The seven impediments in invertebrate conservation and how to overcome them

Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Despite their high diversity and importance for humankind, invertebrates are often neglected in biodiversity conservation policies. We identify seven impediments to their effective protection: (1) invertebrates and their ecological services are mostly unknown to the general public (the public dilemma); (2) policymakers and stakeholders are mostly unaware of invertebrate conservation problems (the political dilemma); (3) basic science on invertebrates is scarce and underfunded (the scientific dilemma); (4) most species are undescribed (the Linnean shortfall); (5) the distribution of described species is mostly unknown (the Wallacean shortfall); (6) the abundance of species and their changes in space and time are unknown (the Prestonian shortfall); (7) species ways of life and sensitivities to habitat change are largely unknown (the Hutchinsonian shortfall). Numerous recent developments in taxonomy, inventorying, monitoring, data compilation, statistical analysis and science communication facilitate overcoming these impediments in both policy and practice. We suggest as possible solutions for the public dilemma: better public information and marketing. For the political dilemma: red-listing, legal priority listing and inclusion in environmental impact assessment studies. For the scientific dilemma: parataxonomy, citizen science programs and biodiversity informatics. For the Linnean shortfall: biodiversity surrogacy, increased support for taxonomy and advances in taxonomic publications. For the Wallacean shortfall: funding of inventories, compilation of data in public repositories and species distribution modeling. For the Prestonian shortfall: standardized protocols for inventorying and monitoring, widespread use of analogous protocols and increased support for natural history collections. For the Hutchinsonian shortfall: identifying good indicator taxa and studying extinction rates by indirect evidence

Suppression of Peroxisomal Enzyme Activities and Cytochrome P450 4A Isozyme Expression by Congeneric Polybrominated and Polychlorinated Biphenyls

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of PCBs and PBBs on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α-(PPARα-) associated enzyme activities or protein levels. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single IP injection (150 μ mol/kg) of either 3,3′,4,4′-tetrabromobiphenyl, 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl, 3,3′,5,5′-tetrabromobiphenyl, 2′,3,3′,4,5-pentachlorobiphenyl, 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl, 2,2′,3,3′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl, or 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromobiphenyl in corn oil (10 ml/kg). One week later, the activities of catalase, peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase, and peroxisomal beta-oxidation as well as cytochrome P450 4A (CYP4A) protein content were determined in subcellular liver fractions. None of the peroxisomal enzyme activities were significantly increased by any of the halogenated biphenyl congeners tested. Except for minor (approx. 25%) increases in the total CYP4A content following treatment with 2,2′,3,3′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl and 3,3′,5,5′-tetrabromobiphenyl, CYP4A protein contents were not increased by any treatment. The two Ah receptor agonists, 3,3′,4,4′-tetrabromobiphenyl and 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl, significantly diminished the liver content of CYP4A proteins and activities of the peroxisomal enzymes studied. Since a range of congeners with different biologic and toxicologic activities were selected for this study, it may be concluded that the polyhalogenated biphenyls do not induce peroxisome proliferation in the male rat, but rather certain members of this class of compounds down regulate peroxisome-associated enzymes. Since PCBs and PBBs do not increase enzyme activities and expression of proteins associated with PPARα, these agents are therefore exerting their carcinogenic and promoting activities by some other mechanism

Measuring the complexity of Dutch legislation

For legislation to be effective, it should not be too complex; otherwise, it cannot be sufficiently understood by those who have to apply the law or comply with it. This paper adds to the research in AI & law on developing precise mathematical complexity measures for legislation and applying these measures by computational means. The framework of Katz & Bommarito (2014) is applied to measure the complexity of Dutch legislation. The aim is twofold: first, to investigate whether this framework is meaningfully more widely applicable by applying it to a different jurisdiction and a corpus of larger size; and second, to identify possible improvements to the framework

Plant aqueous extracts: antioxidant capacity via haemolysis and bacteriophage P22 protection

The bacteriophage P22/Salmonella Typhimurium system, as well as human erythrocytes have been used to assay for protection, against forced oxidation caused by hydrogen peroxide, brought about by several aqueous extracts of selected adventitious plants grown in Portugal. This study proved, for the first time, that the aforementioned bacteriophage-based system is a suitable method to assess the antioxidant activity of plant extracts; among the 12 plants tested, raspberry (Rubus idaeus), sage (Salvia sp.), savory (Satureja montana) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) were found to effectively protect against oxidative damage caused by H2O2. Haemolysis was inhibited via pre-treatment with every plant extract tested, except heath at 0.1% (w/v). The two analytical methods produced different results – and for some plants, there was a dependence (either direct or inverse) of the quantitative protection effect on extract concentration, whereas for others no significant dependence was found at all. Savory yielded the most promising results, using either method. Therefore, the P22/Salmonella system can be used as a suitable in vivo assay, and human erythrocytes as a suitable in vitro assay to confirm (or not) the antioxidant capacity of plant extracts in biological matrices.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Tipos de desenvolvimento profissional colaborativo contínuo em Educação Física: um diálogo

