Effects Of Scarcity Research Articles

Mitigating the adverse effects of drought stress on sunflower plants via foliar application of salicylic acid

Sunflower is the primary oilseed crop of Pakistan, valued for its edible oil and high yield potential under favorable conditions. However, drought stress is a major limiting factor affecting sunflower productivity, causing significant yield reductions. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential role of salicylic acid in enhancing the growth and physiological performance of sunflowers under drought stress. Drought stress was applied 20 days after sowing, with three experimental treatments conducted in five replications: (a) control (normal conditions), (b) drought stress, and (c) drought stress supplemented with 250 mg L? salicylic acid. Key findings revealed that the foliar application of 250 mg L? salicylic acid significantly improved various growth parameters, including shoot length (24.92%), root length (18.97%), fresh shoot weight (15.78%), dry shoot weight (24.15%), fresh root weight (21.32%), and dry root weight (26.72%). Moreover, chlorophyll content increased by 32.90%, stomatal conductance by 19.52%, relative water content by 20.84%, and membrane stability index by 41.79%. Moreover, salicylic acid markedly mitigated oxidative damage, reducing malondialdehyde levels by 32.81% and hydrogen peroxide levels by 17.80% compared to untreated plants. Furthermore, the treatment enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, with superoxide dismutase activity increasing by 17.25%, catalase by 40.05%, and peroxidase by 10.41%. In conclusion, the foliar application of 250 mg L? salicylic acid effectively enhances the growth and physiological parameters of sunflower under drought stress, offering a sustainable and reliable strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of water scarcity on crop production.

The role of microRNA in the regulation of hepatic metabolism and energy-expensive processes in the hibernating dormouse.

The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) is a fat-storing mammal that undergoes annual periods of hibernation to mitigate the effects of food scarcity, low ambient temperatures, and reduced photoperiod that characterize winter. Like other hibernating species, this animal suppresses its metabolic rate by downregulating nonessential genes and processes in order to prolong available energy stores and limit waste accumulation throughout the season. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, single-stranded, noncoding RNAs that bind to mRNA and mediate post-transcriptional suppression, making miRNA ideal for modulating widespread changes in gene expression, including global downregulation typified by metabolic rate depression. Using next-generation sequencing, we analyzed an RNA-seq dataset to determine which miRNAs are differentially regulated during hibernation in the dormouse liver. We found that the expression of 19 miRNAs was altered during hibernation; however, only one major miRNA (miR-34a-5p) remained significantly downregulated after correcting for false discovery rate. Gene Ontology and KEGG Pathway Analysis predicted that energy metabolism, nuclear-related functions such as histone binding, chromatin- and chromosomal binding, and the cell cycle are processes that may be differentially regulated during hibernation due to miRNA regulation. Taken together, our data suggest that miRNA influence appears to be strongly directed toward suppressing energy-intensive processes in the nucleus hence contributing to extend the animal's endogenous fuel reserves for the duration of hibernation.

Addressing the Challenges of Economic Water Scarcity in Kenya: Multi-Barrier and Multilateral Integrated Approach Systems for Sustainable Access to Safe Drinking Water A Review

Accessibility to clean drinking water is essential to the quality of life of all humans. Water is also important in national development of a country. Kenya is faced with both physical water scarcity and economic water scarcity. Physical water scarcity is due to increased water demand, limited supply of water and low rainfall whereas economic water scarcity is due to lack of sufficient financial capability to support water infrastructure. Depending on the water use, there are various techniques available for removal of harmful bacteria, water softening and removing organic particulates and other contaminants from drinking water. They range from simple to sophisticated technologies. This review focused on the economic water scarcity in Kenya which is a developing country. Aspects reviewed included: water poverty index and effects of economic water scarcity. The review methodology tool used was the water poverty index assessment tool (WPI) at which elemental parameters related to water were identified and discussed. The outcome of this research was expected to contribute in the development of affordable and sustainable purification technologies and policies that can be used to deliver safe and clean drinking water. The assessment using the Water Poverty Index (WPI) found Kenya’s WPI to be low in the range of 38-45 %, which is characterised as being severe in regard to the global water stress. Kenya’s safe yield of surface water resources and ground water was estimated to be 7.4 BCM per annum and 1.0 BCM per annum respectively. Water abstractions is estimated at 1.6 BCM per annum representing 13-19% of the available water. Challenges identified include: undeveloped water resources, low financial and institutional capacity, limited access and increased demand of water in agricultural activities such as irrigation with a declining total annual renewable water per capita in the last 50 years. Recommendations proposed as solutions that can be adopted to address economic water scarcity and consequently water stress in Kenya, include exploring sustainable low-cost purification technologies, adopting multi-barrier integrated approach system and the use of multilateral economic groups support to address economic water scarcity.

