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This paper discusses some of the policy issues and best practices aimed at enhancing HEIs performance and improving their impact on society and the economy within the knowledge triangle. The knowledge triangle concept aims at exploring ways to better align and integrate the research, education and innovation functions of HEIs. The paper describes the contents of the knowledge triangle, HEI performance through the lens of this concept, policies to promote the knowledge triangle in HEIs, as well as potential contradictions in relation to other knowledge producers, such as public research centers and companies. The conclusion is that there is no single model of universities and knowledge triangle. This is due to the country-specific peculiarities of educational systems, diversity within HEIs themselves and the functions they perform, as well as the specifics of regional ecosystems. Accordingly, the key to the efficiency of the knowledge triangle tools is their place-based adjustment. In order to achieve a tangible contribution of universities to the development of regional and local innovation, it is necessary to ensure complementarities and a balance between their missions.

In this study, thermoplastic starch (TPS) biofilms were developed using starch isolated from the seeds of Melicoccus bijugatus (huaya) and reinforced with bentonite clays at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight. Novelty of this research lies in utilizing a non-conventional starch source and enhancing properties of TPS through clay reinforcement. FTIR analysis verified bentonite’s nature of clays, while SEM analysis provided insights into morphology and agglomeration behavior. Key findings include a notable increase in biofilm thickness and elastic modulus with higher clay content. Specifically, tensile strength of biofilms improved from 2.5 MPa for pure TPS to 5.0 MPa with 5% clay reinforcement. The elastic modulus increased from 25 MPa (TPS) to 60 MPa (5% clay). Thermal stability also showed enhancement, with initial degradation temperature increasing from 110 °C for pure TPS to 130 °C for TPS with 5% clay. Water vapor permeability (WVP) tests demonstrated a decrease in WVP values from 4.11 × 10 −10  g m −1  s −1  Pa −1 for pure TPS to 2.09 × 10 −10  g m −1  s −1 ·Pa −1 for TPS with 5% clay, indicating a significant barrier effect due to clay dispersion. These results suggest that biofilms based on huaya starch and reinforced with bentonite clay have considerable potential for sustainable food packaging applications, offering enhanced mechanical and barrier properties.

Colok seed (Talisia floresii Standl) represents 80% of the total fruit weight and is obtained from trees that grow mainly in Yucatan Peninsula. The aim of this work was the physicochemical characterization from colok starch seeds as an alternative to conventional sources and to identify its characteristics for potential applications in different industrial sectors. Starch yield was 42.1% with low levels of lipids, ashes and fibers. The amylose content was 33.6 ± 1.15%. The gelatinization temperature was 85 ± 0.25 °C. Color analysis resulted in a starch with an intermediate luminosity, reflecting a dark color. Finally, in morphology, starch granule exhibited an average size of 18.7 μm, spherical, uniform and without fractures. Overall results demonstrated that isolated colok starch can be used in food products that require high processing temperatures, such as sauces, cookies, noodles, bread and food packages.

This paper presents the design of a fault detection system (FDD) based on principal component analysis (PCA) to detect faults in the transient state of distillation processes. The FDD system detects faults due to changes in calorific power and pressure leaks that can occur during the heating of the mixture to be distilled (transient), mainly affecting the quality of the distilled product and the safety of the process and operators. The proposed FDD system is based on PCA with a T2 Hotelling statistical approach, considering data from a real distillation pilot plant process. The FDD system is evaluated with two fault scenarios, performing power changes and pressure leaks in the pilot plant reboiler during the transient state. Finally, the results of the FDD system are analyzed using Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and Specificity metrics to validate its performance.

This paper discusses the role of higher education institutions within the framework of the knowledge triangle between academic education, scientific research and innovation, as it has gained importance in recent years as a framework for innovation policies especially in the OECD and Europe. First, complementary concepts of universities’ outreach activities and extended role model such as ‘third mission’, ‘triple helix’, ‘entrepreneurial or civic university’ models and ‘smart specialization’ are reflected against their fit with the concept of the knowledge triangle, also with respect to new requirements for university governance. Second, a new understanding of spillovers between public sectors research and the business sector according to knowledge triangle is presented.

