Las acequias de careo de Sierra Nevada (sur de España), un sistema de recarga ancestral en acuíferos de alta montaña

En las partes altas de Sierra Nevada (sur de España) se realiza, desde época andalusí (Edad Media), un Sistema Integrado de Gestión del Agua Subterránea, en el que las acequias de careo constituyen un elemento clave. Estos canales excavados en el terreno están diseñados para recargar las aguas procedentes del deshielo, a lo largo de su recorrido y en distintas zonas concretas, donde hay una mayor permeabilidad del terreno. Una vez que el agua se infiltra en las partes altas de los valles, pasa a circular lentamente por los acuíferos superficiales y surge por ríos y manantiales situados a media ladera. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados conseguidos mediante el monitoreo e investigación hidrogeológica de una cuenca de 68 km2 (cuenca del río Bérchules), situada en Sierra Nevada, donde se aplica la técnica de careo. Los resultados conseguidos han permitido comprobar que el careo aplana el hidrograma de los ríos de alta montaña, reduciendo su componente nival y aumentando la subterránea. Además contribuye a mantener el caudal de los manantiales y los ecosistemas asociados a esta descarga. Su uso en otras zonas de alta montaña permitiría disponer de una excelente herramienta de adaptación al cambio climático.Instituto Geológico y Minero de España, EspañaUniversidad Politécnica de Cataluña, EspañaAgencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de la Junta de Andalucía, EspañaUniversidad Pablo de Olavide, EspañaConsejería de Medio Ambiente y Ordenación del Territorio, Junta de Andalucía, EspañaPeer reviewe

A High Dynamic Range ASIC for Time of Flight PET with monolithic crystals

The HRFlexToT is a 16-channel ASIC for SiPM anode readout designed for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) applications that features high dynamic range (>8 bits), low input impedance, common cathode connection, high speed and low power (~3.5 mW/ch). The ASIC has been manufactured using XFAB 0.18 mm CMOS technology. The main characteristics of the HRFlexToT, compared to its predecessor, are a new energy measurement readout providing a linear Time Over Threshold (ToT) with an extended dynamic range, lower power consumption and better timing response. Initial measurements show a linearity error below 3%. Single Photon Time Resolution (SPTR) measurements performed using a Hamamatsu MPPC S13360-3050CS (3x3 mm2 pixel, 50 umm cell) shows 30% improvement with respect to the previous version of the ASIC, setting this specification in the order of 141 ps FWHM and reducing 3 times power consumption. It is important to highlight that an SPTR of 141 ps FWHM is, according to the best of our knowledge, the best resolution achieved so far for this sensor. Coincidence Time Resolution (CTR) measurements are expected to be performed during 2018

Dung removal increases under higher dung beetle functional diversity regardless of grazing intensification

Dung removal by macrofauna such as dung beetles is an important process for nutrient cycling in pasturelands. Intensification of farming practices generally reduces species and functional diversity of terrestrial invertebrates, which may negatively affect ecosystem services. Here, we investigate the effects of cattle-grazing intensification on dung removal by dung beetles in field experiments replicated in 38 pastures around the world. Within each study site, we measured dung removal in pastures managed with low- and high-intensity regimes to assess between-regime differences in dung beetle diversity and dung removal, whilst also considering climate and regional variations. The impacts of intensification were heterogeneous, either diminishing or increasing dung beetle species richness, functional diversity, and dung removal rates. The effects of beetle diversity on dung removal were more variable across sites than within sites. Dung removal increased with species richness across sites, while functional diversity consistently enhanced dung removal within sites, independently of cattle grazing intensity or climate. Our findings indicate that, despite intensified cattle stocking rates, ecosystem services related to decomposition and nutrient cycling can be maintained when a functionally diverse dung beetle community inhabits the human-modified landscape

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

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

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

[[Translated article]]Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Terminology in Spanish: A Delphi Consensus Study

The terminology used to describe reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) findings in both melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions has been standardized in English. We convened a panel of Spanish-speaking RCM experts and used the Delphi method to seek consensus on which Spanish terms best describe RCM findings in this setting. The experts agreed on 52 terms: 28 for melanocytic lesions and 24 for nonmelanocytic lesions. The resulting terminology will facilitate homogenization, leading to a better understanding of structures, more standardized descriptions in clinical registries, and easier interpretation of clinical reports exchanged between dermatologists

Consenso de terminología en microscopia confocal de reflectancia en español mediante método Delphi

Resumen: La terminología usada para describir los diferentes hallazgos en la microscopía confocal de reflectancia (MCR), tanto en lesiones melanocíticas, como en no melanocíticas se ha consensuado en inglés. En el presente trabajo, se proponen los términos en español que mejor interpretan estos conceptos ya descritos para la MCR, mediante el consenso de expertos de distintas nacionalidades de habla hispana y utilizando el método DELPHI para el acuerdo final. Se obtuvieron 52 términos en total, de los cuales 28 fueron para lesiones melanocíticas y 24 para lesiones no melanocíticas. El uso de la nomenclatura propuesta permitirá una homogeneización y mejor entendimiento de las estructuras; una descripción más estandarizada en los registros clínicos y una mejor interpretación de estos informes por otros dermatólogos. Abstract: The terminology used to describe reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) findings in both melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions has been standardized in English. We convened a panel of Spanish-speaking RCM experts and used the Delphi method to seek consensus on which Spanish terms best describe RCM findings in this setting. The experts agreed on 52 terms: 28 for melanocytic lesions and 24 for nonmelanocytic lesions. The resulting terminology will facilitate homogenization, leading to a better understanding of structures, more standardized descriptions in clinical registries, and easier interpretation of clinical reports exchanged between dermatologists

[Translated article] Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Terminology in Spanish: A Delphi Consensus Study

The terminology used to describe reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) findings in both melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions has been standardized in English. We convened a panel of Spanish-speaking RCM experts and used the Delphi method to seek consensus on which Spanish terms best describe RCM findings in this setting. The experts agreed on 52 terms: 28 for melanocytic lesions and 24 for nonmelanocytic lesions. The resulting terminology will facilitate homogenization, leading to a better understanding of structures, more standardized descriptions in clinical registries, and easier interpretation of clinical reports exchanged between dermatologists. Resumen: La terminología usada para describir los diferentes hallazgos en la microscopía confocal de reflectancia (MCR), tanto en lesiones melanocíticas, como en no melanocíticas se ha consensuado en inglés. En el presente trabajo, se proponen los términos en español que mejor interpretan estos conceptos ya descritos para la MCR, mediante el consenso de expertos de distintas nacionalidades de habla hispana y utilizando el método DELPHI para el acuerdo final. Se obtuvieron 52 términos en total, de los cuales 28 fueron para lesiones melanocíticas y 24 para lesiones no melanocíticas. El uso de la nomenclatura propuesta permitirá una homogeneización y mejor entendimiento de las estructuras; una descripción más estandarizada en los registros clínicos y una mejor interpretación de estos informes por otros dermatólogos