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I examined how Pacific Islander communities are experiencing and responding to climate change, and the future of the region as a whole. For this paper, I conducted research on climate change, Pacific Islander communities, and predictions, alongside the cultural, social, economic, and political responses. Pacific Islander communities are experiencing the negative effects of climate change, and their responses—while adaptive—are often constrained due to their geography (Barnett, & Campbell, 2010). The future is full of negative effects, but the extent of the damages remains a subject of debate, with both pessimistic and optimistic perspectives. In conclusion, climate change has negative impacts on Pacific Islander communities, and this continued trend and its outcomes will persist and be determined by our actions today (Campbell, 2010). These vulnerable populations are at risk due to climate change, which makes it even more important to address the impacts in order to assist them.

Providing sustainable electricity access to remote areas is critical for economic development and environmental preservation. This study investigates the performance of single‐source and hybrid renewable energy systems for the town of Zahedan, Iran, which has significant solar and wind energy potential. Using TRNSYS software, eight configurations were simulated and analyzed, comprising two single‐source (photovoltaic [PV] and wind turbine [WT]) and six hybrid systems incorporating combinations of PV panels, WTs, alkaline fuel cells, and diesel generators. The analysis revealed that hybrid systems, particularly those combining PV and WT, outperformed single‐source configurations. For instance, a hybrid system with 800 kW of PV and a 50 kW WT reduced diesel consumption by 35% and CO2 emissions by 45% compared to a system relying solely on a diesel generator. Conversely, the configuration involving WTs, fuel cells, and diesel generators showed high energy dumping (1,821,776 kWh) and considerable diesel usage, underscoring the challenges of maintaining energy balance without solar integration. Overall, hybrid renewable systems generally provide enhanced reliability and environmental benefits, although their performance heavily depends on the specific energy source mix. This study offers insights into optimizing renewable energy systems for remote locations, highlighting the necessity of a balanced solar‐wind combination to achieve optimal sustainability and cost‐effectiveness. The findings are applicable to regions with similar climatic conditions and contribute to global sustainable energy solutions, providing crucial information for policymakers and investors focused on supporting sustainable energy projects in isolated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited evidence suggests that variation in phenotypic plasticity within populations may arise largely from environmental sources, thereby constraining its evolvability. This is of concern for temperature-sensitive metabolism in the face of climate change. We quantified the relative influence of the developmental environment versus genes on the metabolic plasticity of avian embryos to temperature. We partially cross-fostered 602 house sparrow eggs (Passer domesticus), measured the heart rate plasticity of these embryos to egg temperature and partitioned variance in plasticity. We found that the foster (incubation) environment was the sole meaningful source of variance in embryonic plasticity (not genes, pre-laying effects or ambient conditions). In contrast to heart rate plasticity, offspring growth was influenced by the foster environment, genes/pre-laying parental effects and ambient conditions. Although embryonic plasticity to temperature varied in this population, these results suggest that it is unlikely to evolve quickly. Nevertheless, the expression of this plasticity may be able to shift between generations in response to changes in the developmental environment. Whether the multidimensional plasticity of heart rate to both current temperature and the developmental environment is itself an adaptive, evolved trait allowing avian embryos to optimize their metabolic plasticity to their current environment remains to be tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic contamination in terrestrial environments has risen significantly, far exceeding levels in marine environments. This shift underscores the concerning prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in sewage sludge and soil, raising environmental apprehensions. Microplastics from various sources accumulate in sewage systems, consequently, sewage sludge and soil have transformed into primary reservoirs of microplastic pollutants, capable of infiltrating aquatic ecosystems. While using sludge to enrich soil provides nutrients, it simultaneously introduces substantial microplastic content, posing environmental hazards. These microplastics can accumulate in the soil, altering its properties and potentially polluting deeper soil layers and groundwater, compounding environmental risks. This review scrutinizes the abundance, types, and shapes of microplastics in sewage sludge and soil, evaluating their impacts and suggesting future research directions. Statistical analysis reveals higher microplastic concentrations in sludge (271 Particles/kg dry weight) than in soil (34.6 Particles/kg). Strong correlations between microplastic concentrations in soil and sludge (R2 = 0.95) underscore the significant influence of sludge application on soil ecosystems. The p-value of 0.0001 indicates a significant correlation between MP amounts in soil and sludge, while the p-value of 0.47 suggests no significant association between MP concentrations in wastewater and sludge. Research confirms that microplastics influence sludge properties, microbial communities, and soil characteristics, contingent on microplastic attributes and soil conditions. Predominantly, microplastic shapes found in sludge and soil are fibers and fragments, often linked to agricultural fertilizer use. Microplastics detrimentally affect soil bulk density and aggregate stability, impairing soil structure and surface. Furthermore, their presence alters pollutant transport behavior in soil, emphasizing the imperative to investigate microplastics' effects and transport mechanisms for mitigating environmental and health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic exploitation of power systems has always been significant in the electricity industry. However, after restructuring the systems above and separating different sectors of this industry into independent enterprises, economic profitability became twice as important. In this paper, the issue of electricity pricing is examined from a retailer's point of view. The retailer supplies electricity from various sources, including the electricity market, bilateral contracts, and renewable sources, and then tries to sell it to customers at the optimal price. Here, the objective function combines expected profit and the conditional value at risk as a risk measure. Because of demand responsiveness, the retailer can use pricing tools to manage customer demand. Besides customer demand, the electricity market price and power generation of renewable energy sources are stochastic, and the advantage of the chance-constrained programming approach is taken to cover the power balance risk. Eventually, a hybrid chance-constrained and scenario-based method is proposed to model the retail electricity pricing problem based on fixed and real-time pricing policies. Furthermore, the energy storage system is considered a tool to increase the expected profit and control environmental effects; pollution costs are considered for electricity supplied from non-renewable sources. The proposed model maximizes profit and reduces environmental effects by considering pollution costs. To show the effectiveness of the proposed model, a numerical example is presented and solved. Results show that profit is maximized by determining each source's optimal selling price and power. Meanwhile, the energy storage system simultaneously increases this profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine the adsorption of sulfur-containing pollutant gases, specifically H2S, SO2, and CS2, on a pentagonal BCP nanosheet (referred to as penta-BCP) using periodic density functional theory. The findings demonstrate that the presence of adsorbed H2S, SO2, and CS2 gases on a penta-BCP sheet leads to a decrease in the band gap by 24.39, 26.79, and 33.98% respectively. The adsorption energy values for the most stable complexes of H2S/penta-BCP, SO2/penta-BCP, and CS2/penta-BCP are − 0.722, − 1.073, and − 0.619 eV respectively. Additionally, the calculated recovery time at 300 K for the relevant complexes without radiation is 1.42 s for H2S/penta-BCP and 0.026 s for CS2/penta-BCP. Furthermore, the impact of sulfur-containing gases on the transmission characteristics of the penta-BCP nanosheet has been investigated through current–voltage analyses. These analyses provide conclusive evidence supporting the potential use of penta-BCP nanosheet as a substrate for adsorbing and sensing sulfur-containing gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific tools capable of identifying distribution patterns of species are important as they contribute to improve knowledge about biodiversity and species dynamics. The present study aims to estimate the spatiotemporal distribution of sardine (Sardina pilchardus, Walbaum 1792) in the Portuguese continental waters, relating the spatiotemporal variability of biomass index with the environmental conditions. Acoustic data was collected during Portuguese spring acoustic surveys (PELAGO) over a total of 16,370 hauls from 2000 to 2020 (gap in 2012). We propose a spatiotemporal species distribution model that relies on a two-part model for species presence and biomass under presence, such that the biomass process is defined as the product of these two processes. Environmental information is incorporated with time lags, allowing a set of lags with associated weights to be suggested for each explanatory variable. This approach makes the model more complete and realistic, capable of reducing prediction bias and mitigating outliers in covariates caused by extreme events. In addition, based on the posterior predictive distributions obtained, we propose a method of classifying the occupancy areas by the target species within the study region. This classification provides a quite helpful tool for decision makers aiming at marine sustainability and conservation. Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear on-line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects geographically separated into island and mainland populations often exhibit phenotypic variations, a phenomenon known as insular conditions. These conditions can lead to rapid evolutionary changes that affect the morphological characteristics of mosquito vectors. Nevertheless, studies that specifically examine phenotype differences between island and mainland mosquito populations have been limited. In this study, wing variation in size and shape was investigated using the geometric morphometric (GM) technique in two dominant mosquito vectors, Aedes albopictus and Armigeres subalbatus, in the Ranong and Trat archipelagos of Thailand. Significant differences in average wing centroid size (CS) were found in 6 out of 15 population pairs for Ae. albopictus (p < 0.05) and in 5 population pairs for Ar. subalbatus (p < 0.05). After removing the allometric effect, canonical variate analyses (CVA) based on wing shape analysis revealed overlap across all populations for both Ae. albopictus and Ar. subalbatus. However, the statistical analysis indicated that Ar. subalbatus exhibited wing shape differences across all populations (p < 0.05), and most Ae. albopictus populations also displayed distinct wing shapes (p < 0.05), except for the populations from Chang Island and the mainland of Ranong, which showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). These findings enhance our understanding of mosquito adaptability in island regions and provide valuable data for the surveillance and monitoring of vector evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to design a model for identifying and ranking the factors influencing green supply chain management in the tile and ceramic industry, a significant industry in Iran. The study consisted of three main stages. In the first stage, a systematic review of the literature and the Meta-synthesis method were employed to identify and categorize the factors that contribute to the success of green supply chain management. The factors were thoroughly examined and refined in the second stage using the content validity method. As a result of these steps, a comprehensive model was developed, comprising 30 factors categorized into six dimensions: green suppliers, green technology and expertise, green human resources, green products, green organization and communications, and green regulations and support. In the third stage, the Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (IT2FS-AHP) method was utilized to rank the dimensions and factors. Experts' opinions were gathered through a questionnaire to determine the importance of each dimension and factor. The results indicated that the dimensions of green technology, expertise, and green regulations and support were deemed the most critical. Furthermore, factors such as "attention to social responsibility in the organization," "design and development of evaluation and selection systems of suppliers based on environmental criteria," and "support of operational, middle, and senior managers in implementing the green supply chain" were identified as highly influential in the success of green supply chain management. Overall, identifying and ranking key factors in green supply chain management contributes to mitigating the adverse environmental impact of industrial activities and enhancing customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the toxic and environmental effects of prometryn, a laboratory experiment was performed on coexistent fish and algae. The body weight and length of Carassius carassius, Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) densities and water quality were measured continuously for 92 days. It was observed that fish growth was significantly inhibited by prometryn. This can be partly attributed to the adverse effects of prometryn on the antioxidant system of fish; the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in crucian carp were significantly inhibited by prometryn. The growth of M. aeruginosa was greatly inhibited by prometryn (p < 0.05), and the adverse effects of prometryn on M. aeruginosa indirectly impacted water qualities. The body weight and length of Carassius carassius first increased and then tended to be stable with increasing electrical conductivity (EC) values; their quantified relationship was established based on the Gompertz and Logistic equations (R2 = 0.920–0.989). Based on the above results, we concluded that the toxic effects of prometryn can impact the antioxidant system of fish and algae which in turn affects their growth performance, and have an indirect impact on water quality. The application of equations made it realizable to obtain a more detailed interpretation of the processes involved in these biological–abiotic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focuses on the sources and formations of microplastics (MPs) in receiving environments, addressing various analytical methods used for the detection and characterization of MPs in water and wastewater, including particle size distribution analysis, FTIR, Raman, SEM‐EDS, thermo analytical methods (Pyro GC‐MS, TGA‐MS, TED‐GC‐MS, TGA‐SPE/TDS‐GC‐MS) and combine techniques (Tagging method, Liquid chromatography, SEM dispersive X‐ray spectrometer). The study fills a gap in the literature by evaluating the advantages and limitations of advanced analytical methods, in addition to commonly used methods like FTIR, Raman, and SEM, providing a perspective on other significant analytical approaches. By examining and comparing different analytical methods used to identify and detect MPs in water and wastewater environments, the research guides scientists in making informed choices when selecting a specific method. A better understanding of these methods will inform future research and facilitate more effective management of potential environmental impacts and human health risks. This study also contributes significantly to preserving water resources, human health, and establishing a sustainable environment by encouraging the generation of actionable information to assess the potential risks of MPs in water and wastewater sources and to develop strategies for reducing their presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive fertilizer input and inefficient utilization in agricultural production have caused significant negative environmental impacts. Based on provincial panel data in China from 2005 to 2021, this study adopts the full-cost insurance pilot launched in 2018 and uses the DID method to empirically analyze its impact on fertilizer application intensity and utilization efficiency. The study reveals the following findings: (1) Implementing full-cost insurance can reduce fertilizer application intensity by 21.761% and increase utilization efficiency by 1.915%. (2) Full-cost insurance reduces fertilizer application intensity and improves fertilizer utilization efficiency by expanding the land scale and reducing the agricultural labor force. (3) Full-cost insurance significantly improves fertilizer utilization efficiency in high-risk and low-risk areas. Nevertheless, while the policy significantly reduces fertilizer application intensity in high-risk areas, its effect on low-risk areas is not apparent. (4) Full-cost insurance has an environmental protection effect. It can significantly reduce 11.593% of nitrogen pollution emissions, 2.577% of phosphorus pollution emissions, and 35.400% of equivalent pollution emissions. The implementation of full-cost insurance plays an important role in reducing fertilizer use and improving utilization efficiency. So, we should continue to intensify the promotion of full-cost insurance policy to fully leverage the advantages of agricultural insurance and promote sustainable agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Food waste is the third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which has severe environmental and economic effects. This study presents a two-level intervention to estimate the quantity and environmental consequences of food waste at a campus canteen, offering innovative solutions to reduce food waste and its environmental footprint. Methodology This study involved 300 students and consisted of three main stages: initial food waste assessment, environmental and economic impact evaluation, and qualitative exploration of the causes of food waste through interviews with students. The assessment included direct measures and weighing of leftover food, and the environmental and economic impact was calculated. A two-level intervention was implemented for students and staff, and a re-assessment of food waste was conducted to evaluate the intervention’s impact. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results The study monitored 26 meals, finding that the total amount of food waste in the university canteens was (mean = 60.65 g/person), and the intervention reduced food waste by 16.35% per meal (50.73 g/person). Moreover, after the intervention, the amount of food waste costs and total water waste were reduced by 30.14% and 16.66%, respectively. Grey water was reduced significantly by 12.5% (p = 0.033). Interviews with students identified low-quality meals, unpleasant taste, large portions, and a limited menu as the main causes of food waste. Conclusions It is possible to tackle food waste effectively with educational intervention, decreasing portion size, and improving the quality and variety of food.

The incorporation of environmental variables into policies, programs, plans and projects has been achieved through the use of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). However, the recognition by scholars of several limitations of the EIA has prompted the consideration of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as the appropriate instrument for achieving this objective. Studies on SEA have concentrated in phases prior to the decision-making, despite the fact that, after the strategic decision has been made, it is also necessary to follow up on the environmental impacts or effects produced by the plan, as well as the possibility of adopting measures to correct them when they cause adverse or unforeseen effects. The way in which this following-up takes place will vary from country to country, based on the respective legal system. Therefore, this study aims to understand these forms of follow-up in urban land planning instruments, at the local level which are legally binding, comparing regulations in France, Portugal and Chile, through three research questions focused on determining whether this phase exists, whether it is possible to modify the local planning instrument in the event of adverse effects and whether there are offset measures for those effects. This study employs a mixed methodology based on the law and content analysis, enabling the identification of pertinent aspects for investigation, the compilation of material for this study, and the answering of research questions through the comparative analysis of the laws of the selected countries. Results show differences and similarities between the regulations of the countries analyzed, regarding the ability to reverse undesired, negative or different effects from those originally considered in urban plans. It will shed light on the possibility for other countries to take follow-up action in the face of undesirable scenarios in the application of planning instruments. The gaps found in our research may also exist in the legislation of other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine renewable energy (MRE) is increasingly of interest to coastal nations as a source of renewable energy that can support climate change mitigation goals as well as provide secure locally-produced energy for coastal and island communities. MRE extracts power from tidal streams, waves, ocean currents, run of rivers, and gradients in the ocean, with specialized devices developed and tested for each energy resource. Alongside development of MRE technologies and systems, first in Europe and then in North America, Australia, Asia, and other regions, it has been universally recognized that there is also a need to examine potential effects on marine animals, habitats, ecosystem processes, local communities and other sea users, to ensure that the MRE industry can be developed in a responsible and sustainable manner. This paper looks at the status of assessment and monitoring for potential environmental effects associated with MRE projects around the world. Over 80 projects were identified worldwide as having been tested, demonstrated, or commercially deployed with associated environmental monitoring. Five of the projects that represent tidal stream, wave, and run of river projects are examined in more detail to determine the types of data and information collected for those projects, the outputs of the monitoring campaigns, and the actions taken as a result of the data collection and analysis. Recommendations are provided for standardization of the monitoring approaches, instruments, and analysis methods at MRE project sites worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution has long been a major global concern in developing countries, posing serious health and environmental challenges. The awareness of the effects of air pollution on human health and the environment and various ways to mitigate the impact of air pollution was investigated in Awka, Anambra State. The population size was 1000. In carrying out this research, three hypotheses were postulated and tested at a 5% level of agreement. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the subjects, and simple percentages, and weighted mean statistics were used to analyze the data. In contrast, the Chi-square was used in testing the hypotheses. Results reveal that over 50% of the residents of Awka are fully aware of the air pollution problem in the town and are knowledgeable about the dangers of air pollution. Air pollution is prevalent in Awka town, which is largely caused by heavy traffic resulting in increased vehicular emissions of poisonous gases. The findings show that air pollution significantly negatively impacts human health and the environment. The study recommends awareness creation, enactment of suitable legislation, and activities that promote air pollution, such as open incineration of wastes and bush burning, especially for agricultural purposes, should be discouraged. We underscore the necessity of facilitating more research on the associations between exposure and health in marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by air pollution yet inadequately represented in existing investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: In this review, we summarize how chlorophyll metabolism in angiosperm is affected by the environmental factors: light, temperature, metal ions, water, oxygen, and altitude. The significance of chlorophyll (Chl) in plant leaf morphogenesis and photosynthesis cannot be overstated. Over time, researchers have made significant advancements in comprehending the biosynthetic pathway of Chl in angiosperms, along with the pivotal enzymes and genes involved in this process, particularly those related to heme synthesis and light-responsive mechanisms. Various environmental factors influence the stability of Chl content in angiosperms by modulating Chl metabolic pathways. Understanding the interplay between plants Chl metabolism and environmental factors has been a prominent research topic. This review mainly focuses on angiosperms, provides an overview of the regulatory mechanisms governing Chl metabolism, and the impact of environmental factors such as light, temperature, metal ions (iron and magnesium), water, oxygen, and altitude on Chl metabolism. Understanding these effects is crucial for comprehending and preserving the homeostasis of Chl metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides affect biota inside and outside agricultural fields due to their intrinsic mode of action. This study investigated whether pesticide active substances (AS) approved for conventional agriculture in Europe differ in their ecotoxicity from AS approved for organic agriculture. The evaluation was based on official ecotoxicological data for surrogate honeybee, bird, and earthworm species, which also serve as a reference for official environmental risk assessments in the pesticide authorization process. In October 2022, 268 chemical-synthetic AS approved for conventional and 179 nature-based AS approved for organic agriculture were listed in the EU Pesticide Database. Ecotoxicological data were only available for 254 AS approved for use in conventional agriculture and 110 AS approved for use in organic agriculture. The results showed a higher ecotoxicity of conventional AS: 79% (201 AS), 64% (163 AS) and 91% (230 AS) were moderately to acutely toxic to honeybees, birds, and earthworms, respectively, compared to 44% (48 AS), 14% (15 AS) and 36% (39 AS) of AS approved for organic agriculture. We have only considered the potential ecotoxicities of individual substances in this assessment; actual exposure in the field, where multiple AS formulations with other chemicals (including impurities) are applied, will be different. Nevertheless, these results emphasize that an increase in organic agriculture in Europe would reduce the ecotoxicological burden on biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hog insurance and rural environmental protection are complementary to each other. Studying the environmental effects of hog insurance is imperative for safeguarding food safety and promoting the long-term development of the agricultural insurance industry. Informed by the risk management theory and sustainable development theory, this paper constructs a theoretical framework for the impact of policy-supported hog insurance on the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of hog farming. Utilizing panel data from China's hog-dominant production areas spanning from 2005 to 2021, the slacks-based measures of directional distance functions (SBM-DDF) model and multiple-time-point difference-in-differences (DID) approach were used to measure GTFP and explore the effects of hog insurance on GTFP and the underlying mechanisms. The findings indicate a substantial enhancement in GTFP due to hog insurance. The conclusion drawn was robust to various tests. The mechanism is that hog insurance fosters GTFP by expanding the breeding scale, adjusting the planting–breeding structure, and promoting technological