Mapping of use and occupation of the soil and irrigation water quality in the city of Salto do Lontra-Paraná, Brazil

The objective of this study consisted on mapping the use and soil occupation and evaluation of the quality of irrigation water used in Salto do Lontra, in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Images of the satellite SPOT-5 were used to perform the supervised classification of the Maximum Likelihood algorithm - MAXVER, and the water quality parameters analyzed were pH, EC, HCO3-, Cl-, PO4(3-), NO3-, turbidity, temperature and thermotolerant coliforms in two distinct rainfall periods. The water quality data were subjected to statistical analysis by the techniques of PCA and FA, to identify the most relevant variables in assessing the quality of irrigation water. The characterization of soil use and occupation by the classifier MAXVER allowed the identification of the following classes: crops, bare soil/stubble, forests and urban area. The PCA technique applied to irrigation water quality data explained 53.27% of the variation in water quality among the sampled points. Nitrate, thermotolerant coliforms, temperature, electrical conductivity and bicarbonate were the parameters that best explained the spatial variation of water quality.

Prediction of market switching and delisting events from OMX First North Nordic multilateral stock exchange

This thesis studies the predictability of market switching and delisting events from OMX First North Nordic multilateral stock exchange by using financial statement information and market information from 2007 to 2012. This study was conducted by using a three stage process. In first stage relevant theoretical framework and initial variable pool were constructed. Then, explanatory analysis of the initial variable pool was done in order to further limit and identify relevant variables. The explanatory analysis was conducted by using self-organizing map methodology. In the third stage, the predictive modeling was carried out with random forests and support vector machine methodologies. It was found that the explanatory analysis was able to identify relevant variables. The results indicate that the market switching and delisting events can be predicted in some extent. The empirical results also support the usability of financial statement and market information in the prediction of market switching and delisting events.

Does the Ingestion of Isoxaflutole Herbicide Affect the Midgut and Salivary Glands of Pentatomidae Predators?

Podisus nigrispinus is a generalist predator naturally occurring in agricultural and forestry systems that effectively contributes to the population balance of phytophagous insects, especially defoliating caterpillars. Histological changes were evaluated in the salivary glands and midgut of P. nigrispinus caused by ingestion of systemic herbicide isoxaflutole. These predator females were fed with leaves of eucalyptus plants, Tenebrio molitor pupae or water, contaminated or not by herbicide. Salivary glands and midguts were dissected, processed and analyzed under a light microscope. Activity level and cell morphology of the salivary glands and midgut showed differences among insects fed on plants, contaminated water or pupae. The epithelia of the salivary gland and midgut of individuals which had no contact with the herbicide showed homogeneous cytoplasm, nucleus with predominance of decondensed chromatin and evident nucleoli, intense cell activity features. As for the insects in contact with contaminated food, they presented undeveloped nucleus and condensed chromatin. The luminal contents of the salivary glands in the contaminated insects had become more acidophilus than in insects without poisoning, as well as having heterogeneous and granular secretion, being more evident in the bioassay in which the insects fed on contaminated water. There was a marked morphological change in the midgut cells in contaminated insects. High degree of apoptosis, disorganization and secretory vacuoles in the epithelial cytoplasm were observed. The apical portion of the midgut cells proved undeveloped, irregular and partially destroyed. It is concluded that isoxaflutole causes morphological changes in the digestive system of the predator P. nigrispinus.

Flowering and fruiting of Aulonemia aristulata: a gynomonoecious woody bamboo species from Atlantic Forest in Brazil

