Laboratory Hyperspectral Image Acquisition System Setup and Validation.

Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) techniques have demonstrated potential to provide useful information in a broad set of applications in different domains, from precision agriculture to environmental science. A first step in the preparation of the algorithms to be employed outdoors starts at a laboratory level, capturing a high amount of samples to be analysed and processed in order to extract the necessary information about the spectral characteristics of the studied samples in the most precise way. In this article, a custom-made scanning system for hyperspectral image acquisition is described. Commercially available components have been carefully selected in order to be integrated into a flexible infrastructure able to obtain data from any Generic Interface for Cameras (GenICam) compliant devices using the gigabyte Ethernet interface. The entire setup has been tested using the Specim FX hyperspectral series (FX10 and FX17) and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been developed in order to control the individual components and visualise data. Morphological analysis, spectral response and optical aberration of these pushbroom-type hyperspectral cameras have been evaluated prior to the validation of the whole system with different plastic samples for which spectral signatures are extracted and compared with well-known spectral libraries.

A Multispectral Camera Development: From the Prototype Assembly until Its Use in a UAV System.

Multispectral imaging (MI) techniques are being used very often to identify different properties of nature in several domains, going from precision agriculture to environmental studies, not to mention quality inspection of pharmaceutical production, art restoration, biochemistry, forensic sciences or geology, just to name some. Different implementations are commercially available from the industry and yet there is quite an interest from the scientific community to spread its use to the majority of society by means of cost effectiveness and ease of use for solutions. These devices make the most sense when combined with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), going a step further and alleviating repetitive routines which could be strenuous if traditional methods were adopted. In this work, a low cost and modular solution for a multispectral camera is presented, based on the use of a single panchromatic complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor combined with a rotating wheel of interchangeable band pass optic filters. The system is compatible with open source hardware permitting one to capture, process, store and/or transmit data if needed. In addition, a calibration and characterization methodology has been developed for the camera, allowing not only for quantifying its performance, but also able to characterize other CMOS sensors in the market in order to select the one that best suits the budget and application. The process was experimentally validated by mounting the camera in a Dji Matrice 600 UAV to uncover vegetation indices in a reduced area of palm trees plantation. Results are presented for the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) showing a generated colored map with the captured information.

Efficient plastic detection in coastal areas with selected spectral bands.

Marine plastic pollution poses significant ecological, economic, and social challenges, necessitating innovative detection, management, and mitigation solutions. Spectral imaging and optical remote sensing have proven valuable tools in detecting and characterizing macroplastics in aquatic environments. Despite numerous studies focusing on bands of interest in the shortwave infrared spectrum, the high cost of sensors in this range makes it difficult to mass-produce them for long-term and large-scale applications. Therefore, we present the assessment and transfer of various machine learning models across four datasets to identify the key bands for detecting and classifying the most prevalent plastics in the marine environment within the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) range. Our study uses four different databases ranging from virgin plastics under laboratory conditions to weather plastics under field conditions. We used Sequential Feature Selection (SFS) and Random Forest (RF) models for the optimal band selection. The significance of homogeneous backgrounds for accurate detection is highlighted by a 97 % accuracy, and successful band transfers between datasets (87 %-91 %) suggest the feasibility of a sensor applicable across various scenarios. However, the model transfer requires further training for each specific dataset to achieve optimal accuracy. The results underscore the potential for broader application with continued refinement and expanded training datasets. Our findings provide valuable information for developing compelling and affordable detection sensors to address plastic pollution in coastal areas. This work paves the way towards enhancing the accuracy of marine litter detection and reduction globally, contributing to a sustainable future for our oceans.

Transoperative intravitreal dexamethasone implantation in patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the anatomical results in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, at least grade B of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and with a trans-surgical dexamethasone implant vs the control group. We also assessed the diminution of proliferative vitreoretinopathy and the final visual acuity (VA). METHOD: The patients were evaluated clinically and with optical coherence tomography for 10 months. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of the dexamethasone implant on retinal detachment. Correlational analyses were explored depending on the variables' distribution, and an independent samples t-test was used to compare the VA in both groups. RESULTS: The study included 38 eyes of patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy: 18 with the implant and 20 for the control group. The evaluation of the main objective showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the anatomical success between the two groups (61.1% vs. 20%, treatment vs. control); odds ratio of 6.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.5- 26.8; p = 0.013; Nagelkerke's R2 = 0.225. The t-test showed a significant difference in the final VA of the patients (t = 2.047; df = 36; p = 0.048; Cohen's d = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: Retinal redetachment was less frequent, and better VA was observed, in patients with the dexamethasone implant in comparison with the control group.

OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados anatómicos en pacientes con desprendimiento de retina regmatógeno, vitreorretinopatía proliferativa a partir de grado B y aplicación de implante de dexametasona transquirúrgico frente a un grupo control. También se valoraron la disminución de la vitreorretinopatía proliferativa y la agudeza visual (AV) final. MÉTODO: Los pacientes se evaluaron clínicamente y con tomografía de coherencia óptica por 10 meses. Se realizaron análisis de regresión logística para evaluar el efecto del implante en el redesprendimiento de retina. Se exploraron análisis correlacionales dependiendo de la distribución de variables y se aplicó la prueba t de muestras independientes para comparar la AV en ambos grupos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 38 ojos de pacientes con vitreorretinopatía proliferativa: 18 con el implante y 20 del grupo control. La evaluación del objetivo principal mostró diferencias significativas (p < 0.05) en el éxito anatómico entre ambos grupos (61.1% en los ojos con tratamiento frente a 20% en el grupo control); razón de momios de 6.29; intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1.5- 26.8; p = 0.013; R2 de Nagelkerke = 0.225. La prueba t mostró una diferencia significativa entre la AV final de los pacientes (t = 2.047; gl = 36; p = 0.048; d de Cohen = 0.66). CONCLUSIONES: Se observó menor redesprendimiento, así como mejor AV, en los pacientes con el implante de dexametasona en comparación con el grupo control.

[Knowledge and expectations among older adults of social services for the elderly in the Autonomous Region of Galicia (Spain)]. / Conocimiento y expectativas de las personas mayores sobre los servicios sociales dirigidos a este colectivo en la Comunidad Autónoma de Galicia.

INTRODUCTION: Information and knowledge among the elderly on social services can contribute both to their access to these services, as well as to the elimination of myths and negative stereotypes pertaining to these services and their users. The aim of this study was to analyze knowledge of the social services available to the elderly among older adults in the Autonomous Region of Galicia, as well as to identify their expectations of future use and the characteristics that they consider suitable to improve their quality of life and obtain the most appropriate care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The items in the Social Services section of the "Needs and Requests of Users and Non-Users of Social Services for the Elderly Questionnaire" were analyzed and applied to a sample of 1,101 participants aged 60 years and older in the Autonomous Region of Galicia. RESULTS: Knowledge of the available social services was generally limited among elderly individuals in Galicia. The best-known services were traditional services, such as nursing homes, and the main sources from which the elderly received information were family, friends and the media. Knowledge was mainly influenced by specific variables such as age, educational level, and habitat. CONCLUSIONS: Information on social services to the elderly should be disseminated, especially among older adults with lower levels of education and those living in rural areas.

Objectifying Women's Bodies Is Acceptable from an Intimate Perpetrator, at Least for Female Sexists.

Objectification of the female body is generating much research. Nevertheless, this has revealed little about whether women's evaluations depend on the level of psychological intimacy with the perpetrator of that objectification. Intimacy theory predicts that objectifying comments would seem more acceptable coming from a close partner, especially for sexist women. The present study begins to fill these gaps by analyzing responses from 301 heterosexual/bisexual adult women in the United States (M age = 37.02, range = 18-72) to appearance and sexual body comments made by four different male perpetrators: strangers, colleagues, friends, or partners. Measures assessed women's perceptions of objectification, as well as reported enjoyment of these comments. As long as they were not negative, comments from heterosexual partners were perceived as the least objectifying and enjoyed the most; comments from colleagues, strangers, and friends were linked with greater objectification and less enjoyment. Additionally, sexist attitudes toward men and women-but more clearly toward men-linked with objectification and enjoyment. Future research directions and practical implications are discussed.

Phenolic content variability and its chromosome location in tritordeum.

For humans, wheat is the most important source of calories, but it is also a source of antioxidant compounds that are involved in the prevention of chronic disease. Among the antioxidant compounds, phenolic acids have great potential to improve human health. In this paper we evaluate the effect of environmental and genetic factors on the phenolics content in the grain of a collection of tritordeums with different cytoplasm and chromosome substitutions. To this purpose, tritordeum flour was used for extraction of the free, conjugates and bound phenolic compounds. These phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by RP-HPLC and the results were analyzed by univariate and multivariate methods. This is the first study that describes the composition of phenolic acids of the amphiploid tritordeum. As in wheat, the predominant phenolic compound is ferulic acid. In tritordeum there is great variability for the content of phenolic compounds and the main factor which determines its content is the genotype followed by the environment, in this case included in the year factor. Phenolic acid content is associated with the substitution of chromosome DS1D(1H(ch)) and DS2D(2H(ch)), and the translocation 1RS/1BL in tritordeum. The results show that there is high potential for further improving the quality and quantity of phenolics in tritordeum because this amphiploid shows high variability for the content of phenolic compounds.

Accurate values of some thermodynamic properties for carbon dioxide, ethane, propane, and some binary mixtures.

Quasicontinuous PρT data of CO(2), ethane, propane, and the [CO(2) + ethane] mixture have been determined along subcritical, critical, and supercritical regions. These data have been used to develop the optimal experimental method and to determine the precision of the results obtained when using an Anton Paar DMA HPM vibrating-tube densimeter. A comparison with data from reference EoS and other authors confirm the quality of our experimental setup, its calibration, and testing. For pure compounds, the value of the mean relative deviation is MRD(ρ) = 0.05% for the liquid phase and for the extended critical and supercritical region. For binary mixtures the mean relative deviation is MRD(ρ) = 0.70% in the range up to 20 MPa and MRD(ρ) = 0.20% in the range up to 70 MPa. The number of experimental points measured and their just quality have enable us to determine some derivated properties with satisfactory precision; isothermal compressibilities, κ(T), have been calculated for CO(2) and ethane (MRD(κ(T)) = 1.5%), isobaric expasion coefficients, α(P), and internal pressures, π(i), for CO(2) (MRD(α(P)) = 5% and MRD(π(i)) = 7%) and ethane (MRD(α(P)) = 7.5% and MRD(π(i)) = 8%). An in-depth discussion is presented on the behavior of the properties obtained along subcritical, critical, and supercritical regions. In addition, PuT values have been determined for water and compressed ethane from 273.19 to 463.26 K up to pressures of 190.0 MPa, using a device based on a 5 MHz pulsed ultrasonic system (MRD(u) = 0.1%). With these data we have calibrated the apparatus and have verified the adequacy of the operation with normal liquids as well as with some compressed gases. From density and speed of sound data of ethane, isentropic compressibilities, κ(s), have been obtained, and from these and our values for κ(T) and α(P), isobaric heat capacities, C(p), have been calculated with MRD(C(p)) = 3%, wich is within that of the EoS.

Volumetric behavior of the {CO2 (1) + C2H6 (2)} system in the subcritical (T = 293.15 K), critical, and supercritical (T = 308.15 K) regions.

The volumetric behavior for the {CO2 (1) + C2H6 (2)} system has been studied. Density measurements of {CO2 (1) + C2H6 (2)} binary mixtures at 293.15 and 308.15 K, at several pressures and compositions, and density measurements for infinitely dilute solutions at 304.21 and 308.15 K were carried out using an Anton Paar DMA 512-P vibrating-tube densimeter calibrated with the forced path mechanical calibration model. The mean relative standard deviation of density, s(rho)(r), was estimated to be better than 0.1%, and the uncertainties in temperature and pressure were estimated as +/-0.01 K and +/-0.001 MPa, respectively. In the experimental setup, an uncertainty in the mole fraction of u(x(j)) = +/-0.0015 has been achieved. Other properties related to P-rho-T-x data such as the compressibility factor, Z, excess molar volumes, V(m)(E), and partial molar volumes, V(i) and V(i)(infinity) have been calculated. The volumetric behavior has been compared with literature data and with that obtained from the PC-SAFT EoS rescaled parameters; these parameters have been obtained from our previous experimental values for the critical temperature and pressure of pure compounds. The value for the Krichevskii parameter, A(Kr), was obtained from the experimental density data for infinitely dilute solutions measured in this work, and it has been compared with that obtained from critical properties. Structural properties such as direct and total correlation function integrals and cluster size were calculated using the Krichevskii function concept.

[Hyperhomocystinemia and 677C T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism as a cardiovascular risk factor in childhood]. / Hiperhomocistinemia y polimorfismo 677C T de la 5,10-metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa en hijos de pacientes con enfermedad coronaria prematura.

