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Abstract Background Substantial discoveries during the past century have revealed that transposable elements (TEs) can play a crucial role in genome evolution by affecting gene expression and inducing genetic rearrangements, among other molecular and structural effects. Yet, our knowledge on the role of TEs in adaptation to extreme climates is still at its infancy. The availability of long-read sequencing has opened up the possibility to identify and study potential functional effects of TEs with higher precision. In this work, we used Drosophila montana as a model for cold-adapted organisms to study the association between TEs and adaptation to harsh climates. Results Using the PacBio long-read sequencing technique, we de novo identified and manually curated TE sequences in five Drosophila montana genomes from eco-geographically distinct populations. We identified 489 new TE consensus sequences which represented 92% of the total TE consensus in D. montana. Overall, 11–13% of the D. montana genome is occupied by TEs, which as expected are non-randomly distributed across the genome. We identified five potentially active TE families, most of them from the retrotransposon class of TEs. Additionally, we found TEs present in the five analyzed genomes that were located nearby previously identified cold tolerant genes. Some of these TEs contain promoter elements and transcription binding sites. Finally, we detected TEs nearby fixed and polymorphic inversion breakpoints. Conclusions Our research revealed a significant number of newly identified TE consensus sequences in the genome of D. montana, suggesting that non-model species should be studied to get a comprehensive view of the TE repertoire in Drosophila species and beyond. Genome annotations with the new D. montana library allowed us to identify TEs located nearby cold tolerant genes, and present at high population frequencies, that contain regulatory regions and are thus good candidates to play a role in D. montana cold stress response. Finally, our annotations also allow us to identify for the first time TEs present in the breakpoints of three D. montana inversions.

Abstract A genomic database of all Earth’s eukaryotic species could contribute to many scientific discoveries; however, only a tiny fraction of species have genomic information available. In 2018, scientists across the world united under the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), aiming to produce a database of high-quality reference genomes containing all ~1.5 million recognized eukaryotic species. As the European node of the EBP, the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) sought to implement a new decentralised, equitable and inclusive model for producing reference genomes. For this, ERGA launched a Pilot Project establishing the first distributed reference genome production infrastructure and testing it on 98 eukaryotic species from 33 European countries. Here we outline the infrastructure and explore its effectiveness for scaling high-quality reference genome production, whilst considering equity and inclusion. The outcomes and lessons learned provide a solid foundation for ERGA while offering key learnings to other transnational, national genomic resource projects and the EBP.

Purpose/objectives: The indications, techniques, and extent to which proton beam therapy (PBT) is employed for breast cancer are unknown. We seek to determine PBT utilization for breast cancer. Materials/methods: The Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group (PTCOG) Breast Subcommittee developed an IRB-approved 29-question survey and sent it to breast cancer radiation oncologists at all active PBT centers worldwide in June 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses, and comparisons by continent were performed using Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Of 79 surveys distributed, 28 recipients submitted responses (35 % response rate) representing fifteen U.S., 8 European, and 5 Asian centers (continent response rate 50 %, 38 %, and 18 %, respectively). Overall, 93 % reported treating breast cancer patients with PBT; 13 (50 %) have treated ≥100 breast cancer patients at their center since opening. Most (89 %) have pencil beam scanning technology. Nearly half (46 %) use moderate hypofractionation (15–20 fractions) for regional nodal irradiation and 42 % conventional fractionation (25–30 fractions). More European centers prefer hypofractionation (88 %) vs. Asian (50 %) and U.S. (21 %) centers (p = 0.003). Common patient selection methods were practitioner determination/patient preference (n = 16) and comparative plan evaluation (n = 15). U.S. centers reported the most experience with breast PBT, with 71 % having treated ≥100 breast cancer patients vs. 38 % in Europe and none in Asia (p = 0.001). Of respondent centers, 39 % enrolled ≥75 % of breast PBT patients on a research study. Conclusion: Utilization, patient selection methods, and dose-fractionation approaches for breast cancer PBT vary worldwide. These survey data serve as a benchmark from which successor surveys can provide insight on practice pattern evolution.

Abstract This article uses 2012–2021 UK survey data to explore differences in subjective well-being (i.e. happiness, anxiety, life satisfaction, and having a worthwhile life) between those born in the UK and foreign-born residents who migrated for different reasons to the country (i.e. employment, study, family reunion, and asylum). Previous literature looking at objective indicators such as employment rates and health suggests that migrants’ reasons for migration relate to major differences across groups in these types of well-being indicators. In contrast, our analysis suggests that differences in subjective well-being with the UK-born are relatively similar across those who migrated for different reasons to the country. Moreover, across reasons for migration, there is a clear pattern of convergence to the subjective well-being levels of the UK-born as length of residence in the UK increases. This differs from studies looking at objective well-being indicators, in which some groups (e.g. those who migrated for family or asylum reasons) take longer to converge to the levels of those born in the country.

El trabajo trata del origen y evolución de los siete principios cooperativos de la Alianza Cooperativa Internacional y de su valor o no como fuente del Derecho nacional, retomando la clásica discusión del valor jurídico que realmente tienen. Para comprobar si estos principios vinculan a los legisladores, si les sirven como simples guías o si han quedado en un mero decálogo de buenas intenciones sin gran valor jurídico, se realiza una investigación del especifico reflejo normativo que ha tenido cada uno de ellos en el Derecho positivo. Respecto al Derecho español, se analiza cómo la legislación de cooperativas histórica y la actual han recepcionado los distintos principios cooperativos y como su reconocimiento varía mucho entre unas leyes autonómicas y otras. También se analiza el diferente tratamiento legal que han tenido los principios cooperativos en distintos ordenamientos de Derecho comparado, que da como resultado una gran falta de homogeneidad de sus regulaciones que demuestra la relatividad temporal y espacial de estos principios. Recibido: 20 noviembre 2023 Aceptado: 04 julio 2024

Abstract Habitat loss is rarely truly random and often occurs selectively with respect to the plant species comprising the habitat. Such selective habitat removal that decreases plant species diversity, that is, habitat simplification or homogenization, may have two negative effects on other species. First, the reduction in plant community size (number of individuals) represents habitat loss for species at higher trophic levels who use plants as habitat. Second, when plants are removed selectively, the resulting habitat simplification decreases the diversity of resources available to species at higher trophic levels. It follows that habitat loss combined with simplification will reduce biodiversity more than habitat loss without simplification. To test this, we experimentally implemented two types of habitat loss at the plant community level and compared biodiversity of resident arthropods between habitat loss types. In the first type of habitat loss, we reduced habitats by 50% nonselectively, maintaining original relative abundance and diversity of plant species and therefore habitat and resource diversity for arthropods. In the second type of habitat loss, we reduced habitats by 50% selectively, removing all but one common plant species, dramatically simplifying habitat and resources for arthropods. We replicated this experiment across three common plant species: Asclepias tuberosa, Solidago altissima, and Baptisia alba. While habitat loss with simplification reduced arthropod species richness compared with habitat loss without simplification, neither type of habitat loss affected diversity, measured as effective number of species (ENS), or species evenness as compared with controls. Instead, differences in ENS and evenness were explained by the identity of the common plant species. Our results indicate that the quality of remaining habitat, in our case plant species identity, may be more important for multi‐trophic diversity than habitat diversity per se.

