Bryophyte assembly rules across scales

Understanding how species assemble into communities is a central issue in community ecology. So far, most studies have focused on the assembly mechanisms of vascular plant communities, while the role of deterministic (environmental filtering and biotic interactions) and stochastic (e.g. dispersal limitation) processes structuring bryophyte assemblages remains poorly understood. To evaluate how different assembly processes shape bryophyte communities in mountain streams, we examined functional trait patterns across spatial scales and along environmental gradients. To do so, we sampled 754 microhabitat plots (0.25 m2) nested within 165 sites (100-m long stream segments) and 13 sub-basins, located in the northwest and central-west of Portugal. At each spatial scale, observed functional diversity indices (Functional Richness and Rao's quadratic entropy) were compared to random expectations derived from null models, followed by the analysis of changes in functional trait patterns along environmental gradients by fitting a series of generalized additive mixed models. At local scales (site and microhabitat plot), coexisting species tended to be more functionally similar than expected, suggesting the prevalence of environmental filtering effects. In contrast, no significant deviations from random expectations were detected at the broadest spatial scale (sub-basin), indicating the prevalence of stochastic processes. We found contrasting assembly processes along environmental gradients: environmental filtering prevailed in stressful environments, while competitive interactions were more important in favourable conditions. Synthesis. Our results highlight the role of environmental filtering in bryophyte community assembly at fine spatial scales, emphasizing the importance of measuring environmental conditions at the same spatial scales where biotic interactions take place. In line with the stress-dominance hypothesis, the relative importance of environmental filtering increased with abiotic stress. Thus, analysing functional trait patterns across different spatial scales and environmental gradients may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying community assembly.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cars as a tool for monitoring and protecting biodiversity

Modern cars have an array of sensors that allow different objects to be recognized, including large and small animals. They thus have the potential to become a tool for monitoring biodiversity and improving driver safety. But to achieve this various challenges in computing, communications and privacy need to be addressed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mapping potential conflicts between photovoltaic installations and biodiversity conservation

European countries are expanding utility-scale solar farms to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy independence. However, the expansion of these facilities raises concerns about competition for land for other uses, including biodiversity conservation. Thus, quantitative assessment of the friction between renewable energy development and conservation potential is an important step towards the sustainable development of the energy sector in this region. Here, grounded on land sparing/land sharing concepts, we discuss a prioritization framework based on solar potential and human footprint (used as a proxy for wilderness) to identify zones where the development of solar farms may cause a negative impact on biodiversity (sparing areas), and areas where they may have beneficial outcomes (sharing areas). We apply this framework to the Iberian Peninsula, where the land conflict may become particularly significant in the near future, given the high potential for photovoltaic production and expansion of photovoltaic installations, and the vast areas of well-preserved habitats still remaining. We detected around 18,000 km2 of sparing areas, of which half are not in protected areas, and >41,000 km2 of sharing areas. Much of these sharing areas are found near urban areas, which is where energy is most needed for supplying homes, transport, and machinery. Through strategic planning, the implementation of solar farms in land sharing areas has the potential to yield dual benefits, for both local biodiversity and food production, driving economic growth. By doing so, these initiatives can also safeguard important wilderness areas, which play a pivotal role in conserving biodiversity.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Concurrent herbivory and metal accumulation: The outcome for plants and herbivores

The effects of metals on plants and herbivores, as well as the interaction among the latter, are well documented. However, the effects of simultaneous herbivory and metal accumulation remain poorly studied. Here, we shed light on this topic by infesting cadmium-accumulating tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum), either exposed to cadmium or not, with herbivorous spider mites, Tetranychus urticae or T. evansi during 14 days. Whereas on plants without cadmium T. evansi had higher growth rate than T. urticae, on plants with cadmium both mite species had similar growth rates, which were lower than on plants without metal. Plants were affected by both cadmium toxicity and by herbivory, as shown by leaf reflectance, but not on the same wavelengths. Moreover, changes in leaf reflectance on the wavelength affected by herbivores were similar on plants with and without cadmium, and vice versa. Long-term effects of cadmium and herbivory did not affect H2O2 concentrations in the plant. Finally, plants infested with spider mites did not accumulate more cadmium, suggesting that metal accumulation is not induced by herbivory. We thus conclude that cadmium accumulation affects two congeneric herbivore species differently and that the effects of herbivory and cadmium toxicity on plants may be disentangled, via leaf reflectance, even during simultaneous exposure.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Aplicação dos princípios da Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental no desenvolvimento de ferramentas e-mental health: O caso de Be a Mom, uma intervenção psicológica online para prevenir a depressão pós-parto

