Search

In Central Western Argentina (CWA), the incorporation of cultigens by hunter-gatherer populations has been much discussed. This paper explores the relationship between population dynamics, subsistence change, and burial patterns driven by the process of land use intensification and increasing reliance on maize. We hypothesize that territorial behavior emerged in the context of population growth and competition for resources with a high probability of failure, as expected in an arid environment. To evaluate this hypothesis, we explore four lines of inquiry in southern Mendoza (CWA): 1) the frequency of radiocarbon dates to estimate population dynamics; 2) the Juvenile Index as a fertility rate proxy; 3) the stable isotopes on human bone (δ 13C co , δ 15N, δ 13C ca) to reconstruct diet; and 4) burial patterns as an estimate of territorial control. Our results partially support our hypothesis: During an early stage, when maize started to appear in the diet, the population was increasing, and cemeteries emerged along with some signs of violence. The hypothesis is not supported in a second period, when maize consumption and population were highest, but large cemeteries disappeared. In light of this evidence, the effect of maize on human societies was not uniform and irrevocable, and the adoption of maize by human foragers contributed to a new and diverse set of human-environment relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant progress has been made towards crop yield prediction with remote sensing, there exist knowledge gaps on (1) the impacts of temporal resolution of imaging frequencies on yield prediction, (2) transferability of the models among different genotypes and test sites, and (3) translation of these research developments to crop breeding that benefit farmers. Existing research predominantly provides an on-site perspective, frequently missing the complexities of real-world applications. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the transferability and generalization capabilities of yield prediction models for crop breeding across test sites located in North and South Americas. Toward that goal, we tested different machine learning techniques including Random Forest Regressor (RF), Gradient Boosting Regression (GB), and Deep Neural Networks (DNN) for soybean yield prediction with experiments conducted in different climate and growth conditions. A novel transfer learning approach was proposed for genotype selection and categorizing soybean yield for screening high-yield varieties. Furthermore, we studied the effect of temporal resolution on yield prediction, focusing on the critical development stages and optimal aerial survey frequencies for precise yield prediction using large 31,404 sample data. Results demonstrated that the combined dataset of Argentina and United States representing different climate regimes provided the highest performance with an R2 of 0.76 using RF and GB algorithms. The classification approach was proven to be most useful for crop breeding as demonstrated by accurately identifying the high-yielding genotypes. Increasing temporal sampling of key phenological stages significantly improved yield prediction. Although transfer learning yielded promising outcomes across trials within Argentina the efficacy of transferring models from Argentina to the United States was limited, attributed to significant seasonal and climate variations. This study pioneered the use of transfer learning for model adaptability in real-world breeding scenarios, training and transferring models within the South and North Americas, providing actionable insights and strategies for the breeding community, aiming to facilitate improved decision-making for agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What are the main characteristics of sectors that take advantage of the real exchange rate stimulus after a large and long-lasting devaluation? We aim to answer this question by analyzing the development of export sectors in Argentina during 2003–2008, after the crisis and large devaluation of 2002. This six-year period shows the highest number of sectors with export surge episodes from 1980 to 2015. We find, first, that the probability of export surge episodes increased 2.5% by each standard deviation of the higher labor intensity index during the large and long-lasting devaluation period because non-tradable costs prevail in their production function. Second, we show that export surges are more likely to occur in sectors related to already competitive sectors (mainly upstream sectors). Finally, the new export volumes in those sectors show persistent dynamics despite the end of the period of currency competitiveness, a signal of trade hysteresis. • This paper aims to unpack the connection between RER levels and the take-off and development of export sectors in a developing economy. • We found a positive effect of RER on the probability of export surge episodes by taking advantage of the theoretical channel through which the RER should affect export performance. • Labor-intensive sectors showed a higher probability of an export surge episode during the stable and competitive RER period (2003–2008). • We were also able to establish the relevance of productive linkages to already competitive sectors on the probability of an export surge episode during the RER stimulus. In particular, we found evidence that sectors supplying inputs to already competitive industries (upstream linkage) are more likely to achieve export surges. • We evaluated the subsequent performance of the sectors that had an export surge episode during 2003–2008 once the exchange rate stimulus ended. We find evidence of persistence in their export levels compared to the rest of the export sectors, favoring the hypothesis of sunk costs or learning by exporting effects that generate hysteresis in trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen, seen as a promising secondary renewable energy carrier, can becompressed or liquefied as well as chemically bound to enable a more economic storage and transportation. All conditioned hydrogen options obtain specific advantages and disadvantages. Thus, this paper assess the energy efficiency and the cost of a green hydrogen supply from well to tank exemplified for fuel cell heavy-duty vehicles in Germany related to the years 2030 and 2050. Therefore, compressed gaseous hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, liquid organic hydrogen carriers, methanol and ammonia are considered and different hydrogen production regions in North and Central Germany, as well as an import from Tunisia and Argentina (Patagonia) are assumed. The assessment shows that a hydrogen supply chain in its state of aggregation as finally demanded is the lowest cost option leading to 700 bar compressed gaseous hydrogen filling costs of 5 € 2020 /kg H2 in 2030 and 4 € 2020 /kg H2 in 2050 and liquid hydrogen filling costs around 7 € 2020 /kg H2 in 2030 and 6 € 2020 /kg H2 in 2050. • Well to tank analysis for a hydrogen supply of filling stations. • Gaseous hydrogen supply chains are the lowest cost options for gaseous filling. • Liquid hydrogen supply chains show the lowest supply costs for liquid filling. • LOHC obtain high supply costs, especially for long transportation distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argentina has a wide availability of renewable resources, which provides important advantages for the hydrogen vector incorporation. The province of Córdoba is an excellent model case for the study of the rapid incorporation of hydrogen as fuel, to replace 20% V/V of natural gas consumed in vehicular use. This does not involve major changes in infrastructure or modifications to the vehicles. This paper computes and analyzes the levelized cost of hydrogen with the emissions associated for each part of the complete hydrogen supply chain. Two different production sources were used: renewable energies sources and the Argentine electrical grid; and two production pathways: in situ and centralized production. Comparing the same volume of proposed hydrogen compressed natural gas and current CNG, a cost decrease in the majority of the scenarios and a CO 2 eq emission reduction ranging from 19.5 to 8.2% are achieved, even if the hydrogen is produced using the carbon-intensive grid electricity. • The Production of hydrogen to replace part of the CNG used in vehicles is proposed. • Levelized cost of hydrogen and the emissions associated was assessed. • The study includes the entire supply chain from production to the filling station. • The use of HCNG results in a reduction of emissions in all the studied scenarios. • The new fuel is economically favorable, becoming relevant for rapid energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene editing (GnEd) involves using a site-directed nuclease to introduce a double-strand break (DSB) at a targeted location in the genome. A literature search was performed on the use of GnEd in animals for agricultural applications. Data was extracted from 212 peer-reviewed articles that described the production of at least one living animal employing GnEd technologies for agricultural purposes. The most common GnEd system reported was CRISPR/Cas9, and the most frequent type of edit was the unguided insertion or deletion resulting from the repair of the targeted DSB leading to a knock-out (KO) mutation. Animal groups included in the reviewed papers were ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, n =63); monogastrics (pigs and rabbits, n =60); avian (chicken, duck, quail, n =17); aquatic (many species, n =65), and insects (honeybee, silkworm, n =7). Yield (32%), followed by reproduction (21%) and disease resistance (17%) were the most commonly targeted traits. Over half of the reviewed papers had Chinese first-authorship. Several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia and Japan, have adopted a regulatory policy that considers KO mutations introduced following GnEd DSB repair as akin to natural genetic variation, and therefore treat these GnEd animals analogously to those produced using conventional breeding. This approach has resulted in a non-GMO determination for a small number of GnEd food animal applications, including three species of GnEd KO fast-growing fish, (red sea bream, olive flounder and tiger pufferfish in Japan), KO fish and cattle in Argentina and Brazil, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus disease-resistant KO pigs in Colombia. • Gene editing (GnEd) can introduce useful genetic alterations in food animals • A total of 212 papers using GnEd in animals for agriculture were identified • Yield, reproduction, and disease resistance were the most commonly targeted traits • CRISPR/Cas9 was by far the most prevalent GnEd system used to edit animal genomes • Three species of GnEd fast-growing finfish have already been commercialized in Japan [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long tradition in economic theory has seen the real exchange rate (RER) as a key determinant of trade performance. Several empirical studies, however, have found low estimates of macro trade elasticities and, as a result, questioned this argument. In this paper, we show that to understand and estimate the effect of RER on trade performance, it is crucial to explore the existence of heterogeneous responses of individual products to RER movements. Using trade data from Argentina, we employ the Mean Group method to estimate macro trade elasticities by individual products disaggregated at four digits of the SITC; rev.2. We find a wide range of heterogeneous responses of exports and imports to RER movements at the individual product level. We find that the estimated RER-elasticities in differentiated products and labor-intensive manufacturing goods are substantially larger than those of primary and homogeneous products. Based on the estimated elasticities at the product level, we obtain a "low" aggregate RER-elasticity of exports when we weigh them by the country's trade basket. We show that this result is a consequence of Argentina's economic structure, a country whose exports are heavily specialized in primary and homogeneous products. Our results are important because they help build a bridge between two conflicting views in the RER-economic development literature. Even in countries with "low" aggregate macro RER-elasticities, the