Search Results (88)

The development of sustainable cementitious materials is crucial to reduce the environmental footprint of the construction industry. Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) have emerged as promising environmentally friendly alternatives; however, their compatibility with natural stone in heritage structures remains poorly understood, especially regarding salt migration and related damage to stones. This study presents a novel methodology for assessing salt movement in solid materials between two types of stones—Boñar and Silos—and two types of binders: blended Portland cement (BPC) and an AAM. The samples underwent capillarity and immersion tests to evaluate water absorption, salt transport, and efflorescence behavior. The capillarity of the Silos stone was 0.148 kg·m⁻²·t^−0.5, whereas this was 0.0166 kg·m⁻²·t^−0.5 for the Boñar stone, a ninefold difference. Conductivity mapping and XRD analysis revealed that AAM-based mortars exhibit a significantly higher release of salts, primarily sodium sulfate, which may pose a risk to adjacent porous stones. In contrast, BPC showed lower salt mobility and different salt compositions. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating the compatibility between alternative binders and heritage stones. The use of AAMs may pose significant risks due to their tendency to release soluble salts. Although, in the current experiments, no pore damage or mechanical degradation was observed, additional studies are required to confirm this. A thorough understanding of salt transport mechanisms is therefore essential to ensure that sustainable restoration materials do not inadvertently accelerate the deterioration of structures, a process more problematic when the deterioration affects heritage monuments. Full article

Background: Benzodiazepines (BZDs), commonly used to treat insomnia and anxiety, are increasingly used in Spain, raising concerns due to their potential for abuse and dependence. This study investigates the use of BZDs and other psychotropic medications among healthcare workers, exploring their prevalence, associated factors, and their relationship with mental health issues following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted among healthcare workers at the Salamanca University Healthcare Complex (CAUSA) from March 2023 to January 2024. Of 1121 participants, 685 provided complete responses, which were analysed. Insomnia, anxiety, and depression were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Results: Of the respondents, 23.8% reported using sleep medication, with 27.8% doing so without a prescription. Additionally, 14.7% used medication for depression or anxiety, with only 0.6% without a prescription. Hypnotic medicine use was associated with older age, insomnia, anxiety, depression, psychological or psychiatric treatment, COVID-19 after-effects, and diagnosed sleep disorders. Night-shift work was associated with increased hypnotic medication use in men but not in women. The use of these medications was linked to a reduced quality of life and impaired work performance. Conclusions: The use of BZD and self-medication are prevalent among healthcare professionals, exceeding the rates observed in the general population. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address psychotropic medication use, promote other pharmacological and non-pharmacological alternatives for insomnia, and enhance mental health support for this vulnerable population. Full article

Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) significantly increase morbidity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. In this study, we examined clinical and genetic factors associated with EIMs in 414 Latin IBD patients, utilizing machine learning for predictive modeling. In our IBD group (314 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 100 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients), EIM presence was assessed. Clinical differences between patients with and without EIMs were analyzed using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests. Based on the genetic data of 232 patients, we identified variants linked to EIMs, and the polygenic risk score (PRS) was calculated. A machine learning approach based on logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting (GB) models was employed for predicting EIMs. EIMs were present in 29% (120/414) of patients. EIM patients were older (52 vs. 45 years, p = 0.01) and were more likely to have a family history of IBD (p = 0.02) or use anti-TNF therapy (p = 0.01). EIMs were more common in patients with CD than in those with UC without reaching statistical significance (p = 0.06). Four genetic variants were associated with EIM risk (rs9936833, rs4410871, rs3132680, and rs3823417). While the PRS showed limited predictive power (AUC = 0.69), the LR, GB, and RF models demonstrated good predictive capabilities. Approximately one-third of IBD patients experienced EIMs. Significant risk factors included genetic variants, family history, age, and anti-TNF therapy, with predictive models effectively identifying EIM risk. Full article

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most widely used polymers due to its physical properties and versatility. Water consumption of the suspension method is a critical issue that hinders competitiveness. In that case, this study implements water integration through direct recycling, with the aim of minimizing both freshwater consumption and wastewater generation. The source–sink diagram was used to generate the recycled water network, and the integrated process was simulated using software. From simulation data, the water–energy–product (WEP) analysis method was used to assess the process performance, and sustainability indicators for water, energy, and product were evaluated. Fractional water consumption and wastewater production ratio indicators increased to 51.1% and 55.0%, compared to 41% and 54% in the non-integrated process, showing improved water efficiency and cost reduction. The unreacted material reuse index reached 100%, while the production yield was 99.8%, due to effective recycling of unreacted VCM. The use of natural gas and energy integration led to optimal performance in TCE, NGCI, and EECI indicators. However, the ESI indicator was high (3.59 MJ/t) due to energy demands from thermal control equipment for water recirculation. Full article

