Preliminary study of the population and reproductive dynamics of Echinaster sepositus (Spinulosida: Echinasteridae) in Cala del Racó / Estudio preliminar de la población y dinámica reproductiva de Echinaster sepositus (Spinulosida: Echinasteridae) en Cala del Racó

Abstract Introduction: The red starfish (Echinaster sepositus) is one of the most common asteroid species in the Mediterranean Sea. However, information about their biology or their role in benthic communities is scarce. Objective: This study aims to provide new information on the ecology of this species through the temporal characterization of the population of E. sepositus in Cala del Racó (Alicante, Spain) and the in situ monitoring of its reproductive cycle. Methods: For this purpose, three study areas were established at different depths. For each of the recorded starfish, data about the size, the substrate on which it was found, the area, the depth and the sex in the case of observing the reproduction were collected. Results: A total of 19 samplings have been carried out throughout a year of study. In this way, it has been possible to observe that the density of individuals increases in the shallower zone during autumn and winter, when the temperature drops to 14.13 ºC, while it decreases in spring and summer when the temperature rises to 27.17 ºC. Those results are reversed in the deepest part of the study. The highest density of individuals (0.51 ind/m2) occurred in October. Arborescent photophilic algae and crustose coralline algae were the substrates with the highest number of E. sepositus recorded. Medium to large specimens are located preferably on crustose coralline algae or arborescent photophilic algae, while smaller individuals were mostly located on Posidonia oceanica. No specimens of E. sepositus were observed spawning. Conclusions: Data leads to assume that there is a migration of starfishes towards more superficial areas when the water is at colder temperature and towards deeper areas when the temperature increases. It is valued the possibility that there is a change in the nutritional needs of E. sepositus throughout its development. According to our observations, the future reproduction studies should be concentrated between late-summer and early-autumn.

Resumen Introducción: La estrella de mar roja (Echinaster sepositus) es una de las especies de asteroideos más comunes del mar Mediterráneo. Sin embargo, la información sobre su biología o su papel en las comunidades bentónicas es escasa. Objetivo: Este estudio pretende aportar nueva información sobre la ecología de esta especie mediante la caracterización temporal de la población de E. sepositus en la Cala del Racó (Alicante, España) y el monitoreo in situ de su ciclo reproductivo. Métodos: Con este fin se establecieron tres zonas de estudio a distintas profundidades. Para cada una de las estrellas registradas se tomaron datos de tamaño, el sustrato sobre el que se encuentra, la zona, la profundidad y el sexo en caso de observar la reproducción. Resultados: A lo largo de un año de estudio se han realizado un total de 19 muestreos. De esta forma se ha podido observar que la densidad de individuos aumenta en la zona menos profunda durante otoño e invierno, cuando la temperatura del agua baja hasta los 14.13 ºC, mientras que se reduce en primavera y verano, cuando la temperatura se eleva hasta los 27.17 ºC. Este resultado se invierte en la zona más profunda del estudio. La mayor densidad de individuos ha sido observada en octubre (0.51 ind/m2). Las algas fotófilas arborescentes y las algas coralinales costrosas han sido los sustratos con un mayor número de E. sepositus registrados. Los ejemplares de tamaños medianos a grandes se localizan preferentemente sobre algas coralinales costrosas o algas fotófilas arborescentes, mientras que los individuos de menor tamaño se sitúan mayormente sobre Posidonia oceanica. No se observaron ejemplares de E. sepositus reproduciéndose. Conclusiones: Los datos permiten presuponer que existe una migración entre las zonas más superficiales, cuando la temperatura del agua es menor, y zonas más profundas cuando la temperatura aumenta. Se valora la posibilidad de la existencia de un cambio en los requerimientos nutricionales de E. sepositus a lo largo de su desarrollo. De acuerdo con nuestras observaciones, los estudios futuros sobre la reproducción de esta especie deben concentrarse entre finales de verano y principios de otoño.

Socio-environmental factors contributing to the high incidence of COVID-19 in a border city in northern Uruguay / Factores socioambientales que contribuyen a alta incidencia de COVID-19 en ciudad fronteriza del norte de Uruguay / Fatores socioambientais que contribuem para alta incidência de COVID-19 em cidade fronteiriça no norte do Uruguai

