A Module to Calculate Primary Particulate Matter Emissions and Abatement Measures in Europe

Primary particulate matter is emitted directly into the atmosphere from various anthropogenic and natural sources such as power plants (combustion of fossil fuels) or forest fires. Secondary particles are formed by transformation of SO₂, NO_x, NH₃, and VOC in the atmosphere. They both contribute to ambient particulate matter concentrations, which may have adverse effects on human health. Health hazards are caused by small particulate size, high number of especially fine (< 2.5 µm) and ultra-fine (< 0.1 µm) particles and/or their chemical composition. As part of an integrated assessment model developed at IIASA, a module on primary particulate matter (PM) emissions has been added to the existing SO₂, NO_x, NH₃ and VOC sections. The module considers so far primary emissions of total suspended particles (TSP), PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 from aggregated stationary and mobile sources. A primary PM emission database has been established. Country specific emission factors for stationary sources have been calculated within the module using the ash content of solid fuels.     

Triterpene saponins from aerial parts of Medicago arabica L

Eight major triterpene saponins have been isolated from the aerial parts of Medicago arabica and their structures elucidated by FAB-MS and NMR analysis. Three of them are new compounds and are identified as 3-O-(alpha-L-arabinopyranoside) bayogenin, 3-O-(alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl), 28-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside) bayogenin, and 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl], 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside 2-beta-hydroxyoleanolic acid. Two saponins, identified as 3-O-(alpha-L-arabinopyranoside) hederagenin and 3-O-(alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl), 28-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside) hederagenin are known compounds but not previously reported as saponin constituents of Medicago species, while three other saponins, being mono- and bidesmosides of hederagenin, have been previously isolated from roots of M. sativa.     

Studies of composition and major protein level in milk and colostrum of mares

The aim of the study was to determine the changes in composition and physicochemical features (pH, density, thermostability and acidity) of mare colostrum and milk, and of protein fraction contribution (serum albumin, β-casein, γ-casein, α-lactalbumin, G class immunoglobulins) depending on lactation stage. The research material was colostrum and milk samples from 12 Arabian mares. Colostrum samples were collected within 2 h after parturition and milk samples were collected twice, in the 3rd and 6th weeks of lactation. The level of basic milk components decreased significantly (only lactose content increased) as compared to colostrum. Total bacteria count and somatic cell count decreased significantly with an increase in resistance and urea level. The changes observed were connected to differentiated contribution of particular protein fractions and their relative proportions. Lower levels of γ-casein (P ≤ 0.05), β-casein, serum albumin as well as α-lactalbumin were observed in colostrum as compared to those in milk. Any relationship between lactation stage and β-casein content was observed. Serum albumin and α-lactalbumin content increased in subsequent milkings. The level of G class immunoglobulins decreased significantly and its highest level was noted in colostrum. Any significant differences between the 3rd and 6th lactation weeks were obtained.     

Pine sawdust as stimulator of the microbial community in post-arable afforested soil

Sawdust and wood residues are considered to be stimulators of microbiological change in soil and could be used in post-arable sites designed for afforestation. In this study, we discuss changes in bacteria numbers within selected groups in relation to soil type (arable and forest) and method of sawdust application. Sawdust was spread along planting rows and mixed with the soil or put directly under roots of planted seedlings. Applying sawdust under the roots increased the number of cellulolytic bacteria in all experimental treatments. On post-arable soil, adding sawdust in rows increased the number of copiotrophic bacteria and reduced the number of fluorescent bacteria and actinomycetes (ACT). In control forest soils, the number of copiotrophic, oligotrophic and spore-forming bacteria decreased simultaneously with increased ACT in all treatments. The number of fluorescent bacteria increased when sawdust was applied on forest sites under planted trees and decreased when sawdust was spread in planting rows. Oligotrophic bacteria also decreased in the latter case. We present a list of bacteria identified by DNA – 16S rRNA gene sequences. Adding sawdust to arable soils significantly changed the quantitative and qualitative composition of microbial communities.     

Simultaneously mitigating near-term climate change and improving human health and food security

Tropospheric ozone and black carbon (BC) contribute to both degraded air quality and global warming. We considered ~400 emission control measures to reduce these pollutants by using current technology and experience. We identified 14 measures targeting methane and BC emissions that reduce projected global mean warming ~0.5°C by 2050. This strategy avoids 0.7 to 4.7 million annual premature deaths from outdoor air pollution and increases annual crop yields by 30 to 135 million metric tons due to ozone reductions in 2030 and beyond. Benefits of methane emissions reductions are valued at $700 to $5000 per metric ton, which is well above typical marginal abatement costs (less than $250). The selected controls target different sources and influence climate on shorter time scales than those of carbon dioxide-reduction measures. Implementing both substantially reduces the risks of crossing the 2°C threshold.     

Hazel Grouse occurrence in fragmented forests: habitat quantity and configuration is more important than quality

Forest fragmentation has led to a decline in the population of many forest specialists, especially those with limited dispersal abilities. However, some of these species also occur in fragmented forests, and their response to fragmentation is crucial to understand the impact of this process in maintaining forest biodiversity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of habitat quality, quantity and configuration on the occurrence of Hazel Grouse as the model species. Studies were performed in the Carpathian Foothills (900?km², 15?% forested). Between 2000 and 2010, Hazel Grouse were detected in 25 out of 53 forest patches with high repeatability over time. Among the indices of habitat quality, the most important factors were the presence of bilberries, clearings and pioneer trees. Greater number and length of valleys also had a positive effect on the occurrence of grouse. All habitat quantity and landscape configuration variables influenced the presence of grouse positively (related to forest connectivity) or negatively (related to forest isolation). Among the explanatory variables considered, habitat quantity and landscape variables were much more important in explaining the occurrence of Hazel Grouse than variables related to habitat quality. The study shows that habitat acreage and its connectivity are crucial for the conservation and management of Hazel Grouse populations in fragmented landscapes, and therefore, it is necessary to sustain wooded corridors between larger forest patches.