bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molar mass determination of lignins by size-exclusion chromatography: towards standardisation of the method
Authors: Baumberger Stéphanie , Abaecherli Alfred , Fasching Mario , Gellerstedt Gäoran , Gosselink Richard , Hortling Bo , Li Jiebing , Saake Bodo , de Jong Ed
Published: June 2007

The reactivity and physicochemical properties of lignins are partly governed by their molar mass distribution. The development of reliable standard methods for determination of the molar mass distribution is not only relevant for designing technical lignins for specific applications, but also for monitoring and elucidating delignification and pulping processes. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) offers many advantages, such as wide availability, short analysis time, low sample demand, and determination of molar mass distribution over a wide range. A collaborative study has been undertaken within the “Eurolignin” European thematic network to standardise SEC analysis of technical lignins. The high-molar-mass fraction of polydisperse lignins was shown to be the main source of intra- and interlaboratory variations, depending on the gel type, elution solvent, detection mode, and calculation strategy. The reliability of two widespread systems have been tested: one based on alkali and a hydrophilic gel (e.g., TSK Toyopearl gel) and the other based on THF as solvent and polystyrene-based gels (e.g., Styragel). A set of practical recommendations has been deduced.
Experimental device for the accurate determination of wood-water relations on micro-samples
Authors: Perré Patrick
Published: June 2007

This paper describes an experimental device designed for the accurate determination of wood/water relations on micro-samples. The moisture content of the sample is measured with a highly sensitive electronic microbalance. Moreover, the dimensions of the sample in tangential and longitudinal direction are collected continuously without contact by means of two high-speed laser scan micrometers. The device is placed in a climatic chamber. The micro-samples investigated were prepared with a diamond wire saw. A sample thickness of less than 1 mm allows the moisture content to be almost uniform during the test. The data obtained are of excellent quality and accuracy, in spite of the very small mass and dimensions of the samples. The device provides a perfect tool for investigating the dynamic interaction between relative humidity, moisture content, and shrinkage. Results collected for beech, spruce and eucalyptus are presented. Important findings include: deviation from a linear relation between shrinkage and moisture content in beech; uniqueness of the shrinkage versus moisture content curve during desorption/adsorption cycles; evidence of cell collapse in eucalyptus, especially for tension wood; and property variations within the growth ring of normal wood and compression wood of spruce.
Finely milled kenaf core as a natural plywood binder
Authors: Okuda Nobuhisa , Sato Masatoshi
Published: June 2007

Application of kenaf core powder as a natural plywood binder has been studied. In the first instance, binderless boards made of kenaf core powder and overlaid sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) veneers resulted in immediate veneer delamination. However, binderless boards were successfully manufactured from sugi wood powder and had an internal bonding strength of 1.69 MPa. The board properties improved with increasing fineness of the raw material, increasing pressing temperature, and increasing board density. Essential prerequisites for binderless adhesion are: (1) particles should be situated close to each other to allow the formation of chemical bonds; and (2) a high pressing temperature is necessary to melt the solid-solid interfaces between the particles and to supply the activation energy for chemical reactions. For successful adaptation of these requirements, the kenaf core powder should have an average particle size of approximately 10 μm, which then mediates close contact between veneers. Plywood bonded with kenaf core powder had an average tensile shear strength of 0.96 MPa with a wood failure rate of 82.1%. Accordingly, vibratory ball milling activates kenaf core and the powder is suitable as a natural plywood binder.
Effects of ring characteristics on the compressive strength and dynamic modulus of elasticity of seven softwood species
Authors: Lin Cheng-Jung , Tsai Ming-Jer , Lee Chia-Ju , Wang Song-Yung , Lin Lang-Dong
Published: June 2007

The effects of ring characteristics on the compressive strength and dynamic modulus of elasticity of seven softwood species in Taiwan were examined. The results revealed good correlation between compressive strength and dynamic modulus of elasticity obtained using an ultrasonic wave technique (correlation coefficient r=0.77–0.86). Overall, compressive strength increased with decreasing ring width parameters and increasing ring density parameters. Ring density was related to compressive strength, but was not the sole factor affecting the wood strength. According to our statistical analysis, compressive strength was affected by various ring characteristics. Relationships between ring characteristics and compressive strength are influenced by the anatomic direction. Results revealed that earlywood density and minimum density in a ring are equally important variables for evaluating the compressive strength of wood.
Evaluating the suitability of hybrid poplar clones for the manufacture of oriented strand boards
Authors: Semple Kate E. , Vaillant Marie-Helene , Kang Kyu-Young , Oh Seung Won , Smith Gregory D. , Mansfield Shawn D.
Published: June 2007

Clonal trees from five different plantation-grown, industrially relevant hybrid poplar genotypes of the same age, grown on a common site in British Columbia, Canada, were tested for their performance in strand production and properties of oriented strand board (OSB). The results were compared against a benchmark mill-run OSB furnish derived from native aspen (Populus tremuloides). Variation in solid wood density among the hybrid poplar clones was shown to influence the compaction ratio and densification of the OSB, which in turn led to variation in board strength properties. After accounting for specimen density using co-variate statistical models, it was apparent that there were significant effects of genotype on bonding strength and thickness swell. Lower density wood from the fastest growing P. deltoides×P. trichocarpa (DTAC 7) clone resulted in better mat compaction and higher bond strength, whereas higher density wood from a P. trichocarpa×P. deltoides (TD 50-184) clone resulted in lower compaction and bonding strength. Flexural strength (rupture and elastic moduli) and nail pull through were not as significantly affected by either board density or genotype when adjusted for density. The study clearly demonstrates that fast grown, large diameter wood of lower initial wood density from hybrid poplar is highly suited for OSB production.
A numerical study of the transverse modulus of wood as a function of grain orientation and properties
Authors: Nairn John A.
Published: June 2007

Finite element analysis was used to study the effective transverse modulus of solid wood for all possible end-grain patterns. The calculations accounted for cylindrical anisotropy of wood within rectangular specimens and explicitly modeled wood as a composite of earlywood and latewood. The effective modulus was significantly reduced by growth ring curvature or off-axis loading, The large changes were attributed to the low transverse shear modulus of wood. The explicit, or heterogeneous, model was compared to prior numerical methods that homogenized properties in the transverse plane. The two models gave similar effective modulus results, but a heterogeneous model was required to capture details in modulus calculations or to realistically model stress concentrations. Various numerical methods for modeling transverse stresses in wood are discussed.
Mechatronische Lenksysteme (Mechatronic Steering Systems)
Authors: Karch Gerald , Grüner Stefan
Published: June 2007

Mit der Entwicklung von Fahrzeugen ist die Entwicklung von Lenksystemen in natürlicher Weise eng verbunden. So hat die Lenkung alle Entwicklungsschritte mitgemacht, wie sie bei Fahrzeugsystemen zu beobachten sind. Ausgehend von einer rein mechanischen Lösung über hydraulische Systeme bis hin zu elektrischen Lenksystemen verläuft diese Entwicklung. Der Integrationsgrad wächst dabei und mit steigenden funktionalen Anforderungen, die über elektronische Steuerungen realisiert werden, entstehen mechatronische Systeme. Basis für die funktionale Weiterentwicklung im Bereich der Lenkungstechnik ist die Momentenregelung des Unterstützungsmomentes, auf die näher eingegangen wird. Aufbauend auf dieser Basis entstehen neue Potenziale für Lenkungsfunktionen. Im Verbund mit anderen Fahrzeugelektroniken sowohl im Bereich der Fahrerassistenz als auch in der aktiven Sicherheit liegen hohe Wachstumschancen.
"It is Different Each Time I Play": Variability in Highly Prepared Musical Performance
Authors: Chaffin Roger , Lemieux Anthony F. , Chen Colleen
Published: June 2007

PERFORMANCES BY CONCERT PIANISTS in the Western classical tradition are normally highly prepared, yet must sound fresh and spontaneous. We propose that musicians achieve the necessary spontaneity by strategic management of the variability inherent in any action. Musical gestures that make up the artist's interpretation (e.g., crescendos, ritardandos) are attenuated or exaggerated to different degrees in each performance, while movements critical for technique are less varied.We examined 7 highly polished performances of J.S. Bach's Italian Concerto (Presto) by a concert pianist. There were small but consistent differences between performances in 4 of 9 identified musical gestures, each of which occurred in several locations. In contrast, at points where the pianist reported attending to technique during performance, slower tempi and lower dynamic variability suggested that she controlled execution of planned movements more closely. Increased control at technical difficulties permitted more spontaneous variation in the musical gestures important to her interpretation.
Silences in Music are Musical Not Silent: An Exploratory Study of Context Effects on the Experience of Musical Pauses
Authors: Margulis Elizabeth Hellmuth
Published: June 2007

SILENCES IN MUSIC ARE DISTINGUISHED acoustically along only one dimension: the length of time they occupy. However, like pauses in speech, they are distinguished syntactically along many dimensions, depending on the context in which they occur. In two experiments, one using musical excerpts from commercially available recordings, and the other using simpler constructed excerpts, participants' reactions to silences were assessed. Participants pressed a button when they heard a period of silence begin and end, moved a slider to indicate perceived changes in musical tension across the course of each excerpt, and answered a series of questions about each silence, including questions about its duration, placement, salience, and metric qualities. Musical context, especially tonal context, affected the response to silence as measured by all three tasks. Specifically, silences following tonal closure were identified more quickly and perceived as less tense than silences following music lacking such closure.
Genome Scan to Detect Genetic Structure and Adaptive Genes of Natural Populations of Cryptomeria japonica
Authors: Tsumura Yoshihiko , Kado Tomoyuki , Takahashi Tomokazu , Tani Naoki , Ujino-Ihara Tokuko , Iwata Hiroyoshi
Published: June 2007

We investigated 29 natural populations of Cryptomeria japonica using 148 cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence markers to elucidate their genetic structure and identify candidate adaptive genes of this species. In accordance with the inferred evolutionary history of the species during and after the last glacial episode, the genetic diversity was higher in western populations than in northern populations. The results of phylogenetic and genetic structure analyses suggest that populations of the two main varieties of the species have clearly diverged from each other and that two of the examined loci are strongly associated with the differentiation between the two varieties. Using a coalescent simulation based on FST and He values, we detected five genes that had higher, and two that had lower, values than the respective 99% confidence intervals (C.I.s) that are theoretically expected intervals under a neutral infinite-island model. We also detected 13 outlier loci using a coalescent simulation based on the assumption that the 2 varieties originated from the splitting of an ancestral population. Four of these loci were detected by both methods, two of which were detected in a genetic structure analysis as loci associated with differentiation between the two varieties of the species, and are strong candidates for genes that have been subject to selection.
Társas tanulás és társas megismerés
Authors: Csibra Gergely , Gergely György
Published: June 2007

Tanulmányunkban egy új
hipotézist fejtünk ki, miszerint az emberi faj a tudás tanítással történő
átadására és elsajátítására adaptálódott. Ezt az adaptációt, amelyet
„pedagógiának”neveztünk el, egy speciális kommunikációs rendszer valósítja meg,
amely nem előfeltételezi sem a nyelv, sem a magas szintű tudatelmélet meglétét,
hanem éppen hogy maga segítheti elő ezen emberspecifikus képességek
kifejlődését mind a filo-, mind az ontogenezisben. Feltételezzük, hogy ennek az
új társas tanulási mechanizmusnak az evolúcióját a többszörösen beágyazott
eszközkészítés és az eszközök funkciójának ebből következő átláthatatlansága
tette szükségessé. A hipotézist igazoló adatok azonban elsősorban a
fejlődéslélektanból származnak. Bemutatjuk, hogy az embercsecsemő társas viselkedésének
több olyan jelensége, amelyek rejtélyesnek tűnhetnek bevett funkcionális
értelmezésük fényében, kézenfekvőbben magyarázhatóak olyan adaptációk
működésével, amelyek feladata, hogy elősegítsék a társak által tanítás útján
közvetített tudás elsajátítását.
Rhinosporidiosis: A Study that Resolves Etiologic Controversies
Authors: Ahluwalia Karvita B. , Maheshwari Nidhi , Deka R.C.
Published: June 2007

We have been able to isolate the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa from water samples of ponds and river where patients of rhinosporidiosis were bathing. It is likely that this cyanobacterium is the causative agent of this disease. The bluish-green cells of M. aeruginosa also have a colorless small cell stage called nanocyte which has been detected in clear waters of all the pond and river samples studied. Both large cells and nanocytes of M. aeruginosa could be recognized inside the round bodies of rhinosporidiosis by light and electron microscopy. Further work on culturing this organism from excised samples and evaluation for drug therapy are in progress. It is hoped that, if therapy becomes available, no surgery would be required for this disease. It is suggested that the waters from ponds and lakes, as well as municipal and recreational waters, be checked for the nanocyte stage of M. aeruginosa. Etiological controversies of rhinosporidiosis have been reasonably solved. The new findings justify a change in the name “rhinosporidiosis” that had been associated with the fungus Rhinosporidium Seeberi.
Septic Thrombosis of Orbital Vessels Due to Cutaneous Nasal Infection
Authors: Sanchez Tanit Ganz , Cahali Michel Burihan , Murakami Marcia Satoe , Butugan Ossamu , Miniti Aroldo
Published: June 2007

The authors describe two cases of cutaneous nose infection that quickly spread and extended to the orbital venous complex. At first glance, the clinical presentation could be mistaken for a complicated sinusal infection; therefore, the evaluation of the sinuses, by means of physical examination and radiological investigation, was of great concern, showing that there was no important pathology in the sinuses. The CT scan and the color Doppler imaging (orbital ultrasound with Doppler) demonstrated, throughout the development of the disease, that the superior ophthalmic vein was affected in both patients and the cavernous sinus in one of them. On physical examination, chemosis of the conjunctiva, proptosis, and edema of the eyelids were prominent. Patients improved only after appropriate intravenous antibiotic therapy against staphylococcus (clindamycin) and corticosteroids, making one conclude that treatment of this disease should be initiated as soon as possible in order to decrease morbidity and mortality.
Intraosseous Hemangioma of the Vomer: A Case Report
Authors: Nakahira Mitsuhiko , Kishimoto Seiji , Miura Takao , Saito Haruo
Published: June 2007

We describe an unusual case of intraosseous hemangioma of the vomer. The lesion had a characteristic radiographic appearance, especially on the computed tomographic scan. The two most interesting points in this case were the rarity as a site for the occurrence of hemangioma and the successful extirpation of the tumor via the Le Fort I osteotomy approach without embolization of the feeding vessels. The benefits of this approach included the wide surgical field afforded deep in the midface region, which was important for controlling bleeding, as well as the complete extirpation of the tumor.
Bacteriology of Chronic Sinusitis after Ampicillin Therapy
Authors: Jiang Rong-san , Hsu Chen-yi
Published: June 2007

