Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Connecting Energy System modelling with Sustainable Energy System Narratives on a Global Scale

In my PhD thesis, I explore what can be considered a sustainable energy system on a global scale and what methods and tools can help sustainable energy policy design and assessment. Energy system modelling and sustainable energy system narratives are the two main areas of interest of this thesis. I started my PhD with exploring the current energy systems modelling practice as well as social science contribution in the sustainable energy research. I discovered several main research gaps related to the topic of this thesis: (1) Most of existing energy system models have unrealistic or oversimplified assumptions that can negatively impact the quality of the models’ outputs and consequently the quality of decision-making informed by such models; (2) There is a limited instrumental value of the available theories related to a sustainable energy system development; (3) There is a lack of global energy system narratives that would have a holistic understanding of the long-term energy system purposes (goals) and the principles of the energy system sustainable design. This thesis has become an attempt to close the identified research gaps in order to answer the main research questions. System dynamics, steady-state economy and energy justice theory are the main methodological and conceptual components of the thesis’ research design. The main results of my research are: (1) The list of questions defining the current energy paradigm which can be used as a guidance for a sustainable energy system modelling; (2) The developed steady state of energy concept implying that energy sufficiency should be a universal energy system goal in the context of a long-term energy system sustainability; (2) The list of requirements for a socially sustainable energy provision based on the energy justice principles which can be used as guidelines for a sustainable energy policy assessment and design; (3) The system dynamics model of electricity access provision in Sub-Saharan Africa which demonstrates an example of how energy system modelling can be combined with sustainable energy system narratives for addressing methodological and disciplinary gaps in the energy system research and for contributing to better sustainable energy system policy design and assessment.
Mycorrhizal mediation of plant N acquisition and residue decomposition: Impact of mineral N inputs

Mycorrhizas are ubiquitous plant–fungus mutualists in terrestrial ecosystems and play important roles in plant resource capture and nutrient cycling. Sporadic evidence suggests that anthropogenic nitrogen (N) input may impact the development and the functioning of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, potentially altering host plant growth and soil carbon (C) dynamics. In this study, we examined how mineral N inputs affected mycorrhizal mediation of plant N acquisition and residue decomposition in a microcosm system. Each microcosm unit was separated into HOST and TEST compartments by a replaceable mesh screen that either prevented or allowed AM fungal hyphae but not plant roots to grow into the TEST compartments. Wild oat (Avena fatua L.) was planted in the HOST compartments that had been inoculated with either a single species of AM fungus, Glomus etunicatum, or a mixture of AM fungi including G. etunicatum. Mycorrhizal contributions to plant N acquisition and residue decomposition were directly assessed by introducing a mineral 15N tracer and 13C‐rich residues of a C4 plant to the TEST compartments. Results from 15N tracer measurements showed that AM fungal hyphae directly transported N from the TEST soil to the host plant. Compared with the control with no penetration of AM fungal hyphae, AM hyphal penetration led to a 125% increase in biomass 15N of host plants and a 20% reduction in extractable inorganic N in the TEST soil. Mineral N inputs to the HOST compartments (equivalent to 5.0 g N m−2 yr−1) increased oat biomass and total root length colonized by mycorrhizal fungi by 189% and 285%, respectively, as compared with the no‐N control. Mineral N inputs to the HOST plants also reduced extractable inorganic N and particulate residue C proportion by 58% and 12%, respectively, in the corresponding TEST soils as compared to the no‐N control, by stimulating AM fungal growth and activities. The species mixture of mycorrhizal fungi was more effective in facilitating N transport and residue decomposition than the single AM species. These findings indicate that low‐level mineral N inputs may significantly enhance nutrient cycling and plant resource capture in terrestrial ecosystems via stimulation of root growth, mycorrhizal functioning, and residue decomposition. The long‐term effects of these observed alterations on soil C dynamics remain to be investigated.
Changes in patterns of protein synthesis during haustorial development of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. seedlings

This study focuses upon the developmental transition of the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica from its freeliving state (germinated seedling) to its parasitic state after development of an infection organ: the haustorium. A new method has been developed that allows the production of gram quantities of germinated and haustorially-induced Striga seedlings, thereby facilitating biochemical and molecular analysis of haustorial induction. Water-soluble proteins have been extracted from germinated seeds (stage A) and seedlings treated with 2,6-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone (2,6-DMBQ) to induce haustorium (stage B). Samples were analysed by two-dimension al polyacrylamid e gel electrophoresis and quantitative as well as qualitative differences could be observed. In particular a group of four highly abundant acidic proteins (molecular weight 39 kDa, pi 5.1, 5.3, 5.3, 5.6) and three other proteins (molecular weight 12 kDa, pi 6.9; 17 kDa, pi 4.4; 17 kDa, pi 4.45) were seen in stage A while at least four proteins (molecular weight 21.5 kDa, pi 6.4; 21.5 kDa, pi 6.3; 31 kDa, pi 5.1; 34 kDa, pi 6.2) were present in greater abundance in stage B. In order to compare watersoluble protein with newly synthesized protein patterns, mRNAs from the two stages of development were isolated and cell-free translation products analysed by 2-D PAGE. Two-D gels of cell-free translation products showed the appearance of six proteins in stage B (molecular weight ranging from 10 to 35 kDa) and the presence of three acidic proteins in stage A with one protein (molecular weight 40 kDa) very similar in size to the triplet of proteins in the water-soluble protein 2-D gels.
Separating the effects of forest type and elevation on the diversity of litter invertebrate communities in a humid tropical forest in Puerto Rico

Summary 1. The primary effects of climatic conditions on invertebrate litter communities, and the secondary effects of different forest types, were distinguished by using the sierra palm as a control in a natural experiment along an elevational gradient in the Luquillo Mountains. These mountains have three well-defined forest types along the gradient, with the palm occurring as stands within each forest. 2. Palm litter samples were richer in nutrients, particularly phosphorus, than nonpalm litter, significantly so at higher elevations where leaching would have been expected. In nonpalm litter, mineral concentrations were significantly lower at higher elevations. 3. Animal abundance mirrored the pattern of mineral amounts and declined significantly in mid- and high-altitude forests, but did not decline with increasing elevation in palm stands. A pulse of post-hurricane litterfall was reflected in the high abundance of Coleoptera and Isoptera the following year. 4. The species richness of communities (Margalef’s index) declined with increasing elevation in nonpalm forest litter, but was remarkably similar in palm litter at all elevations. 5. Palm litter communities were more similar to each other (Sorensen’s index) than nonpalm communities, which became less similar with increasing elevation. 6. The differences observed from the lower slopes to the summits, in animal abundance, species richness and the uniformity of communities, are better explained by the contribution of forest composition to the chemical and physical nature of litter and forest heterogeneity, rather than to direct effects of temperature and rainfall differences.
The use of plant material to protect stored leguminous seeds against seed beetles: a review

Many different plant species have been tested for their effect on the beetles. In this review, more than 400 species are mentioned. However, the literature available does not allow a general ranking of insecticidal or repellent efficacy. This is due to the lack of experimental detail and statistical analyses of the results in many of the cited publications. In addition, the efficacy of a plant product depends on the plant species, the individual plant, the plant part and the time and way of harvesting. In bioassays, the application mode, the quantity, the preparation of the plant material, the state of the product to store (e.g. intactness of the seed skin and/or pod) and storage conditions (e.g. humidity, rate of infestation) as well as the beetle species tested are important for the outcome of the tests. The mere fact that natural products are used implies that considerable variation is to be expected in bioassay outcomes. Indeed, literature results are often contradictory, notwithstanding the fact that many plant species do show useful effects against seed beetles. The most effective plants or methods of application are not yet known, but results are promising and plant products can be an effective replacement for chemical insecticides in the battle against seed beetles. The use of plant products to protect stored seeds
Studies on fertility response in anoestrus buffaloes using a modified CIDR-based synchronization protocol.

