A design process to define public challenges addressing SDGs / Un proceso de diseño para definir los desafíos públicos relacionados con los ODS / Um processo de design para definir desafios públicos envolvendo os ODS

Abstract How might we define local innovation challenges that are user-centered but also address strategic goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? We propose a design process that introduces a relevant contribution to the practices of the Mission-oriented Innovation Policies (MIPs) field as it goes from Grand Societal Challenges (GSCs) to local innovation challenges, which are more relevant to local needs and capabilities of solution. The main goal of the design process is to go from a GSC, such as "access to health" and one of its missions, like "reducing chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)," to a more able-to-solve innovation challenge, passing by its mission, and different problems and aspects. Snowball sampling methods allow us to find and mobilize electable subjects and design thinking techniques to process problem mapping, election, and clustering, as well as create challenge statements. It was possible to translate GSC to the local reality while reducing contestation and complexity and producing a problem-grouped map with prioritization and three problem statements (challenges) with open phrasing and solution criteria to foster the users' desired outcomes.

Resumen ¿Cómo podemos definir desafíos locales de innovación local que estén centrados en el usuario pero que también aborden objetivos estratégicos, como los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS)? Proponemos un proceso de diseño que introduce una contribución relevante a las prácticas en el campo de las políticas de innovación orientadas por misión (en inglés, Mission-oriented Innovation Policies - MIPs), ya que va desde los grandes desafíos sociales (en inglés, Grand Societal Challenges - GSCs), comenzando con los ODS, hasta los desafíos locales de innovación, que son más relevantes para necesidades locales y capacidades de solución. El objetivo principal del proceso de diseño es ir desde un GSC, como "acceso a la salud" y una de sus misiones, como "reducir las Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles (ECNT)", a un desafío de innovación más concreto, pasando por la misión, y por diferentes problemas y aspectos. Los métodos de muestreo de bola de nieve nos permiten encontrar y movilizar sujetos elegibles, y técnicas de design thinking, procesar el mapeo, la elección y la agrupación de problemas; y crear declaraciones de desafío. Fue posible traducir GSC a la realidad local, al mismo tiempo que se reducía la contestación y la complejidad, y se producía un plano agrupado de problemas con priorización, y tres declaraciones de problemas (desafíos) con redacción abierta y criterios de solución para promover los resultados deseados por los usuarios.

Resumo Como podemos definir os desafios locais de inovação que são centrados no usuário, mas também abordam objetivos estratégicos, como os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS)? Propomos um processo de design que apresenta uma contribuição relevante para as práticas no campo das políticas de inovação orientadas para a missão (em inglês, Mission-oriented Innovation Policies - MIPs), uma vez que vai dos grandes desafios societais (em inglês, Grand Societal Challenges - GSCs) aos desafios locais de inovação, que são mais relevantes para as necessidades locais e capacidades de solução. O principal objetivo do processo de desenho é passar de um GSC, como o "acesso à saúde" e uma de suas missões, como "reduzir as Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNT)", para um desafio de inovação mais capaz de resolver, passando pela sua missão, diferentes problemas e aspectos. Os métodos de amostragem bola de neve nos permitem encontrar e mobilizar assuntos elegíveis e técnicas de design thinking para processar o mapeamento de problemas, eleição e agrupamento; e criar declarações de desafio. Foi possível traduzir o GSC para a realidade local, reduzindo a contestação e a complexidade, e produzindo um mapa agrupado de problemas com priorização e três declarações de problemas (desafios) com formulação aberta e critérios de solução para promover os resultados desejados pelos usuários.

"Won't get fooled again": statistical fault detection in COVID-19 Latin American data.

BACKGROUND: Claims of inconsistency in epidemiological data have emerged for both developed and developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In this paper, we apply first-digit Newcomb-Benford Law (NBL) and Kullback-Leibler Divergence (KLD) to evaluate COVID-19 records reliability in all 20 Latin American countries. We replicate country-level aggregate information from Our World in Data. RESULTS: We find that official reports do not follow NBL's theoretical expectations (n = 978; chi-square = 78.95; KS = 4.33, MD = 2.18; mantissa = .54; MAD = .02; DF = 12.75). KLD estimates indicate high divergence among countries, including some outliers. CONCLUSIONS: This paper provides evidence that recorded COVID-19 cases in Latin America do not conform overall to NBL, which is a useful tool for detecting data manipulation. Our study suggests that further investigations should be made into surveillance systems that exhibit higher deviation from the theoretical distribution and divergence from other similar countries.

Classification of breast tumor models with a prototype microwave imaging system.

