A series of 9 soil samples were taken at a timber treatment site in SW France where Cu sulphate and chromated copper arsenate (CCA) have been used as wood preservatives (Sites P1 to P9) and one soil sample was col...A series of 9 soil samples were taken at a timber treatment site in SW France where Cu sulphate and chromated copper arsenate (CCA) have been used as wood preservatives (Sites P1 to P9) and one soil sample was collected at an adjacent site on the same soil type (Site P10). Copper was a major contaminant in all topsoils, varying from 65 (Soil P5) to 2600 mg Cu kg^-1 (Soil P7), exceeding background values for French sandy soils. As and Cr did not accumulate in soil, except at Site P8 (52 mg As kg^-1 and 87 mg Cr kg^-1) where CCA-treated posts were stacked. Soil ecotoxicity was assessed with bioassays using radish, lettuce, slug Arion rufus L., and earthworm Dendrobaena octaedra (Savigny). There were significantly differences in lettuce germination rate, lettuce leaf yield, radish root and leaf yields, slug herbivory, and earthworm avoidance. An additional bioassay showed higher negative impacts on bean shoot and root yields, Rhizobium nodule counts on Bean roots, and guaiacol peroxidase activity in primary Bean leaves for soil from Site PT, with and without fertilisation, than for soil from Site P10, despite both soils having a similar value for computed free ion Cu2+ activity in the soil solution (pCu^2+). Beans grown in soil from Site P7 that had been fertilised showed elevated foliar Cu content and phytotoxic symptoms. Soils from Sites P7 (treatment plant) and P6 (storage of treated utility poles) had the highest ecotoxicity, whereas soil from Site P10 (high organic matter content and cation exchange capacity) had the lowest. Except at Site P10, the soil factor pCu^2+ computed with soil pH and total soil Cu could be used to predict soil ecotoxicity.展开更多
This paper highlights the quantitative estimates of plant species diversity and ecosystems of the Rohtang Pass,which is one of the most preferred visiting spots by tourists in Himachal Pradesh (H.P.),India. In spite o...This paper highlights the quantitative estimates of plant species diversity and ecosystems of the Rohtang Pass,which is one of the most preferred visiting spots by tourists in Himachal Pradesh (H.P.),India. In spite of high pressure of anthropogenic activities,the Rohtang Pass still harbours a variety of flowering plants with economic value,including various medicinal herbs. In order to observe species diversity in different landscape elements (LSEs),ground surveys were conducted in nine unique LSEs within the elevation range between 3624 m and 4332 m. Plant community structure in each LSE was studied using stratified random sampling where a total 56 quadrats of 1 m2 in size for herbs and 7 quadrats of 25 m2 for shrubs were made. Of the total 50 plant species belonging to 15 families recorded in different random quadrats,24 species were found of medicinal value. Maximum species richness (18) and value of Shannon diversity (H'=2.2648) were observed on northeast-facing slope in Picrorhiza kurrooa dominated LSE in moist area,followed by Rheum emodi LSE (species richness = 17 and H' = 2.4141) distributed on south-facing slope. Maximum values of species richness and Shannon diversity in Rheum emodi LSE were observed between 8 ~ 12 and 1.4797 ~ 2.1911,respectively. Rhododendron anthopogon dominated LSE on northwest-facing slope was found least diverse in terms of species richness where the Simpson index of dominance (D) was 0.4205. The species were equal in abundance in P. kurrooa LSE on east-facing slope and Pleurospermum candollii LSE on north-facing slope,showing the maximum similarity in terms of species distribution between the two LSEs. Low turnover of species across common LSEs gives an idea regarding their limited distribution. Five species of threatened category according to the IUCN criteria were observed in seven LSEs. The largest population of threatened medicinal plants was recorded on northeast and northwest-facing slopes where population density of Bergenia stracheyi (29.25 individuals/m2),Picrorhiza kurrooa (19.83 individuals/m2) and Rhododendron anthopogon (26.23 individuals/25m2) was highest. Aconitum heterophyllum was recorded for the lowest density (1 individual/m2). It was observed that the distribution of medicinal plants was very habitat-specific. Lower soil pH in most of the LSEs reflected its acidic nature. A significant positive correlation of Shannon diversity was found with soil organic matter,carbon content available and total nitrogen. Considering the continuous pressure of anthropogenic activities,this paper suggests effective ecotourism planning and plant conservation mechanisms to protect valuable plant bioresource at the Rohtang Pass.展开更多
To study the relationship between zooplankton community structure and environmental factors and water quality in the Harbin Section of the Songhua River,investigations were carried out in June,August,and October 2011....To study the relationship between zooplankton community structure and environmental factors and water quality in the Harbin Section of the Songhua River,investigations were carried out in June,August,and October 2011.Canonical correspondence analysis(CCA) and saprobic indices were used to process and analyze the data.Seasonal variability was identified as a significant source of variation,which explains the fluctuation in zooplankton density.In autumn,the dry season,water residence time increased and zooplankton biomass and abundance accumulated in the slow flowing waters.Zooplankton abundance increased when food conditions improved.Therefore,the total zooplankton abundance in autumn is much higher than that in spring and summer.According to the saprobic indices,all the sample sites had mesosaprobic water and water quality was worse in autumn.CCA revealed that temperature accounted for most of the spatial variation in the zooplankton community.Moreover,pH,dissolved oxygen saturation,and turbidity were important factors affecting zooplankton community distribution.展开更多
Identifying the impacts of climate change is important for conservation of ecosystems under climate change, particularly in mountain regions. Holdridge life zone system and Koppen classification provide two effective ...Identifying the impacts of climate change is important for conservation of ecosystems under climate change, particularly in mountain regions. Holdridge life zone system and Koppen classification provide two effective methods to assess impacts of climate change on ecosystems, as typical climate-vegetation models. Meanwhile, these previous studies are insufficient to assess the complex terrain as well as there are some uncertainties in results while using the given methods. Analysis of the impacts of the prevailing climate conditions in an area on shifts of ecosystems may reduce uncertainties in projecting climate change. In this study, we used different models to depict changes in ecosystems at 1 km × 1 km resolution in Sichuan Province, China during 1961-2010. The results indicate that changes in climate data during the past 50 years were sufficient to cause shifts in the spatial distribution of ecosystems. The trend of shift was from low temperature ecosystems to high temperature ecosystems. Compared with K?ppen classification, the Holdridge system has better adaptation to assess the impacts of climate change on ecosystems in low elevation(0-1000 m). Moreover, we found that changed areas in ecosystems were easily affected by climate change than unchanged areas by calculating current climate condition.展开更多
Due to the complexity of sustainable urban research,the environmental sustainability was assessed.Taking the sponge city as an example,the case study was conducted based on the integrated geographic information system...Due to the complexity of sustainable urban research,the environmental sustainability was assessed.Taking the sponge city as an example,the case study was conducted based on the integrated geographic information system(GIS)and emergy methods.The results demonstrate that the emergy of agricultural crops,major industrial products,comprehensive energy products,imports and exports,waste products and increased natural system emergy are the decisive factors for the sustainability assessment.Agricultural crops are the primary contributor,which accounts for 48.9%of the total emergy amount.Urban solid waste has a self-evident superiority in the waste products emergy proportion.Surface water and vegetal biomass emergy possess the pivotal consequences,far higher than soil organic matter.The sewage treatment stations(0.11%)play a small role in the sustainability assessment of the sponge city.The emergy sustainability index is 0.02181,which indicates poor environmental sustainability.According to the study results,increasing renewable energy input proportion and adopting the vegetal biomass of high unit emergy values(UEVs)can improve the sustainability level.展开更多
The assessment of ecological impacts represents a key element of biodiversity offsetting success. After briefly introducing the main controversies arisen on biodiversity monetization and defining biodiversity banking ...The assessment of ecological impacts represents a key element of biodiversity offsetting success. After briefly introducing the main controversies arisen on biodiversity monetization and defining biodiversity banking schemes, discussions will be focused on evaluation methods mobilized in the context ofbiodiversity offset banking. Although there is currently no fixed framework assessing environment due resolutely to the specific nature of biodiversity, evaluation methods are analyzed through a review of the academic and empirical literature. This step allows to select few methods justifying these choices and presenting their pros and cons by keeping the aim to contribute to the debates. Thus, ecological assessments (service-to-service and resource-to-resource) and economic valuations (value-to-value and value-to-cost) carried out in biodiversity banking schemes will be distinguished. Finally, this paper will emphasize the inherent differences of the two evaluating forms and their specificities on the one hand, and highlight their opportunities and risks from methodological perspective on the other hand.展开更多
Climate change has been linked to well-documented changes in physiology, phenology, species distributions, and in some cases, extinction. Projections of future change point to dramatic shifts in the states of many eco...Climate change has been linked to well-documented changes in physiology, phenology, species distributions, and in some cases, extinction. Projections of future change point to dramatic shifts in the states of many ecosystems. Aceommodating these shifts to effectively conserve biodiversity in the context of uncertain climate regimes represents one of the most difficult challenges faced by conservation planners. A number of adaptation strategies have been proposed for managing species and ecosystems in a changing climate. However, there has been little guidance available on integrating climate change adaptation strategies into contemporary conservation planning frameworks. The paper reviews the different approaches being used to integrate climate change adaptation into conservation planning, broadly categorizing strategies as continuing and extending on "best practice" principles and those that integrate species vulnerability assessments into conservation planning. We describe the characteristics of a good adaptation strategy emphasizing the importance of incorporating clear principles of flexibility and efficiency, accounting for uncertainty, integrating human response to climate change and understanding trade-offs.展开更多
The purpose of this research is to identify and examine the achievement gaps between students. Over the past thirty years, emphasis has been placed on achievement levels of students in this country. State test results...The purpose of this research is to identify and examine the achievement gaps between students. Over the past thirty years, emphasis has been placed on achievement levels of students in this country. State test results, SAT Scores, ACT scores and other assessment instruments have been used to determine performance standards and test results for students. Data analyzed for White students compared to African American and Hispanic students have provided critical information in identifying academic progress and skill deficits for all students. This article will highlight some of the achievement gaps which exit among White, African American and Hispanic Students. Recommendations will also be emphasized to help improve student achievement levels in an effort to close the achievement gap.展开更多
The fragility of ecosystem health has become a key factor hindering the sustainable development of the ecological environment. Through a review of published research from domestic and foreign scholars, starting from t...The fragility of ecosystem health has become a key factor hindering the sustainable development of the ecological environment. Through a review of published research from domestic and foreign scholars, starting from the endogenous logic of studies in the field of ecosystem vulnerability(EV), this paper sorts out the literature on the aspects of measurement models, prediction methods and risk assessment, comprehensively defines the research category and scientific framework of EV, and analyzes the research ideas and development trends. We arrived at the following conclusions: 1) The connotation of ecosystem vulnerability not only embodies the change in the vulnerability of the natural environment, but it also reflects the irreversible damage to the ecosystem caused by excessive development and industrial production activities. 2) The setting of ecosystem vulnerability indices should aim to fully reflect the essential features of that vulnerability, which should include the index systems of natural, social, economic and other related factors. 3) There are many types of ecosystem vulnerability measurement methods, prediction models and risk evaluation models, which have different focuses and advantages. The most appropriate method should be adopted for conducting comprehensive and systematic evaluation, prediction and estimation according to the different representation and evolution mechanisms of the chosen research object and regional ecosystem vulnerability. 4) Based on the regional system characteristics, corresponding risk management measures should be proposed, and pertinent policy suggestions should be put forward to improve the ecological safety and sustainable development of an ecologically vulnerable area.展开更多
Methods to measure consistent individual differences in behavior (i.e. animal personality) fall into two categories, subjective ratings and behavioral codings. Ratings are seldom used despite being potentially more ...Methods to measure consistent individual differences in behavior (i.e. animal personality) fall into two categories, subjective ratings and behavioral codings. Ratings are seldom used despite being potentially more efficient than codings. One potential limitation for the use of ratings is that it is assumed that long-term observers or experts in the field are required to score individuals. This can be problematic in many cases, especially for long-term ecological studies where there is high turnover in personnel. We tested whether raters who were unacquainted with subjects could produce reliable and valid personality assessments of yellow-bellied marmots Marmota flaviventris. Two raters, previously unacquainted with individuals and marmot be- havior, scored 130 subjects on fifteen different adjectives in both open-field (OF) and mirror image stimulation (MIS) trials. Eight OF and nine MIS adjectives were reliable as indicated by both a high degree of intra-observer and inter-observer reliability. Additionally, some ratings were externally valid, correlating with behavioral codings. Our data suggest that activity/exploration and sociability can be a reliable and valid measurement of personality traits in studies where raters were unacquainted with subjects. These traits are observable with the personality tests we used; otherwise researchers using unacquainted raters should be cautious in the tests they employ [Current Zoology 60 (2): 162-169, 2014].展开更多
基金Project supported by the French Agency for Environment and Energy (ADEME)Department of Polluted Soils and Sites, Angers, France (No.ADEME 05 72 C0018/INRA 22000033)
文摘A series of 9 soil samples were taken at a timber treatment site in SW France where Cu sulphate and chromated copper arsenate (CCA) have been used as wood preservatives (Sites P1 to P9) and one soil sample was collected at an adjacent site on the same soil type (Site P10). Copper was a major contaminant in all topsoils, varying from 65 (Soil P5) to 2600 mg Cu kg^-1 (Soil P7), exceeding background values for French sandy soils. As and Cr did not accumulate in soil, except at Site P8 (52 mg As kg^-1 and 87 mg Cr kg^-1) where CCA-treated posts were stacked. Soil ecotoxicity was assessed with bioassays using radish, lettuce, slug Arion rufus L., and earthworm Dendrobaena octaedra (Savigny). There were significantly differences in lettuce germination rate, lettuce leaf yield, radish root and leaf yields, slug herbivory, and earthworm avoidance. An additional bioassay showed higher negative impacts on bean shoot and root yields, Rhizobium nodule counts on Bean roots, and guaiacol peroxidase activity in primary Bean leaves for soil from Site PT, with and without fertilisation, than for soil from Site P10, despite both soils having a similar value for computed free ion Cu2+ activity in the soil solution (pCu^2+). Beans grown in soil from Site P7 that had been fertilised showed elevated foliar Cu content and phytotoxic symptoms. Soils from Sites P7 (treatment plant) and P6 (storage of treated utility poles) had the highest ecotoxicity, whereas soil from Site P10 (high organic matter content and cation exchange capacity) had the lowest. Except at Site P10, the soil factor pCu^2+ computed with soil pH and total soil Cu could be used to predict soil ecotoxicity.
文摘This paper highlights the quantitative estimates of plant species diversity and ecosystems of the Rohtang Pass,which is one of the most preferred visiting spots by tourists in Himachal Pradesh (H.P.),India. In spite of high pressure of anthropogenic activities,the Rohtang Pass still harbours a variety of flowering plants with economic value,including various medicinal herbs. In order to observe species diversity in different landscape elements (LSEs),ground surveys were conducted in nine unique LSEs within the elevation range between 3624 m and 4332 m. Plant community structure in each LSE was studied using stratified random sampling where a total 56 quadrats of 1 m2 in size for herbs and 7 quadrats of 25 m2 for shrubs were made. Of the total 50 plant species belonging to 15 families recorded in different random quadrats,24 species were found of medicinal value. Maximum species richness (18) and value of Shannon diversity (H'=2.2648) were observed on northeast-facing slope in Picrorhiza kurrooa dominated LSE in moist area,followed by Rheum emodi LSE (species richness = 17 and H' = 2.4141) distributed on south-facing slope. Maximum values of species richness and Shannon diversity in Rheum emodi LSE were observed between 8 ~ 12 and 1.4797 ~ 2.1911,respectively. Rhododendron anthopogon dominated LSE on northwest-facing slope was found least diverse in terms of species richness where the Simpson index of dominance (D) was 0.4205. The species were equal in abundance in P. kurrooa LSE on east-facing slope and Pleurospermum candollii LSE on north-facing slope,showing the maximum similarity in terms of species distribution between the two LSEs. Low turnover of species across common LSEs gives an idea regarding their limited distribution. Five species of threatened category according to the IUCN criteria were observed in seven LSEs. The largest population of threatened medicinal plants was recorded on northeast and northwest-facing slopes where population density of Bergenia stracheyi (29.25 individuals/m2),Picrorhiza kurrooa (19.83 individuals/m2) and Rhododendron anthopogon (26.23 individuals/25m2) was highest. Aconitum heterophyllum was recorded for the lowest density (1 individual/m2). It was observed that the distribution of medicinal plants was very habitat-specific. Lower soil pH in most of the LSEs reflected its acidic nature. A significant positive correlation of Shannon diversity was found with soil organic matter,carbon content available and total nitrogen. Considering the continuous pressure of anthropogenic activities,this paper suggests effective ecotourism planning and plant conservation mechanisms to protect valuable plant bioresource at the Rohtang Pass.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41271106)
文摘To study the relationship between zooplankton community structure and environmental factors and water quality in the Harbin Section of the Songhua River,investigations were carried out in June,August,and October 2011.Canonical correspondence analysis(CCA) and saprobic indices were used to process and analyze the data.Seasonal variability was identified as a significant source of variation,which explains the fluctuation in zooplankton density.In autumn,the dry season,water residence time increased and zooplankton biomass and abundance accumulated in the slow flowing waters.Zooplankton abundance increased when food conditions improved.Therefore,the total zooplankton abundance in autumn is much higher than that in spring and summer.According to the saprobic indices,all the sample sites had mesosaprobic water and water quality was worse in autumn.CCA revealed that temperature accounted for most of the spatial variation in the zooplankton community.Moreover,pH,dissolved oxygen saturation,and turbidity were important factors affecting zooplankton community distribution.
基金Under the auspices of National Basic Research Program of China(No.2015CB452702)
文摘Identifying the impacts of climate change is important for conservation of ecosystems under climate change, particularly in mountain regions. Holdridge life zone system and Koppen classification provide two effective methods to assess impacts of climate change on ecosystems, as typical climate-vegetation models. Meanwhile, these previous studies are insufficient to assess the complex terrain as well as there are some uncertainties in results while using the given methods. Analysis of the impacts of the prevailing climate conditions in an area on shifts of ecosystems may reduce uncertainties in projecting climate change. In this study, we used different models to depict changes in ecosystems at 1 km × 1 km resolution in Sichuan Province, China during 1961-2010. The results indicate that changes in climate data during the past 50 years were sufficient to cause shifts in the spatial distribution of ecosystems. The trend of shift was from low temperature ecosystems to high temperature ecosystems. Compared with K?ppen classification, the Holdridge system has better adaptation to assess the impacts of climate change on ecosystems in low elevation(0-1000 m). Moreover, we found that changed areas in ecosystems were easily affected by climate change than unchanged areas by calculating current climate condition.
基金The Postgraduate Research and Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province (No.KYCX18_0104).
文摘Due to the complexity of sustainable urban research,the environmental sustainability was assessed.Taking the sponge city as an example,the case study was conducted based on the integrated geographic information system(GIS)and emergy methods.The results demonstrate that the emergy of agricultural crops,major industrial products,comprehensive energy products,imports and exports,waste products and increased natural system emergy are the decisive factors for the sustainability assessment.Agricultural crops are the primary contributor,which accounts for 48.9%of the total emergy amount.Urban solid waste has a self-evident superiority in the waste products emergy proportion.Surface water and vegetal biomass emergy possess the pivotal consequences,far higher than soil organic matter.The sewage treatment stations(0.11%)play a small role in the sustainability assessment of the sponge city.The emergy sustainability index is 0.02181,which indicates poor environmental sustainability.According to the study results,increasing renewable energy input proportion and adopting the vegetal biomass of high unit emergy values(UEVs)can improve the sustainability level.
文摘The assessment of ecological impacts represents a key element of biodiversity offsetting success. After briefly introducing the main controversies arisen on biodiversity monetization and defining biodiversity banking schemes, discussions will be focused on evaluation methods mobilized in the context ofbiodiversity offset banking. Although there is currently no fixed framework assessing environment due resolutely to the specific nature of biodiversity, evaluation methods are analyzed through a review of the academic and empirical literature. This step allows to select few methods justifying these choices and presenting their pros and cons by keeping the aim to contribute to the debates. Thus, ecological assessments (service-to-service and resource-to-resource) and economic valuations (value-to-value and value-to-cost) carried out in biodiversity banking schemes will be distinguished. Finally, this paper will emphasize the inherent differences of the two evaluating forms and their specificities on the one hand, and highlight their opportunities and risks from methodological perspective on the other hand.
文摘Climate change has been linked to well-documented changes in physiology, phenology, species distributions, and in some cases, extinction. Projections of future change point to dramatic shifts in the states of many ecosystems. Aceommodating these shifts to effectively conserve biodiversity in the context of uncertain climate regimes represents one of the most difficult challenges faced by conservation planners. A number of adaptation strategies have been proposed for managing species and ecosystems in a changing climate. However, there has been little guidance available on integrating climate change adaptation strategies into contemporary conservation planning frameworks. The paper reviews the different approaches being used to integrate climate change adaptation into conservation planning, broadly categorizing strategies as continuing and extending on "best practice" principles and those that integrate species vulnerability assessments into conservation planning. We describe the characteristics of a good adaptation strategy emphasizing the importance of incorporating clear principles of flexibility and efficiency, accounting for uncertainty, integrating human response to climate change and understanding trade-offs.
文摘The purpose of this research is to identify and examine the achievement gaps between students. Over the past thirty years, emphasis has been placed on achievement levels of students in this country. State test results, SAT Scores, ACT scores and other assessment instruments have been used to determine performance standards and test results for students. Data analyzed for White students compared to African American and Hispanic students have provided critical information in identifying academic progress and skill deficits for all students. This article will highlight some of the achievement gaps which exit among White, African American and Hispanic Students. Recommendations will also be emphasized to help improve student achievement levels in an effort to close the achievement gap.
基金The National Social Science Fundation of China (17XJY020)The National Natural Science Foundation of China (71963028)The Discipline Construction Project for Ningxia Institutions of Higher Education (Discipline of Theoretical Economics)(NXYLXK2017B04)。
文摘The fragility of ecosystem health has become a key factor hindering the sustainable development of the ecological environment. Through a review of published research from domestic and foreign scholars, starting from the endogenous logic of studies in the field of ecosystem vulnerability(EV), this paper sorts out the literature on the aspects of measurement models, prediction methods and risk assessment, comprehensively defines the research category and scientific framework of EV, and analyzes the research ideas and development trends. We arrived at the following conclusions: 1) The connotation of ecosystem vulnerability not only embodies the change in the vulnerability of the natural environment, but it also reflects the irreversible damage to the ecosystem caused by excessive development and industrial production activities. 2) The setting of ecosystem vulnerability indices should aim to fully reflect the essential features of that vulnerability, which should include the index systems of natural, social, economic and other related factors. 3) There are many types of ecosystem vulnerability measurement methods, prediction models and risk evaluation models, which have different focuses and advantages. The most appropriate method should be adopted for conducting comprehensive and systematic evaluation, prediction and estimation according to the different representation and evolution mechanisms of the chosen research object and regional ecosystem vulnerability. 4) Based on the regional system characteristics, corresponding risk management measures should be proposed, and pertinent policy suggestions should be put forward to improve the ecological safety and sustainable development of an ecologically vulnerable area.
文摘Methods to measure consistent individual differences in behavior (i.e. animal personality) fall into two categories, subjective ratings and behavioral codings. Ratings are seldom used despite being potentially more efficient than codings. One potential limitation for the use of ratings is that it is assumed that long-term observers or experts in the field are required to score individuals. This can be problematic in many cases, especially for long-term ecological studies where there is high turnover in personnel. We tested whether raters who were unacquainted with subjects could produce reliable and valid personality assessments of yellow-bellied marmots Marmota flaviventris. Two raters, previously unacquainted with individuals and marmot be- havior, scored 130 subjects on fifteen different adjectives in both open-field (OF) and mirror image stimulation (MIS) trials. Eight OF and nine MIS adjectives were reliable as indicated by both a high degree of intra-observer and inter-observer reliability. Additionally, some ratings were externally valid, correlating with behavioral codings. Our data suggest that activity/exploration and sociability can be a reliable and valid measurement of personality traits in studies where raters were unacquainted with subjects. These traits are observable with the personality tests we used; otherwise researchers using unacquainted raters should be cautious in the tests they employ [Current Zoology 60 (2): 162-169, 2014].