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Neutron relative biological effectiveness factors in boron neutron capture therapy: Estimation of their values from the secondary charged particles and evaluation of weighted kerma factors for a standard tissue
No full textThe average Relative Biological effectiveness (RBE) factors for neutron irradiation in the context of a BNCT treatment are studied. This research considers the various interactions and secondary particles of each process and estimates the RBE based on the damage induced in tissues by all of these particles. A novel concept of estimating the biological dose by means of weighted kerma factors is introduced. These weighted kerma factors include the RBE of each energy deposition based on an RBE-LET relationship for secondary charged particles and can be directly incorporated in weighted dose calculations from Monte Carlo simulations. Furthermore, the dependence of the neutron weighting factor on neutron energy for standard soft tissue is discussed.Instituto de Salud Carlos III (DTS22/00147)Fundación Científica de la Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (INNOV223579PORR)La Caixa Foundation (CC21-10047)Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (PID2020-117969RBI00
Perspectives on microbial community changes produced by Hermitia illucens frass and their impact on soil suppression against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae
No full textBACKGROUND: Organic soil amendments rich in chitin have demonstrated significant potential promoting suppressive soils.
Suppressive soils inhibit the growth and activity of soilborne pathogens, being a sustainable alternative to chemical fumigation. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of frass produced from black soldier fly larva (BSFL), a novel chitin-rich
soil amendment, and other amendments enriched in chitin to promote suppressive soils against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae (Fol) and to assess the role of the microbial community on suppressiveness.
BSFL frass, compost, chitin and a mixture of compost and chitin were mixed with soil. Some soil mixes were incubated for
4 months to promote further changes in the microbial community structure. Then, incubated and non-incubated soil mixes
were inoculated with Fol to study the reduction of disease severity caused by Fol on lettuce and the evolution of soil microbial
communities.
RESULTS: Soils that were incubated with chitin or BSFL frass showed a significant decrease in Fol population density and disease
severity compared to the unamended and non-incubated soils (P < 0.05). Analyses of microbial community of soils incubated
with chitin and BSFL frass were compared to the non-amended soil, they were enriched on fungal and bacterial OTUs of microorganisms known as biocontrol agents such as Mortierellales, Trichoderma spp., Chaetomium globosum, Streptomyces, Bacillus
and Sphingomonas.
CONCLUSION: Soil incubated with chitin and BSFL frass seem to promote suppressiveness against Fol. Further studies on chitin
or BSFL frass concentration, incubation period or amendment rate are needed to improve soil suppressiveness.Consejería de Economía, Conocimiento, Empresas y Universidad de la Junta de Andalucía (E-RNM-494-UGR20)University of California Davis Global Affairs (2021–2022 Seed Grant
Medir el efecto del tamaño del vocabulario receptivo y productivo en las competencias en lenguas extranjeras
No full textThis work has been supported by Yıldız Technical University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit under project number SKD-2023-5467. Ethics committee approval was obtained from Yıldız Technical University with issue number 11/2022 on 09.11.2022.Vocabulary knowledge and usage play a significant role in developing English language skills. Determining students' vocabulary levels can be an effective way to track the development of their language skills and predict their test performance. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge and English language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking, and use of English) of 306 Turkish university students who are A1, A2, and B1-level EFL learners. Vocabulary knowledge was measured using the New Vocabulary Levels Test (NVLT) and the Vocabulary Levels Test-Productive (VLTP), while language skills were assessed through an English Proficiency Exam (EPE) and a speaking exam. The results revealed significant positive correlations between receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge, particularly at higher proficiency levels. Receptive vocabulary was found to be a much stronger predictor of language skills, especially for reading, listening, and use of English, than productive vocabulary which predicted performance in use of English. However, the impact of both vocabulary tests was more pronounced at higher proficiency levels. While vocabulary levels show some predictive power on specific language skills, their influence is limited overall. These findings suggest a nuanced relationship between vocabulary and language proficiency, offering valuable insights for educators and researchers.El conocimiento de vocabulario es fundamental para desarrollar habilidades en inglés. Evaluar los niveles de vocabulario de los estudiantes permite seguir su progreso y predecir su rendimiento en pruebas. Este estudio investigó la relación entre el conocimiento de vocabulario receptivo y productivo y las habilidades en inglés (lectura, escritura, escucha, habla y uso del inglés) de 306 estudiantes universitarios turcos de niveles A1, A2 y B1 de EFL. El conocimiento de vocabulario se midió con el New Vocabulary Levels Test (NVLT) y el Vocabulary Levels Test-Productive (VLTP). Las habilidades lingüísticas se evaluaron mediante un Examen de Competencia en Inglés (EPE) y un examen oral. Los resultados mostraron correlaciones positivas significativas entre el conocimiento receptivo y productivo, especialmente en niveles más altos. El vocabulario receptivo fue un predictor más fuerte de las habilidades lingüísticas, particularmente en lectura, escucha y uso del inglés, en comparación con el vocabulario productivo, que se relacionó más con el uso del inglés. Sin embargo, ambos tipos de conocimiento de vocabulario tuvieron mayor impacto en los niveles más avanzados. Estos hallazgos revelan una relación compleja entre el vocabulario y la competencia en el idioma, proporcionando información útil para educadores e investigadores.Yıldız Technical University SKD-2023-546
Raman Analysis of Roman Mosaics From the Upper Guadalquivir Valley (Spain)
No full textThis paper presents the results of the spectroscopic analyses carried out on two mosaics in the province of Jaén (Spain). They
were part of a wider research project (GeoChemMos) aimed at geochemically characterising and highlighting the value of a group
of mosaics discovered in the Upper Guadalquivir region. The first, the Tethys Mosaic, was analysed in situ at the Museum of
Jaén using portable Raman equipment. In the second case, the El Altillo Mosaic, a group of loose tesserae was analysed using
benchtop Raman, EDXRF instruments. This study was complemented with a petrographic analysis. The methodology used in
both cases resulted in a good characterisation of the wide repertoire of coloured tesserae analysed, with a predominance of those
made of limestone. Particularly noteworthy was the presence of ferruginous rocks in the Tethys Mosaic and lead glass tesserae in
the El Altillo Mosaic both being rather unusual materials, which gives both mosaics a unique character.Junta de Andalucía (PROYEXCEL_00269
Characteristics and actions in high-risk COPD in unstable patients: The EPOCONSUL audit
No full textObjective:
To assess the clinical characteristics of high-risk COPD patients considered not stable for having had moderate or severe exacerbations of COPD in the three months prior to the audited review visit based on information extracted from the medical record documenting health interactions prior to the visit, and to analyse the therapeutic measures adopted at the follow-up visit.
Methods:
This analysis used data from the EPOCONSUL audit, which evaluated outpatient care provided to COPD patients in respiratory clinics in Spain. This analysis included patients with a high-risk level of COPD and assessed patient non-stability at the audited visit defined based on moderate or severe exacerbations in the last three months that were reported at the follow-up visit. Results: 2008 high-risk patients were analysed. 30.1% of patients were considered unstable at visit. Factors associated with non-stability are dyspnoea (MRC-m) ≥2 (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.18–1.92; p = 0.001), chronic bronchitis criteria (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.15–2.25; p = 0.005), use of inhaled triple therapy (OR 1. 31, 95% CI 1.06–1.61; p = 0.010), use of oral therapies for COPD (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.23–2.28, p = 0.001), use of long-term oxygen therapy (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.07–1.73, p = 0.010), no follow-up in a specialist COPD clinic (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.11–1.87, p = 0.006). In 10.1% of the patients considered not stable, because at the medical visit they were referred to have had moderate or severe exacerbations in the last three months, no action was taken at the visit and in 56% there was no change in COPD pharmacological treatment. Triple therapy was the most commonly prescribed therapy (68% in non-stable patients). Twenty-five percent of patients on triple inhaled therapy are also prescribed oral therapy.
Conclusions:
One third of patients with high-risk COPD report exacerbations requiring treatment with antibiotics and/or systemic corticosteroids in the previous three months at the medical visit; and in more than half of these patients no changes in pharmacological treatment are made at the visit.Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR
Concept Mapping con R
No full textEste documento detalla un procedimiento completo para aplicar el método Concept Mapping en R con fines de análisis cultural. Utilizando datos de clasificación de tarjetas y puntuaciones de importancia y viabilidad de 76 ideas para mejorar una empresa, se construyen matrices de proximidad y se aplican técnicas como escalado multidimensional (MDS), análisis de conglomerados y gráficos Go-zone. Se analiza cómo diferentes perfiles de los participantes (según su experiencia y tamaño de empresa) valoran las ideas de mejora. El enfoque integra análisis cualitativos y cuantitativos, facilitando la comprensión de cómo se organizan colectivamente las percepciones y prioridades dentro de una comunidad.This document outlines a comprehensive procedure for applying the Concept Mapping method in R for cultural analysis purposes. Using card sorting data and ratings of importance and feasibility for 76 business improvement ideas, proximity matrices are constructed and techniques such as multidimensional scaling (MDS), cluster analysis, and Go-zone plots are applied. The analysis explores how different participant profiles (based on experience and company size) evaluate the improvement ideas. The approach integrates both qualitative and quantitative analysis, facilitating an understanding of how perceptions and priorities are collectively organized within a community
It’s Hard to Prepare for Task Novelty: Cueing the Novelty of Upcoming Tasks Does Not Facilitate Task Performance
