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Schizoptera Fieber is a monophyletic and the largest genus of minute litter bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Dipsocoromorpha). Its current concept is supported by a recent molecular phylogeny and comprises nearly 90 described extant and two fossil species divided into four subgenera: Schizoptera (Cantharocoris), Schizoptera (Odontorhagus), Schizoptera (Schizoptera) and Schizoptera (Zygophleps). We here taxonomically revise the subgenus Schizoptera (Zygophleps), which so far contains Schizoptera unica McAtee & Malloch, 1925 from Guatemala and Schizoptera corallia Emsley, 1969 , Schizoptera simla Emsley, 1969 , and Schizoptera ultima Emsley, 1969 from Trinidad. The subgenus is diagnosed by the unique triangular shape of the posterior membranal cell. The following 36 species are here described: Schizoptera aculeata sp.n. , Schizoptera applanata sp.n. , Schizoptera bella sp.n. , Schizoptera biancae sp.n. , Schizoptera cassiae sp.n. , Schizoptera confusa sp.n. , Schizoptera costarriquenha sp.n. , Schizoptera cuspida sp.n. , Schizoptera ecuadoriana sp.n. , Schizoptera elegantissima sp.n. , Schizoptera emsleyi sp.n. , Schizoptera erosa sp.n. , Schizoptera erwini sp.n. , Schizoptera falcata sp.n. , Schizoptera familia sp.n. , Schizoptera furcata sp.n. , Schizoptera fuscodorsata sp.n. , Schizoptera hirsuta sp.n. , Schizoptera inaequalis sp.n. , Schizoptera inca sp.n. , Schizoptera kayi sp.n. , Schizoptera knyshovi sp.n. , Schizoptera magnifica sp.n. , Schizoptera mallochi sp.n. , Schizoptera mcateei sp.n. , Schizoptera orellanensis sp.n. , Schizoptera paraensis sp.n. , Schizoptera peruviana sp.n. , Schizoptera pichincha sp.n. , Schizoptera pinduca sp.n. , Schizoptera prima sp.n. , Schizoptera priva sp.n. , Schizoptera ramosa sp.n. , Schizoptera solitaria sp.n. , Schizoptera speira sp.n. , and Schizoptera stricta sp.n. The majority of species herein described were collected in Brazil, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, expanding the known distribution of the subgenus. We provide diagnoses, descriptions, photographs of habitus and subgenital plates, line drawings of diagnostic male genitalic features, and a distribution map. A key to species based on males is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large‐scale and long‐term changes in fish abundance and distribution in response to climate change have been simulated using both statistical and process‐based models. However, national and regional fisheries management requires also shorter term projections on smaller spatial scales, and these need to be validated against fisheries data. A 26‐year time series of fish surveys with high spatial resolution in the North‐East Atlantic provides a unique opportunity to assess the ability of models to correctly simulate the changes in fish distribution and abundance that occurred in response to climate variability and change. We use a dynamic bioclimate envelope model forced by physical–biogeochemical output from eight ocean models to simulate changes in fish abundance and distribution at scales down to a spatial resolution of 0.5°. When comparing with these simulations with annual fish survey data, we found the largest differences at the 0.5° scale. Differences between fishery model runs driven by different biogeochemical models decrease dramatically when results are aggregated to larger scales (e.g. the whole North Sea), to total catches rather than individual species or when the ensemble mean instead of individual simulations are used. Recent improvements in the fidelity of biogeochemical models translate into lower error rates in the fisheries simulations. However, predictions based on different biogeochemical models are often more similar to each other than they are to the survey data, except for some pelagic species. We conclude that model results can be used to guide fisheries management at larger spatial scales, but more caution is needed at smaller scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although nitrogen is the nutrient most required by maize, doses of N lower than those recommended are applied to maize grown in semiarid environments, which limits the achievement of profitable yields. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in soil fertility, nutritional status and dry matter production of maize plants fertilized with organic and mineral fertilizers in a semiarid region. A factorial experiment was carried out in Sobral, Ceará state, Brazil, in a randomized block design. The factors were two N sources (organic compost and urea), and four N rates: 27.5, 55, 110 and 165 kg ha−1, with three replications. We assessed variables associated with soil fertility, plant nutritional status, chlorophyll content, grain yield and total dry matter production. The highest rates of organic compost resulted in the highest levels of P (17.7 mg dm−3) and K (102.2 mg dm−3) in soil when compared to the control (7.7 and 69.0 mg dm−3, respectively). However, organic compost rates below 110 kg ha−1 of N-equivalent fertilizer were not enough to supply the plants' demand for P and K. Low N rates promoted a decrease in soil inorganic N in the second year of application. Applying urea to maize plants led to greater dry matter production than organic compost in the second consecutive crop season. The use of organic compost at rates lower than 110 kg ha−1 of N-equivalent fertilizer decreases soil fertility and has no impact on maize dry matter production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessments of the combined ecological impacts of ocean acidification and warming ( OAW) and their social and economic consequences can help develop adaptive and responsive management strategies in the most sensitive regions. Here, available observational and experimental data, theoretical, and modelling approaches are combined to project and quantify potential effects of OAW on the future fisheries catches and resulting revenues and employment in the UK under different CO2 emission scenarios. Across all scenarios, based on the limited available experimental results considered, the bivalve species investigated were more affected by OAW than the fish species considered, compared with ocean warming alone. Projected standing stock biomasses decrease between 10 and 60%. These impacts translate into an overall fish and shellfish catch decrease of between 10 and 30% by 2020 across all areas except for the Scotland >10 m fleet. This latter fleet shows average positive impacts until 2050, declining afterwards. The main driver of the projected decreases is temperature rise (0.5-3.3 °C), which exacerbate the impact of decreases in primary production (10-30%) in UK fishing waters. The inclusion of the effect of ocean acidification on the carbon uptake of primary producers had very little impact on the projections of potential fish and shellfish catches (<1%). The <10 m fleet is likely to be the most impacted by-catch decreases in the short term (2020-50), whereas the effects will be experienced more strongly by the >10 m fleet by the end of the century in all countries. Overall, losses in revenue are estimated to range between 1 and 21% in the short term (2020-50) with England and Scotland being the most negatively impacted in absolute terms, and Wales and North Ireland in relative terms. Losses in total employment (fisheries and associated industries) may reach approximately 3-20% during 2020-50 with the >10 m fleet and associated industries bearing the majority of the losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-automated classification of zooplankton allows increasing the number of processed samples cost-effectively, albeit with a relatively limited taxonomic accuracy, partly because cost-efficiency trade-off but also due to technological limitations that might be overcome in the future. The present study tests the suitability of using a cost-efficient semi-automated classification methodology as a tool to assess zooplankton indicators for the purpose of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, using samples collected in the Baltic Sea. In this brackish ecosystem the zooplankton individuals are small-bodied and therefore their identification with semi-automated classification is challenging. However, results show that semi-automated zooplankton classification provides a taxonomic classification level that is sufficient for a number of proposed indicators. This analysis also points out weakness of the methodology and proposes already proved solutions based on the latest development of these methodologies applied to zooplankton classification. As proved in the Baltic Sea, complementing manual zooplankton analyses with the semi-automated classification offers new advantages for marine environment assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fisheries sector is crucial to the Bangladeshi economy and wellbeing, accounting for 4.4% of national gross domestic product and 22.8% of agriculture sector production, and supplying ca. 60% of the national animal protein intake. Fish is vital to the 16 million Bangladeshis living near the coast, a number that has doubled since the 1980s. Here, we develop and apply tools to project the long-term productive capacity of Bangladesh marine fisheries under climate and fisheries management scenarios, based on downscaling a global climate model, using associated river flow and nutrient loading estimates, projecting high-resolution changes in physical and biochemical ocean properties, and eventually projecting fish production and catch potential under different fishing mortality targets. We place particular interest on Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha), which accounts for ca. 11% of total