The role of knowledge networks in facilitating the creation of climate information services

nowledge networks are collections of individuals and teams who work together across organizational, spatial and disciplinary boundaries to invent and share a body of knowledge. Climate services are tools and application that support decision-making by transforming raw climate data into tailored information. They call for co-development practices in place and for successful collaboration between different stakeholders. Knowledge networks for climate services are intermediaries that facilitate the interaction between upstream (providers) and downstream (user) actors operating at various scales (local, national, regional and supranational). They assist the decision-making process of a wide set of users by creating windows of opportunity and by delivering usable climate information. The aim of this work is to frame and assess the efficiency of knowledge networks for climate services in promoting innovation and facilitate its diffusion. First, we characterize knowledge networks learning from insights of a multidisciplinary literature. Second, we analyse the purpose, the process and the audience of each knowledge network for climate services by screening their programmatic documents. We then assess the efficiency of knowledge networks by performing content analysis of interviews with knowledge network managers and by checking for the existence of inconsistencies or gaps with the initial objectives. We find knowledge networks for climate services pursue four objectives: coordination, innovation promotion, science-policy interface and support to members. We also find inadequate tools to monitor the members activities, but a strong positioning within the climate services domain. On the communication side, knowledge networks for climate services mostly interact with developers of climate services but they face challenges in sharing the members’ activities with users. Our work fills a significant knowledge gap and helps providing new tools of performance assessment in absence of a clearly defined methodology. The identification of bottlenecks and under-performing mechanisms in the climate information services sphere allows the elaboration of strategies to improve the status quo and facilitates the diffusion of these innovations

Exosome and Microvesicle-Enriched Fractions Isolated from Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Gradient Separation Showed Different Molecular Signatures and Functions on Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells

Several studies have suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may mediate MSC paracrine action on kidney regeneration. This activity has been, at least in part, ascribed to the transfer of proteins/transcription factors and different RNA species. Information on the RNA/protein content of different MSC EV subpopulations and the correlation with their biological activity is currently incomplete. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular composition and the functional properties on renal target cells of MSC EV sub-populations separated by gradient floatation. The results demonstrated heterogeneity in quantity and composition of MSC EVs. Two peaks of diameter were observed (90–110 and 170–190 nm). The distribution of exosomal markers and miRNAs evaluated in the twelve gradient fractions showed an enrichment in fractions with a flotation density of 1.08–1.14 g/mL. Based on this observation, we evaluated the biological activity on renal cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance of low (CF1), medium (CF2) and high (CF3) floatation density fractions. EVs derived from all fractions, were internalized by renal cells, CF1 and CF2 but not CF3 fraction stimulated significant cell proliferation. CF2 also inhibited apoptosis on renal tubular cells submitted to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Comparative miRNomic and proteomic profiles reveal a cluster of miRNAs and proteins common to all three fractions and an enrichment of selected molecules related to renal regeneration in CF2 fraction. In conclusion, the CF2 fraction enriched in exosomal markers was the most active on renal tubular cell proliferation and protection from apoptosis. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12015-016-9713-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Editorial : extreme events in the developing world

This Research Topic “Extreme Events in the Developing World” showcases a selection of articles that develop our knowledge of extreme events in the developing world. Papers range from those presenting recent evidence for and future likelihood of changes in the occurrence and exposure to extreme events, together with examples of the impacts of extreme events in a variety of sectors. Papers also consider the range of climate services responses to this challenge, highlighting the need for new types of weather and climate information, new methods of producing and communicating that information in order to reduce risk, as well as providing some key examples of success stories, with a particular focus on Africa. Our intention here is to balance some of the bad news with what might work, and how we might learn from such examples.UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC); UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID); UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund Africa-SWIFT project; NASA GPM project.https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/climatedm2022Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorolog

HISTÓRIA DIGITAL: perspectivas, experiências e tendências

O número que ora se apresenta da Revista Observatório é duplamente importante e festivo: primeiro, por que marca o terceiro ano de criação dessa experiência que vem se consolidando número a número. A Revista Observatório (ISSN nº 2447-4266) foi criada em março de 2015, como um periódico quadrimestral conjunto entre o Núcleo de Pesquisa e Extensão Observatório de Pesquisas Aplicadas ao Jornalismo e ao Ensino (OPAJE) da Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), campus Palmas, e o Grupo de Pesquisa em Democracia e Gestão Social (GEDGS) da Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), campus Tupã.  A Revista Observatório fez sua primeira chamada em abril de 2015 para o número 1.  Sua primeira edição, v. 1 nº 1 de maio-agosto, foi publicado em agosto de 2015. De lá para cá, a revista contabiliza mais de 250 artigos publicados de todos os cantos do Brasil, com contribuições internacionais constantes de África, Portugal e Espanha. No período de 2015-2017, se ampliou o conselho para cinquenta e seis pesquisadores, de universidades europeias (de países como Alemanha, Áustria, Inglaterra, Portugal, Espanha, França, Itália e Reino Unido), de universidades nas Américas (de países como Canadá, Costa Rica, Colômbia, Chile, Equador, Estados Unidos, Guatemala, México e Venezuela), além de  pesquisadores de universidades africanas (de países como África do Sul, Moçambique e Cabo Verde)

Epilepsy Detection Using Artificial Neural Networks

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder, where there is a cluster of brain cells that behave in a hyperexcitable manner, the individual can promote injuries, trauma or, in more severe cases, sudden death. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is the most used way to detect epileptic seizures. Therefore, more simplified methods of analysis of the EEG can help in the diagnosis and treatment of these individuals more quickly. In this study, we extracted pertinent EEG characteristics to assess the epileptic seizure period. We use Perceptron Multilayer artificial neural networks to classify the period of the crisis, obtaining a more efficient diagnosis. The multilayer neural network obtained an accuracy of 98%. Thus, the strategy of extracting characteristics and the architecture of the assigned network were sufficient for a rapid and accurate diagnosis of epilepsy

