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Fruitlet calyx shedding in pear plants is apparently regulated via numerous pathways that involve both environmental triggers and phytohormones cues such as auxin. In this study, we found at 10 days after full bloom (DAFB) higher levels of indoleacetic acid (IAA) and tryptophan (Trp) in calyx persistence fruitlet (CPF) than calyx shedding fruitlet (CSF) of 'Danshan Suli' pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rhed.). Consisting with this, the activity of indolealdehyde oxidase (IAAIdO), which promotes IAA synthesis, was remarkably increased, and that of peroxidase (POD), which degrades IAA, dropped markedly in CPF but not in CSF. Further, qRT-PCR results revealed that most of 31 PbrARFs (encoding auxin response factors) in Pyrus bretschneideri were highly expressed in CPF, whereas PbrARF4, PbrARF24 and PbrARF26 were significantly downregulated in CPF vis-a-vis CSF. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 6 PbrARFs clustered in the group III, where PbrARF4 showed the closest affinity with AtARF1 that promotes organ abscission, indicating a putative role of PbrARF4 in mediating the process of calyx shedding in pear. In fact, the ectopic overexpression of PbrARF4 in Solanum lycopersicum resulted in an earlier-formed and deeper abscission layer (AL) in the transgenic plants, whose calyxes were more prone to wilt at the mature red stage (MR) compared with the control plants (wild-type). More importantly, expression levels of the abscission genes SlLS and SlCel2 in transgenic plants overexpressing PbrARF4 were significantly upregulated in comparation with the WT, whereas those of SlBI and SlTAPG2 were considerably inhibited. Further, PbrJOINTLESS and PbrIDA, the two genes related to calyx shedding in pear, were up-regulated more in CSF than CPF. The findings contribute to a better understanding of PbrARFs involved in fruitlet calyx shedding of pear, which could prove beneficial to improving the quality of pear fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the influence of exogenous ME in the mitigation of cold damage in pepper seedlings. Melatonin (ME) is a dynamic molecule that helps plants cope with stress in several ways. Cold stress (CS) is one of the most important environmental factors that restrict plant growth and yield. Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a valuable commercial crop, highly sensitive to CS. Thus, identifying an efficient strategy to mitigate cold damage is critical for long-term pepper production. For this purpose, the roots of pepper seedlings were pretreated with ME (5 mmol $ L-1) and exposed to CS for 7 d. The results indicated that CS suppressed pepper growth, hampered photosynthetic capacity, and damaged root architecture in pepper plants. In contrast, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL), proline, and soluble sugars were enhanced in plants under CS. ME (5 mmol $ L-1) pretreatment reduced the negative effects of CS by recovering plant growth, root traits, gas exchange elements, and pigment molecules compared to CS control treatment. Furthermore, ME application efficiently reduced oxidative stress markers [hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide ion (O2 $e), EL, and MDA] while increasing proline and soluble sugar content in pepper leaves. ME application combined with CS further increased antioxidant enzymes and related gene expression. Collectively, our results confirmed the mitigating potential of ME supplementation for CS by maintaining pepper seedling growth, improving the photosynthesis apparatus, regulating pigments, and osmolyte content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfavorable environmental cues severely affect crop productivity resulting in significant economic losses to farmers. In plants, multiple regulatory genes, such as the WRKY transcription factor (TF) family, modulate the expression of defense genes. However, the role of the pineapple WRKY genes is poorly understood. Here, we studied the pineapple WRKY gene, AcWRKY28, by generating AcWRKY28 over-expressing transgenic pineapple plants. Overexpression of AcWRKY28 enhanced the salt stress resistance in transgenic pineapple lines. Comparative transcriptome analysis of transgenic and wild-type pineapple plants showed that "plant-pathogen interaction" pathway genes, including 9 calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPKs), were up-regulated in AcWRKY28 over-expressing plants. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation and yeast one-hybrid assays revealed AcCPK12, AcCPK3, AcCPK8, AcCPK1, and AcCPK15 as direct targets of AcWRKY28. Consistently, the study of AcCPK12 over-expressing Arabidopsis lines showed that AcCPK12 enhances salt, drought, and disease resistance. This study shows that AcWRKY28 plays a crucial role in promoting salt stress resistance by activating the expression of AcCPK genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Karaganda Region, known for its extensive industrial activities, including mining, metallurgy, and energy production, faces significant environmental challenges. These industries, vital for the region's economic development, are also major sources of pollution, contributing to air, water, and soil contamination. The assessment of the technogenic impact is crucial for understanding the extent of environmental degradation, identifying the primary sources of pollution, and developing strategies to mitigate these effects. The article presents an analysis of the technogenic impact on the environment of the Karaganda region. The study is based on the analysis of statistical data, the results of practical research and the application of modern methods. The study identifies the anthropogenic challenges facing the Karaganda region, particularly heavy metal pollution from the mining and metallurgical industries, as well as contributions from the automotive sector and thermal power plants. It uses environmental performance data for linear scaling. As a result of the study, regions that made a significant contribution to environmental pollution were identified, a map of environmental emissions was created, and recommendations were proposed for improving the state of the natural environment of the Karaganda region. The presented analysis will allow us to better understand the nature of anthropogenic impact on the environment and develop recommendations for minimizing it to preserve environmental well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After almost two decades of discussions and negotiations, the legally binding instrument on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction ('BBNJ') was adopted on 19 June 2023, of which Environment Impact Assessment ('EIA') is one of the key pillars. Given that EIA in the new instrument is proposed with a view to the conservation and sustainable use of marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction, flag States should mainly have an obligation to regulate EIA by applying their domestic legislation. However, for some activities involving many vessels, marine structures, and cables, EIA by flag States may not work effectively. EIAs for offshore windfarm activities may be particularly difficult. Against this background, this study explores how international legal rules should regulate EIAs of offshore windfarms established in areas beyond national jurisdiction. In particular, this study considers which States should have EIA obligations from the perspective of both lex lata and lex ferenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that the decision of an authoritarian regime to use repression depends both on the repressing agent and the costs as well as the threat perception. This is illustrated in the comparison between two environmental protests in Viet Nam. In 2015, the Vietnamese press reported that police had used tear gas against protesters opposing massive pollution by the Vinh Tan 2 thermal power plant but later treated the violent protesters with leniency. In contrast, the 2016 protest against the Formosa Ha-Tinh Steel Corporation was widely censored in the press and numerous peaceful protesters were arrested and harshly punished. The Vinh Tan case was not perceived as a threat and the costs of repression were judged to be high, while in the case of Formosa, the initial denials of responsibility raised the costs for the regime and the movement that emerged eventually was perceived to be a threat to the regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic nematodes and virus diseases individually can cause serious losses in plum production, however in combination, they can be very destructive to crops in the long-term. The result of the conducted investigation revealed that abundance of nematodes in the Northern area of the Republic of Moldova ranged from 50 to 250 specimens per 100 g of sampled soil. In the Central area, the values varied more comparative to Northern part, ranging from 80 to 300 specimens per 100 g of soil, due to temperature variations and humidity. Altogether, 32 species of free living and plant parasitic nematodes from fruit trees crops were revealed. The most frequent proved to be species from the orders Thylenchida and Dorylaimida, the genera Pratylenchus, Rotylenchus, Ditylenchus and Criconemoides. In addition, the species Xiphinema index, X. brevicole, X. vuitennezi and Longidorus elongates were identified as vectors of viral pathogens. According to the trophic specialization, 5 groups of nematodes were detected, the most abundant being the group of plant parasitic nematodes (18 species), which seriously affect absorbing bristles, followed by specialized endo and ecto-parasitic adaptations and vectors of viral pathogens. These investigations present a major significance for developing netological management programs in plum orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article details Saskatchewan's first environmental impact assessment, which took place in the 1970s over a proposed dam on the Churchill River at the Wintego Rapids. The Wintego Dam, which would have been the largest hydroelectric dam in the province at the time, was controversial because of the environmental repercussions and impacts on the local Indigenous communities, particularly the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. We show that the Blakeney ndp government did not initially intend to create a robust environmental impact assessment, and then explain how and why such an assessment was ultimately undertaken. Using archival material that was previously unavailable, the article recounts the governmental study, the Indigenous-led studies (after they rejected the governmental process), and the final Board of Inquiry report. The Wintego saga should be understood within the context of a growing resistance to northern development projects whose benefits accrued mostly to the southern white population. Ultimately, the Blakeney government decided not to build Wintego because of the economic, environmental, and social impacts, as well as concerns about unsettled treaty claims. This could be considered the first attempt – even before the Berger Inquiry – by a provincial government to fully assess the impacts of a natural resource project before final approval, and it was the earliest incorporation of Indigenous-led studies into the assessment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the political and environmental activism of gardening clubs in the U.S. in the early 20th century. It examines the alleged propensity of garden clubs to preserve and plant native species of plants. The author states that garden clubs illustrated the regionalism the American landscape tradition. The article discusses organizations such as the Washington Roadside Council (WRC), the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), and the Native Plant Conservation Campaign (NPCC).

