Formación docente para la educación inclusiva en instituciones públicas del Quindío / Teacher training for inclusive education in public institutions of Quindío

La formación docente es esencial dentro del proceso de educación inclusiva permitiendo responder a la diversidad de los estudiantes a partir de estrategias que promuevan su aprendizaje y participación. Este estudio analiza la formación en inclusión de 253 docentes de instituciones públicas mediante el Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). Los resultados indican niveles bajos de formación en las dimensiones concepciones, apoyos y metodologías. Lo que sugiere que no existe una preparación integral del profesorado para la inclusión y los planes de formación deben abordar desde aspectos conceptuales hasta la implementación de ajustes en el aula. (AU)

Teacher training is essential within the inclusive education process, allowing students to respond to diversity through strategies that promote their learning and participation. This study analyzes the inclusion training of 253 teachers in public institutions, through the Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). The results indicate low levels of training in the conceptual dimensions, supports and methodologies. This suggests that there is no comprehensive preparation of teachers for inclusion and training plans should address conceptual aspects to the implementation of adjustments in the classroom. (AU)

Formación docente para la educación inclusiva en instituciones públicas del Quindío / Teacher training for inclusive education in public institutions of Quindío

La formación docente es esencial dentro del proceso de educación inclusiva permitiendo responder a la diversidad de los estudiantes a partir de estrategias que promuevan su aprendizaje y participación. Este estudio analiza la formación en inclusión de 253 docentes de instituciones públicas mediante el Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). Los resultados indican niveles bajos de formación en las dimensiones concepciones, apoyos y metodologías. Lo que sugiere que no existe una preparación integral del profesorado para la inclusión y los planes de formación deben abordar desde aspectos conceptuales hasta la implementación de ajustes en el aula. (AU)

Teacher training is essential within the inclusive education process, allowing students to respond to diversity through strategies that promote their learning and participation. This study analyzes the inclusion training of 253 teachers in public institutions, through the Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). The results indicate low levels of training in the conceptual dimensions, supports and methodologies. This suggests that there is no comprehensive preparation of teachers for inclusion and training plans should address conceptual aspects to the implementation of adjustments in the classroom. (AU)

Genetic Diversity Assessment in Plants from Reduced Representation Sequencing Data.

Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genetic traits within a population or a species. It is an essential aspect of both plant ecology and plant breeding because it contributes to the adaptability, survival, and resilience of populations in changing environments. This chapter outlines a pipeline for estimating genetic diversity statistics from reduced representation or whole genome sequencing data. The pipeline involves obtaining DNA sequence reads, mapping the corresponding reads to a reference genome, calling variants from the alignments, and generating an unbiased estimation of nucleotide diversity and divergence between populations. The pipeline is suitable for single-end Illumina reads and can be adjusted for paired-end reads. The resulting pipeline provides a comprehensive approach for aligning and analyzing sequencing data to estimate genetic diversity.

Variations in the Odonata Assemblages: How Do the Dry Season and Water Bodies Influence Them?

Diverse abiotic and biotic factors drive the ecological variation of communities across spatial and temporal dimensions. Within the Amazonian landscape, various freshwater environments exhibit distinct physicochemical characteristics. Thus, our study delved into the fluctuations of Odonata assemblages amidst distinct water bodies within Amazonia, encompassing two distinct climatic seasons. Comparative analysis was conducted on Odonata species diversity and assemblage composition across a blackwater pond, a lake, and a stream, spanning the initiation and culmination of the dry season in the southwestern Amazon region in Peru. Our methodology involved capturing adult Odonata using entomological nets on three separate occasions between 11:00 and 14:00 h for each water body in May (beginning of the dry season) and October (end of the dry season) of 2018. We also evaluated the influence of temperature, precipitation, and percent cloud cover on the abundance and richness of adult Odonata. Species richness and composition differed among the three water bodies in both periods of the dry season. No effect of the dry season periods on species richness and abundance was observed. However, except in the oxbow lake, the more abundant species were substituted to the end of the dry season. Our study highlights the influence of water body types on Odonata species diversity and composition. The effects of the sampling period during the dry season may not be immediately apparent in conventional diversity metrics, such as species richness and abundance. Instead, its effects manifest predominantly in the relative abundance of the species that compose these assemblages.

