The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) stands for being the most serious epidemic (so far) of the 21st century. However, only a few computational studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the neutralization of the spike protein by antibodies of different classes. Hence, bioinformatic methods were employed to unravel the factors contributing to the remarkable neutralization capacity exhibited by specific antibodies. Initially, crystallographic structures of IgA monomeric / dimeric, IgG, and IgM antibodies binding with the receptor-binding domain region of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were retrieved. Subsequently, rigid molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations were performed over 100 ns with explicit water solvation. Lastly, an energy decomposition was conducted to estimate the binding affinity using the last frames from molecular dynamics. The results revealed a higher binding affinity for both monomeric and dimeric forms of IgA antibodies against the spike protein. Additionally, a greater number of hydrogen bonds were observed during their interaction with the spike protein, as well as greater structural instability along the time and especially a more thermodynamically favorable interaction affinity. In this way, the research contributes a small piece to the complex puzzle of understanding the humoral immune response induced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARSCoV2 SARSCoV SARS CoV (SARS-CoV-2 so far st century However classes Hence Initially IgG receptorbinding receptor SARS-CoV- retrieved Subsequently 10 solvation Lastly dynamics Additionally way virus (SARS-CoV- SARS-CoV 1 (SARS-CoV

This article discusses guidance published on official websites regarding the response of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) psychosocial care networks (RAPS) to the public health emergency caused by Covid-19. The discussion draws on the analysis of online materials published between 06/02/20 and 31/08/21 at state and federal level across all the country’s state capitals. We compare the results of the document analysis with guidance published by international organizations to reflect on the challenges, successes, mistakes and omissions in the guidance given to the RAPS at the beginning of the pandemic. It is concluded that, despite being formal, the guidance was poorly coordinated and integrated into the networks and with other sectors and pre-existing challenges, as recommended by the international community.

A presente análise documental tem como objetivo debater as orientações publicadas on-line em sites oficiais para guiar as respostas das Redes de Atenção Psicossocial (Raps) do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) do Brasil diante da emergência de Saúde Pública causada pela Covid-19. Baseia-se na análise de materiais publicados on-line entre 6/2/20 e 31/8/21 nos níveis federal e estadual e em todas as capitais do país. Combina essa análise documental com orientações e publicações de entidades internacionais a fim de refletir sobre os desafios, acertos, erros e omissões das orientações dadas para as Raps no país durante o início do período pandêmico. Conclui que as orientações, apesar de existentes formalmente, foram pouco articuladas e integradas dentro das próprias redes, com outros setores e com desafios preexistentes, conforme preconizado pela comunidade internacional.

El presente análisis documental tiene el objetivo de debatir las orientaciones publicadas online en páginas web oficiales para guiar las respuestas de las Redes de Atención Psicosociales (RAPS) del Sistema Brasileño de Salud (SUS) ante la emergencia de salud pública causada por la Covid-19. Se basa en el análisis de materiales publicados online entre el 06/02/20 y el 31/08/21 en las esferas de la federación y de los estados en todas las capitales del país. Combina este análisis documental con orientaciones y publicaciones de entidades internacionales para reflexionar sobre los desafíos, aciertos, errores y omisiones de las orientaciones dadas para las RAPS en el país durante el inicio del período pandémico. Concluye que las orientaciones, a pesar de existentes formalmente, fueron poco articuladas e integradas dentro de las propias redes con otros sectores y con desafíos preexistentes, conforme lo determina la comunidad internacional.

Abstract Introduction. Heavy metal pollution is a growing problem due to human activities. Plants can remove, destroy, or transform contaminants from soil, water, and air. By using plant growth regulators and chelating agents, heavy metal toxicity can be reduced. Objective. To evaluate the effect of applying a mixture of oligogalacturonides on peroxidase activity and the contents of malondialdehyde, total protein, and chlorophylls in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) var. Amalia subjected to high levels of heavy metals. Materials and methods. Soil contaminated with Cu, Cd, and Fe was collected from the Adalberto Vidal White Ceramic Company in Mayabeque, Cuba, in 2020. The experiment was conducted in 7 kg capacity bags using tomato plants, under semi-controlled conditions at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas (INCA), with a completely randomized experimental design with each treatment having ten replicates. The treatments with the oligogalacturonides (Ogal) were soil application (30 mg kg-1); foliar spray (20 mg L-1), the combination of these application forms, and a control. Peroxidase activity and the contents of malondialdehyde, total protein, and chlorophylls were determined at 35 and 56 days after the plant’s emergence. Results. The effect of Cu, Cd, and Fe on the seedlings was attenuated by all the use of the Ogal mixture variants use, indicating that they have developed adaptation mechanisms to high metal concentrations which allows to withstand abiotic stress. Conclusions. The Ogal mixture attenuated the effect of heavy metals on peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde content, total proteins, and chlorophylls in Amalia tomato plants.

Resumen Introducción. La contaminación por metales pesados es un problema que ha ido en aumento, debido a las actividades antrópicas. Las plantas pueden eliminar, destruir o transformar contaminantes del suelo, agua y aire. Con el empleo de reguladores del crecimiento vegetal y agentes quelantes se puede reducir la toxicidad por metales pesados. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de una mezcla de oligogalacturónidos sobre la actividad peroxidasa y los contenidos de malondialdehido, proteinas totales y clorofilas, en plantas de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) var. Amalia sometidas a altos niveles de metales pesados. Materiales y métodos. Se colectó suelo contaminado con Cu, Cd y el Fe, en la Empresa cerámica blanca Adalberto Vidal de Mayabeque, Cuba en el año 2020. El experimento se desarrolló en bolsas de 7 kg de capacidad y se utilizaron plantas de tomate, en condiciones semi controladas en áreas del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas (INCA), con un diseño experimental completamente aleatorizado con siete tratamientos y diez réplicas. Los tratamientos del producto a base de oligogalacturónidos (Ogal) fueron: aplicación al suelo (30 mg kg-1); aspersión foliar (20 mg L-1), la combinación de estas formas de aplicación y un testigo. A los 35 y 56 días de emergidas las plantas, se determinó la actividad peroxidasa y los contenidos de malondialdehido, proteinas totales y clorofilas. Resultados. El efecto que provocan el Cu, Cd y el Fe en las plántulas, fue atenuado por todas las variantes de uso de la mezcla Ogal, por lo que las mismas han desarrollado mecanismos de adaptación ante las altas concentraciones metálicas que le permiten subsistir al estrés abiótico. Conclusiones. La mezcla de Ogal atenuó el efecto que provocan los metales pesados en la actividad peroxidasa, el contenido malondialdehido, proteínas totales y clorofilas en plantas de tomate var. Amalia.

Abstract Introduction. The parameters of physiological response to drought stress are the result of a combination of slow- or fast-acting attributes. Gas exchange variables are classified as fast-acting and their level of occurrence or impact depends on the interaction between factors such as genotype and the duration, intensity, and phenological stage of stress occurrence. Objective. To identify the levels of physiological response exhibited by Solanum phureja under progressive water deficit stress. Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted between 2019 and 2020 under semi-controlled conditions at the Obonuco Research Center of the Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria. Four potato cultivars were planted, with half of the trial was maintained at field capacity and the other half subjected to water deficit stress by withholding irrigation for 15 days, followed by rehydration. Gas exchange variables, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic efficiency were evaluated every three days. Results. Significant differences were observed, with maximum gas exchange values in control plants showing 16.67 µmol m-2 s-1 photosynthesis rate (A); 0.34 mol m-2 s-1 stomatal conductance (gs); 5.5 mmol m-2 s-1 transpiration (E), and under stress, 1.17 µmol m-2 s-1 (A); 0.013 mol m-2 s-1 (gs); 0.29 mmol m-2 s-1 (E). Chlorophyll content values ranged between 451.7 and 474.69 mg m-2 with and without irrigation, respectively. Conclusions. Stomatic closure was the earliest response to water deficit, and potato plants showed recovery in gas exchange values after rehydration following stress. Finally, three levels of physiological response were identified: mild, moderate, and severe stress, depending on the intensity and duration of stress, which is useful for future studies and the development of irrigation schedules.

Resumen Introducción. Los parámetros de respuesta fisiológica al estrés por sequía son la conjugación de una serie de atributos de acción lenta o rápida. Las variables de intercambio gaseoso son catalogadas como de respuesta rápida, su nivel de aparición o afección dependen de la interacción entre factores como el genotipo y duración, intensidad y etapa fenológica de ocurrencia del estrés. Objetivo. Identificar los niveles de respuesta fisiológica que presenta Solanum phureja bajo el estrés progresivo por déficit hídrico. Materiales y métodos. El experimento se realizó entre 2019 y 2020, bajo condiciones semi-controladas en el Centro de Investigación Obonuco de la Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria. Se sembraron cuatro cultivares de papa, la mitad del ensayo se mantuvo con riego a capacidad de campo y a la otra parte se le suspendió para inducir estrés por déficit hídrico durante 15 días, luego se rehidrataron; se evaluaron variables de intercambio gaseoso, clorofila y eficiencia fotosintética cada tres días. Resultados. Se presentaron diferencias significativas con los valores máximos de intercambio gaseoso en plantas del tratamiento control con 16,67 µmol m-2 s-1 tasa de fotosíntesis (A); 0,34 mol m-2 s-1 conductancia estomática (gs) 5,5 mmol m-2 s-1 transpiración (E) y en estrés 1,17 µmol m-2 s-1 (A); 0,013 mol m-2 s-1 (gs); 0,29 mmol m-2 s-1 (E). En cuanto al contenido de clorofila, se presentaron valores entre 451,7 y 474,69 mg m-2 con riego y sin riego, respectivamente. Conclusiones. El cierre estomático fue la respuesta más temprana al déficit hídrico, además, las plantas de papa presentaron recuperación de los valores de intercambio gaseoso después del suministro de riego posterior al estrés. Finalmente, se identificaron tres niveles de respuesta fisiológica, estrés leve, moderado y severo, según la intensidad y duración del estrés, lo cual es de utilidad para futuros estudios y planteamientos de calendarios de riego.

