Forestry and Biotechnology

Introduction

The Forest Biotechnology Group is an integral part of the Forest Science Centre - a research and development alliance between The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport, and Resources (DEDJTR) and the University of Melbourne. This Group has been established with the support of DEDJTR's Forests Service and the Private Forestry Council of Victoria. It leads research into the molecular basis of tree development and uses the knowledge gained for the directed improvement of tree and wood characteristics by utilising biotechnology. The Group endeavours to ensure Victoria has an expanded and more internationally cost-competitive forest industry, while keeping in mind the concern of the wider community with regards to biological safety.

Projects

The Forest Biotechnology Group builds on the skills and genetic tools it has developed by drawing on its patented technologies. Currently, these technologies include target genes and promoter sequences as well as transformation techniques for in vitro wood, which reduce the time needed for analysis of gene and trans-gene activity in mature wood from 5-10 years to 2-3 months.

In general, the Group studies the basis of tree development and wood formation and participates in the genetic mapping of wood property traits for breeding purposes.

Novel tools are being developed for the manipulation of wood properties (including heartwood formation) and of whole trees. Further outcomes will include trees with genetically modified traits and improved whole tree regeneration systems. In collaboration with government, industry and community groups, the Group aims to assess the risks that might be associated with newly developed technologies.

Collaborators and Partners in Forest Biotechnology Research

• University of Melbourne - Department of Forestry
• State Forests of New South Wales
• Carter Holt Harvey - Forest Genetics, New Zealand
• Australian Paper Plantations
• Yates Forestry
• CSIRO - Forestry and Forest Products, Canberra
• CRC for Sustainable Production Forestry
• Monash University - Department of Biological Sciences
• Australian National University - Department of Forestry
• The Forest and Wood Products R&D Corporation
• The Australian Research Council

For further details log on website :

http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/innovation-and-research/biotechnology/biotechnology-research/forestry-and-biotechnology

Characterization and desorption isotherm modelling of cassava bagasse (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Title
Characterization and desorption isotherm modelling of cassava bagasse (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Author

Ana Paternina Contreras, Jairo Salcedo Mendoza, Karen Contreras Lozano, Maribel García Paternina

Published Date 

Accepted manuscript online: 9 May 2016

DOI: 10.1002/star.201600020

Abstract

Cassava bagasse is a semisolid material resulting from the extraction of native starch. It represents up to 30% w/w of the original roots used in this process. The equilibrium moisture content (Xe) is an important factor in the drying process of materials that is studied using desorption isotherms. The objectives of this study were to characterize the cassava bagasse obtained from an industrial process and to define desorption isotherm models. Desorption isotherms were obtained within a temperature range of 25–40°C and a water activity range of 0.11–0.97. The results showed a material with a low protein content (<1%), a starch content of 41.25% dry basis, and 58.19% of fiber, with the presence of these two compounds confirmed by the SEM images and XRD diffractograms. The Xe did not show dependence on temperature, and the data showed a good fit to the modified Peleg, GAB and Oswin models, with determination coefficient values (R2) > 0.96 and mean relative percent errors (E%) <10%.


For further details log on website :

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/star.201600020/abstract;jsessionid=78BD59039A8C8278E32BDB8F879C0642.f01t02

ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES OF KENAF STEMS (HIBISCUS CANNABINUS)

Title
ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES OF KENAF STEMS (HIBISCUS CANNABINUS)

• Authors: 
• Elias Voulgaridis; Costas Passialis and Athanassios Grigoriou
• 
  
• Source: 
• IAWA Journal, Volume 21, Issue 4, pages 435 – 442 Publication 
• Year : 2000
• DOI: 10.1163/22941932-90000259
• ISSN: 0928-1541 E-ISSN: 2294-1932
• 
  

Abstract 

From a kenaf plantation (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) established in North Greece, a number of stem sections were taken from three positions (base, middle and top) and cell morphology, anatomical appearance under SEM and basic technical properties were observed and determined. Kenaf plants had a maximum height of 2.53 m, with a mean basal diameter of 1.91 cm. The wood is the most abundant tissue with proportions up to 77% in cross-section area and up to 61.5% in weight. Wood proportions decrease, pith proportions increase and bark proportions remain constant from the base to the top of the stems. The dry density of stems ranged between 0.27–0.31 g /cm3, while that of wood ranged between 0.22–0.43 g /cm3 along the stems. The contents of hot water soluble extractives ranged between 10.6% and 20.4% and those of dichloromethane soluble extractives ranged between 0.7% and 1.2% for bark, wood and pith. Microscopic examination of stems and of macerated material showed that bark consists of thick and long (2,330 μm) fibres whilst pith consists of polygonal parenchymatous cells. Wood is diffuse- porous, fibres average 840 μm long, vessel members average 330 μm long and 45 μm in diameter and orthogonal parenchymatous cells are 90 μm long. Fibre lengths in both bark and wood increase from the base to the top of stem. Vessel diameters decrease from base to top, while vessel member lengths remain constant from base to middle but decrease at the top of the stem.



