Soil seed bank assembly following secondary succession on abandoned agricultural fields in Nicaragua

The composition and density of seeds in soils of secondary forests derived on abandoned fields after 4, 9 and 14 years of aban- donment were quantified to examine whether the soil seed bank assembles during secondary succession as the plant communities assemble. A total of 18, 37 and 48 soil samples from 4-, 9- and 14-year old sites, respectively were collected in 15 cm × 15 cm plots up to 9 cm depth. A total of 3, 5 and 9 species were found on sites abandoned 4, 9 and 14 years ago, respectively, Among different life forms, trees were highly represented in the soil seed bank of 9-year （60%） and 14-year （33%） old sites compared to 4-year old site entirely dominated by non- woody flora. The total number of seeds ranged from 327 in the 4-year old site to 146 in the 14-year old site, and the corresponding density of viable seeds ranged from 141 seeds m^-2 in the 4- year old site to 26 seeds m^-2 in the 14-year old site with a consistent decreasing pattern in the chronosequence. The similarity between the soil seed flora and the standing woody vegetation was low for both 9- and 14-year old sites while complete dissimilarity was found for 4-year old site. We concluded that the species composition of soil seed banks assemble gradually during secondary succession, but the overall seed density is still low for natural regeneration of trees to rely on. To expedite the recovery of secondary forests on such abandoned fields, the seed bank needs to be supplemented by direct seeding, enrichment planting of desired species and installing artificial perches for facilitating seed dispersal.

The reproductive biology of a Central American cichlid Neetroplus nematopus in Lake Xiloá ,Nicaragua

This study was conducted to provide a five-year database on the breeding seasonality and breeding biology of a Central American cichlid fish Neetroplus nematopus, a biparental substratum-spawning cichlid that cares for its eggs, wrigglers, and fry for up to six weeks. A total of 503 breeding pairs were monitored for breeding success. Breeding pairs of N. nematopus are sexually dimorphic in size, with females averaging 39% of male body mass. Fry emerged from 85% of nesting cavities. After three weeks, only 30% of the broods were present in the nesting cavity; these broods had a 30% survival rate, giving a 9% overall survival rate. Nineteen percent of the successful parents with three-week-old broods adopted foreign fry. A consistent unimodal breeding peak in December was observed for five years. This breeding peak differed dramatically from the bimodal breeding season 20 years found in the 1970s. The effects of extensive grenade fishing practices during the 1980s might have played a substantial role in the observed change. Grenade fishing stopped in 1991, and the number ofN. nematopus pairs increased by 136% from 1990 to 1995. With increased density of breeding fish, the breeding season for this species also expanded. The balance between divergent selection due to competition for breeding sites and stabilizing selection due to predation pressure on offspring is likely to mold the breeding season for N. nematopus and other cichlids of Lake Xilofi. We suggest that brood adoption and synchrony of breeding is a strategy to reduce predation on the parent＇s own young [Current Zoology 56 （1）： 43-51 2010].

Tropical Cyclones in Nicaragua:Historical Impact and Contemporary Exposure to Disaster Risk

In tropical regions such as Nicaragua, the population's vulnerability to hazards has escalated in recent decades. This increase in vulnerability has led to a surge in disasters, particularly those triggered by intense hurricanes. The implications at the national level are still poorly understood. The aim of this article has, therefore, been two-fold. First, to present a historical review of the direct effects of tropical cyclones on society in Nicaragua from 1852 to 2020. Second, to analyze the statistical probabilities of future hurricane-spawned high winds over Nicaragua. Data on cyclones hitting Nicaragua's coasts were collected, including direct effects, wind speed, pressure, category, direction, and time of landfall. A database was created to classify intensity based on wind speed and frequency. Between 1852 and 2020, Nicaragua experienced 58 tropical cyclones with varying degrees of intensity between September and November. The trajectories of six past hurricanes were considered here regarding the areas that might have been under potential threat. Three zones of influence were delimited along each trajectory according to three wind intensities and the trajectory of these hurricanes. The consequent exposure of each Nicaraguan department and autonomous region was established. The findings are essential to delimitating priority areas for attention regarding the likely impact of tropical cyclones, mainly category 4 and 5 hurricanes. Public officials and the general public can use these data to identify the pressing need for enhanced strategies to mitigate disaster risk and avoid potential disasters.

