Use In Sites Research Articles

Thermo-amplifier circuit in probiotic E. coli for stringently temperature-controlled release of a novel antibiotic.

Peptide drugs have seen rapid advancement in biopharmaceutical development, with over 80 candidates approved globally. Despite their therapeutic potential, the clinical translation of peptide drugs is hampered by challenges in production yields and stability. Engineered bacterial therapeutics is a unique approach being explored to overcome these issues by using bacteria to produce and deliver therapeutic compounds at the body site of use. A key advantage of this technology is the possibility to control drug delivery within the body in real time using genetic switches. However, the performance of such genetic switches suffers when used to control drugs that require post-translational modifications or are toxic to the host. In this study, these challenges were experienced when attempting to establish a thermal switch for the production of a ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide antibiotic, darobactin, in probiotic E. coli. These challenges were overcome by developing a thermo-amplifier circuit that combined the thermal switch with a T7 RNA Polymerase. Due to the orthogonality of the Polymerase, this strategy overcame limitations imposed by the host transcriptional machinery. This circuit enabled production of pathogen-inhibitory levels of darobactin at 40°C while maintaining leakiness below the detection limit at 37°C. Furthermore, the thermo-amplifier circuit sustained gene expression beyond the thermal induction duration such that with only 2h of induction, the bacteria were able to produce pathogen-inhibitory levels of darobactin. This performance was maintained even in physiologically relevant simulated conditions of the intestines that include bile salts and low nutrient levels.

K wire migration into spinal canal: An infrequent cause of neurological morbidity: A case report

Introduction: K wire is one of the most common implants used for fixation of acromioclavicular joint dislocation. The migration of K wire from the AC joint to the spinal canal is a rare occurrence. In this report, we present a case of a young adult who presented with weakness of left upper limb secondary to migration of K wire from the AC joint to the spinal canal. Case presentation: A 46-year-old male farmer presented with complaints of pain in the neck, tingling sensation in the left upper limb, and a tender palpable swelling on the left side of his neck with weakness of finger flexors and abductors. He had had an open reduction and fixation with K wire for Acromioclavicular dislocation three months back. CT confirmed the K wire passing through neural foramen between C5 and C6 vertebra and extending across the entire diameter of spinal canal. Under intravenous anesthesia, a transverse skin incision was made over the prominent swelling on the neck and the wire was gently removed. Minimal seepage of spinal fluid was observed which stopped on its own after few days. Discussion: Although AC joint stabilization by K wire fixation provides a safe and easy fixation with low morbidity, complications such as a loss of fixation or loosening can occur. Migration of K wire into a spinal canal is a well-known but infrequent complication. Resorption of bone, muscle action, and negative intrathoracic pressures associated with respiration and heat necrosis causes progressive loosening and dislodgement. Spinal migration is very dangerous because it can cause serious damage to the dura mater, spinal cord, and vertebral artery. Conclusion: Early identification and removal of the K wire, once it has migrated from the site of use, is mandatory to prevent its grievous complications.

Antioxidant Status in Patients after Breast Mastopexy and Augmentation.

Background and Objectives: Mammary gland surgery has become very common, but there are complications of these operations, including the concept of breast implant illness (BII) in women with silicone gel breast implants (SBI), who suffer from various symptoms such as myalgia, arthralgia, fatigue, fever, dry eyes, or dry mouth. Silicone biomaterials are synthetic polymers that have their own physical and chemical properties and can exert their effect at the site of use and possibly on the general status of the body, causing inflammation and oxidative stress signs. The aim of the study was to examine components of the blood antioxidant system (AOS) of the mastopexy and breast augmentation patients before the operation, on the first post-op day, and 6 months after surgery. Materials and Methods: Healthy breast surgery patients (women aged 31 to 60 years without visible pathologies) were selected for the study and formed 2 groups: breast lift-mastopexy without silicone biomaterials (I group, 30 patients) and breast augmentation using silicone biomaterials (II group, 28 patients). All patients underwent standard preoperative tests. Glutathione peroxidase (GPxSe) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in blood, selenium (Se), selenium protein P (SelPP), and total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma were measured as AOS parameters. The concentration of vitamin D was also determined. A total of 174 blood tests were performed. Results: Overall, there were no differences in both groups in measured antioxidant system indicators over time; neither changes in objective nor subjective status were observed. However, baseline activity of GPxSe was relatively high but restored to normal values 6 months after surgery. In the mastopexy group, GPxSe decreased from 12,961.7 U/L by 18.9% to 10,513.4 U/L, and in the breast augmentation group, from 15,505.0 U/L by 25.1% to 11,265.5 U/L, which is a decrease of 18.9% and 25.1%, respectively. The patients did not note any complaints; other indicators of standard biochemical tests were within normal limits. Conclusions: The two types of surgical interventions, breast mastopexy and augmentation of the mammary glands, do not significantly impact blood AOS and are physiological in nature.

