Highest Number Of Individuals Research Articles

EKSPLORASI SERANGGA PADA TANAMAN BAWANG MERAH YANG DITUMPANGSARIKAN DENGAN CABAI MERAH (STUDI KASUS DI KECAMATAN GRONG GRONG KABUPATEN PIDIE)

Intercropping is a method that is widely used by farmers, this is because this method allows farmers to plant not just one type of plant but more. There are many advantages of this tumpeng sari system, such as increased plant production and optimal use of land. In plants, a diversity of insects appear that live and visit because of the influence of this tumpeng sari system. The aim of the research was to describe the types of insects found on shallot plants intercropped with red chilies. The purposive sampling survey method was used in the research, which was practically carried out on a stretch of land with red onions intercropped with red chilies. The research shows the results that insects trapped in shallot fields intercropped with chilies consist of 10 orders and 47 families, the order Araneae, the order Blatodea, the order Coleoptera, the order Dermaptera, the order Hemiptera, the order Diptera, the order Hymenoptera, the order Isoptera, the order Lepidoptera, the order Mantodea, while for There are two natural enemies of parasitoids, namely the order Hymenoptera, Diptera, for predatory insects the order found is the order Mantodea, order Orthoptera, order Lepidoptera, order, Hymenoptera, order Hemiptera, order Diptera, order Dermaptera, order Coleoptera order Araneae, while the order herbivorous insects found were the order Orthoptera, order Hemiptera, order Diptera, order Lepidoptera, order Coleoptera, a group of parasitoid insects with the highest number of individuals from the families Ichneumonidae and Braconidae, a group of predatory insects with the highest number of individuals from the family Reduviidae, and formicidae, a group of herbivorous insects with the highest number of individuals. high number of individuals from the Orthoptera family

Evaluation of oviposition substrates for laboratory rearing of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract Cotton (Gossypium sp.) is the one of the major commercial fibre crops cultivated across the country. The yield is severely affected by insect pests and diseases. Pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders, 1844) is one of the major insect pests threatening the cultivation of cotton. The major constraint limiting cotton production is resistance, which prevails to date due to the indiscriminate use of the insecticides and noncompliance of the refugia. Hence the status of the pest needs to be ascertained periodically to initiate timely and dynamic management tactics. For conducting laboratory screening, a higher number of individuals is the prime requirement, which is facilitated through mass-rearing techniques. We have evaluated different oviposition substrates like paper and muslin cloth for enhancing the recovery of eggs. Our results are quite promising and the use of black muslin cloth has shown a recovery of eggs on par with natural substrate (cotton twig). Adoption of the artificial substrate has huge potential in rearing techniques and avoids drawbacks like tissue drying, carry-over of diseases and reusability.

Relative Abundance, Diversity and Threats of Avian Fauna at Dhanmondi Lake in Dhaka, Bangladesh

A study was conducted on the relative abundance, diversity, and threats of avifauna in Dhanmondi Lake, Dhaka, Bangladesh from March to December 2021. Data was collected by following the line transect sampling method and direct field observations, where four days were spent every month in the study area. A total of 34 species of birds were observed, belonging to 9 orders and 20 families. Out of 34 species of birds, 94% were residents and 6% were migrants; of them, 55% were non-passerines and 45% were passerines. The relative abundance of avifauna was also estimated as 29% of species being very common, 15% being fairly common, 27% being common, and 29% being few. The highest number of individuals was observed in December (209 individuals), followed by 199 individuals in April, 189 individuals in March, 187 individuals in October, 178 in November, 177 in August, and 170 in June. The Shannon-Weiner index was estimated to be at its maximum (H′ = 2.98) in March-21, and its minimum value was obtained (H′ = 2.62) in June-21. Similarly, the value of Simpson’s index of diversity was obtained to be maximum (D = 0.09) in June-21 and minimum (D = 0.06) in December-21. Human activities such as large gatherings, random assemblies, festivals, dumping of waste, throwing of papers, polythene, and plastics here and there, and finally, noises from the different vehicles, were identified as major threats to avian species. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 9(1): 95–109, 2023 (June)

Genitourinary syndrome of lactation: a new perspective on postpartum and lactation-related genitourinary symptoms.

