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Introduction Low back pain (LBP) commonly impacts older adults, (1) with symptoms and prognosis worsening with age, (2,3) resulting in reduced functioning and increased psychological distress. (4) Among older adults [...], Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of a multimodal program (PAT-Back) compared to best practice advice on pain and disability in older adults with chronic low back pain (LBP) in primary care. Methods. This feasibility study took place in Fortaleza, Northeast Brazil. The PAT-Back intervention consisted of a program including exercises, pain education, and motivational text messages for the in-home component. The control group received an evidence-based educational booklet. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, adherence and retention rates, level of difficulty of the education and intervention content, perception of utility of mobile technology, and adverse events. The feasibility criteria were previously defined. Results. A total of 248 people were screened, of which 46 older adults were eligible. The retention rate was high (100% in the PAT-Back group and 95% in the control group). The adherence rate to intervention was partially met (60%), whereas the adherence rate to unsupervised exercises was adequate (75%), and perception about safety to perform home exercise was partially acceptable (70%) in the PAT-Back group. In addition, 100% of older adults reported which text messages motivated them to perform the exercises in the PAT-Back group. Difficulty reported by participants in understanding and performing the intervention was small in both groups. Six participants reported transient adverse events in both groups. Conclusion. Older adults accepted both interventions. Results demonstrated that the program is feasible, although minor changes targeting adherence and safety in home exercise are needed. Impact. This feasibility study supports progression to a full trial investigating the effectiveness of a multimodal program (PAT-Back) on pain and disability in older adults with chronic LBP within a primary health care setting in low to middle income countries where such data from the older population are scarce and the burden of LBP is increasing. Keywords: Aged, Feasibility Studies, Low Back Pain, Mobile Health, Physical Exercise

El reemplazo percutáneo de la válvula mitral (RPVM) es una alternativa emergente para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de la válvula mitral (VM) en pacientes que no son candidatos a intervención quirúrgica o reparación de borde a borde. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar los resultados a corto y medio plazo de este procedimiento.

Two-terminal perovskite/ACIGS tandem solar cells were numerically simulated and optimized using Silvaco TCAD tools. The perovskite model was designed to match the fabricated structure, making it suitable as the top cell in tandem configurations. Similarly, the ACIGS solar cell was calibrated to align with the fabricated device, ensuring it functions effectively as the bottom cell beneath the perovskite layer. Individual simulations of these cells demonstrated efficiencies of up to 20.92% for the perovskite and 23.6% for the ACIGS cell. The two-terminal tandem model was simulated by integrating the top and bottom cells, with a transparent contact electrically connecting the subcells in series. The impact of the notch region (minimum bandgap) and Ga composition in single- and double-graded profiles in thin-film ACIGS was examined. The primary goal was to increase ${V} _{\text {oc}}$ without losing ${J} _{\text {sc}}$ of the tandem device. To achieve this, the Ga content was varied from 0.30 to 0.85 ( ${x} _{{1}}$ ) for the first layer and from 0.05 to 0.60 ( ${x} _{{2}}$ ) for the second layer of the ACIGS material for various notch positions. The optimized tandem device achieved an efficiency of 29.14%, with a ${J} _{\text {sc}}$ of 18.04 mA/cm2, a ${V} _{\text {oc}}$ of 2.037 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 79.25%. This was achieved using a V-shaped Ga content gradient (GGI profile) with ${x} _{{1}} =0.70$ , ${x} _{{2}} =0.40$ , and a notch position of 200 nm for a 2- $\mu $ m-thick ACIGS layer. These numerical simulations provide insights into the effect of Ga content and bandgap grading on tandem solar cell performance.

Introduction Low back pain (LBP) is the greatest cause of disability worldwide (1) and is associated with great societal and economic burden. (2) Its economic burden is equivalent to the [...], Objective. The authors sought to describe the protocol of a randomized controlled trial that will investigate the effects of the TEXT4myBACK self-management text message intervention compared with control in people with low back pain (LBP). Methods. A single-blind (assessor and statistician), randomized controlled trial with economic analysis and process evaluation will be conducted. A total of 304 people with non-specific LBP of less than 12 weeks will be enrolled and randomly allocated either to TEXT4myBACK intervention or control groups. The TEXT4myBACK intervention group will receive 4 semipersonalized text messages per week providing advice, motivation, and information about LBP, physical activity, sleep, mood, use of care, and medication during 12 weeks. The control group will receive 1 text message with a link to a LBP and diet online information package. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome will be function assessed with the Patient-Specific Functional Scale. Secondary outcomes will include pain intensity, physical activity participation, sedentary behavior, global impression of change, health-related quality of life, and eHealth literacy. Data on demographic characteristics, smallest worthwhile change (ie, smallest function scored needed to be achieved at the end of the intervention to consider it to be worthwhile), health care utilization, and adverse events (ie, any new health issue that occurs during participation in the study) will be collected. An economic and process evaluation will also be conducted. Impact. This study will assess if a self-management text message intervention is effective and cost-effective in improving function of people with LBP. This study can inform clinical practice of a simple, scalable, and affordable intervention for managing LBP. Keywords: Low Back Pain, Mobile Health, Text Messaging

An in-depth understanding of the business dynamics of a given sector enables key stakeholders to define appropriate strategies for its development, promotion and consolidation. This study aims to analyse the Portuguese tourism and hospitality sector, characterising the companies and their business dynamics between 2011 and 2022. It uses a Related-Samples Friedman‘s Two-Way Analysis of Variance by Ranks to identify any statistically significant differences between the subsegments of Hotels and Restaurants, Recreational and Cultural Activities, and Transports and Logistics using specific competitiveness indicators. The results show significant differences between the subsegments in some indicators. The sector is resilient and plays a key role in recovering from highly impactful challenges. Micro and small companies employ thousands of people and make hotels and restaurants a key subsegment of activity for the sector. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the tourism sector, providing valuable information to industry players and researchers.

