Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Debris Survey in Coastal Areas: Long-Term Monitoring Programme to Study Spatial and Temporal Accumulation of the Dynamics of Beached Marine Litter

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly accessible tools with widespread use as environmental monitoring systems. They can be used for anthropogenic marine debris survey, a recently growing research field. In fact, while the increasing efforts for offshore investigations lead to a considerable collection of data on this type of pollution in the open sea, there is still little knowledge of the materials deposited along the coasts and the mechanism that leads to their accumulation pattern. UAVs can be effective in bridging this gap by increasing the amount of data acquired to study coastal deposits, while also limiting the anthropogenic impact in protected areas. In this study, UAVs have been used to acquire geo-referenced RGB images in a selected zone of a protected marine area (the Migliarino, Massacciuccoli, and San Rossore park near Pisa, Italy), during a long-term (ten months) monitoring programme. A post processing system based on visual interpretation of the images allows the localization and identification of the anthropogenic marine debris within the scanned area, and the estimation of their spatial and temporal distribution in different zones of the beach. These results provide an opportunity to investigate the dynamics of accumulation over time, suggesting that our approach might be appropriate for monitoring and collecting such data in isolated, and especially in protected, areas with significant benefits for different types of stakeholders

Growth Charts for Height,Weight, and BMI (6–18 y) for the Tuscany Youth Sports Population

Overweight during youth is a large-scale public health issue. Engaging in regular physical activity generally reduces weight status. The hypothesis of the study is that organized sport plays an active role in maintaining a correct body weight during youth. The purpose of this study is to trace growth charts by height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) to be applied to the youth sports population. A retrospective study was conducted on 14,700 young athletes (10,469 males and 4231 females) aged between 6 and 18 years from surveillance carried out during the pre-participation screening of sports eligibility. The calculation of the prevalence of overweight and obesity was also performed. The new percentiles for the youth sports population show BMI values at 18 years 21.9 kg/m2 for males and 20.7 kg/m2 for females at the 50th percentile. The male sample shows 12.3% of the subjects were overweight and 1.5% were obese, while the female sample shows 9.8% are overweight and 1.1% obese. The higher prevalence of excess weight is evident up to 12 years old in both sexes and then gradually decreases. The development of the new specific growth charts for the youth sports population could reduce the risk of error in identifying the correct weight status of young athletes

Current and future distribution of a parasite with complex life cycle under global change scenarios: Echinococcus multilocularis in Europe

Global change is expected to have complex effects on the distribution and transmission patterns of zoonotic parasites. Modelling habitat suitability for parasites with complex life cycles is essential to further our understanding of how disease systems respond to environmental changes, and to make spatial predictions of their future distributions. However, the limited availability of high quality occurrence data with high spatial resolution often constrains these investigations. Using 449 reliable occurrence records for Echinococcus multilocularis from across Europe published over the last 35 years, we modelled habitat suitability for this parasite, the aetiological agent of alveolar echinococcosis, in order to describe its environmental niche, predict its current and future distribution under three global change scenarios, and quantify the probability of occurrence for each European country. Using a machine learning approach, we developed large-scale (25 × 25 km) species distribution models based on seven sets of predictors, each set representing a distinct biological hypothesis supported by current knowledge of the autecology of the parasite. The best-supported hypothesis included climatic, orographic and land-use/land-cover variables such as the temperature of the coldest quarter, forest cover, urban cover and the precipitation seasonality. Future projections suggested the appearance of highly suitable areas for E. multilocularis towards northern latitudes and in the whole Alpine region under all scenarios, while decreases in habitat suitability were predicted for central Europe. Our spatially explicit predictions of habitat suitability shed light on the complex responses of parasites to ongoing global change

Epidemiology of hypertension in Yemen: effects of urbanization and geographical area

Although globalization can contribute to increased blood pressure by spreading unhealthy behaviors, it also provides powerful means to tackle hypertension. The dissemination of information about and advice on cardiovascular prevention and facilitated contact with health services are valuable resources. To investigate the effects of urbanization, geographical area, and air temperature on hypertension burden and kidney damage, a survey was performed in 2008 with a door-to-door approach among urban and rural adult dwellers of three geographic areas (capital, inland, coast) of Yemen. Subjects (n=10 242) received two visits several days apart to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension. Proteinuria (dipstick test ⩾+1) was used as a marker of kidney damage. Prevalence rates were weighted to represent the Yemen population aged 15–69 years in 2008. Rates of hypertension and proteinuria progressively increased from the capital (6.4% 95% confidence level (CI) 5.8–7.0 and 5.1% 4.4–5.9, respectively), to inland areas (7.9% 7.0–8.7 and 6.1% 5.1–7.1), to the coastal area (10.1% 8.9–11.4 and 8.9% 7.3–10.4). When compared with urban dwellers, rural dwellers had similar hypertension prevalence (adjusted odds ratios (ORs) 1.03; 95% CI 0.91–1.17) but higher proteinuria rates (adjusted ORs 1.55; 1.31–1.85). Overall, home temperature was associated with a lower hypertension rate (adjusted OR 0.98; 0.96–0.99). This large population study reveals that the highest burden of hypertension and kidney damage is detectable in remote areas of the country

