Critical Limits Research Articles

Wymore's standardized score functions for foliar nutritional diagnosis of the cacao crop

Cacao crop is under pressure due to the high global consumption of this commodity, a fact that exposes the great need of technical precision for nutritional diagnosis and fertilizer recommendation in the plantations. The objective of this work is to review and to use the available information in the literature and the opinion of the cacao crop experts to establish the Wymore's standardized scoring functions (SSFs) for the main macro and micronutrients in cacao leaves. The critical limits of the SFF of the optimum type were defined for the mineral nutrients N, K, P, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Zn, Cu, B and Mo, and the SFF “more is better” type was applied for Mn. This SFFs can be used to know the individual status of each nutrient or incorporate linear combination models applied to a system for foliar nutritional diagnosis of the cacao crop.

Thermal limits and preferences of large branchiopods (Branchiopoda: Anostraca and Spinicaudata) from temporary wetland arid zone systems.

Large branchiopods are specialist crustaceans adapted for life in temporary, thermally dynamic wetland ecosystems. Certain large branchiopod species are, however, restricted to specific temporary wetland types, exemplified by their physico-chemical and hydroperiod characteristics. Here, we contrasted the thermal preference and critical thermal maxima (CTmax) and minima (CTmin) of southern African anostracans and spinicaudatans found exclusively in either temporary rock-pool or pan wetland types. We hypothesized that environment of origin would be a good predictor of thermal preference and critical thermal limits. To test this, Branchiopodopsis tridens (Anostraca) and Leptestheria brevirostris (Spinicaudata) were collected from rock-pool habitats, while Streptocephalus cafer (Anostraca) and a Gondwanalimnadia sp. (Spinicaudata) were collected from pan habitats. In contrast to our hypothesis, taxonomic relatedness was a better predictor of CTmax and temperature preference than environment of origin. Spinicaudatans were significantly more tolerant of high temperatures than anostracans, with L. brevirostris and Gondwanalimnadia sp. median CTmax values of 45.1°C and 44.1°C, respectively, followed by S. cafer (42.8°C) and B. tridens (41.4°C). Neither environment or taxonomic relatedness were good predictors of CTmin trends, with B. tridens (0.9°C) and Gondwanalimnadia sp. (2.1°C) having the lowest median CTmin values, followed by L. brevirostris (3.4°C) and S. cafer (3.6°C). On the contrary, temperature preferences differed according to taxa, with spinicaudatans significantly preferring higher temperatures than anostracans. Leptestheria brevirostris and Gondwanalimnadia sp. both spent most time at temperatures 30-32°C, S. cafer at 18-20°C and B. tridens at 21-23°C. Constrained thermal traits reported here suggest that the studied anostracans might be more susceptible to projected climatic warming than the spinicaudatans, irrespective of habitat type, however, these taxa may also compensate through phenotypic plasticity.

Critical length reinforcement in core-shell electrospun fibers using composite strategies

An understanding of the reinforcement mechanism in composites is crucial for the development of novel materials where the application is limited by their mechanical properties. One of the methods used to obtain high performance composites is reinforcement with short fibers. Polymeric materials, such as electrospun polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) fibers, have a very high tendency to fragment into regular short fibers after applying very low stress. This phenomenon was used to reinforce a polycarbonate (PC) core-shell structure (PMMA-PC) by using fragmented short PMMA fibers for reinforcement in the critical length limits. Mechanical testing revealed an increase of maximum stress and Young's modulus of almost 260% and 630%, respectively, for PMMA-PC fiber meshes. The observation of core-shell fibers after mechanical testing was confirmed by using confocal microscopy, showing very regular short fragments of PMMA fibers inside the PC shell. This work demonstrates a hierarchical approach that can be taken for reinforcement of a single fiber on the nanoscale and a composite on the macroscale.

