Sampling Area Research Articles

Enhanced dispersing properties of kaolin due to high-strength kneading process

In this study, the influence of high-strength kneading process on the dispersibility of kaolin was investigated. Various factors including crystallinity, shape and interaction energy of kaolin particles were investigated systematically based on XRD, SEM, FTIR, Zeta potential and DLVO analyses. The results showed that the high-strength kneading treatments increased the proportion of kaolinite (001) planes, reducing the friction between kaolin particles but increasing their crystallinity. In addition, this treatment promoted the tendency of kaolin to a pseudo-hexagonal shape. DLVO analyses further showed that the electrostatic repulsion energy between kaolin particles was proportional to the kneading time due to the increased specific surface area (e.g., increased from 14.63 to 18.24 m2·g−1) and negative charge value (e.g., decreased from −15 to −32 mV) of kaolin sample. This correspondingly led to a lower viscosity of kaolin pulp with better dispersing properties, e.g., the viscosity of kaolin samples decreased by 65.41% when kneading time was extended from 0 to 6 h. This study therefore provides a new strategy to reutilize kaolin sources with low dispersing properties and crystallinity after a high-strength kneading process.

Hariliku kuuse (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) kändude juurimise tootlikkus juurimisagregaadiga Pallari KH-160 neljal Eesti katsealal

Abstract The aim of this paper was to provide an overview of the productivity of the stump lifting device Pallari KH-160, the distribution of working time, and to assess the dependence of the time and productivity of lifting operations on stump diameter in four different sample areas. Viru and Orguse sample areas were located in the Hepatica site type, Elva sample area in the Oxalis site type, and Rõuge test area in the Myrtillus site type. Viru sample area had smaller stumps compared to the others and had more stumps affected by decay. The highest productivity in terms of dry mass or volume was observed in stump lifting in Rõuge sample area, where 9.8 t of stumps were lifted per hour based on dry mass. The productivity of Viru and Orguse sample areas was lower, but these sample areas are located in the Hepatica site type, characterized by limestone substrates and leached soils. In contrast, Elva and Rõuge test areas are in the Oxalis and Myrtillus site types, respectively, with soils that are predominantly sandy. As the diameter of the stumps increased, the time required per stump increased, but the lifting speed per unit mass also increased. In other words, the productivity of lifting in stands with larger stumps is higher than in stands with smaller stumps. For example, the average productivity of lifting 10 cm diameter stumps is 0.8 t/h, for 20 cm stumps it is 2.2 t/h, and for 60 cm stumps it is 11.8 t/h.

An integrated hinged dual-probe for co-target fast switching imaging.

The diversity of functional applications of atomic force microscopes is the key to the development of nanotechnology. However, the single probe configuration of the traditional atomic force microscope restricts the realization of different application requirements for the same target area of a single sample, and the replacement of the working probe will lead to the loss of the target area. Here, the design, simulation, fabrication, and application of a unique atomic force microscope dual-probe are presented, which consists of a pair of parallel cantilevers with a narrow gap and a U-shaped hinged probe base. The Integrated Hinged Dual-Probe (IHDP) is developed specifically for fast switching of probes working in limited space and independent and precise manipulation of each probe. The deflection signal sensing of two cantilevers is achieved simultaneously by a single laser beam, and the decoupled independent cantilever deflection signals do not interfere with each other. The switching of the working probe is achieved by a piezoelectric ceramic with a 2 µm stroke and U-shaped hinge structure, which is fast and does not require tedious and repetitive spatial position calibration. By measuring standard grid samples, IHDP exhibits excellent measurement and characterization capabilities. Finally, a working probe switching imaging experiment was conducted on solidified rat cardiomyocytes, and the experimental process and imaging results demonstrated the superiority of IHDP in switching probe scanning imaging of the same target area of a single sample. The two probes of IHDP can undergo arbitrary functionalization modifications, which helps achieve multidimensional information acquisition for a single target.

