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Pipe re-sizing of water distribution networks (WDNs) aims at improving the service performance to the required level, while minimizing the cost of replacing pipes in the network. The main challenge comes from the identification of the most effective pipes to re-size from a large number of interacting components. Performing a global search over all pipes in large WDNs does not guarantee a feasible and efficient solution due to the enormous search space, even by employing advanced algorithms, e.g., evolutionary algorithms. This paper proposes a novel method to reduce the search space for optimal re-sizing based on topological metrics from Complex Network Theory and hydraulic metrics, while providing suboptimal solutions comparable to the full search solutions, i.e., considering all pipes as candidates. The topological metrics are based on the edge-betweenness tailored for WDN analysis. Hydraulic metrics are unit head loss and flow rates of pipes computed based on simulation of the WDN in the current configuration. The optimal re-sizing plans obtained, particularly those using edge betweenness, were tested on a real WDN. The results are comparable with the full search solutions but they are much more efficient to obtain and require replacing mostly contiguous pipes, i.e., easier for practical fieldwork. HIGHLIGHTS Developed a novel method for search space reduction for optimal re-sizing of water distribution networks.; The method selects a subset of pipes for re-sizing based on topological and hydraulic metrics.; Using indirect topological metrics produces better optimization solutions than using direct metrics.; The solution based on indirect edge betweenness selection is comparable with the solution from full search.;

Ultra-long gamma-ray bursts are characterized by exceptionally long-duration central engine activities, with characteristic timescales exceeding 1000 s. We present ground-based optical afterglow observations of the ultra-long gamma-ray burst GRB 211024B, detected by Swift. Its X-ray light curve exhibits a characteristic “internal plateau” with a shallow decay phase lasting approximately ∼15 ks, followed by a steep decline ( α _drop ∼ −7.5). Moreover, the early optical emission predicted by the late r -band optical afterglow is significantly higher than the observed value, indicating an external shock with energy injection. To explain these observations, we propose a magnetar central engine model. The magnetar collapses into a black hole due to spin-down or hyperaccretion, leading to the observed steep break in the X-ray light curve. The afterglow model fitting reveals that the afterglow injection luminosity varies with different assumptions of the circumburst medium density, implying different potential energy sources. For the interstellar medium case with a fixed injection end time, the energy may originate from the magnetar’s dipole radiation. However, in other scenarios, relativistic jets produced by the magnetar/black hole system could be the primary energy source.

We present the discovery of the radio afterglow of the short gamma-ray burst (GRB) 210726A, localized to a galaxy at a photometric redshift of z ∼ 2.4. While radio observations commenced ≲1 day after the burst, no radio emission was detected until ∼11 days. The radio afterglow subsequently brightened by a factor of ∼3 in the span of a week, followed by a rapid decay (a “radio flare”). We find that a forward shock afterglow model cannot self-consistently describe the multiwavelength X-ray and radio data, and underpredicts the flux of the radio flare by a factor of ≈5. We find that the addition of substantial energy injection, which increases the isotropic kinetic energy of the burst by a factor of ≈4, or a reverse shock from a shell collision are viable solutions to match the broadband behavior. At z ∼ 2.4, GRB 210726A is among the highest-redshift short GRBs discovered to date, as well as the most luminous in radio and X-rays. Combining and comparing all previous radio afterglow observations of short GRBs, we find that the majority of published radio searches conclude by ≲10 days after the burst, potentially missing these late-rising, luminous radio afterglows.

This systematic review aimed to identify the level of impact of educational strategies for teaching tooth carving on the carving ability of undergraduate dental students. The PubMed-NCBI, Cochrane-CENTRAL, LILACS, Ibecs, BBO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched in May 2019, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two-arm non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSI) addressing educational interventions toward the dental carving of undergraduate students. Studies from the year 2000 until the search date, written in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were included. Study screening and data extraction were performed in duplicate and blinded. The data were presented narratively, considering the dental carving ability of students the primary outcome. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB tool 2.0 and ROBINS-I, and the level of evidence was determined with GRADE. Of 3,574 studies, 6 were included, with 3 RCTs and 3 NRSIs. Very low level of evidence was provided from the NRSIs that flipped classroom (1 study; n = 140) and a student-driven revised module (1 study; n = 264) improved the carving ability of students. Additionally, there was moderate evidence of online complementary material (1 RCT; n = 30) and reinforcement class improving the carving ability of students (1 RCT; n = 29). The replacement of traditional classes by an instructional DVD (1 RCT; n = 73) and assessment of carving projects through digital systems (1 NRSI; n = 79) did not enhance the carving ability of students. Study design, risk of bias, and imprecision downgraded the level of evidence. There was a very low to moderate evidence on the effectiveness of student-driven educational approaches and complementary classes of dental anatomy in improving the dental carving ability of students.

Abstract Vertical total electron content (VTEC) has great importance in describing the ionosphere. VTEC values are commonly distributed in regular grids by means of so‐called global ionospheric maps (GIMs) and regional ionospheric maps (RIMs). Although considerable research has been conducted to develop regional and global models, there is no clear understanding of the benefits of using RIMs over GIMs. Aiming to contribute to this discussion, our investigation presents a comparison between seven global and regional ionospheric maps considering two approaches: (a) ionosonde data‐based assessment and (b) global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) positioning assessment. A challenging low latitude ionosphere scenario, the Brazilian region, was selected during a week with an active geomagnetic storm. The assessment results with ionosonde data have shown better performance of the RIM products named OTHR and OTRG. Among the global products, CODG and UQRG have shown the best performances. The worst results were obtained with the RIM named Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais. The assessment with GNSS positioning led to larger and noisier errors close to the equatorial anomaly. Two of the analyzed RIMs presented expected large errors in stations at the edges of the coverage area. To overcome this issue, a hybrid product was proposed to extend the RIM covered region. The proposed hybrid product (OTRG) presented the best results in the GNSS positioning domain.

