Forest connectivity restoration through reforestation: an integrated methodology for prioritizing agricultural lands and selecting reforestation species

Forest connectivity restoration is a major goal in natural resource planning. Given the high amount of abandoned cultivated lands, setting efficient methods for the reforestation of agricultural lands offers a good opportunity to face this issue. However, reforestations must be carefully planned, which poses two main challenges. In first place, to determine those agricultural lands that, once reforested, would meet more effectively the planning goals. As a further step, in order to grant the success of the activity, it is fairly advisable to select those tree species that are more adapted to each particular environment. Here we intend to give response to both requirements by proposing a sequential and integrated methodology that has been implemented in two Spanish forest districts, which are formed by several landscape types that were previously defined and characterized. Using the software Conefor Sensinode, a powerful tool for quantifying habitat availability that is based on graph theory concepts, we determined the landscapes where forest planning should have connectivity as a major concern and, afterwards, we detected the agricultural patches that would contribute most to enhance connectivity if they were reforested. The subsequent reforestation species assessment was performed within these priority patches. Using penalized logistic regressions we fitted ecological niche models for the Spanish native tree species. The models were trained with species distribution data from the Spanish Forest Map and used climatic and lithological variables as predictors. Model predictions were used to build ordered lists of suitable species for each priority patch. The lists include dominant and non dominant tree species and allow adding biodiversity goals to the reforestation planning. The result of this combined methodology is a map of agricultural patches that would contribute most to uphold forest connectivity if they were reforested and a list of suitable tree species for each patch ordered by occurrence probability. Therefore the proposed methodology may be useful for suitable and efficient forest planning and landscape designing

El hombre de las cavernas? : Desmantelando un tópico

Jornadas de Jóvenes en Investigación Arqueológica, JIA (3as : 5-7 de mayo 2010 : Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona). Sesión 10. Los tópicos en arqueología. Reflexiones en torno a la mitificación del pasado.Entre los distintos tópicos existentes en el ideario colectivo se encuentra el del "hombre de las cavernas", el cual presupone que la cueva fue el lugar de habitación exclusivo de los grupos de cazadores recolectores del paleolítico. Este artículo está enfocado para rastrear el origen y consolidación de este mito para, en último término, y mediante la evidencia arqueológica, someterlo a un juicio crítico que concluya en su desmantelamiento.The "cave man" is one of the topics that exist nowadays in our colective ideology. It asume that the cave was the exclusive habitat site of the harvester-hunters groups of the paleolithic time. This article is approached in order to look up the origin and consolidation of this myth to, through the archaelogical evidence, submit it to a critical judgement which deny that idea.Entre els diferents tòpics existents en l'ideari col·lectiu es troba el de "l'home de les cavernes", el qual pressuposa que la cova fou el lloc d'habitatge exclusiu dels grups de caçadors recol·lectors del paleolític. Aquest article està enfocat per a rastrejar l'origen I consolidació d'aquest mite per, en ultimo terme, I mitjançant l'evidència arqueològica, sotmetre'l a un judici crític que conclogui en el seu desmantellament

Hotel rooftops as a space for consumption in historic centres: the case study of Palma (Spain)

This research analysed the transformation of hotel rooftops in the historic centre of Palma into new spaces for tourist consumption. Nowadays, tourists are looking for unique and special experiences, which has led tourist destinations to seek new attractions to offer. Rooftops are becoming privileged places and provide a differential experience, leading to an increase in the offer of tourist services on hotel rooftops. This study explored the change of use in hotel rooftops in historic city centres for the commercialization of tourism. In this sense, this research sheds light on the factors that influence the commodification of rooftops and the attributes that are most valued by users in Google Maps and TripAdvisor reviews of their experiences. Furthermore, the transformation of rooftops has not followed a single model of commodification, but different typologies were identified according to uses and access modalities. Finally, implications for the city’s tourism planning and management are presented.Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Rapid colour changes in Euglena sanguinea (Euglenophyceae) caused by internal lipid globule migration

The accumulation of red pigments under chronic stress is a response observed in most groups of oxygenic photoautotrophs. It is thought that the red pigments in the cell shield the chlorophyll located underneath from the light. Among these red pigments, the accumulation of carotenoids is one of the most frequent cases. However, the synthesis or degradation of carotenoids is a slow process and this response is usually only observed when the stress is maintained over a period of time. In the Euglenophyte Euglena sanguinea, this is due to the accumulation of a large amount of free and esterified astaxanthin (representing 80% of the carotenoid pool). While reddening is a slow and sometimes irreversible process in other phototrophs, reducing the efficiency of light harvesting by chlorophyll, in E. sanguinea it is highly dynamic, capable of shifting from red to green (and vice-versa) in 10-20 min. This change is not due to de novo carotenogenesis, but to the relocation of cytoplasmic lipid globules where astaxanthin accumulates. Thus, red globules migrate from the centre of the cell to peripheral locations when photoprotection is demanded. This protective system seems to be so efficient that other classical mechanisms are not operative in this species. For example, despite the presence and operation of the diadino-diatoxanthin cycle, nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) is almost undetectable. Since E. sanguinea forms extensive floating colonies, reddening can be observed at much greater scale than at a cellular level, the mechanism described here being one of the fastest and most dramatic colour changes attributable to photosynthetic organisms at cell and landscape level. In sum, these data indicate an extremely dynamic and efficient photoprotective mechanism based on organelle migration more than on carotenoid biosynthesis that prevents excess light absorption by chlorophylls reducing the need for other protective processes related to energy dissipation.This work was supported by the Basque Government [UPV/EHU-GV IT-1018-16] [UPV/EHU PPG17/67 – GV IT-1040-16], and by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and the European Research and Development Foundation (FEDER) through (i) [CTM2014-53902-C2-2-P] national grant and (ii) a “Juan de la Cierva-Incorporación” postdoctoral grant [IJCI-2014-22489] to BFM

Combined use of functional electrical stimulation and unexpected perturbations for balance training in a person with stroke: A case study

Estudio de caso[Resumen] Antecedentes. El accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) es una patología frecuente que conlleva diferentes secuelas, entre las que se encuentran la afectación de la movilidad del tobillo y las alteraciones del equilibrio. Existen diversas opciones terapéuticas para tratar estos déficits, entre ellas la estimulación eléctrica funcional (FES) y el entrenamiento de la marcha con perturbaciones. Objetivo. Analizar los resultados de una intervención combinada de FES y entrenamiento de la marcha con perturbaciones, así como comprobar las repercusiones en la ejecución de actividades de la vida diaria y la participación de la persona. Metodología. Se estudió el caso de un varón con hemiparesia izquierda a consecuencia de un ACV. El protocolo de rehabilitación constó de 20 sesiones de 50 min (2 sesiones/semana) donde se combinó el entrenamiento del equilibrio y la marcha con Balance Tutor™ y FES con Fesia Walk. Se evaluaron los resultados con las escalas: 10 Meter Walk Test, Five Times Sit to Stand Test, Timed Up and Go, Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) y Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC). Resultados. Se observaron mejoras clínicas en las escalas valoradas, especialmente en el BESTest y el ABC. Conclusiones. Se trata de una prueba de concepto satisfactoria de la combinación de dos técnicas, y es necesaria más investigación sobre ello en personas con ACV y otras patologías neurológicas.[Abstract] Introduction. Stroke is a frequent disease that entails different sequelae, among which are the affectation of ankle motion and balance disorders. Various therapeutic can be used to treat these deficits, including functional electrical stimulation (FES) and disturbance gait training. Objective. To analyse the results of a combined intervention of FES and gait training with disturbances, as well as to verify the repercussions on the execution of activities of daily living and the person's participation. Methods. The case of a man with left hemiparesis because of a stroke was studied. The rehabilitation protocol consisted of 20 sessions of 50 min (2 sessions/week) where balance and gait training were combined with Balance Tutor™ and FES with Fesia Walk. The results were evaluated with the scales: 10 Meter Walk Test, Five Times Sit to Stand Test, Timed Up and Go, Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC). Results. Clinical improvements were observed in the assessed scales, especially in the BESTest and the ABC. Conclusions. This is a satisfactory proof of concept of the combination of two techniques, and more research is needed on it in people with stroke and other neurological diseases

Sesión 10. Los tópicos en Arqueología. Reflexiones en torno a la mitificación del pasado. Conclusiones de la sesión

Jornadas de Jóvenes en Investigación Arqueológica, JIA (3as : 5-7 de mayo 2010 : Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona). Sesión 10. Los tópicos en arqueología. Reflexiones en torno a la mitificación del pasado

Sesió 10. Los tópicos en arqueología : Reflexiones en torno a la mitificación del pasado. Introducción a la sesión

Jornadas de Jóvenes en Investigación Arqueológica, JIA (3as : 5-7 de mayo 2010 : Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona). Sesión 10. Los tópicos en arqueología. Reflexiones en torno a la mitificación del pasad

Reliability of Y-Balance Test y Wight Bearing Lunge Test for the clinical-functional evolution of plantar fasciitis

[Resumen] Objetivos: Los objetivos de nuestro estudio han sido determinar en pacientes con FP unilateral la fiabilidad intraobservador del instrumento Y- Balance Test (YBT) y la prueba Wight Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) medida con el inclinómetro de un telefono movil inteligente. Métodos: Estudio transversal y observacional, realizado con 16 pacientes (9 mujeres y 7 hombres). Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos revelan una excelente fiabilidad relativa intraobservador. El YBT mostró un CCI de 0’946; mientras que las medidas con inclinómetro obtuvieron un CCI de 0’992. En el YBT se apreció una asociación de variables estadísticamente significativa en la dirección posteromedial (p=0’004) y en el resultado general (p=0’017), al comparar el miembro inferior afecto y el sano. Los valores de flexión dorsal en carga con flexión de rodilla se encuentran dentro de los valores normales, sin una asimetría significativa del miembro afecto y el sano. Conclusiones: El Y-Balance Test y la prueba Wight Bearing Lunge Test medida con inclinómetro de teléfono movil inteligente son dos pruebas fiables en pacientes con FP.[Abstract] Objectives: The objectives of our study have been to determine in patients with unilateral PF; The intraobserver reliability of the Y-Balance Test (YBT) and the Wight Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) measured with the inclinometer of a smartphone. Methods: Cross-sectional and observational study, carried out with 16 patients (9 women and 7 men). Results: The results obtained reveal a excelent intra-rater relative reliability. The YBT showed a CCI of 0.946; while the measures with inclinometer obtained a CCI of 0'992. In the YBT there was a statistically significant association of variables in the posteromedial direction (p= 0’004) and in the overall result (p= 0’017), when comparing the affected lower limb and the healthy. The values of dorsiflexion with knee flexion are within normal values, without a significant asymmetry of the affected and healthy limb. Conclusions: Y-Balance Test and the Wight Bearing Lunge Test measured with smart mobile phone inclinometer are two reliable tests in patients with plantar fasciiti

Actas del II Congreso Internacional sobre Permanencia y Transformación en Conjuntos Históricos

Esta publicación recoge las comunicaciones del II Congreso Internacional sobre Permanencia y Transformación en Conjuntos Históricos, celebrado en la UPV del 13 al 16 de Febrero de 2012. El objetivo de este congreso fue profundizar en el conocimiento de las características fundamentales de los emplazamientos industriales históricos del siglo pasado, así como de las aproximaciones más oportunas para convertir esta herencia recibida en un patrimonio activo de nuestra sociedad. El congreso se estructuró en tres sesiones diferenciadas: Territorio y memoria, Intervención y preexistencia, Transformaciones en el territorio Antrópico. La primera sesión trató de evidenciar el territorio como un lugar con espesor temporal, en el que las distintas capas pueden cobrar vida y sentido a través de la intervención sobre lo construido. La segunda sesión se interesó por la manera en la que esta intervención puede ser llevada a cabo, ocupándose de los aspectos más tectónicos de la transformación. La tercera sesión abordó el rastro cultural que el hombre deja en el paisaje a través de la actividad que conlleva su existencia, y como esta actividad puede conducirse para dotar de nuevos contenidos a los usos ya pretéritos. Las presentes recogen las intervenciones aportadas a cada una de estas distintas aproximaciones sucesivasHerrero García, LF.; Gallud Martínez, A.; Bronchales Alegre, S.; Varea Oro, A. (2012). Actas del II Congreso Internacional sobre Permanencia y Transformación en Conjuntos Históricos. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/14856Archivo delegad

Unraveling the environmental and anthropogenic drivers of bacterial community changes in the Estuary of Bilbao and its tributaries

In this study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the changes in taxonomic composition and environmental factors significantly influencing bacterial community structure across an annual cycle in the Estuary of Bilbao as well as its tributaries. In spite of this estuary being small and characterized by a short residence time, the environmental factors most highly correlated with the bacterial community mirrored those reported to govern larger estuaries, specifically salinity and temperature. Additionally, bacterial community changes in the estuary appeared to vary with precipitation. For example, an increase in freshwater bacteria (Comamonadaceae and Sphingobacteriaceae) was observed in high precipitation periods compared to the predominately marine-like bacteria (Rhodobacterales and Oceanospirillales) that were found in low precipitation periods. Notably, we observed a significantly higher relative abundance of Comamonadaceae than previously described in other estuaries. Furthermore, anthropic factors could have an impact on this particular estuary's bacterial community structure. For example, ecosystem changes related to the channelization of the estuary likely induced a low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, high temperature, and high chlorophyll concentration period in the inner euhaline water in summer (samples with salinity >30 ppt). Those samples were characterized by a high abundance of facultative anaerobes. For instance, OTUs classified as Cryomorphaceae and Candidatus Aquiluna rubra were negatively associated with DO concentration, while Oleiphilaceae was positively associated with DO concentration. Additionally, microorganisms related to biological treatment of wastewater (e.g Bdellovibrio and Zoogloea) were detected in the samples immediately downstream of the Bilbao Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). There are several human activities planned in the region surrounding the Estuary of Bilbao (e.g. sediment draining, architectural changes, etc.) which will likely affect this ecosystem. Therefore, the addition of bacterial community profiling and diversity analysis into the estuary's ongoing monitoring program would provide a more comprehensive view of the ecological status of the Estuary of Bilbao.The authors received funding from Geonomic resources group (Grant IT558-10) to AE, and supported by SIEBM XVIII congress (Gijon). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript