Journal articles on the topic 'Macro fossil analysis'

Charcoal particles are evidence of past fire events and macro-charcoal particles have been shown to represent local fire events. There are several methods for the preparation and quantification of macro-charcoal particles, none of which have been universally accepted as standard. Very few studies compare methodological differences and no studies to date compare quantification by mass with quantification by volume using image analysis. Using three cores taken from a peatland located in SE Norway, we compare these two established methods using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) and a split-plot ANOVA test. We show that charcoal volume (image analysis method) was a better predictor of charcoal mass than charcoal particle number and the same size classes of charcoal as size class distributions were not spatially and temporally correlated. Although there is still a need for a common and unifying method, our results show that quantification of charcoal particles by image analysis including size (e.g. height in mm) and area (mm2)/volume (mm3) measurements provides more significant results in cross-site or multiple-site studies than quantifications based on particle number. This has implications for the interpretation of charcoal data from regional studies that are used to model drivers of wildfire activity and environmental change in boreal–temperate landscapes during the Holocene.

Abstract Energy has a strategic role in social and economic development of the countries. Due to the high dependency of energy supply to fossil fuels, fluctuations in prices and supply have macro/micro-economics effects for both energy exporters and importers. Therefore, understanding economic stability based on energy market changes is an important subject for policy makers and researchers. As the competitiveness of Australia products/services has high dependency on energy prices, analyzing the relationships of economics robustness with fossil fuel fluctuations is important for the policy makers and researchers. In this paper, the researchers investigate the effects of energy changes on Australian economics. In this regard, first, the impact of oil price on macro-economic parameters is discussed. After that, the main issues related to energy economics including resilience of the energy sector, energy policies, economics analysis of the energy sector, electricity markets are discussed.

The location of the discovery of mollusk fossils on the island of Java is spread in various places. One location is in the Kulon Progo region known as West Progo beds. However, due to the lack of studies of mollusk fossils in the Kulon Progo region, this resulted in a lack of understanding of the location of the discovery. This study was intended to re-record the location of fossil molluscs discovery in the Kulon Progo region, with the aim of contributing to the stratigraphic arrangement in Kulon Progo. Research methods include literature studies, field investigations and laboratory analysis. The literature study includes libraries of the Dutch colonial era regarding the location of the discovery of mollusk fossils. Field studies in the form of stratigraphic measurements and sampling. Laboratory investigations include petrographic observations and identification of micro and macro fossils. The results of the investigation successfully re-identified the Kembang Sokkoh and Spolong locations which are two types of locations on the West Progo beds. Based on the lithological characteristics of the two locations included in the Jonggrangan Formation, with the Lower Miocene age based on an analysis of the fossil content of the molluscs.

Energy has a strategic role in the social and economic development of the countries all over the world. Due to the high dependency on fossil fuels, fluctuations in prices and supply have macro/micro-economics effects for both energy exporters and importers. Therefore, understanding economic stability based on energy market changes is an important subject for policy makers and researchers. Norway, as a fossil fuel export country, is a good choice for the analysis of the relationships between the economics robustness and fossil fuel economics fluctuations. While the country is one of the pioneers in the field of sustainable energy utilization, they have tried to provide a robust economic situation for the oil exports revenues. In this article, the effects of energy changes on the economy are investigated in Norway. In this regard, first, the impact of oil price on macro-economic parameters is discussed. Afterwards, the main issues related to the energy economics including resilience of the energy sector, energy policies, economics analysis of the energy sector, and the electricity markets are discussed.

Actualistic experiments have quantified rate of anaerobic decay and associated mineralization around proteinaceous macro-organisms. Carcasses of the polychaete wormNereisand the eumalacostracansNephropsandPalaemonwere buried in airtight glass jars filled with sediment and water from marine, brackish, and lacustrine environments. Over a period of 25 weeks the contents were examined to determine the state of decay and were chemically analyzed to monitor early diagenetic mineralization (two methods for such analysis are reviewed). Decay processes were active in the experimental conditions despite anoxia and had virtually destroyed the carcasses within 25 weeks. However, decay-rate in the sulfate-reducing marine system was greater than in the methanogenic freshwater environments. Petrological and geochemical analyses of the organic remains identified discrete layers of authigenic iron monosulfide (a pyrite precursor) on the surface of the decayingNephropscuticle within weeks of initiating the experiment. Chemical analysis of decomposing flesh showed a marked increase in pore-water calcium content with time.The results clearly show that anoxia is ineffective as a long-term conservation medium in the preservation of soft-bodied fossils. However, decay-induced mineralization can be very rapid so that even a slight reduction in decay rate can lead to improved levels of fossil preservation. Traditionally, stagnation and rapid burial are considered to be the main prerequisites for the preservation of soft-bodied fossils and the formation ofKonservat-Lagerstätten. Clearly these factors are only important in that they promote early diagenetic mineralization. This is the only way to halt information loss through decay.

Abstract Studies of past vegetation from the inner fjords of the Svalbard archipelago have not previously been reported. This study assesses the potential of sediments retrieved from two sites in Petuniabukta, Billefjorden to track vegetation response to Quaternary climate change. The first sediment profile was retrieved from periodic lake on a 4 m a.s.l. marine terrace with a basal radiocarbon dated to 5 080 ± 30 BP, the second was retrieved from a de- pression in wet tundra on a 24m a.s.l. marine terrace, which upper part was dated to 9 470 ± 30 BP. The study is primarily focused on macro- and micro-fossils. Pollen grains are pres- ent in very low concentrations. Macro-fossils were represented mostly by leafs and buds of Salix species and Dryas octopetala as well as the hybrid Salix herbacea x polaris. Fossil moss remains represent an important part of arctic ecosystems. Tardigrada remains were found in the sediments in high abundance whilst eggs and exuviae of at least six species were identified. The sediments are definitely suitable for the reconstruction of past condi- tions. However, it is necessary to take care not to focus at single type of analysis, as pollen analysis appeared uninformative and more information was obtained from plant macro- fossils (mosses, vascular plants). Little attention has been given to Tardigrada in the past, as they were overlooked and the preservation in sediments is usually very low.

Much scholarship extrapolates global narratives of the Anthropocene from the “fossil capitalism” of European imperial powers. This analysis deploys the alternative lens of grid electricity—the great macro-technology of the twentieth century—to reevaluate the dynamics of the Anthropocene outside the Anglozone. Histories of Asian electrification refute the notion of any simple relationship between colonialism and fossil capitalism. Instead, they point towards a postcolonial trend of fossil developmentalism. Especially in the context of late development, energy expansion became a state-led moral project. Cutting against fossil capitalism's logic of commodification, electricity provision was increasingly conceptualized as a national good and an entitlement, even if one honored in the breach. This trend transcended the distinction between market and planned economies, and extended beyond formal democracies. The (partial) democratization of consumption brought by fossil developmentalism is the hallmark of the “Great Acceleration” in human impacts on the environment since 1950.

Energy has a strategic role in social and economic development of the countries. Due to the high dependency of energy supply on fossil fuels, fluctuations in prices and supply have macro/micro-economics effects for both energy exporters and importers. Therefore, understanding economic stability based on energy market changes is an important subject for policy makers and researchers. The US, as the first energy consumer in the world, is an interesting country to analyze the relationships of economics robustness with fossil fuel economic-fluctuations. While the country has one of the pioneers in domestic energy utilization, the competitiveness of the country is highly dependent on energy prices. In this paper, the researchers investigate the effects of energy changes on the economics of the US. First, the impact of oil price on macro-economic parameters is discussed. After that, the main issues related to energy economics including resilience of the energy sector, energy policies, economics analysis of the energy sector, electricity markets are discussed.

Abstract. The source contributions to carbonaceous PM2.5 aerosol were investigated at a European background site at the edge of the Po Valley, in Northern Italy, during the period January–December 2007. Carbonaceous aerosol was described as the sum of eight source components: primary (1) and secondary (2) biomass burning organic carbon, biomass burning elemental carbon (3), primary (4) and secondary (5) fossil fuel burning organic carbon, fossil fuel burning elemental carbon (6), primary (7) and secondary (8) biogenic organic carbon. The concentration of each component was quantified using a set of macro tracers (organic carbon OC, elemental carbon EC, and levoglucosan), micro tracers (arabitol and mannitol), and 14C measurements. This was the first time that 14C measurements were performed on a long time series of data able to represent the entire annual cycle. This set of 6 tracers, together with assumed uncertainty ranges of the ratios of OC-to-EC, and the fraction of modern carbon in the 8 source categories, provides strong constraints to the source contributions to carbonaceous aerosol. The uncertainty of contributions was assessed with a Quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC) method accounting for the variability of OC and EC emission factors, and the uncertainty of reference fractions of modern carbon. During winter biomass burning composed 50% of the total carbon (TC) concentration, while in summer secondary biogenic OC accounted for 45% of TC. The contribution of primary biogenic aerosol particles was negligible during the entire year. Moreover, aerosol associated with fossil fuel burning represented 26% and 43% of TC in winter and summer, respectively. The comparison of source apportionment results in different urban and rural areas showed that the sampling site was mainly affected by local aerosol sources during winter and regional air masses from the nearby Po Valley in summer. This observation was further confirmed by back-trajectory analysis applying the Potential Source Contribution Function method to identify potential source regions. The contribution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) to the organic mass (OM) was significant during the entire year. SOA accounted for 23% and 83% of OM during winter and summer, respectively. While the summer SOA was dominated by biogenic sources, winter SOA was mainly due to biomass and fossil fuel burning. This indicates that the oxidation of intermediate volatility organic compounds co-emitted with primary organics is a significant source of SOA, as suggested by recent model results and Aerosol Mass Spectrometer measurements in urban regions. Comparison with previous global model simulations, indicates a strong underestimate of wintertime primary aerosol emissions in this region.

Abstract. The source contributions to carbonaceous PM2.5 aerosol were investigated at a European background site at the edge of the Po Valley, in Northern Italy, during the period January–December 2007. Carbonaceous aerosol was described as the sum of 8 source components: primary (1) and secondary (2) biomass burning organic carbon, biomass burning elemental carbon (3), primary (4) and secondary (5) fossil organic carbon, fossil fuel burning elemental carbon (6), primary (7) and secondary (8) biogenic organic carbon. The mass concentration of each component was quantified using a set of macro tracers (organic carbon OC, elemental carbon EC, and levoglucosan), micro tracers (arabitol and mannitol), and 14C measurements. This was the first time that 14C measurements covered a full annual cycle with daily resolution. This set of 6 tracers, together with assumed uncertainty ranges of the ratios of OC-to-EC, and the reference fraction of modern carbon in the 8 source categories, provides strong constraints to the source contributions to carbonaceous aerosol. The uncertainty of contributions was assessed with a Quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC) method accounting for the variability of OC and EC emission factors, the uncertainty of reference fractions of modern carbon, and the measurement uncertainty. During winter, biomass burning composed 64 % (±15 %) of the total carbon (TC) concentration, while in summer secondary biogenic OC accounted for 50 % (±16 %) of TC. The contribution of primary biogenic aerosol particles was negligible during the entire year. Moreover, aerosol associated with fossil sources represented 27 % (±16 %) and 41 % (±26 %) of TC in winter and summer, respectively. The contribution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) to the organic mass (OM) was significant during the entire year. SOA accounted for 30 % (±16 %) and 85 % (±12 %) of OM during winter and summer, respectively. While the summer SOA was dominated by biogenic sources, winter SOA was mainly due to biomass burning and fossil sources. This indicates that the oxidation of semi-volatile and intermediate volatility organic compounds co-emitted with primary organics is a significant source of SOA, as suggested by recent model results and Aerosol Mass Spectrometer measurements. Comparison with previous global model simulations, indicates a strong underestimate of wintertime primary aerosol emissions in this region. The comparison of source apportionment results in different urban and rural areas showed that the sampling site was mainly affected by local aerosol sources during winter and regional air masses from the nearby Po Valley in summer. This observation was further confirmed by back-trajectory analysis applying the Potential Source Contribution Function method to identify potential source regions.

AbstractMiddens (nests and caches) of Late Pleistocene arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii) that are preserved in the permafrost of Beringia archive valuable paleoecological data. Arctic ground squirrels selectively include the plant material placed in middens. To account for this selectivity bias, we used a multi-proxy approach that includes ancient DNA (aDNA) and macro- and microfossil analyses. Here, we provide insight into Pleistocene vegetation conditions using macrofossils, pollen, phytoliths and non-pollen palynomorphs, and aDNA collected from one such midden from the Yukon Territory (Canada), which was formed between 30,740 and 30,380 cal yr BP. aDNA confirmed the midden was constructed by U. parryii. We recovered 39 vascular plant and bryophyte genera and 68 fungal genera from the midden samples. Grass and other herbaceous families dominated vegetation assemblages according to all proxies. aDNA data yielded several records of vascular plants that are outside their current biogeographic range, while some of the recovered fungi yielded additional evidence for local occurrence of Picea trees during glacial conditions. We propose that future work on fossil middens should combine the study of macro- and microfossils with aDNA analysis to get the most out of these environmental archives.

Paleogene sediments of the Huntingdon Formation, a correlative to the Chuckanut Formation of neighbouring Washington State, USA, are exposed in the Greater Vancouver area, British Columbia, Canada. Palynology and plant macrofossils suggest the Kanaka Creek section is Paleocene rather than Eocene in age. Detrital zircon dating is less decisive, yet indicates the Kanaka rocks are no older than Maastrichtian. Analyses of plant macro- and micro-fossils suggest an early to middle Paleocene age for the Kanaka fossil flora. Paleocene indicators include macrofossils such as Platanus bella, Archeampelos, Hamamelites inequalis, and Ditaxocladus, and pollen taxa such as Paraalnipollenites, Triporopollenites mullensis, and Duplopollis. Paleogene taxa such as Woodwardia maxonii, Macclintockia, and Glyptostrobus dominate the flora. Fungal spores including the Late Cretaceous Pesavis parva and the Paleogene Pesavis tagluensis are notable age indicators. Physiognomy of 41 angiosperm leaf morphotypes from Kanaka Creek yields mean annual temperatures in the microthermal to lower mesothermal range (11.2 ± 4.3 to 14.6 ± 2.7 °C from leaf margin analysis; 14.8 ± 2.1 °C from Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program), with mild winters (cold month mean temperature 3.9 ± 3.4 °C). Paleoclimate was cooler than the upper Paleocene and Eocene members of the Chuckanut Formation. Mean annual precipitation is estimated at ∼140 cm with large uncertainties. The Kanaka paleoflora is reconstructed as a mixed conifer–broadleaf forest, sharing common taxa with other western North American Paleocene floras and growing in a temperate moist climate. Kanaka Creek is a rare coastal Paleocene plant locality that provides new insights into coastal vegetation and climate prior to the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum.

The study of bark structural diversity of 17 gymnosperms was performed to describe it macro and microscopically, to elaborate a key and to compare them with den Outer's classification (1967). External bark allows to identify several species in the field. New anatomical features not reported previously were found, e.g. crystals in cellular walls in Araucariaceae and Taxodiaceae, lack of fibers in Cupressus guadalupensis and lignified sieve cells in the collapsed phloem of Pinus species. Ten species, described for the first time, were assigned to one of the types proposed by den Outer. Although the phylogenetic ideas established for the secondary phloem specialization suggested by den Outer have been questioned by the recent studies on fossil gymnosperms and cladistic analysis.

AbstractThis article explains how oil as an energy carrier evolved alongside the technology of the steam engine. In practical terms, fuel oil was adapted to machines that were originally devised to be coal-fuelled and this led to the flexible switchover between energy carriers. The article links the micro account of technological developments with the macro records of energy consumption, to reveal how steam technology set the stage for the commoditization of oil, the customary fuel of the internal combustion engine. The analysis of the oil–steam combine embraces its diffusion across leading producing nations such as Russia and the United States, the diffusion in industrial and transport activities in South America, and the diffusion throughout European navies. What was at stake was the transformation of oil into a geostrategic good and the triggering of an international race for the seizure of fossil fuels.

ABSTRACT: Sedimentary rocks of the Sete Lagoas Formation, exposed in the left margin of the São Francisco river (Minas Gerais State, Brazil), were deposited on the Januária-Itacarambi basement high. They show both lateral and vertical rock stacking along continuous outcrops, allowing us to carry out detailed facies analysis and sequence stratigraphy studies. Our studies also integrate data from geological mapping, macro and microscopic petrography and high-resolution C and O isotope analysis. Eight facies and four facies associations make up a sequence composed by a transgressive tract in the base, and a high stand tract in the upper portion, separated by a maximum flooding surface. The high stand tract shows a progradation stacking from the basement high apex towards progressively deeper basement areas. This stratigraphic framework, associated with others stratigraphic and isotopic features, indicates that the now exposed Januária basement high also represents a paleo-high during the sedimentation event. Aragonite pseudomorphs and dolomites coupled with δ13C values of -5‰ characterize the basal carbonate of the transgressive tract as a cap carbonate. Records of the Cloudina fossil, recognized in the high stand tract, indicate a Late Ediacaran age for the upper portion of the studied stratigraphic sequence.

Nigeria which is considered as the ‘giant’ of Africa and is currently the largest economy in West Africa is also fast becoming the largest economy in the entire Africa. The country is in the process of developing a broader base for her economy which for many years has been reliant on oil and gas and non-renewable fossil fuels which are already saturated. However, the country has many other natural resources, and one of the major companies in the “non-oil” economy is the Innoson Vehicles and Motors (IVM) in Nigeria. In recent decades, many West African companies, including IVM, have begun to accept the need for innovation if they are to sell their products to a wider market and to increase exports. Noteworthy to companies in West Africa are Reverse Innovation and Frugal Innovation. This research observes the interaction these two forms of innovation adopts, innovation, and the ways in which they have been accepted by the IVM and their supply chain. There are three stages of management considered in this research (Macro; Directors and Educational Advisors Managers, members of this level precipitate policies that advance the economy and business inside the company. Meso; Senior Management at the production unit in the IVM, and Micro; The Organizational Supervisors of manufacturing and distribution). To achieve the purpose of this research, several personnel’s at the three different levels of management were interviewed about their understanding of the terms and the application of Reverse and Frugal innovations in their experience. A total of 20 interviews (each lasting 15-20 minutes) were carried out, 8 at the Macro level, 5 Meso level and 7 at the Micro level. This led to a discovery that West African businesses found Reverse Innovation and Frugal very satisfactory, and inherent, should it be that the economic proliferation designed is continued. The study, by analyzing their opinions concerning the drivers and limitations of Reverse Innovation and Frugal Innovation, has successfully generated a framework for R&F innovations which establishments in other developing economies seeking to proliferate their exports back to the developed countries might find beneficial. Finally, sustainability is also seen as an underlying influencing factor throughout the research.

The excellent preservation of calcareous invertebrates and phosphatic vertebrates in the Lower Oxford Clay provides a good opportunity for paleooceanographic reconstruction based on stable isotopic abundances. We present here our initial results and interpretations on carbon and oxygen isotopic analyses on fossils of different depth habitats. Benthic fossils include epifaunal oysters and infaunal nuculacean bivalves. We also analyzed “pendant” bivalves whose depth habitat is uncertain. Fossil nekton are represented by ammonites and belemnites. Organisms that inhabited the uppermost part of the water column are represented by marine reptiles, such as icthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, and probable pelagic fish.The oxygen isotopic compositions of calcareous benthos and nekton overlap substantially (δ180 = −2 to +1 permil vs. PDB). The wide scatter in δ180 values probably reflects physiological (non-equilibrium) effects in calcification rather than paleoenvironmental variations. Mean δ180 values for oysters, pendant bivalves, and belemnites (all calcitic) and nuculacean bivalves (aragonitic) correspond to precipitation at isotopic equilibrium with non-glacial seawater at temperatures of 15°-18°. The mean isotopic paleotemperature for ammonites (aragonitic) is slightly higher (20°) but is probably not significantly different from those for other calcareous macro-invertebrates. Preliminary oxygen isotopic results on phosphate extracted from bones, teeth, and gill rays correspond to paleotemperatures of 20°–25°.Carbon isotopic results are limited to data from calcareous benthos and nekton. δ 13C values for individual taxa are quite variable (+2 to +5 permil for aragonitic fossils, 0 to +3 permil for calcitic fossils), suggesting physiological isotope effects. Nonetheless, mean δ 13C values are consistent with calcification in seawater having a carbon isotopic composition similar to that of modern average seawater. The presumably high flux of 13C-depleted CO2 into bottom waters from the diagenesis of sedimentary organic matter is not recorded in the carbon isotopic composition of benthic fossils.Thermal stratification implied by the oxygen isotopic record suggests the penetration of cool, nutrient-rich waters into the Lower Oxford Clay sea. Upward advection of deep waters together with runoff from adjacent landmasses must have provided sufficient nutrients to maintain the inferred high productivity of surface waters. The influence of productivity on the carbon isotopic composition of surface waters will be tested by the analysis of calcareous phytoplankton.

The energy sector is one of the fields of interest for different nations around the world. Due to the current fossil fuel crisis, the scientific community develops new energy-saving experiences to address this concern. Buildings are one of the elements of higher energy consumption, so the generation of knowledge and technological development may offer solutions to this energy demand, which are more than welcome. Phase change materials (PCMs) included in building elements such as wall panels, blocks, panels or coatings, for heating and cooling applications have been shown, when heating, to increase the heat storage capacity by absorbing heat as latent heat. Therefore, the use of latent heat storage systems using phase change materials (PCMs) has been investigated within the last two decades. In the present review, the macro and micro encapsulation methods for construction materials are reviewed, the former being the most viable method of inclusion of PCMs in construction elements. In addition, based on the analysis of the existing papers on the encapsulation process of PCMs, the importance to pay more attention to the bio-based PCMs is shown, since more research is needed to process such PCMs. To determine its thermophysical and mechanical behavior at the micro and macro levels, in order to see the feasibility of substituting petroleum-based PCMs with a more environmentally friendly bio-based one, a section devoted to the excellent PCM with lightweight aggregate (PCM-LWA concrete) is presented due to the lack of description given in other reviews.

<p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p><strong>Background: </strong>Throughout disciplines including paleontology and molecular biology, hence using the fossil record or DNA sequences, ancestral and current plant-herbivore associations mediated by secondary compounds have been assessed. The coevolutionary model of “escape and radiation” predicts adaptive patterns at micro- and macro-evolutionary scale, resulted from the plant-herbivore interaction.</p><p><strong>Questions:</strong> The study of plant-herbivore interaction and secondary metabolites, has been bias for two main reasons: (1) the interdisciplinary study of the interaction has “atomized" the field. (2) The conceptual framework of coevolution favored analysis either within populations or across taxa.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>:<strong> </strong>I review the evolutionary history of the interaction and secondary metabolites, from paleontological and palebiochemical data. Then, based on empirical evidence of quantitative genetics and comparative methods, I examine the main assumptions of micro- and macro-evolutionary postulates of the coevolutionary model. Further, I overview the analytical approach for the study of plant defense within-species and across phylogeny.<strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Within species, (1) the coevolutionary dynamics shaping plants and herbivore phenotypes, and (2) the role of plant chemistry to constraint ecological interactions, are the most stressed patterns. Across phylogeny, (1) the role of plant chemistry to constraint insect host shifts, and (2) the implications of, and mechanism behind the evolutionary novelties, are more recently assessed.</p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>I suggest that future research should integrate both conceptual and analytical perspectives of micro- and macro-evolutionary approaches. One promising direction relies in modern molecular techniques that may open new research avenues by providing evidence for the function of complex genetic and genomic machineries behind biotic interactions.

AbstractStromatolites are biogenic sedimentary structures formed by the interplay of biological (microbial composition) and environmental factors (local hydrodynamic conditions, clastic input and/or water chemistry). Well-preserved, three-dimensional (3D) fossil stromatolites are key to assessing the environmental factors controlling their growth and resulting morphology in space and time. Here, we report the detailed analysis of well-exposed, highly informative stromatolite build-ups from a single stratigraphic horizon within the Maastrichtian–Danian Yacoraite Formation (Argentina). This study focuses on the analysis of depositional processes driving intertidal to shallow subtidal stromatolites. Overall depositional architecture, external morphology and internal arrangement (mega, macro, meso and microstructures) of stromatolite build-ups were analysed and combined with 3D photogrammetric models, allowing us to decipher the links between stromatolite structure and tidal dynamics. Results suggest that external morphology and architecture of elongated and parallel clusters grew under the influence of run-off channels. The internal morphology exhibits columnar structures where the space between columns is interpreted as recharge or discharge channels. This work supports the theory that stromatolites can be used as a high-resolution tool in the assessment of water dynamics, and provides a new methodological approach and data for the dynamic reconstruction of intertidal stromatolite systems through the geological record.

This paper presents the analytical study results revealing the key factors for e-commerce deployment. We focused on macro level of the considered topic. Firstly, we defined that e-commerce deployment is closely related to current trend in population urbanization. We revealed a significant increase in urban population and along with that the e-commerce revenue grew up as well in last ten years. This trend has a positive dynamic. Given that secondly, the e-commerce deployment has forced the environmental pollution due to automobile transport utilization when the low consolidated home deliveries are implemented. We defined that this negative impact has to be leveled by a significant reduction of two- and three-wheels vehicles usage till 2040. Moreover, the light vans and trucks usage with fossil energy sources should be reduced till 2055 as well. Besides this policy, we observed that the technological measures can be implemented, namely in urban transportation. Thus, a two-echelon supply chain can be introduced allowing to make the parcel deliveries more consolidated. This should provide a reduction in vehicle mileage travelled resulting in more sustainable transportation. Special attention in this study has been made to analysis an e-commerce deployment in a developing economy. Ukraine has been considered as a case study. We revealed a significant growth in purchase number and commodities range bought in the internet in last seven years. As e-commerce can be implemented via several delivery channels, we have determined that for Ukraine the post office-based delivery option is more popular than a home delivery. We revealed a non-linear growth of opened new post offices within Ukraine area. Along with that we determined the same picture for parcels number delivered during last seven years. Having a such trend we can state that e-commerce deployment is inclined by a list of macro factors and has a great potential for Ukraine economy. In these conditions the transportation engineers and decision makers should unite their activity to promote the sustainable delivery services.

Facing more and more severe global warming problems, renewable energy, as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, is attracting more and more attentions due to its capability of reducing carbon emission. This paper considers two-tier HetNets with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), where the macro base station (MBS) is powered by power grid and small base stations (SBSs) have hybrid energy supplies. Through smart grid, SBSs can share their renewable energy with each other. We consider the problem of cross-layer interference caused by spectrum reuse, the burst of user data, and the randomness of renewable energy arrivals. Through energy cooperation, this paper investigates maximizing the time-average energy efficiency of SBSs. Based on user data queue and SBS energy queue, the optimal problem is decoupled into two subproblems by Lyapunov optimization: resource allocation subproblem and energy scheduling and energy cooperation subproblem. By solving two subproblems, the online solution to the optimization problem is obtained. Through theoretical analysis and simulations, both user data queues and energy queues have an upper bound, the network is stable, and the proposed algorithm performs better than the basic algorithm without energy cooperation.

Recent developments in catalysts have enhanced the potential for the utilisation of carbon dioxide as a chemical feedstock. Using the appropriate energy efficient catalyst enables a range of chemical pathways leading to desirable products. In doing so, CO₂ provides an economically and environmentally beneficial source of C₁ feedstock, while improving the issues relating to security of supply that are associated with fossil-based feedstocks. However, the dependence on catalysts brings other supply chains into consideration, supply chains that may also have security of supply issues. The choice of chemical pathways for specific products will therefore entail an assessment not only of economic factors but also the security of supply issues for the catalysts. This is a multi-criteria decision making problem. In this paper, we present a modified 4A framework based on the framework suggested by the Asian Pacific Energy Research centre for macro-economic applications. The 4A methodology is named after the criteria used to compare alternatives: availability, acceptability, applicability and affordability. We have adapted this framework for the consideration of alternative chemical reaction processes using a micro-economic outlook. Data from a number of sources were collected and used to quantify each of the 4A criteria. A graphical representation of the assessments is used to support the decision maker in comparing alternatives. The framework not only allows for the comparison of processes but also highlights current limitations in the CCU processes. The framework presented can be used by a variety of stakeholders, including regulators, investors, and process industries, with the aim of identifying promising routes within a broader multi-criteria decision making process.

Reducing the environmental pressure along the products life cycle, increasing efficiency in the consumption of resources and use of renewable raw materials, and shifting the economic system toward a circular and a climate-neutral model represent the heart of the current macro-trends of the European Union (EU) policy agendas. The circular economy and bioeconomy concepts introduced in the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and the Bioeconomy Strategy support innovation in rethinking economic systems focusing on market uptaking of greener solutions based on less-intensive resource consumption. In recent decades, industrial research has devoted enormous investments to demonstrate sustainable circular bio-based business models capable of overcoming the “Valley of Death” through alternative strategic orientations of “technological-push” and “market-pull”. The study highlights industrial research’s evolution on bio-based circular business model validation, trends, and topics with particular attention to the empowering capacity of start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to close the loops in renewable biological use and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The research methodology involves a bibliographic search based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach and the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Data Hub investigation to understand SMEs’ key success factors and start-ups of the circular bioeconomy sector. Eco and bio-based materials, nutraceuticals, and microalgae represent the most sustainable industry applications, leading to circular bioeconomy business models’ future perspective.

The discovery of the timber platform in fen peat poses a number of questions relating to the local ecology and environment in which the structure was constructed and the character of local land use and economic subsistence. Pollen and plant macro-fossil studies were initiated at the outset of discovery of the Flag Fen structure. Special attention has been paid to the changing fen flora reflecting local hydrological changes as well as evidence for the vegetation and land use on areas of nearby dry land. In addition to the evidence for temporal changes in the environment obtained from ‘long peat cores’, sampling on a grid-square basis is being carried out on sands thought to have been floor covering. It is hoped that these will yield information on the use of the platform. Pollen data are now available from Flag Fen and the nearby Power Station site at Fengate. This short contribution seeks to provide a general summary of the vegetation and environment of the fen and its near terrestrial environs with data coming largely from the analysis of the ‘Mere Section’ (see Introduction, FIGURE 6 for location) although some reference will be made to the Fengate site (see Introduction, FIGURE6 for location). Results ofthe completed study will be presented in a forthcoming monograph.

Nonbiting midges (chironomids) comprise a globally distributed family of nematoceran flies with complete metamorphosis. They populate aquatic, semiaquatic, and, more rarely, terrestrial habitats and frequently dominate aquatic insect communities in both abundance and species richness. The larval stage is the longest life period (from several weeks to two years); the adults are ephemeral. All this makes chironomid larvae a very valuable object for investigation of ecological and paleoclimatic changes. The nearly six-year experience of work on the separation and investigation fossil remains of chironomid larvae showed that the generally accepted technique of processing samples of lake sediments has a significant drawback. The standard technique for preparation of samples from lake sediments cores for the study of remains of buried chironomid larvae (whole head capsules and mentums) includes treating the sediment with a 10 % KOH solution. After washing the treated samples on sieves, head capsules of chironomid larvae remain poorly washed from both the soil and alkali. It greatly complicates the work with detecting larva remains and their microscopy. The present article describes the original modification of the technique of chemical treatment of lake bottom sediments for the separating and investigation of the remains of non-biting midges larvae for paleoclimatic and paleoecological reconstructions. A distinctive feature of the developed method is that the precipitate is treated with an HF for 24 hours. Acid treatment of samples is carried out to remove the mineral content. It makes the sediment looser, liquid and less sticky. This significantly improves the quality of sample washing on sieves made of two-layer mill gas with a mesh size of 90-100 microns. The new method provides better washing of sediment samples, which contributes to a more complete separation of larva remains. When using the “alkaline” method, from 2–10 cm3 of wet sediment, about 50–100 (depending on the type of lake and the characteristics of sedimentation) head capsules of chironomid larvae can be selected. In the method we proposed, the standard sample volume was 0.5–2 cm3 of wet sediment. But, the content of the considered head capsules of chironomid larvae in the samples taken for analysis significantly exceeded the average achieved results due to their better washing from sediment. Proposed method is also suitable for treating sediments for palynological analysis. The inventory and the sample preparation algorithm are described and illustrated. Examples of photographic descriptions of the head capsules of larvae of some taxa of chironomids, made with a video eyepiece, are given.

The stratigraphic record in Panama and Costa Rica preserves the biologic and climatic changes associated with the formation of a major barrier to marine migration and ocean circulation. Creating a high resolution temporal framework within which stratigraphic sections found on the Isthmus can be interpreted is fundamental to our understanding the history and importance of these units.The Isthmus contains rich marine macro- and microfaunas and floras on both the Pacific and Atlantic margins. Planktic foraminifers and calcareous nannofossils are common and often well preserved. Preliminary analysis of these fossils reveals a rich sedimentary record spanning the Late Miocene to Pleistocene. Multivariate statistical analyses of these assemblages provide environmental estimates. Unfortunately, traditional methods of biostratigraphy are limited in their ability to create a high resolution temporal framework for the region. For example, a majority of deposits analyzed can be placed in planktic foraminiferal zone N19 (early Pliocene). In order to answer paleobiologic and paleoclimatic questions one requires more precise correlations between sections and some indication of duration of sedimentation represented by various sections.In an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of traditional biostratigraphic methods, the Graphic Correlation method has been applied to selected sequences on the Central American Isthmus. Graphic correlation (GC) is a procedure by which two sequences can be compared and correlated using a wide variety of stratigraphic information simultaneously. A GC model of late Neogene planktic foraminifer, calcareous nannofossil, and paleomagnetic reversal events has been produced through compositing of more than 26 deep sea cores and ocean margin sequences. Following routine GC procedures the positions of all fossil first and last occurrences from a number of sections on the Caribbean and Pacific sides of the Central American Isthmus (Panama and Costa Rica) have been recorded. These sections have been correlated to the GC model and hence, to each other, providing a temporal framework for the Isthmus units.Selected sections were then correlated to other sequences such as near-by deep sea cores which have been analyzed for sea surface temperature and salinity to gain a better understanding of the overall paleoceanographic development of the region between 5 and 2 Ma. For example, correlation of units on the Caribbean side of the Isthmus with DSDP Site 502 indicates little to no change in sea surface temperatures during the entire time the Isthmus was reaching closure. Mid-to-high latitude sites exhibit amplification of warming with increasing latitude. The shoaling Isthmus, while having negligible effects on tropical marine temperatures, was responsible for increased meridional heat transport which resulted in a North Atlantic warming about 3 Ma. A general model for paleoceanographic changes during the time of closure will be discussed.

Electricity has become one of the main driving forces for development, especially in remote areas where the lack of energy is linked to poverty. Traditionally, in these areas power is supplied by grid extension projects, which are expensive, or stand-alone systems based on fossil fuels. An actual alternative to these solutions is community micro-grid projects based on distributed renewable energy sources. However, these solutions need to introduce a holistic approach in order to be successfully implemented in real cases. The main purpose of this research work is the definition and development of a comprehensive methodology to encourage the use of decentralized renewable power systems to provide power supply to non-electrified areas. The methodology follows a top-down approach. Its main novelty is that it interlinks a macro and micro analysis dimension, considering not only the energy context of the country where the area under study is located and its development towards a sustainable scenario; but also the potential of renewable power generation, the demand side management opportunities and the socio-economic aspects involved in the final decision on what renewable energy solution would be the most appropriate for the considered location. The implementation of this methodology provides isolated areas a tool for sustainable energy development based on an environmentally friendly and socially participatory approach. Results of implementing the methodology in a case study showed the importance of introducing a holistic approach in supplying power energy to isolated areas, stating the need for involving all the different stakeholders in the decision-making process. Despite final raking on sustainable power supply solutions may vary from one area to another, the implementation of the methodology follows the same procedure, which makes it an inestimable tool for governments, private investors and local communities.

Research subject. The article discusses the results of a new detailed study of a reference section of the Upper Silurian in the Subpolar Urals. This study was undertaken to clarify the existing contradictions concerning the age of the Ludlow-Pridoli boundary deposits and the definition of the Ludlow-Pridoli boundary, which is based on the study of different fauna groups.Materials and methods. The newly collected collections contained more than 100 samples of sedimentary rocks with fossil macro fauna, 22 tests on microfauna, 198 tests on chemical analysis for determining the content of Ba, Sr and δ13C and δ18O isotopes in carbonates. The results of experiments were confirmed by the authors’ bio-sedimentological, paleo-ecological and chemostratigraphic data.Results. The conducted research confirmed the existence of a gap in sedimentation at the end of Ludlow; clarified the thickness of the Sizim stage in the reference section; elucidated its sedimentological and chemostratigraphic characteristics; allowed changes in biodiversity due to a change in the sedimentation regime, paleoecological impact on biota in the late Ludlow and restoration of biota in the early Pridoli to be traced. The study also demonstrated that the time boundaries of the transgressive and regressive stages in the development of the Northern Ural sea basin and the event-stratigraphic boundary of the Ludlow-Pridoli were directly related to the main global events in the Late Silurian (Lau Event, Lower Pridolian Event), the traces of which are preserved in the studied section.Conclusions. The intensification of regressive tendencies across the largest part of the Northern Ural paleobasin in the Late Ludlow, widespread development of microbial biota, cessation of the Silurian reef formation, as well as the extinction of Pentamerida brachiopods – exclusively, indicate a significant ecosystematic restructuring in the late Ludlow. It can be assumed that the absence of a significant positive deviation of the δ13C global Lau Event in this section is associated with the identified gap, the amplitude of which correlates with the Ozarkodina snajdri and Ozarkodina crispa zones located above the Polygnathoides siluricus zone in the conodont sequence of the Upper Ludlow.

In the context of easing the dependence of most countries of the world on the import of fossil energy sources, a complex of systematic research on the search and effective use of renewable energy sources, in particular the development of the biofuels industry, is a necessary direction. An urgent problem need arises for the parallel implementation of the policy of diversification of supply and efficient use of fuel and energy resources with the active introduction of competition policy and infrastructure reforms in the economic and energy sector. Economically developed countries pay significant attention to energy supply on the basis of sustainable development, which determines the urgency of developing an integrated system of directions and priorities for the formation of Ukraine's energy security on the basis of its own biofuels production. The purpose of research is to provide scientific and practical substantiation and systematization of organization and innovative aspects of effective regulation of the development of competitive biofuels production in Ukraine at different levels of management. The methodical and practical experience of Ukrainian scientists concerning the division of Ukraine into natural-economic region was used. The methods of system analysis, monographic, graphical and abstract-logical are applied. The development of national biofuels production contributes to the efficient use of scientific, economic and labor potential and provides optimization of biofuel specialization areas. On the basis of the natural-economic region, it is necessary to form the main economic-energy proportions of macro-regional development and carry out balance calculations of production and consumption of biofuels. The formation of competitive biofuels production should be based on the principles of independence, self-sufficiency, accessibility and quality, based on clusterization processes. It is necessary to intensify the processes of increasing the volume and share of renewable energy consumption, giving priority to the development of the biofuels industry. Biofuels are a significant innovative contribution to the local energy supply of natural-economic regions, areas, administrative districts and individual agro-industrial enterprises to increase the competitiveness of manufactured products. Keywords: economic development, management, state energy policy, renewable energy, biofuels industry, natural-economic region.

AbstractThe first sedimentary rocks from Batavia Knoll, on the western edge of the Perth Abyssal Plain, eastern Indian Ocean, have been recovered, yielding an assemblage of invertebrate fossils hitherto undocumented from this part of the world. The fauna consists of 22 species of Mollusca, including new gastropods, a calliotropidPlanolateralus acanthanodusn. sp.; a margaritidIgonoia levimargaritan. sp.; a procerithiidProcerithium arenacollicolan. sp.; and aporrhaidsDrepanocheilus bataviensisn. sp. andAnchura pelsaertin. sp. In addition, pleurotomariid, ringiculid, and architectonicid gastropod taxa were recovered. Bivalves are represented by members of the Nuculanidae, Inoceramidae, Pinnidae, Buchiidae, Lucinidae, Veneridae, and Hiatellidae. Scaphopods (Dentaliidae) and ammonites (two taxa, of Desmoceratidae and Hamitidae) are also present. Further recovered were one species of Serpulidae (Polychaeta), two of Trachyleberididae (Ostracoda), and a probable echinoid fragment. The fossil assemblage was dominated by shallow marine suspension-feeding taxa (39% of the suite). Detritivorous and herbivorous taxa comprised 22% and 9%, respectively, with nektic and epifaunal carnivores amounting to 30%. Taphonomic analyses of these fossils and their host sedimentary facies revealed the Batavia Knoll sandstone was deposited in a shallow marine environment during a mass-flow event. Biostratigraphic range data of the preserved macro- and microfossil assemblages imply an age of latest Albian, contemporaneous with the rifting of Batavia Knoll from Greater India during the broader India–Australia–Antarctica breakup in the mid-Cretaceous.

After nearly 450 years of colonial administration, Portugal returned the territory of Macao to the People's Republic of China in 1999. Following the handover, Macao's postcolonial government dismantled the forty-year-old local gambling monopoly and opened Macao to investment by gaming companies from North America, Australia, and Hong Kong. These companies are collectively spending $25 billion to tap the increasingly affluent and mobile market of tourists just across the border in mainland China. This investment has prompted remarkable economic development in the tiny city as well as a phantasmagoric transformation of the cityscape and a concomitant transmutation of Macao's social landscape. Understanding contemporary Macao requires attending to how the legacies of Portuguese colonialism and fascism and Chinese communism and market socialism merge in the spaces of the city today. Drawing inspiration from Walter Benjamin's dialectical analysis of the obsolete commodities of mass culture, this paper meditates through text and photographs on four copresent moments of Macao—socialist fossil, colonial ruin, capitalist dream, and Utopian wish. A form of physiognomic urban ‘dream analysis’ rescues these multiple contradictory meanings of Macau and investigates the city's crucial role in both China's economic reforms and its Utopian desires.

The Khoshyeilagh Formation located in the northeast of Iran yielded seven conodont species and sub-species and 19 macro- and microfossil taxa that allow recognition of two conodont biozones and one biozone based on calcareous microfossils. The latest Frasnian age (the Upper rhenana to linguiformis zones) is attributed to the topmost strata with Icriodus alternatus. Its replacement with I. cornutus indicates the Famennian (Lower triangularis to Lower crepida zones) corresponding to the Umbellina Zone. The fossil assemblages identified in the Khoshyeilagh Formation represent a shallow marine environment with a tropical climate at the time of deposition. The fossil species from the Khoshyeilagh Formation and the sedimentary basins in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Poland, and Russia reveal a close connection between the Iranian plateau and the northern parts of Gondwana in the Late Devonian. The biofacies and lithofacies analyses show a sea-level decline at the end of Frasnian, followed by a considerable sea-level drop, as in other regions of the world. After a short time, in the Famennian, the deepening occurred in some parts of the area and the open marine facies (bioclast spicule wackestone-packstone) were deposited. This study is the first attempt to determine the Frasnian-Famennian boundary based on conodont assemblages and other fossil species such as umbellulids, tentaculites, and ostracods. The distribution of these species is interpreted in sedimentological, stratigraphic, sequence stratigraphy, and the global eustatic context. Keywords: biofacies, conodont, Frasnian-Famennian boundary, Late Devonian, NE Iran.

AbstractBone remains of small vertebrate fossils provide valuable information for paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstructions. However, direct radiocarbon dating of small vertebrates remains challenging as the extraction of sufficient good quality collagen is required. The efficiency of eight collagen extraction protocols was tested on seven samples, representative of different ages and burial environments, including both macro and small vertebrate taxa. First, the samples were prescreened using attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to quantify collagen content in archaeological bones, revealing that one should be discarded for 14C dating. Then, the quantity of protein extracted (yield) and collagen integrity were checked using conventional elemental analysis. The results show that one protocol was not able to accurately extract collagen from the samples. A soft HCl-based protocol seems more appropriate for the pretreatment of archaeological small mammal bones, whereas a harsher protocol might be more efficient to extract a higher amount of collagen from large mammals as well as amphibian bones. The influence of the tested protocols on carbon and nitrogen isotope values was also investigated. The results showed that isotopic variability, when existing, is related to the interindividual differences rather than the different protocols.

As one of the most developed and competitive metropolitan areas in the world, the contradiction between resource depletion and sustainable development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GHMGBA) has become a crucial issue nowadays. This paper analyzed the natural capital utilization patterns in GHMGBA during 2009–2016 based on a three-dimensional ecological footprint model. Ecological carrying capacity intensity (ECintensity) was calculated to optimize the accounting of ecological carrying capacity (EC). Ecological footprint depth (EFdepth) and ECintensity were quantitatively investigated and influencing factors were further explored based on a partial least squares (PLS) model. Results showed that GHMGBA had been operating in a deficit state due to the shortage of natural capital flow and accumulated stock depletion. The highest EFdepth occurred in Macao (17.11~26.21) and Zhongshan registering the lowest (2.42~3.58). Cropland, fossil energy and construction land constituted the most to total ecological deficit, while woodland was continuously in a slight surplus. Natural capital utilization patterns of 11 cities were divided into four categories through hierarchical clustering analysis. Driving factors of EFdepth, ECintensity and three-dimensional ecological deficit (ED3D) were mainly students in primary and secondary education, disposable income, consumption expenditure, R&D personnel and freight volume. Our findings could provide guidance for decision-makers to develop resource utilization portfolios in GHMGBA.

AbstractThe Precordilleran species Ahtiella argentina Benedetto and Herrera, 1986 is redescribed and illustrated and Monorthis coloradoensis Benedetto, 1998b from northwestern Argentina is reassigned to the genus Ahtiella Öpik, 1932. Ahtiella famatiniana new species from volcaniclastic rocks of the Famatina range (western Argentina) and Ahtiella tunaensis new species from the Precordillera basin (Cuyania terrane) are proposed. Paleogeographic and stratigraphic evidence strongly suggests that Ahtiella originated in the Andean region of Gondwana to further migrate to Avalonia, Baltica, and Cuyania. Contrary to previous assumptions, the fossil record from the Famatina volcaniclastic succession suggests that the plectambonitoid Ahtiella famatiniana n. sp. evolved from the hesperonomiid orthoid Monorthis transversa Benedetto, 2003 that always occurs in the underlying strata. Phylogenetic analysis of Ahtiella species shows that A. famatiniana n. sp. and the Peruvian A. zarelae Villas in Gutiérrez-Marco and Villas, 2007 are not only the earliest species of the genus but also are morphologically intermediate between Monorthis Bates, 1968 and the later and more derived species of Ahtiella from Baltica and Cuyania. If, as empirical evidence presented here shows, Ahtiella originated from Monorthis through a series of minor transformations, then the impressive morphological gap between orthides and strophomenides was bridged through short-time cladogenesis events, suggesting that it might not have a definite discontinuity between the species level evolution and the origin of higher taxa (macroevolution).UUID: http://zoobank.org/4b8c5442-ea2c-41b2-97f7-4c0a8b0384a2

ABSTRACT The geologic history of Wyoming’s Hanna Basin is still being written. Surprisingly, here appeared an opportunity to share insights from previously accomplished work with that conducted anew by other scholars. The area of study was in the southeastern quadrant of Wyoming, which exhibits the state’s most complex history with respect to the Laramide orogeny. Especially important for present purposes were the tectonic conditions of the late Paleocene and earliest Eocene, recorded within the Hanna Formation. Of central focus is the 2020 publication by Dechesne and her six co-authors. Geographically, the landscape they covered was a thin, synclinal slice of the northeastern margin of the Hanna Basin. Key goals for the present publication have been to illustrate positive linkages and to highlight discrepancies between Dechesne et al. (2020) and relevant prior geological work. A concern that permeates all facets of this approach is the ability to verify viability of brand-new geologic descriptions, data, and resulting conclusions. Essential graphical elements were introduced first into this present publication. Once that package of background information was available, more focused analyses were rigorously pursued on diverse issues within the Dechesne et al. (2020) publication. Dechesne’s team presented a significantly modified but adequately defended approximation of the Paleocene–Eocene boundary. Data from fossil plants (macro- and palynofloras), continental mollusks, and bulk organic-carbon isotopes all agree within one measured section (of five sections studied) with an approximated Paleocene–Eocene boundary along with a ‘carbon isotope excursion’ (CIE). Strength of available evidence seems questionable, however, in that the inordinately high variability in bulk organic carbon (characteristic of a CIE) has been demonstrated only in the Hanna Draw Section. Although fluvial, paludal, and lacustrine facies are considered in several contexts, in no sense does the publication’s organizational form provide a ‘detailed stratigraphic framework.’ One zircon-based U–Pb depositional date (54.42 ± 0.27 Ma) came from this study that matched early Wasatchian time. Participants in the Dechesne et al. (2020) project are to be commended in that their resulting paper ranged broadly across the geologic setting, stratigraphy, paleocurrents, paleobotany, continental mollusks, zircon geochronology, associated lithofacies, and paleogeography. Despite that breadth, there exists a plethora of unexpected and wholly avoidable inconsistencies, strong contradictions within what should be homogeneous datasets, and seemingly inexplicable omissions of obviously necessary and sometimes clearly existing but unutilized data, one must question the reliability of much of the information presented in their paper.

With the negative climate impact of fossil fuel power generation and the requirement of global policy to shift towards a green mix of energy production, the investment in renewable energy is an opportunity in developing countries. However, poor economy associated with limited income, funds availability, and regulations governing project funding and development are key factors that challenge investors in the energy sector. Given the various power generation resources, including renewables, it is necessary to evaluate the possible power generation investment options from an economic perspective. To realize this objective, solar PV, wind and diesel power generations are economically compared, considering the incremental rate of return and incremental benefit to cost ratio techniques. The alternative investment options of distributed generation technologies are evaluated for Maharashtra, India under different depreciation methods, and the effect of the latter on selecting the best investment candidate is investigated. The paper also conducts sensitivity analysis to examine the impact of capital cost, operation and maintenance cost, and fuel cost variations on the selection decision considering a comparison of the different general projects’ cash flow structures discussed in the literature. The economic aspects of selecting a project among possible alternatives for an investment in the power sector are analyzed, and the presented review provides comprehensive comparisons with respect to the literature approaches. The results reveal that, in the benchmark case study, the PV project is rejected and disregarded from further comparisons with other candidate projects since its equity internal rate of return (10.25%) is less than the minimum accepted rate of return, leaving the selection between wind and diesel energy projects. The study reveals that the incremental rates of return under such a comparison are 37.88%, 45.94% and 37.50% when MACRS, declining balance and straight line depreciations techniques are applied, respectively. Thus, the wind energy project is the favored option in this case. For the economic assessment of other case studies, the application of both sensitivity analysis on the capital cost and operation and maintenance cost and literature approaches to structure the projects reveal that wind energy for Maharashtra, India is a more attractive and feasible option compared to other distribution generation projects, while diesel is only considered to be a good option when its fuel cost is reduced by 5%. Finally, the paper highlights policy implications that can influence the decision to move towards investment in distributed generation technologies as a future research direction.

This worldwide biosystematic study of Corethrellidae, with its single genus Corethrella Coquillett, provides a complete compilation of all that is known for the group, both taxonomically and bionomically. Descriptions of each species are based primarily on the adults, summarize all bionomic information, and provide a map showing its distribution. Keys to the species of each region are provided. A total of 97 extant species is recognized, with 52 of these being new. Seven fossil species are described with two of these being new to science. All species, including 13 new synonyms, are cataloged in a table for easy reference. Seven extant species are of uncertain status because of damaged or missing types. Lectotypes and, depending on the species, some paralectotypes, are designated for the following species: C. inepta (Annandale), C. pallitarsis Edwards, C. picticollis Edwards, C. ananacola Dyar, C. calathicola Edwards, and C. brakeleyi (Coquillett). A cladistic analysis interprets most extant and fossil species (some are not interpretable at the present time) and provides the basis for zoogeographic and bionomic interpretation. Worldwide, Corethrella species are found between 50°N and 50°S but most are found between 30°N and 30°S and below 1500 meters in elevation. Because female adults are attracted to the call of male frogs and feed on their blood, species are restricted to areas where there are frogs. Phylogenetic patterns suggest Gondwanan connections for earlier lineages within the genus. At least one lineage has dispersed from the New World to southeast Asia and some species are located on volcanic islands in the Caribbean, indicating further instances of dispersal. It is certain that many more species are yet to be discovered. Phylogenetic patterns indicate that the immatures of Corethrella species have repeatedly moved between ground-dwelling habitats and phytotelmata, with the plesiotypic habitat likely being ground-dwelling. Some lineages have diversified within phytotelmata. Fossil, cladistic and morphological evidence indicates that Corethrella females have been feeding on calling frogs since at least the Early Cretaceous. Females likely hear their frog hosts using the Johnston’s Organ. There is some evidence of host specificity as well as selection of particular biting sites for some species of Corethrella. The females of at least some species of Corethrella transmit Trypanosoma Gruby between calling frogs and this association is also likely an ancient one.Este estudio biosistemático de Corethrellidae a nivel Mundial, con su único género Corethrella, proporciona una completa recopilación de todo lo conocido para el grupo, tanto desde el punto de vista taxonómico como bionómico. Las descripciones de cada especie se realizan primariamente sobre la base de adultos, resumen toda la información bionómica y proveen un mapa donde se muestra su distribución. Se brindan claves para especie de cada región. Se reconoce un total de 97 especies, 52 de las cuales son nuevas. Se describen siete especies fósiles, siendo dos de ellas nuevas para la Ciencia. Para una fácil referencia, todas las especies son catalogadas en una tabla, incluyendo 13 nuevos sinónimos. Debido a que sus tipos se hallan dañados o perdidos, siete especies actuales ostentan un status incierto. De acuerdo a la especie, son designados lectotipos o paralectotipos de las siguientes especies: C. inepta (Annandale), C. pallitarsis Edwards, C. picticollis Edwards, C. ananacola Dyar, C. calathicola Edwards, y C. brakeleyi (Coquillett). El análisis cladístico interpreta la mayoría de las especies actuales y fósiles (algunas no pueden ser interpretadas actualmente) y provee la base para interpretaciones zoogeográficas y bionómicas. Las especies de Corethrella se hallan entre 50°N y 50°S, aunque la mayoría se encuentran entre 30°N y 30°S y por debajo de 1500 metros de elevación. Debido a que las hembras adultas son atraídas por el llamado de ranas macho y se alimentan de su sangre, las especies están restringidas a las áreas donde se hallan ranas. Los patrones filogenéticos sugieren conecciones Gondwánicas para los linajes más antiguos del género. Al menos un linaje se ha dispersado desde el Nuevo Mundo hacia el sudeste de Asia, y algunas especies se hallan en islas volcánicas del Caribe, indicando otras instancias de dispersión. Con seguridad aún quedan muchas más especies por ser descubiertas. Los patrones filogenéticos indican que los inmaduros de las especies de Corethrella se han movido repetidamente entre habitats ubicados a nivel del suelo y fitotelmata, siendo probablemente

RESUMOO objetivo desta pesquisa foi o analisar a relação contratual que se forma entre as empresas de biotecnologia e os povos tradicionais, quando as primeiras utilizam-se dos conhecimentos dos segundos para reduzir custo e tempo gasto com pesquisas, obtendo lucro, sendo a devida remuneração aos povos tradicionais em virtude dos conhecimentos por eles oferecidos. Ressaltou-se a relevância jurídica da proteção do direito da propriedade intelectual e industrial, perpassando por uma análise da evolução histórica dos instrumentos jurídicos no cenário mundial, podendo-se citar a Convenção da União de Paris, em 1883, seguida da criação da Organização Mundial do Comércio através do Acordo de Marrakesh, em 1994, que teve como seu mais importante instrumento o TRIPS. O TRIPS é um marco pelo qual muitos países regularam suas normas internas acerca da propriedade intelectual, incluindo o Brasil que é consignatário no Acordo. Já no Brasil, este âmbito sofreu modificações após a Constituição Federal, de 1988, garantindo como direito fundamental a propriedade intelectual, até se obter a legislação vigente no país acerca do tema, a Lei nº 9.279/96. A lei por fim regulamentou o registro de patentes e as obrigações inerentes, dentre outras disposições. Sobre tais, destacam-se as patentes verdes que visam tutelar conhecimentos de inovação biotecnológica, a fim de propagar o desenvolvimento sustentável na produção industrial. Todavia, verificou-se que no ramo houve graves violações aos direitos dos povos indígenas e tradicionais, no momento que as empresas utilizavam seus conhecimentos milenares e os patenteavam como se donos fossem. Desse modo, após intensos debates e novas concepções, entendeu-se que tais saberes não podem ser objetos de patentes. Ao fim, concluiu-se que o programa “Patente Verde” pode concorrer para grandes avanços tecnológicos e econômicos no Brasil; mas deve sempre respeitar às diretrizes do desenvolvimento sustentável, no qual se encontram direitos sociais e ambientais, garantindo a razoabilidade dos direitos e assegurando a inviolabilidade dos mesmos.PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Patentes; conhecimentos tradicionais; desenvolvimento sustentável. ABSTRACTThe objective of this research is to analyze the contractual relationship that is formed between biotechnology companies and traditional peoples, when the former use the knowledge of the second to reduce cost and time spent with research, obtaining profit, due to the remuneration to the people their knowledge. The legal relevance of the protection of the right to intellectual and industrial property was emphasized, as well as an analysis of the historical evolution of the legal instruments on the world scene, including the Paris Convention of 1883, followed by the creation of the World Organization through the Marrakesh Agreement in 1994, which had as its most important instrument TRIPS. TRIPS is a milestone for many countries to regulate their internal rules on intellectual property, including Brazil that is a signatory to the Agreement. In Brazil, this scope was modified after the Federal Constitution of 1988, to guarantee as fundamental right the intellectual property, until obtaining the legislation in force in the country on the subject, Law 9.279 / 96. The law finally regulated the registration of patents and the inherent obligations, among other provisions. These include green patents aimed at protecting knowledge of biotechnological innovation in order to promote sustainable development in industrial production. However, it was found that there were serious violations of the rights of indigenous and traditional peoples, as companies used their millennial knowledge and patented them as owners. Thus, after intense debates and new conceptions, it was understood that such knowledge can not be objects of patents. Finally, it was concluded that the green patent program can contribute to major technological and economic advances in Brazil, but should always respect the guidelines of sustainable development, which include social and environmental rights, guaranteeing the reasonableness of rights and ensuring the their inviolability.KEYWORDS: Patents; traditional knowledge; sustainable development.

AbstractThe article aims to examine the relationship between road transport and macro economy, especially the use of fossil energy in transport sector. Nowadays environmental pollution is a key issue on the EU level as well as in Hungary. Lots of effort have been already done in order to decrease emissions in road transport, but a lot more need to be done. The article aims to prove that the only possible solution is technological innovation in order to reach emission reduction target without decline of the GDP. The basic idea is to ensure sustainable development, to decrease environmental pollution in road transport without harming the economy. In the EU and in Hungary road vehicles are powered by fossil fuelled internal combustion engines. This paper aims to analyse the role of the fossil fuel-based road transport sector within the economy with the usage of constant elasticity substitution (CES) production functions. Authors have built CES production function for Hungary. Parameters were calculated based on the validated model.

Reducing energy intensity is conducive to the sustainable use of non-renewable fossil energy, and is also one of the main strategies to deal with climate change and environmental degradation. The effect of national macro-level factors on energy intensity has been basically confirmed, but the effect of regional low-carbon policy remains to be investigated. Based on this, our analysis exploits China’s “low-carbon city pilot” policy as a quasi-natural experiment and conducts the difference-in-difference resign. We collect the panel data of 271 cities in China from 2006 to 2016. The empirical results show that: first, the low-carbon city pilot policy can effectively reduce the energy intensity. Second, there exist heterogeneous effects on energy intensity among different cities, and the inhibition effects in eastern cities, high economic development cites, and non-old industrial-base cities are more significant. Third, the policy mainly affects regional energy intensity through technological innovation rather than industrial structure optimization mechanism.

PurposeThe transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy such as solar energy is difficult and requires significant ongoing public policy marketing initiatives. Drawing on institutional theory, this paper aims to explore how public policy marketing initiatives through institutional narratives and discourses legitimize solar energy's sustainable consumption in a developing economy.Design/methodology/approachUsing a post-structuralist approach, the authors undertook a thematic analysis to study the process of sustainable consumption. The authors conducted face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders in the solar energy sector and complemented the primary data with secondary analysis of archived published materials and podcasts.FindingsFirst, narratives on conformance rules and regulations (regulatory legitimacy) are significant sustainable consumption predictors of solar energy. However, the top-down regulatory legitimation narrative alone is insufficient to overcome poorly developed taken-for-granted (cognitive legitimacy) and morally correct consumption behavior (normative legitimacy), especially among the general population. Second, while consumption is primarily seen as a micro-level, residential and commercial customers phenomenon, the intersecting macro- (government) and meso-levels' (industry/market) narratives and discourses influence and direct micro-level consumption.Originality/valueFuture research agenda on legitimizing the sustainable consumption of solar energy needs to consider the dynamic interactions of institutional narratives and discourses through the lens of institutional theory and practice. Sustained, bold and provident government interventions and actions through market structure and policy issues play a crucial role in the consumption process, particularly in developing economies.

Abstract Corporations responsible for so-called 'industrial epidemics' go to great lengths to stifle policymaking concerning their products and practices, including through interactions with science. Here we present a newly-created typology which illustrates the ways in which industries attempt to influence science and the use of science. Our analysis of the literature identified sectors of industry involved, strategies used by industries, and key relationships between these strategies. Eight sectors of industry attempted to influence science and the use of science: tobacco, alcohol, processed food and drink, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, gambling, chemicals and manufacturing, fossil fuels, and the extractive industry. We identified five macro strategies widely used by industries: influence on conduct and publication of science, influence on interpretation of science, influence on reach of science, influence on the use of science in policymaking, and over-arching supporting strategies. Across eight sectors of industry, strategies used in order to influence science are strikingly similar. When taken together, these appear to represent attempts to permeate and mould systems through which science is created, interpreted and used. This typology provides an accessible way to understand the strategies used by industry to influence science and the use of science. It can be used to pre-empt and counter future industry activity within contexts including academia, healthcare, and regulatory decision-making

Abstract The potential of reflectance spectroscopy to infer the paleoecological and depositional evolution of different micro and macro invertebrate fossils has been evaluated by analyzing their reflectance spectra within the spectral domain of 350–2500 nm using the FIELDSPEC3 spectroradiometer. Mineralogical information derived from the rapid and non-destructive spectral analysis has been substantiated using concurrent mineralogical data from conventional geochemical analyses. The diagnostic Fe-crystal field effect induced spectral features are identified on the representative spectra of different benthic foraminifera. These spectral features are resulted due to the incorporation of Fe during the biomineralization process. These features are absent in planktic foraminifera. The encrustation of Fe-oxides is inferred to be responsible for imprinting the Fe-crystal field feature in the spectra of micro and macrofossils at 900–1200 nm. Vibrational spectral features of the Al–OH bond are also identified. Both of these features are an indicator of post-depositional diagenetic history. The presence of Al and Fe in macrofossil shells is also believed to be related to ecological conditions as these elements are biogenically incorporated during shell formation. This study reveals the value of reflectance spectroscopy to infer ecological behavior and post-depositional environment of different organisms.

AbstractAlthough bioturbation is commonly recognized in contourites, only a few studies have analyzed the ichnological content of these deposits in detail. These studies have mainly focused on meso-scale bigradational sequence (a coarsening upward followed by a fining-upward sequence resulting from variations in current velocity). Here we present data from gravitational cores collected along the NW Iberian Margin showing systematic variation in ichnological content across proximal to distal depocenters within a large-scale elongated contourite drift. Data demonstrate that tracemakers’ behavior varies depending on the distance relative to the bottom current core. Trace fossils are already known to be a useful tool for studying of contouritic deposits and are even used as criterion for differentiating associated facies (e.g., turbidites, debrites), though not without controversy. We propose a mechanism by which the distance to the bottom current core exerts tangible influence on specific macro-benthic tracemaker communities in contourite deposits. This parameter itself reflects other bottom current features, such as hydrodynamic energy, grain size, nutrient transport, etc. Ichnological analysis can thus resolve cryptic features of contourite drift depositional settings.

AbstractThe circular economy can be understood as one of the sustainability narratives (along with, e.g., the bioeconomy, the green economy and the sharing economy), currently relevant in academia, business and policymaking. Sustainability narratives are characterized by a distinctive set of transferable and scalable solutions, addressing resource/services use and distribution in social-ecological-technical systems. Core solutions in the circular economy are technologically-driven improvements towards reductions of inputs/outputs in production and consumption systems. However, the conceptual diversity of the circular economy is such that it can, like other sustainability narratives, serve multiple sustainability discourses (e.g., ecological modernization, sustainable development and degrowth). In order to cater to societal needs within the planet’s biophysical boundaries, the contribution of the circular economy needs to be strengthened in regard to the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems and to the just distribution of resources, opportunities and prosperity. Socio-cultural change should be understood as complementary to technology- and private sector-driven solutions. While circular economy principles are meant to be translated into tailored micro- and macro- level strategies based on context-specific characteristics and needs, the causal connections between units or geographical regions are a crucial issue for sustainability. The overall co-evolution and harmonization of multiple narratives towards coherent sustainability pathways should strive towards decreasing dependence on fossil resources, reversing biodiversity loss and ecosystems degradation and enabling a quality life for all people. The conclusions of this article provide key points that can further guide analyses and implementation of the circular economy in the context of sustainability transformations.

There is a moment in Al Gore’s 2006 documentary An Inconvenient Truth devised to expose the sheer audacity of fossil fuel lobby groups in the United States. In their attempts to address significant scientific consensus and growing public concern over climate change, these groups are resorting to what Gore’s film suggests are grotesque distortions of fact. A particular example highlighted in the film is the Competitive Enterprise Institute’s (CPE—a lobby group funded by ExxonMobil) “pro” energy industry advertisement: “Carbon dioxide”, the ad states. “They call it pollution, we call it life.” While on the one hand employing rhetoric against the “inconvenient truth” that carbon dioxide emissions are ratcheting up the Earth’s temperature, these advertisements also pose a question – though perhaps unintended – that is worth addressing. Where does life reside? This is not an issue of essentialism, but relates to the claims, materials and technologies through which life as a political object emerges. The danger of entertaining the vested interests of polluting industry in a discussion of climate change and its biopolitics is countered by an imperative to acknowledge the ways in which multiple positions in the climate change debate invoke and appeal to ‘life’ as the bottom line, or inviolable interest, of their political, social or economic work. In doing so, other questions come to the fore that a politics of climate change framed in terms of moral positions or competing values will tend to overlook. These questions concern the manifold practices of life that constitute the contemporary terrain of the political, and the actors and instruments put in this employ. Who speaks for life? And who or what produces it? Climate change as a matter of concern (Latour) has gathered and generated a host of experts, communities, narratives and technical devices all invested in the administration of life. It is, as Malcom Bull argues, “the paradigmatic issue of the new politics,” a politics which “draws people towards the public realm and makes life itself subject to the caprices of state and market” (2). This paper seeks to highlight the politics of life that have emerged around climate change as a public issue. It will argue that these politics appear in incremental and multiple ways that situate an array of actors and interests as active in both contesting and generating the terms of life: what life is and how we come to know it. This way of thinking about climate change debates opposes a prevalent moralistic framework that reads the practices and discourses of debate in terms of oppositional positions alone. While sympathies may flow in varying directions, especially when it comes to such a highly charged and massively consequential issue as climate change, there is little insight to be had from charging the CPE (for example) with manipulating consumers, or misrepresenting well-known facts. Where new and more productive understandings open up is in relation to the fields through which these gathering actors play out their claims to the project of life. These fields, from the state, to the corporation, to the domestic sphere, reveal a complex network of strategies and devices that seek to secure life in constantly renovated terms. Life Politics Biopolitical scholarship in the wake of Foucault has challenged life as a pre-given uncritical category, and sought to highlight the means through which it is put under question and constituted through varying and composing assemblages of practitioners and practices. Such work regards the project of human well-being as highly complex and technical, and has undertaken to document this empirically through close attention to the everyday ecologies in which humans are enmeshed. This is a political and theoretical project in itself, situating political processes in micro, as well as macro, registers, including daily life as a site of (self) management and governance. Rabinow and Rose refer to biopolitical circuits that draw together and inter-relate the multiple sites and scales operative in the administration of life. These involve not just technologies, rationalities and regimes of authority and control, but also politics “from below” in the form of rights claims and community formation and agitation (198). Active in these circuits, too, are corporate and non-state interests for whom the pursuit of maximising life’s qualities and capabilities has become a concern through which “market relations and shareholder value” are negotiated (Rabinow and Rose 211). As many biopolitical scholars argue, biopower—the strategies through which biopolitics are enacted—is characteristic of the “disciplinary neo-liberalism” that has come to define the modern state, and through which the conduct of conduct is practiced (Di Muzio 305). Foucault’s concept of governmentality describes the devolution of state-based disciplinarity and sovereignty to a host of non-state actors, rationalities and strategies of governing, including the self-managing subject, not in opposition to the state, but contributing to its form. According to Bratich, Packer and McCarthy, everyday life is thus “saturated with governmental techniques” (18) in which we are all enrolled. Unlike regimes of biopolitics identified with what Agamben terms “thanopolitics”—the exercise of biopower “which ultimately rests on the power of some to threaten the death of others” (Rabinow and Rose 198), such as the Nazi’s National Socialism and other eugenic campaigns—governmental arts in the service of “vitalist” biopolitics (Rose 1) are increasingly diffused amongst all those with an “interest” in sustaining life, from organisations to individuals. The integration of techniques of self-governance which ask the individual to work on themselves and their own dispositions with State functions has broadened the base by which life is governed, and foregrounded an unsettled terrain of life claims. Rose argues that medical science is at the forefront of these contemporary biopolitics, and to this effect “has […] been fully engaged in the ethical questions of how we should live—of what kinds of creatures we are, of the kinds of obligations that we have to ourselves and to others, of the kinds of techniques we can and should use to improve ourselves” (20). Asking individuals to self-identify through their medical histories and bodily specificities, medical cultures are also shaping new political arrangements, as communities connected by shared genetics or physical conditions, for instance, emerge, evolve and agitate according to the latest medical knowledge. Yet it is not just medicine that provokes ethical work and new political forms. The environment is a key site for life politics that entails a multi-faceted discourse of obligations and entitlements, across fields and scales of engagement. Calculating Environments In line with neo-liberal logic, environmental discourse concerned with ameliorating climate change has increasingly focused upon the individual as an agent of self-monitoring, to both facilitate government agendas at a distance, and to “self-fashion” in the mode of the autonomous subject, securing against external risks (Ong 501). Climate change is commonly represented as such a risk, to both human and non-human life. A recent letter published by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in two leading British medical journals, named climate change as the “biggest global health threat of the twenty-first century” (Morton). As I have argued elsewhere (Potter), security is central to dominant cultures of environmental governance in the West; these cultures tie sustainability goals to various and interrelated regimes of monitoring which attach to concepts of what Clark and Stevenson call “the good ecological citizen” (238). Citizenship is thus practiced through strategies of governmentality which call on individuals to invest not just in their own well-being, but in the broader project of life. Calculation is a primary technique through which modern environmental governance is enacted; calculative strategies are seen to mediate risk, according to Foucault, and consequently to “assure living” (Elden 575). Rationalised schemes for self-monitoring are proliferating under climate change and the project of environmentalism more broadly, something which critics of neo-liberalism have identified as symptomatic of the privatisation of politics that liberal governmentality has fostered. As we have seen in Australia, an evolving policy emphasis on individual practices and the domestic sphere as crucial sites of environmental action – for instance, the introduction of domestic water restrictions, and the phasing out of energy-inefficient light bulbs in the home—provides a leading discourse of ethico-political responsibility. The rise of carbon dioxide counting is symptomatic of this culture, and indicates the distributed fields of life management in contemporary governmentality. Carbon dioxide, as the CPE is keen to point out, is crucial to life, but it is also—in too large an amount—a force of destruction. Its management, in vitalist terms, is thus established as an effort to protect life in the face of death. The concept of “carbon footprinting” has been promoted by governments, NGOs, industry and individuals as a way of securing this goal, and a host of calculative techniques and strategies are employed to this end, across a spectrum of activities and contexts all framed in the interests of life. The footprinting measure seeks to secure living via self-policed limits, which also—in classic biopolitical form—shift previously private practices into a public realm of count-ability and accountability. The carbon footprint, like its associates the ecological footprint and the water footprint, has developed as a multi-faceted tool of citizenship beyond the traditional boundaries of the state. Suggesting an ecological conception of territory and of our relationships and responsibilities to this, the footprint, as a measure of resource use and emissions relative to the Earth’s capacities to absorb these, calculates and visualises the “specific qualities” (Elden 575) that, in a spatialised understanding of security, constitute and define this territory. The carbon footprint’s relatively simple remit of measuring carbon emissions per unit of assessment—be that the individual, the corporation, or the nation—belies the ways in which life is formatted and produced through its calculations. A tangled set of devices, practices and discourses is employed to make carbon and thus life calculable and manageable. Treading Lightly The old environmental adage to “tread lightly upon the Earth” has been literalised in the metaphor of the footprint, which attempts both to symbolise environmental practice and to directly translate data in order to meaningfully communicate necessary boundaries for our living. The World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report 2008 exemplifies the growing popularity of the footprint as a political and poetic hook: speaking in terms of our “ecological overshoot,” and the move from “ecological credit to ecological deficit”, the report urges an attendance to our “global footprint” which “now exceeds the world’s capacity to regenerate by about 30 per cent” (1). Angela Crombie’s A Lighter Footprint, an instruction manual for sustainable living, is one of a host of media through which individuals are educated in modes of footprint calculation and management. She presents a range of techniques, including carbon offsetting, shifting to sustainable modes of transport, eating and buying differently, recycling and conserving water, to mediate our carbon dioxide output, and to “show […] politicians how easy it is” (13). Governments however, need no persuading from citizens that carbon calculation is an exercise to be harnessed. As governments around the world move (slowly) to address climate change, policies that instrumentalise carbon dioxide emission and reduction via an auditing of credits and deficits have come to the fore—for example, the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme and the Chicago Climate Exchange. In Australia, we have the currently-under-debate Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, a part of which is the Australian Emissions Trading Scheme (AETS) that will introduce a system of “carbon credits” and trading in a market-based model of supply and demand. This initiative will put a price on carbon dioxide emissions, and cap the amount of emissions any one polluter can produce without purchasing further credits. In readiness for the scheme, business initiatives are forming to take advantage of this new carbon market. Industries in carbon auditing and off-setting services are consolidating; hectares of trees, already active in the carbon sequestration market, are being cultivated as “carbon sinks” and key sites of compliance for polluters under the AETS. Governments are also planning to turn their tracts of forested public land into carbon credits worth billions of dollars (Arup 7). The attachment of emission measures to goods and services requires a range of calculative experts, and the implementation of new marketing and branding strategies, aimed at conveying the carbon “health” of a product. The introduction of “food mile” labelling (the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in the transportation of the food from source to consumer) in certain supermarkets in the United Kingdom is an example of this. Carbon risk analysis and management programs are being introduced across businesses in readiness for the forthcoming “carbon economy”. As one flyer selling “a suite of carbon related services” explains, “early action will give you the edge in understanding and mitigating the risks, and puts you in a prime position to capitalise on the rewards” (MGI Business Solutions Worldwide). In addition, lobby groups are working to ensure exclusions from or the free allocation of permits within the proposed AETS, with degrees of compulsion applied to different industries – the Federal Government, for instance, will provide a $3.9 billion compensation package for the electric power sector when the AETS commences, to enable their “adjustment” to this carbon regime. Performing Life Noortje Mares provides a further means of thinking through the politics of life in the context of climate change by complicating the distinction between public and private interest. Her study of “green living experiments” describes the rise of carbon calculation in the home in recent years, and the implementation of technologies such as the smart electricity meter that provides a constantly updating display of data relating to amounts and cost of energy consumed and the carbon dioxide emitted in the routines of domestic life. Her research tracks the entry of these personal calculative regimes into public life via internet forums such as blogs, where individuals notate or discuss their experiences of pursing low-carbon lifestyles. On the one hand, these calculative practices of living and their public representation can be read as evidencing the pervasive neo-liberal governmentality at work in contemporary environmental practice, where individuals are encouraged to scrupulously monitor their domestic cultures. The rise of auditing as a technology of self, and more broadly as a technique of public accountability, has come under fire for its “immunity-granting role” (Charkiewicz 79), where internal audits become substituted for external compliance and regulation. Mares challenges this reading, however, by demonstrating the ways in which green living experiments “transform everyday material practices into practices of public involvement” that (118) don’t resolve or pin down relations between the individual, the non-human environment, and the social, or reveal a mappable flow of actions and effects between the public realm and the home. The empirical modes of publicity that these individuals employ, “the careful recording of measurements and the reliable descriptions of sensory observation, so as to enable ‘virtual witnessing’ by wider audiences”, open up to much more complex understandings than one of calculative self-discipline at work. As “instrument[s] of public involvement” (120), the experiments that Mares describe locate the politics of life in the embodied socio-material entanglements of the domestic sphere, in arrangements of humans and non-human technologies. Such arrangements, she suggests, are ontologically productive in that they introduce “not only new knowledge, but also new entities […] to society” (119), and as such these experiments and the modes of calculation they employ become active in the composition of reality. Recent work in economic sociology and cultural studies has similarly contended that calculation, far from either a naturalised or thoroughly abstract process, relies upon a host of devices, relations, and techniques: that is, as Gay Hawkins explains, calculative processes “have to be enacted” (108). Environmental governmentality in the service of securing life is a networked practice that draws in a host of actors, not a top-down imposition. The institution of carbon economies and carbon emissions as a new register of public accountability, brings alternative ways to calculate the world into being, and consequently re-calibrates life as it emerges from these heterogeneous arrangements. All That Gathers Latour writes that we come to know a matter of concern by all the things that gather around it (Latour). This includes the human, as well as the non-human actors, policies, practices and technologies that are put to work in the making of our realities. Climate change is routinely represented as a threat to life, with predicted (and occurring) species extinction, growing numbers of climate change refugees, dispossessed from uninhabitable lands, and the rise of diseases and extreme weather scenarios that put human life in peril. There is no doubt, of course, that climate change does mean death for some: indeed, there are thanopolitical overtones in inequitable relations between the fall-out of impacts from major polluting nations on poorer countries, or those much more susceptible to rising sea levels. Biosocial equity, as Bull points out, is a “matter of being equally alive and equally dead” (2). Yet in the biopolitical project of assuring living, life is burgeoning around the problem of climate change. The critique of neo-liberalism as a blanketing system that subjects all aspects of life to market logic, and in which the cynical techniques of industry seek to appropriate ethico-political stances for their own material ends, are insufficient responses to what is actually unfolding in the messy terrain of climate change and its biopolitics. What this paper has attempted to show is that there is no particular purchase on life that can be had by any one actor who gathers around this concern. Varying interests, ambitions, and intentions, without moral hierarchy, stake their claim in life as a constantly constituting site in which they participate, and from this perspective, the ways in which we understand life to be both produced and managed expand. This is to refuse either an opposition or a conflation between the market and nature, or the market and life. It is also to argue that we cannot essentialise human-ness in the climate change debate. 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