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In the information and knowledge society, technology and the COVID-19 pandemic have added to the debate on Media and Information Literacy (MIL). In Peru, in spite of the recommendations from international institutions, proper attention has not been given, generating gaps in the study curricula. From this perspective, the study investigates the level of development of MIL in students studying the last cycle of intermediate education. In order to determine this, the AMI-Peru-21 survey was designed and validated, based on the UNESCO proposals. This research is of a quantitative, descriptive and crosscurricular nature, which made it possible to diagnose the relationship of the socioformative factors with the levels of MIL achievement, based on a sample made up by 1250 students from the province of Arequipa. The results evidence the validity and reliability of the instrument ([alpha]=0.96) in order to measure the level of MIL, from the perspective of student self-perception, as well as the association of certain socioformative factors with MIL (p<0.000), among them, progress with age, i.e., older ages are associated with greater the levels of achievement, and females make more progress than males. It is also verified that access to basic services, such as electricity and the Internet, and the type of educational institution are correlated with higher levels of MIL achievement. From the evidence that is generated, in order to ensure the education of critical, ethical and responsible citizens, a set of initiatives is suggested to further the evolution of MIL in education.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated into higher education (HE), offering numerous benefits and transforming teaching and learning. Since its launch, ChatGPT has become the most popular learning model among Generation Z college students in HE. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, concerns, attitudes, and ethics of using ChatGPT among Generation Z college students in HE in Peru. An online survey was administered to 201 HE students with prior experience using the ChatGPT for academic activities. Two of the six proposed hypotheses were confirmed: Perceived Ethics (B = 0.856) and Student Concerns (B = 0.802). The findings suggest that HE students' knowledge and positive attitudes toward ChatGPT do not guarantee its effective adoption and use. It is important to investigate how attitudes of optimism, skepticism, or apathy toward AI develop and how these attitudes influence the intention to use technologies such as the ChatGPT in HE settings. The dependence on ChatGPT raises ethical concerns that must be addressed with responsible use programs in HE. No sex or age differences were found in the relationship between the use of ChatGPTs and perceived ethics among HE students. However, further studies with diverse HE samples are needed to determine this relationship. To promote the ethical use of the ChatGPT in HE, institutions must develop comprehensive training programs, guidelines, and policies that address issues such as academic integrity, privacy, and misinformation. These initiatives should aim to educate students and university teachers on the responsible use of ChatGPT and other AI-based tools, fostering a culture of ethical adoption of AI to leverage its benefits and mitigate its potential risks, such as a lack of academic integrity.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated into higher education (HE), offering numerous benefits and transforming teaching and learning. Since its launch, ChatGPT has become the most popular learning model among Generation Z college students in HE. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, concerns, attitudes, and ethics of using ChatGPT among Generation Z college students in HE in Peru. An online survey was administered to 201 HE students with prior experience using the ChatGPT for academic activities. Two of the six proposed hypotheses were confirmed: Perceived Ethics (B = 0.856) and Student Concerns (B = 0.802). The findings suggest that HE students' knowledge and positive attitudes toward ChatGPT do not guarantee its effective adoption and use. It is important to investigate how attitudes of optimism, skepticism, or apathy toward AI develop and how these attitudes influence the intention to use technologies such as the ChatGPT in HE settings. The dependence on ChatGPT raises ethical concerns that must be addressed with responsible use programs in HE. No sex or age differences were found in the relationship between the use of ChatGPTs and perceived ethics among HE students. However, further studies with diverse HE samples are needed to determine this relationship. To promote the ethical use of the ChatGPT in HE, institutions must develop comprehensive training programs, guidelines, and policies that address issues such as academic integrity, privacy, and misinformation. These initiatives should aim to educate students and university teachers on the responsible use of ChatGPT and other AI-based tools, fostering a culture of ethical adoption of AI to leverage its benefits and mitigate its potential risks, such as a lack of academic integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloprostenol, a synthetic derivative of prostaglandin F2α, effectively triggers functional and morphological regression of the corpus luteum (luteolysis). In rural Peru, the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) holds significance within the local economy and serves as a valuable protein source. Enhancing reproductive efficiency is crucial to achieve uniformity in weight, age, and litter size across commercial systems. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate the effect of cloprostenol with and without male stimulation on the onset, duration, and intensity of oestrus in Peru guinea pigs. A total of 128 guinea pigs (120 females and eight males) between 8 and 12 months of age, weighing between 800 and 1200 g, were distributed in cages of 15 females per treatment. Cloprostenol sodium (0 [control], 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30 mg/animal) was IM administered to the groups with and without male stimulation. Four isolated males in individual cages, different from the one used for the treatment, were considered to detect oestrus. The oestrus intensity was assessed by observing sexual behaviour signs such as restlessness, moaning, attempts to mount, pelvic elevation, loin stretching, and vulvar inflammation. The oestrus was manifested 2 days after the administration of cloprostenol sodium. At a dose of 0.30 mg/animal and with male stimulation, the earliest oestrus was observed at 46.9 h. There was a reduction in the oestrus duration (p <.05) in guinea pigs that received the three doses of cloprostenol sodium compared to the control group. The highest percentages of frank oestrus intensity (66.7%) were strongly associated with the administered doses of cloprostenol sodium (p <.01). In conclusion, the cloprostenol sodium administration was proper for rapid oestrus induction in Peru guinea pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of vast quantities of sulfide from the sediment into the water column, known as a sulfidic event, has detrimental consequences on fish catches, including downstream effects on other linked element cycles. Despite being frequent occurrences in marine upwelling regions, our understanding of the factors that moderate sulfidic event formation and termination are still rudimentary. Here, we examined the biogeochemical and hydrodynamic conditions that underpinned the formation/termination of one of the largest sulfur plumes to be reported in the Peruvian upwelling zone. Consistent with previous research, we find that the sulfur-rich plume arose during the austral summer when anoxic conditions (i.e., oxygen and nitrate depletion) prevailed in waters overlying the upper shelf. Furthermore, the shelf sediments were organically charged and characterized by low iron-bound sulfur concentrations, further enabling the diffusion of benthic-generated sulfide into the water column. While these biogeochemical conditions provided a predicate to sulfidic event formation, we highlight that attenuations in local wind intensity served as an event trigger. Namely, interruptions in local wind speed constrained upwelling intensity, causing increased stratification over the upper shelf. Moreover, disturbances in local wind patterns likely placed additional constraints on wind-driven mesoscale eddy propagation, with feedback effects on coastal elemental sulfur plume (ESP) formation. We suggest ESP development occurs as a result of a complex interaction of biogeochemistry with regional hydrodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peru suffers from poor solid waste and coastal management, as well as evidenced plastic pollution in various forms. However, studies in Peru focusing on small plastic debris (i.e., meso- and microplastics) are still limited and inconclusive. Thus, the present study investigated the abundance, characteristics, seasonality, and distribution of small plastic debris along the coast of Peru. The abundance of small plastic debris is predominantly driven by specific locations, where a source of contamination is present, rather than presenting seasonal patterns. Meso- and microplastics were strongly correlated in both seasons (summer and winter), suggesting meso-plastic constantly breaking down as microplastic sources. Additionally, heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Pb) were found in low concentrations (mean concentrations < 0.4%) on the surface of some mesoplastics. Here, we provided a baseline on the multiple factors involving small plastic debris on the Peruvian coast and preliminarily identify associated contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research sought to determine the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome in health teachers at a university in north-eastern Peru. The universe was made up of 69 teachers, and 41 responded to the self-administered instrument called Maslach Burnout Inventory. The results show that 14.6% present this syndrome. The highest indicator was personal fulfillment, while depersonalization and emotional exhaustion were low. According to gender, in both it was similar. According to age group, it had a greater effect in ages between 36 and 51 years. Marital status was more prevalent in singles. We conclude that the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the political situation in Peru in 2022, focusing on the state of democracy through an analysis that combines structural and conjunctural factors. The argument is that the cyclical confrontation between the Executive and Legislative powers –noticeable since 2016— resulted in a victory of the Legislative that led to an imbalance of powers in favor of Congress. This altered not only the 200-year-old tradition of presidentialism in the country, but also the fundamental principles of a democracy reinaugurated in 2001. The estallido emerged as a reaction and accentuated both the delegitimization of the government and of the regime, as a whole. The instauration of an authoritarian government deepened the confrontation. In this way, the country entered an authoritarian transition with uncertain results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the information and knowledge society, technology and the COVID-19 pandemic have added to the debate on Media and Information Literacy (MIL). In Peru, in spite of the recommendations from international institutions, proper attention has not been given, generating gaps in the study curricula. From this perspective, the study investigates the level of development of MIL in students studying the last cycle of intermediate education. In order to determine this, the AMI-Peru-21 surv-ey was designed and validated, based on the UNESCO proposals. This research is of a quantitative, descriptive and crosscurricular nature, which made it possible to diagnose the relationship of the socioformative factors with the levels of MIL achievement, based on a sample made up by 1250 students from the province of Arequipa. The results evidence the validity and reliability of the instrument (α=0.96) in order to measure the level of MIL, from the perspective of student self-perception, as well as the association of certain socioformative factors with MIL (p<0.000), among them, progress with age, i.e., older ages are associated with greater the levels of achievement, and females make more progress than males. It is also verified that access to basic services, such as electricity and the Internet, and the type of educational institution are correlated with higher levels of MIL achievement. From the evidence that is generated, in order to ensure the education of critical, ethical and responsible citizens, a set of initiatives is suggested to further the evolution of MIL in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lontra felina (Molina, 1782) or Marine Otter is an endangered species according to the IUCN Red List and lives mainly on the rocky coast of Peru and Chile. In Peru it inhabits some marine protected areas, ports and some rivers. To determine the current state of conservation, monitoring data of National Reserves of Paracas, San Fernando & the Guano's Islands, Islets & Capes National Reserve System were analysed as well as the management plans of each marine protected area. According to the results, the Marine Otter is only a target species in the Paracas Reserve. The Guano's Islands, Islets & Capes National Reserve System is a network of mini-reserves that maintains the largest population of Marine Otters in Peru in at least 14 of its 33 protected sites. The effectiveness of management for L. felina is only verified in the case of the National Reserve of Paracas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, feeling analysis has become a trend; above all, in digital product development companies, as it is essential for rapid and automatic analysis. Feeling analysis deals with emotions with the help of software, and it is playing an unavoidable role in workplaces. The constant growth of social networks, especially the Twitter social network, has made the ability to understand and comprehend users or clients take a greater scope regarding their needs; and therefore, increase the complexity of analysis of this social network, causing excessive expenses in time, personnel, and money. This work presents a solution through the application of Machine Learning (ML) for feeling analysis and thus improve analysis, execution time and customer satisfaction. The scope of this research is limited to using the Support Vector Machine (SVM), a supervised learning technique for the intended analysis. The model derives from the ML technique making use of cross validation. CRISP-ML(Q) is the applied Methodology. The results show that the use of ML allows efficient feeling analysis in Twitter communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A baseline survey for floating microplastics (MPs) in the vicinity of a marine protected area and semi-enclosed bay of northern Peru was carried out. An average concentration of 0.22 MPs/L was estimated, primarily dominated by blue polyethylene terephthalate fibers. The distribution of floating MPs suggests that they tend to accumulate within the semi-enclosed Sechura Bay regardless of the sampling season. This behavior may be explained by local surface currents in the bay, which flow inwards and exhibit vorticities that could entrap MPs. Future studies are suggested to investigate the trajectory and fate of floating MPs within semi-enclosed areas. On the other hand, the impact of floating MPs on the trophic chain of coastal marine protected areas requires further research. • Floating MPs (1–5 mm) were investigated in Piura, northern Peru. • An overall concentration of 0.22 MPs/L was found. • MP concentration was higher inside a semi-enclosed bay than an exposed area. • MP concentration did not vary significantly between seasons. • MPs were primarily blue polyethylene terephthalate fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highland Andean ecosystems sustain high levels of floral and faunal biodiversity in areas with diverse topography and provide varied ecosystem services, including the supply of water to cities and downstream agricultural valleys. Google (™) has developed a product specifically designed for mapping purposes (Earth Engine), which enables users to harness the computing power of a cloud-based solution in near-real time for land cover change mapping and monitoring. We explore the feasibility of using this platform for mapping land cover types in topographically complex terrain with highly mixed vegetation types (Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve located in the central Andes of Peru) using classification machine learning (ML) algorithms in combination with different sets of remote sensing data. The algorithms were trained using 3601 sampling pixels of (a) normalized spectral bands between the visible and near infrared spectrum of the Landsat 8 OLI sensor for the 2018 period, (b) spectral indices of vegetation, soil, water, snow, burned areas and bare ground and (c) topographic-derived indices (elevation, slope and aspect). Six ML algorithms were tested, including CART, random forest, gradient tree boosting, minimum distance, naïve Bayes and support vector machine. The results reveal that ML algorithms produce accurate classifications when spectral bands are used in conjunction with topographic indices, resulting in better discrimination among classes with similar spectral signatures such as pajonal (tussock grass-dominated cover) and short grasses or rocky groups, and moraines, agricultural and forested areas. The model with the highest explanatory power was obtained from the combination of spectral bands and topographic indices using the random forest algorithm (Kappa = 0.81). Our study presents a first approach of its kind in topographically complex Cordilleran terrain and we show that GEE is particularly useful in large-scale land cover mapping and monitoring in mountainous ecosystems subject to rapid changes and conversions, with replicability and scalability to other areas with similar characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability of livestock production systems in the districts of Oxapampa, Chontabamba and Huancabamba Oxapampa, Pasco Region, Peru, were studied. The methodology used was the MESMIS analysis. For the characterization of livestock systems, the producers were grouped into three groups: traditional extensive livestock system, semi-extensive livestock system and extensive livestock system. In the first instance, environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability were partially evaluated with their respective indicators, and then evaluated simultaneously in an integrated manner. Through the MESMIS analysis, the traditional extensive livestock system was the most sustainable. Subsequently, the same producers with their environmental, economic and social indicators were subjected to the agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis, using as proximity distance the Euclidean distance and with the agglomeration methods: nearest neighbor, nearest neighbor, average or intergroup linkage, bonding intragroup cluster centroid, Ward grouping medium and method with SPSS. The unique solution of three group clusters resulted in the similarity of a cluster with the same producers, obtained in the traditional livestock system using MESMIS with several of the agglomeration methods mentioned above, both at the partial and integral analysis level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While parental monitoring is understood to protect adolescents from engaging in risk behaviors, little is known about how the family dynamics involved in parental monitoring differ across sociocultural contexts. We sought to gain an in‐depth understanding of parent–child relationship dynamics and parental knowledge of adolescents' activities in an urban Peruvian neighborhood with high levels of crime and adolescent substance use. We conducted 15 in‐depth interviews and two focus groups with adolescents and 12 in‐depth interviews with mothers sampled from a secondary school in Callao, Peru. Our findings emphasize the importance of parent–child confianza (trust) as a foundation for parental awareness of adolescents' lives and activities. Participants in our sample characterized confianza as encouraging adolescent disclosure and shaping how parental solicitation and rules were interpreted by adolescents. Participants described how confianza was rooted in features of the parent–child relationship, including shared parent–child time, parental affection, adolescent perceptions of parents' ability to give good advice, and awareness of how parents would react to delicate topics. Participants linked these family dynamics, in turn, to economic hardship, parental feelings of sacrifice and stress, perceptions of neighborhood risk, and gender norms limiting fathers' involvement in caregiving. Results have implications for the planning and adaptation of family‐based prevention programs for use in high‐risk contexts in Latin America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal-agriculture is an important economic activity in the northern Peruvian Amazon Regions of Amazonas and San Martín but it has resulted in significant changes in land-use over time. Managed silvopasture systems have potential to improve degraded grasslands. However, to date, there is limited information about silvopasture systems in these regions, which limits an understanding of the potential of silvopasture systems to provide ecosystem services. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to identify and assess prevalent silvopasture systems as an initial and complementary step to study biological and economic responses in these systems. Land managers were surveyed in the three livestock-producing areas of Molinopampa (n = 130), Huayabamba (n = 89), and Moyobamba (n = 70). Our results indicate that raising cattle activities in these regions occur mainly in production units with area < 10 ha. Predominant silvopasture designs consisted of trees in live fences and scattered trees. Understory forage is mainly monoculture grass grazed by dual-purpose cattle breeds. The common denominators of the types of trees utilized in these systems are trees pruned to obtain firewood, followed by timber trees, followed by fruit trees. Cattle management consisted mainly of continuous stocking, followed by rotational stocking utilizing a rope, and also utilization of electric fencing for rotational stocking. Our data indicates that silvopasture systems in the Amazonas and San Martín regions of Peru occurred spontaneously and benefits and tradeoffs of implementing silvopastures remain largely unknown among producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few years Peru has worked hard to become an important receptor of foreign investment. The oil and gas sector in Peru considers foreign investment crucial for sustaining its development. This article explores how the lack of action attributable to key governmental entities is driving the oil and gas industry in Peru to a critical situation that over time may result in foreign investment walking away from Peru. The article presents key governmental actors' roles, regulation and the general framework of Peru's oil and gas scenery. Public sources, statistics and records released by the key governmental actors are also presented for evidencing the negative results obtained in the Peruvian oil and gas industry as a consequence of the current administration's lack of adequate action. Reference is also made to some public specific cases to serve as examples to the reader. It is hoped that this article serves to remind the oil and gas community of the relevance of the role of governmental entities not only in attracting new foreign investment to a country for the signing of new licence agreements, but also the important role that said entities have during the execution of the licence agreements. Finally, we hope that the Peruvian authorities take action and by acting jointly with the Peruvian oil and gas community reverse the current trend in Peru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burnout syndrome in medical students and medical staff has been reported in Peru as a serious and frequent entity, which can have grievous personal and professional consequences. Although there are many studies carried out in other countries, the information on burnout syndrome in students of medicine and Peruvian doctors is still insufficient. Objective: To review and make a synthesis of published works on burnout syndrome in Peruvian students of medicine, medical residents and physicians during the last five years. Methodology: A literature search was performed using various databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Scielo) regarding original articles on burnout in medical professional population and students of medicine published from 2015 to 2020. Results are presented in narrative form. Results: The prevalence of burnout syndrome in Peru has been reported in the range of 2.44–57.6% in students of medicine; 9.65–51.4% in medical residents; and 2.67–80% in physicians. Conclusions: Burnout syndrome in Peru has been reported with prevalence rates of a broad range, varying a lot. However, in the reviewed studies, methodological shortcomings were detected including little conceptual consensus among researchers by which criteria the presence of burnout should be identified, little consideration of the work environment and cultural factors in its analysis and a lack of longitudinal studies. All this hinders the global appreciation of the phenomenon and the use of the generated knowledge in proposing appropriate coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small fishes play fundamental roles in pelagic ecosystems, channelling energy and nutrients from primary producers to higher trophic levels. They support globally important fisheries in eastern boundary current ecosystems like the Humboldt Current System (HCS) of the SE Pacific (Chile and Peru), where fish catches are the highest in the world (per unit area). This production is associated with coastal upwelling where fisheries target small pelagic fishes including the Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens). The elevated biomass attained by small pelagics is thought to reflect their low trophic position in short/simple food chains. Despite their global importance, large gaps exist in our understanding of the basic ecology of these resources. For instance, there is an ongoing debate regarding the relative importance of phytoplankton versus animal prey in anchovy diet, and ecosystem models typically assign them a trophic position (TP) of ∼2, assuming they largely consume phytoplankton. Recent work based on both relative energetic content and stable isotope analysis (SIA) suggests that this value is too low, with δ15N values indicating that anchovy TP is ca. 3.5 in the Peruvian HCS. Methods: We characterised the trophic ecology of adult anchovies (n = 30), their putative prey and carnivorous jack mackerel (n = 20) captured from N Chile. SIA (δ13C and δ15N) was used to estimate the relative contribution of different putative prey resources. δ15N was used to estimate population level trophic position. Results: Anchovies showed little variability in δ13C (−18.7 to −16.1‰) but varied greatly in δ15N (13.8 to 22.8‰)—individuals formed two groups with low or high δ15N values. When considered as a single group, mixing models indicated that anchovy diet was largely composed of zooplankton (median contribution: 95% credibility limits), with major contributions of crustacean larvae (0.61: 0.37–0.77) and anchovy (preflexion) larvae (0.15: 0.02–0.34), and the assimilation of phytoplankton was negligible (0.05: 0–0.22). The modal (95% credibility limits) estimate of TP for the pooled anchovy sample was 3.23 (2.93–3.58), overlapping with recent SIA-based estimates from Peru. When the two δ15N groups were analysed separately, our results indicate that the lower δ15N group largely assimilated materials from crustacean larvae (0.73: 0.42–0.88), with a TP of 2.91 (2.62–3.23). Mixing models suggested high δ15N anchovies were cannibalistic, consuming anchovy preflexion larvae (0.55: 0.11–0.74). A carnivorous trophic niche was supported by high TP (3.79: 3.48–4.16), mirroring that of carnivorous juvenile jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi; 3.80: 3.51–4.14). Our results support recent conclusions regarding high TP values of anchovy from Peru and reveal new insights into their trophic behaviour. These results also highlight the existence of cryptic trophic complexity and ecosystem function in pelagic food webs, classically considered as simple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Family relationships are widely recognized as playing a role in adolescent alcohol use. Although family relationships and parenting vary by culture, limited research has explored these relationships in Latin America. Objectives: We sought to determine which family factors are associated with adolescent alcohol use in Callao, Peru. Methods: Data come from a cross-sectional survey conducted in a public secondary school in Callao, Peru in 2007. A total of 180 11th grade students are included in the analysis. Our main outcome measure was problem drinking, defined as self-report of having ever consumed beer, wine, spirits, or hard alcohol to a point of drunkenness. Logistic regression was used to determine if odds of problem drinking varied by level of parental monitoring (knowledge of activities and whereabouts), positive family relationships, or family conflict, while controlling for demographic and peer variables. Results: Low levels of parental monitoring and low levels of positive family relationships were each associated with significantly higher odds of lifetime problem drinking in analyses adjusted for deviant peer affiliation along with sociodemographic variables (odds ratio (OR) = 4.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–13.5; OR = 4.4; 95% CI: 1.5–13.0, respectively). Although family conflict was associated with elevated odds of lifetime problem drinking, this did not reach significance (adjusted OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 0.8–5.1). Conclusions/Importance: Interventions designed to prevent adolescent alcohol use in urban Peru may benefit from promoting positive family interactions and parental monitoring skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to being one of the most productive upwelling systems, the oceanic region off Peru is embedded in one of the most extensive oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) of the world ocean. The dynamics of the OMZ off Peru remain uncertain, partly due to the scarcity of data and to the ubiquitous role of mesoscale activity on the circulation and biogeochemistry. Here we use a high-resolution coupled physical/biogeochemical model simulation to investigate the seasonal variability of the OMZ off Peru. The focus is on characterizing the seasonal cycle in dissolved O2 (DO) eddy flux at the OMZ boundaries, including the coastal domain, viewed here as the eastern boundary of the OMZ, considering that the mean DO eddy flux in these zones has a significant contribution to the total DO flux. The results indicate that the seasonal variations of the OMZ can be interpreted as resulting from the seasonal modulation of the mesoscale activity. Along the coast, despite the increased seasonal low DO water upwelling, the DO peaks homogeneously over the water column and within the Peru Undercurrent (PUC) in austral winter, which results from mixing associated with the increase in both the intraseasonal wind variability and baroclinic instability of the PUC. The coastal ocean acts therefore as a source of DO in austral winter for the OMZ core, through eddy-induced offshore transport that is also shown to peak in austral winter. In the open ocean, the OMZ can be divided vertically into two zones: an upper zone above 400 m where the mean DO eddy flux is larger on average than the mean seasonal DO flux and varies seasonally, and a lower part, where the mean seasonal DO flux exhibits vertical--zonal propagating features that share similar characteristics than those of the energy flux associated with the annual extratropical Rossby waves. At the OMZ meridional boundaries where the mean DO eddy flux is large, the DO eddy flux has also a marked seasonal cycle that peaks in austral winter (spring) at the northern (southern) boundary. In the model, the amplitude of the seasonal cycle is 70% larger at the southern boundary than at the northern boundary. Our results suggest the existence of distinct seasonal regimes for the ventilation of the OMZ by eddies at its boundaries. Implications for understanding the OMZ variability at longer timescales are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the race for the development of a vaccine against COVID-19, even before its commercialization, part of the population has already shown a growing fear of its application. We designed an analytical cross-sectional study using an anonymous survey in the 25 departments of Peru. We surveyed whether the participants were planning on getting vaccinated, as well as other characteristics that were cross-checked in a uni-, bi- and multivariate manner. Of the 1776 respondents, 70% (1251) stated that they were planning to be vaccinated, 20% (346) did not know yet or doubted it, and 10% (179) did not want to be vaccinated. We observed that those who did not get infected with COVID-19 exhibited a higher frequency to not wanting or were uncertain about getting vaccinated (aPR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.09–1.81; p-value = 0.008). In contrast, there was a lower frequency of vaccine refusal among university students (aPR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61–0.92; p-value = 0.005) and healthcare workers (aPR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.44–0.80; p-value = 0.001); adjusted by place of residence. There is still an important percentage of respondents who do not want to be vaccinated or are hesitant to do it, which was associated with educational level, being a healthcare worker and if they were previously infected with COVID-19. Our results could offer useful information about COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The identification and surveying of fine-scale or micro-hotspots of biodiversity is a crucial strategy for better driving conservation efforts at global hotspots. This seems to be especially relevant at the edges of environments suitable for life, i.e., in desert margins with high levels of endemism, such as the Atacama coast. We surveyed a 100 km section of the Atacama coast including the emblematic Paposo and Taltal sites. We studied the taxonomic composition, richness, and abundance of terrestrial arthropods and were able to identify 173 arthropod species grouped into 118 genera and 57 families. The most abundant orders were Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Collembola, which accounted for 90.0% of the total captured. Most abundant families were Melyridae (Coleoptera), Poduridae (Collembola), Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera), and an indeterminate family of Psocoptera. Among remarkable Coleoptera, we were able to register Ectinogonia barrigai (Buprestidae) and Luispenaia paposo (Scarabaeidae). We also documented the presence of the tenebrionid Gyriosomus angustus, and several species of the genera Nycterinus (Paranycterinus) and Scotobius. We also could find the four species of scorpions that have been described for the Paposo area recently, and an undescribed species. The relevance of the area for future prospections and as a conservation site and a fine-scale hotspot of biodiversity has been confirmed based on the epigean arthropods. The Atacama Desert at its margins harbors a unique biodiversity that is still very poorly known, especially in coastal fog oases spanning from Perú towards the Atacama coast. An outstanding species-rich fog oasis is the latitudinal fringe Paposo-Taltal, that is considered an iconic site of the Lomas formation. This contribution is the first to reveal the knowledge on arthropods of this emblematic coastal section. We used pitfall traps to study the taxonomic composition, richness, and abundance of terrestrial arthropods in 17 sample sites along a 100 km section of the coast between 24.5 and 25.5 southern latitude, in a variety of characteristic habitats. From a total of 9154 individuals, we were able to identify 173 arthropod species grouped into 118 genera and 57 families. The most diverse group were insects, with 146 species grouped in 97 genera and 43 families, while arachnids were represented by 27 species grouped into 21 genera and 14 families. Current conservation challenges on a global scale are driving the creation and evaluation of potential conservation sites in regions with few protected areas, such as the margins of the Atacama Desert. Better taxonomic, distributional, and population knowledge is urgently needed to perform concrete conservation actions in a biodiversity hotspot at a desert edge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the quality of sediment and surface water in two natural wetlands, Paca and Tragadero, in the central region of Peru was evaluated using pollution indices, including the geoaccumulation index, pollutant load index, modified pollution degree, potential ecological risk index, and site rank index, for four heavy metals. Principal component analysis was used to identify potential metal contaminant sources. The determination of Fe, Zn, Pb, and As was performed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The average concentrations of metals in the sediments of both lagoons decreased in the order Fe > Zn > Pb > As. The analysis of the contamination indices determined that As and Pb are the elements that contribute the most to environmental degradation in both wetlands. There is a strong correlation between the values of potential ecological risk and the modified degree of contamination, revealing that the Paca wetland has a moderate degree of contamination and potential ecological risk, while Tragadero presents a high degree of contamination and considerable potential ecological risk. The application of the site rank index showed that more than 50% of the sampling sites have between high and severe contamination. The principal component analysis presented 79.2% of the total variance. Finally, the results of this study are essential in order to carry out preventive actions for environmental protection in these lake ecosystems of great importance for many activities, such as bird watching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine litter, such as plastic bags, bottles, fabrics, or fishing gear, serve as a shelter for many marine organisms that are likely to colonize artificial substrata. Such assemblages can potentially turn marine litter into vectors of alien invasive species (AIS). Here, we report the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates inhabiting marine litter in Peruvian beaches. Results indicate that most of the fouled items found came from land-based sources (81.5%) and Bivalvia was the most abundant class (53.5%), mainly composed of the mussel Semimytilus algosus. No significant differences were found in the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates (class level) among sampling sites or sources of litter. Polypropylene and low-density polyethylene items were most frequently found with fouled biota. Although none of the identified species were non-native to the coast of Peru, we discuss marine litter as a potential source of AIS in this region. • Marine macroinvertebrates were found fouling or inhabiting stranded plastic litter. • None of the organisms found were considered non-native to the Peruvian coast. • Class abundance and diversity did not differ significantly among sites and sources. • Polypropylene and high-density polyethylene were the most frequent items. • Fouling organisms in Peru may become a source of AIS for other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Commingled burial features at Las Huacas include behaviors related both to the mortuary program and ancestor veneration. • Elites at Las Huacas likely used ancestor veneration to develop authority as the region was incorporated into the Inca Empire. • Article introduces the terms communal secondary and selective secondary to differentiate between types of secondary engagements. • At Las Huacas, feet, hands, crania, and vertebrae are linked to secondary practices. • Mandibles in commingled features could be a good indicator for primary burials in a given feature. The study of mortuary practices encompasses a wide variety of different behaviors that are related to cultural and religious customs, sociopolitical strategies, and conceptions about personhood. In this article, we share data from archaeological excavations and osteological analyses of mortuary features from the site of Las Huacas in the Chincha Valley. Many of these features were involved in secondary mortuary rituals, which can be particularly difficult to study due to the commingled nature of the remains. Based on analyses, remains at the site became disarticulated and commingled due to various practices: (1) delayed primary burials, (2) tomb reuse, (3) selective secondary, and (4) communal secondary practices. In selective secondary practices, crania, feet, hands, and vertebrae were removed and reposited in new features. In communal secondary practices, vertebrae were placed on reed posts and pigment was applied to crania, sometimes fully covering the facial bones. These remains were involved in rituals within an elite complex (Complex N1) that had restricted access and the rituals likely created and maintained social and administrative hierarchies. The burials at Las Huacas demonstrate the importance of ancestor veneration in elite claims to authority during the Late Horizon (CE 1400–1532) and Colonial period (CE 1532–1650). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present contribution, two nationwide surveys of personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution were conducted in Peru and Argentina aiming to provide valuable information regarding the abundance and distribution of PPE in coastal sites. Additionally, PPE items were recovered from the environment and analyzed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and compared to brand-new PPE in order to investigate the chemical and structural degradation of PPE in the environment. PPE density (PPE m−2) found in both countries were comparable to previous studies. FTIR analysis revealed multiple polymer types comprising common PPE, mainly polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyester. SEM micrographs showed clear weathering signs, such as cracks, cavities, and rough surfaces in face masks and gloves. EDX elemental mapping revealed the presence of elemental additives, such as Ca in gloves and face masks and AgNPs as an antimicrobial agent. Other metals found on the surface of PPE were Mo, P, Ti, and Zn. XRD patterns displayed a notorious decrease in the crystallinity of polypropylene face masks, which could alter its interaction with external contaminants and stability. The next steps in this line of research were discussed. [Display omitted] • Mean PPE density was 6.6 × 10−4 and 7.2 × 10−4 PPE m−2 in Peru and Argentina. • FTIR revealed that PP, PA, PET, and polyester were the main polymer types. • SEM micrographs showed signs of structural degradation in face masks and gloves. • XRD showed decreased crystallinity in PP face masks. • PPE aging could promote MPs and contaminant release into the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a case of a 38 year-old male patient coming from an area where hepatic fascioliasis is endemic in Peru. He was hospitalized because he showed 4 weeks of symptoms like fever, intense myalgias, erythematous and painful injuries on limb extensions. The electromyography and nerve conduction velocity showed a global inlammatory myopathy. A skin biopsy showed polyarteritis nodosa-type vasculitis. During the evaluation process prior to the immunosuppressive therapy, hepatic Fasciola eggs were found in the parasitological examination of stools. The fascioliasis diagnosis was conirmed by fas2-ELISA: 0.46 (VN <0.20). Clinical symptoms started to subside after treatment with ticlabendazol. Contact with the patient was maintained for a year and there was no evidence of disease recurrence, and he was asymptomatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current observations at several depths between 250 and 3750 m are reported from a 30°S, deep sea site 150 km off the Chile coast for the period July 1993–June 2001. These results are used with current observations from a nearby slope site, satellite altimeter data, and hydrographic and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler data from the WOCE P6E section along 32.5°S to address mean and variable flow in the Chile Basin. Strong current variability in the upper ocean for periods more than 100 days is explained in terms of remotely forced Rossby waves, local baroclinic instabilities of coastal currents and variable wind forcing. Intraseasonal to seasonal current variability at the deep ocean site was greatest during La Niña events while intraseasonal variability at the slope site was greatest during the 1997–1998 El Niño event. Mean westward and poleward flow was observed at all depths at the deep sea site but upper ocean means were not significantly different from zero. There was a well-defined, mean poleward flow of 0.6±0.3 cm s-1 at 2450 m depth there. Geostrophic current calculations are presented for the P6E section with levels of no motion based on our current observations and other constraints. These reference choices yield reasonable and consistent results for the steady-state heat balance of the deep Chile and Peru Basins. Results show a deep equatorward flow of 3–4 Sv on the eastern flank of the East Pacific Rise and a deep poleward boundary flow of about 10 Sv within 1500 km of the Chile coast. Up to half of the total mid-depth outflow of the South Pacific may take place east of the Rise. Thus the deep poleward boundary current off Chile is a major component of the deep circulation of the global ocean but the dynamics of this current remain a puzzle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We conduct statistical analysis of correlations for pre-alert system of the infection in population by wastewater screening of SARS-CoV-2 genomic fragments using qRT-PCR. We analyze data on surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater as an epidemiological tool to anticipate outbreaks in Chile and Peru. We found there exists a positive relationship between genomic copies in wastewater and reported cases, and the relationship is of probabilistic nature. • We statistically relate reported Covid-19 cases with observed genomic copies in wastewater in Chile and Peru. • We show that there exists a statistical relationship. • The heterogeneity of collecting sites/plants are outlined and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A seasonal simulation from a medium-resolution ocean general circulation mode (OGCM) is used to investigate the vertical structure variability of the Southeast Pacific (SEP). The focus is on the extra-tropical Rossby wave (ETRW) variability and associated forcing mechanism. Some aspects of the model mean state are validated from available observations, which justifies a vertical mode decomposition of the model variability. The analysis of the baroclinic mode contributions to sea level indicates that the gravest mode is dominant over most of the domain at all frequencies. Annual variability is on average twice as large as the semi-annual variability which is confined near the coast for all the modes. The first baroclinic mode contribution to the annual cycle exhibits a clear westward propagation north of the critical latitude. The higher-order modes only contribute near the coast where they are associated with vertically propagating energy. The residual variability, which is the energy at all timescales other than annual and semi-annual periods peaks offshore between ∼20°S and ∼30°S for all baroclinic modes. The third baroclinic mode also exhibits a relative maximum variability off the coast of Peru south of the critical latitude of the annual cycle (∼13°S), where the Peru–Chile Undercurrent is the most intense. Sensitivity experiments to the atmospheric and boundary forcing suggest that the residual variability results from the non-linear interaction between annual Rossby waves and the mean flow, while the annual ETRWs in the model result from the summed-contribution from both the local wind stress and remote equatorial forcing. Overall the study extends the classical analysis of sea level variability in the SEP based on linear theory, and suggests that the peculiarities of the baroclinic modes need to be taken into account for interpreting the sea level variability and understanding its connection with the equatorial variability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]