scholarly journals Exploring Causal Relationships for Geoheritage Interpretation — Variable Effects of Cenozoic Volcanism in Central European Sedimentary Tablelands

Geoheritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Migoń ◽  
Edyta Pijet-Migoń
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Multiple Relationships ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Central European ◽  
Cenozoic Volcanism ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Landform Development ◽  
Cultural Components

AbstractModern conceptual approach to geointerpretation and geoeducation emphasizes the holistic understanding of the environment and attends to linkages between various abiotic, biotic, and cultural components. In this paper, we highlight multiple relationships between Cenozoic volcanism and host sedimentary rocks, mainly sandstones of Cretaceous age, which can be explored in the context of geotourism and geoeducation in several Central European geoparks (Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark, Land of Extinct Volcanoes Aspiring Geopark, Ralsko National Geopark) and their surroundings. These include the effects of magmatism on sandstones, with further consequences for landform development at different spatial scales, the origin of mineral resources, underpinning of biological diversity, and specific land use contrasts. Existing interpretation provisions are reviewed, and a three-tiered framework to show these different linkages is proposed. It is argued that different, but complementary themes can be addressed at the landscape, landform, and individual outcrop (geosite) level.

Assessing spatial attributes of forest landscape values: an internet-based participatory mapping approach

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Beverly ◽  
Kinga Uto ◽  
Justin Wilkes ◽  
Peter Bothwell
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Point Pattern Analysis ◽  
Point Pattern ◽  
Forest Landscape ◽  
Hotspot Detection ◽  
Road Density ◽  
Landscape Values ◽  
Forest Fire Management ◽  
Value Types

We designed and developed an internet mapping application to collect data on the locations of forest landscape values across a 2.4 million hectare study area in the province of Alberta, Canada. Four communities in the study area were surveyed and 8053 point locations were mapped for 10 different value types. Importance weights of landscape values were determined through a ranking exercise. Nearest-neighbour and second-order spatial point pattern analysis (K functions) suggested that all value types were significantly clustered across the study area. Recreational, wilderness, existence, and biological diversity values exhibited maximum clustering at larger spatial scales in comparison with educational, economic, historic or cultural, and spiritual values. Maximum clustering was positively related to mean road density and negatively related to mean distance to water, which suggests that landscape features influence the spatial pattern of values by acting as focal points or attractors for values. An applied use of the data for values hotspot detection and community protection zoning in forest fire management planning is presented.

scholarly journals Relevansi Delimitasi Perbatasan Maritim Dengan Faktor Lingkungan

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Evi Purwanti
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Environmental Law ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Environmental Considerations ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Selection Of

Introductioan: This article discusses the relevance of maritime border delimitation with environmental factors that affect the determination of delimitation.Purposes of the Research: The purpose of this study is to analyze the urgency of the role of the environment in the maritime border delimitation process. Specifically focused on analyzing whether there is a positive relationship between environmental considerations and the development of the delimitation process and to determine the environmental factors that influence the delimitation.Methods of the Research: This research uses normative research with a conceptual approach. Researchers use relevant environmental law concepts in the maritime border delimitation process.Results of the Research: The results of the study show that there is a relevance of environmental factors in determining maritime border delimitation, among others from factors: conservation of wildlife reserves, the principle of natural prolongation, the principle of sustainable development, mineral resources, and fisheries. The relationship between environmental factors and the delimitation process occurs in two ways: First, environmental considerations show a direct influence in the selection of the delimitation method. Here environmental factors are an important motive in the delimitation process. Second, environmental factors affect the delimitation process indirectly where there are a number of delimitation agreements that do not include specific provisions regarding the environment, but the evidence shows that the parties are motivated by environmental factors in negotiating delimitation.

Extraordinary variation in a simple song: No geographical patterns in initial phrase variation of the Yellowhammer, a passerine with pronounced dialects

The Auk ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 136 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharina J van Boheemen ◽  
Lucie Diblíková ◽  
Jana Bílková ◽  
Adam Petrusek ◽  
Tereza Petrusková
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Song Learning ◽  
Reproductive Barriers ◽  
Central European Country ◽  
Model Species ◽  
Central European ◽  
Geographical Patterns ◽  
Emberiza Citrinella ◽  
Behavioral Studies ◽  
Song Acquisition

Abstract Geographical variation of birdsong is used to study various topics from cultural evolution to mechanisms responsible for reproductive barriers or song acquisition. In species with pronounced dialects, however, patterns of variation in non-dialect parts of the song are usually overlooked. We focused on the individually variable initial phrase of the song of the Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella), a common Palearctic passerine which became a model species for dialect research. We used a quantitative method to compare the similarity of initial phrases from the repertoires of 237 males recorded at different spatial scales in a central European country covering all main dialect types. We hypothesized that patterns of initial phrase sharing and/or phrase similarity are affected by dialect boundaries and geographical proximity (i.e. that birds from the same dialect regions use more similar phrases or share them more often). Contrary to our expectations, initial phrase variation seems unrelated to dialects, as we did not find higher similarity either among recordings from the same dialect areas or among those from the same locality. Interestingly, despite the immense variability of phrase types detected (only 16% of 368 detected initial phrase types were shared between at least 2 males), a relatively high proportion of males (45%) was involved in sharing, and males using the same initial phrase were located anywhere from tens of meters to hundreds of kilometers apart. The patterns of variation suggest that precise copying during song learning as well as improvisation play important roles in forming individual repertoires in the Yellowhammer. Our data also confirm previous indications that the repertoires of Yellowhammer males (i.e. the composition of initial phrases) are individually unique and temporally stable. This makes the species a good candidate for individual acoustic monitoring, useful for detailed population or behavioral studies without the need for physical capture and marking of males.

RESEARCH ON THE FAUNA OF EARTHWORMS (OLIGOCHAETA, LUMBRICIDAE) IN ĐERDAP NATIONAL PARK

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jovana Sekulić ◽  
◽  
Mirjana Stojanović ◽  
Tanja Trakić ◽  
Filip Popović
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Species ◽  
National Park ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Southeastern Part ◽  
Central European ◽  
Northeastern Part ◽  
Intensive Research ◽  
Number Of Species

Đerdap National Park is located in the southeastern part of Europe, in the northeastern part of Serbia, on the border with Romania. This paper presents the currently known records on the diversity of earthworm fauna in Đerdap National Park. The number of species from family Lumbricidae known to be occurring in the studied region is 29 species from 11 genera. The genera with the largest number of the registered taxa are Dendrobaena (8) and Aporrectodea (7). A third of all species are peregrines (37.93%). Trans-Aegean species take part with 13.8%, followed by endemic, Central European, Balkanic-Alpine (10.34%). Then follow Illyric (6.90%) and slightly less Moesian, Circum- Mediterranean, and Southern-Alpine (3.45%). Endemic species take a part with three taxa. Only one species (Allolobophora mehadiensis boscaiui (Pop, 1948)) is Dacian endemic. The obtained results indicate a diverse Lumbricidae fauna. It is certainly necessary to continue with intensive research in order to preserve the biological diversity of this area.

7 ITLOS’s Jurisprudential Contributions: Present and Future

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kittichaisaree Kriangsak
Keyword(s):  
Dispute Settlement ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Law Of The Sea ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
National Jurisdiction ◽  
Maritime Disputes ◽  
The Law ◽  
International Adjudication ◽  
Substantive Law

This chapter explores the present and future contributions of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). Presently, ITLOS has made substantial contributions to the peaceful solution of ongoing maritime disputes and to international efforts against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. It has also provided guidance on the responsibility and liability regarding activities in the deep seabed area for the benefits of humankind as well as developed procedural rules and substantive law in international adjudication. Human rights at sea, marine environment protection and preservation, and delimitation of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles are some of the areas of the law of the sea elucidated by ITLOS’s rulings. Future challenges include legal issues pertaining to sea-level rise, dispute settlement as regards biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, and potential contentious cases before the Seabed Disputes Chamber arising from exploitation of mineral resources in the deep seabed.

Arthropods as ecological indicators of sustainability in Canadian forests

2006 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W Langor ◽  
John R Spence
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Ecological Indicators ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Carabid Beetles ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ecological Land Classification

The high functional and unmatched biological diversity represented by arthropods demand that these organisms be considered as ecological indicators of sustainable forest management. Successful use of arthropods in this capacity will require a systematic and rigorous process, including selection of potential indicators, definition of relationships between indicators and disturbance variables, optimization of the useful range of the indicator and application of the indicator(s) in monitoring. In Canada, the single greatest impediment to the use of arthropods as ecological indicators is the importance of accurate species-level identification and the difficulty achieving it. Consequently, most work has focused on a few relatively well-known groups (e.g., epigaeic carabid and staphylinid beetles and spiders, saproxylic beetles, butterflies and larger night flying moths).Many recent studies have provided baseline data about the range of natural variation and have begun to quantify arthropod responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances in the context of preplanned experiments or through various retrospective approaches. Carabid beetles are the best-studied group and sufficient sets of data now exist to permit a meta-analysis of the robustness of carabids as indicators across multiple spatial scales and in terms of how well they represent broader ecological responses to disturbances. There is good potential to incorporate arthropod indicators into monitoring programs in Canada, but it is necessary to first complete a scientifically credible selection process for specific ecological indicators. Future research should focus on completing the process for taxa under current study as this develops the best presently understood opportunities for using arthropod indicators in assessing various aspects of environmental change. Researchers should also consider other means of monitoring arthropod biodiversity by the use of surrogate ecological parameters such as ecological land classification and habitat classification systems. Key words: arthropods, ecological indicators, monitoring, biodiversity, taxonomy, sustainability

scholarly journals Understanding the Rationales of Donor-Funded NGOs in Palestine

