Benefits From Water Related Ecosystem Services in Africa and Climate Change

The present study collects original monetary estimates for water related ecosystem service benefits on the African continent from 36 valuation studies. A database of 178 monetary estimates is constructed to conduct a meta-analysis that, for the first time, digs into what factors drive water related ecosystem service values in Africa. We find that the service type, biome and other socioeconomic variables are significant in explaining benefits from water related services. In order to understand the importance that benefits from water related ecosystem services have for climate change, we explore the relationship between these benefits and the countries vulnerability and readiness to adapt to climate change. We find that countries face synergies and trade-offs in terms of how valuable their water related ecosystem services are and their potential vulnerability and adaptation capacity. While more vulnerable countries are associated with lower benefits from ecosystem services, countries with a higher readiness to adapt are also associated with lower ecosystem service values. Results are discussed in light of natural capital accounting and ecosystem-based adaptation. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.This work was undertaken as part of the Water Infrastructure Solutions from Ecosystem Services Underpinning Climate Resilient Policies and Programmes (WISE UP to Climate) project. This project is part of the International Climate Initiative. Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, Bau und Reaktorsicherheit (BMUB) (Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety), Germany supports this initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag. The authors would also like to thank the Consellería de Educación, Xunta de Galicia for its financial support as well as Anil Markandya, Sébastien Foudi, Marc Neumann, James Dalton and Marta Escapa for their insightful reviews

Dangling and hydrolyzed ligand arms in [Mn3] and [Mn6] coordination assemblies: synthesis, characterization, and functional activity

Two flexible, branched, and sterically constrained di- and tripodal side arms around a phenol backbone were utilized in ligands H3L1 and H5L2 to isolate {Mn6} and {Mn3} coordination aggregates. 2,6-Bis{(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-ylimino)methyl}-4-methylphenol (H3L1) gave trinuclear complex [Mn3(μ-H2L1)2(μ1,3-O2CCH3)4(CH3OH)2](ClO4)2·4CH3OH (1), whereas 2,6-bis[{1-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)butan-2-ylimino}methyl]-4-methylphenol (H5L2) provided hexanuclear complex [Mn6(μ4-H2L2)2(μ-HL3)2(μ3-OH)2(μ1,3-O2CC2H5)4](ClO4)2·2H2O (2). Binding of acetates and coordination of {H2L1}− provided a linear MnIIIMnIIMnIII arrangement in 1. A MnIII6 fused diadamantane-type assembly was obtained in 2 from propionate bridges, coordination of {H2L2}3–, and in situ generated {HL3}2–. The magnetic characterization of 1 and 2 revealed the properties dominated by intramolecular anti-ferromagnetic exchange interactions, and this was confirmed using density functional theory calculations. Complex 1 exhibited field-induced slow magnetic relaxation at 2 K due to the axial anisotropy of MnIII centers. Both the complexes show effective solvent-dependent catechol oxidation toward 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol in air. The catechol oxidation abilities are comparable from two complexes of different nuclearity and structure

Enhancement of TbIII-CuII single-molecule magnet performance through structural modification

We report a series of 3d–4f complexes {Ln2Cu3(H3L)2Xn} (X=OAc−, Ln=Gd, Tb or X=NO3−, Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) using the 2,2′-(propane-1,3-diyldiimino)bis[2-(hydroxylmethyl)propane-1,3-diol] (H6L) pro-ligand. All complexes, except that in which Ln=Gd, show slow magnetic relaxation in zero applied dc field. A remarkable improvement of the energy barrier to reorientation of the magnetisation in the {Tb2Cu3(H3L)2Xn} complexes is seen by changing the auxiliary ligands (X=OAc− for NO3−). This leads to the largest reported relaxation barrier in zero applied dc field for a Tb/Cu-based single-molecule magnet. Ab initio CASSCF calculations performed on mononuclear TbIII models are employed to understand the increase in energy barrier and the calculations suggest that the difference stems from a change in the TbIII coordination environment (C4v versus Cs)

Fitting a two-joint orthogonal chain to a point set

We study the problem of fitting a two-joint orthogonal polygonal chain to a set S of n points in the plane, where the objective function is to minimize the maximum orthogonal distance from S to the chain. We show that this problem can be solved in Θ(n) time if the orientation of the chain is fixed, and in Θ(n log n) time when the orientation is not a priori known. We also consider some variations of the problem in three-dimensions where a polygonal chain is interpreted as a configuration of orthogonal planes. In this case we obtain O(n) and O(n log n) time algorithms depending on which plane orientations are fixed.Postprint (published version

One-Pot Synthesis of Cationic Gold Nanoparticles by Differential Reduction

The size-controlled synthesis of cationic particles by differential reduction of HAuCl precursor in the presence of NaBH and 1-aminoundecane-12-thiol (AUT) is reported. The number of seed particles is determined by the fraction of the initially Au precursor reduced by NaBH present in the reaction mixture, which are then grown larger by the AUT, acting as both weak reducing agent and stabilizing surfactant. By this methodology, size controlled synthesis is achieved in a two-step one-pot synthesis at room temperature

Establishing a governance threshold in small-scale fisheries to achieve sustainability

The lack of effective governance is a major concern in small-scale fisheries. The implementation of governance that encompasses the three pillars of sustainability (social, economic, and ecological) is still a worldwide challenge. We examined nine stalked barnacle fisheries (Pollicipes pollicipes) across Southwest Europe to better understand the relationship between governance elements and sustainability. Our results show that nested spatial scales of management, the access structure, co- management, and fisher’s participation in monitoring and surveillance promote sustainability. However, it is not the mere presence of these elements but their level of implementation that drives sustainability. Efforts should be placed in the accomplishment of a minimum combination of local scales of management, access rights through individual quotas, instructive-consultative co- management and functional participation. Surpassing this threshold in future governance structures will start to adequately promote social, economic and ecologically sustainability in small-scale fisheries

Content and distribution of glycogen in relation to the gametogenic cycle of a natural population of Ruditapes decussatus (L., 1758) located in the Baldaio lagoons (Galicia, northwestern Spain)

Bivalve reproduction is associated with complex cycles of energy reserve storage. We studied the gametogenic cycle of the clam Ruditapes decussatus (L., 1758), as well as variations in its glycogen composition, using individuals from a natural population located in the Baldaio lagoons (Galicia, northwestern Spain). The gametogenic cycle, as well as variations in glycogen composition, were studied throughout the life cycle of the clam Ruditapes decussatus (L., 1758), using individuals from a natural population located in the Baldaio lagoons (Galicia, northwestern Spain). The gametogenesis begins in December and January, after a period of sexual inactivity during the months of November and December. This population reaches sexual maturity during a period extending from mid-May until August, and spawning takes place from June to August, followed by a post-spawning period. To study of glycogen content and its distribution, the clams were dissected out into different parts: foot, ledge of the mantle, gills, adductor muscle and gonad-digestive gland. The lowest content of glycogen was found at maturity, especially during spawning. The gonad and the visceral mass accumulate between 36 and a 50% of the total glycogen present in the animal, whereas the lowest values are in the foot, which contains 6%.La reproducción en bivalvos está asociada a ciclos complejos de almacenamiento de reservas energéticas. Se ha estudiado la gametogénesis de la almeja fina Ruditapes decussatus (L., 1758), y la variación en ella de la composición de glucógeno, con ejemplares de una población natural de las lagunas de Baldaio (A Coruña). La gametogénesis se inicia entre diciembre y enero, después de un periodo de reposo sexual durante noviembre y diciembre, y la madurez sexual se alcanza desde mediados de mayo hasta agosto; la puesta tiene lugar de junio a agosto y va seguida de un periodo de pospuesta. Para el estudio del contenido en glucógeno y su distribución, se diseccionaron las siguientes partes de las almejas: el pie, el reborde muscular del manto, las branquias, los sifones, el músculo aductor y la gónada con la masa visceral, que incluye el aparato digestivo, los palpos labiales, los ganglios nerviosos y la región reno-pericárdica. El contenido en glucógeno más bajo se obtiene en la madurez y, sobre todo, en época de puesta. La gónada y la masa visceral acumulan entre el 36 y el 50% del glucógeno total existente en el animal, mientras que los valores más bajos se encuentran en el pie, con el 6%.Instituto Español de Oceanografí

A new lower limb portable exoskeleton for gait assistance in neurological patients: a proof of concept study

Background: Few portable exoskeletons following the assist-as-needed concept have been developed for patients with neurological disorders. Thus, the main objectives of this proof-of-concept study were 1) to explore the safety and feasibility of an exoskeleton for gait rehabilitation in stroke and multiple sclerosis patients, 2) to test different algorithms for gait assistance and measure the resulting gait changes and 3) to evaluate the user's perception of the device. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Five patients were recruited (4 patients with stroke and 1 with multiple sclerosis). A robotic, one-degree-of-freedom, portable lower limb exoskeleton known as the Marsi Active Knee (MAK) was designed. Three control modes (the Zero Force Control mode, Mode 1 and Mode 3) were implemented. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured by the 10-m walking test (10MWT), the Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (G.A.I.T.) and Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (gait subscale) before and after the trials. A modified QUEST 2.0 questionnaire was administered to determine each participant's opinion about the exoskeleton. The data acquired by the MAK sensors were normalized to a gait cycle, and adverse effects were recorded. Results: The MAK exoskeleton was used successfully without any adverse effects. Better outcomes were obtained in the 10MWT and G.A.I.T. when Mode 3 was applied compared with not wearing the device at all. In 2 participants, Mode 3 worsened the results. Additionally, Mode 3 seemed to improve the 10MWT and G.A.I.T. outcomes to a greater extent than Mode 1. The overall score for the user perception of the device was 2.8 ± 0.4 95% CI. Conclusions: The MAK exoskeleton seems to afford positive preliminary results regarding safety, feasibility, and user acceptance. The efficacy of the MAK should be studied in future studies, and more advanced improvements in safety must be implemented.G. Puyuelo-Quintana has received financial support by the “Doctorado Industrial” grant of Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades de España (reference DI-16- 08731). A. Plaza-Flores and E. Garces-Castellote have received financial support by the “Doctorado Industrial” grant of Comunidad de Madrid (reference IND2017/TIC-7698 and IND2018/TIC-9618, respectively).Peer reviewe