Mitigation Actions Research Articles

Developing and evaluating a risk-informed decision support system for earthquake early warning at a railway bridge

Earthquake early warning (EEW) systems provide timely information on the arrival of strong seismic waves at a site. Such information can help mitigate the consequences of earthquakes on the operation of infrastructure assets. EEW-informed mitigation actions should stem from risk-based decision-making protocols, and EEW benefits should be evaluated for the range of possible rupture scenarios that affect an asset of interest. This paper addresses these challenges specifically for railway bridges by: (1) developing a risk-informed EEW decision support system (DSS) for these assets; and (2) quantifying the effectiveness of the proposed EEW-DSS in mitigating seismic risks for railway bridges across relevant rupture scenarios. The proposed EEW-DSS combines information on site-specific seismic hazard, time-dependent EEW algorithm outputs, probabilistic seismic demand modeling, damage/derailment fragilities, and seismic loss models. These modeling components compose a multi-criteria decision-making framework. Value of information theory is then proposed to estimate the loss-mitigation benefits of the EEW-DSS, accounting for varied stakeholder risk priorities as well as dynamic lead-time/accuracy tradeoffs related to EEW performance. A railway bridge with multiple piers is adopted for the case study, which demonstrates the importance of risk-based, uncertainty-informed decision-making to the overall effectiveness of EEW in potentially reducing seismic losses.

Distribution and habitat use patterns of the endangered Central American clouded oncilla (Leopardus pardinoides oncilla) in Costa Rica.

Montane cloud forests are highly threatened ecosystems that are vulnerable to climate change. These complex habitats harbor many species that suffer the negative consequences of this global phenomenon, such as shifts in their distribution and habitat use. The Central American clouded oncilla (Leopardus pardinoides oncilla) is the smallest and most endangered wild cat in Mesoamerica and is primarily reported in cloud forests throughout its distribution. The species is poorly understood, with no studies conducted in Central America assessing its habitat preferences. To bridge this knowledge gap, we sampled two mountain ranges in Costa Rica with camera traps and conducted an occupancy analysis to understand the anthropogenic and environmental features that influence oncilla habitat use within them. Additionally, we conducted spatial predictions of habitat use across its northern and southern range in Costa Rica to identify priority conservation areas for the species. We found that Central American clouded oncilla habitat use is driven primarily by environmental factors. Our results showed that oncillas select habitats with denser tree cover at high elevations, closer to permanent water sources, which may provide them with high prey density and a favorable habitat structure for their survival. Spatial predictions identified two main regions as conservation priority areas where threat mitigation efforts and monitoring should be implemented: the Caribbean slope of the Talamanca mountains, and the Arenal-Monteverde forest complex. The occupancy modeling approach turned out to be very useful to assess the spatial associations of the species with the environment and mapping the conservation priority areas. Future research and mitigation actions should focus on potential threats that could negatively impact Central American clouded oncilla populations and habitat use, including the role of mesopredators and feral species.

Evaluation of the incident management system of a bigger city during the winter flood 2023/24 in northern Germany: Organized (ir)responsibility in the pre-disaster phase

Incident management systems operate within complex and uncertain conditions during disasters. Therefore, researching their activities is challenging as there is no clear right or wrong. The winter 2023/2024 flood event in the city of Oldenburg, Germany, provided an opportunity to evaluate crisis management under high uncertainty, although no disaster has eventually occurred. Three stakeholder groups of the Incident Management System were examined through After-Action Reviews: The Emergency Operation Center (EOC), specialist advisors, and the Area Command (AC). Data on performance shaping factors (descriptions and judgements) were collected and analyzed using the Countenance Evaluation Model as a general framework in combination with a Systems-Thinking approach. The study aimed to identify variables within and between groups as well as factors in the environment that either hindered or facilitated work transactions. It emerged that the work organization in bodies of public administration is at odds with the uncertain, fast-paced, and problem-oriented structure of Incident Management System operations, causing stress and adding workload to employees. Additionally, the separation of strategic and tactical decision making led to coordination issues due to divergent time structures and task logics of EOC and AC. Furthermore, although specialist advisors played a crucial role in risk assessments and setting the direction of risk mitigation activities, it became clear that this person related resource is scarce and difficult to embed into the Incident Command System. A final finding is the importance of the larger Emergency Operation Center working environment. The spatial constraints and noise levels caused stress.