This paper presents a dialogue between researchers from three collaborative continuous teacher professional development (CCPD) projects, each of which involved a different theoretical framework and research design. Discussing our unique contexts and the CCPD approaches we used enabled us to engage in an appreciative inquiry, in which we sought to acknowledge and build upon the strengths of each project and consider possibilities for the future. Findings highlight complexities of CCPD at different levels from the small-scale to the large, requiring thoughtful planning and implementation. Promoting intimacy, organizing schedules and timetables, and combining different modes of support are challenges that require contextualized responses. There is a need for CCPD facilitators and researchers to consider not only characteristics of effectiveness when choosing a CCPD approach, but also alignment with their own personal beliefs and theories of learning, as well as the beliefs, interests, and needs of teachers in their local contexts.Cet article présente un dialogue entre les chercheurs de trois projets de développement professionnel continu collaboratif (DPCC) utilisant des cadres théoriques différents. Les résultats mettent en évidence la complexité du DPCC, que ce soit de petite à grande échelle, et soulignent l’importance d’une planification et d’une implémentation réfléchies. Favoriser la proximité, gérer les emplois du temps et combiner différents modes d’accompagnement sont des défis qui nécessitent des réponses contextualisées. Discuter des contextes uniques et des choix effectués concernant les approches de DPCC préconisées nous a permis de nous engager dans une enquête d’appréciation. Nous cherchions ainsi à reconnaître les forces de chaque projet et à envisager des possibilités pour l’avenir. Il est nécessaire que les facilitateurs et les chercheurs, lorsqu'ils choisissent une approche de DPCC, tiennent compte non seulement de l'efficacité, mais aussi de leurs propres croyances et théories de l'apprentissage, ainsi que des préférences et des besoins des enseignants.Este artigo apresenta um diálogo entre pesquisadores de três projetos de desenvolvimento profissional continuado e colaborativo (DPCC) de professores, cada um apoiado por um referencial teórico e desenhos de pesquisa diferentes. Os resultados destacam algumas complexidades do DPCC em diferentes níveis, desde o de pequena ao de larga escala, agenciando planejamento e implementação cuidadosos. Promover a proximidade, organizar horários e combinar diferentes modos de suporte são desafios que requerem respostas contextualizadas. Discutir nossos contextos únicos e escolhas em relação às abordagens do DPCC utilizadas nos permitiu realizar uma investigação apreciativa, buscando reconhecer e desenvolver os pontos fortes de cada projeto e considerar possibilidades para futuras propostas. É necessário que facilitadores e pesquisadores ao escolherem uma abordagem de DPCC considerem não apenas a eficiência, mas também o alinhamento com suas próprias crenças pessoais e teorias de aprendizagem, bem como com as crenças, interesses e necessidades dos professores em seus contextos locais

Exploring the impact of selection bias in observational studies of COVID-19: a simulation study

BACKGROUND: Non-random selection of analytic subsamples could introduce selection bias in observational studies. We explored the potential presence and impact of selection in studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 prognosis. METHODS: We tested the association of a broad range of characteristics with selection into COVID-19 analytic subsamples in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) and UK Biobank (UKB). We then conducted empirical analyses and simulations to explore the potential presence, direction and magnitude of bias due to this selection (relative to our defined UK-based adult target populations) when estimating the association of body mass index (BMI) with SARS-CoV-2 infection and death-with-COVID-19. RESULTS: In both cohorts, a broad range of characteristics was related to selection, sometimes in opposite directions (e.g. more-educated people were more likely to have data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in ALSPAC, but less likely in UKB). Higher BMI was associated with higher odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection and death-with-COVID-19. We found non-negligible bias in many simulated scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: Analyses using COVID-19 self-reported or national registry data may be biased due to selection. The magnitude and direction of this bias depend on the outcome definition, the true effect of the risk factor and the assumed selection mechanism; these are likely to differ between studies with different target populations. Bias due to sample selection is a key concern in COVID-19 research based on national registry data, especially as countries end free mass testing. The framework we have used can be applied by other researchers assessing the extent to which their results may be biased for their research question of interest

The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis: global perspectives on invasion history and ecology