Geo-Technical Sub-surface Exploration for Delineation of Structural Foundations: A Case Study of Technical University, Ibadan, Nigeria

Sub-surface exploration provides valuable input regarding the type, age and depositional environment of geologic formations existing at a site for use in planning and interpreting the site conditions. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate and provide data on the geo-technical sub-surface exploration for delineation of structural foundations in Technical University, Ibadan, Nigeria using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) to determine the suitability of the sub-surface competence of the site for construction purposes and building development in the institution. The results indicated that the resistivity value of different geo-electric layers showed that geologic value greater than 20 m (thick weathered bedrock) can support massive civil engineering structure while 5-10 m can support small civil engineering structure.

Suture-Needle Management Device and Novel Port Configuration for Robotic Sacrocolpopexy.

Robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy (SCP) is a commonly performed procedure for the repair of apical pelvic organ prolapse; therefore, novel devices and techniques to improve safety and efficacy of this procedure should be explored. The objective of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of 8-mm trocar site for use of a disposable suture/needle management device (StitchKit; Origami Surgical, Madison, NJ) for robot-assisted SCP with a 4-arm configuration and no assistant port. This is a retrospective case series of patients undergoing robot-assisted SCP at a tertiary center from 2018 to 2021. All surgical procedures were performed using four 8-mm robotic trocars and StitchKit device. Our objective was to review all cases in which this technique was used to determine whether the approach resulted in a safely completed procedure and any complications or adverse events. Secondary objectives were to describe patient and operative characteristics. In total, 422 patients underwent robot-assisted SCP for pelvic organ prolapse. The mean age was 60 ± 10 years, and mean body mass index was 27 ± 6 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). Most patients had stage 3 prolapse (73%) and underwent concomitant hysterectomy (70%). Ninety-nine percent (n = 416) of cases were completed robotically. StitchKit was successfully inserted and removed in all robotic cases with correct needle counts. All patients had postoperative visits, and 80% followed up at 3 months. No umbilical/port site hernias, operative site infections, or adverse events were reported. Robot-assisted SCP can be performed safely using a 4-arm robotic configuration and suture kit device. This setup eliminates incisions greater than 8 mm and an assistant port, allowing for surgical efficiency without compromising patient outcomes.

Cardiovascular diseases and energy deficiency: pathogenetic ways of correction

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the most common and influential causes of death worldwide, as the heart plays a key role in the human body. Energetic cardioprotective therapy of the myocardium is an important protective factor, regulating the synthesis and use of energy by myocardial cells, while having a little effect on heart rate, blood pressure, and blood supply. Phosphocreatine plays an important role in the intracellular energy buffering and transport system, ensuring energy transfer from the site of production to the site of use to meet the high and variable demands of the heart. Research shows that phosphocreatine can have a positive effect on patients with coronary heart disease, heart failure, and those who have undergone cardiac surgery. The accumulated information confirms the prospects of using phosphocreatine in clinical practice to improve treatment outcomes in patients with heart diseases.

Heterologous fibrin biopolymer as an emerging approach to peripheral nerve repair: a scoping review.

