scholarly journals An Overview of forest cover and management in Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 63-71
Author(s):  
Nicolò Di Marzio
Keyword(s):  
Forest Cover ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
National Forest Inventory ◽  
Mature Stage ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Forest Logging ◽  
Forest Typology ◽  
Forest Lands ◽  
Terrain Features ◽  
Coppice With Standards

Over the centuries, alongside multiple changes in socio-economical conditions, needs and technical possibilities, Italian forest and forest management have gone through a dynamic and complex evolution process. In the last decade, forest lands in Italy have been constantly growing and nowadays cover almost 11 million hectars, accounting for 36.4% of the total National territory. Several quantitative and qualitative aspects of forest resources, regarding species composition, actual and available stock, ownership, volume of utilization, accessibility, terrain features and others, have been described through the analysis of the National Forest Inventory (INFC2005). The most represented forest typology is »coppice with standards«, while many forests are in a mature stage, waiting for conversion to transitional stands. Concerning forest logging, full length harvesting and winching-skidding extraction are the most widespread systems, but in many areas the low-openness conditions represent a limiting factor for logging distances, expecially in high slope classes, where sustainable and cost-effective operations are primary. The modern solutions allowed by technological progress, in addition to the growing environmental awareness and need of a sustainable management at multiple level require an efficient forest communications management and professional formation of operators, in a challenging scenario that Italy is called to approach.

Use of cost-effective technologies for a routine clinical pathology laboratory

Lab on a Chip ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercedes Vazquez ◽  
L. Anfossi ◽  
Hader Ben-Yoav ◽  
Lorena Diéguez ◽  
Thomas Karopka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Clinical Pathology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Economic Costs ◽  
Pathology Laboratory

Classically, the need for highly sophisticated instruments with important economic costs has been a major limiting factor for clinical pathology laboratories, especially in developing countries. With the aim of making...

Assessment of harvest blocks generated from operational polygons and forest-cover polygons in tactical and strategic planning

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 682-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Landscape Structure ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Block Size ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Strategic Plans ◽  
Important Barrier ◽  
Interior Forest ◽  
Block Size Distribution

Manually designing harvest units for strategic planning is expensive. This paper compares blocking methods based on forest-cover polygons and manually designed harvest units. Routines are used to split and aggregate polygons into three block size distributions: (i) uniform 40-ha blocks; (ii) uniform 120-ha blocks; and (iii) by area, one-third 20 ha, one-third 60 ha, and one-third 150 ha. Three harvest rules that influence adjacency and the cutting of polygons within a block are applied to each block size distribution to compare forecasts generated by forest-cover and operational blocks. Generally, volume flows from the two methods deviate by less than 5%, and the highest deviations usually occur during the first 20 years. Projected landscape structure, as measured by interior forest area, is also similar under the two blocking methods. The results indicate that forest-cover data provide a reasonable alternative to manual blocking in tactical and strategic plans. This is significant because it removes an important barrier to timely and cost-effective planning, especially for large geographic problems where manual blocking is not an option.

scholarly journals Toward the widespread application of low-cost technologies in coastal ocean observing (Internet of Things for the Ocean)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARCO MARCELLI ◽  
VIVIANA PIERMATTEI ◽  
RICCARDO GERIN ◽  
FABIO BRUNETTI ◽  
ERMANNO PIETROSEMOLI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communication Systems ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Large Data ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Coastal Ocean ◽  
Global Ocean ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Development Framework ◽  
Ocean Observing

The ability to access user-friendly, low-cost instrumentation remains a limiting factor in coastal ocean observing. The majority of currently available marine observation equipment is difficult to deploy, costly to operate, and requires specific technical skills. Moreover, a harmonized observation program for the world’s coastal waters has not yet been established despite the efforts of the global ocean organizations. Global observational systems are mainly focused on open ocean waters and do not include coastal and shelf areas, where models and satellites require large data sets for their calibration and validation. Fortunately, recent technological advances have created opportunities to improve sensors, platforms, and communications that will enable a step-change in coastal ocean observing, which will be driven by a decreasing cost of the components, the availability of cheap housing, low-cost controller/data loggers based on embedded systems, and low/no subscription costs for LPWAN communication systems. Considering the above necessities and opportunities, POGO’s OpenMODs project identified a series of general needs/requirements to be met in an Open science development framework. In order to satisfy monitoring and research necessities, the sensors to be implemented must be easily interfaced with the data acquisition and transmission system, as well as compliant with accuracy and stability requirements. Here we propose an approach to co-design a cost-effective observing modular instrument architecture based on available low-cost measurement and data transmission technologies, able to be mounted/operated on various platforms. This instrument can fit the needs of a large community that includes scientific research (including those in developing countries), non-scientific stakeholders, and educators.

Forestry of landlords of Tambov Governorate in the late 19th – early 20th century

2021 ◽  
pp. 287-295
Author(s):  
Ruslan M. Zhitin ◽  
Aleksey G. Topilsky
Keyword(s):  
20Th Century ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Forest Resources ◽  
Nature Management ◽  
Early 20Th Century ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Local Residents ◽  
Forest Lands

The features of forestry of the landowners of the Tambov Governorate at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries are analyzed. The key factors of natural (forest cover of the area), economic (first of all, the construction of railways, changes in demand for timber) and social (the need to protect plantations from the surrounding peasant population) character that influenced forestry are shown. The main ways of development are indicated, due to both economic opportunities and the desire (or unwillingness) of landowners to equip their forest lands. The methods of forestry in the northern, central and southern districts of the Tambov Governorate are analyzed, the different degree of forest cover of which was reflected in the value of forest materials for local residents. Methods of combining forestry with other types of management, in particular, grazing, which were practiced mainly in the northern districts of the Tambov Governorate, where there was an excess of forest resources, are described. The reasons for the clear-cutting of forests practiced by a number of owners, which led to serious environmental changes, are indicated. The characteristics of various types of rational nature management in forestry are given on the materials of individual estates, to which more and more landowners have turned. We describe the reasons for the development of a thrifty attitude to forest resources.

scholarly journals Towards improved, cost-effective surveillance of Ixodes ricinus ticks and associated pathogens using species distribution modelling

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Signorini ◽  
Anna-Sofie Stensgaard ◽  
Michele Drigo ◽  
Giulia Simonato ◽  
Federica Marcer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Pathogen Detection ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Remotely Sensed Data ◽  
Ecological Requirements

Various ticks exist in the temperate hilly and pre-alpine areas of Northern Italy, where Ixodes ricinus is the more important. In this area different tick-borne pathogen monitoring projects have recently been implemented; we present here the results of a twoyear field survey of ticks and associated pathogens, conducted 2009-2010 in North-eastern Italy. The cost-effectiveness of different sampling strategies, hypothesized a posteriori based on two sub-sets of data, were compared and analysed. The same two subsets were also used to develop models of habitat suitability, using a maximum entropy algorithm based on remotely sensed data. Comparison of the two strategies (in terms of number of ticks collected, rates of pathogen detection and model accuracy) indicated that monitoring at many temporary sites was more cost-effective than monthly samplings at a few permanent sites. The two model predictions were similar and provided a greater understanding of ecological requirements of I. ricinus in the study area. Dense vegetation cover, as measured by the normalized difference vegetation index, was identified as a good predictor of tick presence, whereas high summer temperatures appeared to be a limiting factor. The study suggests that it is possible to obtain realistic results (in terms of pathogens detection and development of habitat suitability maps) with a relatively limited sampling effort and a wellplanned monitoring strategy.

scholarly journals High efficiency photomodulators for millimeter wave and THz radiation

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I. R. Hooper ◽  
N. E. Grant ◽  
L. E. Barr ◽  
S. M. Hornett ◽  
J. D. Murphy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Efficiency ◽  
Continuous Wave ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Silicon Wafers ◽  
Thz Radiation ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Switching Speed ◽  
Carrier Lifetimes ◽  
Narrow Frequency Band

AbstractPhotomodulators for mm-wave and THz radiation are an essential component for many imaging and signal processing applications. While a myriad of schemes have been devised to enhance photomodulation by enhancing the light-matter interaction, there has been less focus on the photoconductive materials themselves, which are often the limiting factor. Here, we present an approach to increase the photomodulation efficiency of silicon by orders of magnitude, using post treatment of off-the-shelf silicon wafers. The increase in efficiency removes the need for bulky and costly amplified laser sources, and creates the potential for compact and cost-effective modulators for real-world applications. By passivating the surfaces of long bulk-lifetime silicon wafers with Al2O3, the recombination of the photoexcited carriers at the surfaces is mostly eliminated. This results in vastly longer excess carrier lifetimes (up to ~50 ms), with corresponding increases in photoconductivity. The resulting modulators are highly efficient, with the transmission through them being reduced from ~90% to <10% over a narrow frequency band with a continuous wave excitation intensity of just 10 Wm−2, whilst modulation factors of greater than 80% can be achieved over a broad band with similar intensities. We also discuss the limitations of such long-lifetime modulators for applications where the switching speed or spatial resolution of a modulator may be critical.

scholarly journals A recruitment model for beech–oak pure and mixed stands in Belgium

2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-132
Author(s):  
Rubén Manso ◽  
Gauthier Ligot ◽  
Mathieu Fortin
Keyword(s):  
Forest Cover ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
National Forest Inventory ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Mixed Stands ◽  
Continuous Forest ◽  
Recruitment Model

Abstract We present a recruitment model for pure and mixed beech and oak stands in Belgium, the first empirical model for this forest type in this geographical area. Data from the Wallonia National Forest Inventory were used to fit the model. We adopted a zero-inflated formulation where model parameters governing species’ behaviour were simultaneously fitted. Plot random effects specific to each species were included, the simultaneous fit allowing them to correlate. Model predictions proved accurate and corresponded to current ecological knowledge about the regeneration dynamics of this kind of mixture. While our model could potentially be used to complement the existing beech and oak growth models for this region of Europe, our results also show that beech recruits tend to dominate regardless of the oak share in the overstorey composition and the stand stocking. This confirms that the beech–oak mixture may not be stable under the conditions of the study area and current management aimed at promoting continuous forest cover.

scholarly journals Getting ready for REDD+ in Tanzania: a case study of progress and challenges

Oryx ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil D. Burgess ◽  
Bruno Bahane ◽  
Tim Clairs ◽  
Finn Danielsen ◽  
Søren Dalsgaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
National Forest Inventory ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Participatory Forest Management ◽  
Forest Policies ◽  
Donor Support ◽  
Management Approaches

AbstractThe proposed mechanism for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) offers significant potential for conserving forests to reduce negative impacts of climate change. Tanzania is one of nine pilot countries for the United Nations REDD Programme, receives significant funding from the Norwegian, Finnish and German governments and is a participant in the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. In combination, these interventions aim to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, provide an income to rural communities and conserve biodiversity. The establishment of the UN-REDD Programme in Tanzania illustrates real-world challenges in a developing country. These include currently inadequate baseline forestry data sets (needed to calculate reference emission levels), inadequate government capacity and insufficient experience of implementing REDD+-type measures at operational levels. Additionally, for REDD+ to succeed, current users of forest resources must adopt new practices, including the equitable sharing of benefits that accrue from REDD+ implementation. These challenges are being addressed by combined donor support to implement a national forest inventory, remote sensing of forest cover, enhanced capacity for measuring, reporting and verification, and pilot projects to test REDD+ implementation linked to the existing Participatory Forest Management Programme. Our conclusion is that even in a country with considerable donor support, progressive forest policies, laws and regulations, an extensive network of managed forests and increasingly developed locally-based forest management approaches, implementing REDD+ presents many challenges. These are being met by coordinated, genuine partnerships between government, non-government and community-based agencies.

Monitoring Canada's forests: The National Forest Inventory

2005 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
M D Gillis ◽  
A Y Omule ◽  
T. Brierley
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Forest Inventory ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
National Forest Inventory ◽  
National Forest ◽  
Inventory Data ◽  
International Reporting

A new national forest inventory is being installed in Canada. For the last 20 years, Canada's forest inventory has been a compilation of inventory data from across the country. Although this method has a number of advantages, it lacks information about the nature and rate of changes to the resource, and does not permit projections or forecasts. To address these limitations a new National Forest Inventory (NFI) was developed to monitor Canada's progress in meeting a commitment towards sustainable forest management, and to satisfy requirements for national and international reporting. The purpose of the new inventory is to "assess and monitor the extent, state and sustainable development of Canada's forests in a timely and accurate manner." The NFI consists of a plot-based system of permanent observational units located on a national grid. A combination of ground plot, photo plot and remote sensing data are used to capture a set of basic attributes that are used to derive indicators of sustainability. To meet the monitoring needs a re-measurement strategy and framework to guide the development of change estimation procedures has been worked out. A plan for implementation has been drafted. The proposed plan is presented and discussed in this paper. Key words: Canada, forest cover, inventory, monitoring, National Forest Inventory, re-measurement, panel

scholarly journals Blueberry Producers’ Attitudes toward Harvest Mechanization for Fresh Market

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Karina Gallardo ◽  
Eric T. Stafne ◽  
Lisa Wasko DeVetter ◽  
Qi Zhang ◽  
Charlie Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Agricultural Labor ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Fresh Market ◽  
Specialty Crop

The availability and cost of agricultural labor is constraining the specialty crop industry throughout the United States. Most soft fruits destined for the fresh market are fragile and are usually hand harvested to maintain optimal quality and postharvest longevity. However, because of labor shortages, machine harvest options are being explored out of necessity. A survey on machine harvest of blueberries (Vaccinium sp.) for fresh market was conducted in 2015 and 2016 in seven U.S. states and one Canadian province. Survey respondents totaled 223 blueberry producers of various production sizes and scope. A majority (61%) indicated that their berries were destined for fresh markets with 33% machine harvested for this purpose. Eighty percent said that they thought fruit quality was the limiting factor for machine-harvested blueberries destined for fresh markets. Many producers had used mechanized harvesters, but their experience varied greatly. Just less than half (47%) used mechanical harvesters for fewer than 5 years. Most respondents indicated that labor was a primary concern, as well as competing markets and weather. New technologies that reduce harvesting constraints, such as improvements to harvest machinery and packing lines, were of interest to most respondents. Forty-five percent stated they would be interested in using a modified harvest-aid platform with handheld shaking devices if it is viable (i.e., fruit quality and picking efficiency is maintained and the practice is cost effective). Overall, the survey showed that blueberry producers have great concerns with labor costs and availability and are open to exploring mechanization as a way to mitigate the need for hand-harvest labor.

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