Physiological and behavioural responses of Australian and exotic prey to the scent of native and introduced predators

This study examined the physiological and behavioural effects of a stress-inducing stimulus (predator odour) on potential prey species (Australian native and exotic). The aim was to determine if differences in the response of prey were related to the scent of evolutionary known predators compared to unfamiliar or short-term introduced ones. In laboratory experiments, responses were always restricted to changes in respiratory variables, with brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii) showing no variation in metabolic rate after exposure to predator odours.Brushtail possums showed strong changes in ventilatory rate only when faced with the scent of an historical predator, increasing respiratory frequency (ratio after/before exposure = 4.55 ± 1.007) and decreasing tidal volume (ratio after/before exposure = 0.38 ± 0.113 ) in response to stale dingo urine. The changes were short-lived, lasting for only one minute of exposure. For this reason, it is unclear if the response observed could be considered as a fear reaction. However, there was no habituation after three exposures and this may indicate that possums were initially displaying an investigative approach to a predator scent and then relaxing once assessment was completed.The effect of predator and novel odours on the ventilation of rabbits appeared to be in general mediated by anxiety, as shown by the responses elicited by both predator and control scents. However, stronger reactions were observed in response to feral cat and quoll odours for both respiratory frequency (ratio after/before exposure to feral cat = 4.39 ± 0.721 and to quoll = 3.75 ± 0.486) and tidal volume (ratio after/before exposure to feral cat = 0.47 ± 0.065 and to quoll = 0.64 ± 0.129). This could be due to different intensity of the olfactory stimuli. Nevertheless, the effects of noxious odours on rabbits clearly demonstrate that they become highly vigilant at any sudden change in their environment.Tammar wallabies appeared to possess a mechanism for the recognition of predator odours as ventilatory responses were restricted to particular predator scents. After investigation, fox and cat odour provoked a stronger and more prolonged change in respiratory frequency (ratio after/before exposure to fox = 3.58 ± 0.918 and to feral cat = 2.44 ± 0.272) and tidal volume (ratio after/before exposure to fox = 0.84 ± 0.110 and to feral cat = 0.98 ± 0.155) compared to the other scents, suggesting that wallabies may have perceived these species as more immediate threats.For wild, free-living brushtail possums and southern brown bandicoots (Isodoon obesulus), there was no pattern of avoidance of historical or introduced predator odours, with no difference in number of animals captured in predator and control scented traps. This may indicate that predator odour avoidance has not evolved in these species and that they have poor possibilities of escaping potential predators. However it may also be explained by the long-term predator-free environment in which the study was conducted, and suggests loss of anti-predator behaviour in populations without predation risk.Wild, free-ranging western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) reacted to the odour of both historical (dingo) and novel (fox) predators by reducing number of feeding events (5.2±2.08 for fox and 5.9±1.33 for dingo) and time spent foraging (17.7±7.2 sec for fox and 22.2±4.6 sec for dingo) when predator scents were present and by escaping areas tainted with predator odours (41.4±17.5 sec for fox and 33.8±13 sec for dingo). Clearly these results suggest that kangaroos are scared of predator odours. However, a close investigation of predator scents was necessary before a response could be elicited and feeding areas were not completely abandoned.It is still unclear if small Australian prey, such as southern brown bandicoots and brushtail possums, respond to olfactory cue of predation in the wild, as different results were obtained in the studies conducted in the laboratory and in free populations. However, this research showed that medium and large-sized macropods respond to both native, long-term and introduced predator odours. This indicates that at least some Australian prey species can recognise the odour of potential predators, although responses usually occur after a period of investigation, and do not always result in avoidance behaviour. Differential responses appear to be based on the perceived risk. Use of predator odour is unlikely to be an effective mechanism of deterring herbivores from preferred feeding locations

Telerehabilitation for people with breast cancer through the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile

Adapting face-to-face physical therapy consultations in cancer care to a model of telerehabilitation has been necessary, given the imminent spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this respect, the current model of telerehabilitation for people with breast cancer can be described as a method of continuing physical therapy treatment, in a public hospital with limited resources.ecancer (UK Charity) 117630

Programas de intervención docente en competencias socioemocionales: una revisión sistemática de la literatura

