Abstract:This study was performed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and the phenolic profile of Eucalytus globulus Labill. and Corymbia ficifolia (F. Muell.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S. Johnson leaves. Both leave extracts contain significant amounts of phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the phenolic compounds were performed using a HPLC/MS method. The main flavonoid was hyperoside and its highest amount was found in E. globulus (666.42 ± 5.02 μg/g dw plant material). Regarding the flavonol profile, myricetin was the dominant compound and its highest amount was found in C. ficifolia leaves (124.46 ± 0.24 μg/g dw plant material). The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, TEAC, hemoglobin ascorbate peroxidase OPEN ACCESSMolecules 2015, 20 4721 activity inhibition (HAPX) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation catalyzed by cytochrome c assays, revealing an important antioxidant potential for both species. In the antimicrobial assays, C. ficifolia extract was found to be more active than E. globulus against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains with the exception of Bacillus subtilis. The results of the present study provide new valuable data regarding the bioactivities of these medicinal species.

Evapotranspiration plays an essential role in estimating water balance, runoff and effective precipitation. To determine historical and projected water availability for Europe, we contribute high‐resolution (1 km) estimates of monthly and annual potential evapotranspiration (ET0) and actual evapotranspiration (AET0). In the ET0 calculation, the monthly and annual heat index I and annual α parameter were estimated following the Thornthwaite method, and AET0 was calculated using the Budyko approach. The variables were estimated for a climate normal period that largely precedes an anthropogenic warming signal (1961–1990), and for two CMIP5 multi‐model future projections (2011–2040 and 2041–2070). We project widespread and relatively uniform ET0 increases of around 50–100 mm by the 2020s and 75–125 mm by the 2050s for most of Europe. These values imply important changes that may affect runoff and groundwater recharge. AET0 was identified as important driver of water availability with more regional variability. Spatial mapping of changes relative to the normal baseline imply that all except northern parts of Europe are vulnerable to water deficits, with pronounced decrease expected in southern Europe. We provide high‐resolution maps and data as an important tool for future natural resources management and climate change mitigation planning.

ABSTRACT:In this study, the annual and seasonal crop evapotranspiration at the spatial level of the Carpathian Region were evaluated over 1961-2010. The temperature, precipitation and actual evapotranspiration grid monthly climate data and land cover were analysed and processed on a seasonal basis to compute the annual crop evapotranspiration. The land cover evapotranspiration rate was assigned through evapotranspiration coefficients from the literature. Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques, such as conversions from vector to raster data and the 'Raster Calculator' function, were used to assess the spatial distribution of the crop evapotranspiration at a regional scale.In particular, two datasets from different periods (1961-1990 and 1990-2010) were used to compute the seasonal and annual crop evapotranspiration for the Carpathian region. The results of climate parameters indicate a rise in temperature and crop evapotranspiration values between the first and the second period. In addition, significant spatial changes were observed with a shift of maximum values from south to north.

Known especially for its negative ecological impact, Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) is now considered one of the most invasive species. Nevertheless, its chemical composition has shown, beyond doubt, some high biological active compounds that can be a source of valuable pharmacological potential for the enhancement of human health. In this direction, resveratrol, emodin or polydatin, to name a few, have been extensively studied to demonstrate the beneficial effects on animals and humans. Thus, by taking into consideration the recent advances in the study of Japanese knotweed and its phytochemical constituents, the aim of this article is to provide an overview on the high therapeutic potential, underlining its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, among the most important ones. Moreover, we describe some future directions for reducing the negative impact of Fallopia japonica by using the plant for its beekeeping properties in providing a distinct honey type that incorporates most of its bioactive compounds, with the same health-promoting properties.

ABSTRACT:Land cover and spatial variation of seasonal temperature may contribute to different evapotranspiration rates between the European regions. In order to assess the integral effect of land cover and climate on water resources, we implemented a procedure which allows defining favorability areas to high rate of evapotranspiration. Seasonal mean air temperature for the present (2011-2040) and future (2041-2070) combined with the seasonal crop coefficients of current future projections of land cover for the 2040s have been used to evaluate the various degrees of evapotranspiration at European scale. Extremely high and very high degree of evapotranspiration tendency were verified for Southern, Eastern, Western and Central of Europe during the mid-season period. The low and very low evapotranspiration favorability were found in the Scandinavian Peninsula and in the Alps, Dinarics, and Carpathian during the present period in all the seasons. In the cold season, the land cover favorability to evapotranspiration (LCFE) is low and very low in almost the whole Europe. These findings indicate that the southern and western regions of Europe are facing low water availability, decrease in surface water flow, and possible long periods of drought in the summers.