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Finding standard cost-effective methods for monitoring biodiversity is challenging due to trade-offs between survey costs (including expertise), specificity, and range of applicability. These trade-offs cause a lack of comparability among datasets collected by ecologists and conservationists, which is most regrettable in taxonomically demanding work on megadiverse inconspicuous taxon groups. We have developed a site-scale survey method for diverse sessile land organisms, which can be analyzed over multiple scales and linked with ecological insights and management. The core idea is that field experts can effectively allocate observation effort when the time, area, and priority sequence of tasks are fixed. We present the protocol, explain its specifications (taxon group; expert qualification; plot size; effort) and applications based on >800 original surveys of four taxon groups; and we analyze its effectiveness using data on polypores in hemiboreal and tropical forests. We demonstrate consistent effort-species richness curves and among-survey variation in contrasting ecosystems, and high effectiveness compared with casual observations both at local and regional scales. Bias related to observer experience appeared negligible compared with typical assemblage variation. Being flexible in terms of sampling design, the method has enabled us to compile data from various projects to assess conservation status and habitat requirements of most species (specifically rarities and including discovery of new species); also, when linked with site descriptions, to complete environmental assessments and select indicator species for management. We conclude that simple rules can significantly improve expert-based biodiversity surveys. Ideally, define (i) a common plot size that addresses multiple taxon groups and management goals; (ii) taxon groups based on field expertise and feasible number of species; (iii) sufficient and practical search time; (iv) a procedure for recording within-plot heterogeneity. Such a framework, combined with freedom to allocate effort on-site, helps utilizing full expertise of observers without losing technical rigor.

Understanding the distribution of biodiversity across forest landscapes is a key issue for the spatial planning of conservation management. Obtaining such spatial perspective is challenging because a large part of biodiversity remains hidden to the conventional survey approaches. High-productivity forests are probably the hotspots of hidden biodiversity and, at the same time, under severe timber harvesting pressure. We used DNA-metabarcoding approach to assess habitat quality of successional high productivity forests for wood-inhabiting fungi, focusing on fungal diversity that remains hidden in fruit-body surveys. We sampled a fixed amount of coarse fallen Norway spruce trunks in 40 naturally developing stands ranging from 44 to 140 years of age in hemi-boreal Estonia. We found three main habitat quality patterns. The total number of fungal OTUs in older (>80 years) stands exceeded that in younger stands due to the accumulation of rare fungi. The proportion of trunks hosting highest number of OTUs and trunk-scale richness of rare fungi were greatest in stands surrounded by extensive forest area. The average number of red-listed species per trunk increased mainly along with the volume of fallen dead wood; large volumes provided quality habitats already before the stands had reached 80 years of age. These results support the view that both substrate amount in the forest stand and habitat connectivity on a landscape scale support fungal diversity in dead wood. Earlier studies on wood-inhabiting fungi have reached similar conclusions based on observations of fungal fruit-bodies. Thus, the overall principle of focusing conservation efforts to remaining high quality habitats and landscapes extends to the fungi hidden to the conventional survey methods.

Management impacts on dominant and keystone species form a major sustainability issue in forests, because such impacts can affect production of ecosystem goods and trigger extinction cascades. On acidic soils in northern forests, bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is a well-known field-layer plant that is important culturally and as food for wildlife and humans, and is affected negatively by intensive forestry. In this paper, we analyse bilberry performance in a semi-natural forestry system (based on multiple native tree species and largely natural regeneration); specifically in relation to two major silvicultural activities—timber harvest and wetland drainage. We combined plot- and landscape-scale data from a range of forest types varying in soil moisture and nutrient richness in Estonia, and compiled a landscape retrospective of bilberry abundance. Clear-cutting sharply reduced bilberry abundance on mineral soils and green-tree retention only slightly mitigated that impact; however, in drier sites, some recovery had started in 10 years. By the mature stage of production forests (60–80 years post clear-cutting), bilberry cover had recovered to the levels observed in old growth. Artificial drainage increased bilberry cover on poor peat soils, and partial cutting of drained pine forests further enhanced it. A retrospective analysis of these patterns in a forest-wetland landscape revealed a net increase in bilberry cover and berry production during the past 70 years. We conclude that the studied forestry system has increased bilberry cover in boggy areas with likely benefits to some herbivores (e.g. grouse) at the expense of wetland species; however, negative effects of clear-cutting prevail in dry pine forests that are the preferred berry-picking sites for humans.

