showed a decrease in the relative crystallinity and in the absorbance ratio 1047/1022, associated with the disruption of double-helix structures and the region of starch granule disorder, in concordance with the C1 and C4 deconvoluted curves obtained by CP/MAS 13C-NMR. Furthermore, corn starch films (CSF) mostly showed AlO5 (pentahedral) and AlO6 (octahedral) species as a function of the Al(OH)3 concentration, associated with a suitable Al3+ distribution through the CSF arrangement obtained by CP/MAS 27Al-NMR. Particularly, CSF with 2.0 wt% of Al(OH)3 showed 27.5 F g−1 of specific capacitance and 7.5 mS cm−1 of electrical conductivity values, using voltammetry cyclic and the van der Pauw four-point test, respectively. The electrochemical behaviour of CSF was occasioned by saturation limit of chemical bonds between the functional groups into the starch molecule and the Al3+ ions was achieved, this disarrange and/or bankrupt the sequence of CSF microstructure, caused by the coexistence of free Al3+ ions and aluminum agglomerates. All these results implied that the present proton-conducting biopolymer electrolyte system based on corn starch–Al(OH)3 has the potential to be applied in electrochemical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last few years, statistical physics has received increasing attention as a framework for the analysis of real complex systems; yet, this is less clear in the case of international political events, partly due to the complexity in securing relevant quantitative data on them. Here, we analyze a detailed dataset of violent events that took place in Ukraine since January 2021 and analyze their temporal and spatial correlations through entropy and complexity metrics and functional networks. Results depict a complex scenario with events appearing in a non-random fashion but with eastern-most regions functionally disconnected from the remainder of the country—something opposing the widespread "two Ukraines" view. We further draw some lessons and venues for future analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent question of Gabriel Navarro asks whether it is true that the derived length of a defect group is less than or equal to the number of degrees of irreducible characters in a block. In this article, we bring new evidence towards the validity of this statement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instant messaging applications are creating spaces for conversation and information exchange that, due to their encrypted nature, cannot be easily analyzed. Taking into account this circumstance, the research aims to know if WhatsApp, in relation to the political messages, describes operating dynamics analogous to the rest of open social networks, that is, to what extent the theory about echo chambers and filter bubbles can be adapted to the exchanges of political content that occur in this application. It also seeks to know if the communication that occurs in this social network accommodates the "one-to-many" pattern and not the "one-to-one" system. To do this, a descriptive study was chosen with an exploratory purpose and a self-administered online survey was carried out with a sample of 713 people using the application in Spain. The results indicate that on WhatsApp, the dialogue on political issues could preferably be taking place in "one-to-many" group interaction spaces and not in private chats. Similarly, it has been possible to observe the centrality that negative emotions and interpersonal conflict caused by political issues, the apparent non-existence of echo chambers and the presumed presence of imported filter bubbles from other digital spaces, acquire for the sample. Deciphering the great "black box" from the theoretical body already developed for the analysis of other social networks will allow us to know with greater precision the hitherto unpredictable incidence of the dissemination of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Around 40 percent of women in Spain are unable to achieve orgasm during coital relations, although most can do so through other means. Many of these women do not seek treatment, even though this situation may affect their sexual and relational life. Female Orgasm Disorder (FOD) treatment has seen little innovation since the 1980s. The growing acceptance, technological development, and focus on diversity have contributed to the flourishing of the sex toy industry. This sector has enabled the development of therapeutic devices that have already demonstrated usefulness in addressing other female and male sexual dysfunctions, often making treatments more Accessible. However, more scientific studies are needed on this topic. Objective: Present the results of the utility and safety of using a vibrating device in the management of situational female orgasm disorder (FOD) in a group of women from Spain. Methods: A case report study of an observational, descriptive, prospective nature, involving 19 women undergoing treatment, that meet criteria for lifelong, situational FOD from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) was conducted in Murcia, Spain, from January 2022 to July 2023. Patients were 18 years or older, generally healthy as evidenced by medical history, were sexually active, in a current relationship of 3 months or longer, and participation was voluntary. Patients did