A targeted use of nuclear power could solve the major problems of renewable energy sources by providing carbon-emission-free power for biofuel refineries and backup energy for solar, wind, and other renewable sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confronted with stringent goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, germany is trying to find the right balance of energy sources and efficiency measures to meet electricity demand. Nuclear may or may not be part of the mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Institutional support, reflected not only in legislative solutions, but also in external funding as a means of financial support, is of strategic importance for the success of new power investments, the guarantee of energy security of individual areas, and the socio-economic development of the region where new energy enterprises are located. The present study aims to follow the external funding of biogas investments carried out in Poland, both in the aspect of legal regulations, and the offered co-financing of biogas projects. Considering that biogas enterprises are located and operate in specific places and local systems, the present research problem is tackled from the perspective of the functioning of biogas plants in the local environment. The success of biogas projects and the entire energy transformation process depends, on the one hand, on the harmonisation of activities at the central, national level and, on the other hand, on taking into account the specific socio-economic features that characterise the location of the biogas plant. Therefore, providing comprehensive institutional support for investment for biogas enterprises requires equipping local institutions, including local authorities, with appropriate instruments to shape and monitor the agricultural biogas market at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) hybrids can be a good germplasm for obtaining new tomato inbred lines. The present study was aimed to investigate the stability of commercial F1 hybrids under climatic conditions of highlands, to estimate genetic parameters, and evaluate the breeding potential of F1 hybrids based on the agronomic performance of its F3 progeny. We employed a breeding scheme based on pedigree selection for the obtainment of 49 F3 families. Significant differences were found in most of the traits evaluated in both F1 and F3 generations, while in the F2 population only one variable showed significant differences. Heritability ranged from 0.07 to 0.29 for F1, and from 0.16 to 0.45 for F3. Most of the F1 hybrids exhibited values of stability across seasons in at least one trait. However, 'Loreto' and 'Reserva' only exhibited a high stability for yield. Genetic gains ranged from -8.40 to 72.95. Yield per plant was the traits with the highest gain. Based on genetic gains obtained by the F3 progeny, we concluded that 'Cid', 'Espartaco' and 'Loreto' have a high breeding potential for yield and other traits, which could be exploited by public tomato breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Plant Si content is a plant functional trait. • Plant Si content plays multiple roles in plant biology. • Roles and their extents vary among taxa and environments. • Plant Si contents respond to environmental change and affect ecological functioning. Plant silicon (Si) content is a trait that has gained increasing attention in recent years, and is now often suggested to be a plant functional trait. This paper reviews the evidence that supports the inclusion of plant Si content within the plant functional traits framework. Plant Si contents can vary greatly among plant taxa and environments, reflecting multiplicity of roles and functions in plant biology. Plant Si uptake and accumulation also affects plant community and ecosystem properties, and thus ecological functioning and response to environmental change. Further investment in studying plant Si content as a plant functional trait and its roles in ecological processes will improve our ability to predict and mitigate the consequences of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in root architecture is essential for the adaptation of plants to target environments. A non‐destructive gel‐based mini‐rhizotron system was used for root architecture trait phenotyping. This system has facilitated the visualization of root architectural traits in large genotype collection of rapeseed including 94 double haploid (DH) lines from "Express617" x "V8" and 439 inbred lines (ASSYST diversity set). A high‐density Express617‐V8 linkage map was used for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) identification in DH population based on standard composite interval mapping. 