Acclimation to Future Climate Exposes Vulnerability to Cold Extremes in Intertidal Sea Hares

Highly dynamic environments like estuaries will undergo unpredictable shifts in thermal and salinity regimes with ongoing climate change. These interactive stressors fluctuate predictably and seasonally over historical periods, which has facilitated the evolution of wide environmental tolerance in some estuarine inhabitants. However, physiological and behavioral acclimatization is seasonally based for many estuarine species, meaning that a shift in the unpredictability of climate events and trends will disrupt the effectiveness of evolved tolerance mechanisms. Of particular concern are extreme cold events and high-volume precipitation events, which will acutely and unpredictably alter an estuarine habitat. The eelgrass sea hare, Phyllaplysia taylori, has documented euryhaline and eurythermal tolerance to summer conditions, but the winter environment may pose a greater challenge to seasonally relevant acclimatization scenarios. Here, we characterized lower critical thermal limits, and behavioral responses to stimuli leading up to these limits, in two central California P. taylori populations under four temperature-salinity scenarios in a laboratory acclimation experiment. Acclimation to warmer conditions significantly increased critical thermal minima, while fresher conditions resulted in high mortality. However, the surviving individuals in the fresher conditions were able to respond to stimuli more quickly overall, despite their shortest response time being at a higher temperature than the saltier-acclimated individuals. Within the environmental context of their natural habitats, we find that acclimation to climate change-induced warming will hinder sea hares' ability to weather existing and future cold extremes and precipitation events.

Briquetting as a means of recovering energy from organic market waste

ABSTRACT Municipal Solid Waste is causing pollution and health hazards in cities around the world. In Kenya, existing and emerging cities are experiencing increased populations with increase in organic market waste. Organic market wastes can be used to produce briquettes. This study aimed to formulate available organic market waste into briquettes of optimal energy or calorific value. The study used locally fabricated technologies such as manual screw press, ram-piston and using bare human hands. Taguchi method was used based on controllable factors: Ratio of raw material; percentage (%) of binder; Size of raw material and method of production. Out of nine (9) experiments, laboratory results showed that the sixth (6th) and ninth (9th) formulations yielded briquettes with high calorific value of 20,540 kJ/kg and 18,962 kJ/kg, respectively. A further confirmatory experimental test was carried out based on Qualitek-4 software optimal simulated conditions. The test revealed that a mixture of carbonized market waste of particle size 2–5 mm; ratio of one part charcoal dust, two parts sawdust, and one part maize stover; with 30% of binder made using manual ram piston yielded briquettes of high calorific value of 21,633 kJ/kg against Qualitek-4 simulated value of 21,771 kJ/kg. In addition, Greenhouse gases evolved: CO and PM2.5 concentrations are within World Health Organization (WHO) and Kenya Subsidiary Legislation on critical limits allowable for human exposure. These indicates that organic market waste can be used to produce briquettes with acceptable quality using locally available technologies.

Modelling of long-term Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb dynamics from soils fertilised with organic amendments

Abstract. Soil contamination by trace elements (TEs) is a major concern for sustainable land management. A potential source of excessive inputs of TEs into agricultural soils are organic amendments. Here, we used dynamic simulations carried out with the Intermediate Dynamic Model for Metals (IDMM) to describe the observed trends of topsoil Zn (zinc), Cu (copper), Pb (lead) and Cd (cadmium) concentrations in a long-term (>60-year) crop trial in Switzerland, where soil plots have been treated with different organic amendments (farmyard manure, sewage sludge and compost). The observed ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA)-extractable concentrations ranged between 2.6 and 27.1 mg kg−1 for Zn, 4.9 and 29.0 mg kg−1 for Cu, 6.1–26.2 mg kg−1 for Pb, and 0.08 and 0.66 mg kg−1 for Cd. Metal input rates were initially estimated based on literature data. An additional, calibrated metal flux, tentatively attributed to mineral weathering, was necessary to fit the observed data. Dissolved organic carbon fluxes were estimated using a soil organic carbon model. The model adequately reproduced the EDTA-extractable (labile) concentrations when input rates were optimised and soil lateral mixing was invoked to account for the edge effect of mechanically ploughing the trial plots. The global average root mean square error (RMSE) was 2.7, and the average bias (overestimation) was −1.66, −2.18, −4.34 and −0.05 mg kg−1 for Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd, respectively. The calibrated model was used to project the long-term metal trends in field conditions (without soil lateral mixing), under stable climate and management practices, with soil organic carbon estimated by modelling and assumed trends in soil pH. Labile metal concentrations to 2100 were largely projected to remain near constant or to decline, except for some metals in plots receiving compost. Ecotoxicological thresholds (critical limits) were predicted to be exceeded presently under sewage sludge inputs and to remain so until 2100. Ecological risks were largely not indicated in the other plots, although some minor exceedances of critical limits were projected to occur for Zn before 2100. This study advances our understanding of TEs' long-term dynamics in agricultural fields, paving the way to quantitative applications of modelling at field scales.

