Nunatsiavut, ‘Our beautiful land’: Inuit landscape ethnoecology in Labrador, Canada

For Inuit in the subarctic transition zone of northeastern Canada, an intimate knowledge of the environment and local biodiversity is crucial for successful traditional activities. This study examines what kinds of landscape features and habitats Inuit of Nunatsiavut recognize and name. During interviews, community members (mostly Elders) were shown photographs from the region, and were asked to describe and name salient types of places in Labrador Inuttitut. The most frequently reported geographical units dealt with the region’s topography (e.g., ‘mountain’, ‘island’, ‘flat-place’), hydrology (e.g., ‘river’, ‘bay’), and superficial characteristics (e.g., ‘bedrock’, ‘permanent snow patch’). Ecological considerations were also prominent, such as plant associations and animal habitats (e.g., ‘shrubby-place’, wetland’, ‘caribou-return-to-place’). Areas were often characterized by a dominant species or substrate type, being named using the plural form of the species/substrate (e.g., napâttuk ‘tree’/ napâttuit ‘forest’, siugak ‘sand’/siugalak ‘sandy-area’). Some types of places reported by Inuit were significant mainly for traditional activities (e.g., ‘berry-patch’, ‘seal-place’, ‘dry-wood-place’, ‘danger-place’), aiding navigation and resource finding. Integrating Inuit conceptions of ecosystems and their component landscape units with those of contemporary science can improve our understanding of subarctic ecology, benefit climate change adaptation strategies and Inuit language/culture conservation initiatives.

Influence of jeringau (Acorus calamus Linn.) rhizome extract against dry-wood termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light.)

Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis Muell Arg.) is classified as a hardwood, yet it is vulnerable to dry-wood termites attack, namely Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light. Hence, a preservative is necessary for prevention. The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of jeringau rhizome extract on dry-wood termites C. cynocephalus attack. The experimental design was a completely randomized factorial design with two factors include 2 levels of solvent (water and ethanol) and 4 levels of extract ratio (1:4, 1:6, 1:8, and 1:10). Parameters observed were actual retention, termites mortality, sample weight loss, and attack degree. Rubberwood was sized in 5 cm x 3 cm x 3 cm. The method used was immersing the samples in a container that contains jeringau rhizome extract in various treatments for 72 hours. The immersed samples were then fed to healthy and active C. cynocephalus for 12 weeks. The results showed that the type of solvents and extract ratio had a significant effect on termites mortality and samples weight loss, while actual retention was influenced by the extract ratio. In conclusion, the most effective formula to prevent dry-wood termites attack was jeringau rhizome extract with a weight ratio of jeringau powder and ethanol 1:6.

Specific gravity, Extractive Content, and Natural Durability of Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) Wood at 3 and 4 years old

The aim was to investigate the specific gravity, extractive content, and natural durability of balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) wood. A total of six trees of balsa at 3 and 4 years old were harvested and cut into the sample of specific gravity, extractive content, and natural durability test. Natural durability was tested according to SNI 01-7207-2006 against dry wood termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light.). Specific gravity, extractive content, mass losses, and termite mortality were measured. Variance analysis was used to find the differences. The results showed that age influenced significantly on specific gravity and mass losses, while axial direction/position influenced significantly on extractive content and mass losses. Variance analysis also showed that radial direction influenced significantly on specific gravity and extractive content. The specific gravity of three years balsa wood is 0.14, which is lower than that of four years old three, which is 0,19. Extractive content in the bottom part (3.95%) is higher than that of in the middle (2.87%) and top (2.74%). Mortality in the bottom part (33.83%) is higher than that of in the middle (10.5%) and top part (5,8%) of the stem. In general, balsa wood is classified into durability class II-III.

