The formation of Stagnic Anthrosols is closely related to rice planting and parent materials. Six representative pedons, two from each of three Stagnic Anthrosol subgroups, Vertic Haplic-, Vertic Gleyic-, and Sulfic G...The formation of Stagnic Anthrosols is closely related to rice planting and parent materials. Six representative pedons, two from each of three Stagnic Anthrosol subgroups, Vertic Haplic-, Vertic Gleyic-, and Sulfic Gleyic-Stagnic Anthrosols, from different parent materials and soil formation processes, from Liaoning Province, China, were selected and used along with additional supporting data to assess the potential impact in each soil subgroup combination of both pedogenic and anthropogenic factors on the migration and geochemical characteristics of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and their relations to soil particle-size composition. Results revealed that exchangeable Mg was correlated positively with clay and silt content, but negatively with sand content, suggesting that clay and silt could retain more exchangeable Mg than sand. Also, in the six pedons exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios generally decreased with depth, which was most likely due to the preferential retention of Mg below the Apl horizon and the effects of bio-cycling in rice-soil systems. The pedons with high pH had smaller exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios than those with low pH. Thus, it was concluded that exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios could be helpful in classification of Stagnic Anthrosols.展开更多
The survival chance of epiphytie orchids today not only depends on the natural site conditions required by the orchids but also on anthropogenic changes in site conditions. This study answers two questions： （1） Wha...The survival chance of epiphytie orchids today not only depends on the natural site conditions required by the orchids but also on anthropogenic changes in site conditions. This study answers two questions： （1） What is the ecological niche of the different epiphytic orchid species？ （2） What are the ecological factors that threaten epiphytic orchid＇s population under anthropogenic disturbances？ Our study area was the Kathmandu valley, Nepal, with its subtropical forest. We established 156 systematically selected sampling points in the Kathmandu area covering different types of ecosystems under human impacts such as densely populated area, agricultural land, mixed agricultural and settled area, old tree patches, and a natural forest in a national park. The ecological niche of the orchid species was analyzed with a principal component analysis （PCA）. The correlations between the different site factors were statistically significant. Spearman＇s rank correlation matrices showed that the variables land-use intensities with altitude, and height with diameter in breast height （dbh） of host had the highest significant positive correlation coefficient （0.67 and 0.64 respectively）. On the other hand, host bark pH and altitude as well as land use had a significantly strong negative correlation coefficient （-0.80 and -0.61, respectively）. Different epiphytic orchid species interact differently with the given set of environmental factors： for occurrence of Vanda cristata there is no single environmental factor of special influence, while for Rhynehostylis retusa high bark pH and high light availability are important. First two axis of the PCA explained more than 50% of the total variance. Most orchid species occupy a specific, narrow niche in this ecological space. The main causes of anthropogenie influence of orchid population in the Kathmandu Valley are loss of adequate host trees （species and size） and increasing air pollution, resulting in increasing host bark pH.展开更多
Hurricane fighting devices are recommended. The devices belong to the sphere of artificial weather conditions changes over the Earth surface. The purpose of the paper is the development of the original design of devic...Hurricane fighting devices are recommended. The devices belong to the sphere of artificial weather conditions changes over the Earth surface. The purpose of the paper is the development of the original design of devices for hurricane fighting. The decreasing of hurricane energy takes place under the reaction of directed air current against the hurricane air current mass. The air current is created by propellers, located in cylindrical frames with nozzles at a current exit. The devices function due to horizontal hurricanes air current. The essential factor lies in absence of influence on ecology. The devices are of simple constructions, it results in simplification of their production technology and lower cost,展开更多