Ant Thermal Tolerance: A Review of Methods, Hypotheses, and Sources of Variation

Abstract Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are a conspicuous group of ectotherms whose behavior, distribution, physiology, and fitness are regulated by temperature. Consequently, interest in traits like thermal tolerance that enable ants to survive and thrive in variable climates has increased exponentially over the past few decades. Here, we synthesize the published literature on the thermal tolerance of ants. We begin our review with discussion of common metrics: critical thermal limits, lethal thermal limits, knock-down resistance, chill-coma recovery, and supercooling. In particular, we highlight the ways each thermal metric is quantified and offer a set of methodological caveats for consideration. We next describe patterns and hypotheses for ant thermal tolerance along spatial and temporal temperature gradients. Spatially, we focus on relationships with latitude, elevation, urbanization, and microclimate. Temporally, we focus on seasonal plasticity, daily variation, dominance-thermal tolerance tradeoffs, and acclimation. We further discuss other sources of variation including evolutionary history, body size, age, castes, and nutrition. Finally, we highlight several topics of interest to ant thermal biologists, ranging in scope from methods development to the impacts of climate change.

Histological Examination of Respiratory Tissues of Dolphins and Porpoises Subjected to Postmortem Blast Exposure

Exposure to explosions often causes morbidity as waves of over-pressure and under-pressure shear interstitial tissue and cause traumatic damage including severe hemorrhage. Respiratory tissues are most at risk due to their proximity to free gas volumes that rapidly and severely contract or expand during blast-induced pressure changes. Unfortunately, we have no medical interventions that can prevent or limit pressure-induced blast damage to tissues. Perhaps such protective technology can be modeled from the respiratory tissue of diving animals that are naturally adapted for pressure changes. Our goal is to characterize any respiratory injuries resulting from postmortem blast pressure exposures. 5 species of freshly dead dolphins (n= 8) and porpoises (n =6) were obtained from naturally occurring strandings were artificially exposed to blast pressures postmortem. Gross observations were made during a necropsy, and respiratory tract tissues were then harvested and processed for histological examination. Blast pressure exposure levels were not revealed to enable unbiased observations. Results indicate that many specimens show dark reddish discoloration of variable intensities that may be evidence of blast-induced trauma. Discoloration was found in the lungs (dark, striped pattern correlating with intercostal spaces between ribs), larynx (above and below palatopharyngeal sphincter), trachea (uniform throughout lumen), and nasal region (visualized only in areas of sloughed lining). Gas containing tissues may exhibit damage due to dramatic compression/expansion to accommodate changing gas volumes. Abrupt edges to discoloration patches indicate protection, possibly conferred by contact with adjacent tissues. Discoloration patterns are consistent in location but have variable intensity, perhaps reflecting different degrees of exposure. Specimens exhibited variable levels of damage to the same organs, perhaps indicating a correlation with received blast pressures. These differences may also indicate a level of resistance to blast damage of tissues that have mechanisms to compensate for pressure changes. Tissue compensation is likely limited to pressure exposures that correspond to naturally occurring diving pressures. Pressures that exceed these levels are presumed to overwhelm tissue compensatory mechanisms. This information may be useful in setting critical exposure limits to prevent harm to odontocetes in the vicinity of a blast event. Further, It is hoped that a discovery of pressure mitigating structures in dolphins can inspire the design of new protective devices for use by people exposed to blast forces.

Optimization of the HACCP safety control system for collagen hydrolysate production by implementing the FMEA model

This study was carried out to determine the impact of the HACCP control system on the safety of the final products of collagen hydrolysate production. The object of the study was equine connective tissue. Using the FMEA model, established by a three-factor assessment of the risk priority number (RPN), critical control points (CCP) in the processes of hydrolysis, inactivation of the enzyme preparation, drying and storage were identified. For two CCP, measures for continuous monitoring were identified, and critical limits were developed. For CCT 1, the calculation of optimal fermentation processes using a mathematical model for the hydrolysis of raw materials is given. The optimal values of the Neutrase enzyme, providing a maximum content of water-soluble proteins of 55.0 mg/cm3, were determined: T=37 °C, dosage 5 Pa/g, t=210 min.
 For CCP 2, to avoid protein denaturation during hydrolysis, a critical limit was developed by determining the heat inactivation point and optimum temperature. Experimental analyses show that the inactivation point of the Neutrase enzyme, estimated by the rate of FTN accumulation, which has 20 % at 60 °C, is reached at the 11th minute.
 As a result of the study, the effect of enzyme preparations on the safety of collagen hydrolysate was also determined. The result confirms that the Neutrase enzyme preparation had a positive effect on all safety indicators compared to the Trypsin enzyme. The optimal parameters for reducing microbiological indicators, pesticides, antibiotic and toxic metals are: T=40 °C, duration 210 min, dosage of the Neutrase enzyme 5 units/Pa.
 The results can be used in collagen hydrolysate production to better ensure the quality and safety of the final product

Risk identification and assessment in production of meat product packaging

Production of convenient and inexpensive packaging materials is increasing due to the constant growth of consumer demand for safer food products. The paper examines the questions dedicated to the development and introduction of the safety and quality management system in enterprises producing packaging for the meat industry. The authors analyze the elements of safety and quality management for polypropylene packaging in a form of a tray, which is a final element of the united chain in production of whole-piece meat semi-finished products. The investigations were carried out in the operating enterprise in the Moscow region. Hazardous factors in production of polypropylene packaging were identified, risk analysis with assessment of the probability of emergence and realization of hazardous factors was carried out, a Pareto chart was built, unacceptable risks were determined, critical control points (CCP) were revealed, preventive and corrective measures were developed with account for the established critical limits and requirements for CCP monitoring were formulated. All stages of production process were subjected to risk analysis; the severity of consequences from hazardous factor realization and the probability of such realization were assessed by experts for each of these stages. It was established that “injection molding and chilling in a press-mold” is a CCT as there is a risk of increasing the maximum allowable concentrations of chemical substances and compounds (formaldehyde, ethyl acetate, alcohols and others) as a chemical factor with the severity of consequences of 3 and the probability of realization of 3. Using the Pareto chart, causes that had the highest effects on safety and quality of polypropylene packaging were grouped. It was established that nonobservance of preventive maintenance schedule for equipment and, as a consequence, possible equipment failure (80%) influenced to the higher degree the realization of chemical hazardous factor.

Salt transport by the gill Na+-K+-2Cl− symporter in palaemonid shrimps: exploring physiological, molecular and evolutionary landscapes

Palaemonid shrimps inhabit osmotic niches from marine to continental waters. They hyper-regulate hemolymph osmolality and ionic concentrations in dilute media, hypo-regulating in concentrated media. Their gill epithelia express ion transporters like the Na+-K+-2Cl− symporter (NKCC) thought to play a role in salt secretion. To examine Cl− hypo-regulatory capability and phylogenetic correlations between gill NKCC mRNA levels and protein expression, we used palaemonids ranging from marine tide pools through estuaries (Palaemon) to coastal and continental fresh waters (Macrobrachium). We established the species' upper critical salinity limits (UL50) and short- (24 h) and long-term (120h) hypo-regulatory abilities at salinities of 80% of their UL50's (80%UL50). The Palaemon species exhibited the highest UL50's and greatest hypo-regulatory capabilities; among the Macrobrachium species, UL50's were higher in the diadromous than in the hololimnetic species. While basal transcript levels of gill NKCC mRNA were highest in P. pandaliformis, levels were unaffected by salinity or exposure time in all species. However, gill NKCC protein abundance increased after 120-h exposure at the 80%UL50 in all Macrobrachium species, except M. potiuna. Unexpectedly, hemolymph hyper-osmoregulatory capability in acclimatization media correlated with gill NKCC protein synthesis, while gill NKCC mRNA expression correlated with hemolymph hyper-Cl− regulation in Macrobrachium. These findings, together with the evolutionary history of osmoregulation in this shrimp clade, suggest a role for the gill NKCC symporter in both salt uptake and secretion. The evolution of NKCC protein expression responsiveness, unlike hemolymph hypo-regulation and NKCC mRNA expression, may have been driven by environmental salinity during niche radiation. Summary statementWhile mRNA expression of the gill Na+-K+-2Cl− symporter is unchanged during acclimation of palaemonid shrimps to saline media, protein expression is up regulated, revealing a role in chloride secretion.

