Sub-stand diameter distribution types vary along an old-growth Douglas-fir chronosequence into the horizontal diversification development stage

Managing mature Douglas-fir[Pseudotsuga menziesii(Mirb.)Franco]stands to emulate the structural complexity of natural old-growth forest requires identifying structural targets at the sub-stand level at which neighborhood dynamics and patchy disturbance shape structure.We therefore sought to describe the archetypal shapes of predominant sub-stand diameter distribution types(DDTs)observed in natural tree neighborhoods in stands comprising a chronosequence(ca.120-450+yrs)encompassing mature,vertical diversification,and horizontal diversification development stages.The ten 1.0 ha stands are located in the southcentral Oregon Cascades,USA.Building on the known spatial position of each tree,natural tree neighborhoods were identified using the floating neighborhood approach based on spatial tessellation connecting neighboring trees at the first-(mean 61 m2)through fifth-(mean 2058 m2)order scales.Cluster analysis was then used to objectively identify the most predominant DDTs among the relative tree size distributions observed in the trans-scale neighborhoods within each stand.Repeated measures regression was used to classify each DDT to one of six observed archetypal shapes:negative exponential,unimodal,rotated sigmoid,bimodal,concave,or multi-modal.Only three of the 81 observed DDTs deviated by<10%from the stand average,while every stand had at least one DDT that deviated by>50%(maximum 83%).Within each stand,five to ten predominant DDTs were observed,which deviated from the stand average by 30-48%and were characterized by two to five different archetypal shapes.Consequently,in some stands the majority of tree neighborhoods were best characterized by a different shape from that assigned at the stand level.Deviation from the stand average increased from the youngest stand in the mature development stage through the middle stands in the vertical diversification stage to the oldest stands in the horizontal diversification stage.The complexity of DDT shapes tended to increase along the chronosequence(from negative exponential and uniform toward concave and multi-modal),with shape richness highest mid-sequence and evenness peaking in the oldest stands.The high diversity of sub-stand structural complexity reduces the utility of standlevel diameter distributions as old-growth restoration targets.However,the presence in early-sequence stands of sub-stand diameter distributions common to later-sequence stands may facilitate active management at the neighborhood level to promote future old-growth condition.Restoration of substand diameter structures would likely require combining spatial perspectives,such as by augmenting tree-level croptree management with diameter distribution targets for the resulting tree neighborhoods.

Diameter distributions in Pinus sylvestris L.stands:evaluating modelling approaches including a machine learning technique

The diameter distribution of trees in a stand provides the basis for determining the stand’s ecological and economic value,its structure and stability and appropriate management practices.Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris L.)is one of the most common and important conifers in Turkey,so a well-planned management schedule is critical.Diameter distribution models to accurately describe the stand structure help improve management strategies,but developing reliable models requires a deep understanding of the growth,output and constraints of the forests.The most important information derived by diameter distribution models is primary data on horizontal stand structure for each diameter class of trees:basal area and volume per unit area.These predictions are required to estimate the range of products and predicted volume and yield from a forest stand.Here,to construct an accurate,reliable diameter distribution model for natural Scots pine stands in the Türkmen Mountain region,we used Johnson’s SBdistribution to represent the empirical diameter distributions of the stands using ground-based measurements from 55 sample plots that included1219 trees in natural distribution zones of the forests.As an alternative,nonparametric approach,which does not require any predefined function,an artificial intelligence model was constructed based on support vector machine methodology.An error index was calculated to evaluate the results.Overall,both Johnson’s SB probability density function with a three-parameter recovery approach and the support vector regression methodology provided reliable estimates of the diameter distribution of these stands.

