scholarly journals Limited initial impacts of biomass harvesting on composition of wood-inhabiting fungi within residual stumps

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e8027
Author(s):  
Cédric Boué ◽  
Tonia DeBellis ◽  
Lisa A. Venier ◽  
Timothy T. Work ◽  
Steven W. Kembel
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Its Region ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Operational Taxonomic Units ◽  
Tree Length ◽  
High Throughput Dna Sequencing ◽  
Differential Abundance Analysis ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Tree Harvesting

Growing pressures linked to global warming are prompting governments to put policies in place to find alternatives to fossil fuels. In this study, we compared the impact of tree-length harvesting to more intensive full-tree harvesting on the composition of fungi residing in residual stumps 5 years after harvest. In the tree-length treatment, a larger amount of residual material was left around the residual stumps in contrast to the full-tree treatment where a large amount of woody debris was removed. We collected sawdust from five randomly selected residual stumps in five blocks in each of the tree-length and full-tree treatments, yielding a total of 50 samples (25 in each treatment). We characterized the fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) present in each stump using high-throughput DNA sequencing of the fungal ITS region. We observed no differences in Shannon diversity between tree-length and full-tree harvesting. Likewise, we observed few differences in the composition of fungal OTUs among tree-length and full-tree samples using non-metric multidimensional scaling. Using the differential abundance analysis implemented with DESeq2, we did, however, detect several associations between specific fungal taxa and the intensity of residual biomass harvest. For example, Peniophorella pallida (Bres.) KH Larss. and Tephromela sp. were found mainly in the full-tree treatment, while Phlebia livida (Pers.) Bres. and Cladophialophora chaetospira (Grove) Crous & Arzanlou were found mainly in the tree-length treatment. While none of the 20 most abundant species in our study were identified as pathogens we did identify one conifer pathogen species Serpula himantioides (Fr.) P. Karst found mainly in the full-tree treatment.

Introduction to geomicrobiology

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Kirchman
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Direct Reduction ◽  
Iron Oxidation ◽  
Mineral Dissolution ◽  
Precipitation Process ◽  
Soluble Ions ◽  
Chemolithoautotrophic Bacteria ◽  
The Impact

Geomicrobiology, the marriage of geology and microbiology, is about the impact of microbes on Earth materials in terrestrial systems and sediments. Many geomicrobiological processes occur over long timescales. Even the slow growth and low activity of microbes, however, have big effects when added up over millennia. After reviewing the basics of bacteria–surface interactions, the chapter moves on to discussing biomineralization, which is the microbially mediated formation of solid minerals from soluble ions. The role of microbes can vary from merely providing passive surfaces for mineral formation, to active control of the entire precipitation process. The formation of carbonate-containing minerals by coccolithophorids and other marine organisms is especially important because of the role of these minerals in the carbon cycle. Iron minerals can be formed by chemolithoautotrophic bacteria, which gain a small amount of energy from iron oxidation. Similarly, manganese-rich minerals are formed during manganese oxidation, although how this reaction benefits microbes is unclear. These minerals and others give geologists and geomicrobiologists clues about early life on Earth. In addition to forming minerals, microbes help to dissolve them, a process called weathering. Microbes contribute to weathering and mineral dissolution through several mechanisms: production of protons (acidity) or hydroxides that dissolve minerals; production of ligands that chelate metals in minerals thereby breaking up the solid phase; and direct reduction of mineral-bound metals to more soluble forms. The chapter ends with some comments about the role of microbes in degrading oil and other fossil fuels.

scholarly journals Early-Life Development of the Bifidobacterial Community in the Infant Gut

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3382
Author(s):  
Silvia Saturio ◽  
Alicja M. Nogacka ◽  
Marta Suárez ◽  
Nuria Fernández ◽  
Laura Mantecón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Its Region ◽  
23S Rrna ◽  
Delivery Mode ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Quantitative Changes ◽  
The Impact

The establishment of the gut microbiota poses implications for short and long-term health. Bifidobacterium is an important taxon in early life, being one of the most abundant genera in the infant intestinal microbiota and carrying out key functions for maintaining host-homeostasis. Recent metagenomic studies have shown that different factors, such as gestational age, delivery mode, or feeding habits, affect the gut microbiota establishment at high phylogenetic levels. However, their impact on the specific bifidobacterial populations is not yet well understood. Here we studied the impact of these factors on the different Bifidobacterium species and subspecies at both the quantitative and qualitative levels. Fecal samples were taken from 85 neonates at 2, 10, 30, 90 days of life, and the relative proportions of the different bifidobacterial populations were assessed by 16S rRNA–23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing. Absolute levels of the main species were determined by q-PCR. Our results showed that the bifidobacterial population establishment is affected by gestational age, delivery mode, and infant feeding, as it is evidenced by qualitative and quantitative changes. These data underline the need for understanding the impact of perinatal factors on the gut microbiota also at low taxonomic levels, especially in the case of relevant microbial populations such as Bifidobacterium. The data obtained provide indications for the selection of the species best suited for the development of bifidobacteria-based products for different groups of neonates and will help to develop rational strategies for favoring a healthy early microbiota development when this process is challenged.

scholarly journals 10.B. Workshop: Corporate influence on science – what is happening and what can be done?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Policy Outcomes ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Industry Funding ◽  
Corporate Influence ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industries ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Funding Research

Abstract The role of the corporate sector in research sponsorship is growing. So too is the evidence that corporations whose products are potentially damaging to health or the environment influence science and the ways in which science is used in policy and practice. Such efforts are a key part of corporate attempts to maintain or increase the consumption or use of industry products, and to secure favourable policy outcomes. The products and practices of corporations are responsible for a growing proportion of the global disease burden. Non-communicable diseases, many driven by consumption of unhealthy commodities and exposure to chemicals, account for over 73 percent of global deaths. It is increasingly important to understand the complex and multifaceted ways corporations seek to influence science; the impact these strategies have; and the ways this influence can be addressed. This workshop brings together global experts to explore these issues. Drawing on examples from several industries (e.g. tobacco, alcohol, food, and pharmaceuticals), it aims to: Increase understanding of the ways corporations whose products are potentially damaging to health influence science. We present a newly developed, evidence-based typology which draws together the vast existing literature in this field, to present a simplified way of understanding corporate influence on science. Delegates will be provided with materials that provide a means for recognising such influence.Examine the influence that corporations have on the first stage in the research process - research agendas. We present examples from tobacco, food and pharmaceutical industries which illustrate the mechanism through which industry funding of science drives researchers to study questions that are favourable to industry. The desired outcome is to maximise research on the benefits of industry products (positioning these products as solutions to complex problems), minimise research on the harms of their products, support their policy and legal positions, and impede potential regulation of their products.Increase awareness of the involvement that corporations have had in altering the mechanisms though which science is used in policymaking. Delegates will hear how corporations promoted and embedded policymaking reforms which increase reliance on and provide a conduit for industry-favourable science.Suggest ways forward concerning management of conflicts of interest in the publication of health research. Here we will discuss the roles that journals can play in governing conflicts of interest and issues of transparency in the publication of academic research.Suggest ways forward for funding research on unhealthy commodities. We present criteria for tobacco industry-supported research funding programs, and discuss the applicability of similar programs for funding research on other unhealthy commodities, and on the practices of other industries such as the fossil fuels industry. Key messages Corporations have been seen to skew evidence bases, manipulate interpretations of science, and influence use of science in policy and practice – such influence is a major threat to public health. This workshop exposes industry tactics in this area and begins to identify ways for dealing with them.

The Effects of Storage Duration on Biodiesel Derived from Waste Cooking Oil

2014 ◽  
Vol 660 ◽  
pp. 386-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norazwan Azman ◽  
Mirnah Suardi ◽  
Amir Khalid
Keyword(s):  
Diesel Fuel ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Acid Value ◽  
Waste Cooking Oil ◽  
Biodiesel Fuel ◽  
Storage Duration ◽  
Fuel Prices ◽  
Cooking Oil ◽  
Impact Reduction ◽  
The Impact

The use of fossil fuels as energy sources has grown to significantly be likely to have a major environmental impact. Reduction of world oil reserves and increasing environmental concerns have prompted alternative is found and renewable source of energy called biodiesel. Biodiesel fuel from vegetable oil is considered as the best candidates for diesel fuel replacement in diesel engines because of its closer. Fuel prices are going up day by day in the world. Thus, the means and methods have been trying for years to get fuel alternative outcomes. This study investigated the effects of different storage periods used in quality biodiesel blends (B5, B10, B15) of waste cooking oil and diesel fuel under low temperature and the temperature of the environment. Biodiesel samples were stored in glass containers under indoor conditions, and outdoor conditions for 10 weeks in total. These samples were monitored on a weekly basis through the test properties. The experimental density, viscosity, acid value, water content and flash point discussed in detail. Biodiesel storage at low temperatures is suitable and more advantageous because the impact on the physical properties is minimal and beneficial to slow down the degradation of biodiesel and storage.

scholarly journals Examining the Role of Disruptive Innovation in Renewable Energy Businesses from a Cross National Perspective

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4447
Author(s):  
Hokey Min ◽  
Yohannes Haile
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Developed Economies ◽  
Sustainable Value ◽  
National Perspective ◽  
The Impact

With a growing demand for safe, clean, and affordable energy, countries across the world are now seeking to create and rapidly develop renewable energy (RE) businesses. The success of these businesses often hinges on their ability to translate RE into sustainable value for energy consumers and the multiple stakeholders in the energy industry. Such value includes low production costs due to an abundance of natural resources (e.g., wind, water, sunlight), and public health benefits from reduced environmental pollution. Despite the potential for value creation, many RE businesses have struggled to create affordable energy as abundant as that which is produced by traditional fossil fuels. The rationale being that traditional RE sources emanating from natural resources tend to rely on unpredictable weather conditions. Therefore, to help RE businesses deliver sustainable value, we should leverage disruptive innovation that is less dependent on natural resources. This paper is one of the first attempts to assess the impact of disruptive innovation on RE business performances based on the survey data obtained from multiple countries representing both emerging and developed economies.

Whole-tree Harvesting Depletes Soil Nutrients

1974 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 530-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwin H. White
Keyword(s):  
Soil Nutrients ◽  
Nutrient Removal ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Nutrient Pool ◽  
Whole Tree Harvesting ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Whole Tree ◽  
Tree Harvesting

This paper reports the effects of whole-tree harvesting of eight cottonwood stands on the soil nutrient pool. The data indicate possible site degradation by depletion of soil reserves of N, P, and K but not Ca and Mg on a range of alluvial site conditions in Alabama. Foresters must establish the rate of nutrient removal in intensive tree cropping systems for a variety of species and sites and develop prescriptions to minimize the impact.

Effect of fire regime on the grass community of the humid savanna of Lamto, Ivory Coast

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kouamé Fulgence Koffi ◽  
Aya Brigitte N’Dri ◽  
Jean-Christophe Lata ◽  
Souleymane Konaté ◽  
Tharaniya Srikanthasamy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Ivory Coast ◽  
Fire Regime ◽  
Fire Regimes ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
The Third ◽  
Humid Savanna ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Tussock Grasses

AbstractThis study assesses the impact of four fire treatments applied yearly over 3 y, i.e. early fire, mid-season fire, late fire and no fire treatments, on the grass communities of Lamto savanna, Ivory Coast. We describe communities of perennial tussock grasses on three replicated 5 × 5-m or 10 × 5-m plots of each fire treatment. Tussock density did not vary with fire treatment. The relative abundance of grass species, the circumference of grass tussocks and the probability of having a tussock with a central die-back, varied with fire treatment. Mid-season fire had the highest proportion of tussocks with a central die-back while the late fire had the smallest tussocks. Tussock density, circumference, relative abundance and probability of having a central die-back varied with species. Andropogon canaliculatus and Hyparrhenia diplandra were the most abundant of the nine grass species. They had the largest tussocks and the highest proportion of tussock with a central die-back. Loudetia simplex was the third most abundant species but was very rare in no fire plots. The distribution of tussock circumferences was right skewed and dominated by small tussocks. The proportion of the tussocks with a central die-back strongly increased with circumference, which could lead to tussock fragmentation. Taken together, this study suggests that fire regimes impact grass demography and that this impact depends on grass species and tussock size.

scholarly journals Model study of the cross-tropopause transport of biomass burning pollution