Background and Objectives: the present study was conducted in the city of Rivera, situated in northern Uruguay on the border with Brazil. The disease initially progressed slowly in 2020, with subsequent outbreaks followed by a rapid increase in incidence. The objective was to explore the relationship between the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases in a binational city and variables such as socioeconomic status, population density, and mobility patterns, with the aim of informing public policies. Methods: an exploratory study was conducted between August 2020 and January 2021 using data obtained from the Ministry of Health. The explanatory variables considered included population density, socioeconomic level, and mobility. Three distinct periods from 2020 to 2021 were identified. Spatial autocorrelation was analyzed using Moran's Index and the Gi* statistic (Getis & Ord). Hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to identify homogeneous groups of census segments. Results: a total of 1,846 cases were georeferenced. Through hierarchical cluster analysis, seven homogeneous groups were identified. Mobility was found to explain the incidence of cases among the high socioeconomic level group, while population density accounted for the differences observed in the low socioeconomic group. Conclusion: in this city, priority should be given to populations residing in areas with higher population density and greater mobility. This small-scale territorial analysis provides valuable information for developing localized policies aimed at addressing health crises.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: el estudio se realizó en la ciudad de Rivera, situada en el norte del país en la frontera con Brasil. La enfermedad progresó lentamente durante 2020, con brotes posteriores seguidos de un rápido aumento de la incidencia. El objetivo fue explorar la relación entre la distribución espacial de los casos de COVID-19 en una ciudad binacional y variables como nivel socioeconómico, densidad poblacional y patrones de movilidad, con el objetivo de informar políticas públicas. Métodos: se realizó un estudio exploratorio entre agosto 2020 y enero 2021 con datos del Ministerio de Salud, considerando semanas epidemiológicas. Las variables explicativas consideradas fueron densidad poblacional, nivel socioeconómico y movilidad. Se identificaron tres periodos temporales desde agosto 2020 hasta enero 2021. Se analizo la autocorrelación espacial empleando el Índice de Moran y estadística Gi* (Getis & Ord). Mediante el análisis de cluster jerárquico, fue posible identificar grupos homogéneos de segmentos censales. Resultados: se georreferenciaron un total de 1.846 casos. Mediante análisis de cluster jerárquico, se identificaron siete grupos homogéneos. Para el nivel alto socioeconómico, la movilidad es el factor explicativo de una mayor incidencia de casos. Mientras que, para para el grupo de nivel bajo, la densidad de la población fue el factor explicativo de las diferencias en la presentación de la enfermedad. Conclusión: la población a ser priorizada en esta ciudad corresponde a aquellas zonas con mayor densidad poblacional y donde se incrementa la movilidad. El análisis territorial a pequeña escala genera información para la construcción de política local, ante una crisis sanitaria, que la hace más eficaz.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: o presente estudo foi realizado na cidade de Rivera, localizada no norte do Uruguai, na fronteira com o Brasil. A doença progrediu lentamente durante 2020, com surtos subsequentes seguidos por um rápido aumento na incidência. O objetivo foi explorar a relação entre a distribuição espacial dos casos de COVID-19 em uma cidade binacional e variáveis como nível socioeconômico, densidade populacional e padrões de mobilidade, com o objetivo de informar políticas públicas. Métodos: estudo exploratório foi realizado entre agosto de 2020 e janeiro de 2021 com dados do Ministério da Saúde. As variáveis explicativas incluíram densidade populacional, nível socioeconômico e mobilidade. Três períodos distintos de 2020 a 2021 foram identificados. Autocorrelação espacial foi analisada com o Índice de Moran e a estatística Gi* (Getis & Ord). Utilizando a análise de cluster hierárquico, foi possível identificar grupos homogêneos de segmentos censitários. Resultados: um total de 1.846 casos foi georreferenciado. Através da análise de cluster hierárquico, sete grupos homogêneos foram identificados. A mobilidade foi encontrada como explicativa para a incidência de casos no grupo de alto nível socioeconômico, enquanto a densidade populacional explicou as diferenças observadas no grupo de baixo nível socioeconômico. Conclusão: nessa cidade, as populações a serem priorizadas são aquelas que residem em áreas com maior densidade populacional e maior mobilidade. Essa análise territorial em pequena escala fornece informações valiosas para o desenvolvimento de políticas locais destinadas a lidar com crises de saúde.(AU)

Impact of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infestation on maize growth characteristics and yield loss / Impacto da infestação da lagarta do cartucho Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) nas características de crescimento do milho e na perda de rendimento

The fall armyworm [FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith, 1797)] is an invasive and polyphagous insect that infests cereal crops, causing economic losses, and may be led to pose a threat to future the global maize crop in the future. Field trials were conducted to study the negative impacts of S. frugiperda on vegetative growth measurements, yield, and the components of the maize cultivar (Single-Hybrid 168 Yellow) in Luxor Governorate, Egypt. S. frugiperda larvae infestation to maize plants was observed in the 3rd week of June and so continued till the harvest in both 2021 and 2022 seasons. S. frugiperda had three peaks of the seasonal activity/season in the untreated (pesticide-free, control) and in the treated main plots by pesticides. Maize vegetative growth attributes (averages of plant height, stem diameter, and the number of green leaves per plant) displayed higher rates of the treated maize plants by insecticides against S. frugiperda. Maize grain, straw, and biological yield (kg/ha) were decreased in the untreated maize plants (insecticides free) than in the treated by insecticides. Concerning maize yield components, the treated plants were to outperform in the average length of a plant stem (cm), stem diameter (cm), and weight of cob (g), as well as, number of rows/cob, number of grains/ cob, number of grains/cob, maize cob grain weight (g) and weight of 1000-grains (g)], in comparison with the untreated plants. Also, the FAW infestation to untreated maize plants was decreased well in all calculated maize growth attributes, i.e., grain yield, and components. Regarding the relationship between variations in a given variable and the changes in S. frugiperda larvae numbers and plant damage percentage, the simple correlation and regression coefficient revealed a highly significant negative relationship in all the parameters tested. The obtained information may help farmers and decision-makers in the management of FAW populations based on an effective plan related to control measures that should be implemented.