Background: Grape agri-food wastes, such as skin, seeds, and other discarded by-products, contain phytochemical compounds that offer potential health benefits. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the polyphenol composition and bioactivities of different extracts obtained from grape marc and seeds, with the goal of exploring their potential for application as natural food additives. Results: Regardless of the extraction method used (dynamic maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)), all extracts exhibited relatively high concentrations of phenolic compounds. The chemical characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of specific compounds and chemical groups associated with each extraction methodology. Moreover, the extracts displayed satisfactory antioxidant activities, especially in inhibiting lipoperoxidation as assessed by the TBARS assay. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated effective inhibition against different strains of bacteria and fungi known as food contaminants. Taken together, these findings indicate that those extracts have the potential to be tested as natural antioxidants and preservatives with sustainable origins in food and beverage systems. Among the extraction methods evaluated, traditional maceration and UAE provided extracts with the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Conclusions: Our results suggest the opportunity to explore grape marc and seeds discarded by the winery industry in Portugal as natural sources of bioactive compounds, which could be employed as functional food ingredients or technological additives. The valorization of grape biowastes offers a promising strategy to reduce waste and harness their potential health benefits.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of extraction methods and solvents (Soxhlet and supercritical fluid extraction, SFE) on the chemical profile (gas chromatography [GC]/mass spectrometry and GC/flame ionization detection) and antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti‐inflammatory activities of quinoa Piabiru (QP) husk crude extracts. Soxhlet was applied using 100% water (QPSH2O), and ethanolic solutions of 50% ethanol (ethanol:water 50:50 v/v, QPSetOH50), 70% ethanol (QPSetOH70), and 99% ethanol (QPSetOH99) as solvents. SFE was applied using CO2 and n‐propane as solvents (QPSF). QPSH2O extract showed a higher concentration of phytosterols (stigmasterol, β‐sitosterol, 7,8‐epoxylanostan‐11‐ol,3‐acetoxy) and carotenoids (rhodopin) and oleic acid, displaying intermediate thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) antioxidant activity. Intermediate concentrations of ethanol (QPSetOH50 and QPSetOH70 extracts) increased the extraction yields and the antibacterial activity of the extracts (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus). Higher concentrations of ethanol (QPSetOH99 extract) contributed to increased antioxidant activity as assessed by TBARS and higher recoveries of 4‐(allyloxy)‐2‐methyl‐2‐pentanol, nonadecane, and lauric, myristic, palmitic, linoleic, stearic, arachidic, behenic, and lignoceric acids. Finally, the QPSF extract presented higher antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS, and ferric‐reducing antioxidant power, higher content of 5‐methoxy‐2‐pentanone, 5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐2‐pentanol, 1‐(1,3‐dimethylbutoxy)‐2‐propanol, oxalic, undecanoic, myristoleic, tricosanoic, pentadecanoic, elaidic, 11‐eicosenoic, and erucic acids, and better antifungal activity against Aspergillus brasiliensis than the other extracts. Crude extracts were not cytotoxic against non‐tumor cells (Vero) and did not show antitumor or anti‐inflammatory activities. Thus, antagonistic or synergistic effects of the phytochemical profile of quinoa husk crude extracts may present potential food and pharmaceutical applications. Practical Applications: The exceptional nutritional properties of quinoa seeds have boosted their cultivation in more than 123 countries. However, quinoa husks are generally considered waste. This study, which is of utmost importance, demonstrates the potential of extracting bioactive compounds from quinoa husks via pressurized fluids, turning them into a health‐promoting co‐product. This approach could minimize the current shortage of new antibiotics, antifungals, antitumor agents, and anti‐inflammatory substances in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. By converting quinoa husks into valuable bioactive extracts, we contribute significantly to developing effective natural compounds, underlining the significance of our collective work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-redshift gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are useful to probe the early Universe, but only a few candidates have been detected so far. Here, we report the optical and near-infrared observations of the afterglow of a relatively high-redshift event GRB 220101A, which was triggered on New Year’s Day of 2022, and therefore referred to as the “New Year’s burst.” With the optical spectra obtained by XL2.16/BFOSC and NOT/ALFOSC, we determine the redshift of the burst to be z = 4.615. We find that the optical afterglow of GRB 220101A is one of the most luminous ever detected. Based on our optical and near-infrared data, and combined with the X-ray observations, we perform a multiband fit with the Python package afterglowpy . The jet opening angle is constrained to ∼3.°4, which is consistent with the jet-break time at ∼0.7 day. We also determine the circumburst density of n _0 = 0.15 cm ^−3 and kinetic energy E _K,iso = 3.5 × 10 ^54 erg. In the prompt phase of the burst, we find a “mirror” feature in the lightcurve from 80 s to 120 s. The physical origin of such a mirror feature is unclear.

ABSTRACTThe Asian lineage of Zika virus (ZIKV) is responsible for the recent epidemics in the Americas and severe disease, whereas the African lineage of ZIKV has not been reported to cause epidemics or severe disease. We constructed a cDNA infectious clone (IC) of an African ZIKV strain, which, together with our previously developed Asian ZIKV strain IC, allowed us to engineer chimeric viruses by swapping the structural and non-structural genes between the two lineages. Recombinant parental and chimeric viruses were analyzed in A129 and newborn CD1 mouse models. In the A129 mice, the African strain developed higher viremia, organ viral loading, and mortality rate. In CD1 mice, the African strain exhibited a higher neurovirulence than the Asian strain. A chimeric virus containing the structural genes from the African strain is more virulent than the Asian strain, whereas a chimeric virus containing the non-structural genes from the African strain exhibited a virulence comparable to the Asian strain. These results suggest that (i) African strain is more virulent than Asian strain and (ii) viral structural genes primarily determine the virulence difference between the two lineages in mouse models. Other factors may contribute to the discrepancy between the mouse and epidemic results.

The viral genus Henipavirus includes two highly virulent zoonotic viruses of serious public health concern. Hendra henipavirus and Nipah henipavirus outbreaks are restricted to Australia and Southeast Asia, respectively. The Henipavirus genus comprises mostly bat-borne viruses, but exceptions have already been described as novel viruses with rodents and shrews as reservoir animals. In the Americas, scarce evidence supports the circulation of these viruses. In this communication, we report a novel henipa-like virus from opossums (Marmosa demerarae) from a forest fragment area in the Peixe-Boi municipality, Brazil, after which the virus was named the Peixe-Boi virus (PBV). The application of next-generation sequencing and metagenomic approach led us to discover the original evidence of a henipa-like virus genome in Brazil and South America and the original description of a henipa-like virus in marsupial species. These findings emphasize the importance of further studies to characterize PBV and clarify its ecology, impact on public health, and its relationship with didelphid marsupials and henipaviruses.

Abstract Quinoa, classified as a pseudocereal, presents greater nutritional value compared to traditional cereals. Considering the potential for cultivation presented by the species and the benefits of studying plant morphology and morphobiometry, this paper describes seed and seedling morphobiometric characteristics of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) cultivar BRS Piabiru during germination and emergence. To evaluate seed morphobiometry the 1000-seeds weight, moisture content, seed morphological characterization and the tetrazolium test were performed. The morphological characterization of germination and seedling emergence were performed by periodic observations during the development, allowing the description using pictures and drawings. Quinoa seeds cv. BRS Piabiru present an average diameter of 2.05 mm and 1.07 width. 1000-seeds weight of 2.68 g and moisture content of 11%. Externally, quinoa seeds present the pericarp as testa, the hilum and the raphe and, internally, the embryonic axis (cotyledons, radicle and hypocotyl-radicle), perisperm and endosperm. The germination is characterized as epigeal, phanerocotylar type, with radicle protrusion at 3 hours after sowing and complete formed seedlings at 24 hours after sowing. Emergence occurs at 9 days after sowing and plants are completely formed at 12 days after sowing.

As crossbreeding is extensively used in some livestock species, we aimed to evaluate the performance of single-step GBLUP (ssGBLUP) and weighted ssGBLUP (WssGBLUP) methods to predict Genomic Estimated Breeding Values (GEBVs) of crossbred animals. Different training population scenarios were evaluated: (SC1) ssGBLUP based on a single-trait model considering purebred and crossbred animals in a joint training population; (SC2) ssGBLUP based on a multiple-trait model to enable considering phenotypes recorded in purebred and crossbred training animals as different traits; (SC3) WssGBLUP based on a single-trait model considering purebred and crossbred animals jointly in the training population (both populations were used for SNP weights' estimation); (SC4) WssGBLUP based on a single-trait model considering only purebred animals in the training population (crossbred population only used for SNP weights' estimation); (SC5) WssGBLUP based on a single-trait model and the training population characterized by purebred animals (purebred population used for SNP weights' estimation). A complex trait was simulated assuming alternative genetic architectures. Different scaling factors to blend the inverse of the genomic (G−1) and pedigree (A22-1) relationship matrices were also tested. The predictive performance of each scenario was evaluated based on the validation accuracy and regression coefficient. The genetic correlations across simulated populations in the different scenarios ranged from moderate to high (0.71–0.99). The scenario mimicking a completely polygenic trait (hQTL2= 0) yielded the lowest validation accuracy (0.12; for SC3 and SC4). The simulated scenarios assuming 4,500 QTLs affecting the trait and hQTL2=h2 resulted in the greatest GEBV accuracies (0.47; for SC1 and SC2). The regression coefficients ranged from 0.28 (for SC3 assuming polygenic effect) to 1.27 (for SC2 considering 4,500 QTLs). In general, SC3 and SC5 resulted in inflated GEBVs, whereas other scenarios yielded deflated GEBVs. The scaling factors used to combine G−1 and A22-1 had a small influence on the validation accuracies, but a greater effect on the regression coefficients. Due to the complexity of multiple-trait models and WssGBLUP analyses, and a similar predictive performance across the methods evaluated, SC1 is recommended for genomic evaluation in crossbred populations with similar genetic structures [moderate-to-high (0.71–0.99) genetic correlations between purebred and crossbred populations].

Coral reefs are threatened by climate change on a global scale with thermal stress events and mass coral bleaching being widely reported. The reefs off the east coast of Brazil (and other turbid areas) have, however, historically escaped such thermal stress events, with relatively low levels of background coral mortality (5–10%). This has recently changed. Here we show that, in 2019, degree heating weeks (DHW) of 19.65 coincided with catastrophic declines in coral cover, especially in the major reef building hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis. The decline was due to bleaching associated with exposure to high temperature stress culminating in DHW values exceeding 15 for a period of 50 days. At two independent sites, surveys showed upwards of 83.5 ± 9.0 and 89.1 ± 3.9% mortality, and a third site showed relatively lower (albeit still high) mortality rates of 43.3 ± 12.0%. The mass die-off in 2019 is unprecedented in the South Atlantic reefs and coincides with increased heating events.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest public health threat facing the world today. Multiple vaccines have been approved; however, the emergence of viral variants such as the recent Omicron raises the possibility of booster doses to achieve adequate protection. In Brazil, the CoronaVac (Sinovac, Beijing, China) vaccine was used; however, it is important to assess the immune response to this vaccine over time. This study aimed to monitor the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in those immunized with CoronaVac and SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. Samples were collected between August 2020 and August 2021. Within the vaccinated cohort, some individuals had a history of infection by SARS-CoV-2 prior to immunization, while others did not. We analyzed RBD-specific and neutralizing-antibodies. Anti-RBD antibodies were detected in both cohorts, with a peak between 45–90 days post infection or vaccination, followed by a steady decline over time. In those with a previous history of COVID-19, a higher, longer, more persistent response was observed. This trend was mirrored in the neutralization assays, where infection, followed by immunization, resulted in higher, longer lasting responses which were conditioned on the presence of levels of RBD antibodies right before the vaccination. This supports the necessity of booster doses of CoronaVac in due course to prevent serious disease.

Abstract Background In recent years, there has been increased interest in the study of the molecular processes that affect semen traits. In this study, our aim was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions associated with four semen traits (motility, progressive motility, number of sperm cells per ejaculate and total morphological defects) in two commercial pig lines (L1: Large White type and L2: Landrace type). Since the number of animals with both phenotypes and genotypes was relatively small in our dataset, we conducted a weighted single-step genome-wide association study, which also allows unequal variances for single nucleotide polymorphisms. In addition, our aim was also to identify candidate genes within QTL regions that explained the highest proportions of genetic variance. Subsequently, we performed gene network analyses to investigate the biological processes shared by genes that were identified for the same semen traits across lines. Results We identified QTL regions that explained up to 10.8% of the genetic variance of the semen traits on 12 chromosomes in L1 and 11 chromosomes in L2. Sixteen QTL regions in L1 and six QTL regions in L2 were associated with two or more traits within the population. Candidate genes SCN8A, PTGS2, PLA2G4A, DNAI2, IQCG and LOC102167830 were identified in L1 and NME5, AZIN2, SPATA7, METTL3 and HPGDS in L2. No regions overlapped between these two lines. However, the gene network analysis for progressive motility revealed two genes in L1 (PLA2G4A and PTGS2) and one gene in L2 (HPGDS) that were involved in two biological processes i.e. eicosanoid biosynthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism. PTGS2 and HPGDS were also involved in the cyclooxygenase pathway. Conclusions We identified several QTL regions associated with semen traits in two pig lines, which confirms the assumption of a complex genetic determinism for these traits. A large part of the genetic variance of the semen traits under study was explained by different genes in the two evaluated lines. Nevertheless, the gene network analysis revealed candidate genes that are involved in shared biological pathways that occur in mammalian testes, in both lines.

The Asian lineage of Zika virus (ZIKV) has acquired a mutation in NS1 that enhances mosquito infection. Here, Xia et al. show that the same mutation interferes with interferon production through interaction with TBK1 and affects ZIKV replication in mice.

Zika virus infection can result in congenital disorders and cause disease in adults, and there is currently no approved vaccine. Here Shan et al. show that a single dose of a live-attenuated Zika vaccine prevents infection, testis damage and transmission to the fetus during pregnancy in different animal models.