Search

This paper analyses slavery in the Les Malouines/Las Malvinas/Falklands Islands to advance the historical study of the geographies of race in Argentina with reference to marronage and critical place naming. These islands are an example of an assemblage of colonial military extractive powers. There still are disputes with Argentina since the armed conflict of 1982. However, Las Malvinas were a part of the Spanish Empire since the French colonial authorities sold this territory in 1766. Despite being seen as at the margins of this Empire, an infertile terrain with unbearable weather, and a place of punishment for those who defied colonial rule, it was of strategic value, expensive but worth maintaining to keep the British Empire removed from Buenos Aires and Montevideo. To reduce the islands' expenses, the plan was to relocate recaptured fugitives to this territory as a labour force. Archival records collected from the National General Archive of Uruguay, General Archive of the Indies, and National Historical Archive of Madrid show that Las Malvinas were not exempt from slavery. In 1770, Antonio and Miguel, ‘royal slaves’, were part of the islands' population among white Europeans and indigenous people held captive there. They were allowed to leave the islands to live and serve the King and they navigated through the ports of Montevideo and Buenos Aires, where their tracks end. This paper demonstrates how this insular space, meant for penance, was also a place where resistance linked with marronage broke an assemblage of colonial military powers. It also highlights that the historical geographies of slavery in Argentina are intrinsically assembled with the dispossession of indigenous and other disadvantaged groups proposing an Afro‐Marrón approach to their analysis with a potential extension to other racialised Latin American geographies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper tackles the broader question of why inequality along global value chains (GVCs) tends to remain unchallenged despite the successful upgrading and insertion of firms operating in the world‐system's periphery. Because the reduction and reproduction of inequalities are both intimately connected to power relations along GVCs, such relations are at the core of my analysis. Conceptually, my theorization of power builds on recent work by Dallas, Ponte and Sturgeon, which has sought to more systematically theorize and account for the multidimensional nature of power, and complements it with key insights drawn from World‐Systems theory. Empirically, this paper analyses the biodiesel GVC between Argentina and the European Union, a case in which the successful economic upgrading and enhanced competitiveness of biodiesel producers in Argentina fail to overturn their subordinated position vis‐à‐vis European producers and traders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mil Días (A Thousand Days) is a programme for the first thousand days of life, from gestation to 2 years of age, targeted at highly vulnerable children and/or mothers and pregnant women. The programme was implemented in August 2015 in the municipality of San Miguel, in Argentina. Mil Días is designed in a holistic and intersectoral way. The main form of intervention is through home visits, but other benefits are available depending on the 51 vulnerability criteria by which participants are admitted to the programme, most of which are related to health issues. Exits of the programme occur when the mother and/or child have reversed the deprivation/s of the entrance‐criteria. Methods: This paper provides an analysis of the programme's primary data between August 2015 and May 2019, with a total of 1,111 programme participants. First, we perform a statistical analysis of the targeted population of the programme. Second, using a logistic regression, we study factors associated to the withdrawal from the programme. Third, using survival analysis, we study the correlates of time to graduation from the programme. Results: We find that the programme is well‐targeted, as participants exhibit higher deprivation levels than those exhibited by beneficiaries of social programmes in general in the same municipality. We also find that programme participants in situations of most extreme vulnerability are more likely to abandon the programme and that successful exits from the programme take longer for more complex cases. Conclusions: Mil Días–San Miguel is a programme for early childhood development in Argentina, which was pioneer when it was first introduced. It is well targeted and exhibits encouraging results despite complex cases taking longer to sucessfully exit the programme. In addition, the poorest poor participants are more likely to abandon the programme and so additional actions could be taken to retain them, as intended by the 'Leave No One Behind' 2030 commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the determinants of financial performance (return on assets, ROA) of 18 Argentine Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) from 2002 to 2018. We apply the random forest algorithm to predict the ROA of the Argentine MFIs, introducing two social variables to capture the depth of the outreach such as the female ratio and the average size of the loan portfolio divided by the GDP per capita. We also consider five other main explanatory variables, such as the size, efficiency, quality of loan portfolio, solvency, and productivity ratio, as well as macroeconomic variables. Although our results indicate that the quality of the loan portfolio and efficiency are the most important variables in predicting ROA, we find that social variables are also important; in particular, the female ratio, which is the third relevant predictor of ROA. In contrast, macroeconomic variables and the financial crisis turn out to be insignificant in our analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The palaeofauna of the Quaternary is mostly known from the mammals' record, while the herpetofauna is less represented. In the same way, in northeastern Argentina reptile fossils records are scarce, usually represented by preliminary communications. This paper focuses on the study of herpetofauna remains from the Isla El Disparito archaeological site. The faunal materials collected at the site revealed an increase in taxonomic diversity related to the Quaternary herpetofauna in the IED site, with over 50% of the bone remains represented by anurans and at least six recognized squamates taxa. The purpose of this study is to properly identify these new records of herpetofauna remains from northeastern Argentina during the Holocene as well as to provide a dichotomous key of postcranial remains for identifying extant squamates taxa in other Quaternary sites from Argentina. The identified squamate assemblage includes the lizard Ophiodes sp., the snake families Typhlopidae, Dipsadidae, Viperidae and undetermined colubroids, along with anuran bone remains (Anura indet. and ?Hylidae). Additionally, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the herpetological assemblage in Argentina, providing insights into the composition of South American squamates during the Quaternary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policies aimed at redistributing to the most vulnerable individuals must consider inequality within households as much as between households. In that spirit, many cash transfers are targeted at women rather than men. Tax legislations can also contain specific gender provisions that treat men and women differently. Whether these policies operate some intrahousehold redistribution, or are defeated by the household agency problem, is an open question. This paper provides new insights by adapting models of intrahousehold allocation to account for women's and men's net‐of‐tax earnings and targeted benefits as determinants of the household resource sharing function. We suggest applications using household expenditure data for Argentina and South Africa. Net‐of‐tax earnings and benefits commanded by women are often positively related to their and their children's resources. We provide counterfactual simulations to illustrate how women's financial power – and its sources – may modify their consumption share and thus their individual poverty status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Question: Do shrubs negatively affect the germination of perennial grass species in regeneration microsites? We experimentally analyzed the effect of soils from plant patches dominated by two shrub species (Larrea divaricata and Schinus johnstonii) and their propagules on the germination of three co‐dominant herbivore‐preferred perennial grass species (Poa ligularis, Nassella tenuis and Pappostipa speciosa). Location: Patagonian Monte, Chubut Province, Argentina (42°07′ S, 64°59′ W; 43°06′ S, 65°43′ W; 42°29′ S, 66°34′ W). Methods: We conducted two simultaneous microcosm experiments. In the first experiment, we sowed perennial grass propagules of the three species alone and combined with non‐scarified shrub propagules in Petri dishes with three substrate types (filter paper, inert soil and soil from shrub patches). In the second experiment, we sowed perennial grass propagules of each species combined with scarified and non‐scarified propagules of both shrub species in Petri dishes with soil taken from plant patches dominated by L. divaricata and