El presente trabajo aborda el estudio del derecho de baja voluntaria de los socios en la legislación cooperativa española y en Derecho comparado. En España tradicionalmente se ha considerado que el derecho del socio de la cooperativa de darse de baja en cualquier momento de la entidad, sin necesidad de alegar causa o razón alguna y con el consiguiente reembolso de las aportaciones al capital social realizadas, es un derecho fundamental e inalienable de su estatuto jurídico. Sin embargo, como demuestra el trabajo, los términos en los que la Alianza Cooperativas Internacional se pronuncia sobre el primer principio cooperativo de adhesión voluntaria y abierta no es tan categórico como se suele interpretar. Además, del estudio de Derecho comparado realizado se desprende que el ordenamiento español es uno de los más radicales en reconocer, en contra de los posibles intereses de las cooperativas, el derecho de separación de los socios de las cooperativas. Sin embargo, en algunas de las leyes autonómicas de cooperativas promulgadas en algo más de la última década (Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón, Extremadura y Andalucía) se percibe una clara tendencia a favor de poder limitar severamente, a través de los estatutos sociales, las condiciones de salida de los socios, de prorrogar en determinadas circunstancias los plazos de permanencia obligatoria y, en especial, las posibles responsabilidades de las personas que causen baja de la entidad por deudas e inversiones realizadas y no amortizadas por la entidad. Como cierre del trabajo se expone, como ejemplo, el caso de una cooperativa agraria que quiere limitar al máximo el derecho de separación de sus miembros y se resuelve aplicando distintas leyes españolas y de derecho comparado de cooperativas y se hace una aproximación a la posibilidad de articular compromisos de permanencia a través de pactos parasociales.

The present research has the objective of proposing the design of rural housing infrastructure with self-sustainable modular design strategies that allow for a regional conservation area within the Callejón de Conchucos. The absence of adequate territorial planning has led to disorganized urban growth, characterized by the lack of green areas, resulting in a negative impact on the quality of urban life of the inhabitants, increasing their risk to natural disasters. The methodology employed was the analysis of extensive research through a comprehensive literature review, urban studies and climate assessments. Sustainability strategies were implemented using various digital tools, such as Climate Consultant, Google Earth and maps, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp and 3D Sun path. Therefore, the proposal allows for the enhancement of comfort through spaces for the conservation of natural resources, taking advantage of its landscape and nature of the place, with the characteristics of sustainability in rural and urban housing in high Andean areas, implementing bioclimatic strategies, such as evaporative cooling, and clean technologies that allow for an energy efficiency of 50%. In conclusion, the proposal for the Callejón de Conchucos seeks to transform the region into an attractive tourist destination by providing high-quality ecosystem services and an enriched cultural experience by integrating modular design criteria and employing sustainable and appropriate technologies.

PURPOSEAs the fifth international consensus on advanced breast cancer (ABC5) established guidelines for the management of this disease, the aim of this article was to present the applicability of the consensus recommendations and to generate knowledge to improve access.METHODSSixty-one recommendation statements were selected and discussed by 15 breast cancer experts from Latin America (LA). After the discussion, the level of consensus was determined through a vote. In addition to this, the level of access to each of the recommendations presented, according to the country and health system, was exposed.RESULTSLatin American experts had a high level of agreement with the ABC5 consensus recommendations (range, 83%-100%). Twelve of 61 statements are not available for all patients in LA. Among the limitations to access, the following ones are described: limited access to certain technologies (stereotactic body radiotherapy, positron emission tomography-computed tomography), the high costs of drugs that limits access to treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors, pertuzumab, or poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, and the lack of molecular tests for access to therapeutic targets, as well as the difficult geography and cultural diversity of our continent.CONCLUSIONDespite the great relevance of the recommendations of the ABC5 consensus guidelines, we highlight that we still need to improve access for all patients, regardless of the country or health system they are in, for which we call to action to policy makers and patient groups to improve clinical outcomes of patients with advanced breast cancer in our region.

Abstract Background Setup reproducibility of the tissue in the proton beam path is critical in maintaining the planned clinical target volume (CTV) dose coverage and sparing the organs at risk (OAR). In this study, we retrospectively evaluated radiation therapy dose reproducibility for proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) treatment of breast cancer patients with and without mask immobilization. Methods Ninety-four patients treated between January 2019 and September 2022 with at least one verification CT scan (V-CT) in treatment position were included for this study. All patients were set up with arms up using the Orfit AIO patient positioning system, with (69 patients) or without (25 patients) mask immobilization in chin, neck, shoulder, upper arm, and chest areas. Two to three enface or near enface single field uniform dose PBS beams were optimized using a commercial treatment planning system. Prescription doses were 25 to 60 GyRBE in 5 to 45 fractions. Treatment plan doses re-calculated on V-CTs were compared to the corresponding planned doses. Cumulative doses were also calculated for patients with at least 3 V-CTs by deform and weighted sum doses from V-CTs to corresponding P-CTs. CTV D95%, ipsilateral-lung V40%, esophagus D0.01cc, and heart mean dose were evaluated and reported as percentages of prescription doses. Differences were large dose deteriorations (LDD) if: (1) CTV (V-CT/cumulative D95%) – (Planned D95%) 5%; or (3) Esophagus (V-CT/cumulative D0.01cc) – (Planned D0.01cc) > 10%; or (4) Heart (V-CT/cumulative mean) – (Planned mean) > 1.5%. Results On average, V-CT/cumulative and planned CTV/OAR dose parameter differences were less than 2.2%/1.7% and 3.4%/3.7% for masked and maskless patients, respectively. The percentages of patients with at least one CTV or OAR V-CT/cumulative dose LDD were 20.3%/25.0% and 72.0%/54.0% for masked and maskless patients, respectively. Conclusions On average, masked/maskless setups achieved delivered and planned CTV/OAR dose parameters agreed within 2.2%/3.7% for PBS treatment of breast cancer patients in this study. Maskless patients had higher rate of CTV/OAR LDDs compared to masked patients. Dosimetric differences large enough to raise clinical concerns in either group were able to be addressed with replannings.

The present research aims to propose resilient urban-design strategies to mitigate the risk of landslides in Huaraz. This study addresses the growing challenge of climate change and its influence on the occurrence of avalanches in Huaraz, Peru. The methodology employed included a literature review, site analysis using digital tools, and the formulation of resilient urban-design strategies. As a result, a Master Plan for Urban Resilience is proposed, using a detailed literature review, climate studies, and topographic evaluation to design urban strategies that enhance the city’s sustainability and safety. The proposed interventions, including channel expansion, installation of gabions and containment meshes, reforestation, and strategic relocation of housing, demonstrate significant potential to reduce vulnerability to avalanches. This multidisciplinary approach underscores the necessity of integrating urban adaptations in response to extreme climate variations in the Andean regions. The proposal stands out for its innovation and resilience, precisely aligning with the unique characteristics of Huaraz. The comprehensive strategy not only focuses on urban regeneration and risk prevention but also aims to significantly improve the community’s quality of life.