E-mental health tools are a new format of treatment delivery that can increase population’s access to mental health services. Its effectiveness is higher when grounded on evidence-based therapeutic protocols, such as Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT). We aim to understand how CBT principles can be applied in the development of e-mental health tools, more specifically, in web-based interventions. We use the case example of the Be a Mom program, a web-based psychological intervention, grounded on the principles of CBT, designed to prevent postpartum depression and targeting high-risk postpartum women in the Portuguese population. We describe how the design of Be a Mom was grounded in CBT, by addressing: a) general CBT principles; b) its therapeutic mechanisms; and c) organization of sessions. Also, we discuss the relevance of the therapeutic alliance in web-based interventions and the importance of evidence-based interventions. By providing insight on how the principles of CBT can be operationalized in an innovative delivery format, we can contribute to the further development of web-based interventions, as well as to increase awareness and knowledge among mental health professionals about the similarities between the principles underlying web-based and face-to-face CBT interventions.As ferramentas e-mental health são um novo formato de aplicação de intervenções que potenciam o acesso da população aos serviços de saúde mental. A sua eficácia é maior quando são assentes em protocolos terapêuticos baseados na evidência, como a Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental (TCC). Assim, procuramos compreender como os princípios da TCC podem ser aplicados no desenvolvimento de ferramentas de saúde mental, mais especificamente, em intervenções psicológicas online. Utilizámos o caso-exemplo do programa Be a Mom, uma intervenção psicológica online, assente nos princípios da TCC, concebida para prevenir a depressão pós-parto e destinada a mulheres em risco elevado no período pós-parto. Descrevemos como o design do Be a Mom foi fundamentado na TCC, considerando: a) princípios gerais da TCC; b) os seus mecanismos terapêuticos; e c) a organização de sessões. Também discutimos a relevância da aliança terapêutica em intervenções online e a importância de intervenções baseadas na evidência. Ao esclarecer como os princípios da TCC podem ser operacionalizados num formato inovador, podemos contribuir para o desenvolvimento de intervenções online, bem como para o aumento da consciencialização e do conhecimento nos profissionais de saúde mental sobre as semelhanças entre os princípios subjacentes às intervenções de TCC online e presenciais

Turismo comunitário: enquadramento conceptual, organizacional e impacte

Mestrado em Gestão e Planeamento em TurismoA presente dissertação teve como objetivo analisar o processo de elaboração e implementação de viagens de turismo comunitário e identificar os potenciais benefícios para as comunidades recetoras de viagens de turismo comunitário, segundo a perceção de organizações europeias que trabalham na organização deste tipo de viagens. Para este efeito, foi efetuada uma reflexão teórica em termos concetuais de forma a enquadrar o conceito do turismo comunitário em conceitos mais abrangentes tendo-se verificado que este se enquadra em primeira instância no turismo justo e solidário, depois no turismo responsável e por último no turismo sustentável ou, como é defendido por vários autores, no desenvolvimento sustentável no contexto do turismo. Após a referida reflexão entendeu-se que seria importante avaliar os impactes do turismo comunitário nas comunidades recetoras segundo a perceção das organizações europeias que trabalham neste âmbito. Para este efeito, foram analisados dados secundários e recorreu-se, igualmente, a dados primários, utilizando um inquérito por questionário aberto que foi aplicado a 47 organizações europeias entre maio e julho de 2011. Na informação recolhida verificou-se que existe um forte envolvimento das organizações europeias que organizam viagens de turismo comunitário com as comunidades onde ocorrem estas viagens, o qual decorre do facto de realizarem um trabalho direto com as organizações locais, maximizando os benefícios das comunidades, através do pagamento dos serviços prestados na viagem propriamente dita e, muitas vezes, participando e promovendo projetos comunitários em diversas áreas. Em termos de impactes destacam-se os benefícios, porém, também foram indicados alguns custos. Nos benefícios realçam-se o incremento da autoestima da mulher; a recuperação e valorização de saberes e práticas ancestrais; a diversificação produtiva, o incremento dos recursos económicos e, ainda, beneficiações de infraestruturas e dinamização da economia local.This dissertation aimed to examine the process of elaboration and implementation of the travels of community tourism and identify the potential benefits for the communities receiving these travels in the perspective of European organizations laboring on the arrangements of this type of travels. To achieve this, a theoretical reflection was realized in conceptual terms for others to conceive the concept of community tourism in wide-ranging aspects and it was found that it corresponds well firstly to fair and solidarity tourism, secondly responsible tourism and lastly sustainable tourism. Alternatively, as advocated by several authors, it also complies in the context of sustainable development in tourism. Following this discussion, it was acknowledged that it would be substantial to assess the impacts of community tourism recipients according to the perspective of European organizations laboring on the arrangements of this type of travels. In accordance with this purpose, the secondary data (as well as primary data) was analyzed by a survey using the inquiry of open-ended questionnaire which was applied to 47 European organizations between the dates of May and July in 2011. From the acquired information, it is verified that there exists a strong involvement of the European organizations with the communities due to the fact that these organizations realize a direct work with the local organizations by maximizing the benefits of the communities through the payment of services given during the trip and many times by participating and promoting community projects in different areas. In terms of the impacts which emphasize the benefits, however, some costs were also indicated. These benefits highlighted the role of the women/development of their self-esteem, the recovery of the knowledge and ancestral practices; the productive diversification, the increasing of the economical resources and even benefaction of infra-structures and dynamization of the local economy

More than trees: Stand management can be used to improve ecosystem diversity, structure and functioning 20 years after forest restoration in drylands

In Mediterranean drylands, extensive areas have been restored by reforestation over the past decades to improve diversity, soil fertility, and tree natural regeneration, contributing to halting desertification and land degradation. However, evaluating reforestation success usually relies on tree survival, while holistic and long-term evaluations of reforestation success based on ecosystem diversity, structure and functioning are scarce. In this work, we provide the first assessment that combines the evaluation of planted trees and indicators of ecosystem diversity, structure, and functioning in established reforestations with three native Mediterranean species along a climatic gradient. We sampled 43 20-year-old stands with umbrella pine, holm oak and cork oak in Portugal, and tested the effects of tree species composition, stand management (i.e., differences in tree density and shrub cover), and edaphoclimatic conditions, on the size of planted trees, species diversity, structural complexity and indicators of ecosystem functioning related to productivity, soil nutrients and tree natural regeneration. Our results show that, after 20 years of reforestation, stand management was an essential driver of plant diversity and ecosystem functioning. Higher tree density, particularly of oaks, and higher shrub cover improved plant diversity, ecosystem productivity, and oak regeneration. The latter was also improved by structural complexity. Tree composition effects highlighted the importance of pine management to avoid competition. Since we evaluated these reforestations along a climatic gradient, we also conclude that climate influenced pine and holm oak size, ecosystem productivity, and soil C/N. Our research, by being based on assessing the long-term reforestation success in a more holistic way, highlighted the importance of stand management for improving ecosystem diversity and functioning in these restored systems. Practices such as increasing tree density up to ~800 trees/ha and allowing a shrub cover of ca. 30 %, may improve the ecological condition of future and currently reforested areas across the Mediterranean region.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Restoration and rehabilitation of degraded land in arid and semiarid environments: Editorial

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Using chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging to select desiccation-tolerant native moss species for water-sustainable green roofs

Green roofs have been more thoroughly investigated in the last few years due to the potential benefits they o er to ecosystems in urban areas (e.g., carbon sequestration, particle retention, heat island e ect attenuation). However, current climate change models predict an increase in desertification, with an increase in temperature and decrease in rainfall, which means there is an increasing demand for green roofs with lower water consumption. Vegetation with very little water requirements, such as desiccation-tolerant mosses, has shown a potential to complement or substitute for vascular species, increasing the sustainability of lower water use in green roofs. In this study, we use chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging to screen for bryophytes with adequate physiology to be used in green roofs placed in at-risk areas with prolonged drought episodes. Apart from Hypnum cupressiforme, all selected species presented a high potential for use in those conditions, particularly Didymodon fallax, Grimmia lisae, Pleurochaete squarrosa, and Targionia hypophylla. Chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging technology proved to be a simple and non-invasive tool for a fast screening of these poikilohydric organisms, to be used in future studies of bryophyte biology, but more importantly in the green roof industryinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Selecting potential moss species for green roofs in the Mediterranean Basin

Green roofs are important infrastructures to address the e ects of climate change in urban areas. However, most studies and applications have been done in cooler and wetter regions of the northern hemisphere. Climate change will lead to more extreme weather events, such as increased drought and decreased precipitation with intense flash rain events. Increase desertification is expected especially in the Mediterranean Basin, where in summer, radiation and temperature are high and water is scarce. Therefore, while vascular plants increase water consumption in green roofs during warmer periods, mosses present themselves as potential candidates due to their poikilohydric nature, responding to the environmental availability of water, completely drying out and recovering upon rehydration. Although criteria for the selection of vascular plants adapted to the Mediterranean and suitable for green roofs have been developed, no information is available regarding the selection of mosses based on scientific criteria. Here we propose selection criteria for moss species based on ecological preferences according to Ellenberg’s values and help to define moss traits suitable for a nonirrigated, nature-based green roof that tolerates the Mediterranean climate. The main result is a table of potential candidate mosses that can be either used as standalone or in conjunction with vascular plants to decrease water usage and/or manage stormwater through an easily applicable selection methodology. For green roof practitioners, we proposed that acrocarpous mosses exhibiting turf/cushion life forms and colonist or perennial life strategies best fit the requirements for such a green infrastructure in extreme climate regions with scarce water resourcesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio