National Polytechnic Institute

In this paper, the novel prescribed-time dynamic event-triggered control method of an unknown multiplayer nonzero-sum game (MP-NZSG) is designed by using adaptive dynamic programming (ADP). Firstly, a neural network-based identifier is constructed to estimate the unknown system dynamics. Subsequently, a novel ADP-based dynamic event-triggered control approach is advanced to ensure optimality and prescribed-time stability. A critic neural network (NN) is established for each player to approximate the Nash equilibrium solution of the dynamic event-triggered Hamilton–Jacobi-Isaacs (HJI) equation. This network employs a novel weight updating law, based on the experience replay technique, to alleviate the persistence of excitation condition. Furthermore, using the Lyapunov method, the uniform limit boundedness analysis of the neural network approximation error and multiplayer system is validated. Additionally, minimum inter-event time (MIET) is conclusively established to mitigate the notorious Zeno behaviour. Ultimately, the efficacy of the proposed method is rigorously substantiated through comprehensive simulation results. Note to Practitioners —Our research addresses the challenges of multi-component coordinated control, particularly in spacecraft attitude control. To handle these complexities, we propose an innovative adaptive dynamic event-triggered control approach. By integrating adaptive dynamic programming and neural networks, we effectively model and manage unknown system dynamics, enhancing the controller’s adaptability and robustness. Dynamic event-triggered policies are introduced to optimize system performance and reduce computational costs. The ADP-based prescribed time optimal control scheme prioritizes steady-state performance of nonlinear nonaffine systems, ensuring precise task completion within specified timeframes. Additionally, experience replay technology further fortifies the controller’s learning and adaptability to dynamic environments.

Multiplexed imaging is a powerful approach in spatial biology, although it is complex, expensive and labor-intensive. Here, we present the IBEX Knowledge-Base, a central resource for reagents, protocols and more, to enhance knowledge sharing, optimization and innovation of spatial proteomics techniques.

The fringe-lipped frog-eating bat Trachops coffini inhabits tropical and semitropical rainforests from Mexico to Brazil. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of T. coffini. The entire mitogenome is a circular molecule, 16,960 bp in total length that contains 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and one D-loop or control region (CR). The overall base composition is A = 32.43%, G = 13.43%, C = 24.26%, and T = 29.87%, with A + T content = 62.31%. A phylogenetic tree reconstructed using the 13 PCGs that included 59 taxa recovered T. coffini as a taxon sister to a fully-supported clade containing the genera Tonatia, Lophostoma, and Phyllostomus.

Pure ZnO microstructured phosphor of cool white, warm white, orange and turquoise color was prepared by chemical bath deposition (CBD). The color variation was solely a consequence of controlled variation in the relative contents of the native crystalline defect. Only hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO with good stoichiometry without additional phases and without crystalline parameters variation was observed. The band gap energy was successfully maintained between 3.05 and 3.22 eV, with an additional high optical absorption edge at 551 nm, associated with the excess of Zn ions in crystalline structure of ZnO. The absorption centers were categorized into thirteen bands and associated with energy levels related to native defects. The photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) emission spectra coincidentally exhibited four main peaks around 465 nm, 504 nm, 596 nm and 646 nm. The deconvolution of these spectra revealed emission bands that were categorized into 15 energy ranges. The energy associated with these bands closely matches the energy of the absorption bands identified by transmittance and reflectance spectroscopy without the need to consider the existence of additional acceptor levels close to the valence band that have not been observed experimentally, which allowed to propose a purely experimental energy diagram for ZnO. HR-TEM analysis revealed that for the cool white emitting ZnO, an irregular and incomplete hexagonal microstructure could be responsible for its native defect content that gives rise to its particular cool white emission.

