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I dag regnes uttrykket «den tredje alder» gjerne som ensbetydende med pensjonisttilværelsen, selv om forestillingen om at menneskelivet kan deles inn i tre aldre er svært mye eldre enn pensjonsinstituttet. Denne forestillingen kan spores til tidlig i menneskeslektas utvikling, da behovet for «reservemødre» nødvendiggjorde sosial integrering av tre (snarere enn bare to) generasjoner. Denne integreringen samsvarte sannsynligvis med opprinnelsen til hva antropologer har studert som slektskap og la dessuten grunnlaget for utviklingen av menneskelig kultur som et kumulativt fenomen. Som knutepunkter for sosiale relasjoner og som viktige forvaltere av nedarvet kunnskap har mennesker i sin tredje alder nytt betydelig respekt og prestisje i de fleste «tradisjonelle» (les: førindustrielle) samfunn. Dette belyses her gjennom etnografi fra tre slike samfunn (baktaman, yukuna og q’eqchi’-maya) som har befunnet seg i periferien av det moderne industrisamfunnet. Det var nemlig i kjølvannet av den industrielle revolusjon, etter hvert som de fleste mennesker i industrialiserte deler av verden ble lønnsmottakere og med tida pensjonister, at eldre mennesker mistet sin tidligere sentrale posisjon i samfunnet. Deres marginale posisjon og medfølgende følelse av utenforskap i moderne samfunn har følgelig vært gjennomgangstemaer i gerontologiske studier i samfunnsvitenskapene. Marx’ begrep om fremmedgjøring er vel egnet til å utdype dette forholdet.

This document is a correction to a previous article published in Chemical Communications. The original paper studied the reactivity of tropone and its analogs using specific computational methods. However, the authors discovered a technical issue in the implementation of one of the computational methods, specifically the dispersion correction. As a result, they recomputed the energetic values and prepared new tables and figures. The updated results confirm the original conclusions of the study. The Royal Society of Chemistry apologizes for any inconvenience caused by these errors. [Extracted from the article]

Inonotus obliquus grows in the Northern Hemisphere on some living broadleaved tree species as a pathogen, causing stem rot. In Estonia, the fungus is well known in the Betula species but can also be found on Alnus. Sterile conks of I. obliquus contain different bioactive compounds, but the quantitative and comparative research of these compounds in conks on different host species is limited. In the current work, I. obliquus was isolated and, evidently, determined from Alnus incana (L.) Moench., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., and Betula pendula Roth, and the content of bioactive compounds in conks on these hosts were analysed. All the analysed conks sampled from A. incana and B. pendula contained betulin that varied from 111 to 159 µg/g. A significantly (p < 0.05) higher betulinic acid content was found in conks sampled from A. incana when compared with B. pendula: 474–635 and 20–132 µg/g, respectively. However, the conks from Betula were richer in total polyphenols, flavonols, and glucans. The content of inotodiol was quite similar in the conks from A. incana (7455–8961 µg/g) and B. pendula (7881–9057 µg/g). Also, no significant differences in the lanosterol content were found between the samples from these two tree species. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first investigation of the chemical composition of I. obliquus parasitizing on Alnus. The results demonstrate that the bioactive compounds are promising in conks of I. obliquus growing not only on Betula but also on the Alnus species. It supports the opportunity to cultivate I. obliquus, also on the Alnus species, thus increasing the economic value of growing this tree species in forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological processes of the vegetation provide valuable information for its management. The research was carried out with the purpose of determining the dynamism and growth of forest species in the Andean Forest in the Loja basin, Ecuador, over a period of five years. Work was carried out in a permanent plot of 100 x 100 m² installed in 2017. The new measurement of D 1.30 m and total height of the woody individuals registered in 2017 and of those that have entered was made. The new plants were labeled and a red ring was painted where the D 1.30 m was measured. The dynamism was calculated based on mortality and recruitment, growth and annual periodic increase in diameter, height, basal area and volume. By 2022, 1,214 individuals of 44 species, 38 genera, and 29 families have been recorded; the mortality rate is 4.68 % and the recruitment rate is 0.13%, with an annual dynamism of 2.41 %. The average growth in diameter is 0.0137 ± 0.0021 m, in height is 0.8 ± 0.1 m, in basal area is 0.0028 ± 0.0004 m² ha-1 and in volume is 0.020 ± 0.003 m³ ha-1. The