Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia

The present study introduces FPGA(Field-Programmable Gate Array)-based Real-Time Multi-Class Vehicle Classification using Millimeter wave Radar (mmWave radar), which overcomes the limitations of conventional sensors such as LiDAR and cameras, which are sensitive to adverse weather and lighting conditions. On a hardware-software platform, the implementation of multi-class vehicle classification demonstrated its effectiveness. Within the realm of multi-class vehicle classification applications, the FPGA-based PYNQ-ZU (Python Productivity for Zynq) serves as an efficient embedded architecture. The reliability and accuracy of this method are improved, rendering it a promising solution for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in a variety of driving scenarios. We employed 3D point cloud data produced by mmWave radar via a PC, then transformed it into 2D point cloud images by top-view filtration methods. This method demonstrated greater efficacy in feature extraction with VGG-16. Multiple machine learning models were employed for classification tasks on both hardware and software platforms, achieving 100% accuracy with the Random Forest (RF) algorithm.

Bacillus thuringiensis is the most extensively studied entomopathogenic bacterium worldwide; however, its sublethal effects on beetles remain poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of a previously selected Argentine strain of B. thuringiensis on second-instar Alphitobius diaperinus larvae during an initial 14 days of exposure, and to assess its effects at day 14 and throughout the remainder of the life cycle until death. Three treatments were applied: control, LC30, and LC50. Larval, pupal, and adult weight and body surface area were recorded, and nutritional composition was quantified using colorimetric methods. Insect status was monitored every 48-72 h over a total period of 540 days, until the death of the last individual. Among the evaluated variables, statistically significant differences between control and treatment groups were detected in larval area and weight, in the survival analysis and in two nutritional components: total protein and lipid content per larva. Overall, the results demonstrate that initial sublethal exposure to B. thuringiensis induces chronic lethal effects with delayed mortality in A. diaperinus, indicating irreversible physiological damage. This provides valuable information not only for understanding the biology of this insect but also for stakeholders involved in the productive scaling of beetle-targeted bioinputs.

BackgroundDuchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare, progressive neuromuscular disorder primarily affecting boys, and it follows a predictable course. Early intervention is essential for effective management, but disparities in the care of patients with rare diseases hinder access to optimal treatment.ObjectiveTo identify unmet needs and challenges in the care of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy within the Brazilian public health system compared with the private system.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study using the Delphi method was conducted with ten neurologists specialized in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The specialists participated in rounds of surveys to reach consensus on key issues, including diagnosis, treatment, and care. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsAccording to the Delphi panel, the public health system had an average diagnostic delay of 25 months compared with 10 months in the private sector. Although genetic testing is critical, it is not funded by the public health system. Other barriers included delayed corticosteroid treatment, limited access to multidisciplinary care, and insufficient medical devices. Patients in the public health system lost ambulation earlier (11–12 years of age) than those in the private sector (13–14 years of age). Life expectancy was significantly shorter in the public system, averaging 19 to 20 years compared with 26 to 27 years of age in the private sector.ConclusionThere are significant disparities in the care of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy within Brazil's public health system, resulting in worse outcomes. Enhancing access to genetic testing and early multidisciplinary care is crucial to improve the quality of life and survival of these patients.

ABSTRACT Walnut pastes represent a promising functional food product due to the nutritional value of walnuts ( Juglans regia L.). However, little is known about the impact of formulation and processing on their stability during storage. This study aimed to assess the effect of formulation and processing variables conditions for walnut paste production and to evaluate the physicochemical, textural, microbiological, and sensory stability of the product over time. A complete factorial design was used to develop pastes with varying walnut content (70%, 80%, and 90%) using both roasted (120°C for 20 min) and unroasted walnuts. Ingredients such as sugar, soy lecithin, salt, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and antioxidants were proportionally adjusted. All formulations were stored at 4°C for 180 days. The oxidative stability index ranged from 25.39 to 16.84 h, with higher stability observed in samples containing synthetic antioxidants. Peroxide values and conjugated diene levels remained lowest in formulations containing butylated hydroxytoluene. Acidity values stayed below 0.50 mg KOH/g oil, indicating negligible lipid hydrolysis. Roasting significantly improved spreadability and smoothness, as confirmed by instrumental and sensory analysis. No microbial growth of Escherichia coli , Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens , or Penicillium aurantiogriseum was detected in any sample throughout storage. These findings evidence that appropriate formulation and roasting can enhance both the oxidative stability and sensory quality of walnut pastes, demonstrating their potential as a stable and health spreadable product.

Climate hazards impact pastoral communities due to their dependency on nature for their primary livelihoods. This study analyzes climate risk in ten pastoral livestock farming communities in Patagonia drylands of Argentina. A participatory impact chains (PICs) approach was used as a qualitative and participatory bottom-up methodology allowing for the identification and contextualization of climate hazards, exposure, intermediate impacts and vulnerability dimensions through knowledge co-production with local stakeholders. Results show that, although drought is the predominant climate hazard across the region, its impacts are heterogeneous and mediated by local socio-environmental conditions. The analysis underlines that vulnerability is not evenly distributed but is shaped by specific historical, political and environmental pathways. These findings challenge standardized top-down risk assessments, and highlight the need for adaptation strategies that are context-sensitive, territorially differentiated and that integrate local knowledge. The study also contributes to advancing qualitative participatory methodologies for climate risk assessment in pastoral systems in arid areas of Latin America, showing the regional heterogeneity and social inequalities.

Climate hazards impact pastoral communities due to their dependency on nature for their primary livelihoods. This study analyzes climate risk in ten pastoral livestock farming communities in Patagonia drylands of Argentina. A participatory impact chains (PICs) approach was used as a qualitative and participatory bottom-up methodology allowing for the identification and contextualization of climate hazards, exposure, intermediate impacts and vulnerability dimensions through knowledge co-production with local stakeholders. Results show that, although drought is the predominant climate hazard across the region, its impacts are heterogeneous and mediated by local socio-environmental conditions. The analysis underlines that vulnerability is not evenly distributed but is shaped by specific historical, political and environmental pathways. These findings challenge standardized top-down risk assessments, and highlight the need for adaptation strategies that are context-sensitive, territorially differentiated and that integrate local knowledge. The study also contributes to advancing qualitative participatory methodologies for climate risk assessment in pastoral systems in arid areas of Latin America, showing the regional heterogeneity and social inequalities.

Abstract The functional consequences of life form coexistence in mixed woody‐herbaceous communities remain a key question within the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) framework. Our aim was to test three models proposed for the relationship between vegetation physiognomy and ecosystem functioning in drylands. Furthermore, these natural systems provide an opportunity to disentangle the ecological mechanisms driving biomass production, which have often been oversimplified by using species richness as a proxy for diversity in randomly assembled artificial communities. We conducted a field‐based removal experiment in a Patagonian shrub‐grass steppe, creating experimental communities dominated by a single life form (i.e. grasses or shrubs) and comparing them to mixed communities. We estimated green biomass at the peak of the growing season as a proxy for above‐ground net primary production (ANPP; g·m −2 ·year −1 ) in three censuses conducted during the first 5 years after removals. Furthermore, we applied an ecological adaptation of the Price equation to decompose ANPP differences into components that reveal the mechanisms driving the response. We found that (i) ANPP of shrubs decreased when coexisting with grasses; (ii) ANPP of grasses increased when coexisting with shrubs; (iii) total ANPP was maximized at intermediate densities of life forms. Our analysis revealed that life form coexistence maximizes ANPP through a positive effect exerted by shrubs on grasses, rather than through a more exhaustive use of the limiting resource (i.e. water). Synthesis . The relationship between life form dominance and ANPP remains an unresolved question in woody‐herbaceous communities. More than 20 years ago, three alternative models were proposed, yet they remain unchallenged. Here, we provide evidence supporting the optimum model, which predicts higher ANPP when herbaceous and woody species co‐dominate the community. Although BEF studies have identified niche complementarity as the main mechanism explaining this pattern, our results suggest that facilitation plays a more important role in the functioning of the Patagonian shrub‐grass steppe. By incorporating community assembly processes into ecosystem functioning research, we provide empirical evidence that positive interactions are crucial for ecosystem functioning in mixed woody‐herbaceous communities.