Traditional small waterbodies as key landscape elements for farmland bird conservation in Mediterranean semiarid agroecosystems

© 2022. Elsevier Ltd. This document is made available under the CC-BY 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by /4.0/ This document is the accepted version of a published work that appeared in final form in Global Ecology and Conservatio

Small ponds support high terrestrial bird species richness in a Mediterranean semiarid region

©2021. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ This document is the Accepted version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Hydrobiologia. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-021-04552-7Ponds are among the world’s most endan gered freshwater ecosystems. A comprehensive knowledge of pond biodiversity is urgently required to inform effective pond management and conserva tion actions. Most studies about pond biodiversity focus on aquatic taxa, while the terrestrial biodiver sity, especially of birds, has been little studied. Moreover, the few studies existing on pond biodiver sity do not account for different detection rates of species, thus yielding biased results. Here, we apply a hierarchical Bayesian modelling technique to data obtained from visual censuses to estimate bird species richness associated with small ponds in a semiarid region, considering the imperfect detection of species. The model incorporates specific responses to site characteristics (pond typology), landscape (environ mental heterogeneity) and at regional scale (mean annual precipitation). The studied ponds were used by two thirds of the terrestrial breeding bird community of the study region. Our modelling approach increased by an average of 7.5 species the observed site-specific richness. Drinking troughs supported a greater rich ness than other pond types. Environmental hetero geneity was positively related with species richness, whereas no clear relation was observed between richness and precipitation. In addition to ecosystem services provided by ponds to human welfare, our results suggest these small isolated habitats may act as key landscape elements for terrestrial birds in semiarid regions

Hamiltonian Noether theorem for gauge systems and two time physics

The Noether theorem for Hamiltonian constrained systems is revisited. In particular, our review presents a novel method to show that the gauge transformations are generated by the conserved quantities associated with the first class constraints. We apply our results to the relativistic point particle, to the Friedberg et al. model and, with special emphasis, to two time physics.Comment: 20 pages, Latex, references added, the "massless" sense of (87) is clarifie

¿Se asocia el consumo de refrescos azucarados con la composición corporal? Estudio transversal en adolescentes españoles

