Environmental Changes Research Articles

Low carbon energy industry and network economy prediction based on sensors and real-time data processing

The widespread use of sensors provides a large amount of real-time data for enterprises and decision-makers, providing more accurate information support for the prediction and decision-making of the network economy. With the help of Internet of Things technology, the data collected by sensors is transmitted in real time to data centers or cloud platforms. Real time data processing technology is used to clean, denoise, and analyze the data in real time, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of the data. Perform pattern recognition and trend analysis on historical data, discover hidden patterns and correlations in the data, construct predictive and decision-making models to predict future economic trends and make reasonable decisions, continuously optimize and adjust the model to adapt to real-time data changes and dynamic changes in the economic environment, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the model. The experimental results show that the network economy prediction and decision-making model based on sensor networks and Internet of Things technology can more accurately predict economic development trends, improve decision-making efficiency and accuracy. The large amount of data provided by sensor networks provides sufficient support for the construction and optimization of models.

ВПЛИВ МІЖНАРОДНИХ АСОЦІАЦІЙ ТА ПРОФЕСІЙНИХ СПІЛОК З ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ДІЛОВОГО ТУРИЗМУ НА РОЗВИТОК ТУРИСТИЧНОЇ ГАЛУЗІ

The influence of international associations and professional unions on the development of the tourism industry is a key aspect in its modern dynamics. Business tourism, or corporate tourism, is an important component of the tourism industry, which plays a significant role in the global economy and society. International associations and professional unions create a foundation for cooperation and coordination in this field, contributing to the creation of standards, the development of innovations and the improvement of the quality of services. It is noted that one of the key organizations influencing business tourism is the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which is the main global body promoting the development and regulation of the tourism industry. It has been studied that the influence of international associations and professional unions on business tourism consists in increasing the competitiveness and efficiency of the industry. They contribute to the development of infrastructure, the creation of new tourism products, the introduction of innovations and ensure the balanced development of the industry in different regions of the world. In addition, they influence the formation and implementation of tourism policies, which contributes to the sustainable development of the sector. It is substantiated that international associations and trade unions play an indispensable role in the development of the tourism industry, in particular in the field of business tourism. Their influence is manifested in the creation of standards, regulation, development of innovations, improvement of the quality of services and support of sustainable growth of the tourism industry. They contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for businesses operating in the industry and help them adapt to changes in the global tourism environment. It was highlighted that international associations and trade unions are actively cooperating with government bodies and other interested parties to resolve significant issues related to business tourism. They can influence the formation and implementation of tourism policies, which contributes to the sustainable growth of the sector and provides a favorable climate for business.

Unraveling subcellular functional traits: Adaptive insights into chloroplast ultrastructure in nonmodel species.

This essay discusses how the ultrastructural changes in chloroplasts, particularly the mechanisms of thylakoid membrane unstacking, help maintain the photosynthetic performance of photosystem II (PSII) under stress conditions. This phenomenon may facilitate the repair of damaged PSII by providing access to the repair machinery. It is argued that this PSII repair mechanism accelerates PSII recovery, optimizing photosynthetic processes in stressed plants. Although some studies demonstrate the relationship between thylakoid membrane unstacking in stress conditions, these studies were developed with model species under controlled conditions. Thus, this essay serves as a validation tool for these previous studies, because it demonstrates that the relationships between ultrastructural changes in chloroplasts and the functioning of PSII are essential acclimative strategies for nonmodel plants to survive the constant edaphoclimatic changes of natural environments. Understanding these subcellular dynamics can significantly inform biologists about the plastic potential of plants, especially in heterogeneous environments. An integrated approach in future studies is necessary, highlighting the importance of exploring plant functional traits at multiple scales, because subcellular characteristics have great potential to understand plant acclimatization.

СУЧАСНИЙ ІНТЕРНЕТ-МАРКЕТИНГ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ ШТУЧНОГО ІНТЕЛЕКТУ

The article discusses the essence and features of modern Internet marketing based on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The article examines how AI can help online marketers collect and analyze consumer data, segment and personalize audiences, create and distribute effective content, optimize and automate advertising campaigns, and measure and improve marketing results. The article also analyzes the latest trends in the use of AI technologies by Ukrainian and foreign companies and identifies their advantages.The investigation identified effective AI tools in online marketing, such as chatbots, recommender systems, text generators, sentiment analysers, face and speech recognition systems, etc. The article presents a comparison of AI tools in online marketing of Ukrainian and foreign companies. Foreign companies use modern products that have no analogues in Ukraine. This is due to the popularity of the trend of using AI technologies in foreign companies. In Ukraine, this trend is developing and we can see it in the use of chatbots and CRM systems. They have been implemented by such companies as PrivatBank and Promodo. Despite this, the development of foreign companies is progressive. Previously, only large corporations could afford to use AI technologies, but now young startups are catching up with the trend. AI combined with human capabilities can actually turn business into a universal tool for profit. However, this path is not without obstacles, so the article highlights the challenges of AI that may affect the economic, legal, ethical, and social spheres of life. Scenarios for preventing possible problems allow for the effective use of AI's potential. The article suggests measures that should help society adapt to changes in the socio-economic environment associated with the displacement of humans by AI. It is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of modern online marketing tools to ensure effective solutions to business problems.

«Зелёный» маркетинг как инструмент создания устойчивого конкурентного преимущества компании

The article is devoted to the study of the concept of “green” marketing, the need to change marketing tools in accordance with the principles of sustainable development in the marketing plan of companies. The article discusses the formation of environmental marketing strategies and changes in the marketing mix (4Ps) in accordance with these strategies. In addition, it analyzes the possibilities and benefits of introducing environmental marketing tools in companies for creating a sustainable competitive advantage.

Turn to the right, turn away from the green?—A nuanced analysis on how a populist radical right party affects environmental policy making in Sweden

AbstractPopulist radical right parties are on the rise all over Europe. Recent literature investigates their effects on environmental policy, however, often applying an overly broad perspective on the policy area and neglecting causal mechanisms. This article addresses both gaps in an in‐depth case study of partisan effects on Swedish environmental policy in the wake of increasing populist radical right influence. A novel data approach deriving party positions and policy output from the hard figures of budget proposals between 2001 and 2023, allows a nuanced analysis of environmental policy and its subsectors (e.g., nature conservation and climate mitigation). In summary, a traditional partisan effect is confirmed as a major explaining factor for environmental policy change, while the effect unfolds through altered coalition formation strategies leading to the exclusion of “green voices.” This brings to the fore interactive environmental policy effects of the populist radical right and center‐right parties in the context of changing party competition constellations more generally.

Relationship between the GABA Pathway and Signaling of Other Regulatory Molecules

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid whose numerous regulatory functions have been identified in animal organisms. More and more research indicate that in plants, this molecule is also involved in controlling basic growth and development processes. As recent studies have shown, GABA plays an essential role in triggering plant resistance to unfavorable environmental factors, which is particularly important in the era of changing climate. The main sources of GABA in plant cells are glutamic acid, converted in the GABA shunt pathway, and polyamines subjected to oxidative degradation. The action of GABA is often related to the activity of other messengers, including phytohormones, polyamines, NO, H2O2, or melatonin. GABA can function as an upstream or downstream element in the signaling pathways of other regulators, acting synergistically or antagonistically with them to control cellular processes. Understanding the role of GABA and its interactions with other signaling molecules may be important for developing crop varieties with characteristics that enable adaptation to a changing environment.

Navigating the microalgal maze: a comprehensive review of recent advances and future perspectives in biological networks.

PPI analysis deepens our knowledge in critical processes like carbon fixation and nutrient sensing. Moreover, signaling networks, including pathways like MAPK/ERK and TOR, provide valuable information in how microalgae respond to environmental changes and stress. Additionally, species-species interaction networks for microalgae provide a comprehensive understanding of how different species interact within their environments. This review examines recent advancements in the study of biological networks within microalgae, with a focus on the intricate interactions that define these organisms. It emphasizes how network biology, an interdisciplinary field, offers valuable insights into microalgae functions through various methodologies. Crucial approaches, such as protein-protein interaction (PPI) mapping utilizing yeast two-hybrid screening and mass spectrometry, are essential for comprehending cellular processes and optimizing functions, such as photosynthesis and fatty acid biosynthesis. The application of advanced computational methods and information mining has significantly improved PPI analysis, revealing networks involved in critical processes like carbon fixation and nutrient sensing. The review also encompasses transcriptional networks, which play a role in gene regulation and stress responses, as well as metabolic networks represented by genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs), which aid in strain optimization and the prediction of metabolic outcomes. Furthermore, signaling networks, including pathways like MAPK/ERK and TOR, are crucial for understanding how microalgae respond to environmental changes and stress. Additionally, species-species interaction networks for microalgae provide a comprehensive understanding of how different species interact within their environments. The integration of these network biology approaches has deepened our understanding of microalgal interactions, paving the way for more efficient cultivation and new industrial applications.

