scholarly journals Near-Term Changes to Reach Scale Habitat Features Following Headwater Stream Restoration in a Southeastern Massachusetts Former Cranberry Bog

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 235
Author(s):  
Sean T. McCanty ◽  
Thomas F. Dimino ◽  
Alan D. Christian
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Habitat Diversity ◽  
Functional Change ◽  
Stream Habitat ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Near Term

Land use changes remain one of the leading global change drivers leading to biodiversity loss in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Restoration aims to counteract the development of “natural” (i.e., forested, grassland, or wetland) spaces that alter and fragment the landscape and reduce local biodiversity through direct impacts to the water column and indirect impacts which inhibit adult dispersal of aquatic insects. This case study seeks to determine if a large-scale restoration of a former cranberry bog in Plymouth, MA has resulted in near-term measurable changes to the composition, structure, and function of local-scale in-stream habitat diversity. A three-year observational field study beginning one year prior to reconstruction was conducted at the restored cranberry bog and at two control treatment sites: an active cranberry bog reference and a least impacted reference (i.e., has never been used for modern agriculture). Seasonal inventories of in-stream habitat features including depth, substrate, macrohabitat, and in-stream cover were taken from 2015 to 2017. We found that 2 years post-restoration, there was no significant evidence of compositional or functional change, while there was a significant increase in structural diversity. There is reason to suspect the system is still in flux and longer-term monitoring may detect future habitat heterogeneity alterations.

Large-scale freshwater habitat features influence the degree of anadromy in eight Hood Canal Oncorhynchus mykiss populations

2013 ◽  
Vol 70 (5) ◽  
pp. 756-765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry A. Berejikian ◽  
Lance A. Campbell ◽  
Megan E. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Oncorhynchus Mykiss ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Stream Habitat ◽  
Olympic Peninsula ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Freshwater Streams ◽  
Hood Canal ◽  
Anadromous Migration

Juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss maternity was determined from otolith strontium:calcium ratios to investigate the degree of anadromy in eight freshwater streams draining to a common fjord. The percentages of O. mykiss parr produced by anadromous females ranged from an annual average of 41.3% (Hamma Hamma River) to 100% (Dewatto River). The proportion of stream habitat available to resident O. mykiss upstream of barriers to anadromous migration explained a significant portion of the variability in maternal life history below barrier falls and was included in each of the five logistic regression models with the lowest AIC scores. Transitional hydrologic profiles, low mean annual temperatures and high mean annual stream flow, common to Olympic Peninsula streams, were each associated with greater proportions of offspring from resident females. Only 2 out of 234 parr from the lowland, rain-driven, low-flow streams of the Kitsap Peninsula were produced by resident females. Thus, large-scale habitat features, and primarily the presence or absence of resident populations above natural barriers to anadromous migration, appeared to shape the degree of anadromy among populations.

scholarly journals Twenty-Three Years of Land-Use Changes Induced Considerable Threats to the Main Wetlands of Sardinia and Sicily (Italy) along the Mediterranean Bird Flyways

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 240
Author(s):  
Alessandro Ferrarini ◽  
Marco Gustin ◽  
Claudio Celada
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Global Level ◽  
Natura 2000 Network ◽  
Stopover Sites ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Agricultural Areas

Biodiversity loss has multiple causes, but habitat degradation through land-use change is the predominant driver. We investigated the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network in preserving the main wetlands of the two largest islands of the Mediterranean region, whose conservation is critical for many avian species at European and global level, in a 23-year period (1990–2012). In Sardinia, the surroundings of 22 wetlands were affected by an increase in artificial areas (+64 ha/year) and decrease in agricultural (−54 ha/year) and natural (−17 ha/year) ones. In Sicily, the surroundings of 16 wetlands were impacted by an increase in agricultural areas (+50 ha/year) and decrease in natural and semi-natural ones (−62 ha/year). Results show that the Natura 2000 policies were effective in preserving wetlands (no shrinkages detected in both regions), but their surroundings experienced intense processes of degradation and artificialization in all the sub-periods considered (1990–2000, 2000–2006, 2006–2012), whose effects are now threatening waterbirds and wetland integrity. The enlargement of the existing Natura 2000 sites, the creation of new ones and the speedup of the application of the rules of the Habitats and Birds Directives seem necessary to counteract the rapid land-use changes around these important stopover sites.

scholarly journals Effects of Vegetation Restoration on Soil Erosion on the Loess Plateau: A Case Study in the Ansai Watershed

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6266
Author(s):  
Hui Wei ◽  
Wenwu Zhao ◽  
Han Wang
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Loess Plateau ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Vegetation Restoration ◽  
The Loess Plateau ◽  
Local Soil ◽  
Erosion Environment

Large-scale vegetation restoration greatly changed the soil erosion environment in the Loess Plateau since the implementation of the “Grain for Green Project” (GGP) in 1999. Evaluating the effects of vegetation restoration on soil erosion is significant to local soil and water conservation and vegetation construction. Taking the Ansai Watershed as the case area, this study calculated the soil erosion modulus from 2000 to 2015 under the initial and current scenarios of vegetation restoration, using the Chinese Soil Loess Equation (CSLE), based on rainfall and soil data, remote sensing images and socio-economic data. The effect of vegetation restoration on soil erosion was evaluated by comparing the average annual soil erosion modulus under two scenarios among 16 years. The results showed: (1) vegetation restoration significantly changed the local land use, characterized by the conversion of farmland to grassland, arboreal land, and shrub land. From 2000 to 2015, the area of arboreal land, shrub land, and grassland increased from 19.46 km2, 19.43 km2, and 719.49 km2 to 99.26 km2, 75.97 km2, and 1084.24 km2; while the farmland area decreased from 547.90 km2 to 34.35 km2; (2) the average annual soil erosion modulus from 2000 to 2015 under the initial and current scenarios of vegetation restoration was 114.44 t/(hm²·a) and 78.42 t/(hm²·a), respectively, with an average annual reduction of 4.81 × 106 t of soil erosion amount thanks to the vegetation restoration; (3) the dominant soil erosion intensity changed from “severe and light erosion” to “moderate and light erosion”, vegetation restoration greatly improved the soil erosion environment in the study area; (4) areas with increased erosion and decreased erosion were alternately distributed, accounting for 48% and 52% of the total land area, and mainly distributed in the northwest and southeast of the watershed, respectively. Irrational land use changes in local areas (such as the conversion of farmland and grassland into construction land, etc.) and the ineffective implementation of vegetation restoration are the main reasons leading to the existence of areas with increased erosion.

Mistletoes in a changing world: a premonition of a non-analog future?

Botany ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (9) ◽  
pp. 479-488
Author(s):  
Francisco E. Fontúrbel
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Human Disturbances ◽  
Climate Change Effects ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Plant Animal Interactions ◽  
Changing World

Mistletoes are a group of flowering plants that have developed a parasitic lifeform through complex eco-evolutionary processes. Despite being considered a pest, mistletoes represent a keystone forest resource and are involved in complex plant–plant and plant–animal interactions. Their parasitic lifeform and specialized ecological interactions make mistletoes an ideal model with which to understand the effects of anthropogenic disturbances in a changing world. The accelerated growth of the human population has altered all ecosystems on Earth, leading to biodiversity loss. Land-use changes (involving habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation, and transformation processes) can alter the ecological scenario for mistletoe by altering hosts, mutualists, and nutrient cycling. Those changes may have large consequences at the community level, changing the spatial structure of mistletoes, as well as interaction effectiveness, facilitation process, interaction disruption, and novel interactions with invasive species, leading to non-analog communities in the long run. Furthermore, climate change effects operate on a global scale, enhancing the effects of land-use changes. As temperatures increase, many species would alter their distribution and phenology, potentially causing spatial and temporal mismatches. But more critical is the fact that water stress is likely to disrupt key ecological interactions. Thus, mistletoes can provide valuable insights for what we can expect in the future, as a result of human disturbances.

Cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenases in conifer genomes: discovery of members of the terpenoid oxygenase superfamily in spruce and pine

2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1209-1214 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Hamberger ◽  
J. Bohlmann
Keyword(s):  
Cytochrome P450 ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Expressed Sequence Tag ◽  
Resin Acid ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Resin Acids ◽  
Full Length Sequence ◽  
Diterpene Resin Acids

Diterpene resin acids, together with monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, are the most prominent defence chemicals in conifers. These compounds belong to the large group of structurally diverse terpenoids formed by enzymes known as terpenoid synthases. CYPs (cytochrome P450-dependent mono-oxygenases) can further increase the structural diversity of these terpenoids. While most terpenoids are characterized as specialized or secondary metabolites, some terpenoids, such as the phytohormones GA (gibberellic acid), BRs (brassinosteroids) and ABA (abscisic acid), have essential functions in plant growth and development. To date, very few CYP genes involved in conifer terpenoid metabolism have been functionally characterized and were limited to two systems, yew (Taxus) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). The characterized yew CYP genes are involved in taxol diterpene biosynthesis, while the only characterized pine terpenoid CYP gene is part of DRA (diterpene resin acid) biosynthesis. These CYPs from yew and pine are members of two apparently conifer-specific CYP families within the larger CYP85 clan, one of four plant CYP multifamily clans. Other CYP families within the CYP85 clan were characterized from a variety of angiosperms with functions in terpenoid phytohormone metabolism of GA, BR, and ABA. The recent development of EST (expressed sequence tag) and FLcDNA (where FL is full-length) sequence databases and cDNA collections for species of two conifers, spruce (Picea) and pine, allows for the discovery of new terpenoid CYPs in gymnosperms by means of large-scale sequence mining, phylogenetic analysis and functional characterization. Here, we present a snapshot of conifer CYP data mining, discovery of new conifer CYPs in all but one family within the CYP85 clan, and suggestions for their functional characterization. This paper will focus on the discovery of conifer CYPs associated with diterpene metabolism and CYP with possible functions in the formation of GA, BR, and ABA in conifers.

Statistical methods for unidirectional switch designs: Past, present, and future

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 2872-2882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhuozhao Zhan ◽  
Geertruida H de Bock ◽  
Edwin R van den Heuvel
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Sample Size Calculation ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Unified Framework ◽  
New Treatment

Clinical trials may apply or use a sequential introduction of a new treatment to determine its efficacy or effectiveness with respect to a control treatment. The reasons for choosing a particular switch design have different origins. For instance, they may be implemented for ethical or logistic reasons or for studying disease-modifying effects. Large-scale pragmatic trials with complex interventions often use stepped wedge designs (SWDs), where all participants start at the control group, and during the trial, the control treatment is switched to the new intervention at different moments. They typically use cross-sectional data and cluster randomization. On the other hand, new drugs for inhibition of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease typically use delayed start designs (DSDs). Here, participants start in a parallel group design and at a certain moment in the trial, (part of) the control group switches to the new treatment. The studies are longitudinal in nature, and individuals are being randomized. Statistical methods for these unidirectional switch designs (USD) are quite complex and incomparable, and they have been developed by various authors under different terminologies, model specifications, and assumptions. This imposes unnecessary barriers for researchers to compare results or choose the most appropriate method for their own needs. This paper provides an overview of past and current statistical developments for the USDs (SWD and DSD). All designs are formulated in a unified framework of treatment patterns to make comparisons between switch designs easier. The focus is primarily on statistical models, methods of estimation, sample size calculation, and optimal designs for estimation of the treatment effect. Other relevant open issues are being discussed as well to provide suggestions for future research in USDs.

SYNTHETIC PHEROMONES DISRUPT MALE DIORYCTRIA SPP. MOTHS IN A LOBLOLLY PINE SEED ORCHARD

2000 ◽  
Vol 132 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary L. DeBarr ◽  
James L. Hanula ◽  
Christine G. Niwa ◽  
John C. Nord
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Sex Pheromones ◽  
Mating Disruption ◽  
Seed Orchard ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Tetradecenyl Acetate ◽  
Lepidoptera Pyralidae ◽  
Trap Catches ◽  
Large Scale Tests

AbstractSynthetic sex pheromones released in a loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L. (Pinaceae), seed orchard interfered with the ability of male coneworm moths, Dioryctria Zeller spp. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), to locate traps baited with sex pheromones or live females. Pherocon 1C® traps baited with synthetic pheromones or live conspecific females were hung near the center of two 1.2-ha circular plots during emergence of Dioryctria amatella (Hulst), Dioryctria disclusa (Heinrich), and Dioryctria merkeli (Mutuura and Munroe). In a paired design, trap catches for the mating-disruption treatment with synthetic pheromone dispensers consisting of three polyvinyl chloride rods placed in every tree were compared with the control treatment. Treatments were alternated at intervals of 2–3 d. Trap catches of D. amatella were reduced by 91% when plots were treated with 2.5 g/ha of Z-11-hexadencenyl acetate. Catches were reduced by 99.5% for D. disclusa and by 97% for D. merkeli when plots were treated with 12.5 g/ha of Z-9-tetradecenyl acetate, whereas catches of D. amatella were unaffected by this mating-disruption treatment. Daily disappearance of Z-9-tetradecenyl acetate from the dispensers averaged 0.46 g/ha or less. Manually placing dispensers on nylon lines in the tops of trees was an effective method for releasing synthetic Dioryctria pheromones in the orchard. These data suggest it may be feasible to prevent mating of Dioryctria spp. in pine seed orchards by using synthetic pheromones for mating disruption, but large-scale tests will be required to demonstrate cone protection.

scholarly journals Addressing the Haze: The Role of Local Traditional Cultures and Islamic Teachings

ICR Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-100
Author(s):  
Shahino Mah Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Airborne Particles ◽  
Health Economy ◽  
Crop Growth Rate ◽  
The World ◽  
Related Mortality

The most frequent transboundary haze in the world takes place in Southeast Asia. It is usually caused by land-use changes, open burning, peat combustion, wildfires, and other farming activities. Serious haze occurred in 1983, 1997, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2016, originating from large-scale forest fires in western Sumatra and southern Kalimantan, Indonesia. It caused adverse effects to locals as well as neighbouring countries, affecting their health, economy, agriculture, and biodiversity. Among the serious effects of haze are increased respiratory-related mortality due to toxic airborne particles, jet crashs and ship collisions due to restricted visibility, reduction of crop growth rate due to limited solar radiation, and extinction of endangered primates due to habitat loss. Neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Singapore sometimes have to close schools to prevent people from being exposed to air pollution, and its consequent respiratory ailments.  

scholarly journals Sexual and vegetative propagation of the medicinal Mexican species Phyllonoma laticuspis (Phyllonomaceae)

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Ela Alcántara-Flores ◽  
Alicia Enriqueta Brechú-Franco ◽  
Angel Villegas-Monter ◽  
Guillermo Laguna-Hernández ◽  
Armando Gómez-Campos
Keyword(s):  
Vegetative Propagation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Seed Quality ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Indole Butyric Acid ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Air Layers ◽  
Dark Conditions

Phyllonoma laticuspis leaves are used in Carrizal de Bravo, Guerrero, Mexico, to heal skin lesions such as injuries and smallpox sequelae and to treat diabetes mellitus type 2, and organic extracts of these leaves have been reported to exert antibacterial effects. High demand of P. laticuspis as a medicinal plant has decreased its natural populations, and propagation of the species has not yet been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the vegetative propagation of the species through cutting and air layering, as well as its sexual propagation in a preserved population. For this, concentrations of 1 000, 4 000 and 6 000 ppm of a commercial root enhancer, with indole butyric acid (IBA), and a control treatment without IBA, were applied to the cuttings and air layers. Germination was evaluated under light and dark conditions using lots of freshly collected seeds and lots of seeds that had been stored for three months at 4 °C or 24 ± 2 °C. All experiments were performed in a completely randomized design. The cuttings did not develop roots in any concentration, whereas 100 % of the air layers rooted, displaying vigorous roots in the presence of 4 000 ppm IBA, after four month of treatment application. Regarding germination, more than 60 % of the freshly collected seeds germinated, whereas less than 20 % of the seeds stored at 4 °C, and close to 50 % of the seeds stored at 24 ± 2 °C germinated under light and dark conditions. No significant differences were observed between light and dark conditions, so they were categorized as indifferent photoblastic seeds. The observed moisture content of 13.5 % and germination behaviour as the response to cold storage, suggest that the resultant seed quality was intermediate. P. laticuspis propagation for short-term foliage production can be carried out in air layers, in populations with a high density of adult plants as a source of plant material and for the restoration of disturbed areas, in the same locality. On the other hand, large-scale seedling production, medium-term foliage production and preservation of species variability can be achieved using seeds.

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