Input-output-based genuine value added and genuine productivity in China's industrial sectors (1995-2010)

The rapid growth of China's economy has brought about huge losses of natural capital in the form of natural resource depletion and damages from carbon emissions. This paper recalculates value added, capital formation, capital stock, and related multifactor productivity in China's industrial sectors by further developing the genuine savings method of the World Bank. The sector-level natural capital loss was calculated using China's official input–output table and their extensions for tracing final consumers. The capital output elasticity in the productivity estimation was adjusted based on these tables. The results show that although the loss of natural capital in China's industrial sectors in terms of value added has slowed, the impacts on their productivity during the past decades is still quite clear.

Forest connectivity restoration through reforestation: an integrated methodology for prioritizing agricultural lands and selecting reforestation species

Forest connectivity restoration is a major goal in natural resource planning. Given the high amount of abandoned cultivated lands, setting efficient methods for the reforestation of agricultural lands offers a good opportunity to face this issue. However, reforestations must be carefully planned, which poses two main challenges. In first place, to determine those agricultural lands that, once reforested, would meet more effectively the planning goals. As a further step, in order to grant the success of the activity, it is fairly advisable to select those tree species that are more adapted to each particular environment. Here we intend to give response to both requirements by proposing a sequential and integrated methodology that has been implemented in two Spanish forest districts, which are formed by several landscape types that were previously defined and characterized. Using the software Conefor Sensinode, a powerful tool for quantifying habitat availability that is based on graph theory concepts, we determined the landscapes where forest planning should have connectivity as a major concern and, afterwards, we detected the agricultural patches that would contribute most to enhance connectivity if they were reforested. The subsequent reforestation species assessment was performed within these priority patches. Using penalized logistic regressions we fitted ecological niche models for the Spanish native tree species. The models were trained with species distribution data from the Spanish Forest Map and used climatic and lithological variables as predictors. Model predictions were used to build ordered lists of suitable species for each priority patch. The lists include dominant and non dominant tree species and allow adding biodiversity goals to the reforestation planning. The result of this combined methodology is a map of agricultural patches that would contribute most to uphold forest connectivity if they were reforested and a list of suitable tree species for each patch ordered by occurrence probability. Therefore the proposed methodology may be useful for suitable and efficient forest planning and landscape designing.

Latin American Agricultural Trade: The Role of the WTO in Sustainable Virtual Water Flows, European Association of Agricultural Economists

International agricultural trade has been growing significantly during the last decade. Many countries rely on imports to ensure adequate food supplies to the people. A few are becoming food baskets of the world. This process raises issues about the food security in depending countries and potentially unsustainable land and water use in exporting countries. In this paper, we analyse the impacts of amplified farm trade on natural resources, especially water. Farm exports and imports of five Latin America countries (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Chile) are examined carefully. A preliminary analysis indicates that virtual water imports can save valuable water resources in water-short countries, such as Mexico and Chile. Major exporting countries, including Brazil and Argentina, have become big exporters due to abundant natural resource endowments. The opportunity costs of agricultural production in those countries are identified as being low, because of the predominant green water use. It is concluded that virtual water trade can be a powerful tool to alleviate water stress in semi-arid countries. However, for exporting nations a sustainable water use can only be guaranteed if environmental production costs are fully reflected in the commodity prices. There is no basis for erecting environmental trade tariffs on exporters though. Setting up legal foundations for them in full compliance with WTOs processes would be a daunting task.

Bio recuperación de suelos salinos con el uso de materiales orgánicos.

