Potential Competitors Research Articles

A Retrospective Report on the Infestation and Distribution of Chiggers on an Endemic Rodent Species (Apodemus latronum) in Southwest China

Chiggers are the exclusive vector of Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is the causative agent of scrub typhus. Based on the field surveys in southwest China between 2001 and 2022, this paper retrospectively reported the chigger infestation and distribution on the large-eared field mouse (Apodemus latronum), an endemic rodent species in the region, for the first time. A total of 933 chiggers were collected from 501 mice, and these chiggers were identified as 2 families, 8 genera, and 61 species. The overall infestation prevalence (PM) and mean abundance (MA) of A. latronum with chiggers reached 19.76% and 1.86 mites/per mouse, respectively. The chigger infestation indices on adult A. latronum (PM = 38.28%, MA = 5.11) were higher than those on juvenile mice (PM = 12.63%, MA = 0.97) with p < 0.01, showing an age bias of infestation. The relative fatness (K) was used to reflect the nutrition status of the mouse host. The mouse hosts with good nutrition (K = 3.4 ± 0.89 g/cm3) harbored fewer chiggers than the hosts with poor nutrition (K = 2.2 ± 0.90 g/cm3) (p < 0.01). The infestation indices of chiggers on A. latronum obviously fluctuated along different altitude gradients (p < 0.01). With the increase in altitudes, the β diversity of the chigger community showed a gradually increasing tendency. The spillover chord diagram, which was based on indices of PAC (potential for apparent competition), revealed high spillover potentials of dominant chigger species dispersing from high altitude gradients to the lowest one. The chigger abundance was positively correlated with the mean monthly temperature (tmp), mean monthly humidity (hum), the mean monthly precipitation (pre), and the human footprint (hfp), and it was negatively correlated with the altitude (ele) (p < 0.05). The temperature and humidity are the most important factors which influence the chigger infestation.

Protection of understory vegetation by deer exclosure fences prevent the reduction of beech growth due to soil erosion

Overbrowsing by ungulates has degraded understory vegetation in worldwide forests. Understory degradation causes soil erosion and environmental degradation, causing mature tree decline. Although ungulate exclosure fences are installed to protect vegetation, their effectiveness in preventing tree decline associated with soil degradation remains unclear. We aimed to fill this gap on slopes of Mt. Shiraga, Japan, where sika deer have overbrowsed for >20 years. Tree-ring records in 1960–2022 for eight beeches per each of inside and outside fences were analyzed to compare stem basal area increment (BAI, cm−2 yr−1) and trend change timings for BAI (i.e., break-point). Soil properties, exposed root height (ERH) as cumulative soil erosion index, and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) as water limitation proxy were also compared. Compared with areas inside fences, areas outside fences had no understory vegetation, higher ERH, and higher soil hardness and moisture. BAI outside fences turned their growth trend from positive to negative since 2004, but not inside fences. Break-point of BAI outside fences matched the understory degradation period in the field. The long-term BAI trend (i.e., regression slope of BAI) after the break-point was negatively related to ERH but not to soil properties (e.g., soil hardness and moisture). Furthermore, BAI outside fences was negatively related to iWUE after the break-point, whereas BAI inside fences was not. These results indicate that the maintenance of understory by fencing prevents overbrowsing-associated mature tree decline through mitigating root exposure and related water limitation, despite the potential of water competition with understory.

The Power of Innovation: Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Components, Research and Start-Up Approaches and the Development Process of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Turkey

This article, under the title "The Power of Innovation: Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Components, Research and Start-up Approaches and the Development Process of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Turkey", examines how Turkey's dynamic entrepreneurship environment is shaped by innovation and the important components in this process. While entrepreneurship has a critical role in economic development and social transformation, innovation stands out as the main driving force of this process. First of all, Turkey's young and educated population, increasing digitalization and access to technology strengthen the entrepreneurial culture and create new business opportunities. In the article, the basic elements of the innovation ecosystem in Turkey, namely the interactions between universities, public institutions, the private sector and entrepreneurs, are discussed in detail. Additionally, the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs in Turkey are analyzed through factors such as limited financial resources, inadequate mentoring and training opportunities. In this context, the effects of the state's innovation strategies, incentive mechanisms and entrepreneurship support programs are examined. For example, the contributions of the supports provided by organizations such as KOSGEB and TÜBİTAK to the realization of entrepreneurs' projects are emphasized. In the article, the contribution of international collaborations and foreign investments to Turkey's innovation ecosystem is discussed, thus focusing on its competitiveness potential in the global market. Additionally, successful domestic enterprise examples are supported by concrete data showing how innovation and entrepreneurship create synergy. As a result, the development of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Turkey is directly linked to the power of innovation. In order to create a sustainable innovation environment, the need for continuous support, training and policy development comes to the fore. This article aims to provide readers with a comprehensive perspective by presenting the paths and strategies to be followed to maximize Turkey's entrepreneurial potential.

Does Clade Density Constrain Geographical Range Evolution?

The role of biotic interactions, such as interspecific competition, in driving geographical range evolution is still poorly understood. For instance, lineages distributed across regions with a large number of potential competitors might experience some level of geographical packing of their range limits, so that changes in their geographical distributions are hampered. Conversely, a large number of competitors could instead lead to accelerated rates of geographical range evolution, with lineages shifting their ranges to avoid competition. We recently introduced the concept of clade density (CD; the sum of the areas of overlap between a species and other members of its higher taxon, weighted by their phylogenetic distance) as a proxy of the potential for interspecific competition across the geographical distribution of a given species. In this study, we used a large dataset with 5936 terrestrial vertebrate species to test whether CD is significantly associated with variation in the rate of geographical range evolution using two alternative approaches. First, we tested if there is a significant relationship between CD and the geographical distance between sister species. In addition, we estimated tip rates of geographical range evolution and tested if they were consistently associated with variation in CD. We found no evidence for an effect of CD on geographical range evolution in either of the tested approaches, even after accounting for phylogenetic uncertainty. These results are inconsistent with equilibrial models of species diversification and suggest that interspecific competition might not play a pervasive role in geographical range evolution of terrestrial vertebrates.

Gender Inequality in Economic Participation: A Socio-Economic Analysis in Indonesia

This research addresses gender inequality in economic participation in Indonesia, an issue that poses a barrier to sustainable development and social equality. Although there has been an increase in women's participation in the economic sector, women's labor participation rate is still significantly lower than men's, with an average labor participation rate of 83-84% for men and only 50-53% for women (BPS, 2018-2023). Various social and structural barriers, including patriarchal culture and the burden of domestic responsibilities, limit women's role in the public sector. This study uses descriptive analysis to evaluate trends and patterns of gender inequality in the Indonesian economy from 2018 to 2023, utilizing data from BPS. The findings show that gender inequality in economic participation disadvantages women and slows national economic growth. With more inclusive policies, Indonesia can correct this imbalance and increase its potential productivity and economic competitiveness.

Recent Advances in Electrolytes for Magnesium Batteries: Bridging the gap between Chemistry and Electrochemistry.

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) have the potential to provide a sustainable and long-term solution for large-scale energy storage due to high theoretical capacity of magnesium (Mg) metal as an anode, its competitive redox potential (Mg/Mg2+:-2.37 V vs. SHE) and high natural abundance. To develop viable magnesium batteries with high energy density, the electrolytes must meet a range of requirements: high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical potential window, chemical compatibility with electrode materials and other battery components, favourable electrode-electrolyte interfacial properties and cost-effective synthesis. In recent years, significant progress in electrolyte development has been made. Herein, a comprehensive overview of these advancements is presented. Beginning with the early developments, we particularly focus on the chemical aspects of the electrolytes and their correlations with electrochemical properties. We also highlight the design of new anions for practical electrolytes, the use of electrolyte additives to optimize anode-electrolyte interfaces and the progress in polymer electrolytes.

Stable isotope ratios indicate trophic niche overlap in three sympatric delphinid species in the Eastern Ionian Sea

AbstractStudying the sympatric ecology of closely related marine top predator species is of interest both from an ecological and conservation standpoint, because it provides insights into ecosystem functioning, how such species avoid competitive exclusion, and how human stressors may impact these patterns. In this study, we examine the isotopic niche of three sympatric dolphin species that inhabit the eastern Ionian Sea: the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). We used carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope ratios to construct three‐dimensional isotope niches and calculate niche sizes and their overlaps among the three species to study interspecific competition for resources. Common dolphin niche overlapped with that of the striped dolphin by 77%, suggesting potential resource competition between these two species. The niche overlap between striped/common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins was much lower (47%). Large differences in isotopic ratios were found between the bottlenose dolphins of the Ionian Sea and those of a largely isolated population in the adjacent semienclosed Gulf of Ambracia, further corroborating the previously documented isolation between the two populations.

The importance of competitive potential in building the international competitiveness of food industry companies: Evidence from Poland.

The economic and social changes taking place in the environment mean that the conditions in which enterprises operate and compete are changing and demanding. This also applies to food industry enterprises, the economic importance is emphasized by many economists. The literature on this subject lacks research on the current factors influencing the competitiveness of food industry enterprises. Thus, the aim of the study was to adopt a multidimensional assessment of the importance of selected components of competitive potential in building the international competitiveness of food industry enterprises. The following research hypothesis was adopted: the key components of the competitive potential of food industry enterprises are intangible. To achieve the main goal and verify the research hypothesis, the empirical study uses information collected using a CATI survey among representatives of food industry enterprises in Poland. The analysis used descriptive statistics, the Mann‒Whitney test, the Kruskal‒Wallis test and exploratory factor analysis, which are rarely used in research on competitiveness. Research has shown that the most important component of competitiveness is intangible assets. The punctuality of deliveries, product quality, company image and relations with suppliers and recipients play special roles. According to factor analysis, four general factors related to competitive potential were distinguished: internal competences and activities, material resources, marketing and clusters, and the market. The results of the study fill a knowledge gap related to the current competitiveness factors of food companies. On a practical level, identifying competitive potential helps improve the ability to compete, better adapt to the environment and gain a sustainable competitive advantage in international markets.

Alternating carnivore and Neanderthal activities at Escoural Cave: insights from the taphonomic and machine learning analysis of leporid remains

Exploring the varied subsistence strategies and cave occupation patterns of Neanderthals is key to understanding their complex behaviors and ecological adaptations. Small game consumption, in particular, is considered a relevant indicator of their behavioral complexity. Rabbit assemblages from Pleistocene cave sites provide valuable insights into Neanderthal interactions with small prey and potential competition with carnivores. Here, we present the first detailed taphonomic analysis of faunal remains from Escoural Cave (Portugal), where a European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) assemblage was found alongside Middle Paleolithic stone tools and some macromammal remains. This study combines traditional zooarchaeological and taphonomic analysis of the rabbit remains with multivariate statistics and machine learning methods to establish the origin of the accumulation, and the implications for Neanderthal subsistence and cave use. Results from the taphonomic analysis show no evidence of human consumption but abundant evidence of small terrestrial carnivore activity, primarily from lynxes. This could indicate a sequential occurrence of Neanderthal and carnivore activities in the cave, with Neanderthal activities likely related to something other than rabbit consumption. Our study contributes to characterizing Iberian carnivore fossil accumulations and differentiating between faunal assemblages accumulated by carnivores and those by hominins. Additionally, we show that the use of machine learning analysis provides a robust and objective method for identifying and classifying taphonomic signatures, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of our interpretations. Future work will focus on analyzing additional faunal collections from both past and new excavations at Escoural, to test whether carnivores and Neanderthals focused on different prey types and how they shared the cave space.

Manganese(II)-Porphyrin and Cumyl Hydroperoxide: An Efficient Catalyst for Aryl-Pentazole C-N Bond Cleavage.

The selective cleavage of C-N bonds in N-containing compounds holds significant research value in organic synthesis, particularly for the synthesis of promising polynitrogen species. For instance, the discovery of the cyclo-pentazolate (cyclo-N5-) anion in 2017 as a result of cleavage of the C-N bond has sparked interest within the field of high energy density materials. However, previous methods using ferrous glycinate and m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid generated the cyclo-N5- anion in a low yield of 19.5% after 24 hours, and the mechanism remained unclear. In this study, we developed an efficient catalytic system comprising Mn (II) tetraphenylporphyrin and cumyl hydroperoxide. This system enables the cyclo-N5- anion to be produced from 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenylpentazole in 35.4% yield in 4 hours. Characterization of Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins, •CH3, and •C8H8ON5 radicals provides evidence for the mechanism whereby the cyclo-N5- anion forms. Our study underscores the competitive potential of radical-initiated selective C-N bonds cleavage in N-arylazoles and opens avenues for further exploration in this field.

Regulating the Topologies and Photoresponsive Properties of Lanthanum-Organic Frameworks.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show potential application in many domains, in which photochromic MOFs (PMOFs) have received enormous attention. Researchers mainly utilize photoactive ligands to build PMOFs. Recently, the mixed electron donating and accepting ligands strategies have also been used to construct PMOFs driven by the electron transfer between nonphotochromic moieties. However, the potential interligand competition inhibits the formation of PMOFs. Therefore, the exploration of single-ligand-guided assembly is conductive for building PMOFs. Considering the existing electron accepting and donating role of pyridyl and carboxyl, the pyridinecarboxyate derived from the fusion of pyridyl and carboxyl units may serve as single ligand to yield PMOFs (Figure 1d). In this work, the coordination assembly of bipyridinedicarboxylate (2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, H2bpdc; 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid, H2pda) and LaCl3 generate two PMOFs, [La(bpdc)(H2O)Cl] (1) and [La(pda)(H2O)2Cl]⋅2H2O (2). Both complexes feature dinuclear lanthanum as building blocks with differences in the connecting number of likers, in which 1 has (4,8)-connected topology and 2 exhibits sql topology. Their structural differences result in the diversities of photoresponsive functionalities. Compared with reported PMOFs built from photoactive ligands and mixed ligands, this study provides new available categories of single ligand for generating PMOFs and tuning the structure and photoresponsive properties via ligand substitution and external photostimulus.

Understanding the Nonradiative Charge Recombination in Organic Photovoltaics: From Molecule to Device

AbstractOrganic photovoltaics (OPVs) have made significant strides with efficiencies now exceeding 20%, positioning them as potential competitors to inorganic solar technologies. One of the most critical challenges toward this goal is the severe open‐circuit voltage (Voc) loss caused by the nonradiative charge recombination (NRCR). Herein, this review comprehensively summarizes the NRCR mechanisms and suppression techniques of OPVs across various scales from molecule to device. Specifically, the origins of NRCR in a single molecule are first summarized, and molecular design principles toward high photoluminescence quantum yield are reviewed following the Marcus theory. Next, the effect of aggregation on NRCR is reviewed, as well as the molecular and processing strategies to modulate the film packing for NRCR suppression. Furthermore, the progresses in the avoidance of nonradiative loss pathways mediated by charge transfer states and triplet states in donor:acceptor bulk heterojunctions are tracked. Besides, the interfacial optimization and device structure design to maximize the electroluminescent quantum efficiency are presented. Finally, several potential pathways toward curtailing NRCR for high‐performance OPVs are outlined. Therefore, this review shows an insightful perspective to understand and mitigate the NRCR at multi‐scales, and is poised to provide a clear roadmap for the next breakthrough of OPVs.

Research on the Investment Value of BYD Based on SWOT, Financial, and Valuation Methods

Against the backdrop of environmental degradation, green energy transformation is a strategic measure to address climate change and promote green development. The new energy vehicle industry is experiencing an unprecedented period of rapid growth. As a leading player in this sector, BYD's development is virtually representative of the Chinese new energy vehicle industry. SWOT analysis, financial analysis, and valuation analysis are crucial criteria for assessing the development status of a company. Through the analysis of profitability, operational capability, and P/E ratio data, the development status, operational capability, market competitiveness, and growth potential of a company can be directly reflected. The results show vertical integration of supply chain and cost advantage is the main strength of BYD, however it has the weakness of excessive dependence on Chinese government subsidies. From the perspective of financial performance, it has great profitability and its operating capacity situation is good. Moreover, the valuation shows it is worth for investment. This provides decision-makers with information and suggestions on enterprise management, investment, and financing, helping investors and managers make rational decisions.

One‐Step Room Temperature Synthesis of Printable Carbon Quantum Dots Ink for Visual Encryption and High‐Performance Photodetector

AbstractCarbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as promising materials for optoelectronic applications and have garnered much interest as potential competitors to conventional inorganic or hybrid semiconductor quantum dots because of carbon's intrinsic merits of high stability, low cost, and environment‐friendliness. The ability of easy formulation of functional ink of CQDs is necessary for the development of industrial‐scale, reliable, inexpensive printing/coating processes, for its full exploitation in the ever‐growing class of applications in sensors, optoelectronics, and energy storage and conversion. Here a facile one‐step room‐temperature synthesis of printable, fluorescent CQD ink is demonstrated. The as‐synthesized fluorescent CQD ink is used for invisible fingerprint stamps, printing of micro‐patterns, and soft lithographic patterning with a resolution down to 1.5 µm. This functional CQD ink is also used to fabricate a high‐performance CQD‐ZnO heterojunction ultraviolet (UV) photodetector with a photo‐responsivity of 3.85 A W−1, detectivity of 6.78 × 1010 Jones, and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 15.3%. The enhanced device performance can be attributed to CQD's high photocurrent generation efficiency and rational combination of the asymmetric electrode materials. This work enables a high‐temperature stable CQD fluorescent ink synthesis method to fulfill the processing requirements of printing and soft lithographic patterning for visual encryption and optoelectronics.

Hydrothermal liquefaction: exploring feedstock for sustainable biofuel production

A number of technological strategies utilizing various types of biomass for the production of hydrocarbons have been put forth but their energy intensive methods are a concern for improved efficiency of biofuel production. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) has emerged as a promising and feasible technology towards utilization of lignocellulosic biomass. The suitability of different biomass feedstock for HTL is intricately tied to their macromolecular composition and process parameters. The comprehensive analysis of feedstock for hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) signal towards the immense potential of various biomass feedstock, such as corn stover, Miscanthus, pine biomass, Spirulina, sugarcane bagasse, rice bran etc. in contributing significantly to renewable energy production. The study emphasizes that the composition of biomass is critical in influencing bio-oil yield during the HTL process. Biomass components like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, each play distinct roles in determining the efficiency of conversion. Specifically, feedstock with higher cellulose and hemicellulose content, such as Miscanthus and sugarcane bagasse, demonstrate superior bio-oil yields. The analysis of proximate factors affecting HTL efficiency reveals that moisture content, ash content and high heating value (HHV) are pivotal in optimizing the process. In addition to composition and physical characteristics, the article underscores the significance of growth conditions and nutrient utilization in cultivating biomass feedstock. Integrating HTL with biomass cultivation can create a sustainable, closed-loop system where nutrients from the HTL process are recycled back into cultivation. Biomass offers a renewable energy alternative, however it also poses challenges related to land use and potential competition with food production. Sustainable practices, such as utilizing agricultural and forestry residues and optimizing collection as well as storage processes, can alleviate some of these concerns. By optimizing feedstock selection, process parameters, and integrating sustainable practices, HTL can play a decisive role in advancing biofuel production and contributing to a more sustainable energy future. The interplay between biomass composition, processing efficiency, environmental impacts, and economic feasibility is essential for realizing the full potential of HTL technology in the bio-economy. The current analysis sheds light on the relationship of bio-oil yield with macromolecular components including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin as well as process parameters like ash content, moisture content, higher heating value, fixed carbon and volatiles. Focusing on process optimization, this study embodies a closer analysis of literature aimed at defining optimum strategies for enhancement of HTL.

Corporate risk disclosure in response to heightened entry threat: Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China

Using the deregulation of market entry barriers in China as a quasi-natural experiment, this study examines how increased entry threats affect incumbent firms' risk disclosure. We find that firms respond by increasing their market-related risk disclosures. This effect is stronger among firms facing higher economic uncertainty, lower financial constraints, greater product market competition, and higher information transparency. Mechanism analysis shows that increased risk disclosure weakens the link between deregulation of market entry barriers and new firm entry, suggesting that such disclosures can effectively deter potential competitors. Moreover, while market reactions to market risk disclosures are neutral, they are negative for operational and financial risk disclosures. Our findings suggest that firms strategically disclose market risks to mitigate entry threats, thus enhancing their resilience and adaptability in dynamic markets.

Central Government Political Intervention in the Implementation of Educational Autonomy in Indonesia

This article presents a critical analysis of the central government's political intervention in the administration of educational autonomy in Indonesia. In reference to developed countries, education is a fundamental commodity and a top priority for developing national potential in global competition. In democratic countries, it is imperative to manage the government and its related elements using a democratic system. In the context of education in Indonesia, as a democratic country, educational institutions should ideally have ample space to determine their direction in accordance with the needs and demands of the times within the framework of national educational goals. Therefore, the expectation is that the education system should be developed in a decentralized (autonomous) manner rather than centralized. However, in reality, the national education system law has become a political tool for the government to set centralized policies without considering regional situations and conditions. In this issue, the central government seems to enforce the implementation of all educational policy products, particularly in the curriculum sector. The findings of this study indicate that the national education curriculum has undergone 11 changes from 1947, 1952, 1964, 1968, 1975, 1984, 1994, 2004, 2006, 2013, and 2022 based on the central government's political policies. These curriculum changes have both positive and negative impacts on the improvement of education quality. The positive impact is that students acquire current knowledge in line with contemporary demands, while the negative impact is that teachers are confused in responding to these changes, which in turn lowers student achievement.

From unwanted to wanted: Blending functional weed traits into weed distribution maps

AbstractSite‐specific weed management (SSWM) is increasingly employed to reduce herbicide inputs. Incorporating functional traits of weed species allows for the selection of SSWM methods that effectively reduce the abundance of weeds with a high competitive potential (disservice) while preserving weeds that provide beneficial ecosystem services (service). In this study, we aim to assess relevant weed functional traits and translate this information into a spatial trait distribution map for weed (dis‐)service provision. The distribution of weed abundance in a field was recorded using a spatial grid. Data on functional traits for the recorded weed species were extracted from published datasets and combined into the two variables, service and disservice. Individual traits (service/disservice) were weighted for each pixel of the weed distribution map based on the number of individual plants per species. Principal component analysis was employed to generate independent variables to describe the potential for service and disservice provision. As a result, two (dis‐)service trait‐based distribution maps were generated: one highlights field areas that provide enhanced ecological services, while the other displays areas with a high disservice potential. The results show that around 61% of the area in the field had a high service potential. The area with a high disservice was slightly higher than the half of the area with a high service, while about 32% of the field has both high service and disservice potential in the same area. This study presents a spatially explicit approach to incorporate information on weed functional traits into SSWM approaches targeted at reducing weed competition while at the same time enhancing weed functional diversity.

Trophic niche of a nonnative invader and environmental drivers of its increasing populations in the coastal Everglades

AbstractThe Florida Everglades is a critically important, but highly threatened ecosystem that is becoming increasingly susceptible to the invasion of non-native species. This study investigated the ecological role of the invasive peacock eel (Macrognathus siamensis) within this ecosystem using 15 years of electrofishing data and stable isotope analysis. We investigated the population trends of peacock eels at the marsh-mangrove ecotone of the Shark River Estuary, the environmental factors contributing to their abundance, and the potential interactions they may have with native fish assemblages and coastal food webs. We used stable isotope analysis to provide insights into the basal resource contribution to peacock eels and hypervolume analysis to determine peacock eel trophic niche size and overlap with native species. Results of this study found that peacock eel abundance has rapidly increased, and their populations are strongly related to hydroclimatic regimes. Peacock eel abundance was positively associated with warmer water temperatures and greater marsh inundation periods. The trophic niche of peacock eels was significantly smaller in volume than that of native sunfishes (Lepomis spp.) indicating lower intraspecific resource use variability and suggesting a limited potential for inter-specific competition with these taxa. However, in recent years, the catch of peacock eels has outnumbered the catch of all native sunfishes combined. The feeding habits and pervasiveness of peacock eels in the coastal Everglades could lead to a decrease in abundance of benthic prey items targeted by peacock eels and alter food web dynamics in the system. Based on these data, peacock eel populations are predicted to continue to increase, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring of their potential impact on native fish assemblages and food webs.

Distinctive patterns of bacterial community succession in the riverine micro-plastisphere in view of biofilm development and ecological niches

Exploring plastic bacterial community succession is a crucial step in analyzing and predicting the ecological assembly processes of the plastisphere and its associated environmental impacts. However, microbial biofilm development and niche differentiation during plastic bacterial community succession have rarely scarcely considered. Here, we assessed the differences between three microplastics (MPs) and two natural polymers in terms of biofilm development and niche properties during bacterial community succession, and identified a genus of MPs-degrading bacteria with strong competitive potential in the plastisphere. MPs biofilm development exhibits secondary succession characteristics, whereas natural polymer biofilms persist during the primary succession stage. During succession in plastic bacterial communities, the relationship between nutrient resources and microbial competition was reflected in a positive correlation between species competition and niche breadth, which contradicted the common belief that increased nutrient availability leads to reduced competition. Furthermore, the co-occurrence network revealed that specialists were species with greater competitive potential within the plastisphere. Additionally, the MPs-degrading Exiguobacterium genus represented a key taxon in the plastisphere. Our study provides a reliable pathway for revealing the specificity of plastic bacterial community succession from multiple perspectives and enhances the understanding of ecological assembly processes in the plastisphere.