Parent material influences soil properties to shape bacterial community assembly processes, diversity, and enzyme-related functions.

Soil parent material is the second most influential factor in pedogenesis, influencing soil properties and microbial communities. Different assembly processes shape diverse functional microbial communities. The question remains unresolved regarding how these ecological assembly processes affect microbial communities and soil functionality within soils on different parent materials. We collected soil samples developed from typical parent materials, including basalt, granite, metamorphic rock, and marine sediments across soil profiles at depths of 0-20, 20-40, 40-80, and 80-100 cm, within rubber plantations on Hainan Island, China. We determined bacterial community characteristics, community assembly processes, and soil enzyme-related functions using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and enzyme activity analyses. We found homogeneous selection, dispersal limitation, and drift processes were the dominant drivers of bacterial community assembly across soils on different parent materials. In soils on basalt, lower pH and higher moisture triggered a homogeneous selection-dominated assembly process, leading to a less diverse community but otherwise higher carbon and nitrogen cycling enzyme activities. As deterministic process decreased, bacterial community diversity increased with stochastic process. In soils on marine sediments, lower water, carbon, and nutrient content limited the dispersal of bacterial communities, resulting in higher community diversity and an increased capacity to utilize relative recalcitrant substrates by releasing more oxidases. The r-strategy Bacteroidetes and genera Sphingomonas, Bacillus, Vibrionimonas, Ochrobactrum positively correlated with enzyme-related function, whereas k-strategy Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and genera Acidothermus, Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, HSB OF53-F07 showed negative correlations. Our study suggests that parent material could influence bacterial community assembly processes, diversity, and soil enzyme-related functions via soil properties.

Nano-titanium dioxide exacerbates the harmful effects of perfluorooctanoic acid on the health of mussels.

Exposing marine organisms to contemporary contaminants, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2), can induce multifaceted physiological consequences. Our investigation centered on the responses of the mussel, Mytilus coruscus, to these agents. We discerned pronounced disruptions in gill filament connections, pivotal structures for aquatic respiration, suggesting compromised oxygen uptake capabilities. Concurrently, the respiratory rate exhibited a marked decline, indicating a respiratory distress. Furthermore, the mussels' clearance rate, a metric of their filtration efficacy, diminished, suggesting the potential for bioaccumulation of deleterious substances. Notably, the co-exposure of PFOA and nano-TiO2 exhibits interactive effects on the physiological performance of the mussels. The mussels' digestive performance waned in the face of heightened PFOA and nano-TiO2 concentrations, possibly hampering nutrient assimilation and energy accrual. This was mirrored in the noticeable contraction of their energy budget, suggesting long-term growth repercussions. Additionally, the dysregulation of the gut microbiota and the reduction in its diversity further confirm alterations in intestinal homeostasis, subsequently impacting its physiological functions and health. Collectively, these findings underscore the perils posed by escalated PFOA and nano-TiO2 levels to marine mussels, accentuating the need for a deeper understanding of nanoparticle-pollutant synergies in marine ecosystems.

Metagenomic landscape of sediments of river Ganga reveals microbial diversity, potential plastic and xenobiotic degradation enzymes.