In a global context, where the construction industry is a major source of CO2 emissions and resource use, is dependent on concrete and its risks, and lags behind in digitalization, a clear need arises to direct architecture towards more practical, efficient, and sustainable practices. This research introduces an alternative technique for building timber space structures, aiming to expand its applications in areas with limited access to advanced technologies such as CNCs with more than five axes and industrial robotic arms. This involves reconfiguring economic and ecological constraints to maximize the structural and architectural advantages of these systems. The method develops a parametric tool that integrates computational design and manufacturing based on two-axis laser cutting for shells with segmented hexagonal plywood plates. It uses a modified ‘half-lap joint’ mechanical joint, also made of plywood and without additional fasteners, ensuring a precise and robust connection. The results demonstrate the compatibility of the geometry with two-axis CNC machines, which simplifies manufacturing and reduces the cuts required, thus increasing economic efficiency. The prototype, with a span of 1.5 m and composed of 63 plywood panels and 163 connectors, each 6 mm thick, supported a point load of 0.8 kN with a maximum displacement of 5 mm, weighing 15.1 kg. Assembly and disassembly, carried out by two students, took 5 h and 1.45 h, respectively, highlighting the practicality and accessibility of the method. In conclusion, the technique for building timber shells based on two-axis CNC is feasible and effective, proven by practical experimentation and finite element analysis.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo generar reflexiones acerca del “deber ser” de los inmigrantes nicaragüenses desde su representación masculina, las consecuencias personales y colectivas que acarrean estas representaciones. Se analizan las condiciones laborales desde el rol hegemónico dictado por la normativa socializada, como proveedor del hogar, así como las percepciones sobre su vida actual y la que tenían antes de migrar. Para ello, se efectuó un estudio exploratorio en el que se tomaron entrevistas realizadas a 50 personas inmigrantes nicaragüenses que trabajaban en seguridad privada informal en el GAM (Gran Área Metropolitana) durante el 2020.

PURPOSEMultidisciplinary molecular tumor boards (MTBs) decode complex genomic data into clinical recommendations. Although MTBs are well-established in the oncology practice in developed countries, this strategy needs to be better explored in developing countries. Herein, we describe the possible benefits and limitations of the first MTB established in Colombia.METHODSDemographic, clinical, and genomic information was collected between August 2020 and November 2021. By mid-2020, an MTB strategy was created to discuss clinical cases with one or more genomic alterations identified by next-generation sequencing using an open-access virtual platform. We characterized the patient population as benefiting from the recommended treatment option. We assessed the benefits and access to available targeted therapies that have the potential to change clinical management by making recommendations to treating oncologists on the basis of genomic profiling. However, we did not assess the treatment oncologists' compliance with MTB recommendations because they were not intended to replace clinical judgment/standard of care.RESULTSA total of 146 patients were included in the discussions of the MTB. The median age was 59 years, and 59.6% were women. Genomic results prompting a change in therapeutic decisions were obtained in 53.1% of patients (95% CI, 44.9 to 61.3). The most prevalent malignancy was non–small-cell lung cancer (51%). Other malignancies represented 60%, 50%, and 30% of patients with soft-tissue sarcomas, brain tumors, and breast cancer, respectively.CONCLUSIONUsing an open-access virtual platform, MTBs were feasible in low- and middle-income countries on the basis of the capability to provide the benefits and access to available targeted therapies that are not standard of care. Furthermore, MTB recommendations were made available to the treating oncologist in different locations across Colombia, providing the option to modify clinical management in most of these patients.

Summary: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic generated high workloads given the high volume of seriously ill patients; conditions that could increase the risk of adverse events (AE). This study analyzed the frequency of AE in patients with COVID-19 and their effect on mortality, hospital stay and costs. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included in-patients with COVID-19 at a single hospital between March 2020–June 2021. Exposure was the occurrence of at least one AE. Hospital stay, costs and death were considered outcomes. Clinical information and direct costs were obtained from medical and billing records. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the association measures. Results: 405 patients were included, 55.8% (n=226) men, median age 56 years (IQR: 41.0–70.0) and with a history of hypertension (26.2%; n=106), diabetes mellitus (13.8%; n=56) and obesity (13.8%; n=56). The incidence of AE was 13.3% (n=54), 29 patients presented more than one AE, for a total of 70 events. Most events (74.3%; n=52) were preventable and the most frequent were healthcare-associated infections (50%; n=35), phlebitis (14.3%; n=10) and pressure ulcers (12.9%; n=9). AE prolonged hospital stay (change rate: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.26–1.95; P=0.001) and increased direct healthcare costs (change rate: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.03–1.39, P=0.019). Likewise, the risk of death was 56% higher in patients with AE. Conclusion: Pandemics are unexpected events that present challenges to safe healthcare. Improving quality policies, monitoring compliance with protocols and providing ongoing education are strategies to prevent AE such as healthcare-associated infections, which increase hospital costs and stay.

Introduction: Increased antimicrobial use during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the spread of resistant bacteria. This study analyzed the frequency of device-associated infections (DAI) caused by resistant bacteria, the predictors of these infections, and 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with and without COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on DAI patients admitted to the ICU (intensive care unit) in 20 hospitals in Medellin, Colombia (2020–2021). The exposure assessed was the COVID-19 diagnosis, and outcomes analyzed were resistant bacterial infections and 30-day mortality. Clinical and microbiological information was collected from surveillance databases. Statistical analysis included generalized linear mixed-effects models. Results: Of the 1521 patients included, 1033 (67.9%) were COVID-19-positive and 1665 DAI were presented. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections predominated during the study (n = 98; 9.9%). The patients with COVID-19 had a higher frequency of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing CRE infections (n = 15; 33.3%) compared to patients without the disease (n = 3; 13.0%). Long-stay in the ICU (RR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.39–3.16), diabetes (RR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.21–2.49), and mechanical ventilation (RR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.01–4.51) were CRE infection predictors in COVID-19 patients, with a mortality rate of 60.3%. Conclusion: CRE infections were predominant in COVID-19 patients. In pandemic situations, the strategies to control DAI should be maintained to avoid infections caused by resistant bacteria, such as length of stay in the ICU and duration of mechanical ventilation.

