Density and reproductive characteristics of female brown bears in the Cantabrian Mountains, NW Spain

Here we present annual nearest-neighbour distances (as a proxy of density) between females with cubs-of-the-year (hereafter FCOY) and reproductive characteristics of brown bears Ursus arctos in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain), from 1989 to 2017. FCOY nearest-neighbour distances and reproduction parameters of 19 focal females followed over several consecutive years (from 2004 to 2017) were obtained from bears inhabiting the western sector of the Cantabrian Mountains, where most of the bear population resides. In contrast, general reproductive characteristics were studied in the whole Cantabrian Mountains (western and eastern sectors together) on a sample of 362 litter sizes and 695 cubs. Mean nearest-neighbour distance between FCOY was 2559 ± 1222 m (range = 1305–4757 m). Mean litter size was significantly larger in the west (1.8 ± 0.2 cubs) than in the east (1.3 ± 0.6 cubs). Mean litter size for the whole of the Cantabrian Mountains was 1.6 ± 0.3 cubs. Litter sizes of one, two and three cubs represented 33.4, 56.1 and 10.5% of observed family groups, respectively. Interannual variations in litter size were not significant for both the western and the eastern areas. Mean cub mortality was 0.2 ± 0.5 cubs and did not vary among years. Cub mortality per litter size was 3.9% for one cub, 69.2% for two cubs and 26.9% for three cubs. Mean reproductive rate of the 19 focal females was 1.5 ± 0.6 cubs (n = 58 litters). Litter size of focal FCOY did not differ from the litter size obtained from systematic observations in the whole Cantabrian Mountains. During this period, cub mortality occurred in 24.1% of the 58 litters. Females usually bred every second year (average litter interval = 2.2 years). The estimated reproductive rate for the bear population was 0.7 young born/year/reproductive adult female

Positional errors in species distribution modelling are not overcome by the coarser grains of analysis

The performance of species distribution models (SDMs) is known to be affected by analysis grain and positional error of species occurrences. Coarsening of the analysis grain has been suggested to compensate for positional errors. Nevertheless, this way of dealing with positional errors has never been thoroughly tested. With increasing use of fine-scale environmental data in SDMs, it is important to test this assumption. Models using fine-scale environmental data are more likely to be negatively affected by positional error as the inaccurate occurrences might easier end up in unsuitable environment. This can result in inappropriate conservation actions. Here, we examined the trade-offs between positional error and analysis grain and provide recommendations for best practice. We generated narrow niche virtual species using environmental variables derived from LiDAR point clouds at 5 x 5 m fine-scale. We simulated the positional error in the range of 5 m to 99 m and evaluated the effects of several spatial grains in the range of 5 m to 500 m. In total, we assessed 49 combinations of positional accuracy and analysis grain. We used three modelling techniques (MaxEnt, BRT and GLM) and evaluated their discrimination ability, niche overlap with virtual species and change in realized niche. We found that model performance decreased with increasing positional error in species occurrences and coarsening of the analysis grain. Most importantly, we showed that coarsening the analysis grain to compensate for positional error did not improve model performance. Our results reject coarsening of the analysis grain as a solution to address the negative effects of positional error on model performance. We recommend fitting models with the finest possible analysis grain and as close to the response grain as possible even when available species occurrences suffer from positional errors. If there are significant positional errors in species occurrences, users are unlikely to benefit from making additional efforts to obtain higher resolution environmental data unless they also minimize the positional errors of species occurrences. Our findings are also applicable to coarse analysis grain, especially for fragmented habitats, and for species with narrow niche breadth

The influence of road networks on brown bear spatial distribution and habitat suitability in a human-modified landscape

Roads are human infrastructure that heavily affect wildlife, often with marked impacts on carnivores, including brown bears Ursus arctos. Here, we assessed the potential impact of road networks on the distribution of brown bears in the small, isolated and endangered Cantabrian population of north-western Spain. To ascertain whether local road networks affect brown bear spatial distribution, we first assessed potential influences on the distance of bear locations to roads using candidate models which included topographic variables, landcover types, bear age and reproductive status, traffic volume and road visibility. Then, we built two sets of habitat suitability models, both with and without roads, to discern the possible loss of habitat suitability caused by roads. The mean distance of bear locations to the nearest road was 968 804 m and the closest road was a low traffic road in 72.5% of cases. Candidate models showed little influence of our variables on bear distance to the nearest road, with the exception of elevation. Habitat suitability models revealed that road networks in our study area seem to have almost no effect on brown bear habitat suitability, except for females with yearlings during the denning season. However, this result may also be a consequence of the fact that only a small proportion (16.5%) of the cells classified as suitable bear habitats were crossed by roads, that is, most of the roads are primarily located in unsuitable bear habitats in the Cantabrian Mountains. Compared to previous studies conducted in other populations, mainly North American ones, our findings might suggest a different response of Eurasian brown bears to roads due to a longer bear-human coexistence in Europe versus North America. However, the indirect approach used in our study does not exclude other detrimental effects, for example, road mortality, increased stress and movement pattern disruption, only detectable by more direct approaches such as telemetry