Histories of Landscapes: Negotiating Access and Belonging in the Tanganyika–Kenya Borderlands, 1930s to 1960s

Abstract Landscapes in the colonial period were contested and negotiated among multiple actors. The differences among them were reflected in the way colonial government authorities and local populations defined what it meant to belong to a physical space. Existing scholarship reveals how pastoralists, for example, were marginalised by successive governments who treated them as threats to the environment in the very regions where they have been recognised independently as essential actors in creating and sustaining those landscapes into the world heritage sites that they have become. While the conflict over various competing uses of land is well represented in the literature, less attention has been paid to how transboundary opportunities and challenges have been appropriated in order to ease the ill effects of resource scarcity in geographical locations which have undergone constant conflicting human interests. Here I address the regions lying between Kenya and Tanganyika. Using examples from pastoralist and farming communities on both sides of the border, this paper analyses the challenges posed by the multiple meanings of ‘landscape’ for transboundary resource use. Drawing upon archives available in Kenya, Tanzania and the United Kingdom, I argue that the borderlines officially dividing Tanganyika from Kenya had little if anything at all to do with the social practices and resources uses that prevailed at the time.

The effect of target scarcity on visual foraging.

Previous studies have investigated the effect of target prevalence in combination with the effect of explicit target value on human visual foraging strategies, though the conclusions have been mixed. Some find that individuals have a bias towards high-value targets even when these targets are scarcer, while other studies find that this bias disappears when those targets are scarcer. In this study, we tested for a bias for scarce targets using standard feature versus conjunction visual foraging tasks, without an explicit value being given. Based on the idea of commodity theory and implicit value, we hypothesized that participants would show a scarcity bias. The bias was investigated using a Bayesian statistical model which has been developed for predicting target-by-target foraging behaviours. However, we found no evidence of a scarcity bias in our experiment, suggesting that participants did not inherently find rarer targets more rewarding.

Optimizing Water Resource Allocation for Food Security: An Evaluation of China’s Water Rights Trading Policy

Water scarcity is a critical barrier to sustainable food production and food security. To address this issue, China introduced a pilot policy for water rights trading in 2014. Using panel data from 29 provinces (cities and districts) in China from 2006 to 2022, this paper investigates the impact of the water rights trading policy on food security and explores its underlying mechanisms through the DID model. It is found that (1) the water rights trading policy substantially boosts food production in pilot areas and mitigates the effects of water scarcity on food security. (2) The water rights trading policy enhances food security by advancing water-saving irrigation technology and optimizing crop-planting structures. (3) The impact of the water rights trading policy proves more pronounced in areas with lower water use efficiency and higher food production potential. Therefore, it is recommended that the government continue advancing the water rights trading policy and adjust it dynamically based on regional differences. Additionally, strengthening guidance on water-saving irrigation technologies and optimizing cropping structures will further enhance the adaptive capacity of the agricultural system, helping to ensure food security.