In recent years, the modeling and simulation of lithium-ion batteries have garnered attention due to the rising demand for reliable energy storage. Accurate charge cycle predictions are fundamental for optimizing battery performance and lifespan. This study compares particle swarm optimization (PSO) and grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithms in modeling a commercial lithium-ion battery, emphasizing the voltage behavior and the current delivered to the battery. Bio-inspired optimization tunes parameters to reduce the root mean square error (RMSE) between simulated and experimental outputs. The model, implemented in MATLAB/Simulink, integrates electrochemical parameters and estimates battery behavior under varied conditions. The assessment of terminal voltage revealed notable enhancements in the model through both the PSO and GWO algorithms compared to the non-optimized model. The GWO-optimized model demonstrated superior performance, with a reduced RMSE of 0.1700 (25 °C; 3.6 C, 455 s) and 0.1705 (25 °C; 3.6 C, 10,654 s) compared to the PSO-optimized model, achieving a 42% average RMSE reduction. Battery current was identified as a key factor influencing the model analysis, with optimized models, particularly the GWO model, exhibiting enhanced predictive capabilities and slightly lower RMSE values than the PSO model. This offers practical implications for battery integration into energy systems. Analyzing the execution time with different population values for PSO and GWO provides insights into computational complexity. PSO exhibited greater-than-linear dynamics, suggesting a polynomial complexity of O(nk), while GWO implied a potential polynomial complexity within the range of O(nk) or O(2n) based on execution times from populations of 10 to 1000.

Purpose: Compared with photon-based techniques, proton beam radiation therapy (PBT) may improve the therapeutic ratio of radiation therapy (RT) for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), but available data have been limited to single-institutional experiences. This study examined the toxicity, survival, and disease control rates among patients enrolled in a multi-institutional prospective registry study and treated with PBT for LAPC. Methods and Materials: Between March 2013 and November 2019, 19 patients with inoperable disease across 7 institutions underwent PBT with definitive intent for LAPC. Patients received a median radiation dose/fractionation of 54 Gy/30 fractions (range, 50.4-60.0 Gy/19-33 fractions). Most received prior (68.4%) or concurrent (78.9%) chemotherapy. Patients were assessed prospectively for toxicities using National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze overall survival, locoregional recurrence-free survival, time to locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis-free survival, and time to new progression or metastasis for the adenocarcinoma cohort (17 patients). Results: No patients experienced grade ≥3 acute or chronic treatment-related adverse events. Grade 1 and 2 adverse events occurred in 78.7% and 21.3% of patients, respectively. Median overall survival, locoregional recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and time to new progression or metastasis were 14.6, 11.0, 11.0, and 13.9 months, respectively. Freedom from locoregional recurrence at 2 years was 81.7%. All patients completed treatment with one requiring a RT break for stent placement. Conclusions: Proton beam RT for LAPC offered excellent tolerability while still maintaining disease control and survival rates comparable with dose-escalated photon-based RT. These findings are consistent with the known physical and dosimetric advantages offered by proton therapy, but the conclusions are limited owing to the patient sample size. Further clinical studies incorporating dose-escalated PBT are warranted to evaluate whether these dosimetric advantages translate into clinically meaningful benefits.

Las articulaciones de la cadera pueden resultar dañadas por causas metabólicas (enfermedad degenerativa) o mecánicas (fractura), limitando su funcionalidad. Para restablecer el movimiento de la articulación, esta debe ser sustituida por una prótesis de cadera. En las articulaciones se producen fenómenos de lubricación, fricción y desgaste que, a su vez, suelen ser responsables del fallo de la prótesis, provocando su aflojamiento. Por tal motivo, el objetivo del presente estudio consistió en evaluar el comportamiento biotribológico de un prototipo de prótesis de cadera de Ti6Al4V manufacturado mediante fabricación aditiva por haz de electrones (EBM) y posteriormente modificado superficialmente mediante anodizado. Una vez obtenido el prototipo, se pulieron algunas muestras para realizar ensayos biotribológicos y otras para anodizarlas. Las pruebas biotribológicas se realizaron en un tribómetro de esfera sobre disco utilizando contracuerpos de alúmina de 6 mm de diámetro, empleando una carga de 5 N y velocidades de 30, 50 y 70 rpm. Se obtuvieron huellas de desgaste de 2 mm de diámetro, utilizando como medio un fluido corporal simulado (SBF) a una temperatura de 37 °C. El proceso EBM incrementó la dureza de la aleación Ti6Al4V respecto al proceso de forja convencional. Las muestras fabricadas por EBM, y posteriormente anodizadas, revelaron los valores más altos de coeficientes de fricción, mientras que las muestras fabricadas por forja y EBM indicaron coeficientes de fricción similares para todas las velocidades estudiadas. Adicionalmente, las muestras fabricadas por EBM, y después anodizadas, señalaron la menor tasa de desgaste, seguidas por las muestras fabricadas por EBM, mientras que las muestras fabricadas por forja evidenciaron la mayor tasa de desgaste. Igualmente, se encontró abrasión como principal mecanismo de desgaste en todas las condiciones evaluadas en las pruebas biotribológicas. Con la velocidad de 30 rpm se obtuvieron las menores tasas de desgaste para la aleación de Ti6Al4V con los diferentes procesos de fabricación; con esta misma velocidad se obtuvieron las mayores tasas de desgaste de los contracuerpos de todos los pares biotribológicos.

The Bologna Plan adopted by European universities ended the hegemony of an evaluation system exclusively based on the performance of traditional examinations. In this area, with a view to revitalizing grading models in university education, a wide range of evaluation mechanisms has been developed in recent years. Using them, teachers may evaluate the learning levels of their students, including both the specific competences of the taught subject and the transversal competences that help students further develop their professional careers. This article presents a methodology based on a multi-criteria procedure through which students could be evaluated from different points of view, based on different types of evaluation mechanisms that are diversely weighted. Therefore, their levels of learning could be assessed more objectively. This article shows a practical case of applying this methodology, which has been used for the last five years in a course on energy markets taught as part of the Degree in Energy Engineering at the UPV.

La familia de avispas parasíticas Eupelmidae son parasitoides de larvas o prepupas de insectos, por lo general ocultos en tejido vegetal o sacos de seda en plantas, entre los que destacan principalmente los del orden Coleoptera con el mayor número de especies hospederas. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo registra por primera vez la avispa Eupelmus cushmani (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), como parasitoide de Callosobrochus phaseolis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) en vainas de la planta Cajanus cajan (L) en Panamá. Se obtuvieron un total de 476 vainas de guandúes, donde se contabilizaron un total de 1 950 semillas; 1 377 semillas no se encontraban infestadas y 576 infestadas por la presencia del escarabajo plaga, Callosobrochus phaseolis (Gyllenhal, 1833), se obtuvieron 228 adultos (169 hembras; 59 machos); además, se encontró la asociación directa de un potencial controlador de este escarabajo perteneciente a la familia Eupelmidae, identificado como Eupelmus cushmani (Crawford), con 101 individuos, 61 hembras y 40 machos. Se realizo un análisis de varianza que indica que existe un efecto del escarabajo Callosobruchus phaseoli sobre las semillas de Cajanus cajan (F=273.66, P

