The winding path towards symbiotic autonomous systems

Over the next 10 years, we are likely to see the convergence of two independent evolutionary paths: one leading to an augmentation of machine capabilities; the other with the augmentation of human capabilities. This convergence will not happen at a specific point in time; instead, it will be the result of progressive overlapping, to the point that it might be difficult to identify a defining moment. The following decade will likely be quite different from the present one. 5G will probably be remembered as a transitional system, artificial intelligence (AI) as a misplaced objective. We are looking forward to a communications fabric created by autonomous systems that will exist both in the physical world as well as in cyberspace, determining a continuum that gives rise to digital reality and where intelligence is an emerging property of the ambient. Hence, the dichotomy between AI and natural intelligence will no longer exist and AI will be considered as a tool for human augmentation and as the glue connecting minds and machines. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Towards symbiotic autonomous systems’.

Meiofaunal Dynamics and Heterogeneity along Salinity and Trophic Gradients in a Mediterranean Transitional System

The spatiotemporal variation in meiofaunal assemblages were investigated for the first time in the Cabras Lagoon, the largest transitional system in the Sardinian Island (W-Mediterranean Sea). Two main environmental (salinity and trophic) gradients highlighted a significant separation of the three study sites across the lagoon, which were consistent through time. The environmental variability and habitat heterogeneity of the Cabras Lagoon influenced the meiofauna. In particular, salinity and dissolved oxygen, primarily, shaped the meiofaunal assemblage structure at the seaward site which was significantly different from both the riverine and the organically enriched sites. On the other hand, the trophic components (e.g., organic matter, Chlorophyll-a, and phaeopigments) and the different degrees of confinement and saprobity among sites were the secondary factors contributing mostly to the separation between the latter two sites. The lack of significant differences in the temporal comparison of the meiofaunal assemblage structure along with the very low contribution of temperature to the meiofaunal ordination indicated that this assemblage was more affected by spatial rather than by temporal variation. This pattern was also supported by significant differences between the three sites in several univariate measures, including total number of individuals, number of taxa, Pielou’s evenness, and the ratio between nematodes and copepods. Thus, the present study corroborates the hypothesis that meiofaunal organisms are good indicators of the spatial heterogeneity in transitional waters (TWs) and could have a greater species richness than that expected. Indeed, the Cabras Lagoon overall showed one of the highest meiofaunal richness values found from both Mediterranean and European TWs.

Chemical abundances in the metal-intermediate GC NGC 6723

ABSTRACT We have performed a detailed spectral analysis of the inner halo Galactic globular cluster (GC) NGC 6723 using high-resolution (R${\approx }$ 22 000–48 000) spectra for for 11 red giant branch stars collected with MIKE (Magellan) and FEROS (MPG/ESO). This globular is located at the minimum of the bimodal metallicity distribution of GCs, which suggests that it might be an excellent transitional system between metal-intermediate and metal-rich GCs. In spite of its metal-intermediate status, it is characterized by an extended horizontal branch and by a large number of RR Lyrae stars. We investigated abundances of a variety of species, including light, $\alpha$-, Fe-peak, and neutron-capture elements. We found a mean metallicity ${}[\mathrm{Fe/H}]=-0.93 \pm 0.05$ dex and typical $\alpha$-enrichment (${}[\alpha /\mathrm{Fe}] \approx 0.39$) that follows the trend of metal-poor and metal-intermediate GCs. The same outcome applies for light metals (Na, Al), Fe-peak (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) and s/r-process elements (Ba, Eu), and for the classical anticorrelation: Na–O and Mg–Al. The current findings further support the evidence that the chemical enrichment of NGC 6723 is more in line with metal-intermediate GCs and their lower metallicity counterparts, and it does not bring forward the prodrome of the metal-rich regime.

Agenda Topics for Sustainability of Mexican Coasts and Oceans

This book must be considered, as a representative thematic synthesis for understanding the dynamics of a transitional system, great heterogeneity of habitats and associated high biodiversity, ranging from the lower basin of rivers, wetlands, lagoons-estuaries, estuarine plume and adjacent marine areas. It is a document of analysis on the interrelations and connectivities of this great ecological mosaic, strongly influenced by natural variables, processes and coastal cycles that condition its functional structure; but also on the presence and intervention of activities socio-economic, energy trends, and global changes. Topics leading to reflection on the environmental sustainability of coastal development and management needs for integrated management.