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Introduction: The study aims to analyze scientific publications on the association between social networks, social relationships, and social support for sports coaches. It seeks to identify the types and levels of social support provided by various agents, and to understand the impact of this support on coaches' wellbeing. The goal is to help coaches better utilize social support, thereby enhancing their quality of life, work, and performance. Methods: This study systematically reviewed 11 scientific articles to investigate the association between social support, social networks, and social relationships in sports coaches. It aimed to identify the types and levels of social support offered to coaches by family members, peers, and friends. Our research utilized the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and assessed study quality using the STROBE Statement. Eligibility was determined by the PECOS criterion based on the search strategy terms. Results: Our findings indicate that social support has significant positive effects on sports coaches. It enhances selfcompassion, prevents burnout symptoms, boosts job and life satisfaction, and reduces stress levels. Organizational support, characterized by clear guidelines, guidance, and autonomy, yielded positive outcomes. Conversely, the absence of social support correlated with negative outcomes for coaches, including lower self-compassion, increased stress and burnout symptoms, reduced job and life satisfaction, and heightened work–family conflict. Coaches' social networks encompassed family members, peers, friends, and other sources, with friends perceived as the most influential. Maintaining an effective social support network is crucial for coaches' performance and psychological wellbeing. Discussion: This systematic review emphasizes the importance of social support for coaches in both their personal and professional lives, noting its positive effects and the negative consequences of its absence. Given the demanding nature of coaching, improving social support systems can enhance coaches' wellbeing and the success of sports activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives In the clinical routine of pediatricians, height is the most reliable indicator for assessing growth. However, there are situations where it is not possible to measure this parameter directly, making the estimation of height or length a useful alternative. The main goal of this study is to identify which segmental measure, including upper arm length (UAL), tibial length (TL), and knee-heel length (KHL), provides the stature estimate that most closely approximates directly measured height in the study participants. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study of the anthropometric and segmental measures of 248 participants, aged 0 to 14 years old, using Stevenson's and Kihara's equations to estimate indirectly measured height. Results The segmental measure that provided a measurement that deviated the least from the actual height was the KHL, followed by TL, both calculated using Stevenson's equations. Conclusion The use of segmental measures to infer a child's stature is valuable in clinical practice, particularly in bedridden and incapacitated patients. Based on the present findings, the KHL and TL segments yielded more accurate results than the UAL [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The study aims to analyze scientific publications on the association between social networks, social relationships, and social support for sports coaches. It seeks to identify the types and levels of social support provided by various agents, and to understand the impact of this support on coaches' wellbeing. The goal is to help coaches better utilize social support, thereby enhancing their quality of life, work, and performance. Methods: This study systematically reviewed 11 scientific articles to investigate the association between social support, social networks, and social relationships in sports coaches. It aimed to identify the types and levels of social support offered to coaches by family members, peers, and friends. Our research utilized the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and assessed study quality using the STROBE Statement. Eligibility was determined by the PECOS criterion based on the search strategy terms. Results: Our findings indicate that social support has significant positive effects on sports coaches. It enhances selfcompassion, prevents burnout symptoms, boosts job and life satisfaction, and reduces stress levels. Organizational support, characterized by clear guidelines, guidance, and autonomy, yielded positive outcomes. Conversely, the absence of social support correlated with negative outcomes for coaches, including lower self-compassion, increased stress and burnout symptoms, reduced job and life satisfaction, and heightened work-family conflict. Coaches' social networks encompassed family members, peers, friends, and other sources, with friends perceived as the most influential. Maintaining an effective social support network is crucial for coaches' performance and psychological wellbeing. Discussion: This systematic review emphasizes the importance of social support for coaches in both their personal and professional lives, noting its positive effects and the negative consequences of its absence. Given the demanding nature of coaching, improving social support systems can enhance coaches' wellbeing and the success of sports activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The study aims to analyze scientific publications on the association between social networks, social relationships, and social support for sports coaches. It seeks to identify the types and levels of social support provided by various agents, and to understand the impact of this support on coaches’ wellbeing. The goal is to help coaches better utilize social support, thereby enhancing their quality of life, work, and performance. Methods: This study systematically reviewed 11 scientific articles to investigate the association between social support, social networks, and social relationships in sports coaches. It aimed to identify the types and levels of social support offered to coaches by family members, peers, and friends. Our research utilized the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and assessed study quality using the STROBE Statement. Eligibility was determined by the PECOS criterion based on the search strategy terms. Results: Our findings indicate that social support has significant positive effects on sports coaches. It enhances selfcompassion, prevents burnout symptoms, boosts job