The Environmental Monitoring Programme in floating cages fish farms

The Environmental Monitoring Programme for four fish farms located in the western Mediterranean Sea was studied in order to assess their suitability for detecting possible environmental impact in the surrounding marine ecosystems. A significant number of physical, chemical, and biological parameters, both in water and sediments, were reviewed, as well as their monitoring frequency. These results lead to the conclusion that water quality should not be considered a strong indicator of caged fish farms impact; it is much more appropriate to use other parameters related to sediments, particularly those indicating the health of benthos ecosystems. An Environmental Monitoring Programme for cage fish farms is proposed.Se ha analizado el programa de vigilancia ambiental (PVA) de cuatro piscifactorías marinas situadas en el Mediterráneo occidental con el fin de evaluar su grado de idoneidad para detectar posibles impactos en el medio marino. Se ha revisado un elevado número de variables y parámetros físicos, químicos y biológicos en aguas y sedimentos, así como su frecuencia de muestreo. Este trabajo concluye que la calidad del agua no puede ser considerada como un indicador consistente de los impactos, y que resulta mucho más representativo estudiar variables relacionadas con los sedimentos, en especial las relacionadas con el bentos marino. Finalmente, se hace una propuesta de muestreo para los PVA en piscifactorías marinas.Instituto Español de Oceanografí

La agricultura marginal como fuente de sedimentos en el Pirineo Central

[Resumen] La agricultura cerealista ha ocupado grandes extensiones en los valles pirenaicos, en exposiciones solanas por debajo de 1600 m de altitud. En este artículo se estudia el papel de la agricultura tradicional en la producción de sedimentos y la degradación del paisaje. Por medio de parcelas experimentales puede afirmarse que la agricultura itinerante y el barbecho han dado lugar a pérdidas de suelo muy elevadas y explican la pedregosidad superficial de mu.chas laderas. En el caso de la agricultura itinerante (articas), la quema de matorral y la incorporación de cenizas al suelo como fertilizante no contribuía a mejorar sustancialmente la calidad de los suelos.[Abstract] Cereal cropping has occupied large extent in the Pyrenean valleys, on sunny aspects under 1.600 m a.s.l. In this paper the role of traditional farming on sediment yield and landscape degradation is studied. By means of experimental plots the authors conclude than shifting agriculture an fallow land have caused great soil losses and explain the surface stoniness in many hillslopes. In the case of shifting agriculture, the burning of the shrub cover and the use of ashes as fertilizer did not contribute to improve the quality of soil

Character strengths predict an increase in mental health and subjective well-being over a one-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

This study examines whether character strengths predict resilience (operationalized as stable or higher mental health and subjective well-being despite an adverse event) over a period of approximately 1 month during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Spain. Using a longitudinal design, participants (N = 348 adults) completed online measures of sociodemographic data, information regarding their situation in relation to the COVID-19, character strengths, general mental health, life satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect. All variables were measured at Time 1 and Time 2, except for sociodemographic and most COVID-related information (Time 1 only). Time 1 data collection was conducted between March 21, 2020 and April 2, 2020, i.e., approximately the second week of lockdown in Spain. Time 2 data collection was conducted between April 24, 2020 and May 18, 2020, after the Spanish government announced its intention to progressively release the lockdown. A principal component analysis of character strengths was conducted. Five character strength factors were extracted: fortitude, goodness, intellectual, interpersonal, and restraint. Factor structures at Times 1 and 2 were highly consistent. All character strength factors at Time 1 correlated positively with life satisfaction and positive affect, and negatively with negative affect and mental health at T2 (higher scores in the mental health measure indicate poorer mental health). Fortitude strengths showed the highest correlations. We conducted a series of regression analyses with strength factors at Time 1 as predictors, and mental health, life satisfaction, and positive and negative affect as dependent variables, controlling for their baseline levels. To test the directionality of the relationship between strengths and the dependent variables, all analyses were reversed. All character strength factors predicted an increase in mental health. They also predicted positive affect, with the exception of strengths of restraint. Fortitude, intellectual, and interpersonal strengths predicted an increase in life satisfaction. Finally, fortitude strengths, interpersonal strengths, and strengths of restraint, predicted a decrease in negative affect. None of the reversed analyses yielded significant effects. Limitations, implications, and possible character strengths-based interventions aimed at promoting mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed

Development of a stand-alone device to simultaneously record cardiotocography biosignals in an open format for testing methods of assessing fetal heart rate variability

