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This paper examines the history of the Soviet human acclimatization project in the North and Siberia, which spanned from medical experiments in Stalin's forced labor camps to the subsequent wave of industrialization in the region. The author argues that human acclimatization in the North was a settler colonial science project aimed at facilitating Russian administrators and engineers in asserting control over the territory and its resources, while creating a new homogeneous 'indigenous population' in Siberia and the North. This envisioned population, referred to as Homo Polaris by the author, was intended to emerge through a two-way transformation: the adaptation of Indigenous peoples into Soviet ideologies and practices, and the acclimatization of settlers coming from the European part of the country to the Arctic environment. Although the administrators and medical doctors were unable to achieve this biopolitical objective, the complexities and dialogues surrounding these transformations shed light on the late Soviet settler-colonial ideologies and their impact on social life in Siberia from the 1950s to the 1980s. The research is based on a comprehensive analysis of both published and archival works by scholars involved in the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lungs are the primary interface between the atmosphere and working tissues and act as the primary metabolic machinery of the body. The gas exchange that occurs inside the lungs through alveoli ensures adequate supply of oxygen to the tissues and determines the physical and physiological well beingness of the individuals. Barometric pressure decreases as altitude increases and individuals performing physically taxing activities in hypobaric hypoxic conditions need oxygen supplement due to reduced partial pressure of oxygen unless fully acclimatized. The physical activities at high altitude need more oxygen (partial pressure) to compensate for reduced barometric pressure. High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) is a deadly and fatal condition that can manifest in sojourners, mountaineers, scientific expedition teams or military personnel at high altitude. This paper while providing an insight into HAPO conditions, describes the principles behind design and safety of military customised fabric chamber developed by authors for field treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Singapore's global aspirations have, since the turn of the 21st century, led to the consolidation of a range of new institutions—arts research centers, degree granting programs in universities, museums, festivals— with affiliated experts, to prepare the ground for an emergent arts scene that is aligned with the norms of contemporary western art practice. As neoliberal instrumentation competes with the communitarian logic of the traditional arts, dance forms such as Indian classical, Javanese court and Malay folk dances, which once sought to link the ancient past and perpetuity for ethnic communities of spectatorship, are constricted within narrowly defined categories of the regional performing arts market. To avoid becoming mere touristic spectacles, a new generation of traditionally trained artists reinvent their respective forms to accommodate the near future of contemporary culture in Singapore. Such adaptations unsettle the once cohesive universe of traditional dance, resulting in unfinished and unsettling works that betray, to quote Nicholas Bourriard, "countless forms of melancholy", This paper looks at two recent works of contemporary dance staged in Singapore—January Low's Reclaim (2019), Raka Maitra's Pallavi Series (2015-2018). I consider dance emerging from this latter discourse as articulating an aesthetic of acclimatization, sustained by political, communal and institutional attachments that emerge in a climate of overwhelming crises and adjustment. As the traditional dance world in Singapore enters a state of slow death, I identify projects that embark on experiments of partial recuperation, which "stay with the trouble," as Donna Harraway suggests, making-with and getting-on with what remains of traditional dance and its embodied practices. I suggest that these projects extend the life of traditional dance as a minor, mutated species in an early evolutionary stage that nevertheless transforms the ecology they acclimate to. In remaining selectively porous to neoliberal and biopolitical operations, and receptive to novel artistic regimes, can the aesthetic of acclimatization allow traditional dance to escape its totalization within neoliberal calculations? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptation takes place in both private and public sectors, or as an interrelation between the two, and often under the realm of public regulation. Thispaper uses the Swedish and the Norwegian electricity grid sector, as providers of a vital public good under strict public regulation, to analyse reforms' effects on adaptive capacity in this area. The paper shows that transformational changes in both sectors during the 1990s shifted both the formal organisational structure (rules and regulations), as well as the organisational culture, in the direction of economic efficiency. These two dimensions individually reduced adaptive capacity to climate change, although differently in the two countries. However, the formal structure and organisational culture also yielded substantial influence on each other. This leads to the conclusion that when designing public regulations and implementing reforms, organisational culture must be considered in the design. Also the paper contests previous findings in the literature by showing that under given conditions there exist some substitution between the two dimensions in influencing adaptive capacity, implying that both dimensions should be included when analysing adaptation since analysing them in isolation is likely to lead to wrong conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to understand the role of organizational routines as possible barriers to the mainstreaming of climate adaptation at the implementation stage. While the mainstreaming of climate adaptation into policy documents is relatively easy, the implementation of these policies seems to be more problematic. Barriers to climate adaptation often occur during this stage as the implementation of the policies is generally undertaken by other actors than the policy-makers. These actors act based on organizational routines. As organizational routines aim to provide stability, they tend to be reaffirmative. Reorganizing the resources and practices of these actors to initiate mainstreaming then proves difficult. Consequently, the routines could prevent change that might be necessary to address new policy objectives such as climate adaptation. An analytical framework consisting of four self-reinforcing mechanisms is used to understand and explain why and how organizational routines can hamper the mainstreaming of climate adaptation during implementation. A case study is used to illustrate organizational routines as possible barriers. The paper concludes by stating that to optimize the possibilities of mainstreaming climate adaptation, a change in routines is necessary. In order to stimulate change in organizational routines, the focus should be on reflecting on existing routines, legitimacy building and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus species are widely planted by the South African forestry industry and are utilised for pulp, paper and saw timber products. Historically, Pinus patula Schiede ex Schltdl. et Cham. was the most widely planted commercial species in the summer rainfall area, but has come under severe threat due to the fungus Fusarium circinatum. Fusarium circinatum causes mortality in nurseries and in-field after establishment. Other Pinus species, such as P. tecunumanii F.Schwerdtf. ex Eguiluz et J.P.Perry and P. oocarpa Schiede ex Schltdl., have been crossed with P. patula to increase tolerance to F. circinatum and these hybrids have largely overcome the post-planting mortality problem. However, these hybrid-partner species are more prone to frost damage. This study reviewed laboratory screening techniques to assess the frost tolerance level of a range of Pinus pure species and hybrids. In vitro screening was done with the electrolyte leakage and whole-plant freezing techniques. Seedlings and rooted cuttings from a range of genotypes, supplied by Sappi, were tested in vitro at different target temperatures (−3, −6, −9 and −12 °C) to determine their relative frost tolerance. These genotypes included a range of Pinus pure species, four interspecific hybrids (P. patula × P. tecunumanii low elevation [LE], P. patula × P. tecunumanii high elevation [HE], P. elliottii Engelm. × P. caribaea Morelet), and a three-way cross (P. patula × (P. patula × P. oocarpa)). Results from this study indicated that the electrolyte leakage technique was a reliable method to determine frost tolerance under laboratory conditions, with similar pure species rankings as experienced under field conditions. The interspecific hybrids of P. patula × P. tecunumanii LE and HE ranked intermediate between the parental species and the P. patula × P. tecunumanii HE hybrid was more frost tolerant than the P. patula × P. tecunumanii LE hybrid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrespective of the success of climate mitigation efforts, societies worldwide face the challenge of adapting to a changing climate. In this paper, we examine UK residents' expectations of future threats and opportunities associated with climate change impacts, along with willingness to prioritise different climate change impacts for investment. Using a national survey (n = 2007), we report on three main findings. First, UK residents tend to expect threats related to flooding and wet weather to be more likely and concerning than heat extremes or opportunities. Second, UK residents' expectations of climate change impacts do not align with expert assessments, especially showing lower estimates of heat-related threats as compared to experts. Third, willingness to allocate resources to potential climate change impacts tends to be more strongly associated with anticipated concern should they occur than climate change belief or the expected likelihood of them occurring. We discuss the implications of our findings for policies and communications about climate change adaptation in the UK and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the communication and the use of climate scenarios at the science–science and science–policy interface in Finland, Sweden and Norway. It is based on document analysis and stakeholder questionnaires. The questionnaires targeted three stakeholder groups, all engaged in the communication and the use of climate scenario information: climate scenario producers; impact, adaptation and vulnerability (IAV) experts; and policy-makers. The respondents were asked to identify issues associated with the communication of scenarios and other needs pertaining to the usefulness and availability of such information. Despite the relatively long history of climate change adaptation in the three countries, climate scenarios are not utilised to their full potential. Climate scenarios have been used in awareness raising, problem understanding and strategy development. However, far less examples can be found on adaptation actions, particularly on harnessing the benefits of climate change. The communication between climate scenario producers and IAV experts functions well; however, communication between climate researchers and policy-makers is less efficient. Each country has developed boundary services to enhance dissemination of the climate scenario information to policy-makers. They are cost-efficient but do not necessarily enhance the comprehension of the information and encourage the actual dialogue between scenario producers and the end-users. Further translation of scenario information to impact and vulnerability estimates together with established boundary work could improve the use of climate research information. As adaptation policy in these countries further progresses towards implementation, there are increasing expectations of support from research, further challenging the communication of climate scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper analyzes the process of crack saturation, which is fundamental to understanding why panel paintings have survived remarkably well in the uncontrolled environments of historic houses or places of worship for several centuries. The process of crack saturation was analyzed using finite element modeling. A double layer elastic model with fractured overlying paint layer was subjected to uniaxial tension. The critical separation between cracks was determined and compared with patterns observed in real paintings. In addition, the generation and propagation of delamination were studied to elucidate the effect of their propagation on the saturation distance of cracks, as well as the load carrying ability of the paint layer. Contributing modes of crack propagation and their significance are also discussed. The results demonstrate that shearing fracture mode dominates the process of delamination. The impact of crack saturation on the degree of relative humidity variation that is allowable is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Towards the end of the century, Serbia will face a dramatic increase in annual temperature between 2°C and 6°C and decrease in annual accumulated precipitation up to 12%. Recent 2014 floods in Serbia, with more than 30 victims, and more than 30,000 displaced people, with overall damage close to €1.5 billion, reflected those trends and the likely risks that region will face due the changing climate. Those risks may influence the development process at the local level. This paper assesses the existing priority measures in local sustainable development strategies and re-interprets their characteristics using a methodological framework for the definition of adaptation measures. It offers a new understanding of the ongoing local sustainable development approach in the potentially most vulnerable municipalities in Serbia. The study focused on following properties of developmental measures: costeffectiveness, structural characteristics, target realm, spatial determination, time frame, climate responsiveness, and sector and budget allocation of development measures at the local level. The results of the analysis suggest that the initiation of adaptation planning should consider the improvement of the methodological framework - the introduction of inter-sectoral and cross-sectoral planning practice, cost-benefit analysis, the involvement of individual actors in planning and dynamic planning approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public and commercial buildings tend to overheat and considerable energy is consumed by air-conditioning and ventilation. However, many occupants remain unsatisfied and consequently exhibit thermoregulatory behaviour (TRB),e.g.opening windows or controlling the air-conditioning. This, in turn, might negatively influence the building energy use. This paper hypothesizes that warmth acclimation influences thermophysiology, perception and TRB in a warm environment. Therefore, the effect of warmth acclimation on TRB, physiology and perception is investigated. Twelve participants underwent a so-called SWITCH protocol before and after warmth acclimation (7 days, 6 h/day, about 33°C, about 22% RH). During SWITCH, the participants chose between a warm (37°C) and a cold (17°C) condition. TRB was determined by the number of switches and the time spent in a specific condition. Mean skin temperature was recorded to assess behavioural thresholds. Thermal comfort and sensation were indicated on visual analogue scales (VAS). After acclimation, the upper critical behavioural threshold significantly increased from 35.2 ± 0.6 to 35.5 ± 0.5°C (p ≤ 0.05) and the range of mean skin temperatures at which no behaviour occurred significantly widened (3.6 ± 0.7 to 4.2 ± 0.6;p < 0.05). The total number of switches tended to decrease (p = 0.075). The present study is the first to show that prolonged passive exposure to warmth extends TRB thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An introduction is presented in which the editors discuss various reports within the issue on topics climate adaptation strategies for reinforced concrete structures, the use of insurance modeling to assess climate change adaptation, and strategies for tsunami protection.

This paper identifies the conceptual similarities between ecological designs and ecosystem-based adaptations to climate change. The former includes approaches grounded in expert knowledge, such as landscape ecological urbanism, while the latter is rooted in local experiential knowledge and relies on community-based adaptations. This paper bridges these expert and experiential knowledge forms through a transactive planning model by deploying design charrettes in the context of Negril, Jamaica. The findings reveal that local people are aware of ecosystems and prefer ecologically sensitive adaptation interventions. This study concludes with planning and design recommendations for climate change adaptation in Negril. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Decision-making concerned with managing the possible increased risk of disasters arising from climate change requires tools to forecast changes in disaster risk with time. These changes will be a function of the projected changes not only in weather-related hazard activity due to climate change but also in the vulnerability of the built environment and the aggregate value of assets exposed due to the growth of communities and associated increased concentrations of wealth. Tools developed for the insurance industry over the past three decades to assist decision-makers in estimating and managing catastrophe insurance risk can be adapted to assess the impact of these changes. This paper presents a probabilistic method for undertaking cost–benefit analyses of proposed building adaptation measures using these insurance-based models. The approach accounts for the direct and indirect cost of disasters on a community, including the transfer of risk through insurance and the associated aleatory and epistemic risks. A simplified hypothetical case study focussed on the impact of potential changes to structural design standards for tropical cyclone winds is presented to demonstrate the application of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures placed in chloride-contaminated environments are subjected to deterioration processes that affect their performance, serviceability and safety. Chloride ingress leads to corrosion initiation and its interaction with service loading could reduce its operational life. Chloride ingress and corrosion propagation are highly influenced by weather conditions in the surrounding environment including climate change. Therefore, both structural design and maintenance should be adapted to these new environmental conditions. This study focuses on the assessment of the costs and benefits of climate adaptation strategies for existing RC structures subjected to chloride ingress and climate change. We studied RC structures built at different periods under different construction standards in France. The cost-effectiveness of adaptation measures was measured in terms of the benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) and the probability that BCR exceeds unity – i.e. Pr(BCR>1). The results of the paper could provide practical advice to policy-makers to improve the management of existing RC structures under a changing climate by discussing the influence of the following factors on the mean BCR and Pr(BCR>1): specific exposure conditions, climate change scenarios, risk reduction due to the implementation of adaptation strategies, type of structural component, years of construction and adaptation, discount rates and damage costs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Even though supply chain agility (SCA) has been considered an essential concept in supply chain management (SCM) research, the way it is experienced and manifested, especially by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has received much less attention. Our purpose is to focus on SME organisational vulnerabilities in the context of increased environmental uncertainty, and explore how SCA is developed and applied by SMEs amid their vulnerabilities. By relying on insights from comparative case studies of three British SMEs, we examine SME SCA as an acclimatisation process and delve into SMEs' experiences of facing environmental uncertainty while developing and applying SCA. Our findings highlight that organisational attitudes underlie how SMEs perceive environmental uncertainty, tackle organisational vulnerabilities and develop SCA as an acclimatisation process. Our findings also reveal that resource constraints, supply chain relationships, interorganisational power dynamics, and access to information play important roles in developing SCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second part of a two-part article detailing how Northeastern State University migrated from ILLiad to Tipasa in 2019. This article will detail the actual migration process and the challenges involved as well as the acclimation afterwards and lessons learned. While the transition itself was not without hurdles, the department was able to navigate the transition relatively smoothly due to preparation, communication, and excellent leadership. Finally, the authors will compare usage statistics from previous academic semesters to assess patron use of the new system. The authors have also included results from a short patron experience survey from January 2020 assessing patron perspectives with Tipasa and ILLiad, comparing the two when possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermotolerance acquisition is an important ecophysiological trait under global warming scenarios because it can allow organisms and populations to adapt, particularly during the most sensitive early stages of a life cycle. Here we used seasonality as a natural scenario to explore whether parental thermal histories can modulate thermotolerance of recruits of a canopy-forming intertidal seaweed (Fucus guiryi) across an ecologically relevant thermal gradient (15–28°C). For this purpose, we harvested embryos from parents after the periods of maximum and minimum accumulated heat exposure (late summer and late winter), and at the onset of summer. During early ontogeny we followed initial embryo size, internal nutrient content, survival, growth and developmental stages as performance metrics to address whether parental acclimation modulates thermal tolerance via provisioning or parental effects. Late winter recruits of F. guiryi exhibited the greatest thermotolerance, showing a broader range of optimal temperatures and higher upper thermal limits for growth and survival, probably associated with better provisioning from parental thalli. Physiological fitness of recruits decreased above 25°C, showing arrested growth, impaired development and dropping survival rates, but functional loss was more abrupt in early summer. Late summer responses confirmed that heat hardening occurs in natural populations, but at the seasonal scale the adaptive significance of this increased thermotolerance is much lower than that induced by winter parental provisioning. Heat-induced thermotolerance occurred from early to late summer due to parental exposure to warming. However, winter provisioning promoted greater thermotolerance acquisition. Exposure to moderate thermal stress at the onset of summer without prior seasonal acclimation resulted in minimum levels of thermal tolerance and loss of offspring fitness. While warmer winters might be neutral or benefit early development, increasing temperatures and poor nutritional conditions at the onset of the summer season may reduce survival and hamper population recruitment. Thermotolerance of Fucus guiryi increased towards the late cold season. Early summer recruits had the lowest survival under warming. Seasonal performance of recruits might be driven by parental environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timely reprogramming of gene expression in response to internal and external cues is essential to eukaryote development and acclimation to changing environments. Chemically modifying molecular receptors and transducers of these signals is one way to efficiently induce proper physiological responses. Post-translation modifications, regulating protein biological activities, are central to many well-known signal-responding pathways. Recently, messenger RNA (mRNA) chemical (i.e. epitranscriptomic) modifications were also shown to play a key role in these processes. In contrast, transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) chemical modifications, although critical for optimal function of the translation apparatus, and much more diverse and quantitatively important compared to mRNA modifications, were until recently considered as mainly static chemical decorations. We present here recent observations that are challenging this view and supporting the hypothesis that tRNA and rRNA modifications dynamically respond to various cell and environmental conditions and contribute to adapt translation to these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat acclimation (HA) protocols repeatedly expose individuals to heat stress. As HA is typically performed close to the pinnacle event, it is essential that the protocol does not compromise immune status, health, or wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of HA on resting salivary immunoglobulin-A (s-IgA) and salivary cortisol (s-cortisol), self-reported upper-respiratory tract symptoms, and self-reported wellness parameters. Seventeen participants (peak oxygen uptake 53.2 ± 9.0 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed a 10-day controlled-hyperthermia HA protocol, and a heat stress test both before (HST1) and after (HST2) HA (33°C, 65% relative humidity). Resting saliva samples were collected at HST1, day 3 and 7 of the HA protocol, HST2, and at 5 ± 1 days post-HA. Upper-respiratory tract symptom data were collected weekly from one week prior to HA until three weeks post HA, and wellness ratings were reported daily throughout HA. HA successfully induced physiological adaptations, with a lower end-exercise rectal temperature and heart rate and higher whole-body sweat rate at HST2 compared to HST1. In contrast, resting saliva flow rate, s-IgA concentration, s-cortisol concentration, and s-cortisol secretion rate remained unchanged (n = 11–14, P = 0.10–0.48). Resting s-IgA secretion rate increased by 39% from HST1 to HST2 (n = 14, P = 0.03). No changes were observed in self-reported upper respiratory tract symptoms and wellness ratings. In conclusion, controlled-hyperthermia HA did not negatively affect resting s-IgA and s-cortisol, self-reported upper-respiratory tract symptoms, and self-reported wellness parameters in recreational athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthesis is susceptible in response to nitrogen (N) deficiency. However, the acclimation of shade-tolerant and high-N sensitive species to N deficiency is unclear. Leaf morpho-physiological traits, photosynthetic performance related parameters were examined in a shade-tolerant and high-N sensitive species P. notoginseng grown under different N levels. Lower N content and Chl content were recorded in the N0-grown P. notoginseng. The maximum values of leaf morpho-physiological traits, photosynthetic rate, and photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) were obtained in the N15-grown P. notoginseng. Coefficients for leaf N allocation into the carboxylation and light-harvesting system components in the N0-grown plants were significantly higher than others. N0 and N7.5 plants showed higher K phase. N addition decreased the absorption and capture of the light energy per unit area (ABS/RC and TRO/RC) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Photochemical quenching (qP), electron transport rate (ETR), and effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ϕPSII) were reduced in the N0-grown plants. The reduction of light-harvesting and utilization capacity not only leads to a decrease in PNUE, but also induces the damage of PSII reaction center. Overall, the inhibition of leaf growth and photosynthetic capacity is an essential strategy for high-N sensitive and shade-tolerant plants in response to N deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific research looks for answers to broaden our knowledge, and the specific questions addressed in each study are those that distinguish the type of scientific investigation pursued. In the field of ecophysiology biological functions are addressed, cell strategies of adaptation and acclimation to environmental changes are explored, the roles of biotic and abiotic factors on evolutionary trajectories of organisms are investigated. In line with the ecophysiological approach, the papers included in this issue explore the taxonomic and functional diversity of algae, reflecting and following the deep interest of professor Mario Giordano in aquatic autotrophic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in temperature during autumn is one of the most serious negative factors for winter rye (Secale cereale L.), which leads to wilting, plant damage by fungal diseases and yield losses. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the possibility of overcoming the consequences of heat stress through seed priming with zeatin solution. Rye seeds (cv. Boguslavka) were soaked in zeatin (Z) solution (10−6 M) or water for 3 h. Seedlings were grown at a temperature of +16° C in sand culture. The 7-day-old plants were exposed to heat stress (+35° C) for 2 h (alarm phase of response) or for 6 h for 2 days (acclimation phase of response). Then plants recovered for 5 d under initial conditions. Endogenous cytokinins content was analyzed by HPLC-MS method. Hyperthermia had a differential effect on the content of individual cytokinins and their localization in the shoots and roots of rye plants. Pre-sowing treatment of rye seeds with zeatin solution resulted in significant changes in cytokinin status in shoots and roots of young plants. Effect of hyperthermia on cytokinin amount in plants grown from primed seeds was less pronounced compared with the plants grown from untreated seeds. So, cytokinins are considered an important regulator of rye plants' response and adaptation to hyperthermia. Seed priming with cytokinins could be a relevant tool to improve growth and development of rye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban heat is a growing problem, especially for vulnerable populations who are disproportionately exposed to higher temperatures. Adaptive capacity and, especially, social capital increases recovery from disasters and enhances adaptation. Social capital is declining nationwide and the Sunbelt States, with highest national temperatures, have the lowest levels of social capital. Social capital is situational and reflects a position within the formal and informal aspects of any issue, and frameworks developed for some purposes may not be relevant for others. Few have fully explored social capital's relation to heat vulnerability. There is a need to understand social capital in the context of urban heat to determine if it is present, used, enhanced or is a latent capacity. This research explores indicators and related questions for effective social capital for urban heat. This research was conducted in one of the hottest United States cities, metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona and, while the geographic and cultural context may be different, the findings have applicability to other warming urban centres. Using social capital as a lens to explore heat vulnerability and better metrics for urban heat social capital can inform policies that deepen networks and increase trust, minimise poor public health outcomes, and facilitate more effective community engagement. Effective social capital for extreme heat can provide a roadmap for decision-makers in working towards climate adaptation at the community scale by increasing their understanding of when and how to assist communities in building their capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws on recent theory and empirical research to explore how mobility is and might be employed by populations vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It examines case studies in Bangladesh and Kiribati to illustrate the implications of differential processes of change, types of mobility, challenges and responses in low-elevation coastal zones. Throughout, a household-level analysis yields a complex picture of how (im)mobility interacts with vulnerability to environmental change. A resilience approach is subsequently adopted to argue that an understanding of socio-ecological systems offers a useful means of apprehending and exploring the complexity inherent in the climate change–mobility nexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the international significance attached to climate change adaptation, there remains a lack of understanding of the barriers that impede the effective implementation of adaptation strategies by households across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Better understanding of the vulnerability of agriculture-dependent households to climate variability requires exploration of the barriers that constrain the implementation of adaptation strategies. This paper uses case studies from northeast Ghana and a systematic literature review to assess the barriers that restrict effective implementation of climate adaptations in SSA. Results suggest that households are constrained by financial barriers, socio-cultural barriers, institutional barriers, technological barriers and a lack of information on climate change characteristics. We examine how the various barriers interact at different levels to influence the adaptation process. Findings highlight that the development of early warning systems, effective communication of climate information and an understanding of the local context within which adaptations take place, are necessary pre-requisites to enhance climate adaptations and rural livelihoods. Households need to be supported through the provision of micro-credit schemes, community empowerment and extension initiatives aimed at enhancing social networks within farming communities in order to reduce their vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change and variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including climate change adaptation, sea-level rise and land use planning.

Bottom-dwelling fishes with low swimming capacity burrow into soft substrates or occupy shelters, such as stones and vegetation, to reduce metabolic costs of holding their position in running waters. As a consequence, under natural conditions it can be difficult to examine the effect of water flow as the limiting factor of benthic fishes. The velocity (0, 10, 20, and 30 cm s−1) preferences of spined loach and Northern golden loach were examined experimentally in an isosceles, cross-shaped acrylic tank with five square chambers (side of 15 cm and 40 cm high). Fish could select freely between a sheltered place without water flow (two side cells) and with flow (three) cells. Fishes were observed for 40 min by taking time-lapse photos every 0.5 min, with the first 7.5 min (= 15 photos) treated as an acclimatization period. Each treatment was repeated 10 times with 65 photos analysed. The disparity between the proportion of fish observed in the active and passive areas of the tank was used as the preference or avoidance of the velocity treatment. Northern golden loach showed a random distribution between cells (no bias from a proportion of 3:2), only at a velocity 0 cm s−1 revealing strong preference for water flow 10 and 20 cm s−1 and avoidance of velocity of 30 cm s−1. Spined loach preferred a velocity of 10 cm s−1 and avoided velocities of 20 and 30 cm s−1. Surprisingly fish were not randomly distributed at a velocity of 0 cm s−1, at which they were more frequently found in passive cells than active ones. The results confirm that Northern golden loach is a rheophilic fish occurring only in running waters, whereas spined loach is an ubiquitous species distributed in slow-flowing as well as stagnant waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ide Leuciscus idus is a large-bodied cyprinid native to freshwaters around the Baltic, Black, Caspian, White, Barents, Kara, Laptev and North seas as well as the Aral Sea region. Historically an important commercial species, the ide is used in recreational fisheries and as an ornamental fish, and is subject to translocation and stocking events. The ide is less well-studied than many European cyprinids and relatively little is known of the risks it poses to native species and ecosystems where introduced. The present review and meta-analysis examine available data on the ide's environmental biology to provide an assessment of its potential invasiveness. A long-lived, omnivorous species, the ide is a habitat generalist that inhabits lowland rivers and nutrient-rich lakes, but also some brackish waters where it is facultatively anadromous. The ide displays variable age and length at maturity and asymptotic growth in body length, can be highly productive and migratory, and can withstand variable environmental conditions. Despite several attributes that should facilitate acclimation to novel environments, the ide has established relatively few self-sustaining populations outside its native range, and is therefore not currently considered to be invasive. However, as introductions are likely to continue, increased propagule pressure could lead to the development of invasive non-native populations in some locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timely reprogramming of gene expression in response to internal and external cues is essential to eukaryote development and acclimation to changing environments. Chemically modifying molecular receptors and transducers of these signals is one way to efficiently induce proper physiological responses. Post-translation modifications, regulating protein biological activities, are central to many well-known signal-responding pathways. Recently, messenger RNA (mRNA) chemical (i.e. epitranscriptomic) modifications were also shown to play a key role in these processes. In contrast, transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) chemical modifications, although critical for optimal function of the translation apparatus, and much more diverse and quantitatively important compared to mRNA modifications, were until recently considered as mainly static chemical decorations. We present here recent observations that are challenging this view and supporting the hypothesis that tRNA and rRNA modifications dynamically respond to various cell and environmental conditions and contribute to adapt translation to these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adaptability of cattle to thermal stress has been extensively studied however the exact dynamics of acclimatization is still less investigated. The present study was conducted to assess the acclimatization dynamics in crossbred cattle. In the present experiment non-pregnant dry crossbred cattle (n = 4) were exposed to 25°C and 40°C temperature with a relative humidity of 40–50% in a psychrometric chamber from 10:00 to 15:00 h/day for 21 days. The physiological parameters were recorded and blood samples were collected at 15:00 (after exposure) hours on day 1, 6, 11, 16 and 21. All the studied parameters except T3 altered significantly (P < 0.05) at 40°C temperature as compared to 25°C. At 40°C exposure a significant (P < 0.05) acclimatization response in respiratory rate was first observed on day 11. The dry matter intake increased significantly (P < 0.05) from day 6 onwards whereas water intake decreased at day 21 only. The LDH, AST, ALT activity, urea concentration and redox status did not reach to pre-stress levels even at day 21. Acclimatization in T4 and cortisol levels was observed on day 11 and 16, respectively. It can be concluded that in extreme heat stress conditions an acclimatization period of 6 to 21 days was required in crossbred cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of fungal agents to develop eco-friendly and cost-effective dye removal from textile effluent was studied. A fungal strain Neurospora sp has been isolated from effluent site and tested for its ability to biosorption and biodegrade azodyes. Biosorption of azo dyes by live and dead fungal biomass was evaluated. Percentage of decolorization was found to be effective against all tested azodyes and ranges between 33 and 76%. Nearly 72% of azo dyes were removed by dead Neurospora sp biomass and 86% respectively by live active biomass. Biodegradation of textile effluent by Neurospora sp showed changes in BOD, COD and TOC indicates that isolated Neurospora sp effectively degrade and utilize the dye as a sole carbon source. The initial TOC of 2600 mg/L was approximately reduced to almost its three fourth within a week. Research works on application of fungal biomass on textile effluent treatment have proven decolorizing potential among a wide range of anionic and cationic dyes. Based on the results, the biosorption mechanism by Neurospora sp was observed as effective, economic and eco-friendly decontaminant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to compare cold hardiness (CH) of 20 field-grown grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars at four stages: Nov., Jan., Mar. and Apr., and to investigate the relationship between CH and soluble carbohydrates, proline, phenolic compounds and water content changes during acclimation and deacclimation stages. After exposure to various freeze test temperatures, cane LT50 values were estimated using electrolyte leakage and Tetrazolium stain test. CH of all cultivars studied increased with the overall trend of declining temperatures from Nov. through Jan., after which the canes began to deacclimate from Mar. and gradually lost CH in Apr.; overall LT50 means were -15.06, -23.73, -22.42 and -12.08, respectively. A relatively high variation of CH was shown in Jan., when ranged from -20.76 to -26.43ºC. In this sampling stage, cultivars were classified as hardy (CH = -24.5 to -26.5; 'Moukhtchaloni', 'Volgo-Don', 'Druzhba', 'Khalili', 'Bidaneh Qermez', 'Bidaneh Sefid' and 'Monaqa'), moderately hardy (CH = -22.5 to -24.5; 'Fakhri Zoudras', 'Asgari', 'Peykani', 'Siahe Qarabaq', 'Qareh Shahani', 'Galin Barmaqi', 'Mirzaei', 'Thompson Seedless' and 'Fiesta') and least hardy (CH = -20.5 to -22.5; 'Flame Seedless', 'Shirazi', 'Perlette' and 'Ruby Seedless'). The pattern of soluble carbohydrates, proline, and phenolic compounds changes were highly consistent with the LT50 profile and cold hardy cultivars accumulated higher osmoregulants compared to others. Our results are valuable to viticulturist to select suitable cultivars for sustainable production in cold zones and to the grape breeder to advance grape CH programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single and joint oxidative stress of cadmium (Cd) and phenanthrene (Phe) on Anadara subcrenata were investigated under laboratory conditions with biomarkers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC). The results indicated that the ROS level in Anadara subcrenata exposed to Cd and Phe significantly (P < 0.05) increased during the early exposure stage, and the TAOC level and SOD activity were induced as the response of the antioxidant defense system, and this followed a damage, recovery or acclimation event. The MDA content was negatively correlated with SOD activity. As the time went on, the ROS level decreased gradually and was close to that in the control after 9 days; the TAOC level decreased accordingly, but the recovery rate of the SOD activity was slower than that of the TAOC level. High concentrations of Cd or Phe had a stronger oxidative stress effect on Anadara subcrenata. Phe had a stronger effect on the SOD activity of Anadara subcrenata. The joint effects of Cd and Phe on the levels of ROS and TAOC, SOD activity and MDA content in Anadara subcrenata are dependent on their concentration combination, which were called the double-dose dependent effects and time-dependent effects, respectively. The binary mixture treatments of 477.33 μg/L Cd and 48.08 μg/L Phe had the highest oxidative stress on Anadara subcrenata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A half-root stress is a half portion of the root system exposed to treatment while the remaining half portion kept under normal conditions. A half-root stress including half-root drought stress, half-root nutrient stress, and half-root salinity stress has become a general approach to improve plant performance and adaptability. Plants produce some chemical signals in stressed part of root, and other parts sense these signals to improve the acclimation and adaptive responses to environmental stresses. Plants adapt the compensatory functions and discriminate the systemic and local regulatory mechanisms, but the understanding of these mechanisms is controversial. Chemical signals (Abscisic acid, sap pH, cytokinins, content of malate, amino acid, and ureide) have been involved in root to shoot signaling under half-root stress. Furthermore, naturally appeared half-root stress in intercropping systems could be an additional attribute of half-root stress approach. Therefore, much more study is required to elaborate its acceptability in intercropping. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge and identified some key future researches areas regarding half-root stress approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choking under pressure describes suboptimal sport performance in stressful situations, which has led to two fundamental 'choking' models: distraction and self-focus. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of empirical studies that have tested interventions used to alleviate choking. The systematic review includes 47 empirical studies published up to April 2017, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and single-case studies with athletes. These studies encompassed a variety of interventions (n = 13) that were either distraction based or self-focus based. In addition, a third group – acclimatisation interventions – was identified. The results indicate that, in general, choking interventions based on both choking models and on acclimatisation provide a benefit to performance under pressure. The most reported effective interventions were pre-performance routines, quiet eye training, left-hand contractions, and acclimatisation training. The use of dual task was beneficial for performance under pressure but harmful when used in training. Mixed evidence was found for analogy learning, and null effects were reported for goal setting, neurofeedback training, and reappraisal cues. These results may help athletes and coaches select and implement effective strategies and methods to improve performance under pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obvious disadvantages of biotrickling filters (BTFs) are the long start-up time and low removal efficiency (RE) when treating refractory hydrophobic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which limits its industrial application. It is worthwhile to investigate how to reduce the start-up period of the BTF for treating hydrophobic VOCs. Here, we present the first study to evaluate the strategy of toluene induction combined with toluene-styrene synchronous acclimatization during start-up in a laboratory-scale BTF inoculated with activated sludge for styrene removal, as well as the effects of styrene inlet concentration (0.279 to 2.659 g·m−3), empty bed residence time (EBRT) (i.e., 136, 90, 68, 45, 34 sec), humidity (7.7% to 88.9%), and pH (i.e., 4, 3, 2.5, 2) on the performance of the BTF system. The experiments were carried out under acidic conditions (pH 4.5) to make fungi dominant in the BTF. The start-up period for styrene in the BTF was shortened to about 28 days. A maximum elimination capacity (ECmax) of 126 g·m−3·hr−1 with an RE of 80% was attained when styrene inlet loading rate (ILR) was below 180 g·m−3·hr−1. The highest styrene RE(s) [of BTF] that could be achieved were 95% and 93.4%, respectively, for humidity of 7.7% and at pH 2. A single dominant fungal strain was isolated and identified as Candida palmioleophila strain MA-M11 based on the 26S ribosomal RNA gene. Overall, the styrene induction with the toluene-styrene synchronous acclimatization could markedly reduce the start-up period and enhance the RE of styrene. The BTF dominated by fungi exhibited good performance under low pH and humidity and great potential in treating styrene with higher inlet concentrations. Implications: The application of the toluene induction combined with toluene-styrene synchronous acclimatization demonstrated to be a promising approach for the highly efficient removal of styrene. The toluene induction can accelerate biofilm formation, and the adaptability of microorganisms to styrene can be improved rapidly by the toluene-styrene synchronous acclimatization. The integrated application of two technologies can shorten the start-up period of biotrickling filters markedly and promote its industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water hyacinth is considered the most damaging aquatic weed in South Africa. The success of biocontrol initiatives against the weed varies nation-wide, but control remains generally unattainable in higher altitude, temperate regions. Eccritotarsus catarinensis (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a biocontrol agent of water hyacinth that was first released in South Africa in 1996. By 2011, it was established at over 30 sites across the country. These include the Kubusi River, a site with a temperate climate where agent establishment and persistence was unexpected. This study compared the critical thermal limits of the Kubusi River insect population with a laboratory-reared culture to determine whether any physiological plasticity was evident that could account for its unexpected establishment. There were no significant differences in critical thermal maxima (CTmax) or minima (CTmin) between sexes, while the effect of rate of temperature change on the thermal parameters in the experiments had a significant impact in some trials. Both CTmax and CTmin differed significantly between the two populations, with the field individuals tolerating significantly lower temperatures (CTmin: −0.3°C ± 0.063 [SE], CTmax: 42.8°C ± 0.155 [SE]) than those maintained in the laboratory (CTmin: 1.1°C ± 0.054 [SE], CTmax: 44.9°C ± 0.196 [SE]). Acclimation of each population to the environmental conditions typical of the other for a five-day period illustrated that short-term acclimation accounted for some, but not all of the variation between their lower thermal limits. This study provides evidence for the first cold-adapted strain of E. catarinensis in the field, with potential value for introduction into other colder regions where water hyacinth control is currently unattainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) influent concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 mg L−1 on sludge toxicity, enzymatic activity and microbial community, along with their correlations, were investigated in a sequencing batch bioreactor (SBR), which was defined as the acclimated SBR. Another SBR was set as a control group that did not receive the influent 4-CP. The results showed that the sludge toxicity increased as the influent 4-CP increased, exhibiting a positive correlation with 4-CP loads. The enzymatic activity was stimulated after long-term acclimation with 4-CP and was positively related to the 4-CP loads and sludge toxicity. During the stable operational stages of the acclimated SBR, the microbial diversity first increased and then decreased as the 4-CP loads increased, while the similarity of the microbial community between the acclimated and control SBRs decreased with increasing 4-CP loads. The aim of this study is to provide theoretical support for reducing sludge toxicity in industrial wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A protocol was standardized for callus initiation and shoots regeneration from leaf explants of Lepianthes umbellata. The explant was cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), and 1-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) for shoot bud initiation and multiplication. High frequency of shoot regeneration and maximum number of shoots per explant were achieved on MS medium fortified with 0.5 mg L−1 NAA and 1.0 mg L−1 BAP. The elongations of shoots were achieved on the same medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L−1 Gibberelic acid (GA3), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at different concentrations on half strength MS medium were used for rooting of the micro shorts. Highest efficiency for rooting was observed on MS with 1.5 mg L−1 IBA. Regenerated plantlets were successfully transferred for acclimatization (70%). Histological studies showed that embryoids and shoot buds initiating from the callus masses, that is, indirect organogenesis. Cytological variations were observed in callus cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The handover of vehicle control from automated to manual operation is a critical aspect of interaction between drivers and automated driving systems (ADS). In some cases, it is possible that the ADS may fail to detect an object. In this event, the driver must be aware of the situation and resume control of the vehicle without assistance from the system. Consequently, the driver must fulfill the following 2 main roles while driving: (1) monitor the vehicle trajectory and surrounding traffic environment and (2) actively take over vehicle control if the driver identifies a potential issue along the trajectory. An effective human-machine interface (HMI) is required that enables the driver to fulfill these roles. This article proposes an HMI that constantly indicates the future position of the vehicle. Methods: This research used the Toyota Dynamic Driving Simulator to evaluate the effect of the proposed HMI and compares the proposed HMI with an HMI that notifies the driver when the vehicle trajectory changes. A total of 48 test subjects were divided into 2 groups of 24: One group used the HMI that constantly indicated the future position of the vehicle and the other group used the HMI that provided information when the vehicle trajectory changed. The following instructions were given to the test subjects: (1) to not hold the steering wheel and to allow the vehicle to drive itself, (2) to constantly monitor the surrounding traffic environment because the functions of the ADS are limited, and (3) to take over driving if necessary. The driving simulator experiments were composed of an initial 10-min acclimatization period and a 10-min evaluation period. Approximately 10 min after the start of the evaluation period, a scenario occurred in which the ADS failed to detect an object on the vehicle trajectory, potentially resulting in a collision if the driver did not actively take over control and manually avoid the object. Results: The collision avoidance rate of the HMI that constantly indicated the future position of the vehicle was higher than that of the HMI that notified the driver of trajectory changes, χ2 = 6.38, P < .05. The steering wheel hands-on and steering override timings were also faster with the proposed HMI (t test; P < .05). Conclusions: This research confirmed that constantly indicating the position of the vehicle several seconds in the future facilitates active driver intervention when an ADS is in operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hardwood species are valuable biological resources that have an important role in the economy and ecology of ecosystems worldwide. Non-zygotic or somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a powerful tool in plant biotechnology as it is a form of clonal propagation, amenable to cryopreservation of valuable germplasm and genetic transformation including gene editing. The SE process involves five steps and includes somatic embryo induction, proliferation, maturation, plantlet conversion, and subsequent plant acclimatization. This review aims to provide a general overview of these steps in different SE systems developed for hardwood species. Factors that influence the induction stage such as the age of the donor plant, genotype and culture media are discussed. The role of different explant types, i.e. zygotic embryos and non-zygotic tissues, such as roots, flower tissues, nodes, internodes, leaves or shoot apices, in SE induction are especially emphasized. Histological studies of the origin of somatic embryos and the sequence of events leading to their development from initial explants are assessed. Maintenance of embryogenic capacity carried out by subculture of embryogenic inocula on semisolid or liquid media through cell suspension cultures or by temporary immersion systems is described. At present, the main concerns associated with the application of SE for large-scale propagation of elite hardwoods are related to the embryo maturation, germination, and plantlet conversion steps, and these are highlighted in this review. Finally, molecular aspects associated with somatic embryo induction and development are also described. Attempts to overcome the hurdles identified in the embryogenic process, and future lines of research are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2016 to June 2016 to assess the perception of farmers on drought and its socio-economic impact, and their mitigation and adaptation strategies. A total of 240 respondents from three districts in Tigray and one district from Afar were considered. The study indicated a significant reduction in the farm income (from 21,882 to 6482 ETB) and income from the livestock sector (12,833 to 5659 ETB). The average market price of cattle has reduced from 8228 to 4096 ETB due to the 2015/2016 drought. The environmental impacts such as increase in average temperature, pasture-forest degradation and deteriorated water quality were perceived by farmers to a high extent. In spite of good perception of severity of drought impacts by farmers, their preparedness to deal with its impacts was found minimal. Therefore, it is recommended that policy-makers and government authorities should look for more appropriate and locally adaptable mitigation and adaptation strategies that ensure the participation of the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop yield and quality are limited by different biotic and abiotic factors. This study focused on the ability of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, ascorbate peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase to impart resistance to mineral deficiencies. Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) were grown for 48, 72 and 96 hr with different specific deficiencies of minerals, including Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, PO42−, K+, NO3− and SO42−, and then the soluble protein content and enzymatic activities (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase and ascorbate peroxidase) were analyzed. The impact of the mineral deficiencies varied in the tomato leaves. Mineral deficiencies that caused early significant protein accumulation were detected in tomato leaves grown in hydroponic cultures deficient in Ca2+, PO42− and NO3− after 48, 72 and 96 hr of incubation, whereas the soluble protein level was drastically reduced in tomato leaves grown in cultures deficient in Mg2+, Fe2+, K+ and SO42− that reveal remarkable time-dependent increase in resistance-related enzymes' activities. The resistancerelated enzymes' activities were not correlated with the soluble protein levels. These findings suggest that these activities depend on the amount of foliar nutrients, particularly Mg2+, Fe2+, K+ and SO42−. These nutrients act synergistically on the phenolic compound biosynthesis and degradation-dependent enzymes, and this synergistic process could be considered as a mechanism of acclimation for plants against specific mineral deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development in Bangladesh is increasingly defined by and through an adaptation regime, a socially and historically specific configuration of power that governs the landscape of possible intervention in the face of climate change. It includes institutions of development, research, media, and science, as well as various state actors both nationally and internationally. The adaptation regime operates through three interrelated processes: imagination, experimentation, and dispossession. Each of these processes is produced and manifested both materially and epistemically. The adaptation regime is built on a vision of development in which urbanization and export-led growth are both desirable and inevitable. For the rural poor, this entails dispossession from agrarian livelihoods and outmigration. As this shift contributes to the expansion of production of export commodities such as garments and frozen shrimp, the threat of climate change and its associated migrations is reframed as an opportunity for development and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly efficient in vitro micropropagation protocol, using newly emerged sprouts coming from greenhouse-grown plants, was developed to produce Actinidia melanandra Franch. and Actinidia rubricaulis Dunn. This is the first report of in vitro culture of A. rubricaulis Dunn. Axenic culture was possible using one- or two-node explants or terminal buds, surface-sterilised with commercial bleach tablets. Nearly 90% success rate in establishment was observed. The best axillary shoot proliferation and maximum adventitious shoots elongation were achieved on Quoirin-Lepoivre medium supplemented with 1.5 mg L−1 6-benzyladenine and 30 g L−1 sucrose. Although used as an inert support, agar brand has a significant effect. Kobe agar at 8 g L−1 gave the best response. 100% of in vitro rooting was observed. Roots length and their quality were highly improved by the use of vermiculite in transfer medium. Over 99% of rooted plants survived after acclimatisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posidonia oceanicais a marine plant that plays an important ecological role in marine ecosystems. Understanding the eco-physiology of this plant is fundamental for planning conservation and restoration actions covering this species and its habitat. The aim of this study was to explore the acclimation ofP. oceanicato depth by examining the leaf morphological variation in a depth gradient. We measured leaf length, width and thickness, as well as the distance of fifth and sixth ribs from the margin and the central rib at different depths, comparing leaves morphology and histo-anatomy. Leaf length was the only morphological character clearly related to depth, whereas the overall morphological variation seems to be due to a change in the histo-anatomical characters. Depth-related characters showed a different variation pattern from that of not depth-related ones. Our results do not fit the model used to explain the seagrass responses to light variation; most morphological leaf traits are not directly linked to the acclimation of this species to depth. Finally, we hypothesise that the variation pattern of not depth-dependent characters is an expression ofP. oceanicameadow genetic structure along the depth gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The low survival time and diminished infectivity by entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) from granular formulations limit their efficiency against agricultural insect pests. This study determined the benefit of pre-acclimating infective juveniles (IJs) ofSteinernema glaseri(NJ-43 strain) on extending their mean survival time (STm) in diatomaceous earth (DE) pellets and increasing their infectivity againstPhyllophaga vetula. The IJs were reared inGalleria mellonellalarvae placed in Petri dishes containing plaster of Paris (PP) or modified White traps (WTs). Pelletisation was performed in a machine operating on the principle of laminar flow using DE Celite® 209. Pellets were stored at room temperature (23 ± 3°C) and high relative humidity (96–100%). IJs harvested from WTs between the 3rd and the 5th days after the onset of emergence were more infective onP. vetulaand pre-acclimation ofS. glaseriin PP increased significantly its STmin the pellets; from 23.1 to 34.5 days, compared with non-pre-acclimatised IJs from WTs. However, juveniles with or without pre-acclimation formulated in DE pellets failed to achieve significant control ofP. vetula. These results are discussed in light of the relationship between EPN survival and host infection by EPNs with possible effects of the formulation in DE pellets. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article examines attempts to naturalise the alpaca in the British Empire. In the nineteenth century Britain made concerted efforts to appropriate useful plants and animals and acclimatise them within its own colonies. The alpaca was a prime target for acclimatisers on account of its silken wool, which was manufactured into a range of luxury textiles. Its export was, however, banned by law in Peru and Bolivia, so the animals had to be smuggled out of the Andean states and shipped illegally to Britain and Australia. The article studies the circuits of exchange that facilitated the transfer of alpacas from one continent to another and considers how British subjects in places as diverse as Bradford, Liverpool, Sydney and Arequipa promoted and benefited from the naturalisation scheme. It situates alpaca acclimatisation within a wider discourse of agricultural ‘improvement’, bio-piracy and imperial adventure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centaurea cinerariasubsp.circaeis an endemic plant with a distribution area limited to Circeo mountain (Lazio, Italy), whose population was estimated in a very low number of individuals. The aim of this work was to investigateex situconservation strategies such as achene collection andin vitroplant propagation, which will permit to carry out restoration programmes. The test carried out on the achenes demonstrated that only 5.5% of them were morphologically healthy. Seed germination tests showed that seeds do not display dormancy and that germination does not require pre-treatments. The higher germination rate (67.5%) was observed under a photoperiod of 12/12 h (light/dark) and temperature regime +20/+10°C. Thein vitrostudies demonstrated that micropropagation, acclimatization and the transfer outdoors ofC. cinerariasubsp.circaeare not particularly difficult: 74% of shoot explants in a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium added with 0.5 mg/l benzylaminopurine and 2 mg/l kinetin formed multiple shoots; 100% of shoots rooted in the MS medium added with 0.5 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid and over 90% survived the acclimatization phase. After been transferred outdoors, the totality ofin vitro-propagated plants bloomed and appeared morphologically indistinguishable from wild plants. Preliminary chemical analyses showed a similar profile forin vitro-propagated and wild plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]