Search Results (7,010)

The Amazon ecosystem plays a vital role in global climate regulation and biodiversity conservation but faces escalating threats from deforestation and degradation. The resulting secondary forests (SFs) provide a promising opportunity for Transformative Territorial Management, fostering restoration and enhancing conservation values. This study evaluated aboveground biomass (AGB), species diversity, forest structure, and soil properties in SFs of the Colombian Amazon along a chronosequence, from early to mature successional stages, in landscapes of mountains and of hills to identify key indicators for effective restoration management. The results show a consistent increase in AGB, species diversity, forest structure, and soil quality with forest age, though recovery patterns varied between both landscapes evaluated. Topographic differences influenced successional dynamics, with mountainous landscapes showing faster early recovery compared to the steadier, linear growth observed in hill areas. In hills, AGB at 10 years reached 12.65% of the biomass expected in a mature forest, increasing to nearly 42% by 40 years of abandonment, at a rate of 0.708 Mg C ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. In contrast, in the mountain landscape, AGB at 10 years reached approximately 8.35% of the carbon in a mature forest and increased to nearly 63.55% at 40 years. Forest age and soil properties emerged as primary drivers of AGB recovery, while diversity and forest structure played indirect but significant roles. In hill areas, soil conservation practices are critical for maintaining steady growth, whereas mountain regions benefit from assisted natural regeneration (ANR) to accelerate recovery. These findings highlight the importance of prioritizing the management of SFs as a central strategy for achieving restoration goals. Such practices are essential to enhance the ecological resilience of SFs and ensure their long-term sustainability, fostering their role as key contributors to restoration efforts and the provision of ecosystem services. Full article

Given rising mental health concerns among Pacific Islander (PI) adolescents, this population remains underserved by available mental health resources. This interpretative phenomenological analysis with focus groups (IPA-FG) examined the lived experiences and perceptions of 19 male PI adolescents (ages 14–16) from Native Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, and Tongan backgrounds regarding mental health help-seeking behaviors. Four overarching themes emerged: stigma and judgment, cultural misalignment in professional services, impact of disclosure and perceived punitive consequences, and a complex ecosystem of trusted relationships as mental health support. Notably, participants expressed belief that disclosing mental health challenges would “ruin their lives” and held misconceptions about adults’ ability to address mental health concerns. These findings are particularly significant given high suicidality rates among PI adolescents. This study provides insights for developing culturally responsive mental health interventions and highlights the urgent need to address mental health stigma within PI communities. Implications for practice are discussed. Full article

This ethnobotanical study examines the traditional knowledge and usage patterns of wild plants in the western Alps, specifically within the Ubaye and Bellino Valleys, through a comparative analysis of data collected from 1983 (published in 1990) to 2024. Our study aims to assess the change in plant usage, species diversity, and the changing roles of plants in local traditions in the western Alpine mountain ecosystems. While the 1983 survey documented medicinal uses centered around pastoralist practices, the 2024 data highlight a notable increase in the use of synanthropic plants, now utilized both medicinally and as food. Several species such as Allium sativum, Artemisia absinthium, and Urtica dioica have shown resilience and continuity in local cultural practices, maintaining medicinal, culinary, and ritual significance across the four decades. The 1983 survey documented the greatest variety of species (101), a number that decreased in subsequent studies. The 2009 survey identified 36 species not previously recorded in 1983, and the 2024 field study noted an additional 20 species. The study highlights the economic potential of several wild species in these alpine areas, such as Achillea, Artemisia, Verbascum, Veronica, Viola, Polygonum, Bunium, and Sorbus spp., which could be utilized for creating new herbal teas, artisanal beers, liqueurs, ice creams, sweets, and seasoned food products. Expanding the uses of these plants could not only preserve ethnobotanical knowledge but also stimulate local economies and support sustainable development in alpine communities. The documented temporal shifts in plant usage reflect broader cultural, ecological, and socio-economic changes, underscoring the importance of preserving biodiversity and traditional knowledge amidst ongoing environmental and societal shifts. This study underscores the need to conserve ethnobotanical heritage while adapting to the evolving landscape of the region. Future research could focus on exploring the role of these species in broader sustainability initiatives, including conservation strategies, ecosystem services, and community-based tourism while continuing to document the cultural dynamics influencing plant usage. Full article

Justicia adhatoda, also known as Adulsa or Vasaka, is a notable member of the family Acanthaceae, with a broad geographic distribution across varied climatic conditions, and is known for its extensive medicinal properties for treating respiratory disorders, tuberculosis, malaria, and dysentery. It possesses several pharmacological activities, including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-cancerous ones. In addition to discussing its morphology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological aspects, the present review also focuses on its several unexplored facets, such as pollination mechanism, cytology, molecular and genetic aspects, conservation, and ecological attributes. The literature survey indicates that, despite its medicinal value, J. adhatoda is also a strong invader in various ecosystems, suppressing associated species and cause vegetation homogenization. It also provides several ecosystem services, including soil stabilization, ecological restoration, and phytoremediation by removing contaminants such as chromium and mercury from wastewater. Additionally, its leaves increase the nitrogen content in compost, promote the proliferation of earthworms, and help suppress plant diseases. This highlights its potential for sustainable land management and integrated disease control. The urgency of this research is underscored by the significant gap in the literature regarding the ecological interactions of J. adhatoda, particularly its allelopathic effects on other plant species. The findings underscore the need for sustainable utilization and conservation strategies, emphasizing the dual importance of J. adhatoda as a medicinal resource and an ecological disruptor. Full article

This opinion paper dives into the crucial but challenging space of HIV prevention for adolescents and young persons (AYPs). While their vulnerabilities may be heightened, so too is their potential for resilience, innovation, and positive change. To safeguard their health and empower them to make informed choices, a comprehensive science-to-program and systems approach to HIV prevention is paramount. Recognizing their unique vulnerabilities and immense potential, these authors advocate for a multifaceted approach that bridges the gap between scientific evidence and program implementation within a robust healthcare system. This opinion unpacks how leadership, governance, health policies, human resources, health information systems, and HIV surveillance can be strengthened to create a supportive ecosystem where AYPs have the knowledge, resources, and services they need to thrive. This collective effort, involving policymakers, healthcare providers, educators, and AYPs themselves, is critical to a future where no young person is left behind in the fight against HIV. Full article

Grassland ecosystems cover about 25% of the Earth’s surface, providing essential ecosystem services that benefit nature, people, and food security. This study evaluated agronomic and nutritional parameters of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) based on fertilization levels and cutting frequency in the Amazonas department. The INIA 910—Kumymarca variety was used with nitrogen fertilization rates (0, 60, 120, 180 kg/ha) and cutting intervals of 30 and 45 days for agronomic traits and 30, 45, and 60 days for nutritional traits. A randomized complete block design with eight treatments and three replications was applied. Repeated measures analysis and Tukey’s mean comparison tests (p < 0.005) were performed, along with Pearson correlation and response surface analysis using the central composite design in R. The results showed that applying 180 kg/ha of nitrogen with a 45-day cutting interval provided the highest dry matter yield (460 kg/m²) and superior agronomic traits, including plant height (96.73 cm), number of tillers, and stem diameter. Non-fertilized treatments had the highest crude protein content (17.45%) and digestibility, while higher nitrogen doses increased crude fiber and acid detergent fiber, reducing digestibility. Significant correlations were observed between fresh and dry weight with plant height (p = 0.000; r = 0.84), fiber contents (p = 0.000; r = 1), and ash and protein content (p = 0.000; r = 0.85). The optimal management practice was cutting every 45 days with 180 kg/ha of nitrogen (T8), maximizing forage yield and quality. Proper fertilization and cutting management can improve ryegrass production, benefiting livestock feeding and rural economies. Full article