PVC has become an indispensable material worldwide. However, its production method (suspension) presents significant sustainability challenges, such as negative environmental impacts and high operational costs due to energy consumption. For this reason, a combined analysis was conducted involving energy integration using Aspen Energy Analyzer™ V14 software and a technical process analysis. This methodology aims to reduce industrial utility consumption and assess the sustainability performance of this alternative. The integration through pinch analysis revealed that it is possible to reduce the energy consumption of the process by 29% in heating utilities and 6% in cooling utilities. The minimum utility requirements were 21 GJ/h for heating (down from 29 GJ/h) and 131 GJ/h for cooling (down from 139 GJ/h). This reduction resulted in approximately a 41% decrease in utility costs. Additionally, the reduction in burner energy consumption led to lower greenhouse gas emissions, with a decreased natural gas consumption of approximately 279 m³. However, only two streams could be integrated due to technical process limitations; therefore, it is recommended to explore integrations with complex operations such as reactors and phase-change processes. In addition to this, the WEP technical evaluation yielded promising results showing a decrease in the specific energy intensity by 3219.506 MJ/t (being 4681.8 MJ/t), which represents an economic saving in industrial services (energy purposes) of approximately USD 886.000 per year, satisfying the optimization of the process despite the limitations when integrating it energetically. Finally, a more in-depth analysis should be conducted to further integrate other streams of the process to reduce utilities consumption. Full article

Background/Objectives: Universities serve as crucibles for molding future healthcare providers, instilling medical expertise and ethical frameworks crucial for their role as custodians of health. Yet, integrating anti-doping education into university curricula remains largely underexplored, particularly among future physicians. The aim of this research was to evaluate the students’ understanding of anti-doping within the bachelor’s degree in medicine in Mexico. Methods: Five hundred and forty-nine bachelor students in medicine (151 males, 351 females, and 7 participants identifying as non-binary) from six universities in Mexico filled out a validated questionnaire regarding general anti-doping knowledge. This questionnaire was an adapted form of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Play True Quiz and included 36 multiple-choice questions. The results were converted into a scale from 0 to 100 points to evaluate anti-doping knowledge. Results: Students scored 55.30 ± 9.08 points (range = 28–83 points). Fourteen questions indicated an error rate higher than 50% within the sample. The course had no impact on the scores achieved in the anti-doping knowledge questionnaire (p > 0.05). Students who engaged in sports demonstrated higher scores in anti-doping knowledge compared to those who did not participate in any type of exercise (56.10 ± 9.04 vs. 54.19 ± 9.10 points; p = 0.008). Conclusions: It was determined that the knowledge of essential anti-doping regulations and doping prevention strategies among bachelor’s degree medical students in Mexico was found to be suboptimal. Doping prevention should be included in the syllabus of the bachelor’s degree in medicine to help future doctors avoid professional errors, whether negligent or intentional. Full article

As the demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has increased, renewable resources have been explored for the development of biobased composites. Two biobased composite materials were developed from thermoplastic starch (TPS), short fibers from plantain pseudostems sheaths and the starch from the plantain pseudostem core, using twin-screw extrusion and compression molding. Based on the findings, there is evidence of a biobased composite material with reduced water absorption of up to 9.9%, keeping thermal stability at a degradation temperature between 300 and 306 °C and increasing tensile properties by over 506%, although hardness showed slight increases (4.6%). In addition, the capacity of the sheath to generate a water vapor barrier is highlighted by reducing the magnitude of losses in mechanical properties during storage for a period of 8 days. This study contributes to the use of agricultural residues to create sustainable products, offering a pathway toward reducing dependency on synthetic polymers and mitigating environmental impact. Full article

Background: Analyzing Y-chromosome short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) is essential in forensic genetics and population studies. The Yfiler™ Plus kit, which includes 27 Y-STR markers, enhances the discrimination power for forensic and kinship applications. However, this genetic system has not been analyzed in Mexican populations, which limits its application and representativeness in international databases. Objectives: We wished to examine the genetic diversity and forensic parameters of the 27 Y-STRs included in the YFiler™ Plus kit in two populations from Western Mexico (Jalisco and Michoacán). Methods: Male DNA samples were amplified using the Yfiler™ Plus kit, followed by a fragment analysis via capillary electrophoresis (CE). The haplotype frequencies and forensic parameters were calculated. The haplogroups of all samples were predicted, and the distribution and percentages of ancestries were determined. The Rst genetic distances, including reference populations, were calculated and graphically represented in a multidimensional scaling (MDS) plot. Results: A total of 224 haplotypes were identified in all of the samples, of which 98.66% corresponded to unique haplotypes. Bi- and tri-allelic patterns were observed in both populations. The observed discriminatory capacity was 98.4% for Jalisco and 98.9% for Michoacán, while the haplotype diversity values were 0.9998 and 0.9997, respectively. The most frequent haplogroup was R1b, followed by Q, representing the European and Native American ancestries, in both populations. Conclusions: This study is the first to report the haplotype diversity and forensic parameters of the 27 Y-STRs included in the Yfiler™ Plus kit in Mexican populations. These findings confirm the forensic utility of these markers for human identification, biological relationship testing, and criminal investigations, reinforcing their applicability in forensic casework. Full article

