bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fertile peatland forest does not constitute a major greenhouse gas sink
Authors: Meyer A. , Tarvainen L. , Nousratpour A. , Björk R. G. , Ernfors M. , Grelle A. , Kasimir Klemedtsson Å , Lindroth A. , Räntfors M. , Rütting T. , Wallin G. , Weslien P. , Klemedtsson L.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Afforestation has been proposed as a strategy to mitigate the often high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural soils with high organic matter content. However, the carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes after afforestation can be considerable, depending predominantly on site drainage and nutrient availability. Studies on the full GHG budget of afforested organic soils are scarce and hampered by the uncertainties associated with methodology. In this study we determined the GHG budget of a spruce-dominated forest on a drained organic soil with an agricultural history. Two different approaches for determining the net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) were applied, for the year 2008, one direct (eddy covariance) and the other indirect (analyzing the different components of the GHG budget), so that uncertainties in each method could be evaluated. The annual tree production in 2008 was 8.3 ± 3.9 t C ha−1 yr−1 due to the high levels of soil nutrients, the favorable climatic conditions and the fact that the forest was probably in its phase of maximum C assimilation or shortly past it. The N2O fluxes were determined by the closed-chamber technique and amounted to 0.9 ± 0.8 t Ceq ha−1 yr−1. According to the direct measurements from the eddy covariance technique, the site acts as a minor GHG sink of −1.2 ± 0.8 t Ceq ha−1 yr−1. This contrasts with the NEE estimate derived from the indirect approach which suggests that the site is a net GHG emitter of 0.6 ± 4.5 t Ceq ha−1 yr−1. Irrespective of the approach applied, the soil CO2 effluxes counter large amounts of the C sequestration by trees. Due to accumulated uncertainties involved in the indirect approach, the direct approach is considered the more reliable tool. As the rate of C sequestration will likely decrease with forest age, the site will probably become a GHG source once again as the trees do not compensate for the soil C and N losses. Also forests in younger age stages have been shown to have lower C assimilation rates; thus, the overall GHG sink potential of this afforested nutrient-rich organic soil is probably limited to the short period of maximum C assimilation.
Spatial scale-dependent land-atmospheric methane exchange in the northern high latitudes from 1993 to 2004
Authors: Zhu X. , Zhuang Q. , Lu X. , Song L.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Effects of various spatial scales of water table dynamics on the land-atmospheric methane (CH4) exchange have not yet been assessed for large regions. Here we used a coupled hydrology-biogeochemistry model to quantify daily CH4 exchange over the pan-Arctic from 1993 to 2004 at two spatial scales (100 km and 5 km). The effects of sub-grid spatial variability of the water table depth (WTD) on CH4 emissions were examined with a TOPMODEL-based parameterization scheme for northern high latitudes regions. Our results indicate that 5 km CH4 emissions (38.1–55.4 Tg CH4 yr−1, considering the spatial heterogeneity of WTD) were 42% larger than 100 km CH4 emissions (using grid-cell-mean WTD) and the differences in annual CH4 emissions were due to increased emitting area and enhanced flux density after WTD redistribution. Further, the inclusion of sub-grid WTD spatial heterogeneity also influences the inter-annual variability of CH4 emissions. Soil temperature plays a more important role in the 100 km estimates, while the 5 km estimates are more influenced by WTD. This study suggests that previous macro-scale biogeochemical models using grid-cell-mean WTD might have underestimated the regional CH4 budget. The spatial scale-dependent effects of WTD should be considered in future quantifications of regional CH4 emissions.
An inverse modeling approach for tree-ring-based climate reconstructions under changing atmospheric CO2 concentrations
Authors: Boucher É. , Guiot J. , Hatté C. , Daux V. , Danis P.-A. , Dussouillez P.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Over the last decades, dendroclimatologists have relied upon linear transfer functions to reconstruct historical climate. Transfer functions need to be calibrated using recent data from periods where CO2 concentrations reached unprecedented levels (near 400 ppm). Based on these transfer functions, dendroclimatologists must then reconstruct a different past, a past where CO2 concentrations were much below 300 ppm. However, relying upon transfer functions calibrated in this way may introduce an unanticipated bias in the reconstruction of past climate, particularly if CO2 levels have had a noticeable fertilizing effect since the beginning of the industrial era. As an alternative to the transfer function approach, we run the MAIDENiso ecophysiological model in an inverse mode to link together climatic variables, atmospheric CO2 concentrations and tree growth parameters. Our approach endeavors to find the optimal combination of meteorological conditions that best simulate observed tree ring patterns. We test our approach in the Fontainebleau forest (France). By comparing two different CO2 scenarios, we present evidence that increasing CO2 concentrations have had a slight, yet significant, effect on reconstruction results. We demonstrate that higher CO2 concentrations augment the efficiency of water use by trees, therefore favoring the reconstruction of a warmer and drier climate. Under elevated CO2 concentrations, trees close their stomata and need less water to produce the same amount of wood. Inverse process-based modeling represents a powerful alternative to the transfer function technique, especially for the study of divergent tree-ring-to-climate relationships. The approach has several advantages, most notably its ability to distinguish between climatic effects and CO2 imprints on tree growth. Therefore our method produces reconstructions that are less biased by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and that are based on sound ecophysiological knowledge.
An assessment of the vertical diffusive flux of iron and other nutrients to the surface waters of the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Painter S. C. , Henson S. A. , Forryan A. , Steigenberger S. , Klar J. , Stinchcombe M. C. , Rogan N. , Baker A. R. , Achterberg E. P. , Moore C. M.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. In this study we report diapycnal diffusive fluxes of dissolved iron (dFe), dissolved aluminium (dAl) and the major macronutrients to the surface waters of the North Atlantic subpolar gyre. Turbulent diffusivities at the base of the summer mixed layer ranged from 0.01–0.5 (median 0.07) cm2 s−1 and daily macronutrient fluxes into the surface mixed layer typically represented <0.5% of integrated mixed layer inventories, although fluxes were highly variable. Elevated nutrient fluxes of up to 4% of mixed layer inventories were identified on the Greenland Shelf where integrated nutrient pools were lowest due to localised shoaling of the mixed layer. Diffusive fluxes of dFe and dAl were typically <0.1% of mixed layer inventories but were also highly variable between stations. Approximations of daily phytoplankton nutrient and Fe uptake indicate that the diffusive flux may at best represent <10% of phytoplankton macronutrient uptake, and only 1% of daily phytoplankton Fe uptake. The daily turbulent diffusive flux of dFe was comparable in magnitude to coincident estimates of aeolian Fe supply but despite shallower than normal convective mixing in winter 2010 the diffusive supply was 22 to 59 times smaller than the annual convective supply of Fe to the Irminger and Iceland basins respectively. The general picture obtained from this study is one of small magnitude diffusive nutrient and Fe fluxes to the subpolar North Atlantic during the period of annual nutrient minima and indicates that the diffusive supply mechanism is unlikely to alleviate the recently identified presence of seasonal iron limitation within the North Atlantic subpolar gyre; a condition exacerbated by low dFe : NO3- ratios in subsurface source waters.
Implications of incorporating N cycling and N limitations on primary production in an individual-based dynamic vegetation model
Authors: Smith B. , Wårlind D. , Arneth A. , Hickler T. , Leadley P. , Siltberg J. , Zaehle S.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The LPJ-GUESS dynamic vegetation model uniquely combines an individual- and patch-based representation of vegetation dynamics with ecosystem biogeochemical cycling from regional to global scales. We present an updated version that includes plant and soil N dynamics, analysing the implications of accounting for C-N interactions on predictions and performance of the model. Stand structural dynamics and allometric scaling of tree growth suggested by global databases of forest stand structure and development were well-reproduced by the model in comparison to an earlier multi-model study. Accounting for N cycle dynamics improved the goodness-of-fit for broadleaved forests. N limitation associated with low N mineralisation rates reduces productivity of cold-climate and dry-climate ecosystems relative to mesic temperate and tropical ecosystems. In a model experiment emulating free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) treatment for forests globally, N-limitation associated with low N mineralisation rates of colder soils reduces CO2-enhancement of NPP for boreal forests, while some temperate and tropical forests exhibit increased NPP enhancement. Under a business-as-usual future climate and emissions scenario, ecosystem C storage globally was projected to increase by c. 10%; additional N requirements to match this increasing ecosystem C were within the high N supply limit estimated on stoichiometric grounds in an earlier study. Our results highlight the importance of accounting for C-N interactions not only in studies of global terrestrial C cycling, but to understand underlying mechanisms on local scales and in different regional contexts.
An X-ray absorption method for the identification of calcium phosphate species using peak height ratios
Authors: Oxmann J. F.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) studies on calcium phosphate species (Ca-P) deal with marginal differences among subtle spectral features despite a hitherto missing systematic breakdown of these differences. Related fingerprinting approaches depend therefore on spectral libraries that are not validated against each other, incomplete and scattered among publications. This study compiled a comprehensive spectral library from published reference compound libraries in order to establish more clear-cut criteria for Ca-P determination by distinctive phosphorus K-edge XANES features. A specifically developed normalization method identified diagnostic spectral features within the compiled library, e.g. by uniform calculation of ratios between white-line and secondary peak heights. Post-processing of the spectra (n = 81) verified distinguishability among most but not all phases, which included hydroxylapatite (HAP), poorly crystalline HAP, amorphous HAP, fluorapatite, carbonate fluorapatite (CFAP), carbonate hydroxylapatite, β-tricalcium phosphate, octacalcium phosphate (OCP), brushite, monetite, monocalcium phosphate, amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), anapaite, herderite, scholzite, messelite, whiteite and P on CaCO3. Particularly, peak height ratios significantly improved analyte specificity, e.g. by supplementary breakdown into OCP and ACP. The spectral analysis also revealed Ca-P standards that were rarely investigated or inappropriately synthesized, and thus provides a basis for standard selection and synthesis. The developed method and resulting breakdown by species were subsequently tested on Ca-P spectra from studies on bone and sediment. The test indicated that bone material likely comprises only poorly crystalline apatite, which implies direct nucleation of apatite in bone. This biological apatite formation is likely opposed to that of sedimentary apatite, which apparently forms by successive crystallization. Application of the method to μXANES spectra of sediment particles indicated authigenic apatite formation by an OCP precursor.
The role of eastern Tethys seaway closure in the Middle Miocene Climatic Transition (ca. 14 Ma)
Authors: Hamon N. , Sepulchre P. , Lefebvre V. , Ramstein G.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The Middle Miocene Climatic Transition (MMCT, approximately 14 Ma) is a key period in Cenozoic cooling and cryospheric expansion. Despite being well documented in isotopic record, the causes of the MMCT are still a matter of debate. Among various hypotheses, some authors suggested that it was due the final closure of the eastern Tethys seaway and subsequent oceanic circulation reorganisation. The aim of the present study is to quantify the impact of varying Tethys seaway depths on middle Miocene ocean and climate, in order to better understand its role in the MMCT. We present four sensitivity experiments with a fully coupled ocean-atmosphere general circulation model. Our results indicate the presence of a warm and salty water source in the northern Indian Ocean when the eastern Tethys is deep open (4000 or 1000 m), which corresponds to the Tethyan Indian Saline Water (TISW) described on the basis of isotopic studies. This water source is absent in the experiments with shallow (250 m) and closed Tethys seaway, inducing strong changes in the latitudinal density gradient and ultimately the reinforcement of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). Moreover, when the Tethys seaway is shallow or closed, there is a westward water flow in the Gibraltar Strait that strengthens the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) compared to the experiments with deep-open Tethys seaway. Our results therefore suggest that the shoaling and final closure of the eastern Tethys seaway played a major role in the oceanic circulation reorganisation during the middle Miocene. The results presented here provide new constraints on the timing of the Tethys seaway closure and particularly indicate that, prior to 14 Ma, a deep-open Tethys seaway should have allowed the formation of TISW. Moreover, whereas the final closure of this seaway likely played a major role in the reorganisation of oceanic circulation, we suggest that it was not the main driver of the global cooling and Antarctica ice-sheet expansion during the MMCT. Here we propose that the initiation of the MMCT was caused by an atmospheric pCO2 drawdown and that the oceanic changes due to the Tethys seaway closure amplified the response of global climate and East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Do GCMs predict the climate ... or macroweather?
Authors: Lovejoy S. , Schertzer D. , Varon D.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. We are used to the weather–climate dichotomy, yet the great majority of the spectral variance of atmospheric fields is in the continuous "background" and this defines instead a trichotomy with a "macroweather" regime in the intermediate range from ≈10 days to 10–30 yr (≈100 yr in the preindustrial period). In the weather, macroweather and climate regimes, exponents characterize the type of variability over the entire regime and it is natural to identify them with qualitatively different synergies of nonlinear dynamical mechanisms that repeat scale after scale. Since climate models are essentially meteorological models (although with extra couplings) it is thus important to determine whether they currently model all three regimes. Using last millennium simulations from four GCMs (global circulation models), we show that control runs only reproduce macroweather. When various (reconstructed) climate forcings are included, in the recent (industrial) period they show global fluctuations strongly increasing at scales > ≈10–30 yr, which is quite close to the observations. However, in the preindustrial period we find that the multicentennial variabilities are too weak and by analysing the scale dependence of solar and volcanic forcings, we argue that these forcings are unlikely to be sufficiently strong to account for the multicentennial and longer-scale temperature variability. A likely explanation is that the models lack important slow "climate" processes such as land ice or various biogeochemical processes.
Verification of an ADER-DG method for complex dynamic rupture problems
Authors: Pelties C. , Gabriel A.-A. , Ampuero J.-P.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. We present thorough benchmarking of an arbitrary high-order derivative Discontinuous Galerkin (ADER-DG) method on unstructured meshes for advanced earthquake dynamic rupture problems. We validate the method in comparison to well-established numerical methods in a series of verification exercises, including dipping and branching fault geometries, heterogeneous initial conditions, bi-material cases and several rate-and-state friction constitutive laws. We show that the combination of meshing flexibility and high-order accuracy of the ADER-DG method makes it a competitive tool to study earthquake dynamics in complicated setups.
Rainfall estimation using moving cars as rain gauges – laboratory experiments
Authors: Rabiei E. , Haberlandt U. , Sester M. , Fitzner D.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The spatial assessment of short time-step precipitation is a challenging task. Low density of observation networks, as well as the bias in radar rainfall estimation motivated the new idea of exploiting cars as moving rain gauges with windshield wipers or optical sensors as measurement devices. In a preliminary study, this idea has been tested with computer experiments (Haberlandt and Sester, 2010). The results have shown that a high number of possibly inaccurate measurement devices (moving cars) provide more reliable areal rainfall estimations than a lower number of precise measurement devices (stationary gauges). Instead of assuming a relationship between wiper frequency (W) and rainfall intensity (R) with an arbitrary error, the main objective of this study is to derive valid W–R relationships between sensor readings and rainfall intensity by laboratory experiments. Sensor readings involve the wiper speed, as well as optical sensors which can be placed on cars and are usually made for automating wiper activities. A rain simulator with the capability of producing a wide range of rainfall intensities is designed and constructed. The wiper speed and two optical sensors are used in the laboratory to measure rainfall intensities, and compare it with tipping bucket readings as reference. Furthermore, the effect of the car speed on the estimation of rainfall using a car speed simulator device is investigated. The results show that the sensor readings, which are observed from manual wiper speed adjustment according to the front visibility, can be considered as a strong indicator for rainfall intensity, while the automatic wiper adjustment show weaker performance. Also the sensor readings from optical sensors showed promising results toward measuring rainfall rate. It is observed that the car speed has a significant effect on the rainfall measurement. This effect is highly dependent on the rain type as well as the windshield angle.
A comparison of three simple approaches to identify critical areas for runoff and dissolved reactive phosphorus losses
Authors: Hahn C. , Prasuhn V. , Stamm C. , Milledge D. G. , Schulin R.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Diffuse phosphorus (P) losses are the main cause for eutrophication of surface waters in many regions. Implementing mitigation measures on critical source areas (CSA) is seen to be the most effective way to reduce P-losses. Thus, tools are needed that delineate CSA on the basis of available data. We compared three models based on different approaches and sets of input data: the Rainfall Runoff Phosphorus (RRP) model, the Dominant Runoff Processes (DoRP) model, and the Sensitive Catchment Integrated Modeling Analysis Platform (SCIMAP). The RRP model is a parsimonious dynamic model using the topographic index and a binary soil classification to simulate discharge and P-losses. The DoRP model distinguishes 8 soil classes based on soil and geological maps. It does not account for topography when calculating runoff. SCIMAP assesses runoff risks solely on the basis of topography using the network index. Compared to surface runoff and soil moisture data available from a catchment in Switzerland, the RRP model and SCIMAP made better predictions than the DoRP model, suggesting that in our study area topography was more important for CSA delineation than soil data. The study demonstrates that simple models using readily available data provide very useful information for CSA delineation.
A potential implicit particle method for high-dimensional systems
Authors: Weir B. , Miller R. N. , Spitz Y. H.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. This paper presents a particle method designed for high-dimensional state estimation. Instead of weighing random forecasts by their distance to given observations, the method samples an ensemble of particles around an optimal solution based on the observations (i.e., it is implicit). It differs from other implicit methods because it includes the state at the previous assimilation time as part of the optimal solution (i.e., it is a lag-1 smoother). This is accomplished through the use of a mixture model for the background distribution of the previous state. In a high-dimensional, linear, Gaussian example, the mixture-based implicit particle smoother does not collapse. Furthermore, using only a small number of particles, the implicit approach is able to detect transitions in two nonlinear, multi-dimensional generalizations of a double-well. Adding a step that trains the sampled distribution to the target distribution prevents collapse during the transitions, which are strongly nonlinear events. To produce similar estimates, other approaches require many more particles.
Voyager 2 observation of the multifractal spectrum in the heliosphere and the heliosheath
Authors: Macek W. M. , Wawrzaszek A.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. We look in detail at the multifractal scaling of the fluctuations in the interplanetary magnetic field strength as measured onboard Voyager 2 in the entire heliosphere and even in the heliosheath. More specifically, we analyse the spectra observed by Voyager 2 in a wide range of solar activity cycles during the years 1980–2009 at various heliospheric latitudes and distances from 6 to 90 astronomical units (AU). We focus on the singularity multifractal spectrum before and after crossing the termination heliospheric shock by Voyager 2 at 84 AU from the Sun. In addition, we investigate here the parameters of the model that describe the asymmetry of the spectrum, depending on the solar cycle. It is worth noting that the spectrum is prevalently right-skewed inside the whole heliosphere. Moreover, we have possibly observed a change in the asymmetry of the spectrum at the termination shock. We show that the degree of multifractality is modulated by the solar activity. Hence these basic results also bring significant support to some earlier claims suggesting that the solar wind termination shock is asymmetric.
Evaluation of MERIS products from Baltic Sea coastal waters rich in CDOM
Authors: Beltrán-Abaunza J. M. , Kratzer S. , Brockmann C.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. In this study, retrievals of the medium resolution imaging spectrometer (MERIS) reflectances and water quality products using 4 different coastal processing algorithms freely available are assessed by comparison against sea-truthing data. The study is based on a pair-wise comparison using processor-dependent quality flags for the retrieval of valid common macro-pixels. This assessment is required in order to ensure the reliability of monitoring systems based on MERIS data, such as the Swedish coastal and lake monitoring system (http.vattenkvalitet.se). The results show that the pre-processing with the Improved Contrast between Ocean and Land (ICOL) processor, correcting for adjacency effects, improve the retrieval of spectral reflectance for all processors, Therefore, it is recommended that the ICOL processor should be applied when Baltic coastal waters are investigated. Chlorophyll was retrieved best using the FUB (Free University of Berlin) processing algorithm, although overestimations in the range 18–26.5%, dependent on the compared pairs, were obtained. At low chlorophyll concentrations (< 2.5 mg m−3), random errors dominated in the retrievals with the MEGS (MERIS ground segment processor) processor. The lowest bias and random errors were obtained with MEGS for suspended particulate matter, for which overestimations in te range of 8–16% were found. Only the FUB retrieved CDOM (Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter) correlate with in situ values. However, a large systematic underestimation appears in the estimates that nevertheless may be corrected for by using a~local correction factor. The MEGS has the potential to be used as an operational processing algorithm for the Himmerfjärden bay and adjacent areas, but it requires further improvement of the atmospheric correction for the blue bands and better definition at relatively low chlorophyll concentrations in presence of high CDOM attenuation.
Presentación Vol.33
Authors: Editora La
Published: November 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/lrd.v33i0.1257 Revista de Derecho, Vol. 33, Nº 1, Año 2012:
El Femicidio y su Posible Regulación en la Legislación Hondureña
Authors: Núñez Moncada Sahira Karine , Cedillo Melba Eunice , Alvarado García Fredy , Gómez Carías Antonio , García Carranza Silvano
Published: November 2013

La realización del estudio sobre el Femicidio es de suma importancia jurídico-social, ya que la simple delimitación del término es prioridad, para evitar que sea utilizado in­discriminadamente y con propósitos sensa­cionalista por los medios de comunicación. Se pretende demostrar la necesidad de que el Femicidio sea tipificado como delito dentro del Código Penal hondureño. Al crearse esta norma la sociedad tendría una conciencia aún más marcada sobre la tutela del estado en la protección de la mujer, pro­vocando una disuasión en los individuos propensos a la comisión de actos violentos en contra de ella; aplacando la inseguridad en este aspecto, que ha alcanzado niveles alarmantes de muertes en nuestro país. Es de hacer notar que es un tema que se en­cuentra comprendido dentro de los Ejes de Investigación en lo que respecta a la Seguridad y Violencia como prioridad de Investigación de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/lrd.v33i0.1260 Revista de Derecho, Vol. 33, Nº 1, Año 2012: 69-97
Teletrabajo en Honduras Retos, Oportunidades y Ventajas. ¿Podremos Competir?
Authors: Molina Sánchez Víctor Isaías
Published: November 2013

El presente artículo referencial pretende iniciar un proceso de análisis reflexivo en el lector para el rediseño en la forma como concebimos el trabajo en América Latina, en la cual alguien es dueño de los medios de producción y es a este patrón o jefe al debemos sujeción, el teletrabajo lejos de ser la panacea, es más bien una salida reflexiva a liberarse de las ataduras conceptuales de función de tiempo y tarea por lo que brinda esa oportunidad de exponer nuestras ideas y contribuciones hacia una inde­pen-dencia real tanto mental como laboral en nuestro quehacer diario. El teletrabajo presenta igualmente una salida al proceso educativo y de formación continua en el cual la persona vale por los conocimientos que tiene y su destreza intelectual, no podría constituirse en la salida ideal pero frente a las estructuras deterioradas y poco operativas a nivel regional de los sistemas educativos, esta podría resultar una alternativa para que los Hondureños adquiramos una cultura del au­toestudio y una formación constante, hecho el cual podría resultar altamente provechoso en un mundo que se mueve por certificaciones de calidad y criterios científicos orientados a resul­tados. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/lrd.v33i0.1262 Revista de Derecho, Vol. 33, Nº 1, Año 2012: 115-122
Ley Fundamental de Educación. Decreto 262-2011. Gaceta # 32,754. 22 de Febrero del 2012
Authors: Editora La
Published: November 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/lrd.v33i0.1264 Revista de Derecho, Vol. 33, Nº 1, Año 2012: 129-158
The Catholic Church and the Ethic of Solidarity in Poland After 1989: An Update
Authors: Beyer Gerald J.
Published: November 2013

In spite of impressive economic growth and a burgeoning middle class in recent years, millions of Poles continue to suffer from poverty. Entrenched poverty and marginalization reveal that Polish society needs a revitalization of the ethic of solidarity, which largely disintegrated after 1989. The Roman Catholic Church should play a pivotal role in this endeavor. Promoting an ethic of solidarity is an intrinsic component of the Catholic Church’s mission of evangelization. Although the Church has advanced an ethic of solidarity in some ways, it has also hindered the fostering of greater social solidarity. In part, this stems from a failure of many Catholics, including Church leaders, to see advancing an ethic of solidarity as an integral dimension of evangelization.
Variation of some wood macroscopic properties along the stem of Acacia melanoxylon R. Br. adult trees in Portugal
Authors: Santos A. , Simões R. , Tavares M.
Published: November 2013

Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to assess the variation of pith eccentricity, heartwood proportion, latewood percentage and basic wood density along the stem of 45-year-old A. melanoxylon trees collected in four sites of Portugal, and investigate the eventual relationship between these variables.Area of study: Sites covering littoral north, mid interior north and centre interior of Portugal.Materials and methods: Four sites and five trees per site were selected in the Acacia melanoxylon Portuguese forest.One wood sample at each of six height levels per tree was collected in order to evaluate its basic density, pith eccentricity, heartwood and latewood proportions.Main results: The high variability of the wood macroscopic properties among trees from the same site regarding to the variation of the corresponding average properties along the stem is a key characteristic of the experimental data.As a consequence, a multiple linear regression model tested was not able to properly explain the wood basic density variation of the 120 wood samples analysed. In spite of this, the following trends could be recognized: (i) excluding the base level, wood basic density moderately increased with tree level; (ii) latewood proportion followed similar behaviour; (iii) pith eccentricity was low; (iv) heartwood proportion decreased markedly with tree height, from 70% at the base to 7% at the top.Research highlights: The high basic density, the relatively low variability along the stem and the low pith eccentricity enable us to anticipate good performance as raw material for the wood industry.Key words: Acacia melanoxylon; basic density; earlywood; latewood; heartwood; sapwood; pith eccentricity.
Short communication. Lumber yield and production time in sawmilling of pallets in Durango, Mexico
Authors: Najera Luna J.A. , Sanchez Medrano J.A. , Mendez Gonzalez J.
Published: November 2013

Aim of study: Evaluate times and yields in the transformation of pine logs to pieces of pallets.Area of study: Four sawmills of the forest region of El Salto, Durango, Mexico.Material and methods:  The sample size was 388 logs with 32.91 m3 as volume without bark grouped in four diameter classes and five taper classes. The transformation time was estimated using the “Snap-back timing” method, and yield was defined as the ratio between pallets and log volume.Main results: The time required to obtain 1000 bft of pallets is approximately 5.8 hours and the mean yield is 56%. This means that for each cubic meter of logs without bark, it is possible to obtain 240 board feet of pallets (bft). In addition, 4.16 m3 of logs without bark are required to obtain 1000 board feet of pallets. The estimated mean productivity was 0.54 m3/h.Research highlights: As the log diameter increases, yield also increases. The taper of the logs was not significant in the transformation yield.Key words: Indicators of productivity; pallets; diameter logs; taper; sawmilling process; lumber yield; raw material; Mexico.
Distance-independent individual tree diameter-increment model for Thuya [Tetraclinis articulata (VAHL.) MAST.] stands in Tunisia
Authors: Sghaier T. , Tome M. , Tome J. , Sanchez-Gonzalez M. , Cañellas I. , Calama R.
Published: November 2013

Aim of study: The aim of the work was to develop an individual tree diameter-increment model for Thuya (Tetraclinis articulata) in Tunisia.Area of study: The natural Tetraclinis articulata stands at Jbel Lattrech in north-eastern of Tunisia.Material and methods:  Data came from 200 trees located in 50 sample plots. The diameter at age t and the diameter increment for the last five years obtained from cores taken at breast height were measured for each tree. Four difference equations derived from the base functions of Richards, Lundqvist, Hossfeld IV and Weibull were tested using the age-independent formulations of the growth functions. Both numerical and graphical analyses were used to evaluate the performance of the candidate models.Main results: Based on the analysis, the age-independent difference equation derived from the base function Richards model was selected. Two of the three parameters (growth rate and shape parameter) of the retained model were related to site quality, represented by a Growth Index, stand density and the basal area in larger trees divided by diameter of the subject tree expressing the inter-tree competition.Research highlights: The proposed model can be useful for predicting the diameter growth of Tetraclinis articulata in Tunisia when age is not available or for trees growing in uneven-aged stands.Keywords: Age-independent growth model; difference equations; Tetraclinis articulata; Tunisia.
Towards the integration of research and monitoring at forest ecosystems in Europe
Authors: Danielewska A. , Paoletti E. , Clarke N. , Olejnik J. , Urbaniak M. , Baran M. , Siedlecki P. , Hansen K. , Lundin L. , De Vries W. , Nørgaard-Mikkelsen T. , Dillen S. , Fischer R.
Published: November 2013

Aim of study: The main aim of the work was to summarize availability, quality and comparability of on-going European Research and Monitoring Networks (ERMN), based on the results of a COST FP0903 Action questionnaire carried out in September 2010 and May 2012.Area of study: The COST Action FP0903 involves 29 European countries and 4 non-COST institutions from USA, Morocco and Tunisia. In this study, the total of 22 replies to the questionnaire from 18 countries were included.Materials and methods: Based on the feedback from the Action FP0903 countries, the most popular European Networks were identified. Thereafter, the access to the network database, available quality assurance/quality control procedures and publication were described. Finally, the so-called “Supersites” concept, defined as a “highly instrumented research infrastructure, for both research and monitoring of soil-plant-atmosphere interactions” was discussed.Main results: The result of the survey indicate that the vast majority of the Action FP0903 countries participate in the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forest (ICP Forest). The multi-disciplinary International Cooperative Programme on Integrated Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Ecosystems (ICPIM) is the second most widespread forest programme. Research highlights: To fully understand biochemical cycles in forest ecosystems, long-term monitoring is needed. Hence, a network of “Supersites”, is proposed. The application of the above infrastructure can be an effective way to attain a better integration of research and monitoring networks at forest sites in Europe.Keywords: Supersites; European Research Monitoring Networks; Harmonization; Forest.
Sustainable Forest Management in a Mediterranean region: Social preferences
Authors: Maroto Álvarez C. , Segura M. , Ginestar C. , Uriol J. , Segura B.
Published: November 2013

