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The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Thematic Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and Their Control presents a “conceptual diagram of management-invasion continuum”, introducing a versatile framework to support decision-making on the management of biological invasions. Drawing on an extensive synthesis of current knowledge, this IPBES invasion-management framework has been developed to broaden the scope of existing invasion curves—which primarily overlay generic management objectives onto a sigmoid curve depicting the expansion of the affected area over time—and to illustrate the applicability of the concept of effective management at different stages of the biological invasion process. To introduce the IPBES invasion-management framework to a wider audience, this paper explains the features of the framework and defines the invasion-stage-based management approaches and the potential outcomes envisaged therein. Reflecting the currently limited management options for biological invasions in marine and other connected-water systems, unlike in terrestrial and closed-water systems, the IPBES invasion-management framework clearly distinguishes between these two groups of systems. For each, it presents management approaches including three key factors that decision-makers should consider concurrently: management objectives, targets, and actions. This framework supports informed decision-making in the management of biological invasions in all ecosystems.
Electrospinning represents a versatile nanofabrication approach for developing multifunctional materials with high surface area, tunable porosity, and efficient biomolecule entrapment. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous mats encapsulating clove essential oil were fabricated via electrospinning to achieve sustained antioxidant and antimicrobial delivery. PVA, a hydrophilic, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer, was selected as the matrix to stabilize clove oil phytochemicals and prevent their volatility and oxidative degradation. Optimized electrospinning parameters (15 kV voltage, 1 mL/h flow rate, and 15 cm tip-to-collector distance) produced smooth, bead-free, and uniform fibers with homogeneously distributed oil domains. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydrogen bonding between eugenol-rich clove oil constituents and PVA chains without chemical alteration, while FE-SEM and TEM revealed continuous fibrous morphology and well-encapsulated internal reservoirs. Thermogravimetric and mechanical analyses indicated improved thermal resilience and flexibility (elongation at break ≈ 71
This study reports the green synthesis of Piper betle–derived zinc oxide nanoparticles (pZnONPs) and evaluates their performance for Cr(III) removal, a persistent and often overlooked contaminant in dental wastewater. Phytochemicals present in P. betle leaf extract acted as natural reducing and capping agents, producing stable ZnONPs with nanometer-scale dimensions and surface functional groups favourable for metal ion adsorption. Comprehensive characterization using FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, DLS, zeta potential analysis, TGA/DTG, and TEM–SAED confirmed the formation of spherical to quasi-spherical, polycrystalline ZnONPs with particle sizes ranging between 50 and 100 nm, high colloidal stability (zeta potential − 43.6 mV), and strong thermal resilience. The pZnONPs demonstrated excellent Cr(III) adsorption efficiency, achieving 96
Soil properties are important indicators of plant growth as well as soil health. A study has been conducted related to the properties of soil under Syzygium travncorium is an indigenous tree to the South Western Ghats, India. The current study was conducted at Kalasamala, a temple grove lying at Thrissur district, Kerala, this study was to compare the soil taxonomy, physicochemical properties, and mineralogy under Syzygium travancoricum (profile A) and adjacent heterogeneous vegetation (profile B) to evaluate whether the edaphic environment effects the persistence of this endangered tree species grown there by taking soil profiles at depth 1.5m. The soils under two types of vegetations were classified under the order Ultisol and sub-classified as as Ustic Palehumults (profile A) and Typic Haplustult. Profile A, has quartz in the sand fractions; chlorite mica, kaolinite, gibbsite and quartz in silt fractions; chlorite, kaolinite, gibbsite and quartz in clay fractions. In contrast profile B, exhibits quartz and feldspars in sand fractions; chlorite, Hydroxy Interlayered Vermiculate, mica, kaolinite, gibbsite, and quartz in silt fractions; chlorite, Hydroxy Interlayered Vermiculate, kaolinite, gibbsite, and quartz in clay fractions. Profile A has three classes of soil textures; sandy loam, sandy clay loam, sandy clay, whereas only two textural classes, sandy loam and sandy clay loam were found in profile B. Furthermore, it has been observed that the process of illuviation results accumulation of clays at the bottom horizons in these systems, thus enhancing Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Total Exchangeable Acidity (TEA) and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) except the illuvial layer (Bt2) of profile B. This study recognized typical characteristics of tropical humid soils, including leaching, low nutrient levels, and acidity. The decline of Syzygium travancoricum , by low seedling and poor regeneration, may be partly due to these limiting edaphic conditions along with anthropogenic pressures such as over exploitation and habitat destruction.
We studied the feeding ecology of Nilgiri Langurs from May 2019 to May 2021 in the shola forests of the Eravikulam National Park, Kerala, India. Nilgiri Langurs (Semnopithecus johnii) were examined for two years for their feeding ecology in the shola forests of Eravikulam National Park. We observed that Nilgiri Langurs interacted with 39 species of plants belonging to 23 families. A total of 169 fecal samples containing intact seeds were analyzed, and the results of which shows the role of langurs as potential seed dispersers in shola forest ecosystem. The proximate analysis of the eleven fruit species consumed by the langurs revealed higher levels of carbohydrates, moisture, and fat. These findings highlight the importance of preserving diverse habitats to meet their nutritional needs and support their conservation, especially in seasonal and disturbed environments.