Cold tolerance is similar but heat tolerance is higher in the alien insect Trichocera maculipennis than in the native Parochlus steinenii in Antarctica

Uncontrolled biological invasions have direct and indirect impacts on the structure and functioning of soil invertebrate communities in Antarctica. Among others, invasion success is strongly determined by the ability of species to tolerate broad thermal ranges. Yet, few studies have compared the thermal niches of native and invasive species. Physiological characterizations of upper and lower thermal tolerances are essential to test the extent to which eurythermality can benefit invasive species in a context of changing climates. Here, we compare cold and heat tolerance between adults of the alien winter crane fly Trichocera maculipennis and the native winged midge Parochlus steinenii in Antarctica. Specimens were collected in the field during the 2019/2020 austral summer, and ramping experiments controlling heating and cooling rates were performed to estimate upper and lower critical thermal limits of the two Diptera insect species. Adults of the alien fly remained active between − 5.3 °C and 30.1 °C. In turn, the native midge was active between − 5.0 °C and 28.6 °C. We observed no significant interspecific differences between lower critical thermal limits, but upper thermal limits were significantly higher for the alien species. Hence, the capacity to endure low summer temperatures in most of the Antarctic Peninsula is similar for adults of both species, but the alien crane fly is readily adapted to withstand warming scenarios. Therefore, the broad thermal tolerances exhibited by the alien crane fly can be taken as evidence to predict geographic range expansions, while also warn of high biosecurity risks for all operating research stations in Antarctica.

Deformation Properties of Nano-Silica Modified Concrete Mixtures under Uniaxial Compression Loading

The enhancement that nano-silica (NS) constitutes in the microstructure of concrete would affect its deformation behavior. In this work, the pre-peak and post-peak stress–strain diagram characteristics of concrete mixtures with NS (1.5% of cement by wt.) under uniaxial compression were investigated. The results were compared with the mixtures containing micro-silica (MS) (7.3% of cement by wt.). Aggregate characteristics in the range of 16 to 22 mm, as another variable, were also changed by utilizing river gravel (RG II) or crushed sandstone (CS II). Compared to reference concrete, the addition of NS did not improve the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity significantly. However, the addition of only 1.5% NS significantly affected the stress–strain diagram characteristics, such as discontinuity and critical stress limits before the peak load. Relative to the mixtures containing MS, the effect of NS on the pre-peak region was more significant. For example, when the mixtures containing RG II as coarse aggregate are considered, with respect to reference mixture, the increase in normalized discontinuity stress limits at 28 days was found as 52% and 26%, respectively, for the mixtures containing NS and MS. However, in the same order, the increase in 28-day compressive strength was just 8.1% and 5.2%. Post-peak behavior of the mixtures also indicated that the fracture of concrete is more brittle when MS or NS is used. Among these, the effect of NS on the post-peak region was found to be more dominant.

Assessment of noise levels and induced annoyance in nearby residential areas of an airport region in Oman.

