bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sharing Distinctive Vocational Cultural Practices to Review Teaching and Learning Strategies Across CBHE: a Case Study
Authors: Savage Keith Edward , Galley Sharron
Published: November 2015

Boyer (1990) suggests that in considering the concept of scholarship we take note of four distinct aspects, including that of teaching. His model offers a framework for the comparison of specific pedagogical practice and is employed for that purpose in this paper. College-based Higher Education (CBHE) is dominated by a number of vocational and professional curriculum areas. These professions each have their own distinct culture and ethos. This may be evident in interpersonal relationships, dress codes or the patterns and hours of work. There is a potential clash between establishing a cross-college consistency of good practice and respecting the traditions of distinct workplace environments. This case study draws on a number of sources to explore subject-specific approaches to, and understandings of, teaching and learning. It starts with outcomes recorded at a staff conference. These findings were taken further in peer observations shared with the CBHE teaching teams at a meeting of the HE practitioners’ forum and developed in focus groups. Fifteen colleagues from disciplines including art and design, construction and engineering, social work, childhood studies and education contributed. Finally all those engaged in CBHE, around 80 members of staff, had the opportunity to read and comment on an initial draft of this case study. Written feedback was received from ten colleagues and some of that feedback is included here.This case study reviews some specific aspects of teaching and learning practice. What is meant and understood by the task of writing, being evaluative or critical and the process of reflection are tentatively explored. There is evidence to support the view that discipline- or curriculum-specific understandings of key concepts in teaching and learning exist. It is suggested that further consideration should be given to the origin of these differences and their possible impact on graduate employability.
Developing an Online Collaborative Approach to Global Education in Vocational Contexts
Authors: Stevenson Blair , Cornelius Sarah
Published: November 2015

This paper describes work in progress to develop a process for international collaboration between the participants of a vocational teacher education programme in Finland and the Teaching Qualification for Further Education (TQFE) in Scotland. The aim of this work is to engage vocational educators in discussions with international peers, to enhance their understanding of the nature of learners in different contexts and expand opportunities for developing global education competencies. This paper explains the rationale for the collaboration design and outlines a process that is currently under trial. It outlines plans for the evaluation of learners’ and tutors’ experiences following implementation.
Looking for the Number 11 Bus: Rethinking a Traditional Orientation Event for Academic Staff at the University of Edinburgh
Authors: Christie Hazel , Loads Daphne
Published: November 2015

Orientation, the process of easing the transition of university educators into their new roles and contexts, is a challenging aspect of academic development. In this paper, we share our experiences of redesigning an orientation event for academic colleagues teaching in a research-intensive university. Over a number of years, our well-established orientation had come to rely on a transmission model of learning and feedback from participants suggested dissatisfaction with this format. We aimed to bring it in line with some of the guiding principles in the literature on academic development, such as an emphasis on collaboration and facilitation, an acknowledgement of the value of informal learning with and from peers, and an understanding of the complexity of academic practice. We sought to move beyond the idea of professional development as an exercise in plugging gaps in skills or knowledge, focusing instead on colleagues as agents in the learning process. We were conscious of the need to allow participants to engage with the University’s structures and strategic priorities in a manner that was open and enabling rather than top-down and dogmatic. We wanted to instil a culture of academic development as an ongoing process that neither begins nor ends with set events like the Orientation. Importantly, we hoped to make the experience more inspiring and enjoyable for everyone. We use this short piece to indicate the direction of our changes and to begin a dialogue about how universities can better support academic development during the important orientation stages. We look at what the literature tells us about academic development and we then discuss how these findings influenced the redesign of our Orientation. We conclude by acknowledging the difficulty of making changes in existing practice in the area of academic development.
Book Review - BITE: Recipes for Remarkable Research
Authors: Boyle Lynn Valerie
Published: November 2015

Williams, A., Jones, D., & Robertson J. (Eds.). (2014). BITE: Recipes for remarkable research. Rotterdam, Netherlands: Sense Publishers.
A Study of the Impact of Technology-Enhanced Learning on Student Academic Performance
Authors: Chowdhry Sandeep , Sieler Karolina , Alwis Lourdes
Published: November 2015

In university education a lot of emphasis is placed on the use of the virtual learning environment (VLE) in teaching to enhance the student learning experience. As a result, the academic staff is encouraged to use VLEs in different ways, including as a platform to provide online access to the study material but also as a source of additional online module activities aimed at enhancing student learning. This article reports on a study conducted on 257 students to investigate whether the utilisation of VLE has any impact on the final marks achieved by the students. As part of the study, the VLE logs were contrasted with the final marks of the students participating in a Law Module (LM), an Electrical Engineering Module (EEM) and a Mechanical Engineering Module (MEM) delivered at Edinburgh Napier University in the academic year 2013/2014. The results showed that the number of VLE visits did not have a direct impact on the final marks obtained by the students. However, for one of the modules there was some correlation between the final marks obtained by the students and the way the modules were structured around the VLE. The results of the study emphasised the need for continued improvement of the technology-enhanced teaching and learning skills of the academic staff in order to enhance the student learning experience.
The Relevance of University Studies to Professional Skills Requirements of IT Workplaces: Australian IT Graduates’ Work Experiences
Authors: Vilapakkam Nagarajan Srivalli , Edwards Jenny
Published: November 2015

Are university studies relevant to the professional skills requirements of Information Technology professional practice? Recent Australian IT graduates’ viewpoints on the challenges they face at work, the typical professional skills requirements of their practice and how they acquired or developed them, the elements of their university study that are relevant to their work professional skills requirements and how well their studies prepared them to meet the professional needs of their practice are discussed. An analysis of what the professional work experiences of these graduates in professional practice tell us about their university studies is also presented. The research findings will provide IT (and other) faculties in universities and employers with evidence to support the preparation of graduates for professional practice through the development of appropriate curricula and transition-to-work support programmes when graduates commence employment.
Exploring the Transition to Becoming an Academic: A Comparative Study of Australian Academics With and Without a Doctorate
Authors: Logan Patricia Anne , Adams Edwina , Rorrison Doreen , Munro Graham
Published: November 2015

Staff taking up their first academic position come from a range of backgrounds. One key distinction on entry is whether the individual already has a doctorate or attains one later. The transition experiences of staff taking up their first full-time academic position and the effect of entry pathway are under reported. This study aimed to explore these transitions (n=24) and determine whether background influences the experience. Participants were grouped as either with a doctorate (D) or with no doctorate but extensive professional practice experience (ND) at the time of their first full-time academic appointment. Semi-structured interviews by purposive sampling at four Australian universities – regional (n=2), Group of Eight (Go8), research intensive universities (n=1), metropolitan non-Go8 (n=1) – were undertaken. Transcripts were confirmed by participants for accuracy. Manual content analysis was conducted by two independent researchers, followed by Leximancer© software analysis. Findings were grouped into similarities and differences between the two groups. Similarities exist for staff at the point of entry regardless of background and when they entered academia. Key similarities were the pressure of time, feeling overwhelmed and managing the competing demands of the position. Differences exist in the way pressure is felt as a result of the participants’ background. Those from the no doctorate group found a tension between keeping their professional ties and attaining a doctorate while still keeping up with teaching. The group with a doctorate found a greater tension between initiating their research careers and managing their teaching. Staff development premised on the strengths of new staff rather than on their deficits may provide a more positive and supportive model. Staff development models that enhance resources help to buffer demands, thereby creating a more productive and satisfied work environment.
The Battle for Open by Martin Weller
Authors: MacDonald Marion
Published: November 2015

“The Battle for Open” by Martin Weller was published on 28 November 2014 and is available in a number of formats from Ubiquity Press.  Following the principles of openness, it has been made available under the CC-BY licence which allows one to share the book or even adapt its contents as long as the book is correctly cited.To the reader who is familiar with the discussions promoting open education, the book provides a clear, concise history leading up to the current state of play and the issues that are presently to the fore.   If you are a newcomer to the debate, this book would be a good place to start.Weller calls advocates for open access to education to become active in the battle to ensure that the original principles of “openness” are not lost and looks at ways an educational institution might handle the changes brought about by the open education movement.   This is an interesting book which looks at the issues of open access in education in depth, is thought-provoking and well worth reading.
Using Data to See what Students are Doing: A Critically Enquiring Approach to VLE Development
Authors: Coker Helen
Published: November 2015

Drawing on a case study, this paper demonstrates how a critically enquiring approach to the development of online spaces has the potential to increase student participation and develop depth of learning. Data from the online space, student feedback and staff reflections were drawn on to enquire into the nature of learning within the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) of a blended course. Critical reflection led to changes which increased participation and opened up new spaces for discussion, thus enabling greater depth of learning. In this case study, students’ patterns of participation were found to relate to their ability: higher-achieving students used the space in a more dialogic way. Digital structures acted as mediating artefacts; changes initiated led to increased participation. Social and cultural discourses were found to permeate the online space. Critical reflection and enquiry were effectively used to develop the space leading to improvements in relation to student participation and depth of learning.
'Blended’ Learning at the University of the Highlands and Islands: a Case Study in Self-Awareness and Policy Making
Authors: Panciroli Elsa , Engstrand Su , Graham Edward , Clarke Simon
Published: November 2015

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) provides a case study on reflective practices in blended learning at an institution that is overcoming unusual geographic and demographic pedagogical challenges. These practices may be of value to other institutions, from those employing ‘traditional’ delivery, to the latest technologically supported, asynchronous teaching methodology.This paper has developed from the outputs of a project conducted within UHI to collate recent pedagogical research, both external and internal, in order to identify goals for future pedagogical development within the institution. We thus examine the evolution of UHI’s blended learning practice as a case study in the adoption and refinement of blended learning in a higher education institution with a specific geographical context. We will highlight some examples of how UHI has sought to characterise its own delivery, measure success, and translate this into effective strategy and policy across the institution.
Student Understanding, Participation and Engagement: A Small Scale Quantitative Study
Authors: Gossman Peter
Published: November 2015

