Control Sites Research Articles

Impaired microvascular insulin-dependent dilation in women with a history of gestational diabetes.

Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a significantly greater lifetime risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes compared with women who had an uncomplicated pregnancy (HC). Microvascular endothelial dysfunction, mediated via reduced nitric oxide (NO)-dependent dilation secondary to increases in oxidative stress, persists after pregnancy complicated by GDM. We examined whether this microvascular dysfunction reduces insulin-mediated vascular responses in women with a history of GDM. We assessed in vivo microvascular endothelium-dependent vasodilator function by measuring cutaneous vascular conductance responses to graded infusions of acetylcholine (10-10-10-1 M) and insulin (10-8-10-4 M) in control sites and sites treated with 15 mM l-NAME [NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester; NO-synthase (NOS) inhibitor] or 5 mM l-ascorbate. We also measured protein expression of total endothelial NOS (eNOS), insulin-mediated eNOS phosphorylation, and endothelial nitrotyrosine in isolated endothelial cells from GDM and HC. Women with a history of GDM had reduced acetylcholine (P < 0.001)- and insulin (P < 0.001)-mediated dilation, and the NO-dependent responses to both acetylcholine (P = 0.006) and insulin (P = 0.006) were reduced in GDM compared with HC. Insulin stimulation increased phosphorylated eNOS content in HC (P = 0.009) but had no effect in GDM (P = 0.306). Ascorbate treatment increased acetylcholine (P < 0.001)- and insulin (P < 0.001)-mediated dilation in GDM, and endothelial cell nitrotyrosine expression was higher in GDM compared with HC (P = 0.014). Women with a history of GDM have attenuated microvascular vasodilation responses to insulin, and this attenuation is mediated, in part, by reduced NO-dependent mechanisms. Our findings further implicate increased endothelial oxidative stress in this microvascular insulin resistance.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Women who have gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in the decade following pregnancy. The mechanisms mediating this increased risk are unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that insulin-dependent microvascular responses are reduced in women who had gestational diabetes, despite the remission of glucose intolerance. This reduced microvascular sensitivity to insulin may contribute to increased cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk in these women.

Thermally Primed Zostera muelleri Seeds Exhibit Higher Germination Rates Than Those From Ambient Conditions.

Seagrasses provide critical ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, sediment stabilisation and nursery habitat for juvenile fish. Zostera muelleri is ubiquitous within Australian and New Zealand estuaries, however, as a species is relatively understudied. We sourced seeds from a thermally affected east Australian estuary and investigated whether germination rates differed between ambient and thermally affected seeds over a variety of temperatures (16°C-28°C) to determine how seagrass systems might react in a warming climate. Germination for the experiment was low and totalled 5% of all seeds; however, similar numbers are typical in seed germination studies. Germination was highest at 16°C and was enhanced through the simulation of a 48-h freshwater pulse. Thermally affected sites germinated faster and had greater mean maximum germination when compared to control sites regardless of experimental temperature. These findings indicate that Z. muelleri in this system may be exhibiting transgenerational plasticity due to the thermal stress the parent experiences. This result provides an alternate viewpoint to the current literature by suggesting that unknown transgenerational effects may provide Z. muelleri with greater germination plasticity against temperatures expected under predicted climate change scenarios than previously expected.

Effects of the types and ages of vegetation restoration on land surface roughness in the Eastern Hobq Desert, Northern China

Vegetation restoration has an important remodelling effect on near-surface characteristics, and consequent changes in land surface roughness (LSR) are key influences on soil wind erosion processes. However, the effects of vegetation restoration types and ages on LSR and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, the sand-fixing vegetation restoration area of the Hobq Desert was examined in comparison to a bare sand control area. The LSR of four artificial vegetation types (Salix psammophila, Caragana korshinskii, Artemisia ordosica, and Populus simonii) with restoration age of 36 years, and Salix psammophila and Caragana korshinskii after different periods of restoration (20, 28, 36 and 45 years) were measured using Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. Near-surface characteristics that may affect LSR were also measured. The results showed that vegetation restoration was associated with a 230–409 % higher LSR compared to the control site (1.74 mm). LSR in the different vegetation restoration areas were ranked, from high to low, as follows: AO (8.85 mm) > CK (7.89 mm) > SP (6.70 mm) > PS (6.61 mm). LSR also increased with time since restoration, with the greatest rate of increase during the first 20 years. The change of LSR is mainly affected by the change of near-surface characteristics, with the direct effects of biological crust thickness (0.331), litter thickness (0.289), soil bulk density (−0.239), and clay content (0.171) being significant. Stem diameter, litter density, biological crust coverage, and soil organic matter affected LSR indirectly, mainly through acting on the above factors. Finally, LSR was effectively estimated based on biological crust thickness, litter thickness, and soil bulk density (R2 = 0.904). The research results will help to further deepen the understanding of the influence mechanism of vegetation restoration on LSR, and provide scientific basis and practical reference for vegetation ecological restoration in similar areas.

Organophosphate, carbamate and synthetic pyrethroid pesticide residues in muscle tissues of fish from Loktak Lake, a Ramsar Site in Manipur, India

The muscle tissues of Channa punctatus and Anabas testudineus collected from the Loktak Lake (a Ramsar site) and its three major feeder rivers in Manipur, Northeastern India, were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography for the presence of residues of organophosphorus, carbamate, and synthetic pyrethroid pesticides. Pesticide residues of all the three types were detected in the fish tissues. Pesticide residues in Channa punctatus ranged from 0.002 – 0.043 µg g-1, and from 0.008 –0.027 µg g-1in Anabas testudineus from Loktak lake in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Pesticide residues were detected only in Anabas testudineus (0.002 – 0.078 µg g-1) in Nambul river, while these were detected only in Channa puctatus (0.001 – 0.032 µg g-1) in Moirang river. In Nambol river, pesticide concentrations ranged from 0.002 – 0.026 µg g-1 in Channa punctatus, and from 0.004 – 0.005 µg g-1 in Anabas testudineus. Among the five pesticides detected, concentrations of dichlorvos residues detected in the present study (0.027 and 0.032 µg g-1 wet weight) exceeded the Codex Alimentarius maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.01 mg kg-1 for animal tissues. The rest of the compounds were within the MRL. None of the pesticide residues was detected in the two fish species collected from the control or reference site. The present study indicates that pesticide contamination is emerging as a threat to the water quality and aquatic biodiversity of Loktak Lake, which calls for more detailed studies on the extent and magnitude of these threats.

Passive revegetation limited by seed availability in a salt marsh sediment addition site

Many approaches to restoring salt marsh habitats assume flora will naturally colonize the restoration site following the reinstatement of tidal hydrology that is appropriate for halophytes. However, this passive strategy can fail to meet restoration targets because of unfavorable site conditions and/or limited propagule dispersal. This study analyzes propagule availability in a restored southern California salt marsh that experienced slow passive revegetation following sediment addition to combat subsidence‐driven habitat loss. We performed a seedling emergence experiment to assess the quantity and species composition of viable halophyte seeds in the restoration site compared to nearby established salt marsh habitat. Additionally, we irrigated seed bank samples with freshwater or saltwater to test the effects of restoration site salinity conditions on seedling emergence and survival. Due to the proximity of the restoration site to seed sources, we expected to find ample seeds within its seed bank. However, only two seedlings emerged from restoration site seed bank samples (collected over 1.18 m2 of soil surface area), compared to an average of 44.33 seedlings from control site samples. Control site samples receiving saltwater irrigation had similar quantities of seedlings emerge, but seedlings in salt water had a reduced survival rate compared to seedlings in the freshwater treatment. Overall, these results suggest that passive restoration should be paired with techniques that retain seeds, such as increasing the topographic complexity of the restoration site. However, in scenarios where salinity or elevation may limit seedling recruitment, active planting should be considered to speed restoration trajectories.

The White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) as an umbrella species for threatened saproxylic beetle communities in Central European beech forests

The umbrella species concept is a popular conservation planning tool which postulates that conservation schemes targeting a specific species will indirectly benefit many other sympatric species. In Scandinavia and Central Europe, the White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) is considered an umbrella species for woodland birds and cryptogam species of conservation concern. Whether this also applies to saproxylic beetles, a group of high conservation concern, remains open. Therefore, we tested that umbrella function in Central European beech forests that are currently recolonized by this woodpecker. Relying on radiotracking data, we compared saproxylic beetle communities within the breeding home ranges of White-backed Woodpeckers (high and low activity of the bird) against forests with ascertained absence of the bird (control). Bayesian inference for linear regressions identified that species richness of threatened saproxylic beetles was 1.51 (lower and upper 5 % PPCrI=[1.09; 2.01]) times higher in sites with high White-backed Woodpecker activity compared to the control. Community composition analyses on threatened saproxylic beetles showed a reduced β-diversity at low and high White-backed Woodpecker sites compared to the control. Finally, an indicator species analysis showed that 17 saproxylic beetle species, including 4 threatened species, were positively associated with White-backed Woodpecker’s breeding home ranges, while only 3 species, but no threatened species, were associated with the control sites. Overall, our results suggest that the White-backed Woodpecker plays the role of an umbrella species for threatened saproxylic beetle communities, opening new opportunities for conservation planning in European beech forests.

Vertical distribution and migration of heavy metals in soil of green stormwater infrastructure receiving roof runoff

In order to achieve effective management of urban stormwater runoff, green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) has been widely used worldwide. However, the problem of heavy metal contamination in GSI soils has gradually become a limiting factor for their development. In this paper, concentrations of 6 heavy metals were detected in soils from 0 to 80 cm depth in the GSI receiving roof runoff. The total concentration of the 6 heavy metals in topsoil of the GSI was 395 mg·kg−1, which was significantly higher than that of the control site (p < 0.01). Vertically, heavy metal concentrations in GSI soils decreased with depth. The concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the soils at different depths (0–80 cm) of GSI were higher than those in the soils at the corresponding depths at the control site. This suggests that heavy metals may have migrated below 80 cm. The decrease in Zn/Cu ratios with depth indicated that Zn has a higher initial concentration and more of Zn accumulated in upper layer soil than Cu. Finally, we simulated the vertical migration of dissolved heavy metals in GSI soils by the Hydrus-1D model. Heavy metal concentrations in runoff and soil particle size distributions were examined, while adsorption isotherm experiments were conducted to determine input parameters for the model. The simulation results showed that only dissolved Zn would accumulate in the top soil layer. A short time of infiltration (<60 min) may have little effect on the profile shape of dissolved heavy metal levels in the soil. Substantial increases in infiltration may result in the migration of dissolved heavy metals to deeper depths in the soil.

Automating urban soundscape enhancements with AI: In-situ assessment of quality and restorativeness in traffic-exposed residential areas

Formalized in ISO 12913, the “soundscape” approach is a paradigmatic shift towards perception-based urban sound management, aiming to alleviate the substantial socioeconomic costs of noise pollution to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on traffic-exposed outdoor residential sites, we implemented an automatic masker selection system (AMSS) utilizing natural sounds to mask (or augment) traffic soundscapes. We employed a pre-trained AI model to automatically select the optimal masker and adjust its playback level, adapting to changes over time in the ambient environment to maximize “Pleasantness”, a perceptual dimension of soundscape quality in ISO 12913. Our validation study involving (N=68) residents revealed a significant 14.6% enhancement in “Pleasantness” after intervention, correlating with increased restorativeness and positive affect. Perceptual enhancements at the traffic-exposed site matched those at a quieter control site with 6dB(A) lower LA,eq and road traffic noise dominance, affirming the efficacy of AMSS as a soundscape intervention, while streamlining the labour-intensive assessment of “Pleasantness” with probabilistic AI prediction.