Efficacy of non‐lead ammunition distribution programs to offset fatalities of golden eagles in southeast Wyoming

AbstractGolden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) face many anthropogenic risks including illegal shooting, electrocution, collision with wind turbines and vehicles, and lead poisoning. Minimizing or offsetting eagle deaths resulting from human‐caused sources is often viewed as an important management objective. Despite understanding the leading anthropogenic sources of eagle fatalities, existing scientific research supports few practical solutions to mitigate these causes of death. We implemented a non‐lead ammunition distribution program in southeast Wyoming, USA, and evaluated its effectiveness as a compensatory mitigation action to offset incidental take (i.e., fatalities) of golden eagles at wind energy facilities. In 2020 and 2022, we distributed non‐lead ammunition to 699 hunters with big‐game tags specific to our >400,000‐ha study area. These hunters harvested 296 pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), 14 deer (Odocoileus spp.), and 33 elk (Cervus canadensis) in the study area, which accounted for 6.9% and 6.5% of the harvest in these hunt units in 2020 and 2022, respectively. We used road surveys in 2020 to estimate a density of 0.036 (95% CI = 0.018–0.058) golden eagles/km2 during the big game hunting season in our study area. Model output suggests that our non‐lead ammunition distribution program offset the fatality of 3.84 (95% CI = 1.06–23.72) eagles over the course of these 2 hunting seasons. Our work illustrates the potential usefulness of non‐lead ammunition distribution programs as an action to mitigate eagle fatalities caused by wind facilities or other anthropogenic causes of death.

VOLCANBOX: A software platform for volcanic hazard assessment

Volcanic eruptions have an intrinsic multi-hazard nature, in which a variety of volcanic products (lava flows, fallout, lahars, and pyroclastic flows) and associated hazards (seismic shocks, landslides, tsunamis, or floods) may interact and impact sequentially. Volcanic hazard assessment relies on probabilistic approaches based on the past eruptive history, from which scientists identify eruptive scenarios and their expected recurrence. However, not enough attempts have yet been made to address volcanic hazard assessment in a systematic way, based on principles that may be equally applicable to different volcanoes and volcanic zones regardless of their particular nature. Hence, we present VOLCANBOX, a new multiplatform (GNU/Linux, MacOS, Windows) system designed to conduct long-and short-term volcanic hazard assessment and risk analysis in a systematic and rational manner, aimed at reducing volcanic risk by anticipating future eruptions. VOLCANBOX includes several sets of software tools designed to evaluate long and short-term volcanic hazards, to conduct vulnerability analysis, and to assist decision-makers during the management of a volcanic crisis. VOLCANBOX can be implemented before an emergency, in order to identify optimum mitigating actions and how these may have to be adapted as new information is obtained. VOLCANBOX is aimed at experts in volcanic hazard and risk assessment and management and is designed to facilitate the interaction and cooperation between scientists, policy makers and civil protection agencies to anticipate volcanic disasters in a timely manner, by quantifying volcanic hazards, understanding volcanic unrest, forecasting volcanic eruptions, and identifying the most probable scenarios in a simple and clear manner.

