scholarly journals Effects of fragmentation on plant adaptation to urban environments

2017 ◽  
Vol 372 (1712) ◽  
pp. 20160038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Dubois ◽  
Pierre-Olivier Cheptou
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Trait Variation ◽  
Fragmented Habitats ◽  
Dispersal Traits ◽  
Neutral Markers

Urban ecosystems are relatively recent and heavily human-altered terrestrial ecosystems with a surprisingly high diversity of animals, plants and other organisms. Urban habitats are also strongly fragmented and subject to higher temperatures, providing a compelling model for studying adaptation to global change. Crepis sancta (Asteraceae), an annual Mediterranean wasteland weed, occupies fragmented urban environments as well as certain unfragmented landscapes in southern France. We tested for shifts in dispersal, reproductive traits and size across a rural–urban gradient to learn whether and how selection may be driving changes in life history in urban and fragmented habitats. We specifically compared the structure of quantitative genetic variation and of neutral markers (microsatellites) between urban and rural and between fragmented and unfragmented habitats. We showed that fragmentation provides a better descriptor of trait variation than urbanization per se for dispersal traits. Fragmentation also affected reproductive traits and plant size though one rural population did conform to this scheme. Our study shows the role of fragmentation for dispersal traits shift in urban environments and a more complex pattern for other traits. We discuss the role of pollinator scarcity and an inhospitable matrix as drivers of adaptation. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Human influences on evolution, and the ecological and societal consequences’.

scholarly journals Review on Urban Forests and Trees as Nature-Based Solutions over 5 Years

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1453
Author(s):  
Xiangqi Kong ◽  
Xinna Zhang ◽  
Chengyang Xu ◽  
Richard J. Hauer
Keyword(s):  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Urban Forests ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Sustainable Living ◽  
Keyword Analysis ◽  
Research Pattern

As human living environments face increasing challenges with resilience, the concept of nature-based solutions (NBS) was proposed in recent years as a way to promote sustainable living in urban environments. Urban forests and trees play important roles in urban ecosystems, while their potential as an NBS is promising. A bibliometric analysis was first conducted to explore the research pattern of NBS in urban environments. Studies of urban forest and tree-based green infrastructure in NBS research were further investigated using a systematic literature review method. The initial studies on NBS have increased since 2015 with 493 documents published from 142 sources in over 70 countries and regions. Keyword analysis showed green infrastructure had a rather high frequency of utility and received considerable attention. As for urban forests as nature-based solutions (UF-NBS) research, the most prominent study approaches used at different scales and the main benefits and typologies of urban forest studied in the articles were identified. UF-NBS research is still relatively scarce at present. Despite the role of urban forest and trees in addressing environmental challenges being well recognized, UF-NBS studies still need to be conducted in a more comprehensive context, taking social and economic aspects into account.

scholarly journals The LEPR Gene Is Associated with Reproductive Seasonality Traits in Rasa Aragonesa Sheep

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2448
Author(s):  
Kenza Lakhssassi ◽  
Malena Serrano ◽  
Belén Lahoz ◽  
María Pilar Sarto ◽  
Laura Pilar Iguácel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid Change ◽  
Leptin Receptor ◽  
Extreme Values ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Reproductive Seasonality ◽  
Synonymous Substitutions ◽  
Lepr Gene ◽  
Exon 20 ◽  
First Time

The aim of this study was to characterize and identify causative polymorphisms in the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene responsible for the seasonal variation of reproductive traits in sheep. Three reproductive seasonality traits were studied: the total days of anoestrous (TDA), the progesterone cycling months (P4CM) and the oestrous cycling months (OCM). In total, 18 SNPs were detected in 33 ewes with extreme values for TDA and OCM. Six SNPs were non-synonymous substitutions and two of them were predicted in silico as deleterious: rs596133197 and rs403578195. These polymorphisms were then validated in 239 ewes. The SNP rs403578195, located in exon 8 and leading to a change of alanine to glycine (Ala284Gly) in the extracellular domain of the protein, was associated with the OCM trait, being the G allele associated with a decrease of 12 percent of the OCM trait. Haplotype analyses also suggested the involvement of other non-synonymous SNP located in exon 20 (rs405459906). This SNP also produces an amino acid change (Lys1069Glu) in the intracellular domain of the protein and segregates independently of rs403578195. These results confirm for the first time the role of the LEPR gene in sheep reproductive seasonality.