Assessment of larvicidal, growth-suppressing, and developmentaltering bioefficacy of Ageratum houstonianum against Aedes aegypti (L.).

Aedes aegypti is a major vector responsible for spreading dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses worldwide. These illnesses have increased globally due to climate and environmental changes. Vector control and management are the principal tactics for combating mosquitoes-borne diseases in the absence of an effective vaccine. The study aimed to ascertain bioactivities of Ageratum houstonianum leaf acetone extract (AhLAE) against Aedes aegypti. Bioefficacy of AhLAE was tested against fourth instar larvae (L4) of Ae. aegypti using standard WHO protocol. The mortality, growth, and development of larvae, pupae and adults were recorded after exposure to the extract. The AhLAE showed larvicidal activity against L4 with LC50 and LC90 values of 401.88 and 691.24 mg/L, respectively. The mortality of the larvae further increased on subsequent days. The AhLAE caused a significant reduction in pupae formation and adult emergence. It also increased the larval duration of L4 and development duration of the pupa formed from the treated L4, indicating its growth-suppressing effects. The impact of the AhLAE was dose-dependent; high concentrations caused reduction in survival and growth of L4. Consequently, the L4-pupal and L4-adult growth indexes decreased. Additionally, the AhLAE induced developmental anomalies in the form of larva-pupa (L-P) intermediates. The study found that the AhLAE exhibited larvicidal, growth-suppressing, and development-altering activities against Ae. aegypti. The findings suggest the potential of AhALE as a natural insecticidal agent for controlling mosquitoes.

Spatial distribution projections of suitable environmental conditions for key Baltic Sea zooplankton species

AbstractEnvironmental changes reshape biological communities, inducing cascading effects throughout the food webs. These changes pressure species either to adapt or to track favorable habitats. Estuaries represent an interesting case study to investigate such responses as species will rapidly reach physical boundaries if they cannot adapt fast enough and need to track suitable conditions. One such estuary is the Baltic Sea, characterized by a salinity and temperature gradient that shapes species distribution and imposes physiological stress on organisms. The Baltic Sea is projected to be affected by substantial modifications in environmental conditions by the end of the 21st century, which could have major consequences for species distribution and community composition. However, despite the impending changes and their potential impact, there is a gap in understanding the potential consequences on pelagic species of the Baltic Sea. This study employs long‐term observations of primary zooplankton species in the pelagic food web to model changes in their distribution under future climate projections. We found that the parameters having the largest influence on habitat suitability varied across species, although maximal temperature was the most important for six out of seven species. In addition, there was a shrinkage of suitable area for several key species driven by a decrease in salinity and a rise in water temperature. We discuss the complex interplay between environmental changes and the spatial distribution of pelagic species in the Baltic Sea, highlighting the need for proactive management strategies to mitigate potential ecological impacts in the face of future climate scenarios.

12246 The Stage-Dependent Transcriptome And Methylome Reveal Significance Of The Neonatal Period In Postnatal Metabolic Maturation Of The Mouse Liver