The bacteriologies of the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were studied in 74 chronic sinusitis patients who took ampicillin (500 mg every 6 hours) for 2 weeks preoperatively. The specimens from one ipsilateral maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were obtained when undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In 74 specimens of the maxillary sinus, 38 bacterial isolates were recovered. The culture rate was 46.0%. On the other hand, 34 bacterial isolates were taken from the ethmoid sinus specimens. The culture rate was 41.9%. As compared with a previous group who did not take any antibiotic preoperatively, the culture rate significantly decreased in the maxillary as well as the ethmoid sinus specimens. Not surprisingly, a significantly decreased sensitivity to ampicillin was also found in the recovered bacteria from both the maxillary sinus (23.7%) and ethmoid sinus (5.9%) specimens. These results demonstrate that antibiotic therapy with ampicillin could eradicate most sensitive bacteria in chronic sinusitis. However, persistence of resistant bacteria was demonstrated.
Nasal Obstruction Improvement Induced by Topical Furosemide in Subjects Affected by Perennial Nonallergic Rhinitis
Authors: Masieri Simonetta , Cavaliere Franco , Filiaci Franco
Published: June 2007

Inhaled furosemide decreases bronchial response to several physical and chemical irritants. To evaluate the effect of topical furosemide on nasal resistance in patients affected by perennial nonallergic rhinitis, we studied 12 patients. This diagnosis of perennial nonallergic rhinitis was based on the history of rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal obstruction, on anterior rhinoscopy and endoscopy, on negative allergic tests, and on the absence of eosinophilia in nasal secretion. The study was performed on two nonconsecutive days. On the first day, one puff (100 μl) of 0.9% saline was sprayed into both nostrils and nasal resistance was measured by anterior rhinomanometry before the puff and 15 and 30 minutes later. On the second day, one puff (100 μl) of a solution of furosemide (10 mg/mL) was sprayed into both nostrils and nasal resistance was measured before the puff and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes later. Initial nasal resistance was abnormally high in all patients on both days. A slight but significant increase was observed after spraying isotonic saline (base: 1.38 ± .69; 15 minutes: 1.47 ± 0.72; 30 minutes: 1.44 ± 0.73); by contrast a marked decrease was observed after spraying the furosemide solution. Nasal resistance was lowest between 30 and 90 minutes after giving furosemide. Then it progressively increased, but values at 180 minutes were still lower than the initial ones (base: 1.43 ± 0.67; 15 minutes: 0.70 ± 0.47; 30 minutes: 0.48 ± 0.24; 45 minutes: 0.49 ± 0.21; 60 minutes: 0.50 ± 0.20; 90 minutes: 0.56 ± 0.23; 120 minutes: 0.62 ± 0.32; 180 minutes: 0.67 ± 0.30). After topical furosemide, all patients had subjective relief of nasal obstruction that lasted more that 12 hours in 9 subjects.
Experimental validation of the reverse polar decomposition of depolarizing Mueller matrices
Authors: Anastasiadou Makrina , Ben Hatit Sami , Ossikovski Razvigor , Guyot Steve , De Martino Antonello
Published: June 2007

We experimentally assess the validity of the reverse polar decomposition (R. Ossikovski et al., Opt. Lett. 32, 689 (2007)), which describes any Mueller matrix as a product of a depolarizer, a diattenuator and a retarder with the diattenuator placed after the depolarizer and not before, as in the well-known Lu and Chipman’s forward decomposition. The raw data are Mueller images of a depolarizer (dilute milk at variable concentrations), followed by two tilted glass plates as a diattenuator and a mica retardation plate. While the reverse decomposition accurately reconstructs the component matrices in all cases, the usual forward decomposition provides reasonable values only for the trace of the depolarizer matrix, the other quantities being affected by gross errors. The potential interest of this decomposition for biological samples is briefly discussed.
Merkel's EU Policy: "Kohl's Mädchen" or Interest-driven Politics?
Authors: Heisenberg Dorothee
Published: June 2007

This article tries to assess the likely trajectory of Angela Merkel's policies toward the EU in contrast to her predecessor's. With Germany taking the European Council Presidency in the first half of 2007, Merkel will have had a year to put her stamp on the Presidency. By contrast, Gerhard Schröder, who took office in October 1998 had only two months before the German Council Presidency of 1999 began. I argue that Schröder's years will be remembered at the EU for a new emphasis on Germany's interests, and the decline of Germany's interest in and willingness to fund "European Grand Projects." Schröder had no great ambitions to follow Helmut Kohl's footsteps in being "reflexively European." Merkel, by contrast, shows signs early in her tenure to follow more closely her mentor's approach to the EU. I examine Germany's EU budget policies, as well as statements and policies toward the Stability and Growth Pact as the main support for the claim Merkel is different in policy not simply rhetoric.
Gleichgewicht, Struktur und Wachstum in Plenterbeständen | Equilibrium, structure and increment in selection forest stands
Authors: Bachofen Hansheinrich
Published: June 2007

Two different selection forest stands not in their state of equilibrium are investigated and discussed with regard to the changes in selected structural parameters, the influence of site factors and management.
Verjüngung in Bestandeslücken eines subalpinen Hochstauden-Fichtenwaldes | Introducing Regeneration on Gaps within Stands of a Sub-alpine Shrub-Spruce Forest
Authors: Mayer Andrea Corinna
Published: June 2007

