Search

In this work, an analytical solution for the hydrodynamic forces that transport silver ions between microelectrodes of axially variable shape is presented. Four different microelectrode shapes were employed to explore the use of passive methods for silver dendritic growth. The results indicate that a fractal microelectrode shape promotes better silver dendritic formation due to lightning rod effect, while in all configurations, a condition of no-contact between dendrites is reached due to an induced pressure field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitomapta aumakua sp. nov. occurs at a depth of 2.5 m in Kualoa, O'ahu, Hawai'i, living in coarse sand. It is distinctive in having 12 pinnate tentacles, each tentacle with three pairs of digits and 6-8 sensory cups. The body wall bears papillae or oval bumps, and the length of body reaches a maximum length of 18.4 mm after relaxation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deep learning auto‐segmentation (DLAS) models have been adopted in the clinic; however, they suffer from performance deterioration owing to the clinical practice variability. Some commercial DLAS software provide an incremental retraining function that enables users to train a custom model using their institutional data to account for clinical practice variability. Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate and implement the commercial DLAS software with the incremental retraining function for definitive treatment of patients with prostate cancer in a multi‐user environment. Methods: CT‐based target organs and organs‐at‐risk (OAR) delineation of 215 prostate cancer patients were utilized. The performance of three commercial DLAS software built‐in models was validated with 20 patients. A retrained custom model was developed using 100 patients and evaluated on the remaining data (n = 115). Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), mean surface distance (MSD), and surface DSC (SDSC) were utilized for quantitative evaluation. A multi‐rater qualitative evaluation was blindly performed with a five‐level scale. Visual inspection was performed in consensus and non‐consensus unacceptable cases to identify the failure modes. Results: Three commercial DLAS vendor built‐in models achieved sub‐optimal performance in 20 patients. The retrained custom model had a mean DSC of 0.82 for prostate, 0.48 for seminal vesicles (SV), and 0.92 for rectum, respectively. This represents a significant improvement over the built‐in model with DSC of 0.73, 0.37, and 0.81 for the corresponding structures. Compared to the acceptance rate of 96.5% and consensus unacceptable rate (i.e., both reviewers rated as unacceptable) of 3.5% achieved by manual contours, the custom model achieved a 91.3% acceptance rate and 8.7% consensus unacceptable rate. The failure modes of retrained custom model were attributed to the following: cystogram (n = 2), hip prosthesis (n = 2), low dose rate brachytherapy seeds (n = 2), air in endorectal balloon(n = 1), non‐iodinated spacer (n = 2), and giant bladder(n = 1). Conclusion: The commercial DLAS software with the incremental retraining function was validated and clinically adopted for prostate patients in a multi‐user environment. AI‐based auto‐delineation of the prostate and OARs is shown to achieve improved physician acceptance, overall clinical utility, and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genitourinary microbiome plays a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of urinary and reproductive health in women throughout their lives. Particularly during the reproductive stage, resident microorganisms contribute to implantation and protect against perinatal complications, including preterm birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight, while also serving as the first line of defense against pathogens that can cause infections, such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis. This review aimed to elucidate the relationship between a healthy microbiome environment and women's overall health. We examine the variability and dynamics of the microbiome during different developmental stages, ranging from the prepubertal to the postmenopausal stage. Furthermore, we explore the significance of a healthy microbiota in successful implantation and pregnancy development and investigate potential differences between women experiencing infertility. In addition, we analyze the local and systemic inflammatory responses associated with the establishment of a dysbiotic state and compare it to a condition where a healthy microbiome was established. Lastly, we present the most recent evidence regarding preventive measures, such as dietary interventions and the use of probiotics to promote and maintain a healthy microbiome, thereby ensuring comprehensive women's health. By highlighting the importance of the genitourinary microbiome in reproductive health, this review aimed to enhance this microbiome's visibility and significance in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pt-based catalysts, because of their outstanding activity for hydrocarbon oxidation, are widely used in the engine-exhaust aftertreatment system to remove hydrocarbon emissions. However, the CO and NOx present in real engine exhausts compete with hydrocarbons for active Pt sites, and thus inhibit hydrocarbon oxidation. In this work, we evaluated the inhibition effects of CO and NO on isooctane oxidation over a Pt/CeO2 catalyst under the simulated condition of the US DRIVE test protocol (S-GDI, stoichiometric gasoline direct injection). We also leveraged a low-cost single-atom Cu1/CeO2 catalyst, which is highly active for low-temperature CO oxidation, to eliminate the inhibition effect of CO. Specifically, by physically mixing Cu1/CeO2 and Pt/CeO2, all the CO is completely converted below 200 °C under simulated exhaust condition, which helps lower the isooctane oxidation temperature. However, the unconverted NO still strongly suppresses HC oxidation. Possible strategies to address the NO inhibitor were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a single atom Rh1/CeO2 catalyst prepared by the high temperature (800 °C) atom trapping (AT) method which is stable under both oxidative and reductive conditions. Infrared spectroscopic and electron microscopy characterization revealed the presence of exclusively ionic Rh species. These ionic Rh species are stable even under reducing conditions (CO at 300 °C) due to the strong interaction between Rh and CeO2 achieved by the AT method, leading to high and reproducible CO oxidation activity regardless of whether the catalyst is reduced or oxidized. In contrast, ionic Rh species in catalysts synthesized by a conventional impregnation approach (e. g., calcined at 350 °C) can be readily reduced to form Rh nanoclusters/nanoparticles, which are easily oxidized under oxidative conditions, leading to loss of catalytic performance. The single atom Rh1/CeO2 catalysts synthesized by the AT method do not exhibit changes during redox cycling hence are promising catalysts for emission control where redox cycling is encountered, and severe oxidation (fuel cut) leads to loss of performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authors have calculated the H/V spectral ratios using seismic-noise recordings in the uppermost layers north of the Seymour-Marambio Island, Antarctic. Sixty-seven seismic site-response measurements near and far from the Argentinean Marambio Base runway suggest geotechnical works on the uppermost sedimentary layers due to maintenance, landing, and taxi of large loads and aircraft during decades could contribute to changes in their seismic dynamic response. Two horizontal images of Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratios at 1.0 m and 35.0 m depth show