species with the highest average diameter growth is Critoniopsis pycnantha, in height it is Morrela interrupta, in basal area and volume Alnus acuminata. The Andean forests of the Loja basin are dynamic, there are more deaths than recruitments. They have uniform growth, and also, species that grow more than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Recent studies have suggested that in certain environments, tree stems emit methane (CH4). This study explored the mechanism of CH4 emission from the stem surfaces of Alnus japonica in a riparian wetland. Stem CH4 emission rates and sap flux were monitored year‐round, and fine‐root anatomy was investigated.CH4 emission rates were estimated using a closed‐chamber method. Sap flux was measured using Granier‐type thermal dissipation probes. Root anatomy was studied using both optical and cryo‐scanning electron microscopy.CH4 emissions during the leafy season exhibited a diurnally changing component superimposed upon an underlying continuum in which the diurnal variation was in phase with sap flux. We propose a model in which stem CH4 emission involves at least two processes: a sap flux‐dependent component responsible for the diurnal changes, and a sap flux‐independent component responsible for the background continuum. The contribution ratios of the two processes are season‐dependent.The background continuum possibly resulted from the diffusive transport of gaseous CH4 from the roots to the upper trunk. Root anatomy analysis indicated that the intercellular space of the cortex and empty xylem cells in fine roots could serve as a passageway for transport of gaseous CH4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, airborne pollen grains of Trabzon were investigated using a volumetric trap VPSS 2000 (Lanzoni) from 01st January 2016 to 31st December 2016. During one-year study period, a total of 29150 polen m-3 belonging to 45 taxa were recorded. From identified taxa, 24 belong to arboreal (69.78%) and 21 taxa to non-arboreal (30.00%) and unidentified pollen grains (0.23%). In the investigated area, from arboreal plant taxa Alnus sp. (23.06%), Cupressaceae-Taxaceae (19.29%), Pinaceae (11.59%), Betula sp. (5.91%), Platanus sp. (3.38%), Quercus sp. (1.67%), Ulmus sp. (1.16%), Fraxinus sp. (1.05%) and from non-arboreal plant taxa Poaceae (13.56%), Urticaceae (7.10%), Boraginaceae (2.12%), Rumex sp. (1.92%), Mercurialis sp. (1.36%), and Artemisia sp. (1.25%) were responsible for the greatest amounts of pollen grains during the study period. The maximum pollen concentration of investigated area is recorded in February (38.39%), March (11.88%) and April (15.67%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and oak (Quercus robur) are dominant tree species in European Atlantic mixed forests, and their leaf litter is a key resource for stream ecosystems. While alder litter has higher nutrient content and palatability than other species and is rapidly processed in the stream by detritivores and microorganisms, oak litter is a tougher and less nutritious but more persistent resource. Given that both species are declining due to the spread of the fungal pathogens Phytophthora alni and Phytophthora cinnamomi, respectively, we investigated how their reduction or loss might alter stream ecosystem functioning through changes in litter decomposition, invertebrate detritivore (Sericostoma pyrenaicum) growth and stoichiometry, and fungal decomposer assemblage characteristics.We conducted a microcosm experiment where we incubated litter mixtures representing different scenarios of alder and oak reduction or loss (and a concomitant increase in the other species), compared to a control that contained the four most common species in the study area (alder, oak, hazel [Corylus avellana] and willow [Salix atrocinerea]) in the same proportions as found in nature. The experiment lasted for 9 weeks, with the above variables measured every 3 weeks.Decomposition rates changed depending on which species was lost. Rates decreased as a result of alder loss and increased following oak loss. Sericostoma nutrient assimilation also responded to species loss, increasing and decreasing following alder and oak loss, respectively, possibly due to compensatory assimilation. Differences in Sericostoma nutrient concentrations among treatments decreased with time in the case of nitrogen, whereas they increased for phosphorus, probably due to microbial colonisation.The presence of oak also constrained microbial activity at the end of the experiment, reducing sporulation rates and causing differences in assemblage structure, probably due to inhibitory traits such as tannins or phenolic compounds.Treatments examining the loss of both species did not differ from the control, either in decomposition or sporulation rate, since loss of both alder and oak counteracted their effects. However, sporulation rates were higher for the scenario