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The ejection fraction (LVEF) is a commonly used marker of left ventricular function. However, because it is strongly influenced by loading conditions, it can be inaccurate in representing cardiac contractility. We therefore evaluated a gated SPECT based tool to simultaneously assess preload, afterload, and contractility. Using gated SPECT-determined ventricular volumes and arterial tension measurements, we calculated ventricular and arterial elastance (Ev and Ea), as well as end-diastolic volumes, which are surrogates for contractility, afterload, and preload, respectively. We applied this protocol to 1462 consecutive patients and assessed the ventricular function in patients with and without myocardial infarction. The median LVEF was 68% (IQR 62–74%). Patients with infarction exhibited decreased contractility (ventricular elastance of 3 mmHg/ml vs. 6 mmHg/ml), compensated by an increase of preload (end-diastolic volume of 100 ml vs. 78 ml) and a decrease in afterload (arterial elastance of 1.8 mmHg/ml vs. 2.2 ml/mmHg). These interactions yielded a preserved ejection fraction in both groups. Gated SPECT-measured volumes were consistent with values reported in the literature. In addition, the combination of nuclear imaging and arterial tension measurement accounted for not only the ejection fraction but also the loading context, providing a more accurate representation of cardiac contractility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the dynamics of particulate inorganic and organic matter in brackish water controlled by tidal prism and seasonal river discharges in Macuse estuary, on central Mozambique coast, southern Africa. This manuscript illustrates seasonal variation of biogeochemical flow dynamics in a tropical estuarine system in Zambézia province. The data were collected at 42 stations, including tidal current measurements with an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, tidal elevation with a tidal-gauge and nitrate, silicate (SiO 2 ), dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll- a with a photometer device system and tidal currents with multisensory instrument device (Current, Temperature and Depth device). These field data helped to calibrate a twelve months simulation of a 3D Computational Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics Model (3D CAEDM) in 2014. The results emphasize a tidal elevation of 4-m height that generated tidal currents of 120 cm/s. They combination with seasonal runoff of ~500 m 3 /s from Namacurra River and averaged bathymetry morphology of 10-m depth, led on to the seasonal concentration flux of dissolved oxygen, nitrate, SiO 2 and chlorophyll- a during the ebbing and flooding. In addition, the river discharges were found to be the main source of nitrate and SiO 2 , while the tidal prism led on the hydrological flow of the brackish-waters during the rainy season with maximum salinity anomaly of 16%. Besides the data obtained, the 3D model matches in reproducing the biogeochemical data flow have considerable potential possess of a valuable information in long- and short-term and large- and small-scale that may allow policy-makers to determine political decisions for bio-conservation, sustainability and coastal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the higher education (HE) record data including mission and vision statements from 2000 to 2015 to discuss emerging trends of expansion and women enrolments in Mozambique. Theoretical literature survey, Government decrees, laws, and strategic plans of higher education (SPHE) system between 2000–2010 and 2012–2020 supported the discussion. The SPHE impact on the HE expansion was tested using t -test, different variances, by comparing women's and men's enrolments, news admissions, and graduations in public and private institutions. Results obtained in public institutions in the field of social sciences, humanities, and services (SSHS) registered growth from 6383–83,571 enrolments, 1246–20,570 new admissions, and 419–6723 graduations. In the field of Natural sciences, engineering, agriculture, and health (NSEAH) registered growth from 4850–32,466 enrolments, 300–6396 new admissions, and 259–2027 graduations. In private institutions, the SSHS registered growth from 4852–50,139 enrolments, 1696–22,308 new admissions, and 672–5088 graduations. In NSEAH registered growth from 1138–8626 enrolments, 384–3904 new admissions, and 59–674 graduations. This expansion was accompanied by most six referenced mission and vision keywords including development, science, train, technology, research, and education. The statistical analysis indicated differences between men and women participation in the HE, rejecting the possibility of equity in the assessment during the expansion process. The expansion through the SPHE implementation suggests asymmetric opportunities in training in both private and public institutions theoretically supported by isomorphism. Although the data record refers to a study in Mozambique, it is interesting for a wider and international audience to think about equal opportunities in training and, especially, regarding women. • Despite the rapid growth in the number of institutions of higher education in Mozambique, an average of graduated students is still unsatisfactory. • Students are more likely to be enrolled in SSHSS than NSEAH in Mozambican higher education system. • The non-controlled expansion of higher education in Mozambique contribute to the poor quality of graduated with lack of technical preparation, insufficient level of knowledge and gaps in the culture of knowledge. • Models adopted for expansion and massification of higher education in Mozambique are not well regulated and nor locally adapted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a comment on the paper "Spatio-temporal analysis of shoreline changes and future forecast using remote sensing, GIS and Kalman filter model: A case study of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil". Results obtained by Palanisamy et al. (2023) differ from other works on the coastline of Rio de Janeiro. Images from the Landsat 1–3 Multispectral Scanner (MSS) satellite and Landsat 5–9 images were inappropriately used in the detailing to delimit the shoreline variations. The lack of information about tides and waves at the time of image acquisition compromised the research results. Oceanographic - meteorological data relating to the month, day and time of the satellite's passage are fundamental in studies of this nature. These forcings are capable of temporarily modifying the morphology and position of coastline. The article proposed by Palanisamy et al. (2023) underestimated the rates of accretion and coastal erosion along the coastline of Rio de Janeiro city by neglecting the issues addressed here. • Results obtained by Palanisamy et al. (2023)on the shoreline variations in Rio de Janeiro city are questioned here. • Methodological procedures used to delimit the historical shoreline variations of Rio de Janeiro city presented inconsistencies. • Results obtained by Palanisamy et al. (2023) on the shoreline of Rio de Janeiro city are incompatibles with other work carried out in the study area. • Comments presented here aim to contribute to the evolution of knowledge about the coastal erosion process (geological hazard) on the shoreline of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of relative sea-level (RSL) oscillations during the Holocene in Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, is presented based on new data. This new data encompasses analytical techniques, altimetric corrections and age recalibrations, using the marine local radiocarbon reservoir correction of 96 ± 48 yrs. The effectiveness of geological and biological RSL indicators was tested, aiming to provide consistent information for future researches on the east coast of South America. Results confirm that RSL during Late Pleistocene - Holocene transition (11,970–11,122 cal yrs BP) was 4.5 m below Mean Sea-level (MSL). After that transition, a relatively rapid rise began. At approximately 7948–7598 cal yrs BP, the MSL was 0.5 m below the current marine level. Present-day, "zero", was reached for the first time in the Holocene, at approximately 7686–7269 cal yrs BP. The maximum level of the Holocene marine transgression occurred around 4787 - 4104 cal yrs BP with a height of 3.0 m above MSL. At the point of maximum transgression, the sea-level began a general behavior of lowering. However, between 3981 and 3345 to 1852 - 1413 cal yrs BP, evidence from vermetids suggests several alternating periods of slow and rapid sea-level, identified by four oscillations. New records, between 1220 - 780 and 1055 - 665 cal yrs BP, have indicated a continue lowering trend of RSL. • Data on changes in the relative sea level along the coast of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, were reviewed and reassessed. • Geological and biological indicators of high vertical resolution for RSL curve were selected. • The chronological data were corrected by the marine local radiocarbon reservoir correction, offset ΔR = 96 ± 48 yrs of 14C. • An RSL curve for the last 11500 cal yrs BP for the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil was elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]