Computing Reeb Graphs as a Union of Contour Trees

The Reeb graph of a scalar function tracks the evolution of the topology of its level sets. This paper describes a fast algorithm to compute the Reeb graph of a piecewise-linear (PL) function defined over manifolds and non-manifolds. The key idea in the proposed approach is to maximally leverage the efficient contour tree algorithm to compute the Reeb graph. The algorithm proceeds by dividing the input into a set of subvolumes that have loop-free Reeb graphs using the join tree of the scalar function and computes the Reeb graph by combining the contour trees of all the subvolumes. Since the key ingredient of this method is a series of union-find operations, the algorithm is fast in practice. Experimental results demonstrate that it outperforms current generic algorithms by a factor of up to two orders of magnitude, and has a performance on par with algorithms that are catered to restricted classes of input. The algorithm also extends to handle large data that do not fit in memory.

Evaluación de cinco fungicidas para el manejo de enfermedades foliares y su rentabilidad en el cultivo de tomate (Lycopersicom esculentum mill) c.v. butte, Sébaco, Matagalpa, Nicaragua

El presente trabajo se realizó en la Finca Surco Muerto, Municipio de Sébaco–Matagalpa en el período comprendido de Julio a octubre del 2004, con la finalidad de evaluar diferentes productos fungicidas sistémicos (Phyton 0.5 L. ha-1, Benomil 0.5 kg ha-1 y Curzate 2 kg ha-1) y preventivos (Mancozeb 2 kg ha-1 y Clorotalonil 2 L. ha-1) en el manejo de enfermedades foliares en tomate. El diseño establecido fué el de Bloques Completos al Azar (BCA),con siete tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones. Los resultados indican que el efecto de los tratamientos evaluados sobre el control de Alternaria solani enlas primeras fechas no demuestran diferencia estadística, hasta los 62 días después del trasplante (ddt), donde Clorotalonil se comportó como el mejor tratamiento en protección al follaje.Para la variable severidad de Xanthomonas campestris en follaje los resultados indican, que es a partir de los 78 ddt donde los tratamientos demuestran diferencia estadística, comportándose Phyton como el mejor tratamiento para el manejo de dicha enfermedad.El cultivo también fué fuerte mente afectado por Mosca blanca(Bemisia tabaciGenn.) lo que repercutió en porcentajes de severidad de virosis muy altos(92%),enmascarando un mejor efecto que pudieron haber tenido los tratamientos evaluados. Enrelación a las variables de rendimiento analizadas por contrastes ortogonales, para la variable peso de frutos buenos, el análisis no encontró diferencias estadísticas entre los grupos evaluados.Para la variable peso de frutos afectados por Alternaria el análisis detectó diferencias estadísticas entre los grupos evaluados donde el grupo de los Preventivos (Clorotalonil y Mancozeb) ejercieron mejor control para dicho patógeno por haberse obtenido con ellos los más bajos rendimientos afectados con 40.85 kg ha-1. En la variable peso de frutos afectados por Xanthomonas Campestris pvvesicatoria el análisis no encontró diferencias estadísticas entre los grupos comparados.Para el rendimiento real el análisis encontró diferencias estadísticas, donde demuestra que son los tratamientos preventivos (Mancozeb y Clorotalonil) los que ejercieron el mejor control con el más alto rendimiento 5658.56 kg ha-1.Los resultados del análisis económico indican que el tratamiento rentable es Mancozeb, por obtenerse con el una tasa de retorno marginal de 960.25%. En condiciones de bajo rendimiento es Alternado (Curzate + Clorotalonil +Mancozeb) el tratamiento rentable por obtenerse con el una TRM de 246.95%. Al realizar el análisis de sensibilidad los resultados demuestran que la aplicación de Mancozeb es justificable; aun cuando el precio del tomate disminuye en un 70%, de su precio original,ya que con precios bajos se obtiene una TRM de 1.98%.

Union Formation and Bargaining Rules in the Labor Market

This paper analyzes union formation in a model of bargaining between a firm and several unions. We address two questions: first, the optimal configuration of unions (their number and size) and, second, the impact of the bargaining pattern (simultaneous or sequential). For workers, grouping into several unions works as a price discrimination device which, at the same time, decreases their market power. The analysis shows that optimal union configuration depends on the rules that regulate the bargaining process (monopoly union, Nash bargaining or right to manage).

