bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological studies on Cyperus difformis, Cyperus iria and Fimbristylis miliacea: three troublesome annual sedge weeds of rice
Authors: Chauhan B.S. , Johnson D.E.
Published: March 2009

Cyperus difformis, Cyperus iria and Fimbristylis miliacea are troublesome annual sedges of rice grown in many countries. Laboratory and screenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effects of temperature, light, salt and water stress, seed burial depth, and flooding time, duration and depth on germination, emergence and growth of these three species. Germination of all the three species was stimulated by light and warm fluctuating temperatures. Germination of C. difformis was influenced to a greater degree by increasing salt and water stress than C. iria and F. miliacea. In all three species, seeds sown on the soil surface gave the greatest percentage of seedling emergence, and no seedlings emerged from seeds buried in soil at depths of ≥1 cm. Flooding, although not continuous or deep, had a suppressive effect on emergence and growth of C. iria and F. miliacea. Intermittent flooding to shallow depths, however, was less effective in controlling C. difformis; deep flooding was needed to suppress growth of C. difformis seedlings. When the flooding was delayed to 21 days after sowing, there was little growth reduction in all three species.
Influence of minisett sizes on dry matter accumulation and fresh tuber yield of white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata)
Authors: Law‐Ogbomo K.E. , Remison S.U.
Published: March 2009

Studies were conducted in 2005 and 2006 at Irrua, Nigeria, to determine the performance of various sizes of minisetts of Dioscorea rotundata cv. ‘Obiaoturugo’ evaluated for size and yield of yield matter and seed yams. These trials involved a macrosett (250 g) and six minisett sizes (25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 g) in a randomised block design with four replicates. The results indicated that larger minisetts had higher degree of field establishment, foliation, leaf area index, total dry weight, percentage of leaf dry matter and net assimilation rate. These growth parameters influenced higher crop growth rate, which was responsible for higher fresh tuber yield. The macrosett’s fresh tuber yield was the greatest (20.48 t ha−1) but had the least multiplication ratio (8.19). The greatest multiplication ratio was obtained from 30‐g setts.
Performance Trade‐offs Driven by Morphological Plasticity Contribute to Habitat Specialization of Bornean Tree Species
Authors: Dent Daisy H. , Burslem David F. R. P.
Published: March 2009

Growth‐survival trade‐offs play an important role in niche differentiation of tropical tree species in relation to light‐gradient partitioning. However, the mechanisms that determine differential species performance in response to light and soil resource availability are poorly understood. To examine responses to light and soil nutrient availability, we grew seedlings of five tropical tree species for 12 mo at < 2 and 18 percent full sunlight and in two soil types representing natural contrasts in nutrient availability within a lowland dipterocarp forest in North Borneo. We chose two specialists of nutrient‐rich and nutrient‐poor soils, respectively, and one habitat generalist. Across all species, growth was higher in high than low light and on more nutrient rich soil. Although species differed in growth rates, the ranking of species, in terms of growth, was consistent across the four treatments. Nutrient‐rich soils improved seedling survival and increased growth of three species even under low light. Slower‐growing species increased root allocation and reduced specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf area ratio (LAR) in response to decreased nutrient supply. All species increased LAR in response to low light. Maximum growth rates were negatively correlated with survival in the most resource‐limited environment. Nutrient‐poor soil specialists had low maximum growth rates but high survival at low resource availability. Specialists of nutrient‐rich soils, plus the habitat generalist, had the opposite suite of traits. Fitness component trade‐offs may be driven by both light and belowground resource availability. These trade‐offs contribute to differentiation of tropical tree species among habitats defined by edaphic variation.
A Lepidopteran defoliator attack on Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa) in Central Amazonia, Brazil
Authors: Haugaasen Torbjørn
Published: March 2009

This paper describes a severe outbreak of a Lepidopteran defoliator,Lusura altrix(Stoll 1782), on Brazil nut trees in Central Amazonia. The pest outbreak appeared to succeed abnormal weather conditions, and defoliation was sufficient to disrupt normal phenological patterns.
Varying Ecological Quality Influences the Probability of Polyandry in White‐handed Gibbons (Hylobates lar) in Thailand
Authors: Savini Tommaso , Boesch Christophe , Reichard Ulrich H.
Published: March 2009

