Repositorio Universidad Europea del Atlántico
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Effects of Different Irrigation Rates on Remontant Strawberry Cultivars Grown in Soil
No full textThe present study assessed the responses, in terms of vegetative, productive, qualitative, and nutritional features, of plants and berries of three remontant strawberry cultivars cultivated in soil and irrigated using three irrigation regimes: standard irrigation regime (W100), 20% (W80) less irrigation than the standard irrigation, and 40% (W60) less irrigation than the standard irrigation. The tested plants were “Albion”, “San Andreas”, and “Monterey”, which were cultivated in the east coast area of Marche, Italy. Specifically, the study examined the response of the genotype to irrigation deficit, highlighting the performance of the “Monterey” cultivar, which showed improvement in terms of fruit firmness, folate content, and antioxidant capacity at the W80 irrigation regime without a significant yield reduction. In all the cultivars, when irrigation was reduced by up to 20% of the standard irrigation regime (W100), there were no significant losses of yield or reduction in the fruits’ sensorial quality or antioxidant activity. The results showed that the standard irrigation regime (W100) commonly adopted by the farmers in the Marche area uses more water than necessary. With more accurate water management, it will be possible to save almost 226 m3 of water per hectare per cultivation cycle
Fish Intake in Relation to Fatal and Non-Fatal Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies
Get PDFEpidemiological studies have shown that eating fish significantly reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality. However, more focused meta-analyses based on the most recent results from prospective cohort studies are needed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to update the association between fish intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk using recent prospective studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guideline was conducted based on a random effects synthesis of multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RRs) of high vs. low categories of fish intake in relation to CVD incidence and mortality. Non-linear meta-regression was applied to investigate the shape of the association between fish intake and CVD risk. Sensitivity analysis and stratifications by type of CVD outcome, type of fish intake and type of cooking were performed. Based on 18 papers reporting 17 independent estimates of CVD risk (1,442,407 participants and 78,805 fatal and non-fatal CVD events), high vs. low intake of fish corresponded to about 8% reduced CVD risk (RR = 0.93 [0.88–0.98]). According to a non-linear dose–response meta-regression, 50 g of fish intake per day corresponded to a statistically significant 9% reduced fatal and non-fatal CVD risk (RR = 0.92 [0.90–0.95]). Similarly, fish intake in the range of a weekly intake of two to three portions of fish with a size of 150 g resulted in 8% fatal and non-fatal CVD risk reduction (RR = 0.93 [0.91–0.96]). The recommended two portions of fish a week reduces the risk of CVD outcomes by approximately 10%. A full portion of fish a day reduces CVD risk by up to 30%
Natural infection of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) by Leishmania infantum in a municipality with a high incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in the Brazilian Midwest
No full textBackground: Here, Leishmania presence in sand flies from Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, after visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was investigated.
Methods: In April 2022, two light traps were deployed within and around the residence for two days post-VL case report.
Results: A total of 120 Lutzomyia longipalpis were collected. Suprapyloric flagellates were found in a female sand fly with eggs and residual blood during midgut dissection. Sequencing of ITS1 and cytb fragments confirmed Leishmania infantum DNA and identified Homo sapiens as the blood source, respectively.
Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring sand flies in VL endemic areas
Transmission Network Loss Reduction and Voltage Profile Improvement Using Network Restructuring and Optimal DG Placement
No full textThis paper introduced a method using hybrid combination of network restructuring and optimal placement of optimally sized distributed generators (DG) to reduce loss and improve voltage profile in a practical transmission network for scenario of high load demand for a period of ten years. A study is performed for four study cases which includes the test transmission network without considering optimal DG placement and network restructuring, considering network restructuring, optimal placement of DG units using proposed grid parameter oriented harmony search algorithm (GPOHSA) and considering hybrid combination of network restructuring and DG placement using GPOHSA. Network restructuring is achieved by addition of a new 400 kV Grid-substation (GSS) and a 220 kV GSS along with associated transmission system. GPOHSA is obtained by a modification in the conventional harmony search algorithm (HSA) where grid coordinates are used for locating the individuals in an objective space. Performance Improvement Indicators such as real power loss reduction indicator (SPLRI), reactive power loss reduction indicator (SQLRI) and summation of node voltage deviation reduction indicator (SNVDRI) are proposed to evaluate performance of each case of study. The period of investment return is assessed to evaluate the pay back period of the investments incurred in network restructuring and DG units. It is established that hybrid combination of network restructuring and DG units placement using GPOHSA is effective to meet the increased load demand for time period of ten years with reduced losses and improved voltage profile. Investment incurred on the network restructuring and DG units placement will be recovered in a time period of 4 years. Effectiveness of the GPOHSA is better relative to the conventional genetic algorithm (GA) for DG unit placement. The study is performed using the MATLAB software on a practical transmission network in India
Secure Data Management Life Cycle for Government Big-Data Ecosystem: Design and Development Perspective
No full textThe rapid generation of data from various sources by the public sector, private corporations, business associations, and local communities is referred to as big data. This large and complex dataset is often regarded as the ‘new oil’ by public administrations (PAs), and data-driven approaches are employed to transform it into valuable insights that can improve governance, transparency, digital services, and public engagement. The government’s big-data ecosystem (GBDE) is a result of this initiative. Effective data management is the first step towards large-scale data analysis, which yields insights that benefit your work and your customers. However, managing big data throughout its life cycle is a daunting challenge for public agencies. Despite its widespread use, big data management is still a significant obstacle. To address this issue, this study proposes a hybrid approach to secure the data management life cycle for GBDE. Specifically, we use a combination of the ECC algorithm with AES 128 BITS encryption to ensure that the data remain confidential and secure. We identified and analyzed various data life cycle models through a systematic literature review to create a data management life cycle for data-driven governments. This approach enhances the security and privacy of data management and addresses the challenges faced by public agencies
Eficacia de la exposición prolongada como técnica de primera elección para el trastorno de estrés post-traumático
No full textEste artículo se centra en estudiar la eficacia de la terapia de exposición prolongada (EP), un programa de tratamiento desarrollado específicamente para tratar el trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT). A lo largo del documento se revisará el mecanismo de funcionamiento del TEPT y la eficacia de la EP para esta patología en diferentes perfiles de personas. Por otro lado, se comparan los resultados obtenidos evidenciando que la EP no es la única ni la mejor opción terapéutica para toda la población. Se debe seguir investigando para identificar los factores que interfieren en la efectividad de dicha intervención, considerada hasta hoy de primera elección para el tratamiento del TEPT
Can the phenolic compounds of Manuka honey chemosensitize colon cancer stem cells? A deep insight into the effect on chemoresistance and self-renewal
No full textManuka honey, which is rich in pinocembrin, quercetin, naringenin, salicylic, p-coumaric, ferulic, syringic and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids, has been shown to have pleiotropic effects against colon cancer cells. In this study, potential chemosensitizing effects of Manuka honey against 5-Fluorouracil were investigated in colonspheres enriched with cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for chemoresistance. Results showed that 5-Fluorouracil increased when it was combined with Manuka honey by downregulating the gene expression of both ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2, an efflux pump and thymidylate synthase, the main target of 5-Fluorouracil which regulates the ex novo DNA synthesis. Manuka honey was associated with decreased self-renewal ability by CSCs, regulating expression of several genes in Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog and Notch pathways. This preliminary study opens new areas of research into the effects of natural compounds in combination with pharmaceuticals and, potentially, increase efficacy or reduce adverse effects
Evaluation of the polyphenolic profile of native Ecuadorian stingless bee honeys (Tribe: Meliponini) and their antibiofilm activity on susceptible and multidrug-resistant pathogens: An exploratory analysis
