Abstract First-mile problems have become a major problem for the automobile industry since moving cars from production plants to selling destinations is characterized by using vehicle carriers with limited space. Although supply chain processes have automatized last-mile operations to improve productivity and increase benefits, first-mile analysis has been widely ignored. For example, in the automotive industry, cars are stored in parking lots until they are demanded, which negatively impacts delivery times and increases transportation costs. The previous issues impact the first-mile logistics of the automobile industry to the detriment of copying with delivery times and increasing the operation cost. In this paper, we deal with the previous issues by modeling the movement of cars from the parking lot to the car Carrier as an optimal control problem. Considering that not all cars should leave the parking lot, we search for conditions that guarantee the existence of a unique optimal path when the cars’ requisition is uncertain. Theoretical results provide a closed-form solution that indicates the optimal path to fill the car carrier in a time window. Such solutions allow us to study the impact of exogenous parameters (such as the parking lot size, the starting point, andmarginal costs) on the behavior and features of the optimal path.

Resumen Los problemas de la primera milla se han convertido en un problema importante para la industria automotriz, ya que el traslado de los automóviles desde las plantas de producción a los destinos de venta se caracteriza por el uso de portavehículos con espacio limitado. Aunque los procesos de la cadena de suministro han automatizado las operaciones de última milla para mejorar la productividad y aumentar los beneficios, el análisis de la primera milla ha sido ampliamente ignorado. Por ejemplo, en la industria automotriz, los automóviles se almacenan en estacionamientos hasta que se demandan, lo que impacta negativamente en los tiempos de entrega y aumenta los costos de transporte. Lo anterior impacta la logística de primera milla de la industria automotriz en detrimento de copiar tiempos de entrega y aumentar el costo de operación. En este artículo, abordamos las cuestiones anteriores modelando el movimiento de los automóviles desde el estacionamiento hasta el portavehículos como un problema de control óptimo. Considerando que no todos los autos deben salir del estacionamiento, buscamos condiciones que garanticen la existencia de un único camino óptimo cuando la requisición de los autos es incierta. Los resultados teóricos proporcionan una solución de forma cerrada que indica la ruta óptima para llenar el portavehículos en una ventana de tiempo. Estas soluciones nos permiten estudiar el impacto de parámetros exógenos (como el tamaño del estacionamiento, el punto de partida y los costos marginales) sobre el comportamiento y las características de la ruta óptima.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the effect of harvest date on ‘Fuji Suprema’ apple quality, productivity, and economic profitability at harvest and after storage. Apples were harvested at the beginning of the commercial harvest window (H1), ten days after H1 (H2), and 22 days after H1 (H3) in the 2008 and 2009 growing seasons. A total of six samples with ~400 kg of fruit (~2,900 apples) each were picked at each growing season and harvest date, which were assessed at harvest (six subsamples of 100 fruit) and after 250 days of controlled atmosphere storage at 0.8 °C. The economic analysis considered fixed and variable production costs in the orchard and postharvest practices and the productivity of packaged apples (pack-out). Early harvested (H1) apples had greater flesh firmness, acidity, and lower soluble solids content than late-harvested apples (H3), both at harvest and after storage. Delaying harvest by 22 days increased the production by 10.2% due to increased fruit size but reduced the production by 3.6% due to severe sunburn and pre-harvest decay incidence. Late harvest also increased production losses due to decay by 4.4% and 10.9% during storage and shelf, respectively, but reduced production losses due to superficial scald by 17.1 to 22.7%. The net revenue (R$ ha-1) is higher for apples harvested late (H3, flesh firmness of 15.6 lb and starch index of 7.1) than for apples harvested early (H1 and H2) when the fruit is marketed soon after harvest (between April and May). However, for apples marketed after long-term storage, economic profitability is maximum when harvested at an intermediate maturity stage (H2, flesh firmness of 16.4 lb and starch index of 6). Fuji Suprema quality H1, H , H2, H2 (H2) 2 H3 (H3 200 seasons 400 ~40 ~2,900 2900 900 (~2,90 10 25 08 0 8 0. C °C packout. packout pack out . (pack-out) acidity lateharvested H3, 102 10.2 36 3 6 3.6 preharvest pre incidence 44 4 4.4 109 9 10.9 shelf respectively 171 17 1 17. 227 7 22.7% R$ R (R ha1 ha ha-1 156 15 15. 7.1 71 (H between May. May May) However longterm long term (H2 164 16 16. 6. 6) 20 40 ~4 ~2,90 290 90 (~2,9 (pack-out 10. 3. 4. 22.7 ha- 7. ~ ~2,9 29 (~2, 22. ~2, (~2 ~2 (~ (

