Sustainability Assessment of indicators for integrated water resources management

The scientific community strongly recommends the adoption of indicators for the evaluation and monitoring of progress towards sustainable development. Furthermore, international organizations consider that indicators are powerful decision-making tools. Nevertheless, the quality and reliability of the indicators depends on the application of adequate and appropriate criteria to assess them. The general objective of this study was to evaluate how indicators related to water use and management perform against a set of sustainability criteria. Our research identified 170 indicators related to water use and management. These indicators were assessed by an international panel of experts that evaluated whether they fulfil the four sustainability criteria: social, economic, environmental, and institutional. We employed an evaluation matrix that classified all indicators according to the DPSIR (Driving Forces, Pressures, States, Impacts and Responses) framework. A pilot study served to test and approve the research methodology before carrying out the full implementation. The findings of the study show that 24 indicators comply with the majority of the sustainability criteria; 59 indicators are bi-dimensional (meaning that they comply with two sustainability criteria); 86 are one-dimensional indicators (fulfilling just one of the four sustainability criteria) and one indicator do not fulfil any of the sustainability criteria.Postprint (author's final draft

Elucidation of the dynamics for hot-spot initiation at nonuniform interfaces of highly shocked materials

The fundamental processes in shock-induced instabilities of materials remain obscure, particularly for detonation of energetic materials. We simulated these processes at the atomic scale on a realistic model of a polymer-bonded explosive (3,695,375 atoms/cell) and observed that a hot spot forms at the nonuniform interface, arising from shear relaxation that results in shear along the interface that leads to a large temperature increase that persists long after the shock front has passed the interface. For energetic materials this temperature increase is coupled to chemical reactions that lead to detonation. We show that decreasing the density of the binder eliminates the hot spot

Variation in fine-scale genetic structure and local dispersal patterns between peripheral populations of a South American passerine bird

Indexación: Scopus.The distribution of suitable habitat influences natal and breeding dispersal at small spatial scales, resulting in strong microgeographic genetic structure. Although environmental variation can promote interpopulation differences in dispersal behavior and local spatial patterns, the effects of distinct ecological conditions on within-species variation in dispersal strategies and in fine-scale genetic structure remain poorly understood. We studied local dispersal and fine-scale genetic structure in the thorn-tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), a South American bird that breeds along a wide latitudinal gradient. We combine capture-mark-recapture data from eight breeding seasons and molecular genetics to compare two peripheral populations with contrasting environments in Chile: Navarino Island, a continuous and low density habitat, and Fray Jorge National Park, a fragmented, densely populated and more stressful environment. Natal dispersal showed no sex bias in Navarino but was female-biased in the more dense population in Fray Jorge. In the latter, male movements were restricted, and some birds seemed to skip breeding in their first year, suggesting habitat saturation. Breeding dispersal was limited in both populations, with males being more philopatric than females. Spatial genetic autocorrelation analyzes using 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci confirmed the observed dispersal patterns: a fine-scale genetic structure was only detectable for males in Fray Jorge for distances up to 450 m. Furthermore, two-dimensional autocorrelation analyzes and estimates of genetic relatedness indicated that related males tended to be spatially clustered in this population. Our study shows evidence for context-dependent variation in natal dispersal and corresponding local genetic structure in peripheral populations of this bird. It seems likely that the costs of dispersal are higher in the fragmented and higher density environment in Fray Jorge, particularly for males. The observed differences in microgeographic genetic structure for rayaditos might reflect the genetic consequences of population-specific responses to contrasting environmental pressures near the range limits of its distribution.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.3342/epd

Characterization of photodectors using a monochromator and a broadband light source in the xyz color space

ABSTRACT: Abstract- Photodetectors are sensors, which respond to the electromagnetic radiation of the spectrum. Their spectral response depends on many factors of the manufacturing process, e.g. the type of diode that is used or, in some cases, the optical elements that are added to limit the response band. In this paper, we propose an experimental methodology to obtain the spectral response of a photodetector by constructing the characteristic curve using the monochromatic response. For this purpose, we use a broadband source as input of the monochromator to vary the wavelength each five nm. The characteristic curves of one commercial color sensor were obtained (including the loss) using the output ratio of the monochromator. Via the numerical expression of the response curve, it is possible to model the actual response of the photodetectors to known or simulated spectra of electromagnetic radiation, and thus to generalize photometric measurements. Previously we have demonstrated the importance of obtaining such measurements to study light sources. Finally, this newly developed method helps studying the behavior of a photodetector in detail; hence, it enables the derivation of photometric measurements from known data or simulations

Exploring matrix effects in liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry determination of pesticide residues in tropical fruits

Tropical fruits are being increasingly consumed around the world because of their appreciated characteristics, particularly their high nutritional value and distinctive taste, which are different from those of traditional fruits. Owing to their introduction into international markets it is necessary to have a reliable analytical methodology available for the sensitive determination of pesticide residues in order to monitor the compliance of maximum residue limits (MRLs). From an analytical point of view, tropical fruits have generally been far less studied than other fruits frequently consumed in the European Union or USA, which are among the most important markets. In this work, LC–MS/MS-based methodology using a triple quadrupole analyzer was developed for the multi-residue determination of selected pesticides and metabolites in tropical fruits, which were selected among the most popular in Colombia, one of the most important suppliers of tropical fruits around the world. After selection of a QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe)-based sample treatment, the study focused on the evaluation of matrix effects, in order to find a simple way for their correction. Twelve different food matrices were selected to perform this study: the seven Colombian tropical fruits of highest value for domestic and international markets (uchuva, tamarillo, granadilla, gulupa, maracuya, papaya, and pithaya), and five more matrices highly consumed in Colombia (lulo, carambolo, feijoa, mangostan, and guayaba). Twenty compounds, including pesticides widely applied in tropical fruits pest control and several metabolites considered in residue definition, were used as model compounds in this work. Correction factors were used on the basis of calibration graphs obtained with standards in solvent and in matrix, and their usefulness was supported by validation of the method in all the matrices tested at 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg. The analysis of real-world samples revealed the presence of several target compounds that were identified by the acquisition of two MS/MS transitions, and by ion intensity ratio and retention time agreement.Generalitat Valenciana (Research Group of Excellence Prometeo 2009/ 054 and Prometeo II 2014/023; Collaborative Research on Environment and Food-Safety, ISIC/2012/016

First principles-based multiscale atomistic methods for input into first principles nonequilibrium transport across interfaces

This issue of PNAS features “nonequilibrium transport and mixing across interfaces,” with several papers describing the nonequilibrium coupling of transport at interfaces, including mesoscopic and macroscopic dynamics in fluids, plasma, and other materials over scales from microscale to celestial. Most such descriptions describe the materials in terms of the density and equations of state rather than specific atomic structures and chemical processes. It is at interfacial boundaries where such atomistic information is most relevant. However, there is not yet a practical way to couple these phenomena with the atomistic description of chemistry. The starting point for including such information is the quantum mechanics (QM). However, practical QM calculations are limited to a hundred atoms for dozens of picoseconds, far from the scales required to inform the continuum level with the proper atomistic description. To bridge this enormous gap, we need to develop practical methods to extend the scale of the atomistic simulation by several orders of magnitude while retaining the level of QM accuracy in describing the chemical process. These developments would enable continuum modeling of turbulent transport at interfaces to incorporate the relevant chemistry. In this perspective, we will focus on recent progress in accomplishing these extensions in first principles-based atomistic simulations and the strategies being pursued to increase the accuracy of very large scales while dramatically decreasing the computational effort

Predicted Detonation Properties at the Chapman-Jouguet State for Proposed Energetic Materials (MTO and MTO3N) from Combined ReaxFF and Quantum Mechanics Reactive Dynamics

The development of new energetic materials (EMs) with improved detonation performance but low sensitivity and environmental impact is of considerable importance for applications in civilian and military fields. Often new designs are difficult to synthesize so predictions of performance in advance is most valuable. Examples include MTO (2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine-1,3,5-trioxide) and MTO3N (2,4,6-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine-1,3,5-trioxide) suggested by Klapötke as candidate EMs but not yet successfully synthesized. We propose and apply to these materials a new approach, RxMD(cQM), in which ReaxFF Reactive Molecular Dynamics (RxMD) is first used to predict the reaction products and thermochemical properties at the Chapman Jouguet (CJ) state for which the system is fully reacted and at chemical equilibrium. Quantum mechanics dynamics (QMD) is then applied to refine the pressure of the ReaxFF predicted CJ state to predict a more accurate final CJ point, leading to a very practical calculation that includes accurate long range vdW interactions needed for accurate pressure. For MTO, this RxMD(cQM) method predicts a detonation pressure of PCJ = 40.5 GPa and a detonation velocity of DCJ = 8.8 km/s, while for MTO3N it predicts PCJ = 39.9 GPa and DCJ = 8.4 km/s, making them comparable to HMX (PCJ = 39.5 GPa, DCJ = 9.1 km/s) and worth synthesizing. This first-principles-based RxMD(cQM) methodology provides an excellent compromise between computational cost and accuracy including the formation of clusters that burn too slowly, providing a practical mean of assessing detonation performances for novel candidate EMs. This RxMD(cQM) method that links first principles atomistic molecular dynamics simulations with macroscopic properties to promote in silico design of new EMs should also be of general applicability to materials synthesis and processing

Estudio de caso: un sistema de producción silvopastoril con enfoque agroecológico, departamento del magdalena, Colombia

The present document corresponds to a case of study from a silvopastoral system, located in the Florida property, municipality of Santa Bárbara of Pinto department of Magdalena, Colombian Caribbean region. This study was carried out with open and semi structured interviews to the workers and to the owner of the property, as well as a visit of the different areas of the farm, with the objective of characterizing the agroecosystem where the system silvopastoril is managed. The production database was analyzed to know the impact of the system on the animal production, find that during the last 20 years they have handled the vegetal succession from the bank of seeds of the ground, and through strategies like the rotational pasturing, the rational clearing with machete, and the selective control of weeds with back pump or starting manual, allowing the establishment of a vegetal community of three arboreal layers, shared with gramineous and some crawling native leguminous, to obtain from this space arrangement environmental services and to increase the fodder biomass.El presente documento corresponde a un estudio de caso de un sistema silvopastoril localizado en la finca la Florida, municipio de Santa Bárbara de Pinto, departamento del Magdalena, región Caribe colombiana. Se realizaron entrevistas abiertas y semiestructuradas a los trabajadores y al dueño de la finca, así como un recorrido por los diferentes potreros con el objetivo de caracterizar el agroecosistema donde se maneja el sistema silvopastoril. Se analizó la base de datos de producción para conocer el impacto del sistema sobre la producción animal, encontrándose que durante 20 años han manejado la sucesión vegetal a partir del banco de semillas del suelo y a través de estrategias como el pastoreo rotacional, el desmonte racional con machete y el control de arvenses selectivo, con bombas espalderas o arranque manual, permitiendo el establecimiento de una comunidad vegetal de tres estratos arbóreos, compartidos con gramíneas y algunas leguminosas rastreras nativas, para obtener de este arreglo espacial servicios ambientales e incrementar la biomasa forrajera

Fauna silvestre asociada a ganado vacuno doble propósito en sistema de silvopastoreo, Pinto, Magdalena, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar la biodiversidad faunística asociada a ganadería vacuna de doblepropósito en dos potreros estructurados con Botriochloa pertusa (colosoana) como herbáceadominante, uno de ellos plantado con Crescentia cujete (Bignoniaceae) como fuente dealimento adicional y otro con escaso y disperso arbolado. Materiales y métodos. El áreade estudio está ubicada en el municipio de Pinto, Magdalena. Cada potrero evaluado fue de10 ha, se mantuvo en cada uno un lote de quince vacas (½ Cebú, ¼ Pardo y ¼ Costeño conCuernos), la separación entre las áreas muestreadas fue de 500m. Los registros de faunase condujeron mediante punto fijo de conteo, en diez sitios de avistamiento, durante 20días continuos, con cubrimiento visual amplio. Al ganado vacuno adulto presente en las dosáreas de trabajo se le realizó un pesaje individual al inicio del trabajo y al final del mismo,con el fin de determinar posibles diferencias entre ellos. Resultados. Estadísticamenteel número de individuos y el número de especies presentaron diferencias significativas,siendo mayor la diversidad biológica para el potrero que poseía la plantación de C. cujete,mientras que el peso corporal de las vacas sometidas a pastoreo en las dos áreas nopresentó diferencias significativas. Conclusiones. Se demuestra la importancia de estemodelo pecuario como promotor de la conservación faunística local al convertirse enrefugio de variadas especies silvestres, al tiempo que mantiene la productividad existentesin alterar el ambiente sustancialmente

Vías pecuarias e importancia en la trashumancia ganadera

Seven transhumant routes were evaluated in the department of Sucre, having as municipalities of exit of cattle: Sincelejo, Corozal and Sincé, and as receivers: San Marcos and Caimito. The medium distance traveled on-line straight was 98.33 Km (89-121, DS 11.07), twice a year, of going to the beginning of the drought and of return to the beginning of the rainy season. There are not significant difference among them (p=0.666). The cattle roads work as complementary elements of the cattle societies, traditionally they are used to communicate appropriate areas of pasture by means of seasonal migrations, they possess patrimonial value and they are part of the regional culture. A great environmental loss could be presented if this model of handling cattleman ended up disappearing, it possesses big use possibilities and it proved that they are promissory at level of novel economic participations alternative as the ecotourism, as field for social and environmental research, aswell as, national historical legacy.Se evaluaron siete rutas trashumantes en el departamento de Sucre, teniendo como municipios de salida de vacunos Sincelejo, Corozal y Sincé, y como receptores: San Marcos y Caimito. La distancia media recorrida en línea recta fue de 98,33 km (89-121, DS 11,07), dos veces al año, de ida al inicio de la sequía y de regreso al inicio de la época de lluvias. No se halló diferencia significativa entre ellas (p=0,666). Las vías pecuarias funcionan como elementos complementarios de las sociedades ganaderas, tradicionalmente se usan para comunicar zonas adecuadas de pastura mediante migraciones estacionales, poseen valor patrimonial y son parte de la cultura regional. Podría presentarse una gran pérdida ambiental si este modelo de manejo ganadero llegara a desaparecer, posee grandes posibilidades de uso y comprueba que son promisorias a nivel de novedosas participaciones económicas alternativas como el ecoturismo, como campo para investigación social y ambiental, y como legado histórico nacional