not meet criteria for PTSD, psychosis or dissociative disorders, depression or bipolar disorders, were not pregnant or in menopause and did not use drugs known to interfere with sexual functioning. Main outcome measures were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) domain for orgasm at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks, as well as the success rate of achieving orgasm during coital relations. Treatment consisted of an educational session where a vibrating device called Crescendo II® and its accompanying resource of different positions, Play Book was provided, along with instructions for using the device during coital relations. Results: Patients had a mean age of 31.19 years (range 27–53). An improvement was observed in the average scores at six and twelve weeks in FSFI orgasmic domain, (mean pre = 1.62 (SD) = 0.42, mean post six weeks = 3.47 (SD) = 1.26, mean post twelve weeks = 3.43 (SD) = 1.25). The success rate (orgasm achievement during intercourse) at the end of the study was 90.47%. Conclusions: This case series suggests that the use of a vibration device could be an effective and safe therapeutic option for female situational anorgasmia in addition to reducing the length and cost of treatment. Future research with experimental designs should confirm the clear potential of the use of these devices in treating FOD and clarify issues related to the most appropriate amplitude and frequency of vibration, as well as the possible long-term effects of using these types of vibration devices in patients. Disclosure: Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Mysteryvibe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a new proof of a result by Edward J. Routh on the geometry of roots of Hurwitz-symmetric polynomials with real coefficients. The new proof avoids the use of Cauchy indices. We extend Routh's expression for the number of imaginary roots when they are all simple to the more general case where the roots can be imaginary (Routh treats the case of multiple roots using the Cauchy indices of a sequence of rational functions). This result is applied to counting the number of pure imaginary roots of Hurwitz-symmetric polynomials as well as their multiplicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to profile and quantify sugars and organic acids metabolites in carambola, June plum and otaheite fruits during three different “on tree” stages: immature, green­mature and ripe stages. Metabolites were profiled and quantified by gas chromatography­mass spectrometry (GC-­MS). Results showed that glucose, fructose, galactose, arabinose, and the sugar alcohol myo­inositol were detected in all fruits, while sucrose was detected in carambola and June plum only. Organic acids identified in all fruits were malic acid, citric acid, propanoic acid, and acetic acid. Comparatively, June plum showed the highest content of total sugars and carambola the lowest, while the highest total in organic acids content was found in otaheite and the lowest in carambola. On the other hand, most sugars increased during ripening of the three fruits, while organic acids decreased. Total sugars increased by 37%, 8% and 46% in ripe carambola, June plum and otaheite, respectively. Total organic acids decreased by 20% and 49% in ripe carambola and otaheite, while they slightly increased by 3% in ripe June plum. Furthermore, sugars/organic acids ratio in all fruits increased during maturation and ripening stages. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed two main groups of highly scoring metabolites, while the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the metabolites were grouped into three main clusters. Conclusively, results showed that glucose, fructose, malic acid and tartaric acids were the key marker metabolites of the maturation and ripening stages of the three fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a rapid and novel sequential separation strategy based on extraction chromatography for determining 90Sr, 210Pb and 210Po in drinking water samples. It involves the use of Sr resin for the separation and then liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectrometry for the determination. The experimental results obtained showed that the proper acidic solution to quantitatively retain the aforementioned radionuclides is 3 M HNO3. The optimum eluents were determined for obtaining quantitative recoveries (70–80%) of 90Sr, 210Pb and 210Po. The method was validated with intercomparison water samples and is satisfactory in terms of minimum detectable activities, which are 50% lower than that established in RD 314/2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic control in data networks has recently become very important due to the massive use of computer networks in different areas of society. Different techniques are usually used to carry out effective traffic control, allowing, among other things, to classify, predict and monitor network traffic. These techniques have evolved and are currently supported by artificial intelligence tools, which have made it possible to improve the results obtained with conventional techniques. This paper collects the different contributions made by the field of artificial intelligence to the improvement of these techniques and network management in general. The article describes the contributions made in aspects such as security, prediction, and classification of data traffic, as well as the optimization of routing in a computer network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractHighly prevalent comorbidities associated with metabolic syndrome, such as abdominal obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin-resistance/Type 2 diabetes (IR/T2D) share alterations in gut microbiota composition as a potential triggering factor. Recent studies put the attention in the potential usage of postbiotics (inactivated probiotics) on these metabolic alterations. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the efficacy of postbiotic administration in both, preclinical and clinical studies, for the management of obesity, NAFLD and IR/T2D. Data from preclinical studies (rodents) suggest that postbiotic administration effectively prevents obesity, whereas clinical studies corroborate these benefits also in overweight/obese subjects receiving inactivated bacteria. As for NAFLD, although preclinical studies indicate that postbiotic administration improves different liver markers, no data obtained in humans have been published so far since all the studies are ongoing clinical trials. Finally, while the administration of inactivated bacteria demonstrated to be a promising approach for the management of IR/T2D in rodents, data from clinical trials indicates that in humans, this approach is more effective on IR than in T2D. In conclusion, the available scientific data indicate that postbiotic administration not only is safer, but also as effective as probiotic administration for the management of obesity associated prevalent metabolic alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooper-pair distribution function, D cp (ω , T c) , is a recent theoretical proposal that reveals information about the superconductor state through the determination of the spectral regions where Cooper pairs are formed. This is built from the well-established Eliashberg spectral function and phonon density of states, calculated by first-principles. From this function is possible to obtain the N cp parameter, which is proportional to the total number of Cooper pairs formed at a critical temperature T c . Herein, we reported D cp (ω , T c) function of the compressed D 3 S and H 3 S high- T c conventional superconductors, including the effect of stable sulfur isotopes in H 3 S . D cp (ω , T c) suggests that the vibration energy range of 10–70 meV is where the Cooper pairs are possible for these superconductors, pointing out the possible importance of the low-energy region on the electron–phonon superconductivity. This has been confirmed by the fact that a simple variation in the low-frequency region induced for the substitution of S atoms in H 3 S by its stable isotopes can lead to important changes in T c . The results also show proportionality between N cp parameter and experimental or theoretical T c values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the strategies of substitution of energy from fossil fuels by renewable energies, the research is based on second-generation ethanol production (2G ethanol). One of the raw materials considered for this is residual biomass of the coffee industry, being the subject of study here. The cellulose contained in the coffee husk (coffee husk or coffee skin or coffee exocarp or pericarp) was maximized using pretreatment processes. In dilute acid hydrolysis (DAH), using a fixed 1:6 w:v solid to liquid ratio (SLR), process times (35, 45, 55 min) and H2SO4 concentrations (3, 4, 5% v/v) were evaluated, achieving 53.63% hemicellulose removal. A delignification process resulted in 58.82% lignin removal, evaluating the effect of process times (30, 35, 40 h) and SLR (1:8, 1:10, 1:12 w:v) at a fixed concentration of 8% v/v H2O2. A 115.59 g/L glucose concentration was obtained with an interaction of fixed concentrations of 4–6% w/w Cellic CTec3 enzyme and 6:1 to 1:12 v:w SLR. The fermentation process considered the composition variation of the culture medium (enriched culture C1 and non-enriched culture C2), generating ethanol at 48.19 and 29.02 g/L concentrations, respectively. Fermentation efficiency (ηf) was improved from 21.99 to 81.74% with the addition of inorganic nutrients (KH2PO4, (NH4)2SO4, and MgSO4·7H2O). These results confirmed that the optimization of the pretreatments in coffee husk waste favored the cellulose production and facilitated the enzymatic process to produce a high glucose concentration, revealing these residues as a carbon source promising for second-generation ethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G be a finite group. We prove that if the set of degrees of characters in the principal p -block of G has size at most 2 then G is p -solvable, and G / O p ′ (G) has a metabelian normal Sylow p -subgroup. The general question of proving that if an arbitrary p -block has two degrees then their defect groups are metabelian remains open. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By extending the previous works that two of the present authors were involved, we estimate for the first time the Υ and η b as well as B ∗ meson mass shifts (scalar potentials) in symmetric nuclear matter. The main interest is, whether the strengths of the bottomonium-(nuclear matter) and charmonium-(nuclear matter) interactions are similar or very different, in the range of a few tens of MeV at the nuclear matter saturation density. This is because, each ( J / Ψ , Υ ) and ( η c , η b ) meson group is usually assumed to have very similar properties based on the heavy charm and bottom quark masses. The estimate for the Υ is made using an SU(5) effective Lagrangian density and the anomalous coupling one, by studying the BB, B B ∗ , and B ∗ B ∗ meson loop contributions for the self-energy in free space and in nuclear medium. As a result, we include only the BB meson loop contribution as our prediction. As for the η b , to be complete, we include the B B ∗ and B ∗ B ∗ meson loop contributions in the self-energy for the analysis. The in-medium masses of the B and B ∗ mesons appearing in the self-energy loops are calculated by the quark–meson coupling model. Form factors are used to regularize the loop integrals with a wide range of the cutoff mass values. A detailed analysis on the BB, B B ∗ , and B ∗ B ∗ meson loop contributions for the Υ mass shift is made by comparing with the respectively corresponding D D , D D ∗ , and D ∗ D ∗ meson loop contributions for the J / Ψ mass shift. Based on the analysis for the Υ , our prediction for the η b mass shift is made on the same footing as that for the Υ , namely including only the lowest order B B ∗ meson loop. The Υ mass shift is predicted to be - 16 to - 22 MeV at the nuclear matter saturation density with the cutoff mass values in the range of 2000–6000 MeV using the Υ B B coupling constant determined by the vector meson dominance model with the experimental data, while the η b mass shift is predicted to be - 75 to - 82 MeV with the SU(5) universal coupling constant determined by the Υ B B coupling constant for the same range of the cutoff mass values. Our results show an appreciable difference between the bottomonium-(nuclear matter) and charmonium-(nuclear matter) interaction strengths. We also study the Υ and η b mass shifts in a heavy quark (heavy meson) symmetry limit, namely, by calculating their mass shifts using the same coupling constant value as that was used to estimate the J / Ψ and η c mass shifts. For the η b mass shift an SU(5) symmetry breaking case is also studied in this limit. Our predictions for these cases at nuclear matter saturation density are, - 6 to - 9 MeV for Υ , - 31 to - 38 MeV for η b , and - 8 to - 11 MeV for η b with a broken SU(5) symmetry, where the corresponding charm sector ones are, - 5 to - 21 for J / Ψ , - 49 to - 87 for η c , and - 17 to - 51 for η c with a broken SU(4) symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Around 40 percent of women in Spain are unable to achieve orgasm during coital relations, although most can do so through other means. Many of these women do not seek treatment, even though this situation may affect their sexual and relational life. Female Orgasm Disorder (FOD) treatment has seen little innovation since the 1980s. The growing acceptance, technological development, and focus on diversity have contributed to the flourishing of the sex toy industry. This sector has enabled the development of therapeutic devices that have already demonstrated usefulness in addressing other female and male sexual dysfunctions, often making treatments more Accessible. However, more scientific studies are needed on this topic. Objective: Present the results of the utility and safety of using a vibrating device in the management of situational female orgasm disorder (FOD) in a group of women from Spain. Methods: A case report study of an observational, descriptive, prospective nature, involving 19 women undergoing treatment, that meet criteria for lifelong, situational FOD from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) was conducted in Murcia, Spain, from January 2022 to July 2023. Patients were 18 years or older, generally healthy as evidenced by medical history, were sexually active, in a current relationship of 3 months or longer, and participation was voluntary. Patients did not meet criteria for PTSD, psychosis or dissociative disorders, depression or bipolar disorders, were not pregnant or in menopause and did not use drugs known to interfere with sexual functioning. Main outcome measures were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) domain for orgasm at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks, as well as the success rate of achieving orgasm during coital relations. Treatment consisted of an educational session where a vibrating device called Crescendo II® and its accompanying resource of different positions, Play Book was provided, along with instructions for using the device during coital relations. Results: Patients had a mean age of 31.19 years (range 27–53). An improvement was observed in the average scores at six and twelve weeks in FSFI orgasmic domain, (mean pre = 1.62 (SD) = 0.42, mean post six weeks = 3.47 (SD) = 1.26, mean post twelve weeks = 3.43 (SD) = 1.25). The success rate (orgasm achievement during intercourse) at the end of the study was 90.47%. Conclusions: This case series suggests that the use of a vibration device could be an effective and safe therapeutic option for female situational anorgasmia in addition to reducing the length and cost of treatment. Future research with experimental designs should confirm the clear potential of the use of these devices in treating FOD and clarify issues related to the most appropriate amplitude and frequency of vibration, as well as the possible long-term effects of using these types of vibration devices in patients. Disclosure: Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Mysteryvibe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogenic hydroxyapatite (BHAp) is a widely used material in the biomedical area due to its similarities with the bone tissue mineral phase. Several works have been spotlighted on the thermal behavior of bone. However, little research has focused on determining the influence of calcination temperature in the physicochemical and bioactive properties of BHAp. In this work, a study of the physicochemical properties' changes and bioactive response of BHAp produced from porcine femur bones using calcination temperatures between 900 to 1200 °C was conducted. The samples' structural, morphological, and compositional changes were determined using XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques. XRD results identified three temperature ranges, in which there are structural changes in BHAp samples and the presence of additional phases. Moreover, FTIR results corroborated that B-type substitution is promoted by increasing the heat treatment temperature. Likewise, samples were immersed in a simulated biological fluid (SBF), following the methodology described by Kokubo and using ISO 23317:2014 standard, for 3 and 7 days. FTIR and SEM results determined that the highest reaction velocity was reached for samples above 1000 °C, due to intensity increasing of phosphate and carbonate bands and bone-like apatite morphologies, compared to other temperatures evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate that semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks are obtained by blending synthetic and natural polymers such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and chitosan (CS) crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) or genipin (GEN). In membrane shape, these polymeric networks combine the elasticity of PDMS, the swelling capability of PVA, and the excellent cellular adhesion of CS successfully. Moreover, with the crosslinker reagents, these semi-interpenetrating networks presented attractive physicochemical properties for biological applications. Among them, we found roughnesses of a dozen nanometers, contact angles between 55 and 75 degrees, moderate but useful swelling ratios up to 28%, and elastic moduli ranging between 0.7 and 1.5 MPa. The biological characterization demonstrates that our semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks, filled or not with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), did not present cytotoxic effects and allowed the adhesion of immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (3T3-L1) cells. Our results suggest that PDMS/CS/PVA/GEN and PDMS/CS/PVA/GEN/MWCNTs membranes could have great possibilities in areas such as tissue engineering, wound dressing, photothermal therapies, Lab-on-a-chip devices, or even as optically driven bio-actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report Cooper Pairs Distribution function D cp (ω , T c) for bcc Niobium under pressure. This function reveals information about the superconductor state through the determination of the spectral regions for Cooper-pairs formation. D cp (ω , T c) is built from the well-established Eliashberg spectral function and phonon density of states, calculated by first-principles. D cp (ω , T c) for Nb suggests that the low-frequency vibration region ω < 6 meV is where Cooper-pairs are possible. From D cp (ω , T c) , it is possible to obtain the N cp parameter, which is proportional to the total number of Cooper-Pairs formed at a temperature T c . The N cp parameter allows an approach to the understanding of the Nb T c anomalies, measured around 5 and 50 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Innovative Moments Coding System has been used for studying therapeutic change. However, there has hardly been any research on its application in group therapy and on how new I-positions emerge in groups. Based on the literature review on group therapy, constructivist therapy, and the dialogical self theory this article proposes three new types of innovative moments to study the complex interaction present in group interventions. These innovative moments group types are illustrated by contrasting two cases, Ángel and Zacarías, in a group that is centered on recovering from self-stigma in patients with a severe mental disorder. The results show a different group innovative moment profile in these two cases. This adaptation of the innovative moments model can be used to track how different voices from different participants interact and are integrated in the group dynamics. Lastly, this article also highlights some clinical implications for group work and group change from a dialogical perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many engineering applications, it is necessary to minimize smooth functions plus penalty (or regularization) terms that violate smoothness and convexity. Specific algorithms for this type of problems are available in recent literature. Here, a smooth reformulation is analyzed and equivalence with the original problem is proved both from the points of view