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The Internet of Things (IoT) device scenario has several emerging technologies. Among them, Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWANs) have proven to be efficient connections for smart devices. These devices communicate through gateways that exchange points with the central server. This study proposes an empirical and statistical methodology based on measurements carried out in a typical scenario of Amazonian cities composed of forests and buildings on the Campus of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) to apply an adjustment to the coefficients in the UFPA propagation model. Furthermore, an Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO) metaheuristic with multi-objective optimization was applied to maximize the coverage area and minimize the number of gateways to assist in the planning of a LoRa network. The results of simulations using the Monte Carlo method show that the EPSO-based gateway placement optimization methodology can be used to plan future LPWAN networks. As reception sensitivity is a decisive factor in the coverage area, with −108 dBm, the optimal solution determined the use of three gateways to cover the smart campus area.

For most of their existence, stars are fuelled by the fusion of hydrogen into helium. Fusion proceeds via two processes that are well understood theoretically: the proton–proton ( pp ) chain and the carbon–nitrogen–oxygen (CNO) cycle 1 , 2 . Neutrinos that are emitted along such fusion processes in the solar core are the only direct probe of the deep interior of the Sun. A complete spectroscopic study of neutrinos from the pp chain, which produces about 99 per cent of the solar energy, has been performed previously 3 ; however, there has been no reported experimental evidence of the CNO cycle. Here we report the direct observation, with a high statistical significance, of neutrinos produced in the CNO cycle in the Sun. This experimental evidence was obtained using the highly radiopure, large-volume, liquid-scintillator detector of Borexino, an experiment located at the underground Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy. The main experimental challenge was to identify the excess signal—only a few counts per day above the background per 100 tonnes of target—that is attributed to interactions of the CNO neutrinos. Advances in the thermal stabilization of the detector over the last five years enabled us to develop a method to constrain the rate of bismuth-210 contaminating the scintillator. In the CNO cycle, the fusion of hydrogen is catalysed by carbon, nitrogen and oxygen, and so its rate—as well as the flux of emitted CNO neutrinos—depends directly on the abundance of these elements in the solar core. This result therefore paves the way towards a direct measurement of the solar metallicity using CNO neutrinos. Our findings quantify the relative contribution of CNO fusion in the Sun to be of the order of 1 per cent; however, in massive stars, this is the dominant process of energy production. This work provides experimental evidence of the primary mechanism for the stellar conversion of hydrogen into helium in the Universe. Direct experimental evidence of the carbon–nitrogen–oxygen fusion cycle in the Sun is provided by the detection of neutrinos emitted during this process.

A bstract The Borexino detector measures solar neutrino fluxes via neutrino-electron elastic scattering. Observed spectra are determined by the solar- ν e survival probability P ee ( E ), and the chiral couplings of the neutrino and electron. Some theories of physics beyond the Standard Model postulate the existence of Non-Standard Interactions (NSI’s) which modify the chiral couplings and P ee ( E ). In this paper, we search for such NSI’s, in particular, flavor-diagonal neutral current interactions that modify the ν e e and ν τ e couplings using Borexino Phase II data. Standard Solar Model predictions of the solar neutrino fluxes for both high- and low-metallicity assumptions are considered. No indication of new physics is found at the level of sensitivity of the detector and constraints on the parameters of the NSI’s are placed. In addition, with the same dataset the value of sin 2 θ W is obtained with a precision comparable to that achieved in reactor antineutrino experiments .

In the core of the Sun, energy is released through sequences of nuclear reactions that convert hydrogen into helium. The primary reaction is thought to be the fusion of two protons with the emission of a low-energy neutrino. These so-called pp neutrinos constitute nearly the entirety of the solar neutrino flux, vastly outnumbering those emitted in the reactions that follow. Although solar neutrinos from secondary processes have been observed, proving the nuclear origin of the Sun’s energy and contributing to the discovery of neutrino oscillations, those from proton–proton fusion have hitherto eluded direct detection. Here we report spectral observations of pp neutrinos, demonstrating that about 99 per cent of the power of the Sun, 3.84 × 10 33 ergs per second, is generated by the proton–proton fusion process. Spectral observations of the low-energy neutrinos produced by proton–proton fusion in the Sun demonstrate that about 99 per cent of the Sun’s power is generated by this process. Sun's elusive pp neutrinos tracked down The Sun's energy output derives from a sequence of nuclear reactions that converts hydrogen into helium, most of it from the fusion of two protons (the proton–proton or pp reaction) accompanied by the release of a low-energy neutrino. These neutrinos have proved elusive: only solar neutrinos from secondary reactions had been directly observed. But here the Borexino collaboration reports observations of the pp neutrinos themselves, so providing a direct view of the principal fusion process that powers the Sun.

