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Since the 1950s, Roger Barker's theory of behaviour settings has been useful for a wide number of disciplines. Few realize, however, that behaviour settings theory is also a methodology. Barker fully describes how to identify, describe and measure behaviour settings in his seminal book Ecological psychology: concepts and methods for studying the environment of human behavior (1968), and this method is further delineated in Phil Schoggen's Behavior settings: a revision and extension of Roger G. Barker's ecological psychology (1989). Nevertheless, beyond these two (rather expensive) books there are few other resources available to twenty-first century researchers who wish to systematically describe and measure behaviour in its ecological context using the principles of behaviour settings theory. In this article, I offer a practitioner's field guide to implementing the behaviour settings method, which includes a contemporary illustration of defining a behaviour setting using a recent observational study of an art gallery in Lethbridge, Canada. I discuss how researchers can use Barker's original methodology to determine what is a behaviour setting and how to define its boundaries, and I suggest best practices, offering practitioners the tools to replicate Barker's procedures. This article is part of the theme issue 'People, places, things, and communities: expanding behaviour settings theory in the twenty-first century'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trends and developments in recent behavioural and cognitive sciences demonstrate the need for a well-developed theoretical and empirical framework for examining the ecology of human behaviour. The increasing recognition of the role of the environment and interaction with the environment in the organization of behaviour within the cognitive sciences has not been met with an equally disciplined and systematic account of that environment (Heft 2018 Ecol. Psychol. 30, 99–123 (doi:10.1080/10407413.2018.1410045); McGann 2014 Synth. Philos.29, 217–233). Several bodies of work in behavioural ecology, anthropology and ecological psychology provide some frameworks for such an account. At present, however, the most systematic and theoretically disciplined account of the human behavioural ecosystem is that of behaviour settings, as developed by the researchers of the Midwest Psychological Field Station (see Barker 1968 Ecological psychology: concepts and methods for studying the environment of human behavior). The articles in this theme issue provide a critical examination of these theoretical and methodological resources. The collection addresses their theoretical value in connecting with contemporary issues in cognitive science and research practice in psychology, as well as the importance of the methodological specifics of behaviour settings research. Additionally, articles diagnose limitations and identify points of potential extension of both theory and methods, particularly with regard to changes owing to the advance of technology, and the complex relationship between the individual and the collective in behaviour settings work. This article is part of the theme issue 'People, places, things, and communities: expanding behaviour settings theory in the twenty-first century'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary responds to the following article previously published on the Journal and Business Ethics: 'Baudoin, L., Arenas, D. "Everyone Has a Truth": Forms of Ecological Embeddedness in an Interorganizational Context. J Bus Ethics 185, 263–280 (2023)'. Our commentary offers a rejoinder to Baudoin's and Arenas' conclusion that environmental engagement within organizations is a plural field within which many different sub-positions may be discerned. In rejoining their conclusion, our commentary searches for greater nuance in the portrayal of engagement for social and ecological transition in the workplace. This is done in two steps: first, by 'softening' categories that conceal as much as they reveal: like Olin Wright's tripartition of rupture, interstice and reform as distinct forms such engagement might take. Second, by undertaking a close reading of the experience of an activist undertaking training on environmental issues, who has previously left a job with a French car manufacturer. In so doing, we discern the following strategies co-existing simultaneously in this person's story: an existential quest to frame his choices, the decision to become a broker of scientific information concerning human-made climate change to other professionals, and a state of 'suspension' in moving from individual consciousness raising to the initiation of joint action with others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of advanced photothermal materials for personal thermal management to improve thermal comfort and regulate heat exchange between the human body and the environment is a focal point of research. Herein, this study presents the design of in situ metal-ion-incorporated photothermal GO films with high light capture efficiency (98.51% of GO--Fe-0.3 film) and exceptional photothermal conversion capability (~61.3 °C under 1 solar illumination), offering temperature adjustability within the range of 39.1--61.3 °C. This temperature adjustability is facilitated by the straightforward control of the metal ion content, which enables versatile applications in daily human thermal regulation and high-temperature medical contexts. Furthermore, this strategy demonstrates scalability and flexibility through the variation of metal ion types. Practical simulations using a tailored flexible and wearable device reveal a rapid temperature increase of ~61.5 °C within 600 s. Therefore, the in situ metal-ion-incorporated photothermal GO films exhibit significant potential in advancing photothermal conversion for adaptable personal thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assume title above (Process-form transitions in space and time) should be below abstract?Here is abstract:Fluvial networks are characterised by spatial and temporal transitions as geomorphic and ecological processes within these systems are mediated longitudinally by sediment and water fluxes which vary spatially in magnitude and variability. The aim of this special issue was to shed light on the nature of source-to-sink fluvial transitions associated with spatial and temporal variability in geomorphic and hydrological processes. We encouraged contributions that considered fluvial transitions at any spatial or temporal scale, and invited research that addressed the implications of such transitions. The number of submissions was limited, which was potentially indicative of the lack of field-based studies being conducted at a catchment- or source-to-sink scale. Two of the published submissions considered longitudinal transitions in sediment sources using a sediment finger-printing approach, while the remaining two articles combined traditional fluvial sedimentology techniques with optically stimulated luminescence chronology to deduce controls on river reach flood dynamics. As we enter a time of unprecedented human impact on the environment, there is a clear need for future research to focus on the catchment as a holistic unit as the interconnectedness of landscape pattern and process has implications for biodiversity, water quality, ecosystem service provision and thus catchment management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeConclusionThe increasing amounts of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light in our surroundings have sparked worries about the possible effects on humans and plants. The detrimental effects of heightened UV-B exposure on these two vital elements of terrestrial life are different due to their unique and concurrent nature. Understanding common vulnerabilities and distinctive adaptations of UV-B radiation by exploring the physiological and biochemical responses of plants and the effects on human health is of huge importance. The comparative effects of UV-B radiation on plants and animals, however, are poorly studied. This review sheds light on the sophisticated web of UV-B radiation effects by navigating the complex interaction between botanical and medical perspectives, drawing upon current findings.By providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex effects of heightened UV-B radiation on plants and humans, this study summarizes relevant adaptation strategies to the heightened UV-B radiation stress, which offer new approaches for improving human cellular resilience to environmental stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial communities are ubiquitous in nature and play an important role in ecology and human health. Cross-feeding is thought to be core to microbial communities, though it remains unclear precisely why it emerges. Why have multi-species microbial communities evolved in many contexts and what protects microbial consortia from invasion? Here, we review recent insights into the emergence and stability of coexistence in microbial communities. A particular focus is the long-term evolutionary stability of coexistence, as observed for microbial communities that spontaneously evolved in the E. coli long-term evolution experiment (LTEE). We analyze these findings in the context of recent work on trade-offs between competing microbial objectives, which can constitute a mechanistic basis for the emergence of coexistence. Coexisting communities, rather than monocultures of the 'fittest' single strain, can form stable endpoints of evolutionary trajectories. Hence, the emergence of coexistence might be an obligatory outcome in the evolution of microbial communities. This implies that rather than embodying fragile metastable configurations, some microbial communities can constitute formidable ecosystems that are difficult to disrupt. This Review discusses recent insights into the emergence and stability of coexistence in microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change threatens the lives and livelihoods of smallholder farmers throughout the global South. In order to address the challenges these farmers face, researchers and practitioners need reasonable theoretical models of how humans and the environment interact within social–ecological systems (SES). Social–ecological resilience theory has proved to be a popular model for understanding human environment relationships within SES; however, the theory lacks a sophisticated understanding of power, relying instead on outdated functionalist sociological approaches. We reconstruct social–ecological resilience theory through a case study of smallholder climate change adaptation in Southern Province, Zambia. Farmers in the region focus on cattle and maize production. Though the changing environment would seem to favor different crops and livestock, institutional (power) dynamics determine whether or not individuals have the capacity (or desire) to adapt. Our critical reconstruction provides researchers and practitioners with an improved social–ecological lens for understanding the causes and consequences of vulnerability and adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 19th century, the study of shell middens has played an important role in archaeological research. Shell midden and broader coastal archaeology have transformed our understanding of human relationships with aquatic habitats, demonstrating the importance of marine environments to human evolution and ecology, the colonization of islands and establishment of maritime trade networks, changing social and political dynamics, and a variety of other issues. During the past two decades, shell midden research has greatly increased, marking an exciting time for new discoveries and heightened collaboration with Indigenous communities. Several key research trends in shell midden archaeology during the past 10–15 years include research on site distribution and temporality, underwater archaeology, historical ecology, terraforming, landscape legacies, and community collaboration. These research trends demonstrate the ways in which shell midden archaeologists are shaping our understanding of the human past and environmental change around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As youth psychological distress grows regarding climate change, educators are in an important position to provide support. In working with youth, educators are tasked with balancing the psychological distress associated with climate change knowledge against the ability to educate for positive outcomes such as hope, agency, and action. This theoretical essay pulls from philosophical and social psychological literature to make the case that educators have an intergenerational obligation to educate youth on climate change and that solidarity between educators and students represents a fruitful path forward. Solidarity in climate change education may help youth better manage their climate anxiety and channel this emotion into action. Solidarity expands upon current climate change teaching efforts by advocating for meaningful dialogue between students and educators, grounding action in the unique social‐ecological systems within which the learning process is occurring, and fostering realistic hope and agency within students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines transport and mobility in rural and remote communities, focusing on trade‐offs between development and environmental protection in the Anthropocene. In Sarawak, a state of Malaysia, unpaved logging roads provide basic mobility for remote communities while contributing to the unsustainable and inequitable extraction of natural resources. I argue that the conditions under which transport infrastructure is provided prevent the possibility for sustainable development and pitch local people against a landscape that is the source of livelihoods and identities. The paper is interested in the life and agency of infrastructure and the environment, new materialism and critical approaches to development within human geography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major advances in intelligent transportation systems are pushing societal services toward autonomy where road management is to be more agile in order to cope with changes and continue to yield optimal performance. However, the pedestrian experience is not sufficiently considered. Particularly, signalized intersections are expected to be popular if not dominant in urban settings where pedestrian density is high. This paper presents the design of a novel environment for simulating human motion on signalized crosswalks at a fine-grained level. Such a simulation not only captures typical behavior, but also handles cases where large pedestrian groups cross from both directions. The proposed simulator is instrumental for optimized road configuration management where the pedestrians' quality of experience, for example, waiting time, is factored in. The validation results using field data show that an accuracy of 98.37% can be obtained for the estimated crossing time. Other results using synthetic data show that our simulator enables optimized traffic light scheduling that diminishes pedestrians' waiting time without sacrificing vehicular throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Task Group (TG121) of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Committee 1 was launched in 2021 to study the effects of ionizing radiation in offspring and next generations. In this report, we summarize the evidence of multi- and trans-generational effects in non-human biota species that was discussed at the ICRP workshop entitled "Effects of Ionizing Radiation Exposure in Offspring and Next Generations" in June 2022. Epigenetic changes, including changes in DNA methylation, have been observed in trans- and multi-generational irradiation studies in both plants and animals. There were also reports of changes