Interventions related to the socio-emotional competencies of teachers are promoted in literature; however, research regarding the reported effect of these interventions is still incipient. The objective of the present study is to analyse the effectiveness, design and implementation aspects of intervention programmes in socio-emotional competencies in teachers. The method used was a systematic review of the literature in the Web of Science, Scopus and Eric databases over the last 10 years. The sample obtained consisted of 4 research studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results show that the studies have been developed in Asia, with samples smaller than 200 participants, and with positive effects. Variations in training time, methodologies and variables involved in the study were identified. In conclusion, intervention programmes in socio-emotional competencies have a positive effect on teachers by improving their perception, understanding, emotional regulation, empathy, efficacy and teaching well-being.En la literatura se promueven las intervenciones relacionadas con las competencias socioemocionales de los docentes, sin embargo, aún es incipiente la investigación respecto del efecto reportado en éstos. El presente estudio busca analizar la efectividad, aspectos de diseño y ejecución de los programas de intervención en competencias socioemocionales en docentes. El método utilizado fue una revisión sistemática de la literatura en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus y Eric de los últimos 10 años. La muestra que se obtuvo fue 4 investigaciones que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Los resultados muestran que los estudios se han desarrollado en Asia, con muestras menores a 200 participantes y se reportan positivos. Se identificaron variaciones en el tiempo de entrenamiento, metodologías y variables involucradas en el estudio. En conclusión, los programas de intervención en competencias socioemocionales tienen un efecto positivo en los docentes mejorando su percepción, comprensión, regulación emocional, empatía, eficacia y bienestar docente

Predicting crack patterns in SiC-based cladding for LWR applications using peridynamics

SiC continuous fibre reinforced SiC matrix (SiC-SiC) composites are a proposed material for accident tolerant fuel cladding. Thermomechanical models of SiC-based cladding under light water conditions indicate that microcracking in the radial direction of the tubing may lead to a loss of hermicity. SiC-based tubing is known to have anisotropic elastic properties but the effect of this anisotropy have not been incorporated into existing thermomechanical models of clad cracking. This work augments an existing isotropic 2D peridynamic model of cracking and damage in the r-θ plane of a SiC-based cladding to account for the orthotropic elastic properties of SiC-SiC composite tubing. Three SiC-based architectures are modelled under normal operating conditions of a UO2-fuelled pressurised water reactor (PWR). The results of the anisotropic SiC-cladding model are compared with the results of the isotropic model, and the sensitivity of results to material anisotropy, thermal conductivity, and applied linear power rating are analysed. The results of this analysis show that anisotropy has a significant effect on the damage and crack patterns observed in the r-θ plane of SiC-based cladding, if either an inner or outer monolith is present. The anisotropic model predicts more cracks in two layer clad with an inner monolith and higher levels of damage in a two layer clad with an outer monolith than the isotropic model. Under normal reactor conditions the outer monolith clad architecture was found to remain hermetic

Shower Thoughts: Why Scientists Should Spend More Time in the Rain

Stormwater is a vital resource and dynamic driver of terrestrial ecosystem processes. However, processes controlling interactions during and shortly after storms are often poorly seen and poorly sensed when direct observations are substituted with technological ones. We discuss how human observations complement technological ones and the benefits of scientists spending more time in the storm. Human observation can reveal ephemeral storm-related phenomena such as biogeochemical hot moments, organismal responses, and sedimentary processes that can then be explored in greater resolution using sensors and virtual experiments. Storm-related phenomena trigger lasting, oversized impacts on hydrologic and biogeochemical processes, organismal traits or functions, and ecosystem services at all scales. We provide examples of phenomena in forests, across disciplines and scales, that have been overlooked in past research to inspire mindful, holistic observation of ecosystems during storms. We conclude that technological observations alone are insufficient to trace the process complexity and unpredictability of fleeting biogeochemical or ecological events without the shower thoughts produced by scientists\u27 human sensory and cognitive systems during storms

Harmonizing neuropsychological assessment for mild neurocognitive disorders in Europe

INTRODUCTION Harmonized neuropsychological assessment for neurocognitive disorders, an international priority for valid and reliable diagnostic procedures, has been achieved only in specific countries or research contexts. METHODS To harmonize the assessment of mild cognitive impairment in Europe, a workshop (Geneva, May 2018) convened stakeholders, methodologists, academic, and non-academic clinicians and experts from European, US, and Australian harmonization initiatives. RESULTS With formal presentations and thematic working-groups we defined a standard battery consistent with the U.S. Uniform DataSet, version 3, and homogeneous methodology to obtain consistent normative data across tests and languages. Adaptations consist of including two tests specific to typical Alzheimer's disease and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. The methodology for harmonized normative data includes consensus definition of cognitively normal controls, classification of confounding factors (age, sex, and education), and calculation of minimum sample sizes. DISCUSSION This expert consensus allows harmonizing the diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders across European countries and possibly beyond

Ventilatory frequency as a measure of the response of tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii) to the odour of potential predators

