bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Venous Malformations with Phleboliths: Radiological-Pathological Correlation
Authors: Chava Venkateswara Rao , Shankar Ashwini Naveen , Vemanna Naveen Shankar , Cholleti Sudheer Kumar
Published: February 2014

Vascular malformations are congenital lesions that are present at birth and do not regress. However, they often present later in life. They are subdivided into two categories: (1) slow- or low-flow and (2) fast- or high-flow malformations. Low-flow malformations contain combinations of capillary, venous, and lymphatic components. Venous malformations can occur anywhere in the body, but are most frequently seen in the head and neck (40%). These lesions present in a variety of ways, from a vague blue patch to a soft blue mass, which may be single isolated or may occur in multiple areas. Treatment depends on the type of lesion, the location, degree of involvement, and the clinical symptoms. Here we are report the imaging and histopathologic findings in a patient with multiple venous malformations affecting the left side of the face and trunk.
Fast reconstruction of hyperspectral radiative transfer simulations by using small spectral subsets: application to the oxygen A band
Authors: Hollstein A. , Lindstrot R.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Hyperspectral radiative transfer simulations are a versatile tool in remote sensing but can pose a major computational burden. We describe a simple method to construct hyperspectral simulation results by using only a small spectral subsample of the simulated wavelength range, thus leading to major speedups in such simulations. This is achieved by computing principal components for a small number of representative hyperspectral spectra and then deriving a reconstruction matrix for a specific spectral subset of channels to compute the hyperspectral data. The method is applied and discussed in detail using the example of top-of-atmosphere radiances in the oxygen A band, leading to speedups in the range of one to two orders of magnitude when compared to radiative transfer simulations at full spectral resolution.
Configuración productiva y territorial de la fuerza de trabajo que labora en la industria electrónica de la región metropolitana Guadalajara, 2007-2012
Authors: Parra Ruiz José María , Gámez Frias Emilia
Published: February 2014

En el actual entorno de crisis socio-económica internacional (2007-2012), el sector industrial de la región metro­politana Guadalajara (RMG) experimenta una consistente pérdida en los niveles de ocupación de la fuerza de trabajo. Frente a este adverso escenario, resulta de nuestro interés conocer y explicar cuál es el estado que guarda la fuerza de trabajo que labora en la industria de la electrónica localizada en dicha porción territorial, toda vez que en el último cuarto de siglo su ac­tividad se revela como de la mayor importancia en el mercado externo y en la generación de empleo a escala regional. Con el propósito de ofrecer una respuesta a dicho interés, pretendemos analizar la configuración productiva y territorial de la fuerza de trabajo empleada en la industria de la electrónica. Para cumplir con dicho propósito, se proporciona evidencia empírica sobre el desempeño que la fuerza de trabajo, permanente y temporal, experimenta en el espacio regional e intrarregional, así como en la industria de la electrónica en su conjunto y en cada una de las siete ramas productivas que la conforman. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pdac.v9i0.1308 Revista Población y Desarrollo: Argonautas y Caminantes Vol.9 2013: 79-89
Justification from Fictional Narratives
Authors: Repp Charles
Published: February 2014

Philosophers generally accept that sound arguments or strong empirical evidence for a proposition can provide some justification for believing it. Can make-believe stories do the same? In this paper, I examine an argument that denies that they can, and I assess one popular response to this argument, which seeks to assimilate fictional narratives such as novels and plays to thought experiments. I argue that this analogy helps explain how fictional narratives can justify propositions at what I call the "micro" level but not at the "macro" level, where other factors such as thematic coherence and the intellectual character of the author typically come into play.
Dewey’s Deconstructive Hermeneutic: Contra the Phenomenology and Morphology of Aesthetic-Mystical Experience Statically Conceived
Authors: Aisemberg Gregory
Published: February 2014

In this paper, I explore how John Dewey, through an application of his antiessentialist empirical naturalism, deconstructs the essentialist phenomenology of stasis as the dialectical development of preconceived notions constructed without any reference to aesthetic-mystical experience as it is lived. I endeavor to show that the only empirically justified phenomenological characterization of aesthetic-mystical experience for Dewey is that it is an intensified development of the traits and conditions belonging to every normally completed experience: what Dewey calls "an experience," whose dynamic growing form has run its course to fulfillment. I do so by drawing attention to the "principle of continuity" implicit in Dewey’s situational field theory of experience, which is a function of the unity of the habitual body that preobjectively confers sense, meaning, and temporal continuity to every passing moment. I contend that, on the basis of this principle, Dewey rejects the notion of aesthetic-mystical experience as something instantaneously had. Beauty for Dewey is not a "simultaneous perception" whose ex nihilo emergence is absolutely divorced from any association with past and future. I show that, due to the unity of habit and the principle of continuity, Dewey holds that there must be dynamic temporal direction and thickness to the experience.
H-Sang Seung: Design Is Not Design
Authors: Botz-Bornstein Thorsten
Published: February 2014