and life satisfaction, and reduces stress levels. Organizational support, characterized by clear guidelines, guidance, and autonomy, yielded positive outcomes. Conversely, the absence of social support correlated with negative outcomes for coaches, including lower self-compassion, increased stress and burnout symptoms, reduced job and life satisfaction, and heightened work–family conflict. Coaches’ social networks encompassed family members, peers, friends, and other sources, with friends perceived as the most influential. Maintaining an effective social support network is crucial for coaches’ performance and psychological wellbeing. Discussion: This systematic review emphasizes the importance of social support for coaches in both their personal and professional lives, noting its positive effects and the negative consequences of its absence. Given the demanding nature of coaching, improving social support systems can enhance coaches’ wellbeing and the success of sports activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the influence in torrefaction of the chemical structure of biomasses from nine poplar commercial SRC clones, evaluated through analytical pyrolysis. The chemical data were integrated into a dataset including LHV gain, representative of torrefaction aptitude and six chemical variables obtained through analytical pyrolysis, which were: (i) CH2Cl2 extractives; (ii) total extractives; (iii) Py-lignin; (iv) holocellulose; (v) (syringil/guaiacyl) ratio; and (vi) (pentosan/hexosan) ratio. Significant univariate and bivariate linear relations were obtained with LHV gain from torrefaction as dependent variable vs. Py-lignin, CH2Cl2 extractives and (cP/cH) ratio. Representative results were: (i) a negative correlation of −0.82 and −0.76 between LHV gain and the (pentosan/hexosan) ratio and Py-lignin, respectively, and (ii) a positive correlation of 0.79 between LHV gain and CH2Cl2 extractive amounts. Factorial and discriminant analysis allowed for clustering the tested clones in three groups, evidencing relevant influences of (S/G) ratio, Py-lignin, and, to a lesser extent, (cP/cH) ratio in the classification of these groups, clearly showing the impact of chemical variables of feedstock in torrefaction. The results contribute: (i) to the validation of use of the expedite analytical pyrolysis technique for classification of biomasses in accordance with their torrefaction aptitude and, thereby, (ii) to optimizing strategies in technological issues as diverse as poplar clone genetic breeding and modeling biomass torrefaction and pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existence of global attractors for a structural-acoustic system, subject to restricted boundary dissipation, is considered. Dynamics of the acoustic environment is given by a linear 3-D wave equation subject to locally distributed boundary dissipation, while the dynamics on the (flat) structural wall is given by a 2D-Kirchhoff-Boussinesq plate equation, subject to linear dissipation and supercritical nonlinear restoring forces. It is shown that the trajectories of the dynamical system defined on finite energy phase space are attracted asymptotically to a global attractor. The main challenges of the problem are related to: (i) superlinearity of the elastic energy of the structural component, (ii) Boussinesq effects of internal forces potentially leading to a finite time blowing up solutions, (iii) partially-restricted boundary dissipation placed on the interface only. The resulting system lacks dissipativity along with the suitable compactness properties, both corner stones of PDE dynamical system theories [1]. To contend with the difficulties, a new hybrid approach based on a suitable adaptation of the so called "energy methods" [2-3] and compensated compactness [4] has been developed. The geometry of the acoustic chamber plays a critical role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the early stages of developing wave energy converter (WEC) projects, a quantitative assessment of component failure consequence costs is essential. The WEC types, deployment site features, and accessibility should all be carefully considered. This study introduces an operation and maintenance failure consequence cost (O&M-FC) model, distinct from conventional O&M models. The model is illustrated with case studies at three energetic Atlantic sites, each of which considers two types of generic floating WECs: a 300 kW point absorber (PA) with a hydraulic power-take-off (PTO) and a 1000 kW oscillating water column (OWC) with an air-wells-turbine PTO. This study compares 39 failure modes for PA and 27 for OWC in terms of direct repair costs and indirect lost production costs, examining the impact of location accessibility, capacity factors, and the mean annual energy production. The discussion revolves around the sensitive parameters. Recommendations for failure mitigations are presented, and the impact of planned maintenance (PM) during the operational phase is examined for 20 MW PA and OWC WEC projects. For a given WEC type, the method thoroughly evaluates how the location affects performance metrics. It offers a decision-making tool for determining optimal PM intervals to meet targets such as O&M costs, operating profit, or availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education is defined as the incorporation of ICTs into teaching and learning activities, both inside and outside the classroom. Despite widely studied, there is still no consensus on how it affects student performance. However, before evaluating this, it is crucial to identify which factors impact students' use of ICT for educational purposes. This understanding can help educational institutions to effectively implement ICT, potentially improving student results. Thus, adapting the conceptual framework proposed by Biagi and Loi (2013) and using the 2018 database of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and a decision tree classification model developed based on CRISP-DM framework, we aim to determine which socio-demographic factors influence students' use of ICT for educational purposes. First, we categorized students according to their use of ICT for educational purposes in two situations: during lessons and outside lessons. Then, we developed a decision tree model to distinguish these categories and find patterns in each group. The model was able to accurately distinguish different levels of ICT adoption and demonstrate that ICT use for entertainment and ICT access at school and at home are among the most influential variables to predict ICT use for educational purposes. Moreover, the model showed that variables related to teaching best practices of Internet utilization