The main purpose of this study was the development of a methodology to assess the potential impacts of forest fires on geoheritage through a systematic and practical approach. The proposed methodology was applied to the geoheritage of the Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) in Portugal, following a forest fire in August 2022 that affected approximately 15% of its geosites (22 out of 147). A total of 20 geosites were selected for analysis, including eight directly impacted by the fire and 12 that remained unaffected. The assessment framework integrates vulnerability and hazard factors. Vulnerability was quantified based on two primary criteria: geosites value and their educational and touristic uses. Each criterion was operationalized through defined parameters and indicators, supported by standardized guidelines for evaluation. Forest fire hazard data were obtained from the Portuguese Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF). The degradation risk was calculated as a function of these two factors. The results indicate that the highest vulnerability level identified was “low,” signifying the absence of substantial loss in scientific value. However, discernible impacts on cultural, scenic and ecological values, and on educational/touristic uses were observed across most geosites. The maximum degradation risk was classified as “medium,” suggesting that the predominant granite and glacial landforms within the study area exhibit a relatively high degree of resilience to forest fire-induced damage. The findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted management strategies to mitigate the impacts of forest fires within the Estrela UGGp. Moreover, the methodology offers a transferable framework for geoheritage degradation risk assessment, which could be applied in diverse contexts to further enhance the understanding and conservation of geoheritage.

Homemade enteral formulas have been resurfacing with a view to offering a diet free of additives and composed of fresh foods for therapeutic use for the population using enteral diets. Prioritizing healthy food groups and including natural complements, such as yam flour, is a strategy that aims to guarantee nutritional support while preserving the particular technological properties of foods delivered via probe. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an exclusive homemade enteral formula with fresh and minimally processed foods, added with yam flour (Dioscorea cayenensis), according to the NOVA classification system; evaluate its nutritional, physicochemical, microbiological, rheological and osmolar characteristics, in addition to the production feasibility study.

Three-winding coupled inductor structures have gained popularity in high-voltage-gain dc–dc converters. This cell allows generating an infinity of topologies. However, there are no well-established methods for synthesizing these types of converters. In this sense, in order to contribute and create a simple synthesis and generation of high-voltage-gain converters, this article presents a family of high step-up dc–dc converters based on boost converter and three-winding coupled inductor cell with different connection configurations, named: stacked, parallel, and cascade. These connections are discussed throughout this article. Furthermore, combinations of two or more connections are presented and their generated topologies as well. In addition, comparative evaluations are presented, such as high-voltage-gain converters: principle of operation; static gain; voltage stress; current stress. Since each converter has its own characteristics and the main factors that impact this are the duty cyclic ($D$), turns ratio ($N$) of the coupled inductor, both theoretical and experimental evaluations are made considering different values of $D$ and $N$. To validate the theoretical analyzes, a set of prototypes was built in the laboratory. Among these evaluated topologies, the one with the high efficiency performance achieved is 97%, which is the combination of stacked configuration with voltage multiplier cell.

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are often associated with depressive symptoms from the prodromal stage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroanatomical correlates of depression in prodromal to mild DLB patients compared with AD patients. Eighty-three DLB patients, 37 AD patients, and 18 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Depression was evaluated with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), French version 5.0.0. T1-weighted three-dimensional anatomical images were acquired for all participants. Regression and comparison analyses were conducted using a whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach on the grey matter volume (GMV). DLB patients presented a significantly higher mean MINI score than AD patients (p= 0.004), 30.1% of DLB patients had clinical depression, and 56.6% had a history of depression, while 0% of AD patients had clinical depression and 29.7% had a history of depression. VBM regression analyses revealed negative correlations between the MINI score and the GMV of right prefrontal regions in DLB patients (p< 0.001, uncorrected). Comparison analyses between DLB patients taking and those not taking an antidepressant mainly highlighted a decreased GMV in the bilateral middle/inferior temporal gyrus (p< 0.001, uncorrected) in treated DLB patients. In line with the literature, our behavioral analyses revealed higher depression scores in DLB patients than in AD patients. We also showed that depressive symptoms in DLB are associated with decreased GMV in right prefrontal regions. Treated DLB patients with long-standing depression would be more likely to experience GMV loss in the bilateral middle/inferior temporal cortex. These findings should be taken into account when managing DLB patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the competitive ability of various maize, bean, and soybean cultivars when coexisting with different densities of Amaranthus hybridus, using a replacement series experiment conducted in completely randomized blocks with four replicates. The competitors included four maize cultivars, four bean cultivars, and two soybean cultivars, all tested against A. hybridus. The replacement series consisted of relative crop-to-A. hybridusratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100%, corresponding to 20:0, 15:5, 10:10, 5:15, and 0:20 plants per pot, respectively. Competitive ability was assessed using diagrams and relative competitiveness indices. Fifty days after plant emergence, the morphophysiological characteristics of the competing species were determined. Results indicate a negative impact on all species, with both the crop plants (maize, beans, and soybeans) and A. hybridussuffering due to competition for the same environmental resources. Interspecific competition was found to be more detrimental than intraspecific competition. Maize and bean cultivars showed greater competitive ability against A. hybridus, whereas soybeans were more adversely affected by the presence of the competitor.

