@article{SanneAhnErcanPfriem2020, author = {Sanne, Moritz and Ahn-Ercan, Gudrun and Pfriem, Alexander}, title = {A Mathematical Solution for Calculating the Springback of Laminated Beech Stacks Molded within the Elastic Range}, series = {Forests}, journal = {Forests}, number = {11 (7)}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {1999-4907}, doi = {10.3390/f11070725}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2335}, pages = {12}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The springback effect in molded wood laminations within the elastic range has, to date, not yet been mathematically described. Once cured, residual internal stresses within the laminations cause the final form to deviate from that of the die. Test pieces of beech laminations of 1 mm, 2 mm and 4 mm thicknesses and stack sizes of between 2 and 16 laminations were used. The elasticity value of each stack was obtained using non-glued laminations in a three-point bending test within the elastic region. The laminations were glued with polyurethane resin and mounted in a radius form die. The stress induced by the die onto the stack is within the elastic region of the material without any prior chemical or physical plasticisation of the wood. After curing was complete and the laminations removed from the die, the actual radius was calculated using a circular equation within the CAD program, using three measurement points taken from the stack. The radius of the die within the limits of this study has a negligible effect when predicting the springback of the stack. The exponential correlation between springback and the number of laminations, was used to calculate the springback effect on molded laminated stacks.}, language = {en} } @article{BeierKieferKnopf2020, author = {Beier, Grischa and Kiefer, Julian and Knopf, Jutta}, title = {Potentials of big data for corporate environmental management: A case study from the German automotive industry}, series = {Journal of Industrial Ecology}, volume = {26}, journal = {Journal of Industrial Ecology}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1530-9290}, doi = {10.1111/jiec.13062}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2340}, pages = {336 -- 349}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Integrating more sustainability into business processes is becoming increasingly important for companies. At the same time, they aim to collect and analyze large amounts of data (big data) to improve these processes. The potentials of big data for corporate environmental protection are hardly dealt with in the scientific literature. The main contribution of this paper is to identify potential big data use cases for corporate environmental management by using the example of the German automotive industry. For this purpose, expert interviews were conducted with corporate environmental managers which were evaluated by using a qualitative content analysis. In order to balance this environmental perspective and enhance it with data analytical expertise, these use cases were assessed by data analytics experts through a mixed method approach, in a subsequent process. The presentation of the identified five use cases and their critical reflection through data analytics experts are the key results of this paper.}, language = {en} } @article{LoebijinskiRugPasternak2020, author = {Loebijinski, Maria and Rug, Wolfgang and Pasternak, Hartmut}, title = {The Influence of Improved Strength Grading In Situ on Modelling Timber Strength Properties}, series = {Buildings}, volume = {10}, journal = {Buildings}, number = {2}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2075-5309}, doi = {10.3390/buildings10020030}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2357}, pages = {15}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The management and preservation of structures in our built environment are central and challenging tasks for practicing engineers. Within the CEN member states (European Committee for Standardization), the so-called Eurocodes form the basis of the design and verification of the load-bearing capacity of structures. Current Eurocodes do not contain special recommendations for existing structures, meaning that the principles for new structures are applied. This can lead to an incorrect estimation of the load-bearing capacity within the semi-probabilistic safety concept. A central task within the investigation and evaluation of existing structures is the strength grading of the material in situ using non-/semi-destructive technical devices. Studies show the potential of the ultrasonic time-of-flight measurement in combination with visual evaluation for an improved grading. The information on the material from an improved grading technique can be used to update the material parameters as a target variable using a measured reference variable. In this contribution, test data from a partner project (spruce, pine, and oak) are analyzed, applying the stochastic grading model of P{\"o}hlmann and Rackwitz. It can be shown that different grading techniques influence the updated distribution function of the material strength within the grade. The results depend on the timber species. Perspectives to develop updated models dependent on the knowledge available are shown and discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{ZouDingWelpetal.2020, author = {Zou, Jie and Ding, Jianli and Welp, Martin and Huang, Shuai and Liu, Bohua}, title = {Assessing the Response of Ecosystem Water Use Efficiency to Drought During and after Drought Events across Central Asia}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {20}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, doi = {10.3390/s20030581}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2361}, pages = {17}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The frequency and intensity of drought are expected to increase worldwide in the future. However, it is still unclear how ecosystems respond to drought. Ecosystem water use efficiency (WUE) is an essential ecological index used to measure the global carbon-water cycles, and is defined as the carbon absorbed per unit of water lost by the ecosystem. In this study, we applied gross primary productivity (GPP), evapotranspiration (ET), land surface temperature (LST), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data to calculate the WUE and drought index (temperature vegetation dryness index (TVDI)), all of which were retrieved from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. We compared the mean WUE across different vegetation types, drought classifications, and countries. The temporal and spatial changes in WUE and drought were analyzed. The correlation between drought and WUE was calculated and compared across different vegetation types, and the differences in WUE between drought and post-drought periods were compared. The results showed that (1) ecosystems with a low (high) productivity had a high (low) WUE, and the mean ecosystem WUE of Central Asia showed vast differences across various drought levels, countries, and vegetation types. (2) The WUE in Central Asia exhibited an increasing trend from 2000 to 2014, and Central Asia experienced both drought (from 2000 to 2010) and post-drought (from 2011 to 2014) periods. (3) The WUE showed a negative correlation with drought during the drought period, and an obvious drought legacy effect was found, in which severe drought affected the ecosystem WUE over the following two years, while a positive correlation between WUE and drought was found in the post-drought period. (4) A significant increase in ecosystem WUE was found after drought, which revealed that arid ecosystems exhibit high resilience to drought stress. Our results can provide a specific reference for understanding how ecosystems will respond to climate change.}, language = {en} } @article{ShiHalikAblizetal.2020, author = {Shi, Lei and Halik, {\"U}m{\"u}t and Abliz, Abdulla and Mamat, Zulpiya and Welp, Martin}, title = {Urban Green Space Accessibility and Distribution Equity in an Arid Oasis City: Urumqi, China}, series = {Forests}, volume = {11}, journal = {Forests}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {1999-4907}, doi = {10.3390/f11060690}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2385}, pages = {17}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Urban green space (UGS) is crucial to the healthy development of urban residents. However, UGS that is accessible can benefit residents to an even greater degree. Based on the two-step floating catchment area model (2SFCA) and the location quotient (LQ), we analyzed the changes from 1999 to 2019 in UGS walking accessibility and equity in built-up areas of Urumqi at different administrative levels, and how UGS policy affects the improvement of accessibility. The results showed that UGS accessibility and equity are not evenly distributed at different administrative levels and UGS categories. Although the overall UGS accessibility and equity has improved with policy implementation, these changes are caused by metro-level UGS construction in urban fringe areas. The improvement in UGS accessibility at the neighborhood level in densely populated areas is neglected, which leads to a mismatch between UGS construction and population distribution. In addition, the accessibility of UGS is also limited by geographical location, population density, road distribution, and water shortage in arid metropolitan Urumqi. Our research results provide a theoretical basis for Urumqi and other cities in the optimization of UGS structure and the realization of social equity.}, language = {en} } @article{NoeltingMolitorReimannetal.2020, author = {N{\"o}lting, Benjamin and Molitor, Heike and Reimann, Julian and Skroblin, Jan-Hendrick and Dembski, Nadine}, title = {Transfer for Sustainable Development at Higher Education Institutions — Untapped Potential for Education for Sustainable Development and for Societal Transformation}, series = {Sustainabilty}, volume = {12}, journal = {Sustainabilty}, number = {7}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su12072925}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2395}, pages = {21}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly confronted with societal needs beyond research and teaching. These include sustainable development and technology transfer as well as the practical application of knowledge and ideas. Several HEIs already put sustainable development and transfer into practice. These practitioner-university partnerships comprise a broad range of actors, disciplines, topics, and formats. However, transfer activities that contribute to sustainable development in society still make up only a very small part of HEIs' activities. In response to calls from society as a whole, HEIs could combine transfer and sustainable development more systematically. In this article, we suggest a concept of transfer for sustainable development. The focus is on sustainability transfer in teaching. We used mixed methods for this conceptual work: exploratory workshops, expert interviews, and a case study of transfer in teaching. One of the results presented in this article is a working definition of sustainability transfer at HEIs. In addition, six characteristics for describing sustainability transfer in its various forms are formulated. This conceptualization makes it possible to analyze the diversity of HEIs' sustainability transfer activities, it helps to identify and encourage potential transfer actors at HEIs as well as practitioners, and, thus, tap the full potential of sustainability transfer.}, language = {en} } @article{StoldtGoettertMannetal.2020, author = {Stoldt, Mirja and G{\"o}ttert, Thomas and Mann, Carsten and Zeller, Ulrich}, title = {Transfrontier Conservation Areas and Human-Wildlife Conflict: The Case of the Namibian Component of the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) TFCA}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {10}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, publisher = {Nature}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-020-64537-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2407}, pages = {16}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Our study deals with human-wildlife conflicts in the Namibian component of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA). The study reconstructs the historical occurrence of selected mammal species and adopts a socio-ecological approach to assess the impact of human dimensions in the KAZA TFCA. Our results reveal pronounced human-wildlife conflicts with considerable impacts on the livelihoods of communities. Human-wildlife conflict has the potential to become a significant contributor to the failure of the TFCA concept. Conflicts are influenced by a growing human population and large mammal species re-colonising formerly abandoned areas. Mapping the occurrence of selected mammal species over time reveals an interesting picture: although conservation initiatives have led to an increase in the population size of selected species, their occurrence is more restricted than in times of heavily decimated wildlife populations. The increasing restriction of wildlife to protected areas reduces the resilience of the ecosystem. To sustainably manage and conserve wildlife populations, a bigger picture including areas outside of the current borders of KAZA TFCA should be considered. This could support re-connecting ecologically important areas for congested populations to move to and reduces the concentration of wildlife and pressure on the land and people of the region.