The Ganga is the largest river in India, serves as a lifeline for agriculture, drinking water, and religious rites. However, it became highly polluted due to the influx of industrial wastes and untreated sewages, leading to the decline of aquatic biodiversity. This study investigated the microbial diversity and plastic-xenobiotic degrading enzymes of six sediment metagenomes of river Ganga at Prayagraj (RDG, TSG, SDG) and Devprayag (KRG, BNG, BRG). The water quality parameters, higher values of BOD (1.8-3.7 ppm), COD (23-29.2 ppm) and organic carbon (0.18-0.51%) were recorded at Prayagraj. Comparative analysis of microbial community structure between Prayagraj and Devprayag revealed significant differences between Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, which emerging as the predominant bacterial phyla across six sediment samples. Notably, their prevalence was highest in the BRG samples. Furthermore, 25 OTUs at genus level were consistent across all six samples. Alpha diversity exhibited minimal variation among samples, while beta diversity indicated an inverse relationship between species richness and diversity. Co-occurrence network analysis established that genera from the same and different groups of phyla show positive co-relations with each other. Thirteen plastic degrading enzymes, including Laccase, Alkane-1 monooxygenase and Alkane monooxygenase, were identified from six sediment metagenomes of river Ganga, which can degrade non-biodegradable plastic viz. Polyethylene, Polystyrene and Low-density Polyethelene. Further, 18 xenobiotic degradation enzymes were identified for the degradation of Bisphenol, Xylene, Toluene, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, Styrene, Atrazene and Dioxin etc. This is the first report on the identification of non-biodegradable plastic degrading enzymes from sediment metagenomes of river Ganga, India. The findings of this study would help in pollution abatement and sustainable management of riverine ecosystem.

Spatial and diel variations of bacterioplankton and pico-nanoeukaryote communities and potential biotic interactions during macroalgal blooms.

We investigated spatial heterogeneity and diel variations in bacterioplankton and pico-nanoeukaryote communities, and potential biotic interactions at the extinction stage of the Ulva prolifera bloom in the Jiaozhou Bay, Yellow Sea. It was found that the presence of Ulva canopies significantly promoted the cell abundance of heterotrophic bacteria, raised evenness, and altered the community structure of bacterioplankton. A diel pattern was solely significant for pico-nanoeukaryote community structure. >50 % of variation in the heterotrophic bacterial abundance was accounted for by the ratio of Bacteroidota to Firmicutes, and dissolved organic nitrogen effectively explained the variations in cell abundances of phytoplankton populations. The factors representing biotic interactions frequently contributed substantially more than environmental factors in explaining the variations in diversity and community structure of both bacterioplankton and pico-nanoeukaryotes. There were higher proportions of eukaryotic pathogens compared to other marine systems, suggesting a higher ecological risk associated with the Ulva blooms.

Biochar pH reduction using elemental sulfur and biological activation using compost or vermicompost.

This study aimed to improve biochar's quality for arid land applications by using elemental sulfur as a pH reducer agent co-applied with compost or vermicompost as biological activators. Biochar pH was decreased by the addition of elemental sulfur, with the highest reduction from 8.1 to 7.2 occurring when co-amended with vermicompost. Elemental sulfur increased the water-soluble concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and many other elements, and stimulated substrate-induced respiration, especially when co-amended with vermicompost. The bacterial diversity community structure were significantly affected by all treatments. The Shannon index significantly increased in response to compost and sulfur treatments, while the vermicompost treatments showed higher microbial evenness and equitability diversity indices. Multivariate analyses indicated that elemental sulfur oxidation was associated with specific sulfur-oxidizing bacterial clusters. Integrating biochar with sulfur and (vermi)compost was found to be a promising sustainable technology for managing excessive biochar alkalinity, increasing its fertility and potential for application in aridlands.

Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion awareness in clinical documentation through postgraduate year one training.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As healthcare providers increasingly focus on emerging issues of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in patient care, less is known about the training in postgraduate year one (PGY1) pharmacy residency on DEI clinical documentation considerations. This pilot project explored whether training, discussion and self-reflection within a peer review activity promoted DEI self-awareness in clinical documentation through a centralized curriculum of a multisite PGY1. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: Building upon an established peer review of clinical documentation activity, PGY1 pharmacy residents practicing in ambulatory care settings received training on DEI considerations and completed small and large group discussions, a post-activity mixed methods survey with self-reflection prompts, and a three-month follow-up survey. FINDINGS: Twenty-two residents participated in the peer review of clinical documentation activity, DEI training and discussions. Twelve residents completed the post-activity survey with reflection prompts; 6 (50%) reported similar previous DEI training prior to residency. After the DEI training and discussions, 12 (100%) agreed or strongly agreed that their awareness of DEI documentation considerations increased; 10 (83%) would document their submitted notes differently, while one resident was unsure and one would not make changes. Twelve residents completed the follow-up survey three months following the activity. Themes from the free-text responses on key learnings collected post-activity and three-month post (respectively) included: 1) new knowledge, increased self-awareness, and intended action and 2) increased self-awareness and changes in note-making convention. SUMMARY: Integrating DEI training, discussion, and self-reflection prompts into a peer review clinical documentation activity increased self-awareness and knowledge of DEI considerations and promoted intended changes in patient care documentation for pharmacy residents. Regardless of previous training, residents reported continued self-awareness and changes in documentation conventions continued three months later.

New insights into the coal-associated methane architect: the ancient archaebacteria.

Exploration and marketable exploitation of coalbed methane (CBM) as cleaner fuel has been started globally. In addition, incidence of methane in coal basins is an imperative fraction of global carbon cycle. Significantly, subsurface coal ecosystem contains methane forming archaea. There is a rising attention in optimizing microbial coal gasification to exploit the abundant or inexpensive coal reserves worldwide. Therefore, it is essential to understand the coalbeds in geo-microbial perspective. Current review provides an in-depth analysis of recent advances in our understanding of how methanoarchaea are distributed in coal deposits globally. Specially, we highlight the findings on coal-associated methanoarchaeal existence, abundance, diversity, metabolic activity, and biogeography in diverse coal basins worldwide. Growing evidences indicates that we have arrived an exciting era of archaeal research. Moreover, gasification of coal into methane by utilizing microbial methanogenesis is a considerable way to mitigate the energy crisis for the rising world population.

SAGES White Paper on the importance of diversity in surgical leadership: creating the fundamentals of leadership development (FLD) curriculum.

BACKGROUND: The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) has long recognized and championed increasing diversity within the surgical workplace. SAGES initiated the Fundamentals of Leadership Development (FLD) Curriculum to address these needs and to provide surgeon leaders with the necessary tools and skills to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in surgical practice. In 2019, the American College of Surgeons issued a request for anti-racism initiatives which lead to the partnering of the two societies. The primary goal of FLD was to create the first surgeon-focused leadership curriculum dedicated to DEI. The rationale/development of this curriculum and its evaluation/feedback methods are detailed in this White Paper. METHODS: The FLD curriculum was developed by a multidisciplinary task force that included surgeons, education experts, and diversity consultants. The curriculum development followed the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation (ADDIE) instructional design model and utilized a problem-based learning approach. Competencies were identified, and specific learning objectives and assessments were developed. The implementation of the curriculum was designed to be completed in short intervals (virtual and in-person). Post-course surveys used the Kirkpatrick's model to evaluate the curriculum and provide valuable feedback. RESULTS: The curriculum consisted of interactive online modules, an online discussion forum, and small group interactive sessions focused in three key areas: (1) increasing pipeline of underrepresented individuals in surgical leadership, (2) healthcare equity, and (3) conflict negotiation. By focusing on positive action items and utilizing a problem-solving approach, the curriculum aimed to provide a framework for surgical leaders to make meaningful changes in their institutions and organizations. CONCLUSION: The FLD curriculum is a novel leadership curriculum that provided surgeon leaders with the knowledge and tools to improve diversity in three areas: pipeline improvement, healthcare equity, and conflict negotiation. Future directions include using pilot course feedback to enhance curricular effectiveness and delivery.

Effects of micro/nano-ozone bubble nutrient solutions on growth promotion and rhizosphere microbial community diversity in soilless cultivated lettuces.

Due to its high efficacy as a wide-spectrum disinfectant and its potential for the degradation of pollutants and pesticides, ozone has broad application prospects in agricultural production. In this study, micro/nano bubble technology was applied to achieve a saturation state of bubble nutrient solution, including micro-nano oxygen (O2 group) and micro-nano ozone (O3 group) bubble nutrient solutions. The effects of these solutions on lettuce physiological indices as well as changes in the microbial community within the rhizosphere substrate were studied. The application of micro/nano (O2 and O3) bubble nutrient solutions to substrate-cultured lettuce plants increased the amount of dissolved oxygen in the nutrient solution, increased the lettuce yield, and elevated the net photosynthetic rate, conductance of H2O and intercellular carbon dioxide concentration of lettuce plants. Diversity analysis of the rhizosphere microbial community revealed that both the abundance and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities in the substrate increased after plant cultivation and decreased following treatment with micro/nanobubble nutrient solutions. RDA results showed that the microbial community in the S group was positively associated with EC, that in the CK and O2 groups exhibited a positive correlation with SC, and that in the O3 group displayed a positive correlation with CAT and POD. Overall, the implementation of micro/nanobubble generation technology in soilless substrates can effectively increase the lettuce growth and yield, and O3 had a more pronounced effect on lettuce yield and quality and the microbial community structure in the substrate than O2. Our study would provide a reference and theoretical basis for developing sustainable and green technology for promoting lettuce production and can be a promising alternative to conventional methods for improving crop yields.

Maternal employment status and child age are positive determinants of minimum dietary diversity among children aged 6-23 months in Sagnarigu municipality, Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Intake of a diversified diet is key to the prevention of malnutrition among children as it results in improved intake of energy and micronutrients, which are deemed critical for better nutritional status of children. This study assessed minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and its determinants among children aged 6-23 months in the Sagnarigu Municipality of Ghana. METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study, carried out in the Sagnarigu Municipality, Ghana and involved 369 mother-child pairs selected through a systematic random sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, feeding practices, nutritional knowledge and anthropometry. MDD was assessed using a repeated 24-hour dietary recall method. Chi-square/Fisher exact test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors associated with MDD. RESULTS: The study found that 24.9% of the children were between the ages of 6-8 months and 75.1% were between the ages of 9-23 months. About 64.2% of the children met the MDD. Children of mothers who were self-employed were approximately 2 times more likely to meet the MDD as compared to children of mothers who were unemployed [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 1.93, 95% CI (1.13-3.31), P = 0.017]. Also, children aged 9-23 months were approximately 14 times more likely to meet MDD as compared to younger children aged 6-8 months [AOR: 13.98, 95% CI (7.54-25.91), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that maternal empowerment may have positive effects on improving the MDD of infants and young children.

Deciphering the virome of Chunkung (Cnidium officinale) showing dwarfism-like symptoms via a high-throughput sequencing analysis.

BACKGROUND: Viruses have notable effects on agroecosystems, wherein they can adversely affect plant health and cause problems (e.g., increased biosecurity risks and economic losses). However, our knowledge of their diversity and interactions with specific host plants in ecosystems remains limited. To enhance our understanding of the roles that viruses play in agroecosystems, comprehensive analyses of the viromes of a wide range of plants are essential. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) techniques are useful for conducting impartial and unbiased investigations of plant viromes, ultimately forming a basis for generating further biological and ecological insights. This study was conducted to thoroughly characterize the viral community dynamics in individual plants. RESULTS: An HTS-based virome analysis in conjunction with proximity sampling and a tripartite network analysis were performed to investigate the viral diversity in chunkung (Cnidium officinale) plants. We identified 61 distinct chunkung plant-associated viruses (27 DNA and 34 RNA viruses) from 21 known genera and 6 unclassified genera in 14 known viral families. Notably, 12 persistent viruses (7 DNA and 5 RNA viruses) were exclusive to dwarfed chunkung plants. The detection of viruses from the families Partitiviridae, Picobirnaviridae, and Spinareoviridae only in the dwarfed plants suggested that they may contribute to the observed dwarfism. The co-infection of chunkung by multiple viruses is indicative of a dynamic and interactive viral ecosystem with significant sequence variability and evidence of recombination. CONCLUSIONS: We revealed the viral community involved in chunkung. Our findings suggest that chunkung serves as a significant reservoir for a variety of plant viruses. Moreover, the co-infection rate of individual plants was unexpectedly high. Future research will need to elucidate the mechanisms enabling several dozen viruses to co-exist in chunkung. Nevertheless, the important insights into the chunkung virome generated in this study may be relevant to developing effective plant viral disease management and control strategies.

