In order to describe the relationship between dynamic process and sludge removing load in active sludge system, a new method for designing the volume of aeration tanks was put forward based on the Michaelis and Menten...In order to describe the relationship between dynamic process and sludge removing load in active sludge system, a new method for designing the volume of aeration tanks was put forward based on the Michaelis and Menten equation. the influence of sludge returning was considered in the design. The result shows that the parameter of sludge reflux ratio plays a very important role in the design of active sludge system. In some given conditions,there exists an optimum reflux ratio which can make the volume of aeration tank be the minimum.展开更多
The most promising strategies in tissue engineering involve the integration of a triad of biomaterials, living cells, and biologically active molecules to engineer synthetic environments that closely mimic the healing...The most promising strategies in tissue engineering involve the integration of a triad of biomaterials, living cells, and biologically active molecules to engineer synthetic environments that closely mimic the healing milieu present in human tissues, and that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. To be clinically effective, these environments must replicate, as closely as possible, the main characteristics of the native extracellular matrix(ECM) on a cellular and subcellular scale. Photo-fabrication techniques have already been used to generate 3D environments with precise architectures and heterogeneous composition, through a multi-layer procedure involving the selective photocrosslinking reaction of a light-sensitive prepolymer. Cells and therapeutic molecules can be included in the initial hydrogel precursor solution, and processed into 3D constructs. Recently, photofabrication has also been explored to dynamically modulate hydrogel features in real time, providing enhanced control of cell fate and delivery of bioactive compounds. This paper focuses on the use of 3D photo-fabrication techniques to produce advanced constructs for tissue regeneration and drug delivery applications. State-of-the-art photo-fabrication techniques are described, with emphasis on the operating principles and biofabrication strategies to create spatially controlled patterns of cells and bioactive factors. Considering its fast processing, spatiotemporal control, high resolution, and accuracy, photo-fabrication is assuming a critical role in the design of sophisticated 3D constructs. This technology is capable of providing appropriate environments for tissue regeneration, and regulating the spatiotemporal delivery of therapeutics.展开更多
Over the last 2000 years, approximately 38 ancient cities were abandoned through desertification in Hexi Corridor, Northwest China. Among them, 21.05% were abandoned during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, 21.05% ...Over the last 2000 years, approximately 38 ancient cities were abandoned through desertification in Hexi Corridor, Northwest China. Among them, 21.05% were abandoned during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, 21.05% during the end of the Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties, and 57.9% during the Ming and Qing dynasties. At the same time, main lakes were shrinking rapidly from the 5th Century to the 6th Century and the end of the Qing Dynasty. The climate in these periods was relatively arid and cold with frequent dusts. The phase of these changes indicated that there were three periods of desertification enlargement in the northern China. They were Northern and Southern Dynasties, the end of Tang Dynasty and Five Dynasties, the Ming and Qing dynasties. The macro-process of desertification in the study area was controlled mainly by the climatic changes. But from the facts that the population density in the middle of Qing Dynasty had exceeded the critical index of population pressure in arid area and the usage rate of water resources had exceeded 40% in Hexi Corridor, this paper also suggests that human activities have played an important role in desertification processes of the study area mainly during the recent 300 years.展开更多
Dry valleys are a striking geographic landscape in Hengduan Mountains Region and are characterized by low rainfall, desert type of vegetation and fragile environment. Past efforts and resources have been concentrated ...Dry valleys are a striking geographic landscape in Hengduan Mountains Region and are characterized by low rainfall, desert type of vegetation and fragile environment. Past efforts and resources have been concentrated mainly on rehabilitation of degraded ecosystem and fragile environment, particularly reforestation, while socio-economic development has been largely overlooked. Despite successes in pocket areas, the overall trend of unsustainability and environmental deterioration are continuing. It is important to understand that uplift of the Tibetan Plateau is the root cause of development of dry valleys, and development and formation of dry valleys is a natural process. Human intervention has played a secondary role in development of dry valleys and degradation of dry valleys though human intervention in many cases has speeded up environmental degradation of the dry valleys. It is important to understand that dry valleys are climatic enclaves and an integrated approach that combines rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and socio-economic development should be adopted if the overall goal of sustainable development of dry valleys is to be achieved. Promotion of niche-based cash crops, rural energy including hydropower, solar energy, biogas and fuelwood plantation is recommended as the priority activities.展开更多
