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Conversion of organosolv lignins isolated with and without an inorganic acid catalyst (H2SO4) from hard- and softwood (birch and spruce) into bio-oil through hydrothermal liquefaction has been investigated. Furthermore, fractions of the isolated bio-oils were catalytically deoxygenated to improve the bio-oil properties. As elucidated through NMR, both biomass source and extraction mode influence the bio-oil product distribution. Depending on whether the lignins carry a high content of native structures, or are depolymerized and subsequently condensed in the presence of sugar dehydration products, will dictate heavy oil (HO) and light oil (LO) distribution, and skew the HO product composition, which again will influence the requirements upon catalytical deoxygenation.

Este trabajo representa un estudio preliminar del grupo de reflexión “Acuífero Guaraní y El Gran Chaco” integrado por profesionales de diversas disciplinas de Argentina y México. La motivación que se encuentra en la base de este proceso de trabajo, radica en llevar adelante una lectura de la realidad actual del acuífero Guaraní y del Gran Chaco. Se parte desde la perspectiva de los pueblos que habitan estos biomas, en diálogo con una sociología rural y jurídica crítica, la mirada de la Encíclica de SS. Francisco, Laudato Si y las conclusiones del Sínodo sobre la Amazonía celebrado sobre mediados del año 2019 en Roma. En este escrito destinado a reflexionar sobre el Gran Chaco Argentino, se realiza un abordaje analítico del bioma, atravesado por una mirada que hace eje en la vulneración de los DDHH de los pueblos originarios que lo habitan por la afectación del ecosistema. Los incendios, las inundaciones y sequías, el avance de los agronegocios y la deforestación que esta actividad requiere, están poniendo en serio riesgo la sustentabilidad de este bioma y también de la vida humana. Una posible salida para el dilema que presenta la situación actual que se propone, es avanzar en el dialogo entre las culturas, como una forma de mediar entre el rescate de los avances que aporta la modernidad y el respeto a la cosmovisión y vínculo con la naturaleza, propia de los pueblos originarios. This work represents a preliminary study of the reflection group “Guaraní Aquifer and El Gran Chaco” made up of professionals from various disciplines from Argentina and Mexico. The motivation that is at the base of this work process, lies in carrying out a reading of the current reality of the Guaraní aquifer and the Gran Chaco. It starts from the perspective of the peoples that inhabit these biomes, in dialogue with a critical rural and legal sociology, the look of the Encyclical of SS. Francisco, Laudato Si and the conclusions of the Synod on the Amazon held around the middle of 2019 in, Fil: Cruz Solares, Miguel. Universidad Católica de Salta. Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo; Argentina., Fil: Grima, Santiago Manuel. Universidad Católica de Salta. Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo; Argentina., Fil: Grima, José Manuel. Universidad Católica de Salta. Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo; Argentina.

La bioeconomia coinvolge processi basati su biomasse rinnovabili: lo sviluppo di processi di seconda generazione, basati su biomasse residuali quali sottoprodotti industriali (es. dal settore alimentare, agricolo, forestale), può incontrare i principi della sostenibilità. Poiché i microrganismi hanno il potenziale per trasformare queste biomasse in prodotti di interesse industriale, il lavoro si è concentrato sulla valorizzazione di biomasse residuali (es. panello di Camelina e scarto di cannella, letame), e sull'identificazione e possibile modificazione di cell factory microbiche (es. Rhodosporidium toruloides, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, consorzi anaerobici) per la sintesi di molecole di rilevanza industriale (es. carotenoidi, folati). Seguendo la logica del cascading, i composti ad alto valore aggiunto possono essere ottenuti in quantità relativamente basse usando materie prime sempre più costose, mentre prodotti chimici bulk (es. biogas) devono essere ottenuti da materie prime di basso valore (es. letame). Il primo substrato studiato come materia prima è stato il panello di Camelina sativa, che, nonostante le sue potenzialità, non è mai stato considerato per lo sviluppo di un bioprocesso. Diverse concentrazioni di panello di Camelina sono state testate per l'idrolisi enzimatica da varie concentrazioni del un cocktail industriale, per rilasciare zuccheri utili alla crescita microbica. Il processo è stato ottimizzato in termini di enzimi aggiunti e carichi solidi totali, individuando 9% p/v di panello di Camelina e dello 0,56% p/ppanello di Camelina di cocktail enzimatico come in grado di aumentare la produttività specifica dei carotenoidi in R. toruloides. L'idrolizzato di panello di Camelina è stato quindi fornito al microrganismo mediante un processo di idrolisi e fermentazione separate (SHF) o di saccarificazione e fermentazione simultanea (SSF). In tutti i casi R. toruloides è stato in grado di crescere e accumulare carotenoidi, a concentrazioni co, Bioeconomy involves processes based on renewable biomasses: in this scenario, the development of second-generation processes, based on residual biomasses such as industrial by-products (e.g. form the food, agriculture, forestry sectors), can accomplish all the principles of sustainability. Since microorganisms have the potential to transform these biomasses into products of industrial interest, the work focused on the valorization of residual biomasses (i.e. Camelina meal and cinnamon waste materials, manure), and on the identification and possible modification of microbial cell factories (i.e. Rhodosporidium toruloides, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, anaerobic consortia) for the synthesis of molecules of industrial relevance (i.e. carotenoids, folates). Following the logic of cascading, high added value compounds can be obtained in relatively low amounts and using increasingly expensive raw materials, whereas bulk chemicals (i.e. biogas) must be obtained from low value feedstocks (i.e. manure). The first substrate studied as feedstock was the Camelina sativa meal, which, despite its potential, had never been considered as a raw material for the development of a bioprocess. Different concentrations of Camelina sativa meal were tested for enzymatic hydrolysis by different concentrations of the industrial cocktail NS22119, to release sugars for the growth of the microorganism. The process was optimized in terms of enzymes added and total solid loadings, identifying the use of 9% w/v of Camelina meal and 0.56% w/wCamelina meal of enzymatic cocktail as able to increase the specific productivity of carotenoids by R. toruloides. The hydrolyzate of Camelina sativa meal was then provided to the microorganism by a separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) or a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process. In all the cases R. toruloides was able to grow and accumulate carotenoids, at a concentration comparable with those reported in the literature from other resid

Activated carbon pre-treatment was applied to anaerobic digestion effluent in order to reduce the optical density. Up to 78% reduction of OD was achieved suggesting activated carbon pre-treatment a promising tool to increase the light transmission of agricultural digestate. The pre-treated digestate was applied for microalgae cultivation as a source of nutrients and compared to the untreated diluted digestate. Microalgae growth was similar at the first period of cultivation in pre-treated and diluted untreated digestate. However, at the other part of the cultivation higher growth rate and biomass accumulation in untreated digestate was observed. We discuss the possibility of too high nutrient load in pre-treated digestate that may have limited the microalgae growth. PAM measurements showed no stress from the substrate highlighting that activated carbon pre-treated digestate is a suitable medium for microalgae growth. Moreover, vitality of cultures in pre-treated PBRs dropped at the end of the cultivation suggesting some inhibitory effect may be present. Results of current study demonstrate that activated carbon holds a great potential for agricultural digestate pre-treatment to decrease the optical density.

L'inquinamento atmosferico è una considerevole minaccia, sia per l’ambiente che per la salute. È stato classificato come cancerogeno per l'uomo (gruppo 1) e contribuisce notevolmente all’aumento di morbilità, mortalità e all'esacerbazione delle malattie respiratorie e cardiovascolari. L'inquinamento atmosferico può essere generato sia da fonti naturali che antropogeniche. Tra le fonti antropogeniche i principali contribuenti sono le particelle emesse dalla combustione di biomassa e motori a diesel. Numerosi studi sperimentali ed epidemiologici sono stati condotti su queste particelle, considerate tra le principali responsabili degli effetti avversi sulla salute dopo l'esposizione al particolato (PM). Questi studi descrivono gli effetti tossicologici delle particelle riportando risposte diverse in funzione di specifici endpoint biologici studiati in sistemi in vitro e in vivo. Le proprietà del PM possono infatti variare in base a diversi parametri, tra cui le fonti di emissione. Infatti, in base alle fonti di emissione le particelle possono mostrare diverse proprietà fisico-chimiche, come dimensioni, forma, superficie, solubilità e composizione chimica. Tutte queste proprietà possono influenzare in maniera significativa la riposta biologica e quindi l'impatto finale sulla salute umana. Tuttavia, la nostra conoscenza delle diverse risposte biologiche e dei meccanismi molecolari innescati da particelle con proprietà fisico-chimiche variabili è ancora scarsa. Nella presente tesi sono state studiate le proprietà citotossiche, genotossiche e cancerogene delle particelle raccolte durante la combustione di diverse fonti di biomassa e diesel (CDP): - particelle di biomassa raccolte dall'emissione di un sistema di riscaldamento funzionante rispettivamente con pellet, carbone o legno; - particelle ultrafini di diesel (DEP) campionate direttamente da un motore leggero Euro IV senza filtro antiparticolato. Nella prima parte del lavoro, è stata prestata attenzione al, Airborne pollution is a noteworthy environmental and health threat. It has been classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and greatly contributes to increased morbidity, mortality and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases exacerbation. Air pollution can be generated both by natural and anthropogenic sources. Among anthropogenic sources the main contributors are diesel exhaust and biomass-derived particles. Several experimental and epidemiological studies have been performed on traffic-related and biomass burning-derived particles as chief contributors to the adverse health effects reported after exposure to particulate matter (PM). These studies describe the particle toxicological effects reporting different responses on the biological endpoints investigated on in vitro and in vivo systems. PM properties indeed may vary depending on several parameters, including emission sources. According to the different emission sources, particles can show different physico-chemical properties, such as size, shape, surface area, solubility and chemical composition. All these properties might seriously affect the biological reactivity and thus the final impact on human health. Nevertheless, our knowledge on the different biological responses and molecular mechanisms triggered by particles with variable physico-chemical properties is still poor. In the present thesis, the cytotoxic, genotoxic and pro-carcinogenic properties of particles collected during combustion of different biomass and diesel sources (CDPs) have been investigated: - biomass particles collected from the emission of a heating system operating with pellet, charcoal or wood respectively; - diesel exhaust ultrafine particles (DEP) directly sampled from a Euro IV vehicle run over a chassis dyno. In the first part of the work, attention was given to particles collected from biomass combustion. The role possibly played by biomass particles collected during the combustion of different fuels under identical conditi

This article aims to analyze the ecosystems of paramo as a vital source of water production, in addition, of the great relevance for the progress and subsistence of human beings and other species that depend on them to fully carry out their normal cycle of life, Water is an essential element for development, without it there simply would not exist human life or that of many species that depend on that vital resource, in addition, on the other hand there are industries and economic sectors that also depend on water To supply their daily demand in each of their activities, it is also analyzed how the exploitation of non-renewable natural resources generate great environmental impact especially in this type of ecosystem.The Colombian state has important regulation in environmental matters, which aims at the preservation of ecosystems and oppose that climate change progresses increasingly, within this content it is pertinent to highlight the law 1930 of July 27, 2018 through which provisions are made for the integral management of the moors in Colombia, through this regulation the Colombian government seeks the protection, preservation, restoration and, more importantly, the awareness of the importance of the defense of these natural factories of water., El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los ecosistemas de páramo como Fuente vital de producción de agua, además, de la gran relevancia para el progreso y la subsistencia de los seres humanos y de otras especies que dependen de ellos para llevar a cabalidad su ciclo normal de vida. El agua es un elemento esencial para el desarrollo, sin ella simplemente no existiría la vida humana, ni la de muchas especies que dependen de ese recurso vital, además, por otro lado, se encuentran las industrias y sectores económicos que también dependen del agua para abastecer su demanda diaria en cada una de sus actividades, así mismo se analiza como la explotación de recursos naturales no renovables generan gran impacto ambiental en especial en este tipo de ecosistemas. El estado colombiano posee importante regulación en materia ambiental, la cual tiene como objetivo la preservación de los ecosistemas y oponerse a que el cambio climático avance cada vez en mayor medida, dentro de este contenido es pertinente destacar la Ley 1930 del 27 de julio de 2018 “por medio de la cual se dictan disposiciones para la gestión integral de los páramos en Colombia”, por medio de esta regulación el gobierno Colombiano busca la protección, preservación, restauración y más importante aún la concientización de la importancia de la defensa de estas fábricas naturales de agua. (Congreso de Colombia, 2018)

This article aims to analyze the ecosystems of paramo as a vital source of water production, in addition, of the great relevance for the progress and subsistence of human beings and other species that depend on them to fully carry out their normal cycle of life, Water is an essential element for development, without it there simply would not exist human life or that of many species that depend on that vital resource, in addition, on the other hand there are industries and economic sectors that also depend on water To supply their daily demand in each of their activities, it is also analyzed how the exploitation of non-renewable natural resources generate great environmental impact especially in this type of ecosystem.The Colombian state has important regulation in environmental matters, which aims at the preservation of ecosystems and oppose that climate change progresses increasingly, within this content it is pertinent to highlight the law 1930 of July 27, 2018 through which provisions are made for the integral management of the moors in Colombia, through this regulation the Colombian government seeks the protection, preservation, restoration and, more importantly, the awareness of the importance of the defense of these natural factories of water., El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los ecosistemas de páramo como Fuente vital de producción de agua, además, de la gran relevancia para el progreso y la subsistencia de los seres humanos y de otras especies que dependen de ellos para llevar a cabalidad su ciclo normal de vida. El agua es un elemento esencial para el desarrollo, sin ella simplemente no existiría la vida humana, ni la de muchas especies que dependen de ese recurso vital, además, por otro lado, se encuentran las industrias y sectores económicos que también dependen del agua para abastecer su demanda diaria en cada una de sus actividades, así mismo se analiza como la explotación de recursos naturales no renovables generan gran impacto ambiental en especial en este tipo de ecosistemas. El estado colombiano posee importante regulación en materia ambiental, la cual tiene como objetivo la preservación de los ecosistemas y oponerse a que el cambio climático avance cada vez en mayor medida, dentro de este contenido es pertinente destacar la Ley 1930 del 27 de julio de 2018 “por medio de la cual se dictan disposiciones para la gestión integral de los páramos en Colombia”, por medio de esta regulación el gobierno Colombiano busca la protección, preservación, restauración y más importante aún la concientización de la importancia de la defensa de estas fábricas naturales de agua. (Congreso de Colombia, 2018)

Supraglacial zones worldwide serve as suitable habitats for psychrophiles, including metazoans. The present study investigates whether the occurrence and abundance of springtails in water films under stones on the Forni Glacier in the Alps is affected by: a) the stone's location (on bare ice, in supraglacial streams, in the glacier forefield, on the medial moraine), b) the stone's distance from the glacier terminus, c) the roughness of the stone's surface, and d) the stone's position with respect to the surface of the ice (inclination). The Forni Glacier is inhabited by representatives of dark-pigmented Isotomidae. The study demonstrates that the density of springtails inhabiting the underside of stones located on the ice came to 155,000 individuals per one square meter of a stone surface with their abundance showing no relation to the stones' distance from the glacier terminus. Moreover, springtails occurred more frequently and more abundantly under stones located on bare ice than under those in supraglacial streams, the medial moraine or the glacier forefield. The roughness of stone surface facing the ice had a positive effect on animal counts, while its inclination had no strong effect. We estimated that the total abundance of springtails under stones on the Forni Glacier's tongue may reach 10.8 million individuals. Since many springtails are hidden in supraglacial gravel and medial moraine, the dry biomass of animals visible under stones comprises at least 105.7 g.