Fetal hypoxia/acidemia recognition improves with computerized analysis of biosignals collected from cardiotocography (CTG), particularly the assesment of short-term variability (STV) of fetal heart rate (FHR). Several methods to compute STV have been described with varied performance results according to acquisition method, sampling and storage rates and algorithm definition. Dawes-Redman algorithm (STV16) is the most widely reproduced in available commercial systems. However, it shows a low correlation with the beat-to-beat variation determined from fetal electrocardiographic signal (fECG). STV240 algorithm has been introduced in an attempt to approximate STV assessment to real beat-to-beat variation. There is no comparison in the literature between these two algorithms, taking as gold standard variability obtained from ECG tracing. With a view to providing reliable records for the standardization and comparison of STV algorithms, most notably, STV16 and STV240, we have designed, assembled and developed a stand- alone device well able to connect with different CTG machines and collect simultaneously biomedical signals of interest, particularly FHR, uterine activity and fECG, from the standard monitor outputs. It generates a file in an open format that allows assessment of computerized parameters of CTG. By means of R- R instantaneous variation from fECG as a reference we have found no agreement by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient between STV16 and STV240, neither with STV calculated from fECG. Nevertheless, the last two correlated closely. Standardisation of algorithms, interoperability and research in computerized CTG need to be provided with simultaneous recordings of biosignals involved, including the ECG raw signal. STV16 and STV240 require individualised normal ranges.This work has been funded by the Fundación para el fomento de la investigación sanitaria y biomédica de la comunitat valenciana (FISABIO UGP-21-045)

Multiple extraordinary optical transmission peaks from evanescent coupling in perforated metal plates surrounded by dielectrics

© 2010 Optical Society of America. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modifications of the content of this paper are prohibitedWe study numerically and theoretically the optical transmission of nanostructured gold films embedded in dielectric claddings. We show how multiple transmission peaks appear as the claddings thickness increases. These transmission peaks come not only from surface plasmon polariton excitations but also from the excitation of Fabry-Perot modes sustained at the claddings, coupled through the metal, as long as a periodic pattern is milled in the metal film. We propose that this structure could be used as an ultracompact all-optical switch by surrounding the metal film with Kerr nonlinear dielectric layers. (C) 2010 Optical Society of AmericaWe thank the FCT (Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia) for funding of this research through the projects SFRH/BD/8278/2002 and PTDC/FIS/68419/2006.Ortuño Molinero, R.; García Meca, C.; Rodríguez Fortuño, FJ.; Martí Sendra, J.; Martínez Abietar, AJ. (2010). Multiple extraordinary optical transmission peaks from evanescent coupling in perforated metal plates surrounded by dielectrics. Optics Express. 18(8):7893-7898. https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.18.007893S78937898188Dragila, R., Luther-Davies, B., & Vukovic, S. (1985). High Transparency of Classically Opaque Metallic Films. Physical Review Letters, 55(10), 1117-1120. doi:10.1103/physrevlett.55.1117Ebbesen, T. W., Lezec, H. J., Ghaemi, H. F., Thio, T., & Wolff, P. A. (1998). Extraordinary optical transmission through sub-wavelength hole arrays. Nature, 391(6668), 667-669. doi:10.1038/35570Koerkamp, K. J. K., Enoch, S., Segerink, F. B., van Hulst, N. F., & Kuipers, L. (2004). Strong Influence of Hole Shape on Extraordinary Transmission through Periodic Arrays of Subwavelength Holes. Physical Review Letters, 92(18). doi:10.1103/physrevlett.92.183901Takakura, Y. (2001). Optical Resonance in a Narrow Slit in a Thick Metallic Screen. Physical Review Letters, 86(24), 5601-5603. doi:10.1103/physrevlett.86.5601Zhou, L., Wen, W., Chan, C. T., & Sheng, P. (2005). Electromagnetic-Wave Tunneling Through Negative-Permittivity Media with High Magnetic Fields. Physical Review Letters, 94(24). doi:10.1103/physrevlett.94.243905Lomakin, V., & Michielssen, E. (2005). Enhanced transmission through metallic plates perforated by arrays of subwavelength holes and sandwiched between dielectric slabs. Physical Review B, 71(23). doi:10.1103/physrevb.71.235117Rakić, A. D., Djurišić, A. B., Elazar, J. M., & Majewski, M. L. (1998). Optical properties of metallic films for vertical-cavity optoelectronic devices. Applied Optics, 37(22), 5271. doi:10.1364/ao.37.005271Genet, C., & Ebbesen, T. W. (2007). Light in tiny holes. Nature, 445(7123), 39-46. doi:10.1038/nature05350Ghaemi, H. F., Thio, T., Grupp, D. E., Ebbesen, T. W., & Lezec, H. J. (1998). Surface plasmons enhance optical transmission through subwavelength holes. Physical Review B, 58(11), 6779-6782. doi:10.1103/physrevb.58.6779Martínez, A., & Martí, J. (2005). Negative refraction in two-dimensional photonic crystals: Role of lattice orientation and interface termination. Physical Review B, 71(23). doi:10.1103/physrevb.71.235115Ruan, Z., & Qiu, M. (2006). Enhanced Transmission through Periodic Arrays of Subwavelength Holes: The Role of Localized Waveguide Resonances. Physical Review Letters, 96(23). doi:10.1103/physrevlett.96.233901Economou, E. N. (1969). Surface Plasmons in Thin Films. Physical Review, 182(2), 539-554. doi:10.1103/physrev.182.539Esembeson, B., Scimeca, M. L., Michinobu, T., Diederich, F., & Biaggio, I. (2008). A High-Optical Quality Supramolecular Assembly for Third-Order Integrated Nonlinear Optics. Advanced Materials, 20(23), 4584-4587. doi:10.1002/adma.200801552Spano, R., Daldosso, N., Cazzanelli, M., Ferraioli, L., Tartara, L., Yu, J., … Pavesi, L. (2009). Bound electronic and free carrier nonlinearities in Silicon nanocrystals at 1550nm. Optics Express, 17(5), 3941. doi:10.1364/oe.17.003941Dani, K. M., Ku, Z., Upadhya, P. C., Prasankumar, R. P., Brueck, S. R. J., & Taylor, A. J. (2009). Subpicosecond Optical Switching with a Negative Index Metamaterial. Nano Letters, 9(10), 3565-3569. doi:10.1021/nl901764

