Ameliorative Effect of Shade on Seedling Growth—Evidence from Field Experiment of <i>Vachellia farnesiana</i>(L.) Willd

The presence of species diversity in the ecosystem is an important aspect. Simply put, the loss of biodiversity and the formation of ecosystems into monocultures would reduce the productivity of the forest ecosystem than it has abundant diversity. This study conducted with a purpose to get the basic information regarding the effect of shade on the seedling growth. Understanding these relationships in the early years may reveal the important information, which will be helpful for managing and evaluating the silviculture practices. The study was conducted at Dirab Experiments and Agricultural Research Station, South of Riyadh. The experimental plot was managed under the corridor of Eucalyptus camaldulensis stands. Twenty seedlings of Vachellia farnesiana with relative similar height and diameter were planted in each block at a 5 × 5 m2 spacing in March 2017. Three different treatments were established and relatively categorized into Line 1 (without shade), Line 2 (shade until 09:00 a.m.), and Line 3 (shade until 11:00 a.m.). Eight months after planting, several morphological parameters were monthly assessed from November 2017 until April 2018. Also, the number of fruits was observed following the fruit’s season. Seedling growth variation as an effect of shading occurred between the lines of planting in this experiment. The seedling growth was significantly increased by shading treatment, even though target plant species (V. farnesiana) is categorized as intolerant species. Basically, shade helps to generate the favorable local environment for supporting plant growth. This treatment with an appropriate consideration might become an alternative practice for increasing plant productivity.

Ameliorative effect of naringenin in intoxication cases recovery

The use of bioactive compounds as alternative medicine in the treatment of some intoxication cases is growing in the last years.Flavonoids are one of these bioactive compounds that are plant-based dietary nutrients.Naringenin is the most influential flavonoid wherein it is found in citrus fruits such as orange,grapefruit,and mandarin.A lot of studies showed the ability of naringenin to scavenge free radicals in different body tissues preventing oxidative stress toxicity and lipid peroxidation.Therefore,naringenin can protect many body organs and systems against toxic manifestations of many drugs and toxic agents.So,it prevents the liver,kidney,heart,testes,and neurological system from toxic effects of a wide range of toxicants.Moreover,it can also ameliorate manifestations of cytotoxicity and developmental toxicity based on its efficacy as an antioxidant.

Electricity Generation from Heatwaves

We chose a definition of heatwaves (HWs) that has ~4-year recurrence frequency at world hot spots. We first examined the 1940-2022 HWs climatology and trends in lifespan, severity, spatial extent, and recurrence frequency. HWs are becoming more frequent and more severe for extratropical mid- and low-latitudes. To euphemize HWs, we here propose a novel clean energy-tapping concept that utilizes the available nano-technology, micro-meteorology knowledge of temperature distribution within/without buildings, and radiative properties of earth atmosphere. The key points for a practical electricity generation scheme from HWs are defogging, insulation, and minimizing the absorption of infrared downward radiation at the cold legs of the thermoelectric generators. One sample realization is presented which, through relay with existing photovoltaic devices, provides all-day electricity supply sufficient for providing air conditioning requirement for a residence (~2000-watt throughput). The provision of power to air conditioning systems, usually imposes a significant stress on traditional city power grids during heatwaves.

Ameliorative and antidyslipidemic potentials of aqueous leaf extract ofGongronema latifoliumin CCl_(4) carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of leaf aqueous extract from Gongronema latifolium(G.latifolium)on CCl_(4)induced-oxidative stress in Wistar rat.This effect was assessed by measuring liver marker enzymes activity,analyzing the antioxidant parameters,lipid profile estimation and lipid peroxidation by-product following CCl_(4)induced-oxidative stress.Methods:Milled G.latifolium leaves were subjected to aqueous extraction and the filtrate was evaporated between 40-60°C under reduced pressure and a calculated volume of the leaf extract was administered at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight.Thirty-five rats were grouped into seven groups of 5 animals each namely;control and experimental groups.The experimental groups were treated with 2.0 mL/kg body weight CCl_(4),25 mg/kg body weight/day silymarin(a standard hepatoprotective antioxidant),500 mg/kg body weight aqueous extract of G.latifolium leaves were administered to the CCl_(4)treated rats for 21 days.Results:Administration of the extract and silymarin increase significantly(P<0.05)in liver marker enzyme(aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase)activities in serum,liver and kidney in the treated groups when compared with untreated groups.The antioxidant parameters(catalase,peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase)were significantly elevated(P<0.05)in animals treated with the extract and silymarin in comparison with untreated groups.CCl_(4)induced oxidative stress mediated variations in total cholesterol,triacylglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were restored significantly(P<0.05)by the extract.Conclusions:The result obtained from this study indicated the antioxidant and antidyslipidemic potentials of the aqueous extract of G.latifolium leaves.

Characteristics of biomass ashes from different materials and their ameliorative effects on acid soils

The chemical characteristics,element contents,mineral compositions,and the ameliorative effects on acid soils of five biomass ashes from different materials were analyzed. The chemical properties of the ashes varied depending on the source biomass material. An increase in the concrete shuttering contents in the biomass materials led to higher alkalinity,and higher Ca and Mg levels in biomass ashes,which made them particularly good at ameliorating effects on soil acidity. However,heavy metal contents,such as Cr,Cu,and Zn in the ashes,were relatively high. The incorporation of all ashes increased soil p H,exchangeable base cations,and available phosphorus,but decreased soil exchangeable acidity. The application of the ashes from biomass materials with a high concrete shuttering content increased the soil available heavy metal contents. Therefore,the biomass ashes from wood and crop residues with low concrete contents were the better acid soil amendments.

TUG-891 inhibits neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress and pyroptosis activation and protects neurons in a mouse model of intraventricular hemorrhage

Pyroptosis plays an important role in hemorrhagic stroke.Excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress can cause endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction and cellular pyroptosis by regulating the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3)pathway.However,the relationship between pyroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress after intraventricular hemorrhage is unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of intraventricular hemorrhage and found pyroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in brain tissue.Intraperitoneal injection of the selective GPR120 agonist TUG-891 inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress,pyroptosis,and inflammation and protected neurons.The neuroprotective effect of TUG-891 appears related to inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and pyroptosis activation.

The mathematical simulation of epidemic models of hepatitis A in three big cities of China

There are 6 epidemic models of hepatitis A in the world.In China,there are 3 mod-els,namely,Beijing,Shanghai and Guangzhou models.In 1979,Schenzle proposed a modifiedsimple catalytic model whose force of infectivity is a logistic function.We made a modifiedmodel with the infectivity force of a linear or conic function.According to the actual data,theauthors have fitted 3 epidemic models.The results are satifactory as proved by the x^2-test ofgoodness of fit.The analysis of the models indicates that the force of infectivity has been lower inShanghai than in Beijing and Guangzhou since·1970.An interesting finding is that the differencebetween the 3 epidemic models is due to the function of infectivity force of hepatitis A.

The Role of Technology in the Process of Learning Mathematics

The research was achieved by applying several questionnaires and evaluation tests that have shown the efficacy of using the computer in building active thought and skills in the graphical representation of functions , within a Cartesian reference system xOy. Our research was based on the following hypothesis: if we systematically use, in lessons of algebra and mathematical analysis, the GeoGebra software for drawing the graph of a function, then we shall contribute to building attitudes and competences in using the computer for the graphical representation of functions , within a Cartesian reference system xOy. The purpose of our study is to present a practical computer use model for the students from the Pre- and In-Service Teacher Training Department, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau, during their pedagogical practice stage of continuous training, aimed at building practical skills in supporting the teaching-learning process with computers. To deal with these issues, we are trying to find the best teaching-learning strategies by using the calculus technique. The research was conducted at the “Stefan cel Mare” National Pedagogical College from Bacau, by assisting 20 lessons of mathematics and 20 lessons of Information and Communication Technology, involving a group of 104 students in the 11th grade. In order to verify the hypothesis, we have established several objectives that orient and guide our activity: knowing the initial level of mathematical training in terms of graphical representation of functions;identifying the frame and reference objectives of the curriculum for mathematical education regarding the graphical representation of functions;designing and conducting a teaching process focused on the use of the computer and the GeoGebra software in learning the graphical representation of functions;final evaluation of the students’ level of training regarding the graphical representation of functions in a plane.

