Extreme wave value analysis under uncertainty of climate change scenarios off Iberian Peninsula coast

Extreme wave value analysis under uncertainty scenarios was developed to estimate wave climate characteristics at 17 stations in southwestern European coast off the Iberian Peninsula. A comprehensive wave dataset downscaled with the Wave Watch III (WWIII) model by Meteogalicia under MarRisk Project was used considering results of models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5). Descriptive statistics for significant wave height (Hs), peak wave period (Tp), and mean and peak wave direction were performed for historical data (1960−2005), and for projected data in two twenty-year time periods under two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios (2026−2045 and 2081−2100). Hs and Tp extreme values for the study area were obtained using the Gumbel, Fréchet and Weibull probability distributions for the 10-, 50-, and 100-year return period. Obtained results showed that: historical Hs values decrease from North to South and are higher than those calculated in any of the RCPs future scenarios; mean Tp values appear to be constant in all stations; and means for peak and mean direction have higher frequency of occurrence in Q4 (270°−360°). This study also allowed the computation of Hs and Tp values for 100-year return period, which can be used as design criteria for structural analyses in maritime worksThe authors acknowledge the financial support provided by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), PhD grant number SFRH/BD/141381/2018. This research was also partially supported by the 0262_MarRISK_1_E project funded by Interreg V-A SpainPortugal Program (POCTEP)

Hydrodynamics and morphodynamics performance assessment of three coastal protection structures

Coastal areas accommodate a great part of large metropolises as they support a great amount of economic and leisure activities. The attraction of people to coastal zones is contributing to an intense and continuous urbanization of these areas, while the ecosystems are threatened by the increase of natural extreme weather events (e.g., intensity and duration of storms, floods), which interfere with local wave climate and changes in morphological beach characteristics. Protection of coastal zones predisposed to coastline recession, due to the action of high tides, high sediment transport deficit, and high wave energy, may involve various coastal structures to reduce or at least to mitigate coastal erosion problems. Many of the current coastal protections (notably groins, seawalls, and emerged breakwaters) were built with a single purpose, which was to protect at all costs without environmental or economic concerns, especially maintenance costs, or the negative consequences that such structures could cause up to considerable distances along the coast. The current concept of integrated coastal zone management presupposes studies involving other types of concerns and more actors in the decision-making process for the implementation of coastal works. In this context, multifunctional structures emerge and are increasingly frequent, such as the so-called multifunctional artificial reefs (MFARs), with the aim of improving leisure, fishing, diving, and other sporting activities, in addition to coastal protection. MFARs are in fact one of the latest concepts for coastal protection. Behind the search for more efficient and sustainable strategies to deal with coastal retreat, this study focused on a comparison between the performance of two traditional coastal protection solutions (submerged detached breakwater and emerged detached breakwater) and an MFAR on a particular coastal stretch. In order to analyse the hydro- (wave height and wave energy dissipation) and morphodynamics (sediment accumulation and erosion areas, and bed level) of the structures and beach interactions, two numerical models were used: SWAN (Simulation WAves Nearshore) for hydrodynamics and XBeach for hydrodynamics and morphodynamics. In addition, a comparison between SWAN and XBeach hydrodynamic results was also performed. From the simulations conducted by SWAN and XBeach, it can be concluded that amongst all structures, the emerged detached breakwater was the most efficient in reducing significant wave heights at a larger scale due to the fact that it constituted a higher obstacle to the incoming waves, and that, regarding both submerged structures (detached breakwater and the MFAR), the MFAR presented a more substantial shadow zone. Regarding morphodynamics, the obtained results presented favourable tendencies to sediment accretion near the shoreline, as well as at the inward areas for the three structures, especially for the emerged detached breakwater and for the MFAR in both wave directions. However, for the west wave direction, along the shoreline, substantial erosion was observed for both structures with more noticeable values for the emerged detached breakwater. For all the northwest wave direction scenarios, no noticeable erosion areas were visible along the shoreline. Overall, considering the balance of erosion and accretion rates, it can be concluded that for both wave predominance, the submerged detached breakwater and the MFAR presented better solutions regarding morphodynamics. The MFAR storm wave condition performed in XBeach indicated substantial erosion areas located around the structure, which added substantial changes in the bed level.This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), PhD grant number SFRH/BD/141381/201