progress. Furthermore, the environmental effects of hog insurance policy are more pronounced in economically developed regions, with significant effects observed on the GTFP of free-range, small-scale, and medium-scale hog-farming households. This study contributes new evidence to the field of assessing the environmental impact of agricultural insurance policies and provides valuable insights for furthering green transformation and development in the hog insurance-supported breeding industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various approaches have been proposed for bridge structural health monitoring. One of the earliest approaches proposed was tracking a bridge's natural frequency over time to look for abnormal shifts in frequency that might indicate a change in stiffness. However, bridge frequencies change naturally as the structure's temperature changes. Data models can be used to overcome this problem by predicting normal changes to a structure's natural frequency and comparing it to the historical normal behaviour of the bridge and, therefore, identifying abnormal behaviour. Most of the proposed data modelling work has been from long-span bridges where you generally have large datasets to work with. A more limited body of research has been conducted where there is a sparse amount of data, but even this has only been demonstrated on single bridges. Therefore, the novelty of this work is that it expands on previous work using sparse instrumentation across a network of bridges. The data collected from four in-operation bridges were used to validate data models and test the capabilities of the data models across a range of bridge types/sizes. The MID approach was found to be able to detect an average frequency shift of 0.021 Hz across all of the data models. The significance of this demonstration across different bridge types is the practical utility of these data models to be used across entire bridge networks, enabling accurate and informed decision making in bridge maintenance and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic horticulture is a holistic management system that follows good production practices and should be considered the cornerstone of mitigating climate change and producing healthier fruits and vegetables. This agroecosystem practice not only benefits the green economy but promotes and enhances soil biological activity, biodiversity, and other biological cycles in the sphere. The last decade has observed a rise in the production and consumption of organically certified agricultural products, and the biggest growth was registered in France (18%) due to its higher nutritional value of vitamin C (27%) and polyphenol content (72%), with a lowered risk of exposure to harmful chemicals of up to 70% and improved organoleptic properties. Between 2012 and 2020, the European Union's organic sector experienced significant growth, with a 56% expansion in organic land area, a 40% increase in organic producers, and a 114% increase in retail sales. The aim of this review was to evaluate the significant impact of organic horticulture on mitigating climate change and meeting consumer needs by examining key research areas, including Soil Health and Management, Pest and Disease Management, Climate Resilience and Adaptation, Carbon Sequestration and Climate Mitigation, Market and Consumer Preferences, and Policy and Institutional Support. The outcome of this review demonstrates that there are still numerous research studies required to evaluate how different farming systems and pedoclimatic conditions can contribute to more efficient horticultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Saint John (Wolastoq) River (SJR) is a major international river flowing through the State of Maine, USA, and the Province of New Brunswick, Canada. In terms of river length and basin area, it is one of the largest rivers on the eastern seaboard of North America south of the St. Lawrence River system. Subject to seasonal ice cover, ice conditions vary along the SJR due to natural differences in climate and terrain, and due to anthropogenetic changes, such as the construction of dams. Ice formation, growth, and breakup along the SJR affects its hydraulic and ecological regimes and leads to the potential for ice jamming that has caused severe flooding and ice runs. Ice affects river erosion, flooding, ecology, water quality, and recreational uses of the SJR. An overview of typical winter climate and ice season characteristics along the SJR from Dickey, Maine, USA to Saint John, New Brunswick, and some of its environmental consequences are summarized in this review paper. Ice processes and phenomena that occur along the SJR occur along other northern rivers, and can cause similar environmental concerns and consequences that should not be ignored in river engineering and basin management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite materials, valued for their adaptability, face challenges associated with degradation over time. Characterising their durability through traditional experimental methods has shown limitations, highlighting the need for accelerated testing and computational modelling to reduce time and costs. This study presents an overview of the current landscape and future prospects of multi-scale modelling for predicting the long-term durability of composite materials under different environmental conditions. These models offer detailed insights into complex degradation phenomena, including hydrolytic, thermo-oxidative, and mechano-chemical processes. Recent research trends indicate a focus on hygromechanical models across various materials, with future directions aiming to explore less-studied environmental factors, integrate multiple stressors, investigate emerging materials, and advance computational techniques for improved predictive capabilities. The importance of the synergistic relationship between experimental testing and modelling is emphasised as essential for a comprehensive understanding of composite material behaviour in diverse environments. Ultimately, multi-scale modelling is seen as a vital contributor to accurate predictions of environmental effects on composite materials, offering valuable insights for sustainable development across industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colombia aims to boost the utilization of mass transportation systems in its major cities while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, in alignment with the commitments of the COP21 agreement. In 2020, the transport sector in Colombia accounted for 34.4% of the country's energy demand and was responsible for ~49% of its total CO2 emissions. This article presents an assessment of energy consumption, environmental effects and the fuel costs of Bogotá's bus rapid transit system based on the Activity, Share, Intensity, Fuel methodology. A long-term analysis spanning from 2021 to 2040 was developed using the long-range energy alternatives planning platform. To conduct this assessment, the tool was calibrated using data from 2019 and 2020. Four distinct scenarios based on energy policies implemented in Bogotá were examined: Business as Usual, Fast Transition, High Growth and Low Growth. Regarding energy consumption and environmental effects, the results underscore the pivotal role of diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels such as oil. Consequently, the analysis emphasizes the urgent need to accelerate the transition to alternative energy sources such as natural gas and electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current phenotyping approaches for murine autism models often focus on one selected behavioral feature, making the translation onto a spectrum of autistic characteristics in humans challenging. Furthermore, sex and environmental factors are rarely considered. Here, we aimed to capture the full spectrum of behavioral manifestations in 3 autism mouse models to develop a “behavioral fingerprint” that takes environmental and sex influences under consideration. Methods: To this end, we employed a wide range of classical standardized behavioral tests and 2 multiparametric behavioral assays—the Live Mouse Tracker and Motion Sequencing—on male and female Shank2, Tsc1, and Purkinje cell–specific Tsc1 mutant mice raised in standard or enriched environments. Our aim was to integrate our high dimensional data into one single platform to classify differences in all experimental groups along dimensions with maximum discriminative power. Results: Multiparametric behavioral assays enabled a more accurate classification of experimental groups than classical tests, and dimensionality reduction analysis demonstrated significant additional gains in classification accuracy, highlighting the presence of sex, environmental, and genotype differences in our experimental groups. Conclusions: Together, our results provide a complete phenotypic description of all tested groups, suggesting that multiparametric assays can capture the entire spectrum of the heterogeneous phenotype in autism mouse models.

Air pollution has long been a major global concern in developing countries, posing serious health and environmental challenges. The awareness of the effects of air pollution on human health and the environment and various ways to mitigate the impact of air pollution was investigated in Awka, Anambra State. The population size was 1000. In carrying out this research, three hypotheses were postulated and tested at a 5% level of agreement. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the subjects, and simple percentages, and weighted mean statistics were used to analyze the data. In contrast, the Chi-square was used in testing the hypotheses. Results reveal that over 50 % of the residents of Awka are fully aware of the air pollution problem in the town and are knowledgeable about the dangers of air pollution. Air pollution is prevalent in Awka town, which is largely caused by heavy traffic resulting in increased vehicular emissions of poisonous gases. The findings show that air pollution significantly negatively impacts human health and the environment. The study recommends awareness creation, enactment of suitable legislation, and activities that promote air pollution, such as open incineration of wastes and bush burning, especially for agricultural purposes, should be discouraged. We underscore the necessity of facilitating more research on the associations between exposure and health in marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by air pollution yet inadequately represented in existing investigations.

İnşaat sektörüne hammadde sağlayan taş ve kalker ocakları genellikle maliyetleri en aza indirmek amacıyla şehirleşmenin yakın çevrelerinde yer almaktadır. Bu ocaklarda üretim yöntemi olarak yine ekonomik olması nedeniyle delme ve patlatma yöntemi tercih edilmektedir. Delme ve patlatma yöntemindeki teknolojik gelişmelere rağmen, bu yöntem ile kazı bazı çevresel olumsuz etkilere neden olabilmektedir. Bu etkilerden olan titreşimler, jeolojik yapıya da bağlı olarak uzak mesafelerde de etkili olabilmesi nedeniyle oldukça önemlidir. Bu çalışmada, Eskişehir ili sınırları içerisinde yer alan Yörükkaracaören köyü yakınında bulunan bir kalker ocağında yapılan patlatmalar bir adet titreşim ölçer cihazı ile izlenmiş ve toplam 31 adet titreşim olayı kaydedilmiştir. Kaydedilen bu olayların verileri daha sonra ölçekli mesafe ve çok değişkenli regresyon analizi tekniğine dayalı farklı titreşim tahmin modelleri uygulanarak istatistiksel analize tabi tutulmuştur. Yapılan bu istatiksel analizler sonucunda, ölçekli mesafeye dayalı Roy eşitliğinin bu saha için en iyi tahmin modeli olduğu belirlenmiş ve titreşim tahminleri bu eşitlik ile yapılmıştır. Çalışmada ayrıca, çok değişkenli regresyon analizi yönteminin patlatma kaynaklı titreşimlerin tahmininde kullanılabilirliği ortaya konmuştur.

Abstract Traits do not evolve in isolation but often as part of integrated trait syndromes, yet the relative contributions of environmental effects and evolutionary history on traits and their correlations are not easily resolved. In the present study, we develop a methodological framework to elucidate eco‐evolutionary patterns in functional trait syndromes. We do so by separating the amount of variance and covariance related to phylogenetic heritage and environmental variables (environmental phylogenetic conservatism), only phylogenetic heritage (non‐attributed phylogenetic conservatism) and only to environmental variables (evolutionarily labile environmental effects). Variance–covariance structures of trait syndromes are displayed as networks. We then use this framework to guide a newly derived imputation method based on machine learning models that predict trait values for unsampled taxa, considering environmental and phylogenetic information as well as trait covariation. TrEvol is presented as an R package providing a unified set of methodologies to study and predict multivariate trait patterns and improve our capacity to impute trait values. To illustrate its use, we leverage both simulated data and species‐level traits related to hydraulics and the leaf economics spectrum, in relation to an aridity index, demonstrating that most trait correlations can be attributed to environmental phylogenetic conservatism. This conceptual framework can be employed to examine issues ranging from the evolution of trait adaptation at different phylogenetic depths to intraspecific trait variation.

