Abstract:Analysis of 45 years of precipitation data from 28 meteorological stations in the Central Valley of Costa Rica revealed significant ENSO-related variability. El Nino events were associated with 15-30% reduction in wet season rainfall, while La Nina years showed 10-20% increases. Climate projections suggest intensification of ENSO impacts by mid-century, with implications for water resource management and agricultural planning in Costa Ricas most densely populated region.
Abstract:Novel hydrogels were developed from soybean protein isolate crosslinked with genipin, a natural crosslinking agent. Mechanical testing showed tunable elastic moduli (5-50 kPa) suitable for soft tissue applications. In vitro studies with human fibroblasts demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with cell viability above 95% after 7 days. The biodegradable hydrogels showed controlled degradation rates over 4-8 weeks, making them promising candidates for wound healing and cartilage repair applications.
Abstract:Autonomous recording units were deployed across 15 Atlantic Forest fragments of varying sizes (5-500 ha) in Sao Paulo state to assess avian diversity through acoustic monitoring. Analysis of 8,640 hours of recordings identified 187 bird species, with fragment size positively correlated with species richness. Large-bodied frugivores and insectivores showed highest sensitivity to fragmentation, highlighting the importance of maintaining connectivity between forest remnants for conservation.
Abstract:Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Characterization by UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, and XRD confirmed formation of crystalline AgNPs with average size of 25-40 nm. The biosynthesized nanoparticles demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, with MIC values of 6.25-12.5 ug/mL against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates.
Abstract:This research evaluated the seismic performance of four base-isolated public hospitals in the Valparaiso and OHiggins regions following the 2010 Maule earthquake. Instrumented response data and numerical simulations were used to assess isolation system effectiveness. Results demonstrated that base-isolated structures experienced 75% lower floor accelerations and maintained full operational capacity compared to conventionally designed facilities, validating seismic isolation as an essential strategy for critical infrastructure in high-seismicity zones.
Abstract:This study assessed wind energy resources in Turkana County using three years of meteorological data from 12 measurement stations. Mean wind speeds ranged from 4.8 to 8.2 m/s at 50m hub height, with annual energy production estimates of 2,400-4,100 kWh/m2. Economic analysis showed that small-scale wind turbines (10-50 kW) could provide electricity at costs competitive with diesel generators, offering a viable pathway for rural electrification in northern Kenya.
Abstract:A network of 48 IoT-enabled water quality monitoring stations was deployed across the Magdalena River basin to enable real-time assessment of physicochemical parameters. The solar-powered sensor nodes measured pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, and temperature at 15-minute intervals. Data analysis over 18 months identified seasonal pollution patterns and enabled early warning alerts for industrial discharge events, improving response times for environmental authorities by 85%.
Abstract:This study developed and validated a convolutional neural network model for automated diabetic retinopathy screening using fundus images from Malaysian diabetic patients. Training on 45,000 annotated images from six public hospitals, the model achieved 94.2% sensitivity and 91.8% specificity in detecting referable diabetic retinopathy. Implementation in primary care clinics reduced specialist referral waiting times by 67%, demonstrating the potential for AI-assisted screening in resource-limited settings.
Abstract:Chronic neck and low back pain are significant global health issues that necessitate effective care solutions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effectiveness of telerehabilitation (TR) exercise regimens in treating chronic neck and low back pain, with a focus on functional outcomes, pain reduction, and quality of life (QoL) improvements. A comprehensive search was conducted up to December 2024 across multiple databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined TR exercise programs for chronic neck and low back pain with minimum intervention period of four weeks were included. Accepted practices were employed for data extraction, quality evaluation, and synthesis of the findings. A total of 1,968 individuals across 15 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated for various outcomes, with a focus on functional improvements, pain intensity reduction, and QoL enhancements. Heterogeneity among investigations had been evaluated and found to be low to moderate. The meta-analysis revealed that telerehabilitation exercise programs significantly improved functional outcomes (SMD=0.52, 95%CI: 0.30 to 0.74, p<0.001), decreased pain intensity (SMD = -0.69, 95%CI: -0.86 to -0.52, p<0.001), and enhanced QoL (SMD=0.45, 95%CI: 0.24 to 0.66, p<0.001). Effectiveness of TR exercise programs in treating chronic neck and low back pain is strongly supported by this thorough review as well as meta-analysis. The significant improvements in pain severity, functional outcomes, and overall well-being highlight telerehabilitation as a viable alternative to conventional rehabilitation approaches.
Abstract:The mining industry accounts for significant greenhouse gas emissions, with copper production in Chile contributing substantially to national carbon footprints. This study evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of transitioning large-scale copper mining operations to solar-hydrogen energy systems. We conducted detailed assessments at three major mining sites in the Atacama Desert, analyzing solar irradiance data, energy consumption patterns, and operational requirements. Our proposed hybrid system combines 500 MW photovoltaic installations with green hydrogen production and storage facilities capable of providing 24/7 power supply. Technical simulations demonstrate that the system can meet 92% of mining energy demands, including haul truck electrification and mineral processing. Economic modeling reveals levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.038/kWh, competitive with current diesel-based operations. The transition would reduce annual CO2 emissions by 1.2 million tonnes per site. Implementation roadmaps, regulatory considerations, and workforce transition strategies are presented. Sensitivity analysis confirms project viability under various commodity price and policy scenarios.