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Behaviour research on Cnidaria, particularly Ceriantharia (Cnidaria, Anthozoa), is generally uncommon. Although ceriantharians or tube-dwelling anemones are known to build soft tubes, their tube-building behaviours remain unknown. In this study, we describe for the first time the tube-building behaviour of Ceriantheomorphe brasiliensis and detail its behaviour in natural habitat, including illustrations and videos of live specimens. Our results showed that C. brasiliensis can build more than one tube throughout its life, the tubes are usually 'L-shaped', longer than the polyp, and vertically oriented when built in deeper substrates, but horizontally oriented when built in shallower substrates. During tube construction, the polyp does not feed or use its tentacles to catch or select specific sediment particle sizes for tube construction. Given the vertical orientation of the tube, it is possible that the tube-building behaviour of C. brasiliensis differs from that of other species. Although this study only included a single specimen, the behaviours observed were constantly repeated by the animal in every test, from the first trial to the last, suggesting that they can occur on occasion. Furthermore, this research contains useful information that may guide future studies of tube-building behaviour in Ceriantharia which are, currently, non-existent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals may build nests socially to minimize the energy required for nest construction. Paratemnoides spp. pseudoscorpions evolved sociality independently from all other social groups, and colonies create silken multi-chambered nests in which they molt and raise young, analogous in form to the nests of some wasps and bees. Here we describe these nests and examine pseudoscorpion construction efficiency. Silk is generally energetically expensive and as such, we hypothesized that P. elongatus build nests of a structure that minimizes silk use, thereby maximizing nest construction efficiency. We measured the number of nest chambers, their perimeter, and their area, for 31 nests, calculated several metrics of nest architecture, and developed five alternative mathematical models describing other possible nest geometries. We found that real social pseudoscorpion nests are constructed with high efficiency, measured as wall length per internal area, approaching that of mathematical optima. We also found that these nests use less silk per capita than if the same chambers were built separately, i.e., if they were solitary. This indicates a direct benefit to group members. We compared observed nest architecture with five mathematical models of nest geometry and found that pseudoscorpion construction efficiency outperformed all non-cooperative models and rivaled that of a cooperative one approximating the honeycomb conjecture - a mathematical proof describing the most efficient way possible to divide a 2-dimensional plane. In summary, social pseudoscorpions design group nests with multiple chambers in a way that minimizes wall length per internal area and approaches the efficiency of honey-bee-like hexagon constructcion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutlifunctional nanocarriers with logically activatable properties, constructed by DNAzyme-assisted coating strategy, were applied in controlled drug and siRNA delivery for efficient cancer therapy. [Display omitted] Multifunctional therapeutic nanoplatforms with an activatable property have demonstrated the ability to enhance cancer therapy due to their intrinsic controllability in drug delivery. Although much effort has been focused on constructing multifunctional therapeutic nanoplatforms with an activatable property, developing logically activatable nanoplatforms to exert improved therapeutic efficiency against cancer remains an imperative need. In this study, we established a tumor microenvironment activable nanoplatform by the DNAzyme assisted coating of polyaniline (PANI) on the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). This mild synthetic strategy can avoid the destruction of the loaded biomolecules and guarantee the biosafety of the nanoplatforms. Furthermore, the activable polymer can be used to load siRNA for combined cancer treatment. When the composite nanoplatforms were enriched in the tumor, the acidic tumor microenvironment activated the nanocarrier and unloaded the drugs and siRNA upon near-infrared (NIR) irradiation to achieve controlled drug delivery for enhanced cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing solid waste biomass developing of construction materials presents an environmental mitigation opportunity by gradually replacing conventional materials that generate diverse ecological impacts. This approach aligns with circular economy and green chemistry principles, promoting the creation of sustainable materials. This research analyzes the use of brown algae from the Sargassum genus for bioconstruction applications through its mix with Portland cement. The mass influx of pelagic Sargassum species onto Caribbean beaches since 2011 has significantly impacted the environment, economy, and human health. The valorization of Sargassum is crucial for effective management and impact reduction. The study encompasses four key stages: (a) collection and processing of the algae, (b) development of a construction material composed of Portland cement and Sargassum at concentrations of 5 wt.% and 7.5 wt.%, (c) multifunctional characterization of the composite material, encompassing physical chemistry and thermal, optical and mechanical properties, and (d) an economic-environmental evaluation of using the construction material for housing in the Mexican Caribbean to enhance thermal insulation and reduce electric energy consumption associated with air conditioning. Test specimens of the composite material reveal compressive strength ranging between 78 and 347 kg/cm2, solar spectrum absorbance between 54% and 70%, and thermal conductivity between 0.65 and 1 W/mK. The economic-environmental analysis indicates that employing the construction material in 5% of households in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, could lead to annual reductions in energy consumption of approximately 67 GWh, with savings exceeding US$33,000, and environmental yearly mitigation equivalent to 4.1 TnNOx, 5.2 TnCH4, and 33,262 TnCO2. These results suggest promising prospects for incorporating Sargassum into construction materials, offering potential environmental and economic benefits. The composite material demonstrates optical, thermal, and mechanical functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The covid-19 pandemic has increased the economic, social and environmental crisis that Latin American countries are experiencing. Bioconstruction is proposed as a way to redeem, or rescue the planet from its eminent devastation, through the promotion of low-polluting local natural materials and techniques. In contrast, the conventional construction of reinforced concrete or fired partition, generates 39% of the greenhouse effect, as a result of the transfer of materials, their firing or the use of machinery, so it is important to reduce it. The objective of this work is to analyze bioconstruction as a proposal to promote decent habitats, as well as to reduce the emission of polluting gases in Latin American countries. The methodology is based on the analysis of bioconstruction considering indicators such as: its impact or scope, projection or scalability, innovation and budget supported by empirical experience in cases developed in countries such as Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. The results show advantages in the works carried out based on bioconstruction, highlighting the benefits in terms of duration, efficiency, humidity and temperature. It is concluded that bioconstruction represents an opportunity in Latin American countries to face the crisis that prevailed before the appearance of the pandemic, but that has increased due to the arrival of covid-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of "speleothem" was recently found and described in submarine caves along the Southern coast of the Adriatic Sea in Italy. Previous studies demonstrated the fully biogenic and submarine origin of these structures which appeared to be formed by calcareous tubules of worms, embedded in a much finer texture matrix. AMS radiocarbon dating analyses allowed the determination of the age of these structures and to study the temporal evolution of their growth rate. In this paper, we report new dates obtained on the matrix around the already dated core tubules. Compositional analyses demonstrated that the matrix is mainly formed by calcium carbonate and AMS radiocarbon age measurements performed at CEDAD suggest its biogenic origin. Absolute ages on the matrix are statistically consistent internally and with the calcareous tubules. The obtained results are highly complementary to other studies being performed in order to identify the biological processes governing the formation and growth of these structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme heat anomalies and consequent mass coral bleaching events. Long‐term dynamics of hard coral cover, bioconstruction potential, carbonate deposition, and reef accretion was monitored over a 20‐year period on Maldivian coral reefs in order to investigate the effects of high‐temperature anomalies on coral reef accretion and their recovery potential. Changes experienced by shallow reefs between 1997 and 2017 were evaluated by considering five different bioconstructional guilds and the BioConstruction Potential index (BCP), a proxy for the constructional capacity of reefs. Abnormally high temperatures in 1998 and 2016 led to severe coral bleaching and consequent mortality, especially of the primary builders. Renewed carbonate deposition was not documented until 2–3 years after the bleaching, and 6–9 years passed until constratal (i.e., low relief) growth was achieved. Finally, 14–16 years were required to reach accretion rates high enough to ensure superstratal (i.e., high