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To gain a better understanding of the global application of soil erosion prediction models, we comprehensively reviewed relevant peer-reviewed research literature on soil-erosion modelling 1994-2017. Our aim was to identify (i) processes and models most frequently addressed in the literature, (ii) regions within which models are primarily applied, (iii) what regions remain unaddressed and why, and (iv) how frequently studies are conducted to validate/evaluate model outcomes relative to measured data. To perform this task, we merged the knowledge of a group of 66 soil-erosion scientists from 67 research institutions and 25 countries. The resulting database ‘Global Applications of Soil Erosion Modelling Tracker (GASEMT)’ includes 3,030 individual modelling records from 126 counties encompassing all continents (except Antarctica). Out of 8,471 articles identified as potentially relevant, we reviewed 1,697 articles and transferred relevant information from each into the database. For each record reported in the GASEMT database, 42 attributes were evaluated. The GASEMT database provides insights into the state-of-the-art of soil- erosion models and model applications worldwide. The database is also intended to support the upcoming country-based United Nations global soil-erosion assessment. This database may help inform soil erosion research priorities in that it builds a foundation for future targeted in-depth analyses. GASEMT is an open-source database that anyone can use to develop research, rectify errors, and expand.

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<p>In Peru, energy production is more than 75 % dominated by hydrocarbons (IEA, 2018) while at the same time, the Andes forearc is in a full demographic and economic development. However, the geothermal potential associated with reverse fault in the mountain range forearcs remains poorly studied compared to normal faults.  It is then essential to evaluate the geothermal potential associated with the Andes forearc thrust faults, in considering the environmental risks associated.</p> <p>The hydrothermal system associated with the Sama-Calientes fault, near the city of Tacna South of Peru (18°S) is a suitable field site to experiment how integrated studies could provide an exploration diagnostic. The Calientes hot springs (42-44°C) emerge on the Sama-Calientes fault, an active thrust which delimits the border between the Andes and the north extension of the Atacama Desert. With an integrated study of the hydrothermal fluids and gas geochemistry, XRD composition of the hydrothermal deposits and veins, structural geology, and 3D numerical modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics, we propose to characterize the thermal anomaly associated with the Calientes springs and faults, putting them in perspective with the other hydrothermal springs in the region. Preliminary results indicated that hydraulic breccia, veins, and concretions around the Calientes springs and faults are mainly composed of calcite, contrarily to the other hot springs sites inside the Andes (excepted the Ticaco hot springs). Free and dissolved gas of the springs associated with the high Andean volcanoes (Casiri, Yucamani, Tacora) are mainly composed of CO<sub>2</sub> (90-100%), while those associated with the pre-andean faults (Sama-Calientes, Incapuquio) are mainly composed of N<sub>2</sub> (60-100%). Volcanic-associated springs show high sulfate concentrations (48-54 mmol/L) compared to fault-associated springs (3-25 mmol/L).  A simple 3D numerical model with a surface DEM and a homogenous permeability indicates that the topography-driven flow lines contributing to the Calientes springs would come from the Tacora volcano, 40 km north-east of Calientes. More investigation will precise the organization of the hydrothermal cells and the associated thermal anomalies. This work will also contribute to understand the role of hydrothermal fluids in subduction zones and especially on seismogenic reverse fault dynamics.</p>

SARS-CoV-2 requires two cysteine proteases for viral polypeptide processing to allow maturation and replication: the 3C-like protease also known as the Main protease (Mpro) and the papain-like protease (PLpro). In addition to its critical role in viral replication, PLpro removes post-translational modifications like ubiquitin and interferon-stimulated gene product 15 (ISG15) from host proteins through its deubiquitinase domain, leading to host immunosuppression and increased ability of the virus to evade the host antiviral immune response. Through screening of a custom clinical compound library, we identified eltrombopag (DDL-701), a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, as having PLpro inhibitory activity that is sustained in the presence of the Mpro inhibitor nirmatrelvir. DDL-701 also suppressed both the deubiquitinase and ISG15 cleavage activities of PLpro. In addition, DDL-701 partially restored interferon-β induction – an element of the host immune response - in an in vitro model system. Further, modeling and docking studies suggest DDL-701 interacts with the active site region of the PLpro enzyme and pilot pharmacokinetic studies indicate it is brain permeable. DDL-701 is already approved for treatment of thrombocytopenia and has previously been shown to achieve human plasma levels after oral dosing that is above the IC50 needed for it to exert its PLpro inhibitory activity in vivo. In addition, it has also been reported to have antiviral efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. DDL-701 thus represents a drug that can immediately be repurposed and undergo clinical evaluation as a PLpro inhibitor that may be most effectively used in a protease inhibitor cocktail with an Mpro inhibitor such as nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid) for the treatment of COVID-19.

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The arid Coquimbo region of Chile has experienced a significant economic growth in recent decades, fueled in large part by water-intensive activities such as mining and agriculture. Under this context, a monthly and annual trend analysis of precipitation, streamflow, and piezometric levels was carried out. Thus, 43 pluviometric stations, 11 fluviometric stations, and 11 wells were selected. These stations were evaluated for their temporal trends using the Mann–Kendall test. Results revealed a significant decrease in river flows, with negative and significant trends concentrated in the mean and maximum flows, both at annual and monthly levels. Likewise, positive trends were found in the depth to water table on wells, with significant trends in 81.8% of the monthly cases, and in 72.7% of the annual cases. While also decreasing over the same period, rainfall trends exhibit high variability and lacked significance. Although the amounts of precipitation have decreased, this does not seem to be the main factor responsible for the scarcity of water in the region, but rather an excessive consumption of this resource. This is endorsed by the increase in GDP (Gross Domestic Product), which is explained by activities that consume water (mining and agriculture). Similarly, an increase in the granting of underground water rights was verified, which speaks of the high demands for the resource. However, future modeling is advised to better understand the regional hydrology of the area and quantify the anthropic effects on water resources more precisely.