Quantifying fuel load over large areas is essential to support integrated fire management initiatives in fire-prone regions to preserve carbon stock, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. It also allows a better understanding of global climate regulation as a potential carbon sink or source. Large area assessments usually require data from spaceborne remote sensors, but most of them cannot measure the vertical variability of vegetation structure, which is required for accurately measuring fuel loads and defining management interventions. The recently launched NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) full-waveform lidar sensor holds potential to meet this demand. However, its capability for estimating fuel load has yet not been evaluated. In this study, we developed a novel framework and tested machine learning models for predicting multi-layer fuel load in the Brazilian tropical savanna (i.e., Cerrado biome) using GEDI data. First, lidar data were collected using an unnamed aerial vehicle (UAV). The flights were conducted over selected sample plots in distinct Cerrado vegetation formations (i.e., grassland, savanna, forest) where field measurements were conducted to determine the load of surface, herbaceous, shrubs and small trees, woody fuels and the total fuel load. Subsequently, GEDI-like full-waveforms were simulated from the high-density UAV-lidar 3-D point clouds from which vegetation structure metrics were calculated and correlated to field-derived fuel load components using Random Forest models. From these models, we generate fuel load maps for the entire Cerrado using all on-orbit available GEDI data. Overall, the models had better performance for woody fuels and total fuel loads (R2 = 0.88 and 0.71, respectively). For components at the lower stratum, models had moderate to low performance (R2 between 0.15 and 0.46) but still showed reliable results. The presented framework can be extended to other fire-prone regions where accurate measurements of fuel components are needed. We hope this study will contribute to the expansion of spaceborne lidar applications for integrated fire management activities and supporting carbon monitoring initiatives in tropical savannas worldwide.

Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) is an additive manufacturing process with which three-dimensional, thermoplastic components can be produced layer by layer. Visual and geometrical properties are a major criterion for characterizing the resulting component quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the influences on visual and geometrical properties of APF components depending on process parameters. Initially the focus was on the analysis of the shrinkage behavior of ABS-M30 (Stratasys). On the basis of the results and an existing procedure by the machine manufacturer, an optimized procedure for determining the scaling factors was developed to counteract the shrinkage. With this procedure a higher dimensional accuracy of the components can be achieved. In addition, it was investigated whether an adaption of the form factor based on a mathematical model depending on the component geometry makes sense. The results were transferred into manufacturing guidelines, which allow the user of the APF-technology to optimize process parameters more efficiently.

The Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) is an additive manufacturing process with which three-dimensional, thermoplastic components can be produced layer by layer. One disadvantage of the APF is the long residence time of the molten material in the plasticizing unit compared to conventional injection moulding. The dosing volume is emptied very slowly due to only discharging fine plastic droplets. As a result, long residence times can be expected, which can lead to thermal degradation of the material. The aim of this study was to develop a model for calculating the residence time of the material in the APF. The residence time of the material in the thermally critical dosing volume is predicted using software developed in-house. The accuracy of the model could be verified by experimental investigations. Finally, the thermal degradation of the material was investigated by analyzing the correlation to the mechanical properties of tensile strength specimens.

Tropical savanna ecosystems play a major role in the seasonality of the global carbon cycle. However, their ability to store and sequester carbon is uncertain due to combined and intermingling effects of anthropogenic activities and climate change, which impact wildfire regimes and vegetation dynamics. Accurate measurements of tropical savanna vegetation aboveground biomass (AGB) over broad spatial scales are crucial to achieve effective carbon emission mitigation strategies. UAV-lidar is a new remote sensing technology that can enable rapid 3-D mapping of structure and related AGB in tropical savanna ecosystems. This study aimed to assess the capability of high-density UAV-lidar to estimate and map total (tree, shrubs, and surface layers) aboveground biomass density (AGBt) in the Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado). Five ordinary least square regression models estimating AGBt were adjusted using 50 field sample plots (30 m x 30 m). The best model was selected under Akaike Information Criterion, adjusted coefficient of determination (adj.R-2), absolute and relative mot mean square error (RMSE), and used to map AGBt from UAV-lidar data collected over 1,854 ha spanning the three major vegetation formations (forest, savanna, and grassland) in Cerrado. The model using vegetation height and cover was the most effective, with an overall model adj-R-2 of 0.79 and a leave-one-out cross-validated RMSE of 19.11 Mg/ha (33.40%). The uncertainty and errors of our estimations were assessed for each vegetation formation separately, resulting in RMSEs of 27.08 Mg/ha (25.99%) for forests, 17.76 Mg/ha (43.96%) for savannas, and 7.72 Mg/ha (44.92%) for grasslands. These results prove the feasibility and potential of the UAV-lidar technology in Cerrado but also emphasize the need for further developing the estimation of biomass in grasslands, of high importance in the characterization of the global carbon balance and for supporting integrated fire management activities in tropical savanna ecosystems. Our results serve as a benchmark for future studies aiming to generate accurate biomass maps and provide baseline data for efficient management of fire and predicted climate change impacts on tropical savanna ecosystems.

The Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) is an additive manufacturing process which allows the production of three-dimensional thermoplastic components in layers. The components are produced by depositing fine, molten plastic droplets. The main advantage of the APF is the open-parameter control of the associated machine system. Thus, the process parameters can be optimized for individual applications. A special and new application of the APF is the production of interconnecting porous structures. As this is a novel approach with this manufacturing process, the general producibility and reproducibility must first be proven. Therefore, the relevant process parameters with an influence on the open-pored structures are identified. The volume of the individual plastic droplets, the distance between the droplets and the layer thickness are the three decisive influencing factors. With the use of analysis methods, the free spaces created in the structure are described by a uniformly constructed, interconnected pore structure. This means that the pores are interconnected in three dimensions. Reproducibility is evaluated by repeated production and thru the changed conditions during the manufacturing process. In addition, the multiplication and a change of geometry are evaluated in such a way that there is no influence on the pore size. Irregularities when depositing the first layer are caused by unevenness of the building platform. A suitable test arrangement is set up to determine the liquid permeability. A characteristic value is determined to describe the permeability to liquids.

When processing short fiber reinforced thermoplastics with screw machines (injection molding, extrusion), the fiber length is a resulting material property that is, to some extent, influenced by the process parameters. The extent of the influence and the effects of the process parameters have been investigated in many different studies, mainly by parameter variations. Nevertheless, the influence of the process parameters on the fiber breaking is described with regression models that arc valid for the studied parameter set. For a physical model of the fiber breakage during injection molding, simplified shear conditions are investigated. The pressures during plasticizing within the screw areas of injection molding machines are significantly lower compared to extrusion. For this reason the pressure flow within the screw channels can be neglected. The flow characteristic is basically influenced by the drag flow. To reproduce drag shear conditions, a test stand with a heated rotating piston and a stationary outer cylinder is used. In the gap between the piston and the outer cylinder the melted material faces the shear stress. The experimental results are used to find a correlation between the process parameters and the fiber breakage. This mathematical model is then transferred to the plasticizing process of injection molding. The validation of the model is done with a short fiber reinforced polypropylene.

Plastic freeforming (PF) is an additive-manufacturing process for producing three-dimensional plastic parts based on 3D CAD data by applying plastic droplets in layers. This process is used to produce customer-specific and complex geometries (prototypes and small series) on organic sheets. A comparable serial process is the injection of a second component onto organic sheets by injection molding. A sufficient bond between the PF structure and the organic sheets is of particular importance for each application. If this is not guaranteed, the composite system cannot withstand the mechanical load and fails. The force exerted on the system can no longer be transmitted between the PF structure and the organic sheet. The organic sheet is made of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP). The connection between the organic sheet and the PF structure is achieved by welding the molten polymer droplets and the surface of the organic sheet. The PF structures are made of PP to ensure sufficient compatibility with regard to the weldability of the components. The processing of PP in the PF process is a challenge because PP is a semi-crystalline material. The shrinkage of semi-crystalline materials is significantly higher compared to amorphous materials. Due to the layered structure of the components, the shrinkage of the individual layers results in undesired warpage. The adhesive strength between the organic sheet and the PF structure is investigated by determining the bending strength in the 3-point bending test. The investigations include an optimization of the process parameters to maximize the adhesive strength. The experimental investigations show that an increase of the nozzle and build chamber temperature leads to a higher adhesive strength. In further investigations, the temperature of the nozzle shows no significant influence on the surface temperature despite the expected heat radiation. The surface temperature is almost only dependent on the temperature of the build chamber.

The Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) is an additive manufacturing process that allows threedimensional, thermoplastic components to be produced in layer by layer. The components are generated by depositing fine, molten plastic droplets. One of the main advantages of the APF process is the open machine control. Thus, the process parameters can be adapted and optimized for the individual applications. The optimization is carried out on the basis of a variation of the process parameters using a statistical design of experiments. Relevant process parameters are the layer thickness, the form factor, the raster and delta angle as well as the overlap between the contour and the filling of a layer. In addition, the nozzle and build chamber temperatures are varied. Using this procedure, the effects of the influencing parameters on the mechanical properties and the interactions between the influencing parameters are analyzed and converted into mathematical models. On the basis of the results and the models, guidelines will be developed to assist the user of APF technology in the systematic process configuration for their own applications. The material used is ABS, one of the most frequently used amorphous thermoplastics in additive manufacturing. The mechanical properties are determined on the basis of tensile tests and the characteristic values tensile strength, elongation at break and Young's modulus. The results should show the performance of the APF technology in regard to the mechanical properties.

Additive manufacturing has become increasingly popular over the past years. One of the most commonly used additive manufacturing process is the fused deposition modeling (FDM). In FDM, components are produced by depositing a molten plastic filament layer by layer on a build platform. The deposition takes place in a heated build chamber. Despite the many positive characteristics, the process principle leads to one main disadvantage. The maximum size of FDM-manufactured parts is limited by the size of the build chamber. Bigger parts can only be realized as an assembly group. Adhesive bonding is a commonly used joining method in the industry to produce resilient parts especially for lightweight applications and to join dissimilar materials. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the adhesive type, the surface character of FDM parts, and the design of the bond area on the bond strength. The parts to be investigated are made of ULTEM 9085. Six different adhesives (acrylate resin, polyurethane adhesive, and epoxy resins) and their compatibility with the ULTEM 9085 parts are investigated. Considering the surface character, the influence of different pretreatments (mechanical roughening, plasma activation) and different surface structures are tested. The surface is modified by adding a positive air gap and an interface structure, and by varying the raster angle of the top layer. Regarding the design of the bond area, six different designs (finger, scarf, butt, tongue-groove, t-peel, and overlap joint) are investigated. The results show that the maximum lap shear strength can be achieved by using two-component epoxy resins. The adhesion between the ULTEM 9085 and the polyurethane as well as for the acrylate resin is insufficient but can be increased by roughening the surface mechanically or by adding a positive air gap to the surface. The investigations also show a positive effect of the plasma treatment but only for the combination of ULTEM 9085 with the polyurethane adhesive. The best results for different bond designs are reached with the scarf and the finger joint.

The mechanical properties of thin-walled plastic components are limited. One approach to improve the strength or stiffness of these components is to reinforce the thin-walled areas with an individually adapted Fused Deposition Modeling structure. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is one of the most commonly used additive manufacturing processes. This process is characterized by the deposition of a fused, thermoplastic filament. Depending on the form of the reinforcement structure, the resulting hybrid structure should show higher strength or stiffness. The objective of the project is to determine constnictive design and process guidelines for FDM structures. The FDM structure is to he used as a partial reinforcement for lightweight components and be adapted to the respective load conditions. Because of the lightweight application, the FDM structure should also have the lowest possible weight. The optimization of the Mkt parts for different load cases is realized by adapting the design parameters. These parameters influence the layer generation and therefore also the inner structure of the FDM parts. In preliminary studies, the manufacturing restrictions of the FDM process are defined. The specimens are manufactured based On the Design of Experiments. To determine the static strength properties, different tests (tensile, compression, flexural, torsion and impact) are carried out. The investigations show that the filling strategy affects the mechanical properties. As a result of the investigations, design and process guidelines for the FDM structures are established according to the load conditions.

Xenarthrans-anteaters, sloths, and armadillos-have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data.

Domestic dog is the most successful invasive mammalian predator species, and reducing its ecological impacts on wildlife is a central conservation goal globally. Free-ranging dogs can negatively interact with wildlife at multiple levels, posing issues for biodiversity conservation in tropical forests, especially in fragmented Atlantic Forest. To optimize future control programs, it is necessary to identify the main factors influencing their habitat use, particularly in natural reserves. We combined camera trapping data and occupancy models to characterize habitat use of dogs in six Atlantic Forest protected areas (134-36,000 ha). Our results show that dogs were more likely to use sites ((Psi) over cap >= 0.90) having higher housing density (>= 4.00 houses/km(2)) or higher proportion of croplands and pasture (>= 75%) relative to sites with no houses ((Psi) over cap = 0.23 +/- 0.10) or lower proportion of croplands and pasture ((Psi) over cap = 0.34 +/- 0.08). In addition, dogs had higher detection probability at camera locations on unpaved roads ((p) over cap = 0.33 +/- 0.05) relative to off-road sites ((p) over cap =0.18 +/- 0.04), and in small protected areas with high housing density, that is, more disturbed sites, dogs had higher detection probabilities. Our findings indicate that the probability of dogs using a site within protected area is mainly driven by type and intensity of human activity in the surroundings. Given the urgent need to control free-ranging dogs within protected areas, we strongly recommend that managers target sites/areas within and near protected areas that have a rural housing density >= 4.00 houses/km(2) or higher proportion of croplands and pasture (>= 75%).

Over 80% of Atlantic Forest remnants are <50 ha and protected areas are embedded in a matrix dominated by human activities, undermining the long‐term persistence of carnivores. The ocelot ( Leopardus pardalis ) is an opportunistic species, but little is known about its tolerance to habitat alterations and the influence of other species on its occupancy in Atlantic Forest remnants. We used camera traps to assess ocelot occupancy in protected areas of Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. We found a positive correlation between the occupancy of ocelots and top predators (jaguars, Panthera onca , and pumas, Puma concolor ), and a weaker negative effect between the number of domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ) detected and ocelot occupancy. Ocelot detection was higher at sites with more eucalyptus, suggesting that ocelots frequently use these areas. Better‐protected areas surrounded by permeable matrices may be critical to the persistence of ocelots in the fragmented Atlantic Forest.

Primates play an important role in ecosystem functioning and offer critical insights into human evolution, biology, behavior, and emerging infectious diseases. There are 26 primate species in the Atlantic Forests of South America, 19 of them endemic. We compiled a dataset of 5,472 georeferenced locations of 26 native and 1 introduced primate species, as hybrids in the genera Callithrix and Alouatta. The dataset includes 700 primate communities, 8,121 single species occurrences and 714 estimates of primate population sizes, covering most natural forest types of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina and some other biomes. On average, primate communities of the Atlantic Forest harbor 2 ± 1 species (range = 1-6). However, about 40% of primate communities contain only one species. Alouatta guariba (N = 2,188 records) and Sapajus nigritus (N = 1,127) were the species with the most records. Callicebus barbarabrownae (N = 35), Leontopithecus caissara (N = 38), and Sapajus libidinosus (N = 41) were the species with the least records. Recorded primate densities varied from 0.004 individuals/km2 (Alouatta guariba at Fragmento do Bugre, Paraná, Brazil) to 400 individuals/km2 (Alouatta caraya in Santiago, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil). Our dataset reflects disparity between the numerous primate census conducted in the Atlantic Forest, in contrast to the scarcity of estimates of population sizes and densities. With these data, researchers can develop different macroecological and regional level studies, focusing on communities, populations, species co-occurrence and distribution patterns. Moreover, the data can also be used to assess the consequences of fragmentation, defaunation, and disease outbreaks on different ecological processes, such as trophic cascades, species invasion or extinction, and community dynamics. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this Data Paper when the data are used in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using the data.

Micro Physiological Systems (MPS), also known as Multi-Organ-Chip, Organ-on-a-Chip, or Body-on-a-Chip, are advanced microfluidic systems that allow the cultivation of different types of cells and tissue in just one common circuit. Furthermore, they thus can also adjust the interaction of these different tissues. Perspectival MPS will replace animal testing. For fast and flexible manufacturing and marking of MPS, a concept for a universal micromachining platform has been developed which provides the following latest key technologies: laser micro cutting of polymer foils, laser micro- and sub-micro-structuring of polymer foils, 3D printing of polymer components as well as optical inspection and online process control. The combination of different laser sources, processing optics, inspection systems, and print heads on multiple axes allows the change and exactly positioning to the workpiece during the process. Therewith, the realization of MPS including 3D printed components as well as direct laser interference patterned surfaces for well-defined cell adhesion and product protection is possible. Additional basic technologies for the generation of periodical line-like structures at polycarbonate foils using special Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) optics as well as for the 3D printing of fluid-tight cell culture reservoirs made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene directly onto polycarbonate microfluidics were established. A first prototype of the universal micromachining platform combining different lasers with Direct Laser Writing and DLIP is shown. With this laser micro cutting as well as laser micro-structuring of polycarbonate (PC) foils and therewith functionalization for MPS application could be successfully demonstrated.