Comparación de fórmulas chilenas e internacionales para valorar el arbolado urbano

Ponce-Donoso, M (reprint author), Univ Talca, Fac Ciencias Forestales, Casilla 747, Talca, Chile.The appraisal of urban trees is a practice adopted in diverse cities of world. This survey compared international formulae: Council of Tree Landscape Appraiser (CTLA), Burnley, Helliwell and Standard Tree Evaluation Method (STEM) and three Chilean methods applied in municipalities of Concepcion, La Pintana, Maip (COPIMA), Nunoa and Penalolen, in 14 different trees located in Talca city (Chile). The objective was to identify the differences and similarities of the monetary result in the application of these formulae, which was realized by a professional. These were analyzed using a non parametric variance test of Kruskal - Wallis and the multiple comparisons Duncan test. It was possible to determine that the Chilean formulae did not present statistically significant differences with the international formulae of Burnley and CTLA; whereas Penalolen and COPIMA formulae did not present any difference when contrasted with Helliwell. In addition, the STEM formula presented differences with all the Chilean analyzed formulae. In the valuation by tree, statistically significant differences were obtained, which showed the independence of the used formula. The exception was when being applied to emblematic species or to species that stand-out in some amenity. Likewise, it was observed that the basic value continues having a high impact in the appraisal final result and the use of the statistical test applied allows extending this type of analyses

Mejoramiento de la productividad en una industria maderera usando incentivo remunerativo

Se estudió el efecto en la productividad de la elaboración de blanks a partir de la implementación de un modelo de incentivo salarial del tipo Improshare, dirigido al personal de una empresa chilena de remanufacturado de maderera que produce molduras y marcos de puerta (ayudante, operador medio y operador máster), para lo cual se compararon dos periodos de tiempo, antes (19 meses) y después (21 meses) de la implementación de la política de incentivo. Los resultados mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la productividad lograda entre periodos que superó el 10%. Se midió el beneficio promedio de la remuneración de los trabajadores, que llegó a más del 10% y el ahorro de la empresa llegó al 4,6% de la unidad monetaria definida, sin que se haya visto afectada la tasa de accidentabilidad. Lo anterior refuerza lo señalado por diferentes autores que concuerdan que este tipo de herramientas contribuye a mejorar la productividad del proceso e incrementar el salario del trabajador. Su implementación como política salarial en la industria maderera, aporta significativamente a los desafíos de una organización por mantenerse competitiva, así como mejorar la remuneración del trabajador en base a una relación de beneficio mutuo con la empresa

ABA biosynthesis- and signaling-related gene expression differences between sweet cherry fruits suggest attenuation of ABA pathway in bicolored cultivars

Fruit development involves exocarp color evolution. However, signals that control this process are still elusive. Differences between dark-red and bicolored sweet cherry cultivars rely on MYB factor gene mutations. Color evolution in bicolored fruits only occurs on the face receiving sunlight, suggesting the perception or response to color-inducing signals is affected. These color differences may be related to synthesis, perception or response to abscisic acid (ABA), a phytohormone responsible for non-climacteric fruit coloring. This work aimed to determine the involvement of ABA in the coloring process of color-contrasting varieties. Several phenolic accumulation patterns differed between bicolored ‘Royal Rainier’ and dark-red ‘Lapins’. Transcript abundance of ABA biosynthetic genes (PavPSY, PavZEP and PavNCED1) decreased dramatically from the Pink to Red stage in ‘Royal Rainier’ but increased in ‘Lapins’, which correlated with a higher ABA content in this dark-red cultivar. Transcripts coding for ABA signaling (PavPP2Cs, PavSnRKs and PavMYB44.1) were almost undetectable at the Red stage in ‘Royal Rainier’. Field trials revealed that ‘Royal Rainier’ color development was insensitive to exogenous ABA, whereas it increased in ‘Lapins’. Furthermore, ABA treatment only increased transcript levels of signaling genes in ‘Lapins’. Further studies may address if the ABA pathway is attenuated in bicolor cultivar

Appraisal of urban trees using twelve valuation formulas and two appraiser groups

Monetary valuation using urban tree appraisals can be performed with formulas, a common practice in many countries. This study compares twelve parametric type formulas: Amenity Valuation of Tree and Woodlands (Helliwell), Standard Tree Evaluation Method (STEM), French Method, Italian Method, Tedesco, Norma Granada, Trunk Replacement Formula (CTLA), Burnley Method, Danish Method, Swiss Method, and two Chilean formulas used in Municipalities of Concepción, La Pintana, and Maipú (COPIMA Method), and Peñalolén Method. Formulas were then applied to 30 trees located in Santiago, Talca and Concepción, Chile. Researchers used eight appraisers divided into two groups, according to senior-level and junior-level experience. Statistical differences were determined using the Kruskal-Wallis test of non-parametric variance, while Fisher's least significant difference test was used to identify homogeneous groups. The results show a wide dispersion of values that were high for 'emblematic' trees and low for young or low-vigor trees. Formula, type of appraisers, and inter-appraiser differences formed nine, two, and three groups, respectively. The lowest-appraised trees were obtained using the Danish and French Method, while the highest values were obtained with the Burnley, Helliwell, and STEM formulas. Although there were differences in tree value according to the type of appraiser, when comparing difference among appraisers, researchers found these were not due to experience level. Given the wide range of values found, the study authors cannot recommend any specific formula(s) for assessing urban trees, as results will depend on the variables of interest used in the formulas and their intended application and use. © 2017 International Society of Arboriculture

Appraisal of urban trees using twelve valuation formulas and two appraiser groups

Monetary valuation using urban tree appraisals can be performed with formulas, a common practice in many countries. This study compares twelve parametric type formulas: Amenity Valuation of Tree and Woodlands (Helliwell), Standard Tree Evaluation Method (STEM), French Method, Italian Method, Tedesco, Norma Granada, Trunk Replacement Formula (CTLA), Burnley Method, Danish Method, Swiss Method, and two Chilean formulas used in Municipalities of Concepción, La Pintana, and Maipú (COPIMA Method), and Peñalolén Method. Formulas were then applied to 30 trees located in Santiago, Talca and Concepción, Chile. Researchers used eight appraisers divided into two groups, according to senior-level and junior-level experience. Statistical differences were determined using the Kruskal-Wallis test of non-parametric variance, while Fisher's least significant difference test was used to identify homogeneous groups. The results show a wide dispersion of values that were high for 'emblematic' trees and low for young or low-vigor trees. Formula, type of appraisers, and inter-appraiser differences formed nine, two, and three groups, respectively. The lowest-appraised trees were obtained using the Danish and French Method, while the highest values were obtained with the Burnley, Helliwell, and STEM formulas. Although there were differences in tree value according to the type of appraiser, when comparing difference among appraisers, researchers found these were not due to experience level. Given the wide range of values found, the study authors cannot recommend any specific formula(s) for assessing urban trees, as results will depend on the variables of interest used in the formulas and their intended application and use. © 2017 International Society of Arboriculture

A formula for monetary valuation of urban trees in central Chile

Países en Sudamérica carecen de métodos para valorar el arbolado urbano con el fin de dar importancia a sus benéficos o bien para establecer indemnizaciones y aquellos que los tienen, presentan dificultades de aplicación. A fin de proponer una fórmula a ser usada en la valoración del arbolado urbano en Chile central, se elaboraron cinco fórmulas paramétricas, las que fueron comparadas con dos fórmulas previamente evaluadas: la chilena de los municipios de Concepción, La Pintana y Maipú (COPIMA) y la Trunk Replacement Formula del Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers de los Estados Unidos (CTLA). Para el desarrollo de las fórmulas se consultó a profesionales, nacionales e internacionales, sobre variables del arbolado que deberían ser consideradas para valoración monetaria. Las fórmulas fueron analizadas por profesionales nacionales en un focus group, para ajustar sus parámetros en función de criterios asociados a: factibilidad de aplicación, valores monetarios mínimos y máximos de la tasación, viabilidad de concretar una indemnización, diferencias estadísticas no significativas entre evaluadores, variables dasométricas y estéticas, ubicación, amenidades, servicios y dis-servicios ecosistémicos. Las siete fórmulas se aplicaron a 30 árboles ubicados en tres comunas de Chile, Santiago, Talca y Concepción, labor que fue realizada por ocho profesionales, obteniéndose un total de 1.680 datos, que fueron analizados estadísticamente. Se seleccionó una fórmula regional para valorar el arbolado denominada valoración monetaria del arbolado urbano (VaMA). Con ella, los municipios de Chile central y profesionales que requieran determinar este valor, en sitios de uso público o privado, cuentan con una herramienta efectiva y eficaz.There is currently a lack of tree valuation methods to better appraise the effects, benefits and legal actions related to urban forests in South American countries; and those which have one, present difficulties of application. To address this, five parametric formulas were elaborated for urban trees appraisal in central Chile, to assess their performance against two previously evaluated formulas: the Chilean municipalities of Concepcion, La Pintana and Maipú formula (COPIMA) and the United States’ Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA). Formulas were developed using national and international professionals and multiple relevant tree-site variables that should be considered when assessing monetary value. The formulas were proposed using a focus group of national professionals to better adjust formulas using criteria related to: feasibility of application, minimum and maximum monetary values, feasibility in legal actions, lack of statistically significant differences among evaluators, tree and aesthetic variables, sites, amenities and ecosystem services and dis-services. The seven formulas were tested on 30 trees in three communes of Chile, Santiago, Talca and Concepción, by eight professionals, yielding a total sample of 1,680. Afterwards, samples were analyzed for statistical differences. Findings were used to develop a regional tree valuation formula called Valoración Monetaria del Arbolado Urbano (VaMA). The formula may be used by municipalities, professional and researches to better assess the monetary value of public and private urban trees in an efficient and cost-effective manner

A formula for monetary valuation of urban trees in central Chile

Países en Sudamérica carecen de métodos para valorar el arbolado urbano con el fin de dar importancia a sus benéficos o bien para establecer indemnizaciones y aquellos que los tienen, presentan dificultades de aplicación. A fin de proponer una fórmula a ser usada en la valoración del arbolado urbano en Chile central, se elaboraron cinco fórmulas paramétricas, las que fueron comparadas con dos fórmulas previamente evaluadas: la chilena de los municipios de Concepción, La Pintana y Maipú (COPIMA) y la Trunk Replacement Formula del Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers de los Estados Unidos (CTLA). Para el desarrollo de las fórmulas se consultó a profesionales, nacionales e internacionales, sobre variables del arbolado que deberían ser consideradas para valoración monetaria. Las fórmulas fueron analizadas por profesionales nacionales en un focus group, para ajustar sus parámetros en función de criterios asociados a: factibilidad de aplicación, valores monetarios mínimos y máximos de la tasación, viabilidad de concretar una indemnización, diferencias estadísticas no significativas entre evaluadores, variables dasométricas y estéticas, ubicación, amenidades, servicios y dis-servicios ecosistémicos. Las siete fórmulas se aplicaron a 30 árboles ubicados en tres comunas de Chile, Santiago, Talca y Concepción, labor que fue realizada por ocho profesionales, obteniéndose un total de 1.680 datos, que fueron analizados estadísticamente. Se seleccionó una fórmula regional para valorar el arbolado denominada valoración monetaria del arbolado urbano (VaMA). Con ella, los municipios de Chile central y profesionales que requieran determinar este valor, en sitios de uso público o privado, cuentan con una herramienta efectiva y eficaz.There is currently a lack of tree valuation methods to better appraise the effects, benefits and legal actions related to urban forests in South American countries; and those which have one, present difficulties of application. To address this, five parametric formulas were elaborated for urban trees appraisal in central Chile, to assess their performance against two previously evaluated formulas: the Chilean municipalities of Concepcion, La Pintana and Maipú formula (COPIMA) and the United States’ Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA). Formulas were developed using national and international professionals and multiple relevant tree-site variables that should be considered when assessing monetary value. The formulas were proposed using a focus group of national professionals to better adjust formulas using criteria related to: feasibility of application, minimum and maximum monetary values, feasibility in legal actions, lack of statistically significant differences among evaluators, tree and aesthetic variables, sites, amenities and ecosystem services and dis-services. The seven formulas were tested on 30 trees in three communes of Chile, Santiago, Talca and Concepción, by eight professionals, yielding a total sample of 1,680. Afterwards, samples were analyzed for statistical differences. Findings were used to develop a regional tree valuation formula called Valoración Monetaria del Arbolado Urbano (VaMA). The formula may be used by municipalities, professional and researches to better assess the monetary value of public and private urban trees in an efficient and cost-effective manner

ABA influences color initiation timing in P. avium L. fruits by sequentially modulating the transcript levels of ABA and anthocyanin-related genes

In sweet cherry, as in most non-climacteric species, abscisic acid (ABA) plays a major role in the control of fruit ripening and color development. Although the ABA treatment of sweet cherry fruits has been reported to upregulate anthocyanin pathway-related genes or ABA pathway-related genes, the temporality of molecular and physiological events occurring during color development and the ABA control of these events during the color initiation are lacking in this species. In this work, we analyzed variations in the Index of Absorbance Difference (IAD), a maturity index, and total anthocyanins along with changes in transcript abundance of ABA and anthocyanin pathway-related genes, from light green to red fruit stages. PavNCED1 and ABA signaling pathway-related genes upregulated when fruits transitioned from light green to pink stage, whereas anthocyanin pathway-related transcripts increased from pink to the red stage, together with increases in the anthocyanin content and IAD, suggesting sequentiality in molecular and physiological events during color development. Additionally, ABA applied at color initiation in planta advanced IAD, increased anthocyanin content, and yielded darker fruits at harvest. These changes were accompanied by changes in the transcript accumulation of ABA and anthocyanin pathway-related genes. This in planta treatment of sweet cherry fruits with ABA confirms that ABA is a central player in the control of color initiation in sweet cherries, associated with the transcript accumulation of genes involved in ABA homeostasis and signaling, which is followed by the up-regulation of anthocyanin pathway-related genes and color development

Exploring the Potential of Vegetation Indices for Urban Tree Segmentation in Street View Images

Urban forests play a crucial role in the development of cities because of the urban ecosystem services they provide. Previous works have alleviated urban forest monitoring by discriminating tree species and performing tree inventories using street view images and convolutional neural networks. However, the characterization of trees from street-view images remains a challenging task. Determining tree structural parameters has been limited because of inaccurate tree segmentation caused by combined, occluded, or leaf-off trees. Therefore, the current work evaluates the potential of vegetation indices derived from red, green, blue, and synthesized near-infrared and red-edge spectral bands for urban tree segmentation. In particular, we attempt to show whether or not vegetation indices add relevant information to deep neural segmentation networks when there are low fine-tuning training samples. A conditional adversarial network generates red-edge and near-infrared images in urban environments, which retrieve an average structural similarity index of 0.86 and 0.81, respectively. Furthermore, we note that by using appropriate multispectral vegetation indices, one can boost the average intersection over the union between 5.07 % to 13.7 %. Specifically, we suggest the SegFormer segmentation network pre-trained with the CityScapes dataset and Red Edge Modified Simple Ration index for improving urban tree segmentation. However, if no multispectral data is available, the DeepLabV3 network pre-trained with the ADE20k dataset is suggested because it could achieve the best RGB outcomes average IoU value of 0.671. </p

Differential phenolic compounds and hormone accumulation patterns between early- and mid-maturing sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars during fruit development and ripening

10restrictedInternationalInternational coauthor/editorColor acquisition is one of the most distinctive features of fruit development and ripening processes. The color red is closely related to the accumulation of polyphenolic compounds, mainly anthocyanins, during sweet cherry fruit maturity. In non-climacteric fruit species like sweet cherry, the maturity process is mainly controlled by the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA), though other hormones may also play a role. However, the coordinated stage-specific production of polyphenolic compounds and their relation with hormone content variations have not been studied in depth in sweet cherry fruits. To further understand the accumulation dynamics of these compounds (hormones and metabolites) during fruit development, two sweet cherry cultivars (“Lapins” and “Glenred”) with contrasting maturity timing phenotypes were analyzed using targeted metabolic analysis. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) approach revealed that phenolic acids, flavonols, and flavan-3-ols accumulated mainly until the straw-yellow stage in the early-maturing cultivar, while accumulation was mainly at the green stage in the mid-maturing cultivar, suggesting a cultivar-dependent stage-specific production of secondary metabolites. In the mid-maturing cultivar, anthocyanins were detected only from the red stage onward, whereas detection began at the pink stage in the early-maturing cultivar. ABA negatively correlated (p-value < 0.05) with the flavonols and flavan-3-ols in both cultivars. ABA and anthocyanin content increased at the same time in the early-season cultivar. In contrast, anthocyanins accumulated and the pink color initiation started several days after the ABA increase in the mid-maturing cultivar. Differential accumulation patterns of GA4, a ripening antagonizing hormone, between the cultivars could explain this difference. These results showed that both red-colored cultivars presented different accumulation dynamics of phenolic compounds and plant hormones during fruit development, suggesting underlying differences in the sweet cherry fruit color evolutionrestrictedPonce, C.; Kuhn, N.; Arellano, M.; Time, A.; Multari, S.; Martens, S.; Carrera, E.; Sagredo, B.; Donoso, J.; Meisel, L.Ponce, C.; Kuhn, N.; Arellano, M.; Time, A.; Multari, S.; Martens, S.; Carrera, E.; Sagredo, B.; Donoso, J.; Meisel, L