Objective] This study was performed to investigate the trait changes and their correlations as wel as the dynamic changes of biological yield of Xuzishu 3, which wil help to enhance the yield and anthocyanin content o...Objective] This study was performed to investigate the trait changes and their correlations as wel as the dynamic changes of biological yield of Xuzishu 3, which wil help to enhance the yield and anthocyanin content of sweetpotato by cul-tivation. [Method] We systematical y measured the agronomic traits, qualitative char-acters and biological yield of Xuzishu 3 during six growing periods to investigate the dynamic changes of its essential characters and yield accumulation. [Result] The characters of Xuzishu 3 appeared most prosperous after the 90th d except for an-thocyanin content. Extremely significant positive correlations were found between ev-ery two of the dry matter rates of above-ground parts (including leaf petioles, leaves and stems), reducing sugar content and potato weight per plant. Assimilated product distributed more in stems and leaves than in storage roots before the 90th d in growing period. Photosynthetic capacity and net assimilation rate gradual y de-creased after the 90th d, but the assimilated product distributing to storage roots in-creased quickly and maximized in the 135th d. [Conclusion] Xuzishu 3 is a late ma-turing variety requiring more fertilizer, and the accumulation of anthocyanin fluctuates during the growth period of Xuzishu 3. So yield of Xuzishu 3 can be increased by applying more fertilizer and extending the growth period reasonably, meanwhile the anthocyanin content can be increased by means of control ing temperature, light, water and phytohormone within 60 d after planting.展开更多
[Objective] The paper was to study the dynamic changes of forage nutrient substance fermentation in rumen, and a set of continuous culture system of artificial rumen was designed. [Method] With in vivo as control, the...[Objective] The paper was to study the dynamic changes of forage nutrient substance fermentation in rumen, and a set of continuous culture system of artificial rumen was designed. [Method] With in vivo as control, the simulating rumen fer- mentation effect in vitro culture system was evaluated. [Result] The simulation rumen fermentation test needed adaptive phase of 2-3 d, and the fermentation state was relatively stable within 3-9 d, with good effects. The test showed certain regularity variation with index value of rumen in vivo. [Conclusion] The continuous culture sys- tem of artificial rumen could be used as the ideal model to study the rumen fermen- tation in vivo.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the characteristics of fat metabolism in rat skeletal muscle after hypobaric hypoxia acclimation. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups randomly: control group (H0), hyp...Objective:To investigate the characteristics of fat metabolism in rat skeletal muscle after hypobaric hypoxia acclimation. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups randomly: control group (H0), hypoxic 5-day group (HS), and hypoxic 15-day group (H15). Animals of H5 and 15 groups were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia chamber simulating 5 000 m high altitude for 5 d or 15 d respectively, 23 h per day. H0 group stayed outside of chamber The level of fatty acid oxidation and uptake, and glucose oxidation were examined, and the level of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) were also assayed in rat skeletal muscles. Results: The contents of ATP and PCr in H5 group were lower than those in H0 and H15 groups (P〈0.05), while there was no significant difference between H0 and H15. Compared with H0, the blood NEFA level in all hypoxia groups was increased significantly (P〈0.05). The muscle NEFA level in H15 group was greatly higher than that in H0 and H5 groups. The rates of fatty acid oxidation and uptake in H15 group were significantly higher than those in H0 and H5 groups (P〈0.05), and the rate of glucose oxidation in all hypoxia groups was significantly decreased than that in H0 group (P〈0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that the enhanced fat oxidation may be one of the mechanisms in the maintenance of energy homeostasis after hypobaric hypoxic acclimation.展开更多
Objective To establish and evaluate a hypercoagulable animal model for the assessment of anticoagulants. Methods Forty mice, thirty-two rats, and twenty-four rabbits were randomly and equally divided into control grou...Objective To establish and evaluate a hypercoagulable animal model for the assessment of anticoagulants. Methods Forty mice, thirty-two rats, and twenty-four rabbits were randomly and equally divided into control group (saline) and three ellagic acid (EA)-treated groups (low, middle, and high doses). In the mice, bleeding time (BT) was estimated with tail transaction, and clotting time (CT) with template method. Prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in rats and rabbits were measured by means of Quick's one-stage assay and modified APTT assay respectively. In addition, thrombin activity was estimated in rats with PT assay using a hemagglutination analyzer. The circulating platelet aggregates were de- tected in rabbits through platelet counting and presented as the circulating platelet aggregate ratio (CPAR). Results EA shortened BT and CT in mice, PT and APTT in rats, and increased thrombin activity and CPAR, all in a dose-dependent manner. EA also brought reduction of PT and APTT in rabbits in dose- and time-dependent manners. Conclusion EA could induce hypercoagulable state through activating coagulation system and platelets in mice, rats, and rabbits.展开更多
