Abstract The aims of this work were to characterize the damage caused by Paraulaca dives in feijoa (Acca sellowiana) and develop a diagrammatic scale to evaluate the severity of herbivory. The evaluations were carried out in a feijoa progenies orchard with eight-year-old. The beetles caused damage mainly on leaves, from October to December (spring season). The distribution of beetles in the orchard occurred randomly, not following a defined pattern of incidence. The diagrammatic scale of herbivory severity was represented by seven levels (1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 15%, 32%, and 55% of the leaf area consumed). The use of this diagrammatic scale significantly increased the precision and accuracy of severity estimates by inexperienced evaluators. This can help in strategies to control this pest to expand the cultivation of feijoa in Brazil.

ABSTRACT Species of the genus Platanus are widely distributed around the globe, due to their ornamental use. Although there are 10 valid species, an undetermined number of hybrids have been generated from them. Therefore, in different cities where these taxa have been planted -including Chilean cities- the diversity and taxonomic representation of Platanus is confusing and controversial. Through a PCR -based procedure on the LEAFY gene (LFYi2), an informative gene to identify Platanus species, we analyzed the diversity of the genus in Santiago, measuring also its representation. We sampled 269 Platanus trees distributed in streets and avenues of Santiago, showing that there are at least seven taxa, including the species P. occidentalis and P. orientalis, and five hybrid taxa; one of them is P. × hispanica, while the other four have no discernible origin from Leafy-i2 (here called Platanus A, Platanus B, Platanus C and Platanus D). In terms of representation, the set of hybrid taxa accumulated 84.7% of the trees sampled; while P. orientalis and P. occidentalis together accumulated 15.3% of the trees. Of the species, P. orientalis was the most frequent (14.9%), while among the hybrids, the most frequent was Platanus A (40.8%); in contrast, P. × hispanica represented a low proportion of the sample (1.9%). These results confirm the presence of P. occidentalis, P. orientalis and P. × hispanica in Santiago; however, the cumulative representation of these three taxa (17.2%) is lower than that of undetermined hybrids (82.8%). The taxonomic recognition and representation of Platanus specimens in Santiago is an important tool for projecting future urban tree planting efforts, especially in view of the ecosystem services provided by them.

RESUMEN Las especies del género Platanus se encuentran ampliamente distribuidas en el globo, por su uso ornamental. Aunque existen 10 especies válidas, de ellas se ha generado un número no determinado de híbridos. Por ello, en distintas ciudades donde estos taxa se han plantado la riqueza y representación taxonómica de Platanus es confusa y controversial. A través de un procedimiento basado en PCR sobre el gen LFY-i2, un gen informativo para identificar especies de Platanus, analizamos la diversidad del género en Santiago, midiendo además, su representación. Para ello, muestreamos 269 árboles de Platanus distribuidos en calles y avenidas de Santiago, evidenciando que existen al menos, siete taxa, entre las que se hallan las especies P. occidentalis y P. orientalis, además de cinco taxa híbridas; uno de estos híbridos es P. × hispanica, en tanto que los otros cuatro no tienen nominación ni origen discernible a partir del gen LFY-i2. En términos de la representación, el conjunto de taxa híbridos acumuló 84,7% de los árboles muestreados; mientras que P. orientalis y P. occidentalis juntos acumularon el 15,3% de los árboles. De las dos especies, P. orientalis fue la más frecuente (14,9%), mientras que entre los híbridos, el más frecuente fue Platanus A (40,8%); en contraste, P. × hispanica representó una baja proporción de la muestra (1,9%). Estos resultados confirman la presencia P. occidentalis, P. orientalis y P. × hispanica en Santiago, no obstante, la representación acumulada de estos tres taxa (17,2%) es menor a la de híbridos no determinados (82,8%). El reconocimiento taxonómico y representación de especímenes de Platanus en Santiago es una importante herramienta para proyectar futuros esfuerzos de arborización urbana, especialmente en atención a los servicios ecosistémicos que de ellas devienen.

ABSTRACT: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) may be harmlessly intercropped with Urochloa species during the off-season in the Brazilian Cerrado. At the end of the sorghum cycle, forages can be used for straw production for soybean (Glycine max L.) as the summer crop. This study aimed to evaluate sorghum cultivated during the off-season, intercropped with palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. ‘Marandu’ (Hochst. ex A. Rich). R. D. Webster) and Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. and Evrard) Crins) in two row spacings (0.5 and 0.7 m) for their effect on plant growth, dry mass production, sorghum yield and soybean grain yield. The experiment was a randomized block design: a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, with three levels of intercropping (palisade grass, Congo grass or sole cropping) and two levels of row spacing (0.5 or 0.7 m) with four replicates. Several physiological growth indexes were estimated from 10 to 60 days after emergence (DAE), including dry matter production and sorghum agronomic performance. Sorghum accumulated 0.22 g of dry matter d−1 at 10 to 60 DAE, and was not affected by intercropping. The dry mass gain of forages (0.04 g d−1 on average) was not affected by sorghum either. Higher sorghum grain yield (2,922 kg ha−1) was observed under the 0.5-m row spacing when compared to the 0.7-m spacing. The results indicate that palisade or Congo grass may be used as companion crops for sorghum with no grain yield loss, be it to improve soybean grain yield, soil cover or integrated crop systems, aiming at sustainable intensification.

Abstract Aim: To increase the understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT) by demonstrating its impacts and benefits on supply chain performance. Design/methodology/approach: System dynamics to assess the benefits of using IoT technology to enhance supply chain performance. Findings: Simulation results show a positive impact on the supply chain activities targeted in three propositions: 1) Better decision-making-Better asset utilization and reduced shipping time. However, transportation costs increase because of the lack of a decision-making system. 2) Reduced lead time-A reduced shipping time for location technology and when all technologies are combined. 3) Better asset utilization-A higher utilization factor, hinting at better asset utilization. Limitations/implications: The models presented are based on merged data from different sources as well as estimates based on assumptions. Practical implications: A decision-making processing system that integrates the complete array of appropriated technologies. This system is the underlying concept and the contribution of the IoT.

Abstract Background: Elderly patients may present with visual function impairment after surgery, which may increase the incidence of postoperative delirium and falls and decrease their quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess visual function in elderly patients after long-duration nonocular surgery to determine the incidence and risk factors for visual function impairment after surgery. Methods: This prospective and observational study included patients aged between 60 and 80 years who had been scheduled for elective non-ocular surgery expected to last longer than 120 minutes under general anaesthesia. Ocular examinations were performed before surgery, on post-operative day 3 and on post-operative day 21 and consisted of a LogMAR-Snellen chart test, a Jager chart test, biomicroscopy, optical tonometry, ocular motility assessment and fundoscopy. Baseline characteristics of all patients as well as intraoperative and postoperative data were collected. Results: A total of 107 patients were included in the final analysis. Visual function impairment was diagnosed in 21 patients (19.6%) at POD 3. Of those, 7 patients (6.5%) still presented with visual changes at POD 21. On POD 3, compared with that at baseline, visual acuity assessed by the Snellen chart test had decreased in these patients. Significant differences regarding refraction tests and intraocular pressure measures were also found. Multivariable analysis identified diabetes mellitus, duration of surgery, hypotension during anaesthesia induction, lower peripheral oxygen saturation at the end of the procedure and body mass index as independent risk factors for postoperative visual impairment. Conclusion: In elderly patients undergoing long-duration non-ocular procedures under general anaesthesia, the incidence of visual function impairment was considerably high. Most patients recovered to baseline visual function, but clinically significant visual changes may still be present 3 weeks after surgery. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and the duration of surgical and anaesthetic techniques appear to increase the risk of visual impairment after surgery.

Resumo Foi avaliado o efeito das condições operacionais na produção de Chlorella sp. após a seleção do gênero Chlorella sp., Scenedesmus sp., Nannochloris sp., Tetraselmis sp. e Dunaliella salina. Microalgas foram inoculadas em água potável com adição de fertilizante NPK (N 24%, P 24% e K 18%), na concentração de 0,5 g/L, agitação de 150 rpm, temperatura de 25 °C, intensidade luminosa de 1.680 lúmens para uma temperatura de cor de 6.400 K, sem controle de pH por 8 dias. As concentrações celulares obtidas foram de 3,72 x 107 (Chlorella sp.), 1,36 x 107 (Scenedesmus sp.), 3,55 x 107 (Tetraselmis sp.), 5,74 x 107 (Nannochloris sp.) e 3,45 x 106 (Dunaliella salina), em que a microalga Chlorella sp. mostrou capacidade invasiva em cultivos de água potável. Aplicando o conceito de projeto fatorial fracionado 2n-p para a composição elementar da microalga e a morfologia celular, foram obtidos 44,33% de C, 7,09% de H, 8,53% de N e 0,84% de S para a Chlorella sp.

Abstract It was evaluated the effect of operational conditions in the production of Chlorella sp. after its selection from genus Chlorella sp., Scenedesmus sp., Nannochloris sp., Tetraselmis sp. and Dunaliella salina. Microalgae were inoculated in drinking water with addition of NPK fertilizer (N 24%, P 24%, K 18%), at a concentration of 0.5 g/L, agitation of 150 rpm, temperature 25 °C, light intensity of 1680 lumens at a color temperature of 6400K, without pH control for 8 days. The cellular concentrations obtained were 3.72x107 (Chlorella sp.), 1.36x107 (Scenedesmus sp.), 3.55x107 (Tetraselmis sp.), 5.74x107 (Nannochloris sp.) and 3.45x106 (Dunaliella salina), where the microalgae Chlorella sp., shows invasive capacity in drinking water cultivations. Applying the 2n-p fractional factorial design concept for the elemental composition of the microalgae and the cellular morphology, it was obtained 44.33% of C, 7.09% of H, 8.53% of N and 0.84% of S for the Chlorella sp.

Abstract Economic growth has a direct link with the volume of cargo at port terminals. To encourage growth, investment decisions on infrastructure are required that can be performed by the development of econometric models. We compare three time-series models and one machine-learning model to estimate and forecast cargo volume. We apply an ARIMA+GARCH+Bootstrap, a multiplicative Holt-Winters, a support vector regression model, and a time-series model with explanatory variables ARIMAX. The models forecast cargo through the ports of San Pedro using data from 2008 to 2016. The database contains imports and exports of bulk, container, reefer, and ro-ro cargo. Results show that the multiplicative Holt-Winters model is the best method to forecast imports and exports of bulk cargo, while the support vector regression model is the best method to forecast imports and exports of container, reefer, and ro-ro cargo. The Diebold-Mariano Test, the RMSE metric, and the MAPE metric validate the results.

Resumen 17. Actualmente existe la necesidad de utilizar productos alter nativos de origen natural que no afecten negativamente la productividad de las colmenas y que reduzcan la presencia de diversos patógenos. El timol es considerado como el producto natural más utilizado para el tratamiento de la varroasis en todo el mundo y potencialmente eficaz como nosemicida. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar el impacto del timol sobre el control de la varroasis y nosemosis en colmenas para la formación de núcleos de fecundación de abejas reina (Apis mellifera). Se utilizaron 65 colmenas en las cuales se cuantificó el nivel de infestación para Varroa, nivel de infección para Nosema y las prevalencias de ambas enfermedades en la población antes y después del tratamiento, basado en 4 aplicaciones de timol al 20% en azúcar glass con intervalo de 7 días. La prevalencia de la varroasis disminuyó al igual que el nivel de infestación post tratamiento (p<0,05). Por el contrario, la prevalencia de la nosemosis (p>0,05) y el nivel de infección de Nosema fueron mayores después del tratamiento (p<0,05). Se concluye que en las colmenas para la formación de núcleos de fecundación de abejas reina, el timol es eficaz contra varroasis pero no contra nosemosis.

Abstract 21. Nowadays, there is a need to identify alternative natural products that do not negatively affect the hive’s productivity and that reduce the presence of various pathogens. Thymol is considered the most natural acaricide against varroasis worldwide, with potential nocemicide effect. Therefore, the objective of this research was to study the impact of thymol on the presence of varroasis and nosemosis on queen mating nucleus hives (Apis mellifera). Sixty five hives were used, in which the level of infestation for Varroa sp, the level of infection for Nosema sp, and the prevalence of both diseases in the population before and after the treatment were determined, based on 4 applications of 20% thymol in icing sugar with a 7-day interval. The prevalence of varroasis and level of Varroa sp infestation decreased after treatment (p<0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of nosemosis (p>0.05) and level of Nosema sp infection were higher after treatment (p<0.05). It can be concluded that, in hives destined for the production of queen mating nucleus, thymol is effective against varroasis but not against nosemosis.

OBJECTIVES: The present coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has ushered in an unprecedented era of quality control that has necessitated advanced safety precautions and the need to ensure the adequate protection of healthcare professionals (HCPs). Endoscopy units, endoscopists, and other HCP may be at a significant risk for transmission of the virus. Given the immense burden on the healthcare system and surge in the number of patients with COVID-19, well-designed protocols and recommendations are needed. We aimed to systematically characterize our approach to endoscopic procedures in a quaternary university hospital setting and provide summary protocol recommendations. METHOD: This descriptive study details a COVID-19-specific protocol designed to minimize infection risks to patients and healthcare workers in the endoscopy unit. RESULTS: Our institution, located in São Paulo, Brazil, includes a 900-bed hospital, with a 200-bed-specific intensive care unit exclusively designed for patients with moderate and severe COVID-19. We highlighted recommendations for infection prevention and control during endoscopic procedures, including appropriate triage and screening, outpatient management and procedural recommendations, role and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), and role and procedural logistics involving COVID-19-positive patients. We also detailed hospital protocols for reprocessing endoscopes and cleaning rooms and also provided recommendations to minimize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission. CONCLUSION: This COVID-19-specific administrative and clinical protocol can be replicated or adapted in multiple institutions and endoscopy units worldwide. Furthermore, the recommendations and summary protocol may improve patient and HCP safety in these trying times.

Abstract Introduction: Resprouter species, by regenerating rapidly, can maintain an optimal carbon balance and improve the resilience of ecosystems that have been disturbed or are at high risk of fire. Objective: To assess the effect of light availability and soil moisture on the ecophysiological variables of six resprouter species planted under cover of Pinus halepensis Mill. Materials and methods: Arbutus unedo L., Rhamnus alaternus L., Quercus ilex L., Quercus faginea Lam., Fraxinus ornus L. and Acer granatense Boiss. were planted in plots with three pine densities per hectare: HD = 800 to 1 100, MD = 300 to 600 and LD = 100 to 250. The species were also grown in the nursery, trying to maintain the same solar radiation conditions. Photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (Gs), photosystem II maximum efficiency (Fv/Fm) and water use efficiency (IWUE) were measured. Results and discussion: Evergreen sclerophyll species (A. unedo, R. alaternus and Q. ilex) showed higher photosynthetic capacity, lower photoinhibition and lower IWUE than deciduous species. In HD, plants showed lower photosynthetic capacity (P < 0.01) and higher photoprotection (P < 0.001). The IWUE was similar under the three pine forest densities. In the nursery, A was high under 100 % and 50 % light conditions; Gs was higher under 20 % conditions; and IWUE was high under 100 % light. Conclusion: The physiological variables of the species were conditioned by shading and changes in water demand produced by tree cover.

Resumen Introducción: Las especies rebrotadoras, por la rapidez de su regeneración, pueden mantener el balance óptimo de carbono y mejorar la resiliencia de los ecosistemas perturbados o que tienen alto riesgo de incendios. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la disponibilidad de luz y la humedad del suelo sobre las variables ecofisiológicas de seis especies rebrotadoras plantadas bajo cubierta de Pinus halepensis Mill. Materiales y métodos: Arbutus unedo L., Rhamnus alaternus L., Quercus ilex L., Quercus faginea Lam., Fraxinus ornus L. y Acer granatense Boiss. se plantaron en parcelas con tres densidades de pinos por hectárea: DA = 800 a 1 100, DM = 300 a 600 y DB = 100 a 250. En vivero, las especies también se cultivaron tratando de mantener las mismas condiciones de radiación solar. Se midieron la fotosíntesis (A), la conductancia estomática (Gs), la eficiencia máxima del fotosistema II (Fv/Fm) y la eficiencia en el uso del agua (IWUE). Resultados y discusión: Las especies esclerófilas perennifolias (A. unedo, R. alaternus y Q. ilex) mostraron tendencias de mayor capacidad fotosintética, menor fotoinhibición y menor IWUE que las caducifolias. En DA, las plantas mostraron menor capacidad fotosintética (P < 0.01) y mayor fotoprotección (P < 0.001). La IWUE fue similar bajo las tres densidades de pinar. En vivero, la A fue alta en condiciones de 100 % y 50 % de luz; Gs fue mayor en condiciones de 20 %; y la IWUE fue alta bajo 100 % de luz. Conclusión: Las variables fisiológicas de las especies estuvieron condicionadas por el sombreo y cambios en la demanda hídrica producidos por la cubierta arbórea.

Abstract: The imperial cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps) is one of the most abundant cormorant species in the Chilean channels and fjords. Although its reproductive and non-reproductive distributions have been studied, works on its diet are inexistent. This paper describes the diet and determines the dominance and diversity of the prey consumed during the winter periods of 2011 and 2014 in Caulín Bay, Chiloé, southern Chile. A total of 73 pellets were collected (30 in 2011 and 43 in 2014). Prey were identified and classified into three categories: fishes (53.57%), cephalopods (39.29%) and crustaceans (7.14%). When prey consumption was analyzed according to their distribution in the water column, we observed statistically significant differences in a preference of benthic demersal over pelagic prey.

ABSTRACT The case of a 43-year-old female patient is presented, with an apparent history of good health, up to several weeks prior to admission, when she began to present syncopes preceded by palpitations. An electrophysiological study was performed and prematurity in the distal portion of the coronary sinus recording electrode was demonstrated, which corresponds to the great cardiac vein (anterior interventricular vein) and summit of the left ventricle. Despite the excellent early registration, neighboring structures were studied, such as the left ventricular outflow tract in the left coronary cusp, here the pace mapping was not totally concordant. At the site of the precocity obtained within the cardiac venous system, a 100% concordant mapping was achieved, with an ablation catheter’s precocity of -30 milliseconds. The ablation was decided with progressive increases in temperature and power with thermomapping and the success of the ablation was achieved without reproducibility of the arrhythmia and excellent subsequent evolution.

RESUMEN Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 43 años, con antecedentes de salud aparente, hasta varias semanas previas a su ingreso, cuando comenzó a presentar síncopes precedidos de palpitaciones. Se realizó estudio electrofisiológico y se demostró precocidad en la porción distal del electrodo de registro de seno coronario, que corresponde a la vena cardíaca magna (interventricular anterior) y techo (summit) del ventrículo izquierdo. A pesar del excelente registro precoz se estudiaron estructuras vecinas como el tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo en la cúspide coronaria izquierda, aquí el mapeo eléctrico (pace mapping) no fue concordante total. En el sitio de la precocidad obtenida dentro del sistema venoso cardíaco se realizó mapeo concordante 100%, con una precocidad del catéter de ablación de -30 milisegundos. Se decidió ablación con incrementos progresivos de temperatura y potencia con corte de impedancia (termomapping) y se logró el éxito de la ablación sin reproducibilidad de la arritmia y excelente evolución posterior.

Abstract The effect of Li co-doping on the blue luminescence of Eu2+ doped (La-Al)2 O3 phosphors and its incorporation into poly (methyl methacrylate) PMMA films are reported. The phosphors were synthesized by a simple two-step process in which the (La-Al)2 O3 powders were obtained by an evaporation method, and the subsequent co-doping with Li+ and Eu2+ were made through a solid state reaction in a reductive atmosphere at 1250°C. The incorporation of those phosphors into PMMA matrix and the synthesis of films with thicknesses between 6 and 12 μm was made by drop-casting. The characteristic blue broad band emission centered at 440 nm associated with the 4f65d1→4F7 transition of Eu2+ ions (CIE coordinates 0.6731, 0.3343) was observed when these powders were excited with 297 nm light. These luminescence intensity was enhanced when Li+ was incorporated as co-dopant up to 320% with respect to those phosphors without Lithium. The luminescent characteristics of these phosphors were preserved when they were embedded into the PMMA films.