Implementing a vector surveillanceresponse system for chagas disease control:a 4-year field trial in Nicaragua

Background:Chagas disease is one of the neglected tropical diseases(NTDs).International goals for its control involve elimination of vector-borne transmission.Central American countries face challenges in establishing sustainable vector control programmes,since the main vector,Triatoma dimidiata,cannot be eliminated.In 2012,the Ministry of Health in Nicaragua started a field test of a vector surveillance-response system to control domestic vector infestation.This paper reports the main findings from this pilot study.Methods:This study was carried out from 2012 to 2015 in the Municipality of Totogalpa.The Japan International Cooperation Agency provided technical cooperation in designing and monitoring the surveillance-response system until 2014.This system involved 1)vector reports by householders to health facilities,2)data analysis and planning of responses at the municipal health centre and 3)house visits or insecticide spraying by health personnel as a response.We registered all vector reports and responses in a digital database.The collected data were used to describe and analyse the system performance in terms of amount of vector reports as well as rates and timeliness of responses.Results:During the study period,T.dimidiata was reported 396 times.Spatiotemporal analysis identified some high-risk clusters.All houses reported to be infested were visited by health personnel in 2013 and this response rate dropped to 39%in 2015.Rates of insecticide spraying rose above 80%in 2013 but no spraying was carried out in the following 2 years.The timeliness of house visits improved significantly after the responsibility was transferred from a vector control technician to primary health care staff.Conclusions:We argue that the proposed vector surveillance-response system is workable within the resourceconstrained health system in Nicaragua.Integration to the primary health care services was a key to improve the system performance.Continual efforts are necessary to keep adapting the surveillance-response system to the dynamic health systems.We also discuss that the goal of eliminating vector-borne transmission remains unachievable.This paper provides lessons not only for Chagas disease control in Central America,but also for control efforts for other NTDs that need a sustainable surveillance-response system to support elimination.

The Sweatshop Workers of Nicaragua： Subjectivity, Labor, and Domination

This essay is based on an approach that addresses the relationship between work-related domination and the subjects who are submitted to it. This reflection arises from research undertaken in Nicaragua, among workers from the international textile factories known as maquiladoras （or maquilas）. Men, but mostly young women, work and live here under particularly difficult conditions. The constraints of work and domination invade the recesses of their existence, and their power is such that it seems to annul any proper subjectivity. Although it may seem easy to locate the effects of work-related domination in the very intimacy of the subjects＇ lives, it also appears as if part of themselves remains unsubdued. Dominated subjectivities can only rebel for failing to do it would be to condemn their beings to inexistence. What sense can be given to this gap in domination？ Does it preserve the domination by preserving the subjects from the invasion in their own beings by this very domination？ Is it only a resource of the submission？ Those are, between domination and subjectivity, some of the aroused interrogations.

里根政府时期美国对尼加拉瓜政策试析

自“门罗宣言”提出后,美国就一直将拉丁美洲视为自己的“后院”,对拉丁美洲的干涉程度逐渐加深、控制逐步增强。冷战格局形成后,第三世界国家成为美苏交锋的前线阵地,亲苏的尼加拉瓜临时政府被美国归为共产主义阵营。美国政府在吸取了越南战争失败的教训后,对尼加拉瓜的干涉方式就转变为以里根政府“低烈度战争政策”为代表的包括代理人战争、经济入侵、隐蔽破坏行动等手段的半公开全面干涉。

Seed germination and seedling establishment of Neotropical dry forest species in response to temperature and light conditions

