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Managing migratory game species is challenging and often leads to conflicts across areas or stakeholders. The European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur (TD), a declining migratory game bird, is currently subject to an adaptive harvest management plan in the European Union (EU), which has led to a temporary hunting moratorium in western Europe. We used Q-methodology to identify the discourses of hunters, hunting lobbyists and members of governmental agencies in Spain, the country with the largest TD hunting bags within EU, regarding the role of hunting and its regulation, including the moratorium, on species recovery prospects. Three discourses were identified: one that denies any involvement of hunting in the species population decline and thus considers the moratorium unnecessary; one that advocates for a moratorium but highlights the need for global strategies for it to be effective; and one that disputes the population decline, attributing the moratorium purely to environmentalists’ pressures and false data. Larger differences were observed among hunters from areas with varying levels of TD hunting than among hunters that hunt or not TD, suggesting that discourses may be socially constructed and maintained. Hunting lobbyists’ discourse was more uniformly against the moratorium than that of hunters as a whole, while governmental agencies had more nuanced perspectives. A point of consensus among discourses was the agreement on the need for transboundary coordination and a global conservation strategy incorporating habitat and hunting management approaches. These results emphasize the importance of increased transborder collaboration and effective communication strategies to mitigate conflicts about migratory game management.

IntroductionPrevious research has shown that lower lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with longer prodromal symptoms in first-episode psychosis (FEP). We aimed to study whether there is a relationship between the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and LDH and other CSF biomarkers in FEP and whether stressful life events moderate this association.MethodsNinety-five inpatients with FEP and with less than 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment were included in the study. All participants were informed about the nature of the study, which was approved by the local ethics committee, and signed an informed consent form. A lumbar puncture was performed at index admission (baseline) to measure CSF parameters (glucose, total protein, LDH). The DUP was assessed with the Quick Psychosis Onset and Prodromal Symptoms Inventory (Q-POPSI). Stressful life events (SLEs) in the previous 6 months were assessed with the List of Threatening Experiences. We dichotomized the SLE variable into having experienced at least one SLE or no experience of SLEs. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS v. 25.0. Total protein and LDH concentrations were natural log transformed (ln) to reduce skewness. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the association between the DUP and CSF parameters (considered the dependent variable). Age, sex, DUP and SLEs were considered independent variables. We tested the DUP by SLE interaction. Significant interactions were included in the final model. The threshold for significance was set at p

A hybrid hierarchical coating (HHC) biodegradable system, consisting of a ceramic (PEO) and a biodegradable microporous polymeric (PLA or PCL) layers, was developed on Mg3Zn0.4Ca alloy and evaluated under quasi-in vivo conditions. The polymer top-coat was produced using the Breath Figures approach by dip-coating the PEO treated ceramic surface onto a PLA/PCL polymer solution and withdraw under high relative humidity. According to our findings, when the polymer coating is applied directly onto the PEO layer using high humidity a negligible corrosion protection was observed. However, this issue was overcome by first applying a thin sealing polymer layer before the microporous polymer layer prepared by dip-coating in the absence of moisture. The HHC system improves the corrosion resistance by 10–12 times compared to the stand-alone PEO coating and, due to its inherent porosity, should be amenable for further functionalization with pharmaceutical agents.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of alloy processing and composition as well as the pH control and testing medium on the in vitro corrosion performance of MgZnCa systems for biodegradable implants. The grain size and secondary phases were analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Scanning kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) was used to analyze the Volta potential values of the second phases. The corrosion performance of the three alloys was evaluated by electrochemical and hydrogen evolution methods in α-MEM with and without organic species (i.e. complete and inorganic α-MEM). Two strategies were followed to evaluate the influence of the pH on the corrosion behavior: daily solution replacement and CO2 flow based pH control. For all the materials, the organic medium accelerates the corrosion process. Constant pH maintained by CO2 flow through the medium results in considerably higher corrosion rates for all alloys. The impact of pH is lesser on the as-cast alloys due to the barrier effect of the secondary phases, particularly pronounced in the Mg1Zn1Ca alloy which showed the lowest corrosion rate. The wrought Mg0.5Zn0.2Ca alloy that lacks the refined secondary phase network and exhibits high number of twins undergoes accelerated uniform corrosion under constant pH conditions.

PEO coatings were developed on MgZnxCay alloys for biomedical applications using different treatment times and a novel transparent electrolyte containing Ca, P, Si and F. Surface characteristics and chemical composition of studied materials were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and optical metrology. Corrosion investigations were performed for uncoated and coated materials using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and hydrogen evolution measurements in three media (0.9wt.% NaCl, α-MEM and inorganic part of α-MEM). Findings revealed that Zn-rich intermetallics favour the formation of large voids in the coatings. Ca, P, F and Si are successfully incorporated into the coatings. Coatings consist of crystalline phases (MgO, MgF2 and Ca,Si-rich compounds) and amorphous material. Aminoacids and organic components of α-MEM solution accelerate corrosion of the bare substrates but have no significant influence on the corrosion resistance of coated specimens. Therefore, inorganic α-MEM can be considered as an appropriate medium for fast screening of PEO coatings. The relatively small amount of F content in the barrier layer facilitates early failure of the coatings, which show undercoating corrosion. Zn-rich intermetallic particles in the undercoating crevice induce a more aggressive corrosive environment and enhanced micro-galvanic couple effect with the Mg matrix. This leads to faster degradation of the coated alloys compared to the bare substrates.

In the present work, a hybrid hierarchical coating (HHC) system comprising a plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coating and a homogeneously porous structured polycaprolactone (PCL) top-coat layer, loaded with ciprofloxacin (CIP), was developed on Mg3Zn0.4Ca alloy. According to the findings, the HHC system avoided burst release and ensured gradual drug elution (64% over 240 h). The multi-level protection of the magnesium alloy is achieved through sealing of the PEO coating pores by the polymer layer and the inhibiting effect of CIP (up to 74%). The corrosion inhibition effect of HHC and the eluted drug is associated with the formation of insoluble CIP-Me (Mg/Ca) chelates that repair the defects in the HHC and impede the access of corrosive species as corroborated by FTIR spectra, EIS and SEM images after 24 h of immersion. Therefore, CIP participates in an active protection mechanism by interacting with cations coming through the damaged coating.

Abstract Conflicts between the interests of biodiversity conservation and other human activities pose a major threat to natural ecosystems and human well‐being, yet few methods exist to quantify their intensity and model their dynamics. We develop a categorization of conflict intensity based on the curve of conflict, a model originally used to track the escalation and deescalation of armed conflicts. Our categorization assigns six intensity levels reflecting the discourse and actions of stakeholders involved in a given conflict, from coexistence or collaboration to physical violence. Using a range of case studies, we demonstrate the value of our approach in quantifying conflict trends, estimating transition probabilities between conflict stages, and modeling conflict intensity as a function of relevant covariates. By taking an evidence‐based approach to quantifying stakeholder behavior, the proposed framework allows for a better understanding of the drivers of conservation conflict development across a diverse range of socioecological scenarios.

Magnesium alloys are actively researched for biodegradable implants in order to avoid an implant-removal surgery after the healing process. However, the high degradation rate of Mg leads to hydrogen evolution and may increase the pH of the environment, causing an inflammatory response. In the present work, bioactive plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings on three MgxZnyCa alloys (two cast alloys and one extruded; x = 1, 3 or 0.5; y = 1 or 0.3), manufactured by Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, were generated in order to enhance the corrosion resistance, bioactivity and cytocompatibility of the alloys. AC PEO process was carried out in two environmentally friendly alkaline electrolytes containing Ca, P and Si as bioactive elements. The electrolytes were a true solution and a particle suspension. F-free electrolyte design was employed to ensure cytocompatibility of the coatings with different types of cells. The materials were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD and optical profilometry. The corrosion behavior was evaluated by EIS and hydrogen evolution measurements during 5 days of immersion in 0.9% NaCl and α-MEM solutions, a complete one and an inorganic part only, at 37 °C. PEO coatings (7–13 µm-thick, Sa = 1.85–4.19 µm) were constituted by MgO, Ca3(PO4)2, Ca5(PO4)3(OH) and Mg2SiO4 phases. Both PEO coatings decreased the degradation rate of Mg alloys; corrosion resistance of coated samples in inorganic α-MEM increased by more than an order of magnitude (|Z|10 mHz, Ω·cm2): MgZnCa = 746, MgZnCa/PEO = 8544…28,277). All materials exhibited considerably greater corrosion rates in 0.9% NaCl than in α-MEM, where phosphate-based additives acted as corrosion inhibitors. Corrosion rates were slightly greater in complete α-MEM than in inorganic α-MEM due to the presence of complexing aminoacids. The developed coatings are considered suitable candidates for the subsequent development of hybrid hierarchical ceramic/biodegradable polymer systems.

