Fish pass assessment in the rivers of Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula). A case study of weirs associated with hydropower plants and gauging stations

This study evaluated the effectiveness of fish passes in Catalan rivers (NE Iberian Peninsula). The aim was to test current functionality to enhance these structures for the purpose of optimising their management. We analysed river connectivity and fish pass facilities to generate information to improve the design, construction, management and assessment of solutions related to fish passage in Catalan rivers according to international best practices. In 2006, a preliminary evaluation of the locations and effectiveness of fish pass facilities in Catalonia was conducted through direct inspection of 78 fishways. Most of them were retro-fitted solutions using broad-spectrum technical structures, mainly pool fishway or pool pass facilities. An analysis of the effectiveness of 7 of the new fish passes (4, 2 and 1 passes in the Ter, Ebro and Tordera rivers, respectively) was performed between 2006 and 2009. The fish passes were located in weirs associated with hydropower plants and gauging stations. Our preliminary assessment of fish connectivity was based on a field visit and collection of information to populate a database of existing obstacles and associated fishways and calculation of the new version of the ICF index (river connectivity index) for all of them. Several methodologies were used to check the effectiveness of a selection of fish pass solutions, most of which were based on passage rates directly or indirectly estimated for each species. Direct estimation techniques involved the installation of fish traps upstream of the facility at the exit of the fish pass and visual counts. Indirect estimation techniques compared the fish population structure on each side of the obstacle in river sections with equivalent hydrology and habitat characteristics using electric fishing or trapping systems, group mark-recapture methods and individual mark-recapture methods (PIT tags). The results showed that (1) existing solutions to improve fish migration in Catalonia are insufficient (only present at approximately 8% of obstacles), and where they do exist, the fish passes are usually inadequate or poorly maintained. (2) Fish passes are generally inadequate or insufficient for the total native fish fauna from each water body. Additionally, with few exceptions, fish passage rates are too low, and in most cases, only fish with a high capacity to overcome obstacles or the largest individuals succeed in migrating. (3) Fish pass effectiveness agrees with the results of the new version of the ICF index.Este estudio evalua la eficacia de dispositivos o soluciones de paso para peces en los ríos de Catalunya (NE de la Península Ibérica). Se realizó con el propósito de comprobar su funcionalidad actual y también para poder mejorar elementos constructivos y/o para optimizar aspectos de gestión. El objetivo del estudio era analizar la conectividad de los ecosistemas fluviales y generar información para mejorar el diseño, construcción, gestión y evaluación de soluciones para el paso de peces en los ríos de Catalunya, de acuerdo con los estándares internacionales. El año 2006 se realizó un estudio de localización y evaluación preliminar de la eficacia de los dispositivos de paso para peces existentes en Catalunya mediante la inspección directa de 78 dispositivos. La mayor'ıa eran soluciones de rehabilitación por medio de estructuras técnicas de amplio espectro, como dispositivos de paso de estanques sucesivos. Entre 2006 y 2009 se efectuó un análisis de la eficacia de 7 de estos elementos (4, 2 y 1 en los ríos Ter, Ebro y Tordera, respectivamente). Los dispositivos de paso para peces estaban localizados en azudes para uso hidroeléctrico y estaciones de aforo. La evaluación preliminar de la connectividad para los peces se basó en una visita de campo y la recolección de información para completar una base de datos sobre los obstáculos existentes y las soluciones de paso para peces associadas. Para cada uno de estos casos analizados se calculó la nueva versión del Índice de Conectividad Fluvial (ICF). Posteriormente, se usaron varias metodologías para comprobar la eficacia de una selección de soluciones de paso para peces, la mayoría basadas en la estimación de la tasa de franqueo de cada especie. Las t'ecnicas de estimación directa consistieron en la instalación de trampas aguas arriba del obstáculo, a la salida del dispositivo de paso para peces, y los recuentos visuales. La estimación indirecta permitió la comparación de las estructuras poblacionales por especie de ambos lados del obstáculo en tramos fluviales de características hidrológicas y de hábitat equivalentes, a partir de muestreos con pesca eléctrica o trampeo, métodos de marcaje y recaptura de grupo, y métodos de marcaje y recaptura individualizados (con marcas PIT). Los resultados obtenidos indicaron (1) Las soluciones existentes en Catalunya para mejorar las migraciones de los peces resultan insuficientes (están presentes sólo alrededor del 8 % de los obstáculos). Cuando los hay, en general, los dispositivos de paso son inadecuados o con un mal mantenimiento. (2) Los dispositivos de paso para peces son generalmente inadecuados o insuficientes para el conjunto de las especies autóctonas de fauna piscícola de cada masa de agua. Las tasas de franqueo de los dispositivos de paso para peces son, con algunas excepciones, demasiado bajas y, en la majoría de los casos, sólo facilitan las migraciones de los peces con gran capacidad de superar obst'aculos o los individuos de mayor talla. (3) La eficacia de los dispositivos de paso para peces coincide con los resultados de la nueva versión del índice ICF

Longitudinal connectivity in hydromorphological quality assessments of rivers. The ICF index : a river connectivity index and its application to Catalan rivers

The Water Framework Directive urges assessment of river continuity as an input for the evaluation of hydromorphological quality. The existence of transverse obstacles in river beds has serious ecological consequences because it blocks the natural flow of water, sediments and biota, and this is considered one of the major causes of declines in many continental fish species. The index of river connectivity (ICF, from the Catalan name Index de Connectivitat Fluvial) evaluates obstacle effects on fish movement alone and does not take into account other elements affected by the obstacles. However, it can be used as a complementary element in hydromorphological condition assessments. The index is based on comparison of obstacle and fish pass (if any) characteristics with the capabilities of the fishes potentially present in the considered river section to overcome the obstacle. In this study, we present a new version of the ICF improved from its earlier version that was tested by different consultants and research centres for several obstacles from 2006 to 2009. The new version of the ICF is divided into three blocks that encompass assessment of (1) the obstacle and (2) the fish pass (if any) as well as (3) the estimation of certain modulators. Finally, the ICF classifies connectivity into five levels from very good to bad depending on the degree of permeability for different fish groups. This new version of the ICF has been tested for 101 transverse obstacles in rivers in Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula) both with and without fish passes, obtaining representation of the five expected quality levels (from very good to bad), and it is considered coherent with the real permeability of the obstacles. Its ease of application compared to in situ measurements of fish movements and the detailed information recorded by the index make it a very useful tool for the diagnosis of the longitudinal connectivity of rivers and for guiding measures for hydromorphological quality improvement.La Directiva Marco del Agua define que para evaluar la calidad hidromorfológica de los ríos hay que valorar, entre otros factores, la continuidad fluvial. La existencia de obstáculos transversales al cauce fluvial tiene importantes consecuencias ecológicas, y se considera una de las causas principales del declive de muchas especies continentales de peces. Por ello se ha diseñado el Índice de Conectividad Fluvial (ICF), que aunque sólo considera los peces y no otros compartimentos afectados (agua y sedimentos), puede ser utilizado como parte integrante del protocolo completo de evaluación de la calidad hidromorfológica de los ríos en Catalunya (protocolo HIDRI). El ICF se basa en la comparación de las características de un determinado obstáculo y de los dispositivos de paso para peces (si dispone de ellos) con las capacidades para superarlo de las distintas especies de peces autóctonos potencialmente presentes en el tramo. En este estudio se presenta una versión mejorada del ICF, que ha sido probada por distintos equipos de consultorías y centros de investigación entre 2006 y 2009. La nueva versión consta de tres grandes bloques que incluyen la evaluación de (1) el obstáculo, (2) el o los dispositivos de paso de peces, en caso que los haya, y (3) la estimación de distintos moduladores. Finalmente, el ICF clasifica el nivel de conectividad en cinco rangos, de muy bueno a malo, en función del grado de franqueabilidad para los distintos grupos de especies potencialmente presentes en el tramo. La nueva versión del ICF ha sido aplicada en 101 obstáculos transversales de distintos ríos de Catalunya (NE de la península Ibérica), con y sin dispositivos de paso para peces. En los resultados se encuentran representados los cinco rangos de calidad posibles (desde muy bueno a malo), resultados que se consideran coherentes con la permeabilidad real del obstáculo. Su fácil aplicación, en comparación con la evaluación in situ de los movimientos de los peces, así como los detalles de la información recogida en las hojas de campo, sugieren que el ICF es una buena herramienta tanto para diagnosticar la conectividad longitudinal como para orientar las medidas a tomar para la mejora de la calidad hidromorfológica

Nutritional status of iodine in pregnant women in Catalonia (Spain): study on hygiene-dietetic habits and iodine in urine

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>It is a priority to achieve an adequate nutritional status of iodine during pregnancy since iodine deficiency in this population may have repercussions on the mother during both gestation and post partum as well as on the foetus, the neonate and the child at different ages. According to the WHO, iodine deficiency is the most frequent cause of mental retardation and irrreversible cerebral lesions around the world. However, few studies have been published on the nutritional status of iodine in the pregnant population within the Primary Care setting, a health care level which plays an essential role in the education and control of pregnant women. Therefore, <b>the aim of the present study </b>is: 1.- To know the hygiene-dietetic habits related to the intake of foods rich in iodine and smoking during pregnancy. 2.- To determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency and the factors associated with its appearance during pregnancy.</p> <p>Methods/design</p> <p>We will perform a cluster randomised, controlled, multicentre trial. Randomisation unit: Primary Care Team. Study population: 898 pregnant women over the age of 17 years attending consultation to a midwife during the first trimester of pregnancy in the participating primary care centres. Outcome measures: consumption of iodine-rich foods and iodine deficiency. Points of assessment: each trimester of the gestation. Intervention: group education during the first trimester of gestation on healthy hygiene-dietetic habits and the importance of an adequate iodine nutritional status. Statistical analysis: descriptive analysis of all variables will be performed as well as multilevel logistic regression. All analyses will be done carried out on an intention to treat basis and will be fitted for potential confounding factors and variables of clinical importance.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Evidence of generalised iodine deficiency during pregnancy could lead to the promotion of interventions of prevention such as how to improve and intensify health care educational programmes for pregnant women.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01301768">NCT01301768</a></p

Prospective individual patient data meta-analysis of two randomized trials on convalescent plasma for COVID-19 outpatients

Data on convalescent plasma (CP) treatment in COVID-19 outpatients are scarce. We aimed to assess whether CP administered during the first week of symptoms reduced the disease progression or risk of hospitalization of outpatients. Two multicenter, double-blind randomized trials (NCT04621123, NCT04589949) were merged with data pooling starting when = 50 years and symptomatic for <= 7days were included. The intervention consisted of 200-300mL of CP with a predefined minimum level of antibodies. Primary endpoints were a 5-point disease severity scale and a composite of hospitalization or death by 28 days. Amongst the 797 patients included, 390 received CP and 392 placebo; they had a median age of 58 years, 1 comorbidity, 5 days symptoms and 93% had negative IgG antibody-test. Seventy-four patients were hospitalized, 6 required mechanical ventilation and 3 died. The odds ratio (OR) of CP for improved disease severity scale was 0.936 (credible interval (CI) 0.667-1.311); OR for hospitalization or death was 0.919 (CI 0.592-1.416). CP effect on hospital admission or death was largest in patients with <= 5 days of symptoms (OR 0.658, 95%CI 0.394-1.085). CP did not decrease the time to full symptom resolution

Dataset for modeling the hydrological patterns and salinity fluctuations of a Mediterranean confined coastal lagoon system (La Pletera salt marsh area, NE Spain)

This dataset is related to the research article entitled “Ef- fects of morphology and sediment permeability on coastal lagoons’ hydrological patterns”(W. Meredith, X. Casamitjana, X. D. Quintana, A. Menció) [1] , and was obtained in the La Pletera salt marshes in Catalunya between 2016 and 2019, to model the water balance and salinity fluctuations of 6 permanent lagoons using the General Lake Model (GLM). As no inflow and outflow data were available, water level and bathymetric data were used to calculate the net balance of inflows and outflows according to the observed daily vol- ume fluctuations. Meteorological data were obtained from the L ´Estartit Meteorological station north of the lagoons. Daily solar radiation was measured in Mas Badia (La Tallada, ∼10km from the La Pletera) in 2016 and 2017 and in situ with radiation sensors in 2018 and 2019. Together with the bathymetry and water levels of the lagoons, calculated in- flows and calibrated salinity and temperature data are provided to further confined coastal lagoons system modeling where inflow and outflow data are not available. Meteorolog- ical data and observed lagoon salinity and temperature are provided for comparison. As this is one of the few datasets that have modeled coastal water bodies less than 3m in depth using the GLM, the data presented here can be use- ful in stress testing the General Lake Model to other coastal lagoon systems, as well as to other global aquatic ecosystems

Effects of morphology and sediment permeability on coastal lagoons' hydrological patterns

Mediterranean coastal lagoons are influenced from a wide variety of external factors such as surface and groundwater flows and climate dynamics. They are also vulnerable to human activities, which have caused a significant loss of these types of habitats. As a result, the EU habitat management have now prioritized restoration of natural wetlands. However, there is a lack of systemic studies on the mechanisms of coastal wetland degradation and ecohydrological processes that determine restored ecological functioning as an end goal, as well as a lack of reference sites to make comparisons. Furthermore, while lagoon morphometry and underlying sediment permeability have been studied extensively, combining these disciplines to evaluate lagoon hydrology and salinity dynamics is yet to be fully explored. The aim of this study was to analyze the hydrological dynamics of 4 newly constructed lagoons and compare them with 2 natural lagoons in the La Pletera salt marshes and evaluate the restoration and conservation efforts. We use the General Lake Model (GLM) to assess water volume fluctuations, salinity variability and lagoon water circulation (groundwater and surface water inflows, outflows and evaporation). We also combine data of the underlying lithological characteristics and lagoon morphometry, to compare and better understand the interplay of these parameters on the hydrological behavior of each lagoon. Results indicated that the older and natural lagoons exhibited more consistent patterns of confinement; with deeper morphologies, lower evaporation effect, lower water circulation, and more annual patterns of salinity fluctuation. The presence of low-permeability layers also resulted in less fluctuation of higher salinity levels. Conversely, three of the four new lagoons had similar, shallower morphologies and higher evaporation fluxes, but exhibited different water circulation patterns due to the presence or absence of low permeability layers. Also, their salinity fluctuations were more influenced by seasonal mixing than by evaporation, indicating more susceptibility to climatic influence in their annual hydrological pattern than in the natural lagoons. This could prove important when constructing and restoring lagoons according to predetermined morphology and underlying sediment patterns, as it could ultimately limit or enhance the success of set objectives and overall ecological functioning in a flooding – confinement driven lagoon ecosystem conditioned by irregular and unpredictable climatic events

Models de comportament de la demanda turística britànica i alemanya a les Balears, i efectes de l'ecotaxa per a aquests mercats

En aquest article s’estimen models de comportament de la demanda turística alemanya i britànica posant èmfasi a treballar amb la sèrie del deflactor dels preus de l’hostaleria balear, tot evitant fer estimacions amb preus declarats de “paquets” turístics, que tenen l’ inconvenient de no recollir els descomptes reals de darrera hora, especialment importants en el cas del mercat britàni

Early phase of glucose-induced insulin release in normoglycemic subjects with or without familial history of diabetes

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Improvement by insulin treatment of glucose-induced inhibition of insulin release

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedComm. 23rd Annual Meeting of the Europ. Soc. Clin. Invest. - Athens (Greece), 20.04.198