Wood modification in relation to bridge design in the Netherlands

Recently a timber bridge for heavy traffic is realized in the Netherlands. The 32 meter long bridge spans the A7 highway in Sneek, one of the eleven cities of the world famous eleven cities skating race in Friesland. A second bridge, identical to the one described in the paper, is under construction. Other timber bridges, similar to these, are in the developing phase. Due to durability considerations these bridges cannot be designed without preservation or modification techniques. Since wood preservation is no longer highly appreciated, because of environmental issues, wood modification processes have been developed (and are still under development). However, during modification processes wood temperature rises and, in many circumstances, the strength and stiffness properties are affected. A so-called chemical modification process is chosen for the bridges described. The initial research for determining the influence of the modification process on the strength and stiffness properties is described. Furthermore, the design process in relation to the timber process is outlined

Effect of diet on the feces quality in javan langur (Trachypithecus auratus auratus)

A high intake of easily fermentable carbohydrates and a low intake of fiber material are generally regarded as major factors affecting the health of captive langurs. The effect on fecal consistency of excluding fruits and vegetables from the diet was evaluated in Javan langurs (Trachypithecus auratus auratus). Cross-over trials were carried out at Rotterdam Zoo and at the Apenheul Zoo, The Netherlands. During the first and third dietary period, the langurs were fed their usual diet, which contained fruits, vegetables, langur pellets, and browse. During the second period, the vegetables and fruits were excluded from the diet and the diet essentially consisted of pellets and browse. Feces consistency was scored using a fecal score chart developed for langurs. During the second feeding period the feces consistency improved significantly in animals at both zoos. Across all trials, a firmer feces consistency was correlated with an increase in dietary cell wall (measured as neutral detergent fiber) and a decrease in dietary water. It is suggested that the combined decrease in the intake of soluble sugars, the increase of fiber intake, and a lower amount of dietary water in the diet resulted in more solid stools. The results indicate that a dietary neutral detergent fiber content of approximately 46% in dry matter will result in a feces consistency indicative of undisturbed gut function