We present the case of a 73-year-old woman who was incidentally found to have a malignant Brenner tumor (MBT) of the ovary during an evaluation for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The patient presented with swelling in her left leg, non-healing ulcers, weakness, and numbness in her lower limbs. Imaging studies revealed a large multiloculated cystic mass with areas of calcification in the left adnexa extending to the upper abdomen toward the gallbladder fossa. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with removal of the ovarian cyst, later diagnosed as a focal MBT in a background of borderline Brenner tumor. Brenner tumors of the ovary are a rare subtype of ovarian neoplasm that accounts for less than 2% of all ovarian tumors. MBTs are even rarer, comprising less than 5% of all Brenner tumors. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an MBT incidentally found in a patient with DVT.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by . It primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other body parts. One of the possible symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is hemoptysis. In the case of TB, aspergillomas can develop in the cavitary lesions of TB and result in a deteriorating clinical situation. The current case report describes a 63-year-old female previously treated for TB who presented with hemoptysis, fever, and a 4 cm focal density in the right upper lobe on chest X-ray. The patient was found to have concomitant TB and aspergillosis, manifesting as a pulmonary aspergilloma. The co-occurrence of TB and aspergillosis can occur, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems. This case report highlights the importance of considering concomitant TB and pulmonary mycetoma in patients with a history of treated TB who present with pulmonary symptoms.

We present a case series of two rare cases of angioleiomyoma of the hand, an infrequent type of benign tumor. In the first case, a 41-year-old female presented with a left thumb mass that had increased in size over two years. Imaging studies revealed a destructive lesion involving the first webspace with infiltration of the first metacarpal, and the mass was initially suspected to be a sarcoma. However, a percutaneous image-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) and ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy (USG-CNB) of the left-hand mass confirmed the diagnosis of angioleiomyoma. The mass was surgically excised, and the final diagnosis was consistent with the earlier USG-CNB. In the second case, a 63-year-old man with end-stage renal disease presented for consultation regarding dialysis access creation. During the examination, a large, soft, mobile mass adjacent to the wrist on the medial aspect of his hand was identified. This was presumed to be a lipoma. However, the histopathology report revealed a benign angioleiomyoma measuring 3.2 cm, which had been completely excised during the surgery. This case report highlights the importance of considering angioleiomyoma in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses and the utility of US-FNA and USG-CNB in diagnosing these tumors.

Breast augmentation surgery, like any other surgery, has potential complications, including the less common complication of pleural effusion. We present a unique case of a 44-year-old female who developed pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath 10 days after her breast augmentation surgery, with no prior history of cardiac or autoimmune conditions. The temporal relationship between the surgery and the onset of symptoms suggested a possible direct link to the implants. Imaging showed a small- to moderate-sized left pleural effusion, and pleural fluid analysis revealed findings suggestive of a foreign body reaction (FBR), including evidence of mesothelial and inflammatory cells with a lymphocyte percentage of 44% and monocytes of 30%. The patient received intravenous steroids at a dose of 40 mg every eight hours for three days while hospitalized, followed by a tapered oral dose of steroids upon discharge, for over three weeks. Follow-up imaging studies showed complete resolution of the pleural effusion. The diagnosis of pleural effusion resulting from FBR to silicone gel-filled breast implants involves a clinical history, cytopathological examination, and the exclusion of other potential causes. This case highlights the importance of considering FBR as a potential cause of pleural effusion post-breast augmentation surgery.

Colok seed (Talisia floresii Standl) represents 80% of the total fruit weight and is obtained from trees that grow mainly in Yucatan Peninsula. The aim of this work was the physicochemical characterization from colok starch seeds as an alternative to conventional sources and to identify its characteristics for potential applications in different industrial sectors. Starch yield was 42.1% with low levels of lipids, ashes and fibers. The amylose content was 33.6 ± 1.15%. The gelatinization temperature was 85 ± 0.25 °C. Color analysis resulted in a starch with an intermediate luminosity, reflecting a dark color. Finally, in morphology, starch granule exhibited an average size of 18.7 μm, spherical, uniform and without fractures. Overall results demonstrated that isolated colok starch can be used in food products that require high processing temperatures, such as sauces, cookies, noodles, bread and food packages.