Long-Term Changes in the Composition, Ecology, and Structure of Pinus mugo Scrubs in the Apennines (Italy)

Mountain ecosystems are vulnerable because of land-use and climate change. In this study, we performed a re-visitation study using historical and newly collected vegetation plots to explore the primary trends in the floristic, ecological, and structural features of Mediterranean Pinus mugo krummholz over past decades. The plant community composition over time (1992 vs. 2016–17) was analyzed by a detrended correspondence analysis followed by a statistical comparison of time steps and an analysis of the contribution of each species to temporal differences. Ecological and structural changes were analyzed by a permutational multivariate analysis of variance followed by a post hoc comparison. We observed relevant changes in the floristic composition, structure, and ecological characteristics of Pinus mugo scrub. Some subalpine and treeline species that characterize the early stages of Pinus mugo succession declined as several warm-adapted species increased. Furthermore, these changes were most likely due to the natural evolution of high-mountain krummholz combined with a thermophilization process occurring in alpine habitats. In contrast, a small group of cold-adapted species also increased, probably because the patchy spatial pattern of Pinus mugo scrubs gives rise to “mesic patches” in a matrix of arid grasslands. The re-visitation approach adopted for long-term analysis in this study can potentially be applied to other mountainous regions to better understand long-term ecological changes in high alpine vegetation.

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Caractéristiques de la flore et de la végétation ligneuses des parcs agroforestiers de l’arrondissement de Tendouck (Basse Casamance, Sénégal)

International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences ◽

10.4314/ijbcs.v14i5.6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (5) ◽

pp. 1558-1575

Author(s):

Ismaila Coly ◽

Tahirou Charles Diatta ◽

Daouda Ngom ◽

Aliou Badji ◽

Omar Gueye

Keyword(s):

Basal Area ◽

Floristic Composition ◽

Woody Species ◽

Structural Features ◽

Shannon Index ◽

Important Place ◽

Regeneration Rate ◽

Height Class ◽

Base De Données ◽

Composition Structure

L’agriculture occupe une place très importante dans l’arrondissement de Tendouck. Pour augmenter leurs rendements, les agriculteurs laissent délibérément dans leurs champs certaines espèces ligneuses. Cette étude a pour objectif général de contribuer à une meilleure connaissance des caractéristiques des parcs agroforestiers du département de Bignona. Pour ce faire, une placette de 2500 m² (50 mx50 m) a été installée dans les champs de chaque agriculteur retenu dans un échantillon de 98 agriculteurs. Cet échantillon est réparti entre les différentes communes de l’arrondissement au prorata de leur poids démographique soit 16 ; 21 ; 22 ; 30 et 9 placettes respectivement dans les communes de Balinghore, Diégoune, Kartiack, Mangagoulack et Mlomp. La flore dans l’arrondissement de Tendouck est riche de 53 espèces réparties en 45 genres relevant de 20 familles botaniques. Au niveau de l'arrondissement de Tendouck la densité des arbres des parcs agroforestiers est de 42 pieds/ha, la surface terrière de 3,21 m²/ha et le taux de recouvrement de 18,82%. Ces parcs sont très diversifiés avec un indice de Shannon de 3,91 et un indice de Pielou de 0,79. Le taux de régénération y est très important (88,19%). La structure par classes de hauteur du peuplement ligneux des parcs agroforestiers révèle une prédominance des jeunes individus avec 24,73% des individus appartenant à la classe de hauteur [2-4 m]. La classe de diamètre la plus représentée est [5-20 cm] avec 42, 99% des individus. Ces résultats constituent une base pour une gestion rationnelle et durable de ces écosystèmes en vue de permettre aux agriculteurs de mieux tirer profit de leurs services dans l’arrondissement de Tendouck. Il apparait ainsi judicieux de poursuivre cette étude dans les autres départements de la Basse Casamance en vue de disposer d’une base de données des parcs agroforestiers de cette zone éco géographique.Mots clés: Champs, composition floristique, structure, agriculteurs, caractéristiques structurales English title: Characteristics of the woody flora and vegetation in the agroforestry parks of the Tendouck district (Lower Casamance, Senegal)Agriculture occupies a very important place in the district of Tendouck. In order to increase their yields, farmers deliberately leave certain woody species in their fields. The general objective of this study is to contribute to a better knowledge of the characteristics of agroforestry parks in the Bignona district. To this end, a 2500 m² (50 mx50 m) plot was installed in the fields of each farmer selected from a sample of 98 farmers. This sample is distributed among the different communes of the district in proportion to their demographic weight, therefore 16; 21; 22; 30 and 9 plots respectively in the communes of Balinghore, Diégoune, Kartiack, Mangagoulack and Mlomp. The flora in the district of Tendouck is rich of 53 species divided into 45 genera belonging to 20 botanical families. At the level of Tendouck district, the density of trees in agroforestry parks is 41.55 trees/ha, the basal area of 3.21 m²/ha and the rate of covering of 18.82%. These parks are very diversified with a Shannon index of 3.91 and a Pielou index of 0.79. The regeneration rate is very high (88.19%). The height class structure of the woody stand in the agroforestry parks reveals a predominance of young individuals with 24.73% of the individuals belonging to the height class [2-4 m]. The most represented diameter class is [5-20 cm] with 42.99% of the individuals. These results provide a basis for rational and sustainable management of these ecosystems with a view to improving the living conditions of farmers in the Tendouck district. It therefore seems advisable to continue this study in the other departments of Lower Casamance in order to have a data of the agroforestry parks of this eco-geographical area.Keywords: Fields, floristic composition, structure, farmers, structural features

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Provenance description of metadata application profiles for long-term maintenance of metadata schemas

Journal of Documentation ◽

10.1108/jd-03-2017-0042 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 74 (1) ◽

pp. 36-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Chunqiu Li ◽

Shigeo Sugimoto

Keyword(s):

Structural Changes ◽

Public Library ◽

Structural Features ◽

Dublin Core ◽

Content Type ◽

Metadata Schema ◽

Proposed Model ◽

Application Profile ◽

Over Time

Purpose Provenance information is crucial for consistent maintenance of metadata schemas over time. The purpose of this paper is to propose a provenance model named DSP-PROV to keep track of structural changes of metadata schemas. Design/methodology/approach The DSP-PROV model is developed through applying the general provenance description standard PROV of the World Wide Web Consortium to the Dublin Core Application Profile. Metadata Application Profile of Digital Public Library of America is selected as a case study to apply the DSP-PROV model. Finally, this paper evaluates the proposed model by comparison between formal provenance description in DSP-PROV and semi-formal change log description in English. Findings Formal provenance description in the DSP-PROV model has advantages over semi-formal provenance description in English to keep metadata schemas consistent over time. Research limitations/implications The DSP-PROV model is applicable to keep track of the structural changes of metadata schema over time. Provenance description of other features of metadata schema such as vocabulary and encoding syntax are not covered. Originality/value This study proposes a simple model for provenance description of structural features of metadata schemas based on a few standards widely accepted on the Web and shows the advantage of the proposed model to conventional semi-formal provenance description.

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Coming Together Through Falling Apart

Rorschachiana Journal of the International Society for the Rorschach ◽

10.1027/1192-5604/a000115 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (2) ◽

pp. 151-168

Author(s):

Heather Churchill ◽

Jeremy M. Ridenour

Keyword(s):

Data Analysis ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Systematic Approach ◽

Qualitative Approach ◽

Psychological Assessments ◽

Transference And Countertransference ◽

Testing Data ◽

Psychoanalytically Oriented Psychotherapy

Abstract. Assessing change during long-term psychotherapy can be a challenging and uncertain task. Psychological assessments can be a valuable tool and can offer a perspective from outside the therapy dyad, independent of the powerful and distorting influences of transference and countertransference. Subtle structural changes that may not yet have manifested behaviorally can also be assessed. However, it can be difficult to find a balance between a rigorous, systematic approach to data, while also allowing for the richness of the patient’s internal world to emerge. In this article, the authors discuss a primarily qualitative approach to the data and demonstrate the ways in which this kind of approach can deepen the understanding of the more subtle or complex changes a particular patient is undergoing while in treatment, as well as provide more detail about the nature of an individual’s internal world. The authors also outline several developmental frameworks that focus on the ways a patient constructs their reality and can guide the interpretation of qualitative data. The authors then analyze testing data from a patient in long-term psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy in order to demonstrate an approach to data analysis and to show an example of how change can unfold over long-term treatments.

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Economic Institutions and Growth Nexus: The Role of Governance and Democratic Institutions—Evidence from Time Varying Parameters’ (TVPs) Models

The Pakistan Development Review ◽

10.30541/v55i4i-iipp.675-688 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 55 (4I-II) ◽

pp. 675-688

Author(s):

Ghulam Murtaza ◽

Muhammad Zahir Faridi

Keyword(s):

Structural Changes ◽

Jel Classification ◽

Economic Institutions ◽

Time Varying ◽

Democratic Institutions ◽

Main Hypothesis ◽

Dynamic Relationship ◽

Rolling Window

The present study has investigated the channels through which the linkage between economic institutions and growth is gauged, by addressing the main hypothesis of the study that whether quality of governance and democratic institutions set a stage for economic institutions to promote the long-term growth process in Pakistan. To test the hypothesis empirically, our study models the dynamic relationship between growth and economic institutions in a time varying framework in order to capture institutional developments and structural changes occurred in the economy of Pakistan over the years. Study articulates that, along with some customary specifics, the quality of government and democracy are the substantial factors that affect institutional quality and ultimately cause to promote growth in Pakistan. JEL Classification: O40; P16; C14; H10 Keywords: Economic Institutions, Growth, Governance and Democracy, Rolling Window Two-stage Least Squares, Pakistan

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Individual differences in white and grey matter structure associated with verbal habits of thought

10.31234/osf.io/ukgyr ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Justin C. Hayes ◽

Katherine L Alfred ◽

Rachel Pizzie ◽

Joshua S. Cetron ◽

David J. M. Kraemer

Keyword(s):

Individual Differences ◽

White Matter ◽

Cognitive Processing ◽

Grey Matter ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Structural Integrity ◽

Diffusion Tensor ◽

Self Report ◽

White Matter Tracts

Modality specific encoding habits account for a significant portion of individual differences reflected in functional activation during cognitive processing. Yet, little is known about how these habits of thought influence long-term structural changes in the brain. Traditionally, habits of thought have been assessed using self-report questionnaires such as the visualizer-verbalizer questionnaire. Here, rather than relying on subjective reports, we measured habits of thought using a novel behavioral task assessing attentional biases toward picture and word stimuli. Hypothesizing that verbal habits of thought are reflected in the structural integrity of white matter tracts and cortical regions of interest, we used diffusion tensor imaging and volumetric analyses to assess this prediction. Using a whole-brain approach, we show that word bias is associated with increased volume in several bilateral language regions, in both white and grey matter parcels. Additionally, connectivity within white matter tracts within an a priori speech production network increased as a function of word bias. These results demonstrate long-term structural and morphological differences associated with verbal habits of thought.

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Structural changes in the metal of welded joints of long-term operating steam pipelines

Avtomatičeskaâ svarka (Kiev) ◽

10.37434/as2020.02.04 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 (2) ◽

pp. 24-28

Author(s):

V.V. Dmytryk ◽

◽

. A.V. Glushko ◽

S.P. Iglin ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Welded Joints ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Operating Steam

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High Mountain Asian glacier response to climate revealed by multi-temporal satellite observations since the 1960s

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-021-24180-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Atanu Bhattacharya ◽

Tobias Bolch ◽

Kriti Mukherjee ◽

Owen King ◽

Brian Menounos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Loss ◽

River Flow ◽

Tien Shan ◽

High Mountain ◽

Glacier Mass Balance ◽

Temperature And Precipitation ◽

Multi Temporal ◽

The 1960S ◽

Northern Tien Shan

AbstractKnowledge about the long-term response of High Mountain Asian glaciers to climatic variations is paramount because of their important role in sustaining Asian river flow. Here, a satellite-based time series of glacier mass balance for seven climatically different regions across High Mountain Asia since the 1960s shows that glacier mass loss rates have persistently increased at most sites. Regional glacier mass budgets ranged from −0.40 ± 0.07 m w.e.a−1 in Central and Northern Tien Shan to −0.06 ± 0.07 m w.e.a−1 in Eastern Pamir, with considerable temporal and spatial variability. Highest rates of mass loss occurred in Central Himalaya and Northern Tien Shan after 2015 and even in regions where glaciers were previously in balance with climate, such as Eastern Pamir, mass losses prevailed in recent years. An increase in summer temperature explains the long-term trend in mass loss and now appears to drive mass loss even in regions formerly sensitive to both temperature and precipitation.

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Interaction of Lactoferrin with Unsaturated Fatty Acids: In Vitro and In Vivo Study of Human Lactoferrin/Oleic Acid Complex Cytotoxicity

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14071602 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (7) ◽

pp. 1602

Author(s):

Anna Elizarova ◽

Alexey Sokolov ◽

Valeria Kostevich ◽

Ekaterina Kisseleva ◽

Evgeny Zelenskiy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oleic Acid ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Structural Features ◽

Control Group ◽

Acid Complex ◽

Hepatoma 22A ◽

Constitutive Parameters

As shown recently, oleic acid (OA) in complex with lactoferrin (LF) causes the death of cancer cells, but no mechanism(s) of that toxicity have been disclosed. In this study, constitutive parameters of the antitumor effect of LF/OA complex were explored. Complex LF/OA was prepared by titrating recombinant human LF with OA. Spectral analysis was used to assess possible structural changes of LF within its complex with OA. Structural features of apo-LF did not change within the complex LF:OA = 1:8, which was toxic for hepatoma 22a cells. Cytotoxicity of the complex LF:OA = 1:8 was tested in cultured hepatoma 22a cells and in fresh erythrocytes. Its anticancer activity was tested in mice carrying hepatoma 22a. In mice injected daily with LF-8OA, the same tumor grew significantly slower. In 20% of animals, the tumors completely resolved. LF alone was less efficient, i.e., the tumor growth index was 0.14 for LF-8OA and 0.63 for LF as compared with 1.0 in the control animals. The results of testing from 48 days after the tumor inoculation showed that the survival rate among LF-8OA-treated animals was 70%, contrary to 0% rate in the control group and among the LF-treated mice. Our data allow us to regard the complex of LF and OA as a promising tool for cancer treatment.

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Health and sustainability of glaciers in High Mountain Asia

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-021-23073-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Evan Miles ◽

Michael McCarthy ◽

Amaury Dehecq ◽

Marin Kneib ◽

Stefan Fugger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Field Measurements ◽

Tien Shan ◽

High Mountain ◽

Specific Mass ◽

Ice Flow ◽

Ice Volume ◽

Mass Redistribution ◽

Glacier Ablation

AbstractGlaciers in High Mountain Asia generate meltwater that supports the water needs of 250 million people, but current knowledge of annual accumulation and ablation is limited to sparse field measurements biased in location and glacier size. Here, we present altitudinally-resolved specific mass balances (surface, internal, and basal combined) for 5527 glaciers in High Mountain Asia for 2000–2016, derived by correcting observed glacier thinning patterns for mass redistribution due to ice flow. We find that 41% of glaciers accumulated mass over less than 20% of their area, and only 60% ± 10% of regional annual ablation was compensated by accumulation. Even without 21st century warming, 21% ± 1% of ice volume will be lost by 2100 due to current climatic-geometric imbalance, representing a reduction in glacier ablation into rivers of 28% ± 1%. The ablation of glaciers in the Himalayas and Tien Shan was mostly unsustainable and ice volume in these regions will reduce by at least 30% by 2100. The most important and vulnerable glacier-fed river basins (Amu Darya, Indus, Syr Darya, Tarim Interior) were supplied with >50% sustainable glacier ablation but will see long-term reductions in ice mass and glacier meltwater supply regardless of the Karakoram Anomaly.

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A New Classification for Pathologies of Spinal Meninges, Part 1: Dural Cysts, Dissections, and Ectasias

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/neuros/nyx049 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 81 (1) ◽

pp. 29-44 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Jörg Klekamp

Keyword(s):

Structural Changes ◽

Long Term Results ◽

Type I ◽

Type Ii ◽

New Classification ◽

Type Iii ◽

Dural Sac ◽

Spinal Cord Herniation ◽

Dural Defects

Abstract BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of pathologies of the spinal dura is often unclear and their management controversial. OBJECTIVE: To classify spinal dural pathologies analogous to vascular aneurysms, present their symptoms and surgical results. METHODS: Among 1519 patients with spinal space-occupying lesions, 66 patients demonstrated dural pathologies. Neuroradiological and surgical features were reviewed and clinical data analyzed. RESULTS: Saccular dural diverticula (type I, n = 28) caused by defects of both dural layers, dissections between dural layers (type II, n = 29) due to defects of the inner layer, and dural ectasias (type III, n = 9) related to structural changes of the dura were distinguished. For all types, symptoms consisted of local pain followed by signs of radiculopathy or myelopathy, while one patient with dural ectasia presented a low-pressure syndrome and 10 patients with dural dissections additional spinal cord herniation. Type I and type II pathologies required occlusion of their dural defects via extradural (type I) or intradural (type II) approaches. For type III pathologies of the dural sac no surgery was recommended. Favorable results were obtained in all 14 patients with type I and 13 of 15 patients with type II pathologies undergoing surgery. CONCLUSION: The majority of dural pathologies involving root sleeves remain asymptomatic, while those of the dural sac commonly lead to pain and neurological symptoms. Type I and type II pathologies were treated with good long-term results occluding their dural defects, while ectasias of the dural sac (type III) were managed conservatively.

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