From the surface Topography to the Upper mantle beneath Central-Iberian-Zone. The ALCUDIA Seismic Experiments

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 15-19 December, 2014, San FranciscoMulti-seismic experiments acquired across the central and southern part of the Iberian Peninsula provide a new insight into the structure and nature of the lithosphere beneath these areas. Normal incidence and wide-angle seismic reflection data acquired in the area resolve the internal architecture and constrain the distribution of the physical properties along an almost 280 km long transect that samples the major tectonic domains of the Central Iberian Zone (CIZ) and the associated suture (e.g., the Central Unit, CU). A high quality image, ~230 km long, down to 45 km depth (~15 s TWTT) is provided by the normal incidence data set. Based on the reflectivity characteristics, the image can be divided into an upper and mid-lower crust, ~13 km and ~18 km thick, respectively. The wide-angle seismic transect extended the crustal section towards the north across the Madrid Basin. This, latter data set also sample the CIZ until the CU. This is ~280 km long profile which provides very strong constraints on the distribution of physical properties (P wave and S wave velocities, Poisson's ratio) of the upper lithosphere. The PiP and PmP seismic phases constrain two discontinuities: the brittle to ductile discontinuity at ~13-19 km and the Moho boundary at ~31-35.5 km. Currently both appear to act as decoupling surfaces and are interpreted to represent levels of lithological/rheological variations. The internal structure of the Moho is further discussed taking into account the characteristics of the PmP reflections. Furthermore, low fold wide-angle P and S wave stacks reveal a marked crust-mantle transition which is most probably 5-6 km thick and relatively complex structure. The geometrical relationships of this structure with the crustal fabrics of the normal incidence image suggest that the Moho is most probably a result of the re-equilibration and/or other lithospheric processes active after the Variscan collision

Alibava : A portable readout system for silicon microstrip sensors

A portable readout system for silicon microstrip sensors is currently being developed. This system uses a front-end readout chip, which was developed for the LHC experiments. The system will be used to investigate the main properties of this type of sensors and their future applications. The system is divided in two parts: a daughter board and a mother board. The first one is a small board which contains two readout chips and has fan-ins and sensor support to interface the sensors. The last one is intended to process the analogue data that comes from the readout chips and from external trigger signals, to control the whole system and to communicate with a PC via USB. The core of this board is a FPGA that controls the readout chips, a 10 bit ADC, an integrated TDC and an USB controller. This board also contains the analogue electronics to process the data that comes from the readout chips. There is also provision for an external trigger input (e.g. scintillator trigger) and a 'synchronised' trigger output for pulsing an external excitation source (e.g. laser system)

Grafting Snake Melon [Cucumis melo L. subsp. melo Var. flexuosus (L.) Naudin] in Organic Farming: Effects on Agronomic Performance; Resistance to Pathogens; Sugar, Acid, and VOC Profiles; and Consumer Acceptance

