Environmental Preferences Research Articles

Amide–π Interactions in the Structural Stability of Proteins: Role in the Oligomeric Phycocyanins

This study investigates the influences and environmental preferences of amide–π interactions, a relatively unexplored class of charge-free interactions, in oligomeric phycocyanins. In a data set of 20 proteins, we observed 2086 amide–π interactions, all of which were part of the protein backbone. Phe and Tyr residues were found to be involved in amide–π interactions more frequently than Trp or His. The most favorable amide–π interactions occurred within a pair distance range of 5–7 Å, with a distinct angle preference for T-shaped ring arrangements. Multiple interaction patterns suggest that approximately 76% of the total interacting residues participate in multiple amide–π interactions. Our ab initio calculations revealed that most amide–π interactions have energy from 0 to −2 kcal/mol. Stabilization centers of phycocyanins showed that all residues in amide–π interactions play a crucial role in locating one or more such centers. Around 78% of the total interacting residues in the dataset contribute to creating hot-spot regions. Notably, the amide–π interacting residues were found to be highly evolutionarily conserved. These findings enhance our understanding of the structural stability and potential for protein engineering of phycocyanins used as bioactive natural colorants in various industries, including food and pharmaceuticals.

Employing behavioural portfolio theory for sustainable investment: Examining drawdown risks and ESG factors

ABSTRACT This study uses behavioural portfolio theory (BPT) within the Markowitz Portfolio Theory framework to enhance portfolio management by focusing on sustainability and risk mitigation during market downturns. It selects portfolios to hedge against market lows using Conditional Drawdown at Risk (CDaR) and Expected Regret of Drawdown (ERoD). These measures help choose securities that perform well during a market decline. This study applies drawdown-based risk metrics to assist institutional investors and fiduciaries in making informed investment and fund management decisions. By merging BPT with Markowitz’s mean–variance framework, selected investments are maintained above a safety threshold, contributing to the portfolio’s overall quality and sustainability. Additionally, by incorporating an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) preference function, the findings suggest that BPT built portfolios meet traditional performance standards and align with socially responsible investment principles, thereby offering higher utility and alignment with investor values focused on sustainable investing.

Local environmental factors drive distributions of ecologically-contrasting mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae)

Mosquitoes are important vectors of disease pathogens and multiple species are undergoing geographical shifts due to global changes. As such, there is a growing need for accurate distribution predictions. Ecological niche modelling (ENM) is an effective tool to assess mosquito distribution patterns and link these to underlying environmental preferences. Typically, macroclimatic variables are used as primary predictors of mosquito distributions. However, they likely undervalue local conditions and intraspecific variation in environmental preferences. This is problematic, as mosquito control takes place at the local scale. Utilising high-resolution (10 × 10 m) Maxent ENMs on the island of Bonaire as model system, we explore the influence of local environmental variables on mosquito distributions. Our results show a distinct set of environmental variables shape distribution patterns across ecologically-distinct species, with urban variables strongly associated with introduced species like Aedesaegypti and Culexquinquefasciatus, while native species show habitat preferences for either mangroves, forests, or ephemeral water habitats. These findings underscore the importance of distinct local environmental factors in shaping distributions of different mosquitoes, even on a small island. As such, these findings warrant further studies aimed at predicting high-resolution mosquito distributions, opening avenues for preventative management of vector-borne disease risks amidst ongoing global change and ecosystem degradation.

Towards a Personalized Seat Selection System of High-Speed Rail Based on Feasibility and Desirability

To conduct this research, we identified the current high-speed rail (HSR) market and passenger experience satisfaction with HSR. Then, we developed a personalized seat selection system that could assign passengers to different seats based on their own preferences by collecting their basic information. In the current HSR field, the existing research mainly focuses on improving hardware, such as seat comfort, high-speed rail traveling speed, and high-speed rail traveling smoothness. It does not consider travelers' environmental preferences and individual needs to a great extent. After several weeks of market research through the questionnaire and 4P model study, we concluded that the vast majority of passengers are dissatisfied with the current travel environment full of interruptions and are really willing to use a system that will improve their travel comfort. Therefore, the system will be added to a few major OTA platforms as a plug-in in order to reach a large number of potential customers. After that, we designed many features for our system based on the needs and interests of our target customers, as shown in the survey results, to confirm the desirability and feasibility of our product.

