No description available.

This thesis deals with the subjects of conservation policies and property rights and how these two topics were discussed in relation to each other in the Swedish parliament during the latter half of the 20th century (1952–1998). How nature reserves were discussed in relation to the property rights of private forest owners is especially emphasized. The theoretical framework of the study is borrowed from the philosopher Ingemar Hedenius and further nuances and elaborates on the term property rights by dividing it into smaller constituent parts. Protocols from the Swedish parliament served as the primary sources for the study. Laws, bills and reports from different governmental committees were, however, also studied in conjunction with these protocols to contextualize and deepen the understanding of the subject matter. A qualitative text analysis was thereafter conducted to describe and analyze the gathered data. The results show that, generally, the right-wing parties tended to value property rights higher than the left-wing parties. The left-wing parties therefore also tended to value conservation policies higher than the right-wing ones. The liberal parties in the political center tended to value both property rights and conservation policies in an equal manner. All parties in the parliament did for the most part, however, agree that conservation policies to some extent needed to impede on certain property rights in order to be effective. It was rather to what extent that this was deemed acceptable that the parties had differing opinions. All parties, regardless of political affiliation, would also gradually focus more on political issues relating to conservation and environmental problems as time went on.

[pt] Ao longo dos últimos 20 anos as economias aumentaram seus estoques de reservas internacionais de forma acelerada. As reservas globais passaram de aproximadamente um trilhão de dólares em 1990, para mais de cinco trilhões de dólares em 2006. Este processo também pode ser observado no Brasil, principalmente nos últimos dois anos, onde o estoque de reservas passou de aproximadamente 60 bilhões de dólares no fim de 2005 para mais de 180 bilhões de dólares no fim de 2007. Neste estudo, fazemos uma análise custobenefício das reservas internacionais, levando em consideração o seu papel como mitigadora tanto da probabilidade de ocorrência quanto do custo da crise, uma vez esta instaurada. Nossos resultados indicam que maiores reservas, representadas pela razão Reserva/Dívida Externa de Curto Prazo, são significantes em reduzir o custo e a probabilidade de crise. Além disso, encontramos que os níveis de reservas acumulados pela maioria dos países emergentes analisados são ótimos para valores razoáveis de custo de crise e de custo de manter reservas. No entanto, o caso brasileiro é uma exceção, pois o acúmulo de reservas internacionais nos últimos dois anos parece ser excessivo, não podendo ser explicado pelo modelo estimado. / [en] Over the past 20 years, economies have increased their levels of international reserves at a rapid pace. Global reserves went from approximately one trillion dollars in 1990, to over five trillion dollars in 2006. This trend can also be observed in Brazil, especially over the past two years, when the stock of reserves increased from about 60 billion dollars by the end of 2005 to more than 180 billion dollars by the end of 2007. In this study, we make a cost-benefit analysis of international reserves, taking into account its role in mitigating both the probability of a crisis, and the cost of a crisis once it happens. Our results show that higher reserves, represented by the Reserves/Short Term External Debt ratio, are significant in decreasing the cost and probability of a crisis. Furthermore, we find that the levels of reserves accumulated by the majority of the emerging economies analyzed are optimum for reasonable values of cost of crisis and cost of reserves. However, the Brazilian case is an exception, since the reserves accumulated in the past two years seem excessive, not being explained by the model estimated.

[pt] Essa dissertação tem como objetivo apresentar e aplicar métodos para estimar probabilisticamente as reservas recuperáveis de petróleo de campos maduros (campos em fase de declínio), a partir dos dados históricos da produção (taxa de produção e tempo). Inicialmente é feita uma revisão bibliográfica de tópicos relevantes ao assunto e são apresentados os métodos de ajuste da curva de declínio e de estimação probabilística das reservas encontrados na literatura. Em seguida, são adaptadas a esses métodos algumas modificações consideradas relevantes para uma melhor precisão dos resultados e são desenvolvidos programas em linguagem VBA capazes de fazer a estimação probabilística das reservas recuperáveis e do tempo total de produção do campo desde o início do declínio. Por fim, são gerados resultados de um campo- produtor exemplo e feitas as devidas comparações entre as previsões determinísticas e as probabilísticas. / [en] This dissertation is intended to present and apply the probabilistic methods to estimate the recoverable reserves of mature oil fields (fields in the decline phase), from the historical production data (production rate and time). Initially, a bibliographical review is made and the methods of adjustment of the decline curve and probabilistic estimation of the reserves found in literature are presented. For greater precision, some modifications are made in these methods and programs are developed in Visual Basic. These programs are intended to obtain the probabilistic estimation of the recoverable reserves and the total production life of the field starting at the beginning of the decline phase. Finally, the results of a producing field are presented and the comparisons between the deterministic and the probabilistic forecasts are made.

