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EcoQS assessment of the marine intertidal zone based on its fauna is challenging because the assemblages have a low diversity and consist of stress tolerant species. The new approach we propose is to pool foraminiferal diversity (effective number of species exp(H' bc )) across the whole intertidal zone including the salt marsh and tidal flat. In seven fjordheads studied in northern Fennoscandia, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations indicated low levels of pollution (EcoQS PAH Excellent to Moderate). Jadammina or Balticammina dominated the salt marsh, Elphidium albiumbilicatum, Elphidium williamsoni, Elphidium clavatum, and Buccella frigida occurred in the tidal flat. Ovammina opaca thrived in both belts. While foraminiferal test abnormalities are often proposed to measure pollution impacts, we did not detect any correlation with PAHs. EcoQS based on foraminiferal diversity (EcoQS foram Excellent to Good) matched EcoQS based on PAHs suggesting that pooled foraminiferal diversity reliably measures intertidal EcoQS., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Living benthic foraminifera, known as environmental bio-indicators of both natural and anthropogenic conditions in marine environments, were investigated in the coastal environment of Roscoff Aber Bay (Brittany, France). Eight sampling sites subject to natural variations (freshwater inputs, tides) and/or anthropogenic impacts (pollution, eutrophication) were studied over four seasons in 2021–2022 (November, February, May, August). We sought to understand the spatial distribution of foraminiferal populations within and between sampling sites over the different seasons and to identify sensitive species and those tolerant to anthropogenic impacts. To this end, sedimentary and biogeochemical characteristics of the sediments were examined by measuring grain size, temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH, environmental pigment concentration (chl a and phaeopigments), total organic carbon (TOC), isotopic ratios of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulfide (δ34S), and chl a fluorescence. Considering these parameters as potential driving factors, four environments were distinguished among the sampling sites: open water, terrestrial, oligotrophic and eutrophic. These showed an increasing gradient of organic supply as well as very different microbial activities, highlighted by carbon and sulfide isotopic ratios. Foraminiferal population study revealed the dominant species characterising these main environments. The lowest abundance but highest diversity of foraminifera was found in the harbour site, associated with the dominance of Haynesina germanica, suggesting this species is tolerant to eutrophic environments and anthropogenic impacts. Open water was dominated by Ammonia beccarii and Elphidium crispum, while Quinqueloculina seminula was the most abundant species in the site with the greatest terrestrial influence. Interestingly, the observed organic enrichment of the harbour due to anthropogenic activities (fisheries, waste deposits, etc.) does not seem to significantly affect foraminiferal diversity. Overall, the benthic foraminiferal species in Roscoff Aber Bay appear to be an excellent proxy for marine environmental conditions under various natural and anthropogenic influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benthic foraminifera are unicellular marine micro-organism with a hard exoskeleton and commonly present in the benthic community of marine ecosystem. This study aimed to identify the benthic foraminifera present along the coastal areas of eight municipalities in Biliran Island, Philippines. Quadrat sampling was conducted and three samples per quadrant transect of 1 m x 1 m divided into nine squares were collected. The samples were then observed under the microscope, and the specimens seen were identified by comparing them with the images of the sample species from the website https://marinespecies.org/. The researchers conducted an in-situ collection of the foraminiferal shells from intertidal areas along shallow water coastlines of the island. Results showed that the coastal environment of Biliran Island has the presence of the genera Spirillina, Quinqueloculina, Marginopora and Sorites. The identified species were classified based on their feeding mechanisms as herbivory and passive suspension feeding. The presence of benthic foraminifera species along the coastal environments of Biliran Island provides a record of the environment where they are found, making them natural bioindicators of water quality. This study provides a baseline for further studies on the distribution and abundance of benthic foraminifera in the area and can contribute to the understanding of the environmental conditions of the coastal areas in Biliran Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the prevalent sedimentological and geochemical patterns and investigates the environmental status of the bottom of Gialova lagoon, a highly vulnerable coastal site of the EU's Natura 2000 network. For this task, lithological, geochemical, and microfaunal analyses of sediment samples were combined with a high-resolution bathymetric survey. Potential pollution was determined using geochemical-based (EF, I-geo, and PLI) and faunal (Foram-AMBI) indices. We find that sedimentation is mainly controlled by the bottom morphology, hydrodynamic variations, and biogenic productivity of the lagoon. The application of the multivariate