This study uses changes in ventilatory frequency to quantify the physiological response of an Australian terrestrial herbivore, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), to olfactory cues suggesting the presence of potential predators. Ventilatory frequency proved to be a quantifiable measure to assess the response of this macropod marsupial to olfactory cues. Ventilatory frequency increased from mean resting levels of 45 ± 5.1 breaths min–1 to 137 ± 11.2 breaths min–1 during the first minute of exposure to all odours. These physiological responses diminished over time, with ventilatory frequency in the first minute after introduction of the scents greater than that during the subsequent four, suggesting that the initial reaction was due to disturbance and was investigative in nature. However, the ratio of ventilatory frequency in the remaining 4 min after introduction of the odours compared with before was greater for fox (3.58 ± 0.918) and cat (2.44 ± 0.272) odours than for snake (2.27 ± 0.370), distilled water (1.81 ± 0.463) and quoll (1.71 ± 0.245) odours, suggesting that fox and cat odour provoked a greater response. However, the wallabies’ response to the odour of these introduced predators and to horse odour (2.40 ± 0.492) did not differ. Our study indicates that a long period of co-history with particular predators is not a prerequisite for detection of potentially threatening species. We do not find any support for the hypothesis that an inability to interpret olfactory cues to detect and respond to potential predation by introduced predators is responsible for the decline of these macropod marsupials

Enfermedades crónicas

Adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico y relación con el control metabólico en pacientes con DM2Aluminio en pacientes con terapia de reemplazo renal crónico con hemodiálisis en Bogotá, ColombiaAmputación de extremidades inferiores: ¿están aumentando las tasas?Consumo de edulcorantes artificiales en jóvenes universitariosCómo crecen niños normales de 2 años que son sobrepeso a los 7 añosDiagnóstico con enfoque territorial de salud cardiovascular en la Región MetropolitanaEfecto a corto plazo de una intervención con ejercicio físico, en niños con sobrepesoEfectos de la cirugía bariátrica en pacientes con síndrome metabólico e IMC < 35 KG/M2Encuesta mundial de tabaquismo en estudiantes de profesiones de saludEnfermedades crónicas no transmisibles: Consecuencias sociales-sanitarias de comunidades rurales en ChileEpidemiología de las muertes hospitalarias por patologías relacionadas a muerte encefálica, Chile 2003-2007Estado nutricional y conductas alimentarias en adolescentes de 4º medio de la Región de CoquimboEstudio de calidad de vida en una muestra del plan piloto para hepatitis CEvaluación del proceso asistencial y de resultados de salud del GES de diabetes mellitus 2Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en población universitaria de la Facsal, universidad de TarapacáImplicancias psicosociales en la génesis, evolución y tratamiento de pacientes con hipertensión arterial esencialInfarto agudo al miocardio (IAM): Realidad en el Hospital de Puerto Natales, 2009-2010Introducción de nuevas TIC y mejoría de la asistencia a un programa de saludNiños obesos atendidos en el Cesfam de Puerto Natales y su entorno familiarPerfil de la mortalidad por cáncer de cuello uterino en Río de JaneiroPerfil del paciente primo-consultante del Programa de Salud Cardiovascular, Consultorio Cordillera Andina, Los AndesPrevalencia de automedicación en mujeres beneficiarias del Hospital Comunitario de Til-TiPrevalencia de caries en población preescolar y su relación con malnutrición por excesoPrevalencia de retinopatía diabética en comunas dependientes del Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Occidente (SSMOC)Problemas de adherencia farmacológica antihipertensiva en población mapuche: Un estudio cualitativoRol biológico de los antioxidantes innatos en pacientes portadores de VIH/SidaSobrepeso en empleados de un restaurante de una universidad pública del estado de São Paul

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

The role of personality in the foraging decisions of a mammalian generalist herbivore, the common brushtail possum.

Predators and plant toxins which act as chemical defences, represent two different but proximate constraints for foraging herbivores, limiting food intake and influencing behaviour. Consequently, foraging herbivores respond to spatial and temporal variation in food resources and danger, making foraging decisions based on their nutrient requirements, while trying to avoid predators. Not all individuals within a population, however, will deal with this trade-off in the same way. One driver of this variation should be individual consistent behavioural differences, defined as ‘personality’. The immediate consequence of the existence of personality in a population is that different individuals will perceive their own personal landscape of food and fear. This, in turn, may alter how each decides to forage throughout the landscape. I have investigated aspects of predation risk, foraging strategies and individual consistency in behaviour of a model generalist herbivore, the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), to ultimately understand how personality influences foraging decisions of herbivores in the wild. I provided evidence of how personality affects decision-making by individuals in a natural context, showing that boldness influences foraging in response to food toxins and predation risk. I demonstrated that these two costs are perceived differently by individuals with different personalities. As a consequence, different individuals altered foraging behaviour in different ways resulting in different foraging outcomes between bold and shy animals. Foraging behaviour of possums at risky feeders in the field was related to the level of boldness they showed in captivity. This study provides an insight into the interactions between plants, predators and herbivores and the role of personality in influencing foraging behaviour