Independence referendums: who should vote and who should be offered citizenship?

In this EUDO CITIZENSHIP Forum Debate, several authors consider the interrelations between eligibility criteria for participation in independence referendum (that may result in the creation of a new independent state) and the determination of putative citizenship ab initio (on day one) of such a state. The kick-off contribution argues for resemblance of an independence referendum franchise and of the initial determination of the citizenry, critically appraising the incongruence between the franchise for the 18 September 2014 Scottish independence referendum, and the blueprint for Scottish citizenship ab initio put forward by the Scottish Government in its 'Scotland's Future' White Paper. Contributors to this debate come from divergent disciplines (law, political science, sociology, philosophy). They reflect on and contest the above claims, both generally and in relation to regional settings including (in addition to Scotland) Catalonia/Spain, Flanders/Belgium, Quebec/Canada, Post-Yugoslavia and Puerto-Rico/USA.

Latitudinal gradients in butterfly population variability are influenced by landscape heterogeneity

The variability of populations over time is positively associated with their risk of local extinction. Previous work has shown that populations at the high-latitude boundary of species’ ranges show higher inter-annual variability, consistent with increased sensitivity and exposure to adverse climatic conditions. However, patterns of population variability at both high- and low-latitude species range boundaries have not yet been concurrently examined. Here, we assess the inter-annual population variability of 28 butterfly species between 1994 and 2009 at 351 and 18 sites in the United Kingdom and Catalonia, Spain, respectively. Local population variability is examined with respect to the position of the species’ bioclimatic envelopes (i.e. whether the population falls within areas of the ‘core’ climatic suitability or is a climatically ‘marginal’ population), and in relation to local landscape heterogeneity, which may influence these range location – population dynamic relationships. We found that butterfly species consistently show latitudinal gradients in population variability, with increased variability in the more northerly UK. This pattern is even more marked for southerly distributed species with ‘marginal’ climatic suitability in the UK but ‘core’ climatic suitability in Catalonia. In addition, local landscape heterogeneity did influence these range location – population dynamic relationships. Habitat heterogeneity was associated with dampened population dynamics, especially for populations in the UK. Our results suggest that promoting habitat heterogeneity may promote the persistence of populations at high-latitude range boundaries, which may potentially aid northwards expansion under climate warming. We did not find evidence that population variability increases towards southern range boundaries. Sample sizes for this region were low, but there was tentative evidence, in line with previous ecological theory, that local landscape heterogeneity may promote persistence in these retracting low-latitude range boundary populations.

New techniques for the remote sensing of foliar nitrogen concentration in forest ecosystems.

During my Doctoral study I researched about the remote detection of canopy N concentration in forest stands, its potentials and problems, under many overlapping perspectives. The study consisted of three parts. In S. Rossore 2000 dataset analysis, I tested regressions between N concentration and NIR reflectances derived from different sources (field samples, airborne and satellite sensors). The analysis was further expanded using a larger dataset acquired in year 2009 as part of a new campaign funded by the ESA. In both cases, a good correlation was observed between Landsat NIR, using both TM (2009) and ETM+ (2000) imagery, and N concentration measured by a CHN elemental analyzer. Concerning airborne sensors I did not obtain the same good results, mainly because of the large FOV of the two instruments, and to the anisotropy of vegetation reflectance. We also tested the relation between ground based ASD measures and nitrogen concentration, obtaining really good results. Thus, I decided to expand my study to the regional level, focusing only on field and satellite measures. I analyzed a large dataset for the whole of Catalonia, Spain; MODIS imagery was used, in consideration of its spectral characteristics and despite its rather poor spatial resolution. Also in this case a regression between nitrogen concentration and reflectances was found, but not so good as in previous experiences. Moreover, vegetation type was found to play an important role in the observed relationship. We concluded that MODIS is not the most suitable satellite sensor in realities like Italy and Catalonia, which present a patchy and inhomogeneous vegetation cover; so it could be utilized for the parameterization of eco-physiological and biogeochemical models, but not for really local nitrogen estimate. Thus multispectral sensors similar to Landsat Thematic Mapper, with better spatial resolution, could be the most appropriate sensors to estimate N concentration.

