bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breeding bird assemblage dynamics of a primaeval temperate mixed forest in the Western Carpathians (Slovakia): support for pluralistic community concept
Authors: Kornan Martin
Published: December 2023

Structure and dynamics of breeding bird assemblages of primaeval beech-fir forest in the rámková National Nature Reserve, the Malá Fatra Mts., Slovakia were studied during ten consecutive years 19972006. Bird abundances were estimated by the combined ver-sion of the mapping method in the 27.5 ha forest interior study plot. Determination of for-aging guild structure was done by a posteriori approach by a numerical analysis of ran-dom point observations of foraging birds. In total, 53 bird species were recorded as breed-ers in the study plot, averaging 39.0 species per year. Mean value of population variability coefficient (PV) of density of the 22 most numerous species was 0.33 ± 0.14 SD (CV = 42.05%) indicating a mean difference in density among years of 33%. The highest fluctu-ations were detected in plant eaters (PV = 0.47, N = 3) followed by flycatchers (PV = 0.44, N = 3), herb layer foragers (PV = 0.33, N = 2), trunk foragers (PV = 0.33, N = 2), foliage gleaners (PV = 0.29, N = 8) and litter foragers (PV = 0.21, N = 4). Cluster analysis of the Pearsons correlation coefficient of species densities showed no consistent grouping ac-cording to wintering areas or guild membership. Only seven of 26 simulations by binary null models (9 algorithms, 3 indices) on assemblage level indicated negative associations. None of 9 null model simulations of density assemblage matrix (3 algorithms, 3 indices) or null model analysis of foraging guilds showed negative species associations. The re-sults do not provide evidence for competition in the structuring of this bird assemblage, but instead support a pluralistic model of community functioning.
Sex discrimination in the Savi’s Warbler (Locustella luscinioides) using morphometric traits
Authors: Kulaszewicz Izabela , Jakubas Dariusz , Wojczulanis-Jakubas Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

Determining an individual's sex is often difficult in species with monomorphc plumage. but it is important in many ecological studies. This study proposes a logistic function for sexing the Savi's Warbler, Locustella luscinioides, based on standard body measurements. Nine measurements (wing length, tail length, head to bill length, bill length, bill width, billheight, tarsus width in two dimensions and hind-claw length) were selected via logistic regression using AIC (Akaike's information criterion for small sample size). with sex (determined by molecular analysis) as the dependent variable. In total, 224 Savi's Warblers (161 immatures and 64 adults) caught in northern Poland during autumn migration in 2010 and 2011 were examined. The function applied to immatures identified wing length, bill length, head to bill length and hind-claw length as the best measurements for sexing, with 91% of birds correctly classified (90% of females and 92% of males). A second function, applied to adults, included only wing length and bill length as the best predictor variables to identify sex, and it correctly classified 94% of individual (93% of females and 94% of males).
Book reviews
Authors: Hario Martti , Koskimies Pertti
Published: December 2023

Toiveiden löytötavaratoimistot:
Saurola, P., Valkama, J. & Velmala, W. 2013: Suomen Rengastusatlas. Osa 1. (The Finnish bird ringing Atlas. Vol. 1.) — Luonnontieteellinen keskusmuseo ja ympäristöministeriö. Finnish Museum of Natural History and Ministry of Environment. Helsinki. 561 pp.

One of the best bird monographs!:
Bernd Leisler & Karl Schulze-Hagen 2012: The ReedWarblers. Diversity in a uniform bird family. — KNNV Publishing. 322 pp.
Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis in Europe – indigenous or introduced?
Authors: Beike Marcus
Published: December 2023

Sincemany years now it is rumoured that the inland European cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis was introduced by Dutchmen from China to Holland in the 16th century to perform cormorant fishing in Europe and thus has to be classified an Invasive Alien Species (IAS). Although this hypothesis is not based on scientific evidence it has already been referred to in scientific literature. To check its plausibility, this review confronts three essential aspects of the introduction hypothesis with German sources mainly from the Middle Ages and historical reports on European cormorant fishing. The analyses show that there is no evidence for the introduction of birds from China. Instead, a medieval breeding record as well as regular appearance of the cormorant in religious and secular literature from the Middle Ages show that the bird was at least temporarily well-known in deeper inland regions of the German-speaking area. The results raise strong doubts about the hypothesis of Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis being an introduced alien species.
Attack success in Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata
Authors: Martínez José , Zuberogoitia Iñigo , Gómez Ginés , Escarabajal José , Cerezo Ester , Jiménez-Franco María , Calvo José Francisco
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the first study of foraging behaviour and hunting success in Bonelli's Eagle. Attack success was modelled as a function of biological and environmental vari-ables using observations made during a long-term monitoring. The overall attack success was 28.2%, based on 110 attack observations recorded between 1985 and 2008 in south-eastern Spain. Group size of prey was the most explicative independent variable, indicat-ing that the probability of attack success declined with increasing prey group size. Sur-prise was the main and most successful attack mode, mainly on preys foraging on the ground. The probability of success in surprise and non-surprise attacks probably declined with prey group size due to the effects of vigilance and confusion, respectively. The best model for attack success also suggested that attacks were more likely to be successful when directed at prey in areas with low bush canopy cover. This finding highlights the im-portance of open habitat types which provide foraging opportunities for the Bonelli's Eagle. Management measures for increasing open habitats in territories may create a habi-tat structure more favourable for prey detection by Bonelli's Eagles.
Practical implementation of species’ recovery plans – lessons from the White-backed Woodpecker Action Plan in Sweden
Authors: Blicharska Malgorzata , Baxter Peter W. J. , Mikusiñski Grzegorz
Published: December 2023

Successful biodiversity conservation requires safeguarding viable populations of species. To work with this challenge Sweden has introduced a concept of Action Plans, which focus on the recovery of one or more species; while keeping in mind the philosophy of addressing ecosystems in a more comprehensive way, following the umbrella concept. In this paper we investigate the implementation process of the Action Plan for one umbrella species, the White-backed Woodpecker (WBW) Dendrocopos leucotos. We describe the plan’s organisation and goals, and investigate its implementation and accomplishment of particular targets, based on interviewing and surveying the key actors. The achievement of the targets in 2005-2008 was on average much lower than planned, explained partially by the lack of knowledge/data, experienced workers, and administrative flexibility. Surprisingly, the perceived importance of particular conservation measures, the investment priority accorded to them, the money available and various practical obstacles all failed to explain the target levels achieved. However qualitative data from both the interviews and the survey highlight possible implementation obstacles: competing interests with other conservation actions and the level of engagement of particular implementing actors. Therefore we suggest that for successful implementation of recovery plans, there is a need for initial and inclusive scoping prior to embarking on the plan, where not only issues like ecological knowledge and practical resources are considered, but also possible conflicts and synergies with other conservation actions. An adaptive approach with regular review of the conservation process is necessary, particularly in case of such complex action plans as the one for the WBW.
The further the flight, the longer the wing: relationship between wing length and migratory distance in Old World reed and bush Warblers (Acrocephalidae and Locustellidae)
Authors: Nowakowski Jaroslaw K. , Szulc Justyna , Remisiewicz Magdalena
Published: December 2023

We analysed how body mass, migration distance, taxonomic family and breeding on small islands vs. continents affect wing length in 72 species of closely related Old World reed and bush warblers (Acrocephalidae and Locustellidae), based on literature data. The species we analysed share similar morphology, habitat, food preferences, feeding habits and breeding systems, but their migratory behaviour varies from sedentariness to long-distance migration. The mean wing length of these species was strongly correlated with their body mass, migration distance and taxonomic family (R 2 = 0.824; p = 3.2 26). The wing was on average 23.4% longer for each doubling of body mass and 2.7% longer for each 1,000 km of migration distance. Breeding on small islands was not significantly re-lated to wing length. Species of Acrocephalidae had on average 11.7% longer wings than Locustellidae with the same body mass and migration distance. The relationship between migration distance and standardised wing length was identical in both families (differ-ence between slope coefficients b: t-test: t = 0.19, p = 0.85). After we partly controlled for the effects of different habitats and behaviours, our results showed that at inter-specific level migration affects wing length in proportion to migration distance.
First evidence of widespread nocturnal activity of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Southern Italy
Authors: Gustin Marco , Ferrarini Alessandro , Giglio Giuseppe , Pellegrino Stefania , Frassanito Annagrazia
Published: December 2023

We report here the first description of recorded nocturnal activity of the Lesser Kestrel in Italy. Using accurate GPS data-loggers on nine birds, we registered widespread nocturnal flights with distances from nests up to 19 km. At night, Lesser Kestrels were active even in areas with no artificial illumination. When comparing night-time and daytime periods, we found significant differences for 5-minute flight length and instantaneous flight speed, whereas distance from nest did not significantly differ. We conclude that the need for food during the reproductive period imposes also nocturnal activities to this typically diurnal species. Our study suggests that the Lesser Kestrel might not be a strictly diurnal species. Our findings are now considered by the Alta Murgia National Park and local municipalities in order to refine their conservation strategies by assigning higher conservation priority to areas used by Lesser Kestrels during both daytime and night-time.
Diurnal raptor community wintering in an extensively used farmland
Authors: Jankowiak Lukasz , Antczak Marcin , Kwieciñski Zbigniew , Szymañski Pawel , Tobolka Marcin , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: December 2023

The raptor community wintering in an extensively managed farmland was studied in Western Poland during seven winters (20062013). Data on raptor presence and numbers was obtained by point count method. In the presented paper we focus on the variance in abundance and habitat selection of diurnal predators: Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor). Study species were governed by two major habitat gradients in farmland: from amount of mowed meadows towards increasing coverage of arable fields and from non-mowed meadows and shrubs towards increasing coverage of forests. Par-ticular species differed in response to habitat variables: plots with large coverage of mead-ows and high heterogeneity were preferred by Rough-legged Buzzard and Common Kes-trel. Great Grey Shrike and Northern Goshawk selected linear habitats, mostly shrub lines, and non-mowed meadows while Eurasian Sparrowhawk was associated with fo-rests and urban areas. Rough-legged Buzzard avoided arable fields, while Common Buz-zard had broader preferences and was more associated with arable fields. We also found that Common Buzzard and Great Grey Shrike abundance was positively related with win-ter temperature, while Rough-legged Buzzard showed a negative relationship. Our study shows the importance of heterogeneity in farmland as well as meadows as optimal habi-tats for wintering raptors, and we underline the role of extensive agriculture in conserva-tion of raptors.
Lek site defines annual spatial use of male Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix)
Authors: Borecha Degitu , Willebrand Tomas , Nielsen Olafur K.
Published: December 2023

Adultmale Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix) are assumed to use the same lek throughout their life-span and juveniles are rarely observed settling far from their natal areas. Here we report results on a study of lek site fidelity in male Black Grouse using mark-recapture, radio- telemetry, and lek observations between 1984 and 1992. Data were collected at two sites in central Sweden with six and two leks, respectively. A total of 306 Black Grouse (230 full-grown adult and juvenile males, and 76 chicks) were captured and tagged.We found that all recaptured males tagged as chicks (n = 7) were caught on the lek closest to their initial capture site. Twenty-six percent (n = 59) of individuals ringed as full-grown were recaptured at least once in the subsequent springs. Fewer individuals attended leks during themating period than the premating period (t(15) = 3.06,P= 0.008). Juvenilemales were closer to the lek in the premating period (95% confidence interval = 0.45–0.65 km) than in the mating period (0.73–1.13 km), in contrast to adults, which were closer to leks in themating period (0.44–0.61 km) than the premating period (0.80–0.95 km). Inter-lek movement probability of the birds was 15%(n = 9) in the study area. Male Black Grouse remain close to their lek all year round and their recruitment is local. This indicates that leks consist of well-defined local populations, which have limited interactions with other leks.
Do flight-calls of Redwings differ during nocturnal and diurnal migration and daytime stopovers?
Authors: Bulyuk Victor N. , Bolshakov Casimir V. , Evstigneeva Maria
Published: December 2023

In the present study, we analyzed 173 spectrograms of acoustic signals of Redwings (Turdus iliacus). These were issued during diurnal and nocturnalmigratory flight and also during feeding, when resting and before take-off at daytime stopovers.During nocturnal and diurnal migration flights and daytime stopovers, Redwings use a single type of signal, a long tsii. It is classified as a species-specific attraction call. In flight Redwings emit shorter calls than during daytime stopovers.We did not find confirmation of the hypothesis that during nocturnalmigration in the absence of visual contact with each other, due to lowlight levels andmuch looser flocks in the course of daytime migration, Redwings emit longer signals with wider frequency spectrum than in the daytime.
Mapping the global potential exposure of soaring birds to terrestrial wind energy expansion
Authors: Santangeli Andrea , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Pogson Mark , Hastings Astley , Smith Pete , Girardello Marco , Moilanen Atte
Published: December 2023

The wind energy sector is steadily growing, and the number of wind turbines is expected to expand across large areas of the globe in the near future. While the development of wind energy can contribute to mitigating climate change, it also poses challenges to wildlife, particularly birds, due to increased collision risk with wind turbines. Here we quantify and map potential conflicts between the potential for wind energy development and the distribution of terrestrial soaring birds. We explore the relationship between species traits (including body mass, migration ecology and extinction risk) and exposure to potential wind energy development, and identified areas of potential conflict between wind power production and soaring bird conservation. We considered the full range of each species, as well as separately analyzing the breeding, non-breeding and passage ranges for migratory species. We show that exposure to potential wind energy development is similar for soaring and non-soaring bird species.
Professor emeritus Seppo Sulkava (1931–2019)
Authors: Korpimäki Erkki , Mikkola Heimo , Tornberg Risto
Published: December 2023

Seppo Sulkava, professor emeritus of zoology, passed away aged 87 in Espoo, Finland. He was born on 30th September 1931 at Ilmajoki, western Finland. He made an extensive career starting 1961 at a newly formed University of Oulu as a researcher, then as a curator of the Zoological Museum and since 1968 as a professor until retirement 1994, the last seven years as the head of the Department of Zoology.
Losing your home: temporal changes in forest landscape structure due to timber harvest accelerate Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) nest stand losses
Authors: Byholm Patrik , Gunko Ruslan , Burgas Daniel , Karell Patrik
Published: December 2023

In Finland, forests are both one of the main national economic resources and the main source of biodiversity. Lack of detailed empirical evidence of how forestry affects biodiversity limits the development of sustainable forest management. Previous studies have found that the Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is a keystone species in mature coniferous boreal forests, and that its presence is associated with high local biodiversity. To understand how timber harvest affect goshawk nest-stand constancy and nest occupancy, we analyzed changes in nine landscape classes in two buffer zones (100 m, 250 m) around goshawk nests in Western Finland during 2005–2013. Patterns of nest occupancy and nest stand loss during 2005–2013 was compared with corresponding data from 1999–2005 to investigate possible long-term changes in the same.
From northern Europe to Ethiopia: long-distance migration of Common Cranes (Grus grus)
Authors: Ojaste Ivar , Leito Aivar , Suorsa Petri , Hedenström Anders , Sepp Kalev , Leivits Meelis , Sellis Urmas , Väli Ülo
Published: December 2023

The majority of Common Cranes (Grus grus) breeding in northern Europe are short- to medium-distance migrants that overwinter in southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East. However, some individuals migrate longer distances to as far as Ethiopia. Using data from 18 satellite-tracked juvenile Common Cranes, we assessed (1) the length and landscape composition of the migratory routes used and (2) the behaviour of neighbouring Finnish and Estonian (500 km apart in the north-south direction) sub-populations. Our results show that Common Cranes mainly use the East European flyway to reach the wintering grounds in Ethiopia, yet some individual cranes may alternatively use the Baltic-Hungarian migration route. Neither duration nor the number of stopovers used influenced the flight distances of the cranes. Further, 7–19 days of refuelling enabled the cranes to cover long flight distances, from 2,420 to 5,110 km in 6–15 days, without the need for settling down at potential stopovers on the route.
Impact of road distance and experimental challenge of the maternal immune system on the offspring immunocompetence
Authors: Grzedzicka Emilia
Published: December 2023

The increasing number of roads is an important threat to living organisms on a global scale, although research describing the influence of roads on the immune response of birds is lacking. The main purpose of this study was to examine the effect of distance from the road on the chicks’ immune function. The research was conducted in the Krzyszkowice Forest near Kraków (S Poland) in spring 2012. Two common bird species: Great Tit and Eurasian Blue Tit bred in new nest boxes installed on trees with various distances from the road. In half of the nests, adult females were challenged with the antigen sheep red blood cells (SRBC) to check whether this experiment and the neighbourhood of road – both potentially lowering the immune response of nestlings – together cause an interactive effect.
Supplementary feeding improves breeding performance in Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo)
Authors: Pearson Martin , Husby Magne
Published: December 2023

After more than a century of persecution and low reproduction rate, the Eagle Owl is extinct, scarce or still declining in many areas. One possible mitigating action is to supply them artificially with food, but earlier experiments with supplementary feeding of other species have produced varying effects. Supplementary feeding has some caveats and controversies and needs to be tested to avoid counterintuitive management outcomes. Here we present an experimental supplementary feeding trial on a wild population of Eagle Owls on two islands in the middle of Norway. An Eagle Owl population of 27 territories was investigated from 1999 to 2019, and supplementary feeding was provided in three territories over two to seven years. Other important factors for Eagle Owl reproduction that have changed during the 21 years were, in addition to supplementary feeding, included in the GLMM analyses. We found significant earlier egg-laying in territories with supplementary feeding, and a delay in egg-laying in periods with a high corvid population. The probability of producing young increased with supplementary feeding, but was negatively affected by an increased number of pedestrians. This experiment shows that supplementary feeding can enhance breeding performance in Eagle Owls, and that food availability is a limiting factor. Despite that, we would not recommend supplementary feeding as a general mitigating method to help Eagle Owls, because it is time-consuming, the fledglings will have problems surviving if there is not enough food available naturally in the surroundings, and predatory mammals can be attracted to the Eagle Owl territories.
Habitat preferences of the Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) in Bulgaria to support species management
Authors: Dobrev Dobromir D. , Popgeorgiev Georgi S.
Published: December 2023

The Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) is a large scavenger with a population ranging between Portugal and India. The species is an obligate scavenger with a narrow ecological niche and is therefore particularly dependent on, and limited by habitat availability. The study aimed, for the first time in Eastern Europe, to identify the habitat preferences of the Griffon Vulture at landscape and cliff scales. We used long-term monitoring data between 1987–2018 to analyze habitat preferences of the natal Griffon Vulture population in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria. We employed single explanatory variable tests to reveal the species habitat preferences at two spatial scales. The results revealed Griffon Vultures’ high preferences towards rocky habitats at the landscape level. At a cliff scale, the height and length of the cliff, the distance to the nearest conspecific colony and the distance to the nearest feeding site were the best predictors for the species habitat preferences. We stress the importance of these findings considering the current status of the species within the region. Our results are useful to support the future conservation of the Griffon Vulture population in Bulgaria and provide a starting point for future research in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
O ESTUDO DO DESENVOLVIMENTO DE DUAL RELEASE PARA COMBINAÇÃO DE DOIS IFAS
Authors: Catalano Elyon Calazans da Silva , Carvalho Alcione Silva de , Andrade Leonardo Guimarães de
Published: December 2023

A terapia combinada, envolvendo a união de dois ou mais ingredientes farmacêuticos ativos (IFAs) em um único medicamento ou tratamento, representa uma estratégia terapêutica significativa na medicina moderna. Esta abordagem visa tratar condições médicas específicas de forma mais eficaz, abordando diferentes aspectos da doença e minimizando o risco de resistência aos medicamentos. Este trabalho explora como a combinação de medicamentos se tornou uma prática cada vez mais comum para melhorar a eficácia do tratamento e diminuir os efeitos colaterais. Baseando-se em artigos de profissionais renomados, discute-se o uso de cápsulas de dual release, que contêm duas camadas de medicamento - uma externa e outra interna - projetadas para liberar os fármacos em momentos distintos durante a digestão.Ao longo deste estudo, analisaremos os objetivos, vantagens e desvantagens desta metodologia, enfatizando sua relevância para o tratamento de doenças crônicas. Destaca-se a importância da inovação e da pesquisa contínua na área farmacêutica. para o avanço de terapias mais eficientes e seguras.
Este trabalho explora como a combinação de medicamentos se tornou uma prática cada vez mais comum para melhorar a eficácia do tratamento e diminuir os efeitos colaterais. Baseando-se em artigos de profissionais renomados, discute-se o uso de cápsulas de dual release, que contêm duas camadas de medicamento - uma externa e outra interna - projetadas para liberar os fármacos em momentos distintos durante a digestão.
Ao longo deste estudo, analisaremos os objetivos, vantagens e desvantagens desta metodologia, enfatizando sua relevância para o tratamento de doenças crônicas. Destaca-se a importância da inovação e da pesquisa contínua na área farmacêutica. para o avanço de terapias mais eficientes e seguras.
A INVISIBILIDADE PERIFÉRICA E O PLURALISMO JURÍDICO
Authors: Santos Genilda José dos , Lima Alba Cristina Teixeira , Oliveira Claudilene Jordão da Costa , Alencar Maria de Fátima Ramos Torres
Published: December 2023

O objetivo do presente artigo é analisar o pluralismo jurídico como alternativa ao direito positivado, como um contraponto à hegemonia jurídica da classe economicamente dominante e detentora do conhecimento científico, jurídico sufocando as alternativas, os saberes dos povos originais, das favelas, dos expropriados da terra, dos não representados pela sociedade. A ideia da sociedade como vontade política de muitos, não chega a ser efetivamente uma sociedade para todos, é seletiva e elitista, quem decide os rumos que o país e as normas que devemos seguir  é um pequeno grupo bancado pelos detentores do capital, banqueiros, empresários, grandes corporações até mesmo internacionais que financiam a classe política desde que defendam seus interesses econômicos  e ideológicos de perpetuar a desigualdade social, a segregação entre ricos e pobres, brancos e negros, heterossexuais e homossexuais, evangélicos e católicos e outras religiões. Quando a Constituição Federal de 1988 diz todos são iguais perante a lei, se fôssemos esmiuçar essa igualdade desde o berço, veríamos uma desigualdade abissal.  Há grupos invisíveis na nossa sociedade, grupos sem voz, sem representatividade, sem direitos, são tratados como não cidadãos, ou cidadãos de última categoria, como pudéssemos classificar um ser humano em categorias, isto de per si já é ultrajante, normalizar e normatizar a exclusão social é um atentado a toda humanidade.
Renovar la ética en las relaciones públicas. Estudio de caso
Authors: Marqués Pascual Joaquín , De Uribe Gil Clara Eugenia
Published: December 2023

Este trabajo propone una revisión del código ético del Col·legi de Màrqueting, la Comunicació, la Publicitat i les Relacions Públiques de Catalunya (CMCC) que data de 2005, a la luz del desarrollo de una ética profesional acorde a los tiempos actuales. La propuesta de reforma (desarrollada mediante un proceso de benchmarking) es fruto del análisis de las últimas versiones de los códigos éticos (CE) más recientes, de diferentes entidades, en el campo de las relaciones públicas (RRPP). Se fija, además en los criterios de la Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD) y su renovado código ético (2020) así como el de la Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) de 2018 y el del Consejo General de Ingeniería Informática de España, debido a la cada vez mayor implicación de los algoritmos y la inteligencia artificial en el quehacer diario de la profesión. Como resultado se propone una redacción de un código ético que es el primero en plantear el papel de la inteligencia artificial y los algoritmos en el quehacer de los profesionales de la publicidad, el márquetin y las RRPP
In situ measurements of perturbations to stratospheric aerosol and modeled ozone and radiative impacts following the 2021 La Soufrière eruption
Authors: Li Yaowei , Pedersen Corey , Dykema John , Vernier Jean-Paul , Vattioni Sandro , Pandit Amit Kumar , Stenke Andrea , Asher Elizabeth , Thornberry Troy , Todt Michael A. , Bui Thao Paul , Dean-Day Jonathan , Keutsch Frank N.
Published: December 2023

Abstract. Stratospheric aerosols play important roles in Earth's radiative budget and in heterogeneous chemistry. Volcanic eruptions modulate the stratospheric aerosol layer by injecting particles and particle precursors like sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the stratosphere. Beginning on 9 April 2021, La Soufrière erupted, injecting SO2 into the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, yielding a peak SO2 loading of 0.3–0.4 Tg. The resulting volcanic aerosol plumes dispersed predominately over the Northern Hemisphere (NH), as indicated by the CALIOP/CALIPSO satellite observations and model simulations. From June to August 2021 and May to July 2022, the NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft extensively sampled the stratospheric aerosol layer over the continental United States during the Dynamics and Chemistry of the Summer Stratosphere (DCOTSS) mission. These in situ aerosol measurements provide detailed insights into the number concentration, size distribution, and spatiotemporal variations of particles within volcanic plumes. Notably, aerosol surface area density and number density in 2021 were enhanced by a factor of 2–4 between 380–500 K potential temperature compared to the 2022 DCOTSS observations, which were minimally influenced by volcanic activity. Within the volcanic plume, the observed aerosol number density exhibited significant meridional and zonal variations, while the mode and shape of aerosol size distributions did not vary. The La Soufrière eruption led to an increase in the number concentration of small particles (<400 nm), resulting in a smaller aerosol effective diameter during the summer of 2021 compared to the baseline conditions in the summer of 2022, as observed in regular ER-2 profiles over Salina, Kansas. A similar reduction in aerosol effective diameter was not observed in ER-2 profiles over Palmdale, California, possibly due to the values that were already smaller in that region during the limited sampling period in 2022. Additionally, we modeled the eruption with the SOCOL-AERv2 aerosol–chemistry–climate model. The modeled aerosol enhancement aligned well with DCOTSS observations, although the direct comparison was complicated by issues related to the model's background aerosol burden. This study indicates that the La Soufrière eruption contributed approximately 0.6 % to Arctic and Antarctic ozone column depletion in both 2021 and 2022, which is well within the range of natural variability. The modeled top-of-atmosphere 1-year global average radiative forcing was −0.08 W m−2 clear-sky and −0.04 W m−2 all-sky. The radiative effects were concentrated in the tropics and NH midlatitudes and diminished to near-baseline levels after 1 year.
Revising chronological uncertainties in marine archives using global anthropogenic signals: a case study
Authors: Irvalı Nil , Ninnemann Ulysses S. , Olsen Are , Rose Neil L. , Thornalley David J. R. , Mjell Tor L. , Counillon François
Published: December 2023

Abstract. Marine sediments are excellent archives for reconstructing past changes in climate and ocean circulation. Overlapping with instrumental records they hold the potential to elucidate natural variability and contextualize current changes. Yet, dating uncertainties of traditional approaches (e.g., up to ± 30–50 years, for the last two centuries) pose major challenges for integrating the shorter instrumental records with these extended marine archives. Hence, robust sediment chronologies are crucial and most existing age model constraints do not provide sufficient age control, particularly for the 20th century, which is the most critical period for comparing proxy records to historical changes. Here we propose a novel chronostratigraphic approach that uses anthropogenic signals such as the oceanic 13C Suess effect and spheroidal carbonaceous fly ash particles to reduce age model uncertainties in high-resolution marine archives. As a test, we apply this new approach to a marine sediment core located at the Gardar Drift, in the subpolar North Atlantic, and revise the previously published age model for this site. We further provide refined estimate of regional reservoir corrections and uncertainties for Gardar Drift.
3D-printed Ag–AgCl electrodes for laboratory measurements of self-potential
Authors: Rowan Thomas S. L. , Karantoni Vilelmini A. , Butler Adrian P. , Jackson Matthew D.
Published: December 2023

Abstract. This paper details the design, development, and evaluation of a 3D-printed rechargeable Ag–AgCl electrode to measure self-potential (SP) in laboratory experiments. The challenge was to make a small, cheap, robust, and stable electrode that could be used in a wide range of applications. The new electrodes are shown to offer comparable performance to custom-machined laboratory standards, and the inclusion of 3D printing (fused filament fabrication or FFF and stereolithography or SLA) makes them more versatile and significantly less expensive – of the order of ×40 to ×75 cost reduction – to construct than laboratory standards. The devices are demonstrated in both low-pressure experiments using bead packs and high-pressure experiments using natural rock samples. Designs are included for both male and female connections to laboratory equipment. We report design drawings, practical advice for electrode printing and assembly, and printable 3D design files to facilitate wide uptake.
SEMANTIC SEGMENTATION OF UAV LIDAR DATA FOR TREE PLANTATIONS
Authors: Shao J. , Habib A. , Fei S.
Published: December 2023

Abstract. Tree plantations, characterized by large-scale cultivation of trees with high commercial values, often rely on accurate inventory data to improve their capacity. However, understanding tree plantations with different components on a large scale for growth prediction is still a tricky problem. In this paper, we harness the power of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems to acquire 3D point clouds of tree plantations and investigate the potential of deep learning segmentation for enhanced understanding of plantation UAV LiDAR point clouds, thereby promoting precision forest management. Two datasets from the same plantation without debris on the ground and with harvested debris were tested. Experimental results showed that we were able to process a plantation consisting of 300 trees in 2 min and achieve an overall accuracy of 95% segmentation for this plantation. This research demonstrates the feasibility of the deep learning method in segmenting large-scale tree plantation point clouds, which is able to speed up the inventory of tree plantations.
OBJECT BASED APPROACH FOR IMAGE FEATURE EXTRACTION FROM UAV DATA
Authors: Sharma S. K. , Shah J. , Maithani S. , Mishra V.
Published: December 2023

Abstract. This present study explores the potential of utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data for mapping urban areas, emphasizing the effectiveness of combining UAV technology with Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) in updating maps. In dynamic urban environments where changes occur frequently, this combination provides a rapid and efficient method for map updates. The study's primary objective was to extract valuable information from UAV data using OBIA. The research methodology involved capturing UAV images, followed by photogrammetric processing to generate orthophoto, Digital Surface Model (DSM), and Digital Terrain Model (DTM). Subsequently, OBIA was employed to classify the image, utilizing a range of machine learning-based algorithms for image classification. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of different classification algorithms. It was observed that the K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) algorithm demonstrated superior performance, outperforming all other algorithms in accurately classifying the image.
INDIVIDUAL TREE-BASED FOREST SPECIES DIVERSITY ESTIMATION USING UAV-BORNE HYPERSPECTRAL AND LIDAR DATA
Authors: Zheng Z. , Li X. , Xu C. , Zhao P. , Chen J. , Wu J. , Zhao X. , Mu X. , Zhao D. , Zeng Y.
Published: December 2023

Abstract. Forest biodiversity is essential in maintaining ecosystem functions and services. Recently, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing technology has emerged as a cost-effective and flexible tool for biodiversity monitoring. In this study, we compared the optimal clustering algorithm, classification method (spectral angle mapper, SAM), spectral diversity metric and structural heterogeneity index for forest species diversity estimation in two complex subtropical forests, Mazongling (MZL) and Gonggashan (GGS) National Nature Forest Reserves in China, using UAV-borne hyperspectral and LiDAR data. The results showed that the SAM classification method performed better with higher values of R2 than the clustering algorithm for predicting both species richness (MZL: 0.62 > 0.46 and GGS: 0.55 > 0.46) and Shannon-Wiener index (MZL: 0.64 > 0.58 and GGS: 0.52 > 0.47), while the optimal clustering algorithm had the highest prediction accuracy for the Simpson index, followed by the SAM classification method, spectral diversity metric and structural heterogeneity index (MZL: 0.83>0.44>0.31>0.12, GGS: 0.62>0.44>0.38>0.00). Our study indicated that the SAM classification method had the advantage of identifying rare species and estimating species richness, while the clustering method could capture forest diversity patterns rapidly without distinguishing the specific tree species and predict the Simpson index more accurately. Overall, both clustering and classification methods exhibited superior performance compared to spectral or structural diversity indices. Our findings highlight the applicability of UAV remote sensing in monitoring forest species diversity in complex subtropical forests.
PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS VERSUS AUTOENCODERS FOR DIMENSIONALITY REDUCTION: A CASE OF SUPER-RESOLVED OUTPUTS FROM PRISMA HYPERSPECTRAL MISSION DATA
Authors: Mishra K. , Vozel B. , Garg R. D.
Published: December 2023

Abstract. This study attempts to solve these issues associated with hyperspectral (HS) data, i.e., coarse spatial resolution and high volume, by understanding the effect of deep learning and traditional dimensionality reduction on super-resolved products generated from the recently launched PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa (PRISMA) HS mission. Four single-frame super-resolution (SR) algorithms have been used to super-resolve a 30 m PRISMA scene of Ahmedabad, India and generate 15 m spatial resolution images with both spatial and spectral fidelity. Iterative back projection (IBP) and sparse representation (SIS) are the best and worst-performing SR algorithms following a comparative assessment and validation protocol. Next, denoising autoencoders and PCT computed using singular and eigenvalue decompositions have been executed on the original PRISMA, IBP and SIS-based super-resolved datasets. The resulting low-dimensional representations have been assessed to preserve the original dataset's topology using label-independent Lee and Verleysen's co-ranking matrix and loss of quality measure. Findings suggest that autoencoders are computationally expensive and require a higher neighbourhood size than PCT and its variants to produce a high-quality encoding. These insights remain significant for urban information extraction as there are few direct comparative assessments between machine learning-based linear and non-linear data compression methods in earlier studies.
A comparison of constant false alarm rate object detection algorithms for iceberg identification in L- and C-band SAR imagery of the Labrador Sea
Authors: Færch Laust , Dierking Wolfgang , Hughes Nick , Doulgeris Anthony P.
Published: December 2023

Abstract. In this study, we pursue two objectives: first, we compare six different “constant false alarm rate” (CFAR) algorithms for iceberg detection in SAR images, and second, we investigate the effect of radar frequency by comparing the detection performance at C- and L-band. The SAR images were acquired over the Labrador Sea under melting conditions. In an overlapping optical Sentinel-2 image, 492 icebergs were identified in the area. They were used for an assessment of the algorithms' capabilities to accurately detect them in the SAR images and for the determination of the number of false alarms and missed detections. By testing the detectors at varying probability of false alarm (PFA) levels, the optimum PFA for each detector was found. Additionally, we considered the effect of iceberg sizes in relation to image resolution. The results showed that the overall highest accuracy was achieved by applying a log-normal CFAR detector to the L-band image (F score of 70.4 %), however, only for a narrow range of PFA values. Three of the tested detectors provided high F scores above 60 % over a wider range of PFA values both at L- and C-band. Low F scores were mainly caused by missed detections of small-sized (<60 m) and medium-sized (60–120 m) icebergs, with approximately 20 %–40 % of the medium icebergs and 85 %–90 % of small icebergs being missed by all detectors. The iDPolRAD detector, which is sensitive to volume scattering, is less suitable under melting conditions.
Inventando formas de hacer cine. Entrevista a Fernando Meirelles
Authors: Deltell-Escolar Luis , Ortega-Bertella Fernanda
Published: December 2023

Entrevista realizada al director de cine brasileño Fernando Meirelles en São Paulo. El cineasta explica como afrontó la realización de alguna de sus películas más importante como Ciudad de Dios, El Jardinero Fiel, A ciegas o Los dos papas.
Participación Política y Activismo de las personas mayores en España a través de la acción colectiva
Authors: Álvarez Pérez Raúl
Published: December 2023

Este trabajo contribuye a identificar y explicar qué factores (individuales, organizativos y contextuales) condicionan la acción colectiva de las personas mayores, su intensidad y modalidades de la participación. Las dos modalidades de participación política colectiva que se analizan son la participación en organizaciones de carácter sociopolítico altamente formalizadas y en eventos de protesta promovidos por estructuras organizativas vinculadas a nuevos movimientos sociales. Una muestra de 20 representantes/portavoces de diferentes estructuras organizativas de mayores a los que se aplica la técnica de la entrevista semiestructurada en profundidad, sirve de base para desarrollar una estrategia multimétodo que permite identificar un conjuntos de factores relevantes, en la dimensión individual en este caso, que predisponen a la implicación como activista. Además de análisis centrados en la dimensión individual de la persona es necesario relacionar estos con factores organizativos y contextuales para un análisis lo más completo posible del objeto de estudio.
African Agency and Colonial Committees at Fourah Bay College
Authors: Harrison Ewan , Jackson Iain
Published: December 2023

Fourah Bay College was the first Western-style university to be established along the West African coast in 1827. Primarily used to train missionaries and traders operating in British West Africa, it remained one of the premier educational establishments, overlooking the docks of Cline Town in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Following the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts and civil unrest in the aftermath of World War II, British colonial policy began to fund a series of secondary and tertiary education institutions. Modeled on the new University of the West Indies, these new universities adopted the residential college dorm typology coupled with the latest modernist architecture designed to enhance climatic comfort.A new campus was proposed for Fourah Bay, and in contrast to earlier precedents, the architectural approach was to be more humble and less monumental. Following a masterplan by London-based architects Norman and Dawbarn, the much smaller and relatively unknown British practice of Frank Rutter was appointed to design most of the campus buildings. The centerpiece is a large concrete tower named after John F. Kennedy, symbolic of the shifting political posturing for control and influence. Following Independence in 1961 and with increasing technical aid offered to neighboring Ghana and Nigeria from Socialist Eastern European powers, Fourah Bay College demonstrated how these political attempts for influence were directly played out through these newly formed institutions. Fourah Bay College also reveals the African agency in appointing architects and who was able to control the procurement processes and design teams. Rutter was dismissed as ‘college architect’ by a small contingent of newly qualified Sierra Leonean architects eager to ensure local appointments and architectural expressions were given opportunity. The campus, with its impressive architectural structures and innovative solutions, mirrors the political flux and shifting global power structures of the late 1950s and early 1960s, along with the local agency of Freetown architects and their quest to shape the future.
Campus Utopias
Authors: Savaş Sargın Ayşen , Gramsbergen Esther , Söylev Yagiz
Published: December 2023

“Campus Utopias: A Visual Re-reading” describes a multidisciplinary graduate course conducted collaboratively by TU Delft and METU Ankara’s Architecture Departments in 2022. The research course focused on the key urban and architectural features of selected campus projects, examining how the modernist architects engaged in these designs were able to use them as a basis for the experimentation of new educational-residential models for living.This research paper explores the formal aspects of these campuses and their architectural significance. It recognizes the diverse geographies where the modern architectural movement took root and the active role played by political, economic, and cultural agents in shaping these projects. Working with local agents and situating modern architecture within its surrounding infrastructure and landscape helped master architects to integrate local architectural values and new building technologies.The article presents three case studies: Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, the University of Baghdad in Iraq, and the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas. These campuses were designed and built after World War II, representing the aspirations of newly installed governments. The article highlights the architectural approaches that incorporated environmental considerations and cultural inspirations and the socio-economic considerations in each project.The research methodology involves a comparative analysis of the campuses, focusing on their formal qualities and in-between spaces. The students involved in the graduate research course utilized various media and techniques of representation, including 3D digital drawings, models, collages, and physical reliefs. The work results were presented in the form of an exhibition titled “Campus Utopias” at TU Delft Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment in April 2022. The student projects in this photo essay show the diversity of scale and make visible the similarities and differences in the overall campus design approaches of the three projects. The major focus is on the in-between spaces and the outcomes of the multidisciplinary work of architects, engineers, landscape architects, and artists.
Piotr Wlostowic czy Piotr Wszeborowic? O fundacji i fundatorze klasztoru norbertanek w Strzelnie
Authors: Hewner Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

--
W sprawie procesu fundacyjnego opactwa w Mogile
Authors: Zdanek Maciej
Published: December 2023

--