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AbstractFinding sustainable approaches to achieve independence from terrestrial resources is of pivotal importance for the future of space exploration. This is relevant not only to establish viable space exploration beyond low Earth–orbit, but also for ethical considerations associated with the generation of space waste and the preservation of extra-terrestrial environments. Here we propose and highlight a series of microbial biotechnologies uniquely suited to establish sustainable processes for in situ resource utilization and loop-closure. Microbial biotechnologies research and development for space sustainability will be translatable to Earth applications, tackling terrestrial environmental issues, thereby supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Abstract. As Earth's atmospheric temperatures and human populations increase, more people are becoming vulnerable to natural and human-induced disasters. This is particularly true in Central America, where the growing human population is experiencing climate extremes (droughts and floods), and the region is susceptible to geological hazards, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and environmental deterioration in many forms (soil erosion, lake eutrophication, heavy metal contamination, etc.). Instrumental and historical data from the region are insufficient to understand and document past hazards, a necessary first step for mitigating future risks. Long, continuous, well-resolved geological records can, however, provide a window into past climate and environmental changes that can be used to better predict future conditions in the region. The Lake Izabal Basin (LIB), in eastern Guatemala, contains the longest known continental records of tectonics, climate, and environmental change in the northern Neotropics. The basin is a pull-apart depression that developed along the North American and Caribbean plate boundary ∼ 12 Myr ago and contains > 4 km of sediment. The sedimentological archive in the LIB records the interplay among several Earth System processes. Consequently, exploration of sediments in the basin can provide key information concerning: (1) tectonic deformation and earthquake history along the plate boundary; (2) the timing and causes of volcanism from the Central American Volcanic Arc; and (3) hydroclimatic, ecologic, and geomicrobiological responses to different climate and environmental states. To evaluate the LIB as a potential site for scientific drilling, 65 scientists from 13 countries and 33 institutions met in Antigua, Guatemala, in August 2022 under the auspices of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) and the US National Science Foundation (NSF). Several working groups developed scientific questions and overarching hypotheses that could be addressed by drilling the LIB and identified optimal coring sites and instrumentation needed to achieve the project goals. The group also discussed logistical challenges and outreach opportunities. The project is not only an outstanding opportunity to improve our scientific understanding of seismotectonic, volcanic, paleoclimatic, paleoecologic, and paleobiologic processes that operate in the tropics of Central America, but it is also an opportunity to improve understanding of multiple geological hazards and communicate that knowledge to help increase the resilience of at-risk Central American communities.

La variabilité climatique interannuelle accrue affecte les moyens de subsistance agricoles dans le monde entier. Dans de nombreuses régions, les services climatiques soutiennent les décideurs dans leurs efforts d'adaptation. La gamme de ces services et le nombre de produits d'information associés ont considérablement augmenté ces dernières années. Cependant, les relations entre ces produits et leur utilisation et facilité d'utilisation pour une prise de décision ciblée ont rarement été systématiquement évaluées. Ici, nous rapportons le développement d'une approche systématique et centrée sur l'utilisateur pour évaluer les produits d'information climatique et les réseaux de produits ; et l'appliquer aux produits couvrant le lien entre le climat, l'agriculture et la sécurité alimentaire au Guatemala et en Colombie. Dans les deux pays, nous avons évalué 28 produits utilisés pour la prise de décision agricole, la sensibilisation, la recherche sur la planification et la conception d'interventions d'urgence. Alors que les produits d'information sur le climat jouent un rôle central dans chaque réseau, les produits d'information destinés à soutenir l'agriculture et la sécurité alimentaire doivent intégrer des informations provenant de différents thèmes ou disciplines et sources à différentes échelles. Nous constatons que des améliorations majeures de la crédibilité, de la légitimité, de l'échelle, de la cognition, des procédures, des recommandations et du contenu de la plupart des produits existants sont nécessaires. La brièveté et la clarté du langage sont jugées souhaitables dans les deux pays, ainsi que l'utilisation de données fiables et accessibles au public et de formats de diffusion non papier. L'approche et la méthodologie sont précieuses pour faciliter la priorisation des actions d'amélioration et/ou le développement de nouveaux produits, aidant ainsi les services climatiques pour l'agriculture et la sécurité alimentaire à réaliser leur véritable potentiel. El aumento de la variabilidad climática interanual afecta a los medios de vida agrícolas en todo el mundo. En muchas regiones, los servicios climáticos apoyan a los responsables de la toma de decisiones en sus esfuerzos de adaptación. La gama de estos servicios y el número de productos de información asociados han aumentado drásticamente en los últimos años. Sin embargo, las relaciones entre estos productos y su uso y usabilidad para la toma de decisiones específicas rara vez se han evaluado sistemáticamente. Aquí, informamos sobre el desarrollo de un enfoque sistemático y centrado en el usuario para evaluar los productos de información climática y las redes de productos; y aplicarlo a los productos que cubren el nexo del clima, la agricultura y la seguridad alimentaria en Guatemala y Colombia. En ambos países, evaluamos 28 productos utilizados para la toma de decisiones agrícolas, la divulgación, la investigación de planificación y el diseño de respuestas de emergencia. Si bien los productos de información solo para el clima desempeñan un papel central en cada red, los productos de información destinados a apoyar la agricultura y la seguridad alimentaria deben integrar información de diferentes temas o disciplinas y fuentes a diferentes escalas. Encontramos que se requieren mejoras importantes en la credibilidad, legitimidad, escala, conocimiento, procedimientos, recomendaciones y contenido de la mayoría de los productos existentes. La brevedad y la claridad del lenguaje se destacan como deseables en ambos países, así como el uso de datos confiables y disponibles públicamente, y formatos de entrega no basados en papel. El enfoque y la metodología son valiosos para facilitar la priorización de acciones de mejora y/o el desarrollo de nuevos productos, ayudando así a los servicios climáticos para la agricultura y la seguridad alimentaria a desarrollar su verdadero potencial. Increased interannual climate variability affects agricultural livelihoods throughout the world. In many regions, climate services support decision-makers in their adaptation efforts. The range of these services and the number of associated information products have increased dramatically in recent years. However, the relationships between these products and their use and usability for targeted decision-making have rarely been systematically evaluated. Here, we report on the development of a systematic and user-centered approach to assess climate information products and networks of products; and apply it to products covering the nexus of climate, agriculture, and food security in Guatemala and Colombia. Across both countries, we assessed 28 products used for agricultural decision making, outreach, planning research, and design of emergency responses. While climate-only information products play a central role in each network, information products intended to support agriculture and food security need to integrate information from different themes or disciplines and sources at different scales. We find that major improvements in the credibility, legitimacy, scale, cognition, procedures, recommendations, and content of most existing products are required. Brevity and clarity of language are highlighted as desirable in both countries, as well as use of trusted and publicly-available data, and non-paper-based delivery formats. The approach and methodology are valuable for facilitating the prioritization of actions for improvement and/or the development of new products, thereby helping climate services for agriculture and food security to realize their true potential. تؤثر التقلبات المناخية المتزايدة بين السنوات على سبل العيش الزراعية في جميع أنحاء العالم. في العديد من المناطق، تدعم الخدمات المناخية صانعي القرار في جهود التكيف التي يبذلونها. وقد زاد نطاق هذه الخدمات وعدد منتجات المعلومات المرتبطة بها بشكل كبير في السنوات الأخيرة. ومع ذلك، نادرًا ما تم تقييم العلاقات بين هذه المنتجات واستخدامها وقابليتها للاستخدام في صنع القرار المستهدف بشكل منهجي. هنا، نبلغ عن تطوير نهج منهجي يركز على المستخدم لتقييم منتجات المعلومات المناخية وشبكات المنتجات ؛ وتطبيقه على المنتجات التي تغطي العلاقة بين المناخ والزراعة والأمن الغذائي في غواتيمالا وكولومبيا. في كلا البلدين، قمنا بتقييم 28 منتجًا تستخدم في صنع القرار الزراعي، والتوعية، وبحوث التخطيط، وتصميم الاستجابات للطوارئ. في حين تلعب منتجات المعلومات المناخية فقط دورًا مركزيًا في كل شبكة، فإن منتجات المعلومات التي تهدف إلى دعم الزراعة والأمن الغذائي تحتاج إلى دمج المعلومات من مواضيع أو تخصصات ومصادر مختلفة على مستويات مختلفة. نجد أن هناك حاجة إلى تحسينات كبيرة في مصداقية معظم المنتجات الحالية وشرعيتها وحجمها وإدراكها وإجراءاتها وتوصياتها ومحتواها. يتم تسليط الضوء على إيجاز اللغة ووضوحها على أنها مرغوبة في كلا البلدين، بالإضافة إلى استخدام البيانات الموثوقة والمتاحة للجمهور، وتنسيقات التسليم غير الورقية. يعد النهج والمنهجية قيمين لتسهيل تحديد أولويات إجراءات التحسين و/أو تطوير منتجات جديدة، وبالتالي مساعدة الخدمات المناخية للزراعة والأمن الغذائي على تحقيق إمكاناتها الحقيقية.