lateral variations in the permafrost properties. Authors interpret that permafrost is emplaced in rocks with different porosities and contrasting fluids saturation at those depths. In shallow strata, the saturation of gases affects mainly the elastic properties. In deeper strata, where the location of water reservoirs is detected, the primary mechanism of seismic dissipation is anelastic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This reflection article presents the biographical analysis that has a philosophical approach proposed by Romano Màdera in the early 2000s. Since Màdera moves between the limits of the heritage of deep (analytical) psychology and the attempt to renew the philosophical practices of the first philosophers (spiritual exercises), it seems convinient to begin from the "mythobiography" of its founder. This Maderian approach combines psychology and philosophy, to develop an individual conscience that helps to cope with existential discomforts. How? Trying to answer the big questions about the meaning of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 20 years many mining projects around the world have applied a tailings deposition technology named "dry stacking of filtered tailings" at tailings storage facilities (TSFs). This technique produces an unsaturated cake that allows storing this material without the need to manage large slurry tailings ponds. The application of this technology has accomplished: (i) an increase in tailings water recovery, (ii) a reduction of the TSF footprint (impacted areas), and (iii) a decrease in the risk of physical instability, being TSFs self-supporting structures under compaction (such as dry stacks), and (iv) a better regulator and community perception satisfying the need of stable TSFs. This paper presents the main features, benefits, and advances in filtered tailings technology applied in Chile and Peru with emphasis on: (i) filtering technology evolution over the last decade: description of main equipment, advantages, and disadvantages, (ii) design considerations for main TSF geometrical configurations, tailings transport and placement systems, TSF water management, TSF operational and emergency plans, and TSF progressive closure, (iii) operation experiences at site-specific conditions, (iv) technology acceptance in regulatory frameworks, (v) lessons learned and advances, and (vi) new trends and future developments, considering technical, environmental, regulatory frameworks and cost-effective manners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2018, the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, the FAO, and the European Union have been supporting the implementation of eight pilots involving community natural forest management. To this effect, a characterization of the wood value chain of each forest area was performed along with the compilation of their wood harvesting costs, in order to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement, as well as to move towards the formalization of initiatives and their sustainability. This article analyzes the costs and the harvesting and market conditions in four forest areas, and it identifies the main barriers that influence the model's sustainability. The results indicate that said barriers are specific to each area and, although there are common factors among areas, they should not be generalized for a national model. These findings suggest the need for specific actions in each cluster, which are presented as recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant fraction of baryons in galaxies are in the form of diffuse gas of the circumgalactic medium (CGM). One critical component of the multiphases of CGM, the so-called "coronal" warm-hot phase gas (105–106 K) traced by O vi 1031.93, 1037.62 Å resonance lines, has rarely been detected in emission from galaxy halos other than that of the Milky Way. Here we report four additional detections of O vi emission gas in the halos of nearby edge-on galaxies, NGC 4631 and NGC 891, using archival Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer data and an updated data pipeline. We find the most intense O vi emission to be from fields forming a vertical line near the center of NGC 4631, despite the close proximity to the disk of two other fields. The detected O vi emission surface brightness is about (1.1 ± 0.3) × 10−18 to (3.9 ± 0.8) × 10−18 erg s−1 cm−2 arcsec−2. The spatial distribution of the five 30″ × 30″ O vi detection fields in NGC 4631 can be interpreted as the existence of filamentary structures of more intense O vi emission superimposed within a diffuse and faint O vi halo in star-forming galaxies. Volume-filled O vi emission mapping is greatly needed to determine the structure and prevalence of warm-hot gas and the role it plays in the cycling of gas between the galaxy disk and the halo. Finally, we present the sensitivity of future funded and proposed UV missions (LUVOIR-A, LUVOIR-B, CETUS, and Aspera) to the detection of diffuse and faint O vi emission in nearby galaxy halos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We proposed a novel tool-a dose linear energy transfer (LET)-volume histogram (DLVH)-and performed an exploratory study to investigate rectal bleeding in prostate cancer treated with intensity modulated proton therapy.Methods and Materials: The DLVH was constructed with dose and LET as 2 axes, and the normalized volume of the structure was contoured in the dose-LET plane as isovolume lines. We defined the DLVH index, DLv%(d,l) (ie, v% of the structure) to have a dose of ≥d Gy and an LET of ≥l keV/μm, similar to the dose-volume histogram index Dv%. Nine patients with prostate cancer with rectal bleeding (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥2) were included as the adverse event group, and 48 patients with no complications were considered the control group. A P value map was constructed by comparison of the DLVH indices of all patients between the 2 groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Dose-LET volume constraints (DLVCs) were derived based on the P value map with a manual selection procedure facilitated by Spearman's correlation tests. The obtained DLVCs were further cross-validated using a multivariate support vector machine (SVM)-based normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model with an independent testing data set composed of 8 adverse event and 13 control patients.Results: We extracted 2 DLVC constraints. One DLVC was obtained, Vdose/LETboundary:2.5keVμmat 75 Gy to 3.2keVμmat8.65Gy <1.27% (DLVC1), revealing a high LET volume effect. The second DLVC, V(72.2Gy,0keVμm) < 2.23% (DVLC2), revealed a high dose volume effect. The SVM-based NTCP model with 2 DLVCs provided slightly superior performance than using dose only, with an area under the curve of 0.798 versus 0.779 for the testing data set.