Elsevier, Soil and Tillage Research, Volume 194, November 2019
As a response to the worldwide challenge raised by soil degradation, Conservation Agriculture (CA) was proposed to help restoring the three main soil functions, i.e. carbon transformation, nutrient cycling and structure maintenance. However, there is still a lack of integrative studies that assess the overall impact of CA on soil health. To fill the gap, Biofunctool®, a set of in-field indicators, was developed to monitor changes in soil biological functioning.
Elsevier, One Earth, Volume 1, 22 November 2019
Over US$60 trillion is predicted to be spent on new infrastructure globally by 2040. Is it possible to meet UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 (develop infrastructure networks) without sacrificing goals 14 and 15 (ending biodiversity loss)? We explore the potential role of “no net loss” (NNL) policies in reconciling these SDGs.
Elsevier, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Volume 555, 1 November 2019
The two-dimensional (2D) ultrathin Mg-Al layered double hydroxide modified by magnetic Fe3O4 (Fe3O4/Mg-Al LDH) was successfully synthesized via the co-precipitation method. The Fe3O4/Mg-Al LDH not only exhibits superior separation efficiency of charge carriers but also possesses signally enhanced photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction than Mg-Al LDH. The as-prepared Fe3O4/Mg-Al LDH affords the CO and CH4 generation rate of 442.2 µmol g−1 h−1 and 223.9 µmol g−1 h−1. The enhanced reduction CO2 activity mainly comes from synergetic effect of Fe3O4 and ultrathin Mg-Al LDH.
The effectiveness of active packaging systems with green tea extract and oregano essential oil was checked for their use in sliced cooked ham. Three packaging systems were evaluated: i) control group without active film, ii) ATGT packed with active film of green tea extract (1%) and iii) ATRX with a mixture of green tea extract and oregano essential oil (1%). The evolution of microbiological, physicochemical (pH, aw, colour and lipid oxidation) and sensory attributes were analysed after 0, 7, 14 and 21 days of refrigerated storage.
Elsevier, Current Research in Food Science, Volume 1, November 2019
An Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography combined with Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC–ToF-MS) method has been developed for determination of nine mycotoxins, namely aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEA), toxin T2 (T2) and fumonisins (FB1 and FB2) in maize. The method included a two-step extraction with acetonitrile 80% (v/v). After optimization, the analytical method was validated. The different concentrations tested take in account the Maximum Levels (ML) for maize (Commission Regulation EC no.
The question of how to enable an effective, modern, global energy transition is garnering significant interest in both academic and policy making communities. Composite statistical indices have emerged as a useful class of tools to offer policymakers additional insights into the state and trajectory of energy transitions around the world. In this commentary, we discuss the purpose of energy indices in general and document several prominent examples. We then introduce and place in this landscape the World Economic Forum's Energy Transitions Index (ETI).
Elsevier,
City and Environment Interactions, Volume 3, November 2019
As global temperatures continue to rise, questions about infrastructure capacity to keep up with energy demand are increasingly germane. Energy demand is mediated by several structural and environmental conditions, though we have a limited understanding about the role of differences in local ambient temperatures as a predictor for energy demand. This study assesses the effects of residential building structure, socio-demographics, and ambient temperature conditions of a neighborhood to overall energy expenditures of a household.
November 2019
The #SDGBookClub helps children learn about the Sustainable Development Goals. The book club presents a selection of books for children aged 5-12 on each of the goals. Check out the books that have been selected in support of Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation.
Elsevier, Annals of Emergency Medicine, Volume 74, November 2019
Study objective: We examine racial and ethnic differences in opioid prescribing and dosing for long bone fractures at emergency department (ED) discharge. Methods: We conducted an electronic health records–based cross-sectional study of adults with long bone fractures who presented to the ED across 22 sites from a health care delivery system (2016 to 2017).
