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In this article, we present a comprehensive survey on time-sensitive applications implemented in fog computing environments. The goal is to research what applications are being implemented in fog computing architectures and how the temporal requirements of these applications are being addressed. We also carried out a comprehensive analysis of the articles surveyed and separate them into categories, according to a pattern found in them. Our research is important for the area of real-time systems since the concept of systems that respond in real time has presented various understandings and concepts. This variability of concept has been due to the growing requirements for fast data communication and processing. Therefore, we present different concepts of real-time and near real-time systems found in the literature and currently accepted by the academic-scientific community. Finally, we conduct an analytical discussion of the characteristics and proposal of articles.

Abstract The mechanisms underlying food anticipatory activity are still poorly understood. Here we explored the role of oxytocin (OT) and the protein c-Fos in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), medial (PVNm) and posterior (PVNp) regions of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus. Adult rats were assigned to one of four groups: scheduled restricted feeding (RF), ad libitum (AL), fasting after restricted feeding (RF-F), to explore the possible persistence of oscillations, or ad libitum fasted (AL-F). In the SON and in the PVNm, OT cells were c-Fos positive after food intake; in contrast, OT cells in the PVNp showed c-Fos activation in anticipation to food access, which persisted in RF-F subjects. We conclude that OT and non-OT cells of the SON and PVNm may play a role as recipients of the entraining signal provided by food intake, whereas those of the PVNp which contain motor preautonomic cells that project to peripheral organs, may be involved in the hormonal and metabolic anticipatory changes in preparation for food presentation and thus, may be part of a link between central and peripheral oscillators. In addition, due to their persistent activation they may participate in the neuronal network for the clock mechanism that leads to food entrainment.

A great variety of phenomenological models has been proposed over the years to model rate-independent hysteretic forces in structural mechanics. The classification of such models is usually based on the type of equation that needs to be solved to evaluate the output variable. In particular, we distinguish among algebraic, transcendental, differential and integral models. For algebraic (transcendental) models, an algebraic (a transcendental) equation needs to be solved to compute the output variable; conversely, differential equations are employed for differential models, whereas equations expressed in integral form characterize integral models. This paper provides a mini-review of the most adopted phenomenological rate-independent uniaxial hysteretic models. Such models are selected in order to provide a complete overview of the four types of previously mentioned models, currently available in the literature. In particular, we illustrate the fundamental characteristics of each model and discuss their peculiarities in terms of 1) number of adopted parameters and variables, 2) physical interpretation of parameters and related calibration procedures, 3) type of hysteresis loop shapes that can be simulated.

Los derechos humanos son equidades universales inherentes al ser. La movilidad humana es una manifestación social reconocida por versados desde perspectivas que abarcan materias sociales y políticos. En este sentido, las mujeres migrantes tienen derecho a ser respetadas, garantizándoles la convivencia y erradicando el sexismo y medidas estigmatizadoras. El objetivo de esta investigación es percibir las vulnerabilidades y riesgos relevantes en las etapas del ciclo migratorio de las féminas, con el fin de identificar desviaciones en diferentes escenarios ecuatorianos. El enfoque metodológico es mixto, de tipo exploratoria e interpretativa. Se evaluaron datos estadísticos relacionados a la variable migración, en conjunto con el cumplimiento de garantía de las mujeres migrantes en Ecuador. Asimismo, se obtuvo información basada en testimonios de vida de mujeres involucradas en hechos de vulnerabilidad. Los resultados denotan violación en los beneficios migratorios, debilidad del estado de derecho de las migrantes y falta de integridad física por parte del Estado en algunos ámbitos migratorios. Las conclusiones señalan que es fundamental para el Estado ecuatoriano delinear acciones correctivas estipuladas en la Constitución, para restituir ciertos beneficios que fortalezcan ordenada y productivamente, los derechos relacionados con la estadía en el territorio ecuatoriano sobre las mujeres en condición de migrantes.

During pregnancy the human fetus receives timed cues from the circadian rhythms of temperature, metabolites, and hormones from the mother. This influence is interrupted after parturition, the infant does not secrete melatonin and their circadian rhythms are still immature. However, evolution provided the solution to this problem. The newborn can continue receiving the mother's timed cues through breastmilk. Colostrum, transitional, and mature human milk are extraordinary complex biofluids that besides nutrients, contain an array of other non-nutritive components. Upon birth the first milk, colostrum, is rich in bioactive, immunological factors, and in complex oligosaccharides which help the proper establishment of the microbiome in the gut, which is crucial for the infants' health. Hormones, such as glucocorticoids and melatonin, transfer from the mother's plasma to milk, and then the infant is exposed to circadian cues from their mother. Also, milk components of fat, proteins, amino acids, and endogenous cannabinoids, among others, have a markedly different concentration between day and night. In the present review, we give an overview of nutritive and non-nutritive components and their daily rhythms in human milk and explore their physiological importance for the infant. Finally, we highlight some interventions with a circadian approach that emphasize the importance of circadian rhythms in the newborn for their survival, proper growth, and development. It is estimated that ~600,000 deaths/year are due to suboptimal breastfeeding. It is advisable to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding, during the day and night, as was established by the evolution of our species.

PURPOSEOncofertility practice continues to grow in developing countries despite the lack of health care services, especially those related to cancer care. The purpose of this study is to further explore oncofertility practice in these countries and identify opportunities for field-wide coalescence.METHODSWe generated a survey to learn more about oncofertility practice in nine developing countries within our Oncofertility Consortium Global Partners Network—Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, Nigeria, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and India. Their responses were collected, reviewed, and discussed.RESULTSSurveyed centers from the nine developing countries continue to experience a similar set of common challenges, including a lack of awareness among providers and patients, cultural and religious constraints, lack of insurance coverage and funding to help to support oncofertility programs, and high out-of-pocket costs for patients. Despite these barriers, many opportunities exist and there is great potential for the future.CONCLUSIONThe current need is to unify the new technologies and best practices that emerge from rural communities and developing countries with those in large metropolitan cities, both domestically (US based) and abroad, into a functional unit: the Oncofertility Professional Engagement Network. The Oncofertility Professional Engagement Network will bridge the gap between domestic and international programs to establish a strong global network in which members share resources, methodologies and experiences and further build cultural competency.

Smart city environments, when applied to healthcare, improve the quality of people's lives, enabling, for instance, disease prediction and treatment monitoring. In medical settings, case prioritization is of great importance, with beneficial outcomes both in terms of patient health and physicians' daily work. Recommender systems are an alternative to automatically integrate the data generated in such environments with predictive models and recommend actions, content, or services. The data produced by smart devices are accurate and reliable for predictive and decision-making contexts. This study main purpose is to assist patients and doctors in the early detection of disease or prediction of postoperative worsening through constant monitoring. To achieve this objective, this study proposes an architecture for recommender systems applied to healthcare, which can prioritize emergency cases. The architecture brings an ensemble approach for prediction, which adopts multiple Machine Learning algorithms. The methodology used to carry out the study followed three steps. First, a systematic literature mapping, second, the construction and development of the architecture, and third, the evaluation through two case studies. The results demonstrated the feasibility of the proposal. The predictions are promising and adherent to the application context for accurate datasets with a low amount of noises or missing values.

1,4-disubstituted 1H-1,2,3-triazole with a hydrophobic and hydrophilic moiety were synthesized by using Cu(I) catalyzed alkyne-azide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. The hydrophilic moiety was d-galactopiranosyl or l-galactitoyl while an alkyl chain of eight to sixteen carbons corresponds to the hydrophobic portion. All compounds were characterized by NMR and mass spectrometry. Partition coefficient was experimentally determinate by HPLC ranging from 0.7 to 4.5. Compounds with the lowest partition coefficient showed self-aggregation in water leading to supramolecular structure, with size ranging from 108 to 588 nm.

