Suchergebnisse

AbstractThe stunning disparity in population density between the southeast and northwest in China is highlighted by the "Hu Line," a famous population demarcation line proposed by Huanyong Hu in 1935. This research seeks to uncover the underlying physical environment factors that shape such a contrast. Specifically, we propose a habitation environment suitability index (HESI) model to integrate topographic factors, climatic suitability, and hydrological condition into one comprehensive index, and then use a GIS‐automated regionalization method termed REDCAP (Regionalization with Dynamically Constrained Agglomerative Clustering and Partitioning) to derive two demarcation lines based on the HESI and population density values, respectively. The two lines that divide China into two regions are largely consistent with each other. The result indicates that the population distribution disparity between the southeast and northwest is largely attributable to the difference in physical environments, and the barrier defined by the Hu Line is here to stay. In addition, the research also explores the (in)consistency between population density and HESI distribution patterns in various regions.

Abstract
Background
The freshwater algae and cyanobacteria growth inhibition test (OECD test guideline 201) is frequently used to assess the ecotoxicity of chemicals or particles. A central issue is the measurement of algal growth by quantifying algal biomass over time. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements are recommended for the testing of particles. The analysis of in vivo fluorescence is the simplest and fastest approach, but is only suitable if there is no interference with the materials. Therefore, in vitro fluorescence analysis is often preferred. We carried out a comprehensive comparison of chlorophyll fluorescence measurements in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the suitability of rapid in vivo testing for the determination of Raphidocelis subcapitata biomass in the presence of diverse particles.

Results
For the in vitro measurement, we applied a method that separates particles from chlorophyll using locust bean gum. We tested inorganic and organic particles (including alloys and polymers), ion-releasing and non-releasing materials, and particle sizes in the nanometer to micrometer range with a variety of shapes (spherical, flaky and fibrous). Some of the materials were nontoxic, whereas others showed varying degrees of toxicity (ErC50 = 0.2–100 mg/L in both methods). There were only minor differences between the methods in ErC50 values and the percent inhibition at various test concentrations, but the confidence intervals for the ErC50 values in vivo were narrower and were covered by the range observed in vitro. The in vivo approach showed no limitations, whereas the validity criteria listed in OECD test guideline 201 were not always fulfilled by the in vitro measurements.

Conclusion
The in vivo approach was a suitable and time-saving method for a wide range of particles, although we cannot completely exclude the possibility that some particles may interfere with fluorescence measurement. To avoid false assessments, pre-tests with simple measurements are therefore recommended.

Graphical abstract

AbstractIn recent years, many commercial poultry farm microenterprises (MEs) have flourished in rural areas with the help of an extensive microfinance program in Bangladesh. These poultry MEs are in a key position for the profitable operation of other actors in the poultry subsector value chain. But not all these MEs are located in suitable places, which results in poor input supply and marketing facilities for their products and thus cause higher costs and less profit. The government, nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and donor agencies apply the same policy for providing support services to all these poultry farmers, irrespective of their locations. Thus, this paper tries to explain the poultry value chain in Gazipur District, where the concentration of poultry farms is highest, and to delineate suitable sites for poultry MEs using the multicriteria evaluation technique within a Geographic Information System context, utilizing factors such as flood‐free land, and infrastructures related to the poultry business‐enabling environment of the value chain. The delineation of suitable land areas for farms can help NGOs, as well as the government, to design interventions and appropriate policy development for farmers in different locations, and thus help all farmers to increase their profit and sustainability.

International audience ; In this study, the suitable areas for soybean in China were presented by GIS-based Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) approach. We collected datas of environmental conditions and soybean growth associated factors, then, by the GIS technology we established spatial database of regional weather, topography, and soil conditions. Using the Spatial Analyst, the Spatial Interpolation, the Reclassification and the Weighted Overlayof ARCGIS9.2 operated to the database. Then the suitable criteria map of soybean in China was created, and the potential suitability of soybean planting areas was evaluated. The results showing 5,960,271 km2 of areas are fit for spring soybean and 5,286,643 km2 of areas are fit for summer soybean in the Northeast Plain, the Huang-Huai Plain and the Yangtze River Delta, in addition, there are lots of scattered suitable areas for soybean cultivation. This present study was aimed to provide some value references for Government formulating policies on the adjustment of industrial structure, and some reasonable guidance for farmers cultivating the agricultural products, more importantly, to achieve the purpose of utilizing natural resources reasonably.