Ambient vibration measurements of a cable-stayed bridge in Taiwan were first conducted to identify its dominant modal parameters with a reliable stochastic subspace identification algorithm recently developed. A finite element model is then constructed based on the identified frequencies and shape vectors of four vertically bending, one torsional, and one horizontally bending modes. This model is also updated by adjusting the girder-pier connection with the addition of a rotational spring to reflect the actual conditions and its accuracy is demonstrated with less than 1% of error for the first two vertically bending modes. As a solid application for probing the environmental effects in structural health monitoring, the vibration measurements of 24 hours were further conducted and combined with the well calibrated model to investigate the controlling factor for its variation in modal frequencies. It is found that the frequencies of the first two vertically bending modes are closely correlated to the root-mean-square velocity representing the traffic excitation intensity. Moreover, it is shown with the updated model that the daily variations in the frequencies of the first two vertically bending modes can be reasonably simulated by modifying the coefficient of the rotational spring merely in a limited range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most animals, body mass varies with ecological conditions and is expected to reflect how much energy can be allocated to reproduction and survival. Because the sexes often differ in their resource acquisition and allocation strategies, variations in adult body mass and their consequences on fitness can differ between the sexes.Assessing the relative contributions of environmental and genetic effects (i.e. heritability)—and whether these effects and their fitness consequences are sex‐specific—is essential to gain insights into the evolution of sexual dimorphism and sexual conflicts.We used 20+ years of data to study the sources of variation in adult body mass and associated fitness consequences in a bird with biparental care, the Alpine swift (Tachymarptis melba). Swifts appear monomorphic to human observers, though subtle dimorphisms are present.We first investigated the effects of weather conditions on adult body mass using a sliding window analysis approach. We report a positive effect of temperature and a negative effect of rainfall on adult body mass, as expected for an aerial insectivorous bird. We then quantified the additive genetic variance and heritability of body mass in both sexes and assessed the importance of genetic constraints on mass evolution by estimating the cross‐sex genetic correlation. Heritability was different from zero in both sexes at ~0.30. The positive cross‐sex genetic correlation and comparable additive genetic variance between the sexes suggest the possibility for evolutionary constraints when it comes to body mass. Finally, we assessed the sex‐specific selection on adjusted body mass using multiple fitness components. We report directional positive and negative selection trending towards stabilizing and diversifying selection on females and males respectively in relation to the weighted proportion of surviving fledglings.Overall, these results suggest that while body mass may be able to respond to environmental conditions and evolve, genetic constraints would result in similar changes in both sexes or an overall absence of response to selection. It remains unclear whether the weak (1%) dimorphism in Alpine swift body mass we report is simply a result of the similar fitness peaks between the sexes or of genetic constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of recyclable nano-adsorbents of magnetic nanocomposites (Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO). The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used as magnetic responders, ZnO coated on the surface of Fe3O4 not only captured Cu2+ but also prevented the oxidation of Fe3O4, and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) acted as Fe3O4@ZnO carrying platform could effectively adsorb Cu2+. The physical and chemical performance characterization suggested that the nano-adsorbents had stable structure, good hydrophilicity, and magnetic properties. Furthermore, the research results on adsorption performance indicated that the Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO had high adsorption properties for Cu2+, and the adsorption rate could reach more than 98%. The adsorption process conformed to the Langmuir model and second-order adsorption kinetics, and the adsorption of Cu2+ was mainly chemisorption, accompanied by physical adsorption. In addition, because of the special magnetic response performance, Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO could be quickly separated from the solutions for cyclic adsorption so as to avoid secondary pollution. This provided a valuable idea for the effective development of clean and efficient Cu2+ adsorbents, and the Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO had great application potential in the field of Cu2+ wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heavy elements such as antimony greatly affect the environment and living organisms. Antimony is discharged into the environment by mining and industries that use it as pesticides and flame retardants. This activity can lead to environmental pollution, water and soil contamination. Antimony can also accumulate in living organisms and cause negative health effects, such as damage to the respiratory system and skin, and growth abnormalities of animals and plants. Methods: The primary objective of this investigation was to explore the teratogenic impact of the antimony heavy metal on histological structure of the liver in adult rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The study included 21 adult white rabbits divided into several groups: the first one is the control group injected with physiological saline (0.09% NaCl), the other group injected with 20 mg/kg antimony, and the last injected with 30 mg/kg antimony over a 30-day period. Following this, postmortem procedures were conducted to extract and fix the liver organ, and tissue sections were prepared. Result: The results revealed significant histological changes, including distortion and rupture in Glisson's Capsule, leading to the formation of a sub-capsular space due to its separation from hepatocytes. Additionally, alterations in the radial organization of hepatocytes and pyknosis in the nuclei were observed, characterized by a dark color and reduced size. Karyolysis, where nuclei completely disappeared, and hydropic degeneration in hepatocytes with swollen appearance and dark nuclei due to fluid accumulation were noted. Moreover, an increase in Kupffer cells and blood congestion in the central vein, resulting in dilation compared to the control group, were observed. Conclusion: Overall, the treatment with antimony at 20 and 30 mg/g doses for 30 days show profound teratogenic effects on the histological structure of the liver in adult rabbits. These effects are represented by the destruction of various parts of liver, in addition to changes in arrangement, and distortion and rupture of the cells. Furthermore, an increase in Kupffer cells and blood congestion were also recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of recyclable nano-adsorbents of magnetic nanocomposites (Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO). The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used