in offspring survival and reproduction. The reported evidence for altered reproduction is an area of potential concern, due to possible effects at the population or ecosystem level. Different considerations are also discussed regarding non-human biota data, such as transferability of data between different species or extending knowledge to humans, differences in species radiosensitivity, the presence of adaptive responses, and dose reconstruction for exposures that occur across multiple generations. Overall, there is a diverse range of available data of the effects in non-human biota, and it will require careful consideration when incorporating this evidence into the system of radiological protection of humans and of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilising multiple lines of evidence for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction improves our understanding of the past landscapes in which human populations interacted with other species. Illuminating such processes is key for a nuanced understanding of fundamental transitions in human history, such as the shift from hunting and gathering to farming, and allows us to move beyond simple deterministic interpretations of climate-driven innovation. Avifaunal remains provide detailed indications of complex multi-species interactions at the local scale. They allow us to infer relationships between human and non-human animals, but also to reconstruct their niche, because many bird species are sensitive to specific ecological conditions and will often relocate and change their breeding patterns. In this paper, we illustrate how novel evidence that waterfowl reproduced at Levantine wetlands, which we obtained through biomolecular archaeology, together with modern ornithological data reveals conditions of wetlands that are conducive for breeding waterfowl. By understanding the interplay between wetland productivity cycles and waterfowl ecology, we argue that human modifications to the environment could have promoted wetland productivity inviting waterfowl to remain year-round. Within this landscape of "mutual ecologies", the feedback resulting from the agency of all species is involved in the construction of the human niche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite years of debate, the factors that control the long-term carrying capacity of human populations are not well understood. In this paper, we assess the effect of changes in resource extraction and climate-driven changes in ecosystem productivity on the carrying capacity of hunter-gatherer populations in a terrestrial and coastal ecosystem. To make this assessment, we build time-series estimates of changes in resource extraction using stable isotopes and ecosystem productivity using paleoclimate models and geomorphic records of flood events. These estimates of resource extraction and ecosystem productivity allow us to assess a complex model of population expansion that proposes linked changes between population density, resource extraction, and intensification. We find that changes in resource extraction had a larger effect on carrying capacity in both the terrestrial and coastal ecosystems than climate drivers of ecosystem productivity. Our results are consistent with the idea that both Malthusian limits on resources and Boserupian pressures to reorganize economic systems operate in hunter-gatherer populations over the long term. Our data and analysis contribute to evaluating complex models of population growth and subsistence change across archaeological cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the human ecology framework, which describes social structure as dynamic and social action as environmentally contingent, this article examines behavior and attitudes around accepting help after disaster. Through two years of longitudinal in-depth interviews with 59 households in one community whose homes flooded during Hurricane Harvey, this study describes perceived shifts in the help provided by local organizations, institutions, and the social networks of community members—or what we call the local ecology of aid. While flood victims experienced an immense, and seemingly universal, outpouring of support in the immediate aftermath of the storm, in the ensuing months they reported a sharp decrease in this interpersonal support. In the absence of a local ecology of aid marked by the universal provision of aid, concerns about stigmatization began to inform decisions about accepting help. Our findings have implications for ecological theorizing, for understanding stigma and help-seeking or accepting help, as well as for fostering community resilience—a growing concern given the expanding scope and intensity of climate-related disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern Bangladesh is more vulnerable to climatic variability, flash floods, upstream heavy rainfall, early floods during the pre-monsoon period, two or three times flooding in a certain year, and poverty as well. This paper explicitly focuses on the socio-environmental challenges associated with the 2017 flood disaster in northern Bangladesh. This study is based on mixed methods. Almost data of the study are collected from primary sources (household survey, FGD) and the remaining data are obtained from authorized sources. The devastating floods in 2017 inundated one-third of Bangladesh, destroyed nearly 700,000 homes and damaged 4,680,000 hectares of cropland. In addition, the socio-economic conditions of the 2017 flood victim HHs in northern Bangladesh are sub-standard compared to other regions of Bangladesh. Some sort of variables (geophysical environment and human interventions) make floods vulnerable. Therefore, social and economic security, rebuilding damaged infrastructures and institutions, public awareness, and regional and delta planning are crucial parts of the mitigation of the effects of disastrous floods in northern Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The long-term interaction between the environment and humans has significantly shaped contemporary landscapes worldwide. As a heritage landscape, the polder is essential for understanding the impact of the past human activities on contemporary landscape on low-lying area of land. In this case study, we reconstructed the regional spatial distribution of the polders in the early twentieth century and examined their coherence over the past century using historical maps and other materials in the Jianghan Plain. The results revealed several key findings: (1) In the early twentieth century, there were 1571 polders covering an area of 11,826.1 km2 with a perimeter of 17,035.9 km. (2) These polders exhibited a J-shaped distribution, with few large-scale polders despite their substantial areas. (3) The shape of these polders reflected an ability to balance human needs and the natural environment. (4) Considerable regional differences in these polders were attributed to centuries-old interactions between humans and the environment. (5) The remnants of these early twentieth century polders have had a lasting influence on the contemporary landscape, particularly in rural areas. This case study underscores how taking into account a broader historical perspective can enhance our understanding of present-day landscapes and, more importantly, the role that past human actions have played in shaping them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of the ever-changing neuroplastic human brain is inseparably linked to its environment. While early humans evolved in response to nature’s complexity and unpredictability, over millennia, the housing trajectory has increasingly prioritized sedentary behaviors, predictability, and comfort at the expense of cognitive stimulation. Modern life stress, mental health issues, and cognitive decline are markers of a poor environment. The pandemic lockdown has implicitly exposed that we need better houses for our brains. This paper goes back in time, navigating the cross-cultural evolution of environmental complexity to escape the contemporary dead end for the human brain that needs to evolve further. The paper advocates for a paradigm shift in housing design, emphasizing the need to foster neuroplasticity rather than constrain it. By reconceptualizing houses as architects of our brains, architecture becomes an independent variable embedding what the brain needs rather than embodying what the brain wants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractOrganophosphorus compounds (OPs) are a diverse group of chemical compounds that contain organic moieties directly bonded to phosphorus or through a heteroatom like oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur. They are ubiquitous in the human environment due to their unique properties and high biological activity. OPs have been widely used in various fields such as agriculture (as pesticides), industry (for producing lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and plastics), medicine (as drugs against osteoporosis, anticancer, and antiviral compounds), and veterinary (as anthelmintics). As an important class of organophosphorus compounds, this review provides an overview of phosphoramidate compounds covering their synthetic pathways, a brief explanation of their mechanisms, and their various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the challenges associated with the toxicity of the majority of organic solvents for the liquid phase synthesis of solid electrolytes toward the human body and environment, we demonstrate the synthesis of tin-based sulphide electrolytes using water, which is the most environmentally friendly solvent. ortho-Thiostannate, i.e., Li4SnS4, was obtained from a mixture of Li2S, Sn, and S using aqueous solution synthesis. Furthermore, Li10SnP2S12, a superionic conductor, was obtained by mixing an aqueous solution of Li4SnS4 and tetrahydrofuran suspension of Li3PS4, which exhibited the highest ionic conductivity (5.9 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 25 °C) in liquid-phase synthesis. This study successfully demonstrates that water can be efficiently used to synthesize sulphide electrolytes instead of conventional organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenced by climate change, numerous lakes in permafrost regions are draining, showing significant spatial variability. This study focuses on St. Lawrence Island, where over the last two decades, 771 of 3,271 lakes have drained—a rate around 40 times higher than across the entire northern permafrost region. The surge in lake drainage began in 2018, coinciding with record low sea ice extent in the Bering Sea and unprecedented bird mortalities. Using satellite imagery and machine learning methods, we analyzed drainage events to identify the climatic drivers and potential climate thresholds affecting the island's lake ecosystems. Our findings indicate that autumn peak temperatures above 6°C more than triple the drainage probability, and warming‐induced permafrost thawing may be the direct driver of lake drainage. This research highlights the vulnerability of Arctic lake ecosystems to climate change and assists in developing predictive models for permafrost response, crucial for mitigating impacts on Arctic communities. Plain Language Summary: St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Strait has experienced a drastic increase in lake drainage since 2018, suggesting that the region may be reaching a critical environmental threshold or tipping point. This study used satellite images to track changes in over 3,000 lakes over two decades, discovering that warmer autumns with temperatures above 6°C greatly increase the chance of lakes draining. This indicates that the region's permafrost is becoming unstable due to higher temperatures. Permafrost thawing happens because the increased warmth causes the ice within the permafrost to melt, leading to the collapse and drainage of lakes. Such changes are important not only because they transform the local landscape but also because they can impact the people and wildlife depending on these lakes for survival. Understanding these patterns helps predict future changes and assists in preparing for and possibly preventing the negative impacts of these environmental changes. This study highlights how global warming can lead to significant changes in Arctic regions, which can have lasting effects on both the environment and human communities. Key Points: Over two decades, a quarter of St. Lawrence Island's lakes have drained, a rate 40 times higher than the entire northern permafrost regionSince 2018, the frequency of lake drainage events has increased tenfold, likely linked to autumn heatwaves and permafrost thawingLake drainage probability more than triples when autumn maximum temperatures exceed 6°C, pushing lake ecosystems beyond tipping points [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrates can cause severe ecological imbalances in aquatic ecosystems, with considerable consequences for human health. Therefore, monitoring this inorganic form of nitrogen is essential for any water quality management structure. This research was conducted to develop a novel Nitrate Portable Measurement System (NPMS) to monitor nitrate concentrations in water samples. NPMS is a reagent-free ultraviolet system developed using low-cost electronic components. Its operation principle is based on the Beer–Lambert law for measuring nitrate concentrations in water samples through light absorption in the spectral range of 295–315 nm. The system is equipped with a ready-to-use ultraviolet sensor, light emission diode (LED), op-amp, microcontroller, liquid crystal display, quartz cuvette, temperature sensor, and battery. All the components are assembled in a 3D-printed enclosure box, which allows a very compact self-contained equipment with high portability, enabling field and near-real-time measurements. The proposed methodology and the developed instrument were used to analyze multiple nitrate standard solutions. The performance was evaluated in comparison to the Nicolet Evolution 300, a classical UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between the retrieved measurements by both instruments within the investigated spectral band and for concentrations above 5 mg NO3−/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring air pollution is important for human health and the environment. Previous studies on the prediction of air pollutants from satellite images have employed machine learning, yet there are few enhancements to the constructure of model. Moreover, the existing models have been successful in predicting pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, and O3. They have not been as effective in predicting other primary air pollutants. To improve the overall prediction performance of the existing model, a novel residual learning backpropagation model, abs. as BresNet, has been proposed in this research. This model has revealed the availability to precisely predict the ground-surface concentration of the six primary air pollutants, PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, CO, and SO2, based on the satellite imagery of MODIS AOD. Two of the most commonly used machine learning models so far, viz. the multilayer backpropagation neural network (MLBPN) and random forest (RF), were employed as the control. In the conducted experiments, the proposed BresNet model demonstrated significant improvements of 18.75%/31.94%, 33.82%/85.71%, 15.00%/35.29%, 39.06%/134.21%, 23.23%/68.00%, and 137.14%/260.87% in terms of R2 for the six primary air pollutants, compared to the RF/MLBPN model. Moreover, the convergence speed and loss function of the BresNet model compared to that of the MLBPN decreased by 55.15%, revealing superior convergence speed with the lower loss function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 32 images, this photo essay tells the story of the rediscovery and rehabilitation of the Clydesdale horse. Some