Mapping of Yucca gloriosa invasion along Mediterranean coastal dunes using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) are defined as those species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural distribution can threaten the biological diversity of an ecosystem. They represent a severe threat to biodiversity and can severely alter the performance of crucial ecosystems such as coastal dunes. Coastal dunes are composed of specialized fauna and flora, converting them into strategic ecosystems due to their unique ecological functions. Coastal dunes are one of the most invaded European environments, with a total flora composed of up to 7% of IAPs. One of these IAPs is Yucca gloriosa L. (Asparagaceae), a homoploid hybrid native plant from the United States of America introduced to Europe for ornamental purposes. For Italy, Y. gloriosa is a typical invasive species related to fixed dunes dominated by Juniperus sp. pl. (with which it competes). Concerning biological invasions, maybe the most effective management strategy is early detection and mapping. In that sense, this work explores and tests the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for detecting, mapping, and managing the Y. gloriosa invasion along the Mediterranean coastal dunes of a protected area located in Tuscany (Italy). In detail, this work focuses on four aspects: i) determine the suitability of RGB images to map Y. gloriosa, ii) identify the best time of data acquisition, iii) detect changes affecting the occurrence and cover of Y. gloriosa, and iv) propose a set of management actions to preserve a coastal dune ecosystem subjected to plant invasion. The UAV images allowed the generation of ultra-high spatial resolution maps to assess the Y. gloriosa invasion and distribution along the surveyed sandy dunes. The morphological characteristics of this plant – especially at the foliar level – make the invasion of Y. gloriosa particularly suitable for being evaluated and managed using UAV mapping, especially in coastal dunes vegetation that can be a mosaic of different plant communities hard to identify when airborne or satellite images are used. According to the obtained results, the spring season is the perfect time to collect data because light conditions are ideal, with minimal shading effects. Also, due to the peculiar morphology of Y. gloriosa leaves, the timing of data collection seems not crucial for mapping this IAP on coastal dune habitats. Despite the massive eradication action funded by a LIFE project during the period 2005-2009, Y. gloriosa is still present in the protected area and affects the priority habitat of juniper. This might be linked to the fact that Y. gloriosa is a perennial rhizomatous shrub capable of switching its photosynthesis from the C3 to CAM pathway and, therefore, withstand the harsh environmental conditions of dune ecosystems. The early detection using UAVs is the first line of defense against IAPs colonization over any ecosystem. From a conservation and management point of view, this work suggests the development of annual biomonitoring of Y. gloriosa to check its distribution over time and control its spread where it becomes particularly invasive. In this case, one possible strategy will be to keep the IAP in isolated nuclei of plants that are easier to remove with mechanical methods. In a broader view, the study area and the Mediterranean coast must include the ban on introducing non-native species as a strategy, adopting a short-term non-native Management Plan as urgent action

Analysis of different device interactions in a virtual reality task in individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A randomized controlled trial

There is a need to support individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to achieve optimal functionality in everyday life and with meaningful tasks and activities, throughout stages of the disease progression. Thus, technological developments have created an exciting opportunity for the use of affordable virtual reality (VR) systems with different kinds of interaction devices, providing an efficient and fun tool for enabling improvement in motor performance. Objective. To compare performance on a virtual task using interfaces with and without physical contact in order to identify functionality by using different devices in individuals with DMD. Methods. One hundred and twenty male individuals took part on this study: 60 with DMD with a mean age of 16 ± 5 (range 9–34 years old) and 60 without DMD in the control group (CG) matched by age. Participants were divided into three groups of 20 individuals each which performed a virtual task in three different interfaces: Kinect®, computer Touch Screen and Leap Motion®, in a cross over design in which all participants used all devices. Motor impairment in the DMD group was measured by using the Motor Function Measurement and Vignos scales. Results. All participants improved performance through practice, regardless of the interface used, although the DMD group had a continuous lower performance compared to the CG. In addition, the DMD group obtained a significant better performance with Leap Motion interface compared to the other interfaces, while the CG presented better performance on Touch Screen interface. Conclusion. Leap Motion provided better performance for individuals with DMD due to enablement of distal muscle function and ease of instrument adjustment using the virtual interface. Therefore, this type of interface should be encouraged for promoting functionality on general tasks using computer systems. Clinical Trial register number: NCT02891434

Citizen Science, Education, and Learning: Challenges and Opportunities

Citizen science is a growing field of research and practice, generating new knowledge and understanding through the collaboration of citizens in scientific research. As the field expands, it is becoming increasingly important to consider its potential to foster education and learning opportunities. Although progress has been made to support learning in citizen science projects, as well as to facilitate citizen science in formal and informal learning environments, challenges still arise. This paper identifies a number of dilemmas facing the field—from competing scientific goals and learning outcomes, differing underlying ontologies and epistemologies, diverging communication strategies, to clashing values around advocacy and activism. Although such challenges can become barriers to the successful integration of citizen science into mainstream education systems, they also serve as signposts for possible synergies and opportunities. One of the key emerging recommendations is to align educational learning outcomes with citizen science project goals at the planning stage of the project using co-creation approaches to ensure issues of accessibility and inclusivity are paramount throughout the design and implementation of every project. Only then can citizen science realise its true potential to empower citizens to take ownership of their own science education and learning

Nuevas socialidades, y configuraciones de mundo entorno a las redes sociales digitales. Un estudio situado con jóvenes estudiantes

Ulla, Cecilia. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Emanuelli, Paulina B. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Ardini, Claudia. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Vargas, Laura. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Ortúzar, Isabel. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Redolfi, Cecilia. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Masera, Marta. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Trimano, Luciana. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Zárate, Zulma. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Calderón, Angelina. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Rey, Mariana. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Ferrari, Mariana. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Massetti, Carolina. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Manzanares, Belén. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Altieri, Ana Clara. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Moroni, Luciano. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Valdez, Lucas. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Moreno, Soledad. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Ulla, Cecilia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Vivimos en la denominada revolución virtual donde los procesos comunicativos son mediados por tecnologías digitales. En una nueva forma de intercambio simbólico y construcción de relaciones interpersonales dentro de un grupo específico, la juventud, que va a constituir un nuevo mundo compartido y construido por sus miembros en base a las representaciones sociales e imaginarios colectivos, con fuerte implicaciones intersubjetivas. Así las Tribus Urbanas a modo de expresión y alejamiento de la monotonía de lo institucionalizado, van a ser representantes de un nuevo espíritu del tiempo que se puede llamar con el nombre de socialidad. En éste marco nos interrogamos: ¿Qué cosmovisión tienen los jóvenes de ingresantes a primer año de la Escuela de Ciencias de la Información, del espacio, tiempo, territorio, relaciones, emociones, del trabajo y los Valores hegemónicos?Ulla, Cecilia. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Emanuelli, Paulina B. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Ardini, Claudia. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Vargas, Laura. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Ortúzar, Isabel. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Redolfi, Cecilia. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Masera, Marta. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Trimano, Luciana. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Zárate, Zulma. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Calderón, Angelina. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Rey, Mariana. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Ferrari, Mariana. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Massetti, Carolina. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Manzanares, Belén. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Altieri, Ana Clara. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Moroni, Luciano. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Valdez, Lucas. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Moreno, Soledad. (2013). Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Ulla, Cecilia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. Argentina.Otras Comunicación y Medio

Efficacy of different interaction devices using non-immersive virtual tasks in individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a cross-sectional randomized trial

Background. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rapid progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by a selective loss of motor neurons, brain stem and spinal cord which leads to deterioration of motor abilities. Devices that promote interaction with tasks on computers can enhance performance and lead to greater independence and utilization of technology. Objective. To evaluate performance on a computer task in individuals with ALS using three different commonly used non-immersive devices. Method. Thirty individuals with ALS (18 men and 12 women, mean age 59 years, range 44–74 years) with a mean score of 26, (minimum score of 14 and maximum 41) on the Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and 30 healthy controls matched for age and gender, participated. All participants were randomly divided into three groups, each using a different device system (motion tracking, finger motion control or touchscreen) to perform three task phases (acquisition, retention and transfer). Results. Both the ALS and control group (CG) showed better performance on the computer task when using the touchscreen device, but there was limited transfer of performance onto the task performed on the Finger Motion control or motion tracking. However, we found that using the motion tracking device led to transfer of performance to the touchscreen. Conclusion. This study presents novel and important findings when selecting interaction devices for individuals with ALS to access technology by demonstrating immediate performance benefits of using a touchscreen device, such as improvement of motor skills. There were possible transferable skills obtained when using virtual systems which may allow flexibility and enable individuals to maintain performance overtime

Analysis of Different Device Interactions in a Virtual Reality Task in Individuals With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy—A Randomized Controlled Trial

There is a need to support individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to achieve optimal functionality in everyday life and with meaningful tasks and activities, throughout stages of the disease progression. Thus, technological developments have created an exciting opportunity for the use of affordable virtual reality (VR) systems with different kinds of interaction devices, providing an efficient and fun tool for enabling improvement in motor performance.Objective: To compare performance on a virtual task using interfaces with and without physical contact in order to identify functionality by using different devices in individuals with DMD.Methods: One hundred and twenty male individuals took part on this study: 60 with DMD with a mean age of 16 ± 5 (range 9–34 years old) and 60 without DMD in the control group (CG) matched by age. Participants were divided into three groups of 20 individuals each which performed a virtual task in three different interfaces: Kinect®, computer Touch Screen and Leap Motion®, in a cross over design in which all participants used all devices. Motor impairment in the DMD group was measured by using the Motor Function Measurement and Vignos scales.Results: All participants improved performance through practice, regardless of the interface used, although the DMD group had a continuous lower performance compared to the CG. In addition, the DMD group obtained a significant better performance with Leap Motion interface compared to the other interfaces, while the CG presented better performance on Touch Screen interface.Conclusion: Leap Motion provided better performance for individuals with DMD due to enablement of distal muscle function and ease of instrument adjustment using the virtual interface. Therefore, this type of interface should be encouraged for promoting functionality on general tasks using computer systems. Clinical Trial register number: NCT02891434