Functional UV Blocking and Superhydrophobic Coatings Based on Functionalized CeO and AlO Nanoparticles in a Polyurethane Nanocomposite.

Water repellency has significant potential in applications like self-cleaning coatings, anti-staining textiles, and electronics. This study introduces a novel nanocomposite system incorporating functionalized AlO and CeO nanoparticles within a polyurethane matrix to achieve hydrophobic and UV-blocking properties. The nanoparticles were functionalized using an octadecyl phosphonic acid solution and characterized by FTIR and XPS, confirming non-covalent functionalization.

Semiempirical Two-Dimensional Model of the Bipolar Resistive Switching Process in Si-NCs/SiO Multilayers.

In this work, the SET and RESET processes of bipolar resistive switching memories with silicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs) embedded in an oxide matrix is simulated by a stochastic model. This model is based on the estimation of two-dimensional oxygen vacancy configurations and their relationship with the resistive state. The simulation data are compared with the experimental current-voltage data of Si-NCs/SiO2 multilayer-based memristor devices.

Digital and Analog Resistive Switching Behavior in Si-NCs Embedded in a Si/SiO Multilayer Structure for Neuromorphic Systems.

In this work, we report the digital and analog resistive-switching (RS) characteristics in a memristor based on silicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs) integrated into a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure. Si-NCs with a diameter of 5.48 ± 1.

Identification of Secondary Metabolites of Interest in Using Bagasse.

Agro-industrial residues represent more than 60% of organic wastes worldwide, which could be used to generate other by-products or to be incorporated into other production chains. For example, bagasse is a waste from the tequila industry in Mexico that could be implemented for mushroom cultivation. Additionally, the substrate influences the growth, development, and production of secondary metabolites of fungi.

Study of the Effect of Nitric Acid in Electrochemically Synthesized Silicon Nanocrystals: Tunability of Bright and Uniform Photoluminescence.

In this work, we show a correlation between the composition and the microstructural and optical properties of bright and uniform luminescent porous silicon (PSi) films. PSi films were synthesized by electrochemical etching using nitric acid in an electrolyte solution. PSi samples synthesized with nitric acid emit stronger (up to six-fold greater) photoluminescence (PL) as compared to those obtained without it.

Composition-Dependent Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Activity of Biopolymer-Capped Ag/Au Bimetallic Nanoparticles against Melanoma and Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens.

Nanostructured silver (Ag) and gold (Au) are widely known to be potent biocidal and cytotoxic agents as well as biocompatible nanomaterials. It has been recently reported that combining both metals in a specific chemical composition causes a significant enhancement in their antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, as well as in their anticancer effects, while preserving cytocompatibility properties. In this work, Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles over a complete atomic chemical composition range were prepared at 10 at% through a green, highly reproducible, and simple approach using starch as a unique reducing and capping agent.

Relationship of Body Mass Index and Footprint Morphology to the Actual Height of the Medial Longitudinal Arch of the Foot.

The medial longitudinal arch height of the foot is linked to individual characteristics such as sex and body mass index, and these characteristics have been shown to be associated with conditions such as flat feet. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we examined the medial longitudinal arch morphology in an adult population to determine if there are differences related to sex and body mass index, and values were obtained for the foot posture index. Normalized anthropometric measurements and arch indices were calculated from footprints.

Foot Pain and Morphofunctional Foot Disorders in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Foot problems are highly prevalent in people with rheumatoid arthritis. This study aims to explore the foot morphology, pain and function in rheumatoid arthritis patients and the relation with the time of disease debut. A cross-sectional study was designed.

Normalization of blood clotting characteristics using prothrombin complex concentrate, fibrinogen and FXIII in an albumin based fluid: experimental studies in thromboelastometry.

Background: Colloid fluids supplemented with adequate combinations of coagulation factor concentrates with the capability to restore coagulation could be a desirable future treatment component in massive transfusion.

Methods: Starting from a coagulation factor and blood cell-free albumin solution we added Prothrombin Complex Concentrate, Fibrinogen Concentrate and Factor XIII in different combinations and concentrations to analyze their properties to restore thromboelastometry parameters without the use of plasma. Further analysis under the presence of platelets was performed for comparability to whole blood conditions.

Lateral size reduction of graphene oxide preserving its electronic properties and chemical functionality.

Graphene oxide (GO) is widely considered as a graphene precursor when chemically reduced. Nevertheless, through the precise control of two parameters: lateral size and oxidation degree, GO can be useful in many applications as modified graphene oxide or functional reduced graphene oxide. Commonly, the decrease in GO lateral size, involves a change in the C/O ratio and therefore a modification in a large number of characteristics.

Spectroscopic Properties of Si-nc in SiO Films Using HFCVD.

In the present work, non-stoichiometric silicon oxide films (SiO) deposited using a hot filament chemical vapor deposition technique at short time and simple parameters of depositions are reported. This is motivated by the numerous potential applications of SiO films in areas such as optoelectronics. SiO films were characterized with different spectroscopic techniques.

Potential role of Emergency Medical System call centres in epidemiological surveillance of seasonal influenza.

Objectives: Seasonal influenza causes high morbidity worldwide and high mortality in developing countries. As a result, the development of systems for seasonal influenza surveillance has been of great interest. The aim of this study is to explore the potential role of an Emergency Medical System (EMS) call centre to complement traditional surveillance systems of seasonal influenza.

Effectiveness of custom-made foot orthoses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective:: To determine the effect of custom-made foot orthoses versus placebo insoles on pain, disability, foot functionality, and quality of life.

Design:: Double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Setting:: University Podiatric Clinical Area.

Accurately Determining Proper Shoe Size in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Purpose: The aim of this descriptive study was to determine whether people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) wear adequately fitting footwear.

Design: This observational study was carried out in a health center between January and December 2014 in the state of A Coruña, Spain.

Method: A total of 166 patients (47 men, 119 women) completed all stages of the research process.

Functionalization Effect on Polymer Nanocomposite Coatings Based on TiO₂⁻SiO₂ Nanoparticles with Superhydrophilic Properties.

In this study, a novel binary nanocomposite system based on TiO₂-SiO₂ was functionalized with trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and characterized by XPS and XRD. Results revealed that TiO₂-SiO₂ nanoparticles were covalently functionalized. Functionalized nanoparticles at low concentrations (0.

Hallux valgus in a random population in Spain and its impact on quality of life and functionality.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hallux valgus (HV) and the association between the presence thereof and quality of life, dependence for basic and instrumental activities of daily living and foot function. Prevalence study was carried out in a random population sample (n = 1837) (α = 0.05; Precision = ±2.

Flat Foot in a Random Population and its Impact on Quality of Life and Functionality.

Introduction: Flat foot is a common deformity in adults. It is characterized by medial rotation and plantar flexion of the talus, eversion of the calcaneus, collapsed medial arch and abduction of the forefoot.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of flat foot and its impact on quality of life, dependence, foot pain, disability and functional limitation among random population of 40-year-old and above.

Podiatric medical abnormalities in a random population sample 40 years or older in Spain.

Background: Podiatric medical abnormalities are highly prevalent, yet few random population studies exist that determine the presence of pathologic abnormalities in the feet, despite their importance. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of podiatric medical abnormalities in a random sample population 40 years or older.

Methods: An observational study was conducted of a random sample population (n = 1,002) located in A Coruña, Spain.