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With advances in digital technology, physical and virtual spaces have gradually merged. For digitally disadvantaged groups, this transformation is both convenient and potentially supportive. Previous research on public infrastructure has been limited to improvements in physical facilities, and few researchers have investigated the use of mixed physical and virtual spaces. In this study, we focused on integrated virtual and physical spaces and investigated the factors affecting digitally disadvantaged groups' intentions to use this new infrastructure. Building on a unified theory of the acceptance and use of technology, we focused on social interaction anxiety, identified the characteristics of digitally disadvantaged groups, and constructed a research model to examine intentions to use the new infrastructure. We obtained 337 valid data from the questionnaire and analysed them using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results showed positive relationships between performance expectancy, perceived institutional support, perceived marketplace influence, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions. The influence of psychological reactance was significantly negative. Finally, social interaction anxiety had a regulatory effect on performance expectancy, psychological reactance, perceived marketplace influence, and effort expectancy. Its effects on perceived institutional support and facilitating conditions were not significant. The results support the creation of inclusive smart cities by ensuring that the new public infrastructure is suitable for digitally disadvantaged groups. Meanwhile, this study presents new theoretical concepts of new public infrastructures, mixed physical and virtual spaces, which provides a forward-looking approach to studying digitally disadvantaged groups in this field and paves the way for subsequent scholars to explore the field in theory and literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal swamp forests fill ecological niches that provide valuable environmental services, yet their extent across coastal Louisiana has diminished from logging and saltwater intrusion. Previous reforestation attempts yielded mixed results, attributed to hydrological disturbances leaving regions of the coast vulnerable to environmental stress. Environmental conditions may be improving. In the Pontchartrain Estuary, the Caernarvon Freshwater Diversion (CFD) has pulsed Mississippi River water into lower estuary wetlands since 1991, and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet Canal closure in 2009 lowered soil salinity further upstream in the estuary on the Maurepas Landbridge (MLB). However, how hydrological restoration impacts habitat restoration remains undocumented. The Pontchartrain Conservancy planted ~80,000 saplings from 2011–2021 in two regions (CFD, MLB) within the estuary. Species included Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich, Nyssa aquatica L. Nyssa sylvatica Marshal var. biflora, Acer rubrum L. var. drummondii (Hook. & Arn. ex Nutt.) Sarg. and Fraxinus pennsylvanica, though > 80% of the saplings planted were T. distichum. We assessed survival and growth for 7.3% of saplings. Survival differed between regions; survival was lower around the CFD (63%) and higher on the MLB (82%). Growth rates also differed; growth was higher in CFD (height: 0.18–0.69 m/yr; diameter 0.66–1.62 cm/yr) and lower in MLB (height: 0.00–0.44 m/yr; diameter 0.05–0.18 cm/yr). Growth varied temporally between areas, but trends were similar. Results indicate 1) hydrological restoration benefits coastal swamp reforestation, and 2) river water increased growth. As habitat restoration, including swamp reforestation, scales-up in Louisiana, these outcomes help resource managers and planners refine restoration goals and target areas to maximize restoration success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To fulfill the operational demands of deep-sea tracked mining vehicles traversing soft seabed substrates, an evaluation of the characteristics of these substrates was conducted, drawing a comparison with the land swamp black soil found in the buffalo's habitat. Employing the principles of biomimicry, two distinct types of bionic grouser were devised, replicating the configuration of the buffalo's hooves in both the horizontal and vertical planes. Utilizing self-constructed testing platforms, exhaustive examinations of the reinforcement efficacy of these bionic track grousers were undertaken, spanning from single-grouser to multi-grouser configurations and encompassing the entire track assembly. The findings unequivocally demonstrate a pronounced and consistent enhancement in traction force for both types of bionic grousers. Notably, the W-shaped bionic grouser, mimicking the horizontal contour of the buffalo's hoof, exhibits the most substantial increase in traction force. The maximum enhancement in traction force for individual bionic grouser exceeds 30%, while the overall track achieves an increase of over 19%. This research provides a valuable reference and establishes a foundational framework for the design of equipment tailored for the locomotion of deep-sea tracked mining vehicles across soft substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myristica swamps are one of the world's unique freshwater ecosystems. In recent years there has been an increase in reports about their distribution along the Western Ghats. In this paper, we present a new distribution record for Myristica swamps in the northern part of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. The Myristica swamp is located within the Bhalandeshwar Sacred Grove of Kumbral Bagwadi, Dodamarg Maharastra, India. This forms the second report from the state of Maharastra. Frequent field visits were made to study and document the floral assemblage and biodiversity in the swamp from November 2023 to January 2024. The swamp is dominated by Myristica magnifica Bedd. and is part of a sacred grove protected by villagers due to religious beliefs. The second discovery of a Myristica swamp with a gap of just six years points out to the potential existence of more swamps in the region. Therefore, systematic surveys are needed to document undocumented swamps in various areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 332 freshwater crab Sartoriana spinigera samples were collected for eight consecutive months from the Ratargul freshwater swamp forest, Bangladesh, to examine their general morphometrics and reproductive traits. The length‐weight relationships of carapace weight with carapace length, width, and depth indicated negative allometric growth. The logarithmic relationship between carapace weight and carapace length, carapace weight and carapace width, and carapace weight and carapace depth exhibited a correlation value of 0.86, 0.79, and 0.56, respectively. Fulton's condition factor and allometric condition factor were found to be highest in March and lowest in October. The sex ratio was 1.59 : 1 for the male to female, which did not show a considerable divergence from the expected 1 : 1 ratio in the chi‐square test (P < 0.05). In July, a maximum of mature individuals was collected and investigated. The fertilization was 1297 ± 629 ova, the ovary weight was 447.22 ± 359.39 mg, and the egg diameter was 375.15 ± 130.18 µm. Histological analysis showed that the male hepatopancreas was well organized and decomposition was reported in the female during the vitellogenic stages of the ovary. Spermatogonium cells were found in the male gonad, and cells from the female gonad were in the vitellogenic mature stage. In conclusion, the research will serve as a foundation for future research work on freshwater crab species as well as the conservation and maintenance of the ecological balance of this species in the Ratargul freshwater swamp forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Location Taxa Methods Results Main Conclusions Aquatic‐terrestrial transition zones contain features essential for many species that often benefit wetland biodiversity. Shallow flood‐zone areas and reed beds are indicative of natural wetland habitats; however, how such features affect the native arthropod biodiversity in constructed wetlands is scarcely investigated. We asked how these shoreline features, as well as wetland shoreline properties and grazing management, influence riparian arthropod diversities and habitat specializations.Constructed wetlands, Sweden.Araneae, Coleoptera, Diptera.Taxonomic‐, phylogenetic‐ and trait diversities, along with habitat specialist species richness, were measured in riparian spiders, beetles and selected Diptera in 68 constructed wetlands in two regions of Sweden. We ran structural equation models to estimate direct and indirect