Risks perceptions and risk management instruments in the European Union: Do farmers have a clear idea of what they need?

This paper explores and analyzes farmers’ risk perceptions, risk management instruments’ demand and usage in five Member States (Hungary, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and Poland). A survey completed by 1047 representative farmers of these EU Member Status collected information that allowed us to set apart two focus areas: the first looks at the declared importance of several sources of farms’ risk and income instability, and at the actual means that farmers pursue to manage and face them. The second area focuses on the demand for risk management instruments. The paper’s objective is to determine the factors that explain farmers’ responses in the first area, and based on those factors, analyse the demands for two instruments (insurance, and future & option markets). After carrying out basic descriptive statistic analyses, we perform factor analysis in order to establish the linkages between the perceptions and ranking of risks with the declared strategies to manage them. Logit models were fit to determine potential demand of insurance, and futures & options based on the three factors, and other variables like activity types and other controls, like nationality. Results from the factor analysis show that the perception of risk and actual use of risk management are very diverse. Logit models show that insurance is clearly an alternative instrument to diversification, but its demand is poorly explained by the other factors. Furthermore the demand for the use of futures and options is explained by the three factors, with the volatility factor, positively linked; market access /contractual risks; and diversification, negatively linked. In conclusion, policy makers should proceed with caution selecting the most adequate risk management instruments for farmers. It appears that the expected demand of risk management tools does not fit perfectly with the stated perception of risks

Autoantibodies against perilipin 1 as a cause of acquired generalized lipodystrophy

Acquired generalized lipodystrophy (AGL) is a rare condition characterized by an altered distribution of adipose tissue and predisposition to develop hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, diabetes, and hypertriglyceridemia. Diagnosis of AGL is based on the observation of generalized fat loss, autoimmunity and lack of family history of lipodystrophy. The pathogenic mechanism of fat destruction remains unknown but evidences suggest an autoimmune origin. Anti-adipocyte antibodies have been previously reported in patients with AGL, although their involvement in the pathogenesis has been poorly studied and the autoantibody target/s remain/s to be identified. Using a combination of immunochemical and cellular studies, we investigated the presence of anti-adipocyte autoantibodies in patients with AGL, acquired partial lipodystrophy, localized lipoatrophy due to intradermic insulin injections or systemic lupus erythematosus. Moreover, the impact of anti-adipocyte autoantibodies from AGL patients was assessed in cultured mouse preadipocytes. Following this approach, we identified anti-perilipin 1 IgG autoantibodies in the serum of patients with autoimmune variety-AGL, but in no other lipodystrophies tested. These autoantibodies altered the ability of perilipin 1 to regulate lipolysis in cultured preadipocytes causing abnormal, significantly elevated basal lipolysis. Our data provide strong support for the conclusion that perilipin 1 autoantibodies are a cause of generalized lipodystrophy in these patientsFC, ML-T, AL-L, and SG were supported by grants PI15- 00255 from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad) and Fondos FEDER, Complemento II-CM network (B2017/BMD3673), Acciones Cooperativas y Complementarias Intramurales (ACCI) from CIBERER (ISCIII), and Fundación SENEFRO. MdMwas supported by Roche Farma SA and Foundation Domingo Martínez. VA was financed by Consejería de Educación, Juventud y Deporte of Comunidad de Madrid and by Fondo Social Europeo (Programa Operativo de Empleo Juvenil, and Iniciativa de Empleo Juvenil (YEI), (PEJ15/BIO/AI/0045). DA-V was supported by the intramural research program of the Xunta de Galicia (Programa de Consolidación e Estructuración de Unidades de Investigación Competitivas, grant ED341b 2017/19), by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (grant number: PI08-1449) and the European Regional Development Fund, FEDER and by the Asociación Española de Familiares y Afectados de Lipodistrofias (AELIP

La falla de Tíscar: su significado en la terminación sudoeste del arco Prebético

10 páginas, 11 figuras, 1 tabla.[EN] The Tíscar fault, located towards the SW end of the Prebetic arc, is an important feature within the Betic External Zone which contributed to the separation of two different geologic domains. This fault affected the Mesozoic and Tertiary cover detached from the Palaeozoic basement and was developed as consequence of the blockage of the thrust sheets of the western border of the arc, because they could not advance farther over the basement situated progressively in a shallower position. Hence, this fault encouraged the continuation of the NW displacements in the western block, formed by Subbetic olistostromic masses and part of the Prebetic situated in the end of the arc. Although the Tíscar fault has been defined by one main line, there are in fact other parallel faults that form a broad fault zone. Its displacement began during the late Miocene and continued till Pliocene, within a near N-S compressive setting with a perpendicular extension.[ES] La falla de Tíscar, localizada en la terminación SO del arco Prebético, es un rasgo importante dentro de la Zona Externa Bética, donde ha contribuido a la separación de dos dominios geológicos diferentes. Esta falla afectó a la cobertera mesozoica y terciaria despegada del basamento paleozoico y se formó como consecuencia de que los cabalgamientos del borde occidental del arco quedaron bloqueados al no poder avanzar más sobre el basamento cada vez menos profundo. Entonces la falla permitió la continuación de los movimientos hacia el NO de su bloque occidental formado por materiales del Subbético, dispuesto en masas olistostrómicas, e incluso parte del propio Prebético del extremo del arco. Aunque la falla de Tíscar se ha definido por su traza principal, existen otras paralelas que en conjunto forman una amplia zona. Sus movimientos iniciados en el Mioceno superior continuaron hasta el Plioceno, en un contexto de compresión N-S y extensión perpendicular.Este estudio se ha financiado a través de los proyectos BTE2001-5230-E, CGL200401636/BTE, CGL2004-03333/ BTE, CGL2005-01520/BTE y BTE2001-5230-E y los grupos de la Junta de Andalucía RNM 163 y 217.Peer reviewe

Regional Genetic Structure in the Aquatic Macrophyte Ruppia cirrhosa Suggests Dispersal by Waterbirds

The evolutionary history of the genus Ruppia has been shaped by hybridization, polyploidisation and vicariance that have resulted in a problematic taxonomy. Recent studies provided insight into species circumscription, organelle takeover by hybridization, and revealed the importance of verifying species identification to avoid distorting effects of mixing different species, when estimating population connectivity. In the present study, we use microsatellite markers to determine population diversity and connectivity patterns in Ruppia cirrhosa including two spatial scales: (1) from the Atlantic Iberian coastline in Portugal to the Siculo-Tunisian Strait in Sicily and (2) within the Iberian Peninsula comprising the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition. The higher diversity in the Mediterranean Sea suggests that populations have had longer persistence there, suggesting a possible origin and/or refugial area for the species. The high genotypic diversities highlight the importance of sexual reproduction for survival and maintenance of populations. Results revealed a regional population structure matching a continent-island model, with strong genetic isolation and low gene flow between populations. This population structure could be maintained by waterbirds, acting as occasional dispersal vectors. This information elucidates ecological strategies of brackish plant species in coastal lagoons, suggesting mechanisms used by this species to colonize new isolated habitats and dominate brackish aquatic macrophyte systems, yet maintaining strong genetic structure suggestive of very low dispersal.Fundacao para a Cincia e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) [PTDC/MAR/119363/2010, BIODIVERSA/0004/2015, UID/Multi/04326/2013]Pew FoundationSENECA FoundationMurcia Government, Spain [11881/PI/09]FCT Investigator Programme-Career Development [IF/00998/2014]Spanish Ministry of Education [AP2008-01209]European Community [00399/2012]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Prognostic Value of Treadmill Exercise Echocardiography