We determine whether the offspring of obese mothers and a postnatal high-fat diet (HFD) modify protein levels related to muscle synthesis (p70S6K-alpha) or atrophy (Murf and MAFbx), and if the administration of (-)-epicatechin (Epi) can modify these alterations. We hypothesized that the ubiquitin ligases Murf and MAFbx would be increased in the obesogenic context, either by in utero obesogenic environment or by a postnatal high-fat diet, while the p70S6K-alpha kinase and its activation might be decreased. Eight groups of six male Wistar offspring formed eight experimental groups: control (C), control fed with HFD (CHFD), maternal obesity (MO), maternal obesity fed with HFD (MOHFD), and the groups with Epi intervention: C+Epi long, CHFD+Epi long, MO+Epi long and MOHFD+Epi long. By Western blot, we evaluated the Epi effect on the Murf, MAFbx, and p70S6K-alpha proteins in gastrocnemius and soleus tissues. The Murf level increased 2.59-fold in CHFD vs C group and 2.62-fold for MOHFD vs C group (p = 0.049 and p = 0.048, respectively) in gastrocnemius tissue. In soleus tissue, we observed an increase of MAFbx (1.52-fold) for the MOHFD group versus the C group (p = 0.049). Epi treatment did not modify any protein expression. In conclusion, we found an increase in the Murf1 protein levels in gastrocnemius tissue of the direct model of obesity; as well, we observed an increase of the Murf1 in gastrocnemius and of the MAFbx in soleus muscles in the group of rats obese by programming and fed postnatally with a high-fat diet (doble stimulus). In addition, since obesity could cause muscle atrophy, which results in impaired muscle function, it would be relevant in future research to evaluate these signaling pathways in animals of different ages in order to search for markers of the progression of diseases such as sarcopenia obesity.

Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba that causes a fatal disease in the central nervous system known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans. Most of the infections are acquired by people who practice recreational activities in water contaminated with trophozoites. Swimming and wading in irrigation channels of Mexicali are common practices for local people. Although there are some warning signposts in the surrounding sites, people continue using these channels for recreational purposes. In that region, cases of PAM have been reported; however, not everyone who comes into contact with contaminated water containing trophozoites becomes infected, and the factors influencing their immune response to N. fowleri remain unknown. We analyzed the levels of antibodies against N. fowleri in two groups: local individuals, including visitors who swam in the Mexicali channels, and a group from Mexico City (CDMX). In both groups, specific antibody responses were analyzed using immunoassays, including Western blot, ELISA, and cytochemistry. The highest levels of both IgG and IgA were found in samples from Mexicali, compared to those from CDMX. In both groups, IgG recognized polypeptide bands from N. fowleri at molecular weights of 100, 50, and 19 kDa, bands that we have already reported as immunogenic. Moreover, the IgG subjects recognized trophozoite structures such as membrane, pseudopodia, food cups, and even small like-vesicles. This antibody immune response directed against these polypeptide bands and trophozoite structures along with other factors could be participating in the defense of these people against PAM.

We study the individual behavior of the eigenvalues of the laplacian matrices of the cyclic graph of order n, where one edge has weight $\alpha \in \mathbb {C}$, with $\operatorname {Re}(\alpha )>1$, and all the others have weights 1. This paper is a sequel to two previous ones where we considered $\operatorname {Re}(\alpha ) \in [0,1]$ and $\operatorname {Re}(\alpha )<0$. Now, we prove that for $\operatorname {Re}(\alpha )>1$ and $n > \operatorname {Re}(\alpha )/\operatorname {Re}(\alpha -1)$, one eigenvalue is greater than 4 while the others belong to [0,4] and are distributed as the function $x\mapsto 4\sin ^2(x/2)$. Additionally, we prove that as n tends to $\infty$, the outlier eigenvalue converges exponentially to $4\operatorname {Re}(\alpha )^2/(2\operatorname {Re}(\alpha )-1)$. We give exact formulas for half of the inner eigenvalues, while for the others we justify the convergence of Newton’s method and the fixed-point iteration method. We find asymptotic expansions, as n tends to $\infty$, both for the eigenvalues belonging to [0,4] and the outliers. We also compute the eigenvectors and their norms.

