Abstract: The link between modern lifestyles and increasing levels of chronic heart disease, obesity, stress and poor mental health is a concern across the world. The cost of dealing with these conditions places a large burden on national public health budgets so that policymakers are increasingly looking at prevention as a cost-effective alternative to medical treatment. Attention is turning towards interactions between the environment and lifestyles. Exploring the relationships between health, natural environments in general, and forests in particular, this groundbreaking book is the outcome of the European Unionâs COST Action E39 âForests, Trees and Human Health and Wellbeingâ, and draws together work carried out over four years by scientists from 25 countries working in the fields of forestry, health, environment and social sciences. While the focus is primarily on health priorities defined within Europe, this volume explicitly draws also on research from North America and elsewhere and will have relevance worldwide. A state-of-the-art analysis of the global research on the topic of forests and human health, a key contribution of the book is its synthesis of material across both disciplines and nations, providing a vital reference for researchers in forestry, health, natural resource management and environmental policy. Currently the only unified body of work on this topic, the book will also be an important tool for those working in both health and environment policy and practice.
Abstract: Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate the body composition and obesity of forest
workers, a high work physical activity group, and researchers, a sedentary work activity group, and to find
if their workplace activities affect body composition and obesity.
Methods: Twenty-two male forest workers and 22 male researchers were enrolled. Bioelectrical impedance
analysis (BIA) measurements were used for body composition analysis by following the ESPEN guidelines.
Anthropometric measurements including body weight and height were recorded. Participation was voluntary
and participants provided oral informed consent.
Results: Approximately 45.6% of the forest workers demonstrated normal body mass index (BMI) as compared
with 13.0% for researchers. The majority of the researchers (43.5%) had a BMI indicative of obesity.
When body fat (BF) was compared, 54.6% of the forest workers and 8.7% of the researchers had a normal
level of %BF while 9.0% and 60.9% demonstrated very high values, respectively. Researchers were more likely
to have high and very high values for body fat mass index (BFMI), while the forest workers demonstrated
increased odds (OR:2.051, CI:1.199-3.511) for having normal body weight according to the BMI cut-offs.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the sedentary workplace activities of researchers may be the cause of
the high prevalence of overweight and obesity, while very physically active at workplace forest workers
had more normal body composition. These findings may provide support for the idea of fighting sedentary
habits among researchers by introducing more physical activities into their workplace daily duties and into
their daily lives in general.
Abstract: In heavy work such as forest work, nutrient demand and energy expenditure are high. Therefore,
adequate nutrient and energy intake of forest workers is of paramount importance. The objective of
this cross-sectional study was to investigate the daily nutrient intake of forest workers and to
determine if it meets the Reference Dietary Intakes (RDIs). A total of 21 forest workers and
21 researchers, who served as a control group, were enrolled. Nutrient intake was assessed on the
basis of a 24-hour diet recall questionnaire, repeated for 3 consecutive weekdays. Daily nutrient
intake was calculated using the NutriBase IV Clinical Edition Software package. Energy, protein,
total lipids, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, phosphorus, and sodium intake of forest workers was
higher than the RDIs and significantly higher ( P b .05) than that of researchers. Most forest workers
(90.47%) and researchers (95.32%) consumed less carbohydrate than the RDIs. Dietary fiber,
riboflavin, vitamin E, vitamin D, and minerals intake was less than the RDI in both groups.
Especially low was the daily intake of vitamin D and iodine in forest workers in comparison to RDIs
and researchers. The results indicate that fundamental changes in daily nutrient intake for both
groups are recommended.
Abstract: This paper describes a study of the influence of three-resin tapping stimulants (pastes) on total resin production and bark removal area in Pinus halepensis forests. Two
experimental pastes (paste A and B) and a commonly used paste (K) were applied in resin tapping Pinus halepensis field trials in two areas, Agia Anna and Kirinthos, of the
island Evoia in Greece. At the end of the tapping period resin was collected and weighted. The average area of bark removal was empirically estimated. The results show that
the application of the experimental pastes A and B increased the average resin production in comparison with that from paste K by 5.75% for paste A and 7.83% for paste B and
decreased by 50% the total bark removal in comparison with that of common paste.
