Understanding expressive ensemble singing through acoustics

A valuable body of research utilizes the study of acoustics to explore the combined sonic output of vocal ensembles and the processes and vocal contributions of individual voices within an ensemble. This chapter focuses on specific acoustic features that can be measured in the acoustic signal and contribute to expressive ensemble performance, including: intonation, vibrato, intensity, and timbre. The different methodological approaches to acoustics research for singing ensemble performance are discussed, alongside their context and relevance in understanding the importance of these features from a more holistic perspective. In light of the development of digital technologies, new approaches arise that address the complexities of analyzing multiple voices, spanning from synthesis-based studies to more ecological experiments. The implications for this corpus of research to influence practice and decision-making in performance are highlighted alongside the opportunities for more performers to lead research in this area, facilitated through increasingly accessible technology.

Multi-omics analyses on Kandelia obovata reveal its response to transplanting and genetic differentiation among populations

Background Restoration through planting is the dominant strategy to conserve mangrove ecosystems. However, many of the plantations fail to survive. Site and seeding selection matters for planting. The process of afforestation, where individuals were planted in a novel environment, is essentially human-controlled transplanting events. Trying to deepen and expand the understanding of the effects of transplanting on plants, we have performed a seven-year-long reciprocal transplant experiment on Kandelia obovata along a latitudinal gradient. Results Combined phenotypic analyses and next-generation sequencing, we found phenotypic discrepancies among individuals from different populations in the common garden and genetic differentiation among populations. The central population with abundant genetic diversity and high phenotypic plasticity had a wide plantable range. But its biomass was reduced after being transferred to other latitudes. The suppressed expression of lignin biosynthesis genes revealed by RNA-seq was responsible for the biomass reduction. Moreover, using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we observed modification of DNA methylation in MADS-box genes that involved in the regulation of flowering time, which might contribute to the adaptation to new environments. Conclusions Taking advantage of classical ecological experiments as well as multi-omics analyses, our work observed morphology differences and genetic differentiation among different populations of K. obovata, offering scientific advice for the development of restoration strategy with long-term efficacy, also explored phenotypic, transcript, and epigenetic responses of plants to transplanting events between latitudes.

Fungus–bacterium associations are widespread in fungal cultures isolated from a semi-arid natural grassland in Germany

ABSTRACT We report on a study that aimed at establishing a large soil–fungal culture collection spanning a wide taxonomic diversity and systematically screening the collection for bacterial associations. Fungal cultures were isolated from soil samples obtained from a natural grassland in eastern Germany and bacterial associations were assessed by PCR-amplification and sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA. In addition, intraspecies genetic diversities of a subset of the isolated species were estimated by double-digest restriction associated DNA sequencing. A total of 688 fungal cultures, representing at least 106 fungal species from 36 different families, were obtained and even though clonal isolates were identified in almost all fungal species subjected to ddRAD-seq, relatively high genetic diversities could be observed in some of the isolated species. A total of 69% of the fungal isolates in our collection were found to be associated with bacteria and the most commonly identified bacterial genera were Pelomonas, Enterobacter and Burkholderia. Our results indicate that bacterial associations commonly occur in soil fungi, even if antibiotics are being applied during the isolation process, and provide a basis for the use of our culture collection in ecological experiments that want to acknowledge the importance of intraspecies genetic diversity.

The Experimental “Venus Project” by Jacque Fresco and Roxanne Meadows: Reality or Utopia

In this paper, in addition to considering the interaction of the three segments: experiment, power and society, we raise the issue of establishing a meaningful relationship between ecological experiments and the benefits or consequences of them. Technological knowledge and ecological practice do not always merge in the intention of creating the desired reality. But this is not the case with the "Venus Project” by the American inventor Jacque Fresco, where the interests of ecologists to preserve and sustain the environment are in fact the experiment's foundations.The paper will discuss the "Venus Project” which by the intelligent and humane application of technology is trying to preserve and sustain the environment and the future of the planet Earth. To this end, Jacque Fresco proposes a draft plan acceptable to all nations on a global scale, based on the renewable capacities and resources on the planet, on the actual needs of all residents equally, and on technology and science in the service of man and the planet.The question that this paper poses is whether this project based on reasonable use of natural resources and development of sustainable economy, is utopia or a viable concept.

The amount of lichen secondary metabolites in Cladonia foliacea (Cladoniaceae, lichenised Ascomycota)

The terricolous species Cladonia foliacea (Cladoniaceae, lichenised Ascomycota) widely distributed in open, dry lowland steppe and rocky mountain grassland vegetation in Europe was chosen as a potential test organism for ecological experiments, since their thalli are producing cortical solar radiation-protective and UV screening pigment dibenzofuran usnic acid and medullary secondary substance depsidone fumarprotocetraric acid. Significant seasonal differences were found in the amounts of lichen secondary metabolites analysed by HPTLC and HPLC-PDA between summer and winter collected thalli in sandy grassland area in Hungary. The concentrations of usnic acid varied between 7.34 and 15.52 mg/g in summer collected samples and 13.90 and 21.61 mg/g in winter collected ones. A comparable amount (11.61±0.29 mg/g) was measured in pulverised samples. The concentrations of fumarprotocetraric acid varied between 0.60 and 3.01 mg/g in summer collected samples and 2.26 and 5.81 mg/g in winter collected thalli. A comparable amount (2.45±0.21 mg/g) was found in pulverised samples. The range of concentration values is comparable with data known from lichens. A higher amount of usnic acid is produced in winter probably to ensure sufficient protection also for summer. The fumarprotocetraric acid content of the medulla might contribute to the solar irradiation reflecting role of the pale lower surface lobes turning upwards in dry condition.