6,395 research outputs found
Ranking forestry journals using the h-index
An expert ranking of forestry journals was compared with journal impact
factors and h-indices computed from the ISI Web of Science and internet-based
data. Citations reported by Google Scholar appear to offer the most efficient
way to rank all journals objectively, in a manner consistent with other
indicators. This h-index exhibited a high correlation with the journal impact
factor (r=0.92), but is not confined to journals selected by any particular
commercial provider. A ranking of 180 forestry journals is presented, on the
basis of this index.Comment: 21 pages, 3 figures, 5 tables. New table added in response to
reviewer comment
Publication patterns of award-winning forest scientists and implications for the ERA journal ranking
Publication patterns of 79 forest scientists awarded major international
forestry prizes during 1990-2010 were compared with the journal classification
and ranking promoted as part of the 'Excellence in Research for Australia'
(ERA) by the Australian Research Council. The data revealed that these
scientists exhibited an elite publication performance during the decade before
and two decades following their first major award. An analysis of their 1703
articles in 431 journals revealed substantial differences between the journal
choices of these elite scientists and the ERA classification and ranking of
journals. Implications from these findings are that additional
cross-classifications should be added for many journals, and there should be an
adjustment to the ranking of several journals relevant to the ERA Field of
Research classified as 0705 Forestry Sciences.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, 3 tables, 49 references; Journal of Informetrics
(2011
Planning horizons and end conditions for sustained yield studies in continuous cover forests
The contemporary forestry preoccupation with non-declining even-flow during
yield simulations detracts from more important questions about the constraints
that should bind the end of a simulation. Whilst long simulations help to
convey a sense of sustainability, they are inferior to stronger indicators such
as the optimal state and binding conditions at the end of a simulation.
Rigorous definitions of sustainability that constrain the terminal state should
allow flexibility in the planning horizon and relaxation of non-declining
even-flow, allowing both greater economic efficiency and better environmental
outcomes. Suitable definitions cannot be divorced from forest type and
management objectives, but should embrace concepts that ensure the anticipated
value of the next harvest, the continuity of growing stock, and in the case of
uneven-aged management, the adequacy of regeneration.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figure, 54 references, Ecological Indicators (2014
Effects of Selection Logging on Rainforest Productivity
An analysis of data from 212 permanent sample plots provided no evidence of any decline in rainforest productivity after three cycles of selection logging in the tropical rainforests of north Queensland. Relative productivity was determined as the difference between observed diameter increments and increments predicted from a diameter increment function which incorporated tree size, stand density and site quality. Analyses of variance and regression analyses revealed no significant decline in productivity after repeated harvesting. There is evidence to support the assertion that if any permanent productivity decline exists, it does not exceed six per cent per harvest
Compatible Deterministic and Stochastic Predictions by Probabilistic Modeling of Individual Trees
A single growth model can provide both deterministic and stochastic predictions which are compatible. Change may be expressed using probabilistic functions which can represent proportions of populations or probabilities for individuals. The former represents determinism while the latter enables the stochastic implementation. The same functional relationships may thus be used to generate compatible deterministic and stochastic predictions. All components of forest growth and change, including diameter increment, can be expressed as probabilistic functions, enabling construction of a single model which provides compatible stochastic and deterministic outcomes. Users may specify the minimum expansion factor corresponding to the simulated plot size and thus control the granularity of predictions. Such a model may facilitate numerical estimation of confidence intervals about yield forecasts and sustained yield estimates
- …