Northern Parts Of Europe Research Articles

Long-Term Cumulative Effect of Management Decisions on Forest Structure and Biodiversity in Hemiboreal Forests

We evaluated the long-term impacts of various forest management practices on the structure and biodiversity of Estonian hemiboreal forests, a unique ecological transition zone between temperate and boreal forests, found primarily in regions with cold winters and moderately warm summers, such as the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. The study examined 150 plots across stands of different ages (65–177 years), including commercial forests and Natura 2000 habitat 9010* “Western Taiga”. These plots varied in stand origin—multi-aged (trees of varying ages) versus even-aged (uniform tree ages), management history—historical (practices before the 1990s) and recent (post-1990s practices), and conservation status—protected forests (e.g., Natura 2000 areas) and commercial forests focused on timber production. Data on forest structure, including canopy tree diameters, deadwood volumes, and species richness, were collected alongside detailed field surveys of vascular plants and bryophytes. Management histories were assessed using historical maps and records. Statistical analyses, including General Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs), Multi-Response Permutation Procedures (MRPP), and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA), were used to evaluate the effects of origin, management history, and conservation status on forest structure and species composition. Results indicated that multi-aged origin forests had significantly higher canopy tree diameters and deadwood volumes compared to even-aged origin stands, highlighting the benefits of varied-age management for structural diversity. Historically managed forests showed increased tree species richness, but lower deadwood volumes, suggesting a biodiversity–structure trade-off. Recent management, however, negatively impacted both deadwood volume and understory diversity, reflecting short-term forestry consequences. Protected areas exhibited higher deadwood volumes and bryophyte richness compared to commercial forests, indicating a small yet persistent effect of conservation strategies in sustaining forest complexity and biodiversity. Indicator species analysis identified specific vascular plants and bryophytes as markers of long-term management impacts. These findings highlight the ecological significance of integrating historical legacies and conservation priorities into modern management to support forest resilience and biodiversity.

The Transformation of European Fretted Zithers in the 19<sup>th</sup> and 20<sup>th</sup> Centuries

Different types of fretted zithers appeared in the western and northern parts of Europe and in the Alpine regions 500-600 years ago to meet the needs of rural folk music. In the 19th and 20th centuries, in northern Germany, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands, zithers were constantly pushed out of village folk music. The final blow was the spread of the accordion to the zither. However, in some regions of southern Germany, Bavaria and Austria, zithers did not disappear, but underwent a number of significant modifications. In the first step, the volume of the instrument was increased (Salzburg form). This variety, called the Kratzzither was further developed in two different ways. To ensure that the zither could play with other instruments, the Scherrzither and Raffele were developed. Another development direction of the Kratzzither was the Schlagzither, which already provided a harmonic accompaniment to the melody. The systematic development of the Schlagzither made possible the birth of the Austrian and German Konzertzithers, whose harmonization already meets the requirements of classical music.

Facilitators and barriers for working beyond statutory pension age: A prospective cohort study across 26 European countries.

The aging population of European countries highlights the need for extended working lives. This study aims to investigate facilitators and barriers for working beyond the statutory pension age (SPA). Using data from waves 1, 2, 4-9 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (2004-2022), we followed 9131 workers with a mean age of 56.9 [standard deviation (SD) 3.5] years from 26 European countries until they surpassed the SPA for their respective country, sex and year of participation. Using robust Poisson regression, we modelled the prospective association of work factors, lifestyle, health, and demographics at baseline with working at least one year beyond the SPA. Participants were followed for 9.5 (SD 3.9) years. After surpassing the SPA by at least one year, 18% were still working. Among the work factors, opportunities for skill development [risk ratio (RR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.34] and recognition at work (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.26) facilitated working beyond SPA, while time pressure (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.97) and poor prospects for job advancement (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70-0.83) were barriers. For the other factors, smoking was negatively associated with working beyond the SPA, while living in the northern part of Europe, higher level of education, and being divorced or separated were positively associated with working beyond the SPA. This prospective cohort study across 26 European countries identified four modifiable work factors that influenced working beyond the SPA. Addressing modifiable barriers and facilitators at the workplace and through public health initiatives could help extend working lives in Europe.

The Powers of the Soul in David of Augsburg’s 'De Exterioris et Interioris Hominis Compositione'

David of Augsburg, who lived from c. 1200 to 1272, is perhaps one of the least known of the most read authors of the late Middle Ages. His opus magnum, De exterioris et interioris hominis compositione secundum triplicem statum incipientium, proficientium et perfectorum, written in the 1240s in Regensburg, is one of the most successful books of learning in the Northern part of Europe in the Late Middle Ages. It is a voluminous treatise consisting of three books, structured according to Pseudo-Dionysius’ three steps of the spiritual life. Within this triple scheme, the three powers of the soul (understanding, memory, and will) are presented as central to the whole trajectory of spiritual growth towards God. This article addresses five paradoxes that one encounters while studying David and his extensive treatise, in particular the parts on the powers of the soul.

