Biometrical analysis reveals major differences between the two subspecies of the European rabbit

The climatic oscillations that have occurred in the last few million years have strongly affected species distribution ranges. Highly divergent genetic lineages arose, some of which correspond to recognized subspecies that currently occupy small geographical areas. Understanding the implications of the genetic differences between these subspecies is crucial for proper conservation of Evolutionarily Significant Units. We use the two European rabbit subspecies, Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus and O. c. algirus, in the Iberian Peninsula as a model to investigate the repercussions at the biometric level of their largely recognized genetic differentiation. To accomplish this we analysed the ear and hind foot length, and the body mass of 999 adult rabbits from 27 locations across the distribution range of both subspecies in their native range, the Iberian Peninsula. Our results show biometric differences between the two subspecies, also explained by geographical location and sex, O. c. algirus being lighter and having shorter ear and hind foot lengths. We examine these findings under an evolutionary framework, and discuss their implications for current conservation efforts. Future research should focus on the ecological implications of these biometric differences, namely potential different habitat use and anti-predatory strategies in the species' native range.This study was partially funded by Projects PAI06-170, VP-0119-07,POII09-0099-2557, CGL2009-11665, 2012-30E060, CGL2013-43197, CGL2013-43197-R, FCT research project (PTDC/BIA-EVF/111368/2009), and ‘Genomics Applied to Genetic Resources’ co-funded by North Portugal Regional Operational Programme 2007/2013 (ON.2 – O Novo Norte), under the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). C.F. was supported by a PhD grant (Ref. SFRH/BD/22084/2005) and a postdoctoral grant (Ref. SFRH/BPD/88643/2012), and J.B.-A. by a postdoctoral grant (Ref. SFRH/BPD/65464/2009) all from the Fundaçao para a Ciência e Tecnologia of the Ministêrio da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Portuguese government. C.F. is currently supported by a Marie Curie Out going International Fellowship for Career Development (PIOF-GA-2013-621571) within the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union. M.D.-M. is currently funded by Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo of Junta de Andalucía, and the European Union’s SeventhFramework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement 267226. C.A.R.-S. was supported by a doctoral grant from the National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico (CONACyT). P.C.A. was supportedby an FCT sabbatical grant (SFRH/BSAB/1278/2012) and by FLAD (Luso-American Foundation).Peer Reviewe

Control of three Euphorbia species through herbicides applied during pre-emergence on sugarcane straw

A permanência da palhada sobre o solo altera a fitossociologia das plantas daninhas e afeta o controle pela dificuldade de transposição dos herbicidas da palhada para o solo, sendo de fundamental importância o seu transporte o mais rápido possível. Este trabalho teve por objetivo conhecer a eficiência de dois herbicidas, aplicados sobre palhada, em diferentes períodos sem chuva, no controle de E. heterophylla, E. hyssopifoliae E. hirta. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em casa-de-vegetação sob delineamento inteiramente casualizado, disposto em parcelas subdivididas no tempo (períodos sem chuva: 0, 15, 30 e 45 dias), com três repetições. As sementes foram distribuídas sobre o solo e cobertas por uma camada de palhada de 10 t ha-1. A aplicação dos herbicidas, diuron + hexazinona + sulfometurom-metílico e tebuthiuron, foi realizada em pré-emergência sobre a palhada. Em seguida, respeitando o período sem chuva, os vasos receberam uma lâmina de irrigação de 20 mm de água. Aos 43 dias, foram avaliados o controle visual e a massa seca da parte aérea. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ajustados ao modelo de equação linear ou quadrática. E. hirtafoi 100% controlada pelos dois herbicidas em todos os períodos sem chuva. O tebuthiuronnão foi eficiente no controle de E. heterophyllae E. hyssopifoliaapós 45 dias sem chuva. O diuron + hexazinone + sulfometurom é eficiente no controle das três espécies de Euphorbiamesmo sendo aplicado sobre a palhada e passando o período de 45 dias para ser lixiviado. Diuron + hexazinona + sulfometurom aplicado sobre a palhada da cana-de-açúcar foi eficiente no controle de todas as espécies de Euphorbia estudadas.The permanence of straw on the ground changes the phytosociology of weeds and affects control by the difficulty of transposing from straw to soil; thus, it is extremely important to transport it as quickly as possible. This research had the goal to know the effectiveness of two herbicides, applied on straw in different periods without rain, in controlling three weed species from the Euphorbia genus. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse using a completely randomized design, arranged in split-plot in time (rainless periods: 0, 15, 30 and 45 days), with three replications. Seeds were distributed over the soil and covered by a 10 t ha-1 straw layer. The application of diuron + hexazinone + sulfometuron-methyl and tebuthiuron herbicides was performed during pre-emergence on the straw. Then, respecting the rainless period, planters received an irrigation of 20 mm water. On day 43, the visual control and dry mass of the aerial parts were evaluated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and adjusted to the linear or quadratic equation model. E. hirta was 100% controlled by the two herbicides in all periods without rain. Tebuthiuron was not effective in controlling E. heterophylla and E. hyssopifolia after 45 days without rain. Diuron + hexazinone + sulfometuron-methyl herbicide is effective in controllling the three Euphorbia species, even whenapplied on the straw and after the 45-day period to be leached. Diuron + hexazinone + sulfometuron applied over sugarcane straw was effective in controlling all Euphorbia species studied

Simulation results and applications of an advection bounded scheme to practical flows

This paper reports experiments on the use of a recently introduced advection bounded upwinding scheme, namely TOPUS (Computers & Fluids 57 (2012) 208-224), for flows of practical interest. The numerical results are compared against analytical, numerical and experimental data and show good agreement with them. It is concluded that the TOPUS scheme is a competent, powerful and generic scheme for complex flow phenomena.FAPESPFAPESP [09/16954-8, 09/15892-9, 10/16865-2]CNPq [305447/2010-6, 306808/2011-0, 472945/2011-4]CNPqCAPESCAPES [PECPG1462/08-3

Metrology in Health – Good Practices Guide - Part II - Chapter III - Infusion Pumps

In the human body, the circulatory system is responsible for the process of transporting blood, which among many other functions delivers nutrients to the cells. In accordance with this physiological principle, supporting methodologies for therapeutic processes were developed that have enabled medical measuring instruments to be developed. It was within this context that the first infusion pumps appeared in the 60 s and 70 s, that by using a pressure higher than the blood pressure allowed fluids to be administered directly into the human body, including medications, blood components, and nutrients amongst others. Currently and according to the international standard IEC 60601-2-24 these devices are designated by infusion pumps. Because it is an infusion pump with the respective accessories, the term perfusion systems is also used as nomenclature throughout this document.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

ALTERNATIVAS SUSTENTÁVEIS PARA CONTROLE DO VETOR Aedes aegypti NA SUBSTITUIÇÃO DO USO DE LARVICIDAS E INSETICIDAS NA REGIÃO DO CARIRI CEARENSE: ESTRATÉGIAS EFICIENTES DE DIVULGAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA

This article describes activities carried out within the "TEKO PORÃ" program, an extension initiative carried out in partnership between the Federal University of Cariri (UFCA) and the Municipality of Brejo Santo, Ceará. The program's main objective is to promote sustainable practices for controlling the A. aegypti mosquito, which transmits diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika, as well as educating the local community about environmental issues. It is emphasized that addressing this problem in a sustainable way is essential to minimize damage to the environment and avoid mosquito resistance to traditional insecticides. Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of using fish, such as piabas, in biological mosquito control, in contrast to traditional chemical insecticides. Biological control was presented as a more effective and less harmful approach to the environment and human health. The article also described the activities carried out by the program, including pedagogical dialogues, participation in educational and scientific events, and the large-scale production of biological agents, such as fish, to control A. aegypti. Raising community awareness about the dangers of insecticides and larvicides and promoting alternative techniques were essential aspects of the activities. Finally, the article emphasizes the positive social impacts of the "TEKO PORÃ" program and its role in teacher training, highlighting the interaction between the university and society as fundamental to effectively address the challenges related to A. aegypti and contribute to a more sustainable environment healthy.Este artículo describe las actividades realizadas en el marco del programa "TEKO PORÃ", una iniciativa de extensión realizada en colaboración entre la Universidad Federal de Cariri (UFCA) y el Municipio de Brejo Santo, Ceará. El principal objetivo del programa es promover prácticas sustentables para el control del mosquito A. aegypti, transmisor de enfermedades como el dengue, chikungunya y zika, así como educar a la comunidad local sobre temas ambientales. Se enfatiza que abordar este problema de manera sostenible es esencial para minimizar el daño al medio ambiente y evitar la resistencia de los mosquitos a los insecticidas tradicionales. Además, el artículo destaca la importancia del uso de pescado, como las piabas, en el control biológico de mosquitos, a diferencia de los tradicionales insecticidas químicos. El control biológico se presentó como un enfoque más eficaz y menos perjudicial para el medio ambiente y la salud humana. El artículo también describe las actividades realizadas por el programa, incluidos diálogos pedagógicos, participación en eventos educativos y científicos y la producción a gran escala de agentes biológicos, como peces, para el control de A. aegypti. Algunos aspectos esenciales de las actividades fueron sensibilizar a la comunidad sobre los peligros de los insecticidas y larvicidas y promover técnicas alternativas. Finalmente, el artículo enfatiza los impactos sociales positivos del programa y su papel en la formación docente, destacando la interacción entre la universidad y la sociedad como fundamental para abordar eficazmente los desafíos relacionados con A. aegypti y contribuir a un entorno más sostenible saludable.Este artigo descreve atividades realizadas dentro do programa "TEKO PORÃ", uma iniciativa de extensão realizada em parceria entre a Universidade Federal do Cariri (UFCA) e a Prefeitura Municipal de Brejo Santo, Ceará. O programa tem como principal objetivo promover práticas sustentáveis para o controle do mosquito A. aegypti, transmissor de doenças como dengue, chikungunya e zika, bem como educar a comunidade local sobre questões ambientais. É enfatizado que abordar esse problema de forma sustentável é fundamental para minimizar danos ao meio ambiente e evitar a resistência do mosquito aos inseticidas tradicionais. Além disso, o artigo ressalta a importância do uso de peixes, como as piabas, no controle biológico do mosquito, em contraste com os inseticidas químicos tradicionais. O controle biológico foi apresentado como uma abordagem mais eficaz e menos prejudicial ao meio ambiente e à saúde humana. O artigo também descreveu as atividades realizadas pelo programa, incluindo diálogos pedagógicos, participação em eventos educacionais e científicos, e a produção em larga escala de agentes biológicos, como peixes, para o controle do A. aegypti. A conscientização da comunidade sobre os perigos dos inseticidas e larvicidas e a promoção de técnicas alternativas foram aspectos essenciais das atividades. Por fim, o artigo enfatiza os impactos sociais positivos do programa "TEKO PORÃ" e seu papel na formação docente, destacando a interação entre a universidade e a sociedade como fundamental para abordar eficazmente os desafios relacionados ao A. aegypti e contribuir para um ambiente mais saudável.Este artigo descreve atividades realizadas dentro do programa "TEKO PORÃ", uma iniciativa de extensão realizada em parceria entre a Universidade Federal do Cariri (UFCA) e a Prefeitura Municipal de Brejo Santo, Ceará. O programa tem como principal objetivo promover práticas sustentáveis para o controle do mosquito A. aegypti, transmissor de doenças como dengue, chikungunya e zika, bem como educar a comunidade local sobre questões ambientais. É enfatizado que abordar esse problema de forma sustentável é fundamental para minimizar danos ao meio ambiente e evitar a resistência do mosquito aos inseticidas tradicionais. Além disso, o artigo ressalta a importância do uso de peixes, como as piabas, no controle biológico do mosquito, em contraste com os inseticidas químicos tradicionais. O controle biológico foi apresentado como uma abordagem mais eficaz e menos prejudicial ao meio ambiente e à saúde humana. O artigo também descreveu as atividades realizadas pelo programa, incluindo diálogos pedagógicos, participação em eventos educacionais e científicos, e a produção em larga escala de agentes biológicos, como peixes, para o controle do A. aegypti. A conscientização da comunidade sobre os perigos dos inseticidas e larvicidas e a promoção de técnicas alternativas foram aspectos essenciais das atividades. Por fim, o artigo enfatiza os impactos sociais positivos do programa "TEKO PORÃ" e seu papel na formação docente, destacando a interação entre a universidade e a sociedade como fundamental para abordar eficazmente os desafios relacionados ao A. aegypti e contribuir para um ambiente mais saudável

Bombas de perfusão

No corpo humano, o processo de transporte do sangue é assegurado pelo sistema circulatório que tem a função, entre outras, de distribuir os nutrientes pelas células. De acordo com este princípio fisiológico, foram desenvolvidas metodologias coadjuvantes de processos terapêuticos, que permitiram o desenvolvimento de instrumentos médicos com função de medição. Neste contexto, as primeiras bombas de perfusão surgiram nas décadas de 60 e de 70, que ao utilizarem uma pressão superior à pressão sanguínea, possibilitaram a administração de fluidos diretamente no corpo humano, incluindo fármacos, componentes do sangue, nutrientes, entre outros. Atualmente, e de acordo com a norma internacional IEC 60601-2-24, a estes dispositivos é atribuída a designação de bombas de perfusão, habitualmente designados por bombas infusoras. Tratando-se de uma bomba de perfusão com os respetivos acessórios, o termo sistemas de perfusão é também atribuído como nomenclatura ao longo do presente documento.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Viral genetic clustering and transmission dynamics of the 2022 mpox outbreak in Portugal

Pathogen genome sequencing during epidemics enhances our ability to identify and understand suspected clusters and investigate their relationships. Here, we combine genomic and epidemiological data of the 2022 mpox outbreak to better understand early viral spread, diversification and transmission dynamics. By sequencing 52% of the confirmed cases in Portugal, we identified the mpox virus sublineages with the highest impact on case numbers and fitted them into a global context, finding evidence that several international sublineages probably emerged or spread early in Portugal. We estimated a 62% infection reporting rate and that 1.3% of the population of men who have sex with men in Portugal were infected. We infer the critical role played by sexual networks and superspreader gatherings, such as sauna attendance, in the dissemination of mpox virus. Overall, our findings highlight genomic epidemiology as a tool for the real-time monitoring and control of mpox epidemics, and can guide future vaccine policy in a highly susceptible population.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The AlfaCrux CubeSat mission description and early results

On 1 April 2022, the AlfaCrux CubeSat was launched by the Falcon 9 Transporter-4 mission, the fourth SpaceX dedicated smallsat rideshare program mission, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida into a Sun-synchronous orbit at 500 km. AlfaCrux is an amateur radio and educational mission to provide learning and scientific benefits in the context of small satellite missions. It is an opportunity for theoretical and practical learning about the technical management, systems design, communication, orbital mechanics, development, integration, and operation of small satellites. The AlfaCrux payload, a software-defined radio hardware, is responsible for two main services, which are a digital packet repeater and a store-and-forward system. In the ground segment, a cloud-computing-based command and control station has been developed, together with an open access online platform to access and visualize the main information of the AlfaCrux telemetry and user data and experiments. It also becomes an in-orbit database reference to be used for different studies concerned with, for instance, radio propagation, attitude reconstruction, data-driven calibration algorithms for satellite sensors, among others. In this context, this paper describes the AlfaCrux mission, its main subsystems, and the achievements obtained in the early orbit phase. Scientific and engineering assessments conducted with the spacecraft operations to tackle unexpected behaviors in the ground station and also to better understand the space environment are also presented and discussed.Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa del Distrito Federal (FAPDF), Brasil | Ref. N/