relief) growth. Coral mortality in the Maldives during the 2016 bleaching event was lower than in 1998, and the initial recovery was faster and occurred via a different trajectory than in 1998. Rising levels of anthropogenic carbon emissions are predicted to accelerate sea level rise and trigger severe coral bleaching events at least twice per decade, a frequency that will (a) prevent coral recovery, (b) nullify reef accretion, and consequently, (c) result in the drowning of Maldivian reefs under the worst climate projections. Long term dynamics of hard coral cover, bioconstruction potential, carbonate deposition, and reef accretion were monitored over a 20‐year period on Maldivian coral reefs in order to investigate the effects of high‐temperature anomalies on coral reefs and their recovery potential. Abnormally high temperatures in 1998 and 2016 led to severe coral bleaching and consequent mortality, especially of the primary builders. Renewed carbonate deposition was not documented until 2–3 years after the bleaching, 6–9 years passed until constratal (low relief) growth was achieved, and 14–16 years were required to reach accretion rates high enough to ensure superstratal (high relief) growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acarines are well-documented as formative elements in the biocenosis of soils. However, their role in the construction and weathering of siliceous speleothems has received very little attention in previous research. The present study describes different groups of cavities (nesting/molting sites) excavated by these organisms in the surface of siliceous speleothems that are deposited in the fissures between various granite boulders in Southern Spain. There is evidence that there are immature stages that would survive the heat and drought of summer in the form of small larvae, or euedaphic nymphs, in the soil. This study provides the first description of how this particular variety of organism, typical of the ecosystems established on this type of speleothem, develops a specialized ecological niche that concurrently mobilizes and modifies a significant portion of the polymineralic grains that form the primary stage of the speleothem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mediterranean, build-ups (created by coralline algae, Cladocora caespitosa, deep-water corals, vermetids, polychaetes and bacteria) and rhodolith beds are important hot-spots of biodiversity. Being severely threatened by anthropogenic impact and climate change, they have been included in international directives on environmental protection. This work wants to support the ongoing research on modern bioconstructions by providing further data on the long-term effects of environmental factors on these habitats. Our results are based on the analysis of the existing literature on the outcropping Quaternary successions of the Adriatic and Ionian coasts of peninsular Italy. The existing reports of build-ups and rhodalgal carbonates have been summarized in an homogeneous data-set and then studied to highlight distribution patterns in space and time. The analyses consistently outlined the importance of sedimentation rate in controlling the general distribution of build-ups and rhodalgal carbonates. The majority of the reports is concentrated south of the Gargano, where the sediment-load of the rivers is small. The majority of the reports is related to coralline algae, suggesting that they were the main carbonate producers during the period. C. caespitosa general distribution is mainly controlled by temperature, with most of the occurrences dating back to the warm periods of the late Ionian and of the Tarantian. Large build-ups of Cladocora are restricted to embayments and gulfs well-protected against storm waves. The distribution of the outcrops of deep-water corals is biased by the geological setting. A remarkable uplift is necessary to bring these corals from their original deep-water setting to elevated areas onshore. Consequently, most of the outcrops are in Southern Calabria which is characterized by a strong Quaternary uplift. Chemosynthetic build-ups, intertidal bioconstructions (made by vermetids, polychaetes or coralline algae), as well as stromatolites, are rare in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deleterious effects (biodeterioration) and the protective benefits (bioprotection) of biological colonisation on manmade structures have long been debated. Lichens, biofilms, algae, bivalves and gastropods contribute both directly and indirectly to damaging substrata in the coastal zone which can enhance abiotic erosive forces that exploit biologically induced superficial damage. There is mounting evidence that these same species may also provide protective benefits. This debate often impacts approaches to managing fouling on concrete assets in the coastal environment. The net benefit or detriment a species or assemblage has on a structure is spatially and temporally dynamic and subject to the influence of various abiotic and biotic factors at different scales. However, the net outcome may be more pronounced