catches, and Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus), a low price fish that is the second highest catch in Bangladesh and is highly consumed by low-income communities. It is concluded that the impacts of climate change, under greenhouse emissions scenario A1B, are likely to reduce the potential fish production in the Bangladesh exclusive economic zone by ,10%. However, these impacts are larger for the two target species. Under sustainable management practices, we expect Hilsa shad catches to show a minor decline in potential catch by 2030 but a significant (25%) decline by 2060. However, if overexploitation is allowed, catches are projected to fall much further, by almost 95% by 2060, compared with the Business as Usual scenario for the start of the 21st century. For Bombay duck, potential catches by 2060 under sustainable scenarios will produce a decline of ,20% compared with current catches. The results demonstrate that management can mitigate or exacerbate the effects of climate change on ecosystem productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood type determination is an important clinical test that should be performed before any blood transfusion. However, in emergency situations, due to the patient’s condition, there may not be enough time to determine the patient’s blood type. In these cases, the $O$ negative blood type is administered, because it causes less incompatibility risk to the patient. This paper presents a low-cost and portable device for ABO, Rh phenotype, reverse, and Crossmatching human blood typing, based on a spectrophotometric approach of the agglutination detection, with a fast response time (results in <5 min). These features allow the device operation in mobile emergency units, outside conventional clinical laboratories, and close to the patient. It avoids the risk of incompatibility between the donor’s and receptor’s blood, improving the quality in healthcare services. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Climate change has already altered the distribution of marine fishes. Future predictions of fish distributions and catches based on bioclimate envelope models are available, but to date they have not considered interspecific interactions. We address this by combining the species-based Dynamic Bioclimate Envelope Model ( DBEM) with a size-based trophic model. The new approach provides spatially and temporally resolved predictions of changes in species' size, abundance and catch potential that account for the effects of ecological interactions. Predicted latitudinal shifts are, on average, reduced by 20% when species interactions are incorporated, compared to DBEM predictions, with pelagic species showing the greatest reductions. Goodness-of-fit of biomass data from fish stock assessments in the North Atlantic between 1991 and 2003 is improved slightly by including species interactions. The differences between predictions from the two models may be relatively modest because, at the North Atlantic basin scale, (i) predators and competitors may respond to climate change together; (ii) existing parameterization of the DBEM might implicitly incorporate trophic interactions; and/or (iii) trophic interactions might not be the main driver of responses to climate. Future analyses using ecologically explicit models and data will improve understanding of the effects of inter-specific interactions on responses to climate change, and better inform managers about plausible ecological and fishery consequences of a changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A multi-species approach to fisheries management requires taking into account the interactions between species in order to improve recruitment forecasting of the fish species. Recent advances in Bayesian networks direct the learning of models with several interrelated variables to be forecasted simultaneously. These models are known as multi-dimensional Bayesian network classifiers (MDBNs). Pre-processing steps are critical for the posterior learning of the model in these kinds of domains. Therefore, in the present study, a set of ‘state-of-the-art’ uni-dimensional pre-processing methods, within the categories of missing data imputation, feature discretization and feature subset selection, are adapted to be used with MDBNs. A framework that includes the proposed multi-dimensional supervised pre-processing methods, coupled with a MDBN classifier, is tested with synthetic datasets and the real domain of fish recruitment forecasting. The correctly forecasting of three fish species (anchovy, sardine and hake) simultaneously is doubled (from 17.3% to 29.5%) using the multi-dimensional approach in comparison to mono-species models. The probability assessments also show high improvement reducing the average error (estimated by means of Brier score) from 0.35 to 0.27. Finally, these differences are superior to the forecasting of species by pairs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes the development of the EU Water Framework Directive central water quality elements from 1970 to 2010 in the Gulf of Finland, a eutrophied sub-basin of the Baltic Sea. The likelihood of accomplishing the management objectives simultaneously is assessed using Bayesian networks. The objectives of good ecological status in winter-time total nitrogen and phosphorus, summer-time chlorophyll-α and summer-time Secchi depth have not been met yet. In addition, the results indicate that it is unlikely for them to be achieved in the near future, despite the decreasing trend in nutrient concentrations over the past few years. It was demonstrated that neither phosphorus nor nitrogen alone controls summertime plankton growth. Reaching good ecological status in nutrients does not necessarily lead to good ecological status of chlorophyll-α, even though a dependency between the parameters does exist. In addition, secchi-depth status is strongly related to chlorophyll-a status in three of the four study-areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andonegi, E., Fernandes, J. A., Quincoces, I., Irigoien, X., Uriarte, A., Pérez, A., Howell, D., and Stefánsson, G. 2011. The potential use of a Gadget model to predict stock responses to climate change in combination with Bayesian networks: the case of Bay of Biscay anchovy. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1257–1269.The European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) is a short-lived pelagic species distributed in Atlantic European waters, with the Bay of Biscay being one of the main centres of abundance. Because it is a short-lived species, the state of the stock is determined largely by incoming recruitment. Recruitment is highly variable and depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the spawning stock and environmental conditions in the area. The use of a coupled model that could serve to predict the evolution of the anchovy stock in the short, medium, and long term under several fishing-pressure scenarios and given climate scenarios is demonstrated. This coupled model consists of a Gadget (Globally Applicable Disaggregated General Ecosystem Toolbox) model that was used to analyse the status of the Bay of Biscay anchovy population and to simulate future scenarios based on the estimated recruitment levels, combined with a probabilistic Bayesian network model for recruitment estimation based on machine-learning methods and using climatic indices as potential forecasting factors. The results indicate that certain combinations of medium to high fishing pressure and adverse environmental conditions could force the stock outside its biological reference boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Improving our ability to predict recruitment is a key element in fisheries management. However, the interactions between population dynamics and different environmental factors are complex and often non-linear, making it difficult to produce robust predictions. ‘Machine-learning’ techniques (in particular, supervised classification methods) have been proposed as useful tools, to overcome such difficulties. In this study, a methodology is proposed to build a robust classifier for fish recruitment prediction with sparse and noisy data. The methodology consists of 4 steps: (1) a semi-automated recruitment discretization method; (2) supervised discretization of predictors; (3) multivariate and non-redundant predictors selection; (4) learning a probabilistic classifier. In terms of fisheries management, the classifier estimated performance has important consequences and, to be useful, the manager needs to know the risk that is being taken when using this number. Probabilistic classifiers such as ‘naive Bayes’, have the advantage that, in addition to the predictions, estimate also the probability of each possible outcome. Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and hake (Merluccius merluccius) recruitments are used as application examples. ‘Two-intervals’ recruitment discretization accomplishes 70% accuracies and Brier scores of around 0.10, for both anchovy and hake recruitment. In comparison, ‘three-intervals’ recruitment discretization accomplishes 50% accuracies; and Brier scores of around 0.25 for anchovy and 0.30 for hake recruitment. These statistics are the result of validating not only the classifier, but also the previous steps, as a whole methodology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a comprehensive description of the mobile broadband communications research and development (R&D) efforts carried out under the European R&D programs. Features and technology characteristics of the SAMBA project Trial Platform; How MBS integrates with third-generation systems; Problems faced by system engineers when designing a mobile broadband system.

