Search

YAlO₃ and LaAlO₃ are both important oxides used as matrices in optical applications. Their mutual solid solubility is kinetically dependent, especially in a polycrystalline form. In this work, we prepared La1-xYxAlO₃ (x = 0-0.65) samples doped with 5 at% of Eu3+ in the A-site. The samples were prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering from powders synthetised by a reverse co-precipitation method. The single-phase samples were obtained up to a composition of La0.7Y0.25Eu0.05AlO₃; with a higher yttrium doping level, a mixture of Y-rich and La-rich perovskite-type phases was present. The La/Y substitution had an influence on a shift in the top of the valence band which influenced the excitation spectra. In photoluminescence and radioluminescence measurements, the Eu3+ local site symmetry changes were manifested by the change in intensity and fine splitting of the ⁵D0⟶⁷FJ (J = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) emission bands. The increasing content of Y3+ caused a slight acceleration of the PL decay of the Eu3+ photoluminescence and an increase in the integral intensity of radioluminescence spectra.

O presente artigo é resultado de uma revisão bibliográfica dos protocolos sanitários de retorno às aulas para o ano de 2021, concomitante à análise das medidas de aprendizagem propostas no contexto ainda de pandemia. Neste breve exame, apontaremos a exclusão dos professores e dos demais profissionais de educação do papel central que lhes cabe no processo de ensino e de aprendizagem, pari passu suas necessidades no contexto de pandemia. Outrossim, debateremos a necessidade e o verdadeiro lugar da escola como equipamento de inclusão, que é de primordial importância para a construção do tão propalado projeto de vida dos alunos.

Ensuring the removal of host cell proteins (HCPs) during downstream processing of recombinant proteins such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) remains a challenge. Since residual HCPs might affect product stability or safety, constant monitoring is required to demonstrate their removal to be below the regulatory accepted level of 100 ng/mg. The current standard analytical approach for this procedure is based on ELISA; however, this approach only measures the overall HCP content. Therefore, the use of orthogonal methods, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), has been established, as it facilitates the quantitation of total HCPs as well as the identification and quantitation of the individual HCPs present. In the present study, a workflow for HCP detection and quantitation using an automated magnetic bead-based sample preparation, in combination with a data-independent acquisition (DIA) LC-MS analysis, was established. Employing the same instrumental setup commonly used for peptide mapping analysis of mAbs allows for its quick and easy implementation into pre-existing workflows, avoiding the need for dedicated instrumentation or personnel. Thereby, quantitation of HCPs over a broad dynamic range was enabled to allow monitoring of problematic HCPs or to track changes upon altered bioprocessing conditions.

Levando em consideração que a agricultura é uma das atividades fundamentais da humanidade, os agricultores familiares contribuem para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Este, por sua vez, é questionado, dentre outros argumentos, em função da dificuldade em se determinar a sustentabilidade de um sistema. Nessa perspectiva, objetivou-se por meio desse estudo avaliar a sustentabilidade e agricultura familiar na comunidade Calumbi, Corrente-PI. Para tanto, foi utilizado um estudo de caso, compreendendo uma pesquisa quali-quantitativa, onde os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas junto aos núcleos familiares da comunidade. A maioria dessas famílias residia na zona rural e dispunha de terras próprias e adequadas para prática da agricultura, bem como recursos naturais específicos, o que torna a agricultura familiar uma atividade acessível. Entretanto, nota-se que a comunidade estudada carece de maiores estruturas sociais para fixação à terra e combate ao êxodo rural. Agricultura familiar é importante para o processo de desenvolvimento sustentável, contudo, os agricultores familiares carecem de políticas públicas que possibilitem uma melhor inserção no mercado e sua adequada reprodução econômica, social, política e cultural.

Fencing is a major anthropogenic feature affecting wildlife distributions and movements, but its impacts are difficult to quantify due to a widespread lack of spatial data. We created a fence model and compared outputs to a fence mapping approach using satellite imagery in two counties in southwest Montana, USA to advance fence data development for use in research and management. The model incorporated road, land cover, ownership, and grazing boundary spatial layers to predict fence locations. We validated the model using data collected on randomized road transects (n = 330). The model predicted ~34,700 km of fences with a mean fence density of 0.93 km/km2 and a maximum density of 14.9 km/km2. We also digitized fences using Google Earth Pro in a random subset of our study area in survey townships (n = 50). The Google Earth approach showed greater agreement (K = 0.76) with known samples than the fence model (K = 0.56) yet was unable to map fences in forests and was significantly more time intensive. We also compared fence attributes by land ownership and land cover variables to assess factors that may influence fence specifications (e.g., wire heights) and types (e.g., number of barbed wires). Private land fences had bottom wires that were closer to the ground and top wires higher from the ground when compared to fences on public lands, with sample means at ~22 cm and ~26 cm, and ~115 cm and ~111 cm, respectively. Both bottom wire means were well below recommended heights for ungulates navigating underneath fencing (≥ 46 cm), while top wire means were closer to the 107 cm maximum fence height recommendation. We found that both fence type and land ownership were correlated (χ2 = 45.52, df = 5, p = 0.001) as well as fence type and land cover type (χ2 = 140.73, df = 15, p = 0.001). We provide tools for estimating fence locations, and our novel fence type assessment demonstrates an opportunity for updated policy to encourage the adoption of “wildlife-friendlier” fencing standards to facilitate wildlife movement in the western U.S. while supporting rural livelihoods.

Abstract Genetics-based pest management processes, including the sterile insect technique, are an effective method for the control of some pest insects. However, current SIT methods are not directly transferable to many important pest insect species due to the lack of genetic sexing strains. Genome editing is revolutionizing the way we conduct genetics in insects, including in Tribolium castaneum, an important genetic model and agricultural pest. We identified orthologues of β2Tubulin, Rad50-ATPase and enolase in T. castaneum. Using RT-PCR, we confirmed that these genes are predominantly expressed in the testis. PiggyBac-based transformation of T. castaneum cis-regulatory regions derived from Tc-β 2 t, Tc-rad50 or Tc-eno resulted in EGFP expression specifically in the T. castaneum testis. Additionally, we determined that each of these regulatory regions regulates EGFP expression in different cell types of the male gonad. Cis-regulatory regions from Tc-β 2 t produced EGFP expression throughout spermatogenesis and also in mature sperms; Tc-rad50 resulted in expression only in the haploid spermatid, while Tc-eno expressed EGFP in late spermatogenesis. In summary, the regulatory cis-regions characterized in this study are not only suited to study male gonadal function but could be used for development of transgenic sexing strains that produce one sex in pest control strategies.

The complex and colorful textiles of ancient Peru have long been a focus of technical study, particularly to characterize the sources of the wide variety of dyes utilized by these Andean artisans. This manuscript describes the characterization of the dyes of both primary (red, blue, and yellow) and secondary (purple, orange, and green) colors sampled from textiles spanning five major civilizations: the Paracas Necropolis, the Nazca, the Wari, the Chancay, and the Lambayeque, all from Peru. All but the Paracas Necropolis samples were part of technical conservation studies of the ancient South American textiles collections of the Michael C. Carlos Museum. Analysis of the dyes was carried out utilizing direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-MS) and paper spray MS. To validate these ambient ionization MS methods, the samples were further investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet-visible diode array detection (DAD). These results show that ambient ionization MS methods are simple and fast for characterization of the general classes of dyes, e.g., plant reds vs. insect reds, and indigoids in blues and greens. Due to the myriad possible sources of yellow dyes and their tendency to undergo oxidative decomposition, positively identifying those components in these yarns was difficult, though some marker compounds and flavonoid decomposition products were readily identified by ambient ionization mass spectrometry.

Fences are a common feature throughout the landscape of North America’s Great Plains region. Knowledge surrounding the harmful implication that fences have on the movement of wildlife, specifically ungulates, is expanding. Across the region, it is accepted that there is a need to mitigate the impacts of barbed wire fencing and that “wildlife-friendlier” fence designs are emerging as a practical tool to meet these goals. Here we evaluate the response of sympatric deer species to the implementation of two fence modifications, fastening the top two wires together using clips and the installation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe to encompass the top two wires. We also aim to determine the optimal top wire height to allow for successful crossing by deer, with the goal to provide a more robust understanding of effective wildlife-friendlier fence standards. We used remote trail cameras to capture crossing events and recorded responses for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Using generalized linear mixed modelling, we tested the influence modifications had on crossing success and decisions prior to and after the modifications were installed compared to control sites. We found that these modifications had little impact on deer crossing behavior. We determined that wire height had the greatest impact on the permeability of fences, but that deer permeability was strongly influenced by species and sex. We found that the current maximum recommended top wire height of 102 cm (40 inches) is adequate to allow individuals of both deer species to cross over the fence, with the exception of female mule deer. Our results also indicate as the top wire height reaches 110 cm (43 inches) or higher, that the probability of successfully jumping over the fence dramatically drops off, with the exception for male mule deer. We recommend the installation of clips as a cost-effective method to lower top wire height and PVC pipe to improve fence visibility and potentially reduce entanglement events, all while effectively keeping livestock in intended pastures.

