Search Results (56)

In recent decades, European countries have seen a substantial increase in home cultivation of cannabis. In France, the prevalence of cannabis use continues to increase despite its possession, sale, and cultivation being strictly illegal. The present study aimed to describe the profile and motivations of people in France who cultivate cannabis at home. We separately analyzed data from two convenience samples of people who use cannabis daily in France, based on two online cross-sectional surveys. In the first analysis (N = 3840), we used a multivariable logistic regression model to assess factors associated with home cultivation as the main source of cannabis supply. In the second analysis (N = 574), we described participants’ motivations for home cultivation and their cultivation patterns. In the two samples, 11% and 16% reported home cultivation as their main source of supply, respectively. Age, male gender, stable housing, living with a partner, consuming cannabis in herbal form, smoking joints with little or no tobacco, smoking cannabis from a bong or pipe, non-smoking modes of cannabis administration, and using cannabis exclusively for therapeutic reasons were all positively associated with home cultivation, while urban area of residence and at-risk alcohol use were negatively associated. The main reason reported for home cultivation was to manage quality. Few reported selling some of their crop, and most were self-sufficient. Finally, we interpret this practice as a personal response to cannabis prohibition and the unregulated market. Accordingly, possible harm reduction strategies are discussed. Full article

Unveiling the relationship between the “Water–Carbon–Ecology” (W-C-E) footprints embodied in regional trade and resource flows is crucial for enhancing the synergistic benefits between economic development and environmental protection. This study constructs an association framework based on the Multi-Regional Input–Output (MRIO) model to systematically evaluate the “W-C-E” footprints and resource flow characteristics of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin. By integrating import and export trade data, this study reveals the patterns of resource flows within and outside these regions. This research delineates the connection patterns between the “W-C-E” footprints and resource flows across three dimensions: spatial, sectoral, and environmental–economic factors. The results indicate that the Yangtze River Economic Belt has gained significant economic benefits from regional trade but also bears substantial environmental costs. Import and export trade further exacerbate the imbalance in regional resource flows, with the Yangtze River Economic Belt exporting many embodied resources through high-energy-consuming products, while the Yellow River Basin increases resource input by importing products such as food and tobacco. Sectoral analysis reveals that agriculture, electricity and water supply, and mining are the sectors with the highest net output of “W-C-E” footprints in both regions, whereas services, food and tobacco, and construction are the sectors with the highest net input. The comprehensive framework of this study can be extended to the analysis of resource–environment–economic systems in other regions, providing methodological support for depicting complex human–land system linkage patterns. Full article

Cigarette butts are an increasing environmental burden worldwide, and the quantities discarded each year could continue to rise. The chemical composition of cigarette butts, which comprises about 4000 different toxic chemicals, as well as their persistence in the environment and their potential negative effects pose a major threat to the environment as they regularly enter aquatic habitats and endanger water supplies and aquatic species. One effective way to reduce pollution is to recycle cigarette butts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possibility of using extracts from cigarette butts (filter extract and extract from tobacco residues) as corrosion inhibitors for the Cu10Ni alloy in a 3.5% NaCl solution with a pH of 8 at different temperatures (12 °C, 20 °C and 25 °C). The determination of the electrochemical parameters, i.e., the corrosion behavior of the Cu10Ni alloy in a 3.5% NaCl solution and pH of 8, with and without modification of the alloy surface by cigarette butt extracts was tested using electrochemical measurements (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear and potentiodynamic polarization methods). The surface properties of the Cu10Ni alloy modified with cigarette butt extracts were evaluated by goniometry, SEM analysis and FTIR spectrophotometry. The modification of the surface of the Cu10Ni alloy with an extract of tobacco residue and a filter extract separated from cigarette butts, whose presence on the surface was confirmed by the surface analysis methods, increased the corrosion resistance of the alloy, indicating that these substances have an inhibitory effect. The better inhibition properties (at all temperatures: 12 °C, 20 °C and 25 °C) were exhibited by the filter extract, and the highest inhibition effect was exhibited by the filter extract at 12 °C. Full article