Analyzes the impact of using a novel and inexpensive antenna configuration for indoor millimeter-wave applications. Evaluation of a lens configuration that produces a circularly symmetric cell with uniform spatial power distribution, sharp boundaries, and scalable cell radius; Design of a hemispherical coverage lens antenna; Channel time dispersion.

Investigates metal levels in soils and cattail plants in a pyrites mine area at Portugal. Metals found in the area's soils; Environmental problems associated with metal mines; Impact of the metals on cattail plants.

Four squaraine dyes derived from 2,3,3‐trimethylindolenine and 1,1,2‐trimethyl‐1H‐benzo[e]indole with different combinations of barbituric groups attach to the central ring, having ester groups and alkyl chains in the nitrogen atoms of heterocyclic rings were synthesized. These dyes were fully characterized, and their photophysical behavior was studied in ethanol and phosphate‐buffered solution. Absorption and emission bands between 631 and 712 nm were detected, with the formation of aggregates in aqueous media, which is typical of this class of dyes. Tests carried out with 1,3‐diphenylisobenzofuran allowed us to verify the ability of the dyes to produce singlet oxygen. The interaction of synthesized dyes with human serum albumin (HSA) was also evaluated, being demonstrated a linear correlation between fluorescence intensity and protein concentration. The antifungal potential of the dyes against the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay. In order to test the photosensitizing capacity of the synthesized dyes, tests were carried out in the dark and with irradiation, using a custom‐built light‐emitting diode that emits close to the absorption wavelength of the studied dyes. The results showed that the interaction of dyes with HSA and the antifungal activity depends on the different structural modifications of the dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the publication of several national/international guidelines, the optimal management of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (AsxCS) remains controversial. This article compares 3 recently released guidelines (the 2020 German–Austrian, the 2021 European Stroke Organization [ESO], and the 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery [SVS] guidelines) vs the 2017 European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) guidelines regarding the optimal management of AsxCS patients. The 2017 ESVS guidelines defined specific imaging/clinical parameters that may identify patient subgroups at high future stroke risk and recommended that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) should or carotid artery stenting (CAS) may be considered for these individuals. The 2020 German–Austrian guidelines provided similar recommendations with the 2017 ESVS Guidelines. The 2021 ESO Guidelines also recommended CEA for AsxCS patients at high risk for stroke on best medical treatment (BMT), but recommended against routine use of CAS in these patients. Finally, the SVS guidelines provided a strong recommendation for CEA+BMT vs BMT alone for low-surgical risk patients with >70% AsxCS. Thus, the ESVS, German–Austrian, and ESO guidelines concurred that all AsxCS patients should receive risk factor modification and BMT, but CEA should or CAS may also be considered for certain AsxCS patient subgroups at high risk for future ipsilateral ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is accepted that world’s fisheries are not generally exploited at their biological or their economic optimum. Most fisheries assessments focus on the biological capacity of fish stocks to respond to harvesting and few have attempted to estimate the economic efficiency at which ecosystems are exploited. The latter is important as fisheries contribute considerably to the economic development of many coastal communities. Here we estimate the overall potential economic rent for the fishing industry in the North Atlantic to be B€ 12.85, compared to current estimated profits of B€ 0.63. The difference between the potential and the net profits obtained from North Atlantic fisheries is therefore B€ 12.22. In order to increase the profits of North Atlantic fisheries to a maximum, total fish biomass would have to be rebuilt to 108 Mt (2.4 times more than present) by reducing current total fishing effort by 53%. Stochastic simulations were undertaken to estimate the uncertainty associated with the aggregate bioeconomic model that we use and we estimate the economic loss NA fisheries in a range of 2.5 and 32 billion of euro. We provide economic justification for maintaining or restoring fish stocks to above their MSY biomass levels. Our conclusions are consistent with similar global scale studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) were prepared by stirring and heating and used in the sample preparation step. HDES were used for Cadmium extraction from sewage sludge samples. The determination of cadmium in the samples was made by ICP-MS. Greenness evaluation of eutectic solvent preparation methods. Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) are a subclass of DES, formed by hydrogen bond donor and acceptor species, which have low solubility in hydrophilic systems as their main characteristic. In this work, two different mixtures based on DL-menthol (HDES 1: DL-menthol and acetic acid, 1:1 M ratio; HDES 2: DL-menthol, acetic acid, and pyruvic acid, 1:1:1 M ratio) were prepared and their physicochemical properties (density and viscosity) were determined. The materials were characterized using FTIR, TG, DSC, and cadmium determination was made by ICP-MS using the KED mode. The greenness of the methods for preparing the mixtures was assessed using the analytical Eco-Scale metric, with high scores obtained for both procedures. The parameters sample mass, HDES volume, and ultrasonication time were optimized using a 33 Box-Behnken experimental design and the solvents were tested in the extraction of cadmium from a sewage sludge certified reference material, obtaining recoveries of 101 and 104 % using HDES 1 and HDES 2, respectively. The LOD and LOQ values were 0.271 and 0.905 µg L−1 (HDES 1), and 0.280 and 0.933 µg L−1 (HDES 2), respectively. The two mixtures provided similar results when applied in the extraction of cadmium from three different sewage samples. For sewage sludge A, the cadmium values obtained were 2.073 ± 0.10 µg g−1 (HDES 1) and 2.103 ± 0.11 µg g−1 (HDES 2). For sewage sludge B, the cadmium values were 2.707 ± 0.20 µg g−1 (HDES 1) and 2.067 ± 0.23 µg g−1 (HDES 2). For a poultry sewage sludge sample, the cadmium values were 6.023 ± 0.84 µg g−1 (HDES 1) and 5.319 ± 0.14 µg g−1 (HDES 2). The sample extraction process was evaluated using AGREE software, obtaining a score of 0.7 (out of a possible maximum score of 1.0). Use of the prepared solvents and extraction using an ultrasound-assisted method proved to be a good and sustainable strategy for the extraction of Cd from sewage sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine spatial planning that addresses ocean climate‐driven change ('climate‐smart MSP') is a global aspiration to support economic growth, food security and ecosystem sustainability. Ocean climate change ('CC') modelling may become a key decision‐support tool for MSP, but traditional modelling analysis and communication challenges prevent their broad uptake. We employed MSP‐specific ocean climate modelling analyses to inform a real‐life MSP process; addressing how nature conservation and fisheries could be adapted to CC. We found that the currently planned distribution of these activities