BACKGROUND: Factors related to hyperhomocystinemia in the pediatric population of our geographical area with a parental history of premature coronary disease (PCD) are not well known. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the possible association between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), the B vitamins involved in its metabolism (folate, vitamin B12 and B6), and 677C T polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) in a group of children with a parental history of PCD. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study of 80 children (aged 5-18 years old) with a parental history of PCD was performed. Values found in these children were compared with reference values for similar age groups. Plasma tHcy and vitamin B6 were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection. Folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Detection of 677C T polymorphism of MTHFR was performed using polymerase chain reaction amplification and Hinfl digestion. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program, version 10.0. Concentrations of tHcy and vitamins were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. The association between phenotype, hyperhomocystinemia and low vitamin concentrations was analyzed using the chi-squared test. ResultsPlasma tHcy values in the children aged more than 10 years with a parental history of PCD were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the reference values. Vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower (p 0.015), but neither folate nor vitamin B6 levels differed from the reference values. A negative correlation (p < 0.0001) was observed between tHcy and folate (r 0.47) and between tHcy and vitamin B12 levels (r 0.51). Eighty percent of the children with the TT genotype of MTHFR showed hyperhomocystinemia. Suboptimal vitamin B levels were also associated with the TT genotype of MTHFR. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperhomocystinemia detected in children with a parental history of PCD is associated with the TT genotype of MTHFR and with low folate levels. Because hyperhomocystinemia can be corrected by vitamin B supplementation, tHcy determination is recommended in the offspring of patients with PCD.

Complicaciones cardiacas de la mordedura de serpientes / Cardiac complications of snakebite

Se hace la presentación del caso clínico de un soldado joven, quien sufrió mordedura de serpiente. Epidemiológicamente las características físicas de la mordedura y el comportamiento clínico corresponden a la clase "Lachesis Muta" . Además de las complicaciones extracardíacas de este tipo de accidente, nuestro paciente previamente sano desde el punto de vista cardiovascular, presentó tempranamente alteraciones de la conducción auriculoventricular las que fínalmente lo llevaron a implante de marca paso definitivo bicameral con lo que su sintomatología desapareció. Se recalca la importancia del accidente causado por este tipo de serpientes en el territorio colombiano, además de las alteraciones eléctricas que no son raras y son causadas tanto por un efecto directo de la toxina sobre el músculo cardíaco como por efecto sobre el tono vasomotor, sistema autonómico y sistema de coagulación

Conocimiento y expectativas de las personas mayores sobre los servicios sociales dirigidos a este colectivo en la Comunidad Autónoma de Galicia / Knowledge and expectations among older adults of social services for the elderly in the Autonomous Region of Galicia (Spain)

Objetivo: la información y el conocimiento que poseen las personas mayores acerca de los servicios sociales pueden contribuir tanto al acceso a éstos como a la eliminación de mitos y estereotipos negativos vinculados a su finalidad y a sus usuarios. El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar el conocimiento que tienen las personas mayores de la Comunidad Autónoma de Galicia sobre los servicios sociales dirigidos a este colectivo, así como identificar sus expectativas de uso futuro y las características que considerarían idóneas para lograr una mejor calidad y atención en los mismos. Material y métodos: se analizan los ítems correspondientes al apartado de servicios sociales del «Cuestionario de necesidades y demandas de usuarios y no usuarios de servicios sociales para personas mayores», que fue aplicado a una muestra de 1.101 personas de 60 y más años de la Comunidad Autónoma de Galicia. Resultados: el conocimiento que poseen los mayores gallegos es, en general, escaso. Los servicios más conocidos son los más tradicionales, como las residencias, y la principal fuente de la que obtienen la información son los familiares y amigos, y los medios de comunicación. El conocimiento se ve influido fundamentalmente por determinadas variables, como la edad, el nivel de estudios y el hábitat. Conclusiones: es necesario llevar a cabo una mayor difusión de los servicios sociales entre las personas mayores y especialmente entre las personas de mayor edad, con menores niveles educativos y del ámbito rural

Introduction: information and knowledge among the elderly on social services can contribute both to their access to these services, as well as to the elimination of myths and negative stereotypes pertaining to these services and their users. The aim of this study was to analyze knowledge of the social services availableto the elderly among older adults in the Autonomous Region of Galicia, as well as to identify their expectations of future use and the characteristics that they consider suitable to improve theirquality of life and obtain the most appropriate care.Material and methods: the items in the Social Services section of the «Needs and Requests of Users and Non-Users of Social Services for the Elderly Questionnaire» were analyzed and applied to a sample of 1,101 participants aged 60 years and older inthe Autonomous Region of Galicia.Results: knowledge of the available social services was generally limited among elderly individuals in Galicia. The best-known services were traditional services, such as nursing homes, and the main sources from which the elderly received information were family, friends and the media. Knowledge was mainly influencedby specific variables such as age, educational level, and habitat. Conclusions: information on social services to the elderly should be disseminated, especially among older adults with lower levels of education and those living in rural areas (AU)

Situación actual del dengue en America y Venezuela / Actual situation of the dengue in America and Venezuelan

El dengue, al igual que las otras enfermedades transmitidas por vectores, es una condición emergente, producto de la compleja participación de numerosos factores que incluyen: cambios en la política de Salud Pública, énfasis en los programas de emergencia y suvaloración de los programas de prevención, abandono de políticas de erradiación de vectores, disminución de recursos económicos para mantener muchos programas de salud; recuperación de los programas de entrenamiento del personal de salud y de las escuelas de medicina, tanto en las medidas de prevención como en el adecuado manejo de casos. Otros problemas, como los cambios demográficos, los asentamientos humanos desordenados, los cambios sociales y la falta de percepción de que, la enfermedad constituye un gran peligro para la salud. Los hábitos y las costumbres de las comunidades, la escasa participación en los programas de cambio cultural para la erradicación de vectores, así como , los cambios genéticos en el agente patógeno y los vectores cambios climáticos, han contribuido de manera determinante en la amplificación de la enfermedad, con un incremento dramático de los periodos epidémicos, hiperendemicidad, complicaciones y muerte por dengue hemorrágico; alcanza el segundo lugar entre las enfermedades tropicales después de malaria con 50 - 100 millones de casos anuales de los cuales 500.000 son de dengue hemorrágico. Aún no ha sido medido el enorme impacto económico y de salud pública que acusa la enfermedad en nuestros países y los datos disponibles seguramente son afectados por subregistro. Solo la aplicación de medidas preventivas puede revertir esta situación para ello será necesario incrementar la educación y la participación social en las medidas de erradicación o control del vector, en el mejoramiento y mantenimiento de las medidas de saneamiento ambiental; en la educación y entrenamiento del personal de salud en manejo adecuado de casos clínicos y la comprensión de la fisiopatología de la enfermedad y finalmente en el desarrollo de programas de investigación sobre vacunas y mecanismos patogénicos del virus

Hiperhomocistinemia y polimorfismo 677ct de la 5,10-metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa en hijos de pacientes con enfermedad coronaria prematura / Hyperhomocystinemia and 677CT methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism as a cardiovascular risk factor in childhood

Antecedentes: Los factores relacionados con la hiperhomocistinemia en la población pediátrica con historia de enfermedad coronaria prematura (ECP) no son bien conocidos. Objetivos: Evaluar la posible asociación entre la homocisteína plasmática, las vitaminas B (folatos, B12 y B6) y el polimorfismo 677C T de la enzima 5,10-metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) en un grupo de hijos de progenitores con ECP. Métodos: Estudio transversal analítico de 80 hijos (5-18 años) de progenitores con ECP comparando sus valores con los de referencia de edades similares. homocisteína total y vitamina B6: cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC) con detección fluorimétrica; folato y vitamina B12: radioinmunoanálisis; polimorfismo 677C T de la MTHFR: amplificación por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) y digestión con Hinfl. Estudio estadístico (SPSS, versión 10.0). Comparaciones: U de Mann-Witney y chi cuadrado; correlaciones de Spearman. Resultados: Los valores de homocisteína total de los hijos de progenitores con ECP mayores de 10 años fueron significativamente superiores (p < 0,001) a los valores de referencia, mientras que los de vitamina B12 fueron inferiores (p 0,015), aunque no los de folato y vitamina B6. Se observó una correlación negativa (p < 0,0001) entre la homocisteína total y el folato (r -0,47) y la vitamina B12 (r-0,51). El 80 por ciento de los hijos con el genotipo TT de la MTHFR presentaron hiperhomocistinemia. Los valores subóptimos de vitaminas mostraron también una asociación el genotipo TT. Conclusiones: La hiperhomocistinemia de los hijos de pacientes con ECP de nuestro medio se asocian al genotipo TT de la MTHFR y a unas concentraciones bajas de folato. La posibilidad de corregir la hiperhomocistinemia mediante suplementación vitamínica sugiere el interés del estudio familiar de homocisteína en la ECP (AU)