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Abstract: In recent years, the oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata, has emerged as a significant threat to European oak forests. This species, native to North America, has in the last two decades rapidly extended its range in Europe, raising concerns about its potential impact on the continent's invaluable oak populations. To address this growing concern, we conducted an extensive study to assess the distribution, colonization patterns, and potential ecological niche of the oak lace bug in Europe. We gathered 1792 unique presence coordinates from 21 Eurasian countries, utilizing diverse sources such as research observations, citizen science initiatives, GBIF database, and social media reports. To delineate the realized niche and future distribution, we employed an ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM) framework. Two future greenhouse gas scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) were considered across three-time intervals (2021–2040, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100) to project and evaluate the species' potential distribution in the future. Our analysis revealed that significant hotspots rich in host species occurrence for this invasive insect remain uninvaded so far, even within its suitable habitat. Furthermore, the native ranges of Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) and Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto L.) species offer entirely suitable environments for the oak lace bug. In contrast, the pedunculate oak and sessile oak distribution ranges currently show only 40 % and 50 % suitability for colonization, respectively. However, our predictive models indicate a significant transformation in the habitat suitability of the oak lace bug, with suitability for these two oak species increasing by up to 90 %. This shift underlines an evolving landscape where the oak lace bug may exploit more of its available habitats than initially expected. It emphasises the pressing need for proactive measures to manage and stop its expanding presence, which may lead to a harmful impact on the oak population across the European landscape.
Keywords: biological invasion, invasive species, species distribution model, Oak pest, biodiversity impact, European oak forest, Europe, oak forest
Published in DiRROS: 13.08.2024; Views: 336; Downloads: 999
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Abstract: Protein-based fish adhesives have historically been used in various bonding applications; however, due to the protein’s high affinity for water absorption, these adhesives become destabilized in high-moisture environments, resulting in reduced bondline strength and early failure. This limitation makes them unsuitable for industrial applications with higher demands. To address this issue, water-insoluble raw powder materials such as iron, copper, or zeolite were incorporated into natural fish adhesives. In this study, the hygroscopicity, dry matter content, thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), FT-IR spectroscopy, surface tension measurements, vapour permeability, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the modified adhesives were determined. In addition, the bonding properties of the modified adhesives were evaluated by the tensile shear strength of the lap joints, and mould growth was visually inspected. The resulting modified protein-based adhesives demonstrated improved stability in high humidity environments. Enhancing the hygroscopic properties of protein-based fish adhesives has the potential to unlock new opportunities and applications, providing a healthier and more environmentally sustainable alternative to petroleum-based adhesives.
Keywords: protein‐based adhesive, polymer stabilization, hygroscopicity, fish adhesive modification, fish industry waste, circular economy, bonding properties
Published in DiRROS: 12.08.2024; Views: 412; Downloads: 359
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Abstract: This Toolkit was created by the Law Institute of the Science and Research Centre of Koper, Slovenia, as a deliverable of the Innocent project funded by the European Commission under the JUST Programme and coordinated by the Law and Internet Foundation, Bulgaria. It aims at enhancing the application of the presumption of innocence when handling electronic evidence (e-evidence) in criminal proceedings and empowering legal practitioners to critically review e-evidence from procedural rights perspective. It is designed to enhance understanding of the legal and practical challenges encountered by judges, prosecutors and defence lawyers (particularly those operating in Central and Eastern Europe) in the acquisition of e-evidence by law enforcement agencies, evaluation of admissibility of e-evidence by judges, and cross-border access to and exchange of e-evidence. Exploring the different stages in the ‘life cycle’ of e-evidence, this Toolkit concerns data and evidence stored in various electronic devices and online information systems, including computers, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, electronic appliances, portable media (e.g., USB sticks, external hard drives) and clouds, associated with individuals suspected or accused of criminal offenses, as well as those in the possession of other individuals. It also concerns electronic data and evidence held by telecommunication and internet service providers registered in domestic or foreign jurisdictions. However, it does not address legal and/or practical considerations related to interception and obtaining real-time electronic data and evidence from telecommunications operators and refrains from exploring issues concerning the collection of electronic data (and evidence) through techniques of mass surveillance, as well as strategies like “predictive risk-assessment” or other similar approaches aimed at preventing crime and enhancing law enforcement capabilities.
Published in DiRROS: 09.08.2024; Views: 373; Downloads: 215
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Abstract: The chapters in this volume provide rich evidence of the increasing variety and cultural diversity of science communication practices across the world (Bucchi & Trench, 2021). Collectively, the science communication initiatives described here exemplify a range of progressive approaches, including dialogue, active engagement, learning-by-doing, and co-construction of knowledge, that in various ways reflect re-inventions or re-imaginings of science communication. In addition, this collection of work points to the inevitable conclusion that dialogue is necessary not just between science and society but also between science communication practitioners and researchers from different ecologies – countries, cultures, institutions and practices. We thus see this volume as a contribution to longitudinal studies of science communication across contexts, disciplines, purposes, and formats. Only in this way can the ecosystem of science communication continue to grow more diverse and self-reflective.
Published in DiRROS: 09.08.2024; Views: 350; Downloads: 228
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Published in DiRROS: 08.08.2024; Views: 426; Downloads: 173
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