For the first time, composite coatings based on poly(dimethylsiloxane-block-ε-caprolactone) copolymer and tricalcium phosphate were obtained on stainless steel plates by using the electrophoretic deposition technique. The effect of different deposition times on the final characteristics of the resulting coatings was also studied. Block copolymers were obtained through a combination of anionic and ring-opening polymerization, with good homogeneity and chemical composition (Ð < 1.3 and wPCL = 0.39). The composites obtained at different electrophoretic deposition times revealed a linear dependence between the deposited weight and time during assays. When immersing in simulated body fluid, a higher amount of residual solids ( ∼ 20 %) were observed by thermogravimetric analysis after 7 days of immersion. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed a porous microstructure over the metallic substrate and the absence of micro-cracks, and X-ray diffraction patterns exhibited diffraction peaks associated with a hydroxyapatite layer. Finally, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis revealed values of the Ca/P ratio between 1.40 and 1.50 in samples, which are closer to the stoichiometric hydroxyapatite values reported in hard tissues. The results obtained in this article confirm the usefulness of poly(dimethylsiloxane-block-ε-caprolactone) copolymer and cheaper tricalcium phosphate as precursors of compact and homogenous coatings obtained by electrophoretic deposition, which yields useful substrates for hydroxyapatite growth.

El objetivo de este artículo es indagar en los referéndums como herramientas de democracia directa incorporadas a los regímenes representativos de gobierno, en un intento por aliviar las llamadas crisis de la representación a través de la participación ciudadana. En particular, se concentra en lo que aquí hemos dado en llamar “referéndums de alto impacto político”: consultas cuyo tema resulta de gran relevancia para el Estado y/o el gobierno a cargo. Se trata de un estudio en profundidad y comparado de los casos más controvertidos de esta modalidad de referéndums ocurridos en 2016, tanto en Europa como en América Latina. Las conclusiones arribadas son que, ocasionalmente, el referéndum puede ser un paso necesario o conveniente para otorgar legitimidad popular y democrática a las decisiones adoptadas por los gobernantes. Sin embargo, en otras oportunidades, puede usarse como un instrumento de aclamación de ciertos liderazgos personalistas o autoritarios que prefieren gobernar por apelación directa al pueblo, saltándose los controles horizontales de los otros poderes. Finalmente, las consultas pueden también dar resultados contrarios al esperado por su promotor, provocando giros radicales en la dirección política del país.

The first 1,000 days in the life of a human being are a vulnerable stage where early stimuli may program adverse health outcomes in future life. Proper maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy modulates the development of the fetus, a physiological process known as fetal programming. Defective programming promotes non-communicable chronic diseases in the newborn which might be prevented by postnatal interventions such as breastfeeding. Breast milk provides distinct bioactive molecules that contribute to immune maturation, organ development, and healthy microbial gut colonization, and also secures a proper immunological response that protects against infection and inflammation in the newborn. The gut microbiome provides the most critical immune microbial stimulation in the newborn in early life, allowing a well-trained immune system and efficient metabolic settings in healthy subjects. Conversely, negative fetal programming by exposing mothers to diets rich in fat and sugar has profound effects on breast milk composition and alters the immune profiles in the newborn. At this new stage, newborns become vulnerable to immune compromise, favoring susceptibility to defective microbial gut colonization and immune response. This review will focus on the importance of breastfeeding and its immunological biocomponents that allow physiological immune programming in the newborn. We will highlight the importance of immunological settings by breastfeeding, allowing proper microbial gut colonization in the newborn as a window of opportunity to secure effective immunological response.

Background: The deterioration of Venezuela's health system in recent years undoubtedly contributes to an increased impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic could inform their medical training and improve their preparedness.Methods: A online national cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 26th and May 30th, 2020, to assess KAPs among HCWs in Venezuela.Results: A total of 1,441 HCWs from all 24 regions of the country responded to the survey. The mean age of the HCWs was 44 (SD [standard deviation] 14) years; most were women (66.4%). Most HCWs were specialized doctors (48%), followed by nurses (13%) and resident doctors (12.3%). The majority of HCWs had good knowledge (76.3%), obtained information mainly from scientific literature (85.4%); had negative attitudes (53.6%), felt uncomfortable with their work during the current pandemic (59.8%); and reported appropriate practices (76.9%). However, participation in COVID-19 related training was absent in more than half of the HCWs. Positive attitudes were significantly more frequent in frontline workers than in non-frontline workers (p = 0.001). Bioanalysts, students, and doctors were more likely to have good knowledge; participating in training was a predictor for positive attitudes and older age was an appropriate practice predictor.Conclusions: HCWs, knowledge in Venezuela could be improved by strengthening education and training programs. Strategies should focus on reducing fear and improving attitudes toward the care of COVID-19 patients, as well as the promotion of preventive practices.

Fetlock joint angle (FJA) pattern is a sensitive indicator of lameness. The first aim of this study is to describe a network of inertial measurement units system (IMUs) for quantifying FJA simultaneously in all limbs. The second aim is to evaluate the accuracy of IMUs for quantifying the sagittal plane FJA overground in comparison to bi-dimensional (2-D) optical motion capture (OMC). 14 horses (7 free from lameness and 7 lame) were enrolled and analyzed with both systems at walk and trot on a firm surface. All enrolled horses were instrumented with 8 IMUs (a pair for each limb) positioned at the dorsal aspect of the metacarpal/metatarsal bone and pastern and acquiring data at 200 Hz. Passive markers were glued on the center of rotation of carpus/tarsus, fetlock, and distal interphalangeal joint, and video footages were captured at 60 Hz and digitalized for OMC acquisition. The IMU system accuracy was reported as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC). The Granger Causality Test (GCT) and the Bland–Altman analysis were computed between the IMUs and OMC patterns to determine the agreement between the two systems. The proposed IMU system was able to provide FJAs in all limbs using a patented method for sensor calibration and related algorithms. Fetlock joint range of motion (FJROM) variability of three consecutive strides was analyzed in the population through 3-way ANOVA. FJA patterns quantified by IMUs demonstrated high accuracy at the walk (RMSE 8.23° ± 3.74°; PCC 0.95 ± 0.03) and trot (RMSE 9.44° ± 3.96°; PCC 0.96 ± 0.02) on both sound (RMSE 7.91° ± 3.19°; PCC 0.97 ± 0.03) and lame horses (RMSE 9.78° ± 4.33°; PCC 0.95 ± 0.03). The two systems’ measurements agreed (mean bias around 0) and produced patterns that were in temporal agreement in 97.33% of the cases (p < 0.01). The main source of variability between left and right FJROM in the population was the presence of lameness (p < 0.0001) and accounted for 28.46% of this total variation. IMUs system accurately quantified sagittal plane FJA at walk and trot in both sound and lame horses.

It is well known that power plants worldwide present access to difficult and hazardous environments, which may cause harm to on-site employees. The remote and autonomous operations in such places are currently increasing with the aid of technology improvements in communications and processing hardware. Virtual and augmented reality provide applications for crew training and remote monitoring, which also rely on 3D environment reconstruction techniques with near real-time requirements for environment inspection. Nowadays, most techniques rely on offline data processing, heavy computation algorithms, or mobile robots, which can be dangerous in confined environments. Other solutions rely on robots, edge computing, and post-processing algorithms, constraining scalability, and near real-time requirements. This work uses an edge-fog computing architecture for data and processing offload applied to a 3D reconstruction problem, where the robots are at the edge and computer nodes at the fog. The sequential processes are parallelized and layered, leading to a highly scalable approach. The architecture is analyzed against a traditional edge computing approach. Both are implemented in our scanning robots mounted in a real power plant. The 5G network application is presented along with a brief discussion on how this technology can benefit and allow the overall distributed processing. Unlike other works, we present real data for more than one proposed robot working in parallel on site, exploring hardware processing capabilities and the local Wi-Fi network characteristics. We also conclude with the required scenario for the remote monitoring to take place with a private 5G network.

PURPOSE: Oncofertility practice continues to grow in developing countries despite the lack of health care services, especially those related to cancer care. The purpose of this study is to further explore oncofertility practice in these countries and identify opportunities for field-wide coalescence. METHODS: We generated a survey to learn more about oncofertility practice in nine developing countries within our Oncofertility Consortium Global Partners Network—Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, Nigeria, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and India. Their responses were collected, reviewed, and discussed. RESULTS: Surveyed centers from the nine developing countries continue to experience a similar set of common challenges, including a lack of awareness among providers and patients, cultural and religious constraints, lack of insurance coverage and funding to help to support oncofertility programs, and high out-of-pocket costs for patients. Despite these barriers, many opportunities exist and there is great potential for the future. CONCLUSION: The current need is to unify the new technologies and best practices that emerge from rural communities and developing countries with those in large metropolitan cities, both domestically (US based) and abroad, into a functional unit: the Oncofertility Professional Engagement Network. The Oncofertility Professional Engagement Network will bridge the gap between domestic and international programs to establish a strong global network in which members share resources, methodologies and experiences and further build cultural competency.

