Feral swine damage and damage management in forested ecosystems

Invasive feral swine (Sus scrofa) cause deleterious impacts to ecosystem processes and functioning throughout their worldwide distribution, including forested ecosystems in the United States. Unfortunately, many feral swine damage management programs are conducted in a piecemeal fashion, are not adequately funded, and lack clearly stated or realistic objectives. This review paper identifies damage caused by feral swine to forest resources and presents techniques used to prevent and control feral swine damage. Concluding points related to planning a feral swine damage management program are: (1) the value of using a variety of techniques in an integrated fashion cannot be overstated; (2) there is value in using indices for both feral swine populations and their damage pre and post management activities; (3) innovative technologies will increasing be of value in the pursuit of feral swine damage reduction; and (4) though not appropriate in every situation, there is value in involving the public in feral swine damage management decisions and activities.

Consolidation of international guidelines for the management of canine populations in urban areas and proposal of performance indicators

Consolidation of international guidelines for the management of canine populations in urban areas and proposal of performance indicators The objective of this study is to propose a generic program for the management of urban canine populations with suggestion of performance indicators. The following international guidelines on canine population management were revised and consolidated: World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health, World Society for the Protection of Animals, International Companion Animal Management Coalition, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Management programs should cover: situation diagnosis, including estimates of population size; social participation with involvement of various sectors in the planning and execution of strategies; educational actions to promote humane values, animal welfare, community health, and responsible ownership (through purchase or adoption); environmental and waste management to eliminate sources of food and shelter; registration and identification of animals; animal health care, reproductive control; prevention and control of zoonoses; control of animal commerce; management of animal behavior and adequate solutions for abandoned animals; and laws regulating responsible ownership, prevention of abandonment and zoonoses. To monitor these actions, four groups of indicators are suggested: animal population indicators, human/animal interaction indicators, public service indicators, and zoonosis indicators. The management of stray canine populations requires political, sanitary, ethologic, ecologic, and humanitarian strategies that are socially acceptable and environmentally sustainable. Such measures must also include the control of zoonoses such as rabies and leishmaniasis, considering the concept of "one health," which benefits both the animals and people in the community.

The host marking pheromone application on the management of fruit flies - a review

The aim of this work was to review the role of the host marking pheromone (HMP) and its application in integrated management programs for the fruit flies. Initially the oviposition behavior of tephritids has been analyzed with emphasis on Ceratitis capitata. The deposition of HMP, which consists in the last stage of the oviposition behavior has been characterized and discussed about evolutive aspects and the biological meaning of the tephritidae communication through the HMP. Finally, the perspectives on the use of HMP in the integrated management of fruit flies have been discussed.

Addressing schemes of self-monitoring of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes: a European perspective and expert recommendation

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in type 2 diabetes has increasingly been shown to display beneficial effects on glycemic control. SMBG is not only associated with a reduction of hemoglobin A1c but has also been demonstrated to increase patients' awareness of the disease. SMBG has also the potential to visualize and predict hypoglycemic episodes. International guidelines by the International Diabetes Federation, the European Society of Cardiology, and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes and also the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes emphasize that SMBG is an integral part of self-management. More recently, two European consensus documents have been published to give recommendations for frequency and timing of SMBG also for various clinical scenarios. Recently, a European expert panel was held to further facilitate and enhance standardized approaches to SMBG. The aim was to present simple, clinically meaningful, and standardized SMBG strategies for type 2 diabetes. The panel recommended a less intensive and an intensive scheme for SMBG across the type 2 diabetes continuum. The length and frequency of SMBG performance depend on the clinical circumstances and the quality of glycemic control. The expert panel also recommended further evaluation of various schemes for SMBG in type 2 diabetes in clinical studies.

[Second victim : Critical incident stress management in clinical medicine]

BACKGROUND Critical incidents in clinical medicine can have far-reaching consequences on patient health. In cases of severe medical errors they can seriously harm the patient or even lead to death. The involvement in such an event can result in a stress reaction, a so-called acute posttraumatic stress disorder in the healthcare provider, the so-called second victim of an adverse event. Psychological distress may not only have a long lasting impact on quality of life of the physician or caregiver involved but it may also affect the ability to provide safe patient care in the aftermath of adverse events. METHODS A literature review was performed to obtain information on care giver responses to medical errors and to determine possible supportive strategies to mitigate negative consequences of an adverse event on the second victim. An internet search and a search in Medline/Pubmed for scientific studies were conducted using the key words "second victim, "medical error", "critical incident stress management" (CISM) and "critical incident stress reporting system" (CIRS). Sources from academic medical societies and public institutions which offer crisis management programs where analyzed. The data were sorted by main categories and relevance for hospitals. Analysis was carried out using descriptive measures. RESULTS In disaster medicine and aviation navigation services the implementation of a CISM program is an efficient intervention to help staff to recover after a traumatic event and to return to normal functioning and behavior. Several other concepts for a clinical crisis management plan were identified. CONCLUSIONS The integration of CISM and CISM-related programs in a clinical setting may provide efficient support in an acute crisis and may help the caregiver to deal effectively with future error events and employee safety.

