Thesis (M.S.)--Baylor University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 53-55).

Submitted by Claudia Rocha (claudia.rocha@udesc.br) on 2017-12-15T16:09:02Z No. of bitstreams: 1 PGEF17MA084.pdf: 119371 bytes, checksum: 801be2ea2b2097b46bd080a6ed243a0d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-12-15T16:09:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGEF17MA084.pdf: 119371 bytes, checksum: 801be2ea2b2097b46bd080a6ed243a0d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-06-23 / FUMDES / The present dissertationaimed to investigate the tree component dynamics in different forest remnants in “Planalto Sul Catarinense Region”. In particular, I seek to understand how edaphoclimatic variables, anthropogenic chronic disturbances, landscape and forest structure could influence the regional scale spatial variation of tree species demographics rates. This information is essential for a better comprehension of forest ecosystems functioning ina contemporary context, marked by frequent chronical anthropogenic disturbances. Thus, I obtained data from permanent plots tree component monitoring and environmental conditions (edaphoclimatic, altitude, landscape and cattle presence) of nine forest remnants in the municipalities of Capão Alto, São José do Cerrito, Lages, Painel, Urubici and Bom Jardim da Serra, in Santa Catarina State. Principal Components Analysis (PCAs) were performed in order to identify regional scale tree component dynamics pattern and ecological gradients. The influence of explicative variables on dynamics patterns was verified by Regression Tree. In the first and second inventory a mean tree density of 1,583 e 1,546 ind.ha-1 were observed, representing a mean net change rate of -0.61%.year-1. For basal area, values of 34.74 m2.ha-1and 35.79 m2.ha-1were observed, represent a mean net change rate of 0.79%.year-1.In regional scale, the Araucaria Forest dynamics varied, mostly, in mortality and basal area loss rates. In general, mortality and basal area loss rates were smaller in well-structured (greater values of basal area) larger fragments with smaller proportion of edge areas. Therefore, I conclude that, in regional scale, anthropogenic fragmentation impacted significantly the tree component dynamics in the study Araucaria Forest areas / A presente dissertação teve como objetivo geral investigar a dinâmica do componente arbóreo em diferentes remanescentes florestais na região do Planalto Sul Catarinense. Em particular, buscou-se compreender a influência de variáveis edafoclimáticas, de perturbações antropogênicas crônicas, da paisagem e estruturação da floresta sobre a variação espacial das taxas demográficas de espécies arbóreas em escala regional. Informações desta natureza são fundamentais para a compreensão do funcionamento dos ecossistemas florestais no contexto da época em que vivemos, caracterizada pela presença marcante de impactos crônicos causados por atividades de origem antrópica. Desta forma, foram obtidos dados de monitoramento de parcelas permanentes do componente arbóreo e de condições ambientais (altitude, variáveis edafoclimáticas, da paisagem e presença de gado) de nove remanescentes de Floresta Ombrófila Mista, situados nos municípios de Capão Alto, São José do Cerrito, Lages, Painel, Urubici e Bom Jardim da Serra, no Estado de Santa Catarina. Visando identificar os padrões de dinâmica do componente arbóreo e gradientes ecológicos em escala regional, foi utilizado uma abordagem multivariada através da Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA). A influência das variáveis explicativas sobre o padrão de dinâmica foi avaliada por meio de Árvore de Regressão. Entre o primeiro e o segundo inventário foram observados, respectivamente, uma densidade média de 1.583 e 1.546 ind.ha-1, o que representou uma taxa de mudança líquida média de -0,61%.ano-1. Para área basal, os valores foram de 34,74 m2.ha-1 e 35,79 m2.ha-1, com mudança líquida de 0,79%ano-1. Em escala regional, a dinâmica das áreas de Floresta com Araucária variou, principalmente, no que se refere as taxas de mortalidade e perda em área basal. De forma geral, fragmentos maiores, com menor proporção de bordas e mais bem estruturados (maior área basal) apresentaram menores taxas de mortalidade e perda em área basal. Assim, conclui-se que, em escala regional, a fragmentação antrópica impactou de forma significativa os padrões de dinâmica observados nas áreas de Floresta Ombrófila Mista