may become unsustainable during the policy's implementation due to CC, leading to a shortfall in its sustainability and blue growth targets. Significant, climate‐driven ecosystem‐level shifts in ocean components underpinning designated sites and fishing activity were estimated, reflecting different magnitudes of shifts in benthic versus pelagic, and inshore versus offshore habitats. Supporting adaptation, we then identified: CC refugia (areas where the ecosystem remains within the boundaries of its present state); CC hotspots (where climate drives the ecosystem towards a new state, inconsistent with each sectors' present use distribution); and for the first time, identified bright spots (areas where oceanographic processes drive range expansion opportunities that may support sustainable growth in the medium term). We thus create the means to: identify where sector‐relevant ecosystem change is attributable to CC; incorporate resilient delivery of conservation and sustainable ecosystem management aims into MSP; and to harness opportunities for blue growth where they exist. Capturing CC bright spots alongside refugia within protected areas may present important opportunities to meet sustainability targets while helping support the fishing sector in a changing climate. By capitalizing on the natural distribution of climate resilience within ocean ecosystems, such climate‐adaptive spatial management strategies could be seen as nature‐based solutions to limit the impact of CC on ocean ecosystems and dependent blue economy sectors, paving the way for climate‐smart MSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change is affecting the distribution of marine species and is thought to represent a threat to biodiversity. Previous studies project expansion of species range for some species and local extinction elsewhere under climate change. Such range shifts raise concern for species whose long-term persistence is already threatened by other human disturbances such as fishing. However, few studies have attempted to assess the effects of future climate change on threatened vertebrate marine species using a multi-model approach. There has also been a recent surge of interest in climate change impacts on protected areas. This study applies three species distribution models and two sets of climate model projections to explore the potential impacts of climate change on marine species by 2050. A set of species in the North Sea, including seven threatened and ten major commercial species were used as a case study. Changes in habitat suitability in selected candidate protected areas around the UK under future climatic scenarios were assessed for these species. Moreover, change in the degree of overlap between commercial and threatened species ranges was calculated as a proxy of the potential threat posed by overfishing through bycatch. The ensemble projections suggest northward shifts in species at an average rate of 27 km per decade, resulting in small average changes in range overlap between threatened and commercially exploited species. Furthermore, the adverse consequences of climate change on the habitat suitability of protected areas were projected to be small. Although the models show large variation in the predicted consequences of climate change, the multi-model approach helps identify the potential risk of increased exposure to human stressors of critically endangered species such as common skate (Dipturus batis) and angelshark (Squatina squatina). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analysed the factors explaining the distribution and betadiversity of mesozooplankton species in shelf and coastal areas in the Bay of Biscay. Nonparametric multiplicative regression models showed that for 35% of the 26 species analysed, the geographical position was the main factor explaining distribution. The variation partitioning results of the betadiversity analysis indicate that niche adaptation (12–25%) and dispersal limitation (14–15%) influence the distribution of mesozooplankton species equally. Therefore, most of the variance (57–66%) remains unexplained suggesting there are other explaining factors not controlled or that a part of the variability is purely stochastic. A log-normal distribution fitted the species rank-abundance better than Hubbell's neutral model, which also indicates that the mesozooplankton distribution is not the result of pure neutral communities colonizing randomly from a large species pool. Overall, the combination of results suggests that mesozooplankton species have distribution centres that are often associated with geographical features, and from which they disperse randomly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Leishmania tropica is one of the causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid mediator in diverse biological and pathophysiological processes. Here we show that PAF promoted a three-fold increase on ecto-protein kinase and a three-fold increase on the secreted kinase activity of L. tropica live promastigotes. When casein was added to the reaction medium, along with PAF, there was a four-fold increase on the ecto-kinase activity. When live L. tropica promastigotes were pre-incubated for 30min in the presence of PAF-plus casein, a six-fold increase on the secreted kinase activity was observed. Also, a protein released from L. tropica promastigotes reacted with polyclonal antibodies for the mammalian CK2 α catalytic subunit. Furthermore, in vitro mouse macrophage infection by L. tropica was doubled when promastigotes were pre-treated for 2h with PAF. Similar results were obtained when the interaction was performed in the presence of purified CK2 or casein. TBB and DRB, CK2 inhibitors, reversed PAF enhancement of macrophage infection by L. tropica. WEB 2086, a competitive PAF antagonist, reversed all PAF effects here described. This study shows for the first time that PAF promotes the activation of two isoforms of CK2, secreted and membrane-bound, correlating these activities to infection of mouse macrophages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of cadmium (Cd) exposure on sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) plant growth, chlorophyll content, and fluorescence. Sunflower plants were exposed to different concentrations of Cd (0, 5, 50, and 500 μ M) for 21 d. Growth parameters (organ length, fresh and dry weights) were determined and results compared with two parameters associated with photosynthesis degradation: chlorophyll content and fluorescence (an easy and non-destructive method). Exposure to Cd significantly decreased growth by decreasing shoot and root lengths and their fresh and dry weight. Cadmium also decreased significantly chlorophyll content and fluorescence efficiency in all treatments. Chlorophyll a (chl a) and chl b contents showed a significant correlation with chlorophyll fluorescence (F v /F m ratio). The EC 50 values showed that the roots' length was the most sensitive endpoint in this study, followed by the roots' and shoots' weight endpoints. Also, chl b showed higher sensitivity to Cd contamination than chl a. These data show that in complement to growth parameters, the use of photosynthetic parameters provides helpful information on plant response to Cd exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides an overview of the activities carried out under the IST research program of the European Commission on wireless communication. Details on the development of mobile and wireless communications; Impact of mobile telecommunications on the economy; Use of global system for mobile communications standard in wireless communications.