Manugkomposo: Music, Life, and Stories of Capisnon Musicians

Preserving Capiz's vast cultural heritage in modern times is crucial, with musicians from Capiz playing an essential and transformative role in these preservation efforts. The study documented how Capisnon musicians compose their musical pieces and what experiences of these musicians contributed to the development of their craft in music. This utilized qualitative narrative inquiry research design and employed in-depth interview as mode of data collection. This was conducted in the municipalities and one component city in the province of Capiz. Twelve komposo artists served as informants. Thematic analysis was used in data examination. Komposo artists make their compositions through: (1) peaceful environment and personal preferences; (2) researching of ideas; (3) conforming to the forms and specifications of komposo; (4) drafts initial lyrics and tone; (5) revisions of the composition; and (6) finalization of the composition the craft-developing experiences of Capisnon musicians were: (1) music exposures from childhood to present; (2) achievements, victories, failures, life struggles, and sacrifices; (3) livelihood and work; (4) pivotal realizations and talent discovery; (5) trainings and skill-improving workshops; and (6) people's intervention and encouragement. The experiences of Capisnon komposo artists are crucial in shaping their music. Their personal journeys provide them with credibility, passion, and insights, enriching their compositions and allowing them to capture and immortalize the stories of Capisnon.

Environmental preferences of soil microbial attributes for long-term nitrogen and acid addition: From phylotype to community

The impact of human-induced nitrogen (N) enrichment on microbial diversity has been extensively studied, with two main hypotheses proposed: soil N availability and soil acidification. However, the specific roles of these two hypotheses and their environmental preferences on soil bacterial and fungal communities are not fully understood. By conducting two independent experiments (a 16-year N and a 6-year acid addition) in a temperate semi-arid grassland, we tested the responses of soil microbial attributes (e.g., richness and relative abundance) at various levels (community, phylum/class, and phylotype) to N and acid addition. At the community level, our results showed that both N and acid addition had a negative effect on the richness of the whole, dominant, and rare bacterial communities; N enrichment only decreased the richness of the dominant fungal community, while acid addition decreased the richness of the whole, dominant, and rare fungal communities. By categorizing the microbial attributes into nine environmental preferences based on their responses to N and acid addition, we found that most bacterial phyla were associated with low N availability and high pH preferences, while most fungal classes had other environmental preferences. Most dominant bacterial phylotypes were linked to low N availability and high pH preferences, while most dominant fungal phylotypes were associated with other environmental preferences and high pH preferences. Conversely, most rare bacterial and fungal phylotypes were linked to other environmental preferences. Our experiments revealed that the decline in bacterial richness caused by N enrichment was predominantly due to their sensitivity to soil acidification, while fungal richness remained largely unaltered. By pinpointing distinct microbial attributes at different levels in response to N and acid addition, our findings could potentially forecast how soil microorganisms will react to future global N deposition.

Another sleeping giant? Environmental issue preferences in the 2019 European Parliament elections

Seminal works have highlighted a growing polarisation regarding the environment, with supporters advocating for immediate emissions reduction and others downplaying or even denying human-caused climate change. Despite this debate, little attention has been focused on how voters’ environmental preferences influence their electoral behaviour. Using the metaphor of the ‘sleeping giant’ from European Union politics literature, the article empirically explores how environmental issue preferences impact voting choices. Analysing stacked data from the 2019 European Election Study, the article examines the phenomenon of environmental issue voting by shifting the unit of analysis from individuals to party-voter dyads. Results reveal that environmental preferences moderately, yet significantly, affect vote choice. This effect is more pronounced among left-leaning voters and in countries where the environmental issue is more salient among the public. Our findings shed light on patterns of environmental preference and their role in European electoral competition.