under different contexts, particularly under warming and ocean acidifying climate change scenarios which is where further research should focus. Additionally, as bioprotection represents a potentially valuable ecosystem service, it supports the argument for increasing and improving habitat availability and biodiversity on artificial coastal structures via ecological enhancement. Quantifying bioprotection in useful metrics, such as monetary value or time added to serviceable life, would help demonstrate the benefits of bioprotective species in a meaningful way. Outline: • Intertidal organisms are capable of both biodeteriorative and bioprotective effects. • Most studies fail to determine overall net impact of biological colonisation. • Calcifying organisms, such as barnacles, are likely to provide best bioprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The research on Mediterranean marine habitats is unequally driven by European directives and laws. • A neglected habitat definition is provided. • Bibliometric analyses are used to define the neglected status of habitats. • In the Mediterranean Sea, coralligenous formations are mostly studied. • On the contrary, vermetid reefs can be defined as a neglected habitat. Studied since late 1800, vermetid reefs are marine bioconstructions of well-acknowledged importance in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite their persistence being jeopardized in the whole basin, recent studies have referred to this bioconstruction as a neglected habitat. In this study, we assessed the neglected status of the Mediterranean vermetid reefs in the scientific literature producing a systematic map through a multi-method bibliometric protocol. Scopus and Web of Science databases were jointly used for data collection. Vermetid reefs publication rate (i.e., number of publications per year) was investigated compared to the other Mediterranean bioconstructions using ANOVA analysis and Zero-Inflated Poisson regression. Later, VOSviewer software was used to perform a bibliometric network analysis and for mapping visualization. The analysis aimed at investigating gaps, patterns, and trends of the vermetid reefs together with the other main Mediterranean bioconstructions (i.e., Astroides calycularis , Cladocora caespitosa and coralligenous formations, and sabellariid and Lithophyllum reefs). The ANOVA analysis of the number of publications from 1966 to 2020 found statistically significant differences between coralligenous and vermetid reefs publication rates in the 2006–2010, 2011–2015, and 2016–2020 timeframes and pointed out a clear before/after-2010 pattern in coralligenous publication rate, which was also confirmed by the Zero-Inflated Poisson regression model. The bibliometric network analysis of the bioconstructions literature revealed the same temporal pattern, with the vermetid reefs poorly investigated and weakly connected to newer research lines and conservation topics. Instead, coralligenous showed strong connections with biodiversity conservation and was indicated as a recent research hotspot. Overall, the results of this study confirm previous references of the vermetid reefs as a neglected habitat and, among others, show an increasing research interest in the coralligenous topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Abrolhos reefs are the largest and the richest coral reefs of Brazil, where corals, crustose coralline algae (CCA), and vermetids are the main reef-building organisms. In the Abrolhos Archipelago, the vermetid Dendropoma irregulare (d'Orbigny, 1842) associated with the CCA Porolithon pachydermum (Foslie) Foslie, represents a significant portion of the reef edges. This study aimed to analyze the seasonal influence of the substrate and hydrodynamic exposure to vermetid D. irregulare settlement, and to verify if the biological cues might be acting in the vermetid settlement. Seasonal in situ settlement experiments were performed, testing different substrata (live coralline algae, dead coralline algae, and artificial substrate) in three study sites (Mato Verde, Caldeiros, and Siriba) and a seasonal exposure index was calculated. We found that P. pachydermum enhance settlement of D. irregulare in the Abrolhos reefs. The vermetid settlements were significantly higher on (1) substrates with live CCA, and (2) in the presence of substrates with live CCA cues. The highest vermetid settlements, which best reveal the positive effect of substrate cues (live coralline algae), were observed at Siriba during summer and autumn–winter, being more than twice that recorded in Mato Verde. It is suggested that features associated with live coralline surfaces may attract the settlement of the juvenile vermetid. This study revealed a significant positive correlation between settlements of the vermetid on live CCA and the degree of exposure to hydrodynamics, where the highest densities were observed in a moderate condition of exposure. Responses to the preferential settlement on live coralline algae surfaces in the present study are probably due to a complex of cues acting simultaneously, which includes the physical (hydrodynamics) and biological cues (biofilms). This study provides the first attempt to examination of the settlement factors of the vermetids, contributing to the role that live coralline may play as “nursery habitats” in the Abrolhos Archipelago. Because of its ability to induce settlement of the crawling juvenile vermetid, CCA play a fundamental role in the life cycle of many marine invertebrates, including D. irregulare . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work shows the search carried out in the Buildings Technical Course in PROEJA modality, from Farroupilha Federal Institute, Campus Panambi. The activity was developed through the subject of Natural Sciences and theirs technologies. In this opportunity it was searched the green roof method of construction, which is an alternative that gives environmental comfort, connecting improvements for the environment. The live roof favors the thermic related with the build place, the landscaping provides a permeable place, attribute benefits and life quality. Sustainable actions are pointed out increasingly by spread ideas that contribute to the society well-being. As example there are the live roofs, structures that are characterized by vegetal covering application in buildings, using the adequate waterproofing and drainage. Through this work, it was possible to investigate the different forms of green roof construction, as well as the environmental benefits by its use. Apart from being attended with the permaculture aspects, the live roof was developed in an ecological house that can be used for pets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the research on the construction technique of Superadobe held in the Technical Course in Building, at the Federal Institute Farroupilha, Campus Panambi. The activity was developed during Discipline Comfort in Buildings. The bioconstruction method studied was the Superadobe. The construction technique was designed by the Iranian architect Nader Khalili, and consists of building with the soil from the spot, and with the help of other materials such as sand, plastic packaging among others. The research aims to support the development of a project of a residential typology, where the representation of the construction technique will be incorporated. It was also carried out a study on the concepts of permaculture, which combine different knowledge related to best practices that enable the creation of sustainable environments. Aspects of environmental comfort in buildings with superadobe were also searched. Through this activity, it was possible to enlarge the perceptions about the possibilities of materials and techniques with lower environmental impact, coming to meet the concepts of sustainability and environmental education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We document a remarkable abundance of the tubeworm Serpula vermicularis Linnaeus, 1767, in bathyal coral habitats from the Bari Canyon System in the southern Adriatic Sea. Here, the specimens of S. vermicularis grow from muddy substrate either as isolated individuals or as localized clusters of multiple individuals. Peculiar tube aggregations are also associated with Madrepora oculata build-ups and other stony corals including Desmophyllum dianthus. Three types of coral-serpulid (C-S) frameworks have been recognized based upon size and shape. The abundance of S. vermicularis increases with the size of C-S frameworks, which results from superimposition, overgrowth, and/or intergrowth of scleractinians and serpulids. Several generations of S. vermicularis contribute to the C-S frameworks, each most probably accounting for more than 8 years and presumably existing in the area for the last hundreds of years. At a meso-scale, the distribution pattern of serpulids seems to be mainly governed by currents and siltation. A further constraint is the co-occurring solitary coral D. dianthus within frameworks. The successful sea-bottom colonization by S. vermicularis and associated C-S frameworks is possibly related to a high oxygen content and food supply derived from the North Adriatic Dense Water (NAdDW). The flourishing populations of S. vermicularis as well as the peculiarity of C-S frameworks suggest that deep-sea canyons provide important benthic habitats in bathyal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Twenty-nine 14C dates of precise biological sea-level indicators from the Lebanese coast show evidence for two significant regional crustal uplift episodes during the past 6000 years. We elucidate: (1) an upper shoreline at ca. +120 to +140 cm, which lasted from ca. 6000 to 3000 BP; and (2) a lower shoreline at +80 ±40 cm, developed between the fifth century BC and the sixth century AD. These movements are associated with: (1) two major seismic crises along the Yammuneh fault and the Roum-Tripoli Thrust (RTT); and (2) subsequent seismic events on a series of second-order ENE trending dextral transpressive faults. Vertical movements affected north Lebanon, whilst the coasts of south Lebanon generally underwent