Abstract: During crop growth, leaf photosynthetic capacity changes continuously, and the vertical distribution of leaf nitrogen (Na) and chlorophyll (Chla) affects photosynthesis in different canopy layers. Understanding stratified photosynthesis is vital for accurate prediction of crop photosynthetic capacity. We conducted a two-year field study on winter wheat and paddy rice in Eastern China, measuring leaf maximum carboxylation rate (Vc_max25), maximum electron transport rate (J_max25), Na, and Chla every 7–10 days from greening to maturity. We analyzed vertical variations of these parameters in upper (T-1), middle (T-2), and lower (T-3) canopy layers and explored relationships between Na/Chla and Vc_max25. Results showed significant vertical variations: Vc_max25 and J_max25 in T-1 were higher than T-2, and T-2 higher than T-3. The vertical distribution of Na and Vc_max25 was more pronounced than Chla. Correlation between Na and Vc_max25 increased from T-1 to lower layers, while Vc_max25-Chla correlation decreased. A single Vc_max25 estimation model based on Na performed well across layers (R²=0.619, RMSE=15.751 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹). Differentiating T-1 from T-2/T-3 improved Chla-based models. Na was better than Chla for characterizing Vc_max25 vertical variation, with Chla-based models requiring separation of T-1 from T-2/T-3. This study provides key insights for remote sensing of photosynthetic parameters and improves understanding of crop canopy photosynthesis.

Abstract: The Muški bunar old-growth forest on Mount Psunj represents one of the rare preserved mixed ecosystems of sessile oak (Quercus petraea) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica) in Southeastern Europe, providing an important reference for understanding natural forest dynamics. This study aimed to analyse stand structure, age distribution, growth dynamics, and disturbance regime based on repeated field surveys conducted in 1979 and 2021. The results revealed pronounced structural heterogeneity, a wide range of tree sizes and ages, and clear interspecific differences. European beech dominates smaller and medium diameter and age classes, whereas sessile oak is primarily present in older and larger diameter classes. A very high growing stock (1155.81 m³ ha⁻¹) indicates exceptional stand productivity, with maximum cambial ages of 295 years for oak and 253 years for beech. Basal area increment analysis showed that even old trees maintain substantial growth. Although both species exhibit positive long-term growth trends, recent decades show divergence, with increasing growth in beech and stagnation or decline in oak. Stand dynamics are mainly driven by low-intensity disturbances, while recent windthrows have further increased structural heterogeneity and regeneration. These findings highlight the importance of old-growth forests as reference systems for close-to-nature forest management.

Abstract: The Island of Montecristo, part of the Tuscan Archipelago, was subjected to an “invasive species” eradication effort co-financed by the European Union under the Life+ “Montecristo 2010” project in 2012. Biocidal agents were utilized in abundance, with the objective of targeting select species of flora and fauna. This included the aerial broadcast of pellets containing brodifacoum to attempt to eradicate the rat population along with the application of several herbicides to eliminate Ailanthus [Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle]. The potential risks and concerns associated with the dispersal of brodifacoum include the mortality of non-target and protected species, including the Montecristo goat (Capra aegagrus Erxleben, 1777). Brodifacoum's environmental persistence has led to concerns regarding its potential for secondary, tertiary, and subsequent poisoning of numerous species. Pellets may have reached the sea due to the island's steep terrain, potentially impacting marine life. Rodenticides and herbicides are classified as "chemical biocides", a concept first proposed by the American biologist Rachel Carson over six decades ago. The question of whether this practice constitutes a conservation initiative or could lead to an environmental disaster is a salient one and this study aims to provide multidisciplinary scientific analysis to address this question.

Abstract: Due to the exclusion of the tobacco industry from the mandatory compliance framework of the national carbon market, and the consequent absence of sustained policy-driven mechanisms and data verification systems, China has not yet established carbon emission calculation standards specifically tailored to cigarette factories. This study systematically reviewed mainstream domestic and international carbon accounting methodologies, analyzed emission sources specific to cigarette factories across Scope 1 to Scope 3, and developed corresponding calculation methods. Based on statistical data from field research at actual cigarette factories, a complete annual carbon emission covering Scopes 1-3 was calculated for a case-study factory. Considering data availability, internal controllability within the tobacco industry, and the guidance value for the sector's green and low-carbon transition, this study proposes recommended carbon emission calculation boundaries and itemized calculation methods for cigarette factories, aiming to promote the accuracy and standardization of carbon emission calculations in cigarette factories.

Abstract: The production of liquefied natural gas can be divided into four stages: production, preparation and transportation of natural gas by pipeline to the liquefaction plant; processing, liquefaction, storage and loading onto specialized liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers; maritime transport of the LNG, usually over long distances, to the country of sale; unloading of the LNG from the receiving terminal, regasification, storage and delivery to end users by pipeline. These four stages are interconnected and form a chain from the gas well to the end user. Any weak link in the chain can jeopardize the entire LNG project . The ranking of jobs (from most to least risky) are: LNG plant operators (highest exposure to cryogenic hazards, high-pressure systems); pipeline maintenance workers (risk of gas leaks, explosions); cryogenic storage technicians (risks from LNG tanks, potential spills); LNG tanker crews (transportation risks, but controlled environments); safety inspectors (least direct exposure, but high responsibility). The AHP-ELECTRE method systematically ranks jobs based on risk severity, with LNG plant operators typically having the most hazardous role due to their direct handling of liquefaction processes, while safety inspectors face the least direct physical risk.

Abstract: As urbanization accelerates, transportation-related environmental challenges have become increasingly pressing. This study investigates the psychological and contextual drivers of Chinese consumers’ purchase intentions toward battery electric vehicles (BEVs) through the Value–Attitude–Behavior (VAB) framework. A large-scale cross-sectional online survey was conducted via the WJX platform in November 2023, yielding 596 valid responses collected using stratified sampling to ensure demographic diversity across age, income, education, and geographic distribution. Perceived value was conceptualized into green, hedonic, and utilitarian dimensions. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test hypothesized pathways, and interaction analysis was used to examine moderating effects. Results reveal that perceived green value and hedonic value significantly enhance consumer attitudes, which in turn strongly influence BEV purchase intentions. Technophilia positively moderates the link between attitude and intention, while range anxiety and battery cost weaken the influence of green and utilitarian value on attitude formation. Theoretically, this study enriches the VAB framework by integrating key moderating variables relevant to sustainable mobility. Practically, it highlights the importance of emphasizing both emotional and environmental benefits in BEV marketing strategies, while addressing consumer concerns over range and cost. Tailored communication strategies that leverage technophilia are especially effective for engaging younger, technology-oriented urban consumers.

Abstract: This study examines the interactions between agricultural development, environmental sustainability, and energy transition in Morocco, where agriculture is a key driver of economic growth, employment, and food security but is increasingly constrained by environmental pressures and rising CO2 emissions. It aims to assess the compatibility between agricultural performance and ecological sustainability in the context of energy transition and trade liberalization. The analysis uses annual data from 1990 to 2021, including agricultural GDP, CO2 emissions, agricultural employment, renewable energy consumption, and trade openness. An Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model is employed to investigate both short- and long-run relationships. Stationarity is tested using ADF and PP tests, while the F-Bounds test confirms the presence of long-run cointegration among the variables. The findings indicate that CO2 emissions negatively affect agricultural growth in the long run, whereas trade openness has a positive effect, and renewable energy consumption exerts a significant negative impact. In the short run, CO2 emissions and renewable energy consumption positively influence agricultural GDP, while trade openness has a negative effect. Granger causality tests reveal unidirectional relationships, and diagnostic checks confirm model robustness.

Abstract: In the ecotones, trees growth and population are the most sensitive to the changing hydrothermal regime. Here we analyzed Larix sibirica and Populus laurifolia response to the moisture changes in the unique refugia that bordered the Mongolian desert in the southern Siberia. The age of old-growth trees (A>500 y) suggests that refugia have existed throughout the Holocene. We aimed to analyze (1) larch and poplar growth dependence on the climate variables, (2) treelines shift into the desert and (3) ground cover GPP (gross primary production) dynamics. We used on-ground survey, dendroecological analysis and remote sensing data. Beyond the refugia, trees were established after the warming onset in the study area (c. 1980). Since that, growth of both species has increased and has been controlled by atmospheric and soil droughts (measured by the SPEI and scPDSI indices, correspondingly). Summer winds impair trees’ growth via increased evapotranspiration. We found that both larch and poplar treelines shifted into southward sandy dunes. Although poplar is a less drought-resistant species, its treeline was shifting ahead of the larch one with a mean speed of 5.6 m/y vs 0.8 for larch. The mean and max treeline shifts were 260 and 450 m for poplar and 35 m and 70 m for larch. During the warming, the poplar population has dramatically increased (+300% vs + 46% for larch). P. laurifolia occupied climate-caused new niches ahead of drought-resistant L. sibirica due to its high anemophily and seed production. We found that increasing GPP trends in both refugia and in adjacent sandy dunes caused phenomenon of “desert greening”. The treelines migration into the desert contradict the predicted shrinkage of the tree range within its southern boundary. However, the projected increase of moisture deficit at the 2080–2100 may impair that phenomenon. Nevertheless, current changes in the hydrology regime are favorable for trees growth and expansion into the adjacent Mongolian desert.

Abstract: Sorghum halepense (Johnsongrass) is widely recognised as one of the most aggressive invasive perennial grasses affecting agricultural and rangeland ecosystems worldwide. Its rapid spread, ecological adaptability, and dual role as both a potential forage resource and a toxic risk to livestock present complex challenges for sustainable livestock production. Despite extensive research on its ecology and management, existing knowledge remains fragmented across multiple disciplines, limiting the development of integrated control strategies. This systematic review synthesises existing scientific evidence on the ecological invasion dynamics, origin and distribution patterns, biodiversity impacts, livestock-related risks, and management strategies associated with S. halepense, intending to inform sustainable livestock production systems. A systematic literature review approach was employed to identify and evaluate peer-reviewed and grey literature. Relevant studies were retrieved from major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate, using predefined search terms related to S. halepense, invasion ecology, livestock toxicity, and weed management. Articles were screened based on relevance, methodological quality, and thematic alignment with the objectives of the review. The findings indicate that S. halepense has successfully invaded diverse agro-ecological regions due to its hybrid origin, polyploid genome structure, prolific seed production, and extensive rhizome system. The species significantly alters plant community composition, reduces biodiversity, and competes with crops and native forage species. Although it may provide forage under certain conditions, its accumulation of cyanogenic compounds and nitrates poses serious poisoning risks to grazing livestock. Current control strategies, including mechanical removal, cultural practices, herbicide application, and prescribed burning, vary in effectiveness and are often limited by ecological constraints, cost, and the increasing emergence of herbicide resistance. The review highlights the need for integrated, ecosystem-based management strategies that balance invasive weed control with sustainable forage production. Future research should prioritise climate-responsive management approaches, improved understanding of invasion ecology, and the development of cost-effective control measures suitable for livestock production systems. A multidisciplinary framework integrating weed science, rangeland ecology, and animal health will be critical for mitigating the ecological and economic impacts of S. halepense in invaded landscapes.

Abstract: Lead-zinc slag and smelting activities represent a persistent global source of soil con-tamination, releasing toxic heavy metals — lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) — with documented risks to ecosystems and human health. No systematic mapping of environmental assessment methods for slag-contaminated soils exists, and evidence from Central Asia remains entirely absent. This scoping review, following PRISMA-ScR 2018 guidelines, maps the global evidence base on soil contamination from lead-zinc slag and associated assessment methods. Searches across Dimensions, PubMed, and OpenAlex identified 410 records; 56 studies (2010–2025) met inclusion criteria. Studies were concentrated in China (35.7%), Poland (8.9%), and Brazil (7.1%); no studies from Kazakhstan were identified despite major Pb-Zn smelting operations in the Shymkent region. All studies reported heavy metal concentrations exceeding regulatory thresholds, with cadmium as the primary ecological risk driver and lead posing the greatest health risk to children. Assessment methods included pollution in-dices (73.2%), ecological risk assessment (67.9%), GIS-based spatial analysis (57.1%), human health risk frameworks (51.8%), and source apportionment models (50.0%). Post-2018 studies increasingly applied integrated multi-method frameworks. Critical gaps include the absence of Central Asian research, limited predictive modeling, and lack of standardized protocols. Findings provide a structured evidence map to guide environmental monitoring and remediation at slag-contaminated sites globally.

