NDVI as a potential tool for forecasting changes in geographical range of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.).

Determining the natural range of Acer pseudoplatanus and the future directions of its spread is not clear. Modern technological achievements, including tools related to remote sensing, provide new opportunities to assess the degree of spread and adaptation of species to a changing climate. The aim of the work was to demonstrate the possibility of using NDVI to assess the habitat conditions of sycamore in Poland and the possibility of its natural expansion. The data analysis was divided into 2 parts. The first covered the characteristics of all sycamore stands occurring in Poland. In the second part, the analysis of sycamore stands using NDVI was made. The results of the study show that the highest average NDVI values are found in sycamore stands in the northern part of Poland, which has so far been considered less favorable for sycamore. This may suggest the potential for an increase in the share of sycamore towards the north. The results also confirm the forecasts given in the literature regarding the spread of sycamore towards Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The results also point to Denmark and the western part of the British Isles as potentially favorable habitats for sycamore.

Copper, lead and zinc interactions during phytoextraction using Acer platanoides L.-a pot trial.

Of the many environmental factors that modulate the phytoextraction of elements, little has been learnt about the role of metal interactions. The study aimed to show how different concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in the cultivation medium influenced the biomass, plant development and phytoextraction abilities of Acer platanoides L. seedlings. Additionally, the impact on the content and distribution of Ca, K, Mg and Na in plant parts was studied with an analysis of phenols. Plants treated with a mixture of two metals were characterised by lower biomass of leaves and higher major elements content jointly than those grown in the salt of one element. Leaves of A. platanoides cultivated in Pb5 + Zn1, Pb1 + Zn1 and Pb1 + Zn5 experimental systems were characterised by specific browning of their edges. The obtained results suggest higher toxicity to leaves of Pb and Zn present simultaneously in Knop solution than Cu and Pb or Cu and Zn, irrespective of the mutual ratio of the concentrations of these elements. Antagonism of Cu and Zn concerning Pb was clearly shown in whole plant biomass when one of these elements was in higher concentration (5 mmol L-1) in solution. In the lowest concentrations (1 mmol L-1), there was a synergism between Cu and Zn in plant roots. Plants exposed to Zn5, Cu1 + Pb5, Pb5 + Zn1 and Cu1 + Zn1 were characterised by higher total phenolic content than the rest plants. Both the presence and the concentration of other elements in the soil are significant factors that modulate element uptake, total phenolic content, and plant development.

Extremely Fast and Cheap Densification of Cu2S by Induction Melting Method.

The aim of this work was to obtain dense Cu2S superionic thermoelectric materials, homogeneous in terms of phase and chemical composition, using a very fast and cheap induction-melting technique. The chemical composition was investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with an energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) method, and the phase composition was established by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The thermoelectric figure of merit ZT was determined on the basis of thermoelectric transport properties, i.e., Seebeck coefficient, electrical and thermal conductivity in the temperature range of 300-923 K. The obtained values of the ZT parameter are comparable with those obtained using the induction hot pressing (IHP) technique and about 30-45% higher in the temperature range of 773-923 K in comparison with Cu2S samples densified with the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique.

The Preparation of Dense Materials in the MgO-ZrO2 System by the Application of Nanometric Powders.

Crystallization under hydrothermal conditions allowed us to prepare nanometric powders in the MgO-ZrO2 system of different magnesia concentrations. Sintering runs of these powder compacts studied using dilatometry measurements during heating and cooling revealed essential differences in their behavior. The microstructure of the resulting polycrystal is strongly related to the magnesia content in the starting powder, which strongly influences the phase composition of the resulting material and its mechanical properties. It should be emphasized that the novel processing method of such materials differs from the usual applied technology and leads to magnesia-zirconia materials of a different microstructure than that of "classical" materials of this kind.

Microstructure and Hardness of Spark Plasma Sintered Inconel 625-NbC Composites for High-Temperature Applications.

The study focuses on obtaining Inconel 625-NbC composites for high-temperature applications, e.g., jet engines, waste-to-energy combusting systems or gas engine turbines, and characterizing them in terms of their microstructure and hardness improvement. Synthesis was performed utilizing Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) at 1150 °C under the load of 45 MPa in medium vacuum (under 10-3 MPa) for a total time of 60 min. Four sets of samples with different Inconel 625 to NbC weight ratios were prepared (5, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%), followed by a reference sample containing no ceramic reinforcement. Obtained materials were hot-rolled at 1150 °C with a 10% reduction step and later cut and polished to perform characterization utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) module and microhardness testing device equipped with Vickers indenter. Hardness was improved proportionally to NbC addition achieving an increase of up to 20% of reference values. Additional heat treatment was conducted on the hot-rolled samples at 1200 °C in an argon atmosphere to further observe the interaction between reinforcement and alloy. Their microstructure revealed the coarsening of precipitates within the metal matrix and partial reinforcement dissolution, which proved to be crucial to obtaining the highest quality composites with homogenous hardness improvement.

Thermoelectric Properties of Cu2Se Synthesized by Hydrothermal Method and Densified by SPS Technique.

The aim of the work was to obtain copper (I) selenide Cu2Se material with excellent thermoelectric properties, synthesized using the hydrothermal method and densified by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. Chemical and phase composition studies were carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. Measurements of thermoelectric transport properties, i.e., electrical conductivity, the Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity in the temperature range from 300 to 965 K were carried out. Based on these results, the temperature dependence of the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT as a function of temperature was determined. The obtained, very high ZT parameter (ZT~1.75, T = 965 K) is one of the highest obtained so far for undoped Cu2Se.

Copper Chalcogenide-Copper Tetrahedrite Composites-A New Concept for Stable Thermoelectric Materials Based on the Chalcogenide System.

For the first time, an alternative way of improving the stability of Cu-based thermoelectric materials is proposed, with the investigation of two different copper chalcogenide-copper tetrahedrite composites, rich in sulfur and selenium anions, respectively. Based on the preliminary DFT results, which indicate the instability of Sb-doped copper chalcogenide, the Cu1.97S-Cu12Sb4S13 and Cu2-xSe-Cu3SbSe3 composites are obtained using melt-solidification techniques, with the tetrahedrite phase concentration varying from 1 to 10 wt.%. Room temperature structural analysis (XRD, SEM) indicates the two-phase structure of the materials, with ternary phase precipitates embed within the copper chalcogenide matrix. The proposed solution allows for successful blocking of excessive Cu migration, with stable electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient values over subsequent thermal cycles. The materials exhibit a p-type, semimetallic character with high stability, represented by a near-constant power factor (PF)-temperature dependences between individual cycles. Finally, the thermoelectric figure-of-merit ZT parameter reaches about 0.26 (623 K) for the Cu1.97S-Cu12Sb4S13 system, in which case increasing content of tetrahedrite is a beneficial effect, and about 0.44 (623 K) for the Cu2-xSe-Cu3SbSe3 system, where increasing the content of Cu3SbSe3 negatively influences the thermoelectric performance.

Early deafness leads to re-shaping of functional connectivity beyond the auditory cortex.

Early sensory deprivation, such as deafness, shapes brain development in multiple ways. Deprived auditory areas become engaged in the processing of stimuli from the remaining modalities and in high-level cognitive tasks. Yet, structural and functional changes were also observed in non-deprived brain areas, which may suggest the whole-brain network changes in deaf individuals. To explore this possibility, we compared the resting-state functional network organization of the brain in early deaf adults and hearing controls and examined global network segregation and integration. Relative to hearing controls, deaf adults exhibited decreased network segregation and an altered modular structure. In the deaf, regions of the salience network were coupled with the fronto-parietal network, while in the hearing controls, they were coupled with other large-scale networks. Deaf adults showed weaker connections between auditory and somatomotor regions, stronger coupling between the fronto-parietal network and several other large-scale networks (visual, memory, cingulo-opercular and somatomotor), and an enlargement of the default mode network. Our findings suggest that brain plasticity in deaf adults is not limited to changes in the auditory cortex but additionally alters the coupling between other large-scale networks and the development of functional brain modules. These widespread functional connectivity changes may provide a mechanism for the superior behavioral performance of the deaf in visual and attentional tasks.

Ash dieback, soil and deer browsing influence natural regeneration of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.).

European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) dieback affects both overstory trees and natural regeneration. The decline of ash caused by severe crown defoliation and branch mortality has a high impact on ash natural regeneration. The site factors affecting the disease symptoms vary significantly and are not fully understood. Hence, we aimed to assess the joined effects of soil fertility and moisture (expressed by soil pH, CaCO3 content, and summer groundwater table level), herbivory, and health conditions connected with Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (T. Kowalski) Baral, Queloz, and Hosoya infestation on natural regeneration of F. excelsior. We examined 32 ash stands in Western Poland across soil fertility gradient. We established randomly selected circular plots (400 m2) in forests with ≥60% of ash in overstory species composition. We assessed natural regeneration density, the proportion of browsed trees, and trees damaged by ash dieback using generalized mixed-effects models. We found a higher proportion of damaged trees in neutral and base soils than in acid soils. Moreover, we found a low proportion of damaged trees in sites with low groundwater table levels. High CaCO3 content decreased the proportion of browsed trees, similarly as high shrub cover. The density of F. excelsior natural regeneration depended on groundwater table level, canopy cover, and proportion of damaged trees. We also found a positive relationship between density and deer browsing. The factor responsible for the higher infestation of saplings (low groundwater table level) also influenced natural regeneration density. This way, our study revealed how soil properties influence ash natural regeneration directly and indirectly. We showed that ash dieback will have a more severe impact on ash regeneration in ash typical sites. This is essential for predicting forest recovery and the ability to resilience after disturbances caused by H. fraxineus. CAPSULE: Joined effects of ash dieback, soil pH, and CaCO3 content, together with soil moisture, as well as deer browsing, affect ash regeneration.

Multimodal imaging of brain reorganization in hearing late learners of sign language.

The neural plasticity underlying language learning is a process rather than a single event. However, the dynamics of training-induced brain reorganization have rarely been examined, especially using a multimodal magnetic resonance imaging approach, which allows us to study the relationship between functional and structural changes. We focus on sign language acquisition in hearing adults who underwent an 8-month long course and five neuroimaging sessions. We assessed what neural changes occurred as participants learned a new language in a different modality-as reflected by task-based activity, connectivity changes, and co-occurring structural alterations. Major changes in the activity pattern appeared after just 3 months of learning, as indicated by increases in activation within the modality-independent perisylvian language network, together with increased activation in modality-dependent parieto-occipital, visuospatial and motion-sensitive regions. Despite further learning, no alterations in activation were detected during the following months. However, enhanced coupling between left-lateralized occipital and inferior frontal regions was observed as the proficiency increased. Furthermore, an increase in gray matter volume was detected in the left inferior frontal gyrus which peaked at the end of learning. Overall, these results showed complexity and temporal distinctiveness of various aspects of brain reorganization associated with learning of new language in different sensory modality.

Dense KNN Polycrystals Doped by Er2O3 Obtained by Hot Pressing with Hexagonal Boron Nitride Protective Layer.

Analysis of dense Potassium Sodium Niobate (KNN) ceramic obtained by hot pressing (HP) method at 1100 °C are presented in this paper. The synthesis of KNN-based piezoelectrics meets the following challenges-low density of material, uncontrolled K/Na ratio, multiphase composition and formation of different KNN structures. The classical hot pressing approach results in contamination by carbon originating from graphite molds. The proposed hexagonal Boron Carbide (h-BN) layer between green sample and graphite mold could protect samples from carbon contamination. Additionally, the presence of h-BN may decrease the formation of oxygen vacancies, which allows us to maintain the semiconductor features of the KNN structure. Remaining issues were addressed with the addition of excess Na and Er2O3 doping. The results showed that excess Na addition allowed us to compensate evaporation of sodium during the synthesis and sintering. Er2O3 was added as sintering aid to limit abnormal grain growth caused by h-BN addition. The modification of amount of Na and Er2O3 addition resulted in high purity KNN samples with tetragonal structure and apparent density higher than 97%. Finally, piezoelectric features of prepared dense samples were measured and presented.

The Influence of Thermal Properties Anisotropy on Subtractive Laser Processing of B4C/h-BN Composites.

This work concerns boron carbide matrix composites with the addition of hexagonal boron nitride particles (h-BN) as a solid lubricate. The composite materials were hot-pressed and analysed in terms of phase, structure, and microstructure changes in relation to the h-BN content. The uniaxial pressure applied during the manufacturing process allowed the orientation of single h-BN particles and its agglomerates in perpendicular direction to the pressing axis. The anisotropy of heat transfer and thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) and density changes in relation to temperature are discussed. Thermal diffusivity and conductivity were measured in relation to the material direction by the laser flash analysis method (LFA). In this paper, understanding the heat flow and CTE changes allowed explaining the results of investigated subtractive laser processes of the manufactured composites. The laser ablation process was conducted on B4C/h-BN composites in parallel and perpendicular direction to each other. It was done in a continuous work (CW) mode at 50 W with a 40 µm spot and 3 mm/s beam travel speed. The influence of h-BN particles and their orientation on thermal properties is discussed. The effect of laser processing on B4C/h-BN composites was also discussed in relation to the material surface roughness measured with a confocal microscope, microstructure observations, density, and thermal properties changes in relation to the material direction.

Piezoelectric Particulate Composite for Energy Harvesting from Mechanical Vibration.

Energy harvesting from mechanical vibration of buildings is usually realized by the use of devices, in which the main element is a prismatic beam with a rectangular cross-section. The beam has been the subject of scientific research; it is usually constructed with a carrying substrate that does not have piezoelectric characteristics and from piezoelectric material. In contrast, this investigation sought to create a beam structure with a piezoelectric composite only. The entire beam structure was made of a prototype piezoelectric particulate composite. Based on courses of voltage obtained in laboratory experiments and known geometry of the specimens, a series of finite element method (FEM) simulations was performed, aiming to estimate the piezoelectric coefficient d31 value at which the mentioned voltage could be achieved. In each specimen, sedimentation caused the formation of two distinct layers: top and bottom. The experiments revealed that the presented prototype piezoelectric particulate composite converts mechanical stress to electric energy in bending mode, which is used in energy harvesting from mechanical vibration. It is self-supporting and thus a carrying substrate is not required in the harvester structure.

Water Interactions in Hybrid Polyacrylate-Silicate Hydrogel Systems.

Hybrid polyacrylate-silicate hydrogels were obtained in the presence of N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (NNMBA) as the cross-linking monomer and sodium thiosulphate/potassium persulphate (NTS/KPS) as the redox initiators. The results of the tests allowed us to conclude that a hybrid structure with a polyacrylate scaffolding and a silicate matrix had been obtained. The results of the rheological analysis revealed that the hydrogel sample with a 1:7 mass ratio of sodium water glass to the sodium polyacrylate is characterized by the highest complex viscosity. Thermal analysis (Thermogravimetry/Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG/DSC)) showed that water begins to evaporate at higher temperatures, from 120 °C to even 180 °C. These results were confirmed by mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analysis. Differences in the intensity of the peaks derived from water in the MIR spectra indicate that most of the water is bounded. In turn, NMR results showed that the mobility of water molecules decreases as the amount of sodium water glass in the mixture increases.

Ultraviolet Lithography-Based Ceramic Manufacturing (UV-LCM) of the Aluminum Nitride (AlN)-Based Photocurable Dispersions.

In this work, three-dimensional (3D) shaping of aluminum nitride (AlN) UV-curable dispersions using CeraFab 7500 device equipped with the light engine emitting 365 nm wavelength (a UV-LCM device) is presented. The purpose of this study was the shaping of AlN pieces with microchannels for the future potential use as microchannel heat exchangers. The dispersions were characterized by the means of the particle size distribution, rheological measurements, and the cure depth evaluation. In shaping via UV-LCM, we applied dispersions containing 40 vol % solid load and different types of photoinitiators and their concentrations, as well as different settings of the printing parameters. Cuboidal plates with channels and cylindrical 3D structures were fabricated, debound, and sintered. For comparing ceramics properties, reference samples were prepared via uniaxial and cold isostatic pressing, using the same powder mixture as in the dispersions, and later sintered. The thermal conductivity of the sintered specimens was calculated, based on density and thermal diffusivity measurements.

Heating Conditions Influence on Solidification of Inconel 625-WC System for Additive Manufacturing.

In this study, an Inconel 625-tungsten carbide (WC) composite system was investigated by means of microstructure changes affected by both heating rate and WC content. In order to investigate how the system behaves while exposed to fast thermal processing, controlled melting using a differential thermal analysis (DTA) apparatus was performed on the powders. Two WC powders with different average grain size were used to obtain six compositions of Inconel 625-WC powder mixtures (10, 20, and 30 wt.% WC). They were analyzed under 10 and 30 °C/min heating rate in order to obtain composite samples. Results from DTA together with SEM/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) microstructural observations allowed observing material changes during solidification. Because of the extensive microsegregation of alloying elements to liquid and their reactions with C, which derived from dissolved WC, the formation of secondary phases with improved microhardness was possible. The collected results provide a better understanding of material behavior during intensive thermal processing which can be useful when designing materials for the laser additive manufacturing technique.

Distribution and habitat preferences of the stag beetle Lucanus cervus (L.) in forested areas of Poland.

The incorporation of Lucanus cervus (L.) in Annex 2 of the EU Habitats Directive imposed on EU member countries the obligation to prepare protection plans and undertake adequate measures aimed at the preservation of this species. A necessary precondition for their implementation was connected with the identification of current localities of L. cervus. This paper presents the distribution of L. cervus localities in Poland, identified on the basis of a survey conducted in the areas administered by the State Forests. Habitat preferences for the selection of biotopes by stag beetles were evaluated in terms of forest-site types. This will facilitate effective protection of L. cervus by indicating potential biotopes for this species, particularly in areas with high abundance. The survey showed the presence of L. cervus in 176 localities distributed in 47 forest districts. Most of them were found in three main areas comprising forests in the areas of Zielona Góra, Wroclaw and the Swietokrzyskie Mts. They constitute large-scale refuges. In 98% of cases the development of L. cervus was associated with oaks Quercus robur and Quercus petraea. Other host plants included Fagus sylvatica and Acer pseudoplatanus. The age of trees colonised by stag beetles ranged from 70 to 248 years, 134 years on average. Lucanus cervus was most frequently found in deciduous mesic forest sites (41% of localities) and deciduous mixed mesic forest sites (24% of localities). Over 90% of recorded localities are situated in forested areas, understood to include stands, residual trees and stumps, as well as localities at forest edges and along roads in the vicinity of forests.

Standard Hot Pressing as a Possible Solution to Obtain Dense K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Ceramic Doped by Er2O3 and Yb2O3.

In this study, the influence of the addition of rare earth oxides on the phase composition and density of KNN piezoelectric ceramics was investigated. The initial powders of Na2CO3 and K2CO3 were dried at 150 °C for 2 h. Then, a powder mixture for synthesis was prepared by adding a stoichiometric amount of Nb2O5 and 5 and 10 wt % overabundance of Na2CO3. All powders were mixed by ball-milling for 24 h and synthesized at 950 °C. The phase composition of the reaction bed was checked by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). It had an appearance of tetragonal and monoclinic K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) phases. Then, 1 and 2 wt % of Er2O3 and Yb2O3, were added to the mixture. Green samples of 25 mm diameter and 3 mm thickness were prepared and sintered by hot pressing at 1000 °C for 2 h under 25 MPa pressure. The final samples were investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), XRD, Rietveld, and ultrasonic methods. Phase analysis showed tetragonal and orthorhombic KNN phases, and a contamination of (K2CO3·1.5H2O) was present. The obtained KNN polycrystals had a relative density above 95%. Texturing of the material was confirmed as a result of hot pressing.

Grain-Boundary Interaction between Inconel 625 and WC during Laser Metal Deposition.

In this study, the laser metal deposition (LMD) of the Inconel 625⁻tungsten carbide (WC) metal matrix composite was investigated. The composite coating was deposited on Inconel 625 substrate by powder method. A powder mixture containing 10 wt% of WC (5 µm) was prepared by wet mixing with dextrin binder. Coating samples obtained by low-power LMD were pore- and crack-free. Ceramic reinforcement was distributed homogenously in the whole volume of the material. Topologically close-packed (TCP) phases were formed at grain boundaries between WC and Inconel 625 matrix as a result of partial dissolution of WC in a nickel-based alloy. Line analysis of the elements revealed very small interference of the coating in the substrate material when compared to conventional coating methods. The average Vickers hardness of the coating was about 25% higher than the hardness of pure Inconel 625 reference samples.

Salix viminalis L. - A highly effective plant in phytoextraction of elements.

The aim of the study was to compare specimens of Salix viminalis L. able to grow in polluted mining sludge (A1) with specimens of the same willow clone growing in two unpolluted areas (A2 and A3). Plants from the polluted area were characterized by the highest accumulation of the majority of elements in their organs with a clear limitation of their uptake to roots and effective translocation to aboveground organs. Willows from the unpolluted areas were characterized by significantly higher biomass than the treated plants, as shown in the content of cellulose/holocellulose. The different chemical characteristics of the substrates influenced tree physiology, including the organic acids and phenolic compounds profile and/or content. The total content of organic acids in lateral roots was higher for S. viminalis L. grown in unpolluted areas, while for leaves the opposite situation was observed. However, their creation was significantly correlated with the content of the majority of elements in the organs of S. viminalis L. Enhanced synthesis of phenolic compounds in roots (besides quercetin) and in leaves (besides myricetin and quercetin) was confirmed in the polluted area, and correlated with metal content in plant organs. Resilient plants characterized not only by their survivability but also by their effective phytoextraction of toxic metals, have great potential for widespread practical application on highly polluted mining sludge and for reducing the associated threat to human health. The obtained results suggest that further investigation of these plants is necessary to determine the mechanism(s) responsible for their high survivability.