Although members of the family Hylobatidae are known to be monogamous, adult white‐handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, also show multimale groups and polyandry. A need for more than one male to successfully raise offspring cannot explain the occurrence of polyandry in these territorial primates, because direct paternal care is absent in this species. We hypothesize that polyandry is primarily related to costs/benefits for males of cooperatively defending a female and/or resources; our prediction was that polyandry would become more frequent with increasing costs of female/resource defense. We measured the ecological quality of seven gibbon home ranges over a 3‐yr period (2001–2003) to investigate how resource availability affected the probability of polyandry, and found a significant negative relationship between home range quality and home range size. Larger home ranges were of lower quality. As predicted, groups living on larger, poorer home ranges also experienced longer periods of polyandry. In forest areas of comparatively low quality, acquiring and maintaining a large home range that includes enough resources for a female to reproduce steadily may surpass a single male's capacity. Our model of cooperative male polyandry was supported by preliminary data of shared territorial defense and access to the female. However, interaction proportions were strongly skewed, and female's primary male partners monopolized grooming and mating. Nevertheless, a primary male on a large territory may benefit from the presence of a secondary male with aid in territorial/female defense, whereas a secondary male may gain by avoiding high dispersal costs.
Studying Animal Diets In Situ Using Portable Stable Isotope Analyzers
Authors: Voigt Christian C.
Published: March 2009

I assessed the usefulness of a portable stable isotope analyzer for assigning animals to food chains of tropical ecosystems. Based on the stable carbon isotope ratio of the animals’ breath (δ13Cbreath), it was possible to distinguish between the isotopically distinct food chains of fruit‐eating bats and blood‐eating vampire bats. Portable instruments for the analysis of δ13Cbreath may improve our ability to quantify animal diets, because they are accurate and cheap, and most importantly they can be used in situ.
Conservation of Vascular Epiphyte Diversity in Shade Cacao Plantations in the Chocó Region of Ecuador
Authors: Haro‐Carrión Xavier , Lozada Tannya , Navarrete Hugo , de Koning G. H. J.
Published: March 2009

To assess the contributions of rustic shade cacao plantations to vascular epiphyte conservation, we compared epiphyte species richness, abundance, composition, and vertical distributions on shade trees and in the understories of six plantations and adjacent natural forests. On three phorophytes and three 10 × 10 m understory plots in each of the agroforestry plantations and natural forests, 54 and 77 species were observed, respectively. Individual‐based rarefaction curves revealed that epiphyte species richness was significantly higher on forest phorophytes than on cacao farm shade trees; detailed analyses showed that the differences were confined to the inner and outer crown zones of the phorophytes. No differences in epiphyte species richness were found in understories. Araceae, Piperaceae, and Pteridophyta were less species‐rich in plantations than in forests, while there were no differences in Orchidaceae and Bromeliaceae. Regression analysis revealed that epiphyte species richness on trunks varied with canopy cover, while abundance was more closely related to soil pH, canopy cover, and phorophyte height. For crown epiphytes, phorophyte diameter at breast height (dbh) explained much of the variation in species richness and abundance. There were also pronounced downward shifts in the vertical distributions of epiphyte species in agroforests relative to natural forests. The results confirm that epiphyte diversity, composition, and vertical distributions are useful indicators of human disturbance and showed that while the studied plantations serve to preserve portions of epiphyte diversity in the landscape, their presence does not fully compensate for the loss of forests.
Comparing the Dispersal of Large‐seeded Tree Species by Frugivore Assemblages in Tropical Montane Forest in Africa
Authors: Gross‐Camp Nicole D. , Mulindahabi Felix , Kaplin Beth A.
Published: March 2009

We examined frugivore visitation and seed dispersal of five large‐seeded (≥ 5 mm) tree species in tropical montane forest based on their occurrence in frugivorous primate diets: Ekebergia capensis, Olea capensis, Parinari excelsa, Prunus africana, and Syzygium guineense. A total of 21 frugivores in five assemblages (i.e., chimpanzees, cercopithecines, large‐bodied birds, small‐bodied birds, and squirrels) were observed over the study period (August 2006 and October–April 2007). We observed seed dispersal in four of five tree species studied; no dispersal was observed for P. excelsa. Frugivore assemblages did not visit tree species equally. Primates spent the most time in trees and had the largest group size. Large‐bodied birds (LB) and chimpanzees dispersed the highest number of seeds per minute. LB and cercopithecines potentially dispersed the greatest number of seeds for E. capensis, and chimpanzees for S. guineense. Our analyses indicated that the mean fruiting duration of the focal tree, time in the tree, and number of species present are important predictor variables for seed dispersal by small‐ and large‐bodied birds, and cercopithecines. The number of fruiting trees in the immediate vicinity of the focal tree further predicted seed dispersal for small‐bodied birds (SB). Large‐bodied birdseed dispersal also was predicted by time in tree by SB, and the number of individuals for SB and cercopithecines. Cercopithecines (CS) were further explained by the time in tree and number of species (SB & LB), and number of individuals for CS. Our study highlights the complexity of describing the relative importance of a frugivore assemblage to the dispersal of a tree species seeds.
Combining Biogeographic and Phylogenetic Data to Examine Primate Speciation: An Example Using Cercopithecin Monkeys
Authors: Kamilar Jason M. , Martin Sara K. , Tosi Anthony J.
Published: March 2009

We combined phylogenetic and biogeographic data to examine the mode of speciation in a group of African monkeys, the Cercopithecini. If allopatric speciation is the major force producing species, then there should be a positive relationship between the relative divergence time of taxa and their degree of geographic range overlap. Alternatively, an opposite relationship between divergence time and geographic range overlap is consistent with sympatric speciation as the main mechanism underlying the cercopithecin radiation. We collected biogeographic and phylogenetic data for 19 guenon species from the literature. We digitized geographic range maps and utilized three different phylogenetic hypotheses based on Y chromosome, X chromosome, and mitochondrial (mtDNA) data. We used regressions with Monte Carlo simulation to examine the relationship between the relative time since divergence of taxa and their degree of geographic range overlap. We found that there was a positive relationship between relative divergence time and the proportion of geographic range overlap between taxa using all three molecular data sets. Our findings provide evidence for allopatric speciation being the common mode of diversification in the cercopithecin clade. Because most of these primates are forest adapted mammals, the cyclical contraction and expansion of African forests from the late Miocene to the present has likely been an important factor driving allopatric speciation. In addition, geographic barriers such as the Congo and Sanaga rivers have probably played a complementary role in producing new species within the clade.
The extended X-ray emission around HDF130 at z = 1.99: an inverse Compton ghost of a giant radio source in the Chandra Deep Field-North
Authors: Fabian A. C. , Chapman S. , Casey C. M. , Bauer F. , Blundell K. M.
Published: March 2009

One of the six extended X-ray sources found in the Chandra Deep Field-North is centred on Hubble Deep Field (HDF) 130, which has recently been shown to be a massive galaxy at z = 1.99 with a compact radio nucleus. The X-ray source has a roughly double-lobed structure with each lobe about 41-arcsec long, or 345 kpc at the redshift of HDF 130. We have analysed the 2 Ms X-ray image and spectrum of the source and find that it is well fit by a power-law continuum of photon index 2.65 and has a 2–10 keV luminosity of 5.4 × 1043 erg s−1 (if at z = 1.99). Any further extended emission within a radius of 60 arcsec has a luminosity less than half this value, which is contrary to what is expected from a cluster of galaxies. The source is best explained as an inverse Compton ghost of a giant radio source, which is no longer being powered, and for which Compton losses have downgraded the energetic electrons, γ > 104, required for high-frequency radio emission. The lower energy electrons, γ∼ 1000, produce X-rays by inverse Compton scattering on the cosmic microwave background. Depending on the magnetic field strength, some low-frequency radio emission may remain. Further inverse Compton ghosts may exist in the Chandra Deep Fields and beyond.
HD 271791: dynamical versus binary-supernova ejection scenario
Authors: Gvaramadze V. V.
Published: March 2009

The atmosphere of the extremely high-velocity (530–920 km s−1) early B-type star HD 271791 is enriched in α-process elements, which suggests that this star is a former secondary component of a massive tight binary system and that its surface was polluted by the nucleosynthetic products after the primary star exploded in a supernova. It was proposed that the (asymmetric) supernova explosion unbind the system and that the secondary star (HD 271791) was released at its orbital velocity in the direction of Galactic rotation. In this Letter, we show that to explain the Galactic rest-frame velocity of HD 271791 within the framework of the binary-supernova scenario, the stellar remnant of the supernova explosion (a ≲10 M⊙ black hole) should receive an unrealistically large kick velocity of ≥750–1200 km s−1. We therefore consider the binary-supernova scenario as highly unlikely and instead propose that HD 271791 attained its peculiar velocity in the course of a strong dynamical three- or four-body encounter in the dense core of the parent star cluster. Our proposal implies that by the moment of encounter HD 271791 was a member of a massive post-supernova binary.
PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION AND CHANNEL MANAGEMENT: A KNOWLEDGE AND CAPABILITIES PERSPECTIVE*
Authors: FRAZIER GARY L.
Published: March 2009

This paper examines the interrelationship between physical distribution and channel management. A conceptual framework is developed, based on industry and firm conditions, to explain the relative importance of physical distribution functions in the field of channel management. The need for knowledge transfer and integration among channel members to enable organizational capabilities lies at the heart of the research approach.
Contested land and mediascapes: The visuality of the postcolonial city
Authors: Glynn Kevin
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  This paper explores spatial dynamics of contestation in the ongoing production of textures of urban place in the postcolonial context of Christchurch, New Zealand. It first examines practices of visual inscription that generate landscapes and mediascapes that struggle to naturalize particular social imaginaries, relations and place‐identities. It then considers modes of transgression that rework and expand urban spatiality into new visual terrains of contestation such as those associated with digital media. Emergent communities have thus made use of media spaces such as YouTube to reverse the urban gaze, reframe themselves and the city, and re‐imagine place‐making landscapes and identities.
Effect of Money Supply on Real Output and Price in China
Authors: Chang Chih‐Hsiang , Chan Kam C. , Fung Hung‐Gay
Published: March 2009

Over the past 30 years, China has achieved remarkable long‐term economic growth. Using quarterly data, we study the effects of money supply on real output and inflation in China between 1993 and 2008. To this end, we use money supply shocks after filtering out the expected component of the money supply. Our findings provide evidence supporting the asymmetric effect of positive and negative money supply shocks on real output and inflation in China. That is, real GDP growth in China responds to negative money supply shocks but not positive money supply shocks. In addition, inflation responds to positive money supply shocks but not negative money supply shocks. We conclude that the People's Bank of China's policy of steady monetary growth appears to be appropriate. Our study offers important policy implications for China.
Minimum Wage Regulation in China and Its Applications to Migrant Workers in the Urban Labor Market
Authors: Du Yang , Pan Weiguang
Published: March 2009

Using data at micro and city levels, the present paper explores the policy evolution of the minimum wage system in China, and examines its coverage for migrant workers. The analysis indicates that minimum wage policy has been substantially improved in terms of both coverage and the level of the minimum wage standard, but that the current policy tool that relies on the monthly wage rate is not effective. Because migrant workers tend to work more hours, use of an hourly wage rate is more appropriate than a monthly wage rate.
The Role of Sleep in Cognition and Emotion
Authors: Walker Matthew P.
Published: March 2009

As critical as waking brain function is to cognition, an extensive literature now indicates that sleep supports equally important, different yet complementary operations. This review will consider recent and emerging findings implicating sleep and specific sleep‐stage physiologies in the modulation, regulation, and even preparation of cognitive and emotional brain processes. First, evidence for the role of sleep in memory processing will be discussed, principally focusing on declarative memory. Second, at a neural level several mechanistic models of sleep‐dependent plasticity underlying these effects will be reviewed, with a synthesis of these features offered that may explain the ordered structure of sleep, and the orderly evolution of memory stages. Third, accumulating evidence for the role of sleep in associative memory processing will be discussed, suggesting that the long‐term goal of sleep may not be the strengthening of individual memory items, but, instead, their abstracted assimilation into a schema of generalized knowledge. Fourth, the newly emerging benefit of sleep in regulating emotional brain reactivity will be considered. Finally, and building on this latter topic, a novel hypothesis and framework of sleep‐dependent affective brain processing will be proposed, culminating in testable predictions and translational implications for mood disorders.
Genes, Cognition, and Communication
Authors: Bishop D.V.M.
Published: March 2009

Twin and family studies have demonstrated that most cognitive traits are moderately to highly heritable. Neurodevelopmental disorders such as dyslexia, autism, and specific language impairment (SLI) also show strong genetic influence. Nevertheless, it has proved difficult for researchers to identify genes that would explain substantial amounts of variance in cognitive traits or disorders. Although this observation may seem paradoxical, it fits with a multifactorial model of how complex human traits are influenced by numerous genes that interact with one another, and with the environment, to produce a specific phenotype. Such a model can also explain why genetic influences on cognition have not vanished in the course of human evolution. Recent linkage and association studies of SLI and dyslexia are reviewed to illustrate these points. The role of nonheritable genetic mutations (sporadic copy number variants) in causing autism is also discussed. Finally, research on phenotypic correlates of allelic variation in the genesASPMandmicrocephalinis considered; initial interest in these as genes for brain size or intelligence has been dampened by a failure to find phenotypic differences in people with different versions of these genes. There is a current vogue for investigators to include measures of allelic variants in studies of cognition and cognitive disorders. It is important to be aware that the effect sizes associated with these variants are typically small and hard to detect without extremely large sample sizes.
Origins of Mathematical Intuitions
Authors: Dehaene Stanislas
Published: March 2009

Mathematicians frequently evoke their “intuition” when they are able to quickly and automatically solve a problem, with little introspection into their insight. Cognitive neuroscience research shows that mathematical intuition is a valid concept that can be studied in the laboratory in reduced paradigms, and that relates to the availability of “core knowledge” associated with evolutionarily ancient and specialized cerebral subsystems. As an illustration, I discuss the case of elementary arithmetic. Intuitions of numbers and their elementary transformations by addition and subtraction are present in all human cultures. They relate to a brain system, located in the intraparietal sulcus of both hemispheres, which extracts numerosity of sets and, in educated adults, maps back and forth between numerical symbols and the corresponding quantities. This system is available to animal species and to preverbal human infants. Its neuronal organization is increasingly being uncovered, leading to a precise mathematical theory of how we perform tasks of number comparison or number naming. The next challenge will be to understand how education changes our core intuitions of number.
Karl Pearson and the Origin of Kurtosis
Authors: Fiori Anna M. , Zenga Michele
Published: March 2009

