Possible Mechanisms of Relations between the Thermal Neutrons Field and Biosphere

This paper proposes some results concerning the interaction of living matter of different organization levels (prokaryotes and eukaryotes) with the flux of thermal neutrons. The phenomenon of the virtual neutron trap was tested during the passage of thermalized neutrons from the Pu-Be couple through a flat layer of E. coli suspension. We have studied the metabolic characteristics of A. salina cysts before and after artificial neutron flux exposure. It has been demonstrated that the concentrations of some metals in samples of alive and dead cysts irradiated with an artificial flow of thermal neutrons are not equal. The content of Mn in alive A. salina samples has increased more than ten-fold after their interaction with neutron flux, while the amount of As decreased by a factor of two after exposure. Levels of other elements (Al, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb) did not show any significant difference. Trace element composition of cysts was assessed using the method of atomic absorption spectroscopy with electrothermal atomization and the Zeeman background correction.

Molecular Markers and a Quality Trait Evaluation for Assessing the Genetic Diversity of Avocado Landraces from China

Avocado is an economically important crop that is widely cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions of China. However, there is a lack of sufficient information regarding the racial origins and genetic diversification of native avocado germplasm. On the basis of a race-specific kompetitive allele-specific PCR genotyping analysis, the 56 avocado accessions examined in this study were classified as complex hybrids, namely Guatemalan × Mexican × West Indian hybrids. The genetic relationships among the avocado accessions were assessed based on a quality trait evaluation and molecular characterization. The total flavonoid content was relatively useful for differentiating between native avocado accessions. A cluster analysis as well as principal component and coordinate analyses of quality traits and molecular characteristics differentiated the avocado accessions, but not according to geographical origins. Thus, the artificial flow of avocado germplasm or seed exchanges among farmers within specific regions may have contributed to the similar genetic backgrounds of avocado germplasm from different collections.

Habitat Enhancement Solutions for Iberian Cyprinids Affected by Hydropeaking: Insights from Flume Research

Due to peak electricity demand, hydropeaking introduces rapid and artificial flow fluctuations in the receiving river, which alters the river hydromorphology, while affecting the downstream ecological integrity. The impacts of hydropeaking have been addressed in flumes and in rivers. However, few studies propose mitigation solutions based on fish responses. The objective of this communication was to assemble the methods and outputs of flume research focused on Iberian cyprinids and to present recommendations to be used by freshwater scientists and hydropower producers. Emphasis was given to the critical role of integrating ecology and hydraulics to find the causal pathway between a flow change and a measurable fish response. The use of diverse behaviour quantification methods, flow sensing technologies, and statistical tools were decisive to strengthen the validity of the findings and to identify fish-fluid relationships, according to flow events. This communication encourages further research to identify flow thresholds for key life-cycle stages and complementary river studies to design and assess mitigation solutions for hydropeaking. Although the research focused on an Iberian cyprinid, the methods suggested have the potential to be extended to other fish species affected by hydropeaking.