Aulonemia aristulata (Döll) McClure is a lignified bamboo species endemic to Brazil. This species occurs in southeastern forests and can reach high density at forest edges, dominating the understory of canopy-disturbed forest patches. The goal of this study was to describe the flowering period, floral biology, fruiting and seedling recruitment of A. aristulata in natural conditions in two areas located in a segment of the Atlantic Forest. Data on the morphology of the synflorescences and florets, timing and sequence of the anthesis events and floral visitors were recorded. Natural pollinators (open pollination or control) as well as spontaneous self-pollination were also checked. Pollen viability was estimated using the acetocarmine technique. Aulonemia aristulata is monocarpic (semelparous) with gregarious flowering. All culms in both studied areas blossomed and fruited between August and November 2007, dying subsequently between December 2007 and April 2008. Two types of synflorescences and flowers were observed: terminal with bisexual and protandric florets, with the anthesis lasting for 3-4 days; and axillary, with morphologically bisexual, but functionally female, florets and anthesis lasting for 3-4 days. The latter were also observed in the rhizome of plants whose aerial portion had been removed. The presence of axillary synflorescences with pistillate flowers is described here for the first time in Aulonemia species. Moreover, this is the first report of gynomonoecy in woody bamboo. Fruiting from bisexual florets under natural conditions (35%) was superior to that obtained from bagged synflorescences (11.5%). Fruiting from functional female florets was around 20%. Pollen viability was on the average of 90%. The results suggest that Aulonemia aristulata is anemophilous. The massive bamboo seedling recruitment observed after dieback with the ability to colonize open areas could promote the regeneration of Aulonemia aristulata.

Taxonomy and Species Richness of Amazonian Pimplinae and Rhyssinae (hymenoptera: ichneumonidae)

The Amazonian region, the biggest rain forest of our planet, is known for its extraordinary biodiversity. Most of this diversity is still unexplored and new species of different taxa are regularly found there. In this region, as in most areas of the world, insects are some of the most abundant organisms. Therefore, studying this group is important to promote the conservation of these highly biodiverse ecosystems of the planet. Among insects, parasitoid wasps are especially interesting because they have potential for use as biodiversity indicators and biological control agents in agriculture and forestry. The parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae is one of the most species rich groups among the kingdom Animalia. This group is still poorly known in many areas of the world; the Amazonian region is a clear example of this situation. Ichneumonids have been thought to be species poor in Amazonia and other tropical areas. However, recent studies are suggesting that parasitoid wasps may be quite abundant in Amazonia and possibly in most tropical areas of the world. The aim of my doctoral thesis is to study the species richness and taxonomy of two of the best known ichneumonid subfamilies in the Neotropical region, Pimplinae and Rhyssinae. To do this I conducted two extensive sampling programs in the Peruvian Amazonia. I examined also a large number of Neotropical ichneumonids deposited to different natural history museums. According to the results of my thesis, the species richness of these parasitoids in the Amazonian region is considerably higher than previously reported. In my research, I firstly further develop the taxonomy of these parasitoids by describing many new species and reporting several new faunistic records (I, II, III). In this first part I focus on two genera (Xanthopimpla and Epirhyssa) which were thought to be rather species poor. My thesis demonstrates that these groups are actually rather species rich in the Amazonian region. Secondly, I concentrate on the species richness of these parasitoids in a global comparison showing that the Neotropical region and especially the Peruvian Amazonia is one of the most species rich areas of Pimpliformes ichneumonids (V). Furthermore, I demonstrate that with the data available to date no clear latitudinal gradient in species richness is visible. Thirdly, increasing the macroecological knowledge of these parasitoids I show that some previously unreported ichneumonid subfamilies are present in the Amazonian region (IV). These new insights and the results of the global comparison of ichneumonid inventories suggest that the previous belief of low diversity in the tropics is most likely related to a lack of sampling effort in the region. Overall, my research increases the knowledge of Neotropical ichneumonids highlighting the importance of Peruvian Amazonia as one of the diversity hotspots of parasitoid wasps.

Screening of antibacterial extracts from plants native to the Brazilian Amazon Rain Forest and Atlantic Forest

More than 20% of the world's biodiversity is located in Brazilian forests and only a few plant extracts have been evaluated for potential antibacterial activity. In the present study, 705 organic and aqueous extracts of plants obtained from different Amazon Rain Forest and Atlantic Forest plants were screened for antibacterial activity at 100 µg/ml, using a microdilution broth assay against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. One extract, VO581, was active against S. aureus (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 140 µg/ml and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) = 160 µg/ml, organic extract obtained from stems) and two extracts were active against E. faecalis, SM053 (MIC = 80 µg/ml and MBC = 90 µg/ml, organic extract obtained from aerial parts), and MY841 (MIC = 30 µg/ml and MBC = 50 µg/ml, organic extract obtained from stems). The most active fractions are being fractionated to identify their active substances. Higher concentrations of other extracts are currently being evaluated against the same microorganisms.