The performance of snake melon [Cucumis melo var. flexuosus (L.)] in organic farming was studied under high biotic and salt stress conditions. Soilborne diseases (mainly caused by Macrophomina phaseolina and Neocosmospora falciformis), combined with virus incidence [Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), and Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV)] and Podosphaera xanthii attacks, reduced yield by more than 50%. Snake melon susceptibility to M. phaseolina and Monosporascus cannonballus was proved in pathogenicity tests, while it showed some degree of resistance to Neocosmospora keratoplastica and N. falciformis. On the contrary, salt stress had a minor impact, although a synergic effect was detected: yield losses caused by biotic stress increased dramatically when combined with salt stress. Under biotic stress, grafting onto the melon F1Pat81 and wild Cucumis rootstocks consistently reduced plant mortality in different agroecological conditions, with a better performance compared to classic Cucurbita commercial hybrids. Yield was even improved under saline conditions in grafted plants. A negative effect was detected, though, on consumer acceptability, especially with the use of Cucurbita rootstocks. Cucumis F1Pat81 rootstock minimized this side effect, which was probably related to changes in the profile of sugars, acids, and volatiles. Grafting affected sugars and organic acid contents, with this effect being more accentuated with the use of Cucurbita rootstocks than with Cucumis. In fact, the latter had a higher impact on the volatile organic compound profile than on sugar and acid profile, which may have resulted in a lower effect on consumer perception. The use of Cucumis rootstocks seems to be a strategy to enable organic farming production of snake melon targeted to high-quality markets in order to promote the cultivation of this neglected crop.

Phage inducible islands in the gram-positive cocci

The SaPIs are a cohesive subfamily of extremely common phage-inducible chromosomal islands (PICIs) that reside quiescently at specific att sites in the staphylococcal chromosome and are induced by helper phages to excise and replicate. They are usually packaged in small capsids composed of phage virion proteins, giving rise to very high transfer frequencies, which they enhance by interfering with helper phage reproduction. As the SaPIs represent a highly successful biological strategy, with many natural Staphylococcus aureus strains containing two or more, we assumed that similar elements would be widespread in the Gram-positive cocci. On the basis of resemblance to the paradigmatic SaPI genome, we have readily identified large cohesive families of similar elements in the lactococci and pneumococci/streptococci plus a few such elements in Enterococcus faecalis. Based on extensive ortholog analyses, we found that the PICI elements in the four different genera all represent distinct but parallel lineages, suggesting that they represent convergent evolution towards a highly successful lifestyle. We have characterized in depth the enterococcal element, EfCIV583, and have shown that it very closely resembles the SaPIs in functionality as well as in genome organization, setting the stage for expansion of the study of elements of this type. In summary, our findings greatly broaden the PICI family to include elements from at least three genera of cocci

Relation between plasma antioxidant vitamin levels, adiposity and cardio-metabolic profile in adolescents: Effects of a multidisciplinary obesity programme

Background & aims In vivo and in vitro evidence suggests that antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids may be key factors in the treatment and prevention of obesity and obesity-associated disorders. Hence, the objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between plasma lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin and carotenoid levels and adiposity and cardio-metabolic risk markers in overweight and obese adolescents participating in a multidisciplinary weight loss programme. Methods A therapeutic programme was conducted with 103 adolescents aged 12–17 years old and diagnosed with overweight or obesity. Plasma concentrations of a-tocopherol, retinol, ß-carotene and lycopene, anthropometric indicators of general and central adiposity, blood pressure and biochemical parameters were analysed at baseline and at 2 and 6 months of treatment. Results Lipid-corrected retinol (P < 0.05), ß-carotene (P = 0.001) and a-tocopherol (P < 0.001) plasma levels increased significantly, whereas lipid-corrected lycopene levels remained unaltered during the treatment. Anthropometric indicators of adiposity (P < 0.001), blood pressure (P < 0.01) and biochemical parameters (P < 0.05) decreased significantly, whereas fat free mass increased significantly (P < 0.001). These clinical and biochemical improvements were related to changes in plasma lipid-corrected antioxidant vitamin and carotenoid levels. The adolescents who experienced the greatest weight loss also showed the largest decrease in anthropometric indicators of adiposity and biochemical parameters and the highest increase in fat free mass. Weight loss in these adolescents was related to an increase in plasma levels of lipid-corrected a-tocopherol (P = 0.001), ß-carotene (P = 0.034) and lycopene (P = 0.019). Conclusions Plasma lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin and carotenoid levels are associated with reduced adiposity, greater weight loss and an improved cardio-metabolic profile in overweight and obese adolescents