Comparison of Hydrology of Wetlands in Pennsylvania and Oregon (USA) as an Indicator of Transferability of Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Functional Models Between Regions

The hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach to wetland classification and functional assessment is becoming more widespread in the United States but its use has been limited by the length of time needed to develop appropriate data sets and functional assessment models. One particularly difficult aspect is the transferability among geographic regions of specific models used to assess wetland function. Sharing of models could considerably shorten development and implementation of HGM throughout the United States and elsewhere. As hydrology is the driving force behind wetland functions, we assessed the comparability of hydrologic characteristics of three HGM subclasses (slope, headwater floodplain, mainstem floodplain) using comparable long-term hydrologic data sets from different regions of the United States (Ridge and Valley Province in Pennsylvania and the Willamette Valley in Oregon). If hydrology by HGM subclass were similar between different geographic regions, it might be possible to more readily transfer extant models between those regions. We found that slope wetlands (typically groundwater-driven) had similar hydrologic characteristics, even though absolute details (such as depth of water) differed. We did not find the floodplain subclasses to be comparable, likely due to effects of urbanization in Oregon, regional differences in soils and, perhaps, climate. Slight differences in hydrology can shift wetland functions from those mediated by aerobic processes to those dominated by anaerobic processes. Functions such as nutrient cycling can be noticeably altered as a result. Our data suggest considerable caution in the application of models outside of the region for which they were developed.     

EGYPTIAN ECONOMIC POLICY

This paper presents the main objectives of the economic policy in Egypt as revealed in a study of recent history. The merits and shortcomings of the major policies are appraised and it is argued that far reaching changes in economic policy are needed. Principles to guide the change are formulated and examples of possible reforms presented. Suggestions are given for maximizing the economic benefit to Egypt from the exploitation of its natural gas deposits.
Cet article présente les objectifs principaux de la politique économique de l'Egypte tels qu'ils ressortent d'une étude réalisée récemment. Il évalue les mérites et les insuffisances des politiques majeures et fait valoir que des changements de longue portée dans la politique économique sont nécessaires. Les principes qui doivent guider ces changements sont énoncés et des exemples de réformes possibles sont présentés. Des suggestions sont faites pour optimiser le bénéfice que l'Egypte est en droit d'attendre de l'exploitation de ses gisements de gaz naturel.
Este articulo presenta los objectivos principales de la economía política de Egipto tal como se revelan en un estudio de la historia reciente. Se evalúan los méritos y desventajas de las políticas principales y se arguye que es necesario hacer cambios de gran alcance en la política económica. Se formulan luego los principios para guiar dichos cambios y se dan ejemplos de posibles reformas. Se dan también sugerencias para maximizar los beneficios económicos de Egipto, derivados de la explotación de sus depoósitos de gas natural.     

Antioxidants in Hot Pepper: Variation Among Accessions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pepper (Capsicum spp.) germplasm collection contains several thousand members or accessions. Many of these species and cultivars have not been analyzed for their concentrations of ascorbic acid, capsaicin, and total phenolic compounds, which are important antioxidants having a number of benefits for human health. The objective of this investigation was to select candidate accessions of hot pepper having high concentrations of ascorbic acid, capsaicin, free sugars, and total phenols for use as parents in breeding for these compounds. Seventeen accessions of pepper from the core Capsicum germplasm collection (four accessions of Capsicum chinense; five accessions of C. baccatum; six accessions of C. annuum; and two of C. frutescens) were field grown and their mature fruits were analyzed for their antioxidant composition. Concentrations of these compounds tended to be higher in C. chinense and C. baccatum, than in C. annuum and C. frutescens. Across all accessions the concentration of total phenols was correlated with ascorbic acid (r = 0.97) and free sugars (r = 0.80). Concentrations of total phenols (1.4, 1.3, and 1.3 mg g^?1 fruit) and ascorbic acid (1.6, 1.2, and 1.3 mg g^?1 fruit) were significantly greater in PI-633757, PI-387833, and PI-633754, respectively, compared to other accessions analyzed. Total capsaicinoids concentrations were greatest (1.3 mg g^?1 fruit) in PI-438622 and lowest (0.002 mg g^?1 fruit) in Grif-9320. The great variability within and among Capsicum species for these phytochemicals suggests that these selected accessions may be useful as parents in hybridization programs to produce fruits with value-added traits.     

Some Aspects of Water Resources Planning and Management in Smaller Islands

This paper reviews some of the issues and problems peculiar to water resources development and management in island countries. It indicates difficulties encountered and prospective solutions; reference is made to the technical support being provided in this respect by the United Nations Department of Technical Co-operation for Development.
Cet article passe en revue certains des problèmes concernant la mise en valeur et la gestion des ressources en eau dans les pays insulaires. Il fait état des difficultés rencontrées ainsi que des solutions envisagées. Il mentionne également l'aide technique fournie dans ce domaine par le Département de la coopération technique pour le développement des Nations Unies.
Este artículo examina algunos temas y problemas que son peculiares al desarrollo de recursos de agua y su administración en los países islas. Se señalan las dificultades encontradas y soluciones potenciales; a este respecto se mencionan la asistencia técnica que provee el Departamento de Cooperación Técnica para el Desarrollo de las Naciones Unidas.     

Conservation Genetics in the Management of Desert Fishes

Abstract: The status and security of fishes in North American deserts have steadily declined in this century due to man's activities in this naturally fragile region. We address genetic aspects of the population structure of desert fishes as applicable to conservation and recovery programs by developing two zoogeographic models of isolation and gene flow. In the Death Valley model populations are isolated, with no chance of natural gene flow among them. Genetic diversity within populations tends to be low, but genetic divergence among populations within a species is high. In the Stream Hierarchy model, a complicated hierarchical genetic structure exists and is a function of geographic proximity and connectivity of habitats. Within-habitat genetic diversity tends to be higher, and among-habitat differentiation lower, than in the Death Valley model. These two systems must be recognized as distinct and managed differently. We also suggest three areas of experimentation needed to better understand and manage genetic stocks of desert fishes: relationships between heterozygosity and fitness, experimental mixing of similar stocks to examine effects of increased heterozygosity, and analysis of the relative roles of genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity in local differentiation.