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated the importance of rectal "hot spots" in both high LET (DLVC1) and high dose (DLVC2) in inducing rectal bleeding. The SVM-based NTCP model confirmed the derived DLVCs as good predictors for rectal bleeding when intensity modulated proton therapy is used to treat prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of medicine in current times has gone hand in hand with technology where more and more solutions are implemented; those supporting certain medical procedures to serve as base in the field of medical professionals. The process of analyzing data has become an essential resource in the practice of any profession; currently, in hospitals, more specifically in the university hospital La Samaritana. No tool allows the supporting of diagnosis to determine the supply or no, proton pump inhibitors, therefore we have developed an app using a machine learning model, based on decision trees through the weka application, which, after analyzing the data collected, allows the doctor to count with a tool to support this procedure. We hope that with this, doctors can perform an effective analysis before prescribing or not prescribing PPIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in Mid Ocean Ridge seismicity with age provide a new tool to understand the thermal evolution of the oceanic lithosphere. The sum of seismic energy released by earthquakes during a time, and for an area, is proportional to its lithospheric age. Asthenospheric temperatures emerge on ridge centers with new crust resulting in high seismic activity; thus, the energy released sum is highest on the young lithosphere and decreases with age. We propose a general model that relates the systematic variation of seismic energy released with the lithospheric age. Our analysis evaluates the main physical factors involved in the changes of energy released sum with the oceanic lithosphere age in MOR systems of different spreading rates. These observations are substantiated based on three cross-sections of the East Pacific Rise, six sections in the Mid Atlantic Ridge, and three profiles in the Central Indian Ridge. Our global model provides an additional tool for understanding tectonic processes, including the effects of seismicity and mid-plate volcanism, and a better understanding of the thermal evolution for the young oceanic lithosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show for the first time that atomically dispersed Rh cations on ceria, prepared by a high‐temperature atom‐trapping synthesis, are the active species for the (CO+NO) reaction. This provides a direct link with the organometallic homogeneous RhI complexes capable of catalyzing the dry (CO+NO) reaction. The thermally stable Rh cations in 0.1 wt % Rh1/CeO2 achieve full NO conversion with a turn‐over‐frequency (TOF) of around 330 h−1 per Rh atom at 120 °C. Under dry conditions, the main product above 100 °C is N2 with N2O being the minor product. The presence of water promotes low‐temperature activity of 0.1 wt % Rh1/CeO2. In the wet stream, ammonia and nitrogen are the main products above 120 °C. The uniformity of Rh ions on the support, allows us to detect the intermediates of (CO+NO) reaction via IR measurements on Rh cations on zeolite and ceria. We also show that NH3 formation correlates with the water gas shift (WGS) activity of the material and detect the formation of Rh hydride species spectroscopically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show for the first time that atomically dispersed Rh cations on ceria, prepared by a high‐temperature atom‐trapping synthesis, are the active species for the (CO+NO) reaction. This provides a direct link with the organometallic homogeneous RhI complexes capable of catalyzing the dry (CO+NO) reaction. The thermally stable Rh cations in 0.1 wt % Rh1/CeO2 achieve full NO conversion with a turn‐over‐frequency (TOF) of around 330 h−1 per Rh atom at 120 °C. Under dry conditions, the main product above 100 °C is N2 with N2O being the minor product. The presence of water promotes low‐temperature activity of 0.1 wt % Rh1/CeO2. In the wet stream, ammonia and nitrogen are the main products above 120 °C. The uniformity of Rh ions on the support, allows us to detect the intermediates of (CO+NO) reaction via IR measurements on Rh cations on zeolite and ceria. We also show that NH3 formation correlates with the water gas shift (WGS) activity of the material and detect the formation of Rh hydride species spectroscopically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new permanent geophysical station was installed in the Seymour-Marambio Island, Antarctica, for monitoring electromagnetic, CO2, and CH4 gas signals. Those signals require specialized low noise instruments and the survey shall be carried out in places far away from cultural noise, such as populated human settlements. The most suitable place would be near the Earth's poles, where noise is the lowest possible. To measure these variables, the Geophysical Instrumentation Laboratory (Laboratorio de Instrumentación Geofísica - LIG) of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, in a partnership with the Instituto Antártico Argentino (IAA) under the Argentinean National Antarctic Direction (Dirección Nacional del Antártico - DNA), deployed the COCOAonMEAT project, oriented to design, built and install a low-cost station with time synchronization via GPS and data transmission in almost real-time. Since January 2020, the project monitors continuously (24/7) seven variables: three magnetic components, two electric dipoles, methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. Due to operative facilities and its low electromagnetic noise, the place chosen for its installation was the Argentinean Marambio Scientific Base in the Antarctic Peninsula, with the Multidisciplinary Antarctic Laboratory's collaboration (Laboratorio Multidisciplinario Antártico en la Base Marambio - LAMBI). This station provides valuable information on electromagnetic signals and greenhouse gases related to regional tectonic activity and local perturbations associated with global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Eucidaris thouarsii is a cidaroid sea urchin found from the Gulf of California to Ecuador. Its taxonomy is based on general descriptions of test shape, primary and secondary spines, the Aristotle's lantern, apical system, and peristome. Objective: To redescribe E. thouarsii with detailed descriptions, adding new taxonomic characters. Methods: We examined and reidentified 792 specimens, measuring and analyzing in detail structures of taxonomic value. Results: The horizontal diameter of the test ranges from 2.8 to 48.45 mm; the peristome corresponds to 40-60 % of that diameter, proportionally bigger than the apical system; the interambulacral areas are four times larger than the ambulacral areas. The variation of the pedicellariae is shown with scanning electron microscopy. The specimens of the Mexican oceanic islands are markedly different when compared to those of the mainland. Conclusions: Eucidaris thouarsii has five well differentiated secondary spines, and also specific regionalization; the apical system varies according to the size of the Horizontal Diameter of the Test; the globiferous pedicellariae have intraspecific differences; and the tridentate pedicellariae are specifically regionalized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Clypeaster europacificus is a species of sand dollar found from 0 to 200 m in the Gulf of California. Objective: Describe the morphology and relative growth in the test of C. europacificus. Methods: We measured 1 846 museum specimens of C. europacificus (N = 1 846) and analyzed growth pattern in 32 specimens from Baja California Sur, Mexico (64 m depth). We studied five variables: major radius (R) (independent variable), minor radius (r), length of anterior petal (LP), total test area (A) and dry weight (P). Results: The petaloid cover area and the outline of the test are the important taxonomic characters for C. europacificus: they range from almost round in small specimens (≤ 3 cm in radius) to wavy, emphasizing a pentagonal outline, in larger organisms (≥ 3.1 cm in radius). Conclusions: There is negative allometric growth in the relationships R vs. r, R vs. A, and R vs. P; while the relationship R vs. LP has positive allometric growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the field of philosophy as a lifestyle, and of social subjectivity and interpretation as an investigative task, I first analyze autobiographical accounts in relation to social action and its meanings, that is, social subjectivity. Then, I present a reflection on the reconstruction of personal experience during the