effects from shoreline slope, flooded grassland, reed areas and grazing management on group diversities, and used multivariate models to determine drivers on habitat specialist species richness.Flooded grassland and reed area, along with shoreline slope influenced arthropod diversities, and responses differed between arthropod groups and diversity metrics. Spider trait diversity was greater in wetlands with larger flooded grassland areas, whilst beetle trait diversity was reduced. Spider phylogenetic diversity was greater in wetlands containing larger reed areas and in wetlands with steeper shorelines. However, species richness in predatory flies was greater in wetlands with more gentle shorelines. Grazing management had limited effects on arthropod diversities; however, species richness in wetland specialist and generalist predatory dipterans was greater in the absence of grazers in wetlands with greater flooded grassland areas.As requirements vary considerably among arthropods, care must be taken when constructing and managing wetlands to benefit arthropod biodiversity. The present results suggest wetlands with a varied shoreline, albeit with greater proportions of flood areas, or multiple adjacent wetlands with varying shores in a wet landscape and a mild grazing regiment, would accommodate a more diverse arthropod fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, is the most cultured freshwater crayfish species. It attracts significant research attention due to its considerable economic importance. However, the limited availability of genome information has impeded further genetic studies and breeding programs. By utilizing Illumina, PacBio, and Hi-C sequencing technologies, we present a more comprehensive and continuous chromosome-level assembly for P. clarkii than the published one. The final genome size is 4.03 Gb, consisting of 2,358 scaffolds with a N50 of 42.87 Mb. Notably, 3.68 Gb, corresponding to 91.42% of the genome, was anchored to 94 chromosomes. The assembly comprises 70.64% repetitive sequences, including 5.21% tandem repeats and 65.40% transposable elements. Additionally, a total of 4,456 non-coding RNAs and 28,852 protein-coding genes were predicted in the P. clarkii genome, with 96.26% of the genes were annotated. This high-quality genome assembly not only represents a significant improvement for the genome of P. clarkii and provides insights into the unique genome evolution, but also offers valuable information for developing freshwater aquaculture and accelerating genetic breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Differences in demographic and environmental niches facilitate plant species coexistence in tropical forests. However, the adaptations that enable species to achieve higher demographic rates (e.g. growth or survival) or occupy unique environmental niches (e.g. waterlogged conditions) remain poorly understood. Anatomical traits may better predict plant environmental and demographic strategies because they are direct measurements of structures involved in these adaptations.We collected 18 leaf and twig traits from 29 tree species in a tropical freshwater swamp forest in Singapore. We estimated demographic parameters of the 29 species from growth and survival models, and degree of association toward swamp habitats. We examined pairwise trait–trait, trait–demography and trait–environment links while controlling for phylogeny.Leaf and twig anatomical traits were better predictors of all demographic parameters than other commonly measured leaf and wood traits. Plants with wider vessels had faster growth rates but lower survival rates. Leaf and spongy mesophyll thickness predicted swamp association.These findings demonstrate the utility of anatomical traits as indicators of plant hydraulic strategies and their links to growth–mortality trade‐offs and waterlogging stress tolerance that underlie species coexistence mechanisms in tropical forest trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective planning and management strategies for restoring and conserving tropical peat swamp ecosystems require accurate and timely estimates of aboveground biomass (AGB), especially when monitoring the impacts of restoration interventions. The aim of this research is to assess changes in AGB and evaluate the effectiveness of restoration efforts in the North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest (NSPSF), one of the largest remaining peat swamp forests in Peninsular Malaysia, using advanced remote sensing techniques. A Random Forest machine learning method was employed to upscale AGB estimates, derived from a 'LiDAR AGB model', to larger landscape-scale areas with Sentinel-2 spectral and textural variables. The time period under investigation (2015–2018) marked a concentrated phase of restoration and regeneration efforts in NSPSF. The results demonstrate an overall increase in tropical peat swamp AGB during these years, where the total amount of estimated AGB stored in NSPSF increased from 19.3 Tg in 2015 to an estimated 19.8 Tg in 2018. The research found that a tailored variable selection approach improved predictions of AGB, with optimised input variables (n = 62) and parameter adjustments producing a good plausible result (R2 = 0.80; RMSE = 55.2 Mg/ha). This paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of long-term studies (>5 years) for analyzing the success of tropical peat swamp restoration methods, with a potential for integrating remote sensing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drained peat soils (Histosols) were studied. In the mode of weak and moderate drainage, the trend of seasonal fluctuations (quadratic parabola) shows a weekly average increase in dehydrogenase activity with a weekly average deceleration, and in the intensive drainage mode, a weekly average deceleration with a weekly acceleration for June–October. A significant nonlinear relationship of enzyme activity was revealed: positive with redox potential and pH, and multidirectional with soil bulk moisture and soil temperature. According to canonical analysis, the discussed set cumulatively determines the seasonal dehydrogenase activity by 50–81%. The hydrological regime is statistically proved as a dominant factor. A negative conjugate interaction of dehydrogenase and peroxidase activity has been established, confirming their participation in the biochemical transformation of organic matter as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution presents the first record of the invasive non-native red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) in Greece and the Balkans. The crayfish was found during a fish monitoring expedition in the lower reaches of the Vosvozis River, near the city of Komotini, Thrace (northeastern Greece). The finding of P. clarkii in Greece expands the southernmost geographical range of the species in the Balkans and calls for immediate actions in preventing its further expansion to other water bodies and towards strict control of aquarium trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Locusts are globally recognized as major pest threats. In the first half of the 20th century, the South American locust caused great economic losses. After the implementation of preventive management, large‐scale upsurges ceased. In 2015, resurgence of S. cancellata led to swarms affecting northern Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia, prompting control agencies to address an almost forgotten problem. After six decades without a major locust outbreak, there were limited and outdated studies on this species. This study aims to identify key environmental factors associated with the spatial distribution of S. cancellata oviposition sites. We focus on explanatory variables that represent physical and chemical properties of soil and vegetation cover. To understand the relationships between each potential explanatory variable and the presence‐absence of S. cancellata oviposition sites, we first performed regression analyses applying a linear and quadratic structure for each explanatory variable. Then, we performed comparisons of logistic regression models in a multi‐model inference framework, where CAIC and weights of evidence were analysed. Our results show that the South American locusts chose to lay their eggs in areas with a low proportion of natural forest and flooded grasslands and a high proportion of non‐vegetated areas, where the soils are flat, with neutral pH, and low salinity. We also determined that an increase in the proportion of cultivated areas is associated with an increase in the probability of breeding presence of this species. The locust's habitat falls within the Dry Chaco, a global deforestation hotspot, evidencing a rapid replacing of forests for plantations. Since both the diminish of forest and the increase in cultivated