Search Results (677)

The present study examined the impact of agricultural exports on economic growth in Lambayeque, Peru, during the period 2010–2023. An ordinary least squares (OLS) econometric model was employed to analyze the relationship between gross value added (GVA) and key macroeconomic variables, including agricultural exports, private investment, real wages, terms of trade, and the real multilateral exchange rate. The findings indicate that the model possesses considerable explanatory power (R² = 0.973) and that agricultural exports exert a positive and significant influence on regional GVA. In addition, private investment and real wages demonstrate positive elasticities, while terms of trade exhibit a negative relationship with regional economic growth. This highlights Lambayeque’s vulnerability to external price shocks. The study thus underscores the pivotal role of the Olmos Project, which has been instrumental in transforming arid land into fruitful agricultural zones through the implementation of an irrigation system encompassing over 22,000 hectares. This initiative has not only augmented agricultural exports, accounting for an impressive 90% of Lambayeque’s supply, but also contributed significantly to regional economic development by supporting employment generation and poverty reduction. Nevertheless, the presence of negative terms of trade indicates that the regional economy exhibits structural vulnerability in the face of external shocks. Notwithstanding the intrinsic limitations of regional, trade, and macroeconomic statistics, an understanding of the correlation between agro-exports and economic growth in a paradigmatic region of northern Peru provides substantial evidence for formulating policies to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the agro-export model. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to public health and the environment, especially in vulnerable ecosystems such as the Amazon. The confluence of the Marañón, Utcubamba, and Chinchipe rivers, known as the Pongo de Rentema, is a strategic area where water pollution could facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. This study aims to assess water quality in this region under the “One Health” approach by analyzing physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, and the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Water samples were collected from five sampling points during September and October 2024. Physicochemical parameters were analyzed in situ, and heavy metal concentrations were determined using atomic emission spectrophotometry. The presence of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated through selective culture, and the detection of resistance genes (marA, ermC, amp, QEP, and qEmarA) was performed using conventional PCR. Physicochemical parameters were within the limits established by Peruvian regulations, except for total dissolved solids in the Utcubamba River. Elevated levels of lead and chromium were detected at some points. Additionally, resistance genes were identified in E. coli and P. aeruginosa, providing evidence of antimicrobial resistance dissemination in the water. Water pollution in the Pongo de Rentema poses an environmental and public health risk due to the presence of heavy metals and antimicrobial resistance genes. Continuous monitoring and environmental management strategies under the “One Health” approach are recommended to mitigate these risks. Full article

Forensic anthropology, a specialized branch of biological anthropology, plays a crucial role in the identification of human remains, particularly when conventional methods such as fingerprinting are not applicable. In Ecuador, its relevance has increased in response to challenges such as intentional deaths, forced disappearances, violence, mass fatalities, and migration-related deaths. Despite its growing importance, the field faces significant limitations, including restricted access to advanced technologies, limited training opportunities for local forensic anthropologists, and insufficient resources for research and the application of advanced methodologies for victim identification. This article examines the development and current state of forensic anthropology in Ecuador, emphasizing the urgent need for population-specific standards, the establishment of a national osteological collection, and stronger institutional support. It also highlights the contributions of bioarchaeological research and its potential to enhance forensic practices. By analyzing the challenges of identifying skeletonized human remains and other instances of human rights violations, the study underscores the necessity of advancing forensic anthropology in the country. The article further discusses how interdisciplinary efforts have contributed to forensic knowledge in Ecuador and concludes by emphasizing the importance of ethical guidelines, technological integration, and improved infrastructure to strengthen forensic anthropology as both a scientific discipline and a humanitarian tool. Full article

Exudative epidermitis (EE), caused by Staphylococcus hyicus, represents an issue for swine production, particularly due to antimicrobial resistance. In this project, we isolated bacteriophages using S. hyicus as host and studied them as a potential alternative to antibiotic treatment in Quebec, Canada. Three phages, STAE-4, STAF-3, and STAM-1, were isolated from swine farm samples using a single S. hyicus strain (SC366) as the host. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that all three phages exhibited a siphovirus-like morphology, and RAPD-PCR profiling indicated that the phages were genetically distinct. Whole genome sequencing confirmed these differences and showed that the three phages were closely related to each other, and, more importantly, highly similar to phages previously described as infecting Staphylococcus chromogenes, a species closely related to S. hyicus. Host range analysis confirmed that the three phages preferentially infected the S. chromogenes strains included in the study, exhibiting minimal to no lytic activity against other strains of S. hyicus or Staphylococcus agnetis, another closely related species. The only exception was the host S. hyicus strain SC366, which was effectively infected by all three phages, albeit less efficiently than the most sensitive S. chromogenes strain (SC385). Adsorption tests further supported these observations, showing that phages bound to strain SC366 much more quickly than to SC385, despite the lower lytic activity observed. Taken together, these results highlight that while the phages retain some capacity to infect S. hyicus, their biological properties point to a stronger adaptation to S. chromogenes, indicating that they are not suitable candidates for controlling EE. Full article

Advances in veterinary medicine have contributed to increased life expectancy in companion animals, leading to a higher incidence of chronic and neoplastic diseases in cats. Epidemiological studies correlating demographic and clinical factors with lymphoma in cats are needed, particularly in South America. Data from 662 cats diagnosed with lymphoma were collected from veterinary centers located in all five Brazilian geographical regions and the Federal District. This study represents one of the largest epidemiological assessments of feline lymphoma in Brazil and highlights the broad distribution of the disease across diverse regions and age groups. The predominance of mixed-breed animals and the frequent association with retroviral infections underscore the need for early diagnostic protocols and targeted health strategies to address this issue. These findings contribute to a better understanding of feline lymphoma in Brazil and may support future efforts in disease prevention, early detection, and therapeutic planning for this disease. Full article

High-quality agricultural products from the Lambayeque region have contributed to the growth of Peru’s agro-export sector and increased international trade. However, the need for agricultural exports to be more resilient and sustainable is demonstrated by the fact that markets are still concentrated, logistical costs are high, and global demand is constantly shifting. The purpose of this study is to use a gravity-based trade model and market intelligence techniques to analyse the agricultural exports from the Lambayeque region between 2015 and 2024. Using official data from the World Bank, AZATRADE, CEPII, and MINCETUR, we employed a quantitative explanatory approach. The results show that the concentration of businesses has significantly decreased while the value of exports has increased steadily. The Herfindahl–Hirschman Index increased from 6209 in 2015 to 1349 in 2024, and export destinations have become slightly more diverse. Exports are negatively impacted by geographic distance, but free trade agreements greatly benefit them. There is a lot of export potential in markets like Finland, Indonesia, Austria, Bolivia, and Vietnam. However, Israel and Hong Kong appear to be full. Overall, the findings indicate that Lambayeque’s export performance has improved, but it still runs the risk of becoming overly focused on a single sector. Long-term sustainability of the region’s agricultural exports depends on enhancing logistical infrastructure, bolstering market intelligence, and promoting regional diversity. Full article

The global transition from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to hybrid (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) is fundamentally reshaping lubricant design requirements, driven by evolving thermal demands, electrical constraints, and material compatibility challenges. Conventional ICE lubricants are primarily formulated to withstand high operating temperatures, mechanical stresses, and combustion-derived contaminants through established additive chemistries such as zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), with thermal stability and wear protection as dominant considerations. In contrast, HEV lubricants must accommodate frequent start–stop operation, pronounced thermal cycling, and fuel dilution while maintaining performance across coupled mechanical and electrical subsystems. EV lubricants represent a paradigm shift, where requirements extend beyond tribological protection to include electrical insulation and conductivity control, thermal management of electric motors and battery systems, and compatibility with copper windings, polymers, elastomers, and advanced coatings, alongside mitigation of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). This review critically examines lubricant behavior, formulation strategies, and performance requirements across ICE, HEV, and EV powertrains, with specific emphasis on heat transfer, electrical performance, and lubricant–material interactions, covering mineral, synthetic, and bio-based fluids. Additionally, regulatory drivers, sustainability considerations, and emerging innovations such as nano-additives, multifunctional and smart lubricants, and AI-assisted formulation are discussed. By integrating recent research into industrial practice, this work highlights the increasingly interdisciplinary role of tribology in enabling efficient, durable, and sustainable mobility for next-generation automotive systems. Full article