Using Partial Solar Eclipse for the 14-Metre Radio Telescope Calibration

Abstract A partial solar eclipse occurred on 25 October 2022, in the central and northern parts of Europe. The partial solar eclipse was observed at Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory, Finland at the radio wavelength of 8 mm (37 GHz). In Finland, the magnitude of the partial solar eclipse was 62.7 %. Solar radio maps at the time cadence of about 9 minutes were observed over the whole eclipse. The solar eclipse observations could be used for instrument calibration purposes. This paper investigates the solar brightness temperature, the limb brightening effect, the height of the chromosphere and the location of radio brightening using the aforementioned partial solar eclipse observations. We got the confirmation that our earlier results are consistent, e.g., the solar brightness temperature matches with 8100 K ± 300 K. It was also possible to detect limb brightening effect. However, the prevailing solar activity might have distorted the final conclusions. The Moon should operate as a focusing element and the location of radio brightenings could be defined more carefully than in the normal conditions. We investigated this feature. Our results are in some parts unexpected and need further investigations.

Late Pleistocene small mammals (Chiroptera, Rodentia, Lagomorpha) from Agios Georgios Cave (Kilkis, Central Macedonia, Greece)

The Late Pleistocene small mammal fauna from Agios Georgios Cave (Kilkis, Central Macedonia, Greece) is examined, resulting in the identification of 14 species of Chiroptera, Rodentia and Lagomorpha. The palaeoenvironment of the area around the cave seems to have been a relatively arid, steppe-like plain with sparsely-wooded patches. There was also a permanent or temporary water body near the cave. The palaeoclimate of the region was colder than today, but rather warm compared to more northern parts of Europe, which were strongly affected by the Last Glacial Maximum.

Did the Bronze Age deforestation of Europe affect its climate? A regional climate model study using pollen-based land cover reconstructions

Abstract. This paper studies the impact of land use and land cover change (LULCC) on the climate around 2500 years ago (2.5 ka), a period of rapid transitions across the European landscape. One global climate model was used to force two regional climate models (RCMs). The RCMs used two land cover descriptions. The first was from a dynamical vegetation model representing potential land cover, and the second was from a land cover description reconstructed from pollen data by statistical interpolation. The two different land covers enable us to study the impact of land cover on climate conditions. Since the difference in landscape openness between potential and reconstructed land cover is mostly due to LULCC, this can be taken as a measure of early anthropogenic effects on climate. Since the sensitivity to LULCC is dependent on the choice of climate model, we also use two RCMs. The results show that the simulated 2.5 ka climate was warmer than the simulated pre-industrial (PI, 1850 CE) climate. The largest differences are seen in northern Europe, where the 2.5 ka climate is 2–4 ∘C warmer than the PI period. In summer, the difference between the simulated 2.5 ka and PI climates is smaller (0–3 ∘C), with the smallest differences in southern Europe. Differences in seasonal precipitation are mostly within ±10 %. In parts of northern Europe, the 2.5 ka climate is up to 30 % wetter in winter than that of the PI climate. In summer there is a tendency for the 2.5 ka climate to be drier than the PI climate in the Mediterranean region. The results also suggest that LULCC at 2.5 ka impacted the climate in parts of Europe. Simulations including reconstructed LULCC (i.e. those using pollen-derived land cover descriptions) give up to 1 ∘C higher temperature in parts of northern Europe in winter and up to 1.5 ∘C warmer in southern Europe in summer than simulations with potential land cover. Although the results are model dependent, the relatively strong response implies that anthropogenic land cover changes that had occurred during the Neolithic and Bronze Age could have affected the European climate by 2.5 ka.

How Icelandic Is French Law? A Few Remarks about the Discovery and Usage of Icelandic Antiquities in French Legal Historiography during the Nineteenth Century

How Icelandic Is French Law? A Few Remarks about the Discovery and Usage of Icelandic Antiquities in French Legal Historiography during the Nineteenth Century

Being happy. The role of personal value priorities in subjective well-being across European countries

The feeling of well-being differs across cultural contexts and can be understood from the perspective of personal value priorities. This study uses a multilevel model with a sample of 324,204 people from 31 European countries and shows that the values conformity, tradition, benevolence, self-direction, and hedonism exert a positive average influence, whereas universalism and power exert a negative average influence on subjective well-being. Comparing similar value-outcome relationships in multiple countries simultaneously reveals that the geographical boundaries of a country strongly influence the kind of role values play, with very different and sometimes opposing effects across countries. The study also considers how subjective well-being is related to the fit of personal value priorities with the prevailing values in the environment. While value incongruency is negatively related to well-being in Cyprus, Germany, Spain, Greece, Lithuania, and Ukraine, it has a positive effect in other countries in the eastern and northern parts of Europe.