The impact of population management on urban and rural Hooded Crow populations

Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix), originally native to agricultural areas, has become widespread in urban areas in recent decades. However, this process has negative consequences on urban animals and humans. Due to these problems, the control of urban crow populations is needed. Crows also cause significant damage to wildlife management, and are constantly being controlled in rural areas as well. In this study, we compare rural and urban populations to find out whether hunting activities have a population reduction effect. In the rural population, the reduction is carried out by weapons and traps, while the urban crows are controlled using traps only. In both sample areas, crow nests were surveyed during the nesting period. 29 active nests were monitored in the rural area in 2021, and 39 in 2022. In the urban area, 44 nests were recorded in 2021 and 35 nests in 2022. In 2021, 30 individuals were removed in the rural area, and 84 in 2022. In the urban area, 223 individuals were removed in 2021 and 144 in 2022. Results show that the number of crows removed follows the number of active nests, so that the reduction of a given year is likely to have an effect on the following year's nesting population. Because traps mostly capture juvenile birds, reducing the breeding population in the city can only be achieved in the long-term. Considering this, it is likely that increased attention to population control can effectively maintain crow populations and reduce the problems they cause.

High-Resolution High-Speed LIBS Microscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) imaging instruments typically utilize lasers with repetition rates below 100 Hz since in most cases this regime provides a good balance of sampling frequency and laser pulse energy. However, measuring large sample areas of a several cm2 with high spatial resolution (<10 μm), at this frequency rate would be very time consuming since millions of spectral data points need to be collected in order to create a high-resolution image (3 h–15 h per cm2). In this work, we explore the approach to reduce, the acquisition time for high resolution LIBS imaging, or so-called μ-LIBS imaging, by using a laser operating in the kHz pulse repetition frequency (PRF) range. As a result, we describe and demonstrate a μ-LIBS imaging microscope which can image >6 cm2 sample areas with about 10 μm resolution in significantly shorter time (<20 min/cm2). The developed system opens a potential for variety of application fields where knowledge of elemental composition and elemental distribution is needed to perform conclusive analysis.

Main controlling factor and mechanism of gas-in-place content of the Lower Cambrian shale from different sedimentary facies in the western Hubei area, South China

The Lower Cambrian shale gas in the western Hubei area, South China has a great resource prospect, but the gas-in-place (GIP) content in different sedimentary facies varies widely, and the relevant mechanism has been not well understood. In the present study, two sets of the Lower Cambrian shale samples from the Wells YD4 and YD5 in the western Hubei area, representing the deep-water shelf facies and shallow-water platform facies, respectively, were investigated on the differences of pore types, pore structure and methane adsorption capacity between them, and the main controlling factor and mechanism of their methane adsorption capacities and GIP contents were discussed. The results show that the organic matter (OM) pores in the YD4 shale samples are dominant, while the inorganic mineral (IM) pores in the YD5 shale samples are primary, with underdeveloped OM pores. The pore specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume (PV) of the YD4 shale samples are mainly from micropores and mesopores, respectively, while those of the YD5 shale samples are mainly from micropores and macropores, respectively. The methane adsorption capacity of the YD4 shale samples is significantly higher than that of the YD5 shale samples, with a maximum absolute adsorption capacity of 3.13 cm3/g and 1.31 cm3/g in average, respectively. Compared with the shallow-water platform shale, the deep-water shelf shale has a higher TOC content, a better kerogen type and more developed OM pores, which is the main mechanism for its higher adsorption capacity. The GIP content models based on two samples with a similar TOC content selected respectively from the Wells YD4 and YD5 further indicate that the GIP content of the deep-water shelf shale is mainly 3−4 m3/t within a depth range of 1000–4000 m, with shale gas exploration and development potential, while the shallow-water platform shale has normally a GIP content of <1 m3/t, with little shale gas potential. Considering the geological and geochemical conditions of shale gas formation and preservation, the deep-water shelf facies is the most favorable target for the Lower Cambrian shale gas exploration and development in the western Hubei area, South China.

