The mountain pine beetle infestation in British Columbia has resulted in a wood mixture that heavily favours attacked lodgepole pine trees. While visual indicators can be used to estimate the age of a tree or tree stand since attack, it is not a reliable predictor of the wood and fibre quality and therefore the true log value. Research was initiated to develop models using vis-NIR spectroscopy on a portable analyzer to measure these important variables rapidly for field and laboratory applications. This report describes the development of a unique, fast-scanning and field-portable tool to quantify parameters of relevance for mountain pine beetle infested lodgepole pine. Three calibration models to simultaneously predict moisture, density, blue stain and decay were developed for three different applications: wood core measurements in the laboratory, field measurements on standing trees, and decked log measurements.
The focus of this paper is to determine the extent to which printing paper quality issues are related to changes in incoming-fibre quality or to changes in processing when using beetle-killed wood.
This paper presents the research analysis of visible/near infrared spectroscopy in identification of decay in mountain pine beetle affected lumber. The research premise was based upon the concept that using visible/near infrared spectroscopy would aid in improving more immediate decay detection in lumber. Because of the increasing amounts of decay, specifically sap-rot, and the increase of lumber production within the planer mills, soley relying on visible detection of the rot is not feasible. Although automated detection systems do use colour cameras, this research analysis was to provide information on whether the process could be improved upon in decay detection for the lumber graders.
Molecular and Laser Spectroscopy, Advances and Applications: Volume 3 gives students and researchers an up-to-date understanding of the fast-developing area of molecular and laser spectroscopy. This book covers basic principles and advances in several conventional as well as new and upcoming areas of molecular and laser spectroscopy. This third volume is an extension of the two previous volumes of the same title and includes all-new topics. Each chapter is devoted to a particular fast-growing area of research and fills the gap between elementary texts and advanced material found in research articles. Some of the topics covered include: terahertz spectroscopy and its applications in health care· linear and non-linear vibrational optical activity spectroscopy; cascade laser IR-spectroscopy and frequency comb techniques; step-scan infrared spectroscopy (absorption and emission) for detecting reaction intermediates· surface-enhanced (SERS) and tip-enhanced (TERS) Raman scattering; infrared and Raman micro-spectroscopy; time-resolved linear and non-linear infrared spectroscopy using pico-second and femtosecond lasers. The spectroscopic techniques have been applied to medical sciences, forensics, security, material science, agriculture, food, chemical, pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries and used to study molecular vibrational dynamics, and hydrogen bonding in ground and excited states. This book serves as a valuable resource for students, teachers, and beginning researchers engaged in the area of molecular and laser spectroscopy. On account of the wide range of applications, researchers and scientific personnel in many industries will find this book useful for learning about the latest techniques and putting them to practical use. - Written by eminent research scientists having an intricate knowledge of the latest activities in the field - Includes exhaustive lists of research articles, reviews, and books at the end of each chapter to aid in further pursuit of research activity - Uses illustrative examples of the varied applications to provide a practical guide to those interested in using molecular and laser spectroscopy tools in their research - Each chapter is written in simple, clear language and develops its topic systematically, from basics to the latest developments and future projections
This study is part of a series of research papers that explore the biological, social, and economic aspects of British Columbia's mountain pine beetle (MPB) epidemic. It presents the results of pilot plant Kraft and mechanical pulping trials that were conducted to determine the influence of time-since-death (TSD) of (MPB)-killed lodgepole pine on pulping and pulp quality. Samples included trees of red, grey and late grey attack stages as well as unattacked trees; sample sites were established in three different biogeoclimatic subzones in British Columbia in order to account for natural variability. Prior to pulping, samples were tested for wood and fibre properties as well as chip quality. Kraft and thermomechanical (TMP) pulping parameters were monitored, pulp quality was determined, and sheet structure was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy.--Includes text from document.
Fire managers need better estimates of fuel loading so they can more accurately predict the potential fire behavior and effects of alternative fuel and ecosystem restoration treatments. This report presents a new fuel sampling method, called the photoload sampling technique, to quickly and accurately estimate loadings for six common surface fuel components (1 hr, 10 hr, 100 hr, and 1000 hr downed dead woody, shrub, and herbaceous fuels). This technique involves visually comparing fuel conditions in the field with photoload sequences to estimate fuel loadings. Photoload sequences are a series of downward-looking and close-up oblique photographs depicting a sequence of graduated fuel loadings of synthetic fuelbeds for each of the six fuel components. This report contains a set of photoload sequences that describe the range of fuel component loadings for common forest conditions in the northern Rocky Mountains of Montana, USA to estimate fuel loading in the field. A companion publication (RMRS-RP-61CD) details the methods used to create the photoload sequences and presents a comprehensive evaluation of the technique.
In the year 2001, Prof. Dr. Ursula Kües was appointed at the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology of the Georg-August-University Göttingen to the chair Molecular Wood Biotechnology endowed by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU). Her group studies higher fungi in basic and applied research. Research foci are on mushroom development and on fungal enzymes degrading wood and their applications in wood biotechnology. This book has been edited to thank the DBU for all support given to the chair Molecular Wood Biotechnology. Contributions to the book are from scientists from Göttingen recognised in different fields of forestry and wood science. Chapters presented by members of the group Molecular Wood Biotechnology introduces into their areas of research. The book is designed for interested students of wood biology and wood technology but will also address scientists in the field.
"Southern forests provide innumerable benefits. Forest scientists, managers, owners, and users have in common the desire to improve the condition of these forests and the ecosystems they support. A first step is to understand the contributions science has made and continues to make to the care and management of forests. This book represents a celebration of past accomplishments, summarizes the current state of knowledge, and creates a vision for the future of southern forestry research and management. Chapters are organized into seven sections: "Looking Back," "Productivity," "Forest Health," "Water and Soils," "Socioeconomic," "Biodiversity," and "Climate Change." Each section is preceded by a brief introductory chapter. Authors were encouraged to focus on the most important aspects of their topics; citations are included to guide readers to further information."