No full textBiofilms are associated with infections that are resistant to conventional therapies, contributing to the antimicrobial resistance crisis. The need for alternative approaches against biofilms is well-known. Although natural products like stingless bee honeys (tribe: Meliponini) constitute an alternative treatment, much is still unknown. Our main goal was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of stingless bee honey samples against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens through biomass assays, fluorescence (cell count and viability), and scanning electron (structural composition) microscopy. We analyzed thirty-five honey samples at 15% (v/v) produced by ten different stingless bee species (Cephalotrigona sp., Melipona sp., M. cramptoni, M. fuscopilosa, M. grandis, M. indecisa, M. mimetica, M. nigrifacies, Scaptotrigona problanca, and Tetragonisca angustula) from five provinces of Ecuador (Tungurahua, Pastaza, El Oro, Los Ríos, and Loja) against 24-h biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis. The present honey set belonged to our previous study, where the samples were collected in 2018–2019 and their physicochemical parameters, chemical composition, mineral elements, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) were screened. However, the polyphenolic profile and their antibiofilm activity on susceptible and multidrug-resistant pathogens were still unknown. According to polyphenolic profile of the honey samples, significant differences were observed according to their geographical origin in terms of the qualitative profiles. The five best honey samples (OR24.1, LR34, LO40, LO48, and LO53) belonging to S. problanca, Melipona sp., and M. indecisa were selected for further analysis due to their high biomass reduction values, identification of the stingless bee specimens, and previously reported physicochemical parameters. This subset of honey samples showed a range of 63–80% biofilm inhibition through biomass assays. Fluorescence microscopy (FM) analysis evidenced statistical log reduction in the cell count of honey-treated samples in all pathogens (P <0.05), except for S. aureus ATCC 25923. Concerning cell viability, C. tropicalis, K. pneumoniae ATCC 33495, and K. pneumoniae KPC significantly decreased (P <0.01) by 21.67, 25.69, and 45.62%, respectively. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated structural biofilm disruption through cell morphological parameters (such as area, size, and form). In relation to their polyphenolic profile, medioresinol was only found in the honey of Loja, while scopoletin, kaempferol, and quercetin were only identified in honey of Los Rios, and dihydrocaffeic and dihydroxyphenylacetic acids were only detected in honey of El Oro. All the five honey samples showed dihydrocoumaroylhexose, luteolin, and kaempferol rutinoside. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first study to analyze stingless bees honey-treated biofilms of susceptible and/or MDR strains of S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and Candida species
Virtues and shortcomings of guidance and tutoring in higher education: a longitudinal study of the TIMONEL Project
No full textThis research is established within the framework of Project TIMONEL, developing in three phases under a concurrent mixed research model. The ultimate goal was to create a Web Recommendation System (RS) to complete the tutorial and guidance work of university professors. Both qualitative and quantitative data are collected from a large sample of students and professors from different European universities on the needs and situation of guidance practice (phase 1). In addition, certain cases are investigated and the reasons, knowledge, feelings and good practices in guidance and tutoring are explored, in order to identify opportunities for improvement and elements that enable the design of the RS (phase 2). The data collected in the first and second phases of project development were used to finally build a SR capable of receiving feedback from user contributions (phase 3). Finally, the SR was evaluated, proving to be a tool of great use for university students and faculty
Tracking the National Early Warning Score 2 from prehospital care to the emergency department: A prospective, ambulance-based, observational study
No full textAim of the study: To assess the prognostic ability of the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) at three time points of care -at the emergency scene (NEWS2-1), just before starting the transfer by ambulance to the hospital (NEWS2- 2), and at the hospital triage box (NEWS2-3)- to estimate in-hospital mortality after two days since the index event.
Methods: Prospective, multicenter, ambulance-based, cohort ongoing study in adults (>18 years) consecutively attended by advanced life support (ALS) and evacuated with high-priority to the emergency departments (ED) between October 2018 and May 2021. Vital sign measures were used to calculate the NEWS2 score at each time point, then this score was entered in a logistic regression model as the single predictor. Two outcomes were considered: first, all-cause mortality of the patients within 2 days of presentation to EMS, and second, unplanned ICU admission. The calibration and scores comparison was performed by representing the predicted vs the observed risk curves according to NEWS score value.
Results: 4943 patients were enrolled. Median age was 69 years (interquartile range 53- 81). The NEWS2-3 presented the better performance for all-cause two-day in-hospital mortality with an AUC of 0.941 (95% CI: 0.917-0.964), showing statistical differences with both the NEWS2-1 (0.872 (95% CI: 0.833-0.911); p < 0.003) and with the NEWS2- 2 (0.895 (95% CI: 0.866-0.925; p < 0.05). The calibration and scores comparison results showed that the NEWS2-3 was the best predictive score followed by the NEWS2-2 and the NEWS2-1, respectively.
Conclusions: The NEWS2 has an excellent predictive performance. The score showed a very consistent response over time with the difference between “at the emergency scene” and “pre-evacuation” presenting the sharpest change with decreased threshold values, thus displaying a drop in the risk of acute clinical impairment