Stages Of Restoration Research Articles

Resilience-Oriented Co-Deployment of Remote- Controlled Switches and Soft Open Points in Distribution Networks

Soft open points (SOPs) can perform load transferring and voltage support, helping to expand the range of service restoration in distribution networks (DNs) under fault scenarios. In addition, in the field of DN restoration, SOPs are usually controlled in coordination with switch actions (e.g., the network reconfiguration). However, in the planning level, the coordinated deployment of SOPs and remote-controlled switches (RCSs) has never been studied in the literature. To this end, for the first time, this paper proposes a co-deployment framework for SOPs and RCSs incorporating active management of flexible resources for resilience improvement in DNs, in which the coupled multiple recovery stages are also modeled and included. The objective is to minimize the investment cost of SOPs and RCSs, along with the cost caused by de-energized loads, with the consideration of exhaustive DN operation constraints over proactive islanding, degradation, isolation and restoration stages. Furthermore, resilience-cost tradeoff is analyzed to help DN managers determine equipment investment plans. The formulated model is further transformed into a mixed-integer second-order cone programming model that can be thus efficiently solved. Simulation results on modified IEEE 34-node and IEEE 123-node test systems verify the effectiveness of the proposed model.

Relative importance of influencing factor‐driven soil enzyme activity during the early plantation stage in the hilly‐gully Loess regions

AbstractWidespread and rapid land‐use changes have changed the ecosystem structure and threatened soil functions. Soil enzymes are the important driving force and sensitive indicators for soil ecological function. However, the effect of afforestation on soil enzyme activity and the relative importance of the influencing factors (plants, soil, structure, and nutrition) are still inconclusive, especially in the early stage of afforestation. Here, the enzymatic activities and influencing factors of five types of plantations (18 years old) and natural grassland topsoil (0–20 cm) in the hilly‐gully region of the Loess Plateau were studied. The results showed that the soil enzyme activity of the plantations was significantly lower than that of the natural grassland, and the activities of invertase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase were decreased by 32%, 26%, and 10% on average, respectively. Partial correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis showed that the influence of soil and nutrient factors on invertase and alkaline phosphatase was more important than that of plant and structural factors, while urease was more influenced by plant and nutrition factors. Our results suggest that soil and nutrient characteristics were important factors affecting soil enzyme activity in plantations, but the disturbance of vegetation may be the main reason for the decrease in enzyme activity in the early stage of restoration.

Dynamics of SOC density and driving factors during the restoration of artificial grassland and abandoned farmland in Mu Us Desert, China

Establishment of artificial grassland and abandoned farmland are effective measures to increase soil carbon sequestration and mitigate global warming; however, the difference between the two methods in terms of carbon sequestration efficiency and mechanisms at various times and at different soil depths remain unclear. This study investigates the soil organic carbon density (SOCD), soil physicochemical properties, microbial biomass, as well as the above- and belowground biomass of artificial grassland and abandoned farmland restored for one, three, four, seven, and nine years in Mu Us Desert, China. The results show that establishment of both land types could significantly increase soil carbon storage. The SOCD changed following a single-peak curve in the artificial grassland and steadily increased with restoration age in the abandoned farmland. The SOCD of the artificial grassland reached 1.7–2.4 times that of the abandoned farmland, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the two by the ninth year. The SOCD did not increase significantly in the early stages of restoration (1–3 years and 1–4 years for artificial grassland and abandoned farmland, respectively), which was delayed as the soil layer deepened. Compared to the abandoned farmland, the influence of plants on SOCD through microbial pathways was greater in the artificial grassland, however, the role of soil texture in abandoned farmland was more pronounced. Along with soil depth, the influence of plant factors on the SOCD decreased (40.37–18.19%), but the combined effects of the soil texture and microbial biomass determined the SOCD dynamics. Our results suggest that the combination of appropriate artificial interventions in abandoned farmland can not only quickly restore vegetation communities but also enhance the plant-soil interactions, improve soil texture and microbial functions, increase carbon capture and storage capabilities, and form more sustainable grassland ecosystems.

