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Chlorophyll (Chl) concentration is one of the factors that affects crop productivity. This study investigated the prediction of chlorophyll concentrations in Mombaça grass' leaves using hyperspectral data and machine learning techniques. Chlorophyll variations were induced by different levels of nitrogen fertilization (104, 208, 312, and 416 kg ha−1). Spectral signatures (400–2500 nm) and chlorophyll contents of the leaves were obtained in October, November, and December 2017, and January 2018. Models were generated using Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Regression (SVR). Two validation techniques were employed: holdout, dividing the data into training (75%) and testing (25%) sets; and leave‐one‐date‐out cross‐validation (LOOCV), in which one date was omitted during model training and used to predict the omitted date's value. Chlorophyll concentrations varied according to N doses, with the highest concentrations observed in October and December. In these months, there were greater variations in spectral reflectance in the green and red bands (530–680 nm). December was identified as the ideal period for chlorophyll quantification, for both holdout and LOOCV validation techniques. The SVR technique performed best (R2 = 0.71, RMSE = 0.23 mg g−1, dr = 0.72) compared to RF (R2 = 0.63, RMSE = 0.27 mg g−1, dr = 0.66) and PLSR (R2 = 0.60, RMSE = 0.27 mg g−1, dr = 0.67). Therefore, the prediction of chlorophyll in Mombaça grass using spectroradiometry is promising and applicable across different cultivation periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has as its theme the autonomy of pregnant women in relation to choosing the method of birth for their child. The objective was to carry out a scoping review to study the literature and evidence of how autonomy is being offered to parturient women. Study design and location: In October 2023, a search was carried out using the terms "pregnant women" AND "delivery" AND "autonomy" in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo and LILACS. The search included articles from 2016 to 2023. Of the 179 articles found, 15 met the criteria and were selected for this review. Results: the pregnant woman's autonomy in choosing the method of childbirth is influenced by several factors, such as the obstetrician's recommendation, the medical team, and negative and positive experiences. Thus, when this autonomy is shared with the obstetrician, the obstetrician recommends cesarean section as the safest route, but does not explain the benefits and harms of both routes (vaginal and cesarean section), causing the woman to accept the cesarean section. Midwives recommend vaginal birth because they believe it to be natural and safe and explain the benefits and harms of both methods, respecting the pregnant woman's choice of the method she prefers. Conclusion: women have the fundamental right to choose their method of birth and must be properly guided throughout prenatal care, whether by an obstetrician or a midwife, about the options, risks and benefits of each method of childbirth, respecting the ethical principle of beneficence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The proline-rich decapeptide 10c (Bj-PRO-10c; ENWPHPQIPP) from the Bothrops jararaca snake modulates argininosuccinate synthetase (AsS) activity to stimulate L-arginine metabolite production and neuroprotection in the SH-SY5Y cell line. The relationships between structure, interactions with AsS, and neuroprotection are little known. We evaluated the neuroprotective effects of Bj-PRO-10c and three other PROs (Bn-PRO-10a, Bn-PRO-10c > Bn-PRO-10a-MK > Bn-PRO-10a. The structure of PROs and their correlations with enzyme activity revealed that histidine (H5) and glutamine (Q7) in Bj-PRO-10c potentiated their affinity for AsS. Conclusions. Our investigation provides the first insights into the structure and molecular interactions of PROs with AsS, which could possibly further their neuropharmacological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy reaching a horizontal surface can possess fluctuations that impact electricity generation at a solar plant. Despite this, energy access remains inadequate, particularly in rural areas, with an estimated 82% deficiency. This drives us to assess the regressive and spatial-temporal accessibility of solar energy in the southern and mid regions of Mozambique. This evaluation aims to determine the actual availability of energy for electrification purposes. Data on global horizontal irradiation from approximately 8 stations across all provinces in the specified regions, collected between 2012 and 2014 at intervals of 1 and 10 min, were analyzed using regression and correlation methods along with a specialized algorithm for classifying days based on clear sky index terms. The statistical analysis identified days with significant potential for energy accessibility, exceeding 50% of the average. The findings suggest a correlation coefficient of approximately 0.30 for energy and non-linear regression with clear sky index coefficients around 0.80. The method employed demonstrated accuracy when compared to theoretical simulations of the clear sky index in the region, indicating its potential applicability in other regions of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venom snake-derived peptides have multiple biochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological profiles, allowing for the discovery of new medicinal products and therapeutic applications. This review specifically examines the fundamental elements of neuroprotection offered by different oligopeptides derived from snake venom. It also includes a brief evaluation of short peptides that are being considered as potential therapeutic agents. Proline-rich peptides and tryptophyllin family peptides isolated from the crude venom of Viperidae family snakes, specifically Bothrops atrox, Bothrops jararaca, and Bothrops moojeni, have been shown to have pro-survival properties, the ability to reduce oxidative stress, and the ability to promote cell viability and mitochondrial functions. Three significant mechanisms are related to the neuroprotection mediated by snake venom oligopeptides: (1) Activation of the Larginine metabolite pathway, such as polyamines from ornithine metabolism, which reduces N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor activity; (2) Enhancement of cell viability by activating the nerve growth factorsignaling pathway; and (3) Activation of the Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype M1 (mAChR-M1). These small peptides show promise as neuroprotective agents against a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar-based fertilizers (BBFs) agronomic performance depends on its nutrient pools, electrical conductivity (EC) and pH, conventionally assessed by laboratory classical wet methods that are non-environmentally friendly, time-consuming, and costly. However, the nutrient pools and properties of BBFs can be predicted by partial least square regression (PLS) based on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Thus, we aimed to use PLS regression based on FTIR analysis to predict the pH, EC and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) pools in BBFs produced by different routes. Sixteen BBFs were produced by mixing, previously or after the pyrolysis process of low-grade phosphate acidulated with different inorganic acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric and nitric acids), addition or no different sources of Mg (magnesium chloride and serpentinite). PLS models based on the normalized FTIR dataset in BBFs are considered good when R2 during calibration and cross-validation phases are higher than 0.81, values founded in our study to prediction of pH, EC, total, and mineral N, total P, and P soluble in water, citric acid, formic acid, and neutral ammonium citrate, and total K of BBFs. Besides, the difference between R2 of calibration and cross-validation lower than 0.2 founded indicated no overfitting. Furthermore, the PLS models had high prediction capacity (R2 of prediction higher than 0.55) and high accuracy (R2 to y-randomization <0.50). Thus, PLS regression models based on the normalized