The Resistance of Modified Manii Wood with Boric acid and Chitosan/Glycerol and Heating Against Fungi and Termites

Manii wood (Maesopsiss eminii Engl.) is a fast grown species that has low durability (class IV) and requires preservation. Boric acid is generally used in wood preservation. However, its application needs to be combined with other treatments to prevent from leaching. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of manii wood after double impregnation of boric acid and chitosan or glycerol and heat treatment. Heating temperatures were 70ºC and 140ºC. The durability test was carried out against white rot fungus (Schizophyllum commune), dry wood termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus), subterranean termites (Coptotermes curvignathus) according to SNI 7207-2014 standard, and field test based on ASTM D 1758-08 standard. The retention of boric acid in manii wood was 15,2 ± 1,0 kg ma−3. The interaction of boric acid and chitosan/glycerol impregnations and heat treatment significantly affected the wood resistance against decay fungi and termites. Impregnation of boric acid and glycerol by heating at 140ºC increased the resistance of wood against dry wood and subterranean termites. Double impregnation of boric acid and chitosan followed by heating at 140ºC was the best treatment in this research that improved significantly the resistance of manii wood against white rot fungi, dry wood termites and subterranean termites.

BIOACTIVITY ANALYSIS OF Annona glabra L. SEED EXTRACTS FOR WOOD PROTECTION AGAINST TERMITES (Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light. AND Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren.)

Pond apple (Annona glabra L.) belongs to the family of Annonaceae. The seed of A. glabra contains bioactive substance that is toxic to some organisms, however the effectiveness to control wood degrading termites has not yet been scientifically reported. This research analyzes the efficacy of A. glabra seed extract to wood degrading termites. Seed extraction was conducted using n-hexane and ethyl acetate. The paper disc test showed that the extract of A. glabra is toxic to Cryptotermes cynocephalus (dry-wood termites) and Coptotermes curvignathus (subterranean termites). The higher extract concentration (up to 63%) resulted in a higher termite mortality (up to 100%) and lower weight loss of paper sample (less than 1%). Ethyl acetate extract of A. glabra seeds has a better toxicity effect than n-hexane extract against dry wood termites and subterranean termites.

Physical-mechanical properties and durability enhancement of glued laminated lumber made from inner part of Gewang (Corypha utan Lam.) trunk: The effect of lamina densification and lumber smoking

The inner part of gewang (Corypha utan Lam.) trunk has significantly lower physical-mechanical properties as well as biodeterioration resistance, compared to outer parts. This study investigated a method for improving the physical-mechanical properties and biodeterioration resistance of glued laminated lumber made from the inner part of gewang trunk (GLIT). The effects of pretreating the lamina with densification and exposing the GLIT to smoking process were investigated. The seven layers of GLIT samples were bonded with isocyanate adhesive at a glue spread of 280 g/m2, then smoked for 15 days. Solid lumber pieces made from the inner part as well as the outer part of GLIT were also prepared for comparative purposes. Physical and mechanical properties of the lumber samples were tested according to Japanese agricultural standards. Meanwhile, dry-wood termite and wood decaying fungi resistances of the lumber samples were determined according to Indonesian standard. Results showed that overall physical-mechanical properties as well as dry-wood termite and decay resistances of densified-smoked GLIT were enhanced significantly. Pretreating of lamina and post-production smoking can be considered as a potential method to improve physical-mechanical properties and biodeterioration resistance of the GLIT.

PENGARUH CAMPURAN TANAH GAMBUT DAN PUPUK KANDANG AYAM TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN Caliandra callothyrsus

Kaliandra (Calliandra callothyrsus) is a plant that includes of Fabaceae family. Kaliandra has 200 species in a medium-sized tree with compounded flowers. benefits of Kaliandra can produce fast and qualified raw materials energy, especially for pellet production. Producing Energy is for commercial requirements about 4600 kcal per kg of dry wood and 7200 kcal per kg of charcoal. This research purpose is to get the best media in Kaliandra growth. The method of research has been used by Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The research consisted of 6 treatments of planting media (M0, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5). Those treatments have been 5th replicated therefore become 30 experimental units. These results showed best media is M5 (peat soil: Chicken Manure = 3:1). M5 is the best plant growth media.Keywords: Calliandra growth at peat media AbstrakKaliandra (Caliandra callothyrsus) merupakan tanaman anggota family Fabaceae. Kaliandra memiliki anggota sekitar 200 jenis wujudnya berupa pohon berukuran sedang dengan bunga tersusun majemuk. Manfaat dari Kaliandra dapat menghasilkan bahan baku energi secara cepat dan berkualitas terutama untuk produksi pelet. Energi dihasilkan untuk syarat komersial sekitar 4600 kkal per kg kayu kering dan 7200 kkal panas per kg arang. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan media terbaik dalam pertumbuhan Kaliandra. Metode yang digunakan adalah eksperimen dirancang menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL). Percobaan terdiri dari 6 perlakuan media tanam (M0, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5). Penelitian ini menggunakan 5 kali ulangan sehingga terdapat 30 unit percobaan. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa media terbaik adalah M5(Tanah gambut: Pupuk kandang ayam = 3:1). Media M5 merupakan media dengan pertumbuhan tanaman terbaik.Kata kunci: Pertumbuhan kaliandra pada media gambut

The use of Annona squamosa seed, leaf and bark as an alternative in the control of Cryptotermes brevis

The changes in human behavior towards the environment, the disorderly urban development, globalization and climate change are some of the factors that promote the occurrence and spread of pests that somehow bring damage. This occurrence is aimed at termites, which are insects known for their habit of feeding on cellulose, that is, papers, books, and wooden structures, causing accidents. Cryptotermes brevis are a major cause of damage to various wood species commonly used throughout the country, which cause major public health problems. Annonaceae have been extensively investigated because they present many species as a source of insecticidal compounds with different modes of action on insects. Therefore, this work aims to develop a natural, economical and sustainable product by using the extracts of the seeds of the fruit of the earl (Annona squamosa) as a resource to combat dry wood termites. From the results, it was possible to prove the veracity of the hypothesis that the natural insecticides developed from the extract of the seeds of the fruit of the earl (Annona squamosa) are very efficient, and are effective in the issue of mortality rates of Cryptotermes brevis.

End-of-life management as a design tool: the case of a dry wood envelope

This paper is part of the design strategies of reassembly and reuse of buildings according to the transition to circular economy. Specifically, the paper addresses the issue of architectural envelopes made of drywall and their executive design according to a Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) approach, based on a case study of a temporary wooden housing unit for which there are several scenarios of use and end of life once the first cycle of use of the components of the envelope has come to an end. In particular, the paper, based on the collection of environmental profiles of products through Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), wants to define a balance between the environmental impacts incorporated in the used materials and the benefits related to the adoption of dry construction techniques.

Increasing Softwood Pulp Yield by Minimizing Primary Peeling of Wood Carbohydrates Using Sodium Methyl Mercaptide Before and During Kraft Pulping

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of sodium methyl mercaptide (SMM) on the minimization of peeling reactions of southern pine chips in the kraft pulping process. Two methods were evaluated for SMM addition to the pulping process: 1) pre-treatment before pulping or 2) co-addition with white liquor. The effect of SMM charge, pre-treatment temperature and time, and pH of pre-treatment liquor was studied. The experimental results showed about 1.5 to 2.5 % (on O.D. (oven dry) wood basis) increase in the pulp yield after pre-treatment with or co-addition of 4.38% SMM (on O.D. wood basis). The use of 4.38% SMM allowed a decrease of the white liquor effective alkali charge (EA, on O.D. wood basis) by 3%. 4.38% SMM charge seemed to be optimum for the pre-treatment. Pre-treatment at lower pH resulted in a significant decrease in yield and an increase in rejects. The increase in pulp yield was mostly due to the increased retention of cellulose and xylan. The retention of galactoglucomannan was negligible. About 80% of the cellulose yield increase is due to the suppression of primary peeling. The remainder (0.3–0.4% of the yield increase (on O.D. wood basis) is due to reduced alkaline hydrolysis and subsequent secondary peeling.