Community Succession Research Articles

Elucidating biofouling development and succession in membrane distillation using treated effluent

Biofouling in membrane distillation (MD) has several repercussions, including reduced efficiency of the MD process and limiting membrane life. Additionally, the evaluation of MD biofouling using treated effluents from wastewater treatment plants remains an unexplored area. Thus, biofouling formation and development in a long term MD process (15 days) using treated effluent from a wastewater treatment plant was explored in this study. The results revealed that flux decline occurred in four phases: i) initial decline (0–1 d), ii) gradual decline (1–5 d), iii) progressive decline (5–10 d), and iv) rapid decline (10–15 d). Liquid Chromatography-Organic Carbon Detection (LC-OCD) analysis demonstrated that the treated effluent contained humic-like substances, which deposited on the membrane surface in phase 1. Whereas biopolymers development on the membrane surface in phase 2 and 3 was linked to biofouling. Microbial community analysis revealed that the initial colonisers were predominantly thermophilic bacteria, which were different from the microbial community of the treated effluent. The biofilm-forming bacteria included Schlegelella, Meiothermus, and Vulcaniibacterium. These microorganisms proliferate and release excessive extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), leading to the development of mature biofilm on membrane surface. This helped in the deposition of organics and inorganics from the bulk feed, which led to microbial community succession in phase 4 with the emergence of the Kallotenue genus. The results suggested that organic substances and microbial communities on membrane surface at different stages in a long-term MD process had a significant influence on MD performance for high-quality wastewater reuse.

Impact of Plant Community Diversity on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Riparian Zones.

Plant community succession can impact greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the soil by altering the soil carbon and nitrogen cycles. However, the effects of community landscape diversity on soil GHG emissions have rarely been fully understood. Therefore, this study investigated how plant landscape diversity, structure type, and species composition, affect soil GHG emissions in a riparian zone. Soil GHG emissions were assessed by measuring the air samples collected from four study sites, which have different plant community structure types and species compositions (natural sites with complex plants, landscaped sites with fruit trees and grasses, untended sites with ruderals, and farmland sites), using the static chamber method. Significant differences were observed in soil carbon dioxide (CO2; p < 0.001), nitrous oxide (N2O; p < 0.001), and methane (CH4; p = 0.005) emissions. The untended site with ruderals exhibited the highest CO2 emissions, while N2O emissions increased as plant community diversity decreased. All sites acted as sinks for CH4 emissions, with decreased CH4 uptake efficiency in more diverse plant communities. The Mantel test and variance partitioning analysis revealed soil microbial biomass as an indirect influencer of GHG emissions. This study could help predict soil GHG emissions and their global warming potential under future changes in the island riparian zones.

Heterofermentative Lentilactobacillus buchneri and low dry matter reduce high-risk antibiotic resistance genes in corn silage by regulating pathogens and mobile genetic element

The study of antibiotic resistance in the silage microbiome has attracted initial attention. However, the influences of lactic acid bacteria inoculants and dry matter (DM) content on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) reduction in whole-plant corn silage remain poorly studied. This study accessed the ARGs’ risk and transmission mechanism in whole-plant corn silage with different DM levels and treated with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum or Lentilactobacillus buchneri. The macrolide and tetracycline were the main ARGs in corn silage. The dominant species (Lent. buchneri and Lactobacillus acetotolerans) were the main ARGs carriers in whole-plant corn silage. The application of Lent. buchneri increased total ARGs abundance regardless of corn DM. Whole-plant corn silage with 30 % DM reduced the abundances of integrase and plasmid compared with 40 % DM. The correlation and structural equation model analysis demonstrated that bacterial community succession, resulting from changes in DM content, was the primary driving factor influencing the ARGs distribution in whole-plant corn silage. Interestingly, whole-plant corn silage inoculated with Lent. buchneri reduced abundances of high-risk ARGs (mdtG, mepA, tetM, mecA, vatE and tetW) by regulating pathogens (Escherichia coli), mobile genetic elements (MGEs) genes (IS3 and IS1182), and this effect was more pronounced at 30 % DM level. In summary, although whole-plant corn silage inoculated with Lent. buchneri increased the total ARGs abundance at both DM levels, it decreased the abundance of high-risk ARGs by reducing the abundances of the pathogens and MGEs, and this effect was more noticeable at 30 % DM level.

Disruptive effects of sewage intrusion into drinking water: Microbial succession and organic transformation at molecular level

Drinking water distribution systems are increasingly vulnerable to sewage intrusion due to aging water infrastructure and intensifying water stress. While the health risks associated with sewage intrusion have been extensively studied, little is known about the impacts of intruded bacteria and dissolved organic matter (DOM) on microbiology in drinking water. In this dynamic study, we demonstrate that the intrusion of 1 % sewage into tap water resulted in immediate contamination, including an 8-fold increase in biomass (TCC), a 48.9 % increase in bacterial species (ASVs), a 12.5 % increase in organic carbon content (DOC), and a 13.5 % increase in unique DOM molecular formulae. Over time, sewage intrusion altered tap water microbiology by accelerating bacterial growth rates (5-fold faster), selectively promoting ASVs in community succession, and producing 998 more unique DOM formulae. More significantly, statistical analysis revealed that the intrusion of 1 % sewage shifted the driving force of bacterial and DOM composition covariance from a DOM-dependent process in tap water to a bacterial-governed process post-intrusion. Our results clearly demonstrate the disruptive effects of sewage intrusion into tap water, emphasizing the urgent need to consider the long-lasting impacts of sewage intrusion in drinking water distribution systems, in addition to its immediate health risks.

Correction to: Sex-specific strategies of resource utilization and determining mechanisms of Hippophae rhamnoides in response to community succession

Correction to: Sex-specific strategies of resource utilization and determining mechanisms of <i>Hippophae rhamnoides</i> in response to community succession

The development and early success of the South Carolina two-generation community of practice to support family-serving professionals.

System-level initiatives are key to promoting health and well-being among young families, yet agencies and organizations who support those families often do not coordinate their delivery of supportive services and resources. We describe the South Carolina (SC) two-generation (2Gen) community of practice (CoP) and its early efforts to foster statewide adoption of "whole family" centered approaches. This mixed-methods study evaluated the impact of the CoP. Quantitative data were gathered from CoP participants to assess its impact on their increased knowledge and use of the 2Gen approach, as well as on new peer connections and individual professional development. Qualitative data were gathered on the perceived value of the CoP, as well as opportunities for growth. Data indicate that SC 2Gen CoP meetings have been well received by participants. Data from meeting evaluations demonstrate that the information increased participants' knowledge on the 2Gen approach and that it contributed to their growth and professional development. Meetings have also been effective in promoting connections between like-minded professionals, as well as in providing useful information to integrate 2Gen approaches into their work. These early findings demonstrate the continued need for the SC 2Gen CoP and its potential to grow into a robust outlet to support family-serving professionals in SC. More efforts are needed to promote systems coordination and integration among family-serving professionals. CoPs are one way to integrate system-level strategies, such as the 2Gen approach, to support family-serving professionals and enhance the integration of resources provided to families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of cable bacteria on vertical redox profile formation and phenanthrene biodegradation in intertidal sediment responded to tide

Periodic oxygen permeation is critical for pollutant removal within intertidal sediments. However, tidal effects on the vertical redox profile associated with cable bacterial activity is not well understood. In this study, we simulated and quantified the effects of tidal flooding, exposing, and their periodic alternation on vertical redox reactions and phenanthrene removal driven by cable bacteria in the riverbank sediment. Results show that electrogenic sulfur oxidation (e-SOx) mediated by cable bacteria during exposing process drove the vertical permeation of oxidation potential characterized by a decrease in Fe(II) and sulfide concentrations. The sulfate produced was observed in deep sediment (5–10 mm) and served as an electron acceptor for anaerobic oxidation, thereby triggering the functional succession of microbial community. About 78.2 % and 80.8 % of phenanthrene was degraded in deep sediment where cable bacteria grew well under exposing and tidal conditions. Anaerobic processes during tidal flood were also found to be important for the survival of cable bacteria. Higher cable bacteria abundance (up to 1.5 %) was observed under tidal conditions compared to that under continuous exposing conditions and flooding conditions. This might be attributed to lower oxidation stress and sulfide replenishment via sulfate reduction while flooding. Under tidal conditions, the cable bacteria interacted with sulfate reduction bacteria (e.g. Desulfobacca spp. and Desulfatiglans spp.) and maintained the dynamic balance of HS− and SO42− in sediment profiles. This HS−-SO42− cycle could serve as a “redox connector” that continuously delivers oxidation potential to deep sediments, resulting in the removal of organic pollutants. The findings provide preliminary evidence of the self-purification mechanisms within intertidal sediments and suggest a potential strategy for sediment remediation.

Anaerobic fermentation for hydrogen production and tetracycline degradation: Biodegradation mechanism and microbial community succession

The misuse and continues discharge of antibiotics can cause serious pollution, which is urgent to take steps to remit the environment pollution. In this study, anaerobic bacteria isolated from the aeration tank of a local sewage treatment plant were employed to investigate hydrogen production and tetracycline (TC) degradation during anaerobic fermentation. Results indicate that low concentrations of TC enhanced hydrogen production, increasing from 366 mL to a maximum of 480 mL. This increase is attributed to stimulated hydrolysis and acidogenesis, coupled with significant inhibition of homoacetogenesis. Furthermore, the removal of TC, facilitated by adsorption and biodegradation, exceeded 90 %. During the fermentation process, twenty-one by-products were identified, leading to the proposal of four potential degradation pathways. Analysis of the microbial community revealed shifts in diversity and a decrease in the abundance of hydrogen-producing bacteria, whereas bacteria harboring tetracycline resistance genes became more prevalent. This study provides a possibility to treat tetracycline-contaminated wastewater and to produce clean energy simultaneously by anaerobic fermentation.

Analysis of wheat fungal community succession in traditional storage structures using Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology

The diversity of fungi in wheat with different deoxynivalenol (DON) content at various periods post-harvest and in the environment of storage were investigated. The changes in DON content were measured with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), and an amplicon sequence analysis of fungi was performed in traditional storage structures using high-throughput sequencing. The changes in temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration were collected by sensors. In addition, we analyzed principal component analysis, species composition, species differences, and community differences of fungi. There was an obvious separation of the fungal communities under different storage conditions and times. Many fungal genera were gradually decreasing during storage and were eventually undetectable, and many fungal genera that were undetectable at first gradually increased during storage and even became dominant fungal genera. The competition between fungi was fierce. The competition between fungi were affected by the presence of DON. As the initial DON content increased, the contribution of inter-group differences became more obvious. The temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration of wheat in the silo's environment changed with extended storage time. The content of DON decreased with extended storage time. We had investigated the changes in DON content and their correlation with the changes in fungal communities and environmental factors, which showed a high degree of correlation. This study offers theoretical justification for optimizing safe wheat grain in traditional storage conditions.

Long-term legacy of phytoremediation on plant succession and soil microbial communities in petroleum-contaminated sub-Arctic soils

Abstract. Phytoremediation can be a cost-effective method of restoring contaminated soils using plants and associated microorganisms. Most studies follow the impacts of phytoremediation solely across the treatment period and have not explored long-term ecological effects. In 1995, a phytoremediation study was initiated near Fairbanks, Alaska, to determine how the introduction of annual grasses and/or fertilizer would influence degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs). After 1 year, grass and/or fertilizer-treated soils showed greater decreases in PHC concentrations compared to untreated plots. The site was then left for 15 years with no active site management. In 2011, we re-examined the site to explore the legacy of phytoremediation on contaminant disappearance, as well as on plant and soil microbial ecology. We found that the recruited vegetation and the current bulk soil microbial community structure and functioning were all heavily influenced by initial phytoremediation treatment. The number of diesel-degrading microorganisms (DDMs) was positively correlated with the percentage cover of vegetation at the site, which was influenced by initial treatment. Even 15 years later, the initial use of fertilizer had significant effects on microbial biomass, community structure, and activity. We conclude that phytoremediation treatment has long-term, legacy effects on the plant community, which, in turn, impact microbial community structure and functioning. It is therefore important to consider phytoremediation strategies that not only influence site remediation rates in the short-term but also prime the site for the restoration of vegetation over the long-term.

Effects of Pectinase on Bacterial Succession during Hemp Retting

Pectinase accelerates hemp retting. An elevated temperature during the enzymatic action is favorable for bacterial colonization. Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) bast fiber was retted in a 40 °C water bath under four different conditions: water retting, pectinase retting, bacterial retting, and bacterial retting with the presence of pectinase. Bacterial communities were sampled from the retting liquid of each condition at the beginning of retting and on days 1, 3, and 5. The bacterial successions were identified by 16S rRNA gene metagenomic sequencing. The results showed that Bacillaceae dominated the hemp retting conditions containing 1% (m/v) pectinase, suggesting that pectinase can manipulate the bacterial community succession by changing the nutrients available to bacteria through the breakdown of pectin. Micromorphological analysis also observed the degradation of a gum-like substance and the aggregation of bacteria with the addition of pectinase.

Activation of denitrification potential within anammox consortia to exceed nitrogen removal thresholds via Fe-Mn functionalized biochar: Enhanced interspecies electron transfer and metabolite cross-feeding

Anammox exerts a crucial role in nitrogenous effluents remediation; nevertheless, nitrogen removal efficiency thresholds triggered by additional nitrate production poses a critical obstacle for anammox performance. Herein, Fe-Mn functionalized biochar (FeMn#BC) was synthesized and incorporated into anammox consortia to elicit the exogenous organics-independent metabolic potential of denitrifying bacteria, which decreased nitrate accumulation and achieved up to 90.69 ± 0.48 % total nitrogen removal efficiency. Enzyme content analysis indicated that FeMn#BC bolstered biometabolic vigour and electron transport system activity by stimulating the synthesis of heme c and NADH. Microbial community succession results demonstrated that FeMn#BC facilitated the proliferation of anammox bacteria (AnAOB) and nitrate-reducing functional bacteria. Metagenomic analysis uncovered that FeMn#BC increased the relative abundance of genes related to energy metabolism, nutrient-substrate ingestion, cofactor synthesis, and iron-manganese transport pathways. Candidatus Brocadia sp013360945 interacted nitrogen metabolism substrates and electrons with dominated denitrifying species PR03 sp. (dependent on endogenous organics and FeMn#BC-released Fe(II)), while interacted cofactors with other mutualistic bacteria possessing nitrate-reducing potential (e.g. ATM1 sp003577165). FeMn#BC-released Mn(II) served as an additional electron donor, augmenting electron availability for non-dominant anammox species like Candidatus Jettenia caeni and Candidatus. Kuenenia stuttgartiensis. This research highlights the critical mechanism of Fe-Mn synergism for overcoming the bottleneck of anammox nitrogen removal efficiency, and demonstrates the substantial potential of Fe-Mn functionalized materials to revolutionize the existing wastewater treatment technologies towards a carbon-free approach.

Deciphering the effects of different types of high-temperature Daqu on the fermentation process and flavor profiles of sauce-flavor Baijiu

The fermentation of sauce-flavor Baijiu requires high-temperature Daqu as the starter, which is classified into three types: white, yellow, and black. Recent studies highlighted the variability of the microbiota and metabolome profiles of these three types of Daqu, however, what functions they precisely provide in the sauce-flavor Baijiu brewing process remains unclear. In this study, white, yellow, and black Daqu in five different proportions were utilized as starters in field-scale Baijiu fermentation, with the control group lacking Daqu inoculation. Fermented grains inoculated with 100% white Daqu (47.7 °C) had the highest temperature during stacking fermentation, while 100% black Daqu and control groups were lower than 45 °C. Lactic acid (12.6–22.0 mg/g) was the most abundant organic acid, followed by acetic acid (0.7–5.0 mg/g). qPCR analysis revealed that bacterial biomass decreased during fermentation, while fungal biomass increased. A comparison with the control revealed that Daqu contributed high-temperature resistant microorganisms to the stacking fermentation process, primarily Kroppenstedtia, Virgibacillus, Byssochlamys, Thermoascus, and Thermomyces. Meanwhile, stacking fermentation promoted the enrichment of Acetobacter, Kazachstania, and Leiothecium. Mantel test and co-occurrence network analysis revealed that utilizing different fermentation starters could vary the biotic and abiotic factors that drive microbial community succession. We investigated the flavor of Baijiu further, and found that fermentation with white Daqu enhanced the accumulation of ethyl acetate, isoamyl alcohol, and isobutanol, whereas black Daqu increased the accumulation of ethyl lactate, lactic acid, and furfural. This study contributes to the rational usage of different types of Daqu in the manufacturing of Baijiu.

Dynamic changes in and correlations between microbial communities and physicochemical properties during the composting of cattle manure with Penicillium oxalicum

BackgroundPenicillium oxalicum is an important fungal agent in the composting of cattle manure, but the changes that occur in the microbial community, physicochemical factors, and potential functions of microorganisms at different time points are still unclear. To this end, the dynamic changes occurring in the microbial community and physicochemical factors and their correlations during the composting of cattle manure with Penicillium oxalicum were analysed.ResultsThe results showed that the main phyla observed throughout the study period were Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Halanaerobiaeota, Apicomplexa and Ascomycota. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) illustrated that Chitinophagales and Eurotiomycetes were biomarker species of bacteria and eukaryote in samples from Days 40 and 35, respectively. Bacterial community composition was significantly correlated with temperature and pH, and eukaryotic microorganism community composition was significantly correlated with moisture content and NH4+-N according to redundancy analysis (RDA). The diversity of the microbial communities changed significantly, especially that of the main pathogenic microorganisms, which showed a decreasing trend or even disappeared after composting.ConclusionsIn conclusion, a combination of high-throughput sequencing and physicochemical analysis was used to identify the drivers of microbial community succession and the composition of functional microbiota during cattle manure composting with Penicillium oxalicum. The results offer a theoretical framework for explaining microecological assembly during cattle manure composting with Penicillium oxalicum.

Dynamic changes in volatile profiles and bacterial communities during natural fermentation of Mei yu, traditional Chinese fermented fish pieces

Microbial metabolism is important for the unique flavor formation of Mei yu, a kind of traditional Chinese fermented fish pieces. However, the interactive relationship between microorganisms and flavor components during fermentation is still unclear. In this study, electronic nose and headspace-solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis were performed to identify flavor components in Mei yu during the fermentation, and the absolute microbial quantification was conducted to identify the diversity and succession of microbial communities. During fermentation, there was an increase in the types of volatile compounds. Alcohols, aldehydes, aromatics and esters were the main flavor compounds and significantly increased in Mei yu, while hydrocarbon and aldehydes significantly decreased. The absolute abundances of Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Weissella increased significantly after 3 days’ fermentation, which were closely associated with the productions of 1-nonanol, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, guaiacol, ethyl palmitate and ethyl caprylate that might though pathways related to fatty acid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism. However, these genera were negatively correlated with the production of indole. Additionally, the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) levels of Mei yu fermented during 3 days were within the limits of 25 mg TVB-N/100 g fish, with the contents of free amino acids and lipoxygenase activities were significant lower than that of 4 days’ fermentation. In view of food safety and flavor, it suggested that the natural fermented Mei yu at room temperature should be controlled within 3 days. This study highlights the application of absolute quantification to microbiome analysis in traditional fermented Mei yu and provides new insights into the roles of microorganisms in flavor formation during fermentation.

Decoupling soil community structure, functional composition, and nitrogen metabolic activity driven by salinity in coastal wetlands

Coastal wetlands, being a multifaceted and crucial global ecosystem, are facing significant impacts from diverse environmental alterations, particularly soil salinization. Concurrently, the escalation of extreme climate events, such as global warming, presents complex challenges for the protection and restoration efforts. Previous researches concerning microbial communities in the context of climate with continous line numbering change have predominantly concentrated on their structural aspects, with limited attention given to establishing relationships between community structure and functional attributes. In this study, a two-year investigation was conducted on conventional coastal wetland ecosystems, considering variations in salinity and seasonal temperature. Utilizing high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing, isotope technology, and other methods to explore the bacterial community, nitrogen cycling functional groups, and nitrogen reduction process. This research aims to assess the holistic impacts of significant global environmental changes on microbial communities. The results suggest that salinity, acting as an environmental filter, has a significant impact on the microbial community composition. It leads to a decrease in species abundance, an increase in deterministic processes and the nesting of community succession, while also reducing the stability of microbial ecological networks. The mechanism by which soil salinity impacts bacterial communities involves three main aspects: direct effects, positive climate regulation, and negative regulation of soil properties. Surprisingly, soil salinity exerts a mild inhibitory influence on microbial functional genes and metabolic activity. The primary factors involved in the nitrogen reduction process include electron donors/acceptors, types of nitrogen sources, and organic carbon. The three processes are interconnected due to the impact of environmental factors and signal transmission among microbial populations. This study offers a novel scientific framework for the rehabilitation and enhancement of saline-alkali coastal ecosystems in the face of impending global changes. It achieves this by investigating the varied response patterns exhibited by microbial communities and ecological functional metabolism under salinity-induced stress.

Urban stormwater ponds can support dragonfly reproduction akin to natural ponds

Stormwater ponds are constructed to receive urban runoff and regulate flooding of built areas. As a result, they can be more stressful habitats for aquatic organisms than natural ponds. Adult dragonflies are known to frequent stormwater management ponds in cities, but whether they successfully reproduce in these artificial systems is not clear. This study compared the reproductive potential of dragonflies in stormwater ponds across a temperate metropolitan area through weekly collections of exuviae at stormwater ponds and natural (reference) ponds. We hypothesized that stormwater ponds were poor habitats for dragonfly reproduction (in comparison to natural ponds) because of the typically negative effects of urbanization on wildlife. With respect to dragonfly reproduction, we therefore predicted: (1) lower breeding recruitment, (2) fewer habitat specialists, and (3) greater homogenization of breeding assemblages at stormwater ponds. However, we did not find a significant difference in the number of species and abundance of exuviae between stormwater and natural ponds. Stormwater ponds also supported similar numbers of habitat specialists as natural ponds. Furthermore, we did not find evidence of greater biotic homogenization across stormwater ponds as species composition was similar between both pond types. These results indicate that stormwater ponds can support the reproductive success of a diverse community of dragonflies.

Seasonal environmental factors drive microbial community succession and flavor quality during acetic acid fermentation of Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar.

This study investigated the impact of seasonal environmental factors on microorganisms and flavor compounds during acetic acid fermentation (AAF) of Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar (ZAV). Environmental factors were monitored throughout the fermentation process, which spanned multiple seasons. Methods such as headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and high-throughput sequencing were employed to examine how these environmental factors influenced the flavor profile and microbial community of ZAV. The findings suggested that ZAV brewed in autumn had the strongest flavor and sweetness. The key microorganisms responsible for the flavor of ZAV included Lactobacillus acetotolerans, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus fermentum, Acetobacter pasteurianus. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that room temperature had a significant impact on the composition of the microbial community, along with other key seasonal environmental factors like total acid, pH, reducing sugar, and humidity. These results provide a theoretical foundation for regulating core microorganisms and environmental factors during fermentation, enhancing ZAV quality.

Source and succession of microbial communities and tetramethylpyrazine during the brewing process of compound-flavor Baijiu.

Pyrazines are important flavor components and healthy active components in Baijiu, which including tetramethylpyrazine (TTMP). During the brewing process, the traceability of microbial communities and the content distribution characteristics of TTMP are important for improving the quality and style characteristics of compound-flavored Baijiu (CFB). However, the traceability analysis of microorganisms in fermented grains (FG)-used in the production of CFB-lacks quantitative and systematic evaluation. In this study, the microbial communities and TTMP content of Jiuqu (JQ), Liangpei (LP), FG, and pit mud (CP) used in CFB production were characterized; further, coordinate and discriminant analyses were employed to determine differences in microbial communities. Additionally, traceability and correlation analyses were performed to reveal the origin of microbial communities in FG. The source, content, and distribution characteristics of TTMP based on the brewing process have also been discussed. The results showed that most of the bacterial and fungal communities at different levels of FG came from other sources, and the microorganisms of Cladosporium, Acetobacter, Aspergillus, Methanosarcina, and Bacillus were considered have a osculating correlations with TTMP content of FG. Taken together, this study provides insights into the origin of microbial communities in FG and the distribution characteristics of TTMP based on the CFB brewing process. The current findings are conducive for optimizing the fermentation process and improving the quality and style characteristics of CFB.

STEMinist sensibilities in the promotion of STEM and tech participation to women and girls

ABSTRACT In recent years, organizations aiming to empower women and girls to participate in STEM have proliferated. While the issue of gender inequality in STEM is well documented, little is known about the feminist appeals these organizations make to girls. This study analyses the websites of five Australian ‘women in tech’ organizations to understand how they frame and respond to the problem of gender inequality, and what feminist sentiments they reflect. Combining a postfeminist sensibility (Gill, 2007) with Myers et al. (2019) concept of STEMinism, we propose a ‘STEMinist sensibility’ to interpret the ways in which gender issues and subjects are represented on STEM initiative websites. We identify four themes characterizing a STEMinist sensibility: 1) acknowledging the problem and promoting solutions to gender inequality, 2) a focus on tech girls as problem solvers, 3) cultivating community and connection for success, and 4) playing with girlification. We show how websites acknowledge the structural impediments women and girls face, yet simultaneously represent girls as both problematic and as problem-solvers in a way that renders them individually responsible for resolving the problems arising from gender inequality in their fields. These findings have implications for organizations promoting STEM initiatives to women and girls.