Counterurbanization: A neglected pathway of forest transition

Human settlement into rural areas (counterurbanization) is generating new patterns of reforestation, with distinctive features compared to the previously considered pathways of forest transition through “economic development” and “forest scarcity”. Here, we discuss the specific features of this neglected pathway of forest recovery and describe the process with the support of study cases around the world. This pathway includes specific motivations (e.g., natural amenities, outdoor recreation), particular socio-economic processes, conflicts between newcomers and locals, and specific ecological outcomes (e.g., a larger proportion of non-native species in the new forests). Although this pathway locally affects small areas, as a widespread and expanding process around the world, counterurbanization could have a growing global effect, with the potential to modify biodiversity, ecosystem services, and cultural values. These novel characteristics should be further explored to better understand the patterns and processes of forest transitions in a context of a globally connected world.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13280-021-01632-9.     

Brain cortical assessment by MRI in fetuses with left congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Objective

To evaluate fetal brain development using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia).

Methods

52 isolated left CDH and 104 control fetuses were imaged using MRI. Brain morphometry (Biparietal diameter—BPD, brain fronto-occipital diameter—BFOD, third ventricle, posterior ventricles, transcerebellar diameter—TCD, anteroposterior and craniocaudal cerebellar vermis diameter—AP and CC) and cortical structures (bilateral cingulate fissure—CF, insular fissure—IF, insular depth - ID) were compared with controls using Mann–Whitney test.

Results

Median gestational age at MRI (p = 0.95)and the median biparietal diameter (p = 0.737) were comparable. Among morphometric parameters, only the brain fronto-occipital diameter was significantly smaller in CDH (p = 0.001) and the third ventricle was significantly greater in CDH (<0.0001). Among cortical structures, the cingulate and insular fissures were significantly deeper in CDH fetuses (p < 0.0001) as the insular depth ID was smaller in CDH (p < 0.03).

Conclusions

CDH fetuses have a smaller fronto-occipital diameter, reduced insular depth, deeper cingulate and insular fissure, and greater third ventricle width as compared to controls. These findings suggest that left CDH may have an impact on fetal brain development with an overall reduction in brain volume.     

Preparation and characterization of biochar from cement waste for removal of rhodamine B dye

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - Cement waste (CW) is one of the main environmental problems in the cement industry due to the high amount that is used and its incorrect disposal....     

Recycling Expanded Polystyrene with a Biodegradable Solvent to Manufacture 3D Printed Prototypes and Finishing Materials for Construction

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - The amount of plastic waste generated is causing damage to the environment, such as sea and soil pollution, and one of the alternatives for disposing of...     

Annealing Effect on Pla/Eva Blends Performance

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - PLA has aroused industrial and scientific interest in recent years, mainly due to its biodegradable character. However, PLA is brittle and displays low...