The effects of plants(Typha Latifolia)and root-bed medium on the treatment of domestic sewage within a vertical flow constructed wetland /

The effect that plants {Typha latifolia) as well as root-bed medium physical and chemical characteristics have on the treatment of primary treated domestic wastewater within a vertical flow constructed wetland system was investigated. Five sets of cells, with two cells in each set, were used. Each cell was made of concrete and measured 1 .0 m X 1 .0 m and was 1.3 m deep. Four different root-bed media were tested : Queenston Shale, Fonthill Sand, Niagara Shale and a Michigan Sand. Four of the sets contained plants and a single type of root-bed medium. The influence of plants was tested by operating a Queenston Shale set without plants. Due to budget constraints no replicates were constructed. All of the sets were operated independently and identically for twenty-eight months. Twelve months of data are presented here, collected after 16 months of continuous operation. Root-bed medium type did not influence BOD5 removal. All of the sets consistently met Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) requirements (<25 mg/L) for BOD5 throughout the year. The 12 month average BOD5 concentration from all sets with plants was below 2.36 mg/L. All of the sets were within MOE discharge requirements (< 25 mg/L) for suspended solids with set effluent concentrations ranging from 1.53 to 14.80 mg/L. The Queenston Shale and Fonthill Sand media removed the most suspended solids while the Niagara Shale set produced suspended solids. The set containing Fonthill Sand was the only series to meet MOE discharge requirements (< Img/L) for total phosphorus year-round with a twelve month mean effluent concentration of 0.23 mg/L. Year-round all of the root-bed media were well below MOE discharge requirements (< 20mg/L in winter and < 10 mg/L in sumnner) for ammonium. The Queenston Shale and Fonthill Sand sets removed the most total nitrogen. Plants had no effect on total nitrogen removal, but did influence how nitrogen was cycled within the system. Plants increased the removal of suspended solids by 14%, BOD5 by 10% and total phosphorus by 22%. Plants also increased the amount of dissolved oxygen that entered the system. During the plant growing season removal of total phosphorus was better in all sets with plants regardless of media type. The sets containing Queenston Shale and Fonthill Sand media achieved the best results and plants in the Queenston Shale set increased treatment efficiency for every parameter except nitrogen. Vertical flow wetland sewage treatment systems can be designed and built to consistently meet MOE discharge requirements year-round for BOD5, suspended solids, total phosphorus and ammonium. This system Is generally superior to the free water systems and sub-surface horizontal flow systems in cold climate situations.

Physiological and Genetic Diversity Studies on Regeneration of Santalum Album L.

S. album L. is the source of highly priced and fragrant heartwood which on steam distillation yields on an average 57 per cent oil of high perfumery value. Global demand for sandalwood is about 5000-6000 tons/year and that of oil is 100 tons/year. Heartwood of sandal is estimated to fetch up to Rs. 3.7 million/ton and wood oil Rs.70,000-100,000/ kg in the international market. Sandal heartwood prices have increased from Rs. 365/ton in 1900 to Rs. 6.5 lakhs/ton in 1999-2000 and to Rs. 37 lakhs/ton in 2007. Substantial decline in sandalwood production has occurred from 3176 tons/year during 1960-‘ 65 to 1500 tons/year in 1997-98, and to 500 tons/year in 2007.Depletion of sandal resources is attributed to several factors, both natural and anthropogenic. Low seed setting, poor seed germination, seedling mortality, lack of haustorial connection with host plant roots, recurrent annual fires in natural sandal forests, lopping of trees for fodder, excessive grazing, hacking, encroachments, seedling diseases and spread of sandal spike disease are the major problems facing sandal. While these factors hinder sandal regeneration in forest areas, the situation is accelerated by human activities of chronic overexploitation and illicit felling.Deterioration of natural sandal populations due to illicit felling, encroachments and diseases has an adverse effect on genetic diversity of the species. The loss of genetic diversity has aggravated during recent years due to extensive logging, changing landuse patterns and poor natural regeneration. The consequent genetic erosion is of serious concern affecting tree improvement programme in sandal. Conservation as well as mass propagation are the two strategies to be given due importance. To initiate any conservation programme, precise knowledge of the factors influencing regeneration and survival of the species is essential. Hence, the present study was undertaken with the objective of investigating the autotrophic and parasitic phase of sandal seedlings growth, the effects of shade on morphology, chlorophyll concentration and chlorophyll fluorescence of sandal seedlings, genetic diversity in sandal seed stands using ISSR markers, and the diversity of fungal isolates causing sandal seedling wilt using RAPD markers. All these factors directly influence regeneration and survival of sandal seedlings in natural forests and plantations.

Systematics, Germplasm evaluation and pattern of distribution and abundance of freshwater fishes of Kerala (lndia)

The overall focus of the thesis involves the systematics,germplasm evaluation and pattern of distribution and abundance of freshwater fishes of kerala (india).Biodiversity is the measure of variety of Life.With the signing on the convention on biodiversity, the countries become privileged with absolute rights and responsibility to conserve and utilize their diverse resources for the betterment of mankind in a sustainable way. South-east Asia along with Africa and South America were considered to be the most biodiversity rich areas in the world .The tremendous potential associated with the sustainable utilization of fish germplasm resources of various river systems of Kerala for food, aquaculture and ornamental purposes have to be fully tapped for economic upliftment of fisherman community and also for equitable sharing of benefits among the mankind without compromising the conservation of the rare and unique fish germplasm resources for the future generations.The study was carried during April 2000 to December 2004. 25 major river systems of Kerala were surveyed for fish fauna for delineating the pattern of distribution and abundance of fishes both seasonally and geographically.The results of germplasm inventory and evaluation of fish species were presented both for the state and also river wise. The results of evaluation of fish species for their commercial utilization revealed that, of the 145, 76 are ornamental, 47 food and 22 cultivable. 21 species are strictly endemic to Kerala rivers. The revalidation on biodiversity status of the fishes assessed based on IUCN is so alarming that a high percentage of fishes (59spp.) belong to threatened category which is inclusive of 8 critically ndangered (CR), 36 endangered and 15 species under vulnerable (VU) category.The river wise fish germplasm inventory surveys were conducted in 25 major river systems of Kerala.The results of the present study is indicative of existence of several new fish species in the streams and rivulets located in remote areas of the forests and therefore, new exclusive surveys are required to surface fish species new to science, new distributional records etc, for the river systems.The results of fish germplasm evaluation revealed that there exist many potential endemic ornamental and cultivable fishes in Kerala. It is found imperative to utilize these species sustainably for improving the aquaculture production and aquarium trade of the country which would definitely fetch more income and generate employment.

Teak plantations in kerala an analysis of productivity and profitability

Teak plantations were initiated in Kerala in 1842, and extended almost continuously. Among plantations raised by the Forest Department, teak occupies the largest area and a substantial asset base has been created. Of late, several teak growing private companies have come up offering investors high returns from their plantations. However, no study has been carried out in Kerala on the economic status of teak plantations in the government forests and prospects of investing in teak plantation ventures in the private sector. The present study is relevant in presenting the productivity status of teak plantations in government forests in Kerala and its commercial profitability. This will be useful to the government for planning management strategies and investment priorities. The study will also serve as a base—line information for comparative studies.

Vegetation changes in a river oasis on the southern rim of the Taklamakan Desert in China between 1956 and 2000

The indigenous vegetation surrounding the river oases on the southern rim of the Taklamakan Desert has drastically diminished due to overexploitation as a source of fodder, timber and fuel for the human population. The change in the spatial extent of landscape forms and vegetation types around the Qira oasis was analyzed by comparing SPOT satellite images from 1998 with aerial photographs from 1956. The analysis was supplemented by field surveys in 1999 and 2000. The study is part of a joint Chinese-European project with the aim of assessing the current state of the foreland vegetation, of gathering information on the regeneration potential and of suggesting procedures for a sustainable management. With 33 mm of annual precipitation, plants can only grow if they have access to groundwater, lakes or rivers. Most of the available water comes into the desert via rivers in the form of seasonal flooding events resulting from snow melt in the Kun Lun Mountains. This water is captured in canal systems and used for irrigation of arable fields. Among the eight herbaceous and woody vegetation types and the type of open sand without any plant life that were mapped in 2000 in the oasis foreland, only the latter, the oasis border between cultivated land and open Populus euphratica forests and Tamarix ramosissima-Phragmites australis riverbed vegetation could be clearly identified on the photographs from 1956. The comparison of the images revealed that the oasis increased in area between 1956 and 2000. Shifting sand was successfully combated near to the oasis borders but increased in extent at the outward border of the foreland vegetation. In contrast to expectations, the area covered with Populus trees was smaller in 1956 than today due to some new forests in the north of the oasis that have grown up since 1977. Subfossil wood and leaf remnants of Populus euphratica that were found in many places in the foreland must have originated from forests destroyed before 1956. In the last 50 years, the main Qira River has shifted its bed significantly northward and developed a new furcation with a large new bed in 1986. The natural river dynamics are not only an important factor in forming the oasis’ landscape but also in providing the only possible regeneration sites for all occurring plant species. The conclusion of the study is that the oasis landscape has changed considerably in the last 50 years due to natural floodings and to vegetation degradation by human overexploitation. The trend towards decreasing width of the indigenous vegetation belt resulting from the advancing desert and the expansion of arable land is particularly alarming because a decrease in its protective function against shifting sand can be expected in the future.

Shifting cultivation and forest resources in Nagaland, N.-E. India

Die vorliegende Studie befasst sich mit der Ressourcennachhaltigkeit der traditionellen, auf Wanderfeldbau beruhenden Subsistenzwirtschaft in zwei Dörfern (Hongphoy und Minyakshu) in Nagaland im Nordosten Indiens. Hierbei werden die Cerealien Produktion, der Feuerholz Konsum und auch die Folgen der intensivierten Bewirtschaftung (Forstdegradation und Bodenverarmung) im Hinblick auf das Bevölkerungswachstum diskutiert. Während das traditionelle System des Wanderfeldbaus (Jhum) seit Jahrzehnten die Bedürfnisse der ehemals kopfjagenden Stämme Nagalands erfüllte, ergab unsere Studie durch Interviews und Feldaufnahmen in 2004 und 2005, dass die steigende Nachfrage einer wachsenden Bevölkerung nach Cerealien und Feuerholz als wichtigste Ressourcen der Subsistenzwirtschaft zu einer verkürzten Brachezeit und letztlich der Degradation von Naturressourcen geführt hat: Pro Hektar Ernten sind reduziert und der Zuwachs der Holzvorräte auf den Feldern kann durch die verkürzten Bracheperioden nicht mehr die Feuerholz Nachfrage decken. Eine Nahrungsmittelknappheit wurde durch die Gegenüberstellung des Energiebedarfs einer Person und die jährlichen pro-Kopf Erntemengen und unter Berücksichtigung des Zukaufs von Reis reflektiert: In Hongphoy ergab dies ein Defizit auf Dorfebene von 130 Tonnen Reis, in Minyakshu von 480 Tonnen, die nicht durch Ernten gedeckt werden konnten. Diese Nahrungsmittelknappheit erweist sich vor allem vor dem Hintergrund eines Bevölkerungswachstums von 6.7% und marginalen Einkünften als problematisch. Für fünf verschiedene Waldformationen (zwei Brachewälder, zwei Dorfwälder und ein Naturwald) wurden die unterschiedliche Artenzusammensetzung (Diversität) und Bestandesvolumina durch Forstinventuren beschrieben. Der dem Bestandesvolumen der Brachewälder gegenübergestellte pro-Kopf Feuerholz Bedarf ergab ein jährliches Defizit von 1,81m³ in Hongphoy und 0.05m³ in Minyakshu. Der Unterschied dieses Defizits zwischen beiden Dörfern wurde in einer abweichenden Bestandesstruktur (Dominanz der N2 fixierenden Baumart Alnus nepalensis in den Brachewäldern Minyakshus) begründet. Über den erhobenen Feuerholzbedarf wurde ein theoretischer pro-Kopf Flächenbedarf an Brachewald errechnet, der nötig wäre um den gesamten Feuerholz Bedarf innerhalb des Wanderfeldbau Systems zu decken. Das daraus resultierende Defizit wurde mit den Feuerholzvolumina der Dorfwälder und des verbliebenen Naturwalds gegenüber gestellt. Hieraus ergibt sich die Bedeutung der Feuerholzernte und des Wanderfeldbau als Ursache für die fortschreitende Entwaldung und Forstdegradation in Nagaland. Mit Hilfe dieser Informationen und aktuellen Angaben zum Bevölkerungswachstum werden die Ergebnisse anhand einschlägiger Literatur diskutiert und letztendlich die Nachhaltigkeit und Tragfähigkeit des Wanderfeldbau Systems in dieser Region bestimmt. Mögliche Verbesserungsstrategien um der zunehmenden Ressourcendegradation zu begegnen, werden andiskutiert.