In the newborn rabbit, the light entrainable circadian system is immature and once a day nursing provides the primary timing cue for entrainment. In advance of the mother’s arrival, pups display food anticipatory activity (FAA), and metabolic and physiological parameters are synchronized to this daily event. Central structures in the brain are also entrained as indicated by expression of Fos and Per1 proteins, GFAP, a glial marker, and cytochrome oxidase activity. Under fasting conditions, several of these rhythmic parameters persist in the periphery and brain, including rhythms in the olfactory bulb (OB). Here we provide an overview of these physiological and neurobiological changes and focus on three issues, just beginning to be examined in the rabbit. First, we review evidence supporting roles for the organum vasculosum of lamina terminalis (OVLT) and median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) in homeostasis of fluid ingestion and the neural basis of arousal, the latter which also includes the role of the orexigenic system. Second, since FAA in association with the daily visit of the mother is an example of conditioned learning, we review evidence for changes in the corticolimbic system and identified nuclei in the amygdala and extended amygdala as part of the neural substrate responsible for FAA. Third, we review recent evidence supporting the role of oxytocinergic cells of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) as a link to the autonomic system that underlies physiological events, which occur in preparation for the upcoming next daily meal. We conclude that the rabbit model has contributed to an overall understanding of food entrainment.

Molecular phylogenetic studies of the six currently accepted species in the genus Echinocactus have partially clarified certain aspects of its phylogeny. Most of the studies lack a complete sampling of Echinocactus and are based only in one source of data. Phylogenetic uncertainties in Echinocactus, such as the recognition of Homalocephala as a different genus from Echinocactus, the exclusion of E. grusonii or the affinities of E. polycephalus, are here resolved. Phylogenetic relationships of Echinocactus were reconstructed with a maximum parsimony, a maximum likelihood and a Bayesian approach including 42 morphological characters, four chloroplast markers (atpB-rbcL, trnH-psbA, trnL-trnF and trnK/matK) and two nuclear genes. The utility of these two nuclear regions related to the betalain cycles (DODA and 5GT) are explored and discussed in relation to their potential as phylogenetic markers. Concatenated analyses with morphological and molecular data sets, plus 13 indels (2847 characters and 26 taxa), show general agreement with previous independent phylogenetic proposals but with strong support in order to propose the recognition of a reduced Echinocactus and the recognition of Homalocephala at the generic level. These results recovered a polyphyletic Echinocactus as currently defined. The here-named HEA clade, recovers the species of Homalocephala, Echinocacuts and Astrophytum as a monophyletic group with strong internal support. The Homalocephala (H. texensis, H. parryi and H. polycephala), was recovered as sister to the Echinocactus clade (E. platyacanthus and E. horizonthalonius), plus the Astrophytum clade. Consequently, we propose here to recognise a monophyletic Echinocactus and a monophyletic Homalocephala as two distinct genera with their own molecular and morphological synapomorphies. The evolution of some morphological characters supporting these clades are discussed, the necessary new taxonomic combinations for Homalocephala are proposed and an identification key for the genera, the species and the subspecies of the HEA clade are presented.

The impaction of the colon and ileum occupy a large percentage of the casuistry of equine colic. Its resolution depends on the integrity of the gastrocolic reflex essential to keep hydrated content and motility. At present there is no clinical protocol an evaluation. The overall objective of this project, based on existing knowledge, was to make a standard for semiological and ultrasonographic study of the integrity of the gastrocolic reflex and anatomophysiology the stomach, small intestine, ileocecal valve, cecum and colon. The experiment was conducted on 10 healthy adult horses. We used an ultrasound Medison, Mysono model with a 5 MHz convex transducer and a DP50 Mindray Ultrasound, micro convex transducer of 5 to 8.5 MHz, using transcutaneous technique, in order to evaluate the transit from the stomach into the intestine and the influence it has faster gastric filling on colonic motility through the gastrocolic reflex. Ultrasound diagnosis supplemented in real time, in terms of echotexture, measurement and evaluation of peristalsis. The reflection is caused by the provision of early enteralfluids via nasogastric tube. The different fluid formulation was made for the purpose of assessing the degree of improvement of the ultrasound image, allowing accurate data from intestinal functionality, standardizing the clinical procedure.