Food Volume Computation for Self Dietary Assessment Applications

There is great demand for easily-accessible, user-friendly dietary self-management applications. Yet accurate, fully-automatic estimation of nutritional intake using computer vision methods remains an open research problem. One key element of this problem is the volume estimation, which can be computed from 3D models obtained using multi-view geometry. The paper presents a computational system for volume estimation based on the processing of two meal images. A 3D model of the served meal is reconstructed using the acquired images and the volume is computed from the shape. The algorithm was tested on food models (dummy foods) with known volume and on real served food. Volume accuracy was in the order of 90 %, while the total execution time was below 15 seconds per image pair. The proposed system combines simple and computational affordable methods for 3D reconstruction, remained stable throughout the experiments, operates in near real time, and places minimum constraints on users.

Internet-based self-help for schizophrenia – risks and chances

Purpose: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder which is accompanied by an enormous individual and societal burden. Despite established efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for schizophrenia, its dissemination into routine mental health care remains poor. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy in a self-help format helps to narrow the treatment gap in many mental disorders. Are Internet-based self-help programs, which are based on the principles of CBT, also feasible and viable for patients with schizophrenia? Methods: Mental health professionals (target N=50) as well as individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (target N=50) reported their opinion regarding potential chances and risks of Internet-based self-help for schizophrenia in an online survey. Results: The preliminary data analysis of n=30 health professionals revealed a general acceptance of Internet-based programs for schizophrenia (53% acceptable, 47% acceptable after empirical evaluation) and specific contraindications (e.g., severe psychotic symptoms; 73%). People with schizophrenia highlighted the attractiveness of self-help interventions due to a wish for empowerment and for opportunities to strengthen self-efficacy. Conclusions: Risks, limitations and chances of Internet-based programs for patients with schizophrenia will be discussed.

Outcomes and cost effectiveness of treating type 2 diabetes with a nurse case manager following treatment algorithms versus primary care physicians

Background. Diabetes places a significant burden on the health care system. Reduction in blood glucose levels (HbA1c) reduces the risk of complications; however, little is known about the impact of disease management programs on medical costs for patients with diabetes. In 2001, economic costs associated with diabetes totaled $100 billion, and indirect costs totaled $54 billion. ^ Objective. To compare outcomes of nurse case management by treatment algorithms with conventional primary care for glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients in a low-income Mexican American community-based setting, and to compare the cost effectiveness of the two programs. Patient compliance was also assessed. ^ Research design and methods. An observational group-comparison to evaluate a treatment intervention for type 2 diabetes management was implemented at three out-patient health facilities in San Antonio, Texas. All eligible type 2 diabetic patients attending the clinics during 1994–1996 became part of the study. Data were obtained from the study database, medical records, hospital accounting, and pharmacy cost lists, and entered into a computerized database. Three groups were compared: a Community Clinic Nurse Case Manager (CC-TA) following treatment algorithms, a University Clinic Nurse Case Manager (UC-TA) following treatment algorithms, and Primary Care Physicians (PCP) following conventional care practices at a Family Practice Clinic. The algorithms provided a disease management model specifically for hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and microalbuminuria that progressively moved the patient toward ideal goals through adjustments in medication, self-monitoring of blood glucose, meal planning, and reinforcement of diet and exercise. Cost effectiveness of hemoglobin AI, final endpoints was compared. ^ Results. There were 358 patients analyzed: 106 patients in CC-TA, 170 patients in UC-TA, and 82 patients in PCP groups. Change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was the primary outcome measured. HbA1c results were presented at baseline, 6 and 12 months for CC-TA (10.4%, 7.1%, 7.3%), UC-TA (10.5%, 7.1%, 7.2%), and PCP (10.0%, 8.5%, 8.7%). Mean patient compliance was 81%. Levels of cost effectiveness were significantly different between clinics. ^ Conclusion. Nurse case management with treatment algorithms significantly improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, and was more cost effective. ^

Roadmap for implementing the Chronic Care Model for weight management: Healthcare Institution's Response to Obesity (HIRO)

