Wooded Areas Research Articles

Molecular Screening of Microorganisms Associated with Discolored Wood in Dead European Beech Trees Suffered from Extreme Drought Event Using Next Generation Sequencing.

Drought events weaken trees and make them vulnerable to attacks by diverse plant pathogens. Here, we propose a molecular method for fast screening of microorganisms associated with European beech decline after an extreme drought period (2018) in a forest of Thuringia, Germany. We used Illumina sequencing with a recent bioinformatics approach based on DADA2 to identify archaeal, bacterial, and fungal ASVs (amplicon sequence variants) based on bacterial and archaeal 16S and fungal ITS genes. We show that symptomatic beech trees are associated with both bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. Although the plant pathogen sequences were detected in both discolored and non-discolored wood areas, they were highly enriched in the discolored wood areas. We show that almost each individual tree was associated with a different combination of pathogens. Cytospora spp. and Neonectria coccinea were among the most frequently detected fungal pathogens, whereas Erwinia spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were the dominant bacterial plant pathogens. We demonstrate that bacterial plant pathogens may be of major importance in beech decline.

ESPACE BOISE DE LECOFERME DE LOKOLI (SINEMATIALI, NORD DE LA COTE DIVOIRE) : UN CAS DE COMPENSATION ECOLOGIQUE

When ecosystems are well managed, they are carbon sinks. The objective of this study is to know the state of the plant biodiversity of the wooded area of the Lokoli Ecofarm and its contribution to the regulation of the climatic regime, with a view to better conservation decision-making.A floristic inventory made it possible to determine the diversity and the floristic composition of the ligneous plants in the different Ecofarm habitats. Dendrometric measurements were carried out to determine the structural profile and the sequestered carbon stock of each habitat. The floristic study made it possible to identify 63 woody species divided into 251 classified into 22 families. The open forest has proven to be the richest in species and the most diverse. The structure in diameter classes reveals that the different biotopes are dominated by young tree stems, with a strong tendency to regenerate. The amount of carbon contained in the total biomass was found to be greater in the fallow (8.87 t / ha) than in the open forest (6.53 t / ha) and savannah (6.88 t / ha). The sequestered atmospheric carbon is estimated at 108.98 t / ha in total, for an economic value varying from 27,799.34 to 124,279.41 euros depending on the different carbon markets. In addition, this study showed that fallow significantly contributes to increasing the carbon sequestration potential of the Ecofarm.

Influences of landscape structure on butterfly diversity in urban private gardens using a citizen science approach

Although urbanization is increasing worldwide, private gardens may help mitigate the impact of urbanization on butterfly diversity. We investigated how local and landscape factors correspond with the observed butterfly species diversity and species composition in Viennese private gardens. The goal is to determine the importance of private gardens for butterfly conservation. Butterfly species were observed by skilled volunteers by applying a citizen science approach. We related butterfly species numbers in private gardens with local parameters and landscape composition in a radius of 1 km around each garden. Data were analyzed using a regression approach based on generalized linear models. The butterfly species richness in private gardens was positively correlated with butterfly species richness in the surrounding landscapes. Butterfly species richness in private gardens increased with higher proportions of area relevant for butterflies in the surrounding landscape and with increasing numbers of host and nectar plant species in the private gardens. A higher proportion of wooded areas in the surrounding landscape was related with a smaller proportion of the landscape butterfly species pool being observed in the private gardens. Overall, our results could be useful in land use planning, and for future studies of how to integrate citizen science and make urban gardens more beneficial for butterfly conservation.

The Effectiveness of Malaise Traps, H-Traps, and Sticky Traps for Collecting Horseflies (Diptera: Tabanidae)

The Effectiveness of Malaise Traps, H-Traps, and Sticky Traps for Collecting Horseflies (Diptera: Tabanidae)

Colour Preference of the Deer Ked Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae).

