Discards and by-catch in Spanish fleet targeting Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in NAFO Divisions 3LMNO: 2008 and 2009

This study analyses the discard and by-catch composition of the Spanish fleet targeting Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in NAFO divisions 3LMNO. During 2008 and 2009 the sampling coverage of the fishing effort was 20.6% and 16.5%, respectively. Data showed a reduced (4.3 % in weight) but highly variable discard rate. The main discarded species were the macrourids Macrourus berglax, Coryphaenoides rupestris and Nezumia bairdi, together with other 2 fish species: Antimora rostrata and Amblyraja radiata. The target species (Greenland halibut) was intermittently discarded. The discard rate showed no pattern no trend. No significant catches of benthic invertebrate taxa indicators of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) were recorded

Indoor Built Environment and Older Adults’ Activity: A Systematic Review

Bien que l’environnement physique puisse influencer l’activité des individus, peu de synthèses de connaissances portent sur les environnements intérieurs et les routines de la vie quotidienne des personnes âgées. Nous avons donc procédé à un examen systématique de publications revues par des pairs afin de guider les recherches et les pratiques futures. Les critères d’inclusion suivants ont été utilisés : études sans restriction quant au devis de recherche, à la date ou à la langue, portant sur les personnes âgées de 60 ans et plus, sur l’activité physique ou le comportement sédentaire, et l’environnement intérieur. Après avoir effectué des recherches dans cinq bases de données, deux des auteurs ont examiné les titres, les résumés et le texte intégral. La dernière recherche a été effectuée le 19 décembre 2020. Nous avons passé en revue 1367 citations et inclus 23 études se rapportant à des logements privés ou collectifs (p. ex. résidences avec services). Les caractéristiques intérieures favorisant l’activité physique étaient associées à trois domaines : les environs (p. ex. les commodités, les chemins), le bâtiment (p. ex. la superficie, le niveau de l’étage) et les équipements (p. ex. les ascenseurs, les couloirs). La connaissance des facteurs environnementaux intérieurs qui favorisent la participation des personnes âgées aux activités quotidiennes peut orienter les recherches et les politiques futures en matière de conception de logements.Although the physical environment can influence people’s activity, there are few knowledge syntheses for indoor environments and older adults’ daily life routines. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed evidence to inform future research and practice. Inclusion criteria were studies with any research designs, across all years and languages focused on older adults 60 years of age or more, on physical activity/sedentary behaviour and the indoor environment. After searching five databases, two authors completed title/abstract and full-text screening. The last search was on December 19, 2020. We screened 1,367 citations, and included 23 studies situated in private or collective dwellings (e.g., assisted living). We identified physical activity-supportive indoor features across three domains: campus (e.g., amenities, pathways), building (e.g., area, floor level), and fixtures (e.g., elevators, hallways). Knowledge of indoor environmental factors for older adults’ engagement in daily activities can guide future research and policy on housing design.Canada Research Chair

Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis, Krøyer) in Spanish Bottom Trawl Survey 2003 in NAFO Divisions 3LNO

The results on northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) obtained from a Spanish bottom trawl survey in the NAFO Regulatory Area (Divisions 3NO) in spring 2003, carried out by the Instituto Español de Oceanografía (Spanish Oceanographic Institute, Vigo Centre), are presented and compared with those from previous surveys from the same series. Catch obtained (324.8 kg.) is the second highest in the series, thus maintaining the catch increase noted in 2002 (total of 408.1 kg.) relative to previous years. For the first time, the IEO has enlarged the sampling area to Div. 3L, where important shrimp catches were obtained (5835.8 kg.). Catch results from the surveys and data analysis are discussed in this paper

Avaliação do efeito do corte horizontal da copa, com máquina de podar de discos, em pomares de pera “Rocha

Current pear pruning making use of pneumatic shears still is a very labour intensive operation. The Proder project “Avaliação da poda mecânica em pomares de pera” was designed to contribute to solutions that would reduce the present dependence in labour and therefore to promote a reduction in pruning costs. This paper shows the results of a trial made to evaluate the influence of mechanical topping in manual pruning complement field work and pear yield. Topping was performed using a Reynolds 6DT 3.0m cutting bar with six hydraulic-driven circular disc-saws mounted in the three point tractor linkage system. The field trial was performed in a commercial orchard with 20 years, planted in an array of 4m x 2m with tree lines oriented in North-South direction. Trees were trained as the central leader system. In this trial, in a randomised complete block design with four replications, two treatments are being compared leading to 8 plots with one line of 14 trees per plot. The treatments tests were: T1 - manual pruning performed by workers using pneumatic shears, in each year; T2 - Topping the canopy parallel to the ground, using a discs-saw pruning machine mounted in a front loader of an agricultural tractor, followed by manual pruning complement performed by workers with pneumatic shears. Tree height and width was measured, before and after pruning. Work was timed and pear yields evaluated. Mechanical topping seems to be effective in the control of tree height, which can contribute to increase 14% of work rates on manual pruning complement. No significant differences in pear yield were found between treatments

Recent advances in niobium-based materials for photocatalytic solar fuel production

The search for renewable and clean energy sources is a key aspect for sustainable development as energy consumption has continuously increased over the years concomitantly with environmental concerns caused by the use of fossil fuels. Semiconductor materials have great potential for acting as photocatalysts for solar fuel production, a potential energy source able to solve both energy and environmental concerns. Among the studied semiconductor materials, those based on niobium pentacation are still shallowly explored, although the number of publications and patents on Nb(V)-based photocatalysts has increased in the last years. A large variety of Nb(V)-based materials exhibit suitable electronic/morphological properties for light-driving reactions. Not only the extensive group of Nb2O5 polymorphs is explored, but also many types of layered niobates, mixed oxides, and Nb(V)-doped semiconductors. Therefore, the aim of this manuscript is to provide a review of the latest developments of niobium based photocatalysts for energy conversion into fuels, more specifically, CO2 reduction to hydrocarbons or H2 eVolution from water. Additionally, the main strategies for improving the photocatalytic performance of niobium-based materials are discussed

Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) on Flemish Cap in July 2002

A stratified random bottom trawl survey on Flemish Cap was carried out on July 2002. Results on shrimp from the survey are presented and compared to those from previous surveys of the same series. The total biomass index obtained this year, 18 109 tons, is the highest in the series. The female biomass remains at a high level, and it is dominated by age 5 shrimp. Mean lengths at age, abundance and biomass by age are presented

By-catch of cold-water corals from an Experimental Trawl Survey in three seamounts within NAFO Regulatory Area (Divs. 6EFG) during year 2004

By-catch of cold-water corals from a Trawl Experimental Survey developed during 2004 in three NAFO seamounts was examined. Three hauls were carried out over two peaks located in Divs. 6EF. In this area, catches of commercial resources were negligible and by-catch of corals was recorded (degraded pieces of dead Enallopsammia sp and Keratoisis sp and few alive corals like Solenosmilia variabilis, Metallogorgia melanotrichos, Paragorgia johnsoni, etc.), showing some interaction between fishing and vulnerable habitats and that trawl fishing in the area is unfeasible. Ninety-two hauls were carried out over one peak located in Div. 6G, with big catches of alfonsino (Beryx splendens), but only six hauls showing coral records (Enallopsamia rostrata, Solenosmilia variabilis, Madrepora oculata, Acanella eburnea and Placogorgia terceira) and in less quantities in comparison with Divs. 6EF. The low by-catch of corals in the Div. 6G peak could be related with their less rough bottom feature and with the previous alteration of sessile epifauna due to intense fishing activity developed during the last decades of XX Century. The results of the Experimental Survey indicate that the impact of trawling on seamounts could be important and that the closed area agreed in 2007 to protect the bottom habitats of the seamounts within NAFO Regulatory Area (Divs. 6EFG) should be maintained and improved

Application of EPR Spectroscopy in TiO2 and Nb2O5 Photocatalysis

The interaction of light with semiconducting materials becomes the center of a wide range of technologies, such as photocatalysis. This technology has recently attracted increasing attention due to its prospective uses in green energy and environmental remediation. The characterization of the electronic structure of the semiconductors is essential to a deep understanding of the photocatalytic process since they influence and govern the photocatalytic activity by the formation of reactive radical species. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a unique analytical tool that can be employed to monitor the photoinduced phenomena occurring in the solid and liquid phases and provides precise insights into the dynamic and reactivity of the photocatalyst under different experimental conditions. This review focus on the application of EPR in the observation of paramagnetic centers formed upon irradiation of titanium dioxide and niobium oxide photocatalysts. TiO2 and Nb2O5 are very well-known semiconductors that have been widely used for photocatalytic applications. A large number of experimental results on both materials offer a reliable platform to illustrate the contribution of the EPR studies on heterogeneous photocatalysis, particularly in monitoring the photogenerated charge carriers, trap states, and surface charge transfer steps. A detailed overview of EPR-spin trapping techniques in mechanistic studies to follow the nature of the photogenerated species in suspension during the photocatalytic process is presented. The role of the electron donors or the electron acceptors and their effect on the photocatalytic process in the solid or the liquid phase are highlighted