Homogenization of fish assemblages in an endemic biodiversity hot spot: Evidence from 70‐year data from the Yun‐Gui Plateau, China

Abstract The combined impacts of anthropogenic activities and global climate changes threaten native fish communities. Such threats are particularly critical in biodiversity hot spot areas with many endemic species, as exemplified by the isolated Yun‐Gui Plateau, China. The risk of biotic homogenization is also expected to be high in such areas, but this risk and its underlying drivers remain poorly studied. Here, we established a database of fish distributions and used environmental filtering for spatial clusters (n = 3759) in river basins located at Yun‐Gui Plateau. This database was based on public data sources and a comprehensive review of relevant literature (n = 481) covering the period from 1950 to 2021. We divided the plateau into nine subbasins for spatial comparison and into two periods for temporal comparison—before and after the start of rapid economic growth development in 1978. We found: (a) a marginal increase in replacement (species exchange in different subbasins) and similarity index but a decrease in richness difference index, indicating homogenization and the loss of natural barriers across the entire plateau; (b) an increase in species richness accompanied by a discernible decline in phylogenetic diversity, also indicating homogenization; (c) the increase in species richness by species loss‐gain analyses was associated with climatic variables (temperature and precipitation), elevation and human activities in all subbasins. Temporal and spatial comparisons indicated that homogenization of fish assemblages in the Yun‐Gui Plateau was exacerbated by climatic and anthropogenic pressures. The observed homogenization of fish species is of great concern, and we call for systematic assessments and precautionary mitigation actions to maintain the uniqueness of biodiversity in the Yun‐Gui Plateau region.

EP465 - Transfusion Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO) Audit - A prospective analysis of adherence to standards ensuring safe transfusions

Abstract Aims TACO is defined as acute or worsening respiratory compromise during or up to 12 hours of transfusion, with additional features including cardiovascular system changes not explained by the patient’s underlying medical condition. In the UK, TACO remains a major cause of Morbidity in surgical post operative patients. The aim of this audit was to assess whether the current trust transfusion practices are synchronous with the NICE guidelines and SHOT recommendations. Methods We reviewed 27 incidences of transfusion during the whole month in acute general surgical ward. Patient’s notes, trust intranet and EPMA were used for data collection. The adherence to Ng24 as well as latest SHOT recommendations was checked. Following standards were taken into account: A formal pre-transfusion risk assessment for transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) should be undertaken for all patients receiving blood transfusion and mitigating actions taken. (Serious hazards of transfusion SHOT recommendation) Patients who develop respiratory distress during or up to 24 hours following transfusion where transfusion is suspected to be the cause must be reported to SHOT. A structured incident review should be undertaken for every case of TACO. Weight-adjusted red cell dosing should be used. (NICE Guidelines Ng24) Result TACO assessment checklist was only completed for 15% of transfusions (compared to 35% nationally) while mitigation actions were only considered for 4% of patients. There appeared discordance among junior doctors regarding TACO Management. Conclusions Interventions like teaching sessions, information leaflets and posters, presentation for induction pack and liaison with Transfusion practitioner team to modify transfusion pathway significantly reduced inconsistencies regarding safe transfusions and immensely improved patient management.

Biological factors and production challenges drive significant UK fruit and vegetable loss.

Food loss and waste estimates are highly inconsistent as a result of methodological and systemic differences. Additionally, the absence of in-depth evidence surrounding the biological drivers of food loss and waste precludes targeted mitigation action. To address this challenge, we undertook a metanalysis utilising a systematic literature review combined with industry stakeholder surveys to examine the incidence of food loss and waste in the UK fruit and vegetable supply chain between primary production and retail. We estimated that 37% of fruit and vegetables, equivalent to 2.4 Mt of produce, is lost between production and sale. In the UK, primary production is the main stage responsible for these losses (58%), and is dominated by four crops (apple, onion, carrot and potato), which contribute 71% of total food loss and waste. Quality and supply/demand mismatch are the core drivers, combined with limited ability to control postharvest quality decline as a result of technical or economic barriers. Innate biological mechanisms contribute to, and detract from, marketable quality generating food loss risks where these cannot be adequately modified or controlled. Through climate change effects, reduced pesticide availability, changing consumer behaviour and increased pressure to reduce resource/energy inputs during pre- and postharvest handling, food loss and waste risk is likely to increase in the short term unless targeted, coordinated action is taken to actively promote its mitigation. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative Perceptions Influence Actions on Climate Change Between Eastern and Western Europeans