Resumo Este estudo foi conduzido para analisar o impacto da época de colheita (C) de maçãs‘Fuji Suprema’ sobre sua qualidade, produtividade e rentabilidade econômica nacolheita e após a armazenagem. Os frutos foram colhidos no início do período decolheita comercial(H1), após 10 dias (C2) e após 22 dias (C3) da primeira colheita, em 2008 e2009. Em cada ano e data de colheita, foram colhidas seis amostras de ~400 kg (~2.900maçãs), as quais foram analisadas na colheita (6 subamostras de 100 maçãs) e após 250 dias de armazenagem a 0,8 oC, sob atmosfera controlada. A análise econômica considerou custos fixos e variáveis de produção no pomar e das práticas pós-colheita e a produtividadede maçãs empacotadas. As maçãs colhidas precocemente apresentaram, na colheita e após aarmazenagem, maior firmeza da polpa, maior acidez e menor teor de açúcares que as colhidas tardiamente. O atraso da colheita em 22 dias aumentou a produção em 10,2% pelo aumento do tamanho dos frutos, mas reduziu a produção em 3,6% por queimadura de solsevera e podridões pré-colheita. Adicionalmente, a colheita tardia resultou em aumentodas perdas de produção por podridões em 4,4% e 10,9% durante armazenagem e prateleira,respectivamente,e reduziu as perdas de produção por escaldadura superficial em 17,1 a 22,7%. A análise econômica mostrou que a receita líquida (R$ ha-1) é maior para maçãs colhidas tardiamente (C3, firmeza da polpa de 15,6 lb e índice de amido 7,1) que paramaçãs colhidas precocemente (H1 e C2), quando comercializadas logo após a colheita.Entretanto, para maçãs comercializadas após longos períodos de armazenagem, a rentabilidade econômica é máxima quando colhidas em estádio de maturação intermediário (C2, firmeza dapolpa de 16,4 lb e índice de amido 6). C (C maçãsFuji Fuji Suprema qualidade comercialH1, comercialH1 comercialH comercial H1 , H comercial(H1) 1 C2 (C2 2 C3 (C3 200 e2009 400 ~40 ~2.900maçãs, 2900maçãs ~2.900maçãs 900maçãs (~2.900maçãs) 6 ( 25 08 0 8 0, oC controlada póscolheita pós empacotadas apresentaram aarmazenagem 102 10,2 36 3 3,6 précolheita. précolheita pré colheita. pré-colheita Adicionalmente 44 4 4,4 109 9 10,9 prateleirarespectivamentee prateleira respectivamente 171 17 17, 227 7 22,7% R$ R (R ha1 ha ha-1 C3, 156 15 15, 7,1 71 (H C2, C2) colheitaEntretanto Entretanto colheita.Entretanto 164 16 16, 6. . 6) comercial(H1 20 e200 40 ~4 (~2.900maçãs 10, 3, 4, 22,7 ha- 7, comercial(H e20 ~ 22, e2

ABSTRACT Background: The objective of this study was to detect native trees from different flight configurations and smoothing techniques in Canopy Height Models (CHMs) in a native remnant in the municipality of Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil. To do so, eight flights were carried out with a Phantom 4, with two flight planning applications (Litchi and Pix4Dcapture) and two flight arrangements (single and double), totaling four flights for each application. All flights were processed using the Pix4Dmapper program. The LiDAR database was obtained with a DJI Matrice 300 system and from this data, the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the area was extracted. From the UAV data, the Digital Surface Model (DSM) of each flight was obtained. Subtracting each DSM from the DTM resulted in the CHMs for each UAV flight flown. The CHMs were smoothed with the CHMsmoothing function and three search window sizes were tested (6.5 x 6.5, 8 x 8, and 10 x 10). Results: The results of the ITD approach revealed that in unsmoothed and smoothed CHMs, the search window of size 8 resulted in the best precision metrics, with the highest recall, precision, and F-score values. In the smallest window size, there was the highest number of false positives while in the largest window size, the omitted trees were more representative. Conclusion: The best combination between flight parameters and smoothing techniques was with the Litchi application, with a single flight and 80% lateral and longitudinal overlap, resulting in individuals detected with an F-score of 0.94. Background (CHMs Curitiba Paraná Brazil so 4 Pix4Dcapture PixDcapture Pix Dcapture double, double , double) application PixDmapper Dmapper program 30 data (DTM extracted (DSM flown 6.5 65 6 5 (6. 1 10. . 10) Results metrics recall Fscore F score values representative Conclusion 80 overlap 094 0 94 0.94 3 6. (6 09 9 0.9 ( 0.

Abstract Delimitation of areas subject to flooding is crucial to understand water dynamics and fluvial changes. This study analyzed the potential of C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images acquired by the Sentinel-1 satellite in 2017, 2018, and 2019 to delineate flooded areas in the Central Amazon. The images were processed by the Artificial Neural Network Multi-Layer Perceptron (ANN-MLP) and two K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN-7 and KNN-11) machine learning (ML) classifiers. Pre-processing of Single Look Complex (SLC) SAR images involved the following methodological steps: orbit-file application; radiometric calibration (σ0); Range-Doppler terrain correction; speckle noise filtering; and conversion of linear data to backscattering coefficients (units in dB). We applied the Lee filter, with a window size of 3x3, for speckle filtering. A set of 6000 randomly distributed samples for training (70%), validation (20%), and test (10%) was obtained based on visual interpretation of Sentinel-2 optical satellite image acquired in the same years of SAR images. We found the largest flooded areas in 2019 in the study area (municipality of Parintins and Urucará, Amazonas River, Brazil): 6244km2 by the ANN-MLP classifier; 6268km2 by KNN-7; and 6290km2 by KNN-11, while the smallest flooded areas were found in 2018: 5364km2 by ANN-MLP; 5412km2 by KNN-7; and 5535km2 by KNN-11. The three classifiers presented Kappa coefficients between 0.77 and 0.91. ANN-MLP showed the best accuracy. The presence of shadow effects in the SAR images increased the commission errors.