Nerve injuries present a substantial challenge within the medical domain due to their prevalent occurrence and significant impact. In nerve injuries, a range of physiopathological and metabolic responses come into play to stabilize and repair the resulting damage. A critical concern arises from the disruption of connections at neuromuscular junctions, leading to profound degeneration and substantial loss of muscle function, thereby hampering motor tasks. While end-to-end neurorrhaphy serves as the established technique for treating peripheral nerve injuries, achieving comprehensive morphofunctional recovery remains a formidable challenge. In pursuit of enhancing the repair process, alternative and supportive methods are being explored. A promising candidate is the utilization of heterologous fibrin biopolymer, a sealant devoid of human blood components. Notably, this biopolymer has showcased its prowess in establishing a stable and protective microenvironment at the site of use in multiple scenarios of regenerative medicine. Hence, this scoping review is directed towards assessing the effects of associating heterologous fibrin biopolymer with neurorrhaphy to treat nerve injuries, drawing upon findings from prior studies disseminated through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Further discourse delves into the intricacies of the biology of neuromuscular junctions, nerve injury pathophysiology, and the broader utilization of fibrin sealants in conjunction with sutures for nerve reconstruction procedures. The association of the heterologous fibrin biopolymer with neurorrhaphy emerges as a potential avenue for surmounting the limitations associated with traditional sealants while also mitigating degeneration in nerves, muscles, and NMJs post-injury, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for subsequent regeneration. Indeed, queries arise regarding the long-term regenerative potential of this approach and its applicability in reconstructive surgeries for human nerve injuries.

Interacciones potenciales entre embarcaciones menores y zonas de agregación de tortugas marinas en Isla Arena, Campeche

Within the Gulf of Mexico, five of the seven species of sea turtles are distributed and carry out essential stages of their life cycle. The marine habitats of sea turtles are subject to various threats, including bycatch and boat traffic. The aim of this study was to identify, in the marine portion of Isla Arena, Campeche, sites of use of space for its feeding, internesting, and migration stages, as well as potential zones of interaction with small vessels distributed in the study area. For this, satellite tracking of three species of post-nesting female sea turtles: 1 hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), 4 Kemp´s ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), and 7 green turtle (Chelonia mydas), with which the home range was estimated, and through a grid of the study area made up of 170 hexagons of 21 km2 area, the sites of the intensity of space use were estimated for each life stage. With this information and the quantification of vessels identified in the marine area of Isla Arena from January 2017 to December 2019 through Sentinel-2 satellite images, the areas of greatest interaction in three different seasons were identified. As a result, the sites with the highest use of space in the feeding stage are the south and north of Isla Arena, while for internesting the line parallel to the coast is where the highest use occurred; for migration, most of the study area has a use that goes from high to regular. Regarding the potential interaction with boats, feeding season one (January to April) was the one that presented the greatest interaction in the north and south of Isla Arena, while the west and north represent the areas of highest interaction for migration during season three (September to December), and season two (May to August) for internesting. The results of this research highlight that number of small boats activity represents another important stressor for important aggregation zones for sea turtle populations. Keywords: Turtles, interaction, vessels, track, marine.

Cost and quality of operational larviciding using drones and smartphone technology

