In contrast to most existing works on robust unit commitment(UC),this study proposes a novel big-M-based mixed-integer linear programming(MILP)method to solve security-constrained UC problems considering the allowable...In contrast to most existing works on robust unit commitment(UC),this study proposes a novel big-M-based mixed-integer linear programming(MILP)method to solve security-constrained UC problems considering the allowable wind power output interval and its adjustable conservativeness.The wind power accommodation capability is usually limited by spinning reserve requirements and transmission line capacity in power systems with large-scale wind power integration.Therefore,by employing the big-M method and adding auxiliary 0-1 binary variables to describe the allowable wind power output interval,a bilinear programming problem meeting the security constraints of system operation is presented.Furthermore,an adjustable confidence level was introduced into the proposed robust optimization model to decrease the level of conservatism of the robust solutions.This can establish a trade-off between economy and security.To develop an MILP problem that can be solved by commercial solvers such as CPLEX,the big-M method is utilized again to represent the bilinear formulation as a series of linear inequality constraints and approximately address the nonlinear formulation caused by the adjustable conservativeness.Simulation studies on a modified IEEE 26-generator reliability test system connected to wind farms were performed to confirm the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.展开更多
In recent years,there has been a growing global demand for carbon neutrality and energy efficiency,which are expected to become long-term trends.In the field of architecture,an effective approach to achieve this is to...In recent years,there has been a growing global demand for carbon neutrality and energy efficiency,which are expected to become long-term trends.In the field of architecture,an effective approach to achieve this is to reduce heat loss in buildings.Vacuum insulation panels(VIPs),a type of high-performance insulation material,have been increasingly utilised in the construction industry and have played an increa-singly important role as their performance and manufacturing processes continue to improve.This paper provides a review of the factors affecting the thermal conductivity of VIPs and presents a detailed overview of the research progress on core materials,barrier films,and getters.The current research status of VIPs is summarised,including their thermal conductivity,service life,and thermal bridging effects,as well as their applications in the field of architecture.This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding for relevant practitioners on the factors influencing the thermal conductivity of VIPs,and based on which,measures can be taken to produce VIPs with lower thermal conductivity and longer service life.展开更多
Ecological conservation is at a crossroad as environmental stresses around the world intensify and traditional models of conservation exhibit intrinsic weaknesses in their response to present and future problems.In th...Ecological conservation is at a crossroad as environmental stresses around the world intensify and traditional models of conservation exhibit intrinsic weaknesses in their response to present and future problems.In the project,we evaluated novel approaches integrating adaptive management,technological innovations,and community-based action towards more efficient sustainable conservation results and ecosystem resilience.The multi-site experimental design was based on comparison between conventional reserve management and novel integrative models implemented in diverse ecological zones.Data were collected over a period of three years employing remote sensing technologies,in situ biodiversity assessments,and large socioeconomic surveys.These instruments enabled a robust and multi-dimensional measurement of variables such as species diversity,ecological resilience,community engagement,and stakeholder engagement.The results indicate that adaptive strategies significantly enhance real-time decision-making abilities and enhance long-term ecosystem resilience.Further,technology-driven monitoring greatly enhances data accuracy,responsiveness,and early warning capabilities.Besides that,community-based conservation initiatives were found to be pivotal in facilitating local stewardship,enhancing participatory governance,and enabling more adaptive and adaptive policy systems.This research rejects mainstream conservation paradigms by placing importance on flexibility,interdisciplinarity,and inclusivity of governance systems in effectively mitigating the impacts of climate change and loss of biodiversity.Our findings offer strong evidence that emerging paradigms of conservation can provide greater ecological and social sustainability than traditional methods.These results support the need for a paradigm shift towards conservation strategies that are dynamic,collaborative,and technologically integrated,with significant implications for policy formulation as well as operational environmental management.展开更多
Whilst phosphorus(P)in soil is considered to be abundant,the portion available for plant uptake constitutes less than 1%of the overall P present.To enhance crop productivity,the utilization of mineral P fertilizers ha...Whilst phosphorus(P)in soil is considered to be abundant,the portion available for plant uptake constitutes less than 1%of the overall P present.To enhance crop productivity,the utilization of mineral P fertilizers has become pervasive in agriculture.Nonetheless,the escalating prices of chemical fertilizers,coupled with new European regulations prohibiting the use of P fertilizers containing cadmium,have highlighted the urgency to identify environmentally friendly products and practices for P fertilization in agricultural soils.This comprehensive review delves into the current landscape of P fertilization from agricultural,political,and economic standpoints.We recognize the potential of microbes in mobilizing P,but emphasize the necessity for more robust research to establish their effectiveness in promoting plant P uptake under real-world conditions.Additionally,we explore the role of agricultural conservation practices,such as optimal tillage,diversified cropping systems,and increased organic carbon input,in conserving P.Furthermore,this review contemplates forthcoming innovations in research.These innovations encompass the development of enhanced formulations for biofertilizers and the undertaking of more comprehensive studies within the realm of conservation agriculture.All these endeavors collectively hold the potential to augment P accessibility to plants in a sustainable manner,thereby advancing agricultural sustainability and productivity.展开更多
Inbreeding increases genome homozygosity within populations,which can exacerbate inbreeding depression by exposing homozygous deleterious alleles that are responsible for declines in fitness traits.In small population...Inbreeding increases genome homozygosity within populations,which can exacerbate inbreeding depression by exposing homozygous deleterious alleles that are responsible for declines in fitness traits.In small populations,genetic purging that occurs under the pressure of natural selection acts as an opposing force,contributing to a reduction of deleterious alleles.Both inbreeding and genetic purging are paramount in the field of conservation genomics.The Amur tiger(Panthera tigris altaica)lives in small populations in the forests of Northeast Asia and is among the most endangered animals on the planet.Using genome-wide assessment and comparison,we reveal substantially higher and more extensive inbreeding in wild Amur tigers(F_(ROH)=0.50)than in captive individuals(F_(ROH)=0.24).However,a relatively reduced number of lossof-function mutations in wild Amur tigers is observed compared to captive individuals,indicating genetic purging of inbreeding load with relatively large-effect alleles.The higher ratio of homozygous mutation load and number of fixed damaging alleles in the wild population indicates a less-efficient genetic purging,with purifying selection also contributing to this process.These findings provide valuable insights for the future conservation of Amur tigers.展开更多
Calcineurin(CN)is a calcium-and calmodulindependent serine/threonine that has been studied in many model organisms including yeast,filamentous fungi,plants,and mammals.Its biological functions range from ion homeostas...Calcineurin(CN)is a calcium-and calmodulindependent serine/threonine that has been studied in many model organisms including yeast,filamentous fungi,plants,and mammals.Its biological functions range from ion homeostasis and virulence in lower eukaryotes to T-cell activation in humans by human nuclear factors of activated T-cells.CN is a heterodimeric protein consisting of a catalytic subunit,calcineurin A(Cna1p),which contains an active site with a dinuclear metal center,and a regulatory Ca^(2+) binding subunit called calcineurin B(Cnb1p)required to activate Cna1p.The calcineurin B subunit has been highly conserved through evolution:For example,the mammalian calcineurin B shows 54%identity with calcineurin B from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.展开更多
Protecting rare,endemic,and endangered species requires careful habitat evaluation to set strategic plans for mitigating biodiversity loss and prioritizing conservation goals.The endangered Asian elephant(Elephas maxi...Protecting rare,endemic,and endangered species requires careful habitat evaluation to set strategic plans for mitigating biodiversity loss and prioritizing conservation goals.The endangered Asian elephant(Elephas maximus)exemplifies the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts,given its challenging habitat conditions.This study examines the impact of climate and land use changes on the suitable habitat distribution of Asian elephants.Utilizing ten predictor variables,including climatic,topographic,and land use data,and employing six ensemble Species Distribution Models(SDMs)alongside Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 data,the study estimates spatial changes and potential habitat expansions for Asian elephants across Tropical Asia.Occurrence data were gathered from field surveys in Bangladesh and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility database for Sri Lanka,Myanmar,Bhutan,Cambodia,India,Laos,Nepal,Thailand,and Vietnam.To evaluate habitat suitability,the analysis considered two distinct socioeconomic pathways(SSP 245 and SSP 370)across two future periods(2041–2060 and 2061–2080).Results reveal a strong correlation between isothermality and habitat suitability,with higher isothermality enhancing the habitat conditions for Asian elephants.Among the SDMs,the random forest model demonstrated the highest performance.Projected scenarios indicate significant habitat fragmentation by 2061–2080,heightening the risk of species’vulnerability.Specifically,in SSP 245,the north zone is anticipated to experience a higher rate of habitat loss(588.443 km^(2)/year),whereas,in SSP 370,the west zone is expected to face a more severe rate of habitat loss(1,798.56 km^(2)/year).The eastern zone,which includes Cambodia,Vietnam,Laos,Thailand,and southern Myanmar,is notably at risk,with an estimated habitat loss of 14.8 million hectares.Anticipated changes in climate and land cover will impact the availability of essential resources such as food,water,and shelter,potentially driving the species to relocate to different elevation belts.The outcomes of the consensus map highlighting critical habitats and future fragmentation scenarios will support effective conservation and management strategies for the species.展开更多
The Dhofar region of Oman,renowned for its unique monsoon-influenced climate and substantial agricultural potential,faces significant challenges in achieving sustainable agricultural practices that balance productivit...The Dhofar region of Oman,renowned for its unique monsoon-influenced climate and substantial agricultural potential,faces significant challenges in achieving sustainable agricultural practices that balance productivity with environmental conservation.This review critically explores a range of sustainable agricultural methods currently im-plemented in the region,including organic farming,water conservation techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting,agroforestry systems,crop rotation,and soil conservation measures like terracing and composting.These strategies aim to mitigate pressing environmental concerns such as water scarcity,soil erosion,and land degradation while enhancing crop yield and farm profitability.The review further examines the economic implications of these practices, evaluating their cost-effectiveness, potential for long-term returns, and influence on the growing market demandfor organic and eco-friendly products. Despite their benefits, the broader adoption of these sustainable approaches ishindered by several challenges, including limited access to advanced technologies, inadequate financial resources, lackof technical knowledge, and minimal awareness among local farmers. The article also assesses the role of governmentalpolicies, subsidies, and extension services in promoting the adoption of sustainable agriculture in Dhofar. Finally, it offersstrategic recommendations for future research, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives. This reviewemphasizes the urgent need for continued investment in sustainable solutions to ensure long-term agricultural resilienceand environmental sustainability in the region.展开更多
Effective preservation of Key Biodiversity Areas(KBAs)is crucial to address biodiversity loss.Human-induced disturbance in these vital sites can exacerbate species extinction and challenge the Kunming-Montreal Global ...Effective preservation of Key Biodiversity Areas(KBAs)is crucial to address biodiversity loss.Human-induced disturbance in these vital sites can exacerbate species extinction and challenge the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(GBF).This study delves into the human disturbance and protection in terrestrial KBAs worldwide,focusing particularly on habitat fragmentation to devise tailored conservation strategies.Our results reveal widespread human disturbance across global KBAs,with an average Human Footprint Index of 12.3 and a disturbance rate of 62%.Only one-fifth of KBAs are fully safeguarded by protected areas,and a significant portion remains unprotected,with even many highly protected sites under severe disturbance.Globally,human activities have led to substantial implicit habitat fragmentation in KBAs,resulting in a 70%average decline in habitat size,with less than half of KBAs maintaining well-connected active habitats.These findings inform the classification of KBAs for priority conservation,with 80%requiring both intensity regulation and spatial planning of human activities.Higher levels of human disturbance do not necessarily lead to more severe fragmentation,underscoring the potential for relocating or planning human activities to mitigate fragmentation.This research serves as a foundational assessment of human impacts on KBAs,providing a basis for KBA management and global conservation efforts to meet GBF goals.展开更多