Rubbing behavior of European brown bears: factors affecting rub tree selectivity and density

Scent-mediated communication is considered the principal communication channel in many mammal species. Compared with visual and vocal communication, odors persist for a longer time, enabling individuals to interact without being in the same place at the same time. The brown bear (Ursus arctos), like other mammals, carries out chemical communication, for example, by means of scents deposited on marking (or rub) trees. In this study, we assessed rub tree selectivity of the brown bear in the predominantly deciduous forests of the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). We first compared the characteristics of 101 brown bear rub trees with 263 control trees. We then analyzed the potential factors affecting the density of rub trees along 35 survey routes along footpaths. We hypothesized that: (1) bears would select particular trees, or tree species, with characteristics that make them more conspicuous; and (2) that bears would select trees located in areas with the highest presence of conspecifics, depending on the population density or the position of the trees within the species’ range. We used linear models and generalized additive models to test these hypotheses. Our results showed that brown bears generally selected more conspicuous trees with a preference for birches (Betula spp.). This choice may facilitate the marking and/ or detection of chemical signals and, therefore, the effectiveness of intraspecific communication. Conversely, the abundance of rub trees along footpaths did not seem to depend on the density of bear observations or their relative position within the population center or its border. Our results suggest that Cantabrian brown bears select trees based on their individual characteristics and their location, with no influence of characteristics of the bear population itself. Our findings can be used to locate target trees that could help in population monitoring

Evaluation of corrective measures implemented for the preventive conservation of fresco paintings in Ariadne s house (Pompeii, Italy)

BACKGROUND: A microclimate monitoring study was conducted in 2008 aimed at assessing the conservation risks affecting the valuable wall paintings decorating Ariadne s House (Pompeii, Italy). It was found that thermohygrometric conditions were very unfavorable for the conservation of frescoes. As a result, it was decided to implement corrective measures, and the transparent polycarbonate sheets covering three rooms (one of them delimited by four walls and the others composed of three walls) were replaced by opaque roofs. In order to examine the effectiveness of this measure, the same monitoring system comprised by 26 thermohygrometric probes was installed again in summer 2010. Data recorded in 2008 and 2010 were compared. RESULTS: Microclimate conditions were also monitored in a control room with the same roof in both years. The average temperature in this room was lower in 2010, and it was decided to consider a time frame of 18 summer days with the same mean temperature in both years. In the rooms with three walls, the statistical analysis revealed that the diurnal maximum temperature decreased about 3.5 ºC due to the roof change, and the minimum temperature increased 0.5 ºC. As a result, the daily thermohygrometric variations resulted less pronounced in 2010, with a reduction of approximately 4 ºC, which is favorable for the preservation of mural paintings. In the room with four walls, the daily fluctuations also decreased about 4 ºC. Based on the results, other alternative actions are discussed aimed at improving the conservation conditions of wall paintings. CONCLUSIONS: The roof change has reduced the most unfavorable thermohygrometric conditions affecting the mural paintings, but additional actions should be adopted for a long term preservation of Pompeian frescoes.This work was partially supported by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion) under projects HAR2010-21944-C02-01 and HAR2010-21944-C02-02.Merello Giménez, P.; García Diego, FJ.; Zarzo Castelló, M. (2013). Evaluation of corrective measures implemented for the preventive conservation of fresco paintings in Ariadne s house (Pompeii, Italy). Chemistry Central Journal. 7(1):87-87. doi:10.1186/1752-153X-7-87S878771DELOSRIOS, A., CAMARA, B., GARCIADELCURA, M., RICO, V., GALVAN, V., & ASCASO, C. (2009). Deteriorating effects of lichen and microbial colonization of carbonate building rocks in the Romanesque churches of Segovia (Spain). Science of The Total Environment, 407(3), 1123-1134. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.09.042Nava, S., Becherini, F., Bernardi, A., Bonazza, A., Chiari, M., García-Orellana, I., … Vecchi, R. (2010). An integrated approach to assess air pollution threats to cultural heritage in a semi-confined environment: The case study of Michelozzo’s Courtyard in Florence (Italy). Science of The Total Environment, 408(6), 1403-1413. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.07.03

Microclimate monitoring of Ariadne's house (Pompeii, Italy) for preventive conservation of fresco paintings

Background: Ariadne's house, located at the city center of ancient Pompeii, is of great archaeological value due to the fresco paintings decorating several rooms. In order to assess the risks for long-term conservation affecting the valuable mural paintings, 26 temperature data-loggers and 26 relative humidity data-loggers were located in four rooms of the house for the monitoring of ambient conditions. Results: Data recorded during 372 days were analyzed by means of graphical descriptive methods and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed an effect of the roof type and number of walls of the room. Excessive temperatures were observed during the summer in rooms covered with transparent roofs, and corrective actions were taken. Moreover, higher humidity values were recorded by sensors on the floor level. Conclusions: The present work provides guidelines about the type, number, calibration and position of thermohygrometric sensors recommended for the microclimate monitoring of mural paintings in outdoor or semi-confined environments. © 2012 Merello et al.; licensee Chemistry Central Ltd.This work was partially supported by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion) under projects HAR2010-21944-C02-01 and HAR2010-21944-C02-02.Merello Giménez, P.; García Diego, FJ.; Zarzo Castelló, M. (2012). Microclimate monitoring of Ariadne's house (Pompeii, Italy) for preventive conservation of fresco paintings. Chemistry Central Journal. 6:145-161. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-153X-6-145S1451616Ribera A, Olcina M, Ballester C: Pompeya Bajo Pompeya, las Excavaciones en la Casa de Ariadna. Valencia: Fundación MARQ; 2007.World Monuments Fund: World Monuments Watch: 100 Most Endangered Sites. New York: World Monuments Fund; 1996.Anter KF: Colours in Pompeiian cityscape: Adding pieces to the puzzle. Color Res Appl 2006,31(4):331–340.Harris J: Protecting Pompeii and the Italian heritage in 2012. http://www.i-italy.org/bloggers/18935/protecting-pompeii-and-italian-heritage-2012Augusti S: La Tecnica Dell’antica Pittura Parietale Pompeiana. Napoli: Gaetano Macchiaroli Editore; 1950.Miriello D, Barca D, Bloise A, Ciarallo A, Crisci GM, De Rose T, Gattuso C, Gazineo F, La Russa MF: Characterisation of archaeological mortars from Pompeii (Campania, Italy) and identification of construction phases by compositional data analysis. J Arch Sci 2010, 37:2207–2223.Castriota M, Cosco V, Barone T, De Santo G, Carafa P, Cazzanelli E: Micro-Raman characterizations of Pompei’s mortars. J Raman Spectrosc 2008,39(2):295–301.Maguregui M, Knuutinen U, Castro K, Madariaga JM: Raman spectroscopy as a tool to diagnose the impact and conservation state of Pompeian second and fourth style wall paintings exposed to diverse environments (House of Marcus Lucretius). J Raman Spectrosc 2010,41(11):1400–1409.Genestar C, Pons C, Más A: Analytical characterisation of ancient mortars from the archaeological Roman city of Pollentia (Balearic Islands, Spain). Anal Chim Acta 2006, 557:373–379.Duran A, Perez-Maqueda LA, Poyato J, Perez-Rodriguez JL: A thermal study approach to roman age wall painting mortars. J Therm Anal Calorim 2010,99(3):803–809.Pérez MC, García Diego F-J, Merello P, D’Antoni P, Fernández Navajas A, Ribera Lacomba A, Ferrazza L, Pérez Miralles J, Baró JL, Merce P, D’Antoni H, Curiel Esparza J: Ariadne’s house (Pompeii, Italy) wall paintings: a multidisciplinary study of its present state focused on a future restoration and preventive conservation. Mater Constr in pressBernardi A: Microclimate in the British Museum. London. Museum Manag Curat 1990, 9:169–182.Bernardi A, Camuffo D: Microclimate in the Chiericati Palace Municipal Museum. Vicenza. Museum Manag Curat 1995, 14:5–18.Camuffo D, Bernardi A, Sturaro G, Valentino A: The microclimate inside the Pollaiolo and Botticelli rooms in the Uffizi Gallery. Florence. J Cult Herit 2002, 3:155–161.La Gennusa M, Rizzo G, Scaccianoce G, Nicoletti F: Control of indoor environments in heritage buildings: Experimental measurements in an old Italian museum and proposal of a methodology. J Cult Herit 2005,6(2):147–155.Camuffo D, Sturaro G, Valentino A: Thermodynamic exchanges between the external boundary layer and the indoor microclimate at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy: the problem of conservation of ancient works of art. Bound Lay Meteorol 1999, 92:243–262.Tabunschikov Y, Brodatch M: Indoor air climate requirements for Russian churches and cathedrals. Indoor Air 2004,14(Suppl 7):168–174.Loupa G, Charpantidou E, Kioutsioukis I, Rapsomanikis S: Indoor microclimate, ozone and nitrogen oxides in two medieval churches in Cyprus. Atmos Environ 2006, 40:7457–7466.Vuerich E, Malaspina F, Barazutti M, Georgiadis T, Nardino M: Indoor measurements of microclimate variables and ozone in the church of San Vincenzo (Monastery of Bassano Romano – Italy): a pilot study. Microchem J 2008, 88:218–223.García-Diego F-J, Zarzo M: Microclimate monitoring by multivariate statistical control: the renaissance frescoes of the cathedral of valencia (Spain). J Cult Herit 2010,11(3):339–344.Zarzo M, Fernández-Navajas A, García-Diego F-J: Long-term monitoring of fresco paintings in the Cathedral of Valencia (Spain) through humidity and temperature sensors in various locations for preventive conservation. Sensors 2011,11(9):8685–8710.Maekawa S, Lambert F, Meyer J: Environmental monitoring at Tiwanaku. Mater Res Soc Symp Proc 1995, 352:885–892.Lillie M, Smith R, Reed J, Inglis R: Southwest Scottish Crannogs: using in situ studies to assess preservation in wetland archaeological contexts. J Archaeol Sci 2008,35(7):1886–1900.Verdecchia F, Zoccatelli C, Norelli E, Miandro R: Integrated monitoring network for surface deformation in Capo Colonna archaeological area, Crotone. Italy. IAHS-AISH P 2010, 339:345–351.Nava S, Becherini F, Bernardi A, Bonazza A, Chiari M, García-Orellana I, Lucarelli F, Ludwig N, Migliori A, Sabbioni C, Udisti R, Valli G, Vecchi R: An integrated approach to assess air pollution threats to cultural heritage in a semi-confined environment: the case study of Michelozzo’s Courtyard in Florence (Italy). Sci Total Environ 2010,408(6):1403–1413.Hygrochron Temperature/Humidity Logger iButton with 8KB Data-Log Memory. Maxim Integrated Products. http://datasheets.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/DS1923.pdfTemperature Logger iButton with 8KB Data-Log Memory. 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Crise de abastecimento de água em São Paulo e falta de planejamento estratégico

Embora a crise no abastecimento de água na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo (RMSP) tenha se manifestado de maneira mais intensa no verão de 2013-2014, ela revela um problema crônico que vem afetando toda a Região nos últimos dez anos. Esse problema foi gerado pela falta de um planejamento estratégico que considere questões climatológicas que podem indicar, com meses de antecedência, problemas de recomposição dos níveis dos mananciais, permitindo que ações sejam empreendidas com razoável antecedência, reduzindo os impactos para a população. Este estudo mostra como é possível utilizar informações climáticas na gestão estratégica do sistema de abastecimento da RMSP.Though the crisis in the water supplying system in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (RMSP) was more intensively felt in the 2013-2014 summer, it reveals a chronic problem that has been affecting the whole RMSP for the past ten years. This problem is originated from the lack of a strategic planning that takes into consideration climate issues that could, months before, foresee problems to restore the levels of water resources, allowing measures to be implemented within a reasonable anticipation, therefore reducing the impacts on the population. This study shows how it is possible to use climate information in the strategic management of the water supply in the RMSP

Integración : revista sobre ceguera y deficiencia visual

Este trabajo obtuvo el primer premio del XII Concurso de Investigación Educativa sobre Experiencias Escolares convocado en 1998 por la ONCE. Resumen en inglés y castellanoSe presentan el desarrollo y resultados de un proyecto orientado a facilitar el aprendizaje de habilidades visuales y de procesos cognitivos por parte de un grupo de alumnos con discapacidad visual y otras deficiencias asociadas. La experiencia se basa en el tratamiento informático de imágenes fotográficas tomadas a los alumnos en determinadas actividades de clase. Este tratamiento permite obtener fichas de trabajo, con las que se favorece la percepción secuenciada de objetos o sucesos en un plano bidimensional. La experiencia suscitó una respuesta muy positiva de los alumnos, y posibilita abordar actividades complementarias que potencien la interiorización y abstracción de los conceptos, logrando así un aprendizaje funcional y significativo..MadridES

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www.elsevier.com/locate/cam Hypergeometric-type di erential equations: second kind solutions and related integral