230 research outputs found
Post–breeding movements and migration patterns of western populations of common quail (Coturnix coturnix): from knowledge to hunting management
Patrones de movimientos y de migraciĂłn postcrĂa en la poblaciĂłn occidental de codorniz comĂşn (Coturnix coturnix): algunas recomendaciones de gestiĂłn cinegĂ©tica
Hemos investigado los patrones de los movimientos postcrĂa de la codorniz comĂşn (Coturnix coturnix) en la penĂnsula ibĂ©rica con el fin de describir su fenologĂa de paso migratorio y algunas caracterĂsticas fisiolĂłgicas de los individuos. Esta informaciĂłn es necesaria para un ajuste Ăłptimo de los perĂodos de caza. Hemos trabajado a partir de dos conjuntos de datos: a) capturas efectuadas en una zona que no es de crĂa (Garraf) de agosto a octubre en 2009 y 2010; b) recuperaciones, posteriores a la presunta Ă©poca de crĂa, de individuos anillados en Europa y recapturados en España durante el perĂodo 1933–2005. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que los movimientos postcrĂa en Garraf están formados por dos oleadas: una primera, que se produce sobre el 10 VIII, formada principalmente por jĂłvenes del año inactivos sexualmente que no son fisiolĂłgicamente migrantes; y una segunda, mucho más intensa, que se produce sobre el 17 IX, formada principalmente por migrantes jĂłvenes del año inactivos sexualmente. La Ă©poca de caza en España tiene lugar principalmente durante la primera oleada, preservando el paso de los migrantes provenientes de España y de otros paĂses europeos. La informaciĂłn de los movimientos postcrĂa en otras regiones españolas y en otros paĂses europeos en los que la codorniz comĂşn es una especie cinegĂ©tica popular, permitirĂa mejorar el ajuste entre el perĂodo de caza y la migraciĂłn, proporcionando recomendaciones de gestiĂłn cinegĂ©tica más precisas para esta especie.Patrones de movimientos y de migraciĂłn postcrĂa en la poblaciĂłn occidental de codorniz comĂşn (Coturnix coturnix): algunas recomendaciones de gestiĂłn cinegĂ©tica
Hemos investigado los patrones de los movimientos postcrĂa de la codorniz comĂşn (Coturnix coturnix) en la penĂnsula ibĂ©rica con el fin de describir su fenologĂa de paso migratorio y algunas caracterĂsticas fisiolĂłgicas de los individuos. Esta informaciĂłn es necesaria para un ajuste Ăłptimo de los perĂodos de caza. Hemos trabajado a partir de dos conjuntos de datos: a) capturas efectuadas en una zona que no es de crĂa (Garraf) de agosto a octubre en 2009 y 2010; b) recuperaciones, posteriores a la presunta Ă©poca de crĂa, de individuos anillados en Europa y recapturados en España durante el perĂodo 1933–2005. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que los movimientos postcrĂa en Garraf están formados por dos oleadas: una primera, que se produce sobre el 10 VIII, formada principalmente por jĂłvenes del año inactivos sexualmente que no son fisiolĂłgicamente migrantes; y una segunda, mucho más intensa, que se produce sobre el 17 IX, formada principalmente por migrantes jĂłvenes del año inactivos sexualmente. La Ă©poca de caza en España tiene lugar principalmente durante la primera oleada, preservando el paso de los migrantes provenientes de España y de otros paĂses europeos. La informaciĂłn de los movimientos postcrĂa en otras regiones españolas y en otros paĂses europeos en los que la codorniz comĂşn es una especie cinegĂ©tica popular, permitirĂa mejorar el ajuste entre el perĂodo de caza y la migraciĂłn, proporcionando recomendaciones de gestiĂłn cinegĂ©tica más precisas para esta especie.We investigated the patterns of post–breeding movements of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix) in the Iberian peninsula with the aim of describing its migratory phenology and some physiological features of individuals. This information is needed to adjust hunting seasons in an optimal way. We worked with two data–sets: a) captures made in a non–breeding site (Garraf) from August to October in 2009 and 2010; b) post–breeding recoveries of individuals ringed in Europe and recaptured in Spain between 1933 and 2005. The results showed that post–breeding movements in Garraf occur in two waves: a first wave that occurs around 10 VIII and is mainly composed of non–sexually active yearlings that do not correspond physiologically to migrants, and a second much more intense wave, which occurs around 17 IX and is mainly composed of non–sexually active migrant yearlings. The hunting season in Spain takes place mainly during the first wave, preserving the passage of migrant individuals from Spain and other European countries. Information on the post–breeding movements in other Spanish regions and other European countries where the common quail is a popular game species would improve timing between the hunting season and migration by providing more precise recommendations for hunting management
Determining population trends and conservation status of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix) in Western Europe