El suelo es un importante recurso natural que necesita ser preservado y mejorado para permitirle mantener su calidad y capacidad productiva, para ello se deben proponer y aplicar prácticas sostenibles que permitan recuperar aquellos suelos degradados por un mal manejo del hombre, como por ejemplo la salinización. El objetivo planteado fue evaluar la biorecuperación de un suelo con problemas salino-sódico con la aplicación de dos proporciones (1,5 y 3% (p/p)) de tres enmiendas orgánicas: compost, vermicompost sólido y Lemna mesclados o no con el 100% de los requerimientos de fosfoyeso, generándose 15 tratamientos (incluyendo tres controles). La evaluación se realizó a través de tres ensayos: 1. Columnas simuladas de suelo. 2. Evolución de CO2 y 3. Crecimiento de plántulas de tomate. El suelo objeto de estudio está clasificado my como Fluventic Haplustepts, y fue tomado de una zona de la Hacienda Alto Viento, con una latitud de 10° 2' 15 N y una longitud de 72 ° 34' 15 W, en el estado de Zulia – Venezuela. Se tomó una muestra compuesta por 20 submuestras de 20 cm de profundidad del área problema, se secó al aire (2,3% de humedad), se tamizó y homogenizó. El suelo y las enmiendas orgánicas fueron caracterizadas. Los materiales orgánicos; compost y vermicompost fueron procesados en la misma Hacienda con el uso de estiércol de ganado bovino; la Lemna fue recolectada de orillas del Lago de Maracaibo en la ciudad de Maracaibo. El suelo se mezcló a las proporciones indicadas se le midió respiración basal y el efecto sobre la germinación de semillas de tomate y se empaquetó en un tubo de polietileno de 7,1 cm de diámetro y 70 a 90 cm de longitud, según la altura de la mezcla del suelo con la enmienda. El fondo de cada columna fue rellenado con 40 cm de arena lavada para facilitar el drenaje. En cada columna se utilizó la misma cantidad de suelo (1055 mg), la altura que ocupó dentro de las columnas dependió del tipo de enmienda orgánica y su proporción, la cual modificó la Da del suelo (1,328±0,05 g•cm-3). La altura dentro de la columna varió desde 20 cm para el suelo sin enmienda hasta 38,33±0,8 cm para el suelo enmendado con Lemna al 3,0%. Transcurrido el periodo de tres meses tiempo en el cual el suelo enmendado y colocado en las columnas fue lavado con una cantidad de agua que equivalente a la tasa de infiltración, la cual se calculó a partir de la precipitación anual de la zona y las perdidas por evaporación y escorrentía; se fraccionó en tres secciones de 7, 7 y 6 cm de longitud, y el suelo de cada fracción se secó al aire y se tamizó, y se le midió CEextr, pH, cationes en solución y cationes extraíbles para calcular el RAS y el PSI. Se tomó una cantidad equivalente de cada sección para conformar una muestra de 50 g de suelos a los cuales se le midió respiración basal e igualmente se tomó suelo para evaluar la germinación y crecimiento de plántulas de tomate. Se detectaron diferencias significativa (p<0,05) entre tratamientos, según la prueba de Tukey, para la variables evaluadas, aunque no hubo diferencias entre las proporciones ni entre la utilización del fosfoyeso mezclado con las enmiendas orgánicas. La enmienda que mostró menos potencial en la bio remediación fue la Lemna por sus altos contenidos de Na+. La metodología de las columnas simuladas del suelo, bajo las condiciones de estudio, no fue del todo adecuada para evaluar la bio remediación debido que en el suelo control por efecto de la aplicación de agua también hubo recuperación del mismo por su disminución en el la CE, RAS y PSI y en algunas variables su recuperación fue mayor que en aquellos enmendados con Lemna. Tomando en la respuesta del cultivo la mejor enmienda fue el vermicompost Abstract The soil is an important natural resource that needs to be preserved and improved to maintain its quality and production potential. Therefore, it is necessary to propose and apply sustainable practices that permit the recovery of soils that have been degraded by inadequate management, among these saline soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioremediation of a saline-sodic soil through the application of two proportions (1,5 and 3% (p/p) of three organic amendments: compost, vermicompost and Lemna, mixed or not with gypsum phosphate, resulting in 15 treatments (including 3 controls). The evaluation was conducted through three tests: 1. Simulated soil columns. 2. Evolution of CO2 and 3. Growth of tomato seedlings The soil under evaluation was classified as Fluventic Haplustepts and was collected from the Alto Viento farm located at 10° 2' 15 North Latitude and 72° 34' 15 West longitude, in Zulia State, Venezuela. A composite soil sample, integrated of 20 subsamples taken to a depth of 20 cm collected in the problem area, was air dried (2.3 % moisture), sieved and homogenized. Soil and organic amendments were characterized. Organic material for the compost and vermicompost were obtained on the farm using cattle manure, whereas the Lemna was collected from the shores of Lake Maracaibo outside Maracaibo city. The soil was mixed in the above-mentioned proportions and its baseline respiration rate and effect on the germination of tomato seeds were recorded. Soil was packed in a PVC pipe (7,1 cm diameter and 70-90 cm length) to simulate a soil column. The bottom of each column was filled out with 40 cm of washed sand to facilitate drainage. The same amount of soil was used in each column (1,055 mg), but the height of the column varied according to the organic amendment and its proportion, which modified the apparent density of the soil (1,328±0,05 g•cm-3). The height of each column varied from 20 cm for the soil without amendment to 38,33±0,8 cm for the soil with 3% Lemna. After three months, the soil was treated with water (using the equivalent of the problem area infiltration rate), and was divided into three sections (7, 7 and 6 cm length). The soil from each section was air dried, sieved and its cationic exchange capacity, pH, cation solutions and extractable cations were measured to estimate RAS and PSI. An equivalent portion of each section was collected to compose a 50 g soil sample, and baseline respiration rate and tomato seedlings growth were recorded. Statistical differences (p<0,05) were observed among treatments for the variables under evaluation. Tukey test showed no differences among the proportions of organic amendments nor with the addition of gypsum phosphate to the organic amendments. The amendment which showed the lowest bioremediation potential was the Lemna, as a result of its high Na+ concentration. Under the conditions of this study, the soil column methodology used showed limitations to evaluate bioremediation because the control soil column, after being rinsed with water, also showed improvements as CE, RAS and PSI values were reduced. For some variables, the improvement noted in the control soil column surpassed those obtained with the soil amended with Lemna. Based on the best crop response amendment was vermicompost 3%.

