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Search Results (788)

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29 pages, 3309 KiB  
Article
Scientific Collaboration and Sustainable Development: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Andean Region, Panama, and Spain
by Gresky Gutiérrez-Sánchez, Patricio Álvarez-Muñoz, Purificación Galindo-Villardón and Purificación Vicente-Galindo
Publications 2025, 13(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13010010 (registering DOI) - 27 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background: Scientific collaboration has become a cornerstone of sustainable development, particularly in regions where research capacity and funding face significant challenges. The Andean region, Panama, and Spain offer a unique perspective due to their cultural and linguistic ties, alongside varying levels of scientific [...] Read more.
Background: Scientific collaboration has become a cornerstone of sustainable development, particularly in regions where research capacity and funding face significant challenges. The Andean region, Panama, and Spain offer a unique perspective due to their cultural and linguistic ties, alongside varying levels of scientific production and innovation. These disparities present opportunities for collaboration and targeted interventions to foster regional growth and contribute to global priorities. According to UNESCO, Latin America invests merely 0.56% of its GDP in research and development, underscoring the pressing need for innovative strategies to enhance scientific capacity and align efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methods: This study employed HJ-Biplot and MANOVA-Biplot methodologies to analyze bibliometric data across various thematic areas. These multivariate techniques offer a comprehensive exploration of the interrelationships between scientific production, research talent, and international collaboration, revealing significant patterns and associations. The data were sourced from the Scimago Iberoamerican platform, which aggregates information from Elsevier’s Scopus database on scientific journals and countries. The platform provides data in five-year increments, capturing trends in scientific output, international collaboration, and thematic focus across the Andean region, Panama, and Spain, spanning the period from 2012 to 2022. Results: The analysis identified significant correlations between scientific productivity, research talent, and international partnerships. Clustering disciplines such as engineering, computer science, and energy highlights the strong intersections between technology and economic development. The proximity of psychology and environmental sciences emphasizes the importance of social and environmental factors in scientific research. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the Andean region, Panama, and Spain, identifying critical drivers of scientific productivity and collaboration. The integration of advanced statistical methodologies reveals key associations between research talent, international partnerships, and thematic focus areas. While areas such as environmental sciences and biochemistry demonstrate alignment with innovation and sustainability goals, disciplines like engineering and mathematics require targeted investment to enhance their contributions. These findings underscore the importance of a balanced approach to research funding and policymaking to ensure equitable and impactful scientific development across regions. The results serve as a roadmap for fostering collaboration, strengthening leadership, and aligning research efforts with sustainable development objectives globally. Full article
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17 pages, 3200 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Adaptive Responses of Juglans neotropica Diels Progenies Based on Dasometric Traits
by Raúl Armando Ramos-Veintimilla, Fernando Romero-Cañizares, Mariela González-Narváez, Roy Vera-Velez and Mario García-Mora
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16010026 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 150
Abstract
(1) Background: Juglans neotropica Diels, native to the Andes, is highly valued for its quality wood, medicinal uses, edible fruits, and natural dyes. However, its population has been greatly reduced due to overexploitation, becoming threatened and resulting in genetic stochasticity. Therefore, a prompt [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Juglans neotropica Diels, native to the Andes, is highly valued for its quality wood, medicinal uses, edible fruits, and natural dyes. However, its population has been greatly reduced due to overexploitation, becoming threatened and resulting in genetic stochasticity. Therefore, a prompt ex situ and in situ conservation effort is needed for its conservation and restoration. (2) Methods: A total of 439 trees of J. neotropica Diels were sampled from selected individuals across the northern and central regions of Ecuador. These trees were planted in a randomized complete block design to assess their growth and genetic variability. (3) Results: Annual average tree growth varied significantly among progenies. Based on their dasometric traits, two distinct groups were identified as superior and surveillance. Five trees demonstrated promising traits (TJ182, ChL2314, ChL142, TJ1310, and BSM14), suggesting potential for inclusion in forest genetic improvement programs. (4) Conclusions: Fifteen percent of individuals from the five studied provenances exhibited desirable dasometric characteristics and high-quality wood. In addition, several individuals within the progenies exhibit resistance to biotic agents, indicating a genetic potential for disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)
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13 pages, 19790 KiB  
Brief Report
Fungal Community Dynamics in Cyperus rotundus: Implications for Rhizophora mangle in a Mangrove Ecosystem
by Diego Portalanza, Arianna Acosta-Mejillones, Johnny Alcívar, Teddy Colorado, Jeancarlo Guaita, Lesly Montero, Liliana Villao-Uzho and Efren Santos-Ordóñez
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16010023 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 219
Abstract
Mangrove ecosystems are globally significant for their biodiversity and ecosystem services but face persistent threats from invasive species and anthropogenic disturbances. This study investigates the interactions between Cyperus rotundus, a widespread invasive weed, and fungal communities in the mangrove-adjacent wetlands of Isla [...] Read more.
