Hasil untuk "Forestry"

Wenli Guo, Xiaoli Lei, Chen Liang et al.

Mayorella marianaensis (Amoebozoa: Discosea) was the only Mayorella species isolated from deep sea (over 3000 m-depth). We firstly present a transcriptomic analysis of the non-model amoeba species collected from the Mariana Trench area. Illumina sequencing platform was used to generate data which including raw data, cleaned reads, de novo assembly, and functional annotation. After assembly, the final transcriptome consists of 57,459,544 transcripts with a mean length of 1646 and N50 length of 1170. The transcriptome has a completeness of 67.4 % as assessed by BUSCO. Functional annotation pathways related to signal transduction, transport and catabolism, and translation are the most annotated in the transcriptome.

Zhongping Wang, Xiaoying Tian

This study analyses the impact of agricultural greenwashing on financial performance via green innovation. To this end, it employs data from Chinese A-share agribusinesses from 2012 to 2022. The study indicates the following results: (1) the practice of greenwashing (ESG disclosure–performance gap, GW) has a significant negative impact on ROA, particularly in non-state firms; (2) green innovation (patents, GI) partially mediates this relationship, with a percentage of 9.09%, as GW diverts research and development resources toward image management. Robustness checks are employed to confirm the results obtained using ROE and lagged models. Property rights moderate the effects: non-state firms are more adversely affected by innovation dependency, while state firms are protected by policies. The “double-edged” mechanism elucidates GW’s short-term legitimacy gains in contrast to long-term innovation suppression and financial decline. The report calls for the establishment of standardised ESG metrics (for example, the disclosure of pesticide residue) and targeted green incentives (for example, SME R&D subsidies) to be aligned with UN SDGs 9.4 (green tech) and 12.6 (responsible production). The present study offers insights into the governance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters within the context of agriculture in China.

Xinyu Xu, Yousry A. El-Kassaby, Sijia Liu et al.

Cycads, renowned as “living fossils”, are among the most ancient extant seed plants, playing a crucial role in understanding plant evolution and sex differentiation. Despite their importance, research on their genetics and sex differentiation remains scarce. This study investigates three species, represented by six samples, collected from various regions in Fujian Province, China, using whole-genome resequencing on the Illumina platform. The sequence data underwent rigorous quality control, alignment, and variant detection, focusing on SNP and InDel distribution and annotation. Among the studied species, <i>Cycas revoluta</i> exhibited the highest number of SNPs and the greatest heterozygosity values. Based on SNP data, phylogenetic trees and principal component analysis revealed distinct clusters, with the three <i>C. revoluta</i> samples forming one cluster, while the two <i>C. szechuanensis</i> samples and the <i>C. taiwaniana</i> sample were grouped separately. Gene function using COG and GO annotations, and KEGG enrichment analysis, all highlighted differences in genomic structure and functional gene distribution between male and female <i>cycads</i>. Notably, genes associated with sex differentiation, such as MADS-box and auxin-responsive protein genes, were shown, while other transcription factors showed distinct annotations and enrichment patterns based on sex. This study improves our understanding of genetic variation, evolutionary relationships, and gene enrichment in <i>cycads</i>, providing a foundation for conservation, cultivation, and insights into sex differentiation mechanisms in these ancient plants.

Hosokawa N, Tajima S, Kobayashi H et al.

Nitrogen (N) is a critical element for tree growth in forest ecosystems. As trees absorb inorganic N, the soil N mineralization process is a key process for their development. Although the spatial pattern of soil N mineralization is expected to relate to tree growth, the difference between the upper and lower positions within a small-scale slope is unclear. Therefore, we compared annual and seasonal soil N mineralization rates in Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa [Siebold & Zucc.] Endl.), which stands at both the upper and lower positions on a slope. We used the resin-core method to estimate in situ soil N mineralization rates. Additionally, the litter decomposition rate and inorganic N passed through the litter layer, which are primary sources for soil N mineralization, were investigated using the litter bag and resin-core methods. Our findings revealed that the annual soil N mineralization rate at the lower position was 5 times higher than that at the upper position. Moreover, seasonal variations in soil N mineralization rate tended to be higher at the lower position than at the upper position. The temporal change in input ammonium passed through the litter layer was similar to that of the nitrification rate in the soil at the lower position, except for winter. Notably, high nitrification in winter at the lower position may be related to soil frost, which can accelerate the decomposition of organic matter. Despite these differences, the litter decomposition rate was similar between the slope positions. The higher soil N mineralization rate and substrate input may result in higher tree growth at the lower position on a slope.