After the COVID-19 epidemic, the recovery of tourism growth faced more pressure on carbon emissions. As an important sector of tourism economic recovery, the tourist hotels’ carbon emissions cannot be ignored. This study combined the EEIO (the environmentally extended input–output) model and Super-SBM (slacks-based measure) model to measure carbon emissions and its efficiency including indirect carbon emissions from the supply chain in China in 2002–2022. The results indicate that: Tourist hotels in most eastern provinces exhibit the U-shaped pattern in terms of carbon emissions. the majority of indirect carbon emissions from these hotels originate from the food and tobacco processing sectors. Indirect carbon emissions of tourist hotels in recent years might be decoupling with economic growth because of its decreasing trend. The implementation of energy-saving technology can enhance the carbon efficiency of tourist hotels, while regional economy growth can benefit the carbon emissions efficiency indirectly. Environmental pollution control investment and employment population are external driving factors affecting carbon emissions from tourist hotels. The objective of this study is to establish a scientific framework that promotes low-carbon development within the accommodation industry, both in China and comparable regions globally. Full article

During the process of flue-curing and processing, leaves from cash crops such as tea and tobacco frequently undergo a phenomenon of browning, leading to reduced quality and significant economic losses. Despite a variety of approaches developed to suppress browning, little is known about the role that flue-curing of postharvest leaves with stems plays in delaying browning. This study investigated the impact of leaf-with-stem (LWS) flue-curing on the browning of tobacco and its underlying mechanisms. Physiological results indicated that LWS flue-curing effectively delayed browning by enhancing antioxidant capacity and maintaining reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels during the yellowing stage. Comprehensive transcriptome and metabolome analyses showed that LWS flue-curing significantly influenced various metabolic pathways. Specifically, 196, 218, and 402 metabolites, and 65, 131, and 718 genes exhibited significant changes at the 38 °C, 40 °C, and 42 °C stages, respectively, inhibiting membrane lipid degradation and enhancing the supply of reducing hydrogen through the oxidative pentose-phosphate pathway. Additionally, hormone signaling pathways were found to be associated with LWS flue-curing. These findings highlight the complex interplay of metabolic pathways and signaling networks in attenuating browning, providing valuable insights for minimizing postharvest leaf browning during flue-curing and processing. Full article

High light (HL) significantly impacts plant photosynthesis. This study investigated the effects of different magnesium (Mg) levels (0, 1, 2, and 5 mol Mg plant⁻¹; HMg0, HMg1, HMg2, and HMg5) on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Cuibi No. 1) under HL (1500 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), aiming to understand the role of Mg in mitigating the impact of HL on photosynthesis and carbon–nitrogen metabolism. Plants treated with 1 mol Mg plant⁻¹ under 750 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ light conditions served as the control. HL led to a reduced chlorophyll (Chl) content and inhibited the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax). It also decreased energy involved in photosynthetic electron transfer (ET) and electron flux to reduction end-electron acceptors at the photosystems I (PSI) acceptor side (RE) and caused photosynthetic system damage. H₂O₂ accumulation exacerbated membrane lipid peroxidation damage, disrupting carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and inducing antioxidant enzyme activity. HMg2 increased Chl content, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO₂ concentration, and the net photosynthetic rate compared to HMg0. It enhanced ET efficiency, PSI and PSII functionality, reduced dissipated energy flux (DI), and minimized photosynthesis damage. Conversely, excessive Mg application (HMg5) decreased Pmax and PSII activity, increasing DI. Adequate Mg supply alleviated HL’s detrimental effects by enhancing Chl content and ET and RE efficiency. Full article

Tobacco, a pivotal economic crop in China, faces the challenge of securing high-quality raw materials for its industry due to unbalanced and inefficient nitrogen (N) application. To assess the impact of fertilizer management and soil factors on the yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco (FCT), a meta-analysis was conducted across 82 peer-reviewed research studies. The findings demonstrated that both fertilizer management and soil properties exerted a significantly greater influence on yield (63.13% and 62.05%, respectively) than the proportion of superior and medium tobacco (PSMT) (23.57% and 23.83%, respectively). Multiple models were conducted to analyze the N application rate for maximum yield and PSMT, respectively, resulting in an optimum range from 90 to 100 kg N ha⁻¹. The highest yield and PSMT increments were observed with fertilizer timing (FT) applied twice, a basal fertilizer ratio (BFR) exceeding 50%, and a soil pH below 6.5. The nicotine content escalated with increasing N application rates (NR) and soil nitrogen content, peaking at NR over 120 kg N ha⁻¹ and soil total nitrogen (TN) above 2 g kg⁻¹. Stepwise regression modeling indicated that nicotine content was positively influenced by fertilizer management factors (including NR, fertilizer timing, and BFR), as well as initial soil nitrogen content (AN and TN). However, it was negatively correlated with available potassium (AK). Therefore, the results of this meta-analysis suggest that effective fertilizer management, slightly acidic soils enriched with AK, and lower N supply capacity are crucial for enhancing leaf quality while reducing nicotine content. This approach promises improved economic and environmental returns for the tobacco industry in China. Full article