Az erdei szalonka (Scolopax rusticola L.) tavaszi vonulásának vizsgálata Erdélyben

Investigation of the migration of Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola L.) in Transylvania. Based on the results of the synchronous Woodcock counting at the ten observation points in Transylvania, it can be stated that during the spring migration starting in the second decade of February, the number of observed birds showed an increasing trend until mid-March, so the migration can peak by the second decade of March based on the overall data from the ten observation points. Comparing the results of the synchronous Woodcock census in Transylvania and the Hungarian Woodcock Monitoring, it can be stated that, the course of the migration of the species in Transylvania shows a similar dynamic to the Hungarian data (FARAGÓ et. al., 2011, 2012a, 2012b, 2012c, 2014, 2015 a, 2015b, 2016, BENDE, 2021), but its peak can be dated to about 5–15 days earlier than the maximum experienced in Hungary (third decade of March). Based on the observation data recorded at the designated observation points in the lowland and mountainous regions and the difference detected by the analysis of variance, our study results confirm the phase-delayed Woodcock migration previously reported in the Romanian literature (MĂTIEȘ &amp; MUNTEANU, 1976, 1979, 1980). Based on our results, the maximum experienced at the designated sampling sites in the lowland region is 10. March, while in the mountainous areas it is estimated to be 20. March. Examining the relationship between birds and observation sites, we concluded that the observations were independent of the sampling area although the order (magnitude) of the frequency values varied significantly in each area, and the frequency distributions observed at each observation point can be considered similar. One single year is not enough for a statistically reliable description of the spring migration characteristics of Woodcocks. Naturally, with such a small number of items (n = 253) it is not possible to find out the reasons for the differences emerging during the migration. We could only do so with a nationwide time-series dataset including a sufficiently large number of items, and at the same time, we would like to draw attention with our study to the need for wildlife biology research in connection with this species.

Mangrove Ecosystem Management Strategy In Biringkassi Mangrove Area Pangkep Regency

The mangrove ecosystem has an important role in the balance of the coastal area and the living things that surround it. The magnitude of the role of the mangrove ecosystem as a multifunctional resource and its existence which is very vulnerable to pressure requires a mangrove ecosystem management by integrating all aspects so that the existence of the mangrove ecosystem can be managed and its sustainability can be increased. This study aims to assess the condition and potential of mangrove forests in the Biringkassi mangrove area and determine sustainable management strategies for mangrove ecosystems based on influencing factors. This study uses an ecological analysis of mangrove ecosystems and SWOT analysis to determine sustainable management strategies. The results showed that the identification of Biringkassi mangroves in the three sample areas found 3 families of 3 species, Rhizopora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, And Avicennia alba. The type of Rhizopora mucronata had the highest density among all species found at 3 sample locations. The total density is 293 ind./hectare. Management strategies that are a priority in sustainable management of the Biringkassi mangrove area are: Developing a mangrove data bank through cooperation with the government, communities, and NGOs, strengthening institutional coordination that is more measurable and structured in the context of ecological sustainability, through conservation the establishment and arrangement of the Biringkassi mangrove management area, developing community-based management such as nursery and ecotourism management, improving the quality of human resources and maximizing the role of the community local communities in maintaining mangroves. The condition of the density of the Biringkassi mangrove ecosystem is categorized as less dense.

Analysis of Potential and Strategy for Sustainable Development of Sheep Resources in Serdang Bedagai Regency

The demand for animal products has grown up in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. The livestock sector needs to expand and accommodate. Serdang Bedagai Regency is the potential area to develop sheep. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of the resource area, and capacity to accommodate sheep as well as alternative strategies that can be used in the development of sheep. This research was conducted from February until April 2023 using the Stratified Sampling Method and Purposive Sampling Method. The sample area consists of the largest sheep population, such as Pantai Cermin and Pegajahan District, a moderate population in Serbajadi sub-district, and a low population, such as Sei Rampah and Kotarih sub-districts. The data had been collected by interviews with respondents. Descriptive analysis is used to examine the data. Location quotient, livestock density, feed concentration index, carrying capacity of plantation and agricultural waste, ability to expand ruminant livestock, and SWOT analysis were the parameters. Serdang Bedagai Regency exhibited potential for sheep expansion, according to the findings. Eight areas are sheeps development basis. The carrying capacity of sheep in Serdang Bedagai Regency is 413,342.15 AU. The right strategy and a priorityis the SO strategy.