of the very best things languish, hidden in plain sight, waiting to be noticed, brought into the light and put to work – which is why they emerged in the first place. Serendipity led the author to rekindle an association with a horse from childhood, the Clydesdale. It turned out to be a Trojan horse, with considerable previously untapped potential. This horse from the past has a very bright future. It represents a showcase for its own kind, for other rare and endangered breeds, and for the humans who maintain them. Clydesdale horses provide us with a widened perspective on how to ‘do’ economic development, encompassing place-making, heritage, skills, education, wellbeing, and horsemanship. Saving Clydesdale saves many other elements, including our own continuing human relationships with the environment and past heritages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enactive cognition emphasizes co‐constructive roles of humans and their environment in shaping cognitive processes. It is specifically engaged in the mental simulation of behaviors, enhancing the connection between perception and action. Here we investigated the core network of brain regions involved in enactive cognition as applied to mental simulations of physical exercise. We used a neuroimaging paradigm in which participants (N = 103) were required to project themselves running or plogging (running while picking‐up litter) along an image‐guided naturalistic trail. Using both univariate and multivariate brain imaging analyses, we find that a broad spectrum of brain activation discriminates between the mental simulation of plogging versus running. Critically, we show that self‐reported ratings of daily life running engagement and the quality of mental simulation (how well participants were able to imagine themselves running) modulate the brain reactivity to plogging versus running. Finally, we undertook functional connectivity analyses centered on the insular cortex, which is a key region in the dynamic interplay between neurocognitive processes. This analysis revealed increased positive and negative patterns of insular‐centered functional connectivity in the plogging condition (as compared to the running condition), thereby confirming the key role of the insular cortex in action simulation involving complex sets of mental mechanisms. Taken together, the present findings provide new insights into the brain networks involved in the enactive mental simulation of physical exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-two years since the 1972 Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, deep seabed mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction remains controversial and widely discussed. In times of global demand for metals that are necessary to ensure energy transition and achieving a low-carbon society, the matter is becoming more convoluted. It is unclear if and what States will agree on as a common approach to deep seabed mining, or what relevance will be given to scientific evidence regarding any serious and irreparable harm to the marine environment it causes. This article examines the matter from a multidisciplinary approach and proposes that the new implementing agreement of the United Nations on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction offers an opportunity for strengthening environmental impact assessment obligations of deep seabed mining in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are traditionally synthesized using N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF). However, DMF is toxic and hazardous to human health and the environment, hence other alternative solvents need to be considered. Herein, three different solvents like methanol, water and acetone were used to replace DMF and to explore the syntheses of ZIF-90 using a conventional and a microwave-assisted solvothermal method to obtain hydrothermally stable products, which also exhibit an increased water uptake. Pure ZIF-90 was synthesized under ambient pressure at 60 °C for 90 min using the conventional solvothermal method in an acetone–water solution, while under microwave irradiation it was formed in only 5 min at 80 °C. Altering methanol, water and acetone in the reaction mixture significantly affected the structural and water adsorption properties of ZIF-90s, which were monitored via PXRD, TGA, nitrogen and water sorption, and SEM. The highly efficient, less toxic, low-cost and activation-free microwave synthesis resulted in the formation of ZIF-90 nanoparticles that exhibited the highest maximum water adsorption capacity (0.37 g/g) and the best hydrothermal stability between water adsorption at 30 °C and desorption at 100 °C at 12.5 mbar among all the products obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceiving emotions in others is at the foundation of higher-order social cognition. The importance of emotions is evidenced by the fact that they receive prioritized attention at early stages of processing the environment in humans and some other primates. Nevertheless, we do not fully understand how emotion modulates attention over longer durations in primates, particularly in great apes. Bonobos, one of our closest relatives, stand out in emotion processing and regulation among great apes. This makes them an interesting comparison species and a valuable model for studying the evolution of emotion perception in hominids. We investigated how bonobos and humans spontaneously attend to emotionally valent scenes in a preferential looking task using eye-tracking. With Bayesian mixed modelling, we found that bonobos and humans generally looked longer at emotional scenes, mainly of conspecifics. Moreover, while bonobos did not have a bias toward emotional human scenes, humans sustained their attention toward bonobos playing, grooming and having sex. Furthermore, when exploring an immediate bias for emotions, humans showed a bias toward affiliative human scenes, and bonobos showed a bias away from bonobos-in-distress scenes. These findings suggest that emotions modulate attention at early and later attentional stages in bonobos, similar to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of trimethylamine (TMA) is critically important due to its toxic and flammable nature, which poses significant risks to human health and the environment. However, achieving high response, rapid kinetics, selectivity, and low operating temperatures in TMA sensing remains challenging. In this study, WS2/WO3 nanohybrids with flower-like hierarchical structures were synthesized via an in situ sulfurization process, utilizing varying amounts of thioacetamide to control the sulfurization state of WO3. These novel hierarchical WS2/WO3 nanohybrids exhibit remarkable selectivity towards TMA, as well as rapid response and recovery characteristics. Specially, the optimal WS2/WO3 sensor, composed of 5% WS2/WO3 nanohybrids, demonstrates exceptional TMA sensing performance, including a high response (19.45 at 10 ppm), good repeatability, reliable long-term stability, and a low theoretical detection limit (15.96 ppb). The superior sensing capabilities of the WS2/WO3 nanohybrids are attributed to the formation of p-n heterojunctions at the interface, the unique hierarchical structures, and the catalytic activity of WS2. Overall, this work provides a straightforward and versatile approach for synthesizing multifunctional nanomaterials by combining metal oxide micro-flowers with transition metal dichalcogenide nanoflakes for applications in monitoring TMA in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of environmental nanoplastic (NPl) particle and microplastic (MPl) particle pollution is becoming increasingly severe, significantly impacting ecosystems and biological health. Research shows that NPl/MPl can penetrate the placental barrier and enter the fetus, leading to transgenerational effects. This review integrates the existing literature on the effects of prenatal NPl/MPl exposure on mammalian offspring, focusing particularly on its negative impacts on the central nervous system, liver, intestinal health, reproductive function, and skeletal muscles. The vast majority of previous studies on prenatal NPl/MPl in mammals have used polystyrene material. Future research should explore the effects of other prenatal NPl/MPl materials on offspring to better reflect the realities of the human environment. It is also essential to investigate the potential harm and underlying mechanisms associated with prenatal NPl/MPl exposure to offspring in greater depth. This will aid in developing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As), a hazardous and carcinogenic heavy metal, poses a significant threat to both human health and the environment. Given its toxicity even at low concentrations, there is a pressing need for a low-cost technology for arsenic removal from environmental samples. In this study, a highly selective and reusable ion-imprinted polymer was synthesized to efficiently remove As from various environmental samples. The synthesis involved using methacrylic acid as a functional monomer, As(III) as a template, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a supporting material (MWCNT-IIP). To confirm the specificity of MWCNT-IIP for As(III), three other types of sorbents were also prepared: IIP, MWCNT-NIP, and NIP (non-imprinted polymer). Various parameters, including the initial concentration of metal ions, time, pH, and solvent medium, were systematically checked and optimized. In the adsorption study, the total capacity of the developed system for As(III) reached a linear range of 1–5 ppm, with an adsorption capacity of 27.14 mg/g. At pH 5, with a 40 min binding time, MWCNT-IIP demonstrated itself as an effective sorbent with a high percentage of removal efficiency. Inter- and intrachain interactions of the fabricated sorbents were calculated using the Equilibrium Water Content (EWC) method. In conclusion, MWCNT-IIP presents itself as an excellent alternative approach for removing As(III) from various environmental samples, including those collected from lakes, pigments, mining, and insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive black 5 (RBk5) is a refractory azo dye that constitutes a serious threat to the environment and humans. Herein, natural bornite (Nbo) was utilized to activate persulfate (PDS) for the RBk5 removal. The particle size of the Nbo catalyst was optimized and the RBk5 degradation rate constant that responded positively to the particle size of the Nbo catalyst was exhibited. Then, the operational factors affecting RBk5 removal were comprehensively investigated. With the addition of 1.5 g L−1 Nbo and 1.5 mM PDS, 99.05% of the RBk5 (20 mg L−1) was removed in 150 min compared with 0.46% removal with PDS only, which was caused by the additional reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the synergistic action of Fe-Cu bimetallic metal and reductive sulfur species. The Nbo catalyst presented high stability and reusability toward RBk5 removal. Identification of reactive oxygen species revealed that ${\rm SO}_4^{\cdot -}$ SO 4 ⋅ − , ·OH, ${\rm O}_2^{\cdot -}$ O 2 ⋅ − and 1O2 collectively participated in RBk5 removal. Additionally, a possible degradation pathway for RBk5 was proposed, including cleavage of the azo, C–S and S–O bonds, hydroxylation, hydrolyzation, direct oxidation and other pathways. This work developed a highly effective and low-cost natural mineral-based bimetallic sulfide material for PDS activation for the degradation of contaminants and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoplastics (NPs) represent an escalating hazard to both humans and the ecosystem due to their pervasive presence. This review delves into (i) the widespread occurrence of NPs across the different environmental matrices, including food; (ii) routes and estimates for human exposure; (iii) the mechanisms of blood–brain barrier (BBB) crossing; and (iv) implications for human health, with a specific focus on molecular features associated with neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative processes. The impact of NPs on the central nervous system, their ability to cross the BBB and the underpinning mechanisms, the potential to initiate neurotoxicity by fostering β-amyloid aggregation, and their interactions with metallo-enzymes (such as superoxide dismutase) are elucidated. The analysis of transcriptomics and epigenomic results, including microRNA dysregulation, unveil how NPs could contribute to neurological disorders. The need for considering overlaps among diverse pathogenetic mechanisms when probing the effects of NPs is discussed. Additional urgent needs are the development of reliable in vitro models for neurotoxicity studies able to mimic the complexity of the nervous system and the exposure of such models to more environmentally relevant NPs. Finally, the development of extremely sensitive detection and analysis methodologies to quantify NPs in environmental and biological matrices is a pressing priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and groundwater contamination has been raised as a concern due to the capability of posing a risk to human health and ecology, especially in facing highly toxic and emerging pollutants. Because of the prevalent usage of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in industrial and production processes, and subsequently the extent of sites contaminated with these pollutants, cleaning up PFOA polluted sites is paramount. This research provides a review of remediation approaches that have been used, and nine remediation techniques were reviewed under physical, chemical, and biological approaches categorization. As the pollutant specifications, environmental implications, and adverse ecological effects of remediation procedures should be considered in the analysis and evaluation of remediation approaches, unlike previous research that considered a couple of PFAS pollutants and generally dealt with technical issues, in this study, the benefits, drawbacks, and possible environmental and ecological adverse effects of PFOA-contaminated site remediation also were discussed. In the end, in addition to providing sufficient and applicable understanding by comprehensively considering all aspects and field-scale challenges and obstacles, knowledge gaps have been found and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe human living environment serves as a habitat for microorganisms and the presence of ubiquitous airborne microbes significantly impacts the natural material cycle. Through ongoing experimentation with beneficial microorganisms, humans have greatly benefited from airborne microbes. However, airborne pathogens endanger human health and have the potential to induce fatal diseases. Tracking airborne microbes is a critical prerequisite for a better understanding of bioaerosols, harnessing their potential advantages, and mitigating associated risks. Although technological breakthroughs have enabled significant advancements in accurately monitoring airborne pathogens, many puzzles about these microbes remain unanswered due to their high variability and environmental diffusibility. Consequently, advanced techniques and strategies for special identification, early warning, and efficient eradication of microbial contamination are continuously being sought. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the research status of airborne microbes, concentrating on the recent advances and challenges in sampling, detection, and inactivation. Particularly, the fundamental design principles for the collection and timely detection of airborne pathogens are described in detail, as well as critical factors for eliminating microbial contamination and enhancing indoor air quality. In addition, future research directions and perspectives for controlling airborne microbes are also suggested to promote the translation of basic research into real products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management in Lira City, Uganda faces significant challenges, particularly in the area of waste collection. Pollution and health risks from uncollected waste are rampant, posing serious threats to human health and the environment. This persistent problem demands urgent attention and effective solutions to improve waste collection and safeguard the well-being of the community and the natural surroundings. This study aimed to assess households' willingness to pay for improved waste collection services, examine their waste management practices, and identify influencing factors. We employed a multistage sampling technique to randomly select 585 household heads and conducted key informant interviews with city officials and private waste collectors. Data analysis was conducted with STATA 17 and results showed that 48.12% of households were willing to pay an average of UGX 3012 ($0.84) per month for better services. Factors including education level, occupation, distance to waste collection sites, and environmental awareness significantly influenced this willingness. The study highlights a significant gap in public awareness and understanding of efficient solid waste management practices and concludes that enhancing public awareness is crucial for improving environmental health and safety in Lira City. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the dynamic interplay between human and non-human entities, focusing on how embodied data representation is distributed. It examines how predictive coding, which utilizes preconceived knowledge, interacts with tangible experiences to shape our understanding of the world. Emphasizing this, I propose the concept of co-Ability as a deep underlying explanatory framework for understanding adaptive behaviors within a networked world. A nonverbal dialog between humans and a data-saturated environment is analyzed through an action-oriented perspective and the predictive coding framework in cognition, utilizing digital craft and rapid prototyping. This transformative approach augments human interaction with digital landscapes through tangible prototypes, bridging physical experience with abstract information, and identifying potential ways to conceptualize data materially. The article discusses the various aspects of connectivity among network agents and the evolving nature of these connections as they adapt to real-world conditions and dynamic shifts in data, highlighting that information exchange in an interconnected network is more than bilateral; it generates ripple effects that extend beyond immediate connections. These reciprocal exchanges simultaneously alter both the digital and analog domains, with data constantly bifurcating into multiple pathways and outcomes. A significant challenge addressed in this article is the question of how to frame information materially, inviting further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the role of anti-extractivism as environmental peacebuilding through a conflict transformation framework. Environmental peacebuilding aims to foster peace through addressing environmental issues to remedy root causes of conflict; such efforts must further account for and respond to the changing climate. To this end, we explored how community-level movements encounter structural constraints, oppressions, or opportunities. Rather than relying on existing structures as a means to resolve conflict, we suggest that environmental conflict transformation presents an opportunity to foster climate resilient peace responding to differing needs of various groups, extending beyond the absence of war, and responding to the realities of climate change. We conducted case studies with the organizations Casa Pueblo in Puerto Rico and Movimento Bem Viver in Brazil to explore how conflict transformation helps shift environmental peacebuilding toward both being able to respond to destructive patterns and to achieve a more peaceful future through a process of change. We argue that the act of negating extractivism is a positive action toward transformation for peace. We thus contribute theoretical and empirical insight to the study of environmental peacebuilding, broadening ongoing discussions on building climate resilient peace that is beneficial to both humans and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of population, society and economy, human activities have caused serious adverse impacts on the environment, ecosystems and landscape patterns over the long term. In order to address the series of impacts of human activities on the environment, territorial space and resource use, the study of Production–Living–Ecological Space (PLES) and ecological security have all become academic frontiers in the field of sustainable development. In this study, we applied multi‐source data and GIS technology to construct an ecological security evaluation model based on the results of PLES delineation and the Pressure‐State‐Response (PSR) framework, and carried out the three‐period PLES ecological security evaluation for 2000, 2010 and 2020 at the county and grid scales in Yunnan Province. The PLES pattern in Yunnan Province is dominated by ecological space, which accounts for 75%, followed by 23% of production space, with ecological space shrinking from 2000 to 2020. Ecological security in ecological space and living space shows an improving trend from 2000 to 2020. The ecological security of production space improved in 2010 compared to 2000 but then showed a decreasing trend in 2020. Ecological security in ecological space shows that north‐western and southern Yunnan is safer than central Yunnan, while ecological security in living space is safer in central Yunnan, and ecological security in production space is better in southern Yunnan than in northern Yunnan. Comparison with related research results shows that the ecological security evaluation results of PLES in Yunnan Province in this study are scientific and reasonable. The ecological security evaluation model of PLES constructed in this study solves the problem of complex and incomplete ecological security evaluation indexes in the past, and the results of the study are more refined and precise, which provides new ideas for the study of regional ecological security. Based on the functional attributes of land, the evaluation model of ecological security of Production–Living–Ecological space was constructed. Yunnan Province has the largest proportion of ecological space at 75%, but it has been shrinking in the last 20 years. In the past 20 years, the ecological security of ecological space and living space in Yunnan Province has shown an improvement trend, while production space has risen and then declined. This study analyses ecological security at different scales so that it can better reveal its spatial heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study seeks to contribute to the current understanding of dietary variation in the late Prehistory of the northeastern Iberian Peninsula by examining buccal dental microwear patterns alongside archeological data from the same populations. Materials and Methods: Teeth from 84 adult individuals from eight distinct samples spanning the Middle‐Late Neolithic to the Middle Bronze Age (Cova de l'Avi, Cova de Can Sadurní, Cova de la Guineu, Cova Foradada, Cova del Trader, Roc de les Orenetes, Cova del Gegant, Cova dels Galls Carboners) were analyzed using optical microscopy to examine buccal dental microwear patterns. Results: The analysis did not reveal clear chronological contrasts in the dietary habits of these samples. Nevertheless, significant differences emerged among the samples, leading to their classification into two distinct sets based on the abrasiveness of the diet informed by the microwear patterns. These findings offer similarities and differences among samples in the Iberian Peninsula, shedding light on the diverse lifestyles of these individuals. Discussion: Integrating our new results with other available proxies points to a multifaceted specialization in dietary patterns among these samples, influenced by factors such as habitat, resource selection, and available technology. By contextualizing the results within the broader context of the Iberian Peninsula, this research discerns shared characteristics and distinctive adaptations in the dietary practices and subsistence strategies of these groups. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between culture and environment in shaping human diets throughout late Prehistory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature connection is a common construct in research examining relationships between the natural environment and human well‐being. The multidimensionality of the concept is often described but rarely reflected in existing unidimensional measures, which can also be limited by poor psychometric characteristics. This research aimed to develop and validate a new brief (9‐item) multidimensional self‐report measure: The Nature Experiences Questionnaire (NEQ). Scale items were formulated from a review of relevant literature and in consultation with experts. Study 1 investigated the underlying structure using exploratory factor analysis in a sample of 142 undergraduate psychology students. The resulting three‐factor solution was replicated in Studies 2 and 3 using confirmatory factor analyses in independent samples of community members (n = 231) and workers (n = 2629). The NEQ was positively correlated with two existing measures of nature connection, and the three subscales (nature affect, cognitions and behaviour) predicted more variance in well‐being. The NEQ demonstrated robust psychometric properties over time and was predictive of worker well‐being, relaxation from work and job satisfaction. The implications and recommendations for the use of this measure are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyphosate‐based herbicides are the most used worldwide despite the fact that studies have shown their possible adverse effects on human health and the environment. Since the residues of these herbicides reach water bodies, their detection is considered an emergent research topic. In this work, the use of the intrinsic resonance of a microwave interdigitated capacitor fabricated on microstrip technology, is proposed for detecting the presence of glyphosate‐based herbicide in water. In addition, a sample holder is proposed to avoid the possible oxidation of the metal electrodes due to the direct contact with liquids. The proposed structure was designed to present its first intrinsic resonance at 1.95 GHz so that this resonance is shifted to 1.58 GHz when pure deionized water is used as sample. The sensor device was tested against 18 mixtures prepared with concentrations between 0% and 100% v/v of herbicide diluted in deionized water. Experimental measurements confirm that by using the intrinsic resonance parameters of the proposed structure, is possible to detect the presence of a glyphosate‐based herbicide. Finally, the results confirm the potential of the proposal as an alternative for real‐time, label‐free, and sensitive detection of glyphosate in water and they open the possibility of exploiting its use for the detection of other contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of biochar, produced from different agricultural residues varying in lignin and cellulose content and subjected to different pyrolysis temperatures, in removing cadmium ions (Cd (II)) from an aqueous solution. This removal process is crucial for protecting human health and the environment. Specifically, the study focused on the adsorption behaviors of Cd (II) by the biochars made from rice husk biochar (RHB), maize straw biochar (MSB), peanut shell biochar (PSB), cottonseed shell biochar (CHB), and mulberry leaf biochar (MLB), which were prepared at 300 °C and 600 °C. The results indicated that the type of agricultural residue used to produce biochar significantly influenced the adsorption of Cd (II). Notably, mulberry leaf biochar prepared at 300 °C (MLB-300) demonstrated the highest adsorption efficiency, achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 42.2 mg g−1. Batch adsorption experiments assessed the impact of various factors, including system pH, NO3− concentration, and adsorption duration. The adsorption kinetics were better described by the pseudo-second-order model than the pseudo-first-order model. Moreover, the study found that the lignin content of the biochar plays a major role in determining the adsorption capacity. The surface characteristics of biochar, influenced by the types of agricultural residues and preparation temperature, directly impact its adsorption mechanism and capacity. While biochar produced at 300 °C showed optimal Cd(II) adsorption, those processed at 600 °C were less effective, likely due to the loss of functional groups at higher temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate change in the Qaidam Basin has significant impacts on local humans and ecological environment. However, the humidity variation and relationship between climate factors in the Qaidam Basin remain insufficient. Here we study the modern climate change in the Qaidam Basin. The mean annual temperature in the Qaidam Basin has increased rapidly by 0.5 °C/10a between 1959 and 2022, exhibiting cycles of 9.1 a and 3.2 a. Concurrently, the pattern of precipitation variations has displayed an upward trend, with a rate of increase amounting to 9.2 mm/10a and a cycle of 2.5 a. The Qaidam Basin has witnessed a considerable increase in temperature since 1977, as indicated by the Mann–Kendall mutation test. Within the Qaidam Basin, the mutation point at which precipitation transitioned from a lesser amount to a more volume occurred in 2001. Furthermore, a reduction in the variation of evaporation was observed between 1959 and 2003, possibly attributed to decreased sunshine and wind speed within the basin. The moist coefficient (precipitation/evaporation) and absolute humidity serve as direct indicators of the level of humidity in the environment. The moist coefficient has displayed an upward trend, accompanied by a corresponding increase in absolute humidity. The lake area and vegetation coverage are indirect indicators that reflect the level of humidity in the environment. In the Qaidam Basin, the lakes have expanded in surface area and there has been a noticeable increase in vegetation coverage. Collectively, these indicators unambiguously show that the Qaidam Basin is undergoing a process of increased moisture levels. Thus, it can be deduced that the modern Qaidam Basin is both experiencing warming and becoming wet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been developed as green solvents and these are capable as alternatives to conventional solvents used for the extraction of organic and inorganic species from food and water samples. The continuous generation of contaminated waste and increasing concern for the human health and environment have compelled the scientific community to investigate more ecological schemes. In this concern, the use of DESs have developed in one of the chief approach in the field of chemistry. These solvents have appeared as a capable substitute to conventional hazardous solvents and ionic liquids. The DESs has distinctive properties, easy preparation and components availability. It is not only used in scienctific fields but also used in quotidian life. There are many advantages of DESs in analytical chemistry, they are largely used for extraction and determination of inorganic and organic compounds from different samples. In previous a few years, several advanced researches have been focused on the separation and preconcentration of low level of pollutants using DESs as the extractants. This review summarizes the use of DESs in the separation and preconcentration of organic and inorganic species from water and food samples using various microextraction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]