Uniformity Index Values Research Articles

BIODIVERSITY STUDY OF ZOOPLANKTON IN SELECTED BAHR Al-NAJAF DEPRESSION, NAJAF GOVERNORATE, IRAQ

The current study aims to assess zooplankton diversity in Bahr Al-Najaf depression using diversity index, specimens were collected from five sites at Bahr Al-Najaf depression, Iraq during April 2017 to March 2018. Forty-eight taxa of zooplankton were identified including 26 taxa to Copepoda, 17 taxa belonged to Rotifers and 5 taxa to Cladocera: Copepoda was the most dominant group (54.2%); Rotifera comprised (35.4%); Cladocera comprised (10.4%). Relative abundance index of zooplankton showed Copepodite and nauplii of Harpacticoid, Hexarthra mira, Daphnia sp., Harpacticoid sp., and Copepodite and nauplii of Cyclops were more abundant. According to the constancy index, the Copepodite and nauplii of Harpacticoid, nauplii Cyclops, nauplii stage and Hexarthra mira can be considered as the most frequent; Shanon-Weiner diversity index values of zooplankton recorded less value 0.48 in August 2017 at site (5); while the higher value was recorded in April 2017 at site (2) was 2.42; the higher value of species richness index was recorded in April 2017 at site (2) which was (7.2), the higher value of species uniformity index was recorded in February at site (2) and March at site (1) (0.61). The present study concluded that Copepoda was the most abundant of zooplankton with variations in zooplankton species (density and from month to another).

BIODIVERSITY STUDY OF ZOOPLANKTON IN SELECTED BAHR Al-NAJAF DEPRESSION, NAJAF GOVERNORATE, IRAQ

The current study aims to assess zooplankton diversity in Bahr Al-Najaf depression using diversity index, specimens were collected from five sites at Bahr Al-Najaf depression, Iraq during April 2017 to March 2018. Forty-eight taxa of zooplankton were identified including 26 taxa to Copepoda, 17 taxa belonged to Rotifers and 5 taxa to Cladocera: Copepoda was the most dominant group (54.2%); Rotifera comprised (35.4%); Cladocera comprised (10.4%). Relative abundance index of zooplankton showed Copepodite and nauplii of Harpacticoid, Hexarthra mira, Daphnia sp., Harpacticoid sp., and Copepodite and nauplii of Cyclops were more abundant. According to the constancy index, the Copepodite and nauplii of Harpacticoid, nauplii Cyclops, nauplii stage and Hexarthra mira can be considered as the most frequent; Shanon-Weiner diversity index values of zooplankton recorded less value 0.48 in August 2017 at site (5); while the higher value was recorded in April 2017 at site (2) was 2.42; the higher value of species richness index was recorded in April 2017 at site (2) which was (7.2), the higher value of species uniformity index was recorded in February at site (2) and March at site (1) (0.61). The present study concluded that Copepoda was the most abundant of zooplankton with variations in zooplankton species (density and from month to another).

Trophic Status and Community Structure of Phytoplankton in Lake Beratan, Candikuning Village, Baturiti Subdistrict, Tabanan District, Bali Province

Beratan Lake is located in Bedugul, Candikuning Village, Baturiti Subdistrict, Tabanan District, Bali Province. Beratan Lake is a caldera lake with a surface area of 438 hectares, 1,340 hectares of water catchment areas, a length of 2 km and 2 km wide and 49.22 million m3 of water volume. This research was conducted in January until February 2016. The aims of this study are to phytoplankton community structure.The composition of phytoplankton were found during this study dominated by the phylum of Chlorophyta and species were often found with high abundance is Staurastrum tetracerum. Average abundance in the waters of Lake Beratan is in the range 2054-2502 ind/l which shows that the waters of Lake Beratan with moderate fertility (mesotrophic). The value of species diversity (H ') has ranges from 2,34 - 2,55. The range uniformity index values has from 0.76 - 0.83. Value index of phytoplankton dominance has range of 0,1- 0,16 dominance relatively low indicated the absence of certain species dominance.