The ongoing change towards completely renewable power production in Sweden entails new challenges in maintaining a stable power system and puts greater demands on the frequency control. Hydropower caters for all frequency control in the Swedish grid today. However, the new challenges make it necessary to explore other technologies that potentially could provide frequency control. The aim of this master thesis is thus to map different technologies that potentially could deliver the reserves FCR and aFRR, with the main focus of investigating the economic potential of these technologies and their competitiveness during different seasons. The technologies investigated were lithium-ion batteries, flywheels, demand response and wind power plants. Different applications for these technologies were also investigated. The different investment alternatives were evaluated by calculating the net present value and the net present value ratio. The results show that the economic potential is greatest in cases where existing infrastructure could be used. Investments in stand-alone energy storage systems are not profitable today but might be so in the future as the prices continue to decrease. The results also show that many of the technologies and applications are competitive alternatives to hydropower during different seasons, which shows that there is potential in participating in the balancing markets with these technologies. However, it seems relevant to investigate further if, and if so how, the regulations on endurance can be adapted to actual conditions to further opening up the markets to more actors while maintaining a stable power system.

A Research Report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 25 May 2015. / The African elephant, Loxodonta africana displays sexual segregation, a phenomenon which describes males and females of the same species living separately, except during the mating season. Despite it occurring in many sexually dimorphic species, the factors that govern sexual segregation are still poorly understood. The aim of my study was to investigate whether or not African elephants in the 1825 km2 Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR), Limpopo Province were sexually segregated as a result of habitat segregation. I tested the Forage Selection Hypothesis (FSH) which, based on the Jarman-Bell principle, predicts that smaller females are more selective foragers as a result of their high energy demands and poor digestive capabilities in comparison to the larger males. Using the GPS location data of 18 collared adult elephants (12 male and 6 female) from November 2008 to November 2010, I plotted both the total (95% isopleth) and core (50% isopleth) home ranges of individual elephants. I used these home ranges to i) confirm sexual segregation in the APNR, ii) determine whether or not there was a difference in vegetation composition of the home ranges between males and females, and iii) to establish how frequently male and female elephants were associated with each of the vegetation types located within their home ranges. All analyses were done at both the total and core home range level. Home range overlaps were rare between male and female home ranges, particularly at the core home range level, confirming sexual segregation of elephants in the APNR. The vegetation composition data of the home ranges as well as the frequency of association by elephants with each of the available vegetation types (using GPS locations) revealed no significant difference between male and female elephants. Therefore, habitat segregation did not explain sexual segregation by elephants in the APNR. I propose that future studies should consider: i) temporal distribution of elephants to assess how much time each sex spends in each of the available vegetation types; ii) other resources, particularly the availability of water, in addition to the availability of forage, since water limits elephant movements; and iii) social segregation in conjunction with habitat segregation, since elephants display sex-specific differences in social organisation. A comprehensive understanding of the factors that govern sexual segregation of elephants might contribute to conservation management of elephants in the APNR and other small reserves.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science. 11/30/2013. / A variety of mass movement and depositional geomorphic phenomena in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park have been described in the literature over the past few decades, yet notably, the prominent rockfalls remain understudied. The objective of the MSc study is to undertake detailed mapping of the GGHNP rockfalls, and in so doing ascertain a better understanding of their macro-morphologies, associated spatial-size dynamics and relationships to lithology, using both field-based and desktop image processing techniques. Ground truthing, using the highest possible resolution achievable through differential GPS (DGPS) and field measurements with an accuracy of cm to mm, serves to quantify the accuracy of mapping rockfall phenomena through 0.5 m GSD colour aerial imagery. In addition, field measurements are used as inputs for feature extraction, such that rockfalls associated with the Clarens, Elliot and Molteno Formation Sandstones may be defined using object orientated classification techniques. The dimensions, orientation and absolute coordinates of rockfalls for select representative sites were captured using both field based and desktop techniques. The rockfall coordinates were taken at the midpoint of each measured rock using a DGPS, with an accuracy of ~ 2 cm on the x, y and z axis. Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA) of Clarens and Molteno Fm. rockfalls was performed successfully using ground-truthed rockfall measurements to guide the creation of segmentation and classification rulesets. Multiple linear regression modelling can be used to model rockfall characteristics from ground-truthing with remotely sensed imagery, albeit to a very limited extent. Elliot Formation rockfalls could not be mapped and analysed mainly due to resolution limitations. Uni- and bi-variate statistics show promise in interpreting rockfall distribution and weighting with environmental variables derived from a DEM and geological vector. Point density analyses found that for the entire GGHNP ~2 and ~4 rockfalls are found per Km² of Clarens and Molteno Formation rockfall areas

No description available.

A necessidade de recuperação de áreas ciliares degradadas tem subsídio na legislação, porém, o uso de sistemas agroflorestais para esse fim não é permitido. O objetivo desse trabalho é comparar a capacidade de recuperação de dois sistemas agroflorestais e de um plantio florestal com espécies arbóreas nativas, também avaliando as diferenças de custos de implantação e manejo. A pesquisa foi realizada no Estado de São Paulo, município de Piracicaba, às margens do Rio Corumbataí, na propriedade da Usina Costa Pinto, onde o cultivo de cana-de-açúcar ocupa a maior parte do uso do solo. Os tratamentos foram: (1) testemunha; (2) sistema florestal, com 10 espécies arbóreas nativas; (3) sistema agroflorestal simples, com as mesmas arbóreas nativas, guandu e feijão-de-porco como adubo verde; (4) sistema agroflorestal complexo, com diversas espécies frutíferas, girassol e capim napier, além das mesmas arbóreas nativas e das duas leguminosas. Os fatores mensurados foram: altura e diâmetro à altura do colo das arbóreas nativas, custos, liberação de CO2 do solo, biomassa microbiana e fertilidade do solo. O SAF simples apresentou as maiores alturas médias, com um aumento de 36% em relação ao sistema florestal. O SAF complexo apresentou resultados intermediários, com altura média 10% superior à do sistema florestal. Separando as espécies em pioneiras e não pioneiras, as primeiras não apresentaram diferença entre os tratamentos, tendo as não pioneiras crescido cerca de 35% melhor no SAF simples. Supõe-se que as leguminosas tenham cumprido a função de pioneiras, melhorando o ambiente e propiciando o melhor crescimento das não pioneiras. A média do diâmetro de todas as espécies para cada tratamento apresentou diferença entre o SAF simples (51% maior) e o SAF complexo, sendo ambos semelhantes ao sistema florestal, que foi intermediário. Entre pioneiras e não pioneiras, as diferenças foram semelhantes, sendo o SAF simples 67% superior ao SAF complexo, entre as pioneiras, e 33% superior entre as não pioneiras. As análises de solo, tanto de biomassa microbiana, liberação de CO2 ou de fertilidade, não mostraram diferenças entre os tratamentos. Numa estimativa com base nas modificações sugeridas a partir dos dados do experimento, o SAF simples pode ter um custo 16% inferior ao do sistema florestal, principalmente devido à redução da necessidade de manutenção do sistema. O SAF complexo apresentou o maior custo dos três tratamentos, pois, além da grande demanda de mão-de-obra, o sistema encontra-se fora dos padrões legais para venda de sementes. O estudo da heterogeneidade do ambiente reforça a necessidade do uso de métodos de implantação e de manejos diferentes para cada situação encontrada e permitiu inter-relacionar os blocos quanto à degradação, com base nas médias dos blocos, para todos os parâmetros avaliados. Seguindo critérios semelhantes, as espécies arbóreas nativas também foram ordenadas segundo a sucessão, de acordo com a teoria de Götsch: Sangra d’água, Embaúba, Cordia, Mutambo, Pau Viola, Tamboril, Trema, Canafístula, Aroeira, Canelinha. Em condições de grande fragmentação da matriz florestal e forte domínio de gramíneas, o uso de sistemas agroflorestais na recuperação de matas ciliares pode trazer efeitos positivos ao crescimento das árvores nativas e redução no custo de implantação. / Riparian forest is the vegetation that borders rivers, ponds and lakes, and although it is protected by law, agricultural systems are widely used in these areas. Restoration of deforested riparian zones is requested by law, but agroforestry systems are not accepted for this purpose. The objective of this research was to compare the restoration success and the costs of three kinds of restoration management systems: two agroforestry systems and one forestry system, intending to give basis for changes in public policies. This research was carried out in São Paulo State, Piracicaba County, in the Corumbataí River watershed, in the farm of Usina Costa Pinto, where sugar cane fills most of the lanscape. The treatments were: (1) control; (2) forestry system, with 10 native tree species; (3) agroforestry system 1, where two herbaceous/shrub legume species were included in addition to trees; (4) agroforestry system 2, were 10 edible fruit species, sunflower and napier grass were added. Management was evaluated by measuring height and diameter of the native tree species, soil respiration, microbial biomass and soil fertility. Comparing the mean height of all species, agroforestry system 1 showed the best results, which was 36% better than the forestry system. Agroforestry system 2 showed intermediate results: mean height was 10% higher than the one achieved in forestry system. When the species were grouped according to ecological succession, pioneers didn’t present any difference between treatments, but not-pioneers grew 35% better in agroforestry system 1. Probably, legume plants played the role of pioneers, improving the environment and supporting a better development of the non-pioneers. The mean diameter at ground level of all the species showed differences between agroforestry system 1 (51% better) and agroforestry system 2, but both were not different from the forestry system, which had intermediate results. There were similar differences when the species were grouped in pioneers and non-pioneers. For pioneers, agroforestry system 1 was 67% better than agroforestry system 2 and, for non pioneers, this difference was of 33%. There were no differences among treatments in soil fertility, microbial biomass and soil respiration. Estimating the costs, on the basis of modifications suggested after data analysis, agroforestry systems 1 may cost 16% less than forestry system, due to less necessity of interventions for weeds control. Agroforestry system 2 had the highest cost because it demanded much more work than other treatments and this system, like agroforestry system 1, is out of legal standard for seed production. Studies on the environment heterogeneity allowed to rank blocks, based on the block means of all the measured parameters. Based on the same principles, the native tree species were also ranked according to Götsch succession theory: Croton urucurana, Cecropia pachystachya, Cordia superba, Guazuma ulmifolia, Cytharexyllum myrianthum, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Trema micrantha, Peltophorum dubium, Schinus terebinthifolius, Nectandra megapotamica. In conditions of high fragmentation of natural forests and high density of weeds, agroforestry systems may cause positive effects in riparian forests restoration, favoring better growing of native trees and lower costs of restoration.

Há 27 anos foi criada a RESEX Chico Mendes, no Acre, conquista histórica para o movimento dos seringueiros. Desde a década de 1970, os seringueiros vinham resistindo contra a expropriação causada pelo avanço da fronteira agropecuária na Amazônia e faziam frente a um modelo específico de desenvolvimento econômico que era fruto da aliança entre o capital monopolista e o Estado. Como reivindicação popular, no I Encontro Nacional dos Seringueiros (1985) foi proposta uma outra lógica de reforma agrária que mais adiante ganharia o nome de Reserva Extrativista (RESEX), onde a territorialidade e a (re)produção da família seringueira seriam contempladas e aliadas à conservação ambiental. Neil Smith (2008) aponta que, a partir da crise capitalista dos anos 1970, início do período neoliberal, houve uma intensificação do movimento de captura da natureza como estratégia de acumulação. A institucionalização da RESEX, em 1990, está inserida nesse quadro global e também marca o começo da guinada neoliberal no Brasil. Observa-se um processo de captura da proposta gestada pelo movimento social dos seringueiros para a constituição e concretização de um outro projeto, que contemplaria os interesses do capital monopolista e de novos atores sociais, onde se enquadram as ONGs. Na presente pesquisa, buscaremos compreender a produção capitalista da natureza a partir da RESEX Chico Mendes (1990-2017), por meio da qual o Estado e o mercado incorporam - de maneira contraditória e conflituosa - relações de produção não capitalistas, redefinindo os usos, a apropriação da natureza e as territorialidades dos seringueiros. / Extractive Reserve Chico Mendes in Acre was created 27 years ago and considered a historic step towards the rubber tappers movement. Since the 1970\'s they had been resisting the expropriation starting from the agriculture frontier in the Brazilian Amazon Region which was part of specific economic development frame fruit of the link between monopolistic capital and the State. The first National Rubber Tappers Conference (1985) covered the popular motion and proposed a new concept of an agrarian reform which later on would be known as the Extractive Reserve (RESEX), in which the territoriality and the family social reproduction would be assisted together with environmental conservation. Neil Smith (2008) points out that the capitalist crisis of the 1970s mainly during the neoliberal showed an intensification of nature\'s takeover as an accumulation strategy. The institutionalization of RESEX in 1990 is inserted in this global picture and with the start of the pivotal neoliberal in Brazil. A process for the so called takeover proposal which was initially developed by the rubber tappers social movement was observed and the constitution and the materialization of another project which would assist the interests of the monopolist capital and of new social players such as NGOs. This present research aims to better understand the capitalist production of the nature through the constitution and materialization of RESEX Chico Mendes (1990-2017) whereby the State and the market both incorporate in contractionary and conflicting manner the non-capitalist production relations redefining its uses, the appropriation of nature and the rubber tappers territoriality.