Exponential increase of anthropogenic impact （human population number, some technological parameters） becomes menacing for biosphere functioning. Anyway, we should be able to estimate quantitatively limits of our im...Exponential increase of anthropogenic impact （human population number, some technological parameters） becomes menacing for biosphere functioning. Anyway, we should be able to estimate quantitatively limits of our impact on functional parameters of the biosphere. Considering biosphere as a natural life-support system （LSS）, we can receive the helpful information for working out and creation of artificial LSS of various types. Big biotic cycle induced with flows of a solar energy, is a basis of functioning of the biosphere and its basic cells-ecosystems. It＇s possible to summarize briefly the main functional and structural properties of the biosphere： integrity, closure, substance cycling, steady state, energy dependence and biodiversity. These properties of the biosphere, as a LSS, ensure potentially everlasting life under the conditions of a limited quantity of substrate suitable for the life on the planet. Ecological Footprint （EF） as a quantitative measure of anthropogenic impact on biosphere functioning is discussed in the paper. The index of the ecological reliability （IER） is introduced as a quantitative ecological indicator of different territories. The comparative dynamics of the United Nations＇ Human Development Index （HDI） and EF is discussed. The vital goal of sustainable human development： all humans can have opportunity to fulfill their lives without degrading the biosphere. To support sustainability, we should try to develop each nation and the mankind as a whole with a high HDI and a low ecological footprint. It means to have high level of HDI at low level of EF. But current tendency of economical and social development shows that the higher HDI is, the bigger EF is. EF of mankind is growing menacingly. Now actual pressure of the human civilization of our planet （2010） upon 50% exceeds its potential possibilities biological capacity （BC）, measured on the area ＂global＂ green hectares）. It means that we need 1.5 planets of the Earth＇s type. It leads to ecological incident in the scale of biosphere. Our biosphere is the large, multilevel, hierarchically organized system, and our civilization is only a part of it. This part is not central; it can disappear for ever, if we do not cope to be included in the biosphere as a great system.展开更多
It has come to notice that developments that take place in rural communities bring about a lot of challenges both positive and negative. However, people who try to manage these challenges use ＂text type＂ in books an...It has come to notice that developments that take place in rural communities bring about a lot of challenges both positive and negative. However, people who try to manage these challenges use ＂text type＂ in books and through other communication media （publications）, but the effect has scarcely been effective because, most of the people living in rural communities are illiterates. The purpose of this study was to use pictorial illustrations to create awareness on how socioeconomic development affects rural communities （Cape Three Points） and the extent to which its effect can be seen on human life within the local communities （fishermen, farmers, and fish mongers） in terms of their livelihood, attitudes, education and on the general environment. Interviews were mainly used to ascertain facts on how the situation was before the new developments started. Workshops were also organized for focus groups, through which the effect of pictorial illustrations on the people were ascertained. Again, how they should prepare for the foreseen changes that will emanate from any form of rural development was also discussed. At the end of the study, it came to light that many of our rural areas face significant challenges. These challenges as a matter of fact affect their cultural practices and the socio-economic development of the people in such rural communities and the country as a whole. It is believed that these challenges and many other related concerns that have emanated from this study would be critically recognized and managed if not solved by the powers that be. Results from this study will form a basis for further discussion of socio-economic effects of rural development on rural communities and any other related effects caused by any physical change on rural environment.展开更多
This paper examines human impact on stands and individual trees of Pinus yunnanensis growing near the small mountain villages of Pianshui and Yangjuan in southwestern Sichuan Province,China.In an effort to assess whet...This paper examines human impact on stands and individual trees of Pinus yunnanensis growing near the small mountain villages of Pianshui and Yangjuan in southwestern Sichuan Province,China.In an effort to assess whether use of these forests was sustainable,we examined the effects of human use in two ways.First,we directly measured the effect of cutting branches,for fuel and fodder,on tree growth.We hypothesized that branch cutting would negatively impact tree growth.We established 12 plots on four hills and compared 14 pairs of trees,one tree in each pair with an apparently full crown and the other with a considerable portion of the crown removed.Second,we assessed stand and tree properties over a 500 m elevation gradient above the villages where we hypothesized that as elevation increases,stand and tree properties should show fewer human impacts.Although extensive branch cutting reduced the live crown,tree height and diameter,compensatory processes likely enabled trees to recover and to add basal area increments(BAIs) similar to those added by trees with full crowns.Trees and stands close to villages showed less growth and lower basal areas,respectively,than stands and trees at intermediate or distant elevations from villages.Areas relatively close to the villages showed considerable effects of human-related disturbances such as branch cutting,grazing,tree and shrub removal,losses of litter,and human and animal trails.Such areas had increased soil erosion and often loss of the ‘A' horizon.Stands close to villages had younger trees,lower stand basal areas,smaller basal area increments,and more stumps.Our results suggest an increasingly vulnerable interface between occupants of these two villages and their surrounding forests.展开更多
Cyclic climatic changes, as well as the press of anthropogenic impact, affect ecosystems of the river Argun basin. Specialization of basin management is industrial and agricultural. The main impact is connected with t...Cyclic climatic changes, as well as the press of anthropogenic impact, affect ecosystems of the river Argun basin. Specialization of basin management is industrial and agricultural. The main impact is connected with the development of mining companies （including the mining of ore and placer gold）, energy facilities, and the formation of reservoirs in the basin of rivers： the Argun -- the Hailar. As a result of natural and anthropogenic pressure, the limiting factor for ecosystem exploitation in this basin is water resources （water deficiency and its quality）.展开更多
Good landing buffering performance can reduce impact and vibration for the bionic locust jumping robot; thus, a landing buffer is important in evaluating the motion performance of the bionic locust robot. In particula...Good landing buffering performance can reduce impact and vibration for the bionic locust jumping robot; thus, a landing buffer is important in evaluating the motion performance of the bionic locust robot. In particular, the legs of the robot are the main structures that realize the buffer; thus, its structure affects buffering performance. Three typical leg structure models are established based on the physiological analysis of the locust leg and research status, namely, bionic leg, multi-constraint leg, and arc legs. Kinematic and force analyses are conducted for these types of legs. Particularly, flexible deformation of leg link is considered in the analysis to describe the movement process accurately. In order to compare the buffering performance of these types of legs quantitatively, the performance indices with maximum buffering distance, the energy absorption capability, and the mechanical property are presented. Based on the performance indices, the structure parameters are analyzed and optimized. The buffering performance of the three leg structures is compared with the comprehensive performance of different structures in each best state. This study offers a quantitative analysis and comparison for different legs of bionic locust jumping robot based on landing buffering performance. Furthermore, a theoretical basis for future research and engineering applications is established.展开更多
基金1 Project supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. KZCX2-413-9) and theNational High Technology Research and Development Program of China (No. 2004AA246020).
文摘The formation of Stagnic Anthrosols is closely related to rice planting and parent materials. Six representative pedons, two from each of three Stagnic Anthrosol subgroups, Vertic Haplic-, Vertic Gleyic-, and Sulfic Gleyic-Stagnic Anthrosols, from different parent materials and soil formation processes, from Liaoning Province, China, were selected and used along with additional supporting data to assess the potential impact in each soil subgroup combination of both pedogenic and anthropogenic factors on the migration and geochemical characteristics of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and their relations to soil particle-size composition. Results revealed that exchangeable Mg was correlated positively with clay and silt content, but negatively with sand content, suggesting that clay and silt could retain more exchangeable Mg than sand. Also, in the six pedons exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios generally decreased with depth, which was most likely due to the preferential retention of Mg below the Apl horizon and the effects of bio-cycling in rice-soil systems. The pedons with high pH had smaller exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios than those with low pH. Thus, it was concluded that exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios could be helpful in classification of Stagnic Anthrosols.
文摘The survival chance of epiphytie orchids today not only depends on the natural site conditions required by the orchids but also on anthropogenic changes in site conditions. This study answers two questions： （1） What is the ecological niche of the different epiphytic orchid species？ （2） What are the ecological factors that threaten epiphytic orchid＇s population under anthropogenic disturbances？ Our study area was the Kathmandu valley, Nepal, with its subtropical forest. We established 156 systematically selected sampling points in the Kathmandu area covering different types of ecosystems under human impacts such as densely populated area, agricultural land, mixed agricultural and settled area, old tree patches, and a natural forest in a national park. The ecological niche of the orchid species was analyzed with a principal component analysis （PCA）. The correlations between the different site factors were statistically significant. Spearman＇s rank correlation matrices showed that the variables land-use intensities with altitude, and height with diameter in breast height （dbh） of host had the highest significant positive correlation coefficient （0.67 and 0.64 respectively）. On the other hand, host bark pH and altitude as well as land use had a significantly strong negative correlation coefficient （-0.80 and -0.61, respectively）. Different epiphytic orchid species interact differently with the given set of environmental factors： for occurrence of Vanda cristata there is no single environmental factor of special influence, while for Rhynehostylis retusa high bark pH and high light availability are important. First two axis of the PCA explained more than 50% of the total variance. Most orchid species occupy a specific, narrow niche in this ecological space. The main causes of anthropogenie influence of orchid population in the Kathmandu Valley are loss of adequate host trees （species and size） and increasing air pollution, resulting in increasing host bark pH.
文摘Hurricane fighting devices are recommended. The devices belong to the sphere of artificial weather conditions changes over the Earth surface. The purpose of the paper is the development of the original design of devices for hurricane fighting. The decreasing of hurricane energy takes place under the reaction of directed air current against the hurricane air current mass. The air current is created by propellers, located in cylindrical frames with nozzles at a current exit. The devices function due to horizontal hurricanes air current. The essential factor lies in absence of influence on ecology. The devices are of simple constructions, it results in simplification of their production technology and lower cost,
文摘Exponential increase of anthropogenic impact （human population number, some technological parameters） becomes menacing for biosphere functioning. Anyway, we should be able to estimate quantitatively limits of our impact on functional parameters of the biosphere. Considering biosphere as a natural life-support system （LSS）, we can receive the helpful information for working out and creation of artificial LSS of various types. Big biotic cycle induced with flows of a solar energy, is a basis of functioning of the biosphere and its basic cells-ecosystems. It＇s possible to summarize briefly the main functional and structural properties of the biosphere： integrity, closure, substance cycling, steady state, energy dependence and biodiversity. These properties of the biosphere, as a LSS, ensure potentially everlasting life under the conditions of a limited quantity of substrate suitable for the life on the planet. Ecological Footprint （EF） as a quantitative measure of anthropogenic impact on biosphere functioning is discussed in the paper. The index of the ecological reliability （IER） is introduced as a quantitative ecological indicator of different territories. The comparative dynamics of the United Nations＇ Human Development Index （HDI） and EF is discussed. The vital goal of sustainable human development： all humans can have opportunity to fulfill their lives without degrading the biosphere. To support sustainability, we should try to develop each nation and the mankind as a whole with a high HDI and a low ecological footprint. It means to have high level of HDI at low level of EF. But current tendency of economical and social development shows that the higher HDI is, the bigger EF is. EF of mankind is growing menacingly. Now actual pressure of the human civilization of our planet （2010） upon 50% exceeds its potential possibilities biological capacity （BC）, measured on the area ＂global＂ green hectares）. It means that we need 1.5 planets of the Earth＇s type. It leads to ecological incident in the scale of biosphere. Our biosphere is the large, multilevel, hierarchically organized system, and our civilization is only a part of it. This part is not central; it can disappear for ever, if we do not cope to be included in the biosphere as a great system.
文摘It has come to notice that developments that take place in rural communities bring about a lot of challenges both positive and negative. However, people who try to manage these challenges use ＂text type＂ in books and through other communication media （publications）, but the effect has scarcely been effective because, most of the people living in rural communities are illiterates. The purpose of this study was to use pictorial illustrations to create awareness on how socioeconomic development affects rural communities （Cape Three Points） and the extent to which its effect can be seen on human life within the local communities （fishermen, farmers, and fish mongers） in terms of their livelihood, attitudes, education and on the general environment. Interviews were mainly used to ascertain facts on how the situation was before the new developments started. Workshops were also organized for focus groups, through which the effect of pictorial illustrations on the people were ascertained. Again, how they should prepare for the foreseen changes that will emanate from any form of rural development was also discussed. At the end of the study, it came to light that many of our rural areas face significant challenges. These challenges as a matter of fact affect their cultural practices and the socio-economic development of the people in such rural communities and the country as a whole. It is believed that these challenges and many other related concerns that have emanated from this study would be critically recognized and managed if not solved by the powers that be. Results from this study will form a basis for further discussion of socio-economic effects of rural development on rural communities and any other related effects caused by any physical change on rural environment.
基金Financial support was provided by an Asian Studies Grant to Harrell, NSF - IGERT 0333408the School of Environmental and Forest SciencesUniversity of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
文摘This paper examines human impact on stands and individual trees of Pinus yunnanensis growing near the small mountain villages of Pianshui and Yangjuan in southwestern Sichuan Province,China.In an effort to assess whether use of these forests was sustainable,we examined the effects of human use in two ways.First,we directly measured the effect of cutting branches,for fuel and fodder,on tree growth.We hypothesized that branch cutting would negatively impact tree growth.We established 12 plots on four hills and compared 14 pairs of trees,one tree in each pair with an apparently full crown and the other with a considerable portion of the crown removed.Second,we assessed stand and tree properties over a 500 m elevation gradient above the villages where we hypothesized that as elevation increases,stand and tree properties should show fewer human impacts.Although extensive branch cutting reduced the live crown,tree height and diameter,compensatory processes likely enabled trees to recover and to add basal area increments(BAIs) similar to those added by trees with full crowns.Trees and stands close to villages showed less growth and lower basal areas,respectively,than stands and trees at intermediate or distant elevations from villages.Areas relatively close to the villages showed considerable effects of human-related disturbances such as branch cutting,grazing,tree and shrub removal,losses of litter,and human and animal trails.Such areas had increased soil erosion and often loss of the ‘A' horizon.Stands close to villages had younger trees,lower stand basal areas,smaller basal area increments,and more stumps.Our results suggest an increasingly vulnerable interface between occupants of these two villages and their surrounding forests.
基金supported by The National Basic Research Development Program of China(No.2009CB42115)the National Natural Science foundation of China(No.40901289),and WWF China
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(41271556)National Natural Science Foundation of China and Russian Foundation for Basic Research(414110106515-56-53037)
文摘Cyclic climatic changes, as well as the press of anthropogenic impact, affect ecosystems of the river Argun basin. Specialization of basin management is industrial and agricultural. The main impact is connected with the development of mining companies （including the mining of ore and placer gold）, energy facilities, and the formation of reservoirs in the basin of rivers： the Argun -- the Hailar. As a result of natural and anthropogenic pressure, the limiting factor for ecosystem exploitation in this basin is water resources （water deficiency and its quality）.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51375035)the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China(Grant No.20121102110021)
文摘Good landing buffering performance can reduce impact and vibration for the bionic locust jumping robot; thus, a landing buffer is important in evaluating the motion performance of the bionic locust robot. In particular, the legs of the robot are the main structures that realize the buffer; thus, its structure affects buffering performance. Three typical leg structure models are established based on the physiological analysis of the locust leg and research status, namely, bionic leg, multi-constraint leg, and arc legs. Kinematic and force analyses are conducted for these types of legs. Particularly, flexible deformation of leg link is considered in the analysis to describe the movement process accurately. In order to compare the buffering performance of these types of legs quantitatively, the performance indices with maximum buffering distance, the energy absorption capability, and the mechanical property are presented. Based on the performance indices, the structure parameters are analyzed and optimized. The buffering performance of the three leg structures is compared with the comprehensive performance of different structures in each best state. This study offers a quantitative analysis and comparison for different legs of bionic locust jumping robot based on landing buffering performance. Furthermore, a theoretical basis for future research and engineering applications is established.