Aim of study: There is a lack of empirical research that deals with sustainable forest management in Mediterranean regions, among the most vulnerable ecosystems. The main purpose of this work is to define the strategic criteria and objectives for sustainable forest management and aggregate the preferences of stakeholders in a Mediterranean region, using AHP and Goal Programming.Area of study: Valencian Community (Spain).Material and Methods: Firstly, we identified forest stakeholders and structured a decision hierarchy. Then a workshop was carried out to test and validate the proposed criteria and objectives, as well as a survey to determine social preferences. Secondly, another survey was conducted amongst experts to prioritize action plans.Main results: Stakeholders’ preferences gave the greatest importance to the environmental criteria (hydrological regulation and erosion, climate change mitigation and biodiversity) with an average weight of 40%.  Social criteria (employment, recreational activities and landscape) had a weight of 38% and 22% the economic criteria case (wood, hunting and fishing, livestock, renewable energies, rural tourism and mining). The results showed that new products and services such as tourism, renewable energies, landscape, hydrological regulation and erosion control, biodiversity or climate change mitigation are very relevant objectives. We also prioritized action plans comparing them with the distribution of the administration budget.Research highlights: The environmental and social criteria are much more important than the economic ones in the regional planning of the Mediterranean forest, regardless of the method used to aggregate the social preferences and if the forest is public or private.Key words: Multiple Criteria Decision Making; Goal Programming; Analytic Hierarchy Process; Preferences Aggregation.
Socio-geographic analysis of the causes of the 2006’s wildfires in Galicia (Spain)
Authors: Balsa Barreiro J. , Hermosilla T.
Published: November 2013

Aim of study: To propose a methodology to establish motivations underlying wildland fire episodes by analyzing both the socioeconomics of the affected territory and the geographical distribution of the wildfire.Area of study: The wildfires occurred during 2006 in Galicia, in the NW of Spain, were analyzed and compared regard to the previous years.Material and methods: The proposed methodology in this study is divided into four steps: (a) definition of the forest context, (b) fire episode and socioeconomic data collection, (c) geospatial representation through map production, and (d) joint analysis and data interpretation. A combined analysis of the spatial and temporal coincidence of wildfire and the socioeconomic activities is performed.Main results: A combined analysis of the spatial and temporal coincidence of wildfire dynamics and the socioeconomic activitiesallow us to assess and to interpret wildfire causes and motivations of socioeconomic groups. In our area study, a broad analysis indicates that wildfire recurrence within this region is related to an accelerated rural flight process which exacerbates the conflict between rural and urban models.Research highlights: The socio-geographical analysis of a territory’s wildfire dynamics enables us to establish possible causes and motivations of their origins. Providing the specific contextual and socioeconomic information, this methodology has potential applicability across varied study locations.Key words: forest; wildfires’ causes; geographical distribution; socioeconomic analysisAbbreviations: FAA (Forest Affected Area); IFN (Inventario Forestal Nacional); GIS (Geographical Information Systems); IGE (Instituto Galego de Estadística); IGN (Instituto Nacional de Estadística); MVMC (Montes Vecinales en Mano Común)
Short Communication. Factors influencing in vitro seeds germination and correlation of antioxidant activity with tissue development in Cedrus deodara
Authors: Ahmad N. , Fazal H. , Haider Abbasi B. , Ali M.
Published: November 2013

Aim of study: The main objective of this study is to introduce a reliable system for in vitro seed germination. Because Cedrus deodara stands are gradually decreasing in different regions of the world due to overexploitation, natural disasters and lower seed viability.Area of study: Swat is situated at the northwestern corner of Pakistan; with total area of 5337 square km. Total cultivated land is 95281 hectares in 2007, while the area under forest cover is 135427 hectares.Material and Methods: We used MS-medium with or without PGRs for overall in vitro seed germination. To enhance germination frequency, we applied different photoperiods (16hrs-Dark/8hrs-Light and 16hrs-Light/8hrs-Dark) and sterilization reagents (mercuric chloride and ethanol). Synthetic free radical of DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) was applied for the determination of antioxidant activityMain results: Maximum shoots length (3.6 cm) and root length (2.6 cm) were recorded on MS-medium augmented with BA (1.0 mg L-1) and (GA3) 0.5 mg L-1) under light incubation (16hrs-Light/8hrs-Dark) after 2-3 weeks of inoculation. Without PGRs, maximum root length (4.0 cm, with shoots of 3.2 cm) was observed in dark incubation (16hrs-Dark/8hrs-Light), whereas light incubation produced maximum shoot length (3.5 cm) and minimum root length (1.5 cm). Lower concentration of HgCl2 (0.1%) showed a lower inhibitory effect on shoot and root length (2.4 cm and 2.5 cm) as compared to higher concentrations. The antioxidant potential was also investigated in different Cedrus organs and tissues.Research highlights: These results suggested that this simple protocol is useful for Cedrus deodara conservation and plantlets production for commercial purposes.Key Words: Cedrus deodara; Seed germination; Callus; 6-Benzyladenine; Antioxidant.
Remote Monitoring of Forest Insect Defoliation -A Review-
Authors: Rullan-Silva C.D. , Olthoff A.E. , Delgado de la Mata J.A. , Pajares-Alonso J.A.
Published: November 2013

Aim of study: This paper reviews the global research during the last 6 years (2007-2012) on the state, trends and potential of remote sensing for detecting, mapping and monitoring forest defoliation caused by insects.Area of study: The review covers research carried out within different countries in Europe and America.Main results: A nation or region wide monitoring system should be scaled in two levels, one using time-series with moderate to coarse resolutions, and the other with fine or high resolution. Thus, MODIS data is increasingly used for early warning detection, whereas Landsat data is predominant in defoliation damage research. Furthermore, ALS data currently stands as the more promising option for operative detection of defoliation.Vegetation indices based on infrared-medium/near-infrared ratios and on moisture content indicators are of great potential for mapping insect pest defoliation, although NDVI is the most widely used and tested.Research highlights: Among most promising methods for insect defoliation monitoring are Spectral Mixture Analysis, best suited for detection due to its sub-pixel recognition enhancing multispectral data, and use of logistic models as function of vegetation index change between two dates, recommended for predicting defoliation.Key words: vegetation damage; pest outbreak; spectral change detection.
Short Communication. Recruitment and early growth of Pinus pinaster seedlings over five years after a wildfire in NW Spain
Authors: Calvo L. , Torres O. , Valbuena L. , Luis-Calabuig E.
Published: November 2013

Aim of study: The main aim of this study was to analyse the post-fire recruitment and growth of Pinus pinaster seedlings during the first five years after wildfire and also to analyse the effects of climatic conditions on the survival of P. pinaster seedlingsArea of study: The study area was located in a P. pinaster stand in León province (NW Spain) burned in 1998.Material and Methods: Three sites in the burned area were selected. In each site three permanent transects of 20m x 1m were placed. In each transect, twenty 1m2 sampling units were marked and the number and height of each pine seedlings was recorded at 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 months and 2, 3, 4 and 5 years after the wildfire. The soil of study area is Cambisol.Mean results: Mean Pinus regeneration densities varied between 33.2 seedlings/m2 after 7 months and 6 seedlings/m2 five years after wildfire. In this P. pinaster stand, maximum mortality appeared during the summer months in the first year of regeneration. There was a significant increase in seedling height associated with a decrease in density.Research highlights: The post-fire recruitment is considered enough to ensure good natural Pinus pinaster forest regeneration. In the short term post-fire management strategy in this type of forest could be the remaining branches with cones of burned trees that allow the dissemination of the seeds during the first few years after fire and ensure natural regeneration.Keywords: Fire effects; natural regeneration; León province (NW Spain); seedlings density; growth and survival.
Proposição de um modelo de exploração para mineralizações de estanho e tungstênio em granitóides do Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Silva Rubens Borges da , Pressinotti Paulo Cesar
Published: November 2013

Este trabalho objetiva apresentar um modelo de exploração direcionado a detectar mineralizações de Sn e W associadas com granitóides no Vale do Ribeira, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. O método é baseado na análise interativa de vários mapas temáticos que consideram os fatores mais importantes (geológicos, geoquímicos, geofísicos e conceitos metalogenéticos) que indiquem a presença de depósitos. Tal método de integração foi utilizado num programa exploratório que tem por finalidade achar mineralizações de Sn e W espacialmente relacionadas a plútons graníticos. O resultado do programa exploratório provou a eficiência do método na detecção das mineralizações de Sn-W do granito do Bairro dos Correas
Garimpos de diamante na Região de Franca, SP
Authors: Etchebehere Mário Lincoln De Carlos , Ponçano Waldir Lopes , Silva Rubens Borges da
Published: November 2013

Este trabalho apresenta um primeiro panorama da explotação de diamantes da região de Franca. Mediante fotoanálise, sobrevôo e trabalhos de campo, foram cadastradas 428 marcas de garimpo, 55 das quais visitadas. Os garimpos se distribuem em aluviões e terraços ao longo dos rios Sapucaizinho, Santa Bárbara e das Canoas. Estima-se uma produção anual da ordem de 1.000 ct, dos quais 70 a 80% de gemas, com tamanhos predominantemente menores que 35 pontos. Os teores, estimados através de informações de garimpeiros, oscilam entre 0,02 e 0,18 ct/m³, comparáveis com outras regiões diamantíferas do mesmo tipo. A atividade garimpeira envolve problemas de ordem legal, ambiental e humana, que carecem de equacionamento mais adequado
The Colônia Astrobleme, Brasil
Authors: Riccomini Claudio , Turcq Bruno , Martin Louis , Moreira Marcelo Z , Lorscheitter Maria L
Published: November 2013

A estrutura de Colônia está localizada a cerca de 35km ao sul do centro da cidade de São Paulo. Ela apresenta formato circular, com 3,64km de diâmetro, estando preenchida por pelo menos 263m de sedimentos, correspondendo a uma provável estrutura de impacto, ou astroblema. Essa feição é delineada por um anel externo circular, de relevo colinoso, desnivelado de até 125m em relação a uma planície aluvial interna pantanosa. Este artigo apresenta um esboço da geologia regional da área e discute as diferentes hipóteses concernentes à origem da estrutura, bem como os parâmetros morfológicos pertinentes à compreensão desta feição extremamente particular. São apresentados também os resultados preliminares do estudo das amostras obtidas por vibrotestemunhador.