China boasts over 10,000 native useful vascular plants(NUVPs),spanning eight families and serving twelve dis-tinct uses.Given the importance of NUVPs,widely-confirmed in-situ conservation policies,such as establishing...China boasts over 10,000 native useful vascular plants(NUVPs),spanning eight families and serving twelve dis-tinct uses.Given the importance of NUVPs,widely-confirmed in-situ conservation policies,such as establishing nature reserves,have been broadly implemented to protect them.However,the effectiveness of in-situ conser-vation efforts for NUVPs in China remains uncertain.Highlighting the importance of multi-family and multi-use plants,this research identified the spatial distribution pattern and diversity hotspots of NUVPs,evaluated the in-situ conservation effectiveness and provided the future conservation priority scheme.The results revealed that the spatial concentration of NUVPs is predominantly in the southwestern lowlands of China(<3,000 m),peaking around 109°E and 25°N.Importantly,diversity hotspots exhibited a significant spatial mismatch(over 80%)with the National Nature Reserve(NNR)network.Only about 17.7%and 13.3%of these hotspots are protected by NNR initiatives for endemic and nonendemic species,respectively.Additionally,the proposed Plants Conserva-tion Effectiveness Index(PCEI)proved more representative in addressing the two main crises faced by the studied species-species loss and human pressure,and found a decline in conservation effectiveness as the number of uses increased.Finally,future conservation priorities based on the PCEI highlight the Nanling Mountains,Heng-duan Mountains,Jiuwandashan,and Qilian Mountains as highly prioritized regions requiring focused efforts to address the impacts of climate change.Conversely,in sparsely distributed regions experiencing increasing human pressure,it is imperative to mitigate the expanding human footprint.展开更多
1.Need for coordinated flyways conservation Flyways are migratory routes that encompass breeding,stopover,and non-breeding habitats essential for the annual life cycles of migratory birds(Bamford et al.,2008;Newton,20...1.Need for coordinated flyways conservation Flyways are migratory routes that encompass breeding,stopover,and non-breeding habitats essential for the annual life cycles of migratory birds(Bamford et al.,2008;Newton,2023).These routes are critical for maintaining global biodiversity by supporting seasonal movements across continents(Hua et al.,2015;Runge et al.,2015).Effective conservation of flyways,such as the East Asian-Australasian Flyway(EAAF)and Central Asian Flyway(CAF),requires international cooperation to protect key stopover sites(Yong et al.,2015;Kumar 2019;Schmaljohann et al.,2022).展开更多
1.Introduction As global temperatures increase and weather patterns grow more er-ratic,the urgency of adopting climate-smart conservation strategies has intensified(Manyakaidze et al.,2024).Climate-smart conservation ...1.Introduction As global temperatures increase and weather patterns grow more er-ratic,the urgency of adopting climate-smart conservation strategies has intensified(Manyakaidze et al.,2024).Climate-smart conservation com-prises adaptive management practices aimed at bolstering the resilience of ecosystems and species amid climate variability(Birchall et al.,2021;Gabriel-Campos et al.,2021).展开更多
Disaster risk reduction,an essential function of protected areas(PAs),has been generally overlooked in PA design.Using primates as a model,we designed a disaster risk index(DRI)to measure the disaster sensitivity of p...Disaster risk reduction,an essential function of protected areas(PAs),has been generally overlooked in PA design.Using primates as a model,we designed a disaster risk index(DRI)to measure the disaster sensitivity of primate species.High-conservation-need(HCN)areas were identified by both their richness and number of threatened primate species.We also constructed high-disaster-risk(HDR)areas and climate-sensitive(CS)areas based on a disaster risk assessment and temperature change under climate change.We overlaid HCN and HDR areas to obtain HDR-HCN areas.We defined species conservation targets as the percent of each species’range that should be effectively conserved using“Zonation”.Landslides had the highest DRI(1.43±0.88),but have been overlooked in previous studies.PA coverage in HDR-HCN(30%)areas was similar to that in HCN areas(28%),indicating that current PA design fails to account for disaster risk reduction.About 50%of the HDR-HCN areas overlapped with CS areas.Presently,43%of primate species meet their conservation targets.Fifty-seven of primate species would meet their conservation targets and 67%of primates could benefit from PA expansion if HDR-HCN areas are fully incorporated into PAs.Increasing PA coverage in HDR-HCN areas is essential to achieving both primate conservation and disaster risk reduction.The study calls for integrating disaster risk reduction into PA design guidelines,particularly in regions like the western Amazon,and recommends flexible conservation approaches in other areas.展开更多
This paper presents a nonlinear micropolar nonclassical continuum theory (MPNCCT) for finite deformation, finite strain deformation physics of thermosviscoelastic solid medium with memory (polymeric micropolar solids)...This paper presents a nonlinear micropolar nonclassical continuum theory (MPNCCT) for finite deformation, finite strain deformation physics of thermosviscoelastic solid medium with memory (polymeric micropolar solids) based on classical rotations cΘand their rates. Contravariant second Piola-Kirchhoff stress and moment tensors, in conjunction with finite deformation measures derived by the authors in recent paper, are utilized in deriving the conservation and balance laws and the constitutive theories based on conjugate pairs in entropy inequality and the representation theorem. This nonlinear MPNCCT for TVES with rheology: 1) incorporates nonlinear ordered rate dissipation mechanism based on Green’s strain rates up to order n;2) also incorporates an additional ordered rate dissipation mechanism due to microconstituents, the viscosity of the medium and the rates of the symmetric part of the rotation gradient (of cΘ) tensor up to order n, referred to as micropolar dissipation or micropolar viscous dissipation mechanism;3) incorporates the primary mechanism of memory or rheology due to long chain molecules of the polymer and the viscosity of the medium by using the contravaraint second Piola-Kirchhoff stress tensor and its rates up to order m, resulting in a relaxation spectrum;4) incorporates second mechanism of memory or rheology due to nonclassical physics, interaction of microconstituents with the viscous medium and long chain molecules by considering rates of the contravariant second Piola-Kirchhoff moment tensor up to order m, resulting in relaxation of second Piola-Kirchhoff moment tensor. This results in another relaxation spectrum for the second Piola-Kirchhoff moment tensor due to microconstituents, referred to as micropolar relaxation spectrum consisting of micropolar relaxation time constants of the material. This nonlinear MPNCCT for TVES with memory is thermodynamically and mathematically consistent, and the mathematical model consisting of conservation and balance laws and the constitutive theories has closure and naturally reduces to linear MPNCCT based on infinitesimal deformation assumption. BMM is the essential balance law for all MPNCCT and is used in the present work as well. In the absence of this balance law, a valid thermodynamically and mathematically consistent nonlinear MPNCCT is not possible. The nonlinear MPNCCT based on rotations (cΘ+αΘ) and αΘ(ignoring cΘ) is not considered due to the fact that even the linear MPNCCT based on these rotations is invalid and is thermodynamically and mathematically inconsistent MPNCCT.展开更多
Preserving the spirit of a historical environment does not necessarily mean a repetition of its language generated by nostalgia.The aim of this article is to present the way I was trying to form a real dialogue betwee...Preserving the spirit of a historical environment does not necessarily mean a repetition of its language generated by nostalgia.The aim of this article is to present the way I was trying to form a real dialogue between a new modern residential building and the existing historic urban district of the city of Tel Aviv,neither by reconstructing the past nor dissociating from it by enforcing a completely new order.A district that already provided a unique interface between Eastern and Western architecture,being a micro-document of the architectural history of Tel Aviv from 1920 to 1930.展开更多
The implementation of the ecological protection red line serves as a crucial protective barrier for the conservation of wild plants with extremely small populations by delineating specific geographical areas designate...The implementation of the ecological protection red line serves as a crucial protective barrier for the conservation of wild plants with extremely small populations by delineating specific geographical areas designated for their conservation.The implementation of a comprehensive set of conservation measures aimed at establishing a biodiversity conservation network for wild plants with extremely small populations has laid the foundation for the health and stability of ecosystems,as well as the harmonious coexistence of humans and the natural environment.Research on the conservation of wild plants with extremely small populations serves as a critical foundation for informing and enhancing the effective conservation of such populations.This paper provides a systematic examination of the theoretical and practical conservation status of certain wild plants with extremely small populations and discusses the conservation trends of these populations within the framework of ecological protection red line delineation.In the future,strategies for the conservation of wild plants with extremely small populations should be integrated with an analysis of the causes of endangerment.This approach will provide a robust foundation for applied research focused on the conservation of these vulnerable plant populations.展开更多
The Asian Houbara(Chlamydotis macqueenii),a vulnerable species,is under significant threat from habitat degradation and anthropogenic pressures in Pakistan's arid landscapes.This study addresses the urgent need fo...The Asian Houbara(Chlamydotis macqueenii),a vulnerable species,is under significant threat from habitat degradation and anthropogenic pressures in Pakistan's arid landscapes.This study addresses the urgent need for conservation by identifying critical habitats,analyzing the influence of environmental and human factors on species distribution,and projecting future habitat shifts under climate change scenarios.Using the Max Ent model,which achieves a robust predictive accuracy(AUC=0.854),we mapped current and future habitat suitability under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSP126,SSP370,SSP585)for the years 2040 and 2070.Presently,the suitable habitat extends over 217,082 km^(2),with 52,751 km^(2) classified as highly suitable.Key environmental drivers,identified via the Jackknife test,revealed that annual mean temperature(Bio1)and slope play a dominant role in determining habitat suitability.Projections show significant habitat degradation;however,under SSP585,highly suitable areas are expected to expand by up to 24.92%by 2070.Despite this increase,vast areas remain unsuitable,posing serious risks to population sustainability.Moreover,only 2115 km^(2) of highly suitable habitat currently falls within protected zones,highlighting a critical conservation shortfall.These findings highlight the imperative for immediate,targeted conservation efforts to secure the species'future in Pakistan's desert ecosystems.展开更多
Background:The Swegali Valley in the Swat District is notable for its diverse range of plant species.Livestock plays a vital role in the development of human civilization,and similar to human disease treatments plants...Background:The Swegali Valley in the Swat District is notable for its diverse range of plant species.Livestock plays a vital role in the development of human civilization,and similar to human disease treatments plants are utilized as remedies for a variety of domestic animals.Methods:The present study was carried out to record ethnoveterinary knowledge of the local plants that are being used by the people of Swegalai Valley,Swat,Pakistan.One hundred and thirty-five residents were interviewed using a questionnaire.The data were analyzed by applying quantitative formulas,like,used value(UV),relative frequency of citations(RFCs),fidelity level value(FL)%,consensus index(CI)%,and informant consensus factor(FIC).Results:Throughout the current study,47 plants belonging to 31 families are presented;these plants have been widely used as an ethnoveterinary medicine to treat various livestock ailments.Medicinal plants with high used values were Acacia nilotica L.(UV=0.791),and Ajuga bracteosa(0.782).Using RFCs values,the most valued and cited medicinal plant species used by people for livestock disorders are A.nilotica(RFCs=0.628),and A.bracteosa(0.616).Similarly,the highest values were also found for the same plant species using CI percentage;these were for ;A.nilotica L.(CI%=84.331),followed by A.bracteosa(83.221%).The highest fidelity level was for A.nilotica(FL%=100),A.bracteosa(95.341%),Allium cepa(88.344%),A.sativum(85.311%),Aloe vera(84.25%),Artemisia scoparia(83.101%),Berberis lycium(80.451%).The informant consensus factor(FIC)ranged from 0.782 to 1.The maximum FIC values for various diseases were;bovine mastitis,anti-helminthic,eye diseases,bloat and stomachic,fracture pain,pediculosis,rheumatism,and vermifuge.Conclusion:We concluded that the people of Swegalai deeply rely on medicinal plants to treat various livestock ailments.Ethnic information also provides a framework for further phytochemical investigations.Since this useful knowledge is being lost forever due to rapid socio-economic,technological,and environmental change,recording ethnoveterinary activities in the study area was therefore very important.Thus,the people of the study area must implement in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies to ensure the sustainable utilization of these species.展开更多
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common anorectal disorders.Early hemorrhoids are treated conservatively,but advanced hemorrhoids are usually treated with surgery.However,in the last decade,we have worked extensively i...Hemorrhoids are one of the most common anorectal disorders.Early hemorrhoids are treated conservatively,but advanced hemorrhoids are usually treated with surgery.However,in the last decade,we have worked extensively in the field of conservative management of hemorrhoids.From our experience,we could manage a large proportion of advanced hemorrhoids without surgery by a treatment concept(TONEFACT)with a high satisfaction rate.Evidence for the TONEFACT approach primarily comes from observational studies and a prospective,nonrandomized study of 85 patients.This has been shown to improve defecation time and reduce prolapse symptoms in early-stage hemorrhoids,leading to fewer surgical interventions.Although promising,these observations lack validation from more extensive randomized controlled trials to draw firm conclusions.In this opinion review,without using much data,we will discuss our viewpoint based on our experience as specified by the journal guidelines.展开更多
World Food Programme boosts rice productivity in West Africa with Chinese know-how In Bananko,a village in Guinea,LancinéCamara used to worry about the conservation of crops.The villagers store their harvest in b...World Food Programme boosts rice productivity in West Africa with Chinese know-how In Bananko,a village in Guinea,LancinéCamara used to worry about the conservation of crops.The villagers store their harvest in bags or granaries covered with straw.Crops stored in these ways easily became rotten or were attacked by termites,rodents and weevils.In such storage conditions,even seeds were not secure.展开更多
基金State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co.,Ltd(JF2020001)National Key Technology R&D Program of China(2017YFB0903300)State Grid Corporation of China(521OEF17001C).
文摘In contrast to most existing works on robust unit commitment(UC),this study proposes a novel big-M-based mixed-integer linear programming(MILP)method to solve security-constrained UC problems considering the allowable wind power output interval and its adjustable conservativeness.The wind power accommodation capability is usually limited by spinning reserve requirements and transmission line capacity in power systems with large-scale wind power integration.Therefore,by employing the big-M method and adding auxiliary 0-1 binary variables to describe the allowable wind power output interval,a bilinear programming problem meeting the security constraints of system operation is presented.Furthermore,an adjustable confidence level was introduced into the proposed robust optimization model to decrease the level of conservatism of the robust solutions.This can establish a trade-off between economy and security.To develop an MILP problem that can be solved by commercial solvers such as CPLEX,the big-M method is utilized again to represent the bilinear formulation as a series of linear inequality constraints and approximately address the nonlinear formulation caused by the adjustable conservativeness.Simulation studies on a modified IEEE 26-generator reliability test system connected to wind farms were performed to confirm the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
文摘In recent years,there has been a growing global demand for carbon neutrality and energy efficiency,which are expected to become long-term trends.In the field of architecture,an effective approach to achieve this is to reduce heat loss in buildings.Vacuum insulation panels(VIPs),a type of high-performance insulation material,have been increasingly utilised in the construction industry and have played an increa-singly important role as their performance and manufacturing processes continue to improve.This paper provides a review of the factors affecting the thermal conductivity of VIPs and presents a detailed overview of the research progress on core materials,barrier films,and getters.The current research status of VIPs is summarised,including their thermal conductivity,service life,and thermal bridging effects,as well as their applications in the field of architecture.This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding for relevant practitioners on the factors influencing the thermal conductivity of VIPs,and based on which,measures can be taken to produce VIPs with lower thermal conductivity and longer service life.
基金supported by the Lebanese International University(LIU)with a funding amount of$500.
文摘Ecological conservation is at a crossroad as environmental stresses around the world intensify and traditional models of conservation exhibit intrinsic weaknesses in their response to present and future problems.In the project,we evaluated novel approaches integrating adaptive management,technological innovations,and community-based action towards more efficient sustainable conservation results and ecosystem resilience.The multi-site experimental design was based on comparison between conventional reserve management and novel integrative models implemented in diverse ecological zones.Data were collected over a period of three years employing remote sensing technologies,in situ biodiversity assessments,and large socioeconomic surveys.These instruments enabled a robust and multi-dimensional measurement of variables such as species diversity,ecological resilience,community engagement,and stakeholder engagement.The results indicate that adaptive strategies significantly enhance real-time decision-making abilities and enhance long-term ecosystem resilience.Further,technology-driven monitoring greatly enhances data accuracy,responsiveness,and early warning capabilities.Besides that,community-based conservation initiatives were found to be pivotal in facilitating local stewardship,enhancing participatory governance,and enabling more adaptive and adaptive policy systems.This research rejects mainstream conservation paradigms by placing importance on flexibility,interdisciplinarity,and inclusivity of governance systems in effectively mitigating the impacts of climate change and loss of biodiversity.Our findings offer strong evidence that emerging paradigms of conservation can provide greater ecological and social sustainability than traditional methods.These results support the need for a paradigm shift towards conservation strategies that are dynamic,collaborative,and technologically integrated,with significant implications for policy formulation as well as operational environmental management.
基金financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and the European Regional Development Fund(ERDF)(No.PID20211234690BI00)the European Joint Program EJP_Soil(TRACE-Soils)(No.862695)+1 种基金the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation(RED2018-102624TMCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)the Project PREPSOIL European Union(No.101070045,HORIZON CSA)。
文摘Whilst phosphorus(P)in soil is considered to be abundant,the portion available for plant uptake constitutes less than 1%of the overall P present.To enhance crop productivity,the utilization of mineral P fertilizers has become pervasive in agriculture.Nonetheless,the escalating prices of chemical fertilizers,coupled with new European regulations prohibiting the use of P fertilizers containing cadmium,have highlighted the urgency to identify environmentally friendly products and practices for P fertilization in agricultural soils.This comprehensive review delves into the current landscape of P fertilization from agricultural,political,and economic standpoints.We recognize the potential of microbes in mobilizing P,but emphasize the necessity for more robust research to establish their effectiveness in promoting plant P uptake under real-world conditions.Additionally,we explore the role of agricultural conservation practices,such as optimal tillage,diversified cropping systems,and increased organic carbon input,in conserving P.Furthermore,this review contemplates forthcoming innovations in research.These innovations encompass the development of enhanced formulations for biofertilizers and the undertaking of more comprehensive studies within the realm of conservation agriculture.All these endeavors collectively hold the potential to augment P accessibility to plants in a sustainable manner,thereby advancing agricultural sustainability and productivity.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China(2572022DQ03)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170517)+2 种基金the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write(2017B030301011)the Start-up Scientific Foundation of Northeast Forestry University(60201524043)supported by China National GeneBank(CNGB).