The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a well-documented condition characterized by a range of genitourinary symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women. As with GSM, postpartum lactating women experience reduced estrogen and androgen levels. However, there is limited research on the impact of symptoms during the postpartum breastfeeding period. The aim was to review the literature for genitourinary health in the postpartum breastfeeding population and summarize key findings and potential treatments. We performed a comprehensive literature review in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus from inception of database to November 2023 using the following keywords individually and in combination: "physiology of postpartum" or "physiology of lactogenesis" or "vulvovaginal health" or "vaginal atrophy" or "vaginal dryness" or "dyspareunia" or "urinary incontinence" or "lactation" or "breastfeeding" or "vaginal estrogen." All identified articles published in English were considered. Relevant studies were extracted, evaluated, and analyzed. The work presented in this article represents a summative review of the identified literature. During lactation, high levels of prolactin inhibit estrogen and androgen secretion via negative feedback, which leads to an increased prevalence of vulvovaginal atrophy, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and urinary incontinence in lactating postpartum women. Despite these highly prevalent and potentially devastating symptoms, there is a lack of consistent screening at postpartum visits and no treatment guidelines available to health care providers. Postpartum breastfeeding women experience similar physiology and symptoms to the postmenopausal phase, as seen in GSM. We propose the introduction of a novel term to describe the genitourinary changes seen in postpartum breastfeeding individuals: genitourinary syndrome of lactation. The diagnostic use of genitourinary syndrome of lactation will equip health care providers with an all-encompassing term to bring awareness to the symptoms experienced by postpartum breastfeeding individuals and lead to improved screening and treatment for the high numbers of individuals experiencing these genitourinary changes.

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with and without diabetes-Is there a difference in the frequency of surgical procedures?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs more often among individuals with diabetes. The aim of this retrospective observational registry study was to examine whether individuals with diabetes and CTS are treated surgically to the same extent as individuals with CTS but without diabetes. Data on CTS diagnosis and surgery were collected from the Skåne Healthcare Register (SHR). A total of 35,105 individuals (age ≥ 18 years) diagnosed with CTS from 2004-2019 were included. Data were matched to the Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR. Cox regression models were used to calculate the risk of the use of surgical treatment. Of the 35,105 included individuals with a CTS diagnosis, 17,662 (50%) were treated surgically, and 4,966 (14%) had diabetes. A higher number of individuals with diabetes were treated surgically (2,935/4,966, 59%) than individuals without diabetes (14,727/30,139, 49%). In the Cox regression model, diabetes remained a significant risk factor for surgical treatment (PR 1.14 (95% CI 1.11-1.17)). Individuals with type 1 diabetes were more frequently treated surgically (490/757, 65%) than individuals with type 2 diabetes (2,445/4,209, 58%). There was no difference between the sexes and their treatment. The duration of diabetes was also a risk factor for surgical treatment in diabetes type 2, but high HbA1c levels were not. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to be treated surgically for CTS than individuals without diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes are more likely to be treated surgically for CTS than individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training to Improve Cardiometabolic Health in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex, chronic metabolic disease that is associated with a high prevalence of comorbid conditions. Traditional lifestyle interventions (e.g., diet and exercise) can counter some adverse effects of T2DM; however, participation in these activities is low. High-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) is a time-effcient and simple breathing exercise that significantly reduces blood pressure (BP) and improves vascular endothelial function in several nondiabetic populations. Herein, we performed a blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial to investigate the effects of a 6-week IMST regimen (30 breaths/day, 6 days/week) on glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in adults with T2DM. Currently, we have eight participants (aged 35-71 years, 5 females and 3 males) who have completed either low-resistance sham training (15% maximal inspiratory mouth pressure, n=5) or high-resistance IMST (75% maximal inspiratory mouth pressure, n=3). Our data suggests that fasting plasma glucose and fasting serum insulin did not significantly change by IMST or sham training. Utilizing a homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity to evaluate insulin action, our results indicate no change by either IMST or sham training. IMST revealed a trend towards a reduction in systolic BP (pre: 133.0 ± 4.8 vs. post: 128.8 ± 4.9) and diastolic BP (pre: 84.8 ± 2.7 vs. post: 81.7 ± 3.6). These findings align with prior research indicating improved resting BP, further corroborating previous studies. We performed an exploratory analysis to examine the potential impact of IMST on lipid levels. Interestingly, IMST resulted in a trend towards a reduction in cholesterol (pre: 259.3 ± 29.4 vs. post: 230.3 ± 3.7) and LDL (pre: 153.3 ± 19.7 vs. post: 127.7 ± 8.7). Analysis of the endothelial function data is forthcoming until we have enough individuals to complete those analyses. In conclusion, our results to date are preliminary; however, we expect to see continued improvements in resting BP and cholesterol/LDL with IMST. Moreover, with a higher number of individuals in the study (our goal is to have 12 in each group), we anticipate seeing changes in glycemia or insulin action. Lastly, IMST stands out as a distinctive and time-effective exercise method, addressing adherence challenges while demonstrating enhancements in cardiometabolic health. This could be particularly advantageous for T2DM patients with an increased cardiovascular disease risk. University of Arizona College of Medicine SPARK Grant. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The Implementation of Poverty Alleviation Policy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Pekalongan Regency, Indonesia