[Abstract] Introduction and objectives. Exercise echocardiography (EE) is useful for diagnosing coronary disease, but little is known about its value for risk stratification. We aimed to determine: a) whether data from EE supplemented clinical data and data from exercise testing and resting echocardiography in predicting cardiac events; and b) whether the number and location of abnormal regions and their responses to exercise influenced risk stratification. Patients and method. The 2,436 patients referred for EE were followed up for 2.1 ±1.5 years. Some 120 serious cardiovascular events (i.e., non-fatal myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death) occurred before revascularization. Results. In 1203 patients (49%), EE gave abnormal results. There were 89 events in patients with an abnormal result (7.3%) and 31 in those with a normal result (2.5%; P <.0001). Multivariate analysis of clinical data, and data from exercise testing, resting echocardiography, and EE showed that male sex (RR=1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.8; P = .02), metabolic equivalents or METs (RR=0.9; 95% CI, 0.86–0.98; P=.01), peak heart rate × blood pressure (RR= 0.9; 95% CI, 0.9; P=.002), resting wall motion score index (RR=2.5; 95% CI, 1.5–4.1; P <.0001), and number of abnormal regions at peak exercise (RR=1.4; 95% CI, 1.2–1.7; P<.0001) were independently associated with the risk of a serious event (final model χ2, 170; incremental P <.0001). The same variables, excluding sex, were independently associated with cardiovascular death (final model χ2, 169; incremental P = .01). Conclusions. Exercise echocardiography supplements clinical data and data from exercise testing and resting echocardiography in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.[Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. Aunque la ecocardiografía de ejercicio es útil para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad coronaria, hay menos datos referentes a su valor pronós-tico. El objetivo de este estudio fue esclarecer: a) si hay un valor incremental de la ecocardiografía en el pico del ejercicio respecto a las variables clínicas, la prueba de esfuerzo y la ecocardiografía en reposo, y b) si el número y la localización de los territorios afectados, así como el tipo de respuesta al ejercicio, influyen en la estratificación. Pacientes y método. En 2.436 pacientes referidos para ecocardiografía de ejercicio se realizó un seguimien-to de 2,1 ± 1,5 años. Hubo 120 eventos (infarto no fatal o muerte cardiovascular) antes de la revascularización. Resultados. La ecocardiografía fue anormal en 1.203 pacientes (49%). Hubo 89 eventos en pacientes con resul-tado anormal (7,3%) frente a 31 con resultado normal (2,5%; p < 0,001). Mediante un análisis multivariable de variables clínicas, de la prueba de esfuerzo y de la ecocardiografía en reposo y ejercicio encontramos que las variables asociadas de manera independiente con el riesgo de eventos eran: ser varón (riesgo relativo [RR] = 1,7; interva-lo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,1–2,8; p = 0,02), los equiva-lentes metabólicos o MET (RR = 0,9; IC del 95%, 0,9–1,0; p = 0,01), el producto frecuencia cardíaca × presión arterial (RR = 0,9; IC del 95%, 0,9–1,0; p = 0,02), el índice de moti-lidad segmentaria basal (RR = 2,5; IC del 95%, 1,5–4,1; p < 0,0001) y el número de territorios afectados (RR = 1,4; IC del 95%, 1,2-1,7; p < 0,0001) (χ2 final = 170, valor incremental de la ecocardiografía en el máximo esfuerzo; p < 0,0001). Las mismas variables, excepto el sexo, estaban asociadas con la muerte (χ2 final = 169, valor incremental de la ecocardiografía de ejercicio; p = 0,01). Conclusiones. La ecocardiografía en el máximo ejercicio incrementa el valor pronóstico de las variables clínicas, la prueba de esfuerzo y la ecocardiografía de reposo

Session D7: Fishway with Two Entrance Locations: Understanding its importance for Iberian Barbel

Abstract In recent years, in the Iberian Peninsula, many fish passes have been built and improved. To ensure the proper operation of these, it is essential to carry out an evaluation and subsequent monitoring, considering both biologic and hydraulic aspects. We analyze the performance of Iberian barbel –Luciobarbus bocagei (Steindachner, 1864)– in a technical fishway: pool and weir, with bottom orifice. It is located in the Josefina hydropower plant (Duero River, Valladolid, Spain). Fish ladder has two fish entrances: one in the turbine outlet channel and another in the natural river course. Both the most relevant hydraulic values (flow, velocity, volumetric energy dissipation) and biological parameters (movement pattern, attraction, entry and passage) were measured. Biological assessment was conducted in the spawning season using PIT tag technology. The main influence on upstream movement was river discharge. There were no preferences between path selection; and ascent success and transit time were similar between two entrances.. Results highlight the importance of two access points for improve entrance and decrease migration delay

Hypotension, acidosis and vasodilation syndrome after heart transplant: incidence, risk factors, and prognosis

