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AbstractUnderstanding the emotional impact of climate change (CC), its education and communication processes on young people is essential to identify what motivates their engagement in climate action. We have analysed the emotional experiences of secondary school students in the south of Spain (N = 1,050) to develop a tool for exploring the emotional impact of CC, and its relationship to processes of climate education, communication and participation among young people. While there is no clear emotional bias towards CC in the overall sample, significant differences in these experiences depend on the variables listed above. Formal education (educational grade and curricular greening) tends to increase worry, powerlessness and fear, and decrease positive emotions. Frequently, the use of information sources, such as traditional media, specialised sources and social networks is associated with higher emotional intensity. Social networks are a powerful influencer, while traditional media and specialised sources present barriers to access. Participating in climate action (climate movements, climate strikes, environmental groups’ activities and school’s voluntary activities) has a clearly negative emotional footprint among the group studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The probability density distribution is analyzed in a topological insulator (TI) slab of finite thickness, where the bulk and surface states are allowed to hybridize. By using an effective continuum Hamiltonian approach as a theoretical framework, the wave functions are analytically obtained for each state near the Γ$\Gamma$‐point. The results reveal that, under particular combinations of the hybridized bulk and surface states, the spatial symmetry of the electronic probability density with respect to the center of the slab can be spontaneously broken. This symmetry breaking arises as a combination of the parity of the solutions, their spin projection, and the material constants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Recent studies carried out in the permanent dentition revealed a wide range of terminal relationships between enamel and cement described by Choquet, characterized by not having a unique pattern around the tooth neck. This is little studied in the primary dentition. Objective. To know the frequency distribution of the cemento-enamel junction in the temporary dental organs. Methodology. In a study approved by the Research and Ethics Commission of the Faculty of Stomatology of the BUAP (registration 2019104) a probabilistic, non-random sample, stratified by sex, of 73 healthy dental organs was analyzed, with more than one third of root and any dental formula of children between three and five years of age. They were observed under an optical microscope at magnifications of 5, 10 and 20x, slices obtained with the wear technique. Microphotographs obtained with a camera integrated to the microscope were analyzed by an observer (k = .9102). Results. 180 sections were obtained from the calculated sample. The percentage distribution of the cases corresponds case 1, 41%; case 2 present in 13%; case 3, 38%; and case 4, eight percent. According to the anatomic faces, case 1 was more frequent in the mesio-vestibular face (37%), case 2 in the mesio-lingual/palatal (44%), case 3 in 35% of the mesio-vestibular faces, and case 4 in 72% of the mesio-vestibular faces. Discussion. The tissue relations between the enamel and cement of the temporary dentition present the four combinations reported by Choquet in a different frequency distribution with respect to the authors consulted. Interdigitations between cementum and enamel of the primary dentition were observed, as well as serendipiti; some sui generis characteristics in the underlying dentin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study of the strongly correlated states in van der Waals heterostructures is one of the central topics in modern condensed matter physics. Among these, the rhombohedral trilayer graphene (RTG) occupies a prominent place since it hosts a variety of interaction-driven phases, with the metallic ones yielding exotic superconducting orders upon doping. Motivated by these experimental findings, we show within the framework of the low-energy Dirac theory that the optical conductivity can distinguish different candidates for a paramagnetic metallic ground state in this system. In particular, this observable shows a single peak in the fully gapped valence-bond state. On the other hand, the bond-current state features two pronounced peaks in the optical conductivity as the probing frequency increases. Finally, the rotational symmetry breaking charge-density wave exhibits a minimal conductivity with the value independent of the amplitude of the order parameter, which corresponds precisely to the splitting of the two cubic nodal points at the two valleys into two triplets of the band touching points featuring linearly dispersing quasiparticles. These features represent the smoking gun signatures of different candidate order parameters for the paramagnetic metallic ground state, which should motivate further experimental studies of the RTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent paper [R. Soto-Garrido and E. Muñoz, J. Phys. Condens. Matter 30, 195302 (2018)], we studied the electronic transport properties in Weyl semimetals (WSMs) submitted to the combined effects of torsional mechanical strain and magnetic field, showing that this configuration induces a node-polarization effect on the current that can be used to measure the torsion angle from transmission experiments. In this article, we extend our previous work to study thermoelectric transport in WSMs under torsional strain and an external magnetic field. Our analysis involves only the electronic contribution to the transport coefficients, and it is thus valid at low temperatures where the phonon contribution is negligible. We provide exact analytical expressions for the scattering cross section and the transmitted heat current, in order to calculate the thermal conductance and the Seebeck coefficient under this configuration. Our results suggest that thermoelectric transport coefficients in these materials can be engineered by appropriately tuning the magnitude of the magnetic field, torsional strain, and the applied bias or thermal gradient, leading to a potentially very high figure of merit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we consider a theoretical model for a type I Weyl semimetal, under the presence of a diluted uniform concentration of torsional dislocations. By means of a mathematical analysis for partial wave scattering (phase-shift) for the T-matrix, we obtain the corresponding retarded and advanced Green's functions that include the effects of multiple scattering events with the ensemble of randomly distributed dislocations. Combining this analysis with the Kubo formalism, and including vertex corrections, we calculate the electronic conductivity as a function of temperature and concentration of dislocations. We further evaluate our analytical formulas to predict the electrical conductivity of several transition metal monopnictides, i.e., TaAs, TaP, NbAs, and NbP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the climatic conditions in central-southern Chile, there are high heating energy consumption and PM2.5 emissions. Among the alternatives to mitigate it, the Chilean government has implemented subsidies to improve the housings envelope and to replace firewood stoves by pellet stoves and air-to-air heat pumps. Accordingly, for evaluating the effectivity of above-mentioned initiatives, this study proposes to identify the optimal solutions that minimize the energy demand, the environmental impacts, and the global costs, for social housing using different insulation materials and heating systems in four Chilean cities located in central-southern Chile. Results reveal pellet stoves with lower environmental impacts but higher global costs, while heat pumps offer an intermediate solution that can be enhanced with a greener electricity grid, but the global costs are still too high. Firewood stoves could be optimal solution depending on optimization weighting factors. The study emphasizes prioritizing housing envelope improvements in energy policies, followed by heating system enhancements. Although replacing firewood poses challenges due to costs, it is crucial for Chile's 2050 decarbonization goal. This research provides valuable insights into the complexities and potential solutions for transitioning away from firewood in Chilean social housing. • Woodstove replaced by pellet stove or heat pump reduce environmental impact by 34–45 %. • Heat pumps present global costs 34 %–88 % higher than wood stoves. • To improve the housing envelope is the first recommended public policy. • Public policies must simultaneously subsidy initial and operational cost. • Trade-off: global cost vs. environmental impacts determines optimal approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicability extent of hadron therapy for tumor treatment is currently limited by the lack of reliable online monitoring techniques. An active topic of investigation is the research of monitoring systems based on the detection of secondary radiation produced during treatment. MACACO, a multi-layer Compton camera based on LaBr3 scintillator crystals and SiPMs, is being developed at IFIC-Valencia for this purpose. This work reports the results obtained from measurements of a 150 MeV proton beam impinging on a PMMA target. A neural network trained on Monte Carlo simulations is used for event selection, increasing the signal to background ratio before image reconstruction. Images of the measured prompt gamma distributions are reconstructed by means of a spectral reconstruction code, through which the 4.439 MeV spectral line is resolved. Images of the emission distribution at this energy are reconstructed, allowing calculation of the distal fall-off and identification of target displacements of 3 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mexican territory of the Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate and harbors a wide variety of domestic, synanthropic, and wild animals, as well as disease vectors. To determine the distribution of recorded zoonotic diseases in the Yucatan Peninsula, scientific publications referring to these diseases in animals and containing geographic coordinates of disease occurrence, were studied. The epidemiological bulletins of the national government were also consulted to obtain information on zoonotic diseases reported in humans in the territory. The territory harbors a wide variety of tropical zoonotic pathogens, including Trypanosoma cruzi, Leptospira interrogans, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania mexicana, Dirofilaria immitis, and Rickettsia felis. A variety of domestic, synanthropic, and wild animals act as hosts or reservoirs in the transmission cycle of the zoonotic diseases in the Yucatan Peninsula, and some spillover into human populations has also been recorded. There are still zoonotic diseases that have rarely or never been reported in humans, but it is not clear whether this is because these diseases in humans are not common, there is a lack of viable transmission cycle or there is a lack of appropriate diagnosis. It is necessary to continue monitoring vectors, animal hosts, and humans to identify risk factors for zoonotic diseases in the Yucatan Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to evaluate the diversity in reptile communities in wetland landscapes located in the Mediterranean region. For this, the status of the reptile populations linked to different Mediterranean wetlands in relation to the different types of land use established in the nearby drainage basins (500 m around the wetlands perimeter) was determined. The different types of land use were determined together with the presence/absence, abundance and size class of the different reptile species. The results showed that areas with high anthropic pressure had a lower diversity of species, as well as a less balanced community structure, that could put at risk the effective recruitment and hence the maintenance of the reptile populations in these areas. The reasons behind the decline in the reptile community are similar to those put forward for explaining the decline in amphibians in the same area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Little literature has been reported about the forms that characterize caries lesions according to their destructive advancement of dental tissues, so it is necessary to describe the characteristics of the lesions in each of the stages of advancement and match them with the observations clinics, in such a way that the radiographic image is complemented, because the latter has serious limitations in incipient lesions. Objective. Describe the characteristics of caries lesions according to the progress of the destructive process of dental hard tissues. Methodology. In a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, prospective, heterodemic and single-center study, a sample of 30 specimens of donated temporary dental organs, preserved in formalin and cut at 1 mm thickness was analyzed to be observed under different types of microscope to describe the variables: caries lesion shape, penetration, color and characteristics of the lesions surface at each stage of advancement; according to the independent variable ICDAS caries diagnostic code. Results. The ICDAS 0 code does not present tissue alterations. ICDAS 1 presents superficial erosion; ICDAS 2 all enamel affected with loss of dentin tufts, has a cylindrical shape, dull white color; ICDAS 3 all demineralized enamel, cylindrical shape, greyish white; ICDAS 4 undermined enamel without dentin support with affected dentin tubules; ICDAS 5 total enamel loss; 40% affects deep dentin, brown conical shape; ICDAS 6 total destruction of enamel, totally affected dentin, 40% black color. Conclusions. Histological images complement the clinical appearance of caries lesions according to their progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicability extent of hadron therapy for tumor treatment is currently limited by the lack of reliable online monitoring techniques. An active topic of investigation is the research of monitoring systems based on the detection of secondary radiation produced during treatment. MACACO, a multi-layer Compton camera based on LaBr3 scintillator crystals and SiPMs, is being developed at IFIC-Valencia for this purpose. This work reports the results obtained from measurements of a 150 MeV proton beam impinging on a PMMA target. A neural network trained on Monte Carlo simulations is used for event selection, increasing the signal to background ratio before image reconstruction. Images of the measured prompt gamma distributions are reconstructed by means of a spectral reconstruction code, through which the 4.439 MeV spectral line is resolved. Images of the emission distribution at this energy are reconstructed, allowing calculation of the distal fall-off and identification of target displacements of 3 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gauge theories with general covariance are particularly reluctant to quantization. We discuss the example of the Hamiltonian formulation of the relativistic point particle that, despite its apparent simplicity, is of crucial importance since a number of point particle systems can be cast into this form on a higher dimensional Rindler background, as recently pointed out by Hojman. It is shown that this system can be equipped with a hidden local, symmetry generating, constraint which on the one hand does not bother the classical evolution and on the other hand simplifies the realization of the path integral quantization. Even though the positive impact of the hidden symmetry is more evident in the Lagrangian version of the theory, it is still present through the suggested Hamiltonian constraint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Deep-ECG performs identification and verification with remarkable accuracy. • Deep-ECG is the first approach that uses deep CNNs for ECG biometrics. • Deep-ECG can quickly compare binary templates by computing their Hamming distance. • We propose a technique to enlarge ECG datasets for training deep CNNs. Electrocardiographic (ECG) signals have been successfully used to perform biometric recognition in a wide range of applications. However, ECG-based biometric systems are usually less accurate than technologies based on other physiological traits. To increase their performance, it is necessary to study novel approaches. Deep learning methods, like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), can automatically extract distinctive features, and have demonstrated their effectiveness for other biometric systems. In this paper, we present Deep-ECG, a CNN-based biometric approach for ECG signals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature that uses a CNN for ECG biometrics. Deep-ECG extracts significant features from one or more leads using a deep CNN and compares biometric templates by computing simple and fast distance functions, obtaining remarkable accuracy for identification, verification and periodic re-authentication. Furthermore, using a simple quantization procedure, Deep-ECG can obtain binary templates that can facilitate the use of ECG-based biometric systems in conjunction with cryptographic applications. We also propose a simple method to enlarge the training dataset of ECG samples, which can increase the performance of deep neural networks. We performed experiments on large sets of samples acquired in uncontrolled conditions, proving the accuracy and robustness ofDeep-ECG in non-ideal scenarios. Furthermore, we evaluated the performance of Deep-ECG for the PTB Diagnostic ECG Database, obtaining identification accuracy better or comparable to the best performing methods in the literature, also for signals with different characteristics with respect to the ones used to train the CNN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. It is considered that in the temporomandibular joint of children, the glenoid cavity is almost flat with a low prominence of the anterior or temporal condyle that allows the anterior displacement of the jaw, so that the incisors cross over is smaller and it is considered that there is no Spee curve, and its analysis is lacking. Objective. To analyze the frequency and risk association of the presence of the Spee curve in each of the terminal planes and the overbite. Material and method. In a cross-sectional, prospective and analytical clinical epidemiological study, a heterodemic and multicentric probabilistic sample stratified by sex was analyzed, from 140 sets of temporary dentition models of the child population aged 3 to 5 years, without loss of proximal walls or cavitations for caries, as well as with fractured dental organs. Were analyzed the dependent variables Spee curve, terminal plane and overbite. Results. Were tested the hypothesis of dependence of the Spee curve with respect to the type of terminal plane (c2 = 7.104, p = 0.01, Gl = 1). The prevalence rate of the presence of the Spee curve was 43.47%. Its association with the straight terminal plane is RM = 3.96 and with the deep bite it is RM = 2.89. Conclusions. The curve of Spee is present in the deciduous dentition and responds to the need to compensate the condylar trajectory that promotes the maximum intercuspidization that allows protrusive de-occlusion thanks to the anterior and condylar guides that avoid excessive pressure in the posterior area, optimizes the incisive function during the cutting action and promotes the wear of cusps and incisal edges, which is why deep bites were not found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture practices have been widely proposed as the major cause of amphibian population decline. However, the majority of these results have been based on laboratory experiments. The present study was conducted to test the repercussion of wetland sediment provenance on amphibian larval development. Bufo bufo larvae were used in two different treatments in an outdoor experiment, the first one using sediment from one wetland surrounded by intensive agricultural practices, and the second using sediment with no record of agrochemical uses. A negative effect was observed in the agricultural treatment, from subcellular to individual level. The results showed that the sediment from agricultural practices watershed generates a reduction in survival. Furthermore, individuals that developed under this treatment showed a lower total length and a delay in the time necessary to complete metamorphosis; these features are connected with recruitment success. In the same way, biochemical analysis showed high values of lipid peroxidation in metamorphs developing in sediments from an agricultural area. Finally, the results obtained highlight the importance of considering the sediments, not only the water, as origin treatment, allowing us to understand the consequences on amphibian populations that inhabit areas affected by intensive agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower development causes modifications in hydrological patterns in rivers, altering aquatic ecosystems and the activities that are typically carried out there. To avoid direct alterations to rivers, it is necessary to maintain a minimum flow (ecological flow); however, it is also necessary to minimize effects on the natural functioning of the river, its ecosystem services and the activities that are engaged in there. The environmental flow, which incorporates morphological and human-use aspects, is defined based on this foundation. In this study, the environmental flow for a section of the Ñuble River is analysed and calculated, not only considering aspects such as hydrology and biota, but also including human activities that have traditionally taken place there (rafting and kayaking). SEA (2016) was used to calculate the environmental flow regime. Ecological and human components were analysed with CASIMIR software using information published in the SEA and obtained through interviews with river users. As a result, it was found that by following only the recommendations of SEA (2016), activities traditionally carried out in the river (tourism) will be altered. In addition, if the need for flows for tourism is included and quantified, the environmental flow should be greater than the flow estimated considering only regulations regarding hydrology and the functioning of the ichthyofauna present in the river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Gross mode, the work climate has been studied as an area inherent in leadership. In the case of the one that is distinguished by its communication and vertical motivation, the work environment has been addressed as a determinant of flexibility in terms of conditions, salaries and benefits. In this regard, the objective of this paper has been to explore the dimensions of climate and labor flexibility in order to establish the dependency relationships between its indicators. Methodology. A non-experimental, cross-sectional and correlational study was carried out with a non-probabilistic sample selection of 300 employees from central Mexico. Results and conclusions. The labor climate determines the flexibility, although the most recent literature warns that rather the climate mediates the relationship between the flexibility policies on staff turnover, the informal salary and the absence of benefits. Research lines are recommended concerning the incidence of leadership styles in the variables in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the non-equilibrium current, transport coefficients and thermoelectric performance of a nano-junction, composed by a quantum dot connected to a normal superconductor and a topological superconductor leads, respectively. We considered a one-dimensional topological superconductor, which hosts two Majorana fermion states at its edges. Our results show that the electric and thermal currents across the junction are highly mediated by multiple Andreev reflections between the quantum dot and the leads, thus leading to a strong nonlinear dependence of the current on the applied bias voltage. Remarkably, we find that our system reaches a sharp maximum of its thermoelectric efficiency at a finite bias, when an external magnetic field is imposed upon the junction. We propose that this feature can be used for accurate temperature sensing at the nanoscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several Caucasian rock lizards of the genus Darevskia of hybrid origin are known to reproduce parthenogenetically. Local communities can be composed exclusively of parthenogens, though syntopy with bisexual members of the genus may occur. In some localities, reproduction between bisexual and parthenogenetic Darevskia has been previously reported based on lizard intermediate morphology and karyology (3n, 4n). However, the frequency of such heterospecific matings remains unknown. We indirectly quantified the reproductive interactions through the inspection of copulation marks in females in a mixed Darevskia community from Kuchak (Armenia) composed of two hybrid parthenogens (D. armeniaca and D. unisexualis), one bisexual species (D. valentini) and their putative backcrosses. A total of 139 adults were randomly collected and photographed. Females were later measured (SVL), inspected for inguinal marks and ranked from 0 (no scars) to 3 (= 3 scars). The lizard species and ploidy determination was ensured by a parallel microsatellite analysis. Sex-ratio in the community was extremely biased due to the high abundance of parthenogenetic females. All female types displayed copulation marks with frequencies varying from 80% in D. valentini to 64% in D. armeniaca. Remarkably, 7 out of 11 (64%) backcross females also showed marks. In the most abundant D. armeniaca, the prevalence and intensity of copulation marks increased with body size, just as predicted for polygynous female lacertids. These results indicate that copulation between parthenogenetic and bisexual species in Darevskia mixed communities is common and driven by sexual selection, thus reinforcing previous suggestions of reproductive interaction in syntopy. Evolutionary implications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to analyse factors related to conceptions and beliefs about expressivity in music among students and teachers. A questionnaire with 11 Likert-type items was developed covering the main factors included in the literature of teaching-learning of expressivity and emotion in music. Through exploratory factor analysis three factors were identified: expressive technique (ET), emotional expression (EE), and self-learning of expressivity (SLE) . Comparisons between teachers and students showed that teachers had significant higher scores in EE with no differences in ET or SLE, although the effect size for SLE was high. The three factors are proposed as a tool for the assessment of conceptions of expressivity and its learning in both teachers and advanced students ofmusic for teaching and research objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The cervical vestibule ridge is an anatomical feature of primary molars that lack a socket in the cervical region. It has the function of a structural element in the shape of a flying buttress located on the external part corresponding to the dental crown whose function is the distribution of occlusion loads. Objective. To describe the frequency distribution of the enamel-cement tissue relations of the vestibulocervical crest of primary molars and their behavior in the mechanics of occlusion forces in the area. Methodology. In an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, prospective study, a probabilistic, non-random sample, stratified by sex (n = 73), of healthy temporary dental organs with roots, of the child population of the state of Puebla was analyzed, aged between 3 and 5 years old. They were preserved in formalin and 36 sections of 0.5 mm thickness were obtained from the vestibulocervical crest area that were analyzed at magnifications of 5, 10 and 20x by an only one observer (k = .9102). Results. Forty-two percent of the sample was Choquet type 3 cases, 28% type 2 and 22% type 1 and 4, respectively. Little dentin damage was observed in the vestibulocervical area. Conclusions. The vestibulocervical crest is a transmitter of protective loads from thin, curved roots. The difference between modulus of elasticity and hardness is large, but the bulge of the enamel acts as a buttress for load distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed whether ecophysiological requirements are consistent with the environmental traits within the current ranges in a relictual lizard group, Algyroides, composed of four species with restricted and disjunctive distributions. We considered temperature, precipitation and their seasonal profiles, and focused on the preferred body temperature (Tp) and the evaporative water loss (EWL). The ranges of all four species differed in environmental traits. The two geographically more restricted species followed divergent patterns: A. moreoticus inhabits hot and climatically buffered areas, and A. marchi occupies cold seasonal environments. Tp and EWL also differed among species following a geographical grouping: A. nigropunctatus (Slovenia) and A. fitzingeri (Sardinia) selected for lower Tp and lost less water than the southern species A. moreoticus (Peloponnese) and A. marchi (Southern Spain). Tp and EWL were correlated at species level but not at individual level within species. Results suggest that the current distribution of Algyroides species partly reflects their ecophysiology, with water ecology taking precedence over thermal ecology as constraining factor. By unravelling the environmental factors limiting the distribution of species, ecophysiology may provide directions for conservation, predicting the degree of vulnerability to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three models for estimating the daily reference evapotranspiration ETo are evaluated in the agricultural zone of Chillán, Chile: Penman-Monteith FAO PMF, Prietsley-Taylor PT and Hargreaves-Samani HS. The daily ETo values estimated through these methodologies are compared with the daily values of ETo estimated from pan evaporation EToB data series obtained from meteorological stations of the Universidad de Concepción Campus Chillán and INIA Quilamapu, both located within Chillán's city limits. The comparison and analysis were performed with data covering a span of 13 years (1996 - 2008). Results indicate that the HS method systemically underestimates ETo values, particularly during dry periods. Moreover, differences between the three methods quantified with Root Mean Squared Error RMSE and Relative Differences RD computed for different time periods (1, 3, 7 and 30 days) suggest that the PT method fits better the observations, being more adequate for the agricultural area of Chillán - weekly averages yield RMSE of 1.01 mm/day and RD of 32.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of a quantum heat engine (QHEN) has been discussed in the literature, not only due to its intrinsic scientific interest, but also as an alternative to efficiently recover, on a nanoscale device, thermal energy in the form of useful work. The quantum character of a QHEN relies, for instance, on the fact that any of its intermediate states is determined by a density matrix operator. In particular, this matrix can represent a mixed state. For a classical heat engine, a theoretical upper bound for its efficiency is obtained by analyzing its quasi-static operation along a cycle drawn by a sequence of quasi-equilibrium states. A similar analysis can be carried out for a quantum engine, where quasi-static processes are driven by the evolution of ensemble-averaged observables, via variation of the corresponding operators or of the density matrix itself on a tunable physical parameter. We recently proposed two new conceptual designs for a magnetically-driven quantum engine, where the tunable parameter is the intensity of an external magnetic field. Along this article, we shall present the general quantum thermodynamics formalism developed in order to analyze this type of QHEN, and moreover, we shall apply it to describe the theoretical efficiency of two different practical implementations of this concept: an array of semiconductor quantum dots and an ensemble of graphene flakes submitted to mechanical tension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, it has been documented that climatic variability influences hydrological processes; however, these influences, such as hydrologic dynamics, have not yet been incorporated into models, which have been assumed as stationary with regard to climatic conditions. In this study, the temporal variability of hydrological processes and their influence on the water balance of a mountainous and data-sparse catchment in Chile are observed and modeled through the comparison of a stationary (time-invariant parameters) and dynamic (time-variant parameters) model. Since conceptual models are the most adequate option for a data-scarce basin, a conceptual model integrated with the Monte Carlo Analysis Toolbox is used to perform the analyses. Simple analyses aimed at increasing the amount of information obtained from models were used. The General and Dynamic Identifiability Analyses were used to perform stationary and dynamic calibration strategies, respectively. As a result we concluded that the dynamic model is more robust than the stationary one. Additionally, DYNIA helped us to observe the temporal variability of hydrological processes. This analysis contributed to a better understanding of hydrological processes in a data-sparse Andean catchment and thus could potentially help reduce uncertainties in the outputs of hydrological models under scenarios of climate change and/or variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the issue of computational efficiency for Gauss-Newton ( GN) non-linear least-squares optimization in the context of image alignment. We introduce the Constant Jacobian Gauss-Newton ( CJGN) optimization, a GN scheme with constant Jacobian and Hessian matrices, and the equivalence and independence conditions as the necessary requirements that any function of residuals must satisfy to be optimized with this efficient approach. We prove that the Inverse Compositional ( IC) image alignment algorithm is an instance of a CJGN scheme and formally derive the compositional and extended brightness constancy assumptions as the necessary requirements that must be satisfied by any image alignment problem so it can be solved with an efficient compositional scheme. Moreover, in contradiction with previous results, we also prove that the forward and inverse compositional algorithms are not equivalent. They are equivalent, however, when the extended brightness constancy assumption is satisfied. To analyze the impact of the satisfaction of these requirements we introduce a new image alignment evaluation framework and the concepts of short- and wide-baseline Jacobian. In wide-baseline Jacobian problems the optimization will diverge if the requirements are not satisfied. However, with a good initialization, a short-baseline Jacobian problem may converge even if the requirements are not satisfied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an alternative conceptual design for a graphene-based quantum engine, driven by a superposition of mechanical strain and an external magnetic field. Engineering of strain in a nanoscale graphene flake creates a gauge field with an associated uniform pseudomagnetic field. The strain-induced pseudomagnetic field can be combined with a real magnetic field, leading to the emergence of discrete relativistic Landau levels within the single-particle picture. The interlevel distance and hence their statistical population can be modulated by quasistatically tuning the magnetic field along a sequence of reversible transformations that constitute a quantum mechanical analog of the classical Otto cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different sets of parameters and conceptualizations of a basin can give equally good results in terms of predefined objective functions. Therefore, a need exists to tackle equifinality and quantify the uncertainty bands of a model. In this paper we use the concepts of equifinality, identifiability and uncertainty to propose a simple method aimed at constraining the equifinal parameters and reducing the uncertainty bands of model outputs, and obtaining physically possible and reasonable models. Additionally, the uncertainty of equifinal solutions is quantified to estimate the amount by which output uncertainty can be reduced by knowing how to discard most of the equifinal solutions of a model. As a study case, a conceptual model of the Chillán basin in Chile is carried out. From the study it is concluded that using identifiability analysis makes it possible to constrain equifinal solutions with reduced uncertainty and realistic models, resulting in a framework that can be recommended to practitioners, especially due to the simplicity of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power of social media in spreading the idea of wellbeing has already been addressed by several psychologists and scholars through the analysis of the vocabulary; however, the use of the human flourishing (HF) concept in such platforms has not yet been analyzed. This study addresses such a topic by analyzing more than 600 thousand Twitter messages posted by a community of users who associate themselves with HF and comparing them to more than 400 thousand messages in other Twitter lists. The study aims to identify the HF users' interests, the richness in their vocabulary, the feelings and emotions that they share, and the grammar used in their constructions. Such an analysis was conducted through text mining computational methods, including sentiment analysis, natural language processing (NLP), and topic modeling. The results revealed that although HF users employ average vocabulary diversity, they share more positive emotions, and a greater variety of emojis. They also tended to discuss different topics, from more spiritual and health-related subjects to more practical matters related to work and success. Finally, they generally wrote from an empathetic state of mind, caring about people's day-to-day feelings and about the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa is one of the main products consumed worldwide that is similar to coffee; a primary difference between coffee and cocoa is that cocoa is produced in developing countries and is consumed mainly in industrialized countries. Mexico was the country that made cocoa known to the world. The objective of the study was to analyze the competitiveness at the macroeconomic level of the Mexican cocoa product in the world during the period 2010–2021. A macroeconomic analysis was carried out using six indices: Balassa index, Vollrath Index, Additive Revealed Competitive Advantage Ratio, Trade Openness Index, Export and Import Index, and Self-Sufficiency Index. The industrialization of cocoa is the denaturation of the product, which is launched onto the market with little or no nutritional content, due to the alteration of the raw material with formulas based on vegetable fats, artificial colors, and flavors. For example, a commercial chocolate bar can have only 25–35% cocoa mass, semisweet chocolate bars can vary from 45 to 99% cocoa, while white chocolate bars only contain cocoa butter, milk, and sugar. These facts result in a decrease in the competitiveness of the product in the international market, in addition to the effects produced on its profitability for the producer—an increase in the cost of raw materials and a drop in real profits. These factors generate dependency on the international market for the production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As hydrological models become more prevalent in water resources planning and management, increasing levels of detail and precision are needed. Currently, reliable models that simulate the hydrological behavior of a basin are indispensable; however, it is also necessary to know the limits of the predictability and reliability of the model outputs. The present study evaluates the influence of uncertainty in the main input variable of the model, rainfall, on the output uncertainty of a hydrological model. Using concepts of identifiability and sensitivity, the uncertainty in the model structure and parameters was estimated. Then, the output uncertainty caused by uncertainties in i) the rainfall amounts and ii) the periods of the rainfall was determined. The main conclusion is that uncertainty in rainfall estimation during rainy periods produces greater output uncertainty. However, in non-rainy periods, the output uncertainty is not very sensitive to the uncertainty in rainfall. Finally, uncertainties in rainfall during the basin filling and emptying periods (Apr. - Jun. and Sep. - Nov., respectively) alter the uncertainty in subsequent periods. Therefore, uncertainties in these periods could result in limited ranges of model predictability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the efficiency of two different schemes for a magnetically driven quantum heat engine, by considering as the "working substance" a single nonrelativistic particle trapped in a cylindrical potential well, in the presence of an external magnetic field. The first scheme is a cycle, composed of two adiabatic and two isoenergetic reversible trajectories in configuration space. The trajectories are driven by a quasistatic modulation of the external magnetic-field intensity. The second scheme is a variant of the former, where the isoenergetic trajectories are replaced by isothermal ones, along which the system is in contact with macroscopic thermostats. This second scheme constitutes a quantum analog of the classical Carnot cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution modelling usually makes inferences correlating species presence and environmental variables but does not take biotic relations into account. Alternative approaches based on a mechanistic understanding of biological processes