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the perception of poverty, necessitating rapid and urgent implementation of an affirmative policy. COVID-19 has significantly affected the economy, health, children's education, and employment rates. The Central Bureau of Statistics reported that the number of low-income families in Indonesia's urban and rural areas in 2020 was 26.42 million. This figure increased by 5.09 percent compared with 2019, which was 25.14 million. This issue is challenging to address because of budgetary constraints. Numerous policies have been implemented to mitigate poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic, but these efforts have not yielded significant results. This study aims to analyze the implementation of poverty alleviation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Pekalongan Regency, Indonesia. This mixed-methodology study collected data through surveys with 150 respondents and in-depth interviews with ten low-income families, community leaders, and local government actors. These results indicate that poverty alleviation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been fully implemented. Inhibiting factors include the accessibility of poverty programs and activities, the high number of impoverished individuals affected by COVID-19, and the diversion of local government funds to address COVID-19.

Assessment of the Ecology of Diatoms in Relation to Environmental Variables in Landzu River Bida Niger State Nigeria

Diatoms are widely utilised as excellent environmental indicators due to their ability to react to a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological changes that take place in the aquatic environment. This study was carried out to investigate some aspects of the ecology of diatoms in relation to environmental variables in Landzu River Bida, Niger state Nigeria. Samples were collected from five (5) sampling station and analysed using standard methods and procedures. The results show water temperature (23.63±2.18-25.75±0.25°C), Water depth (23.76±4.87-36.32±3.21cm), Flow velocity ranged (0.011±0.00-0.182±0.01), Water pH (7.28±0.37-7.48±0.35), Transparency (20.50±0.15- 22.01±0.31cm), Electrical conductivity (118.95±0.21-144.6±0.23 µS/cm). Dissolved oxygen concentration (6.4±0.50-7.70±0.19 mg/l), the Biochemical oxygen demand (2.14±0.23-2.55±0.26mg/l), total hardness (30.5±3.19-31.26±2.8.33mg/l), alkalinity (13.83±0.74-14.00±0.71mg/l), Nitrate (0.014±0.00-0.035±0.00mg/l), Phosphate (0.028±0.01 to 0.03±0.00mg/l) the total dissolved solids (111.86±1.49 to 131.18±1.90), Magnesium (0.018±0.01-0.053±0.00mg/l), Zinc (12.02±9.00-23.45±3.00 mg/l), Nickel (4.90±0.45-5.51±0.52mg/ l), Lead (0.44±0.07-1.84±0.04mg/l) and Manganese (12.58±1.30-19.43±2.70 mg/l). All the physicochemical variables measured show no significant (p>0.05) difference between the sampling stations except depth, flow velocity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate and total dissolved solids which differ significantly (p<0.05) among the sampling stations while all the heavy metal differs significantly (p<0.05) between the sampling stations except magnesium and nickel. A total of 2499 individual organisms from 25 species were identified. Station 2 had the highest number of individuals with 561 organisms, followed by station 5 with 511 organisms while station 4 had 505 organisms. Station 1 had 481 organisms, while station 3 had the lowest with 441 organisms. The study shows diatom assemblage is influenced by human activities.