Viabilidad técnica para la explotación y separación isotópica de Li y prospectiva en el mercado de baterías de ION-7Li y de 6Li como material base de diseño en reactores de fusión nuclear

En claro alineamiento con estrategias de sostenibilidad en el uso de recursos naturales en un escenario constante de aumento de la demanda energética mundial, el desarrollo de la tecnología energética en la Historia de la Especie Humana muestra un vector de evolución permanente desde su origen en el sentido del desarrollo y uso de nuevas fuentes energéticas con la explotación de recursos naturales de manera más eficiente: soluciones energéticas con aumento de la densidad energética (exoenergía de proceso por unidad de masa de recurso natural). Así el cambio de escala en la demanda de explotación del Litio como recurso natural se viene presentando en la última década ligada al desarrollo del mercado de las baterías "ion-Litio" y los requisitos de combustible (Deuterio y Litio) en el camino de la fusión nuclear como opción energética próxima. El análisis anticipado de las demandas sinérgicas a escala de ambos mercados aparece de enorme interés prospectivo en sus aspectos técnicos: (1) tecnologías de base para la extracción mineral y de agua marina y (2) su enriquecimiento isotópico (de interés sinérgico; 7Li para baterías eficientes ion-litio; 6Li como regenerador de tritio en ciclo de combustible en fusión nuclear) a la vez que en sus aspectos económicos. Este Proyecto realiza: (1) un ejercicio de análisis prospectivo de la demanda y de mercado para el enriquecimiento 6Li/7Li para las próximas décadas, (2) se califican los desarrollos tecnológicos específicos que van a poder permitir la producción a escala conforme a la demanda; (3) se selecciona y califica una técnica [de centrifugación / termo-difusión/ destilación combinada] como opción tecnológicamente viable para la producción a escala de formas litiadas; (4) se propone un diseño conceptual de planta de producción y finalmente (5) propone un estudio de viabilidad para la demostración de proceso y construcción de dicha planta de demostración de la nueva capacidad tecnológica. ABSTRACT Clearly aligned with sustainability strategies under growing world energy demand in the use of natural resources the development of energy technology in the history of the human species shows a vector of ongoing evolution from its origin in the sense of the development and use of new energy sources with the exploitation of natural resources in a more efficient manner. The change of scale in the demand for exploitation of Lithium as a natural resource appears during the last decade as bound to the deployment of "lithium-ion" batteries market and to the Nuclear Fusion fuels (deuterium and lithium) supply scaled demands. The prospective analysis of demands to scale in both markets appears in scene with huge prospective interest in its technical aspects: (1) base technologies for mineral and water marine extraction (2) its isotopic enrichment (synergistic interests; 7Li efficient battery Li-ion; 6Li as fusion nuclear fuel breeder (tritium) as well as in its economic aspects. This Project: (1) propose a prospective analysis exercise of the synergistic supply demand for coming decades for the enrichment of 6Li and 7Li, (2) qualifies specific technological developments ongoing to respond to supply demand; (3) select and qualifies an appropriate technique [combined centrifugation/thermo-diffusion/distillation] as technologically viable option for lithiated forms scaled-production; (4) proposes a conceptual design of production plant based on the technique and finally (5) proposes a feasibility study for the process demonstration and construction of this new technological capability Demonstration Plant.