are now being applied. Regarding lacertid lizards, physiological traits such as preferred body temperature (Tp) are well known to correlate with several physiological optima. Much less is known about their water ecology although body temperature and evaporative water loss (Wl) may trade-off. Two saxicolous lacertids, Algyroides marchi and Podarcis hispanica ss are sympatric in the Subbetic Mountains (SE Spain) were they can be found in syntopy. Previous distribution modelling indicates the first species is associated with mountains, low temperatures; high precipitation and forest cover whereas the second one is more generalistic. Here, we perform two ecophysiological tests with both species: a Tp experiment in thermal gradient and a Wl experiment in sealed chambers. Although both species attained similar body temperatures, A. marchi lost more water and more uniformly in time than P. hispanica ss that displayed an apparent response to dehydration. These results suggest that water loss rather temperature is crucial to explain the distribution patterns of A. marchi in relation to P. hispanica ss, the former risking dehydration in dry areas no matter what temperature is. Ecophysiological traits represent a promising tool to build future mechanistic models for (lacertid) lizards. Additionally, the implications for their biogeography and conservation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the individual level, to be behaviourally lateralized avoids costly duplication of neural circuitry and decreases possible contradictory order from the two brain hemispheres. However, being prey behaviour lateralized at higher hierarchical levels could generate different negative implications, especially if predators are able to make predictions after multiple encounters. These conflicting pressures, namely between the advantages for individuals and the disadvantages for populations could be concealed if higher-level lateralization would arise from the combination of lateralized behaviours of individuals which are mutually dependent. Here, we investigated the lateralization patterns in the escape behaviour of the gecko Tarentola angustimentalis undergoing a predatory attack simulation in a “T” maze experiment. Results showed that gecko populations displayed different degrees of lateralization, with an overall dominance of right-biased individuals. This trend is similar to that observed in the Podarcis wall lizards, which share predators with Tarentola. In addition, different morphological parameters plausible to affect refuge selection were explored in order to link directional asymmetries at morphological level with lateralization during refuge selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance improvement tests of MACACO: a Compton telescope based on continuous crystals and SiPMs. Performance improvement tests of MACACO: A Compton telescope based on continuous crystals and SiPMs. [Extracted from the article]

Performance improvement tests of MACACO: a Compton telescope based on continuous crystals and SiPMs. Performance improvement tests of MACACO: A Compton telescope based on continuous crystals and SiPMs. [Extracted from the article]

Herein, we study electronic and thermoelectric transport in a type I Weyl semimetal nanojunction, with a torsional dislocation defect, in the presence of an external magnetic field parallel to the dislocation axis. The defect is modeled in a cylindrical geometry, as a combination of a gauge field accounting for torsional strain and a delta-potential barrier for the lattice mismatch effect. In the Landauer formalism, we find that due to the combination of strain and magnetic field, the electric current exhibits chiral valley-polarization, and the conductance displays the signature of Landau levels. We also compute the thermal transport coefficients, where a high thermopower and a large figure of merit are predicted for the junction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Amphibians epitomize the modern biodiversity crisis, and attract great attention from the scientific community since a complex puzzle of factors has influence on their disappearance. However, these factors are multiple and spatially variable, and declining in each locality is due to a particular combination of causes. This study shows a suitable statistical procedure to determine threats to amphibian species in medium size administrative areas. For our study case, ten biological and ecological variables feasible to affect the survival of 15 amphibian species were categorized and reduced through Principal Component Analysis. The principal components extracted were related to ecological plasticity, reproductive potential, and specificity of breeding habitats. Finally, the factor scores of species were joined in a presence-absence matrix that gives us information to identify where and why conservation management are requires. In summary, this methodology provides the necessary information to maximize benefits of conservation measures in small areas by identifying which ecological factors need management efforts and where should we focus them on. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The nonlinear conductance of semiconductor heterostructures and single molecule devices exhibiting Kondo physics has recently attracted attention. We address the observed sample dependence of the measured steady state transport coefficients by considering additional electronic contributions in the effective low- energy model underlying these experiments that are absent in particle-hole symmetric setups. A novel version of the superperturbation theory of Hafermann et al. in terms of dual fermions is developed, which correctly captures the low-temperature behavior. We compare our results with the measured transport coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the efficiency of two different schemes for a quantum heat engine, by considering a single Dirac particle trapped in an infinite one-dimensional potential well as the "working substance." The first scheme is a cycle, composed of two adiabatic and two isoenergetic reversible trajectories in configuration space. The trajectories are driven by a quasistatic deformation of the potential well due to an external applied force. The second scheme is a variant of the former, where isoenergetic trajectories are replaced by isothermal ones, along which the system is in contact with macroscopic thermostats. This second scheme constitutes a quantum analog of the classical Carnot cycle. Our expressions, as obtained from the Dirac single-particle spectrum, converge in the nonrelativistic limit to some of the existing results in the literature for the Schrôdinger spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional explanation of brain lateralization is that it avoids costly duplication of neural circuitry with the same function as well as decreasing the interference between different functions. This advantage could have important ecological implications in terms of predator–prey interactions. If species are lateralized in escape behavior at an individual level, any predator is facing individually asymmetric prey. On the other hand, if species are lateralized at a higher hierarchical level, such as at the population or species level, the predator can learn from experience arising from earlier encounters. In the present study, we investigate patterns of lateralization in 5 lizard populations of the Podarcis hispanica species complex, with the aim of analyzing the occurrence of lateralization at different hierarchical levels. Our results show that refuge selection during escape behavior is not universal in the P. hispanica species complex at different hierarchical levels, some individuals and populations are lateralized, with a consistent bias toward the refuge on the right. However, 2 populations showed no refuge preference, with lack of lateralization mainly arising due to the dominance of individuals with no preference rather than from a mix of right- and left-biased individuals. When considered at the P. hispanica species complex level, a pattern for right-refuge preference was found. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article sets out to reconstruct the arguments that are developed by Heidegger on the concept of the person in some passages of § 10 of Being and Time. In those brief passages, Heidegger comments positively on the concept of the person as elucidated by Husserl and Scheler in the framework of the phenomenological movement. Consequently, in the article, I focus on identifying and commenting on the principal arguments of Husserl's Ideas II and Scheler's Ethics and Book of Sympathy, from which it is possible to hold the known thesis that the person is neither object, nor substance. Finally, I explore some of the different shades presented by the authors regarding the concept of the person. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Mexican women with a history of infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with women without PCOS matched by age, pregestational body mass index (BMI), and parity. Design: Historic cohort study. Setting: Level three medical institution. Patient(s): Group 1 (n = 52), women with a history of infertility and PCOS, and group 2 (n = 52), women without PCOS. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy with ≤13 weeks of gestation. Exclusion criteria were pregestational diabetes mellitus and/or concomitant diseases. Intervention(s): Diagnosis of GDM was based on a 3-hour, 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) performed during the second trimester. Main Outcome Measure(s): Incidence and relative risk (RR) for GDM. Result(s): The incidence of GDM was 26.9% and 9.6% for groups 1 and 2, respectively (RR = 2.8; 95% confidence interval 1.08–7.2). No other between-group differences were observed in the incidence of miscarriage, preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, stillbirth, fetal malformations, or small or large for gestational age newborns. Conclusion(s): Pregnant Mexican women with a history of infertility and PCOS are at increased risk for developing GDM. This risk should be considered beginning early in the second trimester for a timely intervention and to improve the maternal–fetal prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muñoz, Enrique, José Luis Arumí, and José Vargas, 2012. A Design Peak Flow Estimation Method for Medium-Large and Data-Scarce Watersheds With Frontal Rainfall. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(3): 439-448. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00622.x Abstract: We developed a reliable peak flow estimation method for the design of hydraulic structures. The method is valid in medium-large watersheds (100-5,000 km2) located in Chile between 32°45′ and 43°50′S, with scarcity of hydro-meteorological information, and where frontal rainfall prevails. The proposed method requires only rainfall data and geomorphologic descriptors as inputs, and relates the instant peak flow with the time of concentration rainfall flux (the contributing watershed area multiplied by the rainfall). The parameters of the model were defined with peak flows obtained from statistical analyses of historical fluviometric records from 25 watersheds. The quality of the proposed method is evaluated by applying it to three external watersheds different from those used to define model parameters, and comparing it with three other indirect methods and with peak flows obtained from statistical analyses, which were also used as the benchmark. The proposed method estimates peak flows with mean differences of less than 10%, which is two times less than other similar indirect methodologies, making it a recommendable option for estimating design peak flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article sets out to reconstruct the arguments that are developed by Heidegger on the concept of the person in some passages of § 10 of Being and Time. In those brief passages, Heidegger comments positively on the concept of the person as elucidated by Husserl and Scheler in the framework of the phenomenological movement. Consequently, in the article, I focus on identifying and commenting on the principal arguments of Husserl's Ideas II and Scheler's Ethics and Book of Sympathy, from which it is possible to hold the known thesis that the person is neither object, nor substance. Finally, I explore some of the different shades presented by the authors regarding the concept of the person. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand of orthodontic treatments in the last years has increased as a result of an improvement in the dental health, a greater offer of professionals and the evolution of the cultural norms on the concept of acceptable occlusion. For that reason the experts in health have concentrated all efforts in the design and validation of objectives methods to registry and measurement of the malocclusion with the purpose of know the real necessity of treatment of the population and the benefits obtained with these treatments. Therefore this investigation will contribute to the objective evaluation of the criteria of early necessity of patients of the region of Puebla, specifically of those who assist to the clinic of orthodontics at the University of Puebla to offer them a suitable and opportune orthodontic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tail tip removal is a common method for obtaining tissue samples for genetics and other studies on lizards. This study evaluates the effect of tail tip autotomy on microhabitat selection in the lacertid Podarcis bocagei. Different-length tail fragments were experimentally removed from lizards of a small population. Forcing lizards to autotomise small tail tips (<1 cm) did not affect microhabitat selection. In contrast, a significant negative effect was observed in those lizards which underwent induced autotomy of the entire tail (> 5 cm). After autotomy these lizards were observed to favour more closed habitats, where predator avoidance is expected to be more efficient, although of potentially lower thermal quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]