Ecological Restoration of Coal Mine‐Degraded Lands in Dry Tropical Climate: What Has Been Done and What Needs to Be Done?

In developed countries, ecological restoration is a widely accepted practice to restore the productivity of degraded coal mine spoils and prevent mine‐degraded sites from acting as sources of pollution. During the past decade, ecologists realized the global need for ecological restoration, and the benefit of restoration is now assessed on the basis of ecosystem services that the restored lands can provide. In this article, the knowledge gap between crude reclamation and ecological restoration is examined, the steps crucial to ecological restoration in tropical conditions are identified, and simple guidelines are given for easy understanding. Restoration issues, such as modification of the forestry restoration approach, reestablishment of biodiversity, removal and reuse of topsoil during progressive and final stages of ecological restoration, drainage, promotion of a plant‐succession‐based approach, use of a grass–legume mixture as an initial colonizer, stabilization of steep slopes, and soil blanketing, are discussed. Those attributes of a degraded ecosystem that are responsible for the success of any restoration project are critically examined, and the opportunities provided by ecological restoration are explored.     

Performance investigation of a single-stage metal hydride heat transformer

This article presents the performance analysis of a single-stage metal hydride-based heat transformer (SS-MHHT) working with three different alloy pairs, namely LaNi_4.6Al_0.4/MmNi_4.15Fe_0.85, LaNi_4.61Mn_0.26Al_0.13/La_0.6Y_0.4Ni_4.8-Mn_0.2, and Zr_0.9Ti_0.1Cr_0.9Fe_1.1/Zr_0.9Ti_0.1Cr_0.6-Fe_1.4. The performances of the SS-MHHT are predicted by solving the conjugate heat and mass (hydrogen) transfer equations in cylindrical coordinates. The effects of various parameters such as heat output (T_H), heat input (T_M), and heat sink (T_L) temperatures on the coefficient of performance (COP_HT), specific heating power (SHP) and second law efficiency (η_E) are presented. The effects of overall heat transfer coefficient and mass ratio on the coefficient of performance (COP_HT) and specific heating power (SHP) are also presented. Numerical results are compared with the experimental data reported in the literature, and a good agreement is found between them. The maximum COP_HT of 0.436 and SHP of 54 W/kg are obtained for LaNi_4.61Mn_0.26Al_0.13/La_0.6Y_0.4Ni_4.8-Mn_0.2 pair. For a given operating temperatures of T_M = 358 K and T_L = 298 K, the maximum temperature lift of about 50 K is predicted for Zr_0.9Ti_0.1Cr_0.9Fe_1.1 /Zr_0.9Ti_0.1Cr_0.6Fe_1.4 pair.     

A review on optimization techniques for sizing of solar-wind hybrid energy systems

Solar and wind are inexhaustible, abundant, environmentally friendly and freely available renewable energy sources. Integration of these two sources has always been a complex optimization problem which requires efficient planning, designing and control strategies. Many researchers have designed cost effective and efficient hybrid solar-wind energy systems by using various available software tools and optimization algorithms. With the advancement in artificial intelligence methods, various new optimization techniques have been developed in the last few decades. This paper presents state of the art optimization methods applied to hybrid renewable based energy systems. A brief introduction of each technique is presented along with papers published in different reputed journals. This article also reviews different power management, control strategies and multi-objective optimization methods used for hybrid wind-solar systems. A case study is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of some of the algorithms.     

Conservation perceptions and attitudes of semi-nomadic pastoralist towards relocation and biodiversity management: a case study of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Van Gujjars</Emphasis> residing in and around Corbett Tiger Reserve,India

This article examines the perceptions and attitude of the semi-nomadic pastoral community “Van Gujjars” on the use and conservation of natural resources in Corbett Tiger Reserve, India. In this research article, in-depth interview and questionnaire data (n = 340) about demography and perceptions were examined from both qualitative and quantitative information. Respondents have expressed their perception about their own territories, problems, attachments, positive or negative change that occurred during their stay in and around protected area. Respondents overall positive attitudes towards conservation scenarios despite high losses from wildlife while living around protected area suggest that they may support conservation if their livelihood needs are met. Most of the respondents support the concept of conservation, and some respondents have negative attitude towards management authorities, mainly because of restricted access to the forest resources. The study illustrates and suggests a number of options for the viability of resettlement of pastoralist community. A majority of respondents indicated that there is a need for public participation in planning and implementation of resettlement process. Resettlement of Van Gujjar community may be better if exercised with the consensus of all the stakeholders. Resettlement will provide better livelihood opportunity to the pastoral community and enhance the economic status of these people as the educational level increases in time, while also improving habitat recovery leading to better biodiversity conservation. Thus, resettlements could benefit both the pastoral people and the natural resources.     

