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Abstract Background To study the effects of different interventions on automatic gait processing in contrast with voluntary gait processing in healthy subjects. Methods A double-blind randomised controlled trial was designed (120 able-body persons between 18 and 65 years old entered and completed the study), with pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The participants were randomly distributed into four groups. Prior to intervention, all participants performed voluntary gait on the ground (VoG) in a calibrated circuit following the 6MWT. The presence of automatic gait (AG) was explored post-intervention without a voluntary demand in the same circuit following the 6MWT. Each group received a different intervention for 30 min: Vojta stimulation, MOTOMED® at no less than 60 revolutions/minute, treadmill walking at 3 km/h, and resting in a chair (control). The main assessment, conducted by a blinded rater, was the difference in distance covered (in meters) during the 6MWT between pre- and post-intervention. Surface electromyography (sEMG) average root mean square (RMS) signals in the right tibialis anterior, right soleus, right rectus femoris, and right biceps femoris were also considered outcome measures. Results The Vojta group was the only one that initiated AG after the intervention (476.4 m ± 57.1 in VoG versus 9.0 m ± 8.9 in AG, p

Abstract Background Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and EEG-guided neurofeedback techniques can reduce motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the effects of their combination are unknown. Our objective was to determine the immediate and short-term effects on motor and non-motor symptoms, and neurophysiological measures, of rTMS and EEG-guided neurofeedback, alone or combined, compared to no intervention, in people with PD. Methods A randomized, single-blinded controlled trial with 4 arms was conducted. Group A received eight bilateral, high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS sessions over the Primary Motor Cortices; Group B received eight 30-minute EEG-guided neurofeedback sessions focused on reducing average bilateral alpha and beta bands; Group C received a combination of A and B; Group D did not receive any therapy. The primary outcome measure was the UPDRS-III at post-intervention and two weeks later. Secondary outcomes were functional mobility, limits of stability, depression, health-related quality-of-life and cortical silent periods. Treatment effects were obtained by longitudinal analysis of covariance mixed-effects models. Results Forty people with PD participated (27 males, age = 63 ± 8.26 years, baseline UPDRS-III = 15.63 ± 6.99 points, H&Y = 1–3). Group C showed the largest effect on motor symptoms, health-related quality-of-life and cortical silent periods, followed by Group A and Group B. Negligible differences between Groups A-C and Group D for functional mobility or limits of stability were found. Conclusions The combination of rTMS and EEG-guided neurofeedback diminished overall motor symptoms and increased quality-of-life, but this was not reflected by changes in functional mobility, postural stability or depression levels. Trial registration NCT04017481.

Boron nitride nanostructures have gained wide-spread attention in the field of organic dyes removal from aqueous solutions owing to their distinctive characteristics, such as a large surface area, hydrophobicity, and thermal/chemical stability. In this work, the removal of methylene blue (MB) cationic dye from aqueous solutions using hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BNNS) is reported. The h-BNNSs were obtained by liquid phase exfoliation assisted by ultrasonic waves and characterized by TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, particle size analysis by laser diffraction, zeta potential measurements and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms analysis. Whereas, the adsorption study of MB was performed by UV–vis spectroscopy varying the concentration of dye and time contact. UV-Vis results revealed that the h-BNNSs exhibit a very quick adsorption rate for MB in few minutes of contact time and then the process is slow until equilibrium is reached. The h-BNNSs revealed an adsorption capacity of 17.8 mg/g for a dye solution of 30 mg/L, contact time of 25 min, 25 °C and 2 mg of adsorbent. The experimental adsorption equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models and the results revealed that the adsorption process is described well with the Langmuir model. The adsorption capacity of the h-BNNSs was attributed to the electrostatic and π - π interactions due to the negatively charged groups on the surface and to the π conjugation in its structure, which allow an effective interaction with positive charge and the aromatic system of the MB molecule. On the other hand, the removal of indigo blue from wastewater was almost 100 % with 15 min of contact time. The results revealed that the h-BNNSs are able to efficiently adsorb indigo blue textile dye from real wastewater.

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal extraction (MAHE) was optimized using a Box-Behnken design (BBD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) for optimal recovery of pectin from tangerine peel (TPP). The effects of three factors (pH, irradiation time and temperature) on extraction yield (EY), galacturonic acid content (GAC) and degree of esterification (DE) of pectin were investigated. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: pH 1.7, irradiation time 12 min and temperature 109 °C. Under these conditions, the EY, GAC and DE were 30.4, 72.3 and 45.2%, respectively. The low methoxyl content of MHAE (45.2%) compared to CE is confirmed by the 1H NMR and FTIR spectra, and the emulsifying activity is 57.65% and 50.56% for CE and MHAE, respectively. The total phenolic content (TPC) of pectin produced using MAHE is 41.2 mg GAE/g, thus indicating higher antioxidant properties compared to pectin produced with CE, which had a TPC of 38.4 mg GAE/g. In addition, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and surface morphological analysis (SEM) results showed that TPP had a rough surface and crystalline structure. Overall, our findings show that TTP from MAHE can be used as a natural antioxidant ingredient in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Typhoon Vamco in 2020 costed the Philippines over PHP 19 billion in damages. One of the heavily affected floodplains is the Marikina River floodplain. Discharges of up to 2582 m3 s−1 along Marikina River were noted. This is the strongest flashflood incident in the area after Typhoon Ketsana in 2009. This study aims to investigate the hydraulics of flood development within the Marikina River floodplain during Typhoon Vamco using numerical modeling. The hydraulic model in HEC-RAS utilized a 1 m LIDAR DTM, calibrated discharges from a hydrologic model and water levels as upstream and downstream boundary conditions, respectively, and a rain-on-grid input. Results showed a max inundation area of ∼ 75 km2 and flood depths of up to 4 m which accounts for the damages in some municipalities and cities in Metro Manila and Rizal Province. Model validation showed the simulated peak level (11.31 m a.s.l.) to be only 1.0 % lower than the peak observed water level (11.43 m a.s.l.). Model results can be used for measures to minimize risk and damages.