of global and local optimization. Moreover, for the cases in which the objective function is much more expensive than the constraints, model-intensive algorithms, accompanied by their convergence and complexity theories, are introduced. Finally, numerical experiments are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reported two-step synthesis of 2-isopropoxy-4-nitrobenzoic acid from 2-hydroxy-4-nitrobenzoic acid, using iodopropane/K2CO3 and subsequent hydrolysis of the isopropyl 2-isopropoxy-4-nitrobenzoate intermediate with 45% NaOH/THF-EtOH at 80 °C, was reconsidered. (Z)-1,2-bis(4-carboxy-3-isopropoxyphenyl)diazene-1-oxide derivative (3), which was isolated as main product (92%) of the reaction, was characterized by IR, 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR spectroscopy. The 15N chemical shifts were consistent with the trans-configuration for this azoxybenzene derivative. As an alternative, synthesis of 2-isopropoxy-4-nitrobenzoic acid was accomplished in high yield (82%) working at room temperature and using lithium hydroxide instead of concentrate NaOH. Incorrect reaction temperature report or measurement in the published protocol (J. Org. Chem. 2011, 76, 7040) probably accounts for the discrepancies with our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cathedral of Santa María, where the Muñoz Chapel is located, is the most remarkable monument of the UNESCO Wold Heritage City of Cuenca (Spain). This emblematic chapel suffers an intense stone weathering by crystallization of a complex mixture of salts including epsomite, hexahydrite, gypsum, chlorides and phosphates. The salt dynamics is controlled by a variable indoor environment with daily and seasonal cyclicality. A methodology combining salt analysis, environmental monitoring and non-destructive stone inspection was adopted in order to understand the salt crystallization dynamics and finally, to design an adapted preventive conservation plan focused on the mitigation of the salt damages. Moreover, new parameters are designed in order to quantify the microenvironmental variability, establishing a new methodology for the analysis of indoor environments. Obtained results reveal that stone weathering is mainly due to: (1) the transformation of both CaSO 4 and MgSO 4 ·4H 2 O into CaSO 4 ·2H 2 O and MgSO 4 ·6H 2 O, respectively; and (2) the direct crystallization of MgSO 4 ·6H 2 O in the porous system. These phases crystallize as efflorescences and as subflorescences, causing granular disintegration, peeling and scaling on the stone. Several preventive measures are finally proposed, being focused on two main objectives: (1) reducing the access of salts and moisture to the monument; and (2) establishing a nonaggressive environment, keeping temperature and relative humidity constants in the range of 15−20 °C and 40–50%, respectively. This proposed climate range is defined in order to avoid both the crystallization of new salts in the porous system of the stone as well as volume changes of the present salts. This study constitutes a pilot project where to test the efficiency of these preventive measures that could be extensive to the whole cathedral complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algencan is a well established safeguarded Augmented Lagrangian algorithm introduced in [R. Andreani, E. G. Birgin, J. M. Martínez, and M. L. Schuverdt, On Augmented Lagrangian methods with general lower-level constraints, SIAM J. Optim. 18 (2008), pp. 1286–1309]. Complexity results that report its worst-case behaviour in terms of iterations and evaluations of functions and derivatives that are necessary to obtain suitable stopping criteria are presented in this work. In addition, its computational performance considering all problems from the CUTEst collection is presented, which shows that it is a useful tool for solving large-scale constrained optimization problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the observed relationship between sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the Atlantic Ocean and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in the Orinoco and Amazon basins. Monthly correlations between anomalies of NDVI and SSTs are computed for different regions of the Atlantic Ocean.We also use a mixture of observations and reanalysis products to analyze lagged correlations. Our results show that during August-September (i.e., the dry-to-wet transition season), changes in NDVI in the central Amazon and the so-called Arc of Deforestation are associated with precedent changes in the SSTs of the tropical North Atlantic (TNA) and the Caribbean (CABN) during March-June. Anomalous warming of the CABN and TNA generates changes in surface winds and atmospheric moisture transport in the region, decreasing precipitation, with consequent decreases of soil moisture, moisture recycling, and NDVI. An increase in TNA and CABN SSTs during March-June is also associated with an increase of NDVI over the northern Orinoco during June (i.e., the wet season). Unlike in the southern Amazon, precipitation and soil moisture in the Orinoco basin do not exhibit significant changes associated with SSTs. By contrast, atmospheric moisture recycling and transport increase with warmer SSTs in the TNA. Therefore, for the Orinoco, the link between SSTs and NDVI appears to be related not to changes in