PURPOSE: The assessment of the size and shape of breast tumors is of utter importance to the correct diagnosis and staging of breast cancer. In this paper, we classify breast tumor models of varying sizes and shapes using signals collected with a monostatic ultra-wideband radar microwave imaging prototype system with machine learning algorithms specifically tailored to the collected data. METHODS: A database comprising 13 benign and 13 malignant tumor models with sizes between 13 and 40 mm was created using dielectrically representative tissue mimicking materials. These tumor models were placed inside two breast phantoms: a homogeneous breast phantom and a breast phantom with clusters of fibroglandular mimicking tissue, accounting for breast heterogeneity. The breast phantoms with tumors were imaged with a monostatic microwave imaging prototype system, over a 1-6 GHz frequency range. The classification of benign and malignant tumors embedded in the two breast phantoms was completed, and tumor classification was evaluated with Principal Component Analysis as a feature extraction method, and tuned Naïve Bayes (NB), decision trees (DT), and k-nearest neighbours (kNN) as classifiers. We further study which antenna positions are better placed to classify tumors, discuss the feature extraction method and optimize classification algorithms, by tuning their hyperparameters, to improve sensitivity, specificity and the receiver operating characteristic curve, while ensuring maximum generalization and avoiding overfitting and data contamination. We also added a realistic synthetic skin response to the collected signals and examined its global effect on classification of benign vs malignant tumors. RESULTS: In terms of global classification performance, kNN outperformed DT and NB machine learning classifiers, achieving a classification accuracy of 96.2% when classifying between benign and malignant tumor phantoms in a homogeneous breast phantom (both when the skin artifact is and is not considered). CONCLUSIONS: We experimentally classified tumor models as benign or malignant with a microwave imaging system, and we showed a methodology that can potentially assess the shape of breast tumors, which will give further insight into the correct diagnosis and staging of breast cancer.

Insights on the functional composition of specialist and generalist birds throughout continuous and fragmented forests.

A decline in species number often occurs after forest fragmentation and habitat loss, which usually results in the loss of ecological functions and a reduction in functional diversity in the forest fragments. However, it is uncertain whether these lost ecological functions are consistently maintained throughout continuous forests, and so the importance of these functions in continuous forests remains unknown. Point counts were used to assess both the taxonomic and functional diversity of specialist and generalist birds from sampling in a continuous primary forest compared with forest fragments in order to investigate the responses of these groups to forest fragmentation. We also measured alpha and beta diversity. The responses of specialists and generalists were similar when we assessed all bird species but were different when only passerines were considered. When examining passerines we found lower total taxonomic beta diversity for specialists than for generalists in the continuous forest, while taxonomic beta diversity was higher in the fragmented forest and similar between bird groups. However, total functional beta-diversity values indicated clearly higher trait regularity in continuous forest for specialists and higher trait regularity in fragments for generalists. Specialists showed significantly higher functional alpha diversity in comparison with generalists in the continuous forest, while both groups showed similar values in fragments. In passerines, species richness and alpha functional diversity of both specialist and generalist were explained by forest connectivity; but, only fragment size explained those parameters for specialist passerines. We suggest that considering subsets of the community with high similarity among species, as passerines, provides a better tool for understanding responses to forest fragmentation. Due to the regularity of specialists in continuous forest, their lost could highly affect functionality in forest fragments.

Tomato progeny inherit resistance to the nematode Meloidogyne javanica linked to plant growth induced by the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma atroviride.

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are major crop pathogens worldwide. Trichoderma genus fungi are recognized biocontrol agents and a direct activity of Trichoderma atroviride (Ta) against the RKN Meloidogyne javanica (Mj), in terms of 42% reduction of number of galls (NG), 60% of number of egg masses and 90% of number of adult nematodes inside the roots, has been observed in tomato grown under greenhouse conditions. An in vivo split-root designed experiment served to demonstrate that Ta induces systemic resistance towards Mj, without the need for the organisms to be in direct contact, and significantly reduces NG (20%) and adult nematodes inside tomato roots (87%). The first generation (F1) of Ta-primed tomato plants inherited resistance to RKN; although, the induction of defenses occurred through different mechanisms, and in varying degrees, depending on the Ta-Mj interaction. Plant growth promotion induced by Ta was inherited without compromising the level of resistance to Mj, as the progeny of Ta-primed plants displayed increased size and resistance to Mj without fitness costs. Gene expression results from the defense inductions in the offspring of Ta-primed plants, suggested that an auxin-induced reactive oxygen species production promoted by Ta may act as a major defense strategy during plant growth.

Variation in Host and Pathogen in the Neonectria/Malus Interaction; toward an Understanding of the Genetic Basis of Resistance to European Canker.

Apple canker caused by the phytopathogenic fungus Neonectria ditissima is an economically important disease, which has spread in recent years to almost all pome-producing regions of the world. N. ditissima is able to cross-infect a wide range of apple varieties and causes branch and trunk lesions, known as cankers. Most modern apple varieties are susceptible and in extreme cases suffer from high mortality (up to 50%) in the early phase of orchard establishment. There is no known race structure of the pathogen and the global level of genetic diversity of the pathogen population is unknown. Resistance breeding is underway in many global breeding programmes, but nevertheless, a total resistance to canker has not yet been demonstrated. Here we present preliminary data from a survey of the phylogenetic relationships between global isolates of N. ditissima which reveals only slight evidence for population structure. In addition we report the results of four rapid screening tests to assess the response to N. ditissima in different apple scion and rootstock varieties, which reveals abundant variation in resistance responses in both cultivar and rootstock material. Further seedling tests show that the segregation patterns of resistance and susceptibility vary widely between crosses. We discuss inconsistencies in test performance with field observations and discuss future research opportunities in this area.

Decadal persistence of frugivorous birds in tropical forest fragments of northern Paraná / Persistência de aves frugívoras após uma década em fragmentos florestais do norte do Paraná

Forest fragmentation is a major cause of loss of species. We evaluated the local extinction of medium-large frugivorous bird species in six forest fragments of northern Paraná: the Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy (PEMG), the largest and most preserved forest fragment in the region, and five other fragments. Fixed-width point counts and line transects were conducted along trails in the PEMG for 10 days: from September 2010 to March 2011, and from August 2011 to November 2011. Avian surveys in each of the other forest fragments were made over four days from October to December 2011. We compared data with a previous census carried out 10 years earlier. No extinction events were recorded from the PEMG. However, the relative abundance of species significantly changed during the ten years between surveys. In all the other forest fragments at least two frugivorous bird species disappeared, and in some as many as seven. Protecting the PEMG is crucial for the maintenance of frugivorous bird populations in our studied landscape.

A fragmentação florestal é uma das principais causas da perda de espécies. Avaliamos a extinção local de aves frugívoras de médio e grande porte em seis fragmentos do norte do Paraná: o Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy (PEMG), maior e mais preservado remanescente florestal da região, e outros cinco fragmentos. Foram realizadas amostragens por pontos de escuta de distância limitada e por transecções no PEMG ao longo de 10 dias: entre setembro de 2010 e março de 2011, e entre agosto e novembro de 2011. Os outros cinco fragmentos foram amostrados ao longo de quatro dias entre outubro e dezembro de 2011. Os dados foram comparados com um levantamento prévio realizado há 10 anos. Não foram observadas extinções no PEMG. No entanto, foram observadas alterações significativas na abundância relativa das espécies em dez anos (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank). Nos outros fragmentos florestais verificou-se o desaparecimento de pelo menos duas espécies, sendo que a variação foi de duas a sete espécies. A proteção do PEMG parece ser crucial para a manutenção das populações de aves frugívoras na paisagem estudada.

Age-related mobility loss is joint-specific: an analysis from 6,000 Flexitest results.

Although aging is commonly linked to a reduction in joint range of motion, it is unclear if all body joints behave similarly. To address this issue, the main purpose of this study was to compare age-related loss of mobility of seven body joints. A total of 6,000 participants (3,835 men and 2,165 women) aged 5 to 92 years took part in this study. The maximal passive range of motion of 20 movements was evaluated by Flexitest, and each movement was scored from 0 to 4. Composite scores were obtained for each of seven joints and for overall flexibility (Flexindex (FLX)) by adding individual movement scores. Confirming previous findings, FLX systematically decreased with aging (p < .001), with female participants being more flexible for all ages (p < 0.001) and having a more gradual, 0.6% vs. 0.8%/year, age reduction (p < .001). Starting at 30 and 40 years, respectively, for male and female participants, the relative contribution of each composite joint score to FLX dramatically changed. Shoulder contribution to FLX male's score went from 13.9% at 28 years of age to only 5.2% at 85 years of age. In general, proportionally, shoulder and trunk became less flexible, while elbow and knee mobility was preserved to a greater extent. Our findings indicated that age-related loss of mobility is rather joint-specific, which could be related to distinct routine usage patterns of the major body joints along life.

Evaluating the ecological integrity of Atlantic forest remnants by using rapid ecological assessment.

The need for quick identification of priority areas for biodiversity protection makes rapid assessment methods important management tools for defining conservation strategies. An increasingly used rapid assessment method is rapid ecological assessment (REA), a fast and flexible survey directed toward selected indicator species and vegetation forms. The purpose of this study was to propose and test REA based on plant community features of the semideciduous Atlantic forest (SAF). Correlation tests were performed between data collected by REA and plant species diversity, richness, and abundance collected by conventional woody plant inventory methods. The study was conducted in 21 SAF patches in Northern Paraná State, Brazil. The phytosociological inventory was conducted along a single transect and required 2 days to complete (excluding time spent for herbarium identification), whereas REA was conducted along three to four transects per working day. REA results correlated positively with woody plant diversity, proving REA to be an efficient method for defining the conservation status of SAF fragments, but accuracy of evaluations of threats to biological integrity are relatively low. Both the selection of appropriate variables and the skill level of field staff are critical and can strongly influence REA results.

