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Surrogate Indicators (surrogate + indicator)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Life Sciences75%

Selected Abstracts

Priority Wetland Invertebrates as Conservation Surrogates

CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
S. J. ORMEROD
agua dulce; caracoles; conservación; especies paraguas; especies sustitutas; gasterópodos Abstract:,Invertebrates are important functionally in most ecosystems, but seldom appraised as surrogate indicators of biological diversity. Priority species might be good candidates; thus, here we evaluated whether three freshwater invertebrates listed in the U.K. Biodiversity Action Plan indicated the richness, composition, and conservation importance of associated wetland organisms as defined respectively by their alpha diversity, beta diversity, and threat status. Sites occupied by each of the gastropods Segmentina nitida, Anisus vorticulus, and Valvata macrostoma had greater species richness of gastropods and greater conservation importance than other sites. Each also characterized species assemblages associated with significant variations between locations in alpha or beta diversity among other mollusks and aquatic macrophytes. Because of their distinct resource requirements, conserving the three priority species extended the range of wetland types under management for nature conservation by 18% and the associated gastropod niche-space by around 33%. Although nonpriority species indicated variations in richness, composition, and conservation importance among other organisms as effectively as priority species, none characterized such a wide range of high-quality wetland types. We conclude that priority invertebrates are no more effective than nonpriority species as indicators of alpha and beta diversity or conservation importance among associated organisms. Nevertheless, conserving priority species can extend the array of distinct environments that are protected for their specialized biodiversity and environmental quality. We suggest that this is a key role for priority species and conservation surrogates more generally, and, on our evidence, can best be delivered through multiple species with contrasting habitat requirements. Resumen:,Los invertebrados son funcionalmente importantes en la mayoría de los ecosistemas, pero raramente son valorados como indicadores sustitutos de la diversidad biológica. Las especies prioritarias pueden ser buenos candidatos; por lo tanto, aquí evaluamos sí tres especies de invertebrados enlistados en el Plan de Acción para la Biodiversidad del Reino Unido eran indicadores de la riqueza, la composición e importancia para la conservación de organismos de humedal asociados definida por su diversidad alfa, diversidad beta y estatus de amenaza respectivamente. Los sitios ocupados por cada uno de los gasterópodos Segmentina nitida, Anisus vorticulus and Valvata macrostoma tuvieron una mucho mayor riqueza de gasterópodos y mayor importancia para la conservación que otros sitios. Cada uno también caracterizó a los ensambles asociados con variaciones significativas entre localidades en la diversidad alfa o entre otros moluscos y macrofitas acuáticas en la diversidad beta. Debido a sus diferentes requerimientos de recursos, la conservación de las tres especies prioritarias se amplió la extensión de todos los tipos de humedal bajo manejo para la conservación de la naturaleza en 18% y el nicho-espacio de los gasterópodos asociados se amplió alrededor de 33%. Aunque las especies no prioritarias indicaron variaciones en riqueza, composición e importancia de conservación entre otros organismos tan efectivamente como las especies prioritarias, ninguna caracterizó un rango tan amplio de humedales de alta calidad. Concluimos que los invertebrados prioritarios no son más efectivos que las especies no prioritarias como indicadores de la diversidad alfa y beta ni de la importancia para la conservación entre organismos asociados. Sin embargo, la conservación de especies prioritarias puede ampliar el conjunto de ambientes diferentes que son protegidos por su biodiversidad especializada y calidad ambiental. Sugerimos que este es un papel clave para las especies prioritarias y, más generalmente, para los sustitutos de conservación, y, con base en nuestra evidencia, puede ser desarrollado mediante múltiples especies con requerimientos de hábitat contrastantes. [source]

Application of surrogate indicators of insulin sensitivity to critically ill cats

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 11-12 2005
D. L. Chan
Hyperglycaemia associated with critical illness is a common finding in non-diabetic human patients and has important implications for nutritional support. The aetiology of the hyperglycaemia is multi-factorial but believed to involve alterations in hormones regulating glucose metabolism and the development of insulin resistance. We have previously demonstrated that hyperglycaemia in critically cats similarly involves alterations in circulating concentrations of insulin, glucagon, and cortisol. Namely, with critical illness cats had hypoinsulinaemia, hyperglucagonaemia, and hypercortisolaemia. However, direct determinations of insulin sensitivity in critically ill cats have remained untested due to the complexity of calculations and frequent blood sampling required. Such techniques have, therefore, been limited to experimental models. In the interest of studying insulin sensitivity in clinical cases, surrogate indicators of insulin sensitivity, e.g, Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA), and Quantitative Insulin Check Index (QUICKI), have been recently applied to cats and shown to correlate to more traditional insulin sensitivity testing. HOMA is calculated ([insulin]x[(glucose)/22.5]), while QUICKI is (1/ [log insulin + log glucose]). The goal of this study was to apply the HOMA and QUICKI indices to hyperglycaemic critically ill cats and compare them to those of euglycaemic critically ill cats and controls. Twenty-six critically ill, and 21 healthy control cats were evaluated. Groups were matched for age, weight, and body condition. Of the critically ill cats, 10 were euglycaemic, and 14 were hyperglycaemic (glucose > 180 mg/dL). As compared to euglycaemic critically ill cats, HOMA was found to be significantly greater in hyperglycaemic cats [median 5.30 (range 0.90 , 25.14) vs. [2.19 (0.69 , 7.33); p = 0.016], while QUICKI was significantly lower in hyperglycaemic cats [median 0.30 mg/dl (0.25 , 0.39 mg/dl) vs. [0.34 mg/dl (0.29 , 0.38 mg/dl); p = 0.039]. Higher HOMA and lower QUICKI indices are consistent with an insulin resistant state. However, HOMA and QUICKI were not significantly different between hyperglycaemic and control cats. While the application of these indices may prove useful in determining insulin sensitivity in critically ill cats, future studies are needed to resolve discrepancies demonstrate in the current study. [source]

Reputation building: beyond our control?

JOURNAL OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR, Issue 4 2010
Inferences in consumers' ethical perception formation
A company or brand's reputation is inherently linked to how ethically/unethically it is perceived to conduct its business. While it is generally assumed that consumers' ethical perceptions are either built on first-hand experiences or other concrete information, this research demonstrates that reputation can be influenced by processes outside the company's direct control. The article is based on interviews with general consumers and presents the finding that, in the absence of concrete information or personal experience, consumers may infer ethical beliefs. Four distinct types of cues may instigate ethical inferences and act as surrogate indicators: product-, company-, category- and origin-related cues. A framework that illustrates the hierarchical structure of the various cues depending on their level of specificity is presented. The results suggest that controlling corporate reputation becomes increasingly challenging. Implications for marketing practitioners and general managers are discussed and further research opportunities highlighted. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]