bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revised temperature-dependent ozone absorption cross-section spectra (Bogumil et al.) measured with the SCIAMACHY satellite spectrometer
Authors: Chehade W. , Gorshelev V. , Serdyuchenko A. , Burrows J. P. , Weber M.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Absorption cross-section spectra for ozone and other trace gases had been measured using the Scanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) satellite instrument at relevant atmospheric conditions. The measured cross sections were relative cross sections and were converted to absolute values using published data. Using SCIAMACHY's FM cross sections as published by Bogumil et al. (2003) in the SCIAMACHY retrievals of total ozone leads to an overestimation in the total ozone by 5% compared to collocated GOME data. This work presents the procedures followed to correct the ozone cross-section data starting from original raw data (optical density spectra). The quality of the revised temperature-dependent ozone absorption cross sections is investigated over SCIAMACHY's entire spectral range. The revised data agree well within 3% with other published ozone cross sections and preserve the correct temperature dependence in the Hartley, Huggins, Chappuis and Wulf bands as displayed by the literature data. SCIAMACHY's total ozone columns retrieved using the revised cross-section data are shown to be within 1% compared to the ozone amounts retrieved routinely from SCIAMACHY, which uses Bogumil et al. (2003) data but adjusted with a scaling factor of 5.3% and a wavelength shift of 0.08 nm.
Evaluation of gridded Scanning ARM Cloud Radar reflectivity observations and vertical Doppler velocity retrievals
Authors: Lamer K. , Tatarevic A. , Jo I. , Kollias P.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The Scanning ARM Cloud Radars (SACR's) provide continuous atmospheric observations aspiring to capture the 3-D cloud-scale structure. Sampling clouds in 3-D is challenging due to their temporal-spatial scales, the need to sample the sky at high elevations and cloud radar limitations. Thus, a common scan strategy is to repetitively slice the atmosphere from horizon to horizon as clouds advect over the radar (Cross-Wind Range Height Indicator – CWRHI). Here, the processing and gridding of the SACR CW-RHI scans are presented. First, the SACR sample observations from the ARM Oklahoma (SGP) and Cape-Cod (PVC) sites are post-processed (detection mask, velocity de-aliasing and gaseous attenuation correction). The resulting radial Doppler moment fields are then mapped to Cartesian coordinates with time as one of the dimension. The Cartesian-gridded Doppler velocity fields are next decomposed into the horizontal wind velocity contribution and the vertical Doppler velocity component. For validation purposes, all gridded and retrieved fields are compared to collocated zenith pointing ARM cloud radar measurements. We consider that the SACR sensitivity loss with range, the cloud type observed and the research purpose should be considered in determining the gridded domain size. Our results also demonstrate that the gridded SACR observations resolve the main features of low and high stratiform clouds. It is established that the CW-RHI observations complemented with processing techniques could lead to robust 3-D clouds dynamical representations up to 25–30° off zenith. The proposed gridded products are expected to advance our understanding of 3-D cloud morphology, dynamics, anisotropy and lead to more realistic 3-D radiative transfer calculations.
Contribution to a bio-optical model for remote sensing of Lena River water
Authors: Örek H. , Doerffer R. , Röttgers R. , Boersma M. , Wiltshire K. H.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Bio-optical measurements and sampling were carried out in the delta of the Lena River (northern Siberia, Russia) between 26 June and 4 July 2011. The aim of this study was to determine the inherent optical properties of the Lena water, i.e., absorption, attenuation, and scattering coefficients, during the period of maximum runoff. This aimed to contribute to the development of a bio-optical model for use as the basis for optical remote sensing of coastal water of the Arctic. In this context the absorption by CDOM (colored dissolved organic matter) and particles, and the concentrations of total suspended matter, phytoplankton-pigments, and carbon were measured. CDOM was found to be the most dominant parameter affecting the optical properties of the river, with an absorption coefficient of 4.5–5 m−1 at 442 nm, which was almost four times higher than total particle absorption values at visible wavelength range. The wavelenght-dependence of absorption of the different water constituents was chracterized by determining the semi logarithmic spectral slope. Mean CDOM, and detritus slopes were 0.0149 nm−1(standard deviation (stdev) = 0.0003, n = 18), and 0.0057 nm−1 (stdev = 0.0017, n = 19), respectively, values which are typical for water bodies with high concentrations of dissolved and particulate carbon. Mean chlorophyll a and total suspended matter were 1.8 mg m−3 (stdev = 0.734 n = 18) and 31.9 g m−3 (stdev = 19.94, n = 27), respectively. DOC (dissolved organic carbon) was in the range 8–10 g m−3 and the total particulate carbon (PC) in the range 0.25–1.5 g m−3. The light penetration depth (Secchi disc depth) was in the range 30–90 cm and was highly correlated with the suspended matter concentration. The period of maximum river runoff in June was chosen to obtain bio-optical data when maximum water constituents are transported into the Laptev Sea. However, we are aware that more data from other seasons and other years need to be collected to establish a general bio-optical model of the Lena water and conclusively characterize the light climate with respect to primary production.
Climate-mediated spatiotemporal variability in the terrestrial productivity across Europe
Authors: Wu X. , Mahecha M. D. , Reichstein M. , Ciais P. , Wattenbach M. , Babst F. , Frank D. , Zang C.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Quantifying the interannual variability (IAV) of the terrestrial productivity and its sensitivity to climate is crucial for improving carbon budget predictions. However, the influence of climate and other mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal patterns of IAV of productivity are not well understood. In this study we investigated the spatiotemporal patterns of IAV of historical observations of crop yields, tree ring width, remote sensing retrievals of FAPAR and NDVI, and other variables relevant to the terrestrial productivity in Europe in tandem with a set of climate variables. Our results reveal distinct spatial patterns in the IAV of most variables linked to terrestrial productivity. In particular, we find higher IAV in water-limited regions of Europe (Mediterranean and temperate continental Europe) compared to other regions. Our results further indicate that variations in the water balance during active growing season exert a more pronounced and direct effect than variations of temperature on explaining the spatial patterns in IAV of productivity related variables in temperate Europe. We also observe a~temporally increasing trend in the IAV of terrestrial productivity and an increasing sensitivity of productivity to water availability in dry regions of Europe, which is likely attributable to the recently increased IAV of water availability in these regions. These findings suggest nonlinear responses of carbon fluxes to climate variability in Europe and that the IAV of terrestrial productivity has become more sensitive and more vulnerable to changes in water availability in the dry regions in Europe. The changing climate sensitivity of terrestrial productivity accompanied by the changing IAV of climate could impact carbon stocks and the net carbon balance of European ecosystems.
Measurements of total alkalinity and inorganic dissolved carbon in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent Southern Ocean between 2008 and 2010
Authors: Schuster U. , Watson A. J. , Bakker D. C. E. , de Boer A. M. , Jones E. M. , Lee G. A. , Legge O. , Louwerse A. , Riley J. , Scally S.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Water column dissolved inorganic carbon and total alkalinity were measured during five hydrographic sections in the Atlantic Ocean and Drake Passage. The work was funded through the Strategic Funding Initiative of the UK's Oceans2025 programme, which ran from 2007 to 2012. The aims of this programme were to establish the regional budgets of natural and anthropogenic carbon in the North Atlantic, the South Atlantic, and the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, as well as the rates of change of these budgets. This paper describes the dissolved inorganic carbon and total alkalinity data collected along east-west sections at 55–60° N (Arctic Gateway), 24.5° N, and 24° S in the Atlantic and across two Drake Passage sections. Other hydrographic and biogeochemical parameters were measured during these sections, yet are not covered in this paper. Over 95% of samples taken during the 24.5° N, 24° S, and the Drake Passage sections were analysed onboard and subjected to a 1st level quality control addressing technical and analytical issues. Samples taken during Arctic Gateway were analysed and subjected to quality control back in the laboratory. Complete post-cruise 2nd level quality control was performed using cross-over analysis with historical data in the vicinity of measurements, and data are available through the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC) and are included in the Global Ocean Data Analyses Project, version 2 (GLODAP 2).
Improving streamflow predictions at ungauged locations with real-time updating: application of an EnKF-based state-parameter estimation strategy
Authors: Xie X. , Meng S. , Liang S. , Yao Y.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The challenge of streamflow predictions at ungauged locations is primarily attributed to various uncertainties in hydrological modelling. Many studies have been devoted to addressing this issue. The similarity regionalization approach, a commonly used strategy, is usually limited by subjective selection of similarity measures. This paper presents an application of a portioned update scheme based on the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) to reduce the prediction uncertainties. This scheme performs real-time updating for states and parameters of a distributed hydrological model by assimilating gauged streamflow. The streamflow predictions are constrained by the physical rainfall-runoff processes defined in the distributed hydrological model and by the correlation information transferred from gauged to ungauged basins. This scheme is successfully demonstrated in a nested basin with real-world hydrological data where the subbasins have immediate upstream and downstream neighbours. The results suggest that the assimilated observed data from downstream neighbours have more important roles in reducing the streamflow prediction errors at ungauged locations. The real-time updated model parameters remain stable after short-period assimilation, while their estimation trajectories have slow variations, which may be attributable to climate and land surface changes. Although this real-time updating scheme is intended for streamflow predictions in nested basins, it can be a valuable tool in separate basins to improve hydrological predictions by assimilating multi-source datasets, e.g. ground-based and remote-sensing observations.
Impacts of climate variability on wetland salinization in the North American Prairies
Authors: Nachshon U. , Ireson A. , van der Kamp G. , Davies S. R. , Wheater H. S.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The glaciated plains of the North American continent, also known as the "prairies", are a complex hydrological system characterized by hummocky terrain, where wetlands, containing seasonal or semi-permanent ponds, occupy the numerous topographic depressions. The prairie subsoil and many of its water bodies contain high salt concentrations, in particular sulfate salts, which are continuously cycled within the closed drainage basins. The period between 2000 and 2012 was characterized by an unusual degree of climatic variability, including severe floods and droughts, and this had a marked effect on the spatial distribution, water levels and chemical composition of wetland ponds. Understanding the geochemical and hydrological processes under changing environmental conditions is needed in order to better understand the risk and mitigate the impacts of future soil and water salinization. Here we explore salt dynamics in the prairies using field observations from St. Denis, Saskatchewan, taken over the last 40 yr. Measurements include meteorological data, soil salinity, groundwater levels and pond water volume, salinity, and chemical composition. The record includes periods of exceptional snow (1997, 2007) and periods of exception rainfall (2010, 2012), both of which resulted in unusually high pond water levels. However, severe salinization only occurred in response to extreme summer rainfall. We hypothesize that since rainfall and snowmelt activate different hydrological pathways, they have markedly different impacts on salinization. We propose that a wet condition associated with high snowmelt conditions does not pose a strong threat to salinization, which has important implications for agricultural planning. Whilst this hypothesis is consistent with our conceptual understanding of the system, it needs to be tested further at a range of field sites in the prairies.
Antarctic Circumpolar Transport and the Southern Mode: a model investigation of interannual to decadal time scales
Authors: Hughes C. W. , Williams J. , Coward A. C. , de Cuevas B. A.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. It is well-established that, at periods shorter than a year, variations in Antarctic Circumpolar Transport are reflected in a barotropic mode, known as the Southern Mode, in which sea level and bottom pressure varies coherently around Antarctica. Here, we use two multidecadal ocean model runs to investigate the behaviour of the Southern Mode at time scales on which density changes become important, leading to a baroclinic component to the adjustment. We find that the concept of a Southern Mode in bottom pressure remains valid, and remains a direct measure of the circumpolar transport, with changes at the northern boundary playing only a small role even on decadal time scales. However, at periods longer than about 5 yr, density changes start to play a role, leading to a surface intensification of the vertical profile of the transport. We also find that barotropic currents on the continental slope account for a significant fraction of the variability, and produce surface intensification in the meridional-integral flow. The role of density variations results in a sea level signal which, although reflecting transport changes at all time scales, has a ratio of sea level to transport which becomes larger at longer time scales. This means that any long-term transport monitoring strategy based on present measurement systems must involve multiplying the observed quantity by a factor which depends on frequency.
Scientific drilling and downhole fluid sampling of a natural CO2 reservoir, Green River, Utah
Authors: Kampman N. , Maskell A. , Bickle M. J. , Evans J. P. , Schaller M. , Purser G. , Zhou Z. , Gattacceca J. , Peitre E. S. , Rochelle C. A. , Ballentine C. J. , Busch A. ,   Scientists of the GRDP
Published: November 2013

Abstract. A scientific borehole, CO2W55, was drilled into an onshore anticline, near the town of Green River, Utah for the purposes of studying a series of natural CO2 reservoirs. The objective of this research project is to recover core and fluids from natural CO2 accumulations in order to study and understand the long-term consequences of exposure of supercritical CO2, CO2-gas and CO2-charged fluids on geological materials. This will improve our ability to predict the security of future geological CO2 storage sites and the behaviour of CO2 during migration through the overburden. The Green River anticline is thought to contain supercritical reservoirs of CO2 in Permian sandstone and Mississippian-Pennsylvanian carbonate and evaporite formations at depths > 800 m. Migration of CO2 and CO2-charged brine from these deep formations, through the damage zone of two major normal faults in the overburden, feeds a stacked series of shallow reservoirs in Jurassic sandstones from 500 m depth to near surface. The drill-hole was spudded into the footwall of the Little Grand Wash normal fault at the apex of the Green River anticline, near the site of Crystal Geyser, a CO2-driven cold water geyser. The hole was drilled using a CS4002 Truck Mounted Core Drill to a total depth of 322 m and DOSECC’s hybrid coring system was used to continuously recover core. CO2-charged fluids were first encountered at ~ 35 m depth, in the basal sandstones of the Entrada Sandstone, which is open to surface, the fluids being effectively sealed by thin siltstone layers within the sandstone unit. The well penetrated a ~ 17 m thick fault zone within the Carmel Formation, the footwall damage zone of which hosted CO2-charged fluids in open fractures. CO2-rich fluids were encountered throughout the thickness of the Navajo Sandstone. The originally red sandstone and siltstone units, where they are in contact with the CO2-charged fluids, have been bleached by dissolution of hematite grain coatings. Fluid samples were collected from the Navajo Sandstone at formation pressures using a positive displacement wireline sampler, and fluid CO2 content and pH were measured at surface using high pressure apparatus. The results from the fluid sampling show that the Navajo Sandstone is being fed by active inflow of CO2-saturated brines through the fault damage zone; that these brines mix with meteoric fluid flowing laterally into the fault zone; and that the downhole fluid sampling whilst drilling successfully captures this dynamic process.
Tracing glacier changes since the 1960s on the south slope of Mt. Everest (central Southern Himalaya) using optical satellite imagery
Authors: Thakuri S. , Salerno F. , Smiraglia C. , Bolch T. , D'Agata C. , Viviano G. , Tartari G.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. We contribute to the debate on glacial shrinkage in the Himalaya by analyzing glaciers in southern slopes of Mt. Everest that are characterized by extensive debris coverage and the highest elevation in the world. In this paper, we make a complete analysis from 1962 to 2011, considering five intermediate periods using optical satellite imagery. We found an overall surface area shrinkage of 13.0 ± 3%, an upward shift of 182 ± 9 m in snow-line altitude (SLA), a terminus retreat of 403 ± 9 m, and an increase of 17.6 ± 3% in debris coverage. The recession process of glaciers has been relentlessly continuous over the past fifty years. Furthermore, since early 1990s, we have observed an acceleration of the surface area shrinkage, which resulted in a median annual rate double that of the previous three decades (an increase from 0.27% a−1 to 0.46% a−1). Comparing the SLA over the same periods, it shifts upward with a velocity almost three times greater (from 2.2 ± 0.5 m a−1 to 6.1 ± 0.9 m a−1), which points to a worsening of the already negative mass balance of these glaciers. However, the increased recession velocity has only significantly affected glaciers with the largest sizes, which are located at higher altitudes and along the preferable south-oriented direction of the monsoons. Moreover, these glaciers present median upward shifts of the SLA that are double others; this finding leads to a hypothesis that Mt. Everest glaciers are shrinking, not only due to warming temperatures, but also as a result of weakening Asian monsoons registered over the last decades. We conclude that the shrinkage of these glaciers is less than that of others in the Himalayan range. Their position in higher elevations have surely reduced the impact of warming on these glaciers, but have not been excluded from a relentlessly continuous and slow recession process over the past fifty years.
The efficacy of three metaldehyde pellets marketed in Argentina, on the control of Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora)
Authors: Salvio C. , Faberi A.J. , López A.N. , Manetti P.L. , Clemente N.L.
Published: November 2013

Management of the grey slug, Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora), in Argentina, has been limited to the use of pelleted toxic baits containing metaldehyde. The most important molluscicides in the Argentinean market are Clartex (Rizobacter Argentina S.A.), Acay (Acay Agro S.R.L.) and Babotox (Huagro S.A.). The aim of this work was to investigate the efficacy and dose of those commercial baits against D. reticulatum. The molluscicides (Acay, Clartex and Babotox), at doses of 3, 4 and 5 kg/ha and dry and moist soil conditions were investigated in terraria trials. The efficacy of the molluscicides and dose level was also evaluated in field experiments at two sites at Balcarce in the southeast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The proportions of dead slugs did not show significant interactions between soil conditions, molluscicides and their dose (p>0.05). The proportion of dead slugs, in moist conditions, was significantly lower than under dry conditions (p
Short communication. Divergent mass selection for different flowering times in a Spanish synthetic maize population
Authors: Ruiz de Galarreta J.I. , Álvarez A.
Published: November 2013

Eight cycles of divergent mass selection for flowering time were performed in the synthetic maize (Zea mays L.) population Lazcano (EZS9) from Guipuzcoa, Spain. A trial with a randomised block design plus three replicates was then performed at two locations in northeastern Spain, and over two years, to compare flowering time in the original population and the material produced in the eight selection cycles. Linear regression coefficients were determined to estimate the average rate of selection response per cycle. Genetic gains with respect to the vegetative cycle and other major agronomic traits were obtained. Direct selection responses were significant and grain yield maintained. No negative correlated responses were obtained for any agronomic trait. Divergent mass selection for early flowering was therefore found to be efficient in this synthetic population.
Quality characteristics of Huacaya alpaca fibre produced in the Peruvian Andean Plateau region of Huancavelica
Authors: Montes M. , Quicaño I. , Quispe R. , Quispe E. , Alfonso L.
Published: November 2013

The quality of Huacaya alpaca fibre produced in the region of Huancavelica (Peru) is described based on a sample of 203 animals belonging to eight herding communities located between 4,100 and 4,750 m above sea level. The mean fibre diameter, 22.7 μm (SE 0.2), was lower than values reported for Huacaya alpacas from other areas and varied with sex, age, and community origin (P<0.01). In contrast with results from other studies, males had finer fibre than females, but this may be because they represent selected breeding stock brought from Puno and Cusco. No linear relationship was found between fibre diameter and staple length. Further research is needed to better characterise fibre production traits and quantify their economic values prior to establishing a breeding program to improve fibre production in the region. Although conducting this type of research in the Peruvian Andean Plateau might seem difficult, the active participation of alpaca owners and development promoters made it feasible.
Farmers’ behaviors regarding the decrease in the area of cotton
Authors: Uzmay A. , Isin F. , Koyubenbe N.
Published: November 2013

The main objective of this study is to determine the economical and social reasons of farmers’ behaviors concerning the decrease in the area of cotton plantations in Izmir, Turkey. To do so, 84 cotton growers were interviewed in the province of Izmir. According to the results of the study, the cost variable in the cotton farms investigated was calculated as: €1,446.6 ha-1; gross margin, €524.4 ha-1, and the yield, 4,018 kg ha-1. In the studied area, 44% decrease in the area of cotton plantations was observed in 2006 compared to the year 2000. According to the farmers, some of the most important reasons for the decrease in the area of cotton plantations are the decrease (55%) in the producer prices and the increase in the costs (36%) of growing cotton. The possibility of giving up/not giving up cotton production is affected negatively by the social variable of the education level of the farmer, but the cotton growing experience of the farmer, and the farmer’s family size, affect the possibility positively. As for the structural /economical variables, farm size negatively affects the possibility but satisfaction from premiums and gross margin have positive effects. Farmers also demand a 90% increase in the premiums and state that they will give up growing cotton unless there are enough subsidies. In this situation, it turns out that to prevent decreases in the area of cotton plantations, it is necessary to lower production costs and provide price stability, along with long term policies consistent with other crops, through which subsidies are determined prior to the season.
A competitive strategy for vegetable products: traditional varieties of tomato in the local market
Authors: Brugarolas M. , Martínez-Carrasco L. , Martínez-Poveda A. , Ruiz-Martínez J.J.
Published: November 2013

The aim of this article is to analyse whether growing traditional horticultural varieties would be a profitable alternative so farmers could attend to their traditional activity in rural areas without the loss of income. Besides, it is intended to provide results to help promote vegetable consumption. Research is focused on tomato, one of the main horticultural crops from the important agricultural region of South-Eastern Spain. The proposed solution for growers to improve profits is to cultivate traditional tomato varieties for local markets. Whether consumers are willing to pay the premium price for these products is analyzed and the influence of several attributes on willingness to pay is evaluated. To accomplish these aims, two methods have been used: a hypothetical method, the contingent valuation, and an experimental method, the Vickrey auction. Results show that local market consumers very positively value these varieties and are willing to pay very high premium prices, especially for the traditional flavour from their own area of influence.
Sialoglycoconjugate content of milk replacers for neonatal calves
Authors: Martín-Sosa S. , Alonso J.M. , Alonso J.M. , Sánchez-Juanes F. , Zancada L. , García-Pardo L.A. , Hueso P.
Published: November 2013

Sialoglycoconjugate contents of several milk replacers (MR) currently used in Spain have been determined. The ingestion of these compounds by calves fed bovine milk or MR is also discussed. Total sialic acids and glycoprotein-, oligosaccharide-, casein-, and lipid-bound sialic acids and free sialic acid were determined. High sialic acid contents in all the fractions studied, including total sialic acids, were found. N-acetylneuraminic acid was found to be the major sialic acid in MR. However, MR-D and H had a high N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) content in all fractions (15-40%), while E and F only had a high NeuGc content in the glycoprotein fraction. Five different sialyloligosaccharides -3'-sialyllactose, 6'-sialyllactose, 3'-sialyllactosamine, 6'-sialyllactosamine, and disialyllactose, which are themost abundant oligosaccharides in bovinemilk- were detected in the MR. Samples B to I contained high amounts of these oligosaccharides. The content of individual gangliosides was very similar to that of bovine milk, with GD3 as the major ganglioside. Although MR are not formulated as regards their sialic acid content, high amounts of sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates with high levels of NeuGc, a sialic acid critical in the adhesion of some Escherichia coli strains to calf intestinal epitheliumwere detected. The ingestion of MR analyzed in this work could protect newborn calves from several enteric pathogens.
Cytomorphological analysis of a novel hybrid from Solanum melongena 'Golden' x S. scabrum 'Scabrum' (Solanaceae)
Authors: Oyelana O.A. , Ogunwenmo K.O. , Nwagburuka C.C. , Alabi O.A.
Published: November 2013

Genotype manipulation through the introduction of novel genes for improved yield, agronomic qualities and a larger gene pool informed an experimental cross between diploid Solanum melongena 'Golden' (2n = 2x = 24) and tetraploid S. scabrum 'Scabrum' (2n = 4x = 48). The F1 fruit contained eight seeds which had a 100% germination and a chromosome number 2n = 6x = 72. Surviving hybrids were closer to the diploid parent in many characters. Leaves were fairly lobed, sparsely hairy and were 13.5 x 8.6 cm in the hybrid compared to the hairy, deeply lobed, 14.8 x 10.6 cm leaves in the diploid and glabrous, entire and 11.4 x 10.6 cm leaves in the tetraploid parent. The inflorescence in the hybrid was a raceme as in the diploid parent but was umbellate in the tetraploid. Pollen viability was 38.2% in the hybrid but was 71% and 97.4% in the diploid and tetraploid parents, respectively. Fruit was seedless in the F2; it was round and red, containing 384 seeds, globose-shaped, yellow seeds in the diploid, and 67, round, purple seeds in the tetraploid parent. Meiosis was regular in the hybrid with few univalents and impaired bivalents due to dissimilar parental genomes. Mitotic chromosomes were asymmetrical with various sizes. Epistasis and negative gene interaction mechanisms were implicated in the hybrids' low quality and breakdown. Backcross to the tetraploid parent may bring about gene recombination and allelic realignment for desirable phenotypes in the F2 and subsequent generations. Endoduplication of the triploid zygote might have produced an autoallohexaploid hybrid.
Restoration of abandoned agricultural lands toward habitats for umbrella species
Authors: Nekhay O. , Arriaza M.
Published: November 2013

This study analyzes the suitability of agricultural lands with risk of abandonment for restoration to suitable habitats for animal species of conservation interest. As a case study, the main focus was on olive plantations (Olea europaea L.) of mountainous areas of Southern Spain and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus Temminck, 1827). The method weighs the judgement of experts on the effect of landscape elements on the habitat via an analytic hierarchy process and spots areas most suitable for restoration through geographical information systems. The results suggest that the edge of major agricultural areas and areas with natural vegetation adjacent to the Natural Park of Sierra de Cardeña and Montoro would be most suitable for restoration of the lynx habitat. The precise location of olive groves suitable for restoration are discussed, as revealed by experts" decision-making processes. The main interest of the study relies on the potential of the method to combine territorial analysis with biological requirements of endangered species to facilitate their dispersal.
Germination characteristics and intrapopulation variation in carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) seeds
Authors: Pérez-García F.
Published: November 2013

The aims of this work were to study the germination characteristics (under controlled conditions of light and temperature and using different pretreatments for promoting germination) and variability of Ceratonia siliqua seeds. Seed collected from different individual trees were tested. Constant (10 deg C, 15 deg C, 20 deg C, 25 deg C) and alternating 25/15 deg C temperature regimes and 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod conditions were used. Mechanical scarification, dry heat, boiling water, sulphuric acid, soaking in distilled water and soaking in gibberellic acid solution were used as presowing treatments applied for enhancing germination. The untreated seeds showed a deep dormancy at all temperature regimes assayed (final germination percentages ranged from 23 to 28%). Mechanical scarification, sulphuric acid and boiling water drastically improved final germination percentages (99, 88 and 80%, respectively). Therefore, the impermeability to water of the seed coat (physical dormancy) seems to be the most important causes of the seed dormancy present in this species. Great variability in seed weight, seed water content and germination parameters were found among seeds belonging to different individual trees. Significant differences between different individual trees under the same incubation temperature were detected for seed germination (final germination percentage ranged from 7 to 50%). However, germination rate (as expressed by mean germination time) was relatively similar among seeds from different trees. A negative significant relationship between seed weight and final germination percentage was found: the lightest seeds reached the highest germination percentages. Moreover, seed weight showed a positive significant correlation with seed water content.
Grazing behaviour of domestic ruminants according to flock type and subsequent vegetation changes on partially improved heathlands
Authors: Benavides R. , Celaya R. , Ferreira L.M.M. , Jáuregui B.M. , García U. , Osoro K.
Published: November 2013

The management of different livestock species may promote different vegetation dynamics that will affect subsequent animal performance and the sustainability of extensive grazing systems. The grazing behaviour of two livestock species (domestic cattle and sheep) under two different managements (monospecific or mixed with goats), and the subsequent vegetation changes were studied on mechanically cleared heathlands (Ulex gallii Planchon-Erica spp.), with one third of the total area improved with perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture (Lolium perenne L.-Trifolium repens L.). Results showed that animals in mixed herds spent more time grazing than in monospecific groups. Goats spent more proportional time grazing on shrubland (68%) compared to sheep (35%) and cattle (19%), which spent most of the time on the improved pasture. The diet composition estimates also confirmed that these two animal species basically selected herbaceous species (89-95%) whilst gorse was an important element of goats" diets (28%). Throughout the experiment, an increment of gorse cover, height and phytomass was observed, especially under single grazing; whereas dead matter and herbaceous covers decreased more under single than under mixed grazing. Besides, heather percentage and gorse height underwent a higher increase under cattle than under sheep grazing. On the improved areas the sward height was significantly higher with cattle, and the gorse sprouting was more controlled under sheep grazing treatments. It is concluded that the complementary grazing of goats can enhance the utilization of these heterogeneous plant resources, providing a more efficient way for both productive and environmental goals than single cattle or sheep grazing.
Effects of sodium metabisulphite and citric acid on the shelf life of fresh cut sweet potatoes
Authors: Sgroppo S. C. , Vergara L. E. , Tenev M. D.
Published: November 2013

Minimally processed vegetables are products susceptible to chemical and biological changes, thus becoming highly perishable. During sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) processing, some deteriorative reactions occur affecting quality, mainly change of color. The purpose of this research is to avoid or minimize this deterioration, so the effects of application of chemical agents to fresh cut and refrigerated stored sweet potatoes were studied, evaluating the occurrence of major organoleptic, physicochemical and nutritional changes and assesing the sensory acceptability. Tests were done with sweet potato variety 'Colorada Correntina', which were treated with sodium metabisulphite/citric acid (pH = 2.91), arranged in polystyrene trays film, coated with PVC, and stored at 5°C and 10°C. Variations on the titratable acidity, pH, total sugars and ascorbic acid were registered and the surface color was evaluated through digital image analysis. The final product acceptability was determined through sensory evaluation and microbiological counts carried out at the beginning and at the end of the assays. During storage, there were slight changes in physicochemical characteristics such as absorbic acid and sugar content and in surface color as well. The microbial counts were lower than the fixed levels established by the Spanish legislature. The sensory attributes were rated as «acceptable » by consumers. Finally it is possible to assert that sweet potato 'Colorada Correntina' minimally processed and treated with sodium metabisulphite 2%/citric acid can be preserved, packaged and stored at 5°C for 14 days.
Analysis of lines and forms in buildings to rural landscape integration
Authors: García-Moruno L. , Montero-Parejo M. J. , Hernández-Blanco J. , López-Casares S.
Published: November 2013

In many developed countries the recent increase in tourist and farm buildings in the countryside has seriously jeopardized the attractiveness of natural and traditional views; such is the case of inland Spain. Visual and aesthetic aspects of any object are defined by their colour, form, line, texture, scale and spatial character. This paper investigates lines and forms and tries to develop design criteria that could offer a high probability of achieving a building integration class as good or very good. The main aim of this research is to develop guidelines for future municipal planning laws, which could help professional designers and town council planners to select lines and forms that harmonize architectural design and environmental location. The proposed approach studies the relationship between buildings and their background. A method is developed to assess these visual relationships among building characteristics of lines and forms and the landscape ones. Also, this research includes public survey methods to assess building integration preferences and a summary table for systematic application of the suggested methodological process. Relevant correlations have been obtained, for example, whereas a type of relationship (visual continuity) provides a probability of 72% of achieving an integration class as good or very good other one (poorly compatible contrast) provides 0%. These relationships between different types of visual characteristics are satisfactory for the study of integration quality. Objective design guidelines are obtained and it is possible to make an evaluation of the different alternatives available and to select the most suitable according to the type of integration sought.
Influence of film and modified atmosphere on sensory quality of roasted apple cv. Reineta
Authors: Marcelo V. , Valenciano J. B. , Guerra M. , Boto J. A.
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of film type and modified atmosphere on the sensory quality of roasted apple cv. Reineta. Roasted apples were packaged using two different films, LORE 90 COOK and CN 300, under two different modified atmosphere conditions, Extendapak 1 ® (100% N2) and Extendapak 47 ® (7.0% CO2 2.5% O2 90.5% N2). The Packaged apples were stored for 210 days at 3ºC. Sensory analyses were performed every 14 days until the end of the storage period. Each sample was made up of 178 fruit for each type of packaging and for each storage time. No significant differences were found between the newly elaborated and the stored roasted apples according to the difference test until the 84th day of storage. No significant differences were found in the visual attributes of the apples, except for colour, neither between types of packaging nor between storage times. Significant differences were found in olfactory-gustatory attributes, odour intensity, sweet taste and alcoholic taste between type of packaging whereas significant differences were found between storage times for all olfactory-gustatory attributes. Juiciness was the only textural attribute that was significantly different between type of packaging and between storage times. When the film was less permeable of the film, the better the original properties of roasted apple cv. Reineta were kept better. There were significant differences between modified atmospheres, so Extendapak 1 ® was more appropriate than Extendapak 47 ® to keep the original characteristics of roasted apple cv. Reineta for a longer time.
Use of nitrification inhibitor DMPP to improve nitrogen recovery in irrigated wheat on a calcareous soil
Authors: Villar J. M. , Guillaumes E.
Published: November 2013

The 3,4-dimethyilpyirazole phosphate (DMPP), commercialized as Entec, is a nitrification inhibitor developed by BASF (Germany) that may help to minimize N losses and to obtain a higher profit from N fertilizers. A two-year field trial was established in 2001 in the Northeast of Spain to assess the effects of DMPP on N use efficiency (NUE) and to determine the economic returns. Seven treatments have been carried out comparing the effect of DMPP on pig slurry and on mineral fertilizers. The application of DMPP resulted in better efficiency indexes on mineral fertilizers. An apparent nitrogen recovery of 0.465 kg kg-1, on average, was obtained for the Entec treatment. A net benefit of € 809 ha-1, on average, was obtained for the Entec treatment compared with € 607 ha-1 for the control treatment. The results of this study suggest that the nitrification inhibitor could improve farmer profit in irrigated wheat on a calcareous soil.
Retail price rigidity in perishable food products: a case study
Authors: Perez-Mesa J. C. , Galdeano-Gomez E. , Aznar-Sanchez J. A.
Published: November 2013

Why are retailers less likely to vary sale prices of food products when the price paid to the farmer falls than when it rises? As far as perishable goods are concerned, this behavior is usually related to the retailer’s bargaining power. With a view to analyzing the question in greater depth, this study presents a simplified framework considering an ideal scenario in which the retailer wishes to maintain balanced profits due to external pressures or other factors, such as a competitive distribution market. In the face of changing supply, the price-fixing decision of the distributor may also depend on the risk, measured by the relationship between demand elasticity and variable costs, as a result of uncertainty in consumer response to price variations. The simulation of these scenarios is carried out taking as reference the Spanish tomato market. The results of these applications allow to see that despite a relaxation of bargaining power, price asymmetry is not avoided. This work shows the difficulty for suppliers and retailers to reach agreements which could result in competitive advantages.
Unfavourable thermal conditions of air at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries reducing crop productivity of pickling cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Poland
Authors: Kalbarczyk R.
Published: November 2013

Growing influence of anthropopressure and irregular changes in weather conditions necessitated conducting agroclimatic research into the assessment of plant cultivation risk caused by unfavourable meteorological conditions, including thermal conditions of air. The goal of the work was to assess the risk of pickling cucumber field cultivation in Poland caused by an unfavorable course of air temperature (Ta) in the period from sowing to the end of harvesting at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. To accomplish the goal, the study used data describing growth, development and crop productivity of cucumber in the years 1966-2005. Data was used concerning the described thermal conditions with the average Ta in the whole growing season of the analysed plant. The data came from 28 experimental stations and 53 meteorological in Poland. The effect of Ta in the growing season (sowing-end of harvesting) on the total and marketable yield of cucumber was evaluated. The study used curvilinear regression analysis with two variables. The highest risk of cucumber’s cultivation caused by unfavorable thermal conditions of air was recorded in south-western, south-eastern, and also northern and north-eastern Poland. In these high risk areas reduction in the total yield oscillated between 15% and even over 21% below the multi-annual average. Reduction in the total yield occurred with frequency from 40% to above 80%. In south-western and south-eastern Poland, a reduction in the marketable yield amounted to maximally above 15%. A marketable yield reduction occurred with a frequency of from 50% to above 70%.
Changes in soil microbial biomass and activity in different Brazilian pastures
Authors: Lopes M. M. , Salviano A. A. C. , Araujo A. S. F. , Nunes L. A. P. L. , Oliveira M. E.
Published: November 2013

Microbial biomass and activity are useful indices for assessing changes in soil ecosystems. The impact of different pastures on microbial biomass and activity was studied in a long-term experiment in Northeast Brazil. For our study the pastures were divided into plots: a) Brachiaria brizantha; b) Leucaena leucocephala; c) Cynodon dactilon; d) Panicum maximum. An adjacent area with native vegetation was used as reference. Soil samples were collected in 0-10 and 10-20 cm depths. No significant differences in soil organic C (Corg) was found among all plots at 0-10 and 10-20 cm depth. Soil microbial C (Cmic) values were higher in native forest and P. maximum when compared to the other plots. The soil basal respiration (CO2) values were similar among all plots evaluated. However, respiratory quotients (qCO2) were significantly lower in native forest and P. maximum when compared to other plots, at 0-10 cm depth. Values of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis were significantly higher in native forest and P. maximum, while values of dehydrogenase activity were found to be signif icantly higher in native forest, C. dactilon and P. maximum. Soil microbial biomass and activity changed when a native forest was converted to pastures. These changes were positive with the inclusion of P. maximum by the high input of C sources.
Candomblé e políticas públicas de saúde em Salvador, Bahia
Authors: Serra Ordep , Pechine Maria Cristina Santos , Pechine Serge
Published: November 2013

No passado, as comunidades religiosas afro-brasileiras foram objetos da perseguição policial forte; além de racismo e intolerância religiosa, esta perseguição foi inspirada por um preconceito médico generalizado: a etnomedicina afro-brasileira foi categorizada como charlatanismo e os ritos entusiásticos dos terreiros como causa (ou sintoma) de desordens psíquicas. Os estudos antropológicos evidenciaram a inanidade deste preconceito e evidenciaram que os terreiros não são somente templos, mas também agências de serviço de saúde populares importantes. Em duas décadas passadas, o Movimento Negro Brasileiro teve êxito na proposição de uma nova política de saúde pública para os negros no Brasil; em particular, líderes dos terreiros no estado da Bahia continuaram criando novas formas de cooperação com organizações governamentais e não governamentais com este objetivo. Discutimos neste artigo o estado presente e os desenvolvimentos possíveis desta cooperação incipiente.
A história na cultura, a cultura na história: elementos para uma análise comparativa entre Walter Benjamin e Gianni Vattimo
Authors: Rolt Clóvis Da
Published: November 2013

Este artigo pretende abordar, mediante uma perspectiva comparativa, algumas questões sobre o pensamento de Walter Benjamin e Gianni Vattimo, no que se refere às suas concepções de história, tendo como eixo central a noção de cultura. A rejeição de Benjamin em levar adiante o continuísmo historicista, que marcava a cultura ocidental em fins do século 19 e início do século 20, leva o autor a formular novas posições teóricas para se pensar a história não mais como progresso e concatenação objetiva de fatos, mas como precarização e catástrofe. Por outro lado, mediante uma abordagem de cunho hermenêutico, Vattimo propõe olhar para a história de forma a desvinculá-la da solidificação factual e da objetividade, visto que ela só pode ser acessada como um texto, mediante um ato interpretativo.
Lendo intertextos: o Paraná e suas múltiplas identidades
Authors: Cesário Ana Cleide Chiarotti , Almeida Ana Maria Chiarotti de
Published: November 2013

Resenha: OLIVEIRA, Márcio de; SZWAKO, José Eduardo Léon (orgs). Ensaios de sociologia e história intelectual do Paraná. Curitiba: Ed. UFPR, 2009.