Benefits of organic farming to biodiversity vary among taxa

Habitat and biodiversity differences between matched pairs of organic and non-organic farms containing cereal crops in lowland England were assessed by a large-scale study of plants, invertebrates, birds and bats. Habitat extent, composition and management on organic farms was likely to favour higher levels of biodiversity and indeed organic farms tended to support higher numbers of species and overall abundance across most taxa. However, the magnitude of the response varied; plants showed larger and more consistent responses than other taxa. Variation in response across taxa may be partly a consequence of the small size and isolated context of many organic farms. Extension of organic farming could contribute to the restoration of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes

Perceptions of the appropriate response to norm violation in 57 societies

Norm enforcement may be important for resolving conflicts and promoting cooperation. However, little is known about how preferred responses to norm violations vary across cultures and across domains. In a preregistered study of 57 countries (using convenience samples of 22,863 students and non-students), we measured perceptions of the appropriateness of various responses to a violation of a cooperative norm and to atypical social behaviors. Our findings highlight both cultural universals and cultural variation. We find a universal negative relation between appropriateness ratings of norm violations and appropriateness ratings of responses in the form of confrontation, social ostracism and gossip. Moreover, we find the country variation in the appropriateness of sanctions to be consistent across different norm violations but not across different sanctions. Specifically, in those countries where use of physical confrontation and social ostracism is rated as less appropriate, gossip is rated as more appropriate.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Screening for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a Civilian Emergency Department Population with Traumatic Brain Injury

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). While the importance of PTSD and TBI among military personnel is widely recognized, there is less awareness of PTSD associated with civilian TBI. We examined the incidence and factors associated with PTSD 6 months post-injury in a civilian emergency department population using measures from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke TBI Common Data Elements Outcome Battery. Participants with mild TBI (mTBI) from the Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury Pilot study with complete 6-month outcome batteries (n = 280) were analyzed. Screening for PTSD symptoms was conducted using the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version. Descriptive measures are summarized and predictors for PTSD were examined using logistic regression. Incidence of screening positive for PTSD was 26.8% at 6 months following mTBI. Screening positive for PTSD was significantly associated with concurrent functional disability, post-concussive and psychiatric symptomatology, decreased satisfaction with life, and decreased performance in visual processing and mental flexibility. Multi-variable regression showed injury mechanism of assault (odds ratio [OR] 3.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.69–7.63; p = 0.001) and prior psychiatric history (OR 2.56; 95% CI 1.42–4.61; p = 0.002) remained significant predictors of screening positive for PTSD, while education (per year OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79–0.98; p = 0.021) was associated with decreased odds of PTSD. Standardized data collection and review of pre-injury education, psychiatric history, and injury mechanism during initial hospital presentation can aid in identifying patients with mTBI at risk for developing PTSD symptoms who may benefit from closer follow-up after initial injury care

Método para determinação de distribuição de tamanho de microbolhas (DTMB) em sistemas flotação (FAD) para tratamento de águas utilizando a análise de imagem digital Method for measuring bubbles sizes distribution (BSD) in drinking water treatment flotation (DAF) systems by using digital image analysis

O artigo apresenta um método proposto para determinação de tamanho de microbolhas de ar (DTMB) em sistemas de tratamento de água por flotação por ar dissolvido (FAD), utilizando a análise de imagem digital. Adicionalmente, é apresentado um estudo de caso com emprego de unidade em escala piloto. A aquisição das imagens foi realizada com uma câmera digital de 5.1MPixel, acoplada a conjunto de lentes. As imagens de microbolhas foram adquiridas em sistema com escoamento contínuo para eliminar as interferências causadas pela captura de amostras. O tratamento e obtenção das feições foram realizadas com o programa (freeware) "ImageTool". Os resultados apresentaram coerência com os valores reportados na literatura utilizando métodos tradicionais. O sistema mostrou-se eficaz e o método desenvolvido pode constituir ferramenta útil para estudos em outras subáreas de conhecimento.<br>An image analysis method proposed for assessing bubble size distribution applied to dissolved air flotation (DAF) systems for drinking water treatment is presented. Further, a pilot plant investigation is presented. A digital camera together with a group of lens was used. In order to eliminate samples interferences the images were captured in a continuous flow system working in steady state. The freeware ImageTool was applied for treating and obtaining size distribution. Results were presented in good relationship with traditional methods. The role image system showed to be efficient for image capturing and the proposed method may be an useful tool to other researches areas