bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Level Motion Characteristics Do Not Account for Perceptions of Stream-Bounce Stimuli
Authors: Zeljko Mick , Grove Philip M.
Published: October 2016

The stream-bounce effect refers to a bistable motion stimulus that is interpreted as two targets either “streaming” past or “bouncing” off one another, and the manipulations that bias responses. Directional bias, according to Bertenthal et al., is an account of the effect proposing that low-level motion integration promotes streaming, and its disruption leads to bouncing, and it is sometimes cited either directly in a bottom-up fashion or indirectly under top-down control despite Sekuler and Sekuler finding evidence inconsistent with it. We tested two key aspects of the hypothesis: (a) comparable changes in speed should produce comparable disruptions and lead to similar effects; and (b) speed changes alone should disrupt integration without the need for additional more complex changes of motion. We found that target motion influences stream-bounce perception, but not as directional bias predicts. Our results support Sekuler and Sekuler and argue against the low-level motion signals driving perceptual outcomes in stream-bounce displays (directly or indirectly) and point to higher level inferential processes involving perceptual history and expectation. Directional bias as a mechanism should be abandoned and either another specific bottom-up process must be proposed and tested or consideration should be given to top-down factors alone driving the effect.
Spatial Associations of Multiple Chronic Conditions Among Older Adults
Authors: Cromley Ellen K. , Wilson-Genderson Maureen , Heid Allison R. , Pruchno Rachel A.
Published: October 2016

Multimorbidity, the presence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual, presents a major challenge for meeting the health care needs of older adults. This study advances understanding of multiple chronic conditions by using local colocation quotients to reveal spatial associations for five chronic conditions (arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and pulmonary disease) in a statewide panel of older adults in New Jersey. Among adults with three or more conditions, large concentrations of Arthritis-Heart Disease-Pulmonary Disease, Arthritis-Hypertension-Pulmonary Disease, and Diabetes-Heart Disease-Hypertension were observed, each triad located in different regions of the state. Individuals with other triads of conditions, in contrast, were distributed among all older adults in the sample as expected with no areas of local concentration. The study provides gerontologists with a new and effective method for uncovering geographical patterns in combinations of chronic conditions among the populations they serve, thereby enabling more effective interventions.
Fabrication and characterization of metal stent coating with drug-loaded nanofiber film for gallstone dissolution
Authors: Gao Qiang , Huang Chao , Sun Binbin , Aqeel Bhutto M , Wang Jing , Chen Weiming , Mo Xiumei , Wan Xinjian
Published: October 2016

Stent insertion and chemical agents of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and sodium cholate for dissolving common bile duct stone diseases through extra biliary tract infusion have been believed a relatively effective therapeutics for the clinical symptom. Core-shell nanofibers produced by co-axial electrospinning to deliver chemical drugs, biomacromolecules, genes and even cells have been reported for various advanced drug delivery system and tissue engineering applications. In the present study, poly (lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) (PLCL) core-shell nanofiber-coated film of stent, loaded with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and sodium cholate in core layer, was fabricated by co-axial electrospinning for treating gallstone disease. Image of laser scanning confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated core-shell structure of drug-loaded nanofiber. Fourier transform infrared spectra and the thermogravimetric analysis proved ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and sodium cholate to be successfully loaded in nanofibers. Morphology of nanofibers after a period of degradation still keeps good shape. Drugs can continuously release for around five days, which was proved significant effectiveness for dissolving gallstone. Besides, unobvious cytotoxicity was exhibited from MTT results and cell kept good morphology in vitro research. The present coated stent showed a bright prospect for dissolving the biliary stone.
SWS 2015 Feminist Lecture
Authors: Desai Manisha
Published: October 2016

The World Social Forum (WSF)—a global gathering of social movements and a process of global change—has come to signify the global justice movements. Since its inception in 2001 in Brazil it has traveled across the Global South, with the 2016 WSF in Montreal. As the WSF has traveled across the world, it has reflected the particular geographies and histories of movement politics in each place. Yet everywhere it has demonstrated what I have called the gendered geographies of struggle. By gendered geographies I mean the epistemic, spatial, and praxis divisions along gender lines evident in the marginalizing of feminist insights about the global political economy and global justice; low representation of women activists in public plenaries and private decision-making structures; and outsourcing of gender issues to women’s activists and movements. Without addressing these gendered geographies, I argue, there can be no global justice.
‘Who else would we speak to?’ National Policy Networks in post-devolution Britain: The case of spatial planning
Authors: Morphet Janice , Clifford Ben
Published: October 2016