BackgroundLarval Source Management (LSM) is an important tool for malaria vector control and is recommended by WHO as a supplementary vector control measure. LSM has contributed in many successful attempts to eliminate the disease across the Globe. However, this approach is typically labour-intensive, largely due to the difficulties in locating and mapping potential malarial mosquito breeding sites. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential for drone imaging technology to map malaria vector breeding sites. However, key questions remain unanswered related to the use and cost of this technology within operational vector control.MethodsUsing Zanzibar (United Republic of Tanzania) as a demonstration site, a protocol was collaboratively designed that employs drones and smartphones for supporting operational LSM, termed the Spatial Intelligence System (SIS). SIS was evaluated over a four-month LSM programme by comparing key mapping accuracy indicators and relative costs (both mapping costs and intervention costs) against conventional ground-based methods. Additionally, malaria case incidence was compared between the SIS and conventional study areas, including an estimation of the incremental cost-effectiveness of switching from conventional to SIS larviciding.ResultsThe results demonstrate that the SIS approach is significantly more accurate than a conventional approach for mapping potential breeding sites: mean % correct per site: SIS = 60% (95% CI 32–88%, p = 0.02), conventional = 18% (95% CI − 3–39%). Whilst SIS cost more in the start-up phase, overall annualized costs were similar to the conventional approach, with a simulated cost per person protected per year of $3.69 ($0.32 to $15.12) for conventional and $3.94 ($0.342 to $16.27) for SIS larviciding. The main economic benefits were reduced labour costs associated with SIS in the pre-intervention baseline mapping of habitats. There was no difference in malaria case incidence between the three arms. Cost effectiveness analysis showed that SIS is likely to provide similar health benefits at similar costs compared to the conventional arm.ConclusionsThe use of drones and smartphones provides an improved means of mapping breeding sites for use in operational LSM. Furthermore, deploying this technology does not appear to be more costly than a conventional ground-based approach and, as such, may represent an important tool for Malaria Control Programmes that plan to implement LSM.

Postacute Care Services Use and Outcomes Among Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries

Better evidence is needed on whether Medicare Advantage (MA) plans can control the use of postacute care services while achieving excellent outcomes. To compare self-reported use of postacute care services and outcomes among traditional Medicare (TM) beneficiaries and MA enrollees. This cohort study used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) with linked Medicare enrollment data from 2015 to 2017. Participants were community-dwelling MA or TM beneficiaries 70 years and older; those with dual Medicare and Medicaid eligibility were also identified. Analyses were conducted from May 2022 to February 2023 and were weighted to account for the complex survey design. Enrollment in MA and dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid. Postacute care service use including site of use, duration, primary indication, and whether participants met their goals or experienced improved functional status during or after services. Included in the analysis were 2357 Medicare beneficiaries who used postacute care. Of these beneficiaries, 815 (32.6%; 62.0% were females [weighted percentages]) had MA and 1542 (67.4%; 59.5% were females [weighted percentages]) had TM. Enrollees in MA reported using postacute care services across all NHATS survey rounds: between 16.2% (95% CI, 14.3%-18.4%) and 17.7% (95% CI, 15.4%-20.4%) of MA enrollees reported using postacute care services each round, vs 22.4% (95% CI, 20.9%-24.1%) to 24.1% (95% CI, 21.8%-26.6%) of TM beneficiaries (P for all rounds <.002). Enrollees in MA reported less functional improvement during postacute care use (63.1% [95% CI, 59.2%-66.8%] vs 71.7% [95% CI, 68.9%-74.3%], P < .001). Among beneficiaries who ended postacute service use, fewer MA enrollees than TM enrollees reported that they met their goals (70.5% [95% CI, 65.1%-75.3%] vs 76.2% [95% CI, 73.1%-79.1%]; P = .053) or had improved functional status (43.9% [95% CI, 38.9%-49.1%] vs 46.0% [95% CI, 42.5%-49.5%]; P = .42), but differences were not statistically significant. Differences in postacute care use and functional improvement were not statistically significant between MA and TM enrollees with dual eligibility. In this cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries, we found that MA enrollees overall used less postacute care services than their TM counterparts. Among users of postacute care services, MA enrollees reported less favorable outcomes compared with TM enrollees. These findings highlight the importance of assessing patient-reported outcomes, especially as MA and other payment models seek to reduce inefficient use of postacute care services.

Mountains of waste and wasted mountains: clothes, sheep and people in modernising Iceland

This paper takes as its starting point two landscapes of waste and connects them through an account of the intensification of production and consumption of textiles in modernising Iceland. Archaeological waste assemblages and historical resources are used to illustrate the consumption and disposal of clothing throughout the 19th century, which is juxtaposed with archaeological and historical studies into sheep rearing, grazing pressures and wool production. The paper argues that the economic notion of waste and the capitalist system from which it originates create landscapes of waste. It stipulates that many solutions which have been forwarded to the waste crisis are still conceived of within this socio-economic system. Historicizing waste creation demonstrates the urgency for alternative answers and the need to resist the movement of materials through the cycle of resource extraction, production, consumption and recycling, and further away from sites of use.

Testing the Efficacy of a Scalable Telephone-Delivered Guided Imagery Tobacco Cessation Treatment: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Tobacco use continues to be a leading preventable cause of death and disease in the United States, accounting for >480,000 deaths each year. Although treatments for tobacco use are effective for many, there is substantial variability in outcomes, and these approaches are not effective for all individuals seeking to quit smoking cigarettes. New, effective therapeutic approaches are needed to meet the preferences of people who want to stop smoking. Guided imagery (GI) is a mind-body technique that involves the guided visualization of specific mental images, which is enhanced with other sensory modalities and emotions. Preliminary evidence provides initial support for the use of GI as a treatment for cigarette smoking. Meta-analyses have shown that standard treatment for cigarette smoking delivered over the telephone via quitlines is effective. A telephone-based intervention that uses GI might provide another effective treatment option and increase the reach and effectiveness of quitlines. This study aims to test the efficacy of Be Smoke Free, a telephone-delivered GI treatment for smoking cessation. This multisite randomized clinical trial (RCT) will compare a novel telephone-delivered GI tobacco cessation treatment with a standard evidence-based behavioral treatment. The study will be conducted over 5 years. In phase 1, we refined protocols and procedures for the New York State and West Virginia sites for use in the RCT. During phase 2, we will conduct an RCT with 1200 participants: 600 (50%) recruited via quitlines and 600 (50%) recruited via population-based methods. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the GI condition or the behavioral condition; both treatments will be delivered by trained study coaches located at the University of Arizona. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and 3 and 6 months after enrollment by University of Arizona research staff. The primary outcome will be self-reported 30-day point prevalence abstinence 6 months after enrollment. Secondary outcomes include biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence 6 months after enrollment. Recruitment in West Virginia and New York began in October 2022. As of March 31, 2023, a total of 242 participants had been enrolled. Follow-up assessments began in November 2022. As of March 31, 2023, of the 118 eligible participants, 97 (82.2%) had completed the 3-month assessment, and 93% (26/28) of eligible participants had completed the 6-month assessment. Biochemical verification and qualitative interviews began in April 2023. Recruitment will continue through 2025 and follow-up assessments through 2026. Primary results are expected to be published in 2027. The Be Smoke Free study is a first-of-its-kind RCT that incorporates GI into telephone-based tobacco cessation treatment. If successful, Be Smoke Free will have substantial benefits for the long-term health of people who use tobacco across the United States. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05277831; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05277831. PRR1-10.2196/48898.

Real-world experience of checkpoint inhibitors across India: CRSF 2020-01.

e18862 Background: There are limited data available from India on the real-world use of checkpoint inhibitors. Hence we did this analysis across India to study the pattern of use and outcomes with checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: This was a retrospective multicentric protocol. Patients who received immunotherapy from January 2016 to October 2021 were included. The baseline demographic, previous treatment, response, date of progression, date of death and status were noted. SPSS version 20 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed. Kaplan Meier method was used for estimation of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). COX regression model was used to identify factors impacting OS. Results: We identified 308 patients in the study. The median age was 58.5 years (Interquartile range 51-66 years) and there was a male preponderance (249, 80.8%). The 3 commonest sites of use were head and neck cancer in 144 patients (46.8%), lung cancer in 81 (26.3%) and renal cell carcinoma in 31(10.1) patients. The ECOG PS was 0-1 in 215 (70%), 2 in 71 (23.1), 3-4 in 21(6.8%) and not documented in 1(0.3%) patient. The two most common checkpoint inhibitors used were nivolumab and pembrolizumab 255 (82.8%) and 37(12%) patients respectively. These were used in curative setting in 6 patients (1.9%) and palliative in rest all. 43(14%) patients received them as first-line in, 129 (41.9) as second-line and beyond the second line in 130 (42.2%) patients. The response rate was 24% (n = 74). The median PFS was 4.067 (95%CI 3.45-4.67) and the median OS was 10.0 months (95%CI 6.2-13.8). Among the factors tested for impact on OS the ECOG PS 0-1 ( HR-0.493 95%CI 0.324-0.749; P = 0.001), non head and neck site of the disease (HR-2.134 95%CI 1.164-3.911) and reception of immunotherapy in first line setting (HR -0.533 95%CI 0.295-0.963: P = 0.037) had an favorable impact on OS. Conclusions: Checkpoint inhibitors provide similar efficacy as those seen in pivotal studies in real-world settings.

