This study focused on future spatial distributions of Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera ledermanii and Alysicarpus
ovalifolius regarding bioclimatic variables in the Sudanian zone of Benin, particularly in the W Biosphere
Reserve (WBR). These species were selected according to their importance for animals feed and the
intensification of exploitation pressure induced change in their natural spatial distribution. Twenty (20)
bioclimatic variables were tested and variables with high auto-correlation values were eliminated. Then, we
retained seven climatic variables for the model. A MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) method was used to identify all
climatic factors which determined the spatial distribution of the three species. Spatial distribution showed for
Andropogon gayanus, a regression of high area distribution in detriment of low and moderate areas. The same
trend was observed for Loxodera ledermannii spatial distribution. For Alysicarpus ovalifolius, currently area
with moderate and low distribution were the most represented but map showed in 2050 that area with high
distribution increased. We can deduce that without bioclimatic variables, others factors such as: biotic
interactions, dispersion constraints, anthropic pressure, human activities and another historic factor determined
spatial distribution of species. Modeling techniques that require only presence data are therefore extremely
valuable.
ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCES ON THE NATURAL ECOSYSTEM OF THE NARAN VALLEY IN THE ...Shujaul Mulk Khan
People derive many essential goods from plant resources, including food, medicines and fodder. However, the link between biodiversity and ecosystem services and their role in the support of human well-being is often poorly understood. Mountain ecosystems support a high biological diversity including rare and endangered plant species. They also provide a home to some 12% of the world's human population, who use their traditional ecological knowledge to utilise local natural resources. The Himalayas are the world's youngest and largest mountain range that supports a high plant biodiversity and hence provides many ecosystem services. Due to remote location, harsh climate, rough terrain and topography, many areas in the Himalayas have been still poorly known for their vegetation ecosystem services. The people in the Naran Valley, in the western Himalayas, depend upon local plant resources for a range of services and goods, from grazing for livestock to use of medicinal plants. During this study abundance and uses of each species were computed using computational ecology; principal components analysis (PCA) and response curves (RC) using CANOCO. The analyses showed an increasing trend of grazing, but with a decrease in fodder availability, with altitude increase in the valley. The assessment of such ecosystem services may assist in developing conservation strategies, especially for endangered mountain ecosystems.
Abstract— This study was conducted in Gunugo watershed at Wolayitta zone to assess the amount of some soil chemical properties affected by traditional agroforestry practices and along different elevation gradients. The dominant agroforestry practices (homegarden, parkland and woodlot), and three elevation gradients (upper, middle and lower) were used to collect soil samples. One composite sample was taken from each sampling point from each soil depths, under three agroforestry practices and three elevation gradient with three replications to have a total of 54 soil samples at 20 x 20 m plot. Then the selected soil chemical properties among agroforestry practices and along elevation gradient was determined at p<0.05. The EC, pH and CEC of the top soil was significantly higher on homegarden than parkland and woodlot while EC, pH and total nitrogen of the sub soil were significantly higher on homegarden than parkland and woodlot. Further, only the top soil EC and CEC were significantly higher on lower elevation than upper and middle elevation and there was no significant difference in sub soil chemical parameters among elevation levels. In relation to this, most of the soil chemical properties show as the study area is being degraded. Therefore, are recommended for sustainable soil chemical property management. Hence, homegarden is suggested as a better agroforestry practice for rehabilitation of the area in a sustainable manner through enhanced accumulation of total nitrogen, good EC and CEC at all elevation gradients.
The Role of Soil Organisms and Functions in different Coconut based Multiple ...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract—Sampling was done in wet and intermediate zones represented by the Walpita and Makandura research centers, respectively. Eleven land use systems were considered for the study; coconut mono culture (CM), bare land (BL) and coconut multiple cropping. Under coconut multiple cropping, nine different intercrops were selected separately for each zones. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates (n = 3). The experiment was conducted under mature baring coconut (>20 years) plantation. Soil Macrofauna was sampled using one transect with three replicates at each land use type using quadrate size (30×30cm) from 0-30 cm depth and visible organisms were handpicked and preserved in 75% alcohol. Dilute plate technique and Spread plate technique was used to determine the soil micro organisms’ density. Those techniques were used to cultivate the fungi and bacteria under 〖10〗^(-2) and 〖10〗^(-5) dilution level respectively.
Research identified 12 classes (Crusteacea, Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, Gastropoda, Acarina, Araneida, Scopionida, Chilapoda, Diplopoda, Amphibia, Reptelia) and 14 orders (Hemiptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Thysanura, Hymenoptera, Lepidotera, Orthoptera, Blattaria, Mantodea, Phasmida, Dermaptera, Isoptera, Siphonaptera, Thysanoptera) of soil organisms. Class insecta shows the high diversity with 14 orders. Colony forming unit (CFU) value of bacteria was higher than that of the fungi value. Findings of intermediate and wet zones’ studies suggested that coconut multiple cropping systems may have high diversity, abundance and functional role of soil organisms. Both zones studies suggested that coconut multiple cropping systems may increase soil moisture factor, respiration rate, biomass carbon content, organic carbon percentage, total nitrogen content, organic matter content and C:N ratio in 0-30cm depth other than the coconut monoculture systems. Overall data of two different zones indicated a significant positive correlation of soil organism diversity, abundance and their functional role with cropping systems. Those data can be used as a reliable basic bio indicator for payments for ecosystem services (PES). It supports to valorize the economic value of the ecological services returned by soil organisms.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Pastoralists’ Perceptions towards Rangeland Degradation and Management in Don...AI Publications
Local land users often have different perceptions on the problems of rangeland degradation, compared to researchers and Government officials. This study was aimed at breaching this gap, by empirically exploring pastoralists’ perceptions regarding rangeland degradation in Donga-mantung. The pastoralists’ perceptions were studied through a descriptive statistics method. Focus group discussions, field observations and structured/semi-structured survey questionnaires, were used for data collection, where 200 pastoralists were targeted. The study covered seven Ardorates based on intensity of rangeland degradation (high, medium and less). The major findings indicate that, the main livestock production constraints were Insufficient and poor pasture (50.5%), cattle diseases (24.5%), Farmer/grazer conflicts (14.5%) and insufficient cattle drinking points (10.5%). Majority of respondents (59.5 %) confirmed that cattle population is declining in the study area. According to 59.5% of the respondents, the study area present range condition has deteriorated and become poor. The major causes for degradation were overgrazing, bush encroachment, soil erosion and limited care and attention paid to rangelands. The major socio-economic impacts of rangeland degradation were poverty (51.0%), food insecurity (35.5%) and conflicts (11.0%). The pastoralists of the study area traditionally practice rangeland management in different ways such as bush burning, bush clearing and herd mobility. A proportion of them (41.5%) have adopted the planting of improved pasture(s). Government and NGOs’ supports proved to be limiting in the study area. Nevertheless, the measures perceived by pastoralists to reduce degradation of their rangeland include; planting of improved pastures (40.5%), clearance of bushes that have encroach on rangelands (28.5%), establishing community awareness and community empowerment on rangeland degradation (17.0%), reducing the number of farmlands (9.5%) and reducing soil erosion (4.5%). This study showed the need for rangeland professionals, researchers, planners and other stakeholders to integrate the communities’ perceptions and existing indigenous ecological knowledge to ensure a sustainable rangeland management.
ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCES ON THE NATURAL ECOSYSTEM OF THE NARAN VALLEY IN THE ...Shujaul Mulk Khan
People derive many essential goods from plant resources, including food, medicines and fodder. However, the link between biodiversity and ecosystem services and their role in the support of human well-being is often poorly understood. Mountain ecosystems support a high biological diversity including rare and endangered plant species. They also provide a home to some 12% of the world's human population, who use their traditional ecological knowledge to utilise local natural resources. The Himalayas are the world's youngest and largest mountain range that supports a high plant biodiversity and hence provides many ecosystem services. Due to remote location, harsh climate, rough terrain and topography, many areas in the Himalayas have been still poorly known for their vegetation ecosystem services. The people in the Naran Valley, in the western Himalayas, depend upon local plant resources for a range of services and goods, from grazing for livestock to use of medicinal plants. During this study abundance and uses of each species were computed using computational ecology; principal components analysis (PCA) and response curves (RC) using CANOCO. The analyses showed an increasing trend of grazing, but with a decrease in fodder availability, with altitude increase in the valley. The assessment of such ecosystem services may assist in developing conservation strategies, especially for endangered mountain ecosystems.
Abstract— This study was conducted in Gunugo watershed at Wolayitta zone to assess the amount of some soil chemical properties affected by traditional agroforestry practices and along different elevation gradients. The dominant agroforestry practices (homegarden, parkland and woodlot), and three elevation gradients (upper, middle and lower) were used to collect soil samples. One composite sample was taken from each sampling point from each soil depths, under three agroforestry practices and three elevation gradient with three replications to have a total of 54 soil samples at 20 x 20 m plot. Then the selected soil chemical properties among agroforestry practices and along elevation gradient was determined at p<0.05. The EC, pH and CEC of the top soil was significantly higher on homegarden than parkland and woodlot while EC, pH and total nitrogen of the sub soil were significantly higher on homegarden than parkland and woodlot. Further, only the top soil EC and CEC were significantly higher on lower elevation than upper and middle elevation and there was no significant difference in sub soil chemical parameters among elevation levels. In relation to this, most of the soil chemical properties show as the study area is being degraded. Therefore, are recommended for sustainable soil chemical property management. Hence, homegarden is suggested as a better agroforestry practice for rehabilitation of the area in a sustainable manner through enhanced accumulation of total nitrogen, good EC and CEC at all elevation gradients.
The Role of Soil Organisms and Functions in different Coconut based Multiple ...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract—Sampling was done in wet and intermediate zones represented by the Walpita and Makandura research centers, respectively. Eleven land use systems were considered for the study; coconut mono culture (CM), bare land (BL) and coconut multiple cropping. Under coconut multiple cropping, nine different intercrops were selected separately for each zones. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates (n = 3). The experiment was conducted under mature baring coconut (>20 years) plantation. Soil Macrofauna was sampled using one transect with three replicates at each land use type using quadrate size (30×30cm) from 0-30 cm depth and visible organisms were handpicked and preserved in 75% alcohol. Dilute plate technique and Spread plate technique was used to determine the soil micro organisms’ density. Those techniques were used to cultivate the fungi and bacteria under 〖10〗^(-2) and 〖10〗^(-5) dilution level respectively.
Research identified 12 classes (Crusteacea, Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, Gastropoda, Acarina, Araneida, Scopionida, Chilapoda, Diplopoda, Amphibia, Reptelia) and 14 orders (Hemiptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Thysanura, Hymenoptera, Lepidotera, Orthoptera, Blattaria, Mantodea, Phasmida, Dermaptera, Isoptera, Siphonaptera, Thysanoptera) of soil organisms. Class insecta shows the high diversity with 14 orders. Colony forming unit (CFU) value of bacteria was higher than that of the fungi value. Findings of intermediate and wet zones’ studies suggested that coconut multiple cropping systems may have high diversity, abundance and functional role of soil organisms. Both zones studies suggested that coconut multiple cropping systems may increase soil moisture factor, respiration rate, biomass carbon content, organic carbon percentage, total nitrogen content, organic matter content and C:N ratio in 0-30cm depth other than the coconut monoculture systems. Overall data of two different zones indicated a significant positive correlation of soil organism diversity, abundance and their functional role with cropping systems. Those data can be used as a reliable basic bio indicator for payments for ecosystem services (PES). It supports to valorize the economic value of the ecological services returned by soil organisms.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Pastoralists’ Perceptions towards Rangeland Degradation and Management in Don...AI Publications
Local land users often have different perceptions on the problems of rangeland degradation, compared to researchers and Government officials. This study was aimed at breaching this gap, by empirically exploring pastoralists’ perceptions regarding rangeland degradation in Donga-mantung. The pastoralists’ perceptions were studied through a descriptive statistics method. Focus group discussions, field observations and structured/semi-structured survey questionnaires, were used for data collection, where 200 pastoralists were targeted. The study covered seven Ardorates based on intensity of rangeland degradation (high, medium and less). The major findings indicate that, the main livestock production constraints were Insufficient and poor pasture (50.5%), cattle diseases (24.5%), Farmer/grazer conflicts (14.5%) and insufficient cattle drinking points (10.5%). Majority of respondents (59.5 %) confirmed that cattle population is declining in the study area. According to 59.5% of the respondents, the study area present range condition has deteriorated and become poor. The major causes for degradation were overgrazing, bush encroachment, soil erosion and limited care and attention paid to rangelands. The major socio-economic impacts of rangeland degradation were poverty (51.0%), food insecurity (35.5%) and conflicts (11.0%). The pastoralists of the study area traditionally practice rangeland management in different ways such as bush burning, bush clearing and herd mobility. A proportion of them (41.5%) have adopted the planting of improved pasture(s). Government and NGOs’ supports proved to be limiting in the study area. Nevertheless, the measures perceived by pastoralists to reduce degradation of their rangeland include; planting of improved pastures (40.5%), clearance of bushes that have encroach on rangelands (28.5%), establishing community awareness and community empowerment on rangeland degradation (17.0%), reducing the number of farmlands (9.5%) and reducing soil erosion (4.5%). This study showed the need for rangeland professionals, researchers, planners and other stakeholders to integrate the communities’ perceptions and existing indigenous ecological knowledge to ensure a sustainable rangeland management.
