How to fill the biodiversity data gap:Is it better to invest in fieldwork or curation?

Data gaps and biases are two important issues that affect the quality of biodiversity information and downstream results.Understanding how best to fill existing gaps and account for biases is necessary to improve our current information most effectively.Two current main approaches for obtaining and improving data include(1)curation of biological collections,and(2)fieldwork.However,the comparative effectiveness of these approaches in improving biodiversity data remains little explored.We used the Flora de Bogota project to study the magnitude of change in species richness,spatial coverage,and sample coverage of plant records based on curation versus fieldwork.The process of curation resulted in a decrease in species richness(synonym and error removal),but it significantly increased the number of records per species.Fieldwork contributed to a slight increase in species richness,via accumulation of new records.Additionally,curation led to increases in spatial coverage,species observed by locality,the number of plant records by species,and localities by species compared to fieldwork.Overall,curationwas more efficient in producing new information compared to fieldwork,mainly because of the large number of records available in herbaria.We recommend intensive curatorial work as the first step in increasing biodiversity data quality and quantity,to identify bias and gaps at the regional scale that can then be targeted with fieldwork.The stepwise strategy would enable fieldwork to be planned more costeffectively given the limited resources for biodiversity exploration and characterization.

重症监护室护士限制治疗努力的能力:整合性综述

目的在重症监护病房(IntensiveCareUnit,ICU),护土难免会遇到需要限制治疗努力(limiting therapeutie efort,LTE)的患者,尽管多数护士还缺乏为这些临终患者及其家庭提供支持的准备。本综述旨在描述ICU护士在LTE中需要具备的能力。方法对2010年--2023年发表的文献进行综述。系统检索了5个数据库:Medline、Wiley Online Library、SciELO、ScienceDirect和Web of Science。使用关键评估项目工具西班牙语版(Critical Appraisal Skills Programme in Spanish,CASPe)作为评判性阅读工具。使用牛津循证医学中心(Center for Evidence-Based Medicine.,CEBM)评估工具确定证据级别和推荐强度。结果共纳入25篇文献。ICU护士LTE护理的能力包括对患者的直接护理、以家庭为中心的护理以及护士在团队中的作用。该综述确定了3个类别的能力:作为患者、家庭与跨学科团队之间维护者的能力,在LTE方面的决策能力,在患者生命末期治疗和护理干预的能力。结论ICU护士在LTE方面需要具备相应的能力,这对患者的生活质量死亡尊严以及患者家庭应对悲伤的全面支持至关重要。

Computer-Aided Diagnosis for Tuberculosis Classification with Water Strider Optimization Algorithm

Computer-aided diagnosis(CAD)models exploit artificial intelligence(AI)for chest X-ray(CXR)examination to identify the presence of tuberculosis(TB)and can improve the feasibility and performance of CXR for TB screening and triage.At the same time,CXR interpretation is a time-consuming and subjective process.Furthermore,high resemblance among the radiological patterns of TB and other lung diseases can result in misdiagnosis.Therefore,computer-aided diagnosis(CAD)models using machine learning(ML)and deep learning(DL)can be designed for screening TB accurately.With this motivation,this article develops a Water Strider Optimization with Deep Transfer Learning Enabled Tuberculosis Classification(WSODTL-TBC)model on Chest X-rays(CXR).The presented WSODTL-TBC model aims to detect and classify TB on CXR images.Primarily,the WSODTL-TBC model undergoes image filtering techniques to discard the noise content and U-Net-based image segmentation.Besides,a pre-trained residual network with a two-dimensional convolutional neural network(2D-CNN)model is applied to extract feature vectors.In addition,the WSO algorithm with long short-term memory(LSTM)model was employed for identifying and classifying TB,where the WSO algorithm is applied as a hyperparameter optimizer of the LSTM methodology,showing the novelty of the work.The performance validation of the presented WSODTL-TBC model is carried out on the benchmark dataset,and the outcomes were investigated in many aspects.The experimental development pointed out the betterment of the WSODTL-TBC model over existing algorithms.

Experimental analysis of infragravity waves in two eroded microtidal beaches

This work aims to contribute to the characterization and understanding ofinfragravity waves on two beaches with erosion problems. For this reason, we have used an array of ADCP and a pressure sensor to measure wave parameters and pressure inside and outside of the surf zone during the dry and rainy period in the beaches of Galerazamba and Manzanillo del Mar （both dissipative and eroded beaches） located in the Colombian Caribbean coast. Based on these measurements, we have carried out a spectral analysis in order to identify the frequency components that characterize the wave and its energy; thus, we identified the characteristic frequencies of iufragravity waves to finally filter the infragravity signal on each beach in different seasonal periods. Among the results of the Welch spectrum applied to surface elevation time series, we found that, the frequencies＇ energy of the sea-swell band decreases due to bottom friction and wave breaking as the wave approaches the shore, while the frequencies＇ energy of the infragravity band increases significantly. In addition, for the wavelet analysis, we could observe how the energy of the infragravity band, especially the lowest frequencies gain energy as the waves approaches the coast. Furthermore, based on the infragravity wave obtained from the extreme wave event registered during the field campaign we can conclude that the contribution of this signal is important in the erosion problems presented in the beaches of Galerazamba and Manzanillo del Mar. Finally, these results show the need to realize other studies that allow us to understand deeply, the role of infragravity waves on the morphological changes that occurs in these beaches.

