Intensive forestry operations can cause soil compaction. This negatively impacts soil structure and water movement, particularly in mountain forest ecosystems. This study examined the effects of repeated passes of forestry machinery on the soil physical properties, pore system, and water retention characteristics of Dystric Cambisol loam soil in a natural lower montane forest in southern Poland. Soil samples were collected from control (non-compacted) areas and from machine wheel tracks exposed to different traffic intensities (1, 4, >6 passes, and permanent skidding trails) at two depths (0-10 and 10-20 cm). Bulk density, total porosity, pore size distribution, and soil water retention characteristics were determined using undisturbed soil cores and pressure plate measurements. Low traffic intensity (1 and 4 passes) did not significantly affect soil physical or hydraulic properties compared with the control. In contrast, intensive machinery traffic and permanent skidding trails caused a significant increase in bulk density and a reduction in total porosity, particularly in the 0-10 cm soil layer. These changes were associated with marked modifications in pore size distribution, including a substantial decrease in macropores and large mesopores (0.5-50 & micro;m), which are essential for plant water availability. Alterations in the pore system were reflected in reduced field capacity, available water capacity, and unfavourable relative field capacity values, indicating impaired soil air-water relations under high traffic intensity. In the 10-20 cm layer, soil physical and hydraulic properties were largely unaffected by machinery traffic. The results demonstrate that repeated and intensive machinery passes during forestry operations pose a significant risk to soil structural integrity and water retention in mountain forest soils. Restricting traffic intensity and confining machinery movement to designated skid trails are essential measures to mitigate soil degradation and support sustainable forest management.
Dead wood, particularly coarse woody debris (CWD), is a key structural component of forest ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, carbon storage, and nutrient cycling. Its quantity and quality are strongly shaped by forest management, species composition, and stand development. This study assessed the volume, structure, and decomposition stages of dead wood in Roztocze National Park (RNP), with a particular focus on the effects of conservation regime, stand age, species composition, and stand density. Field data were collected in summer 2019 on 315 circular plots (0.04 ha each) distributed systematically across the RNP. Dead wood was inventoried as standing dead wood, lying dead wood, and stumps, classified by tree species, diameter classes, and five stages of decomposition. Statistical analyses were conducted using general linear models to identify the main drivers of dead wood abundance and structure. The mean volume of dead wood across the Park was 44.8 m(3)ha(-1), with a wide range (0-345 m(3)ha(-1)). Lying dead wood accounted for 62% of total CWD volume, standing dead wood for 33%, and stumps for 5%. Most dead wood consisted of large-diameter elements (>20 cm), which are particularly important for saproxylic organisms. Silver fir had the highest contribution of dead wood, followed by European beech, despite Scots pine being the most common tree species in the stands. Dead wood resources were strongly influenced by the conservation regime: strictly protected stands contained over three times more dead wood (115.5 m(3)ha(-1)) than actively managed stands (37.1 m(3)ha(-1)). Stand age and dominant tree species were significant predictors of dead wood volume and decomposition stage, while basal area had no significant effect. Older stands and strictly protected areas were characterised by higher proportions of advanced decay stages. The results demonstrate that long-term strict protection substantially enhances both the quantity and ecological quality of dead wood. Nevertheless, the relatively low-intensity management applied in the active protection zone also maintains dead wood volumes close to biodiversity thresholds reported for temperate European forests. These findings highlight the importance of stand age, species composition, and conservation regime in shaping dead wood dynamics in protected forest landscapes.