Traditional portfolio construction primarily revolves around a bi-objective approach, focusing on minimizing portfolio variance while maximizing expected returns. However, this approach leaves out other objectives that could interest decision makers. In this work, we incorporate an extra objective, namely the environmental, social, and governance index (ESG), as a secondary objective. This addition empowers investors to customize their portfolios by defining explicit trade-off thresholds between expected returns and risk, considering the ESG index. To achieve this goal, we make use of external archiving techniques and evolutionary algorithms. In particular, we first find approximate solutions to the bi-objective problem; then, we look for efficient solutions for ESG. We tested our approach with data on the Dow Jones, S&P500, and Nasdaq100 from Yahoo Finance. The results show that the proposed methodology can identify portfolios with good returns and risks considering ESG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ibuprofen (IBU) is a significant contaminant frequently found in wastewater treatment plants due to its widespread use and limited removal during treatment processes. This leads to its discharge into the environment, causing considerable environmental concerns. The use of microorganisms has recently been recognized as a sustainable method for mitigating IBU contamination in wastewater. In this study, new bacteria capable of growing in a solid medium with IBU as the only carbon source and removing IBU from a liquid medium were isolated from environmental samples, including soil, marine, mine, and olive mill wastewater. Four bacterial strains, namely Klebsiella pneumoniae TIBU2.1, Klebsiella variicola LOIBU1.1, Pseudomonas aeruginosa LOIBU1.2, and Mycolicibacterium aubagnense HPB1.1, were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These strains demonstrated significant IBU removal efficiencies, ranging from 60 to 100% within 14 days, starting from an initial IBU concentration of 5 mg per litre. These bacteria have not been previously reported in the literature as IBU degraders, making this work a valuable contribution to further studies in the field of bioremediation in environments contaminated by IBU. Based on the IBU removal results, the most promising bacteria, K. pneumoniae TIBU2.1 and M. aubagnense HPB1.1, were selected for an in silico analysis to identify genes potentially involved in IBU biodegradation. Interestingly, in the tests with TIBU2.1, a peak of IBU transformation product(s) was detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography, while in the tests with HPB1.1, it was not detected. The emerging peak was analysed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, indicating the presence of possible conjugates between intermediates of IBU biodegradation. The proteins encoded on their whole‐genome sequences were aligned with proteins involved in an IBU‐degrading pathway reported in bacteria with respective catabolic genes. The analysis indicated that strain HPB1.1 possesses genes encoding proteins similar to most enzymes reported associated with the IBU metabolic pathways used as reference bacteria, while strain TIBU2.1 has genes encoding proteins similar to enzymes involved in both the upper and the lower part of that pathway. Notably, in the tests with the strain having more candidate genes encoding IBU‐catabolic enzymes, no IBU transformation products were detected, while in the tests with the strain having fewer of these genes, detection occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sexual satisfaction has been shown to have a strong association with many aspects of sexual health and wellbeing. It is further considered a robust indicator of an individual's health status and general wellbeing, revealing that a person can enjoy pleasurable and healthy sexual experiences, beyond the mere absence of sexual and reproductive health issues. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between sexual satisfaction, sexual behaviors, sexual self-efficacy, and the importance personally attributed to maintaining an active and satisfying sexual life among young and middle-aged women aged 18-50. Design: A descriptive correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted. Methods: Participants (N = 1,076 women) completed self-reports on sexual self-efficacy beliefs, frequency of sexual behaviors, the importance attributed to active and healthy sexuality, and multidimensional sexual satisfaction. Results: The supported mediation model indicated that sexual self-efficacy was related to sexual satisfaction directly and indirectly through sexual behavior and a serial path through sexual behavior and the perceived importance of healthy sexuality. The total effect was significant, and the full model explained 7.3% of the global sexual satisfaction variance (F = 17.218, p = 0.000), with the mediated effect accounting for 44.3%. Conclusion: This study confirms a partial serial mediation model by which sexual self-efficacy significantly predicts sexual satisfaction through sexual behaviors and the importance attributed to a healthy sexuality. Due to its significant contribution, the perceived importance of sexuality should be considered when studying correlates of sexual satisfaction. These findings have interesting implications for the development of strategies aimed at sexual health promotion and sexual education among women in early and middle adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predissociation spectrum of the C l − 35 (H2) complex is measured between 450 and 800 cm−1 in a multipole radiofrequency ion trap at different temperatures using the FELIX infrared free electron laser. Above a certain temperature, the removal of the Cl−(p-H2) para nuclear spin isomer by ligand exchange to the Cl−(o-H2) ortho isomer is suppressed effectively, thereby making it possible to detect the spectrum of this more weakly bound complex. At trap temperatures of 30.5 and 41.5 K, we detect two vibrational bands of Cl−(p-H2) at 510(1) and 606(1) cm−1. Using accurate quantum calculations, these bands are assigned to transitions to the inter-monomer vibrational modes ( v 1 , v 2 l 2 ) = (0, 20) and (1, 20), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]