Lessons,narratives, and research directions for a sustainable circular economy

The current enthusiasm for the circular economy (CE) offers a unique opportunity to advance the impact of research on sustainability transitions. Diverse interpretations of CE by scholars, however, produce partly opposing assessments of its potential benefits, which can hinder progress. Here, we synthesize policy-relevant lessons and research directions for a sustainable CE and identify three narratives—optimist, reformist, and skeptical—that underpin the ambiguity in CE assessments. Based on 54 key CE scholars’ insights, we identify three research needs: the articulation and discussion of ontologically distinct CE narratives; bridging of technical, managerial, socio-economic, environmental, and political CE perspectives; and critical assessment of opportunities and limits of CE science–policy interactions. Our findings offer practical guidance for scholars to engage reflexively with the rapid expansion of CE knowledge, identify and pursue high-impact research directions, and communicate more effectively with practitioners and policymakers.     

Rhabdovirus-Like Particles in Crinkle-Diseased Strawberries in Germany

Thin sections of midribs from a Fragaria vesca UC-5 indicator plant infected by leaf grafting with a German isolate of strawberry crinkle contained typical rhabdovirus-like particles within cytoplasmic vesicles. Masses of rhabdovirus-like particles with a dark stained core and a transparent surrounding layer were seen in necrotic cells surrounding the vascular bundle and in necrotic leaf parenchyma.     

„Systematisch maßgebende“ Merkmale für die Einordnung derLentibulariaceen in das System

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Now an empty mudflat: past and present benthic abundances in the western Dutch Wadden Sea

The benthic fauna of two areas in the western Dutch Wadden Sea, Posthuiswad and Staart van Schieringhals, was described in 1930–1960 and again between 1996 and 2005. Here, we document the changes. Whereas both areas formerly had high densities of species that biogenically structured the intertidal mudflats such as mussels Mytilus edulis and cockles Cerastoderma edule, by 1996 they had shown a tenfold decrease in the densities of molluscs, with no recovery till 2005. Although the number of species of polychaetes and crustaceans may not have changed much, their relative abundance did. Nowadays, more polychaete species are common than before. We briefly discuss whether the changes in benthic community composition could be due to industrial fishery practices or eutrophication effects.