Expected climate change in high latitudes includes increased air temperature, precipitation, and humidity in the coming decades. Simultaneously, climate extremes like heat waves and droughts become more frequent. In the Free-Air Humidity Manipulation (FAHM) experiment in silver birch ( Betula pendula Roth) and hybrid aspen ( Populus tremula L. × P. tremuloides Michx.) stands in Estonia, we focussed on two questions − how elevated humidity in high temperature and drought conditions influences soil greenhouse gas emissions, and what is the impact of tree species on greenhouse gas emissions. Soil carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ), and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) fluxes were measured using the static chamber method in the 3rd and 4th years of humidification, in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Soil temperature, soil water potential (SWP), relative humidity, and precipitation were monitored; tree and understory growth, litter fluxes, substrate-induced respiration, and basal respiration were measured. During the severe drought in summer 2011 (SWP fell below −250 kPa), aspen stands had higher CO 2 emissions than birch stands and humidification increased CO 2 emission for both tree species. Generally, methane consumption was higher in control than in humidified conditions. Humidification reduced N 2 O emission in aspen stands in 2010. Hence elevated humidity, heat wave and drought, and tree species significantly affected soil greenhouse gas emissions, however CH 4 and N 2 O fluxes remained small in all cases. The results of this study can be used to infer the future greenhouse gas dynamics from mineral soils in northern forests and to forecast growth conditions for energy forestry in changing climate.

To assess the efficacy of an education- and strengths-based counselling programme to promote antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in a cohort of HIV-infected individuals with high prevalence of injection drug use in Estonia. Parallel-group randomized (1:1) controlled trial (RCT). Adults receiving ART in two clinics were followed for 12 months. The trial compared: (i) an intervention (three sessions) incorporated into routine clinic visits, providing education about HIV, ART, the role of adherence, and tailoring regimen to daily routines using problem-solving skills to address adherence barriers versus (ii) usual care (control). Primary and secondary outcomes were self-reported ART adherence (3-day recall) and viral load (respectively). 519 patients were randomized and 82% completed the study. Recent optimal ART adherence (3-day recall ≥95%) was reported by 75.6% in the intervention group and 72.9% of controls at baseline and 76.7% and 67.5%, respectively, at 12 months (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.28; adjusted RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.00-1.27). There was no difference in the proportion of patients with undetectable viral load. At 12 months the intervention group reported significantly higher perceptions of ART necessity versus ART concerns [mean ART necessity-concerns differential: intervention group 1.32 (SD 1.22) vs control group 1.08 (SD 1.12); p = 0.048]. All-cause mortality among study participants was 27.7 per 1000 person years (95% CI 15.6-44.8). A brief, clinic-based adherence intervention alone may assist with adherence but lacks impact on viral load at 12 months.

A major question in fungal conservation is why many species are confined to old forests, and how they could be supported by contemporary landscape matrix. Specifically, forestry that retains large biological legacies across landscape could reduce old-forest dependencies to species that require unusual substrate conditions. We sampled polypores in 112 2 ha plots (both old and harvested stands) in a semi-natural forestry context in Estonia and modelled the habitat factors of species confined to old growth. The results confirmed that old-growth assemblages emerged mostly due to diverse and abundant substrate supply (notably downed CWD). Only 10 species (five spruce-dwellers) were confined to old growth; of these, only Fomitopsis rosea and Oxyporus corticola were additionally affected by forest connectivity. The forestry system studied appeared particularly favourable for the species inhabiting deciduous wood. To better address habitat degradation in conservation, expert lists of ‘old-forest (indicator) fungi’ should be replaced with evidence-based focal taxa.

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) technology has various applications due to its capability of acquiring detailed 3D information about objects within a limited time-period. Yet, it is not widely used for the deformation monitoring of structures. To investigate the suitability of TLS for such tasks, a time-of-flight type Leica ScanStation C10 was used to determine the vertical deformations for two bridge load tests in Estonia, namely for the Loobu highway bridge and the Tartu railway overpass. The TLS results were verified with precise levelling, reflectorless tacheometry and dial gauges. Generally, deformation estimates obtained from TLS and other measurement techniques show sub-millimetre agreements (in terms of standard deviations). The maximum differences between the TLS and precise levelling results were 3.4 and 0.8 mm for the Loobu and the Tartu study, respectively. Since TLS has not yet reached the same accuracy as conventional geodetic high-precision techniques, it cannot fully replace them in high ...

Recently, ionic liquids (ILs) have been recognized to have significant potential as precursors or reaction media in nanolithography and MEMS component technologies. In this work, we demonstrate straightforward fabrication of positioned and well-defined microscale structures by electron beam (e-beam) irradiation of two different ILs: 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (HMIM TFSI) and 1-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (HMIM-OH TFSI). The study includes comparison between the compositions and mechanical properties of corresponding e-beam-irradiated ILs. The average Young's moduli of prepared IL microcantilevers measured in beam bending tests were found to be 7.2 ± 0.9 GPa and 3.5 ± 1.3 GPa for HMIM-OH TFSI and HMIM TFSI, respectively. Infrared spectroscopy indicated the formation of polymer in e-beam-irradiated HMIM-OH TFSI, while structures from HMIM TFSI melted in ambient conditions. The presented results showcase the potential IL precursors in microscopic 3-D printing approaches for mechanical elements in MEMS technologies as well as for developing reversibly solidified precursors for lithography.

Extensive afforestation of agricultural areas has increased the importance of green corridors as a dispersal network. We tested the effect of spatiotemporal connectivity, edge effect and habitat structural quality of wooded corridors on the long-term immigration success of forest specialist plants relative to the performance of forest generalists. In agricultural landscapes of central and southern Estonia, we sampled 28 historically connected and 52 isolated tree lines and alleys with a minimum age of 50 years, and 93 edges of ancient forests. The regional pool of common forest plants was compiled using species’ frequency data in 91 ancient forests. Both landscape connectivity and habitat quality affected the richness of response groups, but specialists and generalists responded to different drivers. Forest specialists required long-term neighbourhoods of ancient forest and benefited from a direct connection between forest and corridor. Habitat generalists reacted positively to the recently modified structure of the landscape. When a corridor was connected to forest, the dual edge in the corridor did not result in an increased negative edge effect on forest specialist arrival. Even if both specialists and generalists required wide corridors with optimum shade, forest specialists also benefited from mature overstorey and outward overhanging branches, whereas forest generalists used disturbance-created microhabitats. We conclude that only wooded corridors with long-term connectivity to seed source forests and widely branched tree canopies will function as a green infrastructure supporting forest-specific biodiversity.

Forestry drainage has transformed extensive North-European wetlands to homogeneous forests with a dense network of open ditches. In such drained wetlands, small sun-exposed temporary water-bodies – a favoured breeding habitat for amphibians – are replaced by linear ditch corridors that become increasingly shaded by woody vegetation. We explored whether simple removal of woody vegetation from ditch corridors can increase the habitat quality for two frog species, Rana arvalis and R. temporaria , in a drained pine-wetland landscape in Estonia. Such practice is compatible with the forestry purposes of maintaining the ditches and access to the area. In a before–after–control–impact (BACI) experimental design, the mean shade above cleaned ditches decreased from 66% to 35% and appeared to be the main reason for a dramatic increase in frog breeding in the next spring. The change increased numbers of both species and was based on colonization of the ditches from the surrounding landscape. We suggest that keeping forest ditches exposed to the sun may mitigate the overall negative drainage impact on wetland species at least in the short term, and brown frogs could be used as focal species to guide these practices. In the longer term, however, such systems may not be viable without stable source populations in protected or restored wetland patches.

Climate models predict increasing amounts of precipitation and relative atmospheric humidity for high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, tree species must adjust to the new climatic conditions. We studied young silver birches (Betula pendula Roth) in a long-term (2012–2018) free air humidity manipulation experiment, with the aim of clarifying the acclimation mechanisms to elevated relative atmospheric humidity. In 2016–2018, stem radial increment (measured by dendrometers) and leaf abscission were monitored, and the leaf N and P resorption efficiencies were determined. Biomass allocation was estimated, and the seasonal dynamics of foliar NPK storage was assessed. Humidification increased N resorption efficiency by 11%. The annual means of N resorption efficiency varied from 41 to 52% in control and from 50 to 59% in humidified stands. The P resorption efficiency was strongly affected by weather conditions and varied between years from 25 to 66%. Higher foliar NPK storages at the end of growing season and delayed leaf fall allowed to extend the growth period in humidified plots, which resulted in a week longer stem radial growth. Although stem diameter growth of humidified birches recovered after 5 years, tree height retardation persisted over the seven study years, resulting in increased stem taper (diameter to height ratio) under humidification. Additionally, humidification increased the share of the bark in stem biomass and the number of branches per crown length. The acclimation of silver birches to increased air humidity entails changes in forest N cycle and in birch timber quality.

Taust, eesmärk. Artiklis kajastatud mugavusvalimiga internetipõhine küsitlus hõlmas Eestis seni suurimat hulka narkootikumide tarvitajaid (n = 2719). Selline ulatuslik valim annab väärtuslikku teavet narkootikumide tarvitajate tarbimiskäitumise kohta ning samuti selle kohta, mis viisil, koguses ja hinnas narkootikume hangitakse. Artikli eesmärk on tutvustada veebiuuringu metoodikat ja esitada esmane ülevaade tarvitatavatest narkootikumidest. Artiklis on keskendutud kanepi tarvitamisele ja sellega seotud hoiakutele. Metoodika. Andmed pärinevad EMCDDA (Euroopa Narkootikumide ja Narkomaania Seirekeskus) Euroopa narkootikumide tarvitamise veebiküsitlusest, milles 2018. aastal osales kaheksa Euroopa riiki. Eestis korraldati veebiküsitlus ajavahemikul 08.12.2017−19.01.2018. Tulemused. 75% veebiuuringus osalenud inimestest oli viimase 12 kuu jooksul narkootikume tarvitanud. Osalenutest 70% olid tarvitanud rohkem kui ühte narkootikumi. Kõige enam oli vastajate hulgas kanepitarvitajaid (98%), rohkem kui pooled olid tarvitanud amfetamiini ja pooled ecstasy’t. Kanepimoodulile vastanutest oli 17% igapäevaseid või peaaegu igapäevaseid kanepitarvitajaid. Kokku 12% vastanutest ei näinud kanepi tarvitamises mingisugust ohtu inimesele, 64% hindas kanepi tarvitamist kas vähe või keskmiselt ohtlikuks, 23% väga ohtlikuks ja 1% ei osanud hinnata. Järeldused. Mugavusvalimiga veebiuuring on meetod, millega on võimalik lühikese aja jooksul koguda infot uuringusse raskesti haaratava narkootikumide tarvitajate sihtrühma kohta. Veebiuuringu valimisse sattus enamik narkootikumide aktiivseid tarvitajaid, levinum narkootikum oli kanep, millele järgnesid erinevad stimulandid. Veebiuuringut võib ka edaspidi kasutada, et saada parem ülevaade erinevate narkootikumide tarvitajatest ja narkoturust., Eesti Arst, 2019: Detsember

In the present paper we investigate the effect of heat-treatment on geometry and mobility of Au nanoparticles (NPs) on Si substrate. Chemically synthesized Au nanoparticles with median diameter of 14 nm were annealed at 200°C, 400°C, 600°C and 800°C for 1 hour. Geometry changes from faceted towards more rounded shapes were observed already for 200oC and increased further for higher temperatures. According to KCM simulations NPs become rounded through the minimization of the surface area and transitioning to lower energy surface types {111} and {100}. Next, NPs were manipulated with AFM and it was found that the higher is annealing temperature, the less energy was required to displace the particle. However, after treatment at 800°C particles became immovable. We attributed this surprising effect to diffusion of gold into Si and to the growth of SiO2.

Rat carcasses obtained from pest control interventions can potentially be used for an efficient surveillance of zoonotic diseases such as leptospirosis. To evaluate the performance of different laboratory methods for detection of pathogenic

Mechanical characterisation of individual nanostructures is a challenging task and can greatly benefit from the utilisation of several alternative approaches to increase the reliability of results. In the present work, we have measured and compared the elastic modulus of five-fold twinned gold nanowires (NWs) with atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation in three different test configurations: three-point bending with fixed ends, three-point bending with free ends and cantilevered-beam bending. The free-ends condition was realized by introducing a novel approach where the NW is placed diagonally inside an inverted pyramid chemically etched in a silicon wafer. In addition, all three configurations were simulated with a finite element method to obtain better insight into stress distribution inside NWs during bending depending on test conditions. The free-ends configuration yielded elastic modulus similar to a classical fixed-ends approach (88 ± 20 GPa vs 87 ± 16 GPa), indicating the reliability of the proposed method. At the same time, the free-ends configuration benefits from a more favourable NW position relative to the probe with facet facing upwards in contrast to the sharp edge in the case of fixed ends. From the other hand, the free-ends configuration was less suitable for strength measurements, as NW can run into the bottom of the inverted pyramid because of a higher degree of deformation before fracture. The cantilevered-beam configuration was less suitable for mechanical testing with indentation because of the instabilities of the free end under the AFM probe.

Field experiments investigating biodiversity and ecosystem functioning require the observation of abiotic parameters, especially when carried out in the intertidal zone. An experiment for biodiversity–ecosystem functioning was set up in the intertidal zone of the back-barrier salt marsh of Spiekeroog Island in the German Bight. Here, we report the accompanying instrumentation, maintenance, data acquisition, data handling and data quality control as well as monitoring results observed over a continuous period from September 2014 to April 2017. Time series of abiotic conditions were measured at several sites in the vicinity of newly built experimental salt-marsh islands on the tidal flat. Meteorological measurements were conducted from a weather station (WS, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.870988), oceanographic conditions were sampled through a bottom-mounted recording current meter (RCM, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.877265) and a bottom-mounted tide and wave recorder (TWR, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.877258). Tide data are essential in calculating flooding duration and flooding frequency with respect to different salt-marsh elevation zones. Data loggers (DL) for measuring the water level (DL-W, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.877267), temperature (DL-T, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.877257), light intensity (DL-L, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.877256) and conductivity (DL-C, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.877266) were deployed at different elevational zones on the experimental islands and the investigated salt-marsh plots. A data availability of 80 % for 17 out of 23 sensors was achieved. Results showed the influence of seasonal and tidal dynamics on the experimental islands. Nearby salt-marsh plots exhibited some differences, e.g., in temperature dynamics. Thus, a consistent, multi-parameter, long-term dataset is available as a basis for further biodiversity and ecosystem functioning studies.

Käesolev uurimustöö on Eesti Maaülikooli ja Tartu Ülikooli kolme aastane lepinguline koostööprojekt. Iga osa koostasid või selle osa sisulist analüüsi juhtisid erinevad autorid, kes on nimetatud iga vastava aruande osa ees. Töö eesmärk on selgitada hariliku kuuse puistute majandamise (hooldus-, harvendus- ja sanitaarraie) mõju juuremädanike levikule ja kahjustusele ning seente ja epifüütide elurikkusele võrrelduna majandamata (raiumata) puistutega. Lepinguline töö jagunes järgmisteks osadeks: mullaseente elustik, lamapuidu seente elustik, seente elustik eluspuude puidus ja kändudes, samblike ja sammalde elustik, juurepessu antagonistid ning metsamajanduslik osa. Viimane sisaldab mädanike kahjude hinnanguid kuusikutes ja selle majanduslikke kalkulatsioone. Lepingulise koostööprojekti eesmärgid olid järgmised: 1. Hinnata erinevate metsamajandamise võtete, hooldusraiete korduse ning teostamise aja (puistu vanus ja aastaaeg) mõju patogeenide arvukusele, mullaelustikule ja epifüütidele viljakates kuuse-enamusega metsades. 2. Analüüsida teaduslikult kuusikute raieringi pikkuse mõju kuuse tüvepuidu sortimentide väljatulekule, tüvekahjustuste ulatusele ja elurikkusele. 3. Hinnata juuremädanikest tingitud majandusliku kahju suurust ja patogeenide arvukust viljakates kuusepuistutes (sh kändudes ja mullas) ning ühtlasi tuvastada potentsiaalseid juuremädanike antagoniste Eesti mulla- ja kliimatingimustes. 4. Koostada arvutusmudelid, mis võimaldavad erinevate sisendite (mädanike osakaal ja levik tüves, hooldusraiete aeg puistu vanusest ja vegetatsiooniperioodist lähtuvalt, mulla elurikkus) abil kirjeldada kuusikute kasvukäiku ja arvutada erinevaid tegureid arvestavad küpsusvanused, nt mahu- ja hinnaküpsus.

https://www.ester.ee/record=b5244952*est

The TiC–ZrC binary compound of nanostructured powders was synthesised by combination of sol–gel and carbothermal reduction. The polymeric precursor of the blend was produced by sol–gel process from titanium tetrabutoxide, zirconium tetrabutoxide and benzene-1.4-diol; then carbothermally reduced to the TiC–ZrC blend at 1600 °C in an inert environment. The chemical reactions occurring in the system were monitored by infrared spectrometry. Stable alkoxide solution was obtained by adding acetylacetone to avoid premature gelation of the metal alkoxide mixture. A solid solution of ZrTiC2 was produced by spark plasma sintering at temperature of 2000 °C.

In this paper we report an electron beam induced rapid (up to several tens of nm/s) growth of silver nanowhiskers from silver nanowire networks coated with TiO 2 by sol–gel method. Different growth conditions are tested and it is demonstrated that growth is optimal for samples with the film thickness in the range 50–200 nm and previously annealed at 400 °C for 5–10 min. Growth mechanism is attributed to cooperative effect of several factors including diffusion of Ag into TiO 2 matrix during annealing, electromigration of Ag atoms caused by strong electric field, and presence of mechanical stresses at interfaces enhanced by thermal expansions due to local heating under e-beam illumination.

Many tree-dwelling species inhabit microhabitats that develop slowly in diseased or injured trees. Conservation planning would benefit from explicit knowledge of these processes, notably for resolving conflicts with timber production, arboricultural or public safety goals. We reviewed published rates of development of five selected common tree microhabitats and the factors affecting those rates in living trees. Most of the 71 relevant studies found globally focused on tree-cavities and exposed wood, while the development of witches’ broom, bark pocket and dendrotelm microhabitats remains poorly described. Three time parameters emerge as central: minimum tree age; rate of formation; and persistence time of the microhabitat. Among the studied microhabitats, large side cavities are formed in the oldest trees, seldom hosting large vertebrates in trees

Understanding the linkage of soil respiration (Rs) with forest development is essential for long-term C cycle models. We estimated the variation and temperature sensitivity (Q10 value) of Rs and its hetero-, (Rh) and autotrophic (Ra) components in relation to abiotic and biotic factors in Norway spruce stands of different ages, and the effect of trenching on microbial and soil characteristics. Trenching method was used to partition Rs into Rh and Ra. Ingrowth core method was used to estimate fine root production. Soil microbial biomass was measured using manometric respirometers. Rs varied in differently aged stands demonstrating non-linear response to development stage. The variation of Rs was explained by changes in biotic factors rather than by changes in soil microclimate. Rh was more sensitive to Ts than Rs or Ra. After 4 years of trenching soil pH, N, SOM and dehydrogenase activity were significantly changed in trenched plots compared to control plots. Different Q10 values of Rh and Ra in stands of different ages indicate the importance of Rs partitioning. Trenching should be used during a limited number of years because of the possible changes in chemical characteristics of soil and in the activity of soil microbial community.

Suija, A., Suu, A. & Lohmus, P. 2016. Substrate specificity corresponds to distinct phylogenetic lineages: the case of Chaenotheca brunneola. — Herzogia 29: 355–363. We compared eight Chaenotheca specimens recently found to grow on fruit bodies of Trichaptum abietinum and T. fuscoviolaceum in Estonia with externally similar wood-dwelling Chaenotheca brunneola as well with another Trichaptum-inhabiting species, C. balsamconensis. We analysed their rDNA ITS sequences by means of phylogenetic analyses and five morpho-anatomical and pigmentation characters by cluster analysis. The obtained ten rDNA ITS sequences, including those from Chaenotheca balsamconensis, formed a supported clade distinct from C. brunneola as well as from the rest of 18 analysed Chaenotheca species. The Trichaptum clade included two lineages, of which one corresponded to Chaenotheca balsamconensis. According to cluster analysis, seven out of eight Chaenotheca specimens from Trichaptum formed a separate cluster. The morphologic...

The interactive effects of climate variables and tree–tree competition are still insufficiently understood drivers of forest response to global climate change. Precipitation and air humidity are predicted to rise concurrently at high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. We investigated if the growth response of deciduous trees to elevated air humidity varies with their competitive status. The study was conducted in seed-originated silver birch and monoclonal hybrid aspen stands grown at the Free Air Humidity Manipulation (FAHM) experimental site in Estonia, in which manipulated stands (n = 3 for both species) are exposed to artificially elevated relative air humidity (6–7% over the ambient level). The study period included three growing seasons during which the stands had reached the competitive stage (trees were 7 years old in the final year). A significant ‘treatment×competitive status’ interactive effect on growth was detected in all years in birch (p < 0.01) and in one year in aspen stands (p = 0.015). Competitively advantaged trees were always more strongly affected by elevated humidity. Initially the growth of advantaged and neutral trees of both species remained significantly suppressed in humidified stands. In the following years, dominance and elevated humidity had a synergistic positive effect on the growth of birches. Aspens with different competitive status recovered more uniformly, attaining similar relative growth rates in manipulated and control stands, but preserved a significantly lower total growth yield due to severe initial growth stress. Disadvantaged trees of both species were never significantly affected by elevated humidity. Our results suggest that air humidity affects trees indirectly depending on their social status. Therefore, the response of northern temperate and boreal forests to a more humid climate in the future will likely be modified by competitive relationships among trees, which may potentially affect species composition and cause a need to change forestry practices. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

We contrasted traditionally used indicators of service provision quality, such as overall species richness and growth form composition, to three more specific functional properties: functional diversity, functional intensity, and functional stability. We defined flower colour as a functional trait perceived differently by humans and insect pollinators, and used user specific colour richness, flower size, and species richness within colour group as indicators of these three properties. We asked (1) do field margins and road verges provide flower-based ecosystem services with the quality of permanent grasslands; and (2) do traditional and detailed functional indicators of service provision quality agree on the service quality ranking of habitats? In an agricultural landscape of central and south-eastern Estonia (115 y 95 km area, centroid 26°49⿲43⿳ and 58°54⿲49⿳) we sampled 87 field margins and 111 road verges as linear grassland-substitution habitats, and 84 permanent grasslands to scale their service quality. Linear habitats generally provided service of lower quality than permanent grasslands, but detailed indicators showed less evident contrast among habitat types than the overall species richness and stronger contrast than the proportion of forbs. Detailed indices, however, had strong seasonal dynamics to take into account. Vegetation in the first year field margins had greater colour richness (functional diversity) and species richness within colour groups (functional stability), but the smallest flower size (functional intensity), in contrast to road verges. By the third year of succession, field margins had become more similar to road verges. Indication of service provision quality differed between humans and pollinators, but their estimates were correlated across habitats. We showed that (1) combinations of specific service quality indicators provide more adequate information than generalized richness or growth form system, and (2) single grassland surrogate habitat type is an insufficient service providing substitute for permanent grasslands, although a mosaic of these habitats might be more efficient. Therefore, remnant fragments of semi-natural grasslands should receive top priority attention for conservation and restoration, particularly in agriculture dominated landscapes.

In this work, we investigate the influence of doping on the mechanical properties of ZnO nanowires (NWs) by comparing the mechanical properties of pure and Co-doped ZnO NWs grown in similar conditions and having the same crystallographic orientation [0001]. The mechanical characterization included three-point bending tests made with atomic force microscopy and cantilever beam bending tests performed inside scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the Young's modulus of ZnO NWs containing 5% of Co was approximately a third lower than that of the pure ZnO NWs. Bending strength values were comparable for both materials and in both cases were close to theoretical strength indicating high quality of NWs. Dependence of mechanical properties on NW diameter was found for both doped and undoped ZnO NWs.

People living with HIV (PLHIV) have higher rates of suicidal behavior than the general population. This study assessed suicidal behavior (ideation and/or attempts, ever and in the past 12 months) among PLHIV receiving outpatient HIV medical care in Estonia and associations between suicidal behavior and psychological treatment. The cross-sectional study collected data from January to November 2013 using a self-report questionnaire. Eight hundred PLHIV participated, 39 % (n = 306) of whom had been suicidal. Lifetime prevalence was 36 % for suicidal ideation and 20 % for attempts. Younger age, incarceration, having ever abused alcohol and also injected drugs, having lived with HIV for more than 10 years, and being depressed were associated with lifetime suicidal behavior. Suicidal behavior within the past 12 months was reported by 20 % (n = 156) of respondents. Of these, 27 % received psychological treatment (counseling and/or psychotherapy), 20 % had taken antidepressants, and 49 % sedatives. Individuals perceiving a need for treatment were significantly more likely to receive psychological treatment when experiencing suicidal behavior (OR 25.65, 95 % CI 2.92-225.47). In conclusion, suicidal behavior is frequent among PLHIV but psychological treatment is not often received. One of the barriers to treatment is patients' lack of perceived need for help.

Many studies over the last decade provide strong evidence of elevated rates of suicidality among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations compared to heterosexual populations. The aim of the current study was to investigate suicidal ideation and attempts and related factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Estonia. We conducted a nationwide Internet-based study among MSM with 265 eligible participants. Our results reveal high rates of self-reported suicidal ideation (lifetime prevalence 45%) and attempts (lifetime prevalence 11%) as well as a high rate of problem drinking (33%) and depressive symptoms (32%) among MSM. Recent suicidal ideation (14% had thought about suicide in the last 12 months) was related to depressive symptoms and lower socioeconomic situation. There is a need to develop specific interventions to address these issues among MSM and to provide gay-friendly mental health services.