In response to the growing disparity between the supply and demand of water resources, the Chinese government has piloted a more binding and reformed water resources tax to realize the sustainable utilization of water resources. However, reasonable tax standards and their water-saving effects and economic benefits are important and worthy of attention. Therefore, in this study, we combine the virtual water theory with the price input–output model to discuss the impact of water resources taxation on the economy and its water-saving effects. The results show the following: (1) A water resources tax has a significant water-saving effect, and is predicted to save 33.12 billion cubic meters of virtual water. (2) Consumers’ expected reductions in spending on food and tobacco manufacturing and agriculture are predicted to save more virtual water at a lower economic cost. (3) The collection of water resources taxes can actively and simultaneously guide water savings in terms of consumption and production. The water consumption of the construction industry is worthy of attention. The expected output value reduction accounts for 67.2% of the total output value reduction, and its water savings account for 96% of the total water savings. Other service sectors also have ample room to optimize the utilization of their water resources. Full article

Tobacco vendors are critical stakeholders in the tobacco supply chain. This study examined their perception, compliance, and potential economic impact of Nigeria’s tobacco control laws related to the retail setting. This was a qualitative study involving in-depth interviews of 24 purposively selected tobacco vendors. The face-to-face interviews were aided by a semi-structured interview guide, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo version 12. Five themes emerged, encompassing reasons for selling tobacco, awareness, perception, compliance with tobacco sales laws, the potential economic impact of the laws, and law enforcement activities. Vendors commenced tobacco sales due to consumers’ demand, profit motives, and advice from close family relatives. They were unaware and non-compliant with most of the retail-related laws. Most participants had positive perceptions about the ban on sales to and by minors, were indifferent about the ban on Tobacco Advertising Promotion and Sponsorships (TAPS) and product display, and had negative perceptions about the ban on sales of single sticks. Most vendors stated quitting tobacco sales would not have a serious economic impact on their business. In conclusion, the vendors demonstrated limited awareness and non-compliance with various retail-oriented tobacco control laws in Nigeria. Addressing these gaps requires targeted educational campaigns and effective law enforcement strategies to enhance vendors’ compliance. Full article

Serbia is a significant producer of tobacco in Europe and the only country in Europe where tobacco production is growing. Due to privatization, some of the most important multinational companies are now producing tobacco products in Serbia. Bearing in mind the liberalization of the market and the harmful effect tobacco products have on health, this research tried to analyze the tobacco and tobacco products sector in Serbia. The study’s main goal was to analyze the characteristics of the tobacco and tobacco supply chain in Serbia and determine comparative advantages and levels of integration with the world market. The methodology used in this study included the index of concentration of tobacco manufacturers, followed by a panel regression analysis to determine factors that affected profitability in this industry. Also, foreign trade performances were analyzed using the indices of revealed comparative advantages and integration. The research was conducted for the period from 2013 to the last available year. The results indicate the growth of tobacco production despite the decline in the number of farms, the highly concentrated production of tobacco products, and the significant intensification of foreign trade despite modest comparative advantages. Full article

Aromatic amino acid homeostasis was investigated in cell suspension cultures of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia and was related to the activity of the first enzyme in aromatic biosynthesis, 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate (DAHP) synthase. An inverse relationship was found between the intracellular content of free phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan and enzyme specific activity levels, suggesting the occurrence of end-product control mechanisms. Two DAHP synthase isogenes are present in wild tobacco that showed a different expression pattern during the culture growth cycle. Intracellular levels of aromatic amino acids were increased or decreased by adding the culture medium with phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, or with sublethal doses of the shikimate pathway inhibitor glyphosate, respectively. As a consequence, enzyme levels varied in the opposite direction. The concomitant exogenous supply of glutamine further reduced enzyme activity in mid-log cells, suggesting induction by both aromatic amino acid depletion and nitrogen starvation. Full article

Cytokinins are known to keep stomata open, which supports gas exchange and correlates with increased photosynthesis. However, keeping the stomata open can be detrimental if the increased transpiration is not compensated for by water supply to the shoots. In this study, we traced the effect of ipt (isopentenyl transferase) gene induction, which increases the concentration of cytokinins in transgenic tobacco plants, on transpiration and hydraulic conductivity. Since water flow depends on the conductivity of the apoplast, the deposition of lignin and suberin in the apoplast was studied by staining with berberine. The effect of an increased concentration of cytokinins on the flow of water through aquaporins (AQPs) was revealed by inhibition of AQPs with HgCl₂. It was shown that an elevated concentration of cytokinins in ipt-transgenic plants increases hydraulic conductivity by enhancing the activity of aquaporins and reducing the formation of apoplastic barriers. The simultaneous effect of cytokinins on both stomatal and hydraulic conductivity makes it possible to coordinate the evaporation of water from leaves and its flow from roots to leaves, thereby maintaining the water balance and leaf hydration. Full article

MdPG1 encoding polygalacturonase in apple (Malus × domestica) is a key gene associated with fruit firmness and texture variations among apple cultivars. However, the causative variants of MdPG1 are still not known. In this study, we identified a SNP^A/C variant within an ERF-binding element located in the promoter region of MdPG1. The promoter containing the ERF-binding element with SNP^A, rather than the SNP^C, could be strongly bound and activated by MdCBF2, a member of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family, as determined by yeast-one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays. We also demonstrated that the presence of a novel long non-coding RNA, lncRNA_PG1, in the promoter of MdPG1 was a causative variant. lncRNA_PG1 was specifically expressed in fruit tissues postharvest. lncRNA_PG1 could reduce promoter activity when it was fused to the promoter of MdPG1 and a tobacco gene encoding Mg-chelatase H subunit (NtCHLH) in transgenic tobacco cells but could not reduce promoter activity when it was supplied in a separate gene construct, indicating a cis-regulatory effect. Our results provide new insights into genetic regulation of MdPG1 allele expression and are also useful for the development of elite apple cultivars. Full article

The strategy of “Basing city, land, population and production on water resources”, clarifying the water uses of each province and the influencing factors are crucial to the conservation and intensive use of water resources for the Yellow River basin. In this study, physical water use, the production-based water footprint, and the consumption-based water footprint of nine provinces in the Yellow River Basin from 2007 to 2017 are measured. Then, the key influencing factors of three kinds of water use are analyzed by the random forest model. The results show that (1) the three kinds of water use in the Yellow River basin all showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. Physical water use and the production-based water footprint present the geographical differentiation in the declining order from the upper reach to the lower reach, and then the middle reach, while the order for the consumption-based water footprint is the lower reach, the upper reach, and the middle reach. (2) Agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, electricity and hot water production, supply, and chemicals are the dominant sectors of physical water use. Agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, food processing, tobacco, and construction are the key sectors for production-based and consumption-based water footprints. (3) The results of the random forest model show the influencing factors and their interactions of three kinds of water use in the Yellow River basin present obvious sectoral differences. The key influencing factors exhibit a linear or nonlinear response to water use in the three perspectives. The influencing factors of water use are also differentiated among the three perspectives. Full article

With the growing need for decarbonization, the future gas demand will decrease and the necessity of a gas distribution network is at stake. A remaining industrial gas demand on the distribution network level could lead to industry becoming the main gas consumer supplied by the gas distribution network, leading to the question: can industry keep the gas distribution network alive? To answer this research question, a three-stage analysis was conducted, starting from a rough estimate of average gas demand per production site and then increasing the level of detail. This paper shows that about one third of the German industry sites investigated are currently supplied by the gas distribution network. While the steel industry offers new opportunities, the food and tobacco industry alone cannot sustain the gas distribution network by itself. Full article