Amelioration of Saline-Sodic Soils with Tillage Implements and Sulfuric Acid Application

Amelioration of saline-sodic soils through land preparation with three tillage implements （disc plow, rotavator and cultivator） each followed by application of sulfuric acid at 20% of gypsum （CaSO4-2H2O） requirement or no sulfuric acid application during crop growth period was evaluated in a field study for 2.5 years at three sites, i.e., Jhottianwala, Gabrika （Thabal）, and Thatta Langar, in Tehsil Pindi Bhattian, Hafizahad District, Pakistan. Within 2.5 years, there was a decrease in the salinity parameters measured （electrical conductivity, pH, and sodium adsorption ratio）, with a gradual increase in rice and wheat grain yields. It was observed that the disc plow, which not only ensured favorable yields but also helped improve soil health at all the three sites, was the most effective tillage implement. Also, application of sulfuric acid resulted in higher yields and promoted rapid amelioration of the saline-sodic soils.

Effects of different plantation types on soil properties after vegetation restoration in an alpine sandy land on the Tibetan Plateau, China

Large areas of Artemisia ordosica Krasch., Caragana korshinskii Kom., and Caragana intermedia Kuang and H. C. Fu plantations were established on moving sand dunes in the Gonghe Basin （northeastern Tibetan Plateau） for vegetation restoration. Elevating our understanding of the changes in soil characteristics after the establishment of different plantation types can be useful in the context of combating deserdfication. To assess the effects of these plantation types on the restoration of sandy land, we measured soil physical-chemical properties at four depths （0-5, 5-10, 10-20, and 20-50 cm） in each of the three plantation types and also in non-vegetated moving sand dunes （as control sites）. Generally, the establishment of A. ordosica, C korshinskii and C intermedia plantations on sand dunes has greatly ameliorated soil quality in the Gonghe Basin. Specifically, relative to the moving sand dunes, shrub plantation has increased the silt and clay contents, total porosity and water holding capacity, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potassium contents. The calculated soil quality index suggested that in the Gonghe Basin, C. intermedia is the best choice for soil amelioration. In all the three plantation types, soil amelioration mainly occurred in the shallow depths.

Influence of Fly Ash and Sewage Sludge Application on Cadmium and Lead Sorption by an Acidic Alfisol

The safe recycling of fly ash (FA) and sewage sludge (SS) in the agricultural processes comprises an important environmental technology on waste management. Soils amended with FA and SS may change their ability to adsorb heavy metals due to either increase of soil pH or decomposition of sludge-borne organic matter. Thus, Cd and Pb sorption was investigated by 1-month incubation under soil moisture content at field capacity and room temperature with an acidic Typic Haploxeroalf from central Greece amended with varying amounts of FA and SS. Batch experiments were conducted by equilibrating the soil samples with CaCl2 solutions containing 0-400 mg Pb L-1 or 0-100 mg Cd L-1. The results showed that the Freundlich equation described well the Cd and Pb sorption. Distribution coefficient (Kd) values of Pb were higher than those of Cd in all the treatments of this study. Application of FA increased Kd values for Cd and Pb to 8.2 and 2.3 times more than the controls, respectively. Simultaneous applications of FA and SS caused a Kd increase of 3.8 and 2.1 times compared to the treatments that received only SS for Cd and Pb, respectively. Treatment of SS alone did not significantly change Cd and Pb sorption compared to the controls. The sorption reactions seemed to be mainly affected by soil pH, which was revealed by the significant correlations of Cd and Pb sorption with soil pH. These suggested that fly ash was very useful as a low-cost adsorbent for Cd and Pb and could be used as an ameliorant for biosolid-amended acidic soils.