by S. johnstonii. Both experiments lasted 3 months. We calculated the germination proportion and mean germination time (MGT) of propagules for each perennial grass species in each treatment. Results: Propagules from neighboring shrubs had a clearer negative effect on grass germination compared with shrub soils. Shrub propagules negatively affected the germination proportion of P. ligularis and N. tenuis, and induced longer MGT in the three perennial grass species. The combination of S. johnstonii soil and propagules negatively affected P. ligularis and P. speciosa germination. The combination of L. divaricata soil and scarified propagules completely inhibited P. speciosa germination. Conclusions: Our results highlighted the complexity of interactions between shrubs with high phenolic contents (soils and propagules) and the germination of perennial grass species in arid environments. Schinus johnstonii soil and propagules had stronger effects on perennial grass germination than L. divaricata soil and propagules. The negative effects of shrubs on microsite quality and germination processes depended on the specific shrub/grass interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The international Atmospheric Circulation Reconstructions over the Earth (ACRE) initiative works to recover global climate history and build an accessible databank, with data from the past 250 years of terrestrial and marine surface. Argentina is part of that effort with ACRE Argentina recovering data from various sources that have been recorded throughout the country since the 19th century. In this paper, weather observations transcribed from the original records into digital form and taken every day during the years 1860–1879 at Bahía Blanca and from 1873–1886 at Corrientes are presented. The digitization was carried out through the project Meteorologum ad Extremum Terrae (MET) launched in the Zooniverse interface, which is currently working with near 900 citizen scientist volunteers per day. The present analysis corresponds to data retrieved from the collection 'Anales de la Oficina Meteorológica Argentina' and contains information on atmospheric pressure, air temperature, relative humidity, cloud cover, cloud types, wind direction, wind speed, rainfall and weather remarks. For the present analysis, only temperature and pressure values, measured in °C and mm of Hg, respectively, were considered, after a quality control of the digitization process was applied. Data values were tested and used to rebuild the time series of both places and correlation with SOI index and monthly pressure values for both places was tested using Spearman correlation. Results show that the influence of El Niño episode during 1877–1878 can be found in the pressure values at Corrientes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Argentina some branches of Islam have their own ziyāra circuits, building a local diasporic shrine culture. This paper examines sacred geographies created by 'Alawis descendants of Syrian immigrants, who arrived in the early decades of the twentieth century, and Naqshbandi‐Haqqani sufis, Muslims who have converted from a Christian background. Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Sufi and 'Alawi communities, in Shaykh Ahmed Merhej's shrine and in the Naqshbandiyya‐Haqqaniyya dergāhs where there are maqāms ‐ cenotaphs erected in honor of Shaykh 'Abdullah Daghestani‐ this article analyzes the configuration of two shrine cultures and their recent contact, showing the local rooting of a global practice among Muslims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article represents the perspective of one retired, academic forage breeder and cultivar developer after 50 years of working experience. Developing cultivars that help farmers within pastoral agriculture is the main goal, a system where livestock is the consumer. International Grassland Congress proceedings, as well as the general literature, are historical guides for the state of forage breeding. Efficiency was achieved through technologies; better equipment for planting and harvesting; and advances in computer computation and communication. Biotechnology achievements were fitful and continue to evolve. Cultivar performance mean‐reversion, cost to the program, and what the farmer seed buyer was willing to pay are important considerations for applying any technology, especially biotechnologies. Biotech promises were too optimistic. This was due, in part, to a lack of understanding that traditional phenotypic/genotypic field selection programs operate in a complex way with multiple species and several traits screened simultaneously at a modest cost. The majority of current forage cultivars are from field‐based selection. Industry participation at scientific conferences declined over time, with less sharing of information the result. Cultivar developers will continue using basic field selection methods but should explore applying any technology; just be clever on when, how, and with whom to use them. Practical advice and experiences are also presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper introduces a novel method for the construction of Socioeconomic Status (SES) indices that are specific to a target variable of interest. It is based on the Sufficient Dimension Reduction (SDR) paradigm and uses a factorized model‐based approach to simultaneously deal with predictor variables of mixed nature (i.e. quantitative, binary, and ordinal), which are usual in microeconomic data. These SES indices also identify relevant predictor variables using a two‐step regularized matrix factorization approach. Using data from household surveys for Argentina (Encuesta Permanente de Hogares‐EPH), the proposed method is compared with other existing dimension reduction algorithms such as standard Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and its version for mixed variables, regression on the full set of variables and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression (LASSO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argentina is the only country in the world that was developed in 1900 and developing in 2000. Although there is widespread consensus on the occurrence and uniqueness of this decline, an intense debate remains on its timing and underlying causes. This paper provides a first systematic investigation of the timing of the Argentine debacle. It uses an array of econometric tests for structural breaks and a range of GDP growth series covering 1886–2003. The main conclusion is the dating of two key structural breaks (in 1918 and 1948), which we argue support explanations for the debacle that highlight the slowdown of domestic financial development and trade protectionism (after 1918) and of institutional development (after 1948). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the socio‐political dynamics after the financial crash in two countries governed by the left, Argentina and Brazil. Whilst the economic crisis had an effect on the general distributive capacity of leftwing coalitions, it remains unclear why the political resolution of such a crisis adopted anti‐regime features in Brazil and the form of an institutional alternation of power in Argentina. Our aim is to understand the new socio‐political dynamics and their implications in the crisis of the left turn, especially the relationship between social mobilization and political change in the context of Argentina and Brazil. In doing so, the paper contributes to the growing body of literature interested in the intersections between social movements and the state. Based on the analysis of original qualitative and quantitative data on social protests events in both countries 2011–2015, the paper suggests that the complexity of changes in the socio‐political dynamics can be captured by looking at three dimensions of the problem: grammar of mobilization, social imaginaries, and political representation. The main argument is that the different types of left turn strategy developed in both countries affected in turn the responses to the economic crisis and the new cycle of mobilization. The kirchnerist's movimentista strategy in Argentina contrasted with the demobilizing strategy of the PT in Brazil. Whilst the former contributed to channel the high and polarized levels of activism within the polity, the latter resulted in the crisis of the long cycle of political representation opened with the transition to democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the consequences of controlling exchange rates, in the context of a passive money system. We use the administration of José Alfredo Martínez de Hoz at Argentina's Ministry of Economy in the period 1976–1981, during the last Argentine military dictatorship, as a case study. Following the work of Julio H. G. Olivera, the policies categorized under the passive money system are studied to corroborate the inconsistencies of the programme, in the context of the "trilemma" of open economies. In turn, a brief analysis of the administration in various areas is carried out, to identify its consequences. The paper finds that attempts to anchor inflation expectations in the context of a passive money system are not effective if large fiscal deficits need to be financed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the Global Financial Crisis (2008) many people found new job opportunities on crowd