Objectives: Published data about the association between the consumption of sweetened soft-drinks (SSD) and obesity in childhood are controversial and still inconsistent. In addition, data are lacking in the Spanish population. The purpose of this study was therefore, to explore the cross-sectional association between body composition- related parameters and SSD consumption in Spanish adolescents. Subjects and methods: A representative sample of 1,523 adolescents (768 boys and 755 girls), with complete dietary data as well as anthropometric measurements, were included in this study. Weight, height, waist circumferences, and 6 skinfolds were measured, and BMI and percentage body fat were calculated. From a 24h dietary recall the subjects were grouped in 3 groups according to their SSD consumption: 1) Non-consumers (0 g of SSD consumption); 2) Moderate consumption (< 336 g/day of SSD, equivalent to the average SSD portion size); and 3) High consumption (> 336 g/day of SSD). Results: 67% males and 75% females did not consume any SSD the day before the dietary recall interview. Males consumed more SSD than females. Regarding the association between SSD consumption and measures of obesity, no difference was observed between the three groups of SSD consumption in any of the anthropometric measurement, BMI or body fat. Conclusion: As no association was present between SSD consumption and obesity in our cross-sectional study we suggest that dietary patterns and habits as well as lifestyle factors such as physical activity should be present when examining cross-sectional or longitudinal relationships with obesity. Multidisciplinary intervention studies are crucial when trying to develop solutions against the increasing obesity epidemic.Objetivos: Los datos publicados sobre la asociación entre el consumo de refrescos azucarados (SSD) y la obesidad en la infancia son controvertidos y todavía inconsistentes. Además, estos datos son muy escasos en la población española. Por ello, el propósito de este estudio ha sido estudiar la asociación entre los parámetros relacionados con la composición corporal y el consumo de SSD en adolescentes españoles. Sujetos y métodos: Se ha realizado el estudio en una muestra de 1.523 adolescentes (768 chicos y 755 chicas) que tenían cumplimentados los datos dietéticos y los parámetros antropométricos (peso, altura, circunferencias de cintura, y 6 pliegues). Se calculó el IMC y el porcentaje de grasa corporal. La dieta ha sido calculada a partir de un recordatorio de 24h. Los sujetos fueron divididos en grupos dependiendo de la cantidad de SSD que consumían: 1) No consumidores (0 g de consumo SSD); 2) Consumo moderado (< 336 g/día de SSD, equivalente a una bebida al día de SSD); y 3) Consumo alto (> 336 g/día de SSD). Resultados: El 67% de los varones y el 75% de las mujeres indican no consumir este tipo de bebidas el día anterior a la encuesta. Los varones en general consumieron más SSD que las mujeres. En cuanto a la asociación entre consumo SSD y medidas antropométricas y de composición corporal, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los tres grupos de estudio en los parámetros antropométricos, IMC o grasa corporal. Conclusión: Dado que no se ha encontrado en este estudio ninguna asociación entre el consumo de SSD y la obesidad, sugerimos que los patrones y hábitos dietarios así como los factores del estilo de vida, y la actividad física, deberían tenerse en cuenta al examinar las relaciones transversales o longitudinales con la obesidad, y que los estudios de intervención multidisciplinar son cruciales cuando se trata de desarrollar soluciones contra el incremento de una epidemia como la obesidad.The AVENA study was supported by Spanish Ministry of Health (00/0015) and by grants from the Spanish Higher Sports Council (05/UPB32/01, 09/UPB31/03 and 13/UPB20/04), the Spanish Ministry of Education (AP2003-2128 and AP2004-2745), Coca-Cola, Panrico SA, Madaus SA and Procter & Gamble SA

Circular economy applied to plastic waste: redesign of a low-cost extruder

There is a clear need to comply with the regulations and directives that are gradually being modified for everyone’s benefitl, in order to increase the life cycle of materials in general, and polymeric materials, in particular. The transformation of plastic materials is a technological field characterized by great dynamism and unbridled growth in recent decades, not only in terms of raw materials, but also in the equipment used, which is becoming increasingly efficient and sophisticated. In this line, the project MAlaga REaction Against Plastic (MAREA Plastic) arises with the aim of creating an environment and a social offer that helps educate citizens and raise awareness about recycling, based on the circular economy, that is, treating waste as a new raw material. Among others, the MAREA project proposes manufacturing objects and parts through plastic injection moulding and obtaining recycled filament for 3D printing, while offering the university community and, society in general, the opportunity to experience first-hand the process of converting plastic waste into new objects, providing a broad benefit from the action of recycling. More specifically, the work presented here proposes the redesign of an extruder by reusing parts and components already discarded, extending its useful life, reducing costs and offering many people the possibility to manufacture a solution themselves by applying the basic principles of circular economy

A multi-taxa assessment of aquatic non-indigenous species introduced into Iberian freshwater and transitional waters