Within the current Higher Education focus on the student experience, this study explores the possible relationship between the three issues of participation, engagement and understanding. The study emerged from a conversation between colleagues about student evaluation of taught sessions. From this, a diagram outlining sectors of participation, engagement and understanding was constructed and a minute paper style instrument developed for easy implementation in large classes. The evaluation instrument was utilised with one class over a period of eight weeks involving four lectures, each utilising think/pair/share exercises to a different degree. The results show different levels of self-reported participation, engagement and understanding related to the frequency and occurrence of the think/pair/share exercises.
Editorial
Authors: Strickland Karen
Published: November 2015

Editorial on ethical guidance
International Infusion in Practice – From Cultural Awareness to Cultural Intelligence
Authors: Sutherland Angela Margaret , Edgar David , Duncan Peter
Published: November 2015

United Kingdom (UK) Universities strive to increase international student numbers and claim to be internationalising the student experience. In parallel student-centred approaches appear to be the norm across learning, teaching and assessment strategies. However, a tension exists in delivering both of these claims concurrently in that domestic and inbound international students often have different experiences, expectations, needs and perceptions regarding pedagogy, support and curriculum. While programme delivery centres on the UK educational mode, universities tend to accommodate orientation for all students centrally, as a largely homogenous group. This paper explores the experiences of inbound Erasmus exchange students from several European Union (EU) countries to determine if student-centred approaches are adequate to meet their needs. It also examines possible gaps in the tutor-student pedagogic experience, expectations and perceptions. With reference to gap analysis, a case study of a module in a post-1992 University is explored. Observation, focus groups, policy analysis and quantitative analysis of student results are used to make sense of the intercultural pedagogic experiences of the students and potential implications for curriculum design and delivery. Findings indicate that the processes and procedures put in place to support Erasmus students in navigating UK pedagogic styles, assessment and curriculum are insufficient to truly support the student journey in a way that student centeredness would imply. Key areas of discord revolve around curriculum structure, assessment style, expectations and pedagogic approach. In essence, the cognitive and intangible processes and aspects of the student journey are problematic with evidence to suggest that poor cross-institutional communication and generic orientation compound the challenges. The research is particularly significant in that it highlights the need to provide a more reflective and reflexive approach to working with Erasmus students, requiring a shift away from a mechanistic focus on systems, structures and cultural awareness towards cultural intelligence.
Editorial: Exploring Internationalisation of the Curriculum to Enhance the Student Experience
Authors: Foster Monika
Published: November 2015

Editorial for the special Issue on Exploring Internationalisation of the Curriculum to Enhance the Student Experience, November 2015.
Welfare-Improving Effect of a Small Number of Followers in a Stackelberg Model
Authors: Ino Hiroaki , Matsumura Toshihiro
Published: November 2015

We investigate a Stackelberg oligopoly model in which m leaders and $N - m$ followers compete. We find an important welfare effect that relates to anti-monopoly policies when we move from the Cournot model ($m = N$) to the Stackelberg model: Exchanging a small number of Cournot firms for Stackelberg followers always improves welfare under moderate conditions. This contrasts with the welfare effect that can reduce welfare when a small number of Cournot firms are exchanged for Stackelberg leaders. The key result behind this asymmetry is the contrasting limit results in the cases where m converges to N and m converges to 0. We also discuss the optimal number of leaders and the integer constraint for the number of firms.
Improved growth performance of Gracilariopsis heteroclada via short-term nitrogen enrichment
Authors: Santander-Avanceña Sheryll S. , Luhan Maria Rovilla J. , Felera-Panizales Jeralyn
Published: November 2015

This study examined the effect of short-term nitrogen (N) enrichment on Gracilariopsis heteroclada growth and agar quality. Planting materials were soaked in different concentrations of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) for 6 h. Total thallus N content was highest in Gp. heteroclada enriched in 300 mg l-1 NH4Cl. Growth experiments showed that this enrichment treatment (300 mg l-1 NH4Cl for 6 h) increased the growth of Gp. heteroclada (4.22±0.09% day-1) compared with the control (3.68±0.12% day-1). Pond culture using enriched Gp. heteroclada resulted in high growth rates (6.14±0.50% day-1). No epiphyte growth was observed during either the growth experiment or the pond culture. There were no significant differences between the agar yields of the enriched (3.65±0.36%) or control (3.78±0.18%) Gp. heteroclada. Additionally, no significant differences were detected when the gel strength of the enriched (611±22 g cm-2) and control (587±11 g cm-2) Gp. heteroclada were compared. The results suggest that the short-term N enrichment method could be an alternative culture strategy to increase Gp. heteroclada production and lower farming costs.
Ribosomal intergenic spacer (IGS) sequence can distinguish varieties of Pyropia yezoensis cultivated in China
Authors: He Yuan , Xu Jiajie , Li Xingchen , Shen Songdong , Zhu Jianyi , Shen Zonggen , Jiang Bo , Lu Qinqin
Published: November 2015

