The Puerto Rico Plain Pigeon Patagioenas inornata wetmorei suffered a severe population decline after hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. We used distance sampling to estimate abundance (density and population size) in April–June 1986−2024, accounting for changes in detection probability. We used the distance-sampling abundance estimates to populate a Bayesian state–space logistic model and update posterior estimates of population carrying capacity, maximum population growth rate, population recovery time, and predicted abundance in April–June 2025−2034, accounting for observation and process variances. In addition, we used predicted abundance to assess potential extinction risk (probability Pr[N2025−2034 = 0|data]), population self-sustainability above 5,000 individuals (Pr[N2025−2034 >5,000|data]), and population surpassing the 2.5th percentile of carrying capacity (Pr[N2025−2034 >30,000|data]). The population has not recovered from the hurricanes, with estimated density averaging 0.0015 individuals/ha (bootstrapped standard error [SE] = 0.0006) and population size averaging 1,097 individuals (SE = 455) at the 749,000-ha survey region in April–June 2018−2024. Posterior mean estimates were 41,580 individuals (Markov Chain Monte Carlo standard deviation [SD] = 8,052) for population carrying capacity, 0.183 (SD = 0.056) for maximum population growth rate, six years (SD = 2) for recovery time, and 7,173 individuals (SD = 12,309) for predicted abundance in April–June 2025−2034. The population may reach self-sustainability levels (range Pr[N2025−2034 >5,000|data] = 0.326−0.631) but currently is undergoing a prolonged bottleneck and may become extinct (range Pr[N2025−2034 = 0|data] = 0.199−0.332), particularly if reproduction continues to be mostly unsuccessful, anthropogenic disturbances remain unabated, and on top of that another devastating hurricane makes landfall during the next 10 years. The Puerto Rico Plain Pigeon subspecies is in urgent need of management aiming to increase and maintain abundance above 5,000 individuals but preferably surpassing the 2.5th percentile of population carrying capacity as in the late 1990s (range Pr[N2025−2034 >30,000|data] = 0.000−0.181).

The effect of humic acid (HA) adsorption on the hydrophilicity of two different montmorillonite samples (Na-montmorillonite, NaMt, and a Na-fluorinated Na-montmorillonite, FNaMt, or ‘Rassoul’) was investigated. The changes in the wettability of clays were discussed in terms of the non-electrostatic free energy of interaction between the clay particles immersed in aqueous humic acid solutions (ΔG121), using the van Oss-Chaudhury-Good (vOCG) model. The surface free energy components (both non-polar or Lifshitz-van der Waals, and polar or acid-base) of clays were obtained from contact angle measurements, after adsorption of humic acid, at acid or basic pH, in 10−2 M NaCl solutions. It was found that: (1) at acid pH, a progressive decrease in the hydrophilic character of both clays was observed when the humic acid concentration was increased; (2) at basic pH, the hydrophilic character of both samples studied increased with HA concentration; (3) the effect of humic acid adsorption on the wettability of model edge surfaces of the laminar montmorillonite particles was estimated from a parallel study on silica and alumina surfaces, and only a slight decrease in the hydrophilicity was observed, whatever the pH of the liquid media. The ζ potentials of both clays in the absence and presence of humic acid were determined and the linkage between ζ potential and the electron-donor character of the materials is discussed.

Our objective was to elaborate lactose-free Dulce de leche (DL) and evaluate the influence of the hydrolysis of this sugar on the attributes of the products. Fluid milk used was divided into two portions and, in one of them, enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose was carried through. Next, the homogenization of milk was performed at 20 MPa. Four different treatments were studied. The final products were evaluated in relation to their composition and physico-chemical characteristics. The main results show that the homogenized lactose-free DL obtained a higher concentration of free 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) (133.77 ± 3.42 μmol l−1). Consequently, browning was more intense due to Maillard Reaction. Texture parameters were higher (1611.00 ± 598.78 g hardness and 19.52 ± 2.46 g gumminess) when compared to the homogenized traditional product (28.45 ± 1.16 μmol l−1 free HMF, 437.17 ± 279.3 g hardness, and 406.20 ± 311.69 g gumminess). Lactose-free products are in high demand by consumers; however, the results of this work highlight the challenges to properly control the browning and the texture parameters of DL.