Climate change is an important issue that countries worldwide are aware of and campaign to reduce. All parties must cooperate, whether the government, the private sector, individuals, etc. Many perception surveys have met the public's understanding and knowledge about climate change. Despite the odds, previous research supported environmental protection and sustainability in surveys, polls, and past research. However, the existing literary gap between intentions and actions and awareness and implementation has recently widened. The objectives of this research include comparing perceptions and climate change mitigation actions between Eastern and Western European countries because both regions are different, as well as searching for and comparing perceptions influencing climate change mitigation actions between them. The research adopts a quantitative methodology, emphasizing exploring secondary data from the European Investment Bank (EIB) climate change survey 2022–2023. It analyzed the data to compare the perceptions and actions of the two regions in mitigating climate change. The statistical tests included a t-test and stepwise multiple regression analysis to predict the influence of perceptions and actions on reducing climate change. The results showed that respondents' perceptions of climate change in Eastern and Western Europe were not significantly different. However, there was a significant difference in the number of reduction actions taken by Western Europeans compared to Eastern Europeans. Perceptions of climate change catastrophes and serious government mitigation actions positively influenced actions in Eastern Europe. This study found that businesses' attention to mitigation and their perception of the catastrophic effects of climate change positively influence mitigation actions in Western Europe. The recommendations guided governments, policymakers, and businesses to take action to reduce climate change, motivating people's adequate perceptions and actions. Stakeholders communicating climate change's impacts on catastrophe should present true information with honesty and transparency. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2024-05-03-03 Full Text: PDF

The Emergence of New Sporothrix brasiliensis Genotypes in Current Epidemic of Sporotrichosis in Southeastern Brazil.

Zoonotic sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis has become the main subcutaneous mycosis in Brazil. Minas Gerais (MG) is located in southeast Brazil and since 2015 has experienced an epidemic of zoonotic sporotrichosis. This study aimed to reconstruct the epidemiological scenario of sporotrichosis from S. brasiliensis in recent epizooty in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH), MG. A total of 95 Sporothrix spp. isolates (Sporothirx brasiliensis n = 74, S. schenckii n = 11 and S. globosa n = 10) were subjected to Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) genotyping and mating-type analysis to determine genetic diversity and population structure. Of these, 46 S. brasiliensis isolates were recovered from animals (cats n = 41 and dogs n = 5) from MRBH. Our study describes the high interspecific differentiation power of AFLP-based genotyping between the main phylogenetic Sporothrix groups. S. brasiliensis presents high genetic variability and pronounced population structure with geographically focused outbreaks in Brazil. The genetic groups include older genotypes from the prolonged epidemic in Southeast (Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo), South (Rio Grande do Sul), Northeast (Pernambuco) and new genotypes from the MRBH. Furthermore, we provide evidence of heterothallism mating strategy in pathogenic Sporothrix species. Genotypes originating in Rio de Janeiro and Pernambuco carry the predominant MAT1-2 idiomorph as opposed to genotypes from Rio Grande do Sul, which have the MAT1-1 idiomorph. We observed an overwhelming occurrence of MAT1-1 among MRBH isolates. Our study provides clear evidence of the predominance of a genetic group profile circulating in animals in Minas Gerais, independent of that disseminated from Rio de Janeiro. Our data can help us understand the genetic population processes that drive the evolution of this fungus in Minas Gerais and contribute to future mitigation actions for this ongoing epidemic.

