Distribution and habitat partitioning of cetaceans (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla) in the Bohol Sea, Philippines.

Understanding broad-scale species distribution and finer-scale ecological interactions is essential for conservation. We assessed species richness, distribution, habitat use and interspecific associations of cetacean in the Bohol Sea, Philippines. During 72 days of dedicated survey (2010 - 2013), we encountered 12 species of cetacean in 291 sightings, 16.8% of which involved mixed species. We used maximum entropy (MaxEnt) models to assess species’ habitat suitability and found slope and distance from the coast to be influential contributors to cetacean distribution. To explore habitat use, through foraging ecology and niche segregation of sympatric species, we compared behavioral budgets across species and found significant differences (chi-sq = 21.44; p-value = 0.044). We then used GLMs to determine the foraging likelihood in relation to oceanographic features, group size and presence of associated species. Results from model selection complimented those derived from MaxEnt. However, some inter-specific exclusion behavior might also occur. Overall, our study suggests that the Bohol Sea supports a high cetacean biodiversity while more complex inter-specific dynamics might further shape species’ ecological niches. These results highlight the importance of multi-species ecology and can be used to develop management actions

Dynamic Tests on a Steel Frame Equipped with Hysteretic and Visco-Re-Centring Energy Dissipating Bracing Systems

Abstract An extensive program of dynamic experimental tests, named JetPacs (Joint Experimental Testing on Passive and semiActive Control Systems), has been carried out at the Structural Laboratory of the University of Basilicata considering a 1:1.5 scaled three-dimensional steel frame, derived from a 2-storey, 1-bay prototype building. The JetPacs Project was developed within the RELUIS 2005-08 project, founded by Italian Dept. of Civil Protection. This work refers to the experimental tests on the model equipped with two different EDB systems based on Hysteretic Dampers (HD) and visco-re-centering devices (SMA+VD). The devices were designed with the purpose of limiting the inter-storey drifts so that the frame yielding is surely prevented. The visco-re-centering device was obtained by coupling Viscous Dampers (VD), with re-centering device based on shape memory alloy (SMA) wires, while the Hysteretic Damper was constituted by low-carbon U-shaped steel plates. The main objective of this paper is to compare the seismic response of the structure with SMA+VD and HD EDB's in order to calibrate a new performance based design procedure for the evaluation of the mechanical characteristics of SMA+VD devices. In this paper, the experimental results of the shaking table tests, in terms of comparison of both design solutions which lead to a comparable level of protection for the framed structure, are shown. The results obtained by numerical nonlinear time history analysis (NTHA) of both design solutions are also showed and compared with experimental ones

Perceptions of Reading Instruction

It follows that there exists an obvious need for elementary reading programs to be closely articulated with the developing and changing reading requirements of pupils as they progress through the elementary grades. There is an even more obvious need for close cooperation between teachers and administrators in order to implement reading programs that meet pupil requirements

A single-mode, high index-contrast, lead silicate glass fibre with high nonlinearity, broadband near-zero dispersion at telecommunication wavelengths

We report on the design, fabrication and characterization of a single-mode W-type lead silicate glass fibre with flattened and near-zero dispersion profile at telecom wavelengths and high nonlinearity of 820 W-1km-1 at 1.55 µm

Acceptance of the Cookie Notice and the creation of targeted advertising: a conscious decision or lack of information?

When surfing the Internet, the user provides data such as age, gender, location, among others, which are captured using cookies - small text files that are stored in web browsers when one visits a website. Several companies use this data to show the user advertising targeted to their interests. However, recent studies show that the use of cookies has privacy-related implications, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Parliament is sometimes ineffective in its main purpose. In this context, the purpose of this study is to understand user perception of the use of cookies to create targeted advertising. To carry out the study, a survey was conducted with 242 Portuguese users active on the Internet. The results show that, although users feel uncomfortable with being tracked, they prefer to provide data, by agreeing with cookie policies, and view targeted advertising.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Past, Present, and Future of Non-Viral CAR T Cells

Adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocytes is a powerful technology that has revolutionized the way we conceive immunotherapy. The impressive clinical results of complete and prolonged response in refractory and relapsed diseases have shifted the landscape of treatment for hematological malignancies, particularly those of lymphoid origin, and opens up new possibilities for the treatment of solid neoplasms. However, the widening use of cell therapy is hampered by the accessibility to viral vectors that are commonly used for T cell transfection. In the era of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-CRISPR-associated) precise genome editing, novel and virus-free methods for T cell engineering are emerging as a more versatile, flexible, and sustainable alternative for next-generation CAR T cell manufacturing. Here, we discuss how the use of non-viral vectors can address some of the limitations of the viral methods of gene transfer and allow us to deliver genetic information in a stable, effective and straightforward manner. In particular, we address the main transposon systems such as Sleeping Beauty (SB) and piggyBac (PB), the utilization of mRNA, and innovative approaches of nanotechnology like Lipid-based and Polymer-based DNA nanocarriers and nanovectors. We also describe the most relevant preclinical data that have recently led to the use of non-viral gene therapy in emerging clinical trials, and the related safety and efficacy aspects. We will also provide practical considerations for future trials to enable successful and safe cell therapy with non-viral methods for CAR T cell generation