The head-on collision process between ship and concrete pile supported protective system is simulated by software LS-DYNA. The influences of pile non-linearity and soil non-linearity on impact force, ship crush depth ...The head-on collision process between ship and concrete pile supported protective system is simulated by software LS-DYNA. The influences of pile non-linearity and soil non-linearity on impact force, ship crush depth and the cap displacement of pile supported protective system are discussed. It's shown that for both severe impact case and non-severe impact case, the non-linearity of pile material influence the impact force history, ship crush depth. The non-linearity of pile material and soil has remarkable influence on the cap displacement especially for severe impact case. These issues should not be ignored in the analysis of pile supported protective system subjected to ship impact.展开更多
Desert-oasis ecotones are boundary areas between oases and desert ecosystems.Large efforts to control sediment and stabilize these boundaries depend on understanding sedimentary processes,especially aeolian transport ...Desert-oasis ecotones are boundary areas between oases and desert ecosystems.Large efforts to control sediment and stabilize these boundaries depend on understanding sedimentary processes,especially aeolian transport and deposition.Previous studies on aeolian sediment deposition have focused primarily on a single land surface type or a single engineering approach.Few studies have considered deposition in a multi-layer oasis protective system.A complete oasis protective system consists of an outer bare sand area,a sand barrier zone,a shrub and herbaceous plant zone,and a farmland shelter zone.This study used sedimentary analysis to quantify grain-size characteristics in samples from the four land surfaces under different types of weather conditions in the Gelintan oasis of the Tengger Desert,the fourth largest desert in China.The results showed that aeolian sediment deposition decreased from the outer bare sand area through the oasis protective system and into the interior.The four land surface types showed significant differences in deposition volume(P<0.05).Deposited sediment showed gradual decrease in dominant grain-size from sand to silt,but sediment deposited during dust weather contained a larger coarse-grained fraction.From the outer desert to the inner oasis,transport mechanisms shifted from saltation(sand)to suspension(silt and smaller)in non-dust weather.During dust weather,deposition primarily occurs from near-surface aeolian sand transport with saltation.Sediment sorting decreased from exterior to interior zones of the protective system while skewness and kurtosis showed no significant change(P<0.05).These results can help inform strategies for stabilizing and protecting desert-oasis ecotones in this region and other localities.展开更多
Wind and sand control are important factors in combating desertification and protecting oases.An oasis protective system can provide these benefits,but quantitative research on protection effects has been lacking to d...Wind and sand control are important factors in combating desertification and protecting oases.An oasis protective system can provide these benefits,but quantitative research on protection effects has been lacking to date.This research describes an oasis protective system in the southeastern border of the Tengger Desert.The system consists of a sand barrier belt,a shrub and herbaceous plant belt,and a farmland shelter belt.The system was compared to a bare dunes area as the control zone.The study investigated windproof effect,sediment transport,and erosion through field observations.Results showed that the roughness of the shrub and herbaceous plant belt,farmland shelter belt,and sand barrier belt were increased compared with bare dunes.The shrub and herbaceous plant belt provided the highest windproof effect values for the same wind velocity measurement height,and the windproof effect values for different protective belts were as follows:shrub and herbaceous plant belt>farmland shelter belt>sand barrier belt.The sand barrier belt provided effective wind and sand control at heights from 0 to 50 cm above the ground.The total sediment transport for each protective belt is as follows:bare dunes>sand barrier belt>shrub and herbaceous plant belt>farmland shelter belt.The sediment transport decreased exponentially as the height increased.In the bare dunes and protective systems,the sediment transport is mainly within 30 cm of the ground surface.The wind erosion intensity for this protective system was as follows:bare dunes>sand barrier belt>shrub and herbaceous plant belt>farmland shelter belt.This research offers quantitative evidence for how oasis protective systems can effectively intercept sand and prevent erosion in oases.The results of this study can be applied in similar regions.展开更多
The authors have studied the effects of Pyrroioguinloine quinone (PQQ) on superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ascorbid acid(AsA) peroxidase (AsAPOD), glutathion (GSH) and electrolytic leakage of cotyledon in cucumber seedling...The authors have studied the effects of Pyrroioguinloine quinone (PQQ) on superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ascorbid acid(AsA) peroxidase (AsAPOD), glutathion (GSH) and electrolytic leakage of cotyledon in cucumber seedling under low temperature stress, meanwhile, 8-hydroquinone (8-HQ) and AsA (activeoxiygen scavengers) have been made use of in comparison with PQQ. The results indicate that the activities of SOD, AsAPOD and content of GSH can be increased by PQQ. The relative conductivity of cotyledon in cucumber seedling is decreased for PQQ possesses the ability of cleaning up free redical of oxygen. We came to the conclusion that PQQ can act as a kind of active oxygen scavenger and adjust the metabolism on free radical of oxygen to balance in plants and enhance resistance finally in plants.展开更多
Fritillaria taipaiensis P.Y.Li is a widely used medicinal herb in treating pulmonary diseases.In recent years,its wild resources have become scarce,and the demand for efficient artificial cultivation has significantly...Fritillaria taipaiensis P.Y.Li is a widely used medicinal herb in treating pulmonary diseases.In recent years,its wild resources have become scarce,and the demand for efficient artificial cultivation has significantly increased.This article is the first to apply phosphate solubilizing bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere soil of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li to the cultivation process of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.The aim is to identify suitable reference strains for the artificial cultivation and industrial development of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li by examining the effects of various phosphate solubilizing bacteria and their combinations on photosynthesis,physiological and biochemical properties,and gene expression related to the protective enzyme system in F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.The experiment,conducted in pots at room temperature,included a control group(CK)and groups inoculated with inorganic phosphorussolubilizing bacteria:W1(Bacillus cereus),W2(Serratia plymuthica),W12(Bacillus cereus and Serratia plymuthica),and groups inoculated with organophosphorus-solubilizing bacteria:Y1(Bacillus cereus),Y2(Bacillus cereus),Y12(Bacillus cereus and Bacillus cereus),totaling seven groups.Compared to CK,most growth indices in the bacterial addition groups showed significant differences,with W12 achieving the highest values in all indices except the leaf area index.The content of photosynthetic pigments,photosynthetic parameters,and osmoregulatory substances increased variably in each bacterial treatment group.W12 exhibited the highest content of chlorophyll a and soluble protein,while W1 had the highest free proline content.The activities of peroxidase(POD),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and catalase(CAT)in all inoculated groups were higher than in CK,with significant changes in SOD and CAT activities.The malondialdehyde(MDA)content in all inoculated groups was lower than in CK,with Y12 being the lowest,at approximately 30%of CK.Gene expression corresponding to these three enzymes also increased variably,with POD expression in Y2 being the highest at 2.73 times that of CK.SOD and CAT expression in Y12 were the highest,at 1.84 and 4.39 times that of CK,respectively.These results indicate that inoculating phosphate solubilizing bacteria can enhance the growth of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li,with the mixed inoculation groups W12 and Y12 demonstrating superior effects.This lays a theoretical foundation for selecting bacterial fertilizers in the cultivation process of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.展开更多