Spatial patterns and influencing factors of soil SOC、DOC、ROC at initial stage of vegetation restoration in a karst area

Vegetation restoration has always been the focus of ecological research, but the synergistic effect of the soil carbon cycle and vegetation restoration succession process in karst area is still unclear. In this study, the complete succession zones of non-karst, karst, and karst vegetation restoration landforms in a National Nature Reserve, Caohai (Guizhou Province, China), were compared. The content distribution characteristics of SOC, ROC and DOC were investigated, as well as the geomorphology, spatial location and interaction were studied by using GLMM. The results show that the soil types and vegetation coverage of different landforms lead to a decrease in SOC in karst area with an increase in depth. The soil content in karst area was low, and in order to maintain the normal growth of vegetation, the proportion of soil ROC and DOC in SOC must be high, which leads to the order of soil ROC content in unrepaired area > vegetation restoration area > non-karst area. In addition, the content of SOC in the surface layer of the vegetation restoration area was lower than that of the unrepaired area and the non-karst area. The soil microbial activity in the vegetation restoration area is stronger, and more organic carbon was fixed in the plant. The vegetation coverage and diversity increased obviously and markedly as a result of dominant plants changing (from Gramineae to Gramineae + Compositae) in the karst vegetation restoration area, but the soil in the karst area could not provide sufficient nutrition for plants, ultimately resulting in an inverse ratio between surface SOC and vegetation diversity. This study aims to enhance understandings of ecological functions and vegetation restoration in karst areas, as well as responses to regional carbon cycling.

Radial differentiation of chemical composition of cryogenic soils in the Chara river valley, north of Transbaikalia

The subject of the study is the content of iron compounds and their radial differentiation in the profiles of cryogenic soils of the Chara River valley (Transbaikalia). The studied soils belong to post-pyrogenic permafrost gleyzems, the depths of the seasonal active‐layer of these soils are from 34 to 44 cm. Macronutrient concentrations, with the exception of Si, rarely exceed 5.0%, while the silicon content reaches 24.3%. Si is also characterized by removal from the upper part of soil profiles and accumulation in permafrost soil horizons. The highest concentrations are characteristic in the O horizons (Mg – 4.8 and Ca – 1.5 mg/kg) for a significant part of the macroelements. The trace elements, Sr and Zr are distributed vary contrastingly (from 5.0 to 29.7 and from 5.6 to 47.1 mg/kg). Values of the R coefficient from 0.3 to 0.9 indicate the initial stage of post-pyrogenic restoration of soil properties, and the active accumulation of Mg, Ca, Ti, Fe, Sr, and other elements in the upper part of oxidized-gley permafrost gleyzem observed in the profile is a sign of active restoration. The soils contain about 3.4% iron, which more than 60–75% is the silicate group of compounds (Feс). The moisture content of soils and the prevailing reducing environmental conditions contribute to the formation of monotonous distributions in their profiles, and in soils without signs of stable hydromorphism, permafrost horizons contain almost 2 times more Feox and Feextr.

Management of coastal dunes affected by shrub encroachment: are rabbits an ally or an enemy of restoration?

In coastal dunes, shrub encroachment disrupts natural disturbance, and reduces habitat heterogeneity and species composition. In this paper, we implemented a pilot scale trial aimed at restoring coastal dunes affected by the encroachment by the shrub Retama monosperma (hereinafter Retama) as well as strengthening the populations of Thymus carnosus (regionally cataloged as ‘Critically Endangered’). A total 3 ha of Retama shrub was clearcut in two sites with different Retama cover (54 and 72%). The effect of rabbits on vegetation recovery was assessed by placing exclosures both in treated and untreated plots in Spring, 2015. Plant composition, species richness and diversity were evaluated two years after treatments (with and without Retama clearing, and with and without rabbit exclusion). Retama clearing alone did not allow the recovery of plant composition typical of gray dunes two-years after treatments, but resulted in a biodiversity loss within the Retama understorey when rabbits were present. However, Retama clearing resulted in a significant vigor improvement of T. carnosus in the site with the highest density of Retama. Rabbit exclusion significantly increased species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index, and allowed the recovery of plant composition typical of gray dunes. The results suggest that shrub encroachment caused by Retama has a long-lasting negative impact on dune vegetation and that periodic clearing should be combined with rabbit exclusion at least during early restoration stages of dune vegetation. To recover the population of T. carnosus, Retama should be prevented from reaching high cover and periodic clearing without rabbit exclusion is suggested.

