In this study we used recent (2010) and herbarium material (1980) of six bryophyte species to assess long-term atmospheric deposition in natural forested areas in northern Spain. For this purpose, tissue nitrogen and carbon content, as well as δ(13) C and δ(15) N signatures of samples of Hypnum cupressiforme, Polytrichastrum formosum, Leucobryum juniperoideum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Homalothecium lutescens and Diplophyllum albicans were analysed and comparisons made between years and species. In addition, the usefulness of each of the six species was evaluated. The range of values observed was similar to that in other studies carried out in rural areas. Significantly lower values were found in 2010 for N (H. cupressiforme), δ(15) N (R. loreus and D. albicans), C (R. loreus) and δ(13) C (all except L. juniperoideum). Our natural areas are thus now less influenced by atmospheric pollutants than they were, most probably due to changes in some traditional local activities. Differences were observed between species for all the four parameters studied, so different species must not be analysed together. Finally, R. loreus and H. lutescens seem to be good bioindicators, sensitive even with a few samples, although further studies are needed to corroborate their usefulness.
Previous research has explored the potential use of digital health to support maternal health in the Global South highlighting the importance of understanding the socio-cultural context to inform system design. However, the experiences of indigenous women managing pregnancy complications in Latin America remain underexplored in HCI. We present a qualitative study with 25 indigenous pregnant women in an Ecuadorian rural community looking at their experiences during complications, their antenatal care visits and their access and use of technologies. Our findings highlight key barriers that hinder the use of antenatal care services and influence women's experiences managing complications. Based on the findings, we present opportunities for digital health centered on indigenous women to enhance antenatal care in rural Ecuador.
Effectiveness of the Use of Palate Plates and Orofacial Stimulation in the Oral Development of Children with Down's SyndromeDown's Syndrome children shown multiple alterations, among them marked general hypotony. While this produces some basic difficulties, at the orofacial level it generates a characterisitic expression marked by open mouth, hypotonic tongue that rests upon the lower lip, and great salivation. To ameliorate this, an orofacial regulation therapy was initiated, to stimulate this musculature, strengthen it and mold it during development. Objective: To observe the effect of stimulating palate plates, and orofacial exercises in the function and tonicity of children with Down's syndrome. Patients and Methods: Five children, 10 to 21 months old, with Down's Syndrome, were treated through orofacial regulation for 20 to 30 minutes, 4 times a day for 2 months (palate plates and orofacial stimulation exercises). Pre and post treatment evaluations were made and a photographic and video evaluation was registered weekly. Results and Conclusions: Therapy decreased lingual protrusion and increased buccal closure. This is not thought of as real tonicity change since that statement would require a long term and wider area study to determine effectiveness and applicability.
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