Effect of two-stage sodium hydroxide pretreatment on the composition and structure of Napier grass (Pakchong 1) (Pennisetum purpureum)

ABSTRACT

Sodium hydroxide is ideal in removing lignin from lignocellulosic materials at an effective operational cost. Two-stage NaOH pretreatment was employed herein to investigate lignin and hemicellulose removal and understand the morphology of Napier grass (Pakchong 1) (Pennisetum purpureum), which is considered lignocellulosic due to its high carbohydrate content. NaOH was used at different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt.%) and presoak times (1, 2, 3, and 4 h). The results demonstrated that 3 wt.% NaOH at 121°C without presoak resulted in 83.5% lignin removal, with a cellulose to lignin ratio of 3.0. Moreover, the treated samples showed cracking and irregular patterns at optimal conditions.     

Effectiveness of a physical activity program on weight,physical fitness,occupational stress,job satisfaction and quality of life of overweight employees in high-tech industries: a randomized controlled study

Introduction. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a physical activity (PA) program on weight control, physical fitness, occupational stress, job satisfaction and quality of life of overweight and sedentary employees in high-tech industries. Methods. Participants in the intervention group (n?=?37) were instructed to carry out a PA program at moderate intensity for 60?min/session, 3 sessions/week for 12 weeks. Those in the control group (n?=?38) received no PA program and were asked to continue their routine lifestyle. Evaluations were performed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Results of structured questionnaires and blood biochemistry tests and evaluations of physical fitness were analyzed. Results. The PA program effectively reduced the number of risk factors for metabolic syndrome and body fat percentage, and improved physical fitness such as flexibility, muscular strength and endurance and cardiorespiratory endurance. The intervention also significantly decreased levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Significant positive effects on work control, interpersonal relationships at work, global job satisfaction and quality of life were also demonstrated. Conclusion. This study showed that a PA program can be helpful in improving physical, physiological and psychological outcomes for overweight and sedentary employees in high-tech industries.     

集输油环境氟橡胶O形圈老化行为实验研究*

为研究氟橡胶O形圈在集输油环境中的老化行为特征，以长庆油田使用的氟橡胶O形圈(位于非金属复合管连接接头处)为研究对象，采用宏观与微观相结合的方法，通过挂片实验分析氟橡胶O形圈在不同介质（采出油，采出水）、温度（25，50 ℃）、压力条件（0.1,4,6 MPa）下老化后的形貌、质量、拉伸性能及硬度。结果表明:采出油、采出水均能引起O形圈发生溶胀，从而降低O形圈的强度、韧性、硬度；采出水引起的溶胀显著高于采出油更易导致O形圈表面产生坑洞缺陷；渗透速率随温度升高而急剧增加，压力对渗透速率的影响不明显；硬度降低较小，最大降幅为4.17%。结合现场服役813 d的密封圈SEM形貌，证实集输介质渗透会引起氟橡胶圈溶胀、导致表面产生坑洞等缺陷。     

湿法脱硫系统对烟气中可吸入颗粒物特性影响的实验研究

采用荷电低压颗粒冲击器对4套湿法烟气脱硫(WFGD)系统进出口颗粒物进行在线检测和采样分析,获得烟气中PM10、PM2.5质量浓度以及粒径分布特征,并通过场发射扫描电镜(FESEM)和元素能谱对飞灰颗粒的形貌特征和主要元素含量进行分析。实验结果表明,由于脱硫塔喷淋浆液的洗涤作用,WFGD系统对飞灰颗粒有一定的脱除效果,但喷淋浆液产生的小液滴以及石灰石/石膏颗粒被携带进入烟气,导致WFGD系统对烟气中颗粒物质量浓度及粒径分布影响较大。WFGD系统对飞灰颗粒组成成分也有一定影响,以WFGD系统B为例,出口飞灰颗粒中Ca和S的质量分数从进口的1.60%、2.81%上升到出口的6.12%、10.92%。FESEM观察结果表明,脱硫后小颗粒在脱硫浆液的促进作用下团聚凝并,形成大颗粒,呈现致密的不规则块状、层状或絮状结构。     

不同诱导条件对结晶产物形貌特征的影响

在流化床反应器中,以含铜废水为处理对象,重点考察了诱导条件改变对结晶系统运行效率及结晶产物形貌特征的影响。结果表明,进水200 mg/L,进药比([Cu2+]/[CO2-3])1∶1.2,p H为10.2的条件下,铜离子去除率可接近100%,诱导晶种表面平滑,诱导颗粒生长成致密杆状晶体结构,以碳酸盐为沉淀剂的诱导结晶系统依赖于体系的p H,高p H体系下发生的共结晶现象是影响系统运行的主要原因;随着进药摩尔比的增加,结晶产物由短杆状向球状转化,晶体机械强度显著降低大量破碎,影响出水水质;进药比1∶1.2,p H为11的条件下,含铜废水浓度为500 mg/L时,系统去除率可达95%以上,微晶产率低于5%。     

Comparison of Canadian firefighters and healthy controls based on submaximal fitness testing and strength considering age and gender

Introduction. Few studies have addressed whether firefighters are fitter than the general population and possess sufficient levels of aerobic capacity and muscle strength to perform on-duty tasks in a safe and efficient manner, considering age and gender. We aimed to evaluate the fitness levels of Hamilton firefighters, and to determine the effects of age and gender. Methods. In total, 89 participants were recruited. The modified Canadian aerobic fitness test was used to determine participants’ estimated maximal oxygen consumption (V_O2max) levels. For upper and lower body strength levels, a calibrated J-Tech hand-held dynamometer and a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lifting device was used respectively. Results. Firefighters’ mean (SD) V_O2max level was 40.30?±?6.25?ml·kg^?1·min^?1. Age proved to have a statistically significant impact on V_O2max (p?<?0.001). Gender displayed statistically significant effects on strength levels. Firefighters’ age was the only statistically significant independent variable, and accounted for 61.00% of the variance in firefighters’ aerobic capacity levels. Conclusions. Firefighters possessed somewhat similar aerobic capacities but much higher levels of body strength when compared with the general population. With age, firefighters’ aerobic capacities decreased; however, their upper and lower body strength levels remained the same.     

A simulation model of rhizome networks for Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) in the United Kingdom

Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) is an aggressively invasive herbaceous perennial that causes substantial economic and environmental damage in the United Kingdom (UK). As such, it is of considerable concern to councils, environmental groups, private landowners and property developers. We construct a 3D correlated random walk model of the development of the subterranean rhizome network for a single stand of F. japonica. The formulation of this model uses detailed knowledge of the morphology and physiology of the plant, both of which differ in the UK to that of its native habitat due to factors including a lack of predation and competition, longer growth seasons and favourable environmental conditions in the UK. Field data obtained as a part of this study are discussed and used in the model for parameterisation and validation. The simulation captures the field data well and predicts, for example, quadratic growth in time for the stand area. Furthermore, the role of a selection of parameters on long-term stand development are discussed, highlighting some key factors affecting vegetative spread rates.     

玉米套种堆作甘薯增产机理的研究

玉米套种“堆作甘薯”能充分利用光能，并降低土壤容重、增加孔隙度和提高三相比中的气相容积，同时使土壤热容量、导热率和热扩散率降低，昼夜温差增大，因此能明显提高甘薯的产量和品质。     

37个含硫芳香族化合物理化参数的相关性分析

本文对37个含硫(S,SO,SO_2)芳香族化合物的理化参数作了统计分析,在水解速率常数k与取代基常数之间建立了几个多元回归方程,并根据各化合物的因子得分和实验设计方法为生物试验挑选出了8个有代表性的化合物。     

Experimental and natural changes in the peacock's (Pavo cristatus) train can affect mating success

Petrie et al. (1991) demonstrated a correlation between the degree of elaboration of peacocks' trains and their mating success, and also showed that this correlation occurred because females preferred to mate with the male that had the most elaborate train of those sampled on the lek. Although these data suggest that female choice is responsible for non-random mating in this species, they do not conclusively show that train morphology is the cue that females respond to, because they do not rule out the possible influence of another unidentified variable which is correlated with train elaboration. This paper presents an experimental test of the importance of the peacock's train in determining male mating success. If the number or arrangement of eye-spots in the peacock's train influences mating success, then changing the number of eye-spots should change mating success. This prediction was tested in an experiment where the trains of male peafowl (Pavo cristatus) were manipulated by removing a number of eye-spots between mating seasons. Peacocks with eye-spots removed showed a significant decline in mating success between seasons compared with a control group. This result, together with the observational data, supports the hypothesis that the peacock's train has evolved, at least in part, as a result of female choice.