University of Guadalajara

In this work, a master-slave system composed by a pair of damped Duffing oscillators with variable coefficients and nonlinear coupling is investigated. An integral of motion for the system is obtained {using a symmetry transformation and Noether's theorem.} Some numerical examples are presented for different cases of damping and oscillation frequency, for a varying coupling constant. The system dynamics is studied by means of space-time surfaces, time series and phase portraits. For a constant oscillation frequency, the slave presents envelopes that tend to become chaotic as the coupling constant increases. Meanwhile, as the frequency increases with time, the slave has higher amplitudes and speeds than the master oscillator.

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The Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm is a well-founded and widely popular technique in the field of evolutionary computation. The standard DE algorithm is composed of four stages: initialization, mutation, crossover, and selection. The efficiency of its structure and operators have led to numerous modifications since its inception in 1995. However, the majority of these modifications have focused on the mutation and crossover stages. This paper presents an improved selection mechanism based on the classification of the population using quartiles. This preserves the classical structure of the DE while optimizing its effectiveness and efficiency. The proposed approach is designated as Quartile-based Ranked Differential Evolution (QRDE). It introduces a selection that categorizes the population into four groups to facilitate a comparison of the trial vector against a randomly selected individual from the worst group. Also, a scaling factor defines the exploration and exploitation of the QRDE from the selection part. To demonstrate the efficacy of the QRDE, its performance was evaluated on the set of benchmark functions from the CEC-2017 in 30 and 50 dimensions. The tests were conducted by comparing the QRDE against 9 state-of-the-art algorithms, including DE variants and recent optimization methodologies. The results of statistical tests indicate that the proposed QRDE is more computationally complex than the original DE. However, it outperforms the majority of algorithms in terms of stability and accuracy. Similarly, the QRDE was tested in 5 engineering problems, where the results demonstrate that the QRDE is highly competitive, outperforming other techniques in these domains.

Plastic production has experienced exponential growth in recent years due to its diverse industrial applications, low cost, and high availability, also causing issues, since plastic waste in aquatic ecosystems transforms into microplastics (MPs) through mechanical and weathering processes. Microplastics are distributed ubiquitously in water bodies, where they can be ingested by a wide aquatic organism range, including fish, which have been used as bioindicators to assess microplastic presence and toxicity. Research has revealed microplastic presence in various fish species worldwide; the most common characteristics are fibers and fragments of blue, black, and transparent colors, and polyethylene, terephthalate, polypropylene and cellophane chemical composition. Experimental studies under laboratory conditions have demonstrated microplastics impact on fish, showing physical, immunological, and hematological damage, and oxidative stress ultimately leading to organisms’ death. However, laboratory results do not necessarily predict impacts on wild fish due to different conditions to which the organisms are exposed. Therefore, further research needs to simulate real scenarios faced by wild fish in the marine environment, providing greater certainty about microplastic impacts and negative effects.

Factors such as life history traits, environmental conditions, and landscape characteristics influence genetic diversity and structure. Rivers act as corridors that aid dispersal and gene flow among riparian species, such as the bamboo Guadua trinii, commonly known as the “tacuara brava” which grows along riversides and gallery forests in South America. We examined how the topography, river connectivity, environmental variables, and habitat suitability influence functional connectivity of G. trinii in the Atlantic Forest of Misiones, Argentina. We also assessed populations both inside and outside the confines of Iguazú National Park using nine microsatellite markers. Our findings revealed high genetic diversity (HE = 0.50) and low genetic structure (FST = 0.068), indicating substantial gene flow among populations. Genetic differentiation was primarily influenced by river connectivity, followed by precipitation during the wet-test month (BIO13) and elevation; geographic distance did not have a significant effect on genetic differentiation. Within the study area, niche modeling showed the highest suitability of G. trinii, suggesting high connectivity between populations. Levels of genetic diversity and population differentiation did not significantly differ between protected and unprotected areas. These results underscore the pivotal role of river connectivity in preserving genetic diversity, despite ongoing forest degradation and landscape modification.

Neodymium vanadate nanoparticles (NdVO4 NPs) have recently garnered significant attention due to their distinct physical and chemical features and utilization at the cutting edge of various biomedical fields. This review provides an in-depth investigation of the vast array of biomedical applications associated with NdVO4 NPs. An overview of NdVO4 NPs and various synthesis and characterization techniques are among the key topics covered in the discussion. This review covers the electrochemical processes, photocatalytic and Sensing activity of the nanoparticle in great detail. The investigation of the possible biological, environmental, and photocatalytic uses of NdVO4 NPs highlights their complex character even further. Additional potential uses are also investigated. NdVO4 NPs have significant effectiveness, but there are drawbacks, which are discussed in this paper. The paper ends with a fruitful discussion of future research prospects, paving the way for NdVO4 NPs to progress in various medicinal applications.

Insular and coastal territories like those in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve are exposed to strong winds, waves, storms, and hurricanes. In November 2020, Hurricanes Eta and Iota provided a costly reminder of the risks facing Seaflower’s people and ecosystems. Coral reefs and mangroves are natural shields, reducing wind and wave strength during normal and extreme conditions. These coastal protection ecosystem services (ES) are vital for human safety and well-being, and become more important given the heightened vulnerability of low-lying insular islands to climate change impacts. These ecosystems also provide biodiversity refuge ES for fishes and shellfish, key for food security and resilience to global challenges like hurricanes, sea level rise, and global warming. Despite their importance, these valuable ecosystems are threatened by anthropogenic pressures, jeopardizing the survival and well-being of islanders; their restoration and recovery require improved management and decision-making, and heightened societal awareness of our dependence on marine ecosystems and their potential as climate change adaptation solutions. We identify ES provided by coral reefs and mangroves, interdisciplinary management tools, and recommendations to motivate society and decision-makers to expand efforts for the protection, restoration, and use of these ecosystems as Nature-based Solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Seaflower.

Background: Engaging in physical exercise in urban green spaces is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor for well-being, offering a range of benefits for physical, mental, and social health in growing urban environments. Objective: This systematic review aimed to analyze the scientific literature exploring the correlation between participating in physical exercise and sports activities in urban green spaces and the well-being of participants, encompassing physical, psychological, mental, and social aspects. Methods: This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search strategy included articles published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese within the databases Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) up to 15 June 2023. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, which included descriptive and observational epidemiological study designs and a population of adults 18–65 years of age. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Results: A total of 6,634 studies were identified, of which 31 met all the inclusion criteria. The review identified evidence suggesting that physical exercise in urban green spaces can have a positive impact on health, including improvements in diastolic blood pressure and cardiovascular health, such as heart rate, heart rate variability, cardiac and vascular function, as well as mood and self-esteem. In addition, evidence supports an association with decreased stress and a lower risk for mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, in addition to a strengthening of social cohesion and social interaction. Discussion: This systematic review suggests that physical exercise in urban green spaces is associated with positive health outcomes. The findings support a link between such activities and improvements in physical, psychological, mental, and social well-being. Despite variations in defining urban green spaces, the results highlight the importance of promoting physical activity programs in these environments to enhance the overall well-being of urban populations.

Interception, essential for activities like driving and sports, can be characterized by varying degrees of predictive behaviour. We developed a visually guided task to explore how target predictability and visibility influenced interception actions. The task featured a falling dot influenced by horizontal velocity, gravity and air friction, with predictability manipulated through external forces that altered the target's trajectory. We also introduced spatial occlusion to limit visual information. Our results show that low target variability favoured predictive behaviours, while high variability led to more reactive responses relying on online feedback. Manual responses displayed increased variability with changes in target motion, whereas eye trajectories maintained constant curvature across conditions. Additionally, higher target variability delayed the onset of hand movements but did not affect eye movement onset, making gaze position a poor predictor of hand position. This distinction highlights the different adaptive patterns in hand and eye movements in response to target trajectory changes. Participants maintained stable interception behaviours within and across sessions, indicating individual preferences for either predictive or more reactive actions. Our findings reveal a dynamic interplay between target predictability and interception, illustrating how humans combine predictive and reactive behaviours to manage external variability.

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), such as SYNGAP1-related DEE, are marked by severe developmental delays and pharmaco-resistant seizures due to specific genetic variants. This case report focuses on a 9-year-old male with a de novo SYNGAP1 variant (c.1267del, p.Tyr423Metfs*17), illustrating the diagnostic and treatment challenges. Initially experiencing developmental delays and later, misdiagnosed tics, he was diagnosed with epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia at seven. His case includes key SYNGAP1 encephalopathy symptoms: intellectual disability, behavioral issues, and generalized epilepsy resistant to antiseizure medication. The identification of a specific variant adds to our knowledge, suggesting the necessity of considering SYNGAP1-related DEE for unexplained neurodevelopmental delays and seizures. This case underlines the need for a personalized treatment approach focusing on quality of life and symptom management, advancing our understanding and treatment practices for genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.

This research explores the intercultural competence of Mexican pre-service English language teachers, focusing on the dimensions of attitude, knowledge, skills of interpreting and relating, skills of discovery and interaction, and critical cultural awareness. Using a comprehensive model of intercultural competence as a theoretical framework, the study adapted a self-report questionnaire to assess these dimensions within a non-multicultural Mexican context. Data were collected from a sample of 137 pre-service teachers. The results indicate that among the five dimensions, attitude emerged as the most developed , while knowledge was the least developed. Although the comparative analysis did not reveal significant differences, it highlights relevant issues regarding gender and language proficiency that warrant further exploration. Additionally, the study examines the impact of studying abroad-a variable found to be significant but not essential for developing intercultural competence. This study contributes to the limited body of research on intercultural competence in Mexico, particularly within the context of English language teaching. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance pre-service teachers' intercultural knowledge, which is crucial for their professional development and effective teaching in increasingly diverse classrooms. Future research should investigate the long-term impact of such interventions on teachers' intercultural competence.

Lesions in the motor cortex induced by contusions or pathological insults can exert the degeneration of afferent neurons lying distal to these lesions. Axon degeneration and demyelination are hallmarks of several diseases sharing pathophysiological and clinical characteristics. These conditions are very disabling due to the disruption of motor abilities, with lesions that affect this area proving to be a therapeutic challenge, which has driven increasing efforts to search for treatments. Cerebrolysin (CBL) contains a mix of pig brain-derived peptides with activity similar to neurotrophic factors. Here, the effect of cerebrolysin administration on the motor impairment produced by kainic acid (KA) lesion of the motor cortex was evaluated in Sprague–Dawley female rats (n = 27), defining its effect on motoneurons dendritic tree changes, dendritic spine density and GAP43 presence in the ventral thoracolumbar regions of the spinal cord. Ten days after the KA lesion of the motor cortex, rats were administered cerebrolysin, and their motor performance was evaluated using the “Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan” (BBB) and Bederson scores. Cerebrolysin administration improved motor activity according to the BBB and Bederson scales, along with increased dendritic intersections and dendritic spine density on motoneurons. There was also a significant increase in GAP43 protein, suggesting that CBL may promote plastic changes through this protein, among others. Hence, this study proposes that cerebrolysin could promote motor recovery following motor cortex lesions by driving neuronal changes and dendritic spine plasticity on motoneurons and an increase in GAP43 protein, along with other mechanisms.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is closely associated with obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors. MASLD has rapidly become the most common cause of liver disease worldwide, currently affecting 38% of the global population. Excess weight causes chronic inflammation and the activation of different pathways involved in liver damage. MASLD can progress from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, giving way to its inflammatory component, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously recognized as non-alcoholic steatosis hepatitis (NASH). Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant challenge to liver health as it triggers hepatic inflammation, metabolic disruption, and hepatic steatosis. The convergence of MASLD and chronic HCV infection can significantly alter the course of liver disease and accelerate the progression to severe liver damage. Currently, HCV treatment has a high cure rate. However, in patients who achieve a sustained virological response after treatment with direct-acting antivirals, weight gain, and excessive calorie intake may contribute to increased liver steatosis and a higher risk of liver disease progression. Therefore, the effective clinical and nutritional management of HCV patients, both before and after viral eradication, is crucial to reducing the risk of death from hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding the complex interactions between MASLD and HCV infection is crucial for managing these patients appropriately. Herein, host and viral mechanisms inducing liver damage during the coexistence of MASLD and HCV infection are described, and their therapeutic and dietary management are discussed.

Resumen Ante la necesidad de desarrollar investigaciones que informen sobre elementos clave para mejorar los programas de actualización en la enseñanza de las matemáticas a través de la modelación, se llevó a cabo una investigación cualitativa, longitudinal, basada en un estudio de caso. El trabajo se enfoca en el análisis de la evolución del sistema conceptual de un profesor de matemáticas, al estar inmerso en un programa de actualización docente enmarcada en la perspectiva de modelos y modelación. Para este estudio se diseñó un programa de actualización docente multiestratos, el cual involucró interacciones entre estudiantes, profesor e investigadores. El programa se enfocó en promover la evolución del sistema conceptual del profesor al diseñar, implementar y evaluar una secuencia de desarrollo de modelos orientada a apoyar el aprendizaje de la función exponencial en estudiantes universitarios de primer semestre. Los sistemas conceptuales generados por el profesor se caracterizaron con base en tres dimensiones: instruccional, de contenido matemático e histórica. El análisis multidimensional permitió identificar que al participar en el diseño e implementación de una secuencia de desarrollo de modelos el profesor se involucró en procesos de refinamiento iterativo entre el diseño de la secuencia, y las dimensiones de su sistema conceptual. Además, se concluyó que el enfoque multiestratos puede ser un medio para promover la evolución del sistema conceptual de un profesor.

This study presents a method for synthesizing superparamagnetic nanoparticles through the co-precipitation method, with a coating of tetrahydroxy-1,4-quinone (THQ). The diameter of the magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) covered with THQ varied depending on the recovery method applied. When collected through magnetic decantation, they exhibited an average diameter of 15 ± 3 nm, while centrifugation of the supernatant further reduced the diameter to 12 ± 3 nm. In contrast, the uncoated MNPs had an average diameter of 17 ± 5 nm. The smaller MNPs coated with THQ displayed very low magnetic hysteresis and demonstrated superparamagnetic behavior, indicated by a blocking temperature of less than 300 K. Characterization of both the coated and uncoated MNPs encompassed structural, morphological, size, and magnetic property analyses using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy were employed to investigate the chemical interaction between THQ and the MNPs. In addition, cyclic voltammetry was used to compare the electrochemical changes of THQ, MNPs, and MNPs coated with THQ.

