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Recent work has demonstrated that skilful hybrid statistical–dynamical forecasts of heavy rainfall events in Southeast Asia can be made by combining model forecasts of the phases and amplitudes of Kelvin, Rossby, and westward‐moving Rossby gravity waves with climatological rainfall statistics conditioned on these waves. This study explores the sensitivity of this hybrid forecast to its parameter choices and compares its skill in forecasting extreme rainfall events in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam to that of the Met Office Global and Regional Ensemble Prediction System (MOGREPS). The hybrid forecast is found to outperform both the global and convection‐permitting ensemble in some regions when forecasting the most extreme events; however, for less extreme events, the ensemble is found more skilful. A weighted blend of the MOGREPS forecasts and the hybrid forecast was found to have the highest skill of all for almost all definitions of extreme event and in most regions. To quantify the influence of errors in the predicted wave state on the skill of the hybrid forecast, the skill of a hypothetical best‐case forecast was also calculated using reanalysis data to specify the wave amplitudes and phases. This best‐case forecast indicates that errors in the forecasts of all wave types reduce the skill of hybrid forecast; however, the reduction in skill is largest for Kelvin waves. The skill in convection‐permitting models is greater than for global models in the regions where Kelvin waves dominate, but the added value of limited‐area high‐resolution forecasts is hampered by the poor representation of Kelvin waves in the parent global model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation efficiency refers to the amount of water that is lost from the atmosphere through precipitation compared to the available water vapor in the atmosphere. This metric plays a critical role in understanding precipitation patterns. However, calculating precipitation efficiency for extratropical cyclones can be challenging because cyclones are dynamic and move through the atmosphere as they evolve. To overcome this challenge, our study uses ERA5 reanalysis data to estimate precipitation efficiencies for 400 Southern Ocean cyclones, with a frame of reference that moves with the individual cyclones. Our findings indicate that at maximum intensity, average precipitation efficiencies reach a maximum of 60%/6 hr near the warm front where ascent rates are the largest. Typically, within 24–36 hr after cyclogenesis, all of the initial water vapor available within 500 km of a cyclone center is lost due to precipitation. However, a cyclone's precipitating phase is prolonged due to local evaporation and moisture flux convergence (MFC), which replenish the moisture lost via precipitation. Close to the cyclone center, MFC provides additional moisture from the environment into which cyclones are traveling. On average, this extends a cyclone's precipitation phase to over 60 hr after cyclogenesis. Thus, while moisture from the genesis location is quickly removed from the cyclone via precipitation, cyclones are replenished by moisture along their track, which doubles the timescale for a cyclone's precipitating phase. Plain Language Summary: Precipitation efficiency is a measure of how much water in the atmosphere falls as rain compared to how much is available to fall. In this study, we estimate how efficient precipitation is for 400 cyclones in the Southern Ocean. We find that when the cyclones are strongest, about 60% of the available water vapor turns into rain every 6 hr near the warm front of the cyclone where air is rising rapidly. Normally, within a day or two of a cyclone forming, all of the available water vapor in the cyclone gets turned into rain. However, the rain can persist for longer because cyclones pick up more moisture as they move, which gets turned into more rain. This can make the rain from a cyclone last on average for 60 hr, even after the initial moisture is all gone. Key Points: The initial moisture content of extratropical cyclones is removed via precipitation within 30 hr after cyclogenesisLocal evaporation and moisture flux convergence doubles the precipitating phase of extratropical cyclonesThe feeder airstream provides a continuous supply of moisture to cyclones in the developing stage of their evolution [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focus on determine the concentration of macro and micro cationicnutrients: K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn in plant tissue samples banana, palm,roses, by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).The experimental part of this research was developed in the laboratories of theDepartment of Soil and Water Management (DMSA) in the Santa Catalina Ex-perimental Station of INIAP, which use atomic absorption technique for theanalysis of elements in leaf samples; this technique has limitations in terms oflimits of detection, matrix effects, linear range, and number of elements thatcan be analyzed simultaneously. However, emission spectroscopy with induc-tively coupled plasma is a technique that is at the forefront as an analytical toolfor multielement determination in leaf tissues. For this reason the technique ICP-OES is optimized, for analysis of macro and micro cationic nutrients insamples of plant tissue, since the use of this equipment will increase the oper-ational capacity of the laboratory. Analyses were carried out on samples of planttissue of banana, palm and roses, which are used as reference material in rou-tine analysis of plant samples carried out in DMSA laboratories; Apple Leaves1515 was used as a Certified Reference Material. Samples and standard refer-ence material subjected to wet digestion and then quantify the analytes understudy through the techniques of AA and ICP-OES. A comparative study was per-formed of the variables: accuracy, precision, linearity, limits of detection andquantification, in which it was determined there are significant differences be-tween the techniques used. Statistical analysis showed that there were highlysignificant differences in the content of macro and micronutrients in the tissuesanalyzed. In the case of magnesium in palm leaf tissue, the percentages were0.36 and 0.52%, obtained by AA and ICP respectively, and within the group ofmicronutrients, iron content in palm leaf tissue with values of 182.48 and122.33 mg/L. However, in the case of the samples of leaf tissue of banana, palmand roses, the values obtained by ICP-OES and AA in potassium analysis,showed that the difference is statistically significant.