For further details log on website :

http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/22941932-90000259?trendmd-shared=0

ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISATION AND VARIABILITY OF THE THISTLE CYNARA CARDUNCULUS IN VIEW OF PULPING POTENTIAL

Title
ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISATION AND VARIABILITY OF THE THISTLE CYNARA CARDUNCULUS IN VIEW OF PULPING POTENTIAL

• Authors: 
• Teresa Quilhó; Jorge Gominho and Helena Pereira
• 
  
• Source: 
• IAWA Journal, Volume 25, Issue 2, pages 217 – 230 Publication 
• 
  
• Year : 2004
• DOI: 10.1163/22941932-90000362
• ISSN: 0928-1541 E-ISSN: 2294-1932

Abstract

The thistle Cynara cardunculus L. is an herbaceous perennial with high productivity that is harvested annually and is a potential fibre crop for paper pulp production. The anatomical variation within stalks was studied (base, middle and top) and compared in C. cardunculus plants at different development phases. The stalk of C. cardunculus includes an epidermis, cortex and a central cylinder with fibro-vascular bundles with phloem, xylem and a fibrous sheath that is variable in arrangement and size within and between plants.At harvest, the pith represents 37% of the stalk transectional area and 7% of the total weight. There was a slight variation in quantitative features of, respectively, the three development groups studied; mean fibre length was 1.04 mm, 0.95 mm and 1.05 mm; mean fibre width was 15 μm, 16 μm and 21 μm; mean fibre wall thickness was 3.2 μm, 3.4 μm and 4.9 μm. Fibre length and width decreased within the stem from base to top, while fibre wall thickness increased. Mean vessel diameter was 22 μm and mean vessel element length 220–483 μm. In mature plants, parenchyma represents 39% of the total transectional area and fibres 25%. The proportion of fibres increases during plant development and in mature plants is highest at the stalk base.As regards anatomical features, Cynara stalks compare favourably to other annual plants and fibre biometry indicates good potential for paper sheet forming and strength properties.



For further details log on website :

http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/22941932-90000362?trendmd-shared=0

Stem Development, Medullary Bundles, and Wood Anatomy of Croton Glandulosus Var. Septentrionalis (Euphorbiaceae)

Title
Stem Development, Medullary Bundles, and Wood Anatomy of Croton Glandulosus Var. Septentrionalis (Euphorbiaceae)

• Authors: Sheila M. Hayden and W. John Hayden
• Source: IAWA Journal, Volume 15, Issue 1, pages 51 – 63 Publication Year : 1994
• DOI: 10.1163/22941932-90001342
• ISSN: 0928-1541 E-ISSN: 2294-1932

Abstract 

Anatomy and development of vascular tissues in the annual stems of Croton glandulosus var. septentrionalis are described. In primary stages of growth the stem possesses a eustele of bicollateral bundles; internal phloem is notably more extensive than the external. In addition to a vascular cambium and secondary xylem that form in the usual fashion, additional cambia add cells to the internal phloem portion of the bicollateral bundles, forming well-marked medullary bundles at the perimeter of the pith. At first, the perimedullary cambial strands produce only internal secondary phloem; later, internal secondary xylem is also formed in some stems. When internal secondary xylem is present, the medullary bundles have an inverted orientation, i.e., phloem innermost (towards centre of pith) and xylem outermost (near protoxylem). Cells of the medullary bundles include sieve tube elements, vessel ekments, and fibres. Normal (external) secondary phloem is weakly developed. Normal secondary xylem contains short vessel elements with simple perforation plates and alternate intervascular pits, libriform fibres, narrow heterocellular rays, and lacks axial parenchyma.


For further details log on website :

http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/22941932-90001342?trendmd-shared=0

Title 

Structure of Stem and Cambial Variant in Spatholobus Roxburgii (Leguminosae)

• Author: M.N.B. Nair
• Source: IAWA Journal, Volume 14, Issue 2, pages 191 – 204 Publication Year : 1993
• DOI: 10.1163/22941932-90001317
• ISSN: 0928-1541 E-ISSN: 2294-1932

Abstract 

The stern of Spatholobus roxburghii, a tropicalliana, has alternating layers of xylem and phloem as a result of formation and activity of successive cambia. Successive cambial rings are developed by dedifferentiation of groups of parenchyma cells outside the discontinuous band of sclereid-fibres. The sclereid- fibre band is formed by the development of sclereids between the primary bark fibres. Each successive cambium first produces a layer of sclereid-fibres which separates the vascular tissue produced by one cambial ring from the other. After secondary growth, the epidermis is replaced by periderm. In the older stern phelloderm contributes to the formation of new cambiallayers. Secondary phloem has sieve tube members; companion cells, phloem parenchyma, phloem fibres and secretory cells. The wood shows a tendency towards ring-porosity only in the first xylem layer. The subsequent layers are diffuseporous. The vessels are wide and narrow. Perforated ray cells or radial vessels are frequent in the wood and probably help in vertical conduction by interconnecting vessel endings. In this scandent species parenchyma cells are abundant. It is inferred that they help the vessel segments to remain undamaged when the woody stern twists around supports.

For further details log on website :

http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/22941932-90001317?trendmd-shared=0

WOOD CHIPS, WOOD PELLETS, SOLID BIOMASS VERIFICATION AND TESTING

SGS facilitates international trade by providing inspection and testing services that verify the availability, quality and loading of wood chips, sawdust, wood pellets and solid bio mass and fuels.

Our global presence means that we can offer these services at source and throughout the supply chain, including all export and import points. And because our standardized reporting considers the defined industry regulations, we make commodity trading and deliveries less contentious and open to dispute. 

INSPECTIONS AND RELATED SERVICES

• Assessment of forestry areas and agricultural land production, to define the bio mass supply to power stations 
• Project analysis of investments in plantations (forests or other bio mass supply sources), plus continuous investment monitoring 
• Chain of supply studies including issues such as timing, physical collection, storing and processing 
• Verification of quantity on physical deliveries to pellet manufacturers and power stations (inbound and outbound controls)
• Assessment of stockpile conditions and volume estimates (with tri-dimensional measurements)  
• Verification of gas emissions from stocks 
• Product certification – we can audit and verify your operations against national or international standards, as required for the delivery of your products
• Insurance surveys of storage facilities
• Odor studies 
• Environmental impact assessments
• Sustainability report assurance and certifications

MARINE SURVEYS

• Terminal inspections
• Loading, transhipment and unloading controls
• Sampling of the cargo
• Hose verifications
• Hold inspections
• Testing during loading of moisture, screens (fines), temperature, density
• Monitoring of foreign matter (e.g. plastic bags, caked materials) and prevention of loading  
• Draft surveys
• Gas emission verifications, and detection of fumigants, carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases 

TESTING

• Sample preparation
• Size verifications of chips rot, bark, stones
• Nett calorific values (ash, moisture, volatile matter, gross calorific value analyzes) 
• Lignin
• Chlorine, sulfur, nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen 
• Trace metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, vanadium, zinc, benzopyrene, pentachlorophenol)  
• Fractional distribution
• Angle and repose verifications
• Fines, particle size
• Shape (length and diameter measurement), size
• Durability test of pellets
• Binding agents

Get in touch with SGS now to discover how we facilitate trade by verifying the availability, quality and loading of sawdust, wood pellets and solid bio mass and fuels.

For further information log on website :

http://www.sgs.my/en/Agriculture-Food/Forestry/Services-for-Forest-Products-and-Solid-Biofuels/Analytical-Services/Wood-Chips-Wood-Pellets-Solid-Biomass-Verification-and-Testing.aspx

How to Discipline a Mentally Challenged 28-Year-Old

Whether you are caretaker for a mentally challenged 28-year-old, or you have a mentally challenged person in your family, learning how to correctly discipline a mentally challenged adult is not so different from disciplining a mentally challenged child. By leading and teaching through love, logic and positive reinforcement, you can encourage good behavior rather than punishing for the bad. Give a mentally challenged adult the tools to express himself so you can better understand how he feels when he exhibits certain behavior.

Disciplining anyone, mentally challenged or not, is always an art. Photo Credit Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images.

Step 1

Maintain good communication between yourself and the mentally challenged adult's primary care physician. Above all, you should understand your charge's condition and what it means for her brain function, abilities and level of understanding. You cannot learn to properly care for and discipline a mentally challenged adult without first learning how much information she grasps and how best to present information.

Step 2

Present visual representations of good behavior and its rewards. A chart, for instance, will work better than verbal instruction and reprimand, since it is easy to understand and immediate, notes MentalHelp.net. Remember that a mentally challenged adult may have limited understanding. Pictures of desirable behavior, bright stickers and swift discipline by adding or taking away stickers can be easily seen and understood.

