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Humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) are a cosmopolitan species and perform long annual migrations between low-latitude breeding areas and high-latitude feeding areas. Their breeding populations appear to be spatially and genetically segregated due to long-term, maternally inherited fidelity to natal breeding areas. In the Southern Hemisphere, some humpback whale breeding populations mix in Southern Ocean waters in summer, but very little movement between Pacific and Atlantic waters has been identified to date, suggesting these waters constituted an oceanic boundary between genetically distinct populations. Here, we present new evidence of summer co-occurrence in the West Antarctic Peninsula feeding area of two recovering humpback whale breeding populations from the Atlantic (Brazil) and Pacific (Central and South America). As humpback whale populations recover, observations like this point to the need to revise our perceptions of boundaries between stocks, particularly on high latitude feeding grounds. We suggest that this “Southern Ocean Exchange” may become more frequent as populations recover from commercial whaling and climate change modifies environmental dynamics and humpback whale prey availability.

Using renewable energies is one of the alternatives to mitigate climate change. Among them, photovoltaic energy has shown a relevant growth of participation in the electric sector. In the backdrop of such growth, in countries such as Brazil, photovoltaic energy has surpassed the generation of electricity by petroleum derivatives since 2019. The significant growth in photovoltaic generation around the world can be attributed to several key factors, including abundant sunlight, supportive government policies, falling solar panel costs, environmental concerns, energy diversification goals, investor interest, job creation, and local manufacturing. However, photovoltaic system performance is heavily tied to weather variability. Different models are used to account for this meteorological dependence; however, there is a gap regarding the differences in the outputs of these models. The study presented here investigates the variability and sensitivity of the models used to estimate photovoltaic production (Ppv). Six models were compared by percentage difference analysis. Statistical analyses from the perspective of variability revealed that the difference between the Ppv estimated by these models reaches a 12.89% absolute power difference. Considering that temperature and solar irradiance are the meteorological variables that most influence Ppv, the sensitivity analysis focused on these. Regarding sensitivity, in the context of temperature changes, the average relative difference in Ppv between models can reach up to 5.32% for a 10 °C change, while in the context of changes in solar irradiance, the average relative difference can reach up to 19.05% for a change of 41.67 W/m2. The consideration of the variability and sensitivity of the main sets of equations used to estimate the potential of photovoltaic energy production can help refine methodologies and assumptions in future research in this area. There are variations and sensitivities, as observed, of such magnitude that, depending on the set of equations adopted in the study, they can alter the conclusion about photovoltaic energy production in a given region. Accurate estimations are pivotal not only for feasibility analyses but also for gauging economic and socio-environmental impacts. These divergences can, in turn, reformulate feasibility analyses and compromise the reliability of photovoltaic energy systems, thus leading to different economic and socio-environmental consequences.

Inflammation is a predominant aspect of neurodegenerative diseases and experimental studies performed in animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) suggesting that a sustained neuroinflammation exacerbates the nigrostriatal degeneration pathway. The central role of microglia in neuroinflammation has been studied as a target for potential neuroprotective drugs for PD, for example nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) inhibitors that regulates microglial activation and migration. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective response of the iminosugar 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) and compare its effect with a combined treatment with ibuprofen. MPTP-treated mice were orally dosed with ibuprofen and/or 1-DNJ 1. Open-field test was used to evaluate behavioral changes. Immunohistochemistry for dopaminergic neurons marker (TH + ) and microglia markers (Iba-1 + ; CD68 + ) were used to investigate neuronal integrity and microglial activation in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were analysed by qPCR. Treatments with either 1-DNJ or Ibuprofen alone did not reduce the damage induced by MPTP intoxication. However, combined treatment with 1-DNJ and ibuprofen prevents loss of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, decreases the number of CD68 + / Iba-1 + cells, the microglia/neurons interactions, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improves behavioral changes when compared with MPTP-treated animals. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that the combined treatment with a MMPs inhibitor (1-DNJ) plus an anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) has neuroprotective effects open for future therapeutic interventions. Graphical Abstract MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) is a protoxicant that, after crossing the Blood Brain Barrier, is metabolized by astrocytic MAO-B to MPDP+, a pyridinium intermediate, which undergoes further two-electron oxidation to yield the toxic metabolite MPP+ (methyl-phenyltetrahydropyridinium) that is then selectively transported into nigral neurons via the mesencephalic dopamine transporter. In this study, we demonstrated that MPTP induced death of dopaminergic neurons, microgliosis, increase of gliapses, motor impairment and neuroinflammation in mice, which were inhibited by combined 1-deoxynojirimycin and ibuprofen treatment.

