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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scimitar syndrome is a rare constellation of cardiovascular anomalies consisting of partial right anomalous pulmonary venous drainage to the inferior vena cava, hypoplasia of the right lung, cardiac dextroposition, and in many cases, one or more aortopulmonary collaterals from the descending aorta to the hypoplastic lung. The "infantile form" commonly presents with significant heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Stenosis of the left pulmonary veins associated with scimitar syndrome is a rare but well-described combination, usually associated with a poor prognosis. We describe two patients with this association in whom the left pulmonary vein stenosis manifested months after the initial diagnosis as a progressive lesion that complicated the course of the disease due to severe pulmonary hypertension. Both patients were successfully treated with a combination of surgical, percutaneous, and hybrid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study certain pairs of subspaces V and W of C n we call supports that consist of eigenspaces of the eigenvalues ± ‖ M ‖ of a minimal hermitian matrix M (‖ M ‖ ≤ ‖ M + D ‖ for all real diagonals D). For any pair of orthogonal subspaces we define a non negative invariant δ called the adequacy to measure how close they are to form a support and to detect one. This function δ is the minimum of another map F defined in a product of spheres of hermitian matrices. We study the gradient, Hessian and critical points of F in order to approximate δ. These results allow us to prove that the set of supports has interior points in the space of flag manifolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecuador has a high diversity of orchids, but little is known about levels of genetic diversity for the great majority of species. Understanding how orchids might adapt to changes is crucial as deforestation and fragmentation of forest ecosystems threaten the survival of many epiphytic orchids that depend on other species, such as fungi and their host trees, for germination, growth, and establishment. Overcollection and the illegal trade are also major concerns for the survival of wild populations of orchids. Despite increasing awareness, effective interventions are often limited by a lack of data concerning the impacts that overexploitation might have. To fill this gap, we tested the effects of overcollection in the genetic diversity and structure of Masdevallia rosea, a narrow distributed epiphytic orchid historically collected in Ecuador, in comparison with the widely distributed Pleurothallis lilijae. Genotyping based on AFLPs showed reduced levels of diversity in wild populations but most especially in the overcollected, M. rosea. Overall, genetic admixture was high in P. lilijae segregating populations by altitude levels while fewer genetic groups were found in M. rosea. Genetic differentiation was low in both species. A spatial genetic structure was found in P. lilijae depending on altitude levels, while no spatial genetic structure was found in M. rosea. These results suggest different scenarios for the two species: while gene flow over long distance is possible in P. lilijae, the same seems to be unlikely in M. rosea possibly due to the low levels of individuals in the known populations. In situ and ex situ conservation strategies should be applied to protect the genetic pool in these epiphytic orchid species, and to promote the connectivity between wild populations. Adopting measures to reduce overexploitation and to understand the impacts of harvesting in wild populations are necessary to strengthen the legal trade of orchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To review our series of prenatally diagnosed transposition of the great arteries (TGA) to analyze the accuracy of fetal echocardiography for achieving a precise diagnosis of the TGA type (simple vs. complex) and to examine the short-term outcome. Methods: A total of 94 cases of simple and complex TGA types (ventriculoarterial discordance with atrioventricular concordance) prenatally evaluated in our referral center between 1998 and 2014 were included. Fetuses with additional congenital anomalies and those with incomplete follow-up were excluded. Prenatal diagnostic accuracy and short-term survival were analyzed for the different types of TGA. Results: The TGA type was correctly ascertained prenatally in 93.3%. Most fetuses were diagnosed with simple TGA (62.7%). There were 6 discrepancies: 5 fetuses with simple TGA had postnatally TGA + ventricular septal defect (VSD; n = 3) or TGA + VSD + coarctation of the aorta (n = 2), and 1 fetus with TGA + VSD postnatally showed severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The mortality rate was 6.6%; it was higher in complex versus simple forms (12.8 vs. 1.9%, p = 0.038), and in cases with intramural coronary artery versus those without (60 vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001). We found no relationship between the arrangement of the great arteries and coronary arterial abnormalities. Conclusions: Simple TGA has a better outcome than the complex forms. A discrepancy rate of 7% with potential influence on the prognosis of survival between the prenatal diagnosis of the TGA type and the definitive diagnosis was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic systems, wind turbines and battery storage systems are all commonly present in energy self-sufficiency and independent producers schemes, since they support distributed generation designs. For both cases, single phase inverters provide power conditioning in order to inject micro-sources power to the grid, demanding multiple tasks such as maximum power tracking, DC to AC voltage conversion, electrical signal filtering and network synchronization, among others. The massive integration of such devices demands an assessment on their impact over the low voltage distribution network to which they are connected to. Hence, an accurate and efficient mathematical modeling is required, for both steady and transient state, in order to provide a robust dynamical simulation to support the designing of coordinated protection schemes and operational control algorithms. The analysis also contributes to ensure network stability within the required quality issues. Therefore, this paper extends the dynamic phasors technique that is a widely employed method for modeling oscillatory systems, in order to develop, simulate and analyze the mathematical model of single phase full bridge inverter. A comparison between different types of numeric methods is made, to find the better option depending of the finality of the study. The technique focuses on three frequencies of interest: the network rate, the boost and the inverter stage frequencies. Based on dynamic phasors information, two PI controls are designed to control the DC an AC voltages, and new formulas for calculation of DC and AC powers are presented. Simulation results in Matlab and Simulink demonstrate the effectiveness of the work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] This article uses the technique of dynamic phasors. [•] Induction machine model with effect of the switching frequency of the inverter. [•] The extended model shows the oscillations in electric variables. [•] The dynamic phasors models are faster than detailed (EMTP) models. [•] The dynamic phasors models have more accurate than the TSP models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: One of the main sources of air pollution in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA), Mexico, is vehicle exhaust. In this study, emission factors (EFs) for PM2.5, organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), trace metals (Na to Pb), cations (Na+, K+, NH4 +) and anions (Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2−) from mobile sources operating under real-world conditions were determined using the Loma Larga Tunnel (LLT) as the experimental set-up. At each station, low-volume devices were deployed to collect 2.5 h-average PM2.5 samples. From the samples collected, PM2.5 EFs as well as chemical profiles were estimated. During the sampling periods conducted for this study, a fleet of 108,569 vehicles crossed the tunnel with average speeds that ranged from 43 km h−1 to 76 km h−1. 97% of the vehicle samples were gasoline-powered vehicles. Average emission rates of 22.8 ± 7.4 mg veh−1 km−1 and 187 ± 144 mg L−1 for PM2.5 were obtained. Contribution of dust resuspension to the total PM2.5 EFs was analyzed using silicon (Si) as a key marker and main component of fugitive dust. Based on this analysis, we estimated a contribution of dust resuspension of 20%–25%. Trace metals linked to brake-wear emissions indicate a clear distinction between down-slope and up-slope emission profiles. Even though PM2.5 EFs tended to be higher during downhill driving conditions, statistically we found no difference between these two driving modes. This could probably be caused by the cancellation of contributions between species that are preferentially emitted during downhill driving (more metal species and less OC and EC) and those emitted during uphill driving (more OC and EC, and less metals). Vehicular PM2.5 emissions were dominated mainly by OC and EC, species which represented 55.2 ± 2.8% and 16.3 ± 1.6% of the total dust-corrected emitted mass. The OC/EC ratio was 2.85 ± 0.79 and 1.19 ± 0.65 for heavy traffic and moderate traffic conditions, respectively. The results obtained match those of other tunnel studies and can be complementary to the results obtained by other techniques to derive a better emissions inventory for the MMA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Decentralized generation and microgrids are becoming more common in electric power systems. Each day, there are more renewable energy technologies such as wind energy conversion systems, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and storage systems with electronic converters that transfer the energy produced by this equipment. Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) implemented the whole system to guarantee the stability and the quality of electric parameters. Some of these subsystems operate in a continuous mode and others in discrete mode. It is important to develop models of these technologies so their dynamics can be analysed both over the short and long term. This paper uses the dynamic phasors methodology to develop an extended model for the boost converter as a device to be integrated with a PV array and transfer the energy produced to the load. Dynamic phasors include harmonics in the models, simulating complex nonlinear systems and big power systems in an accurate, efficient way. They constitute a useful simulation tool that fills the gap between Electromagnetic Transient Programs and Transient Stability Programs. In the achieved computational results, electric variables dynamics has been analysed, demonstrating good approximation of real states with load, irradiance, temperature, and duty ratio variations. This method needs less computational effort than other methodologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We conducted a systematic search of the literature to identify publications on the safety of exposure to Salmonella-based rodenticides by humans and animals. We included full-text publications that described the methods and presented their results satisfactorily. Of 545 publications retrieved, 47 were reviewed in full text and from those 12 were selected. Six reports featured cases of salmonellosis in humans, with fatal cases, associated with exposure to previous versions of this type of rodenticide. A clinical trial reported an increased frequency of diarrhea and fever in the group that ingested Biorat® (the current commercial form) containing Salmonella, however the difference from the control group was not signiicant, but the trial had methodological problems. Strains of Salmonella enteritidis from an earlier version of the rat poison (Ratin®) and those in the current version correspond to the same variety (Danyzs) and phage type (6a), and were found to be closely related using the technique of pulsed ield gel electrophoresis (PfGE). No pathogenic effects of this Salmonella were reported in different animal species tested; however, we found limitations in the methodology. We conclude that the Salmonella enteritidis contained in earlier rat poison formulations produced illness in humans so that its commercialization was prohibited, and that there would be a potential risk with the present formulation because it contains a very similar bacteria, and because there is not suficient evidence to guarantee its safety. Well-designed studies still need to be done by institutions that do not have a conlict of interest before it can be applied in the areas of public health and agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of a complete atrioventricular block with long QT syndrome is relatively common and carries a high risk of torsades de pointes (TdP) and sudden death. It is probably due to a downregulation of potassium channel currents ( IKs and IKr) that impairs ventricular repolarization, prolongs the QT interval and increases susceptibility to TdP, so it must be considered a channelopathy. This report describes a 6 year-old boy, with a complete atrioventricular block diagnosed at 5 months of age, who at the age of 1 year started having episodes of TdP associated with a prolonged QT interval. He was treated successfully with propranolol and with a pacemaker implant. At age 3 the complete atrioventricular block reversed spontaneously to a first degree atrioventricular block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The airshed shared by the Valley of Mexicali in Mexico and Imperial Valley in the United States frequently experiences high levels of particulate matter (PM) less than 10 m (PM10). However, very little information exists on the concentration and composition of fine PM (PM < 2.5 m, or PM2.5) in the region, particularly on the Mexican side of the border. This paper presents the results of two monitoring campaigns (November 23-December 17, 2004 and April 12-22, 2005) that were conducted to obtain, for the first time, detailed composition of PM2.5 in the city of Mexicali. In both campaigns, 24-hr average PM2.5 samples were collected using low-volume equipment. Samples collected on Teflon filters were analyzed for mass and 38 metals (Na to Pb), whereas samples collected on quartz filters were analyzed for anions (sodium, potassium, ammonium), cations (chloride, nitrate, sulfate), and carbon (organic [OC] and elemental [EC]). During the fall campaign, the monitored concentration exceeded 65 μg/m3(i.e., Mexico's PM2.5 air quality standard for 24-hr average samples) on four different days at one or more Mexicali sites. No exceedances were reported during the spring campaign. The contribution of main chemical species to the total mass indicated that organic material was the principal component (62% in fall and 56% in spring). Average secondary OC contributions to the total observed OC for the fall data was estimated at 14% (no day exceeding 30% contribution) and 47% for the spring data (with the minimum being 33% and the maximum 68%). Ammonium sulfate contributions exceeded ammonium nitrate contributions during the spring (16% vs. 7%), whereas the reverse occurred during the fall (5% vs. 10%). Geological material contributed 6% of the mass in the fall versus 10% in the spring. Overall the results indicate that PM2.5 in Mexicali is heavily influenced by anthropogenic sources, rather than from soil resuspension. Spatial and meteorological analysis of the data gives an indication that during the fall campaign local sources were the principal contributor to high-PM events, whereas during the spring campaign regional sources from southern California could have also contributed to the observed PM2.5 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A semi-industrial scale test was conducted to thermally treat mixtures of spent oil and askarels at a concentration of 50,000 ppm and 100,000 ppm of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) under a reductive atmosphere. In average, the dry-basis composition of the synthesis gas (syngas) obtained from the gasification process was: hydrogen 46%, CO 34%, CO2 18%, and CH4 0.8%. PCBs, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDDs/PCDFs) in the gas stream were analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry. The coplanar PCBs congeners 77, 105, 118, 156/ 157, and 167 were detected in the syngas at concentrations <2 X 10-7 mg/m³ (at 298 K, 1 atm, dry basis, 7% O2). The chlorine released in the destruction of the PCBs was transformed to hydrogen chloride and separated from the gas by an alkaline wet scrubber. The concentration of PCBs in the water leaving the scrubber was below the detection limit of 0.002 mg/L, whereas the destruction and removal efficiency was >99.9999% for both tests conducted. The concentration of PCDDs/PCDFs in the syngas were 8.1 X 10-6 ng-toxic equivalent (TEQ)/m³ and 7.1 X 10-6 ng-TEQ/m³ (at 298 K, 1 atm, dry basis, 7% O2) for the tests at 50,000 ppm and 100,000 ppm PCBs, respectively. The only PCDD/F congener detected in the gas was the octachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin, which has a toxic equivalent factor of 0.001. The results obtained for other pollutants (e.g., metals and particulate matter) meet the maximum allowed emission limits according to Mexican, U.S., and European regulations for the thermal treatment of hazardous waste (excluding CO, which is a major component of the syngas, and total hydrocarbons, which mainly represent the presence of CH4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is based on a case report that described a six-year old girl who had a confirmed diagnosis of acute Chagas' disease in Pozuzo (Oxapampa- Junín, central Peruvian jungle), a recognized non-endemic area for this condition. An epidemiological study was performed in the patient's household and the surrounding neighborhood. Households visited did not have appropriate conditions for colonization with Triatoma insects. These insects were not found in active searches performed at daytime hours; however, at night time searches, two insects were captured in the patient's home, and seven in the surrounding houses, and they were identified as adult Panstrongylus geniculatus, and two of the bugs were infected with Trypanosoma microorganisms. Every person interviewed identified the vector, and 8/13 of them reported having been bitten by these bugs, locally known as "chirimachas". Clinical and serological examinations looking for T. cruzi reactive among neighbors were negative. We think that knowing that this is a wild vector, its presence in a household is related to the growing extension of agriculture-dedicated areas in the jungle. As wild mammals and birds move towards more rural areas, this leads to changes in the Triatoma insects environment, and they start looking for food within households and sporadically attack human beings, with the consequent risk for T. cruzi transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azospirillum brasilense 8-I was chromosomally labeled with green fluorescent protein ( gfp) genes, using either the native promoterless gfp gene or the mutant gfpmut2 gene under the transcriptional control of the neomycin phosphate transferase ( npt2) promoter inserted into Tn 5 suicide plasmid vectors. One A. brasilense exconjugant, showing a steady and strong fluorescence following irradiation with 365-nm UV light was characterized in detail. This strain, A. brasilense 8-I- gfp showed increased N2-fixation of approximately threefold, up to a twofold increase in exopolysaccharide production, and a significant decrease in indole-3-acetic acid and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate production over the parental strain. Sequence analysis showed that the Tn 5 carrying the gfp gene was inserted in the clpX gene encoding a heat-shock protein. This data is consistent with a model in which the observed physiological changes are a consequence of pleiotropic changes that occur as a consequence of impaired heat shock (stress) protein synthesis. In summary, (i) chromosomally labelled Azospirillum brasilense was obtained carrying either native or mutant gfp genes, (ii) Pleiotropic physiological effects were caused by disruption of the clpX gene as the consequence of the insertion, (iii) a new indole-3-acetic acid-attenuated mutant of A. brasilense producing only 0.25% of the indole-3-acetic acid produced by the wild-type is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on lizard specie Anolis poncensis. It mentions that sexual behaviors presented by poncensis have been documented previously in other anole species, and already have possible explanations of their functions. It also mentions behavior of Anolis poncensis, a small-sized anole that inhabits exposed grassy areas.

An inventory of air pollutants emitted from forest and agricultural fires in Northeastern Mexico for the period of January to August of 2000 is presented. The emissions estimates were calculated using an emissions factor methodology. The inventory accounts for the emission of carbon monoxide (CO), methane, nonmethane hydrocarbons, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM). Particulate matter emissions include estimates for fine PM and coarse PM. A total of 2479 wildfires were identified in the domain for the period of interest, which represented ∼810,000 acres burned and 621,130 short tons emitted (81% being CO). The main source of information used to locate and estimate the extent of the fires came from satellite imagery. A geographic information system was used to determine the type of vegetation burned by each fire. More than 54% of the total area burned during the period of study was land on the State of Tamaulipas. However, >58% of the estimated emissions came from the State of Coahuila. This was because of the mix of vegetation types burned in each state. With respect to the temporal distribution, 76.9% of the fires occurred during the months of April and May consuming almost 78% of the total area burned during the period of study. Analysis of wind forward trajectories of air masses passing through the burned areas and 850-mb wind reanalyses indicate possible transboundary transport of the emissions from Mexico to the United States during the occurrence of the major wildfires identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to make known how machine learning is being implemented in information security. For this reason, the PRISMA methodology was chosen to identify articles in different databases in the last 5 years. The following databases were obtained: Scopus, Science Direct, Research Gate and Google Scholar. Subsequently, the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be applied, giving a result of 16 articles where machine learning is implemented in information security to answer the questions raised. In conclusion, the various techniques and/or algorithms of machine learning applied in information security is a need for organizations today for the protection of information, one of the most used algorithms being artificial neural networks. and the area where machine learning is most widely deployed for information security is the internet of things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work it is shown that artificial neural networks have certain characteristics that make them advantageous in the development of controllers in the different levels of control that microgrids must include to be economic, efficient and able to satisfy the energy power quality and quantity requirements. An objective of this paper is to bring attention to the promising applicability of artificial neural networks applied to the control of microgrid distributed generation sources, as well as in scheduling, power sharing, supervisory control and optimization. • Challenges of the microgrids for their incorporation to the main electrical network. • Artificial neural networks could be a tool to help overcome said challenges. • Applications of artificial neural networks at the control levels of a microgrid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usefulness of a nutrient-enriched zeolite (NEZ) obtained from simultaneous ammonium (NH 4 +) and phosphate (PO 4 3−) recovery from urban wastewaters was evaluated as soil amendment through the early growth of sunflower (Helianthus annuus). The NEZ systems were applied to sandy (acid) and clayey (basic) soils from Mediterranean agricultural areas (Spain). Some plant growth indicators were measured: evapotranspiration, plant moisture content, plant biomass, root/shoot ratio, nitrogen and phosphorous uptake and the C/N ratio. The experimental data exhibited differences in the growth indicators for un-amended and amended soils. The addition of the NEZ system increase the plant water content of sunflowers grown on clay soils. The plant biomass of sunflower was improved by the incorporation of NEZ system in all treatments for the two soils studied. A reduction of the root/shoot ratio for the treatments of clay soil by application of NEZ systems were observed. The content of ammonium and phosphorous in tissues increased considerably with the addition of amendment material. Besides, the ammonium, nitrate and inorganic phosphorous in the post-test soils revealed that nutrients were still available for a second growth cycle. As demonstrated in previous work, the NEZ system releases nutrients continuously controlled by soil pH and mineral composition as well as the irrigation conditions provided. Therefore, this approach of amendment materials for soil seems to be a promising alternative for agricultural practice, where the dose selection must be balanced according to the plant's nutrient needs and soil properties by adjusting the growth conditions. Unlabelled Image • Natural clinoptilolite in its potassium form was impregnated by hydrated metal oxides (Fe, Mn, Al). • Nutrient-enriched zeolites (NEZ) obtained from wastewater treatment were used as soil amendment. • The plant growth of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) was measured in amended and non-amended soils. • Biomass production of sunflower was improved above 50% using NEZ as soil amendment. • Nutrients from the urban waste water cycle were transfer to the agriculture in a circular approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on lizard specie Anolis evermanni, and mentions that behavior is the first documented record of sap feeding for anoles in Puerto Rico, and the second in the world.

From the standpoint of organic chemistry, heterocyclic scaffolds have many applications in the production of new drugs, natural products and complex molecules (known as biologically active compounds). Over the last decade, the utilization of nanomaterials as heterogeneous reusable catalysts has received considerable attention in organic chemistry. Mobil Composition of Matter (MCM) nanoparticles have received profound attention due to their valuable properties such as selectivity, ease in separation, eradicating the expensive materials and hazardous chemicals. Recently, many academic efforts have been devoted to employing mesoporous silica MCM nanocatalysts in the synthesis of heterocyclic scaffolds. In this review, we present recent exciting achievements in the utilization of heterogeneous reusable nanocatalysts for the synthesis of heterocyclic scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine particulate matter is of great concern in urban areas because it is one of the most heavily emitted pollutants by numerous emission sources. Several receptor models have been developed to estimate contributions of emission sources to the observed concentrations of air pollutants. Most of these tools require source profiles and uncertainties of the measured concentrations of the pollutants in the atmosphere. In addition, these receptor models have been widely applied using a trace element approach. However, a quick overview of the source contributions and key chemical species is desirable before selecting and applying a robust receptor model. Here, partial least squares (PLS) was applied as a preliminary source apportionment step for particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) attribution based on molecular organic markers. Given that PLS is an unweighted uncertainty model and that the uncertainties for organic species are not easy to quantify, Monte Carlo sampling (MC‐S) was performed as a complement to PLS to assess the variation of source contributions on the total PM2.5. These methods were performed using 43 samples collected during the spring and fall season monitoring campaigns. In general, source contributions obtained from the MC‐S results were not statistically different from the PLS original results, and uncertainties in ambient measurements did not have a significant influence on the source contributions. Finally, the source contributions were compared with those obtained by positive matrix factorization and chemical mass balance showing insignificant differences. The PLS and MC‐S fit well as preliminary and complementary tools for source apportionment based on organic molecular markers. The Monte Carlo sampling (MC‐S) can be used as a complement to unweighted PLS receptor modelling for source apportionment based on molecular organic markers given that the uncertainties for organic compounds are not easy to quantify. The variation of source contributions calculated by the unweighted PLS using different MC‐S did not exhibit statistically differences with the PLS results using the ambient concentrations estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropospheric levels of O3 have historically exceeded the official annual Mexican standards within the Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA) in NE Mexico. High-frequency and high-precision measurements of tropospheric O3, NOy, NO2, NO, CO, SO2, PM10 and PM2.5 were made at the Obispado monitoring site near the downtown MMA from September 2012 to August 2013. The seasonal cycles of O3 and NOy are driven by changes in meteorology and to a lesser extent by variations in primary emissions. The NOy levels were positively correlated with O3 precursors and inversely correlated with O3 and wind speed. Recorded data were used to assess the O3-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)-NOx system's sensitivity through an observational-based approach. The photochemical indicator O3/NOy was derived from measured data during the enhanced O3 production period (12:00-18:00 Central Daylight Time (CDT), GMT-0500). The O3/NOy ratios calculated for this time period showed that the O3 production within the MMA is VOC sensitive. A box model simulation of production rates of HNO3 (PHNO3) and total peroxides (Pperox) carried out for O3 episodes in fall and spring confirmed the VOC sensitivity within the MMA environment. No significant differences were observed in O3/NOy from weekdays to weekends or for PHNO3/Pperox ratios, confirming the limiting role of VOCs in O3 production within the MMA. The ratified photochemical regime observed may allow the environmental authorities to revise and verify the current policies for air quality control within the MMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a general formula and give an explicit expression of the Lefschetz zeta function for any quasi-unipotent map on the n -dimensional torus. The Lefschetz zeta function is used to characterize the minimal set of Lefschetz periods for Morse–Smale diffeomorphisms on the n -dimensional torus; we completely describe this set, for different families containing infinitely many Morse–Smale diffeomorphisms. Moreover we show that for any given odd integer, there are Morse–Smale diffeomorphisms such that the corresponding minimal set of Lefschetz periods consists of all square free divisors of the given number. The results of the present article generalize the previous results of Berrizbeitia–Sirvent [7] . The methods used are based on the arithmetical properties of the number n . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, companies handle a lot of sensitive information daily, which may be desired by unscrupulous people in order to obtain their own benefit, harming companies and customers. The paper focuses on the development of a login solution with double authentication, making use of user credentials and reading a QR code, through complementary mobile software installed on a verified device. The work provides the reader with an overview of information security, where the use of encrypted QR codes stands out, which, unlike fingerprint reading or facial detection, is extremely accessible on most mobile devices with cameras. and on different operating systems. You can also highlight the use of REST APIs to communicate the web application with the mobile application. The app proves to be a simple and effective way to improve login security for any business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a rare entity in which evidence for both prognosis and need for perinatal treatment is lacking. We aim to evaluate the characteristics, evolution and perinatal outcomes of reported cases, including one from our center. We performed a systematic review in Medline, Pubmed, and Embase databases for cohort studies or case series related to prenatally diagnosed isolated congenital CAF according to PRISMA guidelines. The search was restricted to articles published until January 2022, including a case report from our center. A descriptive analysis was performed, and perinatal characteristics were dichotomized by outcome (development of symptoms, as well as the need for surgery during the neonatal period). Strength of association between prenatal variables and outcome was evaluated through Odds Ratio. Only 27 cases of prenatal diagnosis of isolated CAF have been published, including our patient. Most had their origin in the right coronary artery (63%) and drained in the right ventricle (55.6%). Most cases (72%) developed progressive intrauterine dilation of the fistulous tract, which was usually associated with symptoms of cardiac overload, such as cardiomegaly (57.7%). Up to two-thirds of prenatally diagnosed patients developed heart failure symptoms in the neonatal period, and 84% required postnatal intervention. Prenatal diagnosis of both cardiomegaly and diastolic steal is associated with an OR of 52 and 41 of developing postnatal symptoms. Prenatal diagnosis of isolated CAF can be achieved with adequate tools and trained sonographers. The development of cardiomegaly and diastolic steal significantly increases the risk of developing postnatal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The government of Mexico is mandating increased use of gasoline-ethanol blends as a method for reducing air pollution. However, tests on light-duty vehicles have revealed mixed results in terms of fuel economy and emissions. In addition, little information on the performance of light-duty vehicles fueled by gasoline-ethanol blends exists outside the conditions in Mexico City. Fuel economy and emission factors for commercial Regular (87 octane) and Premium (92 octane) gasoline were compared to corresponding 5% v/v (E05R/E05P) and 15% v/v (E15R/E15P) ethanol blends under the conditions in Monterrey, Mexico, the third largest urban center in the country. Fuel economy was estimated under real-world driving conditions. CO2, CO, NOx, and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) emissions were measured for cold- and hot-start tests, as well as for constant-speed (40 km/h) real in-city driving. The highest fuel economy was achieved with pure gasoline, which decreased by as much as 4.4% when an E05R gasoline blend was used and as much as 9.9% when an E15R blend was evaluated. For the Premium blends, the fuel economy decrease was lower: 2.9% and 5.5%, respectively. Even more significantly, the newest vehicles tested experienced the lowest decrease in fuel economy. Overall, the Premium blends, and in particular the E15P blend, resulted in decreased CO, NOx, and HC emissions. However, mixed results for NOx emissions were obtained during the start tests. In addition, HC emissions were higher for the Premium blends compared to the corresponding Regular blends. CO2 emissions changes were not significant for the constant-speed tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Azospirillum brasilense increased activity of AGPase in Chlorella vulgaris under heterotrophic conditions. [•] This yielded a higher quantity of starch in the microalgae–bacteria interaction. [•] Either with sufficient or starvation conditions of nitrogen or phosphorus, C. vulgaris responded similarly to A. brasilense. [•] Using either d-glucose or sodium acetate as carbon sources yields similar effects. [•] Under conditions of starvation of nitrogen or phosphorus, A. brasilense reduces nutrient stress for C. vulgaris and increases its cell density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the capacity of fetal echocardiography for predicting the more likely surgical approach in newborns with coarctation of the aorta (CoAo) (left thoracotomy vs. median sternotomy). Material and Methods: We selected all cases of suspected CoAo prenatally diagnosed in 2003-2012 (n = 95). 49/95 were considered at high-risk and 46/95 at low-risk of CoAo, and 38/49 and 7/46 were postnatally confirmed, respectively. We firstly evaluated in 40 cases of CoAo surgically repaired (24 thoracotomy, 16 sternotomy) whether there were differences in fetal echocardiographic parameters between both groups. Secondly, we assessed the performance of these parameters for predicting the surgical approach in fetuses at high risk of CoAo. Results: Sternotomy approach was associated with higher rate of postoperative complications and longer hospital stay compared with thoracotomy (81.3 vs. 41.7%, p = 0.014; 30.5 vs. 15.4 days, p = 0.0004, respectively). The Z-score of the aortic isthmus, measured in the sagittal plane, was significantly smaller in the sternotomy group. In fetuses at high-risk of having CoAo a cut-off value of the isthmus Z-score ≤ -2.5 had sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 82% for predicting sternotomy approach, with 9% false positive cases in which CoAo was not confirmed. Discussion: The surgical approach for CoAo repair may be prenatally predicted by means of the Z-score of aortic isthmus, measured in the sagittal plane. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increasing demand for sustainable energy sources and the need to revalorize agro-industrial waste, this work presents the slow pyrolysis of a widely available agro-industrial biomass waste (pecan nut shells) in the presence of natural mineral additives such as dolomite, natural zeolite (clinoptilolite), and limestone (calcium carbonate), with a focus on elucidating the impact of the natural additives on increasing the quality of the pyrolysis products. In addition, the effect of a simple additive pretreatment (calcination) has been evaluated to develop an insight into its influence on the pyrolysis reaction. Slow pyrolysis of pecan nut shells was conducted using a lab-scale batch reactor, from room temperature to 600°C with a heating rate of 10 °C/min; the resulting products were collected and characterized with several instruments such as GC-MS and GC-TCD. Additive calcination caused chemical phase changes, a significant loss of total acid sites, reduction of surface area (except for calcined limestone), and elimination of micropores. A remarkable increase in the condensate product yield between 42% and 114% was observed for most tests where additives were used. Further investigation using GC-MS revealed that guaiacol and dimethoxyphenol were the primary products in