The key to temperate savanna restoration is to increase plant species richness reasonably

Changes in species composition and diversity-productivity relationships during vegetation succession are of great significance for the restoration of degraded grasslands. However, the human intervention of grassland restoration mostly considers the single ecological (diversity) or production (biomass) function of grasslands, and does not fully consider the relationships between the two to improve the restoration effects. In this study, three vegetation types (desert grassland, sandy grassland and temperate savanna) were considered to simulate the three stages of restoration of degraded temperate savanna (early, middle and late restoration). Changes in species composition, diversity, and diversity-productivity relationships during the temperate savanna restoration were explored through spatiotemporal substitution. The results showed that with the progress of succession, xerophytes decreased significantly, mesophytes and hygrophytes increased, C4 plants decreased gradually, and C3 plants increased. The change of species richness was the main reason for community differences in the process of community succession, and species replacement mainly occurred between communities in the early and middle stages of succession. Species richness increased significantly from early to late stage of restoration. Latitude was significantly negatively correlated with species diversity. In the process of vegetation restoration, the impact of species richness, Pielou’s evenness, and β-diversity on biomass gradually developed positively and continued to increase, while the Simpson index showed the opposite effect. This study provides references for the restoration of temperate savanna and emphasizes the ecological and productive functions of the grassland should be taken into account in the restoration strategy.

Stages of Restoration of Components of Post-Agrogenic Pine Forest Ecosystems at the National Park “Smolensk Lakeland”

Rural depopulation in Russia was accompanied by the abandonment of arable lands and natural reforestation. The aim of the work was to study soils and phytocenoses of six stages of pine forest restoration on rocks with coarse granulometric composition in the north-west of Smolensk region. The research was carried out at 18 key sites, characterizing 6 stages in triplicates. Under agrocenoses and one-year-old fallow lands we found agrozemes (Arenosols (Aric)) with a thick arable layer and a minimum abundance and biomass of macrofauna, represented mainly by phytophages and saprophages. At the 2nd stage of fallow meadows, grey-humus soils (Arenosols) and sod-podzols postagrogenic (Entic Podzols) were found with unchanged morphological properties in comparison with the first stage. Here, the biomass of macrofauna is maximal due to intensive invasion of open biotopes by insects. Young (up to 30 years old) pine forests grew on similar to the Stage 2 regraded soils. During 10 years of a forest growth, litter and protohumus regrading horizons were formed. In middle-aged (70–80 years old) pine forests on sod-podburs post-agrogenic regraded (Entic Podzols), signs of an eluvial process are manifested. Macrofauna is characterized by a decrease in the biomass of a litter population. In forests older than 80 years, decay of pine stands with the formation of complex spruce forests have begun. In soils, even lower boundary of old-fallow horizon disappears without podzolic horizon formation. Here, the maximum biomass of litter macrofauna is revealed. The final stage is shrubby (lingonberry)-green-moss pine forests older than 90 years growing on podzols (Albic Podzols) with remains of old-fallow horizon. Among macrofauna, litter macrofauna prevail in terms of a biomass, but the biomass is lower than in the previous stage. Due to the different degree of morphological manifestation of the alfegumus process, the fifth and sixth stages can be considered as variants of the development of post-agrogenic soils under pine forests.

Effects of vegetation restoration on ecosystem carbon storage and distribution pattern in semi-arid mining area

In order to explore the effect of artificial planting to promote vegetation restoration on ecosystem carbon storage in coal mining subsidence area, the distribution pattern of ecosystem carbon storage in mining area during vegetation restoration was studied by space-time substitution method.The results showed that : (1) The biomass of vegetation layer increased gradually with vegetation restoration, and the biomass distribution ratio of each component was shrub layer (92.1%) > litter layer (5.5%) > herb layer (2.4%). The biomass of shrub and herb layer was mainly distributed in the aboveground part, the former accounted for 73.2 %, and the latter accounted for 83.4 %. (2) The carbon content of the vegetation layer was shrub (45.5%) > herb (43.6%) > litter (38.7%). The total carbon storage was in the early initial of vegetation restoration (1657.1 kg hm-2) < mid-term vegetation restoration (4830.6 kg hm-2) < mature stage of vegetation restoration (8446.4 kg hm-2), and shrub was still the main storage part of carbon storage in this layer. In summary, vegetation restoration can significantly increase the carbon storage of the ecosystem, the proportion of carbon storage in the vegetation layer gradually increases.

FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC BASE OF LOCAL BUDGETS AS A KEY TO SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Purpose. The aim of the article is based on the assessment of the financial base of local budgets; identify key aspects of the formation and use of financial resources of territorial communities of Ukraine, offering effective approaches to managing the financial resources involved for local self-government bodies. Methodology of research. General scientific and special methods were used in the research process, in particular: dialectical, monographic, analysis and synthesis – to study the financial and economic basis of local budgets; comparative analysis – to compare economic indicators in time and space; abstract and logical – during the formation of theoretical generalizations, assumptions, conclusions. Findings. The need to intensify partnership cooperation between territorial communities, in the field of establishing communication and partnership relations between those territorial communities that have suffered as a result of military operations and those that can provide them with the necessary financial support, has been determined. It is proposed to adapt investment passports of regions and regional strategies of their development to the conditions of martial law. Originality. It is proposed to supplement the map of investment and business opportunities of Ukraine with separate requests for the restoration of infrastructure in the de-occupied Ukrainian territories in terms of already existing sectors. It is recommended to create a register of critical and social infrastructure objects for reconstruction and restoration with information on the nature of damage (destruction), the restoration project, volumes, sources and stages of financing in terms of planned and actual indicators. Practical value. Proposals based on research results can be used by local self-government bodies to restore critical infrastructure facilities, strengthen the financial and economic base of local budgets, which will contribute to the stabilization of regional development of Ukraine. Key words: budget, regional development, income, investments, borrowing.

Stages of Restoration of the Components of Postagrogenic Pine Forest Ecosystems in the Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park

Stages of Restoration of the Components of Postagrogenic Pine Forest Ecosystems in the Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park

Improved soil composition promotes nutrient recovery during vegetation restoration in karst peak-cluster depressions

The relationship between the soil structure and nutrient content during vegetation restoration of karst peak-cluster depression remains uncertain. Via field investigations and laboratory experiments, the changes in soil aggregate composition and nutrient distribution characteristics and their relationship during four stages of vegetation restoration (grassland (GL), shrub grass (SG), bush forest (BF) and secondary forest (SF) stages) in a karst peak-cluster depression were evaluated. The results showed that (1) vegetation restoration enhanced the formation of > 0.25 mm aggregates, while the distribution of aggregates in each stage was dominated by > 2 mm aggregates, constituting>72.18 % of the total aggregates, while the content of the other aggregates decreased with decreasing size. (2) Vegetation restoration gradually increased the soil organic matter (SOM), total potassium (TK) and available phosphorus (AP) contents, which peaked at the SF stage; the total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN), rapidly available potassium (AK) and exchangeable calcium (ExCa2+) and magnesium ions (ExMg2+) contents peaked in the BF stage and then slightly decreased, indicating that soil nutrient storage thresholds existed in the karst area. (3) The TN, AP, and ExMg2+ contents increased with decreasing aggregate size, and the AN and AK contents first increased and then decreased with decreasing aggregate size. (4) Among the soil aggregates, the nutrient contribution rate was dominated by > 2 mm aggregates, accounting for 41.42 %∼89.01 % of the total aggregates, with a coefficient of determination ranging from 0.456 to 0.998 according to stepwise regression analysis, suggesting that soil nutrients are highly correlated with the nutrient contents in the > 2 and 2–1 mm aggregates and that the soil aggregate composition determines the aggregate nutrient contribution. Vegetation restoration improves the soil structure and nutrient retention capacity, and the aggregate composition is the decisive factor of the nutrient distribution.

