Evaluating 22 EU member states’ ‘waste culture’ using Hofstede’s and Schwartz’s cultural dimensions

The issue of municipal solid waste (MSW) arisings has received great attention recently since it is not only a by-product of economic activity but also serves as an input to the economy through material or energy recovery. The main focus of this study is cultural formation and especially the current picture of waste culture and public perception across European Union (EU) member states. Thus, this study will first evaluate environmental efficiency with data envelopment analysis (DEA) based on five parameters: waste, gross domestic product (GDP), labour, capital, and population density for 22 EU Member States and for the years 2005, 2010 and 2015 in order to evaluate which Member States are more efficient. Then the efficiency results are contrasted to Hofstede’s and Schwartz’s cultural dimensions on STATA with the use of regression modelling. Results show that for year 2005 no significant relationship is noticed for both cultural models, whereas for years 2010 and 2015 there appears to be a significant connection. The above-mentioned findings can be associated with the financial crisis that has hit Europe after 2008 making people more sceptical, while EU legislations have laid out some important directives in the field of waste management. Finally, along with the factors above, EU has faced severe environmental challenges due to waste arisings, as well as accidents and injuries for people working in this sector, which in turn have widely modified EU’s waste culture as supported by this study’s results.     

The anti-predator function of ‘eyespots’ on camouflaged and conspicuous prey

Animals utilise various strategies to reduce the risk of predation, including camouflage, warning colours and mimicry, and many of these protective signals promote avoidance behaviour in predators. For example, various species possess paired circular ‘eyespots’, which startle or intimidate predators, preventing or halting an attack. However, little is known of how the efficacy of such signals relates to the context in which they are found, and no studies have tested the relative effectiveness of anti-predator signals when on otherwise camouflaged and conspicuous prey. We find that the protective value of conspicuous wing spots, placed on artificial moth-like targets presented to wild birds in the field, is strongly affected by the attributes of the prey ‘animal’ on which they are found. Wing spots reduced predation when on conspicuous prey but were rendered ineffective when on otherwise camouflaged targets, indeed they increased the risk of predation compared to non-marked camouflaged controls. These results demonstrate how different anti-predator strategies may interact, and that protective signals can switch from being beneficial to costly under different contexts.     

New ‘renewable’ frontiers: contested palm oil plantations and wind energy projects in Brazil and Mexico

ABSTRACT

This paper argues that new land conflict frontiers are emerging in the context of renewable energy production. The novel aspect of these frontiers is a ‘green’ framing of the use of land considered ‘degraded’, expressing it as a climate protection strategy, and consequently causing similar dynamics of conflict in different regions. With reference to political ecology debates on the notion of frontiers, we analyze the social conflicts over palm oil production for biodiesel and wind energy development in Brazil and Mexico, respectively. We show that green narratives, understood as forms of knowledge production concerning the protection of the climate and sustainable development, not only represent legitimization strategies for new land grabs, but also come with their own dynamics of social conflict and their own constellations of actors.     

Defining behavioural syndromes and the role of ‘syndrome deviation’ in understanding their evolution

This commentary highlights multivariate tools that have been used by evolutionary biologists in the study of syndromes and their evolution and discusses the insights that these methods provide into evolutionary processes relative to the metric ‘syndrome deviation’ that has recently been proposed by Herczeg and Garamszegi (Behav Ecol Sociobiol 66:161–169, 2012). We clarify that non-zero phenotypic correlations arise from the joint influences of within- and between-individual correlations, whereas only non-zero between-individual correlations represent behavioural syndromes, and discuss how acknowledgement of this subtle difference between phenotypic and between-individual correlations affects the applicability of syndrome deviation for the study of behavioural syndromes.     

Parasitismus und ‘Endokrine Disruption’ in Fischen

Background

Since the 1960s the scientific community has become increasingly aware of the need for integrative and holistic approaches to solve environmental issues. It has not only been recognized that changing environmental conditions can alter toxicological properties of pollutants but also that susceptibility of organisms to man-made chemicals strongly depends on environmental factors. This is especially true with respect to the endocrine control of reproductive processes in many aquatic species including fish, which are mainly influenced by changes in the surrounding environment such as day length, temperature, water flow, etc. Thus, it is astounding that the use of integrative approaches to address the question of the ecotoxicological relevance of the disruption of endocrine and related reproductive functions is rate. As a consequence of this shortcoming, there is increasing demand both among scientists and politicians regarding more holistic approaches in the endocrine disruptor research.

Aim

This contribution aims to critically discuss current strategies and approaches as well as to identify alternative strategies in context with the environmental risk assessment of endocrine disruptors. This will be exemplified using an ecotoxicological study with bream (Abramis brama) that was conducted along a major European river, the Elbe.

Results and Discussion

Local bream (Abramis brama) populations collected along the river Elbe were characterized by different magnitudes and/or types of endocrine alterations. Although there is a relatively extensive data set available regarding its contamination with wide range of chemicals in the Elbe, it has not been possible to conclusively relate the observed endocrine effects to the exposure to individual compounds or mixtures of chemicals. However, during the gross morphological evaluations of the fish it was observed that at some locations a great number of the individuals caught were parasitized with the tapeworm Ligula intestinalis. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed that a relatively great percentage of the variation of the biological endpoints observed both among individuals and sampling sites could be explained by the occurrence of this parasite. Overall, the findings of these studies indicate that there is a complex interaction not only among the exposure to chemicals and parasitism but also of both of these aspects with the occurrence of biological effects in fish.

Conclusions

The gaps in our current knowledge as well as the findings from the few studies available indicate, the there is a need to revise our current approaches to characterize and evaluate exposure scenarios regarding their potential to cause endocrine disruption in wild organisms. Given the complexity of most environmental exposure scenarios, involving multiple factors including anthropogenic and natural influences and their interactions, I therefore see the urgent need to initiate a discussion on more integrative approaches in this field in favor of true ‘ecotoxicological studies’ that integrate both ecology and toxicology.     

Reflections on the ‘sustainable development’ debate

The paper examines the way in which the term ‘sustainable development’ has been used. Beginning with a short review of responses to a publication of the author's on sustainable development, it goes on to explore the different assumptions behind the discussion of the concept, and the different dimensions of sustainability: economic, political and epistemological. It is argued that, like the environment itself, the concept of sustainable development is a contested domain. We can learn from exploring the way the concept is used and contested.     

A ‘coastal-hazard GIS’ for Sri Lanka

Following the 2004 tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka, it was apparent that mapping the coast’s vulnerability was essential for future protection of the local populations. We therefore developed a prototype ‘Coastal-hazard GIS’ for Sri Lanka so as to provide an effective tool for decision makers to limit the impact of natural coastal hazards such as sea level rise, tsunamis, storm surges and coastal erosion, and thus protect the exposed assets (population, property, settlements, communications networks, etc.). The prototype was developed on a pilot site in Galle through building up homogeneous data on the land/sea interface from studies conducted on the exposure of the coastal populations, the aim being to enable an evaluation of the hazards combined with the vulnerability and thus an analysis of the risks. Coastal risk scenarios are developed so as to estimate the impacts and consequences of an event (tsunami, storm, etc.) on the assets, the principle behind this being that if, in general, the coastal hazard cannot be decreased, then a better knowledge of it through simulation should make it possible to limit the vulnerability and thus the risk. The Coastal-hazard GIS will also provide a planning tool in terms of locating new settlements, expanding urban areas, siting coastal protection works, etc.     

The ‘Bayesics’ of Ranked Set Sampling

Ranked set sampling can be useful when measurements are expensive but units from the popu- lation can be easily ranked. In this situation one may draw k units from the population, rank them, select one on which to make the expensive measurement, draw another k units, rank them, select one, and so on. The method was originally suggested by McIntyre (1952) in connection with pasture yields and is obviously applicable in other situations as well. Dell and Clutter (1972) and Patil et al. (1994) explain the basics from a classical point of view. Our aim is to examine the procedure from a Bayesian point of view, determine whether ranked set sampling provides advantages over simple random sampling and explore some optimality questions     

日本红枫‘珊瑚阁’嫁接繁殖技术研究

从嫁接方法、嫁接时间、砧木径级等方面探讨了日本红枫‘珊瑚阁’嫁接繁殖技术,结果表明:切接法嫁接日本红枫‘珊瑚阁’成活率高于撕皮嵌接法,嫁接时间以2月日本红枫‘珊瑚阁’腋芽未萌动时为佳,砧木地径越粗越有利于嫁接后接穗的生长,嫁接后需注意嫁接口的保湿遮阴.     

Dioxin-/Furan-‘Verbrennungsprofile’ in Abgasen aus Hochtemperaturprozessen

Different mechanisms operating downstream from high temperature processes lead to the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo(p) dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Independent of the level of concentration, these mechanisms lead to comparable PCDD/F patterns, as has been observed from the proportion of single congeners to the total of 17 2,3,7,8-Cl-substituted congeners or to the individual homologous groups related to the sum of the homologous tetra to octa CDD/F groups. A comparison of these so-called “combustion profiles” with the congeners Heats of Formation (HoF), as calculated via semiempirical molecular orbital methods, may provide an idea of the course of thermodynamical forced reaction.     

‘琯溪蜜柚’CmPAL基因的克隆与表达

为探究CmPAL基因在蜜柚果实发育过程中的作用与表达规律,以‘琯溪蜜柚’果实为材料,利用反转录PCR技术克隆了3个‘琯溪蜜柚’PAL基因,对它们所编码的蛋白进行了系列生物信息学分析,研究它们在‘琯溪蜜柚’及其两个芽变品种(‘红肉蜜柚’和‘三红蜜柚’)不同发育时期果实汁胞中的表达情况,对3种蜜柚汁胞木质素含量进行了测定.克隆所得到3个CmPAL基因,分别命名为CmPAL1、CmPAL3和CmPAL4,它们的cDNA长度分别为2 154 bp、2 160 bp和2 142 bp,编码717、719和713个氨基酸;生物信息学分析发现3个CmPAL含有相同的保守结构域,均有跨膜螺旋结构与磷酸化位点;进化树分析结果表明,CmPAL1、CmPAL3和CmPAL4分别与甜橙CsPAL1、CsPAL2和CsPAL4的亲缘关系最近,且都归于双子叶植物分组;实时定量PCR结果显示,CmPAL基因蜜柚果实发育过程中表达水平存在显著性差异,不同成员的表达水平和变化趋势各有所不同;相关性分析结果显示,CmPAL3的表达与蜜柚果实木质素的含量存在显著性相关.本研究表明CmPAL基因成员尤其是CmPAL3可能通过调控木质素代谢进而在蜜柚果实成熟过程中发挥较大作用.(图8表4参39)     

Field identification of ‘types’ A and B of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis in a region of sympatry

The ascidian species Ciona intestinalis is a major model chordate in developmental and evolutionary biology, and an important fouling organism and invasive species. However, genomic investigation has recently revealed the existence of two cryptic species, genetically distinct yet without obvious morphological differences, currently referred to as types A and B. Here, we show that they are externally distinctive in a zone of sympatry in the western English Channel. Examining genotyped specimens, we found that types A and B of C. intestinalis can generally be distinguished by body colour, pigmentation at the distal end of the siphons and the presence or absence of tubercles on the sides of the siphons. Detecting specimens of hybrid descent still requires detailed molecular analysis, but these visual characters in combination will identify living specimens of types A and B with high probability. These differences are shown to be inherited.     

‘香玲’核桃试管苗生长条件的优化

为优化核桃试管苗生长条件,向核桃优良品种规模化栽培提供大量优良的种植材料,以‘香玲’核桃实生苗为材料,对基本培养基的类型(MS,DKW,WPM)和凝固剂种类(琼脂,Phytagel,二者结合)进行了筛选,并采用完全随机试验设计研究了细胞分裂素种类和浓度对其试管苗生长的影响.试验结果表明:基本培养基与凝固剂的种类,以及细胞分裂素的种类与浓度对芽苗生长的影响很大.以DKW为基本培养基,2.2 g/L Phytagel为凝固剂,激素配比为0.8 mg/L BA+0.01 mg/L IBA,有利于芽苗增殖,增殖可达4.70;后在0.8 mg/L KT+0.01 mg/L IBA进行壮苗,即可进行生根培养.不同基因型对基本培养基中无机盐成分的需求不同,含有较丰富矿物质的Phytagel有利于芽苗生长.BA促进腋芽的萌动和增殖,而KT则有利于壮苗.图4表3参22     

Unravelling a ‘miner’s myth’ that environmental contamination in mining towns is naturally occurring

Australia has a long history of metal mining and smelting. Extraction and processing have resulted in elevated levels of toxic metals surrounding mining operations, which have adverse health effects, particularly to children. Resource companies, government agencies and employees often construct ‘myths’ to down play potential exposure risks and responsibility arising from operating emissions. Typical statements include: contaminants are naturally occurring, the wind blows emissions away from residential areas, contaminants are not bioavailable, or the problem is a legacy issue and not related to current operations. Evidence from mining and smelting towns shows that such ‘myths’ are exactly that. In mining towns, the default and primary defence against contamination is that elevated metals in adjacent urban environments are from the erosion and weathering of the ore bodies over millennia—hence ‘naturally occurring’. Not only is this a difficult argument to unravel from an evidence-based perspective, but also it causes confusion and delays remediation work, hindering efforts to reduce harmful exposures to children. An example of this situation is from Broken Hill, New South Wales, home to one of the world’s largest lead–zinc–silver ore body, which has been mined continuously for over 130 years. Environmental metal concentration and lead isotopic data from soil samples collected from across Broken Hill are used to establish the nature and timing of lead contamination. We use multiple lines of evidence to unravel a ‘miner’s myth’ by evaluating current soil metal concentrations and lead isotopic compositions, geological data, historical environmental assessments and old photographic evidence to assess the impacts from early smelting along with mining to the surface soils in the city.     

2，2‘,4,4’和3，3‘,4,4’—四氯联苯（TCB）对小白鼠体外受精的影响

采用体外受精技术评价环境污染物2,2',4,4'-和3,3',4,4'-四氯联苯对小白鼠卵母细胞受精能力和2-细胞胚胎发育的毒性作用,实验结果表明：ρ（PCB）=0.1,1.0,10.0mg/mL的2,2',4,4'-和3,3',4,4'-四氯联苯均显著降低小白鼠卵母细胞的受精能力;ρ（PCB）=1.0,10.0mg/mL的2,2',4,4'-和3,3',4,4'-四氯联苯使卵母细胞的退人弦和2-细胞的畸形率显著增加;两种四氯联苯对小白鼠卵母细胞体外受精能力、退化率和2-细胞胚胎的畸形率无统计差异。     

Removal of selenite using ‘waste’ Fe(III)/Cr(III) hydroxide: Adsorption kinetics and isotherms

Removal of selenite [Se (IV)] from aqueous solution on to industrial solid ‘waste’ Fe(III)/Cr(III) hydroxide as adsorbent was investigated in the present article. Maximum adsorption was found to be at pH 4.0. Pretreated Fe(III)/Cr(III) hydroxide was found to be more efficient for the removal of selenite compared to untreated adsorbent. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms have been studied. The Langmuir adsorption capacity (Q ₀) of the pretreated and untreated adsorbents was found to be 15.63 and 6.04?mg?g^?1, respectively. The adsorption process fit into the second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters show that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic in the temperature range 32 to 60°C. Coexisting anions vanadate and phosphate significantly affect the adsorption of selenite for both the pretreated and untreated adsorbents. Molybdate, thiocyanate, sulphate, nitrate and chloride do not significantly affect the removal of selenite for pretreated adsorbent.     