A l’intersection de la socio-anthropologie de l’alimentation et de la santé et s’inscrivant directement dans les réflexions entreprises par le monde biomédical sur la perte de poids des malades, cette thèse expose la réorganisation du rapport à l’alimentation des personnes atteintes d’un cancer bronchique et traitées par chimiothérapie. En s’intéressant à l’expertise même des malades, elle rend compte des stratégies d’adaptations alimentaires mises en place par ces derniers et/ou par leurs proches, pour pallier les perturbations alimentaires chimio-induites. La méthodologie de recherche employée s’appuie sur deux enquêtes longitudinales : une par entretiens semi-directifs et une par questionnaires, réalisées auprès des malades, au cours desquelles des observations de la prise en charge médicale et paramédicale des malades en cancérologie ont été menées.Alors que tant le monde biomédical que le monde profane n’identifient pas l’alimentation comme une causalité supposée des cancers bronchiques, cette thèse défend son inscription dans le modèle thérapeutique des malades. Pour ce faire, la thèse rend tout d’abord compte du contexte informationnel relatif à l’alimentation et au cancer, s’étirant de l’espace du préventif à l’espace du thérapeutique, et relevant de formes de légitimités académiques et non académiques. Puis, en détaillant minutieusement la trajectoire alimentaire des mangeurs-malades dès lors du diagnostic, elle définit un vécu alimentaire marqué par des situations de confort et d’inconfort à s’alimenter. Enfin, elle s’intéresse au soutien alimentaire matériel et émotionnel apporté par les proches. Ces trois entrées rendent compte de formes de stratégies d’adaptation alimentaires d’ordres nutritionnel, sensoriel et organisationnel s’inscrivant dans une dynamique d’autorégulation constante aux perturbations alimentaires chimio-induites qui retrace les expériences alimentaires des mangeurs-malades. / At the intersection of food and health anthropology and in connection with the reflections undertaken by the biomedical world about the weight loss of patients, this thesis outlines the food relation reorganization of people with lung cancer and treated with chemotherapy. By focusing on the patients experience, it reflects the food adaptation strategies implemented by them and / or their relatives, to alleviate the chemically induced food disturbances. The research methodology relies on two longitudinal patient surveys : one is based on semi-structured interviews and the other one is based on questionnaires. During those surveys, observations of the medical and paramedical care of oncology patients were conducted. While both the biomedical world and the uninitiated do not recognize food as a supposed causation of lung cancer , this thesis defends its inclusion in the therapeutic model of patients. In order to do this, the thesis makes first account of the informational context on nutrition and cancer, stretching from the preventive space to the therapeutic space , and within academic and non-academic forms. Then, carefully detailing the food trajectory of eater-patient since the diagnosis, it defines their food experience induced by situations of comfort and discomfort in feeding. Finally, it focused on food material and emotional support from loved ones. These three inputs account for forms of dietary adaptations strategies of nutritional , sensory and organizational orders taking part in a dynamic which is self-regulated to chemically induced food disturbances and which traces the food experience of eater-patient.

Les travaux de reconnaissance menés par la société Lyon-Turin-Ferroviaire (LTF) pour le projet de tunnel international ont conduit à l'acquisition de diagraphies différées sur un grand nombre de forages profonds. La synthèse des données a permis de mettre en évidence des anomalies thermiques profondes au sein du massif à proximité du front du Houiller et dans la série siliceuse de Vanoise. Ces anomalies sont confrontées à un modèle conceptuel intégrant des circulations d'eaux souterraines homogènes dans les zones décomprimées de versant et localisées dans les zones profondes ainsi que les effets thermiques associés. Le modèle conceptuel considère un état thermique transitoire des massifs dépendant du contexte paléo-climatique.A proximité du front du Houiller, une modélisation numérique du secteur a permis de montrer que les anomalies thermiques rencontrées sont cohérentes avec l'hypothèse d'une perturbation froide associée à l'activation, au début de l'Holocène, d'une circulation profonde localisée qui se propage par conduction dans le massif. La prise en compte, dans la modélisation, du changement de température au début de l'Holocène conduit à l'adoption d'un flux géothermique de 100mWm-2, donc plus élevé que les flux généralement considérés dans les Alpes.Dans la série siliceuse de