Effects of Spartina alterniflora invasion and subsequent mangrove restoration on soil nitrogen mineralization in Quangang, China

The Spartina alterniflora has severely invaded the coastal mangrove ecosystems in China. Here, we attempt to evaluate the invasion effect of S. alterniflora and the restoration effect of mangrove wetlands from the perspective of the nitrogen cycle characteristics. The inorganic nitrogen content, soil nitrogen mineralization, ammonification, and nitrification rate of uninvaded mudflats with those of invaded S. alterniflora site and native Kandelia obovata site at different restoration stages were compared. The results showed that the NH4+–N was the dominant form of soil inorganic nitrogen at all sites. Owing to its higher ammonification rates, the nitrogen mineralization rates at S. alterniflora site were highest in spring and summer among all sites except for mudflat. The young mangrove (1 year and 8 years) had significantly higher soil inorganic nitrogen content but lower nitrogen mineralization than the mature mangrove, indicated the short‐term response to restoration. The S. alterniflora invasion did not enhance soil nitrogen mineralization comparing with preinvaded mudflat, but it used more NH4+–N relative to K. obovata due to its higher soil nitrogen mineralization than mangrove communities in germination and growing seasons.

Are Mechanical and Biological Techniques Efficient in Restoring Soil and Associated Biodiversity in a Brownfield Site?

Brownfield technosol restoration represents a real opportunity to minimize land consumption, but it often requires intensive intervention and reconstruction, leading to soil donor site destruction and potential pollution. Using a former oil refinery brownfield site, this research compares the short-term (one year) impact of localized restoration methods, including soil surface scarification, organic matter addition, earthworm inoculation (locally and commercially sourced), on the soil fauna and vegetation properties. Vegetation rapidly covered the bare soil, but few significant impacts were observed in terms of the soil or vegetation structure. The initial positive impact of soil scarification on surface compaction quickly faded and earthworm inoculations did not seem to impact soil characteristics. Natural soil colonization by vegetation or fauna was the major driver in soil modification. The analysis of an intermediate reference showed a delay of multiple decades between vegetation, fauna density, and soil structure improvement, as well as the achievement of a soil of “good biological quality”. We conclude that the use of engineer species on brownfield soil in its actual form is not an early restoration step but should be tested in later steps (e.g., when organic matter content is sufficient). However, additional research is needed in engineer species selection and multi-compartment approaches. A better understanding of the impacts of natural colonization in the early stages of technosol restoration is also essential for restoration techniques’ improvement.

Ecological Management and Land Rehabilitation in Mining Areas from the Perspective of Actor-Network Theory—A Case Study of Lizuizi Coal Mine in China

Ecological damage in mining areas largely affects the regional ecological environment and ecological security. In China, ecological restoration in mining areas is urgent, as its environmental protection lags behind economic and social development. Recent studies on environmental governance in China focus on each participant’s logic of action. It suggests that cooperation among each participant is important. Thus, a fundamental question arises: how can we effectively organize various actors in environmental governance? Unlike theories that focus only on human factors, the actor-network theory considers both human and non-human actors. Within the framework of ANT, ecological restoration governance can take good care of both people and nature. To the best of our knowledge, the actor-network theory has not been used to analyze ecological restoration and land rehabilitation in mining areas. In this paper, the Lizuizi Coal Mine in Huainan of China is taken as a research object. By using the actor-network theory, we analyze the stability of the actor network and governance problems in different stages of ecological restoration of Lizuizi Coal Mine. It is concluded that the participation of the residents in ecological restoration is insufficient, and should be improved. Suggestions are provided accordingly. Our paper provides a theory basis for ecological construction in other ecologically damaged areas and resource-based cities. Further in-depth studies are necessary to strengthen the participation of social forces and the bundling collection of interests in governance.