Step 3

Give disciplinary warning or praise immediately after the behavior. A mentally challenged adult may not be able to remember or comprehend discipline for past actions. If you notice inappropriate behavior, take the adult aside and talk about it, instead of waiting until later. It will stop the behavior immediately and give time for the mentally challenged adult to absorb the discipline.

A study performed by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in Bangalore, India and published in a 2009 issue of "Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" found that positive reinforcement along with therapy helped a mentally challenged adult female overcome obsessive-compulsive disorder. When possible, offer praise over negative feedback for the best results, as most mentally challenged adults will respond better to positive reinforcement.

Step 4

Talk about feelings and emotions with the mentally challenged adult, and give him the tools to properly express those feelings. The book "Arts- Therapies- Communication" suggests using art as a means to teach mentally challenged adults to express themselves without outbursts, rudeness or physical action. Whether you teach the adult to draw a picture expressing his feelings, or learn feeling words together, you help him to process his feelings and talk about them before resorting to outbursts or inappropriate behavior.

Step 5

Set a good example and contain your own reactions. Caring for a mentally challenged adult is emotionally and physically draining. Using physical punishment on a mentally challenged adult is unacceptable. If you feel your temper taking control, leave the situation and take a break. Discipline your charge the right way for a mentally challenged adult who loves, respects and obeys you.

www.livestrong.com

List of WW Simply Filling Foods

Overview

Because diet plans restrict your food intake, you often get hungry, and being hungry makes it hard to stick to your diet. The Simply Filling part of the Weight Watchers Momentum plan is designed to allow you to eat until you are satisfied. In addition to Simply Filling foods, there are other foods you can consume in moderation. Most Simply Filling foods are nutritious, low in fat and low in sugar and do not contain simple carbohydrates or starches. Simply Filling foods are similar to Core foods on previous versions of the Weight Watchers plan.

A lean steak sits on a plate with cooked greens and chick peas. Photo Credit ehaurylik/iStock/Getty Images.

Grains

Whole grains and whole-grain cereals are Simply Filling foods. Cereals must contain no added sugar, fruit or nuts. Cold cereals should be eaten with skim milk or plain, fat-free yogurt. Breads are not included in this category.

Lean Meats

Lean meats, trimmed of visible fat before cooking and cooked without added fat, are Simply Filling foods. Remove the skin before eating poultry. Vegetarian meat substitutes, including tofu, textured vegetable protein, tempeh and seitan, are included.

Fish and Shellfish

Fresh fish and shellfish are Simply Filling foods. Canned products cannot be canned in oil but must be canned in broth, tomato juice or water.

Eggs

Eggs and egg substitutes are considered Simply Filling foods.

Milk and Dairy

Milk and dairy products, including fat-free milk, fat-free plain yogurt, soy cheese, unflavored soy milk, fat-free sour cream and fat-free cheeses are allowed in limited amounts.

Vegetables and Beans

Most vegetables are allowed; however, vegetable juices are not. Vegetables must be prepared in such a way that only Simply Filling ingredients are used. For example, corn in butter sauce would not be allowed, nor would regular refried beans. Beans, fresh, canned or dried, cooked without added fat are Simply Filling foods.

Fruits

Most fresh and unsweetened frozen fruits are allowed; however, fruit juices and dried fruits are not. Canned fruits should be packed in water or juice, not syrup, and drained before serving.

Soup

Soups that contain only Simply Filling foods are allowed.

www.livestrong.com

Build a Sawbench with Christopher Schwarz

The Bill Anderson Woodworking Collection – Limited Quantity Available!

By Popular Woodworking

Format: DVD 

Build a traditional sawbench as you learn the fundamental hand-tool skills including handsaws, chisels, bench planes, router planes and more

• Discover how to saw with precision – if you can see the line, you can cut to the line
• Lay out and cut compound angles – without any jigs, test-cuts or time-consuming set-ups
• Learn the three classes of saw cuts – and when and why to use each
• And much more!

This unique DVD takes you inside one of Christopher Schwarz's most popular woodworking classes. You'll follow along as Chris and 10 students build sawbenches entirely by hand. It's like attending a class with a student's-eye view of the action. In addition to the video, this DVD includes complete construction drawings, a plan of procedure for building the sawbench and a SketchUp model of the project. By the time you're finished, not only will you have a traditional shop appliance that's indispensable for sawing (and it makes a good shop stool), you'll also be wielding the most-used handtools with accuracy and confidence. DVD run time: 104 minutes.

SKU	W0661
Author/Speaker/Editor	Popular Woodworking
File/Trim Size	7.5 x 5.25
Format	DVD
ISBN 13	9781440312984

For further information log on website :

http://www.shopwoodworking.com/build-a-sawbench-with-christopher-schwarz?source=igodigital