記述言語：英語   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）   出版者・発行元：Journal of Environmental Management  

Numerous studies have explored the effectiveness of community forests (CFs) in addressing deforestation and forest degradation and promoting regrowth. However, systematic evaluations of CFs' effectiveness in preventing deforestation and degradation of undisturbed tropical moist forests (TMF) and fostering regrowth remain limited. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of long-term (40-year contract) community forest enterprises (CFEs) in Honduras's TMF. We compared CFEs with both protected and unprotected areas, distinguishing between degraded and undisturbed forests. Using Google Earth Engine and R, we processed Vancutsem's TMF dataset and employed the Mahalanobis distance matching method to account for confounding factors. Our findings indicate the odds of forest degradation and deforestation of undisturbed TMF are 17.8 % and 10.9 % higher, respectively, in CFEs compared with unprotected areas. The odds of degraded forest being deforested are 11.6 % lower, and the odds of regrowth are 177.3 % higher in CFEs compared with unprotected areas. For CFEs and protected areas, there is no significant difference in the three outcomes except for degraded forest being deforested, where the odds are 14.7 % lower in CFEs. However, because CFEs allow selective logging which can cause temporary degradation and the dataset cannot detect recovery within degraded pixels, degradation values within CFEs should not be interpreted as entirely negative outcomes. Instead, they should be seen as conservative indicators of deforestation risk, especially considering that 31.4 % of degraded pixels in CFEs later transitioned to deforested land. The results indicate that the effectiveness of CFEs in forest conservation is not solely dependent on granting long-term management contracts. It is also crucial to consider the status of the forest (undisturbed or degraded) when planning conservation efforts, as this influences the outcomes of CFEs in achieving forest conservation objectives. These findings provide a more accurate and meaningful assessment of CFEs' effectiveness that can inform better policy decisions and management practices, leading to more effective conservation strategies.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126580

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出版者・発行元：Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment  

An increasing number of slope failure incidents and engineering case studies underscore the limitations of relying solely on a safety factor (SF) to identify unstable rock masses and accurately categorize such formations. To address these limitations, this research introduces three indicators: the traditional safety factor (SF), cohesive safety factor (CSF), and cohesion-to-shear ratio (CSR). A methodology based on these three indicators is proposed for mechanically delineating sliding-type rock masses, allowing a more precise classification of hazardous formations. Simulated freeze–thaw experiments yield results demonstrate that rock masses transition into unstable states when their CSF falls below 1. Similarly, latent damage and deterioration trends within rock masses become evident when the CSR falls below the ratio of the rock mass's long-term strength to ultimate strength. Practical engineering cases, such as the Yaoziyan unstable rock mass in Chongqing, China, further validate the feasibility of the proposed identification method. This study presents a novel mechanical delineation methodology tailored to unstable sliding rock, overcoming the limitations of relying solely on a single SF in practical engineering contexts. This quantitative mechanical identification method improves the accuracy and scientific rigor of slope unstable rock mass identification, providing a more nuanced classification for hazardous formations.

DOI： 10.1007/s10064-025-04378-w

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記述言語：英語   出版者・発行元：Ambio  

Unsustainable land use practices have led to increased forest loss rates. Implementing cacao agroforestry can reduce forest loss by preventing the clear-cutting of forests for monoculture plantations. However, research is needed on its effectiveness in preventing forest loss and the factors influencing its adoption between full-time and part-time farmers. Here, we address these gaps in the Maya Golden Landscape, Belize, by using Mahalanobis distance matching to compare forest loss in cacao agroforestry concession, forest reserve, and de-reserve areas and analyzing social data of 187 households. The results suggest that the odds of forest loss in the cacao agroforestry concession area are approximately 16% higher than in the Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve. In comparison, they are 85% lower than in the de-reserved areas. We also report differences in the factors influencing agroforestry adoption between part-time and full-time farmers. Successful cacao agroforestry adoption requires considering the differences that exist between farmers' categories.