Exploring the Relationship Between Vitamin D Frequency and Demographic Parameters in the General Population

Background: Many chronic illnesses such as cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, rickets, and musculoskeletal diseases are associated with insufficient vitamin D.The purpose of this study was to determine the vitamin D levels in our region.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in duration of eight months from March to October 2021. The study included 156 individuals suspected for vitamin D deficiency. Patients with severe chronic diseases were excluded, and bothgenders recruited. All data were collected and analyzed through Microsoft Excel 2007.Results: A total of 156 individuals were recruited in which individuals of age 11 to >55 years were included. Among total, 123 individuals were male while 33 females were found. All included individuals were categorized in different four categories. In which highest number of individuals were found in 41-55 years age (36%), followed by 26-40 years age (33.3%), and 26.2% individuals in age group 11-25 years. Vitamin D lower level found in 8.9% individuals.Conclusion: Individuals shows significant vitamin D insufficiency, particularly among females and older age groups. To prevent any serious effects of vitamin D deficiency, the implementation of psychosocial intervention, supplementation, and increased awareness ofthe importance of vitamin D is recommended.

Comparison of different trapping devices for the capture of <em>Bactrocera oleae</em> (Rossi) and other non-target insects in the Mediterranean basin

The present study aimed to compare some commercial traps baited with ammonium carbonate for their efficacy in monitoring Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) and their selectivity toward beneficial insects, under the conditions of olive groves located in five Mediterranean countries (Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, Tunisia). The selectivity of the devices was evaluated toward several groups of non-target insects, namely lacewings (Chrysopidae), hoverflies (Syrphidae), ladybirds (Coccinellidae), bees (Apoidea) and hymenopteran parasitoids. The following devices were compared: yellow sticky panel, green sticky panel, Jackson trap with different combinations of yellow and white colours of the device and/or the panel, and McPhail trap. In most cases, the McPhail trap and the yellow panel showed the highest efficacy in monitoring male and female B. oleae flies; however, the yellow panel was most attractive for some groups of non-target insects, particularly the hymenopteran parasitoids, whereas the comparative non-target effects were sitespecific for the other arthropod groups. In the case of Chrysopidae, McPhail caught more individuals than the other traps in Italy and Spain, whereas in Lebanon and Greece, the highest number of individuals was captured in the two sticky panels. Coccinellidae were found in very low numbers only in Lebanon on yellow panels. Syrphidae were captured mainly on sticky panels in Greece and Tunisia. Apoidea were found only on yellow panels in Lebanon. The choice between the McPhail trap and the yellow panel should be made on the basis of various evaluations carried out at the site, including operational ones.

Stigma Associated with Mental Illness: Perspectives of Judges and Lawyers in Lebanon

IntroductionLegal professionals frequently encounter forensic mental health issues in the criminal justice system. These issues can significantly impact the outcome of cases, making it essential to understand the attitudes and perceptions of these experts towards mental illness. Despite a high number of individuals with mental illness in prisons, the availability of forensic mental health services is limited. While prior research has shown widespread stigma towards mental illness, there hasn’t been a study assessing the attitudes of judges and lawyers.ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the stigma related to mental health among Lebanese legal professionals.MethodsAn online questionnaire was sent to judges and lawyers practicing in Lebanon. The survey included a section on demographics and personal data with the following scales: Reported and intended behavior scale (RIBS) which measures mental health stigma–related behavior and Perceived devaluation and discrimination scale (PDD) measuring the extent to which a person believes that most people will devalue or discriminate against someone with a mental illness.Results A total of 215 participants, with a mean age of 38.69 and a mean 13.16 years of experience, completed the questionnaire. Most were female (62.8%) and worked as civil attorneys (47.4%). Only a minority received instruction on mental health or mental health law during training (10.7% and 8.8%). About a quarter believed their education on mental health issues was sufficient (27%). Participants with positive attitudes (RIBS) were more likely to have a family member with a mental illness (p value = .001), feel comfortable handling cases involving mental health (p value = .001), and have lived with someone with a mental illness (p value = .007). Feeling adequately educated about mental health issues was associated with lower perceived stigma (PDDS, p value = .021). No significant associations with stigma scores were found for factors like age, gender, occupation, years of experience, contact with a mental health professional, taking psychotropic medications, disclosing personal mental health issues to friends or co-workers, receiving education on mental illness or mental health law, or working with individuals with mental health issues.ConclusionsThe findings imply that enhancing mental health education and awareness within the legal profession could be a key strategy to reduce stigma and improve the overall treatment of individuals with mental health issues within the criminal justice system in Lebanon.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Diversity of Water Insects in Colo Dam, Sukoharjo Regency