ANDRÉ SCARAMBONE ZAÚ, ERNESTO G. M. VIEIRA, CESAR S. CHAGAS

RESUMO Este trabalho apresenta um mapa (restrito a remanescentes da Mata Atlântica, mangue, restingas e áreas legalmente protegidas) e uma atualização da listagem com uma breve descrição de 81 Áreas Especiais (AE’s) no Estado de Santa Catarina. Esta listagem foi composta por 71 Unidades de Conservação (UC’s) e 10 Áreas Indígenas. Propõe-se ainda a ampliação do território protegido através da breve descrição de algumas áreas passíveis de compor o conjunto das AE's do Estado.

Leonardo Verdi, Anna Dalla Marta, Simone Orlandini et al.

The contribution of animal waste storage on GHG emissions and climate change is a serious issue for agriculture. The carbon emissions that are generated from barns represent a relevant source of emissions that negatively affect the environmental performance measures of livestock production. In this experiment, CO₂ and CH₄ emissions from different animal wastes, namely, digestate, slurry, and manure, were evaluated both in their original form and with a biochar addition. The emissions were monitored using the static camber methodology and a portable gas analyzer for a 21-day period. The addition of biochar (at a ratio of 2:1 between the substrates and biochar) significantly reduced the emissions of both gases compared to the untreated substrates. Slurry exhibited higher emissions due to its elevated gas emission tendency. The biochar addition reduced CO₂ and CH₄ emissions by 26% and 21%, respectively, from the slurry. The main effect of the biochar addition was on the digestate, where the emissions decreased by 45% for CO₂ and 78% for CH₄. Despite a lower tendency to emit carbon-based gases of manure, biochar addition still caused relevant decreases in CO₂ (40%) and CH₄ (81%) emissions. Biochar reduced the environmental impacts of all treatments, with a GWP reduction of 55% for the digestate, 22% for the slurry, and 44% for the manure.

Haitao Shi, Yangen Chen, Sha Huang et al.

Managing forest understory has a significant impact on soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the ecosystem’s capacity for carbon sequestration. However, its specific impacts and mechanisms within hickory (<i>Carya cathayensis</i> Sarg) forests remain unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different understory vegetation treatments on hickory stands with similar growth history, site conditions, and slopes: <i>Cinnamomum chekiangense</i> (<i>Cinnamomum chekiangense</i> Nakai) and strip-sown ryegrass (<i>Lolium perenne</i> L.) (CR1), <i>Cinnamomum chekiangense</i> and scattered ryegrass (CR2), <i>Torreya grandis</i> (<i>Torreya grandis</i>’ ‘Merrillii’ Hu) and strip-sown wild rapeseed (<i>Brassica napus</i> L.) (TW1), <i>Torreya grandis</i> and scattered wild rapeseed (TW2), and removal of understory vegetation (CK). Twenty experimental plots were established at the Lin’an Forestry Carbon Sink Pioneer Base, and after 12 months of monitoring, the responses of GHG emissions, vegetation, and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration were analyzed, revealing the differences in ecosystem carbon sequestration capacity. Compared to CK, CR1, CR2, TW1, and TW2 increased the global warming potential (GWP) by approximately 26%, 55%, 26%, and 16%, respectively. The SOC increased by approximately 76%, 102%, 51%, and 32%, respectively, while the vegetation carbon sink increased by approximately 30%, 27%, 53%, and 62%, respectively. In summary, ecosystem carbon sequestration increased by approximately 109%, 98%, 95%, and 92%, respectively. The findings indicate that managing understory vegetation in pecan forests significantly enhances ecosystem carbon sequestration but also increases soil GHG emissions. To enhance future research priorities, it is essential to focus on increasing carbon sequestration in hickory forests and managing soil GHG emissions through effective and rational understory vegetation management.

Guoyu Zhang, Ye Tian, Wenhan Yin et al.

The use of automation technology in agriculture has become particularly important as global agriculture is challenged by labor shortages and efficiency gains. The automated process for harvesting apples, an important agricultural product, relies on efficient and accurate detection and localization technology to ensure the quality and quantity of production. Adverse lighting conditions can significantly reduce the accuracy of fruit detection and localization in automated apple harvesting. Based on deep-learning techniques, this study aims to develop an accurate fruit detection and localization method under adverse light conditions. This paper explores the LE-YOLO model for accurate and robust apple detection and localization. The traditional YOLOv5 network was enhanced by adding an image enhancement module and an attention mechanism. Additionally, the loss function was improved to enhance detection performance. Secondly, the enhanced network was integrated with a binocular camera to achieve precise apple localization even under adverse lighting conditions. This was accomplished by calculating the 3D coordinates of feature points using the binocular localization principle. Finally, detection and localization experiments were conducted on the established dataset of apples under adverse lighting conditions. The experimental results indicate that LE-YOLO achieves higher accuracy in detection and localization compared to other target detection models. This demonstrates that LE-YOLO is more competitive in apple detection and localization under adverse light conditions. Compared to traditional manual and general automated harvesting, our method enables automated work under various adverse light conditions, significantly improving harvesting efficiency, reducing labor costs, and providing a feasible solution for automation in the field of apple harvesting.

Shaoxiong Zhou, Zheng Xiao, Junzheng Sun et al.

<i>Hypsizygus marmoreus</i> has abundant proteins and is a potential source for the development of bioactive peptides. However, currently, the research on the bioactive components of <i>H. marmoreus</i> mainly focuses on polysaccharides, and there is no relevant research on the preparation of bioactive peptides. In this article, an ultrasound-assisted extraction method was used to extract proteins from <i>H. marmoreus</i>, and then, four peptides with different molecular weight ranges were prepared through protease hydrolysis and molecular classification. The antioxidant and antibacterial activities were also studied. Under the optimal conditions, the extraction rate of <i>H. marmoreus</i> proteins was 53.6%. Trypsin exhibited the highest hydrolysis rate of <i>H. marmoreus</i> proteins. The optimal parameters for enzymatic hydrolysis were a substrate concentration of 3.7%, enzyme addition of 5700 U/g, pH value of 7, extraction temperature of 55 °C, and time of 3.3 h. Under these conditions, the peptide yield was 59.7%. The four types of <i>H. marmoreus</i> peptides were prepared by molecular weight grading. Among them, peptides with low molecular weight (<1 kDa) had stronger antioxidant and antibacterial activities. This study provides a theoretical basis for the efficient preparation of <i>H. marmoreus</i> peptides and the development of antioxidant and antibacterial peptide products.

Zoran Vlaović, Tomislav Gržan, Ivica Župčić et al.

Corner joints and edge banding are essential components that significantly impact the strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal of particleboard furniture. This review examines the critical role of edge banding in enhancing the performance of corner joints, which are fundamental to the overall quality of panel furniture. A targeted literature search was conducted across key databases, including the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS CC), Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on scientific resources in the technical and biotechnical sciences. The selection of joint types, materials, and construction methods can substantially influence both the structural integrity and visual design of the furniture. Well-designed corner joints improve durability and longevity by ensuring that furniture can withstand various forces and loads without failure or deformation. These joints enhance the aesthetics of furniture by providing seamless and visually appealing connections between different elements. Edge banding is vital for reinforcing corner joint strength, as different materials exhibit varying degrees of resistance to impact, scratches, and abrasion, thereby safeguarding furniture surfaces. Also, edge banding contributes to the furniture’s longevity, ensuring durability during use as well as through disassembly and transport during remodeling or relocation. This review aims to consolidate existing knowledge and establish parameters for future research on the quality and performance of corner joints and edge bands in particleboard furniture.

Yutong Qian, Hui Liu, Peng Mao et al.

In the context of green, low-carbon, and sustainable construction, the safety management of smart construction sites has been a key issue. Current related research mainly focuses on the application of technology, but lacks methods to evaluate the safety management level. Therefore, this research aims to construct a smart construction site safety management evaluation model from a resilience perspective. First, this research identified and screened the indicators initially based on the 4R resilience characteristics and 4M theory by analyzing the policy texts of smart construction site safety management. Then, through expert consultation, the ISM model of resilience indicators was established to determine the evaluation indicator system of smart construction site safety management. Next, the weight of each indicator was determined with the help of the analytic network process, and the evaluation criteria of the indicators were formulated according to the existing specifications and expert interviews; then, the evaluation model of smart construction site safety management was established. Finally, the feasibility of the model was proved through a case study. The findings of the research show that in terms of weights, management has the highest score, followed by media, man, and machine. However, more resilience measures are used for the safety management of machine than the other three in policy texts. Obviously, there is a deviation between weights and resilience characteristics. These findings help reveal the current situation of safety management at smart construction sites, which is of great significance for improving resilience. The findings also help smart construction sites to realize the upgrading of safety, efficiency, and greenness, and promote the sustainable development of smart construction sites as well as the construction industry.

Yinglei Xu, Yang Yu, Yuanyuan Shen et al.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) or Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) on growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and the cecal microflora in broiler chickens. In total, 360 male, 1-day-old Cobb 500 birds were randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group was fed a basal diet; the B. subtilis group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 1.5 × 109 CFU/kg B. subtilis; the B. licheniformis group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 1.5 × 109 CFU/kg B. licheniformis. Results showed that chickens supplemented with either B. subtilis or B. licheniformis had comparatively higher (P < 0.05) body weight and average daily gain, whereas no difference (P > 0.05) was observed in feed efficiency. Concentrations of serum IgA, IgY, and IgM, as well as anti-inflammatory IL-10 were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and proinflammatory IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by B. subtilis or B. licheniformis supplementation. Moreover, chickens fed with diets supplemented by either B. subtilis or B. licheniformis had greater antioxidant capacity, indicated by the notable increases (P < 0.05) in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, along with decrease (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde. Compared to the control group, levels of SCFA, excluding acetic and propionic acid, in cecal content had improved (P < 0.05) by adding B. licheniformis, and significant increase (P < 0.05) in acetic and butyric acid was observed with B. subtilis supplementation. Microbial analysis showed that both B. subtilis or B. licheniformis supplementation could increase butyrate-producing bacteria such as Alistipes and Butyricicoccus, and decrease pathogenic bacteria such as the Synergistetes and Gammaproteobacteria. In summary, dietary supplemented with B. subtilis or B. licheniformis improved growth performance, immune status, and antioxidant capacity, increased SCFA production, and modulated cecal microbiota in chickens. Moreover, B. licheniformis was more effective than B. subtilis with the same supplemental amount.

Ella Ayu Oktami, Tutut Sunarminto, Harnios Arief

<p><em>The existence of the Djuanda Forest Park near the urban area indirectly indicates that the area is close to the city community. The attitude of city people who tend to have an attitude of being able to take care of themselves without having to depend on others is feared to enter the surrounding communities and subsequently influence the development of </em><em>Djuanda </em><em>Tahura ecotourism. The research objective was to measure public perceptions of ecotourism and ecotourism objects in the Djuanda Forest Park, measuring community participation in the development of ecotourism in Djuanda Forest Park, and developing a strategy for increasing community participation in developing ecotourism in Djuanda Forest Park. The method used is observation, questionnaire, interview, and literature study. Communities strongly agree that ecotourism must meet indicators of community involvement, ecology, conservation, culture, education, and visitor satisfaction. The community considers that the Djuanda Tahura has beautiful ecotourism objects (highest average score = 4.61). The community values both ecotourism and the object of ecotourism because the community has a sense of care and sense of belonging to the Djuanda Tahura as an area that can provide benefits, both in ecological, social and economic aspects. However, community participation in ecotourism development is only in the implementation and acceptance of benefits and has participation in the form of personnel and expertise. Based on people's perceptions and participation, the community is at the lowest level of participation, so an SO strategy is needed, namely by utilizing all the strengths to make the most of opportunities</em><em>.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>Keywords: Forest Park Ir H Djuanda</em><em>,</em><em> participation, perception,</em><em> </em><em>society, strategy </em></p>

Mazăre Georgel Constantin

“Cure weeds” have always been found by our people all the time: beneath the shaded coasts, on the edges or depths of the forests, in the multicolored carpet of meadows and foothills, in the wet valleys of rivers and effeminate streams. These were the only affordable and free-of-charge drugs. With them, the inhabitants of the Romanian settlements healed their sufferings in times of calm or in periods of restraint, when the temporary invasions of horrid hordes forced them to leave their settlements and to hide in the secret ways of their friends.

الیاس افرا, محمدرضا ملک

سابقه و هدف: عفونت های مجاری ادراری از شایع ترین بیماری های عفونی هستند. عفونت های دستگاه ادراری توسط گروهی از میکروارگانیسم های بیماری زا نظیر باکتری های اشرشیاکولای، استافیلوکوکوس و ساپروفیتیکوس در دستگاه ادراری ایجاد میشود. زمانی که باکتریها از طریق مجرای ادرار وارد این سیستم شده و در مثانه تکثیر می شوند این عفونت بروز میکند. سالانه افراد زیادی برای درمان به درمانگاه ها و بیمارستان ها مراجعه میکنند و هزینههای زیادی صرف درمان این عفونتها میشود. پیشگیری از بروز این قبیل بیماری ها میتواند از پرداخت هزینههای بالا درمان آنها جلوگیری نماید. استفاده از کاغذهای بهداشتی نظیر دستمال توالت و نواربهداشتی با خواص ضدمیکروب میتوانند با حذف پیوسته میکروبها و ایجاد محیطی عاری از میکروب روشی مناسب برای پیشگیری از بروز این بیماریها باشد. رس بهعنوان یک ماده طبیعی با سابقه کاربرد در درمان بیماریها میتواند گزینهای مناسب برای این منظور باشد. مواد و روشها: از آنجا که انتظار میرود رس بواسطه بار منفی خود سبب ایجاد خواص ضدمیکروبی میشود، در این پژوهش، علاوه بر رس، نانورس نیز بهعنوان یک عامل ضدمیکروب در ساختار کاغذ مورد استفاده قرار گرفت. این مواد به‌صورت یک لایه پوششی در غلظتهای 1، 3 و 4 % وزنی همراه با نشاسته کاتیونی بهعنوان عامل کمک نگهدارنده مورد استفاده قرار گرفتند. خواص ضدمیکروبی روی دو باکتری اشرشیاکولای و باسیلوس سوبتیلیس بررسی شد. خصوصیات فیزیکی، مقاومتی و همچنین ویژگی نوری (ماتی) کاغذهای تهیه شده نیز مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند. یافتهها: نتایج نشان دادند که حضور رس و نانورس سبب بروز ممانعت در رشد هردو باکتری گرم منفی اشرشیاکولای و گرم مثبت باسیلوس سوبتیلیس شدند. در بررسی اثر ضدباکتری مشاهده شد که عملکرد نانورس در مقایسه با رس بهتر بود و با افزایش درصد مصرف این مواد خصوصیت ضدباکتری آنها خصوصا در نانورس بیشتر شد. همچنین مشاهده شد که حضور رس و نانورس میزان جذب آب کاغذهای اصلاح شده را افزایش داد و همچنین سبب افزایش مقاومت به نفوذ هوا در کاغذها شد. در بررسی خصوصیات مقاومتی نیز مشاهده شد که حضور رس و نانورس سبب بهبود شاخص مقاومت به ترکیدگی شدند درحالیکه شاخص مقاومت به پارگی تغییر قابل توجه ای نداشت. نتیجه گیری: نتایج نشان دادند که نانورس در مقایسه با رس بخاطر ابعاد کوچکتر و درنتیجه سطح ویژه بیشتری که دارد بهعنوان یک ماده آبدوست و همچنین حاوی ویژگی ممانعتی در برابر ارگانیسمهای زنده میتواند بهعنوان ماده ای با دامنه کاربرد بالا در ایجاد خواص ضدمیکروبی در کاغذ معرفی گردد و مورد استفاده قرار گیرد.

Tjipta Purwita, Harianto Harianto, Bonar M. Sinaga et al.

Pulau Jawa dihuni oleh lebih dari 60 persen penduduk Indonesia. Redistribusi penduduk dan penguasaan lahan yang tidak seimbang menyebabkan meningkatnya tekanan terhadap lingkungan yang menimbulkan banjir, tanah longsor, dan bencana kekeringan. Salah satu solusi untuk mengatasi tekanan lingkungan tersebut adalah program Pengelolaan Hutan Bersama Masyarakat (PHBM). Penelitian ini menganalisis : (1) karakteristik ekonomi rumahtangga petani PHBM, (2) aspek institusi terkait dengan kontrak kerjasama kemitraan PHBM, (3) faktor-faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap pengambilan keputusan rumahtangga petani terkait produksi, alokasi waktu tenaga kerja, pendapatan dan pengeluaran, serta (4) simulasi dampak perubahan faktor eksternal maupun internal terhadap perilaku ekonomi rumatangga. Hasil penelitian ekonomi rumahtangga di Pangalengan dengan pendekatan ekonometrik menunjukkan bahwa program PHBM belum sepenuhnya mampu mengatasi masalah kemiskinan, khususnya pada kasus PHBM Kopi, tetapi berhasil mengatasi masalah perambahan areal pada hutan-lindung. Kebijakan ekonomi dan penguatan kelembagaan diperlukan untuk mendukung implementasi program PHBM di hutan-lindung.

Ismatul Hakim

Laju pencapaian target luasan pembangunan Hutan Tanaman yang lamban di Indonesia disebabkan oleh rendahnya minat para investor untuk menanamkan modalnya dalam usaha hutan tanaman, padahal usaha pembangunan Hutan Tanaman cukup menjanjikan dalam pengembaliannya karena pasokan bahan baku untuk industri pekayuan yang semakin berkurang dan harga bahan baku kayu bulat terus akan meningkat. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk melihat tingkat profitabilitas usaha pembangunan hutan tanaman kepada dunia usaha dan lembaga keuangan/perbankan sehingga dapat memberikan rangsangan kepada mereka untuk mau berivestasi dan membiayai usaha di bidang ini. Dari aspek profitabilitas, bisnis hutan tanaman dalam jangka menengah (5-10 tahun) dan jangka panjang menguntungkan para investor. apalagi tingkat profitabilitas pengusahaan hutan alam jauh lebih menguntungkan dibandingkan pengusahaan hutan lainnya. Namun demikian, pelaku usaha HPH umumnya belum/kurang memiliki ”budaya menanam”, sekalipun menanam merupakan jaminan kesinambungan usaha jangka panjang. Adapun tingkat profitabilitas pengusahaan Hutan Tanaman adalah dapat kita lihat bahwa dari tiga indikator yaitu NPV, IRR dan B-C ratio memperlihatkan bahwa usaha/investasi pembangunan HTI cukup layak untuk dilaksanakan. Nilai IRR untuk tiap rayon dan teknik pengolahan lahan memperlihatkan nilai IRR yang lebih besar dari tingkat suku bunga bank yang diperhitungkan (yaitu 12%), juga nilai B/C yang lebih besar dari satu yang berarti tiap Rp 1,00 yang diinvestasikan dalam pembangunan HTI dapat ditutup oleh penerimaan usahanya. Adanya Peraturan Pemerintah No. 23 tahun 2005 di sektor Keuangan membuka peluang pembiayaan melalui Program Pengelolaan Keuangan-Badan Layanan Umum (PPK-BLU) membukan peluang pembiayaan usaha penmbangunan hutan tanaman sebagai sebuah usaha yang menjanjikan.

Matija Landekić, Mario Šporčić, Marko Lovrić et al.

According to the classification of business activities in the National Classification of Activities, agriculture, forestry and fishery together account for 3.43% of all injuries recorded in 2009, which places them in the lower part of the annual review (Table 1). However, in the said group, the state forestry enterprise (Croatian Forests Ltd. Zagreb) accounts for 48.46% of all injuries at work, which makes 1.66% of all injuries recorded in 2009. Comparing the number of injuries in Croatian forests with the number of employees in 2009, an exceptionally high ratio is obtained of 29.40 injuries per 1000 employees, the highest index among the above said industry sectors. Nevertheless, according to standard indicators of the level of security and protection of workers, in this decade forestry has recorded positive trends in relation to key indicators. Also, the state forestry enterprise halved the number of injuries (Table 2). Working techniques of workers directly employed in forest operations play a key role in achieving a satisfactory degree of safety and efficiency in forestry work. The assessment of working techniques of forest workers employed in logging and timber production has been carried out by the Faculty of Forestry continuously since 2000 (Table 3). Findings of a ten-year evaluation indicate the following: • since the beginning of monitoring, a relatively steady increasing trend of the level of working techniques has been recorded, while the accomplished potential (AP), calculated using the overall mean scores, has ranged between 0.79 and 0.88 utilizations, • mean value of AP is 0.84, which suggests an average of 16% of unaccomplished potential and it is a scope to improve working techniques, • rating of 2010 (2.63) keeps the increasing trend of working techniques levels, but such a positive difference is not statistically significant, • a decreasing trend of the lowest ratings (1) stops in 2010, by reducing the share of medium grade (2) and increasing the proportion of top grade (3). The evaluation of mechanized skidding has been carried out since 2008 by separate monitoring of the skidder-driver and chokerman (Table 4). Key findings are as follows: • performance level of work activities moderately grows with a decrease of the weakest ratings (1) and with the increase of the share of medium grade (2), • mean value of the accomplished potential (AP) amounts to 0.825 in 2009, which means an average of 17.5% of unaccomplished potential and it is a scope for improvement of working techniques. According to the Forests Act, forestry work can be carried out exclusively by registered and licensed contractors. According to the review of the Croatian Chamber of Forestry and Wood Technology of November 2010, there are 238 forestry contractors registered with license. It is evident that more than 85% of all licensed service contractors are engaged in logging, silviculture, and construction of forest roads (Table 6). Past practice of training for professional forest work shows that the greatest problems are related to: • uneven and incomplete programs and subject-matter training, • a significant reduction, even lack of practical training, • application of non-transparent training evaluation criteria. Additionally, training is conducted by programs that are not verified or independently assessed, and also there is no control of adequacy of human and technical resources for training. Also, it is not known that anyone has ever been denied to organize the training, e.g. for lack of specific resources and training ground for practical work. Also, Croatian forestry has no compulsory certification of operators of forestry machinery. There is no organized training of forest owners for forest work in Croatia. The first step in building such a system started with training 17 professionals by the Forestry Extension Service during 2008 at the Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, where they were trained as trainers of safety in forestry work. In future, they should be mediators between forest owners who are interested in independent forest operations and educational training centers. During 2009, 6 experts of the Forestry Extension Services went through training in the Secondary Forestry School in Karlovac by which they were trained to implement the theoretical part of the training of forest owners for forest work. A part of practical training of forest owners was planned to be carried out in the polygon of the Secondary Forestry School in Karlovac. Interest in training for independent forest operations was shown by more than 500 forest owners. The Faculty of Forestry in Zagreb developed the idea of establishing a National Center for forest work. The center is envisioned as an agency with public authorities and international accreditation for certification of training for forest work and for work with specific tools such as chainsaw (Fig. 2). The idea of the Center was first included in the project proposal of the National Program for occupational safety in forestry 2007. The primary tasks of the Center would be as follows: • connecting Croatia into European processes and programs related to safety in forestry, • establishing a collaborative network in order to implement the EU-project standard of forest workers in Croatia, • introduction of certification of all aspects of training for professional work (Fig. 1), including forest certification program, performance and contractor training, • introduction of certification for training of non-professionals (especially forest owners) to work with chainsaw, • verification procedures in licensing of registered forestry contractors, • monitoring of the minimum technical requirements for training polygons, • establishment of an IT system for providing security with a registry of certificates issued. Considering the current legislative context, the Center for Forest Work should be formed as an agency with public authorities. The framework for the establishment and functioning of the Center should be created by alterations of the »Ordinance on occupational safety in forestry«. This ordinance should impose an obligation of training certification for all holders of such activities in the forestry sector. The establishment of a Center would also stimulate training market development, where it would be important to observe the above said rules in determining the qualifications and minimum requirements for legal and natural persons engaged in training for forest work. In the preparatory phase, cooperation and partnership should be initiated by the signing of agreements regarding the establishment and start-up of the Center between the respective ministry, the Croatian Forests Ltd., Faculty of Forestry, and the Croatian Forest Research Institute – primarily for integrating human and technical resources. The forthcoming Center would be financed from the state budget for its public activities (e.g. implementation of IT system) and income earned from its own collection of fees from holders of certifications and/or licenses.

C. Totman

G. Aplet, N. Johnson, Jeffrey T. Olson et al.