Search Results (20,107)

Native bee communities in Arkansas remain poorly documented, particularly within fire-managed prairie ecosystems that provide critical habitat for pollinators. This study surveyed bee assemblages at two native prairie remnants in the Arkansas River Valley, one large (Cherokee Prairie Natural Area, CPNA) and one small urban fragment (Jewel Moore Nature Reserve, JMNR), both managed using prescribed fire. Using pan trapping, we recorded 599 individuals representing 96 species across 25 genera, including 49% singletons. Despite differences in size and landscape context, both prairies supported similarly rich bee communities per sample day, with JMNR and CPNA averaging 16.1 and 13.75 species, respectively. However, species composition diverged notably, with only 34.5% similarity, suggesting distinct community structure driven by site-specific habitat conditions and management histories. CPNA was dominated by large-bodied ground-nesting and cavity-nesting solitary bees, while JMNR supported smaller eusocial halictids and cavity nesters. Results highlight the value of prescribed fire in maintaining nesting substrates and floral resources. Even small, urban prairie remnants like JMNR can support high pollinator richness, emphasizing their role as conservation assets. Our findings contribute to a foundational baseline for native bee diversity in Arkansas and highlight the importance of both large and small fire-managed prairies in regional pollinator conservation planning. Full article

The study investigates how agriculture can serve as a driver of sustainable tourism and local development within the Vesuvius National Park under the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST) framework. Based on 14 semi-structured interviews with farmers, tourism operators, cultural institutions, and producer consortia, the findings reveal that agriculture plays a central role not only as a productive sector but also as a custodian of biodiversity, identity, and territorial resilience. Stakeholders emphasised the economic and symbolic value of traditional crops, highlighting how farm-based experiences, product certifications, and civil-society networks strengthen community cohesion and diversify visitor flows. Nevertheless, tourism remains predominantly concentrated in the vicinity of the volcano’s crater, thereby excluding the park’s other trails, limiting the positive impacts on rural and peripheral areas. Practical implications point to the need for improved mobility infrastructure, cross-sector coordination, and targeted incentives to link agrotourism circuits with regional branding and EU sustainability policies. Overall, the study shows that integrating agriculture into tourism governance can foster more inclusive, resilient, and territorially embedded forms of rural development in protected areas. Full article

Fungal communities inhabiting leaves are key players in ecosystem processes but remain largely unexplored in Southern Hemisphere temperate forests. We characterized the foliar mycobiota of Nothofagus pumilio, a dominant deciduous tree in Patagonian forests, using ITS1 metabarcoding across seasons and tree health conditions. We detected 426 fungal taxa, including a 40-Amplicon Sequence Variant (ASV) core mycobiome persisting year-round. Fungal richness and biomass increased significantly in autumn, coinciding with leaf senescence, and community composition shifted markedly between seasons. Spring leaves were enriched in pathogens and basidiomycetous yeasts, while autumn leaves hosted more saprotrophs, ascomycetous yeasts, and lichen-associated fungi. Tree health had limited influence on overall community structure, but symptomatic trees showed higher ASV richness and specific indicator taxa, including the pathogen Trichosporiella multisporum and members of the Taphrinaceae and Saccotheciaceae families. Despite taxonomic turnover, ecological guilds remained relatively stable, suggesting functional redundancy. These findings reveal a seasonal successional trajectory in the foliar mycobiota of N. pumilio, from early-colonizing endophytes in spring to diverse decomposer assemblages in autumn. This study provides the first high-throughput insight into the structure and dynamics of foliar fungal communities in Southern Hemisphere temperate forests, offering a baseline for understanding microbial roles in forest health and resilience. Full article

The understory vegetation forms an important ecosystem by providing habitat, cycling nutrients, and contributing to community diversity. However, previous studies have focused on identifying mechanisms between understory herbaceous diversity and abiotic factors. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the effects of abiotic factors (topography, climate, and soil) and biotic factors (species richness and individuals by forest strata), as well as stand age, on understory species richness. Also, we analyzed the effects of seven different forest types in the sampled plots. The most important factors were selected through a multimodel inference test and then applied to piecewise structural equation models on total, woody and herbaceous understory plants. In the total model, elevation-associated temperature had positive effects, respectively. In the woody model, overstory species richness has an indirect positive effect on woody understory plants through the midstory species richness. In the herbaceous model, total phosphorus and elevation-associated temperature had a positive effect on herbaceous understory plants. Therefore, this study indicates that woody species richness controlled by biotic factors and herbaceous species richness controlled by abiotic factors. Our study suggests that woody and herbaceous species richness are regulated by different mechanisms, highlighting the need for distinct management methodologies to enhance plant diversity in forest ecosystems. Full article

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) is advancing rapidly and is increasingly integrated into visual communication design education. How to effectively and sustainably leverage GAI to support visual communication design teaching has thus become a critical issue faced by educators. While prior studies have focused on GAI’s impact on student learning outcomes and creativity, limited research has explored its effects on emotions and student engagement. This study aims to investigate the impact of customized GAI integration on visual communication design students’ learning engagement and to qualitatively explore the emotions that occur throughout the learning process. Using a quasi-experimental design, 96 students were randomly assigned to either a control group using traditional instruction or an experimental group using a customized GAI. Student engagement was measured using pre- and post-assessment scales, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to analyze students’ emotional changes. The results show that customized GAI integration effectively enhanced students’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement. Moreover, students experienced diverse and dynamic emotions during the learning process, which influenced their engagement. This study provides empirical support for the application of GAI in visual communication design education, highlighting the importance of balancing technology integration with emotional regulation, thereby informing the responsible and sustainable integration of GAI in design education. Full article

The synergistic effects of stratospheric ozone depletion and climate change are intensifying surface ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation, posing a severe threat to amphibians—one of the most endangered vertebrate groups globally. Xenopus laevis, with its cutaneous respiration and limited photoprotective mechanisms, exhibits high sensitivity to UVB, making it a suitable model for ecotoxicological studies. While UVB is known to cause DNA damage, immune suppression, and microbial dysbiosis, its mechanisms in multi-organ interactions, dose–response thresholds, and host–microbiome regulatory networks remain poorly understood. This study employed a gradient UVB exposure regime integrated with histopathology, oxidative stress assays, and 16S rRNA sequencing to systematically evaluate the effects of UVB on (1) cascade damage across skin, liver, and intestinal barriers; (2) immune cell distribution; (3) redox dynamics; and (4) microbial community structure and function. Our findings demonstrate that low-dose UVB activated compensatory antioxidant defenses without structural disruption, whereas exposure beyond a critical threshold induced nonlinear redox collapse, microbial dysbiosis, and multi-organ barrier failure, collectively exacerbating ecological adaptation risks. These results reveal a cross-scale mechanism by which UVB impairs amphibian health via disruption of host–microbe homeostasis, providing a conceptual and empirical framework for assessing species vulnerability under ongoing climate change. Full article

This study investigates the distribution patterns, interspecific relationships, and community stability mechanisms of phytoplankton functional groups, aiming to elucidate the ecological processes that drive phytoplankton communities in aquatic ecosystems of arid regions. We conducted seasonal sampling from 2023 to 2024 at four auxiliary reservoirs in the Tarim River Basin, namely Shangyou Reservoir (SY), Shengli Reservoir (SL), Duolang Reservoir (DL), and Xinjingzi Reservoir (XJZ). In recent years, researchers have grouped phytoplankton into functional groups based on their shared morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics—with these three types of traits serving as the core criteria for distinguishing different functional groups. A total of 18 functional groups were identified from the phytoplankton collected across four seasons, among which eight (A, D, H1, L0, M, MP, P, and S1) are dominant. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) indicated that environmental factors such as pH, electrical conductivity (COND), and dissolved oxygen (DO) are key driving factors affecting phytoplankton functional groups. Interspecific association analysis showed that the phytoplankton communities in DL, SL, and XJZ reservoirs were dominated by positive associations, reflecting stable community structures that are less prone to drastic fluctuations under stable environmental conditions. In contrast, the SY Reservoir was dominated by negative associations, indicating that it is in the early stage of succession with an unstable community. This may be related to intense human disturbance to the reservoir and its role in replenishing the Tarim River, which leads to significant water level fluctuations. The results of the Chi-square test and Pearson correlation analysis showed consistent trends but also differences: constrained by the requirement for continuous normal distribution, Pearson correlation analysis identified more pairs of negative associations, reflecting its limitations in analysing clumped-distributed species. Random forest models further indicated that functional groups M, MP, L0, and S1 are the main positive drivers of interspecific relationships. Among them, the increase in S1 can promote the growth of functional groups dominated by Navicula sp. and Chroococcus sp. by reducing resource competition. Conversely, the expansion of functional group H1 inhibits other groups, which is related to its adaptive strategy of resisting photo-oxidation in eutrophic environments. This study reveals the patterns of interspecific interactions and stability mechanisms of phytoplankton functional groups in arid-region reservoirs, providing a scientific basis for the management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems in similar extreme environments. Full article

Bacterial communities in lake sediments are key to ecosystem health and fish productivity, yet little is known about their composition in the high-altitude Andean lagoons of central Peru. In aquaculture systems, these microbial assemblages regulate nutrient recycling, organic matter degradation and oxygen availability, forming a key component of the microbial loop. Intensive trout farming introduces a continuous nutrient load through uneaten feed and metabolic byproducts, which fuels eutrophication and reshapes benthic microbial structure. This study evaluated the bacterial diversity and community structure in sediments from four fish farming lagoons (Pomacocha, Habascocha, Tipicocha, and Trancagrande). Environmental variables, including dissolved oxygen (DO), inorganic nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a, were measured to determine trophic status. Sediment bacterial composition was analyzed using Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons, and community structure differences were assessed with diversity indices and SIMPER analysis. Microbial patterns were assessed at phylum and class levels to capture changes across taxonomic scales. Pseudomonadota, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes dominated across lagoons, with significant among-site variation. Richness was similar, but Tipicocha showed the highest evenness (Shannon H′ = 2.769; Simpson 1-D = 0.8969). SIMPER identified Deltaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria as major contributors to dissimilarity. The presence of Methanomicrobia and Bacilli in Tipicocha and Trancagrande indicated micro-oxic to anoxic conditions, characteristic of systems with high organic load and redox heterogeneity. These results show that aquaculture alters trophic status and reshapes sediment bacterial communities in high-Andean lagoons. Understanding these patterns is essential to design monitoring and management strategies that balance aquaculture productivity with the conservation of sensitive ecosystems.  Full article

 Purpose: The research explores the impact of change management practices—leadership support, employee involvement, and regulatory compliance —on the practice of sustainable healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Operational efficiency is treated not as a management practice but as a key outcome of effective change management. The research also examines patient readiness as a mediator influencing awareness, participation, and satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a quantitative Saudi Arabian healthcare consumer survey. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze change management, patient readiness, and sustainable healthcare relations adoption. Findings: Findings indicate that change management plays a strong role in increasing patient adoption (β = 0.322; p = 0.083), but with large effects on awareness (β = 0.873; p < 0.001), engagement (β = 0.841; p < 0.001), and satisfaction (β = 0.881; p < 0.001), as adoption reflected through awareness, engagement, and satisfaction. Patient readiness as a mediator was significant with strong effects between change management and adoption (β = 0.571; p < 0.001). Originality/value: This research expands the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by synthesizing it with strategic change management to predict patient readiness as a mediator of long-term adoption of healthcare in the Arab environment. Patient readiness is hypothecated as an observable behavioral construct to mediate organizational change practices—leadership, communication, and regulation—with individual adoption outcomes. The research provides theoretical and practical contributions for evidence-based healthcare policy and patient-led healthcare revolution. In addition, the study conforms with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 3 (Gsssssssood Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and shows how effective change management not only assists national healthcare reforms but also global sustainability goals. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study explored the lived experiences of nursing students in South Korea who participated in clinical practice at Community Treatment Centers (CTCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was designed as a qualitative study and applied Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten nursing students who practiced at CTCs for three to four weeks. Data were analyzed through Colaizzi’s seven procedural steps to derive the essential structure of their experience. Data saturation was achieved, and methodological rigor criteria were applied. Results: Four overarching themes emerged: (1) transformative growth through immersive clinical practice in quarantine; (2) enduring and adapting to uncertainty and emotional turmoil; (3) reconciling vulnerability and responsibility as future professionals; and (4) validation and pride in becoming visible during a national crisis. Conclusions: The study revealed that CTC practice constituted a transformative learning experience that enhanced students’ professional identity and resilience in disaster situations. Findings highlight the need to integrate disaster ethics and psychosocial preparedness into undergraduate nursing curricula. Full article

Sand-based thermal energy storage systems represent a paradigm shift in sustainable energy solutions, leveraging Earth’s most abundant mineral resource through advanced nanocomposite engineering. This review examines sand-based phase change materials (PCM) systems with emphasis on integration with human-powered energy generation (HPEG). Silicon-based hierarchical pore structures provide multiscale thermal conduction pathways while achieving PCM loading capacities exceeding 90%. Carbon-based nanomaterial doping enhances thermal conductivity by up to 269%, reaching 3.1 W/m·K while maintaining phase change enthalpies above 130 J/g. This demonstrated cycling stability exceeds 1000 thermal cycles with <8% capacity degradation. Thermal energy storage costs reach ~$20 kWh⁻¹—60% lower than lithium-ion systems when normalized by usable heat capacity. Integration with triboelectric nanogenerators achieves 55% peak mechanical-to-electrical conversion efficiency for direct pathways, while thermal-buffered systems provide 8–12% end-to-end efficiency with temporal decoupling between intermittent human power input and stable electrical output. Miniaturized systems target off-grid communities, offering 5–10× cost advantages over conventional batteries for resource-constrained deployments. Levelized storage costs remain competitive despite efficiency penalties versus lithium-ion alternatives. Critical challenges, including thermal cycling degradation, energy-power density trade-offs, and environmental adaptability, are systematically analyzed. Future directions explore biomimetic multi-level pore designs, intelligent responsive systems, and distributed microgrid implementations. Full article

This study investigated Cenchrus purpureus in the southern part of the Gaoligong Mountains and quantified its invasion risk using an integrated approach. We combined the Drivers–Pressures–State–Impacts–Responses (DPSIR) model, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). We adopted non-random sampling techniques to conduct a survey on the cognition, hazards, utilization and management of C. purpureus among 402 respondents from 25 villages. Our results classify C. purpureus as a medium-risk species (Level II). We identified a central socio-ecological dilemma: while 36.1% of communities use it for fodder, 54% report that it causes soil degradation, signaling potential long-term agricultural losses. SEM analysis confirmed that the willingness to manage the invasion is directly influenced by these usage patterns and risk perceptions. The traditional ecological knowledge of Cenchrus purpureus was highly consistent with scientific assessment, validating its use as an early warning indicator. Therefore, our study validates a multidisciplinary framework that integrates models (DPSIR, AHP, SEM) with traditional knowledge for a holistic assessment of C. purpureus invasion. This approach offers a replicable strategy for ecosystem management in global biodiversity hotspots in the mountainous regions. Full article

Photodetectors are critical components in a wide range of applications, including military, communications, medical, and aerospace fields. With ongoing advancements in optoelectronics, the strategy of integrating multiple optical structures with photodetectors has led to substantial improvements in detection performance. This review summarizes recent research progress in optically coupled photodetectors, providing a systematic analysis of the operational mechanisms and performance characteristics of five key coupling configurations: optical waveguides, surface plasmon resonance structures, microcavities, gratings, and integrated metasurfaces. Furthermore, the main limitations of current coupling technologies and challenges facing the development of future coupled devices are discussed. Recent studies indicate that heterogeneous integration, multi-physical field coupling, and automated fabrication processes are paving the way for high-performance photodetectors with enhanced bandwidth, sensitivity, functional integration, and spectral control capabilities. Full article

In the process of establishing a protected area system centered on national parks, China’s policies inevitably impact the traditional livelihoods of original community residents, often leading to a diminished sense of social justice. Tourism, serving as a critical bridge between realizing the value of national parks’ ecological products and transitioning community livelihoods, is pivotal for fostering coordination between conservation efforts and community support for tourism. This coordination is essential for enhancing the community’s perception of social justice and achieving the sustainable development goals of national parks. This study aims to investigate the antecedents influencing community willingness to support tourism in national parks. Data were collected from 326 original residents of Wuyishan National Park in China and analyzed using a dual-stage approach that combines Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The findings indicate that all three dimensions of perceived justice—distributive, procedural, and interactional—significantly and positively influence the community’s willingness to support tourism. Community tourism empowerment mediates the relationship between these three dimensions of perceived justice and the support for tourism development. The contrasting results between PLS-SEM and ANN in Model A reveal the complex nature of how perceptions of fairness facilitate community empowerment. Full article

Effective communication is a core competence in sustainable policing, yet training programs often fail to prepare officers for the emotional and relational complexity of real-world encounters. This study explored how police officers from Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Romania (n = 109) evaluate their communication training and identify the interactions they find most difficult. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, the research integrated quantitative assessments of training coverage with qualitative analysis of officers’ narratives. Findings reveal consistent gaps in emotional regulation, empathy, negotiation, and de-escalation skills, especially in encounters with intoxicated or mentally distressed individuals, and in internal communication within hierarchical structures. Viewed through the lens of organizational sustainability, communication competence emerges as a key form of human capital that enhances officer well-being, reduces operational risks, and strengthens public trust. The study highlights the need to embed experiential, scenario-based learning into police curricula to align training with the emotional realities of field practice. Full article