Health Co-benefits of Climate Change Mitigation Action

Health Co-benefits of Climate Change Mitigation Action

Flubendiamide provokes oxidative stress, inflammation, miRNAs alteration, and cell cycle deregulation in human prostate epithelial cells: The attenuation impact of synthesized nano-selenium using Trichodermaaureoviride

Flubendiamide (FBD) is a novel diamide insecticide extensively used with potential human health hazards. This research aimed to examine the effects of FBD on PrEC prostate epithelial cells, including Oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory responses, modifications in the expression of oncogenic and suppressor miRNAs and their target proteins, disruption of the cell cycle, and apoptosis. Additionally, the research investigated the potential alleviative effect of T-SeNPs, which are selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized by Trichoderma aureoviride, against the toxicity induced by FBD. Selenium nanoparticles were herein synthesized by Trichoderma aureoviride. The major capping metabolites in synthesized T-SeNPs were Isochiapin B and Quercetin 7,3′,4′-trimethyl ether. T-SeNPs showed a spherical shape and an average size between 57 and 96.6 nm. FBD exposure (12 μM) for 14 days induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses via overexpression of NF-κB family members. It also distinctly caused upregulation of miR-221, miR-222, and E2F2, escorted by downregulation of miR-17, miR-20a, and P27kip1. FBD encouraged PrEC cells to halt at the G1/S checkpoint. Apoptotic cells were drastically increased in FBD-treated sets. Treatment of T-SeNPs simultaneously with FBD revealed its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities in counteracting FBD-induced toxicity. Our findings shed light on the potential FBD toxicity that may account for the neoplastic transformation of epithelial cells in the prostate and the mitigating activity of eco-friendly synthesized T-SeNPs.

Simulating a breakup event and propagating the orbits of space debris

Explosions or collisions of satellites around the Earth generate space debris, whose uncontrolled dynamics might raise serious threats for operational satellites. Mitigation actions can be realized on the basis of our knowledge of the characteristics of the fragments produced during the breakup event and their subsequent propagation. In this context, important information can be obtained by implementing a breakup simulator, which provides, for example, the number of fragments, their area-to-mass ratio or the relative velocity distribution as a function of the characteristic length of the fragments. Motivated by the need to analyze the dynamics of the fragments, we reconstruct a simulator based on the NASA/JSC breakup model EVOLVE 4.0 that we review for self-consistency. This model, created at the beginning of the XXI century, is based on laboratory and on-orbit tests. Given that materials and methods for building satellites are constantly progressing, we leave some key parameters variable and produce results for different choices of the parameters. We will also present an application to the Iridium–Cosmos collision and we discuss the distribution function after a breakup event. The breakup model is strongly related to the propagation of the fragments; in this work, we discuss how to choose the models and the numerical integrators, we propose examples of how fragments can disperse in time, and we study the behavior of multiple simultaneous fragmentations. Finally, we compute some indicators for detecting streams of fragments. Breakup and propagation are performed using our own simulator SIMPRO, built from EVOLVE 4.0; the executable program will be freely available on GitHub.

The AFOLU sector’s role in national decarbonization: a comparative analysis of low-GHG development pathways in Brazil, India and Indonesia

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the role that AFOLU (agriculture, forest and other land use) plays in national deep decarbonization scenarios in Brazil, India and Indonesia between 2020 and 2050. It finds that the LULUCF (land use, land use change and forestry) subsector is important for medium-term mitigation (2020–2030) while continuing to contribute to mitigation over the long-term (2030–2050) in the three countries. Mitigation actions in LULUCF include drastically reducing deforestation (Brazil, Indonesia) and peat degradation (Indonesia), re-/afforestation (all), increased sequestration in standing forests (Brazil, Indonesia) and increasing soil carbon in agricultural lands (India). AFOLU further contributes to mitigation in Brazil and Indonesia by producing biomass feedstock for bioenergy. No country significantly reduces N2O and CH4 emissions from either agriculture or via demand-side actions on diets, due to trade-offs with food security, rural livelihoods and economic growth (although all countries reduce the GHG intensity of agricultural products). Furthermore, the paper analyses national policies to manoeuvre co-benefits and trade-offs between mitigation and other sustainable development goals (SDGs), including no poverty (1); zero hunger (2); decent work and economic growth (8); climate action, including both adaptation and mitigation (13); and life on land (15). Common policy areas were identified, including incentives to land managers for conservation or more environmental agricultural practices; changing regulations of land use to protect ecosystems and/or encourage shifts in agricultural practices; and strengthening enforcement capacity of land protection.

Shoreline Translocation during Road Expansion Was Successful for Most Waterbirds but Not for Waders

Coastal wetlands are one of the most threatened ecosystems due to, firstly, their relative rarity and, secondly, the strong human interest in these coastal sites for infrastructure development, and recreation. These coastal wetlands also serve as important migration stopover sites for a range of waterbirds. There is great international interest in mitigating the negative effects of human land development and in restoring degraded habitats. I evaluated the response of one waterbird community to the mitigation action implemented during road expansion in an important waterbird coastal habitat in central Norway. Using a novel mitigation method, the shoreline was moved seawards to allow space for a continued shoreline habitat and the extended road. By weekly monitoring the waterbird community during spring and autumn migration periods (n = 7 of each), I found similar biodiversity, evenness, and abundance of geese, dabbling ducks, diving ducks, gulls, and waders when data for the whole wetland were used. However, after construction waders were partially displaced from the zone closest to the road to a zone further away. For some groups of birds, shoreline translocation can be a fruitful mitigation action aiming to reduce the negative effects of infrastructure expansion in coastal areas.

University Population and Wildfire Risk: An Analysis of Perception-Based Variables and Geospatial Differences

This research presents a novel perspective on university students, staff, and faculty and their perception of risk concerning wildfires in the fire-prone US State of Idaho. Past studies have conducted resident surveys in high-risk communities to investigate what factors make homeowners more likely to engage in mitigation activities, increasing communities’ resiliency. Research on a population without property ownership and using the wildland-urban interface (WUI) as activity and recreation spaces is limited. The main hypothesis is that a university population will have different perception and awareness levels in perception-based variables when comparing students to staff/faculty in a traditional survey and geospatial analysis. This study investigates Boise State University’s population’s risk perception using an online survey and interactive spatial assessment to examine differences between associated and geographically allocated risk spaces. Findings from perception mapping, binomial regression, and geostatistical analysis contrast current literature with traditional residents’ surveys. The explorative geostatistical analysis reveals distinct allocation patterns of perceived risk not captured in survey questions. Overall, findings promote a better understanding of where risk and awareness are apparent and suggest that wildfire communication efforts should reach out to all users of the WUI.

A new conception of port governance under climate change

The port governance literature has charted the trend towards devolution of port services to the private sector, also showing how the increasing influence of external private actors such as shipping lines and global terminal operators affects decisions on expansion and service provision, producing a more multifaceted and polycentric kind of port governance. In this paper we extend these notions to cover both mitigation of and adaptation to climate change. A growing body of literature on green ports discusses the various actions that can be taken to limit emissions in the port area, while another body of literature is growing on climate change adaptation measures, including the uncertain risks and rewards. Both mitigation and adaptation actions are partly linked to the commercial decisions of port actors but also partly driven by external actors (e.g. society, government, regulators). The analysis produces an updated conceptualisation of port governance under climate change, based on four stakeholder groups (public policy, commercial actors, indirect actors and international shipping governance) and produces three key conclusions. First, concession contracts and commercial relationships will need to change, with a more integrated vision and approach to sharing future (sometimes undefined or uncosted) costs and benefits between the port authority and commercial partners. Second, diversification of the port business model will see a larger focus on energy production and provision, requiring the more explicit inclusion of external stakeholders, particularly energy companies, in port governance. Third, port governance will see a return to prominence of the public dimension, both in terms of national decarbonisation plans and particularly regarding adaptation to an uncertain and turbulent future. As ports are both commercial activities and national infrastructure, these different identities will need to be united in a joint vision.