Outcomes from elective colorectal cancer surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

This study aimed to describe the change in surgical practice and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality after surgical resection of colorectal cancer during the initial phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Semicircular Coastal Defence Structures: Impact of Gap Spacing on Shoreline Dynamics during Storm Events

Coastal erosion poses significant challenges to shoreline management, exacerbated by rising sea levels and changing climate patterns. This study investigates the influence of gap spacing between semicircular coastal defence structures on shoreline dynamics during storm events. The innovative design of these structures aims to induce a drift reversal of prevalent sediment transport while avoiding interruption of alongshore sediment drift, thus protecting the beach. Three different gap spacings, ranging from 152 m to 304 m, were analysed using the XBeach numerical model, focusing on storm morphodynamic behaviour. Methodologically, hydrodynamic and morphodynamic analyses were conducted to understand variations in significant wave heights adjacent to the structures, in accretion and erosion volumes, and changes in bed level under storm conditions. The study aims to elucidate the complex interaction between engineered coastal protection solutions and natural coastal processes, providing practical insights for coastal management practices. Results indicate that installing semicircular coastal defence structures influences sediment dynamics during storm events, effectively protecting stretches of the coast at risk. Optimal gap spacing between structures is crucial to mitigating coastal erosion and enhancing sediment accumulation, offering a sustainable shoreline protection approach. The findings underscore the importance of balanced location selection to optimize protection benefits while minimizing adverse morphological effects. Overall, this research contributes to advancing knowledge of hydro-morphological phenomena essential for effective coastal engineering and informs the design and implementation of more sustainable coastal protection strategies in the face of increasing coastal erosion and sea level rise challenges

A Polypyrrole/Nanoclay Hybrid Film for Ultra-Sensitive Cardiac Troponin T Electrochemical Immunosensor

An electrochemical immunosensor based on a nanohybrid film of carboxylated polypyrrole and amine nanoclay was developed for label-free detection of the human cardiac troponin T (cTnT). The nanohybrid film was formed in situ on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode, followed by the covalent immobilization of anti-troponin T antibodies by glutaraldehyde. Morphological and chemical characterizations of the nanohybrid film were performed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Under the optimized conditions, a calibration curve for cTnT in spiked serum was obtained by square wave voltammetry, and a low limit of detection and quantification was achieved (0.35 and 1.05 pg mL−1, respectively). This was the first time that this type of nanohybrid film was used in the development of an immunosensor for cTnT that proved to be a simple and efficient strategy for the manufacture of a label-free electrochemical device that could be applied in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction

Serological and molecular evidence of hepadnavirus infection in swine

Submitted by sandra infurna ([email protected]) on 2015-11-03T15:25:54Z No. of bitstreams: 1 yaseminie_vieira_etal_IOC_2015.pdf: 658834 bytes, checksum: bb6a8ae842ad68daf8084f57bc745b08 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by sandra infurna ([email protected]) on 2015-11-03T15:26:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 yaseminie_vieira_etal_IOC_2015.pdf: 658834 bytes, checksum: bb6a8ae842ad68daf8084f57bc745b08 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2015-11-03T15:49:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 yaseminie_vieira_etal_IOC_2015.pdf: 658834 bytes, checksum: bb6a8ae842ad68daf8084f57bc745b08 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Virologia. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Laboratório de Virologia Comparada e Ambiental. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunobiologia Veterinária. Seropédica, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. Instituto de Ciência Aninmal. Departamento de Produção Animal. Seropédica, RJ, Brasil.EMBRAPA Suínos e Aves. Centro de Pesquisa Nacional. Santa Catarina, Brasil.Instituto Tropical de Sustentabilidade. São Paulo, SP, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Laboratório de Virologia Molecular. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Laboratório de Virologia Molecular. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Virologia. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Virologia. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Abstract Introduction and objective. Recently, investigations in a swine herd identified evidence of the existence of a novel member of the Hepadnavirus family endemic in swine. The aim of this study was to investigate the serological and molecular markers of Hepadnavirus circulation in Brazilian domestic swine and wild boar herds, and to evaluate the identity with HBV and other Hepadnaviruses reported previously. Materials and methods. For the study, 376 swine were screened for hepatitis B virus serological markers. Analyses were performed in serum samples using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits (DiaSorin®) for anti-HBc, HBsAg and anti-HBs. Reactive and undetermined swine serum samples were selected to perform DNA viral extraction (QIAamp DNA Mini Kit, Qiagen®), partial genome amplification and genome sequencing. Results. From 376 swine samples analysed, 28 (7.45%) were reactive to anti-HBc, 3 (0.80%) to HBsAg and 6 (1.6%) to anti-HBs. Besides, more 17 (4.52%) swine samples analyzed were classified in the grey zone of the EIA test to anti-HBc and 2 (0.53%) to HBsAg. From 49 samples molecularly analyzed after serological trial, 4 samples showed a positive result for the qualitative PCR for Hepadnavirus. Phylogenetic reconstruction using partial genome sequencing (360 bp) of 3 samples showed similarity with HBV with 90.8–96.3% of identity. Conclusions. Serological and molecular data showed evidence of the circulation of a virus similar to hepatitis B virus in swine

Synthesis, Cytotoxicity and Mechanistic Evaluation of 4-Oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide Derivatives: Finding New Potential Anticancer Drugs

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-04T16:34:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license.txt: 1914 bytes, checksum: 7d48279ffeed55da8dfe2f8e81f3b81f (MD5) floriano_silvajretal_IOC_2014.pdf: 1412917 bytes, checksum: efe4a373bbf1ee3722bc9e0e8338d523 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014Universidade Federal Fluminense. Outeiro de São João Batista. Niterói, Brasil.Universidade Federal Fluminense. Outeiro de São João Batista. Niterói, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e 3D QSAR (ModMolQSAR). Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal Fluminense. LABIEMol. Outeiro de São João Batista. Niterói, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Pará. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Belém, PA, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Laboratório de Bioquímica de Proteinas e Peptídeos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Laboratório de Bioquímica de Proteinas e Peptídeos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Laboratório de Bioquímica de Proteinas e Peptídeos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Pará. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Belém, PA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Pará. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Belém, PA, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e 3D QSAR (ModMolQSAR). Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e 3D QSAR (ModMolQSAR). Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal Fluminense. Outeiro de São João Batista. Niterói, Brasil.Universidade Federal Fluminense. Outeiro de São João Batista. Niterói, Brasil.Universidade Federal Fluminense. Outeiro de São João Batista. Niterói, Brasil.Universidade Federal Fluminense. Outeiro de São João Batista. Niterói, Brasil.As part of a continuing search for new potential anticancer candidates, we describe the synthesis, cytotoxicity and mechanistic evaluation of a series of 4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide derivatives as novel anticancer agents. The inhibitory activity of compounds 10–18 was determined against three cancer cell lines using the MTT colorimetric assay. The screening revealed that derivatives 16b and 17b exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against the gastric cancer cell line but was not active against a normal cell line, in contrast to doxorubicin, a standard chemotherapeutic drug in clinical use. Interestingly, no hemolytical activity was observed when the toxicity of 16b and 17b was tested against blood cells. The in silico and in vitro mechanistic evaluation indicated the potential of 16b as a lead for the development of novel anticancer agents against gastric cancer cells