This paper introduces a novel approach to addressing the complexity of current optimization challenges by developing hybrid metaheuristic algorithms. These algorithms combine the strengths of different strategies to enhance solution identification and refinement. In this work, the integration of metaheuristic operators using the Unstructured Evolutive Game Theory to regulate and merge the advantageous features of the Cheetah Optimizer and Particle Swarm Optimization to solve continuous optimization problems is proposed. The Cheetah Optimizer and Particle Swarm Optimization are chosen for their superior exploitation and exploration capabilities, respectively. Our methodology unfolds in two primary phases: combination and modulation. In the combination phase, Cheetah Optimizer and Particle Swarm Optimization search strategies are merged, creating a unified population that generates new candidate solution positions based on the best solution and a modulation factor. During the modulation phase, pairwise competitions based on Unstructured Evolutive Game Theory assess candidate solutions against the objective function, adjusting their modulation factor and position accordingly. We conducted various experiments to evaluate our approach against the original Cheetah Optimizer and Particle Swarm Optimization, as well as seven other well-known metaheuristic algorithms and hybrid schemes, across 30 benchmark functions in dimensions of 30, 50, and 100. The results reveal that our hybrid scheme outperforms the comparative algorithms, demonstrating enhanced performance, effectiveness, and robustness through a detailed convergence and significance analysis.

At the beginning of 2022, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) received international media attention for hosting the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. The organizers emphasized the importance of hosting a ‘green’ Olympics; however, environmental relevance was overshadowed by the United States’ diplomatic boycott of the sporting event and the presence of Vladimir Putin, at a time when threat of war with Ukraine was at its peak. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the foreign policy motivations behind the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, 2022. The conclusion suggests that, by delivering a green Olympic Games, China sought to strengthen its international climate leadership. However, the hostile stance of the US towards the Olympics and Vladimir Putin’s support of the Chinese government undermined China’s aspirations to be observed by the international community as a committed champion in the fight against climate change.

The first 8000 days of life, from birth to adulthood, encompasses critical phases that shape a child's health and development. While global health efforts have focused on the first 1000 days, the next 7000 days (ages 2–21) are equally vital, especially concerning the unmet burden of surgical conditions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Approximately 1.7 billion children globally lack access to essential surgical care, with LMICs accounting for 85% of these unmet needs. Common surgical conditions, including congenital anomalies, injuries, infections, and pediatric cancers, often go untreated, contributing to significant mortality and disability. Despite the substantial need, LMICs face severe workforce and infrastructure shortages, with most pediatric surgical conditions requiring specialized skills, equipment, and tailored healthcare systems. Economic analyses have shown that pediatric surgical interventions are cost-effective, with substantial societal benefits. Expanding surgical care for children in LMICs demands investments in workforce training, infrastructure, and health systems integration, complemented by innovative funding and equitable global partnerships. Prioritizing surgical care within national health policies and scaling up children's surgery through initiatives like the Optimal Resources for Children's Surgical Care can improve health outcomes, align with Sustainable Development Goals, and foster equity in global health. Addressing the surgical care gap in LMICs will reduce preventable mortality, enhance quality of life, and drive sustainable growth, emphasizing surgery as an essential component of universal health coverage for children.

Background/Objectives: The increased use of social media in Mexico has given rise to the “fear of missing out” (FoMO) phenomenon, especially among adolescents. This study aimed to measure the extent of FoMO among junior high school students in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Mexico, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this study explored the association between FoMO levels and demographic characteristics, as well as the type and frequency of social media use. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022 in four junior high schools. A total of 1264 students (656 females and 608 males) aged 11–16 years completed the Fear of Missing Out Scale, adapted to the Mexican context. Data on demographics, social media usage, and school shifts were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation coefficients. Results: The mean FoMO score was 1.79 ± 0.64, with higher scores observed in females (p < 0.001) and students attending morning shifts (p = 0.001). Significant associations were found between higher FoMO scores and the use of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest (p < 0.001 for each). The most frequently used social media platforms were WhatsApp (1093), TikTok (828), and Instagram (583). Participants who used social media all week exhibited significantly higher FoMO scores than those who used it only on weekends (p < 0.001). Conclusions: FoMO is a significant phenomenon among junior high school students in Guadalajara, Mexico, particularly among females and those who use multiple social media platforms. The findings suggest a need for interventions to manage social media use and mitigate FoMO-related negative health outcomes in this population.