IT Risk Management Analysis Based on ISO 31000 and Bow Tie Analysis (BTA) in Higher Education Institution

The Division of Applications and Software is a part of the Academic Support Unit (UPA) for Information and Communication Technology at Universitas Jember (UNEJ) or UPA TIK UNEJ. Based on interviews, UPA TIK UNEJ has not yet implemented risk management, leading to recurring issues in their IT services. Risk management is crucial for preventing and mitigating negative impacts that can harm the organization. Additionally, it is a requirement for internal quality management system audits, according to UNEJ Rector's Decision Number 20588/UN25/LL/2018. This study aims to identify, analyze, and assess potential risks in the Division of Applications and Software at UPA TIK UNEJ and to apply Bow Tie Analysis (BTA) to identify preventive and mitigative actions for the highest-rated risks. The approach used is ISO 31000:2018, which provides a comprehensive framework for risk management. For in-depth risk analysis, the BTA method, combining event tree analysis (ETA) and fault tree analysis (FTA), is utilized. The research begins with context establishment through interviews, followed by risk identification, analysis, assessment, and mitigation. The results show 21 risks identified in the process of developing information systems or applications. The top three priority risks are coded R02, R04, and R19. The second priority includes 17 risks, and the third priority includes 1 risk.

Potential processes leading to winter reddening of young Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. Franco. in Europe

Key messageWinter reddening of young Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. Franco), triggered by large thermal fluctuations in late winter, is a critical problem for European forestry. A literature review identified certain climatic conditions that are characteristic of ‘reddening’ years, including warm daily temperatures, high daily temperature amplitude, low relative humidity, moderate wind speeds, as well as the occurrence of freeze-thaw cycles with cold night temperatures.By describing the triggering environmental and stand factors, we propose three hypotheses for the physiological processes leading to winter reddening, namely (i) hydraulic failure due to winter drought stress, (ii) photo-oxidative stress in shade-acclimated trees, and (iii) early cold deacclimation during warm periods.i) Low soil temperature, by reducing root water uptake, combined with anticyclonic conditions, by increasing water losses, can induce hydraulic failure in the xylem. Hydraulic failure may be further accelerated by night frosts.ii) Winter reddening can occur when low temperature and high irradiance coincide, disrupting photostasis. Overwhelming of winter photo-protection may lead to photodamage and subsequent reddening.iii) Warm periods, by inducing cold deacclimation, make trees susceptible to frost damage.Finally, the three processes may interact under atypical anticyclonic conditions in late winter (e.g. cold or dry soils, warm days, high irradiance and/or freezing nights). Indeed, trees under water stress would develop a higher sensitivity to freezing night and photooxidative stress. We therefore proposed mitigation actions to avoid exposing trees to stressful conditions based on e.g. stand characteristics, understorey vegetation and planting.

Development of SADS (Soil and Air Detector System) to Support Palm Oil Industries in Indonesia

The issue of environmental damage due to the expansion of palm oil plantations in Indonesia has become a global issue. It has often hampered the development of the downstream palm oil industries in Indonesia. The European market was once closed to palm oil and derivative products from Indonesia. In fact, this industry has become a source of income and employment for millions of Indonesians. Therefore, palm oil industry must be supported with sustainable efforts. One of them is developing SADS (Soil and Air Detector System) model. Which is a tool for detecting soil and air environmental conditions around palm oil plantations. The parameters are soil PH, CO2 levels, temperature and humidity, and sunlight. The measurement results from this tool can be accessed and displayed in real-time via the internet. This is research aims to build a smart system as a solution to environmental problems around palm oil plantations. This is useful for knowing and observing the condition of palm oil plantations and as a basis for taking mitigation actions if the condition is in a critical state