Natural Foliage Research Articles

Hygroscopic Mg–Al LDHs composite microspheres for highly efficient hyperspectral camouflage in the VIS and NIR wavebands

In order to enhance the hyperspectral camouflage efficacy of stealth coatings against a natural vegetative backdrop, LiCl, known for its significant hygroscopic properties, was incorporated into green Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (Mg–Al LDHs) material. Micron-sized composite microspheres were subsequently synthesized via the spray-drying granulation technique. The structure, morphology, and chemical composition of these microspheres were thoroughly characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, laser particle size analysis, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of LiCl content on the moisture absorption capacity and near-infrared reflectance spectra of the microspheres was systematically evaluated. We found that incorporating an optimal amount of LiCl into the internal pores of the Mg–Al LDHs microspheres did not compromise their smooth surface morphology and uniform particulate distribution. Notably, when the LiCl content was 10%, the maximum saturation moisture uptake ratio of the coating increased to 0.75 g/g. This hygroscopicity significantly enhanced the absorption and scattering of near-infrared radiation by the coating while concurrently improving its ability to modulate the shape and reflectance of both the visible and near-infrared spectral curves. Spectral congruence between the synthetic coating and natural green foliage was quantified at 97.41%. Moreover, this performance was maintained over 10 cycles of programmed drying and re-humidification, and the coating consistently demonstrated stable hygroscopic properties and sustained over 95% spectral congruence. These optimized artificial coatings were found to effectively confuse hyperspectral classification algorithms, thus blending seamlessly into a natural foliage backdrop. This study provides a new method for regulating VIS and NIR spectral (visible–near infrared spectrum) features, which will be critical for applications in advanced hyperspectral camouflage materials.

Herbal Drugs Used in Treatment of Skin Disease

Skin Affections are severe and a regularly going on fitness trouble affecting every age from the babes to the aged and reason damage in volume of ways. Maintaining healthy pores and skin is critical for a healthy body. numerous mortal beings might also also expand pores and skin affections that have an effect on the pores and skin, similar as cancer, herpes and cellulitis. Some wild foliage and their factors are regularly used to deal with those affections. The use of foliage is as quaint because the humanity. Natural remedy is nicely- priced and claimed to be secure. It's likewise applicable raw fabric for manufacturing of rearmost artificial agents. A estimate of a many foliage for the remedy of pores and skin affections is furnished that summarizes the current specialized advancements which have taken region on this region each through the beyond 17 times. Herbal wares these days are taken into consideration as a unattached line of remedy for lots affections like Cancers, Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Brain diseases, thereby developing recognition concerning chastity, efficacity and protection of natural medicines for fitness care operation. numerous therapeutically lively herbal natural sources like Aloe, Neem, Liquorice, Tulsi, Amla, Papaya, Ginger and Eucalyptus are amazing and secure with inside the remedy of dermatological infections. This estimate composition summarizes the significance of natural foliage for guarding, treating and minimizing pores and skin infections via the operation of natural tradition medicines like creams, decocted excerpts, cataplasm, paste and creams that resource with inside the remedy of pores and skin infections and affections at a fairly drop figure with lower aspect consequences compared to trendy and allopathic medicines. Keywords Ethnomedicine,sauces, medicinal foliage, pores and skin sicknes.

A Color-Changing Biomimetic Material Closely Resembling the Spectral Characteristics of Vegetation Foliage.

Multispectral/hyperspectral technologies can easily detect man-made objects in vegetation by subtle spectral differences between the object and vegetation, and powerful reconnaissance increases the demand for camouflage materials closely resembling vegetation spectra. However, previous biomimetic materials have only presented static colors that cannotchange color, and camouflage in multiple bands is difficult to achieve. To address this challenge, inspiration is drawn from the color change of foliage, and a color-change model is proposed with active and static pigments embedded in a matrix medium. The color of a composite material is dominated by the colored active pigment, which conceals the color of the static pigments and the color is revealed when the active pigment fades. A color-changing biomimetic material (CCBM) is developed with a solution casting method by adopting microcapsuled thermochromic pigments and chrome titanate yellow pigments as fillers in a base film with polyvinyl alcohol and lithium chloride. A Kubelka-Munk four-flux model is constructed to optimize the component proportions of the CCBM. The material has a reversible color change, closely resembles the foliage spectrum in UV-vis-NIR ranges, and imitates the thermal behavior of natural foliage in the mid-infrared regime. These results provide a novel approach to multispectral and hyperspectral camouflage.

