Nature-Inspired Metaheuristic Optimization for Control Tuning of Complex Systems.

In this contribution, a methodology for the optimal tuning of controllers of complex systems based on meta-heuristic techniques is proposed. Two bio-inspired meta-heuristic optimization algorithms -the Antlion Optimizer (ALO) and the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA)- have been applied to two different dynamic systems: the Hoop & Ball electromechanical system, a system where a linearized description is adequate; and to a Wind Turbine-Generator-Rectifier, as an example of a complex non-linear dynamic system. The performance of the ALO and WOA techniques for the tuning of conventional PID controllers is evaluated in relation to the number of agents nS and the maximum number of iterations nMaxIter; given the stochastic nature of both methods, repeatability is also addressed.

Effects of photobiomodulation in mitochondrial quantity, biogenesis and mitophagy-associated genes in breast cancer cells.

In this article, we aim to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation on mitochondria quantity, biogenesis, and mitophagy-associated genes in breast cancer (BC) cells. Both models were irradiated with a low-power infrared laser (880 nm, 150 mW) and amber LED (617 nm, 1500 mW), alone or simultaneously. We evaluated the mRNA expression of PINK1 and PGC-1α genes, and the mitochondrial number was assessed based on the ratio of mitochondrial DNA/genomic DNA (mtDNA/gDNA).

Development and psychometric testing of the school-life conflict scale (SLCS) among nursing students.

Background: Nursing students often face a heavy academic burden compared to students in other programs, possibly affecting their personal lives. However, a standardized scale assessing how academic demands interfere with the personal well-being in student nurses is lacking.

Objective: This study was conducted to develop and test the psychometric properties of the School-Life Conflict Scale (SLCS).

Dynamic co-evolution of transposable elements and the piRNA pathway in African cichlid fishes.

Background: East African cichlid fishes have diversified in an explosive fashion, but the (epi)genetic basis of the phenotypic diversity of these fishes remains largely unknown. Although transposable elements (TEs) have been associated with phenotypic variation in cichlids, little is known about their transcriptional activity and epigenetic silencing. We set out to bridge this gap and to understand the interactions between TEs and their cichlid hosts.

Staged thoracoscopic internal traction approach for early repair of long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) with distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF).

Background: Long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) can complicate the management of esophageal atresia (EA) with or without a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). This series describes a short interval, staged, thoracoscopic internal traction approach for LGEA with distal TEF to manage complex anastomotic tension or an anatomically impossible esophageal anastomosis.

Methods: A retrospective review (2018-2024) was performed across four tertiary centers to identify patients with LGEA and distal TEF, managed with a staged, thoracoscopic internal traction approach.