Resumo A delimitação de áreas sujeitas a inundações é crucial para entender a dinâmica hídrica e as mudanças fluviais. Este estudo analisou o potencial de imagens de radar de abertura sintética (SAR) adquiridas na banda-C pelo satélite Sentinel-1 em 2017, 2018 e 2019 para delinear áreas inundadas na Amazónia Central. As imagens foram processadas pela Rede Neural Artificial Multi-Layer Perceptron (RNA-MLP) e dois classificadores de aprendizagem de máquina (ML) K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN-7 e KNN-11). O pré-processamento de imagens SAR Single Look Complex (SLC) envolveu as seguintes etapas metodológicas: aplicação do orbit-file; calibração radiométrica (σ0); correção de terreno Range-Doppler; filtragem de ruído speckle; e conversão de dados lineares para coeficientes de retroespalhamento (unidades em dB). O filtro de Lee com tamanho de janela de 3×3 foi aplicado para filtragem do ruído speckle. Um conjunto de 6000 amostras distribuídas aleatoriamente para treino (70%), validação (20%) e teste (10%) foi obtido com base na interpretação visual da imagem do satélite óptico Sentinel-2 adquiridas no mesmo ano das imagens de radar. As maiores áreas alagadas foram encontradas em 2019 na área de estudo (municípios de Parintins e Urucará, Rio Amazonas, Brasil): 6244km2 pelo classificador RNA-MLP; 6268km2 pelo KNN-7; e 6290km2 pelo KNN-11, enquanto as menores áreas alagadas foram encontradas em 2018: 5364km2 pelo classificador RNA -MLP; 5412km2 pelo KNN-7; e 5535km2 pelo KNN-11. Os três classificadores apresentaram coeficientes Kappa entre 0,77 e 0,91. A RNA-MLP apresentou a melhor precisão. A presença de efeitos de sombra nas imagens SAR aumentou os erros de comissão.

Résumé La délimitation de zones sujettes aux inondations est cruciale pour comprendre la dynamique hydrique et les changements fluviaux. Cette étude a analysé le potentiel des images radar à ouverture de synthétique (SAR) acquises en bande-C par le satellite Sentinel-1 en 2017, 2018 et 2019 pour délimiter les zones inondées en Amazonie Centrale. Les images ont été traitées par le Réseau de Neurones Artificiels Multicouches Perceptron (ARN-MLP) et deux classificateurs d'apprentissage automatique (ML) K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN-7 et KNN-11). Le prétraitement des images SAR images complexes à visée simple (SLC) a impliqué les étapes méthodologiques suivantes : application du fichier d'orbite; calibration radiométrique (σ0); correction de terrain Range-Doppler; filtrage du bruit de chatoiement; et conversion des données linéaires en coefficients de rétrodiffusion (unités en dB). Un filtre de Lee avec une taille de fenêtre de 3×3 a été appliqué pour filtrer le bruit de chatoiement. Un ensemble de 6000 échantillons assignés au hasard pour la formation (70%), la validation (20%) et les tests (10%) a été obtenu à partir de l'interprétation visuelle de l'image satellite optique Sentinel-2 acquise pour la même année que les images radar. Les plus grandes zones inondées ont été trouvées en 2019 dans la zone d'étude (municipalité de Parintins et Urucará, la Riviére Amazonas, Brésil) : 6244km2 selon le classificateur RNA -MLP; 6268km2 pour KNN-7; et 6290km2 pour KNN-11, alors que les plus petites zones inondées ont été trouvées en 2018: 5364km2 pour le classificateur RNA -MLP; 5412km2 pour KNN-7; et 5535km2 pour KNN-11. Les trois classifieurs présentaient des coefficients Kappa compris entre 0,77 et 0,91. L'ARN-MLP a montré une meilleure précision. La présence d'effets d'ombre dans les images SAR a augmenté les erreurs de commission.

Resumen La delimitación de áreas sujetas a inundaciones es crucial para comprender la dinámica del agua y los cambios fluviales. Este estudio analizó el potencial de las imágenes de radar de apertura sintética (SAR) adquiridas en la banda-C por el satélite Sentinel-1 en 2017, 2018 y 2019 para delinear áreas inundadas en la Amazonía Central. Las imágenes fueron procesadas por la Red Neuronal Artificial de Perceptrón Multicapa (RNA-MLP) y dos clasificadores de aprendizaje automático (ML) K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN-7 y KNN-11). El preprocesamiento de imágenes SAR complejas de una sola mirada (SLC) involucró los siguientes pasos metodológicos: aplicación del archivo de órbita; calibración radiométrica (σ0); corrección del terreno Range-Doppler; filtrado de ruido moteado; y conversión de datos lineales en coeficientes de retrodispersión (unidades en dB). Se aplicó El filtro Lee con un tamaño de ventana de 3×3 para filtrar el ruido moteado. Se obtuvo un conjunto de 6000 muestras asignadas aleatoriamente para entrenamiento (70%), validación (20%) y prueba (10%) en base a la interpretación visual de la imagen del satélite óptico Sentinel-2 adquirida el mismo año que las imágenes de radar. Los humedales más grandes se encontraron en 2019 en el área de estudio (municipio de Parintins y Urucará, Rió Amazonas, Brasil): 6244km2 por el clasificador RNA -MLP; 6268km2 por KNN-7; y, 6290km2 por KNN-11, mientras que, los humedales más pequeños se encontraron en 2018: 5364km2 por el clasificador RNA -MLP; 5412km2 por KNN-7; y 5535km2 por KNN-11. Los tres clasificadores presentaron coeficientes Kappa entre 0,77 y 0,91. RNA-MLP mostró la mejor precisión. La presencia de efectos de sombra en las imágenes SAR aumentó los errores de comisión.

