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Abstract Animals’ ability to orient and navigate relies on selecting an appropriate motor response based on the perception and integration of the environmental information. This is the case, for instance, of the optokinetic response (OKR) in Drosophila melanogaster, where optic flow visual stimulation modulates head movements. Despite a large body of literature on the OKR, there is still a limited understanding, in flies, of the impact on OKR of concomitant, and potentially conflicting, inputs. To evaluate the impact of this multimodal integration, we combined in D. melanogaster, while flying in a tethered condition, the optic flow stimulation leading to OKR with the simultaneous presentation of olfactory cues, based on repellent or masking compounds typically used against noxious insect species. First, this approach allowed us to directly quantify the effect of several substances and of their concentration on the dynamics of the flies’ OKR in response to moving gratings by evaluating the number of saccades and the velocity of the slow phase. Subsequently, this analysis was capable of easily revealing the actual effect, i.e. masking vs. repellent, of the compound tested. In conclusion, we show that D. melanogaster, a cost-affordable species, represents a viable option for studying the effects of several compounds on the navigational abilities of insects.

Abstract Misinformation about climate change poses a substantial threat to societal well-being, prompting the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies. However, the rapid proliferation of online misinformation on social media platforms outpaces the ability of fact-checkers to debunk false claims. Automated detection of climate change misinformation offers a promising solution. In this study, we address this gap by developing a two-step hierarchical model. The Augmented Computer Assisted Recognition of Denial and Skepticism (CARDS) model is specifically designed for categorising climate claims on Twitter. Furthermore, we apply the Augmented CARDS model to five million climate-themed tweets over a six-month period in 2022. We find that over half of contrarian climate claims on Twitter involve attacks on climate actors. Spikes in climate contrarianism coincide with one of four stimuli: political events, natural events, contrarian influencers, or convinced influencers. Implications for automated responses to climate misinformation are discussed.

Abstract Background Elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) is a transmembrane conductance regulator modulator that significantly improves lung function in patients affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). This triple drug is currently not indicated in liver transplant patients, as clinical trials including subjects with previous solid organ transplantation are lacking. Case presentation We report on a liver transplant girl with CF-related advanced pulmonary disease meeting clinical criteria for lung transplant, who started the triple modulator because she could not get on the lung transplant waiting list due to psycho-social motivations. Since initiation of ETI therapy, she has experienced a significant improvement in respiratory function and quality of life, without adverse effects. Conclusions This case shows that ETI therapy can represent a lifesaving drug for individuals without alternatives, even in liver transplant patients. The clinical benefits of the modulator overcome risks, which may be limited with a close drug monitoring of immunosuppressants serum levels and functional liver tests.

Following the enormous technological developments of LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) sensors, it is currently easier to find them commercially in the UA (Uncrewed Aerial Systems) sector. In particular, with the Zenmuse L1 by DJI (Dà-Jiāng Innovations) the market has grown globally, mainly due to the compactness of the product that is easily compatible with UAS. The L1 sensor can record up to three returns of the emanating signal, so it can acquire a larger amount of points, such as those below the vegetation. Therefore, in addition to the geometric information of the points, the Zenmuse L1 point clouds also provide other information, such as the number of echo returns from 1 to 3. This data could be exploited to improve the automatic extraction of the digital terrain model (DTM) from the point clouds, hopefully leading to the avoidance of manual correction. This research aims to focus on evaluating whether the addition of the return number feature can affect the identification of the ground points through different computational methods and can improve the time efficiency of state-of-the-art algorithms.

In the framework of mapping underwater environments, Posidonia Oceanica (PO) is a fundamental indicator for environmental monitoring and related studies and analyses for climate change. The POSEIDON project aims to study, develop and test new methodologies to provide knowledge, as well as ultra-high-resolution (UHR) and beyond ultra-high-resolution (BUHR) mapping and monitoring data for the conservation of the PO and related meadows and banquettes in the Mediterranean area. The project is funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and stems from the recommendation of international organizations (European Environmental Directives, Mediterranean PO Network, International Partnership for Blue Carbon, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO in the Save the Wave project). Starting from new integrated survey methods and legacy data, the PO, ichthyofauna and seagrass banquettes will be mapped to understand their evolution and extract indicators and useful trends. Furthermore, the produced information will be stored and shared in a webGIS and a dedicated app to prevent unexpected damages during sailing or other activities. POSEIDON will use imaging sensors (RGB and multi/hyperspectral cameras) to extract information. With specific lighting equipment for significant water depths, these sensors will be conducted (by scuba divers or Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) next to the object to acquire BUHR data. Finally, to monitor the fauna (fish, other species, invertebrates), terrestrial and underwater videogrammetry will be applied using mono and stereo-cameras with object detection algorithms.

For the machining of industrial components, their accurate alignment on operative machines is a crucial step with significant impacts on the whole process, especially when dealing with large-scale elements. To achieve this alignment, a trained operator is needed along with expensive equipment, such as laser trackers, whose correct use requires the measurements of many significant points and is time-consuming. The lack of a precise alignment comes with possible incorrect parts machining, resulting in quality concerns and potentially expensive rework. To face this problem, collaborative real-time photogrammetry is an effective solution for guiding untrained users in correctly positioning various measured and codified components to generate the best solution for machining high-volume parts. The solution proposed in this contribution is part of the TACCO project, co-financed by EIT Manufacturing (co-funded by the EU). It takes advantage of the TACCO system, where auxiliary components (scale bars, dome-shaped components, coded targets and a cross-reference system) are placed on the object to be measured for their correct positioning in order to obtain an optimal photogrammetric reconstruction. This allows the reduction of the error ellipsoids on several uncoded targets, which are calculated through an iterative simulation carried out in a MATLAB environment. Unskilled operators are then guided through an Augmented Reality headset for their correct placement on the real-world object and for defining the positions and orientations from which to acquire images. This methodology will lead to an accurate measurement of the target points to be machined and, thus, a precise alignment process for the subsequent machining operations.

Globalisation has contributed to rapid economic growth but has also exposed vulnerabilities such as the spread of pests in agriculture. An example is the Popillia Japonica Newman beetle, introduced to Italy in 2014, which has caused significant economic losses, mainly affecting vine cultures. Reliable identification of pests is essential for its management, but it is time-consuming and laborious. This has prompted growing interest in image-based methods, supported by computer vision (CV), which can significantly improve efficiency in insect detection. This study aims to evaluate a CV algorithm's effectiveness in identifying adult specimens of Popillia using Near-Infrared sensors on Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). The project, conducted in two vineyards in northern Italy, intends to establish a replicable and standardised data acquisition protocol for future monitoring activities. Insects detected by the CV-based method are validated by manual counting performed by entomologists. In a GIS environment, prescription maps are generated in near real-time to identify where the vineyard is most affected and to guide the drone spraying treatment only on the areas in which the threshold is exceeded. The study demonstrates effective semi-automated monitoring, with a clear correlation between CV-based and manual insect measurements, as indicated by the Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.89 to 0.96. Although the CV-based method may overestimate insect numbers, it provides valuable insights for targeted pest management interventions and damage assessment. The project outcomes offer a promising approach to safeguarding agriculture against invasive species, enhancing regional economic resilience while minimising the spread of insecticide, the required time, and human interaction with harmful substances.

When facing unregulated human interventions, the tumultuous backdrop of wars, and the relentless impact of climate change, a significant effect is held on those structures that stand as custodians of our cultural identity and historical legacy. The need to document their status is an essential first step toward preservation and restoration. This contribution will analyze and compare diverse datasets acquired through three distinct methods: Terrestrial Laser Scanner, Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro with no additional tool, and iPhone 15 Pro using Pix4D viDoc RTK Rover to assess the quality and accuracy of point clouds, as well as to determine the feasibility of each technique for the expeditious documentation of endangered built heritage. The use of mass-distributed low-cost sensors provides a rapid and cost-effective means to capture detailed 3D models of built heritage while, at the same time, democratizing the process of documentation. Low-cost sensors not only facilitate documentation but also enhance the efficiency of conservation efforts. The precision of LiDAR sensors helps identify structural vulnerabilities, allowing conservationists to prioritize interventions and allocate resources wisely. Furthermore, detailed imagery will enable conservationists to monitor subtle structural changes over time, acting as an early warning system against potential threats. As an additional aid, the RTK Rover enables centimeter-level positioning accuracy while maintaining a compact and fast deployable design, and the direct measurement of Ground Control Points (GCPs) significantly streamlines the surveying process and equipment footprint.

Summary: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health concern whose neurological/behavioral sequelae remain to be mechanistically explained. Using a mouse model recapitulating an IPV scenario, we evaluated the female brain neuroendocrine alterations produced by a reiterated male-to-female violent interaction (RMFVI). RMFVI prompted anxiety-like behavior in female mice whose hippocampus displayed a marked neuronal loss and hampered neurogenesis, namely reduced BrdU-DCX-positive nuclei and diminished dendritic arborization in the dentate gyrus (DG): effects paralleled by a substantial downregulation of the estrogen receptor β (ERβ). After RMFVI, the DG harbored reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pools and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) phosphorylation. Accordingly, ERβ knockout (KO) mice had heightened anxiety and curtailed BDNF levels at baseline while dying prematurely during the RMFVI procedure. Strikingly, injecting an ERβ antagonist or agonist into the wild-type (WT) female hippocampus enhanced or reduced anxiety, respectively. Thus, reiterated male-to-female violence jeopardizes hippocampal homeostasis, perturbing the ERβ/BDNF axis and ultimately instigating anxiety and chronic stress.

Currently available data show mixed results as to whether the processing of emotional information has the same characteristics in the native (L1) as in the second language (L2) of bilinguals. We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment to shed light on the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying bilinguals’ emotional processing in L1 and L2 during an emotional interference task (i.e., the Emotional Stroop Task – EST). Our sample comprised proficient Italian-English bilinguals who learned their L2 during childhood mainly in instructional rather than immersive contexts. In spite of no detectable behavioural effects, we found stronger brain activations for L1 versus L2 emotional words in sectors of the posteromedial cortex involved in attention modulation, episodic memory, and affective processing. While fMRI findings are consistent with the hypothesis of a stronger emotional resonance when processing words in a native language, our overall pattern of results points to the different sensitivity of behavioural and hemodynamic responses to emotional information in the two languages of bilingual speakers.

Abstract Introduction It is important to assess the effectiveness of an antiseizure medication in treating different epilepsy aetiologies to optimise individualised therapeutic approaches. Data from the PERaMpanel pooled analysIs of effecTiveness and tolerability (PERMIT) Extension study were used to assess the effectiveness and safety/tolerability of perampanel (PER) when used to treat individuals with a range of epilepsy aetiologies in clinical practice. Methods A post hoc analysis was conducted of PERMIT Extension data from individuals with a known aetiology. Retention was assessed after 3, 6 and 12 months. Effectiveness was assessed after 3, 6 and 12 months and at the last visit (last observation carried forward). Effectiveness assessments included responder rate (≥ 50% seizure frequency reduction) and seizure freedom rate (no seizures since at least the prior visit). Safety/tolerability was assessed by evaluating adverse events (AEs) and AEs leading to discontinuation. Results PERMIT Extension included 1945 individuals with structural aetiology, 1012 with genetic aetiology, 93 with an infectious aetiology, and 26 with an immune aetiology. Retention rates at 12 months were 61.1% (structural), 65.9% (genetic), 56.8% (infectious) and 56.5% (immune). At the last visit, responder rates (total seizures) were 43.3% (structural), 68.3% (genetic), 37.0% (infectious) and 20.0% (immune), and corresponding seizure freedom rates were 15.8%, 46.5%, 11.1% and 5.0%, respectively. AE incidence rates were 58.0% (structural), 46.5% (genetic), 51.1% (infectious) and 65.0% (immune), and corresponding rates of discontinuation due to AEs over 12 months were 18.9%, 16.4%, 18.5% and 21.7%, respectively. The types of AEs reported were generally consistent across aetiology subgroups, with no idiosyncratic AEs emerging. Conclusion Although PER was effective and generally well tolerated when used to treat individuals with a range of epilepsy aetiologies in clinical practice, variability in its effectiveness and tolerability across the subgroups indicates that PER may be particularly useful for individuals with specific epilepsy aetiologies.

Abstract Most of the patients affected by neuronopathic forms of Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by defects in iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) activity, exhibit early neurological defects associated with white matter lesions and progressive behavioural abnormalities. While neuronal degeneration has been largely described in experimental models and human patients, more subtle neuronal pathogenic defects remain still underexplored. In this work, we discovered that the axon guidance receptor Deleted in Colorectal Cancer (Dcc) is significantly dysregulated in the brain of ids mutant zebrafish since embryonic stages. In addition, thanks to the establishment of neuronal-enriched primary cell cultures, we identified defective proteasomal degradation as one of the main pathways underlying Dcc upregulation in ids mutant conditions. Furthermore, ids mutant fish-derived primary neurons displayed higher levels of polyubiquitinated proteins and P62, suggesting a wider defect in protein degradation. Finally, we show that ids mutant larvae display an atypical response to anxiety-inducing stimuli, hence mimicking one of the characteristic features of MPS II patients. Our study provides an additional relevant frame to MPS II pathogenesis, supporting the concept that multiple developmental defects concur with early childhood behavioural abnormalities.

O crescente número de pesquisas sobre as relações de poder entre homens e mulheres evidencia a necessidade de estudos e mudanças no discurso e nas práticas sociais e educacionais que envolvem gênero (masculino e feminino), relações de gênero e ensino, especialmente de Matemática. O papel da escola é crucial para fortalecer a construção da identidade de gênero sem preconceitos, padrões ou oposições, e para valorizar a mulher na sociedade. Professores podem contribuir para reduzir as desigualdades de gênero dentro e fora da escola, desconstruindo e reelaborando discursos e práticas. Neste artigo, com abordagem qualitativa e pesquisa bibliográfica, reflete-se sobre a prática pedagógica desenvolvida por professores de Matemática no Ensino Fundamental, analisando como ela pode contribuir para a emancipação e o aprendizado em matemática, além de empoderar e fortalecer a mulher na perspectiva de um sujeito ativo na construção de uma sociedade mais igualitária. Conclui-se que a desconstrução do paradigma de gênero na escola passa pela implementação de um currículo que respeite as diferenças, fundamentado legalmente e teoricamente, e por professores com visão crítica que questionem a naturalização do exercício matemático.

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar as atividades realizadas por professores, pós-graduandos e graduandos de Odontologia e Fonoaudiologia da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) numa penitenciária de Florianópolis. Por meio da união do ensino, pesquisa e extensão, busca-se o atendimento odontológico especializado e humanizado de presidiários. Nos atendimentos, que iniciaram em 2022 com previsão de duração de 3 anos, é realizado o preenchimento de uma ficha de anamnese e questionários, exame físico, discussão dos casos, diagnóstico e execução de tratamentos aos detentos. Estes proporcionam alívio da dor e melhora da condição bucal, recuperação da autoestima e dignidade dessa população. Este projeto atende à demanda eminente de atendimento e realiza o levantamento epidemiológico da população carcerária. Também viabiliza para os estudantes experiências clínicas fora do ambiente da Universidade e execução de pesquisa científica beneficiando com atendimentos de qualidade a população vulnerável de presidiários.

ABSTRACT Sugarcane irrigation is one of the main technologies to increase productivity and profitability in the sugar-energy sector. However, to improve the management of water resources in Brazil, growers need to obtain a water rights permitfrom regulatory agencies. The calculation of water rights is determined from data based on estimates of rainfall and reference evapotranspiration (ETo) provided by the Agência Nacional de Águas e Saneamento Básico (ANA). The primary hypothesis of this study was that the method proposed by ANA to calculate water rights did not provide operational security since it lacked an adequate probabilistic character. As a corollary, we included a secondary hypothesis stating that determining flows through the simplified FAO method proposed in the CROPWAT 8.0 manual displayed vulnerability due to the criteria to choose the representative years. This research aimed to compare such methodologies with a more detailed case study (standard method), taking into account the temporal variability of these estimates, the irrigation criteria, and the probability of occurrence of ETo and rainfall to determine water rights for sugarcane irrigation. During the period between Apr and Sept (dry period), the calculation method proposed by ANA met the needs of the project. However, when rainfall was concentrated (Oct to Mar), the calculation method tended to underestimate the monthly values of available flows. The simplified method proposed by FAO and the alternative method proposed here approached ideal conditions.

Soil animal communities include more than 40 higher-order taxa, representing over 23% of all described species. These animals have a wide range of feeding sources and contribute to several important soil functions and ecosystem services. Although many studies have assessed macroinvertebrate communities in Brazil, few of them have been published in journals and even fewer have made the data openly available for consultation and further use. As part of ongoing efforts to synthesise the global soil macrofauna communities and to increase the amount of openly-accessible data in GBIF and other repositories related to soil biodiversity, the present paper provides links to 29 soil macroinvertebrate datasets covering 42 soil fauna taxa, collected in various land-use systems in Brazil. A total of 83,085 georeferenced occurrences of these taxa are presented, based on quantitative estimates performed using a standardised sampling method commonly adopted worldwide to collect soil macrofauna populations, i.e. the TSBF (Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Programme) protocol. This consists of digging soil monoliths of 25 x 25 cm area, with handsorting of the macroinvertebrates visible to the naked eye from the surface litter and from within the soil, typically in the upper 0-20 cm layer (but sometimes shallower, i.e. top 0-10 cm or deeper to 0-40 cm, depending on the site). The land-use systems included anthropogenic sites managed with agricultural systems (e.g. pastures, annual and perennial crops, agroforestry), as well as planted forests and native vegetation located mostly in the southern Brazilian State of Paraná (96 sites), with a few additional sites in the neighbouring states of São Paulo (21 sites) and Santa Catarina (five sites). Important metadata on soil properties, particularly soil chemical parameters (mainly pH, C, P, Ca, K, Mg, Al contents, exchangeable acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, Base Saturation and, infrequently, total N), particle size distribution (mainly % sand, silt and clay) and, infrequently, soil moisture and bulk density, as well as on human management practices (land use and vegetation cover) are provided. These data will be particularly useful for those interested in estimating land-use change impacts on soil biodiversity and its implications for below-ground foodwebs, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem service delivery.Quantitative estimates are provided for 42 soil animal taxa, for two biodiversity hotspots: the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. Data are provided at the individual monolith level, representing sampling events ranging from February 2001 up to September 2016 in 122 sampling sites and over 1800 samples, for a total of 83,085 ocurrences.

Resumo O espraiamento recente das plataformas digitais tem provocado novas dinâmicas da relação entre trabalho e cidade. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os fluxos urbanos dos entregadores de aplicativos pela metrópole de São Paulo para explorar empiricamente as condições em que esse trabalho se inscreve na cidade. Argumentamos que a dispersão de milhares de trabalhadores pela metrópole, ancorada por uma gestão algorítmica, somente se realiza por um controle incisivo do tempo, do território e do próprio trabalho e pela intensa vulnerabilidade dos trabalhadores. Mobilizando dados obtidos por meio de incursões etnográficas, entrevistas e elaboração de material cartográfico, buscaremos discutir as dinâmicas de (re)produção das desigualdades centro-periferia de um trabalho que se espacializa sob gestão centralizada das empresas de plataforma.