Beyond Resilience. Paradigms of Urban Resilience in the 21st Century

Beyond Resilience is a Thesis in the form of an open essay that address the limits of urban resilience concept not only from its current semantic perrsion, but also from a ne perspectie: the resilience itself as a process or as a system, according to Kuhn's approach, and its possible paradigm shift from positie resilience to negatie resilience, till a hypothetical collapse scenario

La responsabilidad extracontractual del Estado

La responsabilidad del Estado es uno de los temas más importantes y trascendentales del Derecho Administrativo y sobre el cual se han emitido múltiples opiniones. Varias dificultades por resolver son las que presenta esta teoría; en primer lugar encontramos la de de terminar si existe o no responsabilidad estatal, en segundo lugar será la forma como ha de tomarse al Estado

Atmospheric Dispersion Study of TRS Compounds Emitted from a Pulp Mill Plant in Coastal Regions of the Uruguay River, South America

The atmospheric dispersion of total reduced sulfur (TRS) emissions from the pulp mill plant of Fray Bentos, Uruguay is simulated. The local authorities of the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) of Gualeguaychú, Argentina, received social complaints of malodor presence in different places of the region. An atmospheric dispersion model coupled to a boundary layer forecast model is used to simulate 11 events in which the EMP officials attended the scene in order to verify the situation. The validation of modeled winds with the observations from a meteorological tower indicates reasonably accurate wind forecasts. The spatial layout of the modeled TRS plumes is compared with the geographical distribution of points in the area where the social complaints were recorded. Nine of the 11 studied events are successful modeling cases since a positive (negative) in situ verification matches with a plume position over (far from) the site. In one of the two unsuccessful modeling cases, although the plume is marginally distant from the site, the average wind direction error is the largest one of all the events. In the other case the modeled plume is in fact over the site, but the situation was negatively verified. The reason for the disagreement could be the wind direction changes during the event. This was the longest modeled case that lasted for 7 hours and the plume was meandering during that time; first from SSW to the S, then back the SSW, and finally to the S and SSE. The conclusion of the study is that, despite the inherent uncertainty of numerical simulations, the implemented modeling system shows versatility and proves to be a useful tool not only for diagnostic studies but also for preventing conflictive situations since it can produce reasonably accurate forecast of plume position and its potential impact.Fil: Orcellet, Emiliana Elizabeth. Universidad Nacional de Entre Rios. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Berri, Guillermo Jorge. Ministerio de Defensa. Secretaria de Planeamiento. Servicio Meteorológico Nacional; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Aguirre, Cesar Augusto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Muller, Gabriela Viviana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Rios. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; Argentin

Marine Microalgae: Promising Source for New Bioactive Compounds

The study of marine natural products for their bioactive potential has gained strength in recent years. Oceans harbor a vast variety of organisms that offer a biological and chemical diversity with metabolic abilities unrivalled in terrestrial systems, which makes them an attractive target for bioprospecting as an almost untapped resource of biotechnological applications. Among them, there is no doubt that microalgae could become genuine cell factories for the biological synthesis of bioactive substances. Thus, in the course of inter-laboratory collaboration sponsored by the European Union (7th FP) into the MAREX Project focused on the discovery of novel bioactive compounds of marine origin for the European industry, a bioprospecting study on 33 microalgae strains was carried out. The strains were cultured at laboratory scale. Two extracts were prepared for each one (biomass and cell free culture medium) and, thus, screened to provide information on the antimicrobial, the anti-proliferative, and the apoptotic potential of the studied extracts. The outcome of this study provides additional scientific data for the selection of Alexandrium tamarensis WE, Gambierdiscus australes, Prorocentrum arenarium, Prorocentrum hoffmannianum, and Prorocentrum reticulatum (Pr-3) for further investigation and offers support for the continued research of new potential drugs for human therapeutics from cultured microalgae.Peer reviewe

[RuCl2(η6 ‑p‑cymene)(P*)] and [RuCl2(κ-P*‑η6 ‑arene)] Complexes Containing P‑Stereogenic Phosphines. Activity in Transfer Hydrogenation and Interactions with DNA

The preparation of a series of half-sandwich ruthenium complexes, [RuCl2(η6-p-cymene)(P*)] (P* = SPMeRR′) and [RuCl2(κ-P*-η6-arene)], containing P-stereogenic phosphines is reported. The borane-protected Pstereogenic phosphines have been obtained by addition of the (H3B)PMe2R (R = t-Bu (1), Cy (2), Fc (3))/sec-BuLi/ (−)-sparteine adduct to benzyl halides, carbonyl functions, and epoxides with yields between 40 and 90% and ee values in the 70−99% range. Those containing an aryl secondary function have been used in the preparation of [RuCl2(η6 -p-cymene)-(P*)] complexes. Borane deprotection has been performed using HBF4, except for (H3B)PRMe(CH2SiMe2Ph) phosphines, where DABCO was used to avoid partial cleavage of the CH2− Si bond. In the case of (H3B)P(t-Bu)Me(CH2C(OH)Ph2) (1l) the dehydrated phosphine was obtained. The tethered complexes were obtained by p-cymene substitution in chlorobenzene at 120 °C, except for ferrocenyl-containing complexes, which decomposed upon heating. The presence of substituents in the aryl arm of some of the phosphines introduces new chiral elements in the tethered [RuCl2(κ-P*-η6-arene)] compounds. Full characterization of all compounds both in solution and in the solid state has been carried out. Crystal structure determinations of four phosphine−borane molecules confirm the S configuration at the phosphorus atom (1a,e,l and 2d). Moreover, the crystal structure of one p-cymene complex (5i) and four tethered complexes reveal the strain of the compounds with two atoms in the tether (7c,g,l and 8i). Tethering has a marked effect on the catalytic performance transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone and on the nature of hydridic species originating during the activation period. The chiral induction attains 58% ee with complexes with the bulkiest substituents in the pendant arm of the phosphine. Three of the prepared complexes can interact with DNA and present a reasonable cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. Intercalation of the free aromatic pendant arm of the phosphines seems to be fundamental for such interactions

Growth of Au-Pd2Sn Nanorods via Galvanic Replacement and Their Catalytic Performance on Hydrogenation and Sonogashira Coupling Reactions

Altres ajuts: Beatriu de Pinós postdoctoral grant (2013 BP-A00344)Colloidal PdSn and Au-PdSn nanorods (NRs) with tuned size were produced by the reduction of Pd and Sn salts in the presence of size- and shape-controlling agents and the posterior growth of Au tips through a galvanic replacement reaction. PdSn and Au-PdSn NRs exhibited high catalytic activity toward quasi-homogeneous hydrogenation of alkenes (styrene and 1-octene) and alkynes (phenylacetylene and 1-octyne) in dichloromethane. Au-PdSn NRs showed higher activity than PdSn for 1-octene, 1-octyne, and phenylacetylene. In Au-PdSn heterostructures, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy evidenced an electron donation from the PdSn NR to the Au tips. Such heterostructures showed distinct catalytic behavior in the hydrogenation of compounds containing a triple bond such as tolan. This can be explained by the aurophilicity of triple bonds. To further study this effect, PdSn and Au-PdSn NRs were also tested in the Sonogashira coupling reaction between iodobenzene and phenylacetylene in N,N-dimethylformamide. At low concentration, this reaction provided the expected product, tolan. However, at high concentration, more reduced products such as stilbene and 1,2-diphenylethane were also obtained, even without the addition of H. A mechanism for this unexpected reduction is proposed

Dryland nature based solutions for informal settlement upgrading schemes in Africa

Upgrading schemes are increasingly used by city and national governments to address rapid unplanned peri-urban growth, improve infrastructure services and living conditions, and enhance resilience to climate change for the most marginalised vulnerable urban populations. Part of this upgrading process involves introducing alternative tenure systems to address innovation and sustainable development challenges. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are actions which work with and enhance nature to produce a diverse range of services on which human well-being depends. Building protecting and restoring NBS is particularly useful in resource-constrained informal settlements, due to cost-effectiveness, health and economic co-benefits. In some instances, in-situ upgrading programmes combined with flexible tenure systems and NBS have the scale and scope to impact a significant proportion of urban populations. Namibia is pioneering this approach, having chosen three pilot cities, namely Windhoek, Gobabis and Oshikati, as part of the roll-out of its national Flexible Land Tenure Act1. Among many, this act aims to fill the gap in tenure regularisation for the most vulnerable groups. Based on an ongoing study in these cities looking at rural-urban climate resilient futures in Namibia, Kenya and Tanzania through the “Peri-Urban Resilient Ecosystems” partnership, the following ten practical recommendations provide guidance for urban policy makers, planners, designers and local authorities in dryland areas. The ten practical recommendations can strengthen informal settlement upgrading schemes by optimising NBS and the ecosystem services they provide (figure 1). Key themes relate to urban development for inclusive prosperty, informed decision-making, innovation and experimentation, integration and complementarity

The Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer Book 2018

(Abridged) This is the Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer 2018 book. It is intended as a concise reference guide to all aspects of the scientific and technical design of MSE, for the international astronomy and engineering communities, and related agencies. The current version is a status report of MSE's science goals and their practical implementation, following the System Conceptual Design Review, held in January 2018. MSE is a planned 10-m class, wide-field, optical and near-infrared facility, designed to enable transformative science, while filling a critical missing gap in the emerging international network of large-scale astronomical facilities. MSE is completely dedicated to multi-object spectroscopy of samples of between thousands and millions of astrophysical objects. It will lead the world in this arena, due to its unique design capabilities: it will boast a large (11.25 m) aperture and wide (1.52 sq. degree) field of view; it will have the capabilities to observe at a wide range of spectral resolutions, from R2500 to R40,000, with massive multiplexing (4332 spectra per exposure, with all spectral resolutions available at all times), and an on-target observing efficiency of more than 80%. MSE will unveil the composition and dynamics of the faint Universe and is designed to excel at precision studies of faint astrophysical phenomena. It will also provide critical follow-up for multi-wavelength imaging surveys, such as those of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, Gaia, Euclid, the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope, the Square Kilometre Array, and the Next Generation Very Large Array.Comment: 5 chapters, 160 pages, 107 figure

Caribbean Corals in Crisis: Record Thermal Stress, Bleaching, and Mortality in 2005

BACKGROUND The rising temperature of the world's oceans has become a major threat to coral reefs globally as the severity and frequency of mass coral bleaching and mortality events increase. In 2005, high ocean temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean resulted in the most severe bleaching event ever recorded in the basin. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Satellite-based tools provided warnings for coral reef managers and scientists, guiding both the timing and location of researchers' field observations as anomalously warm conditions developed and spread across the greater Caribbean region from June to October 2005. Field surveys of bleaching and mortality exceeded prior efforts in detail and extent, and provided a new standard for documenting the effects of bleaching and for testing nowcast and forecast products. Collaborators from 22 countries undertook the most comprehensive documentation of basin-scale bleaching to date and found that over 80% of corals bleached and over 40% died at many sites. The most severe bleaching coincided with waters nearest a western Atlantic warm pool that was centered off the northern end of the Lesser Antilles. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Thermal stress during the 2005 event exceeded any observed from the Caribbean in the prior 20 years, and regionally-averaged temperatures were the warmest in over 150 years. Comparison of satellite data against field surveys demonstrated a significant predictive relationship between accumulated heat stress (measured using NOAA Coral Reef Watch's Degree Heating Weeks) and bleaching intensity. This severe, widespread bleaching and mortality will undoubtedly have long-term consequences for reef ecosystems and suggests a troubled future for tropical marine ecosystems under a warming climate.This work was partially supported by salaries from the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program to the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program authors. NOAA provided funding to Caribbean ReefCheck investigators to undertake surveys of bleaching and mortality. Otherwise, no funding from outside authors' institutions was necessary for the undertaking of this study. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Specific secondary genetic alterations in mantle cell lymphoma provide prognostic information independent of the gene expression-based proliferation signature.

Purpose To compare the genetic relationship between cyclin D1 - positive and cyclin D1 - negative mantle cell lymphomas (MCLs) and to determine whether specific genetic alterations may add prognostic information to survival prediction based on the proliferation signature of MCLs. Patients and Methods Seventy-one cyclin D1 - positive and six cyclin D1 - negative MCLs previously characterized by gene expression profiling were examined by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Results Cyclin D1 - negative MCLs were genetically characterized by gains of 3q, 8q, and 15q, and losses of 1p, 8p23- pter, 9p21- pter, 11q21- q23, and 13q that were also the most common alterations in conventional MCLs. Parallel analysis of CGH aberrations and locus-specific gene expression profiles in cyclin D1 - positive patients showed that chromosomal imbalances had a substantial impact on the expression levels of the genes located in the altered regions. The analysis of prognostic factors revealed that the proliferation signature, the number of chromosomal aberrations, gains of 3q, and losses of 8p, 9p, and 9q predicted survival of MCL patients. A multivariate analysis showed that the gene expression-based proliferation signature was the strongest predictor for shorter survival. However, 3q gains and 9q losses provided prognostic information that was independent of the proliferative activity. Conclusion Cyclin D1 - positive and - negative MCLs share the same secondary genetic aberrations, supporting the concept that they correspond to the same genetic entity. The integration of genetic information on chromosome 3q and 9q alterations into a proliferation signature-based model may improve the ability to predict survival in patients with MCL