A lagarta-do-cartucho [FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith, 1797)] é um inseto invasor e polífago que infesta culturas de cereais, responsável por perdas econômicas, representando uma ameaça para a cultura mundial de milho no futuro. Ensaios de campo foram conduzidos para estudar os impactos negativos de S. frugiperda nas medidas de crescimento vegetativo, rendimento e os componentes da cultivar de milho (Single-Hybrid 168 Yellow) na província de Luxor, Egito. A infestação de larvas de S. frugiperda nas plantas de milho foi observada na terceira semana de junho e prosseguiu até a colheita nas temporadas de 2021 e 2022. A espécie S. frugiperda teve 3 picos da atividade sazonal nas parcelas não tratadas (sem agrotóxicos e controle) e nas tratadas com agrotóxicos. Os atributos de crescimento vegetativo do milho (médias de altura da planta, diâmetro do caule e número de folhas verdes por planta) apresentaram maiores taxas das plantas de milho tratadas com inseticidas contra S. frugiperda. O grão de milho, a palha e o rendimento biológico (kg/ha) diminuíram nas plantas de milho não tratadas (sem inseticidas) do que nas plantas tratadas com inseticidas. Com relação aos componentes de rendimento do milho, as plantas tratadas tiveram desempenho superior no comprimento médio do caule da planta (cm), diâmetro do caule (cm) e peso da espiga (g), bem como, número de fileiras/espiga, número de grãos/espiga, número de grãos/espiga, peso de grãos de espiga de milho (g) e peso de 1000 grãos (g), em comparação com as plantas não tratadas. Além disso, a infestação de LFM em plantas de milho não tratadas diminuiu consideravelmente em todos os atributos de crescimento do milho calculados, ou seja, rendimento de grãos e componentes. Quanto à relação entre as variações de uma determinada variável e as mudanças no número de larvas de S. frugiperda e na porcentagem de danos às plantas, a correlação simples e o coeficiente de regressão revelaram uma relação negativa e altamente significativa em todos os parâmetros testados. A informação obtida pode ajudar os agricultores e gestores das populações da LFM com base num plano eficaz relacionado às medidas de controle que devem ser implementadas.

High altitudes, population density, and poverty: Unraveling the complexities of COVID-19 in Peru during the years 2020-2022.

Background: Several factors related to hospitalizations, morbidity, and mortality from COVID-19 have been identified. However, limited exploration has been done on geographic and socioeconomic factors that could significantly impact these outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether altitude, population density, and percentage of population in total poverty are associated with COVID-19 incidence per 1000 inhabitants and COVID-19 case-fatality rate in Peru, from 2020 to 2022. Methods: This study utilized a multiple group ecological design and relied on secondary databases containing daily records of COVID-19 positive cases and deaths due to COVID-19. An epidemiological analysis was performed, subsequently processed using a random effects model. Results: As of August 2022, Peru had recorded a total of 3,838,028 COVID-19 positive cases and 215,023 deaths due to COVID-19. Our analysis revealed a statistically significant negative association between altitude and COVID-19 incidence (aBETA: -0.004; Standard Error: 0.001; p < 0.05). Moreover, we observed a positive association between population density and incidence (aBETA: 0.006; Standard Error: 0.001; p < 0.05). However, we found no significant association between the percentage of population in total poverty and COVID-19 incidence. Conclusion: Our study found that an increase in altitude was associated with a decrease in COVID-19 incidence, while an increase in population density was associated with an increase in COVID-19 incidence. High altitude, population density and percentage of population in total poverty does not change case-fatality rate due to COVID-19.

Pachyoliva columellaris G.B. Sowerby I, 1825 (Olividae, Caenogastropoda) in Peru: tidal migrations and population density

The gastropod Pachyoliva columellaris (formerly Olivella columellaris) is particularly common on many sandy beaches in North Peru. In the studied region north of Paita, Piura province, the species reaches densities of over 80,000 individuals per beach meter. The snails perform tidal migrations throughout the lunar cycle although tidal amplitudes differ four-fold between neap and spring tide. Not all animals complete their tidal migrations, and significant numbers remain above the water line at low tide. Throughout the tidal cycle, the proportion of small individuals is increased near the water line whereas large animals dominate in lower beach zones. I conclude that the sandy beaches north of Paita are well-suited for further studies of P. columellaris and the mechanisms underlying tidal migrations in invertebrates.

El gasterópodo Pachyoliva columellaris (antes Olivella columellaris) es particularmente común en las playas arenosas del norte de Perú. En la región estudiada al norte de Paita, provincia de Piura, la especie alcanza densidades de más de 80.000 individuos por metro de playa. Los caracoles realizan migraciones mareales durante todo el ciclo lunar, aunque las amplitudes de marea difieren cuatro veces entre la marea muerta y la marea viva. No todos los animales completan sus migraciones mareales y un número significativo permanece por encima del nivel del agua en marea baja. Durante todo el ciclo de marea, la proporción de individuos pequeños aumenta cerca del nivel del agua, mientras que los animales grandes dominan en las zonas bajas de la playa. Concluyo que las playas arenosas al norte de Paita son apropiadas para estudios adicionales de P. columellaris y los mecanismos de las migraciones de marea en invertebrados.

Spatial diffusion of COVID-19 in Algeria during the third wave.