DOI： 10.1007/s13280-024-02106-4

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出版者・発行元：Aims Environmental Science  

Geological hazards caused by unstable rocks, including rock collapse and fall, pose significant threats to both engineering productivity and the safety of residents, resulting in substantial economic losses. This study proposed a comprehensive CNN (Convolutional Neural Networks) classification recognition algorithm based on continuous wavelet analysis of microseismic monitoring data, which establishes a CNN recognition-based method for identifying risk levels of unstable rocks to predict their real-time collapse. To collect training data, fixed-base tests were conducted, and validation was performed using vibration data from freeze-thaw tests. Results of the study showed that the accuracy of the CNN classification recognition model trained with fixed-base test data reached 97.6%, and the per-second classification accuracy of vibration segments from freeze-thaw tests was above 86%. Furthermore, the study discussed the correlation between the calculated risk-level eigenvalues and safety coefficients. The CNN risk-level eigenvalues were found to be highly negatively correlated with the safety coefficients, with correlation coefficients as high as 0.8703. Finally, the study verified the superiority of the precursor identification of the risk-level evaluation method by comparing it with the safety coefficients.

DOI： 10.3934/environsci.2025043

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出版者・発行元：Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment  

The displacement prediction of step-like landslides is the simplest and most reasonable method for assessing their potential destructiveness. Over the years, machine learning methods have been progressively developed and optimized, and are now extensively used by researchers for predicting the displacement of step-like landslides. However, these methods, often referred to as “black box” models, fall short of explaining the physical processes that lead to landslide displacement, resulting in a lack of interpretability in the prediction of results. Here, we propose the use of the Trend Speed Ratio (TSR) as a novel method to identify step points in step-like landslides. A step in the landslide is observed when TSR > 1.0 and ΔTSR > 0. When TSR > 2.0, the landslide is deemed to have experienced failure. Additionally, TSR is employed to predict the displacement of secondary steps following landslide deformation. In the application cases of the Baishuihe and Baijiabao landslides in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, the accuracy of the step point identification method based on TSR reached 100%, and the mean absolute errors (MAEs) of the step post-displacement prediction method based on TSR were 31.60333 mm and 25.68056 mm, respectively, and the coefficient of determination values were 0.91043 and 0.99378, respectively. Compared to traditional methods, this approach provides practical physical insights and is more straightforward, sensitive, and stable, thus providing new technical support for onsite engineers to assess the potential risks of step-like landslides.

DOI： 10.1007/s10064-024-04019-8

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出版者・発行元：Biological Conservation  

Community forestry is a regime of forest management that engages local communities to conserve forests and improve their livelihoods. As the number of community-conserved forests grows, a growing body of evidence indicates the positive effects of community forests in reducing deforestation. However, there is little analysis encompassing the comprehensive effectiveness of community forests (CFs) in terms of deforestation, forest degradation, forest cover change and forest increase. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to investigate the influence of CFs on these aspects between 2015 and 2019 in two watershed conservation forests in Myanmar. We used visual interpretation of very high-resolution satellite imagery and applied propensity score matching to ensure a balanced distribution of covariates. When compared directly, deforestation inside CFs (5.08 %) were higher than those outside CFs (3.89 %), while forest degradation (23.73 %) and forest increase (11.86 %) inside CFs were lower than those outside CFs (24.9 % and 16.34 %, respectively). However, these differences were not significant, and the matching results showed that CFs did not exhibit significant control over deforestation, forest degradation, forest cover change, and improvements in forest cover compared to areas outside CFs. We conclude that establishing community forests alone does not guarantee forest conservation in the short term. Therefore, community-based forest management practices are needed to address deforestation and forest degradation and achieve effective forest conservation aligned with local needs.

DOI： 10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110846

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出版者・発行元：Natural Hazards  

Landslides cause significant economic, social, and environmental impacts worldwide. However, selecting the most suitable model and factors for landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) remains challenging due to the diverse factors influencing landslides and the unique environmental settings in which they occur. Here, we conducted a systematic literature review from 2001 to 2021 to identify the main core-base factors and models used in LSM and highlight areas for future research. We found that there is a need for increased research collaboration with leading knowledge-producing countries and research efforts in underrepresented regions such as Africa, Central America, and South America. Of the 31 most used landslide susceptibility factors, we identified the core-base factors slope, elevation, lithology, land use/land cover, and distance from road, which were the most used, top-ranked predictors and commonly used together when mapping landslide susceptibility. Although aspect was the third most used factor, it ranked among the eight least effective predictors of LSM. Among the core-base factors of LSM, road density, elevation, and slope exhibited the least ranking variability as LSM predictors. The most used methods in LSM were random forest, logistic regression, support vector machine, and artificial neural network, with hybrid, ensemble, and deep learning methods currently trending. Random forest was the most accurate of the four most commonly used models, followed by artificial neural networks. However, artificial neural networks exhibited the least performance variability, followed by support vector machines. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights for researchers in selecting appropriate factors and models for LSM and identifies potential areas for future collaboration and research.