}, language = {en} } @article{BlumroederHoffmannIlinaetal.2020, author = {Blumr{\"o}der, Jeanette Silvin and Hoffmann, Monika T. and Ilina, Olga and Winter, Susanne and Hobson, Peter R. and Ibisch, Pierre L.}, title = {Clearcuts and related secondary dieback undermine the ecological effectiveness of FSC certification in a boreal forest}, series = {Ecological Process}, journal = {Ecological Process}, number = {9}, publisher = {SpringerOpen}, issn = {2192-1709}, doi = {10.1186/s13717-020-0214-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2414}, pages = {9}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background: Over the last 25 years, the prominent forest certification system established by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has used by many companies worldwide for claiming responsible forest management. The objectives of the Russian National FSC standard to decrease the size of clearcuts and the retention of forest elements such as residual seed trees need on-site validation to proof the effectiveness of FSC. To assess the ecological impacts of harvesting practices and benefits of FSC certification, we geospatially compared logging activities with and without FSC certification. Within a sample area covering approximately 3,000 km 2 in the east of the Russian Arkhangelsk Region, we used available data on tree cover loss and satellite images to assess secondary impacts of clearcuttings on adjacent remnant forests and to quantify the logging intensity. Additionally, the size and structure as well as the density of skidding trails of ten specific clearcuttings located within the sample area were surveyed using satellite images and in the field observation to delineate the boundaries of clearcuts and forested remnants within the clearcuts. Results: We found a significant increase of small-scale tree cover loss in the proximity of the clearcuts. Patchy dieback is possibly linked to the scale and intensity of logging in the surroundings. On the investigated clearcuts, FSC failed to reduce the size, to increase the retention of forest remnants including seed trees on logged areas, and to maintain larger tracts of undisturbed ground and soil compared to clearcuts that were logged before they received FSC-certification. Conclusions: Trees and forest remnants remaining inside an increasingly stressed forest ecosystem matrix may not resist further harvesting-related and climate change-induced stresses and disturbances. Large-scale clearcuttings seem to have negative impacts even in adjacent forests and undermine the ecological effectiveness of FSC certification in the study area. The Russian FSC standard is not clearly setting effective guidelines that induce a change in clearcutting practices in order to reduce ecological risks.}, language = {en} } @article{KrahReimannMolitor2021, author = {Krah, Jennifer and Reimann, Julian and Molitor, Heike}, title = {Sustainability in Brandenburg Study Programs. Perspectives for Anchoring Sustainability in Higher Education Curricula}, series = {Sustainabilty}, volume = {13}, journal = {Sustainabilty}, number = {7}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su13073958}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2438}, pages = {32}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The study investigates the extent to which sustainability is anchored in university curricula of a federal state (Brandenburg, Germany). (1) It provides a baseline for identifying opportunities for sustainability-related curriculum reform by analyzing study programs, levels and type of degree, level of anchoring, and context within the documents. (2) The case studies included an analysis and quantitative evaluation of 748 curricular documents. (3) A third of the study programs refer to sustainability; to an equal extent in both bachelor's and master's programs, and to an above-average extent in the fields of science and engineering. There is a strong commitment to sustainability in 12\% of the curricula; however, it is strongly anchored in only 3\% of study and examination regulations, and in only 9\% of module descriptions. (4) For the first time, we have comprehensive results on sustainability in university curricula of an entire federal state and can discuss potentials for its further integration. The innovative method was developed out of the National Monitoring on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and adapted to the federal state level; the analysis of curricula through a wider set of variables is transferrable to other states. (5) The study provides indications for the regional development of universities which is crucial for future regional sustainability transformation.}, language = {en} } @article{DemeleNoeltingCrewettetal.2021, author = {Demele, Uwe and N{\"o}lting, Benjamin and Crewett, Wibke and Georgiev, Georgi}, title = {Sustainability Transfer as a Concept for Universities in Regional Transformation—A Case Study}, series = {Sustainabilty}, volume = {13}, journal = {Sustainabilty}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su13094956}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2456}, pages = {25}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The research object of this study is the in-depth discourse on the sustainability transfer activities of higher education institutions (HEIs) and their contribution to a regional sustainable transformation. For this purpose, a heuristically-derived concept of sustainability transfer is empirically tested with a mixed-methods approach based on the example of Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE). The empirical findings demonstrate that the realization of sustainability transfer depends mainly on the personal initiative of teachers and researchers. Major barriers are a lack of time and financial resources. The observed concept of sustainability transfer is applicable to all study and research areas of HNEE. Involvement in sustainability transfer can include the whole of society, from politics, enterprises, and civil society to education and research institutions. Overall, the empirical testing of the concept offered by this study illustrates its practical suitability to capturing specifically those sustainability transfer activities that are not tapped by third mission approaches. This opens up a novel dimension for transfer potential at universities and their role in regional sustainability transformation. It also highlights that the interdependencies between HEIs and practitioners need to be more contextualized with quality criteria such as the value of the transfer performance or level of ambition.}, language = {en} } @article{MehtaEhrenwirthMissalletal.2021, author = {Mehta, Kedar and Ehrenwirth, Mathias and Missall, Siegmund and Degembaeva, Nadira and Akmatov, Kuban and Z{\"o}rner, Wilfried}, title = {Energy Profiling of a High-Altitude Kyrgyz Community: Challenges and Motivations to Preserve Floodplain Ecosystems Based on Household Survey}, series = {Sustainabilty}, volume = {13}, journal = {Sustainabilty}, number = {23}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su132313086}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2468}, pages = {23}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The floodplain areas along the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan are essential as they hold the riparian (local) ecosystems because they provide firewood, pastureland, and areas for recreation and protection against erosion. Due to limited access to adequate, reliable, and sustainable energy services, the rural population usually derived their energy needs from multiple natural energy resources (i.e., firewood, charcoal, agricultural residues, animal dung, and wood branches). This is considered a common and predominant practice in rural Kyrgyzstan. This situation leads to a negative impact on local ecosystem services. In addition to that, the reliance on solid fuels contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution, which is partially threatening the local ecosystem services. By contrast, the employment of renewable-based energy supply systems would substantially reduce the burden on the environment, which is mainly untapped. To integrate renewable energies, it is important to understand the energy behavior of floodplain communities. In that response, the presented article is the first attempt to capture the energy identity of the floodplain community of Kyrgyzstan based on a quantitative energy-based (on-site) household survey. Furthermore, the present research article synthesizes the driving factors that have a (direct or indirect) impact on the energy and local ecosystem services. In addition, the present article proposes a brief pathway for the sustainable energy transition. The article records the recommendation to integrate renewable energies to preserve the local ecosystems of Kyrgyzstan.}, language = {en} } @article{ZicheRiekRussetal.2021, author = {Ziche, Daniel and Riek, Winfried and Russ, Alexander and Hentschel, Rainer and Martin, Jan}, title = {Water Budgets of Managed Forests in Northeast Germany under Climate Change - Results from a Model Study on Forest Monitoring Sites}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {11}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2076-3417}, doi = {10.3390/app11052403}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2470}, pages = {18}, year = {2021}, abstract = {To develop measures to reduce the vulnerability of forests to drought, it is necessary to estimate specific water balances in sites and to estimate their development with climate change scenarios. We quantified the water balance of seven forest monitoring sites in northeast Germany for the historical time period 1961-2019, and for climate change projections for the time period 2010-2100. We used the LWF-BROOK90 hydrological model forced with historical data, and bias-adjusted data from two models of the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) downscaled with regional climate models under the representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 2.6 and 8.5. Site-specific monitoring data were used to give a realistic model input and to calibrate and validate the model. The results revealed significant trends (evapotranspiration, dry days (actual/potential transpiration < 0.7)) toward drier conditions within the historical time period and demonstrate the extreme conditions of 2018 and 2019. Under RCP8.5, both models simulate an increase in evapotranspiration and dry days. The response of precipitation to climate change is ambiguous, with increasing precipitation with one model. Under RCP2.6, both models do not reveal an increase in drought in 2071-2100 compared to 1990-2019. The current temperature increase fits RCP8.5 simulations, suggesting that this scenario is more realistic than RCP2.6}, language = {en} } @article{BraunBitschHaering2021, author = {Braun, Charis Linda and Bitsch, Vera and H{\"a}ring, Anna Maria}, title = {Behind the scenes of a learning agri-food value chain: lessons from action research}, series = {Agriculture and Human Values}, volume = {39}, journal = {Agriculture and Human Values}, publisher = {Springer Science+Business Media B.V.}, issn = {1572-8366}, doi = {10.1007/s10460-021-10229-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2481}, pages = {119 -- 134}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The development of sustainable agri-food systems requires not only new academic knowledge, but also concrete social and organizational change in practice. This article reflects on the action research process that supported and explored the learning process in an emerging agri-food value chain in the Berlin-Brandenburg region in eastern Germany. The action research study involved value chain actors, academic researchers, and process facilitators in a learning network. By framing the network's learning and problem solving processes in concepts of organizational learning, lessons were drawn for researchers and value chain developers. The results underline the importance of process facilitation in a learning value chain to create a social space, in which the actors in the value chain can interact and find a common basis for collaboration. In the learning process, facilitators used an iterative design to consistently align learning activities with the needs of practitioners to ensure practical relevance. To establish new practices and partnerships, value chain actors challenged existing routines and developed new ideas and visions, while at the same time improving established practices within their organizations and along the entire value chain.}, language = {en} } @article{SchusterSpechtRieger2021, author = {Schuster, Rolf K. and Specht, Peter and Rieger, Siegfried}, title = {On the Helminth Fauna of the Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus (Linnaeus, 1766)) in the Barnim District of Brandenburg State/Germany}, series = {Animals}, volume = {11}, journal = {Animals}, number = {8}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2076-2615}, doi = {10.3390/ani11082444}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2496}, pages = {15}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The muskrat is a neozoon species that has occupied many countries of continental North Europe after its introduction from north America as fur animals. Due to its burrowing activity it damages river and canal banks and structures of flood control. For this reason, the eradication of this alien species is recommended. Muskrats are also of parasitological interest since they can act as suitable intermediate hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis. On the other hand, little is known on the other helminths that infect muskrats. A total of 130 muskrats of different age groups trapped in different habitats in the Barnim district of the Brandenburg state by a professional hunter were examined for parasites and seven trematodes (Echinostoma sp., Notocotylus noyeri, Plagiorchis elegans, Plagiorchis arvicolae, Psilosostoma simillimum, P. spiculigerum, Opisthorchis felineus and four larval cestode species (Hydatigera taeniaeformis, Taenia martis, Taenia polyacantha, Taenia crassiceps) were detected. Larval stages of E. multilocularis were not found. O. felineus was found for the first time in muskrats in Germany. All the named parasites were present in Europe prior to the introduction of muskrats. With a prevalence of 48.9\%, Strobilocercus fasciolaris, the larval stage of the cat tapeworm, H. taeniaeformis, was the most frequent parasite found in adult muskrats.}, language = {en} } @article{IbischDichteHamoretal.2021, author = {Ibisch, Pierre L. and Dichte, Angela and Hamor, Fedir D. and Holovko, Andrii and Pokynchereda, Vasyl F. and Ryback, Mykola P. and Shvediuk, Iuliia}, title = {About borders and limits: experiences with UNESCO Biosphere Reserves for transboundary cooperation in Ukraine and neighbouring countries}, series = {eco.mont - Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management}, volume = {13}, journal = {eco.mont - Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management}, publisher = {Verlag der {\"O}sterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften}, issn = {2073-1558}, doi = {10.1553/eco.mont-13-sis136}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2508}, pages = {136 -- 141}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In Eastern Europe, several UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (BRs) have been important promoters of transnational and transboundary nature conservation and sustainable development. Nevertheless, political and institutional barriers and scarcity of resources have hindered successful cross-border cooperation. The prospects for BRs in Eastern Europe are mixed, especially in relation to the challenges of ecosystem degradation and climate change, as well as socioeconomic and (geo)political crises. Based on our own experience of one and a half decades of growing cooperation between partners in Ukraine and Germany, we conclude that transnational cooperation between BRs and science is particularly rewarding and mutually beneficial.}, language = {en} } @article{SchillaciSchmidtMiranda2021, author = {Schillaci, Guido and Schmidt, Uwe and Miranda, Luis}, title = {Prediction Error-Driven Memory Consolidation for Continual Learning: On the Case of Adaptive Greenhouse Models}, series = {KI - K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz}, volume = {35}, journal = {KI - K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz}, publisher = {Springer}, issn = {1610-1987}, doi = {10.1007/s13218-020-00700-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2510}, pages = {71 -- 80}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This work presents an adaptive architecture that performs online learning and faces catastrophic forgetting issues by means of an episodic memory system and of prediction-error driven memory consolidation. In line with evidence from brain sciences, memories are retained depending on their congruence with the prior knowledge stored in the system. In this work, congruence is estimated in terms of prediction error resulting from a deep neural model. The proposed AI system is transferred onto an innovative application in the horticulture industry: the learning and transfer of greenhouse models. This work presents models trained on data recorded from research facilities and transferred to a production greenhouse.}, language = {en} } @article{deMiguelDiezTolosanaEstebanPurfuerstetal.2021, author = {de Miguel-D{\´i}ez, Felipe and Tolosana Esteban, Eduardo and Purf{\"u}rst, Thomas and Cremer, Tobias}, title = {Analysis of the Influence That Parameters Crookedness and Taper Have on Stack Volume by Using a 3D-Simulation Model of Wood Stacks}, series = {Forests}, volume = {12}, journal = {Forests}, number = {2}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {1999-4907}, doi = {10.3390/f12020238}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2527}, pages = {10}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The influence that parameters crookedness and taper have on the stack volume was analyzed by using a 3D-simulation model in this study. To do so, log length, diameters at the midpoint and both ends, crookedness, bark thickness, taper and ovality were measured in 1000 logs of Scots pine. From this database, several data sets with different proportions of crooked and tapered logs in stack as well as with different degrees of taper and crookedness were created and taken as basis to simulate the stacks and carry out the analysis. The results show how the variation of these parameters influences the stack volume and provide their volume variation grades. These rates of variation were compared with measurement guidelines of some countries and previous research works. In conclusion, the parameters crookedness and taper influence the stack volume to a considerable extent. Specifically, the stack volume is increased as the crookedness degree or the proportion of crooked logs increases. In contrast, the stack volume is reduced as the taper degree or the proportion of tapered logs increases. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the capability of this simulation model to provide accurate results which can serve as a basis for future studies.}, language = {en} } @article{BussolaFalcoAukesetal.2021, author = {Bussola, Francesca and Falco, Enzo and Aukes, Ewert and Stegmaier, Peter and Sorge, Stefan and Ciolli, Marco and Gagliano, Caterina and Geneletti, Davide}, title = {Piloting a more inclusive governance innovation strategy for forest ecosystem services management in Primiero, Italy}, series = {Ecosystem Services}, volume = {52}, journal = {Ecosystem Services}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoser.2021.101380}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2531}, pages = {17}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Forests are increasingly recognized for their role, importance and multifunctionality in terms of provisioning, regulating and cultural ecosystem services they provide. Even if timber production remains the most economically valuable provisioning service in Primiero, the importance of and need for multifunctionality of forests is acknowledged. This article analyses the development of Forest Ecosystem Services (FES) governance innovation strategies by the Provincial Forest Agency as a policy entrepreneur in the area of Primiero, in Trentino, northeast of Italy. Based on detailed case study material, we create the heuristic of Kingdon's three streams model in order to reconstruct the development of and negotiations around the introduction of innovative approaches to the problem, policy and politics levels and to identify the chosen or missed windows of opportunity to deliver innovation in FES management. Findings show that the main issues perceived by the local stakeholders concern loss of biodiversity, of cultural identity and historical landscape values. The policy-entrepreneurial initiatives undertaken by the Forest Agency represent a governance mix of direct project execution, financial incentives, organisational incentives and information-based activities. The results highlight its efforts to move beyond the traditional top-down approach based on widely available public funds and towards coordination and collaborations among stakeholders, contribution of private investments, bureaucracy simplification and interconnection between participatory and institutional processes.}, language = {en} } @article{TakovPilarskaLindeetal.2021, author = {Takov, Danail and Pilarska, Daniela and Linde, Andreas and Barta, Marek}, title = {Infectious and parasitic diseases of phytophagous insect pests in the context of extreme environmental conditions}, series = {Central European Forestry Journal}, volume = {67}, journal = {Central European Forestry Journal}, number = {2}, publisher = {Sciendo}, issn = {2454-0358}, doi = {10.2478/forj-2020-0018}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2541}, pages = {72 -- 84}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The density of phytophagous insect pest populations is related (directly and indirectly) to several groups of factors that can be broadly divided into: abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic. Each extreme in the abiotic environment at a macro-level leads to a series of consecutive extremes in the biotic environment, which eventually results in micro-level responses in the individual organisms. The manifestation of factors acts in aggregate or in a sequence, creating a chain of processes around us. Insects very efficiently use the abundance of nutritional resources, resulting in a tremendous increase in their population density, and triggering control mechanisms through the emergence of parasitic and pathogenic infections (viruses, bacteria, fungi, microsporidia, protozoa and nematodes). The development of entomopathogenic infections in host populations is directly dependent on the characteristics of both the antagonist and the insect. It is associated with the lifestyle and life cycle of the insect, with features encoded in the mechanism of pathogen action, and limited by the pathogen's virulence and pathogenicity.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmelzleBrunsBeckmannetal.2021, author = {Schmelzle, Sebastian and Bruns, Stefan and Beckmann, Felix and Moosmann, Julian and Lautner, Silke}, title = {Using In Situ Synchrotron-Radiation-Based Microtomography to Investigate 3D Structure-Dependent Material Properties of Tension Wood}, series = {Advanced Engineering Materials}, volume = {23}, journal = {Advanced Engineering Materials}, number = {11}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1438-1656}, doi = {10.1002/adem.202100235}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-1925}, pages = {1 -- 11}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Synchrotron-radiation-based microtomography enables the 3D analysis of biological samples in situ beyond simple visualization, providing accurate measurements and recording of temporal data. The microtomography end station at P05 (PETRA III, Hamburg, Germany), operated by the Helmholtz Zentrum Hereon, can accommodate complex sample environments such as a load frame for mechanical testing. Herein, the strain analysis of a volumetric time series dataset of small hardwood samples is presented. For this in situ mechanical testing, the load frame is operated in tensile mode, and the biogenic material samples are subdivided into those specialized for tensile forces and those of regular anatomical structure. Digital volume correlation analysis allows for the prediction of strain development at any position in the sample. The tissue specialized for tensile strength can align dislocations formed under tension such that the deformation is stronger and more ordered. The results show how high-resolution imaging of sequential loading and the subsequent localization of strain can reveal functional morphological relationships. These methods can be extended to other biological materials and may prove to be extremely relevant for the analyses of fibrous and/or layered composite materials.