The present study was conducted on 42 true anoestrus buffaloes to observe the effi cacy of CIDR implant alone and in combination with PMSG and estradiol valerate for synchronization of estrus and fertility response. The experimental animals were randomly divided into six groups each containing seven animals. All the animals were administered 20 ml Liquid Terramycin intra uterine except in Groups 1 and 3. Animals of Groups 1 and 2 served as control whereas Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were implanted with CIDR. Animals of Groups 5 and 6 were also administered, respectively estradiol and PMSG along with implant. On removal of implant, all the animals of G5 and G6 exhibited estrus within 30.42 + 5.10 and 65.14 + 11.39 h with 57.1 and 85.7% conception rate, respectively. However, in the animals of Groups 4 and 3, induction rates were 85.7 and 71.4% within 40.08 + 2.09 and 72.00 + 10.76 h of onset interval with 66.6% and 0.00% conception rates, respectively. In none of the animals of Groups 1 and 2 was estrus induced. Our results indicate that addition of PMSG to a progesterone-based estrus synchronization regimen substantially improve ovulation rate and fertility in non-cyclic buffaloes.
Effects of Diet and Cyclic Daily Heat Stress on Electrolyte, Nitrogen and Water Intake, Excretion and Retention by Colostomized Male Broiler Chickens

3 Abstract: Male Ross broiler chicks were grown in a thermoneutral environment from 0 to 14 d. From 14 to 41 d, half the birds remained in the thermoneutral room (22.5 ± 3.5 C) whereas the other half in another o needed. Feces and urine were collected separately. Nitrogen balance was least (greatest nitrogen excretion) using 140 mEq/kg in the thermoneutral room. For DEB 240, retention of Na increased compared to DEB 140 in the thermoneutral room (5.24 vs 1.75 mEq/bird/d; P < 0.05) and in the heat stress room (5.29 vs 2.33 mEq/bird/d; P < 0.05). Overall, urine Na and K increased in the 340 compared to the 240 mEq/kg treatment and Cl increased in 140 compared to 240 or 340 mEq/kg treatments. The DEB of 240 was most favorable in either temperature environment based on water, electrolyte and nitrogen metabolism results.
The biological and biogeochemical consequences of phosphate scavenging onto phytoplankton cell surfaces

Phytoplankton carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content is commonly normalized to phosphorus (P) quotas as Redfield C:N: P ratios. We examined how surface‐bound P pools affect Redfield stoichiometry and P uptake kinetics in cultures and natural blooms of diatoms, raphidophytes, dinoflagellates, pelagophytes, prasinophytes, and cyanobacteria. The amount of surface‐adsorbed P on exponential growth phase cultures ranged from 14% to 57% of the total cellular P. The C: total P and N: total P ratios (surface‐adsorbed P + intracellular P) for all species were near Redfield values, with lower values for the diatoms and higher ratios for the dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria. However, when corrected for the P adsorbed to exterior surfaces, intracellular or “biological” C: P and N: P ratios are 1.2–2 times higher. As with the cultured isolates, the amount of surface‐adsorbed P for the natural bloom samples ranged from 15% to 46%. Carbon : total P ratios ranged from 71 to 151, whereas C: intracellular P ratios were 1.3–1.7 times higher. N: P ratios for the natural samples showed similar trends. Phosphate uptake rates into the intracellular pool were as little as half those measured for uptake into total cellular P pools for both the natural blooms and cultures. Cells can, however, access some of the surface‐bound P over time to support growth, and the partitioning of P between adsorbed and interior pools is affected by growth stage, cellular P demand, and external phosphate concentrations. We conclude that, as with iron (Fe) and other particle‐reactive elements, bulk particulate C:N: P ratios do not necessarily reflect the true biological P quotas of eukaryotic and prokaryotic algae and that P scavenging onto cell surfaces is likely to exert a large influence on the biogeochemical cycling of this nutrient.
Long-Term Retention of a Relocated Population of Gopher Tortoises

Abstract Relocations of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in Florida, USA, are frequently employed as mitigation tools when tortoises occupy land desired for development. Here we present information about retention and health of a relocated population of gopher tortoises 17 years after relocation. We combine our 17-year postrelocation data with earlier surveys 1 year and 2 years postrelocation to examine whether retention rates change over time. We also evaluate whether retention rates vary by age and gender. Of 74 gopher tortoises relocated in 1985, 31 were present in 2002. We found a 1-year retention rate of 42%, with retention rates of 100% each year thereafter, when we used the percentage of relocated individuals captured at each survey. We found a 1-year retention rate of 73%, a retention rate of 92% from year 1 to year 2, and an overall retention rate of 98.5% from year 2 through year 17, based on the assumption that all individuals present in later surveys were present in earlier surveys. We found no significant difference in retention rate over the 17-year period for adults and juveniles and for adult males and females. Relocated gopher tortoises showed natural growth patterns, indicating good health, but 35% of these gopher tortoises had ≥1 symptom of upper respiratory tract disease, a disease associated elsewhere with population declines of tortoises. Thus, retention rates of relocated gopher tortoises change over time, with relatively low retention during the first year postrelocation but nearly 100% retention in subsequent years. In general, our study shows that relocations can successfully lead to long-term retention of gopher tortoises, but we predict that without management (e.g., fire management and predator control) this relocated population is not viable.
Effects of thirty minute mobile phone irradiation on morphological and physiological parameters and gene expression in pregnant rats and their fetuses

We investigated the potential effects of 30 min irradiation from a mobile telecommunication system. 60 pregnant rats divided to three groups; the first serve as the control (G1, n = 20), the second (G2, n = 20) and third (G3, n = 20) were exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 1st to 20th (G2) and from 7th to 16th (G3) day of gestation respectively. The implantation sites, corpora lutea, living, dead and reabsorbed fetuses were counted and recorded. Liver of pregnant rats and their fetuses were used to isolate a total RNA for quantification of Msx1 and Cx43 genes. Our result shows that abortion and partial abortion rate increased in G2 (30 and 25%) and G3 (10 and 20%) compared to 5 and 0% in G1. The body weights and fetal body length of fetuses were decreased in treated groups. Skeletal system abnormalities included short and curved tails absent of 13th rib and wavy ribs and absent of caudal vertebrae were observed in G2 and G3 compared to G1. The lowest relative expression of Ms x 1 and Cx43 (0.6 and 0.2) were found in from exposed mothers. Slight difference was found in the expression level between the exposed mothers (G2 and G3) compared to the control group (G1). This study suggests that exposure to EM fields during pregnancy could alter some morphological and physiological parameters and gene expression in pregnant rats and their fetuses.
The effectiveness of a range of insecticides against western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) (Thysanoptera : Thripidae) on cut flowers

Three insecticide spray trials were conducted on field calendulas and chrysanthemums to test the effectiveness of 10 insecticides against western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). The efficacy of each insecticide was assessed between 1 and 11 days post-spraying. Methamidophos was the most effective insecticide, followed to a lesser extent by dichlorvos, ¸Λ -cyhalothrin, fluvalinate, and maldison. Apart from methamidophos, insecticides were generally less than 50% effective at 3 or more days post-spraying. In a separate trial, 5 insecticides were applied as drenches to the soil of pots in which carnations infested with F. occidentalis were grown. The pots were placed in thrips containment cages and adult thrips emerging from the soil were caught on sticky traps. Parathion-methyl and chlorpyrifos reduced thrips emergence from soil by 90–95%.
Climate change and health with an emphasis on interactions with ultraviolet radiation: a review

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major risk to human health, and health concerns are assuming more importance in international debates on mitigation and adaptation strategies. Health consequences of climate change will occur through direct and indirect routes, and as a result of interactions with other environmental exposures. Heatwaves will become more common and are associated with higher mortality particularly in the elderly and those with pre‐existing cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. Warmer ambient temperatures will result in more dehydration episodes and increased risks of renal disease and, through effects on pollen seasons, there may be an increase in allergic disease such as asthma and hayfever. Other adverse effects including on air quality, food safety and security and an expanding distribution of some infectious diseases, including vector‐borne diseases, are postulated. A related but separate environmental exposure is that of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Interactions between climate change and stratospheric ozone (and the causes of ozone depletion) will cause changes to levels of ambient UVR in the future and warmer temperatures are likely to change sun exposure behaviour. Co‐occurring effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems have potential consequences for food safety, quality and supply. Climate change‐related exposures are likely to affect the incidence and distribution of diseases usually considered as caused by UVR exposure; and changes in UVR exposure will modulate the climate change effects on human health. For example, in some regions warmer temperatures due to climate change will encourage more outdoor behaviour, with likely consequences for increasing skin cancer incidence. Although many of the health outcomes of both climate change and the interaction of climate change and UVR exposure are somewhat speculative, there are risks to over‐ or under‐estimations of health risks if synergistic and antagonistic effects of co‐occurring environmental changes are not considered.
A mass‐ and isotope‐balance model of DOC mixing in estuaries

Expanding knowledge of degradation kinetics coupled with significant improvements in measurement precision of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) necessitates a review of factors that influence its cycling in estuaries. A one dimensional, time‐dependent estuarine model was used to ascertain how sinks and sources of DOC produced conservative and nonconservative property‐salinity distributions. DOC from riverine and coastal mixing members was assumed to have labile (k = 0.1 d−1) and refractory (k = 0.001 d−1) components. The magnitude of other inputs (i.e., marshes and phytoplankton) varied with respect to riverine loading (20 mol C s−1). Also, marsh (δ13C = − 12) and phytoplankton (δ13C = −20) DOC had distinct isotopic ratios compared with riverine (δ13C = −28) and coastal (δ13C = −23) DOC. Diffusive mixing times were modified by adjusting the dispersion coefficient (velocity was constant). As expected, conservative profiles were obtained when time‐scales (half‐life, turnover time) associated with sources and sinks were significantly greater than estuarine mixing times. Degradation of coastal DOC, however, had little impact on property‐salinity relationships at all mixing times studied. Moreover, nonconservative profiles were detected when at least 10% of riverine DOC was labile. In turn, the magnitude of marsh or phytoplankton inputs compared to riverine loading had a greater impact on property‐salinity distributions than estuarine residence time. Reexamination of literature data (Parker River and Ipswich River estuaries, Massachusetts) indicated that DOC concentration and isotope data can, coupled with this modeling effort, be used to estimate the magnitude and origin of DOC in estuaries.
Quality protein maize

Maize (Zea mays L.) plays a very important role in human and animal nutrition in a number of developed and developing countries, worldwide. Breeding for improved protein quality in maize began in the mid-1960s with the discovery of mutants, such as opaque-2, that produce enhanced levels of lysine and tryptophan, the two amino acids deficient in maize endosperm proteins. However, adverse pleiotropic effects imposed severe constraints on successful exploitation of these mutants. Interdisciplinary and concerted research efforts led to amelioration of the negative features of the opaque phenotype, and the rebirth of Quality Protein Maize' (QPM). QPM holds superior nutritional and biological value and is essentially interchangeable with normal maize in cultivation and kernel phenotype. This paper deals with the salient sequence of events associated with the development of QPM, the present understanding of genetic, biochemical and molecular bases of QPM, and the recent technological developments that could potentially enhance the efficiency of QPM breeding and the reach of QPM cultivars.
The Efficacy of a Phytopesticide in Comparison with Perfekthion Against Sucking Pests of Cotton

The efficacy of neem product (phytopesticide FWB) was compared with perfekthion against sucking pests of cotton (jas- sids, thrips and whiteflies). Perfekthion proved to be more toxic but its effect lasted for 4 days only while neem product (FWB) was less toxic but its effect lasted for 6 days. Moreover, neem product is much safer and non-polluting.