AbstractA thermal analysis of ventilated office building was performed by the use of a dynamic simulation software. This work focuses on the analysis of a ventilation strategy, contribution to the thermal performance of a 2000 m2 building. The studied building is located in a region within the BS1kw climate according to the Köppen climate classification. In this climate, commonly referred as steppe, both air cooling and heating is needed in order to provide a satisfactory thermal comfort condition throughout the year. Within this weather it is possible to incorporate several energy saving strategies so the heat gains and losses can be calculated. The analysis starts with the incorporation of basic bioclimatic notions and the selection of commonly used construction and glazing materials. Several energy saving strategies were established; this strategies, such as the study of different materials and natural ventilation during the warm season. The results show hourly mean temperatures and energetic demands due air conditioning during the course of a year.

The decade 2007–2017 was a period in which the Republic of Ecuador experienced a series of economic, social, cultural, and political transformations. This research focused on science, technology, and innovation (STI) changes with implications for Ecuador's foreign policy. One of the core components incorporated was Ecuador's engagement with foreign governments and various regional and global actors to further scientific and technological advances. These far-reaching collaborations aimed to reduce gaps the country experienced in science and research. Moreover, to incorporate Ecuador into worldwide initiatives to tackle cross-border issues, such as climate change and environmental sustainability. These measures included academic and scientific mobility through an extensive scholarship program, the Prometeo Fellowship Program, the Yasuni ITT Initiative, the creation of emblematic research universities, and certain guidelines released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador related to these policies. This article reports on qualitative research in which President Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado's political discourse was analyzed, along with key STI policies promoted in his administrations. The objective of this study was to establish different implications from the Science Diplomacy perspective (SD); particularly, reflecting on the consistency between the political rhetoric and the policy implementation. Evidence suggests that the political discourse materialized into concrete STI policies that could partially explain positive transformations in various aspects of the STI context in Ecuador. Institutional strengthening, international mobility (inward and outward), increased scientific output, and foreign policy practices involving SD which can be traced in the studied period. SD strategies could have been more effective and lasting if they were not discontinued upon Correa's departure from the Presidency.

Abstract The performance is presented of the reconstruction and identification algorithms for electrons and photons with the CMS experiment at the LHC. The reported results are based on proton-proton collision data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV and recorded in 2016–2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 136 fb^-1. Results obtained from lead-lead collision data collected at √(sNN)=5.02 TeV are also presented. Innovative techniques are used to reconstruct the electron and photon signals in the detector and to optimize the energy resolution. Events with electrons and photons in the final state are used to measure the energy resolution and energy scale uncertainty in the recorded events. The measured energy resolution for electrons produced in Z boson decays in proton-proton collision data ranges from 2 to 5%, depending on electron pseudorapidity and energy loss through bremsstrahlung in the detector material. The energy scale in the same range of energies is measured with an uncertainty smaller than 0.1 (0.3)% in the barrel (endcap) region in proton-proton collisions and better than 1 (3)% in the barrel (endcap) region in heavy ion collisions. The timing resolution for electrons from Z boson decays with the full 2016–2018 proton-proton collision data set is measured to be 200 ps.