Behavior-dependent selectivity of yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) in the mouth of a commercial bottom trawl

-To improve the efficiency of a commercial bottom trawl for catching yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea), we studied the behavior of individuals in the middle of the trawl mouth. Observations were conducted with a high-definition camera attached at the center of the headline of a trawl, during the brightest time of day in June 2010 off eastern Newfoundland. Behavioral responses were quantified and analyzed to evaluate predictions related to fish behavior, orientation, and capture. Individuals showed 3 different initial responses independent of fish size, gait, and fish density: they swam close to (75%), were herded away from (19%), or moved vertically away from (6%) the seabed. Individuals primarily swam in the direction of initial orientation. No fish were oriented against the trawling direction. Fish in the center of the trawl mouth tended to swim along the bottom in the trawling direction. Only individuals that were stimulated to leave the bottom were caught. Individuals in peripheral locations within the trawl mouth more often swam inward and upward. Fish that swam inward were twice as likely to be caught. Fish size, gait, and fish density did not influence the probability of capture. A trawl that stimulates yellowtail flounder to orient inward and leave the bottom would increase the efficiency of a trawl

Bruising patterns in commercially harvested yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea)

AbstractFillet discolouration, commonly known as bruising, is an unintended and undesirable consequence in many commercial fishing operations. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to objectively measure and characterize the size and location of discolouration patterns that are currently observed in the fillets of commercially harvested yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) on the east coast of Canada. To accomplish this, an image processing program was developed to analyse fillet discolouration patterns. Total discoloured area and percent fillet coverage were measured and compared to total bruise weight and percent bruise weight attained from manual assessment. Results revealed that bruising was evident in 86.5% of the fish sampled. Of all the parameters measured, fish weight was the only parameter correlated with bruise weight. Bruise area ranged from 0 to 124.5cm2, with a mean of 12.1cm2 (s.d.=21.4), and accounted for an average of 4.3% of fillet area. Bruises were not uniformly distributed on any of the fillet sides. Results revealed a strong tendency for bruising to occur at the anterior dorsal region of the fillet, commonly known as the “nape”. Functional explanations for this finding are provided, including recommendations for future research

A systematic review of psychosocial interventions for colorectal cancer patients

PURPOSE: A significant minority of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients experience clinically meaningful distress that may warrant intervention. The goal of this systematic review was to assess the impact of psychosocial interventions on quality-of-life and psychosocial outcomes for CRC patients. METHODS: A systematic search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES was undertaken to obtain relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published through October 2016. RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs of psychosocial interventions for CRC patients were identified. Only three of these RCTs showed significant intervention effects on multiple mental health outcomes. These interventions included written and verbal emotional expression, progressive muscle relaxation training, and a self-efficacy enhancing intervention. Eight of the 14 trials, testing a range of psychoeducational and supportive care interventions, produced little to no effects on study outcomes. An evaluation of RCT quality highlighted the need for greater rigor in study methods and reporting. CONCLUSION: A limited evidence base supports the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for CRC patients. Large-scale trials are needed before drawing definitive conclusions regarding intervention impact

Effect of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on snow crab catch rates in the Barents Sea pot fishery

Snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) has become an important species for the Norwegian seafood industry since its first commercial harvest in 2012. However, periodically catch rates can be low, causing a financial strain on the fishery. Thus, improving the catch rate of existing pot designs has the potential to significantly improve the profitability of fishing enterprises. In this study, we investigated whether the addition of low-powered purple and white light-emitting diode (LED) fishing lights inside the pots could improve catch rates of snow crab in the Barents Sea. Results showed that pots with purple lights harvested a 12.8% higher catch per unit effort (CPUE; number of crab per pot) of legal-sized crab, which was significantly more than the control pots (p = 0.035); pots with white lights did not catch significantly more crab (p > 0.05). Pots equipped with only light (no bait) caught very few crabs and were not considered a viable alternative. Although purple LEDs increased snow crab capture, the economic benefits of using underwater lights in pots remains unclear given the high capital investment required.publishedVersio

Increased catches of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) with luminescent-netting pots at long soak times

Luminescent netting increases the catch rate of snow crabs (Chionoecetes opilio) over short soak times (1 d), however the commercial fishery often requires longer soak periods, up to1 week. Building on previous research, this study investigated the catch efficiency and size selectivity of pots with luminescent netting over long soak times (144–336 h) in the inshore snow crab fishery of Newfoundland, Canada. A total allowable catch and individual quota allocation management system for snow crab is regulated in Canada and using luminescent netting to increase catch rates would reduce the carbon footprint of the fishery by reducing days fished. Our results showed that luminescent pots had a 21.6 % and 18.3 % higher catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE; number of crabs per pot) of legal-sized crab and sub-legal sized crab, respectively, than control pots; with no difference for soft-shelled crab. Additionally, no significant differences were shown for size selectivity over the range of carapace widths observed between luminescent and control pots. Little other bycatch (female snow crab and unwanted species) were caught in either pot treatments. This study shows that luminescent netting increases the efficiency of the snow crab fishery, which provides economic and environmental benefits.publishedVersio

Mental Health Outcomes during Colorectal Cancer Survivorship: A Review of the Literature