Climate and potential habitat suitability for cultivation and in situ conserv...Innspub Net
Sustainable management actions are needed for several indigenous agro forestry plant species like the black plum (Vitex doniana Sweet) because they are facing increasing pressures due to the rapid human growth and threats such as climate change. By combining species distribution modelling using the Maximum Entropy Algorithm (Max Ent) and representation gap analysis, this study accessed the impacts of current and future (2050) climates on the potential distribution of Vitex doniana in Benin with insight on the protected areas network (PAN). The model showed a high goodness-of-fit (AUC = 0.92 ± 0.02) and a very good predictive power (TSS = 0.72 ± 0.01). Our findings indicated annual mean rainfall, annual mean diurnal range of temperature and mean temperature of the driest quarter as the most important predictors driving the distribution of V. doniana. Under current climate, about 85 % of Benin area is potentially suitable for its cultivation. This potential suitable area is projected to increase by 3 to 12 % under future climatic conditions. A large proportion (76.28 %) of the national PAN was reported as potentially suitable for the conservation of the species under current climate with increase projections of 14 to 23 % under future climate. The study showed that V. doniana can be cultivated in several areas of Benin and that the PAN is potentially suitable for its conservation. These findings highlighted some of the opportunities of integrating V. doniana in the formal production systems of Benin and also its potentialities in ecosystems restoration under the changing climate. Get the full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/ijaar/climate-and-potential-habitat-suitability-for-cultivation-and-in-situ-conservation-of-the-black-plum-vitex-doniana-sweet-in-benin-west-africa/
Phyto climatic gradient of vegetation and habitat specificity in the high ele...Shujaul Mulk Khan
Phyto-climatic gradient and ecological indicators can be used to understand the requirements, long term management and conservation strategies of natural habitats and species. For this purpose phytosociological attributes were measured using quadrats along transects on different slope aspects across an elevation range of 2450-4400 m. The 198 recorded plant species were placed in five Raunkiaer life form classes among which the Hemicryptophytes (51%) dominate the flora of the study area followed by Phanerophytes and Cryptophytes (Geophytes) with 15 and 13% dominance respectively. Therophytes and Chamaephytes are represented by smaller numbers (12 & 10% each). The phyto-climatic gradient of the vegetation was evaluated using Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Phyto-climatic relationships show that Phanerophytes especially tree species are widely distributed on northern aspect slopes whilst shrubs are more dominant on southern aspect slopes. Woody plants are dominant at lower altitudes (2450-2800 m), with a much smaller proportion occurring at middle elevations (2800-3300 m) whilst higher (3300-3900 m) and highest elevations (3900-4400 m) are dominated mainly by hemi-cryptophytes and cryptophytes. Our findings further elucidate that vegetation changes gradually from moist-cool temperate Phanerophytic and Chamaephytic elements to dry-cold subalpine and alpine herbaceous Cryptophytic and Hemi-cryptophytic vegetation in the upper elevations. Assessment of life forms and ecological gradient provide a basis for more extensive conservation studies on biodiversity in mountain ecosystems. Our findings further advocate that the Naran Valley appears to be at a transitional floristic position bridging the contrasting moist and dry temperate zones of the Sino-Japanese and Irano-Turanian floristic regions.
Ethno-ecological importance of plant biodiversity in mountain ecosystems with...Shujaul Mulk Khan
Mountain ecosystems support a high biological diversity and a large number of endangered plant species
many of which are ecological indicators of those specific habitats. The Himalayas are the world’s youngest,
highest and largest mountain range and support a high plant biodiversity. People living in this region
use their traditional ecological knowledge to utilize local natural resources and hence have valuable
understanding about their surroundings. Many areas within this region still remain poorly known for
their floristic diversity, plant species distribution and vegetation ecosystem services, yet the indigenous
people depend heavily upon local plant resources and, through unsustainable use, can cause an
irreversible loss of plant species. The valley used in this study is typical of such areas and occupies
a distinctive geographical location on the edge of the western Himalayan range, close to the Hindu
Kush range to the west and the Karakorum Mountains to the north. It is also located on geological
and climatic divides, which further add to its ecological interest. This paper focuses on (i) identification
of ecological indicators at various elevation zones across an altitudinal range of 2450–4100 m and
(ii) recognition of social perceptions of plant species populations based on the ecosystem services that
they provide. We used robust approaches to identify the plant indicator species of various elevation
zones. Using phytosociological techniques, Importance Values (IVs) for each plant species were calculated.
The statistical package PCORDS was used to evaluate the species area curves and indicator species
for each elevation zone. Data attribute plots derived from Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) using
CANOCO were deployed to illustrate the location of indicator species in each habitat type. Furthermore,
the social perceptions of the local inhabitants as to whether the populations of the recorded species
were increasing or decreasing over the recent past were recorded. We argue that the assessment of
ecological indicators combined with the ecological knowledge of the indigenous population can assist
in developing priorities for local and regional conservation strategies, especially for fragile mountain
ecosystems.
Species Diversity and Above-ground Carbon Stock Assessments in Selected Mangr...Innspub Net
Mangrove ecosystems are known for being the rainforest of the sea. Philippines is bestowed with this naturally rich mangrove ecosystem with diverse floral and faunal species. Despite this natural abundance, mangrove ecosystems are subjected to natural and human induced degradations specifically conversion to fish shrimp ponds that resulted in diminution aside from its effect on terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling and could also affect its important role in terms of terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling. This study is conducted to determine
the mangrove diversity, distribution and the above-ground biomass and C-stocks in Glan and Malapatan, Sarangani Province. Purposive sampling is implemented in establishing the plots on both sites. Results show eight (8) mangrove species belonging to four (4) families are observed in both areas. Data also reveal that the mangrove ecosystem in Glan Padidu, Glan is undisturbed. Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba are found to be dominant on the two sites. Because of the large tree girths and high density of species observed on the studied areas, both forests have the potential to sequester and store large amount of atmospheric carbon. Thus, this study quantifies mangrove tree biomass in view of carbon trading as significant in lessening the effects of global warming.
Floristic Composition, Structural Analysis and Socio-economic Importance of L...IJEAB
Floristic assessment plays a crucial role in managing and conserving phytodiversity. Thisstudy tried to determine the floristic composition, woody structure and socio-economic importance of the legume flora in the commune of Mayahi. We used plot method based on systematic sampling approach to inventory legume species within the parklands in September 2012. We recorded 55 legume species belonging to 24 genera in 56 relevés. Fabaceae is the dominant family among the legume botanical families in the parklands of the commune of Mayahi. The average woody legume density is 62 individuals per hectare in the commune of Mayahi. The woody legume species of highest average density are Faidherbia albida and Piliostigma reticulatum. While the total basal area of legumes of the commune is 1.12m2 / ha in the Mayahi commune. The crown cover varies according to the vegetation types but it is higher in the Goulbi N’kaba forest reserve. Legume flora provides a myriad of benefits to the people of Mayahi. The present study recommends furtherresearch that examines the impact of human activities on the legume flora of the parklands in the commune of Mayahi.
The present study aims to investigate the biodiversity of woody vegetation along a gradient of human impacting region in the three constituent parts of Ferlo Biosphere Reserve (FBR): the core area, the buffer zone and the transition area. We conducted an inventory of 110 plots of 900 m² each. Total species richness was 49 species distributed in 32 genera within 16 botanical families. The analysis of contesimal frequency showed that Guiera senegalensis is the most common species with a presence of 75% of such records. Examination of species abundance spectrum showed that four most abundant species such as Guiera senegalensis (29.5%), Combretum glutinosum (15.9%), Pterocarpus lucens (11.6%) and Boscia senegalensis (10 , 5%). These four species represent 68% of the total individuals of the RBF and are also the four most common species. The spectrum of abundance of families showed that Combretaceae is the best represented family with almost half of the number of species (49.7%). The representativeness of biological types and geographical affinity of the species has been established for the woody vegetation in the study area. The study of diversity indices revealed that the buffer zone and the transition area are subjected to multiple uses and experiencing human action. It has a greater diversity and a level of organization with higher timber stand than the central area which is an integral conservation zone.
Forest landscape dynamics in the cotton basin of North BeninAI Publications
The agro-ecological zone of the cotton basin of North Benin is a rainfed cereal farming area. In addition, the area is one of the country's favourable Cotton growing areas, which affects the configuration of its landscape. This study analyses the dynamics of the forest landscape in the cotton basin of North Benin between 1986 and 2000. A multidimensional approach was used based on a participatory inventory, field observations and statistical analyses of data from the interpretation of SPOT images. Several indices were calculated, including the importance value of the degree of disturbance, the composition and spatial configuration indices of the landscape types. Then, the sample test matched to the 5% threshold of the disturbance levels obtained between 1986 and 2000 on the one hand and between 2000 and 2016 on the other hand to ensure their significance. The results of this study show two types of disturbance, namely natural (4) and anthropogenic (7). Analysis of these disturbances also shows that agriculture (IV = 0.97), overgrazing (IV = 0.88), timber and service harvesting (IV = 0.78) and carbonization (IV = 0.63) are the main human disturbances in the study area. In addition, there is rapid population growth (IV = 0.94) and climate disturbances (IV = 0.85). In addition, the forest landscape has seen an increase in the number of spots (from 666 in 1986 to 2419 in 2016) and a decrease in the total area. Similarly, the values of the contagion index, ranging from 82.32 in 1986 to 65.82 in 2016, reflect a very fragmented landscape. Thus, the fragmentation of the forest landscape in the cotton basin of North Benin raises, in a very particular way, the problem of the conservation of plant biodiversity.
Residual value analyses of the medicinal flora of the western himalayasShujaul Mulk Khan
Statistical analyses of the medicinal flora of the Naran Valley in the Western Himalayas were performed using Moerman’s methods and Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The results demonstrate that the valley’s indigenous people utilize medicinal plants in a systematic way. Sixty-eight families of plants were identified during the study, of which 52 contained one or more species of medicinal value. The standard deviation for residual values of all the 68 families was 0.993 and the results of the residual analysis revealed that seven of these plant families were overused by the local people, indicated by residual values greater than the standard deviation. Residual values obtained from a regression analysis of plant species with their medicinal uses showed that the families with the highest rank were Polygonaceae, Gentianaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae and Plantaginaceae, indicating their medicinal importance. By comparison, Poaceae, Boraginaceae, Primulaceae, Salicaceae, and Ranunculaceae were the lowest ranking families, containing few species of medicinal value. Although a few of the most species-rich families in the valley contained a high number of medicinal plants and hence displayed high residual values, some other species-rich families contained few or no species of medicinal value. For example, the third largest family, Poaceae, is the lowest in terms of its residual value, while the largest family, Asteraceae, contains only seven species noted as having medicinal uses. Sixteen plant families in the valley contained no species with reported medicinal use, while seven families contained only one species with medicinal value. In contrast, all of the species in several of the least species-rich families were recorded as having a medicinal use. The results of a Principal Components Analysis showed a gradient of medicinal plant use along the valley. Using robust statistical approaches, our study provides a clear indication that the indigenous people of this Western Himalayan valley utilize wild plants according to their traditional knowledge and not on the basis of plant abundance.
Tracking change in land use and vegetation conditionRichard Thackway
Seminar 'Tracking change in land use and vegetation condition' presented to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra on 22 February 2013.
Long-term monitoring of diversity and structure of two stands of an Atlantic ...Écio Diniz
Characterised with its immense biodiversity and high levels of endemism, the Atlantic Tropical Forest has been facing serious anthropogenic threats over the last several decades, demanding for such activities and their effects to be closely studied and monitored as part of the forest dynamics.
Cattle farming, expanding agricultural land areas and mining have reduced the Atlantic Forest to many small patches of vegetation. As a result, important ecosystem services, such as carbon stock, are steadily diminishing as the biomass decreases.
Brazilian researchers, led by Dr. Écio Souza Diniz, Federal University of Viçosa, spent a decade monitoring a semi-deciduous forest located in an ecological park in Southeast Brazil. Their observations are published in the open access Biodiversity Data Journal.
The team surveyed two stands within the forest to present variations in the structure and diversity of the plants over time, along with their dynamics, including mortality and establishment rates. They based their findings on the most abundant tree species occurring within each stand.
At the forest stands, the most abundant and important species for biomass accumulation are concluded to be trees larger than 20 cm in diameter, which characterise advanced successional stage within the forest.
"It is fundamental that opportunities to monitor conserved sites of the Atlantic Forest are taken, so that studies about their dynamics are conducted in order to better understand how they work," note the scientists.
"The information from such surveys could improve the knowledge about the dynamics at anthropised and fragmented sites compared with protected areas."
Read more at: https://phys.org/news/2017-08-decade-dynamics-atlantic-tropical-forest.html#jCp
E-Mail Systems In Cloud Computing Environment Privacy,Trust And Security Chal...IJERA Editor
In this paper, SMCSaaS is proposed to secure email system based on Web Service and Cloud Computing
Model. The model offers end-to-end security, privacy, and non-repudiation of PKI without the associated
infrastructure complexity. The Proposed Model control risks in Cloud Computing like Insecure Application
Programming Interfaces, Malicious Insiders, Data Loss Shared Technology Vulnerabilities, or Leakage,
Account, Service, Traffic Hijacking and Unknown Risk Profile
Framework for Bridges Maintenance in EgyptIJERA Editor
The traditional approaches for bridges maintenance is proven to be inefficient as they lead to random way of
spending maintenance budget and deteriorating bridge conditions. In many cases, maintenance activities are
performed due to user complaints. The objective of this paper is to develop a practical and reliable framework to
manage the maintenance and repair activities of Bridges network in Egypt considering performance and budget
limits. The model solves an optimization problem that maximizes the average condition of the network given the
limited budget using Genetic Algorithm (GA).
The main tasks of the system are bridge inventory, condition assessment, deterioration using markov model, and
maintenance optimization. The developed model takes into account multiple parameters including serviceability
requirements, budget allocation, element importance on structural safety and serviceability, bridge impact on
network, and traffic. A questionnaire is conducted to complete the research scope. The proposed model is
implemented in software, which provides a friendly user interface. The results of the framework are multi – year
maintenance plan for the entire network for up to five years. A case study is presented for validating and testing
the model with Data collected from “General Authority for Roads, Bridges and Land Transport” in Egypt.
From Hearing Aids, Prostheses and Cochlear Implants to "Bionic" Feedback Phon...IJERA Editor
In Otorhinolaryngological medical practice therapeutic devices are used that are highly invasive and immersive.
For aural and oral communication these could be hearing aids, prosthetics, implants or radio-electronic
appliances that build up a bionic environment with apparent tendencies for virtualization. The popularization of
such devices promotes the extensive use of Brain Computer Interfaces to both the scientific community and the
consumer market. The use of bionic devices clinched with synapses of the nerves does not merely mingle input
activity to brain activity, but also it provides a virtual channel for augmenting and manipulating speech
communication, language communication and even further musical communication. The effects of bionic aural
and oral communication when learning practices for the impaired in hearing are applied is encountered in terms
of ability for speech perception and linguistic competence.
Micro Extended[X] Enterprises & An Ea Framework Best Suited For Them.IJERA Editor
“SMiXE’s – Small & Micro Extended Enterprises”, in automobile industry, though referred as Small & Micro,
but forms a bulk or a huge base of the automobile Cluster/ Pyramid (see Fig 1 below) in terms of people
employed, work done by them in tot up. It compliments the auto industry in absorbing the cost pressure and at
the same time facilitates the auto industry in segregating the less efficient routine as well as menial work
towards the bottom of the pyramid. Freeing the OEM to focus on their core activities. By their very “Nature &
Need”, SMiXE have to be very “Agile, Cost Competitive and Adaptive” by their “Nature”, as all OEM’s
(Global & Local) are being forced to adapt new, improved, environment friendly and fuel efficient standards.
The environment in which they (SMiXE) exist and to the very market (“Need”) that they cater is very dynamic.
Keeping the above mentioned points and the constraints mentioned below, in this paper we will be evaluating
the best suited EA framework which will enable us in providing a viable EA solution for SMiXE’s.
Climate and potential habitat suitability for cultivation and in situ conserv...Innspub Net
Sustainable management actions are needed for several indigenous agro forestry plant species like the black plum (Vitex doniana Sweet) because they are facing increasing pressures due to the rapid human growth and threats such as climate change. By combining species distribution modelling using the Maximum Entropy Algorithm (Max Ent) and representation gap analysis, this study accessed the impacts of current and future (2050) climates on the potential distribution of Vitex doniana in Benin with insight on the protected areas network (PAN). The model showed a high goodness-of-fit (AUC = 0.92 ± 0.02) and a very good predictive power (TSS = 0.72 ± 0.01). Our findings indicated annual mean rainfall, annual mean diurnal range of temperature and mean temperature of the driest quarter as the most important predictors driving the distribution of V. doniana. Under current climate, about 85 % of Benin area is potentially suitable for its cultivation. This potential suitable area is projected to increase by 3 to 12 % under future climatic conditions. A large proportion (76.28 %) of the national PAN was reported as potentially suitable for the conservation of the species under current climate with increase projections of 14 to 23 % under future climate. The study showed that V. doniana can be cultivated in several areas of Benin and that the PAN is potentially suitable for its conservation. These findings highlighted some of the opportunities of integrating V. doniana in the formal production systems of Benin and also its potentialities in ecosystems restoration under the changing climate. Get the full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/ijaar/climate-and-potential-habitat-suitability-for-cultivation-and-in-situ-conservation-of-the-black-plum-vitex-doniana-sweet-in-benin-west-africa/
Phyto climatic gradient of vegetation and habitat specificity in the high ele...Shujaul Mulk Khan
Phyto-climatic gradient and ecological indicators can be used to understand the requirements, long term management and conservation strategies of natural habitats and species. For this purpose phytosociological attributes were measured using quadrats along transects on different slope aspects across an elevation range of 2450-4400 m. The 198 recorded plant species were placed in five Raunkiaer life form classes among which the Hemicryptophytes (51%) dominate the flora of the study area followed by Phanerophytes and Cryptophytes (Geophytes) with 15 and 13% dominance respectively. Therophytes and Chamaephytes are represented by smaller numbers (12 & 10% each). The phyto-climatic gradient of the vegetation was evaluated using Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Phyto-climatic relationships show that Phanerophytes especially tree species are widely distributed on northern aspect slopes whilst shrubs are more dominant on southern aspect slopes. Woody plants are dominant at lower altitudes (2450-2800 m), with a much smaller proportion occurring at middle elevations (2800-3300 m) whilst higher (3300-3900 m) and highest elevations (3900-4400 m) are dominated mainly by hemi-cryptophytes and cryptophytes. Our findings further elucidate that vegetation changes gradually from moist-cool temperate Phanerophytic and Chamaephytic elements to dry-cold subalpine and alpine herbaceous Cryptophytic and Hemi-cryptophytic vegetation in the upper elevations. Assessment of life forms and ecological gradient provide a basis for more extensive conservation studies on biodiversity in mountain ecosystems. Our findings further advocate that the Naran Valley appears to be at a transitional floristic position bridging the contrasting moist and dry temperate zones of the Sino-Japanese and Irano-Turanian floristic regions.
Ethno-ecological importance of plant biodiversity in mountain ecosystems with...Shujaul Mulk Khan
Mountain ecosystems support a high biological diversity and a large number of endangered plant species
many of which are ecological indicators of those specific habitats. The Himalayas are the world’s youngest,
highest and largest mountain range and support a high plant biodiversity. People living in this region
use their traditional ecological knowledge to utilize local natural resources and hence have valuable
understanding about their surroundings. Many areas within this region still remain poorly known for
their floristic diversity, plant species distribution and vegetation ecosystem services, yet the indigenous
people depend heavily upon local plant resources and, through unsustainable use, can cause an
irreversible loss of plant species. The valley used in this study is typical of such areas and occupies
a distinctive geographical location on the edge of the western Himalayan range, close to the Hindu
Kush range to the west and the Karakorum Mountains to the north. It is also located on geological
and climatic divides, which further add to its ecological interest. This paper focuses on (i) identification
of ecological indicators at various elevation zones across an altitudinal range of 2450–4100 m and
(ii) recognition of social perceptions of plant species populations based on the ecosystem services that
they provide. We used robust approaches to identify the plant indicator species of various elevation
zones. Using phytosociological techniques, Importance Values (IVs) for each plant species were calculated.
The statistical package PCORDS was used to evaluate the species area curves and indicator species
for each elevation zone. Data attribute plots derived from Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) using
CANOCO were deployed to illustrate the location of indicator species in each habitat type. Furthermore,
the social perceptions of the local inhabitants as to whether the populations of the recorded species
were increasing or decreasing over the recent past were recorded. We argue that the assessment of
ecological indicators combined with the ecological knowledge of the indigenous population can assist
in developing priorities for local and regional conservation strategies, especially for fragile mountain
ecosystems.
Species Diversity and Above-ground Carbon Stock Assessments in Selected Mangr...Innspub Net
Mangrove ecosystems are known for being the rainforest of the sea. Philippines is bestowed with this naturally rich mangrove ecosystem with diverse floral and faunal species. Despite this natural abundance, mangrove ecosystems are subjected to natural and human induced degradations specifically conversion to fish shrimp ponds that resulted in diminution aside from its effect on terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling and could also affect its important role in terms of terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling. This study is conducted to determine
the mangrove diversity, distribution and the above-ground biomass and C-stocks in Glan and Malapatan, Sarangani Province. Purposive sampling is implemented in establishing the plots on both sites. Results show eight (8) mangrove species belonging to four (4) families are observed in both areas. Data also reveal that the mangrove ecosystem in Glan Padidu, Glan is undisturbed. Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba are found to be dominant on the two sites. Because of the large tree girths and high density of species observed on the studied areas, both forests have the potential to sequester and store large amount of atmospheric carbon. Thus, this study quantifies mangrove tree biomass in view of carbon trading as significant in lessening the effects of global warming.
Floristic Composition, Structural Analysis and Socio-economic Importance of L...IJEAB
Floristic assessment plays a crucial role in managing and conserving phytodiversity. Thisstudy tried to determine the floristic composition, woody structure and socio-economic importance of the legume flora in the commune of Mayahi. We used plot method based on systematic sampling approach to inventory legume species within the parklands in September 2012. We recorded 55 legume species belonging to 24 genera in 56 relevés. Fabaceae is the dominant family among the legume botanical families in the parklands of the commune of Mayahi. The average woody legume density is 62 individuals per hectare in the commune of Mayahi. The woody legume species of highest average density are Faidherbia albida and Piliostigma reticulatum. While the total basal area of legumes of the commune is 1.12m2 / ha in the Mayahi commune. The crown cover varies according to the vegetation types but it is higher in the Goulbi N’kaba forest reserve. Legume flora provides a myriad of benefits to the people of Mayahi. The present study recommends furtherresearch that examines the impact of human activities on the legume flora of the parklands in the commune of Mayahi.
The present study aims to investigate the biodiversity of woody vegetation along a gradient of human impacting region in the three constituent parts of Ferlo Biosphere Reserve (FBR): the core area, the buffer zone and the transition area. We conducted an inventory of 110 plots of 900 m² each. Total species richness was 49 species distributed in 32 genera within 16 botanical families. The analysis of contesimal frequency showed that Guiera senegalensis is the most common species with a presence of 75% of such records. Examination of species abundance spectrum showed that four most abundant species such as Guiera senegalensis (29.5%), Combretum glutinosum (15.9%), Pterocarpus lucens (11.6%) and Boscia senegalensis (10 , 5%). These four species represent 68% of the total individuals of the RBF and are also the four most common species. The spectrum of abundance of families showed that Combretaceae is the best represented family with almost half of the number of species (49.7%). The representativeness of biological types and geographical affinity of the species has been established for the woody vegetation in the study area. The study of diversity indices revealed that the buffer zone and the transition area are subjected to multiple uses and experiencing human action. It has a greater diversity and a level of organization with higher timber stand than the central area which is an integral conservation zone.
Forest landscape dynamics in the cotton basin of North BeninAI Publications
The agro-ecological zone of the cotton basin of North Benin is a rainfed cereal farming area. In addition, the area is one of the country's favourable Cotton growing areas, which affects the configuration of its landscape. This study analyses the dynamics of the forest landscape in the cotton basin of North Benin between 1986 and 2000. A multidimensional approach was used based on a participatory inventory, field observations and statistical analyses of data from the interpretation of SPOT images. Several indices were calculated, including the importance value of the degree of disturbance, the composition and spatial configuration indices of the landscape types. Then, the sample test matched to the 5% threshold of the disturbance levels obtained between 1986 and 2000 on the one hand and between 2000 and 2016 on the other hand to ensure their significance. The results of this study show two types of disturbance, namely natural (4) and anthropogenic (7). Analysis of these disturbances also shows that agriculture (IV = 0.97), overgrazing (IV = 0.88), timber and service harvesting (IV = 0.78) and carbonization (IV = 0.63) are the main human disturbances in the study area. In addition, there is rapid population growth (IV = 0.94) and climate disturbances (IV = 0.85). In addition, the forest landscape has seen an increase in the number of spots (from 666 in 1986 to 2419 in 2016) and a decrease in the total area. Similarly, the values of the contagion index, ranging from 82.32 in 1986 to 65.82 in 2016, reflect a very fragmented landscape. Thus, the fragmentation of the forest landscape in the cotton basin of North Benin raises, in a very particular way, the problem of the conservation of plant biodiversity.
Residual value analyses of the medicinal flora of the western himalayasShujaul Mulk Khan
Statistical analyses of the medicinal flora of the Naran Valley in the Western Himalayas were performed using Moerman’s methods and Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The results demonstrate that the valley’s indigenous people utilize medicinal plants in a systematic way. Sixty-eight families of plants were identified during the study, of which 52 contained one or more species of medicinal value. The standard deviation for residual values of all the 68 families was 0.993 and the results of the residual analysis revealed that seven of these plant families were overused by the local people, indicated by residual values greater than the standard deviation. Residual values obtained from a regression analysis of plant species with their medicinal uses showed that the families with the highest rank were Polygonaceae, Gentianaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae and Plantaginaceae, indicating their medicinal importance. By comparison, Poaceae, Boraginaceae, Primulaceae, Salicaceae, and Ranunculaceae were the lowest ranking families, containing few species of medicinal value. Although a few of the most species-rich families in the valley contained a high number of medicinal plants and hence displayed high residual values, some other species-rich families contained few or no species of medicinal value. For example, the third largest family, Poaceae, is the lowest in terms of its residual value, while the largest family, Asteraceae, contains only seven species noted as having medicinal uses. Sixteen plant families in the valley contained no species with reported medicinal use, while seven families contained only one species with medicinal value. In contrast, all of the species in several of the least species-rich families were recorded as having a medicinal use. The results of a Principal Components Analysis showed a gradient of medicinal plant use along the valley. Using robust statistical approaches, our study provides a clear indication that the indigenous people of this Western Himalayan valley utilize wild plants according to their traditional knowledge and not on the basis of plant abundance.
Tracking change in land use and vegetation conditionRichard Thackway
Seminar 'Tracking change in land use and vegetation condition' presented to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra on 22 February 2013.
Long-term monitoring of diversity and structure of two stands of an Atlantic ...Écio Diniz
Characterised with its immense biodiversity and high levels of endemism, the Atlantic Tropical Forest has been facing serious anthropogenic threats over the last several decades, demanding for such activities and their effects to be closely studied and monitored as part of the forest dynamics.
Cattle farming, expanding agricultural land areas and mining have reduced the Atlantic Forest to many small patches of vegetation. As a result, important ecosystem services, such as carbon stock, are steadily diminishing as the biomass decreases.
Brazilian researchers, led by Dr. Écio Souza Diniz, Federal University of Viçosa, spent a decade monitoring a semi-deciduous forest located in an ecological park in Southeast Brazil. Their observations are published in the open access Biodiversity Data Journal.
The team surveyed two stands within the forest to present variations in the structure and diversity of the plants over time, along with their dynamics, including mortality and establishment rates. They based their findings on the most abundant tree species occurring within each stand.
At the forest stands, the most abundant and important species for biomass accumulation are concluded to be trees larger than 20 cm in diameter, which characterise advanced successional stage within the forest.
"It is fundamental that opportunities to monitor conserved sites of the Atlantic Forest are taken, so that studies about their dynamics are conducted in order to better understand how they work," note the scientists.
"The information from such surveys could improve the knowledge about the dynamics at anthropised and fragmented sites compared with protected areas."
Read more at: https://phys.org/news/2017-08-decade-dynamics-atlantic-tropical-forest.html#jCp
E-Mail Systems In Cloud Computing Environment Privacy,Trust And Security Chal...IJERA Editor
In this paper, SMCSaaS is proposed to secure email system based on Web Service and Cloud Computing
Model. The model offers end-to-end security, privacy, and non-repudiation of PKI without the associated
infrastructure complexity. The Proposed Model control risks in Cloud Computing like Insecure Application
Programming Interfaces, Malicious Insiders, Data Loss Shared Technology Vulnerabilities, or Leakage,
Account, Service, Traffic Hijacking and Unknown Risk Profile
Framework for Bridges Maintenance in EgyptIJERA Editor
The traditional approaches for bridges maintenance is proven to be inefficient as they lead to random way of
spending maintenance budget and deteriorating bridge conditions. In many cases, maintenance activities are
performed due to user complaints. The objective of this paper is to develop a practical and reliable framework to
manage the maintenance and repair activities of Bridges network in Egypt considering performance and budget
limits. The model solves an optimization problem that maximizes the average condition of the network given the
limited budget using Genetic Algorithm (GA).
The main tasks of the system are bridge inventory, condition assessment, deterioration using markov model, and
maintenance optimization. The developed model takes into account multiple parameters including serviceability
requirements, budget allocation, element importance on structural safety and serviceability, bridge impact on
network, and traffic. A questionnaire is conducted to complete the research scope. The proposed model is
implemented in software, which provides a friendly user interface. The results of the framework are multi – year
maintenance plan for the entire network for up to five years. A case study is presented for validating and testing
the model with Data collected from “General Authority for Roads, Bridges and Land Transport” in Egypt.
From Hearing Aids, Prostheses and Cochlear Implants to "Bionic" Feedback Phon...IJERA Editor
In Otorhinolaryngological medical practice therapeutic devices are used that are highly invasive and immersive.
For aural and oral communication these could be hearing aids, prosthetics, implants or radio-electronic
appliances that build up a bionic environment with apparent tendencies for virtualization. The popularization of
such devices promotes the extensive use of Brain Computer Interfaces to both the scientific community and the
consumer market. The use of bionic devices clinched with synapses of the nerves does not merely mingle input
activity to brain activity, but also it provides a virtual channel for augmenting and manipulating speech
communication, language communication and even further musical communication. The effects of bionic aural
and oral communication when learning practices for the impaired in hearing are applied is encountered in terms
of ability for speech perception and linguistic competence.
Micro Extended[X] Enterprises & An Ea Framework Best Suited For Them.IJERA Editor
“SMiXE’s – Small & Micro Extended Enterprises”, in automobile industry, though referred as Small & Micro,
but forms a bulk or a huge base of the automobile Cluster/ Pyramid (see Fig 1 below) in terms of people
employed, work done by them in tot up. It compliments the auto industry in absorbing the cost pressure and at
the same time facilitates the auto industry in segregating the less efficient routine as well as menial work
towards the bottom of the pyramid. Freeing the OEM to focus on their core activities. By their very “Nature &
Need”, SMiXE have to be very “Agile, Cost Competitive and Adaptive” by their “Nature”, as all OEM’s
(Global & Local) are being forced to adapt new, improved, environment friendly and fuel efficient standards.
The environment in which they (SMiXE) exist and to the very market (“Need”) that they cater is very dynamic.
Keeping the above mentioned points and the constraints mentioned below, in this paper we will be evaluating
the best suited EA framework which will enable us in providing a viable EA solution for SMiXE’s.
Experimental Study on Two-Phase Flow in Horizontal Rectangular Minichannel wi...IJERA Editor
An experimental study was conducted to investigate two-phase air-water flow characteristics, in horizontal
rectangular minichannel with Y-junction. The width (W), the height (H) and the hydraulic diameter (DH) of the
rectangular cross section for the upstream side of the junction are 4.60 mm, 2.50 mm and 3.24 mm, while those
for the downstream side are 2.36 mm, 2.50 mm and 2.43 mm. The entire test section was machined from
transparent acrylic block, so that the flow structure could be visualized. Liquid single-phase and air-liquid twophase
flow experiments were conducted at room temperature. The flow pattern, the bubble velocity, the bubble
length, and the void fraction were measured with a high-speed video camera. Pressure profile upstream and
downstream from the junction was also measured for the respective flows, and the pressure loss due to the
contraction at the junction was determined from the pressure profiles. Two flow patterns, i.e., slug and annular
flows, were observed in the fully-developed region apart from the junction. In the analysis, the frictional pressure
drop data, the two-phase frictional multiplier data, bubble velocity data, bubble length data and void fraction data
were compared with calculations by some correlations in literatures. In addition, new pressure loss coefficient
correlations for the pressure drop at the junction has been proposed. Results of such experiment and analysis are
described in the present paper
An Overview of the Entrepreneurial Process in Distance Education (DE) of UNESAIJERA Editor
This article presents a panoramic view of entrepreneurship of Distance Education (DE) at UniversityEstácio de
Sá (UNESA) of Brazil. It is based on field research, interviews and bibliographical research on the processes of
teaching and learning in Distance Education (DE), especially those used in academic education. The aim of this
article is to show the existence of the entrepreneur process in the Distance Education of University Estácio de Sá
(DE-UNESA). To this end, the article takes a qualitative approach denoting interpretative grounds and connects
the entrepreneurial process with the DE-UNESA. It presents a graphic illustrating the entrepreneurial process
model by adding the factor-educator or educational. In addition, describes information about DE-UNESA
backdrop developer of a continuous educational entrepreneurship.
A Framework for Predicate Based Access Control Policies in Infrastructure as ...IJERA Editor
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is the service with which IT of enterprises integrated for on-demand services.
Different deployment models of cloud further makes it flexible so as to meet the requirements of users. As the
customers’ policies are not same, Cloud Service Provider (CSP) needs a flexible architecture to accommodate
the varied requirements of customers with respect to access control. The existing access control models such as
Role Based Access Control (RBAC) and Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC) have limitations. The
combination of RBAC and ABAC also could not offer fine grained access control. We also studied the RBAC
model offered by Open Stack and came to know its limitations in catering to diversified needs of customers. The
One Size Fits for All policy cannot provide flexible access control due to the aforementioned reason. Therefore
a more flexible access control model is required. In this paper we proposed a framework with Predicate Based
Access Control (PBAC) in general and then implemented it in Open Stack. Our empirical results revealed that
the proposed framework can improve the granularity with fine grained access control mechanism. Though our
framework is at primitive stage, it shows significant step forward in access control policies for IaaS clouds.
Periodic material-based vibration isolation for satellitesIJERA Editor
The vibration environment of a satellite is very severe during launch. Isolating the satellitevibrations during
launch will significantly enhance reliability and lifespan, and reduce the weight of satellite structure and
manufacturing cost. Guided by the recent advances in solid-state physics research, a new type of satellite
vibration isolator is proposed by usingperiodic material that is hence called periodic isolator. The periodic
isolator possesses a unique dynamic property, i.e., frequency band gaps. External vibrations with frequencies
falling in the frequency band gaps of the periodic isolator are to be isolated. Using the elastodynamics and the
Bloch-Floquet theorem, the frequency band gaps of periodic isolators are determined. A parametric study is
conducted to provide guidelines for the design of periodic isolators. Based on these analytical results, a finite
element model of a micro-satellite with a set of designed periodic isolators is built to show the feasibility of
vibration isolation. The periodic isolator is found to be a multi-directional isolator that provides vibration
isolation in the three directions.
Query Image Searching With Integrated Textual and Visual Relevance Feedback f...IJERA Editor
There are many researchers who have studied the relevance feedback in the literature of content based image
retrieval (CBIR) community, but none of CBIR search engines support it because of scalability, effectiveness
and efficiency issues. In this, we had implemented an integrated relevance feedback for retrieving of web
images. Here, we had concentrated on integration of both textual features (TF) and visual features (VF) based
relevance feedback (RF), simultaneously we also tested them individually. The TFRF employs and effective
search result clustering (SRC) algorithm to get salient phrases. Then a new user interface (UI) is proposed to
support RF. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is scalable, effective and accurated
A Hybrid method of face detection based on Feature Extraction using PIFR and ...IJERA Editor
In this paper we proposed a face detection method based on feature selection and feature optimization. Now in
current research trend of biometric security used the process of feature optimization for better improvement of
face detection technique. Basically our face consists of three types of feature such as skin color, texture and
shape and size of face. The most important feature of face is skin color and texture of face. In this detection
technique used texture feature of face image. For the texture extraction of image face used partial feature
extraction function, these function is most promising shape feature analysis. For the selection of feature and
optimization of feature used multi-objective TLBO. TLBO algorithm is population based searching technique
and defines two constraints function for the process of selection and optimization. The proposed algorithm of
face detection based on feature selection and feature optimization process. Initially used face image data base
and passes through partial feature extractor function and these transform function gives a texture feature of face
image. For the evaluation of performance our proposed algorithm implemented in MATLAB 7.8.0 software and
face image used provided by Google face image database. For numerical analysis of result used hit and miss
ratio. Our empirical evaluation of result shows better prediction result in compression of PIFR method of face
detection.
Calculating Wind Farm Production in Al-Shihabi (South Of Iraq) Using WASPIJERA Editor
The Wind Turbine farms are becoming popular in the renewable energy world. In this research, the Wind Atlas
Analysis and Application Program (WAsP) has been used to estimate wind power density in Al-Shihabi (south
of Iraq). All statistical operations on data series are obtained from Field data collected from the wind
measurement towers which installed by the Science and Technology Ministry at Kut city south of IRAQ at three
heights (10, 30, 50 m). The wind turbine selected for this study to be installed in the wind farm are Bonus-
300kw, 600kw The Annual Energy Production (AEP) has been calculate which varies between (746.990 -
759.446 MWH) at 30 m and it s varies between produced AEP (1.576 - 1.600 GWh) at 50 m ,this site classified
as ( class-1).
Analysis of Waste Water Treatment in Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Corpo...IJERA Editor
Scientific data and results have to be accurate, precise and reliable and are subject to ever increasing scrutiny by
regulators in industry, the environment and medicine, in validation and also in research and development. Given
our numerous environmental problems, the need for accurate, precise and reliable results cannot be
overemphasized in environmental pollution control. This research was undertaken by visiting the analytical
laboratory involved in environmental pollution control in Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
Kaduna which is known as Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals (KRPC). Results were taken within a span of
three years at different times of the year. End of month results were also taken for the two receiving rivers
(River Kaduna & Romi River) and effluent from the refinery. The waste water was analyzed using available
instruments in the Refinery such as PH meter, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Meter, Conductivity Meter, Gas
chromatography, burette, pipette, Double beam Spectrometer, and Thermometer. The results showed that many
parameters meet the standard of limit set by the Nigerian Standard Organization but there are many vital
parameters whose limits are very low but not measured for lack of instruments. The point of concern here
becomes the availability of suitable analytical instruments for quality control in the waste water treatment.
Data Leakage Detection and Security Using Cloud ComputingIJERA Editor
The data owner will store the data in the cloud. Every user must registered in the cloud. Cloud provider must
verify the authorized user. If someone try to access the account, data will get leaked. This leaked data will
present in an unauthorized place (e.g., on the internet or someone’s laptop). In this paper, we propose Division
and Replication of Data in the Cloud for Optimal Performance and Security (DROPS) that collectively
approaches the security and performance issues. In DROPS methodology, we have to select the file and then
store the particular file in the cloud account. In order to provide security we are going to implement DROPS
concepts. Now we divide the file into various fragments based on the threshold value. Each and every fragments
are stored in the node using T-Coloring. After the placement of fragments in node, it is necessary to replicate
each fragments for one time in cloud.
Design and Experimentation of Collector based Solar Dryer with Recirculation ...IJERA Editor
Sun drying system is very common method of preserving agricultural product. Solar energy is used for heating
of air and to dry food substance. In open sun drying food is unprotected from rain, wind-borne dirt and dust,
infestation by insects, rodents and other animal. This process is practically attractive and environmentally sound.
Shell life of agricultural product is improve by drying. This paper present design and construction of active solar
dryer with recirculation technique. It consists of solar collector, drying chamber with netted trays and
recirculation arrangement. Air is allowed through inlet and it is heated up in collector. Then it is circulated in
drying chamber where it is utilize for drying. The design based on geographical location Wardha and
meteorological data were obtained for proper design specification. Locally available materials were used for
construction such as polyurethane glass, mild steel metal sheet, plywood sheet and insulating material.
Effect of Grain Size and Reaction Time in Characterisation of Aggregates for ...IJERA Editor
Concrete can deteriorate as a result of alkali aggregate reaction, an interaction between alkalis present in
alkaline pore solution originating from the Portland cement and reactive minerals in certain types of aggregates.
Potential reactivity of aggregates with regard to alkalis present in concrete mix can be determined by Mortar Bar
method, Chemical Method and Petrographic analysis. Of these the chemical method though is quick and does
not require a large quantity of material for testing yet have its own inherent limitations. It does not ensure
completion of reaction as the observations are limited to 24hour only and also does not assess the effect of
varying the combination of coarse and fine aggregates. A study on chemical method by allowing the reaction for
a prolonged time up to 96 hours and also on different grain size ranged matrix was carried at Central Soil and
Materials Research Station, New Delhi. Simultaneously the test results of the modified method are compared to
the existing Mortar Bar method, Chemical Method and Petrographic analysis The outcome of the studies clearly
reflects that the grain size play an important role in the reaction, the reaction time has a demarked impact on
reactivity, in the cases having a high value of silica release the choice of reduction in alkalinity as an indicator
of degree of reaction is not reliable, instead measuring remaining Na2O concentration in Sodium hydroxide
solution after the reaction seems to be much more meaningful in justifying the silica release.
The Case Study of an Early Warning Models for the Telecare Patients in TaiwanIJERA Editor
To propose a practical early warning analysis model for the telecare patients, this study applied data mining
technology as a basis to investigate the classification of patient groups by disease severity and incidence using
data contained in a telecare database regarding the number of a clinic. The ultimate purpose of this study was to
provide a new direction for telecare system planning and developing strategies.
The subject of this case study was a private clinic which is providing telecare system to patients in Taiwan, and
we used three data mining techniques including discriminant analysis, logistic regression and artificial neural
network to construct an early warning analysis model based on several factors such as: Demographic variables,
pathological signals, health management index, diagnosis and treatment records, emergency notification signal.
According the results, the telecare system can build stronger physician-patient relationship in advance through
previously paying attention to patients’ physiological conditions, reminding them to do self-management, even
taking them to the hospital for observation. A comparison of discriminative rates showed that the artificial neural
network model had the highest overall correct classification rate, 85.52%, and thus is a tool worthy of
recommendation
Efficient Detection Of Selfish Node In Manet Using A Colloborative WatchdogIJERA Editor
Mobile ad-hoc networks(MANET) are collected many number of nodes.In a mobile ad-hoc network(MANET)
undertakes that all the mobile nodes unitewillingly in order to work accurately.This is a cost –intensive action
for the collaboration and particular nodes can decline to cooperate then it will prominent to a selfish node
behaviour.Thus, it will utterly affect the global network performance.The watchdogs are a well-known device
used for identifying a selfish node.Theprocedure performed by watchdogs can fail,generating false positives
and false negatives this may convince to wrong operation.Whenidentifying selfish node trusting on local
watchdogs only can prime to poor performance,in terms of precision and speed.Thus we propose collaborative
contact based watchdog(COCOWA) as a collaborative method based on the dispersion of selfish nodes
responsiveness when a contact occurs,so the evidence will quickly circulated about selfish nodes. As shown in
the paper,whenidentifying a selfish nodes this collaborative approach decreases the time and rises the precision
A Critical View on Pedagogical Dimension of Architectural Education in IndiaIJERA Editor
The built environment is becoming more complex in terms of its quality and structure. In such circumstances
architectural education pedagogical strategies has to be modified to address social, political, economical and
environmental issues and challenges. Innovative interdisciplinary strategies in architecture education have to be
organized in a way which leads to better architecture and urban environments. Pure theoretical approaches are to
be related to practice which can be done with pedagogy comprising real-life examples in respect to new models
and collaboration between architecture education and non-academic partners. This paper discusses the status of
current architectural education in India.It examine the student‟s perception regarding teaching and learning in
schools of architecture from the state of Maharashtra It is aimed to highlight the need for paradigm shift in
pedagogy in schools imparting architectural education in India to enhance learning in architecture education.
A case study on Machine scheduling and sequencing using Meta heuristicsIJERA Editor
Modern manufacturing systems are constantly increasing in complexity and become more agile in nature such
system has become more crucial to check feasibility of machine scheduling and sequencing because effective
scheduling and sequencing can yield increase in productivity due to maximum utilization of available resources
but when number of machine increases traditional scheduling methods e.g. Johnson‟s ,rule is becomes in
effective Due to the limitations involved in exhaustive enumeration, for such problems meta-heuristics has
become greater choice for solving NP hard problems because of their multi solution and strong neighbourhood
search capability in a reasonable time.
Participatory Approach for the Integrated and Sustainable Management of the PNViAI Publications
This study proposes an Analysis on the participatory management of Virunga National Park using SWOT analysis. We started from the constant incomprehension and perpetual opposition of the local population on the management of the PNVi. The question asked is to know the management strategy aimed at involving all the actors in the sustainable management of the Virunga National Park. After having presented and analyzed the data of our sample which were provided to us by 3 territories and a city including 12% in the territory of Nyiragongo, 15% in the city of Goma, 22% in the territory of Masisi and 51% in the territory of Rutshuru the size of the sample to be considered in relation to the strategies for involving the population in the sustainable management of the PNVi. The results showed that the best way to generate the PNVi would be the integrated management model, at least 42% of study participants proposed it, 31% proposed the multi-agent model, 20% proposed the traditional model policeman and 7% suggested private management.
Reforestation is one of the Philippines’ government efforts to restore and rehabilitate degraded mangrove ecosystems. Although there is recovery of the ecosystem in terms of vegetation, the recovery of closely-linked faunal species in terms of community structure is still understudied. This research investigates the community structure of mangrove crabs under two different management schemes: protected mangroves and reforested mangroves. The transect-plot method was employed in each management scheme to quantify the vegetation, crab assemblages and environmental variables. Community composition of crabs and mangrove trees were compared between protected and reforested mangroves using non-metric multi-dimensional scaling and analysis of similarity in PRIMER 6. Chi-squared was used to test the variance of sex ration of the crabs. Canonical Correspondence Analysis was used to determine the relationship between crabs and environmental parameters. A total of twelve species of crabs belonging to six families were identified in protected mangroves while only four species were documented in reforested mangroves. Perisesarma indiarum and Baptozius vinosus were the most dominant species in protected and reforested mangrove, respectively. Univariate analysis of variance of crab assemblage data revealed significant differences in crab composition and abundance between protected mangroves and from reforested mangroves (P<0.05).><0.05).Environmental factors and human intervention had contributed to the difference in crab assemblages in mangrove ecosystems.
Floristic composition, diversity and structure of woody vegetation in the agr...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this study is to characterize the current status of woody species in agrosystems and to identify ecologically important woody species that favor agriculture-livestock integration in the context of strong anthropic pressures in the Maradi region. The ground forest inventory method was used to characterize woody vegetation in three sites in the departments of Dakoro (north), Guidan Roumdji (center) and Madarounfa (south). A total of 187 plots were installed, each with a surface area of 2500m². Data collected included species list, total height, diameter at 1.30m from the ground and both perpendicular diameters of the crown, and natural regeneration of woody species. The results show that the southern zone has more species (17) divided into 9 families, followed by the central zone with 16 species and 12 families and finally the northern zone with 9 species and 7 families. The diversity decreases from the south (3.01 bites), center (2.27) and north (1.76 bites). As for the dendrometric parameters, the difference is significant (P ˂ 0.000) with greater values of average height, diameter at 1.30 m from the ground and basal area of the trees in the southern area. It is not significant between ecological zones the basal area of trees (P = 0.9). Faidherbia albida and Piliostigma reticulatum were the most ecologically important species distributed in all three zones. The overall diameter class and height structure imputed by the dominant species shows a negative skewed distribution of the disturbed stand in all three ecological zones. Regeneration is 747±65 (ft/ha), 2136±177 (ft/ha), and 1018±63 (ft/ha) in the north, center, and south, respectively, with a highly significant difference (P=0.000). This regeneration is an important source for re-greening the fields if maintained. This study provides important results that can be used to refine the management of agroforestry parks for various ecosystem services for the benefit of populations.
The participatory management plan is a technical, legal and social device that joins the objectives of biodiversity conservation and the socio-economic needs of local populations. This research work aims to evaluate the impact of Wari-Maro classified forest management plan implementation on the structure and specific diversity of vegetation types. The methodological approach followed is based on the comparison of the dendrometric parameters and plant diversity parameters before and after the management plan implementation. The phytosociological and dendrometric database before the management plan was compiled with data from the forest inventory conducted by PAMF project in 2004 and others work. The forest and phytosociological inventories were carried out on the plots (70) from the forest inventory of PAMF project (2004) following the same methodological principles. The Shannon diversity index decreased from 3.35 ± 0.57 bits in 2004 to 1.98 ± 0.73 bits in 2014. The average density of dbh trees ≥ 10 cm decreased from 740.37 ± 269 , 86 stems / ha in 2004 to 184 ± 100 stems / ha in 2014. The results of the 5% sample matched t-test reveal a non-significant difference between the Shannon Diversity Index of 2004 and of 2014. On the other hand, the results of the sample t-test matched at the 5% threshold, reveal a significant difference between the average density value of 2004 and 2014 for all vegetation types except shrub savannas, fields and fallows. Most of the plant species found before the management plan are still present despite the decreased in individuals’ density.
Termite Mounds’ Diversity and Distribution: A Study at Jnanabharathi, Bangalo...AI Publications
Termites work together to modify their surroundings, which in turn influences their behaviour, leading to the building of termite mounds. The study was designed to assess diversity of termite mounds present in the Bangalore University Campus, Bengaluru, India. Observations were made on the occurrence, abundance, evenness and richness of the termite mounds. Mounds were surveyed by field survey and photographic interpretation method during July 2021 to June 2022. Totally 119 mounds were found, out of which 18 are ground level mounds, 42 small mounds, 37 medium mounds and 22 tall mounds. To test its effectiveness and to know about the influence of the mounds on the ecological well-being, termite mounds were identified, compared and interpreted using google earth map and the results were statistically verified.
The amphibian’s fauna of a West African forest relict near a hydroelectric Da...Innspub Net
This study reports the amphibian’s fauna sampled from the Biodiversity Conservation Area of the hydroelectric dam of Soubré city (southwestern Côte d’Ivoire). This study aims to provide a better understanding of the diversity of amphibians in this relict forest of 200 ha, in order to assess the ecological health of this ecosystem for conservation and sustainable management perspectives. During dry season (from 26 February to 4 March 2018) and rainy season (from 17 to 23 June 2018), we recorded 14 species of anurans grouped into eight genera and six families. The study sites comprise an amphibian fauna consisting mainly of savannah specialists and degraded forest (64.28% of total species richness). Based on the IUCN Red List, all species recorded are of least concern. Also, these species are well distributed in the different regions of Côte d’Ivoire and Africa. Thus, it is necessary to monitor the ecology of the species and to protect subsequently the different habitats of this area.
Reptile Diversity in Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape, South Cotabato, Philipp...Innspub Net
Reptiles are highly diversewith high percentage of endemism in the Philippines. However, reptile diversity in Mindanao, the second largest island in the country,is poorly known. To determine the species richness, diversity, endemism and conservation status of reptiles, this study was conducted from August to December 2013in six sampling sites of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL), South Cotabato.Cruising methodwasdone in the six sampling sites of MMPL. Paleontological Statistics Software Package (PAST) version 3.06 was used to determine the biodiversity indices, similarity index, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Thirteen species of reptiles belonging to five families and 11 genera with percentage endemism of46.15% were documented. High species diversity of reptiles with more or less even distribution was recorded in MMPL. Among the sampled sites, sampling site 1, a disturbed lowland dipterocarp forest had the highest species diversityand endemism.Sphenomorphusvariegatus was the most abundant species. Tropidophoruspartelloi, the only Mindanao Island endemic species was only found in the disturbed and undisturbed montane forests. Most of the documented species were under the Least Concern status. Bray-Curtis cluster analysis showed that sites 2 and 5 had the highest similarity percentage (68%) while Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant difference between samples in disturbedand undisturbed sites. Threats to the reptiles of MMPL were observed to be the conversion of forest to farmland and hunting thus implying the need for protection of habitats and conservation of species in MMPL.
Resilience of riparian populations of the Agoua and Toui-Kilibo classified fo...AI Publications
This research aims to strengthen the resilience of populations living along the Agoua and Toui-Kilibo protected forests. Its main aim is to analyze the adaptation measures used by the riparian populations and propose actions to strengthen their resilience. Data were collected from semi-structured individual interviews with each head of household or his/her sponsor in his/her household or field or plantation within and/or around the CF. Focus group interviews with key informants (between 05 and 13 participants representing the diversity of socio-professional or socio-cultural groups and gender-sensitive) were also conducted in riparian communities and within the CF. This data was collected through the QField application. The resulting database was transferred to the Excel spreadsheet for clearing and processing. For the processing of these data several parameters were calculated, in particular the importance value (IV), the response rate at the level of each respondent. In addition, the resilience of populations was assessed. To this end, the proposal for options to improve the resilience of communities bordering the Agoua and TK forests is based on the Multidimensional Resilience Index (MRI). For the calculation of resilience the basic variables are grouped into a set of actions which are themselves grouped into a set of seven (7) options. The various shares have been converted into indices called “core indices” and are calculated and obtained at the level of each option. Option-level indices are also calculated taking into account the indices previously calculated at the equity level. Finally, the Multidimensional Resilience Index is obtained by calculating the weighted arithmetic average of the indices calculated at the option level. The options that have attracted community attention are sustainable land management (4.1), and capacity building (3.89). These two options scored substantially 4, which shows that the communities are resilient. Improved social and cultural living conditions (3.33) can also strengthen the resilience of communities. Environmental protection, organizational level, institutional support and the creation of economic activities have a score ranging from 2 to 2.83. Actions to implement the priority options for adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change will reduce the vulnerability of the populations living near Agoua and Toui-Kilibo protected forests.
Spatial-temporal variation of biomass production by shrubs in the succulent k...Innspub Net
Forage production in arid and semi-arid rangelands is not uniform but varies with seasons and in various landscapes. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial and temporal variation in forage production in RNP. Plants sampling was carried out in 225 plots distributed in each of the five vegetation types. In each vegetation strata, sampling points was based on proximity to an occupied stock post, a rain gauge, a foothill and flat plains. A total of were measured in the 5 study sites. Line Intercept Method in combination with harvest method were used in ground measurement of biomass production. To assess biomass production using remote sensing technique, par values were obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imageries which consisted of 8 days composite images at spatial resolution of 1km² pixel size. There was positive correlation between line intercepts and biomass production Biomass production was higher in succulent Karoo biome than in desert biome. There was a strong relationship between biomass production with rainfall and with fpar values. Since leaf and stem succulents’ plants were found to contribute the highest amount of forage production in RNP, they should be given conservation priority.
Rangeland Degradation and Rehabilitation: Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and...AI Publications
Pastoralists’ perceptions and indigenous ecological knowledge of vegetation changes are often ignored despite the debate about their role in rangeland management. Yet, pastoralists are known to have extensive ecological knowledge which could complement scientific knowledge and contribute to improved understanding and sustainable management of savanna Ecosystems. This study was aimed at exploring pastoralists’ perceptions regarding rangeland degradation in the Adamawa highland plateau. More specifically, it was geared to examine their awareness of rangeland degradation, the current status/condition of the rangelands, the drivers and major root causes of degradation, negative consequences, existing management practices, and a methodological framework to make these measures more resilient. The study applied a descriptive statistics method. Focus group discussions, field observations and structured/semi-structured survey questionnaires, were used for data collection, where 240 pastoralists were targeted. The study covered 4 sub-divisions within Faro & Deo District of the plateau based on the intensity of degradation (high, medium and less). The major findings indicate that, the main livelihood activity is cattle rearing and crop cultivation (86.43%) with a certain degree of sedentarization. The major livestock production constraint proved to be insufficient and poor pasture available for cattle (65.71%). A great majority (93.6%) also confirmed that the present rangeland state/condition has become poor and non-conducive for cattle production. This is clearly interpreted in the drastic drop of the ‘cheptel’ (average holdings) and a decline in the quality of pastoral resources/outputs offered to the communities. The major root causes of degradation were overgrazing, bush encroachment, uncontrolled bush fires, soil erosion, population pressure and limited care/attention paid to rangelands. The major socio-economic consequences were poverty, food insecurity, conflicts, loss of cultural heritage, rural exodus and high crime waves. Through their indigenous ecological knowledge pastoralists conserve their rangelands through: mechanical and chemical fight against bush encroachment (Bush clearing and use of selective herbicide respectively), seasonal herd mobility/transhumance, use of paddocking systems, destocking of herds, adoption of improved pastures, and improvement on pastoral hydraulics. Government and NGOs’ supports to rangeland management, proved to be limited in the study area. The degradation of rangelands in the study area is progressing at an alarming rate which gives the impression of difficulty to restore it in the future if proper measures are not taken by stakeholders.
Diversity and abundance of terrestrial mammals in the northern periphery of ...Innspub Net
The Tanoé-Ehy Marsh Forest (TEMF), an unprotected forest that is about to be turn into a voluntary nature reserve is a forest block in south-eastern Côte d’Ivoire known as being of great importance for the conservation of biodiversity. But in the rainy season, that forest is largely over flooded and terrestrial mammals are likely to move to the periphery and make them vulnerable to anthropogenic threats. Our objectives are to determine the diversity, the relative abundance of terrestrial mammals and their spatial distribution in the northern periphery of the TEMF during the rainy season. We collected data by conducting recce surveys after interviews with local people. In total, we obtained 33 species among which ten primates’ species were identified. According to the recce survey, the African Civet (Civettictis civetta) and the Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) are the most common and abundant species in the study area with 12.7% and 12.0% of relative abundance respectively. In addition, six of the listed species are on the IUCN Red List, including Piliocolobus waldronae, a critically endangered species, Cercocebus lunulatus and Cercopithecus roloway endangered species, Colobus vellerosus, Phataginus tetradactyla and Phataginus tricuspis, three vulnerable species. Thus, the consideration of the periphery for the sustainable management of the TEMF is proving to be an imperative.
Trends in Macrophyte Diversity in Anthropogenic Perturbed Lentic Ecosystems w...Premier Publishers
Aquatic macrophytes hold several niches within the ecosystem, including inter alia water purification, carbon sequestration and serve as microhabitats for aquatic insects. These dynamic roles make macrophytes good indicators of current environmental conditions. Hence assessing their abundance in line with wetland ecosystem dynamics and function is essential. Frequency of occurrence and density values were estimated, using twenty (20) 2 m x 2 m quadrats for each macrophyte encountered. The results of the study revealed twenty-one (21) macrophytes belonging to 16 families. These ponds varied markedly in terms of species composition and in numerical strength such that Polygonum lanigerum (1143+175st/ha), Setaria verticillata (337.5+ 32.8st/ha), Azolla pinnata (337.7+ 16.4 st/ha) recorded high density values while Lagenaria breviflora (18.7±2.19), Sida acuta (18.75±5.30), Ludwigia erecta (18.7±0.15) and Milletia aboensis (18.7±0.03) were the least abundant species. Pond A and D with 11 taxa each had the higher Shannon-Wiener (2.192, 2.214) and Simpson (0.8699, 0.8787) diversity indices respectively when compared to the other ponds. On the contrary, pond C with four taxa had the least Shannon-Wiener and Simpson diversity indices (1.253, 0.6782) respectively. Equitability and evenness ranged between 0.914 - 0. 952 and 0.814 - 0.900 respectively. Bray and Curtis cluster analysis showed that pond B was the most dissimilar compared to other ponds in terms of the taxa composition.
Quantification of deadwood littered by Acacia spp. in semi-arid ecosystems of...Innspub Net
Deadwood (DW) is an important carbon component for conservation and management of biodiversity resources. They are ubiquitous in many semi-arid ecosystems although its estimation is still posing lots of challenges. At Chimwaga woodland in Dodoma Region of Central Tanzania, seasonal quantification of DW produced by two Acacia spp. was done to evaluate the influence of each tree species, Dbh and canopy area on DW biomass and to determine their ecological role in conservation of semi-arid ecosystem. Both purposive and random sampling techniques were used in the course of a completely randomized design (CRD). Thirty trees from each species of Acacia tortilis and Acacia nilotica were studied. Results portray that DW biomass was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the dry season than in the rain season whereby A. tortilis produced 669.0 ± 135.90kg DM/ha (dry season) and only 74.3 ± 135.90kg DM/ha (rain season) while A. nilotica produced 426.1 ± 135.90kg DM/ha (dry season) and 36.5 ± 135.90kg DM/ha (rain season). DW biomass did not correlate significantly (P > 0.05) with Dbh and canopy area. Inter-specific interactions were encountered from experimental areas where DW was littered that facilitated ecosystem balance in semi-arid areas. This information is important for estimating amount of dead wood biomass required to be retained in the forest provided that, at the expense of ecology, they are refuge for arthropods, fungi, bryophytes and other important soil microbes representing primary components of Biodiversity in semi-arid ecosystems.
Ecological-edaphic and Socio-economic drivers of on-farm tree farming enterpr...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
The biophysical-edaphic and socioeconomic factors do equally influence the on-farm tree farming in the smallholder farming systems. Naturally, neither of the factors do act in isolation, but they are interrelated. The study was carried out in Nsangi sub-county, Wakiso District, 2018. Using the stratified random sampling method based on landholding sizes, a sample of size of sixty households were selected and interviewed. The objectives of the study were to examine the influence of the bio-physical, edaphic and socio-cultural-economic factors onto the performance of the on-farm tree farming enterprise, and to evaluate the farmer's participation in on-farm tree farming activities. The results showed that both ecological-edaphic and socio-cultural-economic factors influence the performance of the tree volume, tree species diversity and tree stand density/ha. There is a negative correlation between size of landholding and farmer's interaction with the on-farm tree farming enterprises. Judging from the results of this study, there is a need for a policy review aimed at devising appropriate socio-cultural-economic and ecological-edaphic practices that promote on-farm tree farming programmes.
Population Structure and Threats to Sustainable Management of Woody Plant Spe...Innspub Net
This study was conducted to assess population structure and threat to the sustainable management of woody species in the various ago-ecosystems in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area (LGA) Katsina State, Nigeria. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were used to collect data from 21 randomly demarcated 100m × 100m sample plots. All woody plant species found in the sample plots with stem diameter >2 cm at 20cm above ground, were recorded. Population structure was summarized by diameter classes. For the identification of threats, field and questionnaire surveys were used. A total of 50 questionnaires were distributed at ten questionnaires per ward in five out of the 11 wards in the LGA. The highest numbers (350) of small diameter trees (0.1-1.0cm) were recorded in the agrosilvopastoral system. This was followed by silvopastoral and agrisilviculture systems with 89 and 85, respectively. However, the highest number of large diameter woody tree species was recorded in the silvopastoral system followed by agrosilvopastoral and agrisilviculture systems. The regular reverse J-shaped and fairly regular reverse J-shaped size class distribution observed for agrosilvopastoral and silvopastoral respectively, suggest a recuperating population. Over exploitation, debarking, de-branching, root- digging, leaf harvesting, seed harvesting, poor regeneration, slow rate of growth, wind effect and bush burning were the major threats to sustainable management of woody plant species in the study area. The implications of our findings for sustainable management of woody plant species in the study area are discussed and recommendations made.
Mangrove ecology and species distribution along the Gorai Creek of Mumbai coa...AI Publications
The extensive mangrove forest of Gorai Creek, Mumbai coast, has recently seen substantial deterioration. The results of a study on mangrove diversity conducted in Gorai Creek on the Mumbai coast from June 2017 to May 2018 are presented here. During the course of the study, twelve species of mangroves from five families and eight genera were identified in each of the three study locations along the creek. Avicennia marina accounted for 13.44% of the Gorai creek marshes, confirming its predominance. Sonneratia alba, Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera cylindrica, Kandelia candel, and Acanthus ilicifolius are among the mangrove species found in the estuarine embayment, with other species strewn around. A diverse range of species, including endangered migratory birds and herpetofauna, can be found in these mangrove environments. Mangroves have been observed to have narrowed in density with time, and it is critical to begin conservation efforts as speedily as humanly possible.
Similar to Climatic variability and spatial distribution of herbaceous fodders in the Sudanian zone of Benin (West Africa). (20)
Industrial Training at Shahjalal Fertilizer Company Limited (SFCL)MdTanvirMahtab2
This presentation is about the working procedure of Shahjalal Fertilizer Company Limited (SFCL). A Govt. owned Company of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation under Ministry of Industries.
Final project report on grocery store management system..pdfKamal Acharya
In today’s fast-changing business environment, it’s extremely important to be able to respond to client needs in the most effective and timely manner. If your customers wish to see your business online and have instant access to your products or services.
Online Grocery Store is an e-commerce website, which retails various grocery products. This project allows viewing various products available enables registered users to purchase desired products instantly using Paytm, UPI payment processor (Instant Pay) and also can place order by using Cash on Delivery (Pay Later) option. This project provides an easy access to Administrators and Managers to view orders placed using Pay Later and Instant Pay options.
In order to develop an e-commerce website, a number of Technologies must be studied and understood. These include multi-tiered architecture, server and client-side scripting techniques, implementation technologies, programming language (such as PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and MySQL relational databases. This is a project with the objective to develop a basic website where a consumer is provided with a shopping cart website and also to know about the technologies used to develop such a website.
This document will discuss each of the underlying technologies to create and implement an e- commerce website.
About
Indigenized remote control interface card suitable for MAFI system CCR equipment. Compatible for IDM8000 CCR. Backplane mounted serial and TCP/Ethernet communication module for CCR remote access. IDM 8000 CCR remote control on serial and TCP protocol.
• Remote control: Parallel or serial interface.
• Compatible with MAFI CCR system.
• Compatible with IDM8000 CCR.
• Compatible with Backplane mount serial communication.
• Compatible with commercial and Defence aviation CCR system.
• Remote control system for accessing CCR and allied system over serial or TCP.
• Indigenized local Support/presence in India.
• Easy in configuration using DIP switches.
Technical Specifications
Indigenized remote control interface card suitable for MAFI system CCR equipment. Compatible for IDM8000 CCR. Backplane mounted serial and TCP/Ethernet communication module for CCR remote access. IDM 8000 CCR remote control on serial and TCP protocol.
