A revised list of Brazilian scleractinian corals and description of a new species

During the course of a three year sojourn at the Oceanographic Institute of the University of Recife a restudy of the reef corals of the Brazilian coast was undertaken…

Environmental drivers of distribution and reef development of the Mediterranean coral Cladocora caespitosa

Cladocora caespitosa is the only Mediterranean scleractinian similar to tropical reef-building corals. While this species is part of the recent fossil history of the Mediterranean Sea, it is currently considered endangered due to its decline during the last decades. Environmental factors affecting the distribution and persistence of extensive bank reefs of this endemic species across its whole geographic range are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the environmental response of C. caespitosa and its main types of assemblages using ecological niche modeling and ordination analysis. We also predicted other suitable areas for the occurrence of the species and assessed the conservation effectiveness of Mediterranean marine protected areas (MPAs) for this coral. We found that phosphate concentration and wave height were factors affecting both the occurrence of this versatile species and the distribution of its extensive bioconstructions in the Mediterranean Sea. A set of factors (diffuse attenuation coefficient, calcite and nitrate concentrations, mean wave height, sea surface temperature, and shape of the coast) likely act as environmental barriers preventing the species from expansion to the Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea. Uncertainties in our large-scale statistical results and departures from previous physiological and ecological studies are also discussed under an integrative perspective. This study reveals that Mediterranean MPAs encompass eight of the ten banks and 16 of the 21 beds of C. caespitosa. Preservation of water clarity by avoiding phosphate discharges may improve the protection of this emblematic species.Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [CTM2014-57949-R]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Plan de actuación para incrementar la cohesión en el aula

Máster Universitario en Formación del Profesorado de ESO, Bachillerato, Formación Profesional y Enseñanza de Idiomas. Especialidad en Orientación Educativa (M089

Effets des sécrétomes de Staphylococcus aureus et Staphylococcus epidermidis du microbiote cutané d'enfants atopiques sur la réponse immunitaire T CD4

La dermatite atopique (DA) est une maladie inflammatoire et prurigineuse de la peau, très fréquente chez les enfants et dont la prévalence augmente dans les pays industrialisés. La physiopathologie complexe de cette maladie met en jeu un défaut de la barrière cutanée et/ou des défauts génétiques résultant en une hypersensibilité aux allergènes de l'environnement tels que ceux issus d'acariens. Récemment, des études sur les interactions entre le système immunitaire et les bactéries commensales et pathogènes de la peau ont révélé leur importance dans cette maladie. Pour étudier le rôle du microbiote cutané dans la réponse T CD4+, des cohortes de jeunes enfants, atteints de DA et sensibilisés aux allergènes d'acariens (Der p) ou non DA (population contrôle), ont été recrutées. L'analyse du microbiote (MALDI-TOF) et du profil transcriptomique cutanés, ainsi que la quantification des T CD4+ anti-Derp (ELISpot) ont montré que la présence de S. aureus sur la peau inflammatoire des sujets AD était associée à des taux élevés d'IgE, des transcrits caractéristiques d'une orientation Th2/Th22 et à une réponse périphérique Th2. Des cellules dendritiques dérivées de monocytes (moDC) de donneurs sains produisent respectivement de l'IFN-gamma et de l'IL-10 en présence de sécrétomes issus de souches de S. aureus et S. epidermidis provenant de patients. La prolifération de lymphocytes T CD4+ stimulés avec des moDC allogéniques traitées avec le sécrétome de S. aureus est atténuée par le traitement simultané des moDC avec le sécrétome de S. epidermidis. Les sécrétomes de S. aureus sont capables d'inhiber directement l'activité suppressive de lymphocytes T régulateurs en l'absence de cellule présentatrice d'antigène. L'ensemble de nos résultats nous permet de penser que S. aureus est un facteur pro-inflammatoire de la DA en exacerbant la prolifération de lymphocytes Th2 résidents et en inhibant la fonction des lymphocytes T régulateurs. Favoriser les effets anti-inflammatoires des bactéries commensales telles que S. epidermidis liés à l'induction d'une sécrétion d'IL-10 par les cellules dendritiques de la peau pourrait bénéficier aux patients atteints de DA.Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory and pruritic skin disease frequently affecting children. Its prevalence is increasing in industrialized countries. Its complex pathophysiology involves a skin barrier dysfunction and/or genetic abnormalities leading to sensitivity to environmental allergens such as house dust mites. Interactions between the immune system and skin bacteria, pathogens and commensals, appeared to be important in the disease. To study the influence of skin microbiota in the CD4+ T cell response, we designed a cohort of young AD children sensitized to house dust mite allergens (Der p) and their counterparts (controls). Analysis of skin microbiota (MALDI-TOF), transcripts profiling and quantification of anti-Der p CD4+ T cells showed that the presence of S. aureus on inflamed skin of AD subjects was associated with high IgE levels, Th2/Th22 transcripts and peripheral Th2 anti-Der p response. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC) were exposed to secretomes produced by S. aureus and S. epidermidis strains isolated from patients and released IFN-gamma and IL-10 respectively. Proliferation of CD4+ T cells induced by allogeneic moDC exposed to S. aureus secretome was blunted by concurrent exposure of moDC to S. epidermidis secretome. Regulatory T cells (Treg) lost their activity against conventional CD4+ T cells under the direct effect of S. aureus secretome. Overall, these results allow us to think that S. aureus is an important factor of the AD inflammation by inducing Th2 activation and silencing resident Treg. Commensals such as S. epidermidis could be used to counteract these effects by inducing IL-10 production by skin DC