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is an essential nutrient for the maintenance of cells. In healthy mammals, extracellular Pi is maintained within a narrow concentration range of 0.70 to 1.55 mM. Mammalian cells depend on Na+/Pi cotransporters for Pi absorption, which have been well studied. However, a new type of sodium-independent Pi transporter has been identified. This transporter assists in the absorption of Pi by intestinal cells and renal proximal tubule cells and in the reabsorption of Pi by osteoclasts and capillaries of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Hyperphosphatemia is a risk factor for mineral deposition, the development of diseases such as osteoarthritis, and vascular calcifications (VCs). Na+-independent Pi transporters have been identified and biochemically characterized in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), chondrocytes, and matrix vesicles, and their involvement in mineral deposition in the extracellular microenvironment has been suggested. According to the growth rate hypothesis, cancer cells require more phosphate than healthy cells due to their rapid growth rates. Recently, it was demonstrated that breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) respond to high Pi concentration (2 mM) by decreasing Na+-dependent Pi transport activity concomitant with an increase in Na+-independent (H+-dependent) Pi transport. This Pi H+-dependent transport has a fundamental role in the proliferation and migratory capacity of MDA-MB-231 cells. The purpose of this review is to discuss experimental findings regarding Na+-independent inorganic phosphate transporters and summarize their roles in Pi homeostasis, cancers and other diseases, such as osteoarthritis, and in processes such as VC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmania infantum causes visceral leishmaniasis, a deadly vector-borne disease introduced to the Americas during the colonial era. This non-native trypanosomatid parasite has since established widespread transmission cycles using alternative vectors, and human infection has become a significant concern to public health, especially in Brazil. A multi-kilobase deletion was recently detected in Brazilian L. infantum genomes and is suggested to reduce susceptibility to the anti-leishmanial drug miltefosine. We show that deletion-carrying strains occur in at least 15 Brazilian states and describe diversity patterns suggesting that these derive from common ancestral mutants rather than from recurrent independent mutation events. We also show that the deleted locus and associated enzymatic activity is restored by hybridization with non-deletion type strains. Genetic exchange appears common in areas of secondary contact but also among closely related parasites. We examine demographic and ecological scenarios underlying this complex L. infantum population structure and discuss implications for disease control. Philipp Schwabl, Mariana Boité, and colleagues analyze 126 Leishmania infantum genomes to determine how demographic and selective consequences of the parasite's invasive history have contributed to intricate population genetic heterogeneity across Brazil. Their data suggest a complex interplay of population expansion, secondary contact and genetic exchange events underlying diversity patterns at short and long-distance scales. These processes also appear pivotal to the proliferation of a drug resistance-associated multi-gene deletion on chromosome 31. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a flexible polyimide-based capacitive tactile sensing array with sub-millimeter spatial resolution. The sensor is conceived to be embedded in a multimodal artificial finger to detect and classify the texture morphology of an object’s surface. The proposed tactile sensor comprises a $16\times 16$ array of capacitive sensing units. Each unit is composed of a parallel square electrode pairs ($340~ {\mu }\text{m}\,\,\times 340~ {\mu }\text{m}$) separated by a compressible air cavity and embedded into a flexible polyimide substrate. Standard MEMS microfabrication techniques were used to develop the sensor. The polyimide device was covered with a thin compressible PDMS layer to tune the normal pressure sensitivity and dynamic range (225–430 ${\mu }\text{m}$ thin PDMS layer resulting in 0.23–0.14 fF/kPa). The detection of the surface morphologies of a regular grating stamp for different orientation and a small metallic nut placed on the sensor is demonstrated, showing a 420 ${\mu }\text{m}$ spatial resolution. The proposed sensor represents a novel capacitive tactile sensing device with a sub-mm resolution of human fingertip sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in fish distribution are being observed across the globe. In Europe's Common Fisheries Policy, the share of the catch of each fish stock is split among management areas using a fixed allocation key known as 'Relative Stability': in each management area, member states get the same proportion of the total catch each year. That proportion is largely based on catches made by those member states in the 1970s. Changes in distribution can, therefore, result in a mismatch between quota shares and regional abundances within management areas, with potential repercussions for the status of fish stocks and the fisheries that depend on them. Assessing distribution changes is crucial to ensure adequate management and sustainable exploitation of our fish resources. We analysed scientific survey data using a three‐tiered analytical approach to provide, for the first time, an overview of changes in distribution for 19 northeast Atlantic fish species encompassing 73 commercial stocks over 30 yr. All species have experienced changes in distribution, five of which did so across management areas. A cross‐species analysis suggested that shifts in areas of suitable thermal habitat, and density‐dependent use of these areas, are at least partly responsible for the observed changes. These findings challenge the current use of relative stability to allocate quotas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bay of Biscay is being affected by increasing level of marine litter, which is causing a wide variety of adverse environmental, social, public health, safety and economic impacts. The term "beach littering" has been coined to refer to the marine litter that is deposited on beaches. This litter may come from the sea and through land-based pathways, either from remote or adjacent areas. Dirty beaches can derive in loss of aesthetical value, beach cleaning cost, environmental harm or tourism revenue reduction among others. Therefore, local authorities have started to search for cost-effective approaches to understand and reduce litter accumulation in their beaches. A model is presented in this paper, which is based on Bayesian Networks and enables the forecasting of marine litter beaching at seven beaches located on the south-eastern coast of the Bay of Biscay. The model uses 9.5 years of metocean, environmental and beach cleaning data. The class to predict was defined as a variable with two possible values: Low and High accumulation of beach litter. The obtained models reached an average accuracy of 65.3 ± 6.4%, being the river flow, precipitation, wind and wave the most significant predictors and likely drivers of litter accumulation in beaches. These models may provide some insight to local authorities on the drivers affecting the litter beaching and may help to define their strategies for its reduction. • A model for beach litter accumulation understanding and forecasting designed. • The model used beach litter and metocean data to forecast the amount of litter. • River flow, precipitation, wave and wind were the top predictors of beach littering. • Predictive models had a competitive performance of approx. 65% success rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) or river shad is an anadromous fish species widely distributed in the North Indian Ocean, mainly in the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Hilsa is the national fish of Bangladesh and it contributes 10% of the total fish production of the country, with a market value of $1.74 billion. Hilsa also holds a very important place in the economics of West Bengal of India with 12.5% of the catch and also tops the marine capture in Myanmar. During the last two decades Hilsa production from inland waters has been stable, whereas marine yields in the BoB increased substantially. In order to sustainably manage the trans-boundary stock of Hilsa, the taxonomy, distribution, habitat, migration patterns, population dynamics, fisheries and socio-economics aspects of the fishery have been reviewed here. To achieve a successful trans-boundary management for the Hilsa stock, complete ban on undersize fishing, well-targeted temporal and spatial bans, creation of protected areas in strategic points, incentive for Hilsa fishers and ecological restoration of Hilsa habitats and more work on technological development of Hilsa aquaculture are recommended. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Hilsa is widely distributed in south Asian countries, mainly in the Bay of Bengal, where six million people are engaged in Hilsa value chain • Hilsa in freshwater face challenges from overfishing and resource degradation. • Spatial and seasonal fishing bans and incentives for fishers are found as successful management measures. • To sustain the fishery, effective regional collaboration is necessary along with strict conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the present study, the presence of a wide spectrum of major and trace elements (As, Ag, Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Sr, Sb, Se, Sn, Pb, V, and Zn), fatty acids, as well as some pollutants like free and total BPA and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), was analysed in human milk (n = 53) and infant formula (n = 50) samples. In addition, the infant exposure to these chemicals was assessed. The content of free BPA and several elements (Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sn, Sr, and Zn) was higher (p < 0.01) in infant formula samples. Furthermore, human milk contained levels of BPA and elements that, in almost all cases, were well below their respective EFSA and/or WHO thresholds, being also independent of the maternal characteristics (e.g., age, BMI or breastfeeding period). The fatty acid profiling also revealed major differences between human milk and infant formulas, which should be taken in account in the development of new formulas as well as in specific recommendations for the diet of breastfeeding mothers. Anyway, the results of this study reinforce that breastfeeding should be always the first feeding option in early life. Highlights • Levels of BPA and some elements were higher in infant formulas than in human milk. • Chemical concentrations were below EFSA thresholds in both breast and formula milks. • Fatty acid profiling revealed major differences according to the kind of milk. • Our results reinforce breastfeeding as the first option in early life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic ecosystems are of global importance for maintaining high levels of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and for the number of livelihoods dependent on them. In Bangladesh, coastal and delta communities rely on these systems for a livelihood, and the sustainability of the productivity is seriously threatened by both climate change and unsustainable management. These multiple drivers of change shape the livelihood dependence and adaptation responses, where a better understanding is needed to achieve sustainable management in these systems, while maintaining and improving dependent livelihoods. This need has been addressed in this study in the region of Satkhira, in the southwest coast of Bangladesh, where livelihoods are highly dependent on aquatic systems for food supply and income. Traditional wild fish harvest in the rivers and aquaculture systems, including ghers , ponds, and crab points have been changing in terms of the uses and intensity of management, and suffering from climate change impacts as well. By means of six focus groups with 50 participants total, and validated by expert consultations, we conduct an analysis to understand the main perceived impacts from climate and human activities; and the adaptation responses from the aquatic system livelihoods. We find that biodiversity has decreased drastically, while farmed species have increased and shrimp gher farming turned more intensive becoming the main source of income. All these changes have important implications for food supply in the region and environmental sustainability. Dramatic responses taken in the communities include exit the fisheries and migration, and more adaptive responses include species diversification, crab fattening and working more on the pond and gher infrastructure. This study evidences the results of the combination of multiple stressors in productive systems and the barriers to adaptation in aquatic ecosystem dependent communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better anticipate potential impacts of climate change, diverse information about the future is required, including climate, society and economy, and adaptation and mitigation. To address this need, a global RCP (Representative Concentration Pathways), SSP (Shared Socio-economic Pathways), and SPA (Shared climate Policy Assumptions) (RCP–SSP–SPA) scenario framework has been developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report (IPCC-AR5). Application of this full global framework at sub-national scales introduces two key challenges: added complexity in capturing the multiple dimensions of change, and issues of scale. Perhaps for this reason, there are few such applications of this new framework. Here, we present an integrated multi-scale hybrid scenario approach that combines both expert-based and participatory methods. The framework has been developed and applied within the DECCMA 1 1 DECCMA ( DEltas , vulnerability and Climate Change: Migration and Adaptation ) project is part of the Collaborative Adaptation Research Initiative in Africa and Asia (CARIAA), with financial support from the UK Government's Department for International Development (DFID) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada. For more information, visit the project website: http://www.geodata.soton.ac.uk/deccma/ . project with the purpose of exploring migration and adaptation in three deltas across West Africa and South Asia: (i) the Volta delta (Ghana), (ii) the Mahanadi delta (India), and (iii) the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) delta (Bangladesh/India). Using a climate scenario that encompasses a wide range of impacts (RCP8.5) combined with three SSP-based socio-economic scenarios (SSP2, SSP3, SSP5), we generate highly divergent and challenging scenario contexts across multiple scales against which robustness of the human and natural systems within the deltas are tested. In addition, we consider four distinct adaptation policy trajectories: Minimum intervention , Economic capacity expansion , System efficiency enhancement , and System restructuring , which describe alternative future bundles of adaptation actions/measures under different socio-economic trajectories. The paper highlights the importance of multi-scale (combined top-down and bottom-up) and participatory (joint expert-stakeholder) scenario methods for addressing uncertainty in adaptation decision-making. The framework facilitates improved integrated assessments of the potential impacts and plausible adaptation policy choices (including migration) under uncertain future changing conditions. The concept, methods, and processes presented are transferable to other sub-national socio-ecological settings with multi-scale challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review and compare four broad categories of spatially-explicit modelling approaches currently used to understand and project changes in the distribution and productivity of living marine resources including: 1) statistical species distribution models, 2) physiology-based, biophysical models of single life stages or the whole life cycle of species, 3) food web models, and 4) end-to-end models. Single pressures are rare and, in the future, models must be able to examine multiple factors affecting living marine resources such as interactions between: i) climate-driven changes in temperature regimes and acidification, ii) reductions in water quality due to eutrophication, iii) the introduction of alien invasive species, and/or iv) (over-)exploitation by fisheries. Statistical (correlative) approaches can be used to detect historical patterns which may not be relevant in the future. Advancing predictive capacity of changes in distribution and productivity of living marine resources requires explicit modelling of biological and physical mechanisms. New formulations are needed which (depending on the question) will need to strive for more realism in ecophysiology and behaviour of individuals, life history strategies of species, as well as trophodynamic interactions occurring at different spatial scales. Coupling existing models (e.g. physical, biological, economic) is one avenue that has proven successful. However, fundamental advancements are needed to address key issues such as the adaptive capacity of species/groups and ecosystems. The continued development of end-to-end models (e.g., physics to fish to human sectors) will be critical if we hope to assess how multiple pressures may interact to cause changes in living marine resources including the ecological and economic costs and trade-offs of different spatial management strategies. Given the strengths and weaknesses of the various types of models reviewed here, confidence in projections of changes in the distribution and productivity of living marine resources will be increased by assessing model structural uncertainty through biological ensemble modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine ecological change is likely to have serious potential economic consequences for coastal economies all over the world. This article reviews the current literature on the economic impacts of marine ecological change, as well as a number of recent contributions to this literature carried out under the VECTORS project. We focus on three main types of change, namely invasive alien species; outbreak-forming species, such as jellyfish and toxic algae; and gradual changes in species distribution and productivity. The case studies available in the literature demonstrate that the impacts of invasions and outbreaks on fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism can potentially amount to several tens of millions of dollars each year in some regions. Moreover, stated preference studies suggest a substantial impact on coastal tourism and non-use values that is likely not visible in case studies of specific outbreak events. Climate-driven gradual changes in distribution and productivity of commercial fish stocks will have an impact on fisheries, although these impacts are likely to be overshadowed by much larger changes in prices of seafood and fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model intercomparison studies in the climate and earth sciences communities have been crucial to build credibility and coherence for future projections. They have quantified variability among models, spurred model development, contrasted within- and among-model uncertainty, assessed