Evaluating Alternative Strategies for Minimizing Unintended Fitness Consequences of Cultured Individuals on Wild Populations

Artificial propagation strategies often incur selection in captivity that leads to traits that are maladaptive in the wild. For propagation programs focused on production rather than demographic contribution to wild populations, effects on wild populations can occur through unintentional escapement or the need to release individuals into natural environments for part of their life cycle. In this case, 2 alternative management strategies might reduce unintended fitness consequences on natural populations: (1) reduce selection in captivity as much as possible to reduce fitness load (keep them similar), or (2) breed a separate population to reduce captive‐wild interactions as much as possible (make them different). We quantitatively evaluate these 2 strategies with a coupled demographic–genetic model based on Pacific salmon hatcheries that incorporates a variety of relevant processes and dynamics: selection in the hatchery relative to the wild, assortative mating based on the trait under selection, and different life cycle arrangements in terms of hatchery release, density dependence, natural selection, and reproduction. Model results indicate that, if natural selection only occurs between reproduction and captive release, the similar strategy performs better. However, if natural selection occurs between captive release and reproduction, the different and similar strategies present viable alternatives to reducing unintended fitness consequences because of the greater opportunity to purge maladaptive individuals. In this case, the appropriate approach depends on the feasibility of each strategy and the demographic goal (e.g., increasing natural abundance, or ensuring that a high proportion of natural spawners are naturally produced). In addition, the fitness effects of hatchery release are much greater if hatchery release occurs before (vs. after) density‐dependent interactions. Given the logistical challenges to achieving both the similar and different strategies, evaluation of not just the preferred strategy but also the consequences of failing to achieve the desired target is critical. Evaluación de Estrategias Alternativas para Minimizar las Consecuencias No Inesperadas en la Adecuación de Individuos Criados en Cautiverio sobre Poblaciones Silvestres     

Poverty and biodiversity in rural areas based on two investigations in Pujiang County,China

This study presents an integrated framework for the analysis of options of agricultural development and natural resource management at the ecosystem level. Pujiang County in Zhejiang Province, China, is used as a case-study area. The IMGLP model is applied to maximize regional agricultural economic surplus and labor market conditions in Pujiang. The consequences of four poverty reduction strategies (intensification of production, diversification toward livestock production, land expansion, and exit from agriculture) are determined for a set of regional poverty and biodiversity indicators. Diversification seems to be the most promising poverty reduction strategy, but requires an efficient use of animal manure in cropping systems to avoid environmental problems. Improved nutrient management in cropping systems is effective in reducing the regional nitrogen surplus, but less effective in increasing per capita income. The exit strategy is beneficial for reducing poverty and achieving biodiversity, but may have important social consequences that are not addressed in this study. Further reduction of rural poverty is hampered by labor constraints during the harvesting period for high-value crops such as vegetables and fruits. These constraints can be overcome by intensive research and development in the field of agricultural mechanization.     

Disturbance-Response Analysis: a Method for Rapid Assessment of the Threat to Species in Disturbed Areas

Abstract:  We developed a method with which to analyze a specie's response to chronic anthropogenic disturbance (CAD). We regressed density of individuals on the intensity of 3 disturbance agents (human activities, raising livestock, and land degradation) along CAD gradients to determine how much CAD is experienced by a species; whether species are ruderal (achieving maximum densities in disturbed sites); whether density declines as a result of CAD; which disturbance agents are responsible for this reduction; and the number of populations that decline as a result of CAD. We tested the method on 9 threatened Mammillaria species (Cactaceae). Seven species were ruderal. In 4 species, actual disturbance surpassed the CAD intensity in which plants achieved their maximum densities; thus, the density of those 4 species appeared to be declining. For 7 species, some populations were threatened by human activities or livestock, whereas others were favored by them. Land degradation negatively affected all species. Our results allowed us to distinguish 4 groups of species that had similar responses and thus may require different forms of management. Our method provided an estimation of the growth rate (λ) of the studied populations that was significantly correlated with λs obtained from demographic studies. The size structures of populations were consistent with the predictions of the analysis, which suggests our results are consistent and reliable. Disturbance–response analysis provides a basis for management in heavily populated areas, where conservation must be achieved along with development activities that cause CAD. The method provides readily interpretable information, which facilitates participative decision making; the data are rapidly generated, which makes it appropriate when results are required promptly or for assessment of large numbers of species; and it provides a comprehensive perception of how threatened species behave in the real world.     

Scenario study for a regional low-carbon society

Japan should undertake drastic greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions by the middle of this century in order to mitigate climate change problems. Municipalities should design and execute scenarios toward a low-carbon society suited to their respective regions. This study describes long-term future visions developed for Shiga Prefecture targeting CO₂ emission reductions of 30–50% by 2030, and presents scenarios to attain these targets, which are achievable with mild economic growth. For targets over a 30% reduction, region-specific measures including land-use reform and citizen behavioral changes are necessary. Compared with other regions in Japan, Shiga should give priority to a modal shift in transport, efficiency improvements in industry, and photovoltaic energy generation.     

Development of plans to restore degraded areas in the Great Lakes

The International Joint Commission's Water Quality Board has identified 42 Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes ecosystem where Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement objectives or jurisdictional standards, criteria or guidelines, established to protect uses, have been exceeded and remedial actions are necessary to restore beneficial uses. As a result of the 1985 report of the Water Quality Board, the eight Great Lakes states and the Province of Ontario committed themselves to developing a remedial action plan (RAP) to restore all uses in each Area of Concern within their political boundaries. Each RAP must identify the specific measures necessary to control existing sources of pollution, abate existing contamination (e.g., contaminated sediments), and restore all beneficial uses. Points which must be explicitly addressed in each RAP include: geographic extent of problem, beneficial uses impaired, causes of problems, remedial measures and a schedule for implementation, responsible agencies, and surveillance and monitoring activities that will be used to track effectiveness of remedial actions. The jurisdictions are responsible for developing RAPs, and the International Joint Commission is responsible for evaluating the adequacy of each RAP and tracking progress in restoring beneficial uses.     

气象和排放变化对PM2.5污染的定量影响

基于WRF-CMAQ模型系统定量分析了气象和排放因素对全国及重点区域PM_2.5污染影响程度.从年度特征来看,与2015年相比,2016年、2017年全国空气质量明显改善,PM_2.5年均浓度分别下降7%和14%;2016年气象条件总体转好,气象因素和排放因素变化导致全国PM_2.5年均浓度下降幅度分别为4%和3%;2017年全国气象条件与2015年相比基本持平,大气污染物排放量下降是PM_2.5污染减轻的决定因素.除汾渭平原外,京津冀及周边地区"2+26"城市、长三角、成渝地区空气中的PM_2.5年均浓度持续下降;珠三角气象条件变化对PM_2.5影响较大,2017年导致PM_2.5浓度上升了29%;除汾渭平原外,其他4个重点地区的污染物排放变化导致PM_2.5年均浓度下降且2017年的下降幅度进一步加大,说明污染管控措施的环境效益明显.从季节特征来看,气象影响值的区域性差异明显.本文分析方法可用于制定空气质量目标或者评估污染控制方案的环境效果.     

纳污河流抗性基因和微生物群落相关性

通过Miseq高通量测序分析和荧光定量PCR技术,研究某纳污河流中四环素类与磺胺类抗性基因（ARGs）的分布特征、传播情况及微生物群落结构相关性.结果表明：在河流地表水与沉积物中均检测到四环素类抗性基因tetA和tetB与磺胺类抗性基因sul1和sul2,四环素类抗性基因和磺胺类抗性基因的绝对丰度分别为5.09×10³~1.26×10⁷,3.94×10⁵~1.32×10⁹copics/L,磺胺sul1抗生素抗性基因丰度显著高于其它基因;河流主要优势菌门为Proteobacteria,Bacteroidetes,Firmicutes,Actinobacteria和Cyanobacteria,其平均总相对丰度占总比例的95.62%,且总体差异较小.抗性基因与微生物群落冗余分析显示,Methylotenera菌属是影响tetA抗性基因分布丰度的主要因素,Dechloromonas和Clostridium sensu stricto 1菌属是影响tetB抗性基因分布丰度的主要因素,Dechloromonas、Clostridium sensu stricto 1和Methylotenera菌属是影响sul1、sul2抗性基因分布丰度的主要因素.     

基于万古霉素手性柱的马来酸扑尔敏对映体分离及其识别机理

药物是环境介质中一类新型污染物,多数药物具有手性对映体特性,药物对映体的分离分析是研究对映体水平药物环境行为和效应的前提.采用商品手性柱Chirobiotic#x00AE;V,在反相条件下,对马来酸扑尔敏进行了手性分离,考察了不同流速、柱温、pH值和流动相组成对分离的影响,并优化了色谱条件.结果表明:以含0.1%(体积分数)冰醋酸和0.1%(体积分数)三乙胺的水溶液(TEAA)与四氢呋喃(THF)混合为流动相,在所研究范围内,随着流动相中THF含量的增加、pH值增大和流速增大,马来酸扑尔敏对映体的分离效果降低;柱温影响存在峰值现象,即分离效果随温度的升高先增大后减小.优化得到的拆分条件为:流动相TEAA∶THF为95∶5(V/V),pH值为3,流速为0.3 mL·min~(-1),柱温为15℃.利用分子对接技术模拟万古霉素不同区域与扑尔敏对映体间的相互作用,计算得到了最稳定结合能,据此预测对映体的出峰顺序与实验结果完全一致.初步手性识别机理研究结果表明,引起手性识别的主要作用力为氢键作用.     

基于因子分析的石化企业安全领导力评估系统构建

针对企业管理层安全领导力评估客观性、准确性不足的问题,通过借鉴优秀做法,分析岗位职责要求,采用半结构化(BEI)企业实地访谈及内容分析技术等,初步构建安全领导力评估指标体系,并对其进行验证优化,最终确定指标体系包括7个维度的关键要素及30个子要素。应用在某企业,结果显示:评估系统可实现安全领导力评估的量化分级和趋势分析,有助于找出管理者实际水平与指标体系要求之间的差距,为企业安全管理水平提升提供科学依据。