An Improved Method for Estimating Clumping Index by Digital Hemispheric Photography With Field Measurements

Clumping index (CI) field measurements based on the logarithmic gap fraction averaging (LX) method are widely used. However, some challenges regarding this method have been recognized; e.g., CI overestimation or underestimation occurs in the sampling units where there is no measurement gap, which creates major uncertainties in CI field measurements. To address this issue, we proposed an improved eight-connected LX method that replaces null gap units with the arithmetic mean of the gaps in the eight connected neighbouring units, considering the neighbouring connections of the natural foliage extension. To validate this method, we designed two controlled experimental schemes based on simulated digital hemispheric photography (DHP) images through the LargE-Scale Remote Sensing Data and Image Simulation Framework (LESS) model considering the leaf area index (LAI) and leaf angle distribution (LAD), respectively, together with collected field measurements. The results showed that our method could almost prevent overestimation and improve underestimated CIs by nearly 20%. In addition, CIs of our method had the smallest error compared to the “true” CIs (error<0.1). In conclusion, our method can significantly improve the data quality of the simulation results relative to the existing methods and present potentials in the CI measurements of upcoming field campaigns.

Safety perceptions of older adults on an urban greenway: Interplay of the social and built environment.

Creating neighbourhood places for older adults to be socially and physically active is a global health priority. Safety is integral to older adult mobility. In greenway research, perceived safety is often only partially or superficially explored. Our study comprehensively examines older adults' experiences and perceived safety for walking on a new urban greenway in Vancouver, Canada-the Arbutus Greenway. We integrated mixed methods: i) observational count data to describe the use and context of the greenway over 3 years (2017; 2018; 2019), and; ii) semi-structured interviews with older adults at two time points (2017, n=27; 2019, n=16). and discussion: We conducted thematic analysis to illuminate older adults' experiences across three safety domains: personal safety, traffic safety, and security. Built environment features such as benches, paving, road markings, and natural foliage buffers intersected with elements of the social environment to influence older adults' perceived safety. While the greenway supported active transportation, leisure, and social engagement for many older adults, certain factors also provoked fears, especially for older adults with mobility limitations. We advocate for a multidimensional lens to better understand how urban interventions influence perceived safety, and identify practical solutions to encourage mobility for all ages and abilities.

Susceptibility of the Gypsy Moth Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) to Nosema pyrausta (Microsporidia: Nosematidae).

Simple SummaryMicrosporidia are widespread insect pathogens and a single species may infect different hosts. Nosema pyrausta from the corn borer was tested against the gypsy moth. Thirty days after larvae were fed with spores, infection was established in the salivary glands and fat body of pupae and prepupae. Up to 10% of insects became infected. The gypsy moth can be referred to as a resistant host of N. pyrausta.The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, is a notorious forest defoliator, and various pathogens are known to act as natural regulators of its population density. As a widespread herbivore with a broad range of inhabited areas and host plants, it is potentially exposed to parasitic microorganisms from other insect hosts. In the present paper, we determined the susceptibility of gypsy moth larvae to the microsporidium Nosema pyrausta from the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. Gypsy moth samples from two localities of Western Siberia were used. N. pyrausta developed infections in the salivary gland and adipose tissue of gypsy moth prepupae and pupae, forming spore masses after 30 days of alimentary exposure to the second instar larvae. Among the experimental groups, the infection levels ranged from 0 to 9.5%. Effects of a covert baculovirus infection, phenylthiourea pretreatment and feeding insects on an artificial diet versus natural foliage were not significant in terms of microsporidia prevalence levels. Thus, L. dispar showed a low level of susceptibility to a non-specific microsporidium. It can be referred to as a resistant model host and not an appropriate substitute host for laboratory propagation of the microsporidium.

Job satisfaction of workers in a flower organization: a case study at the company "La flor de Catemaco"

Job satisfaction in flower organizations has been poorly addressed, although it is of great relevance for productivity management. The purpose of this research is to estimate the determinants of job satisfaction of the employees of the company "La Flor de Catemaco", a flower company, specialized in the production and marketing of natural flowers and ornamental foliage, located in Villa Guerrero, State of Mexico. The empirical evidence from the parameters obtained in this study suggests that the determining variables of job satisfaction are: Seniority in the position, motivation regarding the work being performed, recognition of the tasks performed and satisfaction with respect to the job. salary received. The study is temporarily circumscribed in 2018, using information from a survey applied to 20 workers, which is processed by methodological requirements using a logistic econometric model.

Cost-effective horse breeding in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia.

Background and Aim:There is a lack of reliable data in agribusiness regarding the economic efficiency of horse breeding, and this limits its further development. The purpose of this study was to create rational parameters for the development of productive horse breeding as an effective agricultural business, in particular, in relation to farms.Materials and Methods:The methods of investigation used were induction and deduction, as well as analytical, statistical, and economic-mathematical analysis. We also used the dynamics of time series, CVP analysis, direct costing, and microeconomic analysis. Data were taken from the Russian Federation’s official statistics on animal husbandry as well as closed (commercial) data of agricultural enterprises from our study region.Results:Horse ownership in the Republic of Bashkortostan is higher than in the rest of Russia with about 9% of the total number of horses in Russia. We found that landowners need one hectare of arable land to ensure profit and that the highest economic income occurs on farms specializing in kumis production. The production of kumis under intensive farming is less profitable than with free-range horses kept in pastures. Family farms need a large amount of arable land with natural foliage to balance space and profit.Conclusion:Successful implementation of these parameters will make it possible to turn agriculture into successful horse breeding businesses. The expected volume of agricultural production may be approximately 9-11 thousand US dollars per employee.

Information-theoretic evaluation of brain-inspired sonar signal representation

Many bat species, such as horseshoe bats, move their external auditory periphery (noseleaf and pinnae) during emission/reception of their biosonar signals. This peripheral dynamics has already been shown to enhance sensory information encoding at the level of the analog echo waveforms. However, the bats' brains do not process any analog waveforms directly but rely on spike codes generated in the auditory nerve instead. Hence, it is desirable to evaluate the effect of the peripheral dynamics at the level of these spike codes. As input for this analysis, natural foliage echoes akin to the forest environments experienced by bats were recorded using a biomimetic robot with a dynamic periphery similar to that of horseshoe bats. The echoes were converted into neural spike trains through a signal-processing model of the bats' cochlea/auditory nerve. The effect of the dynamic periphery was then investigated using information-theoretic techniques. As a first step, entropy was estimated to quantify coding capacity. The results showed an increased entropy within signals corresponding to a dynamic periphery when compared to a static periphery. For the next steps, the variability in characteristic spike train features such as spike timing, spike rates, and spike intervals will be characterized with additional information-theoretic methods.

The Conservation of a Victorian Taxidermy Display Case

A Victorian taxidermy display case presented conservation challenges and decisions that included ethical and methodological considerations regarding the treatment required. The case was donated to Auckland Museum in 2006 by the Howick Historical Society and contains assorted birds from North and South America. With limited records received from the Howick Society, there was no further information regarding its provenance or history of conservation. Therefore consultation was maintained with the Curator of Applied Arts and Design throughout the process. Firstly, the case contained numerous birds of different species mounted to a tree-like structure, constructed from wire wrapped in natural fibre and foliage. It was completely sealed with access only possible by removing the back panel, and it was not known if any of the components were attached to this. Secondly, the birds were in very poor condition; some had fallen off their branches, many had damaged feathers, and few had either a loose head or missing tail. Lastly, there was also evidence of pest infestation in both the case and its contents, so investigation was required to determine if this was active. This poster will address the three main concerns covering the approaches to techniques in the remedial treatment of taxidermy birds, the preventive conservation treatments chosen to tackle the pest infestation and how conservation can aid research in determining provenance.

A simulation study of the biosonar information in natural foliage echoes

Echolocating bats are capable of accurate navigation in forests at night. To understand how they perceive the vegetation echoes and find passage ways in dense foliage, previous work by the authors has studied a model for homogeneous foliages that distributed leaves uniformly in a domain, simplified individual leaves as circular disks and hence described an entire foliage by only three parameters (mean leaf radius, orientation, and density). To further explore which additional information inhomogeneous structures within a foliage may impart on the echoes, the model was transitioned from uniform leaf distributions to digital trees with branches and leaf clusters using L-systems to mimic the branching patterns of natural trees. When the tree size was small with very few and short child branches, inhomogeneities in the echoes were readily apparent no matter how wide the beam was. If the tree crown was large, featuring many branches and leaf clusters, the amount of inhomogeneity seen in the echoes depended on the relative scale between the tree size and sonar beamwidth. When big trees and relatively narrow sonar beamwidths were paired in the simulation, the echoes were inhomogeneous; as the beam got wider, the generated echoes were getting more homogeneous.

Performance of Wild and Laboratory-Reared Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae): A Comparison between Foliage and Artificial Diet.

The effects of long-term mass rearing of laboratory insects on ecologically relevant traits is an important consideration when applying research conclusions to wild populations or developing management strategies. Laboratory strains of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), an invasive forest pest in North America, have been continuously reared since 1967. Selection on these strains has enhanced a variety of traits, resulting in faster development, shorter diapause, and greater fecundity. As in many mass-reared insects, laboratory strains of the gypsy moth are also reared exclusively on artificial diets that lack much of the phytochemical and nutritional complexity associated with natural foliage. We tested for differences in growth and development of wild gypsy moth populations from across the invasive range in comparison to laboratory strains when reared on artificial diet and a preferred foliage host species, northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.). Overall, caterpillars reared on foliage had higher survival and faster development rates, with smaller differences among populations. When reared on artificial diet, laboratory strains had the highest performance as expected. The response from the wild populations was mixed, with two populations performing poorly on artificial diet and another performing nearly as well as the laboratory strains. Performance on diet was enhanced when larvae received cubed portions changed regularly, as opposed to filled cups. Understanding these relationships between food source and population performance is important for informing studies that examine population comparisons using wild and laboratory-reared strains.

Nonvolatile Chemical Cues Affect Host-Plant Ranking by Gravid Polygonia c-album Females

In a multiple-choice test, the preference of egg-laying Polygonia c-album (comma butterfly) females was studied for oviposition on plants bearing surrogate leaves treated with crude methanol extracts obtained from leaves of seven host-plant species: Humulus lupulus, Urtica dioica, Ulmus glabra, Salix caprea, Ribes nigrum, Corylus avellana, and Betula pubescens. The ranking order of surrogate leaves treated with host-plant extracts corresponded well to that reported on natural foliage, except R. nigrum. Thus, host-plant choice in P. c-album seems to be highly dependent on chemical cues. Moreover, after two subsequent fractionations using reversed-phase chromatography the nonvolatile chemical cues residing in the most polar water-soluble fractions evidently provided sufficient information for egg-laying females to discriminate and rank between the samples of more and less preferred plants, since the ranking in these assays was similar to that for natural foliage or whole methanol extracts, while the physical traits of the surrogate leaves remained uniform.

Region grouping in natural foliage scenes: image statistics and human performance.

This study investigated the mechanisms of grouping and segregation in natural scenes of close-up foliage, an important class of scenes for human and non-human primates. Close-up foliage images were collected with a digital camera calibrated to match the responses of human L, M, and S cones at each pixel. The images were used to construct a database of hand-segmented leaves and branches that correctly localizes the image region subtended by each object. We considered a task where a visual system is presented with two image patches and is asked to assign a category label (either same or different) depending on whether the patches appear to lie on the same surface or different surfaces. We estimated several approximately ideal classifiers for the task, each of which used a unique set of image properties. Of the image properties considered, we found that ideal classifiers rely primarily on the difference in average intensity and color between patches, and secondarily on the differences in the contrasts between patches. In psychophysical experiments, human performance mirrored the trends predicted by the ideal classifiers. In an initial phase without corrective feedback, human accuracy was slightly below ideal. After practice with feedback, human accuracy was approximately ideal.

Deposition of azadirachtin following ultra-low volume aerial applications to red pine plantations for control of pine false webworm, Acantholyda erythrocephala (L.) (Hymenoptera: Pamphiliidae), in Ontario, Canada

A completely randomized experimental design was employed to assess differences in on-target deposition of azadirachtin A following aerial applications of Fortune AZA 3% (50 g a.i. ha−1) to three red pine plantations infested with pine false webworm (Acantholyda erythrocephala (L.)). Substantial differences in mean foliar deposits were observed among plantations. However, these differences were not statistically significant owing to high variability in deposits within spray blocks. All mean deposits were well in excess of levels generating 91% mortality in laboratory bioassays against pine false webworm. In relation to a second objective, poor and occasionally insignificant correlation between deposits on natural foliage and two types of artificial collectors indicated that neither collector was effective in estimating true foliar deposition. Our results suggest that aerial applications of undiluted azadirachtin formulations at nominal rates of 50 g a.i. ha−1 yield foliar deposits in red pine canopies sufficient to induce high mortality in pine false webworm populations. Strict control over application parameters (track spacing, upwind offset and flight-line orientation) is necessary to minimize deposit variation.

“Single-killing-point” field assessment of bait and lure control of fruit flies (Diptera:Tephritidae) in Pakistan

Variations of bait application technique (BAT) and male annihilation technique (MAT) were evaluated in field studies of the effectiveness of individual “killing points” of food bait spots or parapheromone lure traps or blocks, by recovering flies attracted and killed in collectors below the killing points. BAT spots were more effective applied to natural foliage than to cut wood, cloth or plastic. BAT with a home-made meat broth killed 65.7% of the number of flies killed by commercial protein hydrolysate, and application by brushes was as effective as by a sprayer. There may be a health risk from the mixing of insecticide with a meat bait which is prepared in a way similar to a food product. MAT by wooden blocks soaked in lure and insecticide was compared with the plastic lure-baited traps currently used in Pakistan; blocks killed four times more flies than traps, are cheaper and less vulnerable to theft and weather, and require no recharging and replacement. Plywood blocks killed more flies than those of mulberry and poplar wood, though not than acacia. Square and oblong blocks were more effective than round and hexagonal ones. The study showed that “single-killing-point” analysis of fruit fly controls can produce consistent results while being quicker and cheaper than full-field trials.

On-target deposit and vertical distribution of aerially released herbicides

As a component of the Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project, glyphosate and triclopyr herbicides (Vision®, Release®) were each applied to four experimental spray plots at nominal rates of 1.5 and 1.9 kg a.e. ha−1 respectively. Empirical studies were undertaken on these plots with the objectives of; a) quantifying mean on-target deposit and variability b) assessing the vertical distribution of active ingredient deposits through the vegetative complex and c) comparing herbicide deposit estimates on excised natural foliage with those on proximal 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) collectors. Experimental conditions were representative of difficult aerial application scenarios since the spray plots were small (4.9 to 10.4 ha), with irregular boundaries of mature timber, and in some cases substantial topographical relief. Deposit analysis confirmed that, in some circumstances, locations well within target areas were missed completely owing to inappropriate track spacing or swath offset. Excluding these points from the data analysis, results demonstrated overall mean deposition (mean ± SE) of glyphosate and triclopyr on aspen foliage equating to 68.45 ± 6.13 and 50.28 ± 6.01% of the nominal application rates (1.5 and 1.9 kg ha−1), respectively. A high degree of variation in deposit both within and between plots demonstrate that variation in operational parameters (e.g. track spacing, offset, release height and aircraft speed) as influenced by local site factors (e.g. proximity of standing timber, topographical relief) can be important determinants in uniformity and accuracy of herbicide deposit. A consistent trend (P &lt; 0.001) in the deposition profile through tiered vegetative canopies was observed, with greatest impingement of the spray in the upper target canopy as noted above, and average 25% and 12% in the shrub and ground-level tiers respectively. Results suggest that for sites characterized by complex canopies, differential vertical deposition may be an important factor constraining the potential use of lower herbicide application rates, particularly where shrub or groundcover species are important competitors. In contrast, given that only a small proportion of the spray cloud penetrates and impinges in the lower vegetative tiers, animals foraging or living therein may receive substantially reduced exposures, mitigating against any potential direct effects. In general, poor correlations (r = 0.22 to 0.78) in deposit estimates based on either two-dimensional or three-dimensional artificial collectors as compared to excised natural foliage were observed. Significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) also were detected among deposit estimates with no consistent trend in relation to herbicide treatment, sampler type or sampling height. These comparisons suggest that none of the artificial collector types tested accurately or consistently estimated true foliar deposit. Key words: alternative conifer release treatments, Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project, glyphosate, herbicides, herbicide deposit, tending, triclopyr, vegetation management, vertical distribution