precipitation but to changes in moisture recycling. However, the causality between these changes needs to be further explored. These findings highlight the contrasting responses of the Amazon and Orinoco basins to Atlantic temperatures and the dominant role of atmospheric moisture transport linking these responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop the theory of the quantum Pontryagin principle for continuous measurements and feedback. The analysis is carried out under the assumption of compatible events in the output channel. The plant is a quantum system, which generally is in a mixed state, coupled to a continuous measurement channel. The Pontryagin maximum principle is derived in both the Schrödinger picture and Heisenberg picture, in particular, in statistical moment coordinates. To avoid solving stochastic equations, we derive a linear-quadratic-Gaussian scheme, which is more suitable for control purposes. Finally, we use the quantum harmonic oscillator as a concrete example to illustrate the performance of the controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical spectra of sandwich clusters formed by transition metal atoms (titanium, vanadium, and chromium) intercalated between parallel benzene molecules have been studied by time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and many-body perturbation theory. Sandwiches with different number of layers, including infinite chains, are considered. The lowest excitation energy peaks in the spectra are characteristic of the robust bonding in these complexes. The excitation energies vary in a systematic way with the metal atoms and with the cluster size, and so these materials could be used to tune the optical properties according to specific functionality targets. The differences in the spectra could be used to identify relative abundances of isomers with different spins in experimental studies. As a salient feature, this theoretical spectroscopic analysis predicts the metallization of the infinite (TiBz)∞ chain, which is not the case of (CrBz)∞. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic and atomic structure of the family of hydrogenated Al clusters AlnHn+2 with n=4–11 has been studied using the density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for exchange and correlation. All these clusters have substantial gaps between the highest occupied and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO-LUMO) and, consequently, they are chemically very stable. The largest gap of 2.81 eV occurs for Al6H8. Five clusters of the family, Al4H6, Al5H7, Al6H8, Al7H9, and Al10H12, fulfill the Wade–Mingos rule. That is, in AlnHn+2, the Al matrix forms a polyhedron of n vertices and n H atoms form strong H–Al terminal bonds; one pair of electrons is involved in each of those bonds. The remaining n+1 electron pairs form a delocalized cloud over the surface of the Al cage. The clusters fulfilling the Wade–Mingos rule have wider HOMO-LUMO gaps and are chemically more stable. The trends in the gap have some reflections in the form of the photoabsorption spectra, calculated in the framework of time-dependent density functional theory using the GGA single-particle energies and orbitals and a local density approximation exchange-correlation kernel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple treatment modalities have been used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), including focal shock waves. This therapy has demonstrated a short-term positive effect in patients who respond or not to PDE-5i, with variability in therapeutic protocols. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of 3 shock wave protocols for the treatment of ED. Methods: Randomized, multicenter clinical trial. 277 men with non-psychological ED, over 18 years of age, without cancer or major surgeries in the pelvic area or any neurological disease that affected their erectile function, were randomized to one of three groups: weekly (6 wave sessions (WS), 1 x wk), monthly (6 WS 1 x month) or reinforcement (6 WS, 1 x week + 5 sessions, 1 x month). The wave parameters were the same in all groups, no patient received medication. The primary outcome was the change in IIEF-EF score at 6 months of follow-up. The change in the IIEF at the end of therapy and at 3 months of follow-up, erection hardness with the EHS, self-esteem with the SEAR questionnaire, and side effects were also evaluated. Results: 222 patients completed the study. In the 6-month evaluation, the average change in the IIEF-EF in the monthly schedule was 4.3 (+/-6.7), 1.9 (+/-6.5) in the weekly schedule, and 5.0 (+/-6.1) in the reinforcement schedule (p=0.0086). At the end of therapy and at 3 months the change in the IIEF-EF was 3.2 (+/-5.8) and 2.9 (+/-5.5) in the monthly group, 2.7 (+/-4.5) and 3.0 (+/-5.3) in the weekly one, and 4.2 (+/-6.4) and 4.4 (+/-6.5) in the reinforcement one. No differences were found between the groups in the proportion of patients who increased at least one point in erection hardness, nor in the average in the SEAR questionnaire in the evaluations carried out. No patient reported adverse effects to the therapy. Conclusions: The results suggest that monthly and reinforcement wave schemes present good results for the treatment of ED. Financing: Boston Medical Group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]