The rheological behavior of laterite slurries with 44% solids and at a temperature of 27 ºC was analyzed to determine the pressure gradients in a horizontal pipeline in laminar flow in order to validate the gradient calculation methodology for this type of fluid based on the rheological behavior. Experiments (particle size, rheological and pressure gradient) were carried out. The resulting gradient values were compared with theoretical values from the methodology used. The results revealed an average particle size of 2,8 μm in the slurry, which explains the plastic behavior of the slurry. In addition the Herschel-Bulkley model describes 87% of the slurry’s rheological behavior. The methodology applied is considered to be effective for the specific conditions established for this investigation with a maximum absolute error of 8,8 %.

Los creadores de unix diseñaron un sistema operativo que facilitara el desarrollo de programas y la manipulación de textos para usuarios expertos, brindando gran facilidad en la comunicación de programas y su programación. Sin embargo, al considerar al usuario como experto, se brinda poca ayuda en el manejo de condiciones de error. En este artículo se presentan las características del ambiente del sistema operativo unix, con el propósito de que el lector pueda realizar una comparación con los sistemas operativos que conoce.

La crisis económica, política y social de Venezuela se profundizó bajo la presidencia de Nicolás Maduro en 2016. Este trabajo analiza los diversos caminos que la Constitución y el sistema normativo venezolano ofrecen para solucionar las crisis de gobernabilidad cuando el principal problema es la legitimidad del Presidente. Las causas reconocidas de ausencia absoluta del Presidente son, entre otras, la renuncia, la destitución, la inhabilidad física o mental, el abandono del cargo, la revocatoria de mandato. Entre las opciones disponibles, la que mayor lugar y consideración ocupa en este caso es la revocatoria de mandato, pues fue el camino más factible que vio la oposición para remover al mandatario. No obstante, se interpusieron numerosos obstáculos para hacerla fracasar. El presente trabajo constituye un estudio de las herramientas y mecanismos que otorga la Constitución venezolana para superar las crisis presidenciales y analiza las acciones que los diversos actores políticos emprendieron ante la coyuntura de 2016.

An experimental investigation on the accuracy of dynamically determined tensile force in tie-rods by applying the interferometric radar technique was performed. Tie-rods were used in historical masonry constructions for absorbing thrusts of arches and vaults, and the radar interferometry may represent a fast and easy non-destructive approach for the tensile force identification in the occasion of structural assessments. Laboratory dynamic tests on a cable under a known tensile force show that, provided that a suitable dynamic identification model is used, tensile force evaluations made stating from interferometric radar measurements were characterized by a very good accuracy (mean error in the tensile force estimation less than 2%), comparable with evaluations made starting from accelerometric measurements. In particular, the dynamic identification model considered is a modified version of a model proposed in the literature. The influence on the accuracy in the determination of the tensile force of some features of the experimental setup, like, e.g., the employ of corner reflectors, is discussed.

The establishment of Aedes aegypti and the recent invasion of Aedes albopictus has put Colombia at risk, as it now harbours two arboviral vector species. Studies have shown the susceptibility of Aedes aegypti to the vegetative toxins produced by Lysinibacillus sphaericus. This study aims to determine the potential of two L. sphaericus strains in the control of both Aedes species present in Colombia, in both single and mixed species nurseries. Given the similarities between both species, there exists a need to differentiate them for the development of precise control strategies. Accordingly, mixed nurseries employed a red fluorescent protein (mRFP)-expressing Escherichia coli strain as a differentiator. Coloration-aided differentiation facilitated the analysis of mixed nursery treatments and provided deeper scrutiny into the variables at play. This showed an increase in the biocontrol efficiency, pointing to probable ecological variables. Bioassays involving Ae. albopictus showed a lower resistance to the one reported for Ae. aegypti in single-species nurseries. The study concludes that the use of E. coli strains expressing fluorescent proteins are useful tools to be employed in areas like public health entomology. Moreover, it was found that the use of L. sphaericus strains for biocontrol of vector mosquitoes is a viable alternative to chemical insecticides.

Glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides are among the most used chemicals in plant pest control. Both glyphosate and its main by-product Aminomethylphosphonic Acid (AMPA) are highly environmentally persistent and, through several processes (including surface runoff and bioaccumulation), affect species beyond their intended targets, especially in aquatic ecosystems. Aedes albopictus is a novel invasive arboviral vector in Colombia and has spread to much of the national territory in recent years. Strains of the bacterium Lysinibacillus sphaericus have shown the ability to degrade glyphosate into environmentally inert compounds, in addition to having great larvicidal efficiency in different mosquito species through the production of several proteins, including the surface layer (S-Layer) protein. The S-Layer is a bacterial structure consisting of glycoprotein monomers, and its functions are thought to include bacterial interactions, protection from the outside medium and biological control. The study assessed the entomopathogenic activity of L. sphaericus S-Layer protein on Ae. albopictus larvae, and the effects that glyphosate and its by-products have in this process. To that end, bioassays were performed to compare the larval mortality between different treatments with and without S-Layer, glyphosate, and glyphosate derivates. Comparisons were made through Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) analyses. Significant differences were found in larval mortality in the treatments, and larval mortality was greater when the S-Layer protein was present, though glyphosate field-doses (1.69 g/L) alone had a notable toxicity as well. An apparent synergic effect on the mortality of larval Ae. albopictus when exposed to mixtures containing 1500 ppm of the S-Layer protein, glyphosate, and/or glyphosate derivates was found. Further studies are needed for the in-depth understanding of this mechanism and its consequences on aquatic ecosystems.

Direct laser metal deposition (DLMD) is an innovative additive technology becoming of key importance in the field of repairing applications for industrial and aeronautical components. The performance of the repaired components is highly related to the intrinsic presence of defects, such as cracks, porosity, excess of dilution or debonding between clad and substrate. Usually, the quality of depositions is evaluated through destructive tests and microstructural analysis. Clearly, such methodologies are inapplicable in-process or on repaired components. The proposed work aims to evaluate the capability of ultrasonic techniques to perform the mechanical characterization of additive manufactured (AM) components. The tested specimens were manufactured by DLMD using a nickel-based superalloy deposited on an AISI 304 substrate. Ultrasonic goniometric immersion tests were performed in order to mechanical characterize the substrate and the new material obtained by AM process, consisting of the substrate and the deposition. Furthermore, the relationship was evaluated between the acoustic and the mechanical properties of the AM components and the deposition process parameters and the geometrical characteristics of multiclad depositions, respectively. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed non-destructive experimental approach for the characterization of the created deposition anomalies has been investigated.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the serum viral load in chronically infected Hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients and to investigate the distribution of HBV genotypes in São Paulo city. Quantitative HBV-DNA assays and HBV genotyping have gained importance for predicting HBV disease progression, have been employed for assessing infectivity, for treatment monitoring and for detecting the emergence of drug resistance. Twenty-nine Brazilian patients with suspected chronic hepatitis B were studied, using real time PCR for viral load determination and direct DNA sequencing for the genotyping. The serology revealed chronic HBV infection in 22 samples. The HBV-DNA was positive in 68% samples (15/22). The phylogenetic analysis disclosed that eleven patients were infected with HBV genotype A, two with genotype F and two with genotype D. Thus, the genotype A was the most prevalent in our study.O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a carga viral no soro de pacientes cronicamente infectados pelo vírus da Hepatite B (HBV) e investigar a distribuição de genótipos HBV na cidade de São Paulo. PCR quantitativo do HBV e genotipagem ganharam importância para a previsão de progressão da doença, empregada para avaliar a infectividade, para tratamento e acompanhamento e para detectar o aparecimento de resistência aos anti-retrovirais. Vinte e nove pacientes brasileiros com suspeita de hepatite B crônica foram estudados, utilizando PCR em tempo real para a determinação da carga viral e seqüenciamento direto para determinação do genótipo. A sorologia revelou que 22 estavam, de fato, cronicamente infectados pelo HBV. O HBV-DNA foi positivo em 68% das amostras (15/22). Em sete casos, HBV-DNA foi indetectável por PCR quantitativo. A análise filogenética mostra que onze pacientes foram infectados com hepatite B genótipo A, dois com genótipo F e dois com genótipo D. Desta forma, o genótipo A foi o mais prevalente em nosso estudo.

