Geriant

ABSTRACT Mangrove ecosystems support a diverse array of animal species and also provide pivotal ecosystem services, such as coastal protection, food provisioning, and carbon capture. However, these vital habitats are in decline, leading to coastal degradation in many parts of the globe. To address this, a mangrove restoration project in Demak, Java, Indonesia, introduced the use of semi‐permeable coastal protective barriers made of bamboo pilings to safeguard the shore zone and hinterlands. The introduction of such hard substrate in the marine environment can attract a range of species, and it is important to be able to monitor changes in biodiversity from a restoration point of view. Here, we assessed whether environmental DNA metabarcoding can be applied to monitor fish biodiversity in an understudied area. Our results show slight but significant differences in species richness and fish community composition within a short timeframe of only 4 months, although we cannot disentangle the effects of seasonal variation from those of the introduction of hard substrate. More importantly, this study demonstrates a useful level of temporal resolution of eDNA metabarcoding and establishes a baseline for fish species richness in an understudied mangrove coastal zone in Demak, Java, Indonesia. Our results are of value for informing future restoration efforts and other (metabarcoding) biodiversity studies in the region.

The Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT) is a non-invasive method used to measure respiratory resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) in the airways. This technique uses oscillatory signals with frequencies ranging between 5 and 19 Hertz (Hz). In this study, we measured Rrs and Xrs using FOT in a research group and in a control group to compare the general reference values from Oostveen (2003) with both groups. The research group consisted of personnel certified to dive by the Diving Medical Centre (DMC) of the Royal Netherlands Navy, while the controls were made up of non-certified for diving military personnel with no history of any heart or lung condition. Both groups were free from respiratory illness for at least two weeks before the measurement. The Rrs and Xrs values were recorded at different frequencies, and statistical analysis was performed using R. A total of 76 participants were included in the study, with 43 in the research group and 33 in the control group. The average age was 35.2 years for the research group and 39.9 years for the controls. Rrs at 5 and 11 Hz did not significantly differ from Oostveen’s reference values, although the control group showed slight variations. However, Rrs at 19 Hz was significantly less positive in both groups, indicating lower resistance, a sign of healthier lungs. Xrs at 5 Hz, Fres, and Ax also showed significant differences from Oostveen’s values in both groups, with the values being less negative. This suggests healthier lung function, as the lungs appear to be more compliant and less restricted. This study concludes Oostveen's reference values for Rrs and Xrs apply to all military personnel, as measured values align with expected ranges.

ABSTRACTSulphate reducing prokaryotes are widely acknowledged as key contributors to microbiologically influenced corrosion in industry. Characterisation of their behaviour within mixed‐species biofilms that reflect ecologically relevant conditions is limited. A novel dual anaerobic biofilm reactor protocol allowed a complex microbial consortium to be investigated. Continual biofilm growth resulted in significantly greater corrosive pit density, with 15 and 47 pits mm−2 in the biotic reactor for as received (AR) and polished (P) coupons respectively. There was an average pit density of 3 pits mm−2 in the abiotic reactor for both AR and P coupons. Moreover, a greater pit depth and size were observed when compared to the sterile abiotic conditions. Identifying and understanding the relative contributions of different microbial mechanisms within mixed‐species biofilms is critical. Importantly, electroactive and corrosive Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and Desulfovibrio vulgaris were identified within the biofilm. These microorganisms play a crucial role in extracellular electron transfer, a key process in microbiologically influenced corrosion. The protocol not only deepens the mechanistic understanding of MIC but also offers a versatile tool for testing mitigation strategies under realistic and customizable conditions. This integrated approach can ultimately support the development of more targeted, sustainable corrosion prevention and management practices.

Understanding biocide performance in mixed-species biofilms is critical to mitigating microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). In this study, a novel dual anaerobic biofilm reactor was used to evaluate glutaraldehyde efficacy under environmentally relevant conditions, using a complex microbial consortium from marine sediment. Despite biocide dosing, biofilms persisted and induced localized corrosion, indicating incomplete mitigation. Each biocide application led to an electronegative shift in E corr and a reduction in concentration, suggesting partial suppression of microbial activity. Raman spectroscopy and profilometry revealed differences in corrosion product composition and pit morphology between biotic and abiotic systems. 16S rRNA sequencing showed enrichment of stress-tolerant genera, including Exiguobacterium and Serpentinicella, consistent with increased chemical tolerance. These findings highlight the limitations of conventional biocide strategies and demonstrate the need for adaptive, community-informed treatment approaches. The dual-reactor model provides a robust platform for future MIC standardization efforts and mechanistic investigation of biofilm resilience under anoxic conditions.

High-speed boat operations expose personnel to slamming-induced impacts, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries and cognitive impairments. Despite existing safety measures, regulations and protocols, the risk of injuries remains significant. The MultiAgency, prospective, exploratory, non-intervention, cohort Study on Human Impact Exposure oNboard high-speed boats study aims to investigate the nature and magnitude of these impacts, their acute and long-term health effects, and potential injury prevention strategies to improve operational safety and performance. This is an ongoing multicentre, prospective, non-intervention, observational cohort study. The first participant was enrolled on 23 August 2024. High-speed boat operators log self-reported pain data via a smartphone app, using a Visual Analogue Scale and pain drawings. Triaxial accelerometers are installed on boat hulls and worn by participants to measure impact exposure. Data analysis assesses correlations between exposure and reported pain, enabling the identification of risk factors and the development of safety guidelines for high-speed boat operations. The study has received ethical approval from the relevant ethics committees, including the Swedish Ethics Review Authority (no. 2022-04931-01). All participants will provide informed consent before enrolment. The findings will be disseminated through technical reports, articles in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and direct engagement with military and maritime stakeholders to enhance training protocols and safety measures. NCT05299736.

Abstract In 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b became enzootic and caused mass mortality in Sandwich terns and other seabird species across northwestern Europe. We present data on characteristics of the spread of the virus between breeding colonies and the number of dead adult Sandwich terns recorded at breeding sites throughout northwestern Europe. Within two months after the first mortalities were reported, in total 20,531 adult Sandwich terns were found dead, which is >17% of the total northwestern European breeding population. Losses are likely higher, as we expect that many victims were not found (mortality rate might be up to 74% of the breeding population). Inside the colonies almost all chicks died. After the peak of the outbreak, in a colony established by late breeders, 25.7% of adults showed immunity against HPAI subtype H5. Removal of carcasses helped in reducing the spread of the disease and consequently total mortality. More research on the sources and modes of transmission, incubation times, effective containment and immunity is urgently needed to combat this major threat for colonial seabirds.

ABSTRACT: In this paper, the maximum principle of optimal control theory and the method of dynamic programming are discussed in relation to the minimization of fuel consumption in ship routing. The connection between the two methods is indicated for the case in which ship routing is treated as a continuous process, meaning that the sailing paths are not restricted to arcs of a grid as in the discrete dynamic programming method, but can vary continuously in the navigation area. Practical aspects are also discussed, such as the discrete approach of dynamic programming, as well as the finite version of the continuous approach and the limited predictability of the weather. Results are presented showing least-time routes, which are obtained with computational methods based on the maximum principle and the corresponding continuous type of dynamic programming.