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Starch and proteins are main storage product to determine the appearance, cooking, texture, and nutritional quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.). OsNAC20 and OsNAC26, as pivotal transcription factors, redundantly regulate the expression of genes responsible for starch and protein synthesis in the rice endosperm. Any knockout of OsNAC20 or OsNAC26 did not result in visible endosperm defects. In this study, we had isolated and characterized a mutant named as floury endosperm25 (flo25). The caryopsis of the flo25 mutant exhibits a floury endosperm, accompanied by reductions in both the 1000-grain weight and grain length, as well as diminished levels of total starch and protein. Through map-based cloning, it was determined that FLO25 encodes a NAM, ATAF, and CUC (NAC) transcription factors, namely OsNAC26, with a lysine to asparagine substitution at position 98 in the flo25 mutant. Remarkably, lysine 98 is conserved across plants species, and this mutation does not alter the subcellular localization of OsNAC26 but significantly attenuates its transcriptional activity and its ability to activate downstream target genes. Furthermore, the mutant protein encoded by OsNAC26 -flo25 could interact with OsNAC20, disrupting the native interaction between OsNAC20 proteins. Additionally, when lysine 98 is substituted with asparagine in OsNAC20, the resulting mutant protein, OsNAC20(K98N), similarly disrupts the interaction between OsNAC26 proteins. Collectively, these findings underscore the pivotal role of Lysine 98 (K) in modulating the transcriptional activity of NAC20/NAC26 within the rice endosperm. • The flo25 mutant showed floury endosperm along with reduced protein and starch content. • The cytosine-to-adenine at position 294 in OsNAC26 caused floury endosperm phenotype in flo25. • Lysine at position 98 is crucial for the transcriptional activation of OsNAC26 and OsNAC20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Over 97%/89% of grids under SSP5-8.5/ SSP1-2.6 scenario will face higher risk. • The rainstorm risk in the southern and southeast coasts of Asia will be the highest. • Except Europe, risk changes in other continents are mainly due to exposure changes. • Annual rainstorm days have the largest uncertainty among three rainstorm indicators. The extreme weather caused by global warming is increasing day by day. It is of great significance to reasonably assess the risk from extreme precipitation in the world to reduce the losses caused by disasters. Based on the daily precipitation simulation data of 22 global climate models (GCMs) under three scenarios, shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) 1–2.6, 2–4.5, and 5–8.5 in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), this study calculated three rainstorm indicators (annual rainstorm days, ARDs; annual rainstorm intensity, ARI; and annual rainstorm maximum, ARM), combined them into an index to indicate rainstorm hazard, calculated the socioeconomic exposure index using the projected future population and GDP data of SSP1, SSP2, and SSP3, and finally combined the rainstorm hazard index and socioeconomic exposure index to calculate the socioeconomic risk index of rainstorms. The socioeconomic risks from rainstorms in different periods (1995–2014, 2041–2060, and 2081–2100) were compared at global and continental scales. The main factors that cause the differences in the socioeconomic risks from rainstorms on different continents were explored. The uncertainties of the three rainstorm indicators calculated from the 22 GCMs were analyzed. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The socioeconomic risk from rainstorms in most regions of the world will increase in the future, with the largest increase in the SSP5-8.5 scenario and the smallest increase in the SSP1-2.6 scenario. Compared with the historical period, the number of grids with increased risk in the mid-term (2041–2060) and long-term (2081–2100) is 97.58% and 97.98% under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, respectively. Under the SSP1-2.6 scenario, the number of grids with increased risk in the mid-term (2041–2060) and long-term (2081–2100) is 89.20% and 86.57%, respectively. (2) Overall, in the two future periods, the least socioeconomic risk from rainstorms is in Europe, and the largest socioeconomic risk from rainstorms is in Asia, especially the southern and southeastern parts of Asia, which have both the highest mean socioeconomic risk and the largest growth of socioeconomic risk. (3) The socioeconomic risk changes of rainstorms in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania are more closely related to socioeconomic exposure changes, while the socioeconomic risk changes of rainstorms in Europe are more closely related to the three rainstorm indicators. (4) Among the three scenarios, the SSP5-8.5 scenario has the largest uncertainty, and among the three rainstorm indicators, ARDs have the largest uncertainty. The regions with the greatest uncertainty are concentrated in central North America, Central America, central and southern Africa, central South America, eastern Asia, and southern Oceania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is becoming a leading issue in the 21st century due to its devastating environmental and socioeconomic impacts. It is believed to have significant impacts on the water resources and groundwater in the Middle East region, especially in Iraq. In this study, three different global climate models, under the 6th IPCC report, were downscaled under two SSPs scenarios in the middle and west of Iraq. The downscaled models were fixed for bias using CMhyd (climate model data for hydrologic modeling) over the study area. This was achieved using data from four locally chosen weather stations from 1983 to 2022. Three CMIP6 global models were considered and compared. These were the Australian Community Climate and Earth-System Simulator version 1 (ACCESS-CM2), the Beijing Climate Center Climate System Model version 2 (BCC-CSM2-MR), and the sixth version of the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC6).The findings of this study show that the temperature and precipitation changes in the three models under two scenarios in the future period (2023–2050) show an increasing trend compared to the observation period (1983–2014). The results of the generated predictions show that there will be an increase in annual maximum temperatures by this century's end, by 1.26–2.08 °C under scenario SSP2–4.5 and 1.57–2.34 °C under scenario SSP5–8.5 across all study stations. The study found that the annual increase in precipitation over the observed period varies between scenarios (SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5), ranging from +3.56 to +3.87% for SSP2–4.5 and + 7.22% to +12.61% for SSP5–8.5. The results should help improve our understanding of the effects of climate change on the study region and encourage planners and stakeholders to identify optimal strategies for mitigating them. • CMIP6 datasets were used to project future climate change for the first time in the study area. • CMhyd is an effective method for bias correction of precipitation and temperature data. • The projected increase in annual temperatures by this century's end is 1.57–2.34 °C. • Precipitation is projected to increase from 3.56 to 12.61% for the years 2023–2050. • The ACCESS-CM2 projected a higher increase in precipitation and temperature compared with the other GCMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The economy-energy-carbon (EEC) system is discussed from the city level. • Consider the diversity of the carbon system and the energy system. • Combined system dynamics with scenario analysis to predict the state of EEC. • The optimal solution for different subsystems and overall systems is different. • Positive population growth has a positive impact on all systems. Climate change profoundly impacts the transformation of social and economic systems. This study utilized ridge regression, the TOPSIS method, and a coupling coordination model to analyze the coupling coordination of the Economy-Energy-Carbon (EEC) system in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle from 2005 to 2021. Additionally, this study establishes a system dynamics model that integrates the sharing economy scenario to predict the coupling coordination status of the EEC system in typical cities from 2022 to 2030. The study findings reveal that (1) Enhancing the economic subsystem has a major positive impact on coupling coordination, followed closely by the carbon subsystem. (2) The overall coupling coordination level in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle has experienced a slight average annual decrease of 0.75 % from 2005 to 2021. (3) Chengdu and Chongqing demonstrate significantly higher coupling coordination levels, surpassing 0.65 annually. (4) Only four cities (Chongqing, Chengdu, Suining, and Yaan) are gradually improving dynamic coupling coordination. (5) The most effective development scenarios for different subsystems differ from those for coupling coordination. The research methods proposed for the EEC system have the potential to achieve regional sustainable development goals and apply to other developing urban clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • EPG-SSPS had the lowest molecular weight and the most hydroxyl groups. • EPG-SSPS increased sulfhydryl content and decreased carbonyl content in surimi. • EPG-SSPS maintained stability of surimi protein secondary and tertiary structure. • EPG-SSPS imparted superior cryoprotective effect on the myofibrillar protei. Cryoprotective effect and potential mechanism of soluble soybean polysaccharides (SSPS) and enzymatic hydrolysates on surimi was investigated. After hydrolysis, the molecular weight of SSPS significantly decreased, and the hydrolysates prepared by endo -polygalacturonase (EPG-SSPS) was the lowest (154 kDa). Infrared spectrum analysis revealed that enzymatic hydrolysis didn't alter the functional groups of SSPS, but it did augment the exposure to hydroxyl groups. Surimi containing 5 % EPG-SSPS had the lowest freezable water after 20 days of frozen storage. Furthermore, the 5 % EPG-SSPS group manifested the highest metrics in total sulfhydryl (8.0 × 10−5 mol/g), active sulfhydryl content (6.7 × 10−5 mol/g), Ca2+-ATPase activity, and exhibited the lowest level in carbonyl content, surface hydrophobicity (153 μg). Notably, the 5 % EPG-SSPS maintained the stability of protein structure. Conclusively, SSPS enzymatic hydrolysate using endo -polygalacturonase imparted superior cryoprotective effect on the myofibrillar protein of surimi, and the mechanism might be a decrease in molecular weight and exposure of hydroxyl groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has responded to the sustainability challenges via a range of policies with evolving objectives in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB) since the 1990s. However, the multi-scale analysis of YEB's comprehensive sustainability and the human-environment nexus amid policy impact remains unexplored. A comprehensive review and forecast of historical and future sustainability pathways under policy impacts are imperative. Here, we systematically examined sustainability under ten National Policies (NPs) and Regional Development Policies (RDPs), forecasting Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) in the 21st Century using the entropy weight method and machine learning models. We found that RDPs have contributed to 1.6 times increase in human development from 2000 to 2018 across dimensions of demography, economy, and society in YEB. However, it also revealed that the west-east disparity has widened from 0.14 to 0.19 during this period. Conservation efforts and national initiatives for ecological civilization have led to environmental improvement in the YEB, especially after the RDP3 in 2014, when the eastern provinces, like Shanghai, have already surpassed the peak inverted U-shape curve of the environmental-human nexus. Among the SSPs, SSP1 shows the most sustainable scenario with the lowest ecological footprint at 6.2 hm2 per capita and the highest value of regional sustainability and environmental subsystem. To achieve SSP1, an iterative, inclusive, and context-specific Science-Policy-Practice dialogue is essential. This enables feedback loops and collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and practitioners to foster regional sustainability by studying the implications of historical and future pathways. [Display omitted] • YEB's development transitioned from economic to high-quality. • Regional Policies' effect: Wellbeing surges, overshooting ecological footprints. • The systematic east-west sustainability gradient widened in the past 2 decades. • Eastern provinces of YEB experienced early sustainability turning points. • Optimal SSP1: Lower ecological footprint & climate mitigation, higher development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) plays a pivotal role in resource management and drought assessment. However, future PET estimates remain underexplored in the African region. This study employs twenty General Circulation Models (GCMs) to estimate past (1979–2014) and future PET changes across near-term (2021–2040), mid-term (2061–2080), and long-term (2081–2100) periods, considering four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) including SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, SSP3–7.0, and SSP5–8.5. The research assesses the impact of various climatic factors on PET across Africa and its sub-regions using the Penman-Monteith model. The analysis reveals that Penman-Monteith estimates for PET during 1979–2014 exhibit an increase of 0.68 mm per year (mm/a) across Africa. Notably, the Northern region (NAF), Sahara (SAH), Southern region (SAF), and Eastern region (EAF) experience higher PET changes of 1.78 mm/a, 1.75 mm/a, 1.09 mm/a, and 0.12 mm/a, respectively. Conversely, the Western region (WAF) and Central region (CAF) exhibit negative trends of −0.03 mm/a, and − 0.28 mm/a. Future PET in whole Africa is projected to increase by 0.05 mm/a in SSP1–2.6 and SSP2–4.5, and 0.07 mm/a in higher emissions for 2021–2040, by 0.02 mm/an under SSP1–2.6, 0.07 in SSP2–4.5, 0.09 mm/a, and 0.16 mm/a, in SSP3–7.0 and SSP5–8.5 for 2061–2080, and by −0.01 mm/a in SSP1–2.6, 0.05 mm/a SSP2–4.5, 0.10 mm/a SSP3–7.0, and 0.18 mm/a SSP5–8.5 for 2081–2100. Furthermore, higher emissions are anticipated to drive PET increases in various regions during 2081–2100, with NAF, SAH, and SAF projected to rise by 0.17 mm/a, 0.16 mm/a, and 0.23 mm/a, respectively. WAF, CAF, and EAF are expected to experience increases of 0.20 mm/a, 0.19 mm/a, and 0.15 mm/a, respectively. Contribution analysis indicates that solar radiation played a major factor in PET over Africa as well as in WAF, CAF, and EAF. Maximum temperatures were pivotal in NAF, SAH, and SAF. In future periods (2021-2040, 2061-2080, and 2081-2100), maximum temperatures take precedence to Africa's PET, and at varying percentages to different sub-regions. The findings underscore the significance of PET estimation, particularly in the context of drought evaluation locally and regionally. • PET estimates an increase of 0.68 mm/annum across Africa from 1979 to 2014. • PET is projected to increase under all scenarios, shows stronger in high forcing scenario. • Solar radiation contributed to PET in the past andmaximum temperatures in future but varies across periods and regions. • The study underscores the implications of PET estimations for drought evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stainless steel pickling sludge (SSPS) is a noxious solid waste containing heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Mn, and Ni). Herein, an ultrafast ultrasonic-assisted leaching (UAL) extraction method for heavy metals from SSPS is proposed. The effects of key leaching factors, including acid lixiviant, acid dosage, leaching time, liquid-to-solid ratio, and leaching temperature, on the leaching efficiency of Fe, Cr, Ni and Mn in SSPS were systematically studied, followed by the theoretical optimization by response surface methodology. The leaching efficiencies of Fe, Mn, Ni, and Cr were significantly enhanced to 98.6%, 90.74%, 90.83%, and 92.25% within 15 min, which were nearly nine times higher than the acid leaching process. The ultrasonic burst broke up the SSPS and increased the contact area (mass transfer effect) of the heavy metal leaching reaction. In addition, kinetic and thermodynamic studies shown that sonochemical action could significantly promote the initial leaching efficiency of heavy metals. This work provided a super-fast method to recovery of heavy metal from SSPS, which shows great potential for the actual application. [Display omitted] • The efficient removal of heavy metals in ultra-short time was demonstrated. • The optimal process conditions for leaching heavy metals are provided. • The use of ultrasound accelerated the disintegration of SSPS. • The leaching rate achieved is higher compared to conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased urban land use efficiency (ULUE) is a pivotal symbol of urbanization's evolution from rapid expansion to a focus on high-quality development. However, the extent to which the spatial-temporal trends in China's future urban sprawl efficiency could hinder the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11: "Building Sustainable Cities and Communities" remains uncertain. This study endeavors to shed light on this issue, offering insights that could facilitate the dynamic adjustment of land resource use efficiency assessment strategies to align with the SDG11 urbanization process. We leverage socio-economic shared pathways (SSPs) thematic data through the application of the slack-variable-based data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) methodology to project ULUE for China's 368 prefectural-level administrative divisions from 2020 to 2050. In addition, we utilize the coupled coordination degree (CCD) model to anticipate the future harmonization trend of the ULUE with the UN's endorsed SDG indicator, SDG11.3.1: "Land Consumption Rate to Population Growth Rate (LCRPGR)". We harness tools such as Kernel Density Analysis, Moran's Index, and Multi-scale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) to unveil the principal factors influencing the CCD changes and spatial clustering trends. We find that: the higher ULUE areas in China gradually shift from coastal cities and provincial capitals to the western regions, and the value of China's LCRPGR gradually decreases. By 2050, China's ULUE and LCRPGR will reach a high degree of coupling under the SSP2, SSP4, and SSP5 routes. The spatial heterogeneity of the CCD is increasing, with urban land areas having the most substantial adverse effect on CCD, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), population, and metropolitan green space areas having sequentially decreasing positive effects on CCD. This study assesses the future SDG 11.3.1 process, which helps to adjust the assessment strategy of SDG11 in due time and promote sustainable urban development. [Display omitted] • To predict the ULUE and LCRPGR of prefecture-level divisions in China 2020–2050. • Revealing the coupled coordination between ULUE and LCRPGR in China 2020–2050. • ULUE and LCRPGR reach excellent coordination under the SSP2, SSP4, SSP5 in 2050. • CCD has the strongest negative and positive correlation with land area and GDP. • SDG11.3.1 needs to include economic development and ecological service indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) is an economically important pseudocereal crop, which can adapt well to extreme environments, including low nitrogen (LN) stress. However, little is known regarding the associated molecular mechanisms. In this study, the molecular mechanism of Tartary buckwheat roots in response to different doses of nitrate was investigated by combining physiological changes with transcriptional regulatory network. LN improved elongation and branching of lateral roots, indicating that the plasticity of lateral roots drives the adaption of Tartary buckwheat under LN condition. The roots of the seedlings that were cultivated under four N conditions were selected for RNA-Seq analysis. In total 1686 nitrate dose-responsive genes were identified. Of these genes, 16 genes encoding N transporters showed response to N availability, and they may play important roles in N transport and root system architecture in Tartary buckwheat roots. 108 transcription factors (TFs) showed dose-response to N availability, and they may regulate N response and root growth under varied N conditions by modulating the expression of N transporters. A NIN-like protein, FtNLP7, was identified and it may contribute to the transcriptional regulation of N transporters. Furthermore, 81 N-responsive genes were identified as the small secreted peptides (SSPs). 48 N-responsive SSPs were annotated as hypothetical proteins and they may be the species-specific proteins of Tartary buckwheat. This paper provides useful information for further investigation of the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of Tartary buckwheat under N-deficient condition. • Low nitrogen improved elongation and branching of lateral roots of Tartary buckwheat. • 108 TFs may involve in N transport and root system architecture of Tartary buckwheat by modulating N transporter genes. • 81 SSPs involved in N response were identified in Tartary buckwheat. • 48 N-responsive SSPs were the specific proteins of Tartary buckwheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vigorous development of solar photovoltaic energy (PV) is one of the key components to achieve China's "30•60 Dual-Carbon Target". In this study, by utilizing the outputs generated by CMIP6 models under different shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) and a physical PV model (GSEE), future changes in PV power generation across China are provided for the outlined carbon neutralization period (2051–2070). The results reveal distinct spatiotemporal characteristics in the changes in PV output across China. Overall, compared to the historical period, annual PV power generation is projected to decrease in northern regions and Tibet Plateau with a maximum decrease of ∼4 % under the high emission scenario (SSP585), while southern and central regions exhibit significant increases. Remarkably, under the green development pathway (SSP126), PV power generation is expected to rise by over 10 % in these regions. The magnitude of decrease in the north and increase in the south is projected to become more pronounced with the continuous increase of future carbon emissions. It is anticipated that the three northern regions of China will experience greater decreases in PV power generation in winter compared to other seasons, especially under SSP585. Additionally, the southeast region shows the smallest increase in summer PV generation out of all seasons. Moreover, under SSP126 trajectory, most regions in China exhibit reduced inter-annual and intra-annual variability in PV generation compared to the historical levels. This suggests that pursuing a sustainable path could substantially mitigate potential risks associated with PV generation fluctuations in China. [Display omitted] • A weighted CMIP6 ensemble was used to estimate the PV generation changes over China. • The northern and Tibet regions are projected to decrease in annual PV generation. • Annual PV output will increase in southern and central regions. • China's PV generation shows smaller inter- and intra-annual variability under SSP126. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Built-up land/impervious surface expansion links urbanization and environmental change. To enable large-scale long-term spatially-explicit studies, we took a data-driven approach exploiting newly-available time series of fine-spatial-resolution remote sensing observations, and developed the Spatially-Explicit, Long-term, Empirical City developmenT (SELECT) model. Closely calibrated to observational data, SELECT functions at several spatial scales, with multiple design traits capturing local variations of urbanization, and ensuring performance for long-term extrapolations in scenario analyses (e.g. the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways). It showed low estimation residuals, explained high fractions of the response's variations, and scored well in all robustness and generalizability tests we ran. When compared with a typical spatial-interaction-based model for projecting global built-up land in 2030, SELECT allocated more new development to areas with similar characteristics to locations that exhibited expansive urban growth historically, while the example spatial-interaction-based model allocated more new development to areas with high amounts of existing built-up land. • A large-scale long-term spatially-explicit built-up/impervious land model is developed. • Newly-available time series of fine-spatial-resolution remote sensing data are used. • SELECT is a land cover change model based on statistical learning and data mining techniques. • SELECT captures local spatial variations for long-term extrapolations in scenario analyses. • SELECT scored highly in evaluations and model comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present paper aims to elucidate the structural, thermal and mechanical properties of soybean polysaccharide (SSPS)/Cloisite 30B. Tensile strength of the nanocomposite films improved with incorporation of nanoparticles, whereas elongation at break decreased. Surface roughness of the samples increased with the addition of nanoclay. Neat SSPS film and SSPS-1% Cloisite 30B had a relatively smooth surface with no irregularities, while for the samples containing 3 and 7% Cloisite 30B, the surface was rough. DSC analysis demonstrated that following an increase in nanoparticles content, the melting temperature of the nanocomposite elevated, whereas, glass transition temperature decreased. The results of antibacterial activity indicated that Cloisite 30B could inhibit the growth of Salmonella typhi PTCC 1609, Staphylococcus epidermis PTCC 1114 (ATCC 12228) and Listeria monocytogenes PTCC 1165. SSPS-Cloisite 30B nanocomposite could not inhibit the growth of Aspergillus niger. The results demonstrated that the migration of nanoparticles might happen into deionized water as a food simulant, but they could not migrate into bread as a food model. Furthermore, it was found that Cloisite 30B nanoparticles had cytotoxicity effect, and thus, it is recommended that Cloisite 30B/SSPS nanocomposites be used only for the packaging of solids foods such as bread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Evaluation system was constructed with the criterion of green, efficiency and safety; • Water-land resources assessment in the historical and future periods were conducted; • The evaluation unit was based on the smaller raster cell; • The objectives of water-land resources regulation were determined. Our study was designed to spatially assess the regulation potential of watershed water-land resources, and determine its regulation objectives for subsequent optimal allocation. We centred around the Yiluo River Basin, being a soil conservation demonstration plot in the middle course of the Yellow River Basin. In accordance with the criteria of the green development, the high efficiency and the safety, the evaluation system of water-land resources regulation potential was established. Then the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was applied to assess the watershed water-land resources during 2001–2020 and 2030–2050, and the evaluation results were represented by the eigenvalue T. The research findings pointed out that the assessment grade of watershed water-land resources was mainly moderate and better state, and presented significant spatial agglomeration features in the historical and forecast years. In the context of dual influences of climatic variation and water-land resources exploitation, the assessment eigenvalue T of watershed water-land resources increased by 6% in the historical periods, and decreased by 4.57 ∼ 7.74% in the future periods. Based on the assessment results, it was recommended to restrict the water-land resources exploitation in the upstream, control the soil erosion in the midstream, and coordinate the relationship between the exploitation and protection of water-land resources in the lower reaches. Our study offers scientific evidence for the elaborate regulation of watershed water-land resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we developed the new bioactive film from soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) incorporated with different concentrations of cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions (CNO) and the functional properties of them were evaluated. Then CNO-SSPS film was applied on the meat during refrigerate for 8 days. The use of CNO in film production has reduced thickness, water vapor permeability, water solubility, lightness (L*), redness (a*) and whiteness (WI) and increased antioxidant activity of SSPS-films. Also, the SSPS- film containing 0.6% CNO activity only on gram-positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes ) and SSPS- film containing 0.8% CNO had antimicrobial activity on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In vitro application, the pH of the meat treated with CON remained in the natural pH of meat during storage (8 days). Based on the results, the highest and lowest hardness