ALBERT

Description: We applied a framework to assess climate change vulnerability of 52 major vegetation types in the Western United States to provide a spatially explicit input to adaptive management decisions. The framework addressed climate exposure and ecosystem resilience; the latter derived from analyses of ecosystem sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Measures of climate change exposure used observed climate change (1981–2014) and then climate projections for the mid-21st century (2040–2069 RCP 4.5). Measures of resilience included (under ecosystem sensitivity) landscape intactness, invasive species, fire regime alteration, and forest insect and disease risk, and (under adaptive capacity), measures for topo-climate variability, diversity within functional species groups, and vulnerability of any keystone species. Outputs are generated per 100 km2 hexagonal area for each type. As of 2014, moderate climate change vulnerability was indicated for 〉50% of the area of 50 of 52 types. By the mid-21st century, all but 19 types face high or very high vulnerability with 〉50% of the area scoring in these categories. Measures for resilience explain most components of vulnerability as of 2014, with most targeted vegetation scoring low in adaptive capacity measures and variably for specific sensitivity measures. Elevated climate exposure explains increases in vulnerability between the current and mid-century time periods.

Description: Social media data provide an unprecedented wealth of information on people’s perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors at fine spatial and temporal scales and over broad extents. Social media data produce insight into relationships between people and the environment at scales that are generally prohibited by the spatial and temporal mismatch between traditional social and environmental data. These data thus have great potential for use in socio-environmental systems (SES) research. However, biases in who uses social media platforms, and what they use them for, create uncertainty in the potential insights from these data. Here, we describe ways that social media data have been used in SES research, including tracking land-use and environmental changes, natural resource use, and ecosystem service provisioning. We also highlight promising areas for future research and present best practices for SES research using social media data.

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The adsorption of heavy metal ion Zn(II) from industrial wastewater by performing environmentally benign methods is particularly important. In this study, a novel microcrystalline cellulose-based polymeric bio-sorbent (MCC-〈em〉g〈/em〉-polyIL), which contained specific poly(ionic liquid) structure and adsorption performance for Zn(II), was in situ ARGET ATRP-synthesized within ionic liquid microemulsions. The ionic liquid microemulsions were characterized by phase formation capacity and dynamic light scattering results, and the prepared MCC-〈em〉g〈/em〉-polyILs were characterized by FTIR, 〈sup〉1〈/sup〉HNMR, and TG/DSC analyses. The optimization of the adsorption process indicates that both the molar ratio of double ionic liquids and the dosage of the adsorbent affected the adsorption capacity of MCC-〈em〉g〈/em〉-polyILs toward Zn(II). The research on adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms further reveals that the adsorption process follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model. The designed MCC-〈em〉g〈/em〉-polyILs exhibited enhanced adsorption capacity, which indicates promising practical applications for the removal of Zn(II) from industrial wastewater. 〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphic abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2563_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Superhydrophobic fireproof coatings have attracted considerable attention owing to their multifunctional applications in academic and industrial areas. In this work, a sustainable, superhydrophobic, and fire-resistant nanocoating based on polydopamine (PDA) was successfully fabricated, and its application to cotton was explored. The Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectra confirmed that the framework of APP@PDA nanocoating was successfully constructed of alternate layers. Remarkably, assessment of the thermal and flammability properties for the pristine and nanocoated cotton fabric demonstrated that APP@PDA-coated cotton fabric exhibited highly efficient flame-retardant performance reflected by 59.6% reduction in peak heat release rate and 25.7% reduction in total heat release by virtue of a 260 nm thick charring layer formed during burning. Besides, the nanocoated cotton fabric maintained its superhydrophobicity and retained its excellent water repellent properties after treating by dodecyl mercaptan. All these fascinating characteristics would boost this nanocoated cotton for high-performance application.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphic abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2586_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈p〉The manuscript initially failed to cite the work of Dr. Cong et al., which was the basis for this effort. We apologize for this error.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The use of a combination of calcium carbonate (CaCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉) and alkenyl-succinic-anhydride (ASA)-modified microfibrillated cellulose (AMFC) as a filler for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been investigated. AMFC and CaCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 were mixed with HDPE using a twin-screw extruder, and the resulting composites were injection molded. Observations by X-ray computed tomography, phase-contrast microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry confirm that AMFC is homogenously dispersed in HDPE as a result of the alkenyl chains being incorporated on the surface of the microfibrillated cellulose. CaCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 is also well dispersed in HDPE when mixed with AMFC. The combination of CaCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 and AMFC results in high mechanical reinforcement of HDPE, and the composite has a tensile modulus that is almost 120% higher than that of neat HDPE. A melt rheological study revealed formation of a network consisting of AMFC and CaCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 in HDPE. Microfibrillated cellulose treated with ASA acts not only as reinforcement for HDPE, but also as a dispersant of inorganic fillers, such as CaCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉.〈/p〉

Description: An evolving land governance context compounds the case for practitioners to closely track developments as they unfold. While much research sheds light on key trends, questions remain about approaches for collective bottom-up analysis led by land governance practitioners themselves. This study presents findings from an initiative to test such an approach. Drawing on written submissions made in response to an open call for contributions, the study discusses global trends in land governance over the period 2015–2018. While not a comprehensive review nor a replacement for empirically grounded research, the study highlights some of the developments practitioners grapple with in their work. The findings point to the contrasting local-to-global trends that affect land governance in diverse agro-ecological and socio-economic settings: Growing commercial pressures on land, and shrinking spaces for dissent in many contexts, coexist with new avenues for public participation in land governance processes; while diverse approaches to securing land rights, whether individual or collective, possibly underpinned by new deployments of digital technology, can coexist or compete for policy traction within the same polity. This bottom-up trends analysis broadly correlates with available accounts based on empirical research, while also providing distinctive emphases that reflect the ways practitioners perceive the changing realities they are engaged with.

Description: Attempts to study shifting cultivation landscapes are fundamentally impeded by the difficulty in mapping and distinguishing shifting cultivation, settled farms and forests. There are foundational challenges in defining shifting cultivation and its constituent land-covers and land-uses, conceptualizing a suitable mapping framework, and identifying consequent methodological specifications. Our objective is to present a rigorous methodological framework and mapping protocol, couple it with extensive fieldwork and use them to undertake a two-season Landsat image analysis to map the forest-agriculture frontier of West Garo Hills district, Meghalaya, in Northeast India. We achieve an overall accuracy of ~80% and find that shifting cultivation is the most extensive land-use, followed by tree plantations and old-growth forest confined to only a few locations. We have also found that commercial plantation extent is positively correlated with shortened fallow periods and high land-use intensities. Our findings are in sharp contrast to various official reports and studies, including from the Forest Survey of India, the Wastelands Atlas of India and state government statistics that show the landscape as primarily forested with only small fractions under shifting cultivation, a consequence of the lack of clear definitions and poor understanding of what constitutes shifting cultivation and forest. Our results call for an attentive revision of India’s official land-use mapping protocols, and have wider significance for remote sensing-based mapping in other shifting cultivation landscapes.

Description: Land restitution carries implicit recognition of some previous claim to ownership, but when are first claims recognized? The concepts of first possession and original acquisition have long been used as entry points to Western concepts of property. For Austronesia, the concept of precedence is used in customary systems to justify and describe land claims and Indigenous authority. Conflict and political change in Timor-Leste have highlighted the co-existence of multiple understandings of land claims and their legitimacy. Considering customary principles of precedence brings into relief important elements of first possession important in land restitution processes. This paper juxtaposes the concept of original acquisition in property theory to two different examples of original claims from Timor-Leste: a two-part customary origin narrative from Oecusse and the development of a national land law for the new state. In these three narratives, we identify three different establishment events from which land authority develops. The article then uses this idea of the establishment event to explore five points of customary-statutory intersection evident from the land restitution process: (1) legitimate sources of land authority; (2) arbitrary establishment dates; (3) privileging of social order; (4) recognition of spiritual ties to land; and (5) the possibility for reversal.

Description: This paper uses the tripartite place attachment framework to examine six rural parishes across Estonia and Latvia. Existing analyses/frameworks on participatory processes often neglect the complexity of relationships that rural residents have to their local environments. From a qualitative analysis of face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with case study area inhabitants (23 interviews in Estonia and 27 in Latvia), we depict varying degrees of attachment of individuals to each other and to the place in which they live and their readiness to participate in terms of willingness and ability to participate in a landscape-scale management process. Attachment to the local area was strongest where the social ties were strongest, independent of their sociogeographical features. Social ties were strong where there were good family connections or strong religious or cultural institutions. Taking individual parishes and engaging inhabitants through in-depth interviews using place attachment analysis gives an overall perspective of life in that rural location. These findings reveal important connections within the communities with the potential for planners to engage with local inhabitants and possible barriers to participation.

Description: Across the United States, there has been a growing interest in local food production, which provides an alternative way to increase self-sufficiency and support greater well-being and food security at the community level. This study focused on the Northern Panhandle region of Idaho, where opportunities derived from the local food movement have emerged in several resort and college towns. This research integrated spatial analysis and modeling in a geographic information system (GIS) environment and a linear-programming (LP) optimization approach to identify, quantify, and map these potential opportunities. The obtained results show that existing local food producers are located in the urban fringe and on productive cropland. The foodshed model further suggests that Northern Idaho has enough farmland to feed its whole population within an average distance of 49 km or 31 miles. An alternative land use scenario was explored that involves removing marginal cropland with high soil erodibility from commodity cropping to improve the ecological benefits of local food production. The results of the study, including nuanced evidence of growing demand for local-food products, the existence of enough cropland capacity to meet demand, and potential environmental benefits, are quite encouraging to local food advocates in Northern Idaho and other areas and demonstrate the utility of land-based foodshed analysis.

Description: Between Vietnam’s independence and its reunification in 1975, the country’s socialist land tenure system was underpinned by the principle of “land to the tiller”. During this period, government redistributed land to farmers that was previously owned by landlords. The government’s “egalitarian” approach to land access was central to the mass support that it needed during the Indochinese war. Even when the 1993 Land Law transitioned agricultural land from collectivized to household holdings with 20-year land use certificates, the “land to the tiller” principle remained largely sacrosanct in state policy. Planned amendments to the current Land Law (issued in 2013), however, propose a fundamental shift from “land to the tiller” to the concentration of land by larger farming concerns, including private sector investors. This is explained as being necessary for the modernization of agricultural production. The government’s policy narrative concerning this change emphasizes the need to overcome the low productivity that arises from land fragmentation, the prevalence of unskilled labor and resource shortages among smallholders. This is contrasted with the readily available resources and capacity of the private sector, together with opportunities for improved market access and high-tech production systems, if holdings were consolidated by companies. This major proposed transition in land governance has catalyzed heated debate over the potential risks and benefits. Many perceive it as a shift from a “pro-poor” to “pro-rich” policy, or from “land to the tiller” to the establishment of a “new landlord”—with all the historical connotations that this badge invokes. Indeed, the growing level of public concern over land concentration raises potential implications for state legitimacy. This paper examines key narratives on the government-supported land concentration policy, to understand how the risks, benefits and legitimacy of the policy change are understood by different stakeholders. The paper considers how the transition could change land access and governance in Vietnam, based on early experience with the approach.

Description: This paper discusses how and where technologies supporting decision-making can play, or are already playing, a role in both urban development and land management. The review analyzes and compares three types of technologies: cellular automata (CA), artificial intelligence (AI), and operational research (OR), and evaluates to which extent they can be useful when dealing with various land planning objectives and phases. CA is one of the most useful models for simulating urban growth, AI displays great potential as a solution to capture the dynamics of land change, and OR is useful in decision-making, for example to conduct locational analyses. The evaluation relies on a collection of relevant articles, selected on the basis of both content and actuality. The paper offers new perspectives towards innovative methods in urban planning and land management and highlights where and when which type of tool can be considered useful and valid. The existing gaps, i.e., phases or areas in spatial planning or land management where the methods have not been applied, are also discussed.

Description: Savannas are extremely important socio-economic landscapes, with pastoralist societies relying on these ecosystems to sustain their livelihoods and economy. Globally, there is an increase of woody vegetation in these ecosystems, degrading the potential of these multi-functional landscapes to sustain societies and wildlife. Several mechanisms have been invoked to explain the processes responsible for woody vegetation composition; however, these are often investigated separately at scales not best suited to land-managers, thereby impeding the evaluation of their relative importance. We ran six transects at 15 sites along the Kalahari transect, collecting data on species identity, diversity, and abundance. We used Poisson and Tobit regression models to investigate the relationship among woody vegetation, precipitation, grazing, borehole density, and fire. We identified 44 species across 78 transects, with the highest species richness and abundance occurring at Kuke (middle of the rainfall gradient). Precipitation was the most important environmental variable across all species and various morphological groups, while increased borehole density and livestock resulted in lower bipinnate species abundance, contradicting the consensus that these managed features increase the presence of such species. Rotating cattle between boreholes subsequently reduces the impact of trampling and grazing on the soil and maintains and/or reduces woody vegetation abundance.

