A low-temperature thermal ALD process for nickel utilizing dichlorobis(triethylphosphine)nickel(ii) and 1,4-bis(trimethylgermyl)-1,4-dihydropyrazine

In this work, we developed a new ALD process for nickel metal from dichlorobis(triethylphosphine)nickel(ii) (NiCl2(PEt3)(2)) and 1,4-bis(trimethylgermyl)-1,4-dihydropyrazine ((Me3Ge)(2)DHP). A series of phosphine adducts of nickel and cobalt halides were synthesized and characterized for their volatility and thermal stability. Also (Me3Ge)(2)DHP is a novel reducing agent in ALD. Smooth nickel films were deposited on different substrate materials at 110 degrees C, which is the lowest deposition temperature for Ni metal found in the literature. The growth rate is 0.2 angstrom per cycle when the film is not continuous and decreases to 0.1 angstrom per cycle after the film becomes pinhole-free. Besides a small amount (7 at%) of carbidic carbon, the films have only small amounts of impurities. Most notably, the chlorine content is below 0.2 at%, indicating efficient reduction. Furthermore, we think that (Me3Ge)(2)DHP can open new avenues for the ALD of other metals at low temperatures.Peer reviewe

Detection of European Aspen (Populus tremula L.) Based on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Approach in Boreal Forests

European aspen (Populus tremula L.) is a keystone species for biodiversity of boreal forests.Large-diameter aspens maintain the diversity of hundreds of species, many of which are threatened in Fennoscandia. Due to a low economic value and relatively sparse and scattered occurrence of aspen in boreal forests, there is a lack of information of the spatial and temporal distribution of aspen, which hampers efficient planning and implementation of sustainable forest management practices and conservation efforts. Our objective was to assess identification of European aspen at the individual tree level in a southern boreal forest using high-resolution photogrammetric point cloud (PPC) and multispectral (MSP) orthomosaics acquired with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The structure-from-motion approach was applied to generate RGB imagery-based PPC to be used for individual tree-crown delineation. Multispectral data were collected using two UAV cameras:Parrot Sequoia and MicaSense RedEdge-M. Tree-crown outlines were obtained from watershed segmentation of PPC data and intersected with multispectral mosaics to extract and calculate spectral metrics for individual trees. We assessed the role of spectral data features extracted from PPC and multispectral mosaics and a combination of it, using a machine learning classifier—Support Vector Machine (SVM) to perform two different classifications: discrimination of aspen from the other species combined into one class and classification of all four species (aspen, birch, pine, spruce) simultaneously. In the first scenario, the highest classification accuracy of 84% (F1-score) for aspen and overall accuracy of 90.1% was achieved using only RGB features from PPC, whereas in the second scenario, the highest classification accuracy of 86 % (F1-score) for aspen and overall accuracy of 83.3% was achieved using the combination of RGB and MSP features. The proposed method provides a new possibility for the rapid assessment of aspen occurrence to enable more efficient forest management as well as contribute to biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts in boreal forests.peerReviewe

Atomic Layer Deposition of CsI and CsPbI3

Cesium iodide (CsI) is a well-established scintillator material that also serves as a precursor for all-inorganic halide perovskite solar absorbers, such as CsPbI3. However, the lack of conformal and scalable methods to deposit halide perovskite thin films remains a major challenge on their way to commercialization. In this work, we employ atomic layer deposition (ALD) as the key method due to its inherent scalability to large areas and complex-shaped surfaces. We demonstrate two new ALD processes for the deposition of CsI and CsPbI3 thin films. The CsI process relies on cesium bis(trimethylsilyl) amide (Cs(btsa)) and tin(IV) iodide (SnI4) as precursors and yields high-purity, uniform, and phase-pure thin films. This process works in a wide temperature range (140-350 degrees C) and exhibits a large growth per cycle value (GPC) of 3.3 angstrom (85% of a CsI monolayer). Furthermore, we convert CsI into CsPbI3 perovskite by exposing a CsI film to our earlier PbI2 ALD process. We demonstrate the deposition of phase-pure gamma- or delta-CsPbI3 perovskite thin films, depending on the applied deposition temperature and number of PbI2 cycles. We believe that the ALD-based approach described in this work will offer a viable alternative for depositing perovskite thin films in applications that involve complex high aspect ratio structures or large substrate areas.Peer reviewe

A keystone species, European aspen (Populus tremula L.), in boreal forests : Ecological role, knowledge needs and mapping using remote sensing

European aspen (Populus tremula L.) is a keystone species in boreal forests that are dominated by coniferous tree species. Both living and dead aspen trees contribute significantly to the species diversity of forest landscapes. Thus, spatial and temporal continuity of aspen is a prerequisite for the long-term persistence of viable populations of numerous aspen-associated species. In this review, we collate existing knowledge on the ecological role of European aspen, assess the knowledge needs for aspen occurrence patterns and dynamics in boreal forests and discuss the potential of different remote sensing techniques in mapping aspen at various spatiotemporal scales. The role of aspen as a key ecological feature has received significant attention, and studies have recognised the negative effects of modern forest management methods and heavy browsing on aspen occurrence and regeneration. However, the spatial knowledge of occurrence, abundance and temporal dynamics of aspen is scarce and incomprehensive. The remote sensing studies reviewed here highlight particularly the potential of three-dimensional data derived from airborne laser scanning or photogrammetric point clouds and airborne imaging spectroscopy in mapping European aspen, quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and other Populus species. In addition to tree species discrimination, these methods can provide information on biophysical, biochemical properties and even genetic diversity of aspen trees. Major obstacles in aspen detection using remote sensing are the low proportion and scattered occurrence of European aspen in boreal forests and the overlap of spectral and/or structural properties of European aspen and quaking aspen with some other tree species. Furthermore, the suitability of remote sensing data for aspen mapping and monitoring depends on the geographical coverage of data, the availability of multitemporal data and the costs of data acquisition. Our review highlights that integration of ecological knowledge with spatiotemporal information acquired by remote sensing is key to understanding the current and future distribution patterns of aspen-related biodiversity.peerReviewe

Atomic layer deposition of PbCl2, PbBr2 and mixed lead halide (Cl, Br, I) PbXnY2-n thin films

Atomic layer deposition offers outstanding film uniformity and conformality on substrates with high aspect ratio features. These qualities are essential for mixed-halide perovskite films applied in tandem solar cells, transistors and light-emitting diodes. The optical and electronic properties of mixed-halide perovskites can be adjusted by adjusting the ratios of different halides. So far ALD is only capable of depositing iodine-based halide perovskites whereas other halide processes are lacking. We describe six new low temperature (Peer reviewe

Developing a spatially explicit modelling and evaluation framework for integrated carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation: application in southern Finland

The challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply interconnected. Successful co-managing of these tangled drivers requires innovative methods that can prioritize and target management actions against multiple criteria, while also enabling cost-effective land use planning and impact scenario assessment. This paper synthesises the development and application of an integrated multidisciplinary modelling and evaluation framework for carbon and biodiversity in forest systems. By analysing and spatio-temporally modelling carbon processes and biodiversity elements, we determine an optimal solution for their co-management in the study landscape. We also describe how advanced Earth Observation measurements can be used to enhance mapping and monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The scenarios used for the dynamic models were based on official Finnish policy goals for forest management and climate change mitigation. The development and testing of the system were executed in a large region in southern Finland (Kokemäenjoki basin, 27 024 km2) containing highly instrumented LTER (Long-Term Ecosystem Research) stations; these LTER data sources were complemented by fieldwork, remote sensing and national data bases. In the study area, estimated total net emissions were currently 4.2 TgCO2eq a-1, but modelling of forestry measures and anthropogenic emission reductions demonstrated that it would be possible to achieve the stated policy goal of carbon neutrality by low forest harvest intensity. We show how this policy-relevant information can be further utilised for optimal allocation of set-aside forest areas for nature conservation, which would significantly contribute to preserving both biodiversity and carbon values in the region. Biodiversity gain in the area could be increased without a loss of carbon-related benefits.The challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply interconnected. Successful co-managing of these tangled drivers requires innovative methods that can prioritize and target management actions against multiple criteria, while also enabling cost-effective land use planning and impact scenario assessment. This paper synthesises the development and application of an integrated multidisciplinary modelling and evaluation framework for carbon and biodiversity in forest systems. By analysing and spatio-temporally modelling carbon processes and biodiversity elements, we determine an optimal solution for their co-management in the study landscape. We also describe how advanced Earth Observation measurements can be used to enhance mapping and monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The scenarios used for the dynamic models were based on official Finnish policy goals for forest management and climate change mitigation. The development and testing of the system were executed in a large region in southern Finland (Kokemäenjoki basin, 27,024 km2) containing highly instrumented LTER (Long-Term Ecosystem Research) stations; these LTER data sources were complemented by fieldwork, remote sensing and national data bases. In the study area, estimated total net emissions were currently 4.2 TgCO2eq a−1, but modelling of forestry measures and anthropogenic emission reductions demonstrated that it would be possible to achieve the stated policy goal of carbon neutrality by low forest harvest intensity. We show how this policy-relevant information can be further utilized for optimal allocation of set-aside forest areas for nature conservation, which would significantly contribute to preserving both biodiversity and carbon values in the region. Biodiversity gain in the area could be increased without a loss of carbon-related benefits.Peer reviewe

Uncovering Ecosystem Service Bundles through Social Preferences

Ecosystem service assessments have increasingly been used to support environmental management policies, mainly based on biophysical and economic indicators. However, few studies have coped with the social-cultural dimension of ecosystem services, despite being considered a research priority. We examined how ecosystem service bundles and trade-offs emerge from diverging social preferences toward ecosystem services delivered by various types of ecosystems in Spain. We conducted 3,379 direct face-to-face questionnaires in eight different case study sites from 2007 to 2011. Overall, 90.5% of the sampled population recognized the ecosystem’s capacity to deliver services. Formal studies, environmental behavior, and gender variables influenced the probability of people recognizing the ecosystem’s capacity to provide services. The ecosystem services most frequently perceived by people were regulating services; of those, air purification held the greatest importance. However, statistical analysis showed that socio-cultural factors and the conservation management strategy of ecosystems (i.e., National Park, Natural Park, or a non-protected area) have an effect on social preferences toward ecosystem services. Ecosystem service trade-offs and bundles were identified by analyzing social preferences through multivariate analysis (redundancy analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis). We found a clear trade-off among provisioning services (and recreational hunting) versus regulating services and almost all cultural services. We identified three ecosystem service bundles associated with the conservation management strategy and the rural-urban gradient. We conclude that socio-cultural preferences toward ecosystem services can serve as a tool to identify relevant services for people, the factors underlying these social preferences, and emerging ecosystem service bundles and trade-offs

Nickel Germanide Thin Films by Atomic Layer Deposition

This work presents preparation of nickel germanide (Ni2Ge) thin films by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The films were grown using NiCl2(tmpda) (tmpda = N,N,N',N',-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamine) and tributylgermanium hydride serving as a new, efficient reducing agent. This is the first time ALD NixGey films are prepared directly upon the combination of two precursors and without any annealing treatment. NixGey is an important contact material for enabling Ge-based transistors and thus circumventing the scaling issues related to current microelectronics. The Ni2Ge process was examined at low temperatures of 160-200 degrees C. Self-limiting, saturative growth with a high growth rate of 0.91 angstrom/cycle was observed at 180 degrees C. The films were thoroughly analyzed in terms of morphology, crystallinity, composition, and resistivity. The Ni2Ge films were pure, with the sum of contaminants being less than 1 at. %. Owing to their high purity, the films exhibited low resistivity, suggesting suitability for contact applications.Peer reviewe

Advanced Earth observation techniques in forest biodiversity and carbon sequestration mapping

Integrating multisource Earth observation (EO) data and methods allows studying forest biodiversity and carbon sequestration related questions at various spatial and temporal scales. We aim to develop and produce novel remotely sensed variables describing biodiversity and ecosystem properties using a multi-sensor approach. We utilize 1) optical satellite images (e.g. Sentinel, Landsat), 2) airborne laser scanning data, and 3) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Optical remote sensing covers large geographical areas at 10-30 m spatial resolution and temporal span of several decades. Laser scanning is a superb method to capture the 3D structure of forested ecosystems with sub-meter accuracy, and has been used in growing numbers to study wildlife habitats and biodiversity. Novel UAS methods contribute for bridging the gap between field and airborne measurements and providing ultra-high spatial and temporal resolution imagery for detailed assessment of different ecosystems properties. Because of the potential for rapid deployment, spatially explicit data from UASs can be acquired irrespective of many of the costs, scheduling, logistic and weather limitations to satellite or piloted aircraft missions. We will develop further on the concept of spectral traits (ST) in boreal environments1. Biotic traits, especially functional traits, are becoming increasingly important concept in ecology, conservation biology and sustainable resource management. They can be biochemical, physiological, morphological, structural, phenological or functional characteristics of plants, populations or communities. Spectral traits are traits that can be directly or indirectly recorded using remote sensing. Deriving spectral traits from various remote sensing data can provide detailed valuable information for biodiversity research. Calculating the spatial composition and configuration of spectral traits plays a crucial role in distinguishing different forest biotopes, communities and species, and linking biodiversity variables with ecosystem functioning and biogeochemical processes. In addition to optical remote sensing, the planned use of lidar data allows studying traits related to forest and vegetation structure in 3D. As a case study, multi-source remote sensing data will be collected from old-growth forest sites located in Central and Eastern Finland, where various field data (e.g. the occurrence of deadwood and polyporous fungi) are available. By combining these information, we aim at finding efficient remote sensing methods for mapping the indicators of forest biodiversity. References 1. Lausch et al. 2016. Ecol. Ind. 70: 317–339.peerReviewe

Reductive Thermal Atomic Layer Deposition Process for Gold

In this work, we developed an atomic layer deposition(ALD) processfor gold metal thin films from chloro-(triethylphosphine)-gold-(I) [AuCl-(PEt3)] and 1,4-bis-(trimethylgermyl)-1,4-dihydropyrazine [(Me3Ge)(2)DHP]. High purity gold films were depositedon different substrate materials at 180 degrees C for the first timewith thermal reductive ALD. The growth rate is 1.7 angstrom/cycle afterthe film reaches full coverage. The films have a very low resistivityclose to the bulk value, and a minimal amount of impurities couldbe detected. The reaction mechanism of the process is studied in situwith a quartz crystal microbalance and a quadrupole mass spectrometer.Peer reviewe