El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster tiene como fin último el crear, diseñar y desarrollar la unidad didáctica “La Biodiversidad”, la cual está dirigida a alumnos matriculados en la asignatura de Biología y Geología en el curso de 1º de Bachillerato. En la unidad se aborda el concepto de biodiversidad, haciendo especial hincapié en su significado, las distintas zonas biogeográficas, la importancia que tiene tanto en sí misma como por los beneficios que nos genera, la problemática medioambiental que sufre y las posibles medidas para solucionarlo. Para su desarrollo, se diseñan metodologías activas, basadas en las necesidades personales del alumno, permitiendo que participe en su propio aprendizaje y por lo tanto haciendo que sea significativo al mismo tiempo que trabaja una serie de competencias clave y valores, fomentando la motivación e implicando al alumno en los problemas medioambientales y en la investigación científica. Con esta base, se diseñan una serie de actividades que permitirán realizar una evaluación continua y personalizada de cada alumno, determinando así, si superan o no las habilidades necesarias frente a los estándares de evaluación establecidos., Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología, Máster en Profesor de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Bachillerato, Formación Profesional y Enseñanzas de Idiomas

El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster tiene como fin último el crear, diseñar y desarrollar la unidad didáctica “La Biodiversidad”, la cual está dirigida a alumnos matriculados en la asignatura de Biología y Geología en el curso de 1º de Bachillerato. En la unidad se aborda el concepto de biodiversidad, haciendo especial hincapié en su significado, las distintas zonas biogeográficas, la importancia que tiene tanto en sí misma como por los beneficios que nos genera, la problemática medioambiental que sufre y las posibles medidas para solucionarlo. Para su desarrollo, se diseñan metodologías activas, basadas en las necesidades personales del alumno, permitiendo que participe en su propio aprendizaje y por lo tanto haciendo que sea significativo al mismo tiempo que trabaja una serie de competencias clave y valores, fomentando la motivación e implicando al alumno en los problemas medioambientales y en la investigación científica. Con esta base, se diseñan una serie de actividades que permitirán realizar una evaluación continua y personalizada de cada alumno, determinando así, si superan o no las habilidades necesarias frente a los estándares de evaluación establecidos., Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología, Máster en Profesor de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Bachillerato, Formación Profesional y Enseñanzas de Idiomas

El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster tiene como fin último el crear, diseñar y desarrollar la unidad didáctica “La Biodiversidad”, la cual está dirigida a alumnos matriculados en la asignatura de Biología y Geología en el curso de 1º de Bachillerato. En la unidad se aborda el concepto de biodiversidad, haciendo especial hincapié en su significado, las distintas zonas biogeográficas, la importancia que tiene tanto en sí misma como por los beneficios que nos genera, la problemática medioambiental que sufre y las posibles medidas para solucionarlo. Para su desarrollo, se diseñan metodologías activas, basadas en las necesidades personales del alumno, permitiendo que participe en su propio aprendizaje y por lo tanto haciendo que sea significativo al mismo tiempo que trabaja una serie de competencias clave y valores, fomentando la motivación e implicando al alumno en los problemas medioambientales y en la investigación científica. Con esta base, se diseñan una serie de actividades que permitirán realizar una evaluación continua y personalizada de cada alumno, determinando así, si superan o no las habilidades necesarias frente a los estándares de evaluación establecidos., Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología, Máster en Profesor de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Bachillerato, Formación Profesional y Enseñanzas de Idiomas

In recent decades Brazilian agricultural development has been characterized by the intensive use of natural resources with little or no planning. The Caatinga has become one of the most threatened biomes in Brazil and presents deforested areas which have become pastures. In an attempt to mitigate this deforestation conservation units have the function of protection and conservation of the Brazilian biomes, including the Caatinga. However, even if Brazilian environmental legislation is ambitious its application has been unsatisfactory in many ways. With this in mind, the objective of this article is to offer a spatial and temporal analysis of change in surface use in the Serra da Capivara National Park (Piauí, Brazil) comparing andsat 5 and 8 satellite images from 2006 and 2016. Results show an increase in the area of vegetation of arboreal and shrub types and a reduction in herbaceous vegetation. The area of exposed soil has also decreased, which signals the need for environment preservation in the form of conservation units., O desenvolvimento econômico agrícola do Brasil tem se caracterizado nas últimas décadas pelo uso intensivo dos recursos naturais quase sem nenhum planejamento. Assim, a Caatinga, bioma exclusivamente brasileiro, torna-se um dos mais ameaçados, tendo suas áreas desmatadas e substituídas por pastagens. Para tentar amenizar essa devastação foram criadas as Unidades de Conservação para fins de proteção e conservação dos biomas brasileiros, incluindo a Caatinga. Porém, mesmo sendo a legislação ambiental brasileira abrangente, não ocorre cumprimento em sua totalidade. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar espaço-temporalmente o uso da superfície do Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara (Piauí, Brasil), entre os anos de 2006 e 2016 a partir de imagens dos satélites Landsat 5 e 8. Quanto aos resultados, nos anos analisados identificou-se um aumento nas áreas de vegetação do tipo arbórea e arbustiva e uma redução do tipo herbácea. As áreas de solo exposto também diminuíram, sinalizando a relevância da preservação do ambiente produzida pelas Unidades de Conservação.

In recent decades Brazilian agricultural development has been characterized by the intensive use of natural resources with little or no planning. The Caatinga has become one of the most threatened biomes in Brazil and presents deforested areas which have become pastures. In an attempt to mitigate this deforestation conservation units have the function of protection and conservation of the Brazilian biomes, including the Caatinga. However, even if Brazilian environmental legislation is ambitious its application has been unsatisfactory in many ways. With this in mind, the objective of this article is to offer a spatial and temporal analysis of change in surface use in the Serra da Capivara National Park (Piauí, Brazil) comparing andsat 5 and 8 satellite images from 2006 and 2016. Results show an increase in the area of vegetation of arboreal and shrub types and a reduction in herbaceous vegetation. The area of exposed soil has also decreased, which signals the need for environment preservation in the form of conservation units., O desenvolvimento econômico agrícola do Brasil tem se caracterizado nas últimas décadas pelo uso intensivo dos recursos naturais quase sem nenhum planejamento. Assim, a Caatinga, bioma exclusivamente brasileiro, torna-se um dos mais ameaçados, tendo suas áreas desmatadas e substituídas por pastagens. Para tentar amenizar essa devastação foram criadas as Unidades de Conservação para fins de proteção e conservação dos biomas brasileiros, incluindo a Caatinga. Porém, mesmo sendo a legislação ambiental brasileira abrangente, não ocorre cumprimento em sua totalidade. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar espaço-temporalmente o uso da superfície do Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara (Piauí, Brasil), entre os anos de 2006 e 2016 a partir de imagens dos satélites Landsat 5 e 8. Quanto aos resultados, nos anos analisados identificou-se um aumento nas áreas de vegetação do tipo arbórea e arbustiva e uma redução do tipo herbácea. As áreas de solo exposto também diminuíram, sinalizando a relevância da preservação do ambiente produzida pelas Unidades de Conservação.

This work reports the demineralisation of soluble biorganic hyrolysates (SBOs) obtained from three materials sampled from a municipal biowaste treatment plant. The SBOs contain mineral and organic matter. They are promising bio‐based multipurpose products due to their properties as biosurfactants, chemicals for the manufacture of plastics, and fertilizers for plant growth. Demineralisation of SBOs was carried out by HCl ion exchange and HF washing to assess its effect on the pristine product chemical composition and properties. The demineralized products (SBOs‐DM) were characterized by elemental analysis, potentiometric titration, 13C‐NMR spectroscopy and surface tension measurements. They were compared with pristine SBOs. The following results were obtained: ash content 0.2‐1.1% in SBOs‐DM vs. 15–28% in pristine SBOs; lower aliphatic/aromatic C ratio in SBOs‐DM (0.8‐2.0) than in pristine SBOs (1.3‐3.4); higher critical (mineral free) micellar concentration for SBOs‐DM (1‐2.7 g L−1) than for pristine SBOs (1‐2.3 g L−1). The potential applications of SBOs‐DM and pristine SBOs are discussed.

The municipal biowaste anaerobic digestate of a typical waste treatment plant is pyrolyzed under a mild condition (i.e., 540 °C) to directly yield N-doped biochar without performing any subsequent functionalization process. The results confirmed the integration of nitrogen heteroatoms within the carbonaceous framework. The morphological characterization, instead, evidenced the formation of a rather dense biochar with a very low surface area.

A plant's genotype, their environment, and the interaction between them influence its growth and development. In this study, we investigated the effect of these factors on the growth and biomass yield of willows in short-rotation coppice (SRC) under different harvesting cycles (i.e., two- vs. three-year rotations) in Quebec (Canada). Five of the commercial willow cultivars most common in Quebec, (i.e., Salix × dasyclados Wimm. 'SV1', Salix viminalis L. '5027', Salix miyabeana Seeman 'SX61', 'SX64' and 'SX67') were grown in five sites with different pedoclimatic conditions. Yield not only varied significantly according to site and cultivar, but a significant interaction between rotation and site was also detected. Cultivar '5027' showed significantly lower annual biomass yield in both two-year (average 10.8 t ha-1 year-1) and three-year rotation (average 11.2 t ha-1 year-1) compared to other cultivars (15.2 t ha-1 year-1 and 14.6 t ha-1 year-1 in two- and three-year rotation, respectively). Biomass yield also varied significantly with rotation cycle, but the extent of the response depended upon the site. While in some sites the average productivity of all cultivars remained fairly constant under different rotations (i.e., 17.4 vs. 16 t ha-1 year-1 in two- and three-year rotation, respectively), in other cases, biomass yield was higher in the two- than in the three-year rotation or vice versa. Evidence suggests that soil physico-chemical properties are better predictors of willow SRC plantation performance than climate variables.