Background: Insomnia significantly impairs healthcare worker (HCW) well-being, particularly amid COVID-19 sequelae and shift work demands. We aimed to assess the prevalence of insomnia among HCWs, identify those needing clinical intervention, analyze shift work as a potential risk factor, and explore associations with COVID-19 sequelae and psychiatric comorbidities. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered at the University of Salamanca University Care Complex (CAUSA) from March 2023 to January 2024. Validated scales (Insomnia Severity Index, Patient Health Questionnaire-4, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2) were used to measure insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Participants scoring ISI ≥ 7 were invited for Occupational Medicine follow-up. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. Results: Overall, 1121 HCWs participated (mean age 44.59 ± 11.78, 78.3% women). The mean ISI score was 10.5 ± 5.8 (subclinical insomnia), with 22.7% reporting moderate and 3% reporting severe insomnia. Depression and anxiety affected 28.4% and 33% of respondents, respectively. Shift workers had poorer sleep (mean ISI 11.3 ± 0.9 vs. 8.8 ± 0.3, p < 0.001). Individuals reporting COVID-19 sequelae were 3.1 times more likely to have insomnia than those who did not (mean ISI 13.89 ± 5.9 vs. 10.33 ± 5.7, p < 0.001). Over one-quarter reported at least the monthly use of sleep or psychiatric medications. Conclusions: Insomnia remains prevalent among HCWs, influenced by shift work, COVID-19 sequelae, and mental health factors. Targeted, multidisciplinary interventions, e.g., workplace policy changes, mental health programs, and shift schedule adjustments) are urgently needed to safeguard well-being, reduce burnout, and maintain quality patient care. Ensuring adequate sleep is central to minimizing errors and preserving professional performance. Future studies should investigate the impact of coordinated workplace strategies to effectively address insomnia. Full article

Spent coffee grounds constitute a waste product that has attracted potential interest as a rich source of secondary metabolites such as polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. In this work, aqueous extracts from samples of different spent coffee grounds from Costa Rica were prepared and analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry using a quadrupole time-of-flight analyzer (UPLC-QTOF-ESI MS). This allowed for the identification of twenty-one compounds, including fourteen phenolic acids, three caffeoylquinic lactones, and four atractyligenin diterpenes. In addition, using UPLC coupled with a diode array detector (UPLC-DAD), we quantified the levels of caffeine (0.55–3.42 mg/g dry weight [DW]) and six caffeoylquinic and feruloylquinic acids (0.47–5.34 mg/g DW). The highest value was found for the fine-grind sample (EXP), both for phenolic acids and for total polyphenols (9.59 mg gallic acid equivalents [GAE]/g DW), compared to 2.13 and 1.70 mg GAE/g DW for the medium-grind (GR) and coarse-grind samples (PCR), respectively. The results obtained from the antioxidant evaluations using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (IC₅₀ 0.0964–6.005 g DW/L), the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (PFRAP) analysis (0.0215–0.1385 mmol FeSO₄/g DW), the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assessment (45.7–309.7 μmol Trolox/g DW), and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay (3.94–23.47 mg Trolox/g DW) also showed the best values for the fine-grind sample, with results similar to or higher than those reported in the literature. Statistical Pearson correlation analysis (p < 0.05) indicated a high correlation (R ≥ 0.842) between all antioxidant analyses, the total polyphenols, and the phenolic acid quantification using UPLC-DAD. These results show the potential for further studies aiming to exploit this waste product’s bioactive properties, constituting the first detailed study of spent coffee grounds from Costa Rica. Full article

This study addresses solar energy applications in protected agriculture, focusing on greenhouses and related technologies. A bibliometric and technical analysis is developed, covering research published between 1976 and 2024, to identify the main trends and challenges in the use of solar energy in controlled environments. The methodology was based on the PRISMA approach, using the Scopus database to retrieve relevant documents. From an initial total of 221 documents, 216 were selected after a filtering and debugging process, ensuring the relevance of the final set. In the analytical phase, the results showed a moderate growth of 3.68% in the annual publication rate, highlighting the impact of research on solar energy’s application to air conditioning and energy efficiency in greenhouses. Most of the studies reviewed feature hybrid systems that combine solar energy with other resources, and we highlight both advances in climate control through artificial intelligence and the implementation of photovoltaic and thermal technologies to improve the energy efficiency of agricultural systems. The results also underline the importance of tomato cultivation in the selected studies, reflecting its global economic impact. The conclusions highlight the need for the further integration of energy storage and desalination technologies, especially in arid regions with high solar irradiation, to ensure the sustainability of greenhouses. It is proposed that future research should address the wider implementation of hybrid systems and advanced climate control technologies, optimizing both the use of energy resources and the performance of crops under cover. In addition, it is recommended that international collaboration be strengthened to address technical and climatic challenges in protected agriculture and to expand the adoption of innovative solutions in different geographical contexts. Full article

