[Objective]This study aims to develop a thermodynamically consistent phase-field framework for modeling the initiation and evolution of discontinuous structures in geomaterials.[Methods]Our model introduces crack driv...[Objective]This study aims to develop a thermodynamically consistent phase-field framework for modeling the initiation and evolution of discontinuous structures in geomaterials.[Methods]Our model introduces crack driving forces derived from the volumetric-deviatoric strain decomposition strategy,incorporating distinct tension,compression,and shear degradation mechanisms.Inertia effects capture compaction-band formation driven by wave-like disturbances,grain crushing,and frictional rearrangement.A monolithic algorithm ensures numerical stability and rapid convergence.[Results]The framework reproduces tensile,shear,mixed tensile-shear,and compressive-shear failures using the Benzeggagh-Kenane criterion.Validation against benchmark simulations-including uniaxial compression of rock-like and triaxial compression of V-notched sandstone specimens-demonstrates accurate predictions of crack initiation stress,localization orientation,and energy dissipation.[Conclusions]The framework provides a unified and robust numerical tool for analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution of strain localization and fracture in geomaterials.[Significance]By linking microscale fracture dynamics with macroscale failure within a thermodynamically consistent scheme,this study advances predictive modeling of rock stability,slope failure,and subsurface energy systems,contributing to safer and more sustainable geotechnical practice.展开更多
Leaf area index(LAI)is a key measure of forest stand physiology and biomass production,and is essential within ecosystem modeling.There are two common approaches to obtaining LAI:(i)terrestrial forest inventory-based...Leaf area index(LAI)is a key measure of forest stand physiology and biomass production,and is essential within ecosystem modeling.There are two common approaches to obtaining LAI:(i)terrestrial forest inventory-based“bottom-up”,and(ii)satellite-based“top-down”techniques.The purpose of this study is to compare terrestrial LAI from allometric functions applied to more than 30,000 trees of the Austrian National Forest Inventory(NFI)vs.satellite-based LAI estimates obtained from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer(MODIS)and Sentinel(Sentinel-3 TOC reflectance and PROBA-V)data across Austrian forests.We analyzed a satellite pixelto-plot aggregation and obtained the full inventory data set for the LAI comparison.The results suggest that terrestrial vs.satellite(MODIS and Sentinel)driven LAI estimates are consistent,but(i)the variation of the terrestrial forest inventory LAI is larger vs.the pixel average LAI from satellite data,and(ii)any satellite LAI estimation needs a forest stand density correction if the crown competition factor(CCF),a measure for stand density,is<250 to avoid an overestimation in LAI.展开更多
Plenter forests,also known as uneven-aged or continuous cover forests enhance forest resilience and resistance against disturbances compared to even-aged forests.They are considered as an adaptation option to mitigate...Plenter forests,also known as uneven-aged or continuous cover forests enhance forest resilience and resistance against disturbances compared to even-aged forests.They are considered as an adaptation option to mitigate climate change effects.In this study,we present a conceptual approach to determine the potentially suitable area for plenter forest management within central European mixed species forests and apply our approach to the case study area in Styria,the south-eastern Province of Austria.The concept is based on ecological and technicaleconomic constraints and considers expected future climate conditions and its impact on plenter forest management.For each 1 ha forest pixel,we assess the ecological conditions for plenter forest management according to the autecological growth conditions of silver fir,and at least one additional shade tolerant tree species.The technical-economic constraints are defined by slope(≤30%)and distance to the next forest road(≤100 m)to ensure cost-efficient harvesting.The results show that under current climate conditions 28.1%or 305,349 ha of the forests in Styria are potentially suitable for plenter forest management.For the years 2071–2100 and under the climate change scenario RCP 4.5,the potential area decreases to 286,098 ha(26.3%of the total forest area)and for the scenario RCP 8.5 to 208,421 ha(19.1%of the total forest area).The main reason for these changes is the unfavourable growing conditions for silver fir in the lowlands,while in the higher elevations silver fir is likely to expand.Our results may serve forest managers to identify areas suitable for plenter forests and assist in the transformation of even-aged pure forests to uneven-aged forests to increase resistance,resilience,and biodiversity under climate change.展开更多
This paper presents a standardised workflow for conducting hazard assessments of mass wasting processes in remote mountain areas with limited data.The methodology integrates geomorphological mapping and remote sensing...This paper presents a standardised workflow for conducting hazard assessments of mass wasting processes in remote mountain areas with limited data.The methodology integrates geomorphological mapping and remote sensing techniques and is adaptable to different national standards,thus ensuring its applicability in a variety of contexts.The principal objective is to guarantee the safety of mountainous regions,particularly in the vicinity of essential infrastructure,where the scope for implementing structural measures is restricted.The framework commences with comprehensive geomorphological mapping,which facilitates the identification of past hazardous processes and potential future hazards.New technologies,such as uncrewed aerial vehicles(UAVs),are employed to create high-resolution DEMs,which are particularly beneficial in regions with limited data availability.These models facilitate the assessment of potential hazards and inform decisions regarding protective measures.The utilisation of UAVs enhances the accuracy and efficiency of data collection,particularly in remote mountainous regions where alternative remotely sensed information may be unavailable.The integration of modern approaches into traditional hazard assessment methods allows for a comprehensive analysis of the spatial distribution of factors driving mass wasting processes.This workflow provides valuable insights that assist in the prioritisation of interventions and the optimisation of risk reduction in high mountainous areas.展开更多
Individual phenological life-history variations in the context of seasonal conditions are well documented in fshes and birds.However,amphibians,a group heavily affected by habitat loss and fragmentation,have received ...Individual phenological life-history variations in the context of seasonal conditions are well documented in fshes and birds.However,amphibians,a group heavily affected by habitat loss and fragmentation,have received relatively little attention regarding research on life-history adaptations.Here we present 3 years of data on the timing of reproductive activity in a suburban European green toad(Bufotes viridis)population.We found annually consistent patterns of reproductive activity and investigated whether these were caused by allochrony or individual attributes.Body size(a proxy for age),body condition,and sex signifcantly affected the timing of reproductive activity.However,most individuals showed considerable overlap in their reproductive timeframe,refuting the existence of allochronic subpopulations.Our fndings may indicate life-history adaptations in the direction of a faster lifestyle in response to hazardous environments.We propose to focus further research efforts on phenological variations in the context of environmental conditions,and that phenological variations should be considered more strongly in amphibian conservation efforts.展开更多
Osyris lanceolata is heavily and illegally exploited in East Africa for its essential oils, yet little is known about its population status and ecological requirements. This study examined its population structure and...Osyris lanceolata is heavily and illegally exploited in East Africa for its essential oils, yet little is known about its population status and ecological requirements. This study examined its population structure and environmental factors influencing its distribution in the semi-arid Karamoja sub-region, Uganda. We surveyed 388 plots (5 m radius) at different altitudes, recording life stages, stem diameters, and regeneration patterns, and analyzed soil samples. Multivariate analyses, including Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS), and Multiple Regression Modeling (MRM), identified key environmental factors affecting its distribution. Findings show that O. lanceolata populations in Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Amudat districts are severely degraded due to overexploitation. The species is primarily regenerating through coppicing rather than seedlings, with an exploitation intensity of 56.6%. Population densities are low, distribution is irregular, and sustainable harvesting is not viable. Soil properties, particularly Ca2+, N, P, K+, Na+, and organic matter, significantly influence its abundance. Conservation efforts should focus on identifying suitable provenances for genetic preservation and plantation establishment. Areas with at least 9 trees per hectare in Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Amudat could serve as potential sites for ex-situ plantations. Further research should explore how biotic interactions, genetic diversity, and morphology affect oil yield and quality to support restoration, breeding, and domestication initiatives.展开更多
Accurate,reliable,and regularly updated information is necessary for targeted management of forest stands.This information is usually obtained from sample-based field inventory data.Due to the time-consuming and costl...Accurate,reliable,and regularly updated information is necessary for targeted management of forest stands.This information is usually obtained from sample-based field inventory data.Due to the time-consuming and costly procedure of forest inventory,it is imperative to generate and use the resulting data optimally.Integrating field inventory information with remote sensing data increases the value of field approaches,such as national forest inventories.This study investigated the optimal integration of forest inventory data with aerial image-based canopy height models(CHM)for forest growing stock estimation.For this purpose,fixed-area and angle-count plots from a forest area in Austria were used to assess which type of inventory system is more suitable when the field data is integrated with aerial image analysis.Although a higher correlation was observed between remotely predicted growing stocks and field inventory values for fixed-area plots,the paired t-test results revealed no statistical difference between the two methods.The R2 increased by 0.08 points and the RMSE decreased by 7.7 percentage points(24.8m^(3)·ha^(−1))using fixed-area plots.Since tree height is the most critical variable essential for modeling forest growing stock using aerial images,we also compared the tree heights obtained from CHM to those from the typical field inventory approach.The result shows a high correlation(R^(2)=0.781)between the tree heights extracted from the CHM and those measured in the field.However,the correlation decreased by 0.113 points and the RMSE increased by 4.2 percentage points(1.04m)when the allometrically derived tree heights were analyzed.Moreover,the results of the paired t-test revealed that there is no significant statistical difference between the tree heights extracted from CHM and those measured in the field,but there is a significant statistical difference when the CHM-derived and the allometrically-derived heights were compared.This proved that image-based CHM can obtain more accurate tree height information than field inventory estimations.Overall,the results of this study demonstrated that image-based CHM can be integrated into the forest inventory data at large scales and provide reliable information on forest growing stock.The produced maps reflect the variability of growth conditions and developmental stages of different forest stands.This information is required to characterize the status and changes,e.g.,in forest structure diversity,parameters for volume,and can be used for forest aboveground biomass estimation,which plays an important role in managing and controlling forest resources in mid-term forest management.This is of particular interest to forest managers and forest ecologists.展开更多
Landslides pose a significant threat to both human society and environmental sustainability,yet,their spatiotemporal evolution and impacts on global scales in the context of a warming climate remain poorly understood....Landslides pose a significant threat to both human society and environmental sustainability,yet,their spatiotemporal evolution and impacts on global scales in the context of a warming climate remain poorly understood.In this study,we projected global landslide susceptibility under four shared socioeconomic pathways(SSPs)from 2021 to 2100,utilizing multiple machine learning models based on precipitation data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6(CMIP6)Global Climate Models(GCMs)and static metrics.Our results indicate an overall upward trend in global landslide susceptibility under the SSPs compared to the baseline period(2001–2020),with the most significant increase of about 1%in the very far future(2081–2100)under the high emissions scenario(SSP5-8.5).Currently,approximately 13%of the world’s land area is at very high risk of landslide,mainly in the Cordillera of the Americas and the Andes in South America,the Alps in Europe,the Ethiopian Highlands in Africa,the Himalayas in Asia,and the countries of East and South-East Asia.Notably,India is the country most adversely affected by climate change,particularly during 2081–2100 under SSP3-7.0,with approximately 590 million people—23 times the global average—living in areas categorized as having very high susceptibility.展开更多
Background Coumarins are toxic phytochemicals found in a variety of plants and are known to limit microbial degradation and interfere with nutrient cycling.While the degradation of coumarins by fungi has been studied ...Background Coumarins are toxic phytochemicals found in a variety of plants and are known to limit microbial degradation and interfere with nutrient cycling.While the degradation of coumarins by fungi has been studied in an environmental context,little is known about their degradation in the gastrointestinal system of herbivores after ingestion.Results In this study,we investigated in vitro fermentation by microbial enrichment,transcriptome sequencing,and high-resolution mass spectrometry to evaluate the ability of rumen anaerobic fungi to degrade coumarins.The results showed that despite the low abundance of anaerobic fungi in the rumen microbiota,they were able to effectively degrade coumarins.Specifically,Pecoramyces ruminantium F1 could tolerate coumarin concentrations up to 3 mmol/L and degrade it efficiently via metabolic pathways involving alpha/beta hydrolases and NAD(P)H oxidoreductases within the late growth phase.The fungus metabolized coumarin to less toxic compounds,including o-coumaric acid and melilotic acid,highlighting the detoxification potential of anaerobic fungi.Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate the ability of rumen anaerobic fungi to degrade coumarin,providing new insights into the use of anaerobic fungi in sustainable agricultural practices and environmental detoxification strategies.展开更多
Konjac is an ideal candidate for edible coatings on fruits due to its hydrophilic properties,film-forming ability,barrier properties,safety,and biodegradability.Meanwhile,the high market demand for strawberries necessi...Konjac is an ideal candidate for edible coatings on fruits due to its hydrophilic properties,film-forming ability,barrier properties,safety,and biodegradability.Meanwhile,the high market demand for strawberries necessitates post-harvest treatment to extend their shelf life and preserve their quality,as strawberries are known for their fragile skin and soft texture.To fully utilize konjac and develop high-quality coatingfilms,native konjacflour(NKF)and konjac glucomannan(KGM)were extracted from its corm and used as a coatingfilm for strawberries in the present study.Therefore,this study aimed to compare the physical properties of thefilm coatings between NKF and KGM,and evaluate their effects on strawberries preservation over 7 days of storage.A multistage extrac-tion process was employed to isolate NKF and KGM,after which the glucomannan content was measured.NKF yield was 31.81%,exceeding KGM yield of 26.42%,and the glucomannan content obtained of NKF(25.93%)was higher than KGM(21.41%).Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed that both NKF and KGM con-tain glucomannan in their structure.Furthermore,both NKF and KGM were combined with carboxymethyl cel-lulose(CMC)and glycerol to produce eight thin-layerfilms to assess their physical and mechanical properties.Compared to the KGM variant,the NKF variant generally exhibited higher moisture content,water vapor trans-mission rate,and tensile strength.However,NKF was less effective than KGM in extending strawberry storage life,leading to faster color changes and greater weight loss,despite maintaining similar hardness values.Nonetheless,konjac-based coatings were generally effective at maintaining the freshness and quality of strawberries compared to uncoated samples.Konjac shows promise as an edible coating,improving fresh produce shelf life and appeal,aligning with consumer preferences for natural and sustainable products.展开更多
The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate the infiltration capability and rate of microleakage of a low-viscous resin infiltrant combined with a flowable composite resin(RI/CR) when used with deproteinised and etc...The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate the infiltration capability and rate of microleakage of a low-viscous resin infiltrant combined with a flowable composite resin(RI/CR) when used with deproteinised and etched occlusal subsurface lesions(International Caries Detection and Assessment System code 2). This combined treatment procedure was compared with the exclusive use of flowable composite resin(CR) for fissure sealing. Twenty premolars and 20 molars revealing non-cavitated occlusal carious lesions were randomly divided into two groups and were meticulously cleaned and deproteinised using Na OCl(2%). After etching with HCl(15%), 10 premolar and 10 molar lesions were infiltrated(Icon/DMG; rhodamine B isothiocyanate(RITC)-labelled) followed by fissure sealing(G-?nial Flo/GC; experimental group, RI/CR). In the control group(CR), the carious fissures were only sealed. Specimens were cut perpendicular to the occlusal surface and through the area of the highest demineralisation(DIAGNOdent pen, Ka Vo). Using confocal laser-scanning microscopy, the specimens were assessed with regard to the percentage of caries infiltration, marginal adaption and internal integrity. Within the CR group, the carious lesions were not infiltrated. Both premolar(57.9% ± 23.1%) and molar lesions(35.3% ± 22.1%) of the RI/CR group were uniformly infiltrated to a substantial extent, albeit with significant differences(P = 0.034). Moreover, microleakage(n = 1) and the occurrence of voids(n = 2) were reduced in the RI/CR group compared with the CR group(5 and 17 specimens,respectively). The RI/CR approach increases the initial quality of fissure sealing and is recommended for the clinical control of occlusal caries.展开更多
Public governance and civil society play an important role in the preservation of the environmental and cultural values of the specific region of Tusheti. This area is an interesting study object also due to its uniqu...Public governance and civil society play an important role in the preservation of the environmental and cultural values of the specific region of Tusheti. This area is an interesting study object also due to its unique governing model and different management issues including the historical background of the region and the current growth of tourism. In the region, where there is a significant number of initiatives supported by donors, a management plan for the protected landscape was prepared and put into practice and selected measures were implemented. Our evaluation of the activities was focused on relevance, efficiency, effectiveness,impacts and sustainability of outcomes. On the basis of the formulated conclusions, a few recommendations related to process and system nature, implementation and replicability of approaches are suggested. The results show an increase in tourism in the region,which leads to an improvement in the quality of life of the local population. On the other hand, it represents a threat to natural and cultural values, historical identity and uniqueness. The Management Plan is an excellent platform for stakeholder cooperation and implementation of specific measures to protect this exceptional territory.展开更多