Aquatic insects are among the most successful groups of macroinvertebrates in freshwater habitats. This condition is indicated by the composition, presence and wide distribution as well as the ability of insects to adapt to various types of freshwater habitats which are components of bottom water communities. The aim of this research was to determine the diversity index, species richness index and dominance index of aquatic insects in Colo Dam, Nguter District, Sukoharjo Regency. This research method is quantitative descriptive. Quantitative analysis includes measuring the Diversity Index (H'), Species Richness Index (R1) and Dominance Index (D). The results of research on water insects at Colo Dam found 27 species. The highest number of individuals is the Water Strider with 75 species, while the fewest species are Rhinocypha perforata with 16 species. The conclusion of this research is that the Diversity Index of 3.23 is considered moderate. The type of Wealth Index obtained at 3.67 is considered medium and the Dominance Index at 0.0416 is considered low. Recommendations for further research include adding a Biotic Index to see the quality of the waters in the Colo Dam. It is hoped that the results of this research can become a reference or further research.

Genomic analysis of inter-hospital transmission of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium sequence type 80 isolated during an outbreak in Hiroshima, Japan.

Outbreaks caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci that transcend jurisdictional boundaries are occurring worldwide. This study focused on a vancomycin-resistant enterococcus outbreak that occurred between 2018 and 2021 across two cities in Hiroshima, Japan. The study involved genetic and phylogenetic analyses using whole-genome sequencing of 103 isolates of vancomycin-resistant enterococci to identify the source and transmission routes of the outbreak. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using core genome multilocus sequence typing and core single-nucleotide polymorphisms; infection routes between hospitals were inferred using BadTrIP. The outbreak was caused by Enterococcus faecium sequence type (ST) 80 carrying the vanA plasmid, which was derived from strain A10290 isolated in India. Of the 103 isolates, 93 were E. faecium ST80 transmitted across hospitals. The circular vanA plasmid of the Hiroshima isolates was similar to the vanA plasmid of strain A10290 and transferred from E. faecium ST80 to other STs of E. faecium and other Enterococcus species by conjugation. The inferred transmission routes across hospitals suggest the existence of a central hospital serving as a hub, propagating vancomycin-resistant enterococci to multiple hospitals. Our study highlights the importance of early intervention at the key central hospital to prevent the spread of the infection to small medical facilities, such as nursing homes, with limited medical resources and a high number of vulnerable individuals.

Floral resource partitioning of coexisting bumble bees: Distinguishing species-, colony-, and individual-level effects.

Resource partitioning is considered a key factor in alleviating competitive interactions, enabling coexistence among consumer species. However, most studies have focused on resource partitioning between species, ignoring the potentially critical role of intraspecific variation in resource use. We investigated floral resource partitioning across species, colonies, and individuals in a species-rich bumblebee community in the diversification center of bumblebees. We used a total of 10,598 bumblebees belonging to 13 species across 5 years in the Hengduan Mountains of southwest China. First, we evaluated the influence of a comprehensive set of floral traits, including both those related to attractiveness (flower color and shape) and rewards (pollen, sugar ratio, nectar volume, sugar concentration, and amino acid content) on resource partitioning at the species level in bumblebee-plant networks. Then, we explored intraspecific resource partitioning on the colony and individual levels. Our results suggest that bumblebee species differ substantially in their use of the available floral resources, and that this mainly depends on flower attractiveness (floral color and shape). Interestingly, we also detected floral resource partitioning at the colony level within all commonest bumblebee species evaluated. In general, floral resource partitioning between bumblebee individuals decreased with species- and individual-level variation in body size (intertegular span). These results suggest that bumblebee species may coexist via the flexibility in their preferences for specific floral traits, which filters up to support the co-occurrence of high numbers of species and individuals in this global hotspot of species richness.

Seasonal Dynamics of Epigeic Arthropods under the Conditions of Ecological Management of the Triticum aestivum Crop

The policy of the European Union on land management promotes sustainable agriculture with an emphasis on the protection of biodiversity and the environment. Organic agriculture is the most appropriate alternative to ensure this common goal. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of factors such as pH, moisture, nitrogen potassium, phosphorus and grass herbaceous vegetation on the spatial structure of epigeic arthropods during the spring and summer seasons under organic farming conditions. Research took place between 2020 and 2022, and we recorded 14,988 individuals belonging to 16 taxa using pitfall traps. Between the years 2020 and 2022, we confirmed a decrease in the number of individuals and taxa of epigeic arthropods from the grass herbaceous vegetation to the interior of the field during the summer seasons. This decline was not confirmed in the spring seasons. Phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, moisture and pH factors also had a significant influence on the spatial structure of epigeic arthropods. Our results show that the higher number of individuals and taxa at the grass herbaceous vegetation occurred only during the summer period. This fact contributes to an increase in biomass and, consequently, the yield of crops.

Freshwater fish diversity from Siberut Island, a small island in the western part of Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Roesma DI, Tjong DH, Aidil DR, Prawira FDL, Saputra A. 2024. Freshwater fish diversity from Siberut Island, a small island in the western part of Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 836-845. Indonesia is an archipelagic country with thousands of islands, including small islands with a variety of biodiversity, such as freshwater fish. Data and information on the fish biodiversity of small islands in the western part of Sumatra are limited, including Siberut Island. A study on freshwater fish diversity in Siberut Island was carried out using morphological and molecular methods. The study was conducted on seven rivers in the North and South Siberut Districts, Siberut Island. The study obtained 676 individuals, including 34 species, 26 genera, 16 families, and 10 orders. Oxudecidae is the family with the largest species (8), and Rasbora jacobsoni has the highest number of individuals (341). Species richness ranged from 2 to 18 species per site and was highest in the Srilanggai River. Siberut Island has low-moderate freshwater fish diversity. As many as 90 DNA barcodes of individuals from 34 species have been submitted to the Barcode of Life Data System. Freshwater fish groups do not receive enough attention from local communities and the government because of the richness of marine fish on Siberut Island. Apart from functioning as evidence of species richness, the results of this study are also useful for local communities' education.

Composition of soil mesofauna in changing cropping systems due to urbanization in Bengaluru, India.

The study focused on the composition of soil mesofauna within changing cropping systems influenced by urbanization in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India during the rabi season of 2020 (October)-2021 (February). Four major cropping systems, namely pulses (red gram), vegetables (tomato and ridge gourd), horticulture (grapes and chickoo), and agriculture + horticulture crops, (coconut + fodder plantation), were examined across urban, peri-urban, and rural zones in Bengaluru. The research uncovered a total of 714 individuals belonging to 16 different soil mesofauna taxa among the crops studied. Collembolans were found to be the most abundant members of the mesofauna community, with mites following closely. In terms of population dynamics, the highest mesofauna population was observed in December 2020, totaling 248 individuals, while the lowest count was recorded in February 2021, with 104 individuals. Among the crops studied, the highest number of individuals was found in Horticulture systems, with 277 individuals, closely followed by the Agri + horticulture cropping system, which had 158 individuals. When considering the geographical zones, the highest number of individuals was recorded in the urban zones, with 270 individuals, followed by peri-urban areas with 229 individuals, and the rural zone had the lowest count, totaling 225 individuals. From the results, less disturbed soil environment in horticulture cropping system, post-monsoon conditions in December (2020), and the urban heat in urban zone appeared to favor the proliferation of soil mesofauna.

The importance of soil seed banks for biodiversity restoration in degraded grasslands

To effectively restore species and habitat diversity in poorly managed degraded grasslands, it is important to understand the relationship between the soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation. Our study aimed to describe changes in soil seed bank composition compared to aboveground vegetation under two ploughing regimes (annual and single ploughing) of narrow strips on the edges of artificially grassed old fields in Podyjí National Park, the Czech Republic. We used the seed germination method, multivariate analyses and Kruskal–Wallis tests to compare differences in the proportion of species and individual numbers in the soil seed bank based on the origin of species (native species, archaeophytes, neophytes) and their habitat preferences (segetal, ruderal, grassland, endangered species) in two types of grasslands with varying soil moisture content. The highest numbers of individuals were present in annually ploughed dry grasslands whereas single ploughing in mesic grasslands resulted in greater species diversity. Ploughing increased the numbers of seedlings of all groups and promoted archaeophytes, grassland specialists, native species and ruderals in dry grasslands whereas mesic grasslands hosted segetal specialists and neophytes. Threatened plants and invasive species rarely emerged from the soil seed bank. The study also revealed the highest similarity between the soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation in annually ploughed plots. It gradually decreased during vegetation succession in the single ploughed variants. Whereas annual ploughing supported segetal specialists, single ploughing promoted grassland species in dry habitats. Neither type of ploughing can be recommended in mesic grasslands because of the risk of inducing the spread of expansive ruderals or invasive neophytes.

FLORISTIC AND PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF THE SQUARES IN THE CITY OF SANTARÉM, PARÁ

The vegetation composition in green areas plays an important role in obtaining ecosystem benefits within these spaces. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize the floristic and phytosociological composition of the tree canopy in the squares of Santarém, Pará. To achieve this, a floristic survey was conducted in 38 squares, considering trees with a height greater than 1.5 m. Taxonomic and phytogeographical information of the trees was identified, and phytosociological parameters such as frequency (AF and RF), density (AD and RD), dominance (ADo and ADr), cover value index (CVI), importance value index (IVI), and Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') were evaluated. A total of 686 trees were identified, with 54.60% of them being native species of Brazil and 45.40% exotic to the country. The Fabaceae family stood out with the highest number of species (19), while Anacardiaceae had the highest number of individuals (219). The species with the highest Af and Rf were Mangifera indica (78.95 - 14.71%) and Moquilea tomentosa (43.74 - 8.33%), and for Da and Dr, Mangifera indica (10.51 - 27.16 ind/ha) and Azadirachta indica (4.72 - 12.21 ind/ha) were prominent. In terms of DoA and DoR, Mangifera indica (7.85 - 48.48 m2/ha) and Spondias mombin (1.67-10.32 m2/ha) were highlighted. In IVI, M. indica also stood out (90.34%). The overall H' for the squares was 2.85, with Parque da Cidade (2.85) and Jati (2.23) squares being the most prominent. Only two squares showed moderate to high diversity (H' > 2.22). The floristic composition is predominantly composed of exotic individuals (54.60%), especially the species M. indica.

The effect of repeated measurements and within-individual variance on the estimation of heritability: a simulation study

The estimation of heritability is a common practice in the field of ecology and evolution. Heritability of the traits is often estimated using one single measurement per individual, although many traits (especially behavioural and physiological traits) are characterized by large within-individual variance, and ideally a large number of within individual measurements can be obtained. Importantly, the effect of the within-individual variance and the rate at which this variance is sampled on the estimation of heritability has not been thoroughly tested. We fill this gap of knowledge with a simulation study, and assess the effect of within- and between-individual sample size, and the true value of the variance components on the estimation of heritability. In line with previous studies we found that the accuracy and precision of heritability estimation increased with sample size and accuracy with higher values of additive genetic variance. When the sample size was above 500 accuracy and power of heritability estimates increased in the models including repeated measurements, especially when within-individual variance was high. We thus suggest to use a sample of more than 100 individuals and to include more than two repeated measurements per individual in the models to improve estimation when investigating heritability of labile traits.Significance statementHeritability reflects the part of the trait’s phenotypic variation underlined by genetic variation. Despite the difficulties of heritability calculation (high number of individuals is needed with known relatedness), it is a widely used measure in evolutionary studies. However, not every factor potentially affecting the quality of heritability estimation is well understood. We thus investigated with a comprehensive simulation study how the number of repeated measurements per individuals and the amount of within-individual variation influence the goodness of heritability estimation. We found that although the previously described effect of the number of studied individuals was the most important, including repeated measurements also improved the reliability of the heritability estimates, especially when within-individual variation was high. Our results thus highlight the importance of including repeated measurements when investigating the heritability of highly plastic traits, such as behavioural or physiological traits.