Respostas hemodinâmicas a um protocolo de treinamento isométrico de preensão manual / Hemodynamic responses to an isometric handgrip training protocol / Respuestas hemodinámicas a un protocolo de entrenamiento isométrico de prensión manual

FUNDAMENTO: No passado, os exercícios isométricos foram proscritos para cardiopatas. Contudo, evidências recentes sugerem que um protocolo de treinamento isométrico de preensão manual (PTIM) - quatro séries de dois minutos a 30 por cento da força máxima - provoca efeitos favoráveis sobre a modulação autonômica e reduz os níveis de pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) de repouso. OBJETIVO: Visando obter subsídios para uma ampla aplicabilidade clínica, quantificamos as principais respostas hemodinâmicas durante uma sessão de PTIM em pacientes de um programa de exercício supervisionado. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e um pacientes (36 homens) realizaram o PTIM com medidas da frequência cardíaca (FC) e da PA antes, durante cada uma das duas séries feitas com o braço esquerdo e um minuto após a finalização. As medidas foram colhidas mediante um sinal de eletrocardiograma em um tensiômetro oscilométrico digital Tango+, previamente validado para condições de exercício físico. RESULTADOS: PTIM foi adequadamente realizado e sem a ocorrência de reações clínicas adversas. Observou-se um pequeno aumento dos níveis de PAS e de PAD, respectivamente, 16 e 7 mm Hg (p < 0,05) e um incremento ainda menor da FC - 3 bpm - (p < 0,05), quando compararam-se os dados obtidos aos 80 segundos da última série com os de pré-exercício. Um minuto pós-esforço, os valores de FC, de PAS e PAD já haviam praticamente retornado aos níveis iniciais. CONCLUSÃO: PTIM foi bem tolerado por pacientes em programas de exercício, gerando uma repercussão hemodinâmica transiente e modesta, sem induzir a rápida inativação vagal cardíaca característica dos exercícios dinâmicos e curtos.

BACKGROUND: In the past, isometric exercises were proscribed for heart disease. However, recent evidence suggests that an isometric handgrip training (IHT) protocol - four sets of two minutes at 30 percent of maximum strength - produces favorable effects on the autonomic modulation and reduces resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. OBJECTIVE: Aiming at obtaining support for broad clinical applicability, we quantified the main hemodynamic responses during an IHT session in patients from a supervised physical exercise program. METHODS: Forty-one patients (36 men) underwent the IHT with measurements of heart rate (HR) and BP before, during each of the two series performed with the left arm and one minute after completion. Measurements were obtained by an electrocardiogram signal in a digital Tango + oscillometric tensiometer, previously validated for physical exercise conditions. RESULTS: The IHT was appropriately carried out, with no clinical adverse reactions. There was a small increase in SBP and DBP levels, respectively, of 16 and 7 mmHg (p <0.05) and an even smaller increase in HR - 3 bpm - (p <0.05) when we compared the data obtained at 80 seconds of the last series with the pre-exercise CONCLUSION: IHT was well tolerated by patients undergoing exercise programs, resulting in a transient and modest hemodynamic effect, without inducing rapid cardiac vagal inactivation, characteristic of dynamic and short exercises.

Hemodynamic responses to an isometric handgrip training protocol.

BACKGROUND: In the past, isometric exercises were proscribed for heart disease. However, recent evidence suggests that an isometric handgrip training (IHT) protocol - four sets of two minutes at 30% of maximum strength - produces favorable effects on the autonomic modulation and reduces resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. OBJECTIVE: Aiming at obtaining support for broad clinical applicability, we quantified the main hemodynamic responses during an IHT session in patients from a supervised physical exercise program. METHODS: Forty-one patients (36 men) underwent the IHT with measurements of heart rate (HR) and BP before, during each of the two series performed with the left arm and one minute after completion. Measurements were obtained by an electrocardiogram signal in a digital Tango + oscillometric tensiometer, previously validated for physical exercise conditions. RESULTS: The IHT was appropriately carried out, with no clinical adverse reactions. There was a small increase in SBP and DBP levels, respectively, of 16 and 7 mmHg (p <0.05) and an even smaller increase in HR - 3 bpm - (p <0.05) when we compared the data obtained at 80 seconds of the last series with the pre-exercise CONCLUSION: IHT was well tolerated by patients undergoing exercise programs, resulting in a transient and modest hemodynamic effect, without inducing rapid cardiac vagal inactivation, characteristic of dynamic and short exercises.