Modelo del sistema de gestión de la calidad y el desempeño organizacional en la producción de petróleo

El proceso de cambio de una sociedad industrial a una sociedad del conocimiento, que experimenta el mundo globalizado en el siglo XXI, induce a las empresas y organizaciones a desarrollar ventajas competitivas y sostenibles basadas en sus activos intangibles, entre los cuales destacan los sistemas de gestión en general y los sistemas de gestión de la calidad (SGC) en particular. Las organizaciones dedicadas a la producción de petróleo están influenciadas por dicha tendencia. El petróleo es un recurso natural con reservas limitadas, cuya producción y consumo ha crecido progresivamente, aportando la mayor cuota (35 %) del total de la energía que se consume en el mundo contemporáneo, aporte que se mantendrá hasta el año 2035, según las previsiones más conservadoras. Por tanto, se hace necesario desarrollar modelos de producción innovadores, que contribuyan a la mejora del factor de recobro de los yacimientos y de la vida útil de los mismos, al tiempo que satisfagan los requerimientos de producción y consumo diarios de los exigentes mercados globales. El objeto de esta investigación es el desarrollo de un modelo de gestión de la calidad y su efecto en el desempeño organizacional, a través del efecto mediador de los constructos satisfacción del cliente interno y gestión del conocimiento en la producción de petróleo. Esta investigación de carácter explicativo, no experimental, transeccional y ex-postfacto, se realizó en la región petrolífera del lago de Maracaibo, al occidente de Venezuela, la cual tiene más de 70 años en producción y cuenta con yacimientos maduros. La población objeto de estudio fue de 369 trabajadores petroleros, quienes participaron en las mesas técnicas de la calidad, durante los meses de mayo y julio del año 2012, los cuales en su mayoría están en proceso de formación como analistas, asesores y auditores de los SGC. La técnica de muestreo aplicada fue de tipo aleatorio simple, con una muestra de 252 individuos. A la misma se le aplicó un cuestionario diseñado ad hoc, el cual fue validado por las técnicas de juicio de expertos y prueba piloto. El procedimiento de investigación se realizó a través de una secuencia, que incluyó la elaboración de un modelo teórico, basado en la revisión del estado del arte; un modelo factorial, sobre la base del análisis factorial de los datos de la encuesta; un modelo de regresión lineal, elaborado a través del método de regresión lineal simple y múltiple; un modelo de análisis de sendero, realizado con el software Amos 20 SPSS y finalmente, un modelo informático, realizado con el simulador Vensim PLE v.6.2. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el modelo teórico se transformó en un modelo empírico, en el cual, la variable independiente fue el SGC, la variable mediadora fue la integración de las dimensiones eliminación de la no conformidad, satisfacción del cliente interno y aprendizaje organizacional (ENCSCIAO) y la variable respuesta la integración de las dimensiones desempeño organizacional y aprendizaje organizacional (DOOA). Se verificó el efecto mediador del ENSCIAO sobre la relación SGC-DOOA con una bondad del ajuste, del 42,65%. En el modelo de regresión múltiple se encontró que las variables determinantes son eliminación de la no conformidad (ENC), conocimiento adquirido (CA) y conocimiento espontáneo (CE), lo cual fue corroborado con el modelo de análisis de sendero. El modelo informático se desarrolló empleando datos aproximados de una unidad de producción tipo, generándose cuatro escenarios; siendo el más favorable, aquel en el cual se aplicaba el SGC y variables relacionadas, reduciendo la desviación de la producción, incrementando el factor de recobro y ampliando la vida útil del yacimiento. Se concluye que la aplicación del SGC y constructos relacionados favorece el desempeño y la producción de las unidades de explotación de yacimientos petrolíferos maduros. Los principales aportes de la tesis son la obtención de un modelo de gestión de la producción de petróleo en yacimientos maduros, basado en los SGC. Asimismo, el desarrollo de un concepto de gestión de la calidad asociado a la reducción de la desviación de la producción petrolífera anual, al incremento del factor de recobro y al aumento de la vida útil del yacimiento. Las futuras líneas de investigación están orientadas a la aplicación del modelo en contextos reales y específicos, para medir su impacto y realizar los ajustes pertinentes. ABSTRACT The process of change from an industrial society to a knowledge-based society, which undergoes the globalized world in the twenty-first century, induces companies and organizations to develop a sustainable and competitive advantages based on its intangible assets, among which are noteworthy the management systems in general and particularly the quality management systems (QMS). Organizations engaged in oil production are influenced by said trend. Oil is a natural resource with limited reserves, where production and consumption has grown progressively, providing the largest share (35%) of the total energy consumed in the contemporary world, a contribution that will remain until the year 2035 according to the more conservative trust estimations. Therefore, it becomes necessary to develop innovative production models which contribute with the improvement of reservoirs´ recovery factor and the lifetime thereof, while meeting the production requirements and daily consumption of demanding global markets. The aim of this research is to develop a model of quality management and its effect on organizational performance through the mediator effect of the constructs, internal customer satisfaction and knowledge management in oil production. This research of explanatory nature, not experimental, transactional and expos-facto was carried out in the oil-region of Maracaibo Lake located to the west of Venezuela, which has more than 70 years in continuous production and has mature reservoirs. The population under study was 369 oil workers who participated in the technical quality workshops, during the months of May and July of 2012, the majority of which were in the process of training as analysts, consultants and auditors of the QMS. The sampling technique applied was simple random type. To a sample of 252 individuals of the population it was applied an ad hoc designed questionnaire, which was validated by the techniques of expert judgment and pilot test. The research procedure was performed through a sequence, which included the elaboration of a theoretical model, based on the review of the state of the art; a factorial model with based on factorial analysis of the survey data; a linear regression model, developed through the method of simple and multiple linear regression; a structural equation model, made with software °Amos 20 SPSS° and finally, a computer model, performed with the simulator Vensim PLE v.6.2. The results indicate that the theoretical model was transformed into an empirical model, in which the independent variable was the QMS, the mediator variable was the integration of the dimensions: elimination of non-conformity, internal customer satisfaction and organizational learning (ENCSCIAO) and the response variable the integration of the dimensions, organizational performance and learning organizational (DOOA). ENSCIAO´s mediator effect on the relation QMS-DOOA was verified with a goodness of fit of 42,65%. In the multiple regression model was found to be the determining variables are elimination of nonconformity (ENC), knowledge acquired (CA) and spontaneous knowledge (EC), which was verified with the structural equation model. The computer model was developed based on approximate data of an oil production unit type, creating four (04) scenarios; being the most favorable, that one which it was applied the QMS and related variables, reducing the production deviation, increasing the recovery factor and extending the lifetime of the reservoir. It is concluded that QMS implementation powered with the related constructs, favors performance and production of mature oilfield of exploitation reservoirs units. The main contributions of this thesis are obtaining a management model for oil production in mature oilfields, based on QMS. In addition, development of a concept of quality associated to reduce the annual oil production deviation, increase the recovery factor and increase oilfield lifetime. Future lines of research are oriented to the implementation of this model in real and specific contexts to measure its impact and make the necessary adjustments that might take place.

