Changing Environmental Conditions Research Articles

Climate driven response of the Iceland‐East Greenland‐Jan Mayen capelin distribution

AbstractClimate change is altering the distribution of marine organisms worldwide. This may, in turn, affect the overall structure and functioning of ecosystems, sometimes leading to low productive regimes. Pronounced shifts in distribution and migration have been observed for capelin (Mallotus villosus), one of the ecologically and commercially important species in the Arctic. This study attempts to discern whether a relationship existed between the altered capelin dynamics and the changing physical environmental conditions in the Iceland‐East Greenland‐Jan Mayen region. More specifically, three species distribution models were used to predict hindcasts (pre‐shift years 1993–2002) and nowcasts (post‐shift years 2003–2019) of capelin distribution based on relationships with temperature, salinity, current speed, net primary productivity, and bathymetry. The predicted probability of occurrence over these two time periods demonstrates that the changing environmental conditions have contributed to the modified distribution of the stock during its late feeding season in autumn and during the onset of spawning season in winter. The multi‐model approach used in this study has provided a solid statistical framework to describe the environmental niche of capelin and its potential responses to changing ocean climate.

Impact of crop management practices on maize yield: Insights from farming in tropical regions and predictive modeling using machine learning

Understanding the influence of crop management practices on maize yield is crucial amidst the changing environmental conditions. Smallholder farming in tropical regions has long puzzled decision-makers in terms of maize management. Balancing alternative management practices, environmental factors, and economic outcomes is essential. In this study, we examine the relationships between maize yield and various factors including climate variables, soil quality parameters, cultivars, tillage practices, and fertilizer usage in Chiapas, Mexico. Pearson's correlation coefficient and T-test were employed to determine the statistical significance of the correlations. Our findings reveal strong positive associations between maize yields and factors such as planting, cultivar, vapor pressure, temperature, solar radiations and fertilizer inputs for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in lower elevation farms. Conversely, there is a negative correlation with elevation, slope, and system. Extensive data analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of different crop management practices on yield, utilizing both data visualization and analytics. Additionally, maize yield prediction was performed using six hybrid machine learning (ML) models, employing Grid Search and Random Search optimization techniques. Based on evaluation, Grid Search-based XGBoost exhibited the most accurate prediction results. Furthermore, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) was employed to assess the individual impact of each input parameter on the ML model output.

Environmental drivers affecting the status of top commercial fish stocks in the Baltic Sea: review

IntroductionLike in many parts of the world, the Baltic Sea experiences a multitude of processes and stressors that influence fish stock dynamics. This paper compartmentalizes 250 publications that examine the cumulative effects and trade-offs of some of the most significant environmental drivers (temperature change, hypoxia, nutrient enrichment, acidification, low salinity, and food-web dynamics) on the ecology of top commercial fish species in the Baltic Sea (cod, sprat, whiting, herring, flounder, and plaice).MethodsA systematic review method was applied to ensure rigorous coverage of existing literature and to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current knowledge on the subject.ResultsThe results illustrate the extent of scientific research applicable to commercial fisheries knowledge in the Baltic Sea and identify which pressures have the greatest negative impacts on which stocks. Additionally, the findings demonstrate how well top commercial fish species have adapted to the changing environmental conditions of the Baltic Sea. In doing so, the review illustrates the upcoming challenges and underscores which stocks are likely to dominate in the future and which will face difficulties.DiscussionBy considering ecosystem-based fisheries management, this paper emphasizes the need to account for complex ecosystem interactions beyond single-stock monitoring. With increased natural hazards, top commercial fish species have reacted differently, depending on the region and their adaptive capabilities. In most cases, Clupeidae species have adapted the best to their new surroundings, Pleuronectidae resilience is varied, while Gadidae species are finding the Baltic Sea increasingly challenging.

Study of the Synchronization and Transmission of Intracellular Signaling Oscillations in Cells Using Bispectral Analysis

The oscillation synchronization analysis in biological systems will expand our knowledge about the response of living systems to changes in environmental conditions. This knowledge can be used in medicine (diagnosis, therapy, monitoring) and agriculture (increasing productivity, resistance to adverse effects). Currently, the search is underway for an informative, accurate and sensitive method for analyzing the synchronization of oscillatory processes in cell biology. It is especially pronounced in analyzing the concentration oscillations of intracellular signaling molecules in electrically nonexcitable cells. The bispectral analysis method could be applied to assess the characteristics of synchronized oscillations of intracellular mediators. We chose endothelial cells from mouse microvessels as model cells. Concentrations of well-studied calcium and nitric oxide (NO) were selected for study in control conditions and well-described stress: heating to 40 °C and hyperglycemia. The bispectral analysis allows us to accurately evaluate the proportion of synchronized cells, their synchronization degree, and the amplitude and frequency of synchronized calcium and NO oscillations. Heating to 40 °C increased cell synchronization for calcium but decreased for NO oscillations. Hyperglycemia abolished this effect. Heating to 40 °C changed the frequencies and increased the amplitudes of synchronized oscillations of calcium concentration and the NO synthesis rate. The first part of this paper describes the principles of the bispectral analysis method and equations and modifications of the method we propose. In the second part of this paper, specific examples of the application of bispectral analysis to assess the synchronization of living cells in vitro are presented. The discussion compares the capabilities of bispectral analysis with other analytical methods in this field.

Crosstalk between salicylic acid signalling and the circadian clock promotes an effective immune response in plants

The rotation of Earth creates a cycle of day and night, leading to predictable changes in environmental conditions. The circadian clock synchronizes an organism with these environmental changes and alters their physiology in anticipation. Prediction of the probable timing of pathogen infection enables plants to prime their immune system without wasting resources or sacrificing growth. Here, we explore the relationship between the immune hormone salicylic acid (SA), and the circadian clock in Arabidopsis. We found that SA altered circadian rhythmicity through the SA receptor and master transcriptional coactivator, NPR1. Reciprocally, the circadian clock gates SA-induced transcript levels of NPR1-dependent immune genes. Furthermore, the clock gene CCA1 is essential for SA-induced immunity to the major bacterial plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. These results build upon existing studies of the relationship between the circadian clock and SA signalling and how interactions between these systems produce an effective immune response. Understanding how and why the immune response in plants is linked to the circadian clock is crucial in working towards improved crop productivity.

Between-year weather differences and long-term environmental trends both contribute to observed vegetation changes in a plot resurvey study.

Repeated surveys of vegetation plots offer a viable tool to detect fine-scale responses of vegetation to environmental changes. In this study, our aim was to explore how the species composition and species richness of dry grasslands changed over a period of 17 years, how these changes relate to environmental changes and how the presence of spring ephemerals, which may react to short-term weather fluctuations rather than long-term climatic trends, may influence the results. A total of 95 plots was surveyed in 2005 and resurveyed in 2022 in dry grasslands of the Kiskunság Sand Ridge (Hungary, Eastern Central Europe), where there has been a significant increase in mean annual temperature during the last decades, while no trends in precipitation can be identified. Db-RDA was performed to reveal compositional changes. The changes in environmental conditions and naturalness state were assessed using ecological and naturalness indicator values. We also compared per-plot richness of all species, native species and non-native species of the old and the new relevés. All analyses were repeated after removing all spring ephemerals. We found clear temporal changes in species composition. Mean temperature indicator values increased, while mean soil moisture indicator values decreased during the 17 years. Also, decreasing per-plot richness was detected both for all species and for native species, while mean naturalness increased. After the removal of spring ephemerals, the compositional changes were less obvious although still significant. The increase in the temperature indicator values remained significant even without the spring ephemerals. However, the decrease in the moisture indicator values, the decrease in the number of all species and native species, as well as the increase in naturalness indicator values disappeared when spring ephemerals were excluded from the analyses. Our study demonstrates that between-year weather differences and long-term environmental trends both contribute to observed vegetation changes.