The implementation of the devolution process that started in 1999 was frequently assumed by contemporary commentators and scholars to lead to a fractured relationship with the national centre and a fragmented state as a consequence. However, discourse analysis and policy reviews in relation to spatial planning policies demonstrates that agendas and legislation implemented by central and devolved governments since devolution are characterised by marked similarities in intention and type (albeit with some differences in name and delivery route). In investigating the potential sites and sources of these policy similarities and possible mobilities, and drawing on research data, we suggest that the British Irish Council’s spatial planning task group as one of the potential candidates to be considered as a national policy community or network. Alongside a range of other factors following devolution, this has contributed to development and delivery in one specific policy area that has taken a convergent rather than divergent character.
Validation of three automated assays for total antioxidant capacity determination in canine serum samples
Authors: Rubio Camila Peres , Hernández-Ruiz Josefa , Martinez-Subiela Silvia , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Arnao Marino Bañón , Ceron José Joaquín
Published: October 2016

We performed analytical validation of 3 automated assays of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in canine serum and evaluated their use in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. The assays were based on the generation of a 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS•+) in aqueous media, which produces a blue-green color. The antioxidants present in the sample remove the chromogen in proportion to their concentrations. The assays differed mainly in the way in which this radical was produced. All 3 assays produced acceptable results in the analytical validation. However, only 2 of the assays were capable of detecting significantly different TAC values in healthy and diseased animals.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa mastitis in two goats associated with an essential oil–based teat dip
Authors: Kelly E. Jane , Wilson David J.
Published: October 2016

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that has been associated with mastitis in dairy animals, including goats. Often, the environmental sources of the bacteria are water-related (such as hoses and muddy pastures). Mastitis attributable to P. aeruginosa was identified in 2 goats in a small herd. Efforts were made to identify environmental sources of the pathogen. Multiple samples from the goats’ environment were cultured, including water from the trough, bedding, the hose used to wash udders, and the teat dip and teat dip containers. The bacterium was isolated from the teat dip and the teat dip container. The teat dip consisted of water, liquid soap, and several drops of essential oils (including tea tree, lavender, and peppermint). This case illustrates a potential problem that may arise as a result of the use of unconventional ingredients in teat dips. The use of alternative products by goat producers is likely to increase in the future.
Ivabradine: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?
Authors: Alshammari Thamir M.
Published: October 2016

Ivabradine is a selective I f current inhibitor that is used to lower the heart rate (HR) of patients with angina and/or heart failure. It is approved for use in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. The drug was studied in several clinical trials, and it exhibited beneficial effects on the approved indicators. However, there are some concerns with the safety profile of this drug, especially its effect in reducing HR and causing severe bradycardia. Therefore, the current review assessed the benefit–risk balance of ivabradine. A literature review of the major published studies that assessed the efficacy and safety of ivabradine was performed. The online VigiBase adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting system was also accessed to investigate reports associated with this drug. A full benefit–risk assessment was performed using the collected data from the above-mentioned resources. Most of the reviewed studies concluded that ivabradine exerted beneficial effects with a tolerable safety profile. Specifically, a favorable benefit–risk profile was found when ivabradine was used for patients with an HR ≥70 beats per minute. Reports revealed that the most common ADR was bradycardia, which was expected. Other safety risks or ADRs were comparable to other prescribed drugs. This review presents an up-to-date analysis of ivabradine from the latest literature and reports. These studies suggest that ivabradine exhibits an acceptable and favorable benefit–risk profile, and this drug should be considered as a viable option in patients with angina pectoris and chronic heart failure.
Progressive failure analysis of scarf-repaired composite laminate based on damage constitutive model
Authors: Shen Qiuyi , Zhu Zhenghao , Liu Yi
Published: October 2016

A three-dimensional finite element model for scarf-repaired composite laminate was established on continuum damage model to predict the load capacity under tensile loading. The mixed-mode cohesive zone model was adopted to the debonding behavior analysis of adhesive. Damage condition and failure of laminates and adhesive were subsequently addressed. A three-dimensional bilinear constitutive model was developed for composite materials based on damage mechanics and applied to damage evolution and loading capacity analyses by quantifying damage level through damage state variables. The numerical analyses were implemented with ABAQUS finite element analysis by coding the constitutive model into material subroutine VUMAT. Good agreement between the numerical and experimental results shows the accuracy and adaptability of the model.
When does compassion fatigue hit social workers? Caring for oncology patients in Korea
Authors: Yi Jaehee , Kim Min Ah , Choi Kwonho , Kim Soohyun , O’Connor Allison
Published: October 2016

Understanding compassion fatigue is vital to supporting the health and well-being of oncology psychosocial service providers and oncology patients. This study aims to examine when compassion fatigue is experienced and how it is dealt with by medical social workers providing psychosocial care for oncology patients. A purposeful sample of 12 medical social workers was recruited; each participant was working at a hospital and providing psychosocial care for oncology patients in Korea. Through in-depth qualitative interviews, the following themes emerged regarding oncology social workers’ experiences with compassion fatigue: (1) when compassion fatigue hits me (when bonding with clients, when facing a client’s death, when facing organizational hurdles, when feeling inadequate) and (2) how I deal with compassion fatigue (communicating with others, setting professional boundaries, finding ways to help myself, creating grief rituals, building professional identity). Implications and psychosocial interventions that may help reduce oncology social workers’ compassion fatigue are discussed.
Development of wearable rectangular textile antenna and investigation of its performance under bent condition at different angles
Authors: Karimi Rezvan , Mohtaram Fatemeh , Mottaghitalab Vahid , Khajeh Mehrizi Mohammad
Published: October 2016