Notes: Resin tapping, new
stimulants, resin production, Pinus
halepensis.
Abstract: The primary aims of the present study were to (a) identify and describe the prevalence of muscoloskeletal symptoms among forest
workers in Greece using the Nordic Standardized questionnaire and (b) to recommend preventive practical actions. Seventy-eight forest
workers were interviewed individually. Out of every 10 forest workers, in the last 12 months, eight reported complaints in the lower back
area, seven in the hands/wrists, six in the knees, five in the neck, five in the shoulders and three in the elbows, hips/thighs, ankles/feet, and
upper back, respectively. At least once in their working lives 17.9% of the subjects were hospitalized because of lower back problems.
About 42.3%, 24.3% and 16.6% of the subjects went to a doctor in the last 12 months because of problems in the lower back, neck, and
shoulder, respectively. The highest rate for subjects being prevented from doing their normal work was for hand/wrist problems, with
64.1%, following by lower back and neck, each 50%. Preventive measures such as vocational training, new work techniques, and new
work organization with job rotation and active rest breaks were recommended.
Notes: Forest workers are an important part of the forest-wood industry chain. Forest managers and the forest industry care for the health
and work-related complaints of forest workers. This study provides information for the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among
forest operators in Greece. The results propose interventions with preventive measures.
Abstract: Thepurpose of this studywas toform,through field time studies, regressionmodels
to estimate and compare costs for forwarding small-sized beech logs with horses and
mini-skidder in uneven-aged beech stands in northern Greece. The cost per unitwas estimated
by using the regression models and by calculating the market price through the
GreekForest Service price list.Theresults revealed that the horse system had a cost, derived
from the regression models, about 26 percent lower than that of the mini-skidder.
In comparison with the Forest Service paid price (empirical subcontractor price), the
horse systemwas about 21 percent lower and the mini-skidder 4.6 percent higher. Thus,
the horse system was more profitable than the mini-skidder system.
Abstract: The storage time of beech forest biomass units in northern Greece were recorded
through time studies in different stands, at the roadside, and at the mill yard. Probability
distribution of each recorded storage timewas assessed. The distribution and cost data
were inserted into a simulation model. By running the model the cost for each intermediary
storage timewas calculated. This cost represents the interest rate cost and the loss
value cost due to fiber deterioration of the beech forest biomass units (cord cubic meters)
during storage. Results showed that forest site storage adds a cost of 61.12 percent
of the total felling cost and 6.30 percent of the total final cost. The roadside storage adds
a cost of 59.67 percent of the total cost at the roadside and 19.9 percent of the total final
cost. Mill yard storage adds a cost of 61.1 percent of the at-the-mill cost and 53.81 percent
of the total final cost. The introduction of a vertical integration in Greek forest biomass
operational system is recommended.
Abstract: An activity scanning-oriented holistic simulation model of forest products export logistics has been developed. The model is based on the SLAMSYSTEM network simulation platform. The logistics network model provides a holistic approach by representing the flow and storage of forest products units from the end point of their production line to the final user destination. The utility of the model was illustrated with a case study of newsprint paper reels logistics from Finland to London and New York. Several scenarios of different inventory times were used to illustrate the effects of inventory time on interest rate cost, the cost on each operational stage, and the total cost at the final destination at the printing house. The simulation results indicate that there is room for improvment in the exporting logistical chain of the newsprint paper industry.
Abstract: An activity oriented stochastic computer simulation model of forest biomass logistics in Greece, based on SLAMSYSTEM simulation language, has been developed. A SLAMSYSTEM simulation network was built to respresnt forest biomass units flow from felling to storage at millyard. A simulation experiment with data collected at the Elatia forest region of Drama in North Greece was executed. Several scenarions of the observed and alternative inventory time, interest rate, and loss of value due to fibre deterioration and operational systems, on cost per unit per operational stage, and the final cost at the millyard. The model may be used as a prototype Decision SDupport System for forest biomass logistics in Greece.
Abstract: Forests are a rich renewable source of health-promoting and medicinal products. Not only the trees but also berries, nuts and mushrooms in forests contain a multitude of natural bioactive compounds which can be used in health- promoting products and medicines. In addition to the main structural components that trees contain, namely cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin, thousands of bioactive compounds have been identified. Forest products have always had a key role in traditional medicine which continues to be of great importance, especially in developing countries. In the industrialized countries, the pharmaceutical industry is again increasingly looking at plant-derived natural drugs. Plant-derived compounds help to build a bridge between the traditional medical drugs in developing countries and the modern pharmaceuticals in the developed countries. Plant-derived bioactive compounds serve especially as preventive agents helping to maintain health.
Abstract: In this chapter we briefly discuss the concept of forest taking into
account the provision of different goods and services. We provide some technical
information on the forest classification systems adopted in Europe which are then
reflected in the different roles and meanings that Europeans give to forests. We
give a special emphasis to urban forests considering their origins, typologies and
indicators. The importance of urban forests is analyzed including the role that forest
areas and green spaces can play in contemporary (sustainable) cities. Different
citizensâ attitudes towards urban environment are also discussed considering the
cultural differences existing at European level. The effects of urban forests on
urban environments (i.e., hydrology climate, air quality, biodiversity) and human
health are finally discussed. This chapter considers the social role of urban forest
and the relationship existing between forests and communities through emerging
approaches such as community forests.
Abstract: âGreen careâ is the utilisation of agricultural farms - the animals, the plants, the garden, the forest, and the landscape - as a base for promoting human mental and physical
health, as well as quality of life, for a variety of client groups. The main objective of the Action is to increase the scientific knowledge on the best practices for
implementing green care in agriculture with the aim of improving human mental and physical health and the quality of life. A multidisciplinary scientific effort is essential to
develop green services as part of a multifunctional agriculture, as well as providing documentation of its effects on client groups to increase confidence in the health,
social and educational sectors. The Action comprises three Working Groups. Working Group 1 (Health effects) coordinates research and develops new research on green
care in biological, medical and health sciences, including conceptual, theoretical, and methodological developments. Working Group 2 (Economics) coordinates research
and develops new research on economics of green care services at micro, mezzo and macro levels. Working Group 3 (Policy) coordinates research and develops new
research on management of green care farming, and also develops policies and discusses how green care can fit current and future national health and social care
systems, and affect rural development positively. The Action, which runs from 2006 to 2010, involves 19 countries and about 150 scientists and other academic staff of
research institutions and organisations. In order to achieve its aims, the Action organises workshops, conferences and Working Group meetings.
Abstract: âGreen careâ is the utilisation of agricultural farms - the animals, the plants, the garden, the forest, and the landscape - as a base for promoting human mental and physical health, as well as quality of life, for a variety of client groups. The main objective of the Action is to increase the scientific knowledge on the best practices for implementing green care in agriculture with the aim of improving human mental and physical health and the quality of life. A multidisciplinary scientific effort is essential to develop green services as part of a multifunctional agriculture, as well as providing documentation of its effects on client groups to increase confidence in the health, social and educational sectors. The first conference of the COST Action 866 âGreen Care in Agricultureâ hosted in Vienna, 20-22 June 2008, focus on aspects for health, economics and policies in Green Care.
The main objectives of this conference are to summarize:
âThe current state of the art of scientific research and evidence and understanding for the Health effects, Economics and Policies of Green Care in Agriculture
âTo establish a crosscutting collaboration between researchers, and through close involvement of implementing agencies and practitioners.
âTo identify further activities for COST Action 866 âGreen Care in Agricultureâ.
With the presence of European, USA and Canadian leading experts this conference comprises an outstanding programme of two days oral and poster presentations and a day of scientific visits to therapeutic farms, gardens and rehabilitation centers of Austria related to Green Care.
The editor wishes to thank the authors and the participants for their interest in the conference and their active contribution in the exchange of scientific knowledge. Special thanks to Austrian Horticulture Society (ÃGG) for hosting the conference and organizing the scientific visits and to European Science Foundation and COST Office for sponsoring the publication of the present proceedings. Thanks also to European Science Foundation and COST Office, and to Natur im Garten-Niederösterreich, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, Raiffeisen Meine Bank, Uniqa, and Wiener Stadtgartenamt, for sponsoring the conference.
Many thanks to the conference scientific committee - Bjarne O. Braastad, Norway, Joe Sempik, United Kingdom, Saverio Senni, Italy, Thomas van Elsten, Germany, and Christos Gallis, Hellas - for their assistance in evaluating the contributions.
I am enormously thankful to my good friend from Finland Mrs. Johanna Ehnrooth, painter, for offering the picture of her painting âEn faceâ for the cover page of this book.
Thessaloniki, 10 December 2007.
Abstract: The aim of the COST Action E31 is the improvement of the management of recovered wood reaching a higher technical, economic, and environmental standard in Europe. The main objectives of this 3rd and last conference of this action in Klagenfurt-Austria focus on demonstrated the state of the art for the management of recovered wood in the COST member states, its future perspectives, and to present the achievements of the COST Action E31 âManagement of Recovered Woodâ (2002 â 2007):
- International perspectives on recovered wood
- Management of recovered wood
- Amounts of recovered wood
- Quality aspects of recovered wood
- Energy generation of recovered wood
- Market aspects of recovered wood
- Innovations
- Panel discussion âPerspectives for sustainable use of recovered woodâ
With the presence of European and U.S. and Japan leading experts on management of recovered wood this conference comprises an outstanding programme of two days of oral presentations and poster exhibition.
The Editor wishes to thank the authors of the invited papers and posters and the participants for their interest in the conference and their contribution in the exchange of knowledge. Special thank to COST Office and European Science Foundation for sponsoring the publication of the present proceedings.
Many thank also to the Conference scientific committee for their assistance in evaluating the contributions and in conference organization, and to JOANNEUM RESEARCH, Gratz, Entwicklungsagentur Karnten Gmbh, Klagenfurt, Holzcluster Steiermark, Graz, and Ressourcen Management Agentur, Villach, Wien for organizing, supporting, and hosting this conference. I am enormously thankful to my good friend from Finland Dan Sundell, Journalist and Art Kritiker, for selecting the painting for the cover page, and to Finnish painter Markus Konttinen for offering the picture of his painting âLiving tree, capricious branchesâ for the cover page.
Dr. Christos Th. Gallis (ÎÏ. ΧÏίÏÏÎ¿Ï Î. ÎαλλήÏ)
Editor
Abstract: As a part of the European COST Action E39 âForest, Trees, and Human Health and Well Beingâ, Working Group 2 âForest Products, Forest Environment and Human Healthâ deals with the direct and in-direct effects and contribution of the forest derived pharmaceuticals, herbs, fruits, fungi, organic certified products, and other wood and non-wood forest products on human health and well-being, economical and social development, alternative medicine and industry. Their preventive, nutraceutical, therapeutic and healing values and benefits in relation to forest environment also will be addressed. Negative and hazardous aspects of forest environment substances on human health will also subject for discussion.
The existing knowledge from each country will be presented in a multi disciplinary basis creating a European forum for the exchange of ideas and broadening of the knowledge basis and harmonization of the used methodologies, and for improvement of the comparability of the collected data. It is also in the sphere of interest of the WG2 to develop a network, which will link and promote cooperation between industry, researches and academics in an integrative European approach.
The main objectives of this workshop are:
âTo bring together delegates from European countries to discuss and develop the links between Forest Products, Forest Environment and Human Health
âTo develop a crosscutting collaboration and network between researchers in health, environment and industry.
âTo identify further activities for COST Action E39 Working Group 2 âForest Products, Forest Environment and Human Healthâ.
With the presence of European experts about forests products and human health this workshop comprises an outstanding programme of two days oral presentations and discussions and a day of scientific visit to phytopharmaceutical industries.
The editor wishes to thank the authors of the invited papers and the participants for their interest in the workshop and their active contribution in the exchange of scientific knowledge. Special thanks to COST Office-European Science Foundation (ESF) for sponsoring the publication of the present proceedings.
Many thanks to Prof. Giovanni Sanesi and to Italian Academy of Forest Science for organizing and hosting this workshop, and to monastery of Camaldoli, the phytopharmaceutical industry ABOCA, and the ancient pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella for hosting the delegates during the scientific visit.
Many thank also to Mr. Aggelidis , painter, and the Art Gallery ATRION for offering the picture of his painting â The Path/Το ÎονοÏάÏιâ for the cover page.
Dr Christos Th. Gallis, WG2 Leader
(ÎÏ Î§ÏίÏÏÎ¿Ï Î. ÎαλλήÏ)
Editor
Abstract: The aim of this COST Action E31 is the improvement of the management of recovered wood towards a higher common technical, economical and environmental standard in Europe. The 2nd conference of this action in Bordeaux focus on strategic aspects to aim for a higher European standard of recovered wood management.
The main objectives of this conference are to summarize:
-Market aspects of recovered wood
-Characteristics and standardization of recovered wood
-Strategies for increasing the amount of recovered wood
-Design aspects for wooden products foe a sustainable end-of use strategy.
With the presence of European and U.S. leading experts on management of recovered wood this conference comprises an outstanding programme of two days of oral presentations and poster exhibition.
The Editor wishes to thank the authors of the invited papers and posters and the participants for their interest in the conference and their contribution in the exchange of knowledge. Special thank to COST Office and European Science Foundation for sponsoring the publication of the present proceedings.
Many thank also to the Conference scientific committee, Gerfried Jungmeier, Xavier Deglise, Gerad Depoubaix, Arno Fruhwald, Bengt Hillring, Miha Hunar, Christos Gallis, and Marc Van Leemput for their assistance in evaluating the contributions and in conference organization, and to Wood and Furniture Centre (CTBA) in Bordeaux for organizing and hosting this conference. Many thanks to COSTIS and to TSATSIS PROJECTS GALLERY for offering the picture of the painting for the cover page.
Dr. Christos Th. Gallis (ÎÏ. ΧÏίÏÏÎ¿Ï Î. ÎαλλήÏ)
Editor
Abstract: Traditional medical and public health approaches to illness and health have been one of the great successes of modern science. However society today is faced with increasing incidences of poor health, related to modern lifestyles, that cannot be addressed by medicine alone. Contributing factors have been identified as an increasingly sedentary population, increasing levels of mental stress related to urban living and contemporary work practices, and hazardous environments e.g. air pollution. Natural spaces and natural elements such as forests and trees have been seen as providing opportunities to ameliorate such trends. The European Union as a whole spends in the order of 12% of GDP on healthcare so even a small contribution in encouraging better public health is likely to have a large economic value.
The main objectives of this conference are to summarise
âThe current state of the art of scientific research and evidence and understanding for forests, trees and human health and well being
âTo establish a crosscutting collaboration between researchers in health, environment and social science, and through close involvement of implementing agencies and practitioners.
âTo identify further activities for COST Action E39 âForests, Trees, and Human Health and Well beingâ.
With the presence of European, USA and Australian leading experts about forests, trees and human health and well being this conference comprises an outstanding programme of two days oral presentation and poster exhibition.
The editor wishes to thank the authors of the invited papers and posters and the participants for their interest in the conference and their active contribution in the exchange of scientific knowledge. Special thanks to Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace of the Hellenic Republic, to General Directorate of Development and Protection of Forests and Natural Environment of the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food, and to Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association (Chios island-Greece) for sponsoring the publication of the present proceedings. Thanks also to European Science Foundation and COST Office, and to Hunters Association of Macedonia and Thrace-Hellas, for sponsoring the conference.
Many thanks to the conference scientific committee-Kjell Nilsson , Denmark, Klaus Seeland, Switzerland, Paul Mitchell-Banks, Norway, Marcus Sangster, United Kingdom, Terry Hartig, Sweden, Sjerp de Vries, The Netherlands, and Christos Gallis, Greece- for their assistance in evaluating the contributions.
Many thank also to Mrs. Niki Eleftheriadi, painter, and the Art Gallery ATRION for offering the picture of the her painting âSummertime in Pelionâ for the cover page, and to painter Thanassis Bakogiorgos for offering the picture of his painting âByzantine Thessalonikiâ.
Dr Christos Th. Gallis
(ÎÏ Î§ÏίÏÏÎ¿Ï Î. ÎαλλήÏ)
Editor