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-90
Author(s):  
Lina Suleiman
Keyword(s):  
Game Theory ◽  
Nongovernmental Organizations ◽  
Common Good ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
West Bank ◽  
Critical Research ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Aid Policy

This article uses game theory as a conceptual approach to gain a holistic understanding of the aid policy of donors supporting Palestinian nongovernmental organizations (PNGOs). It asks how the work of donor-funded PNGOs has impacted Palestinian societal common good in general, and who are the winners and losers as a result of their work. Quantitative methods are used to capture the perceptions of the main actors in relation to the societal outcomes of PNGOs’ work and actors’ political and socio-economic payoffs in the occupied West Bank. Most of the findings align with much of the critical research on the negative societal outcomes of the aid policy to the NGO sector, and corroborate that the Palestinian public is a major loser in political terms and the least beneficiary in socio-economic terms.

New deep-learning based approaches for forest landscape modeling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Werner Rammer ◽  
Rupert Seidl
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Vegetation Dynamics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Vegetation Development ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Process Understanding ◽  
Forest Landscape Modeling

<p>In times of rapid global change, the ability to faithfully predict the development of vegetation on larger scales is of key relevance to society. However, ecosystem models that incorporate enough process understanding for being applicable under future and non-analog conditions are often restricted to finer spatial scales due to data and computational constraints. Recent breakthroughs in machine learning, particularly in the field of deep learning, allow bridging this scale mismatch by providing new means for analyzing data, e.g., in remote sensing, but also new modelling approaches. We here present a novel approach for Scaling Vegetation Dynamics (SVD) which uses a deep neural network for predicting large-scale vegetation development. In a first step, the network learns its representation of vegetation dynamics as a function of current vegetation state and environmental drivers from process-based models and empirical data. The trained model is then used within of a dynamic simulation on large spatial scales. In this contribution we introduce the conceptual approach of SVD and show results for example applications in Europe and the US. More broadly we discuss aspects of applying deep learning in the context of ecological modeling.</p>

scholarly journals Mutual Information as a General Measure of Structure in Interaction Networks

Entropy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilberto Corso ◽  
Gabriel M. F. Ferreira ◽  
Thomas M. Lewinsohn
Keyword(s):  
Mutual Information ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Interaction Networks ◽  
Ecological Communities ◽  
Bipartite Networks ◽  
General Measure ◽  
Interaction Structure ◽  
Interactive Networks ◽  
Modes Of Interaction

Entropy-based indices are long-established measures of biological diversity, nowadays used to gauge partitioning of diversity at different spatial scales. Here, we tackle the measurement of diversity of interactions among two sets of organisms, such as plants and their pollinators. Actual interactions in ecological communities are depicted as bipartite networks or interaction matrices. Recent studies concentrate on distinctive structural patterns, such as nestedness or modularity, found in different modes of interaction. By contrast, we investigate mutual information as a general measure of structure in interactive networks. Mutual information (MI) measures the degree of reciprocal matching or specialization between interacting organisms. To ascertain its usefulness as a general measure, we explore (a) analytical solutions for different models; (b) the response of MI to network parameters, especially size and occupancy; (c) MI in nested, modular, and compound topologies. MI varies with fundamental matrix parameters: dimension and occupancy, for which it can be adjusted or normalized. Apparent differences among topologies are contingent on dimensions and occupancy, rather than on topological patterns themselves. As a general measure of interaction structure, MI is applicable to conceptually and empirically fruitful analyses, such as comparing similar ecological networks along geographical gradients or among interaction modalities in mutualistic or antagonistic networks.

scholarly journals Predicting plot soil loss by empirical and process-oriented approaches. A review

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Bagarello ◽  
Vito Ferro ◽  
Dennis Flanagan
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Erosion Prediction ◽  
Water Erosion Prediction Project ◽  
Process Oriented ◽  
Loss Estimate

Soil erosion directly affects the quality of the soil, its agricultural productivity and its biological diversity. Many mathematical models have been developed to estimate plot soil erosion at different temporal scales. At present, empirical soil loss equations and process-oriented models are considered as constituting a complementary suite of models to be chosen to meet the specific user need. In this paper, the Universal Soil Loss Equation and its revised versions are first reviewed. Selected methodologies developed to estimate the factors of the model with the aim to improve the soil loss estimate are described. Then the Water Erosion Prediction Project which represents a process-oriented technology for soil erosion prediction at different spatial scales, is presented. The available criteria to discriminate between acceptable and unacceptable soil loss estimates are subsequently introduced. Finally, some research needs, concerning tests of both empirical and process-oriented models, estimates of the soil loss of given return periods, reliability of soil loss measurements, measurements of rill and gully erosion, and physical models are delineated.

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