Comparación de la diversidad de aves en zonas densamente pobladas y menos pobladas de la ciclovía El Chaquiñan, en el Valle de Cumbayá

Ecuador has a large diversity of birds (around 1600 species). Nevertheless, human impacts, such as habitat disturbance due to constructions and pollution, decrease the populations of avifauna. This is happening in Cumbayá's valley, located in the east of Quito, where human population is increasing intensively. To evaluate this impact, I carried out a study in a biking trail called "El Chaquiñán”. I gathered data on bird diversity (species richness and relative abundance), for a comparison between a heavily populated (Cumbayá and Tumbaco: CT) and a less populated zone (Puembo: P).El Ecuador tiene una amplia diversidad de aves (aproximadamente 1600 especies). No obstante, los impactos que causa el ser humano, como la destrucción de hábitats por las construcciones, y la contaminación están provocando decrecimientos en sus poblaciones. Esto está sucediendo en el valle de Cumbayá, al Este de la ciudad Quito (Ecuador), donde el crecimiento demográfico aumenta rápidamente. Para evaluar su impacto, hice un estudio sobre la diversidad de avifauna en la ciclovía “El Chaquiñán” (desde Cumbayá hasta Puembo). Comparé la abundancia y riqueza de la avifauna entre una zona poblada (Cumbayá y Tumbaco: CT) y una menos poblada (Puembo: P). Durante mayo, junio y julio del 2008, hice censos en tres transectos de 1km en cada zona (censando de mañana y de tarde), tres veces a la semana, hasta completar doce censos en cada transecto

Shannon entropy of brain functional complex networks under the influence of the psychedelic Ayahuasca

The entropic brain hypothesis holds that the key facts concerning psychedelics are partially explained in terms of increased entropy of the brain's functional connectivity. Ayahuasca is a psychedelic beverage of Amazonian indigenous origin with legal status in Brazil in religious and scientific settings. In this context, we use tools and concepts from the theory of complex networks to analyze resting state fMRI data of the brains of human subjects under two distinct conditions: (i) under ordinary waking state and (ii) in an altered state of consciousness induced by ingestion of Ayahuasca. We report an increase in the Shannon entropy of the degree distribution of the networks subsequent to Ayahuasca ingestion. We also find increased local and decreased global network integration. Our results are broadly consistent with the entropic brain hypothesis. Finally, we discuss our findings in the context of descriptions of "mind-expansion" frequently seen in self-reports of users of psychedelic drugs.Comment: 27 pages, 6 figure

The productivity and financial impacts of eight types of environmental enrichment for broiler chickens

Reduced mobility in broilers can contribute to leg health problems. Environmental enrichment has been suggested as one approach to combat this through stimulating increased physical activity. Past studies have tested the effect of environmental enrichments on bird behaviour, health and welfare, but few have estimated their financial impacts. This study tested the impact of eight types of environmental enrichment on enterprise net margin, accounting for direct intervention costs plus indirect effects via changes to bird mortality, weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and foot pad dermatitis. The trial used 58 pens each containing approximately 500 broilers (Ross 308) at a stocking density of 40 kg/m2. The environmental enrichments were: roughage, vertical panels, straw bales, elevated platforms (5 and 30 cm), increased distances between feed and water (7 and 3.5 m) and stocking density reduced to 34 kg/m2, plus a control group. Mortality was recorded daily and feed intake and weight weekly. Footpad dermatitis was assessed on day 35. Only one intervention improved financial performance (3.5 m between feed and water) above the control, suggesting that most environmental enrichment would have a negative financial impact due to the additional intervention costs, unless consumers were willing to pay a price premium

Analisis Faktor-faktor Preferensi Konsumen yang Mempengaruhi Keputusan Pembelian Sayuran Organik (Studi Kasus : Pelanggan Super Indo Semarang)

As lifestyle changes, increased knowledge and income as well as public awareness of safer organic foods resulting increased demand especially for vegetables. Currently, many Indonesia's modern retailers are marketing organic vegetables causing competition between organic vegetable companies becomes tighter. The company has an important role in attracting consumer preference to purchase organic vegetables by using consumer preference factors.The purpose of the research is to know what factors make up the consumer preference and its effect to the decision of purchasing organic vegetables.The research method is quantitative research with explanatory research type. Data analysis techniques used are validity test, reliability test, exploratory factor analysis, correlation coefficient, coefficient of determination, multiple linear regression analysis, F test, and t test.The result of the research shows consumer preference factors that influence purchase decision are physical product quality factor, pricing, and promotion. While the store's safety and comfortable, the appropriateness of the price, the location of the store, the availability, and the price information has no effect on purchasing decisions of organic vegetables.This research suggests the companies to set organic vegetables marketing strategy based on consumer preferences, as well as a contribution of thought to enrich existing research in Indonesia