Abstract Advanced materials and automated processes in manufacturing pose a challenge in terms of adaptability. Introduction of 3rd-generation advanced high strength (3rd-gen AHSS) steels aimed for weight reduction in the automotive without compromising its strength and efficient fuel consumption. Nevertheless, welding 3rd-gen AHSS using resistance spot welding (RSW) is often affected by liquid metal embrittlement (LME) or other quality matters. Identifying the process window to control and produce defect-free welds, requires huge experimental work with an enormous time. Therefore, this paper aimed to use machine learning (ML) to identify the process window by computing the relationship between the input parameters and output weld defect categories like 'Splash', 'LME', 'Insufficient nugget size' and 'Good weld'. Classification-based algorithms, K-nearest-neighbour (KNN) and Naive Bayes algorithms were used. Among these, Naive Bayes exhibits better prediction efficiency of 71% and KNN has 63%. Using these models, predicting the incidence of weld spot defects with the fore-mentioned predictability is possible. Therefore, this work supports the industry experts and researchers to study and predict the process window for the welding process to produce defect-free welds and this idea could implement in different manufacturing processes. adaptability 3rdgeneration rdgeneration 3rd generation rd 3rdgen rdgen gen consumption Nevertheless RSW (RSW LME (LME matters defectfree free time Therefore ML (ML Splash, Splash , 'Splash' LME, 'LME' Insufficient size Good weld. . weld' Classificationbased Classification based Knearestneighbour K nearest neighbour (KNN used 71 63 63% models forementioned fore mentioned possible 'Splash 'LME 7 6

RESUMEN Este trabajo analiza la medición de la impedancia eléctrica (IE) del moco cervical (MC) mediante un dispositivo para determinar la ventana fértil. En este estudio prospectivo y longitudinal, se incluyeron 14 mujeres sanas de 18 a 44 años para evaluar tres ciclos menstruales. La IE se midió a través de un dispositivo médico colocado en la vagina durante dos minutos diarios. Las pacientes fueron monitoreadas con una tira de hormona luteinizante (LH) en orina, recolección de sangre y ultrasonido vaginal para visualizar el folículo dominante. Finalmente, la capacidad predictiva de IE fue validada por la curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic) de impedancias anovulatorias vs. ovulatorias. El pico de LH fue de 35.7(±4.5) mUI/ml; el folículo de tamaño dominante fue de 15.45 mm (±0.559). Se encontraron diferencias estadísticas para la medición de la IE de las fases folicular y lútea versus la fase de ovulación (p<0.0361 y p<0.0160). Después de la normalización de los datos, se encontró un área bajo la curva ROC (AUC) de 0.713 (valor de P = 0.0253), un índice de Youden J de 0.4545 Ω, sensibilidad del 63.6 % y especificidad del 81.8 %. La IE baja en el período ovulatorio que pertenece al pico ovulatorio de LH y liberación folicular. La IE se puede utilizar para el control de la ovulación, el control de la natalidad o la promoción del embarazo como método seguro e inocuo.

ABSTRACT This work analyzes the electrical impedance (EI) measurement of cervical mucus (CM) using a device to determine the fertile window. In this prospective and longitudinal study, fourteen healthy women aged 18 to 44 were enrolled to evaluate three menstrual cycles. EI was measured through a medical device inserted into the vagina for two minutes daily. Patients were monitored by urine luteinizing hormone (LH) strip, blood collection, and vaginal ultrasound to visualize the dominant follicle. Finally, the predictive EI capacity was validated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of anovulatory vs. ovulatory impedances. The peak of LH was 35.7 (±4.5) mUI/ml and the dominant follicle size was 15.45 mm (±0.559). There were statistical differences in EI measurements between the follicular and luteal phases vs. the ovulation phase (p<0.0361 and p<0.0160). After data normalization, an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.713 (P value= 0.0253), a Youden J index of 0.4545Ω, a sensitivity of 63.6%, and a specificity of 81.8% were found. Low EI in the ovulatory period belongs to the LH ovulatory peak and follicular release. EI can be used for ovulation monitoring, birth control, or promoting pregnancy as a safe and innocuous method.

Resumo O presente trabalho teve por objetivo identificar a razão entre área de janela e piso, associada à iluminação natural eficaz e à eficiência energética, no trópico úmido. As recomendações de pré-dimensionamento mais usadas por arquitetos nas etapas preliminares de projeto, visando a uma iluminação natural eficaz, abordam o tamanho da janela e a profundidade do ambiente. Códigos de obras brasileiros determinam relações entre área de janela e piso para garantir iluminação natural adequada, mas essas relações não estão respaldadas em trabalhos científicos. O método consistiu em uma análise comparativa do desempenho de modelos quanto à iluminância natural útil, à uniformidade da iluminação natural, à iluminância natural excessiva e ao consumo energético com iluminação e resfriamento a fim de comparar relações janela/piso emcondições de janela sombreada, ar-condicionado e iluminação híbrida. As iluminâncias e o consumo energético foram simulados com as ferramentas Daysim e DesignBuilder. A análise dos dados comparou a amplitude de variação do desempenho de grupos de modelos, classificados por quatro valores da razão janela/piso. Os resultados validaram a eficácia da razão 1/6, mas não da razão 1/8, ambas exigidas por códigos de edificações brasileiros. Também demonstraram a eficácia das razões 2/6 e 2/8, que não constam nos códigos de cidades com clima quente e úmido.

Abstract This study aimed to identify the window to floor ratio associated with effective daylighting and energy efficiency in the humid tropics. The rule of thumb most used by architects in preliminary design stages, aiming at adequate natural lighting, addresses window area and room depth. Brazilian building codes determine window to floor ratio values to ensure better natural lighting conditions, but those ratios are not based on scientific works. The method of this study consisted of a comparative analysis of the performance of models regarding useful daylight, daylight uniformity, daylight glare, and energy consumption with lighting and cooling,in order to compare the window to floor ratios under a shaded window, air conditioning, and hybrid lighting. The Daysim and DesignBuilder tools simulated illuminances and energy consumption. Data analysis compared the range of variation in the performance of groups of models, classified by four window-to-floor ratios. The results validated the effectiveness of the 1/6 ratio, but not the 1/8 ratio, both required by Brazilian building codes. The results showed the effectiveness of the 2/6 and 2/8 ratios, which are not included in the codes of cities with hot and humid climates.

Resumo Objetivo Esta pesquisa investiga a anomalia pós-anúncio de lucros (Post-Earnings Announcement Drift, PEAD) nas bolsas de valores latino-americanas. Referencial teórico Os fundamentos teóricos da análise de PEAD se baseiam na hipótese do mercado eficiente (HME). Metodologia Usamos empresas de Argentina, Brasil, Colômbia, Chile, México e Peru. Examinamos a anomalia do PEAD estimando os retornos anormais acumulados (CAR) em torno das datas das demonstrações de resultados. Replicamos a análise usando uma amostra de empresas da Bolsa de Valores de Nova York (NYSE) para comparação. Analisamos de que forma as variáveis de nível de empresa e de nível de país (institucional) podem explicar a anomalia. Resultados Sob diferentes especificações, encontramos que as empresas de boas notícias produzem CAR positivo, ao passo que as empresas de más notícias produzem CAR negativo, mesmo após uma janela de 20 dias. Encontramos que o efeito das surpresas nos lucros no CAR na América Latina varia de acordo com o tamanho das empresas e o risco dos países, ao passo que, nos EUA, varia de acordo com o tamanho das empresas e o índice market-to-book (MTB). Implicações práticas e sociais da pesquisa Preenchemos uma lacuna na literatura sobre o papel da contabilidade no mercado de capitais analisando os mercados latino-americanos, geralmente inexplorados. Além disso, nossos resultados são importantes para as estratégias de seleção de carteira, uma vez que a anomalia PEAD representa uma oportunidade de obter retornos anormais com base em surpresas nos lucros. Contribuições Contribuímos com a literatura sobre a anomalia de PEAD trazendo evidências da forma como os investidores reagem à publicação das demonstrações financeiras nos países da América Latina. Enquanto outros estudos investigaram como os números contábeis são úteis para estratégias de investimento na região, incluindo surpresas nos lucros, voltamos um passo e investigamos em primeiro lugar a reação em torno de surpresas nos lucros.

Abstract Purpose This research investigates the post-earnings announcement drift (PEAD) anomaly in the Latin American stock markets. Theoretical framework The theoretical fundamentals of PEAD analysis lie in the efficient market hypothesis (EMH). Design/methodology/approach We use firms from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, and Peru. We examine the PEAD anomaly by estimating the cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) around earnings announcement dates. We replicate the analysis using a sample of firms from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for comparison. We analyze how firm-level and country-level (institutional) variables can explain the PEAD anomaly. Findings Under different specifications, we find that good news firms yield positive CAR while bad news firms yield negative CAR even after a window of 20 days. We find that the effect of earnings surprises on CAR in Latin America varies with firms’ size and countries’ risk, while in the US it varies with firms’ size and the market-to-book (MTB) ratio. Practical & social implications of research We fill a gap in the literature on the role of accounting in the capital markets by analyzing the Latin American markets, which are usually left unexplored. In addition, our results are important for portfolio selection strategies, since the PEAD anomaly represents an opportunity to gain abnormal returns based on earnings surprises. Originality/value We contribute to the literature on the PEAD anomaly by providing evidence on how investors react to earnings announcements in Latin American countries. While other studies have investigated how accounting numbers are useful for investment strategies in the region, by including earnings surprises we go back a step and first investigate the reaction around these surprises.

Abstract Flow cytometry is a technology that has helped to rapidly advance many diverse areas of science by allowing the simultaneous measurement of multiple characteristics of each of the individual particles or cells in a sample as they pass at high speed through an area illuminated by one or more lasers. The information obtained includes data on the size and internal complexity, as well as other parameters inherent to each of the particles present in the sample, which are captured by the equipment as light signals. The most common particles analyzed in flow cytometers are cells, so the expression of molecules on their surface and inside, viability, functionality, cell proliferation, DNA content, cytokine production and many others can be analyzed. These determinations can be carried out by using antibodies coupled to fluorochromes or by using molecules whose fluorescence depends on the characteristic to be evaluated. Some flow cytometers are also sorters, which means that the equipment can physically sort those cells that exhibit the characteristics of interest; in addition, it is feasible that once they have been purified, they can be used in subsequent experiments. This review focuses on the fundamentals of flow cytometry and its main applications, which offer a great window of opportunity in the veterinary field, both in research and in the clinic.

