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Understanding the distribution and abundance of microbial stress-related genes (SRGs) is crucial for unraveling the intricate dynamics of microbial communities and their responses to diverse environmental conditions. Despite the importance of these genes in shaping microbial adaptation and resilience, a comprehensive examination of their relative abundance across distinct climatic regions, such as boreal, temperate, and tropical environments, remains notably scarce in the existing literature. This study seeks to address this research gap by exploring and comparing the relative abundances of microbial SRGs using GeoChip 5.0 functional gene array in these three climatic regions. Our data indicate a greater relative abundance of SRGs such as nsrR , degP , cpxR, ahpF , Obg and cisD in the tropical region than in the other two regions whereas ecf and glnA showed higher abundance in both temperate and tropical regions in terms of reference forests and old parks. The distinct characteristics of the tropical biome are likely to influence both SRGs and the profile of SRG-hosts, consequently enhancing soil microbial abundances. Moreover, multivariate analyses unveiled distinct SRG profiles in urban parks and climatic regions. Additionally, we explored the influence of plant functional types (recalcitrant and labile tree litter, lawn) on SRGs. The impact of vegetation type on SRGs was not statistically significant, except in the tropical region, where its influence was notably pronounced compared to the boreal and temperate regions. Furthermore, several genes (nsrR , degP , cpxR , degS , dnaK , Obg , cisD , and glnA) were more prevalent in old parks when compared to young parks in all three climatic regions. However, urban parks displayed a significantly elevated abundance of SRGs compared to forest areas. This study provides new insights into the prevalence of SRGs across different climatic regions, enhancing our understanding of their dynamics in both human-influenced environments and pristine habitats. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban densification has led to the adoption of vegetated façades as a nature-based strategy to increase urban green spaces and enhance urban living conditions. However, limited knowledge regarding suitable plants for vegetated façades can impede the process. In this field experiment conducted in Southern Finland, we investigated the performance of 12 potential plant taxa for a vegetated façade by assessing their visual appearance and sizes in relation to façade orientation, floor height, substrate pH, and mycorrhizal inoculation. The 12 plant taxa were categorized into 4 growth forms according to their morphologies: spreading conifers, dwarf conifers, creeping conifers, and climbers. We aimed to evaluate plant performance during the initial two growing seasons, which is critical for the successful establishment of these plants in vegetated façades. Eight of the twelve plant taxa exhibited relatively high performance in terms of visual appearance and size. Notably, creeping conifers outperformed other growth forms in visual appearance, which was most likely due to their close-to-ground morphology. Façade orientation and substrate pH were the most influential predictor variables. Façade orientation affected both plant visual appearance and size, while substrate pH primarily affected plant visual appearance. The east-facing façade (less exposure to sun and wind) and mildly acid substrate (pH 6–6.5) were more conducive to most of the plant taxa. Certain species and cultivars, such as Juniperus communis 'Lalli', maintained constant plant visual appearance and size regardless of façade orientation and substrate pH, suggesting their adaptability and stability across various conditions. Floor height and mycorrhizal inoculation only displayed marginal and taxon-specific impacts. Given that some plants in our vegetated façade exhibited optimal performance different from those in their reported natural habitats, we encourage conducting long-term, on-site experiments to identify suitable plants for vegetated façades to ensure successful vegetated façade implementation. [Display omitted] • Empirical evidence of plant performances in a vegetated façade based on repeated field data. • Creeping and spreading conifers showed good visual appearance and big size. • Plant performance was predominantly affected by façade orientation and substrate pH. • Good plant visual appearance did not guarantee big size in vegetated façade, and vice versa. • Plant demands in vegetated façade differ from those previously shown at ground-level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green roofs are a promising tool to return nature to cities and mitigate biodiversity loss brought about by urbanization. Yet, we lack basic information on how green roofs contribute to biodiversity and how their placement in the urban landscape affects different taxa and community composition. We studied the effects of local and landscape variables on beetle communities on green roofs. We expected that both local roof characteristics and urban landscape composition shape communities, but that their relative importance depends on species characteristics. Using pitfall traps, we collected beetles during two consecutive years from 17 green roofs in Basel, Switzerland. We evaluated the contribution of six local and six landscape variables to beetle community structure and to the responses of individual species. Communities on the roofs consisted of mobile and open dry-habitat species, with both local and landscape variables playing a role in structuring these communities. At the individual species level, local roof variables were more important than characteristics of the surrounding urban landscape. The most influential factors affecting the abundances of beetle species were vegetation, described as forb and grass cover (mainly positive), and roof age (mainly negative). Therefore, we suggest that the careful planning of green roofs with diverse vegetation is essential to increase their value as habitat for beetles. In addition, while beetle communities on green roofs can be diverse regardless of their placement in the urban landscape, the lack of wingless species indicates the need to increase the connectivity of green roofs to ground level habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees are believed to improve air quality, thus providing an important ecosystem service for urban inhabitants. However, empirical evidence on the beneficial effects of urban vegetation on air quality at the local level and in boreal climatic regions is scarce. We studied the influence of greenbelt-type forest patches on NO 2 levels (i) in front of, (ii) inside and (iii) behind greenbelts next to major roads in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Finland, during summer and winter using passive collectors. Concentrations of NO 2 were significantly higher in front of greenbelts compared to road sides without greenbelts. The more trees there were inside greenbelts the higher the NO 2 level in front of greenbelts, likely due to the formation of a recirculation zone of air flow in front of greenbelts. Similarly, NO 2 levels were higher inside greenbelts than in open areas without them, likely due to reduced air flow inside greenbelts. NO 2 levels behind greenbelts were similar to those detected at the same distance from the road but without greenbelts. Our results suggest that, regardless of season, roadside greenbelts of mostly broadleaf trees do not reduce NO 2 levels in near-road environments, but can result in higher NO 2 levels in front of and inside greenbelts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the context of enhancing sustainable and livable urban environments, one aim is to establish multifunctional green infrastructure (GI). We argue that in order to successfully plan and manage the development of GI, an inclusive and future-oriented stance concerning the needs and expectations of urbanites is required. By using green roofs as an example, the aim of this paper was to offer insights into how people envisage novel GI in urban environments and to reveal the scope of meanings and values people attach to these kinds of green infrastructure. We present results based on 149 stories collected with the method of empathy-based stories. Respondents were asked to use their imagination to produce mental images of not-yet-existing green roofs in different urban situations. Our results reflect a rich set of dimensions of green roofs that the respondents vividly imagined. Green roofs may contribute to the livability of urban areas in multiple ways, such as strengthening social cohesion, providing space for everyday renewal and restoration, offering interesting sceneries and multisensory experiences, softening the hard cityscape, showing ephemeral events and making experiences of “height” possible, as well as increasing the “contact with nature” experiences for residents, e.g. through biodiverse nature in the middle of built environments. Furthermore, the need for local, customized solutions that offer different benefits and experiences was expressed. Using both qualitative and quantitative analyses, we idealized four green roof meta-types for understanding the diverse expectations people may have for green roofs in urban area: Urban farm, Oasis, Urban hill and Meadow. Based on our results we suggest that comprehensive experiences and needs of people should be taken into account when designing urban green roofs or urban green in general – not only, e.g. visual pleasure. Also, site- and user-specific solutions should be considered instead of generally applied ones. Our results offer tools for, e.g. urban planners to understand the value of diverse green roof solutions to the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Local co-creation processes prove useful to produce legitimate and viable CCA plans. • Representative networks can effectively support CCA planning and social learning. • Identifiable factors connect local networks, co-creation processes and CCA planning. • Landscape is an effective systemic and integrative platform for CCA. • 15 pilots across Europe promote governance innovation and increased transferability. The development of legitimate, operative, and feasible landscape adaptation planning for climate change is dependent on the specific characteristics of the landscape and its inhabitants. Spatial patterns, culture, governance systems, socio-economic structures, planning methods, history, and collectively envisioned futures need to be accommodated. The literature suggests that landscape is a complex and dynamic socio-ecological system, the management and adaptation of which requires systemic and integrative approaches to respond to a wide variety of drivers of change, challenges, and interests. Based on activities developed in 15 European pilot landscapes, we identify some of the key factors and conditions affecting the generation of representative local networks for landscape adaptation to climate change. We illustrate how social learning and co-creation processes can be implemented in them and how their co-produced outcomes can help local communities overcome barriers and address critical issues in adaptive planning. Our results provide a framework for the creation of similar networks in other landscapes, exploring at the same time the interactions between the composition of networks, social learning, and the quality of the co-produced outputs as a fundamental step for the development of Landscape Adaptation Plans to Climate Change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic is a major source of pollutants in cities. In this well-replicated study we analysed a broad array of contaminants in snowpacks along roads of different traffic intensities. The majority of pollutants showed a similar pattern with respect to traffic intensity: pH and conductivity as well as concentrations of PAHs, total suspended solids, phosphorus and most heavy metals were higher next to high intensity roads compared to low intensity roads. These pollutant levels also decreased considerably up to 5 m distance from the roads. Furthermore, apart from nitrogen, these variables increased in concentration from control sites in urban forest patches to road bank sites next to roads of low, intermediate and high traffic intensities. The deposition pattern of various traffic-derived pollutants – whether gaseous or particle-bound – was the same. Such information can be useful for the purposes of managing pollutants in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We explored the aesthetics and acceptability of decaying logs in urban forests. [•] Aesthetic experience did not differ much between sites with old, fresh or no logs. [•] Fresh logs were considered slightly more aesthetically appealing than old ones. [•] Logs were accepted as natural features in urban forests. [•] We suggest leaving decaying logs in urban forests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We studied the restorative potential of fragmented urban forests in Helsinki, Finland. Our aim was to explore how perceived restorativeness (PR) in urban forests changes when exposed to different levels of urbanity observed through the forest vegetation from the viewpoint of the forest interior. The level of PR was measured in forests that bordered either housing or a road. Three sampling points were selected within each forest, which included (1) an open view (at the edge), (2) a semi-closed view (at the edge zone), and (3) a closed view (in the forest interior) to the urban matrix. We hypothesized that the less urban matrix is observed through the forest vegetation from within the forest, the higher PR would be, and that PR is higher in forests bordering housing than in forests bordering roads. Results supported our hypotheses, as PR was higher inside forests with a closed view to the urban matrix compared to semi-closed and open views. PR was also higher in forests bordering housing than forests bordering a road, albeit not statistically significantly so. We conclude that in order to enhance the restorative potential of an urban forest, planners and managers should preserve sufficiently large forest patches with forest interior habitats, or promote the growth of dense and multilayered vegetation to restrict visibility to the urban matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Urbanisation causes similar landscape patterns across the world; cities are characterised by a densely populated and highly disturbed urban core, a less disturbed suburban zone and a least disturbed rural surroundings. In 1998, we set up a project to investigate the effects of this urbanisation gradient on the responses of carabid beetles (Carabidae, Coleoptera) in different cities across the globe. To date, eight cities have participated in this project and the findings can be summarised as follows. In general, carabid abundance and species richness increased from the city centres to the rural surroundings. Forest specialist species tended to be more common in suburban and rural zones, while open-habitat species predominate in the urban core. The highly disturbed urban environments were also generally characterised by a few dominant species and species capable of flight, while suburban and rural areas were characterised by larger-sized species and species incapable of flight. Deviations from these general patters do occur, notably the occurrence and high abundance of introduced carabid species in urban Edmonton, Canada. The challenge now is to infer process from these patterns. In particular, community and species specific responses need to be related to characteristics of the urbanised landscape, i.e. the urban–rural gradient needs to be operationalised in terms of specific disturbance features. Furthermore, the results should now be communicated to decision-makers so that they can be considered in planning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The method of empathy-based