Ecosystem Health Research Articles

Anthropogenic marine debris in a tropical mangrove conservation area: an insight from Yogyakarta coastal area of Indonesia

The Baros coastal area in Yogyakarta, a mangrove conservation and ecotourism site, experiences high accumulation of anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) due to its location at the Opak River estuary. In addition, the presence of mangroves can trap debris carried by river flow, causing structural changes and a decrease in the function of the mangrove ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze anthropogenic marine debris in mangrove areas as an integrated handling effort, both in terms of policy, control, and implementation. This study assesses mangrove habitat characteristics, AMD distribution, and environmental quality using the Clean Coast Index (CCI) and Hazardous Items Index (HII). The results showed that the characteristics of mangrove habitat, consisting of landward and middle zones, are freshwater/tasteless since they are only submerged during high tide conditions. Meanwhile, the seaward zone is brackish water since it is submerged all the time. The substrate of the landward zone consists of sand and clay, whilst the middle and seaward zones are predominantly composed of sand. Furthermore, our results indicate that macro debris (96%) and plastic waste (76%) dominate the area, with 83% of the study area classified as ‘very dirty’ and 50% under Class IV for hazardous debris, the mangrove ecosystem is at significant risk. The presence of sharp debris poses significant risks to ecosystem health. Given the critical AMD levels, urgent intervention is necessary to prevent further degradation of the mangrove ecosystem.

Understanding the gap: a balanced multi-perspective approach to defining essential digital health competencies for medical graduates

BackgroundRapid technological advancements have left medical graduates potentially underprepared for the digital healthcare environment. Despite the importance of digital health education, consensus on essential primary medical degree content is lacking. Focusing on core competence domains can address critical skills while minimising additions to an already demanding curriculum. This study identifies the minimum essential digital health competency domains from the perspectives of learners, teachers, and content experts aiming to provide a framework for integrating digital health education into medical curricula.MethodsWe conducted focus groups with students (n = 17), and semi-structured interviews with medical educators (n = 12) and digital sector experts (n = 11) using video conferencing. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. The data were analysed using framework analysis and inductive thematic analysis to identify common themes.ResultsFour core themes and eleven sub-themes were identified and aggregated into four essential competency domains: “Understand the Local Digital Health Ecosystem and Landscape”, “Safe, Secure and Ethical Information Literacy and Management”, “Proficiency in Digital Health Tools and Associated Technologies” and “Scholarly Research and Evidence-based Practice”. Medical educator and digital sector expert participants provided the greatest source of data for curriculum content consideration. Students demonstrated varying levels of aptitude, confidence, and interest in technology.ConclusionOur balanced engagement with learners, educators, and digital health experts enabled the identification of a context-relevant framework for the minimum essential digital health competence domains for graduating medical students. The identification of focused, clinically relevant core competencies makes them amenable to integration into an existing curriculum tailored to local contexts. This approach addresses limitations of restricted curricular space and accommodates varying student interests, confidence and aptitude in technology. The delivery approach should consider a student-centred adaptive modality that takes advantage of advances in artificial intelligence (AI) as an effective pedagogical tool.

Evaluating coastal agroecological dynamics using Landsat-derived vegetation and environmental indices embedded in Decision Support System and Monitoring Tools: insights from Guyana towards achieving SDGs

