Compatibility and complementarity of indigenous and scientific knowledge of wild plants in the highlands of southwest Saudi Arabia

This study presents a survey of wild plants commonly used by local inhabitants in the highlands of southwest Saudi Arabia. Based upon literature review, direct observation of local inhabitants, and questionnaire interviews, 36 plant species were assessed and given scores according to their use. The gaps between scientific and indigenous knowl- edge on the use of plants were estimated using a ＂compatibility ratio＂. The score values were estimated based on seven different use categories of ecosystem services, including food, forage, medicine, wood, beekeeping, research, and education. Additional structural categories include source of materials, shade, hedges, ornamental plantings, and soil stabilization. There are discrepancies between indigenous knowledge （IK） and scien- tific knowledge （SK） but in most cases, SK of the species supports the IK and plant users preference. The results also provide information that challenges assumptions about the consistency of IK with SK. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context and uses of wild plants. Biodiversity-based knowledge holds promise for contributing to sustainable use of wild plant resources and related traditions. The success of such endeavours depends on the compatibility and complementarity of indigenous and scientific knowledge.

Analytical study of silane-based and wax-based additives on the interfacial bonding characteristics between natural rubber modified binder and different aggregate types

The modification of asphalt binder with natural rubber latex(NR)significantly improves the rutting and fatigue resistance of asphalt mixtures.However,NR-modified binder is prone to low workability and wettability due to its high viscosity.Therefore,this research focuses on examining the influences of silane and wax-based additives on the wettability of natural rubber-modified binders and the binder-aggregates adhesion performances.In this study,experimental and analytical approaches were used.The contact angles of asphalt binder were measured using a goniometer through the sessile drop method with three solvents:deionised water,formamide,and glycerol.The Cþþalgorithm was adopted to compute the surface free energy(SFE)elements of the asphalt binder.Analytical methods were employed to analyse the results based on the Young-Dupre equation,followed by linear regression to establish a correlation between the compatibility ratio(CR)and the SFE components.The results inferred that modified asphalt binders with additives possessed improved moisture resistance,wherein dry work adhesion values were less than 210 mJ/m^(2)under granite interfaces,whereas the limestone interface exhibited higher dry adhesion values of 340 mJ/m^(2)and below.Similar performance results were observed under wet adhesion conditions;with granite wet adhesive values observed below 120 mJ/m^(2),while limestone wet adhesion values were ascertained below 180 mJ/m^(2)for all tested samples and conditions.According to the spread–ability coefficient results,the limestone interface has greater spread-ability than granite interfaces.Meanwhile,compatibility ratio values indicated better compatibility of 1.9 or higher for tested samples under granite interfaces,whereas compatibility values of 1.7 and below were observed under limestone interfaces.