The Netherlands is dependent on artificial structures for water safety. In addition to water safety the artificial structures also provide habitat for different aquatic species. When designing artificial structures like dikes and breakwaters adjustments can be taken to increase species richness or stimulate …

Rationale: While combined lifestyle interventions have multiple health benefits, their impact on the oral microbiome is not known. We explored the effects of a lifestyle intervention including protein drink on the oral microbiome in older adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: In a post-hoc …

Caribbean coral reefs are in decline and the deployment of artificial reefs, structures on the sea bottom that mimic one or more characteristics of a natural reef, is increasingly often considered to sustain ecosystem services. Independent of their specific purposes, it is essential that artificial reefs …

In this study, we compared the early fish colonization of three types of artificial reefs deployed in the coastal waters of Saba and St Eustatius in the Caribbean: reef balls®, layered cakes and piles of locally obtained basaltic rock. As an indicator of performance, three fish assemblage parameters …

Coral reefs have been in decline over the past decades. This has greatly increased the need for restorative measures. The islands of Saba and St. Eustatius, two special Dutch municipalities in the Dutch Caribbean, are not exempt to this decline. The Saba Conservation Foundation and St. Eustatius National …

Coastal soft-sediment habitats are some of the most valued ecosystems due to their high productivity, sustaining coastal food webs. However, coastal soft-sediment habitats are under pressure due to human activity and sea level rise. To preserve or restore soft-sediment habitats different management strategies …

There is consensus that plant species richness enhances plant productivity within natural grasslands, but the underlying drivers remain debated. Recently, differential accumulation of soil‐borne fungal pathogens across the plant diversity gradient has been proposed as a cause of this pattern. However, …

There is a need for scientific research to support sustainable management of remaining forests located within palm oil plantations. As lianas have a significant impact on species diversity, structure and dynamics, they are an important element in tropical forests. This study examined liana carbon stock, …

Tropical dry forests (TDF) are subject to intense human intervention leading to an increase of secondary forests and changes in habitat suitability for birds. Despite the increasing research on secondary forests, we have little understanding of how such changes intropical dry forests have affected animal …