Prediction of Current and Future Suitable Habitats for Three Invasive Freshwater Fish Species in Europe

Climate change can have a significant impact on the Earth’s ecosystems. Invasive species will respond to climate change, and their responses will have ecological and economic implications. Habitat suitability models (HSMs) are some of the most important tools currently available for assessing the potential impacts of climate change on species. The projections of a model of suitable conditions for three invasive fish species in Europe, Lepomis gibbosus, Perccottus glenii and Pseudorasbora parva, built using Maxent and based on the occurrence throughout the range (native and invasive), on the current climate of Europe and on the forecast climate data for the 2050s and 2070s in the SSP2 and SSP5 scenarios are presented herein. For Lepomis gibbosus and Pseudorasbora parva, climate change will lead to a significant expansion of their zones, with suitable conditions to the north and east, while the change in suitability in their existing ranges will be moderate. For Perccottus glenii, the zone with suitable conditions will shift northward, with a gradual deterioration in the southern and central parts of its current range and an improvement in the northern part. Thus, at present and until the 2070s, Lepomis gibbosus and Pseudorasbora parva can be considered potentially dangerous invasive species in most parts of Europe, while Perccottus glenii can be considered as such only in the northern part of Europe.

The cultivation of rye in marginal Alpine environments: a comparison of the agronomic, technological, health and sanitary traits of local landraces and commercial cultivars.

Rye is a secondary crop that is characterized by a higher tolerance to climatically less favorable conditions than other cereal species. For this reason, rye was historically used as a fundamental raw material for bread production and as a supply of straw in northern parts of Europe as well as in mountain environments, such as Alpine valleys, where locally adapted landraces have continued to be cultivated over the years. In this study, rye landraces collected in different valleys in the Northwest Italian Alps have been selected as the most genetically isolated within their geographical contexts and cultivated in two different marginal Alpine environments. The traits concerning their agronomy, mycotoxin contamination, bioactive content, as well as their technological and baking quality were assessed to characterize and compare rye landraces with commercial wheat and rye cultivars. Rye cultivars showed the same grain yield level as wheat in both environments. Only the genotype selected from the Maira Valley was characterized by tall and thin culms and a proneness to lodging, thereby resulting in a lower yield capacity. Among the rye cultivars, the hybrid one presented the highest yield potential, but also the highest susceptibility to the occurrence of ergot sclerotia. However, the rye cultivars, especially the landraces, were characterized by higher concentrations of minerals, soluble fibers, and soluble phenolic acids, and thus both their flours and breads had superior antioxidant properties. A 40% substitution of refined wheat flour with whole-grain rye flour led to a higher dough water absorption and a lower stability, thereby resulting in lower loaf volumes and darker products. Agronomically and qualitatively speaking, the rye landraces diverged significantly from the conventional rye cultivars, thus reflecting their genetic distinctiveness. The landrace from the Maira Valley shared a high content in phenolic acids and good antioxidant properties with the one from the Susa Valley and, when combined with wheat flour, turned out to be the most suitable for bread making. Overall, the results have highlighted the suitability of reintroducing historic rye supply chains, based on the cultivation of local landraces in marginal environments and the production of value-added bakery goods.

Invasion history of Gyraulus chinensis (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) in Europe: a molecular and literature-based approach

AbstractInvasion of alien species is one of the major environmental problems in the globalised world. Therefore, identifying pathways for the introduction and spread of alien species can help to mitigate their impact on invaded ecosystems. This study focused on the freshwater snail Gyraulus chinensis, which invades Europe from eastern Eurasia, where it is native. It was first recorded in Europe about 50 years ago and has since expanded its distribution. However, its origin and the mechanisms of its spread have not yet been studied. Therefore, we performed molecular identification and estimated its origin and dispersal mechanisms based on a literature review, molecular phylogenetics, and population genetics. We found that the haplotypes of G. chinensis in Europe are closely related to southern East Asia, namely Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands. The results also suggest multiple introductions, mainly due to the diversity of haplotypes detected in European G. chinensis populations. Currently, the distribution and invasion of the species in the outdoor environments are concentrated in southern Europe, probably due to thermal constraints. However, the species has been recorded in many indoor habitats in the northern part of Europe, indicating a high potential for its spread in the warmer world.

A new definitive host for Moniliformis cestodiformis (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae): first report of a naturally infected European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).

European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), are small mammals found in western Europe and also in parts of northern Europe. They can be seen in rural, suburban and urban areas, but are usually found in grassland with edge habitats. These animals are omnivorous and serve as definitive or paratenic hosts for several parasites, including acanthocephalans (phylum Acanthocephala). During necropsy of a European hedgehog, a single adult parasite was collected from the intestinal lumen and preserved in 70% ethanol. After morphological evaluation of the specimen, it was identified as Moniliformis cestodiformis (von Linstow, 1904) (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae). This is the first report of M. cestodiformis in a European hedgehog, as well as in Europe. More epidemiological studies need to be carried out to map the location and prevalence of this parasite in Portugal and the European continent.

ОРНАМЕНТОВАНІ ЗНАРЯДДЯ З ОРГАНІЧНИХ МАТЕРІАЛІВ МЕЗОЛІТУ–НЕОЛІТУ БАСЕЙНУ ДЕСНИ

The most earliest cases of using the long bones of ungulates as tools are known from the Middle Paleolithic. In the Upper Paleolithic time, the manufacture of tools from the long bones of ungulates, as well as the ornamentation of some of them, is often represented in the sites of Europe. The territory of the Desna basin, during the time of the Final Paleolithic – Neolithic, was involved in the same cultural and historical processes that took place in the northern part of Europe. But, for today, unlike many northern regions of Europe, in the territory of the Desna basin, items made of bone or horn are known only from Neolithic points. Ornamented tools are represented only by single samples. The purpose of this work is to соnsider ornamented tools made of organic materials found in the Desna basin and to publish a previously unknown sample of such tools found on the outskirts of Chernihiv, on Telyachiy island. The find from Telyachiy island is a fragment of a tool made from a long bone of a deer (Cervidae gen. etsp.). The the lack of a radiocarbon date makes it impossible to clarify its accurate dating. Based on the spread of columns of parallel strokes of ornament in the Mesolithic period and its continued existence in the Neolithic period, as well as the presence of finds of fragments of Neolithic ceramics on Telyachyi island, the found fragment of the tool, today, should be dated to the Mesolithic – Neolithic period. Thus, for the Early Holocene periods of the territory of the Desna basin, items made of organic materials are represented only by the Neolithic period. Among them, ornamented tools are rare specimens. Only for a fragment of a tool made of a long bone of a deer found on Telyachyi island, it can be assumed that it dates back to the Mesolithic. Given the meager amount of ornamented items made from organic materials from the territory of the Desna basin, this find is certainly an important source for understanding the ornamental traditions of decorating tools and the aesthetic preferences of the ancient population of the Desna basin.

Finland in the Mediterranean

This article aimes to shed light on the rich, but rather enigmatic relationship between Finland and the Mediterranean world. These interactions have been approached since Antiquity, but this paper’s focus has been on 19th and 20th centuries and especially on the last three decades. About thirty years ago, when Finland was preparing itself to join the European Union, it also had to build up a real Mediterranean policy of its own. It was in the Corfu European Council in June 1994 when the then-president realised that the country needed such a policy. Thus, in 1995, when Finland joined the EU, it also participated in the Barcelona Euro-Mediterranean Conference and signed the Barcelona Declaration that established the Barcelona Process forming the structures for European Union cooperation with the southern and eastern Mediterranean countries. The participation into this structural process was felt important for Finland mainly for two reasons. Firstly, the country wanted to be a full and active member of the EU and thus contribute to every fi eld of activity that are important for the union. Secondly, we Finns realised that if we wanted the southern European countries to understand and to cooperate with our own ambitions in the northern part of Europe, we needed to show solidarity towards the aims and needs of our southern partners in the Mediterranean. All this resulted in Finland being surprisingly active in all Euro-Mediterranean cooperation environments. This concerned not only offi cial state activities, but also other public sectors as well as civil society actors and NGOs. These EuroMediterranean activities became so many and so multiform that we can deal only with a few of them here as examples.