with loss of both species than for treatments with either alder reduction or loss, whereas sporulation rate and assemblage structure in the treatment with loss of both species were similar to the scenarios with oak reduction and loss, indicating that oak loss is more important for microbial activity.Changes in nutrient assimilation throughout the experiment suggested that effects of plant species reduction and loss can alter ecosystem functioning depending not only on litter palatability, but also on detritivore life stage. Overall, our results provide evidence for the importance of maintaining native riparian vegetation to preserve various ecosystem functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of storing methods of woodchips from two species, pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and alder (Alnus Mill.), on the basic chemical composition and sugar yield in liquid biofuel production. Two methods of storing woody biomass were used in the study—an open pile and a cover pile. The wood was felled at the end of November and was stored as industrial chips for eight months from December onward. After this time, material was collected for chemical composition analyses and enzymatic hydrolysis. The results of the chemical composition analysis of the wood for both studied species showed the influence of the type of storage on the composition of the individual structural components of the wood. Based on the results of the enzymatic hydrolysis of the woody biomass, it can be seen that, irrespective of the hydrolysed material (wood, cellulose, holocellulose), the material from the biomass stored in the open pile gave higher results. The hydrolysis efficiency also increased with time, independent of the type of material that was hydrolysed. The highest sugar yield from the enzymatic hydrolysis of wood was obtained for alder wood stored in an open pile. The highest sugar yield from the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose was obtained for cellulose extracted from alder wood—as well—that had been stored in an open pile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) is known to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. The lignan, (−)-(2R,3R)-1,4-O-diferuloylsecoisolariciresinol (DFS), from Alnus japonica has shown anti-cancer effects against colon cancer cells by suppressing FOXM1. The present study hypothesized that DFS can have anti-cancer effects against glioblastoma (GBM) tumorspheres (TSs). Immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays were performed to evaluate the ability of DFS to suppress nuclear translocation of β-catenin through β-catenin/FOXM1 binding. DFS-pretreated GBM TSs were evaluated to assess the ability of DFS to inhibit GBM TSs and their transcriptional profiles. The in vivo efficacy was examined in orthotopic xenograft models of GBM. Expression of FOXM1 was higher in GBM than in normal tissues. DFS-induced FOXM1 protein degradation blocked β-catenin translocation into the nucleus and consequently suppressed downstream target genes of FOXM1 pathways. DFS inhibited cell viability and ATP levels, while increasing apoptosis, and it reduced tumorsphere formation and the invasiveness of GBM TSs. And DFS reduced the activities of transcription factors related to tumorigenesis, stemness, and invasiveness. DFS significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival rate of mice in orthotopic xenograft models of GBM. It suggests that DFS inhibits the proliferation of GBM TSs by suppressing FOXM1. DFS may be a potential therapeutic agent to treat GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red alder (Alnus rubra) trees form an essential component of the communities along coastal streams in the Pacific Northwest. However, canopy dieback has been observed in red alder for several years. Symptomatic trees found at two sites in the greater Vancouver area, British Columbia, Canada, were investigated for disease-causing organisms. We investigated the presence of causal agents by isolating potential pathogens using direct plating of root samples on Petri dishes and by baiting for oomycetes in soil and root samples, followed by DNA barcoding. We identified three pathogenic Phytophthora species: Phytophthora cambivora, P. syringae and P. pseudosyringae. Controlled inoculations of all three on red alder leaves indicated that only P. pseudosyringae has the potential to cause both stem canker and aerial symptoms. This is the first isolation of the tree pathogen P. pseudosyringae in Canada. Additionally, the inoculation experiments revealed that P. gonapodyides, a species that is frequently detected in riparian ecosystems with diseased alders in Oregon but not directly associated with tree mortality, was more aggressive than the three pathogenic Phytophthora species tested. Our results reveal a greater complexity than previously suspected in red alder decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diploid A. glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. is widespread throughout the European continent, except in the Iberian and Balkan Peninsulas where tetraploid populations have been discovered. We focused on the tetraploid species described as A. rohlenae Vít, Douda and Mandák that occupies the western part of the Balkan Peninsula, where it has likely completely replaced the diploid species. While the distribution range of the diploid A. glutinosa s. str. is well known, the exact distribution range of the tetraploid A. rohlenae is unknown. Here, we report the first exact distribution of the tetraploid A. rohlenae and the anticipated hybrid zones in which it is in contact with diploid populations using flow cytometry and morphometrics. Tetraploids are located primarily in the mountainous parts of the study area and towards the lowlands are gradually being replaced by diploids, forming a contact zone. We compare the main morphological characteristics of both species. Due to the geographical proximity of the study species, the morphological differences between them are clear outside the contact zones. However, within the contact zones, we recorded hybridisations that obscure the morphological differences between species, probably due to the presence of triploid hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1995–1998 and 2013–2016, we measured methane fluxes (1Q-median-3Q, mgC m−2 h−1) in the Petushikha black alder swamp of the boreo-nemoral zone of European Russia. At microelevations (EL sites), flat surfaces (FL), microdepressions (DEP), and water surfaces of streams and channels (STR) sites, the fluxes comprised 0.01–0.03–0.09, 0.02–0.06–0.19, 0.04–0.14–0.43, and 0.10–0.21–0.44, respectively. The biggest uncertainty of methane fluxes was caused by seasonal variability (the level of relative variability of fluxes is a nonparametric analogue of the coefficient of variation) which comprised 144%, then by spatial variability—105%, and the smallest by interannual variability—75%. Both spatial and temporal variability of methane fluxes at different elements of the microrelief is heterogeneous: the most variable are communities that are "unstable" in terms of hydrological conditions, such as FL and DEP, and the least variable are the most drained EL and the most moistened STR ("stable" in terms of hydrological conditions). The obtained data on the fluxes and their spatial and temporal variability are consistent with the literature data and can be used to optimize the process of planning studies of the methane budget of "sporadic methane sources", such as waterlogged forests. This is especially relevant for an adequate assessment of the role of methane fluxes in the formation of the waterlogged forests carbon budget and a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of Alnus nitida (leaves and fruits) was evaluated in the Sprague-Dawley rat. Traditionally, A. nitida was used for the treatment of inflammatory ailments. However, A. nitida leaves and fruits have not been yet reported regarding any potential medicinal effects. Leaves/fruits of A. nitida were extracted with methanol and fractionated to attain n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. These extracts were then evaluated for in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. For in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced paw edema assay, Freunds' complete adjuvant-induced edema, xylene-induced ear edema and histamine-induced paw edema models were used in rats, which showed significant (p < 0.01) reduction (70–80%) in edema in comparison of inflammatory controls. On other hand, for the analgesic assessment, hot plate assay and acetic acid-induced writhing tests were used, which showed a significant (p < 0.01) rise in latency time (40–60%) as compared with pain-induced controls. These results were comparable with standard drugs in a concentration-dependent manner and no mortality or toxicity was observed during all experiments. Then, for the identification of chemical constituents gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed, which indicated the presence of neophytadiene, 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, phytol and vitamin E, justifying the use of A. nitida to treat inflammatory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hirsutanone (Hir) and oregonin (Ore) are diarylheptanoids isolated from the bark of Alnus japonica. In this study, we investigated the anti-melanogenic activity of Hir and Ore in B16-F1 murine melanoma and normal human epidermal melanocytes (HEMn-DP) and elucidated the mechanisms of action. In B16-F1 cells, Hir and Ore suppressed melanin synthesis induced by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) without cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effect of Hir on melanin synthesis was much stronger than that of Ore. In addition, Hir reduced melanin content in HEMn-DP cells. As tyrosinase is a key enzyme in melanin synthesis, the effect of Hir on tyrosinase activity was assessed. The results demonstrated that Hir partially decreased tyrosinase activity and intracellular tyrosinase activity. Moreover, Hir suppressed the protein expression of melanogenic enzymes, including tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2, leading to reduced melanin biosynthesis. Hir also led to the suppression of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression, which control the expression of melanogenic enzymes. These results suggest that Hir suppressed melanin synthesis by dual inhibition of tyrosinase activity and the CREB/MITF pathway leading to the expression of melanogenic enzymes and may be a potent cosmetic and therapeutic agent for hyperpigmentation disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mining of the oil sands region of Canada's boreal forest creates disturbed land with elevated levels of salts. Understanding how native plants respond to salt stress is critical in reclaiming these lands. The native species, Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa forms nitrogen-fixing nodules with Frankia, and ectomycorrhizae with a number of fungal species. These relationships may make the plant particularly well suited for restoring disturbed land. We inoculated A. alnobetula subsp. crispa with Frankia and Hebeloma crustiliniforme and exposed the plants to 0, 50, or 100 mM NaCl for seven weeks. Frankia-inoculated plants had increased biomass regardless of salt exposure, even though salt exposure reduced nitrogen fixation and reduced the efficiency of nitrogen-fixing nodules. The nitrogen-fixing symbiosis also decreased leaf stress and increased root phosphatase levels. This suggests that N-fixing plants not only have increased nitrogen nutrition but also have increased access to soil phosphorus. Mycorrhizae did not affect plant growth but did reduce nodule numbers and nodule efficiency. These results suggest that the nitrogen-fixing trait is more critical than mycorrhizae. While salt stress inhibits nitrogen-fixing symbiosis, plants still benefit from nitrogen fixation when exposed to salt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alder (Alnus spp.) and Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) provide key nutrient subsidies to freshwater systems. In southwestern Alaska, alder-derived nutrients (ADNs) are increasing as alder cover expands in response to climate warming, while climate change and habitat degradation are reducing marine-derived nutrients (MDNs) in salmon-spawning habitats. To assess the relative influences of ADN and MDN on aquatic microbial community structure and function, we analyzed lake chemistry, bacterial community structure, and microbial metabolism in 13 lakes with varying alder cover and salmon abundance in southwestern Alaska. We conducted bioassays to determine microbial nutrient limitation and physical factors modulating microbial response to nutrient inputs (+N, +P and +NP treatments). Seasonal shifts in bacterial community structure (F = 7.47, P < 0.01) coincided with changes in lake nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations (r2 = 0.19 and 0.16, both P < 0.05), and putrescine degradation (r2 = 0.13, P = 0.06), suggesting the influx and microbial use of MDN. Higher microbial metabolism occurred in summer than spring, coinciding with salmon runs. Increased microbial metabolism occurred in lakes where more salmon spawned. Microbial metabolic activity was unrelated to alder cover, likely because ADN provides less resource diversity than MDN. When nutrients were added to spring samples, there was greater substrate use by microbial communities from lakes with elevated Chl a concentrations and large relative catchment areas (β estimates for all treatments > 0.56, all P < 0.07). Thus, physical watershed and lake features mediate the effects of nutrient subsidies on aquatic microbial metabolic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data for small to mid-sized watersheds are seldom publicly available, but may be representative of diverse types of hydrological contexts when assessing patterns. These types of data may also prove valuable for informing numerical experimentation and practical modelling. This paper presents data collected in the Alder Creek watershed, located within the Grand River basin in Ontario, Canada. The Alder Creek watershed provides source water from the aquifers of the Waterloo Moraine for multiple well fields that supply the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. Recharge rates and human impacts on streamflow are important topics for the watershed, and many numerical models of the area have been constructed. In order to support these types of analyses, field equipment was deployed within the watershed between 2013 and 2018 to monitor groundwater levels, stream stage, soil moisture, soil temperature, rainfall, and other weather parameters. The available data are described, complementary information is presented, and examples of possible analyses are cited and illustrated. The data presented and described in this paper are available at 10.20383/101.0178 (Wiebe et al., 2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the durability of European beech (Fagus sylvatica), alder (Alnus glutinosa), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), and Norway maple wood (Acer pseudoplatanus) after hydrothermal treatment in saturated water were carried out. Treatment of hardwoods was performed at two temperatures of 105 and 135°C for 6 hours. Fungal resistance was tested in the laboratory conditions with brown rot fungi Serpula lacrymans, Gloeophyllum trabeum and white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor. Half-specimens from each species were leached in accordance with STN EN 84 prior to the test. The results of decay resistance tests showed strong susceptibility of hydrothermally treated hardwood species to brown and white rot caused by basidiomycete fungi. In all cases, the mass loss was greater than 20%, and the moisture content significantly exceeded the fibre saturation point, above the level required for a fungal attack. Leaching had an insignificant effect on fungal resistance. All hardwoods were classified as non-durable species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess the current state and productivity of black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) stands and determine the optimal conditions for the emergence and further growth of its natural regeneration in Ukrainian Polissya. The area of black alder stands in Ukrainian Polissya (Ukrainian forest zone) is 162,348 ha, reaching 8.4% of the total forest area. Volyn Region has the largest area of alder stands within Ukrainian Polissya (61,271 ha covering 37.7% of the total area). In the forests of this region, a more detailed study of the current condition, productivity, growth and regeneration of alder stands was performed. The natural regeneration under the alder canopy was characterized as poor. The largest numbers of alder seedlings (1,600–1,800 stems per ha) were recorded under the canopy of 76–78-year-old stands with a relative density of stocking of 0.63–0.70 and 80–100% of alder in their composition. Naturally regenerating alder seedlings had mainly group distribution on the area (occurrence is up to 40%). These specificities should be taken into account to promote natural seed regeneration of alder stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Black alder (Alnus glutinosa) forests are in severe decline across their area of distribution due to a disease caused by the soil-borne pathogenic Phytophthora alni species complex (class Oomycetes), “alder Phytopththora”. Mapping of the different types of damages caused by the disease is challenging in high density ecosystems in which spectral variability is high due to canopy heterogeneity. Data obtained by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may be particularly useful for such tasks due to the high resolution, flexibility of acquisition and cost efficiency of this type of data. In this study, A. glutinosa decline was assessed by considering four categories of tree health status in the field: asymptomatic, dead and defoliation above and below a 50% threshold. A combination of multispectral Parrot Sequoia and UAV unmanned aerial vehicles -red green blue (RGB) data were analysed using classical random forest (RF) and a simple and robust three-step logistic modelling approaches to identify the most important forest health indicators while adhering to the principle of parsimony. A total of 34 remote sensing variables were considered, including a set of vegetation indices, texture features from the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and a digital surface model (DSM), topographic and digital aerial photogrammetry-derived structural data from the DSM at crown level. Results The four categories identified by the RF yielded an overall accuracy of 67%, while aggregation of the legend to three classes (asymptomatic, defoliated, dead) and to two classes (alive, dead) improved the overall accuracy to 72% and 91% respectively. On the other hand, the confusion matrix, computed from the three logistic models by using the leave-out cross-validation method yielded overall accuracies of 75%, 80% and 94% for four-, three- and two-level classifications, respectively. Discussion The study findings provide forest managers with an alternative robust classification method for the rapid, effective assessment of areas affected and non-affected by the disease, thus enabling them to identify hotspots for conservation and plan control and restoration measures aimed at preserving black alder forests.

The Late Oligocene is the time of the flourishing of typical warm temperate Turgay vegetation in Kazakhstan and adjacent areas. The Aschudasty flora described here originates from the Oshagandy Formation which correlates with the early part of the Chattian. The palaeobotanical analysis reveals 38 plant taxa, identified by macro- and microfloral remains related to Lycopodiophyta (1), Pteridophyta (3), Gymnospermae (7), Gnetophyta (1), Magnoliophyta (25) and plantae incerta sedis (1). Macrofossils include mainly Cupressaceae (Metasequoia , Taxodium and Glyptostrobus), Betulaceae (Alnus, Corylus) and Ulmus , as well as large number of monocots and aquatic ferns. The palynospectrum is dominated by pollen of the genus Picea (about 30%) and Alnus (about 40%), with noticeable amounts of pollen from other birch genera (about 7% in total). Plant functional type (PFT) and Coexistence Approach were used for palaeoenviromental reconstructions. Vegetation reconstruction shown that the microflora has a very temperate aspect reflecting a mixed deciduous conifer forest with a diverse, mainly deciduous shrub layer. The macroflora also reflects deciduous forest vegetation with conifers and possibly a very minor evergreen component. The climatic analysis shows a seasonal temperate climate. The pollen data reflect the zonal regional vegetation, the macroflora most probably reflects the lakeside wetland vegetation which may have experienced a warmer microclimate, compared to the upland realm. In whole significant climatic changes was not documented since Early Oligocene Rupelian time. • Flora Aschydasty hasthe typical Turgai type. • A fairly warm climate made it possible warm-temperate mixed forests to exist on the territory of Kazakhstan. • The PFT analysis indicate a trend towards more open landscapes in the eastern part of Kasakhstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Journal of Political Economy would like to acknowledge the assistance of numerous individuals who have served as referees for the journal. The list includes a wide range of scholars from various fields, demonstrating the diverse perspectives and expertise that contribute to the journal's rigorous review process. The journal expresses gratitude for their valuable contributions to maintaining the quality and integrity of the published research. [Extracted from the article]

Toxic formaldehyde emissions, and the necessity to reduce the consumption of petrochemicals, stimulates the development of environmentally friendly adhesives. The aim of this research was to study, for the first time, the possibility of using condensed tannins (CTs)-rich extracts from grey alder (Alnus incana) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa) bark in the production of particleboards and plywood adhesives. The chemical structure, composition, and molecular weight of the CTs were identified by a 13C-NMR and TOF-MS analysis. Three innovative adhesive systems were studied: CTs-phenol-formaldehyde (CTs-PF) resin; a CTs-polyethyleneimine (PEI) adhesive system; and CTs–PEI combined with an ultra-low emitting formaldehyde resin (ULEFR)—CTs–PEI–ULEFR. The results showed that CTs-PF resin has properties close to commercial PF resin, and the formaldehyde emission was twice lower. CTs–PEI bonded particleboards corresponded to the requirements of the EN 312:2010 standard for particleboards in dry conditions (Type P2). CTs–PEI–ULEFR, with a 40–60% substitution of ULEFR by CTs–PEI, had adhesive properties very close to ULEFR; the plywood shear strength fit the requirements of the EN 314-2:1993 standard for application in internal and external system conditions. The introduction of extracted alder bark residues microparticles into the composition of the adhesive system showed their positive potential for application as a filler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological characterization is important in determining the genetic variation of genotypes among different plant species and its knowledge help the breeders and farmers to select the best variety. Alnus nitida is one of the native and most important plants in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, mostly used for medicinal purposes. In the present study, total 50 genotypes of Alnus nitida were collected from Dir lower and evaluated for morphological traits (leaf, petiole, nut, and catkin size). A significant level of variations was observed in the size of the leaf (10.22%), petiole (24.84%), catkin (9.19%), and nut (3.08%). There is a significant correlation between petiole size and leaf size, which is an important nutritional parameter that could be used successfully in future breeding programs. Based on cluster analysis all the genotypes were divided into two main lineages; lineage A which is further divided into 3 clusters (C1, C2, and C3), and lineage B, further divided into 2 clusters (C4 and C5). The principal component analysis estimated the total variations in the range of 51.43 to 100% with an Eigenvalue of 0.25. It was concluded from the results that Alnus nitida L. genotypes available in Pakistan have come from a narrow gene pool and such types of variations can be exploited to develop new varieties with desirable traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to measure the Brinell hardness (HB) of six wood species and evaluate the ability to recover the depth of the imprint (self-re-deformation). Straight-grain clear samples of ash, beech, alder, birch, iroko, and linden wood were prepared. Measurements were made in the three main reference timber cross-sections: radial (R), tangential (T), and axial/longitudinal (L) and with two measuring loads of 30 kG and 100 kG (294.2 N and 980.7 N). The tested wood species could be classified into hard (ash, beech), medium-hard (alder, birch, iroko), and soft (linden) wood species. The HBs of each tested wood species differed in the cross-sections, i.e., side hardness (R, T) and end hardness (L). Higher HB values were obtained at 100 kG load in all species and all three cross-sections. The lowest influence of the measurement force value on the HB value was revealed for the soft wood species (linden: 107–118%). This influence was visible for the other five medium-hard and hard wood species, ranging from 125% to 176%. The percentage of temporary imprint in total imprint depth (x/H) varied from 12 to 33% (linden 12–18%—the lowest self-re-deformation ability; beech 25–33%—the highest self-re-deformation ability). The results of this study underline that the higher the density of the wood, the higher the Brinell hardness, and, simultaneously, the greater the measurement force used, the higher the Brinell hardness measured. The ability of self-re-deformation in wood's R and T cross-sections depends on the wood density and the measuring force used. In contrast, this ability only depends on the wood density in the L cross-section. Those observations imply that the compaction of the cell structure during side compression is mainly non-destructive, while the longitudinal deformation of the cell structure (the buckling of cell walls and fracture of ends of the cells) is to a great degree destructive and irreversible. These results can be used in the construction and furniture sectors, especially when designing products and planning the woodworking of highly loaded wood floors and furniture elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adverse effects of combustion waste disposal sites could be limited by their biological stabilization. This work presents a review of the literature on the utility of species of alder (black, grey and green) in the biological stabilization, and potentially phytoremediation, of combustion waste disposal sites. All three alder species studied are characterized by high survival rates and good growth parameters, with black alder displaying better growth parameters compared to grey alder. In general, the three alder species have been found to have similar and positive effects on the physicochemical properties of combustion waste, with the observed differences being relatively small. In combustion waste disposal site located in Central Poland, litter pH was slightly acidic (pH in KCl 6.3) to neutral (pH in KCl 6.7), which is favourable for strongly alkaline combustion wastes. Accumulation of litter layer ranged from 2.9 to 3.6 Mg ha–1, and grey alder litter was characterized by the highest content of nutrients (N-P-K). Organic C content in the 0–5 cm mineral layer (A) increased to 38.06 and 47.80 g kg–1, respectively for green and black alder. However, the selection of a single tree species for the reclamation of combustion waste needs to be based not only its phytoameliorative function but also its growth and biomass parameters. Given those parameters, black alder is strongly recommended. This species has a similar effect on the properties of combustion waste as grey alder, but it exhibits better growth parameters. Green alder, being a shrub with lower biomass and litter fall than the other two species, exerts weaker ameliorative and soil development effects, but may be used on slopes to counteract erosion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]