Key Features
Indigenized remote control interface card suitable for MAFI system CCR equipment. Compatible for IDM8000 CCR. Backplane mounted serial and TCP/Ethernet communication module for CCR remote access. IDM 8000 CCR remote control on serial and TCP protocol.
• Remote control: Parallel or serial interface
• Compatible with MAFI CCR system
• Copatiable with IDM8000 CCR
• Compatible with Backplane mount serial communication.
• Compatible with commercial and Defence aviation CCR system.
• Remote control system for accessing CCR and allied system over serial or TCP.
• Indigenized local Support/presence in India.
Application
• Remote control: Parallel or serial interface.
• Compatible with MAFI CCR system.
• Compatible with IDM8000 CCR.
• Compatible with Backplane mount serial communication.
• Compatible with commercial and Defence aviation CCR system.
• Remote control system for accessing CCR and allied system over serial or TCP.
• Indigenized local Support/presence in India.
• Easy in configuration using DIP switches.
Explore the innovative world of trenchless pipe repair with our comprehensive guide, "The Benefits and Techniques of Trenchless Pipe Repair." This document delves into the modern methods of repairing underground pipes without the need for extensive excavation, highlighting the numerous advantages and the latest techniques used in the industry.
Learn about the cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and minimal disruption associated with trenchless technology. Discover detailed explanations of popular techniques such as pipe bursting, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, and directional drilling. Understand how these methods can be applied to various types of infrastructure, from residential plumbing to large-scale municipal systems.
Ideal for homeowners, contractors, engineers, and anyone interested in modern plumbing solutions, this guide provides valuable insights into why trenchless pipe repair is becoming the preferred choice for pipe rehabilitation. Stay informed about the latest advancements and best practices in the field.
Welcome to WIPAC Monthly the magazine brought to you by the LinkedIn Group Water Industry Process Automation & Control.
In this month's edition, along with this month's industry news to celebrate the 13 years since the group was created we have articles including
A case study of the used of Advanced Process Control at the Wastewater Treatment works at Lleida in Spain
A look back on an article on smart wastewater networks in order to see how the industry has measured up in the interim around the adoption of Digital Transformation in the Water Industry.
Student information management system project report ii.pdfKamal Acharya
Our project explains about the student management. This project mainly explains the various actions related to student details. This project shows some ease in adding, editing and deleting the student details. It also provides a less time consuming process for viewing, adding, editing and deleting the marks of the students.
Immunizing Image Classifiers Against Localized Adversary Attacksgerogepatton
This paper addresses the vulnerability of deep learning models, particularly convolutional neural networks
(CNN)s, to adversarial attacks and presents a proactive training technique designed to counter them. We
introduce a novel volumization algorithm, which transforms 2D images into 3D volumetric representations.
When combined with 3D convolution and deep curriculum learning optimization (CLO), itsignificantly improves
the immunity of models against localized universal attacks by up to 40%. We evaluate our proposed approach
using contemporary CNN architectures and the modified Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR-10
and CIFAR-100) and ImageNet Large Scale Visual Recognition Challenge (ILSVRC12) datasets, showcasing
accuracy improvements over previous techniques. The results indicate that the combination of the volumetric
input and curriculum learning holds significant promise for mitigating adversarial attacks without necessitating
adversary training.
Saudi Arabia stands as a titan in the global energy landscape, renowned for its abundant oil and gas resources. It's the largest exporter of petroleum and holds some of the world's most significant reserves. Let's delve into the top 10 oil and gas projects shaping Saudi Arabia's energy future in 2024.
Top 10 Oil and Gas Projects in Saudi Arabia 2024.pdf
Climatic variability and spatial distribution of herbaceous fodders in the Sudanian zone of Benin (West Africa).
1. Myrèse C. Ahoudji et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.26-32
www.ijera.com 26|P a g e
Climatic variability and spatial distribution of herbaceous
fodders in the Sudanian zone of Benin (West Africa).
Myrèse C. Ahoudji*1
, B.S.C. Dan1
, Marcel R.B. Houinato1
, Jorgen Axelsen2
and A.B. Sinsin1
.
1
Laboratory of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 526,
Cotonou, Benin.
2
Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsøvej 25, 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark.
Abstract
This study focused on future spatial distributions of Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera ledermanii and Alysicarpus
ovalifolius regarding bioclimatic variables in the Sudanian zone of Benin, particularly in the W Biosphere
Reserve (WBR). These species were selected according to their importance for animals feed and the
intensification of exploitation pressure induced change in their natural spatial distribution. Twenty (20)
bioclimatic variables were tested and variables with high auto-correlation values were eliminated. Then, we
retained seven climatic variables for the model. A MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) method was used to identify all
climatic factors which determined the spatial distribution of the three species. Spatial distribution showed for
Andropogon gayanus, a regression of high area distribution in detriment of low and moderate areas. The same
trend was observed for Loxodera ledermannii spatial distribution. For Alysicarpus ovalifolius, currently area
with moderate and low distribution were the most represented but map showed in 2050 that area with high
distribution increased. We can deduce that without bioclimatic variables, others factors such as: biotic
interactions, dispersion constraints, anthropic pressure, human activities and another historic factor determined
spatial distribution of species. Modeling techniques that require only presence data are therefore extremely
valuable.
Keywords: Bioclimatic variables, Distribution, Fodders, MaxEnt, Model.
I. INTRODUCTION
Natural ecosystems provide multiple services of
high importance for people’s economic, social and
cultural needs in the developing countries. These
resources ensure important functions from an
ecological perspective and provide services that are
essential to maintain the life support system [1]. In
the last two decades, natural ecosystems responded to
environmental changes by the modification of
original structure of plants populations and
communities [2; 3]. Environmental change due to
human activities could completely modify the species
composition of the original plant communities [4].
Besides, climate variability is also viewed as a
conservation problem. For many species, climate has
indirect effects through the sensitivity of habitat or
food supply. Indeed, the temperature and
precipitations levels also have direct effect on species
and ecosystems functions were affected. Relations
between species and environmental variables were
not fixed and included change in species distribution
in order to accommodate environment variables
modification [5; 6; 7].
In Sub Saharan Africa, 25-42% of species could
be extinct in response to the lost of their favorable
habitat (80-85%) in 2085 [8]. Nowadays, predictive
niche-based models were mostly used to answer
environmental, ecological and spatial distribution
questions. A predictive niche-based model represents
an approximation of a species’ ecological niche or
geographical distribution in the examined
environmental dimensions [9]. It uses environmental
attributes, including current climate to predict habitat
that species can occupy. Then, spatial prediction of
species distributions from survey data has recently
been recognized as a significant component of
conservation planning. But a lack of data is even
more apparent in developing countries with high
biodiversity [10]. One way of overcoming this data
shortfall is to build models of a species’ suitable
habitat and distribution, which can then be used to
plan data collection or prioritize interventions.
Indeed, models predicting the spatial distribution of
species have been especially promoted to tackle
conservation issues: managing species distribution,
assessing ecological impacts of various factors, or
endangered species management [11; 12].
In northern Benin, livestock breeding is
considered as principal activity and cattle populations
were estimated to 768339 livestock units. These
regions are also characterized by transhumance (from
Niger, Nigeria and Burkina Faso) which causes
overexploitation and following low productivity of
RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS
2. Myrèse C. Ahoudji et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.26-32
www.ijera.com 27|P a g e
forage plants in rangelands [13]. In this context and
in climate variability conditions, pressure on
rangeland species increased. It becomes necessary to
identify current distribution of main fodders species
in order to predict in the future spatial distribution of
these species.
Habitat models are often performed at the
regions or continents scales, where environmental
factors such as temperature, precipitations, soils and
land-cover types were relevant. This study was
carried out within a smaller geographical extent and
focused on relations between spatial distributions and
bioclimatic variables of Andropogon gayanus,
Loxodera ledermanii and Alysicarpus ovalifolius in
the Sudanian zone of Benin. These species were
selected according to their importance for animals’
feed [14] and the intensification of exploitation
pressure induced change in natural spatial
distribution of these species. This research completes
those of [15] in the central part of Benin and aims at
predicting the new geographical distribution of these
main fodders species by 2050.
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Our research was carried out in the
Transboundary Biosphere Reserve involving Benin,
Niger and Burkina Faso. The W Biosphere Reserve
(WBR) in Benin is located in the province of Alibori,
located between the parallels 11°26' and 12°26' North
latitude and between the meridian 2°17' and 3°05' of
longitude East. The WBR is composed of the Park
(563,280 ha) which represents the core area, the
hunting zones of Djona (115,200 ha) and the hunting
zone of Mekrou (52,000 ha). The Fig no.1 showed
the study area.
FIGURE 1: Location of the study area, the W
Biosphere Reserve in Benin.
According to [16], the WBR belongs to the
regional centre of Sudanian endemism and is
characterized by a single rainy season and a single
dry season. Various soils were distinguished:
minerals, little mature, tropical ferruginous and
minerals soils with gley [17]. Vegetation is a mosaic
of savannas (trees, shrubs, grass and woodlands)
dominated in woody layer by Acacia ataxacantha,
Acacia macrostachya, Combretum glutinosum,
Burkea africana, Detarium microcarpum,
Piliostigma thonningii, etc. In the herbaceous layer,
we have species such as: Hypparhenia involucrata,
Andropogon schirensis, Andropogon pseudapricus,
Pennisetum polystachion, Diheteropogon amplectens
[18]. Nowadays, degraded savannas were also
observed [19].
II.I. DATA COLLECTION
Species occurrence data
A preliminary field work was undertaken to
identify in the WBR the occurrence area of Loxodera
ledermannii, Andropogon gayanus and Alysicarpus
ovalifolius. Geographic coordinates of each species
were collected using the Global Position System
(GPS). A distance of 500 meters was respected
between two coordinates. Then, for Loxodera
ledermannii 150 coordinates were taken, 150 for
Andropogon gayanus and 100 for Alysicarpus
ovalifolius. These coordinates were completed with
occurrence points relative to each species on GBIF
(http://www.gbif.org). The new occurrence data base
obtained was used for the spatial distribution model
of each species.
Bioclimatic and environmental data
Twenty (20) bioclimatic and environmental
variables were tested and variables with high auto-
correlation values were eliminated. Using Jacknife of
AUC we retained seven climatic variables for the
model. These variables were bio11: mean
temperature of coldest quarter; bio14: precipitation of
driest period; bio15: precipitation seasonality
(coefficient of variation); bio18: precipitation of
warmest quarter; bio2: mean diurnal range (max
temperature-min temperature) monthly average; bio5:
maximum temperature of warmest period and bio6:
minimum temperature of coldest period. The seven
variables were used for the spatial distribution model
of the three species.
II.II. DATA ANALYSIS
A Maxent (Maximum entropy) method [9] was
used to identify all climatic factors which determined
the spatial distribution of Andropogon gayanus,
Loxodera ledermannii and Alysicarpus ovalifolius.
Maxent’s predictive performance was chose because
it is consistently competitive with the highest
performing methods [20]. Since becoming available
in 2004, it has been utilized extensively for modeling
species distributions and presented many advantages.
One of these advantages is the requisition of presence
only data, together with environmental information
for the whole study area. Another advantage is that, it
can utilize both continuous and categorical data and
3. Myrèse C. Ahoudji et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.26-32
www.ijera.com 28|P a g e
incorporate interactions between different variables
[9; 21].
In this study, for the prediction of spatial
distribution of Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera
ledermannii and Alysicarpus ovalifolius we used two
climatic scenarios: optimist RCP 2.6 scenario and
pessimist RCP 8.0 scenario. The occurrence data of
all species and climate variables in Maxent model
permitted to validate the models which were used.
Then spatial distribution maps were realized per
species. The first map presented the current spatial
distribution of the specie and the second one
predicted in 2050 the distribution of the same specie
using the bioclimatic variables predefined.
On each map, we considered three categories of
distribution: area with high distribution of the
considered species (occurrence of specie between 50
and 100%), area with moderate distribution
(occurrence of specie between 25 and 50%) and area
with low distribution (occurrence of specie between
inferior to 25%). Proportions of each category area
were determined and dynamics values were
calculated per class for the period 2015-2050.
III. RESULTS
III.I. Bioclimatic data
Fig. no.2 showed the Jacknife of AUC for
Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera ledermannii and
Alysicarpus ovalifolius. On this figure, we observed
all seven variables which were retained for the
model. We noticed that the bio14 variable
(precipitation of driest period) was the less
represented for all three species when the bio2
variable (mean diurnal range) was the most
represented.
FIGURE 2: Jacknife of AUC of Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera ledermannii and Alysicarpus ovalifolius
III.II. Current and future spatial distribution of
species in the W National Park of Benin
The current spatial distribution of species varied
in function of species. We used three classes of
distribution areas for classification: areas for a
favorable distribution, area for a moderate
distribution and area with low distribution. Fig. no3
showed current and future distribution of
Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera ledermannii and
Alysicarpus ovalifolius species in the Park and Table
1 the dynamics’ values of each class of distribution
area.
(a) (b)
4. Myrèse C. Ahoudji et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.26-32
www.ijera.com 29|P a g e
(c)
FIGURE 3: Prediction of spatial distribution of Andropogon gayanus (a) Loxodera ledermannii (b) and
Alysicarpus ovalifolius (c) with scenarios 2.6 and 8.5 of climatic model at 2050 in the WBR.
TABLE 1: Proportions and dynamic values’ of Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera ledermannii and Alysicarpus
ovalifolius (2015-2050).
Areas categories’ Current proportions (%) Future (2050) proportions (%) Dynamics’ values (%)
Andropogon gayanus
Low 34,2931937 35,078534 0,78534031
Moderate 33,7696335 38,4816754 4,71204188
High 31,9371728 26,4397906 -5,4973822
Total 100 100
Loxodera ledermannii
Low 8,63874346 37,6963351 29,0575916
Moderate 38,2198953 23,2984293 -14,921466
High 53,1413613 39,0052356 -14,1361257
Total
100
100
Alysicarpus ovalifolius
Low 24,8691099 18,8481675 -6,02094241
Moderate 55,2356021 28,5340314 -26,7015707
High 19,895288 52,617801 32,7225131
Total 100 100
Model maps showed current and future spatial
distribution of Andropogon gayanus (Fig. no.3a). In
2050, the high distribution area of Andropogon
gayanus will regress of 5.5% while area with low and
moderate distribution increased in the interval of
0.78% and 4.71% respectively. We also remarked on
the current distribution map that, areas with low
distribution for Andropogon gayanus were located in
Mekrou hunting zone and in the periphery of the core
area. But in 2050, we noticed that areas with low
distribution of Andropogon gayanus, will moved
from the Mekrohunting zone for the core area zone
and the hunting zone of Djona. Considering
Loxodera ledermannii, we noticed the drastically
increasing of area with low distribution and
proportion of this category passed from 8.63% to
37.69% of total area (Fig. no.3b). In the same time,
moderate and high distribution areas were reduced. In
2050, moderate distribution area which was located
in the core area and in the hunting zone of Djona will
be reduced and we noticed an increasing of low
distribution area of Loxodera ledermannii in the core
area. Current and future distribution of Alysicarpus
ovalifolius maps (Fig. no.3c) showed that areas with
low and moderate distribution were reduced when
area with high favorable distribution increased.
Dynamics values were respectively of -6.02 %; -
26.70 % and 32.72 % (Table 1) for the three
categories of repartition areas.
III.III. Impact of bioclimatic variables on spatial
distribution of species
The Fig. no.4 showed relation between
bioclimatic variables and spatial distribution of
species. Bioclimatic variables influenced the spatial
distribution of Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera
5. Myrèse C. Ahoudji et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.26-32
www.ijera.com 30|P a g e
ledermannii and Alysicarpus ovalifolius in the WBR.
The correlation between bioclimatic variables and
species areas distribution can be explained using the
response of species to the action of each bioclimatic
variable which contributed to the determination of
future distribution. All three species responded
favorably to bio5 (max temperature of warmest
period) variable. We can deduce that the maximum
temperature of warmest period influenced the spatial
distribution of all species. We noticed that
Andropogon gayanus responded to the all seven
variables which were retained but favorable response
with 100% probability value was observed with
maximum temperature of warmest period (bio5).
Spatial distribution of Andropogon gayanus was also
influenced by Minimum temperature of coldest
period (bio6) and precipitations of warmest quarter
(bio18). The same situation is observed with
Alysicarpus ovalifolius distribution. When we
considered Loxodera lerdermannii, only bio5
variable determined its spatial distribution.
(a) (b) (c)
FIGURE 4: Response of Andropogon gayanus (a) Loxodera ledermannii (b) and Alysicarpus ovalifolius (c)
with scenarios 2.6 and 8.5 of climatic model at 2050 in the WBR.
IV. DISCUSSION
IV.I. Current and spatial distribution of
Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera ledermannii and
Alysicarpus ovalifolius in 2050
Our results showed spatial distribution of
Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera ledermannii and
Alysicarpus ovalifolius in 2050. Spatial distribution
was different for the three species. The
environmental variables we used to fit the models are
known to have a major direct ecophysiological
impact on plant species [22; 23; 24].
For Andropogon gayanus, the model showed a
regression of high area distribution in detriment of
low and moderate areas distribution. The same trend
was observed for Loxodera ledermannii with which
we observed the increasing of area with low
distribution contrarily to those of high and moderate
distribution. This can be explained on the one hand
by over exploitation of this fodder species and on the
other hand by climatic variability induced change in
distribution areas. In the hunting zone, the high
proportion of low areas distribution could be due to
anthropic pressure. This corroborated well with [25;
4] who showed that disturbance results were the
temporal and spatial change in vegetation patterns.
For [26] species distribution was affected by climate
and land-use. Then, species will have the same
climate niche in the future or will modify their niche
in order to accommodate the climate variables.
For Alysicarpus ovalifolius, currently area with
moderate and low distribution were the most
represented but map showed in 2050 that area with
high distribution increased. This permit to remark
that climatic and environmental variables don’t
affected negatively the distribution of all three
species. We can also deduce that another factors
could determined the distribution of species. And this
is consistent with [27; 28], who find that distribution
of species, were not only affected by bioclimatic
factors. Biotic interactions, dispersion constraints,
anthropic pressure, human activities and another
historic factor determined future distribution of
species. Then distribution of species depends with
biotic and abiotic factors [29; 15].
IV.2. Advantages and drawbacks of model
Modeling techniques that require only presence
data are therefore extremely valuable [30]. Using this
model, a new geographical distribution is realized for
the species. Climatic variables such as temperature
and precipitations are appropriate at global, meso and
micro scales to study spatial distribution of species.
The choice of the variables used for modeling also
affects the degree to which the model generalizes to
regions outside the study area or to different
environmental conditions [9]. So it’s important to
eliminate variables with high auto-correlation values
because a high auto-correlation between two
variables induces errors in prediction [10].
In spite of the importance of this model,
prediction model based on presence data has some
drawbacks. Generally, it is not mature as statistical
methods (linear models, additives models) and there
are fewer guidelines for its use in general [9]. The
amount of regularization requires further studies [31]
and it was an exponential model for probabilities
which is not inherently bounded above and can give
6. Myrèse C. Ahoudji et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.26-32
www.ijera.com 31|P a g e
very large predicted values for environmental
conditions outside the range present in the study area
[9]. Despite of these drawbacks, model based on
presence and bioclimatic data played a vital rule in
evaluation of spatial distribution of species [22; 15].
V. CONCLUSION
In our study, model for spatial distribution of
Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera ledermannii and
Alysicarpus ovalifolius in the W National park of
Benin in the future (2050) was proposed. The
predictive methods were most used in ecology,
biogeography and species conservation studies.
These models can also contribute to the conservation
of species and to the definition of management
strategies planning. It can also used for evaluation of
environmental condition of a site and species
adequacy.
VI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We acknowledged the Laboratory of Applied
Ecology (LAE), the International Foundation of
Science (IFS) and the Undesert/UE project which
financed this study and all experts and reviewers
which contribute to the scientific evaluation of this
paper.
Bibliography
[1] A. Mondal, M. Arniban, G. Subhanil, K.
Sananda, M. Sandip and D. Rajarshi,
Decadal-scale vegetation dynamics of
Kolkata and its surrounding areas, India
using fuzzy classification technique,
Environment and natural resources research
2(4), 2012, 18-29.
[2] K.N. Suding, S. Lavorel, F.S. Chapin, J.H.C.
Cornelissen, S. Diaz, E. Garnier, D.
Goldberg, D.U. Hooper, S.T. Jackson and
M.L. Navas, Scaling environmental change
through the community-level: a trait-based
response-and-effect framework for plants,
Global Change Biol. 14, 2008, 1125–1140.
[3] K. Klumpp, and J.F. Soussana, Using
functional traits to predict grassland
ecosystem change: a mathematical test of
the response-and-effect trait approach,
Global Change Biol. 15, 2009, 2921–2934.
[4] J.K. Kassi N’Dja, and G. Decocq,
Successional patterns of plant species and
community diversity in a semi-deciduous
tropical forest under shifting cultivation,
Journal of Vegetation Science 19, 2008,
809-820.
[5] S. Lavergne, N. Mouquet, W. Thuiller and
O. Ronce, Biodiversity and climate change:
integrating evolutionary and ecological
responses of species and communities.
Annu. Rev. Ecol. Evol. Syst. 41, 2010, 321–
350.
[6] K. Reed, J. Archer and A.T. Peterson,
Ecologic Niche Modeling of Blastomyces
dermatitidis in Wisconsin. PLOS ONE 3(4),
2008, 1371-2034.
[7] J.F. Soussana, V. Maire, N. Gross, B.
Bachelet B., L. Pagès, R. Martina, D. Hill
and C. Wirth, Gemini: A grassland model
simulating the role of plant traits for
community dynamics and ecosystem
functioning, Parameterization and
evaluation. Ecological Modeling. 231, 2012,
134-145.
[8] M.L. Parry, O.F. Canziani, J.P. Palutikof,
P.J. Van der Linden and C.E. Hanson,
Climate Change: Impacts, Adaptation and
Vulnerability, Contribution of working
group II to the 4th assessment report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, Cambridge University Press, 2007,
433467.
[9] S.J. Phillips, R.P. Anderson and R.E.
Schapire, Maximum entropy modeling of
species geographic distributions. Ecological
Modelling, 190, 2006, 231–259.
[10] J.J. Lahoz-Monfort, G. Guillera-Arroita, E.J.
MilnerVGulland, R.P. Young and E.
Nicholson , Satellite imagery as a single
source of predictor variables for habitat
suitability modelling: how Landsat can
inform the conservation of a critically
endangered lemur. Journal of Applied
Ecology, 47(5): 2010, 1094-1102.
[11] J.M. Scott, P.J. Heglund, M.L. Morrison,
J.B. Haufler, M.G. Raphael, W.A. Wall and
F.B. Samson, Predicting Species
Occurences: Issues of Scale and Accuracy,
(Island Press, Washington, 2002).
[12] A. Guisan and W. Thuiller, Predicting
species distribution: offering more than
simple habitat models, Ecol. Lett. 8, 2005,
993–1009.
[13] J.A. Djenontin, Dynamique des stratégies et
des pratiques d'utilisation des parcours
naturels pour l'alimentation des troupeaux
bovins au Nord-Est du Bénin, Doctorate,
University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou,
Benin, 2009.
[14] A. Akoègninou, W.J. van der Burg and
L.J.G. van der Maesen. Flore analytique du
Bénin, (Backhuys Publisher, Wageningen,
2006).
[15] A.R.A. Saliou, M. Oumorou and A.B.
Sinsin, Variabilités bioclimatiques et
distribution spatial des herbacées
fourragères dans le Moyen-Benin (Afrique
de l’ouest), International Journal of
7. Myrèse C. Ahoudji et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.26-32
www.ijera.com 32|P a g e
Biological and Chemical Sciences. 8(6),
2014, 2696-2708.
[16] F. White, Vegetation of Africa: a descriptive
memoir to accompany the UNESCO
AETFAT UNSO vegetation map of Africa,
(UNESCO, Paris, 1983).
[17] Avakoudjo, J., R. Glèlè-Kakai, V.
Kindomihou, A. Assogbadjo & B. Sinsin.
Farmers’ perception on the donga
phenomenon and implication for adaptation
strategies by locals in the sudanian Benin.
Laboratory of Applied, Ecology report,
University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou,
Benin, 2014.
[18] CENAGREF, Rapport de dénombrement
pédestre dans le Complexe Parc W Bénin,
MAEP/ECOPAS, Kandi Benin, 2008.
[19] M.C. Ahoudji, O.Teka, J. Axelsen and M.
Houinato, Current floristic composition, life
form and productivity of the grasslands in
the hunting zone of Djona (Benin). Journal
of Applied Biosciences 78, 2014, 6753-6762.
[20] J. Elith, C.H. Graham and R.P. Anderson,
Novel methods improve prediction of
species’ distributions from occurrence data,
Ecography, 29, 2006, 129–151.
[21] S.J. Phillips and M. Dudik, Modeling of
species distributions with Maxent: new
extensions and a comprehensive evaluation.
Ecography, 31, 2008, 161–175.
[22] R.G. Pearson, T.P. Dawson and C. Lin,
Modelling species distributions in Britain: a
hierarchical integration of climate and land-
cover data. Ecography 27, 2004, 285–298.
[23] T. Dirnbock, S. Dullinger and G. Grabherr,
A regional impact assessment of climate and
land-use change on alpine vegetation, J.
Biogeogr. 30, 2003, 401–417.
[24] C. Korner, Alpine Plant Life, (Springer,
Berlin, 2003).
[25] A. Fournier, C. Floret and G.M. Gnahoua,
Végétation des jachères et succession post-
culturale en Afrique tropicale. In : Floret C,
Pontanier R (eds) La jachère en Afrique
tropicale. (John Libbey Eurotext, Paris,
2001).
[26] C.F. Dormann, Promising the future: Global
change projections of species distributions.
Basic and Applied Ecology. 8, 2007, 387-
397.
[27] Pulliam, H.R. (2000). On the relationship
between niche and distribution. Ecol. Lett. 3,
349–361.
[28] J. Soberon and A.T. Peterson, Biodiversity
informatics: managing and applying primary
biodiversity data, Philos. Trans. Royal Soc.
Lond. B 359, 2004, 689–698.
[29] F. Bangirinama, M.J. Bigendako, J. Lejoly,
N. Noret , C. De Nannière and J. Bogaert,
Les indicateurs de la dynamique post-
culturale de la végétation des jachères dans
la partie savane de la réserve naturelle
forestière de Kigwena (Burundi). Plant
Ecology and Evolution 143, 2010, 138-147.
[30] C.H. Graham, S. Ferrier, F. Huettman, C.
Moritz and A.T. Peterson. New
developments in museum-based informatics
and applications in biodiversity analysis.
Trends Ecol. Evol. 19 (9), 2004, 497–503.