FTIR dataset in BBFs were models characterized by the good performance, robustness, and nonrandom able to predict the nutrient pools, pH, and EC in BBFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment. Background: RARP is an established procedure in treatment of localized prostate cancer. Hemorrhagic complications in the postoperative period are rare, but sometimes life-threatening. Adequate monitoring and prompt intervention in these unusual scenarios rely on clinical judgement and blood and imaging studies. Prostatic fossa pseudoaneurysm formation after RARP is very rare and its etiology is not well known; it may be related to small vessel trauma. It becomes apparent with the development of hematuria 1-6 weeks after surgery. Case Report: A 58-year-old man underwent RARP with extended lymph node dissection for intermediate-risk prostate cancer, with bilateral preservation of neurovascular bundles and puboprostatic ligaments. He was discharged on day 2 without complications. In the following 4 weeks he came to the Emergency Department 3 times with hematuria and acute urinary retention. Four weeks after surgery, a pelvic CT angiogram showed a 20-mm pseudoaneurysm in the prostatic fossa, which was embolized by percutaneous angiography, with resolution of symptoms. He was discharged soon thereafter. Conclusions: This case study describes a patient with prostatic fossa pseudoaneurysm after RARP. It was diagnosed 1 month after surgery and effectively managed by percutaneous embolization. Despite being a very rare condition, it must be kept in mind, especially when postoperative hematuria develops 1-6 weeks after surgery. Use of a management algorithm including serial blood tests, CT angiogram, and percutaneous angiography can lead to early detection and avoid life-threatening hemorrhage and overall postoperative morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data for the United States, we explore how interactions with immigrants during school age affect imagination during adulthood for native children. The analysis uses The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health survey and focuses on the impact of differences in the number of immigrants across cohorts within schools. Results suggest that exposure to immigrant classmates has positive effects on the long‐term imagination of natives. Increasing the number of immigrants in the grade by 20 students, would increase the likelihood of reporting a high level of imagination during adulthood by three percentage points. We suggest that the effect is not coming via direct friendship with immigrant students, but through increasing exposure to diverse ideas and experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in sustainable agriculture, and their importance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivation cannot be underestimated. This review article aims to comprehensively explore the diverse roles of microorganisms in sustainable biofortified common bean cultivation. Biofortification refers to the process of increasing the nutrient content in crops, which helps combat deficiencies in iron, zinc, and vitamins in the human body. Biofortified beans have better agronomic characteristics and offer higher micronutrient content compared to conventional crops. We examine the contribution of various microbial communities in nitrogen fixation, soil structure improvement, nutrient recycling, and disease suppression. Understanding the interaction between beneficial microorganisms and biofortified common bean plants enables us to develop ecologically sound and sustainable approaches to optimize crop productivity and improve nutrition and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide while reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of the XXI century, Leishmaniasis has been integrated into the World Health Organization's list of the 20 neglected tropical diseases, being considered a public health issue in more than 88 countries, especially in the tropics, subtropics, and the Mediterranean area. Statistically, this disease presents a world prevalence of 12 million cases worldwide, with this number being expected to increase shortly due to the 350 million people considered at risk and the 2–2.5 million new cases appearing every year. The lack of an appropriate and effective treatment against this disease has intensified the interest of many research groups to pursue the discovery and development of novel treatments in close collaboration with the WHO, which hopes to eradicate it shortly. This paper intends to highlight the quinoline scaffold's potential for developing novel antileishmanial agents and provide a set of structural guidelines to help the research groups in the medicinal chemistry field perform more direct drug discovery and development programs. Thus, this review paper presents a thorough compilation of the most recent advances in the development of new quinoline-based antileishmanial agents, with a particular focus on structure–activity relationship studies that should be considerably useful for the future of the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phonology is a linguistic discipline that is naturally computational. However, as many researchers are not familiar with the use of digital methods, most of the computation required is still performed by humans. This article presents a training experiment of master's students of the phonology seminar at the University of Porto, bringing the research process directly to the classroom. The experiment was designed to raise students' awareness of the potentialities of combining human and machine computation in phonology. The Centre for Digital Culture and Innovation (CODA) readily embraced this project to showcase the application of digital humanities as humanities in both research and training activities. During this experiment, students were trained to collect and process phonological data using various open-source and free web-based resources. By combining a strict protocol with some individual research freedom, the students were able to make valuable contributions towards Creolistic Studies, while enriching their individual skills. Finally, the interdisciplinary nature of the approach has demonstrated its potential within and beyond the humanities and social sciences fields (e.g., linguistics, archaeology, history, geography, ethnology, sociology, and genetics), by also introducing the students to basic concepts and practices of Open Science and FAIR principles, including Linked Open Data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has been increasing the frequency and severity of drought periods. There is a need to understand how this water scarcity affects aquatic communities. The main aim of this work was to compare the macroinvertebrate communities and their bioindicator value (ecological status sensu the Water Framework Directive) in three Regions [northeast (N), central (C) and south (S)] of Portugal along a water availability and climate gradient, in two consecutive years that reflect hydrologically distinct scenarios (2018 versus 2019). The period prior to sampling (summer and autumn 2017) was extremely dry and hot, whereas climatic fluctuations in 2018–2019 (when the sampling occurred) were closer to the norm. A total of 28 sampling sites were surveyed in streams of Regions where water scarcity is differentially constitutive. The results showed a consistent environmental and ecological gradient in both years, despite the background differences. A coinciding mineralization, temperature, riparian cover and water availability gradient clearly separated Regions C (wettest) and S (driest), with Region N occupying an intermediate position. Region C had overall higher ecological quality (prevalence of sensitive organisms) in both years. Despite our a priori expectations that 2018 would represent a much more stressful condition, with larger differences across Regions (because of their constitutive background), the data suggest that macroinvertebrate communities may be resilient or adapted, to some degree, to hydrological fluctuations. Signs of more favourable conditions in 2019 were also observed (general improvement in ecological status). Studies across hydrological and climatic gradients (in time and space) are particularly important where water availability is becoming more challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na3V2(PO4)2F3 has been attracting a lot of attention as a positive electrode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The deformation of local structure caused by rare‐earth ions and intrinsic defect properties in Na3V2(PO4)2F3 as a positive electrode for SIB have been investigated with atomistic simulation based on the lattice energy minimization. A good reproduction of the Na3V2(PO4)2F3 structure is obtained. It is revealed that Na Frenkel defect, which is formed by sodium interstitial and vacancy pair, is the most favorable type of intrinsic defect. This leads to the formation of stable sodium vacancy required for the Na‐ion diffusion. The results indicate that trivalent rare‐earth dopants at the V3+ site are the most energetically favorable dopants for Na3V2(PO4)2F3, and that the incorporation at the Na and P site could be used as a strategy to increase the sodium vacancy and interstitial, respectively. The deformation in the local structure by the rare‐earth ions doping at the V site is also investigated as helpful in improving the rate performance of SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesized complexes, cis-[Ru(NO)(NO2)(phen)2](PF6)2 (NONO2P) and cis-[Ru(NO)(NO2)(bpy)2](PF6)2 (NONO2B), were characterized by using elemental analysis, voltammetry and electronic and vibrational spectroscopy. Under electrochemical and photochemical stimulation in an aqueous medium, there are indications of the formation of complexes, which suggests that the nitro and nitrosyl groups are converted into nitric oxide. Both compounds do not show cytotoxic activity against human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The cis-[Ru(NO)(NO2)(phen)2](PF6)2 complex presented vasorelaxation activity in superior mesenteric arteries from Wistar rats: the biphasic concentration–response curve indicates two sites of action. In the presence of NO scavengers, we observed an impaired relaxing effect induced by NONO2P, suggesting that the vasorelaxant effect is due to NO production from this compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article highlights the importance that study missions abroad assumed for republican reformers in two different moments (1911-1912 and 1918) and under the tutelage, respectively, of the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of the Public Instruction. In the first case, the awarded grants focused on the area of Medicine. In the second case, the Reform of Alfredo de Magalhães (1918) enshrines scholarships for secondary education teachers. I argue that the grants awarded in 1911-1912 were more consequential, namely in Medicine area, since they were part of already existing dynamics -- a paradigmatic example of which was protagonized by the "Medical Generation of 1911". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xenogaster Wasmann, 1891 is a Neotropical genus of termite-associated staphylinid beetles commonly found in nests of Nasutitermitinae termites. Due to morphological similarities and difficulties in their comparison, confusion often occurs among the species of Xenogaster and closely related genera such as Termitogaster Casey, 1889 and Termitomorpha Wasmann, 1894. The examination of the holotype of Xenogaster lineis Kistner, 2006, demonstrate that this specimen actually belongs to Termitogaster genus, leading to the proposal the transfer and new combination of this species, Termitogaster lineis (Kistner, 2006) comb. n. Additionally, examination of part of the paratypes of Xenogaster lineis revealed these specimens belong to a new species of the Termitomorpha genus, T. kistneri sp. n. here described. The results of these findings highlight the need of more taxonomic studies to resolve the ambiguity and imprecision in the diagnostic characters of closely related genera in Termitogastrina. This paper underscores the significance of revisiting and thoroughly re-examining type specimens and paratypes in order to ensure greater stability in the classification and nomenclature of insect taxa. To conclude, an updated key for Termitomorpha species and Neotropical Termitogastrina is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frenkel excitons are the primary photoexcitations in organic semiconductors and are ultimately responsible for the optical properties of such materials. They are also predicted to form bound exciton pairs, termed biexcitons, which are consequential intermediates in a wide range of photophysical processes. Generally, we think of bound states as arising from an attractive interaction. However, here, we report on our recent theoretical analysis, predicting the formation of stable biexciton states in a conjugated polymer material arising from both attractive and repulsive interactions. We show that in J-aggregate systems, 2J-biexcitons can arise from repulsive dipolar interactions with energies E2J > 2EJ, while in H-aggregates, 2H-biexciton states with energies E2H < 2EH can arise corresponding to attractive dipole exciton/exciton interactions. These predictions are corroborated by using ultrafast double-quantum coherence spectroscopy on a [poly(2,5-bis(3-hexadecylthiophene-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene)] material that exhibits both J- and H-like excitonic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obstetrics field is undergoing transformation and committing to ensuring the autonomy of pregnant women in decisions related to birth based on scientific information. The physiological process of birth typically results in vaginal delivery, but medicine has evolved to include obstetric surgeries that are safe and result in few perioperative complications, especially when cesarean section is performed from 39 weeks of gestational age. Thus, the question is whether clinicians should interfere with pregnant women's freedom to choose their mode of delivery by trying to persuade them to choose vaginal delivery. The objective was to analyze the perinatal complications of the maternal–fetal dyad in primiparous women subjected to vaginal delivery versus elective cesarean section with respect to the bioethical precepts of autonomy, beneficence and nonmaleficence. In total, 2,507 women, including 1,807 (72.1%) with vaginal deliveries and 700 (27.9%) with cesarean deliveries, were analyzed between 2017 and 2020. There was no difference between the types of delivery in maternal readmission, death, admission to the intensive care unit, an Apgar score <7 in the 5th minute of life, maternal blood transfusion or comorbidities of the mothers or newborns. The elective cesarean section group showed less need for therapeutic uterotonics. In primigravidae, it was observed that elective cesarean section did not present a higher risk of complications than vaginal delivery. Therefore, this guarantees the autonomy and right of the individual to choose the mode of delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the dam removal movement, driven by concerns about dam safety, populations of native aquatic species, and the conservation of overall habitats, has gone mainstream. Although many studies focus on the ecological benefits of the removal of a particular dam, research on economic changes at the county level are limited. Most studies concerned with this topic examine a single location and fail to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the overall impact of dam removal on the broader economy. We address this gap in the literature using a difference-in-differences approach to estimate the effect of dam removal on earnings in the Leisure and Hospitality Supersector (NAICS 71 and NAICS 72). Results show little effect on earnings at the county level. This means that policymakers, when evaluating dam removal, should focus on other economic, environmental, and aesthetic factors that are specific to a particular dam site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present work is to think about the meaning of anxiety from an existential-humanist perspective. Hence, we will begin with Rollo May's (1909-1994) reflection on the oversimplification executed by current psychology, as well as the techniques developed to deal with the complexity of the human experience. Thus, the work The meaning of anxiety (1950) written by the American psychologist will be crucial for thinking about anxiety in the existential-humanist clinic. In the mentioned work, May claims that anxiety is a threat to being. Anxiety being a threat to being, it can arise as a threat to some value, a threat of physical death, and psychological threat. Finally, following the author's thinking, we are able to conclude that anxiety is always present in our experiences of self-realization and creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enthalpies of formation in the gaseous phase of methyl 3-methylanthranilate and methyl 5-methylanthranilate were determined from experimental measurements of the corresponding standard energies of combustion, obtained from combustion calorimetry, and the standard enthalpies of vaporization and sublimation, obtained from Calvet microcalorimetry and Knudsen mass-loss effusion. A computational study, using the G3(MP2)//B3LYP composite method, has also been performed for the calculation of the gas-phase standard enthalpies of formation of those two molecules at T = 298.15 K, as well as for the remaining isomers, methyl 4-methylanthranilate and methyl 6-methylanthranilate. The results have been used to evaluate and analyze the energetic effect of the methyl substituent in different positions of the ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiresorptives are characterized as a group of drugs whose characteristic is the inhibitory process on bone resorption of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases, such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease. However, this group of drugs has been associated with causing osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ), known as "medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw" (MRONJ). This disease presents itself as necrosis of the bone tissue, which is characterized by the presence of exposed non-scarring and necrotic bone in the oral and maxillofacial region that persists for more than 8 weeks, with no history of radiotherapy in the cervicofacial region. The main drugs used in the anti-resorptive group are Bisphosphonates (BPs) and Denosumab (DMABs), which act in different ways. The objective of this article was to carry out a literature review regarding the use of antiresorptive agents, describing their mechanisms of action, as well as their interrelationship in the treatment with implants and the conduct that should be carried out by the dental surgeon, considering that the treatment may be conducted according to each stage of osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with drug use (OMAM). Strategies prior to performing implants in patients who use or have recently used them were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caatinga biome is the largest and wettest semi-arid environment globally, occupying 10% of the Brazilian territory. Half of the original vegetation from the Caatinga has already been deforested. This research aims to identify the factors associated with Caatinga deforestation (2010–2016). Therefore, the researchers used Geographically Weighted Regression to analyse the drivers of deforestation at the municipal level. Our results showed that five factors are crucial for understanding the spatial variability of deforestation in the Caatinga biome: agricultural credit, cattle, goats, distance from roads, and mining activities. The results were interpreted carefully since the semi-arid Biome is marked by regional asymmetries, mixing subsistence agriculture with agribusiness (MATOPIBA and Vale do Rio São Francisco). The outcome maps allow us to discuss the implication of spatial arrangements and intervention policies towards sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) refers to different clinical conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles, and adjacent structures. Although TMDs signs and symptoms (e.g., pain and limited mouth opening) are common, otological symptoms, such as tinnitus, might also be present. This study aims to summarize the evidence of the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in individuals with TMDs associated with tinnitus. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of physical therapy in individuals of both genders aged 18 or older with TMDs associated with tinnitus were included. The electronic search was performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and CENTRAL. A total of four studies were included. All studies showed that physical therapy reduced the intensity of tinnitus, and two trials showed a decrease in the pain intensity caused by TMDs, an increase in the pressure pain thresholds in the masticatory muscles and an improvement of mandibular function. Two studies presented a low risk of bias. Despite a low certainty of the evidence, this review showed that physical therapy reduces the intensity or severity of tinnitus associated with TMDs. Results may support future research on the topic and evidence-based practice by recommending the best physical therapy approach for patients, clinicians, researchers, and health system managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceratocampinae (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is the second most diverse subfamily of Saturniidae with 300 species described in 30 genera from southern Canada to northern Argentina. Species of this subfamily are widely distributed in Southeast Brazil, with many endemics to the Cerrado, and important as indicators of ecosystem quality. Specimens of Ceratocampinae were collected in the Parque Estadual do Mirador, Maranhão state, Brazil. Adeloneivaia acuta (Schaus, 1896), Adeloneivaia schubarti Barros & O. Mielke, 1970, Eacles penelope (Cramer, 1775) and Megaceresa pulchra (Bouvier, 1923) are recorded for the first time in Maranhão state and Northeast Brazil and Eacles fairchildi May & Oiticica, 1941, only for Maranhão. The record of five Ceratocampinae (Saturniidae) species increases the knowledge on the diversity and the importance of preserving those of this subfamily in the Cerrado biome of Maranhão state and the Northeast region of Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capitalist accumulation requires technological revolution, legal regulation of the workforce, territorialized habits, commodification of nature and life, sociotechnical fluidity of territories and places in the socio-spatial division of labor and control of the individual and society. In this article, the objective is to observe the political geography of neoliberal accumulation by spoliation of corporations Big Tech through the surveillance of life experience for the purpose of grabbing personal and collective data. The methodology is based on the rescue of bibliography about the techno-informational revolution in times of neoliberalism and social networks. The conclusion reached is the use of social networks as a sociotechnical-informational instrument to control individuals through faith in progress and in voluntary servitude for the Big Tech capital accumulation schemes through the spoliation of life experience in cyberspace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The archival bond is the embodiment of the relationships shared amongst records generated in the course of the same activity, by the same creator. It has been one of the key governing principles of the archival profession since its inception. At the heart of this concept is the notion that records only acquire meaning and identity in the context of the aggregation they originally belong to. This interpretation has been guided by an analog worldview of archives in which creators, activities, and fonds are easily delimited constructs. With the digitalization of recordkeeping, these boundaries are meshed in favor of more fluid processes that prioritize the flow and recombination of information across several systems and classification schemes. This article attempts to revisit the concept of archival bond under the light of the current information paradigm with the goals of examining its fundamental notions, discussing its application and limitations. The methodology is qualitative and relies