DOI： 10.1007/s11069-024-06697-9

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記述言語：英語   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

DOI： 10.1007/978-3-031-54565-8_10

記述言語：英語   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

DOI： 10.1007/s00603-024-03812-x

出版者・発行元：Natural Hazards  

Debris flow is a type of natural disaster characterized by sudden outbreaks, rapid movement, short duration, and extreme destructive power, posing a serious threat to human lives and property. Among debris flow events, gully-type debris flows constitute a significant proportion. Therefore, comprehending the mechanisms that trigger gully-type debris flows is of great practical importance. Based on the unique characteristics of these debris flows in various regions, choosing suitable monitoring equipment and setting up a dependable early warning system for gully-type debris flows is essential. This study overviews the initiating mechanisms, monitoring equipment, and warning indicators of gully-type debris flows. The primary source of gully-type debris flow formation is loose material sources formed by landslides and rockfalls in the middle reaches of the valley. These rich loose material sources serve as the basis for initiating debris flows, where water acts as the triggering factor. The determination of key indicators and identification criteria forms the basis for debris flow early warning. Early warning during the initiation stage of gully-type debris flows is the most time-sensitive, and the prompt recognition of debris flow initiation is the ultimate goal of early warning. Monitoring vibration characteristics offers advantages in predicting gully-type debris flows, enabling the selection of natural frequency and related parameters as key warning indicators. In the future, establishing a multi-source data monitoring and early warning system for the source area of gully-type debris flows is one of the effective ways to reduce the chain disaster of debris flow and ensure the safety of people in mountainous areas.

DOI： 10.1007/s11069-024-06742-7

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記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

The study of PM2.5 and NO2 has been emphasized in recent years due to their adverse effects on public health. To better understand these pollutants, many studies have researched the spatiotemporal distribution, trend, forecast, or influencing factors of these pollutants. However, rarely studies have combined these to generate a more holistic understanding that can be used to assess air pollution and implement more effective strategies. In this study, we analyze the spatiotemporal distribution, trend, forecast, and factors influencing PM2.5 and NO2 in Nagasaki Prefecture by using ordinary kriging, pearson's correlation, random forest, mann–kendall, auto-regressive integrated moving average and error trend and seasonal models. The results indicated that PM2.5, due to its long-range transport properties, has a more substantial spatiotemporal variation and affects larger areas in comparison to NO2, which is a local pollutant. Despite tri-national efforts, local regulations and legislation have been effective in reducing NO2 concentration but less effective in reducing PM2.5. This multi-method approach provides a holistic understanding of PM2.5 and NO2 pollution in Nagasaki prefecture, which can aid in implementing more effective pollution management strategies. It can also be implemented in other regions where studies have only focused on one of the aspects of air pollution and where a holistic understanding of air pollution is lacking.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-023-27936-2

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

Ecosystems around the globe are enduring wildfires with greater frequency, intensity, and severity and this trend is projected to continue as a result of climate change. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has been proposed as a strategy to prevent wildfires and mitigate climate change impacts; however, it remains poorly understood as a strategy to prevent wildfires. Therefore, the authors propose a multimethod approach that combines mapping of wildfire susceptibility and social surveys to identify priority areas, main factors influencing the adoption of CSA practices, barriers to their implementation, and the best CSA practices that can be implemented to mitigate wildfires in Belize's Maya Golden Landscape (MGL). Farmers ranked slash and mulch, crop diversification, and agroforestry as the main CSA practices that can be implemented to address wildfires caused by agriculture in the MGL. In order to reduce wildfire risk, these practices should, be implemented in agricultural areas near wildlands with high wildfire susceptibility and during the fire season (February–May), in the case of slash and mulch. However, socio-demographic and economic characteristics, together with a lack of training and extension services support, inadequate consultation by agencies, and limited financial resources, hinder the broader adoption of CSA practices in the MGL. Our research produced actionable and valuable information that can be used to design policies and programs to mitigate the impacts of climate change and wildfire risk in the MGL. This approach can also be used in other regions where wildfires are caused by agricultural practices to identify priority areas, barriers and suitable CSA practices that can be implemented to mitigate wildfires.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118562

記述言語：英語   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

DOI： 10.1071/WF23080

掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）   出版者・発行元：Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering  

The proposed method solves the difficulty of unstable sliding rock (USR) adjustment.The study provides a judgment criterion for the quantitative identification of USR.The improved method can provide a practical reference for engineers engaged in rapidly identifying USR.

DOI： 10.1007/s00603-023-03419-8

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記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

Although deemed unsuitable for construction, Peat soils have remarkable applications in MFCs by generating electric power because of the microbial decomposition of rich organic matter. The demerits such as weak skeleton, high water content, acidic nature, and humus contamination of peat soil for civil engineering applications are considered merits in microbial fuel cell applications. Peat soil-based Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), the first of its kind among MFCs, are explored to generate electric power as high as 6 V when six MFCs connected in a series and lighted up an LED for 288 h. The performance of peat MFCs as a function of bamboo waste, fulvic acid, iron winding and surface area of the BC anode has been discussed in this work. The synergistic effect of organic decomposition by microbes and Fe complexation with humic substances (HS) has been detailed to be responsible for the cause of electric power in Peat MFCs. ATP measurement in peat soils after defined time periods confirmed the growth of microbial population, which successfully degraded the organic matter in MFCs. The characterization of BC anode and GAC cathode using FTIR, Raman, SEM with EDS, BET isotherm studies substantiated the structural modification and porous nature of the fresh and the used electrodes. The EIS study was performed to determine the dynamics of internal resistances due to the degradation kinetics in Peat MFCs. The cost effectiveness and the sustainability of Peat MFCs towards green technology are detailed in this paper.

DOI： 10.1016/j.enconman.2023.116771

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

Landslide damage time prediction is the most economical and reasonable means to carry out landslide control. The inverse velocity method (INVM), as the simplest and most practical method, has become the most common technique for landslide prediction nowadays. However, the application of the INVM results in false alarm when applied to step-like landslides. In this paper, we propose the conditions of using the INVM based on the trend speed ratio (TSR) to discriminate stepped landslides, analyse the real-time changes of TSR and discuss the changes of ΔTSR after the uniform deformation phase of the landslide. The results indicate that TSR reaches the extreme value one day earlier than the landslide deformation velocity; thus, TSR can help the INVM to be better applied to engineering sites and reduce the false alarm rate of risk assessment. The application of ΔTSR to eight engineering examples indicate that the new method is more sensitive and can help the traditional method to determine the starting point of landslide acceleration and the future trend of landslides. This method has better applicability and can provide new technical support for better response to landslide warning in engineering.

DOI： 10.1007/s12665-023-10820-7

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

A large number of engineering case studies have shown that the traditional early warning criteria, which evolved on the basis of displacement as a single piece of information, have many limitations in practical engineering. The displacement speed ratio (DSR) cannot determine the development trend of landslides due to the influence of periodic external environmental factors. Moreover, when landslides occur, the early warning system will have a false alarm due to the stepwise giant rise of landslides. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a new landslide warning criterion, the trend speed ratio (TSR), and also fuses TSR and DSR into a dual speed ratio method (DSRM) for judging landslide risk changes. We assess these methods by applying DSRM and DSR to 10 landslide cases, respectively. The results show that when TSR is greater than 2.0, the probability of landslide damage is high and when TSR tends to decrease, the landslide tends to be stable. For landslides that rise sharply in steps but are not damaged, DSR has a high false alarm rate, while DSRM can effectively reduce the false alarm rate. In terms of warning applicability, DSR can be applied in only half of the ten landslide cases studied, while DSRM is significantly more applicable. In addition, compared with the traditional method, the new method can determine the direction of landslide development and assess the risk of step-up landslides, providing new technical support for engineers engaged in landslide warning and control.