Se determinó la concentración de macro y micronutrientes catiónicos: K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu. Fe y Mn, en muestras de tejido vegetal de banano, palma y rosas, por espectroscopia de emisión por acoplamiento de plasma inductivo y detección óptica (ICP-OES). La parte experimental se desarrolló en los laboratorios del Departamento de Manejo de Suelos y Aguas (DMSA) de la Estación Experimental Santa Catalina del INIAP, los cuales utilizan la técnica de Absorción Atómica para el análisis de elementos en muestras foliares; dicha técnica presenta limitaciones en cuanto a límites de detección, efectos de matriz, rango lineal y número de elementos que pueden ser analizados en forma simultánea. En cambio, la espectroscopia de emisión con plasma acoplado inductivamente, es una técnica que está a la vanguardia como herramienta analítica para la determinación multielemental en tejidos foliares. Por esta razón se optimizó la técnica de ICP-OES, para el análisis de macro y micronutrientes catiónicos en muestras de tejido vegetal, ya que con el uso de este equipo se incrementará la capacidad operativa del laboratorio. Los análisis se realizaron con muestras de tejido vegetal de banano, palma y rosas, que se utilizan como material de referencia para los análisis de rutina de muestras vegetales que se realizan en los laboratorios del DMSA; se utilizó como Material de Referencia Certificado (MRC) el Standard Reference Material 1515, Apple Leaves. Las muestras y el material certificado se sometieron a digestión húmeda para luego cuantificar los analitos en estudio por medio de las técnicas de AA e ICP-OES. Se realizó un estudio comparativo de las variables: exactitud, precisión, linealidad, límites de detección y cuantificación en el cual se determinó que existen diferencias significativas entre las técnicas empleadas. El análisis estadístico demostró que existen diferencias altamente significativas en el contenido de macro y micronutrientes en los tejidos analizados, como sucede en el caso del magnesio en tejido foliar de palma, cuyos porcentajes fueron de 0,36 y 0,52%, obtenidos mediante AA e ICP respectivamente y dentro del grupo de los micronutrientes, el contenido de hierro en tejido foliar de palma con valores de 182,48 y 122,33 mg/L. Sin embargo, en el caso de las muestras de tejido foliar de banano, palma y rosas, los valores obtenidos mediante AA e ICP, en el análisis de potasio, demostraron que estadísticamente la diferencia es significativa.

El desarrollo del trabajo que se expone a continuación, supuso la recolección de algunos de los principales problemas y reflexiones jurídicas, que, en torno al derecho a la libertad de expresión, se han ido perfeccionando en la jurisprudencia constitucional con el transcurso de los años. Se han recogido de igual manera, varios criterios y estándares criterios desarrollados por la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos [Corte IDH], así como algunas disposiciones legales contenidas en la normatividad internacional. Bajo la perspectiva de tales criterios, se analizaron aspectos relativos a tres resoluciones que - con motivo de regular la libertad de expresión - se establecieron en Ecuador, la posibilidad de que éste pueda ser considerado como titular del derecho al honor, la protección de la libertad de expresión ante un contexto electoral, de las notas periodísticas o de información, y aún el derecho de opinión como una extensión de dicho derecho. Finalmente, también se realizaron algunas puntualizaciones en torno a la posibilidad de establecer responsabilidades ulteriores; todo con base principalmente en desarrollo jurisprudencial de la Corte Constitucional y la misma Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos [Corte IDH].

