Relevant Economic Activity Research Articles

Conflict and Coordination: Analysis of the Rule of Law Construction in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

Under the system of "one country, two systems", the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is characterized by "one country, two systems and three legal regions" and is prone to interregional legal conflicts. The so-called inter-regional legal conflict refers to the conflict in the application of law brought by the implementation of relevant social, political and economic activities due to the different legal provisions, which will hinder the high-quality development of economic and social stability. To resolve interregional legal conflicts and realize the coordinated development of the rule of law in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are the key tasks of "one country, two systems" in the new era. The rule of law coordination between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao has its policy and economic foundation. Although many achievements have been made in the coordinated development of the rule of law in the Greater Bay Area, it cannot meet the needs of the coordinated and in-depth development of the rule of law in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in the new era. Referring to the path of building a law-based society, the coordination of the rule of law in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area mainly involves three links: the construction of the rule of law coordination organization, both the carrot and the stick, the convergence of rules and the construction of the mechanism for resolving disputes.

LA GANADERÍA DOBLE PROPÓSITO EN TRÓPICO SECO: DIVERSIDAD DE UNIDADES DE PRODUCCIÓN Y ORIENTACIÓN PRODUCTIVA

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Dual-purpose livestock farming in the dry tropics is considered a relevant economic activity, characterized by the diversity of production units (PU), by the amount of milk and meat it provides, by the generation of employment in rural areas and by the production seasonal lack of forage to feed livestock, which limits their development. <strong>Objective.</strong> Typify dual purpose (DP) livestock PU in the southeast of the state of Michoacán. <strong>Methodology</strong>. Information on the structure, livestock management and economic indicators of the UP was obtained through structured surveys applied through direct interviews to 93 farmers. The data were analyzed by multivariate statistical methods. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to standardize the information and a Cluster Analysis (CA) to typify UP. <strong>Results</strong>. Three types of DP PU were identified: a small-scale group oriented to the breeding and sale of calves and are more representative of the system, called subsistence (SPU); a second group with greater orientation towards milk production and diversification of the activity, called family (FPU) and a third group characterized by greater specialization in the meat sale, a greater number of animals and surface area and identified as business (BPU). <strong>Implications</strong>. The work made it possible to identify types of PU and the factors that favor or limit its development. <strong>Conclusions</strong>. The subsistence and family-type PUs predominate in these production systems, although their development is limited, while the more specialized PUs is not very representative of the livestock system under study but show better development indicators.</p>

Exploring the social metabolism of urban wastewater reuse: Analysis framework and a case study in South-Central Chile

Although wastewater reuse is a vital strategy for mitigating water scarcity, its implementation is complex and faces several challenges. To effectively inform decision-makers, comprehensive evaluations are essential, considering the strategy's benefits and socio-ecological constraints in a case-specific manner. This study employs the social metabolism concept to assess the sustainability of wastewater reuse, through the joint application of the Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Multiscale Integrated Assessment of Societal and Ecological Metabolism (MuSIASEM) tools. We analyze key aspects of wastewater reuse, including its potential as a water source, its technical challenges, and main social constraints.The results of our analysis highlight the potential of wastewater reuse to improve urban self-sufficiency, replace water in relevant economic activities at the regional level, and avoid the environmental impacts of wastewater discharge. Nevertheless, the viability of wastewater reuse is constrained by variations in wastewater flow and effluent quality. This limitation is further compounded by social barriers, which become more pronounced with increased contact with reclaimed water. Overall, the proposed framework serves as a valuable tool for evaluating wastewater reuse alternatives. It can be enriched by in-depth assessments of critical problems, providing a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted aspects of sustainable wastewater reuse.

Determinants of Asymmetric Costs In Soya Production

Purpose: The study aimed to analyze the determinants of the asymmetric behavior of fixed costs in soybean production. Theoretical background: Although previous research indicates the presence of asymmetric costs (sticky costs theory) in the agricultural sector and, specifically, in soybean production, there is still a gap in testing which determinants explain this asymmetric condition. Methodology: The study used a quantitative methodology, with the estimation of a multiple linear regression model and parametric correlation tests, using data on costs, production capacity, production quantity and soybean prices for the period from 2009 to 2022. Results and conclusion: The results showed that the capacity and price factors were statistically significant in explaining the asymmetry of fixed costs. Price was also significant in explaining total and variable costs, which were also shown to be asymmetrical by the models used. Research implications: The study advances in verifying the determining factors of asymmetry and not just in pointing out the behavior of costs in this sector, as previous literature has done. Originality/value: The approach of the work and its results contribute to expanding empirical research related to the assumptions of the sticky costs theory in a relevant economic activity.