at school are not significant predictors of such use. Some results were found to be country-specific, leading to the recommendation that each country adapts the measures to improve ICT use according to its context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive mammalian predators are arguably the most damaging group of alien animals for global biodiversity and their impacts are particularly damaging in endemic-rich insular ecosystems. Ferrets (Mustela furo) are well-known for their potential to establish self-sustaining feral populations. Yet, knowledge about their distribution and trophic interactions is scarce. Here, we provide ample evidence of a well-established and widespread population of ferrets on the subtropical island of Madeira (Portugal). Ferrets are using natural and human-dominated habitats, where they are preying on both native (e.g., Cory's shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) and the endemic and IUCN Endangered Zino's petrel (Pterodroma madeira)) and non-native vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the quasilinear diffusion problem of u=(u1,...,um)$\bm {u}=(u^1,\ldots ,u^m)$u′+Π(t,x,u,Σu)Au=f(t,x,u,Σu)in]0,T[×Ω,u=0in]0,T[×Ωc,u(0,·)=u0(·)inΩ$$\begin{equation*} \hspace*{52pt}\begin{cases} \bm{u}'+\Pi(t,x,\bm{u},\Sigma \bm{u})\mathbb{A}\bm{u}=\bm{f}(t,x,\bm{u},\Sigma \bm{u})&\text{ in }]0,T[\times\Omega, \\ \bm{u}=\bm{0}&\text{ in }]0,T[\times\Omega^c, \\ \bm{u}(0,\cdot)=\bm{u}_0(\cdot)&\text{ in }\Omega \end{cases} \end{equation*}$$for an open set Ω⊂Rn$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^n$, u0∈H0s(Ω):=[H0s(Ω)]m$\bm {u}_0\in \mathbf {H}^s_0(\Omega):=[H^s_0(\Omega)]^m$, for 0

Copyright of Janus.Net: e-Journal of International Relations is the property of Universidade Autonoma de Lisboa, Observare / Observatorio de Relacoes Exteriores and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Eucalyptus dunnii is one of the most important Eucalyptus species for short-fiber pulp production in regions where other species of the genus are affected by poor soil and climatic conditions. In this context, E. dunnii holds promise as a resource to address and adapt to the challenges of climate change. Despite its rapid growth and favorable wood properties for solid wood products, the advancement of its improvement remains in its early stages. In this work, we evaluated the performance of two single nucleotide polymorphism, (SNP), genotyping methods for population genetics analysis and Genomic Selection in E. dunnii. Double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) was compared with the EUChip60K array in 308 individuals from a provenanceprogeny trial. The compared SNP set included 8,011 and 19,008 informative SNPs distributed along the 11 chromosomes, respectively. Although the two datasets differed in the percentage of missing data, genome coverage, minor allele frequency and estimated genetic diversity parameters, they revealed a similar genetic structure, showing two subpopulations with little differentiation between them, and low linkage disequilibrium. GS analyses were performed for eleven traits using Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (GBLUP) and a conventional pedigree-based model (ABLUP). Regardless of the SNP dataset, the predictive ability (PA) of GBLUP was better than that of ABLUP for six traits (Cellulose content, Total and Ethanolic extractives, Total and Klason lignin content and Syringyl and Guaiacyl lignin monomer ratio). When contrasting the SNP datasets used to estimate PAs, the GBLUP-EUChip60K model gave higher and significant PA values for six traits, meanwhile, the values estimated using ddRADseq gave higher values for three other traits. The PAs correlated positivelywith narrow sense heritabilities, with the highest correlations shown by the ABLUP and GBLUP-EUChip60K. The two genotyping methods, ddRADseq and EUChip60K, are generally comparable for population genetics and genomic prediction, demonstrating the utility of the former when subjected to rigorous SNP filtering. The results of this study provide a basis for future whole-genome studies using ddRADseq in non-model forest species for which SNP arrays have not yet been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of Cu2+ in ethanol fuel represents a problem in terms of quality, leading to issues in the engines of automotive vehicles. Thus, this study brings an innovative FeIII-organic framework to develop an electrochemical sensor to detect Cu2+ in ethanolic media. The synthesized metal–organic framework (MOF) was MIL-88b-NH2 and MIL-82, and these materials were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The results showed the successful synthesis of both MOFs with minor synthetic modifications. Subsequently, the modified carbon paste selected to analyze Cu2+ in ethanol fuel was MIL-88b-NH2 based on the results obtained from cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Subsequently, square wave anodic stripping voltammetry parameters were optimized using a design of experiments approach. The analytical signal of the electrode exhibited good stability (relative standard deviation = 5.2%). Besides, the correlation coefficient (r) and coefficient of determination (R2) calculated in the calibration curve were 0.9993 and 99.85%, respectively, indicating a good fit of the linear model to the experimental data. The limit of detection obtained from the linear equation was 0.020 µmol L−1. Finally, in the recovery test using spiked samples of ethanol fuel, the obtained values were 83 and 96%, indicating the absence of matrix effects. Our findings demonstrate that the MIL-88b-NH2 modified carbon paste electrode is a suitable sensor for assessing Cu2+ contamination in ethanol fuel under and above the limit permitted by Brazilian legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Exacta is the property of Exacta - Engenharia de Producao and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This work presents a novel application of gas-diffusion microextraction (GDME) for the extraction and identification of volatile carbonyl compounds from a dry-process fibreboard (MDF) by combining high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC–DAD) and mass spectrometry (MS). GDME is a simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly technique that allows the simultaneous extraction and derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) of selected volatiles. The extraction conditions were optimized using design of experiments through a 24 full fractional design followed by a Box–Behnken design, resulting in 35 min of extraction at 45 °C using 500 µL of DNPH 0.15%. The analysis of commercial MDF samples with different