Integrated omics analysis reveals the effect of feeding scarcity on the lipid metabolism and apoptosis in Nibea coibor

Food scarcity was a crucial challenge to fish in natural waters, necessitating a complex adaptive process for them to cope with. This study estimated the effects of four different feeding strategies (daytime feeding, DF; intermittent fasting, IF; continuous fasting, CF; nighttime feeding, NF) on the growth, metabolism, and health of Nibea coibor. The lowest weight gain rate and steatosis degree occurred in the CF group, which had the highest bacterial load in the liver and the lowest survival rate after Vibrio harveyi infection. The IF group had the highest serum GLU, LAC, and COR levels and the lowest hepatic bacterial loads post V. harveyi challenge. The NF group had higher serum GLU level (P < 0.05) and lower survival rate compared to DF. Notably, the integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome screened out significantly differential genes (dgke, pla2g12b, axin2) and metabolite (Glycerophosphocholine), which were all involved in lipid metabolism and downregulated in CF (P < 0.05). The correlation analysis of phenotypic indicators with the transcriptome and metabolome showed that gadd45 and l-carnitine were positively and negatively correlated with bacterial infection resistance, respectively. In general, this study suggested fasting influenced weight gain and bacterial infection resistance of N. coibor, through regulating genes and metabolites related to lipid metabolism and apoptosis, providing valuable reference significance on the impact of feeding rhythm on fish.

Scarcity in luxury brand digital communication: unveiling its effect on consumer perceptions

On Instagram, new trends in communication strategies are emerging. An increasing number of luxury brands struggle to attract consumers’ interest in the digital environment through communication scarcity. This study reveals the effects of Instagram communication scarcity on consumers’ perceptions of luxury brands by following uses and gratifications theory. By exploring recent examples of luxury brand digital communication strategies based on scarcity in three online experiments on luxury consumers, the current work reveals the negative effects of these strategies on perceived brand exclusivity via consumer interest, demonstrating the role of brand familiarity as a boundary condition in mitigating these effects. This study contributes to the digital luxury brand communication literature by considering the antecedents of perceived brand exclusivity. Furthermore, this study offers practical insights into the development of social media communication strategies in the luxury context.

Investigating drought tolerance in four Argania spinosa provenances through morpho-physio-biochemical traits

ABSTRACT Drought stress significantly threatens plant ecosystems, particularly amid climate change. Understanding the mechanisms of plant resilience is essential for developing strategies to mitigate water scarcity effects on agroforestry. This study evaluated morphological, physiological and biochemical traits in Argania spinosa seedlings from four provenances (Berkane (BRK), Essaouira (ESS), Agadir (AGD) and Bouizakarne (BZK)) subjected to severe drought for three weeks. The results showed significant inter-provenance variation in the traits examined. Root dry biomass increased markedly across all provenances, with the highest increase observed in BZK (117.9%). Leaf water potential significantly decreased under drought stress, but relative water content (RWC) remained stable. Proline accumulation was significant in stressed seedlings, especially in ESS (163.4%), while total soluble sugars significantly increased only in BRK (26.6%). All provenances showed a significant reduction in chlorophyll a and b, except for BRK. Correlations among all studied traits varied significantly in both number and significance between drought stress and non-stress conditions. Canonical discriminant analysis revealed distinct separation among the provenances, indicating intra-species variability in drought responses. Key traits like dry biomass, collar diameter, basic leaf water potential, RWC and proline were identified as important indicators of drought tolerance, suggesting their utility in selecting the most resilient A. spinosa provenance.

Effects of The Cistern Program on Environmental Recovery and Desertification Mitigation in The Semi-Arid Region of Paraíba

Objective: This study aims to analyze the impact of the Cistern Program on mitigating desertification and promoting environmental recovery in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, focusing on the municipalities of Esperança, Lagoa Seca, and São Sebastião de Lagoa de Roça. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on studies addressing the effects of climate change and water scarcity in Brazil’s semi-arid region. Theories of public water policies and strategies for living with the semi-arid climate were also examined, with a focus on the role of cisterns in ensuring water security. Method: This descriptive study employs geotechnologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing to develop desertification maps and track the distribution of cisterns. Data from the Trends.Earth plugin and images from MapBiomas were used to analyze soil degradation between 2004 and 2020. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that the Cistern Program significantly contributed to reducing soil degradation and increasing vegetation cover. Continuous access to water enabled the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced environmental resilience in the studied areas. Research Implications: This study contributes to the formulation of public policies that promote water security and sustainable development, reinforcing the importance of social technologies for living in the semi-arid region. Originality/Value: The study provides a novel analysis of the effectiveness of the Cistern Program in combating desertification in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, highlighting its relevance for environmental sustainability policies.

An investigation of the mechanical strength, environmental impact and economic analysis of nano alkali-activated composite

The current study explores both the mechanical strength and life cycle assessments of fly ash (FA)-based alkali-activated concrete (AAC) with/without colloidal nano-silica (NS) addition at high and low molar concentrations of sodium hydroxide in the activator fluid (12 M and 3 M). The cradle-to-gate approach is used to establish the system boundaries for life cycle assessments (LCA). The environmental impact of AAC (with/without NS) and conventional cement concrete (CC) mixtures was determined using the ReCiPe midpoint and endpoint approaches across various impact categories. The AAC mixes with and without NS addition reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 % and 25 % with respect to CC mix, respectively. Within the majority of impact categories, sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide production are the primary contributors, accounting for up to 91 %. However, in water depletion, global warming potential, and fuel depletion, the overall contribution is as high as 65 %. Also, the AAC mix with and without NS addition consumes 34 % and 14 % less electricity during its production with respect to the CC mixture. The CC mixes have almost 70 % more ecological damage and approximately 30 % more health risk than AAC with and without NS. However, the NS-modified AAC shows 20 % lower ecological and health risks than AAC without NS. The effect of resource scarcity on NS modified AAC is 50 % less than that of other mixes, including both AAC mix without NS and CC mix. In comparison to AAC without NS, the NS modified AAC demonstrates an 18 % reduced impact on resource scarcity. Finally, cost analysis demonstrates that AAC with NS is 16 % less expensive than CC, while AAC without NS is 26 % cheaper than CC. AAC containing 6 % NS inclusions exhibits environmental and economic benefits in addition to its enhanced mechanical performance, indicating its potential for widespread practical usage.

Impact of Water Scarcity on the Growth of Golden Sweet Potato

In this review study, the effect of water scarcity on the growth of Golden Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) is investigated. Particular emphasis is made to the morphological and biochemical responses of this significant crop to weather circumstances that are characterized by drought. One of the most important crops, the golden sweet potato is well-known for the remarkable nutritional benefits it has, including high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Water scarcity, which is made worse by climate change and expanding agricultural requirements, poses significant threats to its production and productivity. However, these threats are made worse by the fact that water is scarce. In order to achieve the objective of this study, which is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the growth and physiological health of Golden Sweet Potato plants are influenced by decreased water availability, the data from prior studies will be synthesized. The study focuses on the key morphological changes that occur as a result of water scarcity. These changes include a decrease in plant height, leaf area, biomass production, and root architecture. When the plant is experiencing a drought, these alterations demonstrate that it is making an effort to save water and maintain critical physiological functions. Biological reactions, such as alterations in protein synthesis, glucose metabolism, antioxidant activity, and chlorophyll content, are also investigated in this research. Chlorophyll content regularly decreases in reaction to water scarcity, which in turn reduces the efficiency of photosynthetic processes and the overall amount of energy produced. Through the production of stress-responsive proteins and the accumulation of osmolytes, which are both essential adaptation processes, plants are able to control the process of dehydration and maintain the integrity of their cells. An further characteristic response that protects plants from the oxidative stress that is brought on by drought is an increase in the activity of antioxidants. For the purpose of summarizing, this article presents a comprehensive investigation of the ways in which water scarcity influences the growth of golden sweet potatoes. It also gives insights into the processes by which the plant adapts to drought and alternative approaches for improving drought resistance. When it comes to finding solutions to the issues that are brought about by climate change and water scarcity in agriculture, the findings highlight how urgently additional research and ingenuity are required.

A Study to Estimate the effect of Water Scarcity On the Morphological and Biochemical Parameter of the Plant

The importance of doing research on the effects of water scarcity on plant health and productivity cannot be overstated, particularly in light of the effects of climate change and the rising urgency of water scarcity. Calculating the ways in which water scarcity influences the morphological and biochemical features of plants is the objective of this research. Protein concentrations, antioxidant activity, and chlorophyll content are examples of biochemical parameters, while plant height, leaf area, and root length are examples of morphological criteria. Furthermore, the length of the roots is an example of a root. We were able to see significant changes in the morphological and biochemical properties of the plants by conducting experiments that were carefully controlled and administered with varying degrees of water availability. Water scarcity is a direct factor that affects plant growth, as seen by reduced plant height, reduced leaf area, and shorter root length. In terms of biochemistry, we saw a decrease in the contents of chlorophyll and protein, both of which are essential for the process of photosynthesis and for the overall health of plants. On the other side, antioxidant activity increased, which is indicative of a stress response mechanism that is being used to cope with the lack of water. The findings highlight the critical need of implementing sustainable water management methods in order to achieve the goal of preserving the resilience of plants and the productivity of agricultural production in the face of water scarcity. This research provides valuable insights into the physiological changes that plants go through when they are subjected to water stress. These findings have the potential to open up new routes for the creation of plant varieties that are resistant to drought.

Effects of Foliar Treatment and Water Scarcity on Pomological and Biochemical Characteristics of Orange Cultivars During Post-harvest Management

Effects of Foliar Treatment and Water Scarcity on Pomological and Biochemical Characteristics of Orange Cultivars During Post-harvest Management

Childhood environment and patience: Early-life resource scarcity and current threat influence duration estimation and persistence

Childhood environment has a significant influence on individuals' psychology and behaviors. Those who grow up in harsh environments with resource scarcity and uncertainty tend to develop impatience and prefer investing resources in the present rather than the future. We hypothesized that childhood environment also affects patience in terms of duration estimation. In this research, we explored the effects of childhood resource scarcity and economic threat on the duration estimation and the persistence through three studies. Study 1 and Study 3 found that individuals growing up in resource-scarce environments tended to overestimate time and exhibited lower persistence in the economic threat situation. Moreover, duration estimation mediated the influence of childhood socioeconomic status on persistence. Study 2 provided causal evidence that priming childhood resource scarcity affected the duration estimation. The findings showed that individuals growing up in resource-scarce environments tended to overestimate the time cost of the task when facing threats, which led to impatient behavior. The present research investigated the effect of childhood resource scarcity on duration estimation for the first time, offering a novel perspective on time perception to comprehend the psychological and behavioral consequences of life history strategies.

Financial scarcity and financial avoidance: an eye-tracking and behavioral experiment

When having less money than needed, people experience financial scarcity. Here, we conducted a laboratory experiment to investigate whether financial scarcity increases financial avoidance – the tendency to avoid dealing with ones finances. Participants completed an incentivized task where they managed the finances of a household by earning income and paying expenses across multiple rounds. We manipulated participants’ financial situation such that they either had sufficient (financial abundance) or insufficient (financial scarcity) financial resources. At the end of each round, participants received an additional expense in the form of a letter. To measure financial avoidance in the form of attentional disengagement, we used an eye-tracker and assessed whether participants in the financial scarcity condition avoided looking at the expense letters. As a behavioral measure of financial avoidance, participants had the option to delay the payment of these expenses until the end of the experiment at no additional cost. Results showed no effect of financial scarcity on the eye-tracking measure, but there was an effect on the behavioral measure: Participants that experienced financial scarcity were more likely to delay payments. The behavioral finding corroborates the notion that financial scarcity can lead to financial avoidance. We explore potential reasons for the null-effect on the eye-tracking measure and discuss how future research can build upon our findings.

Comparative Effects of Water Scarcity on the Growth and Development of Two Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes with Different Geographic Origin (Mesoamerica/Andean).

Drought stress is widely recognized as a highly detrimental abiotic stress factor that significantly impacts crop growth, development, and agricultural productivity. In response to external stimuli, plants activate various mechanisms to enhance their resistance or tolerance to abiotic stress. The common bean, a most important legume according to the FAO, serves as a staple food for millions of people worldwide, due to its rich protein, carbohydrate, and fiber content, concurrently, and water scarcity is the main factor limiting common bean production. The process of domestication and on-farm conservation has facilitated the development of genotypes with varying degrees of drought stress resistance. Consequently, using landraces as biological material in research can lead to the identification of variants with superior resistance qualities to abiotic stress factors, which can be effectively integrated into breeding programs. The central scope of this research was to find out if different geographic origins of common bean genotypes can determine distinct responses at various levels. Hence, several analyses were carried out to investigate responses to water scarcity in three common bean genotypes, M-2087 (from the Mesoamerican gene pool), A-1988 (from the Andean gene pool) and Lechinta, known for its high drought stress resistance. Plants were subjected to different water regimes, followed by optical assessment of the anatomical structure of the hypocotyl and epicotyl in each group; furthermore, the morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters and molecular data (quantification of the relative expression of the thirteen genes) were assessed. The three experimental variants displayed distinct responses when subjected to 12 days of water stress. In general, the Lechinta genotype demonstrated the highest adaptability and drought resistance. The M-2087 landrace, originating from the Mesoamerican geographic basin, showed a lower resistance to water stress, compared to the A-1988 landrace, from the Andean basin. The achieved results can be used to scale up future research about the drought resistance of plants, analyzing more common bean landraces with distinct geographic origins (Mesoamerican/Andean), which can then be used in breeding programs.

Consumers’ online brand-related misinformation engagement: a weapons of influence perspective

ABSTRACT While misinformation has been around for centuries, the effects of online brand-related misinformation on consumers’ engagement remain tenuous. Addressing this gap, we develop the concept of online brand-related misinformation engagement, a consumer’s (e.g. cognitive/emotional) resource investment in their interactions with misinformation about brands. Recognizing the persuasive nature of misinformation, we draw on Cialdini’s Weapons of Persuasive Influence to develop a typology comprising three positively valenced online brand-related misinformation engagement sub-types (i.e. reciprocal, social proof-, and consistency-based misinformation engagement), and three negatively valenced online brand-related misinformation engagement sub-types (i.e. repudiating, thwarting, and oppositional misinformation engagement). We then develop a Weapons of Influence-informed model that outlines the effect of online brand-related misinformation authority and scarcity on consumers’ brand-related misinformation evaluation (liking), and its subsequent effect on their positive or negative online brand-related misinformation engagement, respectively. While consumers’ positive online brand-related misinformation engagement is predicted to yield online misinformation continuation or -intensification, its negative counterpart will generate online misinformation adjustment or -correction.

Does scarcity of female instructors create demand for diversity among students? Evidence from an M-Turk experiment

Scarcity of female scholars has been well documented for math-intensive or STEM fields. We investigate whether a lack of female instructors creates a demand for gender diversity on the student side. In an incentivized instructor-choice experiment on MTurk, we experimentally vary the gender balancedness of the instructor pool and ask participants to choose one additional instructor among one male and one female. We find that participants value gender diversity when female instructors are scarce. The effect is statistically significant for women but not for men. We also test for the effect of male scarcity in the instructor pool and find that both, men and women, show a demand for gender diversity.

The Effect of Scarcity and Information Avoidance on Debt Management Behavior

We explore how financial scarcity affects the strategy people choose to pay off their debts and the role of information avoidance in debt repayment. We conduct an online experiment in the United Kingdom (N= 1,000) in which people are endowed with multiple debts and given the task to pay off as many debts as possible during 15 rounds. We manipulate the level of financial scarcity by randomly assigning individuals to experience a negative, a positive, or no financial shock during these 15 rounds. The results show that perceived financial scarcity is related to less optimal debt repayment. In conclusion, our findings suggest that perceived scarcity propels further scarcity due to poor debt management.