Circular Futures: How can design nurture more sustainable production and delivery systems for social micro enterprises?

In the face of environmental degradation, increasing economic volatility, and societal inequalities, transitioning to a more sustainable future—environmentally and socially—is a pressing demand. European Union policy aims to be at the forefront of this transition, placing the circular economy and social innovation at the center of policymaking. While the need for social micro-SMEs to uptake environmental measures arises, institutions still struggle in providing direction and tools for a systemic transition that considers both environmental and social innovation. This paper presents an ongoing framework to investigate how designers can inspire product, process, and business model changes in micro-enterprises to sensitively intervene in local urban production and consumption systems. The framework emphasizes the use of designerly thinking and crafting to promote practices that create social and environmental value alongside the economic one. Specifically, the paper reflects on the framework's first application in a studio course of the Master in Product-Service System Design at the Politecnico di Milano. The studio partnered with La Scuola dei Quartieri (SdQ), a social innovation program from Milan’s Municipality, prompting students to twin the challenges of some of its projects in a parallel innovation journey. The in-progress framework is a starting point for understanding how design for social innovation can help social micro-SMEs consider their environmental impact and create environmental value alongside the social one. Here, designers become activists, sharing and cultivating visions while strategizing how to weave initiatives together to favor the consideration and possible introduction of these new business practices

Population structure and genetic differentiation among the substructured Vysya caste population in comparison to the other populations of Andhra Pradesh, India

The present paper focuses on the study of the patterns of genetic microdifferentiation among one of the substructured caste populations of Andhra Pradesh, namely Vysya, with reference to 17 other Telugu speaking populations from the same region of India. A total of 302 individuais from the three Vysya subgroups (101 of Arya Vysya, 100 from Kalinga Vysya and 101 from Thrivarnika) were typed in 17 blood groups and protein polymorphisms. Nei's gene diversity analysis, as well as neighbour-joining tree and UPGMA cluster diagrams, derived from standard genetic distances, R-matrix analysis and a regression model for investigating the patterns of external gene flow and genetic drift due to isolation under the island model, were done at two levels: (1) considering only the three Vysya populations and (2) considering common loci among 20 populations of Andhra Pradesh. Seven of the 17 systems investigated were found to be monomorphic among all the three Vysya groups. The UPGMA tree and bidimensional scaling of the D2 distances derived from R-matrix analysis show a very distinct cluster of Vysya populations. Application of the model of regression of average heterozygosity versus the distance of populations from the centroid shows the three Vysya populations placed as clear outliers above the theoretical regression line. Different approaches employed in this study give support to the hypothesis of different origin and/or demographic story for the three Vysya groups compared with other populations of Andhra Pradesh.Fil: Lakshmi, N.. Andhra University; IndiaFil: Demarchi, Dario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades. Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Veerraju, P.. Andhra University; IndiaFil: Rao, T. V.. Andhra University; Indi

Calophyllum brasiliense

Calophyllum brasiliense is a plant from the Brazilian rain forests and has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases, including leishmaniasis. This infectious disease depends on the Leishmania sp. and the host immune response. C. brasiliense antileishmanial activity is well known, but the effects on immune response remain to be investigated. This study showed the leishmanicidal and immunomodulatory effects of a 30 μg/mL of hydroalcoholic extract of C. brasiliense in murine macrophages before and after Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis infection. The semiquantitative cytokine RNA expression was determined by RT-PCR and the anti-Leishmania activity was measured by infection index (IF). Hydroalcoholic extract of C. brasiliense reduced more than 95% of IF when used before and after Leishmania infection, with 3 and 24 h of treatment (p<0.05). C. brasiliense inhibited or reduced significantly (p<0.05) the TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-10 mRNA expression. The antileishmanial and anti-inflammatory effects showed the potential of C. brasiliense as an alternative therapy for leishmaniasis and it must be investigated

One-Dimensional ZnO/Gold Junction for Simultaneous and Versatile Multisensing Measurements

The sensing capabilities of zinc oxide nano/micro-structures have been widely investigated and these structures are frequently used in the fabrication of cutting-edge sensors. However, to date, little attention has been paid to the multi-sensing abilities of this material. In this work, we present an efficient multisensor based on a single zinc oxide microwire/gold junction. The device is able to detect in real time three different stimuli, UV-VIS light, temperature and pH variations. This is thanks to three properties of zinc oxide its photoconductive response, pyroelectricity and surface functionalization with amino-propyl groups, respectively. The three stimuli can be detected either simultaneously or in a sequence/random order. A specific mathematical tool was also developed, together with a design of experiments (DoE), to predict the performances of the sensor. Our micro-device allows reliable and versatile real-time measurements of UV-VIS light, temperature and pH variations. Therefore, it shows great potential for use in the field of sensing for living cell cultures

POTENTIAL VULNERABILITY OF BULL MOOSE IN CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA TO THREE ANTLER-BASED HUNTING REGULATIONS

Antlers from bull moose (Alces alces andersoni) harvested in the Omineca sub-region of central British Columbia were submitted by hunters for inspection, measurement, and comparison by age in 1982-1989. After correcting for non-reporting bias, we examined the potential vulnerability of these moose (n = 1,886) to 3 antler-based hunting regulations currently advertised in British Columbia: spike/fork (S/F), tripalm (TP), and 10 point (10PT). The S/F regulation put 15.9% of bulls at risk, and the TP and 10PT regulations put 11.1% and 12.0% at risk, respectively. Bulls with cervicorn antlers were at higher risk (41.3%) to the S/F regulation than the TP (1.4%) or 10PT (&lt;1%) regulations. By contrast, bulls with palmicorn antlers were at low risk (5.4%) to the S/F regulation, but were at high risk to the TP (19.0%) and 10PT (17.1%) regulations. The S/F regulation focused harvest on yearlings, potentially exposing 46% of yearlings to harvest. The TP and 10PT regulations targeted prime and senior bulls, potentially exposing 40-60% of those &gt;4.5 years old to harvest. Maximum spread and shaft circumferences of antlers were significantly smaller for yearlings at risk to the S/F regula&shy;tion than for their same aged counterparts not at risk. Distance between the innermost points on the brow palm was significantly larger for yearlings at risk to the S/F regulation than for yearlings not at risk. Maximum spread, shaft circumference, palm height, and width were all significantly greater for bulls at risk to the TP and 10PT regulations than for those not at risk. Distance between the innermost points on the brow palms was significantly smaller for bulls at risk to TP and 10PT regulations than for those not at risk. These findings suggest that yearling bulls with smallest antlers are most at risk to harvest by the S/F regulation, whereas largest antlered bulls are most at risk to harvest by the TP and 10 PT regulations. The consequences of this directed selection of bull moose by antler-based hunting regulations on the breeding biology, population genetics, and fitness of moose requires further study

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Abstract:&nbsp; Introduction: Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is associated with increased risk of Obesity, Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), Arterial Hypertension (AHT), Dyslipidemia, and Cardiovascular Disease compared to the general population.&nbsp; The lipid profile in these patients has been studied for a long time, however, the results on this association remain controversial.&nbsp; Objectives: To study the frequency of altered lipid profiles in patients with Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and its association with disease activity.&nbsp;&nbsp; Methods: We studied all the patients diagnosed with PsA who consecutively attended to Rheumatology Unit at Cordoba Hospital from July 2018 to December 2019. Psa was diagnosed according to CASPAR criteria.&nbsp; Clinical, and laboratory data were collected. The activity of the disease was evaluated by PASI, MDA and DAPSA. p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.&nbsp; Results: 42 PsA patients were included. Mean age was 56 years old (47,25-62,75) and 54.76% were female (n=23). 92.86% (n =39) of the patients had plaque Psoriasis. The predominant joint involvement was peripheral and polyarticular (87.8%), the median time since diagnosis was 17 months (12-89). Seventy-six percent were receiving methotrexate and 40% biologics. Disease activity measured by DAPSA was predominantly moderate in 17 patients. The median laboratory values found: total cholesterol 194.5 mg/dl (164.8-218.2), triglycerides 139.50 mg/dl (89.25-191.20) and ApoB/ApoA ratio 0.63 (0.42-0.81). Fifty-seven percent of the patients had an altered lipid profile, with hypertriglyceridemia being the most frequent (48%). There was no correlation between Apo B/Apo A Ratio with DAPSA (rho=0.013; p=0.9396) nor with MDA (rho=-0.029; p=0.8671). Conclusion: In spite of the presence of cardiovascular factors in the majority of PsA patients, lipid profile is not associated with disease activity in this population. However, the presence of hypertriglyceridemia was a characteristic finding in these patients.Resumen:&nbsp; Introducción: La Artritis Psoriásica (APS) se asocia con mayor riesgo de Obesidad, Insulinorresistencia, Síndrome Metabólico (SMet), Hipertensión arterial (HTA),&nbsp; Dislipemia y Enfermedad Cardiovascular comparado con&nbsp;la población general.&nbsp; El perfil lipídico en estos pacientes ha sido estudiado durante mucho tiempo, sin embargo, los resultados sobre esta asociación permanecen controversiales.&nbsp; Objetivo: Evaluar la frecuencia de alteraciones del perfil lipídico en pacientes con APS, y su posible asociación con la actividad de la enfermedad.&nbsp; Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal, realizado en una clínica de Espondiloartritis. Se incluyeron pacientes con APS según criterios de CASPAR, evaluados consecutivamente desde Julio a Diciembre del 2019. Se analizaron características demográficas, comorbilidades. Las variables analizadas fueron tratamiento, tiempo evolutivo, compromiso articular, talla, peso, perímetro abdominal e índice de masa corporal (IMC), actividad de la enfermedad por PASI, MDA y DAPSA. Se recolectaron muestras sanguíneas con ayunas de 12 horas para análisis químicos.&nbsp; Variables cuantitativas expresadas en mediana y 1er y 3er intercuartil; variables cualitativas expresadas en frecuencia y porcentaje. RESULTADOS: 42 pacientes fueron evaluados, con una mediana de edad&nbsp;de 56 años (47,25-62,75), 23 mujeres (54,76%). 39 (92,86%) presentaban Psoriasis en placa. El compromiso articular predominante fue periférico y poliarticular (87,8%), la mediana desde el diagnóstico fue de 17 meses (12-89). El 76% recibían Metotrexato y el 40% biológicos. La comorbilidad más frecuente hallada fue SMet en 64,3%, seguido de obesidad 52,8%.La actividad de la enfermedad medida por DAPSA fue predominantemente&nbsp;moderada en 17 pacientes. Las medianas de valores de laboratorio hallados: colesterol total 194,5 mg/dl (164,8-218,2) , triglicéridos 139,50 mg/dl (89,25-191,20) y cociente ApoB/ApoA 0,63 (0,42-0,81). Un 57% de los pacientes tenían perfil lipídico alterado, siendo la hipertrigliceridemia la más frecuente (48%). No hubo correlación entre el Cociente Apo B/Apo A con DAPSA (rho=0,013; p=0.9396) ni con MDA (rho=-0,029; p=0.8671). Conclusiones: En esta cohorte no se encontró&nbsp; relación entre el perfil lipídico y la actividad de la Artritis Psoriásica. Sin embargo, la hipertrigliceridemia fue un hallazgo característico de estos pacientes.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the suprasellar region: diagnosis based on thyroid cytology.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) may present as unifocal disease of the suprasellar region, with symptoms and signs of hypopituitarism, arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D), and weight gain. Transcranial biopsy is necessary to define diagnosis and guide treatment decisions, but it is associated with significant morbidity. We describe a patient with Hashimoto thyroiditis and a single hypothalamic mass in whom LCH diagnosis was made by thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) performed despite nonspecific findings in thyroid imaging, on the basis of a slightly elevated [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity on PET/CT and volume increase during follow-up

A Cool and Inflated Progenitor Candidate for the Type Ib Supernova 2019yvr at 2.6 Years Before Explosion

We present Hubble Space Telescope imaging of a pre-explosion counterpart to SN 2019yvr obtained 2.6 years before its explosion as a type Ib supernova (SN Ib). Aligning to a post-explosion Gemini-S/GSAOI image, we demonstrate that there is a single source consistent with being the SN 2019yvr progenitor system, the second SN Ib progenitor candidate after iPTF13bvn. We also analyzed pre-explosion Spitzer/IRAC imaging, but we do not detect any counterparts at the SN location. SN 2019yvr was highly reddened, and comparing its spectra and photometry to those of other, less extinguished SNe Ib we derive $E(B-V)=0.51\substack{+0.27\\-0.16}$ mag for SN 2019yvr. Correcting photometry of the pre-explosion source for dust reddening, we determine that this source is consistent with a $\log(L/L_{\odot}) = 5.3 \pm 0.2$ and $T_{\mathrm{eff}} = 6800\substack{+400\\-200}$ K star. This relatively cool photospheric temperature implies a radius of 320$\substack{+30\\-50} R_{\odot}$, much larger than expectations for SN Ib progenitor stars with trace amounts of hydrogen but in agreement with previously identified SN IIb progenitor systems. The photometry of the system is also consistent with binary star models that undergo common envelope evolution, leading to a primary star hydrogen envelope mass that is mostly depleted but seemingly in conflict with the SN Ib classification of SN 2019yvr. SN 2019yvr had signatures of strong circumstellar interaction in late-time ($>$150 day) spectra and imaging, and so we consider eruptive mass loss and common envelope evolution scenarios that explain the SN Ib spectroscopic class, pre-explosion counterpart, and dense circumstellar material. We also hypothesize that the apparent inflation could be caused by a quasi-photosphere formed in an extended, low-density envelope or circumstellar matter around the primary star.Comment: 22 pages, 9 figures, submitted to MNRA

Computerised cognitive assessment in patients with traumatic brain injury: an observational study of feasibility and sensitivity relative to established clinical scales

Background: Online technology could potentially revolutionise how patients are cognitively assessed and monitored. However, it remains unclear whether assessments conducted remotely can match established pen-and-paper neuropsychological tests in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Methods: This observational study aimed to optimise an online cognitive assessment for use in traumatic brain injury (TBI) clinics. The tertiary referral clinic in which this tool has been clinically implemented typically sees patients a minimum of 6 months post-injury in the chronic phase. Between March and August 2019, we conducted a cross-group, cross-device and factor analyses at the St. Mary's Hospital TBI clinic and major trauma wards at Imperial College NHS trust and St. George's Hospital in London (UK), to identify a battery of tasks that assess aspects of cognition affected by TBI. Between September 2019 and February 2020, we evaluated the online battery against standard face-to-face neuropsychological tests at the Imperial College London research centre. Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) determined the shared variance between the online battery and standard neuropsychological tests. Finally, between October 2020 and December 2021, the tests were integrated into a framework that automatically generates a results report where patients’ performance is compared to a large normative dataset. We piloted this as a practical tool to be used under supervised and unsupervised conditions at the St. Mary's Hospital TBI clinic in London (UK). Findings: The online assessment discriminated processing-speed, visual-attention, working-memory, and executive-function deficits in TBI. CCA identified two significant modes indicating shared variance with standard neuropsychological tests (r = 0.86, p < 0.001 and r = 0.81, p = 0.02). Sensitivity to cognitive deficits after TBI was evident in the TBI clinic setting under supervised and unsupervised conditions (F (15,555) = 3.99; p < 0.001). Interpretation: Online cognitive assessment of TBI patients is feasible, sensitive, and efficient. When combined with normative sociodemographic models and autogenerated reports, it has the potential to transform cognitive assessment in the healthcare setting. Funding: This work was funded by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Invention for Innovation (i4i) grant awarded to DJS and AH ( II-LB-0715-20006)

Luminous Radio Emission from the Superluminous Supernova 2017ens at 3.3 Yr After Explosion

We present the results from a multiyear radio campaign of the superluminous supernova (SLSN) SN 2017ens, which yielded the earliest radio detection of an SLSN to date at the age of ∼3.3 yr after explosion. SN 2017ens was not detected at radio frequencies in the first ∼300 days but reached Lν ≈ 1028 erg s−1 cm−2 Hz−1 at ν ∼ 6 GHz, ∼1250 days post explosion. Interpreting the radio observations in the context of synchrotron radiation from the supernova shock interaction with the circumstellar medium (CSM), we infer an effective mass-loss rate Ṁ ≈ 10−4 M☉ yr−1 at r ∼ 1017 cm from the explosion\u27s site, for a wind speed of vw = 50–60 km s−1 as measured from optical spectra. These findings are consistent with the spectroscopic metamorphosis of SN 2017ens from hydrogen poor to hydrogen rich ∼190 days after explosion reported by Chen et al. SN 2017ens is thus an addition to the sample of hydrogen-poor massive progenitors that explode shortly after having lost their hydrogen envelope. The inferred circumstellar densities, implying a CSM mass up to ∼0.5 M☉, and low velocity of the ejection suggest that binary interactions (in the form of common-envelope evolution and subsequent envelope ejection) play a role in shaping the evolution of the stellar progenitors of SLSNe in the ≲ 500 yr preceding core collapse