Myelin is the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers, and its damage(demyelination) occurs in many central nervous system(CNS) diseases, including multiple sclerosis(MS), traumatic injury, neurodegenerative diseas...Myelin is the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers, and its damage(demyelination) occurs in many central nervous system(CNS) diseases, including multiple sclerosis(MS), traumatic injury, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and mental disorders such as schizophrenia(Barateiro et al., 2016). Repair of damaged myelin sheaths(remyelination) often fails in MS, leading to neuronal loss and irreversible functional deficits.展开更多
[Objectives]To investigate the protective effects of xanthoxylin on acute lung injury induced by D-Galactosamine(D-GalN)and Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)in rats.[Methods]Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a norma...[Objectives]To investigate the protective effects of xanthoxylin on acute lung injury induced by D-Galactosamine(D-GalN)and Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)in rats.[Methods]Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a silybin group(50 mg/kg),and three xanthoxylin groups(low-dose,medium-dose,high-dose as 60,120,and 240 mg/kg),10 rats per group.The rats were administered for 17 consecutive days,on day 14,all the rats except for the normal group were intraperitoneally injected with a D-GalN(400 mg/kg)/LPS(30μg/kg)mixture once to establish acute lung injury models.At 72 h after modeling,their serum MCP-1 levels,IL-1β,IL-6,PCT,CRP,TNF-αlevels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,and IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-αlevels in lung tissue were measured,and lung tissue histological examination were checked by HE staining.[Results]Compared with the model group,the serum MCP-1 levels,IL-1β,IL-6,PCT,CRP,TNF-αlevels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,and IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-αlevels in lung tissue in xanthoxylin groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and lung tissue injury were alleviated.[Conclusions]Xanthoxylin has protective effects on acute lung injury in rats,and it may be related to the increase of anti-inflammatory capacity and the promotion of lung tissue self-healing.展开更多
The manufacture and obsolescence of smartphones produce numerous waste plastic accessories(e.g.,waste smartphone protective film(WSPF)),possessing immense potential for recycling.However,available recycling technologi...The manufacture and obsolescence of smartphones produce numerous waste plastic accessories(e.g.,waste smartphone protective film(WSPF)),possessing immense potential for recycling.However,available recycling technologies have limitations such as substrate damage and secondary pollutant generation.The present study aimed to develop a green disposal method that not only recycled polyethylene terephthalate(PET)from WSPF,but also reused the stripped polyacrylate(PAA)adhesive as an adsorbent to reduce solid waste generation.When the WSPF was treated in 1 mol/L NaOH solution at 90°C,the PAA hydrolyzed to two main by-products of 1-butanol and 2-ethylhexanol,weakening the binding strength between PAA and PET and then efficient separation of them.Further bench-scale test revealed that over 97.2%of detachment efficiency toward PAA was achieved during continuous treatment of 17 batches of WSPF(200 g for each)without supplement of NaOH and generation of wastewater.Meanwhile,the economic evaluation indicated that the recycling method would generate a net profit margin of 647%for the second year without considering the incurrence of new cost and input.Additionally,the pyrolysis of waste PAA enabled its conversion into potential adsorbent,which showed 2 to 4 times enhanced adsorption capacity toward styrene and ethyl acetate after modification with NaOH solution.This study provides a green method for recycling waste plastics and inspires a referable solution for solid waste treatment in the smartphone industry.展开更多
Rechargeable aqueous zinc(Zn)-metal batteries hold great promise for next-generation energy storage systems.However,their practical application is hindered by several challenges,including dendrite formation,corrosion,...Rechargeable aqueous zinc(Zn)-metal batteries hold great promise for next-generation energy storage systems.However,their practical application is hindered by several challenges,including dendrite formation,corrosion,and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction.To address these issues,we designed and fabricated a composite protective layer for Zn anodes by integrating carbon nanotubes(CNTs)with chitosan through a simple and scalable scraping process.The CNTs ensure uniform electric field distribution due to their high electrical conductivity,while protonated chitosan regulates ion transport and suppresses dendrite formation at the anode interface.The chitosan/CNTs composite layer also facilitates smooth Zn^(2+)deposition,enhancing the stability and reversibility of the Zn anode.As a result,the chitosan/CNTs@Zn anode demonstrates exceptional cycling stability,achieving over 3000 h of plating/stripping with minimal degradation.When paired with a V_(2)O_(5)cathode,the composite-protected anode significantly improves the cycle stability and energy density of the full cell.Techno-economic analysis confirms that batteries incorporating the chitosan/CNTs protective layer outperform those with bare Zn anodes in terms of energy density and overall performance under optimized conditions.This work provides a scalable and sustainable strategy to overcome the critical challenges of aqueous Zn-metal batteries,paving the way for their practical application in next-generation energy storage systems.展开更多
[Objectives]To investigate the protective effects of Siwu Xuanhu decoction on the liver of mice with acute liver injury induced by CCl 4.[Methods]A total of 48 ICR mice were randomly assigned to six groups:a blank con...[Objectives]To investigate the protective effects of Siwu Xuanhu decoction on the liver of mice with acute liver injury induced by CCl 4.[Methods]A total of 48 ICR mice were randomly assigned to six groups:a blank control group,a model group,a low dose group of Siwu Xuanhu decoction(100 mg/kg),a medium dose group of Siwu Xuanhu decoction(200 mg/kg),a high dose group of Siwu Xuanhu decoction(300 mg/kg),and a positive control group(silymarin 2 mg/kg).Each group comprised 8 mice.Each dosing group received the designated dose of the drug(10 mL/kg)via continuous gavage,while the blank group and the model group were administered an equivalent volume of normal saline for four weeks,three times per week.An acute liver injury model was established through the intraperitoneal administration of a 20%CCl 4 olive oil solution at a dosage of 2 mL/kg in all experimental groups,with the exception of the control group,which received an equivalent volume of the olive oil solution.After 24 h fasting with water intake,blood samples were collected from the ocular region.The blood samples were allowed to stand and subsequently subjected to centrifugation to isolate the upper layer of serum,and a diagnostic kit was employed to measure the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and interleukin-6(IL-6),and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)in the serum.[Results]In comparison to the control group,serum levels of AST and ALT were significantly elevated in the model group.Furthermore,when compared to the model group,treatment with Siwu Xuanhu decoction resulted in a reduction of serum levels of ALT,AST,and IL-6,while simultaneously increasing SOD activities.[Conclusions]Siwu Xuanhu decoction exhibits a protective effect against acute liver injury induced by CCl 4 in mice.展开更多