Regularity reveal of joint sinter and pellets inflow from silo of chute type top charging device into the BF mouth space by physical simulation

A uniform distribution of burden along blast furnace circumference is an important condition for its operation with high productivity and low coke specific rate. This condition is difficult to realize with bell-less charging device of chute type. To reveal rational regimes of burden components charging into the blast furnace mouth space providing most uniform inflow of the burden components by mass, a physical simulation was realized at a laboratory facility of compact bell-less charging device of chute type, manufactured in scale 1:5 relating the linear dimensions of the PAO MMK blast furnaces Nos 2, 4 and 6 charging devices. Succession the burden components charging was being changed by pellets and additional materials supply regimes into the cilo of the bell-less charging device. As a result of the simulation dependences of the burden rational distribution on the priority and uniformity of iron ore materials inflow from the burden cilo at pellets content in them from 10 till 90% were determined. The burden components rational charging regimes were revealed depending on the heat conditions. At blast furnace running with scull it is reasonable to charge the pellets into the lower part of the bell-less charging device cilo. This will provide their inflow into the nearwall area of the furnace mouth, that enables to eliminate the scull during the furnace running. At the pellets share of 50% of the burden iron ore part, by placing of them in the bell-less charging device cilo lower part and the chure moving from periphery to center, the peripherial zone of the furnace mouth will be formed from 82% of pellets and 18% of sinter. New regimes of iron ore materials elaborated, which enable to improve uniformity of their circumference distribution. The highest value of iron ore materials inflow mass uniformity index was registered at the following sequence of the burden components charging into the bell-less charging device cilo: 25% of sinter at the burden cilo bottom, next pellets and additional materials, next charging of the 75% left sinter. At the pellets content of 30–38% of iron ore raw materials, the distribution uniformity index value exceeded 0.75.

Effects of pomegranate peel supplementation on chemical, physical, and nutritional properties of muffin cakes

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel is known as a good source of biologically active food components, and in this research, the potential use of pomegranate peel in muffin cakes was studied. Wheat flour was partially (5, 10, and 15%) substituted with pomegranate peel powder. Pomegranate peel powder increased apparent viscosity values of cake batters. Pomegranate peel addition caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in insoluble and total dietary fibers, total phenolics, Mg, Ca, and K contents, and total antioxidant activity values. It was found that crumb and crust Hunter L and b values and crust Hunter a value decreased (p < 0.05) by increasing the amount of pomegranate peel. Specific volume, symmetry index and uniformity index values of all cakes were similar. The addition of pomegranate peel significantly (p < 0.05) increased hardness and decreased springiness values. Control cakes and cakes having 5 and 10% pomegranate peel received similar scores in smell and flavor. Practical applications In this study, significant increases were determined in insoluble and total dietary fibers, total phenolics, Mg, Ca, K contents, and total antioxidant activity values of cakes by adding pomegranate peel to the formulations. But increasing the pomegranate peel level in cakes caused increasing in hardness values in texture analysis, and decreasing in crumb cell structure and chewiness scores in sensory analysis. So, we can suggest to increase liquid phase ratio in cake batters for cakes having pomegranate peel. When we take into account that increasing the pomegranate peel to 15% caused significant reductions in smell, flavor, and color scores, it is advisable not to exceed 15% in pomegranate peel addition. The results show that using pomegranate peel in muffin cakes will be a good alternative for increasing the nutritional and functional properties of cakes, and pomegranate peel may also be considered as a potential functional ingredient in other food products.