Mangrove ecosystems are globally significant for their biodiversity and ecosystem services but face persistent threats from invasive species and anthropogenic disturbances. This study investigates the interactions between Cyperus rotundus, a widespread invasive weed, and fungal communities in the mangrove-adjacent wetlands of Isla Santay, Ecuador. Using metagenomic sequencing of the ITS region, we analyzed fungal diversity in samples from an anthropogenically pressured area and a non-impacted site. Results revealed significant differences in microbial assemblages: the rhizosphere sample from the disturbed area exhibited lower fungal richness and was dominated by Magnaporthaceae (9%) and Aureobasidium melanogenum (5%), both associated with stress-tolerant traits. In contrast, the rhizosphere sample from the non-impacted site showed higher species diversity, with Cladosporium dominicanum (62%) and Talaromyces (11%) as dominant endophytic taxa. Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and co-occurrence networks highlighted distinct fungal partitioning between the two sample tissues, indicating that C. rotundus mediates microbial composition in response to environmental gradients. These findings underscore the role of microbial communities in the plant’s invasive success and suggest that leveraging beneficial fungi could enhance ecosystem resilience and support wetland restoration. By integrating molecular approaches with ecological insights, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of microbial dynamics in coastal wetlands and informs targeted management strategies to preserve mangrove habitats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology and Biodiversity)
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14 pages, 2584 KiB  
Article
Nutritional and Biochemical Characterization of White and Brown Rice (Oryza sativa) Subjected to Different Pest Control Methods
by Mónica del Rocío Villamar-Aveiga, Carla Verónica Villamar-Aveiga, Jhonny Darwin Ortiz-Mata and Juan Diego Valenzuela-Cobos
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 2190; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15042190 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Rice is a vital component of the Ecuadorian diet and plays a significant role in global food security. Agricultural practices aimed at boosting production can, however, compromise grain quality. This study explores the effects of various pest control methods on the nutritional and [...] Read more.
Rice is a vital component of the Ecuadorian diet and plays a significant role in global food security. Agricultural practices aimed at boosting production can, however, compromise grain quality. This study explores the effects of various pest control methods on the nutritional and biochemical quality of both white and brown rice. Compounds such as total phenolics (TPC), dietary fiber (TDF), gamma oryzanol, phytic acid (PA), antioxidant activity (AA), and the presence of heavy metals were analyzed. The research was carried out in Taura, Guayas Province, Ecuador, using a bifactorial experimental design with three replications. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Tukey HDS tests (α = 0.05), complemented by PCA biplot analysis for comprehensive data exploration. The results highlight significant differences in all variables depending on the rice type (R), with brown rice exhibiting higher values. In terms of pest control type (C), only phytic acid showed significant variance, an effect also evident in the interaction (R × C). Cadmium (<0.30 mg/kg) and arsenic (<0.55 mg/kg) levels remained below national standards, with no significant differences across treatments. The biplot analysis revealed PA independence, with higher values in grains managed with biological control, whereas those under chemical control displayed slightly higher and varied values for other studied variables. Full article
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18 pages, 2361 KiB  
Systematic Review
Outcomes of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Populations with Obesity and Their Risk of Developing Colorectal Cancer: Where Do We Stand? An Umbrella Review on Behalf of TROGSS—The Robotic Global Surgical Society
by Aman Goyal, Christian Adrian Macias, Maria Paula Corzo, Daniel Tomey, Sachin Shetty, Victor Peña, Halil Bulut, Adel Abou-Mrad, Luigi Marano and Rodolfo J. Oviedo
Cancers 2025, 17(4), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17040670 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 370
Abstract
Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease associated with increased risk for several cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The majority of CRC cases are associated with modifiable risk factors. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a proven, [...] Read more.
Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease associated with increased risk for several cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The majority of CRC cases are associated with modifiable risk factors. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a proven, durable, and successful intervention for obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of MBS on CRC risk through measures of association, such as relative risk (RR) and odds ratio (OR). Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Embase was conducted to identify systematic reviews (SR) and meta-analyses examining the relationship between obesity treated with MBS and CRC incidence. The PICO framework guided inclusion criteria, and three independent reviewers screened articles using Rayyan software. Quality assessment was performed using AMSTAR2. Results: Of 1336 screened articles, 10 SR met inclusion criteria, encompassing 53,452,658 patients. Meta-analyses consistently showed a significant reduction in CRC risk following MBS in patients with severe obesity. Risk reductions were reported by Liu et al. (RR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.32–0.67, p < 0.01), Chierici et al. (RR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.28–0.75, p = 0.018), Wilson et al. (RR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53–0.88, p = 0.003), and Pararas et al. (RR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.40–0.80, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses supported these findings. For colon cancer, Liu and Chierici both reported an RR of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.46–1.21, p = 0.2444) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 89%). A trend towards reduced rectal cancer risk (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.40–1.39, p = 0.3523) was noted but limited by fewer studies. Sex-specific analyses revealed protective effects in both sexes, with a more pronounced impact in females (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37–0.79, p = 0.0014). Conclusions: This umbrella review synthesizes current evidence on the impact of MBS on CRC risk, highlighting a consistent protective association. The findings also indicate a potential risk reduction for both colon and rectal cancer, with a more pronounced effect observed among females compared to males. Given the profound implications of MBS on cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality, further high-quality, long-term studies are essential to deepen our understanding and optimize its role in cancer prevention and patient care. Full article
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16 pages, 4383 KiB  
Article
The Effect of pH on Aniline Removal from Water Using Hydrophobic and Ion-Exchange Membranes
by Karla Filian, Jonathan I. Mendez-Ruiz, Daniel Garces, Kateryna Reveychuk, Lingshan Ma, Jesus R. Melendez, Claudia Díaz-Mendoza, Emile Cornelissen, Priscila E. Valverde-Armas and Leo Gutierrez
Water 2025, 17(4), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17040547 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 366
Abstract
The presence of aniline, a toxic aromatic amine, has been recorded in different industrial wastewaters. This study aims to investigate the transport of charged and neutral aniline species in aqueous solutions through hydrophobic and ion-exchange membranes (IEMs). Hydrophobic polyoctylmethylsiloxane (POMS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) [...] Read more.
The presence of aniline, a toxic aromatic amine, has been recorded in different industrial wastewaters. This study aims to investigate the transport of charged and neutral aniline species in aqueous solutions through hydrophobic and ion-exchange membranes (IEMs). Hydrophobic polyoctylmethylsiloxane (POMS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes and cationic (CEMs) and anionic (AEMs) exchange membranes were tested using diffusion cells and electrodialysis (ED). Diffusion experiments showed that neutral aniline removal reached 90% with POMS and 100% with PDMS due to the concentration gradient between feed (pH = 10) and receiving (pH = 3) solutions. For IEMs, neutral aniline exhibited a faster transport than charged species, with neutral-to-charged transport ratios of 6.6:1 for AEMs and 3.2:1 for CEMs, type I. During ED experiments, an external electric potential increased the charged aniline transport, achieving higher initial fluxes (124.7 mmol·m2·h1 at pH 4) compared to neutral aniline (43.6 and 53.2 mmol·m2·h1 for AEMs and CEMs, type I). ED also demonstrated that charged aniline can be removed up to 97% using IEMs. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of hydrophobic and IEMs in removing aniline, providing insights into its transport mechanism, contributing to the optimization of membrane technologies in treating industrial wastewater effluents, and environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fate, Transport, Removal and Modeling of Pollutants in Water)
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13 pages, 1650 KiB  
Article
Clinical, Meteorological, and Air Quality Factors Associated with Ambulatory Pediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Machala, Ecuador, 2018–2023
by Manika Suryadevara, Dongliang Wang, Freddy Pizarro Fajardo, Jorge-Louis Carrillo Aponte, Froilan Heras, Cinthya Cueva Aponte, Irene Torres and Joseph B. Domachowske
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(2), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22020272 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 441
Abstract
Implementation of RSV prevention strategies requires an understanding of seasonal virus epidemiology; yet, such data are lacking in many tropical regions. We describe the seasonality and environmental factors associated with RSV activity in Machala, Ecuador. From July 2018 to July 2023, we analyzed [...] Read more.