Parmigiano Reggiano is an Italian product with a protected designation of origin (P.D.O.). It is an aged hard cheese made from raw milk. P.D.O. products are protected by European regulations. Approximately 3 million wheels are produced each year, and the product attracts a relevant premium price due to its quality and all around the world well known typicity. Due to the high demand that exceeds the production, several fraudulent products can be found on the market. The rate of fraud is estimated between 20% and 40%, the latter predominantly in the grated form. We have developed a non-target method based on Liquid Chomatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) that allows the discrimination of Parmigiano Reggiano from non-authentic products with milk from different geographical origins or products, where other aspects of the production process do not comply with the rules laid down in the production specifications for Parmeggiano Reggiano. Based on a database created with authentic samples provided by the Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, a reliable classification model was built. The overall classification capabilities of this non-targeted method was verified on 32 grated cheese samples. The classification was 87.5% accurate.

RESUMO Foram estudados os micro-artrópodos do solo, bem como a cobertura vegetal, fauna de cobertura, respiração edáfica, além de fatores físico-químicos do solo e climáticos, em pastagens artificiais de terra firme próximo a Manaus. De janeiro a dezembro de 1977 foram realizadas 21 amostragens, perfazendo 1304 unidades com 12,56 cm2de área e até 5 cm de profundidade. A fauna foi extraída pelo método Berlese-Tullgren, modificado. Acari o Collembola foram os grupos dominantes do solo em todos os ambientes. Foram encontrados até 22 grupos de artrópodes na pastagem e 26 grupos na floresta. Na pastagem, as densidades de Acari variam de 32.000 a 73.000/m2e de Collembola de 4.000 a 35.000/m2, Na floresta, urna única estimativa deu como resultado 49.000/m2para Acari e 12.000/m2para Collembola. A pastagem extensiva e o sistema rotacional não apresentaram diferenças na fauna do solo. Diferenças foram encontradas entre pastagens formadas por diversas gramíneas e com diferentes idades, e também entre pastagem e floresta primária, principalmente com relação ao número de grupos encontrados. As populações de artrópodes encontram-se agregadas e as de Acari e Collembola em particular são descritas satisfatoriamente pelo distribuição binomial negativa. A respiração edáfica sob Setaria sp. apresentou-se com média de 455,7 (dia) e 448,1 (noite) mg/CO2/m2/h e sob diversas espécies de Solanaceae de 507,0 (dia) e 483,6 (noite) mg/CO2/m2/h.

Resumo Este trabalho trata da correlação entre os fatores temperatura do ar, umidade relativa, umidade do solo e precipitação e os índices de agregação (K da binomial negativa) de população de Acari e Collembola sob Setaria sp. em pastagem rotacional e extensiva. Os artrópodes foram extraídos do solo usando-se funis de Berlese — Tullgren modificado e as coletas foram feitas de janeiro a dezembro de 1977. Verificou-se que cs índices de agregação indicam uma menor agregação em Acari que em Collembola e que as correlações com os fatores físicos estudados não explicam totalmente o comportamento dos animais. Observou-se uma maior influência dos fatores estudados sobre as populações de Acari. A variável que mais influência exerce é a precipitação.

In this study, we evaluated the in vitro activity of echinocandins, azoles, and amphotericin B alone and in combination against echinocandin/azole-sensitive and echinocandin/azole-resistant Candida glabrata isolates. Susceptibility tests were performed using the broth microdilution method in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute document M27-A3. The checkerboard method was used to evaluate the fractional inhibitory concentration index of the interactions. Cross-resistance was observed among echinocandins; 15% of the isolates resistant to caspofungin were also resistant to anidulafungin and micafungin. Synergistic activity was observed in 70% of resistant C. glabrata when anidulafungin was combined with voriconazole or posaconazole. Higher (85%) synergism was found in the combination of caspofungin and voriconazole. The combinations of caspofungin with fluconazole, posaconazole and amphotericin B, micafungin with fluconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole, and anidulafungin with amphotericin B showed indifferent activities for the majority of the isolates. Anidulafungin combined with fluconazole showed the same percentage of synergism and indifference (45%). Antagonism was detected in 50% of isolates when micafungin was combined with amphotericin B. Combinations of echinocandins and antifungal azoles have great potential for in vivo assays which are required to evaluate the efficacy of these combinations against multidrug-resistant C. glabrata strains.