Von den Markenteilungen bis zum Emscher Landschaftspark: Freiraumverluste und Freiraumschutz im Ruhrgebiet

In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden die Erfolge und Misserfolge der Freiraumpolitik im Ruhrgebiet untersucht. Ausgangspunkte sind der Freiraumschwund, der über einen Zeitraum von fast 200 Jahren dokumentiert wird, sowie die Gegenbewegungen, die sich für den Freiraumschutz einsetzen. Nach der Vorstellung einer Freiraumtypologie werden diese Entwicklungen in detaillierten historischen Abrissen für jeden Freiraumtyp dargestellt, woraus sich eine eigene Ruhrgebietsgeschichte - aus der Perspektive der Freiflächen und ihrer Nutzer - ergibt. Folgerichtig beginnt die vorliegende Arbeit nicht mit Kohle und Eisen, sondern mit der Land- und Forstwirtschaft. Anhand historischer Quellen wird die gängige Am-Anfang-war-die-Heide-These widerlegt, denn das Ruhrgebiet war waldreich und ein produktiver Agrarraum. Landwirtschaftliche Flächen- und Waldverluste sind die Basis der Siedlungstätigkeit. Ohne die Gemeinheitsteilungen im 19. Jahrhundert wären die Stadterweiterungen und Industrieansiedlungen im Ruhrgebiet nicht möglich gewesen. Die - in Grundzügen im Ersten Weltkrieg entwickelte - Agrarpolitik mit der Förderung von Produktivitätssteigerungen und Hofaufgaben erleichterte den weiteren Entzug von Agrarflächen, und genauso wirkt heute die Liberalisierung der Agrarmärkte. Alternative Ansätze (z.B. Direktvermarktung) konnten diesen Trend noch nicht aufhalten. Auch das Baumschutzgesetz von 1922 konnte die nationalsozialistischen Kahlschläge, die Waldverluste im Zweiten Weltkrieg und durch den Wiederaufbau nicht verhindern. Erst seit der Deindustrialisierung, der Aufforstung von Halden und der Umweltbewegung nehmen Wälder wieder zu. Demgegenüber treten Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts völlig neue Freiraumtypen auf. Die bürgerschaftliche Kleingartenbewegung wurde dank ihrer Bedeutung für die Ernährung in den Städten seit dem Ersten Weltkrieg vom Staat stark unterstützt, von den Nationalsozialisten gleichgeschaltet, konnte aber in den 1950er Jahren ihren bürgerschaftlichen Charakter und ihre Stärke wieder zurückgewinnen. Auch wenn Kleingärten als bauliche Reserveflächen missbraucht werden, geschieht dies nicht mehr ohne Ersatzland. Im Unterschied hierzu wurde die Stadtparkbewegung kommunalisiert. Sodann entstanden Volksparks mit Sportanlagen, ästhetisch ausgerichtete Gartenschauen, die breit gefächerten Revierparks der 1970er Jahre und neue Parktypen im Emscher Landschaftspark. 1920 wird der Siedlungsverband Ruhrkohlenbezirk gegründet, der mit den Verbandsgrünflächen ein eigenes Instrument zum Freiraumschutz und die Kompetenz zur Fluchtlinien- bzw. Bebauungsplanung erhielt. Inzwischen darf der Verband, vor einigen Jahren in den Regionalverband Ruhr umgewandelt, zu kommunalen Planungen nur noch Stellungnahmen abgeben. Schon früh versuchte der Verband, industrielles Ödland zu begrünen. Nach den Bahndammbegrünungen vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg hat er seit den 1950er Jahren Halden aufgeforstet, bis in den 1990er Jahren der Aufbau des Emscher Landschaftsparks begann. Zechen- und Industriebrachen werden in neue Parks, Halden und Mülldeponien in Landmarken und Freizeitlandschaften verwandelt. Zu fragen ist, was aus diesen Geschichten für die Freiraumpolitik folgt. Zwei gegensätzliche Thesen werden diskutiert: die Tragedy of the Commons, die im Gemeineigentum die Ursache ökologischer Probleme sieht, während der Common-Property-Ansatz gerade in gemeinschaftlichen Nutzungen einen Ansatz für Problemlösungen sieht. Dabei liegt eine Besonderheit von Freiräumen in ihrem hohen Öffentlichkeitsgrad, d.h. dass sie von vielen Menschen genutzt werden und gleichzeitig mehrere, z.B. produktive, ökologische, politische oder berufliche Funktionen erfüllen. Untersucht wird, inwieweit erfolgreich gesicherte Freiflächen Merkmale von stabilen Common-Property-Institutionen tragen, d.h. welche Funktionen die Freiräume erfüllen, wie ihre Nutzung geregelt ist und vor allem welchen Einfluss die Nutzer auf Entscheidungen haben. Thesenhaft lässt sich zusammenfassen, dass ein Teil der Freiräume sein Wachstum einer derzeit unverzichtbaren Funktion verdankt, nämlich der Camouflage von Müll und Altlasten, die eine bauliche Nutzung ausschließen. Andere Freiräume verdanken ihren Bestand ihren vielfältigen Nutzungen, zur Erholung, durch Denkmäler, für Veranstaltungen, aber auch der Wertsteigerung für umliegende Wohngebiete. Ein kleiner Teil der Freiräume hat tatsächlich einen Common-Property-Charakter: Kleingartenanlagen, die von bürgerschaftlichen Gruppen gegründeten Parks sowie die Flächen, die durch Bürgerinitiativen o.ä. gegen eine bauliche Umnutzung verteidigt werden. Grund genug, um die Idee eines Netzwerks von Parkvereinen aufzugreifen, die sich von bürgerschaftlicher Seite aus für Freiräume einsetzen können.

