Effects of bio-organic fertilizers on pineapple heart rot and bacterial community structure北大核心CSCD

Heart rot is a common soil-borne disease in the pineapple industry, but the situation can be alleviated by the application of bio-fertilizers with beneficial microbiomes. Clarifying the controlling mechanism of bio-organic fertilizer on the high incidence of heart rot is critical in monocultural pineapple cropping patterns. In our study, the soil of continuous cropping pineapple orchards was collected. Three types of carriers (rapeseed cake, peat soil, and coconut bran), biocontrol strains (Bacillus subtilis HL2 and Streptomyces strain HL3), and organic fertilizer (YJ) were composted into different bio-fertilizers (KC, KN, KY, LC, LN, and LY), which were used in pot experiments. The controlling effect of the bio-fertilizer was determined based on the response of pineapple heart rot and bacterial communities to different fertilizing methods. Our results revealed that the incidence of heart rot in bio-fertilizer KC was the lowest, which decreased by 20% and 13.3%, respectively, compared to HF (chemical fertilizer, 16-16-16) and YJ (organic fertilizer). The richness and diversity of soil bacterial communities in all biofertilized treatments (KC, KN, KY, LC, LN, and LY) were significantly higher than those in HF. However, the α-diversity indices of the bio-fertilizers (KC, KN, and KY) were higher than those of LC, LN, and LY, and the bacterial community composition was significantly different. The bacteria GP4, GP6, Bacillus, and Azohydromonas were enriched in KC, KN, and KY, while the relative abundance of Streptomyces increased significantly in LC, LN, and LY. Furthermore, Spearman correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of these bacterial groups was significantly negatively correlated with the incidence of pineapple heart rot. In summary, the application of bio-organic fertilizers can decrease the incidence of pineapple heart rot by altering the soil bacterial community structure and stimulating beneficial soil microorganisms, which is important for reconstructing the ecological balance in continuous pineapple orchards. © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.     

Effect of different pearling times on the quality of hull-less barley rice北大核心CSCD

Hull-less barley is a special food crop rich in various nutrients in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Six-pearling is often used to produce commercial hull-less barley rice in order to improve its rough taste and inferior cooking quality. This study evaluated the differences in the nutritional, cooking, sensory, and storage qualities of hull-less barley rice with different pearling times to obtain suitable processing conditions for the production of high-quality hull-less barley rice. With increasing pearling time, the contents of vitamin B6, vitamin E, dietary fiber, iron, zinc, phenols, and flavonoids significantly decreased to a large extent, protein and vitamin B3 decreased slightly, the contents of total starch and β-glucan increased significantly, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) initially increased and then decreased. The peak, trough, and final viscosity of whole grain barley were 1 860.50 cP, 914.50 cP, and 2 150.00 cP, respectively, and increased after six-pearling to 4 219.00 cP, 2 628.00 cP, and 5 074.00 cP, respectively. At the same time, the water absorption and volume expansion of the pearled hull-less barley increased significantly. The hardness of pearled hull-less barley reduced from 4 708.50 g to 2 282.00 g, its adhesiveness increased from 0.00 to -7.33, and its taste and sensory quality exhibited better. The activities of α-amylase, polyphenol oxidase, lipase, and catalase in pearled hull-less barley slightly decreased. Hull-less bran flour is rich in a variety of nutritional components and could be a potential resource with great developmental value. In general, hull-less barley rice obtained from three-pearling has high nutritional value, high cooking quality, low enzyme activity, and low energy consumption; therefore, it can be used to produce high-quality barley rice. This study provides important information for high-quality pearled hull-less barley and further utilization of barley bran flour. © 2022 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

Simulation of flow and shear stress distribution on the Oceano Dunes,implications for saltation and dust emissions

Environmental Fluid Mechanics - Wind-driven shear stresses drive saltation and dust emissions over sand dunes. However, the complex topography of coastal dunes and practical difficulties in...     

Assessing the impact of biological control of Plutella xylostella through the application of Lotka–Volterra model

The Lotka–Volterra model was applied to the population densities of diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) and its exotic larval parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen) data that was collected earlier by icipe's DBM biological control team. The collections were done for 15 months before the release and 36 months after release of the parasitoid in two areas; in Werugha, Coast Province of Kenya and Tharuni, Central Province of Kenya, respectively. For each area in pre- and post-release periods, we estimated Lotka–Volterra model parameters from the minimization of the loss function between the theoretical and experimental time-series datasets following the Nelder-Mead multidimensional method. The model estimated a reduction in the value of the steady state of DBM population from 4.86 to 2.17 in Werugha and from 6.11 to 3.76 and 3.45 (with and without exclusion of the time before D. semiclausum recovery) in Tharuni when transiting from the pre- and post-release periods, respectively. This change was a consequence of the newly introduced parasitoid, in the areas. The study presented a successful and detailed technique for non-linear model parameters restoration which was demonstrated by the correct mimicking of empirical datasets from the classical biological control with D. semiclausum, in different areas of Kenya. The applied model has measured the parasitoids impact on the DBM biological control through a quantitative estimate of the effectiveness of the newly introduced species D. semiclausum. These equations may therefore be used as tool for decision making in the implementation for such pests’ management system strategy.     

Soil erosion hazard evaluation—An integrated use of remote sensing,GIS and statistical approaches with biophysical parameters towards management strategies

Soil erosion hazard maps can be an essential tool in erosion prone areas as they explain and display the distribution of hazards and areas likely to be affected to different magnitudes. Therefore, it is very useful to planners and policy makers initiating remedial measures and for prioritizing areas. In this study, a numerical model was developed for soil erosion hazard assessment, in which Z-score analysis was combined with a geographical information system (GIS) to compute a synthetic soil erosion hazard index (SEHI). For this model, nine factors which have notable impact on soil erosion were selected. To generate the selected factors remote sensing, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and GIS techniques along with spatial models were applied. To standardize all of the factors and establish the factor weights, the AHP method was adopted. For Z-score analysis with selected standardized factors, the Integrated Land and Water Information System (ILWIS) software was used and nine individual layers with Z-scores were prepared. Afterwards, the layers were integrated with their factor weights by means of a weighted linear combination to derive a SEHI value for each pixel. To classify the discrete SEHI map to represent a meaningful regionalization of soil erosion hazard, the equal distance cluster principle was used and graded into four levels of hazard; very high, high, moderate and low. The results depicted that in general, a moderate hazardous condition of soil erosion was found in the study area and the proposed approach was also able to identify the areas under high and very high hazards that require urgent intervention on a priority basis. Based on this study, comprehensive erosion hazard management strategies were anticipated for the efficient management of present and future erosion disaster in the area.     

Evaluation of discrete host–parasitoid models for diamondback moth and Diadegma semiclausum field time population density series

The performance of discrete mathematical models to describe the population dynamics of diamondback moth (DBM) (Plutella xylostella L.) and its parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum was investigated. The parameter values for several well-known models (Nicholson–Bailey, Hassell and Varley, Beddington, Free and Lawton, May, Holling type 2, 3 and Getz and Mills functional responses) were estimated. The models were tested on 20 consecutive sets of time series data collected at 14 days interval for pest and parasitoid populations obtained from a highland cabbage growing area in eastern Kenya. Model parameters were estimated from minimized squared difference between the numerical solution of the model equations and the empirical data using Powell's method. Maximum calculated DBM growth rates varied between 0.02 and 0.07. The carrying capacity determined at 16.5 DBM/plant by the Beddington et al. model was within the range of field data. However, all the estimated parameter values relating to the parasitoid, including the instantaneous searching rate (0.07–0.28), per capita searching efficiency (0.20–0.27), search time (5.20–5.33), handling time (0.77–0.90), and parasitism aggregation index (0.33), were well outside the range encountered empirically. All models evaluated for DBM under Durbin–Watson criteria, except the May model, were not autocorrelated with respect to residuals. In contrast, the criteria applied to the parasitoid residuals showed strong autocorrelations. Thus, these models failed to estimate parasitoid dynamics. We conclude that the interactions of the DBM with its parasitoid cannot be explained by any of the models tested. Two factors may be associated with this failure. First, the parasitoid in this integrated biological control system may not be playing a major role in regulating DBM population. Second, and perhaps more likely, poor correlations reflect gross inadequacies in the theoretical assumptions that underlie the existing models.     

Medical geochemistry research in Spišsko-Gemerské rudohorie Mts., Slovakia

This study presents an assessment of the potential impact of geological contamination of the environment on the health of the population in Spišsko-Gemerské rudohorie Mts. (SGR Mts.). The concentration levels of potentially toxic elements (mainly As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sb, and Zn) were determined in soils, groundwater, surface water, and stream sediments as well as in the food chain (locally grown vegetables). A medical study included some 30 health indicators for all 98 municipalities of the study area. The As and Sb contents in human fluids and tissues were analyzed in one municipality identified to be at the highest risk. Based on element content, environmental and health risks were calculated for respective municipalities. Out of 98 municipalities 14 were characterized with extremely high environmental risk and 10 were characterized with very high carcinogenic risk from arsenic (groundwater). Extensive statistical analysis of geochemical data (element contents in soils, groundwater, surface water, and stream sediments) and health indicators was performed. Significant correlations between element contents in the geological environment and health indicators, mainly cancer and cardiovascular diseases, were identified. Biological monitoring has confirmed the transfer of elements from the geological environment to human fluids and tissues as well as to the local food chain.     

Protection of the vehicle cab environment against bacteria, fungi and endotoxins in composting facilities

Microbial quality of air inside vehicle cabs is a major occupational health risk management issue in composting facilities. Large differences and discrepancies in protection factors between vehicles and between biological agents have been reported. This study aimed at estimating the mean protection efficiency of the vehicle cab environment against bioaerosols with higher precision. In-cab measurement results were also analysed to ascertain whether or not these protection systems reduce workers' exposure to tolerable levels. Five front-end loaders, one mobile mixer and two agricultural tractors pulling windrow turners were investigated. Four vehicles were fitted with a pressurisation and high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system. The four others were only equipped with pleated paper filter without pressurisation. Bacteria, fungi and endotoxins were measured in 72 pairs of air samples, simultaneously collected inside the cab and on the outside of the cab with a CIP 10-M sampler. A front-end loader, purchased a few weeks previously, fitted with a pressurisation and high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system, and with a clean cab, exhibited a mean protection efficiency of between 99.47% CI 95% [98.58-99.97%] and 99.91% [99.78-99.98%] depending on the biological agent. It is likely that the lower protection efficiency demonstrated in other vehicles was caused by penetration through the only moderately efficient filters, by the absence of pressurisation, by leakage in the filter-sealing system, and by re-suspension of particles which accumulated in dirty cabs. Mean protection efficiency in regards to bacteria and endotoxins ranged between 92.64% [81.87-97.89%] and 98.61% [97.41-99.38%], and between 92.68% [88.11-96.08%] and 98.43% [97.44-99.22%], respectively. The mean protection efficiency was the lowest when confronted with fungal spores, from 59.76% [4.19-90.75%] to 94.71% [91.07-97.37%]. The probability that in-cab exposure to fungi exceeded the benchmark value for short-term respiratory effects suggests that front-end loaders and mobile mixers in composting facilities should be fitted with a pressurisation and HEPA filtration system, regardless of whether or not the facility is indoors or outdoors. Regarding the tractors, exposure inside the cabs was not significantly reduced. However, in this study, there was a less than 0.01% risk of exceeding the bench mark value associated with fungi related short-term respiratory effects during an 1-h per day windrow turning operation. Pressurisation and a HEPA filtration system can provide safe working conditions inside loaders and mobile mixer with regard to airborne bacteria, fungi and endotoxins in composting facilities. However, regular thorough cleaning of the vehicle cab, as well as overalls and shoes cleaning, and mitigation of leakage in the filter-sealing system are necessary to achieve high levels of protection efficiency.     

The velocity of DNAPL fingering in water-saturated porous media: laboratory experiments and a mobile-immobile-zone model.

Dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) are immiscible with water and can give rise to highly fingered fluid distributions when infiltrating through water-saturated porous media. In this paper, a conceptual mobile-immobile-zone (MIZ) model is presented to describe the structure of a DNAPL finger in water-saturated porous media and the velocity of finger propagation. A finger is composed of a finger body and a tip. The finger body has a mobile core and an immobile sheath. All the DNAPL within the tip of a finger is mobile. Lab experiments utilizing image analyses of a DNAPL (PCE) penetrating into water-saturated homogeneous glass beads were carried out in a two-dimensional transparent chamber. The results show that the fingers elongated almost linearly with time. The fingers did not grow laterally after the tip of the finger had passed. The average finger diameters were between 3.9 and 5.4 mm for PCE propagation in water-saturated glass bead porous media with mean particle diameters from 0.32 to 1.36 mm. The estimated mobile core diameters were 51-60% of the average finger diameters.     

Environmental behaviour of a construction made of a mixture of hydraulic binders and air pollution control residues from municipal solid waste incineration Part 1. Physico-chemical characterisation and modelling of the source term

The reuse of waste materials requires the development of assessment methods for the long-term release of pollutants (source term) from wastes (or materials containing wastes) in contact with water. These methods depend on the scenario conditions: characteristics of the materials (especially physical structure and composition), contact with water. The scenario studied here is a water storage reservoir for fire fighting. The reservoir construction is made of a mixture of hydraulic binders and air pollution control (APC) residues from a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI). The modelling of the source term is performed in 5 steps ranging from the physico-chemical characterisation of the material to the validation of the proposed model by means of field simulation devices. This article presents the first steps of the methodology: physico-chemical characterisation of the source term, identification of the main transfer mechanisms and laboratory scale modelling of the source term. During the physico-chemical characterisation, it has been shown that the solidified waste shows a high basic capacity and that a relative decrease in pH during leaching favours retention of the main pollutants. During the first leaching sequences, the dynamic leaching tests show that the release of pollutants such as cadmium, arsenic, zinc and lead is extremely low but that the release of alkaline species (sodium and potassium) and chloride is very high from the beginning, whereas the release of calcium remains very high even after 3600 h of leaching. Identification of the main transfer mechanisms concludes that the release of soluble pollutants is the combined result of diffusional transfer of pollutants in the solution and the physico-chemical specificity of the species. The modelling based on these features enables a good simulation of the release but reveals a deviation from the experimental results after 500 h for alkaline species and 1000 h for Ca and Cl leaching. However, this deviation only appears after release of the major part of these elements.