ORIENTA + COVID" CALL CENTER SERVICE IN THE XINGU-PA REGION

Em todo o mundo, foram desenvolvidas diretrizes que indicam a adoção de medidas que possam orientar e auxiliar a população em tempos de pandemia. Nesse sentido, diversos municípios têm incorporado a prática de centrais de atendimento em saúde com especialistas qualificados para prestar informações corretas sobre a doença, criando canais remotos para realização de ligações como telefones, videochamadas e aplicativos que não exigem aglomeração de pessoas nas unidades de saúde. O objetivo do trabalho foi descrever a experiência do serviço de teleatendimento “Orienta+COVID”, instalado na região do Xingu-PA, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado na região do Xingu, Pará, Brasil. Foram coletados os relatos dos atendentes participantes do projeto, bem como analisado o relatório de registro dos atendimentos, ocorridos no período de 25 de maio a 30 de junho de 2020. Foram realizados 1210 atendimentos no período analisado, por meio de 60 atendentes que se revezavam em plantões. Durante a teleorientação, os profissionais de saúde coletaram os dados dos pacientes, suas queixas e dúvidas para determinar, através da classificação dos sintomas, quais seriam as orientações a serem passadas. O teleatendimento realizado pelos profissionais de saúde durante o projeto foi essencial para sanar as dúvidas dos pacientes, no sentido de orientá-los sobre como proceder em casos suspeitos ou confirmados da COVID-19 e assim contribuir para a redução da procura por serviços de urgência e emergência.En todo el mundo se han desarrollado lineamientos que indican la adopción de medidas que puedan orientar y asistir a la población en tiempos de pandemia. En este sentido, varios municipios han incorporado la práctica de centros de salud con especialistas calificados para brindar información correcta sobre la enfermedad, creando canales remotos para realizar llamadas como teléfonos, videollamadas y aplicaciones que no requieran aglomeración de personas en unidades de salud. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la experiencia del teleservicio "Orienta+COVID", instalado en la región xingu-pa, Brasil. El estudio se realizó en la región de Xingu de Pará, Brasil. Recogimos los informes de los asistentes participantes en el proyecto, así como analizamos el informe de registro de las visitas, que se produjeron del 25 de mayo al 30 de junio de 2020. Se realizaron un total de 1.210 visitas en el periodo analizado, a través de 60 asistentes que estuvieron en turnos. Durante la teleorientación, los profesionales sanitarios recogieron datos de pacientes, quejas y dudas para determinar, a través de la clasificación de los síntomas, qué pautas se aprobarían. El teleservicio prestado por los profesionales sanitarios durante el proyecto fue fundamental para atender las dudas de los pacientes, con el fin de orientarlos sobre cómo proceder en casos sospechosos o confirmados de COVID-19 y contribuir así a la reducción de la demanda de servicios de emergencia y emergencia.Worldwide, guidelines have been developed that indicate the adoption of measures, which can guide and assist the population in times of pandemic. In this sense, several cities have incorporated the practice of health call centers with qualified specialists to provide correct information about the disease, creating remote channels to make calls such as telephones, video calls and applications that do not require the crowding of people at health units. The objective of the work was to describe the “Orienta+COVID” call center service installed in the Xingu-PA region, Brazil. The study was carried out in the Xingu region, Pará, Brazil. The reports of the attendants participating in the project were collected and the attendance registration report, which took place from May 25th to June 30th, 2020, was analyzed. A total of 1210 visits were made in the period analyzed through 60 attendants who took turns on duty. During tele orientation, health professionals collected patient data, their complaints and doubts to determine, through the classification of symptoms, what would be the guidelines to be passed. The call center performed by health professionals during the project was essential to answer patients' doubts as well as being able to better guide them on how to proceed in suspected or confirmed cases of the new coronavirus and thus contribute to reducing the demand for urgent and emergency services

Identification of the begomovirus resistance genes Ty‑2 and Ty‑3 in tomato genotypes

O  objetivo  deste  trabalho foi  identificar  a  presença  dos genes  Ty‑2 e Ty‑3, de resistência a begomovírus, em acessos de tomateiro do Banco de Germoplasma de Hortaliças da Universidade Federal de Viçosa. Os oligonucleotídeos TO302 F/R e FLUW25 F/R foram utilizados em reações de PCR, para verificar a presença de marcadores relacionados aos genes Ty‑2 e Ty‑3, respectivamente. Observou-se a presença do gene Ty‑2, em heterozigose na subamostra BGH-6881 (Solanum peruvianum), e do gene Ty‑3, em homozigose nas subamostras BGH-6878, BGH-6897 (S. lycopersicum)  e  em heterozigose  na subamostra BGH-6881. A identificação dos genes de resistência, com reações de PCR, representa um avanço para os programas de melhoramento de tomateiro no Brasil.The objective of this work was to identify the presence of the genes begomovirus resistence Ty‑2 and Ty‑3 in tomato accessions of the Banco de Germoplasma de Hortaliças of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa. The oligonucleotides TO302 F/R and FLUW25 F/R were used in PCR analysis to verify the presence of markers associated to the genes Ty‑2 and Ty‑3, respectively. The Ty‑2 gene was observed in heterozygosis in the accession BGH-6881 (Solanum peruvianum), and the Ty‑3 gene in homozygosis in the accessions BGH-6878, BGH-6897 (S. lycopersicum), and in heterozygosis in acession BGH-6881. The identification of resistance genes, using PCR analysis, represents an advance for tomato breeding programs in Brazil

Impact of EGFR genetic variants on glioma risk and patient outcome

B.M. Costa and M. Viana-Pereira contributed equally to this work; The authors thank the Immunochemotherapy Department of Hospital S. Marcos, and Clinica Laboratorial Dr. Edgar Botelho Moniz, S. Tirso, Portugal, for their helpful assistance in the management of controlsBACKGROUND: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) regulates important cellular processes and is frequently implicated in human tumors. Three EGFR polymorphisms have been described as having a transcriptional regulatory function: two single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the essential promoter region, -216G/T and -191C/A, and a polymorphic (CA)(n) microsatellite sequence in intron 1. We aimed to elucidate the roles of these EGFR polymorphisms in glioma susceptibility and prognosis. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study with 196 patients with glioma and 168 cancer-free controls. Unconditional multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate ORs and 95% confidence intervals. A Cox regression model was used to evaluate associations with patient survival. False-positive report probabilities were also assessed. RESULTS: None of the EGFR -216G/T variants was significantly associated with glioma risk. The -191C/A genotype was associated with higher risk for glioma when the (CA)(n) alleles were classified as short for ≤16 or ≤17 repeats. Independently of the (CA)(n) repeat cutoff point used, shorter (CA)(n) repeat variants were significantly associated with increased risk for glioma, particularly glioblastoma and oligodendroglioma. In all tested models with different (CA)(n) cutoff points, only -191C/A genotype was consistently associated with improved survival of patients with glioblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings implicate EGFR -191C/A and the (CA)(n) repeat polymorphisms as risk factors for gliomas, and suggest -191C/A as a prognostic marker in glioblastoma. Impact: Our data support a role of these EGFR polymorphisms in determining glioma susceptibility, with potential relevance for molecularly based stratification of patients with glioblastoma for individualized therapies.Schering-Plough Farma, PortugalFundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH/BPD/33612/2009; SFRH/BD/29145/200

PROT-OVT: Plano Regional de Ordenamento do Territorio do Oeste e Vale do Tejo

Os princípios, objectivos e orientações consagrados no Programa Nacional da Política de Ordenamento do Território (PNPOT), aprovado pela Lei n.º 58/2007, de 4 de Setembro, são desenvolvidos nos vários planos regionais de ordenamento do território (PROT) que, por sua vez, constituem um quadro de referência estratégico para os planos directores municipais (PDM). No processo de elaboração e revisão articulada destes três pilares fundamentais do sistema de gestão territorial, em que assenta a política de ordenamento do território e do urbanismo, cabe aos PROT uma posição de charneira fundamental. O significado e as potencialidades dos PROT são ainda significativamente ampliados pela articulação com a revisão dos PDM. Face a uma nova geração de PDM, que se pretendem mais estratégicos, os PROT fornecem um quadro de referência estratégica de longo prazo que permite aos municípios estabelecerem as suas opções de desenvolvimento e definirem regras de gestão territorial compatíveis com o modelo consagrado para a região. Os PROT, além de um pilar da política de desenvolvimento territorial, são documentos fundamentais para a definição dos programas de acção das intervenções co-financiadas pelos Fundos Estruturais e de Coesão da União Europeia. Os PROT são instrumentos de desenvolvimento territorial e de natureza estratégica. Em matéria de conteúdo, estabelecem a estrutura regional do sistema urbano, das redes de infra‑estruturas e dos equipamentos de interesse regional e definem os objectivos e princípios quanto à localização das actividades e os grandes investimentos públicos; as suas normas fixam o quadro estratégico, as orientações de carácter genérico e as directrizes para o ordenamento do território regional. O PROT do Oeste e Vale do Tejo (PROT OVT) visa, neste contexto, a espacialização de estratégias de desenvolvimento territorial nos territórios das NUTS III do Oeste, Médio Tejo e Lezíria do Tejo. Por isso, ocupa, entre o nível nacional e o nível municipal, uma posição chave para a definição das estratégias e das opções de desenvolvimento e de ordenamento regional. O PROT OVT é pois um instrumento privilegiado para promover a reflexão estratégica do desenvolvimento do Oeste e do Vale do Tejo e acolher a tomada de decisão quanto às opções de desenvolvimento territorial [...]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio