1
|
Gul B, Hameed A, Ahmed MZ, Hussain T, Rasool SG, Nielsen BL. Thriving under Salinity: Growth, Ecophysiology and Proteomic Insights into the Tolerance Mechanisms of Obligate Halophyte Suaeda fruticosa. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1529. [PMID: 38891337 PMCID: PMC11174735 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Studies on obligate halophytes combining eco-physiological techniques and proteomic analysis are crucial for understanding salinity tolerance mechanisms but are limited. We thus examined growth, water relations, ion homeostasis, photosynthesis, oxidative stress mitigation and proteomic responses of an obligate halophyte Suaeda fruticosa to increasing salinity under semi-hydroponic culture. Most biomass parameters increased under moderate (300 mmol L-1 of NaCl) salinity, while high (900 mmol L-1 of NaCl) salinity caused some reduction in biomass parameters. Under moderate salinity, plants showed effective osmotic adjustment with concomitant accumulation of Na+ in both roots and leaves. Accumulation of Na+ did not accompany nutrient deficiency, damage to photosynthetic machinery and oxidative damage in plants treated with 300 mmol L-1 of NaCl. Under high salinity, plants showed further decline in sap osmotic potential with higher Na+ accumulation that did not coincide with a decline in relative water content, Fv/Fm, and oxidative damage markers (H2O2 and MDA). There were 22, 54 and 7 proteins in optimal salinity and 29, 46 and 8 proteins in high salinity treatment that were up-regulated, down-regulated or exhibited no change, respectively, as compared to control plants. These data indicate that biomass reduction in S. fruticosa at high salinity might result primarily from increased energetic cost rather than ionic toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bilquees Gul
- Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; (A.H.); (M.Z.A.); (T.H.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Abdul Hameed
- Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; (A.H.); (M.Z.A.); (T.H.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Muhammad Zaheer Ahmed
- Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; (A.H.); (M.Z.A.); (T.H.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Tabassum Hussain
- Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; (A.H.); (M.Z.A.); (T.H.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Sarwat Ghulam Rasool
- Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; (A.H.); (M.Z.A.); (T.H.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Brent L. Nielsen
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lucas KRG, Caldarelli CE, Ventura MU. Agriculture and biodiversity damage: A prospective evaluation of the impact of Brazilian agriculture on its ecoregions through life cycle assessment methodology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165762. [PMID: 37495148 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The natural ecosystems' replacement by farmland and the consequent biodiversity damage (BD) for agriculture are one of the principal concerns worldwide. The development of the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology involves enormous efforts to include BD parameters and develop a prospective LCA approach for future evaluations of production and technologies use. Thus, this work aims to determine the current impacts and estimate the future impacts in terms of damage to biodiversity caused by land occupation by agricultural commodities produced in Brazil, such as coffee, corn, oranges, and sugar cane, for the six ecoregions present in the country-Amazon, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Cerrado, Pampas, and Pantanal-in the 20-year period from 2015 to 2035. For this and to search for hotpots, we applied the indicators proposed by Chaudhary and Books (2018), for inventories whose functional unit is production per m2 of 1 kg of crop. Although the Cerrado is one of the ecoregions in which deforestation has advanced the most, it has the area/production ratio that has evolved the most. In contrast, Pampas and Caatinga, which are not seen as agricultural frontiers, increased their impacts. The most optimistic scenarios for the future have been those in regions considered agricultural frontiers; however, these are the regions where agriculture is more technologically developed, for example, coffee production in the Atlantic Forest and in the Cerrado. The results indicate that the technological development of agriculture can contribute to mitigating the impacts of damage to biodiversity in the future, and that the implementation of legislative and inspection measures is fundamental to supporting the correct use of the soil and preventing illegal soil change. Otherwise, in the future, we will see the increasing disappearance of species. Thus, we need researchers, farmers, and policy makers to move from development to conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kássio R G Lucas
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Carlos Eduardo Caldarelli
- Department of Economy, Center of Applied Social Studies, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 10.011, CEP 86.057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Maurício Ursi Ventura