characteristics, such as thickness or colour, showed a distinct emission profile of volatile carbonyls. The principal emitting compounds found were formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, butanal, pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, and nonanal. A total of 25 compounds were identified using MS, including saturated and unsaturated aldehydes, ketones, dicarbonyls, and benzaldehyde-derivatives. This method can be a valuable tool for the qualitative evaluation of VOCs released from wood-based panels and for the assessment of indoor-air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timely and precise prediction of flooding progression and its eventual outcome in ships with breached hulls can lead to dramatic improvements in maritime safety through improved guidance for both emergency response and ship design. The traditional approach to assessing damage-induced flooding in both these stages, which also fully complies with statutory rules, is through static calculations. On the other hand, the application of models that simulate the flooding progression and the behaviour of flooded ships from, or close to, first principles allows for increased accuracy of the modelling of the phenomenon. This increase in accuracy can then be used to support advanced design for safety procedures. Furthermore, it can considerably enhance a ship's capability for damage identification and inference-based logic for emergency decision support systems and marine accident response in general. This paper conducts a review of selected state-of-the-art methods, procedures, and case studies in recent years which aimed to model progressive flooding and damage ship behaviour and provide some explanations of fundamentals. Applications related to damage identification, the prediction of outcome/situation awareness, and flooding emergency response are also briefly discussed. The paper concludes with a brief reflection on salient gaps in the context of accelerating the development of these methods and their applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azulejos are part of Portugal's most important cultural heritage. However, a large part of this heritage is at risk due to lack of or improper conservation treatments. There are, however, not many studies dedicated to the procedures and materials used in their conservation to guide the choices of conservators/restorers. Through this work, the performances of the adhesives commonly used in azulejo conservation are studied considering the extreme conditions they may experience when in an outdoor environment. Three types of adhesives were studied: acrylics, epoxies, and cellulose nitrates. The adhesives were evaluated for their workability and characterized by FTIR, DMA, and bending tests to obtain information on their adhesion effectiveness and compatibility with the azulejo ceramic substrate before and after artificial and natural ageing. When subjected to mechanical loads, the high strength and stiffness of the epoxy resins could lead to the development of new fractures in the previously undamaged ceramic matrix, making them less suitable for the adhesion of historic tile fragments. Cellulose nitrates revealed a high chemical alteration and the highest degradation rate in the mechanical properties with ageing, showing it to be the least stable in the studied conditions. The acrylic resins proved to be the most chemically stable, with less yellowing and with physical properties that revealed to be the most compatible for the adhesion of the studied azulejo fragments in outdoor environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop, implement and assess the results of psychoeducation to improve the QoL of parents with CHD newborns. Methods: Participants were parents of inpatient newborns with the diagnosis of non‐syndromic CHD. We conducted a parallel RCT with an allocation ratio of 1:1 (intervention vs. control), considering the newborns, using mixed methods research. The intervention group received psychoeducation (Parental Psychoeducation in CHD [PPeCHD]) and the usual routines, and the control group received just the regular practices. The allocation concealment was assured. PI was involved in enrolling participants, developing and implementing the intervention, data collection and data analysis. We followed the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. Results: Parents of eight newborns were allocated to the intervention group (n = 15 parents) and eight to the control group (n = 13 parents). It was performed as an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis. In M2 (4 weeks), the intervention group presented better QoL levels in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains of World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL‐Bref). In M3 (16 weeks), scores in physical and psychological domains maintained a statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: The PPeCHD, the psychoeducational intervention we developed, positively impacted parental QoL. These results support the initial hypothesis. This study is a fundamental milestone in this research field, adding new essential information to the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider weak solutions for the obstacle-type viscoelastic ($ \nu>0 $) and very weak solutions for the obstacle inviscid ($ \nu = 0 $) Dirichlet problems for the heterogeneous and anisotropic wave equation in a fractional framework based on the Riesz fractional gradient $ D^s $ ($ 0

The purpose of this study was to characterize the role of β1-AR signaling and its cross-talk between cardiac renin–angiotensin system and thyroid-hormone-induced cardiac hypertrophy. T3 was administered at 0.5 mg·kg−1·day−1 for 10 days in β1-KOT3 and WTT3 groups, while control groups received vehicle alone. Echocardiography and myocardial histology was performed; cardiac and serum ANGI/ANGII and ANP and cardiac levels of p-PKA, p-ERK1/2, p-p38-MAPK, p-AKT, p-4EBP1, and ACE were measured. WTT3 showed decreased IVSTd and increased LVEDD versus WTsal (p < 0.05). β1-KOT3 exhibited lower LVEDD and higher relative IVSTd versus β1-KOsal, the lowest levels of ejection fraction, and the highest levels of cardiomyocyte diameter (p < 0.05). Cardiac ANP levels decreased in WTT3 versus β1-KOT3 (p < 0.05). Cardiac ACE expression was increased in T3-treated groups (p < 0.05). Phosphorylated-p38 MAPK levels were higher in WTT3 versus WTsal or β1-KOT3, p-4EBP1 was elevated in β1-KO animals, and p-ERK1/2 was up-regulated in β1-KOT3. These findings suggest that β1-AR signaling is crucial for TiCH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the electrochemical determination of cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) in water-organic mixtures using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and commercial screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs). The electrocatalytic behavior of Vitamin D3 on the surface of the working electrode produced a well-defined oxidation peak at +0.95 V (vs. Ag|AgCl, 3.0 mol L−1) and +0.7 V (vs. Ag-SPCE pseudo-reference electrode) for the GCE and SPCE, respectively, in 0.1 M LiClO4 prepared in 50% ethanol. The nature of the organic solvent needed for the solubilization of Vitamin D3 was evaluated, together with the concentration of the supporting electrolyte, the ratio of the water-organic mixture, the voltametric parameters for the cyclic voltammetry (CV), and square-wave voltammetry (SWV) analyses. Under the optimized conditions, a linear correlation between the anodic peak current and the concentration of Vitamin D3 was obtained over the range of 0.47 to 123 µmol L−1 and 59.4 to 1651 µmol L−1 for the GCE and SPCE, respectively. The determined limits of detection (LOD) were 0.17 (GCE) and 19.4 µmol L−1 (SPCE). The methodology was successfully applied to commercial supplement tablets of Vitamin D3. Additionally, this work shows the possibility of using non-modified GCE and SPCE for routine analysis of Vitamin D3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Demonstration of access to the bile duct through Enlarged Papillary Fistulotomy, a method different from conventional fistulotomy. Aims: Demonstration of the EFP technique with dissection in layers of the papilla for accessing the common bile duct, its efficiency and safety, rescue of cases of failure in cannulation and cases of access failure by EFP in the first attempt, facilitating cannulation in the second attempt. Methods: Cross-sectional study, with retrospective data collection from 2233 ERCP exams with 528 EFP procedures, analysis of success and complications. Results: 528 patients underwent EFP on the first attempt, with success in 465 cases (88.06%) and 63 failures (11.94%). Of these failures, 33 patients (52.38%) returned for a second EFP attempt, with success in 30 cases (90.9%) and failure in 3 cases (9.1%). Deep bile duct cannulation was achieved in 93.75% of EFP procedures, and cannulation failure occurred in 33 cases (6.25%). Conclusion: EFP showed efficiency in CBD cannulation, did not induce post-ERCP pancreatitis, no cases of perforation or false tract, but resulted in higher rates of minor bleeding, rescued cases of access failure by EFP, facilitated the posterior approach on the second attempt, it is safe, effective, low risk and associated with few comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify psychoeducational interventions that target parents of children with congenital abnormalities (CA) and evaluate their impact on quality of life (QoL). Methods: The search was conducted in six electronic databases, complemented by references of the studies found, studies of evidence synthesis, a manual search of relevant scientific meetings' abstracts and contact with experts. We included primary studies on parents of children with CA that studied psychoeducational interventions versus standard care. We assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Results: We included six studies focusing on congenital heart defects (CHD). They described four different psychoeducational strategies. In four studies, statistically significant differences were found. For clinical practice, we considered three interventions as more feasible: the Educational program for mothers, with a group format of four sessions weekly; CHIP-Family intervention, which includes a parental group workshop followed by an individual follow-up booster session; and WeChat educational health program with an online format. Conclusions: This review is the first that assesses the impact of psychoeducational interventions targeted at parents of children with CA on their QoL. The best approach to intervention is multiple group sessions. Two essential strategies were to give support material, enabling parents to review, and the possibility of an online program application, increasing accessibility. However, because all included studies focus on CHD, generalizations should be made carefully. These findings are crucial to guide future research to promote and improve comprehensive and structured support for families and integrate them into daily practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to being recognised for involvement in cardiovascular control and hydromineral balance, the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) has also been associated with the neuroendocrine control of energy balance. One of the main brain sites for angiotensin II (ANG II)/type 1 receptor (AT1R) signalling is the subfornical organ (SFO), a circumventricular organ related to the control of autonomic functions, motivated behaviours and energy metabolism. Thus, we hypothesised that circulating ANG II may act on the SFO AT1R receptors to integrate metabolic and hydromineral balance. We evaluated whether food deprivation can modulate systemic RAS activity and Agrt1a brain expression, and if ANG II/AT1R signalling influences the hypothalamic expression of mRNAs encoding neuropeptides and food and water ingestion in fed and fasted Wistar rats. We found a significant increase in both ANG I and ANG II plasma levels after 24 and 48 h of fasting. Expression of Agrt1a mRNA in the SFO and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) also increased after food deprivation for 48 h. Treatment of fasted rats with low doses of losartan in drinking water attenuated the decrease in glycemia and meal‐associated water intake without changing the expression in PVN or arcuate nucleus of mRNAs encoding selected neuropeptides related to energy homeostasis control. These findings point to a possible role of peripheral ANG II/SFO‐AT1R signalling in the control of refeeding‐induced thirst. On the other hand, intracerebroventricular losartan treatment decreased food and water intake over dark time in fed but not in fasted rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of boundary conditions on the vibrations of variable stiffness composite laminates (VSCL) with curvilinear fibers is particularly interesting because fiber orientations at the plate edges and in the plate's domain can differ. Since real boundaries are not the ideal limit cases usually assumed in the literature, a more correct model can be achieved by representing boundaries as elastically restrained edges. This approach is followed in this work, which investigates the combined effect of fiber orientation and boundary stiffness on the geometrically non-linear forced vibrations of