The impact of anthropogenic transformation of urban soils on ectomycorrhizal fungal communities associated with silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) growth in natural versus urban soils.

Betula pendula Roth. is considered a pioneering plant species important for urban ecosystems. Based on the sequencing of fungal ITS, we characterized the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) communities of twenty silver birch trees growing in a contaminated, highly anthropo-pressured urban environment and in a natural reserve site. We analysed chemical properties of each tree soil samples, focusing on effects of anthropogenic transformation. Three effects of urbanization: high heavy metal content, increased salinity and soil alkalinity, were highly correlated. The examined trees were divided into two forest and two urban clusters according to the level of anthropogenic soil change. The effect of soil transformation on the ECM communities was studied, with the assumption that stronger urban transformation leads to lower ECM vitality and diversity. The results of the study did not confirm the above hypothesis. The ECM colonization was above 80% in all clusters, but the forest clusters had significantly higher share of vital non-ECM root tips than the urban ones. Eleven mycorrhizal fungal species were identified varying from seven to nine and with seven species observed in the most contaminated urban plot. However, the lowest Shannon species diversity index was found in the most natural forest cluster. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate no significant negative effect of the urban stresses on the ECM communities of silver birch suggesting that both forest and urban trees have the potential to generate a similar set of ECM taxa.

Risk assessment of hollow-bearing trees in urban forests.

The paper is a study of risk assessment posed by trees in selected urban woodlands (urban forests) of Warsaw. Two groups of trees were analysed and compared: exhibiting signs of maturity and ageing (hollow-bearing trees with open or hidden cavities and/or caries) and with no signs of decay. 373 individual trees growing near routes frequently or continuously used for recreational purposes were examined using Roloff's vitality classification, and tree risk assessment method, complemented by instrumental studies: a resistance resistograph, pulling tests, and sonic tomography (SoT). The collected data was analysed using the Chi-square test. The results indicate that it is not possible to conclude unequivocally that the presence of hollows in aged trees significantly increases the risk of falling. According to the safety factor results from the SoT and pulling tests, no correlation was demonstrated between the presence of hollow trees and an increase in risk class. The highest proportion of hollow trees (89.42%) was in the low risk group for trunk fracture and uprooting. The results also indicate the coherence of the diagnostic methods to be necessary for providing sufficient information to assess the statics and, ultimately, as our study showed, the protection of hollow trees.

Updating "Intensity dataset acquired through laser scanning of lunar and Martian soil simulants" with additional lunar soil simulants specimens.

Updated dataset based on the laser scanning of three specimens of lunar soil simulants representing highland regions (LHS-1, AGK-2010, CHENOBI) and three specimens of lunar soil simulants representing mare regions (LMS-1, JSC-1A, OPRL2N). In previous studies, only a specimen of ilmenite was used as a lunar soil simulants. Measurements were executed using phase-shift and time-of-fly terrestrial laser scanners (Z + F IMAGER 5016, FARO Focus3D, and Leica ScanStation C10). The stored data contain radiometric information of point clouds from the measurement of lunar soil simulants. The data provide information on the effect of different types of simulants (mare and highland) on the absorption and dispersion of the laser beam. In overall, the dataset presented in this work can be used in investigation of the application of the laser technology in the measurement of lunar structures made of mare and highlands lunar regolith. Lunar highlands and mare regions are characterized by different physicochemical parameters. Therefore, both types of soil scatter the laser beam differently, what affects the range and accuracy of the laser measurements.

Potential hazard characteristics of trees with hollows, cavities and fruiting bodies growing along pedestrian routes.

This article is a study of risk assessment of trees with hollows, cavities and fruiting bodies for the improvement of the management and protection of urban trees growing along pedestrian routes. 317 trees were examined using TRAQ risk classes, VTA and ISA BMP methodology, Roloff's vitality classification, and sonic tomography (SoT) during the spring and summer of 2021. The collected data was analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis H-test, the Dunn multiple comparison test, the pairwise comparison of proportions with Holm correction, the U-Manna-Whitney test, and the Fisher exact test. The analysed trees grow alongside public footpaths and footways in central Zakopane, Poland. The study results indicate that tree trunk hollows are judged to have no adverse effects on a tree's vitality when assessed using visual methods and are deemed to have a limited effect on vitality estimated with SoT. Though most high and moderate-risk trees, according to SoT (88% and 80%, respectively), had hollows, such trees were a small fraction of all 171 trees with hollows, cavities and/or fruiting bodies, 2.3% and 8.8%, respectively. Therefore, the decision to remove a tree should be based on advice from a professional arborist, supported by sonic tomography (SoT) or similar objective methods.

Terrestrial Laser Scanning of Lunar Soil Simulants.

In the near future, permanent human settlements on the Moon will become increasingly realistic. It is very likely that the Moon will serve as a transit point for deep space exploration (e.g., to Mars). The key to human presence on the Moon is the ability to erect the necessary structures and habitats using locally available materials, such as lunar soil. This study explores the feasibility of using terrestrial laser scanning technology as a measurement method for civil engineering applications on the Moon. Three lunar soil simulants representing highland regions (LHS-1, AGK-2010, CHENOBI) and three lunar soil simulants representing mare regions (LMS-1, JSC-1A, OPRL2N) were used in this study. Measurements were performed using three terrestrial laser scanners (Z+F IMAGER 5016, FARO Focus3D, and Leica ScanStation C10). The research programme focused on the radiometric analysis of datasets from the measurement of lunar soil simulants. The advantages and limitations of terrestrial laser scanning technology for possible lunar applications are discussed. Modifications of terrestrial laser scanners that are necessary to enable their use on the Moon are suggested.

Urban Parks as Perceived by City Residents with Mobility Difficulties: A Qualitative Study with In-Depth Interviews.

Urban green spaces make an invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of all city residents. Therefore, urban park quality and accessibility are crucial factors in stimulating physical and mental health benefits. This study aimed to assess the quality of urban parks and their accessibility as reported by people with mobility difficulties (seniors, blind and partially sighted people). Four key features of a place (accessibility and linkages, comfort and image, uses and activities and sociability) were considered in an in-depth-interviews (IDI) and "walk-and-talk" interviews. Study results indicate a problem of accessibility of urban parks for people with mobility difficulties (uneven gravel surfaces). However, non-physical aspects of park visits (social activities, cultural events, place branding) were reported as essential factors in explaining the motivation for park visits. Despite individual preferences, experience or reported difficulties, all respondents' attitudes towards park trips were positive. Therefore, we assume that accessibility is more than just physical comfort. Cultural and social activities play an important role in motivating people with a disability to visit a park.

Old trees are perceived as a valuable element of the municipal forest landscape.

Urban trees are important to maintain biodiversity and, therefore, need public acceptance. Few studies, however, have addressed the topic of social acceptability of old trees. The aim of this research was to examine city residents' perception of old trees, including hollow-bearing ones, mainly in the aspect of safety and aesthetics. A total of 448 Warsaw municipal forest' users expressed their opinions by completing an online questionnaire. Several methods were used to analyse the results of the study: the Chi-square test of independence, the Kruskal-Wallis H test, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Quartimax method of factor rotation analysis. The results revealed a correlation between the frequency of forest visits and the level of sensitivity toward old trees, which translates to less radical notion of danger and less radical decisions about cutting such trees down. Age of the respondents (56+) was a factor contributing to higher willingness to protect and care for old trees. The results also indicated that outdoor activity in the urban forest may increase ancient trees acceptance by developing emotional connection with them, and eventually contribute to their protection.

Intensity dataset acquired through laser scanning of lunar and Martian soil simulants.

The future construction effort on the Moon and Mars is increasingly discussed by the scientific community. In authors' opinion quick, precise and remote measuring technique will be essential for successful development of lunar and Martian construction projects. One of such techniques is terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). The dataset consists of results obtained using two different, commercially available, laser scanners. The measurements were conducted on Earth using lunar and Martian soil simulants. As a reference (Earth soil simulant) a standardized sand used for cement tests was utilized. Scans were performed from different distances. The acquired point clouds can be used for thorough analysis of a laser beam dispersion and absorption. The comparison with other results is enabled. One should also keep in mind that some of the characteristics of Earth, the Moon and Mars which will influence TLS technique and measurements (e.g. local atmosphere or lack of it, temperatures, radiation, light, distances and colours).

Impact of heavy pruning on development and photosynthesis of Tilia cordata Mill. trees.

Tree pruning is carried out to reduce conflict with infrastructure, buildings, and any other human activity. However, heavy pruning may result in a diminished tree crown capacity for sugar production and exposure to fungal infection. This risk leads to a decrease in tree stability or vigour. In this work, we analysed the effect of heavy pruning of roadside trees on the photosynthetic performance process compared to neighbouring unpruned trees. Four years of tree crown growth was studied by terrestrial imaging. Tree vitality (Roloff's classification) and risk (Visual Tree Assessment) were evaluated. Over-pruned trees showed intensified photosynthetic efficiency during the growing season following pruning. Particularly ET0/TR0 and PIABS tended to increase in pruned trees while higher Fv/Fm was noted only in late October, suggesting delayed leaf senescence. After four years, pruned trees rebuilt their crowns, however not in their entirety. Results obtained from biometric, vitality, and risk assessment showed high differentiation in pruned tree crown recovery. Our results revealed that despite the intensified efforts of trees to recover from wounding effects, severe pruning evokes dieback occurrence and a higher risk of failure in mature trees.

The ectomycorrhizal community of urban linden trees in Gdansk, Poland.

The linden tree (Tilia spp.) is a popular tree for landscaping and urban environments in central and northwest European countries, and it is one of the most popular in cities in Poland. Ectomycorrhizal fungi form a symbiosis with many urban tree species and protect the host plant from heavy metals and against salinity. The aim of this study was to characterise the ECM fungal community of urban linden trees along the tree damage gradient. The study was performed on two sites located in the centre of the city of Gdansk, in northern Poland. The vitality assessment of urban linden trees was made according to Roloff's classification. Tree damage classes were related to soil characteristics using principal component analysis. The five ectomycorrhizal fungal species were shared among all four tree damage classes, and Cenococcum geophilum was found to be the most abundant and frequent ectomycorrhizal fungal species in each class. Soil samples collected in the vicinity of trees belonging to the R0 class had significantly lower pH Na, Cl and Pb content than other soils. Our knowledge of ectomycorrhizal communities in urban areas is still limited, and these findings provide new insights into ectomycorrhizal distribution patterns in urban areas.

Urban-rural differences in perception of trees described by parents bringing up children in Warsaw and Jedlinsk, Poland.

Parents' attitudes to trees and nature are reflected not only in their children's outdoor activity, but also in the way they perceive, learn and value the environment. One hundred and eleven respondents, divided into two groups by place of residence, assessed statements in a survey questionnaire. Two groups of questions aimed at evaluating tree benefits and disservices as perceived by urban and rural parents, and identifying their preferences concerning outdoor activity of their children. Tree benefits and disadvantages were grouped into five categories (social, economic, environmental, health and aesthetic). Both urban and rural parents presented similar attitudes to trees as well as to their children's play environments. Among 37 statements concerning tree benefits, only five revealed statistically significant differences. The most important difference appeared in the way urban and rural parents perceived the aspects of danger. Trees were not perceived as posing any risk on playgrounds for city residents, who-unlike villagers-opposed to the removal of trees from playgrounds.

Quality of urban parks in the perception of city residents with mobility difficulties.

Urban parks should be inclusive for all. Availability and accessibility of urban parks determine the quality of life in cities. The importance of access increases for residents with limited mobility who, facing obstacles due to inadequate adjustment of the surrounding physical space, are exposed to social exclusion. Five groups of respondents completed a survey questionnaire revealing their attitudes towards green areas and indicating barriers to parks' accessibility. The groups were designed to include blind and vision impaired people, those who use a wheelchair, have a physical disability of any kind, their carers/assistants and parents pushing strollers. The results revealed more similarities than differences among the five groups (the differences included preferences towards the neighbourhood and destination parks, physical barriers in parks, as well as using assistive technology devices and mobile assistive applications). Overall, city residents with mobility difficulties find those green public spaces as an important element of their life quality.