Modelling natural drying of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) logs for energy based on meteorological data

A key factor for improving the whole fuel wood supply chain is moisture management. Moisture affects material quality, transport costs and revenue. The aim of this study was to develop a drying model for piled European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) logs based on meteorological data, employing the continuous weighing approach. Two drying cycles with three piles altogether were conducted. In the first one (February to October 2013) the moisture content of the pile dropped from 43.5% to 22.5%, whereas in the second one (December 2013 to March 2015), the moisture content of the 2 piles dropped from 42.1% and 40.5% to 20.6% and 19.8%, respectively. Model performance (R² adj?=?0.41) was validated by applying the model developed from the second cycle's data on the first cycle's data. Model's mean deviation in moisture content from the observed curve was ?0.41%?±?0.72%. Economic benefits and environmental impact were highlighted. Calorific value increased from 2.65 to 3.57?kWh?kg^–1 from February to October 2013. Truckload volume utilization increased by 25.1% and transported calorific value by 48.0%. The number of truck trips for transportation was reduced from nine to seven.     

Brucellosis and Aujeszky's disease in a wild boar enclose. Case report

In wild boars kept in a paddock of approximately 1.7 square miles Brucella suis biotype 2 was isolated and Aujeszky's disease was diagnosed by serological tests. To clear the paddock, the wild boars were lured by offered food and caught using specially built smaller pens. They were then transported to a location far off their original surroundings and euthanized. Of a total of 297 wild boars kept in the paddock, 71% were caught and 28% shot. Three wild boars (= 1%) were found trapped. The described method could also be used in case of epidemics to catch wild boars living outside existing paddocks. In order to avoid killing the boars which stayed in separate quarantine enclosures, a darting gun was used to anaesthetize the animals with tiletamine/zolazepam. Achieved sedation levels were deep enough to allow for blood samples to be taken from the jugular vein without any problems, i.e. without any defence reactions of the boars. The origin of infection could not be identified.