Abstract Introduction: The currents of streams and rivers are natural signals that influence the migrations in the life cycle of amphidromous shrimp. Objective: To evaluate the rheotaxis behavior in juveniles and adults of Macrobrachium tenellum, in relation to their response capacity to different water currentspeeds in a closed-loop experimental system. Methods: A PVC pipe system was used, with a tub for water recirculation and a backwater placed in the middle of the system. Water flows of 10-30 cm/s were tested to establish the experimental conditions. Rheotaxis behavior without backwater (SR) and with backwater (CR) was evaluated; three water flows were tested: FI, 14 cm/s; FII, 18.7 cm/s; and FIII, 22.1 cm/s, and a control FC flow, 0 cm/s, with 40 juveniles, 40 females and 40 males per flow. Three main behaviors were identified: positive rheotaxis, negative rheotaxis, and no reaction. Results: For both SR and CR, water flows stimulate positive rheotaxis and the behavioral response is different depending on the speed of the water flow and whether they are juveniles, females, or males. In CR there was a greater response of the prawns to continue swimming against the current when they entered the pool. At a straight angle, the constant flow of water greater than 23.2 cm/s makes it difficult for this species to swim against the current. Conclusions: The positive rheotaxis response was the most prevalent in juveniles, females, and males of M. tenellum.

Resumen Introducción: Las corrientes de arroyos y ríos son señales naturales que influencian las migraciones en el ciclo de vida de langostinos anfídromos. Objetivo: Evaluar el comportamiento de reotaxis en juveniles y adultos de Macrobrachium tenellum, con relación a su capacidad de respuesta a diferentes velocidades de flujos de corriente de agua en un sistema experimental de circuito cerrado. Métodos: Se utilizó un sistema de tubos PVC, con una tina para la recirculación del agua y un remanso colocado a la mitad del sistema. Se probaron flujos de agua de 10-30 cm/s para establecer las condiciones experimentales. Se evaluó el comportamiento de reotaxis sin remanso (SR) y con el remanso (CR); se probaron tres flujos de agua: FI, 14 cm/s; FII, 18.7 cm/s; y FIII, 22.1 cm/s, y un flujo control FC, 0 cm/s, con 40 juveniles, 40 hembras y 40 machos por flujo. Se identificaron tres comportamientos principales: reotaxis positiva, reotaxis negativa y sin reacción. Resultados: Tanto para SR como CR los flujos de agua estimulan mayormente la reotaxis positiva y la respuesta de comportamiento es diferente según la velocidad del flujo de agua y si son juveniles, hembras o machos. En CR hubo una mayor respuesta de los langostinos a seguir nadando en contra de la corriente cuando estos ingresaban al remanso. En un ángulo recto, el flujo de agua constante superior a 23.2 cm/s dificulta el nado contra corriente de esta especie. Conclusiones: La respuesta de reotaxis positiva fue la que mayor predominó en juveniles, hembras y machos de M. tenellum.

Abstract Introduction: Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) are bioessential micronutrients for plants but can impair the energetic metabolism when present at high levels. Objective: To assess the photosynthetic performance and oxidative damages in Rhizophora mangle L. leaf tissues at low and high concentrations of Fe (74 and 195 mg kg-1; Feleaf) and Mn (65 and 414 mg kg-1; Mnleaf). Methods: Photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a fluorescence, leaf CO2 assimilation and gas exchange and DPPH• radical scavenging capacity were sampled in R. mangle growing in estuarine forests in the North region of Espírito Santo State and the extreme South of Bahia State (Brazil) showing low and high Feleaf and Mnleaf. Results: Effects of high Fe and Mn were not identified on pigment levels. The increase in Feleaf and Mnleaf at the levels observed in this assessment had a positive effect on the number of reaction centers and on the efficiency of the oxygen-evolving complex, evaluated as K-band, while no changes were found in the parameters related to the excitation trapping efficiency at the active center of photosystem II. Distinct interference patterns of Fe and Mn on the functional processes of photosynthesis were identified, especially on CO2 assimilation and reactive oxygen species metabolism, with major effects on CO2 assimilation and carboxylation efficiency of Rubisco at high Mnleaf. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the efficiency of R. mangle in positively regulating the electron transport chain in response to high Fe and Mn, at least in terms of the preservation of structure and functionality of the plant photosynthetic apparatus. Moreover, interference of high Mnleaf in R. mangle occurs at non-stomatal and biochemical levels. There is an antagonistic interference of these trace elements with the physiology of R. mangle, which is a dominant species in Brazilian mangroves.

Resumen Introducción: El hierro (Fe) y el manganeso (Mn) son micronutrientes bioesenciales para las plantas, pero pueden afectar el metabolismo energético cuando están presentes en niveles altos. Objetivo: Evaluar el desempeño fotosintético y los daños oxidativos en tejidos foliares de Rhizophora mangle L. a bajas y altas concentraciones de Fe (74 y 195 mg kg-1; Feleaf) y Mn (65 y 414 mg kg-1; Mnleaf). Métodos: Se muestrearon pigmentos fotosintéticos, fluorescencia de clorofila a, asimilación e intercambio de gases de CO2 foliar y capacidad de eliminación de radicales DPPH• en R. mangle que crece en bosques de estuarios en la región Norte del estado de Espírito Santo y el extremo Sur del Estado de Bahía (Brasil) mostrando Feleaf y Mnleaf bajos y altos. Resultados: No se identificaron efectos de niveles elevados de Fe y Mn en los niveles de pigmento. El aumento de Feleaf y Mnleaf en los niveles observados en esta evaluación tuvo un efecto positivo en el número de centros de reacción y en la eficiencia del complejo generador de oxígeno, evaluado como banda K, mientras que no se encontraron cambios en los parámetros relacionados con la eficiencia de atrapamiento de excitación en el centro activo del fotosistema II. Se identificaron distintos patrones de interferencia de Fe y Mn en los procesos funcionales de la fotosíntesis, especialmente en la asimilación de CO2 y el metabolismo de las especies reactivas de oxígeno, con efectos importantes en la asimilación de CO2 y la eficiencia de carboxilación de Rubisco a niveles altos de Mnleaf. Conclusión: Los hallazgos demuestran la eficiencia de R. mangle en la regulación positiva de la cadena de transporte de electrones en respuesta a los altos niveles de Fe y Mn, al menos en términos de preservación de la estructura y funcionalidad del aparato fotosintético de la planta. Además, la interferencia de Mnleaf alto en R. mangle se presenta a niveles no estomáticos y bioquímicos. Hay interferencia antagónica de estos oligoelementos con la fisiología de R. mangle, que es una especie dominante en los manglares brasileños.

Abstract Introduction: Anthropogenic disturbances, including wildfires, threaten the diversity of tropical Andean ecosystems. Consequently, 60-90 % of Colombian pre-Hispanic oaks have disappeared. Andean oak forests are dominated by Quercus humboldtii, the only South American species of Fagaceae which has high socioeconomic and biodiversity interests. The reproductive response of this species will condition its regeneration capacity and the persistence of oak forest. However, our knowledge about the effect of fire on this response is incipient. Objective: To evaluate the production and germination of Q. humboldtii acorns in oak forests affected by recurring wildfires. Methods: We monitored the production and germination of acorns from Q. humboldtii trees in fire and non-fire affected forests in the Eastern Andes of Colombia, Boyacá, Serranía de Iguaque, during 14 months. We also evaluated fire incidence, tree size, precipitation, temperature, and other site characteristics. Results: Acorn production began 34 months after the fire. In burned oaks, the production of incompletely developed acorns (abortions) was almost nine times higher than viable acorns, and those with larger scar areas or many scars were more likely to produce abortions. Conversely, oaks of larger size, especially at the crown, tended to produce more acorns. The few viable acorns from fire-affected trees had smaller sizes and lower germination rates compared to those documented for unburned trees in existing literature. The unburned trees did not produce mature acorns, but abortion production was ten times lower than in the burned trees. Therefore, it is feasible that Q. humboldtii presents masting, and the unburned trees are in a low production cycle. Conclusions: Fire, tree size, and masting drive acorn production in the Iguaque oak forests. These could affect the recruitment of the species due to a possible limitation in the source.

