DigiWeb - a workflow environment for quality assurance of transcription in digitization of natural history collections

Data produced by digitization increases the scientific use of natural history collections. However, in mass digitization, attention must be paid to the flawless management of the workflows, and high quantities of end results should not be compromised by a low standard of quality. A web-based environment DigiWeb was created for controlling the workflow of transcribing data from images of natural history specimens. Using DigiWeb, it was possible to manage the workflow of transcription and data proofing, include all participants to the workflow, allow collaboration and training, and also to provide useful processing features. The data emerging from this process passes quality control standards which are supported by DigiWeb and based on the strict requirements of the ISO 2859 standard

Interactive Effects of Defoliation and Climate Change on Compensatory Growth of Silver Birch Seedlings

Atmospheric warming increases the abundance of insect herbivores and intensifies the risk of defoliation, especially in high latitude forests. At the same time, the effects of increasing temperature and CO2 on plant responses to foliage damage are poorly understood. We examined if previous-year defoliation, varying between 0 and 75% of total leaf area, and different combinations of elevated temperature, CO2 and nutrient availability alter the growth of two-year old silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) seedlings. We measured the greatest height growth in seedlings that were fertilized and defoliated twice at the level of 50% of total leaf area, and subjected to elevated temperature with ambient CO2. The lowest growth was recorded in unfertilized seedlings that were defoliated twice at the level of 25% of total leaf area, and grew under ambient temperature with ambient CO2. The total biomass increased in all seedlings that were fertilized or grew under elevated temperature. The root: shoot ratios were low in defoliated seedlings, or seedlings subjected to fertilization or temperature elevation. Our conclusion is that ability of birches to compensate height growth is highly dependent upon the magnitude and frequency of defoliation on the limits of temperature and nutrient availability. These responses imply that folivory does not necessarily lead to reduced net productivity of trees under changing climate

The development of a digitising service centre for natural history collections

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