Dietary assessment of the western Lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) group in Zoo Basel, Switzerland

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária

Análisis crítico de la planificación urbana de la Ciudad de Cuenca

Las ciudades de todo el mundo deben mantener un entorno urbano habitable. Nueva York y Barcelona fueron una vez ejemplos a seguir, pero la visión urbana de expansión durante las últimas décadas ha dado lugar a un paradigma que comprende pobremente las tendencias de desarrollo de finales del siglo 20 e inicios del siglo 21. La planificación urbana insuficientemente pondera las aspiraciones de los ciudadanos y las funciones socioeconómicas de la ciudad, generando desequilibrios, caracterizados por el aumento de congestiones de tráfico, injusticia social y económica, y degradación medioambiental. En el caso de la ciudad de Cuenca, el desarrollo urbano ilustra claramente una expansión deficientemente controlada con graves fricciones en los mercados de trabajo y de vivienda, con pocos espacios verdes dentro y alrededor de la ciudad, como fue en el pasado. Este estudio intenta ilustrar la discrepancia entre la teoría y la práctica en el campo de la planificación urbana utilizando como caso de estudio a la ciudad andina de Cuenca. Mientras que la nueva doctrina de planificación urbana habla de un intrincado equilibrio entre las funciones socioeconómicas y ambientales en el espacio urbano, la ciudad se ve cada día más desorganizada. Además, para explicar la situación actual de la planificación de la ciudad de Cuenca, basada en razones teóricas y filosóficas, se identificaron las deficiencias en la planificación urbana. Las buenas prácticas de diseño y planificación urbana deben basarse en una buena comprensión del carácter dinámico y complejo de las ciudades. Con el manuscrito el autor tiene como objetivo impulsar la discusión científica sobre la planificación urbana desde la visión medioambiental y sustentable.

Changes in the storage and sink of carbon dioxide in subsurface atmospheres controlled by climate-driven processes: the case of the Ojo Guareña karst system

A comprehensive environmental monitoring program was conducted in the Ojo Guareña cave system (Spain), one of the longest cave systems in Europe, to assess the magnitude of the spatiotemporal changes in carbon dioxide gas (CO2) in the cave–soil–atmosphere profile. The key climate-driven processes involved in gas exchange, primarily gas diffusion and cave ventilation due to advective forces, were characterized. The spatial distributions of both processes were described through measurements of CO2 and its carbon isotopic signal (δ13C[CO2]) from exterior, soil and cave air samples analyzed by cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS). The trigger mechanisms of air advection (temperature or air density differences or barometric imbalances) were controlled by continuous logging systems. Radon monitoring was also used to characterize the changing airflow that results in a predictable seasonal or daily pattern of CO2 concentrations and its carbon isotopic signal. Large daily oscillations of CO2 levels, ranging from 680 to 1900 ppm day−1 on average, were registered during the daily oscillations of the exterior air temperature around the cave air temperature. These daily variations in CO2 concentration were unobservable once the outside air temperature was continuously below the cave temperature and a prevailing advective-renewal of cave air was established, such that the daily-averaged concentrations of CO2 reached minimum values close to atmospheric background. The daily pulses of CO2 and other tracer gases such as radon (222Rn) were smoothed in the inner cave locations, where fluctuation of both gases was primarily correlated with medium-term changes in air pressure. A pooled analysis of these data provided evidence that atmospheric air that is inhaled into dynamically ventilated caves can then return to the lower troposphere as CO2-rich cave air.

La résistance à l’insuline en insuffisance rénale chronique et le risque de développer un diabète de type 2 : un cercle vicieux

L’insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) est caractérisée par de multiples déséquilibres homéostatiques tels que la résistance à l’insuline. Peu d’études se sont intéressées aux mécanismes sous-jacents à cette résistance à l’insuline en IRC. De plus, il est méconnu si cette résistance à l’insuline peut mener au développement d’un diabète de type II chez des patients prédisposés. Dans un modèle d’IRC, le rat Sprague-Dawley (CD) néphrectomisé 5/6e, on observe une corrélation entre la gravité de l’atteinte rénale, évaluée par la créatinine sérique, et l’hyperglycémie, évaluée par la fructosamine sérique (R2 = 0.6982, p < 0.0001). Cependant, cet état hyperglycémique n’est pas observable lors d’une glycémie à jeun. Lors d’un test de tolérance au glucose, on observe une plus grande élévation de la glycémie (AUC 1.25 fois, p < 0.0001) chez le rat atteint d’IRC. Par contre, la sécrétion d’insuline au cours de ce même test n’augmente pas significativement (AUC ≈ 1.30 fois, N.S.) en comparaison aux rats témoins. Malgré une élévation des taux d’insuline en IRC suivant un bolus de glucose, les tissus périphériques ne montrent pas d’augmentation de la captation du glucose sanguin suggérant un défaut d’expression et/ou de fonction des transporteurs de glucose chez ces rats. En effet, on observe une diminution de ces transporteurs dans divers tissus impliqués dans le métabolisme du glucose tel que le foie (≈ 0.60 fois, p < 0.01) et le muscle (GLUT1 0.73 fois, p < 0.05; GLUT4 0.69 fois, p < 0.01). En conséquence, une diminution significative du transport insulinodépendant du glucose est observable dans le muscle des rats atteint d’IRC (≈ 0.63 fois, p < 0.0001). Puisque les muscles sont responsables de la majorité de la captation insulinodépendante du glucose, la diminution de l’expression du GLUT4 pourrait être associée à la résistance à l’insuline observée en IRC. La modulation de l’expression des transporteurs de glucose pourrait être à l’origine de la résistance à l’insuline en IRC. Cela dit, d’autres mécanismes peuvent aussi être impliqués. En dépit de cette importante perturbation du transport du glucose, nous n’avons pas observé de cas de diabète de type II chez le rat CD atteint d’IRC. Dans un modèle de rat atteint d’un syndrome métabolique, le rat Zucker Leprfa/fa, l’IRC provoque une forte hyperglycémie à jeun (1.5 fois, p < 0.0001). De plus, l’IRC chez le rat Zucker provoque une réponse glycémique (AUC 1.80 fois, p < 0.0001) exagérée lors d’un test de tolérance au glucose. Une forte résistance à l’insuline est mesurée au niveau des muscles puisque la dose usuelle d’insuline (2mU/mL) n’est pas suffisante pour stimuler la captation du glucose chez le rat Zucker atteint d’IRC. De plus, une modulation similaire des transporteurs de glucose peut être observée chez ces deux espèces. Par contre, environ 30% (p < 0.001) des rats Zucker atteints d’IRC avaient une glycosurie. L’IRC en soi ne mènerait donc pas au développement d’un diabète de type II. Par contre, lorsqu’une résistance à l’insuline est présente antérieurement au développement d’une IRC, cela pourrait précipiter l’apparition d’un diabète de type II chez ces patients prédisposés.

Challenging masculinity in CSR disclosures:silencing of women’s voices in Tanzania’s mining industry

This paper presents a feminist analysis of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a male-dominated industry within a developing country context. It seeks to raise awareness of the silencing of women’s voices in CSR reports produced by mining companies in Tanzania. Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in Africa, and women are often marginalised in employment and social policy considerations. Drawing on work by Hélène Cixous, a post-structuralist/radical feminist scholar, the paper challenges the masculinity of CSR discourses that have repeatedly masked the voices and concerns of ‘other’ marginalised social groups, notably women. Using interpretative ethnographic case studies, the paper provides much-needed empirical evidence to show how gender imbalances remain prevalent in the Tanzanian mining sector. This evidence draws attention to the dynamics faced by many women working in or living around mining areas in Tanzania. The paper argues that CSR, a discourse enmeshed with the patriarchal logic of the contemporary capitalist system, is entangled with tensions, class conflicts and struggles which need to be unpacked and acknowledged. The paper considers the possibility of policy reforms in order to promote gender balance in the Tanzanian mining sector and create a platform for women’s concerns to be voiced.

La résistance à l’insuline en insuffisance rénale chronique et le risque de développer un diabète de type 2 : un cercle vicieux

L’insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) est caractérisée par de multiples déséquilibres homéostatiques tels que la résistance à l’insuline. Peu d’études se sont intéressées aux mécanismes sous-jacents à cette résistance à l’insuline en IRC. De plus, il est méconnu si cette résistance à l’insuline peut mener au développement d’un diabète de type II chez des patients prédisposés. Dans un modèle d’IRC, le rat Sprague-Dawley (CD) néphrectomisé 5/6e, on observe une corrélation entre la gravité de l’atteinte rénale, évaluée par la créatinine sérique, et l’hyperglycémie, évaluée par la fructosamine sérique (R2 = 0.6982, p < 0.0001). Cependant, cet état hyperglycémique n’est pas observable lors d’une glycémie à jeun. Lors d’un test de tolérance au glucose, on observe une plus grande élévation de la glycémie (AUC 1.25 fois, p < 0.0001) chez le rat atteint d’IRC. Par contre, la sécrétion d’insuline au cours de ce même test n’augmente pas significativement (AUC ≈ 1.30 fois, N.S.) en comparaison aux rats témoins. Malgré une élévation des taux d’insuline en IRC suivant un bolus de glucose, les tissus périphériques ne montrent pas d’augmentation de la captation du glucose sanguin suggérant un défaut d’expression et/ou de fonction des transporteurs de glucose chez ces rats. En effet, on observe une diminution de ces transporteurs dans divers tissus impliqués dans le métabolisme du glucose tel que le foie (≈ 0.60 fois, p < 0.01) et le muscle (GLUT1 0.73 fois, p < 0.05; GLUT4 0.69 fois, p < 0.01). En conséquence, une diminution significative du transport insulinodépendant du glucose est observable dans le muscle des rats atteint d’IRC (≈ 0.63 fois, p < 0.0001). Puisque les muscles sont responsables de la majorité de la captation insulinodépendante du glucose, la diminution de l’expression du GLUT4 pourrait être associée à la résistance à l’insuline observée en IRC. La modulation de l’expression des transporteurs de glucose pourrait être à l’origine de la résistance à l’insuline en IRC. Cela dit, d’autres mécanismes peuvent aussi être impliqués. En dépit de cette importante perturbation du transport du glucose, nous n’avons pas observé de cas de diabète de type II chez le rat CD atteint d’IRC. Dans un modèle de rat atteint d’un syndrome métabolique, le rat Zucker Leprfa/fa, l’IRC provoque une forte hyperglycémie à jeun (1.5 fois, p < 0.0001). De plus, l’IRC chez le rat Zucker provoque une réponse glycémique (AUC 1.80 fois, p < 0.0001) exagérée lors d’un test de tolérance au glucose. Une forte résistance à l’insuline est mesurée au niveau des muscles puisque la dose usuelle d’insuline (2mU/mL) n’est pas suffisante pour stimuler la captation du glucose chez le rat Zucker atteint d’IRC. De plus, une modulation similaire des transporteurs de glucose peut être observée chez ces deux espèces. Par contre, environ 30% (p < 0.001) des rats Zucker atteints d’IRC avaient une glycosurie. L’IRC en soi ne mènerait donc pas au développement d’un diabète de type II. Par contre, lorsqu’une résistance à l’insuline est présente antérieurement au développement d’une IRC, cela pourrait précipiter l’apparition d’un diabète de type II chez ces patients prédisposés.