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Cellulose nanomaterials have properties that make them renewable materials of choice for various applications. However, the utilization of concentrated alkaline, acids, oxidizing or reducing agents in their production presents significant challenges to the environment. To mitigate this challenge and ensure the efficient industrialization of cellulose nanomaterials, lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNFs) were prepared through an easy, feasible and environment friendly method relative to conventional techniques. 1–3% Sulphuric acid was used in combination with ball milling and ultrasound to produce cellulose nanofibers containing about 92% of the original lignin content. The microstructure and morphology of the nanofibers were studied while thermal analysis showed that the LCNFs can withstand between 225–251 °C and lose only 5% of their weight. Interestingly, despite the binding force of lignin, the nanofibers showed high electrostatic repulsion up to − 47 mV between the fibers. The translucent nanofilms produced from the LCNFs are less hydrophilic having water contact angles around 76°–62°. These LCNFs were synthesised without passing through any pre-treatment process and their hydrophobic properties have been found to be better than conventional cellulose nanomaterials while their thermal properties are comparable. 〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2382_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: In conflict situations, many people are displaced because of hostility and arms in the area. Displaced people are forced to leave behind their properties, and this in turn interrupts the relationship between people and their land. The emergency period in particular has been identified as a weak point in the humanitarian response to land issues in post-conflict situations. In addition, during this period of response, most post-conflict governments do not prioritize land administration as an emergency issue due to other social, economic, security, and political challenges, which countries face in the immediate aftermath of the conflict. In the longer run, this results in post-conflict illegal land occupation, secondary occupation, numerous disputes and claims over land, and dysfunctional government institutions that legalize these illegal and secondary occupations. This research explores the nexus between displacement and land administration in a post-conflict context. It uses empirical data from fieldwork in Rwanda, and discusses how government interventions in land administration in emergency and early recovery periods of post-conflict situations affect future land administration during the reconstruction phase. The post-conflict Rwandan government envisaged proper land administration as a contributor to sustainable peace and security as it enhances social equity and prevents conflicts. Thus, it embarked on a nationwide systematic land registration program to register land all over the country with the aim of easing land administration practices and reducing successive land-related claims and disputes. However, the program faced many challenges, among which were continuous land claims and disputes. Our research anticipates these continued land claims and disputes are due to how land issues were handled in the emergency and early recovery period of the post-conflict Rwanda, especially during land sharing initiatives and Imidugudu (collective settlement policy).

Description: The expansion of oil palm plantations in Papua province, Indonesia, involves the conversion of forests, among other land types in the landscapes, which are a source of clan members’ livelihoods. The way in which this expansion occurs makes it necessary to understand the factors associated with why companies look for frontier lands and what externalities are generated during both the land acquisition and plantation development periods. Using a spatial analysis of the concession areas, along with data from household surveys of each clan from the Auyu, Mandobo, and Marind tribes who release land to companies, we find that investors are motivated to profit from timber harvested from the clearing of lands for plantations, activity that is facilitated by the local government. Land acquisition and plantation development have resulted in externalities to indigenous landowners in the form of time and money lost in a series of meetings and consultations involving clan members and traditional elders. Other externalities include the reduced welfare of people due to loss of livelihoods, and impacts on food security.

Description: We consider the different types of rent-seeking practices in emerging oil economies, and discuss how they contribute to social conflict and a local resource curse in the Albertine Graben region of Uganda. The rent-seeking activities have contributed to speculative behavior, competition for limited social services, land grabbing, land scarcity, land fragmentation, food insecurity, corruption, and ethnic polarization. Local people have interpreted the experience of the consequent social impacts as a local resource curse. The impacts have led to social conflicts among the affected communities. Our research used a range of methods, including 40 in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and document analysis. We argue there is an urgent need by all stakeholders—including local and central governments, oil companies, local communities, and civil society organizations—to address the challenges before the construction of oil infrastructure. Stakeholders must work hard to create the conditions that are needed to avoid the resource curse; otherwise, Uganda could end up suffering from the Dutch Disease and Nigerian Disease, as has befallen other African countries.

Description: The annual budget for the United States National Park Service was roughly $3 billion in 2016. This is distributed amongst 405 National Parks, 23 national scenic and historic trails, and 60 wild and scenic rivers. Entrance fees and concessions generate millions of dollars in income for the National Park Service; however, this metric fails to account for the total value of the National Parks. In failing to consider the value of the ecosystem services provided by the National Parks, we fail to quantify and appreciate the contributions our parks make to society. This oversight allows us to continue to underfund a valuable part of our natural capital and consequently damage our supporting environment, national heritage, monetary economy, and many of our diverse cultures. We explore a simple benefits transfer valuation of the United States’ national parks using National Land Cover Data from 2011 and ecosystem service values determined by Costanza et al. This produces an estimate suggesting the parks provide $98 billion/year in ecosystem service value. If the natural infrastructure ‘asset’ that is our national park system had a budget comparable to a piece of commercial real estate of this value, the annual budget of the National Park Service would be roughly an order of magnitude larger at something closer to $30 billion rather than $3 billion.

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉A process consisting of regeneration of crystalline cellulose, dilute-phosphoric acid hydrolysis of regenerated cellulose to soluble oligomers, and enzymatic post-hydrolysis of soluble oligomers in the absence of disturbing solid particles was evaluated as a process alternative for upgrading the obtainable sugar concentration and facilitating the long-term enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose by utilizing soluble oligomers instead of insoluble particles. Cellulose was regenerated though phosphoric acid-acetone process, i.e., dissolution into 21 g/g acid at 50 °C for 60 min and precipitation by adding 41 g/g acetone. Regenerated cellulose was hydrolyzed at 120, 150 or 180 °C for 30 or 60 min using 0.5 or 1% phosphoric acid. After filtration, the hydrolysates were subjected to 10 or 15 FPU/g cellulase. Dilute-acid hydrolysis of regenerated cellulose with 0.5% acid at 180 °C, 30 min, and 10% solid loading resulted in an “oligomeric hydrolysate” with 44.6 g/L soluble oligomers. Enzymatic post-hydrolysis of soluble oligomers resulted in a “monomeric hydrolysate” containing as high as 47 g/L glucose and cellobiose. In the hydrolysis, 429 g sugar was released at high concentration from one kg crystalline cellulose. The hydrolysates were subjected to fermentation by 〈em〉Clostridium acetobutylicum〈/em〉, where oligomeric hydrolysates showed poor fermentability. The fermentation of monomeric hydrolysates obtained by dilute-acid hydrolysis (120 °C, 60 min, and 0.5% acid) and post-hydrolysis (15 filter paper unit/g) resulted in 6.1 g/L acetone–butanol–ethanol. Besides other potential advantages, this hydrolysis approach resulted in relatively high concentration of glucose which may facilitate cellulosic butanol production.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2397_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Degreasing cotton showing selectivity for the bovine hemoglobin (BHb) was developed by an imprinting procedure that is based on metal coordinate interaction. The morphological structure of the as-prepared samples was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, and the chemical modification steps were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The results of adsorption experiments show that the maximum adsorption capacity of the Cu〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉-immobilized molecularly imprinted cotton (Cu〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉-MIC) and Cu〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉-immobilized non-imprinted cotton (Cu〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉-NIC) was 140.33 mg/g and 17.78 mg/g, respectively, at the optimum pH value of 6.2. The adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic and the adsorption equilibrium could be achieved in 30 min. The adsorption isotherm data could be well described by a Langmuir model. Moreover, satisfactory reusability is demonstrated by five adsorption–desorption cycles with no significant decrease of the adsorption capacity. The SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated that the Cu〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉-MIC could be applied successfully in separation of BHb from the bovine blood sample. This procedure presents facile, cheap and stable fabrication strategy for efficient separation of proteins. 〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Hydrogels are the focus of extensive research due to their potential applications in various fields including tissue engineering, drug delivery, soft actuators, and sensors, etc. However, insufficient functionality and weak mechanical properties limit their practical applications. Herein, we developed a simple approach to fabricate strong, tough and self-healable hydrogels by introducing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) into poly (acrylic acid) (PAA)–Fe〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 hydrogels as well as by simply soaking the gels in sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. During the deformation process, the synergetic interactions of –COO〈sup〉−〈/sup〉/Fe〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 physically ionic networks as well as PAA covalent networks can homogeneously distribute stress, and more importantly, high degree of network densities, and chain entanglements introduced by soaking treatment could act as “sacrificial bonds” to dissipate energy effectively. As a result, the resulting optimal PAA/CMC〈sub〉1.0〈/sub〉–Fe〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉–S samples with water content of approximately 37.7 wt% possessed remarkable mechanical properties, with elastic modulus of 0.41 MPa, fracture tensile stress of 4.42 MPa, superior to that of PAA–Fe〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 and PAA/CMC〈sub〉1.0〈/sub〉–Fe〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 hydrogels. Additionally, the noncovalent ionic interactions of PAA/CMC〈sub〉1.0〈/sub〉–Fe〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 hydrogels serve as dynamic but stable associations, leading to effective self-healing efficiency (over 85%) after damage, with recovered fracture stress of 3.75 MPa as well as an elongation at break of about 750%. We expect this facile strategy may enrich the avenue in exploration of high-strength, tough and self-healing cellulosic hydrogels.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphic abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2797_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Herein we present an intensive investigation into the application of a copolymer formed through iodine transfer copolymerization of vinylidene fluoride with 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene. The unique properties of the pre-formed copolymer advocate it for inducing sustainable, multi-functionalized cotton-based textiles. The application of the preformed copolymer is carried out via the treatment of the cotton and cotton/polyester blend fabrics with the copolymer. The improvement of the physico-mechanical properties as well as the encapsulation of the copolymer within the cotton structure alone and in combination with polyester were affected by the absence and presence of epichlorohydrin as a crosslinking agent. A system consisting of the fiber-copolymer-crosslinking agent may result in mechanical entrapping and deposition of the copolymer in the structure of cotton. They work together with encapsulation for sustainable fixation of the copolymer in the overall structure of the fabrics either 100% cotton or cotton/polyester blend fabric (50/50). The augmentation was barely significant in smoothness and elongation at break of fabrics treated with the copolymer along with the crosslinking agent. SEM discovered that the treated fabrics are covered with a deposited film with tiny particles that can penetrate the fabric. EDX analysis confirms the presence of both fluorine and iodine. Also found was a polymer coating based on fluorine and iodine deposition leading to a hydrophobic product. Values of WRA of the treated fabrics place them in easy-care category with marginal losses in tensile strength and with the certainty that the treated fabric acquires waterproof properties.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Molecular interactions governing the recently reported CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉/CO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉2−〈/sup〉 chemistry of cellulose/NaOH(aq) solutions are investigated using a cellulose analogue methyl-β-D-glucopyranoside in NaOH(aq) solutions under conditions feasible with cellulose dissolution. 〈sup〉1〈/sup〉H, 〈sup〉13〈/sup〉C and steady-state heteronuclear Overhauser effect NMR spectroscopy complemented by pH measurements reveal carbohydrate–CO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉2−〈/sup〉 interactions as an important component of this chemistry. However, depending on in which order carbohydrate and CO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉2−〈/sup〉 are brought together in NaOH(aq) this interaction is different with different implications on stability of the CO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉2−〈/sup〉 in the solution.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Integrating high stiffness, strength, and toughness on par with those of soft tissues into synthetic hydrogels is extremely challenging. We have proposed a method to overcome this problem: in situ polymerization of a polymer matrix in layered cellulose nanofibers. In an attempt, ionically cross-linked poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) is fabricated in a wet cellulose nanofiber cake. The resulting hydrogels, called ionically cross-linked nanocomposite (ICN) hydrogels, exhibit a readily adjustable elastic modulus (11.9–190.0 MPa) and high fracture strength (generally 〉 10 MPa), which are comparable with those of skin and ligament. The high frictional force between the cellulose nanofibers and matrix is responsible for the stiffness of ICN hydrogels; while the tough matrix and weak direct interfibrillar interactions enable good stretchability. We expect that various kinds of cellulose nanofiber/polymer nanocomposite hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties and/or other features can be fabricated by simply changing the monomers.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Converting oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) to high value-added products can contribute to sustainable development by decreasing solid waste. In this paper, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared from OPEFB by following the processes of soda pulping, bleaching, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation, and high-pressure homogenization. Subsequently, the as-prepared CNFs were studied for their potential to stabilize Pickering emulsions. TEM results showed that the as-prepared individual CNFs were 4 nm in width and a few microns in length. Stable Pickering emulsions occurred at 2% CNF dosage, with emulsion droplet of 10 μm in terms of volume mean diameter, D [4, 3]. SEM results supported the presence of CNFs at the O/W interfaces, and CNF networks between the emulsion droplets. The effect of salt concentrations on the emulsion performance was further studied, showing that the conversion of emulsions to gels occurs at a salt concentration of 50 mM or higher.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Highly recyclable pH-responsive lignin-polyethylene glycol (L-PEG) was synthesized to achieve enhanced lignocellulosic hydrolysis and recycling cellulase. The performance of L-PEG could be easily regulated by adjusting the molecular weight and the amount of PEG. The large molecular weight facilitated L-PEG to reduce the invalid adsorption of cellulase on lignin during hydrolysis and enhance its flocculation effect at around pH 3.0. L-PEG〈sub〉1000-40〈/sub〉 obtained by adding 40 wt% (based on lignin) PEG1000 could effectively enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocelluloses and recover most of cellulase after hydrolysis through simply adjusting the pH of hydrolysate. During eucalyptus hydrolysis, using L-PEG〈sub〉1000-40〈/sub〉 to recycle cellulase could not only save 40% cellulase, but also increase the glucose yield by 121%. Due to the low synthesis cost of L-PEG and the simple and convenient recovery operation, this new method is beneficial to the improvement of lignocellulosic saccharification process and the high-value utilization of lignin.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphic abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2800_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Bamboo (〈em〉Phyllostachys acuta〈/em〉) is considered one of the useful feedstocks of crop residues due to speedy growth, fastest propagation, and convenient harvesting. The influence of alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) pretreatment of bamboo culm, its structural changes, and enzymatic hydrolysis were determined. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used for the analysis of solid fraction after alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment of bamboo culm. Recombinant enzymes were expressed in 〈em〉Pichia pastoris〈/em〉 from newly identified 〈em〉Aspergillus niger〈/em〉 BE-2. The obtained results revealed more hemicelluloses hydrolysis and improved cellulose accumulation in degraded part. The cellulose component was increased by 36.87%, hemicellulose decreased by 50.66%, and lignin by 37.94% in comparison with the chemical components in the raw material after AHP pretreatment. There is 111% increased yield reported for recombinant enzymes expressed in 〈em〉Pichia pastoris〈/em〉 after 60 h of degradation as compared to untreated substrates biomass. A total of about 370 mg reducing sugars per gram dehydrated bamboo residues were obtained after AHP treatment. The results revealed that major structural changes take place in the physiology of the substrates after AHP treatment, including elimination of lignin and hemicellulose, and enhance the porous area for easy attack of recombinant cellulases. This investigation contributes in biomass conversion in a friendly environment to fulfil the energy requirement in the future challenges.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphic abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2829_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉We investigate in this paper the potential of Raman spectroscopy for the quantification of protic ionic liquid components (acid and base) and water, in ionic liquid/water mixtures, taking 1.5-Diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-enium acetate ([DBNH][OAc]) as a case study. We show that the combination of Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics is quite successful for the quantitative analysis of the ionic liquid components and water in mixtures over wide concentration ranges. The finding of the present work suggest that Raman spectroscopy should be considered more universally for the in-line monitoring and control of processes involving ionic liquid/H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O mixtures.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉In this study, a novel temperature/pH dual responsive hydrogel, based on 〈em〉Hericium erinaceus〈/em〉 residue carboxymethyl chitin (HCMC) and poly (〈em〉N〈/em〉-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm), was synthesized by sequential IPN technique. Series of IPN hydrogels were obtained by varying initial 〈em〉N〈/em〉-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) concentrations. The structure, morphology, thermal property, transparency, mechanical property, swelling kinetics, temperature/pH responses and 5-Fu release behavior of the prepared hydrogels were systematically investigated. The structure analysis results showed that the IPN hydrogels were successfully synthesized. The prepared hydrogels showed more compact network structure and enhanced mechanical property as NIPAm concentration increased, but reduced transparency, swelling degree and 5-Fu release ratio. More importantly, HCMC and PNIPAm ensured the pH and temperature responses, respectively. 5-Fu could be gradually released from the prepared hydrogels, which followed Fickian diffusion model. Therefore, the prepared hydrogels may be served as promising materials for drug delivery systems.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉In this work, coconut oil was utilized as a natural phase change material (PCM) and applied on cellulosic fabrics for thermo-regulation. Organic coconut oil was microencapsulated in melamine formaldehyde and poly (methyl methacrylate) polymer shells by in situ and suspension polymerization methods, respectively. The fabricated microcapsules were applied on a daily wear stretch denim fabric and a cotton shirting fabric by knife-coating to impart thermo-regulation functionality. The microencapsulated PCMs and the treated fabric samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that latent heats of 81.9 J/g and 39.1 J/g at melting peak temperatures of 21.5 °C and 22.1 °C were successfully achieved with the microencapsulated PCMs which enabled the fabrics to possess remarkable latent heats in between 6.7 and 14.9 J/g.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphic abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2701_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉In this investigation, a novel compound (NCSAPP) based on chitosan (CS) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was synthesized by employing solutions of chitosan and ammonium polyphosphate. The synthesized compound was characterized using FTIR, PXRD, XPS, FESEM, EDX, TGA and a Micro Calorimeter. Finally, NCSAPP was inserted into vinyl ester resin and study the thermal and flammable properties. The FTIR spectrum of NCSAPP suggested the reaction between chitosan and APP and that formation of –NH〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉–O〈sup〉−〈/sup〉P– bonds with the –NH〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 peak at 1533 cm〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. The XPS spectrum showed a characteristic peak at 401.36 eV corresponding to the N〈sub〉1s〈/sub〉 of –NH〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉. PXRD suggested the amorphous nature of NCSAPP. FESEM coupled with EDX depicted a rough morphological pattern for NCSAPP with C, N, O and P. The thermal decomposition of NCSAPP was observed to be active at lower temperatures. However, at elevated temperatures (〉 315 °C), a slow degradation rate with significantly higher thermal stability than that of CS was observed. The peak release rate (16.9 w/g) and total heat release (0.9 kJ/g) were significantly lower than those of CS. Besides, vinyl ester composite of NCSAPP obtained superior fire-retardant properties than vinyl ester composites of CS and APP. The obtained results indicate that NCSAPP can be applied in thermal applications operating at high temperatures.〈/p〉

Description: The ejido system, based on communal land in Mexico, was transformed to private ownership due to neoliberal trends in the 1990s. Based on the theory of stakeholders being agents of change, this study aimed to describe the land policies that changed the ejido system into private development to show how land tenure change is shaping urban growth. To demonstrate this, municipalities of San Andrés Cholula and Santa Clara Ocoyucan were selected as case studies. Within this context, we evaluated how much ejido land is being urbanized due to real estate market forces and what type of urbanization model has been created. These two areas represent different development scales with different stakeholders—San Andrés Cholula, where ejidos were expropriated as part of a regional urban development plan and Santa Clara Ocoyucan, where ejidos and rural land were reached by private developers without local planning. To analyze both municipalities, historical satellite images from Google Earth were used with GRASS GIS 7.4 (Bonn, Germany) and corrected with QGIS 2.18 (Boston, MA, US). We found that privatization of ejidos fragmented and segregated the rural world for the construction of massive gated communities as an effect of a disturbing land tenure change that has occurred over the last 30 years. Hence, this research questions the roles of local authorities in permitting land use changes with no regulations or local planning. The resulting urbanization model is a private sector development that isolates rural communities in their own territories, for which we provide recommendations.

Description: If distinguishing between spatial planning systems and practices, the latter reflect on the continuity and perspective of planning cultures and are concerned with the values, attitudes, mindsets and routines shared by those taking part in concrete planning processes. Some recent studies demonstrated comparative assessment of European spatial planning. Thus, the coexistence of continuity and change, as well as convergence and divergence concerning planning practices, was delineated. Moreover, the trends and directions in the evolution of spatial planning and territorial governance were explored when focusing on linkages between diverse national planning perspectives and EU policies. The relevant outcome of European projects met their visionary statements in general and are towards the inspiration of policymaking by territorial evidence. However, it showed a highly differential landscape for territorial governance and spatial planning across Europe in terms of terminology, concepts, tools and practices. Therefore, the paper focuses on how the most relevant outcome of European research may initiate a reasonable in-depth study of concrete planning practices and substantiate an effective planning approach. Mainly based on critical literature review and comparative analysis and synthesis techniques, the overviewed key research results led (1) to agenda-setting for comprehensive evidence gathering (CEG) if exploring spatial planning practices and territorial governance in selected European countries, and (2) to a set of objectives for a values-led planning (VLP) approach to be introduced for improvement of land use management.

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉A comparison was made of the hygroscopicity, cell wall chemical composition and crystallinity of recently peeled poplar (〈em〉Populus〈/em〉 spp.) wood and wood of the same species subjected to repeated cycles (20, 60 and 80) of vacuum/pressure (85 kPa/600 kPa) and soaking in an autoclave followed by oven drying. The 15 and 35 °C sorption isotherms were obtained using the saturated salt method and fitted with the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer model. Chemical composition was determined and the infrared spectra and X-ray powder and 2D diffractograms were obtained to identify differences in the wood with and without cycles. The cycles caused a statistically significant decrease in equilibrium moisture content (EMC) between the wood without cycles and the wood with cycles, a statistically significant lower contribution by the monolayer as the number of cycles increased (in the 15 °C isotherm in adsorption without cycles from 8.12% EMC to 6.16% with 80 cycles, in desorption from 10.23 to 8.13%; in the 35 °C isotherm from 7.45 to 5.57% in adsorption and from 8.86 to 6.54% in desorption), a decrease in the area of the hysteresis loop with significant differences between the wood without cycles and the wood with cycles, a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of cell wall components (in cellulose and extractives, in lignin content between the wood without cycles and wood with 60 and 80 cycles, and in hemicellulose between the wood without cycles and the wood with 80 cycles), a statistically significant increase in crystallinity between the wood without cycles (CRI% 52.1%) and the wood with cycles (CRI% 81.60–92.50%), and reorganisation of the cell wall ultrastructure, as seen in the increased size of the cellulose crystal of the fraction oriented parallel to the fibre.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Thermal and structural properties of historical woods from apparatuses of the Historical Collection of the Physics Instruments of the University of Palermo have been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy coupled with thermogravimetric analysis. Specifically, the wooden portions of apparatuses from XIX century have been studied. The investigated woods belong to different taxa (〈em〉Swietenia mahagoni〈/em〉, 〈em〉Picea abies〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Juglans regia〈/em〉). The thermal behavior of the wooden materials has been successfully interpreted on the basis of specific indexes determined by the quantitative analysis of the FTIR spectra. The kinetics of the wood pyrolysis have been investigated by using a non-isothermal approach based on model-free isoconversional procedures, such as Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) and Friedman methods. Interestingly, the activation energy of the pyrolysis process reflects both the peculiar composition (related to the specific wooden taxon) and the conservation state of the historical woods. In this regards, we estimated that the average activation energies obtained from KAS analysis are 203, 156 and 43 kJ mol〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 for 〈em〉Swietenia mahagoni〈/em〉, 〈em〉Picea abies〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Juglans regia〈/em〉 woods, respectively. The thermogravimetric parameters have been correlated to the lignin index of the woods by proper experimental equations, which can be considered as a novel protocol to estimate the preservation conditions of historical woods from different taxon.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphic abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2688_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Reversible photochromic hybrid organic–inorganic films containing nanocrystalline cellulose as a matrix and tungsten oxide as a photochromic component (CNC/WO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉) were obtained via a simple and quick solvent casting method. The films were studied by scanning electron microscopy, together with element mapping, FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, confirming successful incorporation of WO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 nanoparticles into a nanocellulose matrix. Thermal analysis data indicated that the modification of a nanocellulose matrix with WO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 increases its thermal stability. The CNC/WO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 films showed a quick coloration-bleaching transition with good reversibility within 20 min, without notable degradation of photochromic properties after 10 cycles. The synthetic method proposed allows for scalable preparation of highly efficient low-cost WO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-based photochromic materials.〈/p〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphic abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2716_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: Ticks are responsible for the largest number of transmissions of vector-borne diseases in the northern hemisphere, which makes the risk from tick bites a serious public health problem. Biological scientific research and prevention studies are important, but they have not focused on the population’s perception of tick bite risk, especially at a spatial level. This exploratory article sets out to study this point through an innovative methodology involving the collection of 133 mental maps associated with a semi-structured interview and a socio-demographic questionnaire collected in the Massif Central region, France. The results show a strong link between the representation of the tick bite risk and the representation of particular landscapes. Forests appear as dangerous for the population, especially in the traditional activities of family walking or hiking. This calls into question overly anxiogenic prevention approaches that neglect the impact on practices in risk-prone spaces. It accentuates the need for localized education measure to improve knowledge about tick biology and avoid stereotypical and unnecessary negative representations associated with the environment.

Description: Extensive land use changes in forest frontier landscapes are leading to trade-offs in the supply of ecosystem services (ES) with, in many cases, as yet unknown effects on human well-being. In the Tanintharyi Region of Myanmar, a forest frontier landscape facing oil palm and rubber expansion, little is known about local perspectives on ES and the direct impact of trade-offs from land use change. This study assessed the trade-offs experienced with respect to 10 locally important ES from land user perspectives using social valuation techniques. The results show that while intact forests provide the most highly valued ES bundle, the conversion to rubber plantations entails fewer negative trade-offs than that to oil palm. Rubber plantations offer income, fuelwood, a good microclimate, and even new cultural identities. By contrast, oil palm concessions have caused environmental pollution, and, most decisively, have restricted local people’s access to the respective lands. The ES water flow regulation is seen as the most critical if more forest is converted; other ES, such as non-timber forest products, can be more easily substituted. We conclude that, from local perspectives, the impact of ES trade-offs highly depends on access to land and opportunities to adapt to change.

Description: Intensive land use activities worldwide have caused considerable loss to many ecosystem services. The dynamics of these threats must be quickly investigated to ensure timely update of management strategies and policies. Compared with complex models, mapping approaches that use scoring matrices to link land use/land cover and landscape properties with ecosystem services are relatively efficient and easier to apply. In this study, scoring matrices are developed and spatially explicit assessments of five ecosystem services, such as erosion control, water flow regulation, water quality maintenance, soil quality maintenance, and biodiversity maintenance, are conducted for a region under intense land use along the southern coast of South Africa. The complex interaction of land use/land cover and ecosystem services within a particular landscape is further elucidated by performing a spatial overview of the high-risk areas that contribute to the loss of ecosystem services. Results indicate that both agricultural activities and urban development contribute to the loss of ecosystem services. This study reveals that with sufficient knowledge from previous literature and inputs from experts, the use of scoring matrices can be adapted to different regional characteristics. This approach can be improved by adding additional landscape properties and/or adapting the matrix values as new data become available.

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Cellulose triacetate (CTA) porous membranes were firstly prepared by the combined nonsolvent-thermally induced phase separation (N-TIPS) method. Dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2) and polyethylene glycol (PEG400) were respectively chosen as the TIPS solvent and additive of CTA, while water was used as the NIPS nonsolvent. Their Hansen solubility parameters were analyzed to understand the solution thermodynamics. Detailed investigation was applied on the effects of the polymer concentration, the coagulation bath temperature and the coagulation bath composition on the CTA porous membranes. It is found that both NIPS and TIPS effects simultaneously exist and compete with each other, and further affect the membrane morphology and performance. The NIPS effect can be promoted by lowering the CTA concentration or elevating the coagulation bath temperature, resulting in figure-like macropores and porous top surface. The obtained CTA porous membranes show a water flux as high as 2002.9 ± 55.2 L/m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉h. On the contrary, the TIPS effect becomes the dominant factor, and leads to the symmetric sponge-like pores, which facilitate to enhance the mechanical properties. Besides, CTA porous membranes present large surface pore size as well as low fraction of figure-like macropores as increasing the DMSO2 content in the coagulation bath. These CTA porous membranes with excellent water permeability and mechanical strength are promising candidates for microfiltration or the porous substrates of thin film composite membranes.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2347_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉This report describes the synthesis of highly carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from jute fiber by facile oxidation with ammonium persulfate (APS). The oxidation time effects on microstructure, surface chemistry, crystal structure, and thermal properties were investigated. Crystal-like morphology was obtained with 5.2 nm average particle diameter and 300–500 nm length, depending on the oxidation time. The degree of oxidation (DO) was found to be 0.27: the highest among APS-oxidized CNCs. The carboxylic group amount of 1550 mmol kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 was achieved for 16 h oxidation treatment, resulting in high surface charge with the absolute zeta potential value of 40 mV. The DO value was well correlated with the peak intensity of carbonyl group ascertained from FT-IR studies: 0.12 + 0.38(〈em〉I〈/em〉〈sub〉1730〈/sub〉/〈em〉I〈/em〉〈sub〉1060〈/sub〉). As-prepared CNCs showed improved dispersibility in organic solvents up to 15 h. The APS oxidized CNCs showed good thermal stability: the onset decomposition temperature was 240 °C. Using X-ray diffraction method the crystalline index was ascertained as more than 67%. Surface modification of APS-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) was confirmed using FT-IR and XPS. Modified CNFs were dispersed in organic solvents such as toluene and THF. Jute is a good candidate material for obtaining highly pure and crystalline CNCs through APS oxidation, exhibiting great potential as a functional material for use in diverse fields.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2363_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉This work addresses a microwave-assisted, NaCl–H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O/γ-valerolactone (GVL) solvent system for the co-production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and saccharides from cellulose, examining the effects of the solvent system (H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O/GVL), NaCl concentration and reaction time. Oligosaccharides and glucose were completely recovered in the aqueous phase and their yields varied between 4–67 and 0–16 wt%, respectively, while HMF was largely recovered in the organic phase, in a yield between 0 and 13 wt%. Increasing the proportion of H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O in the system promoted cellulose depolymerisation and increased the production of oligosaccharides and glucose. This latter underwent a further decomposition to yield HMF and carboxylic acids when long times were used. An increase in NaCl not only kinetically promoted cellulose decomposition, but also modified the solubility of cellulose decomposition products in the aqueous phase, thus playing a very important role on the products distribution within both phases. With a solvent system consisting of 67/33 vol% H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O/GVL, with 30 wt% NaCl at 220 °C for 18 min, it is possible to selectively convert 76% of the cellulose into a sugar-rich aqueous solution and a rich HMF organic phase. The former was made up of glucose (25%) and oligosaccharides (64%), while the later mainly comprised HMF (75%). This might help the development of new biomass pre-processing technologies, allowing the co-production of precursors for the chemical and biological industries.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2362_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉In recent years, hazardous radionuclides and heavy metal ions contaminations in wastewaters have caused serious harm to the public and environment. Thus the application of remediation technology is more challenging. Herein, carboxymethyl cellulose supported magnetic graphene oxide composites (CMC/MGOs) are successfully synthesized using novel low temperature plasma technique. The SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA and Raman spectra analysis can provide favorable evidence for the successful addition of CMC onto MGOs composite surfaces. The kinetics and isotherms of sorption of U(VI) onto CMC/MGOs composites can be excellently simulated by the pseudo-second-order kinetics model and the Langmuir model, respectively. The maximum capacity of CMC/MGOs composites for U(VI) calculated from the Langmuir model at pH 5.5 and 301 K is 7.94 × 10〈sup〉−4〈/sup〉 mol/g. The experimental data indicate that uranium ions can interact with CMC/MGOs through inner-sphere surface complexation over the entire range of pH values. The experimental results suggest that CMC/MGOs composites can be regarded as potential adsorbent to remove uranium ions from wastewater systems.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2358_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Development of a simple, green, and universal method for the fabrication of hydrophobic cellulosic materials is of significance for enlarging their applications. Herein, one-step gas–solid reaction for the preparation of hydrophobic cellulosic materials having any shape and size is proposed. The substance can be made hydrophobic, as it is fully exposed to the reactive organosilane vapor. Filter paper (FP), a typical cellulosic material, was selected to study the hydrophobic modification with perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFTS). The results indicated that PFTS was successfully introduced onto the surface of the cellulose fiber. Compared with the pristine FP, the physicochemical properties of the PFTS-modified FP (SFP) were significantly improved. The silane content of SFP was approximately 45–55 mg g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, and the water contact angle was as large as 146° ± 3° under the proper conditions. SFP retained good chemical stability in harsh conditions of acidic, alkaline and saline solutions that is appropriate in practical environment. It was successfully applied in separating a series of oil/water mixtures with a separation efficiency of over 99%. The flux and separation efficiency remained high even after 30 reuse cycles (99% for chloroform/water mixtures). Moreover, the proposed vapor-based technique has the potential to allow continuous preparation of hydrophobic cellulosic materials with industrial applications.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Organosilane vapor-based surface modification is provided to fabricate the hydrophobic cellulosic materials with any shape and size, which has promise in industrial applications.〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2355_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: Deforestation is recognized as a major driver of the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. It also disturbs natural processes such as biogeochemical, hydrological, and ecological cycles. In Malawi, deforestation is estimated to be responsible for the loss of 33,000 hectares per year, and is mainly attributed to agriculture expansion, tobacco growing, and excessive use of biomass. However, little research has been conducted at either the local level or that of forests located on customary land. This research aimed to identify and analyze the underlying driving factors associated with the proximate factors of agriculture expansion, tobacco growing, and brick burning in Mwazisi. Landsat images for 1991, 2004, and 2017 were downloaded from the United States Geological Survey website and used to analyze changes in forest cover. Interviews with households (n = 399) and Natural Resource Committee members, a focus group discussion with key officers, and observations were conducted during field data collection in 2017. The results of the land cover analysis showed that forest covered 66% of the study area in 1991, and by 2017 it had decreased to 45.8%. Most households depend on wood from customary land forests for tobacco curing (69%) and brick burning (68%). Furthermore, 47.6% of the households have expanded their agriculture land by approximately 0.57 hectares during the past 15 years. The interview survey and the focus group discussion identified that the underlying driving factors towards these anthropogenic activities are: (a) population growth, (b) poverty, (c) expensive alternative building materials, (d) lack of awareness, (e) lack of resources, (f) lack of commitment from the tobacco companies, and (g) market system of the cash crops grown in the area. In conclusion, a set of economic, institutional, social, and demographic factors, which are associated with imbalanced relationship between rural and urban areas, underpin agriculture expansion, tobacco growing, and brick burning, and have thereby contributed to the decline of the forest cover in Mwazisi, Malawi.

Description: Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is one of the pioneering cities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region that have recently prepared urban sustainability agendas for their cities. Nonetheless, the recently developed urban neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi mostly rely on Land Use planning and their urban forms are still missing essential sustainability qualities. The Form-Based Code (FBC), a sustainable planning tool that helps realize sustainable urban forms, is suggested in this research as an alternative for the conventional Land Use planning currently applied for new urban neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi. The research adopted a method for ‘localizing’ the global tenets and initiation processes of FBCs that outfit the local urban conditions. The investigation of the locally applied form-related regulations and guidelines revealed that they could be transformed into a localized FBC, but still lack some essential components of the FBC’s principles while the community involvement in initiating them was fairly limited. The research examined the applicability of this localized FBC model through interviewing the concerned stakeholders to identify the challenges that might face the adoption of it. The research concluded with recommending a set of actions for implementing the model in Abu Dhabi and other cities sharing similar urban circumstances.

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Refining (i.e., mechanical beating of pulp) is a common procedure that is used in paper-making to improve the mechanical properties of the final product. The improvements caused by refining are mainly attributed to increased density and to a better bonding between fibers. In this work, we study how various mechanisms that can be triggered by refining affect the tensile behavior of the sheets. Consequently, we use direct numerical simulations of fiber networks. We relate our finding to the experimental measurements that we conducted on handsheets. We have found that fibrillar fines with size distributions below the resolution of modern state-of-the art pulp characterization tools have a substantial contribution to the increased strength and stiffness of the sheets.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The flame resistance of cotton fabric was greatly enhanced by a novel reactive flame retardant with serrated structure, ammonium salt of 1,3-diaminopropane tetra-(methylenephosphonic acid) (ADDTMPA), and the softness of cotton fabric was retained very well. The results showed that cotton fabric modified by 30% ADDTMPA had a LOI value of 41.5%, which remained well after 40 laundering cycles with a LOI value of 26.3%. The treated cotton fabric was not ignited in vertical flammability tests, and the results of cone calorimetry proved that the heat release rates and total heat release of treated cotton fabric decreased substantially. TG analysis showed that the treated cotton fabric had the lower initial decomposition temperature and more residues than control cotton fabric during combustion. TG-IR analysis showed that the treated cotton fabric released much less flammable volatile species than control cotton fabric. FTIR analysis indicated that the flame retardant was reactive in condensed phase and the flame retardant was grafted on cellulose by P–O–C bonds. EDX results showed that a large amount of phosphorus was introduced into the cotton fabric. SEM showed that the modification had little effect on the surface of cotton fibers, and a large amount of residue was maintained after combustion. The treatment by ADDTMPA could produce highly effective flame-retardant and soft cotton fabric.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉A novel phosphorus-based, halogen-free and formaldehyde-free flame retardant with serrated structure and reactive groups was synthesized to prepare highly efficient flame-retardant and soft cotton fabric by chemical grafting.〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2374_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Regenerated cellulose fibers are produced using two industrially dominant technologies: the viscose and lyocell processes. Here, we compare commercially available fibers, prepared using the viscose and lyocell processes. Single fibers are subjected to a variety of mechanical deformations to obtain stress–strain, stress relaxation and stress recovery data. These are fitted to a phenomenological model, whose parameters are interpreted in terms of the fiber semicrystalline microstructure. This simple model does not incorporate the complexities of semicrystalline microstructure. Rather, it represents structure in a semicrystalline polymer fiber in terms of an elastic crystalline phase that coexists with a viscoelastic Voigt-like glassy amorphous phase. Lyocell fibers are characterized by higher values of crystalline modulus relative to viscose. Lyocell fibers also have a higher amorphous phase modulus and a wider relaxation spectrum than viscose, suggesting that amorphous and crystalline phases are dispersed in close connectivity in lyocell. Viscose and lyocell fibers exhibit qualitative similarities in their mechanical response. On stretching, there is a transition in the stress–strain curve from a low strain elastic response at a critical value of strain. This critical strain has been incorrectly attributed to yielding of the fiber. We establish that this critical value corresponds to an apparent yield. When subjected to strains higher than this apparent yield point, the fibers develop a memory of the mechanical deformation. This memory decays slowly, logarithmically with time and is lost over about a day as the fiber structure transitions back to the original as spun fiber. Finally, we demonstrate that on wetting the fibers with water, there is an increase in the apparent yield strain for viscose fibers, but not for lyocell. We interpret these results in terms of the semicrystalline microstructure of the fibers.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2352_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉In this study, a cellulosome-producing yeast reaction system with cellulase and hemicellulase activities is developed for synergistic catalysis of steam-exploded corn stover. Three adaptor scaffoldins with divergent specificities serve to contain an extensive type and amount of catalytic subunits. The maximum ethanol concentration of engineered yeast strain was 0.92 g/l corresponding to 53.44% of the theoretical yield based on grams of ethanol produced per gram of consumed total sugar under 30 °C with agitation at 90 rpm after 96 h. Here, our elaborated structural organization presents an approach designed toward genetic engineering of 〈em〉S. cerevisiae〈/em〉, a widespread, industrially important microorganism, for improved lignocellulolytic potential and advanced capability of consolidated bioprocessing.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Ultraviolet (UV)-protective cotton fabrics are necessary for outdoor cotton clothing. In this study, boron and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots (BN-CD) are synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal carbonization, and consequently served as UV-absorber for cotton textiles. Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope and UV–Vis spectroscopy are used to characterize the structure and properties of BN-CDs and cotton fabrics finished by BN-CDs. The UV protection property and laundering durability of treated cotton fabrics are also measured. The results show that as-prepared BN-CD has high fluorescence and down-conversion fluorescence emission. The cotton fabric finished by the BN-CD and poly(vinyl alcohol) exhibits a UV transmittance of less than 4% in the range of 280–400 nm, a UV protection factor value of up to 38.6 and good laundering durability, indicating a promising potential of BN-CD as UV absorbers for finishing cotton fabrics.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2365_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉In this study, the effects of replacing a hydroxyl group on C-6 of cellulose by a phosphate group, as in cellulose-6-phosphate, on the aldehyde content and the reactivity of dialdehyde cellulose phosphate were explored. Cellulose-6-phosphate (〈strong〉1〈/strong〉) was efficiently oxidized by using an aqueous solution of potassium periodate to obtain dialdehyde cellulose phosphate (DACP) (〈strong〉2〈/strong〉). The condensation of DACP with two aromatic amines, sulfanilamide (〈strong〉3〈/strong〉) and sulfathiazole (〈strong〉4〈/strong〉) produced the respective Schiff bases, namely (cellulose-6-phoshate-2,3-bis-[(4-methylene-amino)-benzene-sulfonamide] (〈strong〉5〈/strong〉) and cellulose-6-phoshate-2,3-bis-[(4-methylene-amino)-〈em〉N〈/em〉-(thiazol-2-yl) benzene sulfonamide] (〈strong〉6〈/strong〉). Fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the synthesized biopolymers. For compounds 〈strong〉2〈/strong〉, 〈strong〉5〈/strong〉, and 〈strong〉6,〈/strong〉 the aldehyde content of was found to be 95%, 20.1%, and 11.2%, respectively. The highest reactivity of DACP toward sulfa drugs was displayed due to aldehyde content values. Significant changes in the 〈em〉d〈/em〉-spacing with decreasing crystallinity index (46.9%) were observed in the XRD of cellulose-6-phosphate and its Schiff’s base. In SEM images, a fibrous structure and a rough surface were observed in the samples with slight variations. The results of TGA showed a delay in the major degradation step for DACP, cellulose-6-phosphate-2,3-bis[(4-methyleneamino)-〈em〉N〈/em〉-(thiazol-2-yl)-benzen sulfonamide] and cellulose-6-phosphate-2,3-bis-[(4-methyleneamino)-benzene sulfonamide] compared to cellulose phosphate.〈/p〉

Description: Land plays an important role in the economies of developing countries, and many theories connecting land inequality with different dimensions of economic development already exist. Even though efficacious land distribution allows societies to transition from poverty to a human capital-based developed economy, ongoing issues related to property rights, inequality, and the political economy of land distribution are unavoidable. The general objective of this paper is to explore the nexus between land distribution and economic development. The specific objectives are to: (i) identify which land distribution programs/activities contribute to economic development; (ii) investigate the role of stakeholders in land distribution programs that affect the growth of productivity; and (iii) assess the deficiencies of current land distribution policies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to explore how economic development theories contribute to decreasing income inequality. This paper provides an overview of land distribution history and the main economic development theories. It also highlights the links between land distribution and the main elements of economic development. Finally, it provides a comparative review of the most recent empirical works regarding the characteristics, limitations, and potential (mutual) effects of land distribution and economic development settings on developing countries worldwide.

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Historically, fabrics were considered as a source of warmth and protection against weather conditions. Nowadays, fabrics can be converted into smart textiles and through this process new properties are conferred to them. For that purpose, microcapsules can play an important role in that they can be used within many application areas including medicine or pharmaceuticals. Malaria, dengue fever and other diseases are typically spread through mosquito bites. This is a concern of many authorities in affected countries and significant research is being conducted today in order to reduce incidence. The aim of the study reported here is not only to demonstrate the effectiveness of microcapsules on cotton fabrics as a prevention to mosquito bites but also to test this in situ. Different fabrics were prepared and tested in two Indian regions. Laboratory tests were performed according to a standard designed by the Swiss Tropical laboratory. Results demonstrated that the fabrics´ repellence to mosquitos could be considered as very good and that the repellent effect of the microcapsules was maintained for more than 10 laundry cycles. Furthermore, our experiments conducted in situ confirmed the effectiveness of the technology.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2395_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉In this work, we report the preparation of photocatalytically active and easy to recycle porous cellulose-based spheres from polymer solutions in ionic liquid/dimethylsulfoxide mixtures by using the dropping 〈em〉cum〈/em〉 phase separation technique. The factors affecting the sphere structure formation in relation to their efficiency as photocatalysts have been studied in detail. It was found that the increase of the nanoparticulate dopant fraction (TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and/or Fe〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉) in the casting solution led to the formation of nanocomposites with a higher specific surface area as well as with enhanced photocatalytic activity. The embedment of the TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 nanoparticles in the polymeric matrix did not change the bandgap of the photocatalyst. Furthermore, the co-doping with Fe〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 had no negative impact on the photocatalytic activity of the TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 doped porous cellulose spheres. The addition of a moderate amount of dimethylsulfoxide led to an improvement of the photocatalytic activity of the formed nanocomposites, due to an increase of the matrix porosity without an agglomeration of the active nanoparticles. However, higher fractions of dimethylsulfoxide led to the agglomeration of the photocatalytic nanoparticles and therefore a decrease of the photocatalytic activity of the hybrid materials. The obtained porous spheres could be successfully recycled and reused in at least five consecutive cycles for the photocatalytic degradation of the model organic pollutant Rhodamine B in aqueous solution. Additionally, the prepared porous spheres also exhibited good adsorber properties toward Cu〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 ions which were used in this study as model metal ion pollutant in water.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2401_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: Recent debates in social anthropology on land acquisitions highlight the need to go further back in history in order to analyse their impacts on local livelihoods. The debate over the commons in economic and ecological anthropology helps us understand some of today’s dynamics by looking at precolonial common property institutions and the way they were transformed by Western colonization to state property and then, later in the age of neoliberalism, to privatization and open access. This paper focuses on Africa and refers to the work of critical scholars who show that traditional land tenure was misinterpreted as customary tenure without full property rights, while a broader literature on the commons shows that common-pool resources (pasture, fisheries, wildlife, forestry etc.) have been effectively managed by locally-developed common property institutions. This misinterpretation continues to function as a legacy in both juridical and popular senses. Moreover, the transformation of political systems and the notion of customary land tenure produced effects of central importance for today’s investment context. During colonial times a policy of indirect rule based on new elites was created to manage customary lands of so-called native groups who could use the land as long as it was of no value to the state. However, this land formally remained in the hands of the state, which also claimed to manage common-pool resources through state institutions. The neoliberal policies that are now demanded by donor agencies have had two consequences for land and land-related common-pool resources. On the one hand, states often lack the financial means to enforce their own natural resource legislation and this has led to de facto open access. On the other hand, land legally fragmented from its common-pool resources has been transformed from state to private property. This has enabled new elites and foreign investors to claim private property on formerly commonly-held land, which also leads to the loss of access to land related common-pool resources for more marginal local actors. Thus, the paper argues that this process does not just lead to land grabbing but to commons grabbing as well. This has furthermore undermined the resilience and adaptive capacity of local populations because access to common-pool resources is vital for the livelihoods of more marginal groups, especially in times of crisis. Comparative studies undertaken on floodplains in Botswana, Cameroon, Mali, Tanzania and Zambia based on a New Institutional Political Ecology (NIPE) approach illustrate this process and its impacts and show how institutional transformations are key to understanding the impacts of large-scale land acquisitions (LSLA) and investments in Africa.

Description: Uyo is one of the fastest-growing cities in Nigeria. In recent years, there has been a widespread change in land use, yet to date, there is no thorough mapping of vegetation change across the area. This study focuses on land use change, urban development, and the driving forces behind natural vegetation loss in Uyo. Based on time series Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM)/Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+)/Operational Land Imager (OLI) image data, the relationships between urban land development and its influencing factors from 1985 to 2018 were analyzed using remote sensing (RS) and time series data. The results show eight land use cover classes. Three of these (forest, swamp vegetation, and mixed vegetation) are related to natural vegetation, and three (sparse built-up, dense built-up, and borrow pit) are direct consequences of urban infrastructure development changes to the landscape. Swamp vegetation, mixed vegetation, and forest are the most affected land use classes. Thus, the rapid growth of infrastructure and industrial centers and the rural and urban mobility of labor have resulted in an increased growth of built-up land. Additionally, the growth pattern of built-up land in Uyo corresponds with socioeconomic interviews conducted in the area. Land use changes in Uyo could be attributed to changes in economic structure, urbanization through infrastructure development, and population growth. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) analysis shows a trend of decreasing vegetation in Uyo, which suggests that changes in economic structure represent a key driver of vegetation loss. Furthermore, the implementation of scientific and national policies by government agencies directed at reducing the effects of urbanization growth should be strengthened, in order to calm the disagreement between urban developers and environmental managers and promote sustainable land use.

Description: To gain a social license to operate and grow, companies should have effective community engagement activities, social impact assessment processes, environmental and social impact management procedures, and human rights-compatible grievance redress mechanisms in place. In this way, environmental impacts and social impacts would likely be identified and addressed before issues escalate and social risk amplifies. Companies also need to treat communities with respect and be mindful of local culture. Where these things are not done, there will be no social license to operate. Protests are mechanisms by which affected communities express their concerns and signal there is no social license. As argued in our previous work on conceptualizing social protests, protests are warning signs, as well as opportunities for companies to improve. Rather than let protest actions escalate, leading to violent confrontation and considerable cost and harm, companies should engage in meaningful dialogue with protesters. Unfortunately, company response is often inadequate or inappropriate. In this paper, we identify around 175 actions companies might take in relation to community protest, and we discuss how these actions variously have the potential to escalate or de-escalate conflict, depending on whether the company engages in appropriate and genuine interaction with protesters or if repressive measures are used. While effective engagement will likely de-escalate conflict, ignoring or repressing protests tends to provoke stronger reactions from groups seeking to have their concerns heard. When companies address community concerns early, their social license to operate is enhanced. We also outline the primary international standards companies are expected to comply with, and we identify the key environmental, social, and governance issues (ESG principles) that should be respected.

Description: This paper shows how the slow process of forestland restitution, which is unfolding in Romania since 1991 has eroded the threads of sustainable forest management by an insidious institutional amnesia (IA). The four symptoms of this harmful process (frequent reorganization, transition from paperwork to electronic media, fewer people motivated to join public services, and popularity of radical changes) were analyzed from the legal standing point as well as from practitioners’ perspective. After having described the legal process and the relative dependencies between laws and government ordinances we also showed that the three laws on forestland restoration (three fully operational laws and two bills submitted in 2019, one year before general elections) were produced by unintended policy arrangements. The legal loopholes of forestland restitution were described in details as well as the challenges brought about by nature conservation policy (Natura 2000 management plans v traditional forest planning), and the overwhelming bureaucratic burden developed to deter illegal logging, instead of fully implementing a modern system of forest watching based on volunteering. However, the main cause of IA is institutional unsteadiness which was inherited from the communist regime, and cannot be alleviated unless more involvement of professional foresters in politics.

Description: The denitrification rate in C2H2-amended intact soil cores and soil N2O fluxes in closed static chambers were monitored in a Mediterranean irrigated maize-cropped field. The measurements were carried out during: (i) a standard fertilization management (SFM) activity and (ii) a manipulation experimental (ME) test on the effects of increased and reduced application rates of urea at the late fertilization. In the course of the SFM, the irrigations following early and late nitrogen fertilization led to pulses of denitrification rates (up to 1300 μg N2O-N m−2 h−1) and N2O fluxes (up to 320 μg N2O-N m−2 h−1), thanks to the combined action of high soil temperatures and not limiting nitrates and water filled pore space (WFPS). During the ME, high soil nitrates were noted in all the treatments in the first one month after the late fertilization, which promoted marked N-losses by microbial denitrification (from 500 to 1800 μg N2O-N m−2 h−1) every time the soil WFPS was not limiting. At similar maize yield responses to fertilizer treatments, this result suggested no competition for N between plant roots and soil microbial community and indicated a probable surplus of nitrogen fertilizer input at the investigated farm. Correlation and regression analyses (CRA) on the whole set of data showed significant relations between both the denitrification rates and the N2O fluxes with three soil physical-chemical parameters: nitrate concentration, WFPS and temperature. Specifically, the response functions of denitrification rate to soil nitrates, WFPS and temperature could be satisfactorily modelled according to simple Michaelis-Menten kinetic, exponential and linear functions, respectively. Furthermore, the CRA demonstrated a significant exponential relationship between N2O fluxes and denitrification and simple empirical functions to predict N2O emissions from the denitrification rate appeared more fitting (higher concordance correlation coefficient) than the predictive empirical algorithm based on soil nitrates, WFPS and temperature. In this regard, the empirically established relationships between the denitrification rate on intact soil cores under field conditions and the soil variables provided local-specific threshold values and coefficients which may effectively work to calibrate and adapt existing N2O process-based simulation models to the local pedo-climatic conditions.