factor analysis technique revealed four dominant factors explaining the geochemical processes occurring in the lagoon. The first factor, namely "terrigenous aluminosilicates associated with Corg vs. autochthonous biogenic carbonates", discriminates the deposition of detrital sediments, related to the high adsorption of heavy metals—versus bioclastic sediments. The "sulfides" factor represents an anoxic phase of the lagoon floor, whereas the "Mn-oxyhydroxides" factor indicates increased manganese content with several compounded trace elements. The "phosphate" factor reveals multiple sources of phosphorus in the lagoon. The lagoon bottom shows negligible to minor contamination in heavy metals, except Mo and Pb, which induce moderate pollution levels. The maximum contamination and environmental stress concern two small-sized, shallow basins within the lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Svalbard spans large climate gradients, associated with atmospheric circulation patterns and variations in ocean heat content and sea ice cover. Future precipitation increases are projected to peak in the northeast and to mainly occur in winter, but uncertainties underscore the need for reconstructions of long‐term spatial and temporal variations in precipitation amounts and seasonality. We use lipid biomarkers from four sedimentary lake records along a climatic gradient from western to northeastern Svalbard to reconstruct Holocene water cycle changes. We measured the leaf wax hydrogen isotopic composition of long‐chain (terrestrial) and mid‐chain (aquatic) n‐alkanoic acids, reflecting δ2H of precipitation (δ2Hprecip) and lake water (δ2Hlake), respectively. δ2Hprecip values mainly reflect summer precipitation δ2H and evapotranspiration, whereas δ2Hlake values can reflect various precipitation seasonality due to varying lake hydrology. For one lake, we used the difference between δ2Hprecip and δ2Hlake (εprecip‐lake) to infer summer evapotranspiration changes. Relatively 2H‐enriched δ2Hprecip values and higher εprecip‐lake in the Early and Middle Holocene suggest warm summers with higher evapotranspiration, and/or more proximal summer moisture. After c. 6 cal. ka BP, 2H‐depleted δ2Hprecip values and lower εprecip‐lake indicate summer cooling, less evapotranspiration, or more distally derived moisture. Early to Middle Holocene decrease in δ2Hlake values in two northern Spitsbergen lakes reflects an increase in the proportion of winter relative to summer precipitation, associated with regional warming and increased moisture supply, which may be due to increased distal moisture supply and/or reduced sea ice cover. Our northern Svalbard δ2Hlake records suggest great Late Holocene climate variability with periodic winter precipitation increases or decreases in summer precipitation inflow to the lakes. We find that Holocene summer precipitation δ2H values mainly follow changes in summer insolation and temperature, whereas the seasonal distribution of precipitation is sensitive to catchment hydrology, regional ocean surface conditions, and moisture source changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses a multiproxy approach including the first use of 187Os/188Os, %C37:4 biomarkers, carbonate content, sedimentological grain size, geochemical X‐ray fluorescence and microfossil benthic foraminifera species combined with radiocarbon dating, measured on six cores from across the Skagerrak, in order to study the Lateglacial to Middle Holocene history of the area. A new chronostratigraphic framework is developed based on the appearance of specific benthic foraminifera species along with changes in carbonate/X‐ray fluorescence and grain size data. This allowed the correlation of cores based on a series of radiocarbon dated tie points. Analysing the cores together reveals several events recorded in the Skagerrak including: (i) an increased freshwater input (bracketed between 13.3 and 11.3 cal. ka BP) signified by radiogenic 187Os/188Os values, high %C37:4 values and an increase in sand content; (ii) the Glomma drainage event, signified by a sudden appearance of Valvulineria as well as higher %C37:4; and (iii) the opening of the Danish Straits and English Channel leading to the development of modern‐day conditions and circulation patterns in the Skagerrak, signified by the appearance of Hyalinea balthica and a fall in %C37:4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aim. Shoulder injuries are common in women volleyball players, often resulting from repetitive overhead movements. Effective strength training methods can help prevent these injuries. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an eight-week resistance band training program on shoulder muscle strength enhancement and injury prevention in women volleyball athletes. Material and Methods. Forty collegiate women volleyball players, aged 18-25, were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The intervention group underwent a structured resistance band training program targeting shoulder strength, which included exercises like shoulder presses, lateral raises, internal and external rotations, and scapular retractions. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to assess shoulder muscle strength before and after the intervention, measuring peak torque of the shoulder flexors, extensors, internal rotators, and external rotators. Injury rates were monitored throughout the volleyball season, documenting the number and severity of shoulder injuries. Results. Significant improvements in shoulder muscle strength were observed in the intervention group across all measured parameters (p < 0.001), while the control group showed minimal changes (p > 0.05). Moreover, the intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in shoulder injury rates post-intervention (p = 0.041), whereas the control group's injury rates remained stable (p = 0.768). Conclusions. The findings suggest that resistance band training effectively enhances shoulder muscle strength and reduces injury rates in women volleyball athletes. Integrating targeted strength training, such as resistance band exercises, into regular training routines may help enhance athlete performance and mitigate injury risk in sports characterized by repetitive overhead movements. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and optimal implementation strategies of resistance band training in athletic contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to reconstruct the last century's climatic oscillations in the Arctic region around the Fram Strait using high-resolution analysis of foraminiferal assemblages as proxies for surface and deep-water mass properties. In this area, warm Atlantic water masses are advected to the Arctic Ocean through the West Spitsbergen Current, representing the northernmost tip of the Global Thermohaline Circulation. The interaction between the cold Arctic and the warm Atlantic water masses significantly influences the entire foraminiferal community. Planktic species such as Neogloboquadrina pachyderma and Turborotalita quinqueloba are respectively used as indicators of cold Arctic water and warm Atlantic water masses. Among the main benthic species, Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi, Epistominella exigua, and Oridorsalis tener stand out, serving as proxies for the bottom water mass current velocity and paleoproductivity. The paleoenvironmental reconstruction obtained with the foraminiferal assemblages, together with data from satellite monitoring of the sea ice extent and the long-term record of the annual temperature of the West Spitsbergen Current measured over the last 50 years, support the evidence of a progressively rising heat influx into the Arctic Ocean due to an increasing Atlantic water inflow, forcing the consequent decay of the sea ice extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The study explores the indirect impact of climate change driven by gentoo's penguin colonization pressure on the microbial communities of moss banks formed by Tall moss turf subformation in central maritime Antarctica. Methods: Microbial communities and chemical composition of the differently affected moss banks (Unaffected, Impacted and Desolated) located on Galindez Island and flape Tuxen on the mainland of Kyiv Peninsula were analyzed. Results: The native microbiota of the moss banks' peat was analyzed for the first time, revealing a predominant presence of Acidobacteria (32.2 ± 14.4%), followed by Actinobacteria (15.1 ± 4.0%) and Alphaproteobacteria (9.7 ± 4.1%). Penguin colonization and subsequent desolation of moss banks resulted in an increase in peat pH (from 4.7 ± 0.05 to 7.2 ± 0.6) and elevated concentrations of soluble nitrogen (from 1.8 ± 0.4 to 46.9 ± 2.1 DIN, mg/kg) and soluble phosphorus compounds (from 3.6 ± 2.6 to 20.0 ± 1.8 DIP, mg/kg). The contrasting composition of peat and penguin feces led to the elimination of the initial peat microbiota, with an increase in Betaproteobacteria (from 1.3 ± 0.8% to 30.5 ± 23%) and Bacteroidota (from 5.5 ± 3.7% to 19.0 ± 3.7%) proportional to the intensity of penguins' impact, accompanied by a decrease in community diversity. Microbial taxa associated with birds' guts, such as Gottschalkia and Tissierella, emerged in Impacted and Desolated moss banks, along with bacteria likely benefiting from eutrophication. The changes in the functional capacity of the penguin-affected peat microbial communities were also detected. The nitrogen-cycling genes that regulate the conversion of urea into ammonia, nitrite oxide, and nitrate oxide (ureC, amoA, nirS, nosZ, nxrB) had elevated copy numbers in the affected peat. Desolated peat samples exhibit the highest nitrogen-cycle gene numbers, significantly differing from Unaffected peat (p < 0.05). Discussion: The expansion of gentoo penguins induced by climate change led to the replacement of acidophilic microbiomes associated with moss banks, shaping a new microbial community influenced by penguin guano's chemical and microbial composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot Executive Function (hot EF) refers to cognitive process involved in high emotion or motivation, and the operation of this function is related to the activities of the ventromedial prefrontal lobe and orbitofrontal lobe. Meanwhile, rhythmic-movement activity is a musical activity in which one expresses and feels music with one's own body movements which involves cognitive abilities such as adjusting and understanding emotions among children. To explore how rhythmic-movement activity with rewards influences the development of hot EF in children of 5-6 years old, the organization principles of rhythmic-movement activity with rewards intervention on hot EF were designed, and 62 children of 5-6 years old in a kindergarten in Yantai of China were selected as research participants (M = 5.80 years old, SD = 0.37 years old) for pre-test and post-test experimental design. The experimental group received rhythmic-movement activity with rewards three times a week for 6 weeks, while the control group did not. The gift delay task and the children's gambling task were used to measure two sub-components of hot EF before and after the intervention, and the results show that rhythmic-movement activity with rewards has a significant effect on gratification delay and affective decision-making ability of children. Finally, the effects and enlightenment of rhythmic-movement activity with rewards on hot EF are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's main aim was to evaluate the effects of complex mineral fertilizers on the complex properties of heavy loam soils in the grey forests of Russia in terms of applying individual soil nutrition components from experiments with fodder beets. This study employed a rigorous and systematic approach to accomplish the defined goal. Specifically, the research was conducted within a seven-field crop rotation system, with fodder beets serving as the primary experimental crop. In addition, a model experiment resembling a vegetation trial was undertaken, incorporating seven distinct schemes involving various types of fertilizers. This design facilitated the evaluation of the effectiveness of each fertilizer type. The study results demonstrate that complex fertilizers impact the soil's chemical and biophysical parameters. Soil acidity decreases through the use of complex, high-nitrogen fertilizers. Major chemical nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in plant biomass and soil also have a high degree of transition. It is explained by the effects of combining elements on the destruction intensity of the crystalline lattice in the basic structures of potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. There is also evidence that complex fertilizers can improve humus quality and replenish its reserves. All the aforementioned impacts of complex fertilizers on the crop contribute to the high productivity and yield of forage beet. The results of the study may help optimize the fertilization process, improve the quality and quantity of agricultural products, as well as increase soil fertility, and reduce the negative impact of agrochemicals on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The East Siberian Sea (ESS) is one of the least studied seas in terms of ostracod fauna. Ostracods are sensitive organisms to environmental changes, and detailed information on their ecology is still required. To fill this knowledge gap, we studied 33 meiobenthic dredge samples collected from the western part of the ESS and the Chaun Bay together with 17 grab samples taken from the eastern part of the sea. Quantitative analyses of the ostracod assemblages demonstrate that the river-influenced western part of the ESS is inhabited by low diverse and impoverished fauna consisting of the taxa which are able to adapt to different environmental conditions. In the isolated Chaun Bay sheltered from significant riverine influence, the ostracod assemblages contain species that prefer more stable conditions. The predominance of living specimens over dead ones and individual valves points to strong carbonate dissolution that is more pronounced in the western ESS than in the Chaun Bay. The formation of such conditions might be related to the high content of dissolved carbon dioxide resulting from bacterial remineralization of in situ produced and land-derived organic matter in the bottom sediments and low pH near the seabed. Numerous ferromanganese crusts were found on the ostracod valve surfaces and inside the shells from the Chaun Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstructing interglacial marine environments helps us understand the climate change mechanisms of the past. To contribute to this body of knowledge, we studied a high-resolution 455 cm-thick sediment sequence of the Boreal (Eemian) marine beds directly overlying Moscovian (Saalian) moraine in the Bychye-2 section on the Pyoza River. We analyzed lithological and microfossil (foraminifers, ostracods, pollen, aquatic palynomorphs) variations at the studied site. Stratigraphical zonation is based on the local and well-established regional pollen zones, correlated with the western European pollen zones. The studied marine beds accumulated from the end of the Moscovian glacial (>131 ka) until ca. 119.5 ka. We distinguished three successive phases: a seasonally sea-ice-covered, relatively deep, freshened basin in the initial rapid flooding stage (>131–130.5 ka); a deep basin in the maximum flooding phase with less extensive sea ice cover (130.5–130.25 ka); and a shallow basin with reduced sea ice cover (130.25–119.5 ka). According to a pollen zone comparison with other sites, the regional glacioisostatic rebound started ca. 130 ka. The diverse warm-water assemblages of benthic foraminifers and ostracods containing typical Baltic Sea species occurred during the regression, mainly 128–124 ka, thus giving evidence for a relatively long-lasting connection between the White and Baltic Seas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine coastal areas are highly dynamic and fragile environments characterised by a complex interplay of biological, physical, and chemical factors. These areas are also affected by anthropogenic activities with the discharge of organic and inorganic contaminants that alters the quality of the environment. In this work, the effects of anthropogenic activities (i.e., urban and industrial development) on benthic foraminifera have been investigated along the A2TM core collected from the Sant'Elia-Foxi Canyon (Gulf of Cagliari, Sardinia—western Tyrrhenian Sea). The Gulf of Cagliari has experienced intense urbanisation since the beginning of the twentieth century with the establishment of petrochemical complexes and harbour activities. The A2TM core, dating from 1907 to 2013, was analysed with an integrated approach that includes grain size, organic matter, and benthic foraminifera characterisation compared with geochemical characterisation. The variations in the composition of the benthic foraminiferal assemblages and the Margalef diversity index are related to the altered environmental conditions that reflect the historical development of the area and to the land-based activities surrounding the Gulf of Cagliari. The statistical analysis identifies two main intervals (i.e., the years 1907–1986 and 1986–2013) that are typified by different benthic foraminiferal assemblages and diversity values. Accordingly, the increases in organic matter content and both organic and inorganic contaminants are well mirrored by a major drop in foraminiferal diversity after 1973 and a major foraminiferal turnover after 1989. The composition of the benthic foraminiferal assemblages in the uppermost part of the core (i.e., 1989–2013) might suggest a lowering of the oxygen availability at the seafloor. These changes might be related to the increase in organic matter and the silty fraction in the same interval likely triggered by damming on land and wetland reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication presents a newly created map of the seafloor of Linosa, a volcanic island located in the Sicily Channel (Mediterranean Sea). The seafloor of Linosa was previously surveyed using geophysical and ground-truth data (in 2016 and 2017). Linosa is regarded as a "sentinel area" for alien species and worldwide environmental changes because of its geographical location, making it worthy of particular attention. The predominant habitats found in Linosa have been identified as three priority habitats: Posidonia oceanica meadows, rhodolith beds, and coralligenous habitats, which encompass extensive coral forests. Another crucial environmental indicator is the assemblages of benthic foraminifera, which were previously studied in this area to analyse their correlations with the topography of the seafloor. Hence, all the accessible data was gathered to create a novel comprehensive map of the seabed (at a scale of 1:15,000), with the objective of displaying and highlighting the abundant marine biodiversity of Linosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) represent less than 5% of anorectal fistulas. The classification of RVF is based on the localization (low vs. high) and the etiology. The most frequent causes of RVF are birth trauma, Crohn's disease, previous surgery and pelvic irradiation. In most cases a clinical diagnostic assessment is sufficient. Additionally, endosonography is a reliable tool to detect sphincter defects. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are reserved for special situations (e.g., RVF related to anastomotic leakage, after pelvic irradiation or associated with complex perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease). The surgical treatment is primarily oriented to the localization and etiology. Surgical techniques range from local procedures (e.g., endorectal advancement flap repair, transvaginal or transperineal closure) up to more invasive tissue interposition (e.g., bulbocavernosus muscle fat tissue flap or transposition of the gracilis muscle). In "high" RVF transabdominal approaches such as coloanal anastomosis, pull through procedures or omental interposition are indicated. All surgical procedures show high recurrence rates. Several operations are mostly necessary and a stoma creation is often required., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

The ecological quality status (EcoQS) of Vellar and Uppanar estuaries (Southeast coast of India) has been monitored monthly, using a combination of foraminiferal (Foram Stress Index: FSI and exp(H' bc ) indices and abiotic (Pollution Load Index: PLI, Dissolved Oxygen: DO, and Total Organic Carbon: TOC) parameters. The Uppanar Estuary shows relatively higher values of PLI and TOC and lower DO values than Vellar Estuary. The highest value of TOC and PLI are recorded during the monsoon season. These variations are well mirrored by the change in exp(H' bc ) and FSI. The lowest values of exp(H' bc ) are observed with the monsoon season and could be ascribed by an overall reduction of salinity, and to the highest level of TOC and PLI in response to enhanced river discharge. The FSI also exhibits great variability with significant higher values in the Vellar Estuary than in the Uppanar Estuary. The EcoQS evaluated by a combination of pollution- (i.e., PLI, TOC and DO) and foraminiferal-based [i.e., FSI and exp(H'bc)] indices are highly consistent (73.4%). The most frequent disagreement among indices is mostly associated to Uppanar Estuary and, particularly, in the inner stations. This difference might be related to a time-lag response of benthic foraminifera in terms of diversity and assemblages' compositions as well as of the pollution indicators in response to enhanced riverine input. This study further supports the application of foraminiferal-based indices in EcoQS assessment in transitional environments including tropical Indian estuaries. It also fills the gap of knowledge by providing a seasonal perspective on the variation of EcoQS based on a monthly-scale sampling., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)