El erizo de mar Diadema antillarum Phillipi, 1845 influye sobre la diversidad y composición de la comunidad de mega-invertebrados vágiles en fondos rocosos del Archipiélago Canario

Abstract.- The effect of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum density over the diversity and composition of the mobile megainvertebrate community (> 2 cm) inhabiting shallow rocky reefs off the Canary Archipelago (eastern Atlantic) is described. Specifically, it was predicted that (1) high densities of D. antillarum produce a low diversity of the mobile megainvertebrate community, and (2) the composition of this community changes between rocky bottoms (= reefs) under different densities of D. antillarum. The presence of megainvertebrate taxa, and the density of D. antillarum individuals were recorded visually using 2 x 2 m quadrats (n = 16 replicates) in each of 24 locations (three locations in each of the eight main islands of the archipelago), which were visited in four occasions between February-2003 and October-2004. Thritythree taxa of mobile mega-invertebrates were observed. We registered a decline in the richness of such assemblages with increasing densities of D. antillarum (rs = -0.20; P<0.001). Species richness fluctuated considerably (0-16 species) in those locations with low densities of D. antillarum (< 2 ind. m-2). However, species richness was always low (< 9 species) in those locations with high densities of D. antillarum (> 8 ind. m-2). A CAP ordination analysis showed significant differences in the composition of the mega-invertebrate community between rocky bottoms under different densities of D. antillarum, and we registered a negative correlation between the presence of some taxa and the densities of sea urchin. Consequently, the sea urchin D. antillarum influences the diversity and composition of the mobile mega-invertebrate community on rocky bottoms off the Canary Archipelago. Resumen.- Se describe el efecto de la densidad del erizo Diadema antillarum sobre la diversidad y composición de la comunidad de mega-invertebrados vágiles (> 2 cm) que habita fondos rocosos del Archipiélago Canario (Atlántico oriental). Específicamente, se predijo que (1) las altas densidades de D. antillarum producen una baja diversidad de la comunidad de mega-invertebrados vágiles, y (2) la composición de las comunidades de mega-invertebrados varía entre fondos con diferentes densidades de D. antillarum. La presencia de especies mega-invertebradas, y la densidad de individuos de D. antillarum, se registraron visualmente en cuadrados de 2 x 2 m (n = 16 réplicas) en un total de 24 localidades (tres localidades en cada una de las ocho islas principales del archipiélago), visitadas en cuatro ocasiones entre febrero-2003 y octubre-2004. Se observaron 33 taxones de mega-invertebrados vágiles. Se registró una relación inversa entre la riqueza específica y la densidad de D. antillarum (rs = -0,20; P<0,001). En localidades con bajas densidades de D. antillarum (< 2 ind. m-2), la riqueza de especies fluctuó considerablemente, entre 0-16 especies. Sin embargo, en localidades con altas densidades de D. antillarum (> 8 ind. m-2), la riqueza de especies fue siempre baja (< 9 especies). Un análisis de correspondencia canónicas (CAP) mostró diferencias significativas en la composición de la comunidad de mega-invertebrados entre fondos sometidos a diferentes densidades de D. antillarum, y se detectó una correlación negativa entre la presencia de ciertas taxa y las densidades de D. antillarum. Consecuentemente, el erizo D. antillarum influye sobre la diversidad y composición de la comunidad de mega-invertebrados vágiles en fondos rocosos del Archipiélago Canario.

Evaluating sport projects which promote social inclusion for young people: a case study

[EN] This work presents the findings of a participatory research program evaluating the outcomes of an Italian sports program for minors at risk. Using a participatory evaluation approach enabled an evaluation-research close to the real objectives and useful for monitoring and e-planning actions, starting from an initial exploration of the different stakeholders’ views of the project itself. The research design is presented in the form of a case study, emphasizing the continuous involvement of the project’s stakeholders in the evaluation process. The outcomes here presented make evident how the participatory evaluation project allowed a targeted and ongoing monitoring at group level as well as at individual level with the minors involved in the project.

Robotics learning based on collaborative projects

[EN]Nowadays companies demand graduates able to work in multidisciplinary and collaborative projects. Hence, new educational methods are needed in order to support a more advanced society, and progress towards a higher quality of life and sustainability. The University of the Basque Country belongs to the European Higher Education Area, which was created as a result of the Bologna process to ensure the connection and quality of European national educational systems. In this framework, this paper proposes an innovative teaching methodology developed for the "Robotics" subject course that belongs to the syllabus of the B.Sc. degree in Industrial Electronics and Automation Engineering. We present an innovative methodology for Robotics learning based on collaborative projects, aimed at responding to the demands of a multidisciplinary and multilingual society.