on documentary research. A literature review on the archival bond is conducted through the consultation of Web of Science and Scopus databases. As an expansion of the archival bond, a novel concept of informational bond is suggested as an attempt to more accurately capture the context of digital information and to reinforce the trustworthiness of archival representations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the acidic treatment of microalgal biomass (Chlorella vulgaris) for recovery of reducing sugars aiming bioethanol application was investigated using the severity factor approach (acid-combined severity factor (CSF)) which was applied considering different temperatures (110–130 °C), residence times (0–60 min), and acid concentrations (0–5% v/v) and the process transient times (heating and cooling). A suitable kinetic model was evaluated, developed, and applied, and it can be shown that the severity factor theory can be revised and extended using a n order kinetics for biomass solubilization and m order reaction for acid application and considering the transient times (heating and cooling contributions) for microalgal biomass hydrolysis. n and m for Chlorella vulgaris biomass were 3.63 and 1.42, approximately. Activation energy for microalgal biomass was 41.19 kJ/mol. An exponential function was suitable to provide the contribution of the heating and cooling process during the hydrolysis of microalgal biomass with R2 between 0.98 and 0.99. A correction factor (Δln (H.C)) of 1.285 ± 0.175 and 1.928 ± 0.182 for the data obtained at 120 and 130 °C in relation to those at 110 °C, respectively, showed a lower dispersion and better adjustment of the experimental data to the simulated curve when all points are plotted together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The cotton boll weevil is the main cotton pest in the Americas. Alternative diets induce reproductive dormancy and/or diapause in this weevil. This fact has led researchers to postulate that these boll weevils in reproductive diapause can survive during the off-season, colonizing the subsequent cotton crop. However, there are no data on whether these weevils fed for prolonged periods on alternative food sources can reverse the atrophy of their reproductive organs after being given a diet that favors reproduction, or if their advanced age may impair viable egg production and, consequently, their progeny. The results obtained confirm our hypothesis that feeding for prolonged periods with alternative diets (inappropriate for reproduction) affects the reproductive tract of male and female boll weevils differently, and females and old males may not reverse the atrophy of their reproductive organs even after accessing cotton squares. Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) survives on alternative diets; however, this induces reproductive diapause. The objective was to evaluate the morphology and morphometry of the reproductive tract of this weevil after feeding on alternative diets. The experimental design was completely randomized with 160 replications and treatments arranged in a factorial design 3 × 3, represented by A. grandis adults fed on 3 food types (fragments of banana (T1) or orange (T2) endocarp, or with cotton squares of cultivar BRS 286 (T3, control)) and three evaluation periods (30, 60, and 90 days) and after each of these periods they were fed with cotton squares for 10 days. The reproductive tract of 100% of A. grandis females fed banana endocarp, orange endocarp, and cotton squares for 30 and 60 days and then cotton squares were morphologically adequate for reproduction, and after 90 days, only 50% of those fed cotton squares were in this condition. The length of the ovarioles and the width of the mature oocyte were greater for A. grandis fed on cotton squares and smaller in those with banana and orange endocarps. Histological sections reveal that male testes even with strong degenerative signals are already producing spermatozoa. On the other hand, females displayed ovaries with nurse cells in the tropharium and some maturing oocytes in the vitellarium. The body length was longer and the testis area and diameter smaller in males fed on cotton squares than in those with banana and orange endocarp. Anthonomus grandis females fed for ≥90 days with alternative food sources do not recover the functionality of their reproductive tract, even after consuming, for 10 days, a diet that favors reproduction. On the other hand, the males remain with their reproductive organs functional with this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The book "A Research Agenda for US Land Use and Planning Law" edited by John J. Infranca and Sarah Schindler is a valuable resource for those interested in the field of land use and planning law. It provides a summary of previous research and offers new research questions and lines of inquiry for the future. The book covers a range of topics including the role of planning and zoning, citizen participation, and the effects of land use and planning laws on housing, climate change, transportation, and more. While focused on the US, the book also compares land use and planning laws in Europe. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities in this field and is recommended for students, researchers, planners, and policymakers. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, the phonon thermal transport in monolayer C 3 N under biaxial strains ranging from 0% to 10% has been investigated using first-principles calculations based on the Boltzmann transport equation. It is found that the thermal conductivity κ of C 3 N shows a nonmonotonic up-and-down behavior in response to tensile strain, and the maximum κ occurs at a strain of 6%. Interestingly, the thermal conductivity of monolayer C 3 N shows a remarkable high strain tunability, as its value at 6% strain is about 13.2 times higher than the value of κ in an unstrained monolayer. A mode-by-mode phonon level analysis shows that a competition between different phonon properties is responsible for such variations in the thermal conductivity. We found that the decrease in group velocity of the transverse acoustic, longitudinal acoustic, and optical modes as well as the increase in the three-phonon phase space of all the acoustic modes tend to reduce the thermal conductivity with strain. However, the group velocity of the z -direction acoustic mode and the Grüneisen parameter of all acoustic modes change in the direction of increasing the phonon lifetime and the thermal conductivity with increasing strain. Upon stretching, the change in the Grüneisen parameter and the phonon lifetime of the acoustic modes is found to be drastically higher than the change in other properties. The competition between these opposite effects leads to the up-and-down behavior of the thermal conductivity in C 3 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA sequences with the ability to inhibit the expression of a target mRNA at the post-transcriptional level, acting as modulators of both the degenerative and regenerative processes. Therefore, these molecules constitute a potential source of novel therapeutic tools. In this study, we investigated the miRNA expression profile that presented in enthesis tissue upon injury. For this, a rodent enthesis injury model was developed by creating a defect at a rat's patellar enthesis. Following injury, explants were collected on days 1 (n = 10) and 10 (n = 10). Contra lateral samples (n = 10) were harvested to be used for normalization. The expression of miRNAs was investigated using a "Fibrosis" pathway-focused miScript qPCR array. Later, target prediction for the aberrantly expressed miRNAs was performed by means of the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and the expression of mRNA targets relevant for enthesis healing was confirmed using qPCRs. Additionally, the protein expression levels of collagens I, II, III, and X were investigated using Western blotting. The mRNA expression pattern of EGR1, COL2A1, RUNX2, SMAD1, and SMAD3 in the injured samples indicated their possible regulation by their respective targeting miRNA, which included miR-16, -17, -100, -124, -133a, -155 and -182. Furthermore, the protein levels of collagens I and II were reduced directly after the injury (i.e., day 1) and increased 10 days post-injury, while collagens III and X showed the opposite pattern of expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequences of social inequality with the new Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic were severe, especially in peripheral societies, such as Brazil. This context has contributed to the expression of affection and forms of sociability based on dependence and fear. The advance of fundamentalist churches, in turn, has collaborated with the formation of superstitious subjects and groups. The purpose of this essay is to discuss aspects of the impregnation of religious morals in political and community practice in contexts of social inequality affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on Spinoza's thinking, we understand that the notion of freedom is the basis for building citizen subjects who, collectively, are empowered. In this way, we bring elements that add to the ways of facing fatalism guided by the strengthening of citizen psychosocial processes. Thus, from the perspective of community social psychology, we think of destabilizing categories, that is, that problematize and denaturalize current social and ethical-moral values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequences of social inequality with the new Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic were severe, especially in peripheral societies, such as Brazil. This context has contributed to the expression of affection and forms of sociability based on dependence and fear. The advance of fundamentalist churches, in turn, has collaborated with the formation of superstitious subjects and groups. The purpose of this essay is to discuss aspects of the impregnation of religious morals in political and community practice in contexts of social inequality affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on Spinoza's thinking, we understand that the notion of freedom is the basis for building citizen subjects who, collectively, are empowered. In this way, we bring elements that add to the ways of facing fatalism guided by the strengthening of citizen psychosocial processes. Thus, from the perspective of community social psychology, we think of destabilizing categories, that is, that problematize and denaturalize current social and ethical-moral values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Wireless Network Control System (WNCS), a study approach is relevant for the development and analysis of control strategies that provide the operation of dynamic systems. Among the real characteristics of the communication channels, a packet loss is one of the main deficiencies present in the transmission of data in a wireless network. For a dynamic system in the presence of losses, a filtering technique makes it possible to estimate system states using process output measurements and to mitigate a performance drop. It is important to study packet losses in Wireless Network Control Systems because packet loss can severely degrade the network performance. Wireless networks are particularly vulnerable to packet loss due to factors such as interference, fading and signal attenuation. The present work analyzed the behavior of a real WNCS plant at different levels of packet loss using the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. Also, we propose a compensation model for packet loss using the Kalman filter. The packet loss process is based on a Gilbert-Elliot model and is compared with a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller. The results show that by applying Kalman filters it is possible to improve the operation of the process in case of losses during data transmission. It was observed through the simulation that it is possible to reduce the error of the system output in relation to the reference in the presence of packet loss. For a loss ratio of 30%, the observed improvement in the system behavior with the use of the Kalman filter was 26.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantitative assessment of the carbonate system represents one of the biggest challenges toward the "Sustainable Development Goals" defined by the United Nations in 2015. In this sense, the present study investigated the Spatio-temporal dynamics of the carbonate system and the effects of the El Niño and La Niña phenomena over the Cabo Frio upwelling area. The physical characterization of the site was carried out through data on wind speed and sea surface temperature. Water samples were also collected during the oceanographic cruise onboard the Diadorim R/V (Research Vessel). From these samples, the parameters of absolute and practical salinity, density, pH, total alkalinity, carbonate, calcite, aragonite, bicarbonate dissolved inorganic carbon, carbon dioxide, partial pressure of carbon, calcium, and total boron were obtained. The highest average concentration of bicarbonate in S1 (2018 µmol/kg) seems to contribute to the dissolved inorganic carbon values (2203 µmol/kg). The values of calcite saturation state, aragonite saturation state, and carbonate were higher on the surface of each station (calcite saturation state = 4.80–5.48; aragonite saturation state = 3.10–3.63, and carbonate = 189–216 µmol/kg). The mean values of pH were similar in the day/night samples (7.96/7.97). The whole carbonate system was calculated through thermodynamic modeling with the Marine Chemical Analysis (AQM) program loaded with the results of the following parameters: temperature, salinity, total alkalinity, and pH parameters. This manuscript presents original data on the carbonate system and the "acidification" process influenced by the Cabo Frio upwelling, which directly depends on the El Niño and La Niña phenomena oscillations in the sea surface temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic and hydrological variation is of utmost importance in regions of the globe facing water scarcity and river intermittency (e.g. areas under Mediterranean influence). The main aim of this study was to compare the macroinvertebrate community structure and its bioindicator value (i.e. waterbody ecological status) in streams from three Portuguese regions (Regions C, N and S), representing distinct climatic features and water availability scenarios. Results showed that, overall, sampling sites differed in their climatic, hydromorphological and physical and chemical features, and environmental (abiotic) and ecological (community dissimilarities) gradients among regions were clearly identified. Sites from Regions C (wettest) and S (driest) represented non-overlapping clusters of samples, both in terms of their environmental context and ecological (dis)similarity; sites from Region N occupied an intermediate position, and their macroinvertebrate community was highly variable locally. This coincided with overall higher ecological quality and uniformity in Region C, whereas Regions N and S were more heterogeneous and generally presented lower ecological quality. Our data showed that climate (and associated water scarcity) is coupled with other environmental drivers of the macroinvertebrate community structure, highlighting a shared influence of the three environmental components (climatic, hydromorphological, and physical and chemical) in the modulation of macroinvertebrate communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne Laser Scanners (ALS) and Terrestrial Laser Scanners (TLS) are two lidar systems frequently used for remote sensing forested ecosystems. The aim of this study was to compare crown metrics derived from TLS, ALS, and a combination of both for describing the crown structure and fuel attributes of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) dominated forest located at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), Florida, USA. The study landscape was characterized by an ALS and TLS data collection along with field measurements within three large (1963 m2 each) plots in total, each one representing a distinct stand condition at Eglin AFB. Tree-level measurements included bole diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (HT), crown base height (CBH), and crown width (CW). In addition, the crown structure and fuel metrics foliage biomass (FB), stem branches biomass (SB), crown biomass (CB), and crown bulk density (CBD) were calculated using allometric equations. Canopy Height Models (CHM) were created from ALS and TLS point clouds separately and by combining them (ALS + TLS). Individual trees were extracted, and crown-level metrics were computed from the three lidar-derived datasets and used to train random forest (RF) models. The results of the individual tree detection showed successful estimation of tree count from all lidar-derived datasets, with marginal errors ranging from −4 to 3%. For all three lidar-derived datasets, the RF models accurately predicted all tree-level attributes. Overall, we found strong positive correlations between model predictions and observed values (R2 between 0.80 and 0.98), low to moderate errors (RMSE% between 4.56 and 50.99%), and low biases (between 0.03% and −2.86%). The highest R2 using ALS data was achieved predicting CBH (R2 = 0.98), while for TLS and ALS + TLS, the highest R2 was observed predicting HT, CW, and CBD (R2 = 0.94) and HT (R2 = 0.98), respectively. Relative RMSE was lowest for HT using three lidar datasets (ALS = 4.83%, TLS = 7.22%, and ALS + TLS = 4.56%). All models and datasets had similar accuracies in terms of bias (<2.0%), except for CB in ALS (−2.53%) and ALS + TLS (−2.86%), and SB in ALS + TLS data (−2.22%). These results demonstrate the usefulness of all three lidar-related methodologies and lidar modeling overall, along with lidar applicability in the estimation of crown structure and fuel attributes of longleaf pine forest ecosystems. Given that TLS measurements are less practical and more expensive, our comparison suggests that ALS measurements are still reasonable for many applications, and its usefulness is justified. This novel tree-level analysis and its respective results contribute to lidar-based planning of forest structure and fuel management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis is one of the most neglected diseases in modern times, mainly affecting people from developing countries of the tropics, subtropics and the Mediterranean basin, with approximately 350 million people considered at risk of developing this disease. The incidence of human leishmaniasis has increased over the past decades due to failing prevention and therapeutic measures—there are no vaccines and chemotherapy, which is problematic. Acridine derivatives constitute an interesting group of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds associated with numerous bioactivities, with emphasis to their antileishmanial potential. The present work builds on computational studies focusing on a specific enzyme of the parasite, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMet DC), with several 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-acridines emerging as potential inhibitors, evidencing this scaffold as a promising building block for novel antileishmanial pharmaceuticals. Thus, several 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine derivatives have been synthesized, their activity against Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum promastigotes evaluated and a structure–activity relationship (SAR) study was developed based on the results obtained. Even though the majority of the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridines evaluated presented high levels of toxicity, the structural information gathered in this work allowed its application with another scaffold (quinoline), leading to the obtention of N1,N12-bis(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)dodecane-1,12-diamine (12) as a promising novel antileishmanial agent (IC50 = 0.60 ± 0.11 μM, EC50 = 11.69 ± 3.96 μM and TI = 19.48). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moisture content (MC) of wood affects its industrial performance, but it is difficult to monitor spatial variations in MC. Here, a multivariate regression was developed to estimate the MC from near infrared (NIR) spectra and was used to monitor the spatial variation in the MC of wood during air- and oven-drying. The spectra and mass of wood pieces were measured at five stages during drying (at each 20% loss of initial water mass). Wood pieces were dried naturally and oven-dried at 60 °C. Initially, 25 spectra were recorded at equidistant points covering the entire longitudinal × radial surface of the sample. Then, a planing machine was used to access the inside of the wood, and NIR spectra were measured for each new surface, at a total of 100 points spatially distributed within the wood pieces. The wood pieces were analyzed in their original state, and when they had lost 20, 40, 60, and 80% of their initial water mass. An NIR-based regression (R2p = 0.90 and RMSEP = 10.51%) was applied to estimate the MC, and its spatial gradient during drying was then mapped. These analyses revealed the spatial variation in MC within wood pieces during drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of successive applications of increasing biochar rates along with other mineral fertilizers and poultry manure on onion nutrition and yield. The experiment consisted of 2 (agricultural year) × 11 (treatments) factorial combinations over two cropping years (2017 and 2018). Thus, 11 treatments were tested as follows: C = control; MF = mineral fertilizer; PM = poultry manure; B1+ MF = 1 Mg ha−1 of biochar+MF; B1+ PM = 1 Mg ha−1 of biochar+PM; B2+ MF = 2 Mg ha−1 of biochar+MF; B2+ PM = 2 Mg ha−1 of biochar+PM; B4+ MF = 4 Mg ha−1 of biochar+MF; B4+ PM = 4 Mg ha−1 of biochar+PM; B10+ MF = 10 Mg ha−1 of biochar+MF; B10+ PM = 10 Mg ha−1 of biochar+PM. The highest onion yield (39.9 Mg ha−1) was obtained in 2017 with the biochar rate of 5.9 Mg ha−1 while an increase of 308 kg ha−1 in onion yield was found for each Mg ha−1 of biochar added to soil in 2018. The use of biochar combined with mineral fertilizers increased onion yield; and the use of biochar combined with poultry manure improved soil fertility status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate photobiomodulation effects on oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Thirty-one male Wistar rats were used and divided into 4 groups: group 1 – animals without diabetes mellitus 2 without laser 21 J/cm2 (C-SHAM), group 2 – animals with diabetes mellitus 2 without laser 21 J/cm2 (C-DM2), group 3 – animals without diabetes mellitus 2 with laser 21 J/cm2 (L-SHAM), group 4 – animals with diabetes mellitus 2 with laser 21 J/cm2 (L-DM2). The protocol was performed 5 days/week, for 6 weeks. The animals that received photobiomodulation had one dose irradiated at two spots in the right gastrocnemius muscle. Twenty-four hours after the last intervention, the animals were euthanized. Heart, diaphragm, liver, right gastrocnemius, plasma, kidneys, weighed, and stored for further analysis. In rats with DM2, photobiomodulation promoted a decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay (TBARS) in plasma levels. On the other hand, photobiomodulation demonstrated an increase in non-protein thiol levels (NPSH) in the heart, diaphragm and gastrocnemius. Moreover, photobiomodulation produced in the heart, diaphragm and plasma levels led to an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD). Interestingly, photobiomodulation was able to increase superoxide dismutase in rats without DM2 in the heart, diaphragm, gastrocnemius and kidneys. These findings suggested that 6 weeks of photobiomodulation in rats with DM2 promoted beneficial adaptations in oxidative stress, with a decrease in parameters of oxidant activity and an increase in antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bothrops envenomation is complex and provokes prominent local tissue damage and systemic disturbances, but little is known about their effects on the male reproductive system. After intratesticular injection, the bioactive peptide fraction (Bj-PF) obtained from Bothrops jararaca snake venom changes the structure of different stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle in adult mice. For the first time, we investigated whether local envenomation of Bj-PF induces toxicological effects on the male reproductive system, particularly on the seminiferous epithelium and Sertoli cells. Male adult mice were treated with 0.24 mg.kg-1 by intramuscular (i.m.) injection for 24 h. The testes samples were collected for morphological and morphometric evaluation. The toxicological effects of Bj-PF were also analyzed on mitochondrial metabolism and nitrite (NO2) production in 15P-1 Sertoli cell culture. Bj-PF changed the structure and function of the seminiferous epithelium, particularly the disruption of the epithelium and the presence of degenerated germ cells in the adluminal compartment, but there were no alterations in the basal compartment. Bj-PF increased the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium and decreased the lumen diameter of the tubule. Semiquantitative histological assessment of the degree of tubule degeneration revealed that Bj-PF also increased the number of hypospermatogenic tubules compared to control. Bj-PF reduced NO2 levels in 15P-1 Sertoli cells without changing the mitochondrial metabolism. Overall, the fact that Bj-PF alters the structure and function of the seminiferous epithelium suggests that bioactive peptides found in B. jararaca snake venom can have toxicological effects on the reproductive systems of affected male mice, providing new insight into the biological characteristics of snake venom and therapeutic strategies for envenomation inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The model selection stage has become a central theme in applying the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model to determine the optimal number of bilinear components to be retained to describe the genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI). In the Bayesian context, this problem has been addressed by using information criteria and the Bayes factor. However, these procedures are computationally intensive, making their application unfeasible when the model's parametric space is large. A Bayesian analysis of the AMMI model was conducted using the Reversible Jump algorithm (RJMCMC) to determine the number of multiplicative terms needed to explain the GEI pattern. Three a priori distributions were assigned for the singular value scale parameter under different justifications, namely: i) the insufficient reason principle (uniform); ii) the invariance principle (Jeffreys' prior) and iii) the maximum entropy principle. Simulated and real data were used to exemplify the method. An evaluation of the predictive ability of models for simulated data was conducted and indicated that the AMMI analysis, in general, was robust, and models adjusted by the Reversible Jump method were superior to those in which sampling was performed only by the Gibbs sampler. In addition, the RJMCMC showed greater feasibility since the selection and estimation of parameters are carried out concurrently in the same sampling algorithm, being more attractive in terms of computational time. The use of the maximum entropy principle makes the analysis more flexible, avoiding the use of procedures for correcting prior degrees of freedom and obtaining improper posterior marginal distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a review of the book "The Rule of Law: A Historical Introduction" by Pietro Costa. The book analyzes the meanings and definitions of the rule of law in different European contexts, such as Germany, France, Great Britain, and Italy. Costa shows that the modern and liberal idea of the rule of law, emerged in the 19th century, introduced legal limitations to sovereign power in favor of individuals. The book highlights the importance of understanding the historical significance of the rule of law in order to comprehend its evolution and its relationship with political power and law. [Extracted from the article]

In view of the widespread increase in herbicide-resistant weeds, biotechnology companies have developed dicamba-tolerant soybean and cotton cultivars. This technology can, however, increase the risk of the product drifting to adjacent areas. This study was developed with the objective of the to evaluate the phytotoxicity and biometric variables of young eucalyptus plants exposed to subdoses of the herbicide dicamba. The experiment was carried out under field conditions in Rio Verde, state of Goiás, Brazil. The treatments were represented by the application of 0 (control), 7.5, 15, 30, 60, 120 or 240 g ae ha-1 of dicamba 45 days after the seedlings were planted in the field. In terms of phytotoxicity, the dicamba doses of 120 and 240 g ae ha-1 caused greater damage to the eucalyptus plants in all periods of evaluation. The predominant symptoms were epinasty, increased number of shoots and necrosis and senescence of young branches and leaves. The herbicide doses of 120 and 240 g ae ha-1 significantly compromised plant height and diameter, number of branches and dry mass of leaves and roots, interfering with the growth and development of the eucalyptus crop. The results indicate that the effect of subdoses of the herbicide dicamba can interfere with the proper development of young eucalyptus plants, which may cause losses in the initial planting phase and future losses for producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It aims to discuss the concept of Information Literacy in Vocational Education and Training, to reflect on the educational role of Information Literacy multipliers and to point to the possibility of training multipliers based on a model of Information Literacy in Vocational Education and Training. The presente article is a literature review, whose selected authors offered theoretical arguments to achieve the proposed objectives. Conceptualizes Information Literacy in Vocational Education and Training and Multipliers of Information Literacy. It presents the Information Literacy in Vocational Education and Training Model by Silva (2021) and discusses the possibility of its use in the training of multipliers. It ends by pointing to the fact that the process of continuing education makes it easier for information professionals to implement Information Literacy actions while at the same time understand and apprehend the history, philosophy and dynamics of Vocational Education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we report on a novel continuous-time autonomous six-dimensional dynamical system, obtained by coupling two Lorenz systems. The parameter plane involving the parameters present in the coupling function is investigated. We consider two cases, namely (i) a coupling of two identical chaotic Lorenz systems, and (ii) a coupling of two Lorenz systems, one chaotic and the other periodic. In the (i) case, we show that the bidirectional coupling is responsible for the occurrence of chaotic suppression, characterized by the presence of quasiperiodic regions in the parameter plane of the coupled system. Hyperchaos is also observed, as a consequence of the coupling. In the (ii) case, we show that quasiperiodicity is not observed, while hyperchaos occurs in a very small region of the parameter plane. We also show that the investigated parameter plane displays organized periodic structures embedded in a chaotic region. Period-adding sequences and discontinuous spirals are the types of such organizations that have been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the experiences of Onward Latin American Migrants (OLAs) in London – individuals born in Latin America who live in London and hold EU passports – with the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), a programme developed by the British Government to register EU nationals as part of the Brexit process. Drawing from qualitative fieldwork, we show that prior experience of being subject to immigration control in Southern Europe, including periods of irregularity, made OLAs anxious about maintaining lawful residence, favouring their uptake of the EUSS in an effort to re-secure their status and keep their rights. However, many of OLAs' non-EU family members could not apply successfully to the scheme given difficulties in meeting the eligibility criteria – a pattern exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. For many OLAs, the EUSS ultimately signified a loss of rights and secured status which took them long to achieve and a return to a position of uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]