Background. Excess weight and obesity are at epidemic proportions in the United States and place individuals at increased risk for a variety of chronic conditions. Rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, cancer, and arthritis are all influenced by the presence of obesity. Small reductions in excess weight can produce significant positive clinical outcomes. Healthcare organizations have a vital role to play in the identification and management of obesity. Currently, healthcare providers do not adequately diagnose and manage excess weight in patients. Lack of skill, time, and knowledge are commonly cited as reasons for non-adherence to recommended standards of care. The Chronic Care Model offers an approach to healthcare organizations for chronic disease management. The model consists of six elements that work together to empower both providers and patients to have more productive interactions: the community, the health system itself, self-management support, delivery system design, decision support, and clinical information systems. The model and its elements may offer a framework through which healthcare organizations can adapt to support, educate, and empower providers and patients in the management of excess weight and obesity. Successful management of excess weight will reduce morbidity and mortality of many chronic conditions. Purpose. The purpose of this review is to synthesize existing research on the effectiveness of the Chronic Care Model and its elements as they relate to weight management and behaviors associated with maintaining a healthy weight. Methods: A narrative review of the literature between November 1998 and November 2008 was conducted. The review focused on clinical trials, systematic reviews, and reports related to the chronic care model or its elements and weight management, physical activity, nutrition, or diabetes. Fifty-nine articles are included in the review. Results. This review highlights the use of the Chronic Care Model and its elements that can result in improved quality of care and clinical outcomes related to weight management, physical activity, nutrition, and diabetes. Conclusions. Healthcare organizations can use the Chronic Care Model framework to implement changes within their systems to successfully address overweight and obesity in their patient populations. Specific recommendations for operationalizing the Chronic Care Model elements for weight management are presented.^

Food intake in nonpurging obese women who binge eat before and after a behavioral weight loss program

Little is known about the impact of behavioral programs to decrease binge eating in obese persons who do not purge. This study was conducted to compare the amount of change in the reduction of binge days and selected nutrients in women who had joined a behavioral weight loss program. Forty-six women in the behavioral self management (BSM) group and thirty-six women in the Wait List Control (WLC) groups completed seven day food records at baseline and six months. These records were analyzed for calories, percentage of calories from protein, carbohydrate, fat and dietary fiber/ 1000 calories and were marked as "binge" or "nonbinge" days. Foods were also divided into 12 food groups but only six contributing to fat intake were chosen for analysis: dairy; fat; grains and starchy vegetables; meat, fish, and poultry; meat, fish, and poultry combinations; snacks and desserts. At six months, there was no difference in the amount of change in any of the selected nutrients between the BSM and WLC groups or in the amount of change within each food group except in the meat, fish, and poultry combination and in the snacks and desserts groups because both groups experienced similar changes at six months. Binge and nonbinge day nutrient analysis by BSM and WLC showed that at baseline and six months within the BSM group, calories increased significantly on binge days. Within the WLC group at six months, percentage of calories from protein was significantly decreased on binge days.^ The significant finding of this study was the reduction in the amount of change in the number of binge days at six months between the BSM and WLC groups ($-$2.2 versus $-$1.1 respectively). These data suggest that behavioral programs can successful reduce binge days, but that significant change in food intake may require more intensive treatment. ^

Texas electronics waste management: A policy analysis for the 21st century

Electronic waste is a fairly new and largely unknown phenomenon. Accordingly, governments have only recently acknowledged electronic waste as a threat to the environment and public health. In attempting to mitigate the hazards associated with this rapidly growing toxic waste stream, governments at all levels have started to implement e-waste management programs. The legislation enacted to create these programs is based on extended producer responsibility or EPR policy. ^ EPR shifts the burden of final disposal of e-waste from the consumer or municipal solid waste system to the manufacturer of electronic equipment. Applying an EPR policy is intended to send signals up the production chain to the manufacturer. The desired outcome is to change the methods of production in order to reduce production outputs/inputs with the ultimate goal of changing product design. This thesis performs a policy analysis of the current e-waste policies at the federal and state level of government, focusing specifically on Texas e-waste policies. ^ The Texas e-waste law known, as HB 2714 or the Texas Computer TakeBack Law, requires manufacturers to provide individual consumers with a free and convenient method for returning their used computers to manufacturers. The law is based on individual producer responsibility and shared responsibility among consumer, retailers, recyclers, and the TCEQ. ^ Using a set of evaluation criteria created by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Texas e-waste law was examined to determine its effectiveness at reducing the threat of e-waste in Texas. Based on the outcomes of the analysis certain recommendations were made for the legislature to incorporate into HB 2714. ^ The results of the policy analysis show that HB 2714 is a poorly constructed law and does not provide the desired results seen in other states with EPR policies. The TakeBack Law does little to change the collection methods of manufacturers and even less to change their production habits. If the e-waste problem is to be taken seriously, HB 2714 must be amended to reflect the proposed changes in this thesis.^

