A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge （industrial and residential） on seed germination and growth performance of Acacia auriculiformis seedlings at the nursery of Institute of Forestry and Environm...A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge （industrial and residential） on seed germination and growth performance of Acacia auriculiformis seedlings at the nursery of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University （IFESCU）, Bangladesh. Before sowing of the seeds, different combinations of sludge were incorporated with the nutrient-deficient natural forest soils. Seed germination and growth parameters of the seedlings （shoot and root length, collar diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoot, and root and total dry biomass） were recorded after one, two and three months of seed sowing. Physio-chemical parameters （pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium） and heavy metals （chromium, nickel, manganese, cadmium and zinc） of each treatment were also analyzed before sowing of seeds and after harvesting of seedlings. Results show that the seed germination percentage and the seedling growth parameters varied significantly in the soil added with sludge in comparison to control. The highest germination percentage （90%） was observed in the treatment of soil with residential sludge of 2：1 compared to control. The highest growth and biomass of the seedlings as well as the maximum percentage of organic carbon and nutrients （N, P and K） were also recorded in the same combination. Soil added with industrial sludge had a higher concentration of heavy metal than that of residential sludge. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in soil added with industrial sludge of 1：1. It is recommended that soil added with residential sludge of 2：1 provide good condition for better seed germination and growth ofA. auriculiformis seedlings in degraded forest soil.展开更多
The objective of this research was to enhance adsorption capacity of Acacia nilotica （keekar） sawdust for the abatement of chromium bearing wastewater and to investigate the effect of process parameters on adsorptio...The objective of this research was to enhance adsorption capacity of Acacia nilotica （keekar） sawdust for the abatement of chromium bearing wastewater and to investigate the effect of process parameters on adsorption capacity. The sawdust was activated by acid wash and functionalized subsequently with formaldehyde. Functionalization of activated sawdust raised its chromium removal efficiency of almost 10% as compared to its adsorption removal efficiency of HCl treated sawdust in a batch adsorption study. Adsorption kinetic data provided better fitting with pseudo second order model. Maximum adsorption capacity calculated through the best fitting Langmuir model was 6.34 mg·g^-1 and 8.2 mg·g^-1 for HCl treated and formaldehyde functionalized sawdust adsorbents, respectively. The adsorption of Cr（VI） was endothermic when studied by varying temperature from 20℃ to 50℃ for both activated and functionalized adsorbents.展开更多
The decomposition of the environmental degradation cost in Benin Republic revealed that the agricultural activities are responsible of the greatest amount of this cost （76.1%）. This situation is strengthened by the ...The decomposition of the environmental degradation cost in Benin Republic revealed that the agricultural activities are responsible of the greatest amount of this cost （76.1%）. This situation is strengthened by the fallow periods shortening （and even suppression） in the southern Benin in general, because of demographic pressure. The promotion of some improved fallow technologies （IFT） was then launched some decades ago. This study focused on two IFT of high agro-ecological value, Mucuna pruriens and Acacia auriculiformis, in order to determine the influence of the farmers＇ wellbeing state on their farming systems in general, and on the adoption level of these two technologies in Godohou village （southern Benin）. The data analysis revealed that： There was no significant difference between the farmers＇ amount knowing the agronomic and ecological value of Mucuna pruriens and Acacia auriculiformis from a level of prosperity to another; Three wealth levels were distinguished： The poor class （Ayatonon class）, the less poor class （Metchivo-Houedeka class） and the non poor class （Hotonon class） which represented respectively 35.4%, 55.9% and 8.7%;The adoption rate of Mucuna and Acacia fallow was globally low in Godohou village （25.7%）, but this adoption rate was lesser in the poorest class than in all other classes. This trend was confirmed if we integrate a global agro-ecological analysis of the farming systems practiced by the farmers.展开更多
This paper sets out to determine the link between socio-economic attributes of smallholders, silvicultural activity and the stand quality of Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus urophylla plantations in two unrelated commune...This paper sets out to determine the link between socio-economic attributes of smallholders, silvicultural activity and the stand quality of Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus urophylla plantations in two unrelated communes in Phu Tho province, Vietnam. The necessary data was collected by interviewing the smallholders and conducting inventory of the stands. The data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman correlations. More silvicultural practices were conducted by A. mangium planters with larger areas. Most of the smallholders practiced the suggested silvicultural activities. Productivity was affected by pruning in medium quality sites. This research recommends that smallholders were supported with incentives for the plantation establishment, education for smallholders in silvicultural techniques, organization and development activities for the wider market.展开更多
I wish to explore the idea that thought experiments are best accounted for as a special case of a narrative that features an interplay between puzzles and paradoxes. Furthermore, I believe the more successfully though...I wish to explore the idea that thought experiments are best accounted for as a special case of a narrative that features an interplay between puzzles and paradoxes. Furthermore, I believe the more successfully thought experiments manage to combine puzzles and paradoxes the more insightful and instructive they become. I suggest the latter kind of thought experiments also use the technique of mental variation.展开更多
Coastal sand dune ecosystems generally have infertile soil with low water-holding capacity and high salinity. However, many plant species have adapted to the harsh sand environment along the southeastern coast of Chin...Coastal sand dune ecosystems generally have infertile soil with low water-holding capacity and high salinity. However, many plant species have adapted to the harsh sand environment along the southeastern coast of China. Studying the microbial biomass in such an ecosystem can improve our understanding of the roles that microbes play in soil fertility and nutrient cycling. We investigated the differences in soil microbial biomass carbon(MBC) and nitrogen(MBN) contents and their seasonal dynamics in five forest types(a secondary forest and plantations of Casuarinas, Pine, Acacia, and Eucalyptus). The results indicated that the seasonal variations of soil MBC and MBN contents in all five forest stands were higher in spring and winter, but lower in summer and autumn. The MBC content was lower in the Casuarinas plantation than in the other plantations in the same soil layer. However, no significant differences were observed in MBN contents among the different forest types. The MBC and MBN concentrations were positively correlated with soil moisture, but negatively correlated with soil temperature. The MBC and MBN contents also decreased with increasing soil depth. Across all soil layers, secondary forest had the highest MBC and MBN concentrations. Our study also showed that the MBC and MBN contents were positively affected by total soil carbon(TC), pH, and litter N content, but were negatively impacted by soil bulk density and litter C content. Moreover, the MBN content was positively correlated with root N content. In summary, environmental factors and the differences in litter and fine roots, soil nutrient contents, as well as the soil physical and chemical properties caused by different tree species collectively affected the concentrations of the soil MBC and MBN.展开更多
Aims In plant eco-physiology,less negative(enriched)carbon 13(^(13)C)in the leaves indicates conditions of reducing leaf gas exchange through stomata,e.g.under drought.In addition,^(13)C is expected to be less negativ...Aims In plant eco-physiology,less negative(enriched)carbon 13(^(13)C)in the leaves indicates conditions of reducing leaf gas exchange through stomata,e.g.under drought.In addition,^(13)C is expected to be less negative in non-photosynthetic tissues as compared with leaves.However,these relationships inδ^(13)C from leaves(photosynthetic organs)to branches,stems and roots(non-photosynthetic organs)are rarely tested across multiple closely related tree species,multiple compartments,or in trees growing under extreme heat and drought.Methods We measured leaf-to-root^(13)C in three closely related desert acacia species(Acacia tortilis,A.raddiana and A.pachyceras).We measuredδ^(13)C in leaf tissues from mature trees in southern Israel.In parallel,a 7-year irrigation experiment with 0.5,1.0 or 4.0 L day1 was conducted in an experimental orchard.At the end of the experiment,growth parameters andδ^(13)C were measured in leaves,branches,stems and roots.Important Findings Theδ^(13)C in leaf tissues sampled from mature trees was ca.-27‰,far more depleted than expected from a desert tree growing in one of the Earth's driest and hottest environments.Across acacia species and compartments,δ^(13)C was not enriched at all irrigation levels(-28‰to ca.-27‰),confirming our measurements in the mature trees.Among compartments,leafδ^(13)C was unexpectedly similar to branch and rootδ^(13)C,and surprisingly,even less negative than stemδ^(13)C.The highly depleted leafδ^(13)C suggests that these trees have high stomatai gas exchange,despite growing in extremely dry habitats.The lack ofδ^(13)C enrichment in nonphotosynthetic tissues might be related to the seasonal coupling of growth of leaves and heterotrophic tissues.展开更多
This work presents a formalized description of information and communicative interac- tions of individuals on the basis of the communicative field （CF） method. It also contains explication of the possibility to crea...This work presents a formalized description of information and communicative interac- tions of individuals on the basis of the communicative field （CF） method. It also contains explication of the possibility to create model of information and communication inter- actions, which is able to illustrate both interactions between two and more individuals. Methods and approaches which are suggested in this paper can correctly simulate the processes of distortion and generation of information images （IIs） with information and communication social interaction. Expansion and addition of IIs theory in terms of the transmission of information between individuals allows us to speak about the space of IIs. This space helps to explain a number of characteristic phenomena of human thinking.展开更多
文摘A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge （industrial and residential） on seed germination and growth performance of Acacia auriculiformis seedlings at the nursery of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University （IFESCU）, Bangladesh. Before sowing of the seeds, different combinations of sludge were incorporated with the nutrient-deficient natural forest soils. Seed germination and growth parameters of the seedlings （shoot and root length, collar diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoot, and root and total dry biomass） were recorded after one, two and three months of seed sowing. Physio-chemical parameters （pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium） and heavy metals （chromium, nickel, manganese, cadmium and zinc） of each treatment were also analyzed before sowing of seeds and after harvesting of seedlings. Results show that the seed germination percentage and the seedling growth parameters varied significantly in the soil added with sludge in comparison to control. The highest germination percentage （90%） was observed in the treatment of soil with residential sludge of 2：1 compared to control. The highest growth and biomass of the seedlings as well as the maximum percentage of organic carbon and nutrients （N, P and K） were also recorded in the same combination. Soil added with industrial sludge had a higher concentration of heavy metal than that of residential sludge. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in soil added with industrial sludge of 1：1. It is recommended that soil added with residential sludge of 2：1 provide good condition for better seed germination and growth ofA. auriculiformis seedlings in degraded forest soil.
文摘The objective of this research was to enhance adsorption capacity of Acacia nilotica （keekar） sawdust for the abatement of chromium bearing wastewater and to investigate the effect of process parameters on adsorption capacity. The sawdust was activated by acid wash and functionalized subsequently with formaldehyde. Functionalization of activated sawdust raised its chromium removal efficiency of almost 10% as compared to its adsorption removal efficiency of HCl treated sawdust in a batch adsorption study. Adsorption kinetic data provided better fitting with pseudo second order model. Maximum adsorption capacity calculated through the best fitting Langmuir model was 6.34 mg·g^-1 and 8.2 mg·g^-1 for HCl treated and formaldehyde functionalized sawdust adsorbents, respectively. The adsorption of Cr（VI） was endothermic when studied by varying temperature from 20℃ to 50℃ for both activated and functionalized adsorbents.
文摘The decomposition of the environmental degradation cost in Benin Republic revealed that the agricultural activities are responsible of the greatest amount of this cost （76.1%）. This situation is strengthened by the fallow periods shortening （and even suppression） in the southern Benin in general, because of demographic pressure. The promotion of some improved fallow technologies （IFT） was then launched some decades ago. This study focused on two IFT of high agro-ecological value, Mucuna pruriens and Acacia auriculiformis, in order to determine the influence of the farmers＇ wellbeing state on their farming systems in general, and on the adoption level of these two technologies in Godohou village （southern Benin）. The data analysis revealed that： There was no significant difference between the farmers＇ amount knowing the agronomic and ecological value of Mucuna pruriens and Acacia auriculiformis from a level of prosperity to another; Three wealth levels were distinguished： The poor class （Ayatonon class）, the less poor class （Metchivo-Houedeka class） and the non poor class （Hotonon class） which represented respectively 35.4%, 55.9% and 8.7%;The adoption rate of Mucuna and Acacia fallow was globally low in Godohou village （25.7%）, but this adoption rate was lesser in the poorest class than in all other classes. This trend was confirmed if we integrate a global agro-ecological analysis of the farming systems practiced by the farmers.
文摘This paper sets out to determine the link between socio-economic attributes of smallholders, silvicultural activity and the stand quality of Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus urophylla plantations in two unrelated communes in Phu Tho province, Vietnam. The necessary data was collected by interviewing the smallholders and conducting inventory of the stands. The data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman correlations. More silvicultural practices were conducted by A. mangium planters with larger areas. Most of the smallholders practiced the suggested silvicultural activities. Productivity was affected by pruning in medium quality sites. This research recommends that smallholders were supported with incentives for the plantation establishment, education for smallholders in silvicultural techniques, organization and development activities for the wider market.
文摘I wish to explore the idea that thought experiments are best accounted for as a special case of a narrative that features an interplay between puzzles and paradoxes. Furthermore, I believe the more successfully thought experiments manage to combine puzzles and paradoxes the more insightful and instructive they become. I suggest the latter kind of thought experiments also use the technique of mental variation.
基金The Science and Technology Major Project of Fujian Province (2018NZ0001-1)The Basal Research Fund of Fujian Province Public Scientific Research Institution (2019R1009-6)+1 种基金The Casuarina Research Center of Engineering and TechnologyThe Key Laboratory of Forest Culture and Forest Product Processing Utilization of Fujian Province。
文摘Coastal sand dune ecosystems generally have infertile soil with low water-holding capacity and high salinity. However, many plant species have adapted to the harsh sand environment along the southeastern coast of China. Studying the microbial biomass in such an ecosystem can improve our understanding of the roles that microbes play in soil fertility and nutrient cycling. We investigated the differences in soil microbial biomass carbon(MBC) and nitrogen(MBN) contents and their seasonal dynamics in five forest types(a secondary forest and plantations of Casuarinas, Pine, Acacia, and Eucalyptus). The results indicated that the seasonal variations of soil MBC and MBN contents in all five forest stands were higher in spring and winter, but lower in summer and autumn. The MBC content was lower in the Casuarinas plantation than in the other plantations in the same soil layer. However, no significant differences were observed in MBN contents among the different forest types. The MBC and MBN concentrations were positively correlated with soil moisture, but negatively correlated with soil temperature. The MBC and MBN contents also decreased with increasing soil depth. Across all soil layers, secondary forest had the highest MBC and MBN concentrations. Our study also showed that the MBC and MBN contents were positively affected by total soil carbon(TC), pH, and litter N content, but were negatively impacted by soil bulk density and litter C content. Moreover, the MBN content was positively correlated with root N content. In summary, environmental factors and the differences in litter and fine roots, soil nutrient contents, as well as the soil physical and chemical properties caused by different tree species collectively affected the concentrations of the soil MBC and MBN.
基金funded by the Benoziyo Fund for the Advancement of ScienceMr and Mrs Norman Reiser,together with the Weizmann Center for New Scientists+1 种基金the Edith&Nathan Goldberg Career Development Chair.D.U.was funded by Ariovich scholarship and by the scholarship of the environmental science school of the Hebrew University.G.W.thanks the Arava Drainage Authority and the Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology(MOST)for their continued support.The study used data available through the TRY initiative on plant traits(http://www.try-db.org,data request 8968).The TRY initiative and database is hosted,developed and maintained by J.Kattge and G.Bonisch(Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry,Jena,Germany)TRY is currently supported by DIVERSITAS/Future Earth and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research(iDiv)Halle-Jena-Leipzig.
文摘Aims In plant eco-physiology,less negative(enriched)carbon 13(^(13)C)in the leaves indicates conditions of reducing leaf gas exchange through stomata,e.g.under drought.In addition,^(13)C is expected to be less negative in non-photosynthetic tissues as compared with leaves.However,these relationships inδ^(13)C from leaves(photosynthetic organs)to branches,stems and roots(non-photosynthetic organs)are rarely tested across multiple closely related tree species,multiple compartments,or in trees growing under extreme heat and drought.Methods We measured leaf-to-root^(13)C in three closely related desert acacia species(Acacia tortilis,A.raddiana and A.pachyceras).We measuredδ^(13)C in leaf tissues from mature trees in southern Israel.In parallel,a 7-year irrigation experiment with 0.5,1.0 or 4.0 L day1 was conducted in an experimental orchard.At the end of the experiment,growth parameters andδ^(13)C were measured in leaves,branches,stems and roots.Important Findings Theδ^(13)C in leaf tissues sampled from mature trees was ca.-27‰,far more depleted than expected from a desert tree growing in one of the Earth's driest and hottest environments.Across acacia species and compartments,δ^(13)C was not enriched at all irrigation levels(-28‰to ca.-27‰),confirming our measurements in the mature trees.Among compartments,leafδ^(13)C was unexpectedly similar to branch and rootδ^(13)C,and surprisingly,even less negative than stemδ^(13)C.The highly depleted leafδ^(13)C suggests that these trees have high stomatai gas exchange,despite growing in extremely dry habitats.The lack ofδ^(13)C enrichment in nonphotosynthetic tissues might be related to the seasonal coupling of growth of leaves and heterotrophic tissues.
基金Research was partially supported by a Grant from the Russian Science Foundation （Project No. 15-18-00047）. This research was partially supported by Grants from the Board President of the Russian Federation （Project MK-7165.2015.6）.
文摘This work presents a formalized description of information and communicative interac- tions of individuals on the basis of the communicative field （CF） method. It also contains explication of the possibility to create model of information and communication inter- actions, which is able to illustrate both interactions between two and more individuals. Methods and approaches which are suggested in this paper can correctly simulate the processes of distortion and generation of information images （IIs） with information and communication social interaction. Expansion and addition of IIs theory in terms of the transmission of information between individuals allows us to speak about the space of IIs. This space helps to explain a number of characteristic phenomena of human thinking.