Assistance in poverty alleviation through improved aquatic resources management in Asia-Pacific: DoF/NACA-STREAM/FAO Workshop on livelihoods approaches and analysis. Yangon, Union of Myanmar, 11-15 May 2004

This is the report of the “DoF/NACA-STREAM/FAO Workshop on Livelihoods Approaches and Analysis” that was conducted in Yangon, Union of Myanmar from 11-15 May 2004. The purpose of the workshop was to develop and document mechanisms for training in livelihoods approaches and analysis, and to build national capacity to conduct livelihoods studies. The workshop in Yangon was the first STREAM event in Myanmar, with colleagues coming to participate from Yangon and many Divisions and States throughout the country. The workshop in Yangon was the fourth in a series, the first of which was held in Iloilo City, Philippines, in November 2003, the second in Ranchi, India, in February 2004, and the third in Vientiane, Lao PDR in March 2004. A subsequent workshop will take place in Yunnan, China. The objectives of the workshop were to: Understand issues of interest to people whose livelihoods include aquatic resources management, especially those with limited resources Build “(national) livelihoods teams” to do livelihoods analyses and training, and share their experiences with communities and other stakeholders Share understandings of livelihoods approaches and analysis using participatory methods Review current NACA-STREAM livelihoods analysis documentation, adapt and supplement, towards the drafting of a Guide for Livelihoods Analysis Experience the use of participatory tools for livelihoods analysis Plan activities for carrying out livelihoods analyses, and Consider how to build capacity in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and “significant change”. (Pdf contains 56 pages).

L'économie argelienne et ses connexions avec l' Union Européenne de l'indépendance à l'actualité

Analyse about all the economical connexions between the European Union and Algeria since 1962 until 2014.

Fiscal Integration in the European Union : assessment of different proposals

This paper explores the fiscal situation of the European Union as well as the different approaches proposed for achieving fiscal policy coordination among the member states. Furthermore, it works through the need of fiscal integration as a pressing matter in order for the European Union to achieve its aim of functioning as an efficient single market and economic unit. In order to do so, it analyzes the theoretical lines of the Modern Money Theory as a possible framework for further integration, and it evaluates the different proposals made for fiscal integration so that it can give an assessment regarding their compatibility with this theory.

Pig-duck-fish-azolla integration in La Union, Philippines

Three studies on pig-duck-fish-azolla integration were conducted simultaneously in La Union, Philippines. Growth performance of pigs and ducks as affected by different levels of azolla meal in their feed, and that of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under varying stocking rates are presented and discussed.

European Union supports project to strengthen fisheries and biodiversity management in African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries

Proper resource management implies a better understanding of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity. Scientists from developing countries often have limited information on their aquatic resources because of many difficulties in accessing and exchanging information on a national and international level. The project described not only aims to strengthen the scientific capacity of fisheries scientists in ACP institutions but it is also expected to create an awareness among fisheries researchers and managers of the importance of conserving biodiversity for the sustainable use of living aquatic resources. This will be achieved through training, building a network of regional and transregional cooperation using modern communication facilities, the promotion of research and the distribution and improvement of fisheries management tools. It is hoped that these capabilities will enable fisheries scientists in ACP countries to actively contribute towards a discussion to solve common problems originating from the endangering of the ecological basis of their fisheries.

Catches of Humpback Whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, by the Soviet Union and Other Nations in the Southern Ocean, 1947–1973

From 1947 to 1973, the U.S.S.R. conducted a huge campaign of illegal whaling worldwide. We review Soviet catches of humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, in the Southern Ocean during this period, with an emphasis on the International Whaling Commission’s Antarctic Management Areas IV, V, and VI (the principal regions of illegal Soviet whaling on this species, south of Australia and western Oceania). Where possible, we summarize legal and illegal Soviet catches by year, Management Area, and factory fleet, and also include information on takes by other nations. Soviet humpback catches between 1947 and 1973 totaled 48,702 and break down as follows: 649 (Area I), 1,412 (Area II), 921 (Area III), 8,779 (Area IV), 22,569 (Area V), and 7,195 (Area VI), with 7,177 catches not currently assignable to area. In all, at least 72,542 humpback whales were killed by all operations (Soviet plus other nations) after World War II in Areas IV (27,201), V (38,146), and VI (7,195). More than one-third of these (25,474 whales, of which 25,192 came from Areas V and VI) were taken in just two seasons, 1959–60 and 1960–61. The impact of these takes, and of those from Area IV in the late 1950’s, is evident in the sometimes dramatic declines in catches at shore stations in Australia, New Zealand, and at Norfolk Island. When compared to recent estimates of abundance and initial population size, the large removals from Areas IV and V indicate that the populations in these regions remain well below pre-exploitation levels despite reported strong growth rates off eastern and western Australia. Populations in many areas of Oceania continue to be small, indicating that the catches from Area VI and eastern Area V had long-term impacts on recovery.