platforms. The COVID‐19 crisis reinforced this trend and virtual work is expected to increase. Although the working conditions of individuals engaged on these platforms is an emerging topic, of research, the existing literature tends to overlook the gendered dimension of the gig economy. Following a quantitative approach, based on the statistical analysis of 444 profiles (platform Freelancer.com in Spain and Argentina), we examine the extent to which the gig economy reproduces gender inequalities such as the underrepresentation of women in STEM‐related tasks and the gender pay gap. While the findings reveal lower participation of women than men, this gap is not higher in Argentina than in Spain. Moreover, gender variations in hourly wages are not as marked as expected, and such differences disappear once STEM skill levels are controlled for. Asymmetry in individuals' STEM skill level provides a better explanation than gender of the hourly wage differences. This finding opens a window of opportunity to mitigate the classical gender discrimination that women face in technological fields in traditional labor markets. Finally, the paper identifies some issues concerning the methodological bias entailed by the use of an application programming interface in cyber‐research, when analyzing gender inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mountain environments, both temperature and food availability vary strongly with altitude, leading to a major challenge to the thermo‐energetic balance of organisms. In this sense, the behavioral repertoire is crucial for animals' adequacy because it implies a short‐term response in the face of environmental changes. In this paper, we explored the behavioral versatility of Phyllotis vaccarum and Abrothrix andina (Rodentia: Cricetidae), two of the mammal species with the highest altitudinal distribution worldwide. By radiotelemetry, we analyzed the activity pattern, home range, and microhabitat selection in populations of both species inhabiting at 2300 and 3100 m altitude in the Central Andes of Argentina. We found that A. andina was diurnal at 3100 m and cathemeral at 2300 m a.s.l., while P. vaccarum was nocturnal at both elevations. Moreover, home range size was larger in A. andina males at 3100 m in contrast to females at identical altitude and males at 2300 m; while, in P. vaccarum, there were no differences according to altitude or sex. Furthermore, we recorded a complex and species‐specific microhabitat selection pattern at different altitudes. Finally, the magnitude of behavioral variability was higher in A. andina than in P. vaccarum for all the traits analyzed. These results are discussed with emphasis on the impact of behavioral traits and their plasticity for species adequacy in high‐altitude environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work with children whose rights have been violated, with their families devastated by family violence and where the majority have been left out of the sociocultural systems and experiencing serious economic and educational difficulties, has taken us to our professional limit. The solitary and individual work, in the dim light of the office, left us without tools. As therapists, we can say that it has been necessary to break with our own mental schemes and to take a leap into the territory, the terrain itself. The learned university theories were questioned, forcing us to include a more humanising and less judgmental look at the work. A psychology of the trench was born for us. This paper articulates a work process that required something more than specific training in our subject matter. It summoned us as human beings capable of hosting suffering. From this starting point, and with an open mind and heart to go through its stages, this process is presented as a journey with advances and setbacks in its intervention modalities, systematising programs in permanent construction. Systematising practices is not an easy task. Familias Cuidando (Caring Families) and Adoptar es Posible (To Adopt is Possible) are the developmental spaces of our trench practices, practices that aim to accompany children, adolescents, and their families through the system of promotion and comprehensive protection of their rights. From Vicente López, a district in the province of Buenos Aires, our psycho‐socio‐educational and legal approach tries to be a link within collaborative and supportive practices; establishing ties, networks, and dialogues to strengthen the new paradigm aiming to support listening to the voice of children and adolescents; rescuing their childhoods, resignifying the different family models, and accompanying the construction of a life project for each one, in which we all fit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioarchaeological research of bone growth patterns provides information on the health status and disease of past populations. Recent studies have pointed out the potential of metric analysis of nonadult vertebrae as indicators of stress during different stages of ontogeny, highlighting that most vertebral measurements present low sexual dimorphism, a stable and known pattern of growth and give useful information even in incomplete spines. The aims of this paper are first, to construct a vertebral growth profile for nonadults of a skeletal series of Patagonian Late Holocene hunter‐gatherers from Salitroso Lake (SAC); second, to compare it to the ones obtained in other archaeological and modern populations with different stress experiences; and third, building on this, to assess whether individuals with evidence of stress experienced in early development demonstrate different patterns in vertebral growth than those without. Two spinal dimensions are used: vertebral body height (VBH) and transverse diameter of the neural canal (TDNC) in a sample of 23 nonadult skeletons with ages previously estimated from dental and bone indicators. The vertebral dimensions of 20 adults between 18 and 35 years of age were also measured as reference information. Results show that the growth of the VBH is steady over the years and reaches adulthood size by approximately 16 years of age whereas TDNC dimensions do not experience marked fluctuations in size throughout life and adult dimensions are reached at approximately 4 years of age as expected. The vertebral growth pattern observed in SAC is similar to that obtained in other archaeological samples from very different settings but experiencing relatively high nutritional or pathological stress in early stages of life. However, it is markedly different, and systematically smaller, to the 20th century sample pattern, probably responding to a secular trend in the modern population with a more stable access to resources and medical treatment. Finally, SAC individuals with systemic stress markers do not tend to exhibit smaller vertebral dimensions than those without them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decade ago an exploration of civil society in South Africa, Tajikistan and Argentina highlighted its role in supporting democratization. Despite continuing global autocratic trends since then, South Africa and Argentina have remained vibrant democracies with strong civil societies. Tajikistan, in contrast, remains autocratic, and civil society has apparently weakened in recent years. However, at the grassroots level a combination of traditional grassroots organizations and Internet organizing provides a more complex picture of the relationships between local participation, ties with other civil society organizations, democratization and development. The purpose of this paper is to highlight both these relationships and the contrast between local democratization and national autocracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Salado and Verde streams constitute the two main seasonally available freshwater courses that flow into the Atlantic coast of the Río Negro province (continental Patagonia, Argentina, 42° South). This would have favored their use in the past as corridors for human circulation between the coast and the interior. This paper presents the results of the technomorphological and geochemical analyses of the obsidian artifacts recovered in the area to constrain mobility. The results allow us to propose the existence of toolkit reconditioning or replacement activities, and the identification of different sources of provenance of the obsidians (Sacanana, Telsen, and Portada Covunco, distant up to 800 km from the study area), reinforcing the hypothesis of a coast–inland circulation, with the possible existence of circuits of exchange of this raw material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suppression of high-energy cosmic rays, known as Forbush decreases (FDs), represents a promising factor in influencing the global electric circuit (GEC) system. Researchers have delved into these effects by examining variations, often disruptive, of the potential gradient (PG) in ground-based measurements taken in fair weather regions. In this paper, we aim to investigate deviations observed in the diurnal curve of the PG, as compared to the mean values derived from fair weather conditions, during both mild and strong Forbush decreases. Unlike the traditional classification of FDs, which are based on ground level neutron monitor data, we classify FDs using measurements of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) on