Slaughterhouses produce huge volumes of effluents throughout the production chain that, when discharged untreated into bodies of water, can become a source of environmental contamination. This is particularly worrisome if these effluents are used for irrigation since they increase contamination levels and spread pathogens and resistance determinants to humans and animals. Therefore, in this study, we assessed antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from inlet water, equalization wastewater tanks, treatment plant wastewater, and treated wastewater in slaughterhouse facilities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Four samples were collected at each of the collection points, between June 2021 and July 2022. Following bacterial isolation and identification, the samples were analyzed for antimicrobial resistance using the disk diffusion method to test aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, and fluoroquinolone antimicrobials. A total of 229 bacteria were isolated, with 74 isolates selected from the genera Citrobacter(12), Enterobacter(14), Klebsiella(35), Serratia(5), and Pseudomonas(8). Inlet water had the lowest number of isolates and was the only point with gentamicin-resistant isolates. Raw effluent from the equalization tank showed the highest number of isolated bacteria and resistance levels, followed by treated wastewater and the treatment plant. Across all samples, a high rate of cefoxitin-resistance was observed among the isolated bacteria. Klebsiella pneumoniaestood out as the species that demonstrated the greatest resistance to a variety of antimicrobials. These results highlight the importance of water quality monitoring in mitigating public health and environmental risks and high antimicrobial resistance levels.

IMPORTANCE: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have ischemic stroke despite taking oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) have a very high risk of recurrence. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a mechanical stroke prevention strategy that may provide additional protection in patients with thromboembolic events under OAT. OBJECTIVE: To compare percutaneous LAAO with continuing OAT alone regarding stroke prevention in patients with AF who had a thromboembolic event despite taking OAT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study was a propensity score–matched comparison of the STR-OAC LAAO cohort, an international collaboration of 21 sites combining patients from multiple prospective registries of patients who underwent LAAO between 2010 and 2022. STR-OAC LAAO cohort patients who had follow-up longer than 3 months were propensity score–matched to a previously published control cohort comprising patients from an established international collaboration of investigator-initiated prospective studies. This control cohort included patients with nonvalvular AF, recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, and follow-up longer than 3 months who were taking OAT before the index event. Analyses were adjusted for imbalances in gender, age, hypertension, diabetes, and CHA2 DS2-VASc score. EXPOSURE: Left atrial appendage occlusion vs continuation of oral anticoagulation therapy alone (control group). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was time to first ischemic stroke. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-three patients from the STR-OAC LAAO cohort (mean [SD] age, 72 [9] years; 171 [39%] females and 262 [61%] males; mean [SD] CHA2 DS2-VASc score, 5.0 [1.6]) were matched to 433 of 1140 patients (38%) from the control group. During 2-year follow-up, 50 patients experienced ischemic stroke: an annualized event rate of 2.8% per patient-year in the STR-OAC LAAO group vs 8.9% per patient-year in the control group. Left atrial appendage occlusion was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.19-0.58; P &lt; .001) compared with the control group. After LAAO, OAT was discontinued in 290 patients (67%), and the remaining 143 patients (33%) continued OAT after LAAO as an adjunctive therapy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In patients with nonvalvular AF and a prior thromboembolic event despite taking OAT, LAAO was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke compared with continued OAT alone. Randomized clinical trial data are needed to confirm that LAAO may be a promising treatment option for this population with a very high risk of stroke.

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid β (Aβ)-triggered cleavage of TrkB-FL impairs brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, thereby compromising neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic transmission and plasticity. Using cerebrospinal fluid and postmortem human brain samples, we show that TrkB-FL cleavage occurs from the early stages of the disease and increases as a function of pathology severity. To explore the therapeutic potential of this disease mechanism, we designed small TAT-fused peptides and screened their ability to prevent TrkB-FL receptor cleavage. Among these, a TAT-TrkB peptide with a lysine-lysine linker prevented TrkB-FL cleavage both in vitroand in vivoand rescued synaptic deficits induced by oligomeric Aβ in hippocampal slices. Furthermore, this TAT-TrkB peptide improved the cognitive performance, ameliorated synaptic plasticity deficits and prevented Tau pathology progression in vivoin the 5XFAD mouse model of AD. No evidence of liver or kidney toxicity was found. We provide proof-of-concept evidence for the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic strategy and anticipate that this TAT-TrkB peptide has the potential to be a disease-modifying drug that can prevent and/or reverse cognitive deficits in patients with AD.

In this article, perovskite and two-terminal perovskite/PERC tandem solar cells have been numerically performed and optimized using Silvaco TCAD tools. The investigated planar perovskite and PERT C-Si models have been performed accordingly to match the fabricated structures for tandem configuration. These two cells have been simulated individually and they have revealed an efficiency of up to 20% and 22.9% for perovskite and PERT, respectively. The two-terminal tandem model is then developed by comprising the top cell with the bottom cell by transparent contact that connects the two subcells in series electrically. The influence of defect density in the perovskite layer and at electron transport layer (ETL)/absorber and absorber/hole transport layer (HTL) interfaces on perovskite and tandem cell characteristics is analyzed. It has been found that using MgF2 on the outer surface of the front module glass can effectively enhance photon absorption in the tandem device over the entire wavelength range. By adjusting the perovskite thickness through the current matching process and minimizing bulk and interface defect traps, we can be able to achieve 22% and 26% efficiencies for wide bandgap perovskite and tandem solar cells, respectively. These approaches allow us to gain a better understanding of the defect density effect on the performance of the structures.

Ferritic-martensitic low-carbon steels can be produced by inter-critical treatment with fast cooling, and are commonly referred to as dual-phase steels. The soft ferrite with hard martensite provides higher mechanical resistance than normalized steel. In this work, specimens from a low-carbon steel with 0.158%C were submitted to inter-critical heat treatments in three temperatures (770 °C, 750 °C and 730 °C) followed by rapid cooling. The martensite and ferrite phases were quantified by light optical microscopy and electron backscattered scanning diffraction using band slope, with good match between the results from both techniques. Martensite derived from the austenite phase present in the inter-critical annealing temperature, which can be predicted by computational thermodynamics. In agreement, the martensite volume fraction increased with the increase of the inter-critical annealing temperature. Fine carbides were observed by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy in the ferrite phase, for all heat treatment conditions. Kernel average misorientation (KAM) and geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) analysis were also calculated by electron backscattered scanning diffraction. Impact toughness, hardness and microhardness were determined, and the results were correlated to the microstructural features. The mixture rule was not verified with the microhardness tests in specimens treated at 730 °C and 750 °C, but matched the experimental values for the specimen treated at 770 °C. The effects of tempering at 300 °C on the microstructure (precipitation, KAM and GND) were investigated and correlated to the mechanical properties.

The competitiveness of the biodiesel industry and the evolution of its positive socio-environmental externalities may be achieved by adding value to oleochemical by-products to be produced in an integrated way with the production of biodiesel. The development of bio-based lubricants, a substitute for mineral lubricating oils, has emerged as a promising alternative for adding value to vegetable oils, and consequently to biodiesel. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of biolubricant production using biodiesel as a feedstream, employing epoxidation and oxirane ring opening reactions with 2-ethylhexanol (BL1) and water (BL2) as nucleophilic agents. Industrial processes were proposed and simulated for two scenarios, considering all steps for production of BL1 (26.6 cSt at 40 °C and pour point of − 12 °C) and BL2 (99.6 cSt at 40 °C and pour point of − 3 °C). The biolubricant production showed promising profitability, as its minimum selling price (MSP) remained consistently below USD 3000/ton, significantly lower than the average price of mineral lubricants (USD 6000/ton). Both scenarios exhibited minimal variation in the MSP of biolubricants (< 2%). The estimated high internal rates of return (24.5% for scenario 1 and 18.6% for scenario 2) highlight the potential profitability of this technological route, even under very conservative perspectives. A technical–economic analysis of an integrated biodiesel and biolubricant production system demonstrated significant synergies during the installation and operational stages, resulting in 21% Capex savings when retrofitting an existing biodiesel plant for biolubricant co-production. Notably, for various combinations of biolubricant prices above USD 3000/ton, the MSP of biodiesel became lower than the specified price of mineral diesel. These findings indicate the potential of integrating biolubricant and biodiesel production as a strategic approach to enhance the biodiesel competitiveness and maximize its positive externalities on society, economy, and environment.

Patients with end-stage renal disease and iliocaval venous obstruction are normally nonviable recipients of kidney transplantation. We report a case of a 34-year-old male patient who has been receiving hemodialysis as renal replacement therapy for 6 years due to immunoglobulin A nephropathy. Past medical history included multiple central venous catheter infections and catheter-associated thrombosis. Iliac confluence and inferior vena cava occlusion previously excluded the patient from the renal transplantation list. The exhaustion of venous access sites was already documented. After multidisciplinary discussion, the patient was proposed for endovascular iliocaval reconstruction aiming for a future kidney transplant. Iliocaval recanalization was achieved through bilateral femoral access. Inferior vena cava and iliac angioplasty were performed. A dedicated venous stent was deployed in the inferior vena cava, followed by a double-barrel reconstruction of the iliac confluence. Successful iliocaval recanalization was accomplished. Five months after kidney transplantation was performed with a deceased donor graft in the right iliac fossa. The postoperative period was uneventful. After 12 months, the patient remained free from kidney replacement therapies with a serum creatinine level of 1.3 mg/dL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical description of a successful kidney transplant in a patient with a previous iliocaval reconstruction.

Traditionally, AISI 410 is a martensitic stainless steel with 11–12%Cr and maximum carbon content of 0.15% (%wt.). Steels with the same base composition, but less than 0.03%C were developed, resulting in the grade UNS S41003. These steels can be produced as ferritic, martensitic or ferritic-martensitic. In this work, the microstructures and properties of two sheets of low carbon UNS S41003, with the same composition, were analyzed and compared. One sheet has 3.00 mm of thickness and was produced in a Steckel hot rolling mill with low coiling temperature. The resulting microstructure of this hot rolled steel was predominantly martensitic. The other sheet was batch annealed for 36 h after the hot rolling. As a consequence, the microstructure consisted of equiaxial ferritic grains and intergranular carbides, as observed by light optical (LOM) and scanning electron microscopies (SEM). Electron backscattered scanning diffraction (EBSD) analyzes were conducted to obtain grain sizes and phase quantifications, Kernel average misorientations (KAM) and geometrically necessary dislocations (GND) densities. Specially, the results of grain size quantified by LOM and EBSD were compared. The hardness, tensile tests, and impact toughness and fractography of impact samples, were studied, and the results are correlated to the microstructural features.

This study examines Makkan Arabic speakers’ orthographic representation of standard and colloquial variants in their WhatsApp text messages. In particular, we examine the role that speaker gender, speaker age, gender composition of conversations, and topic of discussions play in Hadari Makkans’ representation of standard and colloquial variants of the variables (th), (dh), and (Dh). Statistical analyses reveal that women favor colloquial variant stops [t] and [d], while men exhibit a preference for standard variants [θ] and [ð], particularly when conversing with other men. For (Dh), however, both women and men favor the standard variant [ðˤ]. Age also plays a role in the distribution of variants, with speakers favoring standard variants as they age. The use of fricatives [θ] and [ð] also increases when participants discuss formal topics, which suggests an implicit association between standard language and formality, despite the inherent informality of WhatsApp interactions. This study provides insights into how phonological variation is orthographically represented within a written genre designed to mimic spontaneous conversation and enriches the broader discourse on Arabic language variation and digital communication.

In recent studies, we have established the unique adapter chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) platform RevCAR which uses, as an extracellular CAR domain, a peptide epitope instead of an antibody domain. RevCAR adapters (termed RevCAR target modules, RevTMs) are bispecific antibodies that enable the reversible ON/OFF switch of the RevCAR system, improving the safety compared to conventional CARs. Here, we describe for the first time its use for retargeting of both T and NK-92 cells. In addition, we describe the development and preclinical validation of a novel RevTM for targeting of the fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) surface receptor which is overexpressed on Glioblastoma (GBM) cells, and therefore serves as a promising target for the treatment of GBM. The novel RevTM efficiently redirects RevCAR modified T and NK-92 cells and leads to the killing of GBM cells both in vitro and in vivo. Tumor cell killing is associated with increased IL-2, TNF-α and/or IFN-γ secretion. Hence, these findings give an insight into the complementary potential of both RevCAR T and NK-92 systems as a safe and specific immunotherapeutic approach against GBM.

The demand for bio-based lubricants has grown considerably in recent years due to increasing environmental awareness among the public, governments, and industries. In this study, soybean-oil-based samples were synthesized via reactions of hydrolysis (FFA, yield > 93% wt.), esterification (BL1, yield > 92% wt.), epoxidation (BL2, yield > 91% wt.), and oxirane ring opening (BLOR, yield > 93% wt.), using a long chain alcohol (2-ethylhexanol). The obtained BL1 and BLOR samples were further subjected to tribological testing in the four-ball configuration. The friction coefficients of the BL1 and BLOR samples were evaluated using speed ramps at different loading forces and temperatures. A hydrotreated mineral oil (HMO) sample was used as a reference to evaluate the lubrication performance of the synthesized bio-based samples. The results indicated that these BL1 and BLOR samples had lower friction coefficients than HMO at all assessed sliding speeds, even with increasing load force and temperature. In the test to evaluate the wear, the samples of BL1 and BLOR presented coefficient of friction smaller than HMO in the order of 31.7% and 46.0%, respectively. Furthermore, an assessment of the wear morphologies indicated that the BL1 and BLOR samples yielded smoother surfaces with shallower grooves than the hydrotreated mineral oil sample. Among the studied bio-based lubricants, BLOR yielded the lowest friction coefficients, wear scar diameter, and surface ripples. The tribology resulting from BL1 and BLOR infers that these biolubricants have potential for applications in mechanical systems.

The research aims to emphasise the significance of sustainable tourism and the topics it’s being associated with. It is also intended to analyse the shift in literature during the selected time. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on highly cited documents about the Topic “sustainable tourism” from 2017 to 2022, using the Web of Science database. The analysis involved examining the number of research papers, their respective journals, co-authorship, country of origin and keywords. The keywords “sustainable tourism”, “covid-19” and “tourism” were used more frequently in the 50 articles collected. The majority of the articles were published in 2020 and 2021, coinciding with the pandemic, which demonstrates the emerging focus on sustainability given by researchers in this period. By relying on a specific database and specifically selecting highly cited papers, the study was limited. However, preferring these papers aligns with the goal of this research. The literature review synthesises the themes and perspectives from different authors and the relevance given to sustainable tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It identifies key trends and viewpoints in the field while recognising its limitations and provides visual information on the topic.

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the distribution of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) in different periods enables the adequate conduction of actions at the public health level. The present study analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution of TL incidence rates in the municipalities of Brazil and identifies priority areas from 2001 to 2020. Notifications of new cases were analyzed employing space-time scan statistics and Local Indicators of Spatial Association. As TL incidence rates presented a downward trend in most Brazilian municipalities, spatiotemporal clusters of high relative risks (RR) were more frequent in the first decade of the series. There was a concentration of those clusters in the North and Northeast regions, mainly in the Legal Amazon area. More recent high-RR areas were identified in municipalities of different regions. The number of priority municipalities showed a stable trend in Brazil. There was a great concentration of such municipalities in the states of Acre, Mato Grosso, Rondônia, Pará, and Amapá, as well as large areas in Roraima, Amazonas, Maranhão, and Tocantins, and smaller areas in the states of Goiás, Ceará, Bahia, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná. The present study contributes to the understanding of the historical evolution of TL in Brazil and subsidizes actions to combat the disease.

It is known that dynamic transformation can occur in the austenite field above the Ae3temperature in a rapidly displacive way and after diffusionally under stress. This phenomenon influences industrial thermomechanical processes by changing the expected applied loads during forging or rolling. In this investigation, laboratory-scale physical simulation of tensile test in a customized Gleeble thermomechanical simulator system equipped with a synchrotron light X-ray beam (12 keV) was carried out on a linepipe steel at 50 °C above the Ae3. The obtained stress-strain curves indicate that dynamic transformation took place during deformation. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of ferrite inside the austenite field during strain. The results confirm the direct evidence of the onset of ferrite formation due to the applied strain and its increase in volume fraction as the deformation continues. The main ferrite-phase peaks detected by the in-situ X-ray diffraction were the ones related to the (110) and (221) planes. Both peaks increased their intensity with the increasing strain, leading to a decrease in the gamma-phase peak intensities of the (111) and (220) planes. The total volume fraction of all ferrite peaks increased to approximately 50% when the strain reached a maximum value, while the fraction of all austenite peaks decreased proportionally. Microscopic measurements of the presented phases have shown excellent agreement with the results obtained from direct X-ray diffraction results. A comprehensive understanding of the dynamic transformation phenomenon mechanism is important to the industry sector in designing improved manufacturing parameters for products with good quality.