areas are associated with an increase in oviposition sites, we consider that breeding areas will likely increase. The results found herein can be used to map the potential breeding habitats to help preventive management against the South American locust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Determining the most appropriate stocking density for a specific fish species in an ambient condition is essential for successful cage aquaculture in terms of profitability which is mainly governed by growth. The current study was conducted to ascertain which stocking density gives the best result of widely cultured species in cage aquaculture, pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), at swamp forest environment of Ratargul Freshwater Swamp Forest, Bangladesh in terms of growth, production and economic return. Fish were reared for 93 days at three stocking densities, namely 30, 40 and 50 fish/m3 which were denoted as FSD30, FSD40 and FSD50, respectively, containing three replications of each. Growth and yield comparisons indicated that the stocking density of fish had significant (p < 0.05) effects on growth rate and productivity. Fish cultivated at the maximum density (FSD50) had lower mean weights than fish reared at lower densities. The significantly highest mean weights (376.58 ± 14.65 g) and benefit–cost ratio (BCR) (1.617 ± 0.035) obtained from FSD30 show the suitability of this density in terms of fish growth and profitability of pangas in swamp forest environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐native species can spread rapidly through aquatic ecosystems in association with both natural and anthropogenic mechanisms, but the relative importance of these two mechanisms in determining the spread of a species is not always clear. The red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) has been introduced to multiple continents, including waterbodies in the United States where both natural and anthropogenic dispersal are likely to have contributed to its current distribution. The present study combined comparisons of historical and contemporary distributions of P. clarkii and several high conservation priority crayfish species, regional field sampling, and microsatellite‐based genetic approaches from the Pee Dee River basin in North Carolina and South Carolina to understand the dispersal patterns of P. clarkii and its potential effects on native crayfishes. Field sampling and microsatellite analyses revealed widespread populations of P. clarkii throughout the study area with catchment‐specific patterns of population genetic structure, wherein more distinct genetic structures were found in the basin with historic aquaculture activities and a longer period of occurrence. The rapid spread of P. clarkii has occurred concurrently with extirpations of populations of native crayfishes, namely the Waccamaw crayfish (Procambarus braswelli), the Carolina Sandhills crayfish (Procambarus pearsei) and the coastal plain crayfish (Procambarus ancylus). The rapid spread of P. clarkii and coincident extirpation of native crayfishes calls for more extensive regulatory controls to help prevent the intentional or accidental release of non‐native crayfishes through aquaculture practices, bait releases, the pet trade and the environmental education industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the perspectives of individuals living within food swamps and how they may perceive their access to healthy vs. unhealthy foods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we examine how they may navigate their food environment to feed themselves and their families. We recruited women of color living within a food swamp neighborhood to share their perspectives on healthy and unhealthy food access, healthy eating, neighborhood resources, and community support. We employed the Photovoice model to engage participants to take photographs and document their experiences through two surveys. A focus group was completed to identify solutions and priorities to improve healthy food access. Nine themes related to food access including marketing, food quality, and affordability were identified. Participants conveyed the “saddening” or “frustrating” experience of taking images, which allowed them to document what they feel is the unfair experience of purchasing food in their own neighborhood. Participants highlighted goals they believed would improve outcomes for their neighborhood while discussing potential stakeholders who may assist the community. Participants identified several existing community assets such as local markets and schools that should be leveraged and expanded to enhance the overall health-promoting aspects of their neighborhood. Community members are able to identify the prevalence of unhealthy foods in their neighborhoods and work diligently to combat issues of food access. After completion of the Photovoice study, participants felt more confident about their ability to influence community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Understanding patterns and processes of microbial biogeography in soils is important for monitoring ecological responses to human activities, particularly in ecologically vulnerable areas such as the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Highland barley is the staple food of local people and has mainly been cultivated along the Yarlung Zangbo River valley in Xizang. Methods: Here we investigated soil bacterial communities from 33 sampling sites of highland barley farmland in this region and compared them to those from wild ecosystems including alpine tundra, meadow, forest, and swamp. Additionally, the effects of environmental factors on bacterial communities, as well as the relative importance of stochastic and deterministic processes in shaping the beta diversity of soil bacterial communities in alpine ecosystems were assessed. Results: In contrast to soils of wild ecosystems, these farmland samples harbored a highly homogeneous bacterial community without significant correlations with geographic, elevation, and edaphic distances. Discriminant bacterial taxa identified for farmland samples belong to Acidobacteria, with Acidobacteria Gp4 as the dominant clade. Although Acidobacteria were the most abundant members in all ecosystems, characterized bacterial taxa of meadow and forest were members of other phyla such as Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. pH and organic matter were major edaphic attributes shaping these observed patterns across ecosystems. Null model analyses revealed that the deterministic assembly was dominant in bacterial communities in highland barley farmland and tundra soils, whereas stochastic assembly also contributed a large fraction to the assembly of bacterial communities in forest, meadow and swamp soils. Discussion: These findings provide an insight into the consequences of human activities and agricultural intensification on taxonomic homogenization of soil bacterial communities in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how two different types of food environments—food deserts and food swamps—were associated with geographic disparities in obesity and diabetes in North Carolina using geographic information systems and spatial regression. To better identify the association between food swamps and health disparities, this study incorporated socioeconomic dimensions into the food swamp measure and considered dollar stores and gas stations with convenience stores as unhealthy food retailers, which were often overlooked in previous studies. It found that food deserts were concentrated in eastern North Carolina (ENC) and western North Carolina and food swamps in ENC, while obesity and diabetes hot spots were clustered in ENC. The results indicated that obesity and diabetes remained associated with food swamps even after spatial autocorrelation was controlled for, but the associations with food deserts—statistically significant in a nonspatial regression—became no longer significant when food swamps and spatial autocorrelation were controlled for. These results demonstrate that a food swamp might better explain health disparities in North Carolina than a food desert. Identifying ENC as a region containing both food deserts and food swamps illustrates the need for state and local governments to focus their efforts in this region to mitigate food insecurity and health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: substantiation and consideration of the assimilating ability of natural and artificially waterlogged areas within the reclaimed landscapes to support the decision to discharge drainage runoff onto the relief or to create constructed wetland. Materials and methods. The calculation of the hydraulic and anthropogenic impact on the wetlands within the reclamation system and constructed wetlands parameters, taking into account the assimilating capacity of wetlands, was performed using computer program in Excel. Results. The possibility of creating artificially waterlogged sites (bioplatos) within a reclamation system for the discharge and purification of drainage flow with subsequent discharge into the river network is considered. In order to take into account the assimilation capacity of wetlands (bioplatos) and the possibility of dumping contaminated drainage waters into them, the computer calculations were performed and graphs were constructed, the dependence of the bioplatos area on the assimilating ability of higher aquatic plants, as well as the total cost which is trends within 50–250 thousands rubles under given conditions of calculations are obtained. Conclusions. The obtained graphs showing the dependence between bioplato area and phosphorous assimilation allow us to determine the area and assimilating capacity of the bioplatos at drainage flow discharge containing phosphorous in the range from 0.5 to 10 l/s per 1 ha of the area of the structure with a drained area in the range of 200–800 ha, depending on the assimilating ability of higher aquatic plants at concentrations of nutrients of the nitrogen and phosphorus groups exceeding the MPC by 3 times in nitrogen and 60 times in phosphorus at different temperatures conditions.

Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (RSC) are a highly invasive species established on five continents. Recent detections of RSC populations in several locations in Michigan, USA spurred action to develop trap-based early detection and response plans based on the best available science, however, few recommendations are available concerning important sampling logistics such as timing and density of deployed traps. We surveyed 231 waterbodies (mainly lentic systems with relatively few small lotic systems) for RSC in two invasion zones in southern Michigan. We used Bayesian hierarchical models to evaluate baited traps for detection of RSC invasions, and qualitatively evaluated feasibility of eDNA metabarcoding for enhancing trap-based detection strategies. While overall occupancy was low, predicted detection probabilities with baited traps ranged from 27 to 98% and depended on season, density of traps, and relative crayfish abundance. There was high agreement between trapping and eDNA detections (94%). However, an improved eDNA sampling design that increases the number of samples is needed. We conclude that trap-based detections of RSC in Michigan are most likely to occur mid-summer, trapping densities should be increased in the spring and fall to offset lower detection probabilities, and eDNA could feasibly supplement trapping in spring and fall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic stressors can have an impact in a broad range of physiological processes and can be a major selective force leading to rapid evolution and local population adaptation. In this study, three populations of the invasive crayfish Procambarus clarkii were investigated. They are geographically separated for at least 20 years, and live in different abiotic environments: a freshwater inland lake (Salagou lake) with no major anthropogenic influence and two other coastal wetlands regularly polluted by pesticides along the Mediterranean coast (Camargue region and Bages-Sigean lagoon). Collected adults were genetically characterized using the mitochondrial COI gene and haplotype frequencies were analyzed for genetic variability within and between populations. Results revealed a higher genetic diversity for these invasive populations than any previous report in France, with more than seven different haplotypes in a single population. The contrasting genetic diversity between the Camargue and the other two populations suggest different times and sources of introduction. To identify differences in key physiological responses between these populations, individuals from each population were maintained in controlled conditions. Data on oxygen consumption rates indicate that the Salagou and Bages-Sigean populations possess a high inter-individual variability compared to the Camargue population. The low individual variability of oxygen consumption and low genetic diversity suggest a specific local adaptation for the Camargue population. Population-specific responses were identified when individuals were exposed to a pesticide cocktail containing azoxystrobin and oxadiazon at sublethal concentrations. The Salagou population was the only one with altered hydro-osmotic balance due to pollutant exposure and a change in protease activity in the hepatopancreas. These results revealed different phenotypic responses suggesting local adaptations at the population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottomland hardwood (BLH) forest ecosystems within the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley exist in narrow corridors composed of frequently flooded mature forests and complemented by afforested younger forest patches due to BLH afforestation efforts. Sylvilagus aquaticus (Swamp Rabbit), a BLH forest-specialist species, require a diversity of habitat conditions, but little information exists on fine-scale Swamp Rabbit use of mature and young forest habitats and the conditions that may influence Swamp Rabbit habitat use. We addressed this literature gap by assessing use of habitat by Swamp Rabbits in afforested and mature BLH stands in southern Illinois during March 2014–March 2016. At 746 plots (area = 3.15 m2, 60 m x 60 m spacing), we used Swamp Rabbit fecal pellets to quantify Swamp Rabbit habitat use and identified 9 habitat variables known to be important to Swamp Rabbits. We then created 18 a priori generalized linear models to evaluate variation in Swamp Rabbit habitat use relative to habitat variables each study year. Individual forest stands strongly influenced Swamp Rabbit habitat use in all 3 study years in addition to macro-habitat variables (i.e., distance to water, distance to afforested–mature stand interface) and micro-habitat variables (i.e., woody stem density, herbaceous ground cover) in some years. We found that both mature and afforested stands were used by Swamp Rabbits but that edaphic conditions specific to stands likely affected flooding and water inundation in localized areas impacting habitat conditions and thus Swamp Rabbit use. While we found increased ground vegetation and woody stem density had positive impacts on habitat use by Swamp Rabbits in 2014, these variables were no longer significant predictors of Swamp Rabbit occupancy when flooding was severe in 2015 and the following year, 2016. These results point towards water inundation from flooding as the main driver of Swamp Rabbit habitat use when it limits terrestrial habitat and the availability of vegetation resources important for food and hiding cover. Because Swamp Rabbit habitat use is driven by habitat at the stand scale, habitat management can focus on managing stands with more consistently dry conditions to provide all necessary habitat elements when lower elevations are unavailable due to inundation. This research underscores the annual variability of these forest ecosystems and the importance of incorporating forest vegetation dynamics, hydrogeomorphology and flooding incidence and severity into management plans for Swamp Rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alien species can have massive impacts on native biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and human livelihoods. Assessing which species from currently cultivated alien floras may escape into the wild and naturalize is essential for efficient and proactive ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation. Climate change has already promoted the naturalization of many alien plants in temperate regions, but whether it is similar in (sub)tropical areas is insufficiently known. In this study, we used species distribution models for 1527 cultivated alien plants to evaluate current and future invasion risks across different biomes and 10 countries in southern Africa. Our results confirm that the area of suitable climate is a strong predictor of naturalization success among the cultivated alien flora. In contrast to previous findings from temperate regions, however, climatic suitability is generally predicted to decrease for potential aliens across our (sub)tropical study region. While increasingly hotter and drier conditions are likely to drive declines in suitability for potential aliens across most biomes of southern Africa, in some the number of potential invaders is predicted to increase under moderate climate change scenarios (e.g. in dry broadleaf forests and flooded grasslands). We found that climatic suitability is expected to decline less for aliens originating from continents with the tropical biome or from the Southern Hemisphere. In addition, we found that the climatically suitable area will decline less for aliens that have already naturalized in the region. While the number of potential invaders may decrease across southern Africa under future climate change, our results suggest that already naturalized aliens will continue to threaten native species and ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation of woody plant species over grassland areas has been reported in different regions of the planet. This phenomenon has caused economic, social and environmental effects in the Brazilian Pantanal. Traditional knowledge based on scientific evidences technically supports the forms of management to control the process of colonization of woody plants in native grasslands, thus promoting the original ecological restoration of these ecosystems. Our study aimed to evaluate three management regimes with prescribed fire for controlling the invasion of Vochysia divergens Pohl. on grassland matrix areas in the Brazilian Pantanal. The results obtained showed that prescribed fire is an efficient tool in controlling V. divergens in the early stages of its establishment, and effectively contributes to ecological restoration processes in the savannah grasslands, aimed at controlling woody tree and shrub species invasions in the grasslands of the Brazilian Pantanal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U Minh wetlands of southern Vietnam in Ca Mau and Kieng Giang provinces are a degraded, peat-swamp wetland mosaic known to retain several globally threatened species. We deployed 83 targeted camera-traps across U Minh Thuong National Park and U Minh Ha National Park from December 2019 to May 2020, and from November 2020 to June 2021, respectively. Our aim was to detect threatened otters, wild cats, and pangolins in each protected area, to identify relative abundance, activity patterns, and what potential threats they may face to inform conservation priorities for park managers. Our results showed that both protected areas harbour significant regionally important populations of globally threatened Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica), and Hairy-nosed otters (Lutra sumatrana). However, Fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) and Large-spotted civet (Viverra megaspila) previously recorded from U Minh Thuong National Park, were not observed, emphasising the probability of local extirpation. Other than wide-ranging species that are less sensitive to human disturbance (i.e., Common palm civets and Leopard cats), all small carnivores were most active in Melaleuca and swamp/Melaleuca habitats in U Minh Thuong, and both the wetland plantations and disturbed forests of U Minh Ha according to their photographic rates. Human and domestic dogs' activity periods in both protected areas overlapped strongly with Hairy-nosed otters, which could influence their dispersal abilities and access to resources. Long-term and short-term threats are discussed with relevance to U Minh ecosystem health and future recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the presence of two heavy metals (Cd and Pb) in the sediments and Asian swamp eels (Monopterus albus) in the downstream area of Cisadane River. The average concentrations of Cd and Pb in the sediments from all sampling locations were 0.594 ± 0.230 mg/kg and 34.677 ± 24.406 mg/kg, respectively. These concentrations were above the natural background concentration and the recommended value of interim sediment quality guidelines (ISQG), suggesting an enrichment process and potential ecological risk of studied metals to the ecosystem of Cisadane River. The increase in contamination within this region may be attributed to point sources such as landfill areas, as well as the industrial and agricultural land activities in surrounding area, and experienced an increasing level leading towards the estuary of Cisadane River. Meanwhile, the average concentrations of Cd and Pb in the eels from all sampling locations were 0.775 ± 0.528 μg/g and 28.940 ± 12.921 μg/g, respectively. This study also discovered that gill tissues contained higher levels of Cd and Pb than the digestive organ and flesh of Asian swamp eels. These concentrations were higher than Indonesian and international standards, suggesting a potential human health risk and therefore the needs of limitations in the consumption of the eels. Based on the human health risk assessment, the eels from the downstream of Cisadane River are still considered safe to be consumed as long as they comply with the specified maximum consumption limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between plants and floral visitors have a significant influence on the structure and function of ecosystems. The study of these interactions can be performed through the analysis of ecological networks, allowing an understanding of the complexity of ecosystem functioning. The objective of the present study was to verify whether the characteristics of individuals of Byrsonima intermedia (Malpighiaceae) affects its role in the network of interactions with floral visitors in Brazilian palm swamps (veredas). Veredas with different levels of dryness were studied, including one degraded vereda (advanced stage of drying), one intermediate vereda (low drying), and one preserved vereda (no drying). For sampling, we selected 45 individuals of the Byrsonima intermedia plant, 15 in each area, where they were monitored to observe the behavior of floral visitor insects and to measure the characteristics of the plant individuals. As a result, the networks of all sampled area were significantly modular and specialized, with the preserved vereda showing greater specialization. In this study, we observed that the networks of individuals of Byrsonima intermedia and their floral visitors were mainly composed of non-oil-collecting bees. The results show that the abundance of resources offered by each individual in the network, the size of the flower and the plant height are some factors that can determine its role in the network of interactions in the studied veredas. Finally, it is concluded that individual plant interactions can be affected both by environmental characteristics and by plant morphological attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effects of dietary threonine on growth and ovarian development of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), crayfish (5.48 ± 0.19 g) were fed six isoproteic and isoenergetic diets with varying levels of threonine (7.16 g/kg (control), 9.19, 12.74, 16.44, 20.83, and 23.78 g/kg) for 8 weeks. The results showed that weight gain rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency rate, protein deposition rate, and essential amino acid deposition rates obtained the optimal values when the dietary threonine level was 12.74 or 16.44 g/kg. Compared to the control group, the 12.74 g/kg group exhibited enhanced nonspecific immunity and antioxidant properties. The 16.44 g/kg group demonstrated a significant increase in the frequency of B cells and R cells in the hepatopancreas, the length and width of intestinal villi, and the activities of protease and lipase. It also showed elevated ecdysterone hormone, gonadal index (GI), cAMP content, and the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal microflora. Compared to the control group, the mRNA expression of mTOR, S6K1, 4EBP1, EcR, RXR, chitinase, PKA, Vg, cdc2, and cyclin B was significantly upregulated, and the mRNA expression of MIH was significantly downregulated in the 16.44 g/kg group. Overall, optimal dietary threonine could improve intestinal health, regulate immune function, and enhance protein utilization, molting, and growth performance of red swamp crayfish. Additionally, it improved the synthesis of yolk substance and facilitated the development of ovarian cells of female crayfish. The optimal threonine level was 14.87–16.94 g/kg (dry matter), corresponding to 42.51–48.42 g/kg of dietary protein in red swamp crayfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) can affect freshwater ecosystems, their macrophyte communities in various ways. To examine the effects of red swamp crayfish on clearwater macrophyte-dominated lakes, we performed a 28-day mesocosm experiment, without and with presence of red swamp crayfish, with or without access to sediments using netting. All in the presence of one of the following three different submerged macrophytes: Myriophyllum spicatum L., Vallisneria denseserrulata (Makino) Makino, or Hydrilla verticillate (L.f.) Royle. This experimental design allowed a partial separation of the effects of disturbing the sediment using netting from other factors such as excretion and direct harm of the plants. Nutrients and total suspended solids concentrations were lower in the crayfish-with-net than in the crayfish-without-net treatments but had similar concentrations in the crayfish-with-net and crayfishless-without-net treatments. Compared to the crayfish-with-net treatment, there were more broken leaves in the crayfish-without-net treatments for V. denseserrulata and H. verticillata, while no difference was found for M. spicatum, likely reflecting their different growth forms. Our results suggest that the sediment disturbance by the crayfish was more important than their plant handling/consumption and nutrient excretion for an observed water quality change from clear to turbid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rubber seed kernel is a by-product derived from rubber tree plantations. It is rich in C18 unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and has the potential to be used as a protein source for ruminant diets. This investigation has been conducted to determine the influence of rubber seed kernel pellet (RUSKEP) supplementation on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and fatty acid profiles in swamp buffalo. Using a completely randomized design (CRD) and supplementation of RUSKEP at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% dry matter (DM) of substrate. Results: The supplementation with RUSKEP had no effect on gas kinetics, cumulative gas production, or degradability. Ruminal pH decreased linearly (P < 0.01) and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) by RUSKEP supplementation. The proportion of acetate (C2) decreased linearly (P < 0.01), but propionate (C3) and butyrate (C4) increased linearly (P < 0.01), resulting in a decrease in the acetate to propionate ratio (C2:C3) (P < 0.01) by RUSKEP supplementation. With an increasing level of dietary RUSKEP, there was a slight increase in UFA in the rumen by increasing the oleic acid (OA; C18:1 cis-9 + trans-9), linoleic acid (LA; C18:2 cis-9,12 + trans-9,12), and α-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3 cis-9,12,15) concentrations (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Adding up to 10% of RUSKEP could improve in vitro rumen fermentation and C18 unsaturated fatty acids, especially ALA, in swamp buffalo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological variation is common within widely distributed plant species and often raises interesting taxonomic and evolutionary questions. We sampled eight typical inland populations and two coastal dwarf populations of Banksia occidentalis to assess whether the coastal variant warrants taxonomic recognition. Genomic (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and morphometric analyses were undertaken to assess the variation within and between variants. Genetically, the coastal populations were more closely related to geographically adjacent populations of the typical variant than they were to each other, indicating that each coastal population has originated independently. Morphologically, the coastal populations also did not represent a cohesive phenotypic group, with both falling outside the range of variation for the typical variant, but also not overlapping each other. Wide morphological, but not genomic, variation was identified along a coastal–inland transect. Combined, these data indicate that the morphological variation in these coastal populations is the result of parallel ecotype evolution from experiencing similar environmental conditions and does not represent the diversification of a distinct evolutionary lineage that would have warranted taxonomic recognition. Our study highlights the consequences of strong selection pressures in marginal environments and provides fascinating insight to the long evolutionary history of the flora in this ancient Australian landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical peatlands are crucial ecosystems, storing vast carbon reserves and supporting rich biodiversity. Despite covering a small land area, they play significant roles in global carbon cycling and climate regulation. However, these ecosystems face escalating threats from human activities, including agricultural expansion and peatland drainage. This paper provides a concise overview of tropical peatlands, focusing on their distribution, characteristics, and ecological importance in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. It highlights the diverse vegetation communities and notable animal species found in peat swamp forests, underscoring their conservation value. Peatland degradation leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions, land subsidence, and loss of traditional livelihoods for local communities. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches, including conservation efforts to protect and restore intact peat swamp forests, sustainable land-use practices, and policy interventions to regulate land management. Research collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and local communities is essential for developing evidence-based conservation strategies. By prioritizing the preservation of tropical peatlands, we can mitigate climate change impacts, conserve biodiversity, and safeguard the well-being of local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andean swamp rat Neotomys ebriosus is a sigmodontine rodent restricted to the Central Andes of South America. A distribution map of the species in Peru have been previously drawn based on few of the localities where the species has been captured and collected. I update the distribution of the species in Peru based on new records from three different areas surveyed by the author, specimens at Museum collections in the United States and France from VertNet webpage, localities from the collection at the Natural History Museum of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, and localities from the collection at the Natural History Museum of the Universidad Nacional San Agustín. The northern limit of the species distribution is increased based on new localities with collected individuals. Habitat used by N. ebriosus is mainly high Andean bogs; most individuals caught adjacent to the borders of Andean bogs and along streams near the bogs. Collected individuals leave unclear subspecies division and identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The carbon (C) dynamics of boreal coniferous swamps are a largely understudied component of wetland carbon cycling. We investigated the above‐ and below‐ground carbon stocks and growing season carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes from a representative boreal coniferous swamp in northern Alberta, Canada in 2022. Tree inventories, understory vegetation biomass and peat cores were collected across three sub‐sites within the broader swamp, with gas flux collars placed in the dominant plant communities present. Alongside the C flux measurements, environmental variables such as water table depth, soil temperature and growing season understory green leaf phenology were measured. Our results show that these boreal coniferous swamps store large volumes of organic C in their biomass and soil (134 kg C m−2), comparable with other wetland and forest types, although 95% of the total C stock at our site was within the soil organic carbon. We also found that understory CO2 and CH4 fluxes indicated that the ground layer of the site is a source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere across the growing season. However, we did not measure litterfall input, tree GHG fluxes or net primary productivity of the overstory, therefore we are not able to say whether the site is an overall source of C to the atmosphere. This study provides a much‐needed insight into the C dynamics of these under‐valued wetland ecosystems, and we highlight the need for a coordinated effort across boreal regions to try to improve inventories of C stocks and fluxes. Plain Language Summary: Compared to other wetland types across Canada, boreal conifer swamps do not receive the same level of scientific attention and therefore our understanding of how much carbon they potentially store and release is limited. To fill this knowledge gap, our study measured how much carbon was stored both in the trees and within the soil itself, alongside measurements of carbon uptake and release within a representative conifer swamp wetland in Western Canada. We found that although these wetlands may function similarly to other wetland types, by ignoring them, we are missing out on large amounts of carbon being stored in these systems. We also found that at the ground layer, these sites are a source of carbon, that is, releasing more carbon than is being taken up by the understory moss and plant layer. However, we cannot say if the site overall is a source of carbon to the atmosphere as we were unable to measure other key components of a