Eco-friendly PEG-based controlled release nano-formulations of Mancozeb: Synthesis and bioefficacy evaluation against phytopathogenic fungi Alternaria solani and Sclerotium rolfsii

Controlled release (CR) nano-formulations of Mancozeb (manganese-zinc double salt of N,N-bisdithiocarbamic acid), a protective fungicide, have been prepared using laboratory-synthesized poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs)-based functionalized amphiphilic copolymers without using any surfactants or external additives. The release kinetics of the developed Mancozeb CR formulations were studied and compared with that of commercially available 42% suspension concentrate and 75% wettable powder. Maximum amount of Mancozeb was released on 42nd day for PEG-600 and octyl chain, PEG-1000 and octyl chain, and PEG-600 and hexadecyl chain, on 35th day for PEG-1000 and hexadecyl chain, on 28th day for PEG-1500 and octyl chain, PEG-2000 and octyl chain, PEG-1500 and hexadecyl chain, and PEG-2000 and hexadecyl chain in comparison to both commercial formulations (15th day). The diffusion exponent (n value) of Mancozeb in water ranged from 0.42 to 0.62 in tested formulations. The half-release (t_1/2) values ranged from 17.35 to 35.14 days, and the period of optimum availability of Mancozeb ranged from 18.54 to 35.42 days. Further, the in vitro bioefficacy evaluation of developed formulations was done against plant pathogenic fungi Alternaria solani and Sclerotium rolfsii by poison food technique. Effective dose for 50% inhibition in mgL^?1 (ED₅₀) values of developed formulations varied from 1.31 to 2.79 mg L^?1 for A. solani, and 1.60 to 3.14 mg L^?1 for S. rolfsii. The present methodology is simple, economical, and eco-friendly for the development of environment-friendly CR formulations of Mancozeb. These formulations can be used to optimize the release of Mancozeb to achieve disease control for the desired period depending upon the matrix of the polymer used. Importantly, the maximum amount of active ingredient remains available for a reasonable period after application. In addition, the developed CR formulations were found to be suitable for fungicidal applications, allowing use of Mancozeb in lower doses.     

Estimation of β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid in okra fruits and soil by chromatography techniques

Dissipation of β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid in okra was studied following three applications of a combination formulation of Solomon 300 OD (β-cyfluthrin 9 % + imidacloprid 21 %) @ 60 and 120 g a.i. ha(-1) at 7 days interval. Residues of β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid in okra were estimated by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Residues of β-cyfluthrin were confirmed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and that of imidacloprid by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Half-life periods for β-cyfluthrin were found to be 0.91 and 0.68 days whereas for imidacloprid these values were observed to be 0.85 and 0.96 days at single and double the application rates, respectively. Residues of β-cyfluthrin dissipated below its limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg kg(-1) after 3 and 5 days at single and double the application dosage, respectively. Similarly, residues of imidacloprid took 5 and 7 days to reach LOQ of 0.01 mg kg(-1), at single and double dosages respectively. Soil samples collected after 15 days of the last application did not show the presence of β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid at their detection limit of 0.01 mg kg(-1).     

Effect of fly ash on sorption behavior of metribuzin in agricultural soils

This investigation was undertaken to determine the effect of two different fly ashes [Kota and Inderprastha (IP)] amendment on the sorption behavior of metribuzin in three Indian soil types. The IP fly ash was very effective in increasing the metribuzin sorption in the soils. The sorption with IP amendment was increased by 15-92%, whereas with the Kota fly ash an increase in sorption by 13-38% was noted. The adsorption isotherms fitted very well to the Freundlich adsorption equation and, in general, slope (1/n) values less then unity were observed. Although both the fly ashes significantly decreased metribuzin desorption, the IP fly ash was comparatively more effective in retaining metribuzin in the soils. Metribuzin sorption in the IP fly ash-amended soils showed strong correlation with the fly ash content and compared to K(f)/K(d) values, K(FA) values (sorption normalized to fly ash content) showed less variation. Metribuzin sorption-desorption did not correlate to the organic carbon content of the soil-fly ash mixture. The study demonstrates that all coal fly ashes may not be effective in enhancing the sorption of metribuzin in soils to the same extent. However, among the fly ashes used in this study, the IP fly ash was observed to be significantly effective in enhancing the sorption of metribuzin in soils. This may play an important role in reducing the run off and leaching losses of the herbicide by retaining it in the soil.     

Dump Stability and Soil Fertility of a Coal Mine Spoil in Indian Dry Tropical Environment: A Long-Term Study

Plant available nitrogen, belowground (root) biomass, soil nitrogen (N) mineralization and microbial biomass N (MBN) were studied for 12 years at the interval of 2 years (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12?years) and mine dump stability at the intervals of 6 years (0, 6 and 12?years) after re-vegetation on coal mine spoil site. Plant available nitrogen in revegetated mine spoil ranged from 4.51 to 6.59?μg?g(-1), net N-mineralization from 1.87 to 13.85?μg?g(-1)?month(-1), MBN from 10 to 22.63?μg?g(-1), and root biomass from 28 to 566 g(-2). Mining activity has caused a change in soil characteristics including plant available nutrients like nitrate-N, ammonium-N and phosphate-P by 70, 67, and 76?%, respectively, N-mineralization by 93?%, root biomass values by 97?% and MBN values by 91?% compared to forest ecosystems. Revegetation of mine spoil produced increase in root biomass values by 1.3, 7.6 and 17.2 times, mineral N values by 1.22, 1.43 and 1.79 times, N-mineralization values by 1.8, 5.2 and 12.6 times and MBN values by 1.6, 2.0, and 3.4 times in 2, 6 and 12?years, respectively. Below ground biomass was highly co-related with microbial biomass and plant available nutrients. N-mineralization, plant available nutrients and the clay content were positively correlated with age of revegetation (P?相似文献   

“Tinni” Rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) Production: An Integrated Sociocultural Agroecosystem in Eastern Uttar Pradesh of India

This study reports how Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and informal cultural institutions have conserved key varieties of the wildgrowing rice, ‘tinni’ (red rice, or brownbeard rice, Oriza rufipogon Griff.), within the Bhar community of eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. The study was conducted, using conventional and participatory methods, in 10 purposively selected Bhar villages. Two distinct varieties of tinni (‘tinni patali’ and ‘tinni moti’) with differing habitats and phenotypic characters were identified. Seven microecosystems (Kari, Badaila, Chammo, Karmol, Bhainsiki, Bhainsala and Khodailia) were found to support these varieties in differing proportions. Tinni rice can withstand more extreme weather conditions (the highest as well as lowest temperatures and rainfall regimes) than the ‘genetically improved’ varieties of rice (Oriza sativa L.) grown in the region. Both tinni varieties are important bioresources for the Bhar’s subsistence livelihoods, and they use distinctive conservation approaches in their maintenance. Bhar women are the main custodians of tinni rice agrobiodiversity, conserving tinni through an institution called Sajha. Democratic decision-making at meetings organized by village elders determines the market price of the tinni varieties. Overall, the indigenous institutions and women’s participation seem to have provided safeguards from excessive exploitation of tinni rice varieties. The maintenance of tinni through cultural knowledge and institutions serves as an example of the importance of locally maintained crop varieties in contributing to people’s resilience and food security in times of rapid social and environmental change.     

Energy management in hybrid electric vehicles using optimized radial basis function neural network

This paper deals with energy management in hybrid electric vehicles. Use of radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) for the problem of energy management gains importance in the present decade. Use of genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) as optimization algorithms for parameter estimation is also well known. However, none of the researchers in the area tried to use GA and PSO as training algorithms for the problem. Hence in this paper, we propose two novel methods, based on RBFNN. The difference between RBFNN-based approaches in the literature and those used in this paper is the use of GA and PSO (i.e. optimising algorithms) as training algorithm to train RBFNNs. Interestingly, it is seen that the proposed approaches of this paper outperform RBFNN-based approaches in the literature with traditional training.