In this paper we review the conservation status and population trends of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix) from 1900 to the present. Data are sometimes contradictory with regard to the status of this species as it has some features that make it difficult to produce reliable population estimates. Recent data clearly suggest, either at a local scale or at a trans–national scale, that the Atlantic common quail populations have remained stable in the last two decades, and that restocking practices with farm–reared quails (hybrids with the Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica) do not affect our estimates. The complex movement patterns showed by this species require special attention. Analysis of ring recoveries can give important information, especially about the nomadic movement of quails in search of suitable habitats after the destruction of winter cereal crops due to harvesting. Thus, when developing a breeding distribution model for this species, continuously updated information on seasonal habitat and weather must be included for optimal prediction. Including fortnightly data of vegetation indices in distribution models, for example, has shown good results. Obtaining reliable predictions about changes in species distribution and movements during the breeding period could provide useful knowledge about the conservation status and population trends and would help in the design of future management measures
“Cocoa and Chocolate: Science and Gastronomy”—The Second Annual Workshop of the Research Institute on Nutrition and Food Security (INSA): 9 November 2016
The Research Institute on Nutrition and Food Security at the University of Barcelona (INSA-UB)
was founded in 2005 by twenty-two research groups from the Faculties of Pharmacy and Food Science;
Biology; Chemistry; and Geography and History, as well as other UB-affiliated centers and hospitals.
Most of the groups at the Institute are, or at least are part of, the research groups established by
the Government of Catalonia. INSA-UB was founded to meet the current societal need for research,
training and service provision in the sectors related to the agro-alimentary industry. Researchers at the
Institute are experts in different fields of nutrition; food analysis and control; food safety and the study
of the social and economic impact of food.
The main objectives of the institute are to promote research in the fields in which it works; to
encourage collaboration between researchers and the establishment of multidisciplinary teams; to
promote participation in research programs and institutional administration, particularly in European
research projects; to encourage the development of joint projects with companies in the sectors related
to its scope; to make available all the social potential of the UB in this area, especially the training
of technicians and specialists and provision of services; to promote the transfer of knowledge and
the dissemination of research results between society and government; and to advise consumers,
businesses and public authorities on nutrition, food safety and quality..
DERMA: A melanoma diagnosis platform based on collaborative multilabel analog reasoning
The number of melanoma cancer-related death has increased over the last few years due to the new solar habits. Early diagnosis has become the best prevention method. This work presents a melanoma diagnosis architecture based on the collaboration of several multilabel case-based reasoning subsystems called DERMA. The system has to face up several challenges that include data characterization, pattern matching, reliable diagnosis, and self-explanation capabilities. Experiments using subsystems specialized in confocal and dermoscopy images have provided promising results for helping experts to assess melanoma diagnosis
Climate Influence on Deep Sea Populations
Dynamics of biological processes on the deep-sea floor are traditionally thought to be controlled by vertical sinking of particles from the euphotic zone at a seasonal scale. However, little is known about the influence of lateral particle transport from continental margins to deep-sea ecosystems. To address this question, we report here how the formation of dense shelf waters and their subsequent downslope cascade, a climate induced phenomenon, affects the population of the deep-sea shrimp Aristeus antennatus. We found evidence that strong currents associated with intense cascading events correlates with the disappearance of this species from its fishing grounds, producing a temporary fishery collapse. Despite this initial negative effect, landings increase between 3 and 5 years after these major events, preceded by an increase of juveniles. The transport of particulate organic matter associated with cascading appears to enhance the recruitment of this deep-sea living resource, apparently mitigating the general trend of overexploitation. Because cascade of dense water from continental shelves is a global phenomenon, we anticipate that its influence on deep-sea ecosystems and fisheries worldwide should be larger than previously thought
Monitoring treatment of field cancerisation with 3% diclofenac sodium 2.5% hyaluronic acid by reflectance confocal microscopy: a histologic correlation
