Scavengers as Prospective Sentinels of Viral Diversity: the Snowy Sheathbill Virome as a Potential Tool for Monitoring Virus Circulation, Lessons from Two Antarctic Expeditions.

Antarctica is a unique environment due to its extreme meteorological and geological conditions. In addition to this, its relative isolation from human influences has kept it undisturbed. This renders our limited understanding of its fauna and its associated microbial and viral communities a relevant knowledge gap to fill. This includes members of the order Charadriiformes such as snowy sheathbills. They are opportunistic predator/scavenger birds distributed on Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands that are in frequent contact with other bird and mammal species. This makes them an interesting species for surveillance studies due to their high potential for the acquisition and transport of viruses. In this study, we performed whole-virome and targeted viral surveillance for coronaviruses, paramyxoviruses, and influenza viruses in snowy sheathbills from two locations, the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland. Our results suggest the potential role of this species as a sentinel for this region. We highlight the discovery of two human viruses, a member of the genus Sapovirus GII and a gammaherpesvirus, and a virus previously described in marine mammals. Here, we provide insight into a complex ecological picture. These data highlight the surveillance opportunities provided by Antarctic scavenger birds. IMPORTANCE This article describes whole-virome and targeted viral surveillance for coronaviruses, paramyxoviruses, and influenza viruses in snowy sheathbills from the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland. Our results suggest an important role of this species as a sentinel for this region. This species' RNA virome showcased a diversity of viruses likely tied to its interactions with assorted Antarctic fauna. We highlight the discovery of two viruses of likely human origin, one with an intestinal impact and another with oncogenic potential. Analysis of this data set detected a variety of viruses tied to various sources (from crustaceans to nonhuman mammals), depicting a complex viral landscape for this scavenger species.

Understanding the natural expansion of white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) in an ephemeral inlet based on geomorphological analysis and remote sensing data.

The interactions between local tides and river discharges are crucial in the processes related to the recruitment of mangrove propagules in estuarine systems. This investigation aimed to determine the causes of the recent natural recruitment and expansion of Laguncularia racemosa in mudflats within an ephemeral inlet in Mexico. We conducted a fluvial and coastal geomorphology assessment with spaceborne and UAV-based images. We deployed and recorded continuous data loggers in the estuarine system to assess water level and salinity. Depending on the available data, we used a combination of cloud-computing Google Earth Engine, UAV-Digital Surface Models, LiDAR, Google Earth images, and biophysical variables to monitor mangrove forests from 2005 to 2022. When the inlet is open, the estuarine system presents a full tidal range (∼1-1.5 m) with a strong salinity gradient (0-35 mS/cm), in contrast to the strong freshwater influence and minimal water level variability (<10 cm) that prevails for three months when the inlet is closed. Once the mouth of the river closes, there is considerable sediment accumulation, creating mudflat areas adjacent to the mangrove forests where Laguncularia racemosa propagules begin to establish under minimal water level variability and oligohaline conditions. After 16 years, the new forest expanded by 12.3 ha, presenting a very high density (10000 stems/ha), a considerable basal area (54-63 m2/ha), and a maximum canopy height of 15.8 m, which largely surpasses that of other semiarid Laguncularia racemosa forests within permanent open-inlet systems or even in ephemeral inlets with different hydrological conditions. Our study will help to understand the causes of natural Laguncularia racemosa recruitment in extremely dynamic systems.

Monitoring detailed mangrove hurricane damage and early recovery using multisource remote sensing data.

Due to their location in tropical latitudes, mangrove forests are susceptible to the impact of hurricanes and can be vastly damaged by their high-speed winds. Given the logistic difficulties regarding field surveys in mangroves, remote sensing approaches have been considered a reliable alternative. We quantified trends in damage and early signs of canopy recovery in a fringe Rhizophora mangle area of Marismas Nacionales, Mexico, following the landfall of Hurricane Willa in October 2018. We monitored (2016-2021) broad canopy defoliation using 21 vegetation indices (VI) from the Google Earth Engine tool (GEE). We also mapped a detailed canopy fragmentation and developed digital surface models (DSM) during five study periods (2018-2021) with a consumer-grade unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over an area of 100 ha. Based on optical data from the GEE time series, results indicated an abrupt decline in the overall mangrove canopy. The VARI index was the most reliable VI for the mangrove canopy classification from a standard RGB sensor. The impact of the hurricane caused an overall canopy defoliation of 79%. The series of UAV orthomosaics indicate a gradual recovery in the mangrove canopy, while the linear model predicts at least 8.5 years to reach pre-impact mangrove cover conditions. However, the sequence of DSM estimates that the vertical canopy configuration will require a longer time to achieve its original structure.