This article takes the current autonomous driving technology as the research background and studies the collaborative protection mechanism between its system-on-chip(SoC)functional safety and information security.It i...This article takes the current autonomous driving technology as the research background and studies the collaborative protection mechanism between its system-on-chip(SoC)functional safety and information security.It includes an introduction to the functions and information security of autonomous driving SoCs,as well as the main design strategies for the collaborative prevention and control mechanism of SoC functional safety and information security in autonomous driving.The research shows that in the field of autonomous driving,there is a close connection between the functional safety of SoCs and their information security.In the design of the safety collaborative protection mechanism,the overall collaborative protection architecture,SoC functional safety protection mechanism,information security protection mechanism,the workflow of the collaborative protection mechanism,and its strategies are all key design elements.It is hoped that this analysis can provide some references for the collaborative protection of SoC functional safety and information security in the field of autonomous driving,so as to improve the safety of autonomous driving technology and meet its practical application requirements.展开更多
This study presents an automated system for monitoring Personal Protective Equipment(PPE)compliance using advanced computer vision techniques in industrial settings.Despite strict safety regulations,manual monitoring ...This study presents an automated system for monitoring Personal Protective Equipment(PPE)compliance using advanced computer vision techniques in industrial settings.Despite strict safety regulations,manual monitoring of PPE compliance remains inefficient and prone to human error,particularly in harsh environmental conditions like in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.The proposed solution leverages the state-of-the-art YOLOv11 deep learning model to detect multiple safety equipment classes,including safety vests,hard hats,safety shoes,gloves,and their absence(no_hardhat,no_safety_vest,no_safety_shoes,no_gloves)along with person detection.The system is designed to perform real-time detection of safety gear while maintaining accuracy despite challenging conditions such as extreme heat,dust,and variable lighting.In this regard,a state-of-the-art augmented and rich dataset obtained from real-life CCTV,warehouse,and smartphone footage has been investigated using YOLOv11,the latest in its family.Preliminary testing indicates the highest detection rate of 98.6% across various environmental conditions,significantly improving workplace safety compliance and reducing the resources required for manual checks.Additionally,a userfriendly administrative interface provides immediate notification upon detection of breaches so that corrective action can be taken immediately.This initiative contributes to Industry 4.0 practice development and reinforces Saudi Vision 2030’s emphasis on workplace safety and technology.展开更多
The protection system for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)varieties,as an important policy tool to promote the development of TCM,has a long history of over 30 years,from the promulgation of the“Regulations on the P...The protection system for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)varieties,as an important policy tool to promote the development of TCM,has a long history of over 30 years,from the promulgation of the“Regulations on the Protection of Traditional Chinese Medicine Varieties”in 1992 to the comprehensive revision of the draft for soliciting opinions in 2022.The TCM protection system evolves to meet the needs of innovative development of TCM.This paper reviews the policy developments in TCM varieties protection,collates protection data(1993 to 2024),and analyzes enterprises application strategies amid impending regulatory changes.展开更多
Zinc-ion battery(ZIB)has been regarded as one of the most promising sustainable energy storage systems due to its low cost,safety,and attractive electrochemical performance.However,the metallic zinc anode with uneven ...Zinc-ion battery(ZIB)has been regarded as one of the most promising sustainable energy storage systems due to its low cost,safety,and attractive electrochemical performance.However,the metallic zinc anode with uneven deposition during cycling would result in significant capacity decay,low Coulombic efficiency,and electrolyte consumption,thus the undesirable cyclability severely hampers the practical applications.Herein,a phosphorus-doped carbon protective layer was coated onto the surface of Zn anode via using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition(PECVD)approach.Enhanced conductivity and lower nucleation overpotential induced by the P-doped carbon protective layer can effectively facilitate the ion diffusion kinetics and suppress side reactions.The as-fabricated P-C/Zn anode demonstrated excellent cycling stability during the zinc plating/stripping process,maintaining a low voltage hysteresis(34.8 m V)for over 1000 h under a current density of 2 m A/cm^(2)and a capacity of 2 m Ah/cm^(2).Moreover,the P-C/Zn||MnO_(2)full cell exhibited high specific capacity of about 252.5 m Ah/g at 2 A/g upon 700 long cycles.This study is helpful to design more efficient zinc-ion batteries towards the future applications.展开更多
Sugars are widely recognized for their ability to stabilize cell membranes during dehydration.However,the precise mechanisms by which sugars interact with lipid bilayers remain unclear.This mini-review synthesizes fou...Sugars are widely recognized for their ability to stabilize cell membranes during dehydration.However,the precise mechanisms by which sugars interact with lipid bilayers remain unclear.This mini-review synthesizes four key hypotheses explaining sugar-mediated protection of dehydrated bilayers:the Water Replacement Hypothesis(WRH),Hydration Force Hypothesis(HFH),Headgroup Bridging Hypothesis(HBH),and Vitrification Hypothesis(VH).We argue that these mechanisms are not mutually exclusive but instead operate synergistically under different cellular contexts.We propose that these hypotheses are not mutually exclusive but likely operate under different cellular contexts.Future studies should prioritize the development of biologically realistic membrane models-incorporating diverse lipids,proteins,and asymmetric leaflets-to elucidate the exact roles and mechanisms of sugars in membrane stabilization.Such advancements will enhance our understanding of anhydrobiosis and inform cryopreservation strategies for mammalian cells.展开更多
Despite numerous research investigations to understand the influences of various structural parameters,to the authors'knowledge,no research has been the effect of different angles of incidence on stab response and...Despite numerous research investigations to understand the influences of various structural parameters,to the authors'knowledge,no research has been the effect of different angles of incidence on stab response and performance of different types of protective textiles.Three distinct structures of 3D woven textiles and 2D plain weave fabric made with similar high-performance fiber and areal density were designed and manufactured to be tested.Two samples,one composed of a single and the other of 4-panel layers,from each fabric type structure,were prepared,and tested against stabbing at[0○],[22.5○],and[45○]angle of incidence.A new stabbing experimental setup that entertained testing of the specimens at various angles of incidence was engineered and utilized.The stabbing bench is also equipped with magnetic sensors and a UK Home Office Scientific Development Branch(HOSDB)/P1/B sharpness engineered knives to measure the impact velocity and exerted impact energy respectively.A silicon compound was utilized to imprint the Back Face Signature(BFS)on the backing material after every specimen test.Each silicon print was then scanned,digitized,and precisely measured to evaluate the stab response and performance of the specimen based on different performance variables,including Depth of Trauma(DOT),Depth of Penetration(DOP),and Length of Penetration(LOP).Besides,the post-impact surface failure modes of the fabrics were also measured using Image software and analyzed at the microscale level.The results show stab angle of incidence greatly influences the stab response and performance of protective textiles.The outcome of the study could provide not only valuable insights into understanding the stab response and capabilities of protective textiles under different angle of incidence,but also provide valuable information for protective textile manufacturer,armor developer and stab testing and standardizing organizations to consider the angle of incidence while developing,testing,optimizing,and using protective textiles in various applications.展开更多
Avian metapneumovirus(aMPV),a paramyxovirus,causes acute respiratory diseases in turkeys and swollen head syndrome in chickens.This study established a reverse genetics system for aMPV subtype B LN16-A strain based on...Avian metapneumovirus(aMPV),a paramyxovirus,causes acute respiratory diseases in turkeys and swollen head syndrome in chickens.This study established a reverse genetics system for aMPV subtype B LN16-A strain based on T7 RNA polymerase.Full-length cDNA of the LN16-A strain was constructed by assembling 5 cDNA fragments between the T7 promoter and hepatitis delta virus ribozyme.Transfection of this plasmid,along with the supporting plasmids encoding the N,P,M2-1,and L proteins of LN16-A into BSR-T7/5 cells,resulted in the recovery of aMPV subtype B.To identify an effective insertion site,the enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP)gene was inserted into different sites of the LN16-A genome to generate recombinant LN16-As.The results showed that the expression levels of EGFP at the site between the G and L genes of LN16-A were significantly higher than those at the other two sites(between the leader and N genes or replacing the SH gene).To verify the availability of the site between G and L for foreign gene expression,the VP2 gene of very virulent infectious bursal disease virus(vvIBDV)was inserted into this site,and recombinant LN16-A(rLN16A-vvVP2)was successfully rescued.Single immunization of specificpathogen-free chickens with rLN16A-vvVP2 induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies and provided 100%protection against the virulent aMPV subtype B and vvIBDV.Establishing a reverse genetics system here provides an important foundation for understanding aMPV pathogenesis and developing novel vector vaccines.展开更多
This paper discusses the importance of standards in the fire extinguishing agent industry,and highlights the vital role of the standards in promoting technological innovation.China’s standards for fire extinguishing ...This paper discusses the importance of standards in the fire extinguishing agent industry,and highlights the vital role of the standards in promoting technological innovation.China’s standards for fire extinguishing agent products have evolved significantly,aligning with industrial development,market demands,regulatory requirements,to respond to the great impact of international competition in the industry.The paper analyzes the current state of China’s standards,including their composition and integration with industry growth,green development strategies,and international harmonization.Future development strategies for the standards framework should focus on valid period estimation,fire test model development,and raw material selection guidelines.By implementing these strategies,China’s fire protection industry can enhance product quality,contribute to public safety,and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.展开更多
Deforestation remains one of the most imminent threats to biodiversity in the tropics.As such,its causes and dynamics need to be studied and understood to put a halt to further forest loss and degradation.In tropical ...Deforestation remains one of the most imminent threats to biodiversity in the tropics.As such,its causes and dynamics need to be studied and understood to put a halt to further forest loss and degradation.In tropical countries such as Uganda,agricultural expansion and wood fuel demand are its leading drivers.While the establishment of protected areas is a key tool in conserving remaining forest biodiversity,results indicate that current management does not sufficiently provide alternatives to forest resources utilised by households and income provided from timber and non-timber forest products.Beyond safeguarding ecosystems,protected areas need to ensure the sustainable socioeconomic development of adjacent communities for effective biodiversity conservation–however,both management and research often neglect to consider all dimensions.In this study,we analysed five decades of forest cover change in the Mount Elgon region,Uganda,by conducting a remote sensing analysis of its protected areas using Landsat MSS and TM data from 1973-2023 in combination with literature and subsequent interview analysis to consider both the ecological and socioeconomic dimension.We applied a random forest approach to differentiate forest and non-forest areas and carried out a pixel-based change detection analysis to differentiate temporal and spatial changes.Throughout the study period of 50 years,forest cover has evolved dynamically within the boundaries of the protected areas of Mount Elgon.A significant decline was observed in both Mount Elgon National Park with a loss of-5.98%(-46.83km²)and Mount Elgon Biosphere Reserve with a loss of-14.96%(-134.33km²).Our results showcase a cycle of deforestation and afforestation that could be tied to a series of development initiatives,re-demarcation of boundaries,changes in management and recurring evictions.Overall,the results lead to the conclusion that the lack of sustainable and efficient management and funding has fostered the rate of deforestation and accelerated ecological degradation in the region,but that existing problems are also rooted in the land tenure history of the region.We recommend the proper implementation of participatory and long-term management approaches on the ground and to address the land rights issue to contribute to both socioeconomic wellbeing and sustainable conservation outcomes.展开更多
This paper is concerned with a diffusive Ivlev-type predator-prey system with Smith growth and a protection zone. By discussing the existence and non-existence of positive solutions,we discover that the incorporation ...This paper is concerned with a diffusive Ivlev-type predator-prey system with Smith growth and a protection zone. By discussing the existence and non-existence of positive solutions,we discover that the incorporation of the Smith growth function has enabled us to obtain a more precise criterion when judging the structure of bifurcation solutions, and determine a critical size for the protection zone. The results indicate that if the size of the protection zone is below the critical patch size, then the system has no positive steady state solution for excessively high intrinsic growth rates of predators. Conversely, if the size of the protection zone exceeds the critical patch size, there exists positive steady state solution regardless of how large the intrinsic growth rate of the predators is.展开更多
文摘The head-on collision process between ship and concrete pile supported protective system is simulated by software LS-DYNA. The influences of pile non-linearity and soil non-linearity on impact force, ship crush depth and the cap displacement of pile supported protective system are discussed. It's shown that for both severe impact case and non-severe impact case, the non-linearity of pile material influence the impact force history, ship crush depth. The non-linearity of pile material and soil has remarkable influence on the cap displacement especially for severe impact case. These issues should not be ignored in the analysis of pile supported protective system subjected to ship impact.
