Search Results (82)

Agroecological transitions in collective urban gardens in Toulouse region were studied through the prism of global health (2011–2022). The specific meaning of “global health” in the context of urban gardens concerns the health of gardeners (well-being and physical health), plants, soil, and animals, as well as the interactions between humans and non-humans, which are crucial for gardeners. A sociotechnical research project was developed on four different collective gardening sites, consisting of the following: 1. surveys issued to 100 garden stakeholders to highlight issues and practices, participation in meetings with the social centers in charge of events, and focus groups; 2. participative agronomic and environmental measurements and field observations, including soil quality analyses; and 3. analysis of the available documentary corpus. In order to produce the results, these three research methods (surveys, agronomy, document analysis) were combined through a transdisciplinary approach, in that both the field experimentation outcomes and retrieved scientific publications and technical documents informed the discussions with gardeners. Consideration of the four different sites enabled the exploration of various contextual factors—such as soil or air quality—affecting the production of vegetables. A rise in the concerns of gardeners about the impacts of their activities on global health was observed, including aspects such as creating and enjoying landscapes, taking care of the soil and biodiversity, developing social connections through the transmission of practices, and regular outside physical activity and healthier eating. The increased consideration for global health issues by all stakeholders promotes the implementation of agroecological practices in gardens to improve biodiversity and adherence to circular economy principles. Four concepts emerged from the interviews: health, production of vegetables, living soil, and social interactions. Notably, nuances between the studied sites were observed, according to their history, environment, and organization. These collective gardens can thus be considered as accessible laboratories for social and agroecological experimentation, being areas that can strongly contribute to urban ecosystem services. Full article

Muehlenbeckia tuggeranong is an endangered subshrub with an estimated seven individuals remaining in its native habitat, and twelve held in an ex situ living collection in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra. We conducted a genetic analysis on all known individuals of the species both in situ and ex situ to inform the conservation management of one of the rarest plants in Australia, certainly the rarest in the Australian Capital Territory. We found recent seedlings did not result from hybridisation with M. axillaris but resulted from sexual reproduction within the ex situ collection, leading to greater genetic diversity ex situ than in situ. However, low genetic diversity across the species indicates a high risk of extinction. Through simulations we identified the optimal breeding pairs to minimise further genetic diversity loss and increase the number of available genotypes for future reintroduction. Our work highlights the need to incorporate genetically informed breeding programs into living collections management of endangered plant species, particular those with unique life history traits. Full article

In sub-Saharan Africa, urban market gardening is characterized by the intensive use of chemical inputs, which could have adverse effects on soil health. This study therefore aimed to assess the impact of urban market gardening on soil health. Topsoil samples were collected from 69 plots at a market gardening site in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, with cultivation histories ranging from 0 to over 50 years. Twenty-six chemical, biological, and physical soil properties were analyzed. Principal component analysis was used to identify minimum data sets for the assessment of soil health. The selected variables were standardized and aggregated into two soil health indices on a scale from 0 to 100: an overall index based on all properties combined and an average index based on the mean of the biological, physical, and chemical components of soil health. Both indices revealed a clear improvement in soil health over time, with the overall index rising from an initial value of 0.35 to 0.64 after 60 years and the average index rising from 0.30 to 0.62. The average index, which enables the separate assessment of its three components, accounted for a greater share of the temporal variability (R² = 0.59) than the overall index (R² = 0.47). These findings highlight the positive impact of urban market gardening practices on soil health at the study site, which was attributed to the large additions of organic amendments. Full article