wetland carbon cycle including litterfall input and the productivity of the trees themselves. Our findings indicate that by not including these wetlands in modeling of carbon dynamics, we are missing a substantial component of boreal carbon cycling processes. Key Points: Boreal conifer swamp wetlands are an underrepresented wetland class within wetland C cycling measurements and modelingThese swamps store large volumes of organic C in their aboveground biomass but most importantly, in their soil organic carbon stockWe also found that the ground‐layer of this site is a net source of greenhouse gases during the growing season [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species belonging to the recently described genus Malagodon Meinema and Huber, 2023, is herein described from specimens collected in a single, small, isolated Pandanas swamp in southeastern coastal Madagascar, located within the Réserve Spéciale de Manombo, south of the town of Farafangana, its only known locality. The new species was last collected in the late 1990s, and despite repeated attempts over the past three decades, no additional specimens have been collected at the type locality or from any other suitable habitats within the region, and the species is presumed to be extinct. The new species is distinguished from its only congener, Malagodon madagascariensis, formerly known from forested swamps in northeastern coastal Madagascar, and also now considered to be extinct, by the following apomorphic features: a lower anal-fin ray count (15--17 vs. 18--19), a longer caudal peduncle (26.8%--39.8% vs. 21.9%--26.7% SL), and the presence of a platelike (vs. thin and spinelike) neural spine on the fifth vertebral centrum in both sexes. Additionally, the new species exhibits neural spines on both the sixth and seventh vertebral centra that are also somewhat expanded and platelike dorsally compared with those in M. madagascariensis, which are narrow and spinelike. We also provide a rediagnosis of Malagodon based on the examination of additional material unavailable in the original description, which was based on only three specimens (two males of M. madagascariensis and one female of the new species). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Florida Everglades are a vast subtropical wetland that historically spanned over 1,000,000 hectares, but much of the Everglades has changed in the last 100 years due to anthropogenic activity. Collier County, situated in southwest FL and bordering the Gulf of Mexico, was subject to alteration in the form of logging, road building, and canal digging. These actions disrupted the natural sheet flow of water and had large environmental impacts on the region, impacts which are slowly being addressed by Everglades restoration efforts. The aim of this work was to observe environmental change at a cypress swamp forest in Collier County within the Big Cypress National Preserve. Using sediment core data including charcoal analysis, loss on ignition, and peat humification, as well as remote sensing techniques, this project uses a novel approach to assess local environmental conditions in the modern era for the region. While this analysis was based on a single core located at the study site, additional ground-penetrating radar profiles at the study site showed a consistent, laterally continuous distribution of subsurface interfaces, therefore suggesting that the core is representative of the conditions at this specific location. Historical records and contemporary data are used to evaluate environmental change over time, and satellite imagery is used to quantify vegetation health. Environmental change related to anthropogenic activity is noted, and evidence of progress from restoration efforts is observed from the last two decades in our study's data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A resource based conceptual model of plant diversity (RBCM) assumes direct relationships between resource supply and the diversity of a local plant assembly. However, the RBCM largely ignores variation in soil toxicity imposed by climatic effects. Both soil limiting resources and soil toxicity vary along climatic gradients but their net and interactive effects on plant species diversity remain unknown. We asked how climatic gradients shape resource availability, soil toxicity and dominance of herb‐layer graminoids, and how these predictors control local species diversity of herbs and bryophytes. Location: Swamp forests, Central Europe. Taxon: Vascular plants, bryophytes. Methods: Alpha taxonomic diversity of vascular plants and bryophytes was counted for 101 vegetation plots sampled in temperate swamp forests distributed along an 800‐km geographical gradient across the Continental, Alpine and Pannonian biogeographical regions. Path analysis (structural equation modelling) was used to quantify the direct and indirect effects of climatic variable (potential evapotranspiration; PET), limiting resources (soil N/P, Ca, C/N, proxies for light and water availability) and soil toxicity (Mn) on graminoid dominance and community diversity. Results: PET negatively influenced species richness of both groups analysed either directly or indirectly through its positive effect on the cover of graminoid species. Alpha diversity of herbs was additionally reduced by soil toxicity (Mn). Limiting resources correlated either with species dominance (canopy shading, soil Ca) or with PET (soil N/P ratio), but they did not control species richness pattern. Main Conclusions: Climate, soil toxicity and species dominance determined alpha diversity instead of the expected importance of soil limiting resources. These results are key to advancing the theoretical framework of the RBCM. Increased soil toxicity (Mn) in well‐watered regions favours the dominance of plant competitors at the expense of less tolerant species. This implies a potential threat to wetland diversity under ongoing climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the documented increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Southeast Asian peat swamp forest degradation and conversion to oil palm over recent decades, reliable estimates of emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) are lacking. We measured soil fluxes of N2O and CH4 and their environmental controls along a peatland transition from primary forest (PF) to degraded drained forest (DF) to oil palm plantation (OP) over 18 months in Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia. Sampling was conducted monthly at all sites and more intensively following two fertilization events in the OP. Mean annual emissions of N2O (kg N ha−1 yr−1) were 1.7 ± 0.2 for the PF, 2.3 ± 0.2 for the DF and for the OP 8.1 ± 0.8 without drainage canals (DC) and 7.7 ± 0.7 including DC. High N2O emissions in the OP were driven by peat decomposition, not by N fertilizer addition. Mean CH4 annual fluxes (kg C ha−1 yr−1) were 8.2 ± 1.9 for the PF, 1.9 ± 0.4 for the DF, and 1.6 ± 0.3 for the OP with DC and 1.1 ± 0.2 without. Considering their 20-year global warming potentials (GWP), the combined non-CO2 GHG emission (Mg CO2-equivalent ha−1 yr−1) was 3.3 ± 0.6 for the PF and 1.6 ± 0.2 for the DF. The emission in the OP (3.8 ± 0.3 with or without DC) was similar to the PF because reductions in CH4 emissions offset N2O increases. However, considering 100-year GWP, the combined non-CO2 GHG emission was larger in the OP (3.4 ± 0.3 with DC and 3.5 ± 0.3 without) compared to both the PF and the DF (1.5 ± 0.2 and 1.2 ± 0.1, respectively). The increase in peat N2O emissions associated with the land-use change transition from primary forest to oil palm plantation at our sites provides further evidence of the urgent need to protect tropical peat swamp forests from drainage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical peat swamp forests are major global carbon (C) stores highly vulnerable to human intervention. In Peruvian Amazonia, palm swamps, the prevalent peat ecosystem, have been severely degraded through recurrent cutting of Mauritia flexuosa palms for fruit harvesting. While this can transform these C sinks into significant sources, the magnitude of C fluxes in natural and disturbed conditions remains unknown. Here, we estimated emissions from degradation along a gradient comprising undegraded (Intact), moderately degraded (mDeg) and heavily degraded (hDeg) palm swamps. C stock changes above- and below-ground were calculated from biomass inventories and peat C budgets resulting from the balance of C outputs (heterotrophic soil respiration (Rh), dissolved C exports), C inputs (litterfall, root mortality) and soil CH4 emissions. Fluxes spatiotemporal dynamics were monitored (bi)monthly over 1–3 years. The peat budgets (Mg C ha−1 year−1) revealed that medium degradation reduced by 88% the soil sink capacity (from − 1.6 ± 1.3 to − 0.2 ± 0.8 at the Intact and mDeg sites) while high degradation turned the soil into a high source (6.2 ± 0.7 at the hDeg site). Differences stemmed from degradation-induced increased Rh (5.9 ± 0.3, 6.2 ± 0.3, and 9.0 ± 0.3 Mg C ha−1 year−1 at the Intact, mDeg, and hDeg sites) and decreased C inputs (8.3 ± 1.3, 7.1 ± 0.8, and 3.6 ± 0.7 Mg C ha−1 year−1 at the same sites). The large total loss rates (6.4 ± 3.8, 15.7 ± 3.8 Mg C ha−1 year−1 under medium and high degradation), originating predominantly from biomass changes call for sustainable management of these peatlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Asian swamp eels (Monopterus albus/javanensis) were first reported as introduced to Florida waterbodies in 1997 near Tampa and Miami; a third population was recorded by 1999 in Homestead. Initial assessments, published soon after swamp eels in southern Florida were first recorded in wetlands beyond canals and ponds (in 2007), concluded there was little threat to Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. Long-term data now suggest they precipitated population crashes of crayfishes and small fishes in the eastern Everglades. We used records from continuous long-term monitoring programs, sporadic monitoring studies, and online databases to reconstruct swamp eel presence across Florida. Monitoring studies provided wetland hydrologic variables to assess limits for swamp eels. From 1997–2007, populations in southern Florida remained restricted to canals; initial spread from 2007–2017 across southern Everglades National Park proceeded slowly and the two populations covered ~1500 km² of southern Florida. From 2017–2022, the rate of spread increased as they spread west and north (~5800 km² range). Through 2014, the Tampa population occurred only along southern/eastern Tampa Bay (~60 km²) but has since spread south along the Gulf Coast, east into central Florida, and south along the Lake Wales Ridge (~11,000 km²). We found evidence of two potentially new introductions, in Palm Beach County and Orlando. There was no clear evidence of limitation of wetland drying on swamp eel occurrence in the Everglades; they were captured in marshes that dried for 1–5 months during the previous dry season, but short-hydroperiod wetlands may have slowed spread. In the Everglades, evidence suggests swamp eels may have been inadvertently spread into marshes from canals used to deliver water for flood control and hydrologic restoration. Swamp eels are currently spreading unchecked across Florida, and there should be great concern about continued spread in this region and their establishment and spread elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their importance in carbon cycling and catchment runoff dynamics, the hydrology of temperate peat swamps in response to changing hydrometeorological conditions is largely understudied. We examined the importance of hydrogeomorphic settings in controlling hydrological connectivity and runoff in a temperate peat swamp in southern Ontario, Canada over two consecutive growing seasons with contrasting conditions (dry and wet years). We chose two different small‐scale hydrogeomorphic settings to investigate: (i) a site with strong wetland‐stream interactions (i.e., an unconfined stream channel; unconfined) and (ii) a site with limited wetland‐stream interactions (confined). During the wet year, the confined site exhibited a consistently gaining stream, maintaining lateral hydrological connectivity and yielding high runoff ratios, while during the dry year, the confined site lost water and experienced low runoff ratios during storm events. Overland flow at the unconfined site maintained a longitudinal hydrological connectivity delivering water to its sub‐catchment outflow, as reinforced by hydrochemical observations. This connectivity was maintained in the wet year but ceased in the dry year despite consistent upstream sub‐catchment water inflow due to high depression storage. Runoff ratios were reduced because of this hydrological disconnection. We highlight the importance of small‐scale hydrogeomorphic setting on peat swamp carbon storage as facilitated by the variation of within‐site hydrological connectivity and runoff, which also has important implications for downstream water quality. The unconfined site maintained a higher water table position in both years and has much greater peat carbon stocks. We suggest peat swamp channelization either naturally or through drainage decreases carbon stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Slagmark is the property of Aarhus University, Department of Philosophy & History of Ideas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article considers the resurgence of the monstrous feminine in digital culture, focusing on the memetic manifestation of witches, sirens, and leviathans. We trace the histories of these figures in the digital present, dwelling with their legacies to map and document the feminist resistance that has emerged in response to the neoliberal, misogynist culture of digital space that seeks to stamp out transgression. These media ecologies of the internet thrive on the networked misogyny, white supremacy, and polarization of their systems, brought in by the tech bros who coded them. From within these conditions, we illustrate how digital witches, sirens, and leviathans fight back, offering resistance that transcends digital bounds. In the face of the misogyny of digital culture at large, we argue that each of these figures linger, haunting as they embody, ground, and serve anti-capitalist feminist resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constant drive towards "progress," a requirement for Western modernity, has left an ever-growing catastrophe in its wake. When we realize that capitalist development will not solve our problems, we face a new promise—that of darkness, ancestors, and ruins. Here, we make connections between speculative histories, witchcraft, and the underground. We go beneath, into the roots of hidden forests, into the swamps, the night. We are a multiplicity, a coven, an ever-expanding network as wide as the dead. Gathered around the witch, we draw together multiple subjects to find camaraderie in the margins of colonization. We enter the web that binds us: signs emerge as guideposts, turning to ciphers and sigils, prophecies of incredible beings—plant allies, future guardians, survivors, and algorithms that revolt. Horizon. Revolution. Sprout. Dawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of aeromagnetic (primarily uncrewed) methods for measuring the magnetic field, the possibility of detailed magnetic research in hard-to-reach mountainous areas, forested areas, swamp areas, desert areas, and water areas has emerged. The conditions for interpreting the magnetic field are most difficult due to the vector nature of the magnetic properties of rocks, the wide range of their properties, and the presence of residual magnetization. The physical and geological conditions of the territory of Azerbaijan are characterized by rugged terrain relief, inclined magnetization (~58°), and complex geological environments. Along with using a probabilistic approach, deterministic methods for solving inverse and direct problems of geophysics become of great importance since it is possible to identify relatively extended reference boundaries and analyze magnetic anomalies from separate bodies of relatively simple shape. The article briefly outlines the main stages of processing and interpreting magnetic data under complex environments. The theoretical examples discussed include a block diagram of various disturbances, interpretive models of thin and thick beds, an intermediate model, a thin horizontal plate, and a horizontal circular cylinder on the flat and inclined surfaces under inclined magnetization conditions. The process of assessing magnetization on sloping terrain relief is shown. The presented field examples for the Caucasus Mountains show the quantitative interpretation of aeromagnetic data at the Big Somalit and Guton sites (southern Greater Caucasus, Azerbaijan), a deep regional profile through the Lesser and Greater Caucasus, magnetic field studies in the area around the Saatly superdeep borehole (Middle Kur depression between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus), and 3D magnetic field modeling at the Gyzylbulag gold deposit (the Azerbaijani part of the Lesser Caucasus). In the Caspian Sea, we demonstrated the use of an information parameter to identify faults in the Bulla hydrocarbon field (Gulf of Baku) and, for the first time, obtained the relationship between the generalized aeromagnetic data (2.5 kilometers over the mean sea level) and the central area of the mud volcanoes distribution in Azerbaijan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]