Resumen Introducción: Este artículo de carácter reflexivo busca formular una matriz teórica de abordaje de los procesos colectivos que permita recuperar el conocimiento, la reflexión, la articulación de las vivencias y saberes esenciales para producir -o conservar- condiciones para la reproducción de la vida. Objetivo: Para dar cuenta de los objetivos, se reflexiona sobre los procesos iniciados en ollas populares y merenderos vecinales, como respuesta a la inseguridad alimentaria acentuada por la pandemia en el Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay entre 2020 y 2021. Estos procesos deben ser observados en el contexto de políticas públicas implementadas a nivel nacional y departamental, con enfoques y asignaciones presupuestales deficitarias. Método y técnica: Para ello, se optó por un encuadre metodológico de análisis, reflexión y sistematización de información secundaria de diversos artículos e información actualizada al respecto. Resultados: Algunos resultados del artículo refieren a la construcción de un marco referencial que permitió ilustrar vacíos y nodos teóricos que posibilitan mecanismos de reflexividad en relación con las «nuevas necesidades», sentidos y significaciones de las comunidades y organizaciones de la sociedad civil enfocadas a la seguridad alimentaria en el Departamento de Maldonado. Conclusiones: Este abordaje resulta estratégico para el análisis de las prácticas que propendan al fortalecimiento de derechos, la solidaridad, el cuidado comunitario y las potencialidades de construcción de «lo común», sus tensiones, contradicciones y desafíos. En este sentido, resulta una aproximación pertinente para dar cuenta de las contingencias y dinamismo que posee el objeto de estudio desde un punto de vista experiencial.

Abstract Introduction: This reflective article seeks to formulate a theoretical matrix to approach collective processes that allows recovering knowledge, reflection, and the articulation of experiences and essential knowledge to produce -or preserve- conditions for the reproduction of life. Objective: It reflects on the processes initiated in popular pots and merenders as a response to food insecurity, accentuated by the pandemic and the mitigation measures that were initiatives of neighbors or groups of neighbors implemented in the Department of Maldonado, Uruguay, between 2020 and 2021. These processes must be observed in the context of public policies implemented at the national and departmental levels, with deficit apprhes and budgy otros locations. Method and technique: The methodological framework of analysis, reflection and systematization of secondary information was chosen, taking into account various articles and updated information in this regard. Results: Some of the results of the article refer to the construction of a referential framework that made it possible to illustrate gaps and theoretical nodes that enable mechanisms of reflexivity in relation to the «new needs», senses and meanings of communities and civil society organizations focused on food security in the Department of Maldonado. Conclusions: This approach is strategic for the analysis of practices aimed at strengthening rights, solidarity, community care and the potential of building «the common«, its tensions, contradictions and challenges. In this sense, it is a pertinent approach to account for the contingencies and dynamism of the object of study from an experiential point of view.

Abstract This study researched S275JR MS corrosion sites deactivation in (Na3H(CO3)2) heavy deposits (Gamboru, Borno State, Nigeria), using PPQ as alternative inhibitor, and employed WL, HER, EIS, PDP, SEM and computational techniques. PPQ showed effective MS corrosion mitigation in (Na3H(CO3)2) heavy deposits. IE(%) of 98.8, 99.5, 82.9 and 95.9 %, for gravimetric, HER, EIS and PDP, respectively, at 208 K, were obtained. PPQ had a shortest (E of 0.1 eV, with a higher absolute molecular σ of 2.4, compared to molecular η of 0.4, which makes it a better inhibitor of MS corrosion in (Na3H(CO3)2) heavy deposits. With higher inhibitor Ct, its IE(%) increase and CR of MS decreased. This was due to PPQ molecules strong adsorption onto the MS surface. PPQ was also thermodynamically stable, showed less disorderliness, and its absorption was spontaneous and physical.

Resumo O comportamento alimentar pode exercer uma influência substancial no desenvolvimento da obesidade, uma condição intrinsecamente ligada a um espetro de comorbilidades (e.g., cancro, doenças cardiovasculares, endócrinas). A obesidade é mais prevalente nas mulheres de meia-idade, particularmente durante a menopausa, coincidindo com um aumento da incidência de comportamentos alimentares disfuncionais. Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar a estrutura fatorial e as propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa do Three Fator Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21) em mulheres de meia-idade. Um total de 1895 mulheres portuguesas de meia-idade (M=52,22 anos, DP=5,10) preencheram um questionário sociodemográfico e o TFEQ-R21, composto por 21 itens, distribuídos por três dimensões (restrição cognitiva, descontrolo alimentar e alimentação emocional). Foram realizadas análises descritivas, validade de construto, de critério, e fiabilidade, através do R-Lavaan. O modelo de estrutura de três fatores apresentou um bom ajustamento (Comparative Fit Index=0,97; Tucker-Lewis Index=0,97; Root mean square error of approximation= 0,08 (p<0,001); Standardized root mean square residual=0,07). O TFEQ-R21 apresenta evidências de validade convergente (variância extraída da média: 0,41<VEM<0,80) e fiabilidade (α de Cronbach: 0,82<α<0,96, e ómega de McDonald: 0,66<ω<0,92). O TFEQ-R21 apresentou evidências de validade e fiabilidade com invariância entre mulheres com e sem obesidade, na avaliação do comportamento alimentar em mulheres de meia-idade. É um instrumento útil no domínio das intervenções de gestão de peso, facilitando a identificação e a atenuação de comportamentos alimentares disfuncionais, especialmente durante esta fase da vida.

Abstract Eating behaviour can exert a substantial influence on the development of obesity, a condition intricately linked with a spectrum of comorbidities (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular diseases, endocrine disorders). Obesity is more prevalent among middle-aged women, particularly during menopause, coinciding with an increase in the incidence of disordered eating behaviours. This study aims to identify the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21) in middle-aged women. A total of 1895 middle-aged Portuguese women (M=52.22 years, SD=5.10) completed a sociodemographic questionnaire alongside the TFEQ-R21, comprising 21 items distributed across three dimensions (cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating). Descriptive analyses, construct and criterion validities, and reliability were performed using the R-Lavaan. The three-factor structure model presented a good fit (Comparative Fit Index=0.97; Tucker-Lewis Index=0.97; Root mean square error of approximation=0.08 (p<.001); Standardized root mean square residual=0.07). The TFEQ-R21 attests to its convergent validity (average variance extracted: 0.41<AVE<0.80) and reliability (Cronbach´s α: 0.82<α<0.96, and McDonald´s omega: 0.66<ω<0.92). The TFEQ-R21 tool has shown evidence of validity and reliability, displaying invariance between obese and normative women when assessing eating behaviour among middle-aged women. It offers valuable utility within the domain of weight management interventions, facilitating the identification and mitigation of dysfunctional eating behaviours, especially during this life stage.

The structure of climate finance flows from donors (multilateral sources) to recipients (sub-Saharan African countries) was studied. This is the first study to provide a comprehensive network structure of the climate finance flows into Africa, based on the global public climate finance governance system. Network theory and decision tree techniques were employed. The results obtained generally fit the multilateral funding units (MFUs) into two categories: central funding units (CFUs), which simultaneously attend to the climate-related projects of many African countries, and the boundary funding units (BFUs), which cater to only a few countries at once. An isolated region with no BFUs was identified. African countries within this group could be more exposed to climate financial risk as they rely on only the CFUs. In general, with the exception of mitigation REDD (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) climate finance, a disproportionate distribution of climate themes, with particular reference to adaptation finance, was observed across sub-Saharan Africa. This has real implications for equitable resource allocation of climate funds. The need for African-bred region-wide MFUs is recommended. SIGNIFICANCE: Insights from this analysis expose the presence of contagion effects within the sub-Saharan African climate finance network structure and, consequently, the flow of climate finance-related risks. This knowledge is critical for future planning as it can provide African governments and interested stakeholders with informed evidence upon which they can make reliable and justifiable decisions, such as shaping of sectoral strategies and improving of climate finance flow coordination.

Resumo Introdução: Dada a multiplicidade de definições acerca do conceito de churning de recursos humanos, tomou-se como premissa, os custos associados às substituições de trabalhadores provenientes de saídas voluntárias das organizações. Tratando-se de uma temática ainda pouco explorada em Portugal, pretende-se através deste estudo expandir o quadro teórico, assim como os estudos empíricos; Objetivos; Métodos: Este estudo qualitativo visa identificar os principais precedentes do churning de recursos humanos e as medidas estratégicas aplicadas pelas organizações para o atenuar. De modo a tornar o objetivo exequível, surgiu como questão de investigação: qual a origem do churning nas organizações e quais as medidas de atenuação? Como método de recolha de dados, recorreu-se à realização de 20 entrevistas semiestruturadas a diretores de recursos humanos de vários setores de atividade, procedendo-se à sua análise através da análise de conteúdo, de forma a extrair as principais variáveis, dando enfase à elaboração de um modelo teórico e sua análise; Resultados: de forma a analisar o referido modelo, foram definidas 3 proposições às quais se procedeu à sua fundamentação, com recurso à literatura sobre a temática e à informação obtida através das entrevistas, foi possível analisar a veracidade das proposições definidas. Permitindo predizer que os precedentes de churning de recursos humanos exercem influência negativamente na ocorrência de churning de recursos humanos; as medidas de atenuação exercem influência positiva sobre o churning de recursos humanos e que as medidas de atenuação exercem influência positiva sobre os precedentes de churning de recursos humanos. Conclusões: Quanto maior for o investimento na aplicação e / ou desenvolvimento de políticas e práticas de retenção de recursos humanos, menor será a taxa de churning, logo o custo derivado das substituições de trabalhadores será reduzido.

Abstract Introduction: Given the multiplicity of definitions about the concept of human resource churning, we took as a premise, the costs associated with the replacement of workers from voluntary departures from organisations. As this is a subject that has not yet been widely explored in Portugal, this study aims to expand the theoretical framework, as well as the empirical studies; Goals; Methods: This qualitative study aims to identify the main precedents of human resource churning and the strategic measures applied by organisations to mitigate it. In order to make the objective feasible, the research question was: what is the origin of churning in organisations and what are the mitigation measures? As a data collection method, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with human resources directors from various sectors of activity, which were analysed through content analysis in order to extract the main variables, emphasising the development of a theoretical model and its analysis; Results: In order to analyse this model, 3 propositions were defined and proceeded to their substantiation, using the literature on the subject and the information obtained through the interviews, it was possible to analyse the veracity of the defined propositions. It was possible to predict that human resource churning precedents negatively influence the occurrence of human resource churning; that mitigation measures have a positive influence on human resource churning and that mitigation measures have a positive influence on human resource churning precedents; Conclusions: The greater the investment in the application and/or development of policies and practices of human resources retention, the lower the churning rate will be, and therefore the costs derived from the replacement of workers will be reduced.

Overloading of heavy vehicles reduces pavement life and increases pavement life cycle costs. As part of Namibia's strategy to control heavy vehicle overloading on the road network, weighbridge facilities have been constructed at strategic locations on primary routes (trunk roads). The study analysed the extent of heavy vehicle overloading on Namibian trunk roads, as well as the effectiveness of existing overloading mitigation measures. The dataset comprised heavy vehicle loading information from the year 2015 to 2019, from ten static weighbridge facilities. The parameters investigated include overloading magnitude, the effect of overloading on road pavement life, and the effectiveness of current overload mitigation measures. The results showed that 13.3% of the vehicles weighed were overloaded, with a compounded decrease in overloading of approximately 0.5% per annum. Despite the overloading decrease, the study found that the estimated road service life was reduced by as much as nine years over the study period. High levels of weighbridge avoidance and poor stakeholder coordination in mitigating overloading were identified. The study recommends deploying high-speed weigh-in-motion systems, an increase in fines charged for overloading offenses, and developing a demerit point-based system for habitual offenders to strengthen mitigation measures.

Abstract Anthropogenic activities have added enough to cause important alterations in the climate at a global level; in the last 20 years, a phenomenon of extreme characteristics called ‘climate change’ has worsened, which has been responsible for causing climate variability, the level of affectation of which extends to all geographical scales. This research was carried out in 2022 with the aim of knowing the impacts of climate change on the productive system of the corn crop in Mexico, given its great nutritional, cultural, and economic relevance. It describes the climate variability and extreme events that occur in Mexico and that in some way have a direct relationship with corn production, such as precipitation, temperature, frosts, hailstorms, droughts, and floods. Worldwide, Mexico stands out in the first places in production and consumption of corn; the current population exceeds 126 million people, and it is a condition that manifests a great demand, having to make a strong export of the grain year after year, showing the unsustainability of the country’s food security. This situation is aggravated when climate change and climate variability directly affect the most important requirements for the establishment of a crop, and that directly affect all stages of growth and development, presenting a decrease in current and future yield.

Resumen Las actividades antropogénicas han sumado lo suficiente para ocasionar alteraciones importantes en el clima a nivel global, en los últimos 20 años se ha pronunciado un fenómeno de características extremas denominado ‘cambio climático’, el cual ha sido encargado de causar una variabilidad climática, cuyo nivel de afectación se extiende en todas las escalas geográficas. Esta investigación se realizó en al año 2022, teniendo como objetivo conocer los impactos del cambio climático en el sistema productivo del cultivo de maíz en México, dada su gran relevancia nutricional, cultural y económica. Se describe la variabilidad climática y los eventos extremos que ocurren en México y que de alguna manera tienen una relación directa con la producción del maíz, como la precipitación, temperatura, heladas, granizadas, sequías e inundaciones. A nivel mundial, México destaca en los primeros lugares en producción y consumo de maíz, la población actual supera los 126 millones de personas y resulta una condición que manifiesta una gran demanda, teniendo que realizar una fuerte exportación del grano año con año, poniendo en manifiesto la insostenibilidad de la seguridad alimentaria del país. Esta situación se agrava cuando el cambio climático y la variabilidad climática, afectan directamente en los requerimientos de mayor importancia para el establecimiento de un cultivo y que afectan directamente con todas las etapas de crecimiento y desarrollo, presentando una disminución del rendimiento actual y futuro.

ABSTRACT: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) represent a significant environmental problem due to their toxicity, with a high capacity to persist in the environment, resistance to conventional degradation methods, the ability to accumulate in living organisms and their magnification in food chains or food. In this review article, the impacts on health and environmental components are examined. Strategies and measures for control, mitigation and/or minimization of POPs are also addressed. Agricultural and industrial activities, inadequate final disposal of solid waste and lack of wastewater treatment are identified as the main sources of POP emissions. In addition, innovative and promising technologies are analyzed, such as nanotechnology, bioremediation, rhizoremediation, biochar, chromatography techniques, ultrasound, among others, for the adequate treatment of POPs. The review highlights both the advantages and limitations of these technologies, pointing out areas that still require developments to achieve effective treatments. More economical and ecological alternatives are also mentioned to counteract the impacts of POPs.

RESUMEN: Los contaminantes orgánicos persistentes (COP) representan un problema ambiental significativo debido a su toxicidad, con una alta capacidad para persistir en el entorno, resistencia a los métodos de degradación convencionales, la capacidad de acumulación en organismos vivos y su magnificación en las cadenas tróficas o alimentarias. En este artículo de revisión, se examinan los impactos en la salud y en los componentes medio ambientales. También se abordan las estrategias y medidas de control, mitigación y/o minimización de los COP. Se identifica a las actividades agrícolas, industriales, la inadecuada disposición final de los residuos sólidos y la falta de tratamiento de las aguas residuales como las principales fuentes de emisión de COP. Además, se analizan tecnologías innovadoras y prometedoras, como la nanotecnología, biorremediación, rizorremediación, biocarbón, técnicas de cromatografía, ultrasonido, entre otras, para el tratamiento adecuado de los COP. La revisión destaca tanto las ventajas como las limitaciones de estas tecnologías, señalando áreas que aún requieren desarrollos para lograr tratamientos eficaces. También se mencionan alternativas más económicas y ecológicas, para contrarrestar los impactos de los COP.