The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is native to Asia but has been intentionally introduced to many countries as a biological control agent of pest insects. In numerous countries, however, it has been introduced unintentionally. The dramatic spread of H. axyridis within many countries has been met with considerable trepidation. It is a generalist top predator, able to thrive in many habitats and across wide climatic conditions. It poses a threat to biodiversity, particularly aphidophagous insects, through competition and predation, and in many countries adverse effects have been reported on other species, particularly coccinellids. However, the patterns are not consistent around the world and seem to be affected by many factors including landscape and climate. Research on H. axyridis has provided detailed insights into invasion biology from broad patterns and processes to approaches in surveillance and monitoring. An impressive number of studies on this alien species have provided mechanistic evidence alongside models explaining large-scale patterns and processes. The involvement of citizens in monitoring this species in a number of countries around the world is inspiring and has provided data on scales that would be otherwise unachievable. Harmonia axyridis has successfully been used as a model invasive alien species and has been the inspiration for global collaborations at various scales. There is considerable scope to expand the research and associated collaborations, particularly to increase the breadth of parallel studies conducted in the native and invaded regions. Indeed a qualitative comparison of biological traits across the native and invaded range suggests that there are differences which ultimately could influence the population dynamics of this invader. Here we provide an overview of the invasion history and ecology of H. axyridis globally with consideration of future research perspectives. We reflect broadly on the contributions of such research to our understanding of invasion biology while also informing policy and people.  Additional co-authors: Artur Gil, Audrey A. Grez, Thomas Guillemaud, Danny Haelewaters, Annette Herz, Alois Honek, Andy G. Howe, Cang Hui, William D. Hutchison, Marc Kenis, Robert L. Koch, Jan Kulfan, Lori Lawson Handley, Eric Lombaert, Antoon Loomans, John Losey, Alexander O. Lukashuk, Dirk Maes, Alexandra Magro, Gilles San Martin, Zdenka Martinkova, Ingrid A. Minnaar, Oldřich Nedved, Marina J. Orlova-Bienkowskaja, Naoya Osawa, Wolfgang Rabitsch, Hans Peter Ravn, Gabriele Rondoni, Steph L. Rorke, Sergey K. Ryndevich, May-Guri Saethre, John J. Sloggett, Antonio Onofre Soares, Riaan Stals, Axel Vandereycken, Paul van Wielink, Sandra Viglášová, Peter Zach, Ilya A. Zakharov, Tania Zaviezo, Zihua Zha

Do baseline characteristics affect depressive symptoms treatment success? Posthoc subgroup analysis from the CONEMO trials

Objective: As a secondary trial plan analysis, we aim to examine whether participant characteristics, measured before randomization, modified the effect of a digital intervention designed to improve depressive symptoms (CONEMO – Emotional Control) on recovery from depression that has presented a substantive impact on previous research.Method: Mixed logistic regression was used to explore interactions between the treatment arm and subgroups of interest, including suicidal ideation, race/color, age, gender, income, type of mobile phone, alcohol misuse, tobacco use, and diabetes/hypertension). We estimated interaction effects between the treatment group and these subgroup factors for the secondary outcomes using linear mixed regression models.Results: Increased effects of the CONEMO intervention on the primary outcome (reduction of the scores of depressive symptoms in at least 50% at three-month follow-up) were observed amongst older and wealthier participants in Lima (p-values 0.030 and 0.001, respectively). At the same time, there was no evidence of such differential effects in São Paulo or any other secondary outcomes level in both countries.Conclusions: Digital intervention used in primary care settings needs to be accessible. We conclude that the technological intervention CONEMO has no heterogeneity effects on most subgroups studied, except income and age in the Lima trial

The decline of mussel aquaculture in the European Union: causes, economic impacts and opportunities

ABSTRATC: In contrast to the increasing aquaculture production of mussels worldwide, production in the European Union (EU) has shown a decreasing trend over the last two decades. Aquaculture production of mussels in the EU peaked in the late 1990s at more than 600 000 tonnes; by 2016, production volume had dropped by 20% to 480 000 tonnes. As mussel production represents more than 1/3 of EU aquaculture production, this decrease is an important contributor to the stagnation of EU aquaculture. Previous studies have suggested diseases, lack of mussel seed (spat), and low profitability as the main causes of the EU mussel production decrease. In this study, we investigate how economic and environmental factors have contributed. Moreover, we examine if the different mussel production techniques (raft, longline, on-bottom, and "bouchot") have been differently affected, by analysing the economic performance and cost structure evolution for the period 2010-2016. We complement these results with a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of the EU mussel sector based on expert knowledge