Functional diversity through the mean trait dissimilarity: resolving shortcomings with existing paradigms and algorithms.

While an increasing number of indices for estimating the functional trait diversity of biological communities are being proposed, there is a growing demand by ecologists to clarify their actual implications and simplify index selection. Several key indices relate to mean trait dissimilarity between species within biological communities. Among them, the most widely used include (a) the mean species pairwise dissimilarity (MPD) and (b) the Rao quadratic entropy (and related indices). These indices are often regarded as redundant and promote the unsubstantiated yet widely held view that Rao is a form of MPD. Worryingly, existing R functions also do not always simplify the use and differentiation of these indices. In this paper, we show various distinctions between these two indices that warrant mathematical and biological consideration. We start by showing an existing form of MPD that considers species abundances and is different from Rao both mathematically and conceptually. We then show that the mathematical relationship between MPD and Rao can be presented simply as Rao = MPD × Simpson, where the Simpson diversity index is defined as 1 - dominance. We further show that this relationship is maintained for both species abundances and presence/absence. This evidence dismantles the paradigm that the Rao diversity is an abundance-weighted form of MPD and indicates that both indices can differ substantially at low species diversities. We discuss the different interpretations of trait diversity patterns in biological communities provided by Rao and MPD and then provide a simple R function, called "melodic," which avoids the unintended results that arise from existing mainstream functions.

Reconciliacion y responsabilidad: acciones de sinergia para la construcción de un pensamiento ecologizante desde la escuela. “incertidumbres semilla.” / Reconciliation and responsibility: actions of synergy for the construction of a green thought from school. “uncertainty seed

Esta artículo, derivado de las discusiones fruto de varias investigaciones realizadas,tiene como objetivo proponer una acción de ruptura respecto a la dinámicadevastadora de la humanidad ante los recursos ambientales y ecosistemas, para lo cual se propone la generación de “incertidumbres semilla” que actúan a modo de acciones pedagógicas de cambio instauradas desde la infancia como registros de acción, retroacción e interretroacción pedagógica-social. Para ello se plantea que la responsabilidad medioambiental y la reconciliación de la humanidad con los ecosistemas, emergen como constructos dialógicos de sentido ecologizante, por lo que deben ser apuntalados en el proceso educativo y (de)construidos en quienes alteran la organización de los sistemas vivos.

This article, derived from the product of several investigations carried out discussions, aims to propose an action of rupture on the devastating dynamics of humanity to environmental resources and ecosystems, which proposes the generation of “uncertainty seeds” that act as a pedagogical actions of change, installed from childhood as records of pedagogical and social action, feedback and inter-feedback. This raises the environmental liability and the reconciliation of humanity with theecosystems, to emerge as dialogic constructs of greening sense, so that it must be underpinned in the educational process and (de) built on those who disrupt the organization of living systems.

Colonización de la naturaleza: una aproximación desde el extractivismo en Colombia / Colonization of nature: an approach from extractivism in colombia

Este artículo de investigación pretende brindar elementos de análisis sobre el complejo tema de la colonización de la naturaleza. En él se hace una argumentación descriptiva basada hallazgos teóricos sobre las relaciones entre el extractivismo, una práctica propia del dispositivo colonial, y lo que aquí denominamos colonización de la naturaleza. El artículo presenta inicialmente un balance del impacto en la configuración de la visión-apropiación ancestral del territorio y su contenido cultural, a raíz de la imposición de una nueva semántica, en referencia al dispositivo de poder colonial. Luego, se analiza la relación del extractivismo con el proceso de colonización de la naturaleza, para finalmente esbozar una reflexión breve vinculando contextos y problemas contemporáneos.

This research paper aims at providing some elements of analysis on the complex issue of the colonization of nature. In it a descriptive argument is carried out based on theoretical findings on the relationships between extractivism, which is a proper practice of the colonial device, and what is here called colonization of nature. The article initially presents an assessment of the impact on the configuration of the ancestral vision and appropriation of the territory and its cultural contents, as a result of the imposition of a new semantics, in reference to the device of the colonial powers. Then, the relationship between extractivism and the process of colonization of nature is analyzed; to finally sketch a brief reflection, by linking contemporary issues and contexts.

[Ecosystem health assessment of economic zone on the west side of Taiwan Strait, China].

Based on the standards of regional ecosystem health, including vigor, organizational structure, resilience, ecological function, and public health, and in considering of anthropogenic pressure and response countermeasures, an index system for the ecosystem health assessment of the economic zone on the west side of the Taiwan Strait (Haixi Zone) was built, and, aiming at the characteristics of nature and humanity of regional ecosystem health, the weights of the indices were given by analytic hierarchy process and mean square difference method. Fuzzy comprehensive assessment was utilized to establish the ecosystem health assessment model of Haixi Zone. The assessment showed that in 2008, the ecosystem health state of Haixi Zone was superior, and the anthropogenic pressure was relatively gentle. Overall, the regional ecosystem health status was good, but had spatial difference. Owing to the restriction of response countermeasures such as fixed assets investment and education expenditure. The regional ecosystem health status of Longyan, Quanzhou, Wenzhou, Chaozhou and Jieyang was worse than the health state of these cities in 2008. The overall ecosystem health status of the Zone in 2000 and 2008 was better than that in 1992, and the main driving factors were mainly economic vigor, organizational structure, human health, population pressure, and investment. However, the overall ecosystem health status of Haixi Zone in 2008 was worse than that in 2000, due to the expansion of built-up land, the decrease in natural landscape, and the enhancement of human disturbances.

Ética, Medio Ambiente y Economia / Ethics, environment and economic

En ciertos escenarios académicos, políticos, sociales y ambientales se declara que el modelo económico dominante o los conceptos que lo integran son responsables de que el bienestar económico implique malestar ecológico.Partiendo de este supuesto, una forma de comprender las causas y de contribuir a la solución de la problemática ambiental es dilucidar en qué términos se viene planteando la relación entre ética (1), medio ambiente(2) y economía. En esta investigación histórico-hermenéutica se analizan planteamientos desarrollados en algunas teorías éticas, económicas y ambientales, para optimizar la relación entre el ser humano y el medio ambiente.PALABRAS CLAVE: ética, ética ambiental o ecológica, medio ambiente, ecología profunda, racionalidad económica, sistema de racionalidades, economía ambiental, economía ecológica, desarrollo sostenible.

Ley de protección y mejoramiento del medio ambiente: decreto 68-86 / Law of protection and improvement of the environment: decree 68-86

Apoyado en la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas, celebrada en Estocolmo, Suecia, en el año de 1972, se crea este decreto en 1986, como un instrumento legal especial, para el cuidado del medio ambiente, a través del cual se pretendía que la planificación del desarrollo nacional sea compatible con la necesidad de proteger, conservar y mejorar el medio ambiente. Algunos de los aspectos mencionados son: contaminación atmosférica, el mantenimiento de la cantidad del agua para el uso humano y otras actividades cuyo empleo sea indispensable, la adecuada protección y explotación de los recursos minerales y combustibles fósiles, así como la contaminación por ruido y visual, entre otros. Lo componen 42 Artículos, 10 artículos de los cuales han sido derogados por el decreto 90-2000.