文摘Inbreeding increases genome homozygosity within populations,which can exacerbate inbreeding depression by exposing homozygous deleterious alleles that are responsible for declines in fitness traits.In small populations,genetic purging that occurs under the pressure of natural selection acts as an opposing force,contributing to a reduction of deleterious alleles.Both inbreeding and genetic purging are paramount in the field of conservation genomics.The Amur tiger(Panthera tigris altaica)lives in small populations in the forests of Northeast Asia and is among the most endangered animals on the planet.Using genome-wide assessment and comparison,we reveal substantially higher and more extensive inbreeding in wild Amur tigers(F_(ROH)=0.50)than in captive individuals(F_(ROH)=0.24).However,a relatively reduced number of lossof-function mutations in wild Amur tigers is observed compared to captive individuals,indicating genetic purging of inbreeding load with relatively large-effect alleles.The higher ratio of homozygous mutation load and number of fixed damaging alleles in the wild population indicates a less-efficient genetic purging,with purifying selection also contributing to this process.These findings provide valuable insights for the future conservation of Amur tigers.
文摘Calcineurin(CN)is a calcium-and calmodulindependent serine/threonine that has been studied in many model organisms including yeast,filamentous fungi,plants,and mammals.Its biological functions range from ion homeostasis and virulence in lower eukaryotes to T-cell activation in humans by human nuclear factors of activated T-cells.CN is a heterodimeric protein consisting of a catalytic subunit,calcineurin A(Cna1p),which contains an active site with a dinuclear metal center,and a regulatory Ca^(2+) binding subunit called calcineurin B(Cnb1p)required to activate Cna1p.The calcineurin B subunit has been highly conserved through evolution:For example,the mammalian calcineurin B shows 54%identity with calcineurin B from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
基金funded by USAID’s Community Partnerships to Strengthen Sustainable Development(Compass)Program implemented by U.S.Forest Service International Programs(Grant No.Compass-SA-2023-073).
文摘Protecting rare,endemic,and endangered species requires careful habitat evaluation to set strategic plans for mitigating biodiversity loss and prioritizing conservation goals.The endangered Asian elephant(Elephas maximus)exemplifies the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts,given its challenging habitat conditions.This study examines the impact of climate and land use changes on the suitable habitat distribution of Asian elephants.Utilizing ten predictor variables,including climatic,topographic,and land use data,and employing six ensemble Species Distribution Models(SDMs)alongside Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 data,the study estimates spatial changes and potential habitat expansions for Asian elephants across Tropical Asia.Occurrence data were gathered from field surveys in Bangladesh and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility database for Sri Lanka,Myanmar,Bhutan,Cambodia,India,Laos,Nepal,Thailand,and Vietnam.To evaluate habitat suitability,the analysis considered two distinct socioeconomic pathways(SSP 245 and SSP 370)across two future periods(2041–2060 and 2061–2080).Results reveal a strong correlation between isothermality and habitat suitability,with higher isothermality enhancing the habitat conditions for Asian elephants.Among the SDMs,the random forest model demonstrated the highest performance.Projected scenarios indicate significant habitat fragmentation by 2061–2080,heightening the risk of species’vulnerability.Specifically,in SSP 245,the north zone is anticipated to experience a higher rate of habitat loss(588.443 km^(2)/year),whereas,in SSP 370,the west zone is expected to face a more severe rate of habitat loss(1,798.56 km^(2)/year).The eastern zone,which includes Cambodia,Vietnam,Laos,Thailand,and southern Myanmar,is notably at risk,with an estimated habitat loss of 14.8 million hectares.Anticipated changes in climate and land cover will impact the availability of essential resources such as food,water,and shelter,potentially driving the species to relocate to different elevation belts.The outcomes of the consensus map highlighting critical habitats and future fragmentation scenarios will support effective conservation and management strategies for the species.
文摘The Dhofar region of Oman,renowned for its unique monsoon-influenced climate and substantial agricultural potential,faces significant challenges in achieving sustainable agricultural practices that balance productivity with environmental conservation.This review critically explores a range of sustainable agricultural methods currently im-plemented in the region,including organic farming,water conservation techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting,agroforestry systems,crop rotation,and soil conservation measures like terracing and composting.These strategies aim to mitigate pressing environmental concerns such as water scarcity,soil erosion,and land degradation while enhancing crop yield and farm profitability.The review further examines the economic implications of these practices, evaluating their cost-effectiveness, potential for long-term returns, and influence on the growing market demandfor organic and eco-friendly products. Despite their benefits, the broader adoption of these sustainable approaches ishindered by several challenges, including limited access to advanced technologies, inadequate financial resources, lackof technical knowledge, and minimal awareness among local farmers. The article also assesses the role of governmentalpolicies, subsidies, and extension services in promoting the adoption of sustainable agriculture in Dhofar. Finally, it offersstrategic recommendations for future research, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives. This reviewemphasizes the urgent need for continued investment in sustainable solutions to ensure long-term agricultural resilienceand environmental sustainability in the region.
基金supported by the National Key Research and De-velopment Program(Grant No.2023YFE0122300)the Hunan Provin-cial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.2024JJ8351)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.S20230127).
文摘Effective preservation of Key Biodiversity Areas(KBAs)is crucial to address biodiversity loss.Human-induced disturbance in these vital sites can exacerbate species extinction and challenge the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(GBF).This study delves into the human disturbance and protection in terrestrial KBAs worldwide,focusing particularly on habitat fragmentation to devise tailored conservation strategies.Our results reveal widespread human disturbance across global KBAs,with an average Human Footprint Index of 12.3 and a disturbance rate of 62%.Only one-fifth of KBAs are fully safeguarded by protected areas,and a significant portion remains unprotected,with even many highly protected sites under severe disturbance.Globally,human activities have led to substantial implicit habitat fragmentation in KBAs,resulting in a 70%average decline in habitat size,with less than half of KBAs maintaining well-connected active habitats.These findings inform the classification of KBAs for priority conservation,with 80%requiring both intensity regulation and spatial planning of human activities.Higher levels of human disturbance do not necessarily lead to more severe fragmentation,underscoring the potential for relocating or planning human activities to mitigate fragmentation.This research serves as a foundational assessment of human impacts on KBAs,providing a basis for KBA management and global conservation efforts to meet GBF goals.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42330205)the Open Fund of State Key Labora-tory of Remote Sensing Science and Beijing Engineering Research Center for Global Land Remote Sensing Products(Grant No.OF202206).
文摘China boasts over 10,000 native useful vascular plants(NUVPs),spanning eight families and serving twelve dis-tinct uses.Given the importance of NUVPs,widely-confirmed in-situ conservation policies,such as establishing nature reserves,have been broadly implemented to protect them.However,the effectiveness of in-situ conser-vation efforts for NUVPs in China remains uncertain.Highlighting the importance of multi-family and multi-use plants,this research identified the spatial distribution pattern and diversity hotspots of NUVPs,evaluated the in-situ conservation effectiveness and provided the future conservation priority scheme.The results revealed that the spatial concentration of NUVPs is predominantly in the southwestern lowlands of China(<3,000 m),peaking around 109°E and 25°N.Importantly,diversity hotspots exhibited a significant spatial mismatch(over 80%)with the National Nature Reserve(NNR)network.Only about 17.7%and 13.3%of these hotspots are protected by NNR initiatives for endemic and nonendemic species,respectively.Additionally,the proposed Plants Conserva-tion Effectiveness Index(PCEI)proved more representative in addressing the two main crises faced by the studied species-species loss and human pressure,and found a decline in conservation effectiveness as the number of uses increased.Finally,future conservation priorities based on the PCEI highlight the Nanling Mountains,Heng-duan Mountains,Jiuwandashan,and Qilian Mountains as highly prioritized regions requiring focused efforts to address the impacts of climate change.Conversely,in sparsely distributed regions experiencing increasing human pressure,it is imperative to mitigate the expanding human footprint.
基金supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education(RS-2021-NR060142)HSF's GMACC Project。
文摘1.Need for coordinated flyways conservation Flyways are migratory routes that encompass breeding,stopover,and non-breeding habitats essential for the annual life cycles of migratory birds(Bamford et al.,2008;Newton,2023).These routes are critical for maintaining global biodiversity by supporting seasonal movements across continents(Hua et al.,2015;Runge et al.,2015).Effective conservation of flyways,such as the East Asian-Australasian Flyway(EAAF)and Central Asian Flyway(CAF),requires international cooperation to protect key stopover sites(Yong et al.,2015;Kumar 2019;Schmaljohann et al.,2022).
文摘1.Introduction As global temperatures increase and weather patterns grow more er-ratic,the urgency of adopting climate-smart conservation strategies has intensified(Manyakaidze et al.,2024).Climate-smart conservation com-prises adaptive management practices aimed at bolstering the resilience of ecosystems and species amid climate variability(Birchall et al.,2021;Gabriel-Campos et al.,2021).
基金supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(Grant No.2022YFF1301500)the National Natural Science Foun-dation of China(Grants No.32000352,32171485,and 32371741)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(Grant No.2021A1515010968)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,Sun Yat-sen University(Grant No.23lgzy002).
文摘Disaster risk reduction,an essential function of protected areas(PAs),has been generally overlooked in PA design.Using primates as a model,we designed a disaster risk index(DRI)to measure the disaster sensitivity of primate species.High-conservation-need(HCN)areas were identified by both their richness and number of threatened primate species.We also constructed high-disaster-risk(HDR)areas and climate-sensitive(CS)areas based on a disaster risk assessment and temperature change under climate change.We overlaid HCN and HDR areas to obtain HDR-HCN areas.We defined species conservation targets as the percent of each species’range that should be effectively conserved using“Zonation”.Landslides had the highest DRI(1.43±0.88),but have been overlooked in previous studies.PA coverage in HDR-HCN(30%)areas was similar to that in HCN areas(28%),indicating that current PA design fails to account for disaster risk reduction.About 50%of the HDR-HCN areas overlapped with CS areas.Presently,43%of primate species meet their conservation targets.Fifty-seven of primate species would meet their conservation targets and 67%of primates could benefit from PA expansion if HDR-HCN areas are fully incorporated into PAs.Increasing PA coverage in HDR-HCN areas is essential to achieving both primate conservation and disaster risk reduction.The study calls for integrating disaster risk reduction into PA design guidelines,particularly in regions like the western Amazon,and recommends flexible conservation approaches in other areas.
文摘This paper presents a nonlinear micropolar nonclassical continuum theory (MPNCCT) for finite deformation, finite strain deformation physics of thermosviscoelastic solid medium with memory (polymeric micropolar solids) based on classical rotations cΘand their rates. Contravariant second Piola-Kirchhoff stress and moment tensors, in conjunction with finite deformation measures derived by the authors in recent paper, are utilized in deriving the conservation and balance laws and the constitutive theories based on conjugate pairs in entropy inequality and the representation theorem. This nonlinear MPNCCT for TVES with rheology: 1) incorporates nonlinear ordered rate dissipation mechanism based on Green’s strain rates up to order n;2) also incorporates an additional ordered rate dissipation mechanism due to microconstituents, the viscosity of the medium and the rates of the symmetric part of the rotation gradient (of cΘ) tensor up to order n, referred to as micropolar dissipation or micropolar viscous dissipation mechanism;3) incorporates the primary mechanism of memory or rheology due to long chain molecules of the polymer and the viscosity of the medium by using the contravaraint second Piola-Kirchhoff stress tensor and its rates up to order m, resulting in a relaxation spectrum;4) incorporates second mechanism of memory or rheology due to nonclassical physics, interaction of microconstituents with the viscous medium and long chain molecules by considering rates of the contravariant second Piola-Kirchhoff moment tensor up to order m, resulting in relaxation of second Piola-Kirchhoff moment tensor. This results in another relaxation spectrum for the second Piola-Kirchhoff moment tensor due to microconstituents, referred to as micropolar relaxation spectrum consisting of micropolar relaxation time constants of the material. This nonlinear MPNCCT for TVES with memory is thermodynamically and mathematically consistent, and the mathematical model consisting of conservation and balance laws and the constitutive theories has closure and naturally reduces to linear MPNCCT based on infinitesimal deformation assumption. BMM is the essential balance law for all MPNCCT and is used in the present work as well. In the absence of this balance law, a valid thermodynamically and mathematically consistent nonlinear MPNCCT is not possible. The nonlinear MPNCCT based on rotations (cΘ+αΘ) and αΘ(ignoring cΘ) is not considered due to the fact that even the linear MPNCCT based on these rotations is invalid and is thermodynamically and mathematically inconsistent MPNCCT.
