Search

Acclimation to temperature is one of the survival strategies used by organisms to adapt to changing environmental temperatures. Caenorhabditis elegans' cold tolerance is altered by previous cultivation temperature, and similarly, past low-temperature induces a longer lifespan. Temperature is thought to cause a large shift in homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and reproduction in the organism because it is a direct physiological factor during chemical events. This paper will share and discuss what we know so far about the neural and molecular mechanisms that control cold tolerance and lifespan by altering lipid metabolism and physiological characteristics. We hope that this will contribute to a better understanding of how organisms respond to temperature changes. • Cold tolerance of C. elegans is gained or lost by cultivation temperature changes. • Cold tolerance and longevity are promoted by low temperatures. • Temperature acclimation is associated in lipid metabolism. • Neuroendocrine signals regulate temperature acclimation through lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing multifunctional bioregenerative technologies may provide mission carbon loop closure while simultaneously addressing multiple environmental control and life support system requirements. This paper proposes using water-based algal medium for thermal control of the spacecraft cabin, while taking advantage of the algae's photosynthetic activity for air revitalization. Consequently, this could expose the algal culture to transient thermal environments fluctuating between +4 °C and +30 °C, in the span of minutes, reflecting the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) internal thermal control and cabin system. This paper presents an initial investigation of the metabolic response of Chlorella vulgaris to transient environmental temperatures, reflecting temperature ranges and cycling frequency of the ISS cooling loop (+9 °C to +27 °C, 30 min). The constant 19 °C control represented the time-averaged temperature of the cycled condition. Growth and acclimation were observed in both tested conditions through pH, dissolved oxygen, optical density, and photosynthetic quantum yield measurements. However, there was significant reduction in the oxygen production rate, measured pH, and optical density for the cycled temperature condition when compared to the control (cycled temperature = 0.95 gO 2 L−1 d−1, pH = 6.75, OD = 0.05; control = 1.17 gO 2 L−1 d−1, pH = 8.20, OD = 0.08). No significant reduction in growth rate or photosynthetic quantum yield were recorded between the two tested conditions. Growth rate of the cycled temperature condition reflected those of psychrotolerant algae, suggesting some amount of culture acclimation to the rapidly dynamic environment. Results suggest that while C. vulgaris was viable within the tested temperature environment reflecting the ISS thermal control loop and cabin, there was a measurable reduction in the oxygen production rate. • A photobioreactor for simultaneous spacecraft thermal control and air revitalization. • Chlorella survive extreme thermal profile of spacecraft thermal control. • Oxygen production rate significantly less for cycled temperature algae. • Minimal cellular stress documented for steady and cycled temperature algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of climate change response programmes for adaptation and resilience is anchored on western scientific knowledge. However, this has led to a tendency to marginalise indigenous knowledge as it is considered unimportant in this process (Belfer et al., 2017; Lesperance, 2017; Whitfield et al., 2015 ). Yet, knowledge systems rarely develop in isolation as they normally tend to cross-fertilize and benefit from each other. In this regard, we think that indigenous knowledge is just as important as scientific knowledge and the two must be integrated through multiple evidence base approach for climate change adaptation and mitigation. In this paper, focussing on African traditional society, we combine oral history with the available literature to examine traditional knowledge and awareness of climate change and related environmental risks. Interesting themes emerge from the knowledge holders themselves and our analysis uncovers a wide range of adaptive coping strategies applied with mixed success. From spotting and reading the position and shape of the ‘new moon’ to the interpretative correctness of its symbolism in “applied traditional climatology,” and from rain-making rituals to conservation of wetlands and forests. Generally, findings seem to suggest that traditional African knowledge of environmental change may be as old as the society itself, with local knowledge transmitted from one generation to the next. Based on the perceived vulnerability of indigenous communities, many scholars tend to argue generically for the integration of indigenous knowledge into climate change policies and implementation (Ross, 2009; Maldonado et al., 2016 ; Etchart, 2017 ). In this paper however, we attempt to supplement these arguments by providing specific and contextualised evidence of indigenous knowledge linked to climate change adaptation. It is demonstrated that indigenous knowledge is neither singular nor universal, but rather, a voluminous, diverse and highly localised source of wisdom. We conclude that integration of such unique and specific indigenous knowledge systems into other evidence bases of knowledge, could be one of the best ways to the more effective and sustainable implementation of climate change adaptation strategies among target indigenous communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Users’ behaviour and indoor climate are two leading aspects that must be taken into account if we want the retrofitting of the housing stock to contribute to CO 2 reduction, comfort improvement and reduction of living costs. The integrated facade module evaluated in this paper, which constitutes an approach to zero energy renovation, includes a preliminary study for the identification of target occupants and their characteristics and requirements that will guide the design decisions. The proposed strategy primarily focuses on the case of social rental multi-family housing stock in the Netherlands, but should provide insights in the application of the concept in Europe. This paper presents the analysis of the adaptability of this solution to the Mediterranean climate, taking into account the specific characteristics of the occupants of this climatic zone. The results showed an improved performance of building after the application of the evaluated solution in southern Spain, but with lower savings on the energy demand than in the Netherlands, so the economic investment should be reduced in this case. Also, the inclusion in the solution of some variables, such as the forced night-time ventilation for passive cooling and the insulation thickness reduction, were tested and proved to be an optimisation of its performance in the Mediterranean climate. Overall, the study concluded that the proposed refurbishment strategy has the potential to be implemented in different climates, particularly if certain modification in the facade operation is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant phenology has been and continues to be impacted by climate change. Process-oriented modeling of phenology reveals biological characteristics through interpretation of model results and parameter values. This paper aims to implement a cold hardiness model using historical Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) data, determine if model results improve with data clustering by seed source or growing location, and interpret model results into biological meaning. These interpretations have applications for reforestation and studies of plant phenological response to climate change. Cold hardiness data were compiled through literature review. A dynamic process-oriented cold hardiness model driven by thermal time based on daily temperatures was applied to multiple data clustering scenarios. Model results were analyzed for goodness of fit to determine model error, efficiency, and bias. A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine parameter sensitivity, and further validate the model calibration. Data clustering by seed source improved fit compared to clustering by growing location or no clustering, when applied to the full dataset. Using only temperature inputs, model results had low error when data modeled were similar. Results show that for cold hardiness acclimation a linear growing degree function with a threshold of 10 °C was adequate across testing data, as was an upper limit cold hardiness temperature of –3 °C. Interpretation of model results show that both acclimation to growing sites and seed source genetics impact cold hardiness response, though clustering by seed source improved model performance. This model could be applied to mitigate cold related risks to seedlings during production and establishment, and serve as a template for predicting phenological responses in simulated future climate scenarios. • Grouping by genetic factors results in improved model prediction in cold hardiness modeling of Douglas-fir. • A process oriented dynamic cold hardiness model using daily temperature as input can predict conifer cold hardiness phenology. • Parameter estimates with low variability and sensitivity are candidates for fixed values, which may also reveal biological temperature thresholds: the upper limit of cold hardiness (H c, ul) of -3 °C and the threshold temperature of acclimation (T th,a) of 10 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First study of microbial acclimation effects on bioplastics anaerobic digestion. • Inoculum acclimation to the substrate improves anaerobic digestion of bioplastics. • Enhanced growth of starch and PLA degraders increases bioplastic degradation. • Acclimation increased biogas production of starch-based bioplastic by 52%. • Acclimation increased biogas production of PLA-based bioplastic by 97%. This paper reports the results of a novel study of microbial acclimatization for bioplastics anaerobic degradation and conversion into biogas. Three sequential anaerobic digestion (AD) runs were carried out to favour microbial acclimatization to two different bioplastics, starch-based (SBS) and polyactic-acid (PLA). AD of SBS and PLA bioplastics was favoured by the acclimatization of the inoculum to the substrate after each run of AD. SBS conversion into biogas increased by 52 % (from 94 to 143 NL kgVS-1) and it was correlated with the enhanced growth of starch degrading bacteria such as Hydrogenispora, Halocella and Haloplasma. PLA anaerobic degradation increased by 97 % (from 395 to 779 NL biogas kgVS-1) and it was related to the acclimatization of known PLA-degraders such as Tepidimicrobium , Methanothermobacter and Tepidanaerobacter. Microbial acclimatization appears a suitable and low-cost strategy to enhance bioplastics circularity by promoting their anaerobic biodegradation and conversion into biogas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) measures have been increasingly promoted in the literature, as well as in policies and practices, for their environmental and socio-economic co-benefits. The recent scientific literature has shown a growing interest to assess climate adaptation plans at the urban level, in recognition of the important role played by urban areas in addressing climate change challenges. However, little information is available on the combination of these two issues, i.e., the actual inclusion of EbA measures in climate adaptation plans at the urban level. This paper addresses this gap by developing a framework to analyze the treatment of EbA in urban level climate planning, and apply it to a sample of climate adaptation plans in Europe. The framework consists of a classification of EbA measures, and a scoring system to evaluate how well they are reflected in different components of the plans. The results suggest that there is in general good awareness in plans of EbA measures, and of their potential role in addressing climate change challenges. However, their treatment in climate adaptation plans at the urban level often lacks sufficient baseline information, as well as convincing implementation actions. The paper concludes by offering recommendations to improve future practice, in terms of enhancing the baseline information to improve the proposal and design of EbA measures, improving the treatment of co-benefits associated to EbA measures, and strengthening coordination with other planning tools. Possible future development of this works include the integration of the proposed EbA classification, and the analysis of a larger sample of territorial plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study explores driver adaptation to inclement weather at two temporal scales. The first part of the paper asks whether drivers become acclimatized to weather conditions. This issue is addressed using data for 23 Canadian cities, based on the relationship between exposure to rain, heavy rain, snow, heavy snow, and icy pavement conditions vis-à-vis the risk of collision. The results do not provide strong evidence that drivers become acclimatized to local weather patterns, which underscores the need to look at driver adaptations on shorter time scales with a view to identifying situations or driver groups where risks are particularly elevated. The second part of the paper focuses on the issue of speed – both from the perspective of posted speed limits, and also in terms of driving speeds. The focus is narrowed to one part of Canada and to winter-weather conditions. The risk analysis confirms that days with snow, freezing rain, or other frozen forms of precipitation have elevated collision rates; and it provides evidence that relative risk is higher in rural areas than in nearby cities. The analysis also suggests that collision rates increase as the posted speed limit increases. These findings further highlight the importance of driving speed in weather-related collision occurrence, and that driving above posted speed limits occurs even during inclement weather. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Global climate change is a change in the long-term weather patterns that characterize the regions of the world. Scientists state unequivocally that the earth is warming. Natural climate variability alone cannot explain this trend. Human activities, especially the burning of coal and oil, have warmed the earth by dramatically increasing the concentrations of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. The more of these gases humans put into the atmosphere, the more the earth will warm in the decades and centuries ahead. The impacts of warming can already be observed in many places, from rising sea levels to melting snow and ice to changing weather patterns. Climate change is already affecting ecosystems, freshwater supplies, and human health. Although climate change cannot be avoided entirely, the most severe impacts of climate change can be avoided by substantially reducing the amount of heat-trapping gases released into the atmosphere. However, the time available for beginning serious action to avoid severe global consequences is growing short. This paper reviews assessing of such climate change impacts on various components of the ecosystem such as air, water, plants, animals and human beings, with special emphasis on economy. The most daunting problem of global warming is also discussed. This paper, further reviews the mitigation measures, with a special focus on carbon sequestration and clean development mechanism (CDM). The importance of synergy between climate change mitigation and adaptation has been discussed. An overview of the relationship between economy and emissions, including Carbon Tax and Emission Trading and the policies are also presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Uncertainties in paleo-habitat definition limit adequate vegetation reconstruction. • Plant functional indicators are of limited value for paleovegetation reconstruction. • Biome scale analyses of functional types rarely apply to plant communities. • Underlying basis for whole-plant modal PFT construction and use is described. • Modal PFTs are more functionally informative than individual traits. Plant functional traits are widely applied in models that simulate the effects of climate change on biodiversity and resource management. Here the aim is to examine the potential role of specific plant functional traits and their whole-plant syndromes (Plant Functional Types or PFTs as specific 'modal' trait assemblages) as indicators of vegetation response to climate change, past, present and future. Because plant functional characteristics have evolved through time, it is widely argued that models of vegetation performance under future climates should benefit from a study of plant response under previous climates. This paper presents an overview first, of developmental concepts underlying the current use of PFTs as indicators of plant response to environmental change, second, implications arising from species acclimation and third, process-based models used in reconstruction of vegetation under mainly Holocene environments but also with respect to present and future climates. In this regard the role of individual functional traits in 'biomization' procedures in vegetation response models is briefly discussed. It is concluded that, while PFTs possess limited indicator value at biome scale, uncertainties in the delimitation of local paleohabitats greatly restrict their use as indicators for paleovegetation reconstruction at community level. Emerging hypotheses are: 1) A whole-plant system of modal PFTs based on a novel set of functional traits can provide an improved alternative to PFTs and traits used in models of vegetation response to climate change, 2) Modal PFTs are potentially more efficient indicators of vegetation response to climate change than individual traits, 3) Improved plant functional selection criteria can lead to more efficient parameterization of Earth System and Dynamic Global Vegetation Models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rainfall variability is an important feature of semi-arid climates, and climate change is likely to increase that variability in many of these regions. An understanding of rainfall variability and trends in that variability is needed to help vulnerable dryland agriculturalists and policymakers address current climate variation and future climate change. The goals of this paper are to examine this climatic phenomenon in semi-arid Botswana, to investigate these results for signs of climate change, and to explore the policy implications for climate adaptation. To reach these goals, the paper determines rainfall variability and monthly and annual trends in that variability. The results agree with earlier work showing gradients in rainfall and rainfall variability across Botswana. The results also identify a trend towards decreased rainfall throughout the nation, which is associated with decreases in the number of rainy days. Both the drying trend and decrease in rainy days agree with climate change projections for southern Africa. The paper discusses policies that the government could adopt to help its farmers adapt to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate change potentially brings continuous and unpredictable changes in weather patterns. Consequently, it calls for institutions that promote the adaptive capacity of society and allow society to modify its institutions at a rate commensurate with the rate of environmental change. Institutions, traditionally conservative and reactive, will now have to support social actors to proactively respond through planned processes and deliberate steps, but also through cherishing and encouraging spontaneous and autonomous change, as well as allowing for institutional redesign. This paper addresses the question: How can the inherent characteristics of institutions to stimulate the capacity of society to adapt to climate change from local through to national level be assessed? On the basis of a literature review and several brainstorm sessions, this paper presents six dimensions: Variety, learning capacity, room for autonomous change, leadership, availability of resources and fair governance. These dimensions and their 22 criteria form the Adaptive Capacity Wheel. This wheel can help academics and social actors to assess if institutions stimulate the adaptive capacity of society to respond to climate change; and to focus on whether and how institutions need to be redesigned. This paper also briefly demonstrates the application of this Adaptive Capacity Wheel to different institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this scoping review was to consolidate information pertaining to welfare and quality of life assessments of shelter dogs. Specific objectives were to identify and characterize types of welfare assessment instruments, discuss circumstances where welfare and quality of life assessments are used, and identify research gaps. A comprehensive search strategy was implemented in five databases. Literature published globally between the years 2000 and 2020 was identified using specific search terms. Abstracts and full papers were screened, relevant articles obtained, and welfare assessment methods characterized. Of 670 unique citations identified, 43 met the inclusion criteria of including a welfare or quality of life assessment for shelter dogs. There were 16 different assessment tools used to evaluate welfare and quality of life in shelter dogs. Ethogram-based assessment tools, five of which were validated, were used in 37 publications. Physiological based assessment methods were used to assess welfare in 26 publications. Overall, assessment tools were used to either evaluate a dog's acclimation to the shelter environment or evaluate welfare interventions. Several validated tools were identified that could be useful to shelters depending on need. The Multi-Operator Qualitative Behavioral Assessment and the Quality of Life Assessment are tools allowing for quick welfare assessments by shelter staff, while the Shelter Quality Protocol and the Shelter Quality Protocol 2 are more comprehensive welfare assessments, which require some experience or training in shelter management. The review identified few papers that evaluated the effects of chronic stress on dogs housed in a shelter environment long-term. Therefore, welfare of these dogs should be a priority for future studies. The range of assessment methods underscores the complexity of evaluating welfare and quality of life in different types of sheltering environments. • 16 different assessment tools were used to evaluate welfare and quality of life in shelter dogs. • Ethogram-based assessment tools were used to assess welfare in 26 publications. • Physiological based assessment methods were used to assess welfare in 26 publications. • Assessment tools were used to evaluate a dog's acclimation to the shelter environment or evaluate welfare interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper assesses river channel management activities in the context of the interaction between coarse sediment delivery, climate change, river channel response and flood risk. It uses two main sources of evidence: (1) an intensive instrumentation of an upland river catchment using both traditional hydrometric and novel sediment sensing methods; and (2) a sediment delivery model that combines a treatment of sediment generation from mass failure with a treatment of the connectivity of this failed material to the drainage network. The field instrumentation suggests that the precipitation events that deliver sediment from hillslopes to the drainage network are different to those that transfer sediment within the network itself. Extreme events, that could occur at any time in the year (i.e. they are not dependent on wet antecedent conditions), were crucial for sediment delivery. However, sustained high river flows were responsible for the majority of transfer within the river itself. Application of three downscaling methods to climate model predictions for the 2050s and 2080s suggested a significant increase in the number and potential volume of delivery events by the 2050s, regardless of the climate downscaling scenario used. First approximations suggested that this would translate into annual bed level aggradation rates of between 0.10 and 0.20 m per year in the downstream main channel reaches. Second, the importance of this delivery for flood risk studies was confirmed by simulating the effects of 16 months of measured in-channel simulation with river flows scaled for climate change to the 2050s and 2080s. Short-term sedimentation could result in similar magnitude increases in inundated area for 1 in 0.5 and 1 in 2 year floods to those predicted for the 2050s in relation to increases in flow magnitude. Finally, we were able to develop an alternative approach to river management in relation to coarse sediment delivery, based upon reducing the rates of coarse sediment delivery through highly localised woodland planting, under the assumption that reducing delivery rates should reduce the rate of channel migration and hence the magnitude of the bank erosion problem. Thus, the paper demonstrates the need to conceptualise local river management problems in upland river environments as point scale manifestations of a diffuse sediment delivery process, with a much more explicit focus on the catchment scale, if our river systems are to become more insulated from the impacts of future climate changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Climate change is increasingly been called a ‘security’ problem, and there has been speculation that climate change may increase the risk of violent conflict. This paper integrates three disparate but well-founded bodies of research – on the vulnerability of local places and social groups to climate change, on livelihoods and violent conflict, and the role of the state in development and peacemaking, to offer new insights into the relationships between climate change, human security, and violent conflict. It explains that climate change increasingly undermines human security in the present day, and will increasingly do so in the future, by reducing access to, and the quality of, natural resources that are important to sustain livelihoods. Climate change is also likely to undermine the capacity of states to provide the opportunities and services that help people to sustain their livelihoods. We argue that in certain circumstances these direct and indirect impacts of climate change on human security may in turn increase the risk of violent conflict. The paper then outlines the broad contours of a research programme to guide empirical investigations into the risks climate change poses to human security and peace. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The restricted definition of “climate change” used by the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) has profoundly affected the science, politics, and policy processes associated with the international response to the climate issue. Specifically, the FCCC definition has contributed to the gridlock and ineffectiveness of the global response to the challenge of climate change. This paper argues that the consequences of misdefining “climate change” create a bias against adaptation policies and set the stage for the politicization of climate science. The paper discusses options for bringing science, policy and politics in line with a more appropriate definition of climate change such as the more comprehensive perspective used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper presents a computational system based upon formal principles to run spatial models for environmental processes. The simulator is named SimuMap because it is typically used to simulate spatial processes over a mapped representation of terrain. A model is formally represented in SimuMap as a set of coupled sub-models. The paper considers the situation where spatial processes operate at different time levels, but are still integrated. An example of such a situation commonly occurs in watershed hydrology where overland flow and stream channel flow have very different flow rates but are highly related as they are subject to the same terrain runoff processes. SimuMap is able to run a network of sub-models that express different time–space derivatives for water flow processes. Sub-models may be coded generically with a map algebra programming language that uses a surface data model. To address the problem of differing time levels in simulation, the paper: (i) reviews general approaches for numerical solvers, (ii) considers the constraints that need to be enforced to use more adaptive time steps in discrete time specified simulations, and (iii) scaling transfer rates in equations that use different time bases for time–space derivatives. A multistep scheme is proposed for SimuMap. This is presented along with a description of its visual programming interface, its modelling formalisms and future plans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper introduces the theme of this special issue, “scaling and environmental understanding”. Environmental problems are scale-specific. Consequently, environmental policy should be scale-specific, too. The scaling of environmental problems and policies is difficult because the processes creating environmental problems are non-linear. Therefore, scaling is not similar to merely choosing an appropriate magnification, as it were. Scaling requires understanding of the dynamics of the processes. I discuss two heuristic perspectives toward scaling, hierarchy and self-similarity, and suggest the use of analog models as a methodological perspective to identify fruitful similarities between physical and socio-cultural processes. A common denominator among many of the papers included in this issue is to construct analog models for particular dynamic features of environmental issues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a new graphical method for targeting fresh water and wastewater minimisation. The new approach is based upon a new representation of water composite curves and the concept of water surplus. This is used to construct a water surplus diagram, which is similar to the grand composite curve in heat pinch analysis. The method has several advantages over existing techniques, such as being able to deal with a wider range of water-using operations as well as having more convenient and familiar representations. Also, the targets are unique and are not dependent on any assumed mixing arrangement. The paper briefly discusses network design and also considers two areas (process modifications and water regeneration) where the insights obtained from the graphical tools are most valuable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Employing the theory of minimum stream power and the principle of maximum entropy as well as field data, this paper develops relationships between the river channel pattern and river functions. It is deduced that the channel pattern with a sinuosity of S=1.4–1.6 and a meander wave length Lm≈12 times the channel width is the optimal channel pattern for environmentally sound training and management of alluvial rivers. Taking into account (i) the optimal channel pattern, (ii) the principle of sustainable development of river systems, and (iii) field investigation on river functions and environment, the paper proposes a river management model, which is characterized by (a) a low flow channel with optimal channel pattern, (b) ecotype river banks, (c) riparian forests, (d) embankment dams located at an optimum distance away from river banks, and (e) accessibility to watersides. A river system possessing these characteristics produces maximum societal, economic, and environmental benefits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is debate about the problems of communication between scientists, planners and stakeholder, and the scale at which environmental planning should take place. A review of the literature reveals that the concept of holistic landscape ecology is gaining ground in the scientific community. It also becomes clear that participation by stakeholders is not only important in satisfying the requirements of Agenda 21 but also of ensuring cooperation by local inhabitants in the final plan. Moreover, participation is becoming accepted as a vehicle for the planners to gain access to local knowledge, which is a vital complement to scientific knowledge. The challenge is to create a methodology that will overcome the shortfalls currently encountered and allow participants to be proactive in their definition of their landscape. This is possible by extending the experiments in public participation geographical information systems so long as care is taken to overcome problems in public unfamiliarity with the technology. The purpose of this paper is to draw together research in the fields of landscape ecology and planning to enable the formulation of a methodology for achieving greater and more proactive input in participation. The methodology proposed is currently actionable and this paper also points to the potential for a new emphasis in research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we have experimentally assessed tube-building strategies of Owenia caissara Silva & Lana, 2017 , including the particle size preferences. After acclimation, individual tubes were broken by their mid-region, and placed in experimental aquaria with four types of homogeneous substrates (from silt-clay to coarse sand) and four types of mixed substrates. Animals completely removed from their tubes were unable to build new tubes. Adults in broken tubes were able to use a wide range of particles, from fine to coarse sand, but not silt-clay. Owenia caissara showed a clear preference for coarse sediment particles. In extreme conditions, individuals were able to rebuild their tubes using only filamentous debris. Owenia caissara may display higher selection ability and preference for larger particles when growing, although adults can also adapt to bottoms with predominantly smaller particles such as fine sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past decades, physiological responses of the human body in extremely hot environments have been studied. Most research has focused on the human heat tolerance, and assessment of the heat stress. In this context, parameters of environments and physiological parameters were introduced, and important heat stress indexes were explained. This article aims to summarize the progress in the literature concerning heat stress indexes and heat acclimatization. The research priorities should shift to the relationship between human heat acclimatization and the indoor thermal environments. This paper will hopefully aid the understanding of human heat acclimatization in extremely hot environments and guide the future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of mathematical models capable of accurate predictions of the photosynthetic productivity of microalgae under variable light conditions is paramount to the development of large-scale production systems. The process of photoacclimation is particularly important in outdoor cultivation systems, whereby seasonal variation of the light irradiance can greatly influence microalgae growth. This paper presents a dynamic model that captures the effect of photoacclimation on the photosynthetic production. It builds upon an existing semi-empirical model describing the processes of photoproduction, photoregulation and photoinhibition via the introduction of acclimation rules for key parameters. The model is calibrated against a dataset comprising pulsed amplitude modulation fluorescence, photosynthesis rate, and antenna size measurements for the microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana in several acclimation states. It is shown that the calibrated model is capable of accurate predictions of fluorescence and respirometry data, both in interpolation and in extrapolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The start-up of microbial electrohydrogenesis cells (MECs) is a key-step to realize efficient biohydrogen generation and adequate, long-term operation. This review paper deals with the lessons and experiences reported on the most important aspects of H 2 producing MEC start-up. The comprehensive survey covers the assessment and discussion of the main influencing factors and methods (e.g. inocula selection, enrichment, acclimation, operating conditions and cell architecture) that assist the design of MECs. This work intends to be a helpful guide for the interested readers about the strategies employed to successfully establish microbial electrochemical cells for sustainable biohydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many in the industry see the ride-sharing company Uber as the significant advancement through information and communication technology (ICT) particularly of the digital service platform and sharing economy. Uber has been exploring the new frontier of the ICT-driven disruptive business model (IDBM) and succeeded in its global expansion to over 479 cities in more than 75 countries worldwide in June of 2016. Such rapid expansion provides constructive insights regarding the significance of IDBM, not only in transportation but also in almost all other business fields. While at the same time Uber's legal battles in some cities around the world raise a serious question regarding the rationale of IDBM. In light of such a question, this paper examined the institutional sources contrasting success and failure in Uber's global expansion. By the comparative empirical analysis, it was identified that the contrast could be attributed to a bi-polarization nature of ICT-driven logistic growth, and the success can be attributed to a co-evolutionary acclimatization that harnesses the vigor of counterparts. This analysis suggests the significance of IDBM with a consolidated challenge to social demand (CCSD); it demonstrated that a co-evolutionary acclimatization played a transformative role in this accomplishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freeze tolerance of seedlings can be affected by cold acclimation. This acclimation can in turn alter the seedlings absorbance spectra due to variation of soluble sugar content (SSC). If models developed from the absorbance at wavelengths in the near infrared reflectance (NIR) region could provide information concerning the variation in SSC, nursery managers could assess the freeze tolerance of each seedling before planting. The objective of this research was to investigate the potential to use NIR based analysis to study the variation of SSC in Loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) seedlings after cold acclimation. Seventy seedlings were frozen using different cold treatments and 10 seedlings were designated as controls. The standard wet chemistry method was employed to collect the original SSC data, including glucose, fructose and galactose. NIR spectroscopy was completed by using a NIR machine, with a range of 10,000–4000 cm −1 . The results were analyzed using partial least squares regression in an effort to determine the SSC in the leaves, stems and roots. Results showed that the freeze tolerance of seedlings increased after cold acclimation and was positively related to the presence of SSC. After cold acclimation, leaves had the most SSC, and the galactose content was more than that of glucose or fructose in seedlings. Based on the determination coefficient (R 2 ) and the residual predictive deviation (RPD), the predicted results of NIR models were evaluated. The model for leaf galactose (R 2 = 0.88 and RPD = 2.17) was the most stable and accurate model. This paper demonstrates that NIR coupled with chemometric modeling can be a useful tool in the monitoring of SSC variation and this information could be useful in the prediction of freeze tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of the published welfare and quality of life assessments that are available for shelter cats. The specific objectives were to identify the available assessments, characterize the assessments as validated or non-validated, and discuss how the available tools were used in the shelter environment. Literature published globally, in English or with an available English translation, between the years 2000 and 2021 was identified through searching five databases and hand searching. Abstracts and full papers were screened, relevant articles obtained based on the inclusion criteria, and welfare assessment methods were characterized. Of 687 unique citations identified, 30 met the inclusion criteria of including a quality of life assessment or welfare analysis in shelter cats. There were seven validated ethogram-based assessment tools and two validated physiological-based assessment methods used to evaluate stress and welfare. Assessment tools were used to either evaluate a cat's acclimation to the shelter environment or evaluate welfare interventions. The Cat Stress Score (CSS) was the most commonly used tool to evaluate stress, with its inclusion in 19 publications. However, the stress level identified on the CSS only correlated with measures of physiological stress in one out of four studies, highlighting the difficulty and complexity of determining stress levels in cats. In general, welfare assessments that incorporated physical and behavior metrics provided a comprehensive evaluation of general welfare and were shown to be reliable between raters. Cats generally acclimate to the shelter within a few weeks. Stress and welfare assessments indicated that the acclimation period was less stressful for cats that were provided hide boxes and/or human interaction. Shelters should consider incorporating a validated assessment into their welfare program and incorporate interventions, such as hide boxes or structured human interaction, to help relieve acute acclimation stress. • 30 publications included a QOL assessment or welfare analysis in shelter cats. • The CSS was the most common ethogram-based assessment tool used to evaluate stress. • The cats CSS score rarely correlated with the measures of physiological stress. • Physiological assessment methods were used to assess welfare in 11 publications. • Hide boxes and human interaction were effective interventions to reduce stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International cooperation and learning may accelerate climate change adaptation and help countries and regions to adapt more effectively and efficiently. Recognizing the importance and opportunities for mutual learning and knowledge transfer, international and supranational organizations, such as the European Commission, have put programmes for international cooperation in place. This paper presents and tests a framework for assessing multi-level learning outcomes of such international cooperation processes and the conditions that produce these outcomes. The framework distinguishes between: (1) group learning by individual process participants; (2) organizational learning by organizations represented in the process; and (3) network and societal learning by actors external to the process. We verify the analytical potential of the framework by comparing learning by six partners in an adaptation-oriented European cooperation project. The project scores rather high on group learning with participants learning from and – to a lesser extent – also with each other. Learning by partner organizations varied and was generally less whereas learning by external actors was very limited. The case study confirms our expectation that learning outcomes are produced by combinations of partner-specific, process-specific and process-external conditions. The presented framework and insights can be used to stimulate learning in and from international cooperation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold exposure in humans causes specific acute and chronic physiological responses. This paper will review both the acute and long-term physiological responses and external factors that impact these physiological responses. Acute physiological responses to cold exposure include cutaneous vasoconstriction and shivering thermogenesis which, respectively, decrease heat loss and increase metabolic heat production. Vasoconstriction is elicited through reflex and local cooling. In combination, vasoconstriction and shivering operate to maintain thermal balance when the body is losing heat. Factors (anthropometry, sex, race, fitness, thermoregulatory fatigue) that influence the acute physiological responses to cold exposure are also reviewed. The physiological responses to chronic cold exposure, also known as cold acclimation/acclimatization, are also presented. Three primary patterns of cold acclimatization have been observed, a) habituation, b) metabolic adjustment, and c) insulative adjustment. Habituation is characterized by physiological adjustments in which the response is attenuated compared to an unacclimatized state. Metabolic acclimatization is characterized by an increased thermogenesis, whereas insulative acclimatization is characterized by enhancing the mechanisms that conserve body heat. The pattern of acclimatization is dependent on changes in skin and core temperature and the exposure duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat-related disorders, decreases in productivity and security risks are common phenomena when people live in extremely hot environments. To a certain extent, humans can adapt to extremely hot environments, but few studies have examined the causes of and factors influencing the aforementioned phenomena, especially in hot environments. In this paper, a climate chamber was built to simulate an extremely hot environment. Sixteen healthy male university students were asked to simulate manual labour by running. The physiological indexes (rectal temperature, heart rate and sweat production) were measured. The effects of human heat acclimatization in extremely hot environments were determined via paired sample t -tests. The time required to acclimate to the heat (in days) was determined based on the standard of thermal adaptation improvement. A Cox regression method was adopted to quantify the development of heat acclimatization and to rank the effects of several variables on heat acclimatization to determine the relationship between thermal parameters and heat acclimatization. The effects of heat acclimatization are significant, and heat acclimatization training can improve the adaptability of humans to extremely hot environments. The Cox regression method can be used to analyse heat acclimatization effectively. Both the dry bulb temperature and the relative humidity significantly affect heat acclimatization, with the effect of the former being more significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the feasibility of exploiting a non-thermal plasma (NTP) to treat the gaseous effluents released by the mechanical-biological treatments (MBTs) of waste and overcome the typical disadvantages of biofilters, whose removal efficiency is limited during acclimatization of bacteria, peaks of pollutant concentration or unstable airflow rates. A dielectric barrier discharge was applied to two mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and air. Ethanol and ethyl acetate (Mixture 1) and benzene, toluene and octane (Mixture 2), in addition to being typical constituents of the waste air released by MBTs of waste, also represent real emissions from two specific sectors that use biofiltration for air pollution control (APC): the printing (Mixture 1) and the petrochemical industries (Mixture 2). At the highest specific energy densities applied to the discharge (900–2520 J L −1 ), all the initial VOCs were removed by 95–100%. With respect to ethyl acetate, the maximal CO 2 selectivity and the maximal energy yield resulted in 62–70% and 6–11 g kW −1 h −1 , respectively; with regards to benzene, the same parameters resulted in 52–90% and 0.17–0.72 g kW −1 h −1 , respectively. At medium-low energy, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were detected as the main byproducts of Mixture 1, while several trace compounds were found as the byproducts of Mixture 2. Interestingly, the byproducts generated are more polar than the initial compounds and, thus, their solubility in water is higher. Therefore, NTPs can be considered as a promising technology to help the biodegradation of VOCs in facilities where biofilters are used as APC systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this contribution is to make the case for membrane impairment as the outcome of the exposure of poikilotherms to damaging high temperatures that result in organism heat death. The paper emphasises that heat death points are not fixed but are altered by acclimation, acclimatization, heat shock and hardening. The definition of these terms is revisited as there is confusion in their usage in the literature. That poikilotherm heat death points depend on acclimation temperature is one of the most demonstrated outcomes. However, fewer studies have been made into the underlying cause(s) of heat death. Most studies have clearly shown that membrane function is impaired early in heat treatment, leading to knock-on effects at the physiological level. As heat death points are subject to acclimation status, then what is changed by acclimation must be directly related to what fails in heat death. Many comparative studies have shown that acclimation in a variety of species changes the phospholipid (PL) profile of membranes, such that cold acclimation results in an increase in the fluidity of membrane lipids. This increase in membrane fluidity would also lower the heat death point as membrane damage would occur at a lower temperature. This is consistent with the premise that membrane structure/function is changed by acclimation and that this is the site of the primary lesion in heat death. Breakdown in cellular homeostasis will have consequences at the physiological level that will depend on the life style of the organism. I therefore propose that heat death is a cellular membrane event common to poikilotherms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro gut sac experiments were performed on freshwater and 60% seawater acclimated trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) under treatments designed to discern possible mechanisms of intestinal ammonia transport. Seawater acclimation increased ammonia flux rate into the serosal saline (Js amm ) in the anterior intestine, however it did not alter Js amm in the mid- or posterior intestine suggesting similar mechanisms of ammonia handling in freshwater and seawater fish. Both fluid transport rate (FTR) and Js amm were inhibited in response to basolateral ouabain treatment, suggesting a linkage of ammonia uptake to active transport, possibly coupled to fluid transport processes via solvent drag. Furthermore, decreases in FTR and Js amm caused by low Na + treatment indicated a Na + linked transport mechanism. Mucosal bumetanide (10 − 4 M) had no impact on FTR, yet decreased Js amm in the anterior and mid-intestine, suggesting NH 4 + substitution for K + on an apical NKCC, and at least a partial uncoupling of ammonia transport from fluid transport. Additional treatments (amiloride, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA), phenamil, bafilomycin, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), high sodium) intended to disrupt alternative routes of Na + uptake yielded no change in FTR or Js amm , suggesting the absence of direct competition between Na + and ammonia for transport. Finally, [ 14 C]methylamine permeability (P MA ) measurements indicated the likely presence of an intestinal Rh-mediated ammonia transport system, as increasing NH 4 Cl (0, 1, 5 mmol l − 1 ) concentrations reduced P MA , suggesting competition for transport through Rh proteins. Overall, the data presented in this paper provide some of the first insights into mechanisms of teleost intestinal ammonia transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and flooding in Asian cities pose great challenges to the environmental and human security of the population and their governance systems. This paper examines the intersections of ecological-environmental and social vulnerability and the adaptive responses of urban poor communities and commercial-industrial establishments in Metro Manila to floods and other climate change-related effects, such as storm surges and sea-level rise (SLR). These weaken the communities' ecological-environmental systems, threaten the well-being and security of the people and strain the resources of city governments. Disaggregating the ecological-environment vulnerabilities of a city/community according to specific places/spaces (or place-based vulnerabilities) that lead also to variable patterns among different groups (e.g., gender, income group, sector) of adaptive responses to flooding. Drawing a systematic sample of urban poor households and industrial-commercial establishments along the Pasig-Marikina River Basin of Metro Manila, this study utilised household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGD) and secondary data sources, in analysing the sources of their vulnerability and adaptive responses. Existing studies generally focus on the vulnerability and adaptation of urban-rural populations and do not highlight the interaction of place-based vulnerabilities with sector-specific vulnerabilities that reconfigure flood impacts and responses among the urban poor communities and commercial-industrial establishments during and after floods. In panicular, poor and female-headed households residing in highly degraded environments or places/spaces within and across urban poor communities suffered higher damages and losses compared to better-off households and establishments. The interaction of these drivers of vulnerability further heightens and compromises the environmental and human security needs of poor people, their communities and those in the private sector that local/national government agencies need to respond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gerbera jamesonii (gerbera) is an important cut-flower in the global floricultural industry. Micropropagation is the main system used to clonally propagate gerbera in vitro resulting in the production of millions of plantlets each year. Numerous types of explants and protocols for micropropagation have been established and used for gerbera. Shoot tips are the commonly used explant while adventitious shoot induction from the capitulum is also a popular method. Most papers in the literature have focused on testing the influence of different types and combinations of plant growth regulators with the aim of improving the regeneration and multiplication stage of one or few cultivars. Genotype is one of the most influential factors on the response of gerbera in vitro. Despite this, no successful universal protocol has yet been developed for multiple cultivars, limiting the usefulness of current protocols for commercial biotechnology labs. Slow-growing endogenous bacteria are one of the most important problems in gerbera micropropagation but require more studies on control and prevention. Individual shoots are normally easy to root, usually in excess of 90% of plantlets, but the acclimatization stage requires improvements and new technologies to increase the survival of plants. Epigenetic variations in micropropagated gerbera are frequently observed only with high concentrations of cytokinins in the culture medium but somaclonal variation is rare. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Typically, sulfate-reducing bioreactors used to treat acid mine drainage (AMD) undergo an initial incubation period of a few weeks to acclimatize sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), although necessity of this preincubation has rarely been evaluated. To reduce time and economic cost, we developed an SRB acclimatization method using the continuous flow of AMD into bioreactors fed with rice bran, and compared with the conventional acclimatization method. We found that the SRB sufficiently acclimatized without the preincubation phase. Furthermore, we examined the performance and SRB communities in bioreactors operated for >200 days under seven different conditions, in which the amount of rice bran added and hydraulic retention times (HRTs) were varied. A comparison of the various bioreactor conditions revealed that the lowest rice bran amount (50 g) and the shortest HRT (6 h) caused a deterioration in reactor performance after day 144 and 229, respectively. In both cases, relatively aerobic environments developed due to the lack of organic matter seemed to inhibit sulfate reduction. Of the conditions tested, operation of the bioreactors with 200 g of rice bran and an HRT of 12.5 h was the most effective in treating AMD, showing a sulfate reduction rate of 20.7–77.9% during days 54–242. All data needed to evaluate the conclusions of this study are presented in the paper and/or the appendix. [Display omitted] • Optimal condition for AMD treatment by sulfate-reducing bioreactor was investigated. • Sulfate-reducing bacteria successfully acclimatized without a lengthy preincubation. • Low organic input and low HRT caused deterioration by creating aerobic environments. • Transition of major SRBs from oxygen-tolerant one to anaerobic one seems important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient temperature has direct consequences for plant functioning. Many plant species are able to adjust reproductive timing and development to optimize fitness to changes in ambient temperatures. Understanding the molecular networks of how plants cope with high temperatures is essential to counteract the effects of global warming and to secure future crop productivity. Several recent papers reported that Arabidopsis thaliana responses to changing light conditions and high temperature, and their underlying signaling mechanisms are highly similar and involve the basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4). In this opinion article we discuss the mechanisms of PIF4-mediated acclimation to increased ambient temperature with focus on timing of flowering and morphological acclimation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ecophysiological models that vertically resolve vegetation canopy states are becoming a powerful tool for studying the exchange of mass, energy, and momentum between the land surface and the atmosphere. A mechanistic multilayer canopy–soil–root system model (MLCan) developed by Drewry et al. (2010a) has been used to capture the emergent vegetation responses to elevated atmospheric CO2 for both C3 and C4 plants under various climate conditions. However, processing input data and setting up such a model can be time-consuming and error-prone. In this paper, a graphical user interface that has been developed for MLCan is presented. The design of this interface aims to provide visualization capabilities and interactive support for processing input meteorological forcing data and vegetation parameter values to facilitate the use of this model. In addition, the interface also provides graphical tools for analyzing the forcing data and simulated numerical results. The model and its interface are both written in the MATLAB programming language. Finally, an application of this model package for capturing the ecohydrological responses of three bioenergy crops (maize, miscanthus, and switchgrass) to local environmental drivers at two different sites in the Midwestern United States is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The application of sewage sludge to land can expose soils to a range of associated chemical toxicants. In this paper we explore the effects of the broad spectrum anti-microbial compound triclosan on the phenotypic composition of the microbial communities of three soils of contrasting texture (loamy sand, sandy loam and clay) using phospholipid fatty-acid (PLFA) analysis. Each soil type was dosed and subsequently re-dosed 6weeks later with triclosan at five nominal concentrations in microcosms (10, 100, 500, 1000mgkg−1 and a zero-dose control). PLFA profiles were analysed using multivariate statistics focussing on changes in the soil phenotypic community structure. Additionally, ratios of fungal:bacterial PLFA indicators and cyclo:mono-unsaturated PLFAs (a common stress indicator) were calculated. It was hypothesised that triclosan addition would alter the community structure in each soil with a particular effect on the fungal:bacterial ratio, since bacteria are likely to be more susceptible to triclosan than fungi. It was also hypothesised that the PLFA response to re-dosing would be suppressed due to acclimation. Although the microbial community structure changed over the course of the experiment, the response was complex. Soil type and time emerged as the most important explanatory factors. Principal component analysis was used to detect phenotypic responses to different doses of triclosan in each soil. As expected, there was a significant increase in the fungal:bacterial ratio with triclosan dose especially in treatments with the highest nominal concentrations. Furthermore, the PLFA response to re-dosing was negligible in all soils confirming the acclimation hypothesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There is evidence suggesting that subjects become accustomed to levels of warmth prevailing within buildings on time scales of weeks to months. Such exposure will influence in occupants’ expectation of their thermal environments (i.e. thermal history). This paper investigates the effects of short-term physiological acclimatization on subjects’ perception of thermal and air movement preferences. Subjective thermal perception experiments were carried out in a climate chamber to evaluate temperature and air movement acceptability across a range of simulated hot-humid conditions. Experiments were carried out during the winter season in Japan so that subjects, from different nationalities, could all be brought to comparable levels of heat acclimatization. This method consists in exposing subjects to hot-humid conditions and increasing their core temperature by means of exercise on a daily basis. The physiological monitoring of subjects in these experiments established that core temperature was increased through exercise in heat. The increment in core temperature by three consecutive days appeared to be an effective short acclimatization procedure, as demonstrated by the diminution in thermal sensation, improved thermal acceptability and thermal preferences during exposure to warm thermal environments (SET∗ varying from 25 to 31 °C). The results showed that it is possible to acclimatize such ‘air-conditioning addicts’ to warmer indoor environments without, however, compromising their thermal acceptability. In warm and humid climates, such trend for saturation of air-conditioning exposure needs to be more understood. The results presented reinforce the opportunities to use higher set-points in air-conditioning buildings, contributing to significant energy consumption cut-offs within the built environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Co-evolutionary dynamism between innovation and institutional systems by transforming external crises into a springboard for new innovation is crucial for innovation and industry evolution in resource-constrained nations. This has been demonstrated by Japan’s success in overcoming the energy crises in the 1970s and subsequent high-technology miracle in the 1980s. Similar to Japan’s energy security, securing water is crucial for Singapore as approximately a third of the water supply is imported. This study traces the extensive stepwise endeavors Singapore undertook to address this problem. Initial attempts of learning from imported technology lead to the development of indigenous capabilities followed by export acceleration. This in turn has lead to a phenomenon observed and described as co-evolutionary “acclimatization”, which has enabled the nation to successfully substitute 30% of water demand with technology-driven NEWater. This paper demonstrates the challenges faced in developing and disseminating these leading-edge technologies. The final result is “localizing” knowledge and creating local innovation using the knowledge from leading global firms thereby providing mutual benefits to competitors leading to the co-evolution between innovation and institutional systems. This co-evolutionary process provides new insights into innovation and industry emergence, particularly for inducing the economies at the bottom of the pyramid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Barotrauma-injuries sustained following rapid decompression occur in many different fisheries applications. Previous attempts to quantify barotrauma in fish have been limited by the functionality of hypo/hyperbaric systems. Further, field studies often are confounded by covariates. The mobile aquatic barotrauma laboratory (MABL) was designed to address these limitations. Specifically, this testing facility allows the user to evaluate similar complex pressure scenarios to which migrating juvenile salmonids are exposed following turbine or spillway passage. In this paper, we describe the MABL and present a case study in which negative and neutrally buoyant juvenile Chinook salmon were exposed to simulated hydro-turbine passage (STP). The severity of the decompression profile and the fish''s ability to gain neutral buoyancy were used as predictor variables. We determined that following STP, fish that achieved neutral buoyancy during a 16-h acclimation period had a greater risk of mortality and injury (gill emboli, swim bladder rupture, and internal hemorrhaging) than negatively buoyant conspecifics. This research solidifies the need to allow fish to become neutrally buoyant when assessing barotrauma and mortality in field and laboratory applications. Future research examining injury and mortality of turbine-passed fish needs to consider the fish''s buoyancy to more appropriately evaluate these endpoints. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, the function and composition as well as the key techniques (ultra-long distance communication, attitude determination and control, thermal control, ultra-low temperature acclimatization, etc.) of China''s first Mars probe are analyzed. In combination with practical engineering conditions, the solutions of these key techniques are given. The design features of the probe are summarized, as a reference for developing the probes of the subsequent related missions in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This research aims to find a scientific rating scheme for roof system for the warm humid tropics. The overall air-to-air thermal transmittance (U-value) or thermal resistance (R-value) of roof are most widely used properties, but these are based on steady-state heat conduction and do not respond to changing conditions of climate, design and comfort needs. The paper presents a new thermal performance index, which is based on thermal comfort and actual thermal performance of a roof design option. It provides a basis for identifying the optimum roof design for unconditioned and acclimatised regimes. A review of the acceptable limits of ceiling surface temperature is presented. The mathematical modelling for predicting performance of roof based on admittance procedure and derivation of thermal performance index is described. In the proposed scheme the galvanized iron roof is given 0% rating and the roof satisfying the comfort needs for the given climate is rated as 100%. Illustrative examples of built roofs or design options are taken from India and Australia. It clearly shows that the roofs with the highest thermal resistance are not necessarily optimum solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The idea of climate has both statistical and social foundations. Both of these dimensions of climate change over time: climate, as defined by meteorological statistics, changes for both natural and anthropogenic reasons; and our expectations of future climate also change, as cultures, societies and knowledge evolves. This paper explores the interactions between these different expressions of climate change by focusing on the idea of ‘normal’ climates defined by statistics. We show how this idea came into being in meteorological circles and then review how this idea of climatic normality gets entangled with cultural and psychological processes. Using data from historical and predicted climates in the UK, we illustrate the significance of choosing different baseline ‘normals’ for retrospective and prospective interpretations of climate change. Since the choice of these statistical ‘normals’ reflects cultural, political and psychological preferences and practices as much as scientific ones, we argue that expectations of the climatic future are influenced by social as well as statistical norms. Seeing climate as co-constructed between the psycho-cultural constraints of society and the physical constraints of the material world offers a different way of thinking about the instabilities of climate and the ways we adapt to them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the integrated removal of carbon (measured as chemical oxygen demand i.e. COD) and NO x –N by sequentially adapted sludge, studied in an airlift reactor (ALR). Simultaneous removal of COD and nitrate occurs by denitrification (anoxic) and oxidation (aerobic). Aerobic (riser) and anoxic (remaining part) conditions prevail in different parts of the reactor. Studies were carried out in a 42L ALR operated at low aeration rate to maintain anoxic and aerobic conditions as required for denitrification and COD removal, respectively. The sludge was adapted sequentially to increasing levels of NO x –N and COD over a period of 45 days. Nitrate removal efficiency of the sludge increased due to adaptation and degraded 900ppm NO3–N completely in 2h (initially the sludge could not degrade 100ppm NO3–N). The performance of the adapted sludge was tested for the degradation of synthetic waste with COD/N loadings in the range of 4–10. The reduction of COD was significantly faster in the presence of NO x –N and was attributed to the availability of oxygen from NO x –N and distinct conditions in the reactor. This hypothesis was justified by the material balance of COD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The papers in this special issue are derived from a selection of presentations given at the RACHAD workshop titled “Pattern of Holocene Climate Change in Central Asia: Data Synthesis” held at Lanzhou University, People''s Republic of China, from 25th to 27th July 2006. RACHAD is INQUA Palaeoclimate Commission (PALCOMM) Project (#0502), concerned with ‘rapid climate change in Central Asia''s drylands’, and the 2006 workshop was its fourth gathering. The RACHAD project was established in 2000 and has been led by Prof Fahu Chen from Lanzhou University. RACHAD''s initial objectives were to stimulate the reconstruction of Holocene climatic and environmental changes in arid Central Asia at high resolution, to intensify international research collaboration, and to develop and refine techniques for environmental reconstruction and dating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal and water balance are coupled in anurans, and species with particularly permeable skin avoid overheating more effectively than minimizing variance of body temperature. In turn, temperature affects muscle performance in several ways, so documenting the mean and variance of body temperature of active frogs can help explain variation in behavioral performance. The two types of activities studied in most detail, jumping and calling, differ markedly in duration and intensity, and there are distinct differences in the metabolic profile and fiber type of the supporting muscles. Characteristics of jumping and calling also vary significantly among species, and these differences have a number of implications that we discuss in some detail throughout this paper. One question that emerges from this topic is whether anuran species exhibit activity temperatures that match the temperature range over which they perform best. Although this seems the case, thermal preferences are variable and may not necessarily reflect typical activity temperatures. The performance versus temperature curves and the thermal limits for anuran activity reflect the thermal ecology of species more than their systematic position. Anuran thermal physiology, therefore, seems to be phenotypically plastic and susceptible to adaptive evolution. Although generalizations regarding the mechanistic basis of such adjustments are not yet possible, recent attempts have been made to reveal the mechanistic basis of acclimation and acclimatization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The quantitative description of phytoplankton growth, dynamic photoacclimation and photosynthesis in dependence on temperature, irradiance, trace element and nutrient availability is still a matter of debate and competing ideas in the literature, mainly due to a lack of new critical experiments and to non-unique mathematical descriptions. This paper presents a closed theory of the above processes in a mathematically unique language. Notions like balanced and rapid growth, lower and upper compensation points are defined precisely and combined with successful validations of the system of equations against laboratory experiments and field observations taken from the literature. The minimum number of parameters of the present model of growth in dependence on light, temperature and one nutrient is 16 whereby 5 of them seem to have universal (species-independent) values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]