The increasing concern for sustainability in the footwear industry has spurred the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives for materials commonly used in sole manufacturing. This study examined the effect of incorporating rice straw and cellulose as fillers into soles made from either styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Both fillers were used as a substitute in mass percentages ranging from 5 to 20% in the original SBR and TPU formulas, and their impact on mechanical properties such as abrasion and tear resistance, as well as thermal properties, was thoroughly evaluated. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of fillers affects the overall performance of the soles, with the optimal balance of mechanical and thermal properties observed at a 10% filler content. At this level, improvements in durability were achieved without significantly compromising flexibility or abrasion resistance. Thermal analysis revealed increased thermal stability at moderate filler contents. This research not only offers a sustainable alternative to traditional materials but also enhances sole performance by improving the composition. Furthermore, this study paves the way for future research on the feasibility of incorporating eco-friendly materials into other consumer product applications, highlighting a commitment to innovation and sustainability in product design. Full article

Developing the company’s capacity to deal with changing environments means ceasing to see processes as a traditional and linear model. Therefore, the objective of this research is to apply VSM to HRM to show its complexity. It is qualitative research, which is carried out in two moments. The first consists of a literature review in the WoS, and the second, is the design of the model “MV-HRM”, based on the approach of complex adaptive systems, viable system model, soft system methodology, and holistic theory. The MV-HRM consists of five systems: (S1) HRM processes, (S2) information system (S4) operational control, (S4) strategic planning and (S5) governance. The model emphasizes the relationships and interactions it has with its immediate and future environment. Finally, the contribution of the research is to show another look and understanding of the functioning of HRM, in addition to awakening the interest of strategists to develop best practices that allow them to respond in an agile way to the dynamic and complex environment. Full article

EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have gained significant attention in rehabilitation due to their non-invasive, accessible ability to capture brain activity and restore neurological functions in patients with conditions such as stroke and spinal cord injuries. This study offers a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global EEG-based BCI research in rehabilitation from 2013 to 2023. It focuses on primary research and review articles addressing technological innovations, effectiveness, and system advancements in clinical rehabilitation. Data were sourced from databases like Web of Science, and bibliometric tools (bibliometrix R) were used to analyze publication trends, geographic distribution, keyword co-occurrences, and collaboration networks. The results reveal a rapid increase in EEG-BCI research, peaking in 2022, with a primary focus on motor and sensory rehabilitation. EEG remains the most commonly used method, with significant contributions from Asia, Europe, and North America. Additionally, there is growing interest in applying BCIs to mental health, as well as integrating artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning, to enhance system accuracy and adaptability. However, challenges remain, such as system inefficiencies and slow learning curves. These could be addressed by incorporating multi-modal approaches and advanced neuroimaging technologies. Further research is needed to validate the applicability of EEG-BCI advancements in both cognitive and motor rehabilitation, especially considering the high global prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases. To advance the field, expanding global participation, particularly in underrepresented regions like Latin America, is essential. Improving system efficiency through multi-modal approaches and AI integration is also critical. Ethical considerations, including data privacy, transparency, and equitable access to BCI technologies, must be prioritized to ensure the inclusive development and use of these technologies across diverse socioeconomic groups. Full article

In recent years, the consumption of avocado, both fresh and processed, has experienced a significant worldwide increase due to its recognized nutritional value and beneficial health effects. However, this industrial processing generates a substantial amount of underutilized byproducts, primarily the peel and seed, leading to significant environmental and economic challenges. Fortunately, these residues are rich in bioactive phytochemicals, making their recovery an excellent opportunity to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the modern avocado industry. This bibliometric analysis utilizes data from the Scopus platform to explore the comprehensive utilization of avocado waste. By employing a biorefinery approach and computational tools, the study aims to identify and extract value-added compounds with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and cosmetic industries. The results highlight that the most relevant research topics are currently focused on sustainable and comprehensive biotransformation of avocado byproducts. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on methods for extracting valuable products, characterizing their properties, and identifying potentially exploitable active compounds. Furthermore, research is increasingly exploring the environmental and economic factors associated with new research advancements, such as emerging environmental regulations, certifications, substitutes, and technological applications. One key gap identified in recent research advancements is the lack of a sustainable diagnostic framework for avocado utilization processes in a cascade system (multiple high-value consumer products and by-products such as bioplastic). This suggests a crucial area for future research efforts. Full article