model fits to historical data, and provided ensemble projections of future change under specified scenarios. Given the speed and magnitude of anthropogenic change in the marine environment, and consequent effects on food security, biodiversity, marine industries and society, the time is ripe for similar comparisons among models of fisheries and marine ecosystems. Here, we describe the Fisheries and Marine Ecosystem Model Intercomparison Project protocol version 1.0 (Fish-MIP v1.0), part of the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP), a cross-sectoral network of climate impact modellers. Given the complexity of the marine ecosystem, this class of models has substantial heterogeneity of purpose, scope, theoretical underpinning, processes considered, parameterizations, resolution (grain size) and spatial extent. This heterogeneity reflects the lack of a unified understanding of the marine ecosystem, and implies that the assemblage of all models is more likely to include a greater number of relevant processes than is any single model. The current Fish-MIP protocol is designed to allow these heterogeneous models to be forced with common Earth System Model (ESM) CMIP5 outputs under prescribed scenarios for historic (from 1950s) and future (to 2100) time periods; it will be adapted to CMIP6 in future iterations. It also describes a standardized set of outputs for each participating Fish-MIP model to produce. This enables the broad characterization of differences between, and uncertainties within, models and projections when assessing climate and fisheries impacts on marine ecosystems and the services they provide. The systematic generation, collation and comparison of results from Fish-MIP will inform understanding of the range of plausible changes in marine ecosystems, and improve our capacity to define and convey strengths and weaknesses of model-based advice on future states of marine ecosystems and fisheries. Ultimately, Fish-MIP represents a step towards bringing together the marine ecosystem modelling community to produce consistent ensemble medium- and long-term projections of marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a methodology for the automated analysis of commercial medium-range sonar signals for detecting presence/absence of bluefin tuna (Tunnus thynnus) in the Bay of Biscay. The approach uses image processing techniques to analyze sonar screenshots. For each sonar image we extracted measurable regions and analyzed their characteristics. Scientific data was used to classify each region into a class (“tuna” or “no-tuna”) and build a dataset to train and evaluate classification models by using supervised learning. The methodology performed well when validated with commercial sonar screenshots, and has the potential to automatically analyze high volumes of data at a low cost. This represents a first milestone towards the development of acoustic, fishery-independent indices of abundance for bluefin tuna in the Bay of Biscay. Future research lines and additional alternatives to inform stock assessments are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paris Conference of Parties ( COP21) agreement renewed momentum for action against climate change, creating the space for solutions for conservation of the ocean addressing two of its largest threats: climate change and ocean acidification ( CCOA). Recent arguments that ocean policies disregard a mature conservation research field and that protected areas cannot address climate change may be oversimplistic at this time when dynamic solutions for the management of changing oceans are needed. We propose a novel approach, based on spatial meta-analysis of climate impact models, to improve the positioning of marine protected areas to limit CCOA impacts. We do this by estimating the vulnerability of ocean ecosystems to CCOA in a spatially explicit manner and then co-mapping human activities such as the placement of renewable energy developments and the distribution of marine protected areas. We test this approach in the NE Atlantic considering also how CCOA impacts the base of the food web which supports protected species, an aspect often neglected in conservation studies. We found that, in this case, current regional conservation plans protect areas with low ecosystem-level vulnerability to CCOA, but disregard how species may redistribute to new, suitable and productive habitats. Under current plans, these areas remain open to commercial extraction and other uses. Here, and worldwide, ocean conservation strategies under CCOA must recognize the long-term importance of these habitat refuges, and studies such as this one are needed to identify them. Protecting these areas creates adaptive, climate-ready and ecosystem-level policy options for conservation, suitable for changing oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat blast, caused by the Triticum pathotype of Magnaporthe oryzae, is an emerging disease considered to be a limiting factor to wheat production in various countries. Given the importance of wheat blast as a high-consequence plant disease, weather-based infection models were used to estimate the probabilities of M. oryzae Triticum establishment and wheat blast outbreaks in the United States. The models identified significant disease risk in some areas. With the threshold levels used, the models predicted that the climate was adequate for maintaining M. oryzae Triticum populations in 40% of winter wheat production areas of the United States. Disease outbreak threshold levels were only reached in 25% of the country. In Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, the probability of years suitable for outbreaks was greater than 70%. The models generated in this study should provide the foundation for more advanced models in the future, and the results reported could be used to prioritize research efforts regarding the biology of M. oryzae Triticum and the epidemiology of the wheat blast disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A multi-chemical evaluation of 60 breast milk samples was performed. • 31 organic contaminants and 14 toxic and essential elements were determined. • Breastfed babies are exposed to a mixture of hazardous chemicals. • Maternal features (age, body mass index) and smoking are key exposure factors. • Breast milk from low-income mothers has higher levels of DDT and DDE. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival, with several benefits for both the infants and their mothers. However, breast milk can contain environmental pollutants with endocrine disruption capacity, neurotoxicity and/or potential to alter microbiota. Monitoring breast milk provides information on the current chemical exposure of breastfed infants and, in addition, on the current and historical exposure of nursing mothers. In this study, the levels of a wide range of pollutants were measured in breast milk of Spanish nursing mothers. Target chemicals were dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), oxy-chlordane, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) (including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)), chlorpyrifos, bisphenol A (BPA), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and a number of toxic and essential elements. Traces of most chemicals were found. A correlation between the levels of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and maternal characteristics (age and body mass index) was observed, while smoking was associated to higher concentrations of some toxic elements. Higher levels of PCBs were detected in samples from Spanish primiparous mothers compared to non-Spanish multiparous women. Breast milk from low-income mothers showed higher content of DDT and DDE than high-income mothers. Although breastfeeding is clearly beneficial for babies, the exposure to this mixture of hazardous substances, as well as their interaction and combined effects must not be disregarded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projections of the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems are a key prerequisite for the planning of adaptation strategies, yet they are inevitably associated with uncertainty. Identifying, quantifying, and communicating this uncertainty is key to both evaluating the risk associated with a projection and building confidence in its robustness. We review how uncertainties in such projections are handled in marine science. We employ an approach developed in climate modelling by breaking uncertainty down into (i) structural (model) uncertainty, (ii) initialization and internal variability uncertainty, (iii) parametric uncertainty, and (iv) scenario uncertainty. For each uncertainty type, we then examine the current state-of-the-art in assessing and quantifying its relative importance. We consider whether the marine scientific community has addressed these types of uncertainty sufficiently and highlight the opportunities and challenges associated with doing a better job. We find that even within a relatively small field such as marine science, there are substantial differences between subdisciplines in the degree of attention given to each type of uncertainty. We find that initialization uncertainty is rarely treated explicitly and reducing this type of uncertainty may deliver gains on the seasonal-to-decadal time-scale.Weconclude that all parts of marine science could benefit from a greater exchange of ideas, particularly concerning such a universal problem such as the treatment of uncertainty. Finally, marine science should strive to reach the point where scenario uncertainty is the dominant uncertainty in our projections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces a series of articles which dealt with the developments in the mobile communications industry.

