Use Of Non-destructive Methods Research Articles

Validation of a cheap and simple nondestructive method for obtaining AFLPs and DNA sequences (mitochondrial and nuclear) in amphibians

The use of nondestructive methods for obtaining DNA from amphibians (e.g. buccal swabs) allows genetic studies to be performed without affecting the survival of the studied individuals. In this study, we compared two methods of nondestructive DNA sampling, buccal swabs and interdigital membrane or toe-clipping, in several amphibian species of different size: Rhinella spinulosa, R. atacamensis, six species of the genus Telmatobius and Pleurodema thaul. We evaluated the integrity of the DNA extracted by sequencing fragments of mitochondrial and nuclear genes and by generating amplified fragment length polymorphisms markers (AFLPs). In all cases, we obtained an adequate amount of DNA (mean range 55-298 ng/μL). We obtained identical DNA sequences from buccal swab and interdigital membrane/toe-clip for all individuals. The differences in the coding of AFLP markers between the tissues were similar to those reported for replicas of the same type of sample in similar analyses in other species of amphibians. In conclusion, the use of buccal swabs is a trustworthy and inexpensive method to obtain DNA for mitochondrial and nuclear sequencing and AFLP analyses. Given the types of markers evaluated, buccal swabs may be used for phylogenetic, phylogeographic and population genetic studies, even in small amphibians (<33 mm).

Stem biomass and volume models of selected tropical tree species in West Africa

Estimating tree volume and biomass constitutes an essential part of the forest resources assessment and the evaluation of the climate change mitigation potential of forests through biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration. This research article provides stem volume and biomass equations applicable to five tree species, namely Afzelia africana Sm. (Caesalpiniaceae), Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. and Perr. (Combretaceae), Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. (Bombacaceae), Dialium guineense Willd. (Caesalpiniaceae), Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A.DC. (Ebenaceae) in natural protected tropical forests and, in addition, Tectona grandis L.f. (Verbenaceae) in plantations. In addition to the tree species specific equations, basic wood density, as well as carbon, nitrogen, organic matter and ash content were determined for these tree species in tropical conditions in West Africa. One hundred and sixty-two sample trees were measured through non-destructive sampling and analysed for volume and biomass. Stem biomass and stem volume were modelled as a function of diameter (at breast height; Dbh) and stem height (height to the crown base). Logarithmic models are presented that utilise Dbh and height data to predict tree component biomass and stem volumes. Alternative models are given that afford prediction based on Dbh data alone, assuming height data to be unavailable. Models that include height are preferred, having better predictive capabilities. Ranges in carbon, nitrogen and ash contents are given as well. The successful development of predictive models through the use of non-destructive methods in this study provide valuable data and tools for use in determining the contribution of these major African rainforest tree species to global carbon stocks, while ensuring the preservation of this valued African resource. This study needs to be expanded to further regions and tree species to complete a full inventory of all tree species, emphasising the relevance of African trees to carbon stocks at a global scale.

Non-destructive estimation of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) leaf area

SummaryThere is a need for a non-destructive and relatively simple technique to measure leaf areas, particularly at locations where leaf area-measuring instruments are not readily available. The use of non-destructive methods, or taking leaf area measurements of attached leaves is required, particularly in situations where area measurements of the same leaf have to be taken at regular intervals throughout growth and development. In this study, a model has been developed with which to estimate apple leaf areas based on the product of leaf length and leaf width. No such model was previously available to measure or estimate apple leaf areas.

The use of nondestructive methods to assess a physiological status and conservation perspectives of Eryngium maritimum L.

Eryngium maritimum is a perennial species growing exclusively in a coastal littoral zone both on sand dunes and shingle beach and indicated as declining in Northern Europe. The objective of the present study was to prove the use of nondestructive physiological measurement methods to access physiological status of endangered plants, using E. maritimum as a model species. Plants from two Latvian sites were studied in comparison with other populations in Northern Europe (Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, United Kingdom) to find out if local differences in environmental factors affect vitality of E. maritimum individuals. Noninvasive chlorophyll analysis and chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements were used as indicators of plant physiological status through characterization of various aspects of photochemistry of photosystem II activity. Dynamics and morphology of individuals were investigated for evaluation of clonal growth potential of E. maritimum in natural conditions. Highly fluctuating trend of dynamics of individuals (within 40 groups at two Latvian sites) was established for E. maritimum in natural conditions over a five-year period. Disturbance of individuals lead to formation of new shoots from nodal root meristems. An exponential regression between fluorescence parameters FV/FM and Performance Index and summary monthly precipitation was found indicating that E. maritimum plants had significant tolerance to water shortage together with susceptibility to increased precipitation. Negative correlation between leaf chlorophyll content and more northern localization of individuals was found (r = 0.95 and r = 0.94, for generative and vegetative shoots, respectively). Northern populations of E. maritimum are endangered by high precipitation in conditions of low air temperature, leading to decrease of photosynthetic productivity and overall physiological status. High developmental plasticity at the root level leads to clonal growth and an efficient survival and relatively long life span of E. maritimum individuals. Chlorophyll a fluorescence is a useful method to search for the effect of suboptimal conditions on physiological status of endangered plant species without elimination and disturbance of individuals.

Ultrasonic evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties of granites

Masonry is the oldest building material that survived until today, being used all over the world and being present in the most impressive historical structures as an evidence of spirit of enterprise of ancient cultures. Conservation, rehabilitation and strengthening of the built heritage and protection of human lives are clear demands of modern societies. In this process, the use of nondestructive methods has become much common in the diagnosis of structural integrity of masonry elements. With respect to the evaluation of the stone condition, the ultrasonic pulse velocity is a simple and economical tool. Thus, the central issue of the present paper concerns the evaluation of the suitability of the ultrasonic pulse velocity method for describing the mechanical and physical properties of granites (range size between 0.1–4.0 mm and 0.3–16.5 mm) and for the assessment of its weathering state. The mechanical properties encompass the compressive and tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, and the physical properties include the density and porosity. For this purpose, measurements of the longitudinal ultrasonic pulse velocity with distinct natural frequency of the transducers were carried out on specimens with different size and shape. A discussion of the factors that induce variations on the ultrasonic velocity is also provided. Additionally, statistical correlations between ultrasonic pulse velocity and mechanical and physical properties of granites are presented and discussed. The major output of the work is the confirmation that ultrasonic pulse velocity can be effectively used as a simple and economical nondestructive method for a preliminary prediction of mechanical and physical properties, as well as a tool for the assessment of the weathering changes of granites that occur during the serviceable life. This is of much interest due to the usual difficulties in removing specimens for mechanical characterization.

A STUDY OF MACRO-CELL AND MICRO-CELL CORROSION OF STEEL IN CONCRETE

コンクリート中の鋼材腐食を非破壊手法によって的確に把渥することは, コンクリート構造物を維持管理する上で重要な項目の一つである. しかし, 現在用いられている非破壊手法は, 手法の種類と条件, 測定値の評価方法などの点で方法論的な検討が行われている段階にあり, 手法と評価方法の確立が望まれている.本研究は, 鋼材の腐食をマクロセル腐食, ミクロセル腐食に分けて評価することを目的に, 大きさの異なる鋼板を用いたモデル試験供試体の電気化学的な経時変化を非破壊的に測定し, 腐食に関する解析を行った.これらの解析結果と腐食減量測定結果から, 鋼材腐食をマクロセル腐食とミクロセル腐食によって区別することができ, それらを用いた鋼材の腐食量推定が可能であることを示した.