@article{KamamiaStrauchMwangietal., author = {Kamamia, Ann W. and Strauch, Michael and Mwangi, Hosea M. and Feger, Karl-Heinz and Sang, Joseph and Julich, Stefan}, title = {Modelling crop production, river low flow, and sediment load trade-offs under agroforestry land-use scenarios in Nyangores catchment, Kenya}, series = {Frontiers in Forests and Global Change}, volume = {5}, journal = {Frontiers in Forests and Global Change}, publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.}, issn = {2624-893X}, doi = {10.3389/ffgc.2022.1046371}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3831}, abstract = {The largest impact of land-use change on catchment hydrology can be linked to deforestation. This change, driven by exponential population growth, intensified food and industrial production, has resulted in alterations in river flow regimes such as high peaks, reduced base flows, and silt deposition. To reverse this trend more extensive management practices are becoming increasingly important, but can also lead to severe losses in agricultural production. Land-use optimization tools can help catchment managers to explore numerous land-use configurations for the evaluation of trade-offs amongst various uses. In this study, the Soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model was coupled with a genetic algorithm to identify land-use/management configurations with minimal trade-offs between environmental objectives (reduced sediment load, increased stream low flow) and the crop yields of maize and soybean in Nyangores catchment (Kenya). During the land-use optimization, areas under conventional agriculture could either remain as they are or change to agroforestry or conservation agriculture (CA), where the latter was represented by introducing contour farming and vegetative filter strips. From the sets of the resulting Pareto-optimal solutions we selected mid-range solutions, representing a fair compromise among all objectives, for further analysis. We found that a combined measure implementation strategy (agroforestry on certain sites and conservation agriculture on other sites within the catchment) proved to be superior over single measure implementation strategies. On the catchment scale, a 3.6\% change to forests combined with a 35\% change to CA resulted in highly reduced sediment loads (-78\%), increased low flow (+14\%) and only slightly decreased crop yields (<4\%). There was a tendency of the genetic algorithm to implement more extensive management practices in the upper part of the catchment while leaving conventional agriculture in the lower part. Our study shows that a spatially targeted implementation strategy for different conservation management practices can remarkably improve environmental sustainability with only marginal trade-offs in crop production at the catchment-level. Incentive policies such as payments for ecosystem services (PES), considering upstream and downstream stakeholders, could offer a practical way to effect these changes.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{MugaruraStuemerDungeretal., author = {Mugarura, Michael and St{\"u}mer, Wolfgang and Dunger, Karsten and Bolte, Andreas and Ramlow, Matt and Ackom, Emmanuel and R{\"o}hling, Steffi}, title = {Ascription of the differences between Germany and Uganda's Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry sector greenhouse gas methodologies for inventory improvement}, series = {Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change}, volume = {26}, journal = {Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change}, number = {6}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, issn = {1381-2386}, doi = {10.1007/s11027-021-09957-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-4135}, abstract = {Abstract Germany, as an Annex I Party is expected to prepare and submit annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventories of emissions and removals, including Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. Uganda, a non-Annex 1 party, is institutionalizing a sustainable national GHG inventory system. The LULUCF sector is a key emission source and plays a vital role in these two countries' GHG inventories. This research analyzes the differences between applied LULUCF methodologies in Uganda as a developing country and Germany as a developed country with a particular focus on the forestry sector. It further analyzes the root cause factors for the different approaches, existing gaps and gives recommendations for future inventory improvement. The intricate institutional, policy framework, expertise, and applied methodological approaches for carbon change estimations in biomass pools are analyzed. Uncertainty analysis and time-series consistency process is reviewed with regard to how the countries' quality assurance/control (QA/QC) and verification approaches adhere to the transparency framework. Resource limitations and data collection challenges dictate that Uganda uses the tier 1 methodological approach for emissions inventory. Consolidation and institutionalization of the GHG process will improve inventory accuracy while enhancing adherence to climate commitments. Germany uses higher tiers. Besides, government support for planned improvements using the recently developed country-specific biomass functions for estimating belowground biomass of silver birch, oak, and Scotch pine tree species will be essential for improving inventory quality. Operationalization of the inventory plan (IP) will be critical in driving inventory improvements geared towards time-series consistency, comparability, and transparency.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{MadakiMuenchKaecheleetal., author = {Madaki, Mustapha Yakubu and Muench, Steffen and K{\"a}chele, Harald and Bavorova, Miroslava}, title = {Climate Change Knowledge and Perception among Farming Households in Nigeria}, series = {Climate}, volume = {11}, journal = {Climate}, number = {6}, editor = {Barkenbus, Jack}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2225-1154}, doi = {10.3390/cli11060115}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-6306}, abstract = {Nigeria is committed to achieving a 20\% unconditional and 45\% conditional reduction of GHG emissions by 2030 through a strong focus on awareness of and preparedness for climate change impacts via the mobilization of local communities for climate change mitigation actions. As land cover changes and forestry contribute 38\% and agriculture contributes 13\% of the country's GHGs, farmers are among the stakeholders to be aware of and prepare for climate change mitigations and adaptations. This study assessed the knowledge of agriculturally related practices associated with climate change and its relation to climate change perception. One thousand and eighty (1080) smallholder farmers were interviewed across six agroecological zones (AEZs) of Nigeria using a structured questionnaire. The results revealed that most farmers know that deforestation and land clearance by bush burning contributes to climate change. However, many farmers did not know that methane emissions from livestock (enteric fermentation) can cause climate change. Our results further show that the farmers' perception of climate change is associated with climate change knowledge. Factors affecting the climate change knowledge of farmers include information received from government extension services, environmental NGOs, and radio, as well as experiencing extreme weather events. Farmers of dry AEZs were more aware and knowledgeable of the agricultural practices contributing to the changing environment. Increased exposure to climate change events thus appears to elevate the knowledge on the topic. Using government services, environmental NGOs, and radio to disseminate climate change information will help further in guiding and shaping farmers' perceptions towards scientific findings for appropriate actions.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{ViranoRiquelmeFegerJulich, author = {Virano-Riquelme, Victoria and Feger, Karl-Heinz and Julich, Stefan}, title = {Variation in Hydraulic Properties of Forest Soils in Temperate Climate Zones}, series = {Forests}, volume = {13}, journal = {Forests}, number = {11}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {1999-4907}, doi = {10.3390/f13111850}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3741}, abstract = {The structure of forests in temperate climates has been changing to ensure the resilience of trees. This change affects the local water balance. Knowledge of soil hydraulic properties (SHP) is essential to assess the water cycle in ecosystems. There is little knowledge about the impact of tree species on SHP and the water balance. Based on a compilation of 539 related studies we aimed at identifying the effects of tree species and age on SHP in temperate climates. However, most studies concentrated on soil biogeochemical properties, whereas only 256 studies focused on SHP. The literature presents no standard methods for assessing SHP and there is no knowledge of their variations in forests. We present a systematic overview of the current state of knowledge on variations in SHP based on forest type in temperate climates. We identify the gaps and weaknesses in the literature and the difficulties of evaluating the reviewed studies. More studies following standardised methodologies are needed to create a robust database for each forest type and soil texture. It would improve the assessment of the forest water balance through calibrated plot/site-scale process models. Such a database does not yet exist, but it would greatly improve the management and development of future forest ecosystems.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{BarnabasBavorovaMadakietal., author = {Barnabas, Bulus and Bavorova, Miroslava and Madaki, Mustapha Yakubu and K{\"a}chele, Harald}, title = {Food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food vendors participating in Nigeria's school feeding program}, series = {Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety}, volume = {19}, journal = {Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1661-5751}, doi = {10.1007/s00003-023-01476-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9064}, pages = {199 -- 212}, abstract = {Abstract This study aimed to measure the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices among food vendors engaged in Nigeria's ongoing Home-grown School Feeding Program. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in face-to-face interviews with 240 food vendors from 3 states in northeast Nigeria involved in the school feeding program using a structured questionnaire. Multiple linear regression results revealed that increased education and access to information through radio, television, and food inspection institutions increased food safety knowledge. Food safety attitudes score increased with more years of vending experience and accessing food safety information via radio, food inspection institutions, and the Internet. An increase in household size and food safety information from friends and colleagues negatively affected food safety attitude scores. As a result, we emphasize the need for dissemination of improved food safety information via radio, television and food safety inspection institutes. Food vendors in the SFP should be selected after passing a food safety training and gaining food handling experience. Higher education should be a priority criterion in the hiring process.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{BarnabasBavorovaMadakietal., author = {Barnabas, Bulus and Bavorova, Miroslava and Madaki, Mustapha Yakubu and K{\"a}chele, Harald}, title = {Food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food vendors participating in Nigeria's school feeding program}, series = {Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety}, volume = {19}, journal = {Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1661-5751}, doi = {10.1007/s00003-023-01476-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9078}, pages = {199 -- 212}, abstract = {Abstract This study aimed to measure the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices among food vendors engaged in Nigeria's ongoing Home-grown School Feeding Program. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in face-to-face interviews with 240 food vendors from 3 states in northeast Nigeria involved in the school feeding program using a structured questionnaire. Multiple linear regression results revealed that increased education and access to information through radio, television, and food inspection institutions increased food safety knowledge. Food safety attitudes score increased with more years of vending experience and accessing food safety information via radio, food inspection institutions, and the Internet. An increase in household size and food safety information from friends and colleagues negatively affected food safety attitude scores. As a result, we emphasize the need for dissemination of improved food safety information via radio, television and food safety inspection institutes. Food vendors in the SFP should be selected after passing a food safety training and gaining food handling experience. Higher education should be a priority criterion in the hiring process.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{LinkevičiusSchroeder, author = {Linkevičius, Edgaras and Schr{\"o}der, Jens}, title = {Climatic Effects on the Growth of Fagus sylvatica L. in Mixed Stands with Pinus sylvestris L. in Lithuania}, series = {Sustainability}, volume = {16}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {20}, editor = {Perazzo, Alejandro Javier Rescia}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su16208847}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9136}, abstract = {Climate change and warming will potentially profoundly affect forest growth and yield. However, climate change is not only a threat but also an opportunity for tree species to be more productive or colonize new territories where previously they were fragmented or absent. European beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) is a dominant and significant tree species in European forests with a pronounced ability to grow on a great variety of sites and to form mixtures with other tree species due to its shade tolerance. So far, only a few studies have analysed its growth and reaction to changing climatic conditions outside its natural gradient in the north. The aim of this study was therefore to clarify the main growth patterns and tree ring formation characteristics of beech (outside their natural distribution) in mixed stands with Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) The analyses were carried out in two-layered stands in the western part of Lithuania with tree-ring data measured on stem disks collected at 1 m height that were available from shelter-cut thinning activities in a number of forest stands in the region. Our results show that higher temperatures during the summer months of July and August generally inhibited the radial growth of beech under given site conditions. In contrast, warmer late-autumn and cooler early-winter periods together with warmer springs positively affected the radial increments. Above-average precipitation during the vegetation period contributed to the beech producing additional amounts of radial increments. The increasing temperature trends of the summer months and decreasing monthly amounts of precipitation during the vegetation period in recent decades tend to have adverse effects on the ecological conditions for beech growth and vitality in Lithuania. Despite these results, the European beech successfully grows in the sample region and has produced 200 m 3 ha -1 in the analysed stands.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{VoglhuberSlavinskyLemkeMacPhersonetal., author = {Voglhuber-Slavinsky, Ariane and Lemke, Nahleen and MacPherson, Joseph and D{\"o}nitz, Ewa and Olbrisch, Mathias and Sch{\"o}bel, Philipp and Moller, Bj{\"o}rn and Bahrs, Enno and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Valorization for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in the Agri-Food Value Chain}, series = {Environmental Management}, volume = {72}, journal = {Environmental Management}, number = {6}, publisher = {Springer US}, issn = {0364-152X}, doi = {10.1007/s00267-023-01860-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9162}, pages = {1163 -- 1188}, abstract = {Abstract This article defines the term valorization of biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) measures, as distinguished from their valuation, and underpins it with an assessment of private valorization examples along the agri-food value chain. Valorization incentivizes measures for promoting BES, while valuation refers to its quantification. Valuation can be a step of valorization but is not indispensable. In scientific literature, the terms valorization and valuation are often used interchangeably. In addition, there is a lack of research on private options versus conventional, public policy options. Therefore, we searched for private valorization options primarily in public sources (gray literature and websites). This led to the identification of four clusters (markets for voluntary services, labeling, and certification, environmental management/CSR, and tradable permits and quotas). Based on these clusters the options were assessed from a legal and systems dynamics perspective. In addition, the viability of selected valorization options in different future scenarios was examined. The analysis revealed a wide range of private valorization options, which in contrast to public policy options that focus almost entirely on the production stage, are spread across the agri-food value chain. Their suitability differs under different future scenarios, legal and systems conditions.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{FriisHernandezMorcilloBaumannetal., author = {Friis, Cecilie and Hern{\´a}ndez-Morcillo, M{\´o}nica and Baumann, Matthias and Coral, Claudia and Frommen, Theresa and Ghoddousi, Arash and Loibl, David and Rufin, Philippe}, title = {Enabling spaces for bridging scales: scanning solutions for interdisciplinary human-environment research}, series = {Sustainability Science}, volume = {18}, journal = {Sustainability Science}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer Japan}, issn = {1862-4065}, doi = {10.1007/s11625-022-01271-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9158}, pages = {1251 -- 1269}, abstract = {Abstract To tackle the twenty-first-century challenges for sustainability, a deeper understanding of their complexity is needed. Hence, interdisciplinary human-environment research integrating knowledge, perspectives, and solutions across scales is crucial. Yet, questions of 'scale' and 'scaling' continue to challenge human-environment research. Despite substantial scholarly attention to scales, no unified definitions and understanding exist, causing confusion among researchers. In this paper, we aim to provide clarity to the challenges and potential solutions to bridging scales in interdisciplinary human-environment research as well as identify leverage points and arenas of change that would enable it. We used a three-step methodology to (a) identify the challenges and solutions based on a survey of 82 interdisciplinary researchers, (b) prioritise the challenges and solutions based on expert elicitation, and (c) organise the solutions according to their potential for leveraging change at three system arenas: individual researchers, institutions and organisations, and the wider academic structures. The main challenges ranged from issues related to differences in research approaches, lack of resources for deeper collaborations, or conflicting perspectives on problem and scale definitions, to miscommunication. The specific solutions linked to these challenges were predominantly related to the potential of improving the research process through open communication, data sharing, or new techniques for upscaling or downscaling results. We argue that bridging scales requires open and humble conversations across disciplines on scale understandings as well as improved collaboration through data sharing, method development, result dissemination, and contribution to theory. Facilitating such collaboration requires enabling spaces of interaction across three systemic arenas: the individual researcher's personal commitment to open communication and reflection, the research institution's capacity to enable interdisciplinary spaces, and the wider academic system valuing and supporting interdisciplinary and cross-scale initiatives.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{TannebergerBirrCouwenbergetal., author = {Tanneberger, Franziska and Birr, Friedrich and Couwenberg, John and Kaiser, Moritz and Luthardt, Vera and Nerger, Monique and Pfister, Sonja and Oppermann, Rainer and Zeitz, Jutta and Beyer, Colja and van der Linden, Sebastian and Wichtmann, Wendelin and N{\"a}rmann, Felix}, title = {Saving soil carbon, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity and the economy: paludiculture as sustainable land use option in German fen peatlands}, series = {Regional Environmental Change}, volume = {22}, journal = {Regional Environmental Change}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer Berlin Heidelberg}, issn = {1436-3798}, doi = {10.1007/s10113-022-01900-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9142}, abstract = {AbstractPeatlands in the European Union are largely drained for agriculture and emit 25\% of the total agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Drainage-based peatland use has also negative impacts on water quality, drinking water provision and biodiversity. Consequently, key EU environmental policy objectives include the rewetting of all drained peatlands as an essential nature-based solution. Rewetting of peatlands can be combined with site-adapted land use, so-called paludiculture. Paludiculture produces biomass from wet and rewetted peatlands under conditions that maintain the peat body, facilitate peat accumulation and can provide many of the ecosystem services associated with natural, undrained peatlands. The biomass can be used for a wide range of traditional and innovative food, feed, fibre and fuel products. Based on examples in Germany, we have analysed emerging paludiculture options for temperate Europe with respect to greenhouse gas fluxes, biodiversity and indicative business economics. Best estimates of site emission factors vary between 0 and 8 t CO2eq ha-1 y-1. Suitability maps for four peatland-rich federal states (76\% of total German peatland area) indicate that most of the drained, agriculturally used peatland area could be used for paludiculture, about one-third of the fen area for any paludiculture type. Fen-specific biodiversity benefits from rewetting and paludiculture, if compared to the drained state. Under favourable conditions, paludiculture can be economically viable, but costs and revenues vary considerably. Key recommendations for large-scale implementation are providing planning security by paludiculture spatial planning, establishing best practice sites and strengthening research into crops, water tables and management options.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{NoeltingKoenigZimmermannetal., author = {N{\"o}lting, Benjamin and K{\"o}nig, Bettina and Zimmermann, Anne B. and Di Giulio, Antonietta and Sch{\"a}fer, Martina and Schneider, Flurina}, title = {Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic: an opportunity to reflect on sustainability research}, series = {Sustainability Management Forum | NachhaltigkeitsManagementForum}, volume = {30}, journal = {Sustainability Management Forum | NachhaltigkeitsManagementForum}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Berlin Heidelberg}, issn = {2522-5987}, doi = {10.1007/s00550-022-00528-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9216}, pages = {11 -- 27}, abstract = {Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has jolted societies out of normality, possibly creating new conditions for sustainability transformations. What does this mean for sustainability research? Because of the scope of the crisis, researchers have been heavily involved: not only have they had to speed up the pace of scientific production to provide urgently needed COVID-19 knowledge, but they have also been affected citizens. For sustainability science, this calls for an experience-based reflection on the positionality and orientation of research aiming to support sustainability transformations. Twenty sustainability researchers discussed their sustainability research on COVID-19 in three workshops based on the following questions: How does the pandemic—and the measures taken to deal with it—affect sustainable development? What can we learn from the pandemic from the perspective of societal transformation? The present discussion paper emerged from this multidisciplinary exchange among sustainability researchers, considering five topics: impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on sustainability transformations; learning for sustainability transformations; the role of solidarity; governance and political steering; and the role of science in society. Our discussions led to a meta-level reflection on what sustainability research can learn from research on COVID-19 regarding topics and disciplinary angles, time dimensions, the role of researchers, and how adequate preparation for both crises and long-term transformations requires interdisciplinary interaction.