University of Vic

Climate change is expected to reshape species distributions in arid and semi-arid regions through changes in temperature and water availability. We modelled the present and future climatic suitability of the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) across North African drylands and adjacent Mediterranean transition zones using ecological niche modelling. Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) were filtered to obtain 112 high-quality presence records. Models were calibrated with the maxnet implementation of the maximum entropy algorithm within the biogeographically defined calibration area (M) and projected using the MIROC6 climate model under SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 for mid-century (2041–2060) and late-century (2061–2080).Model performance was acceptable (validation AUC = 0.669; CBI = 0.923). Climatic suitability currently forms a broad belt across North African drylands, with highest suitability in southern tropical and subhumid sectors. Future projections indicate a 14.0–19.0% contraction of climatically suitable area within the calibration area (M), with declines across parts of the hyper-arid Sahara and persistence or localized increases in southern and transitional regions. These results indicate climate-driven contraction and spatial reorganization of climatically suitable conditions along existing aridity gradients, providing a regional framework for biosecurity, environmental management, and surveillance of human-mediated introductions.

Student absenteeism in higher education is associated with poorer academic outcomes, weaker social integration, and increased dropout risk. Beyond individual motivation, attendance decisions are increasingly understood as dynamic evaluations influenced by pedagogical practices, structural constraints, and students’ lived experiences. Within this broader perspective, and drawing on embodiment and power-oriented perspectives, this study examines how physiotherapy students experience the classroom, make attendance decisions, and interpret their presence or absence.A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected through surveys and attendance records from 184 physiotherapy students (2022–2023). The qualitative phase included five focus groups with 35 students (2024–2025). Data were analysed descriptively and through abductive thematic analysis informed by sociological theory.Quantitative findings showed that evaluative activities, practical exercises, and doubt resolution were primary motivators, while lectures were least valued. Non-attendance was influenced by the perceived efficiency of independent study, preparation for other courses, limited exam relevance, and external commitments. Recorded sessions (n = 91) showed average attendance of 63.7 % in the first half of the class and 57.8 % in the second half, with lower participation in theoretical courses and higher participation in practical subjects. Qualitative analysis revealed that absenteeism arises from interactions among structural conditions, relational experiences, pedagogical strategies, and personal agency. Three themes emerged: modes of engagement (responsive vs. non-responsive students), power and emotional climate, and relational misalignments.Findings suggest that attendance is a situated and strategic decision rather than a simple indicator of motivation or disengagement. Students weigh the academic, relational, and personal value of attending, while pedagogical design and classroom climate influence engagement. However, many determinants of attendance extend beyond instructors’ control. Understanding these interacting factors may support more realistic, equitable, and effective approaches to student engagement.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cross-linked hyaluronic acid vaginal injections in women with moderate-to-severe vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) treated in a pelvic floor rehabilitation unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Pilot, quasi-experimental, prospective pre-post study designed to assess safety and detect a preliminary signal of clinical benefit following a single vaginal hyaluronic acid injection, without confirmatory intent. The primary efficacy endpoint was the pre-post change in the Vulvar Health Index (VHI). Eleven women with moderate or severe VVA were included, most with a history of hormone-dependent breast cancer and contraindications to hormonal therapy. A single 1-mL injection of hyaluronic acid was administered, and clinical and functional parameters were assessed using the following tools: VHI, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, vulvovaginal symptom questionnaire, dyspareunia grade, Modified Oxford Scale, and the Patient and Clinician Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I, CGI-I). RESULTS:At 30 days, VHI improved significantly (11.4±2.9 to 7.8±3.2; p<0.001), FSFI increased (7.2 to 15.3; p=0.008), and pain decreased (VAS: 7.4±1.4 to 3.0±2.4; p<0.001). Overall, 72.7% of patients rated themselves as "very much improved" or "much improved," and no adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS:Vaginal hyaluronic acid injections may represent a safe and effective therapeutic option for women with severe VVA, particularly those with oncological history. Larger controlled studies with extended follow-up are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Elections are the most visible expression of democracy, yet their functioning, particularly the staffing and organization of polling stations, remains understudied. Departing from this gap in the literature, this paper examines the use of lottery-based recruitment of poll workers as a mechanism to strengthen democratic legitimacy, impartiality, and civic equality. By comparing voluntary, party-based, and bureaucratic staffing models, it shows how sortition distributes responsibility across the citizenry, mitigates partisan influence, and fosters broader participation. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, the paper highlights the normative and practical implications of integrating random selection into electoral administration. Sortition complements representative institutions by operationalizing principles of equality, neutrality, and shared civic responsibility. Potential challenges, such as perceptions of coercion or uneven engagement, can be addressed through the implementation of legal frameworks and targeted training. The study demonstrates that lottery-based recruitment offers a distinct and underexplored tool to enhance the integrity, fairness, and resilience of electoral processes in modern democracies.

1. rthropods dominate global biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services, yet they remain largely overlooked in conservation research and policy. The identification of areas of high biological diversity is key to guiding efficient conservation actions. 2. We aimed to identify arthropod biodiversity hotspots and conservation priority areas in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands (a major European biodiversity hotspot under increasing anthropogenic pressures) using the first integrative, large-scale assessment of arthropod distribution in the region, while also evaluating the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network (N2000) in protecting these areas. 3. We compiled over 416,000 occurrence records representing 6231 arthropod species from 13 complete taxonomic groups. We mapped species richness patterns and identified hotspots for each group, then delineated 40 Priority Areas for Iberobalear Arthropods (PAIA), defined as areas that were hotspots for at least three groups. 4. Hotspot congruence across groups was low, with only one grid cell shared by seven taxa (Sierra Nevada), highlighting the importance of multi-taxon approaches for conservation planning. PAIA were concentrated in major mountain systems (Central and Baetic Systems, Cantabrian Mountains and Pyrenees), reflecting their role as Mediterranean biodiversity centres and Pleistocene refugia. 5. Collectively, the 40 PAIA (0.6% of the territory) hosted 3416 species (55% of the total). Most PAIA overlapped substantially with the N2000 (>90% for multi-taxon hotspots), although some key areas remained marginally protected or unprotected. 6. Our findings support N2000 as an effective foundation for arthropod conservation but emphasize the urgent need to explicitly integrate arthropods into its management plans. The PAIA identified here provide a robust baseline for safeguarding arthropod diversity and guiding the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.