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (14) ◽  
pp. 3713-3736 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. N. Duncan ◽  
S. E. Strahan ◽  
Y. Yoshida ◽  
S. D. Steenrod ◽  
N. Livesey
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Burning ◽  
El Niño ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Extreme Event ◽  
El Nino ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Tropical Tropopause Layer ◽  
Tropical Tropopause ◽  
El Niño Event ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. We present a modeling study of the troposphere-to-stratosphere transport (TST) of pollution from major biomass burning regions to the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UT/LS). TST occurs predominately through 1) slow ascent in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) to the LS and 2) quasi-horizontal exchange to the lowermost stratosphere (LMS). We show that biomass burning pollution regularly and significantly impacts the composition of the TTL, LS, and LMS. Carbon monoxide (CO) in the LS in our simulation and data from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) shows an annual oscillation in its composition that results from the interaction of an annual oscillation in slow ascent from the TTL to the LS and seasonal variations in sources, including a semi-annual oscillation in CO from biomass burning. The impacts of CO sources that peak when ascent is seasonally low are damped (e.g. Southern Hemisphere biomass burning) and vice-versa for sources that peak when ascent is seasonally high (e.g. extra-tropical fossil fuels). Interannual variation of CO in the UT/LS is caused primarily by year-to-year variations in biomass burning and the locations of deep convection. During our study period, 1994–1998, we find that the highest concentrations of CO in the UT/LS occurred during the strong 1997–1998 El Niño event for two reasons: i. tropical deep convection shifted to the eastern Pacific Ocean, closer to South American and African CO sources, and ii. emissions from Indonesian biomass burning were higher. This extreme event can be seen as an upper bound on the impact of biomass burning pollution on the UT/LS. We estimate that the 1997 Indonesian wildfires increased CO in the entire TTL and tropical LS (>60 mb) by more than 40% and 10%, respectively, for several months. Zonal mean ozone increased and the hydroxyl radical decreased by as much as 20%, increasing the lifetimes and, subsequently TST, of trace gases. Our results indicate that the impact of biomass burning pollution on the UT/LS is likely greatest during an El Niño event due to favorable dynamics and historically higher burning rates.

scholarly journals The Impact of Lack of Clean Cooking Fuels on Sustainable Development in Developing Countries

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifeoluwa Garba ◽  
Richard Bellingham
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The World ◽  
Cooking Fuels ◽  
The Impact

Access to energy is crucial in tackling many of the current global development challenges that impact on people’s economic, health and social well-being as well as the ability to meet the commitments of reducing carbon emissions through clean energy use. Despite increased attention from multiple governments and agencies, energy poverty remains a serious sustainable development issue in many developing countries. To date, most research have focused on general access to electricity and the generation of clean energy to replace fossil fuels, failing to address the lack of basic access to clean energy for cooking and heating. More people in the world lack access to clean cooking fuels than to electricity. This issue is one aspect of a broader research which investigates the impacts of optimized energy policy and energy business models on sustainable development in developing countries.

scholarly journals Stochastic Modelling to Analyze the Impact of Electric Vehicle Penetration in Thailand

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 5037
Author(s):  
Narongkorn Uthathip ◽  
Pornrapeepat Bhasaputra ◽  
Woraratana Pattaraprakorn
Keyword(s):  
Electric Vehicle ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Stochastic Modelling ◽  
Stochastic Approach ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ev Charging ◽  
Charging Strategy

Electric Vehicle (EV) technology is one of the most promising solutions to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector. However, a large increase of EVs raises concerns about negative impacts on electricity generation, transmission, and distribution systems. This study analyzes the benefits and trade-offs for EV penetration in Thai road transport based on EV penetration scenarios from 2019 to 2036. Two charging strategies are considered to assess the impact of EV charging: free charging and off-peak charging. Uncertainty variables are considered by a stochastic approach based on Monte-Carlo simulation (MCS). The simulation results shown that the adoption of EVs can reduce both energy consumption and GHG emissions. The results also indicate that the increased load due to EV charging demand in all scenarios is still within the buffer level, compared to the installed generation capacity in the Power Development Plan 2018 revision 1 (PDP2018r1), and the off-peak charging strategy is more beneficial than the free-charging strategy. However, the increased load demand caused by all EV charging strategies has a direct impact on the power generating schedule, and also decreases the system reliability level.

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