A NEW FIELD EMERGENCE TRAP FOR SAMPLING INSECTS FROM PRECISE AREAS OF LOGS

A new emergence trap was fabricated for collecting saproxylic insects from precise areas of dead and fallen trees. The trap works on the principle of all emergence traps, i.e., organisms emerging from a substrate get attracted towards light, where they encounter a transparent surface and get collected in a collecting tube with preservative fluid. It is one of the most objective methods for sampling saproxylic insects as they emerge from wood substrata. Using many replicates of this trap, the entire heterogeneity of a substratum like dead wood can be easily covered. The trap can provide a higher definition of the sampling area and be used for studying assemblages of saproxylic insects. It is almost cost-effective and user-friendly under field conditions, on logs and snags, and even on live trees. In this study, 102 such field emergence traps were deployed in a conserved area, and 59 species of saproxylic insects belonging to 5 functional groups were collected during a brief sampling period of 3 months. Extensive sampling trials using such traps in more numbers for extended periods can provide insights into species? diversity and host preferences.. KEYWORDS :Emergence Trap, Insect Diversity, Insect Sampling, Saproxylic Insects, Xylophagous Insects

Monitoring microplastics in coastal waters of a biosphere reserve: a case study in Menorca (Spain)

This study provides with evidence of the presence of sea surface microplastics in a UNESCO marine biosphere reserve: the island of Menorca in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. From a total of 90 samples, in 100% of the samples, microplastics were observed with a mean value of 0.18 ± 0.01 items/m2. According to data, no significant differences were observed for sampling period with very similar values between 2021 (0.17 ± 0.02 items/m2) and 2022 (0.18 ± 0.02 items/m2). However, significant differences were observed regarding sampling area (both site and locality) suggesting that sea surface plastics in the study area might be more dependent of the spatial scale rather than on the temporal scale. Fibre type microplastics predominated over fragments, films, pellets, and foams, but in the commercial Port de Maó, almost 50% of the identified items were foams which could be related to the transportation of packed goods to this port. Results from the model applied to study the relation between waste management indicators and microplastic abundance indicate that when considering all marine litter categories, the explanatory variables are plastic waste generated by residents population (tonnes/year/km2) and waste collection rate (%), whereas if only plastics are considered, the indicator regarding waste per capita (kg/hab/year) is also included. Data in this study is obtained through a harmonized protocol which can be used to define baseline and threshold values to evaluate good environmental status regarding descriptor 10 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Biogeographic Distribution of Soil Bacteria across Precipitation Gradient in Soil Profiles

The biogeographical distribution of soil microbial diversity, driven by climate change, notably precipitation, significantly influences soil functioning in diverse ecosystems. Land-use changes can alter ecosystem services mediated by microbial diversity, particularly in near-surface soil. In this study, we investigated soil bacterial diversity across precipitation gradients in various land uses. We focused on two soil layers (10-20 cm and 40-50 cm) in seven sampling areas along the Northeast China Transect. Utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing, we obtained 897,776,803 optimized sequences. The results reveal a significant shift in bacterial community composition with changing precipitation levels. As precipitation increases, the shifts in dominant bacterial phyla were generally observed. Additionally, soil depth played a role in structuring bacterial communities, with variations observed between surface and subsurface layers. Dominant taxa (Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cholloroflexi) exhibited changes in the 10-20 cm layer due to human activity's influence, while the 40-50 cm layer showed more similarity, unaffected by human activities. Notably, parent material significantly affected soil bacterial diversity patterns, underscored by distinct habitats. Such results offer insights into climate change effects and parent material influences on soil bacterial diversity, highlighting the intricate interplay between precipitation, soil depth, and bacterial distribution; enhancing our understanding of ecosystem functioning and responses to environmental changes. This study contributes to the broader comprehension of microbial ecology and underscores the importance of considering multiple factors when studying soil bacterial dynamics.

Utilizing Molecular Epidemiology and Citizen Science for the Surveillance of Lagoviruses in Australia.

Australia has multiple lagoviruses with differing pathogenicity. The circulation of these viruses was traditionally determined through opportunistic sampling events. In the lead up to the nationwide release of RHDVa-K5 (GI.1aP-GI.1a) in 2017, an existing citizen science program, RabbitScan, was augmented to allow members of the public to submit samples collected from dead leporids for lagovirus testing. This study describes the information obtained from the increased number of leporid samples received between 2015 and 2022 and focuses on the recent epidemiological interactions and evolutionary trajectory of circulating lagoviruses in Australia between October 2020 and December 2022. A total of 2771 samples were tested from January 2015 to December 2022, of which 1643 were lagovirus-positive. Notable changes in the distribution of lagovirus variants were observed, predominantly in Western Australia, where RHDV2-4c (GI.4cP-GI.2) was detected again in 2021 after initially being reported to be present in 2018. Interestingly, we found evidence that the deliberately released RHDVa-K5 was able to establish and circulate in wild rabbit populations in WA. Overall, the incorporation of citizen science approaches proved to be a cost-efficient method to increase the sampling area and enable an in-depth analysis of lagovirus distribution, genetic diversity, and interactions. The maintenance of such programs is essential to enable continued investigations of the critical parameters affecting the biocontrol of feral rabbit populations in Australia, as well as to enable the detection of any potential future incursions.

An Investigation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in the Sera of Cattle Grazed in Different Locations in the Kars Province of Türkiye.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure of cattle to low levels of environmental pollution on trace metal metabolism. The assessment of heavy metal concentrations in blood samples is essential to evaluate the potential effects of pollutants on cattle production and to measure the uptake of pollutants by animals.For this purpose, cattle raised in villages at varying distances to the center of the Kars province were sampled for blood, and heavy metal concentrations were measured in the extracted sera. In total 150 blood samples were collected from 4-to 5-year-old cattle from 15 regions. Sera were extracted from the blood samples from the selected foci and analyzed with an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) device for essential (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn, Se, V) and non-essential (Pb, Cd and Hg, As, Al, Sn) heavy metals. Heavy metals were detected in the serum samples in the following order: Sn > Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > As > V > Ni > Mn > Hg. A confidence interval of 95% was used to evaluate all tests. Differences between the villages were insignificant for the Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, Al, Co concentrations (p > 0.05), whereas differences between the villages were significant for the Fe, As, Ni, Mn (p < 0.05), Zn, Cr (p < 0.01), V and Sn (p < 0.001) concentrations.The results of this study show that heavy metals detected in bovine sera from the sampling area do not exceed the maximum permissible limits, suggesting limited exposure to heavy metals and no associated health risk to animals in the region.

Exploration and Identification of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi at IPB University Campus Forest

The exploration of ectomycorrhizal fungi diversity around the campus could provide insights into the presence and distribution of these symbiotic fungi in the area. This study aimed to observe, identify, and provide information regarding ectomycorrhizal fungi diversity in the IPB University Campus Forest. The sampling sites represent various tree species including forests, parks, and green spaces. The exploration was done using opportunistic sampling method. The obtained basidiomata were examined for macromorphological and micromorphological examination to identify the ectomycorrhizal fungi. The identification results based on the morphological characteristics confirmed our specimens as Inocybe cf. squarrosolutea (Corner &amp; E. Horak) Garrido and Suillus bovinus (L.) Roussel. The Inocybe was characterized by having small to medium-sized, pileus squamules, dry surface, light brown to yellowish cap, lamellae crowded, cylindrical or attenuated stipe towards the apex, clavate basidia, and hemispheric knobs basidiospores. The Suillus was distinguished by having a cap that is convex in shape with a slightly brownish yellow color and the surface texture of the cap is smooth, lamella in the form of pores that are quite large and angular, brownish yellow in color, yellow tubular stipe, clavate basidia, and oval spores. These two macrofungi are new records in the sampling area and I. cf. squarrosolutea could be the new information for Indonesia. Our finding provides valuable information for ecological studies and contributes to the additional data on Indonesian ectomycorrhizal fungi diversity.

Experimental Study on the Microstructural Characterization of Retardation Capacity of Microbial Inhibitors to Spontaneous Lignite Combustion

Mine fires are one of the common major disasters in underground mining. In addition to the external fire sources generated by mining equipment and mechanical and electrical equipment during operations, coal is exposed to air during mining, and spontaneous combustion is also the main cause of mine fires. In order to reduce the hidden danger of coal mines caused by spontaneous coal combustion during lignite mining, the microbial inhibition of coal spontaneous combustion is proposed in this paper. Via SEM, pore size analysis, and NMR and FT-IR experiments, the mechanism of coal spontaneous combustion is discussed and revealed. The modification of lignite before and after the addition of retardants is analyzed from the perspective of microstructure, and the change in flame retardancy of the lignite treated with two retardants compared with raw coal is explored. The results show that, compared with raw coal, a large number of calcium carbonate particles are attached to the surface of the coal sample after bioinhibition treatment, and the total pore volume and specific surface area of the coal sample after bioinhibition treatment are decreased by 68.49% and 74.01%, respectively, indicating that bioinhibition can effectively plug the primary pores. The results of NMR and Fourier infrared spectroscopy show that the chemical structure of the coal sample is mainly composed of aromatic carbon, followed by fatty carbon and carbonyl carbon. In addition, the contents of active groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, and methyl/methylene) in lignite after bioretardation are lower than those in raw coal, and methyl/methylene content is decreased by 96.5%. The comparison shows that the flame-retardant performance of biological retardants is better than that of chemical retardants, which provides an effective solution for the efficient prevention and control of spontaneous combustion disasters in coal mines.

Texture Depth Measurement using a Micro-volume Measurement Technique for Gyratory Compactor Specimens

Introduction: Road safety plays a pivotal role in transportation infrastructure, as the quality of road surfaces is a crucial factor in ensuring safe driving conditions. One of the main indicators of road quality is the Mean texture depth (MTD), which greatly affects a vehicle's traction and skid resistance. Multiple methods are available for analyzing fabric depth, with the volumetric method, known as the sand patch test and standardized under ASTM E 965 – 96, being the traditional approach. Aim: This research aims to adapt a Sand Patch test procedure to evaluate surface texture depth on laboratory specimens with a 100 mm diameter and determine the required amount of sand, both in terms of weight and volume, to conduct this test effectively. Methods: To achieve this, the relationship between the amount of sand required and the sample size was determined. Two different types of asphalt mixtures were studied Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) and Asphalt Concrete (AC), with five gradation limits for each. Results: In the case of the AC10 mixture, the MTD ranged from 0.60 to 1.139 mm, while in SMA 20, the MTD ranged from 1.91 to 2.574 mm. These results are consistent with previous studies, confirming the reliability of the testing methodology, even when working with limited sample areas. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study highlights the potential simplicity and cost-effectiveness of using the Sand Patch micro-volume measurement method. When employed at the initial design stage, this method can provide valuable insights into surface texture, enhancing the design process and potentially further improving road safety.

