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The genus Trogolaphysa comprises 81 described species distributed across the Neotropical and Afrotropical regions. In the Americas, just over half of the species found in subterranean habitats have a reduced eye number (0–5 eyes). Subterranean species are of interest as models to study the evolution of morphological adaptations. Many subterranean species of Trogolaphysa were described before the introduction of chaetotaxy as a diagnostic tool and thus remain incompletely described and diagnosed. To identify gaps in descriptions and facilitate the identification of newly collected forms, we provide standardized summary descriptions, species diagnoses, diagnostic tables, and a dichotomous key to the 33 Neotropical species of Trogolaphysa with reduced eye number. As a result of this synthesis, we describe two new troglobiontic species, Trogolaphysa reneaui n. sp. and Trogolaphysa welchi n. sp. from Belizean caves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a review related to the obtainment of cellulose from different structures in agro-industrial residues, both for application in the food industry and for the reinforcement of other materials. Cellulose nanofibers are produced by the heart of palm (Bactris gasipaes) industry in Brazil and are used as a stabilizer in avocado oil emulsions; conversely, cellulose nanocrystals are produced in waste from the tequila industry (Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul) in Jalisco, Mexico, and are used for reinforcement applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years electricity sectors worldwide have undergone major transformations, referred to as the "energy transition". This has required energy planning to quickly adapt to provide useful inputs to the regulation activity so that a cost-effective electricity market emerges to facilitate the integration of renewables. This paper analyzes the role of system planning and regulations on two specific elements in the energy market design: the concept of firm capacity and the presence of distributed energy resources, both of which can be influenced by regulation. We assess the total cost of different regulatory mechanisms in the Brazilian and Mexican systems using optimization tools to determine optimal long-term expansion for a given regulatory framework. In particular, we quantitatively analyze the role of the current regulation in the total cost of these two electricity systems when compared to a reference "efficient" energy planning scenario that adopts standard cost-minimization principles and that is well suited to the most relevant features of the new energy transformation scenario. We show that two very common features of regulatory designs that can lead to distortions are: (i) renewables commonly having a lower "perceived cost" under the current regulations, either due to direct incentives such as tax breaks or due to indirect access to more attractive contracts or financing conditions; and (ii) requirements for reliability are often defined more conservatively than they should be, overstating the hardships imposed by renewable generation on the existing system and underestimating their potential to form portfolios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The flat mite family Tenuipalpidae includes 41 genera and more than 1100 species worldwide, and is considered one of the most important families of phytophagous mites. The Ultratenuipalpus is a small genus with 25 known species present in almost all zoogeographic regions. Here, a new species Ultratenuipalpus parameekeri Castro, Ochoa & Feres sp. nov. is described from specimens collected on ferns from Brazil. It represents the first species of the genus described from the country. The type species of the genus Ultratenuipalpus meekeri (De Leon) is redescribed based on types and newly collected material from Mexico. Highly detailed low-temperature scanning electron image (LT-SEM) micrographs and DNA barcodes are provided for both species. The taxonomy of the genus Ultratenuipalpus and the ontogenetic additions of leg setae are discussed. Species of the genus Ultratenuipalpus bear a broad subquadrate propodosoma with many large, flattened, lanceolate to ovate dorsal setae. They also bear some plesiomorphic character states, such as the presence of three pairs of ventral ps setae. Here, we describe Ultratenuipalpus parameekeri Castro, Ochoa & Feres sp. nov. based on adult females, males, and immatures, collected on ferns from Brazil. We also re-describe Ultratenuipalpus meekeri (De Leon), the type species of the genus, based on types and newly collected material from Mexico, and include additional novel data (e.g., dorsal and ventral ornamentation, leg chaetotaxy, and setal measurements) in a standardized form. We include highly detailed images obtained using LT-SEM, accompanied by DNA barcodes, for both species. The ontogenetic additions of leg chaetotaxy are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most countries, notably those that signed the Paris Climate Agreement, prioritize achieving the zero carbon or carbon neutrality aim. Unlike earlier studies, this one assesses the contribution of environmental policy, clean energy, green innovation, and renewable energy to the E7 economies' achievement of carbon neutrality goals from 1990 to 2019. Findings emanating from the study show that the EKC hypothesis is valid in E7 countries. Implying that emissions in the E7 countries increased with the kick-off of development but declined later due to possible potent environmental regulatory policies put in place. Similarly, across all models, renewable energy (REN), green innovations (GINNO), environmental tax (ETAX), and technological innovations (TECH) were found to exert a negative and significant impact on carbon emissions in the E7 countries both in the short and long run. On the other hand, economic expansion (GDP) positively impacts environmental deterioration. Furthermore, the country-specific result shows that, on average, Brazil, India, China, Russia, Mexico, and Indonesia have significant environmental policies aiding carbon abatement. Except for Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia, the income growth in the rest of the countries does not follow the EKC proposition. Furthermore, the causality result revealed a unidirectional causal relationship between GDP, REN, and GINNO to CO2 emission. No causality was found between ETAX with CO2, while a bi-directional causality exists between technology and CO2 emissions. Based on the finding, policymakers in the E7 countries should move away from fossil fuels because future electricity output will not be sufficient to reduce emissions considerably. Environmental regulations, encouraging technological innovation, adopting green and sustainable technology, and clean energy sources, among other things, demand radical and broad changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]