Project apollo. ship-shore communications using radio satellite relay

Requirements for antennas, radio and terminal equipment aboard Apollo communication and tracking ships to communicate with land stations by satellite rela

Evaluación continua y su importancia en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de Climatología en la carrera de Agronomía

La evaluación tradicionalmente se ha centrado en la etapa final del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje llevando en muchos casos a que los alumnos se enfoquen más en aprobar la asignatura que en lograr un aprendizaje significativo. Sin embargo, el docente no debe sólo evaluar al final del curso, sino que debe hacerlo en cada uno de los bloques de conocimiento para facilitar el aprovechamiento y el aprendizaje progresivo de los contenidos de la asignatura. Al aplicar la evaluación continua, el profesor puede detectar los problemas de aprendizaje del estudiante y realizar una valoración integral del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la identificar los temas que presentan más dificultades en el proceso de enseñanza – aprendizaje mediante la evaluación continua. Se implementó un proceso de evaluación continua con la finalidad de facilitar la asimilación y el desarrollo progresivos de los contenidos de la asignatura Climatología correspondiente al primer cuatrimestre del segundo año de la carrera de Ingeniería Agronómica. Se utilizó como fuente de datos un cuestionario estructurado, al inicio de la clase práctica, se evalúan los fundamentos teóricos a emplearse en el práctico. Éstas evaluaciones constituyen el 30% de la nota del parcial correspondiente.En el presente trabajo se presentan los resultados observados a lo largo de 7 ciclos lectivos (2012 a 2018). Las unidades que presentaron menor porcentaje de acierto fueron Bio y Agrometeorología, Radiación y Balance Hidrológico (con 42, 47 y 47%, respectivamente) y aquellas de mejor desempeño fueron Introducción, Vientos y Heladas (con 59; 60 y 64%, respectivamente). Los temas con menores porcentajes de aciertos pueden ser debidos a dificultad y el tiempo de aprendizaje. La evaluación continua le permite al estudiante recibir información sobre su ritmo de aprendizaje, y puede de esta manera reorientar su aprendizaje. A los docentes, les permite identificar las fortalezas y las dificultades, del tema desarrollado

Protective effects elicited by cow milk fermented with L. Paracasei CBAL74 against SARS-CoV-2 infection in human enterocytes

Fermented foods have been proposed in limiting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Emerging evidence suggest the efficacy of cow's milk fermented with the probiotic L. paracasei CBAL74 (FM-CBAL74) in preventing infectious diseases. We evaluated the protective action of FM-CBAL74 against SARS-CoV-2 infection in human enterocytes. Relevant aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection were assessed: infectivity, host functional receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression (IL-6, IL-15, IL-1β, VEGFβ, TNF-α, MCP-1, CXCL1). Pre-incubation with FM-CBA L74 reduced the number of infected cells. The expression of ACE2 and the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, VEGFβ, IL-15, IL-1β was downregulated by the pre-treatment with this fermented food. No effect on TMPRSS2, MCP-1, TNF-α and CXCL1 expression was observed. Modulating the crucial aspects of the infection, the fermented food FM-CBAL74 exerts a preventive action against SARS-CoV-2. These evidence could pave the way to innovative nutritional strategy to mitigate the COVID-19

Biology and ecology of the invasive lionfishes, Pterois miles and Pterois volitans

The Indo-Pacific lionfishes, Pterois miles and P. volitans, are now established along the U.S. southeast coast, Bermuda, Bahamas, and are becoming established in the Caribbean. While these lionfish are popular in the aquarium trade, their biology and ecology are poorly understood in their native range. Given the rapid establishment and potential adverse impacts of these invaders, comprehensive studies of their biology and ecology are warranted. Here we provide a synopsis of lionfish biology and ecology including invasion chronology, taxonomy, local abundance, reproduction, early life history and dispersal, venomology, feeding ecology, parasitology, potential impacts, and control and management. This information was collected through review of the primary literature and published reports and by summarizing current observations. Suggestions for future research on invasive lionfish in their invaded regions are provided

Multidisciplinary Design and Optimization of Regional Jet Retrofitting Activity

A retrofit analysis on a 90 passengers regional jet aircraft is performed through a multidisciplinary collaborative aircraft design and optimization highlighting the impact on costs and performance. Two different activities are accounted for selecting the best aircraft retrofit solution: a re-engining operation that allows to substitute a conventional power-plant platform with advanced geared turbofan and an on-board-systems architecture modernization, considering different levels of electrification. Besides the variables that are directly dependent from these activities, also scenario variables are considered during the optimization such as the fuel price, the fleet size and the years of utilization of the upgraded systems. The optimization is led by impacts of the retrofitting process on emissions, capital costs and saving costs, computed at industrial level. Overall aircraft design competences (aerodynamics, masses, performance, noise, and emissions) have been computed increasing the level of fidelity and reliability. The whole process is implemented in the framework of the AGILE 4.0 research project in a collaborative remote multidisciplinary approach. Results show that the engine retrofitting can be a profitable solution for both manufacturers and airliners. Conversely, the on-board-system electrification seems to be not convenient in a retrofitting process due to the high capital costs. Depending on the operative scenario, involved stakeholders can properly orient their decision on a retrofitting strategy

Unexpected silicon localization in calcium carbonate exoskeleton of cultured and fossil coccolithophores

Coccolithophores, marine calcifying phytoplankton, are important primary producers impacting the global carbon cycle at different timescales. Their biomineral structures, the calcite containing coccoliths, are among the most elaborate hard parts of any organism. Understanding the morphogenesis of coccoliths is not only relevant in the context of coccolithophore eco-physiology but will also inform biomineralization and crystal design research more generally. The recent discovery of a silicon (Si) requirement for crystal shaping in some coccolithophores has opened up a new avenue of biomineralization research. In order to develop a mechanistic understanding of the role of Si, the presence and localization of this chemical element in coccoliths needs to be known. Here, we document for the first time the uneven Si distribution in Helicosphaera carteri coccoliths through three synchrotron-based techniques employing X-ray Fluorescence and Infrared Spectromicroscopy. The enrichment of Si in specific areas of the coccoliths point to a targeted role of this element in the coccolith formation. Our findings mark a key step in biomineralization research because it opens the door for a detailed mechanistic understanding of the role Si plays in shaping coccolith crystals

Regulatory noncoding and predicted pathogenic coding variants of ccr5 predispose to severe covid-19

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) found locus 3p21.31 associated with severe COVID-19. CCR5 resides at the same locus and, given its known biological role in other infection diseases, we investigated if common noncoding and rare coding variants, affecting CCR5, can predispose to severe COVID-19. We combined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that met the suggestive significance level (P ≤ 1 × 10−5 ) at the 3p21.31 locus in public GWAS datasets (6406 COVID-19 hospitalized patients and 902,088 controls) with gene expression data from 208 lung tissues, Hi-C, and Chip-seq data. Through whole exome sequencing (WES), we explored rare coding variants in 147 severe COVID-19 patients. We identified three SNPs (rs9845542, rs12639314, and rs35951367) associated with severe COVID-19 whose risk alleles correlated with low CCR5 expression in lung tissues. The rs35951367 resided in a CTFC binding site that interacts with CCR5 gene in lung tissues and was confirmed to be associated with severe COVID-19 in two independent datasets. We also identified a rare coding variant (rs34418657) associated with the risk of developing severe COVID-19. Our results suggest a biological role of CCR5 in the progression of COVID-19 as common and rare genetic variants can increase the risk of developing severe COVID-19 by affecting the functions of CCR5

Recursos fitogenéticos forestales, forrajeros, de interés apícola y paisajístico nativos de la provincia de Santa Fe (Argentina)

Santa Fe posee un número significativo de especies nativas con valor real o potencial para la producción agropecuaria, industrial y la protección ambiental. El primer paso para desarrollar una estrategia de uso eficiente de los recursos genéticos silvestres es el listado de las especies prioritarias a conservar. En este trabajo se analizan los recursos fitogenéticos forrajeros herbáceos, forestales, de interés apícola y paisajístico dada su importancia económica y/o estratégica. Se brinda información de uso en cada categoría y en todas las especies se analiza su distribución geográfica por departamentos y se presenta información sobre la conservación de sus semillas. Se priorizaron 138 especies, 29 de las cuales tienen más de un uso (24 de interés forestal, 45 de interés forrajero, 32 de interés apícola y 69 de interés paisajístico). La información que se presenta será de utilidad en el diseño de estrategias de conservación y uso de los recursos fitogenéticos nativos por parte de investigadores y organismos oficiales provinciales y nacionales.Santa Fe has a signifi cant number of native species with real or potential value for agricultural, industrial production and environmental protection. The fi rst step in developing a strategy for effi - cient use of wild genetic resources is the listing of priority species to conserve. In this work, plants with herbaceous forage, forest, beekeepping and landscape interest are analyzed. Information on use is provided in each category and, for all species the geographical distribution by departments is analyzed and information about seed conservation is presented. Thus, 138 species were prioritized, 29 of which have more than one use (24 of forest interest, 45 of forage interest, 32 of beekeeping interest and 69 of landscape interest). The information presented will be useful in the design of strategies for the conservation and use of wild plant genetic resources by researchers and the governmentFil: Zabala, J. M.. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Exner, E.. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Cerino, C.. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Buyatti, Marcela Alejandra. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Cuffia, Camila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral. - Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral.; ArgentinaFil: Marinoni, Lorena del Rosario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral. - Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral.; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Kern, Veronica Guadalupe. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Pensiero, Jose Francisco. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral. - Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral.; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentin

Long-chain polyphosphates impair SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication

Inorganic polyphosphates (polyPs) are linear polymers composed of repeated phosphate (PO43−) units linked together by multiple high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds. In addition to being a source of energy, polyPs have cytoprotective and antiviral activities. Here, we investigated the antiviral activities of long-chain polyPs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In molecular docking analyses, polyPs interacted with several conserved amino acid residues in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the host receptor that facilitates virus entry, and in viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). ELISA and limited proteolysis assays using nano– LC-MS/MS mapped polyP120 binding to ACE2, and site-directed mutagenesis confirmed interactions between ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and identified the specific amino acid residues involved. PolyP120 enhanced the proteasomal degradation of both ACE2 and RdRp, thus impairing replication of the British B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant. We thus tested polyPs for functional interactions with the virus in SARS-CoV-2–infected Vero E6 and Caco2 cells and in primary human nasal epithelial cells. Delivery of a nebulized form of polyP120 reduced the amounts of viral positive-sense genomic and subgenomic RNAs, of RNA transcripts encoding proinflammatory cytokines, and of viral structural proteins, thereby presenting SARS-CoV-2 infection in cells in vitro