基金sponsored as a sub-project of the National Key Research and Development Program of China-Desertification Land Management and Sand Industry Technology Research and Development and Demonstration in Inner Mongolia Desertification Area,named Key Techniques and Demonstration of Sand Damage Control in Oasis and Saline-alkali Lake(2016YFC0501003)a sub-project of the National Key Research and Development Program of Study on Restoration and Protection of Typical Fragile Ecology,named Study and Demonstration of Sand-fixing and Wind-breaking Techniques of Cyperus Esculentus L.in North Wind-blown Sand Region(2019YFC0507600)。
文摘Desert-oasis ecotones are boundary areas between oases and desert ecosystems.Large efforts to control sediment and stabilize these boundaries depend on understanding sedimentary processes,especially aeolian transport and deposition.Previous studies on aeolian sediment deposition have focused primarily on a single land surface type or a single engineering approach.Few studies have considered deposition in a multi-layer oasis protective system.A complete oasis protective system consists of an outer bare sand area,a sand barrier zone,a shrub and herbaceous plant zone,and a farmland shelter zone.This study used sedimentary analysis to quantify grain-size characteristics in samples from the four land surfaces under different types of weather conditions in the Gelintan oasis of the Tengger Desert,the fourth largest desert in China.The results showed that aeolian sediment deposition decreased from the outer bare sand area through the oasis protective system and into the interior.The four land surface types showed significant differences in deposition volume(P<0.05).Deposited sediment showed gradual decrease in dominant grain-size from sand to silt,but sediment deposited during dust weather contained a larger coarse-grained fraction.From the outer desert to the inner oasis,transport mechanisms shifted from saltation(sand)to suspension(silt and smaller)in non-dust weather.During dust weather,deposition primarily occurs from near-surface aeolian sand transport with saltation.Sediment sorting decreased from exterior to interior zones of the protective system while skewness and kurtosis showed no significant change(P<0.05).These results can help inform strategies for stabilizing and protecting desert-oasis ecotones in this region and other localities.
基金sponsored as a sub-project of the National Key Research and Development Program of China-Desertification Land Management and Sand Industry Technology Research and Development and Demonstration in Inner Mongolia Desertification Area,named Key Techniques and Demonstration of Sand Damage Control in Oasis and Saline-alkali Lake(2016YFC0501003)Central Government’s Special Fund for Guiding Local Science and Technology Development:Inner Mongolia Desertification Control and Innovation Research Center
文摘Wind and sand control are important factors in combating desertification and protecting oases.An oasis protective system can provide these benefits,but quantitative research on protection effects has been lacking to date.This research describes an oasis protective system in the southeastern border of the Tengger Desert.The system consists of a sand barrier belt,a shrub and herbaceous plant belt,and a farmland shelter belt.The system was compared to a bare dunes area as the control zone.The study investigated windproof effect,sediment transport,and erosion through field observations.Results showed that the roughness of the shrub and herbaceous plant belt,farmland shelter belt,and sand barrier belt were increased compared with bare dunes.The shrub and herbaceous plant belt provided the highest windproof effect values for the same wind velocity measurement height,and the windproof effect values for different protective belts were as follows:shrub and herbaceous plant belt>farmland shelter belt>sand barrier belt.The sand barrier belt provided effective wind and sand control at heights from 0 to 50 cm above the ground.The total sediment transport for each protective belt is as follows:bare dunes>sand barrier belt>shrub and herbaceous plant belt>farmland shelter belt.The sediment transport decreased exponentially as the height increased.In the bare dunes and protective systems,the sediment transport is mainly within 30 cm of the ground surface.The wind erosion intensity for this protective system was as follows:bare dunes>sand barrier belt>shrub and herbaceous plant belt>farmland shelter belt.This research offers quantitative evidence for how oasis protective systems can effectively intercept sand and prevent erosion in oases.The results of this study can be applied in similar regions.
文摘The authors have studied the effects of Pyrroioguinloine quinone (PQQ) on superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ascorbid acid(AsA) peroxidase (AsAPOD), glutathion (GSH) and electrolytic leakage of cotyledon in cucumber seedling under low temperature stress, meanwhile, 8-hydroquinone (8-HQ) and AsA (activeoxiygen scavengers) have been made use of in comparison with PQQ. The results indicate that the activities of SOD, AsAPOD and content of GSH can be increased by PQQ. The relative conductivity of cotyledon in cucumber seedling is decreased for PQQ possesses the ability of cleaning up free redical of oxygen. We came to the conclusion that PQQ can act as a kind of active oxygen scavenger and adjust the metabolism on free radical of oxygen to balance in plants and enhance resistance finally in plants.
基金This work was funded by Chongqing Municipal Technology Innovation and Application Development Program(cstc2020jscx-gksb0001)Yunnan Academician(Expert)Workstation Project(202105AF150073).
文摘Fritillaria taipaiensis P.Y.Li is a widely used medicinal herb in treating pulmonary diseases.In recent years,its wild resources have become scarce,and the demand for efficient artificial cultivation has significantly increased.This article is the first to apply phosphate solubilizing bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere soil of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li to the cultivation process of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.The aim is to identify suitable reference strains for the artificial cultivation and industrial development of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li by examining the effects of various phosphate solubilizing bacteria and their combinations on photosynthesis,physiological and biochemical properties,and gene expression related to the protective enzyme system in F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.The experiment,conducted in pots at room temperature,included a control group(CK)and groups inoculated with inorganic phosphorussolubilizing bacteria:W1(Bacillus cereus),W2(Serratia plymuthica),W12(Bacillus cereus and Serratia plymuthica),and groups inoculated with organophosphorus-solubilizing bacteria:Y1(Bacillus cereus),Y2(Bacillus cereus),Y12(Bacillus cereus and Bacillus cereus),totaling seven groups.Compared to CK,most growth indices in the bacterial addition groups showed significant differences,with W12 achieving the highest values in all indices except the leaf area index.The content of photosynthetic pigments,photosynthetic parameters,and osmoregulatory substances increased variably in each bacterial treatment group.W12 exhibited the highest content of chlorophyll a and soluble protein,while W1 had the highest free proline content.The activities of peroxidase(POD),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and catalase(CAT)in all inoculated groups were higher than in CK,with significant changes in SOD and CAT activities.The malondialdehyde(MDA)content in all inoculated groups was lower than in CK,with Y12 being the lowest,at approximately 30%of CK.Gene expression corresponding to these three enzymes also increased variably,with POD expression in Y2 being the highest at 2.73 times that of CK.SOD and CAT expression in Y12 were the highest,at 1.84 and 4.39 times that of CK,respectively.These results indicate that inoculating phosphate solubilizing bacteria can enhance the growth of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li,with the mixed inoculation groups W12 and Y12 demonstrating superior effects.This lays a theoretical foundation for selecting bacterial fertilizers in the cultivation process of F.taipaiensis P.Y.Li.
基金supported by a grant from Aston University,Birmingham,UK (to DM)。
文摘Myelin is the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers, and its damage(demyelination) occurs in many central nervous system(CNS) diseases, including multiple sclerosis(MS), traumatic injury, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and mental disorders such as schizophrenia(Barateiro et al., 2016). Repair of damaged myelin sheaths(remyelination) often fails in MS, leading to neuronal loss and irreversible functional deficits.
基金Supported by Scientific Research Start-up Fund for Introduced PhD.Talents of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine,2023(2023BS024)Basic Research Ability Enhancement Project for Young and Middle-aged Teachers in Guangxi Universities(2022KY0286)+2 种基金Guangxi Key Research and Development Program(Guike AB21196016)Guangxi Science and Technology Base and Talent Special Project(Guike AD21238031)Guangxi Key Discipline of Zhuang Medicine in Chinese Medicine(GZXK-Z-20-64).
文摘[Objectives]To investigate the protective effects of xanthoxylin on acute lung injury induced by D-Galactosamine(D-GalN)and Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)in rats.[Methods]Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a silybin group(50 mg/kg),and three xanthoxylin groups(low-dose,medium-dose,high-dose as 60,120,and 240 mg/kg),10 rats per group.The rats were administered for 17 consecutive days,on day 14,all the rats except for the normal group were intraperitoneally injected with a D-GalN(400 mg/kg)/LPS(30μg/kg)mixture once to establish acute lung injury models.At 72 h after modeling,their serum MCP-1 levels,IL-1β,IL-6,PCT,CRP,TNF-αlevels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,and IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-αlevels in lung tissue were measured,and lung tissue histological examination were checked by HE staining.[Results]Compared with the model group,the serum MCP-1 levels,IL-1β,IL-6,PCT,CRP,TNF-αlevels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,and IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-αlevels in lung tissue in xanthoxylin groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and lung tissue injury were alleviated.[Conclusions]Xanthoxylin has protective effects on acute lung injury in rats,and it may be related to the increase of anti-inflammatory capacity and the promotion of lung tissue self-healing.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42177354)Guangzhou Basic and Applied Basic Research Scheme(No.2024A04J6358)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2019YFC0214402).
文摘The manufacture and obsolescence of smartphones produce numerous waste plastic accessories(e.g.,waste smartphone protective film(WSPF)),possessing immense potential for recycling.However,available recycling technologies have limitations such as substrate damage and secondary pollutant generation.The present study aimed to develop a green disposal method that not only recycled polyethylene terephthalate(PET)from WSPF,but also reused the stripped polyacrylate(PAA)adhesive as an adsorbent to reduce solid waste generation.When the WSPF was treated in 1 mol/L NaOH solution at 90°C,the PAA hydrolyzed to two main by-products of 1-butanol and 2-ethylhexanol,weakening the binding strength between PAA and PET and then efficient separation of them.Further bench-scale test revealed that over 97.2%of detachment efficiency toward PAA was achieved during continuous treatment of 17 batches of WSPF(200 g for each)without supplement of NaOH and generation of wastewater.Meanwhile,the economic evaluation indicated that the recycling method would generate a net profit margin of 647%for the second year without considering the incurrence of new cost and input.Additionally,the pyrolysis of waste PAA enabled its conversion into potential adsorbent,which showed 2 to 4 times enhanced adsorption capacity toward styrene and ethyl acetate after modification with NaOH solution.This study provides a green method for recycling waste plastics and inspires a referable solution for solid waste treatment in the smartphone industry.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22279139,62227815,22465026,22469015)the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFA1504500)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China(2024JQ06,2022MS2010,2024MS05005)Inner Mongolia University Postgraduate Scientific Research Innovation Project(11200-5223737)。
文摘Rechargeable aqueous zinc(Zn)-metal batteries hold great promise for next-generation energy storage systems.However,their practical application is hindered by several challenges,including dendrite formation,corrosion,and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction.To address these issues,we designed and fabricated a composite protective layer for Zn anodes by integrating carbon nanotubes(CNTs)with chitosan through a simple and scalable scraping process.The CNTs ensure uniform electric field distribution due to their high electrical conductivity,while protonated chitosan regulates ion transport and suppresses dendrite formation at the anode interface.The chitosan/CNTs composite layer also facilitates smooth Zn^(2+)deposition,enhancing the stability and reversibility of the Zn anode.As a result,the chitosan/CNTs@Zn anode demonstrates exceptional cycling stability,achieving over 3000 h of plating/stripping with minimal degradation.When paired with a V_(2)O_(5)cathode,the composite-protected anode significantly improves the cycle stability and energy density of the full cell.Techno-economic analysis confirms that batteries incorporating the chitosan/CNTs protective layer outperform those with bare Zn anodes in terms of energy density and overall performance under optimized conditions.This work provides a scalable and sustainable strategy to overcome the critical challenges of aqueous Zn-metal batteries,paving the way for their practical application in next-generation energy storage systems.
基金Supported by Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region(S202310599089)Open Fund Project of Key Laboratory of Guangxi Universities on National Medicine in Youjiang River Basin(yykf2024-04).
文摘[Objectives]To investigate the protective effects of Siwu Xuanhu decoction on the liver of mice with acute liver injury induced by CCl 4.[Methods]A total of 48 ICR mice were randomly assigned to six groups:a blank control group,a model group,a low dose group of Siwu Xuanhu decoction(100 mg/kg),a medium dose group of Siwu Xuanhu decoction(200 mg/kg),a high dose group of Siwu Xuanhu decoction(300 mg/kg),and a positive control group(silymarin 2 mg/kg).Each group comprised 8 mice.Each dosing group received the designated dose of the drug(10 mL/kg)via continuous gavage,while the blank group and the model group were administered an equivalent volume of normal saline for four weeks,three times per week.An acute liver injury model was established through the intraperitoneal administration of a 20%CCl 4 olive oil solution at a dosage of 2 mL/kg in all experimental groups,with the exception of the control group,which received an equivalent volume of the olive oil solution.After 24 h fasting with water intake,blood samples were collected from the ocular region.The blood samples were allowed to stand and subsequently subjected to centrifugation to isolate the upper layer of serum,and a diagnostic kit was employed to measure the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and interleukin-6(IL-6),and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)in the serum.[Results]In comparison to the control group,serum levels of AST and ALT were significantly elevated in the model group.Furthermore,when compared to the model group,treatment with Siwu Xuanhu decoction resulted in a reduction of serum levels of ALT,AST,and IL-6,while simultaneously increasing SOD activities.[Conclusions]Siwu Xuanhu decoction exhibits a protective effect against acute liver injury induced by CCl 4 in mice.
文摘This article takes the current autonomous driving technology as the research background and studies the collaborative protection mechanism between its system-on-chip(SoC)functional safety and information security.It includes an introduction to the functions and information security of autonomous driving SoCs,as well as the main design strategies for the collaborative prevention and control mechanism of SoC functional safety and information security in autonomous driving.The research shows that in the field of autonomous driving,there is a close connection between the functional safety of SoCs and their information security.In the design of the safety collaborative protection mechanism,the overall collaborative protection architecture,SoC functional safety protection mechanism,information security protection mechanism,the workflow of the collaborative protection mechanism,and its strategies are all key design elements.It is hoped that this analysis can provide some references for the collaborative protection of SoC functional safety and information security in the field of autonomous driving,so as to improve the safety of autonomous driving technology and meet its practical application requirements.
文摘This study presents an automated system for monitoring Personal Protective Equipment(PPE)compliance using advanced computer vision techniques in industrial settings.Despite strict safety regulations,manual monitoring of PPE compliance remains inefficient and prone to human error,particularly in harsh environmental conditions like in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.The proposed solution leverages the state-of-the-art YOLOv11 deep learning model to detect multiple safety equipment classes,including safety vests,hard hats,safety shoes,gloves,and their absence(no_hardhat,no_safety_vest,no_safety_shoes,no_gloves)along with person detection.The system is designed to perform real-time detection of safety gear while maintaining accuracy despite challenging conditions such as extreme heat,dust,and variable lighting.In this regard,a state-of-the-art augmented and rich dataset obtained from real-life CCTV,warehouse,and smartphone footage has been investigated using YOLOv11,the latest in its family.Preliminary testing indicates the highest detection rate of 98.6% across various environmental conditions,significantly improving workplace safety compliance and reducing the resources required for manual checks.Additionally,a userfriendly administrative interface provides immediate notification upon detection of breaches so that corrective action can be taken immediately.This initiative contributes to Industry 4.0 practice development and reinforces Saudi Vision 2030’s emphasis on workplace safety and technology.
文摘The protection system for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)varieties,as an important policy tool to promote the development of TCM,has a long history of over 30 years,from the promulgation of the“Regulations on the Protection of Traditional Chinese Medicine Varieties”in 1992 to the comprehensive revision of the draft for soliciting opinions in 2022.The TCM protection system evolves to meet the needs of innovative development of TCM.This paper reviews the policy developments in TCM varieties protection,collates protection data(1993 to 2024),and analyzes enterprises application strategies amid impending regulatory changes.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.61904090 and 62464010)Project(No.202306)of State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces(Xiamen University)。
文摘Zinc-ion battery(ZIB)has been regarded as one of the most promising sustainable energy storage systems due to its low cost,safety,and attractive electrochemical performance.However,the metallic zinc anode with uneven deposition during cycling would result in significant capacity decay,low Coulombic efficiency,and electrolyte consumption,thus the undesirable cyclability severely hampers the practical applications.Herein,a phosphorus-doped carbon protective layer was coated onto the surface of Zn anode via using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition(PECVD)approach.Enhanced conductivity and lower nucleation overpotential induced by the P-doped carbon protective layer can effectively facilitate the ion diffusion kinetics and suppress side reactions.The as-fabricated P-C/Zn anode demonstrated excellent cycling stability during the zinc plating/stripping process,maintaining a low voltage hysteresis(34.8 m V)for over 1000 h under a current density of 2 m A/cm^(2)and a capacity of 2 m Ah/cm^(2).Moreover,the P-C/Zn||MnO_(2)full cell exhibited high specific capacity of about 252.5 m Ah/g at 2 A/g upon 700 long cycles.This study is helpful to design more efficient zinc-ion batteries towards the future applications.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,China(Grant No.52376052)the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation,China(Grant No.2308085ME174).
文摘Sugars are widely recognized for their ability to stabilize cell membranes during dehydration.However,the precise mechanisms by which sugars interact with lipid bilayers remain unclear.This mini-review synthesizes four key hypotheses explaining sugar-mediated protection of dehydrated bilayers:the Water Replacement Hypothesis(WRH),Hydration Force Hypothesis(HFH),Headgroup Bridging Hypothesis(HBH),and Vitrification Hypothesis(VH).We argue that these mechanisms are not mutually exclusive but instead operate synergistically under different cellular contexts.We propose that these hypotheses are not mutually exclusive but likely operate under different cellular contexts.Future studies should prioritize the development of biologically realistic membrane models-incorporating diverse lipids,proteins,and asymmetric leaflets-to elucidate the exact roles and mechanisms of sugars in membrane stabilization.Such advancements will enhance our understanding of anhydrobiosis and inform cryopreservation strategies for mammalian cells.