Clasificación visual estructural de la madera de pino radiata procedente de Cataluña

Se han clasificado visualmente, según la norma española UNE 56544; 150 piezas de madera aserrada de pino radiata procedentes de Cataluña (España) con una sección de 80x150 mm y una longitud de 2.500 mm. Esta norma establece dos calidades visuales (ME-1 y ME-2) para piezas con grueso menor o igual que 70 mm y una única calidad visual (MEG) para gruesos mayores de 70 mm. Con el fin de conocer el efecto frontera entre la pequeña y la gran escuadría se clasificaron las piezas según ambas categorías. Se determinó la tensión de rotura en flexión, el módulo de elasticidad en flexión y la densidad de cada pieza mediante el ensayo de acuerdo con la norma UNE-EN 408 siguiendo los ajustes definidos en la norma UNE-EN 384. Un 53 % de las piezas se clasificaron como MEG con una resistencia característica a flexión de 28 N/mm2 y un valor medio del módulo de elasticidad de 9.900 N/mm2. Por otra, un 42 % de las piezas se clasificaron como ME-2 y sólo un 3 % como ME-1; en este caso las propiedades mecánicas de la calidad ME-2 no se alejan mucho de las de la calidad MEG. El elevado porcentaje de piezas rechazadas (47 % frente a la MEG) se debe principalmente al defecto de alabeo responsable de un 39 % de rechazo. Si no se considera el alabeo en la clasificación el porcentaje de rechazo desciende al 17 % y las propiedades mecánicas de la calidad MEG presentan un valor característico de resistencia a flexión de 21 N/mm2 y un módulo de elasticidad de 9.100 N/mm2. A sample of 150 pieces of radiata pine sawn timber with 180x120 mm in cross-section and 2.500 mm in length sourcing from Catalonia (Spain) were visually graded according to Spanish standard UNE 56544. This standard establish two visual grades (ME-1 and ME-2) for timber pieces with thickness equal or less than 70 mm, and one grade (MEG) for thickness bigger than 70 mm. In order to know the border effect between small and larger cross-section the pieces were graded in both categories. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and density were obtained by test according to EN 408 standard and the adjustments of EN 384. A 53 % of pieces were classified as MEG with a characteristic bending strength of 28 N/mm2 and a mean value of MOE of 9.900 N/mm2. On the other hand, a 42 % of pieces were classified as ME-2 and only a 3 % as ME-1; in this case the mechanical properties of ME-2 are not far from MEG properties. The high percentage of rejected pieces (47 % vs MEG) is mainly due to the twist defect with a 39 % of rejected pieces. If twist is not considered in the grading process the reject percentage decreases to 17 % and the mechanical properties of MEG grade present a characteristic value of bending strength of 21 N/mm2 and a MOE of 9.100 N/mm2.

Determination of selected pharmaceutical compounds in biosolids bysupported liquid extraction and gas chromatography?tandem massspectrometry

In this work, an analytical method was developed for the determination of pharmaceutical drugs inbiosolids. Samples were extracted with an acidic mixture of water and acetone (1:2, v/v) and supportedliquid extraction was used for the clean-up of extracts, eluting with ethyl acetate:methanol (90:10, v/v).The compounds were determined by gas chromatography?tandem mass spectrometry using matrix-match calibration after silylation to form their t-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives. This method presentsvarious advantages, such as a fairly simple operation for the analysis of complex matrices, the use ofinexpensive glassware and low solvent volumes. Satisfactory mean recoveries were obtained with thedeveloped method ranging from 70 to 120% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ? 13%, and limitsof detection between 0.5 and 3.6 ng g?1. The method was then successfully applied to biosolids samplescollected in Madrid and Catalonia (Spain). Eleven of the sixteen target compounds were detected in thestudied samples, at levels up to 1.1 ?g g?1(salicylic acid). Ibuprofen, caffeine, paracetamol and fenofibratewere detected in all of the samples analyzed.

Dimensionality Reduction Through Sub-Space Mapping for Nearest Neighbour Algorithms

Postprint

From problems to opportunities a shift needed for public health

Public health has in the past been a problem orientated discipline which has devoted its energies mainly to defining, prioritizing and trying to solve problems. This means paying attention to the short-term. If we examine the rises and falls of public health as a discipline with its successes and failures in gaining health, and if we compare public health with successful organisations, the need for changing the emphasis from problems to opportunities becomes apparent. In this endeavour for the future, strategic thinking and policy analysis seem appropriate new tools for public health professionals. The economic crisis and the weakness of the welfare state are presented as major opportunities for public health to achieve health gain in Europe.

Lettres de Paciaudi, bibliothécaire et antiquaire du duc de Parme, historiographe de l'ordre de Malte, associé libre de l'Académie royale des inscriptions et belles-lettres, et membre de plusieurs sociétés savantes, au comte de Caylus : avec un appendice, des notes et un essai sur la vie et les écrits de cet antiquaire italien /

Mode of access: Internet.

The contribution of the entrepreneurial orientation to SMEs profitability: a contingent analysis that considers the environment role

This paper aims first to show the effect of the Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) on SMEs financial performance, and second, to propose a contingency model which explores the moderating effects of environmental hostility of the relationship EO –financial performance -- To examine the research hypotheses, a sample of 121 manufacturing SMEs located in Catalonia, Spain has been used -- The results confirm a positive EO-financial performance relation, and suggest that a more positive relation exists when there is an adjustment between the EO and the environment -- Finally, the academic and entrepreneurial implications related to the EO and the SMEs environment are presented and discussed

MAGGnet: an international network to foster mitigation of agricultural greenhouse gases.

Research networks provide a framework for review, synthesis and systematic testing of theories by multiple scientists across international borders critical for addressing global-scale issues. In 2012, a GHG research network referred to as MAGGnet (Managing Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Network) was established within the Croplands Research Group of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA). With involvement from 46 alliance member countries, MAGGnet seeks to provide a platform for the inventory and analysis of agricultural GHG mitigation research throughout the world. To date, metadata from 315 experimental studies in 20 countries have been compiled using a standardized spreadsheet. Most studies were completed (74%) and conducted within a 1-3-year duration (68%). Soil carbon and nitrous oxide emissions were measured in over 80% of the studies. Among plant variables, grain yield was assessed across studies most frequently (56%), followed by stover (35%) and root (9%) biomass. MAGGnet has contributed to modeling efforts and has spurred other research groups in the GRA to collect experimental site metadata using an adapted spreadsheet. With continued growth and investment, MAGGnet will leverage limited-resource investments by any one country to produce an inclusive, globally shared meta-database focused on the science of GHG mitigation.

First steps of Roman Cement in Spain

Natural cement was patented in 1796 but it didn’t arrive in Spain until 1835. No one knows exactly where the production started in Spain, because it emerged independently at the same time in many places. Most of these outbreaks are concentrated in the north and northwest of Spain: Basque Country (Zumaya and Rezola) and Catalonia (San Celoní and San Juan de las Abadesas).Natural cement was extensively used to decorate historical buildings during the nineteenth and beginning of twentieth century in Madrid. It was the building material which realised the architects and builders dreams of mass-produced cast elements in a wide variety of styles. Its arrival replaced traditional materials that were used previously (lime, gypsum and hydraulic limes). However, its use was not extended in time, and soon it was replaced by the use of artificial Portland cements. During 20th century this building material disappeared from use. What remains is it’s memory, in thousands and thousands of “stone witnesses” in our cities. Final properties of the cement largely depend on raw materials used and its combustion temperature. However, it was characterised by an easily implementation on facade masonry, fast-setting (about 15 minutes), good resistance , an agreeable structural consistency and colour.This article aims to show first steps, evolution and decay of Natural Cement Industry in Spain and its application in Madrid.

Six months residence and rravels in México ; containing remarks onthe present state of New Spain, its natural productions, state of society, manufactures, trade, agriculture and antiquities

UANL

Response of the benthic macroinvertebrate community to a point source in La Tordera stream (Catalonia, NE Spain)

Vam monitoritzar paràmetres físics i químics, macroinvertebrats bentònics, clorofil·la a, productors primaris i matèria orgànica durant un any (2001-2002) per examinar els efectes d'una font puntual sobre la composició taxonòmica, la estructura de la comunitat, l'organització funcional, la utilització de l'habitat i la estoquiometria al riu la Tordera (Catalunya). Aigües avall de la font puntual, concentració de nutrients, cabal i conductivitat eren majors que al tram d'aigües amunt, mentre que oxigen dissolt era menor. La densitat de macroinvertebrats era més elevada al tram d'aigües avall però la biomassa era similar als dos trams. La riquesa taxonòmica al tram de dalt era un 20% més alt que al tram de baix. Els anàlisis d'ordenació separen clarament els dos trams en el primer eix, mentre que els dos trams presentaven una pauta temporal similar en el segon eix. La similaritat entre els dos trams en composició taxonòmica, densitats i biomasses després de les crescudes d'abril i maig de 2002, indiquen que les pertorbacions del cabal poden actuar com a un mecanisme de reinici de la comunitat bentònica i jugar un paper important per a la restauració d'ecosistemes fluvials. Els dos trams presentaven una biomassa de perifiton, plantes vasculars, CPOM i FPOM similars, mentre que clorofil·la a, algues filamentoses, molses i SPOM eren majors al tram d'aigües avall. La densitat relativa de trituradors era menor sota la font puntual mentre que col·lectors i filtradors van ser afavorits. La biomassa relativa de trituradors també era menor sota la font puntual, però la biomassa de col·lectors i depredadors va augmentar. Les relacions entre densitat de grups tròfics i els seus recursos eren rarament significatives. La relació s'explicava millor amb la biomassa de macroinvertebrats. Els dos trams compartien la mateixa relació per raspadors, col·lectors i filtradors però no per trituradors i depredadors. La densitat i la biomassa de macroinvertebrats es trobaven positivament correlacionades amb la quantitat de recursos tròfics i la complexitat d'habitat, mentre que la riquesa taxonòmica es trobava negativament relacionada amb paràmetres hidràulics. La influència dels substrats inorgànics prenia menor rellevància per a la distribució dels macroinvertebrats. Els anàlisis d'ordenació mostren com les variables del microhabitat de major rellevància eren CPOM, clorofil·la a, algues filamentoses i velocitat. La cobertura de sorra només era significativa per al tram d'aigües amunt i les molses, al d'aigües avall. El número de correlacions significatives entre macroinvertebrats i les variables del microhabitat era més elevat per al tram de dalt que per al de baix, bàsicament per diferències en composició taxonòmica. La biomassa de macroinvertebrats va aportar una informació semblant a la obtinguda per la densitat. Perifiton i molses tenien uns continguts de nutrients similars en els dos trams. Els %C i %N d'algues filamentoses també eren similars en els dos trams però el %P sota la font puntual era el doble que al tram de dalt. Les relacions estoquiomètriques en CPOM, FPOM i SPOM eren considerablement menors sota la font puntual. Els continguts elementals i relacions van ser molt variables entre taxons de macroinvertebrats però no van resultar significativament diferents entre els dos trams. Dípters, tricòpters i efemeròpters presentaven una estoquiometria similar, mentre que el C i el N eren inferiors en moluscs i el P en coleòpters. Els depredadors presentaven un contingut en C i N més elevat que la resta de grups tròfics, mentre que el P era major en els filtradors. Els desequilibris elementals entre consumidors i recursos eren menors en el tram d'aigües avall. A la tardor i l'hivern la major font de nutrients va ser la BOM mentre que a la primavera i a l'estiu va ser el perifiton.