Simple SummaryInsects use visual stimuli to find habitats, food, or a mate while moving around. This trait might be exploited to intercept flying insects to monitor their populations and reduce their presence. Among the various visual stimuli, colours are commonly used to attract insects. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a hematophagous deer ectoparasite native to Japan that has spread to several central European countries and was recently recorded in Italy. Measures to monitor and control L. fortisetosa would be helpful given its potential threat as a pathogen vector for animals and humans. The objective of this research was to assess the potential use of colour to attract and trap L. fortisetosa. The response of the winged adults was evaluated through an experimental trial carried out in a wooded area of Tuscany using differently coloured sticky panels as traps. Blue panels attracted the highest number while yellow panels showed the lowest performance. This preference for blue could be useful in the design of traps to reduce the population of this parasitic fly which, at certain times, can reach a very high density, causing annoyance to wildlife and humans visiting natural areas.Lipoptena fortisetosa, a deer ked native to Japan, has established itself in several European countries and was recently recorded in Italy. This hippoboscid ectoparasite can develop high density populations, causing annoyance to animals and concern regarding the potential risk of transmitting pathogens to humans. No monitoring or control methods for L. fortisetosa have been applied or tested up to now. This research evaluated the possible response of L. fortisetosa winged adults to different colours as the basis for a monitoring and control strategy. In the summer of 2020, a series of six differently coloured sticky panels were randomly set as traps in a wooded area used by deer for resting. The results indicated a clear preference of the deer ked for the blue panels that caught the highest number of flies during the experimental period. Lower numbers of flies were trapped on the red, green, black, and white panels, with the yellow panels recording the fewest captures. The response clearly demonstrates that this species displays a colour preference, and that coloured traps might be useful for monitoring and limiting this biting ectoparasite in natural areas harbouring wildlife and visited by people.

Animal welfare and zoonosis risk: anti-Trichinella antibodies in breeding pigs farmed under controlled housing conditions

BackgroundDomesticated pigs are the main source of Trichinella sp. infections for humans, particularly when reared in backyards or free-ranging. In temperate areas of southern Europe, most pigs are farmed under controlled housing conditions, but sows and sometimes fattening pigs have access to outdoors to improve animal welfare. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether outdoor access of breeding pigs farmed under controlled housing conditions can represent a risk for Trichinella sp. transmission when the farm is located in an agricultural area interspersed with wooded areas and badlands, where Trichinella spp. could be present in wildlife.MethodsSerum samples were collected from 63 breeding sows and one boar before and after their access to an open fenced area for 2 months and from 84 pigs that never had outdoor access. Samples were screened for anti-Trichinella antibodies by ELISA, and positive sera were confirmed using Western blot (Wb) excretory/secretory antigens. To detect Trichinella sp. larvae, muscle tissues from serologically positive and negative pigs were tested by artificial digestion.ResultsThirteen (20.6%) sows and one boar tested positive with both ELISA and Wb. No larvae were detected in muscle samples of serologically positive and serologically negative pigs. Positive serum samples were then tested by Wb using crude worm extract as antigens. The Wb banding pattern displayed was that characteristic of encapsulated species (Trichinella spiralis or Trichinella britovi).ConclusionsThe detection of anti-Trichinella antibodies without larvae in the pig muscles, supported by epidemiological data, suggests that pigs may have been exposed to T. britovi. This study stresses the importance of instigating monitoring systems at farm level to prevent Trichinella sp. transmission and to investigate, through a landscape parasitological study, the suitability of a site before the planting of a high containment level pig farm in which the sows can have outside access to improve their welfare during pregnancy.Graphical abstract

Tracing the Long-Term Evolution of Land Cover in an Alpine Valley 1820–2015 in the Light of Climate, Glacier and Land Use Changes