DOI： 10.1007/s11069-022-05687-z

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

Plaster board waste generated from industries, usually contains major proportion of calcium as calcium sulfate. In addition, fluoride is remarkably one among the constituents of this waste material which leaches off into the soil and aquatic environments and causes fluoride pollution. In order to simulate how the dumping of PBW causes fluoride contamination in soil and water sources, shaking and stirring based batch-mode leaching studies were conducted. These studies explored the leaching of fluoride as a function of particle size, agitation time, pH of the leaching solvent (distilled water), L/S (water: PBW) ratio, temperature and electrolytes. It was explored that 1 g of plaster board waste contains18.54 mg F per gram of PBP. High leaching of 3.72 mg F per liter was studied at pH 6.02 with Ca2+ and TDS contents of 1050 mg L−1 and1640 mg L−1 respectively. The influence of sodium electrolytes such as chloride, nitrate, hydrogen carbonate, carbonate, sulfate, borate, phosphate and acetate on the leaching of fluoride from PBW was studied. The influence of fluoride leaching by sodium phosphate recorded a high value of 12.75 mg L−1 with no detectable amount of calcium ions. The influence of eight electrolytic mixtures each containing five sodium electrolytes on fluoride leaching corroborated the highest leaching in mixtures containing phosphate followed by hydrogen carbonate/carbonate. Solutions of calcium and aluminium chloride and their mixture were used to measure the rate of leachable fluoride in solution. Furthermore, the fluoride leaching at different temperatures and acids was studied. Naturally occurring soils when blended with PBW were observed to immobilize fluoride and lessened the amount of leaching fluoride in water. Various characterization studies such as FTIR, Raman, FESEM (with EDS), XRD and XPS were carried out for PBW and its treated samples using different electrolytes. Fluoride leaching proportionate to the precipitation of carbonate and phosphate was recorded in the case of appropriate electrolyte and mixtures.

DOI： 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115005

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

In the last decades, natural fire regimes have experienced significant alterations in terms of intensity, frequency and severity in fire prone regions of the world. Modelling forest fire susceptibility has been essential in identifying areas of high risk to minimize threats to natural resources, biodiversity and life. There have been significant improvements in forest fire susceptibility modelling over the past two decades 2001–2021. In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review of literature covering forest fire susceptibility modelling published during this period. The review provides insights on the main themes of forest fire susceptibility modelling research, the main base input factors used in models to map forest fire susceptibility, the main researchers, the areas where this type of research were implemented, technology and models used. It also highlights collaboration opportunities, and regions, such as Central America and Africa, where mapping of forest fire susceptibility is needed. We argue that such knowledge is crucial in order to identify critical factors and opportunities which can aid in improving factor selection and forest fire management.

DOI： 10.1007/s11069-022-05495-5

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

DOI： 10.3389/feart.2022.1118991

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

Geotechnical anchoring technology is an important tool for disaster prevention and mitigation in slope engineering. Anchor bolts which are commonly used in slope engineering can be divided into prestressed anchors and non-prestressed anchors. Due to the superiority of anchor support technology, research on various aspects of anchor bolts, such as mechanical mechanism, anchorage effect, and the development of new-type anchor bolts, has been a significant research topic for scholars. This mini-review sums up the diverse past and current literature on anchor support technology of slope engineering in China. It focuses on the characteristics, applications, research methods, and practical cases of anchor bolts and briefly describes the history of slope anchor bolt development in China in the past 3 decades. Nowadays, the demand for engineering construction processes is increasing, and engineering geological conditions are becoming more complex, which promotes the development of anchor support technology. At the international level, achieving carbon neutrality is both an international trend and a general objective. Against the background of global commitment to carbon neutrality, the potential future perspectives for the developments of anchor support technology have been prospected in light of actual engineering needs.

