Catalogue Search | MBRL
Are you sure you want to remove the book from the shelf?
{{itemTitle}}
1,024
result(s) for
"Mario Herrera"
Sort by:
Uncovering temporal changes in Europe’s population density patterns using a data fusion approach
The knowledge of the spatial and temporal distribution of human population is vital for the study of cities, disaster risk management or planning of infrastructure. However, information on the distribution of population is often based on place-of-residence statistics from official sources, thus ignoring the changing population densities resulting from human mobility. Existing assessments of spatio-temporal population are limited in their detail and geographical coverage, and the promising mobile-phone records are hindered by issues concerning availability and consistency. Here, we present a multi-layered dasymetric approach that combines official statistics with geospatial data from emerging sources to produce and validate a European Union-wide dataset of population grids taking into account intraday and monthly population variations at 1 km
2
resolution. The results reproduce and systematically quantify known insights concerning the spatio-temporal population density structure of large European cities, whose daytime population we estimate to be, on average, 1.9 times higher than night time in city centers.
Official data on the distribution of human population often ignores the changing spatio-temporal densities resulting from mobility. Here, authors apply an approach combining official statistics and geospatial data to assess intraday and monthly population variations at continental scale at 1 km
2
resolution.
Journal Article
Obstacles to integrated pest management adoption in developing countries
Despite its theoretical prominence and sound principles, integrated pest management (IPM) continues to suffer from anemic adoption rates in developing countries. To shed light on the reasons, we surveyed the opinions of a large and diverse pool of IPM professionals and practitioners from 96 countries by using structured concept mapping. The first phase of this method elicited 413 open-ended responses on perceived obstacles to IPM. Analysis of responses revealed 51 unique statements on obstacles, the most frequent of which was \"insufficient training and technical support to farmers.\" Cluster analyses, based on participant opinions, grouped these unique statements into six themes: research weaknesses, outreach weaknesses, IPM weaknesses, farmer weaknesses, pesticide industry interference, and weak adoption incentives. Subsequently, 163 participants rated the obstacles expressed in the 51 unique statements according to importance and remediation difficulty. Respondents from developing countries and high-income countries rated the obstacles differently. As a group, developing-country respondents rated \"IPM requires collective action within a farming community\" as their top obstacle to IPM adoption. Respondents from high-income countries prioritized instead the \"shortage of well-qualified IPM experts and extensionists.\" Differential prioritization was also evident among developing-country regions, and when obstacle statements were grouped into themes. Results highlighted the need to improve the participation of stakeholders from developing countries in the IPM adoption debate, and also to situate the debate within specific regional contexts.
Journal Article
An overview on plasmon-enhanced photoluminescence via metallic nanoantennas
In the realm of nanotechnology, the integration of quantum emitters with plasmonic nanostructures has emerged as an innovative pathway for applications in quantum technologies, sensing, and imaging. This research paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the photoluminescence enhancement induced by the interaction between quantum emitters and tailored nanostructure configurations. Four canonical nanoantennas (spheres, rods, disks, and crescents) are systematically investigated theoretically in three distinct configurations (single, gap, and nanoparticle-on-mirror nanoantennas), as a representative selection of the most fundamental and commonly studied structures and arrangements. A detailed analysis reveals that the rod gap nanoantenna configuration achieves the largest photoluminescence enhancement factor, of up to three orders of magnitude. The study presented here provides insights for the strategic design of plasmonic nanoantennas in the visible and near-IR spectral range, offering a roadmap for these structures to meet specific requirements in plasmon-enhanced fluorescence. Key properties such as the excitation rate, the quantum yield, the enhanced emitted power, or the directionality of the emission are thoroughly reviewed. The results of this overview contribute not only to the fundamental understanding of plasmon-enhanced emission of quantum emitters but also set the basis for the development of advanced nanophotonic devices with enhanced functionalities.
Journal Article
Serum S100β Levels Are Linked with Cognitive Decline and Peripheral Inflammation in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2
Experimental and clinical studies have indicated a potential role of the protein S100β in the pathogenesis and phenotype of neurodegenerative diseases. However, its impact on spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) remains to be elucidated. The objective of the study is to determine the serum levels of S100β in SCA2 and its relationship with molecular, clinical, cognitive, and peripheral inflammatory markers of the disease. Serum concentrations of S100β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 39 SCA2 subjects and 36 age- and gender-matched controls. Clinical scores of ataxia, non-ataxia symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, and some blood cell count–derived inflammatory indices were assessed. The SCA2 individuals manifested S100β levels similar to the control group, at low nanomolar concentrations. However, the S100β levels were directly associated with a better performance of cognitive evaluation within the SCA2 cohort. Moreover, the S100β levels were inversely correlated with most peripheral inflammatory indices. Indeed, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio significantly mediated the effect of serum S100β on cognitive performance, even after controlling for the ataxia severity in the causal mediation analysis. Our findings suggested that, within physiologic concentrations, the protein S100β exerts a neuroprotective role against cognitive dysfunction in SCA2, likely via the suppression of pro-inflammatory mechanisms.
Journal Article
Curcumin Modifies the Activity of Plasmatic Antioxidant Enzymes and the Hippocampal Oxidative Profile in Rats upon Acute and Chronic Exposure to Ozone
Ozone (O3) is an oxidating tropospheric pollutant. When O3 interacts with biological substrates, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are formed. Severe oxidative damage exhausts the endogenous antioxidant system, which leads to the decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Curcumin (CUR) is a natural polyphenol with well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of curcumin on CAT, GPx, and SOD activity and the inhibition of oxidative damage after the acute and chronic exposure to O3. Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five experimental groups: the intact control, CUR-fed control, exposed-to-O3 control, CUR-fed (preventive), and CUR-fed (therapeutic) groups. These two last groups received a CUR-supplemented diet while exposed to O3. These experiments were performed during acute- and chronic-exposure phases. In the preventive and therapeutic groups, the activity of plasma CAT, GPx, and SOD was increased during both exposure phases, with slight differences; concomitantly, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation were inhibited. For this reason, we propose that CUR could be used to enhance the activity of the antioxidant system and to diminish the oxidative damage caused by exposure to O3.
Journal Article
Mapping the Missing: Assessing Amphibian Sampling Completeness and Overlap With Global Protected Areas
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to assess amphibian sampling completeness and the overlap of sampling completeness categories with natural protected areas (NPAs) and key biodiversity areas (KBAs) at global scale. We evaluated amphibian sampling completeness across six of the earth's eight biogeographic realms to identify well‐sampled, under‐sampled, and data‐gap areas in the context of global amphibian distribution. Additionally, we examined the spatial overlap of each sampling category with NPAs and KBAs. The Nearctic and Australasian realms had the highest number of records and well‐sampled areas. Significant data gaps were identified, particularly in the Afrotropical, Indo‐Malayan, Neotropical, and Palearctic realms. We found low levels of spatial match (< 35%) between classified areas and NPAs/KBAs. Amphibian distribution data are largely incomplete, with the most extensive gaps in the most species‐rich realms: Neotropic, Indo‐Malayan, and Afrotropical. The low overlap between under‐sampled and data‐gap areas with NPAs and KBAs suggests that these regions, critical for amphibian diversity, are insufficiently represented within established conservation priorities. Given the urgent threats to biodiversity from global change, rapid responses are essential to enhance our understanding of species distributions and community structures in amphibians. This study provides spatial insights to help identify key data‐gap areas for amphibian research and conservation prioritization.
This study evaluates global sampling completeness of amphibians and explores the overlap between sampling categories and conservation areas, focusing on natural protected areas (NPAs) and key biodiversity areas (KBAs). Results reveal significant data gaps, particularly in the most species‐rich realms, and a low spatial match with NPAs/KBAs. These findings underscore the need for targeted data collection to improve amphibian knowledge and lead conservation efforts.
Journal Article
Increased subtalar rotational motion in patients with symptomatic ankle instability under load and stress conditions
Purpose
Differentiating subtalar and ankle instability in the clinical setting is challenging. This study aims to analyze the rotational laxity of the subtalar joint bilaterally in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic ankle instability under simulated load and stress-induced position of the subtalar joint.
Methods
A case–control study was conducted using an adjustable load device (ALD). Patients with chronic ankle instability and healthy volunteers were included. Each subject underwent a CT scan under mechanical stress and simulated weight-bearing conditions, maintaining maximum eversion and inversion hindfoot positions. The images were obtained in a single model, allowing calculations of the motion vector as well as the helical axis. The helical axis was defined by a rotation angle and a translation distance.
Results
A total of 72 feet were included in the study. Thirty-one patients with unilateral symptoms and five healthy controls were selected, defining two groups: symptomatic (n = 31) and asymptomatic (n = 41). An absolute difference of 4.6º (95%CI 2–11.1) rotation angle was found on the helical axis of the symptomatic vs. asymptomatic group (p = 0.001). No significant differences were detected in the translation distance (n.s.) between the groups. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between the rotation angle and translation distance through the helical axis in the asymptomatic group (r = 0.397, p = 0.027).
Conclusion
Patients with chronic ankle instability suspected of having subtalar joint instability showed a wider subtalar range of laxity in terms of rotation about the helical axis. Furthermore, differences in kinematics between symptomatic and asymptomatic hindfeet was demonstrated when both feet were compared.
Level of evidence
III.
Journal Article
Curcumin Decreases Hippocampal Neurodegeneration and Nitro-Oxidative Damage to Plasma Proteins and Lipids Caused by Short-Term Exposure to Ozone
Neurodegeneration is the consequence of harmful events affecting the nervous system that lead to neuronal death. Toxic substances, including air pollutants, are capable of inducing neurodegeneration. Ozone (O3) is the most oxidative toxic pollutant. O3 reacts with cellular components and forms reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, triggering nitro-oxidative damage during short-term exposure. Curcumin (CUR) is a natural phenolic molecule bearing well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biological activities in diverse experimental models. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of preventive dietary administration of CUR against hippocampal neurodegeneration and nitro-oxidative damage caused by short-term exposure to O3. Eighty Wistar male rats were distributed into four experimental groups, twenty rats each: intact control; CUR dietary supplementation without O3 exposure; exposure to 0.7 ppm of O3; and exposed to O3 with CUR dietary supplementation. Five rats from each group were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, and 8 h of exposure. The CUR dose was 5.6 mg/kg and adjusted according to food consumption. CUR significantly decreased oxidative damage to plasma lipids and proteins, as well as neurodegeneration in CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions. Concluding, CUR proved effective protection in decreasing neurodegeneration in the hippocampus and prevented systemic oxidative damage.
Journal Article
Electoral Turnout of Non‐Citizens Under Voluntary and Compulsory Voting: Evidence From Chile
It is often argued that non-citizens are less interested in the political processes of the host country and, therefore, vote less than citizens. We discuss this using Chile’s administrative electoral census for the 2012–2023 elections. We choose Chile for three reasons. First, it is one of the few countries worldwide that allows non-citizens to vote in local and national elections. Second, Chile requires only five years of permanent residence for non-citizens to vote. Third, Chile implemented a voluntary voting system between 2012 and 2021 and a compulsory voting system in 2022. This latter particularity means that voting is compulsory for non-citizens registered on the electoral roll. How much and how did the electoral participation of citizens and non-citizens change with the introduction of compulsory voting? Four results stand out. First, citizen turnout averaged 44.7% under voluntary voting, while non-citizen turnout averaged 17.1%. Second, with the introduction of compulsory voting, the figures narrowed. Citizens averaged 86.3% and non-citizens 60.0%, tripling their turnout compared to elections organised under voluntary voting. Third, there is a gender gap in voter turnout in favour of women, both among citizens and non-citizens. Fourth, since 2020—when a constitutional referendum was held during the Covid-19 pandemic—there has been a higher turnout of young people in citizen and non-citizen groups. These results are beneficial for assessing the institutions that regulate the right and exercise of the vote for non-citizens, the impact of compulsory voting on electoral participation, and the re-boosting of youth participation.
Journal Article