6K SNPs were analysed for association mapping of root traits in ASSYST diversity set. A large variation, broad segregation and medium–low heritability of root architectural traits, primary root length and growth rate, lateral root number, lateral root length and lateral root density, were observed. In the double haploid population, 11 QTL regions, and in the diversity set, 38 significant marker–trait associations were detected. Significant marker–trait associations proved that these are quantitatively inherited traits controlled by multiple genes which revealed to proceed for genetic improvement and selection of rapeseed lines with improved root system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundance of invasive alien plants (IAPs) can vary dramatically over small spatial scales for reasons that are often unclear. Understanding these could offer key insights for containing invasions, accepting that eradication is often no longer feasible. This study investigated determinants of IAP cover on riverbanks, a well-known hotspot of invasion, using Impatiens glandulifera, a prolific invader across the Northern Hemisphere, as a model species. Within this framework, we included the potential for dominant native vegetation cover, mediated by favourable environmental conditions, to resist invasion by I. glandulifera through negative association. Our analyses, using structural equation modelling, showed that I. glandulifera is more sensitive to environmental conditions than dominant native vegetation. High soil moisture was a key determinant of I. glandulifera cover, having negative effects across the riparian zone. Spatially, I. glandulifera and dominant native vegetation responded differently to environmental conditions. Sites with steeper banks had less dominant native vegetation at the water's edge, potentially favouring I. glandulifera cover through reduced competition. In general, greater abundance of dominant native vegetation presented a more invasion-resistant community. Maintaining dominant native vegetation at high abundance is thus key to preventing large monospecific I. glandulifera stands from forming. Our findings highlight the opportunities to indirectly limit plant invasions in general via targeted environmental management and restoration, as well as understanding future risks from long-term environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Non‐native species can cause considerable negative impacts in natural ecosystems. Such impacts often are directly due to the fact that these species occur in habitats where they did not evolve. We explored this for bamboos and found that, contrary to the situation in many other plant groups, biogeographic origin was not a strong predictor of the type and severity of environmental impacts caused. We argue that impacts from bamboos are a response to land transformation and disturbance of forest habitats by humans. Therefore, the threats posed by bamboos to highly disturbed forest systems should be the same wherever bamboos are present or planted, and management should adopt similar approaches. Summary: Negative environmental impacts can result from the human‐mediated breakdown of biogeographic boundaries that historically shaped species distributions leading to rapid population expansions, that is, from biological invasions. However, the alteration of natural ecosystems by humans has created opportunities for both native and non‐native species to become weedy. We assessed whether origin status (native or non‐native) matters for the type and magnitude of environmental impacts caused by bamboos (Poaceae: Bambusoideae).We used a systematic global literature search and the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Environmental Impact Classification of Alien Taxa (EICAT) scheme as the basis for scoring impacts of bamboo species.We found that the type and severity of recorded impacts were similar in the native and non‐native ranges of weedy bamboos, and that the habitats in which impacts are most often reported (i.e., temperate and tropical forests) were also the same.Origin was not a strong predictor of environmental impacts for bamboos. Rather, impacts are likely to be a response to human‐mediated land transformation and disturbance of forests. Further research on the mechanisms whereby bamboos impact other species is needed to guide management strategies in their native ranges and as input to risk assessments for new introductions and plantings. Non‐native species can cause considerable negative impacts in natural ecosystems. Such impacts often are directly due to the fact that these species occur in habitats where they did not evolve. We explored this for bamboos and found that, contrary to the situation in many other plant groups, biogeographic origin was not a strong predictor of the type and severity of environmental impacts caused. We argue that impacts from bamboos are a response to land transformation and disturbance of forest habitats by humans. Therefore, the threats posed by bamboos to highly disturbed forest systems should be the same wherever bamboos are present or planted, and management should adopt similar approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: The need for immediate action to avoid further climate change and biodiversity loss is upon us. Plant scientists have the tools to initiate the first steps of this action, but we face challenges in ensuring that our message is transferred clearly and concisely to non‐scientists. We must ensure that our research is rooted in reality, with reference to our current situation. Summary The devastating impacts of historical changes in atmospheric conditions demonstrate to scientists how precarious our current situation is, underscoring the need for immediate action to prevent further climate change. Humans are inherently adaptable creatures however, and we have so far managed to alter the planet to meet our own