A study was conducted to examine the germination requirements of Cedrela odorata, Guaiacum sanctum and Calycophyllum candidissimum seeds, and the effect of light intensity on survival and growth of C. odorata and G. sanctum seedlings planted on open, partially-open and beneath the canopy of a dry forest in Nicaragua. The results show that germination of C. candidissimum seeds was signifi- cantly higher in light than darkness at constant temperatures ranging from 20-35℃. Both C. odorata and G. sanctum seeds germinated in light and darkness to a varying extent, and the optimal germination temperature was around 20-25℃. Alternating temperature regimes did not improve germination. Survival of G. sanctum seedlings was 70% beneath the canopy and 80% in the open, and its relative growth rate in collar diameter was 1.88 mm/month in the open and 1.42 mm/month in the understory. Survival was generally poor for C. odorata, particularly in the understory. We concluded that light is an absolute requirement for the germination of C. candidissimum seeds while germination of C. odorata and G. sanctum seeds are more sensitive to temperature. Owing to its high survival rate on open site, G. sanctum could serve as a candidate species for reforestation of degraded sites.

毗连区立法的国际法问题——以“尼加拉瓜诉哥伦比亚案”2022年判决为中心

“尼加拉瓜诉哥伦比亚案”2022年判决回应了部分有关毗连区立法的国际法问题。在判决中,国际法院对《联合国海洋法公约》中毗连区制度的习惯国际法属性加以确认,阐释毗连区制度与专属经济区制度的规范关系,并明确将领海基线外24海里作为毗连区的最大边界,否定沿海国可依据特殊情况对此扩张的观点。同时,国际法院不承认哥伦比亚享有超出毗连区四个管制事项的那些基于安全、国家海洋利益或环境保护的管制权。然而,法院的上述判断,是在哥伦比亚毗连区同时也是尼加拉瓜专属经济区这一本案特定情形下作出的,其一般意义还有待进一步澄清。特别指出的是,在哥伦比亚毗连区的安全事项立法问题上,尼加拉瓜在其专属经济区也没有“安全”事项的专属主权权利和管辖权。在这一点上,岩泽雄司法官将其和领海外第三国的航行自由相联系,富有想象力。

尼加拉瓜运河:地缘战略与关键问题

为深入研究尼加拉瓜运河的修建对于中国国际海运物流发展的影响,从海运物流资源、船舶技术进步、运营管理及海运物流转型等方面分析尼加拉瓜运河的地缘战略意义,并对尼加拉瓜运河项目所面临的关键问题进行详细的剖析并提出相应的对策。研究结果表明:通过提升尼加拉瓜运河项目至国家战略地位、完善运河工程实施计划与方案、合理规划航线网络布局和船型选择以及增加自然和人文环境保护措施等治理策略的实施,可能解决关键问题以增加尼加拉瓜运河修建的可行性。

国际法院跨界环境损害救济的“守成”与“创新”——哥斯达黎加与尼加拉瓜跨界环境损害纠纷案评析

哥斯达黎加与尼加拉瓜跨界环境损害纠纷案是联合国国际法院近年来做出的一个具有历史意义的国际环境法判决,它标志着综合性跨界环境损害救济机制的初步建立。跨界环境影响评价属于事前救济制度,其在内容、程序方面缺乏严密规范,导致国际法院较难就当事国是否违反跨界环境影响评价义务形成一致判断标准。指示临时措施属于事中救济制度,本质上是一种经由国际法院司法活动形成的“禁令救济”,因尚未形成自主法律制度而缺乏强制性法律拘束力。总体来看,国际法院在该案判决中虽进一步探讨了跨界环境损害救济制度,但在规则理解和适用上“守成”有余,进步意义有限。该案最具创新意义的是国际法院于国际法层面首次认可了跨界环境损害的可赔偿性,但它在生态损害评估、赔偿方式和科学证据使用等方面的说理论证不尽完善。综合性跨界环境损害救济机制的健全,仍有待更多国际司法实践的发展和推动。

Seed germination and seedling establishment of Neotropical dry forest species in response to temperature and light conditions

A study was conducted to examine the germination requirements of Cedrela odorata, Guaiacum sanctum and Calycophyllum candidissimum seeds, and the effect of light intensity on survival and growth of C.odorata and G.sanctum seedlings planted on open, partially-open and beneath the canopy of a dry forest in Nicaragua.The results show that germination of C.candidissimum seeds was significantly higher in light than darkness at constant temperatures ranging from 20-35oC.Both C.odorata and G.sanctum seeds germinated in light and darkness to a varying extent, and the optimal germination temperature was around 20-25oC.Alternating temperature regimes did not improve germination.Survival of G.sanctum seedlings was 70% beneath the canopy and 80% in the open, and its relative growth rate in collar diameter was 1.88 mm/month in the open and 1.42 mm/month in the understory.Survival was generally poor for C.odorata, particularly in the understory.We concluded that light is an absolute requirement for the germination of C.candidissimum seeds while germination of C.odorata and G.sanctum seeds are more sensitive to temperature.Owing to its high survival rate on open site, G.sanctum could serve as a candidate species for reforestation of degraded sites.

简析奥尔特加第二任期的外交政策

2006年奥尔特加再次成为尼加拉瓜总统是拉美左派崛起浪潮中的一个重要事件。奥尔特加重新当选总统后在外交政策上做出了一系列重大调整,尼加拉瓜国内的政治和经济形势、桑地诺民族解放阵线的发展和奥尔特加的政治经历和信念上的转变是其调整外交政策的原因。奥尔特加政府具有实用主义特点的外交,取得了一定成效,并且在将来会延续这种实用主义外交。

论“尼加拉瓜诉美国案”对南海仲裁案的启示

中菲南海仲裁案虽涉及国际法问题,但却不限于法律。未雨绸缪,我们有必要对南海仲裁案的最终结果进行相应的预判,特别是研究如何应对潜在的不利裁决。对此,"尼加拉瓜诉美国案"具有一定的参考价值。这表现为两案均在管辖权问题上存在较大异议;案件当事人均包括联合国安理会常任理事国;案件均涉及复杂的政治纠纷与特定的国际关系。为最终化解"尼加拉瓜诉美国案",美国采取了一系列法律与非法律措施。类似地,中国在南海仲裁案中也可参考美国的部分实践,具体包括:围绕法律问题提出相应的抗辩,就案件的后续问题妥善制定相关策略,寻求长远的一揽子解决契机,以及做好国际公关与国际政治平衡。

例析美国对外政策的国内因素

国内政治的运作是一国对外政策的决定因素之一。作为在世界政治、经济、军事、文化等领域长期领跑的美国,其对外政策备受关注。通过分析美国里根政府时期对尼加拉瓜干涉这一政策的国内因素,阐述国内政治的运作对美国对外政策制定和推行的影响,并概述一国制定外交政策应遵循的原则。

拉美地区工程管理实践与思考--以尼加拉瓜运河项目为例

为克服中国与拉美地区之间的文化差异对工程项目管理造成的阻碍,从尼加拉瓜运河可行性研究、大运河工程建设征地区人口及实务调查的执行过程出发,归类整理了项目执行前期由文化差异引发的项目执行难题,综合分析了文化差异产生的根源,总结了在拉美地区开展工程项目管理、克服文化差异的有效措施。研究成果可为拉美地区工程项目工作者提供参考。

