The seasonal use of roads includes construction and maintenance activities, depending on the season and weather conditions within a certain area. There are a number of scientific papers and web-GIS projects in Russia and worldwide discussing the seasonality of road use with variants of season duration, roads naming, technical methods of construction, etc. The regional forestry industry uses seasonal roads mainly for firefighting and logging, as additional elements to public road infrastructure. The present research had the aim to develop a forestry GIS project with spatial modelling of seasonal road use in the Siberian federal district of the Russian Federation. The chosen district has a large area, a constant need for the development of road infrastructure, and various regional forestry challenges. In order to reach our goal, we conducted a review of works on the spatial modelling of roads and their seasonality factor; created a model of permanent and seasonal roads use; and developed a database with the attributes of permanent and seasonal roads, finally presented as a web geoservice. GIS implementation is based on open source software and includes modelling of the road network in the QGIS application, using GeoDa and algorithms in Python. PostgreSQL/PostGIS was chosen as the software to create the geodatabase, a GIS server implemented with Linux and Geoserver. This GIS project ended with the following conclusions. There is a lack of open data on the seasonal use of roads for the Siberian federal district and generally for Russia. According to the data we managed to collect, the Tomsk region, as part of the Siberian federal district, has the highest density of seasonal roads, and this could be explained by its actively developing natural resources. The regional services of the Emergency Situations Ministry and Rosavtodor, as well as regional administrations, are the most interested in such kinds of research in Russia.

Forest management practices in recent times have evolved from focusing solely on timber production towards a more holistic approach incorporating ecological and social aspects. In order to support this movement, the Québec government has mandated and adopted a form of spatial organization termed COS (Spatial organization compartments). COS are subdivisions of the management unit designed to spatially aggregate a harvest area. The spatial aggregation of harvest areas ensures that the extent of the cut areas in the landscape is minimized, and it also reduces the amount of logging roads, thus reducing the complexity of forest operations. The delineation of COS is one of the first steps in management planning, and forest managers carry out this task manually. These units then become constraints for the calculation of Annual Allowable Cut (AAC). However, the boundaries obtained through manual delineation are rarely optimal. We propose a machine learning methodology combining the use of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and Reinforcement Learning to partly automate the process. Initially, the stand level data of a forest is encoded into a network of edges and graphs, which is then fed through the GNN to obtain topology aware graphs. After obtaining the dynamic graph that was passed through the GNN, the problem of boundary delineation can be formulated as a Reinforcement Learning problem. The model features an interactive process where the planning agent observes the graph's state, selects edges for optimal plans, receives rewards or penalties based on the guidelines set by the ministry, and the environment transitions based on the agent's actions. This machine learning approach has significant implications in the adaptation towards climate change. It becomes particularly invaluable during the replanning stage when natural disturbances impact planned harvest blocks, necessitating the swift generation of alternative optimal solutions.

Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has emerged as a pivotal analytical tool for the non-destructive estimation of extractive content in various wood species. This study focuses on Dalbergia latifolia (Indian rosewood), renowned for its high-quality timber, by employing NIR spectroscopy to estimate extractive content using three distinct solvent systems: water, iso-propanolol, and hexane. Our objective is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of these solvents in extracting wood constituents, which are critical for enhancing wood properties and industrial applications such as preservation and quality control. The methodology involves preparing wood samples of D. latifolia and treating them with each solvent. NIR spectroscopy is then applied to measure the extractive content. The spectral data obtained were analysed to identify the most effective solvent system. Preliminary results indicate significant variations in extractive yields depending on the solvent used, showcasing the sensitivity and accuracy of NIR spectroscopy in detecting these differences. This study underscores the potential of NIR spectroscopy as a rapid, reliable, and environmentally friendly technique for assessing wood quality. These findings contribute to sustainable wood management practices and offer insights that can drive innovations in wood processing industries. We invite further discussions on the application of NIR spectroscopy in forestry and material sciences at the conference.

The road network is a key element for the forestry in any region, and it has a significant impact on the overall development of the territory. The study aims to evaluate the applicability of road data for infrastructural GIS projects and forest transport modeling. We analyzed the parameters of archived road data on the Siberian federal district, Russia, for 2009, 2016, 2019, and 2023. The following tasks were set in accordance with the goal: to identify the dynamics of data changes from 2009 to 2023 for the regions and forestry management units of key areas, and to evaluate the geometry and attributive completeness of OSM road data. The most developed region in the dynamics of changes in the road network data was the Republic of Khakassia, where the number of roads increased more than threefold from 2016 to 2023. The least developed was the Altai Region, with an almost unchanged number of roads. There was a rather low density of road network in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, Irkutsk, and Tomsk regions. Forestry division for the Siberian federal district includes 286 units, and percentage of roadless units decreased from 27% in 2009 to 2% in 2023. The units of highest road density are located within the Novosibirsk, Omsk, and Kemerovo (Kuzbass) regions. Inconclusion, we state that present OSM road datasets as of 2023 are of help for projects that deal with infrastructure, and especially for forest transport modelling, but the content of OSM datasets has to be compared to road data from regional organizations and companies. A first experience of contacting them with a question of open data on the roads was gained, and we have some positive replies. This research is supported by the state funding contract 2024-2026 "Biodiversity and ecosystem functions of forests", registration number № 124013000750-1.

Forest edges in forest fragments are formed by natural or anthropogenic disturbances, where these forest fragments in a rural matrix experience environmental pressures at different levels. However, few studies indicate the actual size of the edge and how far its effects are perceived in the forest. This study aimed to evaluate the edge effect in forest fragments using floristic studies and vegetation indices, determining the gradient (meters) in which the edge penetrates the forest fragment and identifying the vegetation indices that best apply to edge effect studies. The research was conducted in five seasonal forests where floristic differences were verified, generating two similarity dendrograms using the average vegetation density per plot at each distance from the edge (0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, 90-100 m). To verify differences between the values of vegetation indices (NDVI, GNDVI, EVI, SAVI, Moisture, PV, Emissivity, and LST) concerning the distance from the forest edge towards its interior, the average values for each distance from the edge to the interior of each forest fragment were used. A dendrogram, a PCA, and linear and non-linear regressions were performed to determine the edge gradient in the fragments. The study found a perceptible difference between the edge and the forest interior when the edge reaches 30-40 meters into the forest, both in floristic studies and vegetation indices. The work concludes that field research and remote sensing converge, with NDVI, EVI, and the indices PV and Moisture best reflecting the edge effect in forests, being complementary for vegetation quality analysis. The study proposes the adoption of vegetation indices during the implementation of the Environmental Regularization Program (PRA) to assess the real dimension of the functional Legal Reserve in rural properties and to formulate strategies for maintaining ecosystem services of these forest fragments.

This study focuses on the extraction and characterization of cellulose from Tibouchina lepidota (Bonpl.) Baill., a native forest species of Ecuador. Our research highlights the industrial potential of this cellulose, emphasizing its relevance in the circular economy and in carbon footprint reduction. The methodology includes botanical identification, sample pretreatment, and cellulose extraction through an alkaline process. The extracted cellulose was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and optical microscopy, examining its morphology, structure, and solubility.

The results reveal that particle size significantly influences cellulose extraction yield, with smaller particles showing higher efficiency. Solubility tests in alkaline solutions confirmed that the extracted cellulose is of the beta type. Microscopic observations indicated a high-quality filamentous structure, with thin, long, and non-oriented filaments. This research demonstrates the viability of Tibouchina lepidota as a sustainable cellulose source, highlighting its potential for industrial applications and its contribution to more balanced and sustainable forestry management practices.

Detailed characterization by FTIR revealed significant peaks that confirm the presence of typical cellulose functional groups, such as hydroxyl groups and C-H and C-O-C bonds. These structural characteristics are essential for industrial applications, as beta-type cellulose is valued for its mechanical strength, thermal stability, and ability to form high-quality fibres and films. The extraction's feasibility was demonstrated with homogeneous and reproducible yields, suggesting that the methodology is robust and suitable for laboratory-scale studies and potential industrial applications.

This study not only expands the available cellulose source options for the industry but also promotes a more holistic and sustainable approach to natural resource management. By leveraging underutilized forest residues, Tibouchina lepidota can significantly contribute to the bioeconomy and the composite materials industry, aligning with global sustainable development goals and meeting the growing demand for renewable and eco-friendly materials.

Diatoms are unicellular organisms, they occur either as solitary cells or in colonies. Diatoms have two distinct shapes: a few centric diatoms and most pennate diatoms, they are surrounded by a cell wall made of silica. The present study tries to account for the diversity of Diatoms in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, a protected area situated in the biodiversity hotspot of Western Ghats, India. The study was carried out over a period of one year, from October 2022 to September 2023 in three seasons (pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon) from the freshwater resources within the sanctuary like rivers, reservoirs, and ponds. The surface water samples were collected in plastic containers with the help of a plankton net of mesh size 20µm, samples were fixed in 4% formalin for permanent preservation and detailed identification. Diatom specimens were photographed and identified based on relevant published literature. Bacillariophycean members are difficult to identify, so a clearing process is applied using concentrated nitric acid and permanent slides were prepared using naphrax mounting medium. Scanning electron microscopy is also done for morphology analysis. The current study identified a total of sixty-one taxa, which are distributed under 26 genera. Obtained genera were Achnanthidium (1), Amphora (3), Aulacoseira (1), Caloneis (2), Cocconeis (2), Cyclotella (1), Cymbella (3), Diploneis (1), Encyonema (3), Eunotia (3), Fragilaria (1), Gomphonema (4), Gyrosigma (1), Hantzchia (1), Luticola (1), Melosira (1), Navicula (10), Neidium (2), Nitzschia (9), Pinnularia (4), Planothidium (1), Pleurosigma (1), Rhopalodia (1), Surirella (2), Ulnaria (1), Stauroneis (1). The species Gyrosigma scalproides (Rabenhorst) Cleve and Nitschia irremissa Cholnocky are found to be new reports to Kerala. This is the first study available with regard to the diversity of diatoms in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.

Tropical forests perform environmental functions at different scales, from the local to the global. As an action for the protection of forests, the dynamics of the disturbances that affect it should be analysed; for this reason, it is necessary to determine the degree of deforestation in the department of Tolima and the associated causes. The methodology used considers the integration of social perception with spatially explicit data models, which allowed the analysis of changes and deforestation at numerical, spatial, and temporal levels. As a first measure, an analysis of global changes, forest changes, and systematic and random transitions was carried out. Subsequently, deforestation was evaluated, based on a numerical estimate, followed by the determination of the causes of deforestation with the application of a spatial logistic regression model. The results indicate that the forest present in 2015 was reduced; however, in 2021, the forest acquired new areas, which entails a net increase. Finally, both social perception and the mathematical model agree that the causes of deforestation are more influenced by the expansion of agriculture and settlements. These results may be integrated into the planning and management process of the natural forest in the department through, for example, the forest management plan.

In order to protect wood, several preservation methods have been developed, and chemical modification is an environmentally friendly alternative. The chemical modification of wood improves its performance and dimensional stability, increases its resistance to deterioration, and ensures safe disposal once the wood is out of service. The acetylation of wood, which involves the esterification of accessible hydroxyl groups in the cell wall with acetic anhydride, reduces the hygroscopicity of wood. Acetic acid is obtained as a byproduct of the reaction. The aim of this work is to study the best reaction conditions for the acetylation of Pinus taeda wood with acetic anhydride. The experimental design used was a factorial design 2² with 3 repetitions in the midpoints. The independent variables were reaction temperature and reaction time, both at two levels. Wood's weight gain percentage (WPG) and its chemical changes were used as response variables. The acetylated wood acetylated under the best conditions, as determined by the trials, was subjected to a durability test against decay fungi (Gloeophyllum separium and Trametes versicolor). Results showed that temperature was most impactful in the reaction process, being decisive for WPG results. Higher WPG was obtained at temperatures above 100°C. The acetylated wood exhibited high resistance to fungal attack, with very low mass loss.

Introduction: The need for sustainable wood utilization whilst ensuring environmental protection necessitates aggressive research into the development of potent environmental benign wood preservatives. Developing such biocides from raw materials that are considered an environmental menace could help address serious environmental pollution peculiar to most developing countries like Nigeria. Hence, this study investigated the efficacy of Citrus (Citrus sinensis OSBECK.) peel oil in the protection of non-durable wood of Holarrhena floribunda (G.DON) T.

Materials and methods: Citrus sinensis peels were gathered from orange sellers at Agbowo market in Ibadan, Oyo State. The peels were air-dried, ground into powder, and oil was extracted from them mechanically. The extracted oil was used in the treatment of Holarrhena floribunda wood samples of dimensions 6 x 2 x 2 (cm), using the soaking method (SM) and the hot and cold open tank method (HCOTM), while the untreated samples served as a control. The treated and untreated wood samples were exposed to termite infestation for 12 weeks in accordance with the ASTM D 1758-06 method. The oil yield of the peels, oil absorption in the wood, phytochemical analysis of the oil, and weight loss of the wood after termite attack were evaluated. Data analysis was conducted using t-test and ANOVA at a 5% probability level.

Results: The mean oil yield of the peels was 1.41%. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids (0.5 %w/w), flavonoids (0.12% w/w), saponins (0.25 %w/w), terpenoids (1.4 %w/w), and phenols (1.6 %w/w). The wood treated with the SM (319.47 Kg/m³) had significantly higher oil absorption than the HCOTM (71.58 Kg/m³). Both treatment methods significantly reduced the weight loss in the termite-infested wood samples (SM [3.49%]; HCOTM [7.02%]), comapred to the control samples (24.41%).

Conclusion: It is concluded that the oil from Citrus sinensis peels possesses biocidal efficacy against termite attack in the wood of Hollarhena floribunda.