Introducción. En los meningiomas, ocurren con frecuencia mutaciones en la región promotora de la transcriptasa inversa de la telomerasa. Objetivo. Estimar la importancia pronóstica de las mutaciones de la transcriptasa inversa de la telomerasa en pacientes colombianos con meningiomas de grados II y III. Materiales y métodos. Es un estudio de cohorte, retrospectivo y multicéntrico, que incluyó pacientes con diagnóstico de meningioma persistente o recidivante, de grados II y III, según la clasificación de la OMS, reclutados entre el 2011 y el 2018, con tratamiento sistémico (sunitinib, everolimus con octreótido o sin él, y bevacizumab). El estado de la mutación del promotor de la transcriptasa inversa de la telomerasa se determinó por medio de la PCR. Resultados. Se incluyeron 40 pacientes, en 21 (52,5 %) de los cuales se encontraron mutaciones en la transcriptasa inversa de la telomerasa, siendo las variantes más frecuentes la C228T (87,5 %) y la C250T (14,3 %). Estas fueron más frecuentes entre los pacientes con meningiomas anaplásicos (p=0,18), en aquellos con más de dos recurrencias (p=0,04), y en los que presentaron lesiones en la región parasagital y la fosa anterior (p=0,05). Los sujetos caracterizados por tener alteraciones puntuales fueron tratados con mayor frecuencia con la serie de medicamentos everolimus, sunitinib y bevacizumab (p=0,06). Tras el inicio del tratamiento médico, la supervivencia global fue de 23,7 meses (IC95% 13,1-34,2) en los pacientes con mutaciones y, de 43,4 meses (IC95% 37,5-49,3), entre aquellos sin mutaciones (p=0,0001). Los resultados del análisis multivariado demostraron que, únicamente, el número de recurrencias y la presencia de mutaciones en el gen de la transcriptasa inversa de la telomerasa, fueron factores que afectaron negativamente la supervivencia global. Conclusiones. Las mutaciones en el gen promotor de la transcriptasa inversa de la telomerasa permiten identificar los pacientes con alto riesgo, cuya detección podría ser de utilidad para seleccionar el mejor esquema terapéutico.

Purpose: Proton therapy (PT) for partial breast irradiation (PBI) in early-stage breast cancer can decrease morbidity versus photon PBI with superior organs-at-risk sparing. We report 3-year outcomes of the first prospective, multicenter, phase II trial of proton PBI. Methods and Materials: This Proton Collaborative Group phase II trial (PCG BRE007-12) recruited women ≥ 50 years with node-negative, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, ≤3cm, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) or ductal carcinoma in situ undergoing breast conserving surgery followed by proton PBI (40 Gy(RBE), 10 daily fractions). Primary endpoint was freedom from ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence. Adverse events were prospectively graded using CTCAEv4.0. Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale (BCTOS) assessed patient-reported quality of life (PRQOL). Results: Thirty-eight evaluable patients enrolled between 2/2013–11/2016. Median age was 67 years (range 50–79); 55 % had left-sided disease, and median tumor size was 0.9 cm. Treatment was delivered in ≥ 2 fields predominantly with uniform scanning PT (n = 37). At 35-month median follow-up (12–62), all patients were alive, and none had local, regional or distant disease progression. One patient developed an ER-negative contralateral IDC. Seven grade 2 adverse events occurred; no radiotherapy-related grade ≥ 3 toxicities occurred. Changes in BCTOS subdomain mean scores were maximum 0.36, indicating no meaningful change in PRQOL. Median heart volume receiving 5 Gy (V5Gy), lung V20Gy, and lung V10Gy were 0 %, 0 % and 0.19 %, respectively. Conclusion: At 3 years, proton PBI provided 100 % cancer control for early-stage, ER-positive breast cancer. Toxicities are minimal, and PRQOL remains acceptable with continued follow-up. These findings support PT as a safe and effective PBI delivery option.

Introduccción. En algunos subtipos de migraña se ha demostrado la existencia de hiperexcitabilidad corLas mutaciones heterocigotas del gen que codifica la isocitrato deshidrogenasa (IDH) ocurren con relativa frecuencia en los gliomas; sin embargo, su relevancia durante el desarrollo tumoral es desconocida. Estas alteraciones provocan una pérdida en la afinidad de la enzima por el sustrato, inhibiendo la actividad de la isoforma silvestre de la IDH1 a través de la formación de heterodímeros inactivos. La expresión forzada de la mutación IDH1/2 en cultivos celulares reduce la formación del producto de la enzima, el ?-ketoglutarato (?-KG), e incrementa los niveles del factor inducido por la hipoxia tipo 1 (HIF-1?, un elemento de transcripción que facilita el crecimiento tumoral en presencia de bajas concentraciones de oxígeno, hallazgo regulado en parte por el ?-KG. La expresión del HIF-1? suele ser mayor entre los gliomas portadores de la mutación IDH, en los que la vía de señalización del HIF está implicada en su progresión. Varios grupos independientes han demostrado el papel que tienen las mutaciones del gen IDH1/2 como marcador pronóstico, especialmente para los pacientes con gliomas de bajo grado y con glioblastomas secundarios que presentan un patrón oligodendroglial. Este conocimiento proporciona una clara oportunidad para mejorar las estrategias diagnósticas y terapéuticas para los pacientes con gliomas, que en la actualidad no se encuentran dirigidas contra alteraciones moleculares específicas. Este artículo presenta una revisión detallada del papel de las mutaciones del gen IDH en la progresión y el mantenimiento de los gliomas, y explora algunas opciones terapéuticas dirigidas contra este entorno.

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo construir una propuesta de competencias digitales a desarrollar en los currículos de los programas de contaduría pública con base en la investigación científica y en la regulación nacional e internacional, para lo cual se utiliza una metodología de revisión documental en torno a la contabilidad de gestión en la época de lo digital. Los principales hallazgos muestran que para que esta área de la contabilidad pueda responder adecuadamente a las demandas actuales, los currículos deben estar orientados a formar, por un lado, en habilidades que desarrollen el pensamiento y la comunicación estratégica, y, por otro lado, en una cultura capaz de aprovechar las herramientas para procesar, analizar y presentar datos, teniendo como horizonte la función de generar y comunicar información valiosa.

La interpretación de las Normas Internacionales de Información Financiera (NIIF) es un tema de interés tanto para la investigación como para la práctica profesional contable, dado que de ello depende su comprensión y su aplicación. No obstante, es evidente que debido al tecnicismo y al instrumentalismo de la profesión algunos contadores terminan aplicando estándares sin comprender del todo el porqué y el cómo. Por ello, este artículo tiene por objetivo proponer unas claves de interpretación para una lectura y aplicación de las NIIF desde su propio horizonte, para lo cual se utiliza una metodología cualitativa de corte hermenéutico. Los principales resultados muestran que para una adecuada comprensión y aplicación de las NIIF se requiere tener presente, por un lado, la dimensión teleológica de los estándares, es decir, conocer la finalidad y la intencionalidad de las normas; y, por otro, la dimensión metódica, esto es, el camino que recomienda la misma norma para que técnicamente se proceda de acuerdo con los parámetros adecuados. La dimensión teleológica dotará al lector de unas bases para comprender el estándar de manera crítica, mientras que la dimensión metódica le entregará un esquema para una mejor comprensión técnica del estándar.

We have carried out spatially resolved thermal–nonthermal separation on two edge-on galaxies, NGC 3044 and NGC 5775, using only radio data. Narrowband imaging within a frequency band that is almost contiguous from 1.25 to 7.02 GHz ( L band, S band, and C band) has allowed us to fit spectra and construct thermal, nonthermal, and nonthermal spectral index maps. This method does not require any ancillary H α and IR data or rely on dust corrections that are challenging in edge-on galaxies. For NGC 3044, at 15″ resolution, we find a median thermal fraction of ∼13% with an estimated uncertainty in this fraction of ∼50% at 4.13 GHz. This compares well with the H α mixture method results. We uncovered evidence for a vertical outflow feature reaching at least z ∼ 3.5 kpc in projection above the plane, reminiscent of M82's starburst wind. For the higher star formation rate galaxy, NGC 5775, at 12″ resolution, we find a median thermal fraction of 44% at 4.13 GHz with an estimated error on this fraction of 17%. Both galaxies show a change of slope (flattening) in L band. These results suggest that a radio-only method for separating thermal from nonthermal emission is not only feasible, but able to reveal new features that might otherwise be obscured in edge-on disks.

Nowadays, the measurement of heat stress indices is of principal importance due to the escalating impact of global warming. As temperatures continue to rise, the well-being and health of individuals are increasingly at risk, which can lead to a detrimental effect on human performance and behavior. Hence, monitoring and assessing heat stress indices have become necessary for ensuring the safety and comfort of individuals. Thermal comfort indices, such as wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), Tropical Summer Index (TSI), and Predicted Heat Strain (PHS), as well as parameters like mean radiant temperature (MRT), are typically used for assessing and controlling heat stress conditions in working and urban environments. Therefore, measurement and monitoring of these parameters should be obtained for any environment in which people are constantly exposed. Modern cities collect and publish this relevant information following the Smart City concept. To monitor large cities, cost-effective solutions must be developed. This work presents the results of a Heat Stress Monitoring (HSM) system prototype network tested in the Benicalap-Ciutat Fallera district in Valencia, Spain. The scope of this work is to design, commission, and test a low-cost prototype that is able to measure heat stress indices. The Heat Stress Monitoring system comprises a central unit or receiver and several transmitters communicating via radiofrequency. The transmitter accurately measures wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, solar irradiation, and black globe temperature. The receiver has a 4G modem that sends the data to an SQL database in the cloud. The devices were tested over one year, showing that radio data transmission is reliable up to 700 m from the receiver. The system’s power supply, composed of a Photovoltaic panel and Lithium-ion batteries, provided off-grid capabilities to the transmitter, with a tested backup autonomy of up to 36 days per charge. Then, indicators such as WBGT, TSI, and MRT were successfully estimated using the data collected by the devices. The material cost of a 12-point network is around EUR 2430 with a competitive price of EUR 190 per device.

Purpose Identifying actionable oncogenic mutations have changed the therapeutic landscape in different types of tumors. This study investigated the utility of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), a hybrid capture-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay, in clinical practice in a developing country. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, CGP was performed on clinical samples from patients with different solid tumors recruited between December 2016 and November 2020, using hybrid capture-based genomic profiling, at the individual treating physicians’ request in the clinical care for therapy decisions. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were estimated to characterize the time-to-event variables. Results Patients median age was 61 years (range: 14–87 years), and 64.7% were female. The most common histological diagnosis was lung primary tumors, with 90 patients corresponding to 52.9% of the samples (95% CI 45.4-60.4%). Actionable mutations with FDA-approved medications for specific alterations correspondent to tumoral histology were identified in 58 cases (46.4%), whereas other alterations were detected in 47 different samples (37.6%). The median overall survival was 15.5 months (95% CI 11.7 months-NR). Patients who were subjected to genomic evaluation at diagnosis reached a median overall survival of 18.3 months (95% CI 14.9 months-NR) compared to 14.1 months (95% CI 11.1 months-NR) in patients who obtained genomic evaluation after tumor progression and during standard treatment ( P = .7). Conclusion CGP of different types of tumors identifies clinically relevant genomic alterations that have benefited from targeted therapy and improve cancer care in a developing country to guide personalized treatment to beneficial outcomes of cancer patients.

El trabajo trata de los efectos de la reciente reforma de la Ley 12/2013 de medidas para mejorar el funcionamiento de la cadena alimentaria en las cooperativas y en otras entidades asociativas. Primero se explica el origen y evolución de esta norma y el contenido de la reforma realizada por la Ley 16/2021, que parte de la imposición a las cooperativas de la obligación de formalizar contratos alimentarios individualizados y por escrito por las entregas que realicen sus socios. Después se defiende que, por la naturaleza jurídica de la actividad cooperativizada (que se demuestra con apoyos legales concretos que es tiene carácter interno, societario, sin ánimo de lucro y no comercial), no debería serle de aplicación en ningún punto la ley de la cadena alimentaria, norma que está diseñada para equilibrar poderes entre los diferentes eslabones de la cadena de valor. El trabajo también trata de la situación respecto a la ley de la cadena alimentaria de las cooperativas de segundo y ulterior grado, de las sociedades agrarias de transformación, de las sociedades de capital participadas mayoritariamente por cooperativas y de las operaciones realizadas en virtud de acuerdos intercooperativos. Por último, se realiza un análisis crítico del precepto que establece las condiciones necesarias para que las cooperativas y otras entidades asociativas puedan salvar la obligación de articular con contratos las entregas de productos de sus socios, realizando una serie de recomendaciones para que estas entidades establezcan debidamente, en los estatutos o por acuerdos sociales, el procedimiento de determinación del valor del producto entregado por sus socios y el calendario de liquidación.

Aim: Preeclampsia is a very complex multisystem disorder characterized by mild to severe hypertension. Methods: PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 1, 2002 to March 31, 2022, with the search terms “pre-eclampsia” and “hypertensive disorders in pregnancy”. We also look for guidelines from international societies and clinical specialty colleges and we focused on publications made after 2015. Results: The primary issue associated with this physiopathology is a reduction in utero-placental perfusion and ischemia. Preeclampsia has a multifactorial genesis, its focus in prevention consists of the identification of high and moderate-risk clinical factors. The clinical manifestations of preeclampsia vary from asymptomatic to fatal complications for both the fetus and the mother. In severe cases, the mother may present renal, neurological, hepatic, or vascular disease. The main prevention strategy is the use of aspirin at low doses, started from the beginning to the end of the second trimester and maintained until the end of pregnancy. Conclusion: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder; we do not know how to predict it accurately. Acetylsalicylic acid at low doses to prevent a low percentage, especially in patients with far from term preeclampsia. There is evidence that exercising for at least 140 min per week reduces gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Currently, the safest approach is the termination of pregnancy. It is necessary to improve the prediction and prevention of preeclampsia, in addition, better research is needed in the long-term postpartum follow-up.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop a hermeneutical proposal to read ‘confidence’ (“confianza”) and ‘trust’ (“confiar”) in rely, confidence, and trust in the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) translation into Spanish, based on contrasting them with the scientific literature on auditing. The gap addressed by this proposal is the lack of criteria to interpret the ISAs translation of rely, confidence, and trust into Spanish, which leads to an inadequate reading of the standards, since these terms are translated into Spanish as ‘confianza’ and ‘confiar,’ a misleading terminological choice. Some keys are provided for a hermeneutical reading when dealing with the concepts ‘confidence’ and ‘trust’ in the ISAs, since they are used interchangeably. This article is a starting point for both researchers and auditors when interpreting the terms rely, confidence, and trust translated into Spanish. From the methodological field, in the first place, a search was made in the ISAs for three key concepts related to what is understood in Spanish by the concepts ‘confidence’ and ‘trust’: rely (reliance), confidence, and trust, specifically determining the place where the concepts were to try to grasp the general meaning of the text within the paragraph of the corresponding standard; second, a structured accounting literature review on the concepts rely, confidence, and trust was conducted in the scientific auditing publications. This study provides the following hermeneutical keys to read ‘confidence’ and ‘trust’ in rely, confidence, and trust in the ISAs translation: rely is more oriented to controls, confidence refers to the relationship between an auditor and the stakeholders, and trust is a threat to the auditor’s objectivity.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a significant public health problem worldwide. In this context, CT-scan automatic analysis has emerged as a COVID-19 complementary diagnosis tool allowing for radiological finding characterization, patient categorization, and disease follow-up. However, this analysis depends on the radiologist’s expertise, which may result in subjective evaluations. Objective: To explore deep learning representations, trained from thoracic CT-slices, to automatically distinguish COVID-19 disease from control samples. Materials and methods: Two datasets were used: SARS-CoV-2 CT Scan (Set-1) and FOSCAL clinic’s dataset (Set-2). The deep representations took advantage of supervised learning models previously trained on the natural image domain, which were adjusted following a transfer learning scheme. The deep classification was carried out: (a) via an end-to-end deep learning approach and (b) via random forest and support vector machine classifiers by feeding the deep representation embedding vectors into these classifiers. Results: The end-to-end classification achieved an average accuracy of 92.33% (89.70% precision) for Set-1 and 96.99% (96.62% precision) for Set-2. The deep feature embedding with a support vector machine achieved an average accuracy of 91.40% (95.77% precision) and 96.00% (94.74% precision) for Set-1 and Set-2, respectively. Conclusion: Deep representations have achieved outstanding performance in the identification of COVID-19 cases on CT scans demonstrating good characterization of the COVID-19 radiological patterns. These representations could potentially support the COVID-19 diagnosis in clinical settings.

Injection molds are production tools that require detailed analysis based on the quality of the resulting part, the impact on cycle times, and the expected production volume. Cooling channels also play a critical role in mold performance and product quality as they largely determine cycle time. Designs that incorporate conformal cooling channel (CCC) geometries that conform to or align with the part contour are currently being explored as an alternative to conventional cooling channel designs in injection molds. In this study, a simulation of CCC geometries was performed and their effects on mold temperatures and warpage were investigated. Two cross-sectional geometries, circular and square, were selected for a three-factor level design of experiments (DOE) analysis. The response variables used were mold temperatures and part warpage. A cup-shaped part with upper and lower diameters of 54 and 48 mm, respectively, a height of 23 mm and a thickness of 3 mm was used for the injection molded part. A comparison was also made between two materials for the injection mold, steel and polycarbonate. The DOE results showed that the distance between the CCC and the injected part and the diameter or side of the square have significant effects on the response variables for both systems (steel and polycarbonate molds). In addition, a comparison between conventional and conformal cooling channels was analyzed using a cup-shaped part and a less rigid part geometry. The finite element simulation results show a 9.26% reduction in final warpage in the cup-shaped part using CCCs compared with the conventional cooling methods in steel. When using parts with lower geometry stiffness, the use of CCCs reduced final part warpage by 32.4% in metal molds and by 59.8% in polymer molds.

In this paper we propose the Recurrent Embedded Topic Model (RETM) which is a modification of the Embedded Topic Modelling (ETM) by reusing the Continuous Bag of Words (CBOW) that the model had implemented and applying it to a recurrent neural network (LSTM), using the order of the words of the text, in the CBOW space as the recurrency of the LSTM, while calculating the topic–document distribution of the model. This approach is novel because the ETM and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) do not use the order of the words while calculating the topic proportions for each text, making worse predictions in the end. The RETM is a topic-modelling technique that vastly improves (by more than 15 times in train data and between 10% and 90% better based on test dataset values for perplexity) the quality of the topics that were calculated for the datasets used in this paper. This model is explained in detail throughout the paper and presents results on different use cases on how the model performs against ETM and LDA. The RETM can be used with better accuracy for any topic model-related problem.

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are critical components in renewable hybrid systems, demanding reliable fault diagnosis to ensure optimal performance and prevent costly damages. This study presents a novel model-based fault diagnosis algorithm for commercial hydrogen fuel cells using LabView. Our research focused on power generation and storage using hydrogen fuel cells. The proposed algorithm accurately detects and isolates the most common faults in PEMFCs by combining virtual and real sensor data fusion. The fault diagnosis process began with simulating faults using a validated mathematical model and manipulating selected input signals. A statistical analysis of 12 residues from each fault resulted in a comprehensive fault matrix, capturing the unique fault signatures. The algorithm successfully identified and isolated 14 distinct faults, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing reliability and preventing performance deterioration or system shutdown in hydrogen fuel cell-based power generation systems.

The degree of quality of thermoplastic injection-molded parts can be established based on their weight, appearance, and defects. However, the conditions of the injection process may induce effects on the mechanical performance of the injected parts, and the residual stresses can cause cracks or early failures when an external load or force is applied. To evaluate these mechanical behaviors, different experimental techniques have been reported in the literature, where digital photoelasticity has stood out both for being a non-contact technique and for achieving quantitative results through sophisticated computational algorithms. Against this background, our proposal consists of analyzing the overall residual stress distribution of parts injected under different molding conditions by using digital photoelasticity. In this case, the specimens are subjected to bending strength tests to identify possible effects of the injection process conditions. The findings show that, at mold temperatures of 80 °C, flow-induced residual stresses increase with packing pressure. However, these internal stress levels do not affect the external load applied by the mechanical bending test, while the mass injected at higher levels of packing pressure helps to increase the bending strength of the injected part. At lower mold temperatures (50 °C), the mechanical strength of the injected part is slightly reduced, possibly due to a lower effect of the packing pressure.

Abstract Background The rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae is one of the most important agricultural pests, causing extensive damage to cereal in fields and to stored grains. S. oryzae has an intracellular symbiotic relationship (endosymbiosis) with the Gram-negative bacterium Sodalis pierantonius and is a valuable model to decipher host-symbiont molecular interactions. Results We sequenced the Sitophilus oryzae genome using a combination of short and long reads to produce the best assembly for a Curculionidae species to date. We show that S. oryzae has undergone successive bursts of transposable element (TE) amplification, representing 72% of the genome. In addition, we show that many TE families are transcriptionally active, and changes in their expression are associated with insect endosymbiotic state. S. oryzae has undergone a high gene expansion rate, when compared to other beetles. Reconstruction of host-symbiont metabolic networks revealed that, despite its recent association with cereal weevils (30 kyear), S. pierantonius relies on the host for several amino acids and nucleotides to survive and to produce vitamins and essential amino acids required for insect development and cuticle biosynthesis. Conclusions Here we present the genome of an agricultural pest beetle, which may act as a foundation for pest control. In addition, S. oryzae may be a useful model for endosymbiosis, and studying TE evolution and regulation, along with the impact of TEs on eukaryotic genomes.

Purpose: To assess acute gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities of intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) targeting the prostate/seminal vesicles and pelvic lymph nodes for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: A prospective study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02874014), evaluating moderately hypofractionated IMPT for high-risk or unfavorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer, accrued a target sample size of 56 patients. The prostate/seminal vesicles and pelvic lymph nodes were treated simultaneously with 6750 and 4500 centigray radiobiologic equivalent (cGyRBE), respectively, in 25 daily fractions. All received androgen-deprivation therapy. Acute GI and GU toxicities were prospectively assessed from 7 GI and 9 GU categories of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4), at baseline, weekly during radiotherapy, and 3-month after radiotherapy. Fisher exact tests were used for comparisons of categorical data. Results: Median age was 75 years. Median follow-up was 25 months. Fifty-five patients were available for acute toxicity assessment. Sixty-two percent and 2%, respectively, experienced acute grade 1 and 2 GI toxicity. Grade 2 GI toxicity was proctitis. Sixty-five percent and 35%, respectively, had acute grade 1 and 2 GU toxicity. The 3 most frequent grade 2 GU toxicities were urinary frequency, urgency, and obstructive symptoms. None had acute grade ≥ 3 GI or GU toxicity. The presence of baseline GI and GU symptoms was associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing acute GI and GU toxicity, respectively. Of 45 patients with baseline GU symptoms, 44% experienced acute grade 2 GU toxicity, compared with only 10% among 10 with no baseline GU symptoms (P = 0.07). Although acute grade 1 and 2 GI and GU toxicities were common during radiotherapy, most resolved at 3 months after radiotherapy. Conclusion: A moderately hypofractionated IMPT targeting the prostate/seminal vesicles and regional pelvic lymph nodes was well tolerated with no acute grade ≥ 3 GI or GU toxicity. Patients with baseline GU symptoms had a higher rate of acute grade 2 GU toxicity.

En la actualidad, la confianza es un factor clave de éxito para las organizaciones, razón por la cual emprenden estrategias para adquirirla, incrementarla, conservarla e, incluso, recuperarla. Sin embargo, al ser la confianza un término equívoco, tiene diferentes acepciones de acuerdo con la perspectiva desde la cual se aborde. Por tanto, el objetivo de este artículo fue discutir el sentido en el que es posible hablar de la confianza en las organizaciones, para lo cual se utilizó un método hermenéutico, poniendo en diálogo crítico la administración con apuntes de la filosofía moral reciente, dando cuenta de cómo la argumentación filosófica ofrece luces para repensar el tema de la confianza dentro de las organizaciones, entendiéndola más allá de lo aceptado comúnmente como obvio. Como fruto de este diálogo hermenéutico entre el managment y la filosofía, se propone que para hablar de confianza en las organizaciones debe entenderse tanto en sentido propio como metafórico, considerarse que esta se da en diferentes niveles de acuerdo con el tipo de relación entre las partes interesadas y que la obligación puede ser el lazo para justificarla.

More than half of the world population live in urban settlements which are responsible for a large share of energy consumption and, consequently, carbon emissions. The transition towards a more sustainable urban environment requires a change in paradigm in terms of how we design and manage our cities. Urban areas require innovative technologies and strategies to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, and to be included in comprehensive plans encompassing all technical, social and economic dimensions which characterise cities. This involves the transformation of urban contexts, with a focus on local and urban-level mitigation measures, such as the construction of positive energy buildings, deployment of renewable energy, promotion of a sustainable mobility, creation of resilient urban infrastructure, implementation of circular economy and recycling practices, etc. The present article provides a perspective on the sustainable energy transition in cities, focusing on the building and transportation sectors. Furthermore, insights on supporting mechanisms and innovative management strategies are presented.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a relatively new option in mold manufacturing for rapid tooling (RT) in injection processes. This paper presents the results of experiments with mold inserts and specimens obtained by stereolithography (SLA), which is a kind of AM. A mold insert obtained by AM and a mold produced by traditional subtractive manufacturing were compared to evaluate the performance of the injected parts. In particular, mechanical tests (in accordance with ASTM D638) and temperature distribution performance tests were carried out. The tensile test results of specimens obtained in a 3D printed mold insert were better (almost 15%) than those produced in the duralumin mold. The simulated temperature distribution closely matched its experimental counterpart—the difference in average temperatures was merely 5.36 °C. These findings support the use of AM in injection molding and RT as an excellent alternative for small and medium-sized production runs in the global injection industry.

La sustentación del proyecto de tesis doctoral es una situación que genera estrés con múltiples manifestaciones físicas y comportamentales. En este artículo se analizó la respuesta autonómica de estrés en estudiantes de doctorado en una defensa de su proyecto de tesis doctoral. El estudio conto con una muestra de 16 estudiantes de doctorado, a quienes se les analizó la variabilidad de la Frecuencia Cardiaca en estado basal y en la defensa de su proyecto para evaluar su respuesta autonómica de estrés. Se evidencio que los estudiantes presentaron un aumento en la modulación autonómica simpática en la exposición a la defensa de su proyecto de tesis doctorado, debido a la disminución de los valores de Porcentaje de diferencias entre R-R adyacentes normales intervalos mayores de 50 ms (PNN50) = 15.2±13.7 y la dispersión longitudinal de los puntos, respectivamente, obtenidos a partir del gráfico de Poincaré (SD1) = 34.0±22.2 y SD2= 77.1±42.8 durante la defensa de su proyecto de tesis. Podemos concluir que con base en los resultados obtenidos el incremento de la modulación simpática, por parte de los estudiantes de estudiantes de doctorado evidencia una baja capacidad adaptativa por parte de ellos a situaciones de alto nivel de estrés como sería la defensa de la propuesta de tesis doctoral, aspecto este que autores previos han relacionado con impedimentos en el rendimiento académico en estudiantes pregrado y posgrado pero que no están inmerso dentro de una actividad investigativa lo cual pone de manifiesto la necesidad de diseñar programas de regulación y entrenamiento del control y manejo del estrés en estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado. Esto permitirá mejorar los resultados académicos en contextos de educación superior como el evaluado en el presente trabajo.