real exchange rate may be an important variable for economic performance. An undervalued RER may facilitate economic growth by stimulating investment in activities producing more complex/differentiated goods in countries that specialize in the production of primary and homogeneous goods and, as a result, have "low" trade elasticities. This seems to be the case of several countries in Latin America, including Argentina. • We find a wide range of heterogeneous responses of exports and imports to RER movements at the individual product level. • The estimated RER-elasticities in differentiated products and labor-intensive manufacturing goods are substantially larger than those of primary and homogeneous products. • Based on the estimated elasticities at the product level, we obtain a "low" aggregate RER-elasticity of exports when we weigh them by the country's trade basket. • We show that this result is a consequence of Argentina's economic structure, a country whose exports are heavily specialized in primary and homogeneous products. • Our results are important because they help build a bridge between two conflicting views in the RER-economic development literature. Even in countries with "low" aggregate macro RER-elasticities, the real exchange rate may be an important variable for economic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the paleogeographic evolution of Viedma Lake (252 masl) sedimentary sequences with glaciolacustrine and lacustrine strata between 307 masl and 266 masl and bathymetric fluctuations between 27 ka. and 2.4 ka. were identified. The paleoenvironmental interpretation of the stratigraphic profiles was carried out based on the analysis of facies and their associations. The oldest age was recorded at 301 masl (27 ka) and the youngest corresponds to 266 masl (2.4 ka). The record of 27 ka was compared with another dated record of the Tar-San Martin Lakes basin showing that Viedma – Tar-San Martín Lakes were formed at similar ages. Taking into account that the deposits of Bahía Túnel are located at 266 masl and that the level of the lake would be above this height, it is proposed that this lake level would have restricted the movement of hunter-gatherer populations along the coast and to the west. From 2.4 ka on a new space started to be available for these populations broadening the wintering grounds (≤400 masl). The chronology of the archaeological record found in this new space fits the proposed paleogeographic evolution. This paper complements the research on the evolution of lacustrine systems in the Patagonian Mountain range and broadens the discussion of human mobility in the Viedma Lake basin during the Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the comment on our paper, Prevosti et al. (2024) make a series of criticisms regarding the alleged lack of information provided on the dated samples and their geographic and stratigraphic provenance. In this contribution, we will give a reply to their comments. Our new zircon dating achieves the objective of the original study and provides valuable insights into the paleoecological dynamics of the period. It was out of the scope for our work to undertake a high resolution stratigraphical/sedimentological and dating analysis of each of the selected outcrops/sites. • First zircon dates from Neogene classic sites in central Argentina are provided. • The new dating achieves the objective of the original study. • Dating sets a solid time frame for paleoecological interpretations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Forest Biorefinery Supply Chain (FBSC) design problem is addressed. A general mathematical framework based on a Generalized Disjunctive Programming (GDP) formulation is proposed as an efficient decision-making tool for the optimal FBSC. The approach simultaneously tackles the dynamic capacity allocation and the facilities' co-location, features that are explicitly modelled. The FBSC superstructure promotes the circularity of the network by including flexible processing recipes and the use of multiple biomass residues as biorefineries raw materials as well as paper recycling. The proposed case study copes with the production of paper and biofuels in Argentina, showing the advantage of the integration of biorefineries with the existing forest industries as well as the addition of value to biomass industrial waste and by-products. Additionally, a set of scenarios are considered and tested. By these examples, key features of the proposed approach are highlighted as essential to reach a profitable FBSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first time EFSOI is applied in southern South America. • On average all the observation sources had a beneficial impact on the 6-h forecasts. • Applying EFSOI method can efficiently suggest data selection criteria. • Surface pressure was the only variable with periods of negative effect on forecasts. • NSWS data denial experiment supported EFSOI beneficial impact results. Observations that are assimilated into numerical weather prediction systems are conformed by numerous data sets and their impact should be objectively evaluated. This can be efficiently achieved by the Forecast Sensitivity to Observation Impact (FSOI) methodology. In this study we explore the application of the ensemble formulation of FSOI (EFSOI) in a regional data assimilation system over south-eastern South America and evaluate the observations that result beneficial or detrimental to the forecast. In this paper we focus on the impact of two types of surface weather stations: human-operated conventional surface weather station networks from the National Meteorological Service and non-conventional automatic surface weather stations from different public and private networks (CSWS and NSWS respectively). To achieve this, the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter is used with 20 members. The experiment was carried out during 30 days of the intensive observing period of the RELAMPAGO-CACTI (Remote sensing of Electrification, Lightning, And Mesoscale/microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations-Clouds, Aerosols, and Complex Terrain Interaction) field campaign that was conducted during the 2018–2019 austral warm season in the center of Argentina. 20 km resolution analyses were obtained every 6-h, assimilating data from soundings, aircrafts, GOES derived motion winds, AIRS retrievals, CSWS and NSWS. It is shown that, considering the entire period, all the observation sources had a positive impact on the 6-h forecasts. However, when each variable is analyzed individually, surface pressure observations from both CSWS and NSWS show on average a negative impact. Two data denial experiments were carried out in order to support EFSOI results. This paper is the first approximation to quantify the impact of different observation sources and observed variables at a regional scale over south-eastern South America, a data sparse region where unconventional networks can help close large geographical data gaps. The results of this work help identify observation data sources detrimental for the data assimilation system, suggesting data selection criteria to improve the regional forecast accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Injured RTC survivors had high levels of PTSD symptoms, relative to non-injured individuals. • Decreased perceptions of self-efficacy, greater rumination about the RTC, and social isolation were observed among injured participants. • Results could inform specific efforts to target early development of PTSD among injured RTC survivors. The current paper reports a field study of 132 Argentinian individuals who experienced a road traffic crash (RTC), focusing on the role of physical injury in the early aftermath of the crash. Three groups of participants were studied: 1) individuals who were <1 month post-RTC who were not injured (<1 mo, Not Injured, n = 89), 2) individuals who were <1 month post-RTC who were injured (<1 mo, Injured, n = 15), and 3) individuals who were 1–3 months post-RTC who were injured (1–3 mo, Injured, n = 28). Examination of PTSD symptoms indicated that with several exceptions, most PTSD symptoms were endorsed at higher levels by the two injured groups, relative to the not injured group. Consideration of post-RTC cognitive and interpersonal factors indicated that the two injured groups reported lower self-efficacy and higher levels of rumination, relative to the Not Injured group. Additionally, the 1–3 mo Injured group reported being more socially isolated, relative to the two other groups. Results are discussed in light of related literature, with elaboration of potential public health interventions designed to target injured survivors of RTCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanz-Pérez et al. (2024) recently, based on detrital zircon, presented new maximum depositional ages for several sites of the Neogene of central Argentina to constraint the age of the faunas studied with stable isotopes. Unfortunately, the precise provenance of the dated samples is not clear. In this comment, we discuss the absence of key basic information to replicate their (geochronological) study, or even to evaluate their inferences and conclusions. Without more information about the precise geographic provenance of the dated detrital zircons, and their stratigraphic position in the geological profile/schema of each locality the interpretation of the authors is not supported by the presented information. • Detrital Zircon Dates presented by Sanz-Pérez et al. (2024) lack of precise geographic location information. • These samples lack of any stratigraphic position in the profile of each location. • Based on a new work, the date of Salinas Grandes is from the top of the profile, and irrelevant for age constraint. • Geochronological inferences of Sanz-Pérez et al. (2024) are unsupported by the data presented in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • New solid surface methodology for Mn(II) traces determination is proposed. • SDS coated AgNPs were synthesized by sonochemical procedure and characterized in our laboratory. • The reached sensitivity was comparable at those of atomic spectroscopies. • Instrumental methodology shows adequate selectivity allowing inorganic speciation, good reproducibility with low operation cost. • Mn(II) could be quantified in wine samples of Argentina. A number of red, white, rose and blend wines from vineyards of the west region of Argentina were analyzed for Mn(II) traces quantification by solid surface fluorescence using silver nanoparticles as sensors. Nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with sodium dodecylsulphate by sonochemical procedure, characterized in composition and size; they are proposed as nanosensor for the Mn(II) quantification. Experimental variables that influence on analytical quality of synthesis, sorption and determination steps were studied and optimized. Thanks to the implementation of solid phase extraction procedure on filter paper with a determination step by solid surface fluorescence, an adequate tolerance to foreign species was obtained. At optimal experimental conditions (λ em = 502 nm; λ εxc = 460 nm; Filter paper Blue Ribbon with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate coated Silver Nanoparticles; pH 8.0 employed phosphate buffer at concentration 2.5 × 10−4 mol/L), a limit of detection of 0.064 µg/L and a limit of quantification of 0.194 µg/L were reached. The new methodology was successfully applied to analyte determination in the 17 argentinian wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Tempranillo, Tocai, Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Tannat, Malbec and Pinot strains. Recovery studies showed values near to 100% being validated by ICP-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) poisoning in cattle is characterized by a systemic granulomatous inflammatory response that resembles a type-IV hypersensitivity reaction. Hairy vetch toxicity has been described in cattle worldwide. The aim of this paper was to describe 10 outbreaks of hairy vetch poisoning in cattle studied at INTA EEA Salta and INTA EEA Balcarce, Argentina, from 2004 to 2019. Clinical signs included weakness, pyrexia, dermatitis, alopecia, and progressive weight loss, which leads to death over a clinical course of approximately two weeks. A total of 12 necropsies