stories (MEBS) is useful in generating data regarding green spaces with children. • Children vividly expressed their needs and expectations that also offer design implications for planners. • Both designed features and wild nature are important elements of child-friendly urban green spaces. • In different cultures, children's mental images of the specific features and uses of nature may vary. One of the important features of cities is to provide high-quality outdoor environments for various groups of citizens. Although children are frequent users of green spaces, the knowledge and perspectives applied in planning and design of urban green spaces are mostly defined by adults. This results in spaces and practices that may limit the daily lives and creativity of urban children. Promoting child-friendly cities benefits from knowledge produced by children themselves, regarding their perceptions and experiences, as well as ideas and suggestions. This study provides empirical results concerning children's needs and mental images for urban green spaces in two urban areas in two countries (Chengdu, China, and Ruhr Region, Germany). 765 children, ages 8–10 were surveyed through the method of empathy-based stories (MEBS). Participants were asked to use their imagination to write stories according to given scenarios. Our study shows that MEBS can be used to gather meaningful data with children, and that children are an important stakeholder group in urban planning, landscape design and management with an ability to express their diverse needs and preferences towards green spaces. Both designed green spaces (e.g. gardens, parks) and wild nature (e.g. forests, meadows) can offer a range of activities and experiences for children in their everyday lives: opportunities for play, socializing, contact with nature, aesthetic and restorative experiences, learning and exploration. Our findings include indications of children's awareness of the diverse ecosystem services that green spaces provide, as well as of urban sustainability and livability. While we found German and Chinese children to have corresponding needs and expectations regarding urban green spaces and nature, we also found some variation. We suggest that the use of, and experiences in green spaces are linked not only to the landscape but also to conceptual-cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the effects of edge structure (i.e. side-canopy openness based on tree, sapling and shrub characteristics, and the composition of tree species) on the understorey vegetation at mesic urban conifer-dominated forest edges in southern Finland. Forest edge structure had an effect on understorey vegetation, and on the spatial extent of the edge effect into the forests. At open edges the edge effect (in terms of the abundances of understorey vegetation) penetrated at least up to 30m into the forest patches whereas closed edges may prevent these effects. A multilayered canopy with saplings and shrubs at the edge is important to alleviate the effects of the edge. We found that 225–250m3 ha−1 of trees (diameter at breast height (dbh)>5cm) is adequate to restrict the edge effect near the edge. However, the number of broad-leaved trees may be high at edges which, in turn, diminishes the abundance of mosses and favours herb species, thus changing the original natural understorey vegetation composition. Therefore we recommend that conifers be favoured at the edges of mesic conifer-dominated forest patches if the purpose is to restrict the extent of the effects of habitat edges. The appropriate proportion of conifers at these edges should be 80% or more. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Abstract: We studied the effects of traditional forest management practices (i.e. forest exploitation activities such as burning, cutting and livestock grazing) on carabid beetle (Coleoptera, Carabidae) assemblages in Pyrenean oak forests of NW Spain. A total of 11370 carabid individuals representing 61 species were collected by pitfall trapping from May to October 2004 in four types of traditionally managed oak ecosystems: “dehesa”, “mature open”, “mature closed” and “young”. These four management types experienced a variety of anthropogenic activities, resulting in differences in the structure and composition of the tree and understorey vegetation layers. We showed that the four management types were quite similar at the carabid assemblage level, mainly supporting open habitat and generalist species. The “dehesa” system was most distinct with a higher species richness (not significantly) and with several unique species, probably travelling from the adjacent grassland. However, many species responded significantly to the type of management, depending on the habitat associations of the species. We also found strong responses of some of the species to one type of management, either positive (exclusively collected from one management type) or negatively (completely absent). Shrub cover and soil organic matter content were the main environmental variables determining the carabid assemblage structure. At the regional scale, the four management types accounted for a high carabid beetle diversity. This diversity appears to be threatened by landscape homogenization, since traditional management practices are disappearing due to recent land-use changes in the area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Urban park age and plant type influence soil characteristics. • Urban greenspaces provide important ecosystem services similarly to non-urban ones. • High soil C content is associated with higher microbial and earthworm biomass. • Path analysis linked OM accumulation with evergreen trees. As cities grow, urban greenspace assumes a more central role in the provision of ecosystem services (ESS). Many ecosystem services depend on the interactions of soil-plant systems, with the quantity and quality of services affected by plant type and age. The question, however, remains whether urban greenspace can be included in the same ecological framework as non-urban greenspace. Our previous studies have contributed towards filling this knowledge gap by investigating the effects of plant functional type (evergreen trees, deciduous trees and lawn) and plant age on soil characteristics and functionality in urban greenspace, offering also a comparison with non-urban greenspace. A total of 41 urban parks and five non-urban forest sites within and adjacent to the cities of Helsinki and Lahti (Finland) were included in this project. Path analyses presented in this contribution, combined with a synthesis of previous findings, offer strong evidence that urban greenspace functions similarly to non-urban greenspace. In particular, plant functional types lead to soil environmental modifications similar to those in non-urban ecosystems. Therefore, vegetation choice upon park construction/implementation can improve the quality and quantity of ESS provided by urban greenspace. However, although vegetation modifies urban greenspace soils with time in a fashion similar to non-urban greenspace, the vegetation type effect is greater in non-urban greenspaces. To conclude, our synthesis of previous studies provides science-based guidance for urban planners who aim to optimize ESS in urban greenspaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Living tree structure and dead wood were measured in urban spruce stands. • Urban forests were compared to rural managed and semi-natural forests. • Living stands in urban forests were structurally diverse and rich in old trees. • Biodiversity value of urban forests could be developed by retaining more dead wood. Urban forests are usually not intensively managed and may provide suitable environments for species threatened by production forestry. Thus, urban forests could have the potential of enhancing biodiversity both within cities and at a larger landscape scale. In this study, we investigated stand structures of boreal urban forests to assess them in terms of naturalness and biodiversity conservation potential. We sampled two types of urban spruce-dominated stands: random urban stands as representatives of average urban forests, and valuable urban stands known to host high polypore richness and assumed to represent urban biodiversity hotspots. Urban forests were compared to rural forests with different levels of naturalness. Living and dead trees and cut stumps were measured from all studied stands. Urban forests had generally diverse living tree structures with abundant large-diameter trees. Random urban forests had more dead wood (median 10.1 m3 ha−1) than production forests (2.7 m3 ha−1) but still considerably less than protected, former production forests (53.9 m3 ha−1) or semi-natural forests (115.6 m3 ha−1). On the other hand, valuable urban forests had relatively high median volume of dead wood (88.2 m3 ha−1). We conclude that the combination of diverse stand composition and the presence of old-growth characteristics in boreal urban forests form a strong baseline from which their biodiversity value can be further developed, e.g. by leaving more fallen or cut trees to form dead wood. We propose that urban forests could become significant habitats for biodiversity conservation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation of vegetated, or green roofs, warrant a revisit of the terminology used in order to efficiently, and without confusion, convey information among scientists, policy makers and practitioners. A Web of Science and Google Scholar search (from 1996 to 2018) showed a steady increase in green roof articles, reaching close to 300 per year in WOS and ca. 2500 in Google Scholar, with approximately 10–20%, and up to 40 % of all articles using the terms extensive and/or intensive, especially in recent years. We evaluated the use of these terms, including 'green roof', and 'intensive and extensive roof', found that they are used in confusing ways, and provide compelling evidence that there is a need for revising the terminology. Acknowledging that most, if not all, vegetated roofs are multifunctional, we propose a new classification system based on the roof's primary function(s) and vegetation, such as "stormwater meadow roof", "biodiversity meadow roof", "biodiversity forest roof", or even "multifunctional meadow roof". This new terminological sphere is not meant to be rigid, but should be allowed to evolve so that useful combinations survive the scrutiny of academia and practitioners, while less useful ones go extinct. A clear and standardized terminology will serve to avoid confusion, allow for generalizations and aid in the development of this rapidly-expanding field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]