scholarly journals Human encroachment into wildlife gut microbiomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Fackelmann ◽  
Mark A. F. Gillingham ◽  
Julian Schmid ◽  
Alexander Christoph Heni ◽  
Kerstin Wilhelm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Fragmentation ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Anthropogenic Disturbances ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Domesticated Animals ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Fragmented Forest ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
Per Se ◽  
The One

AbstractIn the Anthropocene, humans, domesticated animals, wildlife, and their environments are interconnected, especially as humans advance further into wildlife habitats. Wildlife gut microbiomes play a vital role in host health. Changes to wildlife gut microbiomes due to anthropogenic disturbances, such as habitat fragmentation, can disrupt natural gut microbiota homeostasis and make animals vulnerable to infections that may become zoonotic. However, it remains unclear whether the disruption to wildlife gut microbiomes is caused by habitat fragmentation per se or the combination of habitat fragmentation with additional anthropogenic disturbances, such as contact with humans, domesticated animals, invasive species, and their pathogens. Here, we show that habitat fragmentation per se does not impact the gut microbiome of a generalist rodent species native to Central America, Tome’s spiny rat Proechimys semispinosus, but additional anthropogenic disturbances do. Indeed, compared to protected continuous and fragmented forest landscapes that are largely untouched by other human activities, the gut microbiomes of spiny rats inhabiting human-disturbed fragmented landscapes revealed a reduced alpha diversity and a shifted and more dispersed beta diversity. Their microbiomes contained more taxa associated with domesticated animals and their potential pathogens, suggesting a shift in potential metagenome functions. On the one hand, the compositional shift could indicate a degree of gut microbial adaption known as metagenomic plasticity. On the other hand, the greater variation in community structure and reduced alpha diversity may signal a decline in beneficial microbial functions and illustrate that gut adaption may not catch up with anthropogenic disturbances, even in a generalist species with large phenotypic plasticity, with potentially harmful consequences to both wildlife and human health.

scholarly journals Habitat Fragmentation Increases Overall Richness, but Not of Habitat-Dependent Species

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan Chetcuti ◽  
William E. Kunin ◽  
James M. Bullock
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Fragmentation ◽  
Land Cover ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Beta Diversity ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Gamma Diversity ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Per Se

Debate rages as to whether habitat fragmentation leads to the decline of biodiversity once habitat loss is accounted for. Previous studies have defined fragmentation variously, but research needs to address “fragmentation per se,” which excludes confounding effects of habitat loss. Our study controls for habitat area and employs a mechanistic multi-species simulation to explore processes that may lead some species groups to be more or less sensitive to fragmentation per se. Our multi-land-cover, landscape-scale, individual-based model incorporates the movement of generic species, each with different land cover preferences. We investigate how fragmentation per se changes diversity patterns; within (alpha), between (beta) and across (gamma) patches of a focal-land-cover, and if this differs among species groups according to their specialism and dependency on this focal-land-cover. We defined specialism as the increased competitive ability of specialists in suitable habitat and decreased ability in less suitable land covers compared to generalist species. We found fragmentation per se caused an increase in gamma diversity in the focal-land-cover if we considered all species regardless of focal-land-cover preference. However, critically for conservation, the gamma diversity of species for whom the focal land cover is suitable habitat declined under fragmentation per se. An exception to this finding occurred when these species were specialists, who were unaffected by fragmentation per se. In general, focal-land-cover species were under pressure from the influx of other species, with fragmentation per se leading to a loss of alpha diversity not compensated for by increases in beta diversity and, therefore, gamma diversity fell. The specialist species, which were more competitive, were less affected by the influx of species and therefore alpha diversity decreased less with fragmentation per se and beta diversity compensated for this loss, meaning gamma diversity did not decrease. Our findings help to inform the fragmentation per se debate, showing that effects on biodiversity can be negative or positive, depending on species’ competitive abilities and dependency on the fragmented land cover. Such differences in the effect of fragmentation per se would have important consequences for conservation. Focusing conservation efforts on reducing or preventing fragmentation in areas with species vulnerable to fragmentation.

Habitat fragmentation causes collapse of kelp recruitment

2020 ◽  
Vol 648 ◽  
pp. 111-123
Author(s):  
C Layton ◽  
MJ Cameron ◽  
M Tatsumi ◽  
V Shelamoff ◽  
JT Wright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Fragmentation ◽  
Patch Size ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Anthropogenic Disturbances ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Kelp Forests ◽  
Natural Disturbances ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Turf Algae

Kelp forests in many regions are experiencing disturbance from anthropogenic sources such as ocean warming, pollution, and overgrazing. Unlike natural disturbances such as storms, anthropogenic disturbances often manifest as press perturbations that cause persistent alterations to the environment. One consequence is that some kelp forests are becoming increasingly sparse and fragmented. We manipulated patch size of the kelp Ecklonia radiata over 24 mo to simulate persistent habitat fragmentation and assessed how this influenced the demography of macro- and microscopic juvenile kelp within the patches. At the beginning of the experiment, patch formation resulted in short-term increases in E. radiata recruitment in patches <1 m2. However, recruitment collapsed in those same patches over the extended period, with no recruits observed after 15 mo. Experimental transplants of microscopic and macroscopic juvenile sporophytes into the patches failed to identify the life stage impacted by the reductions in patch size, indicating that the effects may be subtle and require extended periods to manifest, and/or that another life stage is responsible. Abiotic measurements within the patches indicated that kelp were less able to engineer the sub-canopy environment in smaller patches. In particular, reduced shading of the sub-canopy in smaller patches was associated with proliferation of sediments and turf algae, which potentially contributed to the collapse of recruitment. We demonstrate the consequences of short- and longer-term degradation of E. radiata habitats and conclude that habitat fragmentation can lead to severe disruptions to kelp demography.

The Problem of the Typology of Rationality in Muslim Culture

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 88-99
Author(s):  
Andrey A. Lukashev
Keyword(s):  
Modern Philosophy ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
The Other ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Islamic Culture ◽  
The Common ◽  
Per Se ◽  
The One ◽  
Muslim Culture

The typology of rationality is one of major issues of modern philosophy. In an attempt to provide a typology to Oriental materials, a researcher faces additional problems. The diversity of the Orient as such poses a major challenge. When we say “Oriental,” we mean several cultures for which we cannot find a common denominator. The concept of “Orient” involves Arabic, Indian, Chinese, Turkish and other cultures, and the only thing they share is that they are “non-Western.” Moreover, even if we focus just on Islamic culture and look into rationality in this context, we have to deal with a conglomerate of various trends, which does not let us define, with full confidence, a common theoretical basis and treat them as a unity. Nevertheless, we have to go on trying to find common directions in thought development, so as to draw conclusions about types of rationality possible in Islamic culture. A basis for such a typology of rationality in the context of the Islamic world was recently suggested in A.V. Smirnov’s logic of sense theory. However, actual empiric material cannot always fit theoretical models, and the cases that do not fit the common scheme are interesting per se. On the one hand, examination of such cases gives an opportunity to specify certain provisions of the theory and, on the other hand, to define the limits of its applicability.

The role of iron homeostasis in adipocyte metabolism

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wan Ma ◽  
Li Jia ◽  
Qingqing Xiong ◽  
Yunfei Feng ◽  
Huahua Du
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Iron Homeostasis ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Physiological Functions ◽  
The One

Iron plays a vital role in the metabolism of adipose tissue. On the one hand, iron is essential for differentiation, endocrine, energy supply and other physiological functions of adipocyte. Iron...

scholarly journals Multiple bacteria associated with the more dysbiotic genitourinary microbiomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Zha ◽  
Fengping Liu ◽  
Zongxin Ling ◽  
Kevin Chang ◽  
Jiezuan Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Amplicon Sequencing ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Beta Glucosidase

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) influences the human health and can cause significant illnesses. The genitourinary microbiome profiles in the T2DM patients remain poorly understood. In the current study, a series of bioinformatic and statistical analyses were carried out to determine the multiple bacteria associated with the more dysbiotic genitourinary microbiomes (i.e., those with lower dysbiosis ratio) in T2DM patients, which were sequenced by Illumina-based 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. All the genitourinary microbiomes from 70 patients with T2DM were clustered into three clusters of microbiome profiles, i.e., Cluster_1_T2DM, Cluster_2_T2DM and Cluster_3_T2DM, with Cluster_3_T2DM at the most dysbiotic genitourinary microbial status. The three clustered T2DM microbiomes were determined with different levels of alpha diversity indices, and driven by distinct urinalysis variables. OTU12_Clostridiales and OTU28_Oscillospira were likely to drive the T2DM microbiomes to more dysbiotic status, while OTU34_Finegoldia could play a vital role in maintaining the least dysbiotic T2DM microbiome (i.e., Cluster_1_T2DM). The functional metabolites K08300_ribonuclease E, K01223_6-phospho-beta-glucosidase and K00029_malate dehydrogenase (oxaloacetate-decarboxylating) (NADP+) were most associated with Cluster_1_T2DM, Cluster_2_T2DM and Cluster_3_T2DM, respectively. The characteristics and multiple bacteria associated with the more dysbiotic genitourinary microbiomes in T2DM patients may help with the better diagnosis and management of genitourinary dysbiosis in T2DM patients.

scholarly journals Investigation of an Electrostatic Discharge Protective Biodegradable Packaging Foam in the Logistic Chain

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ákos Mojzes ◽  
Barnabás Tóth ◽  
Péter Csavajda
Keyword(s):  
Electrostatic Discharge ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Thermoplastic Starch ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Packaging Materials ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Packaging System ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
The One

Abstract Since the beginning of the 20th century, logistics has undergone a huge technological development, which has, however, resulted in many negative effects as well. The industry, particularly in the packaging industry has been a massive waste producer, although recently it has forced the use of new materials and it started to focus on environmentally friendly technologies. During the transportation of finished and semi-finished Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) sensitive products, the product packaging system has a vital role. These kind of packaging materials must be suitable to both logistic (protection against mechanical and environmental stresses) and special ESD protection requirements. During the transportation of printed-circuit electronic products, ESD defense is then of primary significance. However there is a huge disadvantage for the use of various shield bags. Namely, this kind of associated packaging is particularly pollutant, it causes a lot of inconvenience in the form of waste. In order to rule out these materials from the packaging system, new innovative solutions have to be found. The investigated TPS (thermoplastic starch biodegradable foam) is subjected to a validation, a long process to certify that this material unites properties of two types of packaging materials at the same time. On the one hand, this packaging foam has to meet the requirements product defense. On the other hand, the material must be anti-static under the logistic stress effects. In case it is found suitable, it can be an alternative of the conventional materials. In this article, we investigate the ESD characteristic of TPS foam. As this material sensitive for environmental parameters during transportation, we make the relevant Surface Resistance (Rs) tests on different temperature and humidity conditions. Based on result, the decision of the application can be done, as an ESD packaging material.

scholarly journals Gottfried Benn und die doppelte Staatsgründung 1949 – zu ausgewählten Prämissen seines schwierigen Verhältnisses zu Staat an sich und zum bundesdeutschen (Teil-)Staat

2017 ◽  
pp. 263-276
Author(s):  
Maciej Walkowiak
Keyword(s):  
Vital Role ◽  
The State ◽  
West Germany ◽  
Philosophy Of Art ◽  
Complex Relation ◽  
Gottfried Benn ◽  
Political Reality ◽  
History Of ◽  
The One ◽  
Literary Fame

The paper is mainly concerned with Gottfried Benn’s complex attitude to the state and history. By means of introductory prefigurations, such as existential tensions related to the conflict between Protestant ethics and modern aesthetics, there emerges Benn’s difficult and complex relation to the state as such, seen as a product of history, and to its particular examples, starting from the Second Reich until the initial phase of West Germany. Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy, and in particular the philosophy of art, is of great importance in this context. This issue is discussed using Benn’s key works such as Roman des Phänotyp or Doppelleben. Benn’s literary and life self-creations played a vital role in his relations with the political reality and the state, which is discussed at the end of this analysis. His ambivalent relation to early West Germany has a strong biographical basis, i.e. his involvement with the history of the Nazi Germany on the one hand, and on the other – the period of his literary fame at the end of his life.

scholarly journals The Evolving Interplay between Islam and Politics: From Islamist to Islamic Democrat

ICR Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 154-164
Author(s):  
Waqas Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Vital Role ◽  
The Other ◽  
Political Movements ◽  
Islam And Politics ◽  
Muslim Countries ◽  
The World ◽  
Inclusive Approach ◽  
Democratic Parties ◽  
The One ◽  
Democratic Elections

Islam is unique in its relationship with politics. It plays a vital role in politics and governance, initially under the Rashidun and subsequently in many Muslim empires. The collapse of the Ottoman caliphate in 1924 and the process of decolonisation which started in the mid-twentieth-century led to the start of many Islamic political movements in newly independent Muslim countries. These movements now sit at a critical juncture, with Muslims around the world being polarised around two political extremes. On the one hand, we have Islamic radical groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, while on the other hand we have secular parties which do not see any role for Islam in politics and governance in Muslim countries. In response, many traditional Islamist parties are now evolving into Muslim democratic parties. Unlike Islamists, Muslim democrats take a more inclusive approach, preferring to integrate Islamic religious values into political platforms designed to win regular democratic elections. The Ennahda Party of Tunisia is one Muslim party that reflects this evolution. R. Ghannouchi, who outlined Ennahdas transition, has argued that Tunisians today are less concerned about Islamisation or secularisationthan with building a democratic government that is inclusive and meets their aspirations for a better life. This paper is an attempt to investigate this shift and its consequences for Islamism across the Muslim world.

scholarly journals An Absolute, Liberal Monument: Investigating the Potential of Group Renovation for Cohousing in Wellington's Inner-City Suburbs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Katherine Jane Walker
Keyword(s):  
Inner City ◽  
Housing Stock ◽  
Social Situation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Alternative Housing ◽  
Research Through Design ◽  
Physical Form ◽  
Design Case Study ◽  
The One

<p>Increasingly divergent housing needs together with dilapidated housing stock requires us to consider upgrading many inner-city suburban areas. Renovations to individual dwellings rarely take advantage of the opportunity to develop density, maximize the use of green space, pool economic and social resources, and to share costly but necessary infrastructural changes while retaining or reinvigorating neighbourhood character. The rhetoric of the Moderns and their attitude to buildings of character is still with us, to the detriment of the suburban realm. Attempts to address these concerns have resulted in reductive, generic, commodified space that allows little scope for flexible use by different social groupings.  By tracing Denise-Scott Brown’s canonical arguments regarding the place of social sensitivity through the work of contemporary architects Pier Vittorio Aureli and Alexander D’Hooghe, together with investigation of how shared domestic space can be ordered, bounded and framed for a variety of heterogeneous privacies, a built proposition which adds to the formal quality of the inner-city suburbs is developed. This new kind of integrated, shared dwelling can be viewed as a Rossian monument, at once an embodiment of the ‘idea of the city’ as well as discrete, absolute, architectural product allowing the inhabitants as individuals or households a space which can be taken ownership of in a liberal spirit.  This thesis elaborates upon discussions between too-often separated realms of discourse that Scott-Brown identified: that of physical form generation on the one hand, and social aims on the other. By using architectural research through design, a proposition for an alternative housing model is proposed. The specific formal and social situation of the building stock under examination form a point of departure alongside recent trends in alternative dwelling arrangements. The point is made that there is a vital role for the place of design in the housing market as a way to shape and redefine statistical analysis of living styles and standards.  The design case study is an example of a specific proposition which, rather than being a replicable typology, is an example of the kinds of choices that should be available to suit current demographic changes and social desires.</p>

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