Productivity of the Bakchar bog plant communities in the initial stages of pyrogenic succession (southern taiga of Western Siberia)

The results of a study on the productivity of plant communities after a crown fire in a drained oligotrophic bog in the southern taiga of Western Siberia are presented. A quantitative assessment of biological productivity in areas with varying degrees of pyrogenic disturbance is given. The reserves of the grass-shrub and moss layers in the most disturbed area in the second year of restoration amounted to 1220 g/m2, production was 324 g/m2 per year; in the third year, reserves increased to 1635 g/m2 and production increased to 1038 g/m2 per year due to the growth of blueberries, while the production in the control site with high reserves of living phytomass (2200 g/m2) amounted to 745 g/m2 per year. There was a change in the structure of the phytomass, compaction of the deposit by 34%, and an increase in the mortmass of vascular plants by three times. The living mass of roots in the disturbed area concentrated in the upper layer of 0–10 cm, while it was distributed in the control area in the layer of 10–30 cm. It was found that the roots of dead pines retain the morphological characteristics of living ones during the first two years and pass into the fraction of dead roots on the third year of pyrogenic succession. Carbon losses during burning of the top layer of tow up to 20 cm amounted to 3016 g C/m2, 500 g/m2 of which can be buried as a layer of coal in peat.

Catalytic Edges in One‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Metal‐free covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are employed in oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) because of their diverse structural units and controllable catalytic sites, and the edge sites have high catalytic activity than the basal sites. However, it is still challenge to modulate the edge sites in COFs, because the extended frameworks in two‐ or three‐dimensional topologies resulted in limited edge parts. In this study, we have demonstrated the edge site modulation engineering based on one dimensional (1D) COFs to catalyze the ORR, which featured distinct edge groups‐carbonyl, diaminopyrazine, phenylimidazole, and benzaldehyde imidazole units. The synthesized COFs had same ordered frameworks, similar pore structure, but had different electronic states of the carbons along the edge sites, which results in tailored catalytic properties. Notably, the COF functionalized with a phenylimidazole edge group exhibited superior catalytic performance compared to the other synthesized COFs. And the theoretical calculation further revealed the different edge sites have tunable binding ability of the intermediates OOH*, which contributed modulated activity. Our findings introduce a novel way for designing COFs optimized for ORR applications through molecular level control of edge sites.

Catalytic Edges in One-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Metal-free covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are employed in oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) because of their diverse structural units and controllable catalytic sites, and the edge sites have high catalytic activity than the basal sites. However, it is still challenge to modulate the edge sites in COFs, because the extended frameworks in two- or three-dimensional topologies resulted in limited edge parts. In this study, we have demonstrated the edge site modulation engineering based on one dimensional (1D) COFs to catalyze the ORR, which featured distinct edge groups-carbonyl, diaminopyrazine, phenylimidazole, and benzaldehyde imidazole units. The synthesized COFs had same ordered frameworks, similar pore structure, but had different electronic states of the carbons along the edge sites, which results in tailored catalytic properties. Notably, the COF functionalized with a phenylimidazole edge group exhibited superior catalytic performance compared to the other synthesized COFs. And the theoretical calculation further revealed the different edge sites have tunable binding ability of the intermediates OOH*, which contributed modulated activity. Our findings introduce a novel way for designing COFs optimized for ORR applications through molecular level control of edge sites.

Microeukaryotic communities varied along the gradient in the seaweed habitats: A case study in a typical reef island in the East China Sea

Seaweeds are ecologically important primary producers, forming unique habitats. Microeukaryotes are pivotal in ecological functioning of seaweeds, but their ecological role and processes in seaweed habitats remain poorly understood due to a lack of field data. Here we presented an innovative insights into the microeukaryotic communities along the seaweed habitat gradients using 18S rDNA sequencing around a typical reef island, Gouqi Island. We set and verified habitat gradients of brown (HB, mainly Sargassum) and green algae (HG, mainly Ulva), and the control site between them (M), with detritus samples collected from collectors by SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus). Along the seaweed habitats, microeukaryotic biodiversity decreased from the detritus close to the seaweed habitats to surface water with increasing distance from detritus. For the dominant ecological function, clear distinction was also found in detritus and water samples along the seaweed habitat gradient, where phototrophs, mixotrophs and phagotrophs dominated in the detritus of brown algae dominated site, medium site, and green algae dominated site, respectively, responding differently to the environmental factors and seaweeds by Mantel analysis. Furthermore, we found that stochastic processes dominated in microeukaryotic community assembly in the brown seaweed habitat whereas deterministic processes dominated in green algae habitat. Highly varied occupancy was revealed in the green algae habitat by Specificity-Occupancy (SPEC-OCCU) analysis. Our result contributed to a better understanding of the ecological functioning of microeukaryotic communities in seaweed habitats, and further provided data for the bioassessment and conservation of seaweed habitats within marine ecosystems.

Effects of Thinning Practices on Soil Properties and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Natural Pure Oriental Beech Forests

Thinning intensities in Fagus orientalis Lipsky. stands may influence the soil properties, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi symbiosis, and their interaction through soil quality enhancement. We aimed to investigate the impact of four thinning intensities—control (no thinning); moderate (15%), moderately intense (35%), and intense thinning (55%)—implemented five years ago in pure oriental beech forests. In this context, the percentage indicates the proportion of trees removed by each thinning intensity, based on the total number of trees before thinning. Our focus encompassed soil physical–chemical properties, AM fungi community composition, and root colonization. At the intense thinning sites, the soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available potassium, AMF spore density, and root colonization increased by 209.7, 88.9, 115.8, 404.9, and 448.5%, respectively, when compared to the control sites. This suggests a potential rise in AMF spore density and root colonization—a vital aspect for natural regeneration. These findings highlight the importance of considering management practices in forest systems that can enhance the root system in a sustainable manner to improve plant performance, soil fertility, and symbiosis with AM fungi.

The impact of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Vectobac® WDG) larvicide sprayed with drones on the bio-control of malaria vectors in rice fields of sub-urban Kigali, Rwanda

BackgroundThe core vector control tools used to reduce malaria prevalence are currently long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), and indoor residual spraying (IRS). These interventions are hindered by insecticide resistance and behavioural adaptation by malaria vectors. Thus, for effective interruption of malaria transmission, there is a need to develop novel vector control interventions and technologies to address the above challenges. Larviciding using drones was experimented as an innovative tool that could complement existing indoor interventions to control malaria.MethodsA non-randomized larviciding trial was carried out in irrigated rice fields in sub-urban Kigali, Rwanda. Potential mosquito larval habitats in study sites were mapped and subsequently sprayed using multirotor drones. Application of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) (Vectobac® WDG) was followed by entomological surveys that were performed every two weeks over a ten-month period. Sampling of mosquito larvae was done with dippers while adult mosquitoes were collected using CDC miniature light traps (CDC-LT) and pyrethrum spraying collection (PSC) methods. Malaria cases were routinely monitored through community health workers in villages surrounding the study sites.ResultsThe abundance of all-species mosquito larvae, Anopheles larvae and all-species pupae declined by 68.1%, 74.6% and 99.6%, respectively. Larval density was reduced by 93.3% for total larvae, 95.3% for the Anopheles larvae and 61.9% for pupae. The total adult mosquitoes and Anopheles gambiae sensu lato collected using CDC-Light trap declined by 60.6% and 80% respectively. Malaria incidence also declined significantly between intervention and control sites (U = 20, z = − 2.268, p = 0.023).ConclusionsThe larviciding using drone technology implemented in Rwanda demonstrated a substantial reduction in abundance and density of mosquito larvae and, concomitant decline in adult mosquito populations and malaria incidences in villages contingent to the treatment sites. The scaling up of larval source management (LSM) has to be integrated in malaria programmes in targeted areas of malaria transmission in order to enhance the gains in malaria control.

A cluster randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of the ‘Caring for Providers to Improve Patient Experience’ (CPIPE) intervention in Kenya and Ghana: study protocol

BackgroundPoor person-centered maternal care (PCMC) contributes to high maternal mortality and morbidity, directly and indirectly, through lack of, delayed, inadequate, unnecessary, or harmful care. While evidence on poor PCMC prevalence, as well as inequities, expanded in the last decade, there is still a significant gap in evidence-based interventions to address PCMC. We describe the protocol for a trial to test the effectiveness of the “Caring for Providers to Improve Patient Experience” (CPIPE) intervention, which includes five strategies, targeting provider stress and bias as intermediate factors to improve PCMC and address inequities.MethodsThe trial will assess the effect of CPIPE on PCMC, as well as on intermediate and distal outcomes, using a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial in 40 health facilities in Migori and Homa Bay Counties in Kenya and Upper East and Northeast Regions in Ghana. Twenty facilities in each country will be randomized to 10 intervention and 10 control sites. The primary intervention targets are all healthcare workers who provide maternal health services. The intervention impact will be assessed among healthcare workers in the study health facilities and among women who give birth in the study health facilities. The primary outcome is PCMC measured with the PCMC scale, via multiple cross-sectional surveys of mothers who gave birth in the preceding 12 weeks in study facilities at baseline (prior to the intervention), midline (6 months after intervention start), and endline (12 months post-baseline) (N = 2000 across both countries at each time point). Additionally, 400 providers in the study facilities across both countries will be followed longitudinally at baseline, midline, and endline, to assess intermediate outcomes. The trial incorporates a mixed-methods design; survey data alongside in-depth interviews (IDIs) with healthcare facility leaders, providers, and mothers to qualitatively explore factors influencing the outcomes. Finally, we will collect process and cost data to assess intervention fidelity and cost-effectiveness.DiscussionThis trial will be the first to rigorously assess an intervention to improve PCMC that addresses both provider stress and bias and will advance the evidence base for interventions to improve PCMC and contribute to equity in maternal and neonatal health.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06085105. Protocol version and date: v2-11-07-23

Colonized Body Of Women In Ahmad Tohari’s Novel The Dancer

This study aims to analyze how the female body is colonized in Ahmad Tohari's novel "The Dancer." The novel portrays the lives of women in Javanese culture, shaped by colonialism and patriarchy, and illustrates how the female body becomes a site of domination, control, and exploitation. Utilizing a postcolonial feminist perspective, this research examines the experiences of physical, psychological, and social oppression faced by the female characters in the novel and their responses to various forms of colonization of their bodies. The findings reveal that through narrative and characterization, Ahmad Tohari explores the complexities of female identity influenced by colonial history and patriarchal structures. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the female body as a battleground between dominant forces and women's resistance against various forms of oppression. Thus, this study contributes to the broader discourse on gender and colonialism studies in Indonesian literature.

Pollinators respond positively to urban green space enhancements using wild and ornamental flowers

Abstract Pollinator diversity and abundance are under direct threat from human activities. Despite societal dependence on pollinators for crop production, humankind continues to drive pollinator declines through agricultural intensification and urbanisation. Urban environments can provide refuge to some pollinators. There is a need, however, to understand how pollinator communities can be supported in these areas while also considering human needs. Public green spaces provide a promising avenue to target plant–pollinator conservation measures in an urban setting due to their large area, high abundance and low plant–pollinator biodiversity. We used a paired design to compare the plant community, pollinator community and plant–pollinator interactions of (i) public urban green spaces enhanced with wildflower meadows and pollinator‐friendly ornamental plantings to (ii) control unenhanced urban green spaces. The planting types within enhanced sites were also separately compared. Our results show that not only was the diversity of the overall pollinator community higher in enhanced than control sites, but also the complexity of some wild Hymenoptera and the abundance of Diptera pollinator groups. The negative impact of urbanisation on some pollinator groups was reduced in enhanced sites compared with control sites. Planting both pollinator‐friendly ornamental plants and wildflower meadows significantly increased the visits from Diptera and the diversity in the plant–pollinator community compared with wildflower plantings alone. Our results suggest that enhancing public spaces for pollinators has positive effects on key groups and can help mitigate the impacts of urbanisation. Non‐native ornamental plants can also play a role in enhancing green spaces for pollinators while maintaining their recreational functions. This supports a mixed‐planting approach for improving public green spaces in urban areas for both people and nature.

Impact of different illegal Artisanal Small-Scale Mining techniques on soil properties in a major mining landscape in Ghana

The widespread prevalence of illegal Artisanal Small-Scale Mining has raised significant concerns about its environmental and health impacts. This study investigates the effects of two mining methods (alluvial and chamfi) on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties four years after mining in three municipalities of the Western Region of Ghana. The study identified four species of Aspergillus fungi (niger, flavus, ochraceous and fumigatus) and Trichoderma species in both mined and control soils. The quantity of A. fumigatus was significantly higher in control plots compared to mined plots. In alluvial sites, bacterial numbers were significantly higher in control plots than in mined plots, while in chamfi sites, bacterial numbers did not differ significantly between mined and control plots. Soil texture in both mined sites was predominantly sandy loam and loamy sand, with a generally high silt to clay ratio. Mined plots at both sites were significant and more acidic (p < 0.05) than the control plots. Additionally, cation exchange capacity (CEC), electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+) levels were significantly higher in control plots compared to mined plots. The control plots also exhibited higher base saturation and lower exchangeable acidity than mined plots. Bacteria count at Chamfi sites was generally higher at mined areas than the control sites, with the reverse being the case for Alluvial sites. Soil chemical parameters were higher at control areas than at mined sites, irrespective of the mining approach used. However, there was no clear pattern of differences in soil chemical properties at Chamfi and Alluvial mined sites. This study provides insights and additional perspectives for improving decision-making and guiding the potential restoration of these areas.

Evaluating the efficacy of ecological restoration of fish habitat in coastal waters of Lake Ontario

Ecological restoration is a common strategy applied to degraded wetlands and tributaries in large lakes. As resources are typically limited for restoration, it is essential to ensure that such efforts achieve associated goals. Using both discrete and continuous methods, we evaluated the efficacy of ecological restoration efforts on fish habitat within Canada's largest city, Toronto (Cell 2 and Embayment D of Tommy Thompson Park) relative to a control site (Toronto Islands). First, we used a long-term electrofishing dataset (i.e., discrete) to examine catch and community composition relative to restoration status. Catch for northern pike (Esox lucius) remained constant at both restoration sites, and catch of invasive common carp (Cyprinus carpio) decreased at Embayment D, indicating that exclusion barriers may be effective. Restoration was less effective for largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) as catches remained similar after restoration at Cell 2, but decreased within Embayment D. We also found that relative abundance for coldwater species at both restoration sites decreased post-restoration, with increases in warmwater species at Cell 2 and coolwater species at Embayment D. Next, we used a long-term acoustic telemetry dataset (i.e., continuous sampling) with three focal species: largemouth bass, northern pike, and invasive common carp. Based on telemetry, we found that restoration efficacy was species-specific, with largemouth bass present before and after ecological restoration (particularly in spring, which may be associated with spawning), but clear reductions in use of the restored areas for common carp and northern pike. Exclusion barriers, while effective at blocking common carp, appeared to also negatively influence access for northern pike. Using both discrete and continuous methods longitudinally and across both treatment and control sites provided complementary information on the efficacy of restoration works within Toronto Harbour, with electrofishing data highlighting changes in fish community composition while acoustic telemetry provided continuous information on timing and duration of habitat use.

3D self-supporting core-shell silicon-carbon nanofibers-based host enables confined Li+ deposition for lithium metal battery

Three-dimensional (3D) porous hosts play pivotal roles in realizing dendrite-free lithium metal anodes (LMAs) owing to their high specific area. However, uneven local electric field and lack of lithiophilic sites on the reactive interface cause nonuniform lithium ion (Li+) deposition, leading to Li dendrite growth and parasitic reactions. These issues will inevitably incur short cycling life and severe safety hazards of lithium metal batteries. Herein, a 3D self-supporting host composed of hollow carbon nanofibers incorporated with silicon (Si) nanoparticles inside (Si-HCF) is constructed as Li metal host by a scalable coaxial electrospinning technique. During the first cycle, the Si nanoparticles is alloyed with Li+ to form lithiophilic Li-Si alloy, contributing to deliver a low nucleation overpotential and homogeneous surface potential confirmed by Kelvin probe force microscopy, finally guiding Li+ flux homogeneously throughout the fibrous mat. As expected, the Li metal can percolate through Si-HCF host reversibly without uncontrollable Li dendrites and the Si-HCF exhibits a stable cycle life of Li plating/stripping over 1400 h. Additionally, the full cell combined with LiFePO4 cathodes presents steady cycling over 400 cycles with a high average coulombic efficiency of 99.4 %. This work provides new insights for the synthesis of 3D hosts with controllable nucleation sites to homogenize Li+ deposition in LMAs.