Carbon-based biosensors from graphene family to carbon dots: A viewpoint in cancer detection.

According to the latest report by International Agency for Research on Cancer, 19.3 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer deaths were globally reported in 2020. Early diagnosis can reduce these numbers significantly, and biosensors have appeared to be a solution to this problem as, unlike the traditional methods, they have low cost, rapid process, and do not need experts present on site for use. These devices have been incorporated to detect many cancer biomarkers and measure cancer drug delivery. To design these biosensors, a researcher must know about their different types, properties of nanomaterials, and cancer biomarkers. Among all types of biosensors, electrochemical and optical biosensors are the most sensitive and promising sensors for detecting complicated diseases like cancer. The carbon-based nanomaterial family has attracted lots of attention due to their low cost, easy preparation, biocompatibility, and significant electrochemical and optical properties. In this review, we have discussed the application of graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon dots (CDs), and fullerene (C60), for designing different electrochemical and optical cancer-detecting biosensors. Furthermore, the application of these carbon-based biosensors for detecting seven widely studied cancer biomarkers (HER2, CEA, CA125, VEGF, PSA, Alpha-fetoprotein, and miRNA21) is reviewed. Finally, various fabricated carbon-based biosensors for detecting cancer biomarkers and anticancer drugs are comprehensively summarized as well.

A unified polymer reaction engineering methodology for catalytic olefin polymerization: From reaction conditions and catalyst reaction performance to molecular and rheological properties for forward, reverse engineering and deconvolution applications

AbstractThis work presents a unified polymer reaction engineering methodology for the catalytic olefin polymerization process. The proposed modelling approach offers a modelling pathway from the polymerization recipe to production rate and polymer microstructure, and finally to rheological properties. Furthermore, this work introduces for the first time the constraint of the actual reaction performance of the polymerization catalyst in the inverse rheology and microstructural deconvolution problem, limiting the solution only to the most realistic potential molecular weight distributions (MWDs) that a specific catalyst can produce. This approach can be applied for both single‐ and multi‐site catalysts, providing not a potential MWD but the unique one that the selected catalyst can offer under given polymerization conditions. Depending on the available catalyst reaction performance insight, the constraint can vary and include from the number of active sites in use to the exact kinetic parameters of each site type. The potential of the proposed methodology is highlighted within a series of indicative examples, including forward, reverse engineering and deconvolution applications.

Identifying Emeishan basalt by supervised learning with Landsat-5 and ASTER data

Multispectral-sensor images are advantageous in terms of discriminating major lithologies due to their high spatial resolution and intermediate spectral resolution, in addition to their low cost and high accessibility in comparison to hyperspectral images. In this study, Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper ™ and the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data—which are the most widely used multispectral data for the discrimination of the mixed rock units—are utilized to identify basalts in our study area. Further, prior knowledge regarding basalt-distribution areas in our study region is obtained from the geological-survey results conducted by the Sichuan Geological Survey at 2005, which is used as the reference of correction to assess our identified results. Small portions of this prior area of basalt distribution were verified through field checks, which were then determined as sites for use as training data for remote-sensing imagery. Three supervised-classification algorithms within ENVI 5.3—k-nearest neighbors (KNN), maximum likelihood classification (MLC), and support vertical machine (SVM)—were utilized for model identification. As a result, six models were constructed, including the KNN prediction of basalts by ASTER images, SVM prediction by ASTER, MLC prediction by ASTER, KNN prediction by Landsat-5 images, SVM prediction by Landsat-5, and MLC prediction by Landsat-5. The performances of the six models, in terms of precision and accuracy, show that the optimum model is Landsat-5 by SVM, with a precision of 70.92% and accuracy of 99.97%, followed by the ASTER by SVM model, with a precision of 67.72% and accuracy of 99.89% and the Landsat-5 by KNN model, with a precision of 57.23% and accuracy of 99.85%.