crustal downlift. This is in contrast with relative stability in northern Israel, suggesting an area of stationary tectonic conditions west of the Dead Sea–Rosh Hanikra/Ras Nakoura fault. The main 14C age cluster, corresponding to the second uplift event, may have resulted from fault movements during the “Early Byzantine Tectonic Paroxysm” (EBTP), between ca. 1750 and 2000 BP. Relative sea level stabilised to present level around 1000 BP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biogeomorphology has developed into a well-established research field over the past 15 years, with studies examining a range of two-way interrelations between organisms and geomorphology in a variety of terrestrial and marine environments. This paper starts by defining the core biogeomorphological processes—bioerosion, bioprotection and bioconstruction. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of bioconstructional forms; providing a clear definition, examples of bioconstructions, and, crucially, examining important interactions between bioconstruction and bioerosion. Three key areas where biogeomorphological research can directly contribute to the emerging field of geobiology are identified: (1) the use of biogeomorphological approaches, combined with palaeoecological investigations and predictive modelling, in the growing field of carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation; (2) providing geomorphological expertise to support the emerging field of astrobiology and (3) the potential contributions of biogeomorphology to the blossoming field of bio-geoengineering. Some key research directions and challenges for future biogeomorphological research include: exploring how biogeomorphological studies can contribute to and benefit from collaborations with other fields of geobiology, and assisting in the development of a useful, effective interdisciplinary toolbox of methods to improve quantification of geobiological processes. Importantly, suggestions are made for potentially fruitful collaborations with geomicrobiologists, geochemists and palaeoecologists. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Unusual “coralligenous” build-ups were found at the infra–circalittoral boundary from SE Sicily. They are columnar, rising up perpendicularly from the bottom, and consist of an inter-growth of encrusting algae and invertebrates. A selected build-up and its longitudinal section, together with some thin sections of selected parts, were studied to detail the growth structures, composition and fabric of the trapped sediments. The coralline algae show a succession of “concentric”, “fruticulose” and “foliaceous” structures. The framework delineates cavities bounded by algal thalli, sometimes filled by sediments. The organisms constituting the framework were grouped into functional guilds (Fagerstro¨m, 1991): “primary frame builders” (mainly coralline algae); “secondary frame builders” (vermetids, serpulids and some bryozoans); “bafflers” (erect, flexible bryozoans, some sponges and soft algae); “binders” (encrusting bryozoans, some crustose coralline algae and serpulids); “destroyers” (a few endolithic algae, rare sponges and bivalves); “dwellers” (brachiopods, foraminifers, bivalves, small bryozoans and some motile organisms). The distribution pattern of taphonomic features (composition, grain size and distribution of sediments filling cavities; presence of cement and its location; mineralogical composition and crystal size), together with interactions between growth structures and functional guilds, allowed one to distinguish three taphofacies, each recording different environmental conditions. They have been tentatively related with cyclic sequences testifying to local hydrodynamic regimes, with subsequent slighter and stronger intensity phases, during the last 2200 years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although biogeomorphological research is well-established, with many studies on a range of two-way interrelations between organisms and geomorphology in different environments, there is little consensus over what constitutes biogeomorphology, why it might be useful and where it is heading. Starting with definitions of core biogeomorphic processes, we consider the need for future biogeomorphological studies to evaluate the crucial links between bioprocesses, biological community dynamics and ‘inorganic’ earth surface processes. Five key applications of biogeomorphological research are identified; the roles of organisms in environmental reconstruction, trace fossil analysis, extraterrestrial geomorphology, environmental engineering and the built environment. Some key research directions and methodological challenges for future biogeomorphological research include expanding the spatial and temporal coverage of datasets, investigating the role of bioprocesses in landform development, tackling scale issues, investigating the relevance of nonlinear dynamical ideas to biogeomorphology and developing better sampling and monitoring techniques for bioprocesses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]