No description available.

Background: Soil microbes are key drivers of carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, and their properties are influenced by the relationship between resource demand and availability. - Aims: Our objective was to investigate patterns of microbial properties and their controls to understand whether they differ between soils derived from geochemically contrasting parent material in tropical montane forests. - Methods: We measured microbial biomass C (MBC/Soil), potential extracellular enzyme activity (pEEA), and assessed microbial investments in C and nutrient acquisition at the beginning and end of a 120-day laboratory incubation experiment using soils developed from three geochemically contrasting parent material (i.e., mafic, mixed sediment, and felsic) and three soil depths (0–70 cm). - Results: We found that MBC/Soil and pEEA were highest in soils developed from the mafic parent material. Microbial investment in C acquisition was highest in soils developed from mixed sedimentary rocks and lowest in soils developed from the felsic parent material. We propose that our findings are related to the strength of contrasting mineral-related C stabilization mechanisms and varying C quality. No predominant microbial investment in nitrogen (N) acquisition was observed, whereas investment in phosphorus (P) acquisition was highest in subsoils. We found lower microbial investment in C acquisition in subsoils indicating relatively high C availability, and that microbes in subsoils can substantially participate in C cycling and limit C storage if moisture and oxygen conditions are suitable. Geochemical soil properties and substrate quality were important controls on MBC/Soil per unit soil organic C (MBC/SOC), particularly after the exhaustion of labile and fast cycling C, that is, at the end of the incubation. - Conclusion: Although a laboratory incubation experiment cannot reflect real-world conditions, it allowed us to understand how soil properties affect microbial properties. We conclude that parent material is an important driver of microbial properties in tropical montane forests despite the advanced weathering degree of soils.

Linked to climate change, drivers such as increased temperatures and decreased water availability affect forest health in complex ways by simultaneously weakening tree vitality and promoting insect pest activity. One major beneficiary of climate-induced changes is the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus). To improve the mechanistic understanding of climate change impacts on long-term beetle infestation risks, individual-based simulation models (IBM) such as the bark beetle dispersion model IPS-SPREADS have been proven as effective tools. However, the computational costs of IBMs limit their spatial scale of application. While these tools are best suitable to simulate bark beetle dynamics on the plot level, upscaling the process to larger areas is challenging. The larger spatial scale is, nevertheless, often required to support the selection of adequate management intervention. Here, we introduce a novel two-step approach to address this challenge: (1) we use the IPS-SPREADS model to simulate the bark beetle dispersal at a local scale by dividing the research area into 250 × 250 m grid cells; and (2) we then apply a metamodel framework to upscale the results to the landscape level. The metamodel is based on Markov chains derived from the infestation probabilities of IPS-SPREADS results and extended by considering neighbor interaction and spruce dieback of each focal cell. We validated the metamodel by comparing its predictions with infestations observed in 2017 and 2018 in the Saxon Switzerland national park, Germany, and tested sanitation felling as a measure to prevent potential further outbreaks in the region. Validation showed an improvement in predictions by introducing the model extension of beetle spreading from one cell to another. The metamodel forecasts indicated an increase in the risk of infestation for adjacent forest areas. In case of a beetle mass outbreak, sanitation felling intensities of 80 percent and above seem to mitigate further outbreak progression.

No description available.

For peanuts, roasted at 170 °C, the formation of selected glycerol-bound oxidized fatty acids (GOFAs), namely 9-oxononanoic acid (9-ONA), azelaic acid (AZA) and octanoic acid, was observed by GC-MS (EI). The content of octanoic acid as well as AZA increased with continuous roasting time (from 59 mg/kg peanut oil to 101 mg/kg peanut oil and from not detectable to 8 mg/kg peanut oil, respectively), whereas the content of 9-ONA initially decreased from 25 mg/kg peanut oil to 8 mg/kg peanut oil (20 min) and increased again up to 37 mg/kg peanut oil following roasting for 40 min. Due to its aldehyde function, 9-ONA could contribute to amino acid side chain modifications as a result of lipation, which could directly influence the functional properties of peanut proteins. Both 9-ONA and octanoic acid are potential markers of thermal processes. Furthermore, in model experiments using methyl linoleate and methyl oleate, up to 18 oxidized fatty acids could be identified as methyl esters, 9-ONA as well as octanoic acid as major components and a faster formation of GOFAs under roasting conditions (170 °C, 20 min). In addition, 9-ONA contributes to the formation of AZA and octanoic acid in both free and bound form as a result of oxidative subsequent reactions in presence of iron (III).

Exploring the use of seedless blackcurrant pomace, a fibre-rich by-product of juice pressing, in foods is favourable due to its nutritional profile but also for economic and sustainability aspects. Current applications are limited to products in which rapid fibre swelling, high water solubility or low sedimentation is not essential. In this study, functional properties of seedless blackcurrant pomace were modified by thermo-mechanical treatments using extrusion cooking or micronization in a planetary ball mill. A full factorial design showed that low pomace moisture (11 g/100 g) had the highest impact on swelling capacity (+ 20.6%) and water solubility index (+ 23.2%), whereas variation in extrusion temperature exhibited only minor effects. After milling for 4 h, the median particle size was reduced by 98% to 4 µm and the specific surface area increased from 0.1 to 2.5 m2/mL. Swelling capacity was highest after this time with 7.6 mL/g pomace and, although the amount of extractable sugars was reduced, water solubility increased to 7.6 g/100 g. In contrast to extruded samples, the red colour of the pomace was intensified after milling. Both treatments appear as promising to extend the applicability of fruit by-products in foods, as micronized pomace may counteract sedimentation in liquids, whereas increased swelling capacity after extrusion may have stabilizing effects on yoghurt-like systems.

Biotische und abiotische Stressfaktoren mindern die Quantität und die Qualität landwirtschaftlicher Erzeugnisse. Sogar die kontrollierten Wachstumsbedingungen eines Gewächshauses tragen nur bedingt zur Minderung der schädlichen Auswirkungen von suboptimalen Wachstumsfaktoren bei. Die negativen Effekte, die durch die Entstehung suboptimaler Wachstumsbedingungen auftreten können, manifestieren sich oft erst nach geraumer Zeit. Aus diesem Grund ist es wichtig, Maßnahmen zu treffen, die diesen negativen Auswirkungen entgegenwirken und eine nachhaltige Produktion von Obst und Gemüse sichern. Um die Widerstandsfähigkeit der Pflanzen gegenüber den zahlreichen Stressfaktoren zu erhöhen, werden sogenannte Pflanzenstärkungsmittel verwendet. Die zahlreichen gärtnerischen Substrate, die bei der Kultivierung von Obst und Gemüse heutzutage unentbehrlich geworden sind, besitzen verschiedene chemische und physikalische Eigenschaften. Diese Eigenschaften unterliegen dem ständigen Einfluss von verschiedenen Faktoren, insbesondere dem Pflanzenwachstum. Anderseits beeinflussen gärtnerische Substrate die Entwicklung der Pflanzen. Die Fähigkeit eines Substrates zur Wasserhaltung, sowie zur Gewährleistung einer optimalen Versorgung mit pflanzlichen Nährstoffen während der kritischen Wachstumsperioden der Pflanzen kann die Produktivität der gärtnerischen Kulturen stark beeinflussen. Dynamische Veränderungen der Substrateigenschaften während des Pflanzenwachstums und Änderungen in physiologischen Reaktionen der gärtnerischen Pflanzen können als System betrachtet werden, und als System können sie, zwecks Optimierung der pflanzlichen Systeme, beeinflusst werden. Diese Einflussnahme kann durch Verwendung von Pflanzenstärkungsmitteln verschiedener Herkunft erreicht werden. In der Fachliteratur wird häufig über Pflanzenstärkungsmittel diskutiert. Dabei wird sehr oft außer Acht gelassen, dass jedes Pflanzenstärkungsmittel ein eigenes Wirkungsspektrum besitzt. Die Breite des Wirkungsspektrums eines Pflanzenstärkungsmittels ist begrenzt, weshalb die positiven Effekte des verwendeten Mittels häufig geringer ausfallen können als erwartet. Die Arbeitshypothese dieser Arbeit belegt, dass durch die Kombination verschiedener bioaktiver Stoffe mit Pflanzenstärkungsmitteln dieses Wirkungsspektrum erweitert werden kann. Aus diesen Zusammenhängen leitet sich das Interesse an Kombinationen verschiedener Pflanzenstärkungsmittel sowie anderer bioaktiver Stoffe ab. Diese Arbeit untersucht die biologischen Effekte verschiedener Kombinationen von bioaktiven Stoffen und Pflanzenstärkungsmitteln zur Stabilisierung pflanzlicher Systeme. Als bioaktive Stoffe werden in dieser Arbeit Laktate und Humate bezeichnet, wobei Mikroorganismen als Pflanzenstärkungsmittel eingesetzt wurden. Die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit zeigen, dass ein kombinierter Einsatz von Mikroorganismen, Humaten und Laktaten zum Einen zum Erhalt der chemischen und physikalischen Eigenschaften gärtnerischer Substrate, zum Anderen zur Stabilisierung der Pflanzen gegenüber suboptimalen Wachstumsfaktoren beiträgt. Die Anwendung der Kombination von allen drei Komponenten auf Versuchsvarianten mit Gewächshausgurken als Modellpflanze zeigte, dass die Pflanzenproduktivität bei diesen Varianten am höchsten war. Die physiologischen Reaktionen der Gurkenpflanzen im Versuch mit modellierten Stressfaktoren wurden durch Chlorophyllfluoreszenz ermittelt. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass die Pflanzen, die mit allen drei Komponenten behandelt wurden, gegenüber suboptimalen Wachstumsbedingungen resistent sind. Die Resultate dieser Arbeit wurden in einem gärtnerischen Unternehmen approbiert. / Biotic and abiotic stress factors reduce the quality and quantity of the horticultural produce. Even controlled growing conditions of a greenhouse can not reduce all the negative influences of the suboptimal growing factors. The negative effects caused by the suboptimal growing factors manifest themselves only after substantial period of time. That is why it is important to take steps that counter these negative effects and enable sustainable production of fruits and vegetables. To improve the resistance of the plants against different stress factors, the plant strengtheners are applied. The horticultural substrates, which are used for cultivation of the fruits and vegetables, have become unalienable and possess the range of different physical and chemical properties. These properties are subjected to constant influence of different biotic and abiotic factors; especially those resulted from the plant growth itself. On the other hand, the substrates influence the growth of the horticultural plants. The water holding capacity of the substrate and its capacity to provide plants with nutrient elements during the critical vegetation periods can influence the productivity of the plant system. Dynamic changes of the substrate properties during the plant growth and changes in physiological reactions of horticultural plants can be viewed as a system, and as the system it can be influenced for the purposes of its optimization. This influence can be achieved by application of different plant strengtheners of different origin. The role of the plant strengthening agents is being discussed in the literature. The missing point in the discussion however is the fact that the plant strengtheners have their own activity spectrum. The activity spectrum of the bioactive substance is limited and expected positive effects of its application can be lesser that expected. The hypothesis of the thesis is based on the premise that combination of the different bioactive substances and plant strengthening agents can increase the activity spectrum. These interrelations cause an interest on combinations of different plant strengtheners and others bioactive substances. This thesis investigates biological effects different combinations of bioactive substances and plant strengtheners with an aim to stabilize plant systems. In this work, lactates and humates are described as bioactive compounds, whereas microorganisms are perceived as plant strengtheners. The results of this work show that the combined application of microorganisms, humates and lactates sustain chemical and physical properties of the horticultural substrates and at the same time stabilize plant systems under the suboptimal growing factors. The experiment variants with greenhouse cucumbers as a model plant treated with all three components showed the highest productivity. Physiological reactions of the cucumber plants were investigated through measurement of the chlorophyll fluorescence of the cucumber leaves in the experiments with modeled suboptimal growing factors. The results showed that the plants treated with a combination of humates lactates and microorganism were more resistant to suboptimal growing conditions than the plants on variants without treatment. The results of this work were approbated at a horticultural enterprise.

Durch die wachsende Bedeutung der DNS-Sequenzierung wurden die Geräte zur Sequenzierung weiterentwickelt und ihr Durchsatz so erhöht, dass sie Millionen kurzer Nukleotidsequenzen innerhalb weniger Tage liefern. Moderne Algorithmen und Programme, welche die dadurch entstehenden großen Datenmengen in akzeptabler Zeit verarbeiten können, ermitteln jedoch nur einen Bruchteil der Positionen der Sequenzen in bekannten Datenbanken. Eine derartige Suche ist eine der wichtigsten Aufgaben in der modernen Molekularbiologie. Diese Arbeit untersucht mögliche Übertragungen moderner Genom-Alignment Programme auf hochparallele Plattformen wie FPGA und GPU. Die derzeitig an das Problem angepassten Programme und Algorithmen werden untersucht und hinsichtlich ihrer Parallelisierbarkeit auf den beiden Plattformen FPGA und GPU analysiert. Nach einer Bewertung der Alternativen erfolgt die Auswahl eines Algorithmus. Anschließend wird dessen Übertragung auf die beiden Plattformen entworfen und implementiert. Dabei stehen die Geschwindigkeit der Suche, die Anzahl der ermittelten Positionen sowie die Nutzbarkeit im Vordergrund. Der auf der GPU implementierte reduzierte Smith & Waterman-Algorithmus ist effizient an die Problemstellung angepasst und erreicht für kurze Sequenzen höhere Geschwindigkeiten als bisherige Realisierungen auf Grafikkarten. Eine vergleichbare Umsetzung auf dem FPGA benötigt eine deutlich geringere Laufzeit, findet ebenfalls jede Position in der Datenbank und erreicht dabei ähnliche Geschwindigkeiten wie moderne leistungsfähige Programme, die aber heuristisch arbeiten. Die Anzahl der gefundenen Positionen ist bei FPGA und GPU damit mehr als doppelt so hoch wie bei sämtlichen vergleichbaren Programmen. / Further developments of DNA sequencing devices produce millions of short nucleotide sequences. Finding the positions of these sequences in databases of known sequences is an important problem in modern molecular biology. Current heuristic algorithms and programs only find a small fraction of these positions. In this thesis genome alignment algorithms are implemented on massively parallel platforms as FPGA and GPU. The next generation sequencing technologies that are currently in use are reviewed regarding their possible parallelization on FPGA and GPU. After evaluation one algorithm is chosen for parallelization. Its implementation on both platforms is designed and realized. Runtime, accuracy as well as usability are important features of the implementation. The reduced Smith & Waterman algorithm which is realized on the GPU outperforms similar GPU programs in speed and efficiency for short sequences. The runtime of the FPGA approach is similar to those of widely used heuristic software mappers and much lower than on the GPU. Furthermore the FPGA guarantees to find all alignment positions of a sequence in the database, which is more than twice the number that is found by comparable software algorithms.

Avec plus de 100.000 transactions chaque année, les marchés publics représentent près de 10 % du PIB français. Pourtant, peu de travaux en sciences de gestion ont tenté de comprendre les manoeuvres stratégiques qui facilitent l'accès des entreprises à la commande publique. En s'appuyant sur la théorie des réseaux, le but de cette thèse est, justement, d'étudier l'impact de l'environnement relationnel des entreprises. Nous proposons, ainsi, un modèle qui décrit comment les réseaux d'alliances influencent l'attribution des marchés publics. Pour réaliser ce travail de recherche, nous observons 4.242 transactions de marchés publics dans lesquelles sont impliquées des alliances stratégiques. Une analyse structurale des données nous permet, alors, de détecter les réseaux d'alliances. L'organisation de ces réseaux révèle des propriétés relationnelles non-triviales, et identiques à celles des réseaux sociaux. Ces propriétés sont testées à partir d'équations structurelles (PLS-path modeling). Les résultats montrent un effet significatif de 4 propriétés relationnelles (l'encastrement, l'attachement préférentiel, la force des liens et la transitivité) sur l'obtention des marchés publics. Nous décrivons, ensuite, la façon d'organiser, efficacement, des manoeuvres d'alliances. Nous posons, ainsi, les fondements d'un système d'intelligence économique pour former des coalitions. Ce système repose sur une cartographie des réseaux qui permet aux entreprises de comprendre et d'influencer leur environnement relationnel. / With over 100 000 exchanges per years, public procurement represent almost 10% of French GDP. Nevertheless, few scientific management studies have investigated strategies which ease accessibility to public procurement to companies. Based on network theory, my thesis purpose was to study the impact of the company relational environment. We now characterize a model that illustrates the effect of strategic networks on contract awarding. We investigated 4242 transactions in French public market with strategic alliances involvement. A structural data analysis highlighted strategic networks characterized by an organization having non trivial relational properties, which are identical to social networks. We used structural equations modeling (PLS-path modeling) to validate this observation. Indeed, we demonstrated that 4 different relational properties (embeddedness, preferential attachment, strength of ties and transitivity) influence significantly the public contract awarding. What are these model applications? This model draws a company network map, a useful tool for company to manage and understand their possible coalitions. We propose how to organize efficient strategic alliances which is one of the bases of competitive intelligence system.

An integrated micropaleontological, mineralogical and sequence stratigraphical investigation was carried out across the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/P) boundary in the Haymana basin, Turkey. A 29.41 m thick boundary section consisting of limestones and marls was measured and 90 samples were analyzed. Biostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic works are based on the planktonic foraminifera. 64 planktonic species were identified and 5 biozones were established. The biozones are, in ascending order, Planoglobulina acervulinoides zone, Racemiguembelina fructicosa zone, Pseudoguembelina hariaensis zone for the Late Maastrichtian / Guembelitria cretacea (P0) zone and Parvulorugoglobigerina eugubina (P1a) zone for the Early Danian. In order to detect the mineralogical changes across the boundary bulk and clay minerals were analyzed using X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Calcite, quartz,feldspar and the clay minerals composed of smectite (montmorillonite) and chlorite are the main components of the rocks. A decrease in calcite and an increase in the detrital minerals (quartz, feldspar) and the clay minerals were detected in the boundary beds. In order to find out the depositional history of the area a detailed microfacies study was performed and 10 microfacies type were determined. The microfacies types defined correspond to slope to basin environment. Based on microfacies analyses, the sequence stratigraphic framework of the boundary beds was constructed. K/P boundary beds were recorded in the transition of transgressive systems tract to highstand systems tract, coinciding with a maximum flooding surface. These beds show a similar pattern with many other K/P boundary beds in different locations of the world indicating eustatic sealevel variations overprint the tectonic control in the basin.