尼加拉瓜农业生产贸易状况及中尼农业合作分析

2021年12月10日中国与尼加拉瓜复交,2022年1月10日两国签署共建“一带一路”谅解备忘录,推动两国经贸合作务实发展已成共识。农业是尼加拉瓜经济主导产业,但此前尼加拉瓜农产品贸易严重依赖美国市场,肉类、咖啡、烟草等优势农产品出口的主要目标国以及玉米、水稻等粮食进口的主要来源国均为美国。中尼复交后,美国及欧盟对尼加拉瓜实施制裁,尼加拉瓜农业发展很有可能被“卡脖子”。在此背景下,系统分析尼加拉瓜农业产业特色,结合前期中国台湾地区在尼加拉瓜开展的农业合作基础,提出一揽子设计对尼加拉瓜农业援助项目方案、率先启动肉类及热带水果贸易投资合作、务实有效对尼加拉瓜开展农业援助培训等建议,统筹谋划中尼农业合作,助推两国经贸合作、深化两国政治互信。

从“尼加拉瓜诉哥伦比亚案”2022年判决看沿海国毗连区安全权

国际法院在“尼加拉瓜诉哥伦比亚案”2022年判决中认定了毗连区制度及1982年《联合国海洋法公约》第33条的习惯国际法地位,指出依据当今的习惯国际法沿海国在其毗连区的权力限于海关、财政、移民、卫生四项并否定被告哥伦比亚在国内法中规定其于毗连区内有关安全等方面管制权的合法性。1992年《中华人民共和国领海及毗连区法》中也将“安全事项”写入毗连区管制权的范围内。面对国际法院的裁定,应谨慎审视法院论证的充分性与说服力并结合我国相关立法的时代背景和当前局势思考我国相关立法。

尼加拉瓜运河开通对未来航运和船舶设计的影响

通过比较尼加拉瓜运河开通后与巴拿马运河通航条件,分析了尼加拉瓜运河的开通将对北美航运业的影响。以干散货、原油和集装箱三大主流船型运输为例,分析了其在航运线路上具有的优势及对未来航运和船舶设计的影响。

外大陆架权利的新制约——国际法院“尼加拉瓜外大陆架案”批判

国际法院在“尼加拉瓜外大陆架案”中宣告,根据习惯国际法,一国的外大陆架权利不得扩展至他国200海里范围内。国际法院的这一观点值得商榷。《联合国海洋法公约》(下文简称《公约》)中没有这样的明文规定。国际法院在分析中强调专属经济区和大陆架制度相互联系,然而《公约》维护的是大陆架而非专属经济区的完整性。根据《公约》第56条第3款,专属经济区的海床底土可以与上覆水域分离,由此沿海国对专属经济区的权利并不能阻止邻国的外大陆架在其200海里范围内扩展。国际法院认为《公约》中含有一个“假定”,即外大陆架仅会延伸至那些或将位于国际海底区域的海域,但国际法院对《公约》的这一解释存在明显问题。国际法院所认定的习惯国际法规则是否满足国际习惯的构成要件同样颇值得怀疑。实际上,将他国的200海里界限作为外大陆架的制约线不仅改变了《公约》建立的海域制度,而且也不符合划定国家管辖海域外部界限以及国家间边界的一般规则。根据《公约》,沿海国的大陆架从领海以外一直扩展至按照第76条划定的外部界限。当一国的外大陆架扩展至他国的200海里范围内时,应当通过划界解决它们之间的权利重叠问题。国际法院试图消除此类大陆架划界,但却给相关国家造成了如何确立彼此间海上边界的难题。

尼加拉瓜的瓜卡利多岛屿庄园

瓜卡利多岛屿庄园是一个私人海滨社区,由佩拉斯集团开发,位于太平洋沿岸的翡翠海滩,距离原生态的太平洋海岸仅4英里。这是尼加拉瓜首个可持续五星级度假社区,给住户和游客带来了私享海滩的度假方式,其主要的指导思想是不仅要保护更要回馈自然。瓜卡利多岛屿庄园的项目团队也正是遵循了这样的精神,通过使用多种可再生能源、中水与雨水的回收利用及其他生态施工方法与日常措施,尽量减少人类的开发建设行为在这片土地上留下的足迹。