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{HernandezMorcilloTorralbaBaigesetal., author = {Hern{\´a}ndez-Morcillo, M. and Torralba, M. and Baiges, T. and Bernasconi, A. and Bottaro, G. and Brogaard, S. and Bussola, F. and D{\´i}az-Varela, E. and Geneletti, D. and Grossmann, C. M. and Kister, J. and Klingler, M. and Loft, L. and Lovric, M. and Mann, C. and Pipart, N. and Roces-D{\´i}az, J. V. and Sorge, S. and Tiebel, M. and Tyrv{\"a}inen, L. and Varela, E. and Winkel, G. and Plieninger, T.}, title = {Scanning the solutions for the sustainable supply of forest ecosystem services in Europe}, series = {Sustainability Science}, volume = {17}, journal = {Sustainability Science}, number = {5}, publisher = {Springer Japan}, issn = {1862-4065}, doi = {10.1007/s11625-022-01111-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9186}, pages = {2013 -- 2029}, abstract = {Abstract Forests are key components of European multifunctional landscapes and supply numerous forest ecosystem services (FES) fundamental to human well-being. The sustainable provision of FES has the potential to provide responses to major societal challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, or rural development. To identify suitable strategies for the future sustenance of FES, we performed a solution scanning exercise with a group of transdisciplinary forest and FES experts from different European regions. We identified and prioritized fifteen major challenges hindering the balanced provision of multiple FES and identified a series of potential solutions to tackle each of them. The most prominent challenges referred to the increased frequency and impacts of extreme weather events and the normative mindset regarding forest management. The respective solutions pointed to the promotion of forest resilience via climate-smart forestry and mainstreaming FES-oriented management through a threefold strategy focusing on education, awareness raising, and networking. In a subsequent survey, most solutions were assessed as highly effective, transferable, monitorable, and with potential for being economically efficient. The implementation of the solutions could have synergistic effects when applying the notion of leverage points. Seven emerging pathways towards the sustainable supply of FES have been identified. These pathways build on each other and are organized based on their potential for transformation: (1) shifting forest management paradigms towards pluralistic ecosystem valuation; (2) using integrated landscape approaches; (3) increasing forest resilience; (4) coordinating actions between forest-related actors; (5) increasing participation in forest planning and management; (6) continuous, open, and transparent knowledge integration; and (7) using incentive-based instruments to support regulating and cultural FES. These pathways can contribute to the implementation of the new EU Forestry Strategy to support the balanced supply of multiple FES. Graphical abstract}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{BernertWannerFischeretal., author = {Bernert, Philip and Wanner, Matthias and Fischer, Nele and Barth, Matthias}, title = {Design principles for advancing higher education sustainability learning through transformative research}, series = {Environment, Development and Sustainability}, journal = {Environment, Development and Sustainability}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, issn = {1387-585X}, doi = {10.1007/s10668-022-02801-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9174}, pages = {1 -- 18}, abstract = {Abstract A growing number of transformative research practices that redefine the role of science in engaging with local-mostly urban-transformation processes have emerged in recent decades. However, while education is considered a key driver for sustainability transformations, higher education has been slow to develop and implement dedicated, appropriate and effective transformative education programmes and learning modules. In this paper, we present a framework of design principles for transformative learning modules in higher education. These principles are derived from two growing discourses: higher education sustainability learning , and transdisciplinary and transformative research —both of which are centrally anchored in the field of sustainable development and sustainability science. The principles presented provide guidance for course leaders in higher education to create learning modules aimed at enabling students to become engaged in transdisciplinary and transformative research that fosters sustainability transitions in local and urban contexts. We use the Transformative Innovation Lab (TIL)—a learning course developed and tested at two German universities—as an example of how the design principles can be applied. The module, which runs over two semesters, supports Masters students in their process of developing real-world laboratories and exploring urban sustainability transitions through collaborative experimentation with local practice partners. We discuss the factors that enable and limit the implementation of transformative learning modules and outline aspects of the novel roles adopted by lecturers in transformative teaching environments. Moreover, we highlight the need for both institutional change and transformative teaching formats that go beyond transformative research as key for driving universities to take responsibility for collaboratively fostering sustainability transitions in their local contexts.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{BehrendtPeterSterlyetal., author = {Behrendt, Gerlinde and Peter, Sarah and Sterly, Simone and H{\"a}ring, Anna Maria}, title = {Community financing for sustainable food and farming: a proximity perspective}, series = {Agriculture and Human Values}, volume = {39}, journal = {Agriculture and Human Values}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, issn = {0889-048X}, doi = {10.1007/s10460-022-10304-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9191}, pages = {1063 -- 1075}, abstract = {Abstract An increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the German organic agri-food sector involves citizens through different community financing models. While such models provide alternative funding sources as well as marketing opportunities to SMEs, they allow private investors to combine their financial and ethical concerns by directly supporting the development of a more sustainable food system. Due to the low level of financial intermediation, community financing is characterized by close relations between investors and investees. Against this background, we apply the proximity concept from economic geography to explore spatial and relational aspects of community financing in the German organic agri-food sector. Based on a qualitative multiple case study approach, we find that the relevance of proximity is twofold. While different forms of proximity between SMEs and their potential investors are key success factors, proximity is also considered as one desired outcome of community financing. Furthermore, our results reveal that the extent to which SMEs rely on particular proximity dimensions distinguishes two different approaches to community financing.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{WeissLinde, author = {Weiss, Fabio and Linde, Andreas}, title = {How to estimate carabid biomass?—an evaluation of size-weight models for ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and perspectives for further improvement}, series = {Journal of Insect Conservation}, volume = {26}, journal = {Journal of Insect Conservation}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, issn = {1366-638X}, doi = {10.1007/s10841-022-00391-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9200}, pages = {537 -- 548}, abstract = {Abstract Biomass is an important metric for monitoring carabid populations and serves as an ecological indicator. Models that predict carabid weight based on body size represent a simple and straightforward method to estimate biomass and are therefore commonly used. However, such models are rarely evaluated against independent validation data. In this study, we evaluated the two widely used size-weight models by Szyszko ( 57 ) and Booij et al. ( 7 ) drawing on previously published independent data. Additionally, we developed and tested four new models to also evaluate the potential effect of taxonomic parameters; and compared model predictions with actual measurements of biomass using relative deviation graphs and observed versus predicted from regression. We show that the two models by Szyszko ( 57 ) and Booij et al. ( 7 ) contain systematic bias towards larger and smaller carabids, respectively, suggesting restricted applicability of such models. Additional taxonomic parameters improved weight predictions, indicating one possible solution to the issue of restricted applicability. We discuss further relevant limitations of size-weight models and their application and recommend a combined use of the models of Szyszko ( 57 ) and Booij et al. ( 7 ) for carabids ≥ 11.8 mm and < 11.8 mm, respectively. Implications for insect conservation : Size-weight models are a suitable and simple method to estimate the biomass of carabids and have great potential to be used in monitoring schemes, the investigation of long-term trends and ecological studies. It is, however, essential that researchers pay special attention to potential restrictions in their applicability and methodological limitations.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{WeissMichlerGillichetal., author = {Weiss, Fabio and Michler, Frank Uwe and Gillich, Benjamin and Tillmann, J{\"o}rg and Ciuti, Simone and Heurich, Marco and Rieger, Siegfried}, title = {Displacement Effects of Conservation Grazing on Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Spatial Behaviour}, series = {Environmental Management}, volume = {70}, journal = {Environmental Management}, number = {5}, publisher = {Springer US}, issn = {0364-152X}, doi = {10.1007/s00267-022-01697-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9222}, pages = {763 -- 779}, abstract = {Abstract Conservation grazing uses semi-feral or domesticated herbivores to limit encroachment in open areas and to promote biodiversity. However, we are still unaware of its effects on wild herbivores. This study investigates the influence of herded sheep and goats on red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) spatial behavior by testing three a-priori hypotheses: (i) red deer are expected to avoid areas used by livestock, as well as adjacent areas, when livestock are present, albeit (ii) red deer increase the use of these areas when sheep and goats are temporarily absent and (iii) there is a time-lagged disruption in red deer spatial behavior when conservation grazing practice ends. Using GPS-telemetry data on red deer from a German heathland area, we modelled their use of areas grazed by sheep and goats, using mixed-effect logistic regression. Additionally, we developed seasonal resource selection functions (use-availability design) to depict habitat selection by red deer before, during, and after conservation grazing. Red deer used areas less during conservation grazing throughout all times of the day and there was no compensatory use during nighttime. This effect mostly persisted within 21 days after conservation grazing. Effects on habitat selection of red deer were detectable up to 3000 meters away from the conservation grazing sites, with no signs of either habituation or adaption. For the first time, we demonstrate that conservation grazing can affect the spatio-temporal behavior of wild herbivores. Our findings are relevant for optimizing landscape and wildlife management when conservation grazing is used in areas where wild herbivores are present.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{HorfBoeneckeGebbersetal., author = {Horf, Michael and B{\"o}necke, Eric and Gebbers, Robin and Kling, Charlotte and Kramer, Eckart and R{\"u}hlmann, J{\"o}rg and Schr{\"o}ter, Ingmar and Schwanghart, Wolfgang and Vogel, Sebastian}, title = {Utility of visible and near-infrared spectroscopy to predict base neutralizing capacity and lime requirement of quaternary soils}, series = {Precision Agriculture}, volume = {24}, journal = {Precision Agriculture}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer US}, issn = {1385-2256}, doi = {10.1007/s11119-022-09945-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9257}, pages = {288 -- 309}, abstract = {AbstractDetailed knowledge of a soil's lime requirement (LR) is a prerequisite for a demand-based lime fertilization to achieve the optimum soil pH and thus sustainably increasing soil fertility and crop yields. LR can be directly determined by the base neutralizing capacity (BNC) obtained by soil-base titration. For a site-specific soil acidity management, detailed information on the within-field variation of BNC is required. However, soil-base titrations for BNC determination are too laborious to be extensively applied in routine soil testing. In contrast, visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (visNIRS) is a time and cost-effective alternative that can analyze several soil characteristics within a single spectrum. VisNIRS was tested in the laboratory on 170 air-dried and sieved soil samples of nine agricultural fields of a quaternary landscape in North-east Germany predicting the soil's BNC and the corresponding lime requirement (LRBNC) at a target pH of 6.5. Seven spectral pre-processing methods were tested including a new technique based on normalized differences (ND). Furthermore, six multivariate regression methods were conducted including a new method combining a forward stagewise subset selection algorithm with PLSR (FS-PLSR). The models were validated using an independent sample set. The best regression model for most target variables was FS-PLSR combined with the second Savitzky-Golay derivation as pre-processing method achieving R2s from 0.68 to 0.82. Finally, the performance of the direct prediction of LRBNC (R2 = 0.68) was compared with an indirect prediction that was calculated by the predicted BNC parameters. This resulted in slightly higher correlation coefficients for the indirect method with R2 = 0.75.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{DabardMann, author = {Dabard, Caroline H{\´e}l{\`e}ne and Mann, Carsten}, title = {Sustainability innovations: a proposal for an analytical framework and its empirical application in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve}, series = {Sustainability Science}, volume = {18}, journal = {Sustainability Science}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer Japan}, issn = {1862-4065}, doi = {10.1007/s11625-022-01241-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9239}, pages = {1085 -- 1098}, abstract = {A bstract Sustainability innovations influence societal transformations through the development of new products, processes, organizations, behaviors or values. Although various research approaches have tackled technological innovations in the last few decades, the specificities and enabling conditions of individual sustainability innovations remain rather unknown. We therefore propose an analytical framework, built on learning from the social-ecological systems and transitions literature. The sustainability innovation framework features four dimensions: context, actors, process and outcomes, which are detailed in 31 variables. We use the sustainability innovation framework to analyze two case studies selected in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, Germany. The first refers to technological and organizational innovation in mobility, while the second relates to social and organizational innovation in agriculture. As a result, we highlight commonalities and differences in enabling conditions and variables between the two cases, which underpin the influence of trust, commitment, resource availability, experimenting, learning, advocating, and cooperating for innovation development. The cases further demonstrate that sustainability innovations develop as bundles of interdependent, entangled novelties, due to their disruptive character. Their specificity thereby resides in positive outcomes in terms of social-ecological integrity and equity. This study therefore contributes to transitions studies via a detailed characterization of sustainability innovations and of their outcomes, as well as through a generic synthesis of variables into an analytical framework that is applicable to a large and diverse range of individual sustainability innovations. Further empirical studies should test these findings in other contexts, to pinpoint generic innovation development patterns and to develop a typology of sustainability innovation archetypes.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{NaglerSchweflerKaethneretal., author = {Nagler, Linda and Schwefler, Jana and K{\"a}thner, Jana and Giebel, Antje and Kramer, Eckart}, title = {Der Einfluss der Fahrgassenpflege auf das Mikroklima in Schwarzen Johannisbeeren (Ribes nigrum L.)}, series = {Erwerbs-Obstbau}, volume = {65}, journal = {Erwerbs-Obstbau}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer Berlin Heidelberg}, issn = {0014-0309}, doi = {10.1007/s10341-022-00771-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9269}, pages = {1035 -- 1046}, abstract = {Zusammenfassung Das Ziel der Untersuchung war es, den Einfluss der Fahrgassenpflegefrequenz auf die Lufttemperatur und die relative Luftfeuchte in Plantagen mit Schwarzen Johannisbeeren ( Ribes nigrum L.) zu ermitteln. In der Praxis dient das Kurzhalten des Fahrgassenbewuchses als angewandte und pr{\"a}ventive Methodik, um die Durchl{\"u}ftung im Bestand zu verbessern und den Krankheitsdruck zu senken. Die On-Farm-Versuche fanden auf zwei {\"o}kologisch gef{\"u}hrten Strauchbeerenbetrieben in Brandenburg (Weggun und Sch{\"o}neiche) {\"u}ber einen Zeitraum von M{\"a}rz bis Juni 2021 statt. Die Einfl{\"u}sse der Pflegefrequenz auf das Mikroklima in den Fahrgassen wurden f{\"u}r praxis{\"u}bliche Mahdfrequenz („business as usual", BAU) und erh{\"o}hte Mahdfrequenz (TEST) ermittelt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass mit einem kontinuierlichen Kurzhalten der Fahrgassen eine nachweisbare Beeinflussung auf die bodennahe Lufttemperatur und Luftfeuchte stattfindet. Dabei f{\"u}hrte eine erh{\"o}hte Mahdfrequenz (TEST) teils zu einer signifikant h{\"o}heren mittleren Lufttemperatur als in praxis{\"u}blicher Pflege (BAU), wohingegen die mittlere relative Luftfeuchte signifikant geringer war. Die Effekte waren abh{\"a}ngig vom Zeitpunkt und vom Standort. {\"U}ber die Versuchsperiode konnten maximale mittlere Lufttemperaturdifferenzen von 1,14 °C (Standort Weggun) bzw. 1,96 °C (Standort Sch{\"o}neiche) sowie maximale mittlere relative Luftfeuchtedifferenzen von 3,69 \% (Standort Weggun) bzw. 3,90 \% (Standort Sch{\"o}neiche) zwischen den Varianten TEST und BAU festgestellt werden. Vor allem in der Plantage mit dem geringeren Reihenabstand tritt dieser Effekt deutlicher auf. Die Ergebnisse lassen vermuten, dass die Plantagenstruktur einen Einfluss auf die Effekte hat, was in zuk{\"u}nftigen Versuchen untersucht werden sollte.}, subject = {-}, language = {de} } @article{GillichMichlerStolteretal., author = {Gillich, Benjamin and Michler, Frank-Uwe and Stolter, Caroline and Lorenz, Antje and Metze, Katrin and Tischew, Sabine and Rieger, Siegfried}, title = {Space-time interactions between free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) and grazing livestock on a fenced pasture}, series = {European Journal of Wildlife Research}, volume = {69}, journal = {European Journal of Wildlife Research}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer Berlin Heidelberg}, issn = {1612-4642}, doi = {10.1007/s10344-023-01692-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9242}, abstract = {Abstract Livestock farming, which produces milk and meat, is practised by nearly all cultures. But in addition to this, grazing livestock fulfils other fundamentally important roles, one of which is the maintenance of open landscapes, which in turn provides habitat for many rare plant and animal species. Whether wild large herbivores, such as red deer ( Cervus elaphus ), benefit from the management of the open landscapes is unknown, and there are conflicting views on the nature of the interaction between livestock and wildlife. To investigate this question, we studied interactions in space and time between red deer and livestock in an 787 ha fenced pasture in eastern Germany. First, we used faecal pellet counts to determine whether red deer were using the fenced pasture and whether livestock were using the entire available pasture. Second, we fitted ten red deer, as well as eight Konik horses ( Equus ferus caballus ) and eight Heck cattle ( Bos taurus ) with GPS-collars. These data allowed us to perform analyses of space-time interactions. The faecal pellet data showed that red deer did indeed use the fenced pasture and that livestock used the entire extent of the pasture. Further, we verified a neutral space-time interaction between red deer and livestock within the pasture. Thus, there was no indication of a negative effect of the presence of livestock on red deer inside the pasture. For these reasons, we recommend that low-intensity grazing by cattle and horses can maintain open landscapes without detrimental effects on the use of the area by red deer.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{StraussPaulDoenmezetal., author = {Strauss, Veronika and Paul, Carsten and D{\"o}nmez, Cenk and L{\"o}bmann, Michael and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Sustainable soil management measures: a synthesis of stakeholder recommendations}, series = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, volume = {43}, journal = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Paris}, issn = {1774-0746}, doi = {10.1007/s13593-022-00864-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9293}, abstract = {Abstract Soil degradation threatens agricultural production and soil multifunctionality. Efforts for private and public governance are increasingly emerging to leverage sustainable soil management. They require consensus across science, policy, and practice about what sustainable soil management entails. Such agreement does not yet exist to a sufficient extent in agronomic terms; what is lacking is a concise list of soil management measures that enjoy broad support among all stakeholders, and evidence on the question what hampers their implementation by farmers. We therefore screened stakeholder documents from public governance institutions, nongovernmental organizations, the agricultural industry, and conventional and organic farmer associations for recommendations related to agricultural soil management in Germany. Out of 46 recommended measures in total, we compiled a shortlist of the seven most consensual ones: (1) structural landscape elements, (2) organic fertilization, (3) diversified crop rotation, (4) permanent soil cover, (5) conservation tillage, (6) reduced soil loads, and (7) optimized timing of wheeling. Together, these measures support all agricultural soil functions, and address all major soil threats except soil contamination. Implementation barriers were identified with the aid of an online survey among farmers ( n = 78). Results showed that a vast majority of farmers (> 80\%) approved of all measures. Barriers were mostly considered to be economic and in some cases technological, while missing knowledge or other factors were less relevant. Barriers were stronger for those measures that cannot be implemented in isolation, but require a systemic diversification of the production system. This is especially the case for measures that are simultaneously beneficial to many soil functions (measures 2, 3, and 4). Results confirm the need for a diversification of the agricultural system in order to meet challenges of food security and climate change. The shortlist presents the first integrative compilation of sustainable soil management measures supporting the design of effective public or private governance.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{BayoumiIbrahimDahabetal., author = {Bayoumi, Hatem Hussein and Ibrahim, Mohamed-Kamal and Dahab, Mohammed A. and Khedr, Fathalla and El-Adl, Khaled}, title = {Rationale, in silico docking, ADMET profile, design, synthesis and cytotoxicity evaluations of phthalazine derivatives as VEGFR-2 inhibitors and apoptosis inducers†}, series = {RSC Advances}, volume = {14}, journal = {RSC Advances}, number = {37}, publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/d4ra04956j}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9332}, pages = {27110 -- 27121}, abstract = {New phthalazine derivatives as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) inhibitors were synthesized joined to different spacers including pyrazole, α,β-unsaturated ketonic fragment, pyrimidinone and/or pyrimidinthione. A docking study was carried out to explore the suggested binding orientations of the novel derivatives inside the active site of VEGFR-2. The obtained biological data were extremely interrelated to that of the docking study. In particular, compounds 4b and 3e showed the highest activities against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) and Hepatocellular carcinoma G2 (HepG2) with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 0.06, 0.06 μM and 0.08, 0.19 μM respectively. Our derivatives 3a-e, 4a,b and 5a,b were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against normal VERO cells. Our compounds exhibited low toxicity concerning normal VERO cells with IC50 = 3.00-4.75 μM. In addition, our final derivatives 3a-e, 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b were investigated for their VEGFR-2 inhibitory activities. Derivative 4b exhibited the highest VEGFR-2 inhibitory activities at an IC50 value of 0.09 ± 0.02 μM. Derivatives 3e, 4a and 5b demonstrated good activities with IC50 values = 0.12 ± 0.02, 0.15 ± 0.03 and 0.13 ± 0.03 μM respectively. Furthermore, the activities of 4b were assessed against MCF-7 cancer cells for apoptosis induction, cell cycle distribution and growth inhibition. Compound 4b caused cell growth arrest in growth 2-mitosis (G2-M) phase; accumulation of cells at that phase became 6.92\% after being 13.2 in control cells. Moreover, our derivatives 3e, 4b and 5b revealed a good in silico considered absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profile in comparison to sorafenib.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{AbdelshafyMohamadLiuHuangetal., author = {Abdelshafy Mohamad, Osama Abdalla and Liu, Yong-Hong and Huang, Yin and Kuchkarova, Nigora and Dong, Lei and Jiao, Jian-Yu and Fang, Bao-Zhu and Ma, Jin-Biao and Hatab, Shaimaa and Li, Wen-Jun}, title = {Metabonomic analysis to identify exometabolome changes underlying antifungal and growth promotion mechanisms of endophytic Actinobacterium Streptomyces albidoflavus for sustainable agriculture practice}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {15}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2024.1439798}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9329}, pages = {15}, abstract = {In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on microbial ecology and its possible impact on agricultural production, owing to its eco-friendly nature and sustainable use. The current study employs metabolomics technologies and bioinformatics approaches to identify changes in the exometabolome of Streptomyces albidoflavus B24. This research aims to shed light on the mechanisms and metabolites responsible for the antifungal and growth promotion strategies, with potential applications in sustainable agriculture. Metabolomic analysis was conducted using Q Exactive UPLC-MS/MS. Our findings indicate that a total of 3,840 metabolites were identified, with 137 metabolites exhibiting significant differences divided into 61 up and 75 downregulated metabolites based on VIP >1, |FC| >1, and p < 0.01. The interaction of S. albidoflavus B24 monoculture with the co-culture demonstrated a stronger correlation coefficient. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrates that PCA1 accounted for 23.36\%, while PCA2 accounted for 20.28\% distinction. OPLS-DA score plots indicate significant separation among different groups representing (t1) 24\% as the predicted component (to1) depicts 14\% as the orthogonal component. According to the findings of this comprehensive study, crude extracts from S. albidoflavus demonstrated varying abilities to impede phytopathogen growth and enhance root and shoot length in tested plants. Through untargeted metabolomics, we discovered numerous potential molecules with antagonistic activity against fungal phytopathogens among the top 10 significant metabolites with the highest absolute log2FC values. These include Tetrangulol, 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, and Cyclohexane. Additionally, we identified plant growth-regulating metabolites such as N-Succinyl-L-glutamate, Nicotinic acid, L-Aspartate, and Indole-3-acetamide. The KEGG pathway analysis has highlighted these compounds as potential sources of antimicrobial properties. The inhibitory effect of S. albidoflavus crude extracts on pathogen growth is primarily attributed to the presence of specific gene clusters responsible for producing cyclic peptides such as ansamycins, porphyrin, alkaloid derivatives, and neomycin. Overall, it is apparent that crude extracts from S. albidoflavus exhibited varying abilities to inhibit the growth of three phytopathogens and enhancement in both root and shoot length of tested plants. This research enhances our understanding of how secondary metabolites contribute to growth promotion and biocontrol, supporting ecosystem sustainability and resilience while boosting productivity in sustainable agriculture.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{MacPhersonVoglhuberSlavinskyOlbrischetal., author = {MacPherson, Joseph and Voglhuber-Slavinsky, Ariane and Olbrisch, Mathias and Sch{\"o}bel, Philipp and D{\"o}nitz, Ewa and Mouratiadou, Ioanna and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Future agricultural systems and the role of digitalization for achieving sustainability goals. A review}, series = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, volume = {42}, journal = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer Paris}, issn = {1774-0746}, doi = {10.1007/s13593-022-00792-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9282}, abstract = {Abstract By leveraging a wide range of novel, data-driven technologies for agricultural production and agri-food value chains, digital agriculture presents potential enhancements to sustainability across food systems. Accordingly, digital agriculture has received considerable attention in policy in recent years, with emphasis mostly placed on the potential of digital agriculture to improve efficiency, productivity and food security, and less attention given to how digitalization may impact other principles of sustainable development, such as biodiversity conservation, soil protection, and human health, for example. Here, we review high-level policy and law in the German and European context to highlight a number of important institutional, societal, and legal preconditions for leveraging digital agriculture to achieve diverse sustainability targets. Additionally, we combine foresight analysis with our review to reflect on how future frame conditions influencing agricultural digitalization and sustainability could conceivably arise. The major points are the following: (1) some polices consider the benefits of digital agriculture, although only to a limited extent and mostly in terms of resource use efficiency; (2) law as it applies to digital agriculture is emerging but is highly fragmented; and (3) the adoption of digital agriculture and if it is used to enhance sustainability will be dependent on future data ownership regimes.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{BayoumiIbrahimDahabetal., author = {Bayoumi, Hatem Hussein and Ibrahim, Mohamed-Kamal and Dahab, Mohammed A. and Khedr, Fathalla and El-Adl, Khaled}, title = {Exploration of the VEGFR-2 inhibition activity of phthalazine derivatives: design, synthesis, cytotoxicity, ADMET, molecular docking and dynamic simulation†}, series = {RSC Advances}, volume = {14}, journal = {RSC Advances}, number = {30}, publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/d4ra03459g}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9342}, pages = {21668 -- 21681}, abstract = {Novel phthalazine derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated against Hep G2 and MCF-7 as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. In particular, compounds 2g and 4a were found to be the most potent derivatives among all the tested compounds against MCF-7 and Hep G2 cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 0.15 and 0.12 and 0.18 and 0.09 μM respectively. Moreover, compounds 3a, 3c, 5a and 5b displayed excellent anticancer activities against MCF-7 and Hep G2 cancer cell lines. The highly active derivatives 2g, 3a, 3c, 4a, 5a and 5b were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against VEGFR-2. The tested compounds displayed high to low inhibitory activities with IC50 values ranging from 0.148 to 0.892 μM. Among them, compounds 2g and 4a were found to be the most potent derivatives that inhibited VEGFR-2 with IC50 values of 0.148 and 0.196 μM respectively. Compounds 3a, 3c, 5a and 5b exhibited good activity with IC50 values of 0.375, 0.892, 0.548 and 0.331 μM respectively. Sorafenib was used as a reference drug in this study. Molecular modeling studies were carried out for all compounds against the VEGFR-2 active site. The data obtained from biological testing highly correlated with those obtained from molecular modeling studies. Moreover, MD simulation results indicated the stability of ligand-target interaction. Furthermore, our derivatives 2g and 4a showed a good in silico calculated ADMET profile.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{MayarHamidovAkramkhanovetal., author = {Mayar, Mohammad Assem and Hamidov, Ahmad and Akramkhanov, Akmal and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Consideration of the Environment in Water-Energy-Food Nexus Research in the Aral Sea Basin}, series = {Water}, volume = {16}, journal = {Water}, number = {5}, editor = {Disse, Markus and Huang, Jingshui}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2073-4441}, doi = {10.3390/w16050658}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9426}, abstract = {
The water-energy-food (WEF) nexus is a holistic concept used to understand the synergies and trade-offs of interdependent water, energy, and food resources. Despite its widespread use, this concept often overlooks environmental concerns. In addition, the lack of a systemic approach in the Aral Sea Basin (ASB) has resulted in serious environmental degradation. For instance, the Aral Sea, situated at the terminus of the basin, is steadily shrinking, yet researchers studying the WEF nexus tend to overlook the upstream tributaries of the basin. This study aims to determine the extent to which research on the WEF nexus in the ASB in Central Asia has considered the environment through a systematic review of the literature published between 2012 and 2022. The results indicate that the number of WEF publications regarding the ASB has seen an upward trend, with a primary focus on the transboundary level and less research available on the local and national levels. This confirms the strong reliance of Central Asian states on one another for food, energy, and water resources. Furthermore, the results show that the majority of published studies either do not consider environmental concerns in their analyses at all or do so with little precision. Therefore, to achieve precise and sustainable outcomes, this study recommends the inclusion of environmental concerns along with basin-wide coverage in future WEF analyses. Finally, the WEF concept should be downscaled to the national and local levels in order to facilitate its implementation.
}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{VogelEmmerichSchroeteretal., author = {Vogel, Sebastian and Emmerich, Katja and Schr{\"o}ter, Ingmar and B{\"o}necke, Eric and Schwanghart, Wolfgang and R{\"u}hlmann, J{\"o}rg and Kramer, Eckart and Gebbers, Robin}, title = {The effect of soil moisture content and soil texture on fast in situ pH measurements with two types of robust ion-selective electrodes}, series = {SOIL}, volume = {10}, journal = {SOIL}, number = {1}, publisher = {Copernicus Publications}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen, Germany}, issn = {2199-398X}, doi = {10.5194/soil-10-321-2024}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9377}, pages = {321 -- 333}, abstract = {Abstract In situ soil pH measurements with ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) are receiving increasing attention in soil mapping for precision agriculture as they can avoid time-consuming sampling and off-site laboratory work. However, unlike the standard laboratory protocol, in situ pH measurements are carried out at lower and varying soil moisture contents (SMCs), which can have a pronounced effect on the sensor readings. In addition, as the contact with the soil during in situ measurements should be relatively short, effects of soil texture could be expected because texture controls the migration of protons to the electrode interface. This may be exacerbated by the fact that the electrodes used for in situ measurements are made of less sensitive but more robust materials as compared to the standard glass electrode. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of soil moisture and soil texture on pH measurements using robust antimony and epoxy-body ISEs pressed directly into the soil for 30 s. The SMC was gradually increased from dry conditions to field capacity. A wide range of soil texture classes were included, with sand, silt, and clay contents ranging from 16 \% to 91 \%, 5 \% to 44 \%, and 4 \% to 65 \%, respectively. An exponential model was fitted to the data to quantify the relationship between SMC and pH. The results show that an increase in SMC causes a maximum increase in pH of approximately 1.5 pH units, regardless of the type of pH ISE used. Furthermore, for sandy soil textures, a rather linear relationship between pH and SMC was observed, whereas, with decreasing mean particle diameter (MPD), the model had a pronounced exponential shape, i.e., a greater pH increase at low SMC and a plateau effect at high SMC. With increasing SMC, the pH values asymptotically approached the standard pH measured with a glass electrode in 0.01 M CaCl 2(soil : solution ratio of 1:2.5). Thus, at high SMC, subsequent calibration of the sensor pH values to the standard pH value is negligible, which may be relevant for using the sensor pH data for lime requirement estimates. The pH measurement error decreases exponentially with increasing soil moisture and increases with decreasing MPD. Using a knee point detection, reliable pH values were obtained for SMC > 11 \%, irrespective of the pH ISE used. An analysis of the regression coefficients of the fitted exponential model showed that the maximum pH increase also depends on soil texture; i.e., the influence of soil moisture variation on the pH value increases with decreasing MPD. Moreover, the concavity of the exponential curve increases with decreasing MPD.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{ElHddadSobhyElmorsyetal., author = {El-Hddad, Sanadelaslam S. A. and Sobhy, Mohamed H. and El-morsy, Ahmed and Shoman, Nabil A. and El-Adl, Khaled}, title = {Quinazolines and thiazolidine-2,4-dions as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors: repurposing, in silico molecular docking and dynamics simulation}, series = {RSC Advances}, volume = {14}, journal = {RSC Advances}, number = {19}, publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/d4ra02029d}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9395}, pages = {13237 -- 13250}, abstract = {This paper presents an extensive analysis of COVID-19 with a specific focus on VEGFR-2 inhibitors as potential treatments. The investigation includes an overview of computational methodologies employed in drug repurposing and highlights
This paper presents an extensive analysis of COVID-19 with a specific focus on VEGFR-2 inhibitors as potential treatments.
To manage Earth in the Anthropocene, new tools, new institutions, and new forms of international cooperation will be required. Earth Virtualization Engines is proposed as an international federation of centers of excellence to empower all people to respond to the immense and urgent challenges posed by climate change.
}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{SeydewitzPradhanLandholmetal., author = {Seydewitz, Tobias and Pradhan, Prajal and Landholm, David M. and Kropp, Juergen P.}, title = {Deforestation Drivers Across the Tropics and Their Impacts on Carbon Stocks and Ecosystem Services}, series = {Anthropocene Science}, volume = {2}, journal = {Anthropocene Science}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Nature Singapore}, issn = {2731-3980}, doi = {10.1007/s44177-023-00051-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9312}, pages = {81 -- 92}, abstract = {Abstract Globally, deforestation produces anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing substantially to climate change. Forest cover changes also have large impacts on ecosystem services. Deforestation is the dominant type of land cover change in tropical regions, and this land cover change relates to distinct causes recognized as direct deforestation drivers. Understanding these drivers requires a significant effort. Further, GHG emissions due to deforestation are quantified only in terms of biomass removal, while linking emissions from soil organic carbon (SOC) loss to deforestation is lacking. A closer picture of associated ecosystem service changes due to deforestation is also needed. We analyze for 2001-2010: (1) the magnitudes of deforestation drivers, (2) the related carbon loss, and (3) the ecosystem service value change. On the global scale, agriculture (90.3\%) is the primary deforestation driver, where grassland expansion contributed the most (37.5\%). The deforestation drivers differ in magnitude and spatial distribution on the continental scale. The total carbon loss by biomass removal and SOC loss accounted for 8797 Mt C and 1185 Mt C, respectively. Furthermore, tropical deforestation caused the ESV loss of 408 billion Int.\$ year -1, while the resulting land cover has the ESV of 345 billion Int.\$ year -1. Our findings highlight that agriculture substantially contributes to global carbon loss and ecosystem service loss due to deforestation. The deforestation drivers differ in magnitude and distribution for different continents. Further, we highlight the danger of putting a monetary value on nature.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{StevensAdamiAlietal., author = {Stevens, Bjorn and Adami, Stefan and Ali, Tariq and Anzt, Hartwig and Aslan, Zafer and Attinger, Sabine and B{\"a}ck, Jaana and Baehr, Johanna and Bauer, Peter and Bernier, Natacha and Bishop, Bob and Bockelmann, Hendryk and Bony, Sandrine and Brasseur, Guy and Bresch, David N. and Breyer, Sean and Brunet, Gilbert and Buttigieg, Pier Luigi and Cao, Junji and Castet, Christelle and Cheng, Yafang and Dey Choudhury, Ayantika and Coen, Deborah and Crewell, Susanne and Dabholkar, Atish and Dai, Qing and Doblas-Reyes, Francisco and Durran, Dale and El Gaidi, Ayoub and Ewen, Charlie and Exarchou, Eleftheria and Eyring, Veronika and Falkinhoff, Florencia and Farrell, David and Forster, Piers M. and Frassoni, Ariane and Frauen, Claudia and Fuhrer, Oliver and Gani, Shahzad and Gerber, Edwin and Goldfarb, Debra and Grieger, Jens and Gruber, Nicolas and Hazeleger, Wilco and Herken, Rolf and Hewitt, Chris and Hoefler, Torsten and Hsu, Huang-Hsiung and Jacob, Daniela and Jahn, Alexandra and Jakob, Christian and Jung, Thomas and Kadow, Christopher and Kang, In-Sik and Kang, Sarah and Kashinath, Karthik and Kleinen-von K{\"o}nigsl{\"o}w, Katharina and Klocke, Daniel and Kloenne, Uta and Kl{\"o}wer, Milan and Kodama, Chihiro and Kollet, Stefan and K{\"o}lling, Tobias and Kontkanen, Jenni and Kopp, Steve and Koran, Michal and Kulmala, Markku and Lappalainen, Hanna and Latifi, Fakhria and Lawrence, Bryan and Lee, June Yi and Lejeun, Quentin and Lessig, Christian and Li, Chao and Lippert, Thomas and Luterbacher, J{\"u}rg and Manninen, Pekka and Marotzke, Jochem and Matsouoka, Satoshi and Merchant, Charlotte and Messmer, Peter and Michel, Gero and Michielsen, Kristel and Miyakawa, Tomoki and M{\"u}ller, Jens and Munir, Ramsha and Narayanasetti, Sandeep and Ndiaye, Ousmane and Nobre, Carlos and Oberg, Achim and Oki, Riko and {\"O}zkan-Haller, Tuba and Palmer, Tim and Posey, Stan and Prein, Andreas and Primus, Odessa and Pritchard, Mike and Pullen, Julie and Putrasahan, Dian and Quaas, Johannes and Raghavan, Krishnan and Ramaswamy, Venkatachalam and Rapp, Markus and Rauser, Florian and Reichstein, Markus and Revi, Aromar and Saluja, Sonakshi and Satoh, Masaki and Schemann, Vera and Schemm, Sebastian and Schnadt Poberaj, Christina and Schulthess, Thomas and Senior, Cath and Shukla, Jagadish and Singh, Manmeet and Slingo, Julia and Sobel, Adam and Solman, Silvina and Spitzer, Jenna and Stier, Philip and Stocker, Thomas and Strock, Sarah and Su, Hang and Taalas, Petteri and Taylor, John and Tegtmeier, Susann and Teutsch, Georg and Tompkins, Adrian and Ulbrich, Uwe and Vidale, Pier-Luigi and Wu, Chien-Ming and Xu, Hao and Zaki, Najibullah and Zanna, Laure and Zhou, Tianjun and Ziemen, Florian}, title = {Earth Virtualization Engines (EVE)}, series = {Earth System Science Data}, volume = {16}, journal = {Earth System Science Data}, number = {4}, publisher = {Copernicus Publications}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen, Germany}, issn = {1866-3516}, doi = {10.5194/essd-16-2113-2024}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9367}, pages = {2113 -- 2122}, abstract = {Abstract To manage Earth in the Anthropocene, new tools, new institutions, and new forms of international cooperation will be required. Earth Virtualization Engines is proposed as an international federation of centers of excellence to empower all people to respond to the immense and urgent challenges posed by climate change.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{JulichJulichFegeretal., author = {Julich, Dorit and Julich, Stefan and Feger, Karl-Heinz and Klauder, Tobias and Zethof, Jeroen H. T.}, title = {Effects of Past Sulfur Deposition on the Soil Microbial Biomass at Spruce Forest Sites}, series = {Soil Systems}, volume = {8}, journal = {Soil Systems}, number = {2}, editor = {Viti, Carlo}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2571-8789}, doi = {10.3390/soilsystems8020037}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9404}, abstract = {During the last decades, forest soils in Central Europe recovered from former sulfur and acid deposition. As external S input into forests has strongly decreased and legacy S pools in the soils are diminishing, internal S cycling through mineralization will increasingly become important for ecosystem nutrition. However, it is not known how microbial biomass is affected by the S pool change in the formerly S surplus soils. Here, we present data on the status quo of C, N, and S in microbial biomass in relation to contents in mineral soil and organic layer. The results of forest soil in Eastern Germany (low and high liming), which is slowly recovering from former pollution, are compared to those of a site remote from air pollution in the Swiss Alps. The contents of C, N, and S in soil as well as in microbial biomass were clearly higher in the organic layer than in mineral topsoil at all sites. Despite the generally low content in the mineral A-horizon, the clean-air site showed indications of a more active S-turnover as compared to the high-pollution site. Liming at the high-pollution site improved the conditions for microbial growth (pH increase) in the organic layer resulting in more mobile S.
}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{RecklingWatsonWhitbreadetal., author = {Reckling, Moritz and Watson, Christine A. and Whitbread, Anthony and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Diversification for sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape systems}, series = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, volume = {43}, journal = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer Paris}, issn = {1774-0746}, doi = {10.1007/s13593-023-00898-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9302}, abstract = {Abstract This virtual issue comprises papers that address diversification for providing sustainable solutions at different scales from cropping and grassland to food systems. The authors investigated processes in case studies at the landscape scale where synergies and trade-offs between social and environmental objectives become the most tangible. Contributions from all continents highlighted regional specificities related to diversification and include research from natural and social sciences, with inter- and transdisciplinary approaches including synthesis of knowledge (reviews), empirical studies with experiments as well as assessments with interviews in case studies: Model-based design of crop diversification, the role of digitalization for achieving sustainability in the European context, ecological engineering for rice pest suppression in China, the role of cereal species mixtures in Ethiopian smallholder farmers, diversified planting in arid irrigation areas in northwestern China, integration of legumes in European and Canadian cropping systems, screening of native forage legumes for northern Swedish grassland systems, cropping system diversification of smallholder farmers in south-central Bangladesh, identification of how farmers imagine diversified landscapes in southern Idaho in the US, farm diversification affecting impacts from COVID-19 across Europe, the role of diversified farming in Mato Grosso Brazil, diversification and soil management measures in Germany, value chain formation for the scaling of crop diversification, and the design process with farmers and scientists for the transition toward legume-supported farming in Europe. A key finding from these examples is that agricultural intensification has led to the simplification of cropping systems and landscapes in terms of species diversity and ecosystem function. To instead move towards sustainable transformation, all system levels (i.e. from the plot, farm, landscape, governance and overall food systems) need to interact and reinforce each other for diversification to deliver the desired outcomes.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{PerryGoettert, author = {Perry, Gad and G{\"o}ttert, Thomas}, title = {The City as an Evolutionary Hothouse—The Search for Rapid Evolution in Urban Settings}, series = {Diversity}, volume = {16}, journal = {Diversity}, number = {6}, editor = {Wink, Michael}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {1424-2818}, doi = {10.3390/d16060308}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9356}, abstract = {Cities are ubiquitous and, though a novel phenomenon by evolutionary standards, provide a home for many species and exert particularly strong and novel selection pressures on them. They thus offer a unique opportunity to study rapid evolutionary processes. We conducted a scoping review of published studies documenting evolutionary processes in urban environments, focusing primarily on more recent work. Unfortunately, cities have not been attractive environments for biological research and thus remain poorly studied, despite slowly growing interest in recent years. Nonetheless, we found studies documenting the effects of mutation, genetic drift, and selection in cities. However, studies show some geographic bias and were not always as conclusive as might be desired. There is even support for incipient urban speciation. Evidence across the board is less abundant and less conclusive than desirable, suggesting the need for more data collection. The urban setting, with its stronger selection, more common intermixing, and abundance of both human and widespread potential non-human zoonosis hosts and human-associated species offers great opportunities to further document evolution in action and explore its conservation implications.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{SchmidingerSchroeterBoeneckeetal., author = {Schmidinger, Jonas and Schr{\"o}ter, Ingmar and B{\"o}necke, Eric and Gebbers, Robin and Ruehlmann, Joerg and Kramer, Eckart and Mulder, Vera L. and Heuvelink, Gerard B. M. and Vogel, Sebastian}, title = {Effect of training sample size, sampling design and prediction model on soil mapping with proximal sensing data for precision liming}, series = {Precision Agriculture}, volume = {25}, journal = {Precision Agriculture}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer US}, address = {New York}, issn = {1385-2256}, doi = {10.1007/s11119-024-10122-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9484}, pages = {1529 -- 1555}, abstract = {Abstract Site-specific estimation of lime requirement requires high-resolution maps of soil organic carbon (SOC), clay and pH. These maps can be generated with digital soil mapping models fitted on covariates observed by proximal soil sensors. However, the quality of the derived maps depends on the applied methodology. We assessed the effects of (i) training sample size (5-100); (ii) sampling design (simple random sampling (SRS), conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (cLHS) and k-means sampling (KM)); and (iii) prediction model (multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF)) on the prediction performance for the above mentioned three soil properties. The case study is based on conditional geostatistical simulations using 250 soil samples from a 51 ha field in Eastern Germany. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) were used to evaluate model performances. Results show that with increasing training sample sizes, relative improvements of RMSE and CCC decreased exponentially. We found the lowest median RMSE values with 100 training observations i.e., 1.73\%, 0.21\% and 0.3 for clay, SOC and pH, respectively. However, already with a sample size of 10, models of moderate quality (CCC > 0.65) were obtained for all three soil properties. cLHS and KM performed significantly better than SRS. MLR showed lower median RMSE values than RF for SOC and pH for smaller sample sizes, but RF outperformed MLR if at least 25-30 or 75-100 soil samples were used for SOC or pH, respectively. For clay, the median RMSE was lower with RF, regardless of sample size.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{UllahZebSaqibetal., author = {Ullah, Ayat and Zeb, Alam and Saqib, Shahab E. and K{\"a}chele, Harald}, title = {Constraints to agroforestry diffusion under the Billion Trees Afforestation Project (BTAP), Pakistan: policy recommendations for 10-BTAP}, series = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research}, volume = {29}, journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research}, number = {45}, publisher = {Springer Berlin Heidelberg}, issn = {0944-1344}, doi = {10.1007/s11356-022-20661-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9271}, pages = {68757 -- 68775}, abstract = {Abstract Effective agroforestry diffusion under the newly started 10-Billion Trees Afforestation Project (10-BTAP) needs a thorough understanding of the policy and implementation shortfalls of the already completed BTAP. This study examines the factors that affected the diffusion of the agroforestry in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan (HKH) region of Pakistan under BTAP. The data were gathered through in-depth interviews with Village Development Committee (VDC) members, Forest Department (FD) officials, and local farmers. Important factors positively affecting agroforestry diffusion included locations of crop fields on the river sides, community dependency on firewood, and market value of agroforestry timber. The logistic regression model shows that household head's age, access to information, and area under cropland positively affected household level adoption of agroforestry under BTAP; forest cover was negatively related. In-depth interviews show that key barriers to FD in diffusion of agroforestry included provision of false information by farmers to monitoring teams, non-availability of extension staff, lack of communication among project staff and community, as well as a lack of sufficient budget for activities. Primary barriers to community adoption of agroforestry included no participation of VDCs in planning and monitoring of agroforestry programs, lack of plant need assessments on the part of the project staff, poor quality of plants distributed by FD, farmers' poor know-how of plantations, lack of trust among community and project staff, as well as the waste of plants by farming community. Thus, this study recommends that policy-makers and project designers should consider these factors when planning agroforestry diffusion under 10-BTAP to improve its success.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{WeissWinterPflugmacheretal., author = {Weiss, Fabio and Winter, Susanne and Pflugmacher, Dirk and Kolling, Thomas and Linde, Andreas}, title = {Evidence for regional-scale declines in carabid beetles in old lowland beech forests following a period of severe drought}, series = {Landscape Ecology}, volume = {39}, journal = {Landscape Ecology}, number = {7}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {1572-9761}, doi = {10.1007/s10980-024-01920-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9464}, abstract = {Abstract Context Evidence for declines in insect populations is growing with climate change being one suspected driver. Forests, however, are still underrepresented in the relevant research. Recent droughts (2018-2020) have severely affected forests in Central Europe and have been linked to declines in carabid abundance, biomass as well as changes in species traits at the local scale. Objective We tested drought effects on forest carabids at regional scale. We additionally investigated whether variability in drought effects could be explained with the initial community composition and the local environmental context. Methods We used generalized linear mixed models to compare data from 1999 to 2001 and 2020 to 2022 across eleven old beech forest sites of high conservation interest in North-East Germany and investigated changes in carabid abundance, biomass, Hill numbers and selected species traits. We then tested additional community-related and environmental predictors to explain spatial variability in changes in biomass. Results We found significant declines in biomass of 65\% and in abundance of 51\%. There were no significant changes in Hill numbers. We found consistent evidence that declines affected especially larger and less mobile species. Declines and changes in species traits also occurred in strictly protected old-growth beech forests. Among environmental predictors, landscape composition explained local variability in biomass declines best with stronger decline at forest sites with less forest area in their vicinity. Conclusions Our findings reveal large-scale declines in forest carabids in the context of recent droughts and highlight the exceptional role of landscape composition in this regard. Future insect conservation strategies need to incorporate the landscape context and potential exposure to extreme weather.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{DabardGohrWeissetal., author = {Dabard, Caroline H{\´e}l{\`e}ne and Gohr, Charlotte and Weiss, Fabio and von Wehrden, Henrik and Neumann, Frederike and Hordasevych, Solomiia and Arieta, Bruno and Hammerich, Jenny and Meier, Caroline and Jargow, Janine and Luthardt, Vera and Ibisch, Pierre L. and Ferreira, Ana Filipa}, title = {Biosphere Reserves as model regions for transdisciplinarity? A literature review}, series = {Sustainability Science}, volume = {19}, journal = {Sustainability Science}, number = {6}, publisher = {Springer Japan}, address = {Tokyo}, issn = {1862-4065}, doi = {10.1007/s11625-024-01542-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9497}, pages = {2065 -- 2081}, abstract = {Abstract The World Network of Biosphere Reserves promotes learning sites for sustainable development, designated under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere programme (MAB). The programme aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation, economic development and capacity building. Scientific research in and about Biosphere Reserves is expected to support these objectives. In response to a strong focus on natural sciences and conservation issues, calls for transdisciplinary approaches emanated from science and the newest MAB Lima Action Plan. Yet, the extent and contributions of transdisciplinary research in Biosphere Reserves remains unexplored. This study provides a comprehensive and systematic screening of 3304 scientific publications in and about Biosphere Reserves published since 1975. Research within Biosphere Reserves spans a broad spectrum, encompassing social to political to ecological investigations, with a focus on natural sciences and studies conducted mainly in Europe and Asia. We identified an emerging field of transdisciplinary science in research, represented in 336 publications. Most transdisciplinary studies were conducted in Mexican and Indian Biosphere Reserves. While transdisciplinary research provided insights about participation, management and governance in Biosphere Reserves, its transformative potential could be enhanced, notably through stronger forms of participation of non-academic actors in research processes. Our review suggests strengthening knowledge co-creation about transformative solutions and interventions addressing deep leverage points. Scientific research could thereby enhance the role of Biosphere Reserves as model regions for sustainability transformations.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{VijayanGirindranSametal., author = {Vijayan, Dhanya and Girindran, Renoy and Sam, Anu Susan and Sathyan, Archana Raghavan and Kaechele, Harald}, title = {The large-scale expansion of rubber plantations in southern India: major impacts and the changing nature of drivers}, series = {Environmental Monitoring and Assessment}, volume = {196}, journal = {Environmental Monitoring and Assessment}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, issn = {0167-6369}, doi = {10.1007/s10661-024-12517-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9443}, abstract = {Abstract This study investigates the major environmental and socio-economic impacts of an increase in the area of rubber plantations and the changing patterns of drivers of land use changes. Using a combination of geospatial techniques and socio-economic methods, we mainly analyzed the rate of increase in area under rubber plantations, the major impacts of land use changes, and the changing drivers of land use changes. Our results show that the area under rubber plantations has increased significantly within the study area, with the area under rubber plantations increasing from 30 to 74\% of the total area within five decades. Impact assessment of land use changes based on household surveys showed significant improvement in the socio-economic conditions of the farmers, however, at the expense of severe environmental degradation. Our results also indicate that while areas under rubber plantations continue to increase, the drivers of land use changes have changed over time. Furthermore, it has been observed that in the past, many interventions prioritized social and economic development and placed less emphasis on the ecological stability of the region. Perceptions of farmers revealed that the effects of ecological fragility already affected the economic robustness of the whole area. Therefore, we conclude that government interventions to support additional rubber cultivation should also focus on ecosystem stabilization in order to minimize the risk of an ecological catastrophe that would significantly affect the economic prosperity of the region.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{EshetuKipkuleiKoepkeetal., author = {Eshetu, Shibire Bekele and Kipkulei, Harison Kiplagat and Koepke, Julian and K{\"a}chele, Harald and Sieber, Stefan and L{\"o}hr, Katharina}, title = {Impact of forest landscape restoration in combating soil erosion in the Lake Abaya catchment, Southern Ethiopia}, series = {Environmental Monitoring and Assessment}, volume = {196}, journal = {Environmental Monitoring and Assessment}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, issn = {0167-6369}, doi = {10.1007/s10661-024-12378-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9454}, abstract = {Abstract As an effect of forest degradation, soil erosion is among Ethiopia's most pressing environmental challenges and a major threat to food security where it could potentially compromise the ecosystem functions and services. As the effects of soil erosion intensify, the landscape's capacity to support ecosystem functions and services is compromised. Exploring the ecological implications of soil erosion is crucial. This study investigated the soil loss and land degradation in the Lake Abaya catchment to explore forest landscape restoration (FLR) implementation as a possible countermeasure to the effects. The study used a geographic information system (GIS)-based approach of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to determine the potential annual soil loss and develop an erosion risk map. Results show that 13\% of the catchment, which accounts for approximately 110,000 ha, is under high erosion risk of exceeding the average annual tolerable soil loss of 10 t/ha/year. Allocation of land on steep slopes to crop production is the major reason for the calculated high erosion risk in the catchment. A scenario-based analysis was implemented following the slope-based land-use allocation proposal indicated in the Rural Land Use Proclamation 456/2005 of Ethiopia. The scenario analysis resulted in a reversal erosion effect whereby an estimated 3000 t/ha/year of soil loss in the catchment. Thus, FLR activities hold great potential for minimizing soil loss and contributing to supporting functioning and providing ecosystem services. Tree-based agroforestry systems are among the key FLR measures championed in highly degraded landscapes in Ethiopia. This study helps policymakers and FLR implementors identify erosion risk areas for future FLR activities. Thereby, it contributes to achieving the country's restoration commitment.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{WilmsBerendtBroniszetal., author = {Wilms, Florian and Berendt, Ferr{\´e}ol and Bronisz, Karol and Bashutska, Ulyana and Fotelli, Mariangela and Radoglou, Kalliopi and Spyroglou, Gavriil}, title = {Applying taper function models for black locust plantations in Greek post-mining areas}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {14}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-024-63048-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9562}, abstract = {Abstract A key process in forest management planning is the estimation of tree volume and, more specifically, merchantable volume. The ability to predict the cumulative stem volume relative to any upper stem diameter on standing trees or stands is essential for forest inventories and the management of forest resources. In the 1980s, the Hellenic Public Power Corporation (HPPC) started the rehabilitation of lignite post-mining areas in Greece by planting mainly black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia, L.). Today, these plantations occupy an area of approximately 2570 ha, but the stem volume has not yet been estimated. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the over- and under-bark stem volume using taper function models for 30 destructively sampled trees. Of the nineteen calibrated fixed-effects models, Kozak's (2004) equation performed best for both the over-bark and under-bark datasets, followed by Lee's (2003) and Muhairwe's (1999) equations. Two fixed effect models were compared with fitted coefficients from Poland and the United States confirming that the local model fits were better suited, as the foreign model coefficients caused an increase in root mean square error (RMSE) for stem diameter predictions of 13\% and 218\%, respectively. The addition of random effects on a single-stem basis for two coefficients of Kozak's (2004) equation improved the model fit significantly at 86\% of the over-bark fixed effect RMSE and 69\% for the under-bark model. Integrated taper functions were found to slightly outperform three volume equations for predictions of single stem volume over and under bark. Ultimately it was shown that these models can be used to precisely predict stem diameters and total stem volume for the population average as well as for specific trees of the black locust plantations in the study area.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{SousaSilvaFeurerMorhartetal., author = {Sousa-Silva, Rita and Feurer, M{\´e}lanie and Morhart, Christopher and Sheppard, Jonathan P. and Albrecht, Stefanie and Anys, Markus and Beyer, Friderike and Blumenstein, Kathrin and Reinecke, Sabine and Seifert, Thomas and Whitehead, Ian and Pauleit, Stephan and Bauhus, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Seeing the Trees Without the Forest: What and How can Agroforestry and Urban Forestry Learn from Each Other?}, series = {Current Forestry Reports}, volume = {10}, journal = {Current Forestry Reports}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, issn = {2198-6436}, doi = {10.1007/s40725-024-00221-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9543}, pages = {239 -- 254}, abstract = {Abstract Purpose of Review Agroforestry and urban forestry have evolved mainly as separate disciplines, although they share a long history of tree cultivation in man-made environments. Here, we review their common threads, exploring how trees in both systems interact with and shape their environments. We examine common themes and methodologies - ranging from tree growth dynamics to environmental stressors, ecosystem services provision, and questions of governance - and identify opportunities for synergies between these fields. Recent Findings We emphasize the potential of agroforestry and urban forestry for enhancing multifunctional landscapes. Geographical divides in research are evident, with agroforestry predominantly studied in the Global South and urban forestry receiving more attention in the Global North. However, significant research gaps provide avenues for collaboration, for instance, addressing challenges in capturing the monetary and socio-cultural value of ecosystem services and environmental justice considerations. Summary In light of the growing need for integrated approaches in addressing contemporary challenges, from climate change mitigation and adaptation to community well-being, our review explores what these research fields can learn from each other and provides recommendations for fostering greater interdisciplinary dialogue and new avenues for collaborations in a meaningful and synergistic manner, aiming to advance policy, research, and practice in agroforestry and urban forestry.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{StarikGygaxGoettert, author = {Starik, Nicole and Gygax, Lorenz and G{\"o}ttert, Thomas}, title = {Unexpected bat community changes along an urban-rural gradient in the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {14}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-024-61317-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9570}, abstract = {Abstract Urbanization gradients are increasingly used in ecological studies to discover responses of species communities to different intensities of human-induced habitat transformation. Here, we investigated patterns of bat communities against the background of different urbanization levels using a priori defined urbanization categories based on distance classes (5 km intervals) along a linear transect from the urban core of the city of Berlin westwards into the rural outskirts of the state of Brandenburg. Using linear-mixed effects models, we found that "distance class", as a proxy for urbanization level, is a meaningful and suitable predictor of bat species richness and diversity. We observed an unexpectedly sudden increase in bat species richness and diversity and changes in species-specific activity levels relatively close to the urban center at the transition between urban and peri-urban areas. This change suggests a relevant influence of the peri-urban areas as a "buffer zone" for specific bat species not able to adapt to the heavily modified inner core of the metropolitan area. Although we could demonstrate that anthropogenic noise and artificial light have the potential to predict the variability of bat species activity along the urban-rural gradient, the actual influence on observed shifts in the bat community needs further research.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{CareZaehringerBernsteinetal., author = {Care, O. and Zaehringer, Julie G. and Bernstein, Michael J. and Chapman, Mollie and Friis, Cecilie and Graham, Sonia and Haider, L. Jamila and Hern{\´a}ndez-Morcillo, M{\´o}nica and Hoffmann, Harry and Kernecker, Maria Lee and Pitt, Hannah and Seufert, Verena}, title = {Reaping what we sow: Centering values in food systems transformations research}, series = {Ambio}, volume = {54}, journal = {Ambio}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {0044-7447}, doi = {10.1007/s13280-024-02086-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9524}, pages = {226 -- 238}, abstract = {Abstract In many transdisciplinary research settings, a lack of attention to the values underpinning project aims can inhibit stakeholder engagement and ultimately slow or undermine project outcomes. As a research collective (The Careoperative), we have developed a set of four shared values through a facilitated visioning process, as central to the way we work together: care, reflexivity, inclusivity, and collectivity. In this paper, we explore the implications of a values-centered approach to collaboration in food system transformation research. The paper presents two cases that illustrate how researchers might approach centering values in practice. Where much research on food system transformation focuses on values of food system stakeholders, we contribute insights into the values of researchers in such transdisciplinary endeavors. Specifically, we argue that researchers working on sustainability transformations need to be better prepared to engage in such reflections and aspire to embody values aligned with the transformations they seek to research.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{PeterNiessBatjavetal., author = {Peter, Sophie and Niess, Sarah and Batjav, Batbuyan and Dejid, Nandintsetseg and Drees, Lukas and J{\"a}schke, Yun and Kasymov, Ulan and Damdindorj, Sugar and Dorjoo, Khishigdorj and Gonchigsumlaa, Ganzorig and Matias, Denise Margaret S. and M{\"u}ller, Thomas and Mehring, Marion}, title = {The role of traditional ecological knowledge, given the transformation of pastoralism in Central and Eastern Mongolia}, series = {Ambio}, volume = {53}, journal = {Ambio}, number = {12}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {0044-7447}, doi = {10.1007/s13280-024-02057-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9538}, pages = {1813 -- 1829}, abstract = {Abstract Mongolian nomadic herders traditionally pass on ecological knowledge intergenerationally, mainly within families. However, little is known about how current societal transformation processes may impact the application and transfer of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) amongst herders. Combining quantitative household survey data with qualitative interviews, we show that TEK is still widely applied amongst herders. Our data show that households living under conditions of greater societal transformation apply TEK more often in order to adapt to the situation than households under lower transformation pressure. High transformation pressure goes along with high human population and livestock density and thus competition for good pastureland. In addition, our results show that intragenerational knowledge transfer between families is gaining more importance nowadays. For Mongolia, we recommend facilitating access to and strengthening the exchange of TEK to prepare herders for the future due to the high level of uncertainty accompanying societal transformations.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{HoffmannOstapowiczBartońetal., author = {Hoffmann, Monika T. and Ostapowicz, Katarzyna and Bartoń, Kamil and Ibisch, Pierre L. and Selva, Nuria}, title = {Mapping roadless areas in regions with contrasting human footprint}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {14}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-024-55283-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9553}, abstract = {Abstract In an increasingly human- and road-dominated world, the preservation of functional ecosystems has become highly relevant. While the negative ecological impacts of roads on ecosystems are numerous and well documented, roadless areas have been proposed as proxy for functional ecosystems. However, their potential remains underexplored, partly due to the incomplete mapping of roads. We assessed the accuracy of roadless areas identification using freely available road-data in two regions with contrasting levels of anthropogenic influence: boreal Canada and temperate Central Europe (Poland, Slovakia, Czechia, and Hungary). Within randomly selected circular plots (per region and country), we visually examined the completeness of road mapping using OpenStreetMap 2020 and assessed whether human influences affect mapping quality using four variables. In boreal Canada, roads were completely mapped in 3\% of the plots, compared to 40\% in Central Europe. Lower Human Footprint Index and road density values were related to greater incompleteness in road mapping. Roadless areas, defined as areas at least 1 km away from any road, covered 85\% of the surface in boreal Canada (mean size ± s.d. = 272 ± 12,197 km 2 ), compared to only 0.4\% in temperate Central Europe (mean size ± s.d. = 0.6 ± 3.1 km 2 ). By visually interpreting and manually adding unmapped roads in 30 randomly selected roadless areas from each study country, we observed a similar reduction in roadless surface in both Canada and Central Europe (27\% vs 28\%) when all roads were included. This study highlights the urgent need for improved road mapping techniques to support research on roadless areas as conservation targets and surrogates of functional ecosystems.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{AssalAbdElbaryYounessetal., author = {Assal, Reem Amr and Abd El-bary, Rowan Bahaa El-din and Youness, Rana A. and Abdelrahman, Mohamed Mamdouh and Zahran, Hala and Hosny, Karim Adel and Esmat, Gamal and Breuhahn, Kai and El-Ekiaby, Nada and Fawzy, Injie Omar and Abdelaziz, Ahmed Ihab}, title = {OncomiR-181a promotes carcinogenesis by repressing the extracellular matrix proteoglycan decorin in hepatocellular carcinoma}, series = {BMC Gastroenterology}, volume = {24}, journal = {BMC Gastroenterology}, number = {1}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1471-230X}, doi = {10.1186/s12876-024-03413-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9514}, abstract = {Abstract Background Proteoglycans are important tumor microenvironment extracellular matrix components. The regulation of key proteoglycans, such as decorin (DCN), by miRNAs has drawn attention since they have surfaced as novel therapeutic targets in cancer. Accordingly, this study aimed at identifying the impact of miR-181a in liver cancer and its regulatory role on the extracellular matrix proteoglycan, DCN, and hence on downstream oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Results DCN was under-expressed in 22 cirrhotic and HCC liver tissues compared to that in 11 healthy tissues of liver transplantation donors. Conversely, miR-181a was over-expressed in HCC liver tissues compared to that in healthy liver tissues. In silico analysis predicted that DCN 3'UTR harbors two high-score oncomiR-181a binding regions. This was validated by pmiRGLO luciferase reporter assay. Ectopic miR-181a expression into HuH-7 cells repressed the transcript and protein levels of DCN as assessed fluorometrically and by western blotting. DCN siRNAs showed similar results to miR-181a, where they both enhanced the cellular viability, proliferation, and clonogenicity. They also increased Myc and E2F and decreased p53 and Rb signaling as assessed using reporter vectors harboring p53, Rb, Myc, and E2F response elements. Our findings demonstrated that miR-181a directly downregulated the expression of its direct downstream target DCN, which in turn affected downstream targets related to cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to unveil the direct targeting of DCN by oncomiR-181a. We also highlighted that miR-181a affects targets related to cellular proliferation in HCC which may be partly mediated through inhibition of DCN transcription. Thus, miR-181a could be a promising biomarker for the early detection and monitoring of liver cancer progression. This would pave the way for the future targeting of the oncomiR-181a as a therapeutic approach in liver cancer, where miR-181a-based therapy approach could be potentially combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy for the management of liver cancer.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{RuehlmannBoeneckeGebbersetal., author = {Ruehlmann, Joerg and B{\"o}necke, Eric and Gebbers, Robin and Gerlach, Felix and Kling, Charlotte and L{\"u}ck, Katrin and Meyer, Swen and Nagel, Anne and Palme, Stefan and Philipp, Golo and Scheibe, Dirk and Schr{\"o}ter, Ingmar and Vogel, Sebastian and Kramer, Eckart}, title = {Predicting the Base Neutralization Capacity of Soils Based on Texture, Organic Carbon and Initial pH: An Opportunity to Adjust Common Liming Recommendation Approaches to Specific Management and Climate Conditions}, series = {Agronomy}, volume = {13}, journal = {Agronomy}, number = {11}, editor = {Ciavatta, Claudio}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2073-4395}, doi = {10.3390/agronomy13112762}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9435}, abstract = {Liming is an effective measure to increase the soil pH and to counterbalance soil acidification. Therefore, the liming recommendations (LRs) for agricultural practice consider two aspects: changing the initial pH to the desired pH and compensating for all pH decreases taking place within the liming interval. The separation of these aspects is essential to optimize LRs and to minimize lime losses to the environment. Therefore, we developed a pedotransfer function (PTF) to calculate the lime demand to change the initial pH to the desired pH and compared the results with the LRs for agricultural practice. Applying this PTF to a set of 126 soil samples that were analyzed for base neutralization capacity could explain approximately 78\% of the variability in the pH changes after the addition of different amounts of Ca(OH)2. Consequently, the lime demand to change the initial pH to the desired pH increased by approximately one-sixth compared to the lime demand proposed by the liming recommendation scheme, which is commonly used in Germany. From the numerical difference between the lime demand according to the LRs and the PTF, we calculated the annual acidification rates based on the soil texture, organic matter content and initial pH. Decoupling the abovementioned two aspects of LRs might be helpful to optimize the LRs by adapting to different regions, diverse management strategies and a changing climate.
}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{MadakiLehbergerBavorovaetal., author = {Madaki, Mustapha Yakubu and Lehberger, Mira and Bavorova, Miroslava and Igbasan, Boluwatife Teniola and K{\"a}chele, Harald}, title = {Effectiveness of pesticide stakeholders' information on pesticide handling knowledge and behaviour of smallholder farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria}, series = {Environment, Development and Sustainability}, volume = {26}, journal = {Environment, Development and Sustainability}, number = {7}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {1573-2975}, doi = {10.1007/s10668-023-03332-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9621}, pages = {17185 -- 17204}, abstract = {Abstract Although pesticides ensure the quality and quantity of agricultural produce, they have adverse effects on farmers, their families, and consumers. Therefore, in order to reduce the unpleasant effects of pesticide use, stakeholders would be well advised to extend guidance and precautions to end users. The objective of this study was to determine the pesticide handling behaviour and the effectiveness of pesticide information on pesticide handling knowledge and personal protective equipment (PPE) use among farmers in southwest Nigeria. One hundred and fifty-six farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire in December 2019 and January 2020. The results revealed that a one-third of the farmers dispose their pesticide residues on the field, only 3\% of the farmers dispose the hazardous pesticide waste at a collection point, and 65\% of them dispose the empty containers indiscriminately. The majority of farmers never use respirators (79\%), hats (60\%), and boots (57\%) when applying pesticides. Knowledge of pesticide application and waste management is low (58\% of respondents scored less than 10 on a knowledge scale of 0-14). The result of the regression model shows that information from pesticide labels and farmer-to-farmer exchanges significantly increase farmers' knowledge of pesticide handling and PPE use. Our results suggest that the effectiveness of current information provision to smallholder farmers on the correct use of pesticides is not sufficient. Therefore, we highlight the need for pesticide companies, distributors, and government agencies to intensify and further develop their efforts to empower smallholder farmers to improve their knowledge and use of pesticides.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{EngelHagemannSchroeder, author = {Engel, Markus and Hagemann, Ulrike and Schr{\"o}der, Jens}, title = {Long-Term Growth Trends of 18 Native and Non-Native Tree Species Based on Data from Experimental Plots Since 1878 in Brandenburg, Germany}, series = {Forests}, volume = {16}, journal = {Forests}, number = {2}, editor = {Diaci, Jurij}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {1999-4907}, doi = {10.3390/f16020225}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9644}, abstract = {The rapid environmental changes associated with climate change increase the need for adaptation strategies in forest management based on profound knowledge about tree species, particularly in the context of assisted migration. For research purposes, selected native and non-native tree species were planted in Brandenburg, Germany more than 120 years ago. Today, these sites provide an opportunity to gather insights about their performance and growth-response throughout the past century. We analyzed the height growth increment of 18 tree species on 1765 long-term experimental plots, the earliest of which have been monitored since 1878. We additionally investigated the stand-level volume increments on 60 unmanaged plots for two of these species. Our results show increasing trends in forest stand growth for Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) and Sessile oak ( Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.). However, long-term height increment showed positive, negative, and indifferent growth trends in reaction to changing environmental conditions. Remarkably, 16 out of 18 species showed a growth decline between the years 2000 and 2020, likely attributable to increasing frequencies of single and consecutive drought events. We found non-native species to perform comparably to native tree species. Forest management should reconsider the role of native and non-native species in climate-adapted forests. We recommend focusing on provenance and local site adaptability in assisted migration efforts and argue that maintenance of long-term experiments can provide us with valuable insights on species performance in the near future.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{AdhikariBachsteinGohretal., author = {Adhikari, Yojana and Bachstein, Nadine and Gohr, Charlotte and Blumr{\"o}der, Jeanette S. and Meier, Caroline and Ibisch, Pierre L.}, title = {Old-growth beech forests in Germany as cool islands in a warming landscape}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {14}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-024-81209-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9608}, abstract = {Abstract The climate crisis seriously threatens Central European forests and their ecosystem functions. There are indications that old-growth forests are relatively resilient and efficient in micro-climatic regulation during extreme climatic conditions. This study evaluates five well-protected old beech forests in Germany, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We examined temperature dynamics and vitality in core, buffer, and border zones during hot days from 2017 to 2023, using Landsat 8 and 9 imageries to assess Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), alongside on-site Air Temperature (AT) measurements. Our findings reveal that all five forests were impacted by recent extreme heat events, with core zones remaining cooler and more vital, followed by buffer zones. Temperature-regulating patterns varied with landscape characteristics and the surrounding matrixes. We observed a site-dependent cooling effect of the forest interior that increased with higher LST. Our study highlights the value of old-growth forests and recommends increasing effective protection around mature forests, establishing corridors between isolated patches, and creating mosaics in managed landscapes that include unmanaged areas capable of developing into old-growth ecosystems.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{BazzoKamaliBehrendetal., author = {Bazzo, Clara Oliva Gon{\c{c}}alves and Kamali, Bahareh and Behrend, Dominik and Hueging, Hubert and Schleip, Inga and Mosebach, Paul and Behrendt, Axel and Gaiser, Thomas}, title = {Assessing the Effect of Field Disturbances On Biomass Estimation in Grasslands Using UAV-Derived Canopy Height Models}, series = {PFG - Journal of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Geoinformation Science}, volume = {93}, journal = {PFG - Journal of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Geoinformation Science}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, issn = {2512-2789}, doi = {10.1007/s41064-024-00322-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9685}, pages = {37 -- 49}, abstract = {Abstract Accurate estimation of biomass in grasslands is essential for understanding ecosystem health and productivity. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as valuable tools for biomass estimation using canopy height models derived from high-resolution imagery. However, the impact of field disturbances, such as lodging and molehills, on the accuracy of biomass estimation using UAV-derived canopy height models remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the relationship between UAV-derived canopy height and both reference canopy height measurements and dry biomass, accounting for different management systems and disturbance scenarios. UAV data were collected using a multispectral camera, and ground-based measurements were obtained for validation. The results revealed that UAV-derived canopy height models remained accurate in estimating vegetation height, even in the presence of disturbances. However, the relationship between UAV-derived canopy height and dry biomass was affected by disturbances, leading to overestimation or underestimation of biomass depending on disturbance type and severity. The impact of disturbances on biomass estimation varied across cutting systems. These findings highlight the potential of UAV-derived canopy height models for estimating vegetation structure, but also underscore the need for caution in relying solely on these models for accurate biomass estimation in heterogeneous grasslands. Future research should explore strategies to enhance biomass estimation accuracy by integrating additional data sources and accounting for field disturbances.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{WahidKhairyKrause, author = {Wahid, Nadya and Khairy, Wael and Krause, Regina}, title = {Cost-benefit analysis on the implementation of nature-based treated wastewater reuse: case of sekem farm El-Wahat, Egypt}, series = {Discover Water}, volume = {4}, journal = {Discover Water}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, issn = {2730-647X}, doi = {10.1007/s43832-024-00121-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9610}, abstract = {Abstract In a context of increasing pressure on water resources and severe aridity; expansion in the reuse of naturally treated wastewater can be a viable and low-cost solution particularly for irrigation forests, green non-fruit trees, fabric crops, industrial oils, and non-edible raw crops. Wastewater treatment is increasingly recognized as a potential means in El-Wahat El-Bahariya in Egypt. However, investment decisions concerning the reuse of treated wastewater in irrigation needs to be justified in terms of financial and economic feasibility and profitability. Therefore, this research study aims to conduct a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of an investment project "reuse treated wastewater in irrigation compared to other modes of water irrigation projects. The CBA results revealed that the cost of the initial investment for the production of treated water used for irrigating green non-fruit trees, Bamboo trees, and Cactus in Sekem El-Wahat, is economically efficient with 88\% compared to the exploitation of aquifer groundwater for irrigating the same crops. That project allows for an economic gain of about 4,428.5 €/ha compared to the cost of producing aquifer ground water in Sekem Farm El-Wahat is estimated at 10,800 €/year. Substituting the use of aquifer ground water for irrigating crops with reuse of treated wastewater helps reducing energy consumption and offers great financial benefits to the beneficial communities. A net benefit of the reuse of treated wastewater project is largely positive with NPV equivalent to 4599 €/year with a medium economic efficiency (BCR) of about 0.44.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{DabardGohrWeissetal., author = {Dabard, Caroline H{\´e}l{\`e}ne and Gohr, Charlotte and Weiss, Fabio and von Wehrden, Henrik and Neumann, Frederike and Hordasevych, Solomiia and Arieta, Bruno and Hammerich, Jenny and Meier, Caroline and Jargow, Janine and Luthardt, Vera and Ibisch, Pierre L. and Ferreira, Ana Filipa}, title = {Correction: Biosphere Reserves as model regions for transdisciplinarity? A literature review}, series = {Sustainability Science}, volume = {19}, journal = {Sustainability Science}, number = {6}, publisher = {Springer Japan}, address = {Tokyo}, issn = {1862-4065}, doi = {10.1007/s11625-024-01589-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9506}, pages = {2083 -- 2084}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{ElmaidomyAbdelmohsenAlsenanietal., author = {Elmaidomy, Abeer H. and Abdelmohsen, Usama Ramadan and Alsenani, Faisal and Aly, Hanan F. and Eldin Shams, Shams Gamal and Younis, Eman A. and Ahmed, Kawkab A. and Sayed, Ahmed M. and Owis, Asmaa I. and Afifi, Naglaa and El Amir, Dalia}, title = {Retraction: The anti-Alzheimer potential of Tamarindus indica: an in vivo investigation supported by in vitro and in silico approaches}, series = {RSC Advances}, volume = {15}, journal = {RSC Advances}, number = {4}, publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/d5ra90010g}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9474}, pages = {2461 -- 2461}, abstract = {Retraction of 'The anti-Alzheimer potential of Tamarindus indica : an in vivo investigation supported by in vitro and in silico approaches' by Abeer H. Elmaidomy et al. , RSC Adv. , 2022, 12 , 11769-11785, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA01340A .}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{HoffmannOstapowiczBartońetal., author = {Hoffmann, Monika T. and Ostapowicz, Katarzyna and Bartoń, Kamil and Ibisch, Pierre L. and Selva, Nuria}, title = {Author Correction: Mapping roadless areas in regions with contrasting human footprint}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {14}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-024-79802-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9580}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{AssalRashwanZakariaetal., author = {Assal, Reem A. and Rashwan, Hannah H. and Zakaria, Zeina I. and Sweillam, Jana H. and Fouda, Yasmine M. and Abdelhamid, Abdelhamid M. and Youness, Rana A.}, title = {Deciphering the mysteries of MEG3 LncRNA and its implications in genitourinary cancers}, series = {Frontiers in Oncology}, volume = {15}, journal = {Frontiers in Oncology}, publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.}, issn = {2234-943X}, doi = {10.3389/fonc.2025.1519103}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9802}, pages = {17}, abstract = {Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), a long non-coding RNA, plays a pivotal role in various biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Aberrant expression of MEG3 has been implicated in several cancers, including genitourinary malignancies. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted functions of MEG3 in the context of genitourinary cancers through unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying the influence of MEG3 on cellular proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. Additionally, we discuss the potential clinical implications of MEG3 as a biomarker and therapeutic target in genitourinary cancers. By unraveling the intricate role of MEG3 in these biological processes, this review aims to contribute to the development of novel strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary malignancies.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{LachmuthDoenmezHoffmannetal., author = {Lachmuth, Susanne and D{\"o}nmez, Cenk and Hoffmann, Carsten and Specka, Xenia and Svoboda, Nikolai and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Facilitating Effective Reuse of Soil Research Data: The BonaRes Repository}, series = {European Journal of Soil Science}, volume = {76}, journal = {European Journal of Soil Science}, number = {2}, publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd}, address = {Oxford, UK}, issn = {1351-0754}, doi = {10.1111/ejss.70103}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9793}, pages = {14}, abstract = {ABSTRACT Soil plays a paramount role in addressing complex challenges related to climate change, the agri-food system, and ecosystem services. This importance makes soil research data highly relevant for meta-analysis, research synthesis, modelling, and assessment. As data-intensive techniques proliferate in studying global change impacts on agricultural systems, effective data management and reuse are essential. Repositories that adhere to the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) principles are crucial for maximizing the value and efficiency of research data. While publishing in an Open Access repository is necessary for data reusability, it alone is not sufficient. Specialized repositories enhance data reuse potential by addressing discipline-specific needs through targeted metadata and technical frameworks. The BonaRes Repository was developed for agricultural soil research data and is guided by the FAIR principles, with a focus on data reusability. Here, we introduce the repository's infrastructures and services, including specialized tools for data quality assurance and the management of soil profile as well as long-term field experiment data. We emphasize the ability of these infrastructures and services to promote data publication and reuse specifically in soil and agricultural sciences. We review examples of data reuse, highlighting their scientific contributions to the understanding of soil and agricultural systems. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges in achieving FAIR and open soil data publication and reusability. From 2018 to date, the BonaRes Repository has facilitated 815 data publications; 62 papers have reused the published data. Reuse applications range widely—from extracting study site metadata or environmental covariates to reanalysing (meta)data in light of new research questions, to developing scenarios and conducting model calibration and evaluation. A key insight from our review of data reuse is that researchers frequently apply reused data to advance method development. Initiatives such as reciprocal metadata harvesting and integration into larger national and international research data infrastructure will further expand the scope and reuse of the repository's data, including in broader agrosystems science.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{SydorenkoGumeniukDeMiguelDiezetal., author = {Sydorenko, S. and Gumeniuk, V. and De Miguel-D{\´i}ez, F. and Soshenskiy, O. and Budzinskyi, I. and Koren, V.}, title = {Assessment of the surface forest fuel load in the Ukrainian Polissia}, series = {Fire Ecology}, volume = {20}, journal = {Fire Ecology}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1933-9747}, doi = {10.1186/s42408-024-00265-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9599}, abstract = {Abstract Background There is a clearly increasing trend of wildfires that become catastrophic in some countries such as the United States, Australia, Russia, Portugal, Greece, and Spain. Fuel is one of the key components that influences fire behavior and its effects. Assessing the fuel load and distribution of its components in the landscape provides effective fire management treatments in terms of fire prevention campaigns on a scientific basis. This study aims to evaluate the litter, duff, and herb fuels in highly flammable coniferous forest types in Ukrainian Polissia. To estimate relationships between forestry variables that reflect the characteristics of the pine stand (DBH, height of the stand, age, relative density, stock of the plantation etc.) and the load of litter, duff, and herb fuels (CWD, FWD, litter, live grass, etc.), correlation analysis was used. To analyze difference between groups of sampling plots that have different forests, we use generalized linear mixed models including random effects of sampling plot type. Cluster analysis was performed using k-means partitioning method and Calinski-Harabasz criterion. To assess the significance of individual variables on which the variation of forest fuel depends, the random forest algorithm was used; for variable selection, we used two parameters: the percent increase in mean squared error and the Gini impurity index. Results The research revealed that in the pine forest stands, the stock of litter and duff varies from 15.5 (15 years) to 140 ton/ha (139 years). When modeling, the humidity level of the forest site (soil) significantly affects the dynamics of forest fuel accumulation. In fresh types of forest-growing conditions, the forest litter stock increases to the age of 80-90 years; then, it strongly decreases, while in wet forest types, continuous forest fuel stock accumulation is established during the entire growth period. Moreover, the results showed that the forest fuel load was influenced by the soil fertility. The stock of live and dead herbaceous fuel in fresh and wet conditions is not statistically different, and soil moisture has not had a significant impact. Fine woody debris stocks were more dependent on stand productivity and practically does not depend on the soil fertility index, site moisture content, and its age and ranged from 0.4 to 1.9 t/ha (1 h), from 0.1 to 2.2 t/ha (10 h), and from 0 to 1.6 t/ha (100 h). Conclusions The obtained results enabled to develop mathematical models for estimating litter and duff stocks in the Polissia forest stands based on stand characteristic and the soil humidity level. Moreover, the results will serve as basis to develop local forest fuel models as well as to determine potential fire hazards and a fire behavior modeling process in coniferous forests of that region. These models constitute the basis for the national set of fuel model development for each nature zone of Ukraine.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{ChenHalikShietal., author = {Chen, Siying and Halik, {\"U}m{\"u}t and Shi, Lei and Fu, Wentao and Gan, Lu and Welp, Martin}, title = {Habitat Quality Dynamics in Urumqi over the Last Two Decades: Evidence of Land Use and Land Cover Changes}, series = {Land}, volume = {14}, journal = {Land}, number = {1}, editor = {Al Sayah, Mario and Der Sarkissian, Rita and Nedja{\"i}, Rachid}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2073-445X}, doi = {10.3390/land14010084}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9652}, abstract = {The integrity of habitat quality is a pivotal cornerstone for the sustainable advancement of local ecological systems. Rapid urbanization has led to habitat degradation and loss of biodiversity, posing severe threats to regional sustainability, particularly in extremely vulnerable arid zones. However, systematic research on the assessment indicators, limiting factors, and driving mechanisms of habitat quality in arid regions is notably lacking. This study takes Urumqi, an oasis city in China's arid region, as a case study and employs the InVEST and PLUS models to conduct a dynamic evaluation of habitat quality in Urumqi from 2000 to 2022 against the backdrop of land use changes. It also simulates habitat quality under different scenarios for the year 2035, exploring the temporal and spatial dynamics of habitat quality and its driving mechanisms. The results indicate a decline in habitat quality. The habitat quality in the southern mountainous areas is significantly superior to that surrounding the northern Gurbantunggut Desert, and it exhibits greater stability. The simulation and prediction results suggest that from 2020 to 2035, habitat degradation will be mitigated under Ecological Protection scenarios, while the decline in habitat quality will be most pronounced under Business-As-Usual scenarios. The spatial distribution of habitat quality changes in Urumqi exhibits significant autocorrelation and clustering, with these patterns intensifying over time. The observed decline in habitat quality in Urumqi is primarily driven by anthropogenic activities, urban expansion, and climate change. These factors have collectively contributed to significant alterations in the landscape, leading to the degradation of ecological conditions. To mitigate further habitat quality loss and support sustainable development, it is essential to implement rigorous ecological protection policies, adopt effective ecological risk management strategies, and promote the expansion of ecological land use. These actions are crucial for stabilizing and improving regional habitat quality in the long term.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{AljohaniElHddadAlsulaimanyetal., author = {Aljohani, Ahmed K. B. and El-Hddad, Sanadelaslam S. A. and Alsulaimany, Marwa and Maghrabi, Nader A. and Alhammad, Alaa M. and Aloufi, Mayar N. and Alahmadi, Luai F. and Ali Saeedi, Turkiah and Neyaz, Yousef Yakoub and Anwer, Kurls E. and Abd El-Sattar, Nour E. A. and El-Adl, Khaled}, title = {Design, nanogel synthesis, anti-proliferative activity and in silico ADMET profile of pyrazoles and pyrimidines as topo-II inhibitors and DNA intercalators†}, series = {RSC Advances}, volume = {15}, journal = {RSC Advances}, number = {13}, publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/d5ra00166h}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9766}, pages = {10037 -- 10048}, abstract = {Pyrazole derivatives 2 and 3, pyrimidine derivative 4, and their nanogels as drug delivery systems were synthesized, and their cytotoxicity against MCF-7, HCT-116, HepG2 and A549 cells was evaluated. Herein, we focused on the characterization and synthesis of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (Cs/PVA) nanogels loaded with derivatives 2, 3 and 4. The stability of the prepared nanogels 2, 3 and 4 was elucidated by zeta potential measurements, which possessed negative values of -9.7, -1.3 and -1.6 mV, respectively. Our compounds and their nanogels were evaluated as topo-II inhibitors and DNA intercalators. The nanogel delivery system enhanced the cytotoxicity of compound 2 against the A549, HCT116, HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines by 32.06\%, 28.96\%, 44.32\% and 50.00\%, respectively. Moreover, the nanogel of compound 3 exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against the A549, HCT116, HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines by 33.61\%, 30.64\%, 44.69\% and 47.86\%, respectively. Furthermore, the nanogel of compound 4 showed enhanced cytotoxicity against the A549, HCT116, HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines by 31.82\%, 40.12\%, 50.00\% and 52.61\%, respectively. Moreover, derivatives 2, 2 (nanogel), 3, 3 (nanogel), 4 and 4 (nanogel) exhibited good selectivity against cancer cells and reduced toxicity to VERO cells with IC50 values in the range of 48.29-59.70 μM. Furthermore, our derivatives displayed remarkable in silico predicted ADMET profiles.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{GohrvonWehrdenSaatchietal., author = {Gohr, Charlotte and von Wehrden, Henrik and Saatchi, Sassan and Pettorelli, Nathalie and Ibisch, Pierre L.}, title = {Effectiveness of the world network of biosphere reserves in maintaining forest ecosystem functions}, series = {Communications Earth \& Environment}, volume = {6}, journal = {Communications Earth \& Environment}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK}, address = {London}, issn = {2662-4435}, doi = {10.1038/s43247-025-02081-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9691}, abstract = {Abstract UNESCO biosphere reserves serve as learning areas for sustainable development, where preserving ecosystem functionality is an imperative. However, this critical assumption has yet to be thoroughly examined. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated differences in satellite-derived proxies of ecosystem functions in forests between inside and surrounding areas of biosphere reserves, globally. Our findings based on linear mixed effect models show that (i) only 18 of 119 biosphere reserves exhibited higher values for all forest ecosystem function proxies inside the reserves compared to outside, (ii) smaller reserves in fragmented forestscapes were more affected by hot day temperatures, and (iii) greater forest cover correlated with increased ecosystem functioning across all biomes. This study underscores the potential significance of biosphere reserves to biodiversity conservation efforts and the need for the integration of satellite-based, outcome-oriented proxies of ecosystem functions in assessments of protected area effectiveness.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{Mudrack, author = {Mudrack, Tony}, title = {L{\"a}nderzuschl{\"a}ge auf die lokale Einkommen- und K{\"o}rperschaftsteuer - Wirkung auf den L{\"a}nderfinanzausgleich und Optionen f{\"u}r eine aufkommensneutrale Implementierung}, series = {Journal of Contextual Economics - Schmollers Jahrbuch}, volume = {130}, journal = {Journal of Contextual Economics - Schmollers Jahrbuch}, number = {4}, publisher = {Duncker \& Humblot GmbH}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2568-7603}, doi = {10.3790/schm.130.4.513}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9716}, pages = {513 -- 540}, abstract = {Bereits seit langer Zeit wird {\"u}ber ein Zuschlagsmodell auf die Einkommen- und K{\"o}rperschaftsteuer diskutiert, um die Steuerautonomie der Bundesl{\"a}nder zu erh{\"o}hen. Die dazu erforderliche Senkung der bundeseinheitlichen Steuers{\"a}tze f{\"u}hrt bei aufkommensneutralen Zuschlagss{\"a}tzen im Zusammenspiel mit den Unterschieden in der l{\"a}nderspezifischen Finanzkraft zu deutlich h{\"o}heren Zuschl{\"a}gen der finanzschwachen Bundesl{\"a}nder. Diese Arbeit stellt die Gr{\"u}nde f{\"u}r die Benachteiligung dieser L{\"a}nder durch die Mechanismen des L{\"a}nderfinanzausgleichs (LFA) dar. Zudem werden Optionen diskutiert, diese Benachteiligungen zu vermeiden. So f{\"u}hrt das vorgeschlagene Neutralisierungsverfahren zu einem homogenen Zuschlagssatz, der das bisherige Finanzniveau nach LFA wiederherstellt. Das f{\"u}r die Grunderwerbsteuerautonomie genutzte Normierungsverfahren weist dagegen einige M{\"a}ngel auf, die zu Fehlanreizen bei der Zuschlagssatzbestimmung f{\"u}hren k{\"o}nnten. Received: March 2, 2010 Accepted: October 29, 2010}, subject = {-}, language = {de} } @article{Mudrack, author = {Mudrack, Tony}, title = {Einwohnerveredelung im L{\"a}nderfinanzausgleich: Defizite und ein Alternativvorschlag}, series = {Journal of Contextual Economics - Schmollers Jahrbuch}, volume = {132}, journal = {Journal of Contextual Economics - Schmollers Jahrbuch}, number = {4}, publisher = {Duncker \& Humblot GmbH}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2568-7603}, doi = {10.3790/schm.132.4.581}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9728}, pages = {581 -- 608}, abstract = {Zwischen den Pro-Kopf-Ausgaben f{\"u}r {\"o}ffentliche G{\"u}ter und der Einwohnerdichte besteht ein Zusammenhang, der in der Einwohnerveredelung des L{\"a}nderfinanzausgleichs und den kommunalen Finanzausgleichssystemen zum Ausdruck kommt. Dabei wird ein erh{\"o}hter Finanzbedarf der verdichteten Regionen simuliert, der zu Transfergewinnen f{\"u}hrt. In der Literatur wird die Ber{\"u}cksichtigung der Einwohnerveredelung in Finanzausgleichssystemen kontrovers diskutiert. Dieser Beitrag schl{\"a}gt eine Verbesserung des bestehenden Systems vor, um im L{\"a}nderfinanzausgleich kommunale Bedarfe l{\"a}nder{\"u}bergreifend approximativ besser erfassen zu k{\"o}nnen. Da L{\"a}nder und Gemeinden bundesweit als finanzielle Einheit zu verstehen sind, nivelliert der L{\"a}nderfinanzausgleich nicht nur die Steuereinnahmen auf L{\"a}nderebene, sondern auch auf Gemeindeebene. Anhand kommunaler Spezifika werden f{\"u}r jedes Bundesland l{\"a}nderspezifische Veredelungsfaktoren berechnet, da die bisherige Anwendung der Veredelung auf Gemeindeebene der Situation in Fl{\"a}chenl{\"a}ndern wie Bayern nicht gerecht wird, in denen Agglomerationsr{\"a}ume sowie l{\"a}ndliche R{\"a}ume vorhanden sind. Ferner sollte die Veredelung regelm{\"a}ßig an die sich ver{\"a}ndernden Siedlungsstrukturen angepasst werden. Es wird aufgezeigt, wie bereits eine Zeitspanne von zwei Jahren auf die jeweiligen Finanzanspr{\"u}che der Bundesl{\"a}nder einwirkt. Ein weiterer Vorteil des neuen Modells ist, dass Fusionsvorhaben von Stadtstaaten und dem Umland durch die differenzierte Ber{\"u}cksichtigung kommunaler Bedarfe nicht mehr benachteiligt werden.}, subject = {-}, language = {de} } @article{SchirrmeisterFuchsOpeletal., author = {Schirrmeister, Lutz and Fuchs, Margret C. and Opel, Thomas and Andreev, Andrei and Kienast, Frank and Schneider, Andrea and Nazarova, Larisa and Frolova, Larisa and Kuzmina, Svetlana and Kuznetsova, Tatiana and Tumskoy, Vladimir and Matthes, Heidrun and Lohmann, Gerrit and Grosse, Guido and Kunitsky, Viktor and Meyer, Hanno and Zimmermann, Heike H. and Herzschuh, Ulrike and B{\"o}hmer, Thomas and Umbo, Stuart and Modestou, Sevi and Breitenbach, Sebastian F. M. and Pismeniuk, Anfisa and Schwamborn, Georg and Kusch, Stephanie and Wetterich, Sebastian}, title = {Newly dated permafrost deposits and their paleoecological inventory reveal an Eemian much warmer than today in Arctic Siberia}, series = {Climate of the Past}, volume = {21}, journal = {Climate of the Past}, number = {7}, publisher = {Copernicus Publications}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen, Germany}, issn = {1814-9332}, doi = {10.5194/cp-21-1143-2025}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10053}, pages = {1143 -- 1184}, abstract = {Abstract In this study, we integrate geochronological, cryolithological, paleoecological, and modeling data to reconstruct the Last Interglacial (LIG) climate around the New Siberian Islands, revealing significantly warmer conditions compared to today. New luminescence dating of the lacustrine deposits mostly preserved in ice-wedge pseudomorphs of 1-3 m thickness along the Dmitry Laptev Strait indicates ages consistent with the LIG (Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5e). Analysis of plant macrofossils and of pollen and faunal records (beetles and chironomids) from these deposits suggests mean temperatures of the warmest month (MTWAs) of 10.3 to 12.9 °C, 9.0 ±3.0 °C, 8 to 10.5 °C, and 9.4 to 15.3 °C for Bol'shoy Lyakhovsky and of 12.7 to 15.3 °C, 9.7 ±2.9 °C, 8 to 14 °C, and 12.0-13.8 °C for Oyogos Yar. The fossil-beetle-based mutual climate range for mean temperatures of the coldest month is -34to -26°C for Bol'shoy Lyakhovsky and -38to -26°C for Oyogos Yar. Our chironomid-based reconstructions of water table depth suggest 1.7 to 5.6 m for Bol'shoy Lyakhovsky, while previous analysis suggested 1.1 to 3.3 m for Oyogos Yar. Pollen-based reconstruction of mean annual precipitation (MAP) suggests 271 ±56 mm for Bol'shoy Lyakhovsky and 229 ±22 mm for Oyogos Yar. The first-time application of clumped isotopes to permafrost-preserved biogenic calcite of ostracods and bivalves for Oyogos Yar reconstructed near-surface water temperatures of 10.3 ±3.0 °C and bottom-water temperatures of 5.3 ±1.5 °C in thermokarst lakes during summer. In summary, the analyzed proxies suggest summers warmer than today by 5.5 to 12.8 °C for Bol'shoy Lyakhovsky and by 0.2 to 7.5 °C for Oyogos Yar and winters warmer than today by up to 7.1 and 8.4 °C for Bol'shoy Lyakhovsky and Oyogos Yar, respectively. Modern mean annual precipitation values are within the uncertainty range of the reconstructions. Climate model simulations for the LIG from PMIP suggest MTWAs warmer than today for Bol'shoy Lyakhovsky (4.4 ±1.0 °C compared to 2.5 °C) and colder than today for Oyogos Yar (4.5 ±1.2 °C compared to 7.8 °C), underestimating the Eemian warming reconstructed from our multiple paleoecological proxies. The LIG warming mainly affected summer conditions, whereas modern and future warming will rather impact winter conditions. As the LIG annual mean temperature is often used as an analog for the future climate in the High Arctic, the proxy-model mismatch highlights the urgent need for more systematic quantitative proxy-based temperature reconstructions in the Arctic and more sophisticated Earth system models capable of capturing Arctic paleoenvironmental conditions.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{RiveraFieldsendMunozRojasetal., author = {Rivera, Mar{\´i}a and Fieldsend, Andrew and Mu{\~n}oz-Rojas, Jos{\´e} and Martin, Susana and Van Dijk, Lisa}, title = {Drivers of success when scaling innovations: insights from European agricultural and forestry co-innovation processes}, series = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, volume = {45}, journal = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer Paris}, address = {Paris}, issn = {1774-0746}, doi = {10.1007/s13593-025-01025-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10038}, abstract = {Abstract Agriculture and forestry are facing numerous challenges, driven by a complex set of social, economic, and ecological factors. Innovation is a key to devising viable, resilient, and sustainable solutions to these challenges, but for innovations to have impact, they need to be "scaled." The current policy context, in the European Union (EU) and elsewhere, encourages the use of the "interactive" model of innovation through the so-called "multi-actor" approach. In this study, we explore the dynamics of scaling in agricultural and forestry co-innovation partnerships. We ask whether such partnerships can be effective instruments to scale innovations and what factors play a role in the scaling process. Thus, the novelty of our paper is that it is the first published study of the dynamics of scaling within the current EU policy framework. Our analysis draws upon evidence from eight co-innovation case studies across Europe, encompassing varied contexts, scales, and funding mechanisms, and identifies three distinct forms of scaling: scaling out, up, and deep. The selection by co-innovation partnerships of strategies and enabling mechanisms in pursuit of scaling is dependent on factors such as funding conditions, contextual norms, and partnership objectives. Partnerships need to be clear about the type of scaling they aim to achieve, have an in-depth understanding of contextual complexities, and ensure that scaling is an integral part of the entire project cycle. Co-innovation partnerships can be effective catalysts for transformative change, provided scaling complexities are navigated, and enabling mechanisms leveraged adeptly. Our insights advance the understanding of scaling dynamics in co-innovation and offer evidence-based strategies for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to bolster the impact of co-innovation initiatives in agriculture and forestry.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{GanHalikShietal., author = {Gan, Lu and Halik, {\"U}m{\"u}t and Shi, Lei and Ru, Jiayu and Wei, Zhicheng and Li, Jinye and Welp, Martin}, title = {Integrating Multi-Source Data to Explore Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Future Scenarios of Arid Urban Agglomerations: A Geodetector-PLUS Modelling Framework for Sustainable Land Use Planning}, series = {Remote Sensing}, volume = {17}, journal = {Remote Sensing}, number = {11}, editor = {Alexakis, Dimitrios D.}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2072-4292}, doi = {10.3390/rs17111851}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9993}, abstract = {Land use and landscape changes undermine the balance between humans and the environment, threatening sustainable regional development, yet their driving mechanisms and future trends remain insufficiently understood, particularly in arid areas. This study establishes a long-term analytical framework for the temporal evolution and driving mechanisms of land use and landscape patterns in arid areas, based on Landsat remote sensing imagery and socio-economic data. We investigate spatiotemporal evolution trends, driving mechanisms, and spatial non-stationarity of regional landscapes, and apply the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model to predict future landscape changes under business-as-usual (BAU), economic development (ED), and ecological protection (EP) scenarios. The results show that: (1) Grassland and unused land together account for over 80\% of the total area. From 1990 to 2020, built-up land expanded by 1471.58 km 2 , an increase of 190.09\%. The comprehensive land use dynamic degree in the Urumqi-Changji-Shihezi (UCS) region was 0.22\%, with the highest value observed between 2000 and 2010. (2) At the class level, spatial heterogeneity and fragmentation of different landscape types increased, enhancing regional landscape diversity. (3) Spatiotemporal changes in land use and landscape patterns were driven by the combined effects of natural factors, socio-economic conditions, and policy influences. (4) By 2030, under all three scenarios, unused land is expected to decrease, with the most significant reduction under the EP scenario. Grassland will increase most notably under the EP scenario, built-up land will expand, especially under the ED scenario, and cropland will also grow, mainly under the EP scenario. Forest and water areas will show slight decreases with minimal fluctuations. Overall, the proposed framework effectively captures the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving forces of land use and landscape changes, providing support for the formulation of long-term sustainable development policies.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{DabardMannMartinLopez, author = {Dabard, Caroline H{\´e}l{\`e}ne and Mann, Carsten and Mart{\´i}n-L{\´o}pez, Berta}, title = {Enhancing the transformative potential of sustainability innovations: An application of the values-rules-knowledge framework}, series = {Ambio}, volume = {54}, journal = {Ambio}, number = {7}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {0044-7447}, doi = {10.1007/s13280-025-02148-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10041}, pages = {1250 -- 1266}, abstract = {Abstract To respond to global sustainability challenges with transformative solutions, there is a need to pinpoint the necessary and sufficient conditions that enhance the transformative potential of sustainability innovations. To this end, we examined 129 sustainability innovations in two European Biosphere Reserves, and analysed (1) their transformative potential, assessed based on a leverage points perspective, and (2) their supportive conditions (i.e. decision contexts, or constellations of values, rules and knowledge). Specifically, we used social network analyses to characterise different rules, or governance arrangements in the two Biosphere Reserves. By comparing the decision contexts of transformative and incremental innovations, we provide empirical evidence that plural values, coproduction and networks that are diverse, collaborative and influential, enable transformative innovations. Shallow leverage points seem insufficient but necessary to operationalise transformative change. Future research should explore the co-evolution of decision contexts and transformative potential, to better understand how to shift incremental to transformative innovations.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{OtienoOtienoRotichetal., author = {Otieno, Terry Amolo and Otieno, Loventa Anyango and Rotich, Brian and L{\"o}hr, Katharina and Kipkulei, Harison Kiplagat}, title = {Modeling climate change impacts and predicting future vulnerability in the Mount Kenya forest ecosystem using remote sensing and machine learning}, series = {Environmental Monitoring and Assessment}, volume = {197}, journal = {Environmental Monitoring and Assessment}, number = {6}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1573-2959}, doi = {10.1007/s10661-025-14089-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10024}, abstract = {Abstract The Mount Kenya forest ecosystem (MKFE), a crucial biodiversity hotspot and one of Kenya's key water towers, is increasingly threatened by climate change, putting its ecological integrity and vital ecosystem services at risk. Understanding the interactions between climate extremes and forest dynamics is essential for conservation planning, especially in the Mount Kenya Forest Ecosystem (MKFE), where rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are altering vegetation patterns, reducing forest resilience, and threatening both biodiversity and water security. This study integrates remote sensing and machine learning to assess historical vegetation changes and predict areas at risk in the future. Landsat imagery from 2000 to 2020 was used to derive vegetation indices comprising the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), and Bare Soil Index (BSI). Climate variables, including extreme precipitation and temperature indices, were extracted from CHIRPS and ERA5 datasets. Machine learning models, including Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, and Support Vector Machines (SVM), were trained to assess climate-vegetation relationships and predict future vegetation dynamics under the SSP245 climate scenario using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) downscaled projections. The RF model achieved high accuracy ( R 2 = 0.82, RMSE = 0.15) in predicting the dynamics of vegetation conditions. Model projections show a 49-55\% decline in EVI across forest areas by 2040, with the most pronounced losses likely in lower montane zones, which are more sensitive to climate-induced vegetation stress. Results emphasize the critical role of precipitation in sustaining forest health and highlight the urgent need for adaptive management strategies, including afforestation, sustainable land-use planning, and policy-driven conservation efforts. This study provides a scalable framework for modelling climate impacts on forest ecosystems globally and offers actionable insights for policymakers.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{KipkuleiBellingrathKimuraLanaetal., author = {Kipkulei, Harison K. and Bellingrath-Kimura, Sonoko D. and Lana, Marcos and Ghazaryan, Gohar and Baatz, Roland and L{\"o}hr, Katharina and Matavel, Custodio and Boitt, Mark K. and Chisanga, Charles B. and Rotich, Brian and Sieber, Stefan}, title = {Modeling the impact of climate change on maize (Zea mays L.) production at the county scale in Kenya}, series = {Regional Environmental Change}, volume = {25}, journal = {Regional Environmental Change}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer Berlin Heidelberg}, address = {Berlin/Heidelberg}, issn = {1436-3798}, doi = {10.1007/s10113-025-02403-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10014}, abstract = {Abstract Global climate change is projected to disproportionately impact cereal crop yields in developing regions, such as Kenya, due to increased vulnerability and limited adaptation capacity of the population. This study examines the current and projected influence of climate change on maize yields in two major maize-producing counties of Kenya. Utilizing the calibrated and evaluated DSSAT-CERES-Maize model (where DSSAT is Decision Support Systems for Agrotechnology Transfer and CERES stands for Crop and Environment REsource Synthesis) for the H614 maize cultivar, we investigated the projected impact of climate change on maize production with reference to a baseline period (1984-2013). Simulations were conducted for the mid-century period (2041-2070) and end-of-century period (2071-2100) using projected climate data from regional climate models (RCMs) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs; 4.5 and 8.5) scenarios. Our findings indicate a substantial decline in maize yields, ranging from 7 to 20\% for the mid-century period and between 22 and 41\% for the end-of-century period, with increased temperature during critical growth phases identified as the primary driver. Spatial clustering and hotspot analysis reveal differential climate impacts across the region. In the end-of-century period, both scenarios revealed that the counties will be marked by hotspots and adaptation spots, areas where climate change adaptation should be intensified. The study underscores the urgency for tailored, location-specific adaptation measures such as maize-legume intercropping, drought-resistant crops, soil water conservation and optimum sowing to mitigate future yield losses and adapt maize production to climate change.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{HamzaHozzeinElAdletal., author = {Hamza, Zeinab S. and Hozzein, Wael N. and El-Adl, Khaled and Okla, Mohammad K. and AbdElgayed, Gehad and Fadaly, Wael A. A. and Mohamed, Hussein S.}, title = {Semi-synthesis and biological activities of heterocyclic compounds containing camphor}, series = {RSC Advances}, volume = {15}, journal = {RSC Advances}, number = {17}, publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/d5ra00484e}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9844}, pages = {13199 -- 13213}, abstract = {Breast cancer and lung cancer are two of the most prevalent and deadly malignancies worldwide. Both cancers present significant challenges in terms of effective treatment and management, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies that can improve patient outcomes. This study focuses on the synthesis of novel heterocyclic compounds derived from the naturally formed camphor, aimed at evaluating their cytotoxicity. The research addresses the need for effective cancer treatments by presenting compounds that demonstrate significant inhibitory effects against MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells. Among these, compound 20 exhibited remarkable potency, with an IC50 value of 0.78 μM, surpassing the efficacy of standard chemotherapeutics, dasatinib (IC50 = 7.99 μM) and doxorubicin (IC50 = 3.10 μM). In the context of A549 lung cancer cells, compound 20 also showed strong inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.69 μM), again outperforming dasatinib (IC50 = 11.8 μM) and doxorubicin (IC50 = 2.43 μM). To further elucidate the biological activities of these compounds, molecular docking studies were performed, revealing that compound 20 exhibited the highest binding energy among the tested compounds, supporting the experimental findings. These results indicate that the synthesized camphor-derived heterocycles, particularly compound 20, have significant potential as potent anticancer agents against breast and lung cancer cell lines.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{RiveraFieldsendMunozRojasetal., author = {Rivera, Mar{\´i}a and Fieldsend, Andrew and Mu{\~n}oz-Rojas, Jos{\´e} and Martin, Susana and Van Dijk, Lisa}, title = {Drivers of success when scaling innovations: insights from European agricultural and forestry co-innovation processes}, series = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, volume = {45}, journal = {Agronomy for Sustainable Development}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer Paris}, address = {Paris}, issn = {1774-0746}, doi = {10.1007/s13593-025-01025-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10185}, abstract = {Abstract Agriculture and forestry are facing numerous challenges, driven by a complex set of social, economic, and ecological factors. Innovation is a key to devising viable, resilient, and sustainable solutions to these challenges, but for innovations to have impact, they need to be "scaled." The current policy context, in the European Union (EU) and elsewhere, encourages the use of the "interactive" model of innovation through the so-called "multi-actor" approach. In this study, we explore the dynamics of scaling in agricultural and forestry co-innovation partnerships. We ask whether such partnerships can be effective instruments to scale innovations and what factors play a role in the scaling process. Thus, the novelty of our paper is that it is the first published study of the dynamics of scaling within the current EU policy framework. Our analysis draws upon evidence from eight co-innovation case studies across Europe, encompassing varied contexts, scales, and funding mechanisms, and identifies three distinct forms of scaling: scaling out, up, and deep. The selection by co-innovation partnerships of strategies and enabling mechanisms in pursuit of scaling is dependent on factors such as funding conditions, contextual norms, and partnership objectives. Partnerships need to be clear about the type of scaling they aim to achieve, have an in-depth understanding of contextual complexities, and ensure that scaling is an integral part of the entire project cycle. Co-innovation partnerships can be effective catalysts for transformative change, provided scaling complexities are navigated, and enabling mechanisms leveraged adeptly. Our insights advance the understanding of scaling dynamics in co-innovation and offer evidence-based strategies for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to bolster the impact of co-innovation initiatives in agriculture and forestry.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{JouySchueleAdhikarietal., author = {Jouy, Florent and Sch{\"u}le, Maren and Adhikari, Yojana and Binder, Anja and Clerc, Danica and Gerwin, Werner and Heinken, Thilo and Raab, Thomas and Repmann, Frank and R{\"o}nnefarth, Susanne and Schirrmacher, Marina and Schmehl, Marie-Therese and Schr{\"o}der, Jens and Ibisch, Pierre L.}, title = {Factors impacting the variability of post-fire forest regeneration in central European pine plantations}, series = {Restoration Ecology}, volume = {33}, journal = {Restoration Ecology}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley Periodicals, Inc.}, address = {Malden, USA}, issn = {1061-2971}, doi = {10.1111/rec.70017}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10108}, pages = {15}, abstract = {Fire is increasingly posing a risk to forests and plantations, even in the temperate latitudes of central Europe. Little is known about fire ecology in this region, and therefore, appropriate approaches for the management and reforestation of burned sites are mostly lacking. In a Scots pine plantation region in Brandenburg (northeast Germany), the early tree regeneration of two nearby areas that burned 1 year apart was investigated. We observed that 3 years after the fire events, the forest in one study area showed a relatively high regeneration with a mean density of 7765 saplings/ha, clearly dominated by European aspen (93\%); whereas the other study area showed a lower mean density of 5061 saplings/ha, dominated by Scots pine (71\%) and aspen (15\%). Three years after the fires, the difference in aspen density was 11-fold between the two areas. We studied the effects of several variables about soil and environmental properties on the aspen establishment in these two study areas in the second and third years after the fire events. We found that the post-fire aspen regeneration was influenced by several factors, including soil texture, soil disturbance from forest management, volume of deadwood, and browsing. We also discussed that weather conditions during seed production and germination might have played a role in the difference in aspen establishment between the two study areas. We concluded that the post-fire forest regeneration potential in the study region is highly variable and could come under critical pressure as climate change progresses.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{SalemElAdlElmorsyetal., author = {Salem, Mo'men and El-Adl, Khaled and El-morsy, Ahmed and Abulkhair, Hamada S.}, title = {A two-decade overview of oxadiazole derivatives as promising anticancer agents}, series = {RSC Advances}, volume = {15}, journal = {RSC Advances}, number = {39}, publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry}, issn = {2046-2069}, doi = {10.1039/d5ra03702f}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10131}, pages = {32778 -- 32795}, abstract = {One of the most difficult illnesses that people today must deal with is cancer. It is distinguished by aberrant cell division and growth, which results in the development of tumors and lumps. The heterocyclic nucleus has drawn a lot of interest in the field of chemotherapeutics; moreover, it is essential in medicinal chemistry. Oxadiazole is a nitrogen-oxygen heterocyclic core with five members that exhibits remarkable anticancer properties. Inhibiting different enzymes and growth factors is the mechanism linked to tumor defeat. This review has covered research conducted over the past 20 years as well as their potential applications in drug development as antineoplastic agents, given the significance of oxadiazole and its derivatives in this global panic problem. This review aims to highlight the anticancer properties of 1,3,4-oxadiazole and its derivatives, 1,2,4-oxadiazole.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{KipkuleiBellingrathKimuraLanaetal., author = {Kipkulei, Harison K. and Bellingrath-Kimura, Sonoko D. and Lana, Marcos and Ghazaryan, Gohar and Baatz, Roland and L{\"o}hr, Katharina and Matavel, Custodio and Boitt, Mark K. and Chisanga, Charles B. and Rotich, Brian and Sieber, Stefan}, title = {Modeling the impact of climate change on maize (Zea mays L.) production at the county scale in Kenya}, series = {Regional Environmental Change}, volume = {25}, journal = {Regional Environmental Change}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer Berlin Heidelberg}, address = {Berlin/Heidelberg}, issn = {1436-3798}, doi = {10.1007/s10113-025-02403-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10080}, abstract = {Abstract Global climate change is projected to disproportionately impact cereal crop yields in developing regions, such as Kenya, due to increased vulnerability and limited adaptation capacity of the population. This study examines the current and projected influence of climate change on maize yields in two major maize-producing counties of Kenya. Utilizing the calibrated and evaluated DSSAT-CERES-Maize model (where DSSAT is Decision Support Systems for Agrotechnology Transfer and CERES stands for Crop and Environment REsource Synthesis) for the H614 maize cultivar, we investigated the projected impact of climate change on maize production with reference to a baseline period (1984-2013). Simulations were conducted for the mid-century period (2041-2070) and end-of-century period (2071-2100) using projected climate data from regional climate models (RCMs) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs; 4.5 and 8.5) scenarios. Our findings indicate a substantial decline in maize yields, ranging from 7 to 20\% for the mid-century period and between 22 and 41\% for the end-of-century period, with increased temperature during critical growth phases identified as the primary driver. Spatial clustering and hotspot analysis reveal differential climate impacts across the region. In the end-of-century period, both scenarios revealed that the counties will be marked by hotspots and adaptation spots, areas where climate change adaptation should be intensified. The study underscores the urgency for tailored, location-specific adaptation measures such as maize-legume intercropping, drought-resistant crops, soil water conservation and optimum sowing to mitigate future yield losses and adapt maize production to climate change.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{AlencarArndtNambaetal., author = {Alencar, Pedro Henrique Lima and Arndt, Saskia and Namba, Kei and Somogyv{\´a}ri, M{\´a}rk and Bart, Frederik and Brill, Fabio and Due{\~n}as, Juan F. and Feindt, Peter and Johnson, Daniel and Mahmoodi, Nariman and Merz, Christoph and Mukherjee, Subham and Nissen, Katrin and Paton, Eva Nora and Sauter, Tobias and Tetzlaff, D{\"o}rthe and T{\"u}gel, Franziska and Vogelpohl, Thomas and Vulova, Stenka Valentinova and Zamani, Behnam and Zhang, Hui Hui}, title = {Brief communication: What do we need to know? Ten questions about climate and water challenges in Berlin-Brandenburg}, series = {Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences}, volume = {25}, journal = {Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences}, number = {10}, publisher = {Copernicus Publications}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen, Germany}, issn = {1684-9981}, doi = {10.5194/nhess-25-4043-2025}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10172}, pages = {4043 -- 4051}, abstract = {Abstract As climate change escalates, the Berlin-Brandenburg region faces new challenges. Climate change-induced extreme events including droughts, heatwaves, and floods, are expected to cause new conflicts to emerge and aggravate existing ones. To guide future research, we engaged a transdisciplinary academic community of experts to co-develop a list of key questions on these climate and water challenges in the region. Our findings highlight the urgent need for integrated and participatory research approaches. We expect this list of key questions to provide a roadmap for scientists and policymakers to foster actionable knowledge production to address climate and water challenges in the region.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{RakholiaYosefYadavetal., author = {Rakholia, Shrey and Yosef, Reuven and Yadav, Neelesh and Karimloo, Laura and Pleitner, Michaela and Kothari, Ritvik}, title = {TreeGrid: A Spatial Planning Tool Integrating Tree Species Traits for Biodiversity Enhancement in Urban Landscapes}, series = {Animals}, volume = {15}, journal = {Animals}, number = {13}, editor = {Leveau, Lucas M.}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2076-2615}, doi = {10.3390/ani15131844}, abstract = {Urbanization is causing biodiversity loss and harming city ecosystems. To address this issue at decision-making levels, we developed a planning tool for tree plantation in cities of the Northern Plains in India. This tool integrates tree data, spatial maps, and simulations representing a practical spatial decision support system for urban planners, city officials, environmentalists, and policymakers. It quantifies biodiversity potential, shade provision, carbon sequestration aspects, and cooling effects of trees in an urban setting. It employs artificial intelligence to predict areas with high potential for avian habitats. The results show that strategic tree planting can support wildlife, reduce heat, and enhance the connection between green areas.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{KorschBatakaKodonaetal., author = {Korsch, Katrin and Bataka, Alkmini and Kodona, Maria and Sioulas, Stavros and Tsiakiris, Rigas and Michaelakis, Antonios and Avtzis, Dimitrios N.}, title = {Genetic diversity of Thaumetopoea pityocampa in Greece: the role of Quaternary changes in Aegean Sea}, series = {Open Life Sciences}, volume = {10}, journal = {Open Life Sciences}, number = {1}, publisher = {De Gruyter Open}, issn = {2391-5412}, doi = {10.1515/biol-2015-0038}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-9700}, pages = {7}, abstract = {Abstract Thaumetopoea pityocampa, the winter pine processionary moth, is one of the most important pests of pine trees in the Mediterranean region. To learn more about the refugial areas within the greater refugium of Greece, samples from 15 local populations were collected. Analysis of the Cytochrome Oxidase I region identified 15 haplotypes. One strongly supported clade was found, separating the Aegean island of Lesvos from the mainland populations. Mdiv analysis showed that this clade diverged from the general clade 155,000 y.a., suggesting the sea level changes during the Quaternary Period as a possible reason for its seclusion. Additionally, comparisons with similar studies in this region revealed a possible colonization of the eastern Aegean islands from the Turkish mainland rather than from Greece. However, no strong isolation-by-distance events were detected among the mainland populations, which could be attributed to the joint effect of regular gene flow and the lack of insurmountable geographic barriers. Finally, regarding population structure, Bayesian analysis as well as neutrality tests pointed towards an ongoing population expansion which verifies the potential invasiveness of this pest species, something that will have to be dealt with under the influence of climate change.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{DelRioDuqueLoehrPerezLoraetal., author = {Del R{\´i}o Duque, Martha Lilia and L{\"o}hr, Katharina and P{\´e}rez-Lora, {\´A}ngela Patricia and Lana, Marcos and Castro-Nunez, Augusto and Sieber, Stefan and Bonatti, Michelle}, title = {Toward understanding the scaling out of sustainable land use systems in Colombia: integrating case study insights and national pathways design for cacao farming}, series = {Discover Agriculture}, volume = {3}, journal = {Discover Agriculture}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, issn = {2731-9598}, doi = {10.1007/s44279-025-00367-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10200}, abstract = {Abstract The unplanned expansion of conventional agriculture resulted in biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Agroforestry systems (AFS) have emerged as a promising alternative to promote sustainable land use systems (SLUS) in tropical regions. This study explores the potential for scaling out SLUS from localized interventions to broader landscape-level applications in Colombian cacao agroforestry systems (CAFS). We employ a multi-level framework, integrating qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources. We apply text mining, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis. First, we identify the interconnections among agro-ecological, biophysical, economic, social, institutional, and political factors influencing the scaling out of SLUS in cacao farming in two municipalities located in conflict-affected Colombian departments. Secondly, we conduct a national quantitative exploratory analysis, grouping similar departments based on socioeconomic and biophysical data from official sources. This analysis provides the foundation for the design of regional typologies and an adaptive pathway for the scaling out of SLUS in cacao farming. This pathway encompasses five distinct departmental groups. Our findings highlight the need for a landscape-based approach that is sensitive to regional socio-cultural and institutional nuances. The analysis reveals that key variables, including land availability for agricultural use, water use risk level, deforestation, social conflict, land tenure informality, and agricultural productivity, influence the successful scaling out process across diverse regions. This study advocates for a collaborative approach that links scientific insights with practical initiatives co-created at the regional level, thereby empowering communities to design pathways for scaling out SLUS across Colombia.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{DogarBrogiO'Learyetal., author = {Dogar, Salar Saeed and Brogi, Cosimo and O'Leary, Dave and Hern{\´a}ndez-Ochoa, Ixchel M. and Donat, Marco and Vereecken, Harry and Huisman, Johan Alexander}, title = {Combining electromagnetic induction and satellite-based NDVI data for improved determination of management zones for sustainable crop production}, series = {SOIL}, volume = {11}, journal = {SOIL}, number = {2}, publisher = {Copernicus Publications}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen, Germany}, issn = {2199-398X}, doi = {10.5194/soil-11-655-2025}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10152}, pages = {655 -- 679}, abstract = {Abstract Accurate delineation of management zones is essential for optimizing resource use and improving yield in precision agriculture. Electromagnetic induction (EMI) provides a rapid, non-invasive method to map soil variability, while the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) obtained with remote sensing captures aboveground crop dynamics. Integrating these datasets may enhance management zone delineation but presents challenges in data harmonization and analysis. This study presents a workflow combining unsupervised classification (clustering) and statistical validation to delineate management zones using EMI and NDVI data in a single 70 ha field of the patchCROP experiment in Tempelberg, Germany. Three datasets were investigated: (1) EMI maps, (2) NDVI maps, and (3) a combined EMI-NDVI dataset. Historical yield data and soil samples were used to refine the clusters through statistical analysis. The results demonstrate that four EMI-based zones effectively captured subsurface soil heterogeneity, while three NDVI-based zones better represented yield variability. A combination of EMI and NDVI data resulted in three zones that provided a balanced representation of both subsurface and aboveground variability. The final EMI-NDVI-derived map demonstrates the potential of integrating multi-source datasets for field management. It provides actionable insights for precision agriculture, including optimized fertilization, irrigation, and targeted interventions, while also serving as a valuable resource for environmental modeling and soil surveying.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{RodriguezBonattiLoehretal., author = {Rodr{\´i}guez, Tatiana and Bonatti, Michelle and L{\"o}hr, Katharina and Sieber, Stefan}, title = {Rethinking knowledge systems for agroforestry: Insights from the mental models of cacao farmers in Colombia}, series = {Ambio}, volume = {54}, journal = {Ambio}, number = {11}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {0044-7447}, doi = {10.1007/s13280-025-02189-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10250}, pages = {1852 -- 1866}, abstract = {Abstract Agroforestry is a sustainable land-use strategy that requires better integration of diverse knowledge systems. This paper examines how formal knowledge systems for cacao agroforestry systems in Colombia are structured, and how farmers understand and manage these systems. We interviewed 42 actors involved in knowledge production and dissemination and worked with 18 farmers to create mental maps of their management practices. Our findings show that formal knowledge systems remain predominantly top-down and scientific-based, despite increasing recognition of local knowledge. Farmers' mental models reflect this, showing reliance on external advice and simplified cause-and-effect thinking. When theoretically pooling farmers' perspectives, we observe a more comprehensive understanding of agroforestry, suggesting that social learning can strengthen their independence and adaptive capacity. Moreover, farm management is shaped by context-dependent variables such as climate seasonality and market access, thus highlighting the importance of integrating farmers' experiential knowledge into agroforestry design and dissemination for more sustainable, context-sensitive decision-making.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{BernertWannerFischeretal., author = {Bernert, Philip and Wanner, Matthias and Fischer, Nele and Barth, Matthias}, title = {Design principles for advancing higher education sustainability learning through transformative research}, series = {Environment, Development and Sustainability}, volume = {27}, journal = {Environment, Development and Sustainability}, number = {9}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {1573-2975}, doi = {10.1007/s10668-022-02801-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10191}, pages = {20581 -- 20598}, abstract = {Abstract A growing number of transformative research practices that redefine the role of science in engaging with local-mostly urban-transformation processes have emerged in recent decades. However, while education is considered a key driver for sustainability transformations, higher education has been slow to develop and implement dedicated, appropriate and effective transformative education programmes and learning modules. In this paper, we present a framework of design principles for transformative learning modules in higher education. These principles are derived from two growing discourses: higher education sustainability learning , and transdisciplinary and transformative research —both of which are centrally anchored in the field of sustainable development and sustainability science. The principles presented provide guidance for course leaders in higher education to create learning modules aimed at enabling students to become engaged in transdisciplinary and transformative research that fosters sustainability transitions in local and urban contexts. We use the Transformative Innovation Lab (TIL)—a learning course developed and tested at two German universities—as an example of how the design principles can be applied. The module, which runs over two semesters, supports Masters students in their process of developing real-world laboratories and exploring urban sustainability transitions through collaborative experimentation with local practice partners. We discuss the factors that enable and limit the implementation of transformative learning modules and outline aspects of the novel roles adopted by lecturers in transformative teaching environments. Moreover, we highlight the need for both institutional change and transformative teaching formats that go beyond transformative research as key for driving universities to take responsibility for collaboratively fostering sustainability transitions in their local contexts.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{ZakirovaAlffSchmidt, author = {Zakirova, Aksana and Alff, Henryk and Schmidt, Matthias}, title = {Unequal fields: Political ecology perspective on organic cotton production in Tajikistan}, series = {Organic Agriculture}, volume = {15}, journal = {Organic Agriculture}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {1879-4238}, doi = {10.1007/s13165-025-00491-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10242}, pages = {183 -- 198}, abstract = {Abstract The paper explores the adoption of organic cotton production by smallholder farmers in Tajikistan's northern Sughd and southwestern Khatlon regions through the lens of political ecology. The research focuses on the complex interactions among socio-economic, environmental and political variables that influence the decision-making processes of Tajikistani smallholders as they navigate the transition towards adopting organic farming practices. This transition, initiated and guided by the external actors, largely from high-income nations, emphasizes broader power dynamics and asymmetries inherent within the global agricultural system. In addition to illuminating the pivotal role of smallholder farmers in sustainable agriculture and rural development, we ask how power relations, institutional frameworks, and market dynamics impacts the adoption of organic cotton by smallholders in Tajikistan, and the implications this has for local communities. By exploring these dimensions, we emphasize the need for supportive policies and the development of inclusive market mechanisms. This study acknowledges the vulnerability of smallholders to the volatility of the global organic cotton markets, influenced by external shocks such as pandemics, wars, and natural hazards. Considering the absence of domestic markets for organic produce in Tajikistan, we stress the reliance of smallholders on turbulent external markets, highlighting the urgent need for resilient and diversified market linkages to safeguard their livelihoods.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{VarelaJaramilloWinkelmannMarmolGuijarroetal., author = {Varela-Jaramillo, Andrea and Winkelmann, Christian and M{\´a}rmol-Guijarro, Andr{\´e}s and Guayasamin, Juan M. and Rivas-Torres, Gonzalo and Steinfartz, Sebastian and MacLeod, Amy}, title = {Citizen scientists reliably count endangered Gal{\´a}pagos marine iguanas from drone images}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {15}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-025-08381-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10234}, abstract = {Abstract Population surveys are essential for conservation, but are often resource-intensive. Modern technologies, like drones, facilitate data collection but increase the analysis burden. Citizen Science (CS) offers a solution by engaging non-specialists in data analysis. We evaluated CS for monitoring marine iguanas, focusing on volunteers' accuracy in detecting and counting individuals in aerial images. During three phases of our Zooniverse project, over 13,000 volunteers contributed 1,375,201 classifications from 57,838 images; each classified up to 30 times. Using a Gold Standard dataset of expert counts from 4,345 images, we evaluated optimal aggregation methods for CS-inputs. Volunteers achieved 68-94\% accuracy in detection, with more false negatives than false positives. The standard 'majority vote' aggregation approach (where the answer given by the majority of individual inputs is selected) produced less accuracy than when a minimum threshold of five volunteers (from the total independent classifications) was used. Image quality significantly influenced accuracy; by excluding suboptimal pilot-phase data, volunteer counts were 91-92\% accurate. HDBSCAN clustering yielded the best results. We conclude that volunteers can accurately identify and count marine iguanas from drone images, though there is a tendency for undercounting. However, even CS-based data analysis remains relatively resource-intensive, underscoring the need to develop an automated approach.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{NoellekePrzybylskiEversNoellekeetal., author = {N{\"o}lleke-Przybylski, Pamela and Evers, Tanja and N{\"o}lleke, Daniel and Altmeppen, Klaus-Dieter and Meltzer, Christine E. and Rothenberger, Liane and von Nordheim, Gerret and Gossel, Britta M.}, title = {Kommunikative Interventionen in, im und durch Journalismus. Vorschlag f{\"u}r ein Konzept zur Analyse journalismusbezogener Transformationsprozesse}, series = {Publizistik}, volume = {70}, journal = {Publizistik}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden}, address = {Wiesbaden}, issn = {0033-4006}, doi = {10.1007/s11616-025-00908-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10375}, pages = {613 -- 648}, abstract = {Zusammenfassung Obwohl dem Journalismus seit Jahren eine Legitimit{\"a}tskrise attestiert wird, zeigt sich seine anhaltende Relevanz unter anderem darin, dass er auch in modernen Medienumgebungen Adressat und Absender von absichtsvollem und interessengeleitetem Handeln ist. In diesem Beitrag argumentieren wir, dass solches Handeln die Transformation von Journalismus antreibt. Aus diesem Grund kann die Identifikation dieses Handelns sowie der dahinterliegenden Antizipationen und Intentionen einen wichtigen Beitrag dazu leisten, die aktuelle (und zuk{\"u}nftige) Gestalt von Journalismus sowie seine gesellschaftliche Rolle zu erkl{\"a}ren. Wir schlagen in diesem Beitrag mit den kommunikativen Interventionen ein Konzept vor, das es erlaubt, den analytischen Blick der empirischen Journalismusforschung auf die Komplexit{\"a}ten des Wandels zu sch{\"a}rfen. Wir konzipieren kommunikative Interventionen als auf Kommunikation beruhende, performativ sichtbare Handlungen, die von Akteur*innen in spezifischen Interventionskontexten und mit antizipierten Interventionszusammenh{\"a}ngen intentional angewendet werden. Mit Bezug auf Journalismus lassen sich drei Interventionsrichtungen (in, im und durch) unterscheiden. Das heuristische Potenzial des vorgeschlagenen Konzepts zeigen wir exemplarisch anhand von ausgew{\"a}hlten Interventionen in (K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz), im (Diversit{\"a}tsinitiativen) und durch (interpretativer Klimajournalismus) Journalismus.}, subject = {-}, language = {de} } @article{SchmehlAdhikariBalthasaretal., author = {Schmehl, Marie-Therese and Adhikari, Yojana and Balthasar, Cathrina and Binder, Anja and Clerc, Danica and Dobkowitz, Sophia and Gerwin, Werner and G{\"u}nther, Kristin and Hartong, Heinrich and Heinken, Thilo and Hess, Carsten and Ibisch, Pierre L. and Jouy, Florent and Leinen, Loretta and Raab, Thomas and Repmann, Frank and R{\"o}nnefarth, Susanne and Rohlfs, Lilly and Schirrmacher, Marina and Schr{\"o}der, Jens and Sch{\"u}le, Maren and Vieth-Hillebrand, Andrea and Francke, Till}, title = {Monitoring abiotic and biotic parameters of forest regrowth under different management regimes on former wildfire sites in northeastern Germany - data from the PYROPHOB project}, series = {Earth System Science Data}, volume = {17}, journal = {Earth System Science Data}, number = {11}, publisher = {Copernicus Publications}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen, Germany}, issn = {1866-3516}, doi = {10.5194/essd-17-6295-2025}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10302}, pages = {6295 -- 6313}, abstract = {Abstract We present the data recorded by eight institutions within the PYROPHOB project, running from 2020 to 2024 at two forest research sites in the south-west of Brandenburg, Germany. The aim of the project was to monitor abiotic and biotic parameters of forest regrowth under different management regimes on former wildfire sites in northeastern Germany. The observations comprised intermittent and continuous measurements or surveys on meteorological parameters (rainfall, temperature, vapour pressure deficit), soil (soil type and texture, soil chemistry and leaching, water content, soil temperature), deadwood, stand structure, vegetation regrowth, abundance of selected fauna (moths, beetles, mammals), UAV-based remote sensing (stand structure, spatial overview), and photo monitoring (succession). Thus, the multitude of collected data allows not only for detailed analyses of these observables separately, but also considering their interaction for a more multidisciplinary view on forest recovery after a wildfire. The data are available under the following DOIs: 10.23728/b2share.08a6a8b56f774a08a984871e7ef1b5a8 (Part 1, ), under embargo until 31 March 2026 (Part 2, ), 10.23728/b2share.de1661761da5481f938caf460e4f0ca9 (Part 3.1, ), and 10.23728/b2share.51bdf4b6dc854873b6ff44fdddbf4c3b (Part 3.2, ).}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{SchmehlAdhikariBalthasaretal., author = {Schmehl, Marie-Therese and Adhikari, Yojana and Balthasar, Cathrina and Binder, Anja and Clerc, Danica and Dobkowitz, Sophia and Gerwin, Werner and G{\"u}nther, Kristin and Hartong, Heinrich and Heinken, Thilo and Hess, Carsten and Ibisch, Pierre L. and Jouy, Florent and Leinen, Loretta and Raab, Thomas and Repmann, Frank and R{\"o}nnefarth, Susanne and Rohlfs, Lilly and Schirrmacher, Marina and Schr{\"o}der, Jens and Sch{\"u}le, Maren and Vieth-Hillebrand, Andrea and Francke, Till}, title = {Monitoring abiotic and biotic parameters of forest regrowth under different management regimes on former wildfire sites in northeastern Germany - data from the PYROPHOB project}, series = {Earth System Science Data}, volume = {17}, journal = {Earth System Science Data}, number = {11}, publisher = {Copernicus Publications}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen, Germany}, issn = {1866-3516}, doi = {10.5194/essd-17-6295-2025}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10293}, pages = {6295 -- 6313}, abstract = {Abstract We present the data recorded by eight institutions within the PYROPHOB project, running from 2020 to 2024 at two forest research sites in the south-west of Brandenburg, Germany. The aim of the project was to monitor abiotic and biotic parameters of forest regrowth under different management regimes on former wildfire sites in northeastern Germany. The observations comprised intermittent and continuous measurements or surveys on meteorological parameters (rainfall, temperature, vapour pressure deficit), soil (soil type and texture, soil chemistry and leaching, water content, soil temperature), deadwood, stand structure, vegetation regrowth, abundance of selected fauna (moths, beetles, mammals), UAV-based remote sensing (stand structure, spatial overview), and photo monitoring (succession). Thus, the multitude of collected data allows not only for detailed analyses of these observables separately, but also considering their interaction for a more multidisciplinary view on forest recovery after a wildfire. The data are available under the following DOIs: 10.23728/b2share.08a6a8b56f774a08a984871e7ef1b5a8 (Part 1, ), under embargo until 31 March 2026 (Part 2, ), 10.23728/b2share.de1661761da5481f938caf460e4f0ca9 (Part 3.1, ), and 10.23728/b2share.51bdf4b6dc854873b6ff44fdddbf4c3b (Part 3.2, ).}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{VanHeeOllendorfCoraletal., author = {Van Hee, Jens and Ollendorf, Franziska and Coral, Claudia and Steinke, Jonathan and Sieber, Stefan and L{\"o}hr, Katharina}, title = {Exploring farmer-driven approaches for sustainable cocoa livelihoods in C{\^o}te d'Ivoire}, series = {Discover Sustainability}, volume = {6}, journal = {Discover Sustainability}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, issn = {2662-9984}, doi = {10.1007/s43621-025-02263-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10362}, abstract = {Abstract The Ivorian cocoa sector faces numerous socio-economic and environmental challenges, including widespread poverty among smallholder farmers. Over decades, multiple approaches have been adopted to address these challenges, often top-down and outcome-based in their design. This study applied a Positive Deviance (PD) approach to explore strategies employed by innovative Ivorian cocoa farming households to identify and learn from locally developed solutions. Analysing data from 303 Ivorian cocoa households, 16 PD households were selected for follow-up in-depth interviews. Key strategies identified among these households included income diversification, the use of organic fertilizers like compost and animal manure, and maintaining diversified plantations and dry-season crops to enhance household resilience. While these practices are not entirely new to the Ivorian context, their strategic combination and anticipation of specific challenges appears to be key to their success. However, their adoption was often depending on the households' access to resources, such as land and labour, limiting their generalizability across all smallholder farmers. The study therefore highlights the need for context-specific approaches to support smallholder farmers and argues for tailored and locally grounded development interventions. Given the critical role that cooperatives play in facilitating access to inputs, knowledge, and credit, they should be strengthened, particularly in their capacity to reach underserved groups. While these exploratory findings offer valuable insights into local innovations and trade-offs within the cocoa sector, future research should incorporate more quantitative data on household income streams to better understand the broader applicability and trade-offs of these strategies.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{MarianoSyPabicoetal., author = {Mariano, Bryan Joel S. and Sy, Emerson Y. and Pabico, Lemuel A. and Bacani-Tabi, Neliza and Loor, Chiara Graziella and Matias, Denise Margaret S.}, title = {Examining the social-ecological dimensions of Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis) conservation}, series = {Discover Conservation}, volume = {2}, journal = {Discover Conservation}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Nature Singapore}, address = {Singapore}, issn = {3004-9784}, doi = {10.1007/s44353-025-00069-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10342}, abstract = {Abstract Pangolins are the world's most trafficked mammals due to the persistent international demand for their scales and meat. The critically endangered Philippine pangolin ( Manis culionensis ) is one of the eight extant pangolin species worldwide. It is endemic to Palawan Biosphere Reserve, a province in the Philippines which experiences several social and environmental challenges. We examine the state of Philippine pangolin research using Ostrom's Social-Ecological Systems framework as a conceptual and analytical guide in this paper. By employing a systematic literature review, we analyse the emergent themes from existing research and gathered insights on the interactions and outcomes among habitat, resource use, institutions and policies, and diversity of actors involved in Philippine pangolin research and conservation. We discuss several knowledge gaps and offer recommendations for future research and conservation efforts. Finally, we call for implementing interdisciplinary and multistakeholder approaches to knowledge co-production on Philippine pangolin research and conservation.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} } @article{WendaNjoyaAwokeetal., author = {Wenda, Boris D. Soh and Njoya, Hamza Moluh and Awoke, Mahlet D. and Kimaro, Prisca E. and Sieber, Stefan and L{\"o}hr, Katharina}, title = {Integrated Soil Fertility Management for Sustainable Food Security: Evidence From Cameroon}, series = {Food and Energy Security}, volume = {14}, journal = {Food and Energy Security}, number = {5}, issn = {2048-3694}, doi = {10.1002/fes3.70145}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-10793}, pages = {18}, abstract = {ABSTRACT The application of organic and mineral soil fertility amendments is widely promoted by agricultural practitioners to cope with land degradation and declining soil fertility, which pose serious threats to food security. However, the impact of the individual and combined use of organic and mineral soil fertility amendments on food security and nutrition is not fully understood. To inform evidence-based policymaking, this study evaluates the individual and synergistic impacts of organic and mineral soil amendments as part of an integrated soil fertility management technology on food security and nutrition. We apply the multinomial endogenous switching regression and inverse probability weighted regression adjustment to survey data collected from 768 farm households in Cameroon. Our results indicate that the combined use of organic and mineral soil amendments has the greatest positive association with household dietary diversity, followed by the individual use of organic and mineral soil amendments, respectively. We find that mineral soil amendments drive the consumption of meat, pulses and nuts, and roots and tubers, whereas organic soil amendments are associated with the consumption of most food groups except fruits and meat. The combined use of mineral and organic soil amendments favors the consumption of cereals, milk and dairy products, eggs, fruits, meat, pulses and nuts, and roots and tubers, highlighting the value of integrated soil fertility management. Our findings reaffirm the value of integrated soil fertility management for food security and nutrition and underscore the need for interventions to promote integrated soil fertility management practices in agrarian settings.}, subject = {-}, language = {en} }