The differential geographic impact of the third wave of COVID-19 is unknown in Algeria. We thus analyze the spatiotemporal variations of cases and deaths of COVID-19 in Algeria, between January and mid-August 2021. Cases and deaths due to COVID-19 were aggregated at the wilaya (province) level. The space-time permutation scan statistic was applied retrospectively to identify spatial-temporal clusters of COVID-19 cases and deaths. We detected 14 spatio-temporal clusters of COVID-19 cases, with only one high risk cluster. Among the 13 low risk clusters, 7 clusters emerged before the start of the third wave and were mostly located in wilayas with lower population density compared to the clusters that emerged during the third wave. For deaths, the largest geographic low-risk cluster emerged in southern Algeria, between April and early July 2021. Northern and coastal wilayas should be prioritized when allocating resources and implementing various quarantine and isolation measures to slow viral transmission.

Effect of Population Density and Economic Indicators on COVID-19 Death Rates in the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.

OBJECTIVE: The countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC, by its initials in Spanish) have been some of the most affected by COVID-19. This paper analyzes whether, in the 33 CELAC countries, population density, together with other economic variables, such as gross domestic product (GDP) at purchasing power parity (PPP) values or the Human Development Index (HDI), were significantly associated with the coronavirus mortality rate. METHODS: A correlation analysis and an ordinary least squares regression model were used to analyze the effects of different variables on the COVID-19 mortality rate. RESULTS: The results showed that countries with higher numbers of inhabitants per square kilometer had lower death rates. Gross domestic product was not associated with the number of deaths, while the HDI had a positive impact on that number. CONCLUSION: Countries with high population density are not more vulnerable to COVID-19, as population density allows for economic development and better-designed institutions.

Impact of weekday and weekend mobility and public policies on COVID-19 incidence and deaths across 76 large municipalities in Colombia: statistical analysis and simulation.

BACKGROUND: Despite widespread restrictions on residents' mobility to limit the COVID-19 pandemic, controlled impact evaluations on such restrictions are rare. While Colombia imposed a National Lockdown, exceptions and additions created variations across municipalities and over time.  METHODS: We analyzed how weekend and weekday mobility affected COVID-19 cases and deaths. Using GRANDATA from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) we examined movement in 76 Colombian municipalities, representing 60% of Colombia's population, from March 2, 2020 through October 31, 2020. We combined the mobility data with Colombia's National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SIVIGILA) and other databases and simulated impacts on COVID-19 burden.  RESULTS: During the study period, Colombians stayed at home more on weekends compared to weekdays. In highly dense municipalities, people moved less than in less dense municipalities. Overall, decreased movement was associated with significant reductions in COVID-19 cases and deaths two weeks later. If mobility had been reduced from the median to the threshold of the best quartile, we estimate that Colombia would have averted 17,145 cases and 1,209 deaths over 34.9 weeks, reductions of 1.63% and 3.91%, respectively. The effects of weekend mobility reductions (with 95% confidence intervals) were 6.40 (1.99-9.97) and 4.94 (1.33-19.72) times those of overall reductions for cases and deaths, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We believe this is the first evaluation of day-of-the week mobility on COVID-19. Weekend behavior was likely riskier than weekday behavior due to larger gatherings and less social distancing or protective measures. Reducing or shifting such activities outdoors would reduce COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Characterization of Inclusion Size Distributions in Steel Wire Rods.

The control of inclusions in steel components is essential to guarantee strong performance. The reliable characterization of inclusion populations is essential not only to evaluate the quality of the components but also to allow the use of analytical procedures for the comparison and discrimination of inclusion populations. In this work, inclusion size distributions in wire rod specimens from six plant-scale heats were measured and analyzed. For the measurements, the metallographic procedure specified in the ASTM E2283 standard was used. The population density function (PDF) approach and the extreme value statistical procedure specified in the ASTM E2283 standard were used to analyze the whole size distribution and the upper tail of the size distribution, respectively. The PDF approach allowed us to identify differences among inclusion size distributions and showed that new inclusions were not formed after the liquid steel treatment process. The extreme value statistical procedure led to the prediction of the maximum inclusion length for each heat, which was used for the statistical discrimination of heats. Furthermore, the estimation of the probability of finding an inclusion larger than a given inclusion size using the extreme value theory allowed us to order the heats for different critical inclusion sizes.

A mathematical model for simulating the spread of a disease through a country divided into geographical regions with different population densities.

The SIR (susceptible-infectious-recovered) model is a well known method for predicting the number of people (or animals) in a population who become infected by and then recover from a disease. Modifications can include categories such people who have been exposed to the disease but are not yet infectious or those who die from the disease. However, the model has nearly always been applied to the entire population of a country or state but there is considerable observational evidence that diseases can spread at different rates in densely populated urban regions and sparsely populated rural areas. This work presents a new approach that applies a SIR type model to a country or state that has been divided into a number of geographical regions, and uses different infection rates in each region which depend on the population density in that region. Further, the model contains a simple matrix based method for simulating the movement of people between different regions. The model is applied to the spread of disease in the United Kingdom and the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil.

Tuberculosis and prison overcrowding from the perspective of social inequities in health in Colombia, 2018 / Tuberculosis y hacinamiento carcelario desde la perspectiva de las inequidades sociales en salud en Colombia, 2018

Introduction: Prison population is affected by tuberculosis (TB) due to prison overcrowding. This situation reflects an inequity in health, understood as an unfair and avoidable difference between individuals and populations. Objective: To estimate the conditions of prison overcrowding as health inequity in prison population suffering from TB in Colombia during 2018. Materials and methods: This is an ecological study to estimate inequities at the national level in prison population through the use of the World Health Organization methodology for the measurement of inequalities. Based on data from the public health surveillance system, the incidence of TB was taken as an indicator and the percentage of overcrowding as an equity stratifier. Simple and complex measures of inequality were calculated. Results: The relative inequality between the lowest and highest quintiles of crowding showed that TB incidence among prison population with the highest crowding was 1.92 times that of the group with the lowest crowding. The inequality index identified an excess of 724 TB cases per 100,000 among those with the highest concentration of overcrowding. The health concentration index was -0.121, which shows that the incidence was concentrated in the group with the most overpopulation. Conclusion: In Colombia, prison population in overcrowded conditions and suffering from TB has to face unfair and avoidable inequalities as compared with those not living in these conditions. Policies are required to reduce overcrowding and improve living conditions in prisons.

Introducción. La población privada de la libertad se encuentra afectada por la tuberculosis debido al hacinamiento carcelario. Esta situación refleja una inequidad en salud, entendida esta como una diferencia injusta y evitable. Objetivo. Estimar las condiciones de hacinamiento carcelario como inequidad en salud de la población privada de la libertad que padece tuberculosis en Colombia durante el 2018. Materiales y métodos. Estudio ecológico para estimar las inequidades a nivel nacional en la población privada de la libertad, utilizando la guía metodológica de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) para la medición de desigualdades. A partir de los datos del sistema de vigilancia en salud pública, la incidencia de tuberculosis sirvió como indicador y el porcentaje de hacinamiento se usó para estratificar la equidad. Resultados. La desigualdad relativa entre los quintiles de menor y mayor hacinamiento evidenció que la incidencia de la tuberculosis en la población privada de la libertad con mayor hacinamiento es 1,92 veces la del grupo con menor hacinamiento. El índice de desigualdad demostró un exceso de 724 casos de tuberculosis por cada 100.000 internos entre la población con mayor concentración de hacinamiento. El índice de concentración en salud fue de -0,121, lo que refleja que la incidencia se concentró en el grupo con más sobrepoblación. Conclusión. En Colombia, la población privada de la libertad en condiciones de hacinamiento y que padece tuberculosis, enfrenta desigualdades injustas y evitables, comparada con quienes no están en esas condiciones. Se requieren políticas que reduzcan el hacinamiento y mejoren las condiciones de vida en las cárceles.

Prácticas espaciales de infancias en edificio de gran altura y densidad habitacional / Spatial practices of childhood in a high-rise and high-density building / Práticas espaciais da infância em um prédio alto e densamente povoado

Resumen (analítico) El objetivo del artículo es analizar las prácticas y representaciones espaciales de niños/as residentes de un edificio de gran altura y densidad habitacional del centro de la capital chilena. Con un diseño cualitativo, crítico-etnográfico, y un modelo colaborativo, se contó con la participación de 5 niños/as de 10 a 13 años, y 6 adultos/as de 25 a 55 años, de diversas nacionalidades y tiempos de residencia. El análisis de contenido constató que la composición física y dinámicas relacionales en el edificio, han restringido severamente las posibilidades de despliegue espacial de niños/as residentes en este, contribuyendo a su histórica invisibilización y encierro. A pesar de esto, se encontraron prácticas de resistencia y resignificación del espacio por parte de los niños/as, que crean comunidad en un marco urbano que no la favorece.

Abstract (analytical) The objective of this article is to analyze the spatial practices and representations of children living in a high-rise building in the center of the Chilean capital. With a qualitative, critical-ethnographic design and a collaborative model, 5 children from 10 to 13 years old and 6 adults from 25 to 55 years old, of different nationalities and residence times, participated in both studies. The content analysis found that the physical composition and relational dynamics in the building have severely restricted the possibilities of spatial deployment of children residing in the building, contributing to their historical invisibility and confinement. In spite of this, practices of resistance and resignification of space were found on the part of the children, who create community in an urban framework that does not favor it.

Resumo (analítico) O objetivo do artigo é analisar as práticas e representações espaciais das crianças que vivem em um prédio alto e densamente povoado no centro da capital chilena. Com um desenho qualitativo, crítico etnográfico e um modelo colaborativo, 5 crianças de 10 a 13 anos e 6 adultos de 25 a 55 anos, de diferentes nacionalidades e durações de residência, participaram dos estudos. A análise de conteúdo constatou que a composição física e a dinâmica relacional no edifício restringiram severamente as possibilidades de implantação espacial das crianças que vivem no edifício, contribuindo para sua invisibilidade e confinamento histórico. Apesar disso, foram encontradas práticas de resistência e resignificação do espaço por parte das crianças, que criam comunidade em uma estrutura urbana que não a favorece.

Tuberculosis y hacinamiento carcelario desde la perspectiva de las inequidades sociales en salud en Colombia, 2018 / Tuberculosis and prison overcrowding from the perspective of social inequities in health in Colombia, 2018

Introducción. La población privada de la libertad se encuentra afectada por la tuberculosis debido al hacinamiento carcelario. Esta situación refleja una inequidad en salud, entendida esta como una diferencia injusta y evitable. Objetivo. Estimar las condiciones de hacinamiento carcelario como inequidad en salud de la población privada de la libertad que padece tuberculosis en Colombia durante el 2018. Materiales y métodos. Estudio ecológico para estimar las inequidades a nivel nacional en la población privada de la libertad, utilizando la guía metodológica de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) para la medición de desigualdades. A partir de los datos del sistema de vigilancia en salud pública, la incidencia de tuberculosis sirvió como indicador y el porcentaje de hacinamiento se usó para estratificar la equidad. Resultados. La desigualdad relativa entre los quintiles de menor y mayor hacinamiento evidenció que la incidencia de la tuberculosis en la población privada de la libertad con mayor hacinamiento es 1,92 veces la del grupo con menor hacinamiento. El índice de desigualdad demostró un exceso de 724 casos de tuberculosis por cada 100.000 internos entre la población con mayor concentración de hacinamiento. El índice de concentración en salud fue de -0,121, lo que refleja que la incidencia se concentró en el grupo con más sobrepoblación. Conclusión. En Colombia, la población privada de la libertad en condiciones de hacinamiento y que padece tuberculosis, enfrenta desigualdades injustas y evitables, comparada con quienes no están en esas condiciones. Se requieren políticas que reduzcan el hacinamiento y mejoren las condiciones de vida en las cárceles.

Introduction: Prison population is affected by tuberculosis (TB) due to prison overcrowding. This situation reflects an inequity in health, understood as an unfair and avoidable difference between individuals and populations. Objective: To estimate the conditions of prison overcrowding as health inequity in prison population suffering from TB in Colombia during 2018. Materials and methods: This is an ecological study to estimate inequities at the national level in prison population through the use of the World Health Organization methodology for the measurement of inequalities. Based on data from the public health surveillance system, the incidence of TB was taken as an indicator and the percentage of overcrowding as an equity stratifier. Simple and complex measures of inequality were calculated. Results: The relative inequality between the lowest and highest quintiles of crowding showed that TB incidence among prison population with the highest crowding was 1.92 times that of the group with the lowest crowding. The inequality index identified an excess of 724 TB cases per 100,000 among those with the highest concentration of overcrowding. The health concentration index was -0.121, which shows that the incidence was concentrated in the group with the most overpopulation. Conclusion: In Colombia, prison population in overcrowded conditions and suffering from TB has to face unfair and avoidable inequalities as compared with those not living in these conditions. Policies are required to reduce overcrowding and improve living conditions in prisons.

The Role of Surfactin Production by Bacillus velezensis on Colonization, Biofilm Formation on Tomato Root and Leaf Surfaces and Subsequent Protection (ISR) against Botrytis cinerea.

Many aspects regarding the role of lipopeptides (LPs) in bacterial interaction with plants are not clear yet. Of particular interest is the LP family of surfactin, immunogenic molecules involved in induced systemic resistance (ISR) and the bacterial colonization of plant surfaces. We hypothesize that the concentration of surfactin produced by a strain correlates directly with its ability to colonize and persist on different plant surfaces, which conditions its capacity to trigger ISR. We used two Bacillus velezensis strains (BBC023 and BBC047), whose antagonistic potential in vitro is practically identical, but not on plant surfaces. The surfactin production of BBC047 is 1/3 higher than that of BBC023. Population density and SEM images revealed stable biofilms of BBC047 on leaves and roots, activating ISR on both plant surfaces. Despite its lower surfactin production, strain BBC023 assembled stable biofilms on roots and activated ISR. However, on leaves only isolated, unstructured populations were observed, which could not activate ISR. Thus, the ability of a strain to effectively colonize a plant surface is not only determined through its production of surfactin. Multiple aspects, such as environmental stressors or compensation mechanisms may influence the process. Finally, the importance of surfactin lies in its impacts on biofilm formation and stable colonization, which finally enables its activity as an elicitor of ISR.

Free-Roaming Dog Surveys in Quito, Ecuador: Experiences, Lessons Learned, and Future Work.

The selection of a survey method of free-roaming dog populations should be based on analyses of local capacities and management priorities. Here, we compare the results of surveys of the stray dog population in Quito, Ecuador, using two different methodologies and propose an alternative method for future surveys in the city. We carried out all surveys in ~5 km-transects in a sample of eight urban and eight rural parishes (16 transects total). In 2018, we used the capture-recapture method to estimate absolute population size and 95% CI. We began transect surveys at 04 h 00 (local time) and identified individuals with photographs. The main limitations of this method were errors in identifying individuals, since photographs were not always clear, partly due to low light conditions during the surveys. This method also required more time and more complex logistics. In 2019, we used distance sampling to estimate population density and began the surveys at 08 h 00 (local time). Errors in the estimation of animal-observer distances and angles were our main concern when using this method. For future surveys, we propose to carry out direct observations of dog abundance (number of free-roaming dogs/km) during street counts, complemented with capture-recapture surveys every 5 years. This alternative method albeit simple, is sensitive enough to (1) provide local authorities with objective assessments of management interventions, (2) better understanding the dynamics of free-roaming dog populations and (3) increasing public awareness about the problem of pet abandonment through citizen participation in the surveys.

Population characterization and parasitological assessment of the giant African snail ( Achatina fulica) in urban areas of Cartagena, Colombia.

Background: The giant African snail, Achatina fulica, is an invasive species recognized for being a serious agricultural pest and an intermediary vector for diverse parasites that cause diseases in humans. The knowledge of the state of African snail populations in urban areas is of great ecological and public health importance. Therefore, our objective was to characterize the status of giant African snail populations present in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, including the assessment of nematode parasites in the specimens. Methods. Sites were visited following information from citizens affected by the presence of the African snail. The specimens were collected and transported to the laboratory; subsequently, they were weighed, measured, and classified by size. Dissections of lung tissue and soft organs were performed to search for and identify nematode parasites. Size measurement between the sampled sites was statistically compared and density and biomass indicators were established. Results. In total, 204 snails were collected distributed among four sites within Cartagena city. Of these, 50% were juvenile specimens (10-40 mm). The size of the specimens showed significant differences between the sampling areas. The calculated density was between 0.0019-0.68 ind/m 2 and the biomass between 3.92-48.75 kg/ha. No presence of nematode parasites was observed in these specimens. Conclusions. Densities and biomasses of A. fulica in Cartagena do not reach levels considered highly harmful. On the other hand, although no parasites were found in these snails, it is relevant to continue with studies on the human health risks that represent the presence of this invasive species in urban areas of Cartagena.

Forest Coverage and Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Dengue in El Salvador, 2011-2013.

Dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4 are transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which cause illness in an estimated 100 million annually. Although dengue viruses are endemic throughout El Salvador, very little is known about their ecology and epidemiology. The principal methods to prevent and reduce dengue cases are through vector control and by adoption of a vaccine. In addition, understanding the environmental and socioeconomic factors associated with dengue could contribute to case reduction by targeting prevention efforts in dengue hotspots. This study investigated environmental and socioeconomic factors associated with dengue cases in El Salvador. Dengue cases were obtained from 2011 to 2013 for 262 municipalities. The mean incidence was determined for each municipality for the 3 year period. Negative binomial regression models evaluated the relationship between dengue cases and the environmental factors elevation, forest coverage, mean annual temperature, and cumulative precipitation. Twelve socioeconomic and infrastructure variables and their relationship with dengue were also investigated by using negative binomial regression. A total of 29,764 confirmed dengue cases were reported. The mean dengue incidence for 2011-2013 was 135/100,000. The highest number of dengue cases occurred in San Salvador and surrounding municipalities, as well as in two additional cities, Santa Ana and San Miguel; the highest incidence of dengue cases (per 100,000) occurred in cities in the west and at the center of the country. Significant environmental variables associated with dengue included temperature, precipitation, and non-forested area. The socioeconomic variables poverty rate, illiteracy rate, and school attendance, and the infrastructure variables percent of homes with sanitary service, municipal trash service, electricity, and cement brick flooring, as well as population density, were also significant predictors of dengue. Understanding these environmental and socioeconomic factors and their relationship with dengue will help design and implement timely prevention strategies and vector control to reduce dengue in El Salvador.

Determinación del índice de impacto del COVID-19 en El Salvador, por medio de la relación demográfica, ambiental y epidemiológica / Determination of the Impact Index of Covid19 in El Salvador through demographic, environmental and epidemiological relationship

Resumen El presente estudio se realizó durante la pandemia generada por COVID-19, que se originó en la República de China a finales del año 2019 y se ha dispersado por todo el mundo desde entonces. Tomando registros oficiales de información de tipo demográfica, ambiental y epidemiológica en El Salvador, se realizó este estudio con el objetivo de desarrollar un proceso cuantitativo y cualitativo que demuestre las variaciones de casos de contagio por COVID-19 como consecuencia de la pandemia. Se basó en tres factores, entre ellos la variable ambiental; ya que este puede ser un agente que regula la movilidad de los vectores de la pandemia. Además, se demuestra la importancia del uso de sistemas de información geográfica y satelital, los cuales permiten un análisis más completo ante las problemáticas de salud a nivel nacional, regional o mundial. Lo anterior, particularmente en la toma de decisiones de políticas públicas sanitarias, ya que se ha evidenciado la carencia de conocimiento para la toma de decisiones ante esta nueva pandemia. El producto más sustancial de esta investigación es un mapa temático de impacto de la pandemia a nivel de país dividido por municipios, donde demuestra que las urbes de mayor densidad poblacional y menor calidad ambiental son las que se han visto más afectadas. Por lo que a futuro es necesario no centralizar toda la actividad económica en pocos lugares. Además, resalta la importancia de los ambientes que existen en cada municipio para el bienestar de las personas. Finalmente, se realiza un análisis estadístico por medio del árbol de decisión que sustenta lo antes mencionado.

Abstract This study was carried out during the Covid19 pandemic that originated in the Republic of China at the end of 2019 and has spread throughout the world since then, taking official records of demographic, environmental and epidemiological information in El Salvador , with the aim of developing a quantitative and qualitative process that demonstrates the variations in cases of Covid19 contagion as a consequence of the pandemic, based on three factors, including the environmental variable; since this can be an agent that regulates the mobility of the pandemic vectors. In addition, the importance of the use of Geographic and Satellite Information Systems is demonstrated, which allow a more complete analysis of health problems at the national, regional and / or global level; above all in decision-making on public health policies, since the lack of knowledge for decision-making in the face of this new pandemic has been evidenced. The most substantial product of this research is a thematic map of the impact of the pandemic at the country level divided by municipalities, where it shows that the cities with the highest population density and the lowest environmental quality are those that have been most affected. Therefore, in the future it is necessary not to centralize all economic activity in a few places, in addition to the importance of the environments that exist in each municipality for the well-being of people. Finally, a statistical analysis is carried out through the decision tree that supports the aforementioned.

Accessibility to primary health care in low-density regions. A case study: NUTS III - Baixo Alentejo - Portugal / A acessibilidade aos cuidados de saúde primários em regiões de baixa densidade. Caso de estudo: NUTS III - Baixo Alentejo - Portugal

Abstract This study diagnosed the situation regarding the physical accessibility of the resident population to primary health care, based on the characteristics of the population served, their spatial distribution in the territory, based on space-time analysis. Thus, bearing the different means of transport available and the specific features of a low-density territory, we considered several mobility profiles under analysis, and selected the Baixo Alentejo as the study area. In methodological terms, besides using the location of primary health facilities and their areas of influence, the use of the road network and its restrictions, we selected the use the new 1x1 km grid, recently implemented throughout the EU (European Union), instead of using the statistical units or administrative boundaries. Its advantages allow overcoming some of the issues of the usual base cartography. The final results can be divided into two groups: conclusions related to the methodologies used and conclusions related to the accessibility of primary health care equipment in the study area.

Resumo Decidiu-se realizar o diagnóstico de situação sobre a acessibilidade física da população residente aos cuidados de saúde primários, baseada nas características da população servida, na sua distribuição espacial, tendo por base uma análise espaço/tempo, permitindo avaliar essa mesma acessibilidade. Deste modo, e tendo em consideração os diversos modos de transporte disponíveis, bem como as características específicas de um território de baixa densidade, foram considerados diversos perfis de mobilidade, sendo a área de estudo escolhida o Baixo Alentejo. Em termos metodológicos, além da utilização da localização dos equipamentos de saúde primários e das suas áreas de influência, da utilização da rede viária e das suas restrições, optou-se pela utilização de uma cartografia base menos convencional. Em vez das unidades estatísticas associadas às unidades administrativas, optou-se pela utilização da nova quadrícula de 1x1 km, implementada recentemente em toda a União Europeia (UE). A utilização desta quadrícula permite ultrapassar alguns dos problemas apresentados pela cartografia base habitual. Os resultados podem-se dividir em dois grupos: conclusões relacionadas com as metodologias utilizadas, e conclusões relacionadas com a acessibilidade aos equipamentos de saúde primários na área de estudo.

Using demographic data to understand the distribution of H1N1 and COVID-19 pandemics cases among federal entities and municipalities of Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is the second global health emergency the world has faced in less than two decades, after the H1N1 Influenza pandemic in 2009-2010. Spread of pandemics is frequently associated with increased population size and population density. The geographical scales (national, regional or local scale) are key elements in determining the correlation between demographic factors and the spread of outbreaks. The aims of this study were: (a) to collect the Mexican data related to the two pandemics; (b) to create thematic maps using federal and municipal geographic scales; (c) to investigate the correlations between the pandemics indicators (numbers of contagious and deaths) and demographic patterns (population size and density). METHODS: The demographic patterns of all Mexican Federal Entities and all municipalities were taken from the database of "Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía" (INEGI). The data of "Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades" (CENAPRECE) and the geoportal of Mexico Government were also used in our analysis. The results are presented by means of tables, graphs and thematic maps. A Spearman correlation was used to assess the associations between the pandemics indicators and the demographic patterns. Correlations with a p value < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The confirmed cases (ccH1N1) and deaths (dH1N1) registered during the H1N1 Influenza pandemic were 72.4 thousand and 1.2 thousand respectively. Mexico City (CDMX) was the most affected area by the pandemic with 8,502 ccH1N1 and 152 dH1N1. The ccH1N1 and dH1N1 were positively correlated to demographic patterns; p-values higher than the level of marginal significance were found analyzing the % ccH1N1 and the % dH1N1 vs the population density. The COVID-19 pandemic data indicated 75.0 million confirmed cases (ccCOVID-19) and 1.6 million deaths (dCOVID-19) worldwide, as of date. The CDMX, where 264,330 infections were recorded, is the national epicenter of the pandemic. The federal scale did not allow to observe the correlation between demographic data and pandemic indicators; hence the next step was to choose a more detailed geographical scale (municipal basis). The ccCOVID-19 and dCOVID-19 (municipal basis) were highly correlated with demographic patterns; also the % ccCOVID-19 and % dCOVID-19 were moderately correlated with demographic patterns. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of COVID-19 pandemic is much greater than the H1N1 Influenza pandemic. The CDMX was the national epicenter in both pandemics. The federal scale did not allow to evaluate the correlation between exanimated demographic variables and the spread of infections, but the municipal basis allowed the identification of local variations and "red zones" such as the delegation of Iztapalapa and Gustavo A. Madero in CDMX.