Indicators of physiological and immunological status of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Litopenaeus setiferus</Emphasis> wild populations (Crustacea,Penaeidae)

Constant environmental changes in oceanic and estuarine systems due to human activity in coastal zones require different tools and strategies for their study to be able to assess the health status of aquatic ecosystems. The Gulf of Mexico has a tremendous ecological importance because of its biological diversity. Baseline levels of blood metabolites and immune components were defined for wild tropical populations of Litopenaeus setiferus, an important shrimp species of the Gulf of Mexico. Osmotic pressure, oxy hemocyanin (OxyHc), glucose, proteins, cholesterol, lactate, and triacylglycerols (TAG) were used as indicators of physiological status; pro phenoloxydase (proPO) and phenoloxydase (PO) quantification of hemocytes, as well as respiratory burst, were used to assess the immunological status. Significant differences were observed in live weight of juveniles, males, and females of L. setiferus with mean values of 10.54, 35.05, and 40.33 g, respectively. A value of 460 mOsm/kg was recorded in the water where juveniles were sampled and 1,000 mOsm/kg in adult sampling zones. Consequently, the osmotic pressure of L. setiferus juveniles (718.02 mOsm/kg) was 22% lower than in adults (925 mOsm/kg); there were no differences between sexes. A significantly lower value in juvenile OxyHc was observed. This value was 24 and 16% lower than that observed in males and females, respectively. Hemolymph glucose, cholesterol, and triacylglycerol levels were not statistically different between shrimp stages, showing median values of 0.19, 0.32, and 0.39 mg/ml of glucose, cholesterol, and triacylglycerols, respectively. Hemocyanin was distributed normally in the juvenile–male population but not in females. A proportion between 52 to 81% of OxyHc of the total protein (OxyHc/Prot) was obtained for all stages. Digestive gland glycogen showed no normal distribution in juveniles and adults. Digestive gland glycogen was significantly higher in juveniles (median value of 2.64 mg/g) than in adults (median value of 1.58 mg/g). A higher value of lactate (0.11 mg/ml) was observed in juveniles than in males (0.09 mg/ml) and females (0.04 mg/ml). Granular cells (GC) corresponded to 36, 44, and 39% of the total hemocytes (TH) observed in juveniles, males, and females. ProPO showed no normal distribution in all stages. A high proPO activity was recorded in L. setiferus females that was 95% higher than in the juvenile–male group. Respiratory burst was divided into two groups, juveniles–males and females, and was distributed normally in both. Female respiratory burst values were 40 and 45% higher than those observed in the juvenile and male groups, respectively. There was an increment in OxyHc, proteins, PO, hemocytes, and respiratory burst with an increase in body weight. In contrast, the relationship of live weight to glucose, TAG, and proPO revealed no significant regressions. A significant decrease in cholesterol, glycogen, and lactate with an increase in body weight was also observed. We now have indicators of nutritional and immune status of juveniles and adults that can reveal changes in trophic relations and health at the population level. This will serve as a basis for using L. setiferus as environmental sentinels, as non-controversial and inexpensive models to evaluate the potential changes that human activities could exert on this important marine ecosystem.Communicated by P.W. Sammarco, Chauvin     

Procedures for estimation of modelling uncertainty in air quality assessment

The main objectives of this work focus, firstly, on a review of the current existent methodologies to estimate air quality modelling uncertainty, and, secondly, in the preparation of guidelines for modelling uncertainty estimation, which can be used by local and regional authorities responsible for air quality management. From the application exercise, it was concluded that it is possible to define a subset of statistical parameters able to reproduce the general uncertainties estimation. Concerning the quality indicators defined by EU directives, the results show that the legislated uncertainty estimation measures are ambiguous and inadequate in several aspects, mainly in what concerns the error measures for hourly and daily indicators based on the highest observed concentration. A relative error at the percentile correspondent to the allowed number of exceedances of the limit value was suggested and tested, showing that is a more robust and appropriate parameter for model performance evaluation.     

Biogenic cements and encapsulation of zinc

Metals can be stabilized into cement matrix by solidification/stabilization process. Rice hull is an agricultural residue containing about 10-20% (weight) of silica. It can be used to synthesize β-Ca₂SiO₄, an important component of Portland cement. Furthermore it is possible to prepare β-Ca₂SiO₄ doped with heavy metals. Here we describe the synthesis of β-Ca₂SiO₄ doped with zinc and the behavior of mortars prepared using this material. Products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The maximum amount of zinc that can be inserted into β-Ca₂SiO₄, without affecting the crystalline structure, is limited to 2% (molar basis). In comparison with conventional mortars, zinc-modified mortars show a similar behavior, regarding porosity, resistance to acidic attack and compressive strength. The synthesis of β-Ca₂SiO₄ doped with zinc presents a new possibility for safety enhancement in solidification/stabilization processes.     

Impacts of climate change on the distribution of species and communities in the Chilean Mediterranean ecosystem

The Mediterranean region of Chile is considered a biodiversity hot spot. An increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation, as projected for the end of this century by global circulation models, would likely change the distribution of the sclerophyllous thorny shrubland and woodland. In order to assess those potential impacts, the MAXENT algorithm was used to project potential changes in the distribution of the Mediterranean ecosystem. Ecological niche models were fitted and used to project the potential distribution of these forest ecosystems by the end of the century. Projections were made using data from the PRECIS model for the A2 and B2 climate change scenarios and two strategies of occupancy: free migration and non-migration. Distribution models of sclerophyllous, woodland and shrubland performed accurately representing current species’ distribution. When we assume non-migration responses under climate change scenarios, results reveal a decrease in the distribution area for all the species. The areas where the highest reduction in a suitable environment was found are located along the coastline, where higher temperature increases have been projected. For native ecosystems from the Andean Range region, such as communities dominated by thorny species, a stable habitat was found, associated with a higher adaptation capability to future climatic projections. Hence, in the future, buffer zones originated by “topo-climatic” conditions might play a key role in protecting Central Chile biodiversity.     

Multicriteria analysis applied to the sustainable agriculture problem

SUMMARY

The aim of this paper is to present an operational approach to compare the relative sustainability of existing farming systems. Sustainability rests on the assumption that an equilibrium must exist among three domains: social, economic and ecological. If we are to look for a solution to the problem, we must face a multi-dimensional approach. We propose that multicriteria analysis, a multi-dimensional method, is an appropriate methodology to study the issue. As sustainability cannot be measured directly, the way out is to use indicators. We have performed a thorough analysis of four farming systems existing in Guaíra, SP, Brazil to validate the methodology. Thirty indicators of sustainability (ten ecological, ten social, and ten economic) were defined and used to perform the analysis. The results of the multicriteria analysis proved useful because of its capability of reducing the dimensionality of the problem. From the three dimensions of sustainability, a final score was derived that can easily compare the relative sustainability of each farming system.     

Comparing modern and presettlement forest dynamics of a subboreal wilderness: does spruce budworm enhance fire risk?

Insect disturbance is often thought to increase fire risk through enhanced fuel loadings, particularly in coniferous forest ecosystems. Yet insect disturbances also affect successional pathways and landscape structure that interact with fire disturbances (and vice-versa) over longer time scales. We applied a landscape succession and disturbance model (LANDIS-II) to evaluate the relative strength of interactions between spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) outbreaks and fire disturbances in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) in northern Minnesota (USA). Disturbance interactions were evaluated for two different scenarios: presettlement forests and fire regimes vs. contemporary forests and fire regimes. Forest composition under the contemporary scenario trended toward mixtures of deciduous species (primarily Betula papyrifera and Populus spp.) and shade-tolerant conifers (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea, Thuja occidentalis), with disturbances dominated by a combination of budworm defoliation and high-severity fires. The presettlement scenario retained comparatively more "big pines" (i.e., Pinus strobus, P. resinosa) and tamarack (L. laricina), and experienced less budworm disturbance and a comparatively less-severe fire regime. Spruce budworm disturbance decreased area burned and fire severity under both scenarios when averaged across the entire 300-year simulations. Contrary to past research, area burned and fire severity during outbreak decades were each similar to that observed in non-outbreak decades. Our analyses suggest budworm disturbances within forests of the BWCA have a comparatively weak effect on long-term forest composition due to a combination of characteristics. These include strict host specificity, fine-scaled patchiness created by defoliation damage, and advance regeneration of its primary host, balsam fir (A. balsamea) that allows its host to persist despite repeated disturbances. Understanding the nature of the three-way interaction between budworm, fire, and composition has important ramifications for both fire mitigation strategies and ecosystem restoration initiatives. We conclude that budworm disturbance can partially mitigate long-term future fire risk by periodically reducing live ladder fuel within the mixed forest types of the BWCA but will do little to reverse the compositional trends caused in part by reduced fire rotations.     

Forecasting human exposure to atmospheric pollutants in Portugal – A modelling approach

Air pollution has become one main environmental concern because of its known impact on human health. Aiming to inform the population about the air they are breathing, several air quality modelling systems have been developed and tested allowing the assessment and forecast of air pollution ambient levels in many countries. However, every day, an individual is exposed to different concentrations of atmospheric pollutants as he/she moves from and to different outdoor and indoor places (the so-called microenvironments). Therefore, a more efficient way to prevent the population from the health risks caused by air pollution should be based on exposure rather than air concentrations estimations. The objective of the present study is to develop a methodology to forecast the human exposure of the Portuguese population based on the air quality forecasting system available and validated for Portugal since 2005. Besides that, a long-term evaluation of human exposure estimates aims to be obtained using one-year of this forecasting system application. Additionally, a hypothetical 50% emission reduction scenario has been designed and studied as a contribution to study emission reduction strategies impact on human exposure.To estimate the population exposure the forecasting results of the air quality modelling system MM5-CHIMERE have been combined with the population spatial distribution over Portugal and their time-activity patterns, i.e. the fraction of the day time spent in specific indoor and outdoor places. The population characterization concerning age, work, type of occupation and related time spent was obtained from national census and available enquiries performed by the National Institute of Statistics. A daily exposure estimation module has been developed gathering all these data and considering empirical indoor/outdoor relations from literature to calculate the indoor concentrations in each one of the microenvironments considered, namely home, office/school, and other indoors (leisure activities like shopping areas, gym, theatre/cinema and restaurants). The results show how this developed modelling system can be useful to anticipate air pollution episodes and to estimate their effects on human health on a long-term basis. The two metropolitan areas of Porto and Lisbon are identified as the most critical ones in terms of air pollution effects on human health over Portugal in a long-term as well as in a short-term perspective. The coexistence of high concentration values and high population density is the key factor for these stressed areas. Regarding the 50% emission reduction scenario, the model results are significantly different for both pollutants: there is a small overall reduction in the individual exposure values of PM₁₀ (<10 μg m^?3 h), but for O₃, in contrast, there is an extended area where exposure values increase with emission reduction. This detailed knowledge is a prerequisite for the development of effective policies to reduce the foreseen adverse impact of air pollution on human health and to act on time.     

Animal Welfare,National Identity and Social Change: Attitudes and Opinions of Spanish Citizens Towards Bullfighting

Traditionally, in Spain bullfighting represents an ancient and well-respected tradition and a combined brand of sport, art and national identity. However, bullfighting has received considerable criticism from various segments of society, with the concomitant rise of the animal rights movement. The paper reports a survey of the Spanish citizens using a face-to-face survey during January 2016 with a total sample of 2522 citizens (1256 men and 1266 women). The survey asked about degree of liking and approving; culture, art and national identity; socio-economic aspects; emotional perception and animal welfare. The hypothesis proposed that the perception of bullfights may be affected by gender, age, occupation, origin and nationality of the persons surveyed. The hypothesis was confirmed. The majority of citizens surveyed do not like bullfights and great majorities do not attend or watch such events. Two extreme clusters were described: one representing favorable attitude towards bullfighting and other against bullfighting. The proportion of indifferent persons was important. Women and young people showed a more favorable attitude towards animal welfare issues associated with these events. Rural people were more accepting bullfights than urban people. Students were more anti-bullfight than those in other occupations. Additionally, technical economic factors made people favor more bullfights. The growth of claim against bullfights establishes an element of a far more multifaceted phenomenon that animal cruelty per se and support of a new paradigm called social change in countries as Spain.