Retrospective analytical study that aims to evaluate the kinematic and kinetic results obtained after percutaneous lengthening with an intramuscular needle (PLIN) of gastrocsoleus complex (GSC) zones I, II, and III, performed outside the operating room between 2018 and 2019, in pediatric patients with equinus gait resistant to non-operative treatment. Gait analysis was performed prior to treatment and 6 months post treatment in 48 ankles (30 patients), with a median patient age of 10.11 (2.85) years. Twelve patients had a diagnosis of idiopathic equinus, twelve spastic hemiplegia, and six spastic diplegia. Statistical analysis included pre–post comparison, correlation, and linear regression of critical kinematic and kinetic ankle values. Significant improvement was observed for the following parameters: ankle angle at initial contact, −4.57(10.31)/0.05(3.04)°; maximum ankle dorsiflexion in the stance phase (mADFStP), 3.70(7.56)/10.42(4.52)°; and maximum ankle dorsiflexion in the swing phase (mADFSwP), −6.54(8.41)/−0.35(6.17)°. In addition, an inversely proportional correlation with pre-intervention values was obtained for those parameters, with rho values of −0.864, −0.755, and −0.696, respectively (p < 0.0005). No significant changes in ankle kinetics were evidenced. Linear regression equations allowed for estimation of the post mADFStP, with a standard error (SE) = 1.82; R2 = 0.797 (p < 0.0005), and the post mADFSwP, with an SE = 2.376; R2 = 0.829 (p < 0.0005). To conclude, the addition of the GSC in patients with resistant equinus significantly improves ankle initial contact, mADFStP, and mADFSwP, with greater changes occurring with worse initial values. The regression formulas used to estimate post-procedure results will allow therapeutic indications to be adjusted.

The use of nuclear energy can contribute to achieving positive socio-economic and environmental benefits, but nuclear power plants are one of the most water-intensive industries in the world. The use of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies is increasing due to their interesting advantages such as reduction of construction costs and use in remote areas, which favors distributed generation. Hygroscopic Cycle Technology (HCT) can be of great interest for power generation in nuclear power plants, due to the potential improvement in terms of energy efficiency and water savings. This study presents the benefits of implementing HCT in an existing SMR, the HTR-10, based on the classical Regenerative Rankine Cycle (RRC). The HTR-10 is used to produce electricity and thermal energy for District Heating (DH). Analytical models of both cycles have been developed to compare them in terms of energy production and water consumption. Sensitivity analyses of the influence of the main variables have been performed. The results show that by varying the condensing pressures, the thermal power for DH and the net mechanical power production of the HCT increase up to 2.5 % and 1 %, respectively, with respect to the RRC. The maximum tolerable ambient temperature for the plant with the HCT is 43.12 °C, increasing the availability of the plant and avoiding water consumption between 70000 and 88000 m3/year, depending on the operating conditions. Extrapolation of the results suggests that HCT can improve the energy production of nuclear power plants in a more sustainable way, contributing significantly to the energy transition.

Abstract Amoebae from the genus Acanthamoeba are important pathogens responsible for severe illnesses in humans such as Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. In the last few decades, AK diagnoses have steadily increased. Most patients suffering from AK were contact lens users and the infection was related to poor hygiene. However, therapy is not yet well established, and treatments may last for several months due to resistance. Moreover, these treatments have been described to generate cytotoxicity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies against AK. In this study, the amoebicidal activity of different generation cationic carbosilane dendrons derived with 4-phenylbutyric acid was demonstrated against Acanthamoeba polyphaga and Acanthamoeba griffini trophozoites and cysts. In addition, the combination of chlorhexidine digluconate and the most effective dendron (ArCO2G2(SNMe3I)4) showed an in vitro effect against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts, reducing the minimal trophozoite amoebicidal concentration as well as concentrations with cysticidal activity.

The stratosphere can be a source of predictability for surface weather on timescales of several weeks to months. However, the potential predictive skill gained from stratospheric variability can be limited by biases in the representation of stratospheric processes and the coupling of the stratosphere with surface climate in forecast systems. This study provides a first systematic identification of model biases in the stratosphere across a wide range of subseasonal forecast systems. It is found that many of the forecast systems considered exhibit warm global-mean temperature biases from the lower to middle stratosphere, too strong/cold wintertime polar vortices, and too cold extratropical upper-troposphere/lower-stratosphere regions. Furthermore, tropical stratospheric anomalies associated with the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation tend to decay toward each system's climatology with lead time. In the Northern Hemisphere (NH), most systems do not capture the seasonal cycle of extreme-vortex-event probabilities, with an underestimation of sudden stratospheric warming events and an overestimation of strong vortex events in January. In the Southern Hemisphere (SH), springtime interannual variability in the polar vortex is generally underestimated, but the timing of the final breakdown of the polar vortex often happens too early in many of the prediction systems. These stratospheric biases tend to be considerably worse in systems with lower model lid heights. In both hemispheres, most systems with low-top atmospheric models also consistently underestimate the upward wave driving that affects the strength of the stratospheric polar vortex. We expect that the biases identified here will help guide model development for subseasonal-to-seasonal forecast systems and further our understanding of the role of the stratosphere in predictive skill in the troposphere.

Romance cinema may recreate cisgender heterosexual couple representations by means of image-making, with the use of gender bias or traditional images that have considerable effects on how women and men are represented or are expected to behave, which may confront egalitarian models of relationships. This study aims to analyze how the traditional model of couples is represented in the 20 romantic highest-grossing movies selected from the years 2000–2010, and whether the reading of non-egalitarian images awakens different meanings and reflections by experts and undergraduates in Higher Education (areas of education and communication). For this aim, a mixed methodology was used, first qualitative (six in-depth interviews with academics and film analyses of the selected movies), then quantitative (questionnaire to 251 undergraduates analyzing films), and then qualitative again (personal reports from the same students). Results confirmed the reflective making of gender bias and non-egalitarian images of couple relationships in six of the box-office films, with moderate percentages in categories of Submission, Dominance, Dependence, and higher percentages of Manipulation, either for/from women or men. The study concludes that romance cinema was positively valued by students and academics as an enabling cultural product for the analysis, reflection, and deconstruction of non-egalitarian images, so that higher education students can be guided to critically seek suitable understandings of gender and couple relationships.

Introduction: The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is the main functional assessment tool used after stroke. The simplified mRS questionnaire (smRSq) has recently been validated in English, and represents a simpler, reliable scale with an excellent reproducibility via telephone. The present study aims to validate a Spanish-language version of the telephone smRSq. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study, assessing 50 patients 3 months after they presented an ischaemic stroke. We assessed the Spanish-language smRSq by telephone and in person, the mRS with a structured interview, the Spanish-language smRSq, and the Stroke Impact Scale-16. Inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity were assessed. Results: Inter-rater reliability showed strong agreement (k = 0.810); test-retest reliability and criterion validity showed moderate agreement (k = 0.639 and k = 0.759, respectively), and construct validity showed moderate agreement (Spearman correlation coefficient = –0.728). Conclusions: The Spanish-language telephone smRSq is reliable and simple, and saves time in the functional assessment after a stroke. Resumen: Introducción: La escala modificada Rankin (mRS) es la principal herramienta para la valoración funcional tras un evento cerebrovascular. Recientemente, fue validado en inglés, el cuestionario simplificado de la mRS (smRSq) telefónico, consiguiendo una escala basada en la mRS, más sencilla, fiable y con buena reproductibilidad telefónica. Nuestro objetivo es validar en castellano el cuestionario smRSq telefónico. método: Se realizó un estudio de cohortes prospectivo, evaluando a 50 pacientes, a los 3 meses de haber sufrido un ictus isquémico. Se evaluó el cuestionario smRSq en castellano por teléfono y posteriormente de forma presencial la mRS mediante entrevista estructurada, el cuestionario smRSq y la SIS-16 (Stroke Impact Scale-16). Se estudió la fiabilidad interobservador, test–retest y la validez de constructo y de criterio. Resultados: La fiabilidad interobservador obtuvo una correlación muy alta (k = 0,810); la fiabilidad test-retest y la validez de criterio respecto a la entrevista estructurada de la mRS de forma presencial, obtuvieron una correlación alta (k = 0,639 y k = 0,759) y la validez de constructo respecto a la SIS-16, obtuvo una correlación lineal alta (coeficiente de Spearman = −0,728). Conclusiones: El cuestionario smRSq telefónico en castellano es una herramienta fiable, rápida y sencilla para la obtención del estado funcional de los pacientes tras un evento cerebrovascular, basado en la mRS.

Resumen: Introducción: La escala modificada Rankin (mRS) es la principal herramienta para la valoración funcional tras un evento cerebrovascular. Recientemente, fue validado en inglés, el cuestionario simplificado de la mRS (smRSq) telefónico, consiguiendo una escala basada en la mRS, más sencilla, fiable y con buena reproductibilidad telefónica. Nuestro objetivo es validar en castellano el cuestionario smRSq telefónico. Método: Se realizó un estudio de cohortes prospectivo, evaluando a 50 pacientes, a los 3 meses de haber sufrido un ictus isquémico. Se evaluó el cuestionario smRSq en castellano por teléfono y posteriormente de forma presencial la mRS mediante entrevista estructurada, el cuestionario smRSq y la SIS-16 (Stroke Impact Scale-16). Se estudió la fiabilidad interobservador, test-retest y la validez de constructo y de criterio. Resultados: La fiabilidad interobservador obtuvo una correlación muy alta (k = 0,810); la fiabilidad test-retest y la validez de criterio respecto a la entrevista estructurada de la mRS de forma presencial, obtuvieron una correlación alta (k = 0,639 y k = 0,759) y la validez de constructo respecto a la SIS-16, obtuvo una correlación lineal alta (coeficiente de Spearman = -0,728). Conclusiones: El cuestionario smRSq telefónico en castellano es una herramienta fiable, rápida y sencilla para la obtención del estado funcional de los pacientes tras un evento cerebrovascular, basado en la mRS. Abstract: Introduction: The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is the main functional assessment tool used after stroke. The simplified mRS questionnaire (smRSq) has recently been validated in English, and represents a simpler, reliable scale with an excellent reproducibility via telephone. The present study aims to validate a Spanish-language version of the telephone smRSq. Method: We conducted a prospective cohort study, assessing 50 patients 3 months after they presented an ischaemic stroke. We assessed the Spanish-language smRSq by telephone and in person, the mRS with a structured interview, the Spanish-language smRSq, and the Stroke Impact Scale-16. Inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity were assessed. Results: Inter-rater reliability showed strong agreement (k = 0.810); test-retest reliability and criterion validity showed moderate agreement (k = 0.639 and k = 0.759, respectively), and construct validity showed moderate agreement (Spearman correlation coefficient = –0.728). Conclusions: The Spanish-language telephone smRSq is reliable and simple, and saves time in the functional assessment after a stroke.

The degree to which Arctic sea ice decline influences the mid-latitude atmospheric circulation is widely debated. Here, the authors use a coordinated multi-model experiment to show that Arctic sea ice loss causes a weakening of the mid-latitude westerly winds, but the effect is overall small.

Background: Since the state of alarm was declared due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals have been the main ones in charge of registering the therapeutic follow-up of affected people. The analysis of these data has allowed those different biochemical markers have been identified as predictors of the severity of the disease, but most of the published studies tend to be eminently descriptive and do not propose a biochemical hypothesis to explain the alteration of the results they are showing. Our objective is to recognize the main metabolic processes that are occurring in COVID-19 patients, as well as the identification of clinical parameters that are decisive to predict the severity of the disease. Methods: A multivariate analysis was carried out from the clinical parameters collected in the database of the HM hospitals in Madrid, to determine the most relevant variables to predict the severity of the disease. Chemometric methods allow these variables to be obtained by applying a classification strategy with PLS-LDA. Findings and interpretation: The variables that most contribute to separation are age in men and, in both sexes, the concentration of lactate dehydrogenase, urea and C-reactive protein.Oxygen deficiency in the tissues, due to the loss of functionality of the lungs, could be affecting the muscle tissue with special severity. Inflammation and tissue damage is related to increased LDH and CRP. The loss of muscle mass and the increase in the concentration of urea and LDH is explained by the adaptation of muscle metabolism to this oxygen deficiency. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profits sectors.

L’anàlisi del procés de pèrdua de població de les zones rurals de l’últim segle és fonamental per entendre els principals problemes que actualment tenen aquestes àrees. En el cas de Castella-la Manxa, es mostra clarament l’evolució i el canvi des d’una societat agrària a una societat terciaritzada. A partir dels censos de població del 1900 fins a l’actualitat, s’ha calculat un conjunt d’índexs demogràfics amb els quals s’ha realitzat una anàlisi estadística amb SPSS i amb els centres de gravetat de població i anàlisis clúster mitjançant el programari ArcGIS. S’ha pogut contrastar la concentració de la població en espais urbans, especialment les forces centrípetes d’atracció de l’àrea metropolitana de Madrid i de les ciutats del Mediterrani. A més, s’ha produït una progressiva consolidació dels processos de despoblació i masculinització del territori, fet que les polítiques sobre desenvolupament rural en funcionament durant l’últim quart de segle no han estat capaces de frenar ni de pal·liar.

Abstract Background Person-centred care is widely recognised as important for helping people with dementia maintain a sense of self and purpose in life – especially for those living in care facilities. Despite this, most care practices still adopt a medical approach in which physical needs are prioritized over psychosocial well-being. Addressing the need to find ways of promoting person-centred approaches in care, this study explored care professionals’ reflections on a novel, technological intervention (SENSE-GARDEN) that combines multisensory stimuli and digital media to create personalized environments for people with dementia. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of care professionals who had used SENSE-GARDEN for approximately 1 year. Methods Three care homes in Norway, Belgium, and Portugal and 1 hospital in Romania used the SENSE-GARDEN with residents/patients with moderate to severe dementia over the course of 1 year. Qualitative data - including observations and interviews with 2 care professionals - were collected at the beginning of the study period from the Norwegian care home to explore initial impressions of the new SENSE-GARDEN room. At the end of the study period, 8 care professionals across the 4 facilities were interviewed for an in-depth exploration of their experiences. The two sets of data were analysed separately through reflexive thematic analysis. Results At the beginning of the study period, the staffs’ focus was mainly on the novelty of the new SENSE-GARDEN room and how it provided opportunities for meaningful experiences. Post-intervention, the care professionals provided reflective accounts on how care could be delivered in alternative ways to standard practice. The themes generated from the post-intervention interviews were: “shifting focus onto personalized care”, “building and fostering relationships”, and “continuous discoveries”. Through delivering person-centred care, the professionals reported a sense of purpose and achievement in their work. Conclusions Professionals from care facilities across 4 different countries highlighted the value of interventions such as SENSE-GARDEN as a way of creating opportunities to better know people with dementia. Thus, they experienced improved relationships and greater job satisfaction. However, delivering person-centred interventions is time-consuming, and future research should evaluate the feasibility of sustaining them on a long-term basis.

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The COVID-19 pandemic is showing troubling othering demographic discourses. For older adults in particular, there are concerning thematics that should be shined light on. In this editorial, we provide perspectives from three countries: Norway, Italy and the United States. We provide four topics of discussion that can be utilized to further understand othering discoures of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as potential future disasters.

Regional residues of agricultural, livestock and forestry activities can be used in the formulation of substrates that allow the adequate supply of nutrients in family agricultural production. The objective of this research was to determine the efficiency of different formulations of substrates enriched with babassu biochar for the commercial development of lettuce through sensorial analysis. The experiment was conducted in the period from November 2016 to February 2017. The design was completely randomized, with nine treatments and 15 replicates. Dystrophic Yellow Latosol (dYL), increasing doses of biochar (B); organic fertilizer (OF) and mineral fertilizer (MF) were used in the substrate preparation. The treatments evaluated were: S1 = dYL, S2 = dYL +10 t ha-1B, S3 = dYL +20 t ha-1B, S4 = dYL 30 t ha-1 B, S5 = dYL + 2 t ha-1 OF, S6 = dYL + 5 t ha-1 OF, S7 = dYL +8 t ha-1 OF, S8 = dYL +10 t ha-1 B + 2 t ha-1 OF, S9 = dYL + MF. At 80 days after sowing, sensory analyzes were carried out in order to judge the visual characteristics of the lettuce per treatment. Based on the multicriteria analysis the S4 substrate, the one that contain 30 t ha-1 of biochar proved to be the most successful substrate to comply with the study variables. Thus, the use of biochar can be considered as a viable alternative to mineral fertilizer in terms of sensory analysis.

A new global high-resolution coupled climate model, EC-Earth3P-HR has been developed by the EC-Earth consortium, with a resolution of approximately 40 km for the atmosphere and 0.25∘ for the ocean, alongside with a standard-resolution version of the model, EC-Earth3P (80 km atmosphere, 1.0∘ ocean). The model forcing and simulations follow the High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) protocol. According to this protocol, all simulations are made with both high and standard resolutions. The model has been optimized with respect to scalability, performance, data storage and post-processing. In accordance with the HighResMIP protocol, no specific tuning for the high-resolution version has been applied. Increasing horizontal resolution does not result in a general reduction of biases and overall improvement of the variability, and deteriorating impacts can be detected for specific regions and phenomena such as some Euro-Atlantic weather regimes, whereas others such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation show a clear improvement in their spatial structure. The omission of specific tuning might be responsible for this. The shortness of the spin-up, as prescribed by the HighResMIP protocol, prevented the model from reaching equilibrium. The trend in the control and historical simulations, however, appeared to be similar, resulting in a warming trend, obtained by subtracting the control from the historical simulation, close to the observational one.

Europe’s rural areas have suffered a continuous loss of human and economic capital from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. In an attempt to alleviate the effects of this dynamic, the European Union has implemented the LEADER rural development programme since the 1990s (Liaisons Entre Actions de Développement de L’Economie Rurale). Among the many objectives of this policy, the social articulation of its populations stood out as a way of strengthening development processes. This article aims to provide a methodological approach to analyse and quantify the stock of social capital (SC) present in the social networks of rural areas after more than thirty years of European rural policy. Based on 160 interviews with stakeholders linked to rural development processes in rural areas of Spain and England from institutional, economic, social and technical sectors. The methodological approach of Social Network Analysis (SNA) has been used, and within this, the study of SNA indicators and the analysis of the E-I index have been integrated in order to analyse the stock of internal (bonding) and external (bridging) SC. The conclusions of this study clarify the role of stakeholders and their contribution to the stock of SC. The studied rural areas present a balance in internal and external relations, which shows a high stock of SC and an encouraging scenario for the development processes and, thus, for the success of the LEADER programme. Nevertheless, the participation of the actors in the LEADER programme in Spain still shows a worrying project class.

Abstract Background Catatonic features can appear in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). There can be overlap in symptoms across catatonia and ASD. The overall aim of this review is to provide evidence for the presence of catatonic features in subjects with ASD. Methods A systematic literature search using the Web of Science database from inception to July 10, 2021 was conducted following PRISMA, MOOSE guidelines and the PROSPERO protocol. (CRD42021248615). Twelve studies with information about catatonia and ASD were reviewed. Data from a subset was used to conduct meta-analyses of the presence of catatonia in ASD. Results The systematic review included 12 studies, seven of which were used for the meta-analysis, comprising 969 individuals. The mean age was 21.25 (7.5) years. Two studies (16.6%) included only children and adolescents. A total of 70–100% were males. Our meta-analysis showed that 10.4% (5.8–18.0 95%CI) of individuals with ASD have catatonia. Motor disturbances were common in ASD subjects with catatonia. No differences were found in comorbidity. Several treatments have been used in ASD with catatonic features, including benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The findings of the systematic review showed that ECT might help manage catatonic symptoms. Conclusions Different features of catatonia can exist in individuals with ASD and core symptoms of catatonia are reported in ASD. Longitudinal and longer-term studies are required to understand the relationship between catatonia and ASD, and the response of catatonic symptoms to treatment.

Plant-based proteins are gaining in attraction compared with animal-based proteins due to their superior ethical profiles, growing concerns on the part of various organizations about animal health and welfare, and increased global greenhouse-gas emissions in meat production. In this study, the response surface methodology (RSM) using a Box–Behnken design (BBD) was applied to optimize the ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction of cherimoya-seed proteins as valuable by-products. The effects of three pH, temperature, and time factors on the protein-extraction yield and protein content were investigated. The pH at 10.5 and temperature of 41.8 °C for 26.1 min were considered the optimal ultrasound-assisted alkaline-extraction conditions since they provided the maximum extraction yield (17.3%) and protein content (65.6%). An established extraction technique was employed to enhance the cherimoya-seed protein yield, purity, and functional properties. A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the samples showed that the ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction improved the thermal stability of the protein concentrate.

The scarcity of energy and water resources and rising temperatures due to climate change has set the focus on improving the energy efficiency of power plant thermodynamic cycles to adapt to higher heat sink temperatures and use fewer resources for energy production. In this work, a review of power production thermodynamic cycles is presented: from Brayton to Rankine and combined cycles, alongside particular cycles such as Organic Rankine Cycles, Kalina, Goswami or the more recently developed Hygroscopic Cycle. The efficiency of these cycles and their possible improvements are considered, as well as their environmental impact. Costs associated with existing power plants found in the literature have also been included in the study. The main existing facilities for each cycle type are assessed, and the most sustainable options in terms of resource consumption (fuel, water, etc.) and future perspectives to ensure both their energy efficiency and sustainability are identified.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a worldwide challenge. There are few reports regarding its behavior in cancer patients. Materials and methods: Retrospective study including cancer patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the ABC Medical Center in Mexico City. We include general and oncological variables. We analyzed clinical features and treatment of COVID-19 and its outcomes such as hospitalization and death. Results: We report 86 patients with cancer and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The vast majority of patients 80 (93.1%) had a solid tumor while the most frequent primary tumor was breast 40 (46.5%) and lung 8 (9.3%). The clinical stage of patients was I in 22.1%, II in 16.3%, III in 31.4%, and IV in 24.4%. Antibiotics were used in 37 patients (43%) and corticosteroids in 32 (37.2%). Discussion: During disease evolution, 11 (12.8%) patients were hospitalized and 6 (7.0%) died. Variables of significant association with hospitalization include gender (men, odds ratio [OR] 5.6), previous cardiac disease (OR 25.1), and hematologic malignancy (OR 8.1). Associations with higher mortality rates were gender (men, OR 15), clinical Stage III/IV cancer (OR 11.3), type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 14.7), previous cardiac disease (OR 19.2), and targeted therapy (OR 9.0). Conclusions: We found lower hospitalization and mortality rates compared to what had been previously reported both in Mexico around the globe. Men and patients with previous cardiac disease had a significant higher risk of hospitalization and death. Hematologic malignancies (lymphoma) were associated with higher hospitalization. Clinical Stage III/IV, targeted therapy, and type 2 diabetes mellitus showed a statistically significant association with mortality risk.

Abstract Objective Orthostatic tremor (OT) is an extremely rare, misdiagnosed, and underdiagnosed disorder affecting adults in midlife. There is debate as to whether it is a different condition or a variant of essential tremor (ET), or even, if both conditions coexist. Our objective was to use data mining classification methods, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐derived brain volume and cortical thickness data, to identify morphometric measures that help to discriminate OT patients from those with ET. Methods MRI‐derived brain volume and cortical thickness were obtained from 14 OT patients and 15 age‐, sex‐, and education‐matched ET patients. Feature selection and machine learning methods were subsequently applied. Results Four MRI features alone distinguished the two, OT from ET, with 100% diagnostic accuracy. More specifically, left thalamus proper volume (normalized by the total intracranial volume), right superior parietal volume, right superior parietal thickness, and right inferior parietal roughness (i.e., the standard deviation of cortical thickness) were shown to play a key role in OT and ET characterization. Finally, the left caudal anterior cingulate thickness and the left caudal middle frontal roughness allowed us to separate with 100% diagnostic accuracy subgroups of OT patients (primary and those with mild parkinsonian signs). Conclusions A data mining approach applied to MRI‐derived brain volume and cortical thickness data may differentiate between these two types of tremor with an accuracy of 100%. Our results suggest that OT and ET are distinct conditions.

It is known that, nowadays, with the arrival of the inclusive school, in our classrooms we find a greater functional diversity in the students than in the past, diversity that is not always known and accepted within normality. The present investigation, based on the real experience, has as objective the integration in an IES of specific classroom of students affected by serious behavior disorders, such as the defiant negativist disorder, for its later inclusion in the ordinary classroom, in principle, under supervision. The sample consists of 5 subjects whose ages range between 13 and 15 years, who, due to serious alterations in their behavior, can not have full-time schooling in the ordinary classroom. Three of these students are enrolled in 1st of Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) and 2 of them in 2nd. The serious behavioral problems led to the application of a behavior modification program and a cognitive restructuring and a self-control training.

Polar amplification – the phenomenon where external radiative forcing produces a larger change in surface temperature at high latitudes than the global average – is a key aspect of anthropogenic climate change, but its causes and consequences are not fully understood. The Polar Amplification Model Intercomparison Project (PAMIP) contribution to the sixth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6; Eyring et al., 2016) seeks to improve our understanding of this phenomenon through a coordinated set of numerical model experiments documented here. In particular, PAMIP will address the following primary questions: (1) what are the relative roles of local sea ice and remote sea surface temperature changes in driving polar amplification? (2) How does the global climate system respond to changes in Arctic and Antarctic sea ice? These issues will be addressed with multi-model simulations that are forced with different combinations of sea ice and/or sea surface temperatures representing present-day, pre-industrial and future conditions. The use of three time periods allows the signals of interest to be diagnosed in multiple ways. Lower-priority tier experiments are proposed to investigate additional aspects and provide further understanding of the physical processes. These experiments will address the following specific questions: what role does ocean–atmosphere coupling play in the response to sea ice? How and why does the atmospheric response to Arctic sea ice depend on the pattern of sea ice forcing? How and why does the atmospheric response to Arctic sea ice depend on the model background state? What have been the roles of local sea ice and remote sea surface temperature in polar amplification, and the response to sea ice, over the recent period since 1979? How does the response to sea ice evolve on decadal and longer timescales? A key goal of PAMIP is to determine the real-world situation using imperfect climate models. Although the experiments proposed here form a coordinated set, we anticipate a large spread across models. However, this spread will be exploited by seeking “emergent constraints” in which model uncertainty may be reduced by using an observable quantity that physically explains the intermodel spread. In summary, PAMIP will improve our understanding of the physical processes that drive polar amplification and its global climate impacts, thereby reducing the uncertainties in future projections and predictions of climate change and variability.

An ultrasound-assisted method was used for the extraction of phenolics from defatted black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa L.), and the effects of several extraction factors on the total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity were investigated. To improve the extraction efficiency of phenolics from black cumin seed by ultrasonic-assisted extraction, the optimal extraction conditions were determined as follows: ethanol concentration of 59.1%, extraction temperature of 44.6 °C and extraction time of 32.5 min. Under these conditions, the total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity increased by about 70% and 38%, respectively, compared with conventional extraction. Furthermore, a complementary quantitative analysis of individual phenolic compounds was carried out using the HPLC-UV technique. The phenolic composition revealed high amounts of epicatechin (1.88–2.37 mg/g) and rutin (0.96–1.21 mg/g) in the black cumin seed extracts. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction can be a useful extraction method for the recovery of polyphenols from defatted black cumin seeds.

Background: Acidemia, is associated with reduced cardiac function in animals, but no studies showing an effect of acidemia on cardiac function in humans are reported. In the present study, we examined the effect of acidemia on cardiac function assessed with transpulmonary thermodilution technique with integrated pulse contour analysis (Pulse Contour Cardiac Output, PiCCO™) in a large cohort of critically ill patients. Methods: This was a prospective multicenter observational cross-sectional study of 297 patients from 6 intensive care units in London, England selected from all patients admitted consecutively between May 2018 and March 2019. Measurements of lowest plasma pH and concurrent assessment of cardiac function were obtained. Findings: There was a significant difference between two pH categories (pH ≤ 7.28 vs. pH > 7.28) for the following variables of cardiac function: SVI (difference in means 32.7; 95% CI: 21 to 45 mL/m2; p

The table olive industry generates high amounts of wastewater annually during the alkaline treatment, fermentation, and washing steps of olives. High conductivity and salt content, as well as the high organic and biophenol contents of these waters, is a worldwide problem, especially in the Mediterranean region, which is the major table olive producing area. There is a wide variety of bioactives found in wastewater derived from table olive processing. The main compounds of table olive wastewater, such as those derived from phenolic, hydrocarbon, and sugar fractions, can be recovered and reused. In this review, the table olive manufacturing processes and the volumes and composition of wastewater generated from the different methods of table olive processing are discussed. In addition, biophenols of table olive water and their biological activities are also introduced. The high concentrations of valuable biophenols, such as tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, show promising potential for valorizing table olive wastewater; however, more research is needed in this area.

Meaningful activities in dementia care can promote the co-construction of narrative identity in caregiving relationships, helping to preserve the sense of self in people with dementia. Purpose: Informed by symbolic interactionism and Deweyan transactionalism, the aim of this study was to develop a transactional model of how narrative identity and relationships are promoted through the use of a new technological solution, SENSE-GARDEN, that uses digital technologies and multisensory stimuli to facilitate individualized, meaningful activities. Method: We conducted a qualitative interview study to explore the experiences of people with moderate to advanced dementia and their caregivers in Norway and Portugal. After using SENSE-GARDEN for 12–16 weeks, 20 participants (7 persons with dementia and 13 caregivers) were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were generated: openness, learning, and connection. Findings suggest that SENSE-GARDEN can stimulate emotional experiences, preserve narrative identity, and foster interpersonal relationships. These findings are illustrated through a transactional model. Conclusion: This study highlights the complex multitude of factors affecting person-environment interactions in which narrative identity and relationships are constructed. To better understand these factors, future work should adopt a holistic approach to studying new methods of creating meaningful activities in dementia care.

Human milk banks pasteurize and freeze the milk in order to conserve it, but thawing and prolonged storage cause loss of nutritional components. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of pasteurization, high hydrostatic pressures, UV radiation, and spray drying in human milk packed and stored at 25 to 40°C by a period of 14 weeks, using an accelerated shelf life method with Arrhenius model. Effectiveness of packaging, microbiological viability, and deterioration of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins was evaluated. The results showed that proteins and carbohydrates in powdered human milk with different treatments did not show significant changes during storage at 25 to 40°C and without the growth of microorganisms. However, 33.3% deterioration of lipid oxidation was observed up at 40°C. We predict with the applied model that, at 18°C, the human milk powder will be preserved for approximately one year without significant changes in its composition.

Abstract Advances in molecular and synthetic biology are enabling the engineering of gene drives in insects for disease vector/pest control. Engineered gene drives (that bias their own inheritance) can be designed either to suppress interbreeding target populations or modify them with a new genotype. Depending on the engineered gene drive system, theoretically, a genetic modification of interest could spread through target populations and persist indefinitely, or be restricted in its spread or persistence. While research on engineered gene drives and their applications in insects is advancing at a fast pace, it will take several years for technological developments to move to practical applications for deliberate release into the environment. Some gene drive modified insects (GDMIs) have been tested experimentally in the laboratory, but none has been assessed in small‐scale confined field trials or in open release trials as yet. There is concern that the deliberate release of GDMIs in the environment may have possible irreversible and unintended consequences. As a proactive measure, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been requested by the European Commission to review whether its previously published guidelines for the risk assessment of genetically modified animals (EFSA, 2012 and 2013), including insects (GMIs), are adequate and sufficient for GDMIs, primarily disease vectors, agricultural pests and invasive species, for deliberate release into the environment. Under this mandate, EFSA was not requested to develop risk assessment guidelines for GDMIs. In this Scientific Opinion, the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) concludes that EFSA's guidelines are adequate, but insufficient for the molecular characterisation (MC), environmental risk assessment (ERA) and post‐market environmental monitoring (PMEM) of GDMIs. While the MC,ERA and PMEM of GDMIs can build on the existing risk assessment framework for GMIs that do not contain engineered gene drives, there are specific areas where further guidance is needed for GDMIs.

In this paper, we incorporate a local search procedure into a micro differential evolution algorithm MED with the aim of solving the HappyCat function. Our purpose is to find out if our proposal is more competitive than a Ray-ES algorithm. We test our micro Differential Evolution algorithm (μDE) on HappyCat and HGBat functions. The results that we obtained with micro-DE are better compared with the results the original RayES reference algorithm. This analysis supports our conjecture that a reduced population DE hybridized with a local search (Ray search) is a key combination in dealing with this function. Our results support the hypothesis that a well-focused micro population is more accurate and efficient than existing techniques, representing (that of micro-algorithms) a serious competitor because of its efficiency and accuracy. In fact, the proposed (but never solved) HGBat function can be dealt with, showing the scalability and potential future uses of our technique.

Collagen isolated from byproducts of common carp was hydrolyzed with alcalase enzyme to obtain peptide fractions. The resulting >30 kDa (PF1), 10–30 kDa (PF2), 3–10 kDa (PF3) and 2/g), followed by PF3 (99.6 m2/g), PF2 (89.5 m2/g) and PF1 (78.2 m2/g). In contrast to what has been found in the case of EAI, the emulsion stability of the peptide fractions decreased at lower molecular weight, which ranged from 24.4 to 31.6 min. Furthermore, it was revealed that PF1 had the highest foam capacity (87.4%) and foam stability (28.4 min), followed by PF2 and PF3. Overall, the findings suggest that peptide fractions isolated from byproducts of common carp are a promising source of natural antioxidants for application in functional food and pharmaceutical products.

In a global situation where water constraints are a daily concern and expected to worsen in the upcoming years, finding new water alternatives to guarantee its supply is of critical importance. Against this background, reclaimed water has proved to be a sustainable alternative that recycles wastewater from a circular economy approach, thus enhancing water availability for key sectors such as agriculture. In such a context where public policies should encourage the implementation of this sustainable resource that helps reduce climate change by allowing wastewater reuse, there is too often a lack of knowledge of farmers’ perceptions, thus resulting in them being ineffective. In this sense, studying and analyzing agriculturalists’ perceptions is of interest for the development of appropriate policies that truly foster reclaimed water use in agriculture and enhance its shift from waste to resource. For this research 231 farmers, both long-time users of reclaimed water and non-users, were surveyed to find common and differing attitudes and perceptions. Results show how once farmers start irrigating their crops with this alternative resource there is a marked improvement in their opinion. The high price is the most widespread barrier, which can be tempered with public subsidies that absorb part of this cost. The insights obtained from this research may be of interest to other regions, especially for those in arid and semi-arid climates where water scarcity is a critical problem and sustainability a growing concern.

Abstract Background The available literature suggests that there are significant differences in maternal mortality according to maternal origin in high income countries. The objective of this study was to quantify the risk of maternal death by maternal origin and region of Spain where the birth occurred and to identify the most important causes of maternal death in our country. Methods An ecological cross-sectional study was conducted that included all deliveries that resulted in maternal survival and cases of maternal death during 1999–2015 in Spain. A descriptive analysis of the maternal mortality rate by maternal origin, region and year of birth was performed. The risk of maternal death was calculated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, with adjustment for the variables included in the descriptive analysis. Results There were 272 maternal deaths during this period, most of which were due to haemorrhage (63 cases, 23.16%).Women whose continent of origin was South America had the highest adjusted risk of maternal death, with an OR of 3.92 (95% CI 2.75–5.58). The region of Spain with the highest risk of maternal death was Ceuta, with an OR of 12.11 (95% CI 2.02–72.68). Conclusions This study shows that there are inequalities in maternal mortality according to maternal origin and region where labour occurred. These findings highlight the need to establish strategies at the national and European levels to analyse the most relevant causes and risk factors associated with maternal mortality in order to reduce it and pay closer attention in identifying and carefully managing pregnant women from this at risk groups.

The Stratosphere–troposphere Processes And their Role in Climate (SPARC) Quasi-Biennial Oscillation initiative (QBOi) aims to improve the fidelity of tropical stratospheric variability in general circulation and Earth system models by conducting coordinated numerical experiments and analysis. In the equatorial stratosphere, the QBO is the most conspicuous mode of variability. Five coordinated experiments have therefore been designed to (i) evaluate and compare the verisimilitude of modelled QBOs under present-day conditions, (ii) identify robustness (or alternatively the spread and uncertainty) in the simulated QBO response to commonly imposed changes in model climate forcings (e.g. a doubling of CO2 amounts), and (iii) examine model dependence of QBO predictability. This paper documents these experiments and the recommended output diagnostics. The rationale behind the experimental design and choice of diagnostics is presented. To facilitate scientific interpretation of the results in other planned QBOi studies, consistent descriptions of the models performing each experiment set are given, with those aspects particularly relevant for simulating the QBO tabulated for easy comparison.

Prediction skill of continental climate in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) midlatitudes is generally limited throughout the year in dynamical seasonal forecast systems. Such limitations narrow the range of possible applications by different stakeholders. Improving the predictive capacity in these regions has been a challenging task. Sea ice is a central component of the Arctic climate system and a local source of climate predictability, yet its state is often not fully constrained in dynamical forecast systems. Using the EC-Earth3 climate model, we study the added value of assimilating observed Arctic sea ice concentration on the NH extratropical climate in retrospective forecasts of summer and fall, initialized every spring over 1992–2019. Predictions in the North Atlantic and Eurasia benefit from better initialization of sea ice in the Atlantic sector of the Arctic in a two-step mechanism. Initially, sea ice influences the central North Atlantic Ocean through an atmospheric bridge that develops in the first forecast weeks, subsequently leading to preserved skill in the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) throughout summer and early fall. Secondly, these long-lasting SST improvements provide better surface boundary conditions for the atmosphere and lead to more skillful predictions of circulation and surface climate in the Euro-Atlantic and Asian regions. In addition, our findings suggest that fully coupled ocean-atmosphere-sea ice models are likely necessary to study linkages between Arctic sea ice and midlatitudes, by better representing the interactions and feedbacks between the different components of the climate system.

In a global context where agriculture is the major consumer of water, there is a pressing need to look for alternative water resources. In light of there being a lack of studies that compare the use of diverse water alternatives in different crops, the overall objective of this research is to evaluate the impact generated by the use of tertiary water from an economic and financial perspective and compare it with groundwater and desalinated water. To reach this objective, a detailed study of the cost structure of greenhouse investment has been developed. Furthermore, the most traditional indicators for investment profitability have been calculated for the three different water alternatives: tertiary water, groundwater and desalinated water. The cost analyses demonstrate the relative short reach that the price of water has in an area of greenhouse agriculture exploitation, which provides a margin of increasing water costs while still allowing for economic profit. Taking into account the three water resources considered, evidence shows that the use of tertiary water is not only financially and economically viable but is also the best alternative water resource above desalinated water in terms of profitability and sustainability.

The table olive industry is producing a huge amount of wastewater, which is a post-processing cost and an environmental concern. The present study aims to valorize this processing by-product to obtain a value-added product, thereby enhancing resource efficiency and contributing to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). In this sense, a chemical reaction-based platform was developed to obtain valuable components, such as levulinic acid (LA) and 5-hydromethylfurfural (HMF). The products were then analyzed using NMR identification of the antioxidant phenolic fraction and microwave single-phase reaction of the sugary fraction. According to the results, the highest concentration of phenolic compounds does not correspond to the sample directly obtained from NaOH treatment (S1), indicating that water washing steps (S2–S5) are fundamental to recover phenolic substances. Moreover, glucose was presented in the sugary fraction that can be transformed into levulinic acid by a single-phase reaction under microwave irradiation. The information provided in this manuscript suggests that the wastewater from the olive processing industry can be valorized to obtain valuable products.