the International Space Station. To conduct our analysis, we employ the superposed epoch method, focusing on PGs collected between January 2010 and December 2019 at a specific station situated at a low latitude and high altitude: the Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito (CASLEO) in Argentina (31.78°S, 2,550 m above sea level). Our findings reveal that for events associated with FDs having flux amplitude (A) decrease ≤10%, no significant change in the PG is observed. However, for FDs with A > 10%, a clear increase in the PG is seen. For these A > 10% events, we also find a good correlation between the variation of Dst and Kp indices and the variation of PG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies earnings inequality and dynamics in Argentina between 1996 and 2015. Following the 2001-2002 crisis, the Argentine economy transitioned from a low- to a high-inflation regime, while collective bargaining and the minimum wage gained influence. This transition was associated with a persistent decrease in earnings dispersion and cyclical movements in higher-order moments of the distribution of earnings changes. To shed light on the changing nature of wage rigidity during this period, we develop a new method to estimate regularwage processes. As the Argentine economy transitioned from low to high inflation, the monthly frequency of regular-wage changes almost doubled, while the distribution of regular-wage changes morphed from having a mode around zero and positive skewness to having a positive mode and more symmetric tails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 20th century, there has been an ongoing agricultural expansion and global warming, two of the main determinants influencing biodiversity changes in Argentina. The red hocicudo mouse (Oxymycterus rufus) inhabits subtropical grasslands and riparian habitats and has increased its abundance in recent years in central Argentina agroecosystems. This paper describes the long‐term temporal changes in O. rufus abundance in Exaltación de la Cruz department, Buenos Aires province, Argentina, in relation to weather fluctuations and landscape features, as well as analyzes the spatio‐temporal structure of captures of animals. We used generalized liner models, semivariograms, the Mantel test, and autocorrelation functions for the analysis of rodent data obtained from trappings conducted between 1984 and 2014. O. rufus showed an increase in abundance across the years of study, with its distribution depending on landscape features, such as habitat types and the distance to floodplains. Capture rates showed a spatio‐temporal aggregation, suggesting expansion from previously occupied sites. O. rufus was more abundant at lower minimum temperatures in summer, higher precipitation in spring and summer, and lower precipitations in winter. Weather conditions affected O. rufus abundance, but there was local variation that differed from global patterns of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the implications of the conformation of formal burial areas in the southernmost limit of agricultural dispersion in South America. Previous research proposed the development of cemeteries or formal burial areas due to specialization in using specific habitats and the development of territorial ownership. From a paleoecological background, we hypothesize that hunter‐gatherers intensified resource exploitation and develop territoriality in population growth and pressure over resources. The expectation is that formal burial areas emerged in this context to legitimize the ties with the territory and ensure exclusive access to the land and its resources. To evaluate this hypothesis, we analyzed a mortuary context from southern Mendoza (Central Western Argentina), named Ojo de Agua, by describing the site's characteristics, burial modality, presence of grave goods, age at death profile, and evidence of violence. This site has two main conditions for handling our hypothesis: (1) the chronology and spatial localization coincide with the temporal and geographic dispersion of pre‐Hispanic cultigens; (2) systematic procedures during fieldwork led us to access a significant amount of information not available in other mortuary contexts of the area. Our results point to Ojo de Agua as a cemetery that emerged in the frame of increasing territoriality and conflict with neighboring groups and permitted us to improve our knowledge about the dynamic relationship between human population, environment, and cultural responses in the context of intensification and contact with food production. These results deepen recent studies in the same line but with a greater resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The therapeutic alliance (TA) has been shown to be a predictor of psychotherapy treatment success. In the case of psychotherapy with children, there is a dearth of information on TA's role. The aims of the paper are: (1) To estimate the therapist effects on children TA; (2) to investigate if therapists' TA predicts children's TA; (3) to analyze if children's age and sex predict children's TA; (4) to evaluate if the therapist's characteristics predict children's TA. Methods: The sample consisted of 77 children undergoing psychotherapy in Argentina, and the therapists (N = 29) providing services to those children. The assessment tools utilized for the study included the Therapy Alliance Scale for Children and the Personal Style of the Therapist Questionnaire (PST‐Q). Results: Findings indicated that 2% of the children's TA was explained by the therapists (ICC = 0.02), while 17% of the therapists' TA was explained by the therapists (ICC = 0.17). Therapists' TA predicted children's TA. Children's age and sex did not have an effect on their own TA. Moreover, therapists with more experience achieved higher scores of children's TA. Finally, the Operative dimension of the PST had a negative effect on children's TA (i.e., therapists who prefer more spontaneous interventions over structured ones may experience higher levels of therapeutic alliance with child patients). Conclusion: We found a positive effect of the therapist's TA on children's TA, especially in the preference for using more spontaneous intervention techniques. We discuss the implications of the findings on the training of psychotherapists who provide services to children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interpretable convolutional neural network model is proposed for the classification of very low frequency and low frequency lightning electric field waveforms. This model adopts multi‐scale convolutional kernels and shortcut connections to enhance the ability of lightning waveform classification. Based on the data recorded from five provinces in China, the proposed model achieves an accuracy of 98.56% for a four‐type classification task including return strokes, the intra‐cloud lightning, preliminary breakdown, and narrow bipolar events. The proposed model is validated with another open‐source data set from Argentina with an accuracy of 98.45%, which shows good robustness. To ensure the classification, the features learned by the model are visualized. The class activation mapping (CAM) method is adopted to visualize the class‐specific contribution of different waveform parts by using the feature maps of the final convolutional layer. It is highlighted by the CAM method that the proposed model focuses on waveform parts that align with those areas of interests identified by human experts. The high‐contribution waveform parts are furtherly analyzed, which indicate that the proposed model possesses the capability to associate waveform features with the corresponding lightning discharge processes. Plain Language Summary: Electromagnetic waveforms in very low frequency and low frequency bands are usually used to detect and locate lightning activities. Traditional waveform classification methods have difficulties in distinguishing multiple types of lightning waveforms. Although machine learning models have great potential in multi‐type waveform classification tasks, these models rely on the features proposed by human experts and cannot capture the features of different scales in lightning waveforms. To this end, this paper proposes an improved convolution neural network model, which incorporates modifications to the model structure to better suit the lightning waveform classification task. The data set for model training comes from five provinces in China and contains different meteorological conditions. The proposed model achieves a classification accuracy of 98.56% on this data set and 98.45% on an open‐source data set from Argentina. Meanwhile, the classification process is interpretable by visualizing the convolution outputs. The analysis of the visualization results shows that the high performance of the proposed model is reliable for its ability to focus on waveform parts that align with areas of interests identified by human experts. A closer inspection of these waveform parts suggest that the proposed model possesses the capability to associate waveform features with the corresponding lightning discharge processes. Key Points: The proposed model achieves an accuracy of 98.56% for a four‐type lightning waveform classification task and shows good robustnessThe model is interpretable by visualizing the contribution of different waveform parts to the classification resultsThe proposed model aligns with human‐expert classifications and suggests potential to link waveform features with lightning processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rachiplusia nu (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Plusiinae) is a defoliator of soybean (Glycine max L., Fabaceae), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., Asteraceae), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L., Fabaceae), and horticultural crops in temperate southern South America; however, there is little genetic information available about this pest insect. Recently, concerns about this insect have increased because of its suspected resistance to Bt soybean and its spread to tropical regions. To better understand pest dynamics, and therefore implement suitable management strategies, a thorough knowledge of the genetic variability and spatial structuring of populations is required. In this paper, R. nu larvae were sampled from various crops and locations in central Argentina (where the pest is endemic) to assess diversity and population structure through mtDNA sequence analysis. In addition to the analysis of the standard cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) 'barcode' fragment, a new set of primers was developed to explore genetic variation in the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene. COI and Cytb concatenated sequences revealed an overall high haplotype diversity (mean ± SD = 0.798 ± 0.037) and low nucleotide diversity (0.00137 ± 0.00013). The haplotype network showed a total of 19 haplotypes, separated by at most five mutational steps. A main central haplotype and four additional frequent haplotypes (accounting for 80% of the specimens examined) were distributed across populations with no obvious pattern related to host plant or geographic origin. Analysis of molecular variance further supported a weak population structure, where genetic variation within populations was the main source of total variation (ca. 96%). Pairwise comparisons showed only minor genetic differentiation among some of the populations studied. Implications of these findings in the context of R. nu control are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, wildlife is one of the most important sources of zoonoses, and it is a major concern for public health. Nevertheless, little is known about the role of wildlife as a reservoir and source of infectious diseases in the past. South America presents a wide diversity of wildlife. In the south of the continent, Argentina shelters a large diversity of neotropical carnivores. Although the paleoparasitological studies on carnivores have been increasing in southern Argentina, most of the efforts have been focused in a handful of sites located in western Patagonia. In this paper, two coprolites of felid found in Cueva Galpón, an initial late Holocene mortuary site from northeast Patagonia (Argentina), were studied for paleoparasitological purposes. Samples were processed by rehydration and homogenization, filtered and processed by spontaneous sedimentation. The samples were assigned to Puma concolor (puma) or Panthera onca (jaguar). Microscopic observations revealed that both coprolites were positive for parasite remains. High parasite richness was observed. Six nematodes, one cestode, and one coccidian morphotypes were reported. This is the first time that Gnathostoma sp. and Spirocerca sp. were recovered from holocenic times from Patagonia. This finding implies that some diseases such as taeniasis, spirocercosis, gnathostomosis, ascariasis, and coccidiosis could be present in holocenic wildlife from Patagonia prior to the Spanish colonization and domestic animal introduction. The overall results suggest that felids could have played a role as reservoirs and source of some parasitic species, some of which are zoonotic. Therefore, this animal could have entailed a risk agent for human health in the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Agricultural Census (NAC) held in Argentina in 2018 shows that the concentration and centralization of agrarian capital in this country's heartland of grain and oilseed production is an ongoing process. An extensive academic literature has attributed this trend to the dynamics of capitalist development in agriculture in general and to Argentina's political economy in particular. Tying into these discussions and based on a case study, this paper argues that an analysis of how the growth of large corporations works in and through class differentiation helps to further explain the dynamics of concentration and centralization. This includes (i) examining the strategies of big companies to diversify capital functions across various value chain links and (ii) elucidating how they have established particular relations to smaller capitals, intermediate classes, and workers, as well as the related patterns of exploitation and appropriation of surplus value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-energetic charged particles, such as solar protons, and phenomena such as Forbush decreases are eligible candidates to affect the global electric circuit. These effects have been studied by analyzing disturbances of the potential gradient in ground-based measurements in fair weather regions. In this paper, we investigate deviations in the potential gradient diurnal curve, during solar proton events, and Forbush decreases, from the mean values obtained in fair weather conditions. In each situation, we select only events which are not accompanied or followed by the other. Using the superposed epoch analysis, in order to enhance the visualization of small effects, we study the potential gradient data recorded between January 2010 and December 2019 at two stations located at low and middle-latitudes, and at two different altitudes: the Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito (CASLEO), Argentina: 31.78°S, 2550 m a.s.l., and the Geophysical Observatory in Świder (SWIDER), Poland: 52.12°N, 100 m a.s.l., respectively. For intense solar proton events (>100 MeV) we found a statistically significant increase of the potential gradient after solar proton events recorded at CASLEO and no such deviation in the potential gradient recorded at SWIDER. For Forbush decrease events (greater than 4%), no significant deviation of the potential gradient after the start of the event was found in both stations, however for very intense Forbush decreases (>7%) we found an increase of the potential gradient recorded at CASLEO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of the internal structure, hydrogeology and dynamics of a large, complex, multilobate and multiroot rock glacier combining electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), hydrochemical data and differential interferometry synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR). The rock glacier consists of a series of overlapping lobes that represent different advancing stages with different degrees of conservation. The ERT surveys characterize the active layer and the upper part of the permafrost layer, the latter showing a heterogeneous geometry and electrical resistivity values ranging from 7 to 142 kΩm. Hydrochemical data argue for both the existence of different disconnected water flow pathways inside the rock glacier and the remarkable ionic concentrator effect of this landform. The horizontal displacement from October 2014 to April 2017 shows greatest magnitudes in the upper sector of both tongues, reaching speeds of up to 150 cm/year. The active frontal sector shows a displacement rate of 2–4.5 cm/year. This study contributes to knowledge of the material properties of rock glaciers, which are considered to represent important reservoirs/water resources, and their influence on the distribution of mountain permafrost, hydrology, and dynamics. Finally, to the best of our knowledge, the possible influence of the metal content of the ground on the resistivity values recorded for mountain permafrost is highlighted for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alluvial fans are typical geomorphic features of arid and semiarid mountain areas. Most archaeological sites in Santa María valley (NW Argentina) are located on this kind of landform. The aims of this paper are to describe the geomorphological context and assess the state of conservation of four archaeological sites on the piedmont of Sierra de Quilmes (NW Argentina) from a geoarchaeological perspective; to diagnose the geomorphological processes affecting the sites over the last 50 years; to assess their vulnerability and conservation hazard; and to propose some corrective measures. By mapping with remote sensors (e.g., drones, aerial photographs, and satellite images) and conducting field surveys, we found that most archaeological sites are set on the H1 and H2 units of the alluvial fans. and that their geomorphological dynamic has increased in the last 50 years. The main active processes are debris flows, overflows, and mudflows, accompanied by the development of rills, sheetflood, and aeolian deflation. Human impact is also severe. The four sites need mitigation measures and a structured management plan. To date, no studies of this kind have been done rin the region, although one of the sites has been partially reconstructed for touristic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the process of