Terumbu Karang Taman Wisata Perairan Pulau Pieh Sumatera Barat

Kawasan Konservasi Perairan (KKP) Taman Wisata Perairan (TWP) Pulau Pieh dan Laut Sekitarnya, terdiri dari Pulau Bando, Pulau Pieh, Pulau Air, Pulau Toran dan Pulau Pandan seluas 39.900 Ha. Secara geografis TWP Pulau Pieh berada pada koordinat 000 45’ 10” – 010 03’ 08” LS / 990 59’ 36”- 1000 59’ 28” BT, dan secara adminsitratif masuk dalam wilayah Kabupaten Padang Pariaman, Kota Pariaman dan Kota Padang. Penelitian dilaksanakan di perairan zona inti Pulau Toran TWP. Pulau Pieh pada koordinat 01⁰ 01' 55" – 01⁰ 03' 02" LS / 100⁰ 09' 36" - 100⁰ 11' 02" BT., dengan metoda LIT (Line Intercept Transect) menggunakan tali transek sepanjang 50 meter yang ditarik sejajar/horizontal hamparan terumbu karang pada enam titik stasiun pengamatan. Hasil penelitian menunjukan persentase tutupan karang hidup berkisar antara 20,94 % - 35,00 % (kategori buruk – sedang) dengan nilai rata-rata 25,93 % (kategori sedang). Nilai indeks keanekaragaman (H’) berkisar antara 1,76 – 3.16 (kategori rendah – tinggi), dengan nilai rata-rata 2,44 (kategori sedang). Nilai indeks keseragaman (E’) secara umum tergolong kategori tinggi (komunitas stabil) berkisar antara 0,77 – 1,00 dengan nilai rata-rata 0,88 (kategori sedang). Sedangkan indeks dominasi (C’) tidak menunjukan kondisi ekstrim dari salah satu spesies terhadap spesies lainnya, Hal ini diindikasikan oleh nilai indeks dominasi yang kurang dari 0,5 (kategori rendah), yaitu berkisar antara 0,05 – 0.42 dengan nilai rata-rata 0,24 (kategori rendah).

RESPONSE OF COTTON YIELD AND LINT PROPERTIES TO MINERAL N.P.K NANO-FERTILIZATION

Two field experiments were conducted at Sakha Research Station, Cotton Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center at Giza, Egypt during the two summer growing seasons ,2014 and 2015 The aim of the work was to study the effect of the combination among nano-fertilization ,mineral fertilization and organic fertilization on growth, yield and fiber technological properties of Egyptian cotton Giza 94 cultivar. The most important results can be summarized as follows: Response of cotton yield and lint properties to mineral N.P.K nano-fertilization the complex treatment contains half dose of both the nano-fertilizer and the bio-organic fertilizer gave the highest reading for plant height (cm), number of fruiting branches per plant, number of open bolls per plant, boll weight (gram), lint percentage, Seed index, Seed cotton yield (Kentar/fed.) , Lint cotton yield (Kentar/fed.), fiber maturity ratio (MR), upper half mean (UHM)mm, fiber uniformity index (UI), fiber strength (g/tex), and micronaire value flowed by the treatment 100% nano then the recommended dose of mineral fertilizer NPK. On the other hand, the lowest values for all the above traits, were recorded from the half does of NPK mineral fertilizer in 2014 and 2015 seasons, .While, There were no significant differences between the means of the fiber elongation % due to the treatments applied during the study in 2014 season .It's worthy to mention that, the percentage of fiber elongation had no constant trend due to fertilizer transactions applied on the adopted genotype during` 2015 season, meaning that nano-fertilizer is boosting the fiber elongation percent.

Kualitas Air dan Struktur Komunitas Plankton di Perairan Pantai Lovina Kabupaten Buleleng Provinsi Bali

Lovina Beach is one of the beaches visited by many foreign and domestic tourists. Lovina Beach has a tourism spot and a vast area of marine biota cultivation. Life of biota in the waters of Lovina Beach is affected by conditions of beach waters. The research purpose was to know the correlation between waters quality and plankton in Lovina Beach by using observation method. The research was done on February until March 2017. Species of fitoplankton species from all three stations was dominated by Lyngbya sp. with abundance of 78 ind/l. The average value of the phytoplankton diversity index found was 1.7706. The average value of phytoplankton uniformity index is 0.9882 while the value of phytoplankton dominance index is 0.1737. The average value of the zooplankton diversity index found is 1.7311. The average value of the zooplankton uniformity index is 0.8896 while the zooplankton dominance index value is 0.2125. The result of the measurement of water quality is temperature parameter in Lovina Beach ranged from 27.6 - 28.9 0C, brightness ranged between 4.7 - 6 m, salinity of 25.3 - 27 ppt, DO (Dissolved Oxygen) ranged between 4 - 4 , 7 Mg / L, the pH ranged from 8.5 to 8.6, the nitrate ranged from 0.0081-00087 Mg/L and the phosphate ranged from 0.016 to 0.027 Mg / L. So, it can be concluded that the waters of Lovina Beach has the highest abundance of plankton that is the type of zooplankton, the level of plankton community structure in Lovina Beach waters is moderate.ppt, DO (Dissolved Oxygen) 4 – 4,3 Mg/l, pH 8,5 – 8,6, nitrate 0,0081 – 0,0087 Mg/l and phosphate 0,016 – 0,027 Mg/L. The structure of plankton community in Lovina coastal according of phytoplankton abundance categorized in oligotropic, while according of zooplankton abundance categorized in moderate (mesotropic).