leading to multi-faceted ecological, economic and health impacts worldwide. The Iberian Peninsula comprises an exceptionally biodiverse Mediterranean region with a high number of threatened and endemic aquatic species, most of them strongly impacted by biological invasions. Following a structured approach that combines a systematic review of available information and expert opinion, we provide a comprehensive and updated multi-taxa inventory of aquatic NIS (fungi, macroalgae, vascular plants, invertebrates and vertebrates) in Iberian inland waters. Moreover, we assess overall patterns in the establishment status, introduction pathways, native range and temporal introduction trends of listed NIS. In addition, we discuss the legal coverage provided by both national (Spanish and Portuguese) and European NIS regulations. We inventoried 326 aquatic NIS in Iberian inland waters, including 215 established, 96 with uncertain establishment status and 15 cryptogenic taxa. Invertebrates (54.6%) and vertebrates (24.5%) were the groups with the highest number of NIS, with Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Chordata being the most represented phyla. Recorded NIS originated from diverse geographic regions, with North and South America being the most frequent. Vertebrates and vascular plants were mostly introduced through intentional pathways (i.e. release and escape), whereas invertebrates and macroalgae arrived mostly through unintentional ways (i.e. contaminant or stowaway). Most of the recorded NIS were introduced in Iberian inland waters over the second half of the 20th century, with a high number of NIS introductions being reported in the 2000s. While only 8% of the recorded NIS appear in the European Union list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern, around 25% are listed in the Spanish and Portuguese NIS regulations. This study provides the most updated checklist of Iberian aquatic NIS, meeting the requirements set by the EU regulation and providing a baseline for the evaluation of its application. We point out the need for coordinated transnational strategies to properly tackle aquatic invasions across borders of the EU members.LIFE INVASAQUA (Especies exóticas invasoras acuáticas de sistemas de agua dulce y estuarios: sensibilización y prevención en la Península Ibérica) de la UE - LIFE17 GIE/ES/00051

Fragility Curves for Thin-Walled Cold-Formed Steel Wall Frames Affected by Ground Settlements Due to Land Subsidence

Land subsidence phenomenon due to ground water withdrawal is a current problem in many places around the world, particularly in the shallows of Mexico. This causes ground differential settlements that affect structures, mainly dwellings and buildings based on reinforced concrete and masonry. Eventually, these structural materials do not exhibit an adequate performance beyond a certain level of angular distortion. This work presents the results about a study regarding the performance of thin-walled cold-formed steel wall frames with different sheathing systems affected by angular distortions simulating ground differential settlements due to land subsidence. The wall frames are composed by vertical (studs) and horizontal elements (tracks), with different sheathing systems: polystyrene, OSB, gypsum and calcium silicate. By means of experimental testing of wall frames subjected to monotonic lateral loads, the rotational stiffness was obtained for the wall frames with polystyrene. Likewise the rotational stiffness of the other wall frame systems was calculated based on the data provided by other author’s publications. On the other hand, by means of numerical simulation, all the wall frame systems were modeled in structural analysis software, calibrating them based on the rotational stiffness. Also, the moment-rotation curves were calculated for the studs and tracks based on the direct strength method. A non-linear static pull down analysis was performed producing several degrees of angular distortion simulating ground settlements for all the wall frames sheathing systems. With the data acquired fragility curves were calculated according three levels of damage for the wall frames with different sheathing system

Predicting Acorn-Grass Weight Gain Index using non-destructive Near Infrared Spectroscopy in order to classify Iberian pig carcasses according to feeding regime

The classification of Iberian pig carcasses into different commercial categories according to feeding regime was evaluated by means of a non-destructive analysis of the subcutaneous adipose tissue using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). A quantitative approach was used to predict the Acorn-Grass Weight Gain Index (AGWGI), and a set of criteria was established for commercial classification purposes. A total of 719 animals belonging to various batches, reflecting a wide range of feeding regimes, production systems and years, were analyzed with a view to developing and evaluating quantitative NIRS models. Results for the external validation of these models indicate that NIRS made clear differentiation of batches as a function of three feeding regimes possible with high accuracy (<i>Acorn, Recebo</i> and <i>Feed</i>), on the basis of the mean representative spectra of each batch. Moreover, individual analysis of the animals showed a broad consensus between field inspection information and the classification based on the AGWGI NIRS prediction, especially for extreme categories (<i>Acorn</i> and <i>Feed</i>).<br><br>La clasificación en distintas categorías comerciales según régimen alimenticio de canales de cerdo Ibérico fue evaluada mediante el análisis no destructivo de muestras de tejido adiposo subcutáneo por Espectroscopía del Infrarrojo Cercano (NIRS). Partiendo de una aproximación cuantitativa para predecir el Índice de Reposición en Montanera (IRM) se establecieron una serie de criterios para proceder a su clasificación comercial. Se analizaron un total de 719 animales pertenecientes a diversas partidas, que recogen una amplia variabilidad de muestras de distintos regímenes alimenticios, campañas y sistemas productivos, para el desarrollo y evaluación de los modelos NIRS cuantitativos. Los resultados de validación externa de los modelos indicaron que es posible discriminar con una gran exactitud entre partidas de distintos categorías (<i>Bellota, Recebo</i> y <i>Cebo</i>), en base al espectro medio representativo de cada partida. Además, el análisis individualizado de los animales mostró un amplio consenso entre la información recibida de campo y la clasificación en base a la predicción del parámetro IRM por NIRS, sobre todo para categorías con características extremas (<i>Bellota</i> y <i>Cebo</i>)

Mediterranean springs: keystone ecosystems and biodiversity refugia threatened by global change

Mediterranean spring ecosystems are unique habitats at the interface between surface water and groundwater. These ecosystems support a remarkable array of biodiversity and provide important ecological functions and ecosystem services. Spring ecosystems are influenced by abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors such as the lithology of their draining aquifers, their climate, and the land use of their recharge area, all of which affect the water chemistry of the aquifer and the spring discharges. One of the most relevant characteristics of spring ecosystems is the temporal stability of environmental conditions, including physicochemical features of the spring water, across seasons and years. This stability allows a wide range of species to benefit from these ecosystems (particularly during dry periods), fostering an unusually high number of endemic species. However, global change poses important threats to these freshwater ecosystems. Changes in temperature, evapotranspiration, and precipitation patterns can alter the water balance and chemistry of spring water. Eutrophication due to agricultural practices and emergent pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides, is also a growing concern for the preservation of spring biodiversity. Here, we provide a synthesis of the main characteristics and functioning of Mediterranean spring ecosystems. We then describe their ecological value and biodiversity patterns and highlight the main risks these ecosystems face. Moreover, we identify existing knowledge gaps to guide future research in order to fully uncover the hidden biodiversity within these habitats and understand the main drivers that govern them. Finally, we provide a brief summary of recommended actions that should be taken to effectively manage and preserve Mediterranean spring ecosystems for future generations. Even though studies on Mediterranean spring ecosystems are still scarce, our review shows there are sufficient data to conclude that their future viability as functional ecosystems is under severe threat

Physiological effects of toxic elements on a wild nightjar species

Nightjars are considered human-tolerant species due to the population densities reached in strongly managed landscapes. However, no studies have been done evaluating metal-related effects on physiology, condition or fitness in any nightjar species. The main aim of this study was to evaluate how metal exposure affects physiology and condition in red-necked nightjar (Caprimulgus ruficollis) populations inhabiting three different environments in southeastern Spain: agricultural-urban area (n = 15 individuals), mining area (n = 17) and control area (n = 16).Increased plasma mineral levels (magnesium and calcium) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were observed in breeding females, and ALP was significantly higher in young birds due to bone growth and development. In the mining-impacted environment, nightjars showed decreased retinol (17.3 and 23.6 mu M in the mining area and control area), uric acid (28.8 and 48.6 mg/dl in the mining area and control area) and albumin (16.2 and 19.6 g/l in the mining area and control area), probably impaired by a combination of toxic metal exposure and low prey quantity/quality in that area. Moreover, they showed increased plasma tocopherol levels (53.4 and 38.6 μM in the mining area and control area) which may be a response to cope with metal-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Blood concentrations of toxic metals (As, Pb, Cd and Hg) were negatively associated with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, ALP, total proteins and body condition index. This could lead to metal-related disorders in mineral metabolism and ALP activity that may potentially increase the risk of skeletal pathologies and consequent risk of fractures in the long term, compromising the survival of individuals. Further studies need to be carried out to evaluate potential metal-related effects on the antioxidant status and bone mineralization of nightjars inhabiting mining environments.</p