needs, cleverly exceeding natural limits and ignoring future consequences. We act as fugitive species, moving on to new resources rather than preventing their exhaustion, and attempting to treat the symptoms rather than the cause of ecological problems. To counteract this natural apathy in the face of relatively slow‐burning but devastating issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss, we as scientists must highlight dramatic current issues, and put future problems in a contemporary context to demonstrate the urgency of these problems to non‐scientists. Here, I discuss how we must make our arguments with reference to current reality, clearly, and unequivocally explaining the implications of our research, and proposing technological and ecological approaches to deal with the root cause of the issues we face. The need for immediate action to avoid further climate change and biodiversity loss is upon us. Plant scientists have the tools to initiate the first steps of this action, but we face challenges in ensuring that our message is transferred clearly and concisely to non‐scientists. We must ensure that our research is rooted in reality, with reference to our current situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Systemic acquired acclimation (SAA) plays a key role in optimizing growth and preventing damage associated with fluctuating or abrupt changes in the plant environment. To be effective, SAA has to occur at a rapid rate and depend on rapid signaling pathways that transmit signals from affected tissues to all parts of the plant. Although recent studies have identified several different rapid systemic signaling pathways that could mediate SAA, very little information is known about the extent of their involvement in mediating transcriptomic responses. Here we reveal that the systemic transcriptomic response of plants to excess light stress is extensive in its context and involves an early (2 min) and transient stage of transcript expression that includes thousands of genes. This early response is dependent on the respiratory burst oxidase homolog D protein, and the function of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) wave. We further identify a core set of transcripts associated with the ROS wave and suggest that some of these transcripts are involved in linking ROS with calcium signaling. Priming of a systemic leaf to become acclimated to a particular stress during SAA involves thousands of transcripts that display a rapid and transient expression pattern driven by the ROS wave. Significance Statement: The reactive oxygen species (ROS) wave is required for a rapid, early and transient systemic transcriptomic response to light stress that includes thousands of transcripts, many of them important for light stress acclimation. A core set of transcripts that includes several transcriptional regulators involved in H2O2 signaling is directly associated with the ROS wave and could be associated with systemic responses to many other stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Consider the ecological base flow, fish habitat flow and navigable flow. • Combine the three methods to calculate the comprehensive ecological water demand. • Establish three operation models considering comprehensive ecological water demand. • Quantitatively analyze the relationship between power generation and ecologic flow. • NSGA-II is employed to solve multi-objective problem. Abstract Hydropower plants operation may change river flow, thereby degrading the stability of river ecosystems. The primary purpose of this paper is to compute the comprehensive ecological water demand and establish ecological operation models to quantitatively analyze the interactions between power generation and degree of ecological flow satisfaction under different operation modes. The comprehensive ecological water demand takes the river base flow, ecological flow process and ecological water demands of fish habitat during the spawning period into account. The driest monthly streamflow under a 90% frequency method, range of variability approach and two-dimensional depth-averaged finite element model were adopted to obtain the ecological flow. In addition, to study the impacts of the ecological operation of hydropower plants on power generation, three optimal operation models including a maximum power generation model (Model-I), a minimum ecological change model (Model-II) and a multi-objective optimization operation model (Model-III), are established. In model-II, the average annual power generation of the cascade hydropower plants decreased by 10.61% compared with Model-I, and meanwhile the degree of ecological change reduced by 75.41%, which means, the reduction of power generation by 35.66 × 108 kWh could lead to a reduction of 11.4% on the degree of ecological degradation. Afterwards, the multi-objective problem of economic and ecological benefits in model-III was solved by the application of NSGA-II. Among them, scheme 3 is recommended for Model III, and its power generation and degree of ecological change are 311.69 × 108 kWh and 6.64%, respectively. In general, mutual restrictions and conflicts between power generation and ecological demand are inevitable, but they can be optimized through multi-objective ecological operation models to fetch the coordinated development of economy and ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • First assessment of sustainable development achievements of Brazilian CDM projects. • Four project types are analyzed: hydro, biomass energy, landfill gas and methane avoidance. • CDM project types have stimulated local income and labor