DOI： 10.3389/fenvs.2022.928064

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

The present investigation in the Tiruvannamalai region is about high fluoride contamination of groundwater samples from bore wells and open wells. About 75% of groundwater samples were found predominantly containing the fluoride content greater than the acceptable limit of 1.5 mg/L in the ranges 1.51 – 2.00 mg/L (23%), 2.01 – 3.00 mg/L (36%) and greater than or equal to 3.01 mg/L (16%) as per WHO. The other water quality parameters were found within the permissible limit of WHO. Taking the groundwater sources into consideration, the non – carcinogenic risk due to high fluoride concentration in groundwater sources revealed that teen – aged (98%), Children (92%) and Infant (98%) categories were at greater risk than those under Men (50%) and Women (69%) categories. The mapping was done on the spatial distribution of fluoride concentration in groundwater and the associated health risk by Ordinary Kriging. The correlation coefficients among the parameters witnessed that the hydro-chemical facies are interdependent. Box – Whisker plots illustrated the dispersion of various water quality parameters. The WQI data represented the quality of groundwater in view of potable nature due to dissolved ions. The Gibbs, bivariate mixing and the scatter plots ascribed the dissolution of carbonate and silicate minerals which dominate the groundwater chemistry. The factor analysis detailed the extracted loadings of different parameters of groundwater sources and differentiated the percentage variance values between bore well and open well sources.

DOI： 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113335

掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）   出版者・発行元：Geocarto International  

Wildfires are serious threats to Belize’s protected areas and ecosystems. In Belize the spatial variability of wildfire susceptibility and influencing factors at a national scale are poorly understood which hinders wildfire management interventions. Hence, in this research we conducted a joint application and performance comparison of AHP (Analytical Hierarchical Process), RF (Random Forest) and FAHP (Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process). The analysis revealed that RF (AUC = 83.1%) is the model with better predictive accuracy followed by FAHP (AUC = 71.2) and AHP (AUC = 66.8). The RF, AHP and FAHP models classified 22%, 32% and 37% of the country as having high and very high wildfire susceptibility, respectively. These susceptible areas are located mainly in lowland savanna and lowland broad-leaved moist forest; especially, in areas that are unprotected, the outer boundaries of protected areas and small and isolated protected areas. The main factors that are influencing wildfire susceptibility in Belize are distance to agriculture, landcover and temperature. The comparison of these methods provides a better understanding of the implementation and performance of knowledge-based methods (AHP and FAHP) in comparison with a well-established machine learning method (RF) in a country where local data availability, accessibility and reliability are an issue. Our study also provides new wildfire susceptibility information to Belize’s wildfire managers and demonstrates the need to improve wildfire management.

DOI： 10.1080/10106049.2022.2102231

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DOI： 10.1007/978-3-030-72441-2_4

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記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

The present research deals with the development of Solid Phase Microbial Fuel Cell (SMFC) using the organic wastes and their admixture in the presence of 0.01% fulvic acid. The organic wastes such as fallen leaves (FL), bamboo waste (BW), leaf mould (LM), rice bran (RB) and fulvic acid (FA) were used during the operation of SMFC. The anode and cathode materials were bamboo carbon (with iron winding) and granular activated carbon respectively. The study explored the possibilities of generating power due to the microbial degradation of chosen organic wastes and their admixtures. The polarization curves were plotted with the current – voltage and current – power characteristics for the influence of organic wastes and the admixtures in the presence of fulvic acid. The maximum electrical power of 1071 mWm−2 was generated using the organic admixture containing BW, LM and RB in the presence of FA. The SMFC with different admixtures corroborated the microbial degradation of organic compounds and the subsequent power generation with respect to days. The admixture used in the SMFC was proved very effective as compost in growing Komatsuna seeds with a scope for recycling and zero disposal. The Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy study corroborated the influence of admixture compositions in the variation of resistance values. The characterization studies such as SEM (with EDS), FTIR, Raman and BET studies corroborated the changes caused to the surface of the bamboo carbon anode. The cost analysis confirmed that the fabrication of SMFC unit is inexpensive thanks to the consumables from sustainable sources.