Vanoise, les anomalies observées de gradients profonds peuvent être expliquées par une augmentation de la température des circulations dans la zone décomprimée de l'ordre de 2.4°C vers la fin du Petit Âge Glaciaire. Le réchauffement des circulations plus important par rapport au réchauffement de l'air à cette période est expliqué par une diminution des apports d'eau de fusion nivale dans la zone décomprimée. Ce résultat repose sur le développement d'une méthode 1D permettant d'estimer l'âge et l'amplitude d'une variation brutale de température à la limite d'un milieu semi-infini en conduction. Avant d'être appliquée aux données de diagraphies de forage, la méthode a été testée sur des données issues de simulations numériques reproduisant les températures obtenues dans un contexte de versant intégrant les effets du relief et la présence d'un flux géothermique. / The reconnaissance works for the Lyon-Turin railway tunnel project have led to well logs acquisition for a large number of deep boreholes. Data synthesis enabled to identify deep thermal disturbances inside the mountain massif in the siliceous series of Vanoise and in the vicinity of the Houiller Front. On the base of the well logs analysis and the mountain hydrogeology previous knowledge, a conceptual model of groundwater flows and their thermal effects in the massif is proposed to explain the observed thermal disturbances. It integrates both a uniform water flow in decompressed zone of the valley sides and local deep flows in the massif. The model assumes a transient thermal state related to the paleo-climate environment.First, 2D numerical modelling is used to simulate the thermal disturbances encountered under the valley side in the vicinity of the Houiller Front. In one hand, a thermal transfer by conduction in the massif and a cold temperature imposed near the Houiller Front at the beginning of the Holocene period leads to the current transient thermal state of the massif. The cold temperature near the Houiller Front is assumed to be the consequence of the activation of local deep cold groundwater flows. In a second hand, to simulate the thermal disturbances related to the air temperature change at the beginning of the Holocene, a geothermal heat flux of 100mWm-2 is necessary.Secondly, we develop a method 1D for estimating the age and amplitude of a sudden temperature change at the boundary of a semi-infinite medium in conduction. The method is tested previously on data resulting from numerical simulations in order to assess its use under a valley side and with a geothermal heat flow. Applied to the temperature disturbances observed the siliceous series of Vanoise, the method leads to a 2,4°C increase of groundwater temperature in decompressed zone around the end of Little Ice Age. The value of 2,4°C is higher than the air temperature increase and explained by a decrease in snow meltwater contribution to the decompressed zone.

Ce travail de thèse s’inscrit dans le cadre du rejet adaptatif de perturbations sur des structures de contrôle actif de vibrations. L’objectif était de développer des stratégies de commande adaptatives, pour le rejet actif de perturbations, et de les mettre en œuvre sur des procédés réels se trouvant au sein du département Automatique du laboratoire GIPSA-Lab de Grenoble. En première partie, le rejet de perturbations bande étroites inconnues a été traité en utilisant des lois de commande adaptatives en contre réaction basées sur le principe du modèle interne. Ces lois de commande ont été validées expérimentalement sur une plate-forme de suspension active. En deuxième partie, des algorithmes adaptatifs pour l’atténuation de perturbations bande larges par action anticipatrices « feedforward » ont été proposés, analysés, et testés en pratique sur une structure flexible de contrôle actif de vibrations. / This thesis work is a part of adaptive disturbances rejection on some flexible structures in active vibration control (AVC). The objective was to develop adaptive control strategies for the active disturbances rejection, and to implement them on real process located in the Automatic Control Department of GIPSA-Lab in Grenoble. In the first part, the rejection of unknown narrow-band disturbances (Sinusoidal and multi-sinusoidal) was treated using adaptive control laws in « feedback » based on the internal model principle. These control laws have been validated experimentally on an active suspension platform. In the second part, adaptive algorithms for the minimization of the effects of "broadband" disturbances in "feedforward" have been proposed, analyzed and tested in practice on a flexible structure of active vibration control.

Este trabalho aborda o problema de análise de estabilidade e estabilização de sistemas não-lineares racionais sujeitos a saturação. A abordagem utilizada neste estudo é baseada em representações algébricas diferenciais (DAR) de sistemas racionais e na versão modificada da condição de setor generalizada para lidar com a saturação. Inicialmente, métodos para caracterizar a estabilidade de sistemas em tempo discreto sujeitos a perturbações são propostos. Neste contexto, apresentam-se abordagens na forma de desigualdades matriciais lineares (do inglês, Linear Matrix Inequalities) para o cálculo de estimativas da região de atração do sistema, bem como limites para uma classe de perturbações admissíveis ℓ2 de forma a garantir que as trajetórias sejam limitadas e estimativas do ganho ℓ2 do sistema. Duas abordagens são consideradas: a primeira é baseada em uma única função de Lyapunov quadrática e a segunda considerando funções de Lyapunov quadráticas por partes. Em seguida, técnicas para síntese de compensadores anti-windup são propostas com o objetivo de aumentar a região de atração de sistemas em tempo contínuo. As condições são desenvolvidas e incorporadas em um algoritmo iterativo, sendo que a cada iteração é resolvido um problema de otimização convexa com restrições na forma de LMIs. Tais resultados são estendidos para lidar com sistemas incertos e sistemas sujeitos a perturbações. Com o objetivo de evitar métodos iterativos e facilitar a aplicação em sistemas multivariáveis propõe-se uma nova abordagem para sintetizar este tipo de compensador (diretamente na forma de LMIs). Extensões dos resultados são apresentadas para tratar sistemas em tempo discreto. Por fim, é apresentada uma abordagem para síntese de realimentação estática de estados. Estes métodos são baseados em condições de estabilização local permitindo, simultaneamente, calcular o ganho de realimentação de estados e uma função de Lyapunov que leva a uma estimativa maximizada da região de atração do sistema em malha fechada. Propõe-se também uma extensão dos resultados abordando sistemas em tempo discreto. Exemplos numéricos são apresentados com o objetivo de ilustrar a aplicação e verificar a eficiência dos métodos propostos. / This work addresses the problem of stability analysis and stabilization of nonlinear rational systems subject to saturation. The approach used in this study is based on the differential algebraic representation (DAR) of rational systems and on a modified version of the generalized sector condition to deal with saturation. First, methods to characterize the stability of discrete-time systems subject to disturbances are proposed. In this context, approaches based on linear matrix inequalities to compute estimates of the region of attraction of the system, as well as limits for a class of admissible ℓ2 disturbances to ensure bounded trajectories and estimates of the ℓ2-gain of the system are presented. Two approaches are considered: the first one based on a single quadratic Lyapunov function and the second one considering piecewise quadratic Lyapunov functions. Then, techniques for the synthesis of anti-windup compensators are proposed in order to enlarge the region of attraction of continuous-time systems. The conditions are developed and incorporated into an iterative algorithm, where at each iteration, a convex optimization problem with LMI constraints is solved. These results are extended to deal with uncertain systems and systems subject to disturbances. In order to avoid iterative methods and facilitate the application to multivariable systems, a new approach to synthesize this type of compensator (directly in terms of LMI) is proposed. Extensions of the results are also presented to deal with discrete-time systems. Finally, a method for the synthesis of static state feedback gains is proposed. This method is based on local stabilization conditions which allow to calculate the state feedback gain and a Lyapunov function leading to a maximized estimate of the region of attraction of the closed-loop system. The extension of these results for the case of discrete-time systems is also addressed. Numerical examples are presented in order to illustrate the application and to verify the efficiency of the proposed methods.

Objetivo: Avaliar a presença de malformações cardiovasculares em 33 pacientes com síndrome de Turner acompanhadas no Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre. Métodos: Estudo transversal no qual foi realizada ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) e torácica com ênfase na avaliação da aorta (RMA) em 33 pacientes. Resultados: As pacientes tinham idade media de 20 anos e 10 meses e altura de 138,7 cm. Aproximadamente 42,42% das pacientes apresentavam cariótipo 45,X e 33,33% pescoço alado. À RMC, 54,54% das pacientes apresentaram alteração, sendo válvula aórtica bicúspide o achado mais frequente, presente em 24,24%. À RMA, malformações cardiovasculares foram encontradas em 42,42%, sendo o alongamento do arco transverso presente em 27,27% das pacientes. Dilatação da aorta estava presente em 66,66% das pacientes, considerada severa em 12,12%. O local mais frequente de dilatação foi na raiz da aorta e na porção tubular da aorta ascendente. Conclusões: Os resultados do presente estudo corroboram achados preliminares da literatura que demonstram que anomalias cardiovasculares são comuns na síndrome de Turner, especialmente diagnosticadas pela ressonância magnética. Dilatação da aorta, principalmente na aorta ascendente, e extremamente frequente na síndrome de Turner e proporciona elevado risco de evento aórtico agudo como a dissecção, potencialmente fatal. / Objective: To evaluate the incidence of cardiovascular malformations in 33 patients with Turner's syndrome followed up in the Hospital de Clinicas of Porto Alegre. Methodology: A transversal study in which a Cardiac and Thoracic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI ) with focus on the evaluation of the aorta was performed in 33 patients. Results: The patients had average age of 20 years and 10 months and height of 138,7 cm. Approximately 42,42% of the patients presented karyotype 45,X and 33,33% webbed neck. Through MRI 54,54% of patients showed anomalies; the bicuspid aortic valve was the most frequent found present in 24,24% of patients. Through MRI, cardiovascular malformations were found in 42,42%, and elongation of the transverse arch was present in 27,27% of patients. Aortic dilatation was found in 66,66% of patients, and it was considered severe in 12,12%. The most frequent place of dilatation was in the aortic root and in the tubular portion of the ascending thoracic aorta. Conclusion: The results of present study corroborate with the literature that says cardiovascular anomalies are common in Turner's syndrome, especially diagnosed through magnetic resonance imaging. Aortic dilatation, most prominent in the ascending aorta, is very frequent in Turner's syndrome and that predicts high risk for acute aortic events such as dissection, potencially fatal.

This thesis focuses on the effects of succession on forest clearings on reptile assemblages in Podyjí National Park. The topic and results presented here follow up my bachelor thesis evaluating habitat preference of reptiles in Podyjí National Park and their assemblages on experimental clearings in the core zone of NP Podyjí. The reptile monitoring was conducted on the clearings and nearby control habitats using a method of artifical shelters and method of transect walks. Abundance of reptile species on clearings, and effect of gradual succession on the clearings on individual reptile species was studied and evaluated. While the creation of clearings clearly benefited most termophilous reptile species, including e.g. the Green lizard (Lacerta viridis) and the Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus), the effect of succession is more difficult to assess owing to rather high variation among years. Only the L. viridis significantly derceased with the course of succession, while the Slow worm (Anguis fragilis) benefited from it.

Objetivo: Avaliar a presença de malformações cardiovasculares em 33 pacientes com síndrome de Turner acompanhadas no Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre. Métodos: Estudo transversal no qual foi realizada ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) e torácica com ênfase na avaliação da aorta (RMA) em 33 pacientes. Resultados: As pacientes tinham idade media de 20 anos e 10 meses e altura de 138,7 cm. Aproximadamente 42,42% das pacientes apresentavam cariótipo 45,X e 33,33% pescoço alado. À RMC, 54,54% das pacientes apresentaram alteração, sendo válvula aórtica bicúspide o achado mais frequente, presente em 24,24%. À RMA, malformações cardiovasculares foram encontradas em 42,42%, sendo o alongamento do arco transverso presente em 27,27% das pacientes. Dilatação da aorta estava presente em 66,66% das pacientes, considerada severa em 12,12%. O local mais frequente de dilatação foi na raiz da aorta e na porção tubular da aorta ascendente. Conclusões: Os resultados do presente estudo corroboram achados preliminares da literatura que demonstram que anomalias cardiovasculares são comuns na síndrome de Turner, especialmente diagnosticadas pela ressonância magnética. Dilatação da aorta, principalmente na aorta ascendente, e extremamente frequente na síndrome de Turner e proporciona elevado risco de evento aórtico agudo como a dissecção, potencialmente fatal. / Objective: To evaluate the incidence of cardiovascular malformations in 33 patients with Turner's syndrome followed up in the Hospital de Clinicas of Porto Alegre. Methodology: A transversal study in which a Cardiac and Thoracic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI ) with focus on the evaluation of the aorta was performed in 33 patients. Results: The patients had average age of 20 years and 10 months and height of 138,7 cm. Approximately 42,42% of the patients presented karyotype 45,X and 33,33% webbed neck. Through MRI 54,54% of patients showed anomalies; the bicuspid aortic valve was the most frequent found present in 24,24% of patients. Through MRI, cardiovascular malformations were found in 42,42%, and elongation of the transverse arch was present in 27,27% of patients. Aortic dilatation was found in 66,66% of patients, and it was considered severe in 12,12%. The most frequent place of dilatation was in the aortic root and in the tubular portion of the ascending thoracic aorta. Conclusion: The results of present study corroborate with the literature that says cardiovascular anomalies are common in Turner's syndrome, especially diagnosed through magnetic resonance imaging. Aortic dilatation, most prominent in the ascending aorta, is very frequent in Turner's syndrome and that predicts high risk for acute aortic events such as dissection, potencially fatal.

Orientador: Vera Lex Engel / Banca: Sebastião Venâncio Martins / Banca: Renata Cristina Batista Fonseca / Resumo: A Mata Atlântica é um dos biomas de maior biodiversidade do planeta, que há séculos tem sido sistematicamente destruída pelo desmatamento e fragmentação florestal, principalmente no domínio da Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. Os fragmentos remanescentes frequentemente têm sofrido distúrbios adicionais, tanto antrópicos quanto naturais. Deste modo, para a sua conservação e restauração é fundamental o conhecimento da resposta desses ecossistemas aos distúrbios. Este trabalho teve como objetivo geral caracterizar a estrutura da vegetação e a regeneração natural de um fragmento de floresta estacional semidecidual com diferentes históricos de perturbações e conhecer o papel das clareiras na regeneração de algumas das suas espécies arbóreas mais representativas. A pesquisa foi realizada em um fragmento de floresta estacional semidecidual com aproximadamente 615 ha (Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural (RPPN) Olavo Egydio Setúbal), no município de Lençóis Paulista (22. 27'S, 48.57W), SP. A amostragem foi feita através da demarcação de parcelas permanentes contíguas (10 x 10 m), totalizando um hectare em cada uma de três área na floresta( três hectares no total), sendo: área A, local que sofreu efeitos de um tornado ocorrido há cinco anos atrás; área B: área mais bem conservada, sem histórico recente de perturbações antrópicas e, área C, com registros de extração seletiva de madeira até meados da década de 70. Em cada área foram sorteadas 50 parcelas de 10 x 10 m para o levantamento fitossociológico do estrato arbóreo (indivíduos com altura 1,30 m) e regenerante (altura 0,50 e <1,30 m, levantado em 3 sub-parcelas de 10 x 1 m). Para a regeneração natural, cada subparcela amostrada foi categorizada como sendo de clareira (definição de Brokaw, 1982) ou de dossel fechado. O monitoramento do microclima foi feito quatro vezes... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The Atlantic Forest is one of the richest planest's biomes in biodiversity, which has been systematically destroyed by deforestation and forest fragmentation., mainly at the Seasonal Semideciduous Forest domain. The remaining forest fragments have often suffered further disturbances, be natural or anthropogenic. To conserve or restore these ecosystems is fundamental to know how do they respond to the disturbances. This paper has the objective of characterizing the vegetation structure and the natural regeneration of a forest fragment with different disturbances histories, assessing the role of gaps in the regeneration of its most representatives tree species..The research was realized in a 615 ha seasonal semideciduous forest fragment (Private Natural Patrimony Reserve-RPPN "Olavo Egydio Setúbal"), at Lençóis Paulista Municipality (22. 27'S, 48.57W), SP. Sampling method was by contiguous permanent plots (10 x 10m), totalizing one hectare in each of three study sites within the forest (three ha in the total: Area A: site subjected to a tornado disturbance five years ago; Area B: site well conserved, with no recent anthropogenic disturbances events and, Area C: site were selective logging was registered until meddle 70's. In each site 50 plots (10 x 10 m) were randomly assorted for the phytosociological (stems 1.30 height) and natural regeneration (1.30 < height 0.50 m, surveyed in three 1 x 10 m sub-plots within each plot) assessment. Each sub-plot established for natural regeneration survey was categorized as gap (Brokaw's definition, 1982) or closed canopy. Microclimate was monitored four times in the year, within three consecutive days, in pairs of gap and closed canopy plots, in each of the three study sites. The preference of some tree species for regenerating in gap or closed canopy habitats was also tested. Within the three samples sites we sampled 10.570 individuals... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre