Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jordan Brito, Hanna Hlushko, Ashleigh Abbott, Aliaksei Aliakseyeu, Raman Hlushko, Svetlana A. Sukhishvili
Summary: This paper provides a critical overview and comparative analysis of multiple ways of integrating antioxidants within diverse polymer materials, focusing on the versatile chemistry of polyphenolic antioxidants. Including the discussion on controlling localization versus migration of antioxidants in polymer materials through surface grafting and assembly via noncovalent interactions. The understanding and rational use of interactions of polyphenol moieties with surrounding molecules can enable precise control of concentration and retention versus delivery rate of antioxidants in polymer materials for various applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Viviany Moura Chaves, Cecilia Rocha, Savio Marcelino Gomes, Michelle Cristine Medeiros Jacob, Joao Bosco Araujo da Costa
Summary: Family farming plays a crucial role in school nutrition, but coordinating between school feeding programs and the agricultural sector is challenging. This review identified problems faced by school feeding programs when acquiring food from family farms. The main issues include local food production, marketing and logistics channels, legislation, financial costs, communication and coordination, and the quality of school menus. Insufficient investment in family farming and inefficient logistics are the key problems, and viable solutions involve promoting agricultural policy investment and organizing family farmers.
Article
Ecology
Mirela Sertic Peric, Jens M. Nielsen, Carsten J. Schubert, Christopher T. Robinson
Summary: Glacial retreat in alpine streams affects energy supply and trophic structures, but our study found that the trophic structure within fluvial networks remained relatively stable during a period of rapid glacial retreat. The input of glacier meltwater shapes the energy base among alpine streams, with macroinvertebrates adapting their diets in response to changes in environmental conditions and food resources.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Benoit O. L. Demars, Joanna L. Kemp, Baptiste Marteau, Nikolai Friberg, Barry Thornton
Summary: The research found that the annual loss of organic carbon from terrestrial ecosystems into rivers is similar to the organic carbon stored in soils. Increasing DOM does change the diet of macroinvertebrates, but does not significantly affect the relative contribution of detrital pathways and green pathways. Overall, macroinvertebrates do not directly regulate the flux of stream DOM towards downstream ecosystems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kristin J. Painter, Robert B. Brua, Geoff Koehler, John Spoelstra, Adam G. Yates
Summary: The study found that intensive agriculture and growing human populations contribute to nitrogen sources in streams, with seasonal variations in nitrogen delivery. Nitrogen sources from fertilizers and animal waste were more prominent during spring and summer, while human and livestock waste were the dominant contributors to algae. The study also highlighted the importance of managing nitrogen sources to control downstream nitrogen transfer and protect stream function.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Nadine Ebm, Fen Guo, Michael T. Brett, Stuart E. Bunn, Martin J. Kainz
Summary: The study shows that consumers in headwater streams heavily rely on algae for PUFA (omega-3 fatty acids), which are crucial for the neural organ development of fish.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Wei Zhao, Hong Jiang, Xiao-Wan Liu, Jian Zhou, Bin Wu
Summary: This review summarizes the progress made in elucidating the structures, bioactivities, and biosynthesis of polyene macrolactams (PMLs) from 1972 to 2022. PMLs exhibit a wide range of biological activities, particularly showing distinctive inhibitory effects against fungi, making them potential drug candidates. The review describes the general structural features, production strategies, biosynthetic pathways, and mechanisms of bioactivities of PMLs, while also discussing the challenges and opportunities in PMLs research.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Somashekara Hosaagrahara Ramakrishna, Neil Shah, Bhaswati C. Acharyya, Emmany Durairaj, Lalit Verma, Srinivas Sankaranarayanan, Nishant Wadhwa, Carina Venter
Summary: This study developed the first milk ladder based on the unique features of Indian food habits, with the quantification of milk protein in each step by Indian experts and international collaboration. The ladder provides information on the timing and temperature of milk introduction and can be a helpful tool for pediatricians managing cow's milk allergy in children, as well as their parents and caregivers.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Erica L. Kenney, Caroline G. Dunn, Rebecca S. Mozaffarian, Jane Dai, Katie Wilson, Jeremy West, Ye Shen, Sheila Fleischhacker, Sara N. Bleich
Summary: The study investigated the challenges faced by twelve of the largest urban SFAs in the U.S. during COVID-19, finding that they had to swiftly adapt operations, protect staff from COVID-19, meet stakeholders' needs, and maintain financial stability. Decreased student participation led to significant drops in revenue for SFAs, highlighting the need for disaster preparedness plans to ensure financially viable community distribution methods during future crises.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Patrick J. Brady, Natoshia M. Askelson, Helaina Thompson, Sarah Kersten, Haley Hopkins, Sato Ashida, Faryle Nothwehr, Brandi Janssen, David Frisvold
Summary: This study explores how Iowans aged 50 years and older made choices about acquiring food during the COVID-19 pandemic using the theoretical framework of food citizenship. The most influential factors were food costs, personal preferences, and the healthfulness of food. While most participants obtained their food from industrial food retailers, government programs, or food pantries, over half also acquired food from alternate sources such as farmers' markets. However, cost and transportation barriers were reasons for not using these alternate sources.
JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Fatma Parlak, Damon D. Pham, Daniel A. Spencer, Robert C. Welsh, Amanda F. Mejia
Summary: Task fMRI studies often use ordinary least squares within a linear regression framework known as the general linear model. To produce valid statistical inferences, certain statistical assumptions must be met, including independent residuals. However, task fMRI residuals often exhibit temporal autocorrelation, so prewhitening is commonly performed. Accurately estimating residual autocorrelation at each voxel or vertex is a major challenge in prewhitening for fMRI data.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manuel L. Fonseca, Marcela A. Ramirez-Pinzon, Kaylie N. McNeil, Michelle Guevara, Laura M. Gomez-Gutierrez, Klaus Harter, Alvaro Mongui, Pablo R. Stevenson
Summary: Colombian woolly monkeys, one of the largest primate species in the Americas, have selective foraging strategies that respond to changes in resource availability. They mainly feed on fruits but also consume a significant amount of arthropods. Fruits are the most important resource in their diet, followed by arthropods. Feeding time on fruits and arthropods is positively related, suggesting an optimal strategy to maximize nutrient intake.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Haodi Wu, Jing Hou, Xiangke Wang
Summary: As microplastic pollution becomes a global concern, research on microplastics in aquaculture has gained attention. This review provides an overview of the sources and effects of microplastics in aquaculture. External environmental inputs and aquaculture processes are identified as sources of microplastics in aquaculture. Microplastics can release harmful additives and absorb pollutants in the aquaculture environment, leading to deterioration of the environment and adverse effects on aquaculture products. Strategies for microplastic pollution removal in aquaculture, such as ecological interception and purification, improved aquaculture management, and better fishing gear and packaging, are discussed. Additionally, new monitoring systems and remote sensing technology are suggested as proactive measures for monitoring microplastic pollution. Strengthening talent exchange and the development of laws and regulations is encouraged to comprehensively address microplastic pollution in aquaculture.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Sociology
Coline Ferrant
Summary: The study found that urban residents have different cognitive and practices towards food access, divided into immigrant and local resident two groups. Immigrants focus on mobility and self-efficacy, accustomed to obtaining food across the metropolis; while local residents are more inclined towards proximity and moral values, focusing on the residential community. This difference highlights the impact of structural and cultural factors on food access.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Taren Swindle, Julie M. Rutledge, Dong Zhang, Janna Martin, Susan L. Johnson, James P. Selig, Amy M. Yates, Daphne T. Gaulden, Geoffrey M. Curran
Summary: This pilot study evaluated the effect of implementation and de-implementation strategies on detrimental feeding practices in early care and education. The results showed that the group receiving both implementation and de-implementation strategies had more positive comments and higher role model fidelity compared to the group receiving only implementation strategies. Within the group, there was a decrease in negative comments and an increase in positive comments, indicating improvement in feeding practices. Despite interruptions caused by COVID, the study showed promise for the de-implementation strategy package.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoguang Ouyang, Carlos M. Duarte, Siu-Gin Cheung, Nora Fung-Yee Tam, Stefano Cannicci, Cecilia Martin, Hoi Shing Lo, Shing Yip Lee
Summary: Coastal wetlands serve as traps for plastics, but little is known about the stocks and impacts of plastics in these areas. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of plastic abundance in coastal wetlands, finding that the abundance of plastics in sediment and the ingestion by marine animals far exceeds that in the water column. The abundance of plastics varies across different types of coastal wetlands and is influenced by climate, geography, seasons, and population density or waste management. Plastic ingestion by fish increases with size and weight. Microplastics have negative effects on biota abundance and mangrove survival but positive effects on sediment nutrients, leaf drop, and carbon emission. It is crucial to include microplastics in assessing the health and degradation of coastal wetland ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fen Guo, Nadine Ebm, Brian Fry, Stuart E. Bunn, Michael T. Brett, Xiaoguang Ouyang, Hannes Hager, Martin J. Kainz
Summary: Based on a field study in subalpine rivers in Austria, it was found that variations in the food quality of basal food sources significantly impact the biochemical composition of freshwater fish. Periphyton was identified as a major dietary carbon source for fish and most invertebrates, providing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), while submerged leaves contained low levels of LC-PUFA and were considered low-quality food. Changes in periphyton fatty acid composition affected the muscle tissues of fish, with the brown trout showing stable docosahexaenoic acid content while the European bullhead had a decline in both DHA and EPA when periphyton quality decreased.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nanhao Xu, Zhenchang Zhu, Shaorui Li, Xiaoguang Ouyang, Qin Zhu, Weilun Gao, Yanpeng Cai, Zhifeng Yang
Summary: This year-round field study in a mangrove habitat along the coast of South China reveals the significant effects of bio-geomorphic feedbacks on the burial of microplastics. As the strength of these feedbacks declines, the abundance of microplastics decreases, and locations with weaker waves and less sediment erosion have more diverse shapes and colors of microplastics with larger average particle size. These findings highlight the importance of bio-geomorphic feedbacks in shaping the abundance and characteristics of buried microplastics.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoguang Ouyang, Zhifeng Yang
Summary: The amount of marine debris and plastic pollution has been dramatically increasing in the environment. The study shows that the density of marine debris and plastics on beaches and seafloors is significantly higher than that on sea surfaces. The density of small-to-medium floating debris is over 100 times higher than that of large floating debris. The proportion of plastics in marine debris is higher on sea surfaces than on beaches, but not significantly different from that on seafloors. There are significant relationships between the density of debris on seafloors and that on beaches, as well as between the density or accumulation density of debris on seafloors and that on sea surfaces.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoguang Ouyang, Cristina Panti, Stefano Canicci, Ruili Li, Nora Fung-Yee Tam
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Nadine Ebm, Fen Guo, Michael T. Brett, Stuart E. Bunn, Brian Fry, Martin J. Kainz
Summary: Organisms at the base of stream food webs have a low supply of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), while consumers at higher trophic levels are rich in LC-PUFA. This study investigated the origins of LC-PUFA in these consumers and found that they are likely obtained through selective retention of dietary sources rather than endogenous conversion. Stable isotopes were used to track the sources of LC-PUFA, with results showing that consumers retained algal-derived PUFA in oligotrophic headwater streams.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiaoguang Ouyang, Erik Kristensen, Martin Zimmer, Carol Thornber, Zhifeng Yang, Shing Yip Lee
Summary: Blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) serve as crucial nature-based solutions for mitigating climate change, but their reliability and contribution under future climatic scenarios have been questioned. This study conducted a global meta-analysis to investigate litter decomposition rate constants (k) in BCEs and predict changes in carbon release. The results showed that k varied among different types of BCEs and increased with temperature and precipitation. By considering temperature thresholds, the study predicted an increase in decomposed litter and net litter carbon sinks by 2100 compared to 2020. These findings emphasize the growing importance of BCEs in climate change mitigation and provide insights for blue carbon accounting in future scenarios.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Johan Rockstroem, Joyeeta Gupta, Dahe Qin, Steven J. Lade, Jesse F. Abrams, Lauren S. Andersen, David I. Armstrong McKay, Xuemei Bai, Govindasamy Bala, Stuart E. Bunn, Daniel Ciobanu, Fabrice DeClerck, Kristie Ebi, Lauren Gifford, Christopher Gordon, Syezlin Hasan, Norichika Kanie, Timothy M. Lenton, Sina Loriani, Diana M. Liverman, Awaz Mohamed, Nebojsa Nakicenovic, David Obura, Daniel Ospina, Klaudia Prodani, Crelis Rammelt, Boris Sakschewski, Joeri Scholtens, Ben Stewart-Koster, Thejna Tharammal, Detlef van Vuuren, Peter H. Verburg, Ricarda Winkelmann, Caroline Zimm, Elena M. Bennett, Stefan Bringezu, Wendy Broadgate, Pamela A. Green, Lei Huang, Lisa Jacobson, Christopher Ndehedehe, Simona Pedde, Juan Rocha, Marten Scheffer, Lena Schulte-Uebbing, Wim de Vries, Cunde Xiao, Chi Xu, Xinwu Xu, Noelia Zafra-Calvo, Xin Zhang
Summary: The stability and resilience of the Earth system and human well-being are closely linked but often treated independently. This study proposes safe and just Earth system boundaries to maintain stability and minimize harm to humans from Earth system change. Findings show that justice considerations have a greater impact on setting boundaries than safety considerations.
Article
Forestry
Siqi Nie, Xiaoguang Ouyang, Wenqing Wang, Zhenchang Zhu, Fen Guo, Zhifeng Yang, Shing Yip Lee
Summary: Sediment carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes in a natural mangrove in Southern China are influenced by tidal positions, seasons, species, crab burrow and pneumatophore densities, light conditions, and sediment temperature. These factors account for 51.47% of the variation in CO2 flux. The flux generally decreases from landward to seaward and is higher in the dry season. Avicennia marina has the highest CO2 flux compared to other mangroves. Pneumatophores and crab burrows promote sediment CO2 flux. Dark flux is higher than light flux. Sediment temperature has a negative impact. Pneumatophores explain the most variation in CO2 flux. Microphytobenthos photosynthesis is an important driver of CO2 emissions in this mangrove.
Article
Zoology
Thiely O. Garcia, Naraiana L. Benone, Bruno S. Prudente, Naiara R. Torres, Stuart E. Bunn, Mark J. Kennard, Luciano F. A. Montag
Summary: The Amazon River basins have unique natural and anthropogenic characteristics that affect the structure and biota of stream habitats. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of local, macroscale, and land-use variables on the structure of stream fish assemblages in Amazonian catchments with different deforestation levels. The results showed that macroscale and local variables explained the variation in fish composition, while land use also played a role in the variation when spatial effects were not considered. In forested catchments, the fish assemblages were associated with streams with natural characteristics, while in deforested catchments, they were associated with land use, sandy catchments, and less complex streams.
NEOTROPICAL ICHTHYOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ben Stewart-Koster, Stuart E. Bunn, Pamela Green, Christopher Ndehedehe, Lauren S. Andersen, David I. Armstrong McKay, Xuemei Bai, Fabrice DeClerck, Kristie L. Ebi, Christopher Gordon, Joyeeta Gupta, Syezlin Hasan, Lisa Jacobson, Steven J. Lade, Diana Liverman, Sina Loriani, Awaz Mohamed, Nebojsa Nakicenovic, David Obura, Dahe Qin, Crelis Rammelt, Juan C. Rocha, Johan Rockstroem, Peter H. Verburg, Caroline Zimm
Summary: This study assesses whether renewable surface water is enough to meet people's basic needs and estimates that approximately 2.6 billion people live in river basins where groundwater is needed, while over 1.4 billion people would require demand-side transformations and another 1.5 billion people would require both supply and demand-side transformations. These findings highlight the challenges and opportunities of meeting basic water access needs and protecting aquatic ecosystems.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Mariana A. Campbell, Vinay Udyawer, Timothy D. Jardine, Yusuke Fukuda, R. Keller Kopf, Stuart E. Bunn, Hamish A. Campbell
Summary: This study explores the dietary changes of estuarine crocodiles during their population recovery. The results show that contemporary crocodiles have a preference for terrestrial food sources rather than marine ones, possibly due to increased competition and a higher abundance of feral ungulates. The study also reveals that the consumption of feral pigs by crocodiles helps control pig population growth and increase the flow of terrestrially derived nutrients into aquatic ecosystems.