The Manila clam Venerupis philippinarum is a good biomonitor/bioindicator to marine metal pollution and is frequently used in aquatic toxicology. Two dominant pedigrees (white and zebra) of clam are distributed in the...The Manila clam Venerupis philippinarum is a good biomonitor/bioindicator to marine metal pollution and is frequently used in aquatic toxicology. Two dominant pedigrees (white and zebra) of clam are distributed in the Bohai Sea; however, little attention has been paid to potential biological differences between these two pedigrees. In this study, we tested the sensitivity of both pedigrees to marine metal (cadmium and zinc) pollution biomonitoring and marine environmental toxicology. Results demonstrate significant biological differences in gills of white and zebra clams based on metabolic profiles and antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, we found that hypotaurine, malonate and homarine were relatively high in white clam gills, while alanine, arginine, glutamate, succinate, 4-aminobutyrate, taurine and betaine were high in zebra clam gills. Zebra clam gills were also more sensitive to a mixture of Cd and Zn, as shown by antioxidant enzyme activities and metabolic profiles, but white clam gills could accumulate more Zn. Therefore, we suggest that the white pedigree can be used as a biomonitor to marine Zn pollution, whereas the zebra pedigree can be used for toxicology studies on Cd and Zn mixed pollution.展开更多
Global population growth and urbanization have posed increasing threats to the ecological environment. In an aging society, high-density living spaces have resulted in intensifying housing concerns for urban senior ci...Global population growth and urbanization have posed increasing threats to the ecological environment. In an aging society, high-density living spaces have resulted in intensifying housing concerns for urban senior citizens. Among the rapid urban development, addressing the demands of senior citizens for suitable living environments and enabling senior city dwellers to engage in diversified social interactions are concerns that necessitate public attention. This study introduced the idea of the “vertical farm” to the living environments of senior citizens. By integrating vegetation appreciation and physical labor, vertical farming allows senior citizens to experience joy and a sense of accomplishment. In addition, these farms can change the monotonous and gloomy exteriors of concrete buildings. By conducting in-depth interviews with 12 senior citizens residing in the Happiness Community in Taipei City, by building vertical farms, senior citizens can experience joy and a sense of achievement at the psychological level and communicate with families, friends and neighbors in the community at a social level. At the environmental level, comprehensive ecological communities can be achieved. We explored how promoting vertical farms in a living environment can affect senior citizens at the psychological, social and environmental levels. The results can be used to build vertical farms that accommodate the needs of senior citizen living environments.展开更多
This article reviews the literature on thermochemical processing of municipal solid waste as the final disposal in Brazil, explores recent publications in the field of solid waste generated, its origin, characteristic...This article reviews the literature on thermochemical processing of municipal solid waste as the final disposal in Brazil, explores recent publications in the field of solid waste generated, its origin, characteristics and removal mechanisms currently employed, in the same way, available technologies for the thermochemical treatment of MSW with an emphasis on gasification and clean technology are evaluated, highlighting the current technical and reported in the literature in order to identify indicators of efficiency and flexibility of the technology. From the review it is concluded that gasification is a technically feasible option for the thermochemical conversion of municipal solid waste and subsequent power generation, besides being a technology that meets the applicable emission limits. Some of the main advantages of gasification of municipal solid waste are: (a) the sharp reduction in the waste mass (about 70-80%) and volume (approximately 80-90%); (b) the drastic reduction in land use, 1:3000; (c) destruction of organic pollutants and other halogenated hydrocarbons; (d) concentration and immobilisation of inorganic contaminants so that they can be used effectively and safely removed; (e) use recyclables, such as ferrous metals, ferrous ash and slag materials; (f) reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by anaerobic decomposition of organic waste and (g) power generation.展开更多
The design is a cultural activity. The design always influences all aspects of our daily lives, as large as the country's politics, economical reform and development, as small as the necessities of daily life. All th...The design is a cultural activity. The design always influences all aspects of our daily lives, as large as the country's politics, economical reform and development, as small as the necessities of daily life. All the designs mentioned here consist of both sensual activities of art and the rational activities of science. "Design is also a culture". Design is a culture-based, which means to absorb nutrients from the culture. Whether in ancient or modem, East or West, design is always to have a certain culture. Design and culture interrelate with, influence and promote each other. We humans live in a designed cultural environment and atmosphere which is constantly being designed. The design has become a way for human survival and development. Works of our designers are no longer just a product, a brand, a package, a poster or a building, but design of a new lifestyle, a new culture, which are a reflection, expansion and continuation of the culture. The design itself is creating culture.展开更多
The term "extreme environments" describes the conditions that deviate from what mesophilic cells can tolerate. These condi- tions are "extreme" in the eye of mankind, but they may be suitable or even essential liv...The term "extreme environments" describes the conditions that deviate from what mesophilic cells can tolerate. These condi- tions are "extreme" in the eye of mankind, but they may be suitable or even essential living conditions for most microorgan- isms. Hypertherrnophilic microorganisms form a branch at the root of the phylogenetic tree, indicating that early life originated from extreme environments similar to that of modern deep-sea hydrothermal vents, which are characterized by high-tempera- ture and oxygen-limiting conditions. During the inevitable cooling and gradual oxidation process on Earth, microorganisms developed similar mechanisms of adaptation. By studying modem extremophiles, we may be able to decode the mysterious history of their genomic evolution and to reconstruct e~,rly life. Because life itself is a process of energy uptake to maintain a dissipative structure that is not in thermodynamic equilibrium, the energy metabolism of microorganisms determines the path- way of evolution, the structure of an ecosystem, and the physiology of cells. "Following energy" is an essential approach to understand the boundaries of life and to search for life beyond Earth.展开更多
Most species evolve within fluctuating environments, and have developed adaptations to meet the challenges posed by environmental heterogeneity. One such adaptation is phenotypic plasticity, or the ability of a single...Most species evolve within fluctuating environments, and have developed adaptations to meet the challenges posed by environmental heterogeneity. One such adaptation is phenotypic plasticity, or the ability of a single genotype to produce multiple environmentally-induced phenotypes. Yet, not all plasticity is adaptive. Despite the renewed interest in adaptive phenotypic plas- ticity and its consequences for evolution, much less is known about maladaptive plasticity. However, maladaptive plasticity is likely an important driver of phenotypic similarity among populations living in different environments. This paper traces four strategies for overcoming maladaptive plasticity that result in phenotypic similarity, two of which involve genetic changes (standing genetic variation, genetic compensation) and two of which do not (standing epigenetic variation, plastic compensation). Plastic compensation is defined as adaptive plasticity overcoming maladaptive plasticity. In particular, plastic compensation may increase the likelihood of genetic compensation by facilitating population persistence. We provide key terms to disentangle these aspects of phenotypic plasticity and introduce examples to reinforce the potential importance of plastic compensation for under- standing evolutionary change展开更多
文摘In order to describe the relationship between dynamic process and sludge removing load in active sludge system, a new method for designing the volume of aeration tanks was put forward based on the Michaelis and Menten equation. the influence of sludge returning was considered in the design. The result shows that the parameter of sludge reflux ratio plays a very important role in the design of active sludge system. In some given conditions,there exists an optimum reflux ratio which can make the volume of aeration tank be the minimum.
基金support of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the strategic project UID/Multi/04044/2013the FCT for the doctoral grant SFRH/BD/91151/2012
文摘The most promising strategies in tissue engineering involve the integration of a triad of biomaterials, living cells, and biologically active molecules to engineer synthetic environments that closely mimic the healing milieu present in human tissues, and that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. To be clinically effective, these environments must replicate, as closely as possible, the main characteristics of the native extracellular matrix(ECM) on a cellular and subcellular scale. Photo-fabrication techniques have already been used to generate 3D environments with precise architectures and heterogeneous composition, through a multi-layer procedure involving the selective photocrosslinking reaction of a light-sensitive prepolymer. Cells and therapeutic molecules can be included in the initial hydrogel precursor solution, and processed into 3D constructs. Recently, photofabrication has also been explored to dynamically modulate hydrogel features in real time, providing enhanced control of cell fate and delivery of bioactive compounds. This paper focuses on the use of 3D photo-fabrication techniques to produce advanced constructs for tissue regeneration and drug delivery applications. State-of-the-art photo-fabrication techniques are described, with emphasis on the operating principles and biofabrication strategies to create spatially controlled patterns of cells and bioactive factors. Considering its fast processing, spatiotemporal control, high resolution, and accuracy, photo-fabrication is assuming a critical role in the design of sophisticated 3D constructs. This technology is capable of providing appropriate environments for tissue regeneration, and regulating the spatiotemporal delivery of therapeutics.
文摘Over the last 2000 years, approximately 38 ancient cities were abandoned through desertification in Hexi Corridor, Northwest China. Among them, 21.05% were abandoned during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, 21.05% during the end of the Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties, and 57.9% during the Ming and Qing dynasties. At the same time, main lakes were shrinking rapidly from the 5th Century to the 6th Century and the end of the Qing Dynasty. The climate in these periods was relatively arid and cold with frequent dusts. The phase of these changes indicated that there were three periods of desertification enlargement in the northern China. They were Northern and Southern Dynasties, the end of Tang Dynasty and Five Dynasties, the Ming and Qing dynasties. The macro-process of desertification in the study area was controlled mainly by the climatic changes. But from the facts that the population density in the middle of Qing Dynasty had exceeded the critical index of population pressure in arid area and the usage rate of water resources had exceeded 40% in Hexi Corridor, this paper also suggests that human activities have played an important role in desertification processes of the study area mainly during the recent 300 years.
基金supported jointly by the National Key Project for Basic Research on Tibetan Plateau(G1998040800)Promotion Plan of the Ministry of Education and President Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
文摘Dry valleys are a striking geographic landscape in Hengduan Mountains Region and are characterized by low rainfall, desert type of vegetation and fragile environment. Past efforts and resources have been concentrated mainly on rehabilitation of degraded ecosystem and fragile environment, particularly reforestation, while socio-economic development has been largely overlooked. Despite successes in pocket areas, the overall trend of unsustainability and environmental deterioration are continuing. It is important to understand that uplift of the Tibetan Plateau is the root cause of development of dry valleys, and development and formation of dry valleys is a natural process. Human intervention has played a secondary role in development of dry valleys and degradation of dry valleys though human intervention in many cases has speeded up environmental degradation of the dry valleys. It is important to understand that dry valleys are climatic enclaves and an integrated approach that combines rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and socio-economic development should be adopted if the overall goal of sustainable development of dry valleys is to be achieved. Promotion of niche-based cash crops, rural energy including hydropower, solar energy, biogas and fuelwood plantation is recommended as the priority activities.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.41106102)Shandong Science Foundation of China (No. ZR2009CZ008)the 100 Talents Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘The Manila clam Venerupis philippinarum is a good biomonitor/bioindicator to marine metal pollution and is frequently used in aquatic toxicology. Two dominant pedigrees (white and zebra) of clam are distributed in the Bohai Sea; however, little attention has been paid to potential biological differences between these two pedigrees. In this study, we tested the sensitivity of both pedigrees to marine metal (cadmium and zinc) pollution biomonitoring and marine environmental toxicology. Results demonstrate significant biological differences in gills of white and zebra clams based on metabolic profiles and antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, we found that hypotaurine, malonate and homarine were relatively high in white clam gills, while alanine, arginine, glutamate, succinate, 4-aminobutyrate, taurine and betaine were high in zebra clam gills. Zebra clam gills were also more sensitive to a mixture of Cd and Zn, as shown by antioxidant enzyme activities and metabolic profiles, but white clam gills could accumulate more Zn. Therefore, we suggest that the white pedigree can be used as a biomonitor to marine Zn pollution, whereas the zebra pedigree can be used for toxicology studies on Cd and Zn mixed pollution.
文摘Global population growth and urbanization have posed increasing threats to the ecological environment. In an aging society, high-density living spaces have resulted in intensifying housing concerns for urban senior citizens. Among the rapid urban development, addressing the demands of senior citizens for suitable living environments and enabling senior city dwellers to engage in diversified social interactions are concerns that necessitate public attention. This study introduced the idea of the “vertical farm” to the living environments of senior citizens. By integrating vegetation appreciation and physical labor, vertical farming allows senior citizens to experience joy and a sense of accomplishment. In addition, these farms can change the monotonous and gloomy exteriors of concrete buildings. By conducting in-depth interviews with 12 senior citizens residing in the Happiness Community in Taipei City, by building vertical farms, senior citizens can experience joy and a sense of achievement at the psychological level and communicate with families, friends and neighbors in the community at a social level. At the environmental level, comprehensive ecological communities can be achieved. We explored how promoting vertical farms in a living environment can affect senior citizens at the psychological, social and environmental levels. The results can be used to build vertical farms that accommodate the needs of senior citizen living environments.
文摘This article reviews the literature on thermochemical processing of municipal solid waste as the final disposal in Brazil, explores recent publications in the field of solid waste generated, its origin, characteristics and removal mechanisms currently employed, in the same way, available technologies for the thermochemical treatment of MSW with an emphasis on gasification and clean technology are evaluated, highlighting the current technical and reported in the literature in order to identify indicators of efficiency and flexibility of the technology. From the review it is concluded that gasification is a technically feasible option for the thermochemical conversion of municipal solid waste and subsequent power generation, besides being a technology that meets the applicable emission limits. Some of the main advantages of gasification of municipal solid waste are: (a) the sharp reduction in the waste mass (about 70-80%) and volume (approximately 80-90%); (b) the drastic reduction in land use, 1:3000; (c) destruction of organic pollutants and other halogenated hydrocarbons; (d) concentration and immobilisation of inorganic contaminants so that they can be used effectively and safely removed; (e) use recyclables, such as ferrous metals, ferrous ash and slag materials; (f) reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by anaerobic decomposition of organic waste and (g) power generation.
文摘The design is a cultural activity. The design always influences all aspects of our daily lives, as large as the country's politics, economical reform and development, as small as the necessities of daily life. All the designs mentioned here consist of both sensual activities of art and the rational activities of science. "Design is also a culture". Design is a culture-based, which means to absorb nutrients from the culture. Whether in ancient or modem, East or West, design is always to have a certain culture. Design and culture interrelate with, influence and promote each other. We humans live in a designed cultural environment and atmosphere which is constantly being designed. The design has become a way for human survival and development. Works of our designers are no longer just a product, a brand, a package, a poster or a building, but design of a new lifestyle, a new culture, which are a reflection, expansion and continuation of the culture. The design itself is creating culture.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31290232)National High-Tech Program (Grant No. 2012AA092103-2)National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2011CB808800)
文摘The term "extreme environments" describes the conditions that deviate from what mesophilic cells can tolerate. These condi- tions are "extreme" in the eye of mankind, but they may be suitable or even essential living conditions for most microorgan- isms. Hypertherrnophilic microorganisms form a branch at the root of the phylogenetic tree, indicating that early life originated from extreme environments similar to that of modern deep-sea hydrothermal vents, which are characterized by high-tempera- ture and oxygen-limiting conditions. During the inevitable cooling and gradual oxidation process on Earth, microorganisms developed similar mechanisms of adaptation. By studying modem extremophiles, we may be able to decode the mysterious history of their genomic evolution and to reconstruct e~,rly life. Because life itself is a process of energy uptake to maintain a dissipative structure that is not in thermodynamic equilibrium, the energy metabolism of microorganisms determines the path- way of evolution, the structure of an ecosystem, and the physiology of cells. "Following energy" is an essential approach to understand the boundaries of life and to search for life beyond Earth.
文摘Most species evolve within fluctuating environments, and have developed adaptations to meet the challenges posed by environmental heterogeneity. One such adaptation is phenotypic plasticity, or the ability of a single genotype to produce multiple environmentally-induced phenotypes. Yet, not all plasticity is adaptive. Despite the renewed interest in adaptive phenotypic plas- ticity and its consequences for evolution, much less is known about maladaptive plasticity. However, maladaptive plasticity is likely an important driver of phenotypic similarity among populations living in different environments. This paper traces four strategies for overcoming maladaptive plasticity that result in phenotypic similarity, two of which involve genetic changes (standing genetic variation, genetic compensation) and two of which do not (standing epigenetic variation, plastic compensation). Plastic compensation is defined as adaptive plasticity overcoming maladaptive plasticity. In particular, plastic compensation may increase the likelihood of genetic compensation by facilitating population persistence. We provide key terms to disentangle these aspects of phenotypic plasticity and introduce examples to reinforce the potential importance of plastic compensation for under- standing evolutionary change