story (and the role memory plays in this process), which culminates in the incorporation of myth, as a way of configuring the narrative from a highly plastic collective knowledge. I finish by presenting the methodological utility of the life story in a praxeological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The goal of this study was to assess the impact of trastuzumab on locoregional failure. METHODS: The analysis included 2763 patients with HER2‐positive (HER2+) breast cancer who were randomly assigned to adjuvant doxorubicin (A), cyclophosphamide (C), paclitaxel (T) and trastuzumab (H) (arm A, AC→T [n = 922]; arm B, AC→T→H [n = 988]; arm C, AC→T+H→H [n = 853]). Radiotherapy was given after AC→T concurrently with H. Radiotherapy was given after lumpectomy (L) or after mastectomy (M) with ≥4 positive lymph nodes but was optional for 1 to 3 positive lymph nodes. Locoregional failures at 10 years (LFR10) as first events were compared using competing risk analysis. Results: The median follow‐up was 13.0 years. The first site of failure was local‐only in 96 cases, locoregional in 16 cases, regional in 32 cases, and not specified in 2 cases; LFR10 was 4.8% (95% CI 4.1%‐5.7%). LFR10 was 5.5% (95% CI 4.3%‐7.2%), 4.9% (95% CI 3.7%‐6.4%), and 2.8% (95% CI 1.9%‐4.1%) in arms A, B, and C (B vs A: hazard ratio [HR] 0.91, P =.62; C vs A: HR 0.72, P =.12). For estrogen receptor–positive patients, LFR10 was 3.7% (95% CI 2.8%‐4.8%) and for estrogen receptor–negative patients, it was 6.1% (95% CI 5.0%‐7.4%; HR 0.61, P =.004). Local treatment included L+RT (n = 1044 [38%]), M+RT (n = 1025 [37%]), and M (n = 694 [25%]). LFR10 was 6.% (95% CI 5.0%‐7.8%), 3.0% (95% CI 2.1%‐4.3%), and 5.5% (95% CI 4.0%‐7.4%) for L+RT, M+RT, and M, respectively (M+RT vs L+RT: HR 0.43, P <.001; M vs L+RT: HR 0.88, P =.57). For 1 to 3 positive lymph nodes, LFR10 was 6.5% (95% CI 4.8%‐8.9%), 4.1% (95% CI 2.4%‐7.0%), and 4.3% (95% CI 2.9%‐6.5%) in L+RT, M+RT, and M, respectively (M vs L+RT: HR 0.68, P =.14; M vs M+RT: HR 1.2, P =.6). Conclusion: Low 10‐year LFRs were seen regardless of trastuzumab use. Differences in local therapy in patients with 1 to 3 positive lymph nodes did not appear to improve local control. Local therapy studies for HER2+ and other tumor characteristics are important as the role of local therapies continues to evolve. North Central Cancer Treatment Group N9831 does not show a difference in 10‐year locoregional failure with or without trastuzumab or in patients who have 1 to 3 positive lymph nodes regardless of local treatment. The role of local therapy should be investigated further in this patient population, as trastuzumab has a minimal effect on locoregional failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2013 to date more than 1000 seismic events have been recorded by the Servicio Geologico Colombiano (Colombian Geological Survey, SGC) in the municipality of Puerto Gaitán (Colombia). A total of 14 earthquakes are moment magnitude M w > 4.0. The largest event ever recorded in the area occurred in November 2015 with M w 4.8. It seems like the case of Puerto Gaitán is associated with the deep injection of coproduced wastewater from oil and gas extraction. The data presented in this work suggests a close relationship in space and time between injection operations and seismicity. An analysis of temporality between both data sets resulted in a time lag equivalent to about 218 d. For this paper, we computed the input and output energy during injection operations from 2013 to 2015 in order to estimate the fraction of total input energy that is radiated as seismic waves. Our results suggest that the seismic energy is only a small fraction of the total energy into the system. Although Puerto Gaitan is one of the places with the most significant volume of wastewater injected among the ones reported in the literature, the energy efficiency of the system is the lowest reported to date in comparison with other applied technologies. The low efficiency seems to be associated to the aseismic deformation of the reservoir rocks. The observed clustering of earthquakes is delimited by the basement crystalline depth. From an operational point of view, we determine that, like most cases associated with fluid injection, volume of fluid is the variable that determines change in the seismic moment released. Furthermore, the sequence of events in Puerto Gaitán may not fit into a well-known correlation between the volume of fluid injected and the maximum expected magnitude. The observed magnitudes in Puerto Gaitan are well bellow compared to those reported in the literature for similar volumes of injected fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have estimated empirical relationships that associate the age of the Pacific oceanic lithosphere with the seismic energy released on both flanks of the East Pacific Rise. The equations found were tested by comparing other empirical equations based on lithospheric age, heat flow, and bathymetric depth published by other authors. The results of this study are consistent for seafloor ages ranging between 1 and 4 Ma throughout three perpendicular cross-sections. These cross-sections are located between the diverging plate boundary of the northern Pacific Ocean up to the subduction zone of western Mexico. Our results allow us to infer the depth of the 1200 °C isotherm underneath the analyzed plates, from the mid-oceanic ridges up to the subduction zones. The distribution of seismic energy released within the limits of the Rivera and Pacific plates shows a gradual decrease from the ridge axis to the oceanic trench. However, an increase of seismic activity is recorded near the Mesoamerican Trench, where the Rivera Plate subducts under the North American Plate at an angle of ~ 46°. This anomaly is a consequence of the convergence, thrust and deepening of the oceanic plate. Due to the homogeneity of this plate, it is possible to infer the projection of isochrones in the subduction zone. Although the thickening of the thermal boundary layer may be estimated from the square root function of the seismic energy, this brittle–ductile transition in the subduction zone deepens exponentially with relation to the computed energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Gestational weight gain (GWG) constitutes an essential aspect of the gestational process. Due to factors such as pregestational body mass index (BMI), nutritional intake, level of physical activity, and psychological aspects, the recommended GWG may not be achieved, leading to adverse neonatal outcomes. Adolescents, due to their physiological and mental developmental stage, are at a higher risk of inappropriate GWG. Our aim is to highlight the importance of GWG in our population and to determine the correlation with perinatal outcomes. Methods. Pregnant adolescents who attended a tertiary care institution for prenatal care were included; maternal data such as preBMI and GWG were used to determine maternal and neonatal outcomes using the chi-square test and OR determination. Results. A total of 202 adolescent pregnant patients were included, comprising those with inadequate GWG (n = 70), adequate GWG (n = 85), and excessive GWG (n = 47). A statistically significant association was found between low BMI and inadequate GWG. Patients with inadequate GWG demonstrated a correlation with IUGR and low birth weight, while patients with excessive GWG gave birth to macrosomic neonates. Conclusion. We concluded that previous habits play a significant role in determining weight gain throughout pregnancy. GWG has a direct impact on neonatal growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biobutanol is a biofuel with potential to substitute gasoline. It can be generated through fermentation of lignocellulosic material, by which