Although the kurtosis index proposed by Karl Pearson in 1905 is introduced in statistical textbooks at all levels, the measure is not easily interpreted and has been a subject of considerable debate. In this study, the theoretical development of kurtosis is surveyed from a historical perspective of Pearson's work on evolution. It surprisingly emerges that there was no emphasis in Pearson's papers on kurtosis as measuring (in part) tail heaviness. However, it is found that Pearson used to frequently adjust the formalisation of kurtosis depending on his changing needs. This complex development partly explains the confusion that would surround kurtosis in subsequent literature. Our conclusion is that most misunderstandings arise from improper use of the kurtosis coefficient outside the Pearson system of frequency curves.
Bed Stability and Sedimentation Associated With Human Disturbances in Pacific Northwest Streams1
Authors: Kaufmann Philip R. , Larsen David P. , Faustini John M.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  To evaluate anthropogenic sedimentation in United States (U.S.) Pacific Northwest coastal streams, we applied an index of relative bed stability (LRBS*) to summer low flow survey data collected using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program field methods in a probability sample of 101 wadeable stream reaches. LRBS* is the log of the ratio of bed surface geometric mean particle diameter (Dgm) to critical diameter (D*cbf) at bankfull flow, based on a modified Shield’s criterion for incipient motion. We used a formulation of LRBS* that explicitly accounts for reductions in bed shear stress that result from channel form roughness due to pools and wood. LRBS* ranged from −1.9 to +0.5 in streams within the lower quartile of human riparian and basin disturbance, and was substantially lower (−4.2 to −1.1) in streams within the upper quartile of human disturbance. Modeling results suggest that the expected range of LRBS* in streams without human disturbances in this region might be generally between −0.7 and +0.5 in either sedimentary or volcanic lithology. However, streams draining relatively soft, erodible sedimentary lithology showed greater reductions in LRBS* associated with disturbance than did those having harder, more resistant volcanic (basalt) lithology with similar levels of basin and riparian disturbance. At any given level of disturbance, smaller streams had lower LRBS* than those with larger drainages. In sedimentary lithology (sandstone and siltstone), high‐gradient streams had higher LRBS* than did low‐gradient streams of the same size and level of human disturbance. High gradient streams in volcanic lithology, in contrast, had lower LRBS* than low‐gradient streams of similar size and disturbance. Correlations between Dgm and land disturbance were stronger than those observed between D*cbf and land disturbance. This pattern suggests that land use has augmented sediment supplies and increased streambed fine sediments in the most disturbed streams. However, we also show evidence that some of the apparent reductions in LRBS*, particularly in steep streams draining small volcanic drainages, may have resulted in part from anthropogenic increases in bed shear stress. The synoptic survey methods and designs we use appear adequate to evaluate regional patterns in bed stability and sedimentation and their general relationship to human disturbances. More precise field measurements of channel slope, cross‐section geometry, and bed surface particle size would be required to use LRBS* in applications requiring a higher degree of accuracy and precision, such as site‐specific assessments at individual streams.
Sustainable Water Resources Management in a Conflict Resolution Framework1
Authors: Ryu Jae H. , Palmer Richard N. , Jeong Sangman , Lee Joo Heon , Kim Young‐Oh
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  A decision support system for sustainable water resources management in a water conflict resolution framework is developed to identify and evaluate a range of acceptable alternatives for the Geum River Basin in Korea and to facilitate strategies that will result in sustainable water resource management. Working with stakeholders in a “shared vision modeling” framework, sustainable management strategies are created to illustrate system tradeoffs as well as long‐term system planning. A multi‐criterion decision‐making (MCDM) approach using subjective scales is utilized to evaluate the complex water resource allocation and management tradeoffs between stakeholders and system objectives. The procedures used in this study include the development of a “shared vision model,” a simulated decision‐making support system (as a tool for sustainable water management strategies associated with water conflicts, management options, and planning criteria), and the application of MCDM techniques for evaluating alternatives provided by the model. The research results demonstrate the utility of the sustainable water resource management model in aid of MCDM techniques in facilitating flexibility during initial stages of alternative identification and evaluation in a basin suffering from severe water conflicts.
Chemical and Physical Controls on the Oxygen  Regime of Ice‐Covered Arctic Lakes and Reservoirs1
Authors: Clilverd Hannah , White Daniel , Lilly Michael
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  We examined the chemical, morphological, and anthropogenic controls on winter‐oxygen biogeochemistry in ice‐covered lakes and reservoirs on the North Slope of Alaska. We measured dissolved oxygen (DO), solute concentrations, water depth, and ice thickness at three natural thaw lakes and four reservoirs (flooded gravel mines) for two winters. In all seven study sites, DO concentration and pH decreased with depth, and temporally through the winter (November to April). DO concentration was four to six times greater in the deeper reservoirs (8‐13 mg/l) compared with shallow natural lakes (ca. 2 mg/l). Lakes and reservoirs with high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration were susceptible to large decreases in oxygen over the winter. DO concentration differed markedly between years, but was not attributed to changes in water‐use or winter water‐chemistry. Alternatively, we suggest that dissolved oxygen concentration was lower during freeze‐up, possibly associated with higher lake‐productivity during the summer. Our results suggest that current water‐use practices on the North Slope of Alaska caused little to no change in DO concentration over the winter. In particular, considering the high pumping activity and shallow depth, lakes with low DOC concentration (≤6 mg/l) showed strong resilience to change in chemistry over the winter. We suggest that both lake and reservoir depth, and DOC concentration are key factors influencing oxygen consumption in ice‐covered arctic lakes and reservoirs.
Linking Hydrologic Alteration to Biological Impairment in Urbanizing Streams of the Puget Lowland, Washington, USA1
Authors: DeGasperi Curtis L. , Berge Hans B. , Whiting Kelly R. , Burkey Jeff J. , Cassin Jan L. , Fuerstenberg Robert R.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  We used a retrospective approach to identify hydrologic metrics with the greatest potential for ecological relevance for use as resource management tools (i.e., hydrologic indicators) in rapidly urbanizing basins of the Puget Lowland. We proposed four criteria for identifying useful hydrologic indicators: (1) sensitive to urbanization consistent with expected hydrologic response, (2) demonstrate statistically significant trends in urbanizing basins (and not in undeveloped basins), (3) be correlated with measures of biological response to urbanization, and (4) be relatively insensitive to potentially confounding variables like basin area. Data utilized in the analysis included gauged flow and benthic macroinvertebrate data collected at 16 locations in 11 King County stream basins. Fifteen hydrologic metrics were calculated from daily average flow data and the Pacific Northwest Benthic Index of Biological Integrity (B‐IBI) was used to represent the gradient of response of stream macroinvertebrates to urbanization. Urbanization was represented by percent Total Impervious Area (%TIA) and percent urban land cover (%Urban). We found eight hydrologic metrics that were significantly correlated with B‐IBI scores (Low Pulse Count and Duration; High Pulse Count, Duration, and Range; Flow Reversals, TQmean, and R‐B Index). Although there appeared to be a great deal of redundancy among these metrics with respect to their response to urbanization, only two of the metrics tested – High Pulse Count and High Pulse Range – best met all four criteria we established for selecting hydrologic indicators. The increase in these high pulse metrics with respect to urbanization is the result of an increase in winter high pulses and the occurrence of high pulse events during summer (increasing the frequency and range of high pulses), when practically none would have occurred prior to development. We performed an initial evaluation of the usefulness of our hydrologic indicators by calculating and comparing hydrologic metrics derived from continuous hydrologic simulations of selected basin management alternatives for Miller Creek, one of the most highly urbanized basins used in our study. We found that the preferred basin management alternative appeared to be effective in restoring some flow metrics close to simulated fully forested conditions (e.g., TQmean), but less effective in restoring other metrics such as High Pulse Count and Range. If future research continues to support our hypothesis that the flow regime, particularly High Pulse Count and Range, is an important control of biotic integrity in Puget Lowland streams, it would have significant implications for stormwater management.
TURNING TO GOD: CLAIMING OUR IDENTITY AND RESPONSIBILITY AS GOD'S CHILDREN
Authors: Muita Israel
Published: March 2009

This is a paper on missions from an African context. It explores the concerns that the African Church must address today. It sees the church as God's agent of change and hope for the people of Africa. It details specific ways in which the church can lead to a fresh and creative renewal of mission, in which all God's children will be enabled to live a more vibrant and responsible life.
THE CHALLENGE OF JUBILEE TO THE SITUATION OF CHURCH LAND IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY
Authors: Schultze Andrea
Published: March 2009

And you shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants; it shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his family…The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with me. And in all the country you possess, you shall grant a redemption of the land.
Tracking Global Christianity's Statistical Centre of Gravity, AD 33‐AD 2100
Authors: Johnson Todd M. , Chung Sun Young
Published: March 2009

Christians, at any given time in history, have definable geographic locations and a demographic or statistical centre. A single geographic point is here identified as the statistical “centre of gravity” of Christianity for each of 25 different dates in Christian history, beginning with AD 33 (the traditional date for the origin of the church) and projecting to AD 2100 (one hundred years into the future). The methodology for locating these points utilizes demographic and religious affiliation statistics relating to 21 United Nations regions. By connecting these points, a line is formed that can be viewed as the “trajectory” of global Christianity. In the early Christian centuries the trajectory moved around the eastern Mediterranean but, after AD 600, the trajectory was astonis hingly consistent, moving both north and west until AD 1500 when it began to move slowly to the south. After 1900, the trajectory moved precipitously to the south, and then, after AD 1970, definitively back to the east. By AD 2100, the statistical centre of gravity of Christianity is likely to be in northern Nigeria. This trajectory is tracked detail throughout Christian history, and historical comments and interpretation are provided, with one map, one graphic, and two tables. Brief consideration is given to the implications of the present southeastern trajectory of Christianity for theology, translation and mission.
Mission from the Margins
Authors: Wickeri Philip L.
Published: March 2009