Abstract
Owing to the increase of pollutant sources in oceans, seas, and lakes, there is an expected effect on growth and metabolism of planktonic algae which are considered primary producers in the ecosystem. Therefore, it becomes urgent to carry out laboratory studies to test to what extent these pollutants can affect the growth of algae which is necessary as a food for marine fishes. Spirulina is considered the most important algal species due to its high nutritional value for humans and animals. Therefore, this work investigated the effect of different concentrations of Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ metal ion pollutants on growth of the blue-green alga Spirulina platensis. EC50 was identified to be around 2 mg/l for the three heavy metals. The suitability of Idku Lake for Spirulina platensis growth was investigated using multi-criteria spatial modeling integrated with remotely sensed data processing. Spatial distribution maps of turbidity, water nutrients, and phytoplankton were the input criteria used to assess Idku Lake's suitability. The results obtained proved that low concentrations of the tested heavy metals stimulated growth and pigment fractions (chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and total phycobilins content) but to different degrees. The inhibitory effect was more prominent in the case of copper ions than zinc and nickel ions with all concentrations used. The overall suitability map of Spirulina platensis in Idku Lake showed that the whole lake is suitable for growth and proliferation except for the northwestern corner due to the high salinity levels. The present paper helps to understand the behavior of algae responding to environmental pollution, which supports environmental planners with the necessary baseline for investigating the fate of pollutants and the potential risk.

Abstract Background Swift population growth and unplanned settlement led to the phenomenon of informal urban in Iraqi cities because of warfare, political instability and economic blockage for more than three decades. Economic status and political migration to sensitive areas were mainly due to weak management of local government organizations. The complexity process in the growth trend for settlements does not involve any modern factors requirements such as topography, soil bearing capacity and other environmental factors issues that may result in a determination of settlement zone trends. Today, after the disaster, it has become necessary to determine the suitability trend for the new settlement area to determine which areas are compatible for the settlement area purpose. Methods This study focused on using multi factors data integrated with GIS and expert choice to employ and drive the weights associated with suitability determination of settlement trends. Results These tools would help to generate a synergistic effect to contribute efficiently in suitability, select trends and examine the concept of land suitability evaluation and its implementation possibility for settlements based on the bearing capacity of the soil and other multi factors. Conclusions The results of this study have shown that the social aspects represented as security, have a strong role in reshaping the city beside the spatial aspects, which could interest urban planners and decision makers.

Seed quality is routinely assessed by direct tests, e.g, the germination test, or indirect tests like the tetrazolium test, which has shoown to be promising in the determine viability and vigor, allowing the diagnosis of the main problems that may affect seed quality, such as mechanic damages, field deterioration and storage. In this respect, this study was conducted to develop a tetrazolium test protocol to evaluate the viability and vigor of Tamarindus indica L. seeds. Before exposing the seeds to the tetrazolium solution, seed preconditioning studies were carried out in which seven soaking times were tested. The soaking time that did not cause damage to the seed embryo and allowed the removal of the seed coat to expose the seed structures to the tetrazolium salt was selected. Then, an experiment was set up in a completely randomized design with a 2x3x3 factorial arrangement involving two seed lots, three soaking times in tetrazolium salt (6, 12 and 16 h) and three salt concentrations (0.075, 0.1 and 0.5%), totaling 18 treatments with four replicates of 25 seeds, evaluated at 40 ºC. For each treatment, the seeds were divided into three classes, namely, viable and vigorous embryos (class 1); viable embryos (class 2) and non-viable or dead embryos (class 3). For a comparison with the tetrazolium test results, the two seed lots were analyzed for water content, germination, emergence, first count, germination speed index, emergence speed index, growth and seedling dry weight. The viability and vigor of T. indica seeds can be evaluated after a soaking period of 48 h and immersion for 6h in tetrazolium salt at the concentration of 0.1%, at 40°C, with provides results similar to conventional seed viability tests. The tetrazolium test proved to be adequate to differentiate T. indica seed lots in terms of viability.

Credit happens to be an important input for promoting growth and equity in the rural sector of the economy. The present paper discusses the adequacy and suitability of institutional credit in the rural areas of a tribal region of Bihar. Besides discussing the historical development of institutional sources supplying credit in the rural areas, it also highlights the magnitude, form and purpose of institutional credit available in the rural areas of the region. The paper concludes that the institution supply of credit is not only inadequate but is also highly unsuitable as it does not suit the attitude and temperament of the people living in this area.