Vegetation of different ages fallows in the forest-steppe zone Cisbaikal region

In the work, 22 fallows of different ages in the forest-steppe zone of the Irkutsk region were studied. The main stages of vegetation restoration on fallows are revealed. The features of postagrogenic development of different ages fallows have been established. The stages of development of phytocenoses on deposits are determined. It is shown that the postagrogenic succession is directed towards the formation of a pine or pine-birch forest, in some cases towards a settled or real meadow. The development of the fallows at the pioneer stage in the conditions of the region may be inhibited by certain plant species - blockers.

Tenascin-C: A Key Regulator in Angiogenesis during Wound Healing.

(1) Background: Injury repair is a complex physiological process in which multiple cells and molecules are involved. Tenascin-C (TNC), an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, is essential for angiogenesis during wound healing. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the dynamic changes and functions of TNC throughout tissue regeneration and to present an up-to-date synthesis of the body of knowledge pointing to multiple mechanisms of TNC at different restoration stages. (2) Methods: A review of the PubMed database was performed to include all studies describing the pathological processes of damage restoration and the role, structure, expression, and function of TNC in post-injury treatment; (3) Results: In this review, we first introduced the construction and expression signature of TNC. Then, the role of TNC during the process of damage restoration was introduced. We highlight the temporal heterogeneity of TNC levels at different restoration stages. Furthermore, we are surprised to find that post-injury angiogenesis is dynamically consistent with changes in TNC. Finally, we discuss the strategies for TNC in post-injury treatment. (4) Conclusions: The dynamic expression of TNC has a significant impact on angiogenesis and healing wounds and counters many negative aspects of poorly healing wounds, such as excessive inflammation, ischemia, scarring, and wound infection.

Fifteen essential science advances needed for effective restoration of the world's forest landscapes.

There has never been a more pressing and opportune time for science and practice to collaborate towards restoration of the world's forests. Multiple uncertainties remain for achieving successful, long-term forest landscape restoration (FLR). In this article, we use expert knowledge and literature review to identify knowledge gaps that need closing to advance restoration practice, as an introduction to a landmark theme issue on FLR and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Aligned with an Adaptive Management Cycle for FLR, we identify 15 essential science advances required to facilitate FLR success for nature and people. They highlight that the greatest science challenges lie in the conceptualization, planning and assessment stages of restoration, which require an evidence base for why, where and how to restore, at realistic scales. FLR and underlying sciences are complex, requiring spatially explicit approaches across disciplines and sectors, considering multiple objectives, drivers and trade-offs critical for decision-making and financing. The developing tropics are a priority region, where scientists must work with stakeholders across the Adaptive Management Cycle. Clearly communicated scientific evidence for action at the outset of restoration planning will enable donors, decision makers and implementers to develop informed objectives, realistic targets and processes for accountability. This article paves the way for 19 further articles in this theme issue, with author contributions from across the world. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration'.

Sustainable Restoration of Ancient Architectural Patterns in Fujian Using Improved Algorithms Based on Criminisi

