-
Apiarists’ Awareness and Responses to Honey Bee Colony Parasite and Pathogen Infections in Kenya
Onyango Irene Awino,
Shadrack Muya,
Samuel Kabochi,
Hellen Kutima,
Muo Kasina
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2018
Pages:
46-52
Received:
20 July 2018
Accepted:
9 August 2018
Published:
6 September 2018
Abstract: Globally, honey bee (Apis mellifera L. ) is the most domesticated bee species due to their ability to produce honey of commercial value, wax, pollen, royal jelly and propolis. They also facilitate pollination processes of flowering plants. However, there has been an increase in reported incidences of hive and colony infection by honey bee parasites and pathogens, contributing to colony collapse disorder. This study explored the beekeeper’s approaches to hive infestation by bee parasites and pathogens in Kenya. Using a questionnaire, 78 individual beekeepers and 15 beekeeping groups in eleven different Counties in Kenya were surveyed between 2012 and 2013, and their ability to identify and manage honey bee pathogens and parasites was determined. Majority of the farmers (95%) said they experienced challenges with pests. Ants were the pests mostly mentioned by the apiarists (90%), followed by small hive beetles (32%), wax moths (28%) and pirate wasps (18%). Only one respondent mentioned Varroa mites and no respondent mentioned any of the pathogens transmitted by these parasites. Most (90%) management practices apiarists mentioned targeted controlling ants. Farmers had no idea of how to control other pest and/or parasites, in spite of their presence as was confirmed by this study that all colonies inspected in all sites were infested with Varroa mites. Majority (93%) of the apiarist harvested honey at night when visibility is poor and hence could not see other pests and/or pathogens. Apiarist’ need education on bee husbandry in order to contain honey bee parasites and pathogens to improve their awareness on the same and to manage colony collapse disorders. They need to embrace colony inspection and honey harvesting during the day when sufficient lighting is available for detection of parasites and pathogens.
Abstract: Globally, honey bee (Apis mellifera L. ) is the most domesticated bee species due to their ability to produce honey of commercial value, wax, pollen, royal jelly and propolis. They also facilitate pollination processes of flowering plants. However, there has been an increase in reported incidences of hive and colony infection by honey bee parasites...
Show More
-
Discussion of Type Selection and Design on Waterproof Curtainfor Deep-Foundation Pit in Neighbouring Huangpu River Area
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2018
Pages:
53-57
Received:
13 August 2018
Accepted:
6 September 2018
Published:
13 October 2018
Abstract: Based on the distribution characteristics of burial depth and thickness of confined aquifers adjacent to the Huangpu River area, for the deep-foundation pits of two floors basement, the conventional tri-axial deep stirring pile is usually used to cut off the confined aquifer; for the deep-foundation pits of three floors basement or beyond, the burial depth and thickness of confined aquifer in each site are quite different, correspondingly, the selection and design of the waterproof curtain of the confined aquifer is relatively complicated. In order to induce engineering accidents due to the failure of the water curtain, the problem of confined water had to be studied and dealt seriously and scientifically. Based on the two engineering examples adjacent to the Huangpu River, this paper focuses on the complexity of the confined water problem of the deep-foundation pit projects in three floors basement or beyond, and the selection and design of the waterproof curtain.Different design schemes are recommended by discussing the economy and rationality of design schemes, evaluating construction feasibility and analyzing the complexity of construction quality control. The result of research shows that for the waterproof curtain of the deep-foundation pit in three floors underground or more, considering the large construction depth, the TRD method and the underground diaphragm wall are better.
Abstract: Based on the distribution characteristics of burial depth and thickness of confined aquifers adjacent to the Huangpu River area, for the deep-foundation pits of two floors basement, the conventional tri-axial deep stirring pile is usually used to cut off the confined aquifer; for the deep-foundation pits of three floors basement or beyond, the buri...
Show More
-
Strengthening Conservation of Owl- Faced Monkeys (Cercopithecus Hamlyni) in the Albertine Rift Region (ARR)
Wycliffe Tumwesigye,
Louis Rugerinyange,
Claude Hakizimana,
Doreen Atwongyeire,
Goretty Nagawa,
Daniel Ndizihiwe
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2018
Pages:
58-65
Received:
7 August 2018
Accepted:
13 September 2018
Published:
15 October 2018
Abstract: The owl-faced monkeys (Cercopithecus hamlyni) are endemic to the Albertine Rift Region (ARR). They live in and feed on bamboo plantations as their primary habitat. Illegal bamboo harvesting threaten the owl-faced monkeys and associated biodiversity across the Nyungwe-Kibira trans-boundary ecosystem in the ARR. Spatial distribution of bamboo plantations, mechanisms for propagation and management in Rwanda and Burundi are poorly documented. The study aimed at mapping potential Cecopithecus hamlyni habitats, establishment of threats facing bamboo plantations, and training local communities in bamboo propagation and management techniques. The study used GIS data from IUCN red list and diva-gis websites, 300 household interviews and focus group discussions of key informants from Rwanda and Burundi. GIS 10, SPSS version 18 and Microsoft Excel were used for data analysis. Results indicate that potential habitats for C. hamlyni include: Western DR Congo, South Eastern Rwanda and North Western Burundi. Results show that 67% of the households harvest bamboo trees for handcrafts and construction while 50% harvest bamboo trees for sale due to high poverty levels in their households. The study concluded that collaborative trans-boundary management of protected areas, capacity building for local communities, formation of cooperatives and enacting appropriate laws promotes biodiversity conservation in the region. Strengthening law enforcement and propagation of bamboo plantations on marginal land were recommended.
Abstract: The owl-faced monkeys (Cercopithecus hamlyni) are endemic to the Albertine Rift Region (ARR). They live in and feed on bamboo plantations as their primary habitat. Illegal bamboo harvesting threaten the owl-faced monkeys and associated biodiversity across the Nyungwe-Kibira trans-boundary ecosystem in the ARR. Spatial distribution of bamboo plantat...
Show More
-
Hydropower as an Important Renewable Energy Source
Agata Matarazzo,
Martina Sgandurra
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2018
Pages:
66-74
Received:
16 August 2018
Accepted:
13 September 2018
Published:
15 October 2018
Abstract: Renewable energy sources represent an issue which, nowadays, is earning more and more attention by people, governments, institutions and international organizations. This issue has been at the centre of many conferences, international conventions, binding legislations and voluntary standards. Renewable energy sources are part of the energetic sector, but they can be considered, more appropriately, a specific part of the mentioned sector as they are all characterized by one feature: they are environmentally friendly ways of producing energy. In other words, renewable energy sources are means to produce energy that do not imply the exploitation of finite sources, such as oil or carbon, but exploit energy coming from the sun, Earth, winds, biomasses. This sector is rapidly growing, as recently RE sources have reached the 13% of the total energy sources and now they are even more used. This paper has the aim to analyse and classify REs and the Italian situation referred to green energy, showing many successful cases of hydropower plants in different Italian regions. Thus, the installed power and the environmental conditions of different Italian regions are illustrated, comparing the different results and potentialities related to each region. It is possible to state that, generally, Italy has seen different stages of development of green energy, with relevant differences among its regions.
Abstract: Renewable energy sources represent an issue which, nowadays, is earning more and more attention by people, governments, institutions and international organizations. This issue has been at the centre of many conferences, international conventions, binding legislations and voluntary standards. Renewable energy sources are part of the energetic secto...
Show More