rectangular VSCL plates. The boundary stiffness is adjusted using experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lack of control over blood loss can have catastrophic implications, including death. Although several hemostatic medications have been employed to reduce bleeding, a vast majority of them are ineffective, expensive, or pose health risks to the patient. To overcome these constraints, chitosan-polyethylene glycol (CS-PEG) hemostatic gels loaded with ethanolic extract of Jatropha mollissima sap (EES) were prepared and their hemostatic, physicochemical, and cytotoxic properties were evaluated. The gels were produced by mixing CS with PEG (an external plasticizer) and EES. The phytochemical analysis revealed a significant concentration of total polyphenols and tannins content in the extract and catechin was identified as one of the key compounds of EES. Infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of EES in the gels, as well as the chemical interaction between CS and PEG. The gels were thermally stable between 25 and 37 °C (ambient and human body temperature range), had pseudoplastic deformation behavior (rheological properties preserved after shearing), were simple to inject (compression force 30 N), and were biocompatible. In vivo experiments showed that both CS-PEG-EES gels exhibited greater hemostatic action in preventing tail hemorrhage in Wistar rats, with decreased bleeding time and blood weight compared with unloaded CS-PEG gels (control groups) and Hemostank, a commercial product. However, the gel prepared with acetic acid was more efficient in controlling bleeding. These findings reveal that CS-PEG-EES gels can reduce hemorrhages and are a potent, simple, and safe hemostatic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is known that some sectors of hospitals have high bacteria and virus loads that can remain as aerosols in the air and represent a significant health threat for patients and mainly professionals that work in the place daily. Therefore, the need for a respirator able to improve the filtration barrier of N95 masks and even inactivating airborne virus and bacteria becomes apparent. Such a fact motivated the creation of a new N95 respirator which employs chitosan nanoparticles on its intermediate layer (SN95 + CNP). Results: The average chitosan nanoparticle size obtained was 165.20 ± 35.00 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.36 ± 0.03 and a zeta potential of 47.50 ± 1.70 mV. Mechanical tests demonstrate that the SN95 + CNP respirator is more resistant and meets the safety requisites of aerosol penetration, resistance to breath and flammability, presenting higher potential to filtrate microbial and viral particles when compared to conventional SN95 respirators. Furthermore, biological in vitro tests on bacteria, fungi and mammalian cell lines (HaCat, Vero E6 and CCL-81) corroborate the hypothesis that our SN95 + CNP respirator presents strong antimicrobial activity and is safe for human use. There was a reduction of 96.83% of the alphacoronavirus virus and 99% of H1N1 virus and MHV-3 betacoronavirus after 120 min of contact compared to the conventional respirator (SN95), demonstrating that SN95 + CNP have a relevant potential as personal protection equipment. Conclusions: Due to chitosan nanotechnology, our novel N95 respirator presents improved mechanical, antimicrobial and antiviral characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing availability of remote sensing orbital spatial data, the applications of machine learning (ML) algorithms have been leveraging the field of process automation in image classification. The present work aimed to evaluate the precision and accuracy of ML algorithms in the classification of Sentinel 2A/2B images from an area of high environmental dynamics, such as Ria Formosa (Algarve, Portugal). The images were submitted to classification by groups of ML algorithms such as the Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Decision Tree (DT). The Orfeo Toolbox (OTB) open-source programming package made the algorithms available. Ten samples were collected for each of the 14 land use and cover classes in the Ria Formosa area, totaling 140 samples. Of these, 70% were for training and 30% for validating the classification. The evaluation metrics used were the class discrimination measures: Recall (R), the Global Kappa Index (k), and the General Accuracy Index (OA). The results showed that the KNN and DT algorithms demonstrated a greater discrimination capacity for most classes. SVM and RF significantly improved class discrimination when using larger samples for training. Merging the classified images significantly improved the classification accuracy, ranging from 71% to 81%. This evaluation made it possible to define sets of ML algorithms sensitive to change detection for mapping and monitoring dynamic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Law Studies Journal / Revista Novos Estudos Juridicos is the property of Novos Estudos Juridicos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A new dinuclear dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complex [(MoO2)2(BPA)2(μ-O)] was synthesized by the reaction between the tridentate N2O-donor ligand N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine (HBPA) and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3). This complex was analyzed by FT-IR, UV-visible, ESI-MS, elemental (CHN), thermogravimetric and electrochemical analyses. The crystal structure was solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction, which shows two non-equivalent molybdenum(VI) ions bridge-coordinated by an oxido ligand. The complex was studied using DFT calculations, resulting in a molecular structure with a geometry similar to the one obtained by X-ray diffraction. The dinuclear dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complex [(MoO2)2(BPA)2(μ-O)] was evaluated as a catalyst in the reaction involving the oxidation of sulfur compounds, at 25 and 50 °C, using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant and acetonitrile as a solvent. The catalyst is able to oxidize thioanisole, diphenyl sulfide and dibenzothiophene producing sulfoxide and sulfone with conversions of 94%, 76% and 27%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that progressively affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It can interfere with daily activities and lead to a decline in cognitive abilities over time. Exercise-based interventions can complement Alzheimer's disease treatment. Exercise is a valuable tool in all healthcare settings and has shown promise as an effective cognitive improvement intervention for people with cognitive impairments. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the effect of physical exercise on the QoL of subjects with Alzheimer's disease. A search was performed with the help of the electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials with exercise-based interventions were selected. Four studies met the inclusion criteria, which included interventions based on exercise. The effects were summarized using standardized mean differences (95% confidence intervals) using random-effect models. The results showed that exercise had no significant effect on the QoL of subjects with Alzheimer. Thus, the effect of exercise interventions on the QoL of patients with Alzheimer's disease is not conclusive. More research is needed about this topic and the way in which the QoL is assessed; the necessity to conduct an objective way to assess the QoL in this population is mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides an update on the current state of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) and explores potential future directions in this field. PDT has emerged as a promising minimally invasive treatment modality that utilizes photosensitizers and specific light wavelengths to induce cell death in targeted tumor tissues. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the underlying mechanisms, optimizing treatment protocols, and improving the efficacy of PDT for CRC. This article highlights key advancements in PDT techniques, including novel photosensitizers, light sources, and delivery methods. Furthermore, it discusses ongoing research efforts and potential future directions, such as combination therapies and nanotechnology-based approaches. By elucidating the current landscape and providing insights into future directions, this review aims to guide researchers and clinicians in harnessing the full potential of PDT for the effective management of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The concept of cultural intelligence has been the object of increasing attention from the scientific community due to its importance in a globalized world. To fulfil their mission, higher education institutions need individuals capable of effectively interacting with others who come from different cultural backgrounds. This study analyzes the level of cultural intelligence and its background in a Portuguese engineering higher education institution. This study used a cultural intelligence scale and applied it to a sample of 445 participants. The results show that individuals in this Portuguese institution have an interesting level of awareness of others' cultural preferences. However, particular attention should be paid to improving the outcome of the cognitive dimension. The results show the potential of international experiences and activities that foster cultural exposure. Consequently, the managers of institutions should make efforts to promote Erasmus programs or similar internships abroad. In addition, they should promote activities that foster multicultural contact, whether extracurricular activities or multicultural clubs or associations, meetings, lectures or classes with appropriate pedagogical methodologies, for example, experiential or collaborative teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive materials were developed with the ability to release fluoride and provide some antimicrobial potential, to be widely used in dentistry today. However, few scientific studies have evaluated the antimicrobial activity of bioactive surface pre-reacted glass (S-PRG) coatings (PRG Barrier Coat, Shofu, Kyoto, Japan) on periodontopathogenic biofilms. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of S-PRG fillers on the microbial profile of multispecies subgingival biofilms. A Calgary Biofilm Device (CBD) was used to grow a 33-species biofilm related to periodontitis for 7 days. The S-PRG coating was applied on CBD pins from the test group and photo-activated (PRG Barrier Coat, Shofu), while the control group received no coating. Seven days after treatment, the total bacterial counts, metabolic activity, and microbial profile of the biofilms were observed using a colorimetric assay and DNA–DNA hybridization. Statistical analyses were applied; namely, the Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and Dunn's post hoc tests. The bacterial activity of the test group was reduced by 25.7% compared with that of the control group. A statistically significant reduction was observed for the counts of 15 species: A. naeslundii, A. odontolyticus, V. parvula, C. ochracea, C. sputigena, E. corrodens, C. gracilis, F. nucleatum polymorphum, F. nucleatum vincentii, F. periodonticum, P. intermedia, P. gingivalis, G. morbillorum, S. anginosus, and S. noxia (p ≤ 0.05). The bioactive coating containing S-PRG modified the composition of the subgingival biofilm in vitro, thereby decreasing colonization by pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine whether using inoculants and re‐ensiling in sorghum silages affect the intake and feeding behaviour, apparent digestibility, digestible energy, and nitrogen balance of sheep in maintenance. Half the sorghum was inoculated on the day of harvest, and the other half received the same inoculation volume but with water. Sorghum was ensiled in 100 experimental metal drum silos of 200 L covered with plastic: 50 silos with inoculants and 50 without them. After 56 days, 25 drums with inoculants and 25 without were exposed to air for 48 h. The other silos remained closed. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme with inoculation and re‐ensiling. The sheep received the silages after 211 days of ensiling and 155 days of re‐ensiling to determine the intake, apparent digestibility, and feeding behaviour of animals. The experimental design was a simultaneous double 4 × 4 Latin square. The re‐ensiling process increased silage pH, N‐NH3.TN−1, butyric acid, and propionic acid. The inoculant increased propionic acid in ensiled and re‐ensiled silages. Lactic acid concentration presented a statistical interaction with the inoculated and ensiled silage, 58% higher than the other treatment averages. The ADFap digestibility showed a complex interaction, in which the control ensiled and the inoculated and re‐ensiled silages were about 35% lower than the inoculated ensiled silage. The Nbal:Nint ratio (g.g−1) in the inoculated and re‐ensiled silage had lower nitrogen retention than intake compared with the other treatments. These results indicate that exposing inoculated silages to air does not compromise their use in sheep feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Signo is the property of Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this work, we consider