This research explores the underappreciated traditional cold-water baths of Western Anatolia, once integral to the region’s agrarian culture. Due to waves of change, which had markedly begun by the pandemic in 2019 and the aftermath of the 2020 Samos earthquake, there has been a growing interest in living in peri-urban areas, resulting in the invasion of agricultural grounds by new construction, mainly including detached houses with gardens. Such a harsh growth not only threatens the fertile lands, but also the irreplaceable cultural heritage they embrace. In this regional frame, this study focuses on three surviving baths within the Karaburun Peninsula, casting light on their current precarious state as relics of a diminishing rural way of life and local heritage. The traditional cold-water baths, constructed amidst agricultural fields for seasonal use in select villages throughout İzmir, stand as unique exemplars of rural architecture. Characterised by their singular domed chambers and their reliance on water from adjacent wells, these structures today face abandonment and disrepair. Through a multi-disciplinary lens blending ethnography, oral history, and spatial analysis, this paper portrays these unassuming yet culturally impactful baths, elucidating their intrinsic value within the heritage domain. The inquiry contributes significantly to the heritage conservation discussion, highlighting the broad spectrum of values beyond mere historical interest. By articulating the symbiotic relationship between heritage and its community, this research underscores the pressing need to weave these baths into the fabric of current social structures, safeguarding their place within the collective memory. Full article

A series (n = 22) of glasses from the site Kapucinski vrt (garden of the Capuchin monastery, 5th–17th c. CE) in Koper (Capodistria), a port town in the northern Adriatic, was measured using a combined PIXE and PIGE method. Koper has been continuously populated since the late Roman period, with a rich medieval history, thus offering an opportunity to study Early Medieval glass. Stemmed goblet fragments, in the original publication dated between the 6th–9th centuries CE, and several other vessel types (beakers and flasks or bottles and lamps) were selected for analysis. The measurements were expected to show the trends in glass production and consumption from Late Antiquity until the Middle Ages, notably the transition between natron to plant ash glass and the supply of fresh glass. Among the set of 22 glass vessel fragments, both natron and plant ash glass were identified. For finer classification, we relied on a newly developed method of Euclidean distances with respect to major concentrations. Natron glass of the types Foy 2.1 (9 examples), Magby (2 examples), and Levantine I (Apollonia; 2 examples) was found. Two glasses remain undetermined but testify to an Egyptian origin. Most natron glasses show signs of recycling. Among the three unrecycled glasses (about 20% of the whole set), there are two examples of Levantine glass and a Magby glass lamp; this may indicate a modest supply of fresh glass during the period. Plant ash glass may be attributed to the Early or High Middle Ages, exploiting the purified alkalis of the Levantine coasts (known as alume catino in later Venetian glassmaking), and the admixture of impurities in the siliceous sands suggests the circulation and consumption of glass that was produced and traded in the eastern Mediterranean since the 10th century CE. Full article

The villa of the Veneto is a complex that includes the manor house, the agricultural buildings, as well as the green spaces of the garden, the orchard and the fields. The research presented in this article focuses on the case of Villa Giusti-Puttini at Santa Maria in Stelle (Verona, Italy), with the aim of unravelling the history and state of conservation of the villa’s park, which has never been studied before. The research has been carried out by interconnecting the historical archival documentation (written documents and maps) with the current state, always considering the possible interpretations suggested by the specialised related bibliography. The result has been the identification of the elements of permanence and transformation of the territory and landscape of the villa. Elements such as its boundaries, interior paths, vegetation and watercourses make it possible to outline guidelines aimed at recovering the memory of this historic landscape which has been largely preserved over the centuries, and which constitutes one of the most significant heritage aspects of this area of Italy. In addition to providing in-depth knowledge of a specific object, this research can serve as an example for the study of other cultural landscapes. Full article

Between 1871 and 1969, Native Americans (American Indians) endured the U.S. Federal Indian Boarding School system, while Chinese Americans faced enduring impacts from the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882–1943). Drawing on historical sources, this paper examines literary works by and about Native Americans and Chinese Americans, focusing on their sufferings under forced isolation policies. Through works like Ceremony and Gardens in the Dunes by Leslie Marmon Silko and Eat a Bowl of Tea by Louis Chu, this study illustrates how systematic oppression, characterized by erasure of cultural identity, manifested through institutions such as “boarding school” and “bachelor society”. It explores how forced policies (like assimilation and isolation) and institutional oppression, through cultural erasure and the severing of family ties, dismantled family structures, weakened cultural transmission, and led to identity crises, inter-generational alienation, and psychological trauma in marginalized communities. These ethnic narratives not only document histories of oppression but also highlight the ethnic groups’ resilience and their efforts to reconstruct multicultural identity through cultural heritage and community ties under multifaceted pressures. Full article

This study investigated the effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NBSs) as a resilient strategy for mitigating urban flood risks in a developing hot arid country. The research method included the following steps: (a) performing a flood hazard risk assessment for the Fifth Settlement district in New Cairo, Egypt, (b) selecting best-fit NBSs, and (c) performance assessment. The process started with flood hazard analysis using hydrological data, topographical maps, urban planning, and land use maps, in addition to the history of storm events. This step defined the urban areas located in flood depth zones and categorized their flood hazard level. Exposure assessment considered the number and characteristics of population and buildings exposed to flood hazards. Vulnerability assessment determined the vulnerable characteristics of exposed populations and buildings to flood risk. The result of this assessment step indicated that there were 2000 buildings distributed in almost twenty neighborhood areas facing high flood risk. One of these urban areas with 72 building units, including residential, public, and services buildings, was selected to test the potential of integrating NBSs for flood-resilient land use planning and disaster preparedness. The selection of best-fit NBSs was based on a weighted-average sum matrix considering their climatic and contextual suitability and applicability. As a final step, numerical simulation models helped assess the efficiency of the selected NBSs for stormwater runoff reduction and the percentage of the volume capture goal. Five simulation models tested the efficiency of each NBS individually. Rain gardens achieved the highest stormwater capture percentage, while green roofs performed the least effectively, with capture rates of 43.6% and 9.9%, respectively. Two more simulation models were developed to evaluate the efficiency of NBSs when implemented in combination compared to the base case of using no NBSs. Permeable paving demonstrated the highest effectiveness in volume capture. The result indicated that applying combined measures of NBSs over 54.1% of the total site area was able to capture 8% more than the required volume capture goal. Consequently, this study underscores the necessity of adopting tailored solutions and integrated approaches using NBSs for flood risk mitigation. This necessitates testing their performance under site-specific conditions and future climate projections. Full article

The Chinese red pine, Pinus tabulaeformis, is one of the most important evergreen conifer trees in China. It is widely planted in southern Gansu Province and is commonly used for garden trees, hedges, windbreaks, and soil and water conservation. However, Matsucoccus sinensis, a scale insect, has become a major pest of the P. tabulaeformis forests, and its life history and biological characteristics remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the biological characteristics, male cocoon emergence, adult mating period, and egg developmental period of M. sinensis, providing valuable insights for its prevention and control. We conducted continuous observation of the different developmental stages of M. sinensis, both in the laboratory and in P. tabulaeformis fields. The least squares method was used to calculate the egg developmental period of M. sinensis. Our results showed that the scale insect is a monophagous species with one generation occurring per year. The second-instar nymphs overwinter on the needles in the medium shell and reproduce sexually, without parthenogenesis. Male M. sinensis adults reach their peak appearance at the end of April in the study region. The peak emergence of male cocoons occurred between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, and the adult mating period lasted from 11:00 AM to 13:00 PM. The larvae of M. sinensis attack the needles of P. tabulaeformis. The nymphs crawled and moved to the inner base of the needles, with first- to third-instar nymphs fixing themselves to the needles to feed. The effective accumulated temperature and starting temperatures for the development of M. sinensis eggs were found to be 86.1 °C and 3.5 °C, respectively. Overall, understanding the biology and life history of M. sinensis is essential for identifying key developmental stages and determining the optimal timing for pest control, ultimately aiding in the development of targeted management strategies to protect P. tabulaeformis forests from this emerging pest. Full article