The aim of the study was to examine the impact of forestry studies on the social construction of the forester's professional identity and assess the perceived alignment between academic education and the structural requirements of professional practice as articulated by students. The main research question was: how do forestry studies shape the image and normative framing of the forester's profession and how is the adequacy of the educational programme for professional practice evaluated by students? It was hypothesised that forestry studies exert a significant positive influence on the perception of the forester's profession and are perceived as largely aligned with professional requirements. The study adopted a quantitative design, employing a diagnostic survey in a repeated cross-sectional framework conducted in October 2023, 2024, and 2025. It encompassed independent cohorts of first-year students at the Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture in Krakow (N=188, N=162, N=158). The online questionnaire included questions about the image of a forester developed during their studies, the alignment of knowledge and competencies with professional requirements, the importance of forest functions, and the reactions of family and friends to their choice of field of study. The analysis relied on descriptive statistics (response counts and frequencies) and did not employ inferential procedures, given the non-probabilistic character of the sample and the exploratory-descriptive aim of the study. Analysis of the results from three study groups and a literature review allowed for the formulation of key conclusions. The findings indicate that studies primarily reinforce positive evaluations of foresters' professional and organisational competences, whereas in socio-political and ideological domains they more frequently generate critical or neutral orientations. Forestry education contributes to the ongoing professionalisation of the occupational field while neither eliminating nor fully neutralising its structurally embedded controversies. Discrepancies between curricular content and student expectations were identified, indicating areas requiring structural adjustment to enhance graduates' preparedness for profes-sional challenges. Reactions of family members and friends to the choice of forestry studies were predominantly positive, irrespective of the respondents' place of residence. The study captures the perspectives of a younger generation increasingly conscious of its agency within social media and public policy discourses, thereby enabling cautious projections regarding the future devel-opment of forest governance and human resource management in the sector. Most respondents positively assessed the adequacy of education, knowledge, teaching skills, and research activities for the scope of tasks performed in a forester's work, with differences evident based on place of residence and gender. The results contribute to the broader discourse on the social perception of the forester's profession and may inform the development of forestry education responsive to both student expectations and labour market dynamics. The findings provide a basis for formu-lating recommendations concerning curricular modification, for the preliminary identification of inter-cohort shifts in the perception of the profession, and for strengthening institutional support for first-year students in meeting their academic and cognitive needs.
Slime moulds (Eumycetozoa) are important components of forest detrital systems, yet the lowland forests of north-eastern Poland remain poorly documented. We present an integrated inventory of Myxomycetes (Myxogastria) and Protosporangiida from two forest nature reserves in the Masurian Lakeland (G & aogon;zwa and D & eogon;bowo), based on route-based field surveys and moist chamber cultures. Sporocarps were identified using light microscopy following standard morphological criteria. The 492 collection records comprised 66 taxa: 62 myxogastrian species, two varieties, and two species of Ceratiomyxa. Taxon richness was 45 in D & eogon;bowo and 49 in G & aogon;zwa, with 28 taxa recorded in both reserves. Frequent taxa included Lycogala epidendrum, Fuligo septica var. septica, Physarum album and Arcyria cinerea. Badhamia affinis and Licea kleistobolus are newly recorded for north-eastern Poland, and 33 taxa are newly recorded for the Masurian Lakeland. Incidence was strongly right- skewed, with few common and many rare taxa. Lignicolous substrates supported the highest local richness and diversity, whereas other substrate classes generally harboured fewer taxa; no clear monotonic relationship was detected between richness and mean soaking-water pH across by ecological substrate class; this pattern is interpreted descriptively given the non-probabilistic sampling design. Our results provide the first substrate-resolved checklist and baseline dataset for Eumycetozoa in these reserves and highlight the value of combining field surveys with moist chamber cultures in under-surveyed lowland forests.
Black cherry Prunus serotina is one of the most widespread invasive tree species in Europe, exerting a substantial influence on the structure and functioning of native forest ecosystems. Its presence alters nutrient cycling, soil properties, and competitive interactions among tree species, thereby reducing biodiversity and limiting the regenerative capacity of forest habitats. Particularly important is the impact of its nutrient-rich, rapidly decomposing leaf litter, which may significantly modify the availability of macro-and microelements and shape the growth conditions of native tree species. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of P. serotina leaf mulch on soil chemical prop-erties and on the content of selected macro-and microelements in the leaves of native tree species, analysed under two light conditions. The study used one-year-old seedlings of four tree species: Acerplatanoides, Acerpseudoplatanus, Pinus sylvestris, and P. serotina, which were cultivat-ed individually in a peat-based substrate under two light regimes in a controlled pot experi-ment. Leaf mulch of P. serotina was applied in three variants (0 g, 40 g, 150 g per pot), and bio-metric measurements of seedling height and root collar diameter were conducted over two con-secutive growing seasons. Soil and leaf samples were subjected to comprehensive chemical analyses, and treatment effects were evaluated using mixed-effects models, MANOVA, and principal component analysis. The growth of all studied tree species was primarily determined by species identity and time, while neither mulch application nor light conditions had a significant effect. Seedlings of A. pla-tanoides and A. pseudoplatanus reached the greatest height and root collar diameter, clearly out-performing P. sylvestris and P. serotina. Leaf nutrient concentrations also differed markedly among species, with A. pseudoplatanus showing the highest phosphorus content and P. serotina the lowest levels of most macronutrients except magnesium. Soil analyses revealed rapid deple-tion of nitrate, ammonium, and magnesium in substrates associated with P. serotina, indicating its strong impact on nutrient dynamics compared to the more conservative nutrient use by the other species. Prunus serotina has a pronounced influence on soil properties and the structure of accompanying vegetation, acting as an ecosystem engineer and substantially hindering forest management in stands composed of native species. The results indicate that among the analysed taxa, A. pseudoplatanus and A. platanoides display the highest competitive potential against invasive P. serotina, making these species suitable candidates for the restoration of stands affected by its expansion.
The creation and maintenance of wildfire control measures in areas of woodland, heathland, moorland and grassland are necessary to minimise the losses caused by wildfire incidents, to prevent or reduce the spread of fire to other areas and to facilitate the fire suppression work of responders. Such measures keep wildfires small and increase the success of suppressing larger wildfires. However, in the UK, the scientific basis for these measures is very poor. To redress this deficiency, fundamental analysis of the status and capability of fire/fuel breaks and fire belts was undertaken in England and Wales. Data from surveys of the width of breaks and belts at 55 sites were analysed using a fuel model to provide data on the length of flames based on an extreme but realistic climatic scenario. The analyses were carried out for four dif- ferent fire examples: (1) fire occurring near roads (fuel breaks), (2) fire occurring near tracks and paths (fuel breaks), (3) fire that occurs in adjacent vegetation including fire/fuel breaks but not fire belts, and (4) fire that occurs in adjacent vegetation and fire belt, and includes fire/fuel breaks. The analysis of fire behaviour considered the use of hand tools, and vehicle-mounted high pres- sure/low volume water pumps, to suppress fires. The average height and/or fuel model of the vegetation was also taken into account. Of the 55 fire and/or fuel breaks studied, 18 were not sufficient to provide effective passive or active containment of wildfires. From the modelling approach used, the management of fuel loading of vegetation adjacent to fire and/or fuel breaks is a critical factor in the effective of these prevention measures. The study identified minimum widths of fire/fuel breaks and fire belts for a range of habitat types, to allow safe and effective fire suppression.
During last 50 years, Norway spruce stands in the Polish mountains have been affected by several outbreaks of bark beetles, mainly Ips typographus with accompanying scolytids. This paper describes the most significant outbreaks, based on data collected continuously by the Forest Research Institute for the annual assessment and forecasting of threats to Polish forests, as well as existing publications on individual cases. Six areas with the most notable outbreaks were selected: two in the Sudety Mountains and Foothills-western and eastern-and four in the Carpathians: Beskidy, Tatry, Gorce, and Radziejowa. According to Manion's concept, the predisposing, inciting, and contributing factors are specified for each outbreak. The main predisposing factor in all cases was the proportion and age of spruce, further influenced in some cases by long-term industrial stress or root diseases. In some areas the main inciting factor was defoliation caused by foliophagous insects (Zeirapheragriseana, Cephalcia spp.), while in others abiotic factors such as wind or drought were primarily responsible for the initiation and development of the outbreaks. Root rot caused by fungal pathogens was also an important contributing factor (Beskidy). The total volume of Norway spruce trees harvested in mountainous forest districts due to bark beetle infestation between 1976 and 2024 reached 16.1 million m3, with more in the eastern region (Carpathians)-9.9 million m3 than in the western region (Sudety)-6.2 million m3. During the largest outbreaks in the western Sudety (1981-1988) and in the western Carpathians (2003-2014), the volume of processed trees infested by bark beetles was 0.9 and 4.3 million m3, respectively, but the con-sequences of spruce decline differed in each case (the need for forest cover restitution versus conversion to more resistant stands). Stands in protected areas, including national parks, were also affected by the outbreaks, the causes and consequences of which are also presented.
Root rot fungi are among the most important agents affecting the stability and longevity of conif- erous forests. In this study, Phaeolus schweinitzii a characteristic brown-rot basidiomycete, is reported for the first time in Kosovo. The species was recorded in mature montane forests dominated by Picea abies in the Kuqisht & euml; area (Pej & euml;), where basidiomata developed at the base of living trees and on decayed root wood. Identification was based on detailed macro and micromorphological analyses in accordance with standard taxonomic literature. The occurrence of P. schweinitzii reflects long habitat continuity, stable microclimatic conditions and a high deadwood availability typical of well-preserved spruce forests. This new recording expands the known distribution of the species in the region and contributes to the understanding of fungal diversity and forest health in poorly explored montane ecosystems of Southeast Europe.
This paper presents the results of an analysis of the accuracy of young deciduous tree height estimation based on a dense point cloud and high-resolution photographs acquired using an iPhone 14 Pro equipped with a viDOC RTK Rover antenna during mobile laser scanning. The photos were collected during manual vehicle driving at an altitude of 1.4 meters above ground in the Pary & zdot; Forest District belonging to the P & lstrok;o & nacute;sk Forest Inspectorate (Mazowieckie Voivodeship, Poland). Tree height was measured from a normalized dense point cloud (GSD 0.001 m/pix) using a moving win-dow of approximately 0.005 m2. Ground measurements with a precision steel ruler (YT70715 YATO) served as reference data for accuracy and quality assessment. The ground control point measure-ments were conducted using the Pix4Dcatch Automatic Autotag Detection (AAD) with uniquely coded targets distributed across the forest plantation. A total of 900 two-years-old European beech Fagus sylvatica and 900 two-years-old pedunculate oak Quercus robur seedlings were measured: 100 trees in each of eighteen subsection for both species. The heterogeneous surface of the plantation resulted in a small camera optimization error, typically <= 1.0%. The Jensen-Shannon distance index was 0.0166 for beech and 0.0190 for pedunculate oak; the Wasserstein distance was 0.424 and 0.4725 for the same species, respectively.
This study examines the dynamics of mistletoe Viscum album ssp. austriacum infestation in Scots pine Pinus sylvestris stands within the Regional Directorate of State Forests (RDLP) in Krosno, southeastern Poland, over the period 2019-2025. The objective was to quantify changes in the area affected by mistletoe, evaluate temporal trends in, in mistletoe occurrence dynamics and forecast its development to 2030. The analysis was based on operational forest health monitor-ing data collected annually by eight Forest Districts (Kolbuszowa, Le & zdot;ajsk, Lubacz & oacute;w, Mielec, Narol, Oleszyce, Sieniawa, and Tuszyma). These records documented the area of pine stands with more than 10% crown coverage by mistletoe, assessed visually by trained forestry staff according to national monitoring standards. Although originally intended for operational pur-poses, the dataset provides consistent and comparable information suitable for identifying large-scale temporal trends. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chain indices, and linear regression to assess interannual changes in infestation area. The results revealed a statistically significant linear increase (R2=0.71, p<0.05) in mistletoe-infested pine stands across the RDLP in Krosno, from 2,097.63 ha in 2019 to 6,058.56 ha in 2025-representing a 288% increase over the study peri-od. The annual growth rate was estimated at approximately 540 ha per year. Spatial variability among forest districts was substantial: the most pronounced increases occurred in Kolbuszowa, Narol, and Le & zdot;ajsk, where infestation expanded more than tenfold between 2022 and 2025. Districts that implemented more intensive mechanical removal in 2024 (e.g., Sieniawa, Le & zdot;ajsk) showed stabilization or slight decreases in infested area, suggesting that consistent control measures can temporarily mitigate infestation growth. The regression-based projection predicts a continued expansion, potentially exceeding 8,300 ha by 2030 if current trends persist. These findings highlight the accelerating spread of mistletoe as a significant threat to pine-dominated forest ecosystems in southeastern Poland, particularly under conditions of climatic stress and reduced host vitality. The results underline the necessity for systematic monitoring of parasitic species and adaptive forest management that integrates mistletoe risk assessment into planning frameworks. The study also demonstrates the value of operational State Forest data for ecological analyses and provides a quantitative foundation for regional strategies aimed at maintaining forest health and resilience in a changing climate.
This study investigated the effect of applying the "Rotstop" preparation, which contains the competitive fungus Phlebiopsis gigantea (Fr.) J & uuml;lich, during the partial reconstruction of Scots pine monocultures threatened by Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. root rot, on ground beetle (Carabidae) assemblages. The research was carried out in seven forest districts across Poland, in 22-to 28-year-old pine stands on post-agricultural land. Carabidae were collected using pitfall traps and "photoeclector" traps in artificial gaps treated with "Rotstop", natural gaps, and the surrounding forest stand. The results showed that the application of "Rotstop" increased the species richness of Carabidae assemblages and improved their living conditions in the artificial gaps compared to the natural gaps and untreated forest stand. The artificial gaps significantly enhanced conditions for Carabidae colonising stumps due to accelerated wood decomposition and better access between fragments used as shelters or overwintering sites. These features were not observed in natural gaps. The Carabidae assemblages in the reconstructed stands were charac-terised by diverse trophic structures and habitat preferences, reflecting their high adaptability to changing environmental conditions. The results indicate that the application of "Rotstop" in the "artificial gap" method is an effective prophylactic and therapeutic treatment that not only limits the development of root rot but also supports the reconstruction of pine monocultures on post-agricultural land towards more resistant and biodiverse systems. By improving habitat condi-tions for Carabidae, this treatment contributes to the stabilisation and strengthening of biodiversity, which is crucial for forest sustainability in the face of climate change and increasing pathogen pressures.
Every country is proud of its impressive ancient trees, which are unique, of a distinctive form and are found nowhere else. Lithuania is no exception in this regard. Although the country climatic conditions are not the most favourable, some specimens of trees and shrubs achieve results that are no less impressive than those growing elsewhere in Europe. This article presents informa-tion about the most impressive trees and shrubs in Lithuania which are protected at the national level. The study was conducted between 2021-2025 in accordance with the requirements of the applicable legal acts and, depending on the ecological characteristics of the species being studied, the research methodology was supplemented with experience from other countries. The study assessed 417 ancient trees and shrubs located throughout Lithuania including those growing in strict reserves. The article analyses the direct impact of human economic activity such as man-agement, visits on the condition, stability and longevity of botanical objects. It identifies the main difficulties and obstacles encountered in Lithuania when managing ancient trees or attempting to legally recognise new ones and draws attention to the work being done to ensure the well-being of trees and the strengths and weaknesses of such work in the long term. As the authors are seeking to discover still-unrecognised ancient trees in Lithuania as well as in neighbouring countries, the article mentions six additional ancient trees in the country that meet the criteria for natural monuments in Lithuania but do not yet have protected tree status while being unknown to the general public. Two of these trees are among the ten oldest in Lithuania. The average tree height reaches approximately 22.93 +/- 0.32 m (from 4.0 m to 47.5 m), while the diameters of ancient trees range from 0.32 m to 3.11 m such as Stelmu & zcaron;e & centerdot; Oak. The average diameter of the evaluated trees reaches 1.42 +/- 2.49 m, but the majority of trees falls into the 1.51-2.0 m diameter group. The crowns of the ancient trees start on average at a height of 5.11 +/- 0.19 m above ground level-4.30 +/- 0.13 m for deciduous trees and 7.72 +/- 0.25 m for conifers. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a strong correlation between tree height and crown length (R2=0.774, p<0.05) and between tree height and tree condition. Taller trees are in better condition (R2 =-0.712, p<0.05); 83.0% of state-protected natural monuments are affected by rot to a greater or lesser extent while the degree and location of damage vary. The mean score for the condition of the assessed state-protected ancient trees and shrubs was 3.59 +/- 0.16 points with living specimens 2.63 +/- 0.13 points for coniferous and 3.77 +/- 0.08 points for deciduous, with living specimens 3.68 +/- 0.08 points. The mean score for the condition of all assessed objects was 3.72 +/- 0.07 points with living specimens 3.43 +/- 0.07 points.
Forest tree seedlings grown in containers must have appropriate biometric parameters essential for crop growth. Other criteria are also important, including the ability to transport seedlings with a root ball over both short and long distances. Transport of seedlings with a root ball takes place in containers and, after being pulled out in transport containers or by hand holding the seedling. It is important that the root ball, once removed from the container, is not susceptible to damage such as tearing, deformation, or scattering. A prototype station was used to simulate mechanical impacts on the root ball, reflecting transport conditions. Tests were conducted on the main forest-forming species in Poland: pine, beech, and oak seedlings, 90 for each species. The seedlings were grown in a peat-perlite substrate in containers made of polystyrene with a single cell volume of 145 cm3 Pinus sylvestris and 275 cm3 Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur. Differences were observed in the percentage of root ball part loss depending on the species and container type. Pine root balls were the most susceptible to damage, followed by beech and then oak. Root balls from containers with a volume of 275 cm3 were less prone to damage than those from 145 cm3. A correlation was found between the percentage of root ball loss and seedling shoot height, root collar diameter, and degree of root overgrowth also for pine and beech with moisture of substrata. For pine seedlings with shoot heights under 4 cm and root collar diameters under 1.2 mm, root ball loss exceeded 30%. When producing small pine seedlings on peat perlite substrata, it is probably better to use containers with smaller cell volumes to reduce the risk of damage during transport, which is connected with the ability of a smaller root system to outgrow a smaller cell.
This systematic review examines the effectiveness, challenges, and implications of open book exams (OBEs) in higher education. Following PRISMA guidelines, 20 studies published between 1950 and 2025 were analysed, involving 3349 participants across 11 countries. The review found that OBEs consistently reduce test anxiety by shifting focus from rote memorization to understanding and application. They promote critical thinking and higher-order skills, encouraging deeper engagement with learning materials and fostering self-directed learning. However, benefits depend on proper implementation, preparation strategies, and question design. While OBEs align with real-world applications and offer potential to transform assessment practices, challenges include over-reliance on materials and variability in student preparation. When thoughtfully designed and executed, OBEs can serve as a powerful tool for holistic student development and better preparation for professional environments.
Plastic bags are a common sight in West Africa, particularly in household waste. Their widespread distribution has a negative impact on the environment. Solutions need to be found to recycle them more effectively. Pyrolysis is a promising method for testing plastic bags for their thermal behavior. In this study, a laboratory test was conducted for the pyrolysis of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in a pilot reactor. Analytical devices such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), gas chromatographycombustion thermal detector (GC-CTD), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) were used to determine material and energy balances, and the composition of condensable and non-condensable gases. The results show that PE is a very good fuel in terms of energy, but its environmental impact remains undeniably negative. Therefore, the use of PE will be much more sustainable if it is mixed with other types of fuel to reduce its environmental impact.
This study investigates the impact of industrial agglomeration patterns on green innovation efficiency within the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration in China. Utilizing panel data from 41 cities spanning 2010 to 2020, the research differentiates between specialized and diversified agglomeration patterns. A super-efficiency SBM-DEA model is employed to evaluate urban green innovation efficiency, incorporating undesirable outputs into the analysis. The findings reveal that specialized agglomeration positively influences green innovation efficiency, particularly in less-developed cities, by lowering production costs and alleviating financing constraints for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within clusters. In contrast, diversified agglomeration does not significantly improve green innovation efficiency and may even hinder it in noncore and developed cities due to heightened competition and resource inefficiencies. Furthermore, environmental regulation negatively moderates the relationship between both agglomeration patterns and green innovation efficiency. The results emphasize the need to optimize regional industrial structures and promote specialized industrial clusters based on comparative advantages. They also underscore the importance of developing cross-regional coordination mechanisms to enhance the flow of innovation resources and strengthen collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers seeking to refine environmental regulations and industrial policies in urban agglomerations.
The Baltic region faces significant geotechnical challenges related to its widespread soft soil deposits, particularly along coastal areas. This investigation examines an innovative foundation solution combining micropiles with soil-cement Load Transfer Platforms (LTPs) designed to address these challenges. Through comprehensive three-dimensional Finite Element Modelling, we assess various configurations of micropile arrangements in soft soil conditions typical of Baltic coastal environments. Results demonstrate remarkable improvements in bearing capacity: individual micropiles show 2.1-fold increases, three-pile groups achieve 9-fold enhancements, and integration with LTPs produces up to 19-fold increases in load-bearing capacity. The most substantial improvements were observed in larger pile groups, with up to 80-fold capacity increases when combined with optimized LTPs. These findings offer promising solutions for construction on problematic soft soil deposits throughout the Baltic region, particularly for transportation infrastructure and medium-rise structures in developing coastal areas.
The article explores fourteen oral legends from the Syriac Christian communities of Mardin and the Tur Abdin region in southeastern Turkey, analyzing them as vital expressions of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). Drawing from interdisciplinary approaches in folklore studies, cultural memory theory, and heritage discourse, the study examines how these narratives function as tools for preserving identity, shaping sacred geography, and conveying communal values amid historical marginalization. The legends center around monastic figures such as Saint Gabriel and Mor Abay, and address themes like miracle, martyrdom, gender transformation, interfaith negotiation, and the sacralization of space. Narratives like the miraculous gender transformation of a child or the resurrection of the dead illustrate how storytelling serves as a medium for theological imagination and symbolic resistance. Using qualitative methods, including ethnographic interviews and narrative analysis, the research reveals how these oral stories operate as living repositories of spiritual meaning, historical memory, and ethical guidance. This study contends that Syriac oral traditions are not static relics of the past but dynamic cultural systems that actively mediate identity, belief, and survival. In doing so, it emphasizes the urgency of safeguarding endangered narrative traditions, especially in contexts where minority languages and religious communities face increasing threats to continuity.
This paper is the result of the first phase of the project initiated last year to deepen the study of a recurrently overlooked phenomenon: the professional internship project. Therefore, a documentary review was conducted to identify the textual typology that undergraduate and engineering students should develop at the end of their professional internships. Subsequently, a conceptual delimitation was made to identify and specify the characteristics of the manuscript that the students wrote during their stays in the companies. Since no studies were carried out on the phenomenon in question, the exploratory method was used to glimpse the structure corresponding to the textual framework typical of the educational level and model dealt with here.
The urbanisation process fragments forest remnants and exposes them to multiple anthropogenic pressures, yet some urban woodlands can still function as important refuges for mammals. This study presents an inventory of mammals in Kabaty Forest, a 1,000 ha forest complex in southern Warsaw. The area, protected as a nature reserve since 1980 but increasingly isolated by surrounding development, is intensively used for recreation. Between 2012 and 2025 (with historical and published records added), we applied a broad set of methods, including direct and nocturnal observations, camera trapping, winter snow tracking, systematic den searches, small-mammal/red squirrel live trapping, analysis of owl pellets/fox scats, bat netting/detector surveys, and municipal wildlife incident data. Altogether, we confirmed the presence of 40 mammal species, representing six orders: Eulipotyphla (4 species), Chiroptera (10 species), Lagomorpha (2 species), Rodentia (13 species), Carnivora (8 species), and Cetartiodactyla (3 species). Among ungulates, camera traps revealed a strong dominance of wild boar and roe deer. Moose was shown to have started recolonizing the area. Pellet analysis and live-trapping data revealed that, despite isolation, the small-mammal community still resembled that of non-urban forests, with forest species prevailing and open-habitat or synanthropic rodents occurring only marginally. Compared with other Warsaw reserves, Kabaty Forest harbours one of the richest urban mammal communities, approaching that of much larger peri-urban areas. However, the progression of isolation, high visitor loads, and the free-ranging dogs pose growing risks. Maintaining connectivity to surrounding green areas, enforcing visitor regulations, and continuing long-term monitoring are essential to pre-serve this unusually diverse mammal community within a rapidly urbanising metropolis.