This paper proceeds from the premise that we are living in a time of fundamental change in the shape and structure of world Christianity. The background of this crisis is traced to the beginnings of the modern missionary movement, and it it discussed particularly as it has affected our understanding of the “missio Dei” and the teaching of mission at San Francisco Theological Seminary. Today, the crisis may be described in terms of the churches' relationship to globalization, on the one hand, and to religious and cultural pluralism on the other. The contrast between a Christian visum of the oikoumene and the neo‐liberal ideology of globalization, undergirded by American empire, has shaped the crisis in all of its forms. Mission from the margins suggests that the cutting edge for mission today and throughout the history of the Christian churched comes from movements emerging outside established Christian centres ‐ the African Initiated Churches, Pentecostal) all over the world, the rural churches of China. The “missio Dei” needs to be reshaped in the encounter of historic churches in the North with these movements in the South. This will help Christians resist the forces of globalization and empire, and to respond anew to the gospel message for today. This will also entail the recovery and renewal of missioiogy, mission studies and questions related to Christianity in a world of religious pluralism as these subjects relate to theological education in Europe and North America.
Howthe Study of Popular Religions can Help us in our Theological Task
Authors: NiLes Damayanthi
Published: March 2009

At a time when inclusion is becoming more important not only for our academic integrity but also for our very survival, popular religions push in a healthy direction. In a world bereft of peace and torn apart with conflicts between “those within”and “those forced outside”, and at a time when “enemy” images abound, popular religions call for the admission of greater pluralism and inclusion. If our theological constructions are not to be monologues but dialogues for life that include all of creation, then our engagements in the study of popular religions could aid us in our theological, as well as our missiological tasks.

This article explores how popular religions may help Christian theology take seriously multiple voices, and so create a truly liberative theology. The article looks at how the study of religion in the past impacts on the study of popular religion. It then identifies some of the difficulties inherent in the study of “popular religion”. Finally, the article explores how popular religions may be used in the construction of Christian theology, and the implications of this for Christian mission.
Healing Relationships in Society: the Struggle for Citizenship in Brazil
Authors: von Sinner Rudolf
Published: March 2009

The article describes the transition to democracy in Brazil and the churches ‘role in what is generally called democratic consolidation, in and after this transition. The key term is “cidadania” (citizenship), which is the real participation of citizens in democracy, in which they are conscious of their citizenship and strive to exercise their rights and duties. Today, this participation is being complicated by continuously strong social and economic disparities, as well as by an ambiguous cultural model that runs contrary to the equality of all and a positive notion of law.

During the military regime (1964‐85), the Roman Catholic Church took a very critical dance over against the state and provided, especially through the famous Base Ecclesial Communities (CEBs), the most important space for opposition. The Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB) made a significant move towards a more critical accompaniment of the state's policies following the transfer of the 5th general assembly of the Lutheran World Federation from Porto Alegre to Evian, France, in 1970.

After the transition to democracy, the impact of CEBs declined and the Roman Catholic hierarchy tended to return to more spiritual tasks. Even so, the National Bishops' Conference continues to be an important organ commenting frequently on public issues, as does the IECLB leadership. The IECLB is especially strong in providing an ecclesial model that fosters democracy and approximates ecclesial and secular citizenship. The biggest Pentecostal church in Brazil, the Assemblies of God, contributes more indirectly to citizenship by restoring the lives of marginalized people who become “decent and honourable”.

The final part of the article reflects on theological challenges, the concretisation of liberation, a vision for the whole of society, congruence between ecclesial and secular citizenship and the relationship between society and the image of God. If churches would cooperate more ecumenically, they could make an even stronger contribution to cidadania in Brazil, and live out their mid/urn to the world as citizens of both the heavenly and the earthly kingdoms.
Towards a New Christian Sexual Ethics in the Light of Hiv/Aids
Authors: Zimmermann Armin
Published: March 2009

According to various statistics, about 90% of the HIV infections in Africa, south of the Sahara are got through unprotected sexual intercourse. This clearly suggests that the key to a reduction of the HIV infection rate is a change in our sexual behaviour. In this article, therefore, I want to propose some guidelines “Towards a New Christian Sexual Ethics in the Light of HIV/AIDS”, and take into consideration various aspects of an African context. Next to upholding the positive value of our sexuality as part of God's good creation, we have to empower women to determine for themselves if, when, how and with whom they want to have sexual contact. We have to emphasise values like intimacy, love, commitment and responsibility, and we should discourage casual sex and prostitution. We may also have to reconsider the relationship between sexual relationships and activities and marriage. While confirming marriage as the ideal context of sexual relationships and activities, we may encourage people to practice their sexuality only within long‐term permanent relationships that should be characterised by the principles stated above.

However, since we know that humans are not perfect, we have to reckon with people who are either unwilling or unable to follow the proposed guidelines, and at this point we, as churches and Christians, cannot avoid the discussion about condoms. According to my point of view, there is no alternative than to advise those unwilling or unable people always to consistently and correctly use condoms, while at the same tune we should encourage them to change their behaviour.

One of the greatest problems to introducing the proposed guidelines is certainly the widespread difficulty there is to talk about sexual matters. This is something that we have to overcome in order to save people from dying, and to lead them into real loving relationships.
Missiology as Global Conversation
Authors: Kim Kirsteen
Published: March 2009

The United College of the Ascension (UCA) is continuing the tradition of Selly Oak, Birmingham, UK, where UCA is situated and where mission education and training has been taking place in an ecumenical setting since 1912. The college, which is sponsored by the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (Anglican) and the Methodist Church of Great Britain, works in close cooperation with the University of Birmingham, and particularly its Centre for Missiology and World Christianity. The UCA Mission Programme (UCAMP) is an imaginative and flexible programme of mission preparation, reflection and exposure for people crossing boundaries in mission in different directions. Such people include the missionaries and mission partners of a number of different organizations, clergy on sabbatical, those called from overseas to ministry and mission in the UK, and scholarship holders and visiting fellows invited as a result of partnership links with churches worldwide. Utilizing the varied mission experiences participants represent, and the international nature of the college community, mission studied at UCA have evolved to become a global conversation of (contextual) theologies. UCAMP is structured around a core course of biblical and theological studies, the history of mission, cross‐cultural communications, social and global studies, and religious studies. UCAMP also includes personal and professional development, and the opportunity to tailor programmes to vocational and personal interest by drawing on the rich resources of UCA, Selly Oak and the multi‐cultural city of Birmingham. UCAMP provides an up‐to‐date model of mission education and training for the 21st century.
WE CAN EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM GOD: THE RELATION BETWEEN FAITH AND HEALING
Authors: Jakob Beate
Published: March 2009

As signs of the eschatological breaking in of the kingdom, of God, the healing of physical and psychological diseases was an essential part of Jesus Christ's mission. Through Jesus people came into contact with the healing power of God that healed them with regard to different dimensions of their lived. Jesus charged and empowered his disciples to preach the kingdom of God and to heal. Whereas the apostles and the early church continued to heal, Jesus' command to heal wad neglected over the centuries. Yet, in the 19th and 20th centuries, the churches rediscovered their specific task in the field of healing, and the connection between faith and healing was pointed out by epidemiological studies.

During consultations in Ghana and in Chile, members of Pentecostal, charismatic and historical churches affirmed their conviction that the Holy Spirit is acting in reconciling and healing today, and they agreed on an extended definition of health and healing. All healing comes from God, but there are different approaches to health and healing. Today, Christians often do not expect God to heal them and Christian communities face many obstacles on their way to becoming healing communities.

Personal experiences in Ghana and in Chile are given as examples of healing communities.

At the beginning of the third millennium, the traditional churches in Europe are losing members, whereas new religious movements outside the main churches are growing. There is some evidence that people are attracted by these movements because in them the healing power of faith is visible and can be experienced. Therefore, healing is essential for Christian mission today.
PENTECOSTALS, HEALING AND ECUMENISM
Authors: Anderson Allan
Published: March 2009

The significant Pentecostal participation in the recent (2002‐3) conferences on faith and healing in Ghana and Chile is placed within the historical context of Pentecostal ecumenical involvement throughout the history of Pentecostalism. Pentecostals have dialogued and cooperated with‐the ecumenical movement, with whom there has sometimes been an uneasy (and even hostile) relationship. However, Pentecostalism has not lived up to the high ecumenical ideals of its founders. Real ecumenism is defined by the unity of all Christians, and Pentecostalism's tendency to exclusivism and divisiveness on the one hand, and the World Council of Churches' (WCC) reluctance to involve them on the other have impoverished the global church. These problems have been exacerbated by Pentecostal identification with “conservative” evangelicalism and by the ostracism of those Pentecostal) who have participated in the ecumenical movement. Yet, the Charismatic movement since the 1960s, and an increasing number of joint dialogical conferences have weakened the polarisation.

The subject of healing, particularly that of “divine healing” of physical illness, has always been central to Pentecostal beliefs and practices, but it is one where there are at least as many questions as answers. This was reflected in the consultations. The differences were surprisingly few, and both Pentecostal and older church representatives expressed serious concerns regarding the practices of dome Charismatic “healers”. The WCC, which historically has tended to concentrate on medical missions, has long recognized the importance of Pentecostalism to the subject of healing. This was especially true in the South, where healing is far more important to the Christian community than it is in the North. In the Accra consultation, this was illustrated by the exposure visits undertaken by participants to healing and “deliverance” centres, and the case studies presented of healing practitioners.