Modelling the current and future temperature suitability of the UK for the vector Hyalomma marginatum (Acari: Ixodidae)

Hyalomma marginatum is the main vector of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and spotted fever rickettsiae in Europe. The distribution of H. marginatum is currently restricted to parts of southern Europe, northern Africa and Asia, and one of the drivers limiting distribution is climate, particularly temperature. As temperatures rise with climate change, parts of northern Europe currently considered too cold for H. marginatum to be able to survive may become suitable, including the United Kingdom (UK), presenting a potential public health concern. Here we use a series of modelling methodologies to understand whether mean air temperatures across the UK during 2000-2019 were sufficient for H. marginatum nymphs to moult into adult stages and be able to overwinter in the UK if they were introduced on migratory birds. We then used UK-specific climate projections (UKCP18) to determine whether predicted temperatures would be sufficient to allow survival in future. We found that spring temperatures in parts of the UK during 2000-2019 were warm enough for predicted moulting to occur, but in all years except 2006, temperatures during September to December were too cold for overwintering to occur. Our analysis of the projections data suggests that whilst temperatures in the UK during September to December will increase in future, they are likely to remain below the threshold required for H. marginatum populations to become established.

Phenology and morphology of the invasive legume Lupinus polyphyllus along a latitudinal gradient in Europe

Plant phenology, i. e. the timing of life cycle events, is related to individual fitness and species distribution ranges. Temperature is one of the most important drivers of plant phenology together with day length. The adaptation of their phenology may be important for the success of invasive plant species. The present study aims at understanding how the performance and the phenology of the invasive legume Lupinus polyphyllus vary with latitude. We sampled data across a >2000 km latitudinal gradient from Central to Northern Europe. We quantified variation in phenology of flowering and fruiting of L. polyphyllus using >1600 digital photos of inflorescences from 220 individual plants observed weekly at 22 sites. The day of the year at which different phenological phases were reached, increased 1.3–1.8 days per degree latitude, whereas the growing degree days (gdd) required for these phenological phases decreased 5–16 gdd per degree latitude. However, this difference disappeared, when the day length of each day included in the calculation of gdd was considered. The day of the year of the earliest and the latest climatic zone to reach any of the three studied phenological phases differed by 23–30 days and temperature requirements to reach these stages differed between 62 and 236 gdd. Probably, the invasion of this species will further increase in the northern part of Europe over the next decades due to climate warming. For invasive species control, our results suggest that in countries with a large latitudinal extent, the mowing date should shift by ca. one week per 500 km at sites with similar elevations.

When a King of Norway Became a King of Russia

When a King of Norway Became a King of Russia

Possible impact of winter conditions and summer temperature on bank vole (Myodes glareolus) population fluctuations in Central Norway

In recent decades, population fluctuations of microtine rodents have frequently faded out in parts of northern Europe, possibly because of climate change. Weather events may affect the rodents directly, but also indirectly, by acting on factors that generate population fluctuations. However, few studies have addressed the latter aspect. A species well suited for such a study is the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), which usually increases in number after a year with high seed production of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). We analysed two snap-trapping time series of bank vole from Central Norway. When controlling for the impact of seed production of bilberry and Norway spruce (Picea abies), the number of bank voles trapped in the low-altitude area was negatively related to a summer temperature index of the two previous years, possibly because of the impact of temperature on the nutritional status of food plants. In the area situated at the highest altitude, there was a negative relationship with the winter NAO-index and a positive relationship with a snow depth index. Wet and mild winters are assumed to give unfavourable snow conditions, with alternating thawing and freezing, sometimes also creating an ice-layer at ground level, whereas a sufficient thick snow cover protects the rodents in periods with critical low temperatures. We conclude that an understanding of the ultimate cause of population fluctuations is needed to reveal the disturbing effects of weather events or other factors.

Mycotoxin determination in fungal contaminated Canadian silage toxic to dairy cows and goats

Silage has become a key component of year-long animal feed in Canada and parts of northern Europe. It provides several advantages to farmers over traditional feed components, such as increased digestibility, higher nutrient content and preservation of the forages to meet seasonal feeding demands. Some ensiled materials can contain toxic fungal metabolites resulting from ‘in field’ contamination. In addition, when improperly stored or exposed to air during the feedout stage, silage is highly susceptible to aerobic spoilage by yeasts and filamentous fungi resulting in lower nutrient value and further mycotoxin contamination. In this study, silage samples were collected from 25 Canadian dairy goat and cattle farms where animals experienced feed-related health issues. Twenty-six unique fungal species were isolated from these samples, with the majority beingPenicillium. High resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HRLC-MS/MS) was used to identify a total of 125 known mycotoxins and fungal secondary metabolites from these silage samples, many of which were not produced by the 26 isolated filamentous fungi grown in agar cultures. Various mycotoxins resulting from preharvest contamination were detected, including ergot alkaloids, fumonisins and trichothecenes, some in high concentrations. Toxins produced after harvest included roquefortine C, citrinin and penitrem A. This study reinforces the need for farmers to implement best management practices to minimise fungal contamination and the resulting mycotoxin deposition in their crop and stored feed to maintain animal health.