Durante el 2019 surge el Movimiento Obrero Matamorense 20/32 que se destaca por su carácter masivo y por sus logros, entre ellos, la formación del Sindicato Nacional Independiente de Trabajadores de Industrias y Servicios (SNITIS); por lo cual, en este artículo se analiza como signo de recomposición del sindicalismo en México. Por otra parte, aunque es un movimiento reciente y localizado, hace falta explicarlo en perspectiva histórica y en un contexto más amplio, el de la globalización del neoliberalismo, con el cual se han empeorado las condiciones laborales y de vida de la clase trabajadora. Para estos propósitos se presenta un recuento de la trayectoria del movimiento, así como una síntesis de los antecedentes históricos del sindicalismo en México en los siglos XIX y XX, a través de los cuales es posible explicar la importancia del liderazgo de la abogada Susana Prieto Terrazas. La fuerza, magnitud y significado político del triunfo del MOM en las industrias maquiladoras sientan un precedente histórico de ruptura con el viejo modelo de paz laboral neoliberal.

In operando nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one method for the online investigation of electrochemical systems and reactions. It allows for real-time observations of the formation of products and intermediates, and it grants insights into the interactions of substrates and catalysts. An in operando NMR setup for the investigation of the electrolytic reduction of CO2 at silver electrodes has been developed. The electrolysis cell consists of a three-electrode setup using a working electrode of pristine silver, a chlorinated silver wire as the reference electrode, and a graphite counter electrode. The setup can be adjusted for the use of different electrode materials and fits inside a 5 mm NMR tube. Additionally, a shielding setup was employed to minimize noise caused by interference of external radio frequency (RF) waves with the conductive components of the setup. The electrochemical performance of the in operando electrolysis setup is compared with a standard CO2 electrolysis cell. The small cell geometry impedes the release of gaseous products, and thus it is primarily suited for current densities below 1 mA cm−2. The effect of conductive components on 13C NMR experiments was studied using a CO2-saturated solution of aqueous bicarbonate electrolyte. Despite the B0 field distortions caused by the electrodes, a proper shimming could be attained, and line widths of ca. 1 Hz were achieved. This enables investigations in the sub-Hertz range by NMR spectroscopy. High-resolution 13C NMR and relaxation time measurements proved to be sensitive to changes in the sample. It was found that the dynamics of the bicarbonate electrolyte varies not only due to interactions with the silver electrode, which leads to the formation of an electrical double layer and catalyzes the exchange reaction between CO2 and HCO3-, but also due to interactions with the electrochemical setup. This highlights the necessity of a step-by-step experiment design for a mechanistic understanding of processes occurring during electrochemical CO2 reduction.

To further enhance the performance of wood products, improved tools are needed to study in situ cellular scale phenomena like mechanical deformations and moisture swelling. Micro-X-ray computed tomography (μXCT) using brilliant synchrotron light sources now has the spatial and temporal resolution for real-time visualization of phenomena in three-dimensional cellular structures. However, the tradeoff for speed includes the loss of intensity contrast between different types of materials within the imaged structure, such as cell wall and air in wood. This loss of contrast prevents traditional histogram-based segmentation methods from being used effectively. A new convolutional neural network (CNN) approach was therefore developed to segment fast μXCT images of wood into cell wall and air volumes. The fast μXCT and segmentation were demonstrated in the study of moisture swelling in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) earlywood and latewood cellular structures conditioned at 0%, 33%, 75%, and 95% relative humidity (RH). The CNN segmentation results had a mean intersection over union (IoU) metric accuracy of 96%. Initial analysis of the swelling in the latewood revealed cell walls swelled about 25% when conditioned from 0% to 95% RH. Additionally, the widths of ray cell lumina in the transverse plane of latewood could be observed to increase at higher RH. The segmentation method presented here will facilitate future quantitative analyses in in situ μXCT studies of wood and other similar cellular materials.

Within urban and tourism studies, although much research has focused on uneven city prosperity and competitiveness, little is known about factors influencing seaside town economic performance. We adopt a place-based approach to understand its determinants amongst 58 of England's largest seaside towns drawing on a bespoke database. Through Partial Least Square analysis, Spearman's Rank Correlation and general linear regression modelling for panel data with random effects, we identify the 'leaders' and 'laggers' along with a set of associated socio-economic characteristics. These insights enhance understanding of how and why economic performance differs amongst these towns. We highlight implications for addressing such socio-economic disparities across seaside towns, which has wider destination relevance, and use these findings to inform policy which seeks to raise the productivity potential of 'lagging' towns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the morphology of lithium anodes is important for designing batteries with long service life. Here, pulse electron paramagnetic resonance is used to monitor pulsed plating of lithium on a timescale of 100 ms, revealing transient morphology changes after the charging pulse ended.