Abstract Disclosure: S. Yano: None. N. Sato: None. H. Araki: None. F. Miura: None. T. Ito: None. Y. Ogawa: None. The mammalian liver serves as an extramedullary hematopoietic organ during the fetus and matures into a metabolic organ after birth, adapting to changes in the nutritional environment. DNA demethylation upregulates fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) genes in the postnatal mouse liver to produce energy from breast milk lipids. However, the detailed interactions between DNA methylation (DNAme) and gene expression through the perinatal stages remain poorly understood. Here, we perform an integrative analysis of the transcriptome and methylome of the mouse liver at the fetal, neonatal, and postweaning stages. We found a drastic loss of DNAme at the neonatal stage in specific regions associated with metabolic pathways such as FAO and gluconeogenesis in concordance with the activation of metabolic processes. Moreover, in silico analysis predicted transcription factors including HNF4α, PPARα, and NR1H2 as key epigenetic regulators within the neonatal period. We also observed an inactivation of erythrocyte development with a concordant gain of DNAme. This analysis extends the epigenetic landscape of postnatal hepatic maturation, suggesting the importance of the nutritional environment during the neonatal period for epigenetic regulation. Presentation: 6/3/2024

7587 The Estrogen Receptors and ARE/Nrf2 are Involved in Protecting Human Dermal Fibroblasts from Damage Caused by Mitochondrial Disfunction

Abstract Disclosure: A. Darawshe: None. A. Trachtenberg: None. Y. Sharoni: None. Skin ageing is influenced by several factors including environmental exposure and hormonal changes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which mediate many of the effects of these factors, can be formed by extrinsic factors, such as sun exposure, or can result from mitochondrial dysfunction as occurs during ageing. Several studies have shown the protective role of estrogens on skin health. The aim of the current study was to examine the damage to dermal fibroblasts by mitochondrially generated ROS, and to study the mechanism of the protective effects of estradiol. Rotenone, a complex I inhibitor, was used to cause mitochondrial dysfunction in human dermal fibroblasts and its effects on mitochondrial and cytosolic ROS levels, mitochondrial respiration, cell death, apoptosis, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) and pro-collagen secretion were determined as markers of skin damage. Rotenone caused substantial reduction of respiration, followed by increased mitochondrial and cytosolic ROS which resulted in apoptotic cell death, increased MMP1 secretion and decreased collagen secretion. Pretreatment with estradiol recovered more than 50% of the respiratory activity, reduced mitochondrial and cytosolic ROS levels and MMP1 secretion and increased cell number and collagen secretion. These effects can be partially explained by a cooperative effect of estradiol and rotenone on Antioxidant Response Element (ARE/Nrf2) transcriptional activity, which leads to upregulation of antioxidant proteins such as NQO1 and Trxr1. To determine if estrogen receptors (ER) are involved in the protective effects, we used the ER inhibitor, Fulvestrant. This inhibitor, which completely inhibited ER Response Element reporter activity, partially prevented the protective effects of estradiol. The protective effects of estradiol were Similarly reduced by ML385 and Ochratoxin A, that are inhibitors of the ARE/Nrf2 transcription system. Incubating the cells with Fulvestrant and Ochratoxin A, which inhibit both pathways, completely blocked the protective effect of estradiol. These results suggest that the estrogen receptors and the ARE/Nrf2 signaling pathways are involved in the protective effects of estradiol against the damage caused by rotenone-induced mitochondria generated oxidative stress. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Droughts reshape apex predator space use and intraguild overlap.

Droughts are increasing in frequency and severity globally due to climate change, leading to changes in resource availability that may have cascading effects on animal ecology. Resource availability is a key driver of animal space use, which in turn influences interspecific interactions like intraguild competition. Understanding how climate-induced changes in resource availability influence animal space use, and how species-specific responses scale up to affect intraguild dynamics, is necessary for predicting broader community-level responses to climatic changes. Although several studies have demonstrated the ecological impacts of drought, the behavioural responses of individuals that scale up to these broader-scale effects are not well known, particularly among animals in top trophic levels like large carnivores. Furthermore, we currently lack understanding of how the impacts of climate variability on individual carnivore behaviour are linked to intraguild dynamics, in part because multi-species datasets collected at timescales relevant to climatic changes are rare. Using 11 years of GPS data from four sympatric large carnivore species in southern Africa-lions (Panthera leo), leopards (Panthera pardus), African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)-spanning 4 severe drought events, we test whether drought conditions impact (1) large carnivore space use, (2) broad-scale intraguild spatial overlap and (3) fine-scale intraguild interactions. Drought conditions expanded space use across species, with carnivores increasing their monthly home range sizes by 35% (wild dogs) to 66% (leopards). Drought conditions increased the amount of spatial overlap between lions and subordinate felids (cheetahs and leopards) by up to 119%, but only lion-cheetah encounter rates were affected by these changes, declining in response to drought. Our findings reveal that drought has a clear signature on the space use of multiple sympatric large carnivore species, which can alter spatiotemporal partitioning between competing species. Our study thereby illuminates the links between environmental change, animal behaviour and intraguild dynamics. While fine-scale avoidance strategies may facilitate intraguild coexistence during periodic droughts, large carnivore conservation may require considerable expansion of protected areas or revised human-carnivore coexistence strategies to accommodate the likely long-term increased space demands of large carnivores under projected increases in drought intensity.

Structural insights into phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase PmtA mediating bacterial phosphatidylcholine synthesis.

Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PmtA) catalyzes the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) from phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Although PC is one of the major phospholipids constituting bilayer membranes in eukaryotes, certain bacterial species encode PmtA, a membrane-associated methyltransferase, to produce PC, which is correlated with cellular stress responses, adaptability to environmental changes, and symbiosis or virulence with eukaryotic hosts. Depending on the organism, multiple PmtAs may be required for producing monomethyl- and dimethyl-PE derivatives along with PC, whereas in organisms such as Rubellimicrobium thermophilum, a single enzyme is sufficient to direct all three methylation steps. In this study, we present the x-ray crystal structures of PmtA from R. thermophilum in complex with dimethyl-PE and S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine, as well as in its lipid-free form. Moreover, we demonstrate that the enzyme associates with the cellular membrane via electrostatic interactions facilitated by a group of critical basic residues and can successively methylate PE and its methylated derivatives, culminating in the production of PC.

Maxent modelling reveals suitable habitat remains unchanged for Carcinus maenas in Australia

ABSTRACT This study assesses the habitat suitability of the invasive green crab, Carcinus maenas, in Australia using MaxEnt modelling under current and future climate scenarios. The species has significant ecological impacts, displacing native species and altering habitats. Using 90 occurrence points from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, the MaxEnt model shows high performance (Area Under the Curve value of 0.99), indicating reliable predictions. Currently, the green crab's habitat suitability along the Australian coast ranges from high to medium in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia and low in Western Australia and South Queensland. Future projections suggest a decrease in suitable habitats, confined to Tasmania, Victoria, Adelaide and New South Wales. These findings can guide the development of long-term management and conservation plans for C. maenas, with an emphasis on areas with consistent habitat suitability. Additionally, further field and laboratory experiments are recommended to understand the species’ tolerance to environmental changes. Recognising the ecological impact of C. maenas is crucial for informed decision-making to preserve Australia's ecosystems and ensure the sustainable coexistence of native species amidst invasive threats.

The Serratia sp. strain C2 confers tomato tolerance to high salt, virus infection and both stresses in combination

Besides increasing plant growth, several Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), can enhance tolerance to biotic and/or abiotic stresses of numerous plant species. While cultivated plants are frequently subject to combined stresses in the field, there is limited knowledge of the effect of PGPR on plants undergoing simultaneous stress conditions. Therefore, we tested the beneficial properties of the halotolerant PGPR Serratia sp. strain C2, previously shown to enhance salt stress tolerance in barley, on tomato plants exposed to salinity, to Potato Virus Y (PVY) infection, and both stresses simultaneously. In our experimental conditions, C2 inoculation improved tomato tolerance to salt stress and positively correlated with a 46–68 % decrease in the level of PVY RNA compared to non-inoculated tomato plants. Morphometric, physiological and biochemical analyses (e.g., chlorophyll, sugar and proline accumulation, oxidative stress status and NDVI) indicated that C2 treatments had beneficial effects on tomato growth under simple and combined stress conditions. This is the first report of a PGPR enhancing tolerance not only to individually induced salinity and PVY infection, but also to both stresses in combination. Moreover, the expression analysis of selected genes involved in stress responses and RNA silencing-mediated antiviral immunity suggests that C2 can interfere with distinct defence response pathways to enhance stress tolerance in tomato. These pioneering results support the perspective of using PGPR as multi-spectrum and multi-host biostimulants for improving plant growth and protection from biotic, abiotic, and combined stresses to promote sustainable crop production in the face of environmental changes.

Accuracy of fish-eye camera device for aircraft positioning based on laboratory experiment combining computer graphic and 3D Projection

For the management of airborne mobility devices such as airplanes and UAVs, such as noise assessment, it is important to measure the three-dimensional position of the aircraft, and various technologies have been researched and developed. We have developed an Aircraft Positioning Camera (APC) based on an IoT device equipped with a fisheye camera that can mechanically measure aircraft position at a local area with low cost and with high mobility. The performance of this APC is still uncertain as to the limits of the flight altitude and speed of the aircraft that can be measured. Therefore, a detailed study of its performance is needed. Since, it is difficult to standardize the conditions such as weather and ground surface conditions, it is effective to conduct these studies in a laboratory where environmental changes can be controlled. The performance of this APC was examined at an experimental facility where images captured by a 360-degree camera or computer graphics can be projected in three dimensions onto a hemispherical dome.

Ironing out complexities in karst chronology: (U-Th)/He ferricrete ages reveal wet MIS 5c.

Karst landforms provide insights into landscape evolution and paleoclimate but are inherently challenging to date. An ancient interval of particularly intense weathering of Western Australian Pleistocene aeolianites is recorded in a spectacular pinnacle karst landscape with associated ferricrete nodules. (U-Th)/He dating of the ferricrete nodules revealed an age of 102.8 + 10.6/-11.4 thousand years, corresponding to marine isotope stage 5c. The (U-Th)/He age thus directly dates the wettest interglacial period in the region over the last 500 thousand years, which was responsible for the dissolution that formed the pinnacles. The reliability of the ferricrete (U-Th)/He age is supported by bounding optically stimulated luminescence and U-Th dates on associated aeolianites and carbonate precipitates, respectively. A (U-Th)/He approach is globally applicable to aeolianites with associated ferricretes, allowing more accurate dating of the environmental changes affecting these lithologies, and temporally constraining rapid Pleistocene climatic oscillations to better contextualize the associated evolution of the biosphere.

A scalable Deep Q-Learning approach for hot stamping process under dynamic control environment

Despite the significant advancements in Artificial Intelligence and its applications, traditional control techniques still dominate industrial and manufacturing processes. These techniques often rely on static setups and default values, which make them resistant to environmental changes. However, in dynamic and uncertain contexts, real-time process adaptation offers significant advantages in decision-making and control. In this research, we present a novel approach utilising Deep Reinforcement Learning for real-time dynamic parameter adaptation and autonomous control of processes in unpredictable environments. The effectiveness of our proposal is illustrated through the development and training of a Deep Q-Learning control system tailored for optimising a hot stamping process. The control model aims to minimise defect rates and enhance efficiency by reducing forming times during batch productions. Comparative analysis against conventional industry practices, characterised by static and non-adaptive time settings, validates the efficacy of our solution, with improvements of over 20% in the times, depending on the scenario considered. Experimental evaluation in a semi-industrial pilot setting not only demonstrates the adaptability of our approach but also highlights its potential scalability for diverse industrial applications.

Survival strategies of microalgae in response to fluctuating brine environments in Saroma-ko Lagoon sea ice, Hokkaido, Japan.

This study investigated the changes in sea ice temperature, microalgae species distribution, shape changes, and photosynthetic activity observed in the first-year ice that forms in winter in Saroma-ko Lagoon, Hokkaido, Japan. Temperatures at the bottom of the ice remained constant at -1.7°C, near the freezing point, while they varied between -6 and -1°C with diel fluctuations at the surface layer. Carefully collected algal samples showed high photosynthetic quantum yield and acclimation to the light intensities of individual ice layers; this indicates that the algal photosynthetic activity responds to dynamic changes in the ice environment, such as variations in temperature, salinity, and brine space. The algal communities consisted of more than 95% diatoms. Smaller algal cells were distributed in the upper layer of the sea ice compared to the lower layers. Chaetoceros sp., the dominant small-cell species, was evenly distributed throughout the layers. In contrast, Detonula confervacea, the dominant large-cell species, was unevenly distributed in the lower layer, with smaller colony size and cell volume in the upper layer. The shape differences observed in this species were thought to be a response to the changing environment within the first-year sea ice.