A Novel Quadrant Spatial Assay Reveals Environmental Preference in Mouse Spontaneous and Parental Behaviors

Environmental factors have well-documented impacts on brain development and mental health. Therefore, it is crucial to employ a reliable assay system to assess the spatial preference of model animals. In this study, we introduced an unbiased quadrant chamber assay system and discovered that parental pup-gathering behavior takes place in a very efficient manner. Furthermore, we found that test mice exhibited preferences for specific environments in both spontaneous and parental pup-gathering behavior contexts. Notably, the spatial preferences of autism spectrum disorder model animals were initially suppressed but later equalized during the spontaneous behavior assay, accompanied by increased time spent in the preferred chamber. In conclusion, our novel quadrant chamber assay system provides an ideal platform for investigating the spatial preference of mice, offering potential applications in studying environmental impacts and exploring neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorder models.

Automated Futures, Altered Priorities: The Impact of Technological Change on Environmental Attitudes and Policies

Nearly half the tasks currently performed by humans could be automated, which means that large segments of society are expected to seek new jobs within the next few years. Automation and digitalization can be critical in reducing greenhouse gasses and combating climate change. However, they may also reduce individual support for environmental policies. The economic changes brought about by these innovations could reduce environmental concerns among the social groups most affected by the associated loss of jobs. Using data from the International Social Survey Program, this study examines the impact of technological change on environmental attitudes and policy preferences. We hypothesize that individuals exposed to automation will be less likely to care about the environment and less likely to support policies imposing taxes to address climate change or other environmental problems. We use a tailored and objective measure, operating at the individual level, to quantify the degree of exposure to labor market risks. Then we analyze how automatization risk influences individuals developing a propensity to resist environmental regulation within various social and cultural contexts. The results of this research can help us understand how structural changes in the economy affect individuals’ preferences when addressing fundamental environmental problems.

Beta diversity patterns and driving mechanisms of stream bacteria and fungi on Mt. Kilimanjaro

Aquatic microbes, which are highly diverse in freshwater biofilms, play a vital role in shaping the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Nevertheless, the influence of environmental factors on aquatic microbes in different biogeographic ecosystems, especially in tropical mountains, is relatively unexplored. Here, we examined the relative influence of climate and physicochemical factors on beta diversity of stream bacteria and fungi using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing at 40 sites on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Towards larger elevational distance, the total beta diversity and turnover of bacteria and fungi increased significantly, while nestedness decreased. The beta diversity of fungi showed greater spatial variation than that of bacteria, while the local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD) showed U-shaped elevational pattern for both taxa. Bacteria and fungi had strong positive relationships regarding the total beta diversity, LCBD and their components, except for nestedness, indicating similar environmental preferences and resource overlap. Among environmental variables, mean annual temperature, water depth and elevation predicted microbial beta diversity, while water depth, mean annual temperature and precipitation primarily affected LCBD. Overall, climate-related variables were the dominant factors for beta diversity and their effects were more pronounced for fungi than bacteria. The contrasting patterns of bacterial and fungal beta diversity and their ecological interactions in tropical aquatic ecosystems provide a rare dataset for assessing ecological functions in understudied aquatic ecosystems and predicting the impact of global change on microorganisms.

Community structure and carbon metabolism functions of bacterioplankton in the Guangdong coastal zone

Coastal ecosystems are an important region for biogeochemical cycling, are a hotspot of anthropogenic disturbance and play a crucial role in global carbon cycling through the metabolic activities of bacterioplankton. Bacterioplankton can be broadly classified into two lifestyles: free-living (FL) and particle-attached (PA). However, how coastal bacterioplankton the community structure, co-occurrence networks and carbon metabolic functions with different lifestyles are differentiated is still largely unknown. Understanding these processes is necessary to better determine the contributions of coastal bacterioplankton to carbon cycling. Here, the characteristics of community structure and carbon metabolism function of bacterioplankton with two lifestyles in the coastal areas of Guangdong Province were investigated using amplicon sequencing, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic techniques. The results show that the main bacterioplankton responsible for carbon metabolism were the Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, and Actinomycetota. The microbial community structure, carbon metabolic function, and environmental preferences differ between different lifestyles. FL and PA bacteria exhibited higher carbon fixation and degradation potentials, respectively. A range of environmental factors, such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature, were associated with the community structure and carbon metabolic functions of the bacterioplankton. Human activities, such as nutrient discharge, may affect the distribution of functional genes and enhance the carbon degradation functions of bacterioplankton. In conclusion, this study increased the understanding of the role of microorganisms in regulating carbon export in coastal ecosystems with intense human activity.

Involvement of the gut microbiota in the metabolic phenotypes of two sympatric gerbils

Temporal niche partitioning is a crucial strategy for sympatric species to avoid predation and competition for habitat space and food resources. This study investigated the effect of the gut microbiota on the metabolic rhythms of two sympatric gerbil species (Meriones unguiculatus and Meriones meridianus) to test the hypothesis that the oscillatory patterns of microbiota may not fully mirror those of the host's metabolism. Experiment 1 compared the circadian metabolic and gut microbiota rhythms of M. unguiculatus (n = 12) and M. meridianus (n = 12) and measured the subjects' body temperatures and environmental temperature preferences. In Experiment 2.1, six M. meridianus gerbils were treated with antibiotics, and in Experiment 2.2, 21 M. unguiculatus gerbils (seven per treatment) were randomly gavaged with saline or a gut microbiota suspension from either M. unguiculatus or M. meridianus; their metabolic rhythms were subsequently measured. The results showed that the two gerbils had different metabolic phenotypes that determined activity heterogeneity and contributed to their coexistence. The relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria in M. meridianus varied rhythmically in parallel with the daily metabolic rate, which was significantly higher at night than during the day. The rhythm of the metabolic rate was not noticeable in M. unguiculatus. However, in M.unguiculatus, the relative abundances of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia were significantly higher during the day than at night, while Cyanobacteria exhibited the opposite pattern. Antibiotic treatment significantly weakened the metabolic rhythms of M. meridianus, and the circadian rhythms slowly recovered after stopping antibiotic gavage. However, after transplanting M. meridianus' gut microbiota into M. unguiculatus, the metabolic rate of M. unguiculatus was not significantly different from that of the control groups. Our hypothesis was partly supported: the microbiota was only partially involved in regulating the metabolic rhythms of gerbils, and other factors could compensate for the effect of the gut microbiota on host metabolic rhythms. This finding underscores the complexity of host–microbiota interactions and highlights the need for further exploration into the multifaceted mechanisms governing host metabolic regulation.

Further revisions to the Palaearctic Andrena fauna (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae)

Andrena is the second largest genus of bees, with around 1,700 species known globally following recent revisions (e.g. Wood & Monfared 2022; Pisanty et al. 2022a; Wood 2023a; b; c; d). The genus is relatively young at approximately 25 million years old, and is known for its explosive radiation as one of if not the most rapidly speciating bee lineages (Bossert et al. 2022; Pisanty et al. 2022b). This rapid rate of speciation combined with a preference for Mediterranean and xeric environments means that a large number of Andrena species remain undetected and undescribed, most clearly in difficult-to-access parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. The genus has a long history of study, particularly in the West Palaearctic (Gusenleitner & Schwarz 2002), and there are consequently a large number of original works describing taxa from across the Old World (e.g. Christ 1791; Panzer 1799; Erichson 1835; Smith 1853; Dours 1873; Morawitz 1876; Schmiedeknecht 1882–1884; Radoszkowski 1891; Nurse 1904; Cameron 1908; Friese 1914; Perkins 1914; Cockerell 1917; Strand 1921; Stöckhert 1935; Noskiewicz 1939; Warncke 1965; Osytshnjuk 1995; Xu et al. 2000; Grünwaldt et al. 2005; Tadauchi et al. 2005). Though workers often corresponded, the huge diversity of species and the often subtle characters separating them means that many taxa are synonymous or present other nomenclatural challenges, but this still remains to be established for many taxa despite historical and contemporary revisionary works (e.g. Warncke 1967; Tadauchi & Xu 1999; 2003; Gusenleitner & Schwarz 2002; Xu et al. 2000; Xu & Tadauchi 2002; 2005; 2009; 2012; Gusenleitner et al. 2005; Pisanty et al. 2018; Astafurova et al. 2022a; 2023; Praz et al. 2022; Wood & Monfared 2022; Wood 2023a; b; c). Against this context, revisionary works on Old World Andrena must balance i) the long history of species description and subsequent use, often with unclear or inconsistent species concepts; ii) the rapid speciation rate of Andrena combined with their often sporadic appearance and highly local distributions leading to enormous species diversity, and iii) the ongoing and incomplete treatment of older names, some of which have not been revised due to inability to locate types or inability to visit specific collections. The present work represents an additional contribution to this ongoing work through resolving existing nomenclatural problems and describing or elevating distinct Old World Andrena species.

Environmental preferences and sector valuations

Environmental preferences and sector valuations

Do body colour and sociability impact scototaxis response of fish?

Scototaxis test is an anxiety-like test used by behavioural neuroscientists consisting in the assessment of dark/light preference of laboratory animals. This test has been widely used in fish. Most of the species have been shown to express a preference for the dark environment. However, the majority of the investigated species has a dark body colour, thus making a clear contrast with a white/bright background. Also, while in nature fish tend to be highly social, studies in the scototaxis literature tested single fish. Yet, individual vs. group behaviour might interact with scototaxis response. In experiment 1, we assessed the individual response to test the hypothesis that the different colours of the body might modulate the dark/light preference. We found that species with a dark body colour (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) and a largely transparent body colour (Kryptopterus bicirrhis) strongly preferred the darker environment. Instead, the preference for darkness of a species with a luminescent part of the body (Paracheirodon axelrodi) was less pronounced. Lastly, a species with a white body colour (Corydoras albini) did not prefer either a bright or a dark sector. In experiment 2, we explored the behaviour of these species when inserted in shoals of 20 individuals in the experimental apparatus. While H. megalopterus and K. bichirrhis confirmed their robust preference for darker environments, the other two species changed their preference. Taken together, these results suggest that scototaxis response is context-dependent, as it appears to be modulated by the body colour and the presence/absence of other conspecifics in the surrounding.

Thermal Comfort Research on the Rural Elderly in the Guanzhong Region: A Comparative Analysis Based on Age Stratification of Residential Environments

Addressing the thermal comfort of the elderly is a pressing concern amidst the escalating aging population in rural China. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the thermal comfort within traditional and self-built dwellings in the Guanzhong region. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach encompassing both on-site measurements and questionnaire surveys, with a novel approach of segmenting the elderly population into three distinct age groups. The findings indicate that: (1) An average clothing thermal resistance of 1.83 clo among the elderly, which was found to be relatively higher when compared to other areas and positively correlated with age; (2) A thermal neutral temperature of 8.46 °C for traditional dwellings and 10.53 °C for self-built dwellings, both of which were lower than anticipated, indicating a discrepancy between current living conditions and elderly residents’ thermal expectations; (3) A positive correlation between age and the preferred neutral temperature, with the elderly showing a preference for warmer indoor environments. Additionally, we propose targeted strategies to enhance the thermal comfort of the elderly across different age groups and dwelling types. This study refines the thermal comfort evaluation system for the elderly in China’s cold climate regions, offering theoretical insights and practical guidance for the renovation of rural dwellings and the improvement of elderly living standards in the Guanzhong area.

Comprehensive Study of Residential Environment Preferences and Characteristics among Older Adults: Empirical Evidence from China

Aging in a suitable residential environment is essential for the health and well-being of older adults. This study aims to analyze the residential environment preferences (REPs) of older people in China to create a residential environment suitable for their physical and mental health, enhancing their life satisfaction. This study used a sample questionnaire to identify relevant characteristics and analyze preferences, which were validated using non-parametric tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient tests. The questionnaire consisted of 33 questions on characteristics of the residential environment on a 7-point Likert scale and was administered to 433 older adults aged 60 and over in 28 provinces in China. The results showed that “community safety” was the most important environmental characteristic, with an average importance rating of 5.77 out of 6. Accessible building design (average rating of 4.91), emergency response systems (average rating of 4.49), and indoor thermal comfort (average rating of 4.45) were also key factors in promoting aging in place. There was a positive correlation between the community environment and the indoor environment (e.g., community safety and indoor sound insulation, r = 0.209, p < 0.01), and both were, to some extent, negatively correlated with building features (e.g., public toilets and private courtyards, r = −0.278, p < 0.01; indoor thermal comfort and green building design, r = −0.165, p < 0.01). Age and physical health had a strong influence on preferences, but gender had little influence. This study paves the way for future research and policy development on age-friendly housing to ensure sustainable and supportive residential environments for the aging population.

The social cost of adopting a plant-based diet

Dietary choices contribute to one’s environmental footprint and shape social identity. Evidence suggests that adopting plant-based diets (i.e., vegetarianism and veganism) may solve some environmental, health, and animal welfare issues. Yet, this decision leads to the formation of a social identity and out-group bias referred to as “vegephobia”. In this paper, I provide a first measure of the presence of vegephobia using social preferences in an online experimental economic environment. I estimate inequity aversion parameters of omnivore dictators (i.e., meat eaters) contingent on their matched partner’s dietary identity and test for the presence of vegephobia (pre-registered hypotheses). I also elicit recipients’ expectations of discriminatory behaviors. Confirmatory results reject the presence of vegephobia in the economic environment. Further exploratory results reveal some vegephobia driven by the dictators’ personal characteristics and social environments. Paradoxically, vegans report experiencing vegephobia outside of the experimental setup but expect pro-social choices from out-group members in the experiment. The results imply that vegephobia might be context-specific and that individuals are increasingly plant-based friendly.

Genomic characterization of the bacterial phylum Candidatus Effluviviacota, a cosmopolitan member of the global seep microbiome.

The newly discovered bacterial phylum Candidatus Effluviviacota is widespread across diverse seepage ecosystems, marine environments, and freshwater environments, with a notable preference for cold seeps. While maintaining an average abundance of approximately 1% in the global gene catalog of cold seep habitats, it has not hitherto been characterized. The metabolic versatility of Ca. Effluviviacota in anaerobic carbon, hydrogen, and metal cycling aligns with its prevalence in anoxic niches, with a preference for cold seep environments. Variations in metabolic potential between Ca. Effluvivivax and Ca. Effluvibates may contribute to shaping their respective habitat distributions.

Community environmental healing benefits: A systematic review comparing intervening variables, environments, and outcomes.

As the smallest spatial unit in the city, the community should be an important space for healing the urban population. This paper presents a systematic review summarizing studies on community healing environments. The study identified 75 publications. The research findings are as follows: the main intervening variables include restorativeness, emotions and mood, stress, and well-being. Little attention has been paid to the intervening variables including social support, environmental preferences and satisfaction, place attachment, behavior types that respond to personal will, self-fulfillment, and the spirit of personal culture. The various types of natural environments in communities have been given focused attention for a long time. However, the superiority of the natural environment should not be a reason to underestimate the healing benefits of community spaces. The mechanisms by which environmental characteristics are transformed into positive individual influences through intervening variables should be explored.