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This concise analysis examines the application of AI, particularly chatbots and natural language processing (NLP), to enhance maternal-infant healthcare in Spain and Brazil, where maternal mortality rates are significantly different, as well as birth rate and reproductive health planning or birth control. The application will be preliminary tested in complex situations regarding these two use cases. It highlights the integration of disruptive technologies into prenatal care, emphasizing the role of AI in facilitating personalized healthcare and self-management through data acquisition on health parameters, such as weight gain, blood pressure, incontinence, mental health, nutrition and physical activity. The study reflects on the impact of digital tools in optimizing patient engagement and early diagnosis of alarm symptoms, showcasing the potential of m-Health applications in transforming care practices and contributing to attaining Global Health Objectives for 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer worldwide. The corresponding histopathological analysis, being both costly and time-consuming, demands the commitment of skilled professionals who, while engrossed in this task, experience constraints on their ability to attend to other crucial responsibilities. Moreover, as it is a human-driven process, mistakes may lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment. Given the disease frequency and mortality, automated diagnostic systems, using Artificial Intelligence (AI), represent valuable improvements in diagnostic timing and overall performance. Recently, Deep Learning (DL) has been widely used for extracting features from histopathologic images approaching more accurate and expeditious analysis. With this line of research in mind, a brief review of recent technical/scientific works within the scope of lung Digital Pathology (DP) image analysis is provided in this paper, covering different computer vision tasks including classification, segmentation, and detection. Furthermore, available datasets and open-source annotation tools capable of providing support to the aforementioned DP-related tasks are also overviewed. Afterward, a summary table and a discussion around the reviewed approaches is provided, consolidating critical information such as technique/DL architecture, involved datasets, metrics, etc. From this study, it was observed that the ARA-CNN technique achieved the highest Area Under the Curve (AUC) ranging from 0.72 to 0.99 for classification. On the other hand, the multimodal-based approach, with an AUC of 0.95, performed better for the segmentation task. As for the detection task, the BCNN approach stood out, achieving a high AUC of 0.988. This review work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in lung DP image analysis and serves as a foundation for future research in this critical area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer possesses advantageous features, such as a minimally invasive nature and few side-effect [1]. However, its use can be restricted to more surface tumors, due to its dependance on light-irradiation. To overcome this problem, we propose the development of single-molecule photosensitizers (PSs), based on chemiluminescent (CL) marine Coelenterazine (Clz) [2-6], which can be self-activated in the absence of light. Clz analogs were synthesized via routes optimized by our team [2-6], and their structure was characterized by HR-MS, NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. They were subjected to a through luminometric and photophysical characterization, to determine their CL features and singlet oxygen sensitization [2-6]. Their toxicity was investigated in vitro toward different cancer (breast, prostate, neuroblastoma, lung and gastric) and noncancer (breast and keratinocytes) cell lines, via the MTT assay in the absence of light [2-6]. The obtained Clz analogs were designed so their CL reaction generate mainly triplet states, instead of singlet excited ones [2-6]. They were shown to indeed be able to sensitize the highly cytotoxic singlet oxygen, without light-irradiation, due to a CL reaction triggered solely by molecule overexpressed in cancer cells (superoxide anion) [2-6]. In vitro assays showed that these analogs present cytotoxicity toward all the different studied cancer cell lines [2-6]. Moreover, some of them even showed comparable or even better activity than a reference chemotherapeutic drug [3,4]. Finally, a promising profile of safety was observed in testing with noncancer cells [3]. Different single-molecule PSs were developed, which are capable of intracellular self-activation without light-irradiation [2-6]. Namely, they are directly chemiexcited to triplet excited states via a CL reaction triggered by a molecule overexpressed in cancer cells, which generates singlet oxygen without light-irradiation. This new approach was found to induce toxicity toward different cancer cell lines, while possessing a promising profile of safety for noncancer cells. Thus, these PSs can provide a pathway for eliminating the light-related restrictions of PDT, while maintaining its advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity is one of the most important elements in the motor and cognitive development of school and high school students. As has been demonstrated in different studies, physical exercise improves students' intellectual performance while positively influencing their health. In this work an educational tool based on the Kinect sensorization system capable of interacting with students in a proactive and dynamic way has been designed. Through the use of a projector and a set of balls, students interact with various games and activities. The Kinect system detects the movement and position of the balls thrown by the students and generates a response to the game or activity performed. Thanks to the flexibility and ease of use of the designed tool, it is possible to easily develop new games or activities adapted to each subject. In this way, teachers are provided with a new didactic tool to promote the knowledge of a certain area through games and physical activity of the students. In order to validate the system, a case study has been carried out in a school with real students. The results obtained are very promising. • Multiagent system for boosting physical activity in Elementary schools. • Analyzing acceptance of a new physical activity tool in primary schools. • Educational tool design using low-cost hardware to promote active learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, investments in cybersecurity capabilities (C C) have emerged as an essential practice in reducing cyberattacks and optimizing the usage of technologies. Therefore, optimal investments in capabilities must be determined according to the cybersecurity scenario of firms. This experiment pursues an understanding of the effectiveness of the iterative learning process in investments in C C. Through a simulator game, experienced and inexperienced participants overcome challenges related to uncertainties of cyber incidents to decision-making in cybersecurity capability investments. The collected data were empirically tested from 119 participants analyzing 3,808 simulation runs. The findings demonstrated that there is a slight difference in the learning curve between the two groups even if they learn proactively and iteratively. However, experienced, and inexperienced groups did not demonstrate enough capacity to analyze the cybersecurity ecosystems designed in the simulator game to mitigate cyber incidents. Both groups exhibited similar results regarding gaps to invest in C C to address uncertainties associated with cyber threats. In this sense, this experiment highlights the relevance of learning about C C investments in any context to avoid resource losses and time to uncover the complexities related to incident responses. • Simulator game demonstrated good acceptance among participants. • Cybersecurity capabilities investments might be learnt proactively and iteratively. • There is a slight difference in the learning curve between experience and inexperience groups. • Experience and inexperience groups did not demonstrate knowledge in cybersecurity capabilities to mitigate cyber incidents. • Participants did not demonstrate knowledge in the relationship between cybersecurity capabilities and technological ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patellar dislocation is a major orthopaedic concern in pediatric and adult populations, with both conservative and surgical options available. Several surgical techniques of the combined or isolated reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament are described in the literature using different grafts, locations, and types of fixations, providing different advantages and disadvantages. New recent developments in cadaveric dissection studies have unveiled the importance of structures that were neglected until recently, such as the medial quadriceps tendon–femoral ligament, which provides a connection between the medial femur and the quadriceps tendon component of the knee extensor mechanism. Hence, we present a surgical technique with combined reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament and medial quadriceps tendon–femoral ligament without the use of hardware and with no need for patellar or femoral drilling (no physis compromise or risk of patellar fracture), which can be used concomitantly with other bony procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in the older population and is characterized by several articular dysfunctions with consequent anatomic abnormalities including osteochondral degenerative changes and meniscal extrusion. Meniscal damage with extrusion is one of the strongest identified risk factors for the development and progression of knee OA and represents an important factor in the long-term health of the joint. Meniscal extrusion can alter normal knee biomechanics and dramatically inhibit meniscal function. We present a surgical technique for the treatment of early knee OA in association with an extruded meniscus to restore the meniscal anatomic position and preserve its native physiological function related to cartilage preservation. Meniscal retensioning, or a "meniscal autotransplant," can increase meniscal coverage in the compromised compartment, prevent cartilage degeneration, decrease subchondral bone exposure, and restore the compartmental space and, consequently, can relieve patients' symptoms related to early OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequences of species extinctions in ecological communities may be buffered through the rearrangement (rewiring) of the interactions between the remaining species. The structural and functional consequences of such extinctions can be explored by means of computer simulations that try to predict secondary extinctions and the degradation of ecosystem services. However, to improve the accuracy of these simulations, it is pivotal to evaluate their performance in predicting changes observed in natural communities. In this study, we first described the avian seed dispersal networks in 17 sites throughout Portugal, and found that blackberry ( Rubus ulmifolius ) was the most dispersed species in 13 out of the 17 sites. Second, we performed a manipulative experiment to evaluate the effect of removing the most dispersed plant species and compared the observed outcome in the structure of the network with computer simulations with and without rewiring. Observed changes were consistent with some rapid network rewiring, with dispersers shifting to alternative fruit species. Although the observed network topology after the experimental removal was not accurately predicted, the extinction simulation with rewiring performed considerably better than that without rewiring. Individual species roles were even harder to predict than emergent network properties on both types of models. We show that incorporating rewiring rules can considerably increase the accuracy of species extinction models, however, the functional consequences of losing important resources might not be easily anticipated, and rewiring might occur in unexpected directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of its high fluorescence quantum yield, high sensitivity and high signal-to-noise ratio, firefly oxyluciferin is widely used in the field of fluorescent probe. However, there are six chemical forms which can possibly co-existence in solution. Reliable relative stability of the different forms in solution made the analysis of their photophysical properties difficult. In order to address this issue and gain insights into the nature of spectra feature observed in the experiments, we designed six oxyluciferin derivatives. The distribution of the species at the ground and excited states demonstrate that only keto(0), keto(−1) and enol(−2) are present for all oxyluciferin derivatives. The majority of molecules are surprisingly more acidic at the ground state than at the excited state, which indicate that they are photobases. The distribution of the species at the excited state indicate that the most pH-sensitive molecules are 2-(6′-hydroxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-4-hydroxypyrrole (Oxyan-1) and 1-(5′-brominated-6′-hydroxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-2-(4-hydroxythiazole) ethylene (Oxyan-4), as their chemical equilibria consist on the same three species: keto(0), keto(−1) and enol(−2). While the first deprotonation occurs at acidic pH, the second occurs at basic pH, with a single deprotonated species existing at more neutral pH. This indicates that both Oxyan-1 and Oxyan-4 can be good candidates for fluorescent pH probing. Exhaustive analyses of the emission spectra in water revealed that the firefly OxyLH 2 analogues can emit in the UV–visible and near-infrared wavelength range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the phenolic profile and biological potential of six peach cultivars from Fundão region (Portugal) were evaluated. The LC-DAD analysis revealed a total of 3 anthocyanins, and 14 non-colored phenolics. The antioxidant potential was evaluated against DPPH and NO radicals. Royal Lu proved to be the most active against DPPH (IC 50  = 62.1 ± 1.5 μg/mL), and Sweet Dreams was the most active against NO radical (IC 50  = 256.7 ± 60.4 μg/mL). Regarding the α -glucosidase inhibitory activity, Royal Magister and Royal Glory present the highest activity (IC 50  = 11.7 ± 1.4 and 17.1 ± 1.7 μg/mL, respectively). Finally, the protective effect of Royal Lu to prevent oxidative damage in human erythrocytes induced by ROO was performed. Royal Lu proved to be quite efficient with promising results for hemolysis (IC 50  = 110.0 ± 4.5 μg/mL) and hemoglobin oxidation inhibition (IC 50  = 83.8 ± 6.5 μg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the development of a probiotic dried apple snack consisting of dried apple cubes impregnated with Lactobacillus casei NRRL B-442. Apple cubes were impregnated with probiotic microorganisms and dried under different temperatures (10–60 °C), with or without application of ultrasound. The viability of Lactobacillus casei in the dried apple snack was evaluated studying the effects of drying conditions and ultrasound application (as a drying enhancing technology). A mathematical model was developed to predict the drying kinetics and the inactivation of Lactobacillus casei . Drying and microorganism inactivation rates increased with increasing process temperature and with ultrasound application. The concentration of probiotics in the apple snacks was similar to the concentration of microorganisms in commercial probiotic dairy products when the apples were dried at 60 °C or when ultrasound-assisted air-drying was applied, thus proving that the production of dried probiotic apple snacks is possible and technically viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past climate changes provide important clues for advancement of studies on current global change biology. We have tested large-scale biogeographic patterns through four marine groups from twelve Atlantic Ocean archipelagos and searched for patterns between species richness/endemism and littoral area, age, isolation, latitude and mean annual sea-surface temperatures. Species richness is strongly correlated with littoral area. Two reinforcing effects take place during glacial episodes: i) species richness is expected to decrease (in comparison with interglacial periods) due to the local disappearance of sandy/muddy-associated species; ii) because littoral area is minimal during glacial episodes, area per se induces a decrease on species richness (by extirpation/extinction of marine species) as well as affecting speciation rates. Maximum speciation rates are expected to occur during the interglacial periods, whereas immigration rates are expected to be higher at the LGM. Finally, sea-level changes are a paramount factor influencing marine biodiversity of animals and plants living on oceanic islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work compares the effect of different types of surface treatments of natural fibrous materials, particularly flax, on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic polymer composites for application in automotive sector. The application of surface treatments on fibrous materials can improve the compatibility with polymeric materials. Different surface treatments were applied, namely: cleaning (L); alkali (A); coupling of different functional groups, such as benzoyl (B), amino (SA), epoxy (SE); corona (C). After the application of surface treatments, the fibrous materials were combined with polymeric materials, particularly thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), by compression moulding. The mechanical tests were performed to evaluate the influence of different surface treatments on flax fabrics on the mechanical properties of TPO combined with these fibrous materials. The experimental results show that the surface treatments on the flax fabrics strongly affect the mechanical properties of the final composite materials, mainly breaking elongation and Young’s modulus. Composite materials with flax fabrics subjected to a L+A and L+A+SE treatments show the lower values of Young’s modulus corresponding to larger elongation values for the same load. For these set of treatments, the elongation was increased more of 100%, comparing to a composite material with flax fabric without any surface treatment. These results allow to conclude that the surface treatments can increase the elongation capacity of the flax fabrics reinforced TPO, without loss of mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman back-scatter from an under-dense plasma can be used to compress laser pulses, as shown by several previous experiments in the optical regime. A short seed pulse counter-propagates with a longer pump pulse and energy is transferred to the shorter pulse via stimulated Raman scattering. The robustness of the scheme to non-ideal plasma density conditions is demonstrated through particle-in-cell simulations. The scale invariance of the scheme ensures that compression of XUV pulses from a free electron laser is also possible, as demonstrated by further simulations. The output is as short as 300 as, with energy typical of fourth generation sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical models have the potential to characterize the behavior of complex steel joints, using for that the isolated behavior of its components, assembled according to their geometry. However, the mechanical models implemented in the current design codes are not prepared to deal with cyclically loaded joints, due to the complexity associated to load reversal. To overcome this difficulty this work makes to use of detailed finite elements models, to extract the needed force-displacement components response. The FE models are capable of representing the various connections components and the several sources of nonlinearity associated to them and are validated against existing experimental data. The discretized nature of the FE models is able to provide all the relevant information of any element, and even provide data that is typically unavailable from experimental tests, such as the contact or friction forces. Several models of bolted end plate beam-to column joints, with partial-strength classification in relation to the connected beam, have been developed using the ABAQUS FE package. A methodology to extract the needed force-displacement relationships of the column web components of the joint is presented and applied to the joints, through integration of stress and displacement fields. The results, presented in this paper, allow setting the base for a component-based model to simulate the dissipative behavior of steel connections subjected to cyclic loading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) are substances used in the CO 2 capture industrial process. The inconvenience of their use is that these species have low thermal stabilities, are volatile, and in the presence of air undergo oxidation processes to form corrosive products. This work proposed the incorporation of MEA, DEA and MDEA in a mesoporous silica substrate as an alternative for CO 2 adsorption. The mesoporous materials have a high surface area and a large pore size. The high material porosity enabled the incorporation of a large quantity of ethanolamine. The presence of MEA inside the silica pores promoted the acceleration of the decomposition process. The materials prepared using a mixture of mesoporous silica and DEA and MDEA had an optimal CO 2 capture efficiency than the isolated ethanolamines. This increased CO 2 capture efficiency was most significant in the sample prepared using MDEA. The increase of CO 2 efficiency capture by the incorporated material was 30% higher compared with free MDEA. DEA and MDEA incorporated in mesoporous silica had a higher CO 2 capture efficiency in the second and third adsorption cycles than free DEA and MDEA. The study showed that the incorporation of DEA and/or MDEA in mesoporous silica may increase CO 2 capture efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their oxygenated (OPAHs) and nitrated (NPAHs) derivatives are main chromophores of the carbonaceous aerosol brown carbon (BrC), which is linked with radiative forcing. Here, we investigated the atmospheric absorption spectra of 64 PAHs, OPAHs, and NPAHs directly over the Chinese megacity of Xi'an, by employing a time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) computational approach and correcting the results for the experimentally determined atmospheric concentration of the studied molecules. The obtained data showed that these molecules contribute more to radiative forcing by absorbing light in the UVA and (sub)visible region of the spectrum. Investigating "daily" absorption spectra revealed major seasonal variation in the intensity of light absorption, but little changes in the shape of the absorption spectra. The observed light absorption can be explained mainly by contributions from PAHs and to a lesser extent by carbonyl-OPAHs, with relatively low contributions of the other OPAHs and NPAHs. Among them, benzo[ b + j + k ]fluoranthenes, benzo[ e ]pyrene, benzo[ a ]pyrene, benzo[ ghi ]perylene, indeno[1,2,3- cd ]pyrene, 6H-benzo[ cd ]pyren-6-one, 7H-benz[ de ]anthracen-7-one, and benz[ a ]anthracene-7,12-dione are highlighted as potentially problematic contributors for radiative forcing over Xi'an. [Display omitted] • The atmospheric absorption spectra of 64 PACs over Xi'an (China) was obtained. • TD-DFT calculations and experimental data were combined to produce the spectra. • PAHs are the most important class of light-absorbing molecules. • Light-absorption is more problematic in the UVA and (sub)visible range. • Light-absorption intensities are significantly affected by seasonal variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arrival and breeding dates of small migrant birds have advanced throughout Europe. This study evaluates the hypothesis of a faster migration along the migratory route, which should lead to a decrease in stopover duration in staging areas over the last decades. Several climatic predictors were analysed as proxies to understand the stopover ecology of reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus migrating through Central Portugal. The minimum stopover duration of migratory reed warblers decreased significantly over the last decade during both the spring and autumn migrations. Warmer conditions en route should increase food availability, increasing the body condition of departing birds and the quality of departing sites en route to Portugal, such that migrants will reduce the stopover duration at Portuguese reedbeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To have an insight of the outcomes of half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) for patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in a real world population. Material and methods This is a retrospective consecutive case series, one-centre study, with a 12-month follow-up period. Results The study took into account 15 eyes of 13 patients. All patients were male in gender and only 1 eye belonged to a non-caucasian. The sample mean age was 51,27 ± 11,66 (between 36 and 74 years); mean baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0,40 ± 0,25 logMAR and central macular thickness (CMT) was 411,40 ± 88,44 μm. All patients had subretinal fluid (SRF) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) detachment involving the fovea. In a month time, BCVA and CMT had remarkable improvements with only one eye not gaining letters. At 6-month visit, 46,7% of the eyes were provided with additional treatment (intra-vitreal anti-VEGF or PDT). In the final visit no eye had worsened more than 5 letters and 53,3% had a BCVA improvement of at least 5 letters, with only 2 eyes remaining with RPE detachment and SRF. There was a steady regression in CMT throughout the follow-up; 93,3% had CMT under 300 μm and CMT mean was 249,93 ± 72,78 μm. There were no reported complications. Conclusion These results support PDT as a valuable approach for therapeutic decisions on chronic CSC as well as the need of other add up treatments for a better final outcome. Further evaluations with longer follow-up’s should be taken into consideration for safety issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To analyze differences in trunk endurance time, fatigue and activation in tennis players with and without low back pain.Design: Observational study, cross-sectional design.Methods: Thirty-five tennis players completed an isometric trunk endurance protocol comprising four tasks (flexor, extensor and side bridge tests). LBP history was obtained through the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Endurance time was recorded for each test. Surface electromyographic activity was recorded bilaterally from rectus abdominis, external obliques, iliocostalis lumborum and longissimus thoracis. Average electromyographic amplitude and median frequency slopes during the tests were calculated and used as indicators of change in muscle activation and fatigue.Results: Asymptomatic players had greater flexor (p=0.004) and right side bridge (p=0.043) endurance times. These players produced a greater increase in avrEMG during the right side bridge test for the left ES-I (p=0.046) and right EO (p=0.008). Players with LBP in the last 7 days showed reduced activation of the left (p=0.014) and right (p=0.013) ES-I and left longissimus thoracis (ES-L, p=0.047) in the extensor test. In the left side bridge test there was a lower avrEMG slope of the left EO (p=0.024) and left RA MF slope (p=0.011). In the right side bridge test a lower left ES-I avrEMG slope was found (p=0.048).Conclusions: Symptomatic players show lower activation of extensor muscles, less co-contraction patterns and less abdominal endurance. Tennis coaches and clinicians should consider these factors in their approach to players with LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Whilst it is widely recognised in the scholarly literature that idyllic representations of the countryside are an integral part of its consumption through tourism in the contemporary, global world, little empirical research has been conducted on the role that social differentiation plays in shaping the corresponding tourist experience. The purpose of this article is to bridge that knowledge gap while studying the demand for two of the most well-known tourist accommodation products in the Portuguese countryside, namely, TER and the Pousadas . Drawing on a range of sources of material, it shows that the pastoral idyll sought by tourists is experienced differently through the lens of social class representations. In addition, there is evidence here that the choice of accommodation at a destination may well be regarded as a means of social differentiation through tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, road accidents are a major public health problem, which increase is forecasted if road safety is not treated properly, dying about 1.2 million people every year around the globe. In 2012, Portugal recorded 573 fatalities in road accidents, on site, revealing the largest decreasing of the European Union for 2011, along with Denmark. Beyond the impact caused by fatalities, it was calculated that the economic and social costs of road accidents weighted about 1.17% of the Portuguese gross domestic product in 2010.Visual Analytics allows the combination of data analysis techniques with interactive visualizations, which facilitates the process of knowledge discovery in sets of large and complex data, while the Geovisual Analytics facilitates the exploration of space-time data through maps with different variables and parameters that are under analysis. In Portugal, the identification of road accident accumulation zones, in this work named black spots, has been restricted to annual fixed windows. In this work, it is presented a dynamic approach based on Visual Analytics techniques that is able to identify the displacement of black spots on sliding windows of 12 months. Moreover, with the use of different parameterizations in the formula usually used to detect black spots, it is possible to identify zones that are almost becoming black spots. Through the proposed visualizations, the study and identification of countermeasures to this social and economic problem can gain new grounds and thus the decision-making process is supported and improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major concerns with ongoing environmental global change is the ability of parasites to shift their distribution (both geographically and across hosts) and to increase in virulence. To understand the structure, diversity and connectivity of parasite communities across the Mediterranean Sea, we used avian haemosporidian communities associated with forest birds of northwestern Africa and northwestern Iberia as a model system. We characterised host specificity of lineages and tested whether host generalists are more likely to cross the biogeographic barrier imposed by the Strait of Gibraltar than host specialists. We sampled 321 birds of 43 species in northwestern Africa and 735 birds of 49 species in northwestern Iberia. Using a PCR-based approach to amplify Plasmodium , Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites, we retrieved 969 sequences representing 200 unique cytochrome-b lineages. Haemosporidians infected a significantly higher proportion of birds in northwestern Africa (78.5%) than in northwestern Iberia (50.5%). Relative diversity of different haemosporidian genera did not differ between our study areas, but Plasmodium was overrepresented among individual infections in northwestern Iberia. Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon lineages were predominantly host-specialised and Plasmodium lineages were host-generalised. The number of regions occupied by lineages was significantly associated with their host specificity and abundance. These data are consistent with the positive abundance–occupancy relationship and patterns of host specificity among different haemosporidian genera observed in other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relationship between rural tourism and national identity, with reference to a southern European country. Particular attention is devoted to the meaning making work that the state, national visitors and residents do at two of the most popular Historic Villages of Portugal. Drawing on ethnographic materials, the article sheds light on the links between historic conservation and “heritagization”, as defined by Poria and Ashworth, and demonstrates the force of the nation's medieval origins in the dominant discourses on Portuguese national identity. In addition, it shows that “felt history” has been target by the state to increase levels of consumption through rural tourism, but also triggers a sense of national pride among Portuguese visitors. The residents of Castelo Rodrigo and of Sortelha contest, but they also recycle the officially sanctioned interpretation of the sites as medieval to convey the fascinating distinctiveness of the local identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind energy is growing worldwide as a source of power generation. Bat assemblages may be negatively affected by wind farms due to the fatality of a significant number of individuals after colliding with the moving turbines or experiencing barotrauma. The implementation of wind farms should follow standard procedures to prevent such negative impacts: avoid, reduce and offset, in what is known as the mitigation hierarchy. According to this approach avoiding impacts is the priority, followed by the minimisation of the identified impacts, and finally, when residual negative impacts still remain, those must be offset or at least compensated. This paper presents a review on conservation measures for bats and presents some guidelines within the compensation scenario, focusing on negative impacts that remain after avoidance and minimisation measures. The conservation strategies presented aim at the improvement of the ecological conditions for the bat assemblage as a whole. While developed under the European context, the proposed measures are potentially applicable elsewhere, taking into consideration the specificity of each region in terms of bat assemblages present, landscape features and policy context regarding nature and biodiversity conservation and management. An analysis of potential opportunities and constraints arising from the implementation of offset/compensation programmes and gaps in the current knowledge is also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Most stable conformations of enol and keto tautomers of BMDBM are given. [•] Enols are more stable than keto due to an intramolecular RAHB. [•] Six-membered enol ring structure of BMDBM is essentially non-aromatic. [•] A consistent value for the gas phase standard enthalpy of formation of BMDBM is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The gas phase molecular structure of 4MBC is presented from DFT calculations. [•] Gas-phase isomerization enthalpies are reported for 4MBC. [•] A consistent value for the gas phase standard enthalpy of formation of 4MBC is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Firefly luciferase exhibits a multicolor bioluminescence, which is caused by the modulation of the emission of oxyluciferin by intermolecular interactions. One of the objectives of the present paper was analyze the possible effect of the charge density of the emitter in the color tuning. Theoretical calculations on oxyluciferin, and its respective moieties, demonstrated that no correlation between charge density and light emission can be found once solvent effects are considered. Further computational calculations demonstrate that intermolecular interactions modulate the emission by affecting the geometry of oxyluciferin, which controls the energy gap between the excited and ground state. Direct intermolecular interactions and polarity also affect the color of emission of oxyluciferin, by the same mechanism. Also, the effect of charge density modulation of Keto-(−1). A novel emitter, 5-hydroxyoxyluciferin, was considered and demonstrated to be more red-shifted that oxyluciferin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pittosporum undulatum Ventenat (Pittosporaceae) is a tree or shrub native to Australia introduced in the Azores Islands in the 19th century, presently naturalized in the nine islands. According to a random survey of vascular plants in the Azores, the invader is present throughout the archipelago, in 62% of 547 1-km2 samples. It was found in pure or mixed stands, forming groups and also as isolated trees. P. undulatum was frequently found in native scrubland (62%), mixed woodland (39%) and hedgerows (25%). The altitudinal range extended from sea level up to about 800m a.s.l., with the highest frequency between 100 and 400m. The woody species more strongly associated with P. undulatum included characteristic native and endemic species as well as non-indigenous and invasive taxa. Based on a forest inventory, 49% of the forested area in the Azores, about 24,000ha, is occupied by P. undulatum. Considerable areas inside Island Natural Parks are covered by this species. The estimated annual P. undulatum biomass production in the Azores might range from only about 150 Mg in the small island of Corvo up to more than 60,000 Mg in Pico Island. The heating value of its wood and its chemical composition make it a good candidate for use in combustion or gasification processes. Since there are no resources available to control this large-scale invasion, using P. undulatum biomass for energy production might be an important factor to stimulate the progressive and sustainable cutting of its stands and its replacement by Macaronesian species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Non-indigenous plant species have been frequently reported as successful invaders in island environments, changing plant community composition and structure. This is the case of the sweet pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum), native from Australia, which is one of the most successful plant invaders in the Azores archipelago. Data extracted from recent forestry inventories were used to model and map the potential distribution of P. undulatum in São Miguel, the larger island of the Azores. Current distribution of P. undulatum is related to climate, altitude and some human activity effects. Further analysis of the areas under risk of invasion showed that protected areas are under potential threat, although only a few native forest remnants seem to be threatened due to future expansion of P. undulatum, since the current distribution of these native communities has been reduced due to clearing and competition with invasive plants. We discuss the threats that any further expansion of the species will represent for low-altitude native forests, as well as the utility of species distribution models in the assessment of the areas under risk of invasion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Soybean rust (SBR), caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi , is controlled with sequential applications of commercial premixes containing two and, more recently, three site-specific fungicides. However, their efficacy has been reduced due to the development of fungicide resistance in the fungal population; hence the use of multi-site fungicides in tank mixing has been encouraged. In this work we used data from 45 uniform fungicide trials conducted across eight Brazilian states during three crop seasons (2014/15, 2015/16, and 2017/18) to identify scenarios when the practice of adding multi-site fungicides in commercial premixes was both technical- and cost-effective. Premixes of quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) + demethylation inhibitors (DMI) or succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI) were applied alone, or tank mixed with multi-site fungicides. Three premixes (PICOxystrobin + CYPRoconazole, PYRAclostrobin + FLUXapyroxad and AZOXystrobin + BENZovindiflupyr) were tank mixed with one of three multi-site fungicides (+MANCozeb, +COPpeR oxychloride, and +ChLORothalonil). The benefits from tank mixing a multi-site tended to be highest for the least effective premix. Improvements in control efficacy (C ‾ , percent point; p.p.) and yield response (D ‾ , kg/ha) ranged from 3 to 15 p.p. and 58–240 kg/ha, respectively. The improvements in C ‾ and D ‾ were affected by severity in the non-treated check; significantly higher improvements in D ‾ were determined in trials experiencing high SBR severity levels (>80%). The economic analysis for scenarios of soybean price and multi-site costs showed that the addition of +MANC, given its lower price, was more likely to be profitable compared with +CLOR and +COPR, particularly when tank mixed with the least effective commercial premix. • The benefits from tank mixing a multi-site were the greatest for the least effective premix. • The improvements in control efficacy and yield were affected by disease pressure. • Tank mixing a multi-site was more beneficial in trials experiencing high disease pressure. • The addition of mancozeb, given its lower price, was more likely to be profitable than other protectants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study evaluates several mixing models for the prediction of combustion within a Partially Stirred Reactor (PaSR). The models considered are the Interaction by Exchange with the Mean (IEM) model, the extended IEM, Langevin and extended Langevin models. The degree of mixing and of reaction and their influence on the thermochemical properties in a combustion process are investigated. Since these mixing models involve stochastic terms, their implementation is performed by the Monte Carlo method using numerical schemes which solve the stochastic differential equations. This study consists, first, on the presentation and assessment of those mixing models in a situation in which a single scalar field is considered in the presence of a homogeneous and isotropic turbulent field. The evolution of the probability density function and the main properties for a single scalar field are studied for each mixing model. Numerical results are compared with direct numerical simulation, showing excellent qualitative and quantitative agreements. Then, the mixing models are used for numerical simulation of a PaSR where the mixing and reactive processes occur. The PaSR is used to assess the mixing model influence on the thermochemical properties of the mixture in a premixed combustion process, which is modeled using a reaction progress variable. The results obtained with the different mixing models are compared in several operating regimes of the PaSR showing that, when mixing is fast and reaction is intense, the different models lead to similar results. However, when mixing is slow and reaction is mild, important differences are observed between the models’ results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Anemia is a common finding in heart failure (HF) patients and has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is generally denominated as anemia of chronic disease (ACD), but the association with true ferropenic anemia is common. Many studies have investigated the effects of treating anemia in HF patients with either erythropoietin alone or combination of erythropoietin and intravenous iron. However, the effect of iron supplementation alone in HF patients with ACD, ferropenic anemia, or both is unknown. Methods and Results: IRON-HF study is a multicenter, investigator initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial that will enroll anemic HF patients with relatively preserved renal function, low transferrin saturation, low iron levels, and low to moderately elevated ferritin levels. Interventions are iron sucrose intravenously 200 mg once per week for 5 weeks, ferrous sulfate 200 mg by mouth 3 times per day for 8 weeks, or placebo. The primary objective is to assess the impact of iron supplementation (intravenously or by mouth) compared with placebo in HF patients with anemia from deficient iron availability. The primary end point is variation of peak oxygen consumption assessed by ergospirometry over 3-month follow-up. Secondary end points include functional class, brain natriuretic peptide levels, quality of life scores, left ventricular ejection fraction, adverse events, HF hospitalization, and death. Conclusions: The results of IRON-HF should help to clarify the potential clinical impact of mild to moderate anemia correction in HF patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• GLMMs analysed weevil occurrence and abundance of each of its two annual generations. • Threshold for the positive effect of elevation was set at 360 m a.s.l. • Significant stand-level effects on weevil-induced defoliation. • Increased occurrence probability in large stands. • Higher abundances of both annual generations on 3–8 years-old trees. The weevil Gonipterus platensis is among the most important eucalypt (Eucalyptus spp.) pest species worldwide. In Portugal, weevil-induced damage has great economic significance and efforts are being taken to find adequate alternatives to the biological control of this defoliator by its parasitoid Anaphes nitens , which is ineffective at altitudes above 400 m. With the aim of improving current knowledge on the ecology of G. platensis , we evaluated its interactions with local and landscape factors through the application of generalized linear mixed models for (1) the probability of weevil occurrence in sampling points, and (2) the relative abundance of each of its two annual generations on eucalypt trees. Our models confirmed the significant positive effect of elevation, here found to come off just above 360 m a.s.l., on both the occurrence and the abundance of G. platensis. Moreover, our results denoted that stand-level variables can likewise affect this pest. Points located more than 400 m inside the stands and, to a lesser extent, those comprising smaller (yet mature) eucalypt trees and where trees of other species were absent, showed an increased probability of G. platensis occurrence. Concordantly, significantly higher abundances of both weevil generations were observed on 3–8 years-old eucalypt trees. In addition, there was a negative effect of coppiced stands on G. platensis abundance which was only significant for the first annual generation and probably was related with weevil's recent colonization of stands ravaged by wildfires two years before our field surveys. Weevil populations were not influenced by the density of stand canopy, neither by understory structure and composition, nor by bare soil cover, hence it is not expected that thinning, shrub removal and soil scarification practices can affect G. platensis attacks in eucalypt stands. Overall, our study provides key knowledge on the ecology of G. platensis and its response to local and landscape features, paving the way for enhanced management of eucalypt plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health risks caused by exposure to black carbon (BC) and nanoparticles (NP) are well studied, although no standard currently exists for them worldwide. Exposure to children may lead to serious health effects due to their increased vulnerability and longer time spend inside the classrooms, making it important to assess the factors that affect air quality in preschools. Thus, this work aims to evaluate indoor-outdoor (I/O) relationships of NPs in the 10–420 nm range, BC and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at rural and urban preschools (aged 3–5 years) between May 2016 and July 2017. Factorial analysis was applied to identify the possible emission sources. Prior communalities were estimated by the squared multiple correlations with all other variables. We used the varimax rotation method and the criterion for factor selection was the number of eigenvalues greater than one. Results indicate that BC and NP were 4- and 3.2-times higher in urban outdoor caused by traffic emissions, respectively. Highest concentrations occurred during rush hours and during the pickup time of children. In urban school, BC was directly related to accumulation mode (N 49-205), while in the rural area, BC was related to local traffic and particles from pulp industries in the regional background. Nucleation mode (N 11-36) was related to traffic emissions in urban school, while in the rural school was related with secondary formation of particles. Mean I/O ratios of BC and NP in the urban (0.54; 0.51) and rural (0.71; 0.91) schools, respectively, suggested that their higher concentrations occurred in outdoors. VOCs were higher indoor in urban (I/O = 1.97) and rural (I/O = 2.22) sites, indicating these pollutants are generated inside, regardless of urban or rural sites. These findings suggest the necessity of improving ventilation and commuting styles to lower the exposure of children to air pollutants in and around school environments. Image 1 • Average I/O of BC (μg/m³), N (#/cm³) and VOCs (mg/m³) were calculated. • BC and N were 4 and 3.2 times higher in the urban outdoor caused by traffic emissions. • Mean ratios of BC and N suggest that their higher concentrations occur in outdoor. Highest BC and NPs concentrations occurred during rush hours and during the pickup time of children, being 4- and 3.2-times higher in urban outdoor, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is an herbicide widely used in extensive agriculture, toxic to humans and other animals, in addition to causing contamination of water resources. The 2.4-D is resistant to conventional degradation processes, in this context, heterogeneous photocatalysis is presented as a promising alternative in the degradation of this type of micropollutant. This work aims to synthesize, characterize and evaluate the catalytic activity of Fe 3 O 4 @WO 3 /SBA-15 in the photodegradation of (2.4-D) under ultraviolet irradiation. The nanomaterials were obtained by the co-precipitation, solvothermal and hydrothermal methods. The XRD patterns showed that the insertion of Fe 3 O 4 @WO 3 in SBA-15 (5, 10 and 20 %) did not destroy the support mesoporous structure as well as indicated Fe 3 O 4 and WO 3 chrystillen phases. The core-shell morphology was confirmed by micrographs (FESEM, TEM and HRTEM) as well as the average size of the particles of WO 3 = 35.8 nm and Fe 3 O 4 = 13.3 nm. The energetic gap of nanomaterials were (WO 3 = 2.6, Fe 3 O 4 = 2.8, Fe 3 O 4 @WO 3 = 1.9, Fe 3 O 4 @WO 3 /SBA-15 (5 %). = 2.7, Fe 3 O 4 @WO 3 /SBA-15 (10 %) = 1.7 and Fe3O4 @ WO3/SBA-15 (20 %) = 1.8). The Fe3O4@WO3/SBA-15 (X%) samples showed magnetic properties and photocatalict efficience for 2,4 D photodegradation under UV irradiation. The Fe3O4@WO3/SBA-15 (5 %) sample has promoted 90.73 % of degradation of the herbicede, at 240 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Physicians often overlook trepopnea as a symptom, and its prevalence and clinical repercussions are not usually described. We propose that trepopnea is a common symptom in heart failure (HF) and, because of patient avoidance of left lateral decubitus position, contributes to the greater prevalence of right-sided pleural effusion in patients with HF. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine trepopnea prevalence and to evaluate the association of trepopnea and the laterality of pleural effusion in decompensated HF. Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 37) with decompensated HF and evidence of pleural effusion by chest x-ray were included. Data were collected at the emergency department by a standard clinical examination in which patients were specifically asked about the presence of trepopnea and preferred decubitus position while recumbent. Chest x-ray and echocardiographic parameters were recorded. Results: Of the 37 patients, 19 (51%) reported trepopnea. Most patients presented with right-sided pleural effusion; only 2 patients (5.4%) presented with left-sided pleural effusion. Patients who reported trepopnea had predominant right-sided pleural effusion more frequently than patients without this symptom (73.7% vs 26.3%; P = .049). The participants that reported trepopnea or avoidance of left lateral decubitus position while recumbent or both had a greater probability of having predominant right-sided pleural effusion (likelihood ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.35). Conclusions: Trepopnea is a common symptom in patients with decompensated HF and is associated with predominant right-sided pleural effusion in this population. Our results indicate that trepopnea may be a contributory factor for pleural effusion laterality in patients with decompensated HF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Oxygen-free radicals can stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation and may therefore be involved in the genesis of in-stent restenosis. Thus, treatment with probucol, a potent antioxidant agent that has been shown to reduce restenosis after balloon angioplasty, may be an effective strategy to prevent intimal hyperplasia after stenting. Methods: In a prospective double-blind study, 59 patients submitted to coronary stent implantation were randomly assigned to treatment with either probucol (1 g/d) or placebo, starting two weeks before the procedure and continued for 6 months. The primary end point was the intimal hyperplasia volume at 6 months measured by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)imaging. Results: Of the 59 randomized patients, 54 underwent successful stent implantation, completed the follow-up period, and underwent repeat angiography, 6.1 ± 1.1 months after the procedure. Volumetric IVUS analysis revealed similar intimal hyperplasia volumes (403 ± 26.7 mm3 for probucol vs 44.8 ± 28.3 mm3 for placebo) and percent volume obstruction of the lumen (30.4% ± 14.5% for probucol versus 30.7% ± 17.2% for placebo) in both groups. In addition, quantitative coronary angiography showed no differences in late loss (1.0 ± 0.8 mm vs 1.1 ± 0.8 mm), loss index (0.5 ± 0.4 for both groups), or angiographic restenosis rates (19.4% vs 18.5%) between the probucol and placebo groups, despite the observation of significant changes in the lipid profile and in the plasma antioxidant defenses in patients receiving probucol. Conclusions: Treatment with the antioxidant probucol failed to reduce neointimal formation after coronary stent implantation as assessed by IVUS volumetric analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]