La Catedral de Conca: l'estudi de les restauracions realitzades fins a l'actualitat

[ES] La Catedral de Cuenca, de estilo gótico en la actualidad, se ha visto modificada numerosas veces a lo largo de los siglos. Situada en el casco histórico de la ciudad, es un edificio emblemático que ha sido objeto de restauraciones conocidas e importantes. Se quiere desarrollar una investigación sobre las diferentes fases de restauración que se han realizado en la Catedral de Cuenca, desde que fue construida hasta la actualidad, para poner en relación la teoría con la práctica de la restauración en el contexto español. Durante este proceso, se estudiará la historia de la catedral y la historia de sus restauraciones, desde las más conocidas hasta las realizadas en los últimos años, haciendo mayor hincapié en el trabajo llevado a cabo a principios del siglo XX por uno de los representantes de la Escuela Restauradora, Vicente Lampérez y Romea. El objetivo será comprobar cómo sus ideas y la de los distintos restauradores que han intervenido se reflejan en las acciones realizadas sobre el edificio. La investigación comenzará con la recopilación de documentación, en la medida de lo posible, procedente de fuentes originales. Este trabajo de revisión se complementará con el estudio detallado del edificio y con la información dada por los trabajadores a cargo de la conservación de la catedral hoy en día. El propósito será conocer en profundidad la historia del edificio y la de sus restauraciones, viendo qué criterios siguieron y de qué manera se pusieron en práctica. El análisis se centrará, especialmente, en las obras dirigidas por Vicente Lámperez y que han marcado la estética de la catedral en la actualidad. Se espera que este trabajo contribuya a ampliar el conocimiento que se tiene sobre este emblemático edificio, sobre sus intervenciones y sobre la teoría restauradora de Vicente Lampérez. Se pretende, finalmente, que este conocimiento pueda ser útil para la puesta en valor y la conservación que se hace actualmente del edificio.[EN] Cuenca Cathedral, now Gothic in style, has been modified numerous times over the centuries. Located in the historic centre of the city, it is an emblematic building that has been the object of well-known and important restorations. The aim is to carry out research into the different phases of restoration that have been carried out on Cuenca Cathedral, from the time it was built until the present day, in order to relate the theory and practice of restoration in the Spanish context. During this process, the history of the cathedral and the history of its restorations will be studied, from the best known to those carried out in recent years, with particular emphasis on the work carried out at the beginning of the 20th century by one of the representatives of the Restoration School, Vicente Lampérez y Romea. The aim will be to see how his ideas and those of the various restorers who have intervened are reflected in the actions carried out on the building. The research will begin with the compilation of documentation, as far as possible, from original sources. This review work will be complemented with the detailed study of the building and with the information given by the workers in charge of the conservation of the cathedral today. The purpose will be to gain an in-depth knowledge of the history of the building and that of its restorations, seeing what criteria they followed and how they were put into practice. The analysis will focus especially on the works directed by Vicente Lámperez that have marked the aesthetics of the cathedral today. It is hoped that this work will contribute to broadening our knowledge of this emblematic building, of his interventions and of Vicente Lampérez's theory of restoration. Finally, it is hoped that this knowledge may be useful for the current enhancement and conservation of the building.Laborel Ibáñez, A. (2022). La Catedral de Cuenca: el estudio de las restauraciones realizadas hasta la actualidad. Universitat Politècnica de València. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/19094