There is adequate evidence from epidemiological studies showing an association between noise exposures and incidence of cardiovascular diseases and cognitive impairment among exposed populations. This study aimed to investigate noise exposure levels in an airport region and their effects on the nearby two neighborhood communities (i.e., Al Seeb and Bawshar). To achieve this, noise levels were measured across 15 different points within the communities for more than 3 weeks at a median distance of 3.5 km from the airport runways using a sound level analyzer. In addition, we conducted an online social survey in a random sampling of a total of 913 residents who were living closer to the airport. A combination of a 5-point scale and 3-point Likert scale was used to assess the resident population's noise annoyance and the potential health impacts. The results revealed that the majority of the measured points have noise levels (55.71-65.24 LAeq dBA) exceeding both Oman and WHO critical limits. There was a general decrease in noise levels at points further away from the runways; thus, at points 2.5, 4.8, and 8.8 km, sound pressure levels were found to be 63.08, 57.41, and 52.31 dBA, respectively. However, steady noise levels were observed throughout most of the daily (24 h) measurements indicating continual exposures. Overall, 44.6% of residents reported noise annoyance level as very high, with Al Seeb inhabitants (46%) eliciting a greater percentage of annoyance levels compared to Bawshar (5%) due to their closer proximity to the airport. Also, the noise was significantly (p ˂ 0.001) associated with sleep disturbance, insomnia, irritation, and frightening. The majority of the residents complained of an increase in insomnia (41.5%), stress (34.3%), headache (47.3%), and cardiovascular diseases (16.2%). With the question of reducing noise exposures, about 41% of the respondents have plans of relocating to distant areas with low noise levels.

Male fertility thermal limits predict vulnerability to climate warming

Forecasting which species/ecosystems are most vulnerable to climate warming is essential to guide conservation strategies to minimize extinction. Tropical/mid-latitude species are predicted to be most at risk as they live close to their upper critical thermal limits (CTLs). However, these assessments assume that upper CTL estimates, such as CTmax, are accurate predictors of vulnerability and ignore the potential for evolution to ameliorate temperature increases. Here, we use experimental evolution to assess extinction risk and adaptation in tropical and widespread Drosophila species. We find tropical species succumb to extinction before widespread species. Male fertility thermal limits, which are much lower than CTmax, are better predictors of species’ current distributions and extinction in the laboratory. We find little evidence of adaptive responses to warming in any species. These results suggest that species are living closer to their upper thermal limits than currently presumed and evolution/plasticity are unlikely to rescue populations from extinction.

Critical Tectonic Limits for Geothermal Aquifer Use: Case Study from the East Slovakian Basin Rim

The Pannonian basin is a major geothermal heat system in Central Europe. Its peripheral basin, the East Slovakian basin, is an example of a geothermal structure with a linear, directed heat flow ranging from 90 to 100 mW/m2 from west to east. However, the use of the geothermal source is limited by several critical tectono-geologic factors: (a) Tectonics, and the associated disintegration of the aquifer block by multiple deformations during the pre-Paleogene, mainly Miocene, period. The main discontinuities of NW-SE and N-S direction negatively affect the permeability of the aquifer environment. For utilization, minor NE-SW dilatation open fractures are important, which have been developed by sinistral transtension on N–S faults and accelerated normal movements to the southeast. (b) Hydrogeologically, the geothermal structure is accommodated by three water types, namely, Na-HCO3 with 10.9 g·L−1 mineralization (in the north), the Ca-Mg-HCO3 with 0.5–4.5 g·L−1 mineralization (in the west), and Na-Cl water type containing 26.8–33.4 g·L−1 mineralization (in the southwest). The chemical composition of the water is influenced by the Middle Triassic dolomite aquifer, as well as by infiltration of saline solutions and meteoric waters along with open fractures/faults. (c) Geothermally anomalous heat flow of 123–129 °C with 170 L/s total flow near the Slanské vchy volcanic chain seems to be the perspective for heat production.

Progeny of Xenopus laevis from altitudinal extremes display adaptive physiological performance.

