Diet of swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni) in its wintering grounds (La Pampa, Argentina)

Se describe la composición relativa de la dieta del Aguilucho Langostero (Buteo swainsoni) sobre la base del análisis de egagrópilas frescas colectadas en el NE de la provincia de La Pampa, Argentina. Las orugas (larvas de Lepidoptera) constituyeron el ítem alimenticio predominante en número de individuos mientras que, en volumen, el dominio fue compartido por dichas larvas y por tucuras (Orthoptera). Se discute la versatilidad de la dieta de los aguiluchos mientras están invernando en función de las diferencias espaciales y temporales en la composición de la misma.The relative composition of wintering Swainson's Hawk's (Buteo swainsoni) diet is described based on the analysis of fresh pellets collected in NE La Pampa province, Argentina. Caterpillars (Lepidoptera larvae) constituted the predominant food item based on number of individuals while, in volume, both caterpillars and grasshoppers (Orthoptera) prevailed in the samples. Hawk's diet versatility is discussed based on spatial and temporal differences in its composition

Noncommutative Conformally Coupled Scalar Field Cosmology and its Commutative Counterpart

We study the implications of a noncommutative geometry of the minisuperspace variables for the FRW universe with a conformally coupled scalar field. The investigation is carried out by means of a comparative study of the universe evolution in four different scenarios: classical commutative, classical noncommutative, quantum commutative, and quantum noncommutative, the last two employing the Bohmian formalism of quantum trajectories. The role of noncommutativity is discussed by drawing a parallel between its realizations in two possible frameworks for physical interpretation: the NC-frame, where it is manifest in the universe degrees of freedom, and in the C-frame, where it is manifest through theta-dependent terms in the Hamiltonian. As a result of our comparative analysis, we find that noncommutative geometry can remove singularities in the classical context for sufficiently large values of theta. Moreover, under special conditions, the classical noncommutative model can admit bouncing solutions characteristic of the commutative quantum FRW universe. In the quantum context, we find non-singular universe solutions containing bounces or being periodic in the quantum commutative model. When noncommutativity effects are turned on in the quantum scenario, they can introduce significant modifications that change the singular behavior of the universe solutions or that render them dynamical whenever they are static in the commutative case. The effects of noncommutativity are completely specified only when one of the frames for its realization is adopted as the physical one. Non-singular solutions in the NC-frame can be mapped into singular ones in the C-frame.Comment: explanations added, references include

Noncommutative Geometry and Cosmology

We study some consequences of noncommutativity to homogeneous cosmologies by introducing a deformation of the commutation relation between the minisuperspace variables. The investigation is carried out for the Kantowski-Sachs model by means of a comparative study of the universe evolution in four different scenarios: the classical commutative, classical noncommutative, quantum commutative, and quantum noncommutative. The comparison is rendered transparent by the use of the Bohmian formalism of quantum trajectories. As a result of our analysis, we found that noncommutativity can modify significantly the universe evolution, but cannot alter its singular behavior in the classical context. Quantum effects, on the other hand, can originate non-singular periodic universes in both commutative and noncommutative cases. The quantum noncommutative model is shown to present interesting properties, as the capability to give rise to non-trivial dynamics in situations where its commutative counterpart is necessarily static.Comment: 22 pages, 5 figures, substantial changes in the presentation, results are the same, to appear in Physical Review

Comportamiento frente a la corrosión y biocompatibilidad <i>in vitro/in vivo</i> de la aleación AZ31 modificada superficialmente

The present work evaluates the corrosion behaviour and the <i>in vitro/in vivo</i> biocompatibility of the AZ31 magnesium alloy, which fulfills the mechanical requirements of bone. The corrosion kinetic of as-received AZ31 alloy was not compatible with the cell growth. To improve its performance, the AZ31 alloy was surface modified by a chemical conversion treatment in hydrofluoric acid. The magnesium fluoride layer generated by the surface treatment of AZ31 alloy enhances its corrosion behaviour, allowing the <i>in vitro</i> growth of osteoblastic cells over the surface and the <i>in vivo</i> formation of a highly compact layer of new bone tissue. These results lead to consider the magnesium fluoride coating as necessary for potential use of the AZ31 alloy as biodegradable and absorbable implant for bone repair.<br><br>En el presente trabajo se ha estudiado el comportamiento frente a la corrosión y la biocompatibilidad <i>in vitro/in vivo</i> de la aleación de magnesio AZ31, cuyas propiedades mecánicas son superiores a los requisitos mecánicos del hueso. La aleación en estado de recepción ha mostrado una cinética de corrosión no compatible con el crecimiento celular. Para mejorar su comportamiento, el material ha sido modificado superficialmente mediante tratamiento de conversión química en ácido fluorhídrico. La capa de fluoruro de magnesio generada tras este tratamiento mejora el comportamiento del material frente a la corrosión, permitiendo el crecimiento <i>in vitro</i> de células osteoblásticas sobre su superficie y la formación in vivo de una capa de nuevo tejido óseo muy compacta. Estos resultados permiten concluir que el recubrimiento de fluoruro de magnesio es necesario para que el material AZ31 pueda ser potencialmente aplicado como implante biodegradable y reabsorbible en reparaciones óseas