Regionalization of epididymal duct and epithelium in rats and mice by automatic computer-aided morphometric analysis

Aim： To establish a rat and mouse epididymal map based on the use of the Epiquatre automatic software for histologic image analysis. Methods： Epididymides from five adult rats and five adult mice were fixed in alcoholic Bouin＇s fixative and embedded in paraffin. Serial longitudinal sections through the medial aspect of the organ were cut at 10 jam and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. As determined from major connective tissue septa, nine subdivisions of the rat epididymis and seven for the mouse were determined, consisting of five sub-regions in the caput （rat and mouse）, one （mouse） or three （rat） in the corpus and one in the cauda （rat and mouse）. Using the Epiquatre software, several tubular, luminal and epithelial morphometric parameters were evaluated. Results： Statistical comparison of the quantitative parameters revealed regional differences （2-5 in the rat, 3-6 in the mouse, dependent on parameters） with caput regions 1 and 2 being largely distinguishable from the similar remaining caput and corpus, which were in turn recognizable from the cauda regions in both species. Conclusion： The use of the Epiquatre software allowed us to establish regression curves for different morphometric parameters that can permit the detection of changes in their values under different pathological or experimental conditions. （Asian J Androl 2005 Sep; 7： 267-275）

Blood Flow Simulation in the Femoral Artery

This paper presents the development of the blood flow simulation in two dimensions over the real geometry of the femoral artery. The Navier-Stokes equations are solved using the finite element method, to obtain the distributions of the blood pressure and flow velocity in multiple instants of time and different places of the femoral artery and thus determine the current condition of the blood vessels. The velocity field shows a laminar behavior,where, the velocity is higher in the center of the artery and decreases as the blood flow approaches artery walls. In spite of all artery and blood flow properties not being considered, the values of pressure and velocity obtained are within the normal ranges. Finally the model is used to verify if there exist irregularities in the blood flow in both healthy subjects and sick patients.

On Husimi Distribution for Systems with Continuous Spectrum

We propose a procedure to generalize the Husimi distribution to systems with continuous spectrum. We start examining a pioneering work, by Gazeau and Klauder, where the concept of coherent states for systems with discrete spectrum was extended to systems with continuous one. In the present article, we see the Husimi distribution as a representation of the density operator in terms of a basis of coherent states. There are other ways to obtain it, but we do not consider here. We specially discuss the problem of the continuous harmonic oscillator.

Empathy Levels of Dental Students of Central America and the Caribbean

Objective: The aim of this study is to check whether there are differences in the distribution of empathy levels in dental students from nine faculties of dentistry Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic. Methods: The levels of empathy and matrices of empathy construct matrices are estimated dental students by using the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy, the Spanish version for students (S version) culturally validated in Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic measured by arbitrator criteria. Cronbach α is estimated. Data of empathic orientation of the studied factors between faculties are analyzed and compared by ANOVA and Duncan test and matrices of empathy construct using discriminant analysis. Results: We find that there are differences in levels of empathy between universities, courses, gender and interaction between the Dental Faculty (University) and Course. The comparison between matrices shows unexplained variances and differences observed between the levels of empathy in student populations. Conclusions: Variability in empathy is observed in the studied factors and among student populations. The variability is an empirical finding, but is not possible in this work, to explain why.

MODS： A Novel Metaheuristic of Deterministic Swapping for the Multi-Objective Optimization of Combinatorials Problems

This paper states a new metaheuristic based on Deterministic Finite Automata （DFA） for the multi - objective optimization of combinatorial problems. First, a new DFA named Multi - Objective Deterministic Finite Automata （MDFA） is defined. MDFA allows the representation of the feasible solutions space of combinatorial problems. Second, it is defined and implemented a metaheuritic based on MDFA theory. It is named Metaheuristic of Deterministic Swapping （MODS）. MODS is a local search strategy that works using a MDFA. Due to this, MODS never take into account unfeasible solutions. Hence, it is not necessary to verify the problem constraints for a new solution found. Lastly, MODS is tested using well know instances of the Bi-Objective Traveling Salesman Problem （TSP） from TSPLIB. Its results were compared with eight Ant Colony inspired algorithms and two Genetic algorithms taken from the specialized literature. The comparison was made using metrics such as Spacing, Generational Distance, Inverse Generational Distance and No-Dominated Generation Vectors. In every case, the MODS results on the metrics were always better and in some of those cases, the superiority was 100%.