opportunities. • Only CDM hydro projects have contributed to reduce poverty at the local level. Abstract The goal of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is both emission reduction and sustainable development, but while emission reductions generate revenues for the project developer, no such benefit results from the achievement of sustainable development. The objective of this research is therefore to analyze to which extent CDM investments have led to sustainable development benefits, and whether there is a difference in these effects between renewable energy and waste handling and disposal projects. Complementary to existing studies, which are based on potential effects reported ex-ante by project developers, this paper aims at quantifying impacts of CDM projects on sustainable development based on empirical data. Using data for years 2000 (pre-CDM) and 2010 (post-CDM) for Brazilian municipalities, this paper combines difference-in-differences assessment with matching techniques to identify the effect of CDM investments on development and poverty indicators by distinguishing for four project's types: hydro, biomass energy, landfill gas and methane avoidance. Results show that CDM project types have stimulated local income and labor opportunities but only hydro projects have contributed to reduce poverty at the municipal level for the period analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Challenges in biomethane production from anaerobic co-digestion of FOG. • Pretreatment of FOG for improved anaerobic co-digestion. • Metagenomics of population dynamics and interspecies interactions. • Process optimization for FOG co-digestion. • Operation of commercial plants and economic feasibility of FOG co-digestion. Abstract Anaerobic digestion (AD) of wastewater sludge is an effective approach to produce biomethane and subsequently reduce the amount of sludge disposal to landfill generated from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Recently, anaerobic co-digestion (ACD) of lipidic-waste such as fat, oil, and grease (FOG) has received much attention for the enhancement of biomethanation in WWTPs. However, there are several major challenges associated with ACD of FOG which includes inhibition by long chain fatty acids, sludge floatation and washout, and scum formation. This review summarizes the scientific and engineering aspects of the FOG supplementation as a co-substrate in AD as well provides appropriate solutions for challenges encountered during the anaerobic operation. The discussion on the existing pretreatment approaches (including mechanical, thermo-chemical, and biological) for rapid degradation of FOG was also highlighted. Metagenomic analysis elucidates the microbial community and the interspecies interactions which are responsible for the degradation of FOG and its biomethanation during ACD. Addition of FOG to AD was found be economically feasible in municipal WWTPs. Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the study of alteration of the metal content in animal bones after two and half-year experimental exposure to sediments. Topics discussed include focuses to create geochemical signal in bones buried in variable soils, that is detectable with available analytical methods; use of Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) method of chemical analysis for the study; and methodology of the study.

Abstract The Chinese government has launched a guideline to lead power plants to more suitable technological pathways for meeting the strict "ultra-low emission" ("ULE") standards to reduce air pollution emissions of the coal-fired power industry. Considering the complex interrelations between water, energy and emission, a quantifiable method of choosing the feasible technology sets for 6 multi-objective optimizations goals (MOGs) in the concept of water-energy-emission nexus (WEEN) was developed in this study. The results showed that the 16 technology sets can meet the "ULE", which could mitigate at least 72% of the current emissions at the cost of up to 17% increase of water/energy consumption. Specific technology sets were identified for 6 different MOGs with the coordinate consideration of WEEN. The comparisons among the 6 MOGs indicated that (1) the investment cost was not a vital factor in the optimizing procedures; (2) dust reduction was sensitive to the water/energy optimization goal due to the synergic dust removal effects of the desulfurization technologies; (3) the water for WEEN was easier to reduce than the energy for WEEN from the perspective of the tradeoffs of emissions. The identified 12 feasible technology sets for WEEN (-cost) would shed lights on more coordinately policy making process. Highlights • A multi-objective optimization method was introduced to identify feasible technology sets of coal-fired power industry. • The tradeoffs and synergies among the water-energy-emission nexus were quantified and the most feasible technology sets were highlighted. • The newly introduced ultra-low emission regulation was evaluated regarding water wand energy consumption and cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Electric signals from plant cells surrogate intracellular functionality. • Electrical impedance was measured in Calotropis procera under aluminium stress. • Real and imagenery impedance were higher in plant leaves than roots. • Cole model showed best fit with the impedance attributes (extra- and intra-cellular resistance and capacitance). Abstract The effects of aluminium (Al) toxicity on Calotropis procera were investigated by exposing seedlings to nutrient solutions with concentrations of 