Reducing eye fatigue through the use of wood

To clarify if eye fatigue is lessened when looking at wood, we carried out objective examinations using a near-point ruler and also performed sensory evaluations. Visual contact target materials were a white plastic panel, a black plastic panel or a wood panel which had Japanese ash flat grain surface. Each size of the materials was 140 × 280 mm. Test subjects were 30 undergraduate and graduate students. Each subject’s visual distance to a panel was 40–50 cm. The results showed that subjects suffered from more eye fatigue when looking at white and black plastic panels compared to looking at the wood panel in objective examinations. In sensory evaluations, almost all subjective symptom items for eyes and head progressed when subjects looked at white plastic panel or black plastic panel. However, almost no progression of subjective symptoms was noted when subjects looked at the wood panel. In both objective examinations and sensory evaluations, eye fatigue was most highly associated with the black plastic panel, followed by the white plastic panel and, finally, the wood panel.     

Variable-density thinning promotes differential recruitment and development of shade tolerant conifer species after 17 years

Promoting patchy recruitment of shade tolerant tree species into the midstory is an important step in developing structural diversity in second-growth stands. Variable-density thinning (VDT) has been proposed as a strategy for accelerating structural diversity, as its combination of within-stand treatments (harvest gaps, thinning, and non-harvested skips) should create variable overstory and understory conditions. Here we report on western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) seedling and sapling densities in five mixed-conifer stands and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) seedling and sapling densities in two stands in western Washington at 3,7, 10, and 16–17 years after VDT. Additionally, we report on western hemlock advance regeneration growth and survival in two stands over 14 years. Western hemlock seedling density was highest in the thinned treatment but only significantly so in Year 10. In contrast, the gaps contained significantly more western hemlock saplings in Years 7 and 10 and significantly greater growth of western hemlock advance regeneration through Year 10. Skips embedded within the VDT did not differ significantly from unharvested reserves in terms of seedling or sapling densities of either species. Sitka spruce seedling density was highest in the gap and thinned treatments, but saplings were uncommon in all treatments. Collectively, these results indicate that our variant of VDT promoted patchy, midstory recruitment of western hemlock but failed to recruit Sitka spruce saplings in either stand where it established. Consequently, more intensive variants of VDT may be required to promote midstory recruitment of species less tolerant of shade than western hemlock.

     

Morphogenetic responses of Populus alba L. under salt stress

The morphogenetic responses to salt stress of Tunisian Populus alba clones were studied in order to promote their plantation in damaged saline areas.One year-old plants of three P.alba clones(MA-104,MA-195 and OG)were subjected to progressive salt stress by irrigation during two consecutive years.The plants were grown in a nursery,inside plastic receptacles containing sandy soil and were irrigated with tap water(control)or 3–6 g/l NaCl solution.During this study,leaf epinasty,elongation rate,vigor,internode length,plant architecture,and number of buds were evaluated.Test clone response was highly dependent on the applied treatment and degree of accommodation.The most pronounced alterations were induced under 6g/l of NaCl treatment including leaf epinasty,leaf elongation rate delay,vigor decrease,internode length shortening,and morphogenetic modifications.These responses were less noticeable in the MA-104 clone with respect to the two other clones.The salt effect induced a delay in the leaf elongation rate on the MA-195 and OG clones leading to an early leaf maturity.The vigour and internode length of the MA-104 clone was less affected than the other clones.The OG clone was the most salt-sensitive thus,it developed shorter branches and more buds number than MA-195 and MA-104.The effect of long-term salt stress was to induce early flowering of the P.alba clones which suggests that mechanism of salt accommodation could be developed.     

退化草牧场防护林土壤腐殖质碳组分特征及酶活性

[目的]探讨不同防护林结构的配置、不同林龄草牧场防护林对土壤腐殖质碳组分特征和酶活性的影响及其两者的关系,寻找最佳草牧场防护林结构的配置方式。[方法]采用对比分析的方法,对草牧场防护林和无林草牧场(对照)土壤腐殖质碳组分特征和土壤酶活性进行了研究。[结果]林龄为15年距林带0 m处,网格状草牧场防护林的胡敏酸和富里酸总碳量、胡敏酸碳组分、富里酸碳组分和胡敏素的含量以及过氧化氢酶、多酚氧化酶、脲酶、蛋白酶、磷酸酶的活性等测定指标均分别比对照显著提高70.26%、120.97%、73.76%、139.84%、51.80%、85.00%、42.17%、94.65%、53.77%、49.81%;与带状、疏林状草牧场防护林相比,网格状草牧场防护林除土壤有机质、富里酸碳组分、胡敏素、蔗糖酶、蛋白酶、磷酸酶的差异不显著外,以上10个测定指标中的其余指标差异均显著。对于网格状草牧场防护林,土壤富里酸碳组分、胡敏素、多酚氧化酶、脲酶等测定指标在林龄为1~5年时随其增大而增加,5~15年缓慢降低,15年后下降速度增大;距离林带50 m处土壤有机质含量、胡敏素、多酚氧化酶活性高于距离防护林0 m和100 m,且100 m处较0 m处低,其它测定指标基本上随距离林带距离的增加而减小。距离防护林带100 m处时,部分指标与对照差异不显著,土壤改良效益基本消失。胡敏酸和富里酸总碳量与过氧化氢酶、多酚氧化酶、脲酶、磷酸酶呈极显著正相关,胡敏酸与蛋白酶呈极显著正相关;富里酸与过氧化氢酶、蔗糖酶、脲酶、磷酸酶呈极显著正相关;胡敏素与蔗糖酶呈显著负相关。[结论]林龄为5年的网格状防护林土壤富里酸碳组分、胡敏素、多酚氧化酶和脲酶活性等最佳;对防护林及其多数土壤腐殖质碳组分和酶活性升高的分析表明,网格状防护林的带间距应小于200 m。     

小木块加工机设计

分析了国内外木质坪地绿化技术的研究现状,设计了小木块加工机,阐述了小木块加工机的传动及工作原理,并对关键部件进行了设计计算。     

Pollen dispersal in a hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) seed orchard detected using a chloroplast DNA marker

Pollen dispersal was estimated in two test plots in a hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) seed orchard using a chloroplast DNA marker, the spacer region between thetrnD andtrnY genes, and SSCP (single strand conformation polymorphism). In Plot 1, 2,020 seeds from 40 trees within 30 m of the marker tree were analyzed using the PCR-SSCP method. In Plot 2, 1,850 seeds from 37 trees were analyzed in the same manner. The results revealed that the maximum pollen dispersal distance in the two plots exceeded 25 m. Pollen dispersal appeared to be inversely proportional to the distance from the marker tree. The effective pollen dispersal was suggested to be less than about 20 m in a mature hinoki seed orchard. Adjacent trees had an excessive influence when the pollen density was increased by artificial flower stimulation. Therefore, it was suggested that seed production better resembles ideal random mating when carried out as naturally as possible. In conclusion, the SSCP chloroplast DNA marker was a useful tool for amassing basic information on pollen management in seed orchards of coniferous species.     

人为干扰对绵阳三江迁徙水鸟停歇的影响

采用野外直接观察法和最小接近距离试验法对绵阳三江(涪江、安昌江和芙蓉溪)的迁徙水鸟的迁徙及人为干扰对水鸟停歇的影响进行了研究。结果表明,98%的水鸟在55 m或更小的距离上通过游走或惊飞对人类的活动做出反应。干扰类型为1人行走,2人行走,3人行走;1人奔跑,2人奔跑,3人奔跑对水鸟移动的距离、移动的次数以及水鸟对人类靠近的反应均具有一定的影响。人为干扰最小接近距离试验结果表明,水鸟的反应距离是30～60 m。干扰人数为1人时的最小接近距离小于2人和3人,2人小于3人,干扰类型为行走时最小接近距离小于奔跑。记录不同停歇地水鸟的觅食、规避时间,结果为在人为干扰下,水鸟的觅食时间显著减少。     

Operational efficiencies and costs of an arm roll forwarder: A case study at Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

We investigated a developed arm roll forwarder at Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. An arm roll forwarder can only load a steel container that has been fully loaded with logs beforehand, and can later unload such a container. Such a forwarder can shorten the loading and unloading times and improve operational efficiency. We examined two operation systems with an arm roll forwarder and a forwarder. In the first system the loading was done with a grapple-loader. In the second system the loading was done with a processor. The loading times of an arm roll forwarder were significantly less than those of a forwarder. Because the optimal cycle times (excluding the waiting times for an arm roll forwarder) were significantly reduced, the costs of using an arm roll forwarder are lower, although the loading capacity was small and the hourly operation cost was high. The maximum operational efficiencies varied depending on forwarding distances. The second operation system with an arm roll forwarder exhibited the best operational efficiency within a 1,580-m forwarding distance, and beyond that distance it exhibited the highest operational efficiency when a forwarder was used. Similarly, the cost of operation of the system with an arm roll forwarder was the lowest within a 1,130-m forwarding distance, and beyond that distance the cost was the lowest when using the forwarder. Therefore, the arm roll forwarder is effective within a certain forwarding distance.     

Social housing and green space: a case study in Inner London

Urban woodlands and green spaces provide a range of benefitsto people in densely populated areas: as places to use, viewand enjoy. There is increasing interest in green spaces andtheir impacts on people's quality of life. The work describedin this paper involved a partnership between Peabody Trust,a social housing association; the Forestry Commission and Treesfor Cities, an environmental charity. The aim of the projectwas to involve residents in the use and enjoyment of their localwoodland. The research gained an understanding of how the residentsof two housing estates in South London view and experience theirlocal woodland, called Peabody Hill Wood. Three focus groupsand a questionnaire were undertaken with residents. Observationswere also made at a community activity day and walk throughthe wood with local residents. From the analysis of the data,there was a complex mix of attitudes towards Peabody Hill Woodthat related to not only the management of the wood but alsothe management of the buildings by Peabody Trust. This researchhighlights, as a number of other studies have, that woodlandsnear to where people live are valuable spaces and play a significantrole by providing opportunity for contact with nature. Key implicationsof the research suggest that housing associations can have animportant role to play in green space management. Partnershipworking with the environmental sector can help bring about muchneeded improvements to the environment. Working with communitiesand sustaining long-term commitment are also advocated.     

Active root distribution pattern of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hevea brasiliensis</Emphasis> determined by radioassay of latex serum

The active root distribution pattern of mature rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) up to a lateral distance of 250 cm from the tree and to a soil depth of 90 cm was studied in an oxisol by employing ³²P soil injection technique in Kerala, the state which accounts for 83% of rubber cultivation in India. The trees were aged 18 years and grown at a spacing of 4.9 × 4.9 m. The extent of absorption of applied ³²P by the tree from various placements was assessed by radio assay of leaf and latex serum. Latex serum registered higher counts and variability was less compared to leaf indicating the suitability of latex serum as a potential source for radio assay for ³²P studies in rubber. The results revealed that rubber is a surface feeder with 55% of the root activity confining to the top 10 cm of soil layer. Root activity declined with increasing depths and the concentration of physiologically active roots at 90 cm depth was only 6%. A more or less uniform distribution of root activity was noticed with respect to lateral distance indicating more extensive spread of lateral roots. Concentration of physiologically active roots in the surface layer suggests the possibility for competition under intercropped situation in mature plantations.     

Secondary dispersal of Dioscorea japonica (Dioscoreaceae) bulbils by rodents

We examined rodent dispersal of Dioscorea japonica bulbils. Bulbils dispersed by rodents may travel farther from their parent plants than those dispersed by gravity alone. To confirm the presence of secondary dispersal and the types of vector, we used an automatic camera to photograph animals that approached bulbils. To clarify secondary dispersal distance, we set marked bulbils at eight sites and searched for the bulbils once they were removed from their original locations by a disperser. We took photographs of mice (Apodemus speciosus) approaching the bulbils. In June, 10 of 333 bulbils that were moved germinated. We also measured the primary dispersal distance at four sites by dropping bulbils from heights of 0.5, 3.0, and 12.0 m. We then compared primary and secondary dispersal distances. The mean secondary dispersal distance was significantly greater than the primary dispersal distance for dispersal heights of 0.5 and 3.0 m, but less than that for a 12.0-m dispersal height. This indicates that rodents may disperse bulbils farther than gravity alone when bulbils drop from lower heights but they contribute little to dispersal for bulbils that drop from greater heights (e.g., from the top of the canopy). Thus, we confirmed the occurrence of rodent dispersal of bulbils and rodents might to some extent contribute to the dispersal and establishment of bulbils.     

Modeling spatial variability and pattern of rust and brown eye spot in coffee agroecosystem

The advent of Precision Agriculture has made possible the analysis of complex spatial patterns of plant disease epidemiology considering statements of integrated disease management. The objective of this work was to use geostatistics, statistics and geographical information systems to characterize the structure and magnitude of spatial dependency of rust (Hemileia vastatrix) and brown eye spot (Cercospora coffeicola) incidence and severity in coffee agroecosystem cultivated with Catuai Vermelho IAC-99 (Coffea arabica L.). Evaluations of incidence and severity of rust and brown eye spot were accomplished at 67 georeferenced points arranged in 6.6202 ha of coffee crop, in the years of 2005, 2006 and 2007. Exponential models of covariance enabled the characterization of the magnitude and structure of rust and brown eye spot spatial variability in the evaluated dates. Ordinary block kriging presented satisfactory performance to map rust and brown eye spot outbreaks based on kriging error coefficients. Kriged maps enabled the visualization of intensity of rust and brown eye spot in each evaluation date. Assessments of incidence and severity presented highly statistical correlation based on linear regression models, also confirmed by the spatial variability of kriging maps. Kriging maps of rust and brown eye spot enabled to observe that intensity of disease was dispersed in foci patterns along the coffee plantation, indicating that the current strategy of disease control based in total area may be replaced by site specific disease management, with less environmental impact and sustainability of coffee crop, according to statements of integrated disease management and precision agriculture.     

长白落叶松树冠半径分布特征及其对竞争的响应

目的 研究林木树冠形态对外界环境适应的可塑性机理。 方法 以小兴安岭地区的长白落叶松为研究对象,利用详细的树冠半径调查数据,研究长白落叶松的树冠偏冠现象,分析树冠偏冠与林木大小和竞争之间的关系。 结果 在单木水平上,不同林龄样地中林木的树冠变异系数的平均值均大于20%,大部分林木的树冠半径变异系数较大,只有不到1/5的林木的树冠半径变异系数小于15%。不同林龄样地中长白落叶松偏冠距离的平均值在0.35～0.51 m之间,各样地中林木偏冠距离的最大值均在1.2 m以上,其中成熟林中林木偏冠距离的最大值达到1.73 m。树冠的偏冠方向没有特定的方向偏向,是均匀分布的。在幼龄林中,林木的偏冠距离与胸径、冠长、平均树冠半径呈显著正相关,树冠偏冠距离随树木增大而增大。在中龄林和近熟林中,偏冠指数与胸径、树高和平均树冠半径呈显著负相关,与高径比呈显著正相关,树冠偏冠程度随树木增大而减小。在成熟林中,偏冠程度与林木大小的相关性不显著。在幼龄林、中龄林、近熟林中,树冠偏冠与竞争压力呈显著正相关,在成熟林中树冠偏冠与竞争压力的相关性不显著。基于树冠中心坐标计算的林分平均竞争指数均小于基于树干坐标计算的林分平均竞争指数。 结论 长白落叶松树冠偏冠距离一般随着林龄的增大而变大,在不同发育阶段受到不同程度竞争的影响,树冠偏冠在一定程度上降低了林分平均竞争指数,减少了林分竞争压力。     

香樟扦插繁殖试验研究

香樟(Cinnamomum camphora Presl),樟科(Lauraceae)樟属(Cinnamomum Trew)的优良速生阔叶树种,且材质珍贵,广泛用于城镇的园林绿化和山区造林.     

A new calculation method to estimate forest gap size

The distance and direction coordinates from the center of each canopy gap to its edge in sixteen compass directions were measured in the secondary forests. Total of 21 gaps of different sizes were measured. The gap size was determined using different calculation methods: octagon method (OM), which was applied with two compass directions (OM_1 and OM_2); sixteen-gon method (SM); and elliptical-sector method (ESM), a new calculation method proposed in this work, including 8-elliptical-sector (8ESM) with two different compass directions (8ESM_1 and 8ESM_2) and 16 elliptical sector (16ESM). The results indicated that within the same gap delimitation, the average estimated gap size varied from 122.0 to 164.4 m² with different calculation methods. The estimated area of the same gap among all calculation methods and between pairs exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05). Particularly, the estimated area for the same gap was significantly different between OM_1 and OM_2 (p < 0.005), indicating that the starting direction of the OM significantly affected the gap size. However, there were no significant differences among applications of the new method. When SM is used as a standard, the gap size calculated by OM was 10.0% less but, by ESM, was 11.6% larger. Therefore, the new method is proposed for future research involving the gap size calculation. Finally, we concluded that a comparison of forest gap sizes, particularly using OM, should be conducted when discussing the effects of gaps on forest regeneration and succession. Based on Chinese Journal of Ecology, 2007, 26(3): 455–460     