Estrategias de turismo sostenible en el corregimiento de Palomino, departamento de La Guajira

i) Introduction: Tourism is one of the most relevant economic activities worldwide and a potential engine for the develop-ment of developing communities; ii) objective: This article aims to propose sustainable tourism strategies in the Palomi-no township, department of La Guajira within the framework of economic reactivation after the covid 19 pandemic. iii) methodology: The research is based on a study with a mixed approach and descriptive scope, where questionnaire surveys were applied to 47 hostels/hotels located in Palomino and re-gistered with the Chamber of Commerce of La Guajira. The data were statistically analyzed in SPSS. iv) results: Among the most relevant findings, it is considered that the problem of coastal erosion, the lack of tourist infrastructure and the poor coverage of public services are a barrier to sustainability in the territory; v) conclusions: Finally, actions are recommended to strengthen the economy, preserve identity and conserve na-tural and environmental resources, promote the destination, implement digital marketing strategies and enhance big data that accelerate economic recovery after the crisis generated by the COVID -19 pandemic.

Characterization of Three Sugarcane Varieties as Agro-Residue for Bioenergy Use in the Ecuadorian Andes

There is a growing trend toward the use of renewable sources to produce clean energy and mitigate the effects of climate change. Second-generation lignocellulose biomasses, such as agro-residues, comprise a potential energy source as a byproduct of agriculture. Ecuador has optimal climate conditions that allow for the cultivation of different types of crops. This makes agriculture a relevant economic activity in the country; however, the residues obtained from agriculture have not been investigated for the establishment of a bioenergy industry. This study evaluated the potential of three varieties of sugarcane bagasse, named PR 980, CC 85-92, and CB 40-59, for bioenergy production in the Ecuadorian Andes. The bagasse was quantified by means of weighing, and then evaluated via calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis as well as proximal and elemental analysis. The results showed that these materials met the criteria for direct combustion, exhibiting both a low nitrogen content of 0.30 ± 0.12% and ash values of 6.20 ± 1.20%. Among the analyzed varieties, CB 40-69 stood out as the most suitable for power generation within the cogeneration system; this was attributed to its superior dry calorific value of 17.37 ± 1.45 MJ kg−1, greater presence of volatile materials, and negligible ash content. Variety CB 40-69 (157.91 t ha−1) reported the highest biomass and bagasse production (56.32 t ha−1). Analysis of the SCB structure concluded that the three varieties did not differ significantly in their contents of lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose, which is essential to implementing an industrial process for bioethanol production.

Growth, Physiology, and Productivity of Bouteloua gracilis and Cenchrus ciliaris Using Moisture Retainers under Different Planting Methods

The extensive raising of livestock on grasslands is a relevant economic activity in northern Mexico. These are regions of high climatic uncertainty and have extreme weather events, which requires the exploration of technological innovation to mitigate the negative impacts on these agroecosystems. The aim of this study was to evaluate two grass species using two planting methods and two types of soil moisture retainers and to determine their response based on growth and some physiological and productive attributes. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used in a split–split plot arrangement with six replications. The main plots were planted with two grass species: Bouteloua gracilis and Cenchrus ciliaris; the subplots were differentiated by two grass planting methods: seeding and seedling transplanting; the sub-subplots were differentiated by the soil moisture retainers used: (1) application on the soil of 10 t ha−1 of corn harvest residue (CHR) as organic cover on the soil surface, (2) application of hydrogel at 20 kg ha−1 mixed in the soil rhizosphere because it must be in contact with the root and soil due to its chemical composition, and (3) control, no application of any type of input. The seedling transplant method with the application of CHR significantly increased (p < 0.05) the plant survival percentage, on average by 31.5% in both grasses, in relation to the direct method seeding and the control. C. ciliaris showed a higher photosynthetic rate and, therefore, higher forage productivity than B. gracilis. The hydrogel only showed a moisture retention effect in the soil during the first 20 days after the transplant or sowing of the grass seed; after this period, there was no longer any effect as a water retainer in the soil. The soil cover with CHR was confirmed as a good moisture retainer with greater productivity of rangeland forage in degraded soils in arid areas.

Metabolomic Approach to Study the 'Purple Queen' Pomegranate Cultivar Response to Alternative Culture Media and Phenological Stages.

The increasingly evident threat of depletion of world peat bogs is encouraging the search for and study of alternative agricultural substrates that can fully or partially replace peat, guaranteeing food supply (quality and quantity). On the other hand, the identification of the potential for the reuse of waste from relevant economic activities has increased in recent years, mainly motivated by the change to a sustainable circular economy, as is the case of port sediments. Taking into account that significant volumes of dredged port sediments are generated annually so that ports can maintain their economic activity, it is necessary to find objective, sustainable and safe reuse alternatives. In this sense, the objective of this study was to study the response of the "Purple Queen" pomegranate when grown with dredged port sediment. For this, the fruit production (kg), number of fruits (fruits tree-1), fruit weight (g), and seed yield (%) aiming to verify the correct tree development were evaluated. In addition, a 1H-NMR foliar metabolomic study for the three most relevant phenological phases was performed (flowering, fruit development, and post-harvest) to identify metabolic changes in trees. In total, 29 metabolites were identified; among them, 11 were amino acids, 6 organic acids, 5 sugars, and 7 secondary metabolites. The good agronomical development of the trees and fruits indicated the potential for using the dredged sediment as an agricultural substrate. On the other hand, the results revealed that the greatest variability in the metabolomic study occurred between the phenological phases and a lower variability is explained by the substrates used.

ТЕНДЕНЦИИ РАЗВИТИЯ МЕТОДОВ БУХГАЛТЕРСКОГО УЧЕТА В УСЛОВИЯХ ЦИФРОВОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ

A distinctive trend of the present time is that the collection, processing, exchange and storage of information is carried out digitally through the use of information and communication technologies and endto- end digital technologies, such as Big Data, neurotechnology and artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, robotics and sensors, virtual technologies reality and a number of others. However, the main source of information in economic entities is still the accounting system. From accounting data, you can obtain the necessary relevant information, analyze financial and economic activities, and assess the value of the business. Already today, the accounting system has undergone changes, the key drivers of which are digital technologies. The use of digital tools marked a new era in the development of the accounting system. The purpose of this work is to assess changes in the elements of the accounting method under the influence of innovative digital technologies introduced into the accounting process. The article examines the mechanisms of the expected transformation of the methodological basis of accounting, which is a necessity for the further development of accounting.

Differentiation of rural areas for implementing support measures for organic agriculture

This paper considers approaches to improving the effectiveness of state support measures for organic agriculture based on the differentiation of territories according to the potential of the relevant economic activity. The shortcomings of some existing methodologies are identified: excessive number of private indicators, complicating the assessment; use of indicators not included in the system of statistical reporting of rural areas; use of indicators for a single reporting period. The system of indicators and approach to the clustering of rural areas according to the overall development potential of organic agriculture, as well as of organic crop and livestock production are proposed. The proposed method is implemented on the example of a separate subject of the Russian Federation. A distinctive feature of the proposed approach is the abandonment of the use of indicators characterizing environmental conditions and their consideration through the assessment of the performance of traditional agriculture. The differentiation of territories using the proposed approach can be used to identify priority areas in terms of the application of organisational and financial measures to support organic agriculture by regional authorities.

A comprehensive case study on the sustainability of tropical dairy cattle farming in Oaxaca, Mexico

ABSTRACT: Tropical dairy cattle farming is one the most relevant economic activities for food production; although, currently faces increasing scrutiny from society due to its potential harm to natural resources and the environment. Moreover, some factors are paramount for the evaluation of the sustainability and productive potential of any given tropical dairy farm: soil quality, profitability, and energy efficiency. This study carried out a sustainability analysis in four types of tropical dairy cattle ranches, through three key indicators (economic profitability, energy efficiency and soil quality) and with a comprehensive approach in the Costa region of Oaxaca, Mexico. Therefore, four farms of different sizes (i.e., small, medium, large, and very large) were selected in Costa de Oaxaca, Mexico. The data collection was carried out for daily milk production, the dynamics of farm inputs (introduction or removal) from the production system, alongside with collection of soil samples. The agroecosystems evaluated were economically profitable, and those with greater intensification of their pasture areas display higher profit margins and energy efficiency. In terms of soil quality, there is a regular potential for its rational utilization.

Biochemical and Molecular Profiling of Wild Edible Mushrooms from Huila, Angola.

The harvesting, processing, and sale of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) is a relevant economic activity in Angola and a good example of the use of non-wood forest products for food. Although there is deep traditional knowledge about the general properties of WEMs, a huge gap remains in detailed scientific knowledge. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the socio-economic importance of the species sold at local markets in Huila, Angola, from their molecular identification to the assessment of their nutritional, chemical, and bioactive profiles. From the eight WEM morphotypes studied, five were identified based on phenotypical and molecular approaches (four Russula spp., and Amanita loosei). The studied mushrooms proved to be a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, and ashes, also presenting low amounts of fat. Chemical analyses further revealed mannitol as the main free sugar in all samples, and organic acids, namely, oxalic, quinic, malic, citric, and fumaric acids in low amounts. Additionally, the α-tocopherol isoform and monounsaturated fatty acids were predominant. Regarding phenolic acids, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, and cinnamic acids were detected in all mushroom hydroethanolic extracts, being responsible for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Our investigation contributes to the identification and knowledge of WEMs as important complementary food sources in Angola, some of which were reported for the first time, promoting their utilization as a basis of nutritional and functional ingredients, as being able to be part of a balanced diet and to be used in new bio-based formulations.

Flow effects of finite-sized tidal turbine arrays in the Chacao Channel, Southern Chile

To characterize energy resources and study of hydrodynamic effects induced by marine hydrokinetic devices in tidal channels, numerical models need to provide reliable representations of turbine arrays. In regions disconnected from the grid, near coastal protected areas and other relevant economic activities, there is a pressing need to evaluate the impacts of limited-size arrays. Here, we use the emblematic Chacao Channel in Southern Chile to understand the effects of bathymetry and array placement on energy extraction in strongly tidal channels. We implement in FVCOM a parameterization from a previously derived high-resolution model to represent a group of turbines in different locations. We first analyze the complexity of the bathymetry to define the appropriate grid size and obtain a correct representation of the interaction of turbines with the bed morphology. We simulate a base case to identify three suitable locations in the channel where we analyze the effects of the turbines: From simulations we compute the changes in the mean velocity, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and bed shear stress. The results show that baseline velocities and TKE are the main factors on the momentum extraction despite the bed complexity. However, in flatter bathymetries, changes on TKE and bottom shear are significantly larger compared to complex morphologies, since turbine arrays modify considerably the original flow conditions. Simulations also provide additional insights that are critical to evaluate the local impacts, showing the directionally-dependent flow resistance of tidal channels, in which the interactions with bathymetry change the downstream effects of turbine arrays in flood or ebb regimes.

Enzymatic Production of Lauroyl and Stearoyl Monoesters of d-Xylose, l-Arabinose, and d-Glucose as Potential Lignocellulosic-Derived Products, and Their Evaluation as Antimicrobial Agents

Forestry and agricultural industries constitute highly relevant economic activities globally. They generate large amounts of residues rich in lignocellulose that have the potential to be valorized and used in different industrial processes. Producing renewable fuels and high-value-added compounds from lignocellulosic biomass is a key aspect of sustainable strategies and is central to the biorefinery concept. In this study, the use of biomass-derived monosaccharides for the enzymatic synthesis of sugar fatty acid esters (SFAEs) with antimicrobial activity was investigated to valorize these agro-industrial residues. With the aim to evaluate if lignocellulosic monosaccharides could be substrates for the synthesis of SFAEs, d-xylose, l-arabinose, and d-glucose, lauroyl and stearoyl monoesters were synthetized by transesterification reactions catalyzed by Lipozyme RM IM as biocatalyst. The reactions were performed using commercial d-xylose, l-arabinose, and d-glucose separately as substrates, and a 74:13:13 mixture of these sugars. The proportion of monosaccharides in the latter mixture corresponds to the composition found in hemicellulose from sugarcane bagasse and switchgrass, as previously described in the literature. Products were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and showed that only the primary hydroxyl group of these monosaccharides is involved in the esterification reaction. Antimicrobial activity assay using several microorganisms showed that 5-O-lauroyl-d-xylofuranose and 5-O-lauroyl-l-arabinofuranose have the ability to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria separately and in the products mix. Furthermore, 5-O-lauroyl-l-arabinofuranose was the only product that exhibited activity against Candida albicans yeast, and the four tested filamentous fungi. These results suggest that sugar fatty acid esters obtained from sustainable and renewable resources and produced by green methods are promising antimicrobial agents.

The Rhenish Coal-Mining Area—Assessing the Transformational Talents and Challenges of a Region in Fundamental Structural Change

This paper addresses the extensive structural changes of the Rhenish coal-mining area in Germany. Coal mining was and still is a relevant economic activity throughout Europe and is the focus of many political and societal debates, as well as research activities in the Rhenish coal-mining area. The project DAZWISCHEN followed the concept of evidence-based planning and therefore identified, by means of a GIS-based analysis, the structural changes within the Rhenish coal-mining area for the conflicting thematic clusters for settlement development and open space. Moreover, we investigated the complex multi-level governance that the region is characterized by. The results suggest an increased pressure on blue and green infrastructure by new urban development, especially in the northern part of the Rhenish coal-mining area. On the other hand, the southern part of the Rhenish coal-mining area will be more likely to undergo a process towards an increase in green infrastructure. Thus, the future development of the whole area is segregated in two different development trends in the north and south parts. The complex governance structure in the Rhenish coal-mining area requires an in-depth view of the ongoing working processes in the development of ideas and visions for regional mission statements of different planning areas, levels, and network partners in a real-life laboratory.

Health Status of Mytilus chilensis from Intensive Culture Areas in Chile Assessed by Molecular, Microbiological, and Histological Analyses.

Shellfish farming is a relevant economic activity in Chile, where the inner sea in Chiloé island concentrates 99% of the production of the mussel Mytilus chilensis. This area is characterized by the presence of numerous human activities, which could harm the quality of seawater. Additionally, the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms can influence the health status of mussels, which must be constantly monitored. To have a clear viewpoint of the health status of M. chilensis and to study its potential as a host species for exotic diseases, microbiological, molecular, and histological analyses were performed. This study was carried out in October 2018, where M. chilensis gut were studied for: presence of food-borne bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp.), exotic bacteria (“Candidatus Xenohaliotis californiensis”), viruses (abalone and Ostreid herpes virus), and protozoa (Marteilia spp., Perkinsus spp. and Bonamia spp.). Additionally, 18S rDNA metabarcoding and histology analyses were included to have a complete evaluation of the health status of M. chilensis. Overall, despite the presence of risk factors, abnormal mortality rates were not reported during the monitoring period and the histological examination did not reveal significant lesions. Pathogens of mandatory notification to World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Chilean National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) were not detected, which confirms that M. chilensis have a good health status, highlighting the importance of an integrated vision of different disciplines to ensure the sustainability of this important mussel industry in Chile.

Decision Making Models on the Market of Cloud Services

Introduction. Optimization can be applied in developing profitability management tools for a cloud service broker working according to a certain business model. On behalf of the managing telecommunications holding company (telecommunications operator), this broker integrates, aggregates and configures software and data storage services of third-party Internet software vendors. Such a broker receives only fixed commissions from this company, based on the subscription fee, but does not pay royalties to an Internet software vendor and does not receive payments from the sale of service packages. The purpose. The cloud broker faces the problem of limited human resources required to carry out the relevant legal, technical and economic activities. In addition, the broker faces the problem of uncertainty in sales, service prices, the share of resource use, or the risk of losing operational and financial goals. Results. To run a broker?s business efficiently, one needs to find services and their bundles that increase profitability and reduce financial risk by solving certain optimization problems. Information on such services is needed to support negotiations on fixed and variable commissions, as well as to prioritize services and their packages to be provided. Thus, for the cloud services broker, both profitability management tools and services portfolio development tools are useful. In general, a cloud service broker is an organization that negotiates the relationships between cloud service clients and Internet software vendors. Cloud broker can be created on the basis of different business models regarding the type of service (platform, infrastructure, software), type of clients (enterprise, household), functions performed (identity management, accounting, billing, location, etc.), the degree of rebranding, measures of aggregation of services and other criteria. Conclusions. Different cloud brokers have different attitudes to choice of important solutions for their businesses. Solutions can relate to pricing, capacity planning and utilization in combination with service quality, security, scalability and other issues. Keywords: optimization, portfolio, uncertainty, Boolean variables, revenue generation.