Resumen La citometría de flujo es una tecnología que ha favorecido el rápido avance de muchas y muy diversas áreas de la ciencia, ya que permite la medición simultánea de múltiples características de cada una de las partículas o células individuales que se encuentran en una muestra mientras pasan a gran velocidad a través de una zona iluminada por uno o varios láseres. La información obtenida incluye datos sobre el tamaño y la complejidad interna, así como otros parámetros inherentes a cada una de las partículas presentes en la muestra, los cuales son captados por el equipo como señales luminosas. Las partículas más comúnmente analizadas en los citómetros de flujo son células, así que puede analizarse la expresión de moléculas tanto en su superficie como en su interior, la viabilidad, la funcionalidad, la proliferación celular, el contenido de ADN y la producción de citocinas entre muchas otras. Estas determinaciones pueden realizarse gracias a la utilización de anticuerpos acoplados a fluorocromos o bien, al uso de moléculas cuya fluorescencia depende de la característica que se quiera evaluar. Algunos citómetros de flujo son además clasificadores (“sorters”), lo que implica que el equipo puede separar físicamente las células que presentan las características de interés y además, es factible que una vez que han sido purificadas, éstas puedan emplearse en posteriores experimentos. En esta revisión se concentran los fundamentos de la citometría de flujo y sus principales aplicaciones, las cuales ofrecen una gran ventana de oportunidad en el ámbito veterinario, tanto en investigación como en la clínica.

Abstrac: Polycrystalline CdTe thin films deposited in large areas present some difficulties, such as non-uniformity over the entire area. It is well known that the ratio between the thickness and grain size of CdTe thin films is approximately one. In contrast, the pin holes in CdTe should be minimized. CdS thin films as window materials must guarantee a uniform transparent film free of pinholes to avoid short-circuit in the photovoltaic device. In this work, CdTe and CdS thin films are reported in areas of 40 cm2 with optimal physical properties for potential application on solar cells. CdTe mini-modules were fabricated using CdTe and CdS layers obtained and characterized under outdoor conditions. The current-voltage measurements were performed under different load and solar irradiance conditions.

ABSTRACT Although enrichment planting is recommended to increase biodiversity in restoration, environmental filters can prevent the establishment of sowed/planted species. Euterpe edulis is a keystone palm in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, whose fruits are consumed by many animals. We assessed the viability of direct seeding of this palm in an Atlantic forest restored site in Southeast Brazil, guided by these questions: 1) Does germinability vary among seeds covered and uncovered by litterfall and according to litterfall depth? 2) Can direct seeding be impaired by seed predation? 3) Does seed size affect seed predation and seedling vigor? We found litterfall favored germination by reducing soil evaporation, but litterfall depth did not affect germination. Seed predation was low, as seed location was probably unpredictable to rodents. Smaller seeds were more removed, possibly because the larger ones impose transportation costs on small rodents. By removing the smaller seeds, predators may favor the production of larger and more vigorous seedlings. Direct seeding of E. edulis can be successful if implemented in medium regeneration stages of Atlantic forest sites, where shade and moisture provided by litterfall, and absence of mid- to large-sized seed predators, allow seeds to overcome the constraints on germination and predation.

SUMMARY: External occipital protuberance (EOP) is a midline bony protrusion in the occipital bone, the significance of which has gained recent attention in the medical community. Our present study aims to assess the average size of EOP in a Jordanian cohort and its relation to age and sex, while determining the frequency of enlarged EOP in this cohort. The present study was a cross-sectional study that was carried out in a referral hospital in Jordan. We reviewed thousands of CT scans taken with dedicated bone window imaging during the last two years, beginning January 2018. Measurements were taken by trained radiology residents and were then further reviewed by radiology specialists. An EOP was classified as enlarged (EEOP) if it exceeded 10 mm. A total of 4409 patients, 2265 (51.4 %) females and 2144 (48.6 %) males, met our inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 54.1 ? 22.2 years. The mean size of the EOP in these patients was 8.4 ? 4.2 mm (range: 0-56 mm). Out of the 4409-study population, 1210 (27.4 %) presented with EEOP. The prevalence of an EEOP was significantly higher in the male population (33.6 %) when compared with the female population (21.6 %) (P < 0.001). The size of the EOP was also significantly related to the age of the patient, with EEOP increasing with increasing age. The mean size of EOP in our Jordanian cohort was 8.4 ? 4.2 mm. The frequency of enlarged EOP was found to be 27.4 % in our cohort, and was significantly more common in males and in older patients.

RESUMEN: La protuberancia occipital externa (POE) es una protuberancia ósea localizada en el plano mediano del hueso occipital, cuya importancia recientemente ha ganado atención en la comunidad médica. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el tamaño promedio de POE en una cohorte jordana y su relación con la edad y sexo, mientras se determina la frecuencia de POE aumentada en este grupo. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal en un hospital de referencia en Jordania. Revisamos miles de imagenes radiológicas en tomografía computarizada y visualización de ventanas durante los últimos dos años, a partir de enero de 2018. Las mediciones fueron tomadas por residentes de radiología, y luego revisadas por especialistas en radiología. Un POE se clasificó como aumentado (POEA) si superaba los 10 mm. Un total de 4409 pacientes, 2265 (51,4 %) mujeres y 2144 (48,6 %) hombres, cumplieron con nuestros criterios de inclusión. La edad media fue de 54,1 ? 22,2 años. El tamaño medio del POE en estos pacientes fue de 8,4 ? 4,2 mm (rango: 0-56 mm). De la población del estudio 4409, 1210 (27,4 %) presentaron POEA. La prevalencia de una POEA fue significativamente mayor en la población masculina (33,6 %) en comparación con la población femenina (21,6 %) (P <0,001). El tamaño del POE también se relacionó significativamente con la edad del paciente, aumentando el POEA con la edad. El tamaño medio de POE en nuestra cohorte jordana fue de 8,4 ? 4,2 mm. Se encontró que la frecuencia de aumento de POE en nuestra cohorte fue del 27,4 % y fue significativamente más común en hombres y en pacientes mayores.