Anthropology and GIS: Temporal and Spatial Distribution of the Philippine Negrito Groups

The Philippine negrito groups comprise a diverse group of populations speaking over 30 different languages, who are spread all over the archipelago, mostly in marginal areas of Luzon Island in the north, the central Visayas islands, and Mindanao in the south. They exhibit physical characteristics that are different from more than 100 Philippine ethnolinguistic groups that are categorized as non-negritos. Given their numbers, it is not surprising that Philippine negritos make up a major category in a number of general ethnographic maps produced since the nineteenth century. Reports from various ethnological surveys during this period, however, have further enriched our understanding regarding the extent and distribution of negrito populations. Using the data contained in these reports, it is possible to plot and create a map showing the historical locations and distribution of negrito groups. Using geographic information systems (GIS), the location and distribution of negrito groups at any given time can be overlaid on historical or current maps. In the present study, a GIS layer was compiled and extracted from the 2000 Philippine Census of population at the village level and overlaid on existing maps of the Philippines. The maps that were generated from this project will complement ongoing anthropological and genetic studies of negrito groups that inhabit different locations within the Philippine archipelago

Risk reduction through community-based monitoring:the vigías of Tungurahua, Ecuador

Since 2000, a network of volunteers known as vigías has been engaged in community-based volcano monitoring, which involves local citizens in the collection of scientific data, around volcán Tungurahua, Ecuador. This paper provides the first detailed description and analysis of this well-established initiative, drawing implications for volcanic risk reduction elsewhere. Based on 32 semi-structured interviews and other qualitative data collected in June and July 2013 with institutional actors and with vigías themselves, the paper documents the origins and development of the network, identifies factors that have sustained it, and analyses the ways in which it contributes to disaster risk reduction. Importantly, the case highlights how this community-based network performs multiple functions in reducing volcanic risk. The vigías network functions simultaneously as a source of observational data for scientists; as a communication channel for increasing community awareness, understanding of hazard processes and for enhancing preparedness; and as an early warning system for civil protection. Less tangible benefits with nonetheless material consequences include enhanced social capital – through the relationships and capabilities that are fostered – and improved trust between partners. Establishing trust-based relationships between citizens, the vigías, scientists and civil protection authorities is one important factor in the effectiveness and resilience of the network. Other factors discussed in the paper that have contributed to the longevity of the network include the motivations of the vigías, a clear and regular communication protocol, persistent volcanic activity, the efforts of key individuals, and examples of successful risk reduction attributable to the activities of the network. Lessons that can be learned about the potential of community-based monitoring for disaster risk reduction in other contexts are identified, including what the case tells us about the conditions that can affect the effectiveness of such initiatives and their resilience to changing circumstances

Consistency of impact assessment protocols for non-native species

Standardized tools are needed to identify and prioritize the most harmful non-native species (NNS). A plethora of assessment protocols have been developed to evaluate the current and potential impacts of non-native species, but consistency among them has received limited attention. To estimate the consistency across impact assessment protocols, 89 specialists in biological invasions used 11 protocols to screen 57 NNS (2614 assessments). We tested if the consistency in the impact scoring across assessors, quantified as the coefficient of variation (CV), was dependent on the characteristics of the protocol, the taxonomic group and the expertise of the assessor. Mean CV across assessors was 40%, with a maximum of 223%. CV was lower for protocols with a low number of score levels, which demanded high levels of expertise, and when the assessors had greater expertise on the assessed species. The similarity among protocols with respect to the final scores was higher when the protocols considered the same impact types. We conclude that all protocols led to considerable inconsistency among assessors. In order to improve consistency, we highlight the importance of selecting assessors with high expertise, providing clear guidelines and adequate training but also deriving final decisions collaboratively by consensus