scholarly journals The Role of the Reactive Species Involved in the Photocatalytic Degradation of HDPE Microplastics Using C,N-TiO2 Powders

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aranza Denisse Vital-Grappin ◽  
Maria Camila Ariza-Tarazona ◽  
Valeria Montserrat Luna-Hernández ◽  
Juan Francisco Villarreal-Chiu ◽  
Juan Manuel Hernández-López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Reaction System ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Degradation Process ◽  
Reactive Species ◽  
Hazardous Substances ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Degradation Behaviors ◽  
Environmentally Friendly Process

Microplastics (MPs) are distributed in a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems throughout the planet. They are known to adsorb hazardous substances and can transfer them across the trophic web. To eliminate MPs pollution in an environmentally friendly process, we propose using a photocatalytic process that can easily be implemented in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). As photocatalysis involves the formation of reactive species such as holes (h+), electrons (e−), hydroxyl (OH●), and superoxide ion (O2●−) radicals, it is imperative to determine the role of those species in the degradation process to design an effective photocatalytic system. However, for MPs, this information is limited in the literature. Therefore, we present such reactive species’ role in the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MPs using C,N-TiO2. Tert-butanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), Tiron, and Cu(NO3)2 were confirmed as adequate OH●, h+, O2●− and e− scavengers. These results revealed for the first time that the formation of free OH● through the pathways involving the photogenerated e− plays an essential role in the MPs’ degradation. Furthermore, the degradation behaviors observed when h+ and O2●− were removed from the reaction system suggest that these species can also perform the initiating step of degradation.

scholarly journals Influence of Land Use on Avian Diversity in North African Urban Environments

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 434
Author(s):  
Hani Amir Aouissi ◽  
Alexandru-Ionuţ Petrişor ◽  
Mostefa Ababsa ◽  
Maria Boştenaru-Dan ◽  
Mahmoud Tourki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Ecological Group ◽  
Avian Diversity ◽  
North African ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Urban Green Spaces

Land cover and use changes are important to study for their impact on ecosystem services and ultimately on sustainability. In urban environments, a particularly important research question addresses the relationship between urbanization-related changes and biodiversity, subject to controversies in the literature. Birds are an important ecological group, and useful for answering this question. The present study builds upon the hypothesis according to which avian diversity decreases with urbanization. In order to answer it, a sample of 4245 observations from 650 sites in Annaba, Algeria, obtained through the point abundance index method, were investigated by computing Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index and the species richness, mapping them, and analyzing the results statistically. The findings confirm the study hypothesis and are relevant for planning, as they stress the role of urban green spaces as biodiversity hotspots, and plead for the need of connecting them. From a planning perspective, the results emphasize the need for interconnecting the green infrastructure through avian corridors. Moreover, the results fill in an important lack of data on the biodiversity of the region, and are relevant for other similar Mediterranean areas. Future studies could use the findings to compare with data from other countries and continents.

68 Examining the role of supportive adults in violence exposure among male youth in urban environments

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (Suppl 2) ◽  
pp. A24.3-A25
Author(s):  
Alison Culyba ◽  
Kenneth Ginsburg ◽  
Joel Fein ◽  
Elizabeth Miller ◽  
Charles Branas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Violence Exposure ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Male Youth

scholarly journals Aporte Teórico-Metodologico para o Estudo da Pluviosidade em Ambientes Urbanos Vulneráveis: Estudo de Caso do Clima Urbano de Duque de Caxias/RJ (Theoretical and Methodological Rain for the Study of Vulnerable in Urban Environments: a Case Study of ...)

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 476
Author(s):  
Antonio Carlos Da Silva Oscar Júnior ◽  
Ana Maria De Paiva Macedo Brandão
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Urban Climate ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Weather And Climate ◽  
New Space ◽  
New Research

Hodiernamente as ciências do tempo e do clima assumem protagonismo no meio cientifico devido às questões e polêmicas atuais acerca das mudanças climáticas. Tendo em vista esse novo espaço, esse trabalho tem como objetivo trazer uma contribuição teórico-metodologica para aqueles que desejam se debruçar sobre essas novas questões que afligem o mundo moderno. Para aprofundar as discussões deste artigo, abordaremos o caso de Duque de Caxias, localizado na Baixada Fluminense do Rio de Janeiro, usando a também como caso exemplo para explicar como as dinâmicas socioeconômicas, deixando suas marcas no território intensificam os riscos naturais e aprofundam as vulnerabilidades sociais. No aflorar dessa nova agenda de pesquisas é papel dos Geógrafos aprofundarem suas análises em prol de um ordenamento territorial, e gestão do espaço condizente com as novas necessidades da sociedade. Palavras-Chave: Clima Urbano, Mudanças Climáticas, Planejamento Urbano.  Theoretical and Methodological Rain for the Study of Vulnerable in Urban Environments: a Case Study of Urban Climate Duque de Caxias-RJ  ABSTRACT Today the sciences of weather and climate took center stage in the middle due to scientific issues and controversies about the current climate. In light of this new space, this work aims to bring a theoretical and methodological contributions for those Who wish to dwell on these new issues that plague the modern world. For further discussion of this article, we discuss the case of Duque de Caxias, located in the Baixada Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro, also using as a case example to explain how socio-economic dynamics, leaving it’s mark in the territory of natural hazards intensify and deepen the vulnerabilities social. Flourishin this new research agenda is the role of geographers deepen their analysis in favor of a use and land management consistent with the changing needs of society.  Keywords: Urban Climate, Climate Change, Runoff, Urban Management

scholarly journals Association of polymorphisms in the promoter region of turkey prolactin with egg performance

Genetika ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 591-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehrangiz Fathi ◽  
Ghorban Elyasi-Zarringhobaie
Keyword(s):  
Promoter Region ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Gene Promoter ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Breeding Center ◽  
Egg Performance ◽  
East Azerbaijan ◽  
Prolactin Promoter

The induction and regulation of broodiness is of the most important role of prolactin in avian species. In this study, the association between prolactin promoter region alleles and reproductive traits in Fars native turkey was investigated. These traits consisted of mean egg weight (MEW), number of egg (EN) and egg mass, during the first laying period. In total, 115 laying turkeys, randomly selected from the flock of the Breeding Center for Fars Native turkey, and DNA was purificated from blood samples, 231 bp of prolactin promoter region was amplified and Genotype of Samples was determinate by PCR-SSCP technique were genotyped. Two alleles D and I were identified. Based on the results obtained, the frequency of D and I alleles were 0.67 and 0.33, respectively. Frequencies of DD, II and ID genotypes were 0.385, 0.044 and 0.571, respectively. The association analysis between the polymorphism PRL gene promoter region and egg performance was carried out. Significant relationship was found between genotypes with egg production (P<0.01). Individuals with II genotype produced higher egg production than DD and ID genotype. The results of current study showed that using information of genes related to egg production could be used to improve the performance of native turkey of East Azerbaijan province.

scholarly journals Growing Value: Describing The Nature Of The Relationship Between Street-Level Greenery and Housing Prices in Toronto

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spencer Bridgwater
Keyword(s):  
Urban Environment ◽  
Housing Prices ◽  
Urban Forestry ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Developmental Context ◽  
Street Level ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Aerial Perspective

The role of urban forestry has become increasingly important in the context of sustainability, both from an environmental context, and from a developmental context. Greenery in an urban environment has demonstrable implications for health, air quality, aesthetics, and land value, as described broadly across the literature. Until recently, studies on green urban canopies and housing prices have been limited in their methodology by using aerial-perspective data. The MIT Senseable City Lab in 2015 developed the Treepedia project, which uses Google Street View images to quantify greenery levels in urban environments. Using the green view index (GVI) data from the Treepedia project, street-level greenery densities were compared against housing prices across Toronto. Models for different property types, accounting for characteristic, locational, and demographic variables, were estimated. It was determined that a statistically significant relationship between street-level greenery and housing prices exists in Toronto for detached homes, semi-detached homes, row/townhouse units, condo apartments, and condo townhouses.

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