Abstract Tuberculosis remains a serious public health challenge in Brazil, particularly among socially vulnerable populations. This study presents the development and content validation of“Controlling the TB”, a digital prototype designed to support treatment adherence among patients undergoing tuberculosis therapy within the Brazilian Unified Health System. The tool was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and User-Centered Design principles, comprising four modules: sociodemographic data, disease history, clinical guidelines, and treatment adherence. Content validation was conducted by expert professionals using a structured instrument and descriptive analysis. All modules met the minimum acceptability criteria, with notable highlights for applicability, accessible language, and clinical coherence. The results demonstrate the prototype’s potential as a supportive technology for continuity of care, with national scalability and international adaptability in settings facing similar challenges in treatment adherence and digital monitoring for neglected diseases. Resumo A tuberculose ainda representa um grave problema de saúde pública no Brasil, particularmente entre populações em situação de vulnerabilidade social. Este estudo descreve o processo de desenvolvimento e validação de conteúdo do“Controlando a TB”, um protótipo digital criado para apoiar a adesão terapêutica de pacientes em tratamento no Sistema Único de Saúde. A ferramenta foi elaborada com base na Teoria do Comportamento Planejado e em princípios de design centrado no usuário, contemplando quatro módulos: dados sociodemográficos, histórico da doença, condutas clínicas e adesão ao tratamento. A validação de conteúdo foi realizada por especialistas da área, utilizando instrumento estruturado e análise descritiva. Todos os módulos atingiram os critérios mínimos de aceitabilidade, com destaque para os itens relacionados à aplicabilidade, linguagem acessível e coerência clínica. Os resultados demonstram o potencial do protótipo como tecnologia de suporte à continuidade do cuidado, com perspectivas de ampliação nacional e adaptação internacional em cenários com desafios semelhantes de adesão terapêutica e monitoramento digital em doenças negligenciadas.

Abstract Leprosy remains a persistent public health challenge in Brazil, particularly in the Legal Amazon, where its distribution reflects social inequities, environmental vulnerabilities, and heterogeneous access to health services. This study analyzed the sociodemographic profile, temporal trends, and regional heterogeneity of leprosy in the state of Tocantins between 2014 and 2024. A total of 15,734 confirmed cases were obtained from the Brazilian national surveillance system. Annual detection rates and temporal trends were assessed using log-linear regression models to estimate the Annual Percent Change, and regional heterogeneity was examined across the eight health regions of the state. The disease predominantly affected men, adults aged 30–59 years, individuals with low educational attainment, and persons self-identified as of mixed race. Despite year-to-year fluctuations, including a marked decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, detection rates remained consistently high throughout the study period. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across health regions, with persistently high detection rates in Capim Dourado, Amor Perfeito, and Cantão, while statistically significant decreasing trends were identified in Bico do Papagaio, Médio Norte Araguaia, and Ilha do Bananal. The continuous detection of cases among individuals under 15 years of age and the increase in relapse proportions in recent years indicate ongoing transmission and operational challenges in early diagnosis and surveillance. These findings highlight the need for regionally tailored strategies, strengthened contact tracing, and prioritization of high-risk territories to advance leprosy control in the Brazilian Amazon. Resumo A hanseníase permanece como um persistente desafio de saúde pública no Brasil, particularmente na Amazônia Legal, onde sua distribuição reflete desigualdades sociais, vulnerabilidades ambientais e acesso heterogêneo aos serviços de saúde. Este estudo analisou o perfil sociodemográfico, as tendências temporais e a heterogeneidade regional da hanseníase no estado do Tocantins entre 2014 e 2024. Um total de 15.734 casos confirmados foi obtido a partir do sistema nacional de vigilância em saúde. As taxas anuais de detecção e as tendências temporais foram avaliadas por meio de modelos de regressão log-linear para estimar a Variação Percentual Anual (Annual Percent Change), e a heterogeneidade regional foi examinada nas oito regiões de saúde do estado. A doença afetou predominantemente homens, adultos de 30 a 59 anos, indivíduos com baixa escolaridade e pessoas autodeclaradas pardas. Apesar das flutuações anuais, incluindo uma redução acentuada durante a pandemia de COVID-19, as taxas de detecção permaneceram consistentemente elevadas ao longo do período estudado. Observou-se heterogeneidade substancial entre as regiões de saúde, com taxas de detecção persistentemente altas em Capim Dourado, Amor Perfeito e Cantão, enquanto tendências de redução estatisticamente significativas foram identificadas em Bico do Papagaio, Médio Norte Araguaia e Ilha do Bananal. A detecção contínua de casos em indivíduos menores de 15 anos e o aumento das proporções de recidiva nos anos recentes indicam transmissão ativa e desafios operacionais no diagnóstico precoce e na vigilância epidemiológica. Esses achados destacam a necessidade de estratégias regionalmente orientadas, do fortalecimento da vigilância de contatos e da priorização de territórios de alto risco para avançar no controle da hanseníase na Amazônia brasileira.