DOI： 10.1016/j.biombioe.2021.106266

記述言語：その他  

DOI： 10.1007/978-3-319-92904-0_7

記述言語：その他  

DOI： 10.1007/978-3-319-92904-0_3

記述言語：その他  

DOI： 10.1007/978-3-319-92904-0_6

記述言語：その他  

DOI： 10.1007/978-3-319-92904-0_4

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

The experiment conducted in this study was called the frozen–thawing test (FTT). In this test, two toughened glass blocks are used, such as the lower glass represents the bedrock and the upper glass the sliding body. A shallow tank was carved on the upper surface of the lower block. Water was injected to fill this tank, and then the upper block was positioned on top of the lower block. Both blocks were placed in a freezer at -20 °C for 48 hours. After several attempts, it was found that for a constant amount of water, the upper block started to slide at almost the same point of the thawing process.

DOI： 10.1007/s00603-016-1138-2

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

Understanding the trans-boundary deforestation history and patterns in protected areas along the Belize-Guatemala border is of regional and global importance. To assess deforestation history and patterns in our study area along a section of the Belize-Guatemala border, we incorporated multi-temporal deforestation rate analysis and spatial metrics with survey results. This multi-faceted approach provides spatial analysis with relevant insights from local stakeholders to better understand historic deforestation dynamics, spatial characteristics and human perspectives regarding the underlying causes thereof. During the study period 1991–2014, forest cover declined in Belize's protected areas: Vaca Forest Reserve 97.88%–87.62%, Chiquibul National Park 99.36%–92.12%, Caracol Archeological Reserve 99.47%–78.10% and Colombia River Forest Reserve 89.22%–78.38% respectively. A comparison of deforestation rates and spatial metrics indices indicated that between time periods 1991–1995 and 2012–2014 deforestation and fragmentation increased in protected areas. The major underlying causes, drivers, impacts, and barriers to bi-national collaboration and solutions of deforestation along the Belize-Guatemala border were identified by community leaders and stakeholders. The Mann-Whitney U test identified significant differences between leaders and stakeholders regarding the ranking of challenges faced by management organizations in the Maya Mountain Massif, except for the lack of assessment and quantification of deforestation (LD, SH: 18.67, 23.25, U = 148, p > 0.05). The survey results indicated that failure to integrate buffer communities, coordinate among managing organizations and establish strong bi-national collaboration has resulted in continued ecological and environmental degradation. The information provided by this research should aid managing organizations in their continued aim to implement effective deforestation mitigation strategies.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.11.063

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

In Belize, the lack of forest degradation and socioeconomic data results in the inability of forest management organizations to make timely assessments and decisions for sustainable forest resource management. This study uses CLASlite algorithms and social surveys to identify drivers, measure, analyze and map deforestation, and forest degradation that occurred in Toledo's ecosystems and Protected Areas as a result of the increased anthropogenic activity reported in 2010–2012. The social surveys indicated that land and institutional policy, distance to markets and lack of alternative livelihoods are the main drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. Of importance are the strong significant differences that exist between communities that were less than 2 km from a protected area (CL2K) and communities that were more than 2 km from a protected area (CM2K) regarding property rights (Cramer's V = 0.562, p < 0.001), selective logging (Cramer's V = 0.499, p < 0.001) and soil quality (Cramer's V = 0.434, p < 0.001). The results of the deforestation and forest degradation analysis indicate that in 2009–2011 and 2011–2012 the annual rates of deforestation were 0.75&#37; (2480 ha) and 1.17&#37; (3834 ha) respectively and the annual rates of forest degradation in 2009–2011 and 2011–2012 were 0.09&#37; (307 ha) and 0.33&#37; (1110 ha) respectively. In 2009–2011 only 9.34&#37; of forest loss occurred inside protected areas in comparison to 2011–2012 where 23.97&#37; of forest loss occurred inside protected areas. In 2011–2012 out of the 1110 ha of degradation 30.38&#37; occurred in Lowland broad-leaved wet forest and 19.39&#37; occurred in Sub-montane broad-leaved wet forest. The maps and statistics generated in this study pinpoint in which ecosystem types and protected areas major forest change and forest disturbance occurred. By utilizing the data generated by this study, Belize's forest management organizations will be able to efficiently allocate resources to forested areas that are being threatened; thus, more effectively mitigate deforestation and forest degradation of important forest ecosystems.

DOI： 10.1016/j.apgeog.2016.08.012

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

Erosion in the Rio Grande watershed of Belize, Central America results in widespread ecological impacts and significant economic costs. In this study, quantitative soil loss analysis and qualitative social surveys were integrated to identify erosion vulnerable areas or hotspots, and to analyze varying perspectives between communities near and far from erosion hotspots regarding the causes of erosion. The results of the quantitative analysis suggest that erosion hotspots are located in the upper-mid reaches of the watershed near the communities of Crique Jute, Naluum Ca, San Pedro Columbia and San Miguel. The Mann-Whitney U test identified significant difference in the ranking of erosion drivers (cattle ranching, logging, and clearing of slopes) between communities. Communities far from erosion hotspots (FEH) ranked cattle ranching and logging higher than communities near erosion hotspots as the main drivers of soil erosion (NEH and FEH, mean = 79.02, 105.92, (U) = 3055, p < 0.001 and mean = 84.9, 100.90, (U) = 3560.5 p < 0.05) respectively. On the other hand, communities near erosion hotspots (NEH) ranked clearing and planting on slopes higher than communities far from erosion hotspots as the main driver of soil erosion (NEH and FEH, mean = 107.03, 81.86, (U) = 3136.5, p < 0.001). The logistic regression model depicted that ethnicity, distance, gender, and employment were significant in explaining the data variability on the perceived implementation of erosion prevention techniques in the watershed (2LL = 208.585, X2 = 49, df = 8, p < .001). This research provides significant information on the drivers, underlying causes and erosion vulnerable areas that will aid stakeholders to garner community support, develop and implement sustainable soil management practices. Moreover, the study highlights the need to implement cost-effective soil erosion prevention programs and to assess the loss of soil nutrients and agriculture productivity in the study site.

DOI： 10.1016/j.apgeog.2015.11.010

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（学術雑誌）  

The Chiquibul Forest Reserve and National Park in Belize is a priority conservation area within the 'Maya Forest' in Central America. Although taxonomic data are essential for the development of conservation plans in the region, there is limited knowledge of the existing species in the area. Here we present a botanical species list of mostly woody taxa based on voucher specimens, with particular focus on the Raspaculo watershed in the eastern part of the National Park. Within the Raspaculo watershed, a comparison is made between 0.1 ha of valley floor and 0.1 ha of hilltop vegetation, sampling trees, shrubs, palms and lianas ≥2.5 cm diameter at breast height. Additionally, a 1 ha plot was established in the Upper Raspaculo watershed. Our study shows 38 new species records for the region, and important additions to the flora of Belize. New records were recorded from forests on both metamorphic and karstic substrate, including previously overlooked hilltop forest elements. Quantitative assessment of vegetation across elevation zones shows distinct elements dominating on valley floors and hilltops. Our results show that the Chiquibul contains at least 58&#37; of Belize's threatened plant species, and represent a source of information for the management and conservation of the area.

DOI： 10.1017/S0960428615000256

記述言語：その他   掲載種別：研究論文（その他学術会議資料等）  

Toledo, the southernmost district, is the hub of Belize's Mayan population, descendants of the ancient Mayan civilization. The Toledo District is primarily inhibited by Kekchi and Mopan Mayans whose subsistence needs are met by the Milpa slash-and-burn agricultural system and the extraction of forest resources. The poverty assessment in the country indicates that Toledo is the district with the highest percentage of household an individual indigence of 37.5 % and 49.7 % respectively. Forest cover change in the area can be attributed to rapid population growth among the Maya, together with increase in immigration from neighboring countries, logging, oil exploration and improvement and construction of roads. The forest cover change analysis show that from 2001 to 2011 there was a decrease of Lowland broad-leaved wet forest of 7.53 km sq, Shrubland of 4.66 km sq, and Wetland of 0.08 km sq. Forest cover change has resulted in soil erosion which is causing the deterioration of soils. The land cover types that are contributing the most to total erosion in the Rio Grande watershed are no-forest, lowland broad-leaved wet forest and submontane broad-leaved wet forest. In this study the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was employed in a GIS platform to quantify and assess forest cover change and soil erosion. Soil erosion vulnerability maps in Toledo's Rio Grande watershed were also created. This study provides scientifically sound information in order to understand and respond effectively to the impacts of soil erosion in the study site.

DOI： 10.5194/isprsarchives-XL-7-W3-353-2015