Extrapolating canopy phenology information using Sentinel-2 data and the Google Earth Engine platform to identify the optimal dates for remotely sensed image acquisition of semiarid mangroves.

Continuum monitoring of mangrove ecosystems is required to maintain and improve upon national mangrove conservation strategies. In particular, mangrove canopy assessments using remote sensing methods can be undertaken rapidly and, if freely available, optimize costs. Although such spaceborne data have been used for such purposes, their application to map mangroves at the species level has been limited by the capacity to provide continuous data. The objective of this study was to assess mangrove seasonal patterns using seven multispectral vegetation indices based on a Sentinel-2 (S2) time series (July 2018 to October 2019) to assess phenological trajectories of various semiarid mangrove classes in the Google Earth Engine platform using Fourier analysis for an area located in Western Mexico. The results indicate that the months from November through December and from May through July were critical in mangrove species discrimination using the EVI2, NDVI, and VARI series. The Random Forest classification accuracy for the S2 image was calculated at 79% during the optimal acquisition period (June 25, 2019), whereas only 55% accuracy was calculated for the non-optimal image acquired date (March 2, 2019). Although mangroves are considered evergreen forests, the phenological pattern of various mangrove canopies, based on these indices, were shown to be very similar to the surrounding land-based semiarid deciduous forest. Consequently, it is believed that the rainfall pattern is likely to be the key environmental factor driving mangrove phenology in this semiarid coastal system and thus the degree of success in mangrove remote sensing classification endeavors. Identifying the optimal dates when canopy spectral conditions are ideal in achieving mangrove species discrimination could be of utmost importance when purchasing more expensive very-high spatial resolution satellite images or collecting spatial data from UAVs.

Effect of a Game-Based Physical Education Program on Physical Fitness and Mental Health in Elementary School Children.

Promotion of healthy active behaviors should start from early ages, as behaviors learned in youth are more likely to endure. A fundamental body of research in this field focuses on the implementation of programs within physical education (PE), thanks to its favorable characteristics. However, traditional PE based on exercise training and controlling styles seems to have weaker association with students' health benefits. For this reason, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a game-based PE program on physical fitness and psychological health in schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 years old. A total of 252 students were distributed in experimental (EG, games-centered activities) and control (CG, traditional exercise training activities) groups. The program lasted 6 months. Health-related physical fitness components, psychological wellbeing, self-esteem, stress, and anxiety were assessed before and after the treatment. Both groups increased physical fitness at post-test; however, cardiorespiratory fitness did not improve. No differences were found between the groups at post-test. Our results show that games may be as effective as traditional training methods; yet, they suggest that PE alone may be insufficient for obtaining substantive benefits in cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of the type of task presented.

Spatiotemporal shoreline dynamics of Marismas Nacionales, Pacific coast of Mexico, based on a remote sensing and GIS mapping approach.

Within the last few decades, tropical coastal systems such as beaches, dunes, and mangrove forests have experienced high annual rates of loss worldwide due to natural and anthropogenic impacts. Historical remote sensing data have been used to map and monitor these fragile systems, as well as to track specific events through time. The purpose of this study was to examine coastal trends along Marismas Nacionales in Mexico, which is the largest wetland complex of the western coast of the Pacific Ocean. The opening of the Cuautla Canal in 1976 and the construction of several hydroelectric power dams have severely impacted this wetland system. Shoreline variability was estimated based on representative remote sensing images over half a century (1970 to 2019). Results indicate that, after 49 years, 805 ha of beach deposits have been lost in the Cuautla Canal and at the beach ridge region that should otherwise be an accretional coastal zone. Conversely, the southern section of the study site shows 406 ha of constant accretion during the same period due to the presence of the unobstructed San Pedro River. Our study highlights the adverse effects of engineering projects, such as inlets and hydroelectric dams throughout tropical coastal systems that have strongly depended on freshwater input from upstream rivers.

