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Three composite materials with different CaZrO 3 /MgO fractions (2/3, 1/2, 1/3) and two single-phase materials (CaZrO 3 and MgO) were fabricated and their thermal conductivity was investigated. Complete thermal and mechanical characterizations (thermal expansion coefficient, thermal diffusivity, specific heat, hardness and toughness) of the materials were performed. Values of the thermal conductivity up to 480 °C of the composites were compared with those calculated with the main analytical models. From the real microstructures of the three composites, representative volume elements (RVE) were built and used for finite element modelling (FEM) of thermal conductivity using conductivities of the single-phase materials as inputs. The FEM results showed no differences for the 3 spatial directions of the RVE, nor for the different edge lengths (11, 14 and 17 μm). Results of all analytical models are statistically different from the experimental ones, being those from the Bruggeman model the closest. Results of the proposed FEM are statistically coincident with the experimental ones, showing sensitivity to temperature variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from synthetic raw materials (CaZrO 3 and MgO), microstructural and mechanical properties were optimised in order to obtain dense multiphasic ceramic, then finite element method (FEM) of an equimolar (1:1) CaZrO 3 -MgO composite was performed in order to obtain the effective elastic modulus. Composite presents two main phases of orthorhombic CaZrO 3 (81.5 wt.%) and cubic MgO (18.5 wt.%); For 1500 °C, relative density of 99.9%, characteristic strength of 168 MPa, hardness of 7.8 MPa and toughness of 2.5 MPa.m1/2 were obtained. FEM simulation was performed using two representative volume elements (RVE's) with edge lengths of 14 μm (933 grains) and 17 μm (1670 grains), using isotropic elastic model, and anisotropic on specific set of crystallographic planes. The results of FEM using isotropic approach for the two RVE's are perfectly aligned with the experimental (245 GPa), while the anisotropic model shows a difference of 6.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work a methodology to reconstruct three-dimensional microstructures, representative of real biphasic ceramics using Neper free software is proposed. Finite element analysis in Ansys was implemented in order to calculate the effective elastic modulus of the simulated microstructures. Fine grained and dense zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) materials with 5 and 40 vol.% of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YTZP) have been chosen to validate the proposed methodology. First, the effects of the size of the representative volume elements (RVEs) and the characteristics of the grain shapes are analysed. Second, the compliance with the isotropic condition is also verified. Agreement between the numerical and experimental values of the elastic modulus of the considered ZTA materials has been found. For these materials, zirconia fractions higher than 10 vol.% lead to bi-continuous microstructures which make the elastic properties deviate from the Voigt limit due to the increased number of contacts between zirconia grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic behavior of a vibrational electromagnetic generator using a magnetic levitation architecture was theoretically and experimentally studied in great detail, when operating under a wide range of three-dimensional excitations. We developed a complete rigorous physical model from first principles based on the theory of electrodynamics of continua, centered on the laws of electrodynamics and balance of mass, linear momentum, angular momentum, energy and entropy. Local electromagnetic and gravitational body forces, couples and powers were considered, and the surface tractions were divided into constraint and friction components, as well as those due to external mechanical energy sources. The balance of linear momentum, angular momentum and circuit equations resulted in up to 13 non-linear differential equations describing the dynamics of the levitating-magnet and container, relating input forces and torques with output displacement, constraint forces and voltage. The balance of energy yielded a consistent equivalence between the time rate of change of the internal kinetic and potential energies of the generator and the output power, associated with the external circuit, Ohmic losses and friction losses, as well as the input mechanical power being supplied to the system by the environment. Both the input and output powers were proven to tend to increase equally when operating the generator under resonant conditions. The levitating generator was shown to be sensitive to axial translational and centrifugal inertial forces, each one effectively resulting in a uni-stable or bi-stable system. The dynamical response yielded multiple initial conditions dependent steady-states, hysteretic frequency output and chaotic characteristics. Relevant guidelines to optimize the energy conversion efficiency of energy harvesters are provided. This model was validated by experimental tests, including general 3D motions combining translations and rotations: cross-correlations exceeding 90% were achieved. Such Newtonian and Langrangian modelling approaches hold great potential to be easily adapted to a wide range of other electromagnetic generators, with multiple degrees-of-freedom and operating under various environments, such that significant