Concept and measurement: the cultural borders of meaning

Paper submitted to the Sixth International Conference on Social Science Methodology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, August 16-20, 2004.

Uso ornamental tradicional de la ‘Blanca de l’hivern’ (Iberis semperflorens L.) en la comarca del Matarraña (Teruel)

Se presentan varias citas del carraspique leñoso localmente denominado ‘Blanca de l’hivern’ (Iberis semperflorens L.), que no había sido citado expresamente en localidades españolas. Se encuentra principalmente distribuido en el 80% de las poblaciones del Matarraña aragonés, como una importante planta cultivada en macetas de floración invernal. Se ha constatado el cuidado y formas de multiplicación tradicionales, así como el valor de las plantas con más años, que son transferidas como un tesoro entre distintas generaciones de mujeres.

An integrated approach to delimiting species borders in the genus Chrysotoxum Meigen, 1803 (Diptera: Syrphidae), with description of two new species

Integrative taxonomy tests the validity of taxa using methods additional to traditional morphology. The existence of two different morphotypes in specimens identified as Chrysotoxum vernale Loew (Diptera: Syrphidae) prompted their taxonomic study using an integrative approach that included morphology, wing and male-surstylus geometric morphometrics, genetic and ecological analyses. As a result, a new species is recognised, Chrysotoxum montanum Nedeljković & Vujić sp. nov., and C. vernale is re-defined. A lectotype and paralectotypes are designated for C. vernale to stabilize this concept. An additional species, Chrysotoxum orthostylum Vujić sp. nov., with distinctive male genitalia is also described. The three species share an antenna with the basoflagellomere shorter than the scape plus pedicel and terga with yellow fasciae not reaching the lateral margins. This study confirms the value of integrative approach for resolving species boundaries.

Evolution of surface properties of ornamental granitoids exposed to high temperatures

Granite submitted to high temperatures may lead to the loss of aesthetic values even before structural damage is caused. Thirteen granitoids were exposed to target temperatures, 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, 800 °C and 1000 °C. Damage characterisation, including roughness, colour and oxidation of chromogen elements by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was assessed. Altered granitoids are more resistant to structural failure but redden rapidly. Black mica-rich granitoids turn into yellow with a maximum at 800 °C. Alkali feldspar-rich granitoids redden progressively due to iron oxidation. Roughness varies progressively in mica-rich granitoids, while in mica-poor granitoids, an increase in roughness precedes catastrophic failure.