scholarly journals Urban ecophysiology: beyond costs, stress and biomarkers

2020 ◽  
Vol 223 (22) ◽  
pp. jeb203794
Author(s):  
Caroline Isaksson
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Redox System ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Evolutionary Context ◽  
Urban Conditions ◽  
System Metabolism ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Physiological Systems

ABSTRACTNatural habitats are rapidly declining due to urbanisation, with a concomitant decline in biodiversity in highly urbanised areas. Yet thousands of different species have colonised urban environments. These organisms are exposed to novel urban conditions, which are sometimes beneficial, but most often challenging, such as increased ambient temperature, chemicals, noise and light pollution, dietary alterations and disturbance by humans. Given the fundamental role of physiological responses in coping with such conditions, certain physiological systems such as the redox system, metabolism and hormones are thought to specifically influence organisms’ ability to persist and cope with urbanisation. However, these physiological systems often show mixed responses to urbanisation. Does this mean that some individuals, populations or species are resilient to the urban environmental challenges? Or is something missing from our analyses, leading us to erroneous conclusions regarding the impact of urbanisation? To understand the impact of urbanisation, I argue that a more integrated mechanistic and ecological approach is needed, along with experiments, in order to fully understand the physiological responses; without knowledge of their ecological and evolutionary context, physiological measures alone can be misinterpreted. Furthermore, we need to further investigate the causes of and capacity for individual plasticity in order to understand not only the impact of urbanisation, but also species resilience. I argue that abiotic and biotic urban factors can interact (e.g. pollution with micro- and macronutrients) to either constrain or relax individual physiological responses – and, thereby, plasticity – on a temporal and/or spatial scale, which can lead to erroneous conclusions regarding the impact of urbanisation.

Urban Evolutionary Physiology

2020 ◽  
pp. 217-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Isaksson ◽  
Frances Bonier
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Urban Habitat ◽  
Evolutionary Physiology ◽  
Coping Responses ◽  
Metabolic Systems ◽  
Physiological Systems

Organisms living in urban environments are exposed to many novel, sometimes beneficial, but most often challenging conditions. These conditions include increased exposure to chemical pollution, artificial light at night, noise, altered pathogen and predator communities, increased abundance of often poor quality food, increased temperature, and increased human presence and disturbances. Given the central role of a variety of physiological responses in coping with challenges such as these, the authors of the chapter expect that the range of physiological phenotypes expressed by individuals and species will dramatically influence their ability to persist in urban habitat and cope with urban challenges. They also expect that plasticity in components of these physiological systems will be an important target of selection imposed by the challenges confronting urban populations. The chapter takes a closer look at three fundamental physiological systems in animals that are central components of coping responses to environmental challenges, namely detoxification, and endocrine and metabolic systems.

The New ABCs: A Practitioner's Guide to Neuroscience-Informed Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 206-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Field ◽  
Eric T. Beeson ◽  
Laura K. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Behavior Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavior Therapy ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Cognitive Behavior ◽  
Therapy Model ◽  
The Impact

Cognitive-behavioral therapy models are evolving to take into account the impact of physiological responses on client distress and the secondary role of conscious cognitions and beliefs in perpetuating distress and dysfunction. This article presents an accessible and practical description of a neuroscience-informed cognitive-behavior therapy model, in the hope that readers will learn how to apply this model in practice.

scholarly journals Impact of transposable elements on the genome of the urban malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Vargas-Chavez ◽  
Neil Michel Longo Pendy ◽  
Sandrine E. Nsango ◽  
Laura Aguilera ◽  
Diego Ayala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transposable Elements ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Organic Pollution ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Anopheles Coluzzii ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTBackgroundAnopheles coluzzii is one of the primary vectors of human malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, it has colonized the main cities of Central Africa threatening vector control programs. The adaptation of An. coluzzii to urban environments is partly due to an increased tolerance to organic pollution and insecticides. While some of the molecular mechanisms for ecological adaptation, including chromosome rearrangements and introgressions, are known, the role of transposable elements (TEs) in the adaptive processes of this species has not been studied yet.ResultsTo better understand the role of TEs in rapid urban adaptation, we sequenced using long-reads six An. coluzzii genomes from natural breeding sites in two major Central Africa cities. We de novo annotated the complete set of TEs and identified 64 previously undescribed families. TEs were non-randomly distributed throughout the genome with significant differences in the number of insertions of several superfamilies across the studied genomes. We identified seven putatively active families with insertions near genes with functions related to vectorial capacity. Moreover, we identified several TE insertions providing promoter and transcription factor binding sites to insecticide resistance and immune-related genes.ConclusionsThe analysis of multiple genomes sequenced using long-read technologies allowed us to generate the most comprehensive TE annotations in this species to date. We found that TEs have an impact in both the genome architecture and the regulation of functionally relevant genes in An. coluzzii. These results provide a basis for future studies of the impact of TEs on the biology of An. coluzzii.

scholarly journals Effects of Temporary Markets on Spatial Inter-relations: A behavioural analysis of a public realm in the UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Ali Cheshmehzangi ◽  
Tim Heath
Keyword(s):  
Urban Space ◽  
Publishing House ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Public Realm ◽  
Urban Identity ◽  
The Public ◽  
International Publishing ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

This research focuses upon the socio-environmental dimensions and urban identity of urban environments by evaluating human behaviours and space-to-human relations. In addition, approaches to urban re-branding will be analysed to evaluate the role of engineered identities in enhancing social integration. This particular study will focus upon the installation of temporary activities into the public realm and the impact that these can have upon perception, identity and activity within public spaces. A case study of temporary markets taking place in Nottingham’s Old Market Square in the UK will be evaluated to explore possibilities of maximising the potential of urban space. Keywords: human behaviour, urban identity, spatial inter-relation, socio-environmental © 2017. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

scholarly journals Emotional associations with soundscape reflect human-environment relationships

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Moscoso ◽  
Mika Peck ◽  
Alice Eldridge
Keyword(s):  
Social Groups ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Natural Sounds ◽  
Human Environment ◽  
Landscape Modification ◽  
Human Wellbeing ◽  
The Impact

In line with the development of socio-ecological perspectives in conservation science, there is increasing interest in the role of soundscape perception in understanding human-environment interactions; the impact of natural soundscapes on human wellbeing is also increasingly recognized. However, research to date has focused on preferences and attitudes to western, urban locations. This study investigated individual emotional associations with local soundscape for three social groups living in areas with distinct degrees of urbanization, from pristine forest and pre-urban landscapes in Ecuador, to urban environments in UK and USA. Participants described sounds that they associated with a range of emotions, both positive and negative, which were categorized according to an adapted version of Schafer’s sound classification scheme. Analyses included a description of the sound types occurring in each environment, an evaluation of the associations between sound types and emotions across social groups, and the elaboration of a soundscape perception map. Statistical analyses revealed that the distribution of sound types differed between groups, reflecting essential traits of each soundscape, and tracing the gradient of urbanization. However, some associations were universal: Natural Sounds were primarily associated with positive emotions, whereas Mechanical and Industrial Sounds were linked to negative emotions. Within non-urban environments, natural sounds were associated with a much wider range of emotions. Our analyses suggest that Natural Sounds could be considered as valuable natural resources that promotes human wellbeing. Special attention is required within these endangered forest locations, which should be classified as a “threatened soundscapes,” as well as “threatened ecosystems,” as we begin to understand the role of soundscape for the wellbeing of the local communities. The methodology presented in this article offers a fast, cheap tool for identifying reactions towards landscape modification and identifying sounds of social relevance. The potential contribution of soundscape perception within the current conservation approaches is discussed.

Transposable element variants and their potential adaptive impact in urban populations of the malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Vargas-Chavez ◽  
Neil Michel Longo Pendy ◽  
Sandrine E. Nsango ◽  
Laura Aguilera ◽  
Diego Ayala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Organic Pollution ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Anopheles Coluzzii ◽  
High Quality ◽  
The Impact

Anophelescoluzzii is one of the primary vectors of human malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, it has spread into the main cities of Central Africa threatening vector control programs. The adaptation of An. coluzzii to urban environments partly results from an increased tolerance to organic pollution and insecticides. Some of the molecular mechanisms for ecological adaptation are known, but the role of transposable elements (TEs) in the adaptive processes of this species has not been studied yet. As a first step toward assessing the role of TEs in rapid urban adaptation, we sequenced using long reads six An. coluzzii genomes from natural breeding sites in two major Central Africa cities. We de novo annotated TEs in these genomes and in an additional high-quality An. coluzzii genome, and we identified 64 new TE families. TEs were nonrandomly distributed throughout the genome with significant differences in the number of insertions of several superfamilies across the studied genomes. We identified seven putatively active families with insertions near genes with functions related to vectorial capacity, and several TEs that may provide promoter and transcription factor binding sites to insecticide resistance and immune-related genes. Overall, the analysis of multiple high-quality genomes allowed us to generate the most comprehensive TE annotation in this species to date and identify several TE insertions that could potentially impact both genome architecture and the regulation of functionally relevant genes. These results provide a basis for future studies of the impact of TEs on the biology of An. coluzzii.

scholarly journals Salt in freshwaters: causes, effects and prospects - introduction to the theme issue

2018 ◽  
Vol 374 (1764) ◽  
pp. 20180002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Cañedo-Argüelles ◽  
Ben Kefford ◽  
Ralf Schäfer
Keyword(s):  
Public Discourse ◽  
Biotic Interactions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Evolutionary Context ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Freshwater Salinization

Humans are globally increasing the salt concentration of freshwaters (i.e. freshwater salinization), leading to significant effects at the population, community and ecosystem level. The present theme issue focuses on priority research questions and delivers results that contribute to shaping the future research agenda on freshwater salinization as well as fostering our capacity to manage salinization. The issue is structured along five topics: (i) the estimation of future salinity and evaluation of the relative contribution of the different drivers; (ii) the physiological responses of organisms to alterations in ion concentrations with a specific focus on the osmophysiology of freshwater insects and the responses of different organisims to seawater intrusion; (iii) the impact of salinization on ecosystem functioning, also considering the connections between riparian and stream ecosystems; (iv) the role of context in moderating the response to salinization. The contributions scrutinise the role of additional stressors, biotic interactions, the identify of the ions and their ratios, as well as of the biogeographic and evolutionary context; and (v) the public discourse on salinization and recommendations for management and regulation. In this paper we introduce the general background of salinization, outline research gaps and report key findings from the contributions to this theme issue. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects’.

scholarly journals Expert assessment of measures on reduction of congestion in cities

Tehnika ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 767-774
Author(s):  
Milica Milutinović ◽  
Vladimir Đorić
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Expert Assessment ◽  
Low Costs ◽  
Mode Of Transport ◽  
Urban Conditions ◽  
The Impact

Traffic congestion is defined as mutual obstruction of traffic by vehicles due to the existing relation between the speed of vehicles and the flow in conditions of exceeding the capacity of the infrastructure. The paper presents an analysis of local experts survey on the role of non-motorized and motorized ways of travel to reduce congestion, as well as a comparison with the assessments given by foreign experts. The performance and the impact of different modes of transport (motorized and non-motorized) on congestion in urban conditions were assessed. The impact of the mode of transport on congestion was assessed using measures that are usually implemented in cities. Possibilities for improving multimodal mobility with an emphasis on walking and cycling have also been identified, as the most perspective ways due to the relatively low costs of implementation and the potential to affect the modal distribution.

scholarly journals Role of Engineered Carbon Nanoparticles (CNPs) in Promoting Growth and Metabolism of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek: Insights into the Biochemical and Physiological Responses

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1317
Author(s):  
Gyan Singh Shekhawat ◽  
Lovely Mahawar ◽  
Priyadarshani Rajput ◽  
Vishnu D. Rajput ◽  
Tatiana Minkina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vigna Radiata ◽  
Carbon Nanoparticles ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Absorption Potential ◽  
Carbon Based Nanomaterials ◽  
The Impact

Despite the documented significance of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) in plant development, the knowledge of the impact of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) dosage on physiological responses of crop plants is still scarce. Hence, the present study investigates the concentration-dependent impact of CNPs on the morphology and physiology of Vigna radiata. Crop seedlings were subjected to CNPs at varying concentrations (25 to 200 µM) in hydroponic medium for 96 h to evaluate various physiological parameters. CNPs at an intermediate concentration (100 to 150 µM) favor the growth of crops by increasing the total chlorophyll content (1.9-fold), protein content (1.14-fold) and plant biomass (fresh weight: 1.2-fold, dry weight: 1.14-fold). The highest activity of antioxidants (SOD, GOPX, APX and proline) was also recorded at these concentrations, which indicates a decline in ROS level at 100 µM. At the highest CNPs treatment (200 µM), aggregation of CNPs was observed more on the root surface and accumulated in higher concentrations in the plant tissues, which limits the absorption and translocation of nutrients to plants, and hence, at these concentrations, the oxidative damage imposed by CNPs is evaded with the rise in activity of antioxidants. These findings show the importance of CNPs as nano-fertilizers that not only improve plant growth by their slow and controlled release of nutrients, but also enhance the stress-tolerant and phytoremediation efficiency of plants in the polluted environment due to their enormous absorption potential.

Intergroup Threat and Outgroup Attitudes

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 311-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Brambilla ◽  
David A. Butz
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Social Group ◽  
Welfare Recipients ◽  
Intergroup Attitudes ◽  
Social Policies ◽  
Intergroup Threat ◽  
Economic Threat ◽  
The Impact ◽  
General Climate

Two studies examined the impact of macrolevel symbolic threat on intergroup attitudes. In Study 1 (N = 71), participants exposed to a macrosymbolic threat (vs. nonsymbolic threat and neutral topic) reported less support toward social policies concerning gay men, an outgroup whose stereotypes implies a threat to values, but not toward welfare recipients, a social group whose stereotypes do not imply a threat to values. Study 2 (N = 78) showed that, whereas macrolevel symbolic threat led to less favorable attitudes toward gay men, macroeconomic threat led to less favorable attitudes toward Asians, an outgroup whose stereotypes imply an economic threat. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding the role of a general climate of threat in shaping intergroup attitudes.

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