Digital Transformation of Marketing in Small and Medium Enterprises Through Social Networks: Plithogenic Decision-Making

How companies relate to customers and the global society has changed over time; those who do not use internet marketing and social networks have reduced their recognition. The archaic ways businesses handled their marketing have caused a considerable lag in their online sales and the many benefits they can offer. The revolution in the use of technology is currently fundamental for business; practitioners can find several areas to apply this resource, such as decision-making, teleworking, and sales, among others. This allows adapting business operations and services efficiently. Companies leverage a combination of cutting-edge technologies to modernize legacy business operations and recognize and implement new opportunities from current models. This research aims to analyze aspects related to the implication that social networks have in marketing in small and medium-sized companies in the city of Santo Domingo. Te research was developed based on the analytical-synthetic and inductive-deductive research modality and mathematical modeling for decision-making through neutrosophic logic and plithogenic logic. It was determined that the most relevant economic activity is commerce and that the tertiary sector was one of the most affected by the quarantine. Likewise, it was determined that social communities helped increase sales and that the most used company is Facebook and its complementary networks.

Cultural ecosystem services: Linking landscape and social attributes to ecotourism in protected areas

Assessment of cultural ecosystem services (CES) and the negative impacts humans can have on them can provide essential information toward conservation and management strategies. Globally, tourism and recreational CES are among the most relevant economic and social activities, with ecotourism in particular growing rapidly in places with high cultural heritage and high biodiversity, such as many protected areas. This study used a combination of GIS-based methods and interviews in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Brazil called Extractive Reserve Acaú-Goiana to investigate whether its users (i.e., visitors and local residents) prefer some CES over others and whether recreational coastal activities can be affected by different factors and human-caused stressors, such as 'scariness', 'unpleasantness', and 'noisiness'. All assessed CES were identified by respondents to be provided in the MPA. ‘Aesthetic values’ and ‘social relations’ were the most commonly identified CES, whereas ‘scariness’ and ‘unpleasantness’ were the main stressors. Respondents also showed a preference for specific areas within the MPA, such as beaches and mangroves. Relying on users to identify hotspots themselves, in addition to assessing the ecotourism potential of recreational coastal activities, can support the development of innovative public strategies targeting not only tourists, but also local communities.

Transpiration and photosynthesis of holm oak trees in southern Spain

“Dehesas”, the Iberian semi-natural woodlands based on large holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) trees, represent a key agroforestry system in Spain and Portugal sustaining relevant economic activities (e.g. “iberico” pork feeding, truffle) and ecosystem services. Despite of their importance, scarce information is still available regarding both the transpiration (Ep) and photosynthesis of holm oaks growing in dehesas and the effects of irrigation on these fluxes. Two experiments were performed in Espiel and Hinojosa del Duque (southern Spain) where sap flow was measured in large trees between 2009 and 2011 and photosynthesis was measured with a transitory-closed chamber in smaller trees at different moments of 2009. In 2009, half of the trees equipped with sap flow sensors were drip irrigated and half were rainfed. However, the supply of irrigation barely affected Ep and shoot water potential. The seasonal course of Ep peaked in late spring and decreased gradually, reaching minimum values during winter. Vapor pressure deficit (VPD) exerted a strong control over canopy conductance and its seasonal variation was identified as a major driver for the observed patterns of Ep. Photosynthesis showed a similar course as that of Ep but there was a second smaller peak in autumn. Seasonal water use efficiency was remarkably high due to the reduced summer Ep. Our results also indicate that hyperbolic models of canopy conductance and water use efficiency in response to VPD may be used to estimate diurnal and seasonal Ep and net photosynthesis of holm oak if the tree size and leaf area density are known.