The ribosomal intergenic spacer (IGS) variation was compared for the nine main cultivated varieties of Pyropia yezoensis in China obtained from the Chinese National Pyropia Germplasm Repository. The full length of the IGS is 5984 bp including several sequence repeats and some complex structures. The sequence analysis of four partial IGS amplicons ranged from 3628 bp to 3776 bp; and the G+C content is 52.5%. Through similarity analysis and multiple sequence alignment of these partial IGS amplicons from the nine varieties, we have found 278 variable sites which account for approximately 7.5% of the whole IGS length. Both comparison of partial IGS sequences and phylogenetic analysis indicate high levels of genetic variation among different P. yezoensis cultivars in different areas of China. In comparison to the IGS of P. haitanensis, this study highlights the important function of classification of IGS in P. yezoensis. Therefore, the IGS sequence may be used to identify intraspecific variation in P. yezoensis.
Modeling of Non-catalytic Supercritical Water Oxidation of Phenol
Authors: Ghoreishi S.M. , Mortazavi S.M. Shariatmadar , Hedayati Ali
Published: November 2015

The non-catalytic supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) of phenol was modeled using Gopalan-Savage and Thornton-Savage global and network rates. Comparison of experimental data for the phenol conversion with the numerical predictions of this study indicated very close compatibility. Applying the validated model, the phenol conversion and selectivity of various products were studied as a function of effective parameters such as feed phenol concentration, reactor residence time, feed temperature, and feed oxygen concentration. The results of modeling analysis show that an appropriate elevated temperature range (460°C < T <500°C) and long residence time (≈90 s) reduce the concentration of hazardous products (i.e., dimers, dibenzofuran, dibenzo-p-dioxin) and maximize the selectivity of environmental benign products such as water and carbon dioxide. Also, high oxygen concentration (≈0.01 mol/L) increase water and carbon dioxide yield. Moreover, high feed phenol concentrations cause a shortcoming for the SCWO system in terms of phenol conversion and selectivity of desirable environmental products. As a consequence, the feed phenol concentration of ≤2 × 10−3 mol/L is recommended as the appropriate condition.
Selbstwissen und Selbstfestlegung
Authors: Larmore Charles
Published: November 2015

The only knowledge we have of our own minds is knowledge acquired in the same third-person way in which we acquire knowledge of other people’s beliefs and desires. True, when we say on the basis of reflection that we believe or desire this or that, it seldom makes sense to challenge what we say. Yet such statements are not expressions of self-knowledge. They have instead the character of avowals, expressing our commitment to think and act in appropriate ways. Such avowals do attest to an intimate relation we have to ourselves alone. But this self-relation does not consist in our being immediately acquainted with the contents of our own minds. It consists in the fact that we alone - no one else in our place - can commit ourselves to thinking and acting in various ways.
Heideggers Kritik an Sein und Zeit nach den Schwarzen Heften der 30er-Jahre
Authors: Heinz Marion
Published: November 2015

One of the most important issues in Heidegger research after the publication of the Black Notebooks in 2014 and 2015 is the discussion of Being and Time: Do the intrinsic connections between Nazi-typical and anti-Semitic statements and Heidegger’s philosophy in the latest publication of the Gesammelte Werke have negative consequences for our judgement of the so called first “Hauptwerk”? This article brings Heidegger’s own comments on the relationship between the work of 1927 and his philosophy a few years later into play. Contrary to many of the defenders of Being and Time, it is neither its emphasis on “praxis” nor that on existence in the sense of Kierkegaard that Heidegger judges to be the most crucial topics. He stresses the continuity between both phases of his thinking in regard to posing the “Seinsfrage” and to his defining man as Dasein. So it becomes very clear that Heidegger rejects his early attempt to answer the “Seinsfrage” through philosophical theory by attempting instead to initiate a new meaning of being through philosophy and politics. Following this line of argument, a critical discussion of Being and Time has to pay attention to its claim of delivering an ontology of Dasein and of Being. The question has to be asked whether this ontology can be defended against Heidegger’s own criticism or whether it is itself problematic. The article cannot answer this question, but it will unfold its ramifications in terms of tasks for further research.
Validation of a non-uniform meshing algorithm for the 3D-FDTD method by means of a two-wire crosstalk experimental set-up
Authors: Jiménez-Mejía Raúl Esteban , Herrera Murcia Javier Gustavo
Published: November 2015

This paper presents an algorithm used to automatically mesh a 3D computational domain in order to solve electromagnetic interaction scenarios by means of the Finite-Difference Time-Domain -FDTD-  Method. The proposed algorithm has been formulated in a general mathematical form, where convenient spacing functions can be defined for the problem space discretization, allowing the inclusion of small sized objects in the FDTD method and the calculation of detailed variations of the electromagnetic field at specified regions of the computation domain. The results obtained by using the FDTD method with the proposed algorithm have been contrasted not only with a typical uniform mesh algorithm, but also with experimental measurements for a two-wire crosstalk set-up, leading to excellent agreement between theoretical and experimental waveforms. A discussion about the advantages of the non-uniform mesh over the uniform one is also presented.
Power system reliability impacts of wind generation and operational reserve requirements
Authors: Gil Esteban
Published: November 2015

Due to its variability, wind generation integration presents a significant challenge to power system operators in order to maintain adequate reliability levels while ensuring least cost operation. This paper explores the trade-off between the benefits associated to a higher wind penetration and the additional operational reserve requirements that they impose. Such exploration is valued in terms of its effect on power system reliability, measured as an amount of unserved energy. The paper also focuses on how changing the Value of Lost Load (VoLL) can be used to attain different reliability targets, and how wind power penetration and the diversity of the wind energy resource will impact quality of supply (in terms of instances of unserved energy). The evaluation of different penetrations of wind power generation, different wind speed profiles, wind resource diversity, and different operational reserve requirements, is conducted on the Chilean Northern Interconnected System (SING) using statistical modeling of wind speed time series and computer simulation through a 24-hour ahead unit commitment algorithm and a Monte Carlo simulation scheme. Results for the SING suggest that while wind generation can significantly reduce generation costs, it can also imply higher security costs to reach acceptable reliability levels.
Core influence on the frequency response analysis (FRA) of power transformers through the finite element method
Authors: Alvarez Alvarez David Leonardo , Rosero Garcia Javier Alveiro , Mombello Enrique Esteban
Published: November 2015

In this paper the influence of core parameters in Frequency Response Analysis is analyzed through the equivalent circuit impedance matrix of the transformer winding; the parameters of the circuit have been computed using the Finite Element Method. In order to appreciate the behavior of the iron core in comparison to the air core, the frequency dependence of resonances is calculated to show how the air core only influences the results at low frequencies. The core is modeled using a complex permeability, and the parameters of conductivity and permeability are varied to show their influence in the resonances, which turned out to be negligible. In order to explain this behavior, the eigenvalues of the inverse impedance matrix are calculated showing that they are similar for different values of conductivity and permeability. Finally, the magnetic flux inside and outside the core and its influence in the frequency response is studied.
Gallos de pelea: algunas precisiones desde el diálogo con un gallero
Authors: Rodríguez Onésimo
Published: November 2015

El siguiente artículo se desprende de una investigación en curso titulada “‘¡Se muere gallo bueno!’ Jóvenes, galleras y gallos de pelea” desarrollada desde la Escuela de Antropología de la Universidad de Costa Rica. Este texto intenta explorar algunas de las realidades vividas por un joven gallero (referidas a las dinámicas relacionadas a la crianza y pelea de gallos) narradas desde su propia oralidad; es decir, la exposición argumentativa de los testimonios se hace desde una perspectiva dialógica que posibilita observar la reflexión y análisis del sujeto de manera extensa.
Organización para la vida: Relaciones recíprocas en las ventas ambulantes josefias desde la perspectiva de la economía popular
Authors: Solís Nancy
Published: November 2015

Partiendo del concepto de economía popular, este trabajo pretende acercar al lector a la cotidianidad de los vendedores y vendedoras ambulantes josefios, esbozando el ambiente de la venta ambulante y defiiendo las estructuras organizadas alrededor de esta actividad. La convivencia, la recolección de relatos y una revisión de su memoria histórica permitieron concluir que las ventas ambulantes no son solamente una alternativa de sustento ante las condiciones excluyentes de la formalidad. Es un ofiio heredado que se disfruta muchas veces y permanece a pesar de las duras circunstancias en las calles del San José caóticamente ordenado.
Assessment of completion of forms requesting skin biopsies
Authors: Schettini Daniel Almeida , Schettini Antonio Pedro Mendes , Sardinha José Carlos Gomes , Ferreira Luiz Carlos de Lima , Vasques Felicien , Xerez Luena
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: Information contained in request forms for histopathological examinations is essential for interpreting tissue changes observed in microscopy. OBJECTIVE: To determine the adequacy of information provided on forms requesting skin biopsies. METHOD: Assessment, in two health institutions, of 647 forms requesting skin biopsies in order to determine the completeness on the forms of the clinical details/items considered necessary for undertaking skin biopsies. RESULTS: Of the total 18 items on the forms, 7 were found to relay complete information in under 10% of the forms and only 9 items were correctly completed in over 80% of the requests. CONCLUSION: We concluded that information on many of the essential items required for a correct interpretation of the anatomopathologic examination was missing from the request forms.
Aprovechamiento sostenible y conservación de las plantas medicinales en Cantarranas, Huehuetla, Hidalgo, México, como un medio para mejorar la calidad de vida en la comunidad
Authors: López-Gutiérrez Berenice Nathaly , Pérez-Escandón Blanca Estela , Villavicencio-Nieto Miguel Angel
Published: November 2015

Este estudio se realizó en Cantarranas, Huehuetla, Hidalgo, México, donde el tipo de vegetación dominante es bosque tropical perennifolio. Cantarranas presenta alto grado de marginación, limitado acceso a servicios de salud y pocas oportunidades para incrementar sus ingresos económicos. El objetivo fue planear el aprovechamiento sostenible y conservación de plantas medicinales usadas en la comunidad como una alternativa para resolver problemas ambientales y sociales. Las especies fueron evaluadas con métodos etnobotánicos y ecológicos. Se usaron entrevistas estructuradas para documentar el valor cultural de las especies, nivel de fidelidad, prácticas e intensidad de manejo, usos y padecimientos tratados. La distribución y abundancia se obtuvo con el método de transectos lineales. Las 19 especies evaluadas son usadas para atender 51 padecimientos, los desórdenes gastrointestinales se tratan mayormente mediante las plantas medicinales. Las especies con mayor índice de valor cultural fueron Equisetum myriochaetum (0.69), Psidium guajava (0.37), Jaegeria macrocephala (0.26592) y Costus scaber (0.25496). Hamelia patens registró el mayor nivel de ? delidad (96%), seguida de E. myriochaetum (88%). Los valores de intensidad de manejo fueron más altos en C. scaber (9.2) y P. guajava (9). La densidad poblacional osciló entre 1 y 387 individuos por hectárea, según la especie y forma de vida. Mediante la vinculación sociedad y Universidad, se desarrolló e impartió un diplomado para los miembros de la comunidad, relacionado con el uso y aprovechamiento sostenible de plantas medicinales. Se constituyó una Sociedad Cooperativa con mujeres de la comunidad, ellas trabajan en la conservación y aprovechamiento sostenible de plantas medicinales.
Análisis macromorfológico y citogenético del género Cosmos (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae), con una clave para su identificación
Authors: Castro-Castro Arturo , Vargas-Amado Georgina , Harker Mollie , Rodríguez Aarón
Published: November 2015

Cosmos es un género que tiene sus límites de distribución natural en América, y México representa su centro de diversificación. Su repartición geográfica es interesante, pues algunas especies tienen una amplia distribución y han sido intensamente recolectadas, mientras que otras, debido a su distribución restringuida, son poco conocidas. Este hecho ha generado incomprensión sobre su variabilidad morfológica y sus límites infragenéricos, interespecíficos, e incluso, intergenéricos en la tribu Coreopsideae. En Cosmos , la variabilidad en los niveles de ploidía entre especies y entre poblaciones de una misma especie, sugiere que la poliploidía y aneuploidía han jugado un papel importante en la especiación del grupo. Ante este escenario, se aportan datos macromorfológicos para el entendimiento de los límites intergenéricos, de los grupos infragenéricos y de las especies. Además, se incluye información acerca de la variabilidad cromosómica y distribución geográfica de Cosmos . Por último, se brinda una clave para la identi?cación de todas las especies.
Seed shadow of Swietenia macrophylla remnant trees in a Mexican rainforest: implications for forest management
Authors: Alcalá Raúl E. , Alonso Roxalma L. , Gutiérrez-Granados Gabriel
Published: November 2015

The understanding of processes affecting the regeneration and coexistence of tree species is of high concern in tropical landscapes disturbed by anthropogenic activities. In this study, we evaluated the seed shadow of eight small remnant Swietenia macrophylla trees to determine the possible consequences of selective logging on the first stages of natural regeneration. We expected to find a restricted dispersal ability and a marked loss of seeds due to biotic interactions. To test this, seed shadow per tree was quanti?ed along four radial transects (30 × 1 m) that provided 960 - 1m2 squares for sampling. The wind direction and some tree characteristics as diameter at breast height and crown projection area were also considered as factors in?uencing seed shadow. We also scored the number of seeds predated or infested by fungi. In total, 540 seeds were found along transects. Around 86.1% of the 960 squares presented 0 or 1 seed, whereas 80% of the seeds were found within the first 20 m from the parent tree. The number of seeds lost through biotic interactions regressed on the distance to the parent tree ?tted a quadratic model that explained 52.4% of the total variance. These results suggest that small remnant S. macrophylla trees display low dispersal ability caused by a restricted seed shadow and a high rate of seed damaged produced by biotic interactions. Therefore, removal of largest trees for trading could be negatively impacting the first stages of the natural regeneration of this high value species. Consequently, harvesting could threat the local permanence of S. macrophylla in these managed forests of the Mayan zone.
Biología reproductiva y robo de néctar en Salvia gesneriflora (Lamiaceae) y sus consecuencias en el éxito reproductivo.
Authors: Cuevas-García Eduardo , Alcalá-Guerra Aaron , Baños-Bravo Yunuhen E. , Flores-Palacios Alejandro
Published: November 2015

Los robadores de néctar perforan flores para tener acceso al néctar desde el exterior de la flor y, en la mayoría de los casos no contribuyen en la polinización. Las flores de Salvia gesneri flora son perforadas por aves e insectos, lo que podría disminuir el éxito reproductivo de esta especie. En este estudio, se evaluó el sistema reproductivo y el efecto del robo de néctar en distintos componentes del éxito reproductivo de S. gesneri flora. En tres poblaciones se protegieron artificialmente las flores del robo. Se encontró que S. gesneri flora es una especie autocompatible, pero no presenta autofecundación espontánea, debido a que sus flores presentan hercogamia y dicogamia (separación espacial y temporal de las funciones sexuales). Las flores autofecundadas manualmente produjeron 75% menos semillas que las fecundadas por exocruza. Aunque el robo de néctar no afectó la proporción de frutos producidos ni la producción de semillas, sí disminuyó en un 29% el peso de las semillas y en un 31% la tasa de germinación.
Listado florístico del Parque Nacional Palenque, Chiapas, México
Authors: Gómez-Domínguez Héctor , Pérez-Farrera Miguel Ángel , Espinoza-Jiménez Josefa Anahí , Marquez-Reynoso Mirna Ivett
Published: November 2015

Se realizó el inventario florístico del Parque Nacional Palenque, Chiapas, México. Se realizaron colectas botánicas durante el año 2008 y revisaron bases de datos de herbario. Se registraron 484 especies, 319 géneros y 100 familias. Las familias más representativas corresponde a Fabaceae (31 géneros y 38 especies) y Rubiaceae (18 géneros y 29 especies). Los géneros más diversos fueron Psychotria con diez especies, Ficus y Piper con ocho especies. Se registraron cuatro especies endémicas a Chiapas, 12 especies incluidas en alguna categoría de riesgo en la NOM- ECOL.-059- 2010 y nueve especies registradas en la Lista Roja de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza. La riqueza florística registrada, y los elementos de distribución restringida y bajo estatus de conservación, hacen evidente la importancia de la conservación del Parque Nacional Palenque.
Nuevas localidades y formas florales del endemismo mexicano Stelis zootrophionoides (Orchidaceae), y evaluación de su riesgo de extinción
Authors: García-González Alfredo , Riverón-Giró Frander B. , Solano-Gómez Rodolfo , Aguilar-Romero Osiris , Martínez-Ovando Eduardo
Published: November 2015

Stelis zootrophionoides (Orchidaceae) fue descrita recientemente a partir de material recolectado en las inmediaciones de la ciudad de San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México. En este trabajo se informa del descubrimiento de nuevas localidades de S. zootrophionoides y se registran formas florales (basadas en la coloración de sus flores) no conocidas previamente para la ciencia. Se modela la distribución potencial de la especie y se evalúa su riesgo de extinción a través del Método de Evaluación del Riesgo de Extinción para plantas en México (MER-Plantas). Adicionalmente se caracteriza una de sus poblaciones por ser la que enfrenta mayor riesgo. Stelis zootrophionoides ahora se conoce de cinco localidades, con un área de distribución potencial de 292 km². Se encontraron dos nuevas formas de la especie, una con flores púrpuras con manchas blancas y otra con flores amarillo-verdoso ("albinas"). De acuerdo al MER-Plantas, S. zootrophionoides se encuentra en peligro de extinción (P). En la población evaluada se encontraron 41 individuos, y está seriamente amenazada principalmente por degradación del hábitat y la expansión de la zona urbana. Se hace necesario realizar estudios demográficos y genéticos para esta especie de orquídea, así como emprender y consolidar acciones que permitan la conservación de sus poblaciones conocidas.
Composición florística, diversidad y ecología de humedales herbáceos emergentes en la planicie costera central de Veracruz, México
Authors: Moreno-Casasola Patricia , Cejudo-Espinosa Eduardo , Capistrán-Barradas Ascención , Infante-Mata Dulce , López-Rosas Hugo , Castillo-Campos Gonzalo , Pale-Pale Jesús , Campos-Cascaredo Adolfo
Published: November 2015

Se describe la composición florística, diversidad y ecología de humedales herbáceos de la planicie costera de Veracruz, entre Tecolutla y la cuenca baja del río Papaloapan, teniendo éstos últimos mayor diversidad, principalmente laguna Conejo. Once localidades fueron muestreadas, encontrándose 95 especies (41 familias y 74 géneros). La clasificación jerárquica Beta Flexible conformó nueve grupos; para cada uno se graficó el régimen de inundación anual. La ordenación por componentes principales explicó el 47.81% de la variación mostrando un gradiente de riqueza de especies de los sitios de la zona norte y centro hacia los del Papaloapan, así como un gradiente de suelos Gleysol e Histosol (predominando histosoles en el Papaloapan). Existe gran variabilidad en la composición florística y dominancia de los humedales herbáceos emergentes y se considera que forman un complejo de riqueza de especies y combinaciones de monocotiledóneas y dicotiledóneas por lo que se sugiere usar el término popal-tular para denominarlos.
Morfo-anatomía de plántulas en especies de Pachycereeae: ¿hasta cuando son plántulas?
Authors: Loza-Cornejo Sofía , Terrazas Teresa
Published: November 2015

Se describe y compara la morfo-anatomía de plántulas de la tribu Pachycereeae con el objetivo de establecer diferencias entre las fases del crecimiento inicial y establecimiento y distinguir así la diferenciación entre plántula e individuo juvenil. El registro de los cambios morfo-anatómicos se obtuvo de una muestra de más de 500 plántulas de seis especies representantes de cinco géneros de esta tribu, de las cuales se tomaron semanalmente tres plántulas durante los tres primeros meses y posteriormente cada mes hasta completar 24 meses de crecimiento, con el propósito de registrar sus cambios morfo-anatómicos. Se encontraron diferencias (P < 0.05) para altura de la plántula, longitud de la raíz, altura y diámetro del tallo entre las especies en las diferentes edades. El retardo en el desarrollo del tallo y la raíz fue característico de Escontria chiotilla y Myrtillocactus geometrizans provenientes de semillas pequeñas. Las especies comparten atributos de los tejidos dérmico, fundamental y vascular, pero se destacan los cuerpos de proteína en Pachycereus grandis y los cristales prismáticos en epidermis-hipodermis de las especies de Neobuxbaumia. Al establecerse el cámbium vascular sólo se diferencian elementos de vaso y traqueidas de banda ancha, y las fibras aparecen hasta después del año de edad en algunas especies. Se concluye que la desaparición de cotiledones, presencia de costillas, establecimiento de cámbium vascular, mayor acumulación de xilema secundario y diferenciación de haces vasculares medulares permiten establecer el límite entre la etapa de plántula y planta joven en Pachycereeae.
Limitaciones para el establecimiento de plántulas en arenales de origen volcánico
Authors: Nava-Sosa Irma Jannetth , Lindig-Cisneros Roberto , Del-Val Ek , Lara-Cabrera Sabina Irene
Published: November 2015

La dispersión de semillas, la disponibilidad de micrositios y la herbivoría pueden afectar severamente el resultado de las actividades de restauración ecológica. En este estudio se evaluó el papel de estos tres factores en el establecimiento de plántulas en arenales de origen volcánico. Se evaluó el efecto de exclusión de mamíferos pequeños mediante un cercado (presencia/ausencia)  y diferencias en micrositios mediante tres tratamientos de acolchado (control, 227g/m2 y 576g/m2),  en parcelas colocadas al azar a diferentes distancias del borde del bosque. Los resultados indican que el efecto más importante es la distancia del borde del bosque, siendo significativo para el total de plántulas (F(132,1) = 69, P < 0.0001) y para 10 especies de 28 de manera individual. El efecto del cercado fue significativo sólo para especies de Cyperus y el acolchado sólo a través de la interacción con las dos variables anteriores.  Los resultados sugieren que la dispersión, no la herbivoría, es la principal limitante para el establecimiento de plántulas en los arenales.
Microclima y supervivencia de plántulas bajo acolchados orgánicos y de polietileno en un bosque tropical caducifolio
Authors: Barajas-Guzmán María Guadalupe , L. Barradas Víctor
Published: November 2015

Se examinó el efecto de acolchados en la radiación neta (RN), temperatura del aire (Ta) y del suelo (TS), déficit de presión de vapor (DPV), contenido de agua en el suelo (AS), conductancia estomática (gS) y supervivencia de tres especies nativas en un área degradada de bosque tropical caducifolio. El año de estudio fue seco, con la mitad del promedio de la precipitación anual. Se establecieron 48 parcelas con acolchados de alfalfa, mantillo, polietileno blanco y suelo desnudo. Se transplantaron 20 plantas de cada especie de un año de edad en cada una de las parcelas (5 × 6 m). El experimento se llevó a cabo durante un año. RN fue más alta en los acolchados de mantillo que en los otros tratamientos; AS fue más alto en los acolchados que en el control, mientras que Ta, TS, y DPV fueron más altos en el suelo desnudo.  Ipomoea wolcottiana y Caesalpinia eriostachys presentaron las gS y supervivencias más altas, y Lonchocarpus eriocarinalis las más bajas. Las tres especies registraron la mayor supervivencia en polietileno. Los acolchados mitigan los microclimas extremos e incrementan la supervivencia vegetal al restaurar las áreas tropicales secas.
Biogeografía y estimación de tiempos de divergencia en bambúes leñosos: entendiendo la evolución de los bambúes Neotropicales
Authors: Ruiz-Sanchez Eduardo
Published: November 2015

Los bambúes leñosos Neotropicales son un linaje monofilético dentro de Bambusoideae con tres subtribus: Arthrostylidiinae, Chusqueinae y Guaduinae. La distribución geográfica de éstas va desde México, Centroamérica, Islas del Caribe hasta Sudamérica. Para entender los patrones biogeográficos y el origen de estos bambúes se realizó un análisis filogenético. Posteriormente las estimaciones de los tiempos de divergencia de nodos particulares bajo una aproximación Bayesiana y la reconstrucción de las áreas ancestrales utilizando S-DIVA fueron realizadas. Los resultados sugieren un origen en el Mioceno para los bambúes Neotropicales, donde la subtribu Chusqueinae fue la más antigua, seguida de Arthrostylidiinae y Guaduinae. La reconstrucción de las áreas ancestrales, indican un escenario complejo donde el área ancestral para Chusqueinae fueron Los Andes, seguido de múltiples eventos de dispersión hacia el bosque Atlántico y Mesoámerica. Los resultados soportan la hipótesis de un origen Sudamericano para los bambúes  Neotropicales, corroborado por la datación molecular, la reconstrucción del área ancestral y el registro fósil.