This study explored the impact of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) addition on the thermal properties of recycled polyamide (PARec) obtained from repurposed textile industry microfibers initially earmarked for landfill disposal. Characterization of PARec involved techniques like differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RGO was characterized through Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mixtures with varying rGO concentrations, such as PARec-1 (0.1% rGO), PARec-5 (0.5% rGO), and PARec-10 (1% rGO), were prepared and processed in a twin-screw extruder. SEM images at PARec show good dispersion of rGO in the polymer matrix. Thermal properties were determined via DSC and TG, revealing the presence of polyamide 6 in PARec-0 and indicating rGO's quality. Notably, PARec-10 exhibited a slight 3.8% increase in melting temperature and a 7.5% rise in crystallization temperature. These results suggest the potential for improved thermal properties with rGO incorporation. The study contributes to understanding polymer blend thermal properties and introduces an innovative, efficient polymer waste recycling method aligned with sustainability principles.

ABSTRACTMuseums are more than a place to preserve collections of pieces. They offer serious leisure activities that can be incremented by using virtual reality tools. Thus, this study aims to analyse (i) the effect of virtual atmospheric cues on serious leisure in a virtual museum environment, and (ii) the impact of serious leisure on the desire to visit the physical museum. Results demonstrated that virtual atmospheric cues exercise a significant effect on the perception of vividness and presence. Both vividness and presence influence serious leisure and this, in turn, affects serious leisure in a virtual museum environment.

Objective: To evaluate nasal cavity (NC) dimensions of individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and primary snoring, by tomographic image analysis, compared to individuals with OSA without CL/P (N-CL/P).Design: Cross-sectional and retrospective.Setting: Tertiary referral center.Participants: Patients were divided into 2 groups: (G1) CL/P + OSA or primary snoring, n= 11; (G2) N-CL/P + OSA, n= 13.Interventions: NC tomographic images were reconstructed using ITK-SNAP software, and measurements were obtained from these three-dimensional models using SpaceClaim software.Main Outcome Measures: Total NC volumes, right and left NC volumes, and volumes of the nostril to the nasal valve (V1) and from the nasal valve to the superior limit of the nasopharynx (V2), cross-sectional areas, and perimeters.Results: NC volumes (total, right, and left sides), V1, and V2, though smaller in the CL/P + OSA, did not differ significantly from the N-CL/P + OSA. Cross-sectional areas and perimeters of the superior limit of the nasopharynx, in the CL/P + OSA, presented significantly higher values compared to the N-CL/P + OSA (P≤ .05).Conclusions: The internal nasal dimensions of patients with CL/P do not seem to be part of the etiopathogenesis, nor constitute a risk factor for OSA with greater severity, in this special group of patients.

Central America and the Caribbean is a highly heterogeneous region comprising more than 30 countries and territories with more than 200 million inhabitants. Although recent advances in the region have improved access to cancer care, there are still many disparities and barriers for obtaining high-quality cancer treatments, particularly for those from disadvantaged populations, immigrants, and rural areas. In this article, we provide an overview of cancer care in Central America and the Caribbean, with selected examples of issues related to disparities in access to care and suggest solutions and strategies to move forward.

Purpose: This paper aims to review the topic of “luxury fashion consumption”, a field of recent interest for academics and practitioners. However, a literature review that can map the existing knowledge and aggregate it into relevant topics and offers a research agenda for future research is still lacking. Methodology: This paper uses a systematic review and a text mining approach to analyse 73 articles on luxury fashion consumption aiming to clarify, rationalise and critically interpret the literature on luxury fashion consumption; identify the core topic, create an integrative framework of core constructs; and offer research gaps and suggest a research agenda for future studies. Findings: From this analysis, eight major research topics are found and analysed (brand desire, authenticity, luxury markets, value perceptions, luxury retail experience, luxury brands communication, responsible consumption and sustainability and status signalling). Based on these topics and following the TCM framework, this review offers directions for future research. Value: This research offers a text-mining review of luxury fashion consumption to help scholars and managers further develop this field, as there is no comprehensive review on the topic exploring the themes, theories, constructs and methods used in prior studies. Objetivo: Este artículo pretende revisar el “consumo de moda de lujo”, un tema de reciente interés para académicos y profesionales. Sin embargo, sigue faltando una revisión de la literatura que pueda ordenar el conocimiento existente y aglutinarlo en temas relevantes y que ofrezca una agenda de investigación futura. Metodología: Este trabajo emplea una revisión sistémica de la literatura y la minería de textos para analizar 73 artículos sobre el consumo de moda de lujo con el objetivo de (i) aclarar, racionalizar e interpretar críticamente la literatura sobre el consumo de moda de lujo, (ii) identificar el tema central, crear un marco integrador de constructos clave y (iii) presentar las lagunas de la investigación y sugerir una agenda de investigación para futuros estudios. Resultados: A partir de este análisis, se identifican y analizan ocho temas principales de investigación (el deseo de marca, la autenticidad, los mercados de lujo, las percepciones de valor, la experiencia de la venta al por menor de lujo, la comunicación de las marcas de lujo, el consumo responsable y la sostenibilidad, y la señalización de estatus). Sobre la base de estos temas y siguiendo el marco del TCM, esta revisión propone líneas para futuras investigaciones. Originalidad: Esta investigación ofrece una revisión de la minería de textos sobre el consumo de moda de lujo para ayudar a los académicos y gestores a seguir desarrollando este campo, ya que no existe una revisión exhaustiva sobre el tema que explore los conceptos, teorías, constructos y métodos utilizados en estudios previos. Revisión de la literatura 目的: 本文旨在回顾 “奢侈时尚消费”, 这是学术界和从业人员最近关注的一个话题。然而, 目前仍然未能将现有知识分类并为未来研究提供议程的文献回顾。 方法: 本文使用系统的文献综述和文本挖掘, 分析了73篇关于奢侈时尚消费的文章。此文目的是：（1）批判性地解释关于奢侈时尚消费的文献; （2）确定中心主题, 建立综合框架; （3）提出研究缺憾, 为未来的研究提出议程。 结果: 从这个分析中, 我们发现并分析了八个主要的研究主题（品牌欲望、真实性、奢侈品市场、价值认知、奢侈品零售体验、奢侈品品牌传播、负责任的消费和可持续性、以及地位信号）。基于这些主题并遵循TCM框架, 本评论提出了未来研究的方向。 原创性: 目前还没有关于该主题的全面文献回顾, 以探索以前研究中使用的概念、理论、构造和方法。本研究对奢侈时尚消费的文本挖掘进行了回顾, 以帮助学者和管理者进一步发展该领域。 文章类型: 文献评论

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the relationship of mass versus niche brand coolness on consumers’ brand loyalty, mediated by attitude toward the brand and moderated by conspicuous consumption; test the moderating role of conspicuous consumption and the mediating role of attitude between mass versus niche cool brand and brand love; and analyze whether results are stable when categorizing the luxury brands as niche versus mass cool brand. Design/methodology/approach: Study 1 uses a panel sample to establish the mediating role of attitude toward the brand between perceptions of brand coolness and brand loyalty. Study 2 is an experimental survey study to describe the moderating role of conspicuous consumption on the relationship between mass/niche brand coolness and brand love and between mass/niche coolness and attitude toward the brand. Study 3 is a conjoint analysis that delineates the distinct factors that consumers attribute to mass versus niche cool brands in the luxury fashion arena. Findings: This study demonstrates that attitudes mediate the relationship between brand coolness and brand loyalty. Conspicuous consumption only moderates the relationship between brand coolness and attitudes in the case of niche cool brands. In a realistic field experiment, the authors confirm the mediating impact of attitude and the moderating influence of conspicuous consumption. The authors also attempt to provide coolness dimensions that tend to be more associated with mass luxury brands and those more related to niche luxury brands. Originality/value: These studies provide a fresh look at the concept of brand coolness, mass and niche cool brands in the context of luxury fashion brands. Objetivo: Esta investigación pretende (1) analizar la relación entre el atractivo de las marcas de nicho y de masas y la lealtad a la marca de los consumidores, mediada por la actitud hacia la marca y moderada por el consumo conspicuo, (2) comprobar el papel moderador del consumo conspicuo y el papel mediador de la actitud entre el atractivo de las marcas de nicho y de masas y el amor por la marca y (3) analizar si los resultados son estables al categorizar las marcas de lujo como de nicho o de masas. Diseño/metodología/enfoque: Demostramos que las actitudes median en la relación entre el “coolness” y la fidelidad a una marca. El consumo ostentoso sólo modera la relación entre el “coolness” de la marca y las actitudes en el caso de las marcas “cool” de nicho. En un experimento de campo realista, confirmamos el efecto mediador de la actitud y la influencia moderadora del consumo ostentoso. También intentamos proporcionar las dimensiones del coolness que tienden a asociarse más con las marcas de lujo de masas y las que están más relacionadas con las marcas de lujo de nicho. Resultados: El primer estudio utiliza una muestra de panel para establecer el papel mediador de la actitud hacia la marca entre las percepciones del atractivo de la marca y la fidelidad a la misma. El segundo es un estudio experimental que describe el papel moderador del consumo ostentoso en la relación entre el atractivo de las marcas de masas/nicho y el amor por la marca, y entre el atractivo de las marcas de masas/nicho y la actitud hacia la marca. El último estudio es un análisis conjunto que delinea los distintos factores que los consumidores atribuyen a las marcas de moda de masas frente a las de nicho en el ámbito de la moda de lujo. Originalidad: Estos estudios aportan una nueva mirada al concepto de “coolness” de marca, marcas “cool” de masas y marcas “cool” de nicho en el contexto de las marcas de moda de lujo. 目的: 本研究旨在：（1）分析大众品牌酷与小众品牌酷对消费者品牌忠诚度的关系, 以对品牌的态度为中介, 以显性消费为调节; （2）检验显性消费的调节作用以及态度在大众品牌酷与小众品牌酷与品牌喜爱之间的中介作用; （3）分析将奢侈品牌分为小众品牌酷与大众品牌酷时, 结果是否稳定。 设计/方法/途径: 第一项研究使用小组样本, 以确定对品牌的态度在品牌酷感和品牌忠诚度之间的中介作用。第二项研究是一项实验性调查研究, 目的是描述显性消费对大众/小众品牌酷感与品牌喜爱之间以及大众/小众品牌酷感与品牌态度之间关系的调节作用。最后一项研究是一项联合分析, 旨在界定消费者对奢侈时尚领域中大众与小众酷品牌的不同评价因素。 独创性: 这些研究以奢侈时尚品牌为背景, 重新审视了品牌酷度、大众和小众酷度品牌的概念。

Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) solar cells represent a highly promising technology for sustainable energy generation. Despite their potential, widespread adoption has been hindered by the inherent toxicity of their constituent materials and concerns about device stability. In this study, we introduce a novel approach to address the toxicity and stability issues and enhance the efficiency of CIGS solar cells. Specifically, we used CuO-SnO2: F as green buffer layer to replace CdS in our solar cell structure. After that, we employed a dual-absorber layer configuration using CIGS and Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS). This strategy allowed us to reduce the thickness of the CIGS layer, thereby diminishing its associated toxicity, while maintaining or improving solar cell performance. Using the Silvaco TCAD simulation tool, we meticulously analyzed the impact of this configuration on solar cell efficiency and other critical parameters. Our results demonstrate a significant increase in efficiency from 15.6 to 18.3% by integrating CZTS as a secondary absorber layer. This study not only highlights the effectiveness of combining CIGS with CZTS but also sets a precedent for future optimization of high-efficiency, environmentally benign solar cells. This advancement contributes meaningfully to the progression of renewable energy technologies and supports the development of more sustainable energy solutions.

Splashing is the main problem for the direct analysis of aqueous samples using LIBS since it generates serious precision and accuracy issues. This study demonstrates the direct determination of Li content in brines for the control of industrial mining processes using a portable LIBS device based on the direct laser impact on the sample, without any sample treatment, through the design of a sample injection system based on the Venturi effect. Our results demonstrated that the utilization of the 653.3 nm hydrogen line as an internal standard reduces the model calibration fitting error from 0.440 root mean square error in a standard calibration curve to 0.123 on the internal standard curve. Conversely, the development of a Venturi effect-based injection device using compressed air converts the brine into a fine mist which decrease splashing, resulting in an up to 10-fold error reduction, all without the necessity of employing an internal standard. Our results, evaluated by comparing them to the ASTM D3561-11 standard method using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, indicate that it is feasible to determine the lithium content in brine samples with an error of under 20% and a detection limit of 13 mg kg−1.

Introduction:Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique that allows the resection of complex colorectal lesions, such as non-lifting, peri-appendicular, peri-diverticula, and subepithelial lesions. Published data suggest that EFTR has a technical success and R0 resection rates of 89 and 79%, respectively, and an adverse event rate of 12%. This study summarizes the EFTR experience in nine Portuguese centers with regard to its efficacy and safety. Methods:This was a multicenter uncontrolled retrospective study, including 129 colorectal EFTRs between March 2017 and September 2023. The main outcomes were procedural and technical success, R0 resection, curative resection, adverse events, and recurrence rate. Results:129 EFTR procedures were conducted, with a technical success rate of 88.4% (114/129). Most lesions were in the right colon, with a median resection size of 25 [10–45] mm. R0 and curative resection rates were 75.9% (85/112) and 58.0% (65/112), respectively. Adverse events occurred in 13.2% (17/129) of patients, mostly due to immediate perforation, appendicitis, or delayed bleeding, needing surgery in 5.4% (7/129). Local recurrence occurred in 5.4% (5/92) of resections. Conclusion:This real-life multicenter study highlights the utility of colorectal EFTR for management of complex and carefully chosen lesions, with an acceptable adverse events rate and need for surgery.

Identifying and validating a biomarker with high specificity in early-stage dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) using a feasible method is crucial to enhance the current suboptimal diagnostic procedure. Previous research revealed abnormalities, including hypoperfusion in the right anterior insular cortex at group level, in prodromal DLB. Exploring hypoperfusion of the right anterior insula, at an individual-level and assessing its relevance as a potential imaging biomarker in early DLB, has, to our knowledge, not been investigated. Our preliminary study aims to assess the feasibility of the technique and to provide a methodological framework for further investigation. We assessed the feasibility and accuracy of the hypoperfusion of the right anterior insula per arterial spin labelling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) as a diagnostic biomarker in early DLB and provided rough estimates of its sensitivity and specificity. Defining the region of interest based on previous research, we established the biomarker as the hypoperfusion of the right anterior insula. Discriminative and analytical performances were assessed in comparison to a control group of treatment-resistant depression patients. Bayesian diagnostic reasoning was employed to assess the biomarker diagnostic usability in early DLB in two scenarios: healthy elderly controls and mild cognitive impairment. Additionally, we updated probabilities by integrating data from the Mayo-clinic cognitive fluctuations scale and real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) α-synuclein data. Lastly, a whole-brain perfusion analysis of DLB patients was conducted to identify further brain regions with discriminative abilities. We successfully replicated the right anterior insular hypoperfusion (RAI-Hypo) in all DLB patients at the individual level. The overall sensitivity of the biomarker was 96%, and the specificity was 92%. Bayesian testing revealed the biomarker’s highest performance in early-stage DLB with cognitive fluctuations, showcasing a diagnostic potential associated with a high precision and moderate accuracy. In a cognitively non-impaired population, the RAI-Hypo showed a limited usability and lacked in selectivity to qualify as a screening tool. The exploratory whole-brain analysis revealed perfect discriminative capacities in the bilateral anterior insulae and the left inferior parietal lobule. Further studies are needed to confirm our preliminary results. If performance is maintained in subsequent studies and is compared to a more suitable control population, the proposed biomarker may be eventually sufficient to discriminate early-stage DLB from non-DLB.