The Evolution of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher Training Programs for People Who Serve Historically Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups.

Background: There is a lack of mindfulness instructors from underserved/underrepresented communities who have completed systematic mindfulness teacher-training programs to meet the growing demand for culturally responsive mindfulness training in those communities. Objectives: To investigate strategies for increasing the representation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teachers who serve historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Methods: Conducted through 4 one-hour Zoom focus groups (n = 54; women = 74%), this study queried individuals with experience serving underrepresented racial and ethnic communities, and had mindfulness experience, on how to increase participation from underrepresented communities in mindfulness. Thematic analysis of transcripts of participant responses involved double-coding by three team members, supporting rigorous evaluation of the data. All respondents who expressed interest in participating enrolled (no dropout from study enrollment to participation in focus groups). Results: The study identified four key themes that illuminate challenges and essential adaptations for MBSR teacher training aimed at individuals serving historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. These themes include: (1) Cost and time commitment; (2) Trauma sensitivity; (3) Cultural Awareness; and (4) Diversity in teachers. Conclusion: Participants provided actionable recommendations poised to facilitate the expansion of MBSR into more diverse communities, emphasizing optimal benefits and effective communication of inherent healing strengths within these communities. The findings underscore the compelling interest among leaders in marginalized communities to extend the reach of MBSR through culturally responsive approaches. This involves guiding pertinent adjustments and encouraging greater involvement of underserved communities in MBSR teacher training programs.

Transferring care to enhance access to early-phase cancer clinical trials: Protocol to evaluate a novel program.

Involving diverse populations in early-phase (phase I and II) cancer clinical trials is critical to informed therapeutic development. However, given the growing costs and complexities of early-phase trials, trial activation and enrollment barriers may be greatest for these studies at healthcare facilities that provide care to the most diverse patient groups, including those in historically underserved communities (e.g., safety-net healthcare systems). To promote diverse and equitable access to early-phase cancer clinical trials, we are implementing a novel program for the transfer of care to enhance access to early-phase cancer clinical trials. We will then perform a mixed-methods study to determine perceptions and impact of the program. Specifically, we will screen, recruit, and enroll diverse patients from an urban, integrated safety-net healthcare system to open and active early-phase clinical trials being conducted in a university-based cancer center. To evaluate this novel program, we will: (1) determine program impact and efficiency; and (2) determine stakeholder experience with and perceptions of the program. To achieve these goals, we will conduct preliminary cost analyses of the program. We will also conduct surveys and interviews with patients and caregivers to elucidate program impact, challenges, and areas for improvement. We hypothesize that broadening access to early-phase cancer trials conducted at experienced centers may improve equity and diversity. In turn, such efforts may enhance the efficiency and generalizability of cancer clinical research.

Habitat modifies the relationship between grass and herbivore species richness in a South African savanna.

The savanna ecosystem is dominated by grasses, which are a key food source for many species of grazing animals. This relationship creates a diverse mosaic of habitats and contributes to the high grass species richness of savannas. However, how grazing interacts with environmental conditions in determining grass species richness and abundance in savannas is still insufficiently understood. In the Kruger National Park, South Africa, we recorded grass species and estimated their covers in 60 plots 50 × 50 m in size, accounting for varying proximity to water and different bedrocks. To achieve this, we located plots (i) near perennial rivers, near seasonal rivers, and on crests that are distant from all water sources and (ii) on nutrient-rich basaltic and nutrient-poor granitic bedrock. The presence and abundance of large herbivores were recorded by 60 camera traps located in the same plots. Grass cover was higher at crests and seasonal rivers than at perennial rivers and on basalts than on granites. The relationship between grass species richness and herbivore abundance or species richness was positive at crests, while that between grass species richness and herbivore species richness was negative at seasonal rivers. We found no support for controlling the dominance of grasses by herbivores in crests, but herbivore-induced microsite heterogeneity may account for high grass species richness there. In contrast, the decrease in grass species richness with herbivore species richness at seasonal rivers indicates that the strong grazing pressure over-rides the resistance of some species to grazing and trampling. We suggest that the relationships between grasses and herbivores may work in both directions, but the relationship is habitat-dependent, so that in less productive environments, the effect of herbivores on vegetation prevails, while in more productive environments along rivers the effect of vegetation and water supply on herbivores is more important.

Foliar spectra accurately distinguish most temperate tree species and show strong phylogenetic signal.

PREMISE: Spectroscopy is a powerful remote sensing tool for monitoring plant biodiversity over broad geographic areas. Increasing evidence suggests that foliar spectral reflectance can be used to identify trees at the species level. However, most studies have focused on only a limited number of species at a time, and few studies have explored the underlying phylogenetic structure of leaf spectra. Accurate species identifications are important for reliable estimations of biodiversity from spectral data. METHODS: Using over 3500 leaf-level spectral measurements, we evaluated whether foliar reflectance spectra (400-2400 nm) can accurately differentiate most tree species from a regional species pool in eastern North America. We explored relationships between spectral, phylogenetic, and leaf functional trait variation as well as their influence on species classification using a hurdle regression model. RESULTS: Spectral reflectance accurately differentiated tree species (κ = 0.736, ±0.005). Foliar spectra showed strong phylogenetic signal, and classification errors from foliar spectra, although present at higher taxonomic levels, were found predominantly between closely related species, often of the same genus. In addition, we find functional and phylogenetic distance broadly control the occurrence and frequency of spectral classification mistakes among species. CONCLUSIONS: Our results further support the link between leaf spectral diversity, taxonomic hierarchy, and phylogenetic and functional diversity, and highlight the potential of spectroscopy to remotely sense plant biodiversity and vegetation response to global change.

Assessing the microbial diversity and proximate composition of smoked-fermented bushmeat from four different bushmeat samples.

The ever-increasing demand for wildlife-derived raw or processed meat commonly known as bushmeat, has been identified as one of the critical factors driving the emergence of infectious diseases. This study focused on examining the bacterial community composition of smoked and fermented bushmeats, specifically grasscutter, rat, rabbit, and mona monkey. The analysis involved exploring 16Sr RNA amplicon sequences isolated from bushmeat using QIIME2. Microbiome profiles and their correlation with proximate components (PLS regression) were computed in STAMP and XLSTAT, respectively. Results indicate the predominance of Firmicutes (70.9%), Actinobacteria (18.58%), and Proteobacteria (9.12%) in bushmeat samples at the phylum level. Staphylococcus, Arthrobacter, Macrococcus, and Proteus constituted the core microbiomes in bushmeat samples, ranked in descending order. Notably, significant differences were observed between the bacterial communities of bushmeat obtained from omnivores and herbivores (rat and mona monkey, and grasscutter and mona monkey), as well as those with similar feeding habits (rat and monkey, and grasscutter and rabbit) at the family and genus levels. Each type of bushmeat possessed unique microbial diversity, with some proximate components such as fat in rat samples correlating with Staphylococcus, while proteins in Mona monkey correlated with Arthrobacter and Brevibacterium, respectively. The study underscores public health concerns and highlights probiotic benefits, as bushmeat samples contained both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. Therefore, future research efforts could focus on improving bushmeat quality.