Abstract: Protected areas are often treated as internally homogeneous conservation units, yet their communities may be structured either as discrete modules or as continuous gradients shaped by environmental heterogeneity and human disturbance. Using camera-trap data from Liziping Nature Reserve, China, we examined the spatial organization of mammal and galliform bird communities and tested whether species-level environmental responses help explain community structure. From 148 camera-trap sites surveyed between July 2018 and June 2019, we obtained 4,065 independent detections and retained 15 species for analysis. We combined β-diversity decomposition, clustering, NMDS ordination, single-species occupancy models, clustering of environmental response coefficients, and Mantel tests. Community variation was dominated by turnover rather than nestedness, and clustering based on co-occurrence and relative activity patterns did not reveal well-separated discrete modules. Instead, NMDS indicated continuous variation along environmental gradients, with elevation and vegetation productivity as the strongest correlates. Occupancy models showed marked species-specific environmental responses, especially to elevation, habitat structure, and human disturbance, and β-based clustering identified two distinct environmental response groups. These results indicate that communities in Liziping are better characterized as continuous gradient structures than as discrete modules, and suggest that conservation should emphasize the maintenance of environmental heterogeneity, habitat continuity, and connectivity within mountain protected areas.

Abstract: Echinometra lucunter (Linnaeus, 1758) is a sea urchin widely distributed throughout the Caribbean, recognised for its pivotal ecological role as a bioindica-tor. Its niche is characterised by herbivory within coral reef frameworks and shal-low rocky substrates, where it significantly contributes to nutrient cycling and net primary productivity across Caribbean marine ecosystems. However, anthropo-genic climate change poses a substantial threat to its populations, specifically through perturbations in marine hydrochemistry. This study aims to estimate and analyse the habitat suitability of E. lucunter in the Southwestern Caribbean under current conditions and future climate risk scenarios. To achieve this, we employed ecological niche modelling (ENM) using an ensem-ble forecasting approach that integrates multiple algorithms, including Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), Generalized Linear Models (GLM), and Random Forest (RF). Models were calibrated using physical and chemical oceanographic variables and projected onto two contrasting climate pathways (SSP1-1.9 and SSP5-8.5) for the 2040–2050 horizon. Our results indicate that while the contemporary distribution of the species is strongly dictated by physiographic factors such as bathymetry and coastal proximity biogeochemical variables, including pH fluctuations, sea surface temperature (SST), and chlorophyll-a net productivity, are the primary drivers of habitat suitability shifts. Both future scenarios project a marked niche contraction, characterized by severe loss of core habitat and a high risk of local extirpation. Con-versely, specific insular and coastal regions in Colombia may serve as climate re-fugia, suggesting a potential buffering effect against regional declines. In conclu-sion, E. lucunter emerges as a species highly vulnerable to climate-driven stress-ors, underscoring the urgent requirement for spatially explicit conservation strate-gies within the Caribbean basin.

Abstract: Immovable cultural heritage—archaeological sites, historic buildings, and culturally significant infrastructure—has traditionally been approached through conservation, material preservation, and identity-based perspectives. However, the evolution of heritage theory and the emergence of systemic paradigms such as One Health call for its reinterpretation as an active component within interconnected human, animal, and environmental systems. Although One Health recognizes the interdependence of these domains, no operational framework currently assesses the functional contribution of immovable cultural heritage. This study develops a formal methodological framework that operationalizes immovable cultural heritage as a functional element within the One Health system. The framework integrates environmental, animal, and human health domains through structured indicators, mathematical formalization, and internal validation procedures. It explicitly incorporates the coexistence of tangible and intangible heritage dimensions, acknowledging their embedded socio-ecological relationships. The plausibility and coherence of the framework is validated against established scientific literature, environmental assessment models, and foundational One Health principles. Results demonstrate that the proposed approach enables systematic, reproducible, and domain-complete assessment of immovable cultural heritage within the One Health paradigm, overcoming methodological fragmentation and supporting integration with sustainability analysis, environmental governance, resilience planning, and long-term socio-ecological stability.

Abstract:

Stable oxygen isotopes (δ¹⁸O) in wood provide integrative records of plant water use and regional hydroclimatic processes, offering a powerful framework for spatial ecological analysis in tropical forests. Here, we present the first regional-scale δ¹⁸O isoscapes for Amazonian wood based on 387 trees sampled across 25 sites. After α-cellulose extraction, δ¹⁸O values were modeled using multiple linear regression (MLR) and Random Forest (RF) approaches. A Moran’s I test revealed no significant spatial autocorrelation (p = 0.73), indicating that geostatistical interpolation methods such as kriging were not appropriate for this dataset. The MLR model based on site-average data achieved an R² of 0.70, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.56‰ and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.68‰. The RF model showed comparable performance (R²= 0.67; MAE = 0.64‰; RMSE = 0.77‰). Both approaches reproduced a coherent southeast-to-northwest gradient, with lower δ¹⁸O values in the western Amazon and higher values in the east, consistent with regional patterns in precipitation isotopic composition and evapotranspiration. These findings demonstrate that climate-driven statistical modeling effectively captures large-scale isotopic structure across the Amazon basin, providing a robust spatial representation of δ¹⁸O variability in tropical forest wood.

Abstract: Brazil harbors 13% of the world’s biodiversity, yet agricultural expansion threatens its biomes. Because 71% of the country is under rural properties, farmers are pivotal for conservation. In a rural municipality within the Atlantic Forest biome, we developed a citizen science project engaging students and farmers to monitor wildlife in forest remnants using camera traps. We documented the endangered Puma concolor and the invasive Sus scrofa, alongside other native fauna. Beyond new records, the initiative fostered dialogue, countered misinformation, and strengthened local partnerships, demonstrating how community-based science can reconcile biodiversity conservation with agricultural production.

Abstract: Conserving biodiversity requires identifying and prioritizing critical habitats at fine-scale, as coarse-scale approaches often fail to address the needs of specialized and threatened species. This study applies a fine-scale prioritization approach across temperate and tropical regions of North America and the Caribbean using a detailed map of 636 ecosystem types and high-resolution Area of Habitat (AOH) data. We then evaluated the current protection status and risk of future land use changes for each habitat type and prioritized them for conservation. Our results revealed that 38% of the area was identified in the top quartile of high-priority habitats, with 56 (33%) of identified IUCN threatened ecosystem types captured within these areas. Top priority habitats include the Meso-American Premontane Semi-deciduous Forest, Central American Caribbean Evergreen Lowland Forest, and Guerreran Dry Deciduous Forest, all characterized by low protection, high projected land-use conversion, and large numbers of threatened and habitat-specialist species, highlighting their urgent conservation importance in Mesoamerican and Caribbean tropical forests. Our findings emphasize the need for targeted conservation strategies that consider finer-scale habitat classifications and species requirements to improve the precision of conservation planning, especially where already at-risk species and ecosystems are located, and human land use intensities are high.

Abstract: The beaded periwinkle (Cenchritis muricatus) inhabits supratidal rocky environments characterized by strong gradients in salinity, desiccation, and hydrodynamic disturbance. Preliminary observations suggested that individuals leave dry rocks more frequently when surrounded by seawater than freshwater, prompting an exploratory investigation of potential environmental cues underlying this behavior. Field-based pilot experiments in which periwinkles were placed on isolated dry rocks surrounded by either seawater or freshwater were conducted, while additional treatments varied rock height, surface char- acteristics, water depth, and salinity. Across experiments, periwinkles migrated away from rocks surrounded by seawater more frequently than those surrounded by freshwa- ter, although effect sizes varied and interactions with other factors were inconsistent. High variance and limited replication constrained statistical inference, and analyses are there- fore interpreted descriptively. Despite these limitations, results suggest that movement is not driven by immediate habitat benefits but may reflect sensitivity to salinity-associated contextual cues linked to large-scale disturbance risk. Escape behavior may be adaptive over long temporal scales associated with storm exposure, even if it appears maladaptive under experimentally constrained conditions. These findings highlight the importance of experimental scale in behavioral ecology and motivate future studies incorporating con- nected substrates, refuge gradients, and field-based validation to better resolve how su- pratidal gastropods respond to changing coastal conditions.

Abstract:

Wind energy stands as one of the most technologically mature renewable sources, playing a pivotal role in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. However, wind farms and associated infrastructures increase collision risk for flying organisms. Implementing higher cut-in speeds is a proven mitigation strategy to significantly decrease wildlife mortality rates, particularly for bat species, by preventing turbine operation during low-wind periods of high activity. The suggested, non-standard, increased cut-in speed for wind turbines is generally 5.0 m/s. To test the effectiveness of cut-in speed increase, bat activity was monitored at three wind farms in northern Portugal (Gevancas, Azinheira and Dom João e Feirão), using ultrasonic acoustic detection, to characterize spatial and temporal activity patterns and assess the potential risk associated. Monitoring was carried out at fixed stations, at heights of 55m above ground level during seven consecutive nights per month, from march to October. Wind speed data were recorded concurrently using anemometers mounted on meteorological towers. Contradicting cut-in speed recommendations, the results show that 90% of bat activity occurred at wind speeds above the current mitigation thresholds (5.0 m/s.). Since turbine operation coincides with peak bat activity, it is imperative to implement site-specific mitigation strategies, such as optimized cut-in speeds, to minimize mortality risk.

Abstract: The starting point of this article is the assumption that the “barrier effect” in applied ecology is undisputable and exceptional, because in both human and ecological dimen-sions it constitutes the “causal” and the “nexus”. As regards the human dimension the causative factors are lack of vertical cooperation between scientists and practitioners, as well as polarisation of practitioners’ viewpoints, which leads to neglected horizon-tal relationships. The “humane” nexus arises not only during the law-making stage but also during administrative procedures authorising plans or projects affecting the en-vironment (SEA and EIA procedures). It manifests first in documentary evidence: mul-tiplying advanced analyses, often mediated by computer-model abstractions, creates a time load for public administration. As regards ecological dimension the causative factor results from infrastructural development. The “nexus” concerns fragmentation and loss of habitats, as well as increased mortality rates of specimens during migration routes. Anchored in Land’s remit at the interface of landscape ecology and land-use governance, the authors intend to prove that “applied ecology” should be understood as a “joint venture agreement” between all entities undertaking education, research and exchange of knowledge to restore sustainable ecological phenomena, and to open discussion on transboundary impact assessments of wind-farm developments as re-gards bird migration.

Abstract: Roadside green spaces function as critical ecological barriers in urban environments, and their plant communities play a key role in improving regional air quality. This study investigates typical roadside plant communities in southern Xinjiang, a region characterized by extreme aridity and frequent dust storms. By quantifying indicators such as dust retention capacity at both individual and community levels, together with leaf surface microstructural characteristics, we evaluate the comprehensive dust retention performance of different community configuration patterns. The results show that: (1) Among the studied species, Juniperus chinensis ‘Kaizuca’ exhibited the highest dust retention capacity per unit leaf area, followed by Juniperus chinensis L. and Rosa rugosa Thunb. Among trees, Platanus acerifolia (Aiton) Willd showed the greatest dust retention capacity per individual plant; among shrubs, Rosa rugosa Thunb. performed strongly; and among herbaceous species, Lolium perenne L. exhibited relatively high dust retention capacity. (2) Leaf dust retention is governed by the synergistic effects of multiple traits, including leaf aspect ratio, stomatal aspect ratio, stomatal protrusion, stomatal density, wax layer characteristics, and surface roughness. Leaf aspect ratio exerts a significant positive direct effect on dust retention, whereas stomatal aspect ratio shows a significant negative direct effect. (3) At the community level, the multi-layered tree–shrub–herbaceous configuration dominated by Platanus acerifolia (Aiton) Willd exhibited the strongest dust retention capacity, making it the most effective configuration for roadside green spaces. Overall, this study provides a robust theoretical framework and empirical evidence for the scientific selection and optimized configuration of roadside vegetation in arid regions, thereby supporting the sustainable improvement of urban roadside air quality in southern Xinjiang.