Resumo Em condições de estresse salino, o crescimento das plantas é reduzido, em virtude, do desequilíbrio osmótico, nutricional e oxidativo. Contudo, o ácido salicílico atua na mitigação desse estresse abiótico por promover incremento no crescimento, fotossíntese, metabolismo do nitrogênio, síntese de osmorreguladores e enzimas antioxidantes. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de doses de ácido salicílico sobre o crescimento e alterações fisiológicas de mudas de berinjela sob estresse salino. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, onde os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos ao acaso utilizando uma matriz composta central Box com cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa) (0,50; 1,08; 2,50; 3,92 e 4,50 dS m-1), associada a cinco doses de ácido salicílico (AS) (0,00; 0,22; 0,75; 1,28 e 1,50 mM), com quatro repetições e cada parcela composta por três plantas. Aos 40 dias após a semeadura, foram determinados a altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, área foliar, vazamento de eletrólito, teor relativo de água e massa seca total. A CEa e a aplicação de AS influenciaram no crescimento e nas alterações fisiológicas das mudas de berinjela. O aumento da CEa reduziu o crescimento na ausência de AS. O dano de membrana com o uso de AS manteve-se estável até 3,9 dS m-1 de CEa. O conteúdo relativo de água independentemente da CEa aumentou com 1 mM de SA. O uso de AS na concentração de 1 mM mitigou o efeito deletério da salinidade no crescimento das mudas até 2,50 dS m-1 de CEa.

Abstract Under salt stress conditions, plant growth is reduced due to osmotic, nutritional and oxidative imbalance. However, salicylic acid acts in the mitigation of this abiotic stress by promoting an increase in growth, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, synthesis of osmoregulators and antioxidant enzymes. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid doses on the growth and physiological changes of eggplant seedlings under salt stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, where the treatments were distributed in randomized blocks using a central composite matrix Box with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (CEw) (0.50; 1.08; 2.50; 3.92 and 4.50 dS m-1), associated with five doses of salicylic acid (SA) (0.00; 0.22; 0.75; 1.28 and 1.50 mM), with four repetitions and each plot composed of three plants. At 40 days after sowing, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, electrolyte leakage, relative water content, and total dry mass were determined. ECw and SA application influenced the growth and physiological changes of eggplant seedlings. Increasing the ECw reduced growth in the absence of SA. Membrane damage with the use of SA remained stable up to 3.9 dS m-1 of ECw. The relative water content independent of the CEw increased with 1.0 mM of SA. The use of SA at the concentration of 1.0 mM mitigated the deleterious effect of salinity on seedling growth up to 2.50 dS m-1 of ECw.

Resumo Para mitigar os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino, tem se utilizado substâncias capazes de atuar como atenuantes e/ou indutoras de tolerância ao estresse, viabilizando o uso de águas salinas e contribuindo para desenvolvimento da agricultura irrigada. Neste contexto, objetivou-se com presente estudo, avaliar o efeito da pulverização foliar com peróxido de hidrogênio como atenuante do estresse salino sobre a morfofisiologia da gravioleira. O estudo foi conduzido sob condições de casa de vegetação, em Campina Grande - PB, utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados, no arranjo fatorial 4 × 4, cujos tratamentos resultaram da combinação de quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,8 – controle; 1,6; 2,4 e 3,2 dS m-1) e quatro concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio - H2O2 (0; 10; 20 e 30 µM), com três repetições. A aplicação foliar de peróxido de hidrogênio na concentração de 10 µM aumentou o crescimento, a síntese de clorofila e o teor relativo de água nas folhas e consequentemente reduziu o déficit de saturação hídrica foliar da gravioleira irrigada com CEa de até 1,6 dS m-1. A concentração de peroxido de hidrogênio de 30 µM intensificou o estresse salino sobre o extravasamento de eletrólitos no limbo foliar e os pigmentos fotossintéticos da gravioleira, aos 270 dias após o transplantio.

Abstract To mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress, substances capable of acting as mitigators and/or inducers of tolerance to stress have been used, enabling the use of saline waters and contributing to the development of irrigated agriculture. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar spraying with hydrogen peroxide as an attenuator of salt stress effects on soursop morphophysiology. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in Campina Grande - PB, Brazil, using a randomized block design, in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement, whose treatments resulted from the combination of four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.8 – control, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 dS m-1) and four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide - H2O2 (0, 10, 20, and 30 μM), with three replicates. Foliar application of hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 10 µM increased growth, chlorophyll synthesis, and relative water content in the leaves and consequently reduced the foliar water saturation deficit of soursop irrigated with ECw up to 1.6 dS m-1. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide of 30 µM intensified the salt stress on the electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade and the photosynthetic pigments of soursop, 270 days after transplanting.

Resumo O urso-negro-asiático está há muito tempo em conflito com os seres humanos. A invasão de plantações é uma das principais causas desse conflito frequentemente observado no sul da Ásia: cultivos invadidos por ursos-negros afetados por atributos temporais, espaciais e antropogênicos. A compreensão desse conflito, assim como sua mitigação, é vital para a conservação dessa espécie ameaçada. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a invasão de culturas por ursos-negros na região montanhosa de Azad Jammu e Caxemira. Pesquisas de campo foram realizadas para observar características espaciais e temporais de invasão de culturas, entre 2015 e 2020, e dados coletados usando questionários desenhados e adaptados aleatoriamente em aldeias próximas às florestas. Os resultados revelaram que o milho foi a única cultura atacada por ursos-negros. Uma área total de 28 acres foi invadida pelo urso-preto na temporada de outono (agosto-novembro), resultando em um dano de 51 toneladas – todo o ataque foi realizado à noite. Cada respondente recebeu danos na colheita em 0,09 acre, com uma perda de 0,17 tonelada de rendimento. A quantidade e a área da colheita foram significativamente correlacionadas entre si. O distrito de Neelum compartilhou 49% da perda total da colheita, enquanto 47% do milho foram invadidos na faixa altitudinal de 2100-2500 m. A invasão de culturas foi altamente significativa (χ2 = 1174,64;df = 308; p < 0,01), dependente da distância até a floresta. A regressão linear revelou que a quantidade de milho foi determinada por área, tempo e área total do campo. Os agricultores enfrentaram uma perda de 3,8 milhões de PKRs devido a danos nas colheitas causados por ursos-negros. Apesar do grande prejuízo, a maioria (23%) dos respondentes não respondeu ao questionamento sobre as medidas de mitigação, indicando má adaptação das medidas preventivas. A estratégia preferida para evitar danos às plantações foi fazer barulho (27,8%) quando os ursos atacaram suas plantações. Recomenda-se o início de um esquema de compensação para os agricultores, que transformará sua atitude negativa em positiva em relação à vida selvagem e ao urso-negro em particular. O estudo fornece uma nova visão do conflito entre humanos e ursos, particularmente no contexto espacial e temporal de invasões de colheitas em AJ&K.

Abstract Asiatic black bear has long been in conflict with human beings crop raiding is a major cause of this conflict frequently noted in South Asia. Crops raided by black bears affected by temporal, spatial and anthropogenic attributes. Insight in this conflict and its mitigation is vital for the conservation of this threatened species. Present study aimed to evaluate crop raiding by black bears in the mountainous region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Field surveys were carried out to observe spatial and temporal crop raiding features between 2015-2020 and data gathered using designed questionnaires randomly tailored in villages nearby the forests. Results revealed that maize was the sole crop raided by black bears. A total of 28-acre area was raided by black bear in the fall season (Aug-November) resulting in a damage of 51 metric tons, whole raiding was carried out at night. Each respondent received crop damage on 0.09 acre with a loss of 0.17 metric ton yield. Crop quantity and area were significantly correlated to each other. District Neelum shared 49% of the total crop loss, while 47% of the maize was raided at the altitudinal range of 2100-2500 m. crop raiding was highly significantly ( χ 2 = 1174.64 ; d f = 308 ; p < 0.01) dependent upon distance to the forest. Linear regression revealed that maize quantity was determined by area, time and the total field area. Farmers faced 3.8 million PKRs loss due to crop damage by black bears. Despite the huge loss, the majority (23%) of the respondents did not respond to the query on mitigation measures indicating a poor adaptation of preventive measures. Preferred strategy to avoid crop damage was making noise (27.8%) when bears attacked their crops. A start of compensation scheme to the farmers is recommended that will have turned their negative attitude into a positive one toward the wildlife and black bear particularly. Study provides a new insight in human-bear conflict, particularly in spatial and temporal context of crop raiding in AJ&K.

Free-ranging spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are immobilised for a variety of purposes, including wildlife-human conflict mitigation, research, and veterinary treatment. Combinations of tiletamine-zolazepam (Zoletil) and medetomidine are commonly used for immobilisation of hyenas, however, recovery times are long. In this descriptive study, a total of 20 adult or subadult free-ranging hyenas were immobilised near Skukuza in the Kruger National Park using ketamine, butorphanol, and medetomidine. The goal of the study was to evaluate a suitable dose and measure cardiorespiratory effects of this combination. The quality of induction and recovery were scored using an established scoring system from 1 (excellent) to (poor). Twelve of the 20 hyenas were given an induction score of 1 (excellent), five an induction score of 2 (good), and three an induction score of 3 (fair). Of the animals with induction score = 1, the mean drug dose was 1.17 mg/kg ketamine, 0.25 mg/kg butorphanol and 0.03 mg/kg medetomidine, and the mean induction time and time to handling 6:25 minutes and 9:46 minutes respectively. The mean recovery time (from reversal to standing) was 10:16 min, which is shorter than what has been reported for tiletamine-zolazepam-based combinations in hyenas. Most hyenas were bradycardic (< 40 beats per minute) and the mean PaO2 69.5 mmHg. Three hyenas, one with induction score = 2, and two with induction scores = 3 spontaneously recovered at 33, 44 and 56 minutes post approach respectively. Regardless of induction time, all hyenas reached a level of surgical anaesthesia while immobilised. Overall, ketamine-butorphanol-medetomidine (KBM) was effective in immobilising hyenas but induction times varied, and animals were bradycardic during immobilisation.

Abstract Introduction : After the implementation of mitigation strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of respiratory viruses, including human coronaviruses (HCoV), experienced a significant decrease. The aim of this study is to characterize the epidemiology and clinical aspects of HCoV infections in ambulatory adults during COVID-19 pandemic times. Methods : descriptive, prospective, longitudinal study performed in a private hospital in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina between November 2020 and October 2022; 458 outpatient adults with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were studied undergoing clinical and microbiological follow-up. Results : 44 (9.6%) subjects were positive by multiplex PCR for HCoV. 14 of them for 229E (31.8%), 13 for OC43 (29.5%), 11 for HKU-1 (25.1%) and 6 for NL63 (13.6%). A repeated PCR was positive for the same HCoV in 19 (57%) of 33 patients on day 3-5. No hospitalizations or deaths were reported. Discussion : Endemic HCoV caused a significant pro portion of URTI among outpatient adults during COVID- 19-related restrictions times. An alternating pattern of circulation between alfa-HCoV and beta-HCoV was observed.

Abstract The alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is one of the problems that can compromise concrete durability, as the chemical reactions between the reactive aggregate and concrete pore solution, specifically sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and hydroxyl (OH-) in the presence of moisture, trigger expansion and cracking of concrete elements. The use of pozzolanic materials, such as finely ground glass powder (particles smaller than 75μm), to partially replace cement has been widely studied and has demonstrated beneficial results. However, because the behavior of pozzolans towards ASR is not completely understood yet, this work evaluates the effect of incorporating ground glass powder into cementitious composites against ASR. To this end, 8% silica fume was used as a control admixture, and four levels of glass powder (10, 20, 30, and 50%) were incorporated into the cementitious mixture to partially replace cement. Expansion tests were carried out in accordance with NBR15577-4 (ABNT, 2018) on mortar bars using the accelerated test method to assess the mitigation of expansions. The results show that the expansions caused by ASR decreased with the increasing content of glass powder in the cement mixtures. Furthermore, only the 50% level reduced the expansions to a safe value according to the Brazilian standard.

Resumo A reação álcali-sílica (RAS) é um dos problemas que pode comprometer a durabilidade do concreto, uma vez que as reações químicas entre o agregado reativo e a solução porosa do concreto, em particular, sódio (Na+), potássio (K+), cálcio (Ca2+) e hidroxila (OH-) na presença de umidade, desencadeiam a expansão e fissuração dos elementos de concreto. O uso de materiais pozolânicos, como o pó de vidro finamente moído (com partículas abaixo de 75μm), para substituir parcialmente o cimento, tem sido amplamente estudado e demonstrou resultados benéficos. No entanto, devido ao fato de que o comportamento das pozolanas em relação à RAS ainda não é completamente compreendido, este trabalho avalia o efeito da incorporação de pó de vidro moído em compósitos cimentícios frente a RAS. Para isso, 8% de sílica ativa como controle, e quatro teores de pó de vidro (10, 20, 30 e 50%) foram incorporados à mistura cimentícia em substituição parcial ao cimento. Testes de expansão foram realizados de acordo com a NBR15577-4 (ABNT, 2018) em barras de argamassa usando o método de teste acelerado para avaliar a mitigação das expansões. Os resultados mostram que as expansões causadas pela RAS diminuíram com o aumento do teor de pó de vidro das misturas de cimento. Além disso, apenas o nível de 50% reduziu as expansões a um valor seguro de acordo com a norma brasileira.

Abstract In many urban buildings, there is the presence of gas central storage, which contain pressurized tanks. One of the main risks in these places is an explosion, which may or may not is followed by fire. In general, the shock wave formed by this phenomenon is disastrous and can cause material damage and even fatalities. Recent research has contributed to understanding protective systems against this phenomenon; however, it is necessary to advance in developing protection devices for gas central storage. From this perspective, the implementation plan of these devices in order to mitigate the harmful effects of explosions are essential to raise the safety level in construction. Physical protection barriers are appropriate solutions for the protection of buildings, especially in places where it is impossible to bury gas reservoirs. In addition to the potential to reduce back pressure levels, protective walls, when properly designed, can also prevent the spread of debris from the explosion. Another kind of barrier that influences the propagation of the shock wave close to the ground is the ditches, whose function is related to the absorption and redirection of wave energy. Understanding the positioning, geometry, and overpressure attenuation potential of physical barriers are essential in developing safer and more reliable projects. This article aims to study protective barriers in buildings with pressurized gas tanks. The study was developed numerically using the Autodyn software. This program is a tool based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The protective capacity of the proposed types of protection regarding the mitigation of incident overpressures was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively.

Resumo Em muitas edificações urbanas há a presença de centrais de gás, as quais contém tanques pressurizados. Nesses locais, um dos principais riscos existentes é a explosão, que pode ser seguida ou não de incêndio. Em geral, a onda de choque formada por este tipo de fenômeno é desastrosa e pode ocasionar diversos danos materiais e até mesmo fatalidades. Pesquisas recentes têm contribuído para o entendimento dos sistemas protetivos contra este fenômeno, entretanto, é necessário avançar no desenvolvimento de dispositivos de proteção quanto as centrais de gás. Nessa perspectiva, a implementação destes para mitigação dos efeitos danosos das explosões é imprescindível para elevar o patamar de segurança nas construções. As barreiras físicas de proteção são soluções apropriadas para proteção de edificações, principalmente em locais onde há a impossibilidade de enterrar os reservatórios de gás. Além do potencial em reduzir os níveis de sobrepressão na parte posterior, os muros de proteção, quando corretamente projetados, também são capazes de impedir a propagação dos detritos oriundos da explosão. Outro tipo de barreira que influencia na propagação da onda de choque próxima ao solo são as valetas, cuja função está relacionada à absorção e redirecionamento da energia da onda. A compreensão sobre o posicionamento, geometria e potencial de atenuação de sobrepressões das barreiras físicas é indispensável no desenvolvimento de projetos mais seguros e confiáveis. Este artigo objetiva o estudo de barreiras protetivas em edificações com tanques de gás pressurizados. O estudo foi desenvolvido numericamente por meio do software Autodyn. Este programa é uma ferramenta baseada na dinâmica dos fluidos computacional (CFD). Avaliou-se qualitativamente e quantitativamente a capacidade protetiva dos tipos de proteção propostos quanto à mitigação das sobrepressões incidentes.