Integrated coastal management in Latin America : the ever new world

The advancement of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Latin American countries may vary from established programs to experimental phase implementation and even inexistence. This creates an opportunity for the development of new ideas and experiments, especially in the quite long stretches of littoral where no occupation has yet been planned or consolidated. However there are localized issues that need to be attended with certain degree of urgency, especially in coastal settings that have been urbanized, developed for industry and/or are situated around port facilities. Spain and Portugal implemented the marine and environmental policies of European Union and may be seen as models for public and private ICZM initiatives. These situations created opportunities and needs that are somehow reflected in dedicated scientific production, as well as in social impact and the related capacity building programs. We surveyed some key costal management journals to know how Latin American based academics are doing in their mission of creating, developing and discussing ICZM along our diverse shores stretching along all climatic zones. Capacity building programs and exchange networks were also scrutinized. Results suggest that the thematic participation in the major publication channels is modest and needs to improve in number and diversity of subjects bringing obvious benefits to the policy and decision makers. Capacity building programs are still in its infancy across the region. There are no, or very few, specialized educational programs to form practitioners and scientists at all academic levels. Training programs integrating countries around all aspects of ICZM are even scarcer. Coordinated actions, such as networks across the political borders are one of the many future needs we point out here as being the next frontier for thinkers and managers in the region.A Gestão Integrada da Zona Costeira (GIZC) nos países da América Latina se encontra em diferentes níveis de desenvolvimento, desde programas estabelecidos, passando por níveis experimentais e pela não-existência de iniciativas de GIZC em alguns casos. Isso cria uma predisposição para o desenvolvimento de novas ideias e experiências, especialmente nos longos trechos de litoral, nos quais a ocupação ainda não foi planejada e/ou consolidada. Há, no entanto, questões localizadas que precisam ser atendidas de imediato, especialmente em ambientes costeiros que já foram urbanizados, industrializados ou ainda que se desenvolveram em torno de instalações portuárias. Espanha e Portugal - agora sob a influência da União Europeia - permanecem como nossos modelos de iniciativas de GIZC, tanto públicas quanto privadas. Estas oportunidades e necessidades de alguma forma refletem na produção local científica e seu impacto internacional, bem como em nossos programas de capacitação para a gestão integrada. Nós examinamos publicações de importância para gestão costeira a fim de averiguar como acadêmicos latino-americanos cumprem a sua missão de criar, desenvolver e discutir a GIZC. Analisamos também programas de capacitação e redes estabelecidas. As revistas mais representativas para a comunidade acadêmica de GIZC e que vem sendo publicadas pelo menos nos últimos 30 anos, e que foram brevemente examinadas nesta revisão foram a Ocean and Coastal Management, Coastal Management, Journal of Coastal Research e Journal of Coastal Conservation. Com relação aos programas de capacitação para a GIZC levou-se em consideração estudos recentes que demonstram que a maioria dos temas tratados nos cursos de pós-graduação acadêmicos relacionados com a GIZC não estão diretamente relacionadas com a gestão, mas sim às ciências natural, ou da terra, ou ainda à descrição da dinâmica costeira e ou poluição. Com apoio da Rede Ibero Americana de Gestão Costeira Integrada pode-se chegar a listagem de diversas redes que atuam na América Latina, Espanha e Portugal e que se relacionam com o tema. Os resultados sugerem que a representação nos principais veículos de publicação é tímido e precisa melhorar em número e diversidade de assuntos. Melhorias na publicação científica poderia levar a uma melhor utilização dos temas para o benefício dos tomadores de decisão. A capacitação também ainda está pouco desenvolvida na região. Existem poucos cursos especializados para formar técnicos e cientistas sobre o tema em níveis elevados de educação, ou nível de pós-graduação. Os programas de treinamento em torno de todos os aspectos da GIZC são ainda mais raros. A tendência em se considerar a perspectiva de integração como uma soma de conhecimentos disciplinares, não necessariamente ligados, são apresentadas em iniciativas de capacitação e produção científica. Esta abordagem é considerada falha pois, estas disciplinas, a maior parte do tempo, não se inter-relacionam para fornecer uma perspectiva holística para a gestão. Ações coordenadas, tais como redes, que ultrapassam as fronteiras políticas são uma das muitas necessidades futuras destacadas aqui como sendo a próxima fronteira para os pensadores e gestores da região

Geochemical characterization of surficial sediments from the southwestern Iberian continental shelf

The impact of trace elements (Ba, Nb, Zr, Y, Sr, Rb, Pb, As, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, V, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Th, Yb and Lu) transported by the Guadiana, Tinto-Odiel and Guadalquivir rivers on sediments from the southwestern Iberian continental shelf has been studied. Shelf surficial sediments from three transects established right in front of the river estuaries were characterized by specific signatures relative to those trace elements. The Guadiana transect shows high Zr concentration values; the Tinto-Odiel transect shows high heavy metal (Pb, As, Zn and Cu) concentration values; and the Guadalquivir transect shows high Sr concentration values. Data from the statistical analysis indicate three distinct sources for trace elements: lithogenic, biogenic and anthropogenic.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of chemical treatments on respiratory process and physical parameters of melon minimally processed

Neste trabalho avaliou-se o efeito da aplicação de tratamentos químicos na atividade respiratória e no impacto sobre os parâmetros físicos de melões Amarelo minimamente processados. Frutos selecionados, lavados e sanificados foram minimamente processados em forma de cubos, divididos em quatro lotes que constaram de testemunha, cubos tratados com soluções de cloreto de cálcio (1%), ácido ascórbico (1%) e revestidos com alginato de sódio (1%); os quais foram acondicionados em bandejas com tampa, de tereftalato de polietileno (PET) e armazenados a 5±1ºC e 73±5% UR, por 12 dias. Os produtos foram avaliados quanto à taxa respiratória, produção de etileno, perda de massa fresca, coloração, textura e teor de umidade. Verificou-se que, durante o período de armazenamento, independente do tratamento, houve redução da respiração e não se detectou produção de etileno pelos frutos. A perda de massa, a textura e o teor de umidade não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos químicos, porém o uso de película à base de alginato de sódio resultou em melões de coloração mais escura da polpa, em decorrência da cor da solução filmogênica.The effect of the application of chemical treatments was evaluated on the respiratory activity and the impact on the physical parameters of fresh cut melons. Selected fruits were washed and sanitized and minimally processed in cubes, divided in four lots which consisted of: control, treated with calcium chloride (1%), with ascorbic acid (1%) and coated with sodium alginate (1%). The cubes were packed in trays with cover of polyethylene terephtalate (PET) and stored at 5±1ºC and 73±5% HR, during 12 days. The cubes were evaluated on their respiratory rate, ethylene production, loss of fresh mass, coloration, texture and humidity content. During the period of storage, independent of the treatment, a reduction of the respiratory rate occurred; ethylene production was not detected in fruits. Chemical treatments had no influence on loss of fresh mass, texture and humidity content; however the film of sodium alginate resulted in darker coloration of melon pulp due to the film solution color.Cnp

Influence of Aveiro Lagoon heavy metal contents in the adjacent continental shelf (Portugal)

A chemical analysis of Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni and Cd was carried out in 22 surface sediment samples of the continental shelf and upper slope between Espinho and Aveiro (Portugal). To reduce the disturbing effects of grain size, all samples were size-normalized by wet sieving (< 63 mu m). The fine fraction was digested with concentrated acids and analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The Al and heavy metal concentrations displayed a similar distribution pattern, decreasing seaward. Exceptions to this general pattern are Ca, Mg and Pb distributions. The Ca contents are related to carbonated biogenic particles that are very abundant in the outer shelf. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to all data to assess the behaviour and sources of each element analyzed. The results from factor analysis showed that terrigenous supply (from Aveiro Lagoon flow, coastal erosion and littoral drift), grain size (clay) sorting and anthropogenic influences from Aveiro Lagoon are the major factors controlling spatial variations of chemical elements in the continental shelf between Espinho and Aveiro. Unusually high contents of Pb were found in the middle shelf off Furadouro, but we could not determine the possible source of this contamination.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Characterization of different fruit wines made from cacao, cupuassu, gabiroba, jaboticaba and umbu

The main aim of this work was to produce fruit wines from pulp of gabiroba, cacao, umbu, cupuassu and jaboticaba and characterize them using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for determination of minor compounds and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection for major compounds. Ninety-nine compounds (C6 compounds, alcohols, monoterpenic alcohols, monoterpenic oxides, ethyl esters, acetates, volatile phenols, acids, carbonyl compounds, sulfur compounds and sugars) were identified in fruit wines. The typical composition for each fruit wine was evidenced by principal component analysis and Tukey test. The yeast UFLA CA 1162 was efficient in the fermentation of the fruit pulp used in this work. The identification and quantification of the compounds allowed a good characterization of the fruit wines. With our results, we conclude that the use of tropical fruits in the production of fruit wines is a viable alternative that allows the use of harvest surpluses and other underused fruits, resulting in the introduction of new products into the market.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico do Brasil (CNPq) and CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Modelo impresso em 3D usado num planeamento cirúrgico de um cão com radius curvus

An 8 month-old, 10 kg male Azawakh dog was presented due to worsening forelimb gait and exercise intolerance. The right forelimb presented gross angular limb deformity with carpal valgus and radial procurvatum. Surgical planning based on radiographs allowed calculation of the centers of rotation and angularity (CORAs). The computer tomography data were used to generate 3D reconstructions of the antebrachium to aid the detection of the orthopaedic problems. With proper imaging software, the nature of the deformity and its degree were quantified using a previously unreported method based on the CORAs as a 3D printed model of anatomical area of interest. This 3D printed model was used by the surgeon to simulate the surgery with all orthopaedic steps, which included a partial ulna osteotomy and a double cuneiform osteotomy of the radius performed at the level of CORAs and stabilized with bone plates and screws. After 7 weeks, radiographs revealed bone union. At 8 months after surgery the animal presented a complete recovery of the involved forelimb. CORAs method combined with computed tomography and 3D model was useful to plan and simulate surgical procedures, including the corrective surgery of forelimb deformities in a dog which improved the surgical efficiency comparatively to the conventional pre-operative study.Um cão com 8 meses de idade, 10kg de peso vivo, macho da raça Azawakh foi apresentado à clínica devido à intolerância ao exercício e agravamento da marcha do membro anterior. O membro anterior direito apresentou uma deformidade angular com valgus carpal e com um procarvatum radial. O planeamento cirúrgico inicialmente baseado em exames radiográficos possibilitou o cálculo dos centros de rotação e angulação articulares (CORAs). O exame de tomografia computadorizada foi utilizado juntamente com um software de imagiologia para obter o modelo 3D virtual da área anatómica de interesse que foi posteriormente impresso em 3D e que permitiu quantificar micrometricamente a deformação óssea presente. Este modelo 3D foi utilizado pelos cirurgiões para executar uma simulação cirúrgica completa que englobou todos os procedimentos cirúrgicos, que incluiu a realização de várias osteotomias e aplicação do material cirúrgico (placas e parafusos). Com base na simulação cirúrgica foi executada a cirurgia ao animal. Decorridas sete semanas, as radiografias demonstraram uma correta regeneração óssea. Oito meses após a cirurgia o animal apresentou uma recuperação completa. O método dos CORAs juntamente com a tomografia computadorizada e com a utilização do modelo 3D revelou-se útil no planeamento e na simulação dos vários procedimentos cirúrgicos, resultando numa melhoria significativa da eficiência cirúrgica

Assessing local acid mine drainage impacts on natural regeneration-revegetation of São Domingos mine (Portugal) using a mineralogical, biochemical and textural approach

São Domingos sulfide mine was shut down more than 50 years ago leaving behind eroded and depositional surfaces due to acid mine drainage (AMD). The aim of this study was to assess six selected sites subjected to AMD, considered phytotoxic regions characterized by vegetation scarcity. Two main criteria, nature and composition of soluble fractions and total chemistry of surficial products related to jarosites presence, enabled to set up an overall dichotomy between superficial proximal/discharge and distal/sedimentation areas. Wet and dry sieving results comparison revealed that samples have a predominant sandy texture and lithic (phyllite, quartzite and volcanic country rocks) composition. Quartz, and subordinate feldspar enrichment is also detected in the coarse silt fraction. The results also suggest that the materials under study, when subjected to the local torrential hydrologic regime, have a high mechanical vulnerability, facilitating erosion and mud transport, both critical for vegetation support, and triggering contamination transfer and dispersion. The vicinity and ground-level surfaces of discharging areas are enriched in the jarosite group minerals whereas the sedimentation ones present hypersaline aluminous tendency. The formation of jarosite is considered as an efficient positive environmental contribution to metals and metalloids sequestration/immobilization. The remediation/revegetation solutions to be adopted in each location must have into consideration these differentiating aspects

Genome Sequencing of 10 Helicobacter pylori Pediatric Strains from Patients with Nonulcer Dyspepsia and Peptic Ulcer Disease

We present draft genome sequences of 10 Helicobacter pylori clinical strains isolated from children. This will be important for future studies of comparative genomics in order to better understand the virulence determinants underlying peptic ulcer disease.This work was supported by the FCT-PTDC/BIM-MEC/1051/2012 grant from the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) (to M.O.). A.N. and F.F.V. are recipients of postdoctoral fellowships (SFRH/BPD/75295/2010 and SFRH/BPD/95125/2013, respectively) from FCT, and R.R. is a recipient of a fellowship (BRJ-DDI/2012) from the National Institute of Health

Functional mobile-based two-factor authentication by photonic physical unclonable functions

Given the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things and because of the concerns around counterfeited goods, secure and resilient cryptographic systems are in high demand. Due to the development of digital ecosystems, mobile applications for transactions require fast and reliable methods to generate secure cryptographic keys, such as Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs). We demonstrate a compact and reliable photonic PUF device able to be applied in mobile-based authentication. A miniaturized, energy-efficient, and low-cost token was forged of flexible luminescent organic–inorganic hybrid materials doped with lanthanides, displaying unique challenge–response pairs (CRPs) for two-factor authentication. Under laser irradiation in the red spectral region, a speckle pattern is attained and accessed through conventional charge-coupled cameras, and under ultraviolet light-emitting diodes, it displays a luminescent pattern accessed through hyperspectral imaging and converted to a random intensity-based pattern, ensuring the two-factor authentication. This methodology features the use of a discrete cosine transform to enable a low-cost and semi-compact encryption system suited for speckle and luminescence-based CRPs. The PUF evaluation and the authentication protocol required the analysis of multiple CRPs from different tokens, establishing an optimal cryptographic key size (128 bits) and an optimal decision threshold level that minimizes the error probability.publishe

Stargenfunctions, generally parametrized systems and a causal formulation of phase space quantum mechanics

We address the deformation quantization of generally parametrized systems displaying a natural time variable. The purpose of this exercise is twofold: first, to illustrate through a pedagogical example the potential of quantum phase space methods in the context of constrained systems and particularly of generally covariant systems. Second, to show that a causal representation for quantum phase space quasidistributions can be easily achieved through general parametrization. This result is succinctly discussed.Comment: 19 pages, to appear in J. Math. Phy