Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaolei Zhang, Ming Lu, Aiai Xia, Tao Xu, Zhenhai Cui, Ruiying Zhang, Wenguo Liu, Yan He
Summary: This study identified QTL associated with husk traits in maize and teosinte, revealing genetic relationships between husk length, width, and layers, which provide clues for exploring candidate genes regulating husk growth.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Esther Leyva Ollivier, Alice Newton, Heath Kelsey
Summary: This study presents a social-ecological analysis of eutrophication in the Chesapeake Bay, USA, using the DPSIR framework. It identifies the drivers, pressures, state, impacts, and responses of the issue, as well as the stakeholders involved. The study also highlights the main management measures, such as the Chesapeake Bay Program and accountability tools like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Report Cards.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Martina Ghidoli, Elena Ponzoni, Fabrizio Araniti, Daniela Miglio, Roberto Pilu
Summary: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in novel crops due to environmental issues in agriculture. One such crop, Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz, is attracting attention for its desirable features. It can grow in marginal lands with little inputs and is resistant to important pathogens. This review summarizes the main works on genetic improvement of Camelina, particularly in terms of yield, seed oil content and quality, and reduction in anti-nutritional substances.
Article
Microbiology
Kai Wang, Mengxia Liu, Changyang Cai, Shifeng Cai, Xiangqing Ma, Chentao Lin, Qiang Zhu
Summary: The potential effects of cultivating genetically modified bamboo on microbial communities in rhizosphere and surrounding soils were studied. The results showed no substantial change in rhizosphere soil microbial communities between genetically modified and wild type bamboo. However, there were minor alterations in the microbial communities of surrounding soil. These alterations had no harmful effects and did not negatively affect the predicted functions of the microbiota in the soil.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mariya Zheleva, Christopher R. Anderson, Mustafa Aksoy, Joel T. Johnson, Habib Affinnih, Christopher G. DePree
Summary: The wireless spectrum is essential for a wide range of applications, including mobile broadband, weather forecasting, and space exploration. However, current technological and policy frameworks are inadequate for ensuring the harmonious coexistence of these diverse applications. This article discusses the concept of Radio Dynamic Zones (RDZ) as a potential solution for researching spectrum coexistence among different stakeholders. It explores the specific challenges faced by consumer broadband, microwave remote sensing, and radio astronomy, and proposes an RDZ architecture to address these challenges.
IEEE COMMUNICATIONS MAGAZINE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Gabriel Bianconi Fernandes, Ana Claudia de Lima Silva, Maite Edite Sousa Maronhas, Amaury da Silva dos Santos, Paola Hernandez Cortez Lima
Summary: Brazil is a major producer of genetically modified crops, but faces challenges in managing transgene flow. A monitoring process in the Brazilian Semi-arid Region revealed the presence of genetically modified proteins in a proportion of maize landrace samples. The current biosafety standards in Brazil do not adequately protect local maize genetic resources, highlighting the need for more effective coexistence rules.
Article
Agronomy
Jianzhou Qu, Shutu Xu, Xiaonan Gou, Hao Zhang, Qian Cheng, Xiaoyue Wang, Chuang Ma, Jiquan Xue
Summary: The moisture content of maize kernels at harvest has a significant impact on mechanical harvesting, transport, and storage. It is influenced by the dehydration rate of the kernels before and after physiological maturity. A multiomics integration approach was used to identify genes associated with kernel moisture content and dehydration rate in maize.