0 (control), 15, 30, 45 and 60 mg/l respectively. Seedling growth, nutrient concentrations including Al, plant biomass and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were evaluated in one- month-old C. procera. Seedling growth traits (number of leaves, leaf / root length) and plant biomass (fresh and dry shoot and root weight) were significantly reduced in all Al treatments. Aluminium impaired the absorption and passage of certain nutrient elements (P), but stimulated others (Ca2+). An interesting trend was observed in the case of K+, which was observed to be increased in roots, decreased in stems and unaffected in leaves after an increase in Al concentration. Remarkable differences were also observed in Al concentration and distribution in different plant organs (roots, stems and leaves). During EIS measurements, Nyquist plots spectra (from 1 Hz – 1 MHz) demonstrated that the complex impedance (real and imaginary) was higher in leaves than in roots. The proposed Cole-Cole model fitted well with the measured impedance spectra. The model parameters [(resistance (R), capacitance (C)] differed between roots and shoots. In general, R 1 (extracellular resistance) was higher in roots than in the leaves, but the opposite was true for R 2 (intracellular resistance). Al significantly increased C 1 (extracellular capacitance), with the highest concentrations observed in leaves rather than roots. We conclude that biophysical measurements in roots and leaves are useful for assessing aluminium toxicity in C. procera seedlings, and that roots / leaves have the potential to be tolerant against Al toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Big bluestem ( Andropogon gerardii ) ecotypes are adapted to water availability. • Leaves were largely hypostomatous. • Genetics was more influential than environment for stomatal size and density. • Drought-tolerant ecotypes had larger and fewer stomates. • Mesic ecotypes had the greatest density of stomates. Abstract Big bluestem ( Andropogon gerardii ) is a dominant C 4 prairie grass that has wide distribution and several genetically distinct ecotypes. Many of the ecotypic adaptations are related to water availability in the native environment. Stomates facilitate photosynthetic gas exchange and regulate water loss from the plant. As such, stomatal size and density represent possible adaptations to conserve water. We hypothesized drought-tolerant ecotypes of big bluestem would have fewer or smaller stomates compared to more mesic ecotypes. Five ecotypes of big bluestem were planted in four common gardens from western Kansas to southern Illinois, USA to determine genetic and environmental influences on stomates. Leaves of all ecotypes of A. gerardii were largely hypostomatous and genetics was a greater influence than environment for stomatal size and density. The drought-tolerant Sand bluestem had larger stomates on abaxial surfaces of leaves, but a lower density compared to most other ecotypes. The most mesic Illinois ecotype and the Kaw cultivar had the greatest density of stomates on abaxial surfaces of leaves. Sand Bluestem had a greater density of stomates on adaxial surfaces of leaves compared to all other ecotypes. Gas exchange measures followed patterns of stomate distribution, where abaxial CO 2 uptake rates were greater than adaxial CO 2 uptake rates, although differences between leaf surfaces was more pronounced in stomatal density than in CO 2 uptake. There were minor differences in size and density of stomates among sites that corresponded with precipitation, although these differences were minor, illustrating the genetic underpinnings of stomates in big bluestem. There is a genetic predisposition for drought-tolerant ecotypes to have fewer stomates, illustrating an evolutionary adaptation to drought tolerance in an important prairie species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was necessary to determine the possibility of expanding the range of working distances used in calibrating spectrometric standards of activity for radionuclides, which will make it possible to reduce number of standard measures needed for calibration. The approach proposed here consists in checking the shape integrity of the total absorption peak and the stability of the photon detection efficiency in the total absorption peak in a given geometry of the standard spectrometric gamma sources (SSPGS) and makes it possible to extend the lower bound of the activity range of the radionuclides of the calibrated SSPGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring the volumetric activity of radioactive inert gases in NPP emissions is one of the essential tasks of the radiation monitoring at NPP. The present article describes the complex UDGB-46R developed at SNIIP for recording the volumetric activity of radioactive inert gases in the range 103-1017 Bq/m3. Tests confirm its stated metrological characteristics. It includes sample extraction utilities, measurement channels, and a control block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In 2009, a cement plant located in Alcanar (South Catalonia, Spain) started co-processing a special kind of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) called ENERFUEL™. In April 2014 and 2017, 5 and 8 years after RDF co-processing, the concentrations of metals and metalloids (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, V and Zn) and PCDD/Fs were measured in samples of soils, herbage and air collected in the vicinity of the facility. The comparison of the current concentrations with those obtained in a baseline study (2008), when fossil fuels were used solely, has shown that the environmental concentrations of metals, metalloids and PCDD/Fs were not significantly modified. The concentrations of metals, metalloids and PCDD/Fs in soil, vegetation and air of Alcanar are in the low part of the ranges found around other cement plants in Catalonia (in general, below 50th percentile). Non-carcinogenic risks due to exposure to metals, metalloids and PCDD/Fs were lower than the safety value (HQ<1). In turn, carcinogenic risks were below the 10−5 Spanish threshold. The present results corroborate that, from an environmental point of view, the use of wastes as alternative fuels (AF) in a cement plant, which is operating with suitable technical conditions, is a good option for waste management. It contributes towards overcoming challenges such as climate change and fossil fuel depletion, while utilizing principles of circular economy. Highlights • The environmental concentrations of metals and dioxins were not significantly modified. • Non-carcinogenic risks (metals and dioxins) were lower than the safety value (HQ<1). • Carcinogenic risks were below the Spanish 10−5 threshold. • The use of wastes as alternative fuels is being a good option for waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on two initial hypotheses, firstly, it is proposed that the vegetation volume obtained with a LIDAR-based system or tree row LIDAR volume (TRLV) has a high correlation with the leaf area (LA). Secondly, it is proposed that the projected outer surface or projected tree row surface (PTRS), also LIDAR-based, is linearly related with the LA. The verification of these two hypotheses corresponds to the first two objectives of this work. The third objective is to propose an alternative method, without using LIDAR sensors, simpler and more economical, for in situ LA evaluation. To achieve these objectives a total of 17 blocks of pear, 14 of apple and 26 of vine, in different phenological states, were LIDAR scanned and subsequently manually defoliated. After the field and calculation work, the TRLV and LA were compared. The logarithmic regressions obtained had high correlations. For apple and pear trees the equations are practically the same with R 2 of 0.85 and 0.84, respectively. The equation corresponding to vines is somewhat different and has an R 2 of 0.86. The regression without species differentiation is 3.66ln(x)+9.65 with R 2  = 0.90. Based on the TRLV, the front and top projected surface areas of each block were then obtained and, using these variables, the PTRS. The linear regressions obtained between PTRS and LA have high correlations with R 2 of 0.88, 0.85 and 0.80 for apple trees, pear trees, and vineyard respectively. The three crops show very similar behavior. The straight lines are very close, with very similar slopes. With no species differentiation the linear regression model is y = 1.47x – 1.18 with R 2  = 0.93. The starting point of the third objective is to obtain the projected surfaces, frontal and top, without using a LIDAR sensor. These surfaces are not as precise as those obtained with LIDAR and for this reason they are referred to as “estimated” projected surfaces. To calculate the estimated PTRS without a LIDAR sensor, the height and depth of the vegetation are measured with a tape measure. It is also necessary to make a visual estimation of the frontal gap-fraction. For this, a training method with known gap-fraction pictograms is proposed. The final results with this non-LIDAR method are very similar to those obtained with LIDAR. This method, although it needs human intervention, is simple, easy, economical and precise for in situ LA estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Decomposition of plant litter is a key control over carbon (C) storage in the soil. The biochemistry of the litter being produced, the environment in which the decomposition is taking place, and the community composition and metabolism of the decomposer organisms exert a combined influence over decomposition rates. As deciduous shrubs and trees are expanding into tundra ecosystems as a result of regional climate warming, this change in vegetation represents a change in litter input to tundra soils and a change in the environment in which litter decomposes. To test the importance of litter biochemistry and environment in determining litter mass loss, we reciprocally transplanted litter between heath (Empetrum nigrum), shrub (Betula nana), and forest (Betula pubescens) at a sub‐Arctic treeline in Sweden. As expansion of shrubs and trees promotes deeper snow, we also used a snow fence experiment in a tundra heath environment to understand the importance of snow depth, relative to other factors, in the decomposition of litter. Our results show that B. pubescens and B. nana leaf litter decomposed at faster rates than E. nigrum litter across all environments, while all litter species decomposed at faster rates in the forest and shrub environments than in the tundra heath. The effect of increased snow on decomposition was minimal, leading us to conclude that microbial activity over summer in the productive forest and shrub vegetation is driving increased mass loss compared to the heath. Using B. pubescens and E. nigrum litter, we demonstrate that degradation of carbohydrate‐C is a significant driver of mass loss in the forest. This pathway was less prominent in the heath, which is consistent with observations that tundra soils typically have high concentrations of “labile” C. This experiment suggests that further expansion of shrubs and trees may stimulate the loss of undecomposed carbohydrate C in the tundra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]