The Brazilian sugar and alcohol sector: evolution, productive chain and innovations

Includes bibliography

Macroeconomy for development: countercyclical policies and production sector transformation

Includes bibliography

A mixed-integer linear programming approach for optimal type, size and allocation of distributed generation in radial distribution systems

This paper presents a mixed-integer linear programming approach to solving the problem of optimal type, size and allocation of distributed generators (DGs) in radial distribution systems. In the proposed formulation, (a) the steady-state operation of the radial distribution system, considering different load levels, is modeled through linear expressions; (b) different types of DGs are represented by their capability curves; (c) the short-circuit current capacity of the circuits is modeled through linear expressions; and (d) different topologies of the radial distribution system are considered. The objective function minimizes the annualized investment and operation costs. The use of a mixed-integer linear formulation guarantees convergence to optimality using existing optimization software. The results of one test system are presented in order to show the accuracy as well as the efficiency of the proposed solution technique.© 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving methods in gap ecology: Revisiting size and shape distributions using a model selection approach

Questions: We assess gap size and shape distributions, two important descriptors of the forest disturbance regime, by asking: which statistical model best describes gap size distribution; can simple geometric forms adequately describe gap shape; does gap size or shape vary with forest type, gap age or the method used for gap delimitation; and how similar are the studied forests and other tropical and temperate forests? Location: Southeastern Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Methods: Analysing over 150 gaps in two distinct forest types (seasonal and rain forests), a model selection framework was used to select appropriate probability distributions and functions to describe gap size and gap shape. The first was described using univariate probability distributions, whereas the latter was assessed based on the gap area-perimeter relationship. Comparisons of gap size and shape between sites, as well as size and age classes were then made based on the likelihood of models having different assumptions for the values of their parameters. Results: The log-normal distribution was the best descriptor of gap size distribution, independently of the forest type or gap delimitation method. Because gaps became more irregular as they increased in size, all geometric forms (triangle, rectangle and ellipse) were poor descriptors of gap shape. Only when small and large gaps (> 100 or 400m2 depending on the delimitation method) were treated separately did the rectangle and isosceles triangle become accurate predictors of gap shape. Ellipsoidal shapes were poor descriptors. At both sites, gaps were at least 50% longer than they were wide, a finding with important implications for gap microclimate (e.g. light entrance regime) and, consequently, for gap regeneration. Conclusions: In addition to more appropriate descriptions of gap size and shape, the model selection framework used here efficiently provided a means by which to compare the patterns of two different types of forest. With this framework we were able to recommend the log-normal parameters μ and σ for future comparisons of gap size distribution, and to propose possible mechanisms related to random rates of gap expansion and closure. We also showed that gap shape varied highly and that no single geometric form was able to predict the shape of all gaps, the ellipse in particular should no longer be used as a standard gap shape. © 2012 International Association for Vegetation Science.

Informe del Taller de Trabajo sobre Cooperación Técnica y Económica para el Sector Minero-Metalúrgico de América Latina = Report of the Workshop on Technical and Economic Co-operation for the Latin American Mining and Metallurgical Sector

Contiene la asistencia, organizacion de los trabajos y resumen de los debates sobre los temas: 1) posibilidades de incrementar el comercio internacional de minerales y metales de America Latina; 2) politicas de desarrollo del sector minero; y 3) posibilidades de complementacion regional e interregional en la industria minero- metalurgica y metalmecanica.

Belize: Projects Data Bank and public sector investment programming

Includes bibliography

Economía política de la planificación de los sectores agrícola y rural en las sociedades del Caribe = Polítical economy of agricultural and rural sector planning in Caribbean societies

Incluye Bibliografía

Private sector participation in the Indian urban water supply and sanitation sector

Includes bibliography

Propuestas de proyectos de cooperación horizontal para el desarrollo del sector minero-metalúrgico de América Latina: listado preliminar = Proposals for horizontal co-operation projects for the development of the mining and metallurgical sector of Latin America: preliminary list

Presenta proyectos de cooperacion horizontal para el desarrollo del sector minero-metalurgico propuestos por Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Peru y Republica Dominicana, los cuales han sido clasificados en proyectos de caracter regional o subregional y en proyectos de caracter multinacional.

Technical assistance and technology transfer in the Latin American mining and metallurgical sector

Includes bibliography

Market structure, firm size and exports of manufactures: an econometric analysis of 12.435 firms

Includes bibliography

Industrial modernization in Mexico: results of a questionnaire administered to the largest foreign-owned companies in the manufacturing sector during May

Includes bibliography