No full textThis work was supported by an ERC Starting grant awarded to S.B. (European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, Grant agreement 852570Rapidly learning new tasks, such as using new technology or playing a new game, is ubiquitous in our daily lives. Previous studies suggest that our brain relies on different networks for rapid task learning versus retrieving known tasks from memory, and behavioral studies have shown that novel versus practiced tasks may rely on different task configuration processes. Here, we investigated whether explicitly informing about the novelty of an incoming task would help participants prepare for different task configuration processes, such as pre-adjusting working memory gating functions. We hypothesized that if different task configuration processes can be prepared for, a pre-cue informing about the novelty of the upcoming task should lead to better task performance. Across four experiments, participants were first trained on a subset of tasks, followed by a test session in which pre-cues were provided in some blocks but not others. After comparing task performance between cued and uncued blocks, our results provided no evidence supporting the benefit of cueing for both practiced and novel tasks, suggesting that people cannot prepare for different task configuration processes in the absence of concrete task information
Heuristics to Improve Player Experience and Playability in Pervasive Games for Older Adults
No full textThe adoption of advanced technologies by older adults faces significant challenges due to the technological gap, affecting their ability to fully enjoy innovations in their daily lives. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the realm of entertainment, where technological games can offer substantial benefits to those who venture to use them. Despite the growing interest of older adults in digital games, the complexity of these technologies can hinder their adaptation and effective use. Pervasive technological games, which integrate devices such as virtual assistants, mobile sensors, and virtual reality, represent an example of these innovations. This article explores the key factors for designing game experiences with some degree of pervasiveness that are adapted to the needs and characteristics of the older population, with the aim of improving the player experience and engagement.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., under the support UID/05105: REMIT – Investigação em Economia, Gestão e Tecnologias da Informaçã
Cardiac alterations induced by Trypanosoma cruzi extracellular vesicles and immune complexes
No full textBackground:
Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite responsible for American trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease (CD). This disease is characterized by the presence of cardiac or gastrointestinal symptoms in many patients during the chronic phase, with cardiac symptoms being the most common and severe, affecting approximately 30% of all patients. Although the origin of these pathologies remains unclear, several mechanisms have been proposed, involving factors related to T. cruzi and the host immune response. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been studied for their role in parasite-host cell communication, in modulating the host’s immune response and more recently as diagnostic tools.
Methodology and main findings:
In this study, we describe the role of EVs released by trypomastigotes and the immune complexes (ICs) they form with anti-T. cruzi IgGs (EVs-IgG) in the development of cardiac symptoms compatible with Chagas cardiomyopathy in mice. Autoantibodies detection, electrocardiographic, histopathological, and immunological analyses in mice’s hearts were performed.
The studies carried out revealed that, while the inoculation of EVs and ICs (seven intravenous injections of 2 µg of EVs and ICs over 21 days) did not elicit the appearance of autoantibodies, it led to ECG alterations (heart rate and PR interval), changes in heart cavity areas and wall thickness, and reduced expression of crucial proteins for heart function (connexin 43, tubulin, and dynein), as well as VCAM-1 and altered the cytokine expression profile in the heart. Finally, both EVs-inoculated and ICs-inoculated mice showed an increased presence of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in serum, suggesting that EVs or ICs may participate in the onset of cardiac damage.
Conclusions:
Our results confirm the ability of EVs shed by the infective forms of T. cruzi and the immune complexes they form with IgG to induce cardiac alterations in mice similar to those described in the literature, in T. cruzi-infected mice as well as in Chagas disease patients. This study highlights the role of EVs in the pathogenicity of Chagas disease and reinforces the importance of considering them as virulence factors in the development of Chagas disease.Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIFundación Ramón ArecesMinisterio de Ciencia Innovación y Universidades (PGC2018-099424-B-I00)Ministerio de Ciencia, Cultura y DeportesUniversidad de Granad
Exploring alternative solutions for sustainable waste management in the horticultural greenhouse sector
No full textIntensive agriculture is increasingly adopted due to its high productivity. However, it generates significant amounts of waste that are potentially harmful to the environment. For example, greenhouse horticulture is commonly practised in several Mediterranean countries and generates waste that is difficult to manage, especially plastics. Unfortunately, current waste management practices, such as incineration, landfilling or dumping, are often not sustainable. However, there are possible alternative solutions for sustainable waste management. Therefore, the objective of this article is to present alternative systems based on different models of cooperative management of waste generated in the horticultural greenhouse sector. Five alternatives were analysed in terms of their economic, social and environmental sustainability using expert knowledge processed with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The results show that there are alternative solutions to manage waste in a more sustainable way in the horticultural greenhouse sector, such as establishing collaboration between cooperative and managers, and the cooperative becoming the waste manager. None of the cooperatives in the region studied have currently implemented these two options. By adopting these alternative solutions, cooperatives can play a key role in promoting sustainable waste management practices in the horticultural greenhouse sector