Trace elements and the environmental factors influencing early life-growth of the squid, Uroteuthis duvaucelii

The early growth of Indian squid, Uroteuthis duvaucelii, was examined in specimens with sizes ranging from 41 – 215 mm ML from fisheries catches in coastal waters of Central Philippines. The linear relationship between mantle length and statolith radial length indicates that statolith growth is proportional to body size growth. At 60 days after hatching in different months, growth trajectories revealed high individual growth variability. At this age, monsoons influenced the growth variation and seasonality of U. duvaucelii, revealing the squid’s high growth plasticity and adaptability towards changes in environmental conditions. During the first 40 days, the growth of female U. duvaucelii was significantly influenced by ambient temperature and food availability, indicating that these factors play a crucial role in the survival of their young. Hatching occurs continuously throughout the year, with prominent peaks in July and October. The lateral dome of the statolith contains significant amounts of trace elements, including strontium (Sr), uranium (U), magnesium (Mg), barium (Ba), and sodium (Na), which are known to be correlated with environmental conditions, habitat, and physiology of squids.

Unravelling a hidden synergy: How pathogen-climate interactions transform habitat hydrology and affect tree growth

Interactions between multiple global change stressors are a defining characteristic of the Anthropocene. Tree-associated pathogens are affecting forested ecosystems worldwide and occur in the context of increased frequency and intensity of extreme climate events such as heat waves, droughts, and floods. The effects of these events, along with subsequent changes in environmental conditions, on remaining and regenerating trees, are not well understood but crucial for the restoration and conservation of forested habitats.In this study, we investigate ash (Fraxinus excelsior) dieback in a temperate broadleaf woodland as a case study to explore the processes influencing non-infected trees during pathogen-induced mortality events. Utilising an experimental setup, we examine tree growth rates at different chronological stages of the disease, including naturally progressing ash dieback (4–5 years since disease outbreak), accelerated ash dieback where ash trees have been girdled (10–15 years), and negligible ash dieback (<20 % ash trees).During a year with typical climatic conditions (2021), soils in accelerated ash dieback plots remained saturated throughout the summer due to insufficient transpiration (57 % higher in the accelerated dieback plots), suggesting a significantly increased risk of summer run-off and floods. However, tree growth rates in these plots were not affected (t-test, t = −0.3 to 1.2, p > 0.05). Conversely, anomalously dry years, such as the 2022 summer drought, saw higher soil moisture in the accelerated ash dieback plots (t-test, t = 4.8, p < 0.01) acting as a buffer, resulting in normal tree growth during drought compared to greatly reduced growth in plots with weaker dieback.These findings emphasise the complex interactions between extreme climate events and pathogen outbreaks. Better understanding of the relationships between pathogens and hydrology on tree growth is imperative and detailed long-term studies on tree growth and hydrology will facilitate and improve mitigation strategies.

Towards optimizing conservation planning: A performance evaluation of modeling techniques for predicting Mediterranean native species distribution

Understanding the intricate relationships between environmental conditions and key variables influencing species distribution is critical for ecology and conservation, especially in the face of escalating environmental challenges intensified by climate change. Species Distribution Models (SDMs) are valuable tools for predicting current and future habitat suitability, aiding in conservation planning. This study specifically sought to evaluate the predictive performance of different modeling techniques in determining the geographical distribution of three Mediterranean native species with different ecological flexibility in the western Mediterranean coastal land of Egypt namely Thymelaea hirsuta (L.) Endl., Ononis vaginalis Vahl, and Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss. An ensemble model incorporating three modeling algorithms -the generalized linear model, boosted regression trees, and random forests- was juxtaposed against the Maxent non-parametric machine-learning modeling technique. The models integrated diverse variables, encompassing climatic, edaphic, habitat, and topographic factors. The results unveiled a high degree of similarity and agreement between the Maxent and ensemble models, both exhibiting outstanding fits and performance metrics. The ensemble model demonstrated remarkable accuracy across various measures evaluating model performance. However, Maxent showcased a comparatively strong performance, particularly in identifying critical areas for the distribution of the studied Mediterranean species. These findings emphasize the importance of employing a suite of modeling techniques to refine conservation planning and management strategies. At the local scale, the outcomes can guide targeted actions such as habitat restoration and species monitoring programs. Regionally, and globally it can inform policy development and cross-border conservation initiatives that address shared environmental challenges and contribute to frameworks for studies of similar ecosystems worldwide. Such a comprehensive approach ensures more effective safeguarding of Mediterranean native species under changing environmental conditions.

Key benthic species are affected by predicted warming in winter but show resistance to ocean acidification.

The effects of climate change on coastal biodiversity are a major concern because altered community compositions may change associated rates of ecosystem functioning and services. Whilst responses of single species or taxa have been studied extensively, it remains challenging to estimate responses to climate change across different levels of biological organisation. Studies that consider the effects of moderate realistic near-future levels of ocean warming and acidification are needed to identify and quantify the gradual responses of species to change. Also, studies including different levels of biological complexity may reveal opportunities for amelioration or facilitation under changing environmental conditions. To test experimentally for independent and combined effects of predicted near-future warming and acidification on key benthic species, we manipulated three levels of temperature (winter ambient, +0.8 and +2°C) and two levels of pco 2 (ambient at 450 ppm and elevated at 645 ppm) and quantified their effects on mussels and algae growing separately and together (to also test for inter-specific interactions). Warming increased mussel clearance and mortality rates simultaneously, which meant that total biomass peaked at +0.8°C. Surprisingly, however, no effects of elevated pco 2 were identified on mussels or algae. Moreover, when kept together, mussels and algae had mutually positive effects on each other's performance (i.e. mussel survival and condition index, mussel and algal biomass and proxies for algal productivity including relative maximum electron transport rate [rETRmax], saturating light intensity [I k] and maximum quantum yield [F v/F m]), independent of warming and acidification. Our results show that even moderate warming affected the functioning of key benthic species, and we identified a level of resistance to predicted ocean acidification. Importantly, we show that the presence of a second functional group enhanced the functioning of both groups (mussels and algae), independent of changing environmental conditions, which highlights the ecological and potential economic benefits of conserving biodiversity in marine ecosystems.

A trait-based approach to quantify ecosystem services delivery potentials in the Sundarbans mangrove forest of Bangladesh

An ecosystem’s potential to deliver goods and services, primarily determined by the functional traits of the species, is crucial for assessing its health and conservation value. This study uses a trait-based approach to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation in the ecosystem services delivery potentials (ESDPs) of the Sundarbans mangrove. We analyzed abundance data from 81 permanent sample plots (PSPs), spread over different saline zones, collected between 1986 and 2014, paired with species-specific plant functional traits. Seventeen traits were examined, with species-level data sourced from secondary literature, linking traits to ecosystem services. Study revealed that plant height, specific leaf area, and root length are key traits for assessing ESDPs. The Sundarbans’ ESDPs varied spatially across different saline zones but remained stable over time. Notably ESDPs were significantly higher in low saline zones compared to ESDPs in high saline zones. This spatial variation is partly explained by differences in plant species composition among saline zones and the relatively stable species composition over time. Results from mixed effect models showed that PSP as a random factor for all four models is attributed to the nested effect. The study highlights the value of functional traits in ecosystem service assessments, providing a robust method to predict how changes in biodiversity and environmental conditions affect service delivery. The observed trend of decreasing ESDPs with increasing salinity offers insights into the potential impacts of sea-level rise on mangrove forest functions. These findings are essential for developing conservation strategies and policies to preserve the Sundarbans’ ecological integrity and support local livelihoods. This research advocates for a trait-based framework as a critical tool for the sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems globally.

