Anthropogenic threats to coastal dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea: the Balearic Islands and the Eastern Ionian Sea as case-studies = Les amenaces antropogèniques als dofins costaners al Mar Mediterrani: les Illes Balears i el Mar Jònic oriental com a casos pràctics

[eng] The Mediterranean Sea, the largest and deepest enclosed sea on Earth, is a marine biodiversity hotspot. Its cetacean diversity is also remarkable; although the species with a regular occurrence and resident populations are eleven, a total of twenty-one species of cetaceans occur or have occurred in various degrees. Among the planet’s marine environments, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the most affected by anthropogenic activities. In such a complex scenario of multiple pressures acting simultaneously certain habitats and species face high risk. As very mobile, long-lived vertebrates, situated at the highest levels in the marine trophic webs and with a very low reproductive rate, cetaceans are among them. Human density and intensity of activities are particularly significant in the coastal zone. Pressure is thus most intense on coastal species, such as the common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus and the short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus Delphis. This thesis focuses in these two species, aims to identify the main threats affecting them and discusses the most adequate conservation measures in order to secure their survival in the increasingly fragile waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The study areas used as case-studies in the present work are the Balearic Islands (Spain) and the coastal waters of the Eastern Ionian Sea (including the Gulf of Ambracia and the Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago, in north-western Greece). These areas are remarkably diverse in terms of environmental features and threats caused by human activities, therefore offering opportunities for understanding their links with dolphin status and conservation needs. The studies included in the present PhD thesis involved different research methods. Line-transect based aerial surveys were exclusively conducted in the Balearic Islands, while in all three study areas extensive effort was dedicated to boat-based surveys and photo-identification. A significant part of the research focused on the study of dolphin-fisheries interactions; the methods used in this part of the study differed between areas and included observers on-board of small-scale fishing boats and bottom-trawlers, direct data collection in fishing ports and landing sites on the activity of the fishing fleet and their captures, ecosystem modelling, and fishermen interviews. As this thesis shows, anthropogenic threats faced by coastal dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea are very diverse and differ quite significantly between areas. Therefore, the strategies and management measures required to trigger some effective conservation results should be tailored on a case-by-case basis. For the conservation of bottlenose dolphin population in the Balearic Islands, high priority should be given to produce ecosystem-based management strategies, including: (a) promotion of sustainable fisheries to ensure stable food resources to dolphins; (b) mitigation of adverse dolphin – fishery interactions, particularly eradication of dolphin kills; (c) prevention of marine pollution; and (d) regulation of tourism, with special attention to boat traffic in areas where bottlenose dolphins aggregate and show a higher site-fidelity and where, ideally, marine protected areas could be implemented. The situation on western Greece is quite different between the two study areas. In the Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago, where short-beaked common dolphins have suffered a dramatic decline in recent times, fishery management measures are urgently needed to reduce current over-exploitation and allow for the recovery of endangered marine megafauna. Contrarily, in the neighbouring waters of the semi-enclosed Gulf of Ambracia, which host one of the highest densities of bottlenose dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea, priority should be paid to improve the rapidly deteriorating water and seafloor quality, while ensuring continued ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. Meaningful action includes restoring natural hydrology (e.g. freshwater input from rivers), curtailing pollution from various sources, responsible fisheries and aquaculture management, and control of illegal fishing.[spa] El Mar Mediterrani es veu altament afectat per activitats antropogèniques. La seva alta densitat de població i la intensitat de les activitats que en resulten són particularment importants a les zones litorals. Espècies de cetacis costaners, com el dofí mular Tursiops truncatus i el dofí comú Delphinus delphis en sufreixen les consecuències. Aquesta tesi té com a finalitat la identificació de les principals amenaces que afecten a aquestes dos espècies i proposa una sèrie de mesures de conservació per tal d'assegurar la seva supervivència en les aigües, cada vegada més fràgils, de la Mediterrània. Les àrees d'estudi utilitzades com a casos pràctics són les Illes Balears i les aigües costaneres del Mar Jònic oriental (incloent-hi el Golf d'Ambracia i l'arxipèlag interior del mar Jònic, al nord-oest de Grècia). Les amenaces antropogèniques a les que s’enfronten els dofins costaners a la Mediterrània són molt diverses i varien de forma significativa entre àrees. En conseqüència, les estratègies i les mesures de gestió necessàries per la seva conservació també ho fan. Per tal de protegir la població dofí mular a les Illes Balears, caldrà donar prioritat a la realització d'estratègies de gestió que tinguin en compte les necessitats dels ecosistemes: (a) promoció de la pesca sostenible; (b) la mitigació d’efectes adversos resultants d’interaccions entre dofins i pesca; (c) la prevenció de la contaminació marina; i (d) la regulació del turisme, amb especial atenció al trànsit d'embarcacions a les zones on els dofins és concentren més sovint i on, idealment, s’hi podrien crear àrees marines protegides. Pel que fa a la Grècia occidental, a l'arxipèlag Interior del Mar Jònic, on la població de dofins comuns ha patit una disminució dramàtica en els últims temps, mesures adequades per la gestió de les activitats pesqueres són necessàries per reduir l'actual sobreexplotació i permetre la recuperació de megafauna marina. D’altra banda, en el Golf d'Ambracia, on trobem una de les majors densitats de dofins mulars del mar Mediterrani, la millora de la qualitat de les seves aigües i el seu fons marí és la principal prioritat per protegir la seva important biodiversitat

The relationship among beliefs about problem solving, epistemological beliefs, grade level, sex, and problem solving achievement: A study in secondary school

The first purpuse of this investigation was to study the effects of sex and grade level on secondary students’ beliefs about epistemology and problem solving. The second purpuse was to analyze the contribution of both belief systems, grade level, and sex to problem solving achievement. One hundred and forty-four High School students, 9th and 11th grade students, took part in the study. Two questionnaires (Schommer and StageKloosterman’s questionnaires) and a problem solving test (two word problems of the PISA tests) were administered to these students. Two ANOVAs, an ANCOVA, and a multiple regression analysis were carried out from data obtained in the investigation. In the light of the foregoing, it can be concluded that: a) The higher is the grade level of secondary students, the more appropriate are beliefs about epistemology and problem solving; b) Students’ sex has a significant influence on epistemological beliefs, but not on beliefs about problem solving; and c) Students’ problem solving achievement depends on grade level and their beliefs about problem solving, and these beliefs are themselves dependent on students’ epistemological beliefs.El primer objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar los efectos del nivel académico y del sexo sobre las creencias epistemológicas y sobre resolución de problemas de los estudiantes de educación secundaria. El segundo objetivo fue analizar la contribución de ambos sistemas de creencias, del nivel académico y del sexo sobre el desempeño en la resolución de problemas. Han participado 144 estudiantes de 3º de ESO y de 1º de Bachillerato, que han cumplimentado los cuestionarios de Schommer y de Stage-Kloosterman. Además, se les ha administrado una prueba de resolución de problemas, con dos problemas PISA. A partir de los datos obtenidos, y realizados dos test ANOVA y un ANCOVA, junto con un análisis de regresión múltiple, se puede concluir que: a) A mayor nivel académico de los estudiantes de secundaria más adecuadas son las creencias epistemológicas y sobre resolución de problemas; b) El sexo de los estudiantes tiene una influencia significativa sobre las creencias epistemológicas pero no la tiene sobre las creencias sobre resolución de problemas; y c) El desempeño de los estudiantes en la resolución de problemas depende del nivel académico y de sus creencias sobre resolución de problemas, y estas creencias dependen, a su vez, del conjunto de creencias epistemológicas de los estudiantes

Strong site-fidelity increases vulnerability of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in a mass tourism destination in the western Mediterranean Sea

The local population of common bottlenose dolphin in the Balearic Islands coastal waters, a mass tourism destination in the western Mediterranean subject to increasing anthropogenic pressures, was monitored over a three-year period. Photo-identification surveys provided a relatively small population estimate, even though the islands are considered to be a hotspot for the species in the Mediterranean. Dolphins showed strong site-fidelity and relatively limited mobility across the archipelago, which makes them highly dependent on waters which are severely affected by overfishing, habitat degradation and boat disturbance resulting from a continuously-growing tourism and shipping industry. Ecosystem-based management actions are urgently needed to ensure the conservation of this fragile population of bottlenose dolphins. Conservation measures should be developed within the already-existing political and legal marine biodiversity conservation framework and in collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to sample the blow microbiome of small cetaceans

Recent studies describe the use of UAVs in collecting blow samples from large whales to analyze the microbial and viral community in exhaled air. Unfortunately, attempts to collect blow from small cetaceans have not been successful due to their swimming and diving behavior. In order to overcome these limitations, in this study we investigated the application of a specific sampling tool attached to a UAV to analyze the blow from small cetaceans and their respiratory microbiome. Preliminary trials to set up the sampling tool were conducted on a group of 6 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under human care, housed at Acquario di Genova, with approximately 1 meter distance between the blowing animal and the tool to obtain suitable samples. The same sampling kit, suspended via a 2 meter rope assembled on a waterproof UAV, flying 3 meters above the animals, was used to sample the blows of 5 wild bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Ambracia (Greece) and a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy), to investigate whether this experimental assembly also works for large whale sampling. In order to distinguish between blow-associated microbes and seawater microbes, we pooled 5 seawater samples from the same area where blow samples\u2019 collection were carried out. The the respiratory microbiota was assessed by using the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene via Illumina Amplicon Sequencing. The pooled water samples contained more bacterial taxa than the blow samples of both wild animals and the sequenced dolphin maintained under human care. The composition of the bacterial community differed between the water samples and between the blow samples of wild cetaceans and that under human care, but these differences may have been mediated by different microbial communities between seawater and aquarium water. The sperm whale\u2019s respiratory microbiome was more similar to the results obtained from wild bottlenose dolphins. Although the number of samples used in this study was limited and sampling and analyses were impaired by several limitations, the results are rather encouraging, as shown by the evident microbial differences between seawater and blow samples, confirmed also by the meta-analysis carried out comparing our results with those obtained in previous studies. Collecting exhaled air from small cetaceans using drones is a challenging process, both logistically and technically. The success in obtaining samples from small cetacean blow in this study in comparison to previous studies is likely due to the distance the sampling kit is suspended from the drone, which reduced the likelihood that the turbulence of the drone propeller interfered with successfully sampling blow, suggested as a factor leading to poor success in previous studies

Tratamiento ambulatorio grupal para dependientes de cocaína combinando terapia cognitivo conductual y entrevista motivacional

Resumen: Las intervenciones psicológicas en pacientes con dependencia de cocaína han demostrado ser eficaces, destacando el Manejo de Contingencias y la Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual [TCC], siendo la falta de adherencia la limitación más importante. La Entrevista Motivacional [EM] mejora la adherencia. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la retención y abstinencia con tratamiento combinado de EM y TCC grupal en pacientes cocainómanos que han alcanzado el estadio de mantenimiento según el modelo transteórico de Prochaska y DiClemente (1982). Para ello se realizó un estudio longitudinal, en dependientes de cocaína con o sin trastorno mental concomitante. Se realizó un grupo abierto de 12 sesiones con periodicidad semanal. Se incluyeron 19 pacientes (78,9% hombres, edad media 36,58 años), el 95% consumía vía intranasal y el 47% tenía otra comorbilidad psiquiátrica. La tasa de retención fue del 84%. Durante el tratamiento y el primer mes de seguimiento todos los pacientes se mantuvieron abstinentes, mientras que entre el primer y tercer mes de seguimiento tres pacientes recayeron. Los datos avalan que el tratamiento combinado de EM+TCC para dependientes de cocaína en estadio de mantenimiento mejora la adherencia y es eficaz para mantener la abstinencia. Abstract: Ambulatory group treatment for cocaine dependent patients combining cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Psychological interventions in cocaine dependent patients have demonstrated efficacy. Remarkable approaches are Contingency Management (CM) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Lack of treatment adherence is the most important limitation. Motivational Interview (MI) has been shown to be an adherence enhancer. The objective of this study is to evaluate retention and abstinence in a combined CM and CBT group treatment in patients who have reached maintenance stage according to Prochaska and DiClemente's transtheoretical model (1982). Therefore, a longitudinal study was carried out with cocaine dependent patients with or without concomitant mental health disease. A 12-session open group was conducted weekly. Nineteen patients were included (78.9% men, mean age 36.6 years), 95% consumed intranasally and 47% had another psychiatric comorbidity. Treatment retention was 84%. During treatment and the first month of follow-up, all patients remained abstinent whereas at three months, 3 patients relapsed. These data confirm that using combined CM and CBT group therapy in cocaine dependents undergoing maintenance treatment enhances adherence and is effective to achieve abstinence