Agroforestry and its Application in Amelioration of Saline Soils in Eastern China Coastal Region

Some environmental problems, especially soil salinity hinder the regional sustainable development of eastern China coastal region. Salinity mainly comes from tide weave, seawater flooding and seawater intrusion. Over exploitation of groundwater, which is the result of unfitful land use systems, leads to seawater intrusion and salt concentration increase. Agroforestry systems can enrich soil fertility and prevent soil salinization, furthermore help maintain biodiversity and enhance productivity. For the intergrated multiple ecosystems the most critical issue is to select optimum tree species and rationally arrange these plants. The basics of this multiple ecosystem is that different plants will occupy variable ecological niches within an area, both in space and in soil depth. Shelterbelts and trees intercropping with agricultural crops are major types of the multiple ecosystem. Shelterbelts can reduce wind speed and consequently lessen evaporation and erosion of the soil, increase pasture growth by up to 60% on exposed sites, increase crop yields by up to 25%. Besides intercropping with jujube, other agroforestry multiple ecosystem such as forestry plus agriculture, forestry plus agriculture plus fishery, and forestry plus animal husbandry are the most appropriate ways to utilise land resource in this region.

Role of the different planting age of seabuckthorn forests to soil amelioration in coal mining subsidence land

To investigate the effects of seabuckthorn(Hippophae rhamnoides)on soil amelioration,using the space replacement method,soil physical and chemical indexes as well as the microorganism quantity and soil enzyme activities were analyzed.The results showed that:the soil bulk density of surface soil decreased and soil porosity and field capacity increased after afforestation with seabuckthorn.The plant was found to effectively reduce the soil pH,increase the soil conductivity,soil organic matters and available nutrients.Soil microorganism quantity,soil enzyme activities were both higher in 0-20 cm layer than in 20-40 cm layer.With the increase years of remediation with seabuckthorn,the quantity of soil microorganism and enzyme activities were increasing to a higher level 5 to 8 years later.Our study indicates that seabuckthorn can effectively improve soil physical and chemical properties,increase the quantity of soil microorganisms and enzyme activities,which is of great significance for the ecosystem restoration in mining areas.

优化能源结构对我国能耗水平的影响分析

优化能源结构对我国能耗水平的影响分析王端旭，石瑛一、引言十多年来，我国节能工作取得了很大的成绩，对国民经济持续高速发展起到了重要作用。但是与国际先进水平相比，我国的能耗水平仍然很高。造成这一差距的原因应该说是多方面的，有技术水平、产业结构、能源管理水...

SOIL SALINITY CONTROI,REGARDING SUBSURFACE WATER REGULATION IN NORTH CHINA PLAIN

The North China Plain (NCP) lying along the eastern coastal area withgeogriaphical coordinates 100°to 120°and 30° to 40°W, is one of the mostimportan agncultural ngons in China. A problem in soil salmization has beenfound in vast areas along the lower reaches of the Yellow hiver and north of it. After30 years of work on saline soil amelioration, 2.0 million ha has been improved,accounting for over 60 percen of the total ongnal saline soil area. Ths achievetnenthas ban obtained in close relation to water conservancy work. The author analyzessalthezation amelioration by using measures concerning subsuffoce water regulation.Ih addition to water conservancy measures, thes paper also descnbes acomprehensive way to ameliorate salthezation in northem NCP. Finally, the authorstresses the necessity of combining all measures together into a whole system forsolving salinization problems in northem NCP.

中国能源需求函数的研究

中国能源需求函数的研究虞镇国一、引言能源需求和国内生产总值之间的函数关系的研究是长期能源需求预测的基础研究之一。而长期能源预测是能源基础设施建设必不可少的前期研究。能源需求与国内生产总值在统计上具有很强的正相关性。对１９８０年到１９９１年我国年商品能...

Effect of EM Bokashi application on control of secondary soil salinization

In order to ameliorate saline-alkaline soil, EM Bokashi has been applied to rice production in conjunction with subdrainage in Ningxia Autonomous Region and Zhejiang Province. The preliminary results can be summarized as follows： EM Bokashi can increase soil organic matter content, improve soil porosity and permeability, and raise the soil＇s levels of available nutrients; and EM Bokashi combined with subdrainage treatment is more effective in controlling secondary soil salinization and raising the grain yield and quality than other treatments. The results suggest that EM Bokashi can reduce the necessary amount of chemical fertilizer application, thereby improving the agricultural environment, and that the introduction of EM Bokashi into systems of secondary soil salinization control systems has resulted in significant benefits.

Bio-amelioration of alkali soils through agroforestry systems in central Indo-Gangetic plains of India

A long-term field study was initiated during 1995 at Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Lucknow （26047＇58＂ N and 80°46＇24＂ E） to analyze the effect of agroforestry systems on amelioration of alkali soils. Three agroforestry systems （pas- toral, silvipastoral and silvicultural） were compared with the control where no agroforestry system was introduced. Tree-based silvicultural and silvipastoral systems were characterized by tree species Prosopis juliflora and Acacia nilotica along with grass species Leptochloafusca, Panicum maximum, Trifolium alexandrium and Chloris gayana. Growth of ten-year-old Prosopis juliflora and Acacia nilotica planted in combi- nation with grasses was significantly higher over the silviculture system with the same species. Tree biomass yields of P. juliflora （77.20 t·ha-1） and A. nilotica （63.20 t·ha-1） planted under silvipastoral system were significantly higher than the sole plantation of （64.50 t·ha-1 and 52.75 t·ha-1）. Fodder yield under the pastoral system was significantly higher than the silvipastoral system during initial years but it was at par with that of silvipastoral systems after eight years of plantation. The microbial biomass carbon in the soils of silvipastoral systems was significantly higher than in soils under sole plantation of trees and control systems. The Prosopis-based silvipastoral system proved more effective in reduc- ing soil pH, displacing Na＋ from the exchange complex, increasing or- ganic carbon and available N, P and K. Improvement in soil physical properties such as bulk density, porosity, soil moisture and infiltration rate was higher in the Prosopis-based silvipastoral system than in the silviculture system or control On the basis of biomass production and improvement in soil health due to tree ＋ grass systems, silvipastoral agroforestry system could be adopted for sustainable reclamation ofhighly alkali soils.

Effects of Oyster Shell Soil Amendmenton Fruit Auality and Soil Chemical Properties in Greenhouse Tomato Acidic Soils

[Objective]The aim was to explore the feasibility of applying oyster shell soil amendment for tomato production in order to determine proper quantity of the soil conditional.[Method]Field tests were performed to research effects of the soil conditioner on tomato yield,quality and soil p H.[Result]The results showed that tomato yield increased in the treatment groups with oyster shell soil amendment.The group SC50 increased the most by 16.5%than the control group.Based on normal fertilization,tomato growth was promoted by the soil amendment,and per tomato weight and lycopene content both improved during peak-fruiting period.Besides,soil p H value was enhanced by the soil amendment also.[Conclusion]It can be concluded that the effect was the best when soil conditioner was applied at 750 kg/hm2.

Biochar Applied with Organic Fertilizer Improves Alkaline Soil Properties and Crop Yield

Biochar(BC)is widely applied in agricultural production for its multiple uses such as carbon sequestration.However,application of BC alone has limited effect on soil fertility and crop yield,especially alkaline soil.Therefore,a pot experiment on Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa var.glabra)was carried out in this study to investigate the effect of BC applied with organic fertilizer(OF)on alkaline soil properties and crop yield.To be specific,BC and OF were respectively applied at 0,1%,2%,and 3%,and Chinese cabbage was transplanted and cultivated for 2.5 months.Results showed that BC and OF increased the content of both organic matter and available P in alkaline soil(P<0.05).Moreover,the application of OF alone decreased the pH value but raised available N content of alkaline soil,and the application of only BC demonstrated the contrary effect(P<0.05).OF significantly improved crop yield(P<0.05),but the effect of BC was insignificant.Crop yield was the highest under the treatment of 1%BC and 3%OF.Thus,BC had limited effect on alkaline soil fertility and crop yield,but the application with OF was a good option for ameliorating alkaline soil and raising crop yield.