Harmony search algorithm and its variants have been used in several applications in medicine, telecommunications, computer science, and engineering. This article reviews the global and multi-objective optimization for chemical engineering using harmony search. The main features of the HS method and several of its popular variants and hybrid versions including their relevant algorithm characteristics are described and discussed. A variety of global and multi-objective optimization problems from chemical engineering and their resolution using HS-based methods are also included. These problems involve thermodynamic calculations (phase stability analysis, phase equilibrium calculations, parameter estimation, and azeotrope calculation), heat exchanger design, distillation simulation, life cycle analysis, and water distribution systems, among others. Remarks on future developments of HS and its related algorithms for global and multi-objective optimization in chemical engineering are also provided in this review. HS is a reliable and promising stochastic optimizer to resolve challenging global and multi-objective optimization problems for process systems engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding near-surface wind variability is crucial to support wind power penetration on national electrical grids. High-resolution numerical simulations are often proposed as the best solution to study the fluctuation of wind resources. We compare Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2) bias-corrected wind speeds at hub height at different spatial resolutions and transform them to wind power production using a logistic power curve fitted to wind power measurements; the comparisons are based on error statistics and time series spectral analysis. The results show that numerical models reproduce observed wind speeds with correlations higher than 0.9 for WRF and 0.8 for MERRA-2. Moreover, annual observed wind power is reproduced with a maximum difference from observations of 0.011. However, each resolution reproduces the magnitudes of high-resolution periodicities differently so that there is a clear relationship between grid size and signal variance at high frequencies, as variance is indirectly proportional to frequency. This relationship is expected for wind speed, but based on results, it can be associated also for capacity factor sampled at hourly intervals. Therefore, the main benefit of high spatial resolution lies in the added variance in frequencies at sub-daily time scales. The study of the added value of high-resolution simulations in this region contributes to current efforts to develop reliable forecasting tools and strategies to support the development of wind power as a reliable energy source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We quantified the diet of the Rufous-legged Owl (Strix rufipes) by analysing 63 pellets collected during 2003 and 2005 in a small coastal sclerophyllous forest stand at the northern limit of its distribution in Chile (31-32° S). The diet comprised small mammals (frequency = 57.8%, biomass = 99.3%), crustaceans (frequency = 1.7%, biomass = 0.1%), and insects (frequency = 40.5%, biomass = 0.6%). We identified at least 10 small mammal species in these pellets of which Bennett's chinchilla rat (Abrocoma bennetti; frequency = 12.4%) and long-tailed pygmy rice rat (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus; frequency = 7.4%) were the most frequently occurring mammalian prey remains. Terrestrial small mammals accounted for 21.5% by frequency of all individuals and 49.1% of the total biomass; scansorial/arboreal small mammals accounted for only 13.2% of all individual prey and 17.2% of total biomass., Forest fragmentation and land-use patterns have modified and dramatically reduced the availability and quality of natural habitats in Chile (Fuentes 1994). The distribution of both southern temperate and sclerophyllous forests [...]

Copyright of Ardeola is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Ornitologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Atmospheric blocking has been shown to be a phenomenon that models struggle to predict accurately, particularly the onset of a blocked state following a more zonal flow. This struggle is, in part, due to the lack of a complete dynamical theory for block onset and maintenance. Here, we evaluate the impact cyclone representation had on the forecast of block onset in two case studies from the North Atlantic Waveguide and Downstream Impact Experiment field campaign and the 20 most unpredictable block onsets over the Euro-Atlantic region in medium-range forecasts from the ECMWF. The 6-day forecast of block onset in the case studies is sensitive to changes in the forecast location and intensity of upstream cyclones (one cyclone for one case and two for the other case) in the days preceding the onset. Ensemble sensitivity analysis reveals that this is often the case in unpredictable block onset cases: a one standard deviation change in 1000-hPa geopotential height near an upstream cyclone, or 320-K potential vorticity near the tropopause, two or three days prior to block onset is associated with more than a 10% change in block area on the analyzed onset day in 17 of the 20 onset cases. These results imply that improvement in the forecasts of upstream cyclone location and intensity may help improve block onset forecasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of loss of hot ductility and the mechanical behavior of 17-4 PH alloys were investigated using hot tensile testing at temperatures between 700 and 1100 °C and strain rates of 10, 10, and 10 s. Scanning electron microscopy was used in conjunction with the results of the tensile tests to find the temperature region of loss of ductility and correlate it with cracking observed during processing by hot upsetting prior to ring rolling. It is reported that 17-4 PH alloys lose ductility in a temperature range around 900 °C near to the duplex austenite + ferrite phase field. Furthermore, it is found that niobium carbides precipitated at austenite/ferrite interfaces and grain boundaries have a pronounced effect on the mechanical behavior of the alloy during high-temperature deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent work has shown that both the amplitude of upper-level Rossby waves and the tropopause sharpness decrease with forecast lead time for several days in some operational weather forecast systems. In this contribution, the evolution of error growth in a case-study of this forecast error type is diagnosed through analysis of operational forecasts and hindcast simulations. Potential vorticity (PV) on the 320 K isentropic surface is used to diagnose Rossby waves. The Rossby-wave forecast error in the operational ECMWF high-resolution forecast is shown to be associated with errors in the forecast of a warm conveyor belt (WCB) through trajectory analysis and an error metric for WCB outflows. The WCB forecast error is characterised by an overestimation of WCB amplitude, a location of the WCB outflow regions that is too far to the southeast, and a resulting underestimation of the magnitude of the negative PV anomaly in the outflow. Essentially the same forecast error development also occurred in all members of the ECMWF Ensemble Prediction System and the Met Office MOGREPS-15, suggesting that in this case model error made an important contribution to the development of forecast error in addition to initial condition error. Exploiting this forecast error robustness, a comparison was performed between the realised flow evolution, proxied by a sequence of short-range simulations, and a contemporaneous forecast. Both the proxy to the realised flow and the contemporaneous forecast were produced with the Met Office Unified Model enhanced with tracers of diabatic processes modifying potential temperature and PV. Clear differences between proxy and forecast were found in the way potential temperature and PV are modified in the WCB. These results demonstrate that differences in potential temperature and PV modification in the WCB can be responsible for forecast errors in Rossby waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to build a computational model to simulate border crossing. Since the 19th century, many theories have been applied to the study of international migration phenomena. These theories cover sociological, economical, and cultural aspects. All the theories aim at estimating the magnitude of population movements. Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) are presented as a new methodological approach to model and foresee the process of migration. This article discusses how legal aspects can also be treated from a computational point of view. When a migrant reaches the border checkpoint, he/she must deal with the legislation of the destination country, which is applied by the border security police. This interaction at the microlevel between the migrant and the border agent is based on the definition of a behavioral model that includes the migrant's profile, the border officer's profile, and the legislation that rules the border crossing. With this model, the effects at the macrolevel of new policies (which are usually difficult to predict) can be estimated. Changes in legislation or in strictness in applying the existing law at certain borders can influence migration trends; for example, the choice of route. This study presents the main features of the computational model that has been developed to recreate the border-crossing scenario in a Multi-Agent System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The warm conveyor belt (WCB) of an extratropical cyclone generally splits into two branches. One branch (WCB1) turns anticyclonically into the downstream upper-level tropospheric ridge, while the second branch (WCB2) wraps cyclonically around the cyclone centre. Here, the WCB split in a typical North Atlantic cold-season cyclone is analysed using two numerical models: the Met Office Unified Model and the COSMO model. The WCB flow is defined using off-line trajectory analysis. The two models represent the WCB split consistently. The split occurs early in the evolution of the WCB with WCB1 experiencing maximum ascent at lower latitudes and with higher moisture content than WCB2. WCB1 ascends abruptly along the cold front where the resolved ascent rates are greatest and there is also line convection. In contrast, WCB2 remains at lower levels for longer before undergoing saturated large-scale ascent over the system's warm front. The greater moisture in WCB1 inflow results in greater net potential temperature change from latent heat release, which determines the final isentropic level of each branch. WCB1 also exhibits lower outflow potential vorticity values than WCB2. Complementary diagnostics in the two models are utilised to study the influence of individual diabatic processes on the WCB. Total diabatic heating rates along the WCB branches are comparable in the two models, with microphysical processes in the large-scale cloud schemes being the major contributor to this heating. However, the different convective parametrization schemes used by the models cause significantly different contributions to the total heating. These results have implications for studies on the influence of the WCB outflow in Rossby wave evolution and breaking. Key aspects are the net potential temperature change and the isentropic level of the outflow, which together will influence the relative mass going into each WCB branch and the associated negative PV anomalies at the tropopause-level flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parametrization of diabatic processes in numerical models is critical for the accuracy of weather forecasts and for climate projections. A novel approach to the evaluation of these processes in models is introduced in this contribution. The approach combines a suite of on-line tracer diagnostics with off-line trajectory calculations. Each tracer tracks accumulative changes in potential temperature associated with a particular parametrized diabatic process in the model. A comparison of tracers therefore allows the identification of the most active diabatic processes and their downstream impacts. The tracers are combined with trajectories computed using model-resolved winds, allowing the various diabatic contributions to be tracked back to their time and location of occurrence. We have used this approach to investigate diabatic processes within a simulated extratropical cyclone. We focus on the warm conveyor belt, in which the dominant diabatic contributions come from large-scale latent heating and parametrized convection. By contrasting two simulations, one with standard convection parametrization settings and another with reduced parametrized convection, the effects of parametrized convection on the structure of the cyclone have been determined. Under reduced parametrized convection conditions, the large-scale latent heating is forced to release convective instability which would otherwise have been released by the convection parametrization. Although the spatial distribution of precipitation depends on the details of the split between parametrized convection and large-scale latent heating, the total precipitation amount associated with the cyclone remains largely unchanged. For reduced parametrized convection, a more rapid and stronger latent heating episode takes place as air ascends within the warm conveyor belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation is associated with higher mortality. Identification of causes of death and contemporary risk factors for all‐cause mortality may guide interventions. Methods and Results: In the Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET AF) study, patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were randomized to rivaroxaban or dose‐adjusted warfarin. Cox proportional hazards regression with backward elimination identified factors at randomization that were independently associated with all‐cause mortality in the 14 171 participants in the intention‐to‐treat population. The median age was 73 years, and the mean CHADS 2 score was 3.5. Over 1.9 years of median follow‐up, 1214 (8.6%) patients died. Kaplan–Meier mortality rates were 4.2% at 1 year and 8.9% at 2 years. The majority of classified deaths (1081) were cardiovascular (72%), whereas only 6% were nonhemorrhagic stroke or systemic embolism. No significant difference in all‐cause mortality was observed between the rivaroxaban and warfarin arms (P=0.15). Heart failure (hazard ratio 1.51, 95% CI 1.33–1.70, P<0.0001) and age ≥75 years (hazard ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.51–1.90, P<0.0001) were associated with higher all‐cause mortality. Multiple additional characteristics were independently associated with higher mortality, with decreasing creatinine clearance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, male sex, peripheral vascular disease, and diabetes being among the most strongly associated (model C‐index 0.677). Conclusions: In a large population of patients anticoagulated for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, ≈7 in 10 deaths were cardiovascular, whereas <1 in 10 deaths were caused by nonhemorrhagic stroke or systemic embolism. Optimal prevention and treatment of heart failure, renal impairment, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes may improve survival. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT00403767.