文摘Despite numerous research investigations to understand the influences of various structural parameters,to the authors'knowledge,no research has been the effect of different angles of incidence on stab response and performance of different types of protective textiles.Three distinct structures of 3D woven textiles and 2D plain weave fabric made with similar high-performance fiber and areal density were designed and manufactured to be tested.Two samples,one composed of a single and the other of 4-panel layers,from each fabric type structure,were prepared,and tested against stabbing at[0○],[22.5○],and[45○]angle of incidence.A new stabbing experimental setup that entertained testing of the specimens at various angles of incidence was engineered and utilized.The stabbing bench is also equipped with magnetic sensors and a UK Home Office Scientific Development Branch(HOSDB)/P1/B sharpness engineered knives to measure the impact velocity and exerted impact energy respectively.A silicon compound was utilized to imprint the Back Face Signature(BFS)on the backing material after every specimen test.Each silicon print was then scanned,digitized,and precisely measured to evaluate the stab response and performance of the specimen based on different performance variables,including Depth of Trauma(DOT),Depth of Penetration(DOP),and Length of Penetration(LOP).Besides,the post-impact surface failure modes of the fabrics were also measured using Image software and analyzed at the microscale level.The results show stab angle of incidence greatly influences the stab response and performance of protective textiles.The outcome of the study could provide not only valuable insights into understanding the stab response and capabilities of protective textiles under different angle of incidence,but also provide valuable information for protective textile manufacturer,armor developer and stab testing and standardizing organizations to consider the angle of incidence while developing,testing,optimizing,and using protective textiles in various applications.
基金supported by the grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD1800604)the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-41)the Heilongjiang Touyan Innovation Team Program,China。
文摘Avian metapneumovirus(aMPV),a paramyxovirus,causes acute respiratory diseases in turkeys and swollen head syndrome in chickens.This study established a reverse genetics system for aMPV subtype B LN16-A strain based on T7 RNA polymerase.Full-length cDNA of the LN16-A strain was constructed by assembling 5 cDNA fragments between the T7 promoter and hepatitis delta virus ribozyme.Transfection of this plasmid,along with the supporting plasmids encoding the N,P,M2-1,and L proteins of LN16-A into BSR-T7/5 cells,resulted in the recovery of aMPV subtype B.To identify an effective insertion site,the enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP)gene was inserted into different sites of the LN16-A genome to generate recombinant LN16-As.The results showed that the expression levels of EGFP at the site between the G and L genes of LN16-A were significantly higher than those at the other two sites(between the leader and N genes or replacing the SH gene).To verify the availability of the site between G and L for foreign gene expression,the VP2 gene of very virulent infectious bursal disease virus(vvIBDV)was inserted into this site,and recombinant LN16-A(rLN16A-vvVP2)was successfully rescued.Single immunization of specificpathogen-free chickens with rLN16A-vvVP2 induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies and provided 100%protection against the virulent aMPV subtype B and vvIBDV.Establishing a reverse genetics system here provides an important foundation for understanding aMPV pathogenesis and developing novel vector vaccines.
基金supported by the specialized fund project for the fundamental research operation of central-level public welfare scientific research institutes,titled“Research on the International Standards System Construction and Updates in the Field of Fire Protection(Project No.2023SJ09)”.
文摘This paper discusses the importance of standards in the fire extinguishing agent industry,and highlights the vital role of the standards in promoting technological innovation.China’s standards for fire extinguishing agent products have evolved significantly,aligning with industrial development,market demands,regulatory requirements,to respond to the great impact of international competition in the industry.The paper analyzes the current state of China’s standards,including their composition and integration with industry growth,green development strategies,and international harmonization.Future development strategies for the standards framework should focus on valid period estimation,fire test model development,and raw material selection guidelines.By implementing these strategies,China’s fire protection industry can enhance product quality,contribute to public safety,and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.
基金The financial support by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU)
文摘Deforestation remains one of the most imminent threats to biodiversity in the tropics.As such,its causes and dynamics need to be studied and understood to put a halt to further forest loss and degradation.In tropical countries such as Uganda,agricultural expansion and wood fuel demand are its leading drivers.While the establishment of protected areas is a key tool in conserving remaining forest biodiversity,results indicate that current management does not sufficiently provide alternatives to forest resources utilised by households and income provided from timber and non-timber forest products.Beyond safeguarding ecosystems,protected areas need to ensure the sustainable socioeconomic development of adjacent communities for effective biodiversity conservation–however,both management and research often neglect to consider all dimensions.In this study,we analysed five decades of forest cover change in the Mount Elgon region,Uganda,by conducting a remote sensing analysis of its protected areas using Landsat MSS and TM data from 1973-2023 in combination with literature and subsequent interview analysis to consider both the ecological and socioeconomic dimension.We applied a random forest approach to differentiate forest and non-forest areas and carried out a pixel-based change detection analysis to differentiate temporal and spatial changes.Throughout the study period of 50 years,forest cover has evolved dynamically within the boundaries of the protected areas of Mount Elgon.A significant decline was observed in both Mount Elgon National Park with a loss of-5.98%(-46.83km²)and Mount Elgon Biosphere Reserve with a loss of-14.96%(-134.33km²).Our results showcase a cycle of deforestation and afforestation that could be tied to a series of development initiatives,re-demarcation of boundaries,changes in management and recurring evictions.Overall,the results lead to the conclusion that the lack of sustainable and efficient management and funding has fostered the rate of deforestation and accelerated ecological degradation in the region,but that existing problems are also rooted in the land tenure history of the region.We recommend the proper implementation of participatory and long-term management approaches on the ground and to address the land rights issue to contribute to both socioeconomic wellbeing and sustainable conservation outcomes.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12161080)。
文摘This paper is concerned with a diffusive Ivlev-type predator-prey system with Smith growth and a protection zone. By discussing the existence and non-existence of positive solutions,we discover that the incorporation of the Smith growth function has enabled us to obtain a more precise criterion when judging the structure of bifurcation solutions, and determine a critical size for the protection zone. The results indicate that if the size of the protection zone is below the critical patch size, then the system has no positive steady state solution for excessively high intrinsic growth rates of predators. Conversely, if the size of the protection zone exceeds the critical patch size, there exists positive steady state solution regardless of how large the intrinsic growth rate of the predators is.