advances in energy technologies can be supported. • A complete wide-reaching physical 3D model of electromagnetic generators was developed. • 13 non-linear differential equations were deduced to describe their dynamics. • Cross-correlations exceeding 90% were achieved for general 3D mechanical excitations. • Such model holds great potential to be adapted to a wide range of other generators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease remains a clinical exercise based on the assessment of motor symptoms, which often results in diagnosis performed in more advanced stages of the disease. The limitations of current diagnostic technologies emphasize the need for the development of sensitive and cost-effective biosensing technologies. In this regard, a comprehensive review of the biosensors developed during the last decade towards biosensing of Parkinson's disease is presented, focusing on the detection of α-synuclein and related species. This review highlights the main advances, challenges and future prospects on the development of electrochemical and optical affinity biosensors where the integration of nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and graphene, enabled the design of highly sensitive biosensors with reported detection limits in the sub-picomolar levels. Nonetheless, there is still a major gap in the biosensing field concerning the development of multiplexed platforms capable of addressing the multifactorial nature of this disease. • Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is commonly performed in more advanced stages. • Biosensors offer novel sensing tools for the detection of clinically relevant biomarkers. • Electrochemical and optical biosensors were the most common transducers. • Excellent analytical performance with detection limits in the sub-picomolar levels. • Future biosensing of Parkinson's disease should comprise multiplexed platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elasmobranchs can bioaccumulate and biomagnify pollutants. However, few studies are directed to the effects of pollutants on the health of these animals, and in most cases, are limited to the analysis of biochemical markers. Thus, the incidence of genomic damage among shark species inhabiting a protected ocean island in the South Atlantic was investigated in association with the analysis of pollutants in seawater sample. High levels of genomic damage were identified, especially in Negaprion brevirostris and Galeocerdo cuvier , in addition to interspecific variations that may be related to characteristics such as animal size, metabolism and habits. High concentrations of Surfactants were observed in seawater sample, in addition to low concentrations of Cadmium, Lead, Copper, Chromium, Zinc, Manganese, and Mercury. The results evidenced the potential of shark species as a bioindicator of environmental quality and allowed assessing the anthropic impact on the archipelago, which currently drives its economy through tourism. [Display omitted] • Sharks with high levels of genomic damage were detected in the study area. • Variations were observed in the frequencies of genomic damage among shark species. • A relationship between total length and genomic damage frequency was observed. • Pollutants such as surfactants and metals were observed in seawater sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine carbonate sediments have economic value because of their high concentration of calcium minerals and important trace elements. However, increasing mining interest in these stocks is threatening unique ecosystems, such as rhodolith beds, which provide many ecosystem goods and services. We review the potential of the unexplored Brazilian deposits and the rising conflicts with other blue economic sectors and biodiversity hotspots. The tropical Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, particularly the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone, has the largest deposit of marine limestone worldwide, which is very attractive to the global industry, with reserves measured at more than 1355,157,240 tons of CaCO 3 and it is especially useful as a supply for agriculture and animal nutrition. This large mining potential raises concerns regarding licenses and potential impacts, especially considering the biological and socio-economic importance of extensive rhodolith beds, which may conflict with mining. Additionally, future dredging activities will take place in vulnerable ecosystems without adequate marine spatial planning (MSP). Currently, there is no long-term scientific information on the available carbonate stocks, stock recoverability, risks to connectivity with other ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs), and the reduced provision of ecosystem services which may affect activities such as artisanal fisheries. In this context, encouraging carbonate mining without science-based information and MSP accelerates the unsustainable exploitation of this important ecosystem. This activity will contribute to the degradation of tropical marine biodiversity and threaten the food security of traditional and vulnerable human communities, which is in opposition to the Sustainable Development Goals and reaching the 2030 United Nations Agenda. [Display omitted] • Brazil has great mining potential due to non-explored carbonates. • Carbonate mining was overexploited by Europe and is now prohibited. • Rhodoliths are non-renewable resources and recovery is slower than the extraction rate. • Rhodolith beds offer ecosystem services and could be more