Based on current manual restoration methods, a better algorithm for restoring images based on sample blocks is proposed, along with a sustainable restoration technique for digital virtualization, with the aim of preserving and restoring the priceless art of ancient architectural motifs. The paper uses curve fitting to pre-process the restored photos by re-constructing their damaged borders and filling in the structural information that is absent with the aid of an enhancement of the Criminisi method. The repaired photos have improved edges that were previously blurry, fractured, and over-extended. In order to increase the dependability of the priority calculation when restoring photos and make it possible to acquire a more precise restoration order, we rewrote the priority calculation formula for restoration blocks in the Criminisi algorithm. The purpose was to enhance the aesthetics of the photographs and provide a viable and sustainable restoration technique for the restoration of ancient architectural motifs in Fujian. The Criminisi algorithm with deep learning is used in the thesis to fully restore the content, color, and texture of the architectural photographs, bringing the murals as close to their original state as is practical. In order to improve the blurry, broken, and over-extended edges of the restored images, the broken edges of the images are first repaired through image pre-processing. Then, adjustment factors are added to the priority calculation to increase the weight of the data items, resulting in a more accurate priority order while preventing the priority values from degrading quickly in the later stages of restoration. The PSNR values of the restored images were calculated and compared to those of the Criminisi method, demonstrating that the revised algorithm produces better restoration results and can effectively improve restoration efficiency while lowering restoration costs and ensuring pattern restoration sustainability. By retaining as much of the structural information of the original image as possible in the design of the network model and allocating larger weights to the structural part, this process also uses style migration in deep learning to restore the texture and color of the mural. As a result, the final image is as similar to the original image as possible in terms of content and as similar as possible to the style image in terms of color and texture. A better solution is proposed based on the Criminisi algorithm. By comparing the experimental results of the three sets of building images, the PSNR values of the priority improvement algorithm (30.26, 38.06, 39.56) were significantly better than those of the Criminisi algorithm (27.59, 37.06, 37.59), using the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) values as a reference standard. In order to determine the appropriate restoration sequence and enhance the quality of picture repair, the broken edges of the pattern are strengthened. The algorithm’s matching criteria can be applied in subsequent work to improve sample-matching accuracy and produce better sustainable restoration results for ancient architectural patterns in Fujian. It no longer requires specialized professional knowledge to reproduce the color of faded architectural photos; instead, a style migration approach is employed to recover the color and texture of architectural images. This study proposes the use of a texture synthesis method and a layered processing method through which the PSNR values of the resulting restored images calculated are superior and significantly higher than those of the sample-based method and the variational framework of synthetic images with regular texture components. We achieved the creation of an updated Criminisi algorithm-based solution that improves the quality of image restoration by fortifying the pattern’s frayed edges and determining the optimum repair order. These two techniques can be combined to improve the sustainability of restoration of faded architectural photographs for issues such as pattern breakage, color loss and fading. To achieve better restoration results for the historic architectural patterns in Fujian, the accuracy of sample matching can be increased, starting with the algorithm’s matching criterion.

Different ways to success: Plant community trajectories over time and a soil moisture gradient in restored wetlands

Abstract Ecological restoration is one of the most promising strategies to combat historical wetland losses caused by land use changes. Restored areas are ideal sites to study plant succession and changes in ecosystem functions over time. However, little is known about the influence of restoration on plant succession along environmental stress gradients. Knowing the processes and mechanisms driving the succession over time in contrasting abiotic conditions might provide new insight into the ultimate success of an ecological restoration. Relying on long‐term vegetation monitoring, we studied the community succession of 4 plant communities along a restored waterlogging gradient in North‐East Italy (from high to low soil saturation level): (i) Cladium fens, (ii) low alkaline fens, (iii) Molina wet meadows and (iv) dry meadows. We monitored 23 permanent plots distributed along the gradient, spanning from 1 to 21 years since restoration, and 4 plots as target vegetation (natural habitats). We analysed the changes in plant communities in terms of functional traits, diversity and species composition. We found that exotic and annual species decreased in mature stages of restoration while leaf dry matter content increased over time. Nutrient indicator value and leaf area showed opposite trends at the extreme points of the gradient. Across the successional stages, species richness decreased in Cladium fens and increased in alkaline fens and meadows. Species composition moved toward target vegetation showing contrasting dynamics between different restored habitats. Synthesis and applications. During succession waterlogging stress acts as main abiotic filter, triggering contrasting trajectories of plant communities. This filter seems to be stronger at the extreme points of the gradient generating opposite but faster dynamics than at intermediate conditions. Time and waterlogging promoted a continuous selection of species consistent to target vegetation in terms of richness, functional traits and composition. The evidenced trajectories suggest the need to develop habitat‐specific protocols concerning the selection of restoration site and subsequent management decisions, with particular regard to plant communities at intermediate ecological conditions.