Use and abuse of the planet in non-rich regions: histories of fracking and windmills in a more than human geographical perspective

<abstract> <p>Remote and marginal areas with scarce and vulnerable populations are "comfortable" settings and suitable places for the development of new extractive activities for energy production. Fracking and modern windmills are often controversial activities in marginal areas for native and local populations, with varying political positions from local elites. The new scalar policies associated with the energy project introduce some of the resistance strategies in the form of more than human geographies or hybrid spatial relationships that characterize recent human geography. This paper explores and suggests possible ways of integrating local interests with regional or national policies based on the "health" of marginal populations, marginal rather than human materiality's and marginal more-than-human.</p> </abstract>

Morphological and Genetic Characterization of Local Maize Accessions from Emilia Romagna Region, Italy

Italian maize germplasm is particularly rich in local materials and each region is characterized by the presence of peculiar local varieties deriving from centuries of adaptation, selection and cultivation. While the introduction of hybrids, during the 1950s, led to the disappearing of many of these varieties, some have been maintained in cultivation by farmers, frequently in marginal areas, as a kind of family heritage. Local varieties were identified throughout field surveys carried out in recent years. The discovery of a traditional popcorn variety over the most common flint and semi-flint materials used for production of polenta was interesting. Since these varieties have never been adequately described and reported in scientific literature, this study was aimed to solve this lack of knowledge on recently discovered local maize populations. Characterization represents the first step of a process focused on the preservation and possible exploitation of important genetic resources. Traditional materials are a useful reservoir of genes for adaptation to local conditions and climate changes. Adequate breeding programs can use such germplasm for developing new and more resilient varieties. These local materials have been characterized at the morphological level highlighting plant, ear and kernel differences. Genetic characterization, carried out on 455 individuals by the use of 10 SSR markers, revealed 62 different alleles ranging from four for markers phi127, phi076 and phi084 to nine for marker p-bnlg176. The landraces are well distinguishable at genetic level since 40% of genetic variability is present among accessions. Five landraces are characterized by the presence of private alleles and heterozygosity levels are generally good. These findings support the possibility to correctly preserve local materials through in situ conservation. Phylogenetic analysis evidenced the presence of varietal clusters, the clearest one formed by three red-pigmented accessions. STRUCTURE analysis revealed that five landraces have a well-defined genetic attribution while the remaining two (EMR04-Mais Rosso di Rasora and EMR10-Mais del Principe di Scavolino) are both constituted by two different backgrounds.

Paesaggi marginali nel paesaggio culturale UNESCO delle Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene Per una topografia della resilienza al cambiamento climatico

This paper begins with a discussion on the potential of the cultural landscape of the Colline del Prosecco to play an experimentative role in climate-resilience, and presents a research project that looks at the marginal areas in this UNESCO Buffer Zone as spaces that could play a decisive role in climate change adaptation strategies. By means of field explorations and meetings with the residents, it has been possible to identify a set of sample areas that model a potential operative topography for local groups and communities to elaborate shared resilient adaptation scenarios.

Historical Dynamics of Semi-Humid Evergreen Forests in the Southeast Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot: A Case Study of the Quercus franchetii Complex (Fagaceae)

The Oligocene and Miocene are key periods in the formation of the modern topography and flora of East Asian and Indo-China. However, it is unclear how geological and climatic factors contributed to the high endemism and species richness of this region. The Quercus franchetii complex is widespread in the southeast Himalaya fringe and northern Indo-China with a long evolutionary history. It provides a unique proxy for studying the diversity pattern of evergreen woody lineages in this region since the Oligocene. In this study, we combined chloroplast (cpDNA) sequences, nuclear microsatellite loci (nSSRs), and species distribution modeling (SDM) to investigate the impacts of geological events on genetic diversity of the Q. franchetii complex. The results showed that the initial cpDNA haplotype divergence was estimated to occur during the middle Oligocene (30.7 Ma), which might have been raised by the tectonic activity at this episode to the Miocene. The nSSR results revealed two major groups of populations, the central Yunnan-Guizhou plateau (YGP) group and the peripheral distribution group when K = 2, in responding to the rapid YGP uplift during the late Miocene, which restricted gene flow between the populations in core and marginal areas. SDM analysis indicated that the distribution ranges of the Q. franchetii complex expanded northwards after the last glacial maximum, but the core distribution range in YGP was stable. Our results showed that the divergence of Q. franchetii complex is rooted in the mid-Oligocene. The early geological events during the Oligocene, and the late Miocene may play key roles to restrict seed-mediated gene flow among regions, but the pollen-mediated gene flow was less impacted. The uplifts of the YGP and the climate since LGM subsequently boosted the divergence of the populations in core and marginal areas.

Geochemical and sedimentary constraints on the formation of the Venta Micena early Pleistocene site (Guadix-Baza Basin, Spain)

Despite the paleontological relevance of the terrestrial Early Pleistocene Venta Micena bonebed (Baza Basin, Spain), it lacks a comprehensive geochemical/sedimentological study. Here, we demonstrate that the 1.5-m-thick Venta Micena limestone formed in a relatively small freshwater wetland/pond located at the periphery of the large saline Baza paleolake. Two microfacies are observed, with high and low contents of invertebrate fossils, and which originated in the centre and margin of the wetland, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineralogy and paleohydrological characterization based on ostracod and bulk-rock geochemistry (δ13C and δ18O) indicate that the limestone reflects a general lowstand of the Baza lake, permitting the differentiation of freshwater wetlands that were fed by adjacent sources. Conversely, during highstands, the Baza lake flooded the Venta Micena area and the freshwater fauna was replaced by a saline one. Bulk-rock isotopic data indicate that the lower interval C1 of the limestone (bone-rich in marginal settings) displays general negative values, while the upper interval C2 (bone free) displays less negative values. The bones of predated mammals accumulated in the marginal areas, which were flooded and buried by recurring water-table fluctuations. Lake dynamics played a critical role in bone accumulation, which was previously considered as representing a hyena den.

Origin of the Pd-Rich Pentlandite in the Massive Sulfide Ores of the Talnakh Deposit, Norilsk Region, Russia

Pd-rich pentlandite (PdPn) along with ore-forming pentlandite (Pn) occurs in the cubanite and chalcopyrite massive sulfide ores in the EM-7 well of the Southern-2 ore body of the Talnakh deposit. PdPn forms groups of small grains and comprises marginal areas in large crystals of Pn. The palladium content in PdPn reaches up to 11.26 wt.%. EDS elemental mapping and a contour map of palladium concentrations indicate distinct variations in the palladium content within and between individual grains. Palladium distribution in the large grains is uneven and non-zoned. PdPn was formed as the result of a superimposed process, which is not associated with either the sulfide liquid crystallization or the subsolidus transformations of sulfides. Deming regression calculations demonstrated the isomorphic substitution character of Ni by 0.71 Pd and 0.30 Fe (apfu), leading to PdPn occurrence. The replacement of Ni by Fe may also indicate a change in sulfur fugacity, compared to that taking place during the crystallization of the primary Pn. The transformation of Pn into PdPn could have occurred under the influence of a Pd-bearing fluid, which separated from the crystallizing body of the massive sulfide ores.

Agave and Opuntia Species as Sustainable Feedstocks for Bioenergy and Byproducts

Currently, Mexico is facing an energy transition, therefore updated policy regulations pertaining to the sustainable use of biomass are needed. In particular, policy that favors the sustainable use of biomass to produce energy and bioproducts to privilege climate change mitigation is needed. This review describes the use of maguey (Agave spp.) and nopal (Opuntia spp.; also known as “cactus”) for biofuel production, especially in marginal areas. Emphasis is given on documented case studies discussing features of production and cultivation for both maguey and nopal, in addition to their potential for fuel production. Environmental and social sustainability issues in terms of waste value and new opportunities as bioenergy feedstocks and byproducts are also discussed. Although the paper does not deeply describe aspects of biomass transformation, such as bioprocess configurations, it gives characteristics of production in addition to cultivation. Agave and Opuntia species may represent a suitable feedstock for biofuels, bioproducts, bioenergy and biorefineries, especially in dry lands (semi-arid and dry sub-humid), deforested areas, agroforestry systems and agricultural semi-terraces known as metepantle in Mexico.

Modeling of Influential Parameters on Bending Strength of Solid Wood Panels Perpendicular to the Grain

The paper presents the results of modeling the bending strength of wood. During the experimental examination and definition of the model, solid wood was taken, where the bending was performed perpendicular to the grain. The experiment was done with thirteen replications and the input values that varied at three levels were wood density and board thickness. The thirteen-repetition experiment also involved four repetitions in the marginal areas, so two more wood densities and two board thicknesses had to be taken. The experimental measurement was performed in the laboratory of the Technical Faculty Bihać. Based on the experimental results, a sufficiently adequate mathematical model of the breaking force of a solid wood panel perpendicular to the grain is obtained.

Analysis of financial feasibility of cultivation of bambu ampel kuning (Bambusa vulgaris var. striata) as a bamboo shoot resource

Bamboo shoots are buds in the root system of bamboo that grow and develop into young bamboo culm. The root system of bamboo, which has many internodes and buds produces many shoots but not all of them can grow and develop into bamboo shoots. Bamboo shoots can be used as a horticultural food commodity because they are usually harvested and consumed as a vegetable for several dishes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the financial feasibility of bambu ampel kuning (Bambusa vulgaris var striata) cultivation as a producer of bamboo shoots based on indicator criteria NPV, Net B/C, IRR, and payback period. Data are collected using field observations, interviews, and discussions with bamboo garden owners covering cultivation techniques, production facilities, and labor. The results show that the NPV value of Rp. 137,097,914.5 is greater than zero, the Net B/C of 2.309 is greater than one, the IRR value of 42% is greater than the interest rate used by 12%, and the payback period in the 5th year of the age of the bamboo shoot-producing business of 15 years. Based on the criteria for financial feasibility indicators, the cultivation of bambu ampel kuning (Bambusa vulgaris var striata) as a producer of bamboo shoots is feasible. We recommended cultivating bamboo shoots in marginal areas.

Application of the Comparison of Multibeam Echo-Sound Records to the Study of Stability of a Toxic Waste Stockpile Located on the Margin of a Tidal System: Tinto Estuary, Huelva, SW Spain

For more than 40 years, the industrial complex which developed near Huelva (in SW Spain) produced a huge amount of phosphogypsum as a waste product of manufacturing fertilizers. This waste was stockpiled in a stack 25 m high, covering 1200 ha of what was once a salt marsh. The weight of that enormous amount of waste produced active subsidence in the underlying sediment. Part of the sediment was injected into the marginal areas, where the load pressure is minor, causing significant vertical movement in the floor of the estuarine channel. This manuscript describes several surficial features using multibeam echosound. A crest formed by cones and a bulge area could be interpreted as injection structures. The evolution of the topographic position of the floor was also analyzed by comparing different records of the estuarine bed in the margins of the stockpile. The data in this work document the changes in the dynamics of the estuary in relation to these vertical movements. These changes in dynamicsled to erosion and deposition in various areas of the bed.