Cystoseira-dominated assemblages from sheltered areas in the Mediterranean sea : diversity, distribution and effects of pollution

Les algues del gènere Cystoseira són els principals organismes formadors d'estructura en fons rocosos ben il·luminats del Mar Mediterrani. Formen unes comunitats molt estructurades que s'assemblen ecològicament als boscos terrestres i que són sensibles als impactes antròpics. Aquesta tesi s'ha centrat en l'estudi de les espècies i comunitats dominades per Cystoseira que es troben en ambients calmats, és a dir, en petites cales i/o badies. S'han abordat diversos aspectes com són la distribució, composició, estructura i biogeografia d'aquestes comunitats, així com els efectes de la contaminació sobre les mateixes. Per una banda, s'ha documentat l'estat actual de les comunitats dominades per C. crinita a nombrosos llocs al llarg de tot el Mediterrani, aportant informació sobre la seva composició, estructura, variació biogeogràfica i dinàmica de la comunitat a llarg termini. S'ha documentat la desaparició de diverses espècies de Cystoseira en zones afectades per impactes antròpics diversos i s'ha proporcionat la primera evidència experimental de la desaparició d'espècies de Cystoseira a causa de la contaminació.

Density dependence and phenological mismatch: consequences for growth and survival of sub-arctic nesting Canada Geese

The extent to which species are plastic in the timing of their reproductive events relative to phenology suggests how climate change might affect their demography. An ecological mismatch between the timing of hatch for avian species and the peak availability in quality and quantity of forage for rapidly growing offspring might ultimately affect recruitment to the breeding population unless individuals can adjust the timing of breeding to adapt to changing phenology. We evaluated effects of goose density, hatch timing relative to forage plant phenology, and weather indices on annual growth of pre-fledging Canada geese (Branta canadensis) from 1993-2010 at Akimiski Island, Nunavut. We found effects of both density and hatch timing relative to forage plant phenology; the earlier that eggs hatched relative to forage plant phenology, the larger the mean gosling size near fledging. Goslings were smallest in years when hatch was latest relative to forage plant phenology, and when local abundance of breeding adults was highest. We found no evidence for a trend in relative hatch timing, but it was apparent that in early springs, Canada geese tended to hatch later relative to vegetation phenology, suggesting that geese were not always able to adjust the timing of nesting as rapidly as vegetation phenology was advanced. Analyses using forage biomass information revealed a positive relationship between gosling size and per capita biomass availability, suggesting a causal mechanism for the density effect. The effects of weather parameters explained additional variation in mean annual gosling size, although total June and July rainfall had a small additive effect on gosling size. Modelling of annual first-year survival probability using mean annual gosling size as an annual covariate revealed a positive relationship, suggesting that reduced gosling growth negatively impacts recruitment.