Implementation of RSV prevention strategies requires an understanding of seasonal virus epidemiology; yet, such data are lacking in many tropical regions. We describe the seasonality and environmental factors associated with RSV activity in Machala, Ecuador. From July 2018 to July 2023, we analyzed nasopharyngeal samples from children younger than 5 years with an acute respiratory illness using Biofire FilmArray v.1.7™. Meteorological data were obtained from Ecuador’s Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología. RSV detection was associated with mean outdoor air temperature (threshold 27 °C, area under the curve (AUC) 0.74, p < 0.001) that was even stronger when using a 4-week lag (threshold 27 °C, AUC 0.865, p < 0.001) and with precipitation greater than 0.5 mm/week using a 6-week lag (p = 0.008). This finding could provide guidance for the ideal timing to improve RSV surveillance and implement RSV prevention measures in Machala, including universal administration of extended half-life monoclonal antibody to infants entering their first RSV season. Full article
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16 pages, 1815 KiB  
Review
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Scoping Review with Meta-Analysis
by Cristian George Tieranu, Daniel Vasile Balaban, Daniela Tabacelia, Artsiom Klimko, Cristian Gheorghe, Stephen P. Pereira, Mariana Jinga and Adrian Saftoiu
Diagnostics 2025, 15(4), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15040437 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 423
Abstract
Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) has recently been proposed as an alternative treatment option for patients with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (uPDAC) or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC). This review aims to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of EUS-RFA in treating [...] Read more.
Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) has recently been proposed as an alternative treatment option for patients with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (uPDAC) or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC). This review aims to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of EUS-RFA in treating PDAC, based on the available literature. Methods: Following the PRISMA-DTA guidelines, a comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, was conducted, focusing on studies reporting on EUS-RFA for PDAC. Articles involving human subjects diagnosed with PDAC and treated with EUS-RFA, written in English, and published up to 30 June 2024, were included. Key outcome measures such as technical success rate, adverse events, tumor response, and patient survival were extracted and analyzed. The review process involved title and abstract screening, followed by full-text review. A meta-analysis was performed for adverse event rates using a random-effects model. Results: We identified 11 studies according to our inclusion criteria, with a total of 137 patients with PDAC. Except for the initial experience with a lower technical success rate due to tumor-related stiffness, all subsequent studies reported a pooled success rate of 100%. Most studies referred to locally advanced or metastatic PDAC, while one reported EUS-RFA in resectable PDAC. A meta-analysis for adverse events was performed, indicating a pooled adverse event rate of 22.6% (95% confidence interval: 0.16–0.30), with the most common adverse event being mild abdominal pain. Severe complications were rare. One study reported a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 16.3 months. Overall survival and PFS were scarcely reported, with median overall survival ranging from 12 to 24 months, inferior to that of the standard approach for uPDAC consisting of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery. Conclusions: EUS-RFA is a technically feasible and safe procedure for treating uPDAC or mPDAC and is under investigation for use in resectable PDAC. Even though the short-term outcomes are encouraging, larger cohort studies are necessary to understand long-term efficacy and survival benefits, including progression-free survival. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cancer)
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18 pages, 517 KiB  
Article
Segmentation by Image Attributes in Island Marine Protected Areas: The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
by Mauricio Carvache-Franco, Orly Carvache-Franco, Tahani Hassan, Ivonne León-Espinoza and Wilmer Carvache-Franco
Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041375 - 8 Feb 2025
Viewed by 458
Abstract
The image attributes of a tourist destination are the elements that make up the perception that visitors have about a place. Segmenting by image attributes is establishing subgroups of tourists, differentiating them by the way they perceive the image of the destination. The [...] Read more.
The image attributes of a tourist destination are the elements that make up the perception that visitors have about a place. Segmenting by image attributes is establishing subgroups of tourists, differentiating them by the way they perceive the image of the destination. The present study in a marine protected area aimed to (i) identify image attributes, (ii) establish segments based on image attributes, (iii) determine the relationship between image segments, satisfaction, and behavioral loyalty, and (iv) ascertain the socio-demographic characteristics of image segments in insular marine protected areas. This study was conducted in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, a marine protected Pacific Ocean area declared a World Heritage Site. A total of 407 surveys were collected in situ. The data were interpreted using factor analysis techniques and non-hierarchical K-means cluster analysis. The results show four image attributes in marine protected areas: Staff Attention, Tourist Facilities, Nature and People, and Cultural Attractions. Likewise, three segments based on image attributes were identified: the Passive segment, with low scores overall; Nature, with high scores only in attributes related to nature; and the Want It All segment, with high scores in all image attributes. Among these groups, the Want it All segment demonstrates the highest satisfaction and loyalty levels. The results will serve as management guidelines for marine protected area administrators and contribute to academic literature. Full article
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13 pages, 559 KiB  
Article
(Poly)phenols and Multiple Sclerosis: Results from an Observational Cross-Sectional Study
by Monica Guglielmetti, Cinzia Ferraris, Anna Tagliabue, Evelyn Frias-Toral, Eleonora Tavazzi, Alessandro La Malfa, Giacomo Greco, Roberto Bergamaschi, Raynier Zambrano-Villacres, Justyna Godos and Giuseppe Grosso
Antioxidants 2025, 14(2), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14020188 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 721
Abstract
(Poly)phenols are a wide and heterogeneous class of substances with several potential health benefits. Their role in neuroprotection and cognition is still questionable. This study’s scope is to examine the possible association between total and individual (poly)phenol intake, major dietary sources, and the [...] Read more.
(Poly)phenols are a wide and heterogeneous class of substances with several potential health benefits. Their role in neuroprotection and cognition is still questionable. This study’s scope is to examine the possible association between total and individual (poly)phenol intake, major dietary sources, and the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a cohort of MS patients. Participants’ demographics, physical activity, smoking, and dietary information were collected, alongside clinical parameters including the Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS), Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS), MS phenotype, and current therapy. A validated 110-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess participants’ habits. The (poly)phenol content of foods was estimated using the Phenol-Explorer database. Data from 106 participants were analyzed. A high intake of vegetables was associated with a 4.6-fold higher probability of mild MS (95% CI: 1.49, 14.28), whereas no association was found for other food and beverage sources. Hydroxycinnamic acids were significantly related to MSSS (OR: 6.55, 95% CI: 2.15, 19.92). Although coffee intake differed significantly between patients with mild and severe MS (90.5 ± 53.9 vs. 59.4 ± 40.8 mL/d, respectively), linear regression analysis did not confirm an association with MSSS. A higher intake of hydroxycinnamic acids and vegetables may impact MS severity. Coffee’s role remains unclear and needs to be further investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress)
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17 pages, 3344 KiB  
Article
Co-Location Potential of Floating PV with Hydropower Plants: Case Study in Ecuador
by Carlos D. Rodríguez-Gallegos, Oktoviano Gandhi, César A. Rodríguez-Gallegos and Manuel S. Alvarez-Alvarado
Solar 2025, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/solar5010003 - 4 Feb 2025
Viewed by 861
Abstract
This study explores the potential for co-locating floating photovoltaics (FPVs) with existing hydropower plants (HPPs) in Ecuador. Ecuador’s heavy reliance on hydropower for electricity generation, combined with recent blackouts caused by prolonged dry seasons, underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources. The integration [...] Read more.
