Implementation Of Enclosure Research Articles

Impact of long-term fencing measures on soil physicochemical and stoichiometry characteristics of desert steppe in alpine regions

The effects of different enclosure years on soil physicochemical properties provide scientific basis for soil fertility evaluation and ecological restoration. However, the details on the effects of long-term fencing measures on soil physicochemical properties in alpine regions are still lacking. The soil physicochemical properties, soil nutrient content, and stoichiometric characteristics of desert grassland were examined in the desert steppe of northern Tibetan Plateau, where grazing exclusion using fences has been implemented. This study included conducting experiments on different soil layers during different duration (10, 11, and 12 years) of grazing exclusion using fences; natural plots with no grazing exclusion were used as a control variable. Results showed that several soil physicochemical indexes, such as soil organic matter, soil water content, soil capillary porosity, soil non-capillary porosity, and soil capillary water capacity, in plots under the fencing measures were higher than those in the natural plots. The soil bulk density of the 12- and 11-year grazing exclusion plots was lower than that of the natural plots. The clay content of the 10- and 12-year grazing exclusion plots was higher than that of the natural plots, and the sand content was lower than that of the natural plots. The soil nutrient content was especially low with less than the average level of soil nutrient content in China. The stoichiometric C/N, C/P, N/P, and C/K ratios were 10.28–16.39, 2.74–16.69, 0.24–1.53, and 0.27–0.82, respectively. This result indicates that the degree of organic carbon mineralization was relatively high, and there existed a certain N limitation in the study area. The implementation of enclosure is conducive to the accumulation of C and N. The results provide support for elucidating the physicochemical characteristics, soil nutrients, and nutrient cycling of desert steppe in the northern Tibetan Plateau and for the study of the allotted time of fencing project in the alpine region.

Study of noise transmission from an air compressor

The paper discusses the reduction of noise from a Porter Cable 4-gal, 135-psi air compressor. The objectives were to identify the major sources of noise, implement possible noise control measures, and evaluate their effectiveness. Sound measurements were taken according to a procedure that was developed and based on the standards for power tools. Broadband analysis (1/12 octave band) was done to determine the main sources of noise. Ranking of noise sources was done accordingly. The major source of noise was determined to be the piston cylinder assembly and efforts were taken to reduce this main source of noise. The noise control treatments included manufacturing of new parts, use of gasket made of cork between the housing and the cylinder sleeve to isolate the vibrations, implementing a silencer at the exhaust side of the piston and finally, an enclosure encircling the piston/cylinder assembly. The sound-pressure level measurements of the prototype were compared to the baseline measurements to test the effectiveness of the treatments. The overall sound pressure level was reduced from 101.5 to 94.3 dB with the implementation of enclosure around the piston/cylinder assembly and the silencer at the exhaust side of the piston.

"We Do Not Have It, and We Do Not Want It": Women, Power, and Convent Reform in Florence

This article discusses the introduction of Tridentine reform in Tuscan convents, in particular the implementation of enclosure and the subsequent reactions of nuns. In Tuscany, Tridentine laws coexisted with disciplinary measures sponsored by the church and the state concerning the government of convents. Enclosure laws were enforced through negotiations within local communities involving both ecclesiastical and state authorities and the nuns, who expressed their discontent and sometimes refused to live under lock and key. Evidence from various sources, including convent writings by nuns, suggests that they feared physical segregation because it would limit their economic welfare, their religious and social visibility, and above all their capacity to exert authority and power over their own community. When Tridentine reform made headway within Tuscany, enclosure was still a much-debated notion, and was not simply the universal model for female religious life supported by the Catholic church.