Composition and abundance of fish species on the coast of Payumb, Merauke City

Coastal area is one of nature ecosystem has high productivity, unique, and have high ecological and economic value. In addition, coastal areas also have important ecological functions such as providers of nutrients, spawning sites and as food for various marine organisms. As a first step in the management of fishery resources that is required information about species composition and abundance of fish in the coast of Payumb area, Merauke City. The objective of the study was to obtain preliminary information on species composition and fish abundance. This research was conducted in October-December 2016, in coastal Payumb city of Merauke. The research station was determined by purposive sampling. The data analysis used is the abundance index (K), index of Shannon-winner diversity, uniformity index (E), and Simpson dominance index (C). The number of fish caught is 529 fish, the value of diversity index is 3.79; value of uniformity index 0.42 and value of index of dominance equal to 0.11.

EFFECT OF SOME NUTRIENTS ON GROWTH, YIELD AND FIBER QUALITY OF EGYPTIAN COTTON UNDER SALINE CONDITION

Two pot experiments were carried out at the greenhouse of the Cotton Research Institute, Agric. Res. Cent., Giza, Egypt during 2015 and 2016 seasons to study the response of cotton plant to application of some nutrients to improve the performance of cotton plant under irrigation of saline water to increase growth, yield and yield components and fiber quality of Giza 90 cotton cultivar. The experimental design was a split plot design with four replications. Main plots included saline water solutions treatments (control, 2000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 ppm), sub plot included four nutrients application (Potassium Humate, Algex, Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) 6000 and Potassein compared with control). The obtained results could be summarized as follows: Irrigation with saline water over seasons significantly decreased plant height, number of fruiting branches/plant, number of open bolls /plant, boll weight, seed index, seed cotton yield per plant, fiber length, uniformity index, fiber strength and micronaire value, while, lint % was significantly increased. Nutrients application had significant effect on growth parameters, yield and its components and fiber properties under study, All nutrients treatments gave the highest values of growth parameters, yield and its components and fiber properties as compared with the control in both seasons. In general, plants sprayed with PEG gave the highest averages of plant height, number of fruiting branches/plant. Potassium Humate gave the highest averages of yield and its components and fiber properties followed by plants sprayed with Algex, while the plants sprayed with PEG as came the last in these respect in both seasons. Interaction between irrigation with slain water and nutrients application by salinity tolerance inducers had a significant effect on plant height, number of fruiting branches per plant, boll weight, number of open bolls /plant, seed index, seed cotton yield /plant and fiber quality under study in both seasons. Plants treated with foliar nutrients under salinity condation scored the highest average of growth parameters, yield and its components and fiber properties. Potassium Humate, Algex, PEG and Potassein applications to plants under normal and salinity conditions had positive effects on improving the performance of cotton plants, which increased plant growth and yield especially under salinity conditions.

Development of a particle swarm optimisation model for estimating the homogeneity of a mixture inside a newly designed CNG-H2-AIR mixer for a dual fuel engine: An experimental and theoretic study