There remains significant under representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australian higher education systems. A number of strategies have been implemented by governments and universities to best support Indigenous students within higher education that have produced varying levels of success in increasing participation, retention and completions. One key strategy is the inclusion of Aboriginal Education Units within universities. The current study aimed to examine students experience and engagement with a range of support services across university, in particular with an Aboriginal Education Unit. Utilising a mixed-method approach, data were collected from 103 students who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander at The University of Adelaide. Overall, students were most satisfied with support provided by family (70%) and the Aboriginal Education Unit (61%), followed by support provided by university faculties (49%), and the wider university (43%). The main reasons students were accessing the Unit was for academic and tutoring purposes, also rating tutoring as the most beneficial service provided by the Unit. This study highlights the importance of examining and evaluating enablers such as support mechanisms from the student perspective and has demonstrated the significant role Aboriginal Education Units play in the student experience, laying a crucial foundation for targeted support initiatives.

Phosphorus uptake by grass species from natural South American grasslands can change depending on root and leaf attributes capable of determining higher, or lower, relative growth rate. The aim of the current study is to investigate whether leaf and root attributes capable of determining leaf and root area production in native C4 grass species Axonopus affinis and Andropogon lateralis are related to higher relative growth rate (RGR), P uptake capacity (maximum P influx; Imax) and concentration. Species grown in 2-litre pots with added nutrition solution were subjected to two treatments, namely 5 μM P l−1 and 30 μM P l−1. Solution aliquots (10 ml) were collected for 30 hours at the end of the study to determine P concentrations. RGR was 3.6 and 2.8 times higher in A. affinis than in A. lateralis in treatments with 5 μM P and 30 μM P. Axonopus affinis recorded the highest P concentration in leaf tissue. This outcome was associated with Imax 85% higher in A. affinis. High RGR was associated with larger leaf and root surface area per dry mass unit, as well as with high P influx capacity and with higher affinity transporters. These species often prevail in areas accounting for greater natural fertility and are more responsive to phosphate fertilization.

The objective of this study was to identify attitudes towards the scientific search for extraterrestrial life among students from public and private universities in Peru. This research was inspired by similar studies, realized in Sweden, which used the same instrument adapting it to our reality. The process consisted of a survey of the Peruvian student population by targeting it in different regions of Peru. The sample consisted of 1237 students from different academic areas. The findings show that 92% of the students believe in the existence of life outside our planet, with differences between the subgroups surveyed.

Meteorological and even human-made disasters are increasing every year in frequency and magnitude. The passage of a disaster affects a society without distinction, but groups with social vulnerability (low socioeconomic status, chronic medical, or psychological conditions, limited access to resources) face the most significant impact. As a result, psychological and behavioral symptoms (eg, depression and anxiety) can ensue, making the immediate response of mental health services crucial. Secondary data from a database of a temporary healthcare unit were analyzed. A total of 54 records were reviewed to collect information; univariate and bivariate analyses were done. The purpose of this article is to present our experience regarding the incorporation of a mental health services model, with its respective benefits and challenges, into a temporary healthcare unit, after Hurricane Maria in 2017.