Revealing the intricate temporal dynamics and adaptive responses of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes in the coastal South China Sea

This comprehensive two-year investigation in the coastal South China Sea has advanced our understanding of marine microbes at both community and genomic levels. By combining metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, we have revealed the intricate temporal dynamics and remarkable adaptability of microbial communities and phytoplankton metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) in response to environmental fluctuations. We observed distinct seasonal shifts in microbial community composition and function: cyanobacteria were predominant during warmer months, whereas photosynthetic protists were more abundant during colder seasons. Notably, metabolic marker KOs of photosynthesis were consistently active throughout the year, underscoring the persistent role of these processes irrespective of seasonal changes. Our analysis reveals that environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, and nitrate concentrations profoundly influence microbial community composition, while temperature and silicate have emerged as crucial factors shaping their functional traits. Through the recovery and analysis of 37 phytoplankton MAGs, encompassing nine prokaryotic cyanobacteria and 28 eukaryotic protists from diverse phyla, we have gained insights into their genetic diversity and metabolic capabilities. Distinct profiles of photosynthesis-related pathways including carbon fixation, carotenoid biosynthesis, photosynthesis-antenna proteins, and photosynthesis among the MAGs indicated their genetic adaptations to changing environmental conditions. This study not only enhances our understanding of microbial dynamics in coastal marine ecosystems but also sheds light on the ecological roles and adaptive responses of different microbial groups to environmental changes.

Leaf trait networks shift toward high modularity during the succession of a subtropical forest, in southwest China

During the process of forest succession, coexisting plant species fulfill diverse functions by modifying the interrelationships among functional traits. Examining the interrelationships of functional traits across multiple dimensions would enable a comprehensive understanding of the plants’ adaptive strategies during forest succession. Plant trait networks (PTNs) comprehensively capture and visualize these intricate relationships among functional traits. Nonetheless, the changes in PTNs during forest secondary succession remain unclear. In this study, we measured 24 functional traits related to leaf resource acquisition, photosynthesis, hydraulics, and physical defense across tree species at three successional stages: young forest (YF), intermediate forest (IF), and old-growth forest (OF) in the Ailao Mountains, Southwest China. We established leaf trait networks (LTNs) to investigate the interrelationships among functional traits during forest succession. Our results revealed a decrease in the Edge Density decreased and an increase in the Modularity as succession advanced. In the YF stage, leaf nitrogen, photosynthetic rate, and force to punch were the hub traits; whereas, canopy exposure and leaf dry mass were highly connected traits in the IF and OF stages, respectively. The connectivity of highly connected traits was related to the plant’s life-history strategies and environmental adaptations at different successional stages. In terms of the importance of the four trait dimensions, resource acquisition and photosynthetic traits consistently demonstrated strong connectivity within LTNs throughout the succession. We concluded that co-occurring tree species adapted to the changing environmental conditions by adjusting trait modules through alternative strategies during secondary succession. Specifically, resource acquisition and trait coordination were more advantageous in the YF stage, while higher modularity offered greater opportunities for niche differentiation in the OF stage. This study provides new insights into exploring the mechanisms of forest succession through the analysis of trait correlation networks.

REFRACTIVE INDEX BASED DETECTION WITH A HIGH SENSITIVITY BIOSENSOR ENHANCED BY GRAPHENE

Over the past decade, optical sensors have made significant advances. An optical sensor examines the environmental impact through the change of an optical signal and offers advantages such as low cost and label-free detection. In this study, a sensor consisting of a single graphene layer and a slit positioned on the substrate is proposed. The strip gap made to improve the excitation of graphene plasmons allowed to achieve 96.2% high transmission resonance mode. This demonstrates the ability of the sensor surface to detect changing environmental conditions. The results show that the sensitivity of the sensor is 6282 nm/RIU when the sensor surface is exposed to analytes with different refractive indices. The use of a single graphene sheet eliminates the need for a metal resonator and achieves a higher sensitivity compared to some experiments recently published in the literature. Thus, the disadvantage of significant ohmic losses in metal resonators is avoided. Furthermore, a thorough discussion of various factors, including the modification of the strip gap width on the graphene layer and electrical tunability, led to the achievement of optimal sensitivity.

Genetic adaptation despite high gene flow in a range-expanding population.

Signals of natural selection can be quickly eroded in high gene flow systems, curtailing efforts to understand how and when genetic adaptation occurs in the ocean. This long-standing, unresolved topic in ecology and evolution has renewed importance because changing environmental conditions are driving range expansions that may necessitate rapid evolutionary responses. One example occurs in Kellet's whelk (Kelletia kelletii), a common subtidal gastropod with an ~40- to 60-day pelagic larval duration that expanded their biogeographic range northwards in the 1970s by over 300 km. To test for genetic adaptation, we performed a series of experimental crosses with Kellet's whelk adults collected from their historical (HxH) and recently expanded range (ExE), and conducted RNA-Seq on offspring that we reared in a common garden environment. We identified 2770 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 54 offspring samples with either only historical range (HxH offspring) or expanded range (ExE offspring) ancestry. Using SNPs called directly from the DEGs, we assigned samples of known origin back to their range of origin with unprecedented accuracy for a marine species (92.6% and 94.5% for HxH and ExE offspring, respectively). The SNP with the highest predictive importance occurred on triosephosphate isomerase (TPI), an essential metabolic enzyme involved in cold stress response. TPI was significantly upregulated and contained a non-synonymous mutation in the expanded range. Our findings pave the way for accurately identifying patterns of dispersal, gene flow and population connectivity in the ocean by demonstrating that experimental transcriptomics can reveal mechanisms for how marine organisms respond to changing environmental conditions.

Adaptability of winter rye cultivars by yield in the conditions of the Kirov region

The breeding of winter rye for adaptability is an important factor in increasing yield and stabilizing gross grain yields. The research was conducted in 2018–2023 in the central agroclimatic zone of the Kirov region. Thirteen cultivars of winter rye (Secale cereale L. var. vulgare Koern.) of the mid-late maturity group of different breeding periods (‘Falenskaya 4’ as standard) were studied in the nursery of competitive variety testing. Based on the “yield” trait, the parameters of the general adaptive ability of the cultivar (GAAi), stability (σ2SAAi), breeding value of the genotype, and responsiveness of the genotype to changes in environmental conditions (bi) were determined using the method of A. V. Kilchevsky and L. V. Khotyleva. The "year" factor had the greatest influence on the “yield” trait (the influence of factor hx2 = 60 %). With high winter hardiness (4.7 points) and plant regeneration (89 %), the yield of winter rye is associated with the amount of precipitation during the resumption of vegetation in April (r = -0.92), as well as during the period “seedlings-autumn tillering” and the “earing” phase (r = 0.55). According to the yield, the ‘Grafinya’ (5.09 t/ha) and ‘Lika’ (5.07 t/ha) cultivars were distinguished with a significant increase to the standard of 0.40 t/ha and 0.38 t/ha, respectively (LSD05 = 0.24 t/ha). The ‘Grafinya’, ‘Lika’, ‘Batist’, and ‘Perepel’ cultivars had a high general adaptive ability (GAAi = 0.23–0.51). Cultivars of late breeding periods were characterized by a higher general adaptive ability (GAAi = 0.09–0.51) compared to previously created cultivars (GAAi = -0.61…0.01). The cultivars ‘Vyatka 2’,’Kiprez’, ‘Kirovskaya 89’, ‘Sadko’, ‘Grafinya’, ‘Batist’, ‘Rushnik’, ‘Perepel’ were distinguished by high stability of the "yield" trait (σ2SAA = 0.50–0.73). The lowest stability indicators were found in the cultivars ‘Flora’, ‘Lika’, ‘Talitsa’ (σ2SAA = 1.13–1.35). The cultivars ‘Flora’, ‘Lika’, ‘Talitsa’, ‘Falenskaya 4’, ‘Perepel’, ‘Rushnik’ were highly responsive to improving growing conditions (bi = 1.1–1.4). The cultivar ‘Grafinya’ combined high yield and stability (selection value of the genotype 2.9).

Predictive modeling of fatigue and rutting parameters for asphalt cement modified with pretreated oil palm clinker using artificial neural network algorithms to enhance pavement performance

Currently, the viscoelastic properties of standard asphalt cement cannot sustain the increasing demands resulting from heavier traffic loads, greater stress levels, and changing environmental conditions. Thus, the usage of modifiers is encouraged. Also, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) encourages the use of waste resources and emerging technologies in asphalt pavement technology. This study intends to harness this gap by examining the use of oil palm clinker (OPC) as an asphalt-cement modification to improve its viscoelastic properties using an innovative prediction approach. The modified asphalt-cement was produced by varying the acid-treated OPC powder (OPCP) content at 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% and the rutting and fatigue performance was evaluated. This paper also presents an optimization approach and prediction comparison based on statistical modeling and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for the fatigue and rutting parameters of the modified asphalt cement. Model variables for the predictive models include OPCP content and test temperatures. The AI algorithms use 70% of the data for training, 15% for testing, and 15% for validation. The results showed that the incorporation of OPCP improves the properties of pure asphalt-cement by increasing stiffness and temperature susceptibility and that the crystalline phase of Si–O formed a novel structural group Si–OH. The RSM R2 for rutting for unaged and RTFO aged responses was (99.743 and 99.893), the RMSE was (436.210 and 954.945), and the MRE was 3.269 and 2.315) for the model statistical performance index, respectively. The ANN R2 for rutting for unaged and RTFO aged responses were (99.903 and 99.970) the RMSE (106.283 and 528.500) and MRE (1.759 and 1.039). PAV fatigue RSM R2 values were (99.984), RMSE (77979.750), and MRE (12.089), while ANN R2 values were (99.997), RMSE (53933.500), and MRE (5.262). The findings demonstrated that the generated model and algorithm could predict the fatigue and rutting performance of the OPCP-modified asphalt cement accurately with the AI algorithms model outperforming the statistical model. Also, the study aligns with SDG 9 by developing advanced modeling techniques and enhancing infrastructure durability through innovative use of modified materials as well as SDG 12 by incorporating recycled materials into sustainable production practices.

Unveiling the importance of heterotrophy for coral symbiosis under heat stress.

Global warming endangers reef-building corals as they lose their photosynthetic symbionts, which limits their ability to feed autotrophically. Consequently, heterotrophy, the capture of zooplankton, can become crucial for the energy budget of heat-stressed corals. However, it is difficult to assess the extent of the heterotrophic contribution in corals, as well as the dynamics of nutrient exchange between the host and its symbionts. In this pioneering study, we employed a suite of isotopic markers, including 13C- and 15N bulk tissue isotope measurements, compound-specific isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA-AAs), and 13C- and 15N-labeled food incubations, to investigate nutrient acquisition and allocation in the coral Stylophora pistillata under controlled and heat-induced bleaching conditions. Bulk isotope values and inorganic carbon assimilation remained unchanged in the bleached corals compared to the control corals, overall indicating undisturbed autotrophic activity of the symbionts under heat stress. However, CSIA-AAs showed an increased dependence on heterotrophy for amino acid synthesis in both the host and the symbionts despite reduced assimilation of 15N-labeled food. Overall, these results suggest that although S. pistillata reduces its assimilation of heterotrophic food under heat stress, the acquisition of amino acids by the coral host and symbionts still relies on heterotrophy. This study emphasizes the importance of using multiple indicators to gain a comprehensive understanding of coral nutrition. It shows that coral dependence on heterotrophy is not only associated with a decline in autotrophic availability. Rather, it demonstrates the ability of S. pistillata to adapt its utilization of food sources to the prevailing environmental conditions.IMPORTANCEThis work highlights that every isotopic marker displays a piece of different information concerning the diet of the model coral S. pistillata. By combining all markers, we observed that although S. pistillata exhibited reduced heterotrophic assimilation under heat stress, amino acid acquisition and synthesis remained dependent on heterotrophy. The findings emphasize the adaptability of corals in utilizing different food sources, which is vital for their resilience and recovery in changing environmental conditions. This research underscores the complexity of coral symbiosis and highlights the need for multiple indicators to understand dietary dynamics comprehensively.

Grasslands support more diverse and resilient earthworm communities to climate change than croplands in Central Europe

Diversity and community composition of earthworms, key drivers of ecosystem functions, are increasingly threatened by global change, including climate and land-use change. However, empirical evidence for interactions of these concurrent drivers in affecting earthworm communities is scarce. Here, we investigated the effects of an experimentally imposed climate change scenario, including warming and altered precipitation patterns, and land use with two croplands (both conventional farming and organic farming characterize a three-year crop rotation) and two grasslands (intensively-used meadow and extensively-used meadow) on earthworm communities across different seasons and years in a field experiment. Compared with grasslands, earthworms in croplands have lower species richness (-26 %), abundance (-80 %), and biomass (-73 %), particularly the abundance of juveniles (-83 %) and Aporrectodea rosea (-76 %) as well as the biomass of juveniles (-84 %), A. rosea (-72 %), Octolasion cyaneum (-47 %), and Lumbricus terrestris (-83 %). Due to extreme droughts in Central Europe from 2018 to 2020, earthworm abundance and biomass were low across land-use types, but in grassland they increased (abundance: +80 %; biomass: +85 %) in 2021 presumably due to increased moisture conditions. Main effects of experimental climate change and intensified management practices as well as interaction of experimental climate change and land use on abundance and biomass of earthworms were non-significant. Notably, experimental climate change and land use interactively altered earthworm community composition, with the most pronounced difference between ambient and future climate in croplands than in grasslands. This indicates that earthworm community composition more sensitively reflects changes in environmental conditions than earthworm abundance and biomass, but the latter two negatively responded to prolonged drought conditions. Our results indicate that grasslands have a higher resilience of earthworm populations to buffer adverse environmental conditions than croplands. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the response of earthworms to inter-annual climatic variability and experimental climate change under different land-use types.

Abundance and diversity of the culturable nectar mycobiome in Rhododendron catawbiense varies with elevation

Abstract The nectar microbiome can influence pollinator choice and plant fitness. Previous research has shown that changes in environmental conditions at large spatial scales can influence nectar microbiome composition. However, little is known about how changes in climate with increasing elevation affect nectar microbiome abundance and composition. Here we describe the culturable nectar mycobiome of Rhododendron catawbiense (Ericaceae) by quantifying colony abundance, identity, and richness of fungal genera. We further evaluate how the culturable nectar mycobiome (CNMB) abundance, diversity, and composition (i.e., the fungal species within the nectar microbiome) varies at two different elevations. Nectar samples were collected from R. catawbiense individuals at a high and low elevation and were cultured on yeast agar with 0.01% chloramphenicol media. Fungal colonies were categorized morphologically, quantified, and then identified using DNA barcoding. In total, 2,822 fungal colonies were recorded belonging to six genera across both elevations. Elevation did not influence CNMB diversity (Simpson’s diversity index) or genera richness per flower, however only three genera were found at the high elevation while six were found at the low elevation. Elevation had a significant effect on colony abundance with a 95% increase in the number of colonies in nectar samples at low compared to the high elevation. Variation in abundance and overall genera composition of fungal colonies across elevations may have the potential to affect nectar quantity and quality and ultimately pollination success. This study adds to our understanding of the drivers of CNMB composition across spatial scales its potential implications for plant-pollinator interactions.