Pyrogenic organic matter from palaeo-fires during the Holocene: A case study in a sequence of buried soils at the Central Ebro Basin (NE Spain)

We studied the fire record and its environmental consequences during the Holocene in the Central Ebro Basin. This region is very sensitive to environmental changes due to its semiarid conditions, lithological features and a continuous human presence during the past 6000 years. The study area is a 6 m buried sequence of polycyclic soils developed approximately 9500 years ago that is exceptionally well preserved and encompasses four sedimentary units. The content and size distribution of macroscopic charcoal fragments were determined throughout the soil sequence and the analysis of the composition of charcoal, litter and sediments via analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS). The high amount of charcoal fragments recovered in most horizons highlights the fire frequencies since the beginning of the Neolithic, most of which were probably of anthropogenic origin. In some soil horizons where charcoal was not found, we detected a distribution pattern of lipid compounds that could be related to biomass burning. On the other hand, the low number of pyrolysates in the charcoal could be attributed to high-intensity fires. No clear pattern was found in the composition of pyrolysates related to the age of sediments or vegetation type. The most ancient soil (Unit 1) was the richest in charcoal content and contains a higher proportion of larger fragments (>4 mm), which is consistent with the burning of a relatively dense vegetation cover. This buried soil has been preserved in situ, probably due to the accumulation of sedimentary materials because of a high-intensity fire. In addition, the pyrogenic C in this soil has some plant markers that could indicate a low degree of transformation. In Units 2–4, both the amount of charcoals and the proportions of macrofragments >4 mm are lower than those in Unit 1, which coincides with a more open forest and the presence of shrubs and herbs. The preservation of this site is key to continuing with studies that contribute to a better assessment of the consequences of future disturbances, such as landscape transformation and climate change

Analysis of the spatio-temporal pattern of Southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis australis) abundance in the bottom-trawl fisheries in the southwest Atlantic using GIS techniques

Southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis australis ) inhabits the waters of the Southern Hemisphere, and in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. It is distributed over an area next to the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, where it is commonly the most abundant commercial finfish species. This fish migrates to the outer Falkland shelf and aggregates in dense schools to spawn in August-September in the south-western part of the islands. Feeding concentrations of Southern blue whiting are targeted by specialized surimi vessels until the following March. Southern blue whiting is also taken as an occasional bycatch by finfish trawlers. Fishery and biological information collected by scientific observers aboard commercial Spanish trawlers between 1988 and 2003 were analysed in relation to physical and environmental factors to establish the spatio-temporal pattern of the species. The data included 26 168 commercial hauls of which 4 797 positive (including effort, catches and discards, as well as biological and environmental information). CPUE (Catch Per Unit Effort, kg⋅hr-1) was used as abundance index. The analysis of the general spatio-temporal pattern of fish abundance, and the influence of environmental factors, such as SST, SBT and depth on fish abundance and distribution, was based on correlation, variograms, and time-series maps created using GIS. Mature individuals and more specifically spawning females were recorded mainly in the waters south and south-west of the Islands, between 100 and 200 m isobaths

Remotely sensed local oceanic thermal features and their influence on the distribution of hake (Merluccius hubbsi) at the Patagonian shelf edge in the SW Atlantic

We propose a new index based on sea surface temperature that can be used to locate local oceanic thermal features. The concept of relative spatial variability of local SST (SST RV), and the algorithm used to derive it, are introduced. The utility of this index is compared with that of SST gradient in an analysis of environmental correlates of the distribution and abundance of the hake Merluccius hubbsi (Marini, 1933) on the Patagonian shelf edge between 44.5◦S and 47.0◦S and around the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). The SST RV and SST gradient were calculated from AVHRR SST data. SST RV is suggested to be a more sensitive index than SST gradient for detecting local oceanic thermal features such as fronts. Local hake abundance varied between years and showed strong (albeit complex) relationships with depth and SST, as well as with parameters (SST RV and SST gradient) that indicate the presence of ocean surface thermal features. Although local hake abundance was positively correlated with both SST RV and SST gradient, the former correlation was stronger and in two out of three studied months SST RV was the better predictor of CPUE. Although CPUE tended to increase with SST RV, this relationship breaks down at the highest SST RV values, possibly because hake avoid the most turbulent waters

Electrically Assisted Movement Therapy in Chronic Stroke Patients With Severe Upper Limb Paresis: A Pilot, Single-Blind, Randomized Crossover Study.

To evaluate the effects of electrically assisted movement therapy (EAMT) in which patients use functional electrical stimulation, modulated by a custom device controlled through the patient's unaffected hand, to produce or assist task-specific upper limb movements, which enables them to engage in intensive goal-oriented training. Randomized, crossover, assessor-blinded, 5-week trial with follow-up at 18 weeks. Rehabilitation university hospital. Patients with chronic, severe stroke (N=11; mean age, 47.9y) more than 6 months poststroke (mean time since event, 46.3mo). Both EAMT and the control intervention (dose-matched, goal-oriented standard care) consisted of 10 sessions of 90 minutes per day, 5 sessions per week, for 2 weeks. After the first 10 sessions, group allocation was crossed over, and patients received a 1-week therapy break before receiving the new treatment. Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment for the Upper Extremity, Wolf Motor Function Test, spasticity, and 28-item Motor Activity Log. Forty-four individuals were recruited, of whom 11 were eligible and participated. Five patients received the experimental treatment before standard care, and 6 received standard care before the experimental treatment. EAMT produced higher improvements in the Fugl-Meyer scale than standard care (P<.05). Median improvements were 6.5 Fugl-Meyer points and 1 Fugl-Meyer point after the experimental treatment and standard care, respectively. The improvement was also significant in subjective reports of quality of movement and amount of use of the affected limb during activities of daily living (P<.05). EAMT produces a clinically important impairment reduction in stroke patients with chronic, severe upper limb paresis

Caracterización geofísica de técnicas de explotación de nódulos de sílex en el yacimiento de la Leandra (La Muela, Zaragoza).

En el yacimiento de La Leandra (La Muela, Zaragoza) afloran unidades miocenas lacustres que incluyen habituales niveles de especial concentración de nódulos de sílex. Éstos han sido explotados durante varios periodos y, dadas las características climáticas y demográficas, conservan en ocasiones la topografía original desde su explotación. Con el objetivo de evaluar desde el punto de vista geofísico la estructura de una zona explotada del yacimiento, se realizó prospección geofísica por magnetometría, medidas de susceptibilidad magnética de los materiales y prospección geofísica por georradar que fueron integrados en la información obtenida de un vuelo de dron en la zona. La integración de datos obtenida permite identificar una dinámica de explotación a través de pozos verticales, continuidad lateral de las zonas de explotación generando explanadas horizontales cuando existían niveles de interés, o el abandono y posterior relleno de los huecos de explotación generados en el avance de la explotación. El caso analizado permite inferir a partir de los cambios geométricos y estructurales la progresión de las explotaciones de época previsiblemente neolítica y la identificación de una rutina de explotación a modo de minería de transferencia. In La Leandra archaeological site (La Muela, Zaragoza) Miocene lacustrine deposits outcrop and usually present levels with high concentration of silex nodules. These nodules have been exploited during several periods, and due to the weather and demographic characteristics, original topographical features related to their exploitation usually persists. With the aim of evaluating the site exploitation from a geophysical point of view magnetometry, magnetic susceptibility survey and ground penetrating radar were integrated with the obtained information from a drone flight. This analysis permits to identify an exploitation progression from vertical pits, lateral continuity of the excavation when profitable levels were found through horizontal platforms and the later filling of the excavated pits during the excavation progression. The studied case permits to infer from geometrical and structural changes the mining progression from an expected Neolithic quarry and the identification of an exploitation routine through transfer mining

El Apego Va a Juicio: Problemas de Custodia y Protección Infantil1

Attachment theory and research are drawn upon in many applied settings, including family courts, but misunderstandings are widespread and sometimes result in misapplications. The aim of this consensus statement is, therefore, to enhance understanding, counter misinformation, and steer family-court utilisation of attachment theory in a supportive, evidence-based direction, especially with regard to child protection and child custody decision-making. This article is divided into two parts. In the first part, we address problems related to the use of attachment theory and research in family courts, and discuss reasons for these problems. To this end, we examine family court applications of attachment theory in the current context of the best-interest-of-the-child standard, discuss misunderstandings regarding attachment theory, and identify factors that have hindered accurate implementation. In the second part, we provide recommendations for the application of attachment theory and research. To this end, we set out three attachment principles: the child’s need for familiar, non-abusive caregivers; the value of continuity of good-enough care; and the benefits of networks of attachment relationships. We also discuss the suitability of assessments of attachment quality and caregiving behaviour to inform family court decision-making. We conclude that assessments of caregiver behaviour should take center stage. Although there is dissensus among us regarding the use of assessments of attachment quality to inform child custody and child-protection decisions, such assessments are currently most suitable for targeting and directing supportive interventions. Finally, we provide directions to guide future interdisciplinary research collaboration

Harmonizing methods for wildlife abundance estimation and pathogen detection in Europe-a questionnaire survey on three selected host-pathogen combinations

__Background:__ The need for wildlife health surveillance as part of disease control in wildlife, domestic animals and humans on the global level is widely recognized. However, the objectives, methods and intensity of existing wildlife health surveillance programs vary greatly among European countries, resulting in a patchwork of data that are difficult to merge and compare. This survey aimed at evaluating the need and potential for data harmonization in wildlife health in Europe. The specific objective was to collect information on methods currently used to estimate host abundance and pathogen prevalence. Questionnaires were designed t

Attachment goes to court: child protection and custody issues

Attachment theory and research are drawn upon in many applied settings, including family courts, but misunderstandings are widespread and sometimes result in misapplications. The aim of this consensus statement is, therefore, to enhance understanding, counter misinformation, and steer family-court utilisation of attachment theory in a supportive, evidence-based direction, especially with regard to child protection and child custody decision-making. The article is divided into two parts. In the first, we address problems related to the use of attachment theory and research in family courts, and discuss reasons for these problems. To this end, we examine family court applications of attachment theory in the current context of the best-interest-of-the-child standard, discuss misunderstandings regarding attachment theory, and identify factors that have hindered accurate implementation. In the second part, we provide recommendations for the application of attachment theory and research. To this end, we set out three attachment principles: the child’s need for familiar, non-abusive caregivers; the value of continuity of good-enough care; and the benefits of networks of attachment relationships. We also discuss the suitability of assessments of attachment quality and caregiving behaviour to inform family court decision-making. We conclude that assessments of caregiver behaviour should take center stage. Although there is dissensus among us regarding the use of assessments of attachment quality to inform child custody and child-protection decisions, such assessments are currently most suitable for targeting and directing supportive interventions. Finally, we provide directions to guide future interdisciplinary research collaboration