Diameter distribution of trees in natural stands managed on polycyclic cutting system

Diameter frequency distribution in a specific stand provides basic information for forest resources management. In this study, four probability models were applied to analyze diameter distribution of natural forests after selective cutting with different intensities （low intensity of 13.0% in volume, medium intensity of 29.1%, high intensity of 45.8%, and extra-high intensity of 67.1%） The results show that the skewness and kurtosis of the four models are positive except that of low intensity selective cutting, which suggest that the number of small-size trees dominate the stand. The more intensity of selective cutting, the wider range of diameter distributions. The diameter structure of selective cutting with low intensity met Weibull and Beta distributions; that of medium intensity met Weibull, negative exponential as well as Gamma distributions; that of high intensity cutting met Weibull and negative exponential distributions, but that of extra-high intensity could not meet any above model. Weibull distribution model fits better than others regarding the structure of diameter distribution in natural forests managed on polycyclic cutting system. The results will provide basic information for sustainable management for mixed natural stands managed on a polycyclic cutting system.

Performance of Weibull function as a diameter distribution model for Pinus thunbergii stands in the eastern coast of South Korea

This study was carried out to determine the performance of percentile-based Weibull diameter distribution model for Pinus thunbergii stands thriving along the eastern coast of South Korea. The parameter recovery technique was used to estimate the three parameters of the Weibull model. The analysis demonstrated satisfactory results based on the following test statistics for the principal percentile models： fit index （FI） range from 0.501（minimum diameter） to 0.932 （50th diameter percentiles） and root mean square error （RMSE） range from 0.112 （quadratic mean diameter） to 3.572 （minimum diameter）. The developed model was further evaluated by determining the mean bias （E） in trees per ha （TPH） for each diameter class, and the results showed highest over-prediction in the 20 cm, and under-prediction in the x6 cm and 24 cm diameter classes. The goodness of fit tested by Kolmogorov- Smirnov （KS） test showed no significant differences （P〉0.05） between the observed and predicted diameter distributions for almost all plots. Using site index and aboveground biomass （AGB） models developed for P. thunbergii in South Korea, a model to predict the AGB per ha for each diameter class and subsequently the total AGB of the stand was created. An application guide was also created, which will serve as a decision-support tool for forest managers in quantifying the future total AGB in P. thunbergii stands located in the eastern coast of South Korea and, subsequently, the quantification of potential carbon stocks aside from being a vital input in designing efficient management and protection strategies for these stands.

Evaluation of Some Weibull Parameter Estimation Methods for Characterizing Stem Diameter Distribution in a Tropical Mixed Forest of Southern Nigeria

Stem diameter distribution information is useful in forest management planning. Weibull function is flexible, and has been used in characterising diameter distributions, especially in single-species planted stands, the world over. We evaluated some Weibull parameter estimation methods for stem diameter characterisation in （Oban） multi-species Forest in southern Nigeria. Four study sites （Aking, Ekang, Erokut and Ekuri） were selected. Four 2 km-long transects situated at 600 m apart were laid in each location. Five 50m x 50m plots were alternately laid along each transect at 400 m apart （20 plots/location） using systematic sampling technique. Tree growth variables： diameter at breast height （Dbh）, diameters at the base, middle and merchantable limit, total height, merchantable height, stem straightness, crown length and crown diameter were measured on all trees 〉 10 cm to compute model response variables such as mean diameters, basal area and stem volume. Weibull parameters estimation methods used were： moment-based, percentile-based, hybrid and maximum-likelihood （ML）. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, regression models and ANOVA at α0.05. Percentile-based method was the best for Weibull [location （a）, scale （b） and shape （c）] parameters estimations with mLogL = 116.66±21.89, while hybrid method was least-suitable （mLogL = 690.14±128.81） for Weibull parameters estimations. Quadratic mean diameter （Dq） was the only suitable predictor of Weibull parameters in Oban Forest.

Droplets diameter distribution using maximum entropy formulation combined with a new energy-based sub-model

The maximum entropy principle(MEP) is one of the first methods which have been used to predict droplet size and velocity distributions of liquid sprays. This method needs a mean droplets diameter as an input to predict the droplet size distribution. This paper presents a new sub-model based on the deterministic aspects of liquid atomization process independent of the experimental data to provide the mean droplets diameter for using in the maximum entropy formulation(MEF). For this purpose, a theoretical model based on the approach of energy conservation law entitled energy-based model(EBM) is presented. Based on this approach, atomization occurs due to the kinetic energy loss. Prediction of the combined model(MEF/EBM) is in good agreement with the available experimental data. The energy-based model can be used as a fast and reliable enough model to obtain a good estimation of the mean droplets diameter of a spray and the combined model(MEF/EBM) can be used to well predict the droplet size distribution at the primary breakup.