- Department of Agronomy, Center of Agrarian Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 10.011, CEP 86.057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shiferaw M, Kebebew Z, Gemeda DO. Effect of forest cover change on ecosystem services in central highlands of Ethiopia: A case of Wof-Washa forest. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18173. [PMID: 37496930 PMCID: PMC10366463 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Forest provides a wide range of ecosystem services and is considered as one of the major sources of livelihood for the local people. In recent years, forest cover in developing countries has been declining due to expansion of agricultural land and increasing human demand for forest products. The declining of forest cover significantly reduces forest ecosystem services, impacting environmental health and community well-being. Although many studies have shown declining of forest cover, the impact of declining forest cover on ecosystem services is not getting much attention in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of forest cover change on ecosystem service values in the Wof-Washa forest over the past 47 years. This study combined geospatial techniques and socioeconomic survey methods to assess the impact of land use and land cover (LULC) change on the value of ecosystem services. Ecosystem services were estimated using the benefit transfer method and socioeconomic assessment. A total of 184 households were surveyed with structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The results revealed that the provisioning services increased, while the regulating, supportive, and cultural services decreased. We find that about US$ 2 million were reduced due to LULC change, especially due to forest cover change. As forest cover decreased, the monetary value of ecosystem services and their benefits to local people declined significantly. The results reveal that deforestation is a major challenge that can reduce the value of ecosystem services. The results of this study are vital for developing effective forest conservation strategies before irreversible damage to ecosystem services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mekdes Shiferaw
- Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Natural Resources Management, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Debre Berhan University College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Department of Natural Resources Management, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Zerihun Kebebew
- Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Natural Resources Management, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Dessalegn Obsi Gemeda
- Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Natural Resources Management, Jimma, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abideen Z, Ansari R, Hasnain M, Flowers TJ, Koyro HW, El-Keblawy A, Abouleish M, Khan MA. Potential use of saline resources for biofuel production using halophytes and marine algae: prospects and pitfalls. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1026063. [PMID: 37332715 PMCID: PMC10272829 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1026063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
There exists a global challenge of feeding the growing human population of the world and supplying its energy needs without exhausting global resources. This challenge includes the competition for biomass between food and fuel production. The aim of this paper is to review to what extent the biomass of plants growing under hostile conditions and on marginal lands could ease that competition. Biomass from salt-tolerant algae and halophytes has shown potential for bioenergy production on salt-affected soils. Halophytes and algae could provide a bio-based source for lignoceelusic biomass and fatty acids or an alternative for edible biomass currently produced using fresh water and agricultural lands. The present paper provides an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the development of alternative fuels from halophytes and algae. Halophytes grown on marginal and degraded lands using saline water offer an additional material for commercial-scale biofuel production, especially bioethanol. At the same time, suitable strains of microalgae cultured under saline conditions can be a particularly good source of biodiesel, although the efficiency of their mass-scale biomass production is still a concern in relation to environmental protection. This review summaries the pitfalls and precautions for producing biomass in a way that limits environmental hazards and harms for coastal ecosystems. Some new algal and halophytic species with great potential as sources of bioenergy are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zainul Abideen
- Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Raziuddin Ansari
- Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Maria Hasnain
- Department of Biotechnology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Timothy J. Flowers
- Department of Evolution Behaviour and Environment, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Hans-Werner Koyro
- Institute of Plant Ecology, Research Centre for Bio Systems, Land Use, and Nutrition (IFZ), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ali El-Keblawy
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Abouleish
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muhammed Ajmal Khan
- Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Frietsch M, Loos J, Löhr K, Sieber S, Fischer J. Future-proofing ecosystem restoration through enhancing adaptive capacity. Commun Biol 2023; 6:377. [PMID: 37029278 PMCID: PMC10082013 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04736-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Social-ecological ecosystem restoration involves interacting challenges, including climate change, resource overexploitation and political instability. To prepare for these and other emerging threats, we synthesized key restoration and social-ecological systems literature and derived three guiding themes that can help to enhance the adaptive capacity of restoration sites: (i) work with the existing system, (ii) create self-sustaining, adaptive systems, and (iii) foster diversity and participation. We propose a two-step approach and provide an example from Rwanda detailing the application of these principles. While site-specific activities have to be designed and implemented by local practitioners, our synthesis can guide forward-thinking restoration practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Frietsch
- Leuphana University, Social-Ecological Systems Institute, Faculty of Sustainability, Universitätsallee 1, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany.
- University of Rwanda, Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management, KN 7 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Jacqueline Loos
- Leuphana University, Social-Ecological Systems Institute, Faculty of Sustainability, Universitätsallee 1, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany
- Leuphana University, Institute of Ecology, Faculty of Sustainability, Universitätsallee 1, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Löhr
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Straße 85, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Urban Plant Ecophysiology, Lentzeallee 55/57, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Sieber
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Straße 85, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Resource Economics, Unter den Linden 6, 10099, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joern Fischer
- Leuphana University, Social-Ecological Systems Institute, Faculty of Sustainability, Universitätsallee 1, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lazic D, Schmickl T. Will biomimetic robots be able to change a hivemind to guide honeybees' ecosystem services? BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2023; 18:035004. [PMID: 36863023 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/acc0b9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We study whether or not a group of biomimetic waggle dancing robots is able to significantly influence the swarm-intelligent decision making of a honeybee colony, e.g. to avoid foraging at dangerous food patches using a mathematical model. Our model was successfully validated against data from two empirical experiments: one examined the selection of foraging targets and the other cross inhibition between foraging targets. We found that such biomimetic robots have a significant effect on a honeybee colony's foraging decision. This effect correlates with the number of applied robots up to several dozens of robots and then saturates quickly with higher robot numbers. These robots can reallocate the bees' pollination service in a directed way towards desired locations or boost it at specific locations, without having a significant negative effect on the colony's nectar economy. Additionally, we found that such robots may be able to lower the influx of toxic substances from potentially harmful foraging sites by guiding the bees to alternative places. These effects also depend on the saturation level of the colony's nectar stores. The more nectar is already stored in the colony, the easier the bees are guided by the robots to alternative foraging targets. Our study shows that biomimetic and socially immersive biomimetic robots are a relevant future research target in order to support (a) the bees by guiding them to safe (pesticide free) places, (b) the ecosystem via boosted and directed pollination services and (c) human society by supporting agricultural crop pollination, thus increasing our food security this way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dajana Lazic
- Artificial Life Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Schmickl
- Artificial Life Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Miranda-Castro W, Acevedo-Barrios R, Guerrero M. Monitoring Conservation of Forest in Protected Areas using Remote Sensing Change Detection Approach: a Review. CONTEMP PROBL ECOL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1995425522060154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
8
|
Moon TS. SynMADE: synthetic microbiota across diverse ecosystems. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:1405-1414. [PMID: 36117027 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The past two decades have witnessed rapid advances in engineering individual microbial strains to produce biochemicals and biomaterials. However, engineering microbial consortia has been relatively slow. Using systems and synthetic biology approaches, researchers have been developing tools for engineering complex microbiota. In this opinion article, I discuss future directions and visions regarding developing microbiota as a biomanufacturing host. Specifically, I propose that we can develop the soil microbial community itself as a huge bioreactor. Ultimately, researchers will provide a generalizable system that enables us to understand a microbial consortium's interaction and metabolism on diverse temporal and spatial scales to address global problems, including the climate crisis, food inequality, the issue of waste, and sustainable bioproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63130, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Avalos Jiménez A, Flores Vilchez F, Gómez Delgado M, Aguilera Benavente F, Nájera González O. Future urban growth scenarios and ecosystem services valuation in the Tepic-Xalisco Metropolitan area, Mexico. ONE ECOSYSTEM 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/oneeco.7.e84518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there is a need to establish new territorial planning instruments focused on sustainable development. The simulation of spatial scenarios is an essential tool to evaluate different alternatives for urban planning. The objective of this work was to explore future urban growth through the analysis of landscape patterns and the economic quantification of ecosystem services of three prospective scenarios, simulated towards the horizon year 2045. Each scenario was formulated, based on the application of different socioeconomic, political and environmental development strategies whose actions have a direct impact on land-use changes. The starting point was an urban growth simulation model, based on Cellular Automata with Markov Chains (CA-Markov), developed from previous work for the study area. Three scenarios were constructed with the intention of showing the spatial characteristics of three different alternatives of the evolution of future urban growth and through them, quantify the economic value and the consequences that would occur in the territory due to the effect of the different decisions taken. Landscape metrics were applied to detect the spatial processes and patterns of urban growth for each of the simulated scenarios and, finally, the costs of ecosystem services associated with the loss or gain of territory (that each of the different land covers and land uses would contribute) were quantified. The three simulated scenarios revealed that the Tepic-Xalisco Metropolitan Zone (MZ) will be in a process of urban coalescence in the next 30 years; and that the path designed to move towards an Industrialisation Scenario (ES2-IN) estimates economic losses of more than $31 million dollars per year for the ecosystem services associated particularly with the reduction of forest cover.
