Education is essential for addressing the global environmental crisis and engaging students through experiential learning is crucial. In physical education, physical literacy offers a holistic approach to sustainable education, with plogging exemplifying this integration. This study investigates the perceptions of Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) students regarding the implementation of plogging in school curricula. Using qualitative interviews with 80 PETE students and analysing responses with NVIVO 12 software, the study reveals mixed feelings about this innovative practice. Participants see plogging as valuable for fostering both physical literacy and environmental awareness. However, concerns about feasibility include the need for institutional support, curriculum flexibility and community involvement. These findings highlight the potential of plogging to enhance educational programmes by combining physical activity with environmental stewardship. The results can inform the development of future educational strategies that integrate plogging to promote sustainability and holistic student development.

The aim of this study was to compare the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Bos taurus and Bos indicus in vitro embryos cryopreserved using either slow freezing or vitrification. Embryos were divided into four groups based on subspecies and freezing method: Bos indicus slow freezing (BiSF; n = 8), Bos indicus vitrification (BiVT; n = 10), Bos taurus slow freezing (BtSF; n = 9), and Bos taurus vitrification (BtVT; n = 6). After thawing, the embryos were incubated with CellRox Green and images were obtained using a confocal microscope. The fluorescence intensity of each cell was measured and expressed as arbitrary units of fluorescence (auf) and compared using a multiple regression and unpaired t-test with α = 0.05. Results showed that subspecies and the freezing method significantly affected auf (P < 0.001; R2 = 0.1213). Bos indicus embryos had higher auf than Bos taurus embryos, whether frozen by slow freezing (67.05 ± 23.18 vs 51.30 ± 16.84, P < 0.001) or vitrification (64.44 ± 23.32 vs 47.86 ± 17.53, P < 0.001). Slow freezing induced higher auf than vitrification in both Bos taurus (51.30 ± 16.84 vs 47.86 ± 17.53, P < 0.001) and Bos indicus (67.05 ± 23.18 vs 64.44 ± 23.32, P < 0.014). In conclusion, Bos taurus embryos had lower ROS levels when frozen using vitrification, while Bos indicus embryos had consistent ROS patterns regardless of the freezing method. However, Bos indicus embryos frozen by slow freezing tended to have a higher number of cells with elevated ROS levels.

Large kaolin deposits developed by weathering on Precambrian granitic rocks have been discovered in the Caluquembe area, Huíla province, Angola. To determine accuracy of analysis and to evaluate the kaolinite grade, a full-profile Rietveld refinement by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used. Caluquembe kaolin is composed mainly of kaolinite (44–93 wt.%), quartz (0–23 wt.%), and feldspar (4–14 wt.%). The Aparicio-Galán-Ferrell index (AGFI), calculated by XRPD profile refinement, indicates low- and medium-defect kaolinite. Kaolinite particles show a platy habit and they stack together forming ‘booklets’ or radial aggregates; they also occur as small anhedral particles in a finer-grained mass. Muscovite-kaolinite intergrowths have also been found. Whole-rock chemical analysis included major, trace, and Rare Earth Elements (REE). Chondrite-normalized REE patterns show the same tendency for all samples, with a significant enrichment in Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE). Mineralogical and compositional features of the Caluquembe kaolin indicate that it is a suitable material for the manufacture of structural products, such as bricks, paving stones, and roofing tiles. In addition, the significant REE contents of the Caluquembe kaolin can be considered as a potential future target of mining exploration.

Long-term climate and vegetation data were used to determine the role of rainfall variability and its seasonal distribution on litterfall nutrients. Based on a 20-year data set on rainfall (range 334–1,506 mm per year) and litterfall nutrients from old-growth tropical dry forest (TDF) in Mexico, we examined litterfall N and P concentrations from the rainy and dry seasons in response to rainfall in the rainy (June–October) and the dry (November–May) seasons, the latter referred to as out-of-season precipitation (OSP). Rainy-season litterfall N concentrations, but not P concentrations nor N:P ratios, changed positively (p < 0.001) in response to rainy-season precipitation. Dry-season litterfall N concentrations and N:P ratios, but not litterfall P, increased (p ≤ 0.02) in response to rainfall from the preceding rainy season. N:P ratios of dry-season litterfall in years with OSP were higher only during dry years and N concentrations decreased in wet years (p < 0.05). The narrow range in dry-season litterfall P concentrations (1.00–1.15 mg g-1), irrespective of rainfall amount and OSP, suggests P conservation. The variation in litterfall N, but not litterfall P, in response to rainfall variability reveals a divergent nutrient response along steep changes in water availability in this TDF.

Persistent barriers exist to engage rural providers in research and training. Provider shortages exacerbate these challenges, leading to a scarcity of time and limiting motivation to participate in research. We present application of an innovative engagement model to increase rural primary care provider participation in research. Using our Community Engagement and Research Core, we demonstrate that fundamental principles of training and expertise, attention to efficiency and multitasking, and commitment to community are important for addressing provider recruitment barriers. We encourage other Clinical and Translational Science Centers to provide similar services to their local investigators to enhance provider engagement in research.

Survival of entropy waves during their advection throughout a combustor is central to the generation of entropic sound and the subsequent effects upon thermoacoustic stability of the system. However, the decay and spatial non-uniformity of entropy waves are largely ignored by the existing models used for the calculation of entropy noise generation. Recent investigations have demonstrated the complex spatio-temporal dynamics of entropy waves and cast doubts on the sufficiency of the one-dimensional approach, conventionally used for the analysis of these waves. Hence, this paper proposes a novel approach to the low-order modelling of entropy wave evolution wherein the wave is described by the two states of position and amplitude in the streamwise direction. A high-order model is first developed through direct numerical simulation of the advection of entropy waves in a fully developed, heat transferring, compressible, turbulent channel flow. The data are then utilised to build and validate a series of nonlinear, low-order models that provide an unsteady two-dimensional representation of the decaying and partially annihilating entropy waves. It is shown that these models need, at most, approximately $12.5\,\%$ of the total trace of entropy wave advection to predict the wave dynamics accurately. The results further reveal that the existing linear low-order models are truly predictive only for the entropy waves with less than $2\,\%$ increase in the gas temperature compared to that of the surrounding flow. Yet, in agreement with the assumption of existing models, it is shown that entropy waves travel with the mean flow speed.

The Endangered Cuvier's gazelle Gazella cuvieri is an endemic ungulate of north-western Africa. Information on the species has been based primarily on non-systematic surveys, and the corresponding status estimates are of unknown quality. We evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of two field methods for systematic surveys of populations of Cuvier's gazelle in arid environments: distance sampling (based on sightings) and sampling indirect sign (tracks and scats). The work was carried out in the north-western Sahara Desert, in Morocco, where what is possibly the largest population of Cuvier's gazelle persists. A logistically viable survey was conducted over a total area of c. 20.000 km2 in 10 expeditions during 2011–2014. A total of 67 sites were surveyed, with 194 walking surveys (2,169 km in total). Gazelle signs were detected at 50 sites, and gazelles were sighted at 21 sites (61 individuals). We found a relationship between sightings and abundance indices based on indirect sign, which could be useful for population monitoring or ecological studies. Additionally, the data could be used in occupancy modelling. Density estimates based on distance sampling required considerable effort; however, it is possible to survey large areas during relatively short campaigns, and this proved to be the most useful approach to obtain data on the demographic structure of the population.

In this work, the annealing effects at 180°C in Aluminum-ZnO contacts as function of time were studied. Also, the application in TFTs of ZnO films obtained at low-temperature (200°C) are presented. The ZnO films obtained by ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis at 200 °C were deposited over Aluminum contacts on SiO2/Si wafers to demonstrate the use of active layer in thin-film transistors. The results show that an improvement can be obtained in metal-ZnO interfaces by low-temperature annealing treatments. However, long annealing time degrade the metal-ZnO interface and may affect the electrical performance of the device.

Introduction. The nutritional and functional qualities of wild andcultivated Mexican serviceberry have not yet been reported. This species could havesimilar potential for commercialization to that of Saskatoon berry (Amelanchieralnifolia Nutt.). Materials and methods. Wild and cultivatedfruits at two maturity stages were assessed for CIE Lab color, fruit size, titratableacidity and total soluble solids. Also, chemical composition and mineral contents weredetermined. In addition, vitamin C and simple phenols were assessed. Total solublephenols, condensed tannins and anthocyanins as well as Trolox antioxidant activity andoxygen radical antioxidant activity were determined. Results. Fruit size,titratable acidity, total soluble solids, iron and simple phenols were higher in fruits ofcultivated plants than in those of wild plants. Total fiber, calcium, vitamin C, totalsoluble phenols and condensed tannins were higher in wild fruits. Wild and cultivatedserviceberry showed higher Trolox antioxidant activity compared with oxygen radicalantioxidant activity. Caffeic, chlorogenic, coumaric and syringic acids and rutin were thepredominant simple phenolics; they comprised from 59.3% (cultivated overripe fruit) to76.9% (wild ripe fruit) of the sum of simple phenolics. The antioxidant activity of wildand cultivated fruit (258.3–699.2 mmol·kg–1, fw) is up to 3.8 times higher compared withthose of fruits commonly consumed. Conclusion. Contents of antioxidantcompounds and the outstanding antioxidant activities of wild and cultivated Mexicanserviceberry make this species a natural resource that could contribute to health.

Objectives: The role of biomedical engineers (BMEs) has changed widely over the years, from managing a group of technicians to the planning of large installations and the management of medical technology countrywide. As the technology has advanced, the competence of BMEs has been challenged because it is no longer possible to be an expert in every component of the technology involved in running a hospital. Our approach has been to form a network of professionals that are experts in different fields related to medical technology, where work is coordinated to provide high quality services at the planning and execution stages of projects related to medical technology.

Methods: A study of the procedures involved in the procurement of medical technology has been carried out over the years. These experiences have been compared with several case studies where the approach to problem solving in this area has been multidisciplinary. Planning and execution phases of projects involving medical technology management have been identified.

Results: After several instances of collaboration among experts from different fields, a network for management of healthcare technology has been formed at our institution that incorporates the experience from different departments that were dealing separately with projects involving medical technology.

Conclusions: This network has led us to propose this approach to solve medical technology management projects, where the strengths of each subgroup complement each other. This structure will lead to a more integrated approach to healthcare technology management and will ensure higher quality solutions.

Long term research in low activation materials is being pursued in fusion programs and the assessment of allowable elements and/or impurities from safety and repository reasons are being studied at Instituto Fusión Nuclear (DENIM), using ACAB code, for national ignition facility (NIF) and inertial fusion energy (IFE) reactors. Uncertainties in nuclear data are being considered, and experiments for validation of modeling will be presented. Multiscale simulation of radiation damage is now starting to be compared with experiments, and results on the simplest material can be reported as a function of impurities, temperature, and dose. Molecular dynamics (MD) allows us to identify stress-strain curve of FeCr ferritic steels under irradiation, and macroscopic conclusions can be advanced using simple models. However, a neutron source of enough intensity and adequate energy spectrum is needed which will be very peculiar in the case of pulsed IFE, as we claimed in past years. Development of international fusion materials irradiation facility (IFMIF) will be commented and compared with solutions such as spallation, and others using ultra-intense lasers for obtaining required irradiation magnitudes. Research on radiation damage in SiC composite is being pursued at macroscopic level, but basic knowledge is scarce. A systematic identification of type of stable defects is being presented with a new tight binding MD technique. Our research on simulation of silica irradiation damage will also be presented. The role of tritium, when elemental tritium (HT) and titrated water (HTO) derive in organically bound tritium (OBT) will be explained. The deposition and absorption processes are now being considered in our calculations giving more precision and accuracy to our conclusions of dosimetry effects. The role of HT versus HTO and the importance of re-emission process will be remarked, together with the long-term role of OBT.