High Pressure Laminates(HPL)panels consist of stacks of self-gluing paper sheets soaked with phenol-formaldehyde(PF)resins.An important requirement for such PFs is that they must rapidly penetrate and saturate the pap...High Pressure Laminates(HPL)panels consist of stacks of self-gluing paper sheets soaked with phenol-formaldehyde(PF)resins.An important requirement for such PFs is that they must rapidly penetrate and saturate the paper pores.Partially substituting phenol with bio-based phenolic chemicals like lignin changes the physico-chemical properties of the resin and affects its ability to penetrate the paper.In this study,PF formulations containing different proportions of lignosulfonate and kraft lignin were used to prepare paper-based laminates.The penetration of a Kraft paper sheet was characterized by a recently introduced,new device measuring the conductivity between both sides of the paper sheet after a drop of resin was placed on the surface and allowed to penetrate the sheet.The main target value measured was the time required for a specific resin to completely penetrate the defined paper sample(“penetration time”).This penetration time generally depends on the molecular weight distribution,the flow behavior and the polarity of the resin which in turn are dependent on the manufacturing conditions of the resin.In the present study,the influences of the three process factors:(1)type of lignin material used for substitution,(2)lignin modification by phenolation and(3)degree of phenol substitution on the penetration times of various lignin-phenolic hybrid impregnation resins were studied using a complete twolevel three-factorial experimental design.Thin laminates made with the resins diluted in methanol were mechanically tested in terms of tensile and flexural strains,and their cross-sections were studied by light microscopy.展开更多
This study provides estimates of smallholder household＇s production efficiency and its determinants, and separately analyses the technical efficiency of dairy technology adopting and non-adopting farmers using data f...This study provides estimates of smallholder household＇s production efficiency and its determinants, and separately analyses the technical efficiency of dairy technology adopting and non-adopting farmers using data from Ethiopia. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function was modeled in the context of local level agricultural innovation systems framework and estimated using 2011 milk production data on 304 dairy farmers. Results show that the mean level of technical efficiency among the sampled farmers was about 26%. This result suggests that there is room for significant increases of production through reallocation of existing resources. Despite significant variation among farmers, these results also indicate only 19% of farmers have mean efficiency scores （_〉 50%）, implying a need to focus on creating innovation capacity that pushes the production frontier outward in the dairy production system. It is also revealed that individual farm households＇ efficiency varied widely across dairy technology adoption status, gender and districts. The significant gamma （g） statistic, of 0.9985 in the analysis indicates that about 99.85% variation in the output of milk production would be attributed to technical inefficiency effects （those under farmer＇s control） while only 0.0015% would be due to random effects, i.e., beyond the farmers control and hence calling for a focus on efficiency enhancing investments. Education, farm size, extension visit and off-farm income opportunity were found to be efficiency enhancing. The study recommends that different components of an agricultural innovation system have to interact to improve the innovation capacity of different actors and thereby improve the estimated technical inefficiencies.展开更多
Soil water sensors are commonly used to monitor water content and matric potential in order to study hydrological processes such as evaporation. Finding a proper sensor is sometimes difficult, especially for measureme...Soil water sensors are commonly used to monitor water content and matric potential in order to study hydrological processes such as evaporation. Finding a proper sensor is sometimes difficult, especially for measurements in topsoil, where changes of temperature and soil water dynamics occur generally with greater intensity compared to deeper soil layers. We assessed the perfor-mance of Hydra Probe water content sensors and MPS-1 matric potential sensors in topsoil in the laboratory and in the field. A common soil-specific calibration function was determined for the Hydra Probes. Measurement accuracy and sensor-to-sensor variation were within the manufacturer specification of ±0.03 m3·m-3. Hydra Probes can operate from dry to saturated conditions. Sensor-specific calibrations from a previous study were used to reduce sensor-to-sensor variation of MPS-1. Measurement accuracy can be expressed by a mean relative error of 10%. According to the manufacturer, the application range of matric potential readings is from -10 kPa to -500 kPa. MPS-1 delivered also values beyond this range, but they were not reliable. Sensor electronics of the MPS-1 were sensitive to ambient temperature changes. Beyond instrument effects, field measurements showed substantial temperature-driven fluctuations of soil water content and matric potential, which complicated data interpretation.展开更多
Due to the elevated ecological awareness nowadays the consumption of products of organic agriculture is increasing. Organic farming means excluding the use of synthetic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pestic...Due to the elevated ecological awareness nowadays the consumption of products of organic agriculture is increasing. Organic farming means excluding the use of synthetic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides or genetically modified organisms, but there are only a few regulations regarding heavy metal concentrations in soils. Thus a not negligible uptake of metals from the soil where the apple trees are grown may occur. Furthermore inorganic copper compounds being traditional fertilizers for apple trees are not considered as synthetic fertilizers, thus they are still used in organic apple farming for soil or foliar application. Thus also apples produced by organic agriculture may contain toxic elements, such as cadmium, chromium, copper, and lead. The concentrations of these elements were determined in whole apples, as well as in the flesh and peel in order to estimate the possible risk for human health. Prior to analysis using ICP-AES samples underwent a microwave assisted digestion. The LODs obtained are below the recommended maximum levels in vegetables/fruits by WHO. In all samples no Cu, Cr, and Pb could be detected. Only Ca was found in the peel of about a third of samples investigated in concentrations between LOD and LOQ （1-3 μg/g）.展开更多
文摘[Objective]This study aims to develop a thermodynamically consistent phase-field framework for modeling the initiation and evolution of discontinuous structures in geomaterials.[Methods]Our model introduces crack driving forces derived from the volumetric-deviatoric strain decomposition strategy,incorporating distinct tension,compression,and shear degradation mechanisms.Inertia effects capture compaction-band formation driven by wave-like disturbances,grain crushing,and frictional rearrangement.A monolithic algorithm ensures numerical stability and rapid convergence.[Results]The framework reproduces tensile,shear,mixed tensile-shear,and compressive-shear failures using the Benzeggagh-Kenane criterion.Validation against benchmark simulations-including uniaxial compression of rock-like and triaxial compression of V-notched sandstone specimens-demonstrates accurate predictions of crack initiation stress,localization orientation,and energy dissipation.[Conclusions]The framework provides a unified and robust numerical tool for analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution of strain localization and fracture in geomaterials.[Significance]By linking microscale fracture dynamics with macroscale failure within a thermodynamically consistent scheme,this study advances predictive modeling of rock stability,slope failure,and subsurface energy systems,contributing to safer and more sustainable geotechnical practice.
基金part of the Areas of Forest Innovation Climate Smart Forestry(Project No.101726),Work Package Modeling,funded by the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry,Regions,and Water Management.
文摘Leaf area index(LAI)is a key measure of forest stand physiology and biomass production,and is essential within ecosystem modeling.There are two common approaches to obtaining LAI:(i)terrestrial forest inventory-based“bottom-up”,and(ii)satellite-based“top-down”techniques.The purpose of this study is to compare terrestrial LAI from allometric functions applied to more than 30,000 trees of the Austrian National Forest Inventory(NFI)vs.satellite-based LAI estimates obtained from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer(MODIS)and Sentinel(Sentinel-3 TOC reflectance and PROBA-V)data across Austrian forests.We analyzed a satellite pixelto-plot aggregation and obtained the full inventory data set for the LAI comparison.The results suggest that terrestrial vs.satellite(MODIS and Sentinel)driven LAI estimates are consistent,but(i)the variation of the terrestrial forest inventory LAI is larger vs.the pixel average LAI from satellite data,and(ii)any satellite LAI estimation needs a forest stand density correction if the crown competition factor(CCF),a measure for stand density,is<250 to avoid an overestimation in LAI.
基金part of the project“Areas of Forest Innovation Climate Smart Forestry”(project nr.101726),WP Modelling Plenter Forest vs.Even-aged Forest,funded by the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry,Regions and Water Managementfunded by the province of Styria(Austria),the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry,Regions and Water Management and the European Union via the projects“Waldtypisierung Steiermark-FORSITE”(LE14-20)and“FORSITEⅡ-Investigation of the ecological base line information for a dynamic forest site classification in Upper Austria,Lower Austria and Burgenland”(101746)financial support came from BOKU University。
文摘Plenter forests,also known as uneven-aged or continuous cover forests enhance forest resilience and resistance against disturbances compared to even-aged forests.They are considered as an adaptation option to mitigate climate change effects.In this study,we present a conceptual approach to determine the potentially suitable area for plenter forest management within central European mixed species forests and apply our approach to the case study area in Styria,the south-eastern Province of Austria.The concept is based on ecological and technicaleconomic constraints and considers expected future climate conditions and its impact on plenter forest management.For each 1 ha forest pixel,we assess the ecological conditions for plenter forest management according to the autecological growth conditions of silver fir,and at least one additional shade tolerant tree species.The technical-economic constraints are defined by slope(≤30%)and distance to the next forest road(≤100 m)to ensure cost-efficient harvesting.The results show that under current climate conditions 28.1%or 305,349 ha of the forests in Styria are potentially suitable for plenter forest management.For the years 2071–2100 and under the climate change scenario RCP 4.5,the potential area decreases to 286,098 ha(26.3%of the total forest area)and for the scenario RCP 8.5 to 208,421 ha(19.1%of the total forest area).The main reason for these changes is the unfavourable growing conditions for silver fir in the lowlands,while in the higher elevations silver fir is likely to expand.Our results may serve forest managers to identify areas suitable for plenter forests and assist in the transformation of even-aged pure forests to uneven-aged forests to increase resistance,resilience,and biodiversity under climate change.
基金Open access funding provided by University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna(BOKU).
文摘This paper presents a standardised workflow for conducting hazard assessments of mass wasting processes in remote mountain areas with limited data.The methodology integrates geomorphological mapping and remote sensing techniques and is adaptable to different national standards,thus ensuring its applicability in a variety of contexts.The principal objective is to guarantee the safety of mountainous regions,particularly in the vicinity of essential infrastructure,where the scope for implementing structural measures is restricted.The framework commences with comprehensive geomorphological mapping,which facilitates the identification of past hazardous processes and potential future hazards.New technologies,such as uncrewed aerial vehicles(UAVs),are employed to create high-resolution DEMs,which are particularly beneficial in regions with limited data availability.These models facilitate the assessment of potential hazards and inform decisions regarding protective measures.The utilisation of UAVs enhances the accuracy and efficiency of data collection,particularly in remote mountainous regions where alternative remotely sensed information may be unavailable.The integration of modern approaches into traditional hazard assessment methods allows for a comprehensive analysis of the spatial distribution of factors driving mass wasting processes.This workflow provides valuable insights that assist in the prioritisation of interventions and the optimisation of risk reduction in high mountainous areas.
文摘Individual phenological life-history variations in the context of seasonal conditions are well documented in fshes and birds.However,amphibians,a group heavily affected by habitat loss and fragmentation,have received relatively little attention regarding research on life-history adaptations.Here we present 3 years of data on the timing of reproductive activity in a suburban European green toad(Bufotes viridis)population.We found annually consistent patterns of reproductive activity and investigated whether these were caused by allochrony or individual attributes.Body size(a proxy for age),body condition,and sex signifcantly affected the timing of reproductive activity.However,most individuals showed considerable overlap in their reproductive timeframe,refuting the existence of allochronic subpopulations.Our fndings may indicate life-history adaptations in the direction of a faster lifestyle in response to hazardous environments.We propose to focus further research efforts on phenological variations in the context of environmental conditions,and that phenological variations should be considered more strongly in amphibian conservation efforts.
文摘Osyris lanceolata is heavily and illegally exploited in East Africa for its essential oils, yet little is known about its population status and ecological requirements. This study examined its population structure and environmental factors influencing its distribution in the semi-arid Karamoja sub-region, Uganda. We surveyed 388 plots (5 m radius) at different altitudes, recording life stages, stem diameters, and regeneration patterns, and analyzed soil samples. Multivariate analyses, including Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS), and Multiple Regression Modeling (MRM), identified key environmental factors affecting its distribution. Findings show that O. lanceolata populations in Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Amudat districts are severely degraded due to overexploitation. The species is primarily regenerating through coppicing rather than seedlings, with an exploitation intensity of 56.6%. Population densities are low, distribution is irregular, and sustainable harvesting is not viable. Soil properties, particularly Ca2+, N, P, K+, Na+, and organic matter, significantly influence its abundance. Conservation efforts should focus on identifying suitable provenances for genetic preservation and plantation establishment. Areas with at least 9 trees per hectare in Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Amudat could serve as potential sites for ex-situ plantations. Further research should explore how biotic interactions, genetic diversity, and morphology affect oil yield and quality to support restoration, breeding, and domestication initiatives.
基金supported by grants provided within the research project»EO4Forest:Use of multi-temporal Sentinel-2 and VHR Pleiades stereo data for sustainable forest monitoring and management«funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action,Environ-ment,Energy,Mobility,Innovation and Technology(BMK)within the FFG Austrian Space Applications Program ASAP 12(grant agreement number 854027).
文摘Accurate,reliable,and regularly updated information is necessary for targeted management of forest stands.This information is usually obtained from sample-based field inventory data.Due to the time-consuming and costly procedure of forest inventory,it is imperative to generate and use the resulting data optimally.Integrating field inventory information with remote sensing data increases the value of field approaches,such as national forest inventories.This study investigated the optimal integration of forest inventory data with aerial image-based canopy height models(CHM)for forest growing stock estimation.For this purpose,fixed-area and angle-count plots from a forest area in Austria were used to assess which type of inventory system is more suitable when the field data is integrated with aerial image analysis.Although a higher correlation was observed between remotely predicted growing stocks and field inventory values for fixed-area plots,the paired t-test results revealed no statistical difference between the two methods.The R2 increased by 0.08 points and the RMSE decreased by 7.7 percentage points(24.8m^(3)·ha^(−1))using fixed-area plots.Since tree height is the most critical variable essential for modeling forest growing stock using aerial images,we also compared the tree heights obtained from CHM to those from the typical field inventory approach.The result shows a high correlation(R^(2)=0.781)between the tree heights extracted from the CHM and those measured in the field.However,the correlation decreased by 0.113 points and the RMSE increased by 4.2 percentage points(1.04m)when the allometrically derived tree heights were analyzed.Moreover,the results of the paired t-test revealed that there is no significant statistical difference between the tree heights extracted from CHM and those measured in the field,but there is a significant statistical difference when the CHM-derived and the allometrically-derived heights were compared.This proved that image-based CHM can obtain more accurate tree height information than field inventory estimations.Overall,the results of this study demonstrated that image-based CHM can be integrated into the forest inventory data at large scales and provide reliable information on forest growing stock.The produced maps reflect the variability of growth conditions and developmental stages of different forest stands.This information is required to characterize the status and changes,e.g.,in forest structure diversity,parameters for volume,and can be used for forest aboveground biomass estimation,which plays an important role in managing and controlling forest resources in mid-term forest management.This is of particular interest to forest managers and forest ecologists.
基金supported by the project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42371203 and U21A2032)the project of Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Department Program Funding(Grant No.2025YFHZ0010)the project of the Science and Technology Program of Aba City(Grant NO.R24YYJSYJ0001).
文摘Landslides pose a significant threat to both human society and environmental sustainability,yet,their spatiotemporal evolution and impacts on global scales in the context of a warming climate remain poorly understood.In this study,we projected global landslide susceptibility under four shared socioeconomic pathways(SSPs)from 2021 to 2100,utilizing multiple machine learning models based on precipitation data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6(CMIP6)Global Climate Models(GCMs)and static metrics.Our results indicate an overall upward trend in global landslide susceptibility under the SSPs compared to the baseline period(2001–2020),with the most significant increase of about 1%in the very far future(2081–2100)under the high emissions scenario(SSP5-8.5).Currently,approximately 13%of the world’s land area is at very high risk of landslide,mainly in the Cordillera of the Americas and the Andes in South America,the Alps in Europe,the Ethiopian Highlands in Africa,the Himalayas in Asia,and the countries of East and South-East Asia.Notably,India is the country most adversely affected by climate change,particularly during 2081–2100 under SSP3-7.0,with approximately 590 million people—23 times the global average—living in areas categorized as having very high susceptibility.
基金supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFD1300302)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U23A20216 and 32372905)。
文摘Background Coumarins are toxic phytochemicals found in a variety of plants and are known to limit microbial degradation and interfere with nutrient cycling.While the degradation of coumarins by fungi has been studied in an environmental context,little is known about their degradation in the gastrointestinal system of herbivores after ingestion.Results In this study,we investigated in vitro fermentation by microbial enrichment,transcriptome sequencing,and high-resolution mass spectrometry to evaluate the ability of rumen anaerobic fungi to degrade coumarins.The results showed that despite the low abundance of anaerobic fungi in the rumen microbiota,they were able to effectively degrade coumarins.Specifically,Pecoramyces ruminantium F1 could tolerate coumarin concentrations up to 3 mmol/L and degrade it efficiently via metabolic pathways involving alpha/beta hydrolases and NAD(P)H oxidoreductases within the late growth phase.The fungus metabolized coumarin to less toxic compounds,including o-coumaric acid and melilotic acid,highlighting the detoxification potential of anaerobic fungi.Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate the ability of rumen anaerobic fungi to degrade coumarin,providing new insights into the use of anaerobic fungi in sustainable agricultural practices and environmental detoxification strategies.
基金funded by the Academic Leadership Grant of Universitas Padjadjaran,Bandung,Indonesia,with grant number 1540/UN6.3.1/PT.00/2024the Research Collaboration Center for Biomass and Biorefinery,Bandung,Indonesia,with grant number B-1723/II.7/HK.01.00/4/2024.
文摘Konjac is an ideal candidate for edible coatings on fruits due to its hydrophilic properties,film-forming ability,barrier properties,safety,and biodegradability.Meanwhile,the high market demand for strawberries necessitates post-harvest treatment to extend their shelf life and preserve their quality,as strawberries are known for their fragile skin and soft texture.To fully utilize konjac and develop high-quality coatingfilms,native konjacflour(NKF)and konjac glucomannan(KGM)were extracted from its corm and used as a coatingfilm for strawberries in the present study.Therefore,this study aimed to compare the physical properties of thefilm coatings between NKF and KGM,and evaluate their effects on strawberries preservation over 7 days of storage.A multistage extrac-tion process was employed to isolate NKF and KGM,after which the glucomannan content was measured.NKF yield was 31.81%,exceeding KGM yield of 26.42%,and the glucomannan content obtained of NKF(25.93%)was higher than KGM(21.41%).Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed that both NKF and KGM con-tain glucomannan in their structure.Furthermore,both NKF and KGM were combined with carboxymethyl cel-lulose(CMC)and glycerol to produce eight thin-layerfilms to assess their physical and mechanical properties.Compared to the KGM variant,the NKF variant generally exhibited higher moisture content,water vapor trans-mission rate,and tensile strength.However,NKF was less effective than KGM in extending strawberry storage life,leading to faster color changes and greater weight loss,despite maintaining similar hardness values.Nonetheless,konjac-based coatings were generally effective at maintaining the freshness and quality of strawberries compared to uncoated samples.Konjac shows promise as an edible coating,improving fresh produce shelf life and appeal,aligning with consumer preferences for natural and sustainable products.
文摘The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate the infiltration capability and rate of microleakage of a low-viscous resin infiltrant combined with a flowable composite resin(RI/CR) when used with deproteinised and etched occlusal subsurface lesions(International Caries Detection and Assessment System code 2). This combined treatment procedure was compared with the exclusive use of flowable composite resin(CR) for fissure sealing. Twenty premolars and 20 molars revealing non-cavitated occlusal carious lesions were randomly divided into two groups and were meticulously cleaned and deproteinised using Na OCl(2%). After etching with HCl(15%), 10 premolar and 10 molar lesions were infiltrated(Icon/DMG; rhodamine B isothiocyanate(RITC)-labelled) followed by fissure sealing(G-?nial Flo/GC; experimental group, RI/CR). In the control group(CR), the carious fissures were only sealed. Specimens were cut perpendicular to the occlusal surface and through the area of the highest demineralisation(DIAGNOdent pen, Ka Vo). Using confocal laser-scanning microscopy, the specimens were assessed with regard to the percentage of caries infiltration, marginal adaption and internal integrity. Within the CR group, the carious lesions were not infiltrated. Both premolar(57.9% ± 23.1%) and molar lesions(35.3% ± 22.1%) of the RI/CR group were uniformly infiltrated to a substantial extent, albeit with significant differences(P = 0.034). Moreover, microleakage(n = 1) and the occurrence of voids(n = 2) were reduced in the RI/CR group compared with the CR group(5 and 17 specimens,respectively). The RI/CR approach increases the initial quality of fissure sealing and is recommended for the clinical control of occlusal caries.
基金This study was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Czechia.