Collapse
|
10
|
European Forest Governance: Status Quo and Optimising Options with Regard to the Paris Climate Target. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14074365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article assesses and develops policy instruments for forest governance in the EU. Methodologically, it examines opportunities and limits for negative emissions by means of a literature review. On this basis, it conducts a qualitative governance analysis of the most important instruments of EU forest policy and presents optimizing policy options, measured against the binding climate and biodiversity targets under international law. Our analysis shows that the potential benefits of afforestation and reforestation for climate mitigation are overestimated, and are often presented as the new saviours to assist in reaching climate neutrality, inter alia, since only biodiverse and thus resilient forests can function as a carbon sink in the long term. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the existing EU law fails to comply with climate and biodiversity targets. Quantity governance systems for livestock farming, fossil fuels and similar drivers of deforestation represent a more promising approach to forest governance than the dominant regulatory and subsidy-based governance. They are most effective when not directly addressing forests due to their heterogeneity but central damaging factors such as fossil fuels and livestock farming. Selected aspects of regulatory and subsidy law can supplement these quantity governance systems when focusing on certain easily attainable and thus controllable subjects. These include, e.g., the regulatory protection of old-growth forests with almost no exceptions and a complete conversion of all agricultural and forest subsidies to “public money for public services” to promote nature conservation and afforestation.
Collapse
|
11
|
Aquino G, Bologna M. Effect of decreasing population growth-rate on deforestation and population sustainability. Commun Integr Biol 2022; 14:261-263. [PMID: 34992712 PMCID: PMC8726714 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2021.2010394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We consider the effect of non-constant parameters on the human-forest interaction logistic model coupled with human technological growth introduced in [1]. In recent years in fact, a decrease in human population growth rate has emerged which can be measured to about 1.7% drop per year since 1960 value, which coincides with latest UN projections for next decades up to year 2100 [2]. We therefore consider here the effect of decreasing human population growth-rate on the aforementioned model and we evaluate its effect on the probability of survival of human civilization without going through a catastrophic population collapse. We find that for realistic values of the human population carrying capacity of the earth (measured by the parameter β) this decrease would not affect previous results, leading to a low probability of avoiding a catastrophic collapse. For larger more optimistic values of β instead, a decrease in growth-rate would tilt the probability in favor of a positive outcome, i.e. from 10–20% up to even 95% likelihood of avoiding collapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauro Bologna
- Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica-Electrónica, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pyle JD, Whelan SPJ, Bloyet LM. Structure and function of negative-strand RNA virus polymerase complexes. Enzymes 2021; 50:21-78. [PMID: 34861938 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Viruses with negative-strand RNA genomes (NSVs) include many highly pathogenic and economically devastating disease-causing agents of humans, livestock, and plants-highlighted by recent Ebola and measles virus epidemics, and continuously circulating influenza virus. Because of their protein-coding orientation, NSVs face unique challenges for efficient gene expression and genome replication. To overcome these barriers, NSVs deliver a large and multifunctional RNA-dependent RNA polymerase into infected host cells. NSV-encoded polymerases contain all the enzymatic activities required for transcription and replication of their genome-including RNA synthesis and mRNA capping. Here, we review the structures and functions of NSV polymerases with a focus on key domains responsible for viral replication and gene expression. We highlight shared and unique features among polymerases of NSVs from the Mononegavirales, Bunyavirales, and Articulavirales orders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D Pyle
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Ph.D. Program in Virology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sean P J Whelan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.
| | - Louis-Marie Bloyet
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Assessment of Land Cover Dynamics and Drivers of Urban Expansion Using Geospatial and Logistic Regression Approach in Wa Municipality, Ghana. LAND 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/land10111251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The current trends of land use dynamics have revealed a significant transformation of settlement spaces. In the Wa Municipality of Ghana, the changes in land use and land cover are inspired by a plethora of driving forces. In this study, we assessed the geo-physical drivers of settlement expansion under land use dynamics in the Wa Municipality of Ghana. The study employed geospatial and remote sensing tools to map and analyse the spatio-temporal dynamics of the landscape, using Landsat satellite imageries: thematic mapper (TM), enhanced thematic mapper (ETM) and operational land imager (OLI) from 1990 to 2020. The study employed a binomial logistic regression model to statistically assess the geo-physical drivers of settlement expansion. Random forest (RF)–supervised classification based on spatio-temporal analyses generated relatively higher classification accuracies, with overall accuracy ranging from 89.33% to 93.3%. Urban expansion for the last three decades was prominent, as the period from 1990 to 2001 gained 11.44 km2 landmass of settlement, while there was 11.30 km2 gained from 2001 to 2010, and 29.44 km2 gained from 2010 to 2020. Out of the independent variables assessed, the distance to existing settlements, distance to river, and distance to primary, tertiary and unclassified roads were responsible for urban expansion.
Collapse
|
14
|
A Review of Small Farmer Land Use and Deforestation in Tropical Forest Frontiers: Implications for Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods. LAND 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/land10111113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Forest conversion for agriculture is the most expansive signature of human occupation on the Earth’s surface. This paper develops a conceptual model of factors underlying frontier agricultural expansion—the predominant driver of deforestation worldwide—from the perspective of small farm households—the majority of farmers globally. The framework consists of four causal rubrics: demographic, socioeconomic, political–economic, and ecological. Following this approach, the article explores the current state of knowledge on tropical deforestation in tropical agricultural frontiers with a focus on Latin America, the region of greatest deforestation worldwide during recent decades. Neo-Malthusian arguments notwithstanding, in many tropical nations, deforestation has proceeded unabated in recent years despite declining rural populations. However, evidence from the global-to-household scale suggests that population size and composition are also related to farm forest conversion. Existing particularist or behaviorialist theories sometimes fail to capture key geographical and temporal dimensions, yet studies support the notion that certain cultural, individual, and household characteristics are crucial determinants of forest clearing. Conversely, while institutional arguments sometimes fail to emphasize that the ultimate land use change agents are local resource users, their livelihood decisions are shaped and constrained by policies governing economic subsidies, and market and infrastructure development. Further, although ecological change is usually modeled as an outcome in the deforestation literature, increasingly acute climate change and natural farm endowments form a dynamic tabula rasa on which household land use decisions are enabled. To more fully comprehend frontier forest conversion and to enhance protection and conservation while promoting vital local livelihoods, future research may fruitfully investigate the interaction of demographic, social, political, economic, and ecological factors across spatial scales and academic disciplines.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ikram R, Mohamed Jan B, Sidek A, Kenanakis G. Utilization of Eco-Friendly Waste Generated Nanomaterials in Water-Based Drilling Fluids; State of the Art Review. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:4171. [PMID: 34361364 PMCID: PMC8347392 DOI: 10.3390/ma14154171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
An important aspect of hydrocarbon drilling is the usage of drilling fluids, which remove drill cuttings and stabilize the wellbore to provide better filtration. To stabilize these properties, several additives are used in drilling fluids that provide satisfactory rheological and filtration properties. However, commonly used additives are environmentally hazardous; when drilling fluids are disposed after drilling operations, they are discarded with the drill cuttings and additives into water sources and causes unwanted pollution. Therefore, these additives should be substituted with additives that are environmental friendly and provide superior performance. In this regard, biodegradable additives are required for future research. This review investigates the role of various bio-wastes as potential additives to be used in water-based drilling fluids. Furthermore, utilization of these waste-derived nanomaterials is summarized for rheology and lubricity tests. Finally, sufficient rheological and filtration examinations were carried out on water-based drilling fluids to evaluate the effect of wastes as additives on the performance of drilling fluids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Ikram
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Badrul Mohamed Jan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Akhmal Sidek
- Petroleum Engineering Department, School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia;
| | - George Kenanakis
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, N. Plastira 100, Vasilika Vouton, GR-700 13 Heraklion, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Drew J, Christie SD, Tyedmers P, Smith-Forrester J, Rainham D. Operating in a Climate Crisis: A State-of-the-Science Review of Life Cycle Assessment within Surgical and Anesthetic Care. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:76001. [PMID: 34251875 PMCID: PMC8274692 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both human health and the health systems we depend on are increasingly threatened by a range of environmental crises, including climate change. Paradoxically, health care provision is a significant driver of environmental pollution, with surgical and anesthetic services among the most resource-intensive components of the health system. OBJECTIVES This analysis aimed to summarize the state of life cycle assessment (LCA) practice as applied to surgical and anesthetic care via review of extant literature assessing environmental impacts of related services, procedures, equipment, and pharmaceuticals. METHODS A state-of-the-science review was undertaken following a registered protocol and a standardized, LCA-specific reporting framework. Three bibliographic databases (Scopus®, PubMed, and Embase®) and the gray literature were searched. Inclusion criteria were applied, eligible entries critically appraised, and key methodological data and results extracted. RESULTS From 1,316 identified records, 44 studies were eligible for inclusion. The annual climate impact of operating surgical suites ranged between 3,200,000 and 5,200,000 kg CO2e. The climate impact of individual surgical procedures varied considerably, with estimates ranging from 6 to 1,007 kg CO2e. Anesthetic gases; single-use equipment; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system operation were the main emissions hot spots identified among operating room- and procedure-specific analyses. Single-use equipment used in surgical settings was generally more harmful than equivalent reusable items across a range of environmental parameters. Life cycle inventories have been assembled and associated climate impacts calculated for three anesthetic gases (2-85 kg CO2e/MAC-h) and 20 injectable anesthetic drugs (0.01-3.0 kg CO2e/gAPI). DISCUSSION Despite the recent proliferation of surgical and anesthesiology-related LCAs, extant studies address a miniscule fraction of the numerous services, procedures, and products available today. Methodological heterogeneity, external validity, and a lack of background life cycle inventory data related to many essential surgical and anesthetic inputs are key limitations of the current evidence base. This review provides an indication of the spectrum of environmental impacts associated with surgical and anesthetic care at various scales. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8666.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Drew
- Department of Surgery (Division of Neurosurgery), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sean D. Christie
- Department of Surgery (Division of Neurosurgery), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Peter Tyedmers
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jenna Smith-Forrester
- Department of Surgery (Division of Neurosurgery), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Daniel Rainham
- School of Health and Human Performance and the Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Khalmuratova I, Choi DH, Yoon HJ, Yoon TM, Kim JG. Diversity and Plant Growth Promotion of Fungal Endophytes in Five Halophytes from the Buan Salt Marsh. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 31:408-418. [PMID: 33397833 PMCID: PMC9706035 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2012.12041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The diversity and plant growth-promoting ability of fungal endophytes that are associated with five halophytic plant species (Phragmites australis, Suaeda australis, Limonium tetragonum, Suaeda glauca Bunge, and Suaeda maritima) growing in the Buan salt marsh on the west coast of South Korea have been explored. About 188 fungal strains were isolated from these plant samples' roots and were then studied with the use of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). The endophytic fungal strains belonged to 33 genera. Alternaria (18%) and Fusarium (12.8%), of the classes Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes, were most rampant in the coastal salt marsh plants. There was a higher diversity in fungal endophytes that are isolated from S. glauca Bunge than in isolates from other coastal salt marsh plants. Plant growth-promoting experiments with the use of Waito-C rice seedlings show that some of the fungal strains could encourage a more efficient growth than others. Furthermore, gibberellins (GAs) GA1, GA3, and GA9 were seen in the Sa-1-4-3 isolate (Acrostalagmus luteoalbus) culture filtrate with a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Khalmuratova
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 701-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Doo-Ho Choi
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 701-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeok-Jun Yoon
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 701-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Myung Yoon
- Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea,T.-M. Yoon E-mail :
| | - Jong-Guk Kim
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 701-701, Republic of Korea,Corresponding authors J.-G. Kim Phone: +82-53-950-5379 Fax: +82-53-955-5379 E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Makarieva AM, Nefiodov AV, Li BL. Life's Energy and Information: Contrasting Evolution of Volume- versus Surface-Specific Rates of Energy Consumption. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 22:E1025. [PMID: 33286794 PMCID: PMC7597118 DOI: 10.3390/e22091025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
As humanity struggles to find a path to resilience amidst global change vagaries, understanding organizing principles of living systems as the pillar for human existence is rapidly growing in importance. However, finding quantitative definitions for order, complexity, information and functionality of living systems remains a challenge. Here, we review and develop insights into this problem from the concept of the biotic regulation of the environment developed by Victor Gorshkov (1935-2019). Life's extraordinary persistence-despite being a strongly non-equilibrium process-requires a quantum-classical duality: the program of life is written in molecules and thus can be copied without information loss, while life's interaction with its non-equilibrium environment is performed by macroscopic classical objects (living individuals) that age. Life's key energetic parameter, the volume-specific rate of energy consumption, is maintained within universal limits by most life forms. Contrary to previous suggestions, it cannot serve as a proxy for "evolutionary progress". In contrast, ecosystem-level surface-specific energy consumption declines with growing animal body size in stable ecosystems. High consumption by big animals is associated with instability. We suggest that the evolutionary increase in body size may represent a spontaneous loss of information about environmental regulation, a manifestation of life's algorithm ageing as a whole.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastassia M. Makarieva
- Theoretical Physics Division, Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute, Gatchina 188300, Russia
- USDA-China MOST Joint Research Center for AgroEcology and Sustainability, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0124, USA
| | - Andrei V. Nefiodov
- Theoretical Physics Division, Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute, Gatchina 188300, Russia
| | - Bai-Lian Li
- USDA-China MOST Joint Research Center for AgroEcology and Sustainability, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0124, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
A "Numerical Evo-Devo" Synthesis for the Identification of Pattern-Forming Factors. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081840. [PMID: 32764501 PMCID: PMC7463486 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals display extensive diversity in motifs adorning their coat, yet these patterns have reproducible orientation and periodicity within species or groups. Morphological variation has been traditionally used to dissect the genetic basis of evolutionary change, while pattern conservation and stability in both mathematical and organismal models has served to identify core developmental events. Two patterning theories, namely instruction and self-organisation, emerged from this work. Combined, they provide an appealing explanation for how natural patterns form and evolve, but in vivo factors underlying these mechanisms remain elusive. By bridging developmental biology and mathematics, novel frameworks recently allowed breakthroughs in our understanding of pattern establishment, unveiling how patterning strategies combine in space and time, or the importance of tissue morphogenesis in generating positional information. Adding results from surveys of natural variation to these empirical-modelling dialogues improves model inference, analysis, and in vivo testing. In this evo-devo-numerical synthesis, mathematical models have to reproduce not only given stable patterns but also the dynamics of their emergence, and the extent of inter-species variation in these dynamics through minimal parameter change. This integrative approach can help in disentangling molecular, cellular and mechanical interaction during pattern establishment.
Collapse
|