Many research works have intended to enhance fuel economy and decrease emissions during conversion from a diesel engine to a dual fuel engine. However, the majority of these works do not take into account enhancement of homogeneity of the mixture inside the engine and precise control of the air fuel ratio. This deficiency can cause higher emissions, greater brake-specific fuel consumption, and likely knocking. Conversely, there is limited research pertaining to empirical equations for projecting the mixture’s homogeneity. In this study, a new air–fuel mixer was devised, produced and tested. For the air-gaseous fuel mixer, the proposed design was meant to be appropriate for mixing air with hydrogen and CNG. It was also designed in such a way that it would result into extremely homogeneous mixing for the gaseous fuel as it mixes with air and exhibits high uniformity index (UI). Lastly, it is also meant to promote easy connection with an electronic control unit so that the air-gaseous fuel ratio could be accurately controlled for varying engine speeds. To optimise the homogeneity within the new mixer, fifteen varying mixer models having 116 cases were made in order to study how the location, diameter, and number of holes within the mixer affect the mixture’s homogeneity and distribution under ACNGR = 34.15 and AHR = 74.76. Afterwards, the distribution, flow behaviour, and homogeneity of the mixture within the new mixer models were checked using computational fluid dynamics analysis software. Based on the simulation results, it was discovered that the best uniformity index (UI) values were achieved for models 7/ case 48. Based on the simulation results, a fairly simple method was then developed to estimate the mixture’s homogeneity (UI) from the new models of the mixer. The basis of the proposal model (empirical equation) is from the best values determined for the unknown constant F so that the equation for UI estimation could be formulated. The particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm was used to solve an optimisation problem and achieve this outcome. The outcomes indicated that the built model could precisely project the UI values.

Keterkaitan Komunitas Makrozoobentos dengan Kualitas Air dan Substrat di Ekosistem Mangrove Taman Hutan Raya Ngurah Rai Bali

Ngurah Rai forest park located in two districts of Badung and Denpasar city which is as the main centre of anthropogenic activities. There is an estuary in this area that used as run off of those activities. This area faces directly into the ocean. Wastes from anthropogenic activities indirectly affected biotic and abiotic components such as water quality, substrate, and macrozoobenthos. This research aims to discover the community of macrozoobenthos and its relation to the water quality and substrate in Ngurah Rai forest park. This research used purposive sampling metode to determine of stations. Sampling was conducted at four different stations covering macrozoobenthos samples, measuring water quality (salinity, pH, DO, temperature, turbidity) and substrate samples. A total of 19 types of macrozoobenthos was found out of 5 classes, i.e. Polychaeta, Oligochaeta, Bivalves, Gastropods, and Crustaceans. The diversity index was categorized as low to moderate. The uniformity index value of community was categorized as balanced. The dominant index on the fourth station states that the level of dominance was categorized as low. Water quality parameter measurement results were still within normal limits, but the turbidity value of the first station exceeds the normal limits due to high content of organic matter. The substrate type at first station to fourth station were sandy clay loam, sandy loam, clay loam, and sandy loam respectively. Temperature, salinity, turbidity were the parameters that greatly affected the abundance of macrozoobenthos, while substrates such as sand and clay have a major influence on the abundance of macrozoobenthos.

New Design of a CNG-H2-AIR Mixer for Internal Combustion Engines: An Experimental and Numerical Study

Several studies have aimed to convert diesel engines to dual- or tri-fuel engines to improve their fuel economy and reduce the emissions from diesel engine, however, most of these studies do not consider enhancing the homogeneity of fuel mixtures inside the engine and accurately controlling the air fuel ratio. In this study, a new air-fuel mixer was designed, manufactured and tested. The proposed air-gaseous fuel mixer design was conceived to be suitable for mixing air with compressed natural gas (CNG) and a blend of hydrogen and compressed natural gas (HCNG) that gives homogenous mixtures with high uniformity index and also to be easily connected with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for controlling accurately the air-gaseous fuel ratio for different engine speeds. For optimizing the homogeneity inside the new mixer, fourteen different mixer models were created to investigate the effects of diameter, location, and the number of holes inside the mixer on the homogeneity and distribution of the mixtures. Computational fluid dynamics analysis software was used to check the flow behavior, distribution and homogeneity of mixtures inside the new mixer models. The simulation results revealed that the best uniformity index (UI) values are obtained in model 7 where the UI values are 0.939 and 0.937, respectively, for an air fuel ratio for a blend of hydrogen and compressed natural gas (AFRHCNG) = 51.31 and the air fuel ratio for compressed natural gas (AFRCNG) = 34.15. According to the numerical and experimental results for the new mixer (model 7) under different engine speeds (1000–4000) and air-CNG ratio of 34.15, a meaningful agreement is reached between the experimental and numerical values for AFRCNG (coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.96 and coefficient of variation (CoV) = 0.001494).