文摘Public governance and civil society play an important role in the preservation of the environmental and cultural values of the specific region of Tusheti. This area is an interesting study object also due to its unique governing model and different management issues including the historical background of the region and the current growth of tourism. In the region, where there is a significant number of initiatives supported by donors, a management plan for the protected landscape was prepared and put into practice and selected measures were implemented. Our evaluation of the activities was focused on relevance, efficiency, effectiveness,impacts and sustainability of outcomes. On the basis of the formulated conclusions, a few recommendations related to process and system nature, implementation and replicability of approaches are suggested. The results show an increase in tourism in the region,which leads to an improvement in the quality of life of the local population. On the other hand, it represents a threat to natural and cultural values, historical identity and uniqueness. The Management Plan is an excellent platform for stakeholder cooperation and implementation of specific measures to protect this exceptional territory.
基金This work was carried out within the COMET program funded by the Austrian FFG,project number 844608.
文摘High Pressure Laminates(HPL)panels consist of stacks of self-gluing paper sheets soaked with phenol-formaldehyde(PF)resins.An important requirement for such PFs is that they must rapidly penetrate and saturate the paper pores.Partially substituting phenol with bio-based phenolic chemicals like lignin changes the physico-chemical properties of the resin and affects its ability to penetrate the paper.In this study,PF formulations containing different proportions of lignosulfonate and kraft lignin were used to prepare paper-based laminates.The penetration of a Kraft paper sheet was characterized by a recently introduced,new device measuring the conductivity between both sides of the paper sheet after a drop of resin was placed on the surface and allowed to penetrate the sheet.The main target value measured was the time required for a specific resin to completely penetrate the defined paper sample(“penetration time”).This penetration time generally depends on the molecular weight distribution,the flow behavior and the polarity of the resin which in turn are dependent on the manufacturing conditions of the resin.In the present study,the influences of the three process factors:(1)type of lignin material used for substitution,(2)lignin modification by phenolation and(3)degree of phenol substitution on the penetration times of various lignin-phenolic hybrid impregnation resins were studied using a complete twolevel three-factorial experimental design.Thin laminates made with the resins diluted in methanol were mechanically tested in terms of tensile and flexural strains,and their cross-sections were studied by light microscopy.
文摘This study provides estimates of smallholder household＇s production efficiency and its determinants, and separately analyses the technical efficiency of dairy technology adopting and non-adopting farmers using data from Ethiopia. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function was modeled in the context of local level agricultural innovation systems framework and estimated using 2011 milk production data on 304 dairy farmers. Results show that the mean level of technical efficiency among the sampled farmers was about 26%. This result suggests that there is room for significant increases of production through reallocation of existing resources. Despite significant variation among farmers, these results also indicate only 19% of farmers have mean efficiency scores （_〉 50%）, implying a need to focus on creating innovation capacity that pushes the production frontier outward in the dairy production system. It is also revealed that individual farm households＇ efficiency varied widely across dairy technology adoption status, gender and districts. The significant gamma （g） statistic, of 0.9985 in the analysis indicates that about 99.85% variation in the output of milk production would be attributed to technical inefficiency effects （those under farmer＇s control） while only 0.0015% would be due to random effects, i.e., beyond the farmers control and hence calling for a focus on efficiency enhancing investments. Education, farm size, extension visit and off-farm income opportunity were found to be efficiency enhancing. The study recommends that different components of an agricultural innovation system have to interact to improve the innovation capacity of different actors and thereby improve the estimated technical inefficiencies.
文摘Soil water sensors are commonly used to monitor water content and matric potential in order to study hydrological processes such as evaporation. Finding a proper sensor is sometimes difficult, especially for measurements in topsoil, where changes of temperature and soil water dynamics occur generally with greater intensity compared to deeper soil layers. We assessed the perfor-mance of Hydra Probe water content sensors and MPS-1 matric potential sensors in topsoil in the laboratory and in the field. A common soil-specific calibration function was determined for the Hydra Probes. Measurement accuracy and sensor-to-sensor variation were within the manufacturer specification of ±0.03 m3·m-3. Hydra Probes can operate from dry to saturated conditions. Sensor-specific calibrations from a previous study were used to reduce sensor-to-sensor variation of MPS-1. Measurement accuracy can be expressed by a mean relative error of 10%. According to the manufacturer, the application range of matric potential readings is from -10 kPa to -500 kPa. MPS-1 delivered also values beyond this range, but they were not reliable. Sensor electronics of the MPS-1 were sensitive to ambient temperature changes. Beyond instrument effects, field measurements showed substantial temperature-driven fluctuations of soil water content and matric potential, which complicated data interpretation.
文摘Due to the elevated ecological awareness nowadays the consumption of products of organic agriculture is increasing. Organic farming means excluding the use of synthetic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides or genetically modified organisms, but there are only a few regulations regarding heavy metal concentrations in soils. Thus a not negligible uptake of metals from the soil where the apple trees are grown may occur. Furthermore inorganic copper compounds being traditional fertilizers for apple trees are not considered as synthetic fertilizers, thus they are still used in organic apple farming for soil or foliar application. Thus also apples produced by organic agriculture may contain toxic elements, such as cadmium, chromium, copper, and lead. The concentrations of these elements were determined in whole apples, as well as in the flesh and peel in order to estimate the possible risk for human health. Prior to analysis using ICP-AES samples underwent a microwave assisted digestion. The LODs obtained are below the recommended maximum levels in vegetables/fruits by WHO. In all samples no Cu, Cr, and Pb could be detected. Only Ca was found in the peel of about a third of samples investigated in concentrations between LOD and LOQ （1-3 μg/g）.