trust‐building between SMEs' supply chain partners in turbulent times in emerging economies. It focuses on the role of environmental information exchange in strengthening relationships and improving responsiveness to overcome uncertainty while understanding and adapting to the changing environmental realities. A case study strategy of an SME in Argentina was conducted to obtain insights regarding the experiences, perceptions and opinions about how achieving trust acts as an instrument of partners' support during an uncertain time. A series of semi‐structured interviews were conducted in Argentina and China to collect empirical data. Data were analyzed to understand partners' mutual support and the emergence of trust. The importance of supply chain partnership is that partners go to the market together, meaning that there are more opportunities to benefit from for each partner. The results demonstrate that it is incorrect to assume that an SME can prosper alone in an unknown landscape. However, because of their responsiveness and experience in operating in a turbulent working environment, decision‐makers rapidly develop skills to adapt to uncertainty. Information sharing is at the core of establishing successful long‐term relationships, overcoming uncertainties while transforming them into opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that subsequent leaders in positive cloud‐to‐ground lightning (+CG) flashes rarely traverse pre‐existing channels to ground. In this paper, we present evidence that this actually can be common, at least for some thunderstorms. Observations of +CG flashes in a supercell storm in Argentina by Córdoba Argentina Marx Meter Array (CAMMA) are presented, in which 54 (64%) of 84 multiple‐stroke +CG flashes had subsequent leaders following a pre‐existing channel to ground. These subsequent positive leaders are found to behave similarly to their negative counterparts, including propagation speeds along pre‐existing channels with a median of 8 × 106 m/s, which is comparable to that of negative dart leaders. Two representative multiple‐stroke +CG flashes are presented and discussed in detail. The observations reported herein call for an update to the traditional explanation of the disparity between positive and negative lightning. Plain Language Summary: Despite the fact that positive lightning is more energetic and more likely to result in severe damage than negative lightning, it remains much less understood than its negative counterpart. We report on a totally unexpected behavior of positive lightning produced by a supercell thunderstorm in Argentina. Specifically, the observed positive lightning flashes were composed of multiple strokes retracing the same channel to ground, which differs from the expectation that positive lightning rarely delivers charge to the same place on the ground in a discrete manner. Our observations show that the behavior of subsequent leaders in positive lightning can be very similar to that of subsequent leaders in negative lightning. Our findings call for a change to our current understanding of positive lightning. Key Points: 54 of 84 multiple‐stroke +CG flashes produced by a supercell in Argentina had subsequent strokes following pre‐existing channels to groundSpeeds of descending positive leaders that traverse a channel created by a previous positive stroke are reported for the first timeSubsequent leaders in positive lightning initiated in the same way as counterparts in negative lightning [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Mapping species distributions is a crucial but challenging requirement of wildlife management. The frequent need to sample vast expanses of potential habitat increases the cost of planned surveys and rewards accumulation of opportunistic observations. In this paper, we integrate planned‐survey data from roost counts with opportunistic samples from eBird, WikiAves and Xeno‐canto citizen‐science platforms to map the geographic range of the endangered Vinaceous‐breasted Parrot. We demonstrate the estimation and mapping of species occurrence based on data integration while accounting for specifics of each dataset, including observation technique and uncertainty about the observations. Location: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Methods: Our analysis illustrates (a) the incorporation of sampling effort, spatial autocorrelation and site covariates in a joint‐likelihood, hierarchical, data integration model; (b) the evaluation of the contribution of each dataset, as well as the contribution of effort covariates, spatial autocorrelation and site covariates to the predictive ability of fitted models using a cross‐validation approach; and (c) how spatial representation of the latent occupancy state (i.e. realized occupancy) helps identify areas with high uncertainty that should be prioritized in future fieldwork. Results: We estimate a Vinaceous‐breasted Parrot geographic range of 434,670 km2, which is three times larger than the "Extant" area previously reported in the IUCN Red List. The exclusion of one dataset at a time from the analyses always resulted in worse predictions by the models of truncated data than by the Full Model, which included all datasets. Likewise, exclusion of spatial autocorrelation, site covariates or sampling effort resulted in worse predictions. Main conclusions: The integration of different datasets into one joint‐likelihood model produced a more reliable representation of the species range than any individual dataset taken on its own, improving the use of citizen‐science data in combination with planned‐survey results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A particular strength of lightning remote sensing is the variety of lightning types observed, each with a unique occurrence context and characteristically different emission. Distinct energetic intracloud (EIC) lightning discharges—compact intracloud lightning discharges (CIDs) and energetic intracloud pulses (EIPs)—produce intense RF radiation, suggesting large currents inside the cloud, and they also have different production mechanisms and occurrence contexts. A Low‐Frequency (LF) lightning remote sensing instrument array was deployed during the RELAMPAGO field campaign in west central Argentina, designed to investigate convective storms that produce high‐impact weather. LF data from the campaign can provide a valuable data set for researching the lightning context of EICs in a variety of subtropical convective storms. This paper describes the production of an LF‐CID data set in RELAMPAGO and includes a preliminary analysis of CID prevalence. Geolocated lightning events and their corresponding observed waveforms from the RELAMPAGO LF data set are used in the classification of EICs. Height estimates based on skywave reflections are computed, where prefit residual data editing is used to improve robustness against outliers. Even if EIPs occurred within the network, given the low number of very high‐peak current events and receiver saturation, automatic classification of EIPs may not be feasible using this data. The classification of CIDs, on the other hand, is straightforward and their properties, for both positive and negative polarity, are investigated. A few RELAMPAGO case studies are also presented, where high variability of CID prevalence in ordinary storms and high‐altitude positive CIDs, possibly in overshooting tops, are observed. Key Points: Classification and height estimation of energetic intracloud lightning are investigated using RELAMPAGO Low‐Frequency (LF) lightning waveformsA small number of high‐peak current events and saturation of LF receivers hinder the observation of Energetic In‐Cloud Pulses in RELAMPAGOA catalog of RELAMPAGO Compact Intracloud Discharges is produced to be used in future study of their occurrence in different storm types [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do the goals and activities of civil society organisations (CSOs) that are active in the field of immigrant welfare rights differ between autocracies and democracies? In this paper, we argue that a mechanism of CSO engagement plays out differently in these two political contexts because organisations adapt their goals and activities to the political regime they operate in. In the empirical analyses, we compare democratic Argentina and electoral‐authoritarian Malaysia using data from CSOs' public mission statements as well as from interviews with CSO members from both countries. We find that in Argentina, more universalistic constitutional provisions and commitments to international treaties allowed CSOs to reference norms of equal treatment, arguing for immigrant access to a variety of programmes, including non‐contributory social assistance benefits. In Malaysia, CSOs relied on moral frames of equality to a lesser extent. Instead, they advocated for inclusion in contributory schemes on the basis of deservingness of migrants given their contributions to society, focusing on minimum standards to guarantee that basic needs are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

In Argentina some branches of Islam have their own ziyāra circuits, building a local diasporic shrine culture. This paper examines sacred geographies created by 'Alawis descendants of Syrian immigrants, who arrived in the early decades of the twentieth century, and Naqshbandi‐Haqqani sufis, Muslims who have converted from a Christian background. Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Sufi and 'Alawi communities, in Shaykh Ahmed Merhej's shrine and in the Naqshbandiyya‐Haqqaniyya dergāhs where there are maqāms ‐ cenotaphs erected in honor of Shaykh 'Abdullah Daghestani‐ this article analyzes the configuration of two shrine cultures and their recent contact, showing the local rooting of a global practice among Muslims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates how subtitling and dubbing of foreign language media can be interpreted as cases of semiotic disruption, and how this interpretive frame comes to index a cosmopolitan identity among Argentine fans of Anglophone pop culture. The naturalization of voice/body/language assemblages allows fans to frame preferences for subtitles as an obvious consequence of "authentic" fan identity. Discourses of liberal inclusivity and literacy allow them to simultaneously explain others' preferences for dubbing as consequences of class, education, and maturity. I argue that these stance‐taking strategies are ways of mitigating the economic precarity of being Argentinean in a global/izing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the professional identity formation of a group of pre‐service English as a foreign language student‐teachers at an initial English language teacher education program in Argentina. To this effect, a four‐year longitudinal study was designed drawing on the concept of funds of identity. Participants' drawing of significant circles and interviews were used to document the main components of their funds of professional identity and the factors which informed their construction. In this paper, we specifically describe three student‐teachers' funds of professional identity to exemplify three trends identified across the participants: (1) knowledge as a constant fund, (2) a shift from past to present and future funds, and (3) a shift from external to internal funds. Drawing on Esteban‐Guitart's (2014) typology of funds of identity, this study puts forward a typology of funds of professional identity which incorporates three new funds, valuative, disciplinary, and anticipatory, to understand student‐teachers' trajectories in language teacher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the potential of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) U‐Pb dating for carbonate nodules in the Late Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of northwestern Argentina. We establish a fully characterized paragenetic sequence to guide the analysis of three pedogenic carbonates and compare the U‐Pb ages with published geochronology from volcanic ashes within the sedimentary succession. Our findings demonstrate the importance of interpreting U‐Pb data within a well‐defined paragenetic framework for accurate age interpretation of pedogenic carbonates. We observe variations in U‐Pb isotopic signatures across different generations of carbonate precipitates and identify syn‐pedogenic and early burial calcite cements as most suitable for precise dating. Respectively, these two calcite cements are interpreted as microcodium and crack‐lining calcite cements formed early in the paragenetic sequence during pedogenesis to early burial of the paleosols as they transitioned from the unsaturated vadose to saturated phreatic zone below the water table. The U‐Pb ages obtained from the carbonate nodules agree with the radioisotopic ages of volcanic ashes, supporting the validity of our dating strategy. These results contribute to advancing U‐Pb carbonate geochronology and highlight its increased potential for dating sedimentary records in the terrestrial realm. Future research should focus on replicating similar work on different carbonate nodules within the Ischigualasto Fm and expanding the application of LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb dating to other carbonate‐bearing formations, especially in successions with limited absolute ages or where volcanic ashes are sparse or absent. Plain Language Summary: Carbonate minerals that formed in fossil soils can provide valuable insights into past physical, biological, and chemical processes on Earth's surface. Despite their significance in reconstructing ancient climates and environments, determining the age of these fossil soils via uranium‐to‐lead dating has proven challenging. This difficulty arises from factors associated with soil carbonate minerals, including low uranium content, high lead content, complex formation chemistry, multiple formation episodes (generations), and potential for post‐formation chemical alteration. To address these issues, we first identified the order in which carbonate minerals formed within three samples from the Late Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of Argentina. Then, we dated each generation within each sample and compared the results to identify and understand the most optimal sample locations for dating. Analysis of our data shows that carbonate minerals formed due to biological processes near the surface as well as during the burial and submersion of the fossil soils below the water table are the most suitable for dating and approximate the timing of soil formation. Importantly, the ages from these soil carbonate samples align with ages from volcanic ashes found within the Ischigualasto Formation, thus validating our results and the potential to apply our strategy in other locations. Key Points: A well‐defined paragenetic framework is necessary to interpret laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U‐Pb data for accurate age interpretation of pedogenic carbonatesU‐Pb isotopic signatures vary across generations of carbonate precipitates, with syn‐pedogenic and early burial cements being the most suitable for precise datingSyn‐pedogenic and early burial cements approximate the timing of pedogenesis and transition from the unsaturated vadose to the saturated phreatic zone, respectively [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pampean flat slab in central Chile and Argentina is characterized by the inland migration and subsequent cessation of arc volcanism since the mid‐Miocene. Slab flattening also affects the distribution and number of intermediate‐depth earthquakes and the evolution of the overlying continental thermal structure. In this study, we combine thermal‐mechanical models with petrological models to examine temporal changes in pressure, temperature, and composition during flat‐slab subduction and estimate water carrying capacity, predicted melt distributions and predicted changes in melt composition. Model results indicate that the present‐day flattened Nazca plate carries water to ∼700 km inland from the trench and could cause flux melting if the material above the slab remains fertile. Observed slab seismicity matches areas where hydrated materials have ∼>3 wt% H2O in the oceanic crust and mantle lithosphere. Seismicity increases as slab water carrying capacity decreases (slab dehydration). As P‐T conditions and compositions of the rock trapped above the slab change during slab flattening, flux melting switches from a peridotite‐dominated early phase to a combined mid‐ocean ridge basalt/eclogite and peridotite melting at ∼8 Ma. The results provide broad consistency with known earthquake distributions, seismic velocities, and observed temporal and spatial changes in volcanic patterns above the Pampean flat slab and point toward the role of melt depletion in the decrease and ultimate cessation of arc volcanism in this region. Key Points: We estimate the water carrying capacities, melt distributions, and composition during the Pampean flat‐slab subductionThe predicted hydrated areas match the observed slab seismicity in the Pampean regionFlux melting above the flat slab is predicted to migrate inland, providing constraints on the causes of the spatiotemporal changes in magmatism [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do some governments manage to curb protest while others cannot and turmoil escalates to a social outbreak? This study proposes a theoretical argument that specifies how discretionary spending reduces conflict, highlighting the role of social movements in managing protests. It examines this and alternative arguments in Argentina, a country with strong social movements and historically large mobilizations, using statistical analysis with an original database on protests and a population of 364 national government programs between 2008 and 2019. The article makes a contribution by finding a differential effect between specific types of social spending, programmatic and discretional, and protests. It also specifies the linkage between the main variables using qualitative evidence during two presidencies. The goal of discretionary distribution is not to win an election but to ensure governance. The article finally raises some comparative implications on the role of social movements and welfare spending in Latin America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooling subvolcanic igneous intrusions are known to have a substantial impact on fluid flow in the shallow Earth's crust, for example activation of geothermal systems, circulation of mineralized fluids in ore deposits, fast maturation of organic matter in sedimentary rocks and the potential release of large volumes of greenhouse gases, which have triggered mass extinctions during the Earth's history. However, the long‐term post‐cooling legacy of subvolcanic intrusions on fluid flow received much less attention. Here we describe a demonstrative geological example in the Andean foothills, Argentina, showing that igneous intrusions have long‐term effects on fluid flow after their emplacement and cooling. The case study is a ca. 11‐million‐year‐old, eroded subvolcanic conduit, at the rims of which large volumes of bitumen are naturally seeping out on the Earth's surface. This contribution highlights that intense syn‐emplacement fracturing of the magma has created high‐permeability pathways that affect the regional fluid circulations, even millions of years after cooling. Our observations reveal how extinct subvolcanic intrusions have long‐term consequences on subsurface fluid circulations, which need to be accounted for in the exploration of geothermal energy, drinkable groundwater, hydrocarbons and CO2 sequestration in volcanic basins and regions hosting ancient shallow magma intrusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Question: Livestock grazing affects plant communities in drylands worldwide. However, our current understanding of the Patagonian drylands has primarily been derived from comparing exclosures with grazing conditions or from single‐site grazing gradients. The pending question is: do impacts of grazing intensification on Patagonian plant communities change along aridity gradients? Location: Patagonia, Argentina. Methods: We surveyed vegetation cover of perennial species in paddocks with different sheep‐grazing pressure (ungrazed, lightly, moderately, and intensively grazed, based on long‐term stocking rates), in three plant communities located along a regional aridity gradient: a semi‐desert (arid), a shrub–grass steppe (semi‐arid), and a grass steppe (dry sub‐humid). In these communities, we analyzed the effects of grazing pressure on the total cover of vegetation, the cover of dominant plant life‐forms (grasses and shrubs), the plant species diversity, and the traits of dominant plant species. Results: Intensification of sheep grazing significantly decreased total vegetation cover in the semi‐desert, but not in the steppes. Although grazing decreased the cover of grasses (particularly of the highly preferred ones) in all communities, in the shrub–grass and grass steppes this reduction was offset by an increase in the cover and size of shrubs. Plant diversity was not consistently affected by grazing pressure in these communities. Traits of dominant plant species partially explained community responses to grazing intensification. Conclusions: Livestock grazing intensification reduces the forage quantity and quality of Patagonian plant communities, but the severity depends on plant community types. In semi‐deserts (the most arid), grasses were drastically affected, while in the steppes, the grazing effects on grasses were low and partially compensated by an increase in the cover and size of shrubs, which fulfill critical roles other than forage provision. It is fundamental that grazing pressure be adapted to forage resource availability for each community type to achieve sustainable management in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects that cooperation with industry generates in public research depend on the specific collaboration scheme. Joint research and research service share some features, such as the frequency and intensity of interactions and knowledge based exchanges, which allow them to be considered as relational schemes. This work investigates the effects that such schemes generate in public research, based on the contributions that industry makes and the way in which they are linked to public learning and the direction of research agenda. A case study is carried out in three sectors, agrobiotechnology, biopharmaceutical and nanotechnology, from a developing country like Argentina, which covers R&D projects included in both schemes. Among the main findings, it is highlighted that, regardless of the intensity of knowledge of the industrial contribution, it can induce in public researchers both learning dynamics and feedback on more basic aspects of their activity. Likewise, industrial contributions in the conception stage of the project make the public applied research agenda expand toward more relevant topics from the economic and social point of view. Finally, industry's knowledge contributions in the laboratory phase, scale change and regulatory aspects, allow public researchers to absorb new for them capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Evidence‐based practice (EBP) has been widely implemented in different areas of biomedical sciences. However, no precedents in Argentina have investigated the data regarding the knowledge and difficulties related to EBP in physiotherapists. The purpose was to describe the self‐reported behavior, knowledge, skills, opinion, and barriers related to the EBP of Argentinian physiotherapists. Methods: A customized descriptive survey was conducted among 289 physical therapists in Argentina. The data were analyzed descriptively. Results: The response rate was 56% (163/289). Argentinian physiotherapists update themselves through scientific articles, meetings, congresses, and courses. They reported having sufficient knowledge to use EBP, informing patients about treatment options, and considering their choices in the decision‐making process. However, there were inconsistencies in responses regarding experience with EBP during undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The most frequently reported barriers were lack of time, difficulty in understanding statistics, and difficulties with the English language of scientific articles. Discussion: EBP in Argentine physiotherapists is still poorly understood. Time, language, and difficulties in understanding statistics are the most important barriers to the implementation of EBP. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are warranted to improve the clinical decision‐making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pterosaurs are an extinct group of Mesozoic flying reptiles, which exhibited high diversity with regard to their dentition. Although morphological features of pterosaur dentition have been described in detail in several contributions, the histology of tooth and tooth attachment tissues (i.e. periodontium) has been scarcely analysed to date for this clade. Here we describe and interpret the microstructure of the tooth and periodontium attachment tissues of Pterodaustro guinazui, a filter‐feeding pterodactyloid pterosaur from the Lower Cretaceous of Argentina. The histological analysis of the lower jaw and its filamentous teeth verifies that the geometry of the implantation corresponds to an aulacodont condition (i.e. teeth are set in a groove with no interdental separation). This pattern departs from that recorded in other archosaurs, being possibly also present in other, non‐closely related, pterosaurs. Regarding tooth attachment, in contrast to other pterosaurs, there is no direct evidence for gomphosis in Pterodaustro (i.e. the absence of cementum, mineralized periodontal ligamentum and alveolar bone). Nevertheless, the current evidence for ankylosis is still not conclusive. Contrary to that reported for other archosaurs, replacement teeth are absent in Pterodaustro, which is interpreted as evidence for monophyodonty or diphyodonty in this taxon. Most of the microstructural features are possibly related to the complex filter‐feeding apparatus of Pterodaustro and does not appear to represent the general pattern of pterosaurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a key pest of tomato crops. Specific and environmentally friendly control strategies against this pest, such as the sterile insect technique (SIT), are under development and sexual reproduction has emerged as a key focal point to ensure its success. In the present study, we analyzed four representative T. absoluta populations from Argentina, focusing on the molecular detection of endosymbionts potentially associated with reproductive abnormalities and on determining whether parthenogenesis can occur under laboratory conditions. Larvae of T. absoluta were collected in commercial tomato plantations from La Plata and Mar del Plata (both in Buenos Aires province), Bella Vista (Corrientes province), and Yuto (Jujuy province). Tuta absoluta adults were evaluated by standard PCR for the presence of reproductive endosymbionts (Wolbachia sp., Spiroplasma sp., Arsenophonus sp., Cardinium sp., and Rickettsia sp.). For parthenogenesis assays, 20–23 virgin females from each T. absoluta geographic population were life‐long isolated in Petri dishes with a tomato leaf. Fecundity, fertility, and female longevity were estimated and compared with results from mated females from each population. Our results showed the presence of a unique endosymbiont (Wolbachia sp. supergroup B, sequence type 41). Fecundity of the unmated females was significantly lower than fecundity of mated females in all T. absoluta populations. In addition, unmated females only laid infertile eggs. In conclusion, the absence of parthenogenesis in T. absoluta from representative geographic populations supports the implementation of SIT and mating disruption as effective control strategies against this pest in Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]