This study explores the potential for co-locating floating photovoltaics (FPVs) with existing hydropower plants (HPPs) in Ecuador. Ecuador’s heavy reliance on hydropower for electricity generation, combined with recent blackouts caused by prolonged dry seasons, underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources. The integration of FPVs with HPPs offers a promising opportunity to enhance energy security by reducing dependency on a single energy source and improving economic, electrical, and environmental outcomes. In this paper, we assess all HPPs in Ecuador and quantify the potential performance of FPV systems when installed at their sites. Our results show that FPV systems can not only contribute additional electricity to the grid but also improve HPP performance by reducing water evaporation from reservoirs and maintaining generation capacity during dry seasons, when solar irradiation is typically higher. To model the energy production, yield, and performance of the FPV systems, we applied RINA’s methodology to estimate representative weather conditions for each site and simulate FPV performance, accounting for system design loss factors. Additionally, we calculated the water savings resulting from FPV installation. Our findings reveal that, out of approximately 70 HPPs in Ecuador, 11 present favorable conditions for large-scale FPV deployment. Among these, Cumbayá HPP (40 MW) exhibited the most suitable conditions, supporting a maximum FPV capacity of 17 MWp. Marcel Laniado de Wind HPP (213 MW) and Mazar HPP (170 MW) were also identified as optimal candidates, each with potential FPV capacities equal to their installed HPP capacities. While this study primarily aims to provide scientific evidence on the potential of FPV-HPP co-location, the results and methodology can also guide Ecuadorian government authorities and investors in adopting FPV technology to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure. Full article
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18 pages, 11587 KiB  
Article
The Detection and Counting of Olive Tree Fruits Using Deep Learning Models in Tacna, Perú
by Erbert Osco-Mamani, Oliver Santana-Carbajal, Israel Chaparro-Cruz, Daniel Ochoa-Donoso and Sylvia Alcazar-Alay
AI 2025, 6(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6020025 - 1 Feb 2025
Viewed by 847
Abstract
Predicting crop performance is key to decision making for farmers and business owners. Tacna is the main olive-producing region in Perú, with an annual yield of 6.4 t/ha, mainly of the Sevillana variety. Recently, olive production levels have fluctuated due to severe weather [...] Read more.
Predicting crop performance is key to decision making for farmers and business owners. Tacna is the main olive-producing region in Perú, with an annual yield of 6.4 t/ha, mainly of the Sevillana variety. Recently, olive production levels have fluctuated due to severe weather conditions and disease outbreaks. These climatic phenomena are expected to continue in the coming years. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of the model in natural and specific environments of the olive grove and counting olive fruits using CNNs from images. Among the models evaluated, YOLOv8m proved to be the most effective (94.960), followed by YOLOv8s, Faster R-CNN and RetinaNet. For the mAP50-95 metric, YOLOv8m was also the most effective (0.775). YOLOv8m achieved the best performance with an RMSE of 402.458 and a coefficient of determination R2 of (0.944), indicating a high correlation with the actual fruit count. As part of this study, a novel olive fruit dataset was developed to capture the variability under different fruit conditions. Concluded that the predicting crop from images requires consideration of field imaging conditions, color tones, and the similarity between olives and leaves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture)
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14 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Dietary Inflammatory Score (DIS)’s and Lifestyle Inflammatory Score (LIS)’s Impact on Multiple Sclerosis Severity
by Monica Guglielmetti, Cinzia Ferraris, Lenycia de Cassya Lopes Neri, Evelyn Frias-Toral, Anna Tagliabue, Eleonora Tavazzi, Alessandro La Malfa, Giacomo Greco, Roberto Bergamaschi, Raynier Zambrano-Villacres and Giuseppe Grosso
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030526 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 767
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with variable degrees of inflammation and gliosis. Diet and lifestyle factors could influence MS development and also contribute to inflammation. The current study aims to evaluate the relationship [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with variable degrees of inflammation and gliosis. Diet and lifestyle factors could influence MS development and also contribute to inflammation. The current study aims to evaluate the relationship between dietary and lifestyle inflammatory potential and multiple sclerosis severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Data collection included demographic, neurological, and nutritional information. The Dietary Inflammatory Score (DIS) and Lifestyle Inflammatory Score (LIS) were calculated based on the reference protocol. Results: One hundred and seven participants (69.2% female; mean age, 50.6 ± 11.6 years) completed the study. The anti-inflammatory LIS group had significantly higher proportions of normal-weight (p = 0.000) and physically active (p = 0.022) participants. A greater proportion of women exhibited an anti-inflammatory lifestyle compared to men (80% vs. 20%; p = 0.023). No relation was retrieved between the DIS, LIS, and MS Severity Score (MSSS). When analyzing the single DIS components, leafy greens were associated with MS severity (OR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.50–18.74; p = 0.009). Among the LIS components, “high physical activity” (OR 5.51; 95% CI, 1.66–18.30; p = 0.005) and “heavy drinking” (OR 5.61; 95% CI, 1.19–26.47; p = 0.029) were related to lower MS severity. Conclusions: Although no differences were found in the total Dietary and Lifestyle Inflammatory Scores, some of their components might be connected with MS severity. Further intervention studies are needed to validate these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
13 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Nut Consumption Is Associated with Cognitive Status in Southern Italian Adults
by Justyna Godos, Francesca Giampieri, Evelyn Frias-Toral, Raynier Zambrano-Villacres, Angel Olider Rojas Vistorte, Vanessa Yélamos Torres, Maurizio Battino, Fabio Galvano, Sabrina Castellano and Giuseppe Grosso
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030521 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 977
Abstract
Background: Nut consumption has been considered a potential protective factor against cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to test whether higher total and specific nut intake was associated with better cognitive status in a sample of older Italian adults. Methods: A [...] Read more.