Environmental temperature variation generates adaptive phenotypic differentiation in widespread populations. We used a common garden experiment to determine whether offspring with varying parental origins display adaptive phenotypic variation related to different thermal conditions experienced in parental environments. We compared burst swimming performance and critical thermal limits of African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) tadpoles bred from adults captured at high (∼2000 m above sea level) and low (∼ 5 m above sea level) altitudes. Maternal origin significantly affected swimming performance. Optimal swimming performance temperature (Topt) had a >9°C difference between tadpoles with low altitude maternal origins (pure- and cross-bred, 35.0°C) and high-altitude maternal origins (pure-bred, 25.5°C; cross-bred, 25.9°C). Parental origin significantly affected critical thermal (CT) limits. Pure-bred tadpoles with low-altitude parental origins had higher CTmax (37.8±0.8°C) than pure-bred tadpoles with high-altitude parental origins and all cross-bred tadpoles (37.0±0.8 and 37.1±0.8°C). Pure-bred tadpoles with low-altitude parental origins and all cross-bred tadpoles had higher CTmin (4.2±0.7 and 4.2±0.7°C) than pure-bred tadpoles with high-altitude parental origins (2.5±0.6°C). Our study shows that the varying thermal physiological traits of Xenopus laevis tadpoles are the result of adaptive responses to their parental thermal environments. This study is one of few demonstrating potential intraspecific evolution of critical thermal limits in a vertebrate species. Multi-generation common garden experiments and genetic analyses would be required to further tease apart the relative contribution of plastic and genetic effects to the adaptive phenotypic variation observed in these tadpoles.

Geological monitoring networks for risk management close to large rock cliffs: the case history of Gallivaggio and Cataeggio in the italian Alps

Abstract. In areas located near large rock cliffs, risk reduction by early warning monitoring systems highligts potentiality but also critical issues and limits. The paper examines two rock slope failures that occurred in a short time from each other near inhabited areas in the Italian Alps. The viscous behavior of the rock mass was reconstructed through data processing from ground-based Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR), and elaboration of acceleration and speed curves. Landslides types and underlying complexity associated with rock detachment mechanisms suggest the identification of precautionary alarm thresholds for collapse forecasting. The analysis of financial outlay, both for mitigation works and for monitoring activities, highlight the adequacy and the opportunity to combine passive systems, like embankments or rockfall drapery meshes, with a reliable monitoring network for early warning.

Towards embedding soil ecosystem services in spatial planning

This paper aims to contribute to the limited understanding and recognition of soil ecosystem services (SoES) in spatial planning. In light of its critical role in climate crises and due to its global degradation, soil has drawn considerable attention in the recent global agenda. As one of its vital services, soil serves as a terrestrial carbon pool, which significantly contributes to offset greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere (EEA, 2012). The capacity of soil in climate change mitigation and in the provision of ecosystem services can be enhanced and safeguarded by integrated spatial planning strategies. However, due to limited political attention and fragmented frameworks on land and soil management, anthropogenic pressures on soil are reaching critical limits and causing soil degradation. In this context, the paper underlines the interconnectedness of SoES, climate change and spatial planning and discusses their multifaceted interactions through a hypothetical framework based on the Nexus approach. Herein, the paper aims to (i) develop an outline for classification of SoES; (ii) analyze background dynamics of soil degradation interacting with climate change; (iii) discuss recent policy frameworks referring to soil protection and SoES; (iv) propose measures for possible integration of SoES into spatial planning through SoES-Climate Change-Spatial Planning Nexus.

HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT AND HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION LEVELS IN GREEN CHILLI DUE TO UNTREATED WASTEWATER IRRIGATION IN CHAK JHUMRA, FAISALABAD

To address the global issue of water scarcity, untreated wastewater irrigation has become a common practice in the developing countries to meet the emerging demand of irrigation water. It is a common practice in Pakistan as well to apply municipal wastewater for irrigation purposes, which is carrying high concentrations of heavy metals originating from industrial sources. The research was conducted in Chak Jhumra, Faisalabad, Pakistan to check the effect on health due to untreated wastewater. The purpose of this research work was to find out the concentrations of hazardous elements present in the wastewater and conduct health risk assessment of utilizing the contaminated vegetables, being grown on untreated effluent. The main parameters to be investigated for groundwater, wastewater, soil and vegetables were EC, TSS, SAR and Heavy metals like (Ni, Zn, Pb, and Cu). Concentrations of the targeted heavy metals were determined in these media and health risk assessment was conducted. It was finally concluded that the soil properties were greatly influenced by the supply of this wastewater. Zinc was found above safe limit, Cu was found within safe limit, Ni and Pb were above critical limits in all sites. Groundwater was found suitable and its values were within safe limits. Health risk assessment has also exhibited significant impact of the concentrations of heavy metals in the vegetables being utilized by the common man.