饲粮添加不同剂量姜黄素对常温和高温环境下罗曼蛋鸡血液免疫指标的影响

该试验旨在探究在常温和高温环境下饲粮中添加不同剂量姜黄素对罗曼蛋鸡血液免疫指标的影响。该试验的群体为360只27周龄的健康罗曼蛋鸡。随机分为12个组,其中常温对照组和高温对照组饲喂基础饲粮,5个常温处理组与5个高温处理组均分别在基础饲粮中添加50、 100、 150、 200、 250 mg/kg姜黄素。常温组饲养环境设置温度为(25±1)℃,高温组饲养环境温度设置为循环高温(32±1)℃8h/d,其余时间为(25±1)℃,所有组湿度维持在65%~80%,试验期为11周。结果显示:在常温环境中,与常温对照组相比,饲粮中添加姜黄素可以显著提高罗曼蛋鸡血清免疫球蛋白G、免疫球蛋白M含量(P<0.05),显著降低血清皮质酮和促炎细胞因子(IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α)含量(P<0.05),在姜黄素浓度为200mg/kg时效果较好;高温环境会导致罗曼蛋鸡清IgG、 IgM含量显著下降(P<0.05),皮质酮和IL-1β、 IL-6、 TNF-α含量显著升高(P<0.05);在高温环境中,饲粮中添加150~200mg/kg姜黄素可以显著提高罗曼蛋鸡血清IgG、 IgM含量(P<0.05),显著降低血清CORT和IL-1β、 IL-6、 TNF-α含量(P<0.05)。可见,当饲粮中添加150~200mg/kg姜黄素时,可显著降低罗曼蛋鸡血清中CORT和促炎性细胞因子含量,显著提高血清IgG、 IgM含量,增强机体免疫力。

Projection of precipitation extremes over South Asia from CMIP6 GCMs

Extreme precipitation events are one of the most dangerous hydrometeorological disasters,often resulting in significant human and socio-economic losses worldwide.It is therefore important to use current global climate models to project future changes in precipitation extremes.The present study aims to assess the future changes in precipitation extremes over South Asia from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6(CMIP6)Global Climate Models(GCMs).The results were derived using the modified Mann-Kendall test,Sen's slope estimator,student's t-test,and probability density function approach.Eight extreme precipitation indices were assessed,including wet days(RR1mm),heavy precipitation days(RR10mm),very heavy precipitation days(RR20mm),severe precipitation days(RR50mm),consecutive wet days(CWD),consecutive dry days(CDD),maximum 5-day precipitation amount(RX5day),and simple daily intensity index(SDII).The future changes were estimated in two time periods for the 21^(st) century(i.e.,near future(NF;2021-2060)and far future(FF;2061-2100))under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathway(SSP)scenarios(SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5).The results suggest increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation indices under the SSP5-8.5 scenario towards the end of the 21^(st) century(2061-2100).Moreover,from the results of multimodel ensemble means(MMEMs),extreme precipitation indices of RR1mm,RR10mm,RR20mm,CWD,and SDII demonstrate remarkable increases in the FF period under the SSP5-8.5 scenario.The spatial distribution of extreme precipitation indices shows intensification over the eastern part of South Asia compared to the western part.The probability density function of extreme precipitation indices suggests a frequent(intense)occurrence of precipitation extremes in the FF period under the SSP5-8.5 scenario,with values up to 35.00 d for RR1mm and 25.00-35.00 d for CWD.The potential impacts of heavy precipitation can pose serious challenges to the study area regarding flooding,soil erosion,water resource management,food security,and agriculture development.

中巴公路泥石流灾害破坏及防治优化

中巴公路沿线活跃的地质构造运动、陡峭的地形地貌与冰川气候造成泥石流广泛发育,威胁中巴公路扩建与建成后的运营。分布在中巴公路北段冰川泥石流对该公路的威胁最为严重。根据2008-2011年期间雨季前后泥石流的活动状况,采用沿线普查与重点详查的研究方式,总结中巴公路沿线泥石流灾害的主要危害类型;并结合设计图纸,对2009年以前原中巴公路防治工程进行简要的损毁评估;通过分析中巴公路的防治现状提出相应的防治对策,最终针对典型的病害提出具有代表性的改进措施,以期为高海拔区公路灾害的防治提供一定的参考。研究表明:中巴公路泥石流的危害类型有5种,即淤积、侵蚀、冲击、漫流改道与堵江;损毁评估结果显示原有小型泥石流防治工程基本失效;原大型桥梁工程配套防治工程需要新建或加固;而新建桥梁工程运行良好;泥石流防治工程应考虑以下5个现状:援建工程的性质、不良工程地质条件、公路短期安全与灾害发展趋势的统一、主动工程被动防治及建立灾害管理与公路养护机构;鉴于中巴公路防治工程所面临的"技术经济性"问题,典型防治工程应根据泥石流的分布特征、性质特点与公路的交汇关系,采取因地制宜的防治方案。

中国-巴基斯坦喀喇昆仑公路Ghulkin冰川百年进退变化

巴基斯坦喀喇昆仑山的Ghulkin冰川是距离中国-巴基斯坦喀喇昆仑公路最近的典型冰川之一,其冰川的进退变化影响着喀喇昆仑公路改建工程的线路设计与工程施工.为了追溯Ghulkin冰川的活动历史和查明近期进退变化,对过去200a的相关文献和记录进行统计分析,并开展了2008-2011年野外定点观测,总结与分析了Ghulkin冰川冰舌的活动历史与近期变化.研究表明:Ghulkin冰川在1885-1980年近百年间经历了3次前进和3次后退,在此期间冰川波动了625m;1913-1925年冰川处于显著的前进状态,1966-1978年冰川有小段距离的前进;2008-2011年K676+660处泥石流沟道逐年抬升,2011年南坡冰川融水由K676+660改道至K676+450;2010年的南坡冰舌较1994年后退了300余米,2011年的南坡冰舌较2010年后退了15.066m,可见在2010-2011年期间冰川处于局部短期后退状态.中巴公路冰川泥石流等灾害不但受区域气候的影响,而且还受冰川变化的影响.未来气候变暖将会导致冰川的强烈消融和后退,冰川融水携带大量冰碛体,形成大型的冰川泥石流,对公路的安全运营造成严重威胁.

中巴喀喇昆仑公路冰川地貌地质灾害

中巴喀喇昆仑公路(简称中巴公路)所处高山峡谷冰川地带,区域构造复杂、地势险峻、气候多变、冰川活跃,地形、地质与水文等工程地质条件极其恶劣,公路沿线雪崩、泥石流、坍方、滑坡、岩崩等冰川成因的地质灾害频发。自1979年通车以来,中巴公路地质病害严重,处于半年通行状态。中巴公路改扩建项目(雷科特大桥-红其拉甫山口)2008年动工,由中国政府援建,将着眼于改善行车路况和地质灾害治理。由于地缘政治与科研条件的限制,国际上对中国公路沿线地质灾害研究并不多见。该文总结5年野外工作成果和资料,尝试对中巴公路地质灾害发育背景、类型、分布规律和发育特征等方面提供总结与评估。

中巴喀喇昆仑公路顺层岩质边坡受力分析

为了深入研究中巴喀喇昆仑公路洪扎河以北地段的顺层岩质边坡弯曲失稳机制,采用材料力学压杆稳定及刚性体平衡原理,在D.S.Cavers的基础上考虑地震力作用,分析得到岩质边坡的三种弯曲模型（平面边坡的柔性弯曲、平面边坡的三铰梁模型、曲线边坡的三绞铰模型）的失稳公式,将地震与非地震作用下平面边坡的柔性弯曲进行对比分析。研究结果表明：当内摩擦角φj处于0°~15°范围时,若水平地震加速度方向与岩体弯曲方向相反,平面边坡柔性弯曲模型在地震作用下不易发生弯曲变形;若水平地震加速度方向与岩体弯曲方向一致,地震作用下平面边坡柔性弯曲模型的临界状态总长度l总比非地震作用下的l小,平面边坡在此方向的地震作用下更易发生柔性弯曲变形。

中巴喀喇昆仑公路冰湖溃决灾害

中巴公路穿越的西喀喇昆仑—喜马拉雅地区生存着除极地之外最大的陆地冰川群,是世界上著名的跃动型冰川活动区,发育典型的"冰湖溃决型"冰川。历史上,冰川跃进,堵塞河道(冰川支谷),形成短暂堰塞冰湖,溃坝泄流,形成洪水或泥石流,对中巴公路沿线造成惨重伤亡与财产损失。文献记录表明,1780年以来,大型冰湖溃决事件多起源于印度河上游的新沙勒河谷(Shingshal valley)和希约克河谷上游(Upper Shyok River valley)。近年来,中巴公路沿线水系或冰川河谷,并没有发生流域性规模的冰湖溃决灾害,中小型冰湖溃决事件不是因冰川跃进,更多的是因为升温作用造成的冰舌萎缩涌水、冰湖渗透溃堤,或因冰上湖或冰前湖在冰崩、岩崩等激发因素的直接触发下,形成涌浪翻坝,导致冰湖溃决。本文基于近300年的历史文献,开展了10多年的持续野外调查工作,采用遥感解译、定点观测与案例分析等研究手段,对中巴公路沿线冰湖溃决灾害的河流背景、灾害历史、冰湖的分类、形成与溃决机制等进行时间梳理和汇总分析。本文将为中巴公路地质灾害的研究提供本底认识,可为区域自然灾害研究提供基础性数据支撑。

中巴喀喇昆仑公路冰川泥石流

中巴公路北段穿越的西喀喇昆仑—喜马拉雅地区,高海拔冰川地貌与低海拔干热河谷地貌相邻丛生,在季风气候、丰沛的夏季降雪、悬殊的地形落差、频繁的地震、局地冰川运动和极端降雨等众多环境因素影响下,冰川泥石流极端发育,造成了中巴公路是世界最险峻的高原公路。然而,由于地缘政治与交通困难等原因,中巴公路冰川泥石流的专题研究几乎空白。基于十多年野外工作与历史文献分析,本研究对中巴喀喇昆仑公路冰川泥石流进行了全面分析总结。结果表明:(1)中巴公路冰川泥石流按海拔分布与成因,可分为冰川(积雪)消融型泥石流、冰崩雪崩型泥石流和冰湖溃决型泥石流三类;(2)泥石流的分布总体可划分为降雨泥石流带与冰川泥石流带。冰川泥石流带可细分为冰川降雨混合型泥石流带、冰川—冰湖溃决泥石流带、冻融泥石流带;(3)中巴公路泥石流的活跃状况在短期不会改变,甚至有可能当外部条件突变,如极端降雨,泥石流灾害会规模化爆发;(4)中巴公路应加强泥石流防治,尤其是帕苏冰川群,固加尔帕冰川群一带的泥石流沟,例如K676+450固尔金冰川、K677+660固加尔帕冰川等大型冰川补给型泥石流,应考虑工程设防。本文将为中巴公路沿线冰川泥石流灾害研究提供本底认识,将为区域自然灾害研究提供基础性数据支撑。

Influence of Integrated Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the integrated nutrients effect on growth, yield and quality of maize (Zea mays L.) during spring, 2009, at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The ex-periment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having three replications with following treat-ments: T1 (control), T2(recommended NPK @ 200-120-125 kg ha-1), T3 [single spray of multinutrient (a solution mixture of micronutrients i.e;Zn = 2%, Fe = 1%, B = 1%, Mn = 1%, Cu = 0.2% and macronutrients N = 1%, K2O = 2%, S = 2%) @ 1.25Lha-1], T4 (recommended NPK @ 200-120-125 kg ha-1 + single spray of multinutrient @ 1.25L ha-1), T5 (recom-mended NPK @ 200-120-125 kg ha-1 + two spray of multinutrient @1.25Lha-1) and T6 (recommended NPK @ 200-120-125 kg ha-1+ three spray of multinutrient @ 1.25Lha-1).The recommended dose of NPK in addition with single spray of Multi-nutrients substationally improved all growth parameters, ear characteristics and also enhanced macronutrients use efficiency up to 11.5% which induced significant increase in grain yield as compared to control and also in the treatment where recommended dose of NPK was applied alone. The quality parameter of maize (oil contents) significantly improved by foliar application of multinutrients solution but recommended dose of fertilizer in addition to single spray of Multi-nutrients was economical.

Groundwater Contribution to Surface Water Contamination in a North German Low Land Catchment with Intensive Agricultural Land Use

The contribution of groundwater (GW) to the nitrate loads in surface waters (SW) was exemplarily studied for the river Augraben with a catchment area of 89.9 km2, located in north eastern Germany. The study uses available GW and SW quality data in order to develop a relationship between SW and GW in the Augraben catchment. The calculated ratio of base flow varies from 40% to 80% using various filtering methods of hydrograph separation methods (without taking into account the drainage) in comparison to a calculated GW infiltration of 5% - 7% applying Darcy’s law (upper unconfined aquifer). Drainage was estimated as the difference in base flow obtained through filtering methods of hydrograph separation and the Darcy’s law. Results on the basis of monitoring data and hydrograph separation in quick flow and base flow showed that during winter periods, high concentration in SW has been found parallel to periods of higher GW flow with a strong correlation between SW and GW concentrations. These findings also coincided with the non-vegetation period, i.e. low nitrogen uptake by plants. Overall, nitrate-nitrogen loads at the SW monitoring point (Bei Lindenberg represents the 85% area of the catchment) were 193.5, 97.72, and 122 tons for the year 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively. Measured GW concentrations in the catchment differ strongly, depending on land use, with elevated concentrations in agricultural areas compared to monitoring points in grass land and in forest areas. In one GW monitoring station, NO3 concentrations exceed the maximum permissible limits (MPL) according to EU water quality standards (MPL = 50 mg/l NO3), up to factor two. High ammonia concentrations at another station may be due to excessive application of manure. The contribution of the different sub-catchments to nitrate load in SW can be ranked in decreasing order in Zone B, D, A and C. Drainage and interflow proved to be a major contributor with 55% - 65% of total load in SW. With the applied method a robust estimation of GW contribution to nitrate loads is feasible using typically available monitoring data of German environmental authorities.

A Seismic Hazard Map Based on Geology and Shear-wave Velocity in Rawalpindi–Islamabad,Pakistan

The‘twin cities’district of Rawalpindi–Islamabad is among the most endangered seismic regions in Pakistan,with the seismic hazard assessed(0.32 g)to intensity IX MMI for a 475-year return period.A seismic hazard map for Rawalpindi–Islamabad is presented herein,based on 85 shear-wave velocity(VS)profiles obtained through geophysical H/V measurements and from the geological map of the region.Relationships between the average top thirty-meter shear-wave velocities(VS30)and surficial geological units have been determined.The peak ground acceleration(PGA)maps for 150,475 and 2475-year return periods were converted into a seismic intensity map.Intensity increments for different soils were used to compute PGA values for 150,475 and 2475-year return periods.Sites located on softer ground experienced a higher degree of damage from moderate earthquakes.Due to the presence of soft clay or liquefiable soil and lateral spreading,a few locations may be classified as hybrid sites class C and D.This map is a critical step in facilitating code-based site classification and seismic design throughout Rawalpindi–Islamabad.Although the seismic hazard map based on seismic intensities is no longer used in engineering geology,it is still important in seismological analysis and for civil protection purposes.

Is Ziarat a Potential Site for Conventional or Unconventional Energy Resources?

A structural interpretation of the Ziarat block in the Balochistan region （a part of the Suleiman Fold and Thrust Belt） has been carried out using seismic and seismological data. Seismic data consists of nine 2.5D pre-stack migrated seismic lines, whereas the seismological data covers the Fault Plane Solution and source parameters. Structural interpretation describes two broad fault sets of fore and back thrusts in the study area that have resulted in the development of pop-up structures, accountable for the structural traps and seismicity pattern in terms of seismic hazard. Seismic interpretation includes time and depth contour maps of the Dungan Formation and Ranikot group, while seismological interpretation includes Fault Plane Solution, that is correlated with a geological and structural map of the area for the interpretation of the nature of the subsurface faults. Principal stresses are also estimated for the Ranikot group and Dungan Formation. In order to calculate anisotropic elastic properties, the parameters of the rock strength of the formations are first determined from seismic data, along with the dominant stresses （vertical, minimum horizontal, and maximum horizontal）. The differential ratio of the maximum and minimum horizontal stresses is obtained to indicate optimal zones for hydraulic fracturing, and to assess the potential for geothermal energy reservoir prospect generation. The stress maps indicate high values towards the deeper part of the horizon, and low towards the shallower part, attributed to the lithological and structural variation in the area. Outcomes of structural interpretation indicate a good correlation of structure and tectonics from both seismological and seismic methods.

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Plants Used for the Treatment of Stomach,Diabetes,and Ophthalmic Diseases in Sudhan Gali,Kashmir,Pakistan

The present paper represents the ethnopharmacological survey of Sudhan Gali,Kashmir,Pakistan.The study revealed that 12 plant species belonging to 11 families were used for the treatment of stomach,diabetes and ophthalmic diseases by the local people in Sudhan Gali.Achillea millefolium,Aconitum heterophyllum,Berberis lycium,Polygonum amplexicaule,Mentha longifolia,Paeonia emodi,Plantago lanceolata were locally used for stomach related problems treatment;Berberis lycium,Skimmia lareola,Solanum dulcamara for diabetes and Geranium wallichianum,Artemisia vulgaris,Solanum dulcamara,and Corydalis crassifolia used for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases.Two species Berberis lycium and Solanum dulcamara have multipurpose value.Former is used to treat stomach as well as diabetes while latter is used to treat not only to diabetes but also ophthalmic diseases.According to IUCN categories,out of these 12 plant species collected and marketed,Polygonum amplexicaule and Paeonia emodi are endangered,Aconitum heterophyllum;Berberis lycium species are vulnerable while Plantago lanceolata and Skimmia lareola species are rare.The availability of these medicinal plants has decreased during the past 20 years and these are facing a drastic biotic pressure due to their extensive usage and non-scientific methods of collection.It is quite evident that these valuable native medicinal plants species are going to decline in number and ultimately will become extinct if no timely proper conservation strategies are adopted.

Influence of Various Row Spacing on the Yield and Yield Components of Raya Anmol and Faisal Canola under Coastal Climatic Conditions of Lasbela

During 2013-2014 a field experiment was conducted at experimental area of Faculty of Agriculture under Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Science, Uthal, Lasbela to evaluate the influence of various row spacing on the yield and yield components of Raya Anmol and Faisal Canola under coastal climatic conditions of Lasbela. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement having 3 replications was used. Experiment comprises two canola varieties, C1 = Raya Anmol, C2 = Faisal Canola at 3 row spacing distances RS1 = 30 cm, RS2 = 45 cm and RS3 = 60 cm respectively. Result showed that yield and yield contributing traits are significant. It was concluded that seed yield of C1 (Faisal Canola) was better as compared to that of Raya Anmol. Row spacing (RS3 = 60 cm) yielded more crop canopy and the highest number of pod per plant, pod length and seed yield under agro climatic condition of Lasbela as compared to other densely arranged row spacing.

The Influence of Rain Gauge Network Density on the Performance of a Hydrological Model

Rain gauge data suffers from spatial errors because of precipitation variability within short distances and due to sparse or irregular network. Use of interpolation is often unreliable to evaluate due to the aforementioned irregular sparse networks. This study is carried out in the Nette River catchment of Lower Saxony to alleviate the problem of using gauge data to measure the performance of interpolation. Radar precipitation data was extracted in the positions of 53 rain gauge stations, which are distributed throughout the range of the weather surveillance radar (WSR). Since radar data traditionally suffers from temporal errors, it was corrected using the Mean Field Bias (MFB) method by utilizing the rain gauge data and then further used as the reference precipitation in the study. The performances of Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and Ordinary Kriging (OK) interpolation methods by means of cross validation were assessed. Evaluation of the effect of the gauge densities on HBV-IWW hydrological model was achieved by comparing the simulated discharges for the two interpolation methods and corresponding densities against the simulated discharge of the reference precipitation data. Interpolation performance in winter was much better than summer for both interpolation methods. Furthermore, Ordinary Kriging performed marginally better than Inverse Distance Weighting in both seasons. In case of areal precipitation, progressive improvement in performance with increase in gauge density for both interpolation methods was observed, but Inverse Distance Weighting was found more consistent up to higher densities. Comparison showed that Ordinary Kriging outperformed Inverse Distance Weighting only up to 70% density, beyond which the performance is equal. The hydrological modelling results are similar to that of areal precipitation except that for both methods, there was no improvement in performance beyond the 50% gauge density.

基于修正复合干旱指数的干旱综合监测及其在湖北省的应用

在全球气候变化的大背景下,干旱的准确监测和综合评估对区域农业的可持续发展具有重要的现实意义。基于干旱发生和发展过程的多因性和复杂性,综合考虑降水、气温、蒸散发和地表含水量等多个干旱因子构建了修正复合干旱指数(Modified Composite Drought Index,MCDI),并以湖北省为研究区域对该指数进行计算和验证。通过与广泛应用的单/多变量干旱指数--标准化降水指数(Standardized Precipitation Index,SPI)和综合气象指数(Composite Index,CI)的监测结果进行对比,验证其干旱监测结果的准确性。结合湖北省干旱事件的历史记录进一步对比发现,MCDI较SPI和CI的监测干旱事件准确率分别提高了33.3%和50%,且MCDI能更精确地监测到干旱事件的严重程度,更符合实际旱情。MCDI指数的提出为综合评估区域性干旱提供了一种新方法。

中巴喀喇昆仑公路冰川灾害

中巴公路穿越西喀喇昆仑-喜马拉雅山系的冰缘地带,沿线冰川活跃,冰川消融与进退等引发各类地质灾害,严重损毁公路,危及公路安全。中巴公路灾害防治是中巴公路改扩建工程的目标,科学防灾减灾需要掌握中巴公路沿线冰川及冰川灾害的形成及发展规律。通过野外调查、定点观测、文献检索与遥感解译等研究手段发现,独特的地形地貌、丰沛的夏季降雪、险峻的地形落差、山地气候波动等环境因素孕育大量跃动型冰川,具有长期萎缩与间歇跃动、同期不同步、夏季累积型和悬冰川的活动特征。中巴公路沿线可区分为四大活动性冰川群,洪扎河谷(Hunza River)一带的帕苏幕士塔格山冰川群(Pasu Mustaghs)最为活跃。中巴公路冰川灾害可分为冰川灾害与冰川地质灾害两大类别,10个类型。其中,冰湖溃决、冰川泥石流的治理是工程上主要面临的防治问题。

Suitability of common models to estimate hydrology and diffuse water pollution in North-eastern German lowland catchments with intensive agricultural land use

Various process-based models are extensively being used to analyze and forecast catchment hydrology and water quality. However, it is always important to select the appropriate hydrological and water quality modeling tools to predict and analyze the watershed and also consider their strengths and weaknesses. Different factors such as data availability, hydrological, hydraulic, and water quality processes and their desired level of complexity are crucial for selecting a plausible modeling tool. This review is focused on suitable model selection with a focus on desired hydrological, hydraulic and water quality processes(nitrogen fate and transport in surface, subsurface and groundwater bodies) by keeping in view the typical lowland catchments with intensive agricultural land use,higher groundwater tables, and decreased retention times due to the provision of artificial drainage. In this study, four different physically based, partially and fully distributed integrated water modeling tools, SWAT(soil and water assessment tool), SWIM(soil and water integrated model),HSPF(hydrological simulation program– FORTRAN) and a combination of tools from DHI(MIKE SHE coupled with MIKE 11 and ECO Lab), have been reviewed particularly for the Tollense River catchment located in North-eastern Germany. DHI combined tools and SWAT were more suitable for simulating the desired hydrological processes, but in the case of river hydraulics and water quality, the DHI family of tools has an edge due to their integrated coupling between MIKE SHE, MIKE 11 and ECO Lab. In case of SWAT, it needs to be coupled with another tool to model the hydraulics in the Tollense River as SWAT does not include backwater effects and provision of control structures. However, both SWAT and DHI tools are more data demanding in comparison to SWIM and HSPF. For studying nitrogen fate and transport in unsaturated, saturated, and river zone, HSPF was a better model to simulate the desired nitrogen transformation and transport processes. However, for nitrogen dynamics and transformations in shallow streams, ECO Lab had an edge due its flexibility for inclusion of user-desired water quality parameters and processes. In the case of SWIM, most of the input data and governing equations are similar to SWAT but it does not include water bodies(ponds and lakes), wetlands and drainage systems. In this review, only the processes that were needed to simulate the Tollense River catchment were considered, however the resulted model selection criteria can be generalized to other lowland catchments in Australia, North-western Europe and North America with similar complexity.

Fabrication of NiO coated SiO_2 and SiO_2 coated NiO for the removal of Pb^(2+) ions

We have prepared silica,SiO2coated NiO and NiO coated SiO2by sol-gel method.The physicochemical properties of the desired materials were investigated by surface charge properties,scanning electron microscopy（SEM）,energy dispersive X-ray（EDX） spectroscopy,surface area measurements and X-ray diffraction（XRD） analyses.The point of zero charge（PZC） of the solid was determined by the salt addition method.In coated materials,two PZC values were noted representing the surface charge of their counterparts.The SEM image of SiO2coated NiO displays a uniform coating of silica on the surface of NiO whereas in case of NiO coated SiO2,a honeycomb like appearance was observed with highly porous structures.In the diffractograms of NiO,the characteristic peaks were suppressed in NiO coated silica however,no diffraction peak could be seen in SiO2coated NiO.Batch adsorption technique was applied for the removal of Pb2＋ions from aqueous solution.The sorption trend for Pb2＋ions was observed in the order of NiO coated SiO2〉 SiO2coated NiO 〉 NiO 〉 SiO2.This trend confirms that the coated materials have more sorption capacities than their parent counterparts.

Technologies and Practical Implementations of Air-conditioner Based Demand Response

Nowadays,the most notable uncertainty for an electricity utility lies in the electrical demand of end-users.Demand response(DR)has acquired considerable attention due to uncertain generation outputs from intermittent renewable energy sources and advancements of smart grid technologies.The percentage of the air-conditioner(AC)load over the total load demand in a building is usually very high.Therefore,controlling the power demand of ACs is one of significant measures for implementing DR.In this paper,the increasing development of ACs,and their impacts on power demand are firstly introduced,with an overview of possible DR programs.Then,a comprehensive review and discussion on control techniques and DR programs for ACs to manage electricity utilization in residential and commercial energy sectors are carried out.Next,comparative analysis among various programs and projects utilized in different countries for optimizing electricity consumption by ACs is presented.Finally,the conclusions along with future recommendations and challenges for optimal employment of ACs are presented in the perspective of power systems.