In recent years, a growing interest in flexible electronic devices has been the origin of the formation of extensive research in providing the best method for the production of these tools. In this context, manufacturing of flexible textile antennas due to opportunities to integrate unique technical attributes with their applications is highly regarded by researchers. Therefore, in this paper, using inkjet printing technology with textiles and subsequently reducing it by metal nanoparticles with various deposition techniques to develop micro-layers of fabric has been suggested. It is anticipated that this method can produce electrically conductive textiles with flexibility and signal transmission in different wavelengths. According to the method in this article, after primary preparation of polyester fabric, it will print active materials with different designs at suitable operating conditions and then it will enter into the nickel electroless bath. The antenna having a conductive nickel fabric as ground plane was tested at different angles than receivers. That indicating zero degree angle relative to a line perpendicular to the surface of the antenna has the gain equal to −5.34 dB, because most of the antenna radiation field is perpendicular to the surface of the antenna. The most unsuitable degree is 90° angle, which is equal to −14.59 dB and shows that radiation from the sides of the antenna does not occur.
Development and Testing of a Conceptual Model Regarding Men’s Access to Health Care
Authors: Leone James E. , Rovito Michael J. , Mullin Elizabeth M. , Mohammed Shan D. , Lee Christina S.
Published: October 2016

Epidemiologic data suggest men often experience excessive morbidity and early mortality, possibly compromising family and community health over the lifespan. Moreover, the negative financial/economic consequences affected by poor male health outcomes also has been of great concern in the United States and abroad. Early and consistent access to preventative health care may improve health outcomes; however, men are far less likely to access these services. The purpose of this study was to understand what factors preclude men from accessing health care. We surveyed 485 participants using a 58-item online survey built from a conceptual model previously developed by the researchers using hegemonic masculinity theory, the theory of normative contentment, and the health belief model. For men, three items significantly ( ps < .05) predicted whether they had seen a health care provider in the past year: “I/Men do not access healthcare because I do not think there is anything wrong with me,” “My health is only about me,” and “I/Men do not access healthcare because most men in my family do not access healthcare.” Other correlations of practical significance also were noted. Results suggest gender norms and masculine ideals may play a primary role in how men access preventative health care. Future programming targeting males should consider barriers and plan programs that are gender-sensitive in addition to being gender-specific. Clinical implications are discussed.
Environment impacts innate immune ontogeny
Authors: Garand Mathieu , Cai Bing , Kollmann Tobias R
Published: October 2016

Susceptibility to infection and response to vaccination differ between populations and as a function of age. The underlying mechanisms for this age- and population-dependent variation are not known. Specifically, it is unclear if these variations are due to differences in genetically encoded host programs or driven by environmental influences or a combination of both. To address the relationship between gene and environment regarding immune ontogeny, we determined the innate cytokine responses following PRR stimulation of blood mononuclear cells at birth, 1, and 2 yr of age in infants from Caucasian vs . Asian parents and were raised in the same city. At birth, we found that innate cytokine responses were significantly elevated in Asian compared with Caucasian infants. However, these differences waned and responses became more similar over the course of 1–2 yr of living in a similar environment. Our observations that innate response differences present at birth subsequently equalized rather than diverged suggest a key role for environmental effects common to both racial groups in shaping the innate immune responses early in life. Delineating the underlying environmental factors that modulate innate immune responses early in life could provide avenues for targeted beneficial immune modulation.
Population Viability Analysis of Howler Monkeys (Alouatta Palliata Mexicana) in a Highly Fragmented Landscape in Los Tuxtlas, Mexico
Authors: Mandujano Salvador , Escobedo-Morales Luis A.
Published: October 2016

We performed a population viability analysis (PVA) using a stochastic population model employing RAMAS/Metapop software: 1) to evaluate the contribution of demographic parameters to population growth, and 2) to simulate group trend and local extinction probability of the Mexican mantled howler monkeys Alouatta palliata mexicana in Los Tuxtlas, Mexico, under two landscape scenarios: isolated populations (IPS) and patchy population or metapopulation (MPS). We found that as the number of adult females per fragment increased, the rate of fecundity and relative reproductive success increased. As a consequence, the finite growth rate depended mainly on the survival of adult females. In both IPS and MPS the simulations suggested that the probability of extinction was exponentially dependent on fragment size. An estimation of 60% of extinction was predicted when fragment size is lower than 15 ha. Simulations suggest that in MPS the expected population change could be lower than in IPS. The value of these analyses for conservation of the primate populations studied is discussed.
Survey and Conservation of a Relict Population of Spider Monkeys (Ateles Geoffroyi) in the Sumidero Canyon, Mexico
Authors: Muñóz David , Estrada Alejandro , del Valle Yasminda García
Published: October 2016

Habitat loss, hunting and the pet trade have caused significant reductions in the original distribution of spider monkeys ( Ateles spp.) in the Neotropics. Mexico harbors the northernmost distribution of this primate in the Neotropics, and information on the current location of remnant populations and on their demographic features in particularly scarce. In this paper we report the results of a month-long survey during the dry season of a population of spider monkeys ( Ateles geoffroyi vellerosus) existing in the rainforest vegetation of the Sumidero Canyon National Park in central Chiapas, Mexico. The 23km-long canyon was divided into five 5km-long segments and the rainforest vegetation at the edges of the river canyon was surveyed from a boat and on the ground for presence of spider monkeys. Surveys resulted in the detection of nine subgroups of spider monkeys in four of the 5km-long segments, for an estimated total population of 36 individuals. Average subgroup size ranged from 3−7 individuals, 28% of these were adult males, 36% were adult females, 28% were juveniles and 8% were infants. Relative abundance was estimated at 1.8 monkeys/km of river. The rainforest vegetation along the river canyon has a patchy distribution and patches are separated by the steep and very tall walls of the canyon. Spider monkeys were observed to move from patch to patch by climbing the walls of the canyon. This unusual behavior allows individual spider monkeys to secure food resources and to meet other conspecifics. Additional surveys are necessary to map annual fluctuations in the size and distribution of the spider monkey population in the canyon.
Tanoé Forest, South-Eastern Côte-d'Ivoire Identified as a High Priority Site for the Conservation of Critically Endangered Primates in West Africa
Authors: Bi Sery Gonedelé , Koné Inza , Béné J-C K , Bitty Anderson E. , Akpatou Bertin K. , Bi Zoro Goné , Ouattara Karim , Koffi Djaha André
Published: October 2016

Human-induced extinction rate of fauna has increased over the last century. The danger is particularly acute in the tropics where conservation resources are scarcest, where habitat conversion is more rapid, and where the threat to biodiversity especially to primate species and populations is greatest. This is the case for the whole primate community occurring at the eastern part of the Upper Guinea forests. The situation is particularly critical for Côte d'Ivoire. To update the distribution and conservation status of primates in south-eastern and south-central Côte d'Ivoire, we conducted surveys consisting of interviews and walks in selected forests reserves, National Parks, private forests, and unprotected forests in Côte d'Ivoire in 2004-2006. Among the forests surveyed, the Tanoé forest is the only forest where several endangered primate taxa have survived. The diana roloway ( Cercopithecus diana roloway) was found and the Miss Waldron's red colobus ( Piliocolobus badius waldronae) was suspected in this forest. These monkeys are listed among the 25 most threatened primates in the world and the probable extinction of the latter was reported in the literature. The Tanoé forest also supports two Endangered monkey species ( Cercocebus atys lunulatus and Colobus vellerosus) and one Near Threatened monkey species ( Procolobus verus). This forest represents the most “threatened hotspot” for primate diversity and a priority for primate conservation in West Africa. Throughout Tanoé forest, Primate Conservation Societies have a unique opportunity to prevent the extinction of West African primates that are under severe threats.
PATRONES DE DIVERSIDAD Y COMPOSICIÓN DE REPTILES EN FRAGMENTOS DE BOSQUE SECO TROPICAL EN CÓRDOBA, COLOMBIA
Authors: Carvajal-Cogollo Juan E. , Urbina-Cardona J. Nicolás
Published: October 2016

El bosque seco tropical es uno de los ecosistemas más amenazado del planeta y los reptiles que alberga han sido pobremente estudiados. En seis fragmentos de bosque seco tropical (con un área entre 7 y 84 ha) rodeados por potrero, se muestrearon reptiles durante el día y la noche, en tres temporadas a lo largo de 120 transectos lineales. Se encontró mayor riqueza de especies en los fragmentos de mayor área pero la relación “número de especies-área del fragmento” se perdió a medida que los estimadores de riqueza predijeron mayor número de especies en el ensamble. La abundancia total de reptiles y la composición de especies no varió en relación al área del fragmento pero el fragmento de mayor área presentó el mayor número de especies exclusivas. El mayor recambio de especies se dio entre los fragmentos grandes y los pequeños. El tamaño del fragmento claramente afectó a Anolis vittigerus, lagarto que hasta el momento no se encuentra incluido en las categorías de riesgo de la UICN. Más del 70% de las especies encontradas son raras (abundancia < a 4 individuos) por lo cual es necesario realizar estudios poblacionales intensivos para poder conocer la respuesta de las especies crípticas a la pérdida y fragmentación del hábitat.
Genetic Relationships among Accessions of Four Species of Desmodium and Allied Genera (Dendrolobium Triangulare, Desmodium Gangeticum, Desmodium Heterocarpon, and Tadehagi Triquetrum)
Authors: Heider Bettina , Fischer Elke , Berndl Tanja , Schultze-Kraft Rainer
Published: October 2016

Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers (RAPD) were used to assess the genetic relatedness among accessions of four species of Desmodium and allied genera (Dendrolobium triangulare, Desmodium gangeticum, Desmodium heterocarpon ssp. heterocarpon, and Tadehagi triquetrum) originating from Northeast Vietnam. Since information on the genetic diversity of these species is deficient, the creation of baseline data is an important means for the development of more sustainable and cost-efficient conservation approaches which eventually result in more comprehensive ex situ germplasm collections. The species analyzed are native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and Oceania and possess a potential as forage and/or medicinal plants. Moderate levels of inter-accession diversity represented by 37.5% and 33.3% of polymorphic fragments (P%) and average Jaccard's similarity coefficients (JSCs) of 0.60 and 0.64 were found in D. heterocarpon and T. triquetrum, respectively, while moderate to high levels were detected in D. triangulare (P% = 52.9 and JSC = 0.61) and D. gangeticum (P% = 34.5 and JSC = 0.49). Mantel tests failed to reveal a correlation between geographic and genetic distances. Based on the results of this study, baseline data for further marker-assisted research are generated and future collecting and ex situ conservation strategies for the species studied are discussed.
The Role of Traditional Management Practices in Enhancing Sustainable Use and Conservation of Medicinal Plants in West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Msuya Tuli S , Kideghesho Jafari R
Published: October 2016

The study on importance of traditional practices in conservation of medicinal plants in West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania was conducted by using focus group discussions, interviews, participant observation, and botanical survey. Nine traditional practices for conservation of wild plants were identified as domestication; beliefs in sacredness of trees; beliefs in sacred forests; respect of cultural forests; protection of plants at the burial sites; selective harvesting; secrecy; collection of deadwood for firewood, and use of energy-saving traditional stoves. Through botanical surveys of sacred forests, cultural forests, farms/homesteads, and burial sites, some 1,518 wild plants belonging to 100 species were identified. A large proportion (85%) of these plants had medicinal value. Of the 173 respondents, 82%, 81%, 74%, and 71% believed that sustainable use and conservation of medicinal plants can be achieved through secrecy, plant protection at burial sites, sacredness of plants and domestication, respectively. About 89% of the respondents pursued domestication (at least five plants each) and 70% had retained sacred trees (at least one tree each), of which the majority had medicinal value. Few respondents were aware of the positive role played by sacred forests and cultural forests (38% and 21%, respectively) in conservation of medicinal plants. It is concluded that the traditional management practices have a significant role in the conservation of biodiversity. This conservation role has a direct connection with human health since most of the plant species have medicinal value, which a majority of the rural people rely on. The paper recommends that traditional management practices should be encouraged since they serve a dual purpose as important conservation strategy and as an essential component of primary health care.
The Fate of Seeds Dispersed by Golden Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus Rosalia) in an Atlantic Forest Fragment, Brazil
Authors: Lapenta Marina Janzantti , Procópio-de-Oliveira Paula
Published: October 2016

Frugivores, as seed dispersers may influence the spatial patterns of adult and juvenile plants, but a large portion of the potential recruitment of plant populations is lost to seed predators. The majority of seeds dispersed by primates are killed by seed predators or moved by secondary dispersers. Little is known about post-dispersal seed-predation and seedling distribution of exploited plant species. This study iinvestigated the survival and establishment of seedlings from seeds defecated by the golden lion tamarin ( Leontopithecus rosalia), a frugivorous endemic primate of the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Two groups of golden lion tamarins were studied in the União Biological Reserve from April 2003 to March 2004. Seeds from fruits consumed by tamarins and collected from their feces were evaluated with respect to the following: germination success, seed disappearance or secondary dispersal on the forest floor, seed predation, and seedling establishment and survival for the length of the study period. The tamarin groups consumed 88 fruit species. Of these, 38 were used to run 107 experiments which indicated that more than 50% of the seeds disappeared, about 15% died before germinating and seeds of 22 species reached the seedling stage. At the end of the study, only 15 of these species still had surviving seedlings. Studies on seed fate are important for understanding the role of the golden lion tamarind in the natural process of forest regeneration in the lowland Atlantic Forest of the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Evaluación ecológica rápida de los quirópteros del parque ecológico de Montelíbano, Córdoba, Colombia
Authors: Suárez-Villota Elkin Y. , Racero-Casarrubia Javier , Guevara Giovany , Ballesteros Jesús
Published: October 2016

Entre marzo y mayo de 2005, se realizó una evaluación ecológica rápida (EER) de los murciélagos presentes en el Parque Ecológico de Montelíbano. El estudio se realizó con un esfuerzo total de captura de 368 horas/red y comprendió los cinco biotopos presentes en el parque: humedal, rastrojo alto, pastizal, bosque húmedo tropical secundario y plantación forestal. Se registraron 17 especies de murciélagos agrupadas en 5 familias y 4 subfamilias. La familia mejor representada fue Phyllostomidae con 12 especies. Las espedes más abundantes fueron Artibeus jamaicensis, Uroderma bilobatum, Sturnira lilium y Carollia perspicillata. Se encontraron especies biotopo-específicas, tales como Phyllostomus elongatus y Saccopteryx bilineata en la plantación; Myotis sp., Glossophaga soricina, Sturnira ludovici y Noctilio leporinus en el humedal y Anoura sp. en el bosque. La composición de quirópteros del humedal es significativamente diferente (70% Jaccard, 0.72 bayes) con respecto a los demás biotopos. Los resultados muestran que las EERs de las comunidades de murciélagos, permiten identificar las zonas con prioridades de investigación en proyectos de conservación semi-urbana.
Upscaling Payments for Environmental Services (PES): Critical Issues
Authors: Pirard Romain , Billé Raphaël , Sembrés Thomas
Published: October 2016

The concept of payments for environmental services (PES) lends itself to an extremely diverse array of experimentations. At a time when PES are likely to be scaled up massively in certain parts of the tropics, notably in the context of REDD+, it is important to refine the scope of implementation of the instrument to avoid several perverse effects specific to PES and sustain its benefits over time. We analyze recent developments in PES based on a review of literature and emerging practices as we observe them in the field. Using various elements from the theory of economics, public action and environmental management, we flag five key aspects of PES that are often overlooked in most influential studies on PES: (1) the nature of the environmental service providers, (2) the actual efficiency gains of involving industrial and commercial actors, (3) the type of contractual obligations incumbent to the providers and duration of payments, (4) the potential macroeconomic effects of an upscaling of PES, and (5) the risk that PES undermine the consolidation of fragile states. If these elements are not properly addressed in the design of PES, this paper explains that the instrument risks delivering only ephemeral environmental results, while inducing a dangerous shift towards the ‘polluter-profits’ principle. Conversely, we explain how systematically going beyond monetary payments and integrating elements of technical support to encourage alternative productive activities is key to sustain PES benefits over time.
A Framework for Assessing Conservation and Development in a Congo Basin Forest Landscape
Authors: Endamana Dominique , Boedhihartono Agni Klintuni , Bokoto Bruno , Defo Louis , Eyebe Antoine , Ndikumagenge Cléto , Nzooh Zacharie , Ruiz-Perez Manuel , Sayer Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2016

An integrated framework for assessing conservation and development changes at the scale of a large forest landscape in the Congo Basin is described. The framework allows stakeholders to assess progress in achieving the often conflicting objectives of alleviating poverty and conserving global environmental values. The study shows that there was little change in either livelihood or conservation indicators over the period 2006 to 2008, and that the activities of conservation organizations had only modest impacts on either. The global economic down-turn in 2008 had immediate negative consequences for both local livelihoods and for biodiversity as people lost their employment in the cash economy and reverted to illegal harvesting of forest products. Weakness of institutions, and corruption were the major obstacles to achieving either conservation or development objectives. External economic changes had more impact on this forest landscape than either the negative or positive interventions of local actors.
A Multi-Scale Geospatial Study of Wetlands Distribution and Agricultural Zones, and the Case of India
Authors: Nagabhatla Nidhi , Wickramasuriya Rohan , Prasad Narendra , Finlayson C. Max
Published: October 2016

This paper highlights the global and the regional scale representation of wetlands ecosystems using geospatial tools and multiple data sets. At global scale, the Ramsar database is investigated for representation of the wetlands sites of international importance against the “global agricultural zones” derived from the thematic aggregation of Global Irrigated Area Map databases. The analysis of “Ramsar sites” under cultivation reflects the present trend in wetlands use for agriculture. The scenario is also compared with the historical pattern derived from Vavilov's food zones of 1926. Observed is an aggregate increase in cropped wetlands area from 25% (1926) to 43% (2006). The second component develops a regional partnership with Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History in India. The partnership reviews the thematic national database of inland wetlands and “priority wetlands habitats” (PWH) in comparison with the bio-geographic and agro-ecological factors (regions/sub-regions) and by means of geographical information system (GIS) tools. We elaborate the strength of spatial tools to better understand the relationship between wetlands distribution and agricultural zones, both historically and at the present time. The disseminated message states, though from a technical perspective, the understanding of scale and resolution in combining information from diverse sources is essential; the effective implementation of spatial analysis requires a true cross-disciplinary approach. Complementing that, relevant policy support and appropriate institutional arrangements are fundamental to advance the management work required for unification of wetlands conservation with the existing challenges of food and livelihood security.
Assessment of the Diversity and Distribution of the Threatened Tree Species in a Logged Forest in Vietnam
Authors: Millet J. , Truong Luu Hong
Published: October 2016

Conservation of biodiversity and of endangered tree species in tropical forests represents a challenge in the era of deforestation and overlogging. Assessments of biodiversity and of conservation species are essential to estimating the conservation value of ecosystems in order to develop appropriate management measures. This paper discusses the floristic composition, the diversity, and the regeneration of the conservation species in a logged forest in southern Vietnam. Twenty five one hectare plots have been set up using circular sub-plots of 8 metres diameter and at a distance of 10m from the centre point of other sub-plots. The sampling is approximately 50% in each plot. Ten years after the last logging, the species richness appears low, when compared with the close protected area, but the diversity is quite high and conservation species still occur. Twelve conservation species have been studied from the point of view of their distribution and regeneration. Some are close to extinction but some others show promise in terms of regeneration. Six floristic groups have been identified and, among them, two are of interest from a conservation point of view. This logged forest still has a high conservation value, and the process that aims at developing protection measures is clearly relevant.
Structure and Composition of Androstachys johnsonii Woodland across Various Strata in Gonarezhou National Park, Southeast Zimbabwe
Authors: Gandiwa Edson , Chikorowondo Gift , Zisadza-Gandiwa Patience , Muvengwi Justice
Published: October 2016

A study on the structure and composition of Androstachys johnsonii Prain (Euphorbiaceae) woodland across three strata was conducted in Gonarezhou National Park (GNP), southeast Zimbabwe. Specifically, the objectives of the study were: (i) to determine the spatial structure and composition of A. johnsonii woodland in GNP and (ii) to determine factors that influence the structure and composition of A. johnsonii woodland in GNP. This study was based on a stratified random design with three major soil groups, and 30 plots were sampled in May 2010. The three soil strata were comprised of soils derived from (i) rhyolite, (ii) malvernia and (iii) granophyre bedrocks. A total of 1258 woody plants were assessed and 41 woody species were recorded. There were significant differences in mean tree heights, tree densities, basal area and species diversity in A. johnsonii woodland across the three soil strata. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the mean number of dead plants per ha in the three study strata in the GNP. Our study findings suggest that A. johnsonii woodland in GNP is being degraded. GNP management should develop a monitoring program through establishing monitoring plots in A. johnsonii woodland, and further studies need to be carried out, particularly on recruitment of A. johnsonii in the GNP.
Reel Conservation: Can Big Screen Animations Save Tropical Biodiversity?
Authors: Yong Ding Li , Fam Shun Deng , Lum Shawn
Published: October 2016

Outreach and education on conservation issues are crucial elements of successful conservation programmes. Big screen animations have a global reach, yet are not fully capitalised by conservationists and there remains great potential in developing them into powerful biodiversity and conservation education outreach tools despite known shortfalls and limitations in scientific value. We reviewed recent major animated features with multiple conservation themes (e.g. extinction, wildlife trade, ex-situ conservation) and that especially feature tropical biodiversity, especially endemics, charismatic flagships or threatened species in authentic natural settings. We acknowledge that while the potential to develop them into effective biodiversity and conservation education tools is undoubted and there are recent examples, there is a crucial need to complement them with supporting educational materials, campaigns and activities. Partnerships between the animation studios, conservation NGOs and local stakeholders will be integral to effect this.
Can Host Plant Richness be Used as a Surrogate for Galling Insect Diversity?
Authors: de Araújo Walter Santos
Published: October 2016

Galling insects are the only insects capable of manipulating plant tissues to form complex structures. The number of known species of galling insect is small compared to the large diversity that statistical estimates suggest for this group. The study of galling insect diversity can be a difficult task in mega-diverse environments such as in tropical regions, thus justifying the use of surrogates. This study investigated whether or not host plant richness and super-host taxa can be used as surrogates for galling insect diversity. Surveys were conducted in 15 areas of cerrado sensu stricto in different localities of the Brazilian Cerrado. The results showed that host plant richness was the main predictor of galling insect diversity. The plant genus Qualea (Vochysiaceae), with 18 galling species, was the super-host taxon used in the analyses. Despite the influence of genus on galling insect richness, the abundance of Qualea was not related to galling insect diversity. Surrogates can be a useful tool for estimating galling insect richness and diversity patterns, both of which are relevant for conservation assessments.
Biodiversity Monitoring Protocols for REDD+: Can a One-Size-Fits-All Approach Really Work?
Authors: Harrison Mark E. , Boonman Arjan , Cheyne Susan M. , Husson Simon J. , Marchant Nicholas C. , Struebig Matthew J.
Published: October 2016

Development of a standard monitoring protocol for assessing the impacts of REDD+ (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) projects on biodiversity is desirable. Drawing on the conservation literature and our personal experience, we review whether such a one-size-fits-all approach is justifiable on scientific and practical grounds. We conclude that achieving a model biodiversity monitoring protocol suitable for use in all potential REDD+ sites is probably an unrealistic objective, owing to the huge differences among the world's forests in terms of structure, species composition, ecological interactions and ecosystem services provided. Moreover, to provide useful feedback for conservation managers, ecological monitoring programmes must be designed around a project's conservation goals, which will vary from project to project, owing to these differences in forest ecology and human threats faced. Thus, site-specific biodiversity monitoring programmes are needed. No single monitoring method is likely to be optimal, or even suitable for use, in all REDD+ forests. Instead, we suggest that a standard approach be adopted, in which ecological monitoring research is (i) designed to reflect a project's biodiversity conservation goals; (ii) based upon scientifically-tractable, policy-relevant questions regarding the impacts of management interventions on the ecosystem; (iii) founded on detailed knowledge of the habitat type in question; (iv) includes monitoring of a number of indicators, as appropriate to the project; and (v) defines appropriate reference/baseline conditions against which progress can be assessed.
Diet and Habitat Use by Maned Wolf Outside Protected Areas in Eastern Brazil
Authors: Massara Rodrigo Lima , de Oliveira Paschoal Ana Maria , Hirsch André , Chiarello Adriano Garcia
Published: October 2016

The maned wolf has been studied in nature reserves, but few researches have been carried out outside protected areas. Since only about 2 % of the Brazilian Cerrado, the maned wolf's main habitat, has been set aside as parks and reserves, determining what is happening with the species in private and disturbed areas is important for an accurate assessment of its vulnerability to extinction. Here we investigated the trophic ecology of a maned wolf population inhabiting a 1610 ha section of the Calçada Ridge, an unprotected area located in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, capital of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study site is in the buffer zone (< 10 km) of two protected areas, where anthropogenic (urban areas and roads) and disturbed areas (burned fields) total a third of the study landscape. The main disturbances are mining activities, unregulated ecotourism and road proximity. Fecal samples (n= 95) collected between 2006 and 2008 revealed that the maned wolf frequently used both natural and disturbed fields. The diet was composed mostly of small mammals (9 species, 16.2 % of items and 92.6% of scats) and the plant Solanum lycocarpum (12.2% of items and 89.5% of scats), similar to what has been found in less disturbed areas. Overall diet diversity was, however, lower than has been found elsewhere, probably reflecting the poorer resource base of the study area. These results, together with recent findings from other sources, highlight the importance of buffer zones. They also suggest that the maned wolf is an ecologically flexible species that might be prone to hunt, and perhaps even survive, in disturbed areas outside protected areas.
Bushmeat Consumption in Western Tanzania: A Comparative Analysis from the Same Ecosystem
Authors: Martin Andimile , Caro Tim , Mulder Monique Borgerhoff
Published: October 2016

Consumption of bushmeat is a problem around many protected areas, but successful mitigation programs are proving difficult to design, in part because anthropogenic pressures are often treated as uniform. In Eastern Africa, where bushmeat consumption has become a major problem, most studies focus on threats emerging from a single site or single ethnic group. In this study, we interviewed two groups of people, indigenous inhabitants of Mpimbwe and refugee dwellers in Katumba, who both hunt in the same ecosystem, in order to compare their consumption of bushmeat and their knowledge of hunters' activities. We related our findings to economic and other differences between them. More than four-fifths of the sampled population in Mpimbwe consumed bushmeat whereas just over half did in Katumba, and frequency of eating bushmeat was higher in the former. Mpimbwe residents hunted principally in the wet season, whereas Katumba residents hunted more in the dry season. We attributed greater consumption of bushmeat in Mpimbwe to a comparative shortage of eggs and pork there, to greater ease of access to large mammals, and to a lower price of bushmeat. Our study draws attention to the variation in bushmeat consumption between groups hunting in the same general area and demonstrates how site-specific data can be used to hone different strategies for reducing illegal hunting in the same region.
Vanishing Wildlife Corridors and Options for Restoration: A Case Study from Tanzania
Authors: Jones Trevor , Bamford Andrew J. , Ferrol-Schulte Daniella , Hieronimo Proches , McWilliam Nicholas , Rovero Francesco
Published: October 2016

Conserving wildlife corridors is increasingly important for maintaining ecological and genetic connectivity in times of unprecedented habitat fragmentation. Documenting connectivity loss, assessing root causes, and exploring restoration options are therefore priority conservation goals. A 2009 nationwide assessment in Tanzania documented 31 major remaining corridors, the majority of which were described as threatened. The corridor between the Udzungwa Mountains and the Selous Game Reserve in south-central Tanzania, a major link between western and southern wildlife communities, especially for the African elephant Loxodonta africana, provides an illuminating case study. A preliminary assessment in 2005 found that connectivity was barely persisting via two remaining routes. Here we present assessments of these two corridors conducted from 2007–2010, using a combination of dung surveys, habitat mapping and questionnaires. We found that both corridor routes have become closed over the last five years. Increased farming and livestock keeping, associated with both local immigration and population growth, were the main reasons for corridor blockage. However, continued attempts by elephants to cross by both routes suggest that connectivity can be restored. This entails a process of harmonizing differing land owners and uses towards a common goal. We provide recommendations for restoring lost connectivity and discuss the prospects for preventing further loss of corridors across the country.