Assessments of training load in elite youth soccer

One of the most popular sports globally, soccer has seen a rise in the demands of the game over recent years. An increase in intensity and playing demands, coupled with growing social and economic pressures on soccer players means that optimal preparation is of paramount importance. Recent research has found the modern game, depending on positional role, to consist of approximately 60% more sprint distance in the English Premier League, which was also found to be the case for frequency and success of discrete technical actions (Bush et al., 2015). As a result, the focus on soccer training and player preparedness is becoming more prevalent in scientific research. By designing the appropriate training load, and thus periodization strategies, the aim is to achieve peak fitness in the most efficient way, whilst minimising the risk of injury and illness. Traditionally, training intensity has been based on heart rate responses, however, the emergence of tracking microtechnology such as global positioning system (GPS) and inertial sensors are now able to further quantify biomechanical load as well as physiological stress. Detailed pictures of internal and external loading indices such as these then combine to produce a more holistic view of training load experience by the player during typical drills and phases of training in soccer. The premise of this research is to gain greater understanding of the physical demands of common training methodologies in elite soccer to support optimal match performance. The coaching process may then benefit from being able to prescribe the most effective training to support these. The first experimental chapter in this thesis began by quantify gross training loads of the pre-season and in-season phases in soccer. A broader picture of the training loads inherent in these distinct phases brought more detail as to the type and extent of external loading experienced by soccer players at these times, and how the inclusion of match play influences weekly training rhythms. Training volume (total distance) was found to be high at the start compared to the end of pre-season (37 kilometres and 28 kilometres), where high cardiovascular loads were attained as part of the conditioning focus. This progressed transiently, however, to involve higher-speed, acceleration and change-of-direction stimuli at the end of pre-season compared to the start and to that in-season (1.18 kilometres, 0.70 kilometres and 0.42 kilometres high-intensity running; with 37, 25 and 23 accelerations >3m/s2 respectively) . The decrease in volume and increase in maximal anaerobic activity was evident in the training focus as friendly matches were introduced before the competitive season. The influence of match-play as being a large physical dose in the training week may then determine the change in weekly periodisation and how resulting training loads applied and tapered, if necessary. The focus of research was then directed more specifically to the most common mode of training in soccer, that also featured regularly in the pre-season period in the present study, small-sided games (SSG). The subsequent studies examined numerous manipulations of this specific form of soccer conditioning, such as player numbers as well as absolute and relative playing space available. In contrast to some previous literature, changing the number of players did not seem to influence training responses significantly, although playing format in the possession style brought about larger effects for heart rate (89.9%HRmax) and average velocity (7.6km/h-1). However, the following studies (Chapters 5, 6 and 7) revealed a greater influence of relative playing space available to players in SSG. The larger area at their disposal brought about greater aerobic responses (~90%HRmax), by allowing higher average and peak velocities (>25km/h-1), as well as greater distance acceleration behaviour at greater thresholds (>2.8m/s2). Furthermore, the data points towards space as being a large determinant in strategy of the player in small-sided games (SSG), subsequently shaping their movement behaviour and resulting physical responses. For example, higher average velocities in a possession format (8km/h-1) reflects higher work rate and heart rate load but makes achieving significant neuromuscular accelerations at a high level difficult given higher starting velocities prior to the most intense accelerations (4.2km/h-1). By altering space available and even through intentional numerical imbalances in team numbers, it may be easier for coaches to achieve the desired stimulus for the session or individual player, whether that is for aerobic and neuromuscular conditioning. Large effects were found for heart rate being higher in the underloaded team (85-90%HRmax) compared to the team with more players (80-85%HRmax) as well as for RPE (5AU versus 7AU). This was also apparent for meterage and therefore average velocity. It would also seem neuromuscular load through high acceleration and deceleration efforts were more pronounced with less numbers (given the need to press and close down opponents, and in a larger area relative to the number of players on the underloaded team. The peak accelerations and deceleration achieved was also higher when playing with less players (3-6.2m/s2 and 3-6.1m/s2) Having detailed ways in which to reach desired physical loading responses in common small training formats, Chapter 8 compared SSG to larger 9v9 formats with full-size 11v11 friendly matches. This enabled absolute and relative comparisons to be made and to understand the extent to which smaller training formats are able to replicate the required movements to be successful in competition. In relative terms, it was revealed that relative acceleration distance and Player Load were higher in smaller 4v4 games than match-play (1.1m.min-1 and 0.3m.min-1 >3m/s2; 16.9AU versus 12AU). Although the smallest format did not replicate the high-velocity demands of matches, the results confirmed their efficacy in providing significant neuromuscular load during the training week, which may then be supplemented by high-intensity interval running in order to gain exposure to more maximal speed work. In summary, the data presented provide valuable information from GPS and inertial sensor microtechnology which may then be used to understand training better to manipulate types of load according to physical conditioning objectives. For example, a library of resources to direct planning of drills of varying cardiovascular, neuromuscular and perceptual load can be created to give more confidence in session outcomes. Combining external and internal load data of common soccer training drills, and their application across different phases and training objectives may give coaches a powerful tool to plan and periodize training.

Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Storage System Linked to the Electric Grid

This paper focuses on technology state of the art for the charge/discharge of electric energy storage supported by vanadium redox flow battery linked to the electric grid. Properties of vanadium, the main configuration and the reaction of charge/discharge of a vanadium redox flow battery are addressed. The vanadium redox flow battery has the highest cell voltage among the other redox flow battery, implying higher power and energy density which favours application at power plants. This electric energy storage is viewed as a promising contribution to be integrated in power system due to a reasonably bulky size and to successful applications currently allowing storage of energy at power plants or at electrical grids. For instances, allowing storage of energy as an economic improvement providing spin reserve to avoid penalty for imbalances between the energy delivered and energy contracted at closing of electricity market or as an economic improvement to diminish the cost of electricity usage of a consumer. The vanadium redox flow battery has the advantages of scalability customized to meet requirements for power and energy capacity and of excellent combination of energy efficiency, capital cost and life cycle costs compared with other technology.

Medicina de espécies zoológicas

O presente relatório refere-se ao estágio curricular realizado no Badoca Safari Park, no âmbito do mestrado integrado em medicina veterinária da Universidade de Évora, na área de medicina de espécies zoológicas Este encontra-se dividido em duas partes, uma relativa às atividades realizadas e casuística, acompanhada de aprofundamento teórico, e outra relacionada com a pesquisa de hemoparasitas em ungulados, através de esfregaços sanguíneos, efetuada no decorrer do estágio. As hemoparasitoses são infeções com potencial zoonótico, transmitidas por vetores, associadas a importantes perdas económicas. O controlo destas afeções tem como obstáculos fatores económicos e sociais, a heterogenicidade de hospedeiros que estes hemoparasitas e respetivos vetores apresentam, assim como o facto das espécies de animais selvagens poderem atuar como hospedeiros reservatórios. A entrada de animais exóticos e saída de autóctones, em zonas endémicas, provoca desequilíbrios na relação entre o parasita e hospedeiro que poderão despoletar episódios de doença; Abstract: Zoo and Wildlife medicine This report refers to the internship held at Badoca Safari Park, as part of the integrated master’s degree in veterinary medicine, at the University of Évora, in the clinic area of wild species and wild animals. This thesis is devided into two parts, one on the activities and cases, accompanied by theoretical studies, and the other related to hemoparasites research on ungulates through blood smears, performed during the intership. The hemoparasitoses are infections with zoonotic potential, transmited by vectors associated with significant economic losses. The control of these affections has as main obstacles the economic and social factors, the heterogeneity of hosts these hemoparasites and respective vectors present, as well as the fact that the wildlife species can act as reservoir hosts. The entry of exotic animals and the disappearance of natives, in endemic areas, causes imbalances in the relationship between parasite and host that can trigger episodes of illness.

A holistic approach for the investigation of bee health

Despite current evidence is in strong disagreement with an emergency for the conservation of Apis mellifera, great concern is related to profitability of beekeeping operations. A growing involvement of veterinary science in addressing bee health topics will therefore be fundamental to preserve and protect the entire sector. The experiments in this thesis focused on two different and interdependent levels related to bee health: the biochemical level and the parasitological level. At the biochemical level the impact of plant protection products on bee physiology and survival was studied, elucidating synergistic interactions between poor nutrition and pesticide exposure in A. mellifera and between an insecticide and a fungicide in Osmia bicornis. Moreover, an innovative fingerprinting approach on honey bee haemolymph was applied to detect population imbalances in the hive. The control of Varroa infestations was studied both at the biochemical and parasitological level. A panel of biomarkers in honey bee haemolymph was applied to compare different mite control protocols. This resulted in relevant indications for beekeeping operations pursuing the least impact on nutritional status of the colonies. To guide the decision making of beekeepers, a new formic acid evaporator was tested in comparison with a more established one. Considering its widespread distribution in the country, efforts were directed also towards N. ceranae. In particular, the pivotal aspect of diagnosis was studied, proposing a new qPCR method to overcome some limits of the existing ones. In conclusion, this works fills some of the knowledge gaps of the beekeeping sector. However, many of them still need to be addressed and the upcoming menaces of climate change and dispersal of pathogens via globalization should be targeted by research efforts in the near future. Therefore, a multifaceted vision of bee health is of capital importance, aware of the complementarity of reductionist and holistic approaches.

Si sanctitas inter eos sit digna foedere coniugali. Gli apporti patrimoniali alla moglie superstite in età tardoantica e giustinianea

Queste ricerche si propongono di indagare gli apporti patrimoniali alla morte del marito in favore della moglie superstite, concentrandosi sulla normazione di età tardoantica e giustinianea. Vengono presi in considerazione i principali istituti giuridici che realizzavano, al momento della scomparsa dell’uomo, una cessione patrimoniale a favore della sua vedova: la successione intestata e testata della moglie superstite, la restituzione della dote e il suo lucro sulla donazione nuziale, nonché la c.d. quarta della vedova povera. Di essi si indagano i profili dei relativi regimi giuridici interessanti per il tema di indagine, soffermandosi sulla portata e le ragioni delle riforme che li hanno riguardati, le loro specifiche funzioni nel sistema di sostentamento patrimoniale della coniuge superstite, la loro interazione e integrazione reciproca, il loro ricorso nella prassi. Si giunge alla conclusione che il sistema di tutela della coniuge superstite ebbe poco a che vedere con la successione intestata. Profondamente differente il discorso per quanto attiene alla successione testata e la dote. Più circoscritti di quanto comunemente si pensi, invece, sono i termini in cui è possibile parlare di una funzione di appannaggio vedovile della donazione nuziale. Ecco dunque che, se le garanzie patrimoniali della moglie superstite si sostanziano nel testamento del marito, nella dote, nella donazione nuziale e – nel diritto ultimo e nei soli casi di estremo bisogno – nella quarta uxoria, è chiaro come la questione sia stata demandata, in gran parte, all’autoregolamentazione dei privati. Il legislatore ha saputo predisporre gli strumenti giuridici necessari, assestare gli squilibri dovuti a mutamenti economici e sociali, intervenire laddove ce ne fosse stato bisogno, ma senza invadere un campo così privato e intimo come quello delle relazioni patrimoniali tra coniugi. D’altro canto, il suo intervento non è richiesto «si sanctitas inter eos sit digna foedere coniugali».

Outcomes of global coagulation assays in patients with Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms with respect to genetic determinants of clonal progression

Classical myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are hematopoietic stem cell disorders that manifest with inflammation, promotion of atherosclerosis, hypercoagulability, fibrosis, and clonal evolution. The complex biological background lends itself to multi-omics studies. We have previously shown that reduced platelet fibrinogen receptor (PFR) expression may follow hyperactivation of plasma-dependent mechanisms, such as tissue factor (TF) release, unbalanced thrombin generation, involvement of protease-activated receptors (PARs). Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) helped to restore the expression of PFRs. In this study, we enrolled 53 MPN patients, subjecting them to advanced genetic testing (panel of 30 genes in NGS), global coagulation testing (Rotational Thromboelastometry - ROTEM) and cytofluorometric determination of PFRs. ROTEM parameters appear to differ considerably depending on the type of pathology under investigation, cell count, and selected mutations. Essential thrombocythemia (ET) and CALR mutation appear to correlate with increased efficiency of both classical coagulation pathways, with significantly more contracted clot formation times (CFTs). In contrast, primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and polycythemia vera (PV) show greater imbalances in the hemostatic system. PV, probably due to its peculiar hematological features, shows a lengthening of the CFT and, at the same time, a selective contraction of parameters in INTEM with the increase of platelets and white blood cells. PMF - in contrast - seems to exploit the extrinsic pathway more to increase cell numbers. The presence of DNMT3A mutations is associated with reduced clotting time (CT) in EXTEM, while ASXL1 causes reduced maximal lysis (ML). EZH2 could be responsible for the elongation of CFT in INTEM assay. In addition, increased PFR expression is associated with history of hemorrhage and sustained CT time in FIBTEM under ASA prophylaxis. Our findings corroborate the existing models on the connection between fibrosis, genetic complexity, clonal progression, and hypercoagulability. Global coagulation assays and PFR expression are potentially useful tools for dynamic evaluation of treatments’ outcomes.