This paper presents the implementation of a system that deals with static friction (stiction) in electropneumatic control valves, one of the most common nonlinearities that causes problems such as limit cycles and consequently wear of the valve and its moving parts, as well as losses in production and maintenance costs. This system is composed of a nonlinear predictive controller with adjustable constraints and an online database for estimation of the stiction parameters. The predictive controller uses constraints on the valve speed during its excursion, as well as constraints on the control signal to bring the valve to the desired position and slip it when necessary. The strategy adopted also showed robustness, being able to cope with changes in the spring and stiction parameters, which caused mismatch between the model and the controller and consequently loss of performance or even instability.

Abstract Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) cultivation has become a very profitable option due to its high added value. Therefore, using technologies for water control and soil conditioners is a possible way to increase profitability for producers. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the effects of irrigation and poultry litter biochar on the vegetative growth of cherry tomato, ‘Carolina’ cultivar. The experiment was conducted in a semi-protected greenhouse of UAEA/UFCG campus in Campina Grande, PB, Brazil, using a completely randomized design, in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme with 3 replicates and in split plots. The factors studied were four levels of irrigation (70, 80, 90 and 100% of soil field capacity) and four doses of poultry litter biochar (0, 4, 8 and 12 t.ha-1). In the evaluation of plant height in relation to irrigation depth, a percentage increase of 33.19% was observed between the highest and lowest irrigation depths (70% and 100% of field capacity) at the end of the experiment. Regarding stem diameter in relation to irrigation depth variation, there was an increase of 5.5 mm from 47 to 107 days after germination. Poultry litter biochar influenced stem diameter, resulting in a percentage gain of 6.91% between the lowest and highest doses (0 and 12 t.ha-1). For leaf area, there was a percentage increase of 18.1% when comparing the lowest and highest irrigation depths (70% and 100% of field capacity). Resumo O cultivo do tomateiro cereja (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) vem se tornando uma opção muito rentável devido ao seu elevado valor agregado. Desse modo, o uso de tecnologias para o controle da água e a utilização de condicionadores de solo, vem como uma possível forma de aumentar a rentabilidade para os produtores. Objetivou-se, assim, com o presente estudo, avaliar a variação de lâminas de irrigação e o uso do biocarvão de cama de aviário no crescimento vegetativo do tomate cereja vermelho cultivar ‘Carolina’. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação da UAEA/ UFCG campus Campina Grande –PB, utilizando delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 x 4 com 3 repetições e em parcelas subdivididas. Os fatores estudados foram quatro lâminas de irrigação (70, 80, 90 e 100% da capacidade de campo) e quatro doses de biocarvão de cama de aviário (0, 4, 8 e 12 t.ha-1). Na avaliação da altura de planta em relação à lâmina de irrigação, foi verificado um aumento percentual de 33.19% entre a maior e menor lâmina de irrigação (70 e 100% da capacidade de campo) ao final do experimento. Quanto ao diâmetro caulinar em relação à variação das lâminas de irrigação, houve um incremento de 5.5 mm dos 47 aos 107 dias após a germinação. O biocarvão de cama de aviário influenciou no diâmetro caulinar, conferindo um ganho percentual de 6.91% entre a menor e maior dose (0 e 12 t.ha-1). Para a área foliar, houve um incremento percentual de 18.1% quando avaliado entre a menor e maior lâmina de irrigação (70 e 100% da capacidade de campo).

