Realistic modeling of entorhinal cortex field potentials and interpretation of epileptic activity in the guinea pig isolated brain preparation.

Mechanisms underlying epileptic activities recorded from entorhinal cortex (EC) were studied through a computational model based on review of cytoarchitectonic and neurobiological data about this structure. The purpose of this study is to describe and use this model to interpret epileptiform discharge patterns recorded in an experimental model of ictogenesis (guinea-pig isolated brain perfused with bicuculline). A macroscopic modeling approach representing synaptic interactions between cells subpopulations in the EC was chosen for its adequacy to mimic field potentials reflecting overall dynamics rising from interconnected cells populations. Therefore, intrinsic properties of neurons were not included in the modeling design. Model parameters were adjusted from an identification procedure based on quantitative comparison between real and simulated signals. For both EC deep and superficial layers, results show that the model generates very realistic signals regarding temporal dynamics, spectral features and cross-correlation values. These simulations allowed us to infer information about the evolution of synaptic transmission between principal cell and interneuronal populations and about connectivity between deep and superficial layers during the transition from background to ictal activity. In the model, this transition was obtained for increased excitation in deep versus superficial layers. Transitions between epileptiform activities (interictal spikes, fast onset activity (25Hz), ictal bursting activity) were explained by changes of parameters mainly related to GABAergic interactions. Notably, the model predicted an important role of GABA(a,fast) and GABA(b) receptor-mediated inhibition in the generation of ictal fast onset and burst activities, respectively. These findings are discussed with respect to experimental data

Low-Cost Biochar Adsorbents for Water Purification Including Microplastics Removal

The applicability of steam activated pine and spruce bark biochar for storm water and wastewater purification has been investigated. Biochar samples produced from the bark of scots pine (Pinus sylvestrus) and spruce (Picea spp.) by conventional slow pyrolysis at 475 °C were steam activated at 800 °C. Steam activation was selected as a relatively inexpensive method for creating porous biochar adsorbents from the bark-containing sidestreams of the wood refining industry. A suite of standard analytical procedures were carried out to quantify the performance of the activated biochar in removing both cations and residual organics from aqueous media. Phenol and microplastics retention and cation exchange capacity were employed as key test parameters. Despite relatively low surface areas (200–600 m2/g), the steam-activated biochars were highly suitable adsorbents for the chemical species tested as well as for microplastics removal. The results indicate that ultra-high porosities are not necessary for satisfactory water purification, supporting the economic feasibility of bio-based adsorbent production

Low-Cost Biochar Adsorbents for Water Purification Including Microplastics Removal

The applicability of steam activated pine and spruce bark biochar for storm water and wastewater purification has been investigated. Biochar samples produced from the bark of scots pine (Pinus sylvestrus) and spruce (Picea spp.) by conventional slow pyrolysis at 475 °C were steam activated at 800 °C. Steam activation was selected as a relatively inexpensive method for creating porous biochar adsorbents from the bark-containing sidestreams of the wood refining industry. A suite of standard analytical procedures were carried out to quantify the performance of the activated biochar in removing both cations and residual organics from aqueous media. Phenol and microplastics retention and cation exchange capacity were employed as key test parameters. Despite relatively low surface areas (200–600 m2/g), the steam-activated biochars were highly suitable adsorbents for the chemical species tested as well as for microplastics removal. The results indicate that ultra-high porosities are not necessary for satisfactory water purification, supporting the economic feasibility of bio-based adsorbent production

Evaluating the impact of Nature-based Solutions: A Summary for Policy Makers

Assessing the impacts of nature-based solutions is essential to understand their effectiveness in addressing current interrelated societal challenges. Robust impact evaluation supports practitioners to understand and document the outcomes of nature-based solutions, resulting in improved quality, efficiency and effectiveness at various stages of nature-based solution implementation. Knowing which nature-based interventions are effective and at what cost is critical for decisions about the action itself, as well as for assessment of the up-scaling and/or replication potential of a given nature-based solution. This publication provides a summary of key principles in developing your impact evaluation framework, which includes the development of your theory of change, and the selection of appropriate indicators of impact and methods to obtain useful and high-quality data. Through the presentation of four European nature-based solution case studies, with diverse geographies and challenges, we illustrate how impact evaluation can be tailored to local contexts. We hope to inspire you to further explore the detailed information available in Evaluating the Impact of Nature-Based Solutions: A Handbook for Practitioners, and the accompanying Evaluating the Impact of Nature-Based Solutions: Appendix of Methods

Biological nitrification inhibition by root exudates of native species, Hibiscus splendens and Solanum echinatum

Australian native species grow competitively in nutrient limited environments, particularly in nitrogen (N) limited soils; however, the mechanism that enables this is poorly understood. Biological nitrification inhibition (BNI), which is the release of root exudates into the plant rhizosphere to inhibit the nitrification process, is a hypothesized adaptive mechanism for maximizing N uptake. To date, few studies have investigated the temporal pattern and components of root exudates by Australian native plant species for BNI. This study examined root exudates from two Australian native species, Hibiscus splendens and Solanum echinatum, and contrasted with exudates of Sorghum bicolor, a plant widely demonstrated to exhibit BNI capacity. Root exudates were collected from plants at two, four, and six weeks after transplanting to solution culture. Root exudates contained three types of organic acids (OAs), oxalic, citric and succinic acids, regardless of the species. However, the two Australian natives species released larger amount of OAs in earlier development stages than S. bicolor. The total quantity of these OAs released per unit root dry mass was also seven-ten times greater for Australian native plant species compared to S. bicolor. The root exudates significantly inhibited nitrification activity over six weeks' growth in a potential nitrification assay, with S. echinatum (ca. 81% inhibition) > S. bicolor (ca. 80% inhibition) > H. splendens (ca. 78% inhibition). The narrow range of BNI capacity in the study plants limited the determination of a relationship between OAs and BNI; however, a lack of correlation between individual OAs and inhibition of nitrification suggests OAs may not directly contribute to BNI. These results indicate that Australian native species generate a strongly N conserving environment within the rhizosphere up to six weeks after germination, establishing a competitive advantage in severely N limited environments

Benchmarking Nature-Based Solution and Smart City Assessment Schemes Against the Sustainable Development Goal Indicator Framework

Increasing global urbanization yields substantial potential for enhanced sustainability through careful management of urban development and optimized resource use efficiency. Nature-based solutions (NBS) can provide a means for cities to successfully navigate the water-energy-climate relationship, thus enhancing urban resilience. Implementation of NBS can improve local or regional economic resilience underpinned by the sustainable use of natural resources. The innovative governance, institutional, business, and finance models and frameworks inherent to NBS implementation also provide a wealth of opportunity for social transformation and increased social inclusiveness in cities. The ultimate benefit of NBS implementation in cities is increased livability, which is typically measured as a function of multiple social, economic and environmental variables. Given the range of different interventions classified as NBS and the cross-sectoral character of their co-benefits, different assessment schemes can be used to evaluate NBS performance and impact. Herein, performance and impact indicators within three robust NBS- and Smart City-related assessment schemes—Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES), Knowledge and Learning Mechanism on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (EKLIPSE), and Smart City Performance Measurement Framework (CITYkeys)—were critically analyzed with respect to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.” Each selected assessment scheme was benchmarked with respect to the Inter-Agency Expert Group on SDG Indicators' global indicator framework for the sub-objectives of SDG 11. The alignment between each of the selected NBS assessment schemes and the SDG indicator framework was mapped with particular emphasis on consistency with city-level framework indicators for each SDG 11 sub-objective. The results were illustrated as composite scores describing the alignment of the analyzed NBS and Smart city assessment schemes with the SDG 11 sub-objectives. These results facilitate NBS assessment scheme selection based on alignment between each analyzed assessment scheme and specific SDG 11 sub-objectives. Cities face multiple challenges amidst a complex hierarchy of legislative, regulatory and other stakeholder obligations. The present study showed that strategic selection of an NBS assessment scheme which closely aligns with one or more sub-objectives within SDG 11 can maximize operational efficiency by exploiting synergies between evaluation schemes