The aim of this paper was to characterize through experiment the moisture and temperature kinetic behavior of Eucalyptus gomphocephala wood samples using microwave heating(MWH)in two scenarios:intermittently and conti...The aim of this paper was to characterize through experiment the moisture and temperature kinetic behavior of Eucalyptus gomphocephala wood samples using microwave heating(MWH)in two scenarios:intermittently and continuously.The mechanical properties and surface appearance of the heated samples were also investigated.Continuous and intermittent microwave drying kinetic experiments were conducted at a frequency of 2.45 GHz using a microwave laboratory oven at 300,500,and 1000 watts.Drying rate curves indicated three distinct phases of MWH.Increasing the microwave power with a shorter drying time led to rapid increases in internal temperature and water evaporation rates of the heated samples.Mechanical results indicated that samples heated under continuous MW(Microwave)power at 300 watts had a modulus of rupture(MOR)and modulus of elasticity(MOE)in three static bending tests higher than 29%and 36%,respectively,than samples heated at 1000 watts.Intermittent microwave heating(IMWH)of samples at 300 and 1000 watts produced the highest MOR and MOE values of 31%and 51%,respectively,unlike those heated under continuous microwave heating(CMWH).External qualitative observation showed that samples heated at high microwave power had severe surface checks.These defects were missing when using IMWH.An analysis of variance(ANOVA)showed that mechanical properties were linked to both microwave power level and the heating scenario,except for MOR in axial compression under CMWH.展开更多
Ecosystems in Mediterranean climate regions are projected to undergo considerable changes as a result of shifting climate, including from extreme drought and heat events. A severe and sudden dieback event, occurring i...Ecosystems in Mediterranean climate regions are projected to undergo considerable changes as a result of shifting climate, including from extreme drought and heat events. A severe and sudden dieback event, occurring in regionally significant Eucalyptus gomphocephala woodland in Western Australia, coincided with extreme drought and heat conditions in early 2011. Using a combination of remote sensing and field- based approaches, we characterized the extent and severity of canopy dieback following the event, as well as highlighted potential predisposing site factors. An estimated 500 ha of woodland was severely affected between February and March 2011. Tree foliage rapidly discolored and died over this period. In the af-fected portion of the woodland, approximately 90% of trees greater than 20 cm DBH were impacted, while in the adjacent unaffected woodland 6% showed signs of damage. Tree density in the unaffected area had approximately 4.5 times more trees than the affected woodland. Precipitation drainage patterns are thought to explain the difference between affected and unaffected woodland. Dropping groundwater levels, a relatively shallow soil profile, and extreme drought and heat in 2010-2011 are thought to predispose water-shedding sites to drought-triggered canopy dieback during extended periods of dryness. Tracking forest health changes in response to severe disturbance is an important key to deciphering past and future vegetation change.展开更多
Natural regeneration is a critical component of forest ecosystems sustainability. Local extinction can occur without adequate regenerationor seedling recruitment prior to adult senescence. The urban and peri-urban env...Natural regeneration is a critical component of forest ecosystems sustainability. Local extinction can occur without adequate regenerationor seedling recruitment prior to adult senescence. The urban and peri-urban environment is particularly challenging for recruitment. For example, although many forest species have specific requirements involving fire events, few opportunities associated with fire exist in contemporary urban and peri-urban environments. For our study species, Eucalyptus gomphocephala, en masse recruitment can occur in ashbeds following a hot fire. However, this may not occur following low-intensity, fuel reduction burns that are prescribed for many E. gomphocephala woodlands and forests. Nevertheless, ashbeds could be created by constructing and burning coarse woody debris (CWD) piles. In a series of collaborative case studies involving community groups, NGOs and Local and State Government agencies, we investigated whether seedling recruitment could be facilitated through broadcast seeding after: a) creating CWD piles prior to a low intensity, prescribed burn;b) naturally-occurring ashbeds following a hot summer wildfire;and c) creating CWD piles and then burning the piles only. We found that regeneration of this post-fire, canopy gap regenerator can be facilitated by broadcast seeding naturally occurring or created ashbeds. However, it seems that protection from seed harvesters and herbivores is vital. These case studies provide tools that can be used to preserve the natural demographics in populations with specific regeneration requirements in a range of environments by leveraging natural recruitment processes and community involvement. Importantly, it is the conservation of these urban and peri-urban ecosystems that will be vital in maintaining connection between people and the environment into the future.展开更多
文摘The aim of this paper was to characterize through experiment the moisture and temperature kinetic behavior of Eucalyptus gomphocephala wood samples using microwave heating(MWH)in two scenarios:intermittently and continuously.The mechanical properties and surface appearance of the heated samples were also investigated.Continuous and intermittent microwave drying kinetic experiments were conducted at a frequency of 2.45 GHz using a microwave laboratory oven at 300,500,and 1000 watts.Drying rate curves indicated three distinct phases of MWH.Increasing the microwave power with a shorter drying time led to rapid increases in internal temperature and water evaporation rates of the heated samples.Mechanical results indicated that samples heated under continuous MW(Microwave)power at 300 watts had a modulus of rupture(MOR)and modulus of elasticity(MOE)in three static bending tests higher than 29%and 36%,respectively,than samples heated at 1000 watts.Intermittent microwave heating(IMWH)of samples at 300 and 1000 watts produced the highest MOR and MOE values of 31%and 51%,respectively,unlike those heated under continuous microwave heating(CMWH).External qualitative observation showed that samples heated at high microwave power had severe surface checks.These defects were missing when using IMWH.An analysis of variance(ANOVA)showed that mechanical properties were linked to both microwave power level and the heating scenario,except for MOR in axial compression under CMWH.
文摘Ecosystems in Mediterranean climate regions are projected to undergo considerable changes as a result of shifting climate, including from extreme drought and heat events. A severe and sudden dieback event, occurring in regionally significant Eucalyptus gomphocephala woodland in Western Australia, coincided with extreme drought and heat conditions in early 2011. Using a combination of remote sensing and field- based approaches, we characterized the extent and severity of canopy dieback following the event, as well as highlighted potential predisposing site factors. An estimated 500 ha of woodland was severely affected between February and March 2011. Tree foliage rapidly discolored and died over this period. In the af-fected portion of the woodland, approximately 90% of trees greater than 20 cm DBH were impacted, while in the adjacent unaffected woodland 6% showed signs of damage. Tree density in the unaffected area had approximately 4.5 times more trees than the affected woodland. Precipitation drainage patterns are thought to explain the difference between affected and unaffected woodland. Dropping groundwater levels, a relatively shallow soil profile, and extreme drought and heat in 2010-2011 are thought to predispose water-shedding sites to drought-triggered canopy dieback during extended periods of dryness. Tracking forest health changes in response to severe disturbance is an important key to deciphering past and future vegetation change.
文摘Natural regeneration is a critical component of forest ecosystems sustainability. Local extinction can occur without adequate regenerationor seedling recruitment prior to adult senescence. The urban and peri-urban environment is particularly challenging for recruitment. For example, although many forest species have specific requirements involving fire events, few opportunities associated with fire exist in contemporary urban and peri-urban environments. For our study species, Eucalyptus gomphocephala, en masse recruitment can occur in ashbeds following a hot fire. However, this may not occur following low-intensity, fuel reduction burns that are prescribed for many E. gomphocephala woodlands and forests. Nevertheless, ashbeds could be created by constructing and burning coarse woody debris (CWD) piles. In a series of collaborative case studies involving community groups, NGOs and Local and State Government agencies, we investigated whether seedling recruitment could be facilitated through broadcast seeding after: a) creating CWD piles prior to a low intensity, prescribed burn;b) naturally-occurring ashbeds following a hot summer wildfire;and c) creating CWD piles and then burning the piles only. We found that regeneration of this post-fire, canopy gap regenerator can be facilitated by broadcast seeding naturally occurring or created ashbeds. However, it seems that protection from seed harvesters and herbivores is vital. These case studies provide tools that can be used to preserve the natural demographics in populations with specific regeneration requirements in a range of environments by leveraging natural recruitment processes and community involvement. Importantly, it is the conservation of these urban and peri-urban ecosystems that will be vital in maintaining connection between people and the environment into the future.