Abstract Bacteria may be the initial cause of certain pathologies as well as a secondary agent responsible for the development of complications such as pressure ulcer infections. Pressure ulcers are a persistent health problem, especially in immunocompromised patients, and associated with infection by opportunistic microorganisms with antimicrobial resistance, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, highlight the need for the development of new antimicrobial approaches. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-adherent activity of Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) essential oil against Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, as well as the effect of its association with synthetic antimicrobials. To this end, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) analyses were performed on microdilution plates. The assay of the Minimum Inhibitory Adherence Concentration (MIAC), with test tubes. As well as, the association study through the infusion disc method containing ampicillin (AMP), gentamicin (GEN), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Therefore, it was possible to obtain that the essential oil of oregano presents antimicrobial and bactericidal activity, with MIC ranging between 128μg/mL and 256 μg/mL and MBC between 256 μg/mL and 512 μg/mL, on the tested K. pneumoniae strains. When used in association with ampicillin and gentamicin, oregano essential oil showed synergistic effect for some strains. Therefore, it is observed that the tested essential oil can act as a promising antibacterial in the treatment of diseases caused by K. pneumoniae. Resumo As bactérias podem ser a causa inicial de determinadas patologias como também um agente secundário responsável pelo desenvolvimento de complicações como as infecções das lesões por pressão. As lesões por pressão configuram um problema de saúde persistente, principalmente em pacientes imunocomprometidos, e associadas a infecção por microrganismos oportunistas com resistência antimicrobiana, como por exemplo a Klebisiella pneumoniae, ressaltam a necessidade do desenvolvimento de novas abordagens antimicrobianas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana e antiaderente do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgareL. (orégano) contra cepas da Klebisiella pneumoniae, bem como o efeito da sua associação com antimicrobianos sintéticos. Para isso foram realizadas as análises da Concentração Mínima Inibitória (CIM) e Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) em placas de micro diluição. O ensaio da Concentração Mínima de Aderência (CIMA), com tubos de ensaio. Como também, o estudo de associação através do método de disco de infusão contendo ampicilina, gentamicina, ciprofloxacino e ceftriaxona. Assim sendo, foi possível obter que o óleo essencial de orégano apresenta atividade antimicrobiana e bactericida, com CIM variando entre 128μg/mL e 256 μg/mL e CBM entre 256 μg/mL e 512 μg/mL, sobre as cepas de K. pneumoniae testadas. Quando utilizado em associação com a ampicilina e gentamicina, o óleo essencial de orégano demonstrou efeito sinérgico para algumas cepas. Portanto, observa-se que o óleo essencial testado pode atuar como um promissor antibacteriano no tratamento de doenças causadas por K. pneumoniae.

In this work we described an optical fibre sensing system for detecting low levels of methane. The properties of hollow-core photonic crystal fibres are explored to have a sensing head with favourable characteristics for gas sensing, particularly in what concerns intrinsic readout sensitivity and gas diffusion time in the sensing structure. The sensor interrogation was performed applying the Wavelength Modulation Spectroscopy technique, and a portable measurement unit was developed with performance suitable for remote detection of low levels of methane. This portable system has the capacity to simultaneously interrogate four remote photonic crystal fibre sensing heads.

Blastocrithidia culicis is an insect trypanosomatid that presents bacterial endosymbionts. The cell-associated and secreted proteinases of the endosymbiont-bearing and aposymbiotic strains were compared through the incorporation of proteinaceous substrates into sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Few qualitative changes could be detected in the proteolytic zymograms in the 2 strains studied when gelatin, casein, haemoglobin or bovine serum albumin (BSA) were tested. However, the level of proteolytic activities was significantly higher in the aposymbiotic strain. Some of the B. culicis proteins reacted in Western blots with antibodies raised against gp63, a zinc-metalloproteinase, and cruzipain, a cysteinyl-proteinase, which are virulence factors of the human pathogenic trypanosomatids, Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi, respectively. The anti-cross-reacting determinant (CRD) antibody recognized 2 polypeptides (50 and 58 kDa) in the spent culture media and in the supernatant from glycosylphosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C (GPI-PLC)-treated cells, suggesting that these proteins are GPI-anchored to the plasma membrane. In addition, the anti-gp63 reacted with the 50 kDa protein. The identification of protein homologues in trypanosomatids with distinct life-cycles may help to determine the importance of proteinases in trypanosomatids.

We investigate a problem for a model of a non-Newtonian micropolar fluid coupled system. The problem has been considered in a bounded, smooth domain of R 3 with Dirichlet boundary conditions. The operator stress tensor is given by τ ( e ( u ) ) = [ ( ν + ν 0 M ( | e ( u ) | 2 ) ) e ( u ) ] . To prove the existence of weak solutions we use the method of Faedo-Galerkin and compactness arguments. Uniqueness and periodicity of solutions are also considered.