economically valuable when conserved rather than exploited. • Policy actions and baseline research is urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The middle and outer continental shelves of eastern equatorial South America (ESA) are characterized by intense production of carbonate sediments. Qualitative analyses of sediment deposits suggest that the calcareous green alga Halimeda incrassata is among the top CaCO 3 producers. Nevertheless, no study so far has quantified its real contributions. To better understand the sediment dynamic in this area, we measured biomass, growth rates and calcium carbonate production by this alga. The species exhibited high growth rates (3.38 segments.individual −1 .day −1 ), coverage (174 individuals.m −2 ) and biomass (214.02 g.m −2 ). Substitution of segments may allow a sedimentation rate of 1.53 mm.yr −1 and a complete turnover of the population every 60.2 days. The rapid growth indicates that this alga can produce as much CaCO 3 (1.19 kg CaCO 3 .m −2 .year −1 ) as other tropical organisms, such as corals and rhodoliths. In a conservative estimate, 773.500 tonnes of CaCO 3 are produced per year in a 5000 km 2 area off the northern coast of Brazil. Sedimentation rate seems to be higher than that promoted by continental inputs in middle and outer continental shelf. On the other hand, population turnover is twice as slow as in other H. incrassata assemblages, suggesting that South American populations are sensible to physical disturbances. New studies are necessary to accurately estimate H. incrassata coverage along the Brazilian coast and to integrate data on other CaCO 3 producers, such as foraminifera and coralline algae. This would allow a better understanding of the role of South American continental shelf on the global carbon budget. Furthermore, analysis on the health of these organisms is urgent, since a decline in their populations could negatively affect ecosystems functioning and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peculiar shallow-water reefs of the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic Ocean have thrived in conditions considered suboptimal (e.g., moderate turbidity, higher level of nutrients, and resuspension of sediments) under the optics of classical coral reefs. Recently, these marginal reefs have been hypothesized to provide climate-change refugia from natural and anthropogenic impacts; yet with little empirical evidence. Therefore, in this article we discuss the known effects of multiple pressures on the Brazilian reefs. A wide evaluation of the peer reviewed literature reported that bleaching events affected 26 species of scleractinians, hydrocorals, octocorals, and zoanthids in turbid-zone reefs over the last 26 years (1994–2020) in the Tropical SW Atlantic Brazil. Between 1994 and 2018 no species suffered post-bleaching mass mortality. However, the recent and intense heatwaves of 2019 and 2020 caused higher mortality rates in several key foundation corals (e.g., Millepora alcicornis , Millepora braziliensis , and Mussismilia harttii) showing that the SW Atlantic reefs are not long-term protected and universal refuges. Moreover, other direct and indirect human pressures threaten these tropical reefs. Local and regional (e.g., pollution and fisheries) and large-scale pressures (e.g., global warming and marine heatwaves) act simultaneously on the health of these reefs, which intensifies negative species-specific impacts. We outline the occurrence of pressures that have been important factors responsible for the reduction in species richness and reef fish biomass, changing geo-ecological functions, altered reef composition and dominant morpho-functional groups, as well as phase shifts. Along with large-scale climatic changes, such as heatwaves, fisheries, urbanization, mining disasters, oil spills, increased sedimentation, increased warming, marine debris, contamination by domestic, agricultural, and industrial effluents, and introduction of invasive species are likely the most severe pressures on Brazilian reefs. We discuss that the "Brazilian reef refuge hypothesis" could be partially applied for some stress-tolerant massive corals during acute disturbances (short-term refuge); yet should not be assumed as a reef ecosystem-wide feature under ongoing environmental change. Therefore, we argue that it is essential to alleviate the main local and regional human impacts and to adopt resilient-based management strategies at local and global scales to protect the low-functional redundancy and higher endemism of these unique marginal coral reefs. [Display omitted] • Bleaching events affected 26 reef species over the last 26 years. • The most reef-building corals did not exhibit post-bleaching mass mortality before 2019. • Occurrence of multiple human pressures are responsible for the decline of Brazilian reefs. • These marginal coral reefs are not long-term and universal refuges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodolith growth and CaCO 3 production remain poorly quantified along the SW Atlantic Ocean, and it is difficult to relate the available measurements with biomass estimates. Suboptimal conditions may clarify how harsh environments influence nodule growth and abundance, elucidating their relationship. Off the energetic South American equatorial coast a rhodolith bed (~65 km2), formed mainly by Mesophyllum sp. and Lithophyllum sp., alters the regional sedimentary pattern and sustains a diverse biota. Its nodules present fast growth rates (2.8 mm year−1), but small biomasses (18 nodules∙m−2 covering 26 ± 3% of the substrate), resulting in a CaCO 3 production of 163.33 g m−2∙year−1. Despite the small biomass, the bed seems stable, with living and dead nodules both on and inside the substrate. And the suboptimal environment apparently affects growth and abundance independently. Therefore, fast growth rates and relevant structural roles are not necessarily associated with dense rhodolith assemblages, and ecological assessments of rhodolith beds should consider the dynamics of both individual nodules and the whole population. • A rhodolith bed under harsh equatorial environmental conditions is investigated. • The bed has a small rhodolith density but exhibits very fast nodule growth rates. • Rhodoliths sustain a rich biota and affect sediment budgets even at low densities. • Stable and productive rhodolith beds may form even under such suboptimal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In early September 2019, dense crude oil began to wash the beaches of Brazil's tropical coast. Four months after the first report, the oil has already been found along >3000 km of the Brazilian coastline on >980 beaches and was recently observed along the Amazon coast, making this oil spill the most extensive and severe environmental disaster ever recorded in Brazilian history, in the South Atlantic basin, and in tropical coastal regions worldwide. Four features of this oil-spill disaster make it unique: 1) the characteristics of the oil spill; 2) the characteristics of the affected region in tropical Brazil; 3) the significant number of protected areas (>55) and tropical ecosystems affected by the oil; and 4) the absence of measures and/or flaws in the measures taken by the federal government to address this environmental and social emergency. The affected species and poor human communities in Brazil should receive focused attention in the coming decades owing to the long-term impacts of the oil contamination. Environmental monitoring and response measures must be implemented to minimize the ecological, economic, and social effects of the spill. Biodiversity and climate regulation losses considering blue carbon environments should drive discussions regarding mining accidents and global consequences related to pre-salt oil exploitation, new spill events, and their global impacts. These measures are particularly relevant in areas with high tropical biodiversity and high social inequality, as in the present case, which represents one of the worst-case scenarios of an environmental and governmental disaster. Image 1 • This oil spill disaster is unique owing to four main features. • The affected Brazilian tropical region is unique considering coral endemism. • The significant number of protected areas and tropical ecosystems affected by the oil. • The characteristics of the oil spill itself. • The absence of and/or flaws in the measures taken by the federal governmental to address this emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electromagnetic energy harvesting holds potential for small and large-scale devices. • Twenty-one designs were found and differentiated in four categories. • Four modelling approaches were distinguished to model the transduction mechanisms. • Electric power densities of up to 8 mW/cm3 (8 kW/m3) were already achieved. • No multivariable performance optimization was already performed. Motion-driven electromagnetic energy harvesters have the ability to provide low-cost and customizable electric powering. They are a well-suited technological solution to autonomously supply a broad range of high-sophisticated devices. This paper presents a detailed review focused on major breakthroughs in the scope of electromagnetic energy harvesting using magnetic levitation architectures. A rigorous analysis of twenty-one design configurations was made to compare their geometric and constructive parameters, optimization methodologies and energy harvesting performances. This review also explores the most relevant models (analytical, semi-analytical, empirical and finite element method) already developed to make intelligible the physical phenomena of their transduction mechanisms. The most relevant approaches to model each physical phenomenon of these transduction mechanisms are highlighted in this paper. Very good agreements were found between experimental and simulation tests with deviations lower than 15%. Moreover, the external motion excitations and electric energy harvesting outputs were also comprehensively compared and critically discussed. Electric power densities up to 8 mW/cm3 (8 kW/m3) have already been achieved; for resistive loads, the maximum voltage and current were 43.4 V and 150 mA, respectively, for volumes up to 235 cm3. Results highlight the potential of these harvesters to convert mechanical energy into electric energy both for large-scale and small-scale applications. Moreover, this paper proposes future research directions towards efficiency maximization and minimization of energy production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the article was to examine factors associated with completing enrollment milestones in the Together 5000 cohort of at-risk men (n = 8661), transmen (n = 53), and transwomen (n = 63) who have sex with men.Methods: Between 2017 and 2018, participants completed an online enrollment survey and were offered opportunities to complete an incentivized secondary online survey as well as self-administered at-home HIV testing (OraSure). We explored factors associated with completing each study component.Results: In total, 8777 individuals completed our enrollment survey, 6166 (70.3%) completed the secondary survey, and 5010 returned the at-home HIV test kit that was mailed to them (81.3% of those mailed a kit). In our multivariable models, those who were White, with more years of education, were more likely to complete study components, although the magnitude of these associations was small. For example, 50.9% of those enrolled, 47.9% of those completing the secondary survey, and 46.8% of those completing HIV testing were persons of color-a statistically significant, but meaningfully insignificant decline.Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for researchers to identify barriers that may prevent persons of color and younger individuals from participating in research studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tributyltin (TBT) is an obesogenic endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) linked with several metabolic complications. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is the principal site for thermogenesis, making it a potential target for obesity management and metabolic disease. However, few studies have evaluated TBT effect on BAT function. In this investigation, we assessed whether subacute (15 days) and low dose of TBT exposure (100 ng/kg/day) results in abnormal BAT morphophysiology in adult male rats. Body temperature, BAT morphology, inflammation, oxidative stress, collagen deposition and BAT metabolic gene expression markers were assessed in room temperature (Room, ∼24 ºC) and after cold tolerance test (Cold, ∼4 ºC) conditions. A reduction in body temperature was observed in both Room and Cold conditions in TBT rats, suggesting abnormal BAT thermogenic function. Changes in BAT morphology were observed in TBT rats, with an increase in BAT lipid accumulation, an increase in BAT unilocular adipocyte number and a decrease in BAT multilocular adipocyte number in Room condition. All these parameters were opposite in Cold condition TBT rats, leading to a borderline increase in BAT UCP1 protein expression. An increase in BAT mast cell number was observed in TBT rats in Room condition. An increase in ED1 protein expression (macrophage marker) was observed in TBT rats in Cold condition. Oxidative stress and collagen deposition increased in both Room and Cold conditions in TBT rats. TBT exposure caused a borderline increase in BAT COL1A1 protein expression in Cold condition. Further, strong negative correlations were observed between body temperature and BAT lipid accumulation, and BAT lipid accumulation and multilocular adipocyte number. Thus, these data suggest that TBT exposure impaired BAT morphophysiology through impacts on lipid accumulation, inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress in male rats. [Display omitted] • TBT exposure impairs thermogenic function. • TBT exposure led to BAT lipid accumulation. • TBT exposure led to BAT inflammation. • TBT exposure led to BAT oxidative stress. • TBT exposure led to BAT fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple human stressors affect tropical intertidal sandstone reefs, but little is known about their biodiversity and the environmental impacts of these stressors. In the present study, multiple anthropogenic pressures were integrated using the relative environmental pressure index (REPI) and related to benthic community structure across an intertidal gradient in five sandstone reefs in the tropical South Atlantic coast. Greater species richness and diversity were noted in the low intertidal zones. There was a negative relationship between REPI and species richness, suggesting that increasing anthropogenic pressure has decreased benthic richness. The factors associated with the loss of richness were jetties built to control erosion, urban areas, beachfront kiosks and restaurants, fish markets, and storm sewers with illegal sewage connections. Our results highlight the need for better infrastructure planning and rigorous monitoring of coastal urban areas, since the large influence of multiple human pressures in these reefs leads to biodiversity losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electric efficiency of vibrational electromagnetic generators is highly dependent on their ability to ensure effective adaptability to uncertain and irregular dynamics of mechanical energy sources. Such adaptive ability demands a planning operation considering future information of the highly nonlinear dynamics of these generators and mechanical excitations patterns. High accurate energy predictions are then mandatory for high energy generation efficiencies. However, on the one hand, high prediction accuracy by analytical modelling from first principles requires high modelling complexity; on the other hand, artificial intelligence models ensuring high prediction accuracy have not yet been explored to enhance the performance of these generators, even though their pre-training holds potential to significantly reduce the energy production costs. We here provide a multifaceted study highlighting the synergies between analytical and artificial intelligence modelling for optimizing the efficiency of vibrational-powered electromagnetic generators. Two main innovations are introduced: (1) development and experimental validation of a time-series forecasting artificial intelligence model based on the deep deterministic policy gradient method; (2) validation of a pre-training scenario by analytical modelling ⟶ artificial intelligence modelling synergy. Both the analytical and artificial intelligence models were able to provide high prediction accuracies to periodic and random 3D motions combining translations and rotations. Moreover, the pre-training scenario, using simulation training data sets, ensures prediction accuracies within the ± 20% absolute error surfaces, profiling approximately normal distributions centered at approximately null error. These are impacting results in the scope of vibrational electromagnetic generation, holding potential to be extended to innovative self-adaptive electromagnetic generators, including those with ability to absorb complex 6 DOF external mechanical excitations. Besides, it can support the implementation of high-performance AI modelling ⟶ analytical modelling synergies, aiming to re-parameterize the high complex analytical models throughout the EMG operation, such that a superior controllability of the adaptive systems can be achieved. • The synergies between analytical and AI modelling were explored for vibrational EMG generators. • An analytical model from first principles of a vibrational EMG generator was validated. • An AI DDPG model for prediction of electrical dynamics of the EMG generator was validated. • A pre-training scenario by analytical modelling ⟶ AI modelling synergy was validated. • Results can be extended to many other EMG generators for high-efficiency energy generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Automated electromagnetic generators with self-adaptive coil switching are proposed. • A transduction model from first principles was developed and validated. • The generator performance was improved up to 26% using self-adaptation. • Complex dynamics of the resonant non-linear system were investigated. • Promising generator design combining energy transduction and automation engineering. Self-powered electronic devices have been widely sought after in the last few years demanding efficient harvesting of locally available forms of energy. Electromagnetic generators are suitable contenders for powering both small-scale and large-scale devices due to their widespread availability and customizability. New promising magnet levitation architectures for mechanical vibration energy harvesting offer low production and maintenance costs, as well as a wide array of designs. They also exhibit complex non-linear and hysteretic resonant behaviors. Nonetheless, their performance is typically optimized towards external excitations with very specific characteristics. In this study, we theoretically and experimentally prove the concept of an instrumented self-adaptive levitation generator with on/off coil switching employing an accelerometer, transmission gate switches and a processing system. This adaptable system is able to periodically turn off coils not contributing to the generated electromotive forces for certain frequencies and amplitudes of the input excitations. Taking the power consumption of instrumentation into account, power gains up to ≈ 26% were achieved for harmonic inputs with randomly time changing frequencies and amplitudes. Using a prototype generator with 140.7 cm3, output average powers of up to 1.79 W (i.e., 12.7 kW/m3) were extracted for optimal electrical loads under non-linear resonant conditions. Significant increases in electric power efficiencies were achieved as well. These promising results should pave the way towards intelligent self-adapting energy generators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Current micro-scale biomagnetic devices require very high electric current excitations. • A novel biomagnetic methodology requiring up to 50-fold lower currents is proposed. • Osteogenic stimuli (0.1–7 mT) is achieved by low current excitations (0.06–4.3 mA). • Device designs with heights lower than 1 mm are able to deliver effective stimuli. • Stimuli heterogeneity can be defined by core diameters and stimulators positioning. Recent studies highlight the ability of inductive architectures to deliver therapeutic magnetic stimuli to target tissues and to be embedded into small-scale intracorporeal medical devices. However, to date, current micro-scale biomagnetic devices require very high electric current excitations (usually exceeding 1 A) to ensure the delivery of efficient magnetic flux densities. This is a critical problem as advanced implantable devices demand self-powering, stand-alone and long-term operation. This work provides, for the first time, a novel small-scale magnetic stimulation system that requires up to 50-fold lower electric current excitations than required by relevant biomagnetic technology recently proposed. Computational models were developed to analyse the magnetic stimuli distributions and densities delivered to cellular tissues during in vitro experiments, such that the feasibility of this novel stimulator can be firstly evaluated on cell culture tests. The results demonstrate that this new stimulative technology is able to deliver osteogenic stimuli (0.1–7 mT range) by current excitations in the 0.06–4.3 mA range. Moreover, it allows coil designs with heights lower than 1 mm without significant loss of magnetic stimuli capability. Finally, suitable core diameters and stimulator-stimulator distances allow to define heterogeneity or quasi -homogeneity stimuli distributions. These results support the design of high-sophisticated biomagnetic devices for a wide range of therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To present an adaptation of the anaglyph photography technique to be used with radiological images from computed tomography angiograms, enabling stereoscopic visualization of a patient's individual abnormal vascular anatomy for teaching, case discussion, or surgical planning purposes. Traditional anaglyph procedures with actual objects yield 2 independent photographs, simulating the image perceived by each eye. Production of anaglyphs from angiograms involve 3 basic procedures: volume rendering, image capture, and image fusion. Volume renderings were reconstructed using a free, open-source DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) reader. Subsequently, the virtual object was positioned to mimic the operator's angle of view, and different perspectives of the reconstructed volume could be obtained through exclusively horizontal rotation. The 2 images were then fused after their color composition was modified so that each eye would perceive only 1 image when using anaglyph glasses. Forty-three angiograms were reviewed for the purpose of this study and a total of 6 examinations were selected for illustration of the technique. Stereoscopic display was possible for all of them and in the 3 types of support tested: computer monitor, tablet, and smartphone screens. Anaglyph display of computed tomography angiograms is an effective and low-cost alternative for the stereoscopic visualization of a patient's individual intracranial vascular anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reefs in turbid waters have been hypothesized to be a refuge from climate change. These naturally occurring communities were brought into the spotlight because some of their species exhibited record levels of resistance to marine heatwaves (MHWs) by disturbance-tolerant corals. However, long-term monitoring data on the drivers of coral bleaching in these extreme reef habitats are scarce. Here, we describe the population structure and bleaching rates of a widespread and resilient coral (Siderastrea stellata). We examine the links between environmental factors, namely, rainfall, wind speed, turbidity, solar irradiance, sea surface temperature, MHWs, and coral bleaching status under the worst recorded drought cycle in the Tropical South Atlantic (2013–2015). We examined 2880 colonies, most of which (∼93%) fit in the size group of 2–10 cm, with a small number (∼1%) of larger and older colonies (>20 cm). The results indicated the absence of MHWs and normal sea surface temperature variations (between 26.6 °C and 29.3 °C), however, we detected an extreme rainfall deficit (30–40% less annual volume precipitation). In general, a high proportion (44–84%) of bleached colonies was found throughout the months when turbidity decreased. Siderastrea is the only reef-building coral that comprises this seascape with encrusting and low-relief colonies. During drought periods, cloudiness is reduced, turbidity and wind speed are reduced, and solar irradiance increase, driving coral bleaching in turbid reefs. However, episodic rainfall and higher wind speeds increase turbidity and decrease coral bleaching. Our hypothesis is that turbidity decreases during drought periods which increases bleaching risk to corals even without thermal stress. Our results suggest that turbidity may have related to wind and rainfall to provoke the coral bleaching phenomenon. • Turbid reefs have been hypothesized to be refuge from climate change. • Absence of heatwaves and normal sea surface temperature variations. • Extreme rainfall deficit (30–40% less annual volume precipitation). • High proportion of bleached colonies was found when turbidity decreased. • Extreme rainfall and higher wind speeds increase turbidity and decrease bleaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FA models allow G × E studies even for highly unbalanced historical datasets. • G × E studies are valuable tools to optimize resources in sorghum breeding programs. • FA loadings can be successfully used to investigate the main factors affecting G × E. Biomass sorghum has emerged as an alternative crop for biofuel and bioelectricity production. Fresh biomass yield (FBY) is a quantitative trait highly correlated with the calorific power of energy sorghum cultivars, but also highly affected by the environment. The main goal of this study was to investigate the genotype-by-environment interaction (G × E) and the stability of sorghum hybrids evaluated for FBY across different locations and years, using factor analytic (FA) mixed models and environmental covariates. Pairwise genetic correlations between environments ranged from -0.21 to 0.99, indicating the existence of null to high G × E. The FA analysis unveiled that solely three factors explained more than 79% of the genetic variance, and that more than 60% of the environments were clustered in the first factor. Moderate correlations were found between some environmental covariates and the loadings of FA models for environments, suggesting the possible factors to explain the high G × E between environments clustered in a given factor. For example: precipitation, minimum temperature and speed wind were correlated to the environmental loadings of factor 1; minimum temperature, solar radiation and altitude to factor 2; and crop growth cycle to factor 3. The latent regression analysis was used to identify hybrids more responsive to a set of environments, as well as hybrids specifically adapted to a given environment. Finally, FA models can be successfully used to identify the main environmental factors affecting G × E, such as minimum temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, crop growth cycle and altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]