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The MolSSI Driver Interface (MDI) Project is an effort to simplify and standardize the process of enabling tight interoperability between independently developed code bases and is supported by numerous software packages across the domain of chemical physics. It enables a wide variety of use cases, including quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics, advanced sampling, path integral molecular dynamics, machine learning, ab initio molecular dynamics, etc. We describe two major developments within the MDI Project that provide novel solutions to key interoperability challenges. The first of these is the development of the MDI Plugin System, which allows MDI-supporting libraries to be used as highly modular plugins, with MDI enforcing a standardized application programming interface across plugins. Codes can use these plugins without linking against them during their build process, and end-users can select which plugin(s) they wish to use at runtime. The MDI Plugin System features a sophisticated callback system that allows codes to interact with plugins on a highly granular level and represents a significant advancement toward increased modularity among scientific codes. The second major development is MDI Mechanic, an ecosystem management tool that utilizes Docker containerization to simplify the process of developing, validating, maintaining, and deploying MDI-supporting codes. Additionally, MDI Mechanic provides a framework for launching MDI simulations in which each interoperating code is executed within a separate computational environment. This eliminates the need to compile multiple production codes within a single computational environment, reducing opportunities for dependency conflicts and lowering the barrier to entry for users of MDI-enabled codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land use/land cover (LULC) change information is crucial for monitoring purposes, formulating strategies, socioeconomic progress, and decision-making. The main objective of this study was to analyze and quantify the changes in land use as well as land cover patterns within the Maamora forest in Morocco, and to identify the key factors that influenced its trend from 1989 to 2022. In this study, multispectral remote sensing (RS) data were employed to detect land cover changes in the Maamora forest using Landsat images for the years 1989, 1999, 2009, 2019 and 2022. The maximum likelihood classification (MLC) method was applied to classify the Landsat images using ArcMap 10.4 software to analyze the current state of the study area. Seven LULC classes (cork oak, eucalyptus, pine, acacia, bare land, daya, and others) were successfully classified, achieving overall accuracies surpassing 86% and Kappa coefficients greater than 0.85 for all selected dates. The results of the land use/land cover change detection indicate a decrease in the cork oak area from 60.71% to 44.42%, along with an increase in the eucalyptus area from 18.11% to 39.31%. Moreover, the pine, acacia, bare land, daya, and other classes went from 17.22, 2.80, 0.95, 0.05, and 0.12% to 4.58, 0.02, 10.84, 0.34, and 0.48% respectively. Indeed, from 1989 to 2022, around 50.84% of the study area’s surface remained unchanged, whereas 49.16% underwent changes, transitioning to other land cover classes or endured degradation. This research underscored the anthropogenic transformation of the Maamora woodland, which has led to the degradation of its natural resources. Broadly, these findings can serve as foundational data for future research endeavors and offer valuable insights to concentrate on the key factors driving forest degradation in order to inform the development of interventions aimed at preserving the sustainability of natural species and the overall ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prior research has extensively explored the dynamics of knowledge creation and transfer within entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs). However, the research on knowledge integration within EEs, particularly by entrepreneurs, remains scant. Garnering and effectively using knowledge in such a dynamic and complex environment can provide entrepreneurs with a valuable asset for gaining a competitive advantage. To address this gap, this study aims to explore how entrepreneurs garner and capitalise on knowledge within the EE environment by using a transactive memory system lens. Design/methodology/approach: This study is based on 26 semi-structured interviews with different actors and members of the same ecosystem – the northern Finnish health tech ecosystem. The data were analysed using the Gioia methodology. Findings: This study results found that transactive memory processes (i.e. knowledge specialisation, credibility and coordination) and structures (i.e. differentiated-, shared- and meta-knowledge) influence knowledge organising in EEs. Originality/value: This study provides a conceptual interplay between the EE and the transactive memory system's processes and structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystems are subjected to increasing exposure to multiple anthropogenic drivers. This has led to the development of national and international accounting systems describing the condition of ecosystems, often based on few, highly aggregated indicators. Such accounting systems would benefit from a stronger theoretical and empirical underpinning of ecosystem dynamics. Operational tools for ecosystem management require understanding of natural ecosystem dynamics, consideration of uncertainty at all levels, means for quantifying driver-response relationships behind observed and anticipated future trajectories of change, and an efficient and transparent synthesis to inform knowledge-driven decision processes. There is hence a gap between highly aggregated indicator-based accounting tools and the need for explicit understanding and assessment of the links between multiple drivers and ecosystem condition as a foundation for informed and adaptive ecosystem management. We describe here an approach termed PAEC (Panel-based Assessment of Ecosystem Condition) for combining quantitative and qualitative elements of evidence and uncertainties into an integrated assessment of ecosystem condition at spatial scales relevant to management and monitoring. The PAEC protocol is founded on explicit predictions, termed phenomena, of how components of ecosystem structure and functions are changing as a result of acting drivers. The protocol tests these predictions with observations and combines these tests to assess the change in the condition of the ecosystem as a whole. PAEC includes explicit, quantitative or qualitative, assessments of uncertainty at different levels and integrates these in the final assessment. As proofs-of-concept we summarize the application of the PAEC protocol to a marine and a terrestrial ecosystem in Norway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population surges of crown‐of‐thorns starfish (COTS) (Acanthaster spp.) are a leading cause of coral cover loss on Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR). While COTS culling has been undertaken since 2012 little is known about how the public perceive COTS culling or how perceptions vary among social groups. Drawing on survey data collected in 2018 and 2022 we test the relative influence of demographic variables, social and institutional variables, and beliefs concerning the risks and benefits of culling, on public acceptance for the culling of COTS on the GBR. In contrast with previous research suggesting a polarization of views, we found limited opposition to culling (12% in 2018 and 8% in 2022). Remaining respondents, however, were almost equally divided between those who agreed or strongly agreed with culling and those who were neutral or only slightly in agreement. The strongest predictors of support, in terms of standardized mean odds ratios, were the perceived social, environmental, and ethical responsibility of culling (1.57), the manageability of culling risks (1.46), the personal importance of the GBR to the respondent (1.33), trust in science to deliver solutions (1.30), confidence in management of the GBR (1.26), and how much of a threat respondents believed COTS posed to the Reef (1.25). These findings suggest public communications about COTS culling might usefully focus on how scientific understanding, ongoing research, ecosystem monitoring, and partnerships with Reef Traditional Owners and stakeholders guide operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Garuga Roxb. is a genus endemic to southwest China and other tropical regions in Southeast Asia facing risk of extinction due to the loss of tropical forests and changes in land use. Conducting a genome survey of G. forrestii contribute to a deeper understanding and conservation of the genus. Results: This study utilized genome survey of G. forrestii generated approximately 54.56 GB of sequence data, with approximately 112 × coverage. K-mer analysis indicated a genome size of approximately 0.48 GB, smaller than 0.52GB estimated by flow cytometry. The heterozygosity is of about 0.54%, and a repeat rate of around 51.54%. All the shotgun data were assembled into 339,729 scaffolds, with an N50 of 17,344 bp. The average content of guanine and cytosine was approximately 35.16%. A total of 330,999 SSRs were detected, with mononucleotide repeats being the most abundant at 70.16%, followed by dinucleotide repeats at 20.40%. We conducted a preliminary ploidy assessment using Smudgeplot and observed a clear bimodal distribution in G. forrestii at 1/2 relative coverage depth and total coverage depth (2n), suggesting a potential diploid genome structure. A pseudo chromosome of G. forrestii and a gemone of Boswellia sacra were used as reference genome to perform a primer population resequencing analysis within three Garuga species. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated three distinct groups, but genome wide phylogenetics represented conflicting both between the dataset of different reference genomes and between maternal and nuclear genome. Conclusion: In summary, the genome of G. forrestii is small, and the phylogenetic relationships within the Garuga genus are complex. The genetic data presented in this study holds significant value for comprehensive whole-genome analyses, the evaluation of population genetic diversity, investigations into adaptive evolution, the advancement of artificial breeding efforts, and the support of species conservation and restoration initiatives. Ultimately, this research contributes to reinforcing the conservation and management of natural ecosystems, promoting biodiversity conservation, and advancing sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the impact of climate and land use change on soil erosion is particularly important to the development and management of ecosystems. The purpose of this research was to differentiate the impacts of climate and land use alterations on soil erosion by using the InVEST model in the Anning River basin. The findings indicated a rise in average soil erosion from 42.78 t ha−1·a−1 to 49.84 t ha−1·a−1 over the decade from 2010 to 2020, with climate change accounting for 99.71% of the increase and land use change contributing 0.28%. The findings also indicated that the process of urbanization and the implementation of the Returning Grain to Forestry and Grass (RGFG) strategy were effective in decreasing soil erosion by 1.29 t ha−1·a−1 and 6.60 t ha−1·a−1, respectively. Four management measures were developed based on our results. The results of this study are not only of great significance for the environmental protection of a specific region, but also provide references for the mitigation of soil erosion in other regions of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystems supply goods and services to humans and are the basis for sustainable development of human society. The study of the supply of ecosystem services and the demand and consumption of ecosystem services by human society, and the analysis of the supply and demand characteristics and flow relationships of ecosystem service flows are of great significance for the management of regional ecosystems and the development of ecological compensation. Taking the Yangtze River Economic Belt as an example, this paper calculates the supply and demand indices of ecosystem services in 2015 and 2020, and determines the ecosystem spatial flow paths and flow volumes from the ecosystem supply area to the demand area based on various methods and models such as the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model and distance decay model. The results indicate that 1). In 2015 and 2020, the supply and demand of ecosystem services in the Yangtze River Economic Zone show an increasing trend numerically, and there is spatial heterogeneity in the spatial distribution. In terms of ecosystem service supply per unit area, the midstream region is higher than the upstream and downstream regions. In terms of the demand for ecosystem services per unit area, the downstream is higher than the midstream and upstream. 2). From the supply-demand balance of ecosystem services in the Yangtze River Economic Zone, the midstream region is mainly the area of surplus supply of ecosystem services, and the downstream region is mainly the area of deficit supply. From 2015 to 2020, the number of areas with balanced supply and demand of ecosystem services in the Yangtze River Economic Belt decreases and the number of areas with unbalanced supply and demand increases, which is related to the changes in the level of economic development and land use patterns. 3). The flow of ecosystem services in the Yangtze River Economic Belt shows an increasing trend, from 726.59 billion yuan in 2015 to 1,450.54 billion yuan in 2020, with Jiangxi Province being the main ecosystem service supply area and Zhejiang Province being the main ecosystem service demand area in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate the decline of fishery resources and the exacerbation of water pollution in Chinese lakes and to enhance the potential and sustainable use of lake fisheries, the Chinese government has actively implemented principles and models of ecosystem-based lake fishery management. This includes promoting ecological aquaculture techniques and the "retiring pens to restore lakes" policy. To assess the effects of ecosystem-based management on Chinese lake fisheries, data from 2007 to 2020 were collected for the Qiandao Lake, Tai Lake, Hongze Lake, Luoma Lake, and Gaobao Lake in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The study employed Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to assess fishing efficiency through a static input-output efficiency model. Additionally, the Malmquist index and distance functions were used for a dynamic comparison of total factor productivity (TFP) across the five lake management models. The results indicate that trends in technological progress, scale efficiency, and TFP were consistent across the lakes from 2013 to 2020. Qiandao Lake, Tai Lake, and Hongze Lake showed a positive average annual growth rate in TFP, with Qiandao Lake having the highest average annual growth rate of 13.2%. In contrast, Gaobao and Luoma Lakes experienced a negative growth rate in TFP. Furthermore, Qiandao Lake exhibited significantly higher technical efficiency than the other four lakes, effectively achieving an efficient state, followed by Hongze Lake. The study demonstrates that technological progress and variations in scale efficiency are the primary factors driving the increase in TFP in fisheries. Promoting ecosystem-based "fishing for water conservation" aquaculture techniques and restricting aquaculture scale through the "retiring pens to restore lakes" policy contribute to enhancing TFP in ecological fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased intensity and frequency of extreme climate events (ECEs) have significantly impacted vegetation phenology, further profoundly affecting the structure and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the mechanisms by which ECEs affect the end of the growing season (EOS), a crucial phenological phase, remain unclear. In this study, we first evaluated the temporal variations in the EOS anomalies in Northern China (NC) based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) from 2001 to 2018. We then used event coincidence analysis (ECA) to assess the susceptibility of EOS to four ECEs (i.e., extreme heat, extreme cold, extreme wet and extreme dry events). Finally, we examined the dependence of the response of EOS to ECEs on background climate conditions. Our results indicated a slight decrease in the proportion of areas experiencing extreme heat and dry events (1.10% and 0.66% per year, respectively) and a slight increase in the proportion of areas experiencing extreme wet events (0.77% per year) during the preseason period. Additionally, EOS exhibited a delaying trend at a rate of 0.25 days/a during the study period. The susceptibility of EOS to ECEs was closely related to local hydrothermal conditions, with higher susceptibility to extreme dry and extreme hot events in drier and warmer areas and higher susceptibility to extreme cold and extreme wet events in wetter regions. Grasslands, in contrast to forests, were more sensitive to extreme dry, hot and cold events due to their weaker resistance to water deficits and cold stress. This study sheds light on how phenology responds to ECEs across various ecosystems and hydrothermal conditions. Our results could also provide a valuable guide for ecosystem management in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cycle of carbon and water in ecosystems is likely to be significantly impacted by future climate change, especially in semiarid regions. While a considerable number of investigations have scrutinized the repercussions of impending climatic transformations on either the carbon or water cycles, there is a scarcity of studies delving into the effects of future climate change on the coupled water–carbon process and its interrelationships. Based on this, the Sanchuan River Basin, an ecologically fragile region of the Loess Plateau, was chosen as the research area. General circulation model-projected climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5) and an ecohydrological model were integrated to predict (2021–2100) changes in actual evapotranspiration (ET), surface runoff (Rs), net primary productivity (NPP), and soil organic carbon (SOC). The results indicated that under the impacts of future climatic warming and humidification, ET, Rs, and NPP will increase by 0.17–6.88%, 1.08–42.04%, and 2.18–10.14%, respectively, while SOC will decrease by 3.38–10.39% in the basin. A path analysis showed that precipitation and temperature had significant effects on ET and NPP, Rs was more sensitive to precipitation, and temperature had a significant impact on SOC. Furthermore, all climate scenarios had an average ET-NPP correlation coefficient greater than 0.6, showing that the basin's water–carbon cycle was tightly coupled. However, under SSP5-8.5, the correlation coefficient of Rs-NPP decreased from −0.35 in the near-future period to −0.44 in the far-future period, which may indicate that the positive effect of increased precipitation on Rs-NPP would barely offset the negative effect of large future temperature increases. As a foundation for achieving sustainable water resource management and ecosystem preservation policies, this study can be utilized to build adaptation methods to manage climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and predicting animal population dynamics as a function of hydrologic variation is critical for the management of freshwater ecosystems. Crayfish are important fauna supported by the hydro-dynamic freshwater wetlands of the Everglades. We modeled the complex relationships between slough crayfish (Procambarus fallax) population densities and hydrologic conditions using a spatially and temporally extensive 21-year dataset. We applied linear mixed–effect models, a classification and regression tree (CART), and random forest (RF) algorithms to develop predictions and eco-hydrologic interpretations. The RF model demonstrated the greatest predictive ability (R2 = 0.56) followed by linear mixed–effect models (R2 = 0.45) and the regression tree (R2 = 0.29). Primary effects of hydrologic terms were similar among models, but the RF model identified important nonlinear and threshold relationships. Lower average depths (appr. 30–60 cm) over the year prior to the sample, in conjunction with relatively long periods of inundation, and more recent depths >30 cm, were associated with greater crayfish densities. The three methods revealed consistent understanding of crayfish eco-hydrologic relations and provide insight for natural resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the complex relationships between benthic algal communities and environmental factors is crucial for ecosystem management and conservation. In this study, we investigated benthic algal communities in the upper Red River Basin in China. We collected data on land use, topography and other factors at the watershed scales to gain a comprehensive understanding in the upper Red River Basin in China. Partial canonical correspondence analysis, partial redundancy analysis and variance partitioning analysis methods were used to assess the effects of watershed and local environmental factors on benthic algal communities and their variation. The percentage of landscape that was forest (F-PL), the percentage of landscape that was cropland (C-PL), the percentage of landscape that was water (W-PL), elevation, slope, pH and water level fluctuation (WF) were identified as significant factors affecting the distribution of benthic algal communities. The diversity of benthic algal communities were greatly affected by environmental factors as F-PL, W-PL, precipitation (Prcp), slope, permanganate index (CODMn) and index of substrate (IOS). Slope, F-PL and Prcp showed a positive correlation with species evenness and a negative correlation with community density. The characteristics of functional groups of benthic algae were also shown to be strongly influenced by C-PL and IOS. According to the variance decomposition (VPA) results, it can be seen that, although the explanatory power of individual local and watershed environmental factors was roughly similar, their joint explanatory power was relatively low. Therefore, the influence of watershed environmental factors on benthic algal communities should not be overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing vegetation changes in alpine arid and fragile ecosystems is imperative for informed ecological restoration initiatives and adaptive ecosystem management. Previous studies primarily employed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to reveal vegetation dynamics, ignoring the spatial heterogeneity alterations caused by bare soil. In this study, we used a comprehensive analysis of NDVI and its spatial heterogeneity to examine the vegetation changes across the Three-River Headwaters Region (TRHR) over the past two decades. A random forest model was used to elucidate the underlying causes of these changes. We found that between 2000 and 2022, 9.4% of the regions exhibited significant changes in both NDVI and its spatial heterogeneity. These regions were categorized into six distinct types of vegetation change: improving conditions (62.1%), regrowing conditions (11.0%), slight degradation (16.2%), medium degradation (8.4%), severe degradation (2.0%), and desertification (0.3%). In comparison with steppe regions, meadows showed a greater proportion of improved conditions and medium degradation, whereas steppes had more instances of regrowth and slight degradation. Climate variables are the dominant factors that caused vegetation changes, with contributions to NDVI and spatial heterogeneity reaching 68.9% and 73.2%, respectively. Temperature is the primary driver of vegetation dynamics across the different types of change, with a more pronounced impact in meadows. In severely degraded steppe and meadow regions, grazing intensity emerged as the predominant driver of NDVI change, with an importance value exceeding 0.50. Notably, as degradation progressed from slight to severe, the significance of this factor correspondingly increased. Our findings can provide effective information for guiding the implementation of ecological restoration projects and the sustainable management of alpine arid ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodiola linearifolia Boriss., a perennial alpine plant from the Crassulaceae family, is renowned for its unique medicinal properties. However, existing research on this species is limited, particularly regarding the impact of altitude on its physiological and medicinal compounds. The current study employed morphophysiological and anatomical methods to explore the adaptive mechanisms of R. linearifolia across different altitudinal gradients, while also examining photosynthetic pigments and metabolomic changes. Our results indicate that despite the simultaneous effects of various mountain abiotic factors, significant correlations can be identified between altitude and trait variation. An optimal growth altitude of 2687 m above sea level was identified, which is pivotal for sustainable ecosystem management and potential species introduction strategies. It is noted that increasing altitude stress enhances the synthesis of secondary antioxidant metabolites in R. linearifolia, enhancing its pharmaceutical potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing exerts a profound influence on both the plant diversity and productivity of grasslands, while simultaneously exerting a significant impact on regulating grassland soil carbon sequestration. Moreover, besides altering the taxonomic diversity of plant communities, grazing can also affect their diversity of functional traits. However, we still poorly understand how grazing modifies the relationship between plant functional diversity (FD) and soil carbon sequestration in grassland ecosystems. Here, we conducted a grazing manipulation experiment to investigate the effects of different grazing regimes (no grazing, sheep grazing (SG) and cattle grazing (CG)) on the relationships between plant FD and soil carbon sequestration in meadow and desert steppe. Our findings showed that different livestock species changed the relationships between plant FD and soil organic carbon (SOC) in the meadow steppe. SG decoupled the originally positive relationship between FD and SOC, whereas CG changed the relationship from positive to negative. In the desert steppe, both SG and CG strengthened the positive relationship between FD and SOC. Our study illuminates the considerable impact of livestock species on the intricate mechanisms of soil carbon sequestration, primarily mediated through the modulation of various measures of functional trait diversity. In ungrazed meadows and grazed deserts, maintaining high plant FD is conducive to soil carbon sequestration, whereas in grazed meadows and ungrazed deserts, this relationship may disappear or even reverse. By measuring the traits and controlling the grazing activities, we can accurately predict the carbon sequestration potential in grassland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mangroves have high potential for advancing ecotourism because of their position at the intersection of land and sea. Many studies have reported that mangroves and coastal environments are the right places for the development of sustainable ecotourism. The aim of this study is to assess the tourism prospects of significant mangrove ecosystems in Sumatra, Indonesia, and to identify suitable approaches for fostering ecotourism. METHODS: The research was conducted in Beras Basah Village, located in the Pangkalan Susu District of Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. It commenced in November 2023 with the initiation of the Beras Basah ecotourism project and concluded in January 2024. The research commenced by introducing the ecotourism landscape through the utilization of a geographic information system. Subsequently, questionnaires and discussion group forums were employed to analyze the community, visitors, and relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, an assessment of the potential mangrove ecosystem was conducted, encompassing transects, ecological suitability, and carrying capacity. Lastly, a comprehensive analysis of the research findings was performed, focusing on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the study. FINDINGS: The potential area for ecotourism covers 38 hectares with various well-designed facilities and infrastructures. The mangroves were utilized as a source of sustenance with the overall condition of community. This study obtained 8 species of mangroves consisting of Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora stylosa, Sonneratia alba, Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Xylocarpus granatum, and Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea. The species of fauna observed were two species of birds (Haliaetus leucogaster, Bubulcus ibis), three species of reptiles (Varanus salvator, Fordonia leucobalia, Mabouia multifasciata), three types of mammals (Macaca fascicularis, Tupaia glis, Martes flavigula), seven types of fish (Plotosus canius, Epinephelus lanceolatus, Ophiocara porocephala, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Lates calcarifer, Scatophagus argus, Mugil cephalus), five types of mollusks (Cerithidea cingulata, Telescopium telescopium, Cerithidea quadrata, Murex trapa, Polymesoda bengalensis), and four types of crustaceans (Scylla serrata, Metapograpsus sp., Panaeus monodon, Panaeus merguensis). The two studied stations exhibited varying levels of ecological suitability. One approach to protection is the enforcement of a visitor quota based on the carrying capacity of the areas, was 86 individuals per day. Furthermore, the analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats revealed that the improvement of mangrove ecosystem management, the addition of supporting facilities, and the provision of environmental and conservation education to tourists can contribute to the enhancement of ecotourism. CONCLUSION: Ecotourism plays a crucial role in preserving the sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem while also influencing socio-economic factors. Through study and analysis of both human behavior and natural processes, effective management strategies can be developed to support ecotourism initiatives. The findings of this study highlight the significance of ecotourism and emphasize the importance of expanding ecotourism initiatives, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting environmental awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's large-scale tree planting programs are critical for achieving its carbon neutrality by 2060, but determining where and how to plant trees for maximum carbon sequestration has not been rigorously assessed. Here, we developed a comprehensive machine learning framework that integrates diverse environmental variables to quantify tree growth suitability and its relationship with tree numbers. Then, their correlations with biomass carbon stocks were robustly established. Carbon sink potentials were mapped in distinct tree-planting scenarios. Under one of them aligned with China's ecosystem management policy, 44.7 billion trees could be planted, increasing forest stock by 9.6 ± 0.8 billion m³ and sequestering 5.9 ± 0.5 PgC equivalent to double China's 2020 industrial CO2 emissions. We found that tree densification within existing forests is an economically viable and effective strategy and so it should be a priority in future large-scale planting programs. China's large-scale tree planting could sequester 5.9 ± 0.5 PgC by planting 44.7 billion trees. Tree densification in existing forests may be a more cost-effective strategy than afforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple factors, including human disturbance and environmental change, have caused a significant global mangrove resource loss. Therefore, the Chinese government has restructured mangrove habitats and restored the ecosystem functionality through establishing naturally protected mangrove areas. Despite efforts spanning several years, over 90% of mangrove forests in China have been now integrated into the natural protected area system, with the health status and influencing factors of mangrove ecosystem remaining a pertinent subject for further exploration. Given the intricacies of mangrove ecosystems with complex nonlinear relationships among evaluation factors, it is imperative to adopt scientific methodologies to assess their health status. Methods: To illustrate this, we conducted a mangrove ecosystem health assessment of natural protected areas of Guangdong Province, China. By employing a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and establishing an index system for mangrove ecosystem health assessment. Results: The results revealed the following findings. (1) Various factors exert differing degrees of influence on mangrove ecosystem health. Notably, the mangrove habitat pattern (weight 47.95%), bird diversity (weight 20.97%), mangrove community (weight 14.31%), water environment (weight 11.76%), and soil sedimentary environment (weight 5.01%) were identified. (2) Overall, the mangrove ecosystem within protected areas of Guangdong exhibited unhealthy signs. There were 4 healthy protected areas (20.00%), 4 areas classified as sub-healthy (20.00%), and 12 were deemed unhealthy (60.00%). (3) Key factors contributing to the compromised health of mangrove ecosystems included the homogenization of mangrove plants, decreased habitat diversity, and exogenous pollution. Discussion: By planting local mangrove species, scientifically managing the ratio of mangrove cover area to mudflat area, and controlling pollution sources and treating pollutants, the structure of the mangrove ecosystem can be optimized, and the quality of mangrove forest can be improved. These findings can enhance mangrove ecosystem management practices, assist mangrove natural reserve managers in performing targeted mangrove ecological protection and restoration, promote effective management, and contribute to the realization of "harmonious symbiosis" between humanity and nature within mangrove ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for new tools in urban planning, design, and management (urban PDM) of green-blue infrastructure (GBI) to better support resilience and sustainable development. Virtual Reality (VR) emerges as a potential tool in this context. GBI provides a diversity of ecosystem services that increase the capacity of urban environments to absorb change while continuing to develop (adaptive capacity), a key factor in resilience and sustainability. However, there is a lack of tools capable of effectively capturing and communicating the designs, functions, and uses of GBI. Despite this need, research on the contributions of VR as a tool in urban PDM of GBI remains limited. To address this gap, an exploratory experiment using inductive qualitative data analysis was conducted. Participants of different ages and with different expertise viewed 360-degree video clips from urban areas through VR, completed a questionnaire, and participated in interviews. The results showed that the 360-degree video VR experience enhanced participants' understanding of the viewed sites. Specifically, participants paid attention to details, captured the context, responded by generating emotional engagement, identified site development potential, and described an immersive experience. These results align with key principles for the sustainable management of ecosystem services, such as participation, learning, diversity, place-making, and stewardship; and adaptive capacity aspects such as processes and results grounded in complexity-embracing creativity. Our analysis shows that 360-degree video VR can increase the understanding of complexities, connections, and nuances in the urban environment. We conclude that 360-degree video VR could serve as a valuable complement to traditional tools in urban PDM, enriching decision-making with information that can support adaptive capacity, resilience, and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland ecosystems play a critical role in global carbon cycling and environmental health. Understanding the intricate link between grassland vegetation traits and underlying soil properties is crucial for effective ecosystem monitoring and management. This review paper examines advancements in utilizing Radiative Transfer Models (RTMs) and hyperspectral remote sensing to bridge this knowledge gap. We explore the potential of vegetation spectra as an integrated measure of soil characteristics, acknowledging the value of other remote sensing sources. Our focus is on studies leveraging hyperspectral data from proximal and airborne sensors, while discussing the impact of spatial scale on trait retrieval accuracy. Finally, we explore how advancements in global satellite remote sensing contribute to vegetation trait detection. This review concludes by identifying current challenges, outlining future research directions, and highlighting opportunities for improved understanding of the vegetation-soil property interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove forests serve as significant carbon sinks and play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Currently, the response of mangroves to intensified climate change and human activities, and the factors that influence the magnitude of carbon storage in their sediments remain uncertain. To address these questions, two sediment cores were collected from the mangrove reserve in Pearl Bay, Guangxi, China. The activity of 210Pb in the sediment, grain size, bulk elemental composition, stable carbon isotopes, lignin, and different sediment organic matter (OM) fractions were investigated to determine the local mangrove's response to climate change and human activities, as well as the factors influencing its carbon storage. The results showed mangrove forests with lower tidal ranges, slower sedimentation rates, and where OM predominantly originated locally tend to have larger carbon stocks. The mangrove OM (MOM) decreased progressively from the bottom to the top of the cores, indicating that the mangroves in Pearl Bay have possibly undergone degradation, which was further substantiated by the decrease in lignin content. Based on these results, the entire cores were divided into two stages: stable stage 1 (1963-2001) and degradation stage 2 (2001-2020). The cause of the mangrove degradation is likely due to the impact of human activities; however, these impacts are anticipated to gradually lessen in the future due to mangrove protection policies. Our results indicate that lignin can track and predict mangrove growth trends and provide guidance for the sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the capability of an unmanned aerial vehicle with a LiDAR sensor (UAV-LiDAR) to classify and map fuel types based on the Prometheus classification in Mediterranean environments. UAV data were collected across 73 forest plots located in NE of Spain. Furthermore, data collected from a handheld mobile laser scanner system (HMLS) in 43 out of the 73 plots were used to assess the extent of improvement in fuel identification resulting from the fusion of UAV and HMLS data. UAV three-dimensional point clouds (average density: 452 points/m2) allowed the generation of LiDAR metrics and indices related to vegetation structure. Additionally, voxels of 5 cm3 derived from HMLS three-dimensional point clouds (average density: 63,148 points/m2) facilitated the calculation of fuel volume at each Prometheus fuel type height stratum (0.60, 2, and 4 m). Two different models based on three machine learning techniques (Random Forest, Linear Support Vector Machine, and Radial Support Vector Machine) were employed to classify the fuel types: one including only UAV variables and the other incorporating HMLS volume data. The most relevant UAV variables introduced into the classification models, according to Dunn's test, were the 99th and 10th percentile of the vegetation heights, the standard deviation of the heights, the total returns above 4 m, and the LiDAR Height Diversity Index (LHDI). The best classification using only UAV data was achieved with Random Forest (overall accuracy = 81.28%), with confusion mainly found between similar shrub and tree fuel types. The integration of fuel volume from HMLS data yielded a substantial improvement, especially in Random Forest (overall accuracy = 95.05%). The mapping of the UAV model correctly estimated the fuel types in the total area of 55 plots and at least part of the area of 59 plots. These results confirm that UAV-LiDAR systems are valid and operational tools for forest fuel classification and mapping and show how fusion with HMLS data refines the identification of fuel types, contributing to more effective management of forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands play a pivotal role in global carbon cycling and the conservation of biodiversity even though they cover a small fraction of the Earth's terrestrial surface. These ecosystems are, however, increasingly vulnerable due to climate change impacts and anthropogenic activities, leading to significant degradation in many areas. This review compiles and analyses various studies that employ remote sensing for comprehensive peatland mapping and monitoring. Remote sensing offers detailed insights into critical peatland features, including the classification of peatland vegetation, assessment of water table dynamics, mapping of vegetation condition and diversity and the estimation of carbon stocks. Furthermore, the review delineates the utility of remote sensing in monitoring the recovery processes of restored peatlands, highlighting the scarcity of long-term studies. It also emphasizes the potential of integrating hyperspectral, multispectral and SAR data as well as cross-scale analyses. Concluding with future directions, the review underscores the necessity for enhanced upscaling techniques, integration of multi-sensor data and the application of modelling to enrich our understanding and management of peatland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium (Mg) is a vital nutrient for plants, and its role in photosynthesis, enzyme regulation and resistance to environmental stress is becoming increasingly evident. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the characteristics of Mg (content, density and stock) on a large scale, particularly at the community level, which is essential for linking to ecosystem functions. A leaf‐branch‐trunk‐root‐matched database of the Mg content (mg g−1) and biomass density (g m−2) of plant organs across 1972 sampling sites in China was constructed based on field surveys and data compilation. Using machine learning algorithms, we comprehensively explored the spatial patterns and main influencing factors of plant Mg content and density (g m−2). Furthermore, a new index, leaf Mg productivity (LMP), was developed to determine the Mg use efficiency, defined as the ratio of gross primary productivity to leaf Mg density. The Mg contents in the leaves, branches, trunks and roots were 2.80, 0.87, 0.23 and 1.66 mg g−1, respectively. Deserts exhibited higher Mg content, with the primary influencing factors being high temperatures and soil Mg supply. Higher LMP values observed in grasslands and deserts indicate that Mg use is more efficient in these relatively stressful environments, whereas forests require more Mg for unit biomass productivity. This change was driven by the minimum temperature, aridity and soil Mg content. Synthesis. We systematically explored spatial variation in plant community Mg and its correlation with the photosynthetic capacity of plant communities. The aridity and soil Mg content have negative effects on LMP. This suggests that Mg is used more efficiently in photosynthesis under conditions of resource scarcity, indicating that resources become more valuable when they are limited. Photosynthesis in forests is more sensitive to Mg and more Mg is required for biomass production; therefore, Mg is not just a nutrient but a potential bottleneck in optimizing photosynthetic efficiency. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of Mg in photosynthesis and offer a foundation for optimizing ecosystem management through Mg regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing frameworks to identify knowledge gaps and prioritize research on diet studies in marine fish species is critical, as this knowledge is required for ecosystem-based management. We applied a framework in central Patagonia, Argentina, which faces a demand for gap assessments in diet knowledge and ecosystem management due to changes in marine fish assemblages' structure and function linked to industrial fishing and tropicalization. Our framework effectively identified gaps by examining the history of research efforts regarding spatial and temporal coverage, sampling sizes, fish life stages, and information quality of studies per species. We found critical gaps in local diet studies, particularly for mostly bony, Petromyzonti, and Myxini species, whereas elasmobranchs received the best coverage of the diet described. Most studies lack evaluation of ontogenetic diet changes and prey cumulative curves. Fixing these shortcomings improves research quality and reduces data uncertainties in community assessments. The prioritization framework identified high-priority species as those that require updated diet information, had shifted ranges, and lacked data. Our framework can be tailored to other biological traits and regions based on specific contextual needs to identify research gaps and priorities for fish assemblages impacted by global change while disseminating knowledge from diverse sources and languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: A novel periodic site index is introduced for the quantification of dynamic forest site productivity. The measure is age-independent, sensitive to environmental changes and efficient for the estimation and prediction of stand height and stand volume increment. Context: Accurate and up-to-date prediction of site productivity is crucial for the sustainable management of forest ecosystems, especially under environmental changes. Aims: The aim of this study was to introduce a novel concept: a periodic site index based on growth-effective age for the quantification of dynamic forest site productivity. Methods: The growth-effective age based periodic site index is estimated from repeated or multi-temporal measurements of stand dominant height. Furthermore, a recursive procedure to update the underlying site index model is presented by using repeated measurements of stand dominant height. The database used in this study comprised repeated measurements of 945 Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) experimental plots at 508 different locations in Southwest Germany. Results: The evaluation shows that periodic site index is statistically superior to the conventional site index, based on chronological stand age, for estimating stand height and stand volume increment. The analysis of temporal differences between growth-effective stand age and chronological stand age and between periodic site index and conventional site index in the period 1900 to 2020 reveals trends referring to stand age and site productivity, which corroborate earlier regional studies on forest growth trends due to environmental changes. Conclusions: The periodic site index is a better indicator for site productivity than conventional site index. Under conditions of environmental changes, conventional site index is biased, whereas the growth-effective age based site index provides an unbiased estimate of stand height development. With the more widespread application of remote sensing techniques, such as airborne laser scanning, the availability of multi-temporal stand height data will increase in the near future. The novel concept provides an adaptive modeling approach perfectly suited to these data for an improved estimation and prediction of forest site productivity under environmental changes and can straightforwardly be applied also to uneven-aged and multi-species stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biological monitoring (biomonitoring) to assess water quality is recognised alongside the use of chemical and physicochemical parameters due to its ability and efficiency in providing information about both current and long-term changes. Indeed, biomonitoring is applied in several developed and developing countries. Nevertheless, some developing countries, such as Rwanda, are yet to adopt such a monitoring system. This paper presents results of an assessment of the knowledge and perceptions by water resource managers about the use of biomonitoring and bioindicators, and challenges to their integration into existing routine water quality monitoring systems in Rwanda. Qualitative research, using semistructured interviews, was conducted with nine water resource practitioners from six water governance institutions between August and November 2021. The results show that participants are aware that macroinvertebrates, algae and fish are bioindicators that have potential applications in Rwanda to complement the chemical and physicochemical parameters already being collected in the country’s water monitoring system. The main challenges for integration of biological indicators, as indicated by participants, include the need for equipment, funding, technical skills and taxonomic knowledge. Training in the use of bioindicators and taxonomy are needed to raise the awareness and skills of staff from the institutions involved in freshwater ecosystem management in Rwanda, and to encourage integration of biomonitoring results into national water monitoring frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying ecosystem service functions, clarifying the spatiotemporal trade-offs and synergies of terrestrial ecosystem services and their driving mechanisms, and exploring differentiated ecological functional zoning are crucial steps in achieving healthy regional ecosystem management, and are conducive to developing diversified ecological restoration strategies, establishing a robust cross-regional collaborative management mechanism, implementing differentiated ecological management strategies, and contributing to the construction of a Beautiful China. This paper, based on the InVEST model, Pearson correlation, GeoDetector, and Spatiotemporal Geographically Weighted Regression models, constructs a spatial quantification model of the trade-offs and synergies among five key ecosystem service functions -- habitat quality, soil retention, water conservation, food supply, and carbon sequestration -- of China's terrestrial ecosystems from 2000 to 2020. It explores the influencing factors of terrestrial ecosystem services in China and their spatiotemporal heterogeneity, thereby investigating the future strategies for ecological functional zoning and management of China's national land space. The results indicate that: (1) during 2000-2020, China's food supply and soil conservation have increased. However, the habitat quality, water conservation, and carbon sequestration have decreased. (2) Significant spatial and temporal heterogeneities exist in the key ecosystem services of China's terrestrial ecosystems. (3) Natural, economic, and social factors all impact China's terrestrial key ecosystem services. Among them, slope, annual average precipitation, land development intensity, and vegetation coverage are the main influencing factors, and different factors exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity. (4) Significant trade-offs/synergy effects among critical terrestrial ecosystem services exist in China. (5) China's national territory is divided into four ecological protection functional zones: ecological restoration areas, ecological control areas, resilient development areas, and ecological conservation areas, and explores differentiated zoning optimization control paths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eutrophication resulting from anthropogenic activities has been recognized as a significant driver of changes in ecosystem functioning. Furthermore, it may exacerbate the top-down effect and thus exert an important impact on plant growth. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a 3-year manipulative field experiment to investigate the impacts of nitrogen addition and crab herbivory on the growth of Phragmites australis in the salt marsh of the Yellow River Delta. The results demonstrated that a 3-year nitrogen addition can significantly increase the total nitrogen and carbon content of P. australis leaves, thereby enhancing their nutritional value and palatability, as well as increasing the proportion of leaves consumed by crabs. Therefore, nitrogen addition together with crab herbivory had a significant negative effect on P. australis height, leaf length, and leaf breadth in the ambient crab and procedural crab cage treatment compared to the crab exclusion treatment. The structural equation modeling further substantiated these findings. Themodel revealed a direct and positive correlation between nitrogen addition and leaf nutrient content (path coefficient = 0.34). Additionally, it demonstrated a direct and positive relationship between leaf nutrient content and the proportion of leaves consumed by crabs (path coefficient = 0.22). Simultaneously, there was an observed negative correlation (path coefficient = - 0.37) between the proportion of leaves consumed by crabs and plant functional traits, represented by leaf length in the model, during 2018. Moreover, the crab exclusion treatment significantly reduced the proportion of leaves consumed by crabs and thus enhanced the P. australis individuals, leaf number, and biomass. Overall, crab herbivory had a significant detrimental top-down effect on the growth of P. australis, and nitrogen enrichmentmay exacerbate this top-down effect. The findings of our study highlight the combined adverse effects of nutrient enrichment and top-down on plant functional traits and plant growth. The findings of this study will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors influencing vegetation degradation in coastal wetland, thereby establishing a solid theoretical framework for the conservation and management of wetland ecosystems within the context of global environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a paramount problem for humanity, representing a substantial danger to all living organisms. Industrialization, a vital factor for economic progress, has resulted in global warming, posing a threat to the long-term viability of our ecosystem. Currently, a wide range of techniques and technologies are being used to guarantee the preservation of the environment for future generations. This study employed data from the Scopus database to do topic modeling. Authors used latent Dirichlet allocation to extract research themes related to environmental sustainability from a corpus of 4023 research articles published between 1976 and 2022. By utilizing clustering methodologies to analyze the collection of words, Authors successfully forecasted two, five, and ten study subjects, emphasizing specific domains that necessitate additional investigation by scholars. Based on coherence ratings, five subjects have been identified as prospective study areas requiring further scientific exploration. The results of our research emphasize the significance of incorporating environmentally-friendly technologies in different industries to promote a long-lasting and eco-friendly ecosystem. In addition, authors recommend prioritizing implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies, improving the management of ecosystems, encouraging water conservation, promoting agricultural advancements, and advancing renewable energy resources as crucial strategies for protecting the environment and enhancing ecological conditions. This analysis illuminates current research trends in environmental sustainability and potential pathways for future investigation and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial plants form primarily mutualistic symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi based on a compatible exchange of solutes between plant and fungal partners. A key attribute of this symbiosis is the acquisition of soil nutrients by the fungus for the benefit of the plant in exchange for a carbon supply to the fungus. The interaction can range from mutualistic to parasitic depending on environmental and physiological contexts. This review considers current knowledge of the functionality of ectomycorrhizal (EM) symbiosis in the mobilisation and acquisition of soil nitrogen (N) in northern hemisphere forest ecosystems, highlighting the functional diversity of the fungi and the variation of symbiotic benefits, including the dynamics of N transfer to the plant. It provides an overview of recent advances in understanding 'mycorrhizal decomposition' for N release from organic or mineral-organic forms. Additionally, it emphasises the taxon-specific traits of EM fungi in soil N uptake. While the effects of EM communities on tree N are likely consistent across different communities regardless of species composition, the sink activities of various fungal taxa for tree carbon and N resources drive the dynamic continuum of mutualistic interactions. We posit that ectomycorrhizas contribute in a species-specific but complementary manner to benefit tree N nutrition. Therefore, alterations in diversity may impact fungal-plant resource exchange and, ultimately, the role of ectomycorrhizas in tree N nutrition. Understanding the dynamics of EM functions along the mutualism-parasitism continuum in forest ecosystems is essential for the effective management of ecosystem restoration and resilience amidst climate change. Key points: • Mycorrhizal symbiosis spans a continuum from invested to appropriated benefits. • Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities exhibit a high functional diversity. • Tree nitrogen nutrition benefits from the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, all marine ecosystems are under pressure by anthropogenic stressors. However, semi-enclosed seas are at a greater risk of degradation due to their limited connectivity to open seas. This leads to a greater accumulation of pollutants and abrupt regime shifts triggered by unsustainable exploitation of living resources, as ecosystems exhibit low degrees of redundancy and more frequent large-scale episodic events such as harmful algal blooms. The Sea of Marmara is a semi-enclosed marine region that has been subjected to various anthropogenic stressors since the 1990s. Recently, local and governmental authorities have employed basin-wide ecosystem management plans to control and manage point and nonpoint (diffuse) sources of pollutants. However, the management of fisheries in relation to the dynamics of the Sea of Marmara food web has attracted less attention from policymakers, even though fisheries exploitation is one of the most significant anthropogenic pressures. In this study, we capitalized on a previous static ecosystem model of the Sea of Marmara by revising and extending it to simulate the changes between 1990 and 2020. We delineated the temporal dynamics and regime shifts in the food web in terms of ecosystem structure and function by using ecological indicators and developed quantitative management advice for its fisheries. The results showed that the ecosystem has experienced three regimes since 1990, with regime shifts occurring with the onset of the 2000s and the mid 2010s. The first regime exhibited high diversity and material cycling, the second regime was characterized by low diversity and increased impact of fisheries, and the third regime culminated in a fished-down food web state. The analysis of fishery dynamics showed that the majority of harvested species were overexploited. We suggest that the implementation of quotas for exploited species should be considered an immediate solution to the unsustainable exploitation of fish stocks and can help restore ecosystem conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expert judgment underpins assessment of threatened ecosystems. However, experts are often narrowly defined, and variability in their judgments may be substantial. Models built from structured elicitation with large diverse expert panels can contribute to more consistent and transparent decision‐making. We conducted a structured elicitation under a broad definition of expertise to examine variation in judgments of ecosystem viability and collapse in a critically endangered ecosystem. We explored whether variation in judgments among 83 experts was related to affiliation and management expertise and assessed performance of an average model based on common ecosystem indicators. There were systematic differences among individuals, much of which were not explained by affiliation or expertise. However, of the individuals affiliated with government, those in conservation and environmental departments were more likely to determine a patch was viable than those in agriculture and rural land management. Classification errors from an average model, in which all individuals were weighted equally, were highest among government agriculture experts (27%) and lowest among government conservation experts (12%). Differences were mostly cases in which the average model predicted a patch was viable but the individual thought it was not. These differences arose primarily for areas that were grazed or cleared of mature trees. These areas are often the target of restoration, but they are also valuable for agriculture. These results highlight the potential for conflicting advice and disagreement about policies and actions for conserving and restoring threatened ecosystems. Although adoption of an average model can improve consistency of ecosystem assessment, it can fail to capture and convey diverse opinions held by experts. Structured elicitation and models of ecosystem viability play an important role in providing data‐driven evidence of where differences arise among experts to support engagement and discussion among stakeholders and decision makers and to improve the management of threatened ecosystems. [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]

Multiple anthropogenic forces have pushed river ecosystems into undesirable states with no clear understanding of how they should be best managed. The advancement of riverine fish habitat models intended to provide management insights has slowed. Investigations into theoretical and empirical gaps to define habitat more comprehensively across different scales and ecological organizations are crucial in managing the freshwater biodiversity crisis. We introduce the concept of novel riverscapes to reconcile anthropogenic forcing, fish habitat, limitations of current fish habitat models, and opportunities for new models. We outline three priority data-driven opportunities that incorporate the novel riverscape concept: fish movement, river behavior, and drivers of novelty that all are integrated into a scale-based framework to guide the development of new models. Last, we present a case study showing how researchers, model developers, and practitioners can work collaboratively to implement the novel riverscape concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) is an ecosystem engineer essential in determining the structure and vegetation abundance in mesic dry protected areas such as the Mana Pools National Park (MNP) in Zimbabwe. Understanding the interactions between elephants and vegetation structure is essential for effective conservation and management of savannah ecosystems. Conservation efforts often aim to balance elephant populations with the carrying capacity of their habitats to ensure the sustainability of both flora and fauna within protected areas. Therefore understanding how African savannah elephants influence vegetation structure, abundance and damage is critical for adaptive ecosystem management and wildlife conservation in mesic savannah ecosystems. This study assessed: (i) vegetation structure, (ii) abundance and (iii) evidence of elephant‐induced vegetation damage near a distance gradient to water points in MNP. A generalised linear model (GLM) was used to investigate the relationship between vegetation aspects that is structure, abundance and evidence of damage with distance from water sources. In the mesic protected MNP where African savannah elephants predominate, the modelled vegetation shape, abundance and damage exhibit spatial differences on a distant gradient towards water sources (χ2, p < 0.05). There is need for implementation of comparably, less costly, homogenous conservation measures for African savannah elephants across the artificial water pans in the MNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the composition and distribution of dung beetle species across various habitat types is crucial for elucidating their ecosystem functions. Dung beetles play pivotal roles in ecological processes such as nutrient cycling, seed dispersal and parasite suppression. Despite numerous studies on the influence of habitat types on dung beetle communities, knowledge gaps persist, particularly on how these beetles respond to different vegetation types in protected areas. In this study, we surveyed dung beetle species in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, using baited pitfall traps across four habitat types: closed miombo woodland, open miombo woodland, marshland and riverine. We identified a total of 5534 individuals representing 63 species, 29 genera and nine tribes. Significant variations in species diversity were observed among the habitats, with the closed miombo woodland exhibiting the highest diversity and the open miombo woodland the lowest. Notably, certain species, such as Euoniticellus intermedius, Euonthophagus carbonarius, Gymnopleurus ignites, Onitis alexis, Onthophagus, Onthophagus vinctus, Onthophagus plebejus and Sisyphus goryi displayed a generalist distribution across all habitat types. Our findings underscore the critical importance of maintaining and conserving the quality of diverse habitat types to ensure the long‐term preservation of dung beetle biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide. This study contributes valuable insights into dung beetle ecology and offers practical implications for ecosystem management and conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the interaction between the business ecosystem and strategic management. This research is driven by the necessity of understanding how the principles of the business ecosystem influence organizational strategic management. A Systematic Literature Review was carried out, focusing on a detailed analysis of articles indexed in the Scopus academic database. The research procedure aimed to uncover emerging perspectives on strategic management and the development of business ecosystems. The findings reveal a substantial gap in research regarding business ecosystems and sustainable strategic management. The paper suggests a new research agenda and proposes novel pathways for future investigations in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted research on land snail diversity on the highest volcanic mountain in Java, Mt Semeru. This research aimed to gain data on the land snail species diversity in the area as well as analyse environmental variables that affect the land snail assemblages along the altitudinal gradients. A total of 40 plots of 10 × 10 m2 were examined in the altitudinal gradient of 800–1,200, 1,201–1,600, 1,601–2,000 and 2,001–2,400 m asl using a timed search method. In total, 788 individuals of land snails were collected, belonging to 22 species from 14 families. Fifteen species were new records for the area. Five endemic species were recorded on Mt Semeru. A single introduced species, Bradybaena similaris was found abundantly on the mountain at an altitude of more than 2,000 m asl. Multiple linear regression analyses showed a unimodal response of species richness for altitude, temperature and precipitation sums on Mt Semeru. In addition to these environmental variables, species richness is influenced by land use type and soil pH. These findings suggest that species and ecosystem management at the altitude 2,001–2,400 m asl is necessary to conserve endemic land snail species, which were found most abundantly at this altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), a salt-tolerant species surviving in environments with pH up to 9.3, and it exhibits variable germination responses under salt and alkaline stress. This study evaluates the impact of neutral and alkali salts with varying pH levels on bermudagrass seed germination. Six bermudagrass germplasm accessions were analyzed using neutral (NaCl: Na2SO4 = 1:1, pH 6.12–7.14) and alkali (NaHCO3:Na2CO3 = 1:1, pH 9.62–9.90) salt treatments. Salt concentrations ranged from 0 to 250 mmol/L, with increments of 25 mmol/L. The assessed parameters included seed germination rate, germination potential, germination index, radicle length, plumule length, seedling weight, and radicle and plumule length ratio. The salt tolerance threshold of each germplasm was calculated using a linear regression fitting model. Critical indicators of salt tolerance were selected through stepwise regression, and the salt-alkali tolerance ranking was determined using a combined membership function and discriminant analysis. The results indicated that the total score decreased with increasing salt concentration under neutral salt stress. Alkali salt stress was more damaging to bermudagrass seedlings than neutral salt stress, inhibiting germination at 50 mmol/L. Neutral salt tolerance thresholds ranged from 31.7 to 207.7 mmol/L, while alkaline salt tolerance thresholds ranged from 16.9 to 53.3 mmol/L. The six germplasm accessions exhibited different responses to salt and alkali stress. Key indicators for neutral salt tolerance included plumule length, radicle and plumule length ratio, and seedling weight. For alkali salt tolerance, key indicators were germination potential, radicle length, and seedling weight, which can be used to screen for resistant germplasms. Our study demonstrates that alkaline salts inhibit seed germination and seedling growth more than neutral salts, and pH affects root growth and the radicle-to-plumule length ratio in seedlings. This research has significant ecological implications, providing insights into the adaptation strategies of bermudagrass in salt-affected and alkaline environments, which could aid in the restoration and management of degraded ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alpine timberline is a component of terrestrial ecosystems and is highly susceptible to climate change. Since 2000, the Tibetan Plateau's high-altitude zone has been experiencing a persistent warming, clarifying that the response of the alpine timberline to climate warming is important for mitigating the negative impacts of global warming. However, it is difficult for traditional field surveys to clarify changes in the alpine timberline over a wide range of historical periods. Therefore, alpine timberline sites were extracted from 2000–2021, based on remote sensing data sources (LANDSAT, MODIS), to quantify the timberline vegetation growth in the Gexigou National Nature Reserve and to explore the impacts of climate change on timberline vegetation growth. The results show that the mean temperature increased significantly from 2000 to 2021 (R2 = 0.35, p = 0.0036) at a rate of +0.03 °C/year. The alpine timberline continued to shift upwards, but at a slower rate, by +22.87 m, +23.23 m, and +2.73 m in 2000–2007, 2007–2014, and 2014–2021, respectively. The sample plots of the timberline showing an upward shift experienced a decreasing trend. The timberline NDVI increased significantly from 2000 to 2021 (R2 = 0.2678, p = 0.0136) with an improvement in its vegetation. The timberline NDVI is positively correlated with the annual mean temperature (p < 0.05), February mean temperature (p < 0.05), June minimum temperature (p < 0.05), February maximum temperature (p < 0.01), June maximum temperature (p < 0.01), and June mean temperature (p < 0.01). It was also found to be negatively correlated with annual precipitation (p < 0.01). The study showcases the practicality of using remote sensing techniques to investigate the alpine timberline shifts and timberline vegetation. The findings are valuable in developing approaches to the sustainable management of timberline ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swahili coastal forests, spanning the Kenyan and Tanzanian coastlines and the Zanzibar Archipelago, are integral to the biodiverse Eastern Arc and Coastal Forest region. These forest ecosystems face considerable anthropogenic threats. This study contributes to the available knowledge on the floral composition and plant community assemblages of Mnemba Island, a small sandy cay in the Zanzibar Archipelago, which helps to establish baseline data for conservation purposes. Two main coastal forest plant communities were identified: (1) the Casuarina cunninghamiana–Suriana maritima open to closed sandy dry coastal forest, and (2) the Eugenia capensis–Mimusops obtusifolia coastal forest. A total of 91 different plant species belonging to 54 plant families were identified for the island. Community 2, an indigenous forest, supports diverse bird breeding colonies and is a crucial habitat for the threatened Aders' duiker. Understory development is limited due to the historical Suni antelope overpopulation. Environmental factors like salt spray, allelochemicals, herbivore browsing, and climate fluctuations influence the vegetation abundance and composition. The study underscores differences in species diversity and composition between the planted Casuarina community and the natural atoll vegetation. The natural vegetation shows affinities with the Zanzibar–Inhambane edaphic coral-rag scrub forest and the transitional rainforest. Several species characteristic of Indian Ocean atolls were identified, providing insights into invasion ecology and conservation strategies. The study contributes conceptually to our understanding of vegetation dynamics in island ecosystems by highlighting the interplay between plant communities, environmental processes, and human activities. The fragile yet resilient nature of Mnemba's unique ecosystem is emphasised, offering insights for conservation management, long-term monitoring, and adaptive approaches tailored to island environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomarkers encompass a diverse range of living organisms, such as plants, plankton, animals, and microorganisms. Biological markers are commonly employed to assess and evaluate the environmental quality and health of ecosystems. Furthermore, these instruments serve as valuable resources for identifying instances of environmental deterioration and assessing its consequences for human civilization. Organisms are influenced by environmental determinants that contribute to environmental change. These organisms, commonly referred to as bioindicators, serve as a crucial tool in monitoring environmental pollution and are widely recognized as one of the primary methods employed for this purpose. Bioindicators provide scientists with a comprehensive assessment of the present state of various ecosystems. By analyzing this data, scientists are allowed to exercise improved management over ecosystem conditions and subsequently address issues such as pollution and toxic substances. The primary objective of this study is to collect pertinent and extensive data for individuals seeking to acquire knowledge about bioindicators or engage in research about this field, given its substantial role within the ecosystem. The data presented herein is acquired through the examination of bioindicators in diverse ecosystems, drawing upon the research conducted by other scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the water and carbon cycles within terrestrial ecosystems is crucial for effective monitoring and management of regional water resources and the ecological environment. However, physical models like the SEB- and LUE-based ones can be complex and demand extensive input data. In our study, we leveraged multiple variables (vegetation growth, surface moisture, radiative energy, and other relative variables) as inputs for various regression algorithms, including Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Random Forest Regression (RFR), and Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN), to estimate water (ET) and carbon fluxes (NEE) in the Haihe River Basin, and compared the estimated results with the observations from six eddy covariance flux towers. We aimed to (1) assess the impacts of different input variables on the accuracy of ET and NEE estimations, (2) compare the accuracy of the three regression methods, including three machine learning algorithms and Multiple Linear Regression, and (3) evaluate the performance of ET and NEE estimation models across various regions. The key findings include: (1) Increasing the number of input variables typically improved the accuracy of ET and NEE estimations. (2) RFR proved to be the most accurate for both ET and NEE estimations among the three regression algorithms. Of these, the four types of variables used together with RFR resulted in the best accuracy for ET (R2 of 0.81 and an RMSE of 1.13 mm) and NEE (R2 of 0.83 and an RMSE of 2.83 gC/m2) estimations. (3) Vegetation growth variables (i.e., VIs) are the most important inputs for ET and NEE estimation. (4) The proposed ET and NEE estimation models exhibited some variation in accuracy across different validation sites. Despite these variations, the accuracy levels across all six validation sites remained relatively high. Overall, this study lays the groundwork for an efficient approach to agricultural water resources and ecosystem monitoring and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel predator-prey model that incorporates Susceptible-Infected (SI) disease dynamics within the predator population. In this model, infected predators face a higher risk of death due to hunger compared to disease-induced death. We introduce two control variables aimed at reducing disease transmission and mitigating the impact of hunger on infected predators. The optimal control problem is formulated using a smoothed prey penalty cost function to ensure the prey population remains above a critical threshold, thereby reducing predator mortality. Existence results for the optimal control are established, and numerical simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First record of the presence of P. gatunense in South Africa. • Reappearance of P. bipes , last reported from South Africa during the 1930s. • Both are potential bloom-forming associated with several problems. • The morphology, taxonomy geographical distribution and limited ecology are discussed. The common freshwater dinoflagellate genus Peridinium includes the species P. gatunense and P. bipes , which are found globally. Despite forming a significant portion of algal communities, research on dinoflagellates in Africa is limited. This paper reports the first record of the presence of P. gatunense in South Africa, as well as the reappearance of P. bipes , which was last reported from South Africa during the 1930s. Light and scanning electron microscopy were used for species identification. Knowledge about the presence of these species is crucial because both are potential bloom-forming and associated with several problems having ecological impacts. The presence of both these species has potential in inhibiting the growth of the problematic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa , as demonstrated by previous studies. It may present a natural and effective solution for the remediation of water bodies subjected to harmful cyanobacterial blooms. These insights are crucial for proactive management of freshwater ecosystems in the country. This paper discusses the morphology, taxonomy, geographical distribution, and some ecological aspects of P. gatunense and P. bipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antarctic krill Euphausia superba is a key species in the Southern Ocean ecosystem and has important ecological value. It is also one of the main fishery resources in the Southern Ocean with high economic value. In recent years, with the development of krill fishery and rapid climate change, the conservation and management of krill resources have faced unprecedented challenges. The krill resource is different from the general fishery resources. Due to the krill schooling characteristics, fishery data has some advantages over scientific survey data. Reviewing and analyzing the krill fishery data is necessary. Therefore, in this study, four fishery resource indices (FRIs) were calculated based on Antarctic krill fishery data, and based on the environmental dependence of Antarctic krill, the FRI with the strongest environmental dependence was screened by using the Gradient Forest Model, and the step changes of the FRI with strongest environmental dependence was examined by using the sequential t‐test analyses of regime shifts (STARS). The generalized additive model (GAM) to analyze the correlation between the FRI with the strongest environmental dependence and the main environmental factors, and then explore the resource status of Antarctic krill in the study area. The model results showed that the "FRI_hual" had the strongest environmental dependence and was a better indicator of the status of the Antarctic krill in the study area than the others. In the 2009–2010 year, "FRI_hual" had an obvious regime shift. The interaction of environmental factors "ice_area_2" and "SSH_1" has a great impact on "FRI_hual". Methods used and results obtained in the study can provide new ideas and a scientific reference for future work, including integrated stock assessment of krill and krill resource monitoring, conservation, and management based on the ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Quantify tree functional and phylogenetic richness and divergence at the global scale, and explore the drivers underpinning these biogeographic patterns. Location: Global. Time Period: Present. Major Taxa Studied: Trees. Methods: Using global tree occurrence data, we outlined species' observed ranges using individual alpha hulls to obtain per‐pixel tree species composition at a 0.83‐degree resolution. Using eight traits from a recent tree‐trait database and a vascular‐plant phylogeny we computed and mapped four pixel‐level biodiversity indices, including two metrics related to richness: phylogenetic richness and functional richness, and two related to divergence: mean pairwise phylogenetic distance and Rao's quadratic entropy. To account for the effect of species richness, we also calculated standardized effect sizes accounting for richness for each pixel. We then explored the relations between richness and divergence and the latitudinal patterns of divergence both globally and across biomes. Finally, we used a random forest modelling approach to test for drivers of the different dimensions of diversity in trees. Results: In contrast to the latitudinal gradient in species richness, functional and phylogenetic divergence both peak in mid‐latitude systems, exhibiting the highest values in temperate ecosystems and lowest values in boreal and tropical forests. This result holds for functional divergence when removing gymnosperms but the peak flattens for phylogenetic divergence. Phylogenetic richness is consistently lower than expected given the number of species, whereas functional richness has higher‐than‐expected values at mid‐latitudes, mimicking functional divergence patterns. When considering the drivers of these diversity patterns, temperature and historical speciation rates consistently emerge as the strongest forces driving divergence, with negligible effects of human influence, soils or historical climate stability. Main Conclusions: Collectively, these results reveal unique similarities and disparities across biomes that are not apparent in any single dimension of biodiversity, highlighting the importance of considering multiple aspects of biodiversity in the management of natural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Convention on Biological Diversity's post-2020 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) includes targets to formally protect thirty percent of Earth by 2030 and stimulate financialization of biodiversity conservation. This paper foregrounds potential risks and limitations of the GBF in Thailand. It examines the historical context of state-run protected areas, including their role in facilitating state territorialization and dispossession, political and cultural persecution, and deleterious economic agendas. It then shows that implementation in Thailand could displace residents of more than 200 villages and supplant roughly forty percent (3,951 square kilometers) of all state-registered community forest lands, which provide various livelihood, cultural, and conservation benefits. The paper challenges three assumptions: that parties to the Convention will recognize the rights and agency of Indigenous Peoples and local communities; that state-run protected areas are managed for biodiversity conservation and not for economic growth; and that perpetual economic growth and modernization are compatible with conservation. Effective and equitable conservation in Thailand and elsewhere requires more socially and ecologically responsive community rights-based approaches that empower (rather than supersede) customary institutions and transcend unsustainable political-economic imperatives for privatization and perpetual economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]