as magnetic responders, ZnO coated on the surface of Fe3O4 not only captured Cu2+ but also prevented the oxidation of Fe3O4, and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) acted as Fe3O4@ZnO carrying platform could effectively adsorb Cu2+. The physical and chemical performance characterization suggested that the nano-adsorbents had stable structure, good hydrophilicity, and magnetic properties. Furthermore, the research results on adsorption performance indicated that the Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO had high adsorption properties for Cu2+, and the adsorption rate could reach more than 98%. The adsorption process conformed to the Langmuir model and second-order adsorption kinetics, and the adsorption of Cu2+ was mainly chemisorption, accompanied by physical adsorption. In addition, because of the special magnetic response performance, Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO could be quickly separated from the solutions for cyclic adsorption so as to avoid secondary pollution. This provided a valuable idea for the effective development of clean and efficient Cu2+ adsorbents, and the Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO had great application potential in the field of Cu2+ wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting the presence of explosives is important to protect human lives during military conflicts and peacetime. Gas-phase detection of explosives can make use of the change of material properties, which can be sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. This paper describes a remote-controlled automatic shutter method for the environmental impact assessment of photoluminescence (PL) sensors under near-open conditions. Utilizing the remote-sensing method, we obtained environmental effects without being exposed to sensing vapor molecules and explained how PL intensity was influenced by the temperature, humidity, and exposure time. We also developed a theoretical model including the effect of exciton diffusion for PL quenching, which worked well under limited molecular diffusions. Incomplete recovery of PL intensity or the degradation effect was considered as an additional factor in the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Traits do not evolve in isolation but often as part of integrated trait syndromes, yet the relative contributions of environmental effects and evolutionary history on traits and their correlations are not easily resolved.In the present study, we develop a methodological framework to elucidate eco‐evolutionary patterns in functional trait syndromes. We do so by separating the amount of variance and covariance related to phylogenetic heritage and environmental variables (environmental phylogenetic conservatism), only phylogenetic heritage (non‐attributed phylogenetic conservatism) and only to environmental variables (evolutionarily labile environmental effects). Variance–covariance structures of trait syndromes are displayed as networks. We then use this framework to guide a newly derived imputation method based on machine learning models that predict trait values for unsampled taxa, considering environmental and phylogenetic information as well as trait covariation. TrEvol is presented as an R package providing a unified set of methodologies to study and predict multivariate trait patterns and improve our capacity to impute trait values.To illustrate its use, we leverage both simulated data and species‐level traits related to hydraulics and the leaf economics spectrum, in relation to an aridity index, demonstrating that most trait correlations can be attributed to environmental phylogenetic conservatism.This conceptual framework can be employed to examine issues ranging from the evolution of trait adaptation at different phylogenetic depths to intraspecific trait variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study is to examine the effects of artisanal and small‐scale gold mining (ASGM) and routes towards sustainable development (SD) for a low‐profile mining community in Ghana. The study drew on the literature on mining, sustainable development, and the Natural Resource Curse (NRC) theory. Data were gathered using semi‐structured interviews and focus group discussions with 203 participants selected through the purposive and snowball sampling methods. The data were analysed using the thematic approach. The findings indicate that although ASGM supported livelihoods through employment and income generation, it had numerous negative effects that weakened the ‘pillars’ of SD, namely social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Among others, the study reveals conflicts, drop‐out and absenteeism among students andpupils, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, child labour, and violence in the host community. Economically, ASGM affected agricultural production and food security following the destruction of farms and farmlands, while labour and capital were moved from farming to mining. Environmentally, air and water bodies were polluted, flora and fauna destroyed, and productive lands degraded. In short, the SD costs were perceived to be greater than the benefits, lending credence to the NRC theory. Several of these adverse effects were due to the fact that the activities were neither formalized nor regulated. Besides, the operations were characterized by inappropriate technology and lack of geological data, leading to unsustainable mining practices resulting in anti‐development outcomes. By way of routes towards sustainability, it is recommended that the operations be formalized under the existing Community Mining Scheme and regulated to ensure responsible, accountable, and sustainable mining. The Scheme should be strengthened in order to drive positive impact‐making mining operations by means of introducing a sustainability‐oriented licensing regime, sustainable mining technologies, access to land and geological data, stakeholder participation, capacity building on sustainable mining literacy, and eco‐friendly mine closure strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses the pressing need for clean energy solutions by focusing on the increasing adoption of photovoltaic (PV) modules as alternatives to fossil fuel-based energy sources. Despite their promise, PV modules face challenges in maintaining efficiency under varying environmental conditions. To tackle this, the study develops a one-diode model of PV modules using the Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) to obtain the optimal PV parameters so that the performance of the PV modules across diverse weather conditions can be obtained. The integration of a microcontroller and sensors in the experimental setup allows for real-time monitoring of critical environmental variables such as irradiance, temperature, and humidity, alongside voltage and current measurements. While there are certain constraints, such as the sensitivity of sensor data to weather conditions and the significant dependency of estimated parameters on measurements. However, by analyzing the performance of three specific PV modules SOLTECH215, PHOTOWATT220, and KC200GT under varying conditions, this research provides invaluable insights into optimizing energy production and efficiency in practical applications. By bridging theoretical modeling with experimental validation, it lays the groundwork for more efficient and reliable solar energy systems, thus driving the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.