The Korean architect H-Sang Seung derives architectural necessities from two sources: the Korean tradition and the imperatives of territorial qualities he calls "landscripts." The latter can be traced back to the Korean tradition of geomancy, which has consequences for the definition of design. Seung and his organizing team of the Gwangju Design Biennale 2011 express the necessity to rethink the definition of design by launching the paradoxical theme "Design is design is not design" (dogadobisangdo). A design process considering "landscript" disengages the notion of landscape from its strict association with earth and interprets it in terms of urban development. With his concept of landscript, Seung goes beyond the "naturalistic interpretation of the traces in the landscape" and considers "the social and political history that has shaped and inscribed these practices into that landscape." In the article, I interpret Seung’s "landscript" based concept of design through Heidegger’s concept of "Gestell" (project) as well as through the Chinese notion of wen, which means pattern, structure, writing, and literature in Chinese. In Chinese history, wen is a "pattern of interrelating structures that emerge out of concrete situations and reflexively organize and regulate human life in the world."
In Defense of the Pig
Authors: Sapontzis Steve F.
Published: February 2014

Mill proclaimed that it is better to be a dissatisfied human than a satisfied pig because of the superior quality of human experience. Contemporary utilitarians share this commitment of our species to the superior value of normal human life, though they base this on the greater richness of such life. This article challenges that defense of this commitment on empirical, conceptual, and epistemic grounds. How do we measure the richness of a life? And who determines the value of a life? Conclusion: Utilitarianism is to be commended for its inability to justify our confidence in the superiority of human life.
Brain-Damaged Babies and Brain-Damaged Kittens: A Reexamination of the Argument From Marginal Cases
Authors: Foreman Elizabeth
Published: February 2014

Given the existence of "marginal human cases," it is often argued that we must either acknowledge that some human beings have lower moral status than some nonhuman animals or commit to the idea that moral status is held by humans qua humans. In this article, the moves available on both sides are shown to be unsatisfactory, and a conception of moral status that avoids both of the standard positions is suggested. Ultimately, it is argued that the discussion of moral status is confused when marginal human cases are seen as posing a unique, rather than a general, theoretical problem.
The Morality of the Reptile "Pet" Trade
Authors: Warwick Clifford
Published: February 2014

The trade in, and private keeping of, reptiles as "pets" raises several ethical concerns regarding animal welfare (associated with handling, storage, transportation, intensive captive breeding, captivity stress, injury, disease, and high premature mortality); public health and safety (associated with zoonotic disease and animal-linked injuries); species conservation and environmental degradation (associated with wild capture); and ecological alteration (associated with invasive alien species). Also, many captive reptiles are fed other animals, raising broader ethical questions. Misperceptions about reptiles by proponents of their captivity mean that these animals are subject to conditions that would likely be considered unacceptable for dogs or cats.
Speciesism, Painism, and Morality
Authors: Sapontzis Steve F.
Published: February 2014

This article is a critical review of Richard Ryder’s recent book, Speciesism, Painism and Happiness: A Morality for the Twenty-First Century. There are brief summaries of Ryder’s positions on the moral significance of happiness, the meaning of "speciesism," the moral theory he calls "painism," and his criticisms of democracy and the moral importance of death. Though sympathetic with Ryder’s overall project, the reviewer questions whether Ryder has discovered the essence of morality, the prejudice of speciesism, a more coherent and workable morality, a fault with democracy, and the moral value of death.
A STANDARD GERMINATION TEST FOR DOUGLAS FIR SEED
Authors: Allen George S.
Published: February 2014

Seed of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga taxifolia (Lamb.) Britt.) is often difficult to test for germination capacity. Complete and rapid germination can be obtained from seed which has been stratified for six to ten weeks in moist sand at a temperature just above the freezing point. This method is suggested as a standard technique for testing Douglas fir seed.
DOMINANT HEIGHT AND AVERAGE DIAMETER AS A MEASURE OF SITE
Authors: Parker H. A.
Published: February 2014

Dominant height correlated with age has been much used as a measure of site. Dominant height correlated with density as well as with age is better in the case of even-aged stands. For such stands, average diameter—given the same treatment—yields similar results; diameter tallies, as taken on line-plot surveys, provide data for site determination.
POPULATION STUDIES OF THE EUROPEAN SPRUCE SAWFLY (Gilpinia hercyniae Htg.) IN QUEBEC
Authors: Martineau R.
Published: February 2014

The author devoted three summers in the field to a study of the population of the European Spruce Sawfly in Quebec using the large sample plot method. His findings indicated:(a) that the depth of the humus affected the emergence of the adult from the cocoon;(b) that sunlight encourages emergence;(c) that humidity increases emergence and reduces mortality;(d) that small mammals constitute a more important control agent of the insect, at the present time, than parasites; and,(c) defoliation by the insect results in a marked decline in growth rate.
What are the Environmental Consequences of Using Silviculturally Effective Forest Vegetation Management Treatments?
Authors: Swift Kathie , Bell F. Wayne
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we present examples of stand-level consequences of using forest vegetation management treatments in boreal and temperate forest ecosystems in Canada. Specifically, we address several selected indicators: air and water quality, soils and nutrients, plant diversity, and wildlife habitat. For each of these, we discuss direct and indirect effects of five broad categories of treatments: (1) silviculture and harvesting systems and (2) physical, (3) thermal, (4) cultural, and (5) chemical/biological treatments. Our emphasis is on forest vegetation management treatments that are currently used in Canada to manage conifers. By applying regulations and best management practices, conducting landscape-level analyses and developing longer-term monitoring programs resource managers can minimize the effects of FVM treatments on the environmental indicators presented in this paper.
Monitoring and Understanding Mammal Assemblages: Experiences From Bending Lake, Fallingsnow, and Tom Hill
Authors: McLaren Brian , Emslie Kyle , Honsberger Terry , McCready Tim , Bell F. Wayne , Foster Robert
Published: February 2014

We monitored mammal assemblages in treatment areas in three studies, two involving competition control (with live capture) in Ontario and one involving commercial thinning (with snow tracking) in Alberta. Abundant and opportunistic species were relatively unaffected by treatments, while species preferring open habitats or a dense shrub layer thrived in herbicide-treated and thinned areas, respectively. A few populations declined, but returned to levels in reference areas within two years of treatment. Most populations fluctuated both seasonally and annually, making other trends difficult to detect. We discuss several issues related to using a broadcast approach to mammal monitoring, including design improvements, with a view towards better future decisions in an adaptive management framework.
Differences in Extrinsic Tree Quality and Value of Fibre Production Following Alternative Vegetation Management Treatments in Northwestern Ontario
Authors: Homagain Krish , Shahi Chander , Leitch Mathew , Luckai Nancy , Wayne Bell F.
Published: February 2014

We examined differences in stem quality, and volume and value of fibre produced by planted white spruce 16 years after vegetation management treatments in northwestern Ontario. Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVSOntario) was used to project the total and merchantable volume to age 70 and BUCK-2 was used to optimize the resulting product mix. Projected value was based on 2009 prices for hog fuel, pulpwood and SPF (spruce–pine–fir) eastern green lumber prices. At 16 years posttreatment, gross total volumes in herbicide-treated and mechanically cut plots were significantly higher (120%–165% and 94%–98%, respectively) than that in control plots (14.73 m3 ha-1). Based on height, diameter, and taper criteria, observed tree quality did not differ among treatments. The projected value of the fibre produced was 36% to 53% higher in herbicide- treated plots and 24% to 37% higher in mechanically cut plots than in control plots ($18 486.76 per ha).
Le potentiel de la biomasse forestière comme source d’énergie pour le Canada
Authors: Paré David , Bernier Pierre , Thiffault Evelyne , Titus Brian
Published: February 2014

There is a growing interest in using forest biomass as an energy source. The main objectives of this paper are to give some figures and perspectives on Canadian forest biomass supply with respect to Canada's energy demand and to examine the potential of using this feedstock for reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Published estimates of forest biomass supply as harvest residues are reported and discussed. The range of estimates listed here indicates that this source of energy is important but that it is still a fraction of our energy demands. The potential of using this biomass to reduce our GHG emissions is strongly dependent, among other factors, on the technological pathways that are used, with direct heat production and combined heat and power (CHP) ranking amongst the best options available. The relative scarcity of the resource behooves us to use it efficiently.
Climate change adaptation and sustainable forest management: A proposed reflexive research agenda
Authors: Klenk Nicole , Adams Bruce , Bull Gary , Innes John , Cohen Stewart , Larson Bruce
Published: February 2014

This article is a synthesis of the salient topics discussed in the Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Workshop, held at the University of British Columbia, February 14–16, 2011, and lays out a research agenda based on the recommendations for future research that emerged in the workshop. The proposed research agenda is framed using the theory of reflexive modernization to enable the forest research community to consider how different modes of knowledge production can support adaptation within SFM. The workshop discussions highlighted the importance of considering extreme events and high uncertainty in planning for adaptation within SFM. Participants discussed the utility of climate change modeling and risk assessment for local decision-making. In addition, there was general agreement that adaptive collaborative management could facilitate adaptation within SFM, despite difficulties in implementation. The recommendations for future research that emerged from the workshop focused on climate change-related assessments, modeling techniques, and governance and institutional enablers/barriers to adaptation. This broad research agenda, however, can be approached using different modes of knowledge production, illustrating different orders of reflexivity. Apart from a call for more traditional academic research to improve SFM under climate change, workshop participants referred to the need for participatory research, in which researchers would be embedded in communities and other contexts of application, engaging in a “client-focused” partnership model to produce knowledge that is robust, compelling, legitimate and, above all, locally relevant. It is hoped that this alternative mode of knowledge production would result in a social license and greater political will to accelerate adaptation within SFM.
Assessing the implications of a carbon market for boreal forest management
Authors: Elgie Stewart , R. Mccarney Geoffrey , L. Adamowicz Wiktor
Published: February 2014

Canada's forests —particularly the boreal—are a major storehouse of carbon. How they are managed could significantly affect Canada's greenhouse gas emissions while also presenting a new revenue source for forest managers. This study attempts to assess how a carbon price could affect forest management, particularly in Canada's boreal plains region. An integrated modelling approach is developed to incorporate both forest carbon and timber supply considerations within an optimal management framework. This modelling approach allows for consideration of alternative market and regula tory scenarios, along with a range of possible management intensity and harvest scheduling options over the landscape. The overall conclusion is that carbon incentives will increase the value of the boreal forest—potentially quite signifi cantly— and will generally encourage management changes consistent with sustainable forest management practices.
Timing and duration of herbaceous vegetation control in northern conifer plantations: 15th-year tree growth and soil nutrient effects
Authors: Hoepting M.K. , Wagner R.G. , McLaughlin J. , Pitt D.G.
Published: February 2014

A 15-year re-measurement of a study designed to identify the optimum timing and duration of herbaceous vegetation control in plantations of four commercial conifer species was completed in northern Ontario. Few differences were revealed in conifer growth when contrasting early and delayed timing of vegetation control. Conversely, each conifer species responded positively to increased duration of vegetation control, with stand volume gains of up to 209% achieved with four to five years of vegetation control following planting. Compared to earlier assessments, the timing of vegetation control appeared less important than duration. Diminishing returns in the fastest-growing species (jack pine [Pinus banksiana Lamb.] and red pine [Pinus resinosa Ait.]) are consistent with intraspecific competition related to the onset of crown closure in these stands. Quantification of a suite of soil nutrient pools along the gradient of increased duration of vegetation control indicated that the more intensive levels of vegetation control did not adversely affect the assessed soil nutrient pools in red pine or jack pine, but a cautionary approach should be considered for white pine (Pinus strobus L.) and black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP), where some declines were evident. Vegetation control for two to three years following planting should maximize early conifer growth potential without adverse longer-term effects on soil nutrient pools.
Intensive forest biomass harvesting and biodiversity in Canada: A summary of relevant issues
Authors: Berch Shannon , Morris Dave , Malcolm Jay
Published: February 2014

Increasing interest in renewable fuels inspired a three-day workshop in Toronto in February 2008, entitled: The Scientific Foundation for Sustainable Forest Biomass Harvesting Guidelines and Policy. In this paper, we summarized the biodiversity-focused content of the workshop, including potential implications of intensification of biomass removal on biodiversity, knowledge gaps identified by workshop participants, and implications for policy development. Woody debris represents an important habitat resource for a wide variety of forest organisms, and the presence and continued supply of fresh to highly decayed dead wood represents a key concern in managed forest systems. A key challenge in sustainable forests management is to determine to what extent biomass harvests can increase fibre use while sustaining biodiversity, its functions, and the broad suite of ecosystem services that it provides. For knowledge-based planning and policy development, researchers must provide complex information to policy-makers and forest managers in a clear, effective way. In particular, full life-cycle analysis of intensive forest biomass harvesting taking into account environmental consequences is needed to inform sound evidence-based policy and decision-making. In the absence of complete scientific information, forest managers and decision-makers are well-advised to proceed with caution within a well-developed adaptive management framework.
Growth and yield comparisons for red pine, white spruce and black spruce plantations in northwestern Ontario
Authors: Homagain Krish , Shahi Chander , Carmean Willard , Leitch Mathew , Bowling Colin
Published: February 2014

Intensive forest management for wood production requires that we identify our most productive forest lands as well as the most productive and most commercially valuable tree species that should be managed on these lands. The Thunder Bay Spacing Trial established in 1950 provides growth and yield comparisons on a productive site for red pine, white spruce, and black spruce. Our analysis based on six remeasurements from 1983 to 2007 show that red pine has produced more than twice the volume of white spruce and about three times the volume of black spruce. The greater volume for red pine in comparison to the spruces is attributed to taller trees, larger average diameters and more basal area.
Shock persistence in Canada's forest products markets
Authors: Niquidet Kurt , Sun Lili
Published: February 2014

The forest products sector continues to be a major contributor to many regional economies within Canada. Traditional markets for these products have been subjected to several unexpected shifts. How long are the impacts of these economic shocks likely to persist? In this paper, price persistence was calculated by two measures for Canada's major forest products. The first measure uses an autoregressive time series model to estimate the average half-life of shocks, whereas the second measure is based on a non-parametric variance ratio statistic, which isolates the fraction of shocks that are expected to have lasting effects. The results reveal that for most forest products, price shocks are largely transitory in nature, eventually dying out, but the process often takes several years and can have some permanent impacts.
Portrait préindustriel dans un contexte de grande variabilité naturelle: une étude de cas dans le centre du Québec (Canada)
Authors: Alvarez Eric , Bélanger Louis , Archambault Louis , Raulier Frédéric
Published: February 2014

Pre-industrial forest cover portrait is a recognized method for establishing the bases of sustainable forest management. However, it is a spatially and temporally dependant concept that should be used with caution in presence of big fires. The objective of the study was to portray the pre-industrial landscape in a mixedwood temperate forest in central Quebec at different spatial scales. The study was based on archival records from a forest company. The pre-industrial forest cover landscape of our study area was mainly composed of mature or old-growth (>100 years) stands and dominated by mixedwood forest stands with intolerant hardwoods. The main tree species were white birch, black spruce and jack pine, three species associated to forest succession after fire in the boreal forest. Considering the great variability caused by the fires and partial knowledge of this variability, for each spatial scale considered, we propose some management targets based on the main pre-industrial characteristics of this forest. To respect the pre-industrial variability, our study suggested that silviculture should be adapted at different landscape scales. Cover types and age class targets should be based on main preindustrial characteristics at each landscape scale analyzed.
Forest carbon management and carbon trading: A review of Canadian forest options for climate change mitigation
Authors: Golden Denise , Smith M.A. , Colombo Stephen
Published: February 2014

Forests have significant potential to mitigate climate change. Canada has 30% of the world's boreal forests. The ratification of the Kyoto Protocol commoditized carbon (C) on an international scale. To achieve Canada's emission reduction targets and mitigate climate change, the potential of forest C offset projects and forest C trading is being evaluated. Carbon trading and forest C management have economic and policy implications and potential trade-offs in other forest management objectives. We discuss how forest C management and trading can contribute to global efforts for atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions reduction through either utilization and/or conservation strategies.
Influence of herbaceous and woody competition on white pine regeneration in a uniform shelterwood
Authors: Pitt Douglas , Morneault Andrée , Parker William , Lanteigne Len , Hoepting Michael , Stinson Al
Published: February 2014

We investigated the effects of herbaceous and woody vegetation control on the survival and growth of planted and natural eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) seedlings through six growing seasons following a uniform shelterwood regeneration harvest on two independent sites. Subsequent to chain scarification, white pine seedlings were planted at 2-m spacing, augmenting natural regeneration (full stocking and >3000 seedlings per ha). Herbaceous vegetation control involved the suppression of grasses, forbs, ferns, and low shrubs, and was maintained for zero, two, or four growing seasons after planting. Woody control involved the removal of all tall shrubs and deciduous trees, and was conducted at the time of planting, at the end of the second or fifth growing seasons, or not at all. White pine seedling growth responded positively to increased duration of herbaceous vegetation control and negatively to delayed woody control. Maximum growth was not realized unless both types of vegetation were suppressed. During the first six growing seasons, the height growth of planted pine was more than twice that of naturally regenerating pine, regardless of tending regime. The study suggests that successful white pine regeneration may be achieved by thinning from below to allow 50% to 60% of full sunlight in the understory, followed by the proactive, early suppression of woody and herbaceous vegetation to maintain optimum light levels and reduce competition for soil moisture and nutrients.
Why we disagree about assisted migration: Ethical implications of a key debate regarding the future of Canada's forests
Authors: Aubin I. , Garbe C.M. , Colombo S. , Drever C.R. , McKenney D.W. , Messier C. , Pedlar J. , Saner M.A. , Venier L. , Wellstead A.M. , Winder R. , Witten E. , Ste-Marie C.
Published: February 2014

Assisted migration has been proposed as one tool to reduce some of the negative ecological consequences of climate change. The idea is to move species to locations that could better suit them climatically in the future. Although humanmediated movements are not a recent phenomenon, assisted migration has lately been the source of debate, in particular within conservation biology circles. In this paper, we outline the major perspectives that help define differing views on assisted migration and shed some light on the ethical roots of the debate in the context of Canadian forests. We emphasize that there are many different forms of assisted migration, each responding to different (often unstated) objectives and involving unique risks and benefits, thus making the debate more nuanced than often portrayed. We point out certain seeming contradictions whereby the same argument may be used to both support and oppose assisted migration. The current debate on assisted migration primarily focuses on ecological risks and benefits; however, numerous uncertainties reduce our capacity to quantitatively assess these outcomes. In fact, much of the debate can be traced back to fundamental perspectives on nature, particularly to the ethical question of whether to deliberately manage natural systems or allow them to adapt on their own. To facilitate discussion, we suggest that the focus should move towards a clearer identification of values and objectives for assisted migration.
The implementation of assisted migrationin Canadian forests
Authors: Pedlar John , McKenney Daniel , Beaulieu Jean , Colombo Stephen , McLachlan Jason , O'Neill Gregory
Published: February 2014

We outline the major steps involved in implementing assisted migration (AM) and assess, in a general way, the capacity to carry out each step in Canadian forests. Our findings highlight the fact that capacity to implement AM differs between forest species; in particular, the existence of established provenance trials, seed transfer guidelines, seed procurement systems, and plantation establishment protocols makes AM considerably more feasible for most commercial tree species than for most species of conservation concern. We report on several AM efforts involving commercial tree species that are already underway in Canada and identify a number of initiatives that could be undertaken to help build AM capacity. This paper is not intended as an endorsement of the AM approach; however, we feel there is considerable value in discussing implementation issues at this point in the AM debate.
Development of height to crown base models for thirteen tree species of the North American Acadian Region
Authors: Rijal Baburam , Weiskittel Aaron R. , Kershaw John A.
Published: February 2014

Height to live crown base (HCB) is an important input variable for several growth and yield models. Since HCB is rarely measured in the field, it is often predicted using static models. Instead of predicting HCB, the Forest Vegetation Simulator Northeastern Variant (FVS-NE) uses an equation that predicts crown ratio (CR), which has not been well validated. The main goal of the present study was to construct a regional HCB model for thirteen selected tree species of the Acadian Region of North America. The specific objectives were to: 1) evaluate FVS-NE model predictions, 2) compare suitable model forms, and 3) assess influence of various covariates to improve predictions. We evaluated three model forms, namely Holdaway (1986), logistic, and exponential. The findings indicated that FVS-NE models were significantly biased for all species as the overall mean bias and root mean square error (RMSE) were 0.11 m and 1.80 m, respectively. A logistic equation with size (diameter at breast height [DBH], total height [HT] and ratio of DBH to HT), and competition (crown competition factor [CCF] and basal area larger than subject tree [BAL]) gave the best predictions for all species in this analysis. This model had an overall mean bias <0.01 m and an RMSE of 1.59 m, which represents a significant improvement in predictions compared to FVS-NE. Despite the range of species and observed variation in the data, the equations worked well and can be easily calibrated to new stands with a few local observations.
Understanding rarity: A review of recent conceptual advances and implications for conservation of rare species
Authors: Ronnie Drever C. , C. Drever Mark , J.H. Sleep Darren
Published: February 2014

Rare species carry a connotation of uniqueness, of being especially valuable, and of heightened extinction risk. We review the literature regarding rare species and link rarity and risk concepts to jurisdictional rarity and how to allocate conservation efforts to rare species gone long undetected. Conservation actions for rare species should be prioritized based on best available information of population trends and thresholds of minimum viable population or geographic range size. For species rare in some geopolitical jurisdictions but common elsewhere, we recommend prioritizing conservation action by assessing beyond jurisdictional boundaries to assess stewardship responsibility relative to the global distribution and at-risk status of the species in question. For making the thorny decision about when to stop managing or monitoring a long-undetected rare species, it may be optimal to continue conservation efforts for a long time, especially if the species has considerable social, economic or ecological value. Recent advances based on theories of optimality provide a replicable and transparent process upon which these decisions can be based.
Graphical aids for visualizing Byram's fireline intensity in relation to flame length and crown scorch height
Authors: E. Alexander Martin , G. Cruz Miguel
Published: February 2014

Summary graphs depicting 20 individual flame length–fire intensity relationships grouped by four different fuel complex types or settings (forest, grassland, shrubland, and laboratory) and 12 individual fireline intensity–crown scorch height relationships for two broad forest stand types (conifer- and eucalypt-dominated) are presented. Users will find these quick reference visual aids of value in a wide variety of fire management applications.
From Rio to Rwanda: Impacts of the IMFN over the past 20 years
Authors: Bonnell Brian , de Camino Ronnie , Diaw Chimère , Johnston Mark , Majewski Przemyslaw , Montejo Isabelo , Segur Miguel , Svensson Johan
Published: February 2014

2012 represents the 20th anniversary of the Model Forest concept and the International Model Forest Network (IMFN). Since it was announced at UNCED in 1992, the network has grown to almost 60 Model Forests in 25 countries covering over 100 million hectares. Model Forests have been involved in a wide range of activities in support of sustainable natural resource management. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the context within which the Model Forest concept emerged in the early 1990s, describe the Model Forest approach and the IMFN, highlight the evolution of the regional Model Forest networks, and provide a few examples of the impacts of the IMFN and Model Forests over the past 20 years.
Stakeholder identification and analysis for adaptive governance in the Kovdozersky Model Forest, Russian Federation
Authors: Elbakidze Marine , Angelstam Per , Axelsson Robert
Published: February 2014

The Model Forest is a concept developed to facilitate implementation of sustainable forest management (SFM). The key functions of a Model Forest are to develop innovations and test new ideas related to SFM, driven by the needs, interests and challenges of Model Forest stakeholders and local communities. Russia is an important global actor when it comes to the boreal forest biome and forestry, but also has several challenges related to development of adaptive governance and the introduction of SFM. The purpose of this study is to identify landscape stakeholders—their values, needs and interests— in order to develop and adapt the governance of forest landscapes in the Kovdozersky Model Forest. The location of the Kovdozersky Model Forest in the Barents region presents opportunities for learning between Nordic countries and Russia.
Calculating empirical best linear unbiased predictors (EBLUPs) for nonlinear mixed effects models in Excel/Solver
Authors: Nigh Gordon
Published: February 2014

Nonlinear mixed-effects models have become common in the forestry literature. Calibration of these models for a new subject (one not used in the fitting of the model) involves estimating the values of the of random-effects parameters. Estimators can be obtained by taking a Taylor-series expansion of the nonlinear model around the expected value or the conditional expectation of the random-effects parameters. The conditional expectation method requires an iterative technique to find the estimates, which can be a complicated programming exercise. This note describes a relatively easy way to do the calculations necessary for both the zero expansion and conditional expectation methods in Excel and demonstrates the procedure on a small example.
Hybrid poplar yields in Québec: Implications for a sustainable forest zoning management system
Authors: Fortier Julien , Truax Benoit , Gagnon Daniel , Lambert France
Published: February 2014

In the province of Québec, approximately 12 000 ha of fast-growing poplar plantations are managed by industrials, while small private landowners have planted only 1000 ha. Most of these poplar plantations are established on clearcut forest sites (approx. 11 000 ha). What are the yields of these hybrid poplar plantations? In this article, available yield data are presented and discussed in the context of a sustainable forest zoning management system. In southern Québec, three factors are highly correlated to yield for clones of various parentages: NO3supply rate in riparian soils, elevation (or climate) and soil P availability in abandoned farmland soils. Many Québec forest sites, particularly in the boreal shield ecozone, have acidic soils and harsh climate, with low mineralization rates. They generally cannot fulfill the very high nutrient requirements of hybrid poplars. Within a forest zoning management system, hybrid poplar plantations and agroforestry should be located in priority in southern Québec landscapes, with low remaining natural forest cover, and where intensive agriculture is the dominant land-use. This strategy will increase biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services. Elsewhere, intensive trembling aspen regeneration silviculture could be a sustainable alternative to forest conversion into hybrid poplar plantations.
Assisted migration: uncertainty, risk and opportunity
Authors: Park Andrew , Talbot Carolyn
Published: February 2014

The recent Forestry Chronicle special section on the subject of Assisted Migration (AM) did a great service to the Canadian forestry community by summarizing the risks, opportunities and ecological aspects of this forest management strategy. In this paper, we expand on some aspects of AM that were discussed in the special section, as well as discussing additional dimensions of AM that should be considered and debated. We expand on the theme of scientific uncertainties around future warming, emphasizing the full extent of uncertainty in estimates of climate sensitivity. We also expand upon and summarize a number of recent ecophysiological results that have implications for the adaptation and acclimation of trees to climate change. We also discuss opportunities for innovative forest management, the influence of economic trends on the future of the Canadian forest industry, and limitations on public knowledge of climate change, all of which are factors that will influence the feasibility of AM schemes in the future.
Did the 1976–77 switch in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation make white spruce in the southwest Yukon more susceptible to spruce bark beetle?
Authors: Chavardès Raphaël D. , Daniels Lori D. , Waeber Patrick O. , Innes John L. , Nitschke Craig R.
Published: February 2014

We applied dendrochronology to quantify the effects of climatic variation on white spruce radial growth in southwest Yukon, Canada. Local climate is cold and dry, thus tree growth was primarily limited by moisture, rather than temperature, although the mechanisms varied through time. Regionally, both temperature and precipitation increased in recent decades, in part due to the shift from the negative to positive phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Climate projections for this region include further increases in temperature and precipitation. Such changes may benefit white spruce growth and disturbance agents like the spruce bark beetle; however, specific impacts will depend on the seasonality and magnitude of climatic changes.
Community forest organizations and adaptation to climate change in British Columbia
Authors: Furness Ella , Nelson Harry
Published: February 2014

The effects of climate change in many regions are expected to be significant, and likely to have a detrimental effect on the health of forests and the communities that often depend on those forests. At the same time climate change presents a challenge as it requires changes in both forest management, and the institutions and policies developed that govern forest management. In this paper, we report on a study assessing how Community Forests Organizations (CFOs) in British Columbia (BC), which were developed to manage forests according to the needs and desires of local communities and First Nations, are approaching climate change and whether or not they are responding to, or preparing for, its impacts. There are practical steps that CFOs can take to improve their ability to cope with future conditions such as planting a wider variety of species, practising different silvicultural techniques and increasing monitoring and observation of the forest. This paper gives an overview of what current capabilities exist in CFOs and suggests potential areas for targeted development.
A case study of smallholder eucalyptus plantation silviculture in Eastern Paraguay
Authors: Grossman Jake J.
Published: February 2014

Smallholder eucalyptus (Eucalyptus species) plantation forestry is common among rural farmers in Eastern Paraguay. Yet there has been no systematic study of the silvicultural practices utilized by smallholder plantation owners in the region. In response, I conducted a case study of semi-structured interviews with 45 eucalyptus-owning smallholders. My study characterizes the households that have adopted eucalyptus forestry and the management of these plantations. Silvicultural practices varied among households and, for some parameters, among regions. Improved extension efforts could enable eucalyptus plantation owners in the study population to improve production both for commercial sale and domestic use.
The potential of forest-derived bioenergy to contribute to China's future energy and transportation fuel requirements
Authors: Li Ling , Karatzos Sergios , Saddler Jack
Published: February 2014

Increasing concerns of oil security, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainability have encouraged nations to consider the contribution that agriculture/forestry for bioenergy (and biofuels in particular) could make as alternatives to current fossil-based energy and transportation fuels. Despite China's large population and geographical size, it has only relatively recently developed into a highly industrialized and energy-dependent economy. Coal is, and will remain, China's dominant energy source. However, over the last few years with China's growing middle class, increasing growth in production and sale of cars/trucks and a growing chemical based sector, oil and its derivatives are predicted to experience the fastest fossil fuel growth. China's ability to produce so-called “first-generation” or conventional biofuels from sugar, starch or vegetable oil based plants is very restricted because of “food vs. fuel” issues. Thus, biomass-based and forest-based biofuels, in particular, can form a medium-to-long-term solution that could contribute to China's national biofuels targets. Oilseed trees have been suggested as an initial forest-based biodiesel strategy with about 13 million ha of marginal land identified for possible plantation. It is also estimated that 17 million tonnes of cellulosic ethanol per annum could be derived from forest biomass that is currently available in China.
Reconstruction of fire history in Mexican tropical pines using tree rings
Authors: Cassell Brooke A. , Alvarado Ernesto
Published: February 2014

A dendropyrochronological study was conducted in pine-dominated forest in the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve located in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range in Mexico. Tropical pines present several difficulties for tree-ring research including missing, false and diffuse rings. This paper discusses the methods that were used to analyze tree rings in order to reconstruct fire history based on the dating of fire scars sampled from tropical pines.
Forest certification in Asia: The changing marketplace for value-added wood product manufacturers in China and Vietnam
Authors: Bowers Tait , Eastin Ivan , Ganguly Indroneil , Cao Jeff , Seol Mihyun
Published: February 2014

China and Vietnam have become two of the key wood manufacturers in Asia that export a large percentage of value-added wood products globally. As regulations and environmental awareness from countries that import these products increase, manufacturers have had to establish certification practices for continued accessibility to these markets. A study based on managerial interviews and a survey with over 800 wood product manufacturing operations in China and Vietnam asked questions on how forest certification had been implemented in their business practices and what challenge had come from the adoption of these standards. These responses were analyzed to determine the contributing factors to the commitment to certification. Comparisons between China and Vietnam were used to identify country-specific factors that may influence a company's decision to obtain forest certification for its operations. Survey respondents indicated that acquiring certified raw material supply, market awareness, and certification costs were found to be the major constraints encountered in adding certified products to their sales mix. Lack of a domestic supply of certified wood was also a problem that led to a heavy reliance on imported wood at additional costs to the bottom line. Results revealed significant differences among the two countries regarding their perceptions of the benefits of certification, but showed that market benefits were the leading driver to a company's commitment to certification.
Timber export taxes and trade between Russia and China: Development of the forestry sector in the Russian Far East
Authors: Simeone John
Published: February 2014

Russia contains almost one-quarter of the world's forests, exceeding the combined forest area of Brazil and Canada. There are significant obstacles to the development of a sustainable forestry sector in Russia including aging infrastructure, low processing capacity, poor transportation networks, poor financial and judicial institutional quality, and widespread corruption. In 2007, the Russian government announced an ad valorem export tax on unprocessed timber, or roundwood. By investigating the export tax in relation to Russia's timber trade with China, this paper explores the motivations and challenges behind Russia's desire to support a more robust domestic forest products sector.