bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of forest growth conditions on the wood density: the case of Amur Region
Authors: Romanova Natalia A. , Zhirnov Alexander B. , Yust Natalia A. , Fucheng Xu 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The problem of determining the dependence of the chainsaw on the density of wood, substantiation of effective options for the number of chainsaws in the assortment and whiplash method of logging is quite relevant. In the Far East of Russia, in particular, in the Amur region, the forest growth conditions are different from the western ones, and therefore, the properties of the wood differ from the generally accepted ones. The article describes forest growth conditions that influence the properties of the wood in areas of the Amur region. Using the method of density determination, the density of larch, pine and birch were studied for first time in the areas of the region. The dependence of the density on humidity, age, species, season of the year and the area of growth was found out. The results of the research showed that under humidity of 70%, the density of larch was 1088.99 kg/m3, it was 919.8 kg/m3 for pine and it was for birch 915.9 kg/m3.
Traffic effects on leaf macro- and micro-morphological traits
Authors: Allahnouri Masoomeh , Aghbash Farhad Ghasemi , Pazhouhan Iman 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the traffic-related effects on morphological and anatomical traits of Fraxinus rotundifolia and Morus alba along the Malayer-Hamedan road. In the study area, populations of two species of F. rotundifolia (30 individual trees) and M. alba (30 individual trees) were selected for sampling. The results showed that the leaf and stomata dimensions at distances near to the roadside were significantly lower compared to longer distances from the road. For F. rotundifolia, the number of veins showed the lowest plasticity, while in case of M. alba, the stomata length (P = 0.52) and the number of veins (P = 0.54) showed the lowest plasticity related to the environmental conditions. Results of discriminant analysis for population grouping for the two species of F. rotundifolia and M. alba confirmed the accuracy of grouping 74.8% and 79.5%, respectively. In case of trees that were farther away from the road, guard and epidermal cells were located at the same level. We found that the leaf stomata in M. alba were closed more than in F. rotundifolia at the same distance. Totally, the results of this research show that the air pollution stress impacted the tree morphological traits. From the two species, F. rotundifolia was more resistant in terms of pollution stress.
Carabid communities (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in differently managed forage legume stands in the Podpoľanie region (Central Slovakia)
Authors: Vician Vladimír , Kočík Karol , Slobodník Branko , Svitok Marek , Stašiov Slavomír 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The paper presents the results of studies on the communities of Carabids from the land registry area of the Očová village (Podpoľanie region, Central Slovakia). The research was carried out in two consecutive vegetation periods on two different agricultural plots with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.): the first of them (locality Nadhájniková) was managed intensively, and the second one (locality Koteľnice) was characterized by a nature-friendly, low-input agro-environmental management form, without application of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. On the studied sites, the observed species composition of Carabidae was similar. Neverthe-less, the higher total number of individuals and the higher species richness were typical for the nature-friendly managed plot in Koteľnice. On both plots, the highest abundances were reached in Poecilus cupreus, Pterostichus melanarius and Pseudoophonus rufipes. On the intensively managed plot in Nadhájniková, however, the abundances of all these species were markedly lower. Our results suggest that the studied component of epigeic fauna finds better ecological conditions on the sites with the nature-friendly management form.
Construction of tree species composition map of Estonia using multispectral satellite images, soil map and a random forest algorithm
Authors: Lang Mait , Kaha Mihkel , Laarmann Diana , Sims Allan 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Landsat-8 OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI images from years 2015 and 2016, a 1:10,000 digital soil map and a large number of reference samples were used with a random forest machine learning implementation in GRASS GIS to construct a tree species map for the entire territory of Estonia (42,755 km2). Class probabilities for seven main tree species, an extra class for other species and probability of the forest cover not conforming to the forest definition were assigned for each pixel. Validation of dominant species distribution by area showed very strong correlation at county level both in state forests (R2 = 0.98) and in private forests (R2 = 0.93). Validation of tree species composition using harvester measurement data from 2,045 regeneration felling areas showed also very strong correlation (R2 = 0.75) with the measured values of the proportion of coniferous trees. There was some tendency to underestimate the proportion of more common species and overestimation was found for the species with smaller proportion in the mixture. The accuracy for the proportion of deciduous species that were present in a smaller number of reference observations was substantially smaller. Validation of the results by using data from 659 large sample plots from the database of the Estonian Network of Forest Research Plots and 3,002 small sample plots from the National Forest Inventory (NFI) data base confirmed the findings based on harvester data. The NFI data revealed also a decrease of estimation error with the increase of forest age. Cohen’s kappa index of agreement for main species for NFI sample plots with main species proportion equal to or greater than 75% decreased from 0.69 to 0.66 when observations with forests younger than 20 years were included in the comparison. Overall, the constructed map provides valuable data about tree species composition for the forests where no up to date inventory data are available or for the projects that require continuous cover of tree species data of known quality over the entire Estonia.
Plant landscape planning and design of Nanshan Botanical Garden (China) based on forest ecological garden
Authors: Wang Ren 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
In recent years, with the rapid development of human civilization, a variety of environmental problems have emerged. As the most important natural ecological system of terrestrial ecosystems, forest ecosystem plays a significant role in protecting the environment and beautifying cities. The landscape planning and design of botanical gardens is of great significance to the maintenance of the urban forest ecosystem. Taking the Nanshan botanical garden as the research object, this paper analysed the present situation of the garden and carried out the vegetation landscape planning transformation on it from the perspective of landscape ecology. Then, the landscape hierarchy analysis method was used to evaluate the landscape after the transformation, the results of which suggested that the comprehensive evaluation of the garden was the highest when the plant landscape was diversified and the structure level was reasonable, which provided a reference for the optimization of the urban forest ecosystem.
Assessment of forest thinning intensity using sparse point clouds from repeated airborne lidar measurements
Authors: Lang Mait , Arumäe Tauri 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Thinning cuttings create moderate disturbances in forest stands. Thinning intensity indicates the amount of felled wood relative to the initial standing volume. We used sparse point clouds from airborne lidar measurements carried out in 2008 and 2012 at Aegviidu test site, Estonia, to study stand level relationships of thinning intensity to the changes in canopy cover and ALS-based wood volume estimates. Thinning intensity (K
r, HRV) was estimated from forest inventory data and harvester measurements of removed wood volume. The thinning intensity ranged from 17% to 56%. By raising threshold from 1.3 m to 8.0 m over ground surface we observed less canopy cover change, but stronger correlation with thinning intensity. Correlation between ALS-based and harvester-based thinning intensity was moderate. The ALS-based thinning intensity estimate was systematically smaller than K
r, HRV. Forest height growth compensates for a small decrease in canopy cover and intensity estimates for weak thinnings are not reliable using sparse point clouds and a four-year measurement interval.
Application of stand density indices for Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) plantation management
Authors: Lu Lele , Zhang Bin , Zhang Jianguo , Duan Aiguo , Zhang Xiongqing 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The most important issues in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) management are the quantitative determination of stand density and the selection of appropriate density. Different stand density index models have advantages for special tree species, and this study aimed to estimate the carrying capacity of planted stands of Chinese fir and to select simple and reliable stand density indexes. Based on special experiment of different initial density, the maximum carrying capacity was estimated using Reineke’s self-thinning rule, Nilson’s sparsity theory, Beekhuis’s relative-spacing hypothesis, Zhang’s nutrient-competition rule, Curtis’s maximum stand basal area and Hui’s crowding degree based on mean tree distance. The restricted maximum likelihood method (REML) implemented with ‘nlme’ package in R software was used to refine the parameters of thinning age in Richard’s growth model. The results showed that stand density index models can describe the trends of stand density in response to tree growth: the higher the plantation initial density, the earlier age and stronger self-thinning capacity of stands. Reineke’s SDI and Zhang’s Z model are the most stable and suitable to estimate changes in the density of Chinese fir plantations, competition intensification, and the thinning age. The RD model can also be used, except at low Chinese fir densities. K, which can be affected by the mean crown width of trees, directly reflects the forest area of photosynthesis; this index is easy and simple to apply, but more research is needed to optimize the equation to evaluate whether a forest requires management and to determine the appropriate time for the first thinning and its intensity.
Emotional Skills: an Essential Axis of Pedagogical Innovation in the Training of Buyers/Managers of External Resources
Authors: Poissonnier Hugues 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective: The transformation of many jobs within companies should give rise to a necessary evolution of skills used by individuals. Whether it is to improve the relevance of decisions or to preserve people’s health, the development of emotional skills for the last ten years has often been presented as a necessity. Buyers, who are more and more seen as managers of external resources, are particularly concerned by this need. By strongly evolving, the purchasing function has become strategic and essential for achieving organizations’ performances. The development of soft skills like the emotional skills of the buyers implies a significant evolution of the training intended for them. It is true if we consider initial training at the University or Business School, as well as in the field of in-company training. Based on a presentation of new needs, we propose possible changes and additions that could be brought to current training.

Methodology: The research was based on the analysis of literature review and real situations observed in companies (especially during training sessions).

Findings: Because of the evolutions of their job, buyers who become more and more managers of external resources should develop their emotional skills. These skills can be developed using adapted training sessions.

Value Added: The importance of emotional skills is pointed out and several ideas aimed at enabling the development of emotional skills are given.

Recommendations: It is recommended to use the TSP chain (Task, Skill, Pedagogy) in order to define adapted pedagogy for the development of emotional skills.
Knowledge Society Asks for New Practices for Entrepreneurial and Managerial Training
Authors: Pagliacci Mario G.R. , Proietti Stefania 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective: The paper aims at showing how the Knowledge Economy asks new and inter-active methodologies for training entrepreneurs and managers. In fact, the most important skills of modern entrepreneurs and managers are based on relational feeling and flexibility.

Methodology: The described methodologies and their limits and advantages are coming by the direct experience of the Authors.

Findings: The source is specific to the case studied in a participative way by the authors

Value Added: The value of the paper can be seen from the illustration and comment on the main didactic methodologies adopted by commercial schools and faculties of Economics for training students in entrepreneurship and management. Any methodology is synthetically described in order to evidence the constrains.

Recommendations: The described new methodologies clearly evidence their effectiveness. Nevertheless, are necessary additional tests and adaptations in order to adopt them in schools and universities in definitive way.
University Governance in Europe: Managerial Convergences or Political Harmonization?
Authors: Côme Thierry , Gueorguieva Petia , Gura Radovan , Rouet Gilles 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective: This contribution attempts to highlight the convergences and divergences of the strategies and modes of governance put in place in the current context of European universities (knowledge economy, budget restrictions, changing demand of students and employers).

Methodology: A study of three universities from three different countries, two public and one private, is proposed from the analysis of the internal official documents (strategic projects) of the structures and interviews with the leaders.

Findings: Elements of convergences and divergences are highlighted, which makes it possible to make hypotheses to verify in other researches.

Value Added: The approach is exploratory and complementary to the analyses in terms of the structure and strategy model of higher education institutions

Recommendations: The implementation of the Bologna Process is still often instrumentalized or rejected (defence of local specificities or fears of excessive standardization), but the current evolution of constraints and environments seems to go far beyond this non-normative project. It should therefore be considered as an opportunity for a positive and effective response to the present stakes.
Innovative Pedagogical Approaches in Management Sciences
Authors: Grębosz-Krawczyk Magdalena , Otto Jacek 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the paper is to present the chosen innovative pedagogical approaches of teaching in the area of management science and their practical application in the educational process at the Lodz University of Technology, as well as to discuss the opinions of students and managers concerning the innovative pedagogical approaches of teaching.

Methodology: The first stage of research was conducted among 200 young respondents (19-24 years old), students of Lodz University of Technology (Poland) in the second and third quarters of 2018. During the research, the indirect method of gathering information, i.e. using a survey technique was applied. The survey was conducted among the students with the application of the techniques of personal survey, electronic survey and paper survey. The second stage of research was conducted among 50 managers of medium and large companies in Poland in the second and third quarters of 2018. The choice of companies to be studied was a deliberate one. During this stage of research, the indirect method of gathering information – using a survey technique was applied. The survey was conducted among the managers with the application of the techniques of personal survey, electronic survey and paper survey. The Likert scale was used for evaluation.

Findings: The situation on the labour market, as well as the development of the market of educational services and the development of new technologies cause changes in both the offer and the quality of teaching. In order to increase the quality of the educational offer and the degree of satisfaction of students and employers, universities introduce new teaching methods and new didactic tools based on the creative pedagogical approaches. The research results confirm the positive evaluation of Problem-based learning and Design Thinking approaches by students and companies representatives. However, closer cooperation between university and companies is expected both by students and managers.

Value Added: In this paper, apart from presenting the theoretical and practical possibilities of using Problem-based learning and Design Thinking approaches of teaching in the area of management science, the opinions of students and companies’ representatives were also presented.

Recommendations: Effective teaching in the field of management at the universities is a difficult and complex process. Management is − by its character − closely related to business practice. Therefore, a management graduate should, in addition to having theoretical knowledge, be prepared to solve real problems in the enterprise.
MOOCs: the New Educational Frontier of the 21st Century
Authors: Calvo Elisabetta 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective: Over and above being widespread in various sectors of the economy and fi-nance, the uncontrollable expansion of digital technology is also conquering areas reserved for education and training, going beyond the traditional models of demand / supply, frontal and long distance lectures. The article aims to analyse the phenomenon of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and how, together with new trends in the context of digital teaching, they can represent an incentive for universities to reflect on the changes that are taking place in educational policies and in academic culture, possibly re-evaluating their mission with the aim of improving the quality of content and learning experiences.

Methodology: Through the study of various experiences and publications.

Findings: Since their appearance, MOOCs have generated a huge interest in the field of higher education, establishing themselves more and more worldwide as an important online training system, aimed at a large number of users.

Value Added: The MOOCs can represent valid support for training in companies and lastly they can represent a valid means of allowing access to education in developing countries.

Recommendations: The article suggests how the development of MOOCs, through distance learning, flexible and open, is a great opportunity both for mature knowledge-based societies and for developing countries.
Economic and Financial Monitoring of Research Organizations
Authors: Pagliacci Mario G.R. , Rossi Federico 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
A research project achieves its utmost utility when it manages to combine the achieved technical-scientific results with the optimization of economic and financial resources adopted. Effective research budget structuring is required as well as focused monitoring of the use of resources on the basis of planned scheduling. When creating the budget, it is essential to optimize the times and ways of use of researchers because resources are fundamental. The monitoring phase should make sure that the controlling body is not related to the scientific director of the project itself. Furthermore, monitoring should ensure prompt notification of budget deviations so that the research director can make the required corrections.

Objective: The paper aims at showing the essential role of economic and financial control in order to achieve optimum effectiveness and efficiency of research. The demonstration was achieved by simply using an in-field experience within a private research organization.

Methodology: The sources for this paper included the ones from a process of participating observation.

Findings: The source is specific to the case studied in a participative way by the authors

Value Added: The value of the paper can be seen from the illustration and comment on an operational situation concerning a private research organization. It is especially important for these organizations to achieve an economic and financial equilibrium in order to survive and to become operationally independent with respect to financing entities.

Recommendations: The achievement of an economic/financial equilibrium is essential for all organizations including research entities. The priority given to effectiveness and efficiency in research projects would be desirable in public and university research organizations as well. Field studies for these organizations may highlight ample margins of recovery of efficiency and effectiveness as well as detecting improvement methodologies.
Experimental Phonetics and Phonology in Indo-Aryan & European Languages
Authors: Abbasi Abdul Malik , Pathan Habibullah , Channa Mansoor Ahmed 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPhonetics and phonology are very interesting areas of Linguistics, and are interrelated. They are based on the human speech system, speech perception, native speakers’ intuition, and vocalic and consonantal systems of languages spoken in this world. There are more than six thousand languages spoken in the world. Every language has its own phonemic inventory, sound system, and phonological and phonetic rules that differ from other languages; most even have distinct orthographic systems. While languages spoken in developed countries are well-studied, those spoken in underdeveloped countries are not. There is a great need to examine them using a scientific approach. These under-studied languages need to be documented scientifically using advanced technological instruments to bring objective results, and linguistics itself provides the scientific basis for the study of a language. Most research studies to date have also been carried out with reference to old or existing written literature in poetry and drama. In the current era of research, scholars are looking for objective scientific approaches, e.g., experimental and instrumental studies that include acoustic research on the sound systems of less privileged languages spoken locally in developing countries. In this context, Sindhi is an example of this phenomenon, and un-researched with reference to syllable structure and the exponents of lexical stress patterns.