Exposición a plaguicidas con toxicidad dérmica en agricultores de la Comunitat Valenciana

Introduction: Dermal route has a toxicological importance, as well as substances such as entry, but by frequent local effects. In applications of pesticides by farmers is common and important the dermal exposure to pesticides, so the dermal route in this sector of activity could be of particular relevance. Objective: To determine the hazard of dermal exposure in farmers using pesticides and to propose specific preventive measures. Material and methods: A transversal descriptive study based on a questionnaire designed by the researchers, replying to the 238 attendees at the courses for pesticide handler card basic level Department of Health Xativa-Ontinyent (Valencia) in 2009. Pesticides used were collected over the past 12 months and reviewed their R phrases (risk phrases) looking for dermal effects. Results: 55 % of pesticides had some phrase R on skin problems. The phrase R38 "Irritating to skin" was found in 16 products, used by 59.05 % of respondents and the R43 "Possibility of sensitization by skin contact" at 7, used by 23.91 %. Conclusions: The skin irritation effect was related to more dermal exposure to these pesticides. It is necessary to emphasize the skin protection in the courses for workers who apply these products. Skin problems should be included damages for workplace exposure to pesticides.Introducción: La vía dérmica tiene importancia toxicológica, además de como entrada de sustancias, por los frecuentes efectos locales. En aplicaciones de plaguicidas realizadas por agricultores resulta habitual e importante la exposición dérmica a plaguicidas, por lo que la vía dérmica en este sector de actividad puede resultar de especial relevancia. Objetivo: Conocer los riesgos cutáneos de los agricultores que utilizan plaguicidas, para poder así proponer medidas preventivas específicas. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal basado en un cuestionario diseñado por los investigadores, contestando al mismo 238 asistentes a cursos para obtener el carné de manipulador de plaguicidas de nivel básico del Departamento de Salud Xàtiva Ontinyent (Valencia) en 2009. Se recogieron los plaguicidas utilizados en los últimos 12 meses y se revisaron sus frases R (frases de riesgo), buscando especialmente efectos dérmicos. Resultados: El 55 % de los plaguicidas tenían alguna frase R relacionada con problemas dérmicos. La R38 “Irrita la piel” fue encontrada en 16 productos, utilizados por un 59,05 % de los encuestados y la R43 “Posibilidad de sensibilización en contacto con la piel” en 7, utilizados por un 23,91 %.Conclusiones: La irritación cutánea fue el efecto relacionado con la vía dérmica más asociado a estos plaguicidas. Resulta necesario poner énfasis en la protección de la piel en los cursos para trabajadores que aplican estos productos. Los problemas cutáneos deben incluirse entre los daños por exposición laboral a plaguicidas

El lago de Montcortés, descripción de un ciclo anual.

Este trabajo presenta los primeros resultados obtenidos después de un primer ciclo anual de estudio del lago de Montcortes y tiene el interés de poder establecer comparaciones con el lago de Banyoles, otro lago cárstico de características bastante distintas y muy bien estudiado con anterioridad (PLANAS, 1 973; M I RACLE, 1 976). Ha sido ventajoso poder integrar en un solo equipo el esfuerzo de especialistas en disciplinas muy distintas (hidrografía , plancton, bacteriología). A pesar de ello, algunos apartados no han podido ser todavía elaborados en su totalidad (recuentos de fitoplancton, por ejemplo) y esperamos que el avance del trabajo realizado sirva para acometer en un futuro inmediato la resolución de una serie de problemas que han ido surgiendo y para la que este primer ciclo puede constituir el marco idóneo. La información existente anteriormente sobre la biología del lago era muy limitada