TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF POACEAE POLLEN IN AREAS OF SOUTHERN UNITED KINGDOM, SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

Overall, longer Poaceae pollen seasons coincided with earlier pollen season start dates. Winter rainfall noticeably affects the intensity of Poaceae pollen seasons in Mediterranean areas, but this was not as important in Worcester. Weekly data from Worcester followed a similar pattern to that of Badajoz and Évora but at a distance of more than 1500 km and 4-5 weeks later

Teleological vs. Scientific views of evolution theory among high school biology teachers in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay

This study explored the degree to which High School biology teachers in three Latin American countries embraced the religious concept of teleology or used it to motivate religious students to accept Darwinian evolution’s scientific theory. The countries were (in increasing religiosity order): Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina. We administered a one-item questionnaire to teachers in each country. It inquired how strongly teachers agreed or disagreed with the test statement: “The emergence of the human species (Homo sapiens) was the aim of the evolution of living species.” High School biology teachers’ acceptance and use of teleology was minimal in all three countries and related neither to their own religious beliefs nor to their country’s degree of religiosity. We followed up with interviews of a subsample of 10 participating teachers in each country. Interviews were interpreted using ‘Collective Subject Discourse’ (DSC) analysis. Teachers in Argentina and Uruguay reported difficulty overcoming students’ anti-science attitudes, especially their antievolution attitudes. We conclude that improvement of pedagogical strategies is needed to motivate student acceptance of Darwinian evolution. Such strategies must appeal especially to students with highly religious upbringing, who disproportionately repudiate evolution and other scientific theories that are unpopular among highly religious people.This work was financially supported by Portuguese national funds through the FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) within the framework of the CIEC (Research Center for Child Studies of the University of Minho) projects under the references UIDB/00317/2020 and UIDP/00317/2020

La industria automotriz argentina ante el desafío de la apertura a la UE: cambios estructurales, conductas empresariales e impactos en el desempeño sectorial

This article provides elements for an impact scenario of the eventual Association Agreement between Mercosur and the EU on the Argentine automotive industry. It is inquired how companies would react to this shock and how it would impact sector performance, based on a survey to key industry players. It is concluded that -given the current situation of the environment- the Agreement would entail more risks than opportunities for the value chain, particularly for auto parts companies. The intensification of competition would induce changes in business behavior in terms of specialization, modernization, cooperation and sourcing. In contrast, there is skepticism that it can propitiate offensive-type adaptation strategies to take advantage of new business opportunities (exports, greenfield investments, innovations). The impact on local value added and employment would therefore be predominantly contractive.Este trabajo aporta elementos para un escenario de impacto del eventual Acuerdo de Asociación entre el Mercosur y la UE sobre la industria automotriz argentina. Se indaga en cómo reaccionarían las empresas ante este shock y cómo impactaría en el desempeño sectorial, en base a una encuesta a referentes del sector. Se concluye que -dada la situación actual del entorno- el Acuerdo conllevaría más riesgos que oportunidades para la cadena, particularmente para las autopartistas. La intensificación de la competencia induciría a cambios en las conductas empresariales en términos de especialización, modernización, cooperación y aprovisionamiento. En contraste, existe escepticismo de que logre propiciar estrategias de adecuación de tipo ofensivo para aprovechar nuevas oportunidades de negocios (exportaciones, inversiones greenfield, innovaciones). El impacto sobre el valor agregado y empleo local sería entonces predominantemente contractivo

The Role of Covalent Functionalization in the Thermal Stability and Decomposition of Hybrid Layered Hydroxides

The room temperature synthesis of two Co-based hybrid layered hydroxides containing the same organic ligand (suberate [Sub]), one connected through purely electrostatic interactions (CoAl layered double hydroxide [LDH]), and the other covalently functionalized (α-CoII simonkolleite phase) has been carried out. The magnetic properties exhibit an acute difference in the magnetization temperatures (from ≈10 K for the CoAl-LDH to ≈55 K for the α-CoII). Moreover, the role of the covalent functionalization in the thermal stability and the decomposition has been investigated by a forefront characterization tool consisting of thermogravimetric analysis coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (TG-GC-MS). The LDH exhibits a higher thermal stability of ≈50 ºC with broad mass loss steps, whereas the water molecules interact stronger with the α-CoII(Sub) hybrid, suggesting a higher confinement in the interlayer space. Interestingly, at higher temperatures (>400 ºC), the α-CoII(Sub) gives rise to the selective formation of cycloheptanone, in contrast to the LDH phase leading to different carbonyl containing compounds. These findings offer new fundamental insights into the thermal behavior of hybrid materials based on layered hydroxides, highlighting the important role of covalent functionalization in its properties

Identification of potential sources of airborne 0lea pollen in the southwest Iberian Peninsula

Regional scale transport of olive pollen can result in increased nighttime concentrations of this important aeroallergen. This could be particularly important in Mediterranean countries where people can be outdoors during this time due to climate and lifestyle. Such studies are valuable for allergy sufferers and health care professionals because the information can be incorporated into forecasts, the outputs of which are used for avoiding exposure to aeroallergens and planning medication. The results of studies of this nature can also be used for examining gene flow in this important agricultural crop

Susceptibilidad de Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) colectada en Primula obconica Hance Y Convolvulus arvensis L. a acaricidas

The use of acaricides of high toxicity in the production and handling of ornamental plants should bea matter of consumer concern. The susceptibility of two populations of Tetranychus urticae was assessed: one collected from Primula obconica Hance and the other from Convolvulus arvenis L. as susceptible reference strain to the acaricides dicofol, abamectin alone and mixed with the surfactant phosphatidylcholine, azadirachtin, sulfur, pyridaben and fenazaquin. The evaluated parameters were mortality, lethal concentration 50% (LC50) and 90% (LC90), lethal time 50% (LT50) and 90% (LT90), effectiveness and index of resistance (IR). The experimental design was completely at random. Each treatment had \ubc, \ubd, 1, 2 and 4X of the doses indicated by the manufacturer, five replicates and were sprayed with a Potter spray tower. The results showed that the LC50 for azadirachtin and sulfur was significantly high. Regarding the population from P. obconica, abamectin alone and in mixture with phosphatidylcholine and fenazaquin showed the highest efficiency. Azadirachtin and sulfur were the acaricides showing the slowest activity and the resistance index indicated that the population collected in P. obconica should be considered susceptible to all the evaluated acaricides.El uso de acaricidas de alta toxicidad en la producci\uf3n y manejo de plantas ornamentales es un tema que deber\ueda preocupar a los consumidores. Se evalu\uf3 la susceptibilidad en laboratorio de dos poblaciones de Tetranychus urticae colectadas una en Primula obconica Hance y la otra en Convolvulus arvenis L, que se us\uf3 como raza sensible de referencia, a dicofol, abamectina, sola y en mezcla con el surfactante fosfatidilcolina, azadirachtina, azufre, pyridaben y fenazaquin. Las variables evaluadas fueron mortalidad, concentraci\uf3n letal 50% (CL50) y 90% (CL90), tiempo letal 50% (TL50) y 90% (TL90), eficacia e \uedndice de resistencia (IR). El dise\ue3o experimental fue completamente al azar. Cada acaricida se evalu\uf3 en \ubc, \ubd, 1, 2 y 4 veces la dosis recomendada seg\ufan el fabricante, y cada tratamiento tuvo cinco repeticiones y se aplicaron con una torre de Potter. Los resultados muestran que para azadirachtina y azufre la CL50 fue mayor. En la poblaci\uf3n proveniente de P. obconica, abamectina sola y en mezcla con fosfatidilcolina y fenazaquin propiciaron la mayor eficiencia. Azadirachtina y azufre demostraron ser los acaricidas de m\ue1s lenta acci\uf3n y el \uedndice de resistencia indica que la poblaci\uf3n colectada en P. obconica debe ser considerada como sensible a todos los acaricidas evaluados

Polvos de especias arom\ue1ticas para el control del gorgojo del maiz, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, en trigo almacenado

The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, is considered one of the most important pests of stored grains. Plant powders from nine seasoning spices were tested in the laboratory to control S. zeamais at 0,5, 1, 2 and 4% (w/w). The variables evaluated were mortality and emergence (F1) of adult insects, grain weight loss and grain germination. The repellent and fumigant effects were evaluated at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4%; the experimental design was completely randomized, with four replicates, and the group of treatments was repeated three times. The highest mortality percentages were obtained with Piper nigrum L. at 1% (83.4%), 2% (97.6%) and 4% (100%). The lowest adult insect emergence was obtained with the same treatments more Capsicum annuum var. longum Sendtn., Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume and Pimpinella anisum L. at 4% (w/w). No significant differences were recorded as regards grain weight loss and germination. All the plant powders tested had a repellent effect on Sitophilus zeamais and no fumigant effect was recorded.El gorgojo del ma\uedz Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky,es considerado una de las plagas mas importantes de productos almacenados. Se evaluaron, en laboratorio, polvos vegetales provenientes de nueve especias condimentarias para el control de S. zeamais en concentraciones de 0,5; 1; 2 y 4%. Las variables evaluadas fueron mortalidad y emergencia (F1) de adultos y p\ue9rdida de peso y germinaci\uf3n del grano. Tambi\ue9n se evalu\uf3 el efecto repelente y fumigante a las concentraciones de 0,5; 1 y 2%. El dise\uf1o experimental fue completamente al azar, los tratamientos tuvieron cuatro repeticiones y el grupo de tratamientos fue repetido tres veces. Las mayores mortalidades se obtuvieron con Piper nigrum L. a 1% (83,4%), 2% (97,6%) y 4% (100%). Las menores emergencias de insectos adultos se obtuvieron en los mismos tratamientos m\ue1s Capsicum annuum var. Longum Sendtn., Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blime y Pimpinella anisum L. al 4% (p/p). La p\ue9rdida de peso y germinaci\uf3n de granos no registraron diferencia significativa. Todos los polvos vegetales fueron repelentes para Sitophilus zeamais y ninguno tuvo efecto fumigante

Factors of Susceptibility of Human Myiasis Caused by the New World Screw-Worm, Cochliomyia hominivorax in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This study was carried out between July 2007 and June 2008 and reports on the occurrence of human myiasis caused by the New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in São Gonçalo in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Liquid or solid vaseline was used to suffocate the larvae, which were then preserved in 70% ethanol and sent to the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz for identification. C. hominivorax were identified in all 22 cases of myiasis. There were 12 male and 10 female patients with ages ranging from 03 to 71. Ethnically the highest incidence was among black people, with 17 cases. Open wounds were the main cause of the parasitosis, whereas poor personal hygiene, the low educational level, alcoholism, bedridden patients, and physical or mental disability were possibly secondary factors; in addition to all these factors the income of the patients was very low

Xylem water potentials of native shrubs from northeastern Mexico

Xylem water potentials (C) were evaluated in browse plants such as Forestiera angustifolia (Oleaceae), Celtis pallida (Ulmaceae), Zanthoxylum fagara (Rutaceae), and Eysenhardtia texana (Fabaceae). Collections were carried out at Linares County, a semi-arid region of northeastern Mexico. C (MPa) were estimated at 10-day intervals between July 10 and September 30, 2008 by using a Scholander pressure bomb, and were monitored in five different plants per species at 06:00 h (predawn) and 14:00 h (midday). Air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, and soil water content were registered throughout. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and linear correlation analysis. At the wettest period, C at predawn varied from 0.29 (C. pallida and E. texana) to 0.37 (F. angustifolia and Z. fagara); in contrast, at the driest period, predawn C ranged from 3.28 (F. angustifolia) to 4.50 (Z. fagara). At midday E. texana achieved the highest (1.14) and lowest (4.20) values at wettest and driest sampling dates, respectively. It seems that air temperature and vapor pressure deficit negatively influenced C values in all species; conversely, C values augmented as relative humidity increased. Since F. angustifolia and C. pallida maintained higher predawn and midday C values under water stress, these species may be considered as drought-adapted species while, Z. fagara and E. texana that acquired lower values, may be less adapted to drought and in physiological disadvantage under limited water conditions

Preventing presbycusis in mice with enhanced medial olivocochlear feedback

"Growing old" is the most common cause of hearing loss. Agerelated hearing loss (ARHL) (presbycusis) first affects the ability to understand speech in background noise, even when auditory thresholds in quiet are normal. It has been suggested that cochlear denervation ("synaptopathy") is an early contributor to agerelated auditory decline. In the present work, we characterized age-related cochlear synaptic degeneration and hair cell loss in mice with enhanced α9α10 cholinergic nicotinic receptors gating kinetics ("gain of function" nAChRs). These mediate inhibitory olivocochlear feedback through the activation of associated calciumgated potassium channels. Cochlear function was assessed via distortion product otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem responses. Cochlear structure was characterized in immunolabeled organ of Corti whole mounts using confocal microscopy to quantify hair cells, auditory neurons, presynaptic ribbons, and postsynaptic glutamate receptors. Aged wild-type mice had elevated acoustic thresholds and synaptic loss. Afferent synapses were lost from inner hair cells throughout the aged cochlea, together with some loss of outer hair cells. In contrast, cochlear structure and function were preserved in aged mice with gain-of-function nAChRs that provide enhanced olivocochlear inhibition, suggesting that efferent feedback is important for long-term maintenance of inner ear function. Our work provides evidence that olivocochlear-mediated resistance to presbycusis-ARHL occurs via the α9α10 nAChR complexes on outer hair cells. Thus, enhancement of the medial olivocochlear system could be a viable strategy to prevent age-related hearing loss.Fil: Boero, Luis Ezequiel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Farmacología; ArgentinaFil: Castagna, Valeria Carolina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Farmacología; ArgentinaFil: Terreros, Gonzalo. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Moglie, Marcelo Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; ArgentinaFil: Silva, Sebastián. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Maass, Juan C.. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Fuchs, Paul A.. University Johns Hopkins; Estados UnidosFil: Delano, Paul H.. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Elgoyhen, Ana Belen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Farmacología; ArgentinaFil: Gomez Casati, Maria Eugenia. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Farmacología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; Argentin