文摘Preserving the spirit of a historical environment does not necessarily mean a repetition of its language generated by nostalgia.The aim of this article is to present the way I was trying to form a real dialogue between a new modern residential building and the existing historic urban district of the city of Tel Aviv,neither by reconstructing the past nor dissociating from it by enforcing a completely new order.A district that already provided a unique interface between Eastern and Western architecture,being a micro-document of the architectural history of Tel Aviv from 1920 to 1930.
基金Supported by 2024 Central Financial Comprehensive Protection Project for Abies chensiensis(610000242000000026647)2024 Provincial Forestry and Grassland Reform and Development Fund for the National Key Wild Plant Protection Project(610000242000000028574)2024 Biodiversity Conservation Project(610000242000000024911).
文摘The implementation of the ecological protection red line serves as a crucial protective barrier for the conservation of wild plants with extremely small populations by delineating specific geographical areas designated for their conservation.The implementation of a comprehensive set of conservation measures aimed at establishing a biodiversity conservation network for wild plants with extremely small populations has laid the foundation for the health and stability of ecosystems,as well as the harmonious coexistence of humans and the natural environment.Research on the conservation of wild plants with extremely small populations serves as a critical foundation for informing and enhancing the effective conservation of such populations.This paper provides a systematic examination of the theoretical and practical conservation status of certain wild plants with extremely small populations and discusses the conservation trends of these populations within the framework of ecological protection red line delineation.In the future,strategies for the conservation of wild plants with extremely small populations should be integrated with an analysis of the causes of endangerment.This approach will provide a robust foundation for applied research focused on the conservation of these vulnerable plant populations.
基金the support of the Zoological Survey of Pakistan,and the Wildlife and Parks Department of Punjab for their assistance in this research。
文摘The Asian Houbara(Chlamydotis macqueenii),a vulnerable species,is under significant threat from habitat degradation and anthropogenic pressures in Pakistan's arid landscapes.This study addresses the urgent need for conservation by identifying critical habitats,analyzing the influence of environmental and human factors on species distribution,and projecting future habitat shifts under climate change scenarios.Using the Max Ent model,which achieves a robust predictive accuracy(AUC=0.854),we mapped current and future habitat suitability under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSP126,SSP370,SSP585)for the years 2040 and 2070.Presently,the suitable habitat extends over 217,082 km^(2),with 52,751 km^(2) classified as highly suitable.Key environmental drivers,identified via the Jackknife test,revealed that annual mean temperature(Bio1)and slope play a dominant role in determining habitat suitability.Projections show significant habitat degradation;however,under SSP585,highly suitable areas are expected to expand by up to 24.92%by 2070.Despite this increase,vast areas remain unsuitable,posing serious risks to population sustainability.Moreover,only 2115 km^(2) of highly suitable habitat currently falls within protected zones,highlighting a critical conservation shortfall.These findings highlight the imperative for immediate,targeted conservation efforts to secure the species'future in Pakistan's desert ecosystems.
文摘Background:The Swegali Valley in the Swat District is notable for its diverse range of plant species.Livestock plays a vital role in the development of human civilization,and similar to human disease treatments plants are utilized as remedies for a variety of domestic animals.Methods:The present study was carried out to record ethnoveterinary knowledge of the local plants that are being used by the people of Swegalai Valley,Swat,Pakistan.One hundred and thirty-five residents were interviewed using a questionnaire.The data were analyzed by applying quantitative formulas,like,used value(UV),relative frequency of citations(RFCs),fidelity level value(FL)%,consensus index(CI)%,and informant consensus factor(FIC).Results:Throughout the current study,47 plants belonging to 31 families are presented;these plants have been widely used as an ethnoveterinary medicine to treat various livestock ailments.Medicinal plants with high used values were Acacia nilotica L.(UV=0.791),and Ajuga bracteosa(0.782).Using RFCs values,the most valued and cited medicinal plant species used by people for livestock disorders are A.nilotica(RFCs=0.628),and A.bracteosa(0.616).Similarly,the highest values were also found for the same plant species using CI percentage;these were for ;A.nilotica L.(CI%=84.331),followed by A.bracteosa(83.221%).The highest fidelity level was for A.nilotica(FL%=100),A.bracteosa(95.341%),Allium cepa(88.344%),A.sativum(85.311%),Aloe vera(84.25%),Artemisia scoparia(83.101%),Berberis lycium(80.451%).The informant consensus factor(FIC)ranged from 0.782 to 1.The maximum FIC values for various diseases were;bovine mastitis,anti-helminthic,eye diseases,bloat and stomachic,fracture pain,pediculosis,rheumatism,and vermifuge.Conclusion:We concluded that the people of Swegalai deeply rely on medicinal plants to treat various livestock ailments.Ethnic information also provides a framework for further phytochemical investigations.Since this useful knowledge is being lost forever due to rapid socio-economic,technological,and environmental change,recording ethnoveterinary activities in the study area was therefore very important.Thus,the people of the study area must implement in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies to ensure the sustainable utilization of these species.
文摘Hemorrhoids are one of the most common anorectal disorders.Early hemorrhoids are treated conservatively,but advanced hemorrhoids are usually treated with surgery.However,in the last decade,we have worked extensively in the field of conservative management of hemorrhoids.From our experience,we could manage a large proportion of advanced hemorrhoids without surgery by a treatment concept(TONEFACT)with a high satisfaction rate.Evidence for the TONEFACT approach primarily comes from observational studies and a prospective,nonrandomized study of 85 patients.This has been shown to improve defecation time and reduce prolapse symptoms in early-stage hemorrhoids,leading to fewer surgical interventions.Although promising,these observations lack validation from more extensive randomized controlled trials to draw firm conclusions.In this opinion review,without using much data,we will discuss our viewpoint based on our experience as specified by the journal guidelines.
文摘World Food Programme boosts rice productivity in West Africa with Chinese know-how In Bananko,a village in Guinea,LancinéCamara used to worry about the conservation of crops.The villagers store their harvest in bags or granaries covered with straw.Crops stored in these ways easily became rotten or were attacked by termites,rodents and weevils.In such storage conditions,even seeds were not secure.