The continuous advancement of urbanization and the expansion of cities inevitably have certain impacts on urban wildlife. Birds are a highly visible group of urban wildlife, widely distributed and sensitive to environmental changes. Birds’ song is an important way of conveying information; the effective conveyance and transmission of bird songs are crucial for attracting mates and successful reproduction. However, the impact of urban development on the songs of many birds remains unknown. This study compared the differences in song characteristics (maximum frequency, minimum frequency, main frequency, and duration) of the Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea) at six different research sites with different levels of urbanization, in order to explore the song response patterns of birds to urbanization. The results indicate that urbanization leads to a reduction in avian song diversity and a convergence in song parameters. Birds in different life history stages show inconsistent responses to urbanization. During the overwintering period, there are no significant differences in the minimum frequency and duration of the Eurasian Nuthatch’s song, almost no significant differences in the maximum frequency, and the main frequency of the Eurasian Nuthatch’s song, as distributed in the Forest Botanical Garden (FBG) shows some differences compared to other study sites. During the breeding period, there are no significant differences in the main frequency of the Eurasian Nuthatch’s song, while other parameters exhibit varying degrees of differences. Comprehensive analysis reveals that urbanization has varying impacts on the song diversity of the Eurasian Nuthatch across different life history stages. During the overwintering period, there is a significant reduction in song diversity, with a pronounced homogenization effect; during the breeding period, the birds’ songs are more diverse, with only the main frequency showing a significant homogenization effect. It is speculated that birds may strike a certain balance between adapting to urbanization and survival reproduction. Full article

The black garden ant (Lasius niger) is a widely distributed species across Europe, North America, and North Africa, playing a pivotal role in ecological processes within its diverse habitats. However, the microbiome associated with L. niger remains poorly investigated. In the present study, we isolated a novel species, Paenarthrobacter lasiusi, from the soil of the L. niger anthill. The genome of P. lasiusi S21 was sequenced, annotated, and searched for groups of genes of physiological, medical, and biotechnological importance. Subsequently, a series of microbiological, physiological, and biochemical experiments were conducted to characterize P. lasiusi S21 with respect to its sugar metabolism, antibiotic resistance profile, lipidome, and capacity for atmospheric nitrogen fixation, among others. A notable feature of the P. lasiusi S21 genome is the presence of two prophages, which may have horizontally transferred host genes involved in stress responses. P. lasiusi S21 synthesizes a number of lipids, including mono- and digalactosyldiacylglycerol, as well as steroid compounds that are typically found in eukaryotic organisms rather than prokaryotes. P. lasiusi S21 exhibits resistance to penicillins, lincosamides, fusidins, and oxazolidinones, despite the absence of specific genes conferring resistance to these antibiotics. Genomic data and physiological tests indicate that P. lasiusi S21 is nonpathogenic to humans. The genome of P. lasiusi S21 contains multiple operons involved in heavy metal metabolism and organic compound inactivation. Consequently, P. lasiusi represents a novel species with an intriguing evolutionary history, manifesting in distinctive genomic, metabolomic, and physiological characteristics. This species may have potential applications in the bioaugmentation of contaminated soils. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lebanon, one of the oldest centers of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivation, is home to a rich diversity of local grape varieties. This biodiversity is linked to the country’s unique topography and millennia of cultural history. However, the wine industry primarily utilizes international varieties, putting many local varieties at risk of extinction. Methods: In this study, we analyzed 202 samples from old vineyards, home gardens, and private collections using 21 microsatellite markers to assess their identity and genetic diversity. Results: A total of 67 different genotypes were identified, with 34 not matching any existing profiles in the consulted databases, based on comparisons with the European Vitis Database, the Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), and the databases established in two previous studies conducted in Armenia and Lebanon. Cluster analyses revealed Lebanon’s rich diversity of local grape varieties, highlighting cases of synonymy, homonymy, and misnaming. All loci were polymorphic, with 228 alleles and an average of 11.4 alleles being detected. The highest number of alleles was observed at the VVIV67 locus (19 alleles), while the lowest was found at the VVIQ52 and VVIN73 loci (5 alleles). The observed heterozygosity was 0.732, slightly below the expected value of 0.757, with gene diversity varying among the markers. Conclusions: Of the 67 genetic profiles identified, 34 are absent from national and international databases, underscoring Lebanon as a hotspot for grapevine genetic diversity. This unique genetic variation, which includes several synonyms due to geographic isolation, could provide valuable opportunities for producing distinctive wines and emphasizes the need for further research and documentation. Full article

Elemental sulfur, commonly known for its wide range of biological activities, has a long history of use in protecting all garden and vegetable crops from a range of pests and diseases, including powdery mildew, ascochyta blight, clubroot, plant mites, oidium, anthracnose, and scab. In the present study, a quick and environmentally friendly approach has been developed for the synthesis of sulfur nanoparticles with antibacterial activity. Fine sulfur particles (FSPs) were prepared by modifying the surface of elemental sulfur using various polyelectrolyte–surfactant mixtures (PSMs) including sodium carboxymethyl cellulose–sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (NaCMC-SDBS) and polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride–cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (PHMG-CTAB). The FSPs were characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry analysis (TG/DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with the FSPs showing an almost spherical shape with an average size in the range of 150–200 nm. The antibacterial activity of the FSPs was tested against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and one fungus (Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 95 16404). Based on this, it could be seen that FSPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, i.e., S. aureus and E. faecium. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the FSPs-1 and FSPs-2 studied in normal (MeT-5A) and tumorous (MCF-7) human cell lines was assessed in the concentration range from 500 μg/mL to 0.12 mg/mL, from which it was determined as being non-cytotoxic. The received products can be considered for potential application in agriculture and medicine. Full article

This study delves into the multifaceted realm of citrus fruits, exploring their significance and socioeconomic implications from their early introduction to Western Muslim and Renaissance gardens, tracing their journey throughout history. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from biological, archaeobotanical, iconographic, and textual sources, our study offers a comprehensive exploration of citrus symbolism and cultural significance, integrating historical, artistic, horticultural, and socioeconomic viewpoints. The genus Citrus (Rutaceae) comprises around thirty species and its natural habitat spans from the southern slopes of the Himalayas to China, Southeast Asia, nearby islands, and Queensland. Originating from only four of these species, humans have cultivated hundreds of hybrids and thousands of varieties, harnessing their culinary, medicinal, and ornamental potential worldwide. We delve into the symbolic value of citrus fruits, which have served as indicators of economic status and power. From their early presence in Mediterranean religious rituals to their depiction in opulent Roman art and mythical narratives like the Garden of the Hesperides, citrus fruits have epitomized luxury and desire. Christian lore intertwines them with the forbidden fruit of Eden, while Islamic and Sicilian gardens and Renaissance villas signify their prestige. We analyze diverse perspectives, from moralists to hedonists, and examine their role in shaping global agriculture, exemplified by rare varieties like aurantii foetiferi. Full article

Urban green spaces, such as parks, cemeteries, and allotment gardens provide important cooling functions for mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect. In the densely populated Ruhr Area (Germany), rehabilitated tailing piles (TPs), as relicts of the coal-mining history, are widespread hill-shaped landscape forms mainly used for local recreation. Their potential role as cooling islands has never been analyzed systematically. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the TP surface cooling potential compared to other urban green spaces (UGSs). We analyzed the factors controlling the piles’ summer land surface temperature (LST) patterns using k-mean clustering and random forest regression modeling. Generally, mean LST values of the TPs were comparable to those of other UGSs in the region. Indices describing vegetation moisture (NDMI), vitality (NDVI), and height (VH) were found to control the LST pattern of the piles during summer. The index for soil moisture (TVDI) was directly related to VH, with the highest values on the north and northeast-facing slopes and lowest on slopes with south and southeast expositions. Terrain attributes such as altitude, slope, aspect, and curvature were of minor relevance in that context, except on TPs exceeding heights of 125 m. In conclusion, we advise urban planners to maintain and improve the benefit of tailing piles as green cooling islands for UHI mitigation. As one measure, the soil’s water-holding capacity could be increased through thicker soil covers or soil additives during mine tailing rehabilitation, especially on the piles’ south and southeast expositions. Full article