In many ecosystems ungulates have coexisted with grasslands over long periods of time. However, high densities of grazing animals may change the floristic and structural characteristics of vegetation, reduce biodivers...In many ecosystems ungulates have coexisted with grasslands over long periods of time. However, high densities of grazing animals may change the floristic and structural characteristics of vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and increase soil erosion, potentially triggering abrupt and rapid changes in ecosystem condition. Alternate stable state theory provides a framework for understanding this type of dynamic. In the Sanjiangyuan atop the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (QTP), grassland degradation has been accompanied by irruptions of native burrowing animals, which has accentuated the loss of ground cover. Severely degraded areas of alpine meadows are referred to as 'Heitutan'. Here, using the framework of alternate stable state theory, we describe the proximate and ultimate drivers of the formation of Heitutan on the QTP, and we assess prospects for recovery, in relation to the degree of biophysical alteration, of these alpine meadows. Effective rehabilitation measures must address the underlying causes of degradation rather than their symptoms. Heitutan degradation is not uni-causal. Rather it reflects different mechanisms operating at different spatio-temporal scales across this vast region. Underlying causes include overly aggressive exploitation of the grasslands (e.g. overgrazing), amplification of grazing and erosion damage by small mammals when outbreaks occur, and/or climate change. Given marked variability in environmental conditions and stressors, restorative efforts must vary across the region. Restoration efforts are likely toyield greatest success if moderately and severely degraded areas are targeted as the first priority in management programmes, before these areas are transformed into extreme Heitutan.展开更多
In this article I will confront Antonio Damasio's theory (exposed in his last book Self Comes to Mind) with the criticism it received from Ned Block. The latter holds that Damasio does not distinguish the concepts ...In this article I will confront Antonio Damasio's theory (exposed in his last book Self Comes to Mind) with the criticism it received from Ned Block. The latter holds that Damasio does not distinguish the concepts of phenomenal consciousness and self-consciousness and this has two kinds of consequences. One is that it cannot satisfactorily explain certain mental states (dreams, vegetative states); the other is that it has harmful consequences for animal ethics. I maintain that to compare the two theories we can only rely on our pre-theoretical intuition of consciousness. Thus, I argue that Dam^tsio's theory combines more with our intuitions. One of the reasons is that the cases that Block describes as phenomenal consciousness without access consciousness (and without self-consciousness) are best explained as being cases of mind without consciousness. Dam^sio's theory can also explain those referred cases which are theoretically problematic. Moreover, Dam^isio has a threshold model (an expression by Barry Dainton), which is something that Block seems to ignore. This model fits well with the intuitions and neurological knowledge that we normally have on animal consciousness. Dam^isio's core self and his theory of emotions and feelings allow us to understand why we feel compassion for animals. Therefore, we are able to develop an animal ethics, which does not mean that we are required to do so. So even though Damasio does not solve the mystery of consciousness, he should not be the subject of Block's criticism.展开更多
The subject of this study is how pre-Islamic poets viewed religious beliefs and how the Arabs dealt with such beliefs in the period that preceded the emergence of Islam, known as the/ahiliyya. The study discusses Arab...The subject of this study is how pre-Islamic poets viewed religious beliefs and how the Arabs dealt with such beliefs in the period that preceded the emergence of Islam, known as the/ahiliyya. The study discusses Arab religious beliefs and rites, which were filled with mythical elements such as idol worship, treating some animals as sacred, and worship of the sun, plants, certain inanimate objects and birds. It describes the various stages through which these beliefs passed, from sanctification of trees and caves, through the worship of the sun and the stars, to idol worship and more. The study then proceeds to inquire into the traces of mythology to be found in Arabic poetry. It shows how humans did not only inherit their forefathers' beliefs, but also their ideas, and explains how poets were able to embody reality by means of artistic symbols that reflected such elements of their lives as emotions and objective mental states. Subsequently the study discusses the sanctity which the Arabs ascribed to some animals, and which they worshipped in the hope of obtaining a blessing, maintaining an intimacy with the animal or averting evil. Many Arabs in those days believed in the sanctity of animals, the sun, the moon and Venus, thought that trees and other p|ants possessed a spirit, and considered some animals to be deities with extraordinary powers, among them the viper, the crocodile, the bull, the gazelle and the goat. Finally, the study shows how pre-lslamic Arabic poetry can serve as a reliable document that reflects the society of the times, and how even the restricted amount of verse that has survived from those times can provide considerable information about mythical elements that go back to the remotest times.展开更多
Works concerning zooplankton of freshwaters of the western area of Algeria are only very fragmentary and remain at an embryonic state. Remediating to this situation, it led a study of the biodiversity and zooplanktoni...Works concerning zooplankton of freshwaters of the western area of Algeria are only very fragmentary and remain at an embryonic state. Remediating to this situation, it led a study of the biodiversity and zooplanktonic populations distribution in time and space in the Boughrara dam lake which remains subject to a strong pollution coming essentially from Morocco. The preliminary results of the faunistic analysis of the zooplanktonic populations enabled to highlight an important richness of zoological groups. The CFA (correspondences factorial analysis) and the AHC (ascending hierarchical classification) methods used both enabled to define the species distribution of both open waters and littoral ones, and also to perform existing affinities between them and the state of the used medium. Compared to other barrages, such as those of Bouhanifia and of Sarno, the zooplanktonic populations of both open waters and littoral populations appear to a great extent numerous in rain period. On the quantitative and qualitative level, the zooplanktonic populations strongly suffer from the pollution contamination coming from the Mouillah River especially in summer period. It is time to think about the protection of this fauna which is the second trophic chain link and this intending to preserve the ecosystems in an equilibrium state and to consider the exploitation of natural resources in the realization of an aquacultural farm.展开更多
The simplest equation of state that can be applied to calculate the thermodynamic properties of gases is the virial equation with the second coefficient B. The probability of applying the one-coefficient equation Z = ...The simplest equation of state that can be applied to calculate the thermodynamic properties of gases is the virial equation with the second coefficient B. The probability of applying the one-coefficient equation Z = exp(A/V) for the calculation of compressibility factor at critical temperature of gases and gas mixtures is investigated. It was verified that the one-coefficient equation of state can be applied to calculated the thermodynamic properties for both normal and strongly polar gases and gas mixtures.展开更多
In order to define the role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of parasitoses with veterinary and medical importance their parasitological status and feeding habits were studied. In the period 2001-2006 the feedin...In order to define the role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of parasitoses with veterinary and medical importance their parasitological status and feeding habits were studied. In the period 2001-2006 the feeding habits of 167 foxes, 78 jackals, 40 wild cats and 23 stone martens from the area of Sredna Gora, Bulgaria were investigated. 113 of the foxes, 56 of the jackals, 22 of the wild cats and 21 of the martens were subjected to helminthological study. 147 wild boars and 26 badgers from the same area were subjected to trichinelloscopy. Rodents were the main food of the wild cats (82.7%), martens (52%) and foxes (50%). The main food of the jackals was carrion from domestic and wild animals (79.5%). 95.5% of the foxes, 100% of the jackals, 95.5% of the wild cats and 89% of the stone martens were infected with one or more helminth species. The prevalence of the most important helminths: Trichinella spp., Taenia spp. and Ancylostoma spp. was high in all carnivores examined. In the infected with Trichinella spp. animals only T. britovi was demonstrated. The wild boars and badgers were not infected with Trichinella spp. The correlation between the feeding habits and parasitological status is discussed.展开更多
Soil macroinvertebrates play an important role in sustaining production and biodiversity in Australia' s tropical savannas. For example, termites, through their foraging and nesting activities, recycle nutrients and ...Soil macroinvertebrates play an important role in sustaining production and biodiversity in Australia' s tropical savannas. For example, termites, through their foraging and nesting activities, recycle nutrients and carbon and produce soil pores that facilitate water infiltration. The challenge ahead is to quantitatively understand the relationships and processes that drive this. What roles do different species and functional groups of macroinvertebrates play in various landscape processes? What are the effects of different land management practices (e.g., domestic cattle grazing, fire) on these relationships, and the consequences for landscape health? This paper presents preliminary results from studies in northern Australia, that examine the effects of land condition and domestic cattle grazing on soil macroinvertebrates, and the potential for termites to be used as a tool to restore soil function in degraded areas. In northern Australia, increased degradation seems to be associated with declines in the diversity and activity of macroinvertebrates. Termites appear to be one of the most resilient groups, with some species capable of maintaining activity in degraded landscapes.展开更多