Biomedical informatics applications for epilepsy management: A systematic review

Epilepsy is a very complex disease which can have a variety of etiologies, co-morbidities, and a long list of psychosocial factors4. Clinical management of epilepsy patients typically includes serological tests, EEG's, and imaging studies to determine the single best antiepileptic drug (AED). Self-management is a vital component of achieving optimal health when living with a chronic disease. For patients with epilepsy self-management includes any necessary actions to control seizures and cope with any subsequent effects of the condition9; including aspects of treatment, seizure, and lifestyle. The use of computer-based applications can allow for more effective use of clinic visits and ultimately enhance the patient-provider relationship through focused discussion of determinants affecting self-management. ^ The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review on informatics application in epilepsy self-management in an effort to describe current evidence for informatics applications and decision support as an adjunct to successful clinical management of epilepsy. Each publication was analyzed for the type of study design utilized. ^ A total of 68 publications were included and categorized by the study design used, development stage, and clinical domain. Descriptive study designs comprised of three-fourths of the publications and indicate an underwhelming use of prospective studies. The vast majority of prospective studies also focused on clinician use to increase knowledge in treating patients with epilepsy. ^ Due to the chronic nature of epilepsy and the difficulty that both clinicians and patients can experience in managing epilepsy, more prospective studies are needed to evaluate applications that can effectively increase management activities. Within the last two decades of epilepsy research, management studies have employed the use of biomedical informatics applications. While the use of computer applications to manage epilepsy has increased, more progress is needed.^

Producción y gestión habitacional de los pobladores : articulación con la política de vivienda y barrio : trayectoria y problemática actual

