Forum on Early Warning and Early Response: A New Collaborative Effort

This paper provides an introduction and overview of the Forum on Early Warning and Early Response (FEWER). Topics covered are: the mission statement, definitions, objectives and structure of the group as well as a description and evaluation of projects in- progress. A member contact list, a synopsis of membership criteria and d activities are included.Cet article fournit une introduction et un aperçu du Forum sur l'Alerte Préventive et l'Intervention Rapide (Ftorum on Early Warning and Early Response-FEWER). Les sujets abordés sont: la formulation du mandat, la description, les objectifs et la structure de ce groupe, ainsi que la description de l'évaluation des projets en cours. Une liste de membres-contacts, un descriptif des critères à rencontrer pour devenir membre et une présentation des activités sont joints

Promising Biomolecules with High Antioxidant Capacity Derived from Cryptophyte Algae Grown under Different Light Conditions

The accumulation and production of biochemical compounds in microalgae are influenced by available light quality and algal species-specific features. In this study, four freshwater cryptophyte strains (Cryptomonas ozolinii, C. pyrenoidifera, C. curvata, and C. sp. (CPCC 336)) and one marine strain (Rhodomonas salina) were cultivated under white (control), blue, and green (experimental conditions) lights. Species-specific responses to light quality were detected, i.e., the color of light significantly affected cryptophyte biomass productivity and biochemical compositions, but the optimal light for the highest chemical composition with high antioxidant capacity was different for each algal strain. Overall, the highest phycoerythrin (PE) content (345 mg g−1 dry weight; DW) was reached by C. pyrenoidifera under green light. The highest phenolic (PC) contents (74, 69, and 66 mg g−1 DW) were detected in C. curvata under control conditions, in C. pyrenoidifera under green light, and in C. ozolinii under blue light, respectively. The highest exopolysaccharide (EPS) content (452 mg g−1 DW) was found in C. curvata under the control light. In terms of antioxidant activity, the biochemical compounds from the studied cryptophytes were highly active, with IC50 -values < 50 µg mL−1. Thus, in comparison to well-known commercial microalgal species, cryptophytes could be considered a possible candidate for producing beneficial biochemical compounds

Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2017: Stewardship and Conservation: Stewardship Practices to Conserve Gros Morne Bioregion

In the face of climate change and industrial development intensification in Insular Newfoundland, the need to protect sensitive ecosystems is paramount to the survival of species. Ecosystem-based management has been an effective approach for management within park boundaries, but we cannot risk creating isolated islands of protection. Expanding protection of natural areas beyond existing park boundaries can be difficult to accomplish. Using a comparative case study research method, this study identifies three stewardship approaches, conservation easements, Institutional blending, and land-trusts, to conservation that may prove to be an effective means of achieving new conservation goals near Gros Morne National park

Direction of the Play: All My Sons

This project entailed background research of Arthur Miller and his works, casting, designing, and direction, and post production evaluation of Marshfield High School\u27s Madrala (Marshfiels Drama Lab) Player\u27s production of All My Sons. The production thesis concentration includes research and analysis of the play and its literary background, evaluation of the play as a production vehicle and a discussion of the directorial concept and vision for the production

Promising Biomolecules with High Antioxidant Capacity Derived from Cryptophyte Algae Grown under Different Light Conditions

The accumulation and production of biochemical compounds in microalgae are influenced by available light quality and algal species-specific features. In this study, four freshwater cryptophyte strains (Cryptomonas ozolinii, C. pyrenoidifera, C. curvata, and C. sp. (CPCC 336)) and one marine strain (Rhodomonas salina) were cultivated under white (control), blue, and green (experimental conditions) lights. Species-specific responses to light quality were detected, i.e., the color of light significantly affected cryptophyte biomass productivity and biochemical compositions, but the optimal light for the highest chemical composition with high antioxidant capacity was different for each algal strain. Overall, the highest phycoerythrin (PE) content (345 mg g−1 dry weight; DW) was reached by C. pyrenoidifera under green light. The highest phenolic (PC) contents (74, 69, and 66 mg g−1 DW) were detected in C. curvata under control conditions, in C. pyrenoidifera under green light, and in C. ozolinii under blue light, respectively. The highest exopolysaccharide (EPS) content (452 mg g−1 DW) was found in C. curvata under the control light. In terms of antioxidant activity, the biochemical compounds from the studied cryptophytes were highly active, with IC50 -values < 50 µg mL−1. Thus, in comparison to well-known commercial microalgal species, cryptophytes could be considered a possible candidate for producing beneficial biochemical compounds

Conserving space heritage: The case of Tranquillity Base

One of the most important and spectacular events in the history of space exploration was the first Moon Landing of 1969. Safe from the ravages of erosion, agriculture, industry or the expansion of human settlement, the greatest threat to the site of this momentous event - Tranquillity Base - is likely to be from a meteor impact. However, with the advent of space tourism and commercial space travel, the site of humankind's first visit to a celestial body may come under threat of a different kind - that of souvenir hunters and miners. In this paper, the historical background to the Apollo programme is outlined and the sequence of events that made up the Apollo 11 mission, which conducted the first Moon landing, is described before concluding with a consideration of the heritage conservation issues of Tranquillity Base

Phylogenomic Analysis of Secondary Metabolism in the Toxic Cyanobacterial Genera Anabaena, Dolichospermum and Aphanizomenon

Cyanobacteria produce an array of toxins that pose serious health risks to humans and animals. The closely related diazotrophic genera, Anabaena, Dolichospermum and Aphanizomenon, frequently form poisonous blooms in lakes and brackish waters around the world. These genera form a complex now termed the Anabaena, Dolichospermum and Aphanizomenon (ADA) clade and produce a greater array of toxins than any other cyanobacteria group. However, taxonomic confusion masks the distribution of toxin biosynthetic pathways in cyanobacteria. Here we obtained 11 new draft genomes to improve the understanding of toxin production in these genera. Comparison of secondary metabolite pathways in all available 31 genomes for these three genera suggests that the ability to produce microcystin, anatoxin-a, and saxitoxin is associated with specific subgroups. Each toxin gene cluster was concentrated or even limited to a certain subgroup within the ADA clade. Our results indicate that members of the ADA clade encode a variety of secondary metabolites following the phylogenetic clustering of constituent species. The newly sequenced members of the ADA clade show that phylogenetic separation of planktonic Dolichospermum and benthic Anabaena is not complete. This underscores the importance of taxonomic revision of Anabaena, Dolichospermum and Aphanizomenon genera to reflect current phylogenomic understanding