were performed and tissue samples were collected for histopathology. The main gross changes were observed in skin, lymph nodes, liver, heart, spleen and kidneys. Other tissues, such as pancreas, thyroid, and adrenal glands, were also affected. Histological lesions consisted of multifocal to diffuse granulomatous inflammation in those organs. The toxicity of hairy vetch has been described in several countries of the world. In Argentina, the use of hairy vetch as a cover crop has become common in some regions during the past years. The data suggest that hairy vetch poisoning is an important disease in cattle. More studies are needed to contribute with further information. • Hairy vetch poisoning only affected Angus and Holstein cattle. • Poisoning occurred in cattle grazing mixed pastures of V. villosa and Avena sativa. • The pathological and epidemiological analysis of poisoning was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to build the first Energy and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) comparison between buses with internal combustion engine currently used in the city of Rosario, Province of Santa Fe, Argentina, and some technological alternatives and their variants focusing on buses with an electrical engine powered by compressed hydrogen that feet fuel cells of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM). This LCA comprehend raw material extraction up to its consumption as fuel. Specifically, hydrogen production considering different production processes from renewable sources called "green hydrogen" (Velazquez Abad and Dodds, 2020) [ 1 ] and non-renewable sources called "grey hydrogen" (Velazquez Abad and Dodds, 2020) [ 1 ]. Renewable sources for hydrogen production are rapid cut densified poplar energy plantation, post-industrial wood residues such as chips pallets, and maize silage. For non-renewable hydrogen production sources are the local electrical power grid from water electrolysis and natural gas from the steam methane reforming process. Buses whose fuel would be renewable hydrogen, produced near the City of Rosario, Province of Santa Fe, Argentina, meet one of the main criteria of sustainability biofuels of the European Union (EU) taken into account Renewable Energy Directive (RED) 2009/28 [ 2 ] and EU RED Directive 2018/2001 [ 3 ] that need significant reduction on net greenhouse gases (GHG) from biomass origin row material respect fossil fuels. At least 70% of GHG would be avoided from its main fossil counterpart of the intern combustion engine (ICE), in the worst and current scenario of the emission factor of the electrical grid of Argentina in the point of use that is about 0.40 kg CO 2eq /kWh with energy and environmental load of 100% in the allocation factor in the hydrogen production stage of the LCA analysis. • Significant GHG emissions avoided by using hydrogen in fuel cell buses. • At least 80% of energy consumption in hydrogen life cycle is due to the hydrogen production stage. • Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a sustainable alternative in the decarbonization of transport. • Biomass raw material is very competitive as one option to decarbonize transport. • Biogas reforming technology is 47% less energy demanding than solid biomass gasification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study of firewood use and management by human groups in the Ongamira valley, Córdoba, Argentina (dated between c. 5700-950 BP). In order to understand firewood gathering practices at different periods in the Late Holocene, samples from 63 combustion events recorded in 9 rockshelters were analysed. From the anthracological analysis (14,976 fragments) 19 woody taxa, and 4 botanically indeterminate taxa, were identified belonging to Chaco Serrano forest vegetation. The identification of abundant small flat fireplaces suggests short-lived activities repeated over time. A detailed analysis of the samples (types of fire pits, alterations during combustion and taphonomic processes) permits inferring firewood gathering in the local vegetation around the sites, as well as some taxa belonging to different environmental settings. Archaeological evidence indicates that groups were mobile, with the establishment of a network of places in the landscape where different activities were carried out (tool production, food consumption and pottery manufacture) with fire making as a central activity. People in the past constantly used different places in the valley, focusing many of their activities in rockshelters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Magallanes-Austral Foreland Basin preserves an important record of orogenesis and landscape evolution in the Patagonian Andes of Chile and Argentina. This paper evaluates the comparison between the thick Paleogene sequences in the Chilean Peninsula Brunswick (Chorrillo Chico and Agua Fresca formations) and the reduced Paleogene sequence (La Barca Formation) in the Punta Ainol locality, Argentina, by taking account of palynological and geochemical analyses. Warm and humid subtropical conditions (Subtropical Gondwanic Paleoflora) are inferred for the late Paleocene-Eocene interval studied. A new record of Lactoridaceae in the La Barca Formation expanded the known fossil range of this family in Patagonia. During the late Paleocene the Chorrillo Chico and La Barca formations would have been deposited mainly from hyperpycnal flows and this accumulation process continued until the Lutenian in the La Barca Formation. A relative rise in the sea level in the early Eocene would be recognized in both sections. In the middle Eocene a relative fall in the sea level would have occurred with increased terrigenous influx. The rate of sedimentation was similar in both sections during the Thanetian and Ypresian intervals according to the ages assigned by biostratigraphy, suggesting that the sedimentation rate would have been controlled mainly by relative changes in sea level during the Paleocene-Eocene transition. Paleoenvironmental changes during the Paleocene-Eocene transition were characterized at the La Barca Formation of the Punta Ainol section, considering the new geochemical and palynological data provided in this contribution. • A new register of early Paleogene flora of Patagonia. • Paleogeographic changes based on palynological and geochemical data. • New geochemical inferences of the Paleocene-Eocene transition in South America. • A new Paleocene-Eocene record from Southern Hemisphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranthus spp. is a nephrotoxic plant with unknown toxic principle, affecting production animals worldwide, mainly in South America. The aim of this paper is to describe 5 spontaneous outbreaks of A. hybridus intoxication in beef cattle, where 7 autopsies were performed. Main gross findings were pale diffuse and enlarged kidneys. Microscopically, kidneys were characterized by severe tubular acute to subacute nephrosis, with dilatated tubules showing different degrees of epithelial degeneration and necrosis, and containing intraluminal eosinophilic hyaline casts. Intratubular birefringent crystals, compatible with oxalate, were observed under polarized light in kidneys from 3 autopsies. Positive von Kossa and red alizarin S staining confirmed the intratubular crystals as calcium deposits. This intoxication occurs mainly in stubble paddocks during summer and early autumn. The data from the present study suggests that oxalates were related to nephrotoxicity due to Amaranthus consumption. [Display omitted] • Amaranthus spp. consumption is responsible of nephrotoxicosis in animal production with toxic principle unknown. • Amaranthus spp. have high invasive capacity on fertile soils, therefore invading crops. • A seasonality of this intoxication was observed during summer-autumn, associated to stubble paddocks. • Calcium crystals were observed in kidney from cattle after A. hybridus consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management is a major challenge worldwide due to the increasing amount of waste generated, which requires sustainable treatment approaches. In this paper, a mathematical model for the optimal configuration of waste treatment processes is presented that considers municipal solid waste and cattle manure from feedlots. A mixed-integer quadratically constrained formulation is proposed to maximize the net present value of investments, and a multi-objective optimization method through ε-restriction is implemented to limit the global warming potential. The model aims to resolve the trade-off between centralized and decentralized networks. The location of the facilities, the ratio of urban to rural waste for each facility, and the waste streams to be transported are also determined by the model. The optimization approach has been evaluated in a real-world scenario in Argentina. For integrated treatment, the results show the potential of anaerobic co-digestion that justifies transporting co-substrates from remote areas. Decentralized designs show that anaerobic digestion is only convenient for large cities and feedlot production sites. Economic and environmental benefits are significantly higher for the integrated alternative. Under optimized conditions, electricity price should be as high as 55.2 USD per MWh to reach the breakeven point from an economic perspective, assuming no revenues from carbon credits. [Display omitted] • An optimization model for the design of integrated waste management is proposed. • A multi-objective optimization method is applied to limit global warming potential. • The model proves that integrated designs have higher rentability and less emissions. • The minimum electricity price to obtain a profitable project is 55.2 USD/MWh. • The minimum carbon credit price to obtain a profitable project is 16.4 USD/ton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Domuyo volcanic complex (DVC) and its geothermal field in the retroarc zone of the southern Central Andes of Argentina present reduced seismicity according to different catalogs (USGS and INPRES). However, in 2015/2016, a local project was carried out in the area to describe its seismo-volcanic activity, registering a large number of volcano-tectonic (VT) events (538 VT). Considering there is scarce information on these events, this study focuses on analyzing the Domuyo Volcanic Complex (DVC) to assess its seismicity. Therefore, we installed a local seismological network in the study area and compared results with data registered by other authors. Four seismological networks were used, to obtain a more precise location of the seismic events and calculate the focal mechanisms of earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 2. For the first record of crustal seismicity detected by INPRES the September 10th, 2016 with a Ml 3.3, we calculated the focal mechanism with two possible solutions: a thrust solution with a strike component and a favored normal solution with a strike component. Additionally, we relocated the largest event in the Domuyo region on March 27th, 2019, with a magnitude of 4.4 (NEIC – USGS) and focal mechanism with a normal solution and a small strike component, obtaining a shallower depth of 3.9 km instead of 10 km. The new seismological data used in this paper, correspond to September 10th 2016, and two different time periods, the first comprising continuous data from March to April 2019, when the largest registered earthquake occurred in the Domuyo region, and the second from December 2019 to January 2021. At these periods, registered seismicity had magnitudes Ml between 1.9 and 2.8, and focal depths between 1.8 and 5.2 km. Four of these events count with focal mechanisms with extensional and limited strike-slip components that are tentatively linked to the known neotectonic structures affecting the western slope of the DVC. This seismic sequence agrees with previous proposals in which degasification from a magmatic body at shallow depths constitutes the trigger factor. • First focal mechanisms in Domuyo Volcanic Complex (DVC), with principally normal solution. • DVC from 2016 to 2020 was subject to an extensional deformation. • This deformation is associated with the degasification of a shallow magmatic body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Rewilding' is a nature conservation strategy gaining prominence worldwide. Established in the Northern Hemisphere, rewilding initiatives have increasingly been proposed in Argentina, but their relative merits, feasibility of implementation and accountability have lacked adequate analysis and discussion. Recently, 125 scientists and practitioners wrote an article to assess the justification and methods of current rewilding initiatives in Argentina. Rather than engaging in a constructive debate with the scientific community, one of the major organizations behind these initiatives threatened to sue the authors for libel. We strongly reject this baseless threat. Scientific discussions around this and other conservation topics of societal concern should be addressed in an academic context and conducted in a respectful and rational manner, embracing the right of scientists and practitioners to express themselves freely and without fear of coercion. • Rewilding has sparked controversies within the scientific community. • A conservation NGO threatened to sue a group of scientists and practitioners for an academic paper. • As scientists and ptactitioners, our role extends beyond knowledge generation. • Conservation requires open and free debate on topics of societal concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes an upgrade of the neutron imaging facility at the RA-6 research reactor in Argentina. The RA-6 reactor is mainly used for education and training. Still, it is also equipped with several research facilities such as a neutron boron capture therapy facility, neutron activation analysis facility and neutron imaging facility. In 2022, the detection system of the neutron imaging facility was upgraded with the use of an astronomical CMOS camera and a 3D-printed housing. The upgrade was focused on improvements to the optical components resulting in better image quality and spatial resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the optimal integration of a hybrid renewable energy system consisting of wind turbines and/or photovoltaics with membrane-based seawater desalination units to meet freshwater demand. To conveniently accommodate renewable energy generation towards a cost-effective process design, the possibility of variable freshwater storage is considered. The minimization of the total cost is the objective function. The real data about renewable resources were tacking from NASA. No electrical grid connection is considered as well. The implemented model has the potential to assess to what extent variable freshwater demands can be covered by wind and solar energy under given meteorological data. As the study cases, two cities in the South of Argentina were selected: Rio Grande and Camarones. Optimal solutions obtained using solar and/or wind systems are compared in detail for both cities. Hybrid solar/wind systems obtain freshwater costs of 0.60 $/m3 to 0.66 $/m3 in both cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-preserved and diverse Early Cretaceous palynological assemblages were studied from an outcrop section of the Springhill Formation at the Río Correntoso locality (PRC), close to Ghío Lake, in Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia, Argentina. The studied log corresponds to the northernmost outcrops known for the Springhill Formation in the Austral Basin. Most of the palynomorphs algae (Botryococcus, Sphaeroplea, Lecaniella, Zygnema, Pseudoschizaea, Schizosporis, Ovoidites), and some angiosperm pollen grains (Proxapertites , Longapertites, Arecipites) are distinctive and characterize the palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate of PRC, which was dominated by estuarine coastal margin sedimentites deposited under warm and humid conditions. These angiosperm pollen grains correspond to the earliest record of these group in Patagonia, represented by diverse monosulcates and one rare tricolpate type. This new record of angiosperm pollen in the Springhill Formation provides further evidence that one of the earliest diversifications of angiosperms started at least during the early Cretaceous in Patagonia. Sergio Archangelsky provided an invaluable expertise in the field of paleobotany in multiple ways. His knowledge transcended not only through his papers but also through his exceptional oratory skills. His talks were always enriching in every aspect, combining an engaging historical account with a vision towards the future. "...La paleobotánica un placer, debe ser algo agradable, es decir uno cuando trabaja en paleobotánica le gusta lo que hace, y cuando uno está describiendo, uno se va, y es lo mismo que componer una pieza musical, te perdés, te perdés en todo y lo hacés con gusto, con pasión..." "...The paleobotany is a pleasure, it should be something enjoyable, meaning that when you work in paleobotany, you love what you do. And when you're describing, you get lost, just like composing a musical piece. You lose yourself, in everything, and you do it with pleasure, with passion...". The file with the voice of Sergio Archangelsky is in Supplementary file under Sergio_Archangelsky.mp3. • The palynoflora of the Springhill Formation includes algae and land plants. • Pollen records show features of early members of some taxa (monocots and eudicots). • Angiosperm pollen grains provides evidence for early radiation of some basal taxa in Patagonia. • Palynoflora studied indicates freshwater palaeoenvironment, warm and humid climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pehuen Co Paleoichnological site (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) contains one of the more diverse and well-preserved mammal and bird fossil footprint assemblages from the Late Pleistocene. The purposes of this paper were a detailed paleoenvironmental assessment of the footprint-bearing unit (middle member of the Agua Blanca Sequence) and to date key stratigraphic surfaces to constraint the temporal development of the site. A total of twenty-two detailed sedimentological sections were measured and correlated and five sediment and fossil remain samples were dated by the Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) methods, respectively. The lower part of the local sequence represents dense to dilute alluvial deposits that were pedogenized. The middle part contains an alternance of sandy sheet-flood and lacustrine mudflat deposits with sand patches of eolian origin. Most of the fossil footprints with better preservation quality were recorded in the mudflats of a shallow lake sourced by unconfined fluvial currents. The participation of eolian deposits increases up section. Locally, a sandy plain of fluvial origin is developed at the top of the section. The new OSL ages along with a previous radiocarbon date led us to propose that sedimentation of footprint-bearing levels would have extended approximately between 28.5 and 12.0 ka. Reworked marine shell remains from the lowermost levels of site with fossil footprints gave considerably older analytical ages in the range of 97.6–62.5 ka, which is probably the maximum age for the middle member of the Agua Blanca Sequence. The "marine levels of Pehuen Co", which are exposed at very low tides and contains in situ specimens of Ophiomorpha nodosa, are dated 7.0 ± 0.4 ka (OSL method). They reflect a Middle Holocene sea level rise in the area. • ESR and OSL dating methods allow to determine ages in the Pehuen Co Peloichnological site. • Sedimentological studies allow the reconstruction of late Pleistocene paleoenvironments. • The preservation of footprints is linked to grain size, the content of moisture and the presence of microbial mats. • Levels with Ophiomorpha nodosa , they reflect a Middle Holocene sea level rise in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zoophycos ichnofacies and its main components, Zoophycos isp., Phycosiphon incertum and Chondrites isp. have been related to marine environments of low energy and oxygen. This situation is very common in shelf environments of the past, the most important oil source rocks and/or unconventional reservoir. The Early Cretaceous Palermo Aike Formation of the Austral-Magallanes Basin (Southern Argentina) records marine sedimentation, composed mainly by black shales, with subordinate fine-grained sandstones, and redeposited tuff, deposited in a shelf environment. This succession is the main source rock and constitute a latent unconventional reservoir of the basin. In this paper we present the sedimentological and ichnological study of two well cores from the Tierra del Fuego area. These cores record the initial stage of the marine transgression, and the development of a distal shelf environment, with an alternation of black shales and, fine-grained tuff sandstones hyperpycnal deposits. The ichnological content that records this transgression shows three different ichnofacies: i) autochthonous Cruziana ichnofacies represented by Thalassinoides isp., Teichichnus isp., Planolites isp., Chondrites isp. and Rizocorallium isp. This trace fossil association is rapidly replaced by ii) Zoophycos ichnofacies represented by Phycosiphon incertum , Chondrites isp., and small Zoophycos isp. Finally, another allochthonous Cruziana ichofacies is observed related to the low-density turbiditic deposits, composed by Thalassinoides isp., Gyrolithes , Teichichnus isp., Scolicia isp. and Haenzchellinia isp. In the Santa Cruz area, a large Zoophycos isp. dominance is observed in the fine-grained deposits, occasionally interbedded with coarser-grained low-density turbiditic deposits with doomed pioneers. In the study area (Tierra del Fuego), on the contrary, a dominance of Phycosiphon incertum is observed instead of Zoophycos isp. which when is present have very poor development in size. This could be due to the fact that low-density turbiditic flows are very frequent in the study area, which generates a very unstable environment that does not allow the development of large Zoophycos isp. This environmental differences between the outcrops of Santa Cruz in the north of the basin and the subsurface study area in Tierra del Fuego may be triggered due to climatic, volcanic, or tectonic allogenic control factors. • Trace fossils in shelf are controlled by oxygen levels, sedimentation rates, salinity fluctuations and food availability. • High frequency of hyperpycnal currents conditionate the dominance of Phycosiphon over Zoophycos in shelf environments. • Hyperpycnal currents feed terrigenous materials and allochthonous animals which interact with shelf deposits. • The frequency of hyperpycnal currents is controlled mainly by seasonality, vulcanism, size of catchment drainage system. • The interplay between settling and hyperpycnal currents in shelf environments conditionate the quality of thereservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice age mass-transport deposits (MTD) occur in multiple stratigraphic intervals within the Permocarboniferous Itararé Group, in the Paraná Basin, and are exposed in several disconnected quarries and road cuts around the region of Mafra, southern Brazil. The most typical deposits are diamictites with muddy matrix, but silty-sandy diamictites and metric intercalations of deformed layers of sandstones and siltstones occur subordinately. Similar MTD facies have been described from better exposed and time equivalent successions in western Argentina. There, because of the km-scale exposures, MTDs can be mapped in their plenitude, giving better insights about their emplacement. In this paper, we describe the Brazilian MTDs and infer their modes of transport and deposition supported by comparisons with published Argentinean examples. Based on matrix constitution, presence of coherent blocks and rafts, and sedimentation phases, at least four types of MTDs can be identified: 1) Mud-rich MTD and isolated sandstone blocks; 2) Resedimented MTD represented by diamictites with folded blocks of diamictite, possibly corresponding to two phases of remobilization; 3) Sand/silt-rich MTD (evolved stage), and formed by deformed bands of sandstones and siltstones (mature stage); and 4) MTD with rafts of heteroliths and sandstone blocks. Usually MTDs rest on and scour into a fine-grained substrate such as thin-bedded turbidites and shale. The regional geological setting at Mafra points to an open embayment. The collapse of inclined depositional slopes related to high sediment supply associated with deglaciation was the major control on MTD development. However, the inferred proximity of the ice margin during slope failure was variable, suggesting MTD formation during different stages of a glacial cycle. • MTDs occur in different stratigraphic positions in Itararé Group during the LPIA. • The constitution of the MTD depends on the protolith and stage of evolution. • Comparing Paganzo with Mafra added knowledge about LPIA Mass Transport Deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I explore the subtle regulation of cultural practice in Argentina's Parque de la Memoria. I interpret the Parque de la Memoria, or memory park, as a spatial threshold. When family members of the desaparecidos enter the park they enter the memory of the spatial threshold as what remains (of what remained) of the violent attempt by the Argentine military regime to spatialise political order. The desaparecidos , or disappeared, were to be captured and performatively constituted in the space of exception as the embodiment of a terrorist subversion that threatened Argentina's re-founding as a Western, Christian civilisation. To resist the temptation to leave a flower at the monument as the memory of the spatial threshold between the sacred and profane, life and death, the city and the river, is to hold open the possibility for an alternative politics by maintaining potentiality's link to impotentiality as the ability to not-mourn. It is in this potentiality, not-yet-actualised and thus not exhausted, that space is opened for a post-dictatorship politics in Argentina that would reach beyond the exhausted notions of the need for reconciliation with, or the redemption of, the disappearances of the disappeared. • The parque de la memoria can be interpreted as a spatial threshold of memory. • The spatial threshold was a zone of indistinction between the city and the river that resulted from the violent attempt of the military junta to spatialise political order by forcibly disappearing people. • The disappeared were constituted as homo sacer in the state of exception and abandoned along the spatial threshold between life and death, inside and outside, the city and the river. • Mourners who resist the temptation to leave a flower at the monument in the park as the memory of the spatial threshold maintain potentiality's link to impotentiality as the ability to not-mourn. • This potentiality, not-yet-actualised and thus not exhausted, holds open the possibility for a possible politics as a politics of the possible in Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of cropping systems towards sustainable intensification (SI) is essential in order to meet the demands of society. In the Pampas region of Argentina, most agricultural research has focused on crop ecophysiology and agronomic factors, although what seems to be lacking is an integrated evaluation of cropping systems to determine their alignment with SI trends. Multi-criteria analysis (MCDA) methods provide a formal framework to assess trade-offs between production and sustainability, rendering them useful for SI analysis. This paper aims to compare and rank the cropping systems available in the rolling Pampas, the corn belt of Argentina, based on their alignment with SI trajectories, using the multi-criteria decision model "Preference Ranking Organization Methods for Enrichment Evaluations" (PROMETHEE). We used information from a mid-term experiment conducted in Pergamino, Buenos Aires, Argentina, to compare ten cropping systems over five consecutive years. These systems resulted from combining three crop sequences with either fallow or cover crops during the winter, and were grown using two different management practices. Sixteen economic, socioeconomic, and environmental criteria were defined to assess each of the cropping systems. We combined PROMETHEE with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to compare the cropping systems. We considered two different decision-making profiles: one obtained through interviews with farmers, and the other based on interviews with agents involved in sustainable production systems at the Ministry of Agriculture of Argentina. We ranked the cropping systems assessed according to how well they aligned with SI, the system that combines improving profits with reduced environmental impact. We found that the three-year rotation sequence of wheat/soybean-corn-soybean is the most aligned to the sustainable intensification option among the feasible crop sequences implemented in the rolling Pampas region. Furthermore, our results indicate that cover crops provide environmental benefits, but the associated costs discourage their implementation when the farmer profile focuses on maximizing economic benefits. We emphasize the importance of integrally analyzing cropping systems. Our findings confirm the advantages noted in prior studies and provide a more thorough evaluation of wheat/soybean-corn-soybean three-year sequence. Finally, our work demonstrates the value of PROMETHEE multi-criteria analysis in assessing the SI of cropping systems. This tool could be a useful aid in facilitating discussions among farmers, consultants and other stakeholders, in the search for sustainable intensification pathways. [Display omitted] • Multi-criteria analysis helps to assess the sustainability of farming systems. • We compare and rank farming systems according to sustainable intensification levels. • Wheat/soybean-maize-soybean is the most preferred rotation for the Pampas. • Costs of cover crops discourage adoption despite of the environmental benefits. • PROMETHEE effectively evaluated the sustainable intensification in crop sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in land tenure regimes are one challenge to implementing soil conservation practices in agricultural systems. It is frequently assumed that tenants are less likely to adopt soil conservation strategies than owners, given a shorter-term engagement with the field. Also, the field's environmental potential (i.e., potential for agricultural production) may influence farmers' investment decisions, since high-potential fields increase the chances of achieving a return on the investment. Understand the effect of land tenure regimes and environmental potential on fertilization rates and balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur in soybean and maize crops in Argentina. We applied mixed-effects models on a database of 52,588 fields of soybean and maize farms, covering a total area of 3.8 M ha in Argentina during the period of 2017–2022. Overall, the balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur was (mean ± SE) −29.11 ± 0.15, −2.58 ± 0.38, and 8.26 ± 0.044 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Despite 8.04 and 0.63 kg ha−1 yr−1 more nitrogen and phosphorus were applied in high-potential compared to low-potential maize fields, nutrient outputs were still higher. Therefore, net nutrient exports of the most productive fields increased by 9.99 and 2.06 kg ha−1 yr−1 for nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. In soybean fields, environmental potential had no effect on nutrient application, but the net export of nitrogen and phosphorus was 9.85 and 2.14 kg ha−1 yr−1 higher in high-potential fields compared to low-potential fields. Tenure regime had a weak effect, mainly on phosphorus. On average, owners applied 0.37 kg ha−1 yr−1 more and exported 0.28 kg ha−1 yr−1 less phosphorus than tenants in both crops. Sulfur application and balance were weakly affected by the studied variables, and the positive balance suggests overfertilization under the assumptions of this paper. We conclude that the Argentine farming system depletes some of the main nutrients, regardless of the field's environmental potential or the land tenure system. The effect of the tenure regime is overwhelmed by the impact of environmental potential on farmers' fertilization management, with high-potential fields degrading due to soil mining at a faster pace than low-potential fields, putting future yields at risk. By exploring a farming system based on nutrient depletion, our results contribute to the general understanding of tenure regime consequences on soil degradation. Argentinean farmers should consider increasing N and P application and contemplate environmental heterogeneity to avoid nutrient mining and degradation of one of the most productive areas of the world. [Display omitted] • The influence of land tenure and environmental potential on fertilization and nutrient balance was studied. • Net nutrient exportation prevailed regardless of tenure regime and environmental potential, except for sulfur. • Land tenure had a low effect on fertilization and nutrient balance. • In fields of high environmental potential, more nutrients were depleted than in fields of low environmental potential. • Environmental heterogeneity should be considered when fertilizing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our recent echo-character analysis of the Tierra del Fuego Continental Margin, focusing on Sloggett Canyon and the interfluve with Valentín Canyon, provides insights into contemporary sedimentary processes. Utilizing high-resolution seismic profiles obtained from the R/V Austral in 2017, we categorized sub-bottom echoes into 10 distinct types, shedding light on various processes such as hemipelagic deposition, mass wasting events, glacial influence, and the impact of bottom water masses. By integrating data from the GLORYS12V1 model (1993–2020), CTDs from the World Ocean Database, and sediment samples, we analyze the interaction between bottom currents, seafloor topography, and sediment characteristics. We conclude that the flow of the Subantarctic Water Mass acts as an active transport of coarser sediment from the continental shelf into the canyon, maintaining the Sloggett Canyon's activity, while the flows of the Upper and Lower Circumpolar Water Masses contribute to contourite formation along the eastern canyon flank and the erosion of the lower interfluve, leading to the generation of distinctive longitudinal scours. Additionally, in the continental rise, the interaction of water masses with the seafloor influences the redistribution of the deep-sea fans from the Sloggett and Valentín canyons towards the northeast. This study significantly enhances our understanding of the sedimentary dynamics in this area, establishing the basis of the sedimentary distribution for future interdisciplinary studies and for setting a new baseline in marine protected areas. • We identified 10 echo-characters in the area encompassing Sloggett Canyon and its interfluve with Valentín Canyon. • Longitudinal scours on the lower interfluve result from bottom current erosion and deposition. • The eastern flank of the Sloggett Canyon is under the influence of hemipelagic sedimentation and mass wasting events. • Sediment is transported by flows of the Subantarctic Water Masses from the continental shelf into the canyon head. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper explores the developmental consequences of introducing slum-level elections to formally select slum representatives. • Slum elections help improve the provision of public goods and services only in communities that are highly organized. • First, in communities that are organized, residents are better able to collectively demand and monitor public goods provision, making slum leaders more responsive. • Second, organizational structures and experiences encourage the emergence of new leaders that challenge old brokers, skewing political competition towards public goods provision. Does electoral democracy improve public goods provision for the poor? This paper considers whether and how the introduction of elections to choose slum-level representatives affects the provision of basic public goods and services in these communities. To address this question I take advantage of an unexpected interruption in the judicial process that introduced elections in urban slums in Argentina. Drawing on an original household survey, an expert survey, and insights from in-depth interviews, I show that the introduction of elections enhanced public goods and services provision only in slums with high organizational density. In such a context, existing organizational structures and citizens' organizational experience facilitated individuals' endeavors to demand and monitor the provision of public goods and the emergence of new leaders other than partisan brokers that skewed political competition towards the provision of public goods. These findings contribute to our understanding of the relationship between elections, organizational activity and public goods provision in urban informal settlements and have implications for development practitioners: Under the right conditions, the democratic selection of slum intermediaries vis-à-vis the state can substantially improve the livelihood of these communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most time consuming and computationally intensive steps in petroleum systems analysis involve building heat flow boundary conditions that are consistent with regional geologic observations, solving the transient heat equation, and translating a range of hydrocarbon charge predictions from source intervals into prospect specific predictions that can be used for decision making in oil and gas exploration. Furthermore, three-dimensional regional flexure, which can have a significant impact on paleo-migration pathways, often is not included in the critical step of translating charge calculations into trap specific predictions due to the time-consuming nature of map preparation. In this paper, an efficient and integrated petroleum systems analysis (IPA) workflow is presented with a new fast, semi-analytical, decoupled approach for solving the transient heat equation that is fully integrated with a rapid inversion methodology for transient heat flow boundary conditions and a 3D regional flexural reconstruction that uses standard basin modeling inputs and requires little to no additional map preparation. A charge-to-trap model is also described that translates hydrocarbon expulsion calculations with dynamic parameterized gas fractions that vary with transformation ratio into trap specific predictions using flexurally restored migration polygons. This fully integrated and efficient approach enables rapid interactive investigation of uncertainty space and fast probabilistic modeling that is ideal for evaluating hydrocarbon charge and commodity risk in data-sparse frontier basins. The applicability of this approach is demonstrated for assessing charge and commodity risk with a case study from the Colorado Basin, Argentina, whereby two alternative hydrocarbon accumulation hypotheses that postulate that traps are filled to structural spill with undersaturated oil are tested for reservoirs located in the upper Colorado Formation that are charged by postulated Aptian and Neocomian source rocks. This application indicates that it is unlikely that the tested traps are filled to structural spill with undersaturated oil, and how incorrect conclusions on hydrocarbon commodity may be reached if 3D regional flexure is not considered during petroleum systems analysis. Finally, it is also shown how this integrated and efficient approach can be implemented with low-cost computational platforms such as Python Anaconda or in spreadsheet programs that empower modelers to rapidly translate their ideas into benchmarked prototypes that can be immediately leveraged by the geoscience community (www.github.com/eakneller/ipatoolkit3D). • We show a basin analysis workflow with 3D flexure, boundary condition inversion and a new efficient approach for solving the heat equation. • A hydrocarbon expulsion model with dynamic gas fractions and 3D flexure is presented enabling efficient oil and gas commodity predictions. • This new integrated and efficient approach enables rapid interactive investigation of uncertainty space and probabilistic modeling. • A case study from the Colorado Basin is presented showing the applicability of this approach and the importance of including 3D flexure. • Finally, we show how this optimized approach can be implemented with low-cost computational platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Waste valorization in the citrus agroindustry is economically viable. • Polyphenols are promising products to strengthen the citrus industry. • The biorefinery concept increases the products portfolio of the citrus agroindustry. • Agroindustrial OPW was analyzed and upgraded in added-value products. • Biocatalysis are a sustainable way to obtain a new series of added-value products. Orange peel waste (OPW) creates challenges regarding environmentally sustainable disposal and potential valorization. Argentina is a major Citrus sp. fruit producer in Latin America. A share of the OPW is used to produce a colloid stabilizer in the beverage industry. However, large amounts of this waste are disposed of in landfills, reducing the orange value chain sustainability. The OPW chemical composition would allow the generation of valuable sub-fractions by applying different upgrading pathways. This review is addressed to summarize the most current and important pathways to upgrade OPW by applying the biorefinery concept. Moreover, this paper highlights the importance of the chemical composition when defining valorization routes. Polyphenols were identified as the most promising and reliable option to increase the sustainability of the orange industry. Then, an overview of extraction conditions, and extracted molecules is included. Biocatalysis is highlighted as a promising way to upgrade polyphenols in other added-value products. A case study is analyzed considering further processing of OPW produced by the citrus agroindustry in Argentina. The case study is related to the design and simulation of a biorefinery addressed to produce juice, essential oil, peel juice, polyphenols, and biogas. The case study is analyzed involving yields and economic performance demonstrating the high potential of essential oil, polyphenols, and biogas as promising products in a near future. As practical implications of this study, an analysis of different pathways to upgrade OPW is given. Moreover, the present study reinforces the chemical characterization as a crucial step before selecting upgrading pathways. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we describe for the first time the calcareous dinoflagellate cysts and calpionellid associations from upper Valanginian-Hauterivian orbital-driven rhythmic distal ramp deposits (Agrio Formation) in the Neuquén Basin, Argentina. Three stratigraphic sections from the northern Neuquén province (Loma La Torre and El Portón) and southern Mendoza province (Arroyo Loncoche) were studied. The Agrio Formation contains a low diverse association of these microfossils, among which ten calcareous dinoflagellate cyst species and five calpionellid species were recognized, all of them known from the Lower Cretaceous pelagic sediments of the Tethyan region. Two calcareous dinoflagellate cyst zones (Carpistomiosphaera valanginiana , and Stomiosphaera echinata), as well one calpionellid zone (Tintinnopsella), previously proposed for the Tethyan realm, are confirmed for the Agrio Formation. These zones are consistent to late Valanginian - Hauterivian age assignments previously established based on ammonites, nannofossils, and organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts. • First record of Valanginian-Hauterivian calpionellids and calcareous dinocyts in the Southern Hemisphere. • New data that support the presence of family Calpionellidae up to the late Hauterivian. • Calpionellids and calcareous dinocyts zones in the Andes show a similar distribution to those defined for the Tethyan realm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In multiparty contexts, we know that affective polarization tends to cluster in ideological blocs, although the factors driving this process are still quite unexplored. In this paper, we contribute to filling this gap in the literature by exploring the capacity of ideological identity vis-à-vis issue-based ideology to polarize sentiments towards party voters into two opposing left-right blocs. Specifically, we provide empirical evidence that affective attachments to ideological labels increase the affective distance between ideological blocs to a greater extent than issue extremity and issue consistency. These bipolarizing effects of ideological identity persist even when the identity is inconsistent with issue-based ideology. Additionally, we show that bipolar affective polarization exerts little reverse influence on ideological identity. We support these arguments using an original survey from the TRI-POL project carried out in five multiparty systems: Argentina, Chile, Italy, Portugal and Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we compare the diversity of Floian (Lower Ordovician) conodonts from the Precordillera with that of the Cordillera Oriental, Argentina. The comparative analysis is restricted to the middle Floian Stage Slice (Fl2) from correlative intervals: Oepikodus evae Zone (Juanognathus variabilis Subzone) in the Precordillera and the Gothodus andinus Zone in the Cordillera Oriental. For the comparative analysis, absolute frequency tables of the conodont data from published articles and collections under study, were prepared. These include four sections of the Precordillera with 13 samples recovered from the middle section of the carbonate San Juan Formation, and six sections of the Cordillera Oriental with 28 samples from the middle-upper section of the shaly Acoite Formation. Diversity patterns and indices were generated from absolute frequencies using the software PAST 4.03. Remarkable differences in the species richness and diversity between coeval communities of referred basins are displayed. Comparisons with other basins elsewhere suggest that the paleolatitudinal gradient is not a major factor controlling changes in diversity, which may be due to a response to the complex interaction of biological and physico-chemical factors. • Conodont diversity in the Precordillera is higher than in Cordillera Oriental. • Conodont diversity is possibly controlled by physico-chemical and biological causes. • Paleolatitudinal gradient is not a major factor controlling changes in diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volcano-hosted geothermal system of Copahue is one of the most promising resources of renewable energy in Argentina. The associated geothermal field is bounded by a set of N60° trending normal faults to the north and by WNW-ESE trending faults to the south. This paper aims to review this first-order distribution of the structures, using previously published b-value data, and to explore the relationship between the local stress field, the superficial structural setting, the magmatic source, and the geothermal fluid flow paths related to the volcanic complex. The 2D dilation tendencies of the geomorphic lineaments is calculated, defining a structural domain with dilatant lineaments that agrees well with high b-values observed at shallow depths(2 km below the surface), and with the known extension of the geothermal field. A rough spatial correspondence is also observed between domains of unfavorable oriented to dilate lineaments and shallow low b-value areas, suggesting that these discontinuities inhibit the horizontal motion of fluids at the same structural level, and constraining the reservoir both to the northwest and to the southeast. b-value data unravels the potential magmatic plumbing system at depth, highlighting a major NW-elongated high b-value body centered at 5 km below surface, from Chancho-có hill towards the south of Maquinas fumaroles. It is coincident at surface with a high density of lineament intersections domain, which creates in depth an intense structural damage zone that may facilitate the ascent of magmatic fluids. The NW anomaly can be extrapolated to the western margin of the Caviahue lake, agreeing with the occurrence of volcano-tectonic seismic events and elevated heat flows reported in this area, and therefore suggesting the presence of the geothermal reservoir at depth. Vertical appendices branching from the b-value anomaly reach up to 3 km below Termas and Maquinitas fumaroles, outlining the possible bottom of the geothermal reservoir. The shallower one is interpreted as a blob of magma injected below the Copahue Village fault system, providing the main heat source. These findings contribute to the current understanding of the geothermal reservoir, its depth coverage and upflow zones, providing insights for future geophysical exploration stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the challenges and opportunities for cross-border eruption management between Chile and Argentina, focussing on an examination of the 2011–2012 eruption of Cordon Caulle in Chile and other crises between 2012 and 2015. We discuss the differences between Chile and Argentina in volcano monitoring, eruption impacts, eruption management and governance during this timeframe. We also discuss the issues in communication of the risks and the potential for future integration at the scientific level. The study is based on 31 interviews with scientists and local officials in 2014–15 (15 in Chile and 16 in Argentina), a questionnaire survey of 128 Argentinian residents in 2015 and a questionnaire survey of 25 disaster managers and residents of Pucón during the 2015 eruption of Villarrica volcano. We conclude that in 2011–12, there were issues with communication across the border, particularly at the political level, and that there are important ways that the scientific institutions in both countries complement each other. • We present new social data concerning the 2011–12 eruption of Puyehue Cordon Caulle. • We show that the eruption was significant in the evolution of institutions and agreements between the countries. • We show that locally, there was dissatisfaction with risk communication in Argentina (which was worse affected). • We argue that the scientific institutions complement each other well but need more resourcing from government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patagonia features the most extensive glaciers of the Southern Hemisphere, excluding Antarctica, and a vast inventory of glacial landforms, so it is thought to have played a key role in (paleo)glacier studies since the late 19th century. However, no systematic attempts to characterize the specific research trends and the scientific community focused on Patagonian cryosphere have been conducted so far. To fill this gap, we analyzed the metadata associated to 305 articles compiled from the Web of Science database following a bibliometric approach covering the period between 1976 and 2020. Our results point to an irregular but net increase on the number of contributions on Patagonian (paleo)glaciers. Mass balance analyses based on satellite data of present-day glaciers and the reconstruction of past glacier activity by dating glacial landforms formed during the Last Glacial Termination, were the most addressed topics during the analyzed period. Patagonian (paleo)glacier studies are mostly published in generic Earth Sciences publications, followed by Quaternary and glaciological journals. Most of the studies were led by scientists from the United Kingdom, followed by Chile, Argentina and United States. In terms of collaborations, these studies can be divided into two main clusters, one composed by researchers from United States, Chile and Argentina institutions, and another mostly composed by British researchers. So far, the most prolific authors are nearly equally distributed in nationality, yet gender inclusion and international collaborations are still caveats that must be solved. Even though our query on the Web of Science missed highly influential (so-called) grey literature, such as local scientific journals and technical reports, the reviewed scientific literature unambiguously indicates that Patagonia is a privileged location for (paleo)glaciers studies worldwide and that it will continue offering vast opportunities to tackle critical questions related to global cryosphere and past-to-present climate changes. • Patagonia is a privilege site for studying present and past glacier dynamics and the evolution of climate changes at hemispheric and global scale. • Glacier dynamics during the 20th century and and the Last Glacial Termination are the most common topics addressed in past decades in the WOS. • Patagonian (paleo)glacier studies has contributed to the development or improvement of diverse analytical techniques. • United Kingdom, United States, Chile and Argentina produced the largest number of WOS-listed papers on (paleo)glaciers in past decades. • The related scientific community is fairly heterogeneous. Although, inclusion and international collaboration issues still need to improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the lessons learned from the implementation of a regional ensemble data assimilation and forecast system during the intensive observing period of the Remote sensing of Electrification, Lightning, And Mesoscale/microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations (RELAMPAGO) field campaign (central Argentina, November–December 2018). This system is based on the coupling of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF). It combines multiple data sources both global and locally available like high-resolution surface networks, AMDAR data from local aircraft flights, soundings, AIRS retrievals, high-resolution GOES-16 wind estimates, and local radar data. Hourly analyses with grid spacing of 10 km are generated along with warm-start 36-h ensemble-forecasts, which are initialized from the rapid refresh analyses every three hours. A preliminary evaluation shows that a forecast error reduction is achieved due to the assimilated observations. However, cold-start forecasts initialized from the Global Forecasting System Analysis slightly outperform the ones initialized from the regional assimilation system discussed in this paper. The system uses a multi-physics approach, focused on the use of different cumulus and planetary boundary layer schemes allowing us to conduct an evaluation of different model configurations over central Argentina. We found that the best combinations for forecasting surface variables differ from the best ones for forecasting precipitation, and that differences among the schemes tend to dominate the forecast ensemble spread for variables like precipitation. Lessons learned from this experimental system are part of the legacy of the RELAMPAGO field campaign for the development of advanced operational data assimilation systems in South America. • A LETKF-WRF system was run successfully in real-time to support RELAMPAGO operations. • A reduction in forecast error was shown due to data assimilation cycles. • 60-member RRR analyses and forecasts are available for the research community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impact of different observation platforms in a regional scale data assimilation is investigated over South America. • Assimilating frequent surface temperature and moisture observations improves precipitation forecasts associated with a huge mesoscale convective system. • Clear sky radiances improve the first-guess hourly accumulated precipitation but lead to neutral impacts in short-range precipitation ensemble forecasts. This paper evaluates the impact of assimilating high-resolution surface networks and satellite observations using the WRF-GSI-LETKF over central and north eastern Argentina where the surface and upper air observing networks are relatively coarse. A case study corresponding to a huge mesoscale convective system (MCS) that developed during November 22, 2018 was used. The accumulated precipitation associated with this MCS was quite high, exceeding 200 mm over northern Argentina and Paraguay. The MCS developed during the Intense Observing Period (IOP) of the Remote sensing of Electrification, Lightning, And Mesoscale/microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations (RELAMPAGO) field campaign. The GSI-4DLETKF data assimilation package is used to produce analyses by assimilating observations every hour with 10-km horizontal grid spacing and a 60-member multiphysics ensemble. Four assimilation experiments are conducted using different sets of observations: CONV, consisting of conventional observations from NCEP's prepBUFR files; AWS, combining CONV and dense automatic surface weather station networks (AWS), SATWND, combining AWS with satellite-derived winds, and RAD, including SATWND; and satellite radiances from different microwave and infrared sensors. The assimilation of observations with high temporal and spatial frequency generates an important impact on the PBL, primarily on the precipitable water content, that leads to the development of deep convection and heavy precipitation closer to the observed in this case study. The assimilation of radiance observations produces a better development of the convection mainly during the mature state of the MCS leading to an increase in the accumulated precipitation. Ensemble forecasts initialized from each experiment were also simulated to evaluate their skill to predict precipitation. The hourly assimilation of the observations in AWS, SATWND, and RAD helped to improve the precipitation forecast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PANG 0003 well records a siliciclastic sedimentary succession corresponding to the Tunas Formation (Permian) in the Claromecó Basin area (Buenos Aires province, Argentina). The aim of this paper is to establish a relationship between fracture frequency in the PANG 0003 exploration well and AMS parameters, as it is a novel research topic that would contribute to the knowledge of the Claromecó basin. Opening-mode I and mode II/III fractures were found in 729 m of unoriented core between 901 m and 170 m recovered. Fracture attributes: inclination, aperture, height, and cement presence are represented by four fracture sets according to the inclination angle; representative kinematic aperture data range from 0 to 5 mm and height constrain by core dimensions. Cement presence is represented by quartz, calcite, and minor pyrite. Fracture description were distributed in lower, middle and upper section of the well according to their fracture frequency (number of fractures per meter). Lower section is represented by a high fracture frequency (13 fractures/meter), which notably diminishes to the middle and upper section of the well (3 fractures/meter). The results indicate that the fracture frequency increases in depth and has a direct relationship with AMS parameters, such as degree of anisotropy (Pj) and magnetic foliation (F). According to previous studies in Sierras Australes outcrops and subsurface for Tunas Formation, tectonic imprint decreases its expression from base to top of the unit and has a positive correlation with fractures studies on cores. This relationship could be used as an alternative methodology to distinguish intervals of high number of fractures in subsurface, in this particular case, for the Claromecó Basin. • The PANG 0003 well records the Tunas Formation (Permian) in the Claromecó Basin area (Buenos Aires province, Argentina). • Fracture frequency increases in depth and has a direct relationship with AMS parameters, such as degree of anisotropy (Pj) and magnetic foliation (F). • Relationship between the parameters of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility and fracture frequency could be used as an alternative methodology to distinguish intervals of high number of fractures in subsurface, in this particular case, for the Claromecó Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under certain conditions, most commonly abrupt flooding events, entire eolian bedforms can be incorporated into the geological record. Sediment that was essentially 'in transport' within these bedforms at the time of preservation has a distinct sedimentary architecture compared to that of sensu stricto accumulated intervals. Despite this, while the preservation of bedforms has been readily documented from outcrop and subsurface eolian successions, stratigraphic intervals corresponding to these bedforms have rarely been identified and separated from accumulated intervals. The impact of capturing and representing bedform intervals in reservoir models has therefore not been explored. The Avilé Member (Neuquén Basin, Argentina) is a prolific oil reservoir of eolian origin in which both bedforms and accumulated intervals are documented. The aim of this study is to use the Avilé Member record at the Puesto Hernández oilfield to develop a workflow to identify, characterize, map and model discrete eolian bedform and accumulated intervals in a subsurface scenario. Characterization of the unit's geometry, sedimentary facies, and petrophysics was carried out from seismic, wireline log and core analysis. The development of a conceptual model of the accumulation system and its evolution allowed the identification of bedform and accumulated intervals. Precise mapping of these intervals required the development of a geometrical method, based on correlating interdune lows and using a datum surface to provide for an approximation to the ancient accumulation surface. A zoning scheme conditioned by the intervals was tested against a simple, 'one-zone' model, to determine its effectivity in separating discrete heterogeneity zones. The model was also tested in a dynamic simulator to history match the field production and analyze its impact in dynamic reservoir simulation. This example serves as a valuable reference to illustrate how eolian bedforms and accumulated intervals may be identified, characterized, and modelled in subsurface scenarios around the world. • This work provides a simple workflow to identify, characterize and model distinct intervals within aeolian reservoirs. • The workflow is applied to the Avilé Member reservoir, a prolific oilfield of the Neuquén Basin. • The paper presents an example of the application of eolian sequence stratigraphic concepts in the subsurface. • The impact of the conceptual model and the methodology is analyzed and their importance to model other reservoirs of this type is explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Female employment is an important vector of economic development. • This paper uses Argentine panel data (1996–2007) and studies how women's labor outcomes react to negative income shocks affecting their partner. • The sudden repeal of convertibility in Jan. 2002 caused an exogenous change in male employment serving as an instrument for their actual job loss. • The female labor supply response is very high: when unemployment hits her partner, a woman is twice as likely to enter the labor market and work. • This effect persists over several years, suggesting that temporary labor supply adjustments can develop an attachment to the labor market. Female employment is an important vector of economic development. Using data on couples in urban Argentina from 1996 to 2007, I show that in the short and medium term necessity shapes female participation and employment at the extensive and intensive margins. More specifically, I study how women's labor supply reacts to negative income shocks affecting their partner. In order to assess the causal impact, I exploit the unexpected evolution of the economic environment triggered by the repeal of the convertibility law in January 2002 to instrument men's job loss. I find that women's probability of participating and finding a job is multiplied by 2 upon their partner's displacement. Turning to the dynamics of their labor supply, contrary to expectations, however, women do not symmetrically withdraw from the labor market once their partner finds a job. Evidence on repeated cross-sections confirms that the labor supply response persists long after the economic recovery. My findings are among the first attempts to evaluate the participation effects of temporary shocks in the medium term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the morphology of the Quaternary relict features and bedforms that characterize the outer zone of an extensive mesomareal system, which is part of the Bahía Blanca estuary (Argentina), and to estimate the prevailing hydro-sedimentological conditions on the continental shelf adjacent to the estuary. Surveys with a multibeam bathymetric system, side-scan sonar and a high-resolution seismic system (3.5 kHz) were carried out and bottom sediment samples were collected. In general, the seafloor presents a varied configuration, marked by changes in its physiography. The Quaternary relict features are composed of two terraces (12–14 m and 18–22 m deep), with steeply sloping escarpments, that are oriented approximately parallel to the current coastline. Associated with these terraces, wide abrasion platforms develop with irregular and plateau-like structures up to 4 m high, together with large rocky blocks up to 6 m in diameter. Here, the predominant sediment corresponds to a gravel-sized material composed of quartzite boulders, siltstone fragments of up to 7 cm, and biogenic remains with different degrees of fragmentation. These sedimentological data, together with the bathymetric and seismostratigraphic information, indicate that the terraces and abrasion platforms are ancient shorelines that originated in an environment with high wave energy, corresponding to periods of stabilization of sea level rise during the final stage of the last postglacial transgression (late Pleistocene-Early Holocene). On the other hand, asymmetric dunes of different sizes (0.5 m < height < 5 m, 5 m < wavelength < 200 m), sand ribbons (length > 300 m) and comet marks originated in equilibrium with the present-day hydro-sedimentological conditions. The availability of sandy material mobilized as bedload is the determining factor for the generation of the varied bedforms. Thus, sand ribbons and comet marks are generated especially in the northern sector of the area, with mobile sediment thicknesses ≤ 0.5 m. With larger thicknesses the formation of dunes occurs. Their size and asymmetry show an intense transport of sand as bedload towards the continental shelf, the southern sector of the area being the main route of the sediment that leaves the estuary. This sediment is the supply source of the sandy shoals that are part of the great ebb delta developed on the continental shelf in the external area of the Bahía Blanca estuary. • Quaternary relict features coexist with current bedforms. • Terraces and abrasion platforms associated with ancient coastlines are recognized. • Transition between comet marks, sand ribbons and dunes is evident. • The sediment availability determines the generation of different types of bedforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current socio-economic model based on a linear approach is being challenged by resource scarcity, negative environmental impacts and socio-economic constraints. Consequently, cycling approaches or circular economy (CE) paradigm is gaining attention. Business as usual is no longer possible and the model and criteria proposed by circular economy are a sustainable alternative that effectively couples natural with human-made systems. A model in which citizens in each of their social roles have a lot to say and do. However, implementation in Argentina is very slow and it is only applied at some level by companies or in urban residues recycling in a small number of cities. Additionally, social skepticism and lack of information about what circular economy embraces is still perceived. The objective of this exploratory paper is to identify the present level of awareness, the current situation and the expectations regarding the transition towards a circular economy approach within Argentina's agricultural sectors based on an opinion and perception survey. The aim of the study is to establish a baseline understanding and an interpretative framework to aid researchers and policymakers in promoting and increasingly implementing circular economy criteria in specific sectors. The study analyzes by a descriptive statistic a survey (n = 534) of selected actors related to the agricultural sector, i.e., farmers, agronomists (including agricultural engineers, veterinarians, and biologists), agrifood companies, and also directly related sectors, such as education and public administration. The anonymous questionnaire was divided into three parts: i) demographic characterization, ii) general awareness about transition towards circular economy (concept, current situation, features, advantages, drivers, obstacles and governance) within the region where the respondent operates, and iii) specific aspects within each selected sector. Results showed that the selected sectors perceived a common vision about the concept of CE "as a more sustainable production and consumption model", and with some differences, they have mainly sensed that the transformation process is still both not initiated and at its initial steps. Respondents selected to focus on recycling/reusing as well as on the integration between productive units. Political, economic and environmental awareness as well as technological skills have been chosen as barriers. Consequently, they chose to invest on education and research, noticing the citizens/society as the main agent of transformation. Since the challenge is to find organized and progressive steps to build interactions, programs, actions and legislation to favor the integral (between sectors) and internal (within a sector) transition, indicators for monitoring as well as policies, priorities and perspectives have been highlighted to contribute to boost the transformation towards a circularity approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laccolith emplacement and growth are controlled by doming of overburden rocks. Understanding the mechanics and structural evolution of laccolith-induced doming is therefore essential for revealing the emplacement dynamics and growth of laccoliths. In this paper, we present a 3D reconstruction of a subsurface laccolithic intrusion through the structural reconstruction of a well-exposed dome at Pampa Amarilla, Neuquén Basin, southern Mendoza province, Argentina. The 3D reconstruction was made possible by the unique integration of surface geological data and subsurface 3D seismic and borehole data. We estimate that the Pampa Amarilla laccolith is ~400 m thick, ~3 km and 2 km long in the E -W and N-S directions, respectively. Along an E-W cross section, the laccolith exhibits a wedge shape with maximum thickness near its western edge and gradual thinning toward the east. The structure of the dome is typical of a trapdoor, with faulting along the western, northwestern and southwestern edges, and tilting of the overburden to the east. The trapdoor tilting of the laccolith's overburden was the main mechanism controlling the thickening and growth of the Pampa Amarilla laccolith, which exhibits a relatively high thickness-to-length ratio T / D ~ 0.13. Numerous laccolithic intrusions exhibit similar values of T / D , and our study suggests that faulting commonly controls emplacement of laccoliths with T/D > 0.1; conversely, our study suggests that the established mechanical models of laccolith emplacement based on elastic bending of the overburden applies only to thin laccoliths. Finally, our study highlights the necessity and value of integrating field geological measurements with subsurface 3D seismic and borehole data for structural reconstructions of subsurface laccolith intrusions. • 3D reconstruction of a subsurface Pampa Amarilla laccolith and overlaying dome • We integrated surface geological mapping and subsurface 3D seismic and borehole data. • Laccolith is a thick laccolith with a thickness-to-diameter ratio T/D ~ 0.13. • Dome exhibits a trapdoor structure with faulting on western edge. • Our study suggests that overburden faulting controls growth of thick laccoliths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buenos Aires, the capital and largest city of Argentina, is located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata, hundreds of kilometers away from the seismically active areas in the west of the country. For this reason, and despite evidence from both historical and recent events, earthquake hazards in this area have been traditionally neglected. Based on a series of unprecedented ground motions recorded in the city, this paper presents a review of the seismic hazard in the city of Buenos Aires. In order to do so, a site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard assessment is conducted considering (i) the higher rate of moderate local intraplate earthquakes observed in this area compared to the rest of Argentina's stable region, (ii) the significant site amplification produced by the soil deposit, and (iii) the influence of long-distance earthquakes. The results suggest that site-specific seismic design criteria are needed in Buenos Aires. A series of uniform hazard spectra are recommended for such purpose. • Earthquake hazards should not be neglected in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. • Very long-distance earthquakes play an important role because of site amplification. • Site-specific ground motions prediction equations are needed. • Site-specific seismic design provisions should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]