West Java Province claims to have realized investment in line with the Industry 4.0 policy. This claim is based on gross added value in the five leading sectors of the processing industry, which had the highest percentage among other areas. On the other hand, one of the goals of development is to achieve economic improvement. Many previous studies have examined the effect of investment realization on economic growth. Still, very few have specifically considered the recognition of investment specifically in the leading sectors of the Industry 4.0. West Java, as one of the best investment destination provinces with the suitability of a manufacturing roadmap set by the central government, is expected to have a good economic improvement. So this study aims to prove the effect of investment realization on economic improvement in all regencies/cities in West Java empirically.The design of this study is causal research using a simple linear regression analysis method. The sampling technique used was purposive, namely 27 regencies/cities in West Java. Secondary data sources are documents from the Board of Investment and Integrated Licensing (BPMPT), the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), and the West Java Central Board of Statistics (BPS). The indicators used for investment realization variables are the total investment value and labor absorption. While the indicators for economic growth variables are the Expenditure Index, Human Development Index (HDI), and Per Capita Expenditure (PPP).The results of the study showed that there were positive and significant effects of the investment realization variable on the economic growth variable for all the models tested. This finding supports the theory, which stated that the suitability of the investment roadmap would further enhance economic growth. However, there are differences in the determination coefficients and the correlation coefficients. Correlation coefficients between investment value and labor absorption in 5 sectors with HDI scores at the provincial level showed a very strong relationship. While the correlation coefficients of the linear regression model from various models tested to measure the effect of investment realization on economic growth in the Regencies/Cities in West Java showed weak correlation. This research shows that the proposed model still needs to be finalized with other variables, including industrial performance, investment return, tax effectiveness, and government governance

Our world is characterized by growing diversity and complexity, and the effort to manage our affairs in a good way becomes increasingly difficult. This is true for all spheres of life, including culture, economy, technology, science, politics, environment and daily grind. A corresponding development occurs to our understanding of the brain, which is the crucial organ to keep track of everything. The amount of domain specific findings about this organ grows dramatically, what takes preferably place by highly specialized research. But the holistic understanding of the brain is rather more challenged than supported by this development, resulting in a huge lack of knowledge on the systemic level of the neurosciences. Eckhard Schindler faces this dilemma by introducing a macro model of the brain. This is not only an attempt to improve the perception of our most crucial organ, but also to open a door for a better understanding of our species and for ease our life again.:Part 1 - The Brain as Suitability Probability Processor Introduction Neuro basics Purpose, perception and motor control Excitation, inhibition, pattern transformation and circuits Memory Homeostasis, pain, emotions and rewards The SPP model The emoti(onal-moti)vational system The control levels of the central nervous system The attention assessment controller (AAC) Efficiency through delegation and structuring Universal suitability probability evaluation Needs and library of associative-emotivational patterns Higher needs Needs and suitability probability evaluation Suitability probability evaluation and evolution The two types of consciousness Conscious experiences Individual and social consciousness The 4DI model A four-dimensional intelligence concept (4DI) Dynamics of the need hierarchy Social emotivational dependency chains The need for coherence Artificial needs versus growth needs Dynamics in the 3D tension field 3D tensions in the affluent society The tunnel vision paradox Emotivational amplification adaptation Fading consciousness in affluent ...

International audience ; We revisit the financial-economic growth nexus, accounting for differential effects of large scale legislative frameworks, such as political and financial integration, in Europe. Debt is introduced as an integral component, and potential trifold endogeneity is investigated. Empirical findings show that neither political, nor financial integration, appear to have a direct impact on economic growth. In contrast, only monetary integration has a "dual" "indirect" impact on economic growth. First, the euro allows for improved access to financing, which enhances economic growth. This increases market values, which further accelerate economic growth. This is only evident within Eurozone, highlighting a "euro effect", whereas political integration seems to be insufficient in engaging the countries in a synergetic endogeneity. Second, the improved access to financing induced by the euro introduces an additional macroeconomic risk of "over-borrowing". This reverses the abovementioned spiral link by decreasing market values and therefore, lead the economies to spiral contraction. Consequently, the suitability of adopting euro should depend on the ability of each country to balance its dual role, under sustainable financing.