Biological Organization Research Articles

Oxygenation of the Gulf of Mexico thermocline linked to the detachment of Loop Current eddies

This study presents oxygen data from the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) deep-water region for the period 2010–2019 collected from six oceanographic cruises and two BioARGO buoys and compares them to historical measurements. These observations link the interannual variability of the oxygen concentrations in the main thermocline waters to the frequency of Loop Current eddy (LCE) detachments. These eddies introduce significant volumes of relatively oxygen-rich waters from the Caribbean into the Gulf’s interior, thereby ventilating the main thermocline waters of the basin. Oxygen concentrations [O2] observed after periods of more than a year without LCE detachments consistently show a significant decrease in [O2] in the GoM thermocline waters. Using the oxygen measurements and altimetry data, we developed a simple box model that reproduces the oxygen variability in the GoM thermocline considering only LCE detachment area and frequency as variables, keeping all other sources of variability constant in the model. Our model successfully reproduces the observed oxygen variability in the main thermocline waters, highlighting the LCE detachment variability as a key process in the ventilation of the GoM mid-depth waters. According to our model, an average detached LCE area of approximately 97,000 km2 per year is needed to maintain oxygen levels in the thermocline waters above 2.6 ml mL L−1 in the upper thermocline and 2.4 ml mL L−1 in the lower thermocline. One further implication of this model is that if the yearly trend of decreasing detachment area of the LCEs continues in future years, oxygen concentrations in the GoM thermocline may continue to fall, potentially leading to unknown consequences for the ecological web structure at these depths.

The Role of Ecological Space Structure Optimization in Synergetic Sustainable Development: Evidence from the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area

Improving carbon sink capacity is critical for meeting energy conservation and emission reduction targets, along with low-carbon development goals. Although many researchers have recognized that urban space can significantly influence the capacity of carbon sinks in urban areas, few studies have quantified the impact of urban landscape patterns, particularly urban green space (UGS) morphology, on carbon sinks. This study quantitatively investigated the impact of UGS morphology on carbon sinks using panel data from nine cities in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), China, from 2000 to 2017. A series of landscape metrics and land-use data was first selected to quantify the four dimensions of UGS: scale, compactness, type diversity, and shape complexity. Subsequently, the impact of UGS morphology on carbon sinks was estimated using a panel data model. The main findings were as follows. (1) From the carbon sink results, the carbon sink in the GBA was found to be in an evolutionarily stable state, reflecting the relatively limited potential for carbon enhancement in the region. (2) From the landscape metrics results, the AREA_MD was mainly distributed between 0.18 and 0.27. The AI was mainly distributed between 80 and 97, with a concentration at 90. The PAFRAC was mainly distributed between 1.39 and 1.43, with a concentration at 1.41. PR was mainly distributed between 6 and 7. There was a large disparity in the scale of UGS morphology between GBA cities, with an irregular and complex pattern that became more compact over time. (3) From the panel data results, the AI (p < 0.001) had a significant positive impact on carbon sinks, while PR (p < 0.001) had a significant negative impact. The more compact the UGS morphology, the greater the total carbon sink, and the more complex the UGS morphology, the smaller the total carbon sink. The findings highlighted the importance of urban planning and UGS morphological optimization for increasing carbon sink capacity, as well as providing policy makers and urban planners with theoretical references and guidance for achieving climate goals.

Nature-Based Solutions Planning for Urban Microclimate Improvement and Health: An Integrated Ecological and Economic Approach

Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of microclimates on human well-being. The effectiveness of NbSs is contingent upon the synergy between natural capital, defined by the ecological structure and functions of the ecosystem, and human-derived capital, encompassing the economic investments required for implementation. This study introduces a decision-making framework designed to evaluate the impact of NbSs and advocate for optimal solutions for human health at the local scale, amalgamating ecological and economic assessments. Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) was chosen as a key urban parameter to assess the efficacy of NbSs in mitigating urban microclimates and enhancing human health. The PET analysis was conducted using ENVI-met 5.0.3 software across diverse urban scenarios in Gallipoli city, Italy. Integrated with a cost–benefit analysis of NbSs considering various investment scenarios, the study aimed to identify the most effective solution. Results indicated positive effects of NbSs in open spaces and around building blocks where the PET levels remained below 30 °C. Conversely, scenarios without NbSs exhibited PETs exceeding 40 °C, with peaks of 50 °C, posing potential risks to human health. Considering the social and economic benefits associated with PET mitigation, the cost–benefit analysis suggests that implementing NbSs using a mix of young and mature plants in the initial phase is advantageous compared to using only young plants. Thus, in establishing NbSs, it is crucial to consider not only the quantity of vegetation but also the strategic timing of implementation. In conclusion, our work offers an innovative framework that combines ecological and economic perspectives, providing valuable insights for decision-makers in urban planning and promoting the practical application of NbSs for enhanced human well-being.

Genetic diversity of populations of Simulium reptans s.l. (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the territory of Russia and Northern Kazakhstan.

The presence of sibling (cryptic) species among bloodsucking black flies can be a serious problem in assessing both their diversity and the role of individual species in the transmission of dangerous human and animal pathogens. The peculiarities of molecular genetic structure of populations and ecology of black flies of Simulium reptans s.l. (complex of Simulium reptans (Linnaeus) and Simulium reptantoides Carlsson) in European and Asian parts of Russia and Northern Kazakhstan in comparison with populations from Central and Northern Europe were investigated. Using restriction analysis of the COI gene and subsequent sequencing, we searched for unique mtDNA variants that could belong to previously undescribed forms of the studied group. In the north of the European part of Russia (north of Eastern Europe), only S. reptans A was registered, and in the Asian part of Russia (Siberia) and Northern Kazakhstan, only S. reptans B was found. Using phylogenetic analysis of the total data, three branches of S. reptans B were revealed and named in accordance with the areas of their distribution-East European, Eurasian and Asian. Simulium reptantoides Carlsson has currently been found only in Europe. The peculiarities of distribution and possible adaptations to different habitats of S. reptantoides and representatives of individual groups within S. reptans are discussed. Based on the characteristics of the sampling sites of the studied specimens, as well as the samples available in the NCBI database, the ecological and geographical features of the habitats of the molecular forms of Simulium reptans A and B were revealed. To obtain more accurate information on the distribution of S. reptans A and B forms in Eurasia, taking into account the elevational zonation, it is necessary to conduct additional studies in the mountainous regions of South-Western Europe, Siberia and Northern China. Based on the sequences presented in the DNA database, a method (AS-PCR COI variant) for separating the cryptic species-Simulium reptans (Linnaeus) and S. reptantoides Carlsson-was proposed. During testing of this method on the material collected in Russia and Northern Kazakhstan, only S. reptans was identified (S. reptantoides was absent), which completely coincided with the sequencing results. To further confirm the effectiveness of the method, it is necessary to conduct testing on material including representatives of the both species.

Seasonal changes in the structure of the bog taxocene of Collembola of the «Zalizna voda» forest park (Lviv)

An analysis of the taxonomic and ecological structure of the bog taxocene of collembola of the «Zalizna voda» forest park in the city of Lviv in different seasons of the year was carried out. 36 species of collembola belonging to 24 genera and 12 families were found in the investigated urboecosystem. It has been established that a characteristic feature of the studied bog collembolan taxocene is its great species diversity, super-specialization and super-dominance, which are preserved in different seasons of the year. It was found that the point alpha-diversity in different seasons of the year varies from 6 to 16 species, and the coenotic alpha-diversity - 23-27 species, which indicates a large capacity of the soil environment for collembola in this bog urboecosystem, compared to the natural bog ecosystems of Roztochchia region. The investigated taxocene of collembola are also characterized by high population density in different seasons of the year, from 11.34 to 15.48 thousand inhabitants/m2. In certain seasons of the year, from 3 to 5 mass (dominant) species were established, which account for 66.4-83.6% of the collembolan population. Over the entire period of research, the invasive species D. trispinata was superdominant, the share of which in certain seasons of the year was 57.4-68.6% of the population. The analysis of the ecological structure showed that in terms of species richness and abundance, it is dominated by complexes of hygro-mesophilic (11 species, 76.8% of the total abundance), hygrophilic (9, 11.3%) and mesophilic (9, 7.7%) springtails. The studied taxocene includes seven biotope groups of species. Among them, representatives from the group of meadow-bog (65.4% of the population), erytopic (10%), forest and forest-meadow (18% in total) species of Collembola predominate in terms of relative abundance. It has been established that a super-specialized bog taxocene of Collembola is formed in the studied ecosystem, where the share of specialized species to this bog edaphotope (meadow-bog, bog and arroundwater) is more than 70% of the total abundance.

Insights into the Removal of Organic Contaminants by Co-CeO2 Nanocatalysts via CaCO3 Activation: Performance, Kinetic, and Mechanism.

The advanced oxidation process based on S(IV) has garnered increasing attention, owing to its efficiency in degrading contaminants. Here, a cobalt-doped cerium oxide catalyst (Co-CeO2) was employed to activate calcium sulfite (CaSO3) for imidacloprid degradation. The Co-CeO2 catalyst was characterized by using SEM, BET, XRD, and XPS techniques to analyze its structural and chemical properties. XPS analysis revealed the presence of Co0, Co2+, and Co3+ species in the Co-CeO2 catalyst. Compared to the CeO2/CaSO3 system, the Co-CeO2/CaSO3 system significantly enhanced the degradation rate of imidacloprid from 5.00% to 94.01%. Scavenging experiments, in conjunction with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, identified hydroxyl radicals (•OH), sulfate radicals (SO4•-), superoxide radicals (O2•-), sulfite radicals (SO3•-), and singlet oxygen (1O2) as the primary reactive species responsible for the degradation of imidacloprid within the Co-CeO2/CaSO3 system. Density functional theory calculation analysis was employed to investigate the specific sites of imidacloprid attacked by reactive oxygen species, proposing four potential degradation pathways. Furthermore, the Ecological Structure Activity Relationships (ECOSAR) program predicted a significant diminution in the toxicity of intermediate products compared to imidacloprid. Even after five cycles, Co-CeO2 maintained an excellent removal efficiency of 86.35%.

Multispecies genetic structure scales with β-diversity across river hierarchies in a freshwater mussel biodiversity hotspot.

Ecological theory predicts that species turnover among communities (e.g. β-diversity) and genetic turnover among populations within species (e.g. FST) should be positively correlated if similar processes influence colonization and occupancy of species and gene flow and genetic drift of populations within a metacommunity. Using recently published population genomic data from multiple populations of 15 freshwater mussel (Unionidae) species across seven rivers in the Mobile and Tennessee River basins of the south-eastern USA, we conducted novel analyses examining the relationship between taxonomic turnover (β-diversity) among communities and genetic differentiation (FST) within these species. FST and β-diversity were both hierarchically structured, and strong basin effects and isolation-by-distance were observed for β-diversity and for FST among populations within most species. Furthermore, β-diversity and FST were directly correlated for the overall community and among sites for individual species, indicating that factors shaping turnover among mussel assemblages are similar at the species and genetic levels. The widespread associations between turnover metrics at the community and population genetic levels of biological organization suggest that parallel processes govern species composition and intraspecific connectivity in freshwater mussel metacommunities.

The design and preparation of PDI modified NH2-MIL-101(Fe) for high efficiency removal of dimethoate in peroxymonosulfate system: Performance, mechanism, pathway and toxicity assessment

The widespread use of organophosphorus pesticide dimethoate (DMT) in agriculture poses a threat to human health. In this work, the perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PDI) modified NH2-MIL-101(Fe) (PDI/MIL) with strong covalent bond C(=O)–N were designed and prepared by a step solvothermal method. The synergistic effect between photocatalytic and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for the DMT elimination over PDI/MIL was gained. Interestingly, PDI/MIL(1:10)/PMS showed boosting degradation efficiency (95.6%) for DMT under 18 min simulated sunlight irradiation. Its apparent reaction rate constant was 24.7 times higher than that of NH2-MIL-101(Fe)/PMS. Moreover, its reusability, stability and mineralization ability were evaluated, and a remarkable mineralization rate of 95.3% with 90 min was achieved. The enhanced activity were attributed to the formation of amide bond that exhibited superior charger transport ability and amount of produced active species. Combined the results obtained from the HPLC-MS and molecular structure characteristics of DMT analyzed by Fukui index, the degradation pathways were proposed. The toxicity of intermediates were predicted by Ecological Structure Activity Relationship (ECOSAR), Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T.), and Vibrio fischeri experiments. Our work provided deep insights into the mechanisms of DMT degradation via photocatalysis-activated PMS over organic semiconductor modified metal organic frameworks.

In-situ electrogenerated persulfate activated by co-existing Cu(II) for sustainable removal of sulfonamides from environmental waters

In this study, in-situ electrogenerated persulfate (E-PS) was proposed as an alternative to the conventional addition of persulfate for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) with facilitating conversion of co-existing Cu(II) to Cu(I) to degrade antibiotics without requiring any external supply of chemical additives. The degradation rate of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) by E/Cu(Ⅱ)/Na2SO4 system (C0(Cu(Ⅱ))=1mM, C0(Na2SO4)=1mM, E=25V) was 93.3% at t=90min. Quenching combined with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tests revealed that SO4•-, •OH and Cu(Ⅲ) were the primary contributors to SMX degradation. Solution pH, co-existing anions and organic matter affected the degradation performance of SMX. Four degradation pathways were proposed based on transformed products (TPs) determination, with pathways I and II being the dominant ones involving the cleavage of S-N bond in SMX. Ecological structure activity relationships (ECOSAR) program analysis implied that the TPs exhibited lower toxicity levels toward aquatic organisms compared to that of SMX. Additionally, the E/Cu(II)/Na2SO4 system achieved decomposition rates over 80% for various sulfonamides (SAs) and also demonstrated remarkable efficacy for SMX removal in different real waters, including tap water, lake water, river water and aquaculture wastewater, with all exceeding 80% at t=90min. E/Cu(Ⅱ)/Na2SO4 system developed in this study had the potential to be a prospective technique for SAs purification due to its outstanding performance in degrading and detoxifying SAs.

Concentrated solar energy-driven photothermal efficient degradation and mineralization of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in various water bodies

Sunlight-driven advanced oxidation process has promising applications and is increasingly receiving attention for the removal of emerging pollutants. This study describes a concentrated solar energy-driven photothermal (CSEP) system for the efficient degradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in wastewater. The operation of concentrating light degradation was not only a simple combination of thermal degradation and sunlight degradation, but the complex photothermal synergies that occurred to achieve degrading fluoroquinolones (FQs) more thoroughly. In the degradation processes, singlet oxygen (1O2), superoxide anion (O2·−), and hydroxyl radical (·OH) play pivotal roles. Additionally, the CSEP system exhibits outstanding defluorination capability (e.g., achieving 100 % defluorination for ciprofloxacin (CIP)). The photodegradation pathways of CIP were investigated using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), ion chromatography (IC) analysis, and density functional theory (DFT). Additionally, the aquatic ecological toxicity of CIP was assessed through ecological structure–activity relationship (ECOSAR) modeling and antimicrobial activity testing. Furthermore, this system demonstrates strong adaptability in addressing various natural water bodies, achieving an average degradation rate of over 98.00 % within a short time (3 min, 2 mg·L−1 CIP). In addition, it enhances the potential for synergistic removal of algae and degradation of FQs in complex water ecosystems. The adoption of this CSEP system holds considerable promise in furnishing robust technical support for the treatment and removal of FQs in water and wastewater.