Presentación de las tareas proporcionado por el profesor, necesidades psicológicas y vitalidad subjetiva en alumnos de educación física / Task presentation provided by the teacher, psychological needs and subjective vitality in physical education students / Apresentação das tarefas fornecidas pelo profesor, das necesidades psicológicas e da vitalidade subjetiva dos alunos de educação física

Tomando como base la teoría de las necesidades psicológicas básicas (Deci y Ryan, 2002), en este estudio se examinó si la percepción que tiene el alumno de la presentación de las tareas por parte del profesor predice la satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas, y éstas a su vez predicen el bienestar (vitalidad subjetiva) de los alumnos en la sesión de educación física. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 515 niños (272 hombres [M = 11.28 años; DT = .49] y 243 mujeres [M = 11.36 años; DT = .48]) estudiantes de sexto grado de primaria (M = 11.32; DT = .48), que cumplimentaron los instrumentos que evaluaban las variables del estudio. Los resultados del análisis de ecuaciones estructurales indicaron que la presentación de las tareas actuó como predictor positivo de la satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas, y que éstas a su vez predijeron positivamente la vitalidad subjetiva. Los análisis de mediación indicaron que la satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas medió parcialmente la relación entre la percepción que tiene el alumno de la presentación de las tareas por el profesor y el bienestar psicológico de los alumnos de educación física

Tendo como base a teoria das necessidades psicológicas básicas (Deci e Ryan, 2002), este estudo busca analisar se a percepção predefinida pelos alunos sobre a apresentação das atividades propostas pelo professor predizem à satisfação das necessidades psicológicas básicas, e estas por sua vez, definem o bem-estar (vitalidade subjetiva) dos alunos na aula de educação física. A amostra está conformada por 515 crianças (272 meninos [M = 11.28 anos; DT = .49] e 243 meninas[M = 11.32 anos; DT = .48]) estudantes de sexto ano da primária (M = 11.32 anos; DT = .48), que preencheram os instrumentos de avaliação das variáveis do estudo. Os resultados da análise de equações estruturais mostraram que a apresentação das atividades atuou como influenciador positivo da satisfação das necessidades psicológicas básicas e que estas, por sua vez, manifestaram-se positivamente frente a vitalidade subjetiva. As análises de mediação indicaram que a satisfação das necessidades psicológicas básicas mediu parcialmente a relação entre a percepção do aluno sobre a apresentação das tarefas pelo professor e o bem-estar psicológico dos alunos de educação física

Within the framework of basic psychological needs theory (Deci & Ryan, 2002), in this study we examined the students' perception of the coach's task presentation as a predictor of the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs, which in turn predicted psychological wellbeing (subjective vitality) of students in the physical education context. Participants were 515 children (272 men [M = 11.28 years; SD = .49] and 243 women [M = 11.32 years; SD = .48]) students in the sixth grade of primary school (M = 11.32 years, SD = .48), who completed the questionnaires measuring the study variables. Results of structural equation analyses showed that coach's task presentation positively predicted satisfaction of the basic psychological needs, which in turn positively predicted subjective vitality. Satisfaction of the basic psychological needs partially mediated the relationship between coach's task presentation and well-being of students in the physical education context

Dynamic measurement of speed of sound in n-Heptane by ultrasonics during fuel injections.

The paper presents a technique to measure the speed of sound in fuels based on pulse-echo ultrasound. The method is applied inside the test chamber of a Zeuch-type instrument used for indirect measurement of the injection rate (Mexus). The paper outlines the pulse-echo method, considering probe installation, ultrasound beam propagation inside the test chamber, typical signals obtained, as well as different processing algorithms. The method is validated in static conditions by comparing the experimental results to the NIST database both for water and n-Heptane. The ultrasonic system is synchronized to the injector so that time resolved samples of speed of sound can be successfully acquired during a series of injections. Results at different operating conditions in n-Heptane are shown. An uncertainty analysis supports the analysis of results and allows to validate the method. Experimental results show that the speed of sound variation during an injection event is less than 1%, so the Mexus model assumption to consider it constant during the injection is valid.

Resonant mode characterisation of a cylindrical Helmholtz cavity excited by a shear layer.

This paper investigates the interaction between the shear-layer over a circular cavity with a relatively small opening and the flow-excited acoustic response of the volume within to shear-layer instability modes. Within the fluid-resonant category of cavity oscillation, most research has been conducted on rectangular geometries: generally restricted to longitudinal standing waves, or when cylindrical: to Helmholtz resonance. In practical situations, however, where the cavity is subject to a range of flow speeds, many different resonant mode types may be excited. The current work presents a cylindrical cavity design where Helmholtz oscillation, longitudinal resonance, and azimuthal acoustic modes may all be excited upon varying the flow speed. Experiments performed show how lock-on between each of the three fluid-resonances and shear-layer instability modes can be generated. A circumferential array of microphones flush-mounted with the internal surface of the cavity wall was used to decompose the acoustic pressure field into acoustic modes and has verified the excitation of higher order azimuthal modes by the shear-layer. For azimuthal modes especially, the location of the cavity opening affects the pressure response. A numerical solution is validated and provides additional insight and will be applied to more complex aeronautical and automotive geometries in the future.

Incontinencia pigmentaria asociada a fisura palatina. Reporte de un caso / Incontinentia pigmenti associated with cleft palate. Report of a case

La incontinencia pigmentaria (IP2, síndrome de Block-Sulzberger) es un raro caso de genodermatosis de herencia ligado a X dominante, afectando en su mayoría a mujeres. Consiste en una serie de manifestaciones de la piel, desordenes dentarios, oculares, neurológicos, y otros. Nosotros presentamos un caso de incontinencia pigmentaria con las clásicas manifestaciones cutáneas asociado a fisura palatina(AU)

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP2, Block-Sulzberger Syndrome) is a rare x-linked dominant genodermatosis mainly affecting females. It consists of characteristic skin manifestations and dental, ocular, neurological, and other disorders. We present a case report with classical cutaneous features diagnosed with incontinentia pigmenti associated with a cleft palate(AU)

Trapezoid stress fracture in an international shot-putter: a case report.

Trapezoid fractures are relatively rare upper limb fractures. The case report of a trapezoid stress fracture in the dominant hand of a 22 year old international standard shot-putter is presented.

Efecto de un sistema de enfriamiento a espacio abierto en la eficiencia productiva de novillos Holstein durante el verano / Effect of a cooling system to space opened up in the productive efficiency of young bulls Holstein during the summer

Para evaluar los efectos de un sistema de enfriamiento a espacio abierto en la ganacia de peso, consumo de alimento y frecuencia respiratoria se utilizaron 32 novillos Holstein de 373kg, distribuidos en dos tratamientos de un diseño al azar con mediciones repetidas. Un tratamiento fue únicamente sombre en la parte central del corral (grupo testigo; n=16) y un segundo tratamiento contó con un sistema de enfriamiento a espacio abierto (n=16). Dicho sistema consistió en un abanico con una hélice de 2,4m de diámetro produciendo un volumen de aire de 1416m3/min con una cobertura de ascilación de 90 grados centígrados. los aspersores instalados en el sistema liberaron una cantidad de agua de 12/min. El estudio tuvo una duración de 90 días, resgistrándose en este período un índice de temperatura-humedad máximo en un rango de 84 a 90. La ganacia de peso fue similar (p>0,05) entre el grupo testigo y el enfriado (1,34±0,05 vs 1,41 ± 0,05kg/día, respectivamente) así como el consumo de alimento (9,9 vs 10,5kg/día). Sin embrago, se observó una tendencia a incrementar la eficiencia productiva y una reducción (p<0,05) en la frecuencia respiratoria de los novillos bajo el sistema de enfriamoento en comparación con el grupo testigo (89 vs 104 respiraciones por minuto), indicando un mejoramiento en su confort

Acupuncture for soft tissue shoulder disorders: a series of 201 cases.

A retrospective observational study was performed on shoulder pain cases seen in a community general practice. Two hundred and one patients were treated with acupuncture (on distant points plus local shoulder points), moxibustion and auriculotherapy. Data was retrieved from records over a three-year period to assess the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on pain, mobility and disability, and to compare perceived efficacy rates with published reports from Chinese acupuncturists. Using a four-point outcome scale in this series of 201 patients the study found: one patient (0.5%) reported no improvement, 12 (6%) simple improvement, 68 (33.8%) remarkable improvement, and 120 (59.7%) clinical resolution. Only two patients left the programme. In conclusion, treatment of soft tissue shoulder disorders with acupuncture and moxibustion in this series seems to have good clinical results in diminishing symptoms, shortening disease duration time and improving functional ability, even in long-lasting disease (up to 10 years). A combination of distant points plus local points, moxibustion and auriculotherapy seems to increase effectiveness, reduce the number of sessions per patient, and increase the time between sessions, suiting the needs of patients and those of a busy National Health Service clinic. The authors report results similar to those reported by Chinese acupuncturists when using similar diagnostic procedures, techniques, outcome measures and patients. This case series is the first step towards conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of acupuncture efficacy in shoulder pain. Such trials are needed to confirm the perceived efficacy of acupuncture from observational studies.