Resumen Introducción: Disturbios antropogénicos, incluyendo el incremento de los incendios, amenazan la diversidad de los ecosistemas andinos tropicales. Consecuentemente, 60-90 % de los robledales prehispánicos colombianos han desaparecido. Los robledales andinos son dominados por Quercus humboldtii, única Fagaceae suramericana con elevado interés socioeconómico y en biodiversidad. La respuesta reproductiva de esta especie condicionará su capacidad de regeneración y la persistencia de los robledales. Sin embargo, nuestro conocimiento sobre el efecto del fuego en dicha respuesta es incipiente. Objetivo: Evaluar la producción y germinación de bellotas de Q. humboldtii en robledales afectados por incendios recurrentes. Métodos: Durante catorce meses monitoreamos de la producción de bellotas y su germinación en árboles de Q. humboldtii de bosques afectados y no afectados por incendios en Boyacá de Iguaque. También evaluamos la incidencia de los incendios, el tamaño de los árboles, la precipitación, temperatura y otras características locales. Resultados: La producción de bellotas inició 34 meses después del incendio. En los robles quemados la producción de bellotas con desarrollo incompleto (abortos) fue casi nueve veces mayor que la de bellotas maduras. Los árboles con mayor área de cicatriz o número de cicatrices fueron más propensos a producir abortos. Por el contrario, los robles con mayor tamaño suelen producir más bellotas. Las pocas bellotas maduras provenientes de los árboles quemados, presentaron menor tamaño y tasas de germinación en comparación a las bellotas de los árboles no quemados. Los árboles no quemados no produjeron bellotas maduras, pero la producción abortos diez veces inferior que en los árboles quemados. Es factible que Q. humboldtii presente vecería (masting) y los árboles no quemados estén en un ciclo de baja producción. Conclusiones: El fuego, el tamaño del árbol y la vecería están controlando la producción de bellotas en los robledales de Iguaque. Los incendios podrían estar afectando el reclutamiento de la especie debido a una posible limitación en la fuente.

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the leaf spectral response of three native timber forest species in the tropical dry forest: Diomate (Astronium graveolens Jacq.), Choibá (Dipteryx oleifera Benth.), and Algarrobo (Hymenaea courbaril L.). The study was conducted at the León Morales Soto Arboretum and Palmetum, at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia. Spectral data from the leaves were collected in situ using the portable spectroradiometer ASD FieldSpec HandHeld-2, which operates with a spectral resolution of 1 nm (resampled to 10 nm) and covers a spectral range between 325 and 1,075 nm (limited to 400-900 nm). Based on the measurements, the behavior and spectral variability of the species were evaluated. One-factor Analysis of Variance and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon U-test were implemented in reflectance spectra to select the optimal narrow bands for species discrimination. The classification capacity of the selected narrow bands was assessed using the K-nearest neighbors' algorithm. It was found that A. graveolens and H. courbaril exhibited spectral signatures typical of healthy vegetation, while D. oleifera showed spectral changes during the early stages of senescence. Regarding spectral separability, 23 narrow bands in the visible region and near-infrared region were identified as optimal for distinguishing the plant species. The supervised classification algorithm applied to these 23 narrow bands achieved an overall accuracy of 95.8%. In conclusion, these findings provide valuable insights into the spectral response of important tropical species and contribute to their conservation efforts by enhancing understanding of their unique spectral characteristics in diverse and heterogeneous ecosystems like tropical forests.

RESUMEN Esta investigación analizó la respuesta espectral foliar de tres especies forestales maderables nativas del bosque seco tropical, Diomate (Astronium graveolens Jacq.), Choibá (Dipteryx oleifera Benth.) y Algarrobo (Hymenaea courbaril L.). El estudio se efectuó en el Arboretum y Palmetum León Morales Soto de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia. Los datos espectrales de las hojas se colectaron in situ con el espectrorradiómetro portátil ASD FieldSpec HandHeld-2, que trabaja con una resolución espectral de 1 nm (remuestreada a 10 nm) y un rango espectral entre 325 y 1.075 nm (acotado entre 400 y 900 nm). A partir de las mediciones, se evaluó el comportamiento y la variabilidad espectral de las especies. Se implementó el Análisis de Varianza de un factor y la prueba U de Mann - Whitney - Wilcoxon en los espectros de reflectancia con el fin de seleccionar las bandas estrechas óptimas para discriminar las especies. Se evaluó la capacidad de clasificación de las especies en las bandas estrechas seleccionadas, utilizando el algoritmo de los K vecinos más cercanos. Encontrando que A. graveolens e H. courbaril presentaron firmas espectrales típicas de la vegetación saludable y D. oleifera evidenció cambios espectrales en el período inicial de la senescencia. Respecto a la separabilidad espectral, se encontraron 23 bandas estrechas en la región visible e infrarrojo cercano óptimas para diferenciar las especies vegetales. El algoritmo de clasificación supervisada aplicado en las 23 bandas estrechas, tuvo una precisión general del 95,8%. En conclusión, estos hallazgos proporcionan valiosos conocimientos sobre la respuesta espectral de importantes especies tropicales y contribuyen a sus esfuerzos de conservación al mejorar la comprensión de sus características espectrales únicas en ecosistemas diversos y heterogéneos como el bosque tropical.

ABSTRACT Having in mind food security and the fact that basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is used as fresh seasoning, the development of innovative technologies for its cultivation is required. This study aimed to isolate and characterize plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolates from basil rhizospheric soil and monitor the effects of their application on basil growth under different water stress conditions. Isolation, determination of isolates biochemical and PGP properties, evaluation of isolates influences on seed germination and parameters of growth of basil plant, growing under well-watered conditions (70% water holding capacity, WHC), under water deficit stress (35% WHC), and flooded conditions (95% WHC), were done. A total of five representative bacterial isolates were selected: Two Azotobacter isolates (A13, A14), one Pseudomonas isolate (P57), and two Bacillus isolates (B79, B82). The results of this experiment revealed that rhizospheric bacteria of O. basilicum L. var. minimum have multiple biochemical and PGP properties. The most intensive reactions on tested abiotic stressors - drought (higher total phenolics, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde content) and flooding (higher superoxide dismutase activity) - were from basil plants inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. P57 isolate, yet along with Azotobacter sp. isolate A13. The highest number of germinated seeds was obtained with the A13 isolate (96.0%), while the highest response for vigour index was observed with Azotobacter isolates (7200.0% and 5628.0%). In well-watered conditions, basil mass inoculated with P57 was 34.2% higher than control. In drought-stressed conditions, plant mass inoculated with A13 isolate was 90% higher than control. In flooded-stressed conditions, the plant mass inoculated with Azotobacter and Pseudomonas isolates increased by more than 100%.

The generally accepted view in rock blasting is that the sources of energy for the fracture and movement of rock reside in the shock wave and gas action resulting from the explosion, and yet the mechanisms by which these sources interact with the rock have remained unclarified. It has also been noted that up to 50% of the work capacity of an explosive released in a blast cannot be accounted for by field measurements of energy partitioning. In this study, we describe a physical model that details the response of rock to both shock wave and gas action. An analytical model based on momentum conservation is derived to describe the dynamics of shock-driven expansion of the blasthole. Radial expansion of the hole is the key parameter that permits the derivation of the following characteristics of rock response to shock loads: hole expansion time; volume of displaced rock; energy consumed per unit volume; expansion energy efficiency; stress wave pulse length; gas pressure in enlarged hole. Soon after the completion of hole expansion, the shock wave degenerates to an elastic stress wave that runs through the burden. Blasthole expansions of between 50% and 300% of diameter are completed in under 1 ms and, depending on rock properties, consume 32% to 42% of the detonation energy or about 55% of the available mechanical (Gurney) energy. Gas pressure in the enlarged holes in five rock types is between 35 MPa and 650 MPa, and drives the mass movement of burden rock.

Resumen: Los sistemas de entrepiso compuestos con el paso del tiempo han tenido una mayor aceptación por parte de la industria de la construcción, gracias a las bondades que presentan frente a otros tipos de entrepiso. Entre sus principales bondades se encuentran el ahorro en tiempo de construcción lo que finalmente se reduce en menores costos. Por lo antes mencionado, el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías u optimizaciones a las mismas son necesarias. En la presente investigación experimental se analizó el comportamiento mecánico a flexión de una serie de probetas de sistemas de entrepisos compuestos, hechos con concreto y láminas de acero colaborante con perforados en el valle de la lámina (paralelos a los ejes de las costillas del entrepiso). Los resultados fueron comparados con otra serie de probetas de sistemas de entrepiso similares, hechos con láminas convenciones (sin ningún tipo de perforación). Los resultados fueron analizados desde el punto de vista de la deflexión máxima en el centro de la luz, de la máxima carga reportada durante el ensayo a flexión y del monitoreo del flujo magnético superficial de las fibras mayormente solicitadas a tensión en la lámina de acero. Se reportaron comportamientos de falla mediante mecanismos de fractura por bloque de compresión, fallas por zonas de tensión en el concreto y pandeos localizados en la lámina una vez el sistema dejó de trabajar como sistema compuesto. Se identificaron correlaciones en el tiempo entre los picos de carga y los comportamientos diferenciales de la señal de flujo magnético, identificando tres instantes claramente identificables mediante el uso del magnetismo como variable de monitoreo estructural: i) elasticidad compuesta, ii) aumento de la tensión en la lámina de acero, iii) pérdida de la sección compuesta y colapso del sistema de entrepiso. Finalmente, los resultados de capacidad del sistema de entrepiso con el sistema de perforados longitudinales, no representó un incremento sustancial en la capacidad del entrepiso comparado con el sistema de construcción con lámina convencional.

Abstract: Recently composite flooring systems are widely acepted as a construction solution, due to their various constructive advantages, Amongst them mainly the savings during construction which turns out in lower costs. This calls for a continous study to improve said flooring system. In the present research, the flexural capacity of a series of composite flooring prototypes (made of concrete plus a steel deck with a surface modification into a vented deck), helped in comparing the mechanical response (maximum load and deflection) with classical composite steel deck systems. At the same time of monitoring deflection (as load changed), one sensor reported the surface magnetic flux at a nearby area. It was posible to see a strong correlation between larger changes in deflection and the emmanated magnetic flux at the surface of the steel deck. Three stages are available to see as the test continued: i) complete elastic behavior, ii) rise in tensile demand on the steel deck, iii) loosening of the composite behavior and ultimately collapse. Mechanical results show almost no difference between those composite flooring systems made with continuous steel deck when compared to those with vented decks.

Irrigation is required to supplement rainfall to enhance the productivity of chickpea in South Africa (SA). However, the dependence on irrigation can be problematic for SA and other countries with limited natural water resources and variable rainfall. Even though access to irrigation water has been identified as one of the challenges faced when planting chickpea in the winter season in SA, irrigation management strategies for chickpea grown on soils differing in texture have not gained considerable research attention. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effects of irrigation levels on dry matter production of chickpea grown on two soils differing in soil texture under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was arranged as a 3 × 2 factorial in a completely randomized design, with 3 irrigation levels (25%, 50% and 75% of the water-holding capacity of soil (WHC)) and 2 soils differing in soil textural class (Loamy sand (LS) soil and sandy loam (SL) soil), replicated thrice. Irrigation level, soil texture and their interaction significantly affected shoot biomass (SBM) and total plant biomass (TBM). Generally, SBM, TBM and root biomass decreased correspondingly with the reduction in irrigation. The 25% WHC significantly reduced the SBM by up to 60% and TBM by up to 56% compared to the 50% and 75% WHC. The SBM and TBM were higher in SL soil than in LS soil. A significantly higher root/shoot ratio (0.45) in the LS soil than in the SL soil (0.16) indicated that the conditions of LS soil encouraged plants to allocate higher proportions of biomass into roots, possibly due to increased competition for soil resources. In conclusion, maintaining soil moisture at 50% WHC ensures better chickpea dry matter production in SL soil.

ABSTRACT Monitoring systems are essential to measure and evaluate food-nutritional security, since they can provide accurate, updated and reliable information to design effective policies and programs around the most vulnerable population groups, based on the risks they face and the capacity response from individuals and households. Taking into account the priority of the problem in the management of governments at the national, provincial and municipal levels in Cuba, the objective of the present investigation is to determine the components of a monitoring system of food-nutritional vulnerability for the province of Villa Clara. The study is based on the perspective of dialectical materialism and several of the inherent methods such as the logical-historical and the analytical-synthetic; At the empirical level, documentary analysis was used. The proposed components are conceived in correspondence with the cycle of public policies and adapted to the conditions and characteristics of the territory.

RESUMEN Los sistemas de monitoreo resultan fundamentales para medir y evaluar la seguridad alimentario-nutricional, pues pueden proporcionar información precisa, actualizada y confiable para diseñar políticas y programas efectivos en torno a grupos poblacionales más vulnerables, sobre la base de los riesgos que enfrentan y la capacidad de respuesta de personas y hogares. Teniendo en cuenta la prioridad de la problemática en la gestión de los gobiernos a escala nacional, provincial y municipal en Cuba, constituye objetivo de la presente investigación: determinar los componentes de un sistema de monitoreo de la vulnerabilidad alimentario-nutricional para la provincia de Villa Clara. El estudio se basa en la perspectiva del materialismo dialéctico y varios de los métodos consustanciales como el lógico-histórico y el analítico-sintético; del nivel empírico se empleó el análisis documental. Los componentes propuestos se conciben en correspondencia con el ciclo de políticas públicas, y adaptado a las condiciones y características del territorio.