Coastal agroecological zones are vital for ensuring ecological stability, food security, and economic resilience. However, these zones face escalating threats from climate change, including salinity intrusion, vegetation degradation, and disruptions to hydrological processes. This study evaluates the dynamics of vegetation health, soil salinity, and water availability within Guyana’s coastal agroecological zones using multi-temporal Landsat 8 imagery, spectral indices such as the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Modified Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI), Normalized Difference Salinity Index (NDSI), and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and a customised Decision Support System (DSS) for environmental monitoring and planning. Spanning 2015–2023, the sample application analysis focuses on the Mahaica-Berbice region (Region 5) of Guyana, a critical rice-farming area, to identify spatial and temporal trends, assess climate impacts on biogeochemical cycles, and provide actionable insights. This study integrates Google Earth Engine (GEE) for scalable geospatial analysis and a DSS that synthesises environmental indices into interactive, actionable formats for policymakers. The DSS offers an innovative platform for monitoring agroecological dynamics, identifying vulnerable zones, and guiding adaptive management strategies. Results reveal substantial annual variations in vegetation health, salinity, and water content, emphasising climate-induced vulnerabilities and their implications for carbon and nitrogen cycling. These findings emphasise the importance of sustainable resource management strategies and reinforce resilience against climate-induced challenges. The study directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by advancing sustainable agriculture, SDG 13 (Climate Action) by fostering adaptive climate strategies, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health. By combining remote sensing, DSS innovation, and environmental monitoring tools, this research offers a replicable, evidence-based framework to balance development and ecological sustainability in vulnerable coastal landscapes. It demonstrates the critical role of integrated technologies in shaping climate-resilient futures. Clinical trial registration: Not applicable.

A systematic review on the relationship between marine pollution and human health in small island developing states

Abstract Introduction: The global ocean is a vital source of resources crucial for human well-being, supplying oxygen, food, livelihoods, medications, and serene blue spaces. Pollution and deterioration of the marine environment have widespread impacts on economic, social, and healthcare systems worldwide, with the most significant impacts being on sea-dependent nations like small island developing states (SIDS). Framed within the One Health framework’s dedication to optimizing human, animal, and environmental health, this systematic review seeks to identify all established connections between marine pollution and human health in SIDS and then offers a visual tool adapted from the Planetary Boundaries framework to underscore the relationship between disruptors of the marine ecosystem and the resulting health consequences for humans. Methods: This review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Studies were included if they were set in SIDS and investigated human health issues caused by marine pollution and were published from inception to 2022 in English. Results: Most studies investigate the effects of biological contaminants, chemical pollutants, climate change, and global warming, with the main channel of exposure to humans consuming seafood. In relation to the Planetary Boundaries, seven out of nine are of interest, with climate change and biochemical flows being linked to the highest number of caused pathologies. Conclusions: Our findings corroborate the relation between disruption of the marine ecosystem and human health, emphasizing the need for protective interventions tailored to SIDS’ vulnerabilities, through the establishment of interdisciplinary workgroups involving stakeholders at all levels. Effective pollution control policies can play a pivotal role in this, fostering prosperity and resilience that optimizes the health of the environment as a whole.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates as Bioindicators of Stream Health Within the Central African Copperbelt

Globally, stream ecosystem health in mining regions, including the Central African Copperbelt (CACB), is threatened by increased aquatic metal pollution. Stream biomonitoring and bioassessment offers an eco-friendly nature-based approach to determine the aquatic ecological conditions and inform management interventions in mining landscapes. This study conducted monthly between May 2022 and April 2023, explored the taxonomic and functional responses of macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of the ecological condition of four streams in the north-western Zambian Copperbelt of the CACB. 252 sediment samples were collected and analysed for metals. 144 macroinvertebrate samples were collected to determine their taxonomic and functional traits. ANOVA (analysis-of-variance), SIMPER (similarity-percentage), ANOSIM (analysis-of-similarities), CCA (canonical correspondence analysis) and multidimensional biotic index analyses were conducted to correlate environmental and biotic variables. Metal concentrations (mg/kg) in sediments followed the order As (5.27) < Pb (5.75) < Zn (44.6) < Ni (89.3) < Cu (187.5). From ANOVA, the macroinvertebrate community was significantly dominated by Insecta families, mostly Diptera (23.3%) and Coleoptera (16.7%). Trophically, predators significantly dominated in the order Odonata (34.7%) > Hemiptera (31.8%) > Diptera (18.9%). SIMPER depicted a strong influence of Cu, EC, velocity, sediment texture and organic matter on macroinvertebrate diversity and spatial distribution. ANOSIM indicated the highest community dissimilarity at the most impacted stream (KYABR). Habitat assessment metrics, including ZISS-1, ASPT, and EPT/Chironomidae ratio, registered a “good ecological status” with the presence of pollution-sensitive taxa (Helodidae and Perlidae), in concordance with environmental variables, confirming the suitability of macroinvertebrates as proxy bioindicators of stream health in mining landscapes. The study confirms the potential of macroinvertebrates, as potential bioindicators of stream health in mining landscapes. Their diversity and distribution is strongly influenced by Cu, EC, velocity, and sediment characteristics while habitat assessment metrics indicate a "good ecological status" despite moderate metal contamination.

Enhancing healthcare data privacy and interoperability with federated learning

This article explores the application of federated learning (FL) with the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) protocol to address the underutilization of the huge volumes of healthcare data generated by the digital health revolution, especially those from wearable sensors, due to privacy concerns and interoperability challenges. Despite advances in electronic medical records, mobile health applications, and wearable sensors, current digital health cannot fully exploit these data due to the lack of data analysis and exchange between heterogeneous systems. To address this gap, we present a novel converged platform combining FL and FHIR, which enables collaborative model training that preserves the privacy of wearable sensor data while promoting data standardization and interoperability. Unlike traditional centralized learning (CL) solutions that require data centralization, our platform uses local model learning, which naturally improves data privacy. Our empirical evaluation demonstrates that federated learning models perform as well as, or even numerically better than, centralized learning models in terms of classification accuracy, while also performing equally well in regression, as indicated by metrics such as accuracy, area under the curve (AUC), recall, and precision, among others, for classification, and mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE) for regression. In addition, we developed an intuitive AutoML-powered web application that is FL and CL compatible to illustrate the feasibility of our platform for predictive modeling of physical activity and energy expenditure, while complying with FHIR data reporting standards. These results highlight the immense potential of our FHIR-integrated federated learning platform as a practical framework for future interoperable and privacy-preserving digital health ecosystems to optimize the use of connected health data.

Study of submerged aquatic macrophytes in Beed District, Maharashtra

Aquatic vegetation plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, particularly within wetland environments. These plants provide essential food and habitat for fish, wildlife, and various aquatic species. However, the communities of aquatic plants face significant threats from factors such as eutrophication, sewage discharge, and industrial pollutants. Additionally, seasonal variations can lead to a substantial decline in the diversity of these plants. Therefore, it is essential to establish baseline data to evaluate these impacts and ensure the health of aquatic ecosystems. A comprehensive survey was conducted in the Beed District of Maharashtra to assess the presence of submerged macrophyte populations in the area's waterways. The findings were meticulously documented and are presented in this paper. The findings reveal that the Beed district hosts a rich variety of submerged macrophytes, comprising a total of 20 identified species. Notably, the Hydrocharitaceae family is the most prevalent, featuring 8 species. Following this, the Potamogetonaceae family is represented by 3 species, while the Ceratophyllaceae and Haloragaceae families each include 2 species. Additionally, the Characeae, Fabaceae, Najadaceae, Nymphaeaceae, and Pontederiaceae families each contribute to one species.

Advancing forest biodiversity visualisation through mixed reality

Forest biodiversity is essential for ecosystem health and provides critical services to humanity. However, threats from pollution and climate change underscore the urgent need for more accurate assessment methods. Monitoring and inventorying biodiversity are vital for informed decision-making in forest management, and Mixed Reality (MR) technology offers a promising solution to enhance traditional visual assessment methods. By overlaying 3D virtual information, such as text and holograms, in forest environments, MR can improve the contextualisation of biodiversity data. Here, we developed HoloFlora, the first interactive MR application designed to visualise biodiversity indicators on digital tree stems. With a geometric accuracy of 1.4 cm, HoloFlora sets a benchmark for future methods, demonstrating MR’s potential to deliver precise spatial information in complex forest settings. Expert evaluations validated the application’s intuitive design and functionality, and further refinements were made based on their feedback. The strong acceptance of MR technology among experts highlights its transformative potential in forestry, suggesting it could facilitate integration into existing management practices. Our findings establish a foundation for using MR in forest environments to enhance biodiversity monitoring and raise public awareness about biodiversity loss.

Ethical considerations for a more equitable approach to One Health in forced migration

Abstract Background: The exclusion of animals from humanitarian responses to forced migration out of concern for the transmission of zoonoses, diseases transmissible between animals and humans, leads to risk taking and trade-offs, whereby forced migrants choose between retaining access to their animals for nutrition, livelihoods and mental health, or relief assistance. To address these concerns, the interdisciplinary One Health approach can be utilised, which nominally ‘optimises’ animal, ecosystem and human health. The most common interpretations of One Health have remained largely anthropocentric; however, considering animals as either assets or threats to human health and wellbeing, rather than important contributors to a more holistic approach to health, and therefore, lack normative guidance for researchers, policy makers and responders to address moral dilemmas in humanitarian response. Objective: This review aims to provide an overview of current ethical considerations in, and proposals for, One Health, and how these may be applied to the approach in forced migration contexts. Methods: This manuscript is based on a thematical analysis of a scoping review of peer-reviewed publications investigating ethics in One Health, in particular as related to forced migration, presenting the ethical challenges within One Health in forced migration contexts, and the current status of ethical debate. Main findings: There is a growing body of literature on ethics in One Health, recognizing the importance of a more equitable and inclusive multispecies approach to health; to date, this has not been applied to the interlinked and connected challenges faced by human and animals made most vulnerable in forced migration contexts. Conclusion: An ethical framework for One Health in forced migration may guide moral challenges in humanitarian responses, by extending moral concern to the non-human world based on Ethics of Care and two factor egalitarianism approaches in forced migration contexts. This paper focuses primarily on the inclusion of animals in One Health in forced migration, acknowledging the remaining gap in expanding the moral circle of concern to ecosystems. One Health impact statement The topic discussed is of global importance to trans- and interdisciplinary research, policy and practice related to animal, ecosystem and human health in forced migration. Ethics in One Health is likely to become more relevant in the context of increasing interspecies’ health inequities and impacts as a result of the climate crisis, geopolitical developments, and resulting forced migration and other displacement. Where animals are excluded from humanitarian responses out of a concern for public health, these restrictive practices and policies may instead exacerbate infectious and other disease risks and vulnerabilities, requiring a more inclusive and collaborative approach across disciplines to health in these settings, which may be supported by an appropriate ethical approach to the equitable consideration of animals, ecosystems and humans.

Removal assessment of malathion and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane pesticides from wastewater using intercalated bentonite clay with mixed aluminum-zinc oxides nanoparticles.

The presence of agrochemical residues in wastewater resources has raised high concerns owing to their hazardous impacts on the human health and integrity of ecosystems. In this regard, a cost-effective and readily available nanocomposite was designed and assembled via the combination of nano-bentonite (N-Bent), nanoalumina (NAl2O3), and nanozinc oxide (NZnO) for the formation of N-Bent-NAl2O3-NZnO. This nanocomposite was developed to remove two specific pesticides, namely, malathion and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), which are frequently detected in surface water from polluted wastewater samples. The characterization of the as-synthesized N-Bent-NAl2O3-NZnO nanocomposite was performed using SEM, XRD, HR-TEM, FTIR, BET and TGA techniques. SEM and HR-TEM investigations revealed a favorable degree of homogeneity and surface porosity, with an average particle size of 69.8-86.9 nm. The potential use of this nanocomposite for pesticide pollutant removal was evaluated under diverse conditions via a batch adsorption approach. At pH 3.0, the highest observed removal (R%) rate was 97.42% for malathion and 94.83% for DDT. These results revealed that N-Bent-NAl2O3-NZnO exhibited a significantly greater overall removal efficiency for malathion than for DDT. The Langmuir model demonstrated R 2 = 0.997 and 0.991 for malathion and DDT, respectively. Besides, the pseudo second order model exhibited R 2 = 0.997 for malathion and 0.995 for DDT, indicating that these were the most suitable isotherm and kinetic model. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum removal capacities were 34.20 mg g-1 for malathion and 28.36 mg g-1 for DDT. Additionally, the effectiveness of N-Bent-NAl2O3-NZnO in removing malathion and DDT after five repeated adsorption-desorption cycles was achieved as 84.63% and 81.76%, respectively. These results suggest that N-Bent-NAl2O3-NZnO could serve as a viable and effective nanocomposite for treating wastewater generated from agricultural activities.

Cultivating school-based ecosystems for belonging: the SchoolWeavers case study in Catalonia, Spain

PurposeThe Catalan and Spanish context has a renowned tradition oriented towards educational innovation and transformation. However, schools are currently at a turning point, where after many changes have been brought about at a methodological, organizational and conceptual level, there has been a halt partly due to the effects of the pandemic and post-pandemic but also to other causes linked to a change in legislation and some professional exhaustion (Díaz-Gibson et al., 2022; Martínez-Celorrio, 2016). In a post-pandemic context, school leaders are called to regenerate school communities to enhance learning for human flourishing of all community members, including students, teachers, staff members and families. The paper examines how school leaders can weave flourishing learning ecosystems for belonging, analyzing school leaders’ experience with SchoolWeavers as a tool to diagnose the health of the learning ecosystem and to weave learning and flourishing in five schools in Catalonia, Spain. The research takes place in schools where the leadership teams have been promoting student-centered instructional initiatives since 2018.Design/methodology/approachThe case study analyzes 5 schools in Catalonia that serve students from 6 to 16 years old, located in communities with diverse governance nature – state, charter and private and zone-urban and rural and sizes. The study uses the SchoolWeavers online questionnaires targeting the whole school community, obtaining a total of 1,576 valid responses: 667 from students, 769 from families and 130 from teachers. Data describe holistic perception around the school-based ecosystem health and development, providing scores for various dimensions of the learning environment and for learning outcomes. Specifically, the paper describes Pearson correlations between the relational fabric, learning environments and sense of belonging.FindingsResults show that strong relationships between students, teachers and families create learning ecosystems where everyone feels that they belong, fostering a supportive and flourishing environment where students experiment, teachers innovate and families engage. Thus, seeding the relational fabric of the school community fuels motivation, engagement and innovation, ultimately leading to an increased collective sense of belonging and supporting the flourishing of all students.Originality/valueThis paper sheds some light on what are the conditions that leaders need to be aware of in the design of effective school ecosystems for belonging and flourishing. School leaders play a vital role in setting the tone for this ecosystem by modeling positive relationships, collaboration and open communication across school stakeholders, but also across the community. By allocating resources to support these efforts, leaders can create a flourishing school ecosystem where everyone feels included, safe to take risks, learns from mistakes and thrives.

Factorial design assisted electrochemical detection of cypermethrin using molecularly imprinted polyaniline

Abstract Cypermethrin (CYP), a widely used pyrethroid insecticide, poses significant risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems due to its extensive application. Despite the advantages of electrochemical sensors, such as simplicity, rapid response, and ease of use, the electrochemically inactive nature of CYP presents a major challenge for direct detection. In this study, a molecularly imprinted polyaniline (MIPANI)-based electrochemical sensor was developed for the sensitive detection of CYP using a label-based approach. A redox probe, potassium ferrocyanide/ferricyanide, was employed to generate signals based on the presence or absence of CYP at the sensor’s electroactive surface, enabling quantitative analysis from aqueous samples. Unlike previous studies relying on one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approaches, a two-level factorial design was applied to optimize key parameters. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, R 2 = 0.9956) confirmed the significant influence of these factors, ensuring a robust and reliable sensor performance. The total electrochemically active surface area analysis confirmed that MIP-eluted exhibited the highest active area, outperforming MIP-rebinded and non-imprinted polymer (NIP) forms. The sensor demonstrated a linear response from 0.01 to 0.5 μM, with a low detection limit (LOD) of 70 nM. Additionally, it exhibited good reproducibility and excellent selectivity against common interfering pesticides.

The Effects of Long-Term Land Use Changes on Bacterial Community Structure and Soil Physicochemical Properties in the Northeast Mollisol Region of China

Soil microorganisms are essential for maintaining the function and health of agricultural ecosystems. However, the responses of microbial communities to long-term changes in land use have been insufficiently explored. Hence, based on a 15 years of field experiments in the northeast Mollisol region of China, we applied the Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology to study the effects of different land use types, including conventional tillage (CT), bare land (BL), no tillage (NT), natural vegetation restoration (NVR), and afforestation (AF), on bacterial communities along the soil profile (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm) and co-occurrence networks and identified their relationships with soil physicochemical properties. The findings indicated that the land use type as well as soil depth affected the diversity and structure of bacterial communities significantly. There was no marked difference in the diversity of bacterial communities between CT and NT at different soil depths, except for a depth of 20–30 cm. In NT, NVR, and AF, the relative abundance of Actinomycetota and Firmicutes was higher than that in CT. Conversely, CT showed a remarkably higher abundance of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota than BL, NT, NVR, and AF. Compared with CT and BL, increased stability and complexity of the community co-occurrence networks was identified for NT, NVR, and AF. Additionally, the diversity and composition of bacterial communities were correlated with the soil’s total nitrogen (TN), pH as well as total organic carbon (TOC). Our study revealed the potential mechanism by which long-term land use changes affected the distribution of soil bacterial communities, which was of high importance for sustainable development of agriculture and optimal management of land resources.

Oral history as a citizen science tool to understand biodiversity loss and environmental changes: on firefly extirpation in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico

Background Nocturnal fireflies are insects easily recognizable by their notable bioluminescence. They are also bioindicators of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. In this study we employ oral history regarding fireflies and their habitats to compile the collective memory of the inhabitants of Morelia, in central-western Mexico, to analyze changes in biodiversity associated with urbanization. Methods The main tools we used were interviews and surveys, in addition to data from scientific literature, entomological collections and citizen science platforms. We explored fireflies as useful elements both to collect oral histories from volunteers (experts or non-experts on the topic) and to serve as a source of biological data (e.g., current and past distribution of fireflies in the city, estimates of biodiversity loss, and threat factors), and even to analyze the potential loss of local ecological knowledge among human generations. Results A total of 112 surveys and interviews were conducted with people of three different generations and from different parts of Morelia to collect human demographic data, and spatial, temporal, abundance, and perception data on fireflies. We found local recognition of fireflies by most Morelians, as well as reports of a decrease in both the frequency and abundance of fireflies, and even identified sites of extirpation, i.e., the disappearance of these insects from the environments where people used to see them. Morelians associated these phenomena with increased anthropogenic activities in the city, such as urban growth and a notable increase in pollution and deforestation. Most Morelians believe that the current conditions of the city are unsuitable for the existence of fireflies, and that it is important to conserve these insects because they play an important role in ecosystems and are of high environmental and aesthetic value. In contrast, the younger generation of Morelians showed lower interaction and recognition of these insects in nature, which could be related to the loss of collective memory over generations and the shifting baseline syndrome. Conclusions In contexts where historical scientific data are not available, we suggest that fireflies can be used to assess the history of natural environments and changes in the populations of these insects. Moreover, fireflies can be beneficial in terms of engaging people in conservation strategies, citizen science, and science communication.

Situation analysis of the social enterprises engaged in refractive error services delivery in Kenya

AimTo conduct a situational analysis of the social enterprises (SEs) engaged in refractive error services delivery in Kenya.MethodsThis was a sequential mixed method study conducted with commercial enterprises (CE), eye care professional’s representatives from the Ministry of Health ophthalmic service unit and representatives from SEs. The study was undertaken in two phases with phase one aimed at identifying the SEs while phase two aimed at exploring the SEs. The participants were recruited purposively and through snowball sampling with data collected telephonically and through online Google form survey. The qualitative data was collected until thematic saturation was achieved. The descriptive data was presented in figures, as well as reported in terms of frequencies.ResultsOut of the 196 (28%) CE, only 49 (7.1%) reported referral and vision screening as some of the support they provide to SEs. The key barrier to SE integration into refractive error service delivery in conjunction with other eye care providers in Kenya, was lack of awareness on SE (n = 12; 41.4%) while cash flow was noted as the least cited barrier to SEs integration (n = 2; 13.8%). Reasons for the success of SE in the broader eye health ecosystem constituted mission, leadership skills and creativity. Policy regulation reported by the SE representatives (n = 14; 48.3%) was the key factor influencing the operations of SEs in Kenya. Factors negatively influencing integration of SE into refractive error service delivery in Kenya were categorized into unhealthy competition, inadequate human resources, predator SE (n = 19; 65.5%) and lack of proper policy regulation. Partnership, technology, cross-subsidization and skills development were identified as ideal for SE integration.ConclusionThis study found that SEs are worthy for integration into the eye health ecosystem to complement the dominant CE for effective refractive error service delivery. However, establishment of policies recognizing SEs and integration into the eye health ecosystem is desirable to address the challenges experienced by the SEs.

An Overview of Evapotranspiration Estimation Models Utilizing Artificial Intelligence

Evapotranspiration (ET) has a significant role in various natural and human systems, such as water cycle balance, climate regulation, ecosystem health, agriculture, hydrological cycle, water resource management, and climate studies. Among various approaches that are employed for estimating ET, the Penman–Monteith equation is known as the widely accepted reference approach. However, the extensive data requirement of this method is a crucial challenge that limits its usage, particularly in data-scarce regions. Therefore, as an alternative approach, artificial intelligence (AI) models have gained prominence for estimating evapotranspiration because of their capacity to handle complicated relationships between meteorological variables and water loss processes. These models leverage large datasets and advanced algorithms to provide accurate and timely ET predictions. The current research aims to review previous studies addressing the application of the AI model in ET modeling under four main categories: neuron-based, tree-based, kernel-based, and hybrid models. The results of this study indicated that traditional models like the Penman–Monteith (PM) require extensive input data, while AI-based approaches offer promising alternatives due to their ability to model complex nonlinear relationships. Despite their potential, AI models face challenges such as overfitting, interpretability, inconsistent input variable selection, and lack of integration with physical ET processes, highlighting the need for standardized input configurations, better pre-processing techniques, and incorporation of hydrological and remote sensing data.

Fish Genetic Resources and Wetland Conservation in Bangladesh: Comparative Insights on Biodiversity, Sustainable Management, and Sustainable Development Goals

Background: Bangladesh’s wetlands support fish genetic resources, biodiversity, and food security but face obstacles like habitat degradation, overfishing, and climate change. This research looks at the diversity, abundance, IUCN conservation status, and stakeholder views for sustainable wetland management in three major wetlands: the Sundarbans mangrove (brackish water), the Sylhet floodplain (freshwater), and the Meghna River basin (estuary). Methods: To assess ecosystem health and vulnerability, we assess fish biodiversity and conservation status using Margalef’s Species Richness Index and Shannon–Weaver Diversity Index. We also used structured questionnaires to interview and gain stakeholders’ perceptions. Results: A total of 165 fish species were identified and categorized based on the IUCN Red List. The Sundarbans exhibited the highest species richness and diversity. The proportion of vulnerable species was highest in Sylhet (15%), followed by the Sundarbans (12%) and Meghna (9%), while 54% of fish species in Sylhet, 36% in the Sundarbans, and 26% in Meghna were not threatened. This study emphasizes integrated wetland management solutions that support SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land) as outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Conclusion: Findings provide a foundation for policymakers, researchers, and conservationists to develop sustainable wetland management frameworks that safeguard fish genetic resources, livelihoods, and ecological balance.

Human sperm as an in vitro toxicity model: a versatile tool for assessing the risk of environmental contaminants.

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) pose a significant threat to human and ecosystem health due to their persistence, bioaccumulation in higher trophic levels, and potential toxicity. While in vivo models are commonly used for toxicity screening, developing alternative in vitro techniques for rapid environmental risk assessment is essential. Spermatozoa, with their compartmentalized structure, measurable characteristics and sensitivity to environmental changes, offer potential as an in vitro model for toxicity screening. We evaluated the impact of selected CECs, including pharmaceuticals and pesticides, on sperm function in highly motile sperm subpopulations selected from donor semen. Standardised protocols were applied to assess various sperm functional parameters after 1-4 h of exposure to either individual or a mixture of chemicals. Our findings revealed that total motility is insufficient to detect subtle toxic effect. More responsive measures, such as sperm kinematics, induced hyperactivation, viability,mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)and presence ofreactive oxygen species (ROS)should be assessed to elucidate the effect of a toxic environment on sperm function. Most chemicals exerted a dose-response effect on sperm parameters, with the higher concentrations resulting in the most negative effects. The inherent sensitivity of human spermatozoa to oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and energy metabolism, makes them a robust model for assessing toxicity.These features highlight their utility as an alternative cellular model for evaluating CECs and advancing risk assessment methodologies.

Oxidative stress responses and histological changes in the liver of Nile tilapia exposed to silver bulk and nanoparticles

The increased utilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in multiple applications is leading to a rise in environmental contamination caused by their release, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates the effects of different concentrations of AgNPs (10, 20, 50, and 100 µg/L) and bulk silver nitrate (AgNO3) at 100 µg/L, on the hepatic antioxidant defense system, oxidative stress markers, and liver histopathology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with sampling conducted biweekly over six weeks. AgNPs were chemically synthesized using trisodium acetate, yielding an average crystallite size of 29.92 nm. Results demonstrated that both antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels in Nile tilapia exhibited a dose-dependent response. During weeks 2 and 4, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), activities, along with LPO levels were significantly increased, while TAC levels notably decreased, especially at higher AgNPs concentrations. By week 6, antioxidant enzyme activities were suppressed, and LPO levels were markedly elevated in the higher AgNPs groups (AgNPs-50 and AgNPs-100). In contrast, fish exposed to bulk AgNO3 exhibited activation of the enzymatic antioxidant system, although LPO levels remained elevated throughout the experimental period. Histopathological analysis revealed progressive liver damage, including congestion, dilation, fibrosis, fatty degeneration, and necrosis. These effects were more pronounced with higher doses of AgNPs. The results showed a mitigation response among all experimental groups during the first four weeks. However, by week 6, the antioxidant system in Nile tilapia exposed to higher doses of AgNPs failed to cope with the induced oxidative stress. This underscores the significantly higher ecological risks associated with prolonged exposure to AgNPs compared to AgNO3, revealing a critical concern for the stability and health of aquatic ecosystems.

Development of computable guidelines: GIN McMaster guideline development checklist extension for computable guidelines

AbstractBackgroundTransforming Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) recommendations into computer readable language is a complex and ongoing process that requires significant resources, including time, expertise, and funds. The objective is to provide an extension of the widely used GIN‐McMaster Guideline Development Checklist (GDC) and Tool for the development of computable guidelines (CGs).MethodsBased on an outcome from the Human Centered Design (HCD) workshop hosted by the Guidelines International Network North America (GIN‐NA), a team was formed to develop the checklist extension. The team included guideline developers, researchers, implementers, and informaticists who reviewed the GDC and developed a list of additional requirements to help guideline developers author clearer, more implementable narrative guideline recommendations (referred to as knowledge level 1, or L1 recommendations) and ensure conformance‐testable attributes of the different artifacts of clinical guideline recommendations. The team vetted this list with guideline development organizations and health informatics experts to validate it, for clarity, usability, and effectiveness. The team used an iterative process to determine the final extension components for CG development guidance.ResultsThe team identified nine components that complement the topics included in GDC for developing, implementing, and adopting CG recommendations.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the defined principles in the L1 Checklist, grounded in current guideline development standards, may significantly enhance the writing, development, and implementation of computable recommendations. Collaboration among guideline developers, implementers, and informaticists from the outset is crucial for achieving effective integration of these guidelines into clinical workflows. Future work should focus on assessing this extension within various ongoing learning initiatives and point‐of‐care digitization efforts, including the scholarly communications ecosystem and learning health systems, to further improve healthcare delivery.