Assessment of Afforestation Activities in Thrace Region using Some Oak (Quercus sp.) Varieties

In this study, which is a preliminary assessment, afforestation studies established at different times with different oak species (Quercus sp.) in the Thrace Region were examined. Accordingly, as a result of the variance analysis applied to the data of the percentage of survival variable, which is important in terms of adaptation ability, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference at the P˂0.05 confidence level in terms of afforestation areas. In this respect, as a result of Duncan test performed at P˂0.05 confidence level to create homogeneous groups, Ulukonak oak plantation area established with Q. infectoria with a survival rate of 89% is in the first group, and this group is classified with a survival percentage of 78%. Celaliye plantation area established with Q. cerris species followed. In the study, mean values were determined in terms of afforestation areas regarding the quantitative and morphological characters determined in the trial areas taken from the oak afforestation areas. When these data are examined, the mean diameter value varies between 2.3-5.1 cm in Q. petraea afforestation areas of different ages, 2.0-3.6 cm in Q. infectoria afforestation areas, 3.5 cm in Q. frainetto and Q. cerris. It was determined to be 4.9 cm in. Mean height value varies between 2.36-5.58m in Q. petraea afforestation areas, 2.30-2.98m in Q. infectoria afforestation areas, 3.62m in Q. frainetto and 3.93m in Q. cerris. has been found to be. The crown symmetry is generally asymmetrical in all afforestation areas, regardless of the oak species. Stem straightness, on the other hand, was in the curve category for all afforestation areas. As a result of the variance analysis applied to the average volume values determined in the sampling areas, a statistically significant difference was determined between the forestation areas at the P˂0.05 confidence level. In this context, afforestation area established with Q. petraea oak species formed the first group with an average volume value of 0.00930 m3, as a result of Duncan Range Test performed at P˂0.05 confidence level to create homogeneous groups in terms of afforestation areas.

Conditions Of Scleractinian Coral Cover Percentage On The North Coast Of Ambon Island, Maluku Province

Coral reefs are one of the most ecologically productive and diverse ecosystems. This study aims to determine the condition of scleractinian coral cover in the northern coastal waters of Ambon Island. Data collection in the field is carried out using the systematic sampling method. A quadrant measuring 1x1 m2 becomes the sampling area. Quadrants are placed on transects 20 m long with quadrant intervals on transect lines of 5 m (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 m). The transects are placed parallel to the shoreline at depths of 3 m and 10 m, with four transects at each depth, and the distance between transects is 1 m. The data obtained were then analyzed to see the percentage of coral cover in each category and component. The results showed that the percentage of the benthic substrate of coral reefs on the North Coast of Ambon Island to a depth of 3 meters was dominated by rubble with a percentage of 26.33% - 54.83%, and for a depth of 10 meters the percentage value of ruble was 11.33% - 48.83% and sand (4% - 54.50%). The category of Acropora corals both at a depth of 3 meters and 10 meters dominated by Acropora branching (ACB), while the non-acropora category is dominated by Coral Branching (CB), Coral Encrusting (CE), and Coral Massive (CM). Overall, the condition of live coral cover on the North Coast of Ambon Island is categorized as in poor condition.

Effect of atomic substitution on the LiMn2O4 cathode, as well as the suggestion to improve cycling stability and high capacity retention by creating a new route using MWCNTs

It is crucial to develop a doped cathode material for high capacity and long cycle lithium ion batteries in order to realize low cost and high-performance energy storage. LiMn1.977(Ce, Cu, Ti, CeCuTi)0.023O4 nanoparticles are a promising cathode material because of their unmatched high structural stability, high capacity, and safety during charge/discharge cycles. Among doped LiMn2O4 samples, the Ti-doped LiMn2O4 cathode calcined at 700 °C shows the highest capacity of 144.701 mAh g−1 after 20 cycles with a high current density of 0.1C which reaches 186.413 mAh g−1 when multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are added (capacity retention = 98.924 %). Furthermore, when the T700 sample was subjected to an external force of 1000 N, it showed high capacity retention (=92.284 %). This is due to the larger surface area of the Ti700 sample, resulting in high porosity for reversible storage of lithium, and also the presence of titanium in the lattice increases the dielectric constant. This study provides a reliable and easy way to fabricate and analyze LiMn1.977(Ce, Cu, Ti, CeCuTi)0.023O4 nanoparticle-based cathodes with excellent performance.