Esterase Activities and Biochemical Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Goat＇s Milk Cheese in Argentina

Twenty-two lactic acid bacteria （LAB） strains isolated from Argentinean goat dairy products were evaluated for its biochemical properties and esterase activities relevant to flavor development. Streptococcus thermophilus （UNSE314）, Lactobacillus （L.） delbrueckii subsp, bulgaricus （UNSE309）, L. rhamnosus （UNSE308）, L. plantarum （UNSE287, UNSE316, UNSE317） and Pediococcus pentosaceus （UNSE315） strains presented high acidifying activity. All strains tested metabolized citrate and produced diacetyl-acetoin in goat milk. Based on these results, 10 strains with the best performance in diverse technological properties were selected to determine esterolytic activity. In all evaluated strains, esterase specific activity （ESA） was detected on ct-naphthyl （ct-NA） acetate and 13-naphthyl （[3-NA） acetate, propionate, eaprylate and ct-NA butyrate. No activity was detected on [3-NA laurate. The highest values were detected when using a-NA instead of fI-NA derivatives as substrate. In Pediocoecus strains, wide variability in ESA were observed, which were species- and strain-specific. These results allow us to select strains with biochemical properties and esterase activities to design starter and adjunct cultures that contribute to flavor development during cheese ripening, thus preserving the typical organoleptic characteristics of Argentinean goat cheeses.

Palynostratigraphy of the Zorritas Formation, Antofagasta region, Chile： Insights on the Devonian]Carboniferous boundary in western Gondwana

The Middle Member of the Zorritas Formation in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile, yielded terrestrial and marine palynomorph assemblages which span the Devonian/Carboniferous boundary. The assemblages show a clear predominance of terrestrial palynomorphs with 70 miospore species, 18 marine phytoplankton species, two non-marine algae and one chitinozoan species, all coming from 15 productive levels. Palynomorphs are poorly preserved and most of them are reworked. Three palyno- logical associations are recognized based on miospores. These are assigned to the Tournaisian-Visean, Tournaisian and probable latest Famennian. Age assignments are discussed in the frame of the spore zonal schemes established for Euramerica and western Gondwana. The stratigraphical distribution of spores allows the identification of the probable position of the Devonian/Carboniferous boundary within the Zorritas Formation. This system boundary is proposed for the first time in Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks of northern Chile. The presence of Gondwanan typical miospore species indicates affinities with this palaeocontinent even though the Tournaisian and Tournaisian-Viseao miospore associations sup- port the cosmopolitanism already suggested for the early Carboniferous flora. The significant number of reworked palynomorphs together with the sedimentological analysis of the studied sections, suggest that these deposits were severely impacted by the climatic change and major sea level fluctuations. Similar conditions were recorded in coeval western Gondwana basins.

Economic Impact of Renewable Generation on the Cost of Energy Supply

This article presents an analysis of the economic impact of non-dispatchable generation on the cost of the energy supply. It aims to analyze the economic impact of the renewable generation in Spanish production and thus to help prospective investors in renewable generation projects to analyze the situation of the Spanish electricity market. With that target, the current situation in Spain is shown and then using a MATLAB program, the economic impact of the renewable generation on the Spanish daily is analyzed.

Empathy Levels of Dentistry Students in Peru and Argentina

Objectives: To compare the empathy of students in two faculties of Dentistry in Peru and Argentina, three factors were considered: universities, academic year and gender. Material and Methods: Empathy matrices in Dentistry students were measured using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy, culturally validated in Peru and Argentina. Empathy data were compared among and within the faculties tested using a three-factor analysis of variance (model III), a Duncan test, and a discriminant analysis. The level of significance used was less than 0.05. Results: We found that differences existed between the students tested. The comparison between the levels of empathy in the studied factors and the presence of unexplained variance showed that empathy was able to differentiate populations. Conclusions: The results indicate variability in the empathy values associated with the factors studied. The discriminant test confirms the differences between faculties revealed by the data matrix resulting from the JSE. These differences are possibly due to the effect of educational and social factors.

Common interacting genetic variation shapes susceptibility to type 1 diabetes in a Colombian Caribbean community:In search of shared genetic markers

Genome-wide association studies(GWASs)have identified hundreds of loci across the human genome conferring susceptibility to autoimmune diseases(AIDs),some of which are shared between more than two diseases.However,this univariate approach has limitations in detecting complex genotype-phenotype correlations.