High case counts after the Gamma (P. 1) variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 emerged in Brazil raised concerns that previously infected persons might become reinfected. Investigation of a cluster of coronavirus disease cases in Parintins, in the Brazilian Amazon, suggested household transmission but did not identify high rates of reinfection.

The communication channel is a critical part of the process of information degradation. In the 4K ultra-resolution video transmission domain, the communication channel is a crucial part where information degradation occurs, inevitably leading to errors during reception. To enhance the transmission process in terms of fidelity, advanced technologies such as digital video broadcasting terrestrial (DVB-T) and its evolutionary successor, digital video broadcasting terrestrial second generation (DVB-T2), are utilized to mitigate the effects of data transmission errors. Within this scenario, this research presents an innovative methodology for the temporal analysis of 4K ultra-resolution video quality under the influence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh channels. This analytical endeavor is facilitated through the application of concatenated coding schemes, specifically, the Bose–Chaudhuri–Hocquenghem concatenated low-density parity check (BCH-LDPC) and Reed–Solomon concatenated convolutional (RS-CONV) coders. A more comprehensive understanding of video quality can be attained by considering its temporal variations, a crucial aspect of the ongoing evolution of technological paradigms. In this study, the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) serves as the main metric for quality assessment during simulations. Furthermore, the simulated Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) values validate these findings, exhibiting consistent alignment with the SSIM-based evaluations. Additionally, the performance of the BCH-LDPC significantly outperforms that of RS-CONV under the 64-QAM modulation scheme, yielding superior video quality levels that approximate or surpass those achieved by RS-CONV under QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) modulation, leading to an increase in spectral efficiency. This enhancement is evidenced by SSIM gains exceeding 78% on average. The computation of average gains between distinct technologies in video quality analysis furnishes a robust and comprehensive evaluation framework, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions within this domain.

Background Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome due to bilateral adrenocortical macronodules. Germline inactivating variants of the tumor suppressor gene ARMC5 are responsible for 20–25% of apparently sporadic PBMAH cases and 80% of familial presentations. ARMC5 screening is now routinely performed for PBMAH patients and families. Based on literature review and own observation, this study aims to give an overview of both published and unpublished ARMC5 genetic alterations and to compile the available evidence to discriminate pathogenic from benign variants. Results 146 different germline variants (110 previously published and 36 novel) are identified, including 46% missense substitutions, 45% truncating variants, 3% affecting splice sites, 4% in-frame variants and 2% large deletions. In addition to the germline events, somatic 16p loss-of-heterozygosity and 104 different somatic events are described. The pathogenicity of ARMC5 variants is established on the basis of their frequency in the general population, in silico predictions, familial segregation and tumor DNA sequencing. Conclusions This is the first extensive review of ARMC5 pathogenic variants. It shows that they are spread on the whole coding sequence. This is a valuable resource for genetic investigations of PBMAH and will help the interpretation of new missense substitutions that are continuously identified.

Acidic soils limit plant nutrient availability, leading to deficiencies and reduced crop yields. Agricultural liming agents address these issues and are crucial for deploying silicate amendments used in enhanced rock weathering (ERW) for carbon sequestration and emission reduction. Grower recommendations for liming agents are based on the liming index (LI), which combines the neutralizing value (NV) and fineness rating (FR) to predict a mineral’s acidity neutralization relative to pure calcite. However, the LI was originally developed for carbonate minerals, and its applicability to silicates remains uncertain, with studies often yielding inconclusive results on soil carbon and liming efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the liming efficiency of silicates. We determined the LI of five candidate ERW minerals (basalt, olivine, wollastonite, kimberlite, and montmorillonite) and compared them to pure calcite. Post-NV acid digestion, we characterized the minerals and soils, applying nonparametric statistical tests (Wilcoxon, Kendall) to correlate liming results with LI, dosage, and amendment methods. We developed an empirical model incorporating mineralogy and kinetics to explain silicate behavior in liming, considering soil, climate, and crop factors.