acetone, butanol, and ethanol (ABE) are obtained and subsequently separated. Nevertheless, the blend ethanol/butanol itself is a fuel, so its separation could be not even necessary. An alternative is proposed to simplify the purification step of the ABE mixture, avoiding the separation of the ethanol/butanol blend. Intensification alternatives are suggested for the resulting structure. The proposed schemes are optimized through a stochastic approach, minimizing the total annual cost and the eco‐indicator 99. The individual risk index is computed for selected designs. The suggested designs reduce the individual risk index by around 30–66 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Constructed wetlands (CWs) performance enhancement can be done with intensification strategies. A recent strategy still in study is the coupling with Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (MET). An alternative system using electro-conductive biofilters instead of electrodes and circuits used in MET, resulted in the development of a Microbial Electrochemical-based CW (METland). This system relies on electroactive bacteria (EAB) metabolism to transfer electrons to an electro-conductive material, thus boosting substrate consumption, and diminishing electron availability for biomass build-up and methane generation. In previous studies this biofilters have shown an improvement in biodegradation rates in comparison with subsurface flow CW. However, this set-up is still in development, hence there are uncertainties regarding the dynamics involve in the removal of pollutants. Considering that, this work aimed at establishing the capacity and removal kinetics of organic matter and nutrients in an Electroactive Biofilm-Based CW (EABB-CW). Two electro-conductive materials were tested (PK-A and PK-LSN) in planted and non-planted mesocosms and compared with sand. The systems were operated in a continuous upflow mode for 32 weeks and fed with real wastewater. The electro-conductive systems reached removal efficiencies up to 88% for BOD 5 , 90% for COD, 46% for NH 4 -N, and 86% for PO 4 -P. Organic matter removal in electro-conductive systems was possible even at loading rates 10-fold higher than recommended for horizontal flow CWs. First-order area-based removal constants (k), calculated for organic matter and nutrients are higher than values typically reported for saturated CW and in certain cases comparable with vertical flow CW. The organic removal was correlated with electron current densities measures, as indicator of the presence of EAB. The tested EABB-CW profiles as a promising CW type for the removal of organic matter and PO 4 -P with margin for modifications to improve nitrogen removal. Future studies with pilot/real scale systems are proposed to validate the findings of this study. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • EABB-CWs show organic matter removal rates comparable with conventional wetlands • High organic matter removal even at inlet loading rates 10× higher than HFCW • COD removal rates could be related to electron flux in electro-conductive systems • Removal rate constants (K) of EABB-CWs are higher than reported for HF and VFCWs • Electro-conductive materials with iron traces ease PO 4 -P removal [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitomapta simentalae sp. n. occurs in depths of 4-10 m off the Mexican Central Pacific coast. It is distinctive in having twelve tentacles, each tentacle with two or three pairs of digits and four to six sensory cups, lacking papillae or oval bumps and in reaching a maximum length of 50 mm in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the past few years, carrier-induced degradation (CID) in p- type multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) has been receiving significant attention. Recently, it has been reported that this material is also susceptible to degradation under dark anneal at moderate temperatures. In the first part of this study, we investigate the impact of the dark anneal temperature on mc-Si wafers. We identify both degradation and regeneration of the effective lifetime, where higher temperatures lead to faster rates and lower degradation extent. A fitting model is developed to describe the kinetics of these processes, where the degradation and regeneration process are assumed to happen simultaneously. An Arrhenius analysis of the degradation and regeneration rates, extracted from the proposed model, determines activation energies of 1.08 ± 0.05 eV for the degradation process and 1.11 ± 0.04 eV for the regeneration one. An improvement of the minority carrier effective lifetime of up to 40% is observed after a long dark anneal process. This improvement is associated with enhancement of both the bulk and surface passivation. Temperature- and injection-dependent lifetime spectroscopy measurements indicate that the recombination parameters of the associated defect causing the degradation in the dark are similar to those determined for the CID-related defect; therefore, it seems both defects have a similar nature. In the second part of the study, the effect of the illumination intensity at room temperature on the degradation/regeneration is studied. Surprisingly, an improvement in the effective lifetime is found, followed by a very slow degradation. The proposed model is found to be suitable to fit these measurements. The extracted rates suggest that the observed behavior is due to a regeneration that is much faster than the degradation. The reported findings provide new insights into CID in p -type mc-Si that will help improve understanding and assist in developing mitigation solutions. Highlights • The temperature dependence of the degradation of p- type mc-Si anneal in the dark. • A new model to describe the degradation and regeneration of mc-Si due to CID. • The activation energies of the degradation and regeneration processes are extracted. • TIDLS was used to identify the SRH parameters of the dark anneal related defect. • The effect of illumination at room temperature on mc-Si wafers is studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Tree mortality and liana infestation can be mapped using advanced artificial intelligence techniques. • Deep learning classifiers outperform SVM techniques on final classification accuracies. • Drone base technologies and AI techniques open new doors for remote sensing studies. Abstract Global environmental change leads to the variation in the relative coverage of dead trees, liana-infested and non-liana-infested trees in many tropical forests. Increase in the coverage of lianas had adverse effects on forested ecosystems such as decreasing tree growth rates and increasing tree mortality. This paper proposes a classification framework that integrates unmanned aerial vehicle systems (UAVs)-derived multi-spectral images and a Deep self-encoding network (DSEN) with the goal of monitoring and quantifying the relative coverage of dead trees, liana-infested, and non-liana-infested trees at high spatial scales. Today's UAVs-derived multi-spectral images provide the much necessary high resolution/quality data to monitor ecosystem-level processes at low cost and on demand. On the other hand, DSEN, a state-of-the-art classification approach that uses multiple layers to exploit abstract, invariant features from input data, has been proved to have the ability to acquire excellent results. This new classification framework, implemented at a tropical Dry Forest site in Costa Rica, provided accurate estimations of the relative coverage of dead trees, liana-infested trees, non-liana-infested trees, and non-forests. The approach opens the door to start exploring linkages between a booming UAVS industry and machine learning/Deep learning classifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the