the fractional Stefan-type problem in a Lipschitz bounded domain Ω ⊂ ℝd with time-dependent Dirichlet boundary condition for the temperature ϑ = ϑ(x, t), ϑ = g on Ωc×]0, T[, and initial condition η0 for the enthalpy η = η(x, t), given in Ω×]0, T[ by ∂η/∂t + LsAϑ = f with η ∈ β(ϑ), where LsA is an anisotropic fractional operator defined in the distributional sense by sAu, v> = ∫ℝd ADsu · Ds v dx, β is a maximal monotone graph, A(x) is a symmetric, strictly elliptic and uniformly bounded matrix, and Ds is the distributional Riesz fractional gradient for 0 < s < 1. We show the existence of a unique weak solution with its corresponding weak regularity. We also consider the convergence as s ↗ 1 towards the classical local problem, the asymptotic behaviour as t → ∞, and the convergence of the two-phase Stefan-type problem to the one-phase Stefan-type problem by varying the maximal monotone graph β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Cubana de Ciencias Forestales is the property of Universidad de Pinar del Rio and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of SEMS-Journal is the property of Schwiez Zschr Sportmed Sporttraumatologie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Kefir is a probiotic mixture with anxiolytic and antioxidant properties. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety disorders and increase oxidative damage in organs such as the heart and kidney. In this study, we examined whether kefir ameliorates the anxiety-like behavior of mice submitted to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) by modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and corticosterone levels and whether kefir modifies the oxidative parameters in the heart and kidney of mice. Male Swiss mice received kefir (0.3 mL/100 g/day) or milk for 30 days (gavage). On the 10th day, the mice were submitted to CUS. Behavioral analysis was performed using the elevated plus maze and forced swimming tests. BDNF levels were analyzed in brain tissues. Heart and kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), 3-nitrotyrosine, metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and plasma corticosterone were evaluated. Kefir reverted the CUS-induced decrease in the time spent in the open arms, the increase in grooming frequency, and decrease in the head dipping frequency, but not the reduced immobility time. CUS decreased the cerebellum BDNF levels and increased corticosterone levels, which were restored by Kefir. Neither catalase and SOD activities nor GSH, TBARS, 3-nitrotyrosine, and MMP-2 were modified by CUS in the heart. In the kidney, CUS increased 3-nitrotyrosine and MMP-2. Kefir increased the antioxidant defense in the heart and kidney of control and CUS mice. These results suggest that kefir ameliorated CUS-induced anxiety-like behavior by modulating brain BDNF and corticosterone levels. Kefir also increased the antioxidant defense of mice heart and kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Interdisciplinary Debates is the property of Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa Periodicojs and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Since atomic or functional‐group properties in the bulk are generally not available from experimental methods, computational approaches based on partitioning schemes have emerged as a rapid yet accurate pathway to estimate the materials behavior from chemically meaningful building blocks. Among several applications, a comprehensive and systematically built database of atomic or group polarizabilities and related opto‐electronic quantities would be very useful not only to envisage linear or non‐linear optical properties of biomacromolecules but also to improve the accuracy of classical force fields devoted to simulate biochemical processes. In this work, we propose the first entries of such database that contains distributed polarizabilities and dipole moments extracted from fragments of peptides. Twenty three prototypical conformers of the dipeptides alanine–alanine and glycine–glycine were used to extract functional groups such as CH2, CHCH3, NH2, COOH, CONH, thus allowing construction of a diversity of chemically relevant environments. To evaluate the accuracy of our database, reconstructed properties of larger peptides containing up to six residues of alanine and glycine were tested against density functional theory calculations at the M06‐HF/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level of theory. The procedure is particularly accurate for the diagonal components of the polarizability tensor with errors up to 15%. In order to include solvent effects explicitly, the peptides were also surrounded by a box of water molecules whose distribution was optimized using the CHARMM force field. Solvent effects introduced by a classical dipole–dipole interaction model were compared to those obtained from polarizable‐continuum model calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the physical, thermal, and biological properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), as well as the biocompatibility and environmental safety of the naturally occurring polymeric component, polysaccharide-based composites containing AgNPs are a promising choice for the development of biomaterials. Starch is a low-cost, non-toxic, biocompatible, and tissue-healing natural polymer. The application of starch in various forms and its combination with metallic nanoparticles have contributed to the advancement of biomaterials. Few investigations into jackfruit starch with silver nanoparticle biocomposites exist. This research intends to explore the physicochemical, morphological, and cytotoxic properties of a Brazilian jackfruit starch-based scaffold loaded with AgNPs. The AgNPs were synthesized by chemical reduction and the scaffold was produced by gelatinization. X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study the scaffold. The findings supported the development of stable, monodispersed, and triangular AgNPs. XRD and EDS analyses demonstrated the incorporation of silver nanoparticles. AgNPs could alter the scaffold's crystallinity, roughness, and thermal stability without affecting its chemistry or physics. Triangular anisotropic AgNPs exhibited no toxicity against L929 cells at concentrations ranging from 6.25 × 10−5 to 1 × 10−3 mol·L−1, implying that the scaffolds might have had no adverse effects on the cells. The scaffolds prepared with jackfruit starch showed greater crystallinity and thermal stability, and absence of toxicity after the incorporation of triangular AgNPs. These findings indicate that jackfruit is a promising starch source for developing biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]