Manufacture and characterisation of prototype straw bale insulation products

This paper presents the development and characterisation of prototype wheat straw bales that have been produced specifically for use as a building insulation material. The use of straw bales still remains niche in the wider construction market. Whilst traditional straw bales can be used for either loadbearing or non-loadbearing applications, it is their thermal resistance that is of greatest benefit to building performance. There is great potential to significantly improve the thermal resistance and mechanical performance of straw bales for construction by reconfiguring the baling process to orientate the straws preferentially, and also produce bales sizes more suited for contemporary construction practices. Laboratory scale baling equipment has been developed to produce prototype bales with straws optimally orientated for thermal resistance. In a novel study Computer Tomography has been applied to investigate the internal structure and orientation of agricultural and prototype straw bales. The mechanical properties and thermal conductivity performance of novel straw bales are characterised. Changing orientation of the individual straws can improve thermal resistance by up to 28%, facilitating thinner walls, and enabling greater uptake of a novel low embodied carbon bio-based material into mainstream construction.</p

Assessment of durability of biobased earth composites

Bio-based earth composites present various environmental benefits, such as usable wastes, coproducts, abundant or renewable materials, etc. Moreover, the incorporation of bioaggregates in the earth matrix allows the buildings to act as an effective carbon sink. A growing number of studies are now focusing on the mechanical and hygrothermal properties of bio-based earth building materials. However, the durability of these types of material is a major concern, and knowledge of their various aspects is essential to anticipate maintenance and sustain the performance levels. Here, the durability of compressed earth composites, valorizing discarded earth containing 3% of barley straw, hemp shiv, or rice husk, is investigated. Due to the lack of internationally recognized standards to assess the durability of earthen materials and products, we proposed some testing procedures and discussed their relevance. The addition of these three bioaggregates decreases stiffness, as estimated by ultrasound velocity, and improves the resistance to impact and erosion by water. However, water absorption under low pressure is increased, and dry abrasion resistance is decreased. Moreover, the rice husk composite presents the best compromise.publishersversionpublishe

Manufacture and characterisation of prototype straw bale insulation products

International audienc

Numerical Modelling of Tidal Notch Sequences on Rocky Coasts of the Mediterranean Basin

Publisher's version/PDF must be used in Institutional Repository 6 months after publication

Ecosystem vulnerability to alien and invasive species: a case study on marine habitats along the Italian coast

1. Spread of alien species (AS) is a serious threat to marine habitats and analysis of principal descriptors of their occurrence is pivotal to set reliable conservation strategies. 2. In order to assess the susceptibility of marine habitats to biological invasions, a dataset was gathered of the occurrence of 3899 species from 29 phyla, taken from 93 marine sites located along the Italian coast in the period 2000\u20132012.3. In total, 61 AS belonging to 11 phyla have been recorded. Invertebrates were the most represented (63%). Alien species were found in all the habitats examined (EUNIS, level 2), although they showed highest abundance in benthic habitats. Most of the AS were associated with a single EUNIS habitat, while some of them were present in more than one habitat. Trans-habitat occurrence suggests the potential invasiveness of AS. 4. According to statistical analysis, AS recorded could have been more numerous, since some of the marine habitats seemed to be still unsaturated. The model that best describes the spread of AS takes account of both native species richness (Rn) and EUNIS habitat type as explanatory variables. The number of observed AS was directly related to Rn and it was highest in rocky circalittoral and infralittoral habitats. 5. The results of this macro-ecological study focus on the importance of performing large-scale studies, since adopting ecosystem approaches to marine invasion management seems especially fruitful. 6. The results, moreover, highlight the importance of AS monitoring of different habitats, from those subjected to anthropogenic pressure, historically considered to be hubs of introduction of AS, to the most biologically rich and diverse marine habitats. Indeed, it is necessary to set monitoring strategies to detect the introduction, the distribution and persistence of AS over time. These recommendations are especially significant in the light of the strategic plans currently under formulation in Mediterranean countries with regard to AS monitoring