production and structural and magnetic characterization of the Bi1-xYxFeO3 System x = 0 and 0.07. The samples were obtained by solid state reaction method and characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy scanning (SEM) and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The analysis by Rietveld refinement, allowed to determine that system Bi1-xYxFeO3 crystallizes in the Group R3c (161) rhombohedral. The obtained results allowed to conclude that the replacement of Bi by ions of and influence the appearance of Bi2Fe4O9 impurities, without affecting the structural response of the samples with the increase of doping yttrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate esters and analogs thereof are well known in chemistry and biology by their formidable stability. We used a porous silica material (PSiM) functionalized with amino groups (8.4%) and lanthanum ions (1.5%) to catalyze the cleavage of bis (2,4-dinitrophenyl)phosphate (BDNPP). The functionalized PSiM attracted the substrate from solution and accelerated its hydrolysis by 38-fold in relation to the uncatalyzed reaction at pH 8.14. After an induction period associated to hydration of the catalyst during the first use, the catalytic activity increased in the first reuse to about 600-fold. Supramolecular effects were proposed to drive the catalytic process. Kinetic studies in different pH's showed that the lanthanum ion and amino groups acted mutually in the BDNPP hydrolysis and a reaction mechanism that took this into account was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Colombian volcano Galeras is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and it has an andesitic composition and high explosive potential. We consider the period of 1989–2015, in which the volcano manifested frequent eruptions and high seismic activity. To study the temporal variations in the seismic structure beneath Galeras, we implemented an algorithm of repeated tomography using selected data sets with similar geometries. We obtained the variations in the seismic velocity structures beneath Galeras during the three time episodes of 1989–2000, 2001–2007, and 2008–2015. In the second episode, we observe a columnar anomaly with a high Vp/Vs ratio that possibly represents a conduit transporting a new portion of magma material from below. This result may indicate that in this period, which culminated with dome emplacement and collapse, the volcano was directly fed from deeper magma sources. In other episodes, the conduit is less visible in the tomography models, and we propose that the volcanic activity was merely controlled by shallow magma reservoirs at 2–4 km below the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little research that examines the patterns of trade countries around the world exhibit, and even more so for developing countries. Where is it possible for companies to export? Why do firms prefer a sales destination to another? What firms sell more once they export and how many of them trade in foreign markets? Those questions have implications for public policy, both in the increase in foreign sales and in the diversification of exports in foreign markets. Methodology: Using a partial equilibrium model of heterogeneous firms inspired by Melitz (2003), different hypotheses are derived to answer the questions. The evaluation is carried out using a panel built with information on trade flows and production data of a sample of manufacturing firms located in Mexico from 2004 to 2010. Results: It is more likely that exporters will sell to large markets, although this possibility is restricted by the transportation costs to reach those destinations. Firms with higher productivity and size are more likely to export to more countries. The selection of the export destination at the firm level is influenced by the firm's size and productivity, as well as by demand in destination country and export experience in a particular market. A growth of 10% in productivity would increase by 4.2% the possibility of firms choosing the Latin American market instead of the North American. With this increase, it is possible that it increased the probability of exporting to Europe or Asia by 2.5 or 2.4%, in relation to selecting the North American market. On the other hand, a 10% increase in global demand would cause a decrease between 2.8 and 12.2% in the probability of selecting other sales destinations regarding the North American market. Conclusions: Increases in productivity and the size of export firms would presuppose an increase in their level of sales abroad. In terms of diversification of foreign sales, substituting trade with the North American market is complicated; however, the most reasonable destinations would be Europe and Asia. The strategy to expand exports to other countries in small and medium firms should focus on increasing both their productivity and size, and improving their access to these areas. For larger firms, improving access would not only be an indispensable strategy, but one that could very possibly give results in a shorter time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using recordings of earthquakes on Oceanic Bottom Seismographs and onshore stations on the coastal margins of Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, we estimate attenuation parameters in the upper lithosphere of the Panama Basin. The tomographic images of the derived coda-Q values are correlated with estimates of Curie Point Depth and measured and theoretical heat flow. Our study reveals three tectonic domains where magmatic/hydrothermal activity or lateral variations of the lithologic composition in the upper lithosphere can account for the modeled thermal structure and the anelasticity. We find that the Costa Rica Ridge and the Panama Fracture Zone are significant tectonic features probably related to thermal anomalies detected in the study area. We interpret a large and deep intrinsic attenuation anomaly as related to the heat source at the Costa Rica Ridge and show how interactions with regional fault systems cause contrasting attenuation anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal strip of the Mexican Pacific and Gulf of California includes 11 states, and considering Isla Guadalupe and the Revillagigedo archipelago, Mexico has 2 364 200 km2 of marine extension in the Pacific Ocean. Studies of deep benthic macroinvertebrates for this area began with the Albatross, which traveled from the Guadalupe Islands to Guaymas in 1891. To date, 26 species of echinoids have been reported, with a bathymetric range that exceeds 200 m. In the present work, the previous bibliographic records for echinoids that were collected within the limits of the Mexican Pacific were corroborated. The taxonomic identity of the 26 species reported was also corroborated by 11 689 specimens deposited in four scientific collections: two Mexican collections (3 322 specimens in the National Collection of Echinoderms "Dra. M. E. Caso" of the ICML, UNAM and 6 673 specimens deposited in the Invertebrate Reference Collection of the Mazatlán Station - ICML, UNAM) and two international collections (1 420 specimens deposited at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, and 140 specimens deposited at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University). No collection records were found at depths greater than 200 m for the species Lytechinus pictus (Verrill, 1867), Clypeaster europacificus H.L. Clark, 1914, Dendraster excentricus (Eschscholtz, 1831), Lovenia cordiformis A. Agassiz, 1872 and Brissus obesus Verrill, 1867. No records were found for Kamptosoma asterias (A. Agassiz, 1881), Araeolampas fulva (A. Agassiz, 1879) and Nacospatangus depressus H.L. Clark, 1917, which belonged to specimens collected within the limits of the Mexican Pacific. Within the material examined in the scientific collections specimen records were found only for 18 of the 26 species of sea urchins that were collected at a depths greater than 200 m in the Mexican Pacific. No bibliographic record or specimens were found to validate geographic or bathymetric distribution for eight species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of 2,6-bis-(1-hydroxy-1,1-diphenyl-methyl) pyridine (BDPHP) in the preparation of NiMoP/γ-Al2O3 catalysts have been investigated in the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of straight-run gas oil. The γ-Al2O3 support was modified by surface impregnation of a solution of BDPHP to afford BDPHP/Ni molar ratios (0.5 and 1.0) in the final composition. The highest activity for NiMoP materials was found when the molar ratio of BDPHP/Ni was of 0.5. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed that NiMoP (0.5) showed better dispersion of MoO3 than the NiMoP (1.0). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results indicated that the organic additive interacts with the γ-Al2O3 surface and therefore discards the presence of Mo or Ni complexes. Raman spectroscopy suggested a high Raman ratio for the NiMoP (0.5) sample. The increment of the Mo=O species is related to a major availability of Mo species in the formation of MoS2. The temperature programmed reduction (TPR) results showed that the NiMoP (0.5) displayed moderate metal-support interaction. Likewise, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) exhibited higher sulfurization degree for NiMoP (0.5) compared with NiMoP (1.0). The increment of the MoO3 dispersion, the moderate metal-support interaction, the increase of sulfurization degree and the increment of Mo=O species provoked by the BDPHP incorporation resulted in a higher gas oil HDS activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to study notable examples of transatlantic transmissions of norms, beliefs and values that have revised the sense of a Luso-Brazilian community in a global world. The so-called Atlantic Civilization understood before as essentially Anglo-Saxon, takes a new shape when seen by the South Atlantic. If the historical relationship between Portugal and Brazil was one of colonial containment, since the nineteenth century those bilateral relations have passed through a process of reconciliation and networking – first through a mutual acceptance, then through the establishment of common international goals. On the one hand, this networking between Portugal and Brazil has occurred through public symbolic demonstration and the commemoration of a common culture; on the other hand, this networking has evolved through cultural connections – music, literature, and cinema, – all of which serve to validate a postcolonial review. Cultural connections that have survived the proverbial test of time have proven to be valuable in assessing the evolving relationship between Portugal and Brazil. Therefore,the Brazilian conscientiousness of its importance in the regional and world sphere involved the preparation of a Brazilian cultural diplomacy that recognized the political desire of diplomacy between Portugal and Brazil – a diplomacy that is largely demonstrative of the importance ofsoft powerin a world of global networks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present the experimental observations of the Faraday instability when the vibrated liquid is contained in a network of small square cells for exciting frequencies in the range $$10\le F\le 24$$ Hz. A sweep of the parameter space has been performed to investigate the amplitudes and frequencies of the driving force for which different patterns form over the network. Regular patterns in the form of square lattices are observed for driving frequencies in the range $$10\le F<14$$ Hz, while ordered matrices of oscillons are formed for $$1423$$ Hz, disordered periodic patterns appear within individual cells for a small range of amplitudes. In this case, the wave field is dominated by oscillating blobs that interact on the capillary-gravity scale. A Pearson correlation analysis of the recorded videos shows that for all ordered patterns, the surface waves are periodic and correspond to Faraday waves of dominant frequency equal to half the excitation frequency (i.e., $$f=F/2$$ ). In contrast, the oscillons formed for $$1423$$ Hz are not subharmonic and correspond to periodic harmonic waves with $$f=nF/2$$ (for $$n=2,4,\ldots $$ ). We find that the experimentally determined minimum forcing necessary to destabilize the rest state and generate surface waves is consistent with a recent stability analysis of stationary solutions as derived from a new dispersion relation for time-periodic waves with nonzero forcing and dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large collectivity observed in the rare-earth region of the nuclear landscape is well known. The microscopic studies are difficult to perform in this region due to the enormous size of the valence spaces, a problem that can be avoided by means of the use of symmetry-based models. Here we present calculations for electromagnetic properties of Dy nuclei within the pseudo- SU(3) scheme. The model Hamiltonian includes the preserving symmetry $ Q\cdot Q$ term and the symmetry-breaking Nilsson and pairing terms, systematically parametrized for all members of the chain. The model is used to calculate B( E2) and B( M1) inter-band transition strengths between the ground state, $ \gamma$ and $ \beta$ -bands. In addition, we present results for quadrupole moments and g factors in these rotational bands. The results show that the pseudo- SU(3) shell model is a powerful microscopic theory for a description of electromagnetic properties of states in the normal parity sector in heavy deformed nuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

carbon black (N330, N550 and N660) at 25 and 50 phr. In order to evaluate the performance of new natural rubber compounds obtained from Colombia, a benchmarking was done with other natural rubber compounds from Central America (Guatemala). For this purpose, tensile strength, module at 100 and 300%, vulcanization rheometer curves, hardness and dispersion analysis were done for both natural rubber compounds. It was found that the new natural rubber compound from Colombia has similar properties and behaviour compared to Guatemala natural rubber (TSR). The Colombia natural rubber obtained is a new standard mix with high potential applications in the rubber industry in Colombia and other countries of region of South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have estimated the Curie Point Depth (CPD) using the average radial power spectrum in a tectonically complex area located in the SW Caribbean basin. Data analyzed came from the World Digital Magnetic Anomaly Map, and three methods have been used to compare results and evaluate uncertainties: Centroid, Spectral Peak, and Forward Modeling. Results show a match along the three methods, suggesting that the CPD values in the area ranging between 6 km and 50 km. The results share the following characteristics: A) High values (> 30 km) are in continental regions; B) There is a trend of maximum CPD values along the SW-NE direction, starting from the Central Cordillera in Colombia to the Maracaibo Lake in Venezuela; C) There is a maximum CPD at the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Colombia) as well as between Costa Rica - Nicaragua and Nicaragua - Honduras borders. The lowest CPD values (< 20 km) are associated with the coastal regions and offshore. We also tested results by estimating the geothermal gradient and comparing measured observations of the study area. Our results suggest at least five thermal terrains in the SW Caribbean Basin: A) The area that is comprising the Venezuela Basin, the Beata Ridge and the Colombia Basin up to longitude parallel to the Providencia Throat. B) The area that includes zones to the north of the Cocos Ridge and Panam Basin up to the trench. C) The orogenic region of the northern Andes and including areas of the Santa Marta Massif. D) The continental sector that encompasses Nicaragua, northern Costa Rica and eastern of Honduras. E) Corresponds to areas of the northern Venezuela and Colombia, NW of Colombia, the Panamanian territory and the transition zones between the Upper and Lower Nicaragua Rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we proposed the factors that have been identified by the research in the audio area by using a diagnostics of how is the production of mass shows of type concert in Colombia. These identified factors contribute to the strengthening gender mainstreaming in the formation of engineering skills, to the extent that optimize understanding and solving real problems related to the application of audio, and often are omitted in the traditional didactic exercise. This by, this paper presents a set of practical elements derived which could be seen in engineering programs that address the area of live sound reinforcement. This approach is qualitative and explores the factors of success in electroacoustic topic of mass shows, by applying depth interviews with experts in the field. Furthermore, the importance of considering the practical perspective and interdisciplinary that requires comprehensive engineering design which can be extrapolated to other fields in academia is concluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ingestion of food allergens present in maternal milk during breastfeeding has been hypothesized as a gateway to sensitization to food; however, this process could develop during pregnancy, as the maternal-fetal interface develops a Th2- and Treg-mediated environment to protect the fetus. We hypothesized that in these surroundings, unborn children are exposed to food allergens contained in the mother's diet, possibly giving rise to first sensitization. Methods The presence of allergens in utero was studied by analyzing amniotic fluid ( AF) samples in two different stages of pregnancy: at 15-20 weeks and after delivery at term. An antibody microarray was developed to test for the most common food allergens. The array detects the presence of ten allergens from milk, fruit, egg, fish, nuts, and wheat. Results AF from 20 pregnant women was collected: eight after delivery at term and 12 from women who underwent diagnostic amniocentesis between weeks 15 and 20 of gestation. The presence of allergens was detected in all samples. Samples from amniocentesis had a higher allergen concentration than samples after delivery at term. Conclusions We demonstrated the presence of intact major food allergens in AF samples. This early contact could explain subsequent sensitization to foods never eaten before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of sedimentary sequences located at temperatures ranging between 60 and 120 °C has permitted the identification of hydrocarbon accumulation patterns of economic importance. This thermal range is identified as the "Golden Zone", where there is a potential co-existence of the petroleum system elements that supports a minimal degree of degradation or transformation of hydrocarbons generated from source rocks, mainly in the hydrocarbon expulsion zone from approximately 120 °C–200 °C. The Golden Zone distribution can be represented on maps to help distinguish regions of relevant hydrocarbon potential. This work presents global Golden Zone distribution maps, estimated using a global geothermal gradient model obtained using the Curie Point Depth (CPD) distribution constrained with geothermal gradients from direct wells temperature measurements and a global model of sedimentary thicknesses obtained from data reported by a diverse array of institutions. The Golden Zone maps show the variations in different geotectonic environments. The depth interval for the Golden Zone varies between 500 m and 3000 m for the top and from 1000 m to 5000 m for the base, with thicknesses ranging between 5 and 3000 m. The Golden Zone distribution estimated shows that along active tectonic margins, the sedimentary sequences tend to be thin, located with abrupt contrasts of the basement, and where one or both isotherms that define the Golden Zone are below the basins, preventing its proper development. Exceptions to this trend are in the forelands and some intermountain basins. In contrast, the passive margins are characterized by Golden Zone regions in which the sedimentary sequences present a wide range of thicknesses within basins of diverse ages and extensions. • A worldwide geothermal gradient map was estimated based on Curie Point Depths and a global database of geothermal gradient observations. • A global Golden Zone map was developed based on the geothermal gradient map and sedimentary thickness data. • The global Golden Zone maps show values ranging between 5 m and 3000 m for thickness, 500 m–3000 m for top depth, and 1000 m–5000 m for base depth. • The global distribution of hydrocarbon fields shows a good concordance with the Golden Zone map. • The global Golden Zone map constitutes an effective tool for evaluating regional patterns of hydrocarbon occurrences and a first approach for prospecting in frontier areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the relationship between market potential and wages of manufacturing workers in the states of Mexico, using a standard model of New Economic Geography. The evaluation is considered an important aspect in developing countries, such as the distinction between formal and informal workers. The estimates show that, in general, the elasticity of market potential on wages is 0.082, which is robust to different measures related to the theories of agglomeration and endogeneity problems and spatial autocorrelation. It is also found that wages of informal workers are less sensitive to changes in market potential compared to the wages of formal employees and benefit from externalities generated by the presence of foreign firms. A simulation suggests that up to 10.7% of the wage gap between workers in states bordering North America and located in southern Mexico can be attributed to economic geography; this effect is smaller for informal workers and for the case of formal doubles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional estimation of the Vp, Vs and Vp/Vs ratio structure at Galeras volcano was conducted by means of passive local earthquake tomography. 14,150 volcano-tectonic events recorded by 58 stations in the seismological network established for monitoring the volcanic activity by the Colombian Geological Survey – Pasto Volcano Observatory between the years 1989 and 2015, were inverted by using the LOTOS code. The seismic events are associated with shear-stress fractures in solid rock as a response to pressure induced by magma flow. Tomography resolution tests suggest a depth of imaging that yield 10 km from the summit of the main crater, illuminating a large portion of the volcanic structure and the interaction of tectonic features like the Buesaco and Silvia-Pijao faults. Full catalog tomographic inversion, that represents the stacked image of the volcanic structure or the most permanent features underneath the volcano, shows vertical structures aligned with seismicity beneath the main crater. We hypothesize that these structures correspond to a system of ducts or fractures through which magma and fluid phases flow up from deeper levels toward the top and related with the intersection of the surface traces of the Silvia-Pijao and Buesaco faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]