Effects of heavy metal concentration on zooplankton community composition and abundance in the Yellow Sea coast

The coastal area of the Yellow Sea is a highly urbanized and industrialized region in China, which has been severely polluted because of intensive human activities. And the heavy metals (HMs) pollution has posed a serious threat to aquatic environments and ecosystem health. However, most studies have focused on the toxicity and bio-accumulation of HMs in zooplankton, while neglecting their effects on the overall community structure. To address the gap in this field, four research cruises was conducted in 2022 to analyze the concentrations of representative HMs (Hg, As, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd) in surface seawater along the Yellow Sea coast, as well as the composition and abundance of zooplankton communities, aiming to assess the potential ecological impacts in the region. The results indicated that the concentrations of the six HMs in the seawater were in the low to moderate range. Analytical results showed that Zn and As were key metals influencing the abundance and community composition of zooplankton along the Yellow Sea coast: an increase in Zn concentration, coupled with a decrease in As concentration, was associated with an increase in total zooplankton abundance and a more diverse community. The most frequently occurring zooplankton in the survey were copepods, which exhibited a higher tolerance to HMs. Additionally, the significant fluctuations of Zn, As, and Hg during spring and autumn led to explosive growth of Noctiluca scintillans. We observed that the influence of HMs on marine zooplankton was not isolated but rather interacts with multiple factors. Overall, this study highlights the possibility of alterations in marine ecological structures due to changes in HMs concentration levels. It underscores the importance of continuous monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in the Yellow Sea for the long-term protection of marine ecosystems.

Degradation mechanism and toxicity assessment of clofibric acid by Fe2+/PS process in saline pharmaceutical wastewater

ABSTRACT A considerable effort has been made to exploring the oxidation of clofibric acid (CA) in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). However, few studies are available on degradation mechanism and toxicity assessment of CA in saline pharmaceutical wastewater. Here the effect of chlorine on the degradation kinetics of CA by Fe2+/ persulfate (PS) process were studied. Oxidation efficiency, mineralisation, intermediate by-products, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and toxicity assessment were examined. Notably, a high removal efficiency (70.91%) but low mineralisation (20.99%) of CA were observed at pH 3.0 during the Fe2+/PS system. Furthermore, we found Cl− exerted a beneficial impact on CA degradation. However, the degree of CA mineralisation was relatively minor. Under high salinity (100 mM) condition, the primary reactive species within the Fe2+/PS system were SO 4 ⋅ − , OH·, Cl2/HClO, and Fe(IV). Several undesirable chlorinated by-products were formed. A reasonable degradation pathway was proposed. According to the ecological structure–activity relationship (ECOSAR) programme, some transformation products exhibited higher toxicity levels than CA itself in both acute and chronic toxicity assessment, especially in high-salinity environments. These findings elucidate an increased challenges and ecological risk for CA oxidation by Fe2+/PS treatment in saline pharmaceutical wastewater.

Coexistence or extinction: Dynamics of multiple lizard species with competition, dispersal and intraguild predation.

Biological invasions significantly impact native ecosystems, altering ecological processes and community behaviors through predation and competition. The introduction of non-native species can lead to either coexistence or extinction within local habitats. Our research develops a lizard population model that integrates aspects of competition, intraguild predation, and the dispersal behavior of intraguild prey. We analyze the model to determine the existence and stability of various ecological equilibria, uncovering the potential for bistability under certain conditions. By employing the dispersal rate as a bifurcation parameter, we reveal complex bifurcation dynamics associated with the positive equilibrium. Additionally, we conduct a two-parameter bifurcation analysis to investigate the combined impact of dispersal and intraguild predation on ecological structures. Our findings indicate that intraguild predation not only influences the movement patterns of brown anoles but also plays a crucial role in sustaining the coexistence of different lizard species in diverse habitats.

Bioimaging and the future of whole-organismal developmental physiology

While omics has transformed the study of biology, concomitant advances made at the level of the whole organism, i.e. the phenome, have arguably not kept pace with lower levels of biological organisation. In this personal commentary we evaluate the importance of imaging as a means of measuring whole organismal developmental physiology. Image acquisition, while an important process itself, has become secondary to image analysis as a bottleneck to the use of imaging in research. Here, we explore the significant potential for increasingly sophisticated approaches to image analysis, including deep learning, to advance our understanding of how developing animals grow and function. Furthermore, unlike many species-specific methodologies, tools and technologies, we explore how computer vision has the potential to be transferable between species, life stages, experiments and even taxa in which embryonic development can be imaged. We identify what we consider are six of the key challenges and opportunities in the application of computer vision to developmental physiology carried out in our lab, and more generally. We reflect on the tangibility of transferrable computer vision models capable of measuring the integrative physiology of a broad range of developing organisms, and thereby driving the adoption of phenomics for developmental physiology. We are at an exciting time of witnessing the move from computer vision as a replacement for manual observation, or manual image analysis, to it enabling a fundamentally more powerful approach to exploring and understanding the complex biology of developing organisms, the quantification of which has long posed a challenge to researchers.

Hydrogel-Enhanced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation for Cartilage Regeneration-An Update on Preclinical Studies.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and matrix-induced ACI (MACI) have demonstrated improved clinical outcomes and reduced revision rates for treating osteochondral and chondral defects. However, their ability to achieve lasting, fully functional repair remains limited. To overcome these challenges, scaffold-enhanced ACI, particularly utilizing hydrogel-based biomaterials, has emerged as an innovative strategy. These biomaterials are intended to mimic the biological composition, structural organization, and biomechanical properties of native articular cartilage. This review aims to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on advancements in hydrogel-enhanced ACI from the past decade. We begin with a brief introduction to cartilage biology, mechanisms of cartilage injury, and the evolution of surgical techniques, particularly looking at ACI. Subsequently, we review the diversity of hydrogel scaffolds currently undergoing development and evaluation in preclinical studies for articular cartilage regeneration, emphasizing chondrocyte-laden hydrogels applicable to ACI. Finally, we address the key challenges impeding effective clinical translation, with particular attention to issues surrounding fixation and integration, aiming to inform and guide the future progression of tissue engineering strategies.

Shelterbelt and Windbreak Research in Arid India: A Review of Research Advances and Future Directions

Shelterbelts and windbreaks play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, particularly in arid regions where harsh climatic conditions pose significant challenges to land use. In India, where a substantial portion of the landscape is characterized by dry, aridand semi-arid conditions, the strategic implementation of windbreaks can mitigate soil erosion, reduce evaporationand enhance microclimatic conditions for crops. Globally, research in this area has gained momentum as the impacts of climate change intensify, further exacerbating the vulnerabilities of these fragile ecosystems. In India, the technology was practiced diligently to control movement of sand dunesand to stop desertification extending further from the Thar desert. By integrating native tree species and adopting region-specific management practices, studies have shown that shelterbelts/ windbreaks can significantly improve soil fertility and crop yield, while also providing habitats for biodiversity and other ecosystem services. Furthermore, the socio-economic benefits for local communities, such as improved livelihoods and resilience against climatic extremes, underline the importance of windbreak research in these regions. This review aims to synthesize existing knowledge on windbreak and shelterbelt practices in India’s arid landscapes, highlighting successful cases, trends in research and potential pathways for future research. By examining the multifaceted benefits of these ecological structures, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing resilience in vulnerable communities and opening vistas for future research.

Biomass competition connects individual and community scaling patterns

Both metabolism and growth scale sublinearly with body mass across species. Ecosystems show the same sublinear scaling between production and total biomass, but ecological theory cannot reconcile the existence of these nearly identical scalings at different levels of biological organization. We attempt to solve this paradox using marine phytoplankton, connecting individual and ecosystem scalings across three orders of magnitude in body size and biomass. We find that competitive interactions determined by biomass slow metabolism in a consistent fashion across species of different sizes. These effects dominate over species-specific peculiarities, explaining why community composition does not affect respiration and production patterns. The sublinear scaling of ecosystem production thus emerges from this metabolic density-dependence that operates across species, independently of the equilibrium state or resource regime. Our findings demonstrate the connection between individual and ecosystem scalings, unifying aspects of physiology and ecology to explain why growth patterns are so strikingly similar across scales.

Why is there no negativity bias in evaluative conditioning? A cognitive-ecological answer.

Evaluative conditioning (EC) is the change of a conditioned stimulus's evaluation due to its pairing with an unconditioned stimulus (US). While learning typically shows negativity biases, we found no such biases in a reanalysis of meta-analytic EC data. We provide and test a cognitive-ecological answer for this lack of negativity bias. We assume that negativity effects follow from ecological differences in evaluative information's distributions (i.e., differential frequency). Accordingly, no negativity bias emerges because positive and negative information is equally frequent in most EC experiments. However, if negative (or positive) information is rare, we predict a negativity (positivity) bias. We tested this prediction in five preregistered experiments (three laboratory-based, N = 394, two online, N = 391). As predicted, if negative USs were rare, a negativity bias followed. However, if positive USs were rare, we also observed positivity biases in participants' conditioned stimulus evaluations. These data support a cognitive-ecological explanation of valence asymmetries and partially explain why EC experiments show no negativity bias: Typical EC designs do not reflect the ecological information structure that contributes to a negativity bias in the first place. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Electrochemical degradation of aromatic organophosphate esters: Mechanisms, toxicity changes, and ecological risk assessment

Aromatic organophosphate esters (AOPEs), including triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), tricresyl phosphate (TCP), and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP), pose significant health and ecological risks. Electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) is effective in removing refractory pollutants. In this study, the degradation performance and detoxication ability of AOPEs by EAOP were investigated. Hydroxylation, oxidation, and bond cleavage products were identified as major degradation products (DPs) due to the reaction with ·OH and O₂·-. Toxicity assessments using ecological structure activity relationship (ECOSAR) model and flow cytometry (FCM) revealed the cytotoxicity and aquatic toxicity for DPs were significantly decreased. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of sediment exposure to AOPEs and DPs were applied to assess ecological toxicity, and results showed reduced bacterial richness and diversity with EHDPP and TCP, while TPHP slightly enhanced richness. AOPEs and DPs altered bacterial genera involved in carbon, nitrogen, sulfur cycling and organic compound degradation. Bacterial community assembly suggested elevated stochastic processes and reduced ecotoxicity, confirming AOPEs can be effectively detoxified by 10-min EAOP treatment. Molecular ecological network analysis indicated increased complexity and stability of bacterial communities with DPs. These findings comprehensively revealed the toxicity of AOPEs and their DPs and provided the first evidence of effective degradation and detoxification by EAOP from ecotoxicological perspective.

Analysis of landscape vegetation ecology and cellular structure in nature reserves based on an improved analytic hierarchy process

With the increasing severity of global environmental issues, natural reserves have become crucial areas for maintaining biodiversity and protecting natural ecosystems. The ecological status of landscape vegetation and the characteristics of cellular structures within these reserves have become focal points of research. However, traditional evaluation methods have limitations when dealing with the complex ecosystems of natural reserves, making it difficult to assess the relationship comprehensively and accurately between vegetation ecology and cellular structures. Therefore, this paper proposes an analysis of landscape vegetation ecology and cellular structure in natural reserves based on an improved Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). By incorporating fuzzy set theory and expert scoring mechanisms, the evaluation process is enhanced in terms of objectivity and precision. An evaluation index system for landscape vegetation ecology and cellular structure in natural reserves is constructed, covering aspects such as vegetation species richness, community structural complexity, and ecological functional stability. This systematic approach reflects the ecological status of vegetation and cellular structure characteristics, providing scientific support for targeted protection and management measures.