ABSTRACT Red chili pepper Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum plants are one of the fruity vegetable types that are often cultivated in riparian tropical wetlands but are constrained by water stress such as waterlogging during rainy season and drought in dry season. The aim of this research was to evaluate the growth and morpho-physiological responses of red chili pepper cultivars subjected to waterlogging and drought stress conditions. The experiment was carried out in a strip-plot design with two factors. The first factor was three water stress treatments, namely control (field capacity), waterlogging, and drought. The second factor was six cultivars of Indonesian red chili pepper. The findings indicated that both waterlogging and drought stress had a detrimental impact on the reduction of the growth parameters of red chili pepper such as root, shoot and total dry weight. Chili pepper defended its root weights in response to drought stress (0.653 g plant-1) whereas it preserved shoot weight in response to waterlogging (0.913 g plant-1). In the morphological characters, chili pepper exhibited an increase in specific leaf area expansion in response to both waterlogging (150.82 cm2) and drought (188.82 cm2) compared to control (140.91 cm2), but decreased specific leaf weight during stresses and recovered after 7 d in waterlogging. Leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD) and leaf relative water content (LRWC), as physiological characteristics, also experienced a decline during exposure to both waterlogging and drought during 8 d; yet, SPAD and LRWC able to recover completely at 7 d after waterlogging and drought treatment were terminated.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar o efeito da ativação por meio de exercícios de força e pliométricos bilaterais ou unilaterais no desempenho do salto horizontal. Metodologia: O estudo envolveu 15 jogadores de futebol masculinos altamente treinados (idade, 24.7 ± 3.1 anos; altura, 181.2 ± 4.7 cm; peso, 79.7 ± 3.4 kg) da mesma equipe competindo na liga nacional. Sua rotina de treinamento regular consistia em 4 sessões e 1 jogo competitivo por semana. Os participantes realizaram 1 protocolo de controle (CON) e 3 protocolos de ativação seguindo um desenho contrabalanceado com base em exercícios específicos de futebol (SIN), exercícios de força e pliométricos bilaterais (BIL) e unilaterais (UNI). Após cada protocolo, os jogadores foram submetidos ao teste de salto horizontal (HZB). Resultados: A ANOVA de medidas repetidas revelou efeitos positivos significativos no HZB para os protocolos SIN (p<0.01; diff = 2.95(2.00) %), BIL (p<0.01; diff = 3.22(2.61) %) e UNI (p<0.01; diff = 6.80(3.40) %) em comparação com CON. Além disso, o HZB foi significativamente maior após o protocolo UNI do que após SIN (p<0.01; diff = 3.74(2.62) %) e BIL (p<0.01; diff = 3.47(1.94) %). A análise de resposta individual refletiu efeitos positivos no HZB para SIN, BIL e UNI em comparação com CON, enquanto 89 % dos jogadores mostraram melhor desempenho de HZB após UNI do que após BIL. Conclusões: A ativação incorporando estímulos de força e pliométricos unilaterais tem um efeito positivo maior na capacidade de salto horizontal do que a ativação envolvendo exercícios gerais, específicos do futebol e bilaterais.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the effect of activation through bilateral or unilateral strength and plyometric exercises on horizontal jump performance. Methodology: The study involved 15 highly trained male soccer players (age, 24.7 ± 3.1 years; height, 181.2 ± 4.7 cm; weight, 79.7 ± 3.4 kg) from the same team competing in the national league. Their regular training routine consisted of 4 sessions and 1 competitive match per week. Participants performed 1 control protocol (CON) and 3 activation protocols following a counterbalanced design based on specific soccer exercises (SIN), bilateral (BIL), and unilateral (UNI) strength and plyometric exercises. After each protocol, players underwent the horizontal jump test (HZB). Results: The repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant positive effects on HZB for the SIN (p<0.01; diff = 2.95(2.00) %), BIL (p<0.01; diff = 3.22(2.61) %), and UNI (p<0.01; diff = 6.80(3.40) %) protocols compared to CON. Furthermore, HZB was significantly higher after the UNI protocol than after SIN (p<0.01; diff = 3.74(2.62) %) and BIL (p<0.01; diff = 3.47(1.94) %). Individual response analysis reflected positive effects on HZB for SIN, BIL, and UNI compared to CON, while 89 % of players showed better HZB performance after UNI than after BIL. Conclusions: Activation incorporating unilateral strength and plyometric stimuli has a greater positive effect on horizontal jump capacity than activation involving general, soccer-specific, and bilateral exercises.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar el efecto de una activación realizada a través de ejercicios de fuerza y pliometría ejecutados de forma bilateral o unilateral sobre el rendimiento en salto horizontal. Metodología: En el estudio participaron 15 futbolistas masculinos, altamente entrenados (edad, 24.7 ± 3.1 años; altura, 181.2 ± 4.7 cm; peso, 79.7 ± 3.4 kg) pertenecientes al mismo equipo, que competía en liga nacional. Su rutina de entrenamiento regular constaba de 4 sesiones y 1 partido competitivo por semana. Los participantes llevaron a cabo 1 protocolo control (CON) y 3 protocolos de activación, siguiendo un diseño contrabalanceado, basados en ejercicios específicos de fútbol (SIN), ejercicios de fuerza y pliometría ejecutados de forma bilateral (BIL) y unilateral (UNI). Después de cada protocolo los jugadores realizaron la prueba de salto horizontal (HZB). Resultados: Los resultados de la prueba ANOVA de medidas repetidas mostraron efectos positivos significativos sobre el HZB de los protocolos SIN (p<0.01; dif = 2.95(2.00)%), BIL (p<0.01; dif = 3.22(2.61) %); y UNI (p<0.01; dif = 6.80(3.40) %) con respecto a CON. Además, HZB fue, significativamente, mayor después del protocolo UNI que del SIN (p<0.01; dif = 3.74(2.62) %) y BIL (p<0.01; dif = 3.47(1.94) %). El análisis de la respuesta individual reflejó efectos positivos en HZB de los protocolos SIN, BIL y UNI respecto al CON, mientras que el 89 % de los jugadores tuvieron mejor rendimiento en HZB después de UNI que de BIL. Conclusiones: Una activación que incorpora estímulos de fuerza y pliometría ejecutados, de forma unilateral, tiene un efecto positivo mayor sobre la capacidad de salto horizontal, que una activación que involucra ejercicios generales, específicos de fútbol y de ejecución bilateral.