Drop-size Spectra and Deposits of Four Bacillus Thuringiensis Formulations on Simulated and Natural Fir Foliage

In aerial spray studies reported in the literature using concentrated aqueous formulations, the segments of drops that remained above the foliar surface were sized after impaction. The drop volume that could have penetrated into the foliar cuticle was not taken into account. The objectives of the present study were to spray monodispersed drops over natural and simulated balsam fir needles, to determine drop spreading, to measure the sizes of drop segments above the foliage, and to compute the drop volume that penetrated into the foliar surface. Four aqueous formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, containing a dye and a chemical tracer [triethyl phosphate (TEP)], were sprayed in a laboratory chamber over balsam fir branches clipped from field-grown trees. Spray was also applied on aluminum fir branches with and without a coating of the cuticular wax extracted from natural fir foliage. Drop-size spectra, drops/cm2, and deposits (ng TEP/cm2 of foliar area, and ng formulation protein/cm2) were assessed on the natural foliage and wax-coated aluminum foliage (foliar simulator); but only drops/cm2 and deposits of TEP and protein were measured on the uncoated aluminum foliage. Both natural foliage and foliar simulator received similar drop sizes, drops/cm2, and deposits, but the latter two parameters were higher on the uncoated aluminum foliage. The investigation provided a new method to determine the actual sizes of drops deposited on a foliar simulator. The simulator not only had similar size and shape, but also the same surface characteristics. Quantification of protein deposits was also faster on the simulator than on the natural foliage.

Droplet size spectra and deposits of two aerially sprayed Bacillus thuringiensis formulations on artificial samplers and live foliage

Abstract Two commercial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (BTK), Foray® 48B and Thuricide® 48LV, were applied aerially over nine spray blocks in a hardwood forest in West Virginia in 1991. Droplet spectra and spray mass deposits were determined using water‐sensitive paper strips (WSPS), glass micro‐fiber filters (GMFFs), glass plates and castor oil. Mass deposits of BTK were also assessed on natural foliage by two bioassay methods, i.e., feeding of homogenized foliage containing a starch‐sucrose solution and force‐feeding bioassay of foliar extracts containing re‐dissolved protein precipitate. Deposits on canopy foliage and ground samplers were also assessed by total protein assay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Droplet spectra on the WSPS were different from those on castor oil. Droplets on horizontal ground WSPS were larger than those on vertical ground WSPS. WSPS placed at canopy level collected more droplets than those at ground level. The total protein deposits (ng/c...

Feral goat control in New Zealand

About 150 feral goat herds occupy about 16% of New Zealand. They are pests because of their effects on indigenous biota. Since 1936, government agencies have attempted to eradicate or control many herds. Common flaws in control campaigns include confusing ends (protection of resources) with means (killing goats), no measures of effectiveness, and lack of sustained action where eradication is impossible. One of four strategic options may be adopted: no action—giving a stable but undesirable outcome; eradication— giving a stable and desirable outcome; annual sustained control— giving a stable and desirable outcome but only if inherently fickle government effort is sustained; and occasional sustained control—giving unstable outcomes with or without the desired results depending on the goals and hunting frequency. Control tactics used are hunting on foot with or without dogs, hunting from helicopters, poisoning natural foliage, and fencing.