Forensic Aspects of Crime Scene Investigation Using CBRN Agents

Work entitled Forensic aspects of an incident site investigation using CBRN agents discusses the most important issues related to conducting activities at a specific site where an incident occurred with the use of chemical, radiological and biological agents known as CBRN.&#x0D; The work is divided into four parts - the first discusses the most important aspects of investigating the scene of an incident, the second discusses the research activities carried out at the site of use of CBRN agents, the third presents modern methods of investigating the sites of incidents using these agents, and the fourth provides a general summary.&#x0D; In Poland, conducting forensic activities at the scene of an incident, where CBRN means were used, is based on the one hand on classic methods and techniques of forensics, and on the other hand on the use of special devices for these works. They are undoubtedly a valuable solution and allow for faster and more accurate performance of specific tests.

Aluminium redox cycle in comparison to pressurized hydrogen for the energy supply of multi-family houses

Power-to-X technologies that convert renewable electricity to chemically stored energy in “X” may provide a gaseous, liquid or solid fuel that can be used in winter to provide both, heat and electricity, and thus replace fossil fuels that are currently used in many countries with cold winters. This contribution compares two options for power-to-X technologies for providing heat and electricity supply of buildings with high solar photovoltaic coverage, at times of low solar availability. The option “compressed hydrogen” is based on water electrolysis that produces hydrogen on-site. This hydrogen is subsequently compressed and stored at high pressure (350 bar) for use in winter by a fuel cell. The option “aluminium redox-cycle” includes an inert electrode high temperature electrolysis process that is carried out at industrial scale. Produced aluminium is subsequently transported to the site of use and converted to hydrogen and heat – and finally to electricity and heat – by aluminium-water reaction in combination with a fuel cell. Results of cost and LCA analysis show that the overall energetic efficiency of the compressed hydrogen process is slightly higher than for the aluminium redox cycle. However, the aluminium redox-cycles needs far less on-site storage volume and is likely to become available at lower investment cost for the end user. Total annual cost of ownership and global warming potential of the two options are quite similar.

Habitat characteristics of the Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae Vigors 1830) in Durango, México

Objective. To characterize the habitat of the Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) in Rancho Chapultepec, Durango, Mexico.Design/Methodology/Approach. From February to October 2020, fieldwork was carried out to search for Montezuma quail sites using transects and sounds. Subsequently each site-of-use was characterized; for each of them three random sites were located. Intercept lines (or Canfield), embedded frames, and nearest neighbour techniques were used. Recorded data were analysed using Principal component analysis (PCA); Frequency ofobservation (FO); Kruskal-Wallis; and Poisson regression (PR).Results. The PCA showed values for sites of use= 48, non-use= 43, and both= 36 of the present variability in vegetation-habitat variables. FO showed values per site of use = 6.25%; non-use = 2.08% and both = 1.56%; and per species in sites of use = 3.57, non- use = 3.85 and both = 3.33%. Kruskal-Wallis exhibited significant differences in richness and abundance and similarity in diversity. Poisson regression (PR) showed the effect of some vegetation-habitat variables on the Montezuma quail.Limitations /Implications of the study. The monitoring period evaluated only comprised a short space of time. It is suggested to extend the sampling time, allowing to visualize the population fluctuation regarding this variable.Findings/Conclusions: It was possible to determine that there is an association between the variables of the vegetation-habitat with the presence of C. montezumae. Vegetation type is the variable that determines the incidence of this species.

“StudySandboxx: A Tool for Scraping, Sandboxing, Preserving, and Preparing Interactive Web Sites for Use in Human-computer Interaction and Behavioral Studies”

“StudySandboxx: A Tool for Scraping, Sandboxing, Preserving, and Preparing Interactive Web Sites for Use in Human-computer Interaction and Behavioral Studies”