The effects of cooling rate and plastic deformation at 1100 °C on the start of the austenite-to-martensite transformation in a low carbon Fe-12Cr stainless steel were investigated by dilatometry and thermal analysis of pre-strained samples. The experimental M was found constant (397.2 °C) for cooling rates between 15 and 30 °C/min. Outside this range, the M apparently decreases as the cooling rate decreases below 15 °C/min or increases above 30 °C/min. An overall average value of 380.9 ± 11.8 °C was observed within the complete range of cooling rates investigated (8-40 °C/min). This value is 50 °C higher than that predicted from the chemical composition of the steel and Andrews' equation for M. Prior plastic deformation of austenite at 1100 °C increases the M temperature and broadens the martensitic domain ( M- M). This effect increases as the magnitude of the applied pre-strain increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new evaluation of seismic hazard in Central America has been carried out as part of the cooperation project named RESIS 11 under the auspices of the Norway Cooperation Agency (NORAD). Several seismic-hazard experts from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, Norway, and Spain participated in the study, which was aimed at obtaining results suitable for seismic design purposes. The analysis started with a thorough revision of the national seismic catalogs from which a catalog for Central America has been compiled and homogenized to moment magnitude, M~. Seismotectonic models proposed for the region were revised, and a new regional zonation was proposed, taking into account seismotectonic data, seismicity, focal mechanisms, and GPS observations. Besides, ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs) for subduction, volcanic, and crustal zones were revised, and the most suitable ones were calibrated with Central American strongmotion data. Subsequently, a seismic-hazard analysis was developed in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA) and spectral accelerations SA (I) for periods of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, and 2 s, by means of the probabilistic seismic-hazard assessment (PSHA) approach. As a result, different hazard maps were obtained for the quoted parameters, together with uniform hazard spectra (UHS) for six of the capital cities of Central America. Disaggregation was also carried out in these capitals for the target motion given by the PGA and SA (I s) and obtained for return periods of 500 years and 2500 years. Therefore, the control earthquakes for motions of short and long periods were derived. This is the first study developed in Central America at a regional scale after 10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Undergraduate Accreditation Commission has been taking care of the accreditation process in several Nursing Schools, whose results are analyzed in this article, given the limited evidence of strengths and weaknesses. The objective is to analyze the first results obtained by that commission about the current development of Nursing in the country. The strengths obtained are: experience, qualification, commitment of teaching staff; well-defined study programs; adequate clinical training fields and infrastructure. Weaknesses are: reduced number of teachers; a curricular approach emphasizing biomedicine over nursing, low use of participative teaching methods; increasing difficulty to access exclusive clinical areas, and insufficient bibliographic resources. Conclusion: It is urgent that all Nursing Schools submit to universal criteria and standards, establishing minimum graduation levels for students, as well as the real state of the quality of nursing education in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Eletrônica de Enfermagem is the property of Revista Eletronica de Enfermagem and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The electrochemical technique for chloride extraction (desalination) was applied in galvanostatic mode to cylindrical brick and concrete specimens with a steel bar as reinforcement placed in the centre. The specimens were initially contaminated by immersion in a solution of 35 g/l NaCl. Based on the Nernst–Planck equations, a numerical model was developed considering the interactions between the various ionic species in the pore solution. The model makes it possible to predict the evolution of the chloride profile with time. The numerical and experimental results are compared and the model parameters discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This Phase III study evaluates an investigational quadrivalent meningococcal CRM197 conjugate vaccine, MenACWY-CRM (Novartis Vaccines), when administered concomitantly or sequentially with two other recommended adolescent vaccines; combined tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap), and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. In this single-centre study, 1620 subjects 11–18 years of age, were randomized to three groups (1:1:1) to receive MenACWY-CRM concomitantly or sequentially with Tdap and HPV. Meningococcal serogroup-specific serum bactericidal assay using human complement (hSBA), and antibodies to Tdap antigens and HPV virus-like particles were determined before and 1 month after study vaccinations. Proportions of subjects with hSBA titres ≥1:8 for all four meningococcal serogroups (A, C, W-135, Y) were non-inferior for both concomitant and sequential administration. Immune responses to Tdap and HPV antigens were comparable when these vaccines were given alone or concomitantly with MenACWY-CRM. All vaccines were well tolerated; concomitant or sequential administration did not increase reactogenicity. MenACWY-CRM was well tolerated and immunogenic in subjects 11–18 years of age, with comparable immune responses to the four serogroups when given alone or concomitantly with Tdap or HPV antigens. This is the first demonstration that these currently recommended adolescent vaccines could be administered concomitantly without causing increased reactogenicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Glycerol carbonate (GC) is one of the most attractive green chemicals involved in several applications such as polymer synthesis, e. g., the production of polyurethanes and polycarbonates. This relevant chemical can be produced, in a green way, using CO 2 (from carbon capture) and glycerol (a byproduct from biodiesel manufacturing). Therefore, in this work, a comprehensive analysis of the GC production process is conducted based on the following synthesis route: urea-dimethyl carbonate-GC using carbon dioxide and glycerol as the main raw materials where the synthesis pathway was efficiently integrated using Aspen Plus. A techno-economic analysis was performed in order to estimate the required capital investment and operating cost for the whole GC process, providing insights on individual capital cost requirements for the urea, dimethyl carbonate, and GC production sections. A total capital cost of $192.1 MM, and a total operating cost of $225.7 MM/y were estimated for the process. The total annualized cost was estimated as $1,558 USD/t of GC produced, competitive with current market price., (© 2024 The Authors. ChemSusChem published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Background and Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global public health problem. It is a leading cause of death and disability in children and adolescents worldwide. Although increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is common and associated with death and poor outcome after pediatric TBI, the efficacy of current ICP-based management remains controversial. We intend to provide Class I evidence testing the efficacy of a protocol based on current ICP monitor-based management vs care based on imaging and clinical examination without ICP monitoring in pediatric severe TBI., Methods: A phase III, multicenter, parallel-group, randomized superiority trial performed in intensive care units in Central and South America to determine the impact on 6-month outcome of children aged 1-12 years with severe TBI (age-appropriate Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤8) randomized to ICP-based or non-ICP-based management., Expected Outcomes: Primary outcome is 6-month Pediatric Quality of Life. Secondary outcomes are 3-month Pediatric Quality of Life, mortality, 3-month and 6-month Pediatric extended Glasgow Outcome Score, intensive care unit length of stay, and number of interventions focused on treating measured or suspected intracranial hypertension., Discussion: This is not a study of the value of knowing the ICP in sTBI. This research question is protocol-based. We are investigating the added value of protocolized ICP management to treatment based on imaging and clinical examination in the global population of severe pediatric TBI. Demonstrating efficacy should standardize ICP monitoring in severe pediatric TBI. Alternate results should prompt reassessment of how and in which patients ICP data should be applied in neurotrauma care., (Copyright © Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2023. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objectives: The efficacy of our current approach to incorporating intracranial pressure (ICP) data into pediatric severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) management is incompletely understood, lacking data from multicenter, prospective, randomized studies. The National Institutes of Health-supported Benchmark Evidence from Latin America-Treatment of Raised Intracranial Pressure-Pediatrics trial will compare outcomes from pediatric sTBI of a management protocol based on ICP monitoring vs 1 based on imaging and clinical examination without monitoring. Because no applicable comprehensive management algorithms for either cohort are available, it was necessary to develop them., Methods: A consensus conference involving the 21 intensivists and neurosurgeons from the 8 trial sites used Delphi-based methodology to formulate management algorithms for both study cohorts. We included recommendations from the latest Brain Trauma Foundation pediatric sTBI guidelines and the consensus-based adult algorithms (Seattle International Brain Injury Consensus Conference/Consensus Revised Imaging and Clinical Examination) wherever relevant. We used a consensus threshold of 80%., Results: We developed comprehensive management algorithms for monitored and nonmonitored cohort children with sTBI. We defined suspected intracranial hypertension for the nonmonitored group, set minimum number and timing of computed tomography scans, specified minimal age-adjusted mean arterial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure targets, defined clinical neuroworsening, described minimal requisites for intensive care unit management, produced tiered management algorithms for both groups, and listed treatments not routinely used., Conclusion: We will study these protocols in the Benchmark Evidence from Latin America-Treatment of Raised Intracranial Pressure-Pediatrics trial in low- and middle-income countries. Second, we present them here for consideration as prototype pediatric sTBI management algorithms in the absence of published alternatives, acknowledging their limited evidentiary status. Therefore, herein, we describe our study design only, not recommended treatment protocols., (Copyright © Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2023. All rights reserved.)

Due to the current concerns against opportunistic pathogens and the challenge of antimicrobial resistance worldwide, alternatives to control pathogen growth are required. In this sense, this work offers a new nanohybrid composed of zinc-layered hydroxide salt (Simonkolleite) and thymol for preventing bacterial growth. Materials were characterized with XRD diffraction, FTIR and UV-Vis spectra, SEM microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. It was confirmed that the Simonkolleite structure was obtained, and thymol was adsorbed on the hydroxide in a web-like manner, with a concentration of 0.863 mg thymol/mg of ZnLHS. Absorption kinetics was described with non-linear models, and a pseudo-second-order equation was the best fit. The antibacterial test was conducted against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus strains, producing inhibition halos of 21 and 24 mm, respectively, with a 10 mg/mL solution of thymol-ZnLHS. Moreover, biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibition was tested, with over 90% inhibition. Nanohybrids exhibited antioxidant activity with ABTS and DPPH evaluations, confirming the presence of the biomolecule in the inorganic matrix. These results can be used to develop a thymol protection vehicle for applications in food, pharmaceutics, odontology, or biomedical industries.

Sourdough (SD) fermentation is a traditional biotechnological process used to improve the properties of baked goods. Nowadays, SD fermentation is studied for its potential health effects due to the presence of postbiotic-like components, which refer to a group of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer health benefits on the host. Some postbiotic-like components reported in SD are non-viable microorganisms, short-chain fatty acids, bacteriocins, biosurfactants, secreted proteins/peptides, amino acids, flavonoids, exopolysaccharides, and other molecules. Temperature, pH, fermentation time, and the composition of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts in SD can impact the nutritional and sensory properties of bread and the postbiotic-like effect. Many in vivo studies in humans have associated the consumption of SD bread with higher satiety, lower glycemic responses, increased postprandial concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, and improvement in the symptoms of metabolic or gastrointestinal-related diseases. This review highlights the role of bacteria and yeasts used for SD, the formation of postbiotic-like components affected by SD fermentation and the baking process, and the implications of functional SD bread intake for human health. There are few studies characterizing the stability and properties of postbiotic-like components after the baking process. Therefore, further research is necessary to develop SD bread with postbiotic-related health benefits., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The reviewer MT declared a shared parent affiliation with the author TR to the handling editor at the time of review., (Copyright © 2022 Pérez-Alvarado, Zepeda-Hernández, Garcia-Amezquita, Requena, Vinderola and García-Cayuela.)

Pillared clays have shown to effectively catalyze the photo-Fenton process without the necessity of acidic conditions, which is a very attractive feature from the perspective of environmentally friendly processes, especially when high natural abundance of chemical elements are incorporated. In this work, the catalytic activity of Al/Cu interlayered pillared clays for the degradation and mineralization of paracetamol through a photo-Fenton-like process was investigated. Al/Cu-pillared clays were prepared by adding ane Al/Cu pillaring solution to a bentonite suspension. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the enlargement of the interlayer space of the clay provoked by the pillaring process and Al and Cu species in the prepared samples were verified by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The specific surface area of pure bentonite was 2-fold increased after the Al/Cu pillaring process. A synthetic paracetamol solution with an initial concentration of 100 ppm was prepared for the assessment of the activity of the prepared materials. Different catalyst concentrations were tested (0.2, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 g L -1 ) and the complete removal of paracetamol was achieved in all cases, but the highest mineralization rate (69.8 mg total organic carbon (TOC) g cat -1 h -1 ) corresponds to the catalyst loading of 0.5 g L -1 . An ultraviolet-C (UVC) light source was employed, and no adjustment of the pH to acidic conditions was needed to achieve these results. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) was employed to identify the reaction intermediates of paracetamol degradation. A proposed pathway for the oxidation of paracetamol molecule is presented. The effect of Cu content in the pillared clay and the stability and reusability of the catalyst were also assessed. The kinetic constants of paracetamol removal were 0.2318 and 0.0698 min -1 O 2 O 2 processes, respectively., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2022 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) is a high-performance surfactant with unusual interfacial properties much appreciated in industrial applications, particularly in mineral flotation. In this study, the structure of air-liquid interfaces of aqueous solutions of MIBC-NaCl is determined by using molecular dynamics simulations employing polarizable and nonpolarizable force fields. Density profiles at the interfaces and surface tension for a wide range of MIBC concentrations reveal the key role of polarizability in determining the surface solvation of Cl - ions and the expulsion of non-polarizable Na + ions from the interface to the liquid bulk, in agreement with spectroscopic experiments. The orientation of MIBC molecules at the water liquid-vapor interface changes as the concentration of MIBC increases, from parallel to the interface to perpendicular, leading to a well-packed monolayer. Surface tension curves of fresh water and aqueous NaCl solutions in the presence of MIBC intersect at a reproducible surfactant concentration for a wide range of salt concentrations. The simulation results for a 1 M NaCl aqueous solution with polarizable water and ions closely capture the MIBC concentration at the intercept. The increase in surface tension of the aqueous MIBC/NaCl mixture below the concentration of MIBC at the intersection seems to originate in a disturbance of the interfacial hydrogen bonding structure of the surface liquid water caused by Na + ions acting at a distance and not by its presence on the interface.

The resistance of kaolin aggregates to shearing in water clarification and recovery operations is a critical input in designing thickener feed wells. A recently formulated but already available criterion is used to determine the shear strength of flocculated kaolin aggregates. The flocculant is a high molecular weight anionic polyelectrolyte. The resistance of the aggregates is evaluated as a function of flocculation time, flocculant dosage, and water quality. The determination is based on a standardized experimental method. First, the time evolution of the average size of kaolin flocs is measured when aggregates are exposed to incremental shear rates from a predetermined base value. Then, the results are fitted to a pseudo-first-order model that allows deriving a characteristic value of the shear rate of rupture associated with the upper limit of the strength of the aggregates. In seawater, at a given dose of flocculant, the strength of the aggregates increases with time up to a maximum; however, at longer times, the resistance decreases until it settles at a stable value corresponding to stable aggregates in size and structure. A higher flocculant dosage leads to stronger aggregates due to more bridges between particles and polymers, leading to a more intricate and resistant particle network. In industrial water with very low salt content, the resistance of the kaolin aggregates is higher than in seawater for the same dose of flocculant. The salt weakens the resistance of the aggregates and works against the efficiency of the flocculant. The study should be of practical interest to concentration plants that use seawater in their operations.

The Amazon has high biodiversity, which has been attributed to different geological events such as the formation of rivers. The Old and Young Amazon hypotheses have been proposed regarding the date of the formation of the Amazon basin. Different studies of historical biogeography support the Young Amazon model, however, most studies use secondary calibrations or are performed at the population level, preventing evaluation of a possible older formation of the Amazon basin. Here, we evaluated the fit of molecular phylogenetic and biogeographic data to previous models regarding the age of formation of the Amazon fluvial system. We reconstructed time-calibrated molecular phylogenies through Bayesian inference for six taxa belonging to Amphibia, Aves, Insecta and Mammalia, using both, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data and fossils as calibration points, and explored priors for both data sources. We detected the most plausible vicariant barriers for each phylogeny and performed an ancestral reconstruction analysis using areas bounded by major Amazonian rivers, and therefore, evaluated the effect of different dispersal rates over time based on geological and biogeographical information. The majority of the genes analyzed fit a relaxed clock model. The log normal distribution fits better and leads to more precise age estimations than the exponential distribution. The data suggested that the first dispersals to the Amazon basin occurred to Western Amazonia from 16.2-10.4 Ma, and the taxa covered most of the areas of the Amazon basin between 12.2-6.2 Ma. Additionally, regardless of the method, we obtained evidence for two rivers: Tocantins and Madeira, acting as vicariant barriers. Given the molecular and biogeographical analyses, we found that some taxa were fitted to the "Old Amazon" model., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2021 Méndez-Camacho et al.)

Objective: To explore the meaning of palliative care as perceived by the family caregiver and the patient with advanced cancer., Method: Information was collected through in-depth interviews and field diaries to conduct this qualitative research study, with an interpretative phenomenological approach. We adopted Heidegger's perspective for the development of hermeneutic interpretation, and therefore followed the stages of intentionality, reduction, and constitution. We used Bardin's constructs of pre-analysis, coding, categorisation, and interpretation for the discourse analysis., Results: Seventeen patient-family caregiver dyads were considered. The perceptions of palliative nursing care focused on transpersonal relationships and the discourses referred to a lack of closeness between nursing staff and the patient. This was mainly expressed as a lack of emotional understanding and unmet needs. Themes were drawn from these findings based on developing a transpersonal relationship as a priority, including meeting needs and providing the empathic accompaniment that is fundamental for emotional well-being., Conclusion: From the perspective of the dyads, palliative care covers intangible aspects of care. This requires nursing staff to work collaboratively with colleagues, with other health professionals and interprofessionally, including the institutions involved in care. Further work is required to implement these actions., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)