Background: Nut consumption has been considered a potential protective factor against cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to test whether higher total and specific nut intake was associated with better cognitive status in a sample of older Italian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis on 883 older adults (>50 y) was conducted. A 110-item food frequency questionnaire was used to collect information on the consumption of various types of nuts. The Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire was used to assess cognitive status. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between nut intake and cognitive status after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results: The median intake of total nuts was 11.7 g/day and served as a cut-off to categorize low and high consumers (mean intake 4.3 g/day vs. 39.7 g/day, respectively). Higher total nut intake was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of impaired cognitive status among older individuals (OR = 0.35, CI 95%: 0.15, 0.84) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Notably, this association remained significant after additional adjustment for adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern as an indicator of diet quality, (OR = 0.32, CI 95%: 0.13, 0.77). No significant associations were found between cognitive status and specific types of nuts. Conclusions: Habitual nut intake is associated with better cognitive status in older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nuts for Human: The Role of Nuts in a Healthy Diet)
16 pages, 620 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with Workplace Injuries Among Shift Work Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Ecuadorian Sample
by Germán Prados, Ángela Mendoza-Vinces, Martha Holguín, Jacobo Cambil-Martín and Laura Fernández-Puerta
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15020044 - 27 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Shift work schedules and mental and physical workloads affect the sleep homeostasis of nurses, increasing the risk of occupational injuries. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep disturbances caused by shift schedules and the occurrence of needlestick and sharps injuries [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Shift work schedules and mental and physical workloads affect the sleep homeostasis of nurses, increasing the risk of occupational injuries. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep disturbances caused by shift schedules and the occurrence of needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs) among nurses, considering significant worker and occupational factors. Methods: A total of 348 nurses from five hospitals of Santiago de Guayaquil, Ecuador, participated in this cross-sectional survey. Data on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, work schedules, and NSI incidents during the previous six months were collected. Emotional status, sleepiness, and insomnia symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires. Additionally, nurses with night shifts (fixed or rotating) were specifically assessed to estimate the relationship between NSIs and insomnia or sleepiness symptoms related to these types of shift work using logistic regression analyses. Results: Nurses whose schedule included night shifts showed a higher prevalence of NSIs than those with other shifts (33.2% vs. 29.0%; p < 0.05). High levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with having had an NSI in the previous six months. Logistic regression showed that female sex (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 4.62, 95% CI: 1.65–12.97), less experience in the current clinical setting (aOR 3.12, 95% CI: 1.46–6.57), the use of psychotropic drugs (aOR 4.46, 95% CI: 1.51–13.17), and insomnia and sleepiness symptoms due to shift work (aOR 2.61, 95% CI: 1.15–5.91) increased NSI risk among nurses with night shifts. Conclusions: There is an acute need to explore the complex relationship between sleep troubles linked to shift work schedules, occupational factors, and the risk of occupational injuries and propose preventive strategies for enhancing nurses’ sleep health and workplace safety. Full article
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