Esta tesis analiza las acciones de los pobladores en la creación, consolidación y transformación de su hábitat y en su relación con la política pública de vivienda y barrio en Chile. A partir de la observación directa en terreno y de la revisión de material proveniente de diversas fuentes afirmamos que, aunque los pobladores han hecho un trabajo de producción del hábitat de gran magnitud y generalizado, las políticas públicas no han reconocido suficientemente su papel en la construcción de la ciudad, no han incorporado a cabalidad las potencialidades e innovaciones surgidas de sus prácticas y estrategias, y nunca les han abierto un espacio claro en la toma de decisiones y en la puesta en obra de los programas habitacionales. En el contexto latinoamericano, la política habitacional chilena de los últimos 20 años se ha considerado un éxito y un ejemplo a seguir, puesto que ha demostrado ser eficaz en la disminución del déficit habitacional. Sin embargo, ha tenido efectos urbanos y sociales nefastos, como la construcción de extensos bolsones periféricos de pobreza que se degradan aceleradamente, y la desintegración social que genera la expulsión de los sin casa a la periferia, donde pierden sus redes familiares y sociales. Desde una trinchera opuesta, los allegados, los sin casa que viven al alero de otras familias y representan la mayoría de la demanda por vivienda, exigen quedarse en barrios ya consolidados y evitan las periferias, en parte por mantener una red familiar y social que se sustenta en la proximidad física, en parte por los equipamientos y servicios con que cuentan estos barrios y la cercanía a las fuentes de empleo. Al mismo tiempo, los responsables de diseñar la política habitacional no han buscado establecer una forma de colaboración con los pobladores —principales receptores de la política— con el fin ajustar los programas públicos a las necesidades de las familias de bajos ingresos y a las realidades socioculturales de sus barrios. Por el contrario, han privilegiado una alianza con el sector privado, que conoce muy limitadamente las demandas de las familias. Así, en lugar de construir ciudades más justas, la política habitacional ha alimentado un mercado inmobiliario sustentado en la especulación del suelo y fomentado la industria de la construcción. La pregunta que guía esta investigación es cómo incorporar el conocimiento acumulado y los procedimientos probados por los pobladores al diseño y la implementación de programas habitacionales y urbanos que promuevan procesos de regeneración de las poblaciones y mejoren la distribución de la vivienda social en la ciudad. Sostenemos que los pobladores, a lo largo de una trayectoria de más de medio siglo, han adquirido y consolidado todas las competencias para construir vivienda, mejorar sus barrios e incorporarse a la discusión sobre ordenamiento territorial. Así, hoy están capacitados para asumir un papel protagónico en la definición de políticas públicas que apunte a la construcción de ciudades más sostenibles y equitativas. La producción social del hábitat vinculada al derecho a la ciudad y a la participación de los pobladores «desde abajo» está bastante documentada en la literatura latinoamericana. En Chile se han escrito numerosos trabajos y evaluaciones sobre la política habitacional, pero los estudios sobre el movimiento de pobladores, enfocados desde las ciencias sociales o multidisciplinares, tienen un auge primero, durante los años 60 y principios de los 70 y luego, en la segunda mitad de los 80, pero posteriormente dejan de publicarse, a excepción de algunas investigaciones de historia urbana o social. En cuanto a los estudios que abordan las acciones de los pobladores desde una mirada puesta en los resultados de la producción y la gestión habitacional y urbana, estos han sido especialmente escasos y ninguno abarca un período largo. La tesis aborda entonces las acciones específicas que emprenden los pobladores a distintas escalas territoriales —el conjunto, el barrio, la población, la ciudad y el país—, su relación con la política habitacional y su articulación con los demás actores que intervienen en la producción material del hábitat. Lo realizado por los pobladores se estudia a la luz del largo plazo, desde la promulgación de la primera ley de vivienda en 1906 hasta nuestros días, con el énfasis puesto entre los años 1990 y 2010, período de producción masiva y sostenida de vivienda social, financiada por el Estado y construida por el sector privado en la periferia urbana, y más detalladamente entre 2006 y 2010, cuando los pobladores irrumpen con la «gestión vecinal» y la «autogestión» como medios para implementar los programas habitacionales del gobierno. Para ello se recorre toda la trayectoria y se complementa con procesos particulares, a la manera de un lente de acercamiento con el cual se focalizan y amplifican trece casos de estudios, para ilustrar modos de producción y gestión concretos y mostrar cómo estos se inscriben en modos de hacer genéricos de los pobladores. Finalmente, con el lente centrado en el último ciclo de este proceso escribimos el capítulo inédito de los últimos veinte años de esta historia. Primero se realiza la reconstrucción de tres casos de estudio «en profundidad», que incluyen la génesis, la consolidación y las transformaciones del conjunto o barrio. Estos casos de estudio «en profundidad» se ponen en perspectiva reconstruyendo la trayectoria histórica de la producción y gestión realizada por los pobladores. Esta reconstrucción de largo período se profundiza con tres casos de estudio «específicos», de dimensión histórica, que tratan el conflicto del acceso a suelo. Finalmente se analizan las interrogantes que plantean estos procesos hoy en día para la producción y gestión de vivienda y barrio a futuro, a partir de entrevistas a actores claves y de la reconstrucción de siete casos de estudio «específicos» de acceso a suelo ilustrativos del período actual. La tesis sustenta que los pobladores, con las acciones de gestión y autogestión que realizan desde 2006, e interviniendo en la discusión sobre los instrumentos de planificación territorial a partir del mismo año, se sitúan actualmente en una nueva plataforma de acción y negociación desde la cual pueden incorporarse, con todas