Objective This article reviews literature on adults’ mental health outcomes during acute and long-term colorectal cancer (CRC) survivorship. Methods We identified articles that included at least one measure of psychological symptoms or mental quality of life or well-being through a search of databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES). Articles were published between January 2004 and April 2015. Results A significant proportion of CRC survivors experience clinically meaningful levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms or reduced mental well-being across the trajectory of the illness. Demographic, medical, and psychosocial predictors of mental health outcomes were identified. However, few studies were theory-driven, and gaps remain in our understanding of risk and protective factors with respect to mental health outcomes, especially during long-term CRC survivorship. Conclusions Theory-driven longitudinal research with larger samples is required to identify subgroups of CRC survivors with different trajectories of psychological adjustment. Such research would assess adjustment as a function of internal resources (e.g., personality, coping) and external resources (e.g., finances, social support) to inform future interventions for CRC survivors

Adaptabilidad de cultivares de betarraga (Beta vulgaris L.) a las condiciones de Panao, Huánuco.

In the current seed market, there are beet cultivars that need to be studied under different conditions for yield improvement, the objective being to evaluate the adaptability of beet cultivars.  It was carried out in the CC.PP. of Panao, where it recorded temperatures of 7 to 18 ºC, relative humidity of 95,0% and total precipitation of 1119,5 mm. Five cultivars were studied:  Early wonder (T1), Maravilla (T2), Camargo F1 (T3), Jolie F1 (T4) and Detroit 2 race Darko (T5) installing the crop under the design of Random Complete Blocks (DBCA). The variables consisted of the evaluation of vegetative phenology, the agronomic aspect and profitability. The results indicate that there were statistical differences of the cultivars in phenological and agronomic behavior, and gains were identified. It is concluded that the Jolie F1 cultivar demonstrated precocity, high yield and profitabilityEn el mercado actual de semillas existen cultivares de betarraga que son necesarias estudiarlas en diferentes condiciones para la mejora del rendimiento, por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la adaptabilidad de cultivares de betarraga. El ensayo se llevó a cabo en el CC.PP. de Panao, en el cual se presentaron temperaturas de 7 a 18 ºC, humedad relativa de 95,0 % y precipitación total de 1119,5 mm entre noviembre del 2020 a marzo del 2021. En el ensayo se estudiaron cinco cultivares de betarraga: Early wonder (T1), Maravilla (T2), Camargo F1 (T3), Jolie F1 (T4) y Detroit 2 race Darko (T5) instalándose el cultivo bajo el diseño de Bloques Completos al Azar (DBCA), de aquellas plantas de betarraga, se determinó la fenología vegetativa, el aspecto agronómico y la rentabilidad. Los resultados de las evaluaciones indican que los cultivares tuvieron efecto en el comportamiento fenológico, agronómico y en la rentabilidad, por lo que se concluye que el cultivar Jolie F1 demostró precocidad, alto rendimiento y rentable

Application of Luminescent Netting in Traps to Improve the Catchability of the Snow Crab Chionoecetes opilio

In this study, we investigated luminescent netting as a means to improve the catch rates of snow crabs Chionoecetes opilio. A laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the intensity and duration of luminescence using time‐lapse photography. We exposed experimental traps to five different treatments of UV light to excite the luminescent fibers in the netting. Our results showed that luminescent netting can be effectively activated to emit light, and that the resulting intensity and duration of luminescence emitted over time depends on the initial duration of UV exposure and the source of light. A fishing experiment was subsequently conducted in eastern Canada to compare the catch rate of traditional and luminescent traps, and to determine how soak time affected catch rate. Results indicate that the effect of luminescent traps on the CPUE (measured as number of crab per trap) depended on the soak time. The CPUE was significantly higher (a 55% increase) in luminescent traps that underwent relatively short soak times (~1 d), but when soak times were longer (~8 d), the CPUE was not significantly different.publishedVersio

Alternative bait trials in the Barents Sea snow crab fishery

Commercial harvesting of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in the Barents Sea started in 2012 by Norwegian fishing vessels. This new fishery has significant bait requirements, representing an emerging conservation challenge. In this study, we evaluate the performance of five alternative (natural) baits manufactured from the waste stream of existing and sustainably managed harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) capture. Five different types of new bait were evaluated, including seal fat (SF), seal fat with skin (SFS), seal meat with bone (SMB), whale fat with skin (WFS), and whale meat with fat (WMF). A comparative fishing experiment was conducted onboard a commercial snow crab fishing vessel in the Barents Sea (May–June, 2016) to evaluate the performance of traditional bait (squid, Illexs spp.) and alternative baits at catching snow crabs. Performance of the different baits were compared on the basis of the number of commercial crab caught per trap haul catch per unit effort (CPUE) and carapace width (CW). Our results showed that SF and SFS performed equally well to traditional bait, with no statistical difference in CPUE (p-value = 0.325 and 0.069, respectively). All of the other experimental baits significantly decreased CPUE, when compared to squid. No significant effect of bait treatment on CW was detected and the cumulative distribution of CW was the same between control traps and each of the bait treatments. Overall the results indicated that SF and SFS represent a viable alternative to replace traditional bait, addressing a key conservation challenge in this bait intensive snow crab fishery