Alpine glacial environments and their fluvial systems are among those landscapes most comprehensively affected by climate change. Typically, studies on the consequences of climate change in such environments, e.g., glacier retreat, cover a maximum of 70 years, reflecting the availability of orthophotos or satellite images. This study addresses the long-term transformation processes in a glaciated catchment and highlights the role of human agency in a changing Alpine environment. In order to identify land cover changes between 1820 and 2015 in the Long-Term Ecosystem Research (LTER) site “Jamtal” (Tyrol, Austria) we apply a “regressive-iterative GIS reconstruction method” combining both historical maps and optical remote sensing data. Below 2,100 m a.s.l. the Jamtal experienced a massive 62% decline of unvegetated debris areas and bedrock outcrops (so-called “wasteland”) that was mainly transformed to grassland and sparsely wooded areas. Forests increased by an outstanding 323% and grassland was replaced by sparsely or densely wooded areas. This primarily reflects the abandonment of agricultural uses at unfavourable remote sites. In the higher (formerly) glaciated subbasin, ice-covered areas declined by 55%, which was associated with a major (82%) growth of exposed wasteland. Concurrently, Alpine grassland expanded by 196% and krumholz even by 304%. Approximately half of the new fluvial system that evolved in deglaciated areas between 1870 and 1921 still existed in 2015. Unconsolidated debris buried almost one fifth of the new channels, and almost one third was colonized by vegetation. Recent data show that the deglaciation process is much faster than the colonization process by Alpine vegetation. Accordingly, the extent of wasteland has expanded and potentially amplifies the sediment supply to the fluvial system. Alterations in high Alpine hydrological and sediment/debris regimes significantly affect human use in lower, more favourable areas of the Alpine region. The long-term investigation of the Alpine landscape reveals that the transformation processes have accelerated in recent decades.

Compressive strength parallel to grain of earlywood and latewood of yellow pine

The compressive strength parallel to grain of earlywood and latewood from the yellow pine sapwood and heartwood areas was examined in the study. The structure of the basic structural elements of wood - tracheids, which conduct water and/or perform the mechanical function - was also characterized. The compressive strength parallel to grain of latewood in the sapwood area was found to be twice as high as the compressive strength parallel to grain of earlywood. The compressive strength parallel to grain of latewood in the heartwood area, on the other hand, was found to be 2,5 times higher than the compressive strength parallel to grain of earlywood. This was due to the density of particular areas of wood and the dimensions of structural elements - tracheids. In the sapwood area, the density of latewood was ca. twice as high as the density of earlywood. Similar relationships were found for heartwood. The thickness of latewood tracheids was found to be 1,5 times greater than the thickness of earlywood tracheids. These relationships were observed in sapwood and heartwood. The diameter of earlywood tracheids in radial direction was twice as large as the diameter of latewood tracheids. These relationships were observed in yellow pine sapwood and heartwood

Study of Forest Productivity in the Occurrence of Forest Fires in Galicia (Spain)

The occurrence and intensity of forest fires is a phenomenon in which factors of various kinds converge, including climatic, physiographic, socioeconomic and territorial, among others. While the scientific literature has been stating that the causes of fires are related social conflict, other factors must also be considered for a more thorough analysis. In Galicia (northwest Spain), human-caused fires account for up to 95% of the total annual fires, highlighting the importance of examining in detail social and/or economic factors that may influence the occurrence or absence of this type of phenomenon. This paper discusses the influence and weight of forest productivity and the potential economic value of wooded areas on the incidence of forest fires in private mountains of collective ownership (montes vecinales en mano común). Our results indicate that the presence of productive wooded areas of the region determines a lower incidence, both in terms of the number of forest fires and the area affected. It was found that in areas where there was a loss in productivity, the fire rate increased by almost 36%. It is also observed that in MVMCs with productivity gain, the incidence of fires in shrubland areas was 46.26% higher than in wooded areas, while in MVMCs with productivity loss, the occurrence of fires in shrubland areas was 18.95% higher than that observed in wooded areas.

Shrinkage pattern assessment for black pine juvenile wood delimitation

Juvenile wood is associated with shrinkage and a high probability of warping and checks in end products, reducing their value and even causing them to be rejected for structural purposes. This work studies the variations in yearly shrinkage caused when wood passes from green to dry state. The methodology proposed is based on the juvenile wood (JW) location using annual shrinkage variations. Pinus nigra Arn. grown using different silviculture techniques was chosen for study because its wood is characterized by severe shrinkage problems. This characteristic is analyzed in the radial and angular directions, of which the latter is a different methodology for evaluating warping problem rather than the commonly used ratio of anisotropy. It takes into account the annual measurements obtained from a disc cut from the tree trunk at various heights. The results were compared with the segregated JW and mature wood (MW) area obtained by radial densitometry pattern variation methodology. The results show that radial shrinkage is higher near the pith but stabilizes earlier (3–7 rings) than angular shrinkage (9–11 rings). Nevertheless, the opposite initial radial pattern occurs in angular shrinkage, which is low near the pith but increases annually towards the bark until it stabilizes. No clear effect of height in the tree when comparing the radial shrinkage patterns obtained along the bole can be defined. Silviculture practices have no significant influence on shrinkage percentage. Shrinkage and densitometry methodologies show differences in the quantification of JW volume percentage between JW and MW estimation. Results show that radial shrinkage pattern methodology, which is associated with warping problems, classifies a higher tree volume as good quality for end uses in comparison to the use of radial densitometry pattern methodology. On the other hand, if classified by radial densitometry pattern variation, warping problems associated with JW should not be a problem when sawn.

Multitemporal Analysis of Land Use Changes and Their Effect on the Landscape of the Jerte Valley (Spain) by Remote Sensing

In recent years, the interest of institutions in land use has increased, creating the need to determine the changes in use through spatial-temporal and statistical analysis. This study analyzes the changes over the last 40 years, based on a cartography of landscape units obtained from the study of geo-environmental parameters in the Jerte Valley (Spain) with satellite images, Landsat 5 and 7. Subsequently, through the analysis of spatial patterns and diversity and fragmentation indices, and with the Fragstat software, the landscape was characterized from 1994 to the present. The results show that wooded areas decreased slightly, crops increased in altitude and major environmental disturbances (mainly forest fires) negatively affected the environmental mosaic. Land uses affect the landscape by developing larger tesserae (+5 ha), which are less fragmented (−0.15), but more isolated (0.12). This study demonstrates that landscape metrics can be used to understand changes in spatial pattern, help in decision making to implement appropriate management measures in the conservation of traditional land uses, and allow the maintenance of connecting areas between fragments to avoid the loss of natural corridors to increase landscape quality.

Urban green spaces and childhood leukemia incidence: A population-based case-control study in Madrid.

BackgroundChildhood leukemia is the most common childhood cancer. To date, few risk factors related to predisposition have been identified; therefore, new hypotheses should be considered. ObjectiveTo explore the possible relationship of residential proximity to urban green spaces on childhood leukemia. MethodsWe conducted a population-based case control study in the metropolitan area of Madrid from 2000 to 2015. It included 383 incident cases and 1935 controls, individually matched by birth year, sex and area of residence. Using the geographical coordinates of the participants’ home residences, we built a proxy for exposure with four distances (250 m, 500 m, 750 m and 1 km) to urban parks (UPs) and urban wooded areas (UWAs). We employed logistic regression models to determinate the effect of them on childhood leukemia adjusting for environmental and socio-demographic covariates. Resultswe found a reduction in childhood leukemia incidence at a distance of 250 m from UPs (OR = 0.78; 95%CI = 0.62–0.98), as well as a reduction of the incidence in the Q3 and Q4 quintiles for exposure to UWAs, in the 250 m and 500 m buffers respectively (Q3 (250 m): OR = 0.69; 95%CI = 0.48–1.00; and, Q4 (500 m): OR = 0.69; 95%CI = 0.48–0.99). ConclusionsOur results suggest a possible association between lower incidence of childhood leukemia and proximity to different forms of urban green space. This study is a first approach to the possible urban green space effects on childhood leukemia so is necessary to continue studying this spaces taking into account more individual data and other environmental risk factors.

Pruning cuts affect wood necrosis but not the percentage of budburst or shoot development on spur pruned vines for different grapevine varieties

Two experimental studies were performed in this trial. In the first, the aim was to quantify wood necrosis generated by pruning cuts on aboveground permanent (arms and trunks) and non-permanent (spurs) woody structures of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' vines. In the second, the goal was to evaluate the effect of cutting distance from the basal end of the shoot in spur pruned vines on budburst and further shoot development for 'Grenache', 'Cabernet Franc' and 'Malbec' varieties. Based upon the first experiment, the area and depth of wood necrosis was highly influenced by the distance where the pruning cut was performed over the node. Furthermore, the diameter of the spur that was cut was not significantly related to either the area or the depth of the necrotic wood generated after the cut. Aboveground vine wood necrotic area ranged from 9 to 44 % of the total wood area measured in 'Cabernet Sauvignon' cordon trained spur pruned 25-year-old grapevines. For each vine a larger proportion of the necrotic wood (20 to 46 % of necrotic area) was present in the arms when compared to the trunks (1 to 28 % of necrotic area). As a result of the second experiment, spur budburst and further shoot development was not affected by the distance from the node where the pruning cut was performed for any of the cultivars considered in the study contrary to what is commonly believed.

Oak wood offers a wide range of tools for wine aging, which one to choose?

The phenolic, aromatic and sensory evolution of a red wine under different oak aging conditions was evaluated. Neither phenolic nor fruity aromatic contents and profiles were impacted by the aging container or the derived oak products used. Meanwhile, a different woody aroma content was observed depending on the exposed wood area to wine volume ratio. From a sensory point of view, higher smoky, vanilla and/or spicy flavours were identified for all oak-aged wines when compared to the control (stainless steel tank), but they were all perceived as being as fruity as the control.

Injury severity analysis of rollover crashes for passenger cars and light trucks considering temporal stability: A random parameters logit approach with heterogeneity in mean and variance

Problem: The rollover crash is a serious crash type that often causes higher injury severities. Moreover, factors that contribute to the injury severities of rollover crashes may show instabilities in different vehicle types and time periods, which requires further investigations. This study utilizes the rollover crash data in North Carolina from Highway Safety Information System (HSIS) to study the effect instabilities of factors in vehicle type and time periods in rollover crashes. Methods: The injury severities of drivers are estimated using the random parameters logit (RPL) model with heterogeneity in means and variances. Available factors in HSIS have been categorized into three groups, which are drivers, road, and environment, respectively. This study also justifies the segmentations through transferability tests. The effects of identified significant factors are evaluated using marginal effects. Results: Factors such as FWP (farm, wood, and pasture areas), unhealthy physical condition, impaired physical condition, road adverse, and so forth have shown instabilities in marginal effects among vehicle types and time periods. Practical Applications: The finding of this research could provide important references for policy makers and automobile manufactures to help mitigate the injury severity of rollover crashes.

Skills Identification for Healthcare Facility Engineering Technicians

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to identify the technical skills that are necessary for competency as a facility engineering technician (FET) in the healthcare built environment. The Delphi method was used to draw upon the knowledge and experience of healthcare facility engineering managers and technicians to identify and prioritize baseline technical skills, as well as to identify proficiency levels for the skills. A total of 73 skills were identified as necessary for healthcare FET baseline competency including areas of wood, plastic, and composite; flooring; doors; plaster and gypsum board; mechanical support; fire support; plumbing; electrical; and safety and compliance. Of these 73 skills, 35 were deemed key with strong agreement consensus. Successfully recruiting, training, and maintaining a competent FET workforce is essential but challenging for healthcare organizations, in part because of the lack of formal education programs and an unclear path of entry into the profession. The results of this research are valuable in that they can be used to develop training for the healthcare FET workforce. Trainers can use the findings of this research when developing curriculum and determining which skills to emphasize. Healthcare organizations can use the findings to assess current capabilities across staff, to determine whether there are gaps in needed skills and to begin developing strategic programs in response to the challenges of attracting and retaining competent FETs. This research suggests other types of jobs need to be examined to move toward developing a more complete understanding of the skills and capabilities necessary for the spectrum of the facility engineering workforce (from technical to managerial) to address attrition, recruitment, retention, and succession challenges.

EVALUATING VISUAL IMPRESSIONS BASED ON GAZE ANALYSIS AND DEEP LEARNING: A CASE STUDY OF ATTRACTIVENESS EVALUATION OF STREETS IN DENSELY BUILT-UP WOODEN RESIDENTIAL AREA

Abstract. This paper examines the possibility of impression evaluation based on gaze analysis of subjects and deep learning, using an example of evaluating street attractiveness in densely built-up wooden residential areas. Firstly, the relationship between the subjects' gazing tendency and their evaluation of street image attractiveness is analysed by measuring the subjects' gaze with an eye tracker. Next, we construct a model that can estimate an attractiveness evaluation result using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), combined with the method of gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) - these in in visualizing which street components can contribute to evaluating attractiveness. Finally, we discuss the similarity between the subjects' gaze tendencies and activation heatmaps created by Grad-CAM.

#14: Blastomycosis in 64 Wisconsin Children: Unanticipated Infection Risk and Severity in Urban Residents

Abstract Background Blastomycosis is an endemic mycosis of immunocompetent individuals, typically seen after exposure to wooded areas near rivers, lakes, and streams in rural locations, and often not considered a disease of urban environments. Disease can be isolated to lung, or disseminate to skin, bone, or central nervous system. Factors influencing disease acquisition and severity in children are unknown. Methods We analyzed acquisition risk factors and disease characteristics of blastomycosis in children treated at a tertiary care center from 1998–2018 to identify exposure source and measure disease severity, to identify cases without “typical exposure”, and to measure the effect of race on disease severity. Results Of 64 children, median age was 13.3 years, 72% were male, 38% resided in urban counties, and 50% had typical environmental exposure. Isolated pulmonary infection occurred in 33 (52%). The remaining children had evidence of dissemination including skin (N=13), bone (N=16; 7 clinically silent), and central nervous system (N=7; 3 clinically silent). Infection was moderate/severe in 19 (30%). Two children (3%) died. 79% of children with moderate/severe disease (p=0.008) and 71% of urban children (p=0.007) had no typical environmental exposure. Comparing children from urban counties to other residences, 63% versus 5% were black (p<0.001) and 71% versus 35% developed extrapulmonary dissemination (p=0.006). Moderate/severe disease occurred in 7/17 (42%) black and 12/47 (26%) children of other race (p=0.23). Conclusions Blastomycosis, endemic in urban children in the absence of typical exposure history, has frequent, sometimes clinically silent, extrapulmonary dissemination, with a trend toward more severe disease in black children.

Time‐frequency characterisation of bistatic Doppler signature of a wooded area walk at L‐band

The Doppler signature of a man walking in a forested area analysed at L-band is presented here. The aim is twofold: to assess the best time-frequency distribution to characterise the activity; to highlight the similarity of the simulated data to the measured ones to validate the simulation tool. Indeed, the Doppler-Time (DT) signal variation represents the main characteristic of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for classification. The more accurately the DT characterises the activity, the higher the machine’s accuracy in classifying it. Besides, in the training data frame, reliable simulated models may supply the amount of data needed by ANN applications. Thus, a short-time Fourier transform (STFT), a reassigned spectrogram (RE-Spect), and a pseudo-Wigner–Ville distribution have been applied to the measured and simulated data. The measurements have been performed using a bistatic radar working at 1 GHz. Then, the measurement setup has been replicated in simulation, and 3-D human bodies walking in free space have been computed using physical optics. The results show that the STFT is the most suitable time-frequency method for recognising and classifying the walk. Moreover, the simulated data are in agreement with the measured data, regardless of the chosen Cohen’s technique.

Effect of Forest Cover on Raptor Abundance in Exotic Forest Plantations in Chile

Habitat specialists, such as forest raptors, are generally more likely to suffer from the impacts of large-scale forestry. One of the most characteristic and controversial aspects of many industrial plantation systems is the use of clearcutting as a harvesting method, which generates a mosaic of highly contrasting land cover types, such as wooded areas adjacent to zones practically devoid of vegetation. We explored the effect of forest cover on the abundance of habitat-generalist and forest-specialist raptors in South-central Chile. During the 2016 to 2018 breeding seasons, we conducted 584 playback surveys at 149 sampling points centred on 3×3km plots within 9×9km squares. The Rufous-legged Owl Strix rufipes, a forest specialist, showed a positive relationship with forest cover at the local scale. However, we found no significant relationships for other forest specialists in this study. Most habitat-generalist species showed a negative or non-linear relationship with forest cover, with greater species abundances observed in landscapes with intermediate levels of forest and open areas. Interestingly, the models with the highest statistical support included total forest cover (native forest + plantations) as a predictor, suggesting that the habitat-generalist species did not significantly discriminate between natural and artificial forests. Our results show that both generalist and forest-specialist raptors can use landscapes dominated by exotic plantations in South-central Chile.—Santander, F., Alvarado O., S. & Estades, C.F. (2021). Effect of forest cover on raptor abundance in exotic forest plantations in Chile. Ardeola, 68: 391-408.