Assessment of growth and productivity of Scots pine provenance tests in the Arkhangelsk region in 39-year

Впервые для региона изучены выживаемость, рост и продуктивность климатипов сосны обыкновенной в 39-летних географических культурах государственной сети (Плесецкий район Архангельской области). Прослежены особенности перераспределения климатипов в коллекции, отобраны лучшие потомства для использования для лесовосстановления в пределах региона испытания. Установлено, что северные потомства (северная и средняя подзоны тайги), отличающиеся в I классе возраста высокой приживаемостью, во II классе возраста начали процесс дифференциации, который привел к снижению показателя почти в два раза. К концу II класса возраста наблюдается выравнивание потомств климатипов по высоте, при сохранении различий, связанных с происхождением, по диаметру. Наиболее крупные диаметры стволов имеют южнотаежные потомства, а также из северной подзоны смешанных лесов, отличающиеся самыми низкими показатели приживаемости и качеством стволов. Установлена прямая зависимость показателя Н/Д с приживаемостью, связанная с усилением роста климатипов по диаметру, увеличением сбежистости и искривленности стволов, формированием низкоопущенных крон. Показано, что в культурах II класса возраста сохраняются значительные корреляционные связи показателей роста и приживаемости с географическими координатами и климатическими характеристиками мест исходных насаждений, в то время как с запасом связь теряется. С использованием подхода оценки в единицах стандартного отклонения отобраны лучшие по продуктивности (запасу) климатипы: местный плесецкий, пинежский, вологодский, а также климатипы из Карелии. Исходные насаждения этих потомств входят в ареал, ограниченный 60–65° с.ш., 36–44° в.д. Для использования в лесовосстановлении в Архангельской области следует полностью исключить использование семян из насаждений Урала и Сибири. На европейской части страны рекомендовать к использованию семена, заготовленные в трех лесосеменных районах: Южнокарельский, Двинско-Мезенский и Верхнедвинский, ограничив перемещение семян на расстояние не более 300 км. For the first time for the region, the survival, growth and productivity of scots pine climates in 39-year-old provenance test of the state network (Plesetsk district of the Arkhangelsk region) were studied. Features of climate redistribution in the collection were traced, the best offspring were selected for use for reforestation within the test region. It has been established that northern offspring (northern and middle subzones of the boreal forest), differing in the I grade of age with high livability, in the II grade of age began the process of differentiation, which led to a decrease in the indicator by almost half. By the end of grade II of age, the offspring of provenance are equalized in height, while maintaining differences related to origin in diameter. The largest diameters of trunks have southern offspring, as well as from the northern subzone of mixed forests, which differ in the lowest rates of survival and quality of trunks. Direct dependence of H/D index with livability is established, which is connected with increase of provenance growth by diameter, increase of escape and curvature of trunks, formation of low-lowered crowns. It has been shown that in cultures of the II class of age, significant correlation of growth and livelihood indicators with the geographical coordinates and climatic characteristics of the places of the initial plantations remains, while with the reserve the connection is lost. Using the assessment approach, in units of standard deviation, the best climates in terms of productivity (reserve) were selected: local mold, Pinezhsky, Vologda, as well as climates from Karelia. The initial plantations of these offspring are included in the range, limited to 60–65° N, 36–44° E. For use in reforestation in the Arkhangelsk region, the use of seeds from plantations of the Urals and Siberia should be completely excluded. In the European part of the country, recommend the use of seeds harvested in three forested areas: South Karelian, Dvinsk-Mezensky and Verkhnedvinsky, limiting the movement of seeds for a distance of not more than 300 km.

Diversifying Density - Renovating Rural Living within Kapiti/Horowhenua Coast

<p>‘Diversifying Density’ explores current issues surrounding New Zealand’s struggling rural regions with particular focus on the test region of Kāpiti/Horowhenua Coast. These rural regions are subject to pressure from cities with regard to economic production and a cultural shift toward urban lifestyle. This has contributed to deconstructing much of what originally made these regions so attractive to live in. Through the process of revitalisation this research looks at the specific test site of Lake Horowhenua. While there is no shortage to these rural challenges, Lake Horowhenua has managed to retain particular significance within the overall region of Kāpiti/Horowhenua Coast. The focus area of this research is to explore a diverse hybrid settlement for a specific area based around a potential economy. On developing this, the design explores how this can provide new habitation while working towards a better environmental system and occupancy potential. This research looks to encouraging discussion about conservation by adding further economic opportunity, the displacement of some current practices with the benefit of economic, environmental, and spatial diversities. Pulling these elements together the thesis proposes that this generates further opportunity, to increase human occupancy, formulating a perception and involvement within this rural landscape. Reconfiguring rural economies, lifestyles, recreation and conservation encourages authenticity of rural landscapes, creating new experiences and opportunities building the notion of abundance. The research being tested in detail is the harakeke (flax) economy. It is structured around the processing stages involving the extraction of the harakeke fibre. Developing this concept through one economy generates new opportunities for habitation, while facilitating alternative growth specific to the site and economy. This informs design moves that are directed specifically toward the economic and environmental diversity drivers connected to the site for growth encouragement. Then begins the exploration of concepts of authenticity; new rural living patterns; interdependencies of economies; environment and spatial patterns; and developing a synergy between work and living to construct community.</p>

Diversifying Density - Renovating Rural Living within Kapiti/Horowhenua Coast

<p>‘Diversifying Density’ explores current issues surrounding New Zealand’s struggling rural regions with particular focus on the test region of Kāpiti/Horowhenua Coast. These rural regions are subject to pressure from cities with regard to economic production and a cultural shift toward urban lifestyle. This has contributed to deconstructing much of what originally made these regions so attractive to live in. Through the process of revitalisation this research looks at the specific test site of Lake Horowhenua. While there is no shortage to these rural challenges, Lake Horowhenua has managed to retain particular significance within the overall region of Kāpiti/Horowhenua Coast. The focus area of this research is to explore a diverse hybrid settlement for a specific area based around a potential economy. On developing this, the design explores how this can provide new habitation while working towards a better environmental system and occupancy potential. This research looks to encouraging discussion about conservation by adding further economic opportunity, the displacement of some current practices with the benefit of economic, environmental, and spatial diversities. Pulling these elements together the thesis proposes that this generates further opportunity, to increase human occupancy, formulating a perception and involvement within this rural landscape. Reconfiguring rural economies, lifestyles, recreation and conservation encourages authenticity of rural landscapes, creating new experiences and opportunities building the notion of abundance. The research being tested in detail is the harakeke (flax) economy. It is structured around the processing stages involving the extraction of the harakeke fibre. Developing this concept through one economy generates new opportunities for habitation, while facilitating alternative growth specific to the site and economy. This informs design moves that are directed specifically toward the economic and environmental diversity drivers connected to the site for growth encouragement. Then begins the exploration of concepts of authenticity; new rural living patterns; interdependencies of economies; environment and spatial patterns; and developing a synergy between work and living to construct community.</p>

DEM Based Study on Shielded Astronomical Solar Radiation and Possible Sunshine Duration under Terrain Influences on Mars by Using Spectral Methods

Solar radiation may be shielded by the terrain relief before reaching the Martian surface, especially over some rugged terrains. Yet, to date, no comprehensive studies on the spatial structure of shielded astronomical solar radiation (SASR) and the possible sunshine duration (PSD) on Mars have been conducted by previous researchers. Previous studies generally ignored the influences of the terrain on the SASR and PSD, which resulted in a corresponding unexplored field on SASR. The purpose of this paper is to study the Martian spatial-temporal structure of SASR and the PSD under terrain influences. In this paper, the theory of Earth’s SASR, the previous Martian SASR model and the theory of planetary science were combined to propose the SASR model that can be applied to Mars. Then, with the spectrum method theory of geography, we defined two new concepts of spectrums to explore the spatial-temporal distribution of SASR and PSD in different Martian landforms. We found SASR and PSD on Mars were significantly influenced by terrain relief and latitude and showed sufficient regularity, which can be concluded as a gradual attenuation with terrain relief and a regularity of latitude anisotropy. The latitude anisotropy feature is a manifestation of the terrain shielding effect. With the latitude varying, SASR and PSD at different temporal scale generally showed different features with those of Earth, which may be attributed to the imbalanced seasons caused by Martian moving orbits and velocity. Compared to PSD, SASR showed more regular variation under terrain relief and was more influenced by the terrain relief which revealed that SASR is more sensitive to terrain relief than PSD. Additionally, the critical area is a quantitative index to reflect the stable spatial structure of SASR and PSD in different landforms and may be viewed as the minimum test region of sample areas. The corresponding result of the experiments herein indicated that either spectrum can effectively depict the spatial-temporal distribution of SASR and PSD on Mars under terrain relief and deepen the understanding of the variation of SASR and PSD influences by terrain. The critical area of either spectrum can be employed to explore and determine the stable spatial structure of SASR and PSD in different landforms. The proposed Martian SASR model and the new spectral method theory shed new light on revealing the spatial-temporal structure of SASR and PSD under terrain influences on Mars.

Life prediction in c-Si solar cell interconnections under in-situ thermal cycling in Kumasi in Ghana

Purpose A numerical study on the reliability of soldered interconnects of c-Si solar photovoltaic cells has been conducted. Design/methodology/approach A three-year data (2012–2014) from outdoor weathering of PV modules was used to generate temperature cycle profiles to serve as thermal loads and boundary conditions for the investigation of the thermo-mechanical response of the soldered interconnects when subjected to real outdoor conditions using finite element analysis (FEA) Software (Ansys. 18.2). Two types of soldered interconnections, namely, Sn60Pb40 and Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu (Pb-free), were modelled in this study. Findings Life prediction results from accumulated creep energy density damage show that the solder interconnects will achieve maximum life under the 2014 thermal cycle loading. In particular, the Sn60Pb40 solder interconnection is expected to achieve 14,153 cycles (25.85 years) whilst the Pb-free solder interconnection is expected to achieve 9,249 cycles (16.89 years). Additionally, under the test region average (TRA) thermal cycle, the Pb-free and Pb-Sn solder interconnections are expected to achieve 7,944 cycles (13.69 years) and 12,814 cycles (23.4 years), respectively. The study shows that Sn60Pb40 solder interconnections are likely to exhibit superior reliability over the Pb-free solder interconnections at the test site. Practical implications This study would be useful to electronics manufacturing industry in the search for a suitable alternative to SnPb solders and also the thermo-mechanical reliability research community and manufacturers in the design of robust PV modules. Originality/value The study has provided TRA data/results which could be used to represent the test region instead of a particular year. The study also indicates that more than six thermal cycles are required before any meaningful conclusions can be drawn. Finally, the life of the two types of solders (SnPb and Pb-free) as interconnecting materials for c-Si PV have been predicted for the test region (Kumasi in sub-Saharan Africa).

Aldi Süd rollt IT-Mammut-Projekt aus

Salzburg/Mülheim. Die völlig neue IT-Landschaft von Aldi Süd geht jetzt sukzessive live. Noch dieses Jahr nimmt Deutschland die wichtigsten Geschäftsprozesse in Betrieb, dann folgen die anderen Aldi-Süd-Länder. Österreich ist als Test-Region bereits mitten im Rollout.

Classification of residential buildings into spatial patterns of urban growth: A morpho-structural approach

This paper presents a methodological protocol that combines a structural and a morphological approach to classify residential buildings into spatial patterns of urban growth. Variography analysis is employed to endogenously detect thresholds of building agglomerations, subsequently used as distance parameters for series of morphological closings over the distribution of the building centroids. The different bounding regions ultimately allow classifying new residential buildings into different categories according to their degrees of clustering/scattering and to their locations within/without existing urban structures and within/without recent urban sprawl. The protocol, developed for areas where suburbs tend to proliferate, is tested on a region in southern France using residential buildings in 2002, 2017, and those that appeared between these two dates. It successfully classified the new buildings into the following categories: “clustered infill urban densification”, “scattered infill urban densification”, “low-density edge-expansion”, “compact edge-expansion”, “low-density scattered urban development”, and “leapfrog urban development” thus showing that new residential buildings are not contributing to urban sprawl and development in a similar fashion. Open access is provided to the source code and to the test region data.

Biodiversity assessment in the area of Olimpiada Mining and Processing Plant, Polyus Krasnoyarsk

This article addresses some problems connected with the assessment of biodiversity in the area of Olimpiada Mining and Processing Plant, Polyus Krasnoyarsk. The outcome of two years-long (2018–2019) integrated monitoring of natural and manmade eco-systems is presented. The main landscape types are identified using satellite images and route observation data. The structure of habitat on the natural landscape and in the disturbed areas is estimated, with identification of: the sites with pronounced environmental impact of mining (overburden and waste rock dumps and slopes, manmade water reservoirs and banks); abandoned or reclaimed manmade objects; urban territory of the miners settlement; control (baseline) sites (pyrogenic-nature and primary forest, valley and flood-plain planting). It is emphasized that the soil cover and the thermal background in the test territory has been essentially transformed, which can greatly affect local biodiversity. Inspection of the natural and manmade eco-systems in the area of Olimpiada MPP has revealed 177 species of plants, including 153 species of higher vascular plants, 14 species of mosses and 10 species of lichens. The flora of vascular plants represents 46 families and 112 kinds. The species resistant to anthropogenic transformation are identified. The fauna biodiversity is represented by 34 species of mammals (Mammalia) from 5 orders (insect-eating, rodents, carnivores, cloven-footed and wing-handed animals) as well as by 110 species of birds Aves). The marker species are specified for monitoring of small mammals and birds in the test region. The research findings point at the required monitoring of biodiversity both in the territory of the mining and processing plant and in the adjacent undisturbed baseline area.

Gravity data requirements for decimetre accuracy regional geoid using Stokes' Remove Compute Restore technique in Nigeria

The need for dense and accurate gravity data cannot be overemphasised in the development of a precise gravimetric geoid model. Unfortunately, the field observations required are costly, and labour-intensive hence the need to ascertain via numerical simulations the appropriate field specifications before embarking on them. This paper presents an experimental study on the gravimetric data specifications (spatial resolution and data accuracy) required for achieving decimetre-level accuracy geoid using the conventional Stokes' Remove Compute Restore (RCR) method in Nigeria. A two-step solution approach was used in this study. The steps were determination of the (i) effect of data spacing by a comparative assessment of computation results obtained by using gravity data at four user determined intervals and (ii) effect of observation accuracy by numerical simulation using error propagation analysis. The data intervals (3′×3′, 5′×5′, 10′×10′ and 20′×20′) were selected from a combination of 1815 terrestrial FA anomaly points merged with EGM2008 derived FA anomaly covering the study area. Also, observational errors investigated were 0 mGal, 0.1 mGal, 0.5 mGal, 1 mGal and 5 mGal. The study was conducted in Nigeria having a total land area of approximately 923,768 km2. The study established that gravimetric geoid accuracy improves substantially as the spatial resolution and accuracy of the gravity data improves. Also, the study identified that data spacing contributes more to the overall geoid error than data accuracy. In addition, the study observed that hilly regions should have denser data spacing than plain areas. Within the test region, a data spacing of 3′×3′ with gravity observational errors 5 mGal was found to produce an acceptable gravimetric geoid. The produced gravimetric geoid had a pre-fit Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 15.6 cm when compared with GNSS-Levelling data at 27 stations located evenly across the study area.