The purpose of this work was to assess biomass and grain yields, path modelling of yield components, and perenniality in 97 Sorghum bicolor x S. halepense (SB x SH) lines, and compare their biomass production to a series of 38 historic (1987–2015) biomass SB trials. Perenniality was evaluated as rhizome overwintering, while other traits were scored using standard procedures. Contrary to SB, several SB x SH lines developed rhizomes and overwintered, depending mostly upon increased dosage of SH genome in SB background. A few backcross-derived SB x SH lines overwintered, indicating that perenniality can be introgressed in sorghum using backcrossing approach. SB x SH lines were competitive in terms of grain and aboveground dry biomass yields compared to SB. SB x SH selections outperformed or were comparable to the best commercial biomass SB hybrid checks, and ranked among the best selections from the historic trials. Grain yield in SB x SH lines depended mainly on number of culms, whereas biomass yields depended mainly on plant height, dry mass and fiber mass fractions of dry material, and number of culms. We identified superior dual purpose SB x SH genotypes producing 5–11 and 38–45 t ha−1of grain and aboveground biomass, respectively, most of which displayed satisfactory overwintering rates (56–100%) and high levels of fiber (61–69%) mass fraction. These lines represent high energy sorghums suitable for biofuel and food production. The best SB x SH crosses for developing perennial biomass and grain sorghums were represented by perennial/perennial, annual/perennial/perennial, and annual/perennial combinations.

During a two-year Open-Top Chamber experiment performed in 2012 and 2013, young trees of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) were exposed to four levels of ozone (O3) (-40% of ambient O3in charcoal-filtered OTCs, -5% in non-filtered OTCs, +30% and +75% in O3-enriched OTCs) and two levels of Nitrogen (N) wet deposition (CoN=tap water and +N=tap water+70kgNha-1yr-1).Stomatal conductance at leaf level and growth parameters (stem diameter and height) were measured during the two years of experimentation, while at the end of each growing season plants dry biomass partition between the roots and the stem was assessed.Hornbeam plants resulted highly tolerant to O3, which did not cause any significant negative effects on the biomass yield of plants grown in CoN conditions. Furthermore, the dose-response relationships based on the Phytotoxic Ozone Dose (POD1) indicated that the stem biomass increased under high levels of O3(+1.48% per 1mmol O3m-2absorbed by CoN plant), while root biomass was not affected.Nitrogen alone caused a general increase of total biomass in both years of the experiment (+14.8% and +38.1% on average in 2012 and 2013, respectively). However, in 2013 plants subject to the highest level of O3showed an opposite behavior, with a -11% decrease of total biomass in +N conditions.Ozone and Nitrogen in combination caused a statistically significant negative effect on the stem biomass and stem diameter of plants. Dose-response relationships based on POD1for plants in +N conditions revealed significant linear regressions for stem, roots and total biomass, which decreased by -1.04%, -0.80% and -0.92% for each mmolm-2of O3absorbed, respectively.These results show that on a long-term scale, an increase of N wet deposition could significantly modify C. betulus response to O3stress, playing a potential role in the risk assessment of O3impact on the growth of this species.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are gaining increasing technological relevance for wastewater remediation and ancillary energy production. MFC separators are often fabricated with ion-exchange perfluorinated membranes, the most common of them being NafionTM. Here, we prepared composite separators based on polybenzimidazole (PBI), where the filler is made of SBA-15 mesostructured silica functionalized with sulphonic moieties. These membranes allowed strong increase of power density (up to one order of magnitude), operating life and wastewater treatment efficiency with respect to NafionTM. Moreover, our sustainability and cost analysis clearly showed that PBI is more convenient than NafionTM for making these membranes. Therefore, we conclude that PBI-based membranes are very promising as separators for MFCs.

The present study investigated the response to ozone (O3) of two cultivars (cv.‘Romana’ and cv. ‘Canasta’) of irrigated lettuce grown in an open-top chamber (OTC) experiment in Mediterranean conditions. Two different levels of O3 were applied, ambient O3 in non-filtered OTCs (NF-OTCs) and −40% of ambient O3 in charcoal-filtered OTCs (CF-OTCs), during four consecutive growing cycles. At the end of each growing cycle, the marketable yield (fresh biomass) was assessed while during the growing periods, measurements of the stomatal conductance at leaf level were performed and used to define a stomatal conductance model for calculation of the phytotoxic ozone dose (POD) absorbed by the plants. Results showed that O3 caused statistically significant yield reductions in the first and in the last growing cycle. In general, the marketable yield of the NF-OTC plants was always lower than the CF-OTC plants for both cultivars, with mean reductions of −18.5 and −14.5% for ‘Romana’ and ‘Canasta’, respectively. On the contrary, there was no statistically significant difference in marketable yield due to the cultivar factor or to the interaction between O3 and cultivar in any of the growing cycle performed. Dose-response relationships for the marketable relative yield based on the POD values were calculated according to different flux threshold values (Y). The best regression fit was obtained using an instantaneous flux threshold of 6 nmol O3 m−2 s−1 (POD6); the same value was obtained also for other crops. According to the generic lettuce dose-response relationship, an O3 critical level of 1 mmol O3 m−2 of POD6 for a 15% of marketable yield loss was found.

The fermentation performance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the cellulose to ethanol conversion process is largely influenced by the components of pretreated biomass. The insoluble solids in pretreated biomass predominantly constitute cellulose, lignin, and -to a lesser extent- hemicellulose. It is important to understand the effects of water-insoluble solids (WIS) on yeast cell physiology and metabolism for the overall process optimization. In the presence of synthetic lignocellulosic inhibitors, we observed a reduced lag phase and enhanced volumetric ethanol productivity by S. cerevisiae CEN.PK 113-7D when the minimal medium was supplemented with WIS of pretreated birch or spruce and glucose as the carbon source. To investigate the underlying molecular reasons for the effects of WIS, we studied the response of WIS at the proteome level in yeast cells in the presence of acetic acid as an inhibitor. Comparisons were made with cells grown in the presence of acetic acid but without WIS in the medium. Altogether, 729 proteins were detected and quantified, of which 246 proteins were significantly up-regulated and 274 proteins were significantly down-regulated with a fold change1.2 in the presence of WIS compared to absence of WIS. The cells in the presence of WIS up-regulated several proteins related to cell wall, glycolysis, electron transport chain, oxidative stress response, oxygen and radical detoxification and unfolded protein response; and down-regulated most proteins related to biosynthetic pathways including amino acid, purine, isoprenoid biosynthesis, aminoacyltRNA synthetases and pentose phosphate pathway. Overall, the identified differentially regulated proteins may indicate that the likelihood of increased ATP generation in the presence of WIS was used to defend against acetic acid stress at the expense of reduced biomass formation. Although, comparative proteomics of cells with and without WIS in the acetic acid containing medium revealed numerous changes

The fermentation performance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the cellulose to ethanol conversion process is largely influenced by the components of pretreated biomass. The insoluble solids in pretreated biomass predominantly constitute cellulose, lignin, and -to a lesser extent- hemicellulose. It is important to understand the effects of water-insoluble solids (WIS) on yeast cell physiology and metabolism for the overall process optimization. In the presence of synthetic lignocellulosic inhibitors, we observed a reduced lag phase and enhanced volumetric ethanol productivity by S. cerevisiae CEN.PK 113-7D when the minimal medium was supplemented with WIS of pretreated birch or spruce and glucose as the carbon source. To investigate the underlying molecular reasons for the effects of WIS, we studied the response of WIS at the proteome level in yeast cells in the presence of acetic acid as an inhibitor. Comparisons were made with cells grown in the presence of acetic acid but without WIS in the medium. Altogether, 729 proteins were detected and quantified, of which 246 proteins were significantly up-regulated and 274 proteins were significantly down-regulated with a fold change1.2 in the presence of WIS compared to absence of WIS. The cells in the presence of WIS up-regulated several proteins related to cell wall, glycolysis, electron transport chain, oxidative stress response, oxygen and radical detoxification and unfolded protein response; and down-regulated most proteins related to biosynthetic pathways including amino acid, purine, isoprenoid biosynthesis, aminoacyltRNA synthetases and pentose phosphate pathway. Overall, the identified differentially regulated proteins may indicate that the likelihood of increased ATP generation in the presence of WIS was used to defend against acetic acid stress at the expense of reduced biomass formation. Although, comparative proteomics of cells with and without WIS in the acetic acid containing medium revealed numerous changes

The functional structures of communities respond to environmental changes by both species replacement (turnover) and within-species variation (intraspecific trait variability; ITV). Evidence is lacking on the relative importance of these two components, particularly in response to both short- and long-term environmental disturbance. We hypothesized that such short- and long-term perturbations would induce changes in community functional structure primarily via ITV and turnover, respectively. To test this we applied an experimental design across long-term mown and abandoned meadows, with each plot containing a further level of short-term management treatments: mowing, grazing and abandonment. Within each plot, species composition and trait values [height, shoot biomass, and specific leaf area (SLA)] were recorded on up to five individuals per species. Positive covariations between the contribution of species turnover and ITV occurred for height and shoot biomass in response to both short- and long-term management, indicating that species turnover and intraspecific adjustments selected for similar trait values. Positive covariations also occurred for SLA, but only in response to long-term management. The contributions of turnover and ITV changed depending on both the trait and management trajectory. As expected, communities responded to short-term disturbances mostly through changes in intraspecific trait variability, particularly for height and biomass. Interestingly, for SLA they responded to long-term disturbances by both species turnover and intraspecific adjustments. These findings highlight the importance of both ITV and species turnover in adjusting grassland functional trait response to environmental perturbation, and show that the response is trait specific and affected by disturbance regime history.

Diesel combustion and solid biomass burning are the major sources of ultrafine particles (UFP) in urbanized areas. Cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, including lung cancer, are possible outcomes of combustion particles exposure, but differences in particles properties seem to influence their biological effects. Here the physico-chemical properties and biological effects of diesel and biomass particles, produced under controlled laboratory conditions, have been characterized. Diesel UFP were sampled from a Euro 4 light duty vehicle without DPF fuelled by commercial diesel and run over a chassis dyno. Biomass UFP were collected from a modern automatic 25 kW boiler propelled by prime quality spruce pellet. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of both diesel and biomass samples showed aggregates of soot particles, but in biomass samples ash particles were also present. Chemical characterization showed that metals and PAHs total content was higher in diesel samples compared to biomass ones. Human bronchial epithelial (HBEC3) cells were exposed to particles for up to 2 weeks. Changes in the expression of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism were observed after exposure to both UFP already after 24 h. However, only diesel particles modulated the expression of genes involved in inflammation, oxidative stress and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), increased the release of inflammatory mediators and caused phenotypical alterations, mostly after two weeks of exposure. These results show that diesel UFP affected cellular processes involved in lung and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Biomass particles exerted low biological activity compared to diesel UFP. This evidence emphasizes that the study of different emission sources contribution to ambient PM toxicity may have a fundamental role in the development of more effective strategies for air quality improvement.

O Pantanal é um importante bioma de Mato Grosso, cujas atividades antrópicas ameaçam seu equilíbrio natural, dentre elas o desenvolvimento da pecuária bovina expansiva e intensiva, com introdução de espécies de forrageiras exóticas, visando o aumento da produtividade. Este estudo objetivou, por meio de revisão bibliográfica, investigar a ameaça provocada pela expansão da pecuária bovina na região do pantanal Mato-grossense ao longo dos anos, assim como promover a discussão sobre alternativas viáveis para um modelo de desenvolvimento sustentável. A análise da expansão da atividade e revisão de estudos de viabilização do aproveitamento da vegetação nativa evidenciou que é possível minimizar os impactos negativos da pecuária bovina no Pantanal através do pastoreio aliado ao aproveitamento da pastagem nativa, a suplementação alimentar e o manejo adequado. Assim como a utilização de rebanho proveniente de melhoramento genético que se adapte às condições ambientais e a implementação de políticas públicas sobre a importância da conservação da biodiversidade no planejamento e construção de programas de incentivos.

Attacks by venomous snakes are a serious public health problem, accounting for 464 deaths from 2010 to 2013. However, this statistic does not seem to correspond with reality, as some poisonous snakes are not considered poisonous due to anatomic location of their fangs. The genus Philodryas belongs to the family Dipsadidae, comprising over 700 species. Philodryas olfersii, P. patagoniensis and P. nattereri, occur in the Caatinga biome and are characterized by diurnal habits, generalist diet and habitat. Although not considered poisonous, the Duvernoy's gland present in these reptiles produces toxic substances that act similar to B. jararaca and may cause local and systemic effects., Ataques por serpentes peçonhentas é um grave problema de saúde pública, sendo responsável por 464 óbitos de 2010 a 2013. No entanto esse número parece não corresponder com a realidade, já que algumas serpentes venenosas não são consideradas peçonhentas devido a localização anatômica de sua presa inoculadora. O gênero Philodryas pertence à família Dipsadidae, constituída por mais de 700 espécies. Philodryas olfersii, P. patagoniensis e P. nattereri, ocorrem na Caatinga e são caracterizadas por hábitos diurnos, dieta e habitat generalista. Embora consideradas não peçonhentas, a glândula de Duvernoy presente nesses répteis produz substâncias tóxicas com ação semelhante ao B. jararaca, podendo causar efeitos locais, e sistêmicos.

O Pantanal é um importante bioma de Mato Grosso, cujas atividades antrópicas ameaçam seu equilíbrio natural, dentre elas o desenvolvimento da pecuária bovina expansiva e intensiva, com introdução de espécies de forrageiras exóticas, visando o aumento da produtividade. Este estudo objetivou, por meio de revisão bibliográfica, investigar a ameaça provocada pela expansão da pecuária bovina na região do pantanal Mato-grossense ao longo dos anos, assim como promover a discussão sobre alternativas viáveis para um modelo de desenvolvimento sustentável. A análise da expansão da atividade e revisão de estudos de viabilização do aproveitamento da vegetação nativa evidenciou que é possível minimizar os impactos negativos da pecuária bovina no Pantanal através do pastoreio aliado ao aproveitamento da pastagem nativa, a suplementação alimentar e o manejo adequado. Assim como a utilização de rebanho proveniente de melhoramento genético que se adapte às condições ambientais e a implementação de políticas públicas sobre a importância da conservação da biodiversidade no planejamento e construção de programas de incentivos.

Wood fuels are recognized as a crucial energy source whose sustainable use should be ensured. To ensure sustainability, the calculation of the annual available biomass is one of the bases of forest management. The novelty of our study stem from an extended evaluation of the carrying capacity for taking into account different site-specific - as well condition-specific - aspects usually neglected. In the case of natural mixed forests, local management plans define the criteria to be adopted in the land management identify the main functions of the forest plots. However, for ensure sustainable forest management, ecological and technical local constraints should be assessed in details in order to quantify wood potentially available. As a standardized procedure for this comprehensive wood availability is missing, the present study propose a GIS-based decision support system (DSS) and methodology for calculating the biomass availability while supporting the local resource planning. In particular, we focus on the environmental sustainability of bio-energy production. In fact, applying the DSS, it is possible to calculate three indicators: operational carrying capacity (OCC), chip potential (CP) and technical potential (TP). Those indicators are related, respectively, to the availability of wood from forests according to local plans criteria, the potential of wood chips production, and the comparison of total available biomass with current uses. The DDS considers the actual uses of the resource, supporting local planners in properly assess the forestry sector and its possible developments. Two case studies on alpine mountain areas are presented and discussed in light of contributing to face the challenge of energy planning at local scale. The DDS allow calculating the number of chip fueled boilers which could be installed in the areas, using local resource below their carrying capacity. DSS application helps highlighting some challenges in resource planning and use at local

Attacks by venomous snakes are a serious public health problem, accounting for 464 deaths from 2010 to 2013. However, this statistic does not seem to correspond with reality, as some poisonous snakes are not considered poisonous due to anatomic location of their fangs. The genus Philodryas belongs to the family Dipsadidae, comprising over 700 species. Philodryas olfersii, P. patagoniensis and P. nattereri, occur in the Caatinga biome and are characterized by diurnal habits, generalist diet and habitat. Although not considered poisonous, the Duvernoy's gland present in these reptiles produces toxic substances that act similar to B. jararaca and may cause local and systemic effects., Ataques por serpentes peçonhentas é um grave problema de saúde pública, sendo responsável por 464 óbitos de 2010 a 2013. No entanto esse número parece não corresponder com a realidade, já que algumas serpentes venenosas não são consideradas peçonhentas devido a localização anatômica de sua presa inoculadora. O gênero Philodryas pertence à família Dipsadidae, constituída por mais de 700 espécies. Philodryas olfersii, P. patagoniensis e P. nattereri, ocorrem na Caatinga e são caracterizadas por hábitos diurnos, dieta e habitat generalista. Embora consideradas não peçonhentas, a glândula de Duvernoy presente nesses répteis produz substâncias tóxicas com ação semelhante ao B. jararaca, podendo causar efeitos locais, e sistêmicos.

Purpose: Even particulate matter (PM) mass concentration is the reference parameter for air quality legislation, the significance of ultrafine particles (UFP) is becoming more prominent. UFP highly contribute to the number of PM, but very little to mass. Numerous toxicological studies have shown specific UFP characteristics and reactivity, including high lung deposition efficiency, enhanced induction of inflammatory and oxidative stress processes. Among UFP different sources emission, diesel and biomass combustion processes are the most important in the north of Italy. Methods: UFP produced by diesel engines and biomass combustion were sampled adapting standardized procedures. Sampling of particles on Teflon filters has required filter holders modifications to avoid critical pressure drops. The chemical (organic compounds and metals) and physical (shape and dimensions) particles properties have been characterized. The human pulmonary BEAS-2B cell line has been used to assess the UFP effects. Results: Particles dimensions showed a mean diameter lower than 100 nm and the tendency to form aggregates. Interestingly fly ashes particles were observed in biomass burning samples. These particles were composedmainly of potassium salts and were water soluble. Diesel UFP were characterized by a high content of phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene while biomass UFP showed a significant content of chrysene too. Iron, aluminum and zinc were the most abundant metals deter- mined in diesel UFP, even a significant content of chromium, nickel and platinum was observed. UFP biomass showed a significant quantity of zinc and manganese. The results of in vitro experiments showed that concentrations up to 100 g/ml of UFP for 24 h did not affect cell viability. Two non-cytotoxic concentrations, 25 and 50 g/ml have been selected for subsequent experiments. 25 g/ml at 24 h of exposure produced a significant increase of antioxidant (GCLM, NDRG1, NQO1, TXNRD1) and extracellular matrix (MMP1)

Background: High concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) pollution can be hazardous to human health and leave soils incapable of supporting agricultural crops. A cheap solution, which can help restore biodiversity and bring land back to productivity, is cultivation of high biomass yielding willow trees. However, the genetic mechanisms which allow these fast-growing trees to tolerate PHCs are as yet unclear. Methods: Salix purpurea 'Fish Creek' trees were pot-grown in soil from a former petroleum refinery, either lacking or enriched with C10-C50 PHCs. De novo assembled transcriptomes were compared between tree organs and impartially annotated without a priori constraint to any organism. Results: Over 45 % of differentially expressed genes originated from foreign organisms, the majority from the two-spotted spidermite, Tetranychus urticae. Over 99 % of T. urticae transcripts were differentially expressed with greater abundance in non-contaminated trees. Plant transcripts involved in the polypropanoid pathway, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), had greater expression in contaminated trees whereas most resistance genes showed higher expression in non-contaminated trees. Conclusions: The impartial approach to annotation of the de novo transcriptomes, allowing for the possibility for multiple species identification, was essential for interpretation of the crop's response treatment. The meta-transcriptomic pattern of expression suggests a cross-tolerance mechanism whereby abiotic stress resistance systems provide improved biotic resistance. These findings highlight a valuable but complex biotic and abiotic stress response to real-world, multidimensional contamination which could, in part, help explain why crops such as willow can produce uniquely high biomass yields on challenging marginal land.

Key message: Highly tolerant and productive willow cultivars have been identified as potential candidates for phytoremediation of contaminated soil with petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) in southern Quebec, Canada. Abstract: Tolerance of Salix to various organic and inorganic contaminants has been well documented and can vary widely among genotypes. In this study, we compared the responses and tolerances of 11 willow cultivars grown in soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. The study aimed to identify cultivars with the best performance and capacity to establish under these conditions. Using cuttings of the selected willow genotypes, a high-density field experiment was set up on a former industrial site encompassing two distinct sectors: one contaminated (900 m2), and the other uncontaminated (2,400 m2), which was used as control following a randomized block design. Trees were monitored over two growing seasons by recording a series of growth parameters and physiological measurements (leaf area, chlorophyll concentration, stomatal conductance and nutrient concentration). Genotypic differences explained most of the responses of cultivars observed to soil contamination. S. miyabeana (SX67 and SX61) achieved the highest biomass production, while S. nigra (S05) and S. acutifolia (S54) had the highest photosynthetic capacity. While the cultivars S. × dasyclados (SV1), S. purpurea (‘Fish Creek’) and S. caprea (S365) appeared to be negatively affected by the presence of contaminants, the establishment and development of S05, S. eriocephala (S25) and S. purpurea × S. miyabeana (‘Millbrook’) was much less influenced by soil pollution. Our results will help to guide cultivar selection in future phytoremediation projects.

Variation in animal coloration is a theme that has intrigued evolutionary biologists for a long time. Among the commonly observed pigmentation polymorphisms, melanism (darkening of the surface coloration) has been reported quite frequently in multiple groups of organisms. Several biological factors may be influenced by melanism, including thermoregulation, susceptibility or response to disease, camouflage, aposematism, sexual selection and reproductive success. Melanism is common in the Felidae, having been documented in 13 of its 38 species, in some cases reaching high frequencies in natural populations. Classical hypothesis have suggested that such coat color variants can present adaptive advantages under certain ecological conditions, but these ideas have never been rigorously tested for any wild cat species. In jaguars (Panthera onca), jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi) and leopards (Panthera pardus) melanism is caused by different mutations in the MC1R and ASIP genes, which present dominant, semi-dominant and recessive inheritance patterns, respectively. In this study we have focused on melanism in these three cat species, and considered two competing hypotheses: (I) melanism is a neutral polymorphism that is randomly distributed throughout the range of each of these species, bearing no association with particular habitats or environmental variables; and (II) melanism has a non-random distribution, and presents significantly different frequencies among distinct landscape conformations. We constructed databases of records obtained from scientific collections, camera trap studies, individual captures and fecal DNA samples that collectively covered most of the ranges of the focal species. We obtained 794 records of jaguars, 463 jaguarundis and 623 leopards, including individually ascertained information on coat color. We performed modeling and statistical analyses using the software packages Maxent (maximum entropy algorithm), ArcGis 9. 3 and SPSS 17, based on enviro, A variação na coloração animal é um tema que intriga pesquisadores da área de biologia evolutiva há bastante tempo. Dentre as variações observadas, o melanismo é um polimorfismo de coloração comum em diversos grupos de organismos, definido pela predominância de uma cor escura na superfície do corpo. Diversos fatores biológicos, como termorregulação, suscetibilidade ou resposta a doenças, camuflagem, aposematismo, seleção sexual e sucesso reprodutivo podem ser influenciados pelo melanismo, o que torna o seu estudo bastante relevante, inclusive como um sistema modelo para investigações evolutivas de polimorfismos fenotípicos em geral. Sua ocorrência é comum na família Felidae, tendo sido documentada em 13 das 38 espécies do grupo e, em alguns casos, podendo atingir altas frequências em certas populações. Hipóteses clássicas sugerem que essas variantes de pelagem podem apresentar vantagens adaptativas em certas circunstâncias ecológicas, o que até o momento não foi testado de forma rigorosa para qualquer das espécies do grupo. O presente estudo teve como foco o melanismo em três espécies de felídeos: onças-pintadas (Panthera onca), jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi) e leopardos (Panthera pardus), nas quais esta variante é causada por diferentes mutações nos genes MC1R e ASIP, de herança dominante, semi-dominante e recessiva, respectivamente. No presente estudo, para cada uma destas espécies, foram consideradas duas hipóteses concorrentes: (I) o melanismo constitui um polimorfismo neutro, presente em toda a área de distribuição e de forma aleatória entre ambientes distintos, com ausência de associação com variáveis ambientais; e (II) o melanismo está distribuído espacialmente de forma estruturada e não-randômica, e associada a parâmetros ambientais e condicionantes biogeográficos específicos. A partir de registros provenientes de coleções científicas, armadilhas fotográficas, capturas e DNA fecal cobrindo a maior parte da distribuição geográfica das espécies focais, foram

Variation in animal coloration is a theme that has intrigued evolutionary biologists for a long time. Among the commonly observed pigmentation polymorphisms, melanism (darkening of the surface coloration) has been reported quite frequently in multiple groups of organisms. Several biological factors may be influenced by melanism, including thermoregulation, susceptibility or response to disease, camouflage, aposematism, sexual selection and reproductive success. Melanism is common in the Felidae, having been documented in 13 of its 38 species, in some cases reaching high frequencies in natural populations. Classical hypothesis have suggested that such coat color variants can present adaptive advantages under certain ecological conditions, but these ideas have never been rigorously tested for any wild cat species. In jaguars (Panthera onca), jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi) and leopards (Panthera pardus) melanism is caused by different mutations in the MC1R and ASIP genes, which present dominant, semi-dominant and recessive inheritance patterns, respectively. In this study we have focused on melanism in these three cat species, and considered two competing hypotheses: (I) melanism is a neutral polymorphism that is randomly distributed throughout the range of each of these species, bearing no association with particular habitats or environmental variables; and (II) melanism has a non-random distribution, and presents significantly different frequencies among distinct landscape conformations. We constructed databases of records obtained from scientific collections, camera trap studies, individual captures and fecal DNA samples that collectively covered most of the ranges of the focal species. We obtained 794 records of jaguars, 463 jaguarundis and 623 leopards, including individually ascertained information on coat color. We performed modeling and statistical analyses using the software packages Maxent (maximum entropy algorithm), ArcGis 9. 3 and SPSS 17, based on enviro, A variação na coloração animal é um tema que intriga pesquisadores da área de biologia evolutiva há bastante tempo. Dentre as variações observadas, o melanismo é um polimorfismo de coloração comum em diversos grupos de organismos, definido pela predominância de uma cor escura na superfície do corpo. Diversos fatores biológicos, como termorregulação, suscetibilidade ou resposta a doenças, camuflagem, aposematismo, seleção sexual e sucesso reprodutivo podem ser influenciados pelo melanismo, o que torna o seu estudo bastante relevante, inclusive como um sistema modelo para investigações evolutivas de polimorfismos fenotípicos em geral. Sua ocorrência é comum na família Felidae, tendo sido documentada em 13 das 38 espécies do grupo e, em alguns casos, podendo atingir altas frequências em certas populações. Hipóteses clássicas sugerem que essas variantes de pelagem podem apresentar vantagens adaptativas em certas circunstâncias ecológicas, o que até o momento não foi testado de forma rigorosa para qualquer das espécies do grupo. O presente estudo teve como foco o melanismo em três espécies de felídeos: onças-pintadas (Panthera onca), jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi) e leopardos (Panthera pardus), nas quais esta variante é causada por diferentes mutações nos genes MC1R e ASIP, de herança dominante, semi-dominante e recessiva, respectivamente. No presente estudo, para cada uma destas espécies, foram consideradas duas hipóteses concorrentes: (I) o melanismo constitui um polimorfismo neutro, presente em toda a área de distribuição e de forma aleatória entre ambientes distintos, com ausência de associação com variáveis ambientais; e (II) o melanismo está distribuído espacialmente de forma estruturada e não-randômica, e associada a parâmetros ambientais e condicionantes biogeográficos específicos. A partir de registros provenientes de coleções científicas, armadilhas fotográficas, capturas e DNA fecal cobrindo a maior parte da distribuição geográfica das espécies focais, foram

Variation in animal coloration is a theme that has intrigued evolutionary biologists for a long time. Among the commonly observed pigmentation polymorphisms, melanism (darkening of the surface coloration) has been reported quite frequently in multiple groups of organisms. Several biological factors may be influenced by melanism, including thermoregulation, susceptibility or response to disease, camouflage, aposematism, sexual selection and reproductive success. Melanism is common in the Felidae, having been documented in 13 of its 38 species, in some cases reaching high frequencies in natural populations. Classical hypothesis have suggested that such coat color variants can present adaptive advantages under certain ecological conditions, but these ideas have never been rigorously tested for any wild cat species. In jaguars (Panthera onca), jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi) and leopards (Panthera pardus) melanism is caused by different mutations in the MC1R and ASIP genes, which present dominant, semi-dominant and recessive inheritance patterns, respectively. In this study we have focused on melanism in these three cat species, and considered two competing hypotheses: (I) melanism is a neutral polymorphism that is randomly distributed throughout the range of each of these species, bearing no association with particular habitats or environmental variables; and (II) melanism has a non-random distribution, and presents significantly different frequencies among distinct landscape conformations. We constructed databases of records obtained from scientific collections, camera trap studies, individual captures and fecal DNA samples that collectively covered most of the ranges of the focal species. We obtained 794 records of jaguars, 463 jaguarundis and 623 leopards, including individually ascertained information on coat color. We performed modeling and statistical analyses using the software packages Maxent (maximum entropy algorithm), ArcGis 9. 3 and SPSS 17, based on enviro, A variação na coloração animal é um tema que intriga pesquisadores da área de biologia evolutiva há bastante tempo. Dentre as variações observadas, o melanismo é um polimorfismo de coloração comum em diversos grupos de organismos, definido pela predominância de uma cor escura na superfície do corpo. Diversos fatores biológicos, como termorregulação, suscetibilidade ou resposta a doenças, camuflagem, aposematismo, seleção sexual e sucesso reprodutivo podem ser influenciados pelo melanismo, o que torna o seu estudo bastante relevante, inclusive como um sistema modelo para investigações evolutivas de polimorfismos fenotípicos em geral. Sua ocorrência é comum na família Felidae, tendo sido documentada em 13 das 38 espécies do grupo e, em alguns casos, podendo atingir altas frequências em certas populações. Hipóteses clássicas sugerem que essas variantes de pelagem podem apresentar vantagens adaptativas em certas circunstâncias ecológicas, o que até o momento não foi testado de forma rigorosa para qualquer das espécies do grupo. O presente estudo teve como foco o melanismo em três espécies de felídeos: onças-pintadas (Panthera onca), jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi) e leopardos (Panthera pardus), nas quais esta variante é causada por diferentes mutações nos genes MC1R e ASIP, de herança dominante, semi-dominante e recessiva, respectivamente. No presente estudo, para cada uma destas espécies, foram consideradas duas hipóteses concorrentes: (I) o melanismo constitui um polimorfismo neutro, presente em toda a área de distribuição e de forma aleatória entre ambientes distintos, com ausência de associação com variáveis ambientais; e (II) o melanismo está distribuído espacialmente de forma estruturada e não-randômica, e associada a parâmetros ambientais e condicionantes biogeográficos específicos. A partir de registros provenientes de coleções científicas, armadilhas fotográficas, capturas e DNA fecal cobrindo a maior parte da distribuição geográfica das espécies focais, foram

We present the geographical and altitudinal distribution of the Gerridae family on the western slopes of the Western Cordillera of Andes in southwestern Colombia. The specimens were captured in different water bodies, eight sampling sites, during 2009 and 2010. Taxonomic composition was analyzed with respect to geographical and altitudinal range, biomes and the similarity between areas. The geographical distribution of the Gerridae is related to geographic area, foothills and Plain Pacific, altitudinal range (0-2000 masl) and features of type of biome. The communities of Gerridae from Pacific Plain are in the same Zonobioma but differ in taxonomic composition due to differences in water bodies and microhabitats own. On the other hand we show the inverse relationship between altitude and species richness., Se presentan la distribución geográfica y altitudinal de las Gerridae en la vertiente occidental de la Cordillera Occidental, suroccidente de los Andes de Colombia. La captura de especímenes se realizó en cuerpos de agua en ocho sitios de muestreo, durante los años 2009 y 2010. Se analizó la composición taxonómica respecto del rango geográfico y altitudinal, los biomas y la similitud entre áreas. La distribución geográfica de las Gerridae esta relacionada con el área geográfica, piedemonte y llanura del Pacífico con rango altitudinal (0-2000 m s. n. m.) y tipo de bioma. Las comunidades de Gerridae de la planicie del Pacífico a pesar de encontrarse en el mismo Zonobioma difieren en su composición taxonómica debido a diferencias en los cuerpos de agua y microhábitats característicos. Se evidencia la relación inversa entre la altitud y la riqueza de especies.

An experiment in open-top chambers was carried out in summer 2008 in Curno (northern Italy) in order to study the effects of ozone and drought stress on net photosynthesis, growth and stable isotope partitioning on cuttings of an ozone-sensitive poplar clone (Oxford). The biomass (as dry weight) of stems, leaves and roots was assessed five times during the growing season on a set of plants intended for destructive measurements (set 1). Another set of plants (set 2) was used for repeated measurements (net photosynthesis) and then destroyed at the end of the experiment. The dry weight of the stems in set 1 plants was calculated using allometric relations. The results showed that drought stress had a strong effect on all the parameters assessed. Ozone did not have any effect on biomass allocation in woody stems and stable isotope composition but reduced root/shoot ratios and caused loss of leaves during the growing season. The loss of leaves in the lower part of the crown was partly recovered with the emission of new young leaves in the upper part, thus restoring the overall photosynthetic apparatus. We conclude that the metabolic costs suffered to repair damage and support growth, and the reduction in starch reserves in the roots can compromise growth and the capacity to cope with stress factors in subsequent years. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

isbn: 9788577342730, Pages: 129-164

Pages: 129-164

Pages: 129-164

isbn: 9788577342730, Pages: 129-164

isbn: 9788577342730, Pages: 129-164

isbn: 9788577342730, Pages: 129-164

isbn: 9788577342730, Pages: 129-164

Den ökade globaliseringen och senaste finanskrisen ställer höga krav på uppföljning och medvetenhet av ett företags prestation. Business Intelligence (BI) är ett område vars syfte är att förbättra en organisations prestation genom analys av historisk data. BI är ett komplext område som inte bara handlar om tekniska lösningar, även om det är en förutsättning. För närvarande investeras det mycket i olika BI-lösningar och företagen behöver veta vad resurserna bör läggas på. I dagsläget finns det ingen modell som bedömer ett företags arbete med Business Intelligence utifrån ett flertal dimensioner. Syftet med den här studien var att utveckla en mognadsmodell för Business Intelligence och sedan jämföra de undersökta företagen Axfood, Scania och Systembolagets mognad. För att uppnå studiens syfte avsåg vi att besvara följande frågeställningar, ”Hur skulle en modell för att bedöma ett företags mognad inom Business Intelligence kunna se ut?” samt ”Vilka förutsättningar påverkar ett företags mognad inom Business Intelligence”. Mognadsmodellen (BIOMA) kom att bestå av fyra hörnstenar som i sin tur delades in i en eller flera underkategorier. Varje delkategori ger poäng som sedan infogas i ett koordinatsystem där axlarna motsvarar hörnstenarna och poängen utgår från origo. Att mäta ett företags mognad inom BI är komplext, då ett antal aspekter såsom organisationsstruktur, användarmedverkan samt klyftan mellan IT-avdelning och verksamhet kan påverka. Den teoretiska modellen är empiriskt testad. Respondenterna på respektive företag har bedömt hur långt de kommit inom varje hörnsten samt ge synpunkter på modellens utformning. Modellen har sedan förädlats utifrån det empiriska materialet. Vi anser att BIOMA har ett stort värde då det saknas en modell som visuellt och relativt enkelt beskriver ett företags mognad inom Business Intelligence. Modellen kan användas i olika syften, såsom benchmarking mellan processer och företag, säljstöd för konsulter samt vid förstudie för att klargö, The increased globalization and the recent financial crisis have put high demands on the monitoring and awareness of an organization's performance. Business Intelligence (BI) is an area which aims to improve this performance through analysis of historical data. BI is a complex question for organization’s because it involves more than just technical solutions for maximum performance. Organizations are currently investing in different BI solutions and a list of priorities has to be made to ensure balanced resource allocation within a BI-implementation. To this day no single business intelligence model exists that can adequately measure a company’s work from several perspectives. The purpose of this study was to develop a maturity model for BI and use it in a case study of three different well-known Swedish companies; Axfood, Scania and Systembolaget, to measure their BI-maturity. To achieve the purpose of the study, three distinct research questions arose; "What would a model for measuring a company’s Business Intelligence maturity look like? How would this model be constructed? And finally “What conditions could potentially affect an organization’s maturity in Business Intelligence?". The Maturity Model BIOMA (Business Intelligence Organizational Maturity Analysis) is made up of four categories, which in turn are divided into one or more sub-categories. A subcategory consists of several statements. Each statement carries a certain number of points. When the points are combined, the summarized amount is inserted into a coordinate system. Within this, the axies correspond to the pillars and the score is based on the origo-point. Measuring a company's BI-maturity is a complex research question, where a number of aspects such as organizational structure, end-user involvement, and the gap between IT department and business can be of great importance. BIOMA was empirically tested in the case study. The responders in each company judged their company based on the statements

Den ökade globaliseringen och senaste finanskrisen ställer höga krav på uppföljning och medvetenhet av ett företags prestation. Business Intelligence (BI) är ett område vars syfte är att förbättra en organisations prestation genom analys av historisk data. BI är ett komplext område som inte bara handlar om tekniska lösningar, även om det är en förutsättning. För närvarande investeras det mycket i olika BI-lösningar och företagen behöver veta vad resurserna bör läggas på. I dagsläget finns det ingen modell som bedömer ett företags arbete med Business Intelligence utifrån ett flertal dimensioner. Syftet med den här studien var att utveckla en mognadsmodell för Business Intelligence och sedan jämföra de undersökta företagen Axfood, Scania och Systembolagets mognad. För att uppnå studiens syfte avsåg vi att besvara följande frågeställningar, ”Hur skulle en modell för att bedöma ett företags mognad inom Business Intelligence kunna se ut?” samt ”Vilka förutsättningar påverkar ett företags mognad inom Business Intelligence”. Mognadsmodellen (BIOMA) kom att bestå av fyra hörnstenar som i sin tur delades in i en eller flera underkategorier. Varje delkategori ger poäng som sedan infogas i ett koordinatsystem där axlarna motsvarar hörnstenarna och poängen utgår från origo. Att mäta ett företags mognad inom BI är komplext, då ett antal aspekter såsom organisationsstruktur, användarmedverkan samt klyftan mellan IT-avdelning och verksamhet kan påverka. Den teoretiska modellen är empiriskt testad. Respondenterna på respektive företag har bedömt hur långt de kommit inom varje hörnsten samt ge synpunkter på modellens utformning. Modellen har sedan förädlats utifrån det empiriska materialet. Vi anser att BIOMA har ett stort värde då det saknas en modell som visuellt och relativt enkelt beskriver ett företags mognad inom Business Intelligence. Modellen kan användas i olika syften, såsom benchmarking mellan processer och företag, säljstöd för konsulter samt vid förstudie för att klargö, The increased globalization and the recent financial crisis have put high demands on the monitoring and awareness of an organization's performance. Business Intelligence (BI) is an area which aims to improve this performance through analysis of historical data. BI is a complex question for organization’s because it involves more than just technical solutions for maximum performance. Organizations are currently investing in different BI solutions and a list of priorities has to be made to ensure balanced resource allocation within a BI-implementation. To this day no single business intelligence model exists that can adequately measure a company’s work from several perspectives. The purpose of this study was to develop a maturity model for BI and use it in a case study of three different well-known Swedish companies; Axfood, Scania and Systembolaget, to measure their BI-maturity. To achieve the purpose of the study, three distinct research questions arose; "What would a model for measuring a company’s Business Intelligence maturity look like? How would this model be constructed? And finally “What conditions could potentially affect an organization’s maturity in Business Intelligence?". The Maturity Model BIOMA (Business Intelligence Organizational Maturity Analysis) is made up of four categories, which in turn are divided into one or more sub-categories. A subcategory consists of several statements. Each statement carries a certain number of points. When the points are combined, the summarized amount is inserted into a coordinate system. Within this, the axies correspond to the pillars and the score is based on the origo-point. Measuring a company's BI-maturity is a complex research question, where a number of aspects such as organizational structure, end-user involvement, and the gap between IT department and business can be of great importance. BIOMA was empirically tested in the case study. The responders in each company judged their company based on the statements