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Gallo-Velez, Juan Camilo Restrepo, Alice Newton
Summary: River mouth systems play an important role in transferring anthropogenic contaminants from land to the coastal marine environment. The Magdalena River-mouth at Bocas de Ceniza faces significant land-based contamination and pollution issues. Agriculture and livestock are identified as the main contributors of nitrogen and phosphorus, while domestic and industrial wastewaters contribute significantly to biochemical oxygen demand. Untreated wastewater contains a high level of fecal coliforms. Inadequately managed waste and plastic pose serious challenges to the Caribbean Basin. In terms of impact on human well-being, the areas of Bocas de Ceniza and DtC+ bear the highest pressures, leading to increased cost and effort for beach maintenance and cleaning, reduced tourism revenue, adverse health effects, decreased protection against natural hazards, increased living costs, and loss of cultural values.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
David Sewordor Gaikpa, Bettina Kessel, Thomas Presterl, Milena Ouzunova, Ana L. Galiano-Carneiro, Manfred Mayer, Albrecht E. Melchinger, Chris-Carolin Schoen, Thomas Miedaner
Summary: This study aimed to elucidate the molecular basis of GER resistance among 500 doubled haploid lines derived from two European maize landraces. High genotypic variances and broad-sense heritabilities were found for all traits, and genotype-environment interaction was important throughout the study. The study found low correlations between GER severity and agronomic traits, and weighted GS showed higher prediction accuracies compared to MAS and unweighted GS.
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Juan Ma, Lifeng Wang, Yanyong Cao, Hao Wang, Huiyong Li
Summary: This study dissected the genetic architecture of kernel length, kernel width, and kernel thickness in maize, identifying key genes and revealing significant differential gene expression between contrasting genotypes in the transcriptome analysis. These findings suggest the important roles of these genes in maize kernel size and development.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Veronika Chvatalova
Summary: EU legislation mandates post-market environmental monitoring of genetically modified organisms, but the implementation is criticized and some farmers do not comply with refuge requirements. Farmers lack knowledge, time, and motivation to observe and report potential impacts of GM maize on biodiversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Zdenka Svobodova, Rostislav Zemek, Oxana Skokova Habustova
Summary: A study found that genetically engineered maize does not have a negative effect on the non-target pest Tetranychus urticae, suggesting that it poses no risk to this mite pest.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Paulien Adamse, Emilie Dagand, Karen Bohmert-Tatarev, Daniela Wahler, Manoela Miranda, Esther J. Kok, Joachim Bendiek
Summary: Various databases on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) exist with unique approaches and terminology. The GMO genetic element thesaurus (GMO-GET) has been developed to enable consistent information exchange and interoperability between different data systems. GMO-GET can also describe genetic elements altered in organisms obtained through current genome-editing techniques.
BMC BIOINFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Felix Kwashie Madilo, Angela Parry-Hanson Kunadu, Kwaku Tano-Debrah, Gloria Ivy Mensah, Kwesi Firibu Saalia, Unathi Kolanisi
Summary: This study characterized the production processes, nutritional values, and microbial composition of aliha, a traditional fermented beverage in Ghana. Four different production techniques were identified, with the "original" method presenting the best nutritional values. The initial fermentation stages were dominated by fungi and Enterobacteriaceae, but the presence of lactic acid bacteria increased with longer fermentation times.
JOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jiaojiao Ren, Xiaoyu Zhang, Zongze Li, Penghao Wu
Summary: This study used an F-2 population derived from inbred maize lines to dissect the genetic basis of maternal haploid inducibility (MHI) through QTL analysis and QTL by environment interaction analysis. Ten QTLs for MHI were identified, with three candidate genes involved in seed development. The study provides valuable information for understanding the genetic basis of MHI in maize breeding.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Iago Otero, Katharine N. Farrell, Salvador Pueyo, Giorgos Kallis, Laura Kehoe, Helmut Haberl, Christoph Plutzar, Peter Hobson, Jaime Garcia-Marquez, Beatriz Rodriguez-Labajos, Jean-Louis Martin, Karl-Heinz Erb, Stefan Schindler, Jonas Nielsen, Teuta Skorin, Josef Settele, Franz Essl, Erik Gomez-Baggethun, Lluis Brotons, Wolfgang Rabitsch, Francois Schneider, Guy Pe'er
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Ksenija Hanacek, Johannes Langemeyer, Tatyana Bileva, Beatriz Rodriguez-Labajos
Summary: This article explores the decline of cultural ecosystem services in rural areas undergoing changes, leading to environmental conflicts. Through a network analysis, it is found that rural place identity and connectedness to nature are central to responses to latent environmental conflicts. These findings emphasize the importance of considering cultural ecosystem services in environmental decision-making processes.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Beatriz Rodriguez-Labajos, Isha Ray
Summary: This study conducts a comprehensive review of ninety-eight years of peer-reviewed literature on gender and environmental activism through network analysis, identifying six avenues of gendered artistic activism on environmental issues and highlighting the significant presence of younger demographics such as children and students in environmental artivism. The gendered lens on artistic activism reveals the diverse creative actions and thematic focuses of different groups, including women, men, LGBTQ individuals, and other collectives, when engaging with environmental protection. This research expands our understanding of environmental action and engages with current environmentalism(s) by putting the results into conversation.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David J. Smith, Beatriz Rodriguez-Labajos
Summary: Coastal zone management is a critical issue in developing countries, where discrepancies between existing coastal indicator themes and categories and the perceived needs of local stakeholders have been identified. This study proposes new indicator categories to incorporate into coastal management frameworks based on a combination of literature and stakeholder input.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Geography
Teresa Sanz, Beatriz Rodriguez-Labajos
Summary: This paper examines the emblematic struggle to stop the construction of a coal-export terminal in Oakland, CA, highlighting the critical relevance of creative activism in facilitating engagement, education, and outreach of the anti-coal movement. The use of the arts not only raised environmental and political awareness but also enhanced public participation in decision making, making the movement more inclusive and expanding its scale.
Article
Economics
Anne M. Larson, Kai Mausch, Mieke Bourne, Cecilia Luttrell, George Schoneveld, Peter Cronkleton, Bruno Locatelli, Delia Catacutan, Paolo Cerutti, Susan Chomba, Houria Djoudi, Markus Ihalainen, Steven Lawry, Peter Minang, Iliana Monterroso, Rodd Myers, Daisuke Naito, Thu Thuy Pham, James Reed, Juan Pablo Sarmiento, Phosiso Sola, Dietmar Stoian
Summary: In the time of crisis on planet Earth, urgent calls for transformational change are getting louder. Governance questions are central in any solution to address pressing global challenges. By examining governance in forests and around trees, in landscapes and on farms through the lens of power and social justice, a governance research agenda for the next decade has been proposed.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Susana Torres Lopez, Maria de los Angeles Barrionuevo, Beatriz Rodriguez-Labajos
Summary: Approximately 56% of the global population currently resides in cities, where anthropogenic activities have significantly impacted the environment. To achieve sustainability, water management at the urban level must consider the social and ecological interactions related to water. This study proposes a new operational approach that analyzes key issues and their interactions to better understand the relationship between the water cycle, cities, and society. Additionally, the study provides six challenges to guide stakeholders in making informed and equitable decisions regarding urban water management.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Studies
Laura Notess, Peter Veit, Iliana Monterroso, Andiko, Emmanuel Sulle, Anne M. Larson, Anne-Sophie Gindroz, Julia Quaedvlieg, Andrew Williams
Summary: Indigenous and community lands, crucial for rural livelihoods, are often held under informal customary tenure arrangements. While communities may seek to formalize their land rights in a government registry, the process can be time-consuming and complex compared to companies acquiring land relatively quickly and finding shortcuts around regulatory burdens. Comparing community and company procedures reveals multiple sources of inequity in land rights.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Beatriz Rodriguez-Labajos
Summary: This paper fills a gap in the literature on environmental sustainability by exploring the importance of artworks in environmental activism and discussing the role of artivism in environmental improvement and education.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Ana Nadal, Beatriz Rodriguez-Labajos, Eva Cuerva, Alejandro Josa, Joan Rieradevall
Summary: This study explores the impact of urbanization patterns and social housing transformations on urban agriculture in Mexico. The findings highlight the negative consequences of these transformations on urban agriculture and emphasize the need for sustainable housing development policies.
Article
Economics
Anne M. Larson, Iliana Monterroso, Nining Liswanti, Ade Tamara
Summary: In the past two decades, forest tenure reforms have been implemented to formalize the rights of forest-based Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPs and LCs). However, the focus on tenure security, which is crucial for the livelihoods of IPs and LCs and for the forests, has been limited. This article explores perceptions of tenure (in)security using Participatory Prospective Analysis (PPA) and highlights the need for a holistic approach in assessing and defining tenure (in)security.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Teresa Sanz, Beatriz Rodriguez-Labajos
Summary: This paper analyzes the impact of creative actions on the relational values in the socio-spatial restoration of Quintero and Puchuncavi communities in Chile, revealing the significance of art in interpersonal relations and socio-spatial transformations.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Finn Mempel, Esteve Corbera, Beatriz Rodriguez Labajos, Edward Challies
Summary: Soybeans play a significant role in the global food system and efforts to understand the impact of land use change caused by external factors. However, there is a lack of attention to the historical and social context of these relationships in land system science. This study examines the evolution of the global soybean complex and analyzes how soybeans have been integrated into different provisioning systems. The findings highlight the need for sustainable practices and public interventions to shape the future of the soybean industry.
ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING E-NATURE AND SPACE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Beatriz Rodriguez-Labajos, Lina M. Saavedra-Diaz, Darlin Botto-Barrios
Summary: Small-scale fisheries play a critical role in sustaining the livelihoods of millions worldwide, but face numerous pressures and conflicts. There is limited research on the conflicts in small-scale fisheries, and understanding of their typology is lacking. Nonfiction films provide valuable insights into the variety of conflicts and drivers in small-scale fisheries, allowing for a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Begum Ozkaynak, Beatriz Rodriguez-Labajos, Burcay Erus
Summary: The study shows that, after controlling for other factors, conflict intensity, timing of mobilisation, centrality of the company in the network, project status, and presence of international financial institutions are significant correlates of perceived environmental justice success. Mobilising during the prevention stage, intense reactions, and the ability to halt a project are positively associated with perceived environmental justice success.
EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES AND SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Simon Rabaa, Robert Wilken, Sylvie Geisendorf
Summary: Energy efficiency measures are crucial for combating climate change, but rebound effects may undermine their effectiveness. This study finds that prior energy efficiency behavior does not hinder subsequent climate-friendly behavior, which is determined by individual demographics and environmental attitudes.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
James R. Meldrum, Patricia A. Champ, Hannah Brenkert-Smith, Christopher M. Barth, Abby E. McConnell, Carolyn Wagner, Colleen Donovan
Summary: This study reassessed a previous study using a richer dataset and found that individuals with lower incomes are less likely to participate in cost-sharing programs, and even if they do participate, they contribute a lower share. This indicates potential economic equity concerns.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Daniel Rueb
Summary: This paper examines the distributional effects of the European Commission's Fit-for-55 package at the household level in seven EU countries and finds that a household-size specific lump-sum refund can mitigate the negative distributional effects of a carbon tax and reduce overall inequality.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Correction
Ecology
Anke Jacksohn, Miguel Angel Tovar Reanos, Frank Pothen, Katrin Rehdanz
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Pierre Chiaverina, Sophie Drogue, Florence Jacquet
Summary: This study investigates the impact of farmers' participation in different short food supply chains (SFSCs) on synthetic pesticide use and crop yields. The findings show that farmers who sell part of their crops through direct-to-consumer channels use significantly fewer synthetic pesticides compared to those who sell through long food supply chains. However, there is no evidence that farmers involved in direct-to-retailer channels use significantly fewer synthetic pesticides. Additionally, there is no indication that SFSC participation affects crop yields.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Kangyin Dong, Yang Liu, Jianda Wang, Xiucheng Dong
Summary: This study uses the generalized method of moments (GMM) model to explore the relationship between the digital economy and energy vulnerability in 110 economies. The findings suggest that the digital economy effectively reduces energy vulnerability, with digital infrastructure and social impact being the main contributors. Furthermore, the digital economy helps upgrade the industrial structure and financial development level, thereby reducing energy vulnerability. Additionally, the negative impact of the digital economy on energy vulnerability is more significant in regions with higher income levels.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Romain Espinosa, Nicolas Treich
Summary: This study examines a simple model of consumption of animals with altruistic behavior towards animals. The model reveals a public good issue, where the market equilibrium leads to low quality and excessive quantity of animal lives when they are not worth living. The implications of the findings and the significance of the modeling choices for future economic research on animal welfare are discussed.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Arianna Buratto, Lorenzo Lotti
Summary: Finding ways to steer consumers towards vegetarian and plant-based meals is important for reducing the environmental impact of diets. In this study, we investigated the use of nudges in restaurants to increase sales of vegetarian and plant-based dishes. We found that removing symbols for these dishes increased sales, while adding a low emissions symbol had no effect. However, when the nudge was made transparent through a statement, sales significantly increased. These findings support the use of nudges as cost-effective interventions to address unsustainable food consumption in the hospitality sector.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Emmanuel Paroissien, Timothy K. M. Beatty, Antoine Nebout
Summary: This article provides empirical evidence that the opportunity cost of time explains the frequency of household food waste. The study found that proxies for the opportunity cost of time were positively correlated with the probability of reporting wasting food.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Jefim Vogel, Gauthier Guerin, Daniel W. O'Neill, Julia K. Steinberger
Summary: This study explores the vulnerability of livelihoods to a reduction in economic output and introduces a novel analytic framework to describe their relationship. The study finds that the vulnerability is not inevitable but arises from insecurity in wage labor, adequate incomes, and pensions. These conditions are primarily due to profit maximization and neoliberal welfare and labor policies. The study identifies a range of interventions to overcome this vulnerability and make stringent environmental policies socially sustainable and politically palatable.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Franziska Dorn, Simone Maxand, Thomas Kneib
Summary: Understanding the interconnected nature of rising carbon emissions and income inequality is crucial to achieve social and ecological sustainability. The distributional copula model used in this study uncovers complex interdependencies that standard linear regression techniques might hide.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Darius Corbier, Frederic Gonand
Summary: The article investigates the macroeconomic channels of transmission of the low-carbon transition in two official scenarios for the French power system under different oil price scenarios. The results show that technical progress and substitution mechanisms can drive the decarbonization of the economy and growth, with energy demand and durable goods demand being the main transmission channels.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Gloria Amaris, Stepan Vesely, Stephane Hess, Christian A. Klockner
Summary: The study of human behavior is crucial for the development of policies for sustainability. It is important to consider the possibility of spillover effects in mathematical models, as exposure to related choices can influence subsequent behavior. Our study demonstrates the existence of these spillover effects and showcases the effectiveness of discrete choice models.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Sonia Almeida Neves, Antonio Cardoso Marques, Leonardo Batista de sa Lopes
Summary: This paper investigates the impact of European Union regulations on e-waste exports. The findings suggest that taxation is ineffective in reducing e-waste exports and may even increase them. Additionally, high dependence on foreign raw materials and sub-standard waste collection systems contribute to the increase in e-waste exports. Therefore, investing in e-waste collection facilities can better utilize the valuable resources in this waste.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Gregor Semieniuk
Summary: Efforts to decouple economic growth from resource use and negative environmental impacts have yielded inconclusive results, partially due to the uncertainties in historical measurement arising from definitional changes to GDP. This study examines the impact of GDP vintages on decoupling results and finds that a significant number of countries switch between relative decoupling and recoupling, and that GDP vintages also affect environmental Kuznets curve results and the decline in global energy intensity. The inconsistencies in economic measurement introduce ambiguity into historical decoupling evidence and model projections into the future.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