Risk factors and spatial distribution of urban rat infestations

Urban rat infestations have multifactorial causes and may result in severe public health and environmental problems, as well as heavy economic losses. The identification of putative environmental determinants of urban rat infestations and the mapping of areas prone to experiencing such infestations (hot spots) are crucial for effectively addressing intervention efforts. We investigated the associations between a selection of environmental factors and the occurrence of rat infestations in the city of Madrid, Spain. This was done by modelling 10,956 citizen-reported rat sightings from 2002 to 2008 using generalized additive models, both at municipality (Madrid) and district (Latina) levels. Increased age and density of housing, and decreased distance to vegetated areas, markets and cat feeding stations were factors associated with an increased risk of rat infestations. Risk maps for rat infestations were also developed and recurrent hot spots of rat activity were identified. Although a better fit to the data was obtained in the model for the smaller scale and possibly more environmentally homogenous study area of Latina, modelling the spatial distribution of rat sightings was useful for identifying factors associated with an increased risk of urban rat infestations, as well as for identifying hot spots of rat activity, providing local authorities with a practical tool for effectively targeting intervention efforts to high-risk situations based on the local environmental contexts.     

Reconstruction of Pinus Sylvestris knots using measurable log features in the Swedish Pine Stem Bank

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a method for reconstruction of parametrically described whorls and knots from data possible to extract from industrial scanning of logs, using X-ray scanners. The method was conceived using the logs in the Swedish Pine Stem Bank as a foundation, and was based on a few predictor features extracted from these logs; namely whorl volume, distance between whorls and distance between pith and surface. These features were not measured in images but calculated from existing parameterised knots. Simulated test sawing shows that the reconstruction method results in a representative model of the knot structure in the log, when considering the grade distribution of the sawn timber produced by the simulation program. The results of this study could, for instance, be used for improved online quality predictions at sawmills. One step in this direction is to use industrial X-ray data to enlarge the amount of log data available for sawing simulation research. Future work can, therefore, focus on developing a practical application of the results presented here.     

GPS与罗盘测量在林业调查设计中的应用比较

2002年6月至2006年6月,在林业调查设计中,采用GPS与罗盘两种测量方法,得到了304个地块的面积及3 900多个线段的长度。结果表明,面积越大,线段越长,两种测量方法之间的误差越小。当面积大于3.34 hm2,距离大于50 m时,误差范围小于5%,完全可以达到林业资源调查设计要求的标准。因此,作者认为,使用GPS可以代替罗盘测量。     

Transpiration rate of Prunus avium L. seedlings inside an unventilated treeshelter

Transpiration rate was measured on one-year-old sheltered and control non sheltered Prunus avium L. seedlings using the stem heat balance method. The sheltered trees, protected by unventilated 2.1-m-tall plastic tubes, had an average transpiration rate 6 times less than control trees, although the leaves had a high conductance throughout the day. Lower transpiration rates in shelters may be explained by low values of net radiation, extremely small water vapour deficit, and low windspeed resulting in a high boundary layer resistance to water transfer. Consequences of such low transpiration are discussed, and recommendations regarding the optimal use of treeshelters are deduced. The removal or sudden ventilation of a treeshelter during the growing season should be avoided, and weeding the sheltered trees is essential.     

SEBS-g-MAH和原位接枝MAH对木粉/废旧塑料混合物复合材料力学性能的影响研究

由聚丙烯（PP）、高密度聚乙烯（HDPE）和聚苯乙烯（PS）组成的混合废旧塑料与木粉经高速混合机混合后,采用双螺杆/单螺杆串联挤出机组制备了木粉/混合废旧塑料复合材料。探讨了马来酸酐接枝苯乙烯-乙烯/丁烯-苯乙烯嵌段共聚物（SEBS-g-MAH）和原位接枝马来酸酐（MAH）对木粉/混合废旧塑料复合材料力学性能的影响。结果表明,与使用MAH和DCP的原位反应共混相比,SEBS-g-MAH显著提高了复合材料的抗冲击性能,但对拉伸和弯曲性能的改善不如原位反应共混显著。总的来说,混合废旧塑料制备的复合材料的力学性能要低于纯塑料混合物制备的复合材料,尤其是拉伸断裂伸长率。微观形态研究表明,添加SEBS-g-MAH和原位接枝MAH均可提高木粉与塑料混合物之间的界面相容性,但与添加SEBS-g-MAH相比,原位接枝MAH能更好的改善PP、HDPE、PS与木粉之间的界面结合。原位接枝MAH可被看作是一种改善木粉与塑料混合物间界面相容性的有效途径。此外,采用动态力学分析（DMA）进一步表征了复合材料的储能模量和阻尼因子。