The natural grasslands in South America have soils with low phosphorus (P) availability (1.0 to 7.5 mg kg−1), possibly altering the absorption and accumulation of P in grasses. We evaluated the chemical fractionation of P in the leaves of the most important grasses present in these grasslands to better understand the mechanisms involved in the storage of P. The grasses studied were Axonopus affinis and Paspalum notatum (fast tissue cycling and high nutrient demand) and Andropogon lateralis and Aristida laevis (slow tissue cycling and low nutrient demand). They were grown in pots filled with an Ultisol with two levels of P: control, and addition of 50 mg P kg–1. The main P fractions were the inorganic soluble (44%) and P in RNA (26%). Addition of P increased the total P concentration, following the order A. affinis (140%) > P. notatum (116%) > A. lateralis (81%) > A. laevis (21%). In conclusion, the species A. affinis and P. notatum responded to P fertilization with high variation and accumulating P in less-structural chemical forms, such as inorganic P. The species A. lateralis and A. laevis showed low variation in the concentration of P forms, with higher P concentrations in structural forms.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples remain significantly under-represented in higher education systems. There are significant disparities in university completion rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students compared with their non-Indigenous counterparts. The poor-retention and high-attrition rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students come at significant financial and personal cost for the individual, families, community, universities and governments. Existing evidence in relation to attrition has identified complex and multifaceted reasons including ill health, family and community responsibilities, financial difficulties, lack of social support, academic disadvantage and issues surrounding personal well-being. The current study aimed to add to evidence of the academic, financial, social support and well-being factors affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student's decision to continue or withdraw from their university studies. Contrary to expectation, students' decision to withdraw was not related to academic and social factors. It was found that students between 22 and 25 years old strongly agreed they were likely to withdraw from studies. There was a significant association between withdrawal and type of enrolment. This study provided important insights into the factors that contribute to a students' decision to withdraw from their university studies, with implications for future educational interventions.

Field and in vitro studies have shown that high salinities and temperatures promote the proliferation and dissemination of Perkinsus marinus in several environments. In Brazil, the parasite infects native oysters Crassostrea gasar and Crassostrea rhizophorae in the Northeast (NE), where the temperature is high throughout the year. Despite the high prevalence of Perkinsus spp. infection in oysters from the NE of Brazil, no mortality events were reported by oyster farmers to date. The present study evaluated the effects of salinity (5, 20 and 35 psu) and temperature (15, 25 and 35 °C) on in vitro proliferation of P. marinus isolated from a host (C. rhizophorae) in Brazil, for a period of up to 15 days and after the return to the control conditions (22 days; recovery). Different cellular parameters (changes of cell phase's composition, cell density, viability and production of reactive oxygen species) were analysed using flow cytometry. The results indicate that the P. marinus isolate was sensitive to the extreme salinities and temperatures analysed. Only the highest temperature caused lasting cell damage under prolonged exposure, impairing P. marinus recovery, which is likely to be associated with oxidative stress. These findings will contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of perkinsiosis in tropical regions.

The degree of development and operability of the indicators for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) using Descriptor 1 (D1) Biological Diversity was assessed. To this end, an overview of the relevance and degree of operability of the underlying parameters across 20 European countries was compiled by analysing national directives, legislation, regulations, and publicly available reports. Marked differences were found between countries in the degree of ecological relevance as well as in the degree of implementation and operability of the parameters chosen to indicate biological diversity. The best scoring EU countries were France, Germany, Greece and Spain, while the worst scoring countries were Italy and Slovenia. No country achieved maximum scores for the implementation of MSFD D1. The non-EU countries Norway and Turkey score as highly as the top-scoring EU countries. On the positive side, the chosen parameters for D1 indicators were generally identified as being an ecologically relevant reflection of Biological Diversity. On the negative side however, less than half of the chosen parameters are currently operational. It appears that at a pan-European level, no consistent and harmonized approach currently exists for the description and assessment of marine biological diversity. The implementation of the MSFD Descriptor 1 for Europe as a whole can therefore at best be marked as moderately successful.

The oyster Crassostrea gasar is a species widely used as food and a source of income for the local population of the estuaries of Northeast Brazil. Perkinsus marinus and Perkinsus olseni are deleterious parasites for oyster farming and were recently detected in Brazil. In this study, a histopathologic survey of the oyster C. gasar cultured in the estuary of the River Mamanguape (Paraíba State) was performed. Adult oysters were collected in December 2011 and March, May, August and October 2012 and processed for histology and Perkinsus sp. identification by molecular analyses. Histopathological analysis revealed the presence of parasitic organisms including viral gametocytic hypertrophy, prokaryote-like colonies, protozoans (Perkinsus sp. and Nematopsis sp.) and metazoans (Tylocephalum sp. and cestodes). Other commensal organisms were also detected (the protozoan Ancistrocoma sp. and the turbellarian Urastoma sp.). The protozoan parasite Perkinsus sp. had the highest overall prevalence among the symbiotic organisms studied (48·9%), followed by Nematopsis sp. (36·3%). The other organisms were only sporadically observed. Only the protozoan Perkinsus sp. caused alterations in the oysters’ infected organs. Molecular analyses confirmed the presence of P. marinus, P. olseni and Perkinsus beihaiensis infecting the oyster C. gasar. This is the first report of P. beihaiensis in this oyster species.

Sea-cage fish farms impact the seabed within their immediate vicinity, potentially affecting recipient communities. We assessed whether proximity to three sea-cage fish farms at the Canary Islands altered patterns in the abundance, assemblage structure and richness of soft-bottom macrofauna. We related among-farm variability in dissimilarities in macrofaunal assemblage structure between seabeds beneath cages and controls to differences in hydrodynamics, production and seabed topography. Contrasting patterns of species abundances with varying proximity to fish farms were observed: some species decreased while other species increased their abundances with increasing distance at some farms. Although faunal assemblages at 0 m (i.e. beneath the cages) were different, in terms of assemblage structure, from those found at controls, pairwise differences in assemblage structure among distances away varied among the studied fish farms. Species richness showed inconsistent patterns with proximity to cages among fish farms. In summary, inconsistent patterns of macrofaunal assemblages with varying proximity to aquaculture facilities preclude confident predictions on the way offshore aquaculture alters macrofauna in the study region.

In the present study, we assessed morphological changes and cytokine production after in vitro interaction with causative agents of American cutaneous leishmaniasis and compared the microglia and macrophage immune responses. Cultures of microglia and macrophages infected with stationary-phase promastigotes of Leishmania (Viannia) shawi, Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis or Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis were evaluated 24, 48 and 72 h after interaction. Macrophages only presented the classical phagocytic process while microglia also displayed large cytoplasmic projections similar to the ruffles described in macropinocytosis. In the macrophage cultures, the percentage of infected cells increased over time, in a fashion that was dependent on the parasite species. In contrast, in microglial cells as the culture time progressed, there was a significant reduction in the percentage of infected cells independent of parasite species. Measurements of cytokines in macrophage cultures 48 h after interactions revealed distinct expression patterns for different parasites, whereas in microglial cultures they were similar for all Leishmania tested species. Taken together, our results suggest that microglia may have a higher phagocytic ability and cytotoxic potential than macrophages for all investigated species. The robust response of microglia against all parasite species may suggest microglia have an important role in the defence against cerebral leishmaniasis.

Naming difficulties are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and, to a lesser extent, of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients. The association of naming impairment with anterior temporal lobe (ATL) atrophy in Semantic Dementia (SD) could be a tip of the iceberg effect, in which case the atrophy is a marker of more generalized temporal lobe pathology. Alternatively, it could reflect the existence of a functional gradient within the temporal lobes, wherein more anterior regions provide the basis for greater specificity of representation. We tested these two hypotheses in a study of 15 subjects with mild AD, 17 with aMCI, and 16 aged control subjects and showed that coordinate and circumlocutory semantic error production on the Boston Naming Test was weakly correlated with ATL gray matter density, as determined by voxel-based morphometry. Additionally, we investigated whether these errors were benefited by phonemic cues, and similarly to SD, our AD patients had small improvement. Because there is minimal gradient of temporal lobe atrophy in AD or MCI, and, therefore, no basis for a tip of the iceberg effect, these findings support the theory of a modest functional gradient in the temporal lobes, with the ATLs being involved in the naming of more specific objects. (JINS, 2010, 16, 1099–1107.)