Simulation of Haloxylon Ammodendron Stand Basic Diameter Structure Based on Fuzzy Distribution Function

Based on the investigation data of 12 Haloxylon ammodendron plots in the south edge of Gurbantunggut Desert, Fuzzy distribution was introduced into the study of Haloxylon ammodendron base diameter structure fitting according to the consistency between the characteristics of Fuzzy distribution function and the distribution series of cumulative percentage of stand base diameter, and the fitting precision and effect of Fuzzy distribution function were discussed. The root mean square error RMSE and determination coefficient R2 values showed that Fuzzy-Γ1, Fuzzy-Γ2, Fuzzy-Γ3, Fuzzy-Γ4 had good fitting performance, among which Fuzzy-Γ1 had relatively high fitting precision, and its parameters were closely related to stand age and density, Fuzzy-Γ2 distribution function was the second, and Fuzzy-Γ4 distribution function had the worst fitting effect. By introducing a parameter c from the similarity of four distribution function formulas, a generalized Fuzzy distribution function Fuzzy-Γ5 is obtained. This function shows the highest fitting accuracy. Most of the values of parameter c are near 1 or 2, which shows that the diameter distribution is mainly approximate to Fuzzy-Γ1 and Fuzzy-Γ2.

Stable reverse J-shaped diameter distribution occurs in an old-growth karst forest

The reverse J-shaped diameter distribution is considered an inherent attribute of natural forests,cru-cial for forest resource utilization and community stabil-ity.However,in karst regions,intense habitat heterogene-ity might alter species composition,spatial distribution,growth,biomass allocation,and mortality processes,yet its impact on diameter structure remains unclear.A fixed plot of 200 m×110 m was established in the Nanpan River Basin,Southwest China,within an old-growth oak forest(>300 years old),and the influence of site substrates(i.e.,rock and soil),topographic factors,sample area,and ori-entation on diameter distribution was analyzed.Trees on both rock and soil exhibited a reverse-J shape,quantifiable Project funding:This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32060340 and 31400542),the Scientific Research Capacity Building Project for Laibin Jinxiu Dayaoshan Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Guangxi(22-035-130-01).through the Weibull function.The substrates had a similar density,approximately 2100 plants/ha.However,the aver-age and range of diameter of trees on rock were smaller than those on soil,suggesting that rock constrains tree growth.The diameter distribution of trees across microtopography also displayed a reverse-J shape.Yet,higher elevations and sunny slopes showed a greater curvature of diameter classes compared to lower elevations and shady slopes,indicating habitat preferences in karst trees.Sample area and orienta-tion had minimal effects on diameter class curve that reached stability when the plot size was 6000 m2.These results sug-gest that the reverse J-shaped diameter distribution prevails at small scales in karst old-growth forests,encompassing multiple curvatures and spanning forest ecosystems.

Analysis of Snow Distribution and Displacement in the Bogie Region of a High-Speed Train

Snow interacting with a high-speed train can cause the formation of ice in the train bogie region and affect its safety.In this study,a wind-snow multiphase numerical approach is introduced for high-speed train bogies on the basis of the Euler-Lagrange discrete phase model.A particle-wall impact criterion is implemented to account for the presence of snow particles on the surface.Subsequently,numerical simulations are conducted,considering various snow particle diameter distributions and densities.The research results indicate that when the particle diameter is relatively small,the distribution of snow particles in the bogie cavity is relatively uniform.However,as the particle diameter increases,the snow particles in the bogie cavity are mainly located in the rear wheel pairs of the bogie.When the more realistic Rosin-Rammler diameter distribution is applied to snow particles,the positions of snow particles with different diameters vary in the bogie cavity.More precisely,smaller diameter particles are primarily located in the front and upper parts of the bogie cavity,while larger diameter snow particles accumulate at the rear and in the lower parts of the bogie cavity.

A New Function for Modelling Diameter Frequency Distribution in the Tropical Rain Forest of Xishuangbanna,Southwest of China

Permanent plots in the montane tropical rain forests in Xishuangbanna, southwest China, were established, and different empirical models, based on observation data of these plots in 1992, were built to model diameter frequency distributions. The focus of this study is on predicting accuracy of stem number in the larger diameter classes, which is much more important than that of the smaller trees, from the view of forest management, and must be adequately considered in the modelling and estimate. There exist 3 traditional ways of modelling the diameter frequency distribution: the negative exponential function model, limiting line function model, and Weibull distribution model. In this study, a new model, named as the logarithmic J-shape function, together with the others, was experimented and was found as a more suitable model for modelling works in the tropical forests.

Population structure of Araucaria angustifolia under distinct forest protection status:implications for management and conservation

Araucaria angustifolia is the dominant coniferous species in Brazil,a long-lived pioneer species and a supplier of valuable timber and non-timber products,which gives it key-species status.This study examines how A.angustifolia population structure affects the stand structure,and whether these relationships differ between protected and unprotected areas.The study was carried out on two protection status forests(national forest and urban forest)in a region of Atlantic mixed forest in ParanáState,southern Brazil.Skewness coefficient and the Weibull shape parameter described the population structure and its effects on species diversity and biomass stock.Population diameter distribution differed significantly between forests,with unbalanced structure in both,although regeneration was more abundant in the protected area.Skewness positively affected aboveground biomass whereas shape negatively affected it and species diversity.These relationships differed between protected and unprotected stands.The effect of A.angustifolia populations on stand structure was conditioned on protection status.Old-growth populations may have lower diversity and biomass stock even supporting large trees.Consequently,old-growth forests,can lead to wood loss through mortality,senescence,and declining populations,representing the waste of a valuable timber resource.These findings provide useful knowledge for forest management,species conservation,and the carbon market.

Numerical study of pressure drop for a new fibrous media model

An open-source computational fluid dynamics（CFD）code named OpenFOAM is used to validate the flow field characteristics（flow patterns and pressure drop）around a single cylinder.Results show that OpenFOAM is suitable for simulating the low Reynolds number flow and Shaw＇s analytical expression is one of the solutions to Stokes＇ paradox.Experiments are performed on fibrous media and OpenFOAM simulation is carried out using the Tronville-Rivers two-dimensional random fiber model in terms of the characteristics of pressure drop.It is shown that the Kuwabara model predicts the pressure drop of fibrous filter media more accurately than the Happel model,and the experimental pressure drop is between simulated pressure drops with both non-slip and full-slip boundaries on fiber surfaces.

Measurement of respiration amount of white birch（Betula platyphylla）population in the mountainous region of Beijing

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Does variable stand structure associated with multi-cohort forests support diversity of ground beetle (Coleoptera, Carabidae) communities in the central Nearctic boreal forest？

Multi-cohort management （MCM） that retains a range of stand structures （age and size class） has been proposed to emulate natural disturbance and improve management in the Nearctic boreal forest. Although MCM forests contain both single- and multi-aged stands of mixed tree sizes, little is known about how variable stand structure affects associated fauna and biodiversity. Here, we examine the relationship between ground beetle （Coleoptera, Carabidae） communities and stand characteristics across a range of forest structure （=cohort classes）. Given that MCM classes are defined by the distribution of their tree-stem diameters, we ask whether parameters associated with these distributions （Weibull） could explain observed variation in carabid communities, and if so, how this compares to traditional habitat variables such as stand age, foliage complexity or volume of downed woody debris. We sampled carabids using weekly pitfall collections and compared these with structural habitat variables across a range of cohort classes （stand structure and age since disturbance） in 18 sites of upland mixed boreal forests from central Canada. Results showed that richness and diversity of carabid communities were similar among cohort classes. Weibull parameters from the diameter distribution of all stems were the strongest predictors of variation in carabid communities among sites, but vertical foliage complexity, understory thickness, and percentage of deciduous composition were also significant. The abundance of several carabid forest specialists was strongly correlated with tree canopy height, the presence of large trees, and high vertical foliage complexity. Our results demonstrate that variable forest structure, as expected under MCM, may be useful in retaining the natural range of ground beetle species across the central Nearctic boreal forest.

Inventory of aspen trees in spruce dominated stands in conserva-tion area

Background： The occurrence of aspen trees increases the conservation value of mature conifer dominated forests. Aspens typically occur as scattered individuals among major tree species, and therefore the inventory of aspens is challenging. Methods： We characterized aspen populations in a boreal nature reserve using diameter distribution, spatial pattern, and forest attributes： volume, number of aspens, number of large aspen stems and basal area median diameter. The data were collected from three separate forest stands in Koli National Park, eastern Finland. At each site, we measured breast height diameter and coordinates of each aspen. The comparison of inventory methods of aspens within the three stands was based on simulations with mapped field data. We mimicked stand level inventory by locating varying numbers of fixed area circular plots both systematically and randomly within the stands. Additionally, we also tested if the use of airborne laser scanning （ALS） data as auxiliary information would improve the accuracy of the stand level inventory by applying the probability proportional to size sampling to assist the selection of field plot locations. Results： The results showed that aspens were always clustered, and the diameter distributions indicated different stand structures in the three investigated forest stands. The reliability of the volume and number of large aspen trees varied from relative root mean square error figures above 50% with fewer sample plots （5-10） to values of 25%-50% with ]0 or more sample plots. Stand level inventory estimates were also able to detect spatial pattern and the shape of the diameter distribution. In addition, ALS-based auxiliary information could be useful in guiding the inventories, but caution should be used when applying the ALS-supported inventory technique. Conclusions： This study characterized European aspen populations for the purposes of monitoring and management of boreal conservation areas. Our results suggest that if the number of sample plots is adequate, i.e. 10 or more stand level inventory will provide accurate enough forest attributes estimates in conservation areas （minimum accuracy requirement of RMSE% is 20%-50%）. Even for the more ecologically valuable attributes, such as diameter distribution, spatial pattern and large aspens, the estimates are acceptable for conservation purposes

Frost Resistance of Magnesium Oxychloride Cement Mortar Added with Highland Barley Straw Ash

In order to study the influence of highland barley straw ash (HBSA) prepared under certain conditions on the durability of magnesium oxychloride cement mortar (MOCM) under freeze-thaw damage,rapid freeze-thaw cycle tests were carried out firstly.The relative mass evaluation parameters and the relative compressive strength evaluation parameters,which represent the degradation of freeze-thaw resistance,were used as the indices to study the degradation rule of MOCM.Secondly,nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests were carried out on MOCM under different freeze-thaw cycles to analyze the pore diameter changes in the freeze-thaw process.The microstructure of MOCM was tested by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM),and then the effect mechanism of HBSA on the anti-freezing performance of MOCM was revealed.Finally,the two-parameter Weibull distribution function was used to analyze the reliability of durability degradation of MOCM added with HBSA under freeze-thaw cycles.The specific conclusions are as follows:With the increase of HBSA's addition,the freeze-thaw resistance of MOCM increase firstly and then decrease.When the addition of HBSA is 10%,the decay rate of relative mass evaluation parameters and relative compressive strength evaluation parameters is the slowest,and the frost resistance is the best.The proportion of harmful pores and more harmful pores in MOCM added with 10% HBSA decreases by 25.11% and 21.34%,compared with that without HBSA before and after freeze-thaw cycles.A lot of magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) gels are generated in MOCM with HBSA content of 10%,which fills part of the pores,so that the proportion of harmful pores and more harmful pores is the lowest.The Weibull function can be effectively applied to the reliability analysis of the freeze-thaw cycle of MOCM added with HBSA,and the theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Identifying indigenous tree species for land reforestation,forest restoration, and plantation transformation on Hainan Island, China

Selecting suitable species is the most important issue for bare land reforestation, degraded secondary forest restoration, and single-species plantation transformation. However, little information has been documented related to tree species selection for these silvicultural endeavors on tropical Hainan Island of Southern China. The present study employed Baisha County, the ecological core area of Hainan Island, as a case study area. We initially inventoried a slightly disturbed primary forest and attempted to produce diameter distribution curves for each tree species. Second, the tree species were classified into shade intolerant, opportunist, and shade tolerant species based on shape of their diameter distribution curves. Third, market value was determined for each tree species based on published literature and on-site investigations at local wood trading companies. Totally 118 tree species were encountered in the inventoried forest and 13 tree species present were finally identified as potential tree species for our silvicultural endeavor on Hainan Island, of which 3 species are shade intolerant, 5 species are opportunist and 5 species are shade tolerant. Additionally, we also selected 12 tree species that were not in the inventoried forest but were extremely economically valuable and ecologically important. This study should contribute to the formulation of a sustainable forest management strategy on Hainan Island and the methodology might be replicated in other tropical region where suitable species also need to be identified for silvicultural endeavor.

Effects of Water-Soluble Co-Solvent on Properties of W/O Pickering Emulsions

Effects of water-soluble co-solvents （WSCs）on the properties of water/oil Picketing emulsions were investigated. Picketing emulsions were prepared in the system of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene （TMB）/hydrophobic sil- ica/water with varied concentrations of WSCs （ethanol, acetic acid and glycerin）. Mean droplet diameter distribu- tions of the obtained emulsions were studied to investigate the effects of WSCs types and concentrations. The results demonstrated that mean droplet diameter distributions decreased at first and then increased with the increase of WSC concentration. Moreover, the effect of WSC concentration on the phase inversion locus was further investi- gated. At the same time, infrared radiation （IR）spectrometer was used to investigate the mechanism. The results showed that the WSC attaching on hydrophobic silica changed the wettability of the particles, which facilitated the formation and phase inversion of the emulsion. The hydrogen bonds between the co-solvent groups attaching on the solid particles made a great effect on the droplet size of the emulsion and strengthened the interaction among emulsifiers. Overall, proper WSC was in favor of the stability of Picketing emulsion.

Appropriate search techniques to estimate Weibull function parameters in a Pinus spp.plantation

The Weibull function,a continuous probability distribution,is widely used for diameter distribution modelling,in which parameter estimation performance is affected by stand attributes and fitting methods.The Weibull cumulative distribution function is nonlinear,and classical fitting methods may provide a not optimal solution.Invoking the use of artificial intelligence by metaheuristics is reasonable for this optimisation task.Therefore,aimed and compared(1)the metaheuristics genetic algorithm and simulated annealing performance over the moment and percentile methods;(2)the hybrid strategy merging the metaheuristics tested and the percentile method and,(3)the metaheuristics fitness functions under basal area and density errors.A long-term experiment in a Pinus taeda stand subjected to crown thinning was used.According to our findings,all methods have a similar performance,independent of the thinning regimes and age.The pattern of the estimated parameters tends to be acceptable,as b increases over time and c increases after thinning.Overall,our findings suggest that methods based on metaheuristics have a higher precision than classical methods for estimating Weibull parameters.According to the classification test,the methods that involved simulated annealing stood out.The hybrid method involving this metaheuristic also stood out,with accurate estimates.Classical methods showed the poorest performance,and we therefore suggest the use of simulated annealing due to its faster processing time and high-quality solution.

A Novel Method for Preparing Approximately Micron-sized Polymethyl Methacrylate Microspheres with Clear Surface

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres with clear surface and diameter close to 1 祄 were synthesized by newly soap-free emulsion polymerization. The results showed that the presence of ethanol and NaCl made the increase of diameter and distribution, while the presence of toluene could avoid the problem of the increase of distribution, resulting a harvest of PMMA microspheres with a diameter close to 1 祄.