Identifying disappeared historic buildings of port of Callao using georeferencing

The port of Callao is important for its varied historical and archaeological heritage,which includes several military buildings that were the main actors and witnesses of the colonial era of Peru(from the 16th century to the country’s independence from Spain early in the 19th century).Despite the studies that have been carried out on the basis of documents and some eventual archaeological excavations,the port’s main monument,namely,the Real Felipe Fortress,continues to hide very important information that could be used to understand the role that the fortress played in numerous historical events throughout the centuries.The main contribution of this study is the use of photogrammetry software and a Geographic Information System(GIS)to examine the Real Felipe Fortress.In this way,the nature of the atypical construction within the fortress is determined.As a result,it is possible to accurately establish the location of the defensive wall that surrounded the ancient city of Callao,as well as its first churches,whose records were lost after being destroyed by the 1746 earthquake and tsunami in Lima,the worst cataclysm registered in the history of Peru and South America.As a result,this study demonstrates that technology can be successfully used to establish and validate with great precision the existence of the location of churches that have been built in the port of Callao since the founding of Lima in the 16th century.Such identification allows architects,engineers and students who are interested in the history of monuments to discover hidden structures and buildings and carry out the necessary restoration and archaeological works,with the aim of recovering the history of the colonial architecture of Callao and other similar cities and ports worldwide.

Photo timeline of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis,Colombia

Dear Editor,New World cutaneous leishmaniasis is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease caused by infection with protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania;most of them included in the subgenus Viannia,which are transmitted by the bites of infected female phlebotomine sandflies[1].In Colombia L.panamensis and L.braziliensis are the most frequent species associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis[2].The spectrum of New World cutaneous leishmaniasis includes single or multiple,localized,cutaneous ulcers;diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis;disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis;and mucosal leishmaniasis[3].

Spermiogram and sperm head morphometry assessed by multivariate cluster analysis results during adolescence （12-18 years） and the effect of varicocele

This work evaluates sperm head morphometric characteristics in adolescents from 12 to 18 years of age, and the effect of varicocele. Volunteers between 150 and 224 months of age （mean 191, n = 87）, who had reached oigarche by 12 years old, were recruited in the area of Barranquilla, Colombia. Morphometric analysis of sperm heads was performed with principal component （PC） and discriminant analysis, Combining seminal fluid and sperm parameters provided five PCs： two related to sperm morphometry, one to sperm motility, and two to seminal fluid components. Discriminant analysis on the morphometric results of varicocele and nonvaricocele groups did not provide a useful classification matrix. Of the semen-related PCs, the most explanatory （40%） was related to sperm motility. Two PCs, including sperm head elongation and size, were sufficient to evaluate sperm morphometric characteristics. Most of the morphometric variables were correlated with age, with an increase in size and decrease in the elongation of the sperm head. For head size, the entire sperm population could be divided into two morphometric subpopulations, SP1 and SP2, which did not change during adolescence. In general, for varicocele individuals, SP1 had larger and more elongated sperm heads than SP2, which had smaller and more elongated heads than in nonvaricocele men. In summary, sperm head morphometry assessed by CASA-Morph and multivariate cluster analysis provides a better comprehension of the ejaculate structure and possibly sperm function. Morphometric analysis provides much more information than data obtained from conventional semen analysis.

Adaptive Fault Detection Based on Neural Networks and Multiple Sampling Points for Distribution Networks and Microgrids

Smart networks such as active distribution network(ADN)and microgrid(MG)play an important role in power system operation.The design and implementation of appropriate protection systems for MG and ADN must be addressed,which imposes new technical challenges.This paper presents the implementation and validation aspects of an adaptive fault detection strategy based on neural networks(NNs)and multiple sampling points for ADN and MG.The solution is implemented on an edge device.NNs are used to derive a data-driven model that uses only local measurements to detect fault states of the network without the need for communication infrastructure.Multiple sampling points are used to derive a data-driven model,which allows the generalization considering the implementation in physical systems.The adaptive fault detector model is implemented on a Jetson Nano system,which is a single-board computer(SBC)with a small graphic processing unit(GPU)intended to run machine learning loads at the edge.The proposed method is tested in a physical,real-life,low-voltage network located at Universidad del Norte,Colombia.This testing network is based on the IEEE 13-node test feeder scaled down to 220 V.The validation in a simulation environment shows the accuracy and dependability above 99.6%,while the real-time tests show the accuracy and dependability of 95.5%and 100%,respectively.Without hard-to-derive parameters,the easy-to-implement embedded model highlights the potential for real-life applications.

Proximal Methods with Bregman Distances to Solve VIP on Hadamard Manifolds with Null Sectional Curvature

We present an extension of the proximal point method with Bregman distances to solve variational inequality problems(VIP)on Hadamard manifolds with null sectional curvature.Under some natural assumptions,as for example,the existence of solutions of the VIP and the monotonicity of the multivalued vector field,we prove that the sequence of the iterates given by the method converges to a solution of the problem.Furthermore,this convergence is linear or superlinear with respect to the Bregman distance.