[Abstract] Background. HAV syndrome, the combination of hypotension, acidosis and vasodilation (HAV), is a serious postoperative complication after heart transplantation (HT). Its etiology and prognosis are poorly understood. Aim. To determine the incidence and prognosis of post-HT HAV syndrome and examine possible risk factors. Methods. Retrospective examination of the records of 85 consecutive patients who underwent HT between December 1999 and June 2002 sought the HAV criteria: systolic BP <85 mm Hg plus HCO3 <19 mEq/l whole excluding cardiogenic, hypovolemic and septic shock. Donor variables included sex, age, weight, height, cause of death, time in ICU, and ischemic time; while recipient variables, sex, age, weight, height, etiology of cardiopathy, previous cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, preoperative amiodarone, β-blockers, catecholamines, mechanical ventilation or intra aortic balloon pump (IABP), RVP, time on waiting list, pump time, reoperations, polytransfusion, preoperative creatinine, GOT, GPT and GGT, induction with OKT3 or anti-CD25, bypass-to-HAV time, duration of catecholamine treatment, and 1 month survival after HT. Results. The 11 HAV cases (13%) appeared between 1 and 72 h after HT (75% in the first hour). Catecholamines were used for 1 to 6 days; control was achieved within 48 h in 58% of cases. Two HAV patients (18%) died within the first month versus six non-HAV patients (8.1%) (P = .275). Only polytransfusion showed more than a borderline value to predict HAV syndrome. Conclusions. HAV syndrome has an incidence of 13% and a mortality of 18% within 1 month post-HT. The only likely risk factor is polytransfusion

Long-range correlations in non-equilibrium systems: Lattice gas automaton approach

In systems removed from equilibrium, intrinsic microscopic fluctuations become correlated over distances comparable to the characteristic macroscopic length over which the external constraint is exerted. In order to investigate this phenomenon, we construct a microscopic model with simple stochastic dynamics using lattice gas automaton rules that satisfy local detailed balance. Because of the simplicity of the automaton dynamics, analytical theory can be developed to describe the space and time evolution of the density fluctuations. The exact equations for the pair correlations are solved explicitly in the hydrodynamic limit. In this limit, we rigorously derive the results obtained phenomenologically by fluctuating hydrodynamics. In particular, the spatial algebraic decay of the equal-time fluctuation correlations predicted by this theory is found to be in excellent agreement with the results of our lattice gas automaton simulations for two different types of boundary conditions. Long-range correlations of the type described here appear generically in dynamical systems that exhibit large scale anisotropy and lack detailed balance.Comment: 23 pages, RevTeX; to appear in Phys. Rev.

Synthesis of Densely Packaged, Ultrasmall Pt02Clusters within a Thioether-Functionalized MOF: Catalytic Activity in Industrial Reactions at Low Temperature

The gram\u2010scale synthesis, stabilization, and characterization of well\u2010defined ultrasmall subnanometric catalytic clusters on solids is a challenge. The chemical synthesis and X\u2010ray snapshots of Pt02 clusters, homogenously distributed and densely packaged within the channels of a metal\u2013organic framework, is presented. This hybrid material catalyzes efficiently, and even more importantly from an economic and environmental viewpoint, at low temperature (25 to 140\u2009\ub0C), energetically costly industrial reactions in the gas phase such as HCN production, CO2 methanation, and alkene hydrogenations. These results open the way for the design of precisely defined catalytically active ultrasmall metal clusters in solids for technically easier, cheaper, and dramatically less\u2010dangerous industrial reactions

Interlaboratory validation of a multiplex qPCR method for the detection of listeria monocytogenes in a ready-to-eat seafood product

Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen which mainly infects susceptible individuals through the consumption of contaminated foods. To this end, ready-to-eat (RTE) food products are of particular concern as this microorganism is widely distributed, can survive, and even grow, under adverse conditions, and thus must be carefully controlled. In the present study, an interlaboratory ring trial was organized to evaluate an open formula qPCR-based method for the detection of L. monocytogenes. The molecular method was evaluated on a novel RTE seafood product, developed in the framework of a European project, the SEAFOODAGE (EAPA_758/2018). Six laboratories located in Spain and Portugal participated in the study, and the results obtained indicated that this new method presented high diagnostic sensitivity (100%) reaching a low limit of detection (<10CFU/25 g) with an overall agreement with the reference method, attending to the Cohen's k, of 0.97 that is interpreted as almost complete agreement.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio