Intelligent Learning-Based Methods for Determining the Ideal Team Size in Agile Practices.

One of the significant challenges in scaling agile software development is organizing software development teams to ensure effective communication among members while equipping them with the capabilities to deliver business value independently. A formal approach to address this challenge involves modeling it as an optimization problem: given a professional staff, how can they be organized to optimize the number of communication channels, considering both intra-team and inter-team channels? In this article, we propose applying a set of bio-inspired algorithms to solve this problem. We introduce an enhancement that incorporates ensemble learning into the resolution process to achieve nearly optimal results. Ensemble learning integrates multiple machine-learning strategies with diverse characteristics to boost optimizer performance. Furthermore, the studied metaheuristics offer an excellent opportunity to explore their linear convergence, contingent on the exploration and exploitation phases. The results produce more precise definitions for team sizes, aligning with industry standards. Our approach demonstrates superior performance compared to the traditional versions of these algorithms.

Population genomic and biophysical modeling show different patterns of population connectivity in the spiny lobster Jasus frontalis inhabiting oceanic islands.

Knowledge about connectivity between populations is essential for the fisheries management of commercial species. The lobster Jasus frontalis inhabits two oceanic island groups, the Juan Fernández Archipelago and the Desventuradas Islands, separated by 800 km. Since this species is primarily exploited in the Juan Fernández Archipelago, knowledge of the connectivity patterns among islands is foundational for species management. Here, we used variability at single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and individual-based modeling (IBM) to estimate the genetic structure and connectivity between J. frontalis populations in these island groups. The variability at 9090 SNPs suggests two genetic populations, one in the Juan Fernández Archipelago and one in the Desventuradas Islands. Furthermore, IBM suggests an asymmetric connectivity pattern, with particles moving from the Juan Fernández Archipelago to the Desventuradas Islands but not vice versa. Since the IBM analysis suggests asymmetric larval movement between the islands, and the genetic analysis indicates isolation between the Juan Fernández Archipelago and the Desventuradas Islands, larval retention mechanisms such as small-scale oceanographic processes or behavior could hinder larval movement between islands. This study highlights the importance of using more than one methodology to estimate population connectivity.

Diversity and toxicity of the planktonic diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia from coastal and offshore waters of the Southeast Pacific, including Pseudo-nitzschia dampieri sp. nov.

To expand knowledge of Pseudo-nitzschia species in the Southeast Pacific, we isolated specimens from coastal waters of central Chile (36°S-30°S), the Gulf of Corcovado, and the oceanic Robinson Crusoe Island (700 km offshore) and grew them into monoclonal strains. A total of 123 Pseudo-nitzschia strains were identified to 11 species based on sequencing of the ITS region of the nuclear rDNA and on ultrastructural and morphometric analyses of the frustule in selected representatives of each clade: P. australis, P. bucculenta, P. cf. chiniana, P. cf. decipiens, P. fraudulenta, P. hasleana, P. multistriata, P. plurisecta, P. cf. sabit, the new species P. dampieri sp. nov., and one undescribed species. Partial 18S and 28S rDNA sequences, including the hypervariable V4 and D1-D3 regions used for barcoding, were gathered from representative strains of each species to facilitate future metabarcoding studies. Results showed different levels of genetic, and at times ultrastructural, diversity among the above-mentioned entities, suggesting morphological variants (P. bucculenta), rapidly radiating complexes with ill-defined species boundaries (P. cf. decipiens and P. cf. sabit), and the presence of new species (P. dampieri sp. nov., Pseudo-nitzschia sp. 1, and probably P. cf. chiniana). Domoic acid (DA) was detected in 18 out of 82 strains tested, including those of P. australis, P. plurisecta, and P. multistriata. Toxicity varied among species mostly corresponding to expectations from previous reports, with the prominent exception of P. fraudulenta; DA was not detected in any of its 10 strains tested. In conclusion, a high diversity of Pseudo-nitzschia exists in Chilean waters, particularly offshore.

Neutral and outlier single nucleotide polymorphisms disentangle the evolutionary history of a coastal Solanaceae species.

Speciation begins with the isolation of some individuals or subpopulations due to drivers promoting a diverging genetic distribution. Such isolation may occur, followed by different processes and pressures. Isolation-by-distance (IBD), isolation-by-adaptation (IBA), and isolation-by-colonization (IBC) have been recognized as the main divergence patterns. Still, it is not easy to distinguish which one is the main pattern as each one may act at different points in time or even simultaneously. Using an extensive genome coverage from a Petunia species complex with coastal and inland distribution and multiple analytical approaches on population genomics and phylogeography, we showed a complex interplay between neutral and selective forces acting on the divergence process. We found 18,887 SNPs potentially neutral and 924 potentially under selection (outlier) loci. All analyses pointed that each subspecies displays its own genetic component and evolutionary history. We suggested plausible ecological drivers for such divergence in a southernmost South Atlantic coastal plain in Brazil and Uruguay and identified a connection between adaptation and environment heterogeneity.

High levels of connectivity over large distances in the diadematid sea urchin Centrostephanus sylviae.

Most benthic marine invertebrates with sedentary benthic adult phases have planktonic larvae that permit connectivity between geographically isolated populations. Planktonic larval duration and oceanographic processes are vital to connecting populations of species inhabiting remote and distant islands. In the present study, we analyzed the population genetic structure of the sea urchin Centrostephanus sylviae, which inhabits only the Juan Fernández Archipelago and the Desventuradas islands, separated by more than 800 km. For 92 individuals collected from Robinson Crusoe and Selkirk Islands (Juan Fernández Archipelago) and San Ambrosio Island (Desventuradas Islands), 7,067 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained. The results did not show a spatial genetic structure for C. sylviae; relative high migration rates were revealed between the islands. An analysis of the water circulation pattern in the area described a predominant northward water flow with periods of inverted flow, suggesting that larvae could move in both directions. Overall, this evidence suggests that C. sylviae comprises a single large population composed of individuals separated by more than 800 km.

Retrasplante pulmonar. Experiencia de un centro de referencia / Lung retransplant. Experience of a referral centre

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVOS: El retrasplante pulmonar (RTP) es un tratamiento válido en pacientes con disfunción pulmonar, pero con una elevada morbimortalidad. Nuestro objetivo es analizar nuestra experiencia en RTP en supervivencia y función pulmonar. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con RTP (1990-2019). VARIABLES: receptores y procedimiento, mortalidad precoz, supervivencia y función pulmonar en pacientes CLAD. Variables cuantitativas (media±DE); cualitativas (%). Se utilizó el test t de Student o χ2. La supervivencia se estimó mediante Kaplan-Meier, comparándose con Log Rank. Se estableció como significativa p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: De 784 pacientes trasplantados, 25 pacientes (edad media 38,41 ± 16,3 años, 12 hombres y 13 mujeres) fueron RTP; CLAD (n = 19), infarto pulmonar (n = 2), complicaciones de vía aérea (n = 2), disfunción del injerto (n = 1), rechazo hiperagudo (n = 1). Tiempo medio hasta el retrasplante: 5,41 ± 3,87 años en CLAD y 21,2 ± 21,4 días en no CLAD. La mortalidad a 90 días fue del 52% y 36,8% en el segundo periodo (p = 0,007), siendo mayor en pacientes que precisaron ECMO preoperatorio (80 vs. 20%, p = 0,04). La supervivencia a 1 y 5 años fue del 53,9% y 37,7%, respectivamente (p = 0,016). La supervivencia del grupo CLAD fue mayor (p = 0,08). El ECMO pre RTP disminuyó la supervivencia (p = 0,032). FEV1 mejoró una media de 0,98 ± 0,13L (25,6 ± 18,8%) (p = 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: El RTP es un procedimiento de elevada mortalidad que obliga a una cuidadosa selección de los pacientes, con mejores resultados en aquellos con CLAD. La función pulmonar de los pacientes con CLAD mejoró significativamente

BACKGROUND: Lung retransplantation (LR) is a valid choice with a significant risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality in selected patients with graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. Our goal is to analyse our experience in LR in terms of survival and lung function. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients undergoing LR (1990-2019). VARIABLES: recipients and procedure, early mortality, survival and lung function in patients with CLAD. Quantitative variables (mean±SD); qualitative (%). Student's t test or χ2 was used. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier, compared with Log Rank. A p < 0.05 was established as significant. RESULTS: Of 784 transplanted patients, 25 patients (mean age 38.41-16.3 years, 12 men and 13 women) were LR; (CLAD (n = 19), pulmonary infarction (n = 2), airway complications (n = 2), graft dysfunction (n = 1), hyperacute rejection (n = 1), mean time to retransplantation: 5.41 ± 3.87 years in CLAD and 21.2 ± 21.4 days in non-CLAD. The 90-day mortality was 52% and 36.8% in the second period (p = 0.007), being higher in patients who required preoperative ECMO (80 vs. 20%, p = 0.04). The 1- and 5-year survival was 53.9% and 37.7%, respectively (p = 0.016). Survival of the CLAD group was greater (p = 0.08). Pre LR ECMO decreased survival (p = 0.032). After LR, FEV1 improved an average of 0.98 ± 0.13L (25.6 ± 18.8%) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LR is a high mortality procedure that requires careful selection of patients with better results in patients with CLAD. The lung function of patients with CLAD improved significantly

Lung retransplant. Experience of a referral centre. / Retrasplante pulmonar. Experiencia de un centro de referencia.

BACKGROUND: Lung retransplantation (LR) is a valid choice with a significant risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality in selected patients with graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. Our goal is to analyse our experience in LR in terms of survival and lung function. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients undergoing LR (1990-2019). VARIABLES: recipients and procedure, early mortality, survival and lung function in patients with CLAD. Quantitative variables (mean±SD); qualitative (%). Student's t test or χ2 was used. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier, compared with Log Rank. A p < 0.05 was established as significant. RESULTS: Of 784 transplanted patients, 25 patients (mean age 38.41-16.3 years, 12 men and 13 women) were LR; (CLAD (n = 19), pulmonary infarction (n = 2), airway complications (n = 2), graft dysfunction (n = 1), hyperacute rejection (n = 1), mean time to retransplantation: 5.41 ± 3.87 years in CLAD and 21.2 ± 21.4 days in non-CLAD. The 90-day mortality was 52% and 36.8% in the second period (p = 0.007), being higher in patients who required preoperative ECMO (80 vs. 20%, p = 0.04). The 1- and 5-year survival was 53.9% and 37.7%, respectively (p = 0.016). Survival of the CLAD group was greater (p = 0.08). Pre LR ECMO decreased survival (p = 0.032). After LR, FEV1 improved an average of 0.98 ± 0.13L (25.6 ± 18.8%) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LR is a high mortality procedure that requires careful selection of patients with better results in patients with CLAD. The lung function of patients with CLAD improved significantly.

Diagnóstico de la fertilidad de los suelos de cuatro municipios de Cundinamarca (Colombia) para la producción de plátano / Diagnostics of soil fertility in four municipalities of Cundinamarca (Colombia) employed for cooking banana production

RESUMEN Para lograr rendimientos óptimos en la producción de plátano, se debe tener en cuenta la disponibilidad de nutrientes en el suelo, para así ajustar planes de fertilización adecuados. Con el fin de contribuir al estudio de la fertilidad de suelos cultivados con plátano en el departamento de Cundinamarca-Colombia, se realizó una caracterización química de suelos, en cuatro de los principales municipios productores. Se visitaron 146 fincas, ubicadas en Viotá, La Vega, La Palma y Chaguaní, donde se tomaron muestras de suelo, para análisis químico. Los resultados obtenidos fueron sometidos a un análisis de frecuencias, correlación lineal de Pearson y componentes principales, realizando, finalmente, una comparación de medias entre los cuatro municipios. Se observaron niveles bajos de P, S y Mg, medios de K, Ca y B, así como altas concentraciones de Zn, que pueden llegar a ser tóxicas para el cultivo de plátano. Por otro lado, las variables se agruparon en cuatro componentes asociados a: la capa de cambio del suelo, la reacción del suelo, la salinidad y la relación entre el P y Zn. Suelos de los municipios de La Vega y La Palma no presentaron variación en la capa de cambio y la reacción del suelo, caso contrario al observado en suelos de Viotá y Chaguaní. Entre suelos de los municipios, se presentaron diferencias significativas para las propiedades materia orgánica, Ca y Mg, así como desbalances catiónicos y pH fuertemente ácidos.

ABSTRACT To achieve optimum yields in plantain production, appropriate fertilization plans must be adjusted, for which the availability of nutrients in the soil must be taken into account. In order to contribute to the study of the fertility of soils cultivated with cooking banana in the province of Cundinamarca - Colombia, a chemical characterization of soils was carried out in four of the main producing municipalities. 146 farms located in Viotá, La Vega, La Palma and Chaguaní, were visited, and soil samples were taken for chemical analysis. The results obtained were subjected to a frequency analysis, Pearson's linear correlation and main components; finally making a comparison of means between the four municipalities. Low levels of P, S and Mg, medium of K, Ca and B were observed, as well as high concentrations of Zn that can be toxic for the plantain crop. On the other hand, the variables were grouped into four components associated with: the soil change layer, the soil reaction, the salinity and the relationship between P and Zn. Soils of the municipalities of La Vega and La Palma did not show variation in the change layer and soil reaction, contrary to that observed in Viotá and Chaguaní soils. Among the soils of the municipalities, there were significant differences for the properties of organic matter, Ca and Mg as well as cationic imbalances and strongly acidic pH.

Complicaciones de preeclampsia grave. Presentación de un caso clínico. Revisión bibliográfica / Severe preeclampsia complications. A clinical case report and bibliographic review

A continuación presentamos el caso de una paciente embarazada de 36 semanas que cursa con preeclampsia grave y evoluciona con síndrome HELLP complicado con ruptura hepática; realizando una revisión bibliográfica sobre dicha patología.

The case of a 36-week pregnant patient with severe preeclampsia and HELLP (H, hemolysis; EL, elevated liver enzymes; LP, low platelet count) syndrome evolution with liver rupture and a bibliographic review on such pathology are presented.

Evaluación de la calidad de la asistencia en Cataluña. Modelo de acreditación / Healthcare quality evaluation in Catalonia. Accreditation model

Se resume la acreditación de centros de atención hospitalaria aguda en Cataluña como instrumento puesto en marcha por la Administración catalana en 1981 y que representó un buen sistema para la evaluación de la calidad de los hospitales, así como las perspectivas de futuro (AU)

Acreditación en Cataluña (IV). Un sistema para la mejora de la calidad. Seguimiento de las mejoras realizadas en Ios hospitales acreditados / Accreditation in Catalonia (IV). A system to improve quality. Follow-up of improvements made in the accredited hospitals

El Servicio de Calidad Asistencial y Acreditación de la Dirección General de Recursos Sanitario puso en marcha, en 1999, un proyecto de seguimiento de los puntos de mejora pendientes de los hospitales acreditados favorablemente. En este trabajo se pone de manifiesto la evaluación de las mejoras y la situación actual (AU)

No disponible

Osteotomia tibial supratuberositaria: experimentacion en hueso cadaverico para medicion de presiones unicompartimentales / Upper tibial osteotomy: weight transmission through the knee joint

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar y comprobar los cambios de presion que sufren los compartimientos femorotibiales, de acuerdo con los cambios de angulacion efectuados con osteotomias supratuberositarias de tibia con fuerzas progresivas, que emulan una situacion monopodalica. En hueso cadaverico fresco, se realizo la osteotomia de Aiello y se implanto el fijador externo Pouliquen. Para medir la presion individual de cada compartimiento, se emplearon sensores de minipresion. A partir de una condicion basal, considerada como valgo fisiologico de 5 grados, se determino la presion en ambos compartimientos. Se realizaron angulaciones en varo y valgo, y se comparo la modificacion de las presiones individuales en cada compartimiento. En la rodilla vara, la carga aumento rapidamente sobre el platillo interno y llego casi al 90 por ciento. Cuando la angulacion alcanzo 5 por ciento en valgo (fisiologico) con pesos de 30,35 y 40 kg, se observo la inversion de la carga pasando del compartimiento interno al externo, y llego a mas de 95 por ciento en 10 grados de valgo. De esto, se infiere que, en el deterioro del compartimiento interno, la correccion quirurgica debe ser muy precisa. Se debe practicar una hipercorreccion de 8 grados de valgo, para no realizar una descompresion del compartimiento interno a expensas de una hiperpresion del compartimiento externo

Osteotomia tibial supratuberositaria: experimentacion en hueso cadaverico para medicion de presiones unicompartimentales / Upper tibial osteotomy: weight transmission through the knee joint

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar y comprobar los cambios de presion que sufren los compartimientos femorotibiales, de acuerdo con los cambios de angulacion efectuados con osteotomias supratuberositarias de tibia con fuerzas progresivas, que emulan una situacion monopodalica. En hueso cadaverico fresco, se realizo la osteotomia de Aiello y se implanto el fijador externo Pouliquen. Para medir la presion individual de cada compartimiento, se emplearon sensores de minipresion. A partir de una condicion basal, considerada como valgo fisiologico de 5 grados, se determino la presion en ambos compartimientos. Se realizaron angulaciones en varo y valgo, y se comparo la modificacion de las presiones individuales en cada compartimiento. En la rodilla vara, la carga aumento rapidamente sobre el platillo interno y llego casi al 90 por ciento. Cuando la angulacion alcanzo 5 por ciento en valgo (fisiologico) con pesos de 30,35 y 40 kg, se observo la inversion de la carga pasando del compartimiento interno al externo, y llego a mas de 95 por ciento en 10 grados de valgo. De esto, se infiere que, en el deterioro del compartimiento interno, la correccion quirurgica debe ser muy precisa. Se debe practicar una hipercorreccion de 8 grados de valgo, para no realizar una descompresion del compartimiento interno a expensas de una hiperpresion del compartimiento externo