Visual inspection may fail to accurately evaluate field cancerisation (subclinical actinic keratoses [AKs]). We aimed to describe field cancerisation by confocal reflectance microscopy and changes induced by the application of 3% diclofenac sodium gel in 2.5% hyaluronic acid. Fourteen male patients, > 50 years old, with AKs on the bald scalp were included. Clinical examination, confocal microscopy and histological study of clinically visible lesions and 'normal appearing' adjacent skin before and after treatment was completed. Reflectance confocal microscopy showed a decrease in scaling (p = 0.001) and atypia of the honeycomb pattern (p = 0.001) at 2 weeks of treatment. Changes in parakeratosis, inflammation and dermal collagen remodelling were also observed. Histology correlated with confocal features in AK and subclinical AK. Reflectance confocal microscopy was useful in the evaluation of field cancerisation and monitoring of treatment response. A rapid improvement in epidermal atypia was observed
Effects of Crime Type and Location on Park Use Behavior
Crime and the fear of crime can be a barrier to park use, and locations of crimes can have varied effects. Unsafe areas in or around the park, around the residence, or along the route to the park can alter park use behavior. Our study aimed to examine associations between objective measures of types and location of crimes and park use behaviors. In 2013 we surveyed a sample (N = 230) of residents in Greensboro, North Carolina, about park use, with responses matched to objective crime and spatial measures. We measured all crimes and violent crimes near home, near the closest park, and along the shortest route between home and park. By using ordered and binary logistic modeling, we examined the relationships between the locations of crime and park use and duration of park visit, park rating, and never visiting parks. Additional models included distance to the closest park. Increased crime in parks and near home was associated with fewer park visits. Greater violent crime in all locations was related to fewer park visits. Park ratings were lower for parks with high violent crime rates. Given the importance of parks as settings for outdoor recreation and physical activity, crime may have a detrimental effect on physical activity and, therefore, public health
Metabolomics for Biomarkers of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Advances and Nutritional Intervention Trends
Abstract Metabolic characterization of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is crucial for the identification of individuals at risk for developing diabetes and T2DM-related vascular complications as well as for monitoring disease progression. The application of metabolomics to diabetes research may lead to the identification and discovery of diagnostic and prognostic T2DM biomarkers, in addition to elucidating disease pathways. In the present review, we summarize the distinct classes of metabolites that have been proposed as potential biomarkers for progressing stages of T2DM by metabolomic approaches. Several studies have demonstrated that the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids is considerably altered in prediabetes and continue to vary over the course of T2DM progression. The identification of intermediate metabolites involved in glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, lipolysis, and proteolysis have provided evidence of these metabolic dysfunctions. Finally, given the increasing worldwide incidence of T2DM and its related complications, research should focus on the impact of lifestyle factors, particularly diet, at the metabolomic level for better understanding and improved healthcare strategie
Metabolomic insights into the intricate gut microbial-host interaction in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes
Gut microbiota has recently been proposed as a crucial environmental factor in the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, mainly due to its contribution in the modulation of several processes including host energy metabolism, gut epithelial permeability, gut peptide hormone secretion, and host inflammatory state. Since the symbiotic interaction between the gut microbiota and the host is essentially reflected in specific metabolic signatures, much expectation is placed on the application of metabolomic approaches to unveil the key mechanisms linking the gut microbiota composition and activity with disease development. The present review aims to summarize the gut microbialhost co-metabolites identified so far by targeted and untargeted metabolomic studies in humans, in association with impaired glucose homeostasis and/or obesity. An alteration of the co-metabolism of bile acids, branched fatty acids, choline, vitamins (i.e., niacin), purines, and phenolic compounds has been associated so far with the obese or diabese phenotype, in respect to healthy controls. Furthermore, anti-diabetic treatments such as metformin and sulfonylurea have been observed to modulate the gut microbiota or at least their metabolic profiles, thereby potentially affecting insulin resistance through indirect mechanisms still unknown. Despite the scarcity of the metabolomic studies currently available on the microbialhost crosstalk, the data-driven results largely confirmed findings independently obtained from in vitro and animal model studies, putting forward the mechanisms underlying the implication of a dysfunctional gut microbiota in the development of metabolic disorders
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