As sustainable forest management gains increasing attention, comprehending the impact of stand density on soil properties and microbial communities is crucial for optimizing forest ecosystem functions. This study employed high-throughput sequencing in conjunction with soil physicochemical analysis to assess the effects of stand density on soil physicochemical properties and microbial community characteristics in Chinese fir plantations, aiming to elucidate the influence of density regulation on ecosystem services. Our results suggested that changes in soil physicochemical properties and microenvironmental conditions were key drivers of soil microbial diversity. Total carbon (TC), soluble nitrogen (SN), and light fraction organic matter decreased with increasing stand density, while total potassium (TK) and available phosphorus (AP) concentrations increased. The plot with a density of 900 trees ha⁻¹ exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, in contrast to the plot with 1500 trees ha⁻¹, which showed the lowest. The dominant microbial taxa were similar across different stand retention densities, with Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Chloroflexi being the predominant bacterial phyla and Ascomycota and Basidiomycota being the main fungal groups. Significant positive correlations were observed between soil microbial community structures and environmental factors, particularly with respect to soil phosphorus and nitrogen content. The present study demonstrated that reduced stand densities modulated soil nutrient content and enhanced bacterial diversity, thereby contributing to a more complex and stable soil ecosystem structure. These insights provide a scientific foundation for optimizing the management of Chinese fir plantations, thereby supporting the sustainable development of forest ecosystems. Full article

Managing fishery resources is crucial to ensure the marine environment continues to provide diverse goods and services. To overcome difficulties of classical methods used for fish stock management, molecular tools have shown potential to address this issue assessing both targeted and non-targeted species. This study aims to evaluate the spatiotemporal diversity of fish using 12S rRNA gene eDNA metabarcoding sequencing in the Berlengas archipelago and compare two seawater eDNA sampling sources: samples collected by fishermen during their activities and those collected by our research team. The results indicated that autumn presented the highest diversity and that the area around Berlenga Island was the richest area, increasing biodiversity across the region. Fisher-collected samples were generally less diverse than those by the research team but detected species typical of deeper and open-ocean habitats, validating this sampling method. Our study also highlighted eDNA’s role in monitoring fish species by detecting unexpected species for the region, such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), while cautioning against false positives like orange clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus). Future optimisation of our eDNA sampling methodology could better refine marine ecosystem dynamics around the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Berlengas Archipelago, Portugal. Full article

Urbanization transforms landscapes from natural ecosystems to configurations of impervious surfaces and green spaces, leading to urban heat island effects that impact health and ecosystem sustainability. This study in Xiamen City, China, categorizes urban areas into functional zones, employs Random Forest and Stepwise Regression models to assess thermal differences, and proposes optimization measures for the building–green space landscape. The optimization involves altering the characterization of the building–green space landscape pattern. Results indicate: (1) due to the spatial heterogeneity of the building–green space landscape pattern in different functional zones, the surface temperature also shows strong spatial heterogeneity in different functional zones; (2) different optimization measures for the building–green space pattern are needed for different functional zones; taking the urban residential zone as an example, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in the hot spot area can be adjusted according to the value range of the cold spot area; (3) considering the solar radiation process, Sun View Factor (S_unVF) plays an important role in indicating the change in surface temperature in the commercial service area, and as S_unVF increases, the surface temperature of the functional zone tends to rise. This research offers insights into urban thermal environment improvement and landscape pattern optimization. Full article

Human interaction with birds has never been more positive and supported by so many private citizens and professional groups. However, direct mortality of birds from anthropogenic causes has increased and has led to significant annual losses of birds. We know of the crucial impact of habitat loss on the survival of birds and its effects on biodiversity. Direct mortality via anthropogenic causes is an additive but biologically important cause of avian decline. This is the focus of this paper. This paper synthesises and interprets the data on direct anthropogenic causes of mortality in birds, and it also discusses emerging and relatively hidden problems, including new challenges that birds may not be able to manage. This paper points out that such deaths occur indiscriminately and have negative behavioural and reproductive consequences even for survivors. All of these factors are important to address, because any functional habitat depends on birds. This paper suggests that some of this death toll can be reduced substantially and immediately, even some of the seemingly intractable problems. This paper also proposes cross-disciplinary solutions, bearing in mind that “ecosystem services” provided by birds benefit us all, and that the continued existence of avian diversity is one cornerstone for human survival. Full article

The Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) security system follows the “never trust, always verify” principle. The process constantly verifies users and devices trying to access resources. This paper describes how Microsoft Azure uses ZTA to enforce strict identity verification and access rules across the cloud environment to improve security. Implementation takes time and effort. Azure’s extensive services and customizations require careful design and implementation. Azure administrators need help navigating and changing configurations due to its complex user interface (UI). Each Azure ecosystem component must meet ZTA criteria. ZTAs comprehensive policy definitions, multi-factor and passwordless authentication, and other advanced features are tested in a mid-size business scenario. The document delineates several principal findings concerning the execution of Azure’s ZTA within mid-sized enterprises. Azure ZTA significantly improves security by reducing attack surfaces via ongoing identity verification, stringent access controls, and micro-segmentation. Nonetheless, its execution is resource-demanding and intricate, necessitating considerable expertise and meticulous planning. A notable disparity exists between theoretical ZTA frameworks and their practical implementation, characterized by disjointed management interfaces and user fatigue resulting from incessant authentication requests. The case studies indicate that although Zero Trust Architecture enhances organizational security and mitigates risks, it may disrupt operations and adversely affect user experience, particularly in hybrid and fully cloud-based settings. The study underscores the necessity for customized configurations and the equilibrium between security and usability to ensure effective ZTA implementation. Full article

In recent years, rapid urbanization in the Southern Jiangsu urban area has significantly altered land use patterns, impacting local ecosystem service value (ESV). This study examines land use changes (LUCs) from 2000 to 2020 and assesses ESV changes with the equivalent factor method. The PLUS model is also used to project future LUCs in line with the “Land and Space Planning of Jiangsu Province (2021–2035)”. The simulation considers scenarios for natural development (NDS), ecological protection (EPS), farmland protection (FPS), and comprehensive development (CDS) for the year 2035. The research findings show that over the past two decades, urbanized areas have persistently grown, whereas there has been a steady decline in the extents of farmland, forested areas, and grasslands. The total ESV has shown a decreasing trend, with the spatial distribution of ESV exhibiting higher values in the eastern regions and lower values in the west. The relationship between land use and ESV is negative, as evidenced by both the comprehensive land use (LA) and the Moran’s I index. Scenario predictions reveal that farmland, forest land, and grassland show a decreasing trend under the NDS, while it is the opposite under the EPS. The FPS is predominant in farmland area, and all land types in the CDS comply with national land planning requirements. Overall, the research findings reveal and predict the influence of LUCs on ESV in the study area under four scenarios, which is beneficial optimizing regional resource planning schemes and formulating ecological compensation policies. Full article

The integration of ecosystem services (ESs) valuation into agricultural policy frameworks is critical for fostering sustainable land management practices. This study leverages the redesigned version of the bio-economic farm model MODAM (Multi-Objective Decision Support Tool for Agro-Ecosystem Management) to estimate the shadow prices of ESs, enabling the derivation of demand and supply curves for nitrate leaching and soil erosion control, respectively. Two hypothetical farms in Brandenburg, Germany—a smaller, arable farm in Märkisch-Oderland and a larger, diversified farm with livestock in Oder-Spree—are analyzed to explore the heterogeneity in shadow prices and corresponding cropping patterns. The results reveal that larger farms exhibit greater elasticity in response to green taxes on nitrate use and lower costs for supplying erosion control compared to smaller farms. This study highlights the utility of shadow prices as proxies for setting green taxes and payments for ecosystem services (PESs), while emphasizing the need for differentiated policy designs to address disparities between farm types. This research underscores the potential of model-based ESs valuation to provide robust economic measures for policy design, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem conservation. Full article

The goal of this study is to analyze the land use and land cover change (LUCC) in the Northeast Sandy Land from 1990 to 2023 and reveal the characteristics of the changes in the value of ecosystem services in the area, aiming to provide scientific references for the ecological sustainable development of the Northeast Sandy Land. Using Landsat series remote sensing images from 1990 to 2023, we endeavored to obtain the information mapping of LUCC in the study area in four periods (1990, 2000, 2010, and 2023), applied GIS spatial analysis and numerical statistical analysis methods to study the LUCC in the area, and calculated the resulting changes in ecosystem service value (ESV) based on the table of ESV coefficients. The results show that: (1) in the past 33 years, LUCC in the Northeast Sandy Land has changed significantly, with an increase in the area of farmland, sandy land, and other lands, and a decrease in the area of forest, grassland, and water; (2) the value of ecosystem services has increased from CNY 1,624,557.77 billion in 1990 to CNY 173,999.99 billion in 2023, the average annual growth rate is 0.24%/a; (3) in the single ESV, the ESV of biodiversity increase is the greatest, with an increase of 0.72%/a; (4) LUCC is obvious in the Northeast Sandy Land, and LUCC is the main reason affecting the change in regional ESV. Full article