}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferJagerSchwarzetal.2021, author = {Sch{\"a}fer, Jesco and Jager, Christopher and Schwarz, Ulrich and Winkler, Christoph}, title = {Improving the usability of piezoresistive bond lines in wood by using impedance measurements}, series = {Wood Science and Technology}, volume = {55}, journal = {Wood Science and Technology}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, issn = {0043-7719}, doi = {10.1007/s00226-021-01311-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-1942}, pages = {937 -- 954}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Various studies on wood adhesives filled with conductive fillers for future application to structural monitoring showed a piezoresistive (resistance change with strain) response of the adhesive bond lines that is measurable under direct current. The results also showed a relatively high signal noise with low sensitivity. Using impedance spectroscopy as a measurement technique, the improvements in frequency-dependent piezoresistivity over DC (Direct Current) resistography of multifunctional bonded wood were studied. Beech specimens were bonded by one-component polyurethane prepolymer (1C-PUR) filled with carbon black and tested under shear load. The quality of the piezoresistive properties was described by calculating the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the measured signal. A setup-specific frequency band with optimized SNR between 100 kHz and 1 MHz could be derived from the measurements. Several frequencies showed a signal with higher quality resulting in a higher SNR. Regardless of the variations in impedance spectra for all specimens, this frequency band provided several frequencies with improved signal quality. These frequencies give a more reliable signal with lower noise compared to the signal from DC resistography.}, language = {en} } @article{WinklerHaaseSchwarzetal.2021, author = {Winkler, Christoph and Haase, Stefan and Schwarz, Ulrich and Jahreis, Markus}, title = {Piezoresistive bond lines for timber construction monitoring—experimental scale-up}, series = {Wood Science and Technology}, volume = {55}, journal = {Wood Science and Technology}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, issn = {0043-7719}, doi = {10.1007/s00226-021-01305-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-1959}, pages = {1379 -- 1400}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Several laboratory studies and experiments have demonstrated the usability of polymer films filled with electrically conductive filler as piezoresistive material. Applied to adhesives, the glue lines of wood products can achieve multifunctional—thus bonding and piezoresistive/strain sensing—properties. Based on critical load areas in timber constructions, upscaled test setups for simplified load situations were designed, especially with regard to a stress-free electrical contact. In a second step, another upscaling was done to small glulam beams. Based on an experimental test sequence, the piezoresistive reactions as well as the behaviour until failure were analysed. The results show in all cases that a piezoresistive reaction of the multifunctionally bonded specimens was measurable, giving a difference in the extent of relative change. Additionally, measured phenomena like inverse piezoresistive reactions, electrical resistance drift and the absence of a piezoresistive reaction were discussed, based on additional strain analysis by digital image correlation. A model of macroscopic and microscopic strains influencing the piezoresistive reaction of the electrically conductive bond line in wood was used to explain all experimental results. Finally, a first scale-up of piezoresistive bond lines from laboratory samples to glulam beams was possible and successful.}, language = {en} } @article{GillichMichlerStolteretal.2021, author = {Gillich, Benjamin and Michler, Frank-Uwe and Stolter, Caroline and Rieger, Siegfried}, title = {Differences in social-space-time behaviour of two red deer herds (Cervus elaphus)}, series = {acta ethologica}, volume = {24}, journal = {acta ethologica}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, issn = {0873-9749}, doi = {10.1007/s10211-021-00375-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-1962}, pages = {185 -- 195}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Social-space-time-behaviour has developed very differently (e.g. a, loner, a herd, a pack) in the animal kingdom and depends on many different factors, like food availability, competition, predator avoidance or disturbances. It is known, that red deer are differently distributed in human disturbed areas compared to areas with less anthropogenic influences. But knowledge about the potential influence of human presence on social associations and interactions is rare, albeit differences may result in changing impacts on the environment, such as habitat utilization and feeding damage. Therefore, we investigated differences in the space use and social association of red deer. We studied two radio-collared herds of non-migratory populations in two study areas, which were comparable in landscape structure and vegetation structure, but differed in accessibility for visitors and the extent of their presence. Between the two study sites we compared the home range size, the differences in the extent of home range overlap within each study site and the space-time association (Jacobs Index) of individuals. Additionally, we present data on seasonal variations of home range sizes and social association all year round. In order to compare human activity in the study sites, we used the data from our long-term camera trap monitoring. The herd in the area with more human activity had significantly smaller home ranges and had greater year-round social associations in almost all seasons, except summer. We assume that smaller home ranges and higher association between animals may result in a higher feeding pressure on plants and a patchier utilization in areas with higher disturbances.}, language = {en} } @article{BerendtPegelBlaskoetal.2021, author = {Berendt, Ferr{\´e}ol and Pegel, Erik and Blasko, Lubomir and Cremer, Tobias}, title = {Bark proportion of Scots pine industrial wood}, series = {European Journal of Wood and Wood Products}, volume = {79}, journal = {European Journal of Wood and Wood Products}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, issn = {0018-3768}, doi = {10.1007/s00107-021-01657-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-1975}, pages = {749 -- 752}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Bark characteristics are not only used in the forest-wood supply chain, for example to calculate standing volumes, but also to transform wood volumes and masses. In this study, bark thickness, bark volume and bark mass were analyzed on the basis of 150 Scots pine discs, with a mean diameter of 13 cm. The mean double bark thickness was 3.02 mm, the mean bark volume proportion was 5.6\% and mean bark mass proportion was 3.3\%. Bark proportions were significantly affected by the log-specific variables 'diameter over bark', 'proportion of bark damage' and 'double bark thickness'.}, language = {en} } @article{BerendtdeMiguelDiezWalloretal.2021, author = {Berendt, Ferr{\´e}ol and de Miguel-Diez, Felipe and Wallor, Evelyn and Blasko, Lubomir and Cremer, Tobias}, title = {Comparison of different approaches to estimate bark volume of industrial wood at disc and log scale}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {11}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-95188-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-1987}, pages = {8}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Within the wood supply chain, the measurement of roundwood plays a key role due to its high economic impact. While wood industry mainly processes the solid wood, the bark mostly remains as an industrial by-product. In Central Europe, it is common that the wood is sold over bark but that the price is calculated on a timber volume under bark. However, logs are often measured as stacks and, thus, the volume includes not only the solid wood content but also the bark portion. Mostly, the deduction factors used to estimate the solid wood content are based on bark thickness. The aim of this study was to compare the estimation of bark volume from scaling formulae with the real bark volume, obtained by xylometric technique. Moreover, the measurements were performed using logs under practice conditions and using discs under laboratory conditions. The mean bark volume was 6.9 dm3 and 26.4 cm3 for the Norway spruce logs and the Scots pine discs respectively. Whereas the results showed good performances regarding the root mean square error, the coefficient of determination (R2) and the mean absolute error for the volume estimation of the total volume of discs and logs (over bark), the performances were much lower for the bark volume estimations only.}, language = {en} } @article{BlumroederMayHaerdtleetal.2021, author = {Blumr{\"o}der, Jeanette Silvin and May, Felix and H{\"a}rdtle, Werner and Ibisch, Pierre L.}, title = {Forestry contributed to warming of forest ecosystems in northern Germany during the extreme summers of 2018 and 2019}, series = {Ecological Solutions and Evidence}, volume = {2}, journal = {Ecological Solutions and Evidence}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {2688-8319}, doi = {10.1002/2688-8319.12087}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-1992}, pages = {14}, year = {2021}, abstract = {1. Forest management influences a variety of ecosystem structures and processes relevant to meso- and microclimatic regulation, but little research has been done on how forest management can mitigate the negative effects of climate change on forest ecosystems. 2. We studied the temperature regulation capacity during the two Central European extreme summers in 2018 and 2019 in Scots pine plantations and European beech forests with different management-related structural characteristics. 3. We found that the maximum temperature was higher when more trees were cut and canopy was more open. Logging 100 trees per hectare increased maximum temperature by 0.21-0.34 K at ground level and by 0.09-0.17 K in 1.3 m above ground. Opening the forest canopy by 10\% significantly increased Tmax, measured 1.3 m above ground by 0.46 K (including pine and beech stands) and 0.35 K (only pine stands). At ground level, Tmax increased by 0.53 K for the model including pine and beech stands and by 0.41 K in pure pine stands. Relative temperature cooling capacity decreased with increasing wood harvest activities, with below average values in 2018 (and 2019) when more than 656 (and 867) trees per hectare were felled. In the pine forests studied, the relative temperature buffering capacity 1.3 m above ground was lower than average values for all sample plots when canopy cover was below 82\%. In both study years, mean maximum temperature measured at ground level and in 1.3 m was highest in a pine-dominated sample plots with relatively low stand volume (177 m3 ha-1) and 9 K lower in a sample plot with relatively high stock volumes of Fagus sylvatica (>565 m3 ha-1). During the hottest day in 2019, the difference in temperature peaks was more than 13 K for pine-dominated sample plots with relatively dense (72\%) and low (46\%) canopy cover. 4. Structural forest characteristics influenced by forest management significantly affect microclimatic conditions and therefore ecosystem vulnerability to climate change. We advocate keeping the canopy as dense as possible (at least 80\%) by maintaining sufficient overgrowth and by supporting deciduous trees that provide effective shade.}, language = {en} } @article{BerendtWolfgrammCremer2021, author = {Berendt, Ferr{\´e}ol and Wolfgramm, Felix and Cremer, Tobias}, title = {Reliability of photo-optical measurements of log stack gross volume}, series = {Silva Fennica}, volume = {55}, journal = {Silva Fennica}, number = {3}, issn = {2242-4075}, doi = {10.14214/sf.10555}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2003}, pages = {1 -- 13}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In terms of assessing economic impact, one of the most important elements in the wood supply chain is the measurement of round wood. Besides the one-by-one measurement of logs, logs are often measured when stacked at the forest road. The gross stacked volume includes the volume of the wood, bark and airspace and is widely used for industrial wood assortments. The increasing international attention given to photo-optical measurement systems for portable devices is due to their simplicity of use and efficiency. The aim of this study was to compare the gross volumes of hardwood log stacks measured using one widespread photo-optical app with two manual section-wise volume estimations of log stacks based on the German framework agreement for timber trade (RVR). The manual volume estimations were done starting from the left (RVRleft) and right (RVRright) sides of the log stacks. The results showed an average deviation of the photo-optical gross volume estimation in comparison to the manual estimation of -2.09\% (RVRleft) and -3.66\% (RVRright) while the deviation between RVRleft and RVRright was +2.54\%. However, the log stack gross volume had a highly significant effect on the deviation and better accuracy with smaller deviation were reached for larger log stacks. Moreover, results indicated that the gross volume estimations of higher quality log stacks were closer for the three analyzed methods compared to estimations of poor-quality log stacks.}, language = {en} } @techreport{CremerBerendtdeMiguelDiezetal.2020, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Cremer, Tobias and Berendt, Ferr{\´e}ol and de Miguel Diez, Felipe and Wolfgramm, Felix and Blasko, Lubomir}, title = {Accuracy of Photo-Optical Measurement of Wood Piles}, series = {Environmental Sciences Proceedings}, journal = {Environmental Sciences Proceedings}, number = {3(1)}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2673-4931}, doi = {10.3390/IECF2020-08192}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2012}, pages = {4}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The accurate estimation of timber volume is of the utmost importance. For industrial timber, the volume is often estimated as stacked cubic meters. In addition to manual measurements, volume estimation is possible with photo-optical systems. Over 100 piles of industrial timber of broadleaved tree species were analyzed. In the study, a standard manual measurement method for the estimation of wood pile volumes was compared with a smartphone based photo-optical application for the determination of woodpile volume. Mean gross volume of the piles was approximately 56 m3 and mean width of piles was 9.43 m. A strong correlation was found between the manual measurements and the photo-optical measurement. However, volume estimation of large volume piles seems to perform better in comparison to piles with small volumes. Further research is needed to determine the effects of variables such as log quality or quality of pile on volume estimation accuracy.}, language = {en} } @article{BerendtTolosanaHoffmannetal.2020, author = {Berendt, Ferr{\´e}ol and Tolosana, Eduardo and Hoffmann, Stephan and Alonso, Paula and Schweier, Janine}, title = {Harvester Productivity in Inclined Terrain with Extended Machine Operating Trail Intervals: A German Case Study Comparison of Standing and Bunched Trees}, series = {Sustainability}, volume = {12}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {21}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su12219168}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2022}, pages = {10}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The complexity of highly structured forests with multiple tree species, especially when coniferous and broadleaved tree species are mixed, as well as stands with extended machine operating trail spacing and inclined terrain, create challenging operational conditions for mechanized timber harvesting and extraction. Motor-manually felling trees within the midfield and bunching them at the machine operating trails, prior to the arrival of a harvester-forwarder system, is a complex operation. The aim of this study was to assess and compare tethered harvester productivities of a thinning operation, for felling and processing standing trees and for processing bunched trees, through a time study in forest stands with 40-m distances between machine operating trails. Total operational costs of the analyzed thinning operation were 69 €/m3o.b., including extraction using a multiple forwarder approach. Tree species, merchantable timber volume, and whether the trees were standing or presented as bunched logs all had a significant effect on the harvester time consumption. Moreover, harvester positioning time was significantly shorter when trees were already bunched at the machine operating trail. While the productivity of standing or bunched spruce trees did not differ significantly between the cases (approximately 18 m3o.b./productive machine hours excluding all delays (PMH0)), the productivity of standing broadleaved tree species (8.3 m3o.b./PMH0) was much lower than that of bunched trees (15.5 m3o.b./PMH0). Thus, the described timber harvesting and extraction system may be a valuable option for forest stands with high proportion of broadleaved trees.}, language = {en} } @article{MartensOeztuerkRindtetal.2022, author = {Martens, D{\"o}rte and {\"O}zt{\"u}rk, {\"O}yk{\"u}m and Rindt, Lara and Twarok, Jana and Steinhardt, Uta and Molitor, Heike}, title = {Supporting biodiversity: Structures of participatory actions in urban green spaces}, series = {Frontiers in Sustainable Cities}, volume = {4}, journal = {Frontiers in Sustainable Cities}, publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.}, issn = {2624-9634}, doi = {10.3389/frsc.2022.952790}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3636}, pages = {13}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Biodiversity loss is an important topic considering climate change, global warming, and even the reasoning of current and future animal-related diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Urban biodiversity is also important because of the ecosystem services they provide, restorative benefits for well-being, and physical health of the people who live in urban areas. Each city has its own strategies to cope with this issue, and these strategies do not function without the contribution of habitants of the cities. We developed an index (BBS) of the existing possibilities to support urban biodiversity in Berlin to measure the awareness and willingness of the Berliners to participate and support urban biodiversity. A survey was conducted in a face-to-face situation in four districts of Berlin with 431 urban residents, measuring preference for three different levels of biodiversity, connectedness to residential greenspace, neighborhood and city, nature relatedness, and willingness in participatory actions around greenspace. The results show that the high biodiversity condition in a photo scenario was preferred by most residents, indicating the appreciation for urban biodiversity. The connectedness to the residential greenspace was high (and higher than the connectedness to neighborhood and city), showing large potential for quality of life. While the overall willingness to participate in actions to support urban greenspace was rather high, our index shows substantial differences in activities, which are perceived more or less. This is a key result for urban park management to increase urban biodiversity participation processes.}, language = {en} } @article{RoqueMacandzaZelleretal., author = {Roque, Dion{\´i}sio Virg{\´i}lio and Macandza, Val{\´e}rio Ant{\´o}nio and Zeller, Ulrich and Starik, Nicole and G{\"o}ttert, Thomas}, title = {Historical and current distribution and movement patterns of large herbivores in the Limpopo National Park, Mozambique}, series = {Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution}, publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.}, issn = {2296-701X}, doi = {10.3389/fevo.2022.978397}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3641}, abstract = {This study provides a first attempt to describe the historical distribution and movement patterns of selected large herbivore (LH) species in Limpopo National Park (LNP), an area in Mozambique today connected to a network of transboundary conservation areas. Between 1976 and the early 2000s, most LH species were absent in this area following the civil war in Mozambique followed by intense poaching due to weak law enforcement capacity. Through the reconstruction of the historical and current distribution and movement patterns of seven LH species in five periods, we investigate possible changes in distribution and movement patterns over time. Data collection is based on a systematic literature search, censuses reports, online databases, dung count transects, and camera trap surveys. We mapped all LH observations and movements using ArcGIS 10.1. Our results reveal a dramatic collapse of LH populations between the peak of the colonial period and the post-colonial/civil war period (1800-2001), followed by a slight recovery from the post-proclamation of Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park to the current period (2002-2021). While LH population decline applied to all seven species, there are species-specific differences in the process of restoration: African elephant (Loxodonta africana), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), and plains zebra (Equus quagga) appear to recover to a greater extent than giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), eland (Tragelaphus oryx), blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), and white rhino (Ceratotherium simum). We found evidence of the functioning of proposed wildlife corridors in the LNP. The results give reason to assume that restoration of populations of LH is still in a very early and vulnerable state and that further efforts are necessary to strengthen the slowly increasing populations of LH. Our results highlight the importance of combining past and current data as a guide for the restoration of threatened species in African savannas impacted by human activities.}, language = {en} } @article{PerkovićPaulVasićetal.2022, author = {Perković, Stanislava and Paul, Carsten and Vasić, Filip and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Human Health and Soil Health Risks from Heavy Metals, Micro(nano)plastics, and Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Agricultural Soils}, series = {Agronomy}, volume = {12}, journal = {Agronomy}, number = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2073-4395}, doi = {10.3390/agronomy12122945}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3739}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Humans are exposed to agricultural soils through inhalation, dermal contact, or the consumption of food. Human health may be at risk when soils are contaminated; while some soil contaminants such as heavy metals (HMs) have been extensively studied, others such as micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) or antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) pose novel threats. This paper investigates the linkages between soil contamination and human health risk by reviewing the state of knowledge on HMs, MNPs, and ARB in agricultural soils. A keyword-based search in Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted, complemented with a backward snowball search. We analysed main sources of contamination for agricultural soils, risks to human health differentiated by uptake pathway (ingestion, inhalation, dermal), and interactions of contaminants with microorganism, soil fauna, and plants. Results show that the emergence and spread of ARB and antibiotic resistant genes from agricultural soils and their contribution to antibiotic resistances of human pathogens is recognized as a significant threat. Likewise, a growing body of evidence indicates that MNPs are able to enter the food chain and to have potentially harmful effects on human health. For HM, knowledge of the effects on human health is well established. Multiple agricultural practices increase HM concentrations in soils, which may lead to adverse health effects from the ingestion of contaminated products or inhalation of contaminated soil particles. Severe knowledge gaps exist about the pathways of the contaminants, their behaviour in soil, and human uptake. Little is known about long-term exposure and impacts of MNPs, antibiotics and ARB on human health or about the possible combined effects of MNPs, ARB, and HMs. Missing monitoring systems inhibit a comprehensive assessment of human health risks. Our research demonstrates the need for human health risk assessment in the context of agricultural soils, in particular to be able to assess risks related to measures reinforcing the concept of the circular economy.}, language = {en} } @article{LorenzGersterWodzinowskietal.2022, author = {Lorenz, Tommy and Gerster, Lea and Wodzinowski, Dustin Elias and Wartenberg, Ariani and Martetschl{\"a}ger, Lea and Molitor, Heike and Cremer, Tobias and Bloch, Ralf}, title = {Innovative Teaching and Learning Formats for the Implementation of Agroforestry Systems—An Impact Analysis after Five Years of Experience with the Real-World Laboratory "Ackerbaum"}, series = {Forests}, volume = {13}, journal = {Forests}, number = {7}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {1999-4907}, doi = {10.3390/f13071064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3092}, pages = {14}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Since 2017, the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) offers transformative learning modules in their curricula, which are called ITL—Innovative Teaching and Learning formats. Student tutors change into the role of teachers and organize lectures, excursions, and assignments at the Real-World Laboratory "Ackerbaum"—an agroforestry system in the federal state of Brandenburg, Germany. Students can learn about agroforestry systems, participate in research, and take practical action. The examination of the module is a scientific report linked to the experimental area. In this study, an attempt was made to verify the quality and impact of teaching formats in the ITL via the analysis of 53 reports created by 170 students as well as surveys among participants. For this purpose, indicators were formulated that capture the quality of scientific methods and the contribution to higher education for sustainable development. Students and tutors appreciate the open working atmosphere and the possibility to actively participate in the course; many leave the module motivated. Some even move toward transformation in agriculture professionally as, e.g., consultants in the field of agroforestry. As a transformative institution, HNEE offers with ITL a rare opportunity for practical application, scientific methods, and transdisciplinary collaboration with different stakeholders to work on future models to change today's agriculture.}, language = {en} } @article{ThevsAlievEmilevaetal.2022, author = {Thevs, Niels and Aliev, Kumar and Emileva, Begayim and Yuldasheva, Dilfuza and Eshchanova, Guzal and Welp, Martin}, title = {Potential of Agroforestry to Provide Wood Resources to Central Asia}, series = {Forests}, volume = {13}, journal = {Forests}, number = {8}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {1999-4907}, doi = {10.3390/f13081193}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3104}, pages = {14}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background: Agroforestry systems have the potential to provide timber and wood as a domestic raw material, as well as an additional source of income for rural populations. In Central Asia, tree windbreaks from mainly poplar trees have a long tradition, but were largely cut down as source for fuel wood after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. As Central Asia is a forest-poor region, restoration of tree windbreaks has the potential to provide timber and wood resources to that region. This study aimed to assess the potential of tree windbreaks to contribute to domestic timber and wood production. Methods: This study rests on a GIS-based analysis, in which tree lines (simulated by line shape files) were intersected with cropland area. The tree data to calculate timber and wood volumes stem from a dataset with 728 single trees from a relevant range of climatic conditions. Results: The potential annually available timber volumes from tree windbreaks with 500 m spacing are 2.9 million m3 for Central Asia as a whole and 1.5 million m3 for Uzbekistan alone, which is 5 times the current domestic roundwood production and imports of the country. Conclusions: tree windbreaks offer untapped potential to deliver wood resources domestically as a raw material for wood-based value chains.}, language = {en} } @article{StarikGoettert2022, author = {Starik, Nicole and G{\"o}ttert, Thomas}, title = {Bats adjust echolocation and social call design as a response to urban environments}, series = {Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution}, publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.}, issn = {2296-701X}, doi = {10.3389/fevo.2022.939408}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3140}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Behavioral traits play a major role in the successful adaptation of wildlife to urban conditions. We investigated and compared the acoustic behavior of free ranging bats in rural (Havelland, Brandenburg) and urban (Berlin city center) green areas (n = 6 sites) to assess possible effects of urbanization on bat vocalizations using automated real-time recordings from May to October 2020 and 2021. We show that foraging and social call activity of commonly occurring bat species was lower in urban areas compared to rural areas. We present data on rural-urban variation in acoustic parameters of echolocation and Type D social calls (produced during flight) using the example of the common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus. Calls from urban sites revealed significantly higher end and peak frequencies compared to rural site calls. In addition, urban social calls present a higher degree of complexity as they structurally differed from rural social calls with regard to assemblage and number of call components. Moreover, urban social calls were emitted in a presumably different context than rural calls: antagonistic social calls in urban areas were detected throughout the year and in the acoustic absence of conspecifics and heterospecifics. Our results provide evidence for the ability of P. pipistrellus to modulate temporal and spectral features of echolocation and social calls, as well as patterns of social call production, in order to compensate for constraints imposed by the urban acoustic environment. We suggest that this acoustic behavioral plasticity plays a major role in the degree of adaptation of insectivorous bats to urban habitats.}, language = {en} } @article{KrauseSandersMundetal.2019, author = {Krause, Stuart and Sanders, Tanja G. M. and Mund, Jan-Peter and Greve, Klaus}, title = {UAV-Based Photogrammetric Tree Height Measurement for Intensive Forest Monitoring}, series = {Remote Sensing}, journal = {Remote Sensing}, number = {11(7)}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2072-4292}, doi = {10.3390/rs11070758}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3240}, pages = {18}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The measurement of tree height has long been an important tree attribute for the purpose of calculating tree growth, volume, and biomass, which in turn deliver important ecological and economical information to decision makers. Tree height has traditionally been measured by indirect field-based techniques, however these methods are rarely contested. With recent advances in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) remote sensing technologies, the possibility to acquire accurate tree heights semi-automatically has become a reality. In this study, photogrammetric and field-based tree height measurements of a Scots Pine stand were validated using destructive methods. The intensive forest monitoring site implemented for the study was configured with permanent ground control points (GCPs) measured with a Total Station (TS). Field-based tree height measurements resulted in a similar level of error to that of the photogrammetric measurements, with root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.304 m (1.82\%) and 0.34 m (2.07\%), respectively (n = 34). A conflicting bias was, however, discovered where field measurements tended to overestimate tree heights and photogrammetric measurements were underestimated. The photogrammetric tree height measurements of all trees (n = 285) were validated against the field-based measurements and resulted in a RMSE of 0.479 m (2.78\%). Additionally, two separate photogrammetric tree height datasets were compared (n = 251), and a very low amount of error was observed with a RMSE of 0.138 m (0.79\%), suggesting a high potential for repeatability. This study shows that UAV photogrammetric tree height measurements are a viable option for intensive forest monitoring plots and that the possibility to acquire within-season tree growth measurements merits further study. Additionally, it was shown that negative and positive biases evident in field-based and UAV-based photogrammetric tree height measurements could potentially lead to misinterpretation of results when field-based measurements are used as validation.}, language = {en} } @article{OchoaSanyeMengualSpechtetal.2019, author = {Ochoa, Jesus and Sany{\´e}-Mengual, Esther and Specht, Kathrin and Fern{\´a}ndez, Juan A. and Ba{\~n}{\´o}n, Sebasti{\´a}n and Orsini, Francesco and Magrefi, Francesca and Bazzocchi, Giovanni and Halder, Severin and Martens, D{\"o}rte and Kappel, Noemi and Gianquinto, Giorgio}, title = {Sustainable Community Gardens Require Social Engagement and Training: A Users' Needs Analysis in Europe}, series = {Sustainability}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {11(14)}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su11143978}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3261}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Urban gardens are spreading in many cities across Europe, with community gardening being a fundamental form of urban agriculture. While the literature reveals the essential role that community gardens can play in terms of learning and education, no studies have investigated the training needs for participants in community gardens to ensure their successful development. The goal of this article is to evaluate the training requirements of urban community gardens to ensure their successful implementation and their contribution to sustainability in European cities. Two questionnaires of users' needs analysis were designed and implemented in Berlin, Bologna, Budapest, and Cartagena. The results unveiled the need to re-enforce the training in the formation and community building phases of community gardens towards ensuring the creation of an engaged gardening community to maintain activity, particularly for top-down activities (e.g., research-related gardens). Users claimed their need for being trained on crop management skills (e.g., maintenance, bed preparation, organic practices) and on communication skills to further disseminate their activity, thereby increasing the potential for citizen engagement. Such requirements could be overcome with the creation of urban gardens networks, where experiences and knowledge are shared among practitioners. Policy recommendations are provided based on the outputs of this study.}, language = {en} } @article{SchultzGlemnitzStachowetal.2022, author = {Schultz, Alfred and Glemnitz, Michael and Stachow, Ulrich and Schwierz, Friederike}, title = {Changes in a Bird Community in an Agricultural Landscape in Northeast Germany between 1999 and 2015}, series = {Land}, volume = {11}, journal = {Land}, number = {12}, editor = {Petri{\c{s}}or, Alexandru-Ionuţ}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2073-445X}, doi = {10.3390/land11122115}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3750}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Temporal changes in the bird community of an agricultural landscape in northeast Germany were analysed covering three different analytical foci (landscape-wide, habitat types, sample plots) and two aggregation levels of bird observation data (whole bird community, bird guilds). The analyses are based on a systematic data sampling over two multi-year campaigns (1999-2002; 2013-2015). Our analyses address the question of how changes in the occurrences of agricultural birds (numbers of species and of individuals) at local spots manifest themselves in the landscape as a whole. By summarizing all findings concerning single variables (number of species, observation frequencies, abundances, different habitat types, bird guilds), a dramatic, systematic decline of the bird community at sample plots was discovered between the campaigns, which is not yet recognisable across the whole landscape in terms of species richness. Furthermore, we found that landscape-wide, the birds' use of habitat changed; the variability between single sample plots increased strongly and most species occurred at fewer sample plots over the whole landscape. Obviously, sample plots with high bird occurrences are becoming more relevant for maintaining bird communities over the whole landscape. Bird community composition changed significantly within the observation period.}, language = {en} } @article{BlumroederSchmidtGordonetal.2022, author = {Blumr{\"o}der, Jeanette Silvin and Schmidt, Frederic and Gordon, Anat and Grosse, Stefanie and Ibisch, Pierre L.}, title = {Ecosystemic resilience of a temperate post-fire forest under extreme weather conditions}, series = {Frontiers in Forests and Global Change}, volume = {5}, journal = {Frontiers in Forests and Global Change}, number = {5}, publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.}, issn = {2624-893X}, doi = {10.3389/ffgc.2022.1070958}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3825}, pages = {1 -- 16}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Introduction The effects of climate change are exacerbating the fire risk in forests worldwide. Conifer plantations in particular are especially vulnerable to fire outbreaks. At the end of the extraordinarily hot and dry summer of 2018, a forest pine plantation burned in Brandenburg, NE Germany. Different forestry interventions were carried out after the fire, while one area of the damaged plantation remained untouched. Methods We investigated the resilience of the forest ecosystem and the effectiveness of different active and passive forest restoration measures during the subsequent relatively warm and dry years 2019-2021. Results One year after the fire, Populus tremula showed strong spontaneous colonization at all sites. In contrast, the majority of planted Pinus sylvestris plantlets died on the plots that had been salvage-logged after the fire. Three years after the fire, Populus tremula successfully established itself as the dominant tree species on all plots, with the highest abundance on the plot where the overstorey of the dead pines was left. Betula pendula, Salix caprea, and Pinus sylvestris showed lower abundance, with their proportion increasing with decreasing cover by dead trees. The distribution of regrowing trees is very heterogeneous across the different treatments and plots. In the clear-cut plots, the extreme microclimatic conditions expose the young trees to additional heat and drought, while the retention of deadwood measurably buffers the temperature and water stress. Discussion The resilience and adaptability of naturally regenerating forests that develop into ecosystems that are more diverse seem more promising than restoration through intervention. Apart from hampering restoration under extreme weather conditions, post-fire salvage logging contributes to soil degradation and loss of organic carbon.}, language = {en} } @article{MunierFrankeHeroldetal.2020, author = {Munier, Leo Felix and Franke, Tom and Herold, Nadine and Pfriem, Alexander}, title = {Humidity's Effect on the Dynamic-mechanical Behavior of Phenol-formaldehyde Impregnated Beech Wood Veneer}, series = {BioResources}, journal = {BioResources}, number = {15(1)}, doi = {10.15376/biores.15.1.1563-1574}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3841}, pages = {1563 -- 1574}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The dynamic-mechanical behavior of phenol-formaldehyde-impregnated beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) veneers was evaluated at various relative humidities. The aim was to identify the plasticizing effects of moisture on phenol-formaldehyde-impregnated veneers. Thin beech veneer samples were impregnated with a low and a medium molecular weight phenol- formaldehyde resin. The measurements were performed with a dynamic- mechanical thermal analysis equipped with a humidity generator. The storage modulus and the loss factor of the uncured phenol-formaldehyde- impregnated and the untreated control veneers were determined at a relative humidity of 15\%, 60\%, and 85\% and a constant temperature of 25 °C. The untreated control veneers exhibited the smallest reduction of the normalized storage modulus. In contrast, the phenol-formaldehyde- impregnated samples exhibited a more intense relative reduction of the storage modulus with increasing relative humidity. This effect was more distinct for samples impregnated with low molecular weight phenol- formaldehyde than for those impregnated with medium molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde. In addition, higher solids contents in the resins led to even smaller normalized storage modulus. Consistently, the loss factor indicated a greater softening of the samples with an increasing humidity and higher solids content of the phenol-formaldehyde.}, language = {en} } @article{GoettertStarik2022, author = {G{\"o}ttert, Thomas and Starik, Nicole}, title = {Human-Wildlife Conflicts across Landscapes—General Applicability vs. Case Specificity}, series = {Diversity}, volume = {14}, journal = {Diversity}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {1424-2818}, doi = {10.3390/d14050380}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2828}, pages = {18}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Here, we address the question of if/to what extent human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can be reduced or mitigated by supra-regional or even global approaches, or whether case- and region-specific strategies are necessary. First, we try to shift the perspective from humans towards wildlife and regard modern era (near) extinctions of selected wildlife species as an ultimate expression of HWC. We then reflect on the legitimacy of ecosystem comparisons beyond the borders of biogeographical regions—an important prerequisite for global approaches. In the following, we present two case scenarios that exemplarily illustrate the topic from different perspectives: carnivore-livestock conflicts (classical view, human perspective) and wind turbine-induced mortality of bats (wildlife perspective, rarely regarded as a form of HWC). On this basis, we try to develop a framework that enables a global approach, while adequately considering case- and region-specificity. We think that a globally valid and generally approachable dimension can be defined, as long as there is a natural link: in the present case the established monophyly of the orders Carnivora and Chiroptera, i.e., representatives descending from common ancestors, thus sharing common ecological features. This natural relationship among all representatives of a systematic group (specification of the "wildlife" concept) is key for the development of an overarching strategy that can be adjusted to a specific case.}, language = {en} } @article{LauterbachBantle2022, author = {Lauterbach, Josephine and Bantle, Christina}, title = {"For More Diversity, Better Taste and My Own Health" Exploring Organic Consumers' Purchasing Motives for Heirloom Vegetable Varieties}, series = {Sustainability}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {14(7)}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su14074068}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-2992}, pages = {16}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Agrobiodiversity is the foundation of our ecosystems and food supply. However, agrobiodiversity is declining rapidly. A prominent strategy to safeguard endangered varieties, an important component of agrobiodiversity, is their cultivation and preservation in their natural environments. In order to make the cultivation of these varieties attractive to farmers, a functioning value chain and communication concepts for these goods have to be developed. Using heirloom vegetable varieties as an example, we examine existing communication approaches for endangered varieties and evaluate their suitability to transport their added value to organic consumers. We furthermore examine organic consumers' purchasing motives to buy heirloom vegetable varieties. We collected data in three focus group discussions in Berlin (Germany) in 2018. This exploratory study shows that existing communication approaches for heirloom vegetable varieties strongly appeal to altruistic and biospheric purchasing motives. However, our results suggest that egoistic and hedonic purchasing motives are just as important to organic consumers. Hence, existing communication approaches for heirloom vegetable varieties, including the "Red List of Endangered Local Crops", are not entirely suitable to communicate the added value of biodiversity-enhancing products to consumers. Based on these results, we will develop a holistic communication scheme for heirloom vegetable varieties for organic supermarkets and further distribution channels in Germany.}, language = {en} } @article{MannGohrBlumroederetal.2023, author = {Mann, Deepika and Gohr, Charlotte and Blumr{\"o}der, Jeanette Silvin and Ibisch, Pierre L.}, title = {Does fragmentation contribute to the forest crisis in Germany?}, series = {Frontiers in Forests and Global Change}, volume = {6}, journal = {Frontiers in Forests and Global Change}, publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.}, issn = {2624-893X}, doi = {10.3389/ffgc.2023.1099460}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3909}, pages = {12}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Intact forests contribute to the ecosystem functionality of landscapes by storing and sequestering carbon, buffering and cooling the microclimate, and providing a range of related ecosystem functions. Forest fragmentation not only poses a threat to many organisms but also reduces the resistance and resilience of the ecosystem, which is especially relevant to the ongoing climate crisis. The effects of recent extreme heat years on forests in Germany have not been studied in detail for the influence of fragmentation. We investigate the relation of forest fragmentation with temperature and vitality in Germany per ecoregion at the canopy level using satellite imagery at 1-km and 30-m resolution. We compiled and correlated forest maps for connectivity based on Thiessen polygons, canopy temperatures on the hottest days based on land surface temperature, and forest vitality based on the maximum normalized difference vegetation index per growing season. We differentiated between ecoregions and main forest types. In 2022, larger intact tree-covered areas that are less fragmented have relatively low temperatures on hot days and higher overall vitality. Nearly 98\% of the almost 1.95 million forest fragments at 30-m resolution in Germany are smaller than 1 km2, which cover nearly 30\% of the total forest area. To counteract the forest crisis, forest and landscape management should aim to reduce fragmentation and maintain tree biomass and forest cover in the landscape. Increasing the size of continuous forest fragments contributes to ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change.}, language = {en} } @article{GoettertPerry2023, author = {G{\"o}ttert, Thomas and Perry, Gad}, title = {Going Wild in the City—Animal Feralization and Its Impacts on Biodiversity in Urban Environments}, series = {Animals}, volume = {13}, journal = {Animals}, number = {4}, editor = {Bakaloudis, Dimitrios}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2076-2615}, doi = {10.3390/ani13040747}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3992}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Simple Summary Understanding the impact of urbanization on biodiversity is a crucial task of our time. Here, we reflect on the importance of feralization in the relationship between ongoing urbanization and the worsening biodiversity crisis. Feralization is often viewed as the exact opposite of a domestication process—a perception that we argue is too simplistic. The interrelations between domestication, feralization, and the adaptation of taxa to novel, human-made environments such as cities are complex. Given their unique traits, feral(izing) taxa can play key roles in sustainability, sometimes problematic (i.e., invasive species) but at other times, improving human well-being in urban settings. Abstract Domestication describes a range of changes to wild species as they are increasingly brought under human selection and husbandry. Feralization is the process whereby a species leaves the human sphere and undergoes increasing natural selection in a wild context, which may or may not be geographically adjacent to where the originator wild species evolved prior to domestication. Distinguishing between domestic, feral, and wild species can be difficult, since some populations of so-called "wild species" are at least partly descended from domesticated "populations" (e.g., junglefowl, European wild sheep) and because transitions in both directions are gradual rather than abrupt. In urban settings, prior selection for coexistence with humans provides particular benefit for a domestic organism that undergoes feralization. One risk is that such taxa can become invasive not just at the site of release/escape but far away. As humanity becomes increasingly urban and pristine environments rapidly diminish, we believe that feralized populations also hold conservation value.}, language = {en} } @article{LitschelBerendtWagneretal.2023, author = {Litschel, Johannes and Berendt, Ferr{\´e}ol and Wagner, Hanna and Heidenreich, Simon and Bauer, David and Welp, Martin and Cremer, Tobias}, title = {Key Actors' Perspectives on Agroforestry's Potential in North Eastern Germany}, series = {Land}, volume = {12}, journal = {Land}, number = {2}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2073-445X}, doi = {10.3390/land12020458}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-4003}, pages = {1 -- 19}, year = {2023}, abstract = {As a land use management system, agroforestry has environmental, economic and societal benefits over conventional agriculture or forestry. Important benefits of combining tree growth with agricultural crops and/or forage production systems include higher biodiversity through more diverse habitats, the control of runoff and soil erosion, the augmentation of soil water availability, the creation of microclimates, carbon sequestration and provision of a more diverse farm economy. As the climate changes, north eastern Germany is likely to be particularly prone to severe effects from droughts and wind erosion in the future. However, the area of land under agroforestry makes up less than 2\% of the total agricultural area in Germany. Through qualitative interviews with key actors, this study analyzed the benefits of, potentials for and barriers to implementing agroforestry systems in the federal state of Brandenburg. Results showed that agroforestry systems have significant potential in relation to several benefits, particularly the mitigation of soil erosion and stabilization of microclimate regimes. Additionally, agroforestry has the potential to provide wood for energy production or material uses. Although a small but highly innovative and interlinked community exists, administrative barriers and high start-up costs currently hamper the transition from conventional agriculture to agroforestry systems.}, language = {en} } @article{UllahSaqibKaechele2022, author = {Ullah, Ayat and Saqib, Shahab E. and K{\"a}chele, Harald}, title = {Determinants of Farmers' Awareness and Adoption of Extension Recommended Wheat Varieties in the Rainfed Areas of Pakistan}, series = {Sustainability}, volume = {14}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su14063194}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3496}, pages = {18}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Scientific evidence suggests that there is room for eradicating poverty and hunger by increasing food production through the adoption of modern agricultural practices by farmers. This study aimed, first, to explore the relationship between the farmers' awareness and adoption of improved wheat varieties. Second, it aimed to find the key factors that govern the farmers' awareness and adoption of extension-recommended innovations in the rainfed cropping system of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data were collected from 395 respondents. A binary logit model was used to analyze the effect of the farmers' socioeconomic and farm-specific characteristics on their awareness and adoption of the extension-suggested wheat varieties. Moreover, qualitative data from 40 key informants were collected for in-depth analysis. The results show a strong association between the farmers' awareness of a technology (improved wheat varieties) and its adoption. The results of the logit model show that their extension contacts, income from agriculture, and access to credit positively affected the farmers' awareness, whereas their education and household sizes negatively affected their awareness. Moreover, the factors that positively influenced the farmers' decision to adopt the technology included the extension contact, the confidence in the extension, the risk-bearing attitude, and the credit access, whereas the household size and education negatively affected it. The results of the key informant interviews reveal that the high incidence of poverty, the low soil fertility, the farmers' inability to make effective decisions, the lack of accurate weather predictability in the rainfed farming system, the lack of government interest, and the asymmetric information in the inputs markets contributed to the farmers' low levels of awareness and to their poor adoption of improved agricultural technologies. These results indicate that any intervention aimed at the awareness and adoption by farmers of improved technologies, such as new wheat varieties, should recognize the heterogeneity in the farmers' socioeconomic and farm-specific characteristics.}, language = {en} } @article{MissallWelpMehtaetal.2022, author = {Missall, Siegmund and Welp, Martin and Mehta, Kedar and Degembaeva, Nadira and Akmatov, Kuban and Z{\"o}rner, Wilfried}, title = {In Search for the Optimal Forest Use Behaviour: Riparian Forest Use in Central Asia, Using the Example of Ak-Tal, Naryn, Kyrgyzstan}, series = {Forests}, volume = {13}, journal = {Forests}, number = {8}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {1999-4907}, doi = {10.3390/f13081254}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3508}, pages = {19}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Riparian forests are rare and valuable ecosystems in Central Asia, both due to their significance for biodiversity and to their provision of vital ecosystem services to local residents. However, the actual forest use behaviour is under-researched, official figures may not be trustworthy, and the question of over-use is up in the air. This paper sets out to shed light on riparian forest use behaviour by local residents using the example of Ak-Tal Village upon the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan: Which economic use patterns do they practice (focusing on fuel wood and pasture)? Which other ecosystem services do they recognise? Is there forest over-exploitation? To answer these questions, this study builds on local knowledge, by applying the methods of focus group discussions and a household survey. Results show an extreme discrepancy between official wood consumption figures (50-60 m3 p.a.) and figures based on household wood consumption (310-404 m3 p.a.). The forest also serves as an important winter pasture over the seven months between October and April (stocking density 0.61 livestock units/ha), but payments for these ecosystem services are low, with annually 40 KGS/ha. Local residents are aware of additional material and nonmaterial ecosystem services of the riparian forest. Opinions diverge upon the question if there is forest over-exploitation, potentially because different stakeholders have different concepts of an optimal forest status. Consequently, optimal forest use behaviour can only be defined by the local users themselves, e.g., in a future stakeholder dialogue.}, language = {en} } @article{HamidovHelming2020, author = {Hamidov, Ahmad and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Sustainability Considerations in Water-Energy-Food Nexus Research in Irrigated Agriculture}, series = {Sustainability}, volume = {12}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {15}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su12156274}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3381}, pages = {20}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Irrigated agriculture is essential to satisfying the globally increasing demand for food and bio-based products. Yet, in water scarce regions, water-use for irrigation aggravates the competition for the use of water for other purposes, such as energy production, drinking water and sanitation. Solutions for sustainable food production through irrigated agriculture require a systemic approach to assess benefits and trade-offs across sectors. Here, the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus has become an important concept in natural resource management. It has been conceptualized to analyze linkages and trade-offs between the three sectors, across temporal and spatial scales. However, the concept has so far mainly been conceptual, with little empirical evidence or proof of concept in real world cases. The objective of this paper was to take stock of the rapidly advancing literature on the WEF nexus in irrigated agriculture, and to analyze how the concept was actually implemented in research studies, and how the nexus between water, food and energy was actually dealt with. The study period ranges from 2011 to 2019, and includes 194 articles. Results showed that the WEF nexus is indeed very relevant in irrigated agriculture, and the respective literature makes up one third of all WEF nexus papers. Modeling and empirical research have caught up with conceptual synthesis studies during the last four years, thereby indicating that the WEF nexus concept is indeed increasingly operationalized. However, most studies addressed the WEF nexus from a perspective of either socioeconomic, technological or environmental categories, and they place one of the dimensions of water, food or energy into the foreground. To address sustainable development, there is a need to fully integrate across research disciplines and thematic dimensions. Such studies are only starting to emerge. These findings are an important evidence-base for future WEF nexus research on irrigated agriculture, in support of sustainable solutions for water scarce regions, especially in settings undergoing transformations.}, language = {en} } @article{MacPhersonPaulHelming2020, author = {MacPherson, Joseph and Paul, Carsten and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Linking Ecosystem Services and the SDGs to Farm-Level Assessment Tools and Models}, series = {Sustainability}, volume = {12}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {16}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {10.3390/su12166617}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3395}, pages = {19}, year = {2020}, abstract = {A number of tools and models have been developed to assess farm-level sustainability. However, it is unclear how well they potentially incorporate ecosystem services (ES), or how they may contribute to attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Understanding how farm-level assessment tools and models converge on these new paradigms of sustainability is important for drawing comparison on sustainability performances of farming systems, conducting meta-analyses and upscaling local responses to global driving forces. In this study, a coverage analysis was performed for several farm-level sustainability assessment (SA) tools (SAFA, RISE, KSNL, DLG) and models (MODAM, MONICA, APSIM), in regard to their potential for incorporating ES and contribution to attaining the SDGs. Lists of agricultural-relevant CICES classes and SDG targets were compiled and matched against the indicators of the tools and models. The results showed that SAFA possessed the most comprehensive coverage of ES and SDGs, followed by RISE and KSNL. In comparison to models, SA tools were observed to have a higher degree of potential for covering ES and SDGs, which was attributed to larger and broader indicators sets. However, this study also suggested that, overall, current tools and models do not sufficiently articulate the concept of ecosystem services.}, language = {en} } @article{VasićPaulStraussetal.2020, author = {Vasić, Filip and Paul, Carsten and Strauss, Veronika and Helming, Katharina}, title = {Ecosystem Services of Kettle Holes in Agricultural Landscapes}, series = {Agronomy}, volume = {10}, journal = {Agronomy}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI}, issn = {2073-4395}, doi = {10.3390/agronomy10091326}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:eb1-opus-3407}, pages = {22}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Kettle holes are small water bodies of glacial origin which mostly occur in agricultural landscapes. They provide numerous ecosystem services (ES), but their supply may be negatively affected by agricultural management. We conducted a literature review to identify which ES are supplied by kettle holes and to analyze feedbacks with agricultural management. Taking Germany as a test case, we also analyzed how kettle holes are addressed in policy documents and for which ES they are regulated. This was done to identify the societal value officially associated with kettle holes. The literature review found eight ES attributed to kettle holes, of which hydrological cycle and flood control, chemical condition of freshwaters, nursery populations and habitats and biotic remediation of wastes were addressed most often. In contrast, only the provision of habitat service was addressed in German policy documents related to kettle holes. We identified types of agricultural management that negatively affected the supply of ES by kettle holes, in particular artificial drainage, high levels of pesticide and fertilizer application, and management where tillage and erosion result in elevated sediment inputs. Additionally, climate change may lead to an increased drying up of kettle holes. Based on our finding, we conclude that the intensity of agricultural management around kettle holes threatens the supply of all ES while only the service of providing habitats for biodiversity is addressed in German policy regulations. Further regulation is required to induce agricultural management change towards a conservation of all ES supplied by kettle holes.}, language = {en} }