This article investigates and presents the influence of light on the introduction of regeneration in gaps of a sub-alpine shrub-spruce forest.
Vegetationserhebungen mit Feldcomputer im Projekt «Waldvegetation der Schweiz» | Field Computer for Forest Vegetation Relevés in Switzerland
Authors: Kull Peter , Rösler Erik
Published: June 2007

Since 1996, the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) has been using a field computer for vegetation releves. A database and a vegetation releve program (Tally) were specifically developed for this purpose. The field computer is particularly recommended for extensive and long-term vegetation projects, as the data quality is continuously verified by plausibility tests during the process of entering data into the computer.
Das Baum-Album der Schweiz von Johann Coaz - Eine Bestandesaufnahme nach 100 Jahren | «The Swiss Tree Album» by Johann Coaz - a Retrospect of the Inventory after 100 Years
Authors: Denzler Lukas
Published: June 2007

«The Swiss Tree Album», published in 1900 by the Swiss Department of Home Affairs, consists of a description of 23 remarkable individual trees. On the basis of an inquiry by the forest service, it was verified whether the 22 investigated trees still exist. Six of the 22 investigated trees have survived and their general condition is judged as being good. 15 trees do not exist anymore, in equal parts for anthropoge-netic as well as for natural reasons. Finally, the significance and effect of tree inventories and books about trees in general are critically discussed.
Ein Beitrag zur Frage der repräsentativen Stichprobennahme bei genetischen Inventuren in Waldbaumpopulationen | A Contribution to the Precision of Sampling in Genetic Inventories of Forest Tree Populations
Authors: Hussendörfer Erwin , Köhl Michael , Müller-Starck Gerhard
Published: June 2007

The precision of estimates of genetic inventories in dependency on the sample size and sample design is investigated by means of results of inventories within silver fir stands. Recommendations are derived about how to statistically verify results of genetic inventories.
Buchen, Eichen und Eschen in den Wäldern am Bodensee zwischen Arbon und Ermatingen | Beeches, Oaks and Ashes in the Forests on Lake Constance between Arbon and Ermatingen
Authors: Nussbaumer Hans
Published: June 2007

Moist soils, rich in nutrients and mild climatic conditions make the region between Arbon and Ermatingen on Lake Constance a good growth area for most deciduous tree species. The aim is the cultivation of quality wood. For the treatment and regeneration of the three most important species of deciduous trees in the region - beech, oak and ash - some experiences are presented:

• After a close canopy density in the first adolescent phase, the regenerative cone at knee and hip height of the beech should quickly be uncovered, in order to achieve good stem wood. Too advanced age favours heart rot. • Oaks - especially the pedunculate oak spreads widely in this region - are very light-dependent, and it is, therefore, extremely difficult to nurse the particularly sensitive saplings to fully grown trees without sufficient regeneration areas. • Ashes grow early and with a steady intensity due to good light and sufficient space conditions and thus can be used at a relatively juvenile age, they most commonly produce white and first-class wood.
Strategie Wald und Wild im Kanton Thurgau | Strategies for Wood and Game in the Canton of Thurgau
Authors: Rieder Martin , Krämer Augustin
Published: June 2007

The efforts of the canton of Thurgau in the field of silviculture and hunting of the last quarter of the century are being presented for future strategic orientation. The circular no. 21 of the Swiss Agency of Environment, Forests and Landscape (SAEFL) dated 22.11.1995 and the accompanying explanations are examined and interpreted with regard to the conditions of the canton of Thurgau. On this basis, a cantonal strategy for wood and game is being drafted. A strict hunting of deer and near-to-nature silviculture as well as the taking into consideration of numerous external influences on the wild fauna and flora and their habitats continue to be the main support of the plan. Furthermore, traditional measures preventing game damage are possible under special preconditions. The new regional forest plan (Regionaler Waldplan RWP), which fixes superposed hunting and silvicultural measures, acts as a new instrument. A simple, pragmatic, and yet effective application of the fixed regulations in connection with a consequent controlling is the focus here.
Gemeinwirtschaftliche Leistungen - von der Idee zur Umsetzung | Performance of Public Management - from the Initial Idea to the Realisation
Authors: Schwager Gerold
Published: June 2007

With the new forest legislation, the contributions have received increased legal protection with regard to forest districts. The far-reaching interpretation of performances of the public management is based on the duties of the district forester, describing the cantonal tasks at length. The financial means originate from income taxes of the canton and the municipalities; the forest owners on their behalf pay an annual lump sum per hectare of forest area. The money is being divided between the forest districts according to a key of five criteria.
Eine neue Methode zur Quantifizierung des Wildverbisses | A New Method to Assess the Effects of Game-Browsing on Forest Regeneration
Authors: Schwyzer Andreas , Zinggeler Jürg
Published: June 2007

In the context of the first and second Swiss National Forest Inventory (LFI), methods were developed to assess the effects of game-browsing on forest regeneration. Since the results of the LFI-1-method are closely related to the season the assessment was carried out, and the results obtained by the LFI-2-method overestimate the annual browsing rate, we propose a new procedure, which produces an unbiased estimation of the annual browsing rate from a single, non-destructive assessment.
Les difficiles relations entre recherche et pratique forestières, par-dessus la barrière des langues | The Difficult Correlation Between Forest Research and Forest Practice With a Language Barrier to Cross
Authors: Roches Didier
Published: June 2007

Since 1990, the launching of the WSL branch station Antenne romande has been accompanied by a commission – the Comac– which represents the French speaking cantons and the private forestry offices. In 1993, it conducted an evaluation which gave evidence of the positive impact AR-WSL had among the target groups. However, Comac also pointed out that the task of WSL does not correspond with the expectations of the practitioners. The new concept of WSL offers good chances for innovative collaboration. Yet, while forest services are being reorganised, forest research is still lacking progress in French speaking Switzerland and the expectations of the eighties still remain.
L'apport de l'AR-WSL aux bureaux d'ingénieurs forestiers de Suisse romande | The Contribution of AR-WSL to the Private Forestry Offices of French Speaking Switzerland
Authors: Steinmann Philippe
Published: June 2007

WSL and its branch station Antenne romande frequently reveal the latest news and developments in the field of Swiss forestry. The new concept of AR-WSL and its reinforcement with additional academic personnel represent a new challenge to private forest engineering offices in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. There, the future of forestry depends on its interdisciplinary cooperation with other institutions which are active in landscape management.
Relations entre la recherche et la pratique. L'Antenne romande du WSL sur les voies de l'innovation | Correlations Between Research and Practice – The Antenne Romande WSL and its Innovative Concept
Authors: Combe Jean
Published: June 2007

The first decade of the Antenne romande WSL between 1990 and 2000 is presented under the institutional point of view and the research and extension activities are commented. Far beyond the concepts which were aimed at at the time of its foundation, this new structure had to adapt itself to a continuously changing context, despite the scarce means. Some of its results actually show an innovative character, which is mainly due to the quality of the human relations established and to the enthusiasm brought along by all the research partners involved. The AR-WSL took advantage of synergies reaching beyond the field of forestry. In order to transmit innovative impulses to Swiss forestry through research and practice, it could be of interest to involve non-forest scientists in the management of renewable natural resources. Taking action from its location at the EPF Lausanne, the Antenne romande has decided to implement this solution.
Analyse semi-automatisée de photos aériennes numérisées pour l'étude de la dynamique de peuplements arborescents | Semi-Automatised Analysis of Digitised Aerial Photographs for the Study of Arborescent Population Dynamics
Authors: Barbezat Vincent
Published: June 2007

At the present time, landscape inventories, the third National Forest Inventory (NFI), permanent research plots in the forests,cantonal inventories, regional forest planning, the redefinition of useful farm land, a new inventory of standard tree orchards but also the protection of peat bog and alluvial areas are daily business. Therefore, the development of a software for automated aerial photograph analysis is of greatest interest to the Swiss Confederation and its cantons as well as to forest owners, research institutes and certain industries (private engineering enterprises, software producers).

In answer to these expectations, the Antenne Romande WSL, together with the Institute of Production in Microengineering of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne(EPFL), proposes to develop a software for user-friendly, neutral and rapid image-processing, the working precision of which will suit forest and landscape managers. Moreover, the software will provide scientists with basic data for the modelling of various ecosystem processes.
Nouvelles techniques d'évaluation et de traitement du hêtre pour des applications durables en construction | New Grading and Treatment Techniques for Beech Used in the Construction Industry
Authors: Sandoz Jean-Luc , Pavillet Arnaud , Demay Lionel
Published: June 2007

Swiss forests produce more hardwood – mainly beech – than the local woodworking industry can absorb. Where beech wood is exposed to weather, it cannot be used without a previous chemical treatment due to its naturally bad resistance to decay and insect attacks. The coloured heartwood of beech also restricts its use, especially in the furniture industry. An ultrasonic pre-grading allows to reach a higher added value for beech timber. Sylvatest and Sylvatest Duo, two instruments based on ultrasonic measurements, detect irregularities in the wood structure and allow timber-grading with regard to mechanical properties. Together with thermic treatments,which improve their resistance and durability, these techniques provide new utilisation possibilities for hardwood in the construction industry.
Techniques d'assemblage permettant de placer les sciages feuillus sur le marché de la construction | Joining Techniques to Introduce Hardwood Timber into the Construction Market
Authors: Mischler Adrian
Published: June 2007

Joining techniques are a decisive factor for the performance of load-carrying structures in wood constructions. They must meet the following static requirements: load carrying capacity,rigidity and ductility. The most frequently used joining techniques for load-carrying structures in wood constructions are presented and their pros and cons are commented on. The performance of spruce and ash timber have been compared using connections of GLT beams assembled in accordance with BSB technique. These tests have shown that hardwood reaches a higher performance than softwood in such applications. Thanks to innovative joining techniques, hardwood reaches new fields of utilisation in modern timber engineering.
Problématique du bilan de carbone dans les écosystèmes forestiers: exemple d'une jeune hêtraie de plaine | Problematics of the Carbon Net-Balance Within the Forest Ecosystems: a Juvenile Beech Forest in the Lowlands
Authors: Granier André , Damesin Claire , Epron Daniel , Dantec Valérie Le
Published: June 2007

The results of an investigation carried through within the ‹Euroflux›-programme in eastern France assessing the carbon fluxes above the canopy of the forest are presented. The photosynthetic activity within the annual and daily cycles are discussed. The high variability of the carbon netbalance and the variation of the total respiration make further research into the understanding of the correlation between the carbon net-balance and the biomass production necessary.
Nationale Forstprogramme: Internationaler Kontext, erste europäische Erfahrungen und Lehren für die Schweiz | National forest programmes: Context and first experiences in Europe and lessons for Switzerland
Authors: Bisang Kurt , Zimmermann Willi
Published: June 2007

Since UNCED 1992, national forest programmes(NFP) have served as a strategy to formulate and implement forest policies aiming at sustainable forest management. At the international policy level, the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests and the United Nations Forum on Forests have issued a set of proposals for action. A number of countries have started to plan and implement national forest programmes. However, precisely what NFPs are, and what their impact might be, is not entirely clear. This article gives an overview of the international forest policy debate and discusses first experiences made with NFPs in European countries. Against this background the article reflects on the lessons learnt and discusses the prospects for an NFP in Switzerland.
Wirkungen des Waldes auf oberflächennahe Rutschprozesse | Effects of forest on landslides
Authors: Rickli Christian , Zürcher Kaspar , Frey Werner , Lüscher Peter
Published: June 2007

A very heavy thunderstorm in 1997 triggered a great number of shallow landslides near Sachseln in canton Obwalden. 280 of these were analysed in the field. The results show that, among other factors, the condition and structure of the forest considerably influence the stability of steep slopes.
Erfahrungen im Umgang mit Buchdrucker-Massenvermehrungen (Ips typographus L.) nach Sturmereignissen in der Schweiz | Management of the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) during mass attacks – experiences after windfall in Switzerland
Authors: Forster Beat , Meier Franz , Gall Rolf , Zahn Christoph
Published: June 2007

In 1990 and 1999 two heavy storms struck Europe, the worst gales ever recorded in Switzerland. Millions of cubic metres of standing spruce trees were subsequently attacked by the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus L.). In Swiss forests, such heavy mass attacks have never been observed before. From 1990 to 1996 standing trees infested by beetles totalled 50% of the spruce timber thrown by the 1990 storm.

Logistics sometimes made it impossible to remove all windthrown timber before new generations of beetles emerged. Forest services and forest owners were forced to set priorities. The strained financial situation of many owners and ecological aspects were also reasons for changing forest protection strategies and leaving some storm and bark beetle damaged areas uncleared. In regions with such areas, the amount of subsequent bark beetle attack approximately doubled compared with other regions where storm damages and infestation spots were thoroughly cleared. To answer questions of new risk assessment, projects were started on scolytid behaviour in differently treated regions and in buffer zones.
Regionale Verteilungsmuster des Buchdrucker-Stehendbefalls (Ips typographus L.) nach Sturmschäden im Kanton Bern | Regional distribution of standing tree infestation by bark beetle (Ips typographus) following storm damage in Canton Berne, Switzerland
Authors: Gall Rolf , Meier Franz , Meier Adrian L. , Forster Beat
Published: June 2007

Using an extensive dataset from the Canton Berne spatial patterns were analysed of the first Ips typographus-infestations of standing trees after the storm Lothar on December 1999. Our results suggest that these first infestations were not caused by bark beetles indiscriminately spreading out of windthrow areas. Rather, we found relationships between levels of attacked standing trees and cleaned, scattered windthrown trees. We therefore conclude that our results point to reduced host tree resistance as a key factor.
Die Wald-Holz-Option, eine Brücke zwischen Klimapolitik und Wirtschaft – zehn Thesen | The forest/wood option: a bridge between climate politics and the economy - ten theses
Authors: Bemmann Albrecht , Hasenkamp Karl Peter
Published: June 2007

Since the beginning of industrialisation the CO2 content in the Earth's atmosphere has increased from approx. 280 ppmv to approx. 370 ppmv today. Despite all national measures and international agreements to reduce them, CO2 emissions will roughly double over the coming decades (carbon emissions:5.6 billion tonnes in 1990; 12.0 billion tonnes in 2050).

The forest/wood option has six components:

• Avoiding CO2 emissions with forest protection measures • Priority protection for natural forests that represent important carbon reservoirs. • Increase of the fixation of carbon in forest ecological systems and wood products • Increase in biomass and therefore the carbon reservoir via sustainable forest management; • Creation of CO2 sinks by afforesting deforested areas, as well as the regeneration of partially cleared or degraded forests; the creation of nurseries on agricultural land; • By creating sustainable yield the carbon reservoir of the forest can be extended for the duration of its use via wood products (product – reservoir). • Lowering CO2 emissions by substitution • Energetic use of wood from sustainable forest management instead of fossil fuels avoids additional CO2 emissions,as the CO2 released from wood is recaptured and embedded in the biomass; • Use of wood instead of energy intensive materials such as steel, aluminium, cement or stone, avoids CO2 emissions.

Taking natural and socio-economic conditions into account the possibilities of the forest/wood option can be implemented in a number countries. Flat, open regions with some forest stands are the best locations for afforestation, which, owing to their socio-economic circumstances, provide suitable conditions for sustainable forest management. The more than two hundred years experience with sustainable forest management and use of wood gained by European foresters and forest scientists should be made available to countries outside Europe for the implementation of the forest/wood option.
Untersuchungen zur Korrelation ausgewählter Holzeigenschaften untereinander und mit der Rohdichte unter Verwendung von 103 Holzarten | Analysis of the correlation between selected wood properties among each other and the density of 103 wood species
Authors: Niemz Peter , Sonderegger Walter
Published: June 2007

The correlation of several properties published in the technical literature and the influence of their structure was investigated for 103 wood species. A good correlation exists between the density and the physical-mechanical properties. To illustrate the investigation the significant divergency of some wood species from the general tendency(for example impact strength or swelling) is described and attributed to particular wood structures.
Ideengeber Holz – ein Überblick | Wood: a provider of ideas – an overview
Authors: Baum Sebastian , Mannes David
Published: June 2007

Owing to its durability, load capacity, wide-ranging dimensions and manifold variations wood is an exemplary prototypical material and an excellent provider of ideas. This article gives an overview on both existing and possible implementations. Examples, such as reinforced concrete or bicycle valves, show an unconscious imitation of «wood inventions» like cell wall structure or bordered pits. Moreover, proper adaptations of wood principles have also been used in the development of protective clothing, wood ceramics and in a self-regulating shape adaptation of components. In addition to these successful adaptations, we present new research projects on the structure principles of wood.
Trichroic Infrared Measurements of Orientation
Authors: Koenig Jack L.
Published: June 2007

Orientation can be defined as the preferential alignment (either uniaxial or biaxial) of polymer chains or segments when subjected to an external force. The orientation induces significant changes in the properties both positively and negatively. Oriented polymers are generally aniostropic; the properties along a particular direction being affected according to the conditions of stretching along that direction. Stretching in one direction produces uniaxial materials. Stretching in two mutually perpendicular directions produces biaxial materials. In reality, many polymers have orientation with a three‐dimensional character. It is therefore necessary to obtain the structural absorbance (the average of the absorbance in the three directions) in order to determine the relative amounts of the structural components in the sample in the presence of orientation. The three‐dimensional orientation function can be measured using an infrared technique based on an infrared absorption intensity ellipsoid approximation coupled with a sample tilting procedure. Angle‐dependent absorption information is obtained from a tilting apparatus. The sample is mounted in a preferred direction on the tilting stage. The device is constructed such that the sample can be rotated about a horizontal or vertical axis, both of which are orthogonal to the direction of propagation. The apparatus is interfaced with a computer for automated and precise tilting control. A wire grid polarizer is used to polarize the incident light beam. Three‐dimensional information is obtained by rotation of the bulk sample on the axis perpendicular to the incident electric vector. The method is demonstrated for uniaxially drawn polyethylene terephthalate and phase I of poly(vinylidene fluoride), oriented and annealed both under stress and without stress.
Measurement of the Physical Characteristics of Polymers by Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Tashiro Kohji
Published: June 2007

The usefulness of vibrational spectroscopy in the structural study of polymer materials has been revealed by reviewing various examples of phase transitions, crystallization, mechanical deformation, and so on. (1) The characteristic infrared (and Raman) bands are pointed out, which are sensitive to the regular chain conformation, the crystallinity, the chain packing mode in the crystal lattice, and the change in morphology or higher‐order structure. (2) The crystallization phenomenon is reviewed, which has been studied by the temperature‐ and/or time‐dependent measurements of infrared (Raman) spectra during the heating/cooling process or in the atmosphere of organic solvent vapor. (3) The microscopically‐viewed mechanical property of crystalline polymers has been discussed using the infrared and Raman data taken under the application of tensile force. (4) The observed frequency shift, which is due to the stress‐induced change in molecular geometry and force constant, is affected more or less by the difference in the morphology of the sample, from which the heterogeneous stress distribution in the sample is estimated on the basis of a complex mechanical model. (5) The simultaneous measurement of X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectra is outlined. The simultaneous measurement technique of viscoelastic modulus and infrared spectra under the control of humidity is also described.
Measurements of the Chemical Characteristics of Polymers and Rubbers by Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Boerio F. James , Wirasate S.
Published: June 2007

Infrared and Raman spectroscopy are widely used to determine the chemical characteristics of polymers and rubber compounds. The purpose of this chapter is to review the use of these powerful vibrational spectroscopic techniques for determining characteristics such as branching, end groups, degradation reactions, stereoregularity, conformation, rotational isomers, hydrogen bonding, polyene formation, and cross‐linking reactions. A wide range of polymers is considered to illustrate the applications of infrared and Raman spectroscopy to polymers and rubbers. They include materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polybutadiene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyoxymethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethanes, polycarbonate, poly(vinyl chloride), and sulfur‐vulcanized natural rubber compounds.