文心兰‘南茜’谷氧还蛋白基因克隆定位及表达

为研究文心兰谷氧还蛋白超家族基因ROXY在花药发育中的功能,以文心兰‘南茜’(Oncidium Gower Ramsey)为试验材料,从‘南茜’的转录组网站选取一条与拟南芥At ROXY1/2相似度最高的基因序列(命名为OnROXY1),以该序列的cDNA为模版设计引物,用RT-PCR从‘南茜’花器官中扩增该基因,并对扩增产物进行测序和保守结构域分析.结果表明,OnROXY1基因编码区402 bp,编码133个氨基酸,与‘南茜’转录组网站中的预测序列只有一个碱基差异,但与该预测序列的氨基酸序列和保守结构域完全一致(GenBank登录号:MF696154).OnROXY1基因具有典型的谷氧还蛋白(Glutaredoxin,GRX)基因家族的结构域和CMCC活性位点,因此该基因属于GRX基因家族,并且属于亚类CC型的GRX基因.进化树分析表明,OnROXY1与水稻的Os ROXY1、Os ROXY2和拟南芥的At ROXY1、At ROXY2蛋白序列的一致性最高,进化距离最近.亚细胞定位结果显示,OnROXY1主要定位于细胞核中,少量定位在细胞质中.RT-PCR检测发现,在不同组织部位中,OnROXY1在假鳞茎中的表达量最高,唇瓣中的表达量最低;不同花期的定量结果显示,OnROXY1在脱落干枯期时的表达量最高,盛开期时的表达量最低.本研究推测谷氧还蛋白基因OnROXY1可能在文心兰假鳞茎与根的发育、消除植物体内过多的活性氧以及延缓文心兰花器官的衰老等方面具有重要作用.     

广玉兰新品种‘碧翠’的抗寒性评价及抗寒性指标筛选

为评价广玉兰新品种‘碧翠’的抗寒性以及筛选抗寒性评价指标,通过低温胁迫对‘碧翠’和‘埃克斯茅斯’抗寒性进行对照研究,测定其离体叶片的生理生化指标,对抗寒性进行综合评价及指标筛选.结果表明:随着温度的降低,两者的相对电导率(REC)和丙二醛(MDA)含量均逐渐升高,SOD活性和POD活性无明显变化规律,可溶性蛋白(SP)和游离脯氨酸(Pro)呈现先上升后下降的趋势,半致死温度(LT_(50))均随气温的下降而降低,‘碧翠’LT_(50)为-3.03℃,‘埃克斯茅斯’LT_(50)为-4.28℃,与抗寒性综合分析结果相一致,‘碧翠’‘埃克斯茅斯’.6个抗寒性指标中REC、SP两个生理生化指标是反应抗寒性强弱的较佳指标.     

Use of biomarkers in zooplankton for assessment of the ‘health status’ of marine and brackish environments: a short overview

The biomarker approach has been used for 25 years to study the environmental quality of marine, brackish and freshwater ecosystems. Biomarkers may indicate health status and can be applied to organisms of all zoological phyla by destructive or non destructive methods. For 5 years we have been using this approach in zooplankton to detect ecotoxicological alterations at low levels of the food chain due to contaminants. Here we review our approach to validate and apply biomarker techniques in zooplankton. We discuss advantages, limitations, some results and future research. We indicate that biomarkers in zooplankton can be used as new indices of trophic status and ecological integrity of Italian marine coastal and lagoon environments, to be included among the tools specified by Italian law D.Lgs. 152/2006.