las competencias necesarias, a la definición de las políticas públicas y así dotarlas de pertinencia y coherencia para contribuir a superar la pobreza con respuestas más acorde a sus realidades. ABSTRACT This thesis analyzes the actions of pobladores in the creation, consolidation and transformation of their habitat and their relationship with Chilean public housing and neighbourhood policy. Through direct observation in the field and the review of material from various sources we can affirm that although the pobladores have undertaken widespread work in the production of their environment, public policies have not sufficiently recognized their role in the construction of the city. Public policy has failed to fully incorporate the potential and innovation arising from practices and strategies employed by social housing recipients and has never opened a clear space for them in decision-making or the commissioning work of the housing programs. Within the Latin America context, the Chilean housing policy of the past 20 years has been considered a success and an example to follow given that it has proven effective in reducing the housing deficit. However it has had disastrous urban and social effects, such as construction of large peripheral pockets of poverty that degrade rapidly, and generates social disintegration through the expulsion of the homeless to the periphery, where they lose their family and social networks. On another front those homeless who live under the roof of relatives and who represent the majority of demand for social housing, request to stay in consolidated neighbourhoods avoiding the periphery, partly to maintain family and social networks based on physical proximity and partly because of the facilities and services available in these neighbourhoods and their adjacency to sources of employment. At the same time, those responsible for designing housing policy have not sought to establish a form of collaboration with the pobladores in order to adjust the public programs to the needs of low-income families and the socio-cultural realities of their neighbourhoods. On the contrary an alliance with the private sector has been favored, a sector which has very limited knowledge of the demands of the recipients. Therefore instead of building more equal cities, housing policy has fueled a housing market which supports land speculation and promotes the construction industry. The question leading this research is how to incorporate the accumulated knowledge and proven procedures of the pobladores in the design and implementation of programs that promote housing and urban regeneration processes and which could improve the distribution of social housing in the city. We maintain that social housing recipients over the course of half a century have acquired and consolidated all the skills to build housing, improve neighborhoods and join the discussion on city planning. These residents are now capable of assuming a leading role in defining public policies that aim to build more sustainable and equitable cities. The social production of the environment linked to the right to the city and resident participation from the «bottom-up» is well documented in Latin American literature. In Chile there are extensive written works and assessments on housing policy with multidisciplinary or social science studies on the movement of the pobladores peaking during the 60’s and early 70’s and then again in the second half of the 80’s but afterwards this stops, with the exception of some research on social or urban history. As for studies that address the actions of the pobladores looking at the results of production and housing and urban management these have been particularly scarce and none of which cover a long period of time. The thesis then addresses the specific actions undertaken by the pobladores at different territorial levels; the housing development, the neighbourhood, the community, the city and State, and their relation to housing policy and its coordination with other actors involved in the production process of the built environment. The accomplishments of the pobladores is studied over the long term, since the enactment of the first housing law in 1906 to the present, with an emphasis between 1990 and 2010, a period of mass production and sustained social housing which was State-funded and built by the private sector in the urban periphery, and in particular between 2006 and 2010, when the pobladores break with the «neighborhood management» and «self-management» as a means to implement the housing programs of the government. To this end the entire process is outlined and is complemented by specific processes which are placed under a lens in order to focus and amplify thirteen case studies illustrating actual ways of production and management and to show how these ways of doing things are generic to the pobladores. Finally, with the lens focused on the last cycle of this process we write the new chapter of the last twenty years of this history. First there is a reconstruction of three case studies «in depth», including their origins, consolidation and the transformation of the sector or neighborhood. These «in depth» case studies are put into perspective reconstructing the historical trajectory of the production and management by the pobladores. This reconstruction over a long period is given great depth by three «specific» case studies, of historical importance, dealing with the conflict of access to land. Finally we analyze the questions raised by these processes for the production and management of housing and neighborhood in the future, based on interviews with key players and the reconstruction of seven case studies specifically regarding access to land and which are illustrative of current practice. The thesis maintains that since 2006 the pobladores through actions of management and selfmanagement and their intervention in the debate on territorial planning has placed them on a new platform for action and negotiation from which they can incorporate themselves, with all the necessary capacities, in the definition of public policy and therefore provide it with a pertinence and coherence to help towards overcoming poverty with answers more according to their realities.

A platform for the development of patient applications in the domain of personalized health

Personalized health (p-health) systems can contribute significantly to the sustainability of healthcare systems, though their feasibility is yet to be proven. One of the problems related to their development is the lack of well-established development tools for this domain. As the p-health paradigm is focused on patient self-management, big challenges arise around the design and implementation of patient systems. This paper presents a reference platform created for the development of these applications, and shows the advantages of its adoption in a complex project dealing with cardio-vascular diseases.

Influence of new integrated pest management strategies on aphidophagous predators in horticultural crops

El 1 de enero de 2014 entró en vigor la Directiva Europea 2009/128/CE sobre uso sostenible de plaguicidas y el Real Decreto 1311/2012 por el cual se traspone dicha normativa comunitaria al ámbito nacional. Estos reglamentos establecen el marco legal por el que las explotaciones agrícolas deben cumplir los principios generales de la Gestión Integrada de Plagas (GIP). Los principios de la GIP dan preferencia a aquellos métodos de control que sean sostenibles y respetuosos con el medio ambiente, dando prioridad al control biológico, al físico y a otros de carácter no químico. Sin embargo, el uso de insecticidas selectivos con los enemigos naturales es necesario en ocasiones para el adecuado manejo de las plagas en cultivos hortícolas. Por ello, el objetivo general de esta Tesis ha sido aportar conocimientos para la mejora del control de plagas en cultivos hortícolas, mediante la integración de estrategias de lucha biológica, física y química. La primera de las líneas de investigación de esta Tesis se centró en el estudio del efecto de la presencia dos depredadores, larvas Chrysoperla carnea y adultos de Adalia bipunctata, en la dispersión del virus de transmisión no persistente Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) y del virus de transmisión persistente Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV), transmitidos por el pulgón Aphis gosypii en cultivo de pepino. La tasa de transmisión de CMV fue baja para los dos tiempos de evaluación ensayados (1 y 5 días), debido al limitado movimiento de su vector A. gossypii. Las plantas que resultaron infectadas se localizaron próximas a la fuente de inóculo central y la presencia de ambos enemigos naturales no incrementó significativamente el porcentaje de plantas ocupadas por pulgones ni la tasa de transmisión de CMV. Los patrones de distribución de A. gossypii y de CMV tan solo fueron coincidentes en las proximidades de la planta central infectada en la que se liberaron los insectos. En los ensayos con CABYV, la presencia de C. carnea y de A. bipunctata respectivamente provocó un incremento significativo de la dispersión de A. gossypii tras 14 días, pero no tras 7 días desde la liberación de los insectos. La reducción en el número inicial de pulgones en la planta central infectada con CABYV fue siempre mayor tras la liberación de C. carnea en comparación con A. bipunctata. Sin embargo, la tasa de transmisión de CABYV y su distribución espacial no se vieron significativamente modificadas por la presencia de ninguno de los depredadores, ni tras 7 días ni tras 14 días desde el inicio de los ensayos. Al igual que se estudió el efecto de la presencia de enemigos naturales en el comportamiento de las plagas y en la epidemiología de las virosis que transmiten, en una segunda línea de investigación se evaluó el posible efecto del consumo de pulgones portadores de virus por parte de los enemigos naturales. Este trabajo se llevó a cabo en el Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología del Departamento de Entomología de la Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA) (Brasil). En él se evaluó la influencia en los parámetros biológicos del enemigo natural Chrysoperla externa al alimentarse de Myzus persicae contaminados con el virus de transmisión persistente Potato leafroll virus (PLRV). El consumo de M. persicae contaminados con PLRV incrementó significativamente la duración de la fase larvaria, reduciendo también la supervivencia en comparación a otras dos dietas a base de M. persicae no contaminados con el virus y huevos del lepidóptero Ephestia kuehniella. La duración de la fase de pupa de C. externa no difirió significativamente entre las dietas a base de pulgones contaminados con PLRV y pulgones no contaminados, pero ambas fueron menores que con la dieta con huevos de E. kuehniella. Sin embargo, ni la supervivencia en la fase de pupa ni los parámetros reproductivos de los adultos emergidos mostraron diferencias significativas entre las dietas evaluadas. Por el contrario, la supervivencia de los adultos durante los 30 primeros días desde su emergencia sí se vio significativamente afectada por la dieta, siendo al término de este periodo del 54% para aquellos adultos de C. externa que durante su fase larvaria consumieron pulgones con PLRV. Dentro de la GIP, una de las estrategias de carácter físico que se emplean para el control de plagas y enfermedades en cultivos hortícolas protegidos es el uso de plásticos con propiedades fotoselectivas de absorción de la radiación ultravioleta (UV). Por ello, la tercera línea de investigación de la Tesis se centró en el estudio de los efectos directos e indirectos (mediados por la planta) de condiciones especiales de baja radiación UV sobre el crecimiento poblacional del pulgón A. gossypii y los parámetros biológicos del enemigo natural C. carnea, así como sobre las plantas de pepino en las que se liberaron los insectos. Los ensayos se realizaron en jaulones dentro de invernadero, utilizándose en el primero de ellos plantas de pepino sanas, mientras que en el segundo las plantas de pepino fueron previamente infectadas con CABYV para estudiar de qué manera afectaba la incidencia del virus en las mismas condiciones. Las condiciones de baja radiación UV (bajo plástico Térmico Antivirus®) ejercieron un efecto directo en las fases iniciales del cultivo de pepino, promoviendo su crecimiento, mientras que en fases más avanzadas del cultivo indujeron un aumento en el contenido en nitrógeno de las plantas. Las plantas de pepino que fueron sometidas a mayor intensidad de radiación UV (bajo plástico Térmico Blanco®) al inicio del cultivo mostraron un engrosamiento significativo de las paredes de las células epidérmicas del haz de las hojas, así como de la cutícula. El uso del plástico Térmico Antivirus®, utilizado como barrera fotoselectiva para crear condiciones de baja radiación UV, no alteró con respecto al plástico Térmico Blanco® (utilizado como control) el desarrollo poblacional del pulgón A. gossypii ni los parámetros biológicos evaluados en el depredador C. carnea. En el segundo experimento, realizado con plantas infectadas con CABYV, la incidencia de la virosis enmascaró las diferencias encontradas en experimento con plantas sanas, reduciendo aparentemente la influencia de las distintas condiciones de radiación UV. Por último, para el desarrollo de las estrategias de GIP es importante estudiar los posibles efectos secundarios que los plaguicidas pueden tener en los enemigos naturales de las plagas. Es por ello que en la Tesis se evaluaron la toxicidad y los efectos subletales (fecundidad y fertilidad) de flonicamida, flubendiamida, metaflumizona, spirotetramat, sulfoxaflor y deltametrina en los enemigos naturales C. carnea y A. bipunctata. Los efectos secundarios fueron evaluados por contacto residual tanto para larvas como para adultos de ambos enemigos naturales en condiciones de laboratorio. Flonicamida, flubendiamida, metaflumizona y spirotetramat fueron inocuos para larvas de último estadio y adultos de C. carnea y A. bipunctata. Por este motivo, estos insecticidas se presentan como buenos candidatos para ser incorporados dentro de programas de GIP en combinación con estos enemigos naturales para el control de plagas de cultivos hortícolas. Sulfoxaflor fue ligeramente tóxico para adultos de C. carnea y altamente tóxico para larvas de último estadio de A. bipunctata. Para A. bipunctata, sulfoxaflor y deltametrina fueron los compuestos más dañinos. Deltametrina fue también el compuesto más tóxico para larvas y adultos de C. carnea. Por tanto, el uso de deltametrina y sulfoxaflor en programas de GIP debería tomarse en consideración cuando se liberasen cualquiera de estos dos enemigos naturales debido al comportamiento tóxico que mostraron en condiciones de laboratorio. ABSTRACT On 1 January 2014 came into effect the Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament about sustainable use of pesticides and the Royal Decree 1311/2012 that transposes the regulation to the Spanish level. These regulations establish the legal framework that agricultural holdings must adhere to in order to accomplish the general principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The guidelines of IPM give priority to sustainable and eco-friendly pest control techniques, such as biological and physical measures. Nevertheless, the use of pesticides that are selective to natural enemies is sometimes a necessary strategy to implement accurate pest management programs in horticultural protected crops. Therefore, the general objective of this Thesis was to contribute to the improvement of pest management strategies in horticultural crops, by means of the integration of biological, physical and chemical techniques. The first research line of this Thesis was focused on the evaluation of the effects of two aphidophagous predators, Chrysoperla carnea larvae and Adalia bipunctata adults, on the spread of the non-persistently transmitted Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, Cucumovirus) and the persistently transmitted Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV, Polerovirus), by the aphid vector Aphis gossypii in a cucumber crop under greenhouse conditions. The CMV transmission rate was generally low, both after 1 and 5 days, due to the limited movement of its aphid vector A. gossypii. Infected plants were mainly located around the central virusinfected source plant, and the percentage of aphid occupation and CMV-infected plants did not differ significantly in absence and presence of natural enemies. The distribution patterns of A. gossypii and CMV were only coincident close to the central plant where insects were released. In the CABYV experiments, the presence of C. carnea larvae and A. bipunctata adults induced significant A. gossypii dispersal after 14 days but not after 7 days. The reduction in the initial aphid population established in the central plant was always higher for C. carnea than for A. bipunctata. Nevertheless, CABYV spread was not significantly modified by the presence of each predator either in the short term (7 days) or in the long term (14 days). Furthermore, the percentage of CABYV-infected plants did not significantly differ when each natural enemy was present in any evaluation period. It is important to evaluate the influence that natural enemies have on pest dynamics and on the spread of viral diseases, but it should be also taken into account the possible effect on the performance of natural enemies when they feed on preys that act as vectors of viruses. Thus, in a second research line developed in the Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Department of Entomology, of the Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA) (Brazil), it was evaluated the performance of Chrysoperla externa under the condition of consuming Myzus persicae acting as vector of Potato leafroll virus (PLRV). The diet composed of PLRV-infected M. persicae significantly increased the length and reduced the survival rate, of the larval period in regard to the other two diets, composed of non-infected M. persicae and Ephestia kuehniella eggs. The lengths of the pupal stage were not significantly different between the aphid diets, but both were significantly shorter than that of E. kuehniella eggs. Neither pupal survival nor reproductive parameters revealed significant differences among the diets. Nevertheless, the adult survival curves during the first 30 days after emergence showed significant differences, reaching at the end of this interval a value of 54% for those C. externa adults fed on PLRVinfected aphids during their larval period. According to the IPM guidelines, one of the physical strategies for the control of pests and diseases in horticultural protected crops is the use of plastic films with photoselective properties that act as ultraviolet (UV) radiation blocking barriers. In this sense, the third research line of the Thesis dealt with the study of the direct and plant-mediated influence of low UV radiation conditions on the performance of the aphid A. gossypii and on the biological parameters of the natural enemy C. carnea, as well as on the cucumber plants where insects were released. The experiments were conducted inside cages under greenhouse conditions, using for the first one healthy cucumber plants, while for the second experiment the cucumber plants were previously infected with CABYV in order to assess the influence of the virus in the same conditions. The low UV radiation conditions (under Térmico Antivirus® plastic film) seemed to exert a direct effect in the early stages of cucumber plants, enhancing their growth, and in an increasing nitrogen content at further developmental stages. The higher UV radiation exposure (under Térmico Blanco® plastic film) in the early stages of the cucumber crop induced the thickening of the adaxial epidermal cell walls and the cuticle of leaves. The use of Térmico Antivirus® plastic film as a photoselective barrier to induce low UV radiation conditions did not modify, in regard to Térmico Blanco® plastic film (used as control), neither the population development of A. gossypii nor the studied biological parameters of the predator C. carnea. In the second experiment, done with CABYV-infected cucumber plants, the incidence of the virus seemed to mask the direct and plant-mediated influence of the different UV radiation conditions. In last term, for the development of IPM strategies it is important to study the potential side effects that pesticides might have on natural enemies. For this reason, in the Thesis were tested the toxicity and sublethal effects (fecundity and fertility) of flonicamid, flubendiamide, metaflumizone, spirotetramat, sulfoxaflor and deltamethrin on the natural enemies C. carnea and A. bipunctata. The side effects of the active ingredients of the insecticides were evaluated with residual contact tests for the larvae and adults of these predators under laboratory conditions. Flonicamid, flubendiamide, metaflumizone and spirotetramat were innocuous to last instar larvae and adults of C. carnea and A. bipunctata. Therefore, these pesticides are promising candidates for being incorporated into IPM programs in combination with these natural enemies for the control of particular greenhouse pests. In contrast, sulfoxaflor was slightly toxic to adults of C. carnea and was highly toxic to last instar larvae of A. bipunctata. For A. bipunctata, sulfoxaflor and deltamethrin were the most damaging compounds. Deltamethrin was also the most toxic compound to larvae and adults of C. carnea. In accordance with this fact, the use of sulfoxaflor and deltamethrin in IPM strategies should be taken into consideration when releasing either of these biological control agents, due to the toxic behavior observed under laboratory conditions.