Optimization of a new flow design for solid oxide cells using computational fluid dynamics modelling

Abstract Design of a gas distributor to distribute gas flow into parallel channels for Solid Oxide Cells (SOC) is optimized, with respect to flow distribution, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling. The CFD model is based on a 3d geometric model and the optimized structural parameters include the width of the channels in the gas distributor and the area in front of the parallel channels. The flow of the optimized design is found to have a flow uniformity index value of 0.978. The effects of deviations from the assumptions used in the modelling (isothermal and non-reacting flow) are evaluated and it is found that a temperature gradient along the parallel channels does not affect the flow uniformity, whereas a temperature difference between the channels does. The impact of the flow distribution on the maximum obtainable conversion during operation is also investigated and the obtainable overall conversion is found to be directly proportional to the flow uniformity. Finally the effect of manufacturing errors is investigated. The design is shown to be robust towards deviations from design dimensions of at least ±0.1 mm which is well within obtainable tolerances.

Struktur Komunitas Fitoplankton di Perairan Pesisir Pulau Siantan Kabupaten Kepulauan Anambas Provinsi Kepulauan Riau

Phytoplankton as a producers and natural food for fish have an important role in aquatic ecosystems, thus indirectly affecting the availability of fish catches. The research was conducted at Siantan Island Coastal Area Anambas Islands District Riau Islands Province. This coastal area is one of the fishing grounds in Anambas Island. This study aims to analyze the community structure of phytoplankton at Siantan Island Coastal Area Anambas Islands District Riau Islands Province. Sampling was conducted during March and April 2012. Community structure parameters analyzed include Species Diversity Level, Species Uniformity Level, and Species Dominance Level. Data were analyzed spatially and temporally. Similarity between the sampling locations was conduted by Multivariate Analysis - Cluster. Results of data analysis showed that the phytoplankton of Bacillariophyceae Class found in the most abundant amount. Diversity Index Value indicates that the level of phytoplankton plankton community in a state of moderate. Species Uniformity Index Value and Species Dominance Index Value indicates that phytoplankton in the three sampling locations are generally in a state of uniform and no one dominates. All three sampling locations have relatively the same condition and between sampling times (morning, afternoon, and evening) are also not very different condition. Keywords: phytoplankton, coastal, Anambas Islands

Temperature distribution in a packed-bed of canola seeds with various moisture contents and bulk volumes during radio frequency (RF) heating

This research investigated temperature distribution in a packed-bed of canola seeds at various moisture contents (5%, 7%, 9%, and 11% wet weight basis) and bulk volumes (small – 196.3 cm3, medium – 1766 cm3, and large – 6503 cm3) during RF heating (1.5 kW, 27.12 MHz). The samples were contained in RF-transparent cylindrical and rectangular sample holders. The RF exposure time required to reach a specific temperature decreased with seed moisture content (MC). The hottest spot (80 °C) was detected at the geometric center of the small and large volume canola seeds, but away from the geometric center and towards the edge of the medium volume canola seeds due to the edge effect. The temperature uniformity index values indicated that the most uniform RF heating was observed in the medium volume canola seeds in spite of the edge effect. The highest temperatures occurred between the middle and outer regions of the medium volume canola seeds. RF heating and thermal imaging were used to obtain temperature profiles for 2% agar gels in small, medium and large holders. The temperature profiles for the gels supported the observations made for the canola seeds.

Numerical analysis of NOx reduction for compact design in marine urea-SCR system

ABSTRACT In order to design a compact urea selective catalytic reduction system, numerical simulation was conducted by computational fluid dynamics tool. A swirl type static mixer and a mixing chamber were considered as mixing units in the system. It had great influence on flow characteristics and urea decomposition into ammonia. The mixer caused flow recirculation and high level of turbulence intensity, and the chamber increased residence time of urea- water-solution injected. Because of those effects, reaction rates of urea decomposition were enhanced in the region. When those mixing units were combined, it showed the maximum because the recirculation zone was significantly developed. NH3 conversion was maximized in the zone due to widely distributed turbulence intensity and high value of uniformity index. It caused improvement of NOx reduction efficiency of the system. It was possible to reduce 55% length of the chamber and connecting pipe without decrease of NOx reduction efficiency.

STRUKTUR KOMUNITAS MAKRO ALGA DI PESISIR PULAU KECAMATAN BULANG

Bulang districts Batam Islands of Riau province (Riau Islands), its consists of many islands with as well as having the potential diversity of coastal marine life in particular kinds of macro algae or seaweed. Conducted research aimed to determine the structure of macro- algal communities in the intertidal zone islands. The results of the identification of algal species found 16 species are: the Order of Chlorophyceae as 6 spesies; Order Phaeophyceae as 2 spesies; and Order Rhodophyceae as 8 spesies. The community structure at the five stations showed the highest values were found in the island of dominance Cicir (D ' = 0.79) , uniformity index values on Tengah Island (E ' = 0.99) , while the island Balak had the highest diversity index (H ' = 0.88) , with the abundance patterns of population structure on the island is pretty good Central . Results of correlation analysis of regression between IVI types of algae with the conditions of environmental quality suggests that there is a significance (Fhit ˃ F table and the value of r = &gt; 90 %) between IVI algae Halimeda sp and Cryptarachne polyglandulosa at each station with a temperature parameter surface (⁰C) , depth temperature (⁰C) and pH values. Keywords : Algae, Community Structure, Important Value Index.

Pilot-Scale Radio Frequency Drying of Macadamia Nuts: Heating and Drying Uniformity

Hot air assisted radio frequency (HARF) heating holds potential to provide fast drying of Macadamia nuts with acceptable product quality. The goal of this study was to determine heating and drying uniformity of Macadamia nuts in a pilot-scale 27.12 MHz, 6 kW radio frequency (RF) system as influenced by container locations in the RF chamber, moving conditions, and with or without additional hot-air heating. Uniformity index values estimated by measured sample temperatures and weight changes over 12 compartments in the container were used for comparing heating and drying uniformity, respectively, between HARF- and RF-only treatments. Experimental results showed central heating in the HARF-treated four-layer tray and edge or corner heating in RF-alone-treated Macadamia nuts. Moving samples did not clearly improve heating and drying uniformity. The RF uniform drying was achieved with applied hot-air surface heating based on relatively small weight changes over 12 compartments in the container. The determined HARF heating and drying conditions are useful for further industrial applications.

Estructura comunitaria de corales zooxantelados (Anthozoa: Scleractinia) en el arrecife coralino de Carrizales, Pacífico Mexicano

Coral reefs in the Mexican Pacific and notably those of the continental coastline of Colima state are still poorly studied. Fortunately, recent efforts have been carried out by researchers from different Mexican institutions to fill up these information gaps. The aim of this study was to determine the ecological structure of the rich and undisturbed coral building communities of Carrizales by using the point transect interception method (25m-long). For this, three survey expeditions were conducted between June and October 2005 and September 2006; and for comparison purposes, the reef was subdivided according to its position in the bay, and depth (0 to 5 m, and 6 to 10 m). Thirteen coral species were observed in the area, with Pocillopora verrucosa as the most abundant, contributing up to 32.8% of total cover, followed by Porites panamensis and Pocillopora capitata with 11% and 7%, respectively. Other species, Pocillopora damicornis, Pavona gigantea, Pocillopora eydouxi and Pocillopora inflata accounted for 1.5% to 2% of coral cover whereas the remaining five species had cover of less than 1%. Seven of the observed species represented new records for Colima state coastline: Pocillopora eydouxi, P inflata, P meandrina, Pavona duerdeni, P varians, Psammocora stellata and P contigua. This last species is a relevant record, because it has never been observed before in the Eastern Pacific. Although there was no significant difference (ANOVA, p = 0.478) neither in the abundance between the sides of the bay, nor between the depths considered, and the shallow zone observed the higher coral cover. Live coral cover was up to 61%, one of the highest ever reported for the Mexican Pacific, including the Gulf of California. The observed values of diversity (H' = 0.44 +/- 0.02), uniformity (J' = 0.76 +/- 0.02), and taxonomic distinctness index (delta* = 45.87 +/- 3.16), showed that currently this is the most important coral reef of Colima coastline. Currently, this region does not show any disturbance effects, but the increasing economic development of Manzanillo, as one of the main commercial ports of Mexico, its proximity to the reef, and the burgeoning number of tourists, may have some ecosystem impacts, for which management and conservation plans for Colima coastline are highly recommended.