Predation is thought to be one of the main structuring forces in animal communities. However, se- lective predation is often measured on isolated traits in response to a single predatory species, but only rarely are s...Predation is thought to be one of the main structuring forces in animal communities. However, se- lective predation is often measured on isolated traits in response to a single predatory species, but only rarely are selective forces on several traits quantified or even compared between different predators naturally occurring in the same system. In the present study, we therefore measured be- havioral and morphological traits in young-of-the-year Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis and com- pared their selective values in response to the 2 most common predators, adult perch and pike Esox lucius. Using mixed effects models and model averaging to analyze our data, we quantified and compared the selectivity of the 2 predators on the different morphological and behavioral traits. We found that selection on the behavioral traits was higher than on morphological traits and perch predators preyed overall more selectively than pike predators. Pike tended to positively se- lect shallow bodied and nonvigilant individuals (i.e. individuals not performing predator inspec- tion). In contrast, perch predators selected mainly for bolder juvenile perch (i.e. individuals spend- ing more time in the open, more active), which was most important. Our results are to the best of our knowledge the first that analyzed behavioral and morphological adaptations of juvenile perch facing 2 different predation strategies. We found that relative specific predation intensity for the di- vergent traits differed between the predators, providing some additional ideas why juvenile perch display such a high degree of phenotypic plasticity.展开更多
Aims Functional traits are usually used to predict plant demographic rates without considering environmental contexts.However,previous studies have consistently found that traits have low explanatory power for plant d...Aims Functional traits are usually used to predict plant demographic rates without considering environmental contexts.However,previous studies have consistently found that traits have low explanatory power for plant demographic rates.We hypothesized that accounting for environmental contexts instead of focusing on traits alone could improve our understanding of how traits influence plant demographic rates.Methods We used generalized linear mixed-effect models to analyse the effects of functional traits(related to leaf,stem,seed and whole plant),environmental gradients(soil nutrients,water and elevation)and their interactions on the survival dynamics of 14133 saplings and 3289 adults in a 9-ha old-growth temperate forest plot.Important Findings We found that environmental variables,neighbour crowding and traits alone(i.e.main effects)influenced plant survival.However,the effects of the latter two variables varied between saplings and adults.The trait–environment interactions influenced plant survival,such that resource conservative traits increased plant survival under harsh conditions but decreased survival under mild conditions.The elevational gradient was the most important environmental factor driving these effects in our plot.Our results support the hypothesis that functional traits influence plant survival depending on environmental contexts in local communities.These results also imply that one species with limited trait variation cannot occupy all environments,which can promote species diversity.展开更多
The stowing and deploying experiment was conducted for three 700 mm long thin-walled tubes,and the structural behavior characteristics parameters were measured clearly,including strain,deformation and wrapping moment....The stowing and deploying experiment was conducted for three 700 mm long thin-walled tubes,and the structural behavior characteristics parameters were measured clearly,including strain,deformation and wrapping moment.3D finite element models(FEM)were built subsequently and explicit dynamic method was used to simulate the stowing and deploying of the lenticular carbon fiber reinforced polymer(CFRP)thin-walled tubular space boom,which was designed as four-ply(45°/-45°/45°/-45°)lay-up.The stress and energy during the wrapping process were got and compared with different wrapping angular velocity,the reasonable wrapping angular velocity and effective method were conformed,and structural behavior characteristics were obtained.The results were compared and discussed as well,and the results show that the numerical results by 0.628 rad/s velocity agree well with the measured values.In this paper,the numerical procedure and experimental results are valuable to the optimization design of CFRP thin-walled tubular space boom and future research.展开更多
When facilitating other species and sustaining plant community structures and biodiversity,alpine cushion plants simultaneously experience negative feedback effects from surrounding vegetation.However,the impact of su...When facilitating other species and sustaining plant community structures and biodiversity,alpine cushion plants simultaneously experience negative feedback effects from surrounding vegetation.However,the impact of surrounding vegetation on cushion dynamics remains poorly understood,particularly in terms of allelopathic potentials.To investigate the allelopathic potentials of surrounding vegetation on seedling establishment of the typical cushion plant Arenaria polytrichoides Edgew.along an elevational gradient,we extracted potential allelopathic compounds and tested their impacts on seed germination and seedling growth of A.polytrichoides.In addition,exclusion experiments using activated carbon were conducted to further elucidate these effects.Our results demonstrate that surrounding vegetation exhibits certain allelopathic potentials on A.polytrichoides seedling establishment,with variations observed based on elevation,source and concentration of allelopathy compounds,as well as growing season.Specifcally,low-elevation vegetation exerts pronounced suppression on seedling establishment.Conversely,higher-elevation vegetation generally shows no effect on seed germination but stimulates seedling growth through allelopathy mechanisms.Moreover,aboveground vegetation predominantly inhibits both seed germination and seedling growth in low-elevation communities;however,the effects of belowground vegetation depend on elevation and extract concentration levels.The identifed allelopathic potentials of surrounding vegetation signifcantly infuence the population dynamics of cushion A.polytrichoides by potentially accelerating population degeneration in lower-elevation communities while ensuring consistent population recruitment and expansion in higher-elevation communities.展开更多
基金Supported by Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-11-B03)Key Technology Research and Development Program of Jiangsu Province(BE2013437)the Agricultural Science Independent Innovation Foundation of Jiangsu Province[CX(11)4057]~~
文摘Objective] This study was performed to investigate the trait changes and their correlations as wel as the dynamic changes of biological yield of Xuzishu 3, which wil help to enhance the yield and anthocyanin content of sweetpotato by cul-tivation. [Method] We systematical y measured the agronomic traits, qualitative char-acters and biological yield of Xuzishu 3 during six growing periods to investigate the dynamic changes of its essential characters and yield accumulation. [Result] The characters of Xuzishu 3 appeared most prosperous after the 90th d except for an-thocyanin content. Extremely significant positive correlations were found between ev-ery two of the dry matter rates of above-ground parts (including leaf petioles, leaves and stems), reducing sugar content and potato weight per plant. Assimilated product distributed more in stems and leaves than in storage roots before the 90th d in growing period. Photosynthetic capacity and net assimilation rate gradual y de-creased after the 90th d, but the assimilated product distributing to storage roots in-creased quickly and maximized in the 135th d. [Conclusion] Xuzishu 3 is a late ma-turing variety requiring more fertilizer, and the accumulation of anthocyanin fluctuates during the growth period of Xuzishu 3. So yield of Xuzishu 3 can be increased by applying more fertilizer and extending the growth period reasonably, meanwhile the anthocyanin content can be increased by means of control ing temperature, light, water and phytohormone within 60 d after planting.
文摘[Objective] The paper was to study the dynamic changes of forage nutrient substance fermentation in rumen, and a set of continuous culture system of artificial rumen was designed. [Method] With in vivo as control, the simulating rumen fer- mentation effect in vitro culture system was evaluated. [Result] The simulation rumen fermentation test needed adaptive phase of 2-3 d, and the fermentation state was relatively stable within 3-9 d, with good effects. The test showed certain regularity variation with index value of rumen in vivo. [Conclusion] The continuous culture sys- tem of artificial rumen could be used as the ideal model to study the rumen fermen- tation in vivo.
基金the National Basic Research Program of China(2006CB504100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30393131, 30771043)
文摘Objective:To investigate the characteristics of fat metabolism in rat skeletal muscle after hypobaric hypoxia acclimation. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups randomly: control group (H0), hypoxic 5-day group (HS), and hypoxic 15-day group (H15). Animals of H5 and 15 groups were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia chamber simulating 5 000 m high altitude for 5 d or 15 d respectively, 23 h per day. H0 group stayed outside of chamber The level of fatty acid oxidation and uptake, and glucose oxidation were examined, and the level of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) were also assayed in rat skeletal muscles. Results: The contents of ATP and PCr in H5 group were lower than those in H0 and H15 groups (P〈0.05), while there was no significant difference between H0 and H15. Compared with H0, the blood NEFA level in all hypoxia groups was increased significantly (P〈0.05). The muscle NEFA level in H15 group was greatly higher than that in H0 and H5 groups. The rates of fatty acid oxidation and uptake in H15 group were significantly higher than those in H0 and H5 groups (P〈0.05), and the rate of glucose oxidation in all hypoxia groups was significantly decreased than that in H0 group (P〈0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that the enhanced fat oxidation may be one of the mechanisms in the maintenance of energy homeostasis after hypobaric hypoxic acclimation.
文摘Objective To establish and evaluate a hypercoagulable animal model for the assessment of anticoagulants. Methods Forty mice, thirty-two rats, and twenty-four rabbits were randomly and equally divided into control group (saline) and three ellagic acid (EA)-treated groups (low, middle, and high doses). In the mice, bleeding time (BT) was estimated with tail transaction, and clotting time (CT) with template method. Prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in rats and rabbits were measured by means of Quick's one-stage assay and modified APTT assay respectively. In addition, thrombin activity was estimated in rats with PT assay using a hemagglutination analyzer. The circulating platelet aggregates were de- tected in rabbits through platelet counting and presented as the circulating platelet aggregate ratio (CPAR). Results EA shortened BT and CT in mice, PT and APTT in rats, and increased thrombin activity and CPAR, all in a dose-dependent manner. EA also brought reduction of PT and APTT in rabbits in dose- and time-dependent manners. Conclusion EA could induce hypercoagulable state through activating coagulation system and platelets in mice, rats, and rabbits.
基金supported by Special Fund for Agroscientific Research in the Public Interest(201203041)the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(41161084)International Science & Technology Cooperation Program of China(2011DFG93160,2011DFA20820)
文摘In many ecosystems ungulates have coexisted with grasslands over long periods of time. However, high densities of grazing animals may change the floristic and structural characteristics of vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and increase soil erosion, potentially triggering abrupt and rapid changes in ecosystem condition. Alternate stable state theory provides a framework for understanding this type of dynamic. In the Sanjiangyuan atop the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (QTP), grassland degradation has been accompanied by irruptions of native burrowing animals, which has accentuated the loss of ground cover. Severely degraded areas of alpine meadows are referred to as 'Heitutan'. Here, using the framework of alternate stable state theory, we describe the proximate and ultimate drivers of the formation of Heitutan on the QTP, and we assess prospects for recovery, in relation to the degree of biophysical alteration, of these alpine meadows. Effective rehabilitation measures must address the underlying causes of degradation rather than their symptoms. Heitutan degradation is not uni-causal. Rather it reflects different mechanisms operating at different spatio-temporal scales across this vast region. Underlying causes include overly aggressive exploitation of the grasslands (e.g. overgrazing), amplification of grazing and erosion damage by small mammals when outbreaks occur, and/or climate change. Given marked variability in environmental conditions and stressors, restorative efforts must vary across the region. Restoration efforts are likely toyield greatest success if moderately and severely degraded areas are targeted as the first priority in management programmes, before these areas are transformed into extreme Heitutan.
文摘In this article I will confront Antonio Damasio's theory (exposed in his last book Self Comes to Mind) with the criticism it received from Ned Block. The latter holds that Damasio does not distinguish the concepts of phenomenal consciousness and self-consciousness and this has two kinds of consequences. One is that it cannot satisfactorily explain certain mental states (dreams, vegetative states); the other is that it has harmful consequences for animal ethics. I maintain that to compare the two theories we can only rely on our pre-theoretical intuition of consciousness. Thus, I argue that Dam^tsio's theory combines more with our intuitions. One of the reasons is that the cases that Block describes as phenomenal consciousness without access consciousness (and without self-consciousness) are best explained as being cases of mind without consciousness. Dam^sio's theory can also explain those referred cases which are theoretically problematic. Moreover, Dam^isio has a threshold model (an expression by Barry Dainton), which is something that Block seems to ignore. This model fits well with the intuitions and neurological knowledge that we normally have on animal consciousness. Dam^isio's core self and his theory of emotions and feelings allow us to understand why we feel compassion for animals. Therefore, we are able to develop an animal ethics, which does not mean that we are required to do so. So even though Damasio does not solve the mystery of consciousness, he should not be the subject of Block's criticism.
文摘The subject of this study is how pre-Islamic poets viewed religious beliefs and how the Arabs dealt with such beliefs in the period that preceded the emergence of Islam, known as the/ahiliyya. The study discusses Arab religious beliefs and rites, which were filled with mythical elements such as idol worship, treating some animals as sacred, and worship of the sun, plants, certain inanimate objects and birds. It describes the various stages through which these beliefs passed, from sanctification of trees and caves, through the worship of the sun and the stars, to idol worship and more. The study then proceeds to inquire into the traces of mythology to be found in Arabic poetry. It shows how humans did not only inherit their forefathers' beliefs, but also their ideas, and explains how poets were able to embody reality by means of artistic symbols that reflected such elements of their lives as emotions and objective mental states. Subsequently the study discusses the sanctity which the Arabs ascribed to some animals, and which they worshipped in the hope of obtaining a blessing, maintaining an intimacy with the animal or averting evil. Many Arabs in those days believed in the sanctity of animals, the sun, the moon and Venus, thought that trees and other p|ants possessed a spirit, and considered some animals to be deities with extraordinary powers, among them the viper, the crocodile, the bull, the gazelle and the goat. Finally, the study shows how pre-lslamic Arabic poetry can serve as a reliable document that reflects the society of the times, and how even the restricted amount of verse that has survived from those times can provide considerable information about mythical elements that go back to the remotest times.
文摘Works concerning zooplankton of freshwaters of the western area of Algeria are only very fragmentary and remain at an embryonic state. Remediating to this situation, it led a study of the biodiversity and zooplanktonic populations distribution in time and space in the Boughrara dam lake which remains subject to a strong pollution coming essentially from Morocco. The preliminary results of the faunistic analysis of the zooplanktonic populations enabled to highlight an important richness of zoological groups. The CFA (correspondences factorial analysis) and the AHC (ascending hierarchical classification) methods used both enabled to define the species distribution of both open waters and littoral ones, and also to perform existing affinities between them and the state of the used medium. Compared to other barrages, such as those of Bouhanifia and of Sarno, the zooplanktonic populations of both open waters and littoral populations appear to a great extent numerous in rain period. On the quantitative and qualitative level, the zooplanktonic populations strongly suffer from the pollution contamination coming from the Mouillah River especially in summer period. It is time to think about the protection of this fauna which is the second trophic chain link and this intending to preserve the ecosystems in an equilibrium state and to consider the exploitation of natural resources in the realization of an aquacultural farm.
文摘The simplest equation of state that can be applied to calculate the thermodynamic properties of gases is the virial equation with the second coefficient B. The probability of applying the one-coefficient equation Z = exp(A/V) for the calculation of compressibility factor at critical temperature of gases and gas mixtures is investigated. It was verified that the one-coefficient equation of state can be applied to calculated the thermodynamic properties for both normal and strongly polar gases and gas mixtures.
文摘In order to define the role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of parasitoses with veterinary and medical importance their parasitological status and feeding habits were studied. In the period 2001-2006 the feeding habits of 167 foxes, 78 jackals, 40 wild cats and 23 stone martens from the area of Sredna Gora, Bulgaria were investigated. 113 of the foxes, 56 of the jackals, 22 of the wild cats and 21 of the martens were subjected to helminthological study. 147 wild boars and 26 badgers from the same area were subjected to trichinelloscopy. Rodents were the main food of the wild cats (82.7%), martens (52%) and foxes (50%). The main food of the jackals was carrion from domestic and wild animals (79.5%). 95.5% of the foxes, 100% of the jackals, 95.5% of the wild cats and 89% of the stone martens were infected with one or more helminth species. The prevalence of the most important helminths: Trichinella spp., Taenia spp. and Ancylostoma spp. was high in all carnivores examined. In the infected with Trichinella spp. animals only T. britovi was demonstrated. The wild boars and badgers were not infected with Trichinella spp. The correlation between the feeding habits and parasitological status is discussed.
文摘Soil macroinvertebrates play an important role in sustaining production and biodiversity in Australia' s tropical savannas. For example, termites, through their foraging and nesting activities, recycle nutrients and carbon and produce soil pores that facilitate water infiltration. The challenge ahead is to quantitatively understand the relationships and processes that drive this. What roles do different species and functional groups of macroinvertebrates play in various landscape processes? What are the effects of different land management practices (e.g., domestic cattle grazing, fire) on these relationships, and the consequences for landscape health? This paper presents preliminary results from studies in northern Australia, that examine the effects of land condition and domestic cattle grazing on soil macroinvertebrates, and the potential for termites to be used as a tool to restore soil function in degraded areas. In northern Australia, increased degradation seems to be associated with declines in the diversity and activity of macroinvertebrates. Termites appear to be one of the most resilient groups, with some species capable of maintaining activity in degraded landscapes.
文摘Predation is thought to be one of the main structuring forces in animal communities. However, se- lective predation is often measured on isolated traits in response to a single predatory species, but only rarely are selective forces on several traits quantified or even compared between different predators naturally occurring in the same system. In the present study, we therefore measured be- havioral and morphological traits in young-of-the-year Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis and com- pared their selective values in response to the 2 most common predators, adult perch and pike Esox lucius. Using mixed effects models and model averaging to analyze our data, we quantified and compared the selectivity of the 2 predators on the different morphological and behavioral traits. We found that selection on the behavioral traits was higher than on morphological traits and perch predators preyed overall more selectively than pike predators. Pike tended to positively se- lect shallow bodied and nonvigilant individuals (i.e. individuals not performing predator inspec- tion). In contrast, perch predators selected mainly for bolder juvenile perch (i.e. individuals spend- ing more time in the open, more active), which was most important. Our results are to the best of our knowledge the first that analyzed behavioral and morphological adaptations of juvenile perch facing 2 different predation strategies. We found that relative specific predation intensity for the di- vergent traits differed between the predators, providing some additional ideas why juvenile perch display such a high degree of phenotypic plasticity.
基金This study was financially supported by the NationalNatural Science Foundation of China(31870399,32071533)the Strategic Priority ResearchProgram of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB31030000).
文摘Aims Functional traits are usually used to predict plant demographic rates without considering environmental contexts.However,previous studies have consistently found that traits have low explanatory power for plant demographic rates.We hypothesized that accounting for environmental contexts instead of focusing on traits alone could improve our understanding of how traits influence plant demographic rates.Methods We used generalized linear mixed-effect models to analyse the effects of functional traits(related to leaf,stem,seed and whole plant),environmental gradients(soil nutrients,water and elevation)and their interactions on the survival dynamics of 14133 saplings and 3289 adults in a 9-ha old-growth temperate forest plot.Important Findings We found that environmental variables,neighbour crowding and traits alone(i.e.main effects)influenced plant survival.However,the effects of the latter two variables varied between saplings and adults.The trait–environment interactions influenced plant survival,such that resource conservative traits increased plant survival under harsh conditions but decreased survival under mild conditions.The elevational gradient was the most important environmental factor driving these effects in our plot.Our results support the hypothesis that functional traits influence plant survival depending on environmental contexts in local communities.These results also imply that one species with limited trait variation cannot occupy all environments,which can promote species diversity.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.50878128)the Shanghai Aerospace Foundation(No.HTJ10-15)
文摘The stowing and deploying experiment was conducted for three 700 mm long thin-walled tubes,and the structural behavior characteristics parameters were measured clearly,including strain,deformation and wrapping moment.3D finite element models(FEM)were built subsequently and explicit dynamic method was used to simulate the stowing and deploying of the lenticular carbon fiber reinforced polymer(CFRP)thin-walled tubular space boom,which was designed as four-ply(45°/-45°/45°/-45°)lay-up.The stress and energy during the wrapping process were got and compared with different wrapping angular velocity,the reasonable wrapping angular velocity and effective method were conformed,and structural behavior characteristics were obtained.The results were compared and discussed as well,and the results show that the numerical results by 0.628 rad/s velocity agree well with the measured values.In this paper,the numerical procedure and experimental results are valuable to the optimization design of CFRP thin-walled tubular space boom and future research.
基金supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientifc Expedition and Research Program(2019QZKK0502)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA20050203)+1 种基金the Yunnan Applied Basic Research Project(202001AT070060,202301AS070058)the Young Academic and Technical Leader Raising Foundation of Yunnan Province(202205AC160053)。
文摘When facilitating other species and sustaining plant community structures and biodiversity,alpine cushion plants simultaneously experience negative feedback effects from surrounding vegetation.However,the impact of surrounding vegetation on cushion dynamics remains poorly understood,particularly in terms of allelopathic potentials.To investigate the allelopathic potentials of surrounding vegetation on seedling establishment of the typical cushion plant Arenaria polytrichoides Edgew.along an elevational gradient,we extracted potential allelopathic compounds and tested their impacts on seed germination and seedling growth of A.polytrichoides.In addition,exclusion experiments using activated carbon were conducted to further elucidate these effects.Our results demonstrate that surrounding vegetation exhibits certain allelopathic potentials on A.polytrichoides seedling establishment,with variations observed based on elevation,source and concentration of allelopathy compounds,as well as growing season.Specifcally,low-elevation vegetation exerts pronounced suppression on seedling establishment.Conversely,higher-elevation vegetation generally shows no effect on seed germination but stimulates seedling growth through allelopathy mechanisms.Moreover,aboveground vegetation predominantly inhibits both seed germination and seedling growth in low-elevation communities;however,the effects of belowground vegetation depend on elevation and extract concentration levels.The identifed allelopathic potentials of surrounding vegetation signifcantly infuence the population dynamics of cushion A.polytrichoides by potentially accelerating population degeneration in lower-elevation communities while ensuring consistent population recruitment and expansion in higher-elevation communities.