values were for the samples of CNO- 0.8 and control, respectively. Incorporating CON at 0.6 and 0.8% concentration of cinnamon reduced 4.14 and 5.71 log cycle in the total aerobic viable count compared to uncoated and decreased of yeast and molds on 8th day by 1 log cycle compared uncoated. These resulted showed CNO-SSPS film can be used as a good preservative in meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement production is the main source of industrial process-related CO 2 emissions, taking up approximately half of total industrial process-related CO 2 emissions. However, limited research has investigated the process-related CO 2 emissions from global cement production, in particular, has not taken into account the impacts of dynamic socio-economic development context. This study aims to explore the trajectory of industrial process-related CO 2 emissions in the cement industry under different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), to provide more evidence for the existing climate change integrated assessment analysis. By investigating the relationship between per capita GDP and per capita cement production process-related CO 2 emissions drawing on the historical data during 1950–2014 in 31 developed countries, the cement production process-related CO 2 emissions from 175 countries in 12 regions in the world during 2015–2100 under five SSP scenarios are given here. The results show that the largest amount of global cumulative cement process-related CO 2 emissions would be 45.45 billion tons under SSP3 scenario. The countries that contribute the most to the global cumulative cement production process-related CO 2 emissions from 2015 to 2100 are India, China, Nigeria, United States of America and Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the initial trajectory planning research on Integrated Symmetrical Concentrated architecture (ISC) which is a kind of a space solar power station (SSPS), a new trajectory optimization scheme adopting dynamic programming is presented, which combines the joint energy consumption with particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The advantage of the optimizing scheme can mitigate the difficulty in regulation and control due to the inertia shock of huge spatial structure during the course of solar-tracking, also it can balance the relationship between energy consuming and concentration efficiency. Firstly, the theory of energy-time integral in velocity space is given for this nonholonomic system; secondly, the angular positions of the joint are expressed as a set of spline interpolating functions expressed by piecewise 4-3-3-4 polynomial interpolation; then the dynamic programming is proposed which is realized by PSO searching algorithm; finally, a geometric method is proposed to analyze the relationship between the optimized position deviation and concentration efficiency, simulation results illustrate that the proposed optimization scheme can great mitigate the velocity sudden change and satisfy the required concentration efficiency. The proposed trajectory optimization strategy has practical engineering value for huge spatial structure especial in mechanism joint accelerant motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial surface water quality is important, as it is related to health risk when the population is exposed through drinking, recreation or consumption of irrigated vegetables. The microbial surface water quality is expected to change with socio-economic development and climate change. This study explores the combined impacts of future socio-economic and climate change scenarios on microbial water quality using a coupled hydrodynamic and water quality model (MIKE21FM-ECOLab). The model was applied to simulate the baseline (2014-2015) and future (2040s and 2090s) faecal indicator bacteria (FIB: E. coli and enterococci) concentrations in the Betna river in Bangladesh. The scenarios comprise changes in socio-economic variables (e.g. population, urbanization, land use, sanitation and sewage treatment) and climate variables (temperature, precipitation and sea-level rise). Scenarios have been developed building on the most recent Shared Socio-economic Pathways: SSP1 and SSP3 and Representative Concentration Pathways: RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in a matrix. An uncontrolled future results in a deterioration of the microbial water quality (+75% by the 2090s) due to socio-economic changes, such as higher population growth, and changes in rainfall patterns. However, microbial water quality improves under a sustainable scenario with improved sewage treatment (-98% by the 2090s). Contaminant loads were more influenced by changes in socio-economic factors than by climatic change. To our knowledge, this is the first study that combines climate change and socio-economic development scenarios to simulate the future microbial water quality of a river. This approach can also be used to assess future consequences for health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the cornerstone of social progress, industry’s future development pathway is greatly influenced by basic socio-economic assumptions, thusly is of big uncertainties, especially in developing countries, and the developing pattern of industry will bring significant differences in the whole energy system and carbon emission pathway. In order to explore industrial energy demand and emission under different developing patterns, this paper designed three scenarios describing discrepant socio-economic development characteristic based on SSP1, SSP2 and SSP5, conducted energy system optimization with application of GTIMES model, and presented main comparative results under three pathways. To reflect the great differences in industrial characteristics of advanced industrial countries and emerging economies both on industrial energy consumption and carbon emission, this paper also took America and India as instances to conduct simple comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under climate change, land use has an essential effect on the carbon cycle in the climate change sensitive area of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). This study about ambitions to check out the spatial and temporal patterns of carbon storage (CS) on the QTP under future land-use changes and their influencing factors. Based on historical and projected climate and land-use information and the compiled carbon-intensity dataset derived from 839 sampling points, we projected future changes in CS in the region. We projected changes of CS in the QTP in the near-term (2021–2040), mid-term (2041–2060), and long-term (2081–2100) periods, using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model. We found that the total carbon storage (TCS) from 1980 to 2020 was approximately equal to 247–259 × 108 t, where C soil had the greatest contribution (about 88% of the TCS), while C above , C below and C dead accounted for approximately 5%, 5% and 2% of the TCS, respectively. Furthermore, the TCS decreased from southeast to northwest, corresponding to decreasing forest coverage and increasing unused land area in the QTP. Compared to the baseline period (1995–2014, 259 × 108 t), the CS in the QTP under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) is expected to increase by 7.3–13.5%, 6.2–14.7% and 5.4–14.3% in the three future periods, respectively. Spatially, the carbon increase will be concentrated in the southeastern and northern parts of the QTP, where the land-use types are mainly forest land and grassland. Increases in precipitation and temperature are predicted to take place for the duration of the QTP in the future, driving land-use changes that are projected to result in increased area of forest land, which would increase CS. The CS in QTP is high, being influenced by land use and climatic factors, and future climate change may enhance the carbon sink capacity of the QTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the impacts of urban expansion on ecosystem services (ESs) is important for sustainable development on regional and global scales. However, due to the uncertainty of future socioeconomic development and the complexity of urban expansion, assessing the impacts of future urban expansion on ESs remains challenging. In this study, we simulated the urban expansion in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration in China from 2013 to 2040, and assessed its potential impacts on ESs based on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) and the Land Use Scenario Dynamics-urban (LUSD-urban) model. We found that urban land in the BTH urban agglomeration is expected to increase from 7605.25 km 2 in 2013 to 9401.75–11,936.00 km 2 in 2040. With continuing urban expansion, food production (FP), carbon storage (CS), water retention (WR), and air purification (AP) will decrease by 1.34–3.16%, 0.68–1.60%, 0.80–1.89%, and 0.37–0.87%, respectively. The conversion of cropland to urban land will be the main cause of ES losses. During 2013–2040, the losses of ESs caused by this conversion will account for 83.66–97.11% of the total losses in the whole region. Furthermore, the ES losses can cause considerable negative impacts on human well-being. The loss of FP will be equivalent to the food requirement of 3.68–8.61% of the total population in 2040, and the loss of CS will be 2.55–6.01% of the total standard coal consumption in 2013. To ensure sustainable development in the region, we suggest that effective policies and regulations should be implemented to protect cropland with high ES values from urban expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space solar power station (SSPS) is a comprehensive system that continuously collects solar energy in space and transmits it to ground with a wireless power transmission (WPT) system. These systems have great potential to provide large-scale energy. To increase the efficiency and reduce the weight and cost of the photovoltaic (PV) components, a huge light-weighted concentrator was introduced in the latest SSPS concepts, such as integrated symmetrical concentrator (ISC) and arbitrarily large phased array (ALPHA). However, for typical SSPS running in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), the sunlight direction varies with time, leading to a great challenge for concentrator design. In ISC, the two-dimensional mast is used to realize sun-tracking. However, a multi-thousand-ton structure is difficult to control precisely in space. For this reason, ALPHA comprises a large number of individually pointed thin-film reflectors to intercept sunlight, mounted on the non-moving structure. However, the real-time adjustment of the thousands of reflectors is still an open problem. Furthermore, the uniformity of the time of the power generation (UTPG) is another factor evaluating the system. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel concentrator based on zero-index metamaterial (ZIM) called Thin-film Energy Terminator (SSPS-TENT). This will aid the control of the massive reflectors while avoiding the rotation of the overall system, the control of the massive reflectors and the influence of the obliquity of the ecliptic. Also, an optimization design method is proposed to increase its solar energy collecting efficiency (ECE) and flux distribution (FD). The ray-tracing simulation results show that the ECE is more than 96% of the day. In terms of the FD, the uniformity varies from 0.3057 to 0.5748. Compared with ALPHA, the UTPG is more stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantifies the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) using AIM/CGE (Asia-Pacific Integrated Assessment/Computable General Equilibrium). SSP3 (regional rivalry) forms the main focus of the study, which is supposed to face high challenges both in mitigation and adaptation. The AIM model has been selected as the model to quantify the SSP3 marker scenario, a representative case illustrating a particular narrative. Multiple parameter assumptions in AIM/CGE were differentiated across the SSPs for quantification. We confirm that SSP3 quantitative scenarios outcomes are consistent with its narrative. Moreover, four key features of SSP3 are observed. First, as SSP3 was originally designed to contain a high level of challenges to mitigation, mitigation costs in SSP3 were relatively high. This results from the combination of high greenhouse gas emissions in the baseline (no climate mitigation policy) scenario and low mitigative capacity. Second, the climate forcing level in 2100 for the baseline scenarios of SSP3 was similar to that of SSP2, whereas CO 2 emissions in SSP3 are higher than those in SSP2. This is mainly due to high aerosol emissions in SSP3. A third feature was the high air pollutant emissions associated with weak implementation of air quality legislation and a high level of coal dependency. Fourth, forest area steadily decreases with a large expansion of cropland and pasture land. These characteristics indicate at least four potential uses for SSP3. First, SSP3 is useful for both IAM and impact, adaptation, vulnerability (IAV) analyses to present the worst-case scenario. Second, by comparing SSP2 and SSP3, IAV analyses can clarify the influences of socioeconomic elements under similar climatic conditions. Third, the high air pollutant emissions would be of interest to atmospheric chemistry climate modelers. Finally, in addition to climate change studies, many other environmental studies could benefit from the meaningful insights available from the large-scale land use change resulting in SSP3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a changing climate, climate scenarios are an essential part of air quality research and assessment. The main goal of this work is to provide an exploratory analysis of the implications of CMIP6 scenarios on air quality, focused on the three high-priority scenarios of IPCC Sixth Assessment Report: SSP2–4.5, SSP3–7.0 and SSP5–8.5. In addition, the similarities and differences between the meteorological and air quality trends from CMIP5 and CMIP6 scenarios were assessed. For that, high-resolution simulations were conducted, having as case study mainland Portugal. The results revealed that it is not possible to establish a clear trend of greater/lesser severity between RCPs and SSPs analogous scenarios, with the similarities (and/or differences) depending on the climate variable and its location in space and time. In addition, due to the narratives that underlies SSPs it is not feasible to establish a direct link between climate and air quality impacts. This happens, since unlike RCPs, SSPs do not show a direct relationship between radiative forcing and the severity of climate impacts. Finally, SSP3–7.0 scenario imposes climate impacts close to those obtained by SSP5–8.5, promoting an overall increase of main air pollutants concentrations (comparing to a reference scenario). Further steps for the research community will involve regional numerical modelling across different areas for use in air quality studies, including a closer look at health implications. [Display omitted] • Comparison of CMIP5 (RCPs) and CMIP6 (SSPs) scenarios in an air quality perspective. • SSPs with higher radiative forcing, may not impose higher air quality impacts. • SSP3–7.0 scenario imposes climate impacts close to those obtained by SSP5–8.5. • SSP3–7.0 scenario can exacerbate the main air pollutants concentrations. • SSPs allow a complete view of the links between climate and air quality policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow River Basin (YRB) in China has been frequently featured as one of the most vulnerable areas to climate change and climatic extremes, mainly due to its fragile arid and semiarid ecosystems.While previous researches mainly focused on the evaluation of historical drought periods, it is also meaningful to understand future drought conditions in YRB, in particular, alleviated drought trends under carbon peak and carbon neutrality periods. Based on climate outputs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), we projected future climate conditions and drought characteristics in YRB, especially under the three SSPs (the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways) (e.g., SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, and SSP5–8.5). For this, the monthly climate variables from CMIP6 models are in better agreement with the observation from 1961 to 2014, after (Equidistant Cumulative Distribution Functions) EDCDF Bias Correction method (e.g., the RMSE is reduced by 50% and 25% - 67% for temperature and precipitation, respectively). From 2015 to 2100, an increasing trend in temperature and precipitation is anticipated in YRB. When comparing with the reference period (1995–2014), drought conditions after 2040s will markedly be alleviated under the listed three SSPs. There will be a slight drying trend in YRB for all the three SSPs under four warming scenarios (e.g., 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C global warming, carbon peak and carbon neutrality) compare with the reference period. Drought conditions under carbon neutrality will be mostly alleviated among all the four warming scenarios. By 2100, YRB areas will witness a drier tendency, mainly in upstream and northern region (e.g., Inner Mongolia). We argue that reaching the carbon neutrality goal by the end of this century is essential for mitigating the impacts of climate-induced disasters on society, as such goal would help people coping with challenges posed by climatic extremes and drought conditions in a sustainable way. • CMIP6 model simulations reveal an increase in temperature and precipitation in Yellow River Basin till 2100. • Slightly enhanced drought is projected in the Yellow River Basin under future warming scenarios. • Drought conditions under carbon neutrality will be mostly alleviated among all the four warming scenarios. • By 2100, upstream and northern part of Yellow River Basin will witness a drier tendency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a green procedure to prepare oil in water (O/W) emulsion from acid soluble soy protein (ASSP) and soy soluble polysaccharide (SSPS), a long-term stable nanoscale system for delivering the lipophilic components. The emulsion technique involved the preparation complexion using ASSP and SSPS by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions as well as high pressure homogenization. The average diameter of the droplet of emulsions (fresh and heated) is 263 ± 2 nm. Such emulsions resulted in heating stable dispersions containing corn oil at the concentration of 20.0%, even at the pH around the isoelectric points of ASSP. After 90 days storage at 4 °C, the mean diameter of emulsions after heating at 80 °C for 60 min is 314 ± 1 nm compared with 341 ± 3 nm of emulsions unheated. The heat-stability of dispersions were affected by emulsion conditions, so the present research demonstrates the emulsion stability against heat treatment, ionic strength and pH change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The space solar power station (SSPS) capable of providing earth with primary power has been researched for 50 years. The SSPS is a tremendous design involving optics, mechanics, electromagnetism, thermology, control, and other disciplines. This paper presents a novel design project for SSPS named OMEGA. The space segment of the proposed GEO-based SSPS is composed of four main parts, such as spherical solar power collector, hyperboloid photovoltaic (PV) cell array, power management and distribution (PMAD) and microwave transmitting antenna. Principle of optics, structure configuration, wired and wireless power transmissions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, casting method was used to prepare novel polysaccharide-based bio-nanocomposite films with halloysite nanoclay (HNC). HNC was incorporated into soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) at different concentrations (e.g., 1, 3, and 5%, w/w). Functional properties of SSPS films were evaluated following by ASTM standards. Incorporating HNC to SSPS matrix decreased water vapor permeability from 7.41 × 10 −11 to 3.27 × 10 −11 (g m −1 s −1 Pa −1 ) and oxygen permeability from 202 to 84 cm 3 (μm m −2 day −1 atm −1 ). By addition of HNC to SSPS films, glass transition temperature, tensile strength, and heat seal strength was increased and elongation at break was decreased. Uniform and smooth surface morphology revealed by scanning electron microscopy and shows no sign of phase separation among the film constitutes. In summary, HNC has the potential to be a filler in SSPS-based films for use in food and non-food packaging industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effectiveness of a micro-tension actuator for vibration control of such flexible space structures as the tethered space solar power satellites is experimentally studied on the ground. A flexible leverage is employed as the micro-tension actuator in order to control the microtension of tether. The flexible leverage is connected through a tether to the flexible beam as an experimental model of the flexible solar panel with the low first modal frequency of order 1 Hz. The nonlinearity of the flexible tether is taken into account for the vibration control since the tether becomes ineffective when it slacks, i.e., when it is tension-free. The feedback controller is designed by means of the Mission Function control algorithm. Flexural rigidity of the flexible leverage plays an important role in the vibration suppression and is studied experimentally to shed light on the effectiveness of the leverages with five different kinds of rigidity. The experimental results show not only the effect of the flexural rigidity of the flexible leverage on the control performance of the vibration suppression but also the importance of selection of the rigidity to control the vibration of tethered flexible space structures through the microtension of tethers in space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space Solar Power Station (SSPS) is a kind of space electrical power system which converts space solar energy into electrical power and transmits it to Earth ground receiving station, the energy from which is a kind of clean and renewable resource. Compared to others, the SSPS with concentrator represents the developing direction of SPSS in the future, among which, Integrated Symmetrical Concentrated system (ISC) proposed by NASA has the advantage of high collecting sunlight efficiency. However, the addition of concentrator system results in complicated mechanism and is more difficult to control in motion than before; therefore, it is particularly important to plan the effective and realizable motion trajectory when travels on its orbit in the space. For the purpose, a method of trajectory planning for this kind of system is proposed in this paper to make concentrator to realize real-time solar tracking by means of the cooperative rotation of transverse truss and concentrator on the Geostationary Orbit (GEO), and the simulation demonstrates its validation and feasibility. Finally, two improved measures especially solution 2 are presented to mitigate the overheating as the result of nonuniformity of the flux distribution on PV array caused by rotation of concentrator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space Solar Power Station (SSPS) is a very potential candidate for supplying abundant electrical energy. Symmetrical two-stage flat reflected concentrator (STFC) has many advantages when used in SSPS. However the steady performance and control method on orbit has become a big problem which will be discussed in this paper. The actual posture of entire station is analyzed in detail due to the requirements of good flux uniformity, circular concentrated spot and controlled concentration ratio. Here two regulating directions are studied. And the most optimal method in multidimensional space of adjusting parameters is developed. In order to verify the correctness and reliability, the concentrating characteristics in different cases are simulated by Monte-Carlo ray tracing method (MCRTM). Based on the optimal adjusting parameters, solutions for the arrangement of transverse truss are proposed. After that the effect and regulating method for tracking error is investigated to improve the tolerance performance as highly as possible. Finally the construction of concentrators is much important to the realizability, cost and working performance. A flat hexagon module concept and the regular pattern are investigated to build the optical model. The flux distribution on solar panel based on different big number of modules is simulated, which provides certain reference for the build of SSPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facing the high possibility of future severe water resources scarcity, the Haihe River Basin in the North China Plain is an important region for climate change studies. This study employed an improved SWAT model with a Management Allowed Depletion (MAD) auto-irrigation method to assess the impacts of future climate change on water cycle and crop growth of irrigated winter wheat and summer maize in the Haihe River Basin, China. A total of 27 Global Climate Models (GCMs) from the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) and two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5) were used to drive the SWAT-MAD model to simulate crop growth and water balance components for two future periods of 2041–2070 (2050s) and 2071–2100 (2080s). Data from almost all GCMs showed an increase in annual mean maximum air temperature, minimum air temperature, total precipitation, and solar radiation across the Haihe River Basin. Winter wheat yields increased by 15.6% (SSP245) and 16.3% (SSP585) by 2050s, and by 17.1% (SSP245) and 10.0% (SSP585) by 2080s, respectively. Summer maize yields increased by 8.9% (SSP245) and 9.6% (SSP585) by 2050s, and by 12.6% (SSP245) and 6.1% (SSP585) by 2080s, respectively. The change of leaf area index (LAI) indicated an advance in phenology of crops, which might be related to the increase in temperature. In the four future climate scenarios, precipitation, percolation, and surface runoff increased by 19.16–57.25 mm, 7.26–22.18 mm, and 1.45–4.87 mm during winter wheat growing season, 125.41–205.24 mm, 51.03–96.37 mm, and 33.97–68.69 mm during summer maize growing season. However, the irrigation amounts decreased by 18.82–83.74 mm and 35.71–50.92 mm during wheat and maize growing seasons, respectively. The annual Net Groundwater Use (NGU) decreased with time and the crop water productivity (CWP) increased in the future, which have positive effects on the sustainable development in this double-cropping system with intensive irrigation management. [Display omitted] • Bias-corrected CMIP6 of 27 GCMs for SSP-4.5 & 8.5 from 2041 to 2100 were downscaled. • A physically-based SWAT auto irrigation was used in the intensively irrigated basin. • Future CO 2 , temperatures, radiation, rainfall, percolation, & runoff were increased. • Decreases in irrigation and net groundwater use were found in most GCM projections. • Comprehensive future climate effects led to the increase of crop water productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We analyzed the variable range and its influence on energy transmission of STFC. [•] An adaptive concentration ratio and the best parameter values are derived. [•] We found STFC has high uniform flux distribution and proper concentration ratio. [•] The principle of homogenization was discovered. [•] We found the approach to cope with change when STFC is on orbit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With the increasing application of nanomaterials, evaluation of the phytotoxicity of nanoparticles has attracted considerable interest. Buckwheat is an economically pseudocereal crop, which is a potential model for investigating the response of plants to hazardous materials. In this study, the response of buckwheat to graphene oxide (GO) was investigated by integrating physiological and transcriptome analysis. GO can penetrate into buckwheat root and stem, and high concentrations of GO inhibited seedlings growth. High concentration of GO improved ROS production and regulated the activities and gene expression of oxidative enzymes, which implying GO may affect plant growth via regulating ROS detoxification. Root and stem exhibit distinct transcriptomic responses to GO, and the GO-responsive genes in stem are more enriched in cell cycle and epigenetic regulation. GO inhibited plant hormone biosynthesis and signaling by analyzing the expression data. Additionally, 97 small secreted peptides (SSPs) encoding genes were found to be involved in GO response. The gene expression of 111 transcription factor (TFs) and 43 receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs) were regulated by GO, and their expression showed high correlation with SSPs. Finally, the TFs-SSPs-RLKs signaling networks in regulating GO response were proposed. This study provides insights into the molecular responses of plants to GO. [Display omitted] • Graphene oxide (GO) can penetrate into root and stem, and GO significantly inhibited the growth of buckwheat seedlings. • GO may affect buckwheat growth via regulating ROS detoxification. • Root and stem of buckwheat exhibit distinct transcriptomic responses to GO. • The genes involved in cell cycle, epigenetic regulation, and plant hormones showed response to GO. • The networks mediated by TFs-SSPs-RLKs signaling modules in regulating GO response were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoprene is a key biogenic volatile organic compound of vital importance for global climate change and air quality. Previous studies projecting future changes of isoprene emissions showed a wide range of uncertainties due to the discrepancies in emission schemes, climate models, and future scenarios. Here, we use an ensemble of models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project version 6 (CMIP6) to explore the spatiotemporal variations of global isoprene emissions at present day and their changes by the end of 21st century. At present day, most models predict similar emission rates of 400 Tg C yr−1 but with large differences in the long-term trends. For models using the scheme of Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature, isoprene emissions show limited changes during historical period but significant enhancements after the year 2000. However, for models using another scheme with strong CO 2 inhibition effects, isoprene emissions show decreasing trends during historical period and moderate increasing trends after the year 2000. By the end of 21st century, the ensemble projection shows increases of 21–57% in isoprene emissions with the largest enhancement for the strongest warming scenario. Attribution shows that temperature is the dominant driver for the increase of isoprene emissions, no matter whether the CO 2 inhibition effects are considered or not. The enhanced isoprene emissions increase the risks of ozone pollution in a warmer climate. • CMIP6 models predict similar present-day isoprene emissions but varied trends. • Isoprene emissions are projected to increase by 21–57% at the end of century. • Temperature instead of CO 2 dominates the enhancement of isoprene emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dark electrical, impedance and photovoltaic properties of 1,2-diazoamino diphenyl ethane (DDE) based schottky device were investigated. It is found that DDE behaves as an n-type organic semiconductor which forms the schottky barrier with ITO (high work function electrode) and ohmic contact with Al (low work function electrode) having ITO/DDE/Al configuration. The J–V characteristics of device reveal that the conduction mechanism for biasing voltage between 0.6 and 1.2 V can be described by modified Schockley equation. For the higher voltage (beyond 1.2 V), the current transport is due to the space charge limited current (SCLC) in the presence of exponentially distributed traps, however for voltage below 0.6 V, the conduction mechanism is determined on the basis of schottkey emission and Poole–Frenkel emission. The formation of Schottky barrier at ITO–DDE interface is also evidenced by the impedance analysis and comparison of photoaction spectra of the device with optical absorption spectra of DDE thin layer. The dependence of ac conductivity on temperature yields low activation energy in low temperature region which indicates the dominance of hopping conduction process in DDE thin film layer. It is also found that the slower relaxation process occurs at the interface, which limits the carrier injection across the ITO–DDE junction. The observation of high interfacial resistance and low electron mobility in DDE leads to the conclusion that most of the electron–hole recombination occurs at the ITO–DDE junction, thus increasing the diode ideality factor. The photogeneration mechanism of the charge carriers in the device has also been described in detail. The analysis of dark space charge limited current at high voltage region and exponential relation of the photocurrent with illumination intensity attributes an exponential trap distribution in the band gap of the film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One of the possible consequences of projected global warming is the progressive enlargement of drylands. This study investigates to what extent population and land-use (forests, pastures, and croplands) are likely to be in areas turning arid in the 21st century. The first part of the study focuses on the climatological enlargement of arid areas at global, macro-regional, and high-resolution (0.44°) scales. To do so we analysed a large ensemble of CORDEX climate simulations, combined three indicators (FAO-UNEP aridity index, Köppen-Geiger climate classification, and Holdridge life zones), and quantified the areas turning from climatologically not arid into climatologically arid (and vice-versa) from recent past (1981–2010) to four projected global warming levels (GWLs) from 1.5°C to 4°C. In the second part, we used population and land-use projections to analyze their exposure to progressive shifts to drier or wetter climate. Both types of projections follow five socio-economic scenarios (SSPs from SSP1 to SSP5). We present results for the viable combinations between SSPs and GWLs. Depending on GWL, the projected drying patterns show regional differences but, overall, the negative consequences of climate change are clear. Already at 1.5°C warming, approximately 2 million km2 (1.4% of global land) are likely to become arid; at 2°C this area corresponds to 2.6 million km2 (2.7%), at 3°C to 5.2 million km2 (3.5%), and at 4°C to 6.8 million km2 (4.5%), an area that can be ranked the seventh largest country in the World. Such drying is particular strong over South America and southern Europe. In the worst-case scenario (SSP3, regional rivalry, at 4°C), approximately 500 million people will live in areas shifting towards arid climate. Forest areas are likely to be more affected in South America, pastures in Africa, and croplands in the Northern Hemisphere. For land-use, the worst-case scenarios are SSP3 and SSP5 (fossil-fuel based future): at GWL 4°C, about 0.5 million km2 of forests and 1.2 million km2 of both pastures and croplands are likely to be in areas shifting to arid climate. In a World which will develop following less sustainable scenarios (SSP3, SSP4, and SSP5), the progressive global warming is likely to result in areas shifting from not arid (in 1981-2010) towards arid climates affecting around 300 million people at GWL 3°C (and more at GWL 4°C). Such enlargement of arid areas will also affect around 0.5 million km2 of pastures and 1 million km2 of forests and croplands at high GWLs with severe SSPs. Instead, in a World which will follow more sustainable development (SSP1 and SSP2) and where mitigation and adaptation measures will be implemented to limit the warming to 2°C, a much smaller fraction of population and land-use will be impacted by climatological drying. [Display omitted] • Unprecedented number of CODEX runs (>150) to project shifts towards arid climate. • Use of 2 RCPs and 5 SSPs to obtain population and land-use exposure to future drying. • At GWL 4°C, the 4.5% of global land will shift to arid climate, hotspots: SA and EU. • With SSP3, at GWL 4°C, the enlargement of arid areas will affect 500 million people. • Forests will be more affected by drying in SA, pastures in AFR, croplands in NHEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study shows that soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) has different anti-retrogradation effects on different types of starches and demonstrates the mechanism. Maize starch (MS), wheat starch (WS), rice starch (RS) and tapioca starch (TS) were chosen to investigate the pasting and retrograding characteristics with low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), rapid visco-analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and texture profile analysis (TPA). A 4% SSPS solution lowered the pasting viscosity of starch systems and tightened the interstitial water (T 22) that dominated the starch network (LF-NMR). After 14-day refrigeration, XRD results indicated that SSPS reduced the relative crystallinities of MS and WS, increased that of TS, but had little effect on RS. The different interaction patterns between SSPS and starch led to the differences in retrogradation crystal structure and the formation of V-type structures inhibited the starch retrogradation (MS and WS). The minimal anti-retrogradation effect of SSPS on RS can be explained by its small starch granule size and fuzzy original morphology. The special non-porous structure of TS and the possible electrostatic interaction with SSPS might accelerate the retrogradation process. In addition, SSPS could soften the hardness of MS and WS gels but promote the gelatinization of TS (TPA). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images proved the coating capacity of SSPS. Thus, the coating ability of SSPS on starch granules, the competition effect of SSPS on starch for available water, and the possible molecular interactions between SSPS and starch could be responsible for these results. [Display omitted] ● SSPS reduced the relative crystallinities of maize and rice starch. ● SSPS accelerated the retrogradation of tapioca starch with non-porous structure. ● SSPS had little anti-retrogradation effect on rice starch. ● SSPS's anti-retrogradation effect was due to coating and water competition ability. ● Possible molecular interactions led to different retrograded crystal structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Combination of envelope, past performance, and hydrological Turc-Budyko approach. • Full spectrum of projected climate—cold-dry, cold-wet, warm-dry, and warm-wet. • Representation of water-energy balance and change in glacier storage. • Projections show a warmer and wetter climate in Upper Indus Basin by 2100. • Tipping points of glaciers will occur before (Himalaya) and after (Karakoram) 2100. The selection of future climate change scenarios may have issues in representing the full spectrum of climate projections in glacierized mountain regions, where glaciers play an important role in hydrology. Thus, the effect of glacier storage change must be considered in the selection approaches. Here, a multi-perspective approach was proposed to select climate models from CMIP6 database, considering the full spectrum of future climate change and effects of glaciers on hydrology. This approach combines the envelope-based approach (EA), past performance approach (PPA), and additional criteria to incorporate water-energy balance and glacier storage change based on the Turc-Budyko theory. The approach physically diagnoses GCMs by investigating their effects on glacier storage change compared to reference climate and observed mass balance data. A step-wise shortlisting and selection of appropriate climate models for the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) was made under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs): SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585, based on (a) range of projected changes in mean values for four extreme future projections (cold-dry, cold-wet, warm-dry, and warm-wet), (b) range of projected changes in climatic extremes, (c) representation of water-energy balance and storage change, and (d) skill in representing historical climate. The future projections indicate temperature and precipitation increase by 1.7 ± 0.6 °C and 7 ± 5%, 3.3 ± 1.3 °C and 10 ± 6%, and 6.3 ± 2.6 °C and 22 ± 13% under SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585 in 2071–2100 compared to 1985–2014, respectively. The glacier area, volume, and length are projected to decrease by 22–33%, 51–63%, and 13–22% under ensembled scenarios of full spectrum at selected glaciers. The proposed multi-perspective approach is advantageous in shortlisting a limited number of climate models, representing the full range of possible future climatic conditions, to assess the full range of expected impacts of climate changes on indigenous glacio-hydrology. Such selection eventually reduces the glacio-hydrological simulation task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive nutrients inputs cause anthropogenic lake eutrophication worldwide. It is thus crucial to provide information on future trends of nutrient loading and its implications for the lake's trophic state. Here we quantified total phosphorus (TP) loading to the Lake Baiyangdian (BYD), the largest shallow lake in northern China, and assessed their future trend and the trophic state of the lake. The TP loading to the Lake BYD by rivers in 2015 was 276 ton, which was in a relatively low level in lakes from China. Based on the five shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), the TP loading to the Lake BYD in 2050 will increase only at the fragmentation scenario (SSP3) by an increment of 34.4%, in which the directly discharged animal manure become the main source. The lowest TP loading in 2050 is observed at the sustainability scenario (SSP1), in which sewage system will be the dominant contributor. At the sub-basin scale, compositions of river exported TP in rural areas will be more influenced by future socioeconomic developments than those in urban areas. The twenty years nutrient dynamics from clear or turbid state in the Lake BYD were simulated by the PCLake model to calculate the critical P loading (CPL). The results indicated that the CPL in the Lake BYD was 2.06 mg P m−2 d−1 for eutrophication and 0.84 mg P m−2 d−1 for oligotrophication. The only scenario in which Lake BYD will become eutrophic is SSP3, which should be avoided in the future development. To restore the lake water to the oligotrophic state, more efforts are necessary to reduce direct discharge of animal manure and increase the TP removal rates, especially in rural areas. [Display omitted] • Animal manure and sewage system will be the main contributors of P loadings. • Riverine P compositions will be changed greater in rural areas than in urban areas. • Fragmentation scenario (SSP3) should be avoided for future development. • The critical P loading in Lake Baiyangdian is 2.06 mg P m−2 d−1 for eutrophication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Global forest sector impacts vary widely across the five shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). • Roundwood prices, timber harvests, and forest carbon sequestration increase across all SSPs. • Global forest area changes between 2015 and 2105 range from -970 (SSP3) to +840 (SSP1) million hectares. • Estimates are sensitive to assumptions about wood-based bioenergy demand. Socio-economic and technological drivers will strongly shape the future of the global timber market, forest area and climate change mitigation potential, however impacts could vary widely across several plausible futures. This paper illustrates how Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) can be applied to forest sector modelling using a method that translates qualitative narratives into quantitative parameters and then applying them to a dynamic global timber model framework. Results indicate wide variations in estimates for key forest sector outputs across the five SSPs with largest impacts on wood prices and forest area. The price estimates have a strong correlation with the other results, as higher timber prices incentivize land to remain in forests, more intensive management, and greater roundwood harvests. Competing influences such as population growth, economic development, land use policy, and technological change could result in wide changes in forest area, ranging from −970 Mha to +840 Mha between now and 2105. Despite large variations across the SSPs, global forests are likely to remain a net carbon sink, with the average annual global forest carbon sequestration ranging from 1.8 GtCO2e/yr to 6.9 GtCO2e/yr. The results of our study, including sensitivity analysis, support developing policies directed towards expanding forest cover or curbing deforestation in an effort to increase forest carbon by focusing on effective ways to enhance technological change, promote sustainable economic development, improve land use protection, and shift consumer preferences towards longer-lasting wood products, which will all raise the relative value of forests across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decline in snow mass threatens the regional economy that critically depends on meltwater. However, the economic scale of snow mass loss is hardly understood, and its role in the vulnerability of future economic development is unclear. We investigate the current reserves of snow cover and the value of its loss. The result showed that the total annual snow mass in western China declines at a rate of 3.3 × 109 Pg per decade (p < 0.05), which accounts for approximately 0.46% of the mean of annual snow mass (7.2 × 1011 Pg). Snow mass loss over the past 40 years in western China turns into an average loss value of CN¥0.1 billion (in the present value) every year ($1 = CN¥7). If the trend continues at the current rate, the accumulated loss value would rise to CN¥63 billion by 2040. Furthermore, subject to the combinations of RCPs and SSPs scenario, the future economic value of snow mass loss in western China appears to accelerate driven by both declining snowmelt resources and socioeconomic development demand. RCP26-SSP1 is the pathway among all to have the least economic cost in replacing the snowmelt loss, and the cost would be quadrupled in RCP80-SSP3 scenario by 2100. At a basin scale, the declining snow mass would turn the regional economy to be more vulnerable except Junggar and Ili endorheic basin. The Ertis river and Qaidam endorheic basins display to be most vulnerable. It highlights that the snow value can be economically important in the regions of west China and should be considered more properly in water resources management. Unlabelled Image • Snow cover has a unique and irreplaceable role in ecosystems, environment, and economic activities. • Novel angle to look into the impact of climate change in terms of snow cover. • There is a decreasing trend of snow mass in west China in the past 40 years. • Economic value of snow mass loss would accelerate, driven by both declining meltwater and growing demand. • Cost to meet the snowmelt resource gap would place many areas in western China more vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The aims of this research is to evaluate reduction potentials of carbon emissions in cities. • Application of Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) to city scale for quantitative evaluation. • Examination of alternative sustainable pathways (Local Vitality and Efficiency scenarios). • Informing the dialogue on development of synergies and trade-offs on urban transformation. Climate change has been one of the central issues for long-term transformations of cities. However, environmental loads have not been effectively taken into account for future urban plans. Specifically, possible reductions of carbon emissions from cities significantly rely on technological progress and human lifestyle changes, among other factors, which may be a barrier to estimating future environmental loads for cities. There is, therefore, urgent need for developing methods to integrate climate change policies with urban sustainable development planning. This research attempts to estimate future carbon emissions in the building sector in the megacity of Tokyo, considering the social and urban form transitions. The alternative socioeconomic pathways on an urban scale have been developed by the authors. The development of quantitative analysis methods linked with socioeconomic scenario assumptions and finding relevant parameters, also required novel thinking. In this research, influential explanatory variables for building stock changes are investigated and applied for the scenario analysis. Final results show two alternative 'sustainability' pathways that can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 15 percent compared to the Business As Usual scenario in 2050. This result encourages the development of various innovative sustainable pathways that are the most suitable for each city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]