The tumour suppressor TP53 (tumor protein p53) is a master regulator of cell cycle, DNA repair, and apoptosis, and its mutation is a hallmark of cancer, with individual mutations exerting distinct effects on tumour biology. Despite accounting for ~7% of all TP53 variants, splice site mutations remain the least studied class, and their functional and clinical consequences are poorly understood. We analyzed 25,058 TP53 variants (18,562 somatic; 6496 germline) to characterize the frequency, molecular impact, transcriptional effects, genomic instability, and clinical outcomes of splice mutations. These alterations showed distinct distributions and substitution patterns between germline and somatic contexts and were frequently associated with copy number alterations, reduced TP53 mRNA, and variable protein expression. Transcriptomic profiling identified two transcriptional phenotypes: one with global suppression of canonical p53 target genes and another with mixed activation and repression independent of tumour type. Genomic instability was elevated in a subset of splice-mutant tumours, correlating with increased relapse risk, while other splice mutations showed lower instability but divergent clinical outcomes, including unexpectedly poor prognoses. Our findings fill a critical knowledge gap, defining the biological and clinical spectrum of TP53 splice site mutations and highlighting their potential as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in precision oncology. Full article

Endophytic fungi are increasingly recognized as pivotal contributors to plant secondary metabolism, often synthesizing bioactive compounds like those produced by their hosts. We report the first complete genome sequence for Pithoascus kurdistanensis, a novel endophyte isolated from Papaver bracteatum that produces morphinan alkaloids independently from its host plant. High-quality genomic DNA from P. kurdistanensis was subjected to a hybrid sequencing strategy using both Oxford Nanopore long-read and Illumina short-read platforms, yielding a 34.0 Mbp assembly composed of nine chromosomal contigs and four additional minor contigs. This assembly was 97.3% complete as determined by BUSCO and revealed that 6.37% of the genome consists of repetitive elements. A total of 8292 protein-coding genes, including 63 candidate genes potentially involved in isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis, have been identified. Phylogenetic analysis based on conserved single-copy orthologs positioned P. kurdistanensis within a basal lineage of the Microascaceae. Overall, these results provide foundational insight into the genetic potential of P. kurdistanensis as a novel microbial source of morphinan alkaloids, while emphasizing the need for continued functional studies to resolve the underlying biosynthetic pathways. Full article

This paper presents an adaptive reinforcement learning (RL)-based control strategy for a wireless power transfer (WPT)-fed brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive, aimed at enhancing efficiency in industrial applications. Conventional control methods for BLDC motors often result in higher energy consumption and increased torque ripple under dynamic load and voltage variations. To address this, an adaptive RL framework is implemented with pulse density modulation (PDM), enabling the controller to augment motor speed, torque, and input power in real time. The system is modeled and tested for a 48 V, 1 HP BLDC motor, powered through a 1.1 kW WPT system. Training is carried out across 10 learning episodes with varying load torque and speed demands, allowing the RL agent to adaptively minimize losses while maintaining performance. Results indicate a significant reduction in torque ripple to a minimum of 0.20 Nm, stable speed regulation within ±30 rpm, and improved power utilization compared to existing controllers. The integration of RL with WPT provides a robust, contactless, and energy-efficient solution that is suitable for sustainable industrial motor-pump applications. Full article

Zinc sulfide nanomaterials (ZnS NMs) are widely used in many important technological applications, and the performance efficiency is determined by the nanostructure, size, and shape. This indicates that achieving a desirable surface architecture is pivotal for any application. One of the efficient and cost-effective techniques, the hydrothermal method, offers uniform size, specific shape, and bulk synthesis capability. This research deals with the preparation of ZnS NMs exhibiting unique surface structures such as spherical, nano-pentagon, and nano-hexagon shapes through employing different zinc precursors and surfactants. The obtained material’s crystal structure was classified as cubic sphalerite and exhibited high purity, as analyzed by XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, and XPS. Furthermore, the synthesized ZnS NMs were tested for their shape-dependent biosensing application, such as specific antibacterial tests against routine human pathogens such as E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus. Several antibacterial methods, such as bacterial colony plate count, growth inhibition analysis, and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) measurements were carried out. The results confirmed that the antibacterial action in the method employed was dependent on three factors: the NM shape, concentration, and type/nature of bacteria. Especially, the prepared ZnS NMs exhibited excellent antibacterial sensing characteristics, as observed from the lower MIC values in the range of 15.6~250 µg/mL. Full article

Smart remote health monitoring requires time-critical medical data of patients from IoT-enabled cyber–physical systems (CPSs) to be securely transmitted and analysed in real time for early interventions and personalised patient care. Existing cloud architectures are insufficient for smart health systems due to their inherent issues with latency, bandwidth, and privacy. Fog architectures using data storage closer to edge devices introduce challenges in data management, security, and privacy for effective monitoring of a patient’s sensitive and critical health data. These gaps found in the literature form the main research focus of this study. As an initial modest step to advance research further, we propose an innovative fog-based framework which is the first of its kind to integrate secure communication with intelligent data prioritisation (IDP) integrated into an AI-based enhanced Random Forest anomaly and threat detection model. Our experimental study to validate our model involves a simulated smart healthcare scenario with synthesised health data streams from distributed wearable devices. Features such as heart rate, SpO₂, and breathing rate are dynamically prioritised using AI strategies and rule-based thresholds so that urgent health anomalies are transmitted securely in real time to support clinicians and medical experts for personalised early interventions. We establish a successful proof-of-concept implementation of our framework by achieving high predictive performance measures with an initial high score of 93.5% accuracy, 90.8% precision, 88.7% recall, and 89.7% F1-score. Full article

The study evaluated the effects of including condensed tannins (CT) from Acacia mearnsii bark in the drinking water of broilers on performance, intestinal health, and meat quality. A total of 240 male Cobb 500 chickens were distributed into three treatments: negative control (NC, without tannin), NC + 500 g/m³ of condensed tannin (CT50), and NC + 700 g/m³ of tannin (CT70), with the doses defined based on a pilot study. The experiment showed that CT50 presented better initial performance (d1–21), with greater weight gain and better productive efficiency index (PEI). But when evaluating the initial and growth phases simultaneously (d1–35), we found that birds from CT50 had better feed conversion and PEI compared to NC. When considering the total experimental period (d1–42), there was no effect of the treatment on performance. In the intestine and meat, lower levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation were observed in CT50 and CT70 compared to NC, combined with higher levels of non-protein thiols. The CT70 treatment favored meat quality, reducing saturated fatty acids and increasing the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, ω6, and the UFA/SFA ratio. There were no significant changes in the depth of the intestinal crypts, but the greater height of villi and number of enterocytes in the groups that consumed tannins are indicative of improved intestinal health. The thickness of the intestinal wall was lower in the chickens that consumed the condensed tannin compared to the NC. Lower concentrations of total proteins, albumin, and globulin in the serum were observed in the CT70 when compared to the NC. It is concluded that the use of tannins in the drinking water can be a viable strategy to improve the performance in the initial phase (d1–21) and meat quality of chickens. Full article

Climate change and widespread micronutrient deficiencies threaten food security in the semi-arid tropics. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is a climate-resilient “nutri-cereal” rich in calcium, zinc, iron and dietary fiber. Finger millet is a promising crop for addressing climate stress and nutrient deficiencies. However, it remains under-explored and relatively neglected in breeding and genetic improvement programs compared to major cereals. This review synthesizes recent biotechnological advances and outlines future directions for finger millet improvement. Foundational resources now include a chromosome-scale reference genome, expanding transcriptome, diverse global germplasm panels, and growing reports of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for key traits including yield, stress tolerance, blast resistance, and mineral contents. Tissue culture studies reported both somatic embryogenesis and direct regeneration. Stable genetic transformation has been achieved in finger millet via Agrobacterium-mediated methods, particularly using shoot apical meristem (SAM) and by biolistics (gene gun) methods. Genome editing has not yet been reported, but we propose a practical roadmap leveraging reported tissue culture genetic transformation protocols for applying the CRISPR/Cas system for trait improvements. Using new biotechnological methods, along with pangenome, speed breeding, and helpful microbiomes, will make finger millet a strong and reliable food source for the future. Full article