the liquid phase, which underwent more pronounced deoxygenation when calcined additives were present in the pyrolysis tests, favoring the generation of organic derivatives (such as phenol, cresol, and xylenol) along with other molecules with low oxygen content. Calcined limestone showed the highest solid yield compared with the rest of the additives at the expense of liquid production. Furthermore, the presence of additives favored higher content of H 2 , CH 4 , CO and CO 2 in the gas products compared with the control test; the calcined limestone additive promoted the highest hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide concentrations in the gas due to CO 2 adsorption and mineralization, along with the enhancement of other reactions such as bio-oil decarbonylation, catalytic cracking and the Boudouard reaction. In turn, the H 2 /CO ratio obtained with this additive was also the highest, with a value of 1, making it a promising candidate for syngas-production applications. Overall, the present study contributes valuable insight into the utilization of pecan nut shells to produce fuel precursor molecules and other value-added products, emphasizing the impact of mineral additives on the pyrolysis outcome. Our findings suggest a potential alternative for the revalorization of overlooked agroindustrial byproducts, contributing to the development of more sustainable energy sources. [Display omitted] • Calcination of natural additives decreased their acidity and crystallinity. • Calcination pretreatment also enhanced calcium content in the additives. • Pyrolysis with calcined additives produced better condensate products. • Calcined additives promoted guaiacol and dimethoxyphenol deoxygenation. • The C-Cal additive showed the highest H 2 , CH 4 and CO yields in the gas product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A six-day tunnel field study was conducted in the city of Monterrey, Mexico, during June 2009 to derive on-road emission factors (EFs) for trace gases and fine particulate matter from the local vehicle fleet. The Loma Larga Tunnel (LLT) is a 532-m-long structure that is mainly used by light-duty gasoline-powered vehicles. It is composed of two independent bores that have a semicircular cross section, 17 m in diameter with a 3.5% slope. During the study, a fleet of 108,569 vehicles with average speeds that ranged from 43 to 76 km/hr was sampled. Ambient air samples were taken inside each bore using 6-L SUMMA-polished canisters and low-volume samplers for the quantification of total nonmethane hydrocarbons (TNMHC) and PM2.5, respectively. The effect of road dust resuspension was considered in the computation of PM2.5 EFs. Additional equipment was used to measure real-time levels of CO2 and NOx; CO EFs were estimated using NOx as a surrogate. TNMHC samples and NOx levels were obtained for 2-hr time periods, while PM2.5 samples and CO2 levels were obtained using 2.5-hr time periods, which included the time periods of the TNMHC and NOx measurements. Estimated EFs for TNMHC, CO, NOx, and PM2.5 were 1.16 ± 0.05, 4.83 ± 2.9, and 0.11 ± 0.07 g/km-veh (2-hr average) and 17.5 ± 5.7 mg/veh-km (2.5-hr average), respectively, while CO2 EFs were 182.7 ± 44 g/km-veh for the 2-hr time periods and 170 ± 22 g/veh-km for the 2.5-hr time periods. The average fuel economy estimated from the field data was 12.3 ± 2.3 km/L. The CO2 and TNMHC EFs (on a mass per distance basis) tended to be higher for traffic moving upslope, while the inverse occurred for the PM2.5 EFs. In comparison to other tunnel studies, the CO2 EFs obtained were similar, the NOx and PM2.5 EFs were lower, and the CO and TNMHC EFs were higher. Implications Mobile source emission factors (EFs) for Mexican cities other than Mexico City are scarce. In Monterrey, Mexico, one of the three major cities in the country, emissions inventories are constructed based on EFs from other locations. However, it is quite relevant to obtain local information to construct reliable inventories. We present what is, to our knowledge, the first tunnel study conducted in a Mexican city other than Mexico City to estimate fleet-average mobile source EFs. This is also the first study that reports PM2.5 EFs derived from a tunnel study in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: In general -algebras, elements with minimal norm in some equivalence class are introduced and characterized. We study the set of minimal hermitian matrices, in the case where the -algebra consists of complex matrices, and the quotient is taken by the subalgebra of diagonal matrices. We thoroughly study the set of minimal matrices particularly because of its relation to the geometric problem of finding minimal curves in flag manifolds. For the flag manifold of ‘four mutually orthogonal complex lines’ in , it is shown that there are infinitely many minimal curves joining arbitrarily close points. In the case of the flag manifold of ‘three mutually orthogonal complex lines’ in , we show that the phenomenon of multiple minimal curves joining arbitrarily close points does not occur. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Mexico, during 2004, the Law to Promote Transparent Financial Services came into effect. We describe the most salient dispositions of this law and the key measures that the central bank of Mexico has implemented, as well as the usage patterns of checks, electronic funds transfers and payments with bank cards at point of sale before and after 2004. The data shows a higher tendency towards using electronic payments and a lower real income for banks from electronic payments and bank cards provision, which coincide with the kind of measures enhanced by this type of regulation. However, we identify other elements that may have an influence over these patterns. We also describe the main changes of the new law that substituted the 2004 law in June 2007. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of N-aryl sulfonamides is usually an important reaction in organic synthesis because these compounds are privileged in the structure of many natural products and pharmaceutical molecules. Also, N-aryl sulfonamides are well-known due to their antibacterial, antitumor, and anti-HIV biological activities. Therefore, research on the laboratory synthesis of N-aryl sulfonamides is an important challenge in organic synthesis. In this review, we discussed on methods reported up to now for the synthesis of N-aryl sulfonamides with the goal of stimulating further progresses in this field. We believe that this review will open up a new road for the preparation of pharmaceutically and biologically active sulfonamides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variability of renewable energies and their integration into the grid via power electronics demands the design of robust control algorithms. This work incorporates two techniques to ensure the stability of a boost converter through its state equations, implementing the inverse optimal control and the gain-scheduling technique for robust control settings. In such a way that, under a single adjustment, it is capable of damping different changes such as changes in the parameters, changes in the load, the input voltage, and the reference voltage. On the other hand, inverse optimal control is based on a discrete-time control Lyapunov function (CLF), and CLF candidate depends on fixed parameters that are selected to obtain the solution for inverse optimal control. Once these parameters have been found through heuristic or artificial intelligence methods, the new proposed methodology is capable of obtaining a robust optimal control scheme, without having to search for new parameters through other methods, since these are sometimes sensitive changes and many times the process of a new search is delayed. The results of the approach are simulated using Matlab, obtaining good performance of the proposed control under different operation conditions. Such simulations yielded errors of less than 1% based on the voltage reference, given the disturbances caused by changes in the input variables, system parameters, and changes in the reference. Thus, applying the new methodology, the stability of our system was preserved in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Among the different lines of treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension are endothelin receptor antagonists. Macitentan is an orally active, potent and dual endothelin receptor antagonist. We want to report our initial experience with the use of macitentan in two pediatric patients. Highlights • Macitentan is an orally active, potent and dual endothelin receptor antagonist. • Among the different lines of treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension are endothelin receptor antagonists. • Today there are not enough data of safety and effectiveness of treatment with macitentan in children. • Initial experience with the use of macitentan in pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We assessed multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases and their household contacts (HHCs) to inform the development of an interventional clinical trial. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of adult MDR-TB cases and their HHCs in 8 countries with high TB burdens. HHCs underwent symptom screenings, chest radiographies, sputum TB bacteriologies, TB infection (TBI) testing (tuberculin skin test [TST] and interferon gamma release assay [IGRA]), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing. Results From October 2015 to April 2016, 1016 HHCs from 284 MDR-TB cases were enrolled. At diagnosis, 69% of MDR-TB cases were positive for acid-fast bacilli sputum smears and 43% had cavitary disease; at study entry, 35% remained smear positive after a median MDR-TB treatment duration of 8.8 weeks. There were 9 HHCs that were diagnosed with TB prior to entry and excluded. Of the remaining 1007 HHCs, 41% were male and the median age was 25 years. There were 121 (12%) HHCs that had new cases of TB identified: 17 (2%) were confirmed, 33 (3%) probable, and 71 (7%) possible TB cases. The TBI prevalence (defined as either TST or IGRA positivity) was 72% and varied by age, test used, and country. Of 1007 HHCs, 775 (77%) were considered high-risk per these mutually exclusive groups: 102 (10%) were aged <5 years; 63 (6%) were aged ≥5 and were infected with HIV; and 610 (61%) were aged ≥5 years, were negative for HIV or had an unknown HIV status, and were TBI positive. Only 21 (2%) HHCs were on preventive therapy. Conclusions The majority of HHCs in these high-burden countries were at high risk of TB disease and infection, yet few were receiving routine preventive therapy. Trials of novel, preventive therapies are urgently needed to inform treatment policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar has been used as an amendment for disturbed soils. However, the changes of the rhizobacterial community after the biochar addition in mine soils, has not yet been elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response in the rhizobacterial communities of Brachiaria decumbens during different reclamation processes of coal mining using biochar. Five treatments were carried out: control, mine soil + biochar, mine soil + biochar + Azospirillum brasilense, mine soil + biochar + arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal + Mortierella sp. DNA from the rhizospheric soil was sequenced by Ion Torrent. The relative abundance in each sample was calculated. The Proteobacteria (70%) and Actinobacteria (23%) phyla dominated the rhizobacterial community composition during the establishment time. Seven months after seeding, Actinobacteria decreased significantly, while Proteobacteria increased. The Acidobacteria phylum was higher in the control. There was a higher abundance of Proteobacteria with the biochar treatments than for the control, thus the baseline for the rhizobacterial community changes induced by biochar was provided. The alpha diversity index showed the effect of biochar on the diversity and dominance of the rhizobacterial communities. The hierarchical clustering tree showed a correlation between the treatments with biochar, and a significant differentiation between these and the control treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient carbon monoxide (CO) and meteorological parameters measured at the Egham (EGH) semi-rural site in SW London during 2000–2015 have permitted wind sector analysis of diurnal and seasonal cycles, and interpretation of long-term trends. CO daily amplitudes are used as a proxy for anthropogenic emissions. At EGH, morning and evening peaks in CO arise from the dominant contribution of road transport sources. Smaller amplitudes are observed during weekends than weekdays due to lower combustion emissions, and for mornings compared to evenings due to the timing of the development and break-up of the nocturnal inversion layer or planetary boundary layer (PBL). A wavelet transform revealed that the dominant mode of CO variability is the annual cycle, with apparent winter maxima likely due to increased CO emissions from domestic heating with summer minima ascribed to enhanced dispersion and dilution during the annual maximum of PBL mixing heights. Over the last two decades, both mitigation measures to reduce CO emissions and also a major switch to diesel cars, have accompanied a change at EGH from the dominance of local diurnal sources to a site measuring close to Atlantic background levels in summer months. CO observed in the S and SW wind sectors has declined by 4.7 and 5.9 ppb yr −1 respectively. The EGH CO record shows the highest levels in the early 2000s, with levels in E and calm winds comparable to those recorded at background stations in Greater London. However, since 2012, levels in S-SW sector have become more comparable with Mace Head background except during rush-hour periods. Marked declines in CO are observed during 2000–2008 for the NE, E, SE (London) and calm wind sectors, with the smallest declines observed for the S, SW and W (background) sectors. For the majority of wind sectors, the decline in CO is less noticeable since 2008, with an apparent stabilisation for NE, E and SE after 2009. The EGH CO data record exhibits a similar but slower exponential decay, but from a much lower starting concentration, than do CO data recorded at selected monitoring sites in urban areas in SE England. CO/CO 2 residuals determined using hourly averaged datain the diurnal cycle demonstrate a clear decline in CO from 2000 to 2015 during daily periods of increased vehicle traffic, which is consistent with a sustained reduction in CO emissions from the road transport sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) may avoid progression of critical aortic stenosis (CAS) to hypoplastic left ventricle, improving the options for biventricular circulation (BVC). We describe the results of FAV in 2 referral centers in Spain.Methods: We analyzed all FAVs performed in the period 2007-2015. The selection of candidates, the technique, and postnatal management were made following an agreed protocol. A descriptive analysis of survival, type of circulation after birth, and complications was made, considering all deaths in the first 48 h after FAV as FAV-related.Results: FAV was performed in 28 fetuses at a median gestational age (GA) of 23 weeks (range, 20-32). FAV was technically successful in 22 (78.6%), of whom 11 were born alive and with intention to treat. Eight (72.7%) resulted in BVC and 3 (27.3%) in univentricular circulation. The rate of FAV-related deaths was 32%. These patients underwent FAV earlier than live-born fetuses (median GA at FAV 22 weeks [range, 20.0-25.0] vs. 24.5 weeks [range, 21.0-32.0], respectively, p = 0.031).Conclusions: A significant proportion of fetuses with CAS who undergo technically successful FAV have BVC postnatally. However, FAV implies a high risk of fetal death, which highly depends on the GA at which this intervention is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prove that if { A n } n ≥ 0 is any Lucas sequence and p is any prime, then 4 A p admits a representation by one of two quadratic forms according to the residue class of p modulo 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate Maize (Zea mays L.) elite lines currently available in CIMMYT's lowland tropical breeding program in Latin America under multiple abiotic stresses and identify lines with tolerance to drought, N deficiency, and combined heat and drought stress (HTDS). An incomplete line-by-tester design was used to evaluate 436 testcrosses under nonstressed conditions, 507 under N deficiency, 417 under drought stress (DS), and 368 under HTDS in 30 season-by-location combinations between 2012 and 2015. Elite lines CLRCY016, CML269, CML550, and CML551 performed well across all conditions, while CLQRCWQ118, CLWN306, and CML576 showed good performance under DS and N deficiency. CML574 was tolerant to DS and HTDS. Moreover, CML550 and CML574 are known for their partial tolerance to maize lethal necrosis. Grain yield measured under DS was to some extent predictive of attainable grain yield under N-deficient conditions (r = 0.65; P < 0.01) and HTDS (r = 0.54; P < 0.01) as indicated by the correlation across treatments. The fact that only a few lines were tolerant across treatments re-emphasizes the need to separately screen germplasm under each abiotic stress. Based on high best linear unbiased predicted general combining ability (BLUP GCA), it will be possible to develop hybrids tolerant to multiple abiotic stresses without incurring any yield penalty under nonstressed conditions using these inbred lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ductal stenting (DS) is currently considered a reliable and safe alternative to surgery for maintaining duct patency in patients with duct-dependent pulmonary blood flow. However the presence of pulmonary overflow has been shown to complicate short-term progress in some patients. Although in most instances this complication is managed conservatively, serious events have been reported. We present two cases of pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum with pulmonary overflow after ductal stenting, which were successfully treated by implantation of multiple covered and bare metal coronary stents intra-stent. Highlights • Pulmonary overflow after ductal stenting can be managed percutaneously. • Implantation of covered coronary stents intra-stent is recommended. • Several stents are usually needed to achieve a successful ductal flow reduction. • The goal of the procedure is to achieve an oxygen saturation of 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documented the number and results of mycobacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing (CDST) in Mexico from 2009-2013 and assessed whether states with a higher risk of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) performed more CDST and had more cultures showing MDR-TB. Data for this longitudinal, descriptive, operational research study came from the electronic records of 31 state public health laboratories in Mexico. The total number of CDSTs was 6 470, increasing from 2 143 in the first 2 years to 4 327 in the latter 3 years. There was a significant increase in the proportion of cultures showing sensitivity to all drugs, from 53.1% to 60.9% in 2011-2013 (P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in the proportion showing MDR-TB, from 28.2% in 2009 to 19.8% in 2013 (P < 0.001). Cases of extensively drug resistant tuberculosis were < 1 % per year. In the 12 states with higher risk for MDR-TB, significantly more CDSTs (2 382 test) were done in 2011-2013 than in the other 19 states (1 945 tests). Also, for each year the proportion of cultures showing MDR-TB was significantly higher in high risk MDR-TB states than in lower risk ones (P < 0.001). During the 5-year study period, CDST was scaled up in Mexico, particularly in high-risk MDR-TB states where a higher proportion of cultures showed MDR-TB. Scale up and wider coverage of CDST should continue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To determine the use and performance of a line probe assay (LPA) compared with conventional culture and drug sensitivity testing (CDST) in patients registered with tuberculosis (TB) under routine program conditions in Peru in 2011-2013. Methods. This was a descriptive, operational research, cross-sectional study of sputum specimens from patients with smear-positive pulmonary TB and mycobacterial cultures from patients with smear-negative or positive TB. Drug resistance to rifampicin and/or isoniazid detected by LPA was compared to CDST. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated and reliability for detecting drug resistance was assessed through kappa coefficient, with values 0.61-0.80 showing substantial correlation, and 0.81 or above showing almost-perfect correlation. Results. In 2011-2013, there were 16169 LPA tests performed, with the proportion of TB patients receiving the test increasing from 3.2% to 30.2%. In all, 2 905 LPA test results were compared to CDST. For LPA in sputum specimens, sensitivity for rifampicin was 92%; isoniazid, 94%; and MDR-TB, 88%; while specificity for rifampicin was 92%; isoniazid, 92%; and MDR-TB, 95%. For LPA in mycobacterial cultures, sensitivity for rifampicin was 95%; isoniazid, 96%; and MDR-TB, 90%; while specificity for rifampicin was 85%; isoniazid, 91%; and MDR-TB, 94%. Kappa coefficients were at 0.81 or above for all comparisons of LPA with CDST using sputum specimens and cultures, except for isoniazid in cultures, which was at 0.79. Conclusions. This study suggests that LPA is a reliable and rapid screening test for drug-resistant TB and should be considered suitable for routine use and scale up in Peru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the evaluation of pecan nut shells as an alternative source of energy through pyrolysis and gasification. The physicochemical characteristics of the selected biomass that can influence the process efficiency, consumption rates, and the product yield, as well as create operational problems, were determined. In addition, the thermal decomposition kinetics necessary for prediction of consumption rates and yields were determined. Finally, the performance of a downdraft gasifier fed with pecan nut shells was analyzed in terms of process efficiency and exit gas characteristics. It was found that the pyrolytic decomposition of the nut shells can be modeled adequately using a single equation considering two independent parallel reactions. The performance of the gasification process can be influenced by the particle size and air flow rate, requiring a proper combination of these parameters for reliable operation and production of a valuable syngas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile-source emission inventories in countries such as Mexico still require empirical data to complement modeling tools because these tools are based on few local observations. In this study, emission factors (EFs) were determined for 10 light-duty gasolinepowered vehicles as a function of cruising speed under real-world driving conditions typical of the Monterrey metropolitan area, the third largest urban center in Mexico. Greater variability in the EF was found when the vehicles were operated at lower speeds, specifically at 10 km/h; however, above 40 km/h, the changes were marginal. Engine size was the factor that most influenced the emissions of CO2, which were significantly greater in vehicles with an engine size above 2 L. A reduction trend in the CO-to-NOx ratio of newer model vehicles was observed. Upon comparison of the experimental results with the results obtained from the MOBILE6.2-Mexico and the MOVES 2010a models, it was determined that the latter model better described the values of the EFs, the emission profile as a function of speed, and the CO-to-NOx ratio of the tailpipe gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]