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉One of the main problems faced by the galvanic industry is the wastewater generated during the electrodeposition of metals. Prior to its discharge into the environment, the wastewater must be properly treated. Therefore, an increasing number of studies involving adsorption processes have been performed on the removal of metallic ions from wastewater using biosorbent materials due to their low cost and uncomplicated operation conditions. Within this context, the main objective of this study was to extract the lignin present in 〈em〉Pinus elliottii〈/em〉 sawdust for its subsequent application in the removal of Zn(II) from aqueous solutions. After the extraction of lignin by the Klason method, the obtained material was characterized using several analytical tools. The effects of experimental parameters on the adsorption process, such as lignin dosage and the initial pH of the medium, were also evaluated. In general, the physical–chemical characterization showed that 〈em〉P. elliottii〈/em〉 lignin is mainly composed of oxygenated functional groups, consists of particles of different sizes and shapes, and has high thermal stability. Concerning the adsorption studies, the experimental results revealed that the kinetics were better described using a pseudo-first-order model. At equilibrium, on the other hand, the Langmuir isotherm had the highest determination coefficient and the lowest mean square error, with a maximum adsorption capacity (〈em〉q〈/em〉〈sub〉〈em〉max〈/em〉〈/sub〉) of 16.55 mg g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. In addition, the mathematical models were equally evaluated using Fisher’s 〈em〉F〈/em〉 test, which demonstrated that they can also describe the behavior of the experimental data. Finally, the set of all results showed that although the lignin in this work had a low 〈em〉q〈/em〉〈sub〉〈em〉max〈/em〉〈/sub〉 value compared to other adsorbents of the same nature, it can still be used for the removal of Zn(II) from aqueous solutions.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2399_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Mathematical models based on response surface methodology (RSM) and wavelet neural networks (WNNs) in conjunction with a central composite design were developed in order to study the influence of pulping variables viz. acetic acid, temperature, time, and hydrochloric acid (catalyst) on the resulting pulp and paper properties (screened yield, kappa number, tensile and tear indices) during the acetosolv pulping of oil palm fronds. The performance analysis demonstrated the superiority of WNNs over RSM, in that the former reproduced the experimental results with percentage errors and mean squared errors between 3 and 8% and 0.0054–0.4514 respectively, which were much lower than those obtained by the RSM models with corresponding values of 12–40% and 0.0809–9.3044, further corroborating the goodness of fit of the WNNs models for simulating the acetosolv pulping of oil palm fronds. Based on this assessment, it validates the exceptional predictive ability of the WNNs in comparison to the RSM polynomial model.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2406_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The widely tunable physical and chemical characteristics of hydrogels make them advantageous in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, yet their hydrophilic nature might discourage their use as drug delivery systems for poorly water soluble molecules. In this work we demonstrate the sustained release of a large amount of a lipophilic drug (clofazimine) from nanocellulose hydrogels. Hydrogels are formed via ionotropic gelation and loaded with up to 37 % w/w) of the hydrophobic molecule. The kinetic profile avoids the initial burst release and we demonstrate that the surfactant co-loading is a successful strategy to increase by about 50 times the drug solubility in water, without the need of complex fabrication steps.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Expanded nanocomposite production is an evolutionary and emerging technology in the field of porous materials, because it’s characterized by combining the structural characteristics of the nanocomposites with the lightness of the polymeric foams. Three different processes were used in the present study: (1) extraction of two types of nanocellulose: cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), both from curaua fibers. CNFs were obtained by mechanical defibrillation method and CNCs by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (T.E.M.P.O.)-mediated oxidation method. (2) incorporation of reinforcement in a polystyrene matrix, producing nanocomposites in the following concentrations: 0.25%, 0.50% and 1.00% (w/w). (3) nanocomposite expansion with supercritical carbon dioxide fluid (scCO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉), a new expander agent trend. The nanocomposites all had increased storage and loss moduli in relation to neat PS. In the expanded nanocomposites, the incorporation of CNFs promoted an increase in the compressive strength and a decrease in the cell size in comparison to the samples reinforced with CNCs and polystyrene foam. In the nanocomposites produced with CNCs, no significant variations were observed when compared to pure polystyrene foam. 〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2392_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The waste rice straw is a sustainable bioresource with large reserves and low-cost, thus can be used to produce fuels and chemicals to enhance its value. In this paper, we have developed a new method to convert rice straw into biogasoline with high yield in one step by using multifunctional catalyst of RhCl〈sub〉3〈/sub〉/NaI/HCl/H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 in a biphasic reaction system. Lipid and lignin in the rice straw hindered its conversion and need to be removed by pretreatment. The major products are C5 and C6 furan, furfural, and cyclic ketones, which are low in oxygen content and can be used as biogasoline. Under the optimal reaction conditions (140 °C, 4 h, 300 psi H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, toluene to water volume ration 1:1), C5 from hemicellulose with 77.2% yield and C6 from cellulose with 71.7% yield can be obtained. The total biogasoline yield based on dry rice straw is 23.5 wt%, which is quite significant. The mechanism of the conversion process was also well studied.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2403_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: The growing demand for biofuel production increased agricultural activities in South Dakota, leading to the conversion of grassland to cropland. Although a few land change studies have been conducted in this area, they lacked spatial details and were based on the traditional bi-temporal change detection that may return incorrect rates of conversion. This study aimed to provide a more complete view of land conversion in South Dakota using a trajectory-based analysis that considers the entire satellite-based land cover/land use time series to improve change detection. We estimated cropland expansion of 5447 km2 (equivalent to 14% of the existing cropland area) between 2007 and 2015, which matches much more closely the reports from the National Agriculture Statistics Service—NASS (5921 km2)—and the National Resources Inventory—NRI (5034 km2)—than an estimation from the bi-temporal approach (8018 km2). Cropland gains were mostly concentrated in 10 counties in northern and central South Dakota. Urbanizing Lincoln County, part of the Sioux Falls metropolitan area, is the only county with a net loss in cropland area over the study period. An evaluation of land suitability for crops using the Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) indicated a scarcity in high-quality arable land available for cropland expansion.

Description: The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) established one of the largest solar energy projects in the world through a public–private partnership. It is on communal land previously owned by a Moroccan Amazigh (Berber) clan in the Ghessate rural council area, 10 km away from Ouarzazate. The land for the energy project comprises a surface area of more than 3000 hectares. This large-scale land acquisition has led to the loss of access to common-pool resources (land, water, and plants), which were formerly managed by local common property institutions, due to its enclosure, and the areas themselves. This paper outlines how the framing of the low value of land by national elites, the state administration, MASEN, and the subsequent discourses of development, act as an anti-politics machine to hide the loss of land and land-related common-pool resources, and thus an attack on resilience—we call it in our scientific discipline a process of ‘resilience grabbing’ (Resilience is the ability of a person and/or a household to restore basic livelihood capacities after shocks and hazards. Such capacities need to be available over time and remain high for the unit (household, community) to be resilient), especially for women. As a form of compensation for the land losses, economic livelihood initiatives have been introduced for local people based on the funds from the sale of the land and revenue from the solar energy project Noor Ouarzazate. The loss of land representing the ‘old’ commons is—in the official discourse—legitimated by what the government and the parastatal company call the development-related ‘fruits of growth’, and should serve as ‘new forms of commons’ to the local communities. The investment therefore acts as a catalyst through which natural resources (land, water, and plants) are institutionally transformed into new monetary resources that local actors are said to be able to access, under specific conditions, to sustain their livelihood. There are, however, pertinent questions of access (i.e., inclusion and exclusion), regulation, and equality of opportunities for meeting the different livelihood conditions previously supported by the ‘old’ commons.

Description: At the 2018 meeting of the Permanent European Conference for the Study of the Rural Landscape (PECSRL), that took place in Clermont-Ferrand and Mende in France, the Institute for Research on European Agricultural Landscapes e.V. (EUCALAND) Network organized a session on traditional landscapes. Presentations included in the session discussed the concept of traditional, mostly agricultural, landscapes, their ambiguous nature and connections to contemporary landscape research and practice. Particular attention was given to the connection between traditional landscapes and regional identity, landscape transformation, landscape management, and heritage. A prominent position in the discussions was occupied by the question about the future of traditional or historical landscapes and their potential to trigger regional development. Traditional landscapes are often believed to be rather stable and slowly developing, of premodern origin, and showing unique examples of historical continuity of local landscape forms as well as practices. Although every country has its own traditional landscapes, globally seen, they are considered as being rare; at least in Europe, also as a consequence of uniforming CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) policies over the last five decades. Although such a notion of traditional landscapes may be criticized from different perspectives, the growing number of bottom-up led awareness-raising campaigns and the renaissance of traditional festivities and activities underline that the idea of traditional landscapes still contributes to the formation of present identities. The strongest argument of the growing sector of self-marketing and the increasing demand for high value, regional food is the connection to the land itself: while particular regions and communities are promoting their products and heritages. In this sense, traditional landscapes may be viewed as constructed or invented, their present recognition being a result of particular perceptions and interpretations of local environments and their pasts. Nevertheless, traditional landscapes thus also serve as a facilitator of particular social, cultural, economic, and political intentions and debates. Reflecting on the session content, four aspects should be emphasized. The need for: dynamic landscape histories; participatory approach to landscape management; socioeconomically and ecologically self-sustaining landscapes; planners as intermediaries between development and preservation.

Description: Recreation and tourism are important ways that people interact with and derive benefits from natural environments. Understanding how and where nature provides recreational opportunities and benefits is necessary for management decisions that impact the environment. This study develops and tests an approach for mapping tourism patterns, and assessing people’s preferences for cultural and natural landscapes, using user-generated geographic content. The volume of geotagged images and tweets shared publicly on Flickr and Twitter and proprietary mobile phone traffic provided by a telecommunications company, are used to map visitation rates to potential tourist destinations across Jeju Island, South Korea. We find that densities of social media posts and mobile phone traffic are all correlated with ticket sales and counts of gate entries at tourist sites. Using multivariate linear regression, we measure the degree to which attributes of the natural and built environment explain variation in visitation rates, and find that tourists to Jeju Island prefer to recreate near beaches, sea cliffs, golf courses and hiking trails. We conclude that high-resolution and spatially-explicit visitation data provided by user-generated content open the door for statistical models that can quantify recreation demand. Managers and practitioners could combine these flexible and relatively inexpensive user-generated data with more traditional survey data to inform sustainable tourism development plans and policy decisions. These methods are especially useful in the context of landscape or regional-scale ecosystem service assessments, where there is a need to map the multiple ecological, economic, and cultural benefits of the environment.

Description: Societies undergo continuous dynamics and change. By investigating the spatial structure of societal remains and material culture, we tried to get insights into the processes of their landscapes creation. Ritual practices, economic strategies, or the societal structure are stored in the landscape as a form of cultural contextualization. We presumed that changes of these will be strongest during phases of transformation and investigated to which degree transformation processes are mirrored in the spatial structure of material remains. Absolute and relative locations were investigated using data from Neolithic domestic and ritual sites in Wagrien, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The results showed that transformations have a different influence on ritual and domestic locations: There are no discernible influences on the choice of relative domestic site locations, in contrast to ritual sites, whose relative location changes as a result of sociocultural transformations. This illustrates the importance of cultural and socioeconomic functions of individual sites and shows that transformations, even when they impact the fundamental structure of a society, do act on different relative and absolute scales and spheres.

Description: The evaluation of resource and environmental carrying capacity (RECC) is the foundation for the rationale behind the arrangement of land spaces for production, living, and ecological uses. In this study, based on various natural, economic, and social factors, an integrated Multi-Factor assessment model was developed to evaluate the RECC of Xinbei district of Changzhou. Meanwhile, we also calculated the population carrying capacity estimation model restricted by food security. The study comprehensively analyzed the current status and land resource characteristics of a rapid urbanization area and the RECC restrictions for protection and development. The results indicate that the comprehensive carrying capacity of Xinbei showed distinct spatial heterogeneity, with a decreasing trend from the riverside protection area to urban areas, then to mountain areas. Combined with the secure food supply provided by future land resources, it was estimated that the population carrying index of Xinbei would be as high as 1.25 and 1.22 in 2035 and 2050, respectively, indicating that both years would experience a population overload. Therefore, an urgent adjustment to the structure and layout of territorial space and resources of the Xinbei District is necessary.

Description: Nowadays, the issue of land plot selection for linear facilities is relevant because of high land load rate world-wide. The given research into establishing a rationale for linear facilities location focuses on the determination of an optimum alternative. The method used is based on the expert analytic hierarchy process to improve the economic, technical and ecological justification of projects of land allocation for linear facilities of utility equipment. The method was applied in order to select a land plot for a gas pipeline. A number of factors have been proven to be crucial for decision-making, such as negative impact on agricultural activities, area and type of agricultural land, straightness of gas pipeline, construction costs, area of land with restricted use regime and to-be-reclaimed zones. A case study of land allocation for gas pipeline illustrates the solution of the task to find the most appropriate plot of land.

Description: The existence of a “young farmer problem” in Europe has been recognized by scientists and policy-makers and is based on the widespread acknowledgement of the poor generational renewal rates in the farming sector and in particular in farmland management across the European Union. Despite existing support policy measures, young farmers (YF) face barriers which hamper the establishment and consolidation of their farming enterprises. Focusing on Alentejo (NUTS II), in Portugal, this paper identifies the difficulties YF face to accessing land, the high investment costs required to set up a farming unit, and the insufficient access to credit as the main reasons why young people are prevented from setting up their farming enterprises. Existing policy support measures targeting YF are widely perceived as inefficient with regard to triggering generational renewal. Hence, our findings suggest that not only is it necessary to pay greater attention to the complex question of land tenure, but that also the impact of policies implemented in the past should be examined in detail in order to develop and implement more effective measures that are sensitive to the different national and regional contexts.

Description: With about 107 million hectares of moist forest, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a perfect paradox of a natural resources endowed country caught in repeated economic and socio-political crises. Democratic Republic of Congo possesses about 60% of the Congo basin’s forest on which the majority of its people rely for their survival. Even if the national forest land in the countryside is mainly exploited by local populations based on customary rights, they usually do not have land titles due to the fact that the state claims an exclusive ownership of all forest lands in the Congo basin including in DRC. The tragedy of “bad governance” of natural resources is often highlighted in the literature as one of the major drivers of poverty and conflicts in DRC. In the forest domain, several studies have demonstrated that state bureaucracies cannot convincingly improve the governance of forestland because of cronyism, institutional weaknesses, corruption and other vested interests that govern forest and land tenure systems in the country. There are however very few rigorous studies on the role of traditional leaders or chiefdoms in the governance of forests and land issues in the Congo basin. This research aimed at addressing this lack of knowledge by providing empirical evidence through the case study of Yawalo village, located around the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. From a methodological perspective, it used a mixed approach combining both qualitative (field observations, participatory mapping, interviews, focal group discussions, and desk research,) and quantitative (remote sensing and statistics) methods. The main findings of our research reveal that: (i) vested interests of traditional rulers in the DRC countryside are not always compatible with a sustainable management of forestland; and (ii) influential users of forestland resources at the local level take advantage of traditional leaders’ weaknesses—lack of autonomy and coercive means, erratic recognition of customary rights, and poor legitimacy—to impose illegal hunting and uncontrolled forest exploitation.

Description: Agricultural land use is influenced in different ways by local factors such as soil conditions, water supply, and socioeconomic structure. We investigated at regional and field scale how strong the relationship of arable crop patterns and specific local site conditions is. At field scale, a logistic regression analysis for the main crops and selected site variables detected, for each of the analyzed crops, its own specific character of crop–site relationship. Some crops have diverging site relations such as maize and wheat, while other crops show similar probabilities under comparable site conditions, e.g., oilseed rape and winter barley. At the regional scale, the spatial comparison of clustered variables and clustered crop pattern showed a slightly stronger relationship of crop combination and specific combinations of site variables compared to the view of the single crop–site relationship.

Description: Urban development is occurring in many Sub-Saharan Africa cities and rapid urbanization is underway in the East African city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In an effort to address urban poverty and increase homeownership opportunities for low and middle-income residents, the City Administration of Addis Ababa initiated a large-scale housing development project in 2005. The project has resulted in the completion of 175,000 units within the city with 132,000 more under construction. To understand the impacts of both rapid growth and the housing program’s impact on the city’s urban form, we compared the type and distribution of land uses in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between 2006 with 2016 using hand-digitized, ortho-rectified satellite images in Geographic Information Systems (GISs). While residential density has increased, overall density has decreased from 109 people/ha to 98 people/ha. We found that between 2006 and 2016, land occupied by residential housing increased from 33% to 39% and the proportion of informal housing decreased from 57% to 38%. Reflecting the country’s economic prosperity, there was a dramatic increase in the presence of single family housing, particularly on the city’s western side. In 2006, only 1% of residential areas were occupied by high-rise condominiums (4 floors or greater) and this increased to 11% by 2016. The majority of the new, higher density residential developments are located near the eastern edges of the city and this outlying location has significant implications for residents, infrastructure construction, and future development.

Description: Generating land capability class guidelines at a watershed scale has become a priority in sustainable agricultural land use. This study analyzed the area of cultivated land use situated on the non-arable land-capability class in the Jema watershed in the Upper Blue Nile River Basin. Soil surveys, meteorological ground observations, a digital elevation model (DEM) at 30 m, Meteosat at 10 km × 10 km and Landsat at 30 m were used to generate the sample soil texture class, average annual total rainfall (ATRF in mm), terrain, slope (%), elevation (m a.s.l) and land-use land cover (%). The land capability class was analyzed by considering raster layers of terrain, the average ATRF and soil texture. Geo-statistics was employed to fit a surface of soil texture and average ATRF estimates. An overlay technique was used to compute the proportion of cultivated land placed on non-arable land. As per the results of the terrain analysis, the elevation (m a.s.l) of the watershed is in the range of 1895 to 3518 m. The slope was found to be in the range of 0 to 45%. The amount of estimated rainfall ranged from 1640 to 131 mm with value declined from the lower to the higher elevation. Clay loam, clay and heavy clay were found to be the major soil texture classes. Four land capability classes, i.e., II, III, IV (arable) and V (non-arable), were identified with proportions of 28.56%, 45.74%, 22.16% and 3.54%, respectively. Seven land-use land covers were identified, i.e., annual crop land, grazing land, bush land, bare land, settlement land, forestland and water bodies, with proportions of 42.1, 35.9, 8.90, 8.3, 2.6, 2.1, and 0.2, respectively. Around 1707.7 ha of land in the watershed is categorized under non-arable land that cannot be used for annual crop cultivation at any level of intensity. Around 437 ha (3.5%) of land was cultivated on non-arable land. To conclude, the observed unsustainable crop land use could maximize soil loss in upstream regions and siltation and flooding downstream. The annual crop land use that was observed on non-arable land needs to be replaced with perennial crops, pasture and/or forest land uses.

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Biopolymers are intended to substitute the petroleum-based polymers and all-cellulose composite has emerged as a green alternative, especially if it can be prepared through a method consuming less energy and fewer chemicals. Here, a novel approach to obtain a nanocomposite film made of cellulose fibrils imbibed into a nanocellulose matrix is described. Banana pseudostem was used as raw material and characterized along with the resulting materials using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, while the cellulose/nanocellulose film was studied through X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis-NIR spectroscopy and laser scanning microscopy. Results indicate that cellulose (fibrils) and nanocellulose (platelets), extracted from banana pseudostem were successfully purified using hydrolysis at a relatively low amount of chemicals. Transparent films made of a fibrils/nanoplatelets blend were prepared by the solution casting method, exhibiting a transmittance of ≈ 83–88% and a crystallinity index of ≈ 70, hence demonstrating the feasibility of this novel method to obtain cellulose/nanocellulose free-standing films.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2369_Figa_HTML.jpg"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Flexible supercapacitors (FSCs) with a high areal capacitance are essential for future wearable energy-storage devices due to the limitation of available area on the surface of the human body (〈 2 m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉). To achieve the performance with high areal capacitance, the surface structure of electrodes should be designed carefully. In this paper, a hierarchical composite electrode based on coaxial-nanostructured polypyrrole (PPy) and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was electrochemical co-deposited on the surface of the MWCNT-coated cotton fabric (MCF) by a facile pulse potential method. The pulse potential co-deposition conditions-lower potential (E〈sub〉L〈/sub〉), the number of cycles (N〈sub〉C〈/sub〉) and E〈sub〉L〈/sub〉 duration time (t〈sub〉L〈/sub〉)-played crucial roles in the uniform distribution of MWCNT within PPy/MWCNT composites, thickness of PPy shell and porous morphology. The three-dimension porous networks of PPy/MWCNT/MCF electrodes not only enhanced the efficiency of faradaic redox reactions but also facilitated the accessibility of the electrolyte to electrode surface, accordingly presenting an ultrahigh areal specific capacitance of 5.05 F cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉 (0.001 V s〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) and unexceptionable cycling stability of 129.20% specific capacitance retention (1000 cycles, 0.02 V s〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉). This work provides a new route to develop FSCs electrodes and shows a promising application in wearable energy-storage technology.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2370_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Cellulose–chitosan films were prepared using a physical method in which cellulose and chitosan were separately dissolved via freeze thawing in LiOH/urea and mixed in different proportions, the resulting films being cast and regenerated in water/ethanol. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy verified the composition changes in the nanocomposites due to different mixing ratios between the polymers. Tensile stress–strain measurements indicated that the mechanical performance of the cellulose–chitosan nanocomposites slightly worsened with increasing chitosan content compared with that of films comprising cellulose alone. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the spontaneous formation of nanofibers in the films; these nanofibers were subsequently ordered into lamellar structures. Water uptake and microscopy analysis of film thickness changes indicated that the swelling dramatically increased at lower pH and with increasing chitosan content, this being ascribed to the Gibbs–Donnan effect. Slow material loss appeared at acidic pH, as indicated by a loss of weight, and quantitative FT-IR analysis confirmed that chitosan was the main component released. A sample containing 75% chitosan reached a maximum swelling ratio and weight loss of 1500% and 55 wt%, respectively, after 12 h at pH 3. The study presents a novel way of preparing pH-responsive cellulose–chitosan nanocomposites with slow-release characteristics using an environmentally friendly procedure and without any chemical reactions.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2357_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) have received significant attention due to their high Young’s modulus, high strength, biocompatibility, and renewability. These properties make them ideal as a reinforcement phase for polymer composites. However, typical composite processing techniques have limitation in efficiently fabricating composites with different shapes. Inspired by the emerging technology of 3D printing, this work utilized the digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing approach to fabricate CNC reinforced poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) glycerol composites. To improve CNC compatibility with PEGDA matrix, 1,3-diglycerolate diacrylate (DiGlyDA) that has a similar chemical structure but also has hydroxyl groups was blended with PEGDA. The dispersibility of CNC was characterized by the Halpin–Tsai model and polarized light microscopy. Mechanical testing results indicated that mechanical properties of DLP 3D printed composites were improved by CNC incorporation. Furthermore, curing layer thickness during DLP 3D printing can also be used to tune the composites’ mechanical and water swelling properties. Complex 3D CNC composites structures were also successfully printed by the DLP 3D printing with great fidelity. This versatile approach of controlling composite’s properties and structure using CNC and DLP 3D printing can be exploited to further advance the utilization of cellulosic materials toward biomedical and many other applications.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2353_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Recent progress towards the development of lightweight, flexible, wearable, and foldable portable electronics has promoted the increasing demand for high-performance substrates. However, eco-friendly materials with low cost and remarkable performance are still under investigation. In this study, a kind of lightweight, flexible, and electrically conductive multi-walled nanotube (MWCNT) and a few layered graphene (GR) reinforced hybrid recycled papers were obtained by a facile and scalable papermaking process. The influence of nanofiller type and concentration on the mechanical, electrical, thermal performance of the nanocomposite paper were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy revealed the formation of molecular interactions between the MWCNTs, GR, and the cellulose fibers. Scanning electron microscopy proved the continuous network of nanofiller phase within the cellulose matrix. Tensile tests revealed that the tensile strength of MWCNTs reinforced recycled paper increased about 276%, while the GR reinforced recycled paper exhibited the highest Young modulus with 425% increase compared to the neat waste paper. The highest electrical conductivity was measured around 0.219 S/cm for the GR/CNT10 hybrid recycled paper. A positive synergetic effect of the MWCNTs and GR nanofillers was observed in the case of hybrid nanocomposite papers. More importantly, adjusting the microstructure of the waste paper with the introduction of carbon-based 1D/2D nanofillers led to higher improvement in the mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity. These regenerated properties made the hybrid nanocomposite paper a promising substrate material with considerable potential applications for various flexible and portable electronic devices.〈/p〉

Description: We established the statistical relationships between seasonal weather variables and average annual wheat yield (Hard Red Spring and Durum wheat: Triticum spp.) for the period of 1979–2016 for 296 rural municipalities (RMs) throughout six soil zones comprising the arable agricultural zone of Saskatchewan, Canada. Controlling climate variables were identified through Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis and used in stepwise regression to predict wheat yields in each RM. This analysis provided predictive regression equations and summary statistics at a fine spatial resolution, explaining up to 75% of the annual variance of wheat yield, in order to re-evaluate the climate factor rating in the arable land productivity model for the Saskatchewan Assessment and Management Agency (SAMA). Historical climate data (1885–2016) and Regional Climate Model (RCM) projections for the growing season (May–August) were also examined to put current climatic trends into longer-term perspective, as well as develop a better understanding of possible future climatic impacts on wheat yield in Saskatchewan. Historical trends demonstrate a decrease in maximum temperature and an increase in minimum temperature and precipitation throughout all soil zones. RCM projections also show a potential increase in temperatures and total precipitation by 5 °C and 10%, respectively. We recommended against a modification of the climate factor rating at this time because (1) any increase in wheat yield could not be attributed directly to the weather variables with the strongest trends, and (2) climate and wheat yield are changing more or less consistently across the zone of arable land, and one soil zone is not becoming more productive than another.

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉A novel silicon- and nitrogen-containing compound, poly[3-(5,5-cyanuricacidpropyl)-siloxane-co-trimethyl ammoniumpropyl siloxane chloride] (PCQS) was synthesized and coated onto cotton fabrics with phytic acid (PA) by layer-by-layer assembly. The treated cotton fabrics were characterized by SEM, FT-IR and EDX. The thermal property, mechanical property, flame retardancy and antibacterial property of the coated cotton fabrics were investigated. The breaking strength of the coated cotton fabrics had a small decline. With the flame retardant effect of PCQS and PA, the coated cotton fabrics obtained excellent flame retardancy with LOI value of 29.8% and char length of 8.1 cm. Furthermore, the LOI value and char length of Cotton-PEI/(PCQS/PA)〈sub〉30〈/sub〉-Cl separately reached 28.5% and 7.9 cm and Cotton-PEI/(PCQS/PA)〈sub〉30〈/sub〉-Cl also showed high thermal stability with char yield of 34% at 600 °C, whereas pure cotton fabrics only obtained 8% char yield. The Cotton-PEI/(PCQS/PA)〈sub〉30〈/sub〉-Cl exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against 〈em〉E. coli〈/em〉 O157:H7 and 〈em〉S. aureus〈/em〉 with 100% bacterial reduction at 10〈sup〉6〈/sup〉 CFU per square inch inoculated level within 1 min of contact time, respectively.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2373_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Recently, cellulose films or nanopapers have aroused great attention due to their potential for utilization in photoelectric materials. In this study, transparent cellulose films were prepared from TEMPO-oxidized cellulose fibers by the casting method after they were ultrasonicated to improve the light transmittance and haze. It was found that powerful ultrasonication initiated severe cellulose fiber flattening, fibrillation, and breakage. Therefore, films with compact structures and smooth surfaces could be prepared, resulting in high transparency and tensile strength. However, excessive ultrasonic treatment caused transmittance haze loss. By controlling the ultrasonic power within the range of 180–360 W, transparent films (transmittance of ~ 90%) with 51–76% haze were obtained.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2367_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Glucuronoxylans, a low-value byproduct from pulping, biomass pretreatment and other biomass processing industries, have been considered to be potentially used as emulsifiers. However, the poor amphipathic property of glucuronoxylans limits their application as emulsifiers. To improve the amphipathic property of glucuronoxylans and develop high quality natural-based/green emulsifiers, glucuronoxylans were chemically modified by alkenyl succinic anhydrides to produce a novel emulsifer. The effects of degree of substitution (DS) and alkenyl chain length on the emulsifying properties of long-chain succinic anhydride modified glucuronoxylans were investigated. Dodecenyl succinic anhydride–glucuronoxylans (DDSA–glucuronoxylans) emulsions showed much smaller droplet size, lower zeta potential, higher emulsifying activity and better emulsion stability compared to that of glucuronoxylans emulsion. When DS increased from 0.014 to 0.09, the emulsifying properties of DDSA–glucuronoxylans were improved. However, when DS increased beyond 0.09, the emulsifying properties were not changed significantly. Furthermore, the alkenyl chain length also has a positive impact on emulsifying properties of long-chain succinic anhydride modified glucuronoxylans. These results suggested that long-chain succinic anhydride modified glucuronoxylans had a potential to be used as emulsifiers, while the DS and chain length should be kept at a proper value. 〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2361_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Cellulose beads possess some adsorption capacities for heavy metal ions, but the effect of lignin remaining in the beads on the adsorption behavior is not clear yet. In this study, lignocellulosic and cellulosic hydrogel beads were prepared by ionic liquid (IL) dissolution and reconstitution in water and further functionalization through magnetization and carboxymethylation. Compared to pure cellulosic beads made from Kraft pulp and microcrystalline cellulose, the presence of lignin in the lignocellulosic beads from IL-extracted cellulose-rich material (CRM) helped support the porous structure, leading to a higher hydroxyl number and porosity, and thus higher efficacy in magnetization and carboxymethylation. CRM beads, therefore, exhibited greater Cu〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 and Pb〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 uptake than the cellulosic beads both before and after modification. However, excessive lignin in the beads prepared directly from poplar wood powder caused negative effects on the adsorption capacity due to agglomeration and occlusion of the adsorptive sites.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10570_2019_2328_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: The demand for energy has been growing worldwide, especially in India partly due to the rapid population growth and urbanization of the country. To meet the ever-increasing energy requirement while maintaining an ecological balance is a challenging task. However, the energy industry-induced effect on population and urbanization has not been addressed before. Therefore, this study investigates the linkages between energy, population, and urbanization. The study also aims to find the quantifiable indicators for the population growth and rate of urbanization due to the expanding energy industry. The integrated framework uses a multi-temporal Landsat data to analyze the urbanization pattern, a census data for changes in population growth, night time light (NTL) data as an indicator for economic development and energy production and consumption data for energy index. Multi-attribute model is used to calculate a unified metric, termed as the energy–population–urbanization (EPU) nexus index. The proposed approach is demonstrated in the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Dadri power plant located in Uttar Pradesh, India. Landsat and NTL data clearly shows the urbanization pattern, economic development, and electrification in the study area. A comparative analysis based on various multi-attribute decision model assessment techniques suggests that the average value of EPU nexus index is 0.529, which significantly large compared to other studies and require special attention by policymakers because large EPU index indicates stronger correlation among energy, population, and urbanization. The authors believe that it would help the policymakers in planning and development of future energy projects, policies, and long-term strategies as India is expanding its energy industry.

Description: With the notion of landscape urbanism long neglected, interlinkages between ecology and architecture in the built environment are becoming visible. Yet, the diversity in understandings of the interconnections between cities and nature is the starting point for our research interest. This volume contains nine thoroughly refereed contributions concerning a wide range of topics in landscape architecture and urban green infrastructure. While some papers attempt to conceptualize the relation further, others clearly have an empirical focus. Thereby, this special issue provides a rich body of work, and will act as a starting point for further studies on biophilic urbanism and integrative policies, such as the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

Description: Understanding how individuals, communities, and populations vary in their vulnerability requires defining and identifying vulnerability with respect to a condition, and then developing robust methods to reliably measure vulnerability. In this study, we illustrate how a conceptual model translated via simulation can guide the real-world implementation of data collection and measurement of a model system. We present a generalizable statistical framework that specifies linkages among interacting social and biophysical components in complex landscapes to examine vulnerability. We use the simulated data to present a case study in which households are vulnerable to conditions of land function, which we define as the provision of goods and services from the surrounding environment. We use an example of a transboundary region of Southern Africa and apply a set of hypothesized, simulated data to illustrate how one might use the framework to assess vulnerability based on empirical data. We define vulnerability as the predisposition of being adversely affected by environmental variation and its impacts on land uses and their outcomes as exposure (E), mediated by sensitivity (S), and mitigated by adaptive capacity (AC). We argue that these are latent, or hidden, characteristics that can be measured through a set of observable indicators. Those indicators and the linkages between latent variables require model specification prior to data collection, critical for applying the type of modeling framework presented. We discuss the strength and directional pathways between land function and vulnerability components, and assess their implications for identifying potential leverage points within the system for the benefit of future policy and management decisions.

Description: The current paper examines the legitimacy dilemmas that rise from local governments’ direct policy instruments and market interventions. It takes the case of public land management strategies. The paper argues that current societal challenges—such as energy transition, climate change and inclusive urban innovation—require planning practices to be more effective. Direct government instruments such as direct market interventions have proven to significantly reduce the implementation gap of planning practice. Looking at significant urban challenges, municipalities worldwide could be urged to apply such direct government instruments on a larger scale in the future. However, although direct government intervention in markets can be very effective, it is also controversial in terms of legitimacy. It explicitly and inevitably introduces financial incentives to the organization of government. Balancing these incentives against spatial planning interests unavoidably causes dilemmas. Based on eight Dutch case studies, this paper develops a framework to systematically spell out the legitimacy dilemmas that stem from public market intervention. It facilitates an explicit discussion on varying instrumental rationalities and improving the legitimacy of public action.

Description: Uganda’s oil and gas sector has transitioned from the exploration phase to the development phase in preparation for oil production (the operations phase). The extraction, processing, and distribution of oil require a great deal of infrastructure, which demands considerable acquisition of land from communities surrounding project sites. Here, we examine the social impacts of project land acquisition associated with oil production in the Albertine Graben region of Uganda. We specifically consider five major oil related projects that have or will displace people, and we discuss the consequences of this actual or future displacement on the lives and livelihoods of local people. The projects are: Tilenga; Kingfisher; the East African Crude Oil Pipeline; the Kabaale Industrial Park; and the Hoima–Kampala Petroleum Products Pipeline. Our findings reveal both positive and negative outcomes for local communities. People with qualifications have benefited or will benefit from the job opportunities arising from the projects and from the much-needed infrastructure (i.e., roads, health centres, airport) that has been or will be built. However, many people have been displaced, causing food insecurity, the disintegration of social and cultural cohesion, and reduced access to social services. The influx of immigrants has increased tensions because of increasing competition for jobs. Crime and social issues such as prostitution have also increased and are expected to increase.

Description: Climate and land use/cover changes are potential drivers of change in hydrology and water use. Incidences of these factors on Bandama hydrological basin and Kossou hydropower generation (1981–2016) in West Africa are assessed in this present work. Using Landsat products of United Stated Geological Survey, results show that water bodies areas and land use have increased by 1.89%/year and 11.56%/year respectively, whereas herbaceous savanna, savanna, forest and evergreen forest coverage have been reduced by 1.39%/year, 0.02%/year, 2.39%/year and 3.33%/year respectively from 1988 to 2016. Hydroclimatic analysis reveals that streamflow presents greater change in magnitude compared to rainfall though both increasing trends are not statistically significant at annual scale. Streamflow varies at least four (two) times greatly than the rainfall (monthly and seasonally) annually except during driest months probably due to land use/cover change. In contrast, Kossou hydropower generation is significantly decreasing (p-value 0.007) at both monthly and annual scales possibly due to water abstraction at upstream. Further works are required to elucidate the combined effects of land use/cover and climate changes on hydrological system as well as water abstraction on Kossou generation.

Description: Land evaluation is a process that is aimed at the sustainable development of agricultural production in rural areas, especially in developing countries. Therefore, land evaluation involves many aspects of natural conditions, economic, and social issues. This research was conducted in a hilly region of Central Vietnam to assess the land suitability of potential agricultural land use types that are based on scientific and local knowledge. In the frame of this research, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA); Analytical Hierarchy Analysis (AHP); Geographic Information System (GIS); and, scoring based scientific literature and local knowledge were applied for Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) for land use evaluation. The results of the PRA survey reveal that five plants offer great agricultural potential in the research area, namely rice, cassava, acacia, banana, and rubber. The land suitability of each plant type varies, depending on physical conditions as well as economic and social aspects. Acacia and cassava represent the most suitable plant types in the research area. Recommendations regarding agricultural land use planning in the A Luoi district are brought forward based on the land evaluation results. The combination of scientific and local knowledge in land assessment based on GIS technology, AHP, and PRA methods is a promising approach for land evaluation.

Description: Smallholders worldwide continue to experience processes of displacement from their lands under neoliberal political-economic governance. This displacement is often experienced as “slow”, driven by decades of agricultural policies and land governance regimes that favor input-intensive agricultural and natural resource extraction and export projects at the expense of traditional agrarian practices, markets, and producers. Smallholders struggle to remain viable in the face of these forces, yet they often experience hunger. To persist on the land, often on small parcels, families supplement and finance farm production with family members engaging in labor migration, a form of displacement. Outcomes, however, are uneven and reflect differences in migration processes as well as national and local political economic processes around land. To demonstrate “slow displacement”, we assess the prolonged confluence of land access, hunger, and labor migration that undermine smallholder viability in two separate research sites in Nicaragua and Guatemala. We draw on evidence from in-depth interviews and focus groups carried out from 2013 to 2015, together with a survey of 317 households, to demonstrate how smallholders use international labor migration to address persistent hunger, with the two cases illuminating the centrality of underlying land distribution questions in labor migration from rural spaces of Central America. We argue that smallholder farming family migration has a dual nature: migration is at once evidence of displacement, as well as a strategy for families to prolong remaining on the land in order to produce food.

Description: Civil war and violence often force large numbers of people to leave their lands. Multiple waves of displacement and (partial) return generate complex overlapping claims that are not easily solved. As people return to their regions of origin—sometimes after decades—they tend to find their land occupied by other settlers, some of whom hold legal entitlements. In the places of arrival, displaced people affect other people’s access as they seek to turn their temporary entitlements into more definite claims. The overlapping claims related to displacement pose serious dilemmas to land governance, which existing land laws and land governance institutions are not well-equipped to deal with. This paper outlines the main challenges for land governance as a first step to move the debate forward. The paper summarises the key challenges around three tensions: first, between short term conflict resolution and structural solutions; second, between state and customary/community-based governance; and finally, between principles (such as the right to return or restitution) and acknowledgement of the new situation.

Description: Agricultural land pawning is not a new phenomenon to the traditional communities (Masyarakat Adat) in Indonesia, especially the matrilineal Minangkabau people who rely on their agricultural land for economic transactions. Based on the national law, customary law (referred to as Adat Law hereafter) is to prevail over agrarian issues in Indonesia. But even so, agrarian issues remain under the influence of national law. This study discusses the management of agricultural land pawning in the matrilineal Minangkabau society according to national, Adat, and Islamic laws. Despite its popularity, the Adat law approach in dealing with land issues, especially agricultural land pawning, has not been well accommodated under National Law. This paper investigates how agricultural land pawning is regulated in Indonesia, with a focus on the Minangkabau society in West Sumatra. This paper does not seek to promote one legal system over another, but instead, it intends to promote legal certainty in agricultural land pawning in West Sumatra. To show how the lack of legal certainty can lead to confusion and conflict, this study relies on the contradicting verdicts of an agrarian conflict case from lower courts to the Supreme Court. The study reveals that the contradiction between national agrarian laws, Minangkabau Adat law and West Sumatra local Regulation No. 16/2008 on Communal Land Tenure causes confusion within the community and the judiciary. Legal certainty is crucial to strengthening the rule of law and democracy in Indonesia, and the conflicting interpretations of agrarian laws belittle this concept. This study suggests that one way to deal with legal uncertainty regarding agrarian law in West Sumatra, and throughout Indonesia, is to promote a stronger and more just decentralization, which is increasingly important as the country faces the question of legal unification. The suggested decentralization effort would leave local issues to the authority of local legislations.

Description: The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) land degradation neutrality (LDN) scientific conceptual framework underscores that LDN planning and implementation should be integrated into existing planning processes and supported by an enabling policy environment. Land-use planning, which requires the integration of different policy goals across various sectors concerned with land-use, can be an effective mechanism through which decisions with respect to LDN can be coordinated. Using Kenya as a case study, we examined current policy instruments that directly or indirectly impact on the use of land in a rural context, to assess their potential to implement LDN objectives. The qualitative content analysis of these instruments indicated that they are rich with specific legal provisions and measures to address LDN, and that there are a number of relevant institutions and structures across governance levels. However, the main shortcoming is the disjointed approach that is scattered across policy areas. Key policy improvements needed to support effective implementation of LDN include: a national soil policy on the management and protection of soil and land; a systematic and coordinated data collection strategy on soils; mobilisation of adequate and sustained financial resources; streamlined responsibilities, and governance structures across national, regional and county levels.

Description: Rural people’s livelihoods are intimately linked to the landscapes in which they live and are particularly vulnerable to changes in these landscapes (Suich et al [...]