Mediterranean demersal fisheries are highly multispecific and many of their target stocks are overexploited. In addition, rocketing fuel costs and low market prices of traditionally high-value species are challenging the viability of fisheries. Here, based on the numeric results of a simulation model, we conclude that this situation can be remedied by reducing both fishing mortality and fishing costs. According to our model results, fishing effort reductions of 48–71% would improve the health of fish stocks while increasing the economic profits of Mallorca islands bottom trawl fishery to as much as 1.9 M€ (146% higher than current profits). If all fish stocks were exploited at their MSY (or below) level, the reduction in fishing effort would have to be of 71% from current values. If equilibrium profits from the fishery were to be maximized (MEY), fishing effort would need to be reduced by 48%. These results must be taken with caution due the many sources of uncertainty of our analysis. The modeling tools used to estimate these values are conditional to the adequate treatment of two sources of uncertainty that are particularly problematic in Mediterranean fisheries: insufficiently known recruitment variability and lack of periodic evaluations of the state of many species. Our results show that fishing effort reductions would produce economic yield gains after a period of transition. Further studies on the benefits of changing the size-selection pattern of fisheries, on better estimation of stock–recruitment relationships and on better quantifications of the contribution of secondary species to these fisheries, are expected to improve the scientific recommendations for Mediterranean demersal fisheries toward sustainability principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the functional properties (ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoelectric) of chemical solution deposited thin films of the lead-free ( Bi0.5 Na0.5)1− x Ba x TiO3 ( BNBT) solid solution prepared from solution precursors with and without Na+ and Bi3+ excesses has been performed in this work. At room temperature a nonergodic relaxor ferroelectric state has been found. The switched polarization of the films is not stable at room temperature, poor remnant polarization, associated with an enhancement of the induced domains randomization produced by the films constraints. The depolarization temperature for the switched polarization allowed us to build up a tentative phase diagram for these BNBT films. Both the better functional properties and the agreement of the depolarization temperature with the freezing temperature of the relaxor Volger-Fulcher behavior permit to locate the center of the morphotropic phase boundary region close to x = 0.055 in the stoichiometric films and x = 0.10 for the films with Na+ and Bi3+ excesses. Based on these results, the possible applications of these films are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different fishing strategies have been adopted in the last decades by tropical tuna purse seiners fleet, including fish aggregating device (FAD) and free-swimming school (FSC) fishing strategies, which has raised issues about the different carbon footprint of those fishing modes. Here we show the activity and energy patterns of a Spanish tuna purse seiner operating in the tropical Indian Ocean, based on the monitoring of energy consumption over 10 consecutive fishing trips; and we also assess the fuel use intensity of FAD versus FSC fishing by analysing 14 further trips of different tropical tuna purse seiners. The average time of a fishing trip lasted 33.1 ± 11 days. The dominant activity during the fishing trip was cruising (with 68.5% of the time), followed by inactive period at sea (15.6%), fishing (7.7%), and in port (8.1%). The vessel consumed 381 ± 113 t fuel/trip, of which 90.4% was spent in cruising, 4.3% in fishing, 3.7% during the inactive period at night and 1.6% while staying in port. The main engine consumed 75% of the total fuel, while the auxiliary engines the remaining 25%. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that FAD fishing (543.6 L/t) is more fuel intensive, than FSC fishing (439.4 L/t). However, FADs fishing successful rates are higher, around 95.7 ± 3.8%, than FSC rates (around 80.6% ± 5.8). It is worth noting that the differences may be driven by seasonality and FSC availability, number of FADs in an area, vessel characteristics and equipment, and skipper skills rather than the adopted fishing strategy. Nonetheless both FAD and FSC fishing are more energy efficient than longline (1069 L/t), trolling (1107 L/t), or pole and line (1490 L/t) fisheries for Atlantic tuna, but similar or slightly less efficient than Maldivian pole and liners. [Display omitted] • Cruising is the most dominant activity in a fishing trip. • Main engine consumes the 75% of the total fuel consumption. • FSC fishing presents better FUI index than FAD fishing. • FAD fishing presents higher set success rate than FSC sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Little data is available on the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus in Africa. In the present study we aim at characterizing the population structure of S. aureus in healthy subjects from a rural and a semi-urban area in Lambaréné, Gabon as well as in hospital staff and inpatients. In total, 500 subjects were screened for S. aureus colonization of the nares, axillae and inguinal region. Overall, 146 (29%) were positive. We found 46 different spa types. The most frequent spa types were t084 (35%) and the agr II was the most prevalent subtype of the accessory gene regulator (56%, n =82). Five isolates (3%) were methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Carriage rates of S. aureus in Gabon are comparable to developed countries. MRSA is for the first time described and could pose a significant health threat in this region with limited access to microbiological laboratory facilities and to adequate antimicrobial agents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]