State of the Art and Future Trends in Grid Codes Applicable to Isolated Electrical Systems

Electrical power systems are changing their traditional structure, which was based on a little number of large generating power plants placed at great distances from loads by new models that tend to split the big production nodes in many smaller ones. The set of small groups which are located close to consumers and provide safe and quality energy is called distributed generation (DG). The proximity of the sources to the loads reduces losses associated with transportation and increases overall system efficiency. DG also favors the inclusion of renewable energy sources in isolated electrical systems or remote microgrids, because they can be installed where the natural resource is located. In both cases, as weak grids unable to get help from other nearby networks, it is essential to ensure appropriate behavior of DG sources to guarantee power system safety and stability. The grid codes sets out the technical requirements to be fulfilled for the sources connected in these electrical networks. In technical literature it is rather easy to find and compare grid codes for interconnected electrical systems. However, the existing literature is incomplete and sparse regarding isolated electrical systems and this happens due to the difficulties inherent in the pursuit of codes. Some countries have developed their own legislation only for their island territory (as Spain or France), others apply the same set of rules as in mainland, another group of island countries have elaborated a complete grid code for all generating sources and some others lack specific regulation. This paper aims to make a complete review of the state of the art in grid codes applicable to isolated systems, setting the comparison between them and defining the guidelines predictably followed by the upcoming regulations in these particular systems.

The optimal allocation rule and the water market as the most effective tools of managing water shortage in an irrigation district

The conference program will cover all areas of environmental and resource economics, ranging from topics prevailing in the general debate, such as climate change, energy sources, water management and ecosystem services evaluation, to more specialized subjects such as biodiversity conservation or persistent organic pollutants. The congress will be held on the Faculty of Economics of the University of Girona, located in Montilivi, a city quarter situated just few minutes from the city center, conveniently connected by bus lines L8 and L11.

Optimization of water procurement decisions in an irrigation district: the role of option contracts

Water supply instability is one of the main risks faced by irrigation districts and farmers. Water procurement decision optimisation is essential in order to increase supply reliability and reduce costs. Water markets, such as spot purchases or water supply option contracts, can make this decision process more flexible. We analyse the potential interest in an option contract for an irrigation district that has access to several water sources. We apply a stochastic recursive mathematical programming model to simulate the water procurement decisions of an irrigation district?s board operating in a context of water supply uncertainty in south-eastern Spain. We analyse what role different option contracts could play in securing its water supply. Results suggest that the irrigation district would be willing to accept the proposed option contract in most cases subject to realistic values of the option contract financial terms. Of nine different water sources, desalination and the option contract are the main substitutes, where the use of either depends on the contract parameters. The contract premium and optioned volume are the variables that have a greater impact on the irrigation district?s decisions. Key words: Segura Basin, stochastic recursive programming, water markets, water supply option contract, water supply risk.

Aplicação da dendrogeomorfologia na caracterização e datação de processos erosivos em voçorocas na região de Piracicaba, SP

O solo é um recurso natural essencial para os seres humanos. Porém, atualmente, as atividades humanas estão provocando a degradação do solo principalmente através da aceleração dos processos erosivos. Os estudos sobre estes processos ajudam na compreensão, interpretação e conservação do solo. Assim, este trabalho pretende estudar e datar os processos erosivos em uma voçoroca localizada na Estação Experimental de Tupi (Piracicaba SP) mediante o uso da dendrogeomorfologia. A dendrogeomorfologia é uma ciência relativamente recente que relaciona os anéis de crescimento das árvores com processos geomorfológicos permitindo a reconstrução cronológica e ocorrência dos eventos. A relevância deste estudo é conhecer o potencial desta ciência em áreas tropicais já que atualmente este tipo de estudos são escassos nestas áreas. Esta técnica foi aplicada utilizando raízes expostas de espécies do gênero Pinus sp. A datação do processo erosivo baseou-se nas mudanças no padrão de crescimento das raízes, tais como: a largura do anel, crescimento excêntrico, porcentagem do lenho tardio e densidade do lenho ocorridas após a sua exposição pelo processo erosivo. Através do estudo destas alterações determinou-se o primeiro ano de exposição da raiz e se calculou a taxa de erosão anual. Os resultados mostraram que a voçoroca está formada pela integração de dois sistemas de diferentes origens que confluem em um degrau de erosão. A abertura das voçorocas está influenciada pela presença de processos de \"piping\" na área, os quais também afetam a morfologia das raízes quando enterradas. A taxa de erosão vertical, segundo o método de GÄRTNER (2007), atingem valores entre 17,0 e 36,5 mm/ano quantificando o processo de afundamento da voçoroca; e a taxa de erosão horizontal, segundo o método de MALIK (2008), valores de 0,70 e 1,45 m/ano caracterizando o avanço longitudinal da mesma. Estes resultados são elevados se comparados com resultados obtidos em climas temperados por outros autores e similares aos publicados por BOVI (2013) na mesma área de estudo. Finalmente, a dendrogeomorfologia se corrobora como uma ferramenta de grande potencial em áreas tropicais. Os dados e informações obtidos podem se traduzir num banco de dados dendrogeomorfológicos e contribuir à expansão desta ciência no Brasil e áreas de ambientes tropicais.

Paddlefish Management in Missouri

Paddlefish populations have begun to decline throughout their historic range but are still found in 22 states in the southeastern and midwestern United States. This capstone project investigates problems facing paddlefish management including, pollution, habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal caviar trade. A combination of four management options is beneficial for the species by increasing public knowledge and awareness of what paddlefish require for survival, allowing paddlefish to be used as a natural resource. After comparing a typical state paddlefish management plan and the plan developed and used in Missouri, it is apparent that a national paddlefish management plan template is necessary for affected states. A plan provides direction for effectively maintaining paddlefish stocks, according to state specific management goals.

Avoiding Extinction: An Evaluation of Short-Term Recovery Recommendations for the Endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow

The endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus; RGSM) is nearing extinction and requires immediate recovery actions. In a draft report to the Middle Rio Grande Program, a Program Advisory Panel (PAP) recommended 34 short-term recovery measures to be implemented within the next five years, and 21 long-term recovery actions. However, these recommendations need further analysis to determine if and how the actions could be implemented. This project evaluated short-term recommendations provided by the PAP to identify the most effective and rank the relative importance of the actions. These recommendations were divided into 7 recovery categories: population augmentation (5 recommendations); hydrologic regimen (4 recommendations); physical habitat (3 recommendations); biological component of habitat (2 recommendations); population monitoring (6 recommendations); monitoring, analysis, and modeling (12 recommendations); and information and planning (2 recommendations). Each recommendation was evaluated for its potential to produce anticipated recovery progress for the RGSM based on assessments of the degree of feasibility, cost effectiveness, and associated potential consequences if fully implemented. In addition, other alternatives in a range of options were also considered where applicable. In each case, recommendations were evaluated from on-site visits, interviews with researchers and resource managers, and literature review. Based on the research findings, three major groupings of the recovery categories were identified: natural aspects of recovery, program aspects of recovery, and emergency measures. At least one recovery category within each major grouping was considered important by the respondents, which indicates that each grouping is of high importance in relation to the situation at hand. However, actions within each grouping have varying priorities given constraints on available resources, time, and budget. An integrated approach that accounts for the complexity of the river system and the species itself was considered the best approach to avoid extinction while ensuring long-term sustainability. Results of these analyses were provided directly to the PAP for their review, and it is anticipated that project results could advance implementation of the most appropriate immediate recovery actions needed to prevent extinction of the RGSM.

Calidad del agua potable en Huesca

El agua es uno de los recursos naturales fundamentales; es, seguramente el recurso que condiciona de manera prioritaria el desarrollo socioeconómico de los pueblos y la mejora del bienestar de la población. El agua presta un extraordinario servicio a la comunidad para mejorar su calidad de vida, pero, sobre todo, para satisfacer sus necesidades básicas, tales como la alimentación y la salud. Sin agua no son posibles las actividades agropecuarias y, especialmente, las agrícolas, que son el mayor componente de la alimentación de la humanidad. La salud de la población ha mejorado cuando ésta ha podido vivir en un ambiente sano y con unas prácticas higiénicas, gracias al empleo suficiente de agua potable. El saneamiento de las aguas y la posibilidad de hacer un uso continuo de ellas, ha contribuido además, al crecimiento demográfico. El agua es tanto un derecho como una responsabilidad. Tiene un valor económico, social y ambiental, cualquier actuación pública y privada está obligada a tener en cuenta esta triple dimensión. Sin olvidar el valor decorativo y simbólico: en el jardín islámico, el agua tiene un valor sensual, en el jardín oriental acentúa su valor religioso y en la religión cristiana es símbolo de purificación, todo ello expresado a través de fuentes, cascadas, riachuelos… No es un bien ilimitado, ni su disponibilidad en cuantía y calidad adecuada es gratuita. Hay que tener en cuenta tanto los costes reales como el beneficio económico que genera su utilización, respetando al mismo tiempo la exigencia de un caudal mínimo para mantener los ecosistemas.

Gasification and pyrolysis of Posidonia oceanica in the presence of dolomite

In the present work, a very detailed study of the reforming of syngas produced in the decomposition of Posidonia oceanica is done. The effect of the presence of different amounts of dolomite is analyzed. Also pyrolysis is studied, in nitrogen atmosphere, and gasification in the presence of air, oxygen and different amounts of steam. A detailed discussion on formation and destruction of tars is done. Furthermore, the effect of the heating rate in the decomposition and the residence time of the evolved gases are discussed. Syngas with ratio H2/CO from 0.3 to ca. 3 can be obtained from this interesting material. Marine species (microalgae) are usually studied with the aim of cultivating them for gas or oil production, but in this paper we draw attention to the possibility of using a natural resource with a very small impact in the ecosystem.