Resumen: La producción de cerezas se caracteriza por un ciclo productivo corto que abarca un promedio de 80 días desde floración a cosecha. Si bien existen variedades de diferentes ciclos, la cosecha en el Alto Valle de Río Negro y Neuquén, Argentina, es muy concentrada. El escalonamiento de la cosecha ayuda a mejorar la logística, descongestionar el trabajo en los empaques y regular en cierta medida la oferta de cerezas en el mercado. La cereza es un fruto de corta conservación y baja oferta en contraestación, lo que determina un mercado externo no saturado y la obtención de buenos precios. Los mayores precios en el mercado dependen del calibre y la calidad de las cerezas y del momento de la temporada de cosecha (primicia y tardicia). El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la factibilidad de uso de regladores de crecimiento como estrategia para extender el período de cosecha de cerezas. Se evaluó el uso de cianamida hidrogenada (hc) en cultivares tempranos para adelantar la cosecha y el uso de Retard Cherry® (rch) en cultivares tardíos para retrasar la floración y la cosecha. Además, se evaluó el efecto de las giberelinas (Gb) en el retraso de madurez y mejora en la calidad en diferentes cultivares. El uso de hc logró adelantar 10 días la floración y 7 días la cosecha en New Star, mientras que el rch retrasó la floración (10 días) y la madurez (5 días) de cerezas Santina, Lapins y Regina. La aplicación de Gb a 20 ppm desde color pajizo hasta inicio pinta mejora la calidad de los frutos, pero el efecto en el retraso de la madurez disminuye con aplicaciones más tardías. El uso de reguladores en cerezas permite ampliar la ventana de cosecha en alrededor de 10 días dependiendo de cada cultivar y las condiciones de la temporada.

Abstract: Cherry production is characterized by a very short fruit development period that covers an average of 80 days from flowering to harvest. Although there are varieties with different cycles, the harvest in Alto Valle de Río Negro and Neuquén, Argentina, is highly concentrated. The possibility of extending the harvest period allows to improve logistics, decongest packing work and regulate to a certain extent the supply of cherries on the market. Fruit cherries are highly perishable non-climacteric fruits and have low supply in counter season, which determines an unsaturated foreign market and the possibility to obtain good prices. The highest prices on the market depend on the fruit size and fruit quality and the harvest time (early and late). The aim of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of using different growth regulators and bio-stimulants to extend the sweet cherries harvest period. The use of hydrogen cyanamide (hc) in early varieties to advance the harvest and the use of Retard Cherry® (rch) in late varieties to delay flowering and harvesting were evaluated. In addition, the effect of gibberellins (Gb) on the delay of maturity and improvement in quality in different varieties was evaluated. The use of hc allowed to advance bloom by 10 days and the harvest by 7 days in fruits of New Star, while rch delayed the bloom (10 days) and maturity (5 days) of Santina, Lapins and Regina cherries. The application of Gb at 20 ppm from straw yellow stage until the start of the pink improves the quality of the fruits, but the effect on delaying maturity decreases with later applications. The use of regulators in cherries allows to extend the harvest window in nearly 10 days, depending on each cultivar and the meteorological conditions of the season.

Resumo: A produção de cerejas é caracterizada por um curto ciclo de produção, que abrange, em média, 80 dias desde a floração até a colheita. Embora existam variedades de ciclos diferentes, a colheita no Alto Valle de Río Negro e Neuquén, Argentina é altamente concentrada. O escalonamento da colheita ajuda a melhorar a logística, descongestionar o trabalho de embalagem e, até certo ponto, regular o fornecimento de cerejas no mercado. A cereja é um fruto de curta conservação e baixa oferta na contra-estação, o que determina um mercado externo insaturado e a obtenção de bons preços. Os preços mais altos do mercado dependem do calibre e qualidade das cerejas e da época da colheita (precoce ou tardia). O objetivo desse trabalho foi evaluar a possibilidade de uso de reguladores de crescimento como estratégia para estender o período de colheita de cerejas. Foram avaliados o uso de cianamida hidrogenada (HC) em cultivares precoces para adiantar a colheita e o uso de Retard Cherry® (RCH) em cultivares tardias para retardar o florescimento e a colheita. Além disso, foi avaliado o efeito das giberelinas (Gb) no retardamento da maturação e na melhoria da qualidade em diferentes cultivares. O uso de HC conseguiu adiantar a floração em 10 dias e a colheita em 7 dias, em 'New Star', enquanto o RCH atrasou a floração (10 dias) e a maturação (5 dias) das cerejas 'Santina', 'Lapins' e 'Regina'. A aplicação de Gb a 20 ppm quando as frutas estão na cor da palha ao início da rosa, melhora a qualidade dos frutos, mas o efeito no atraso da maturidade diminui com aplicações mais tardias. O uso de reguladores em cerejas permite estender a janela da colheita em cerca de 10 dias, dependendo da cultivar e das condições da estação.

Resumo Objetivo Anormalidades no endométrio eutópico de mulheres com endometriose podem estar relacionadas à infertilidade associada à doença. Embora a análise prévia de sequenciamento de RNA não tenha evidenciado expressão diferencial em transcritos endometriais de pacientes com endometriose, outras alterações moleculares poderiam afetar a síntese de proteínas e a receptividade endometrial. Nosso objetivo foi rastrear mutações funcionais em transcritos de endométrios eutópicos de mulheres inférteis com endometriose e de controles durante a janela de implantação. Métodos Os dados do sequenciamento de RNA de biópsias endometriais coletados durante a janela de implantação de 17 pacientes (6 mulheres inférteis com endometriose, 6 controles inférteis, 5 controles férteis) foram analisados para a descoberta de variantes e a identificação de mutações funcionais. Um estudo direcionado das alterações encontradas foi realizado para compreender os dados no contexto da doença. Resultados Nenhuma das variantes identificadas foi comuma outras amostras dentro do mesmo grupo, assim como nenhuma mutação se repetiu entre pacientes com endometriose, controles inférteis e férteis. No grupo de endometriose, foram identificadas nove mutações deletérias preditas, mas apenas uma foi previamente associada a uma condição clínica sem impacto endometrial. Ao cruzar os genes mutados com os descritores endometriose e/ou endométrio, o gene CMKLR1 foi associado a resposta inflamatória na endometriose e a processos endometriais para estabelecimento da gravidez. Conclusão Apesar de nenhum padrão de mutação ter sido encontrado, ponderamos o pequeno tamanho da amostra e a análise dos dados de sequenciamento de RNA. Considerando o objetivo do estudo de triagem e a importância do gene CMKLR1 na modulação endometrial, este poderia ser um gene candidato para estudos adicionais que avaliem mutações no endométrio eutópico de pacientes com endometriose.

Abstract Objective Abnormalities in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis may be related to disease-associated infertility. Although previous RNA-sequencing analysis did not show differential expression in endometrial transcripts of endometriosis patients, other molecular alterations could impact protein synthesis and endometrial receptivity. Our aim was to screen for functional mutations in the transcripts of eutopic endometria of infertile women with endometriosis and controls during the implantation window. Methods Data from RNA-Sequencing of endometrial biopsies collected during the implantation window from 17 patients (6 infertile women with endometriosis, 6 infertile controls, 5 fertile controls) were analyzed for variant discovery and identification of functional mutations. A targeted study of the alterations found was performed to understand the data into disease’s context. Results None of the variants identified was common to other samples within the same group, and no mutation was repeated among patients with endometriosis, infertile and fertile controls. In the endometriosis group, nine predicted deleterious mutations were identified, but only one was previously associated to a clinical condition with no endometrial impact. When crossing the mutated genes with the descriptors endometriosis and/or endometrium, the gene CMKLR1 was associated either with inflammatory response in endometriosis or with endometrial processes for pregnancy establishment. Conclusion Despite no pattern of mutation having been found, we ponder the small sample size and the analysis on RNA-sequencing data. Considering the purpose of the study of screening and the importance of the CMKLR1 gene on endometrial

Resumen En el caso de personas con limitación motriz de miembros superiores, los gestos faciales son la principal forma de comunicarse con el mundo. Sin embargo, las interfaces actuales basadas en gestos no tienen en cuenta la reducción de movilidad que la mayoría de las personas con limitación motriz experimentan durante sus periodos de recuperación. Como alternativa para superar esta limitación, se presenta una interfaz humana-computador basada en técnicas de visión por computador sobre dos tipos de imagen: la imagen del rostro capturada mediante webcam y la captura de pantalla de una aplicación de escritorio en primer plano. La primera imagen es utilizada para detectar, seguir y estimar la pose del rostro con el fin de desplazar y ejecutar comandos con el cursor; la segunda imagen es utilizada para lograr que los desplazamientos del cursor sean realizados a zonas específicas de interacción de la aplicación de escritorio. La interfaz es programada totalmente en Python 3.6 utilizando bibliotecas de código abierto y se ejecuta en segundo plano dentro del sistema operativo Windows. El desempeño de la interfaz se evalúa con videos de personas utilizando cuatro comandos de interacción con la aplicación WhatsApp versión de escritorio. Se encontró que la interfaz puede operar con varios tipos de iluminación, fondos, distancias a la cámara, posturas y velocidades de movimiento; la ubicación y el tamaño de la ventana de WhatsApp no afecta la efectividad de la interfaz. La interfaz opera a una velocidad de 1 Hz y utiliza el 35 % de la capacidad de un procesador Intel Core i5 y 1,5 GB de RAM para su ejecución lo que permite concebir esta solución en equipos de cómputo personales.

Abstract People with reduced upper-limb mobility depend mainly on facial gestures to communicate with the world; nonetheless, current facial gesture-based interfaces do not take into account the reduction in mobility that most people with motor limitations experience during recovery periods. This study presents an alternative to overcome this limitation, a human-computer interface based on computer vision techniques over two types of images: images of the user’s face captured by a webcam and screenshots of a desktop application running on the foreground. The first type is used to detect, track, and estimate gestures, facial patterns in order to move and execute commands with the cursor, while the second one is used to ensure that the cursor moves to specific interaction areas of the desktop application. The interface was fully programmed in Python 3.6 using open source libraries and runs in the background in Windows operating systems. The performance of the interface was evaluated with videos of people using four interaction commands in WhatsApp Desktop. We conclude that the interface can operate with various types of lighting, backgrounds, camera distances, body postures, and movement speeds; and the location and size of the WhatsApp window does not affect its effectiveness. The interface operates at a speed of 1 Hz and uses 35 % of the capacity a desktop computer with an Intel Core i5 processor and 1.5 GB of RAM for its execution; therefore, this solution can be implemented in ordinary, low-end personal computers.