Several Cupriavidus and Burkholderia strains from the north of Mexico were isolated during the description of Cupriavidus strains. Cupriavidus alkaliphilus, Cupriavidus plantarum and Cupriavidus agave were later described as novel species. Next, the Genomic Encyclopedia of Bacteria and Archaea project retrieved the genome sequences of several strains from the above species. Standard comparative genomic analysis showed that C. alkaliphilus MLR2-44 was taxonomically misclassified. This strain, isolated from the Zea mays rhizosphere, was analysed by average nucleotide identity (ANI), revealing that Cupriavidus nantongensis was the closest species (95.6%). However, the digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) resulted in values lower than 68% for any type strain of Cupriavidus species. Moreover, it was also found that Cupriavidus taiwanensis LMG 19430, isolated from Mimosa diplotricha root nodules, was closer to strain MLR2-44T (99.9% ANI and 99.8% dDDH), instead of being associated with the type strain of C. taiwanensis LMG 19424T (94.4% ANI and 54.6% dDDH), thus making strains MLR2-44T and LMG 19430 a single genomic species. Accordingly, the polyphasic analysis showed that these strains represent a new species; therefore, we propose that strains MLR2-44T (=CDBB B-2066T=TSD-312T) and LMG 19430 encompass a novel Cupriavidus species with the name of Cupriavidus phytorum sp. nov.

Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) are a rich source of phenolics and anthocyanins, which are associated with antioxidant activity and health benefits after consumption. The aim of this research was to evaluate proteolysis, glycolysis, and physicochemical properties of five microcapsule formulations of blackberry juice during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, assessing the effectiveness of microencapsulation to preserve and target delivery of bioactive compounds. The microcapsules (1.47–12.1 µm) sowed dents, crevices, agglomerates, and rough surfaces, although some of them presented smooth surfaces. Results of in vitro digestion showed that the juice encapsulated in a blend of whey protein isolate (WPI) and maltodextrin (MD) had the highest proteolysis value in the intestinal phase, reaching 52.99%. The major glycolysis was registered in the oral phase, with the microcapsules containing maltodextrin reaching the highest values (~ 265%). All microcapsule formulations effectively protected the bioactive compounds of the juice until they reached the intestine, where their bioactivity is most beneficial. A higher total phenolic content was observed in the juice and microcapsules compared to the total monomeric anthocyanins, although the values of both parameters changed in the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases. Encapsulation of blackberry juice using WPI microcapsules retained the highest phenolic compound content after the spray drying process and during all digestion phases compared to formulations blended with MD or Arabic gum (AG). Results indicate that this encapsulation technology has a high potential to protect and target delivery of bioactive compounds in juices during digestion.

Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei , is an emerging infectious disease in Mexico. In November to December 2023, five cases of melioidosis were reported in Baja California Sur, Mexico, after Hurricane Norma. Burkholderia pseudomallei was isolated from the five patients, four of whom died. This report presents the survival case.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline organic–inorganic hybrid materials, which are promising candidates for SO 2 detection, due to their chemically mutable periodic structure.

A strategy to mitigate corrosion on the bipolar plates of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is the use of coatings based on conducting polymeric composites. In this study, electrochemical deposition of polypyrrole (PPy), PPy/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and PPy/SDS/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) films on 304 stainless steel substrates was performed. Scanning electron microscopy results showed a cauliflower-like morphology representative of PPy and a fibrillar morphology indicative of polypyrrole growth on carbon nanotubes. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals the thermal stability of the films in three steps. Electrical conductivity determined as a function of temperature varies from 1.03 × 10–4 to 1.88 S/cm. Spectra obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy show the vibrations of the N–H, C=C, C–C and C–H functional groups corresponding to the PPy ring, as well as the stretching vibration of the S=O bond of the SDS sulfonate anion. Open-circuit potential analysis showed the corrosion process behavior of PPy, PPy/SDS and PPy/SDS/CNTs coatings.

Synbiotics, which combine probiotics and prebiotics, represent an innovative approach to developing functional foods with enhanced health benefits compared to their individual components. This study focuses on the production of synbiotics through the microencapsulation of Lactobacillus strains isolated from traditional Mexican fermented beverages, contributing to the advancement of technologies for functional food development. Three Lactobacillus strains (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LM07, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LM19, and Levilactobacillus brevis LBH1070) were microencapsulated by spray-drying using a mixture of maltodextrin and gum arabic as wall materials and inulin as a prebiotic. The microencapsulation process achieved high survival rates (>90%), low moisture content (~5%), and low water activity (~0.3), ensuring long-term stability. Notably, the microencapsulated strains demonstrated improved tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions, enhanced adhesion properties, and increased antioxidant activity compared to non-microencapsulated strains. These results highlight the potential of microencapsulation as an innovative technology not only to preserve but also to enhance probiotic properties, facilitating the development of functional foods with improved health-promoting properties, extended shelf life, and stability at room temperature.

Non-fullerene acceptors are promising materials for organic solar cells because of their flexibility and low cost; however, their long-term stability remains a critical challenge. In this study, we investigate the degradation mechanisms of conventionally structured solar cells (ITO/PEDOT: PSS/PM6/Y7/PDINO/Ag) under different environmental conditions: nitrogen preservation, encapsulation, and air exposure. Using the metal-insulator-metal (MIM) model, we simulate the current-voltage characteristics and extract key parameters to understand the physical mechanisms governing device degradation. The results show that air exposure primarily affects the anode interface, reducing the interfacial dipole energy and shifting the Fermi-level alignment of PEDOT: PSS, which is crucial for efficient hole extraction. This process leads to a deterioration in the hole transport properties over time, significantly affecting device performance. In contrast, the cathodic interface remains stable, suggesting that degradation is largely driven by changes in the hole transport layer. These findings provide critical insights into the interfacial degradation mechanisms of the NFA-based solar cells. Understanding these effects will aid in the development of strategies to enhance the stability and efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices for long-term operation.

One of the main capabilities a mobile robot must demonstrate is the ability to explore its environment. The core challenge in exploration lies in planning the route to fully cover the environment. Despite recent advances, this problem remains unsolved. This study proposes an approach to address the coverage path planning problem, where the mobile robot is tasked with exploring and completely covering a terrain using a deep reinforcement learning framework. The environment is divided into cells, with obstacles designated as prohibited areas. The robot is trained using two state-of-the-art reinforcement learning algorithms based on actor–critic methods: Advantage Actor–Critic (A2C) and Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO). By defining a set of observations, states, and a reward function tailored to characteristics of the environment and the desired behavior of the robot, the training process is conducted, resulting in optimized policies for each algorithm. Then, these policies are evaluated to determine the most effective approach to accomplish the proposed task. Our findings demonstrate that actor–critic methods can produce policies capable of guiding a robot to efficiently explore and cover new environments.

Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrates, yet their resilience to rising temperatures remains poorly understood1,2. This is primarily because knowledge of thermal tolerance is taxonomically and geographically biased³, compromising global climate vulnerability assessments. Here we used a phylogenetically informed data-imputation approach to predict the heat tolerance of 60% of amphibian species and assessed their vulnerability to daily temperature variations in thermal refugia. We found that 104 out of 5,203 species (2%) are currently exposed to overheating events in shaded terrestrial conditions. Despite accounting for heat-tolerance plasticity, a 4 °C global temperature increase would create a step change in impact severity, pushing 7.5% of species beyond their physiological limits. In the Southern Hemisphere, tropical species encounter disproportionally more overheating events, while non-tropical species are more susceptible in the Northern Hemisphere. These findings challenge evidence for a general latitudinal gradient in overheating risk4, 5–6 and underscore the importance of considering climatic variability in vulnerability assessments. We provide conservative estimates assuming access to cool shaded microenvironments. Thus, the impacts of global warming will probably exceed our projections. Our microclimate-explicit analyses demonstrate that vegetation and water bodies are critical in buffering amphibians during heat waves. Immediate action is needed to preserve and manage these microhabitat features.

The conventional synthesis of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials generates high amounts of waste solvents, which are directly associated with human and environmental issues. Developing green and affordable MOF materials is necessary since this strategy is based on methods that prioritize sustainability and minimize environmental impact. In this scenario, less toxic metals such as Zn, Zr, Al, and Fe can be applied in addition to linkers from renewable sources. This review discusses eco-friendly synthesis pathways, such as hydrothermal, mechanochemical, at room temperature, ionic liquid, and renewable resources. The current methodologies from specific low-toxicity MOF materials are highlighted. Applications include water treatment, sensing, drug delivery, catal-ysis, and gas storage, which are mentioned and examined. Interestingly, developing low-impact MOF materials as eco-friendly platforms for diverse applications can be a remarkable opportunity to achieve a sustainable future in the quality of the planet.