1. Heavy metals in the Adriatic-Ionian Seas : a case study to illustrate the challenges in data management when dealing with regional datasetsMaria-Eugenia Molina Jack, Rigers Bakiu, Ana Castelli, Branko Čermelj, Maja Fafanđel, Christina Georgopoulou, Giordano Giorgi, Athanassia Iona, Damir Ivankovic, Martina Kralj, Elena Partescano, Alice Rotini, Melita Velikonja, Marina Lipizer, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Harmonization of monitoring protocols and analytical methods is a crucial issue for transnational marine environmental status assessment, yet not the only one. Coherent data management and quality control become very relevant when environmental status is assessed at regional or subregional scale (e.g., for the Mediterranean or the Adriatic Sea), thus requiring data from different sources. Heavy metals are among the main targets of monitoring activities. Significant efforts have been dedicated to share best practices for monitoring and assessment of ecosystem status and to strengthen the network of national, regional and European large data infrastructures in order to facilitate the access to data among countries. Data comparability and interoperability depend not only on sampling and analytical protocols but also on how data and metadata are managed, quality controlled and made accessible. Interoperability is guaranteed by using common metadata and data formats, and standard vocabularies to assure homogeneous syntax and semantics. Data management of contaminants is complex and challenging due to the high number of information required on sampling and analytical procedures, high heterogeneity in matrix characteristics, but also to the large and increasing number of pollutants. Procedures for quality control on heterogeneous datasets provided by multiple sources are not yet uniform and consolidated. Additional knowledge and reliable long time-series of data are needed to evaluate typical ranges of contaminant concentration. The analysis of a coherent and harmonized regional dataset can provide the basis for a multi-step quality control procedure, which can be further improved as knowledge increases during data validation process. Keywords: contaminants, data management, harmonization, Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea, pollution, assessment, heavy metals Published in DiRROS: 22.07.2024; Views: 170; Downloads: 149
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2. Modelling of traffic load effects in the assessment of existing road bridgesDominik Skokandić, Ana Mandić Ivanković, Aleš Žnidarič, Mladen Srbić, 2019, review article Abstract: Traffic load models used for the design of new bridges are based on conservative assumptions and have not been proven efficient for assessing safety of existing bridges. In the case of existing bridges, it is reasonable to use load models that are based on bridge weigh-in-motion data which, in addition to axle loads and spacing of bridge-crossing vehicles, provide information on bridge behaviour under traffic load. This paper provides an overview of traffic load models, as well as guidelines on the use of weigh-in-motion data when assessing condition of existing road bridges. Keywords: prometna obtežba, tehtanje vozil med vožnjo, mostni WIM, ocenjevanje stanja, obstoječi mostovi, traffic load, weigh-in-motion, bridge WIM, condition assessment, existing bridges Published in DiRROS: 27.03.2024; Views: 347; Downloads: 294
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3. Forest managers’ perspectives on environmental changes in the biosphere reserve Mura-Drava-DanubeMarcus Sallmannshofer, Rok Damjanić, Harald Vacik, Marjana Westergren, Tjaša Baloh, Gregor Božič, Mladen Ivanković, Gyula Kovács, Miran Lanšćak, Katharina Lapin, Laszlo Nagy, Silvija Krajter Ostoić, Saša Orlović, Srđan Stojnić, Peter Železnik, Milica Zlatković, Silvio Schueler, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Riparian forests are particularly vulnerable to environmental change and anthropogenic influences because they are highly dynamic ecosystems, thus proper adaptation measures are crucial. The implementation of these measures, however, strongly depends on the actors’ perceptions of the specific problems occurring in such forests. For understanding the constraints of specific interest groups toward different adaptation activities, information in this field is essential. By conducting a questionnaire survey we explore how different types of forest managers, i.e., forestry professionals, forest owners, and conservation managers, perceive the effects of environmental change on forest management in the recently established Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube. We show that these forest managers are highly aware of ongoing environmental changes and appraise deteriorating forest conditions, especially after observing changes themselves. Abiotic damage is expected to increase the most, followed by biotic damage, the spread of non-native species, and tree dieback. Nearly 80% of the survey respondents expect further changes and almost all of them intend to adapt their management of forests to mitigate or prepare for these changes. Nevertheless, we show differences in sensitivity to change and willingness to initiate adaptation actions by assessing adaptation thresholds: conservation managers appear generally more tolerant to changes, which results in higher thresholds to initiate management adaptation than forestry professionals Keywords: biosphere reserve Mura-Drava-Danube, forest management, sensitivity to environmental change, stakeholder perception, adaptation thresholds, riparian forest tree species Published in DiRROS: 31.05.2023; Views: 603; Downloads: 443
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4. Genetic aspects linked to production and use of forest reproductive material (FRM) : collecting scientific evidence for developing guidelines and decision support tools for effective FRM managementDušan Gömöry, Katri Himanen, Mari Mette Tollefsrud, Claes Uggla, Hojka Kraigher, Sandor Bordacs, Paraskevi Alizoti, Stuart A'Hara, Aline Frank, Gunnar Friis Proschowsky, Josef Frýdl, Thomas Geburek, Monique Guibert, Mladen Ivanković, Ana Jurše, Stuart Kennedy, Jan Kowalczyk, Heike Liesebach, Tiit Maaten, Andrej Pilipović, Roberta Proietti, Volker Schneck, Alain Servais, Brynjar Skúlason, Christoph Sperisen, Frank Wolter, Tefide Yüksel, Michele Bozzano, 2021, dictionary, encyclopaedia, lexicon, manual, atlas, map Abstract: This report summarises the current state of knowledge in genetic aspects linked to the production and use of forest reproductive material (FRM). The first chapter describes the different categories of FRM, considers the strategic choice between artificial and natural regeneration in the face of climate change, and articulates the need for and purposes of FRM. Chapter 2 outlines the FRM production chain, in terms of: i) FRM approval, management, collection and certification (seed sources, stands, orchards, plus trees and clones others); ii) Testing standards and examples; iii) Effect of seed and seedling material not intended for use as FRM on forest genetic resources; iv) Breeding effects on basic material including conservation strategy; v) Harvesting, processing and storage of seeds; vi) Nursery practices; vii) Certification and Traceability; and viii) FRM Trading and Transport. Chapter 3 examines FRM with regard to: i) Forest regeneration strategies % especially considering climate change, and ii) Assisted migration and available decision support tools. Chapter 4 provides a detailed overview of forest establishment methods, and chapter 5 looks at keeping records of seed origin to improve forest management. The final chapter offers 38 recommendations arising from the review. This work is the result of an international collaboration rooted in EUFORGEN for more than two decades. It is built on the firm belief that the genetic element is decisive for the creation of a resilient forest capable of surviving threats and adapting to changes, thus enabling the evolution of ecosystems and the conservation of the productive landscape. Keywords: forest reproductive material Published in DiRROS: 05.11.2021; Views: 1100; Downloads: 598
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