Gradual environmental changes are determining factors in the disposition of plants and associated organisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The objective of this study was to evaluate the AMF species communities in a tropical semi-arid region of NE Brazil under decreasing clay content at a mountain top area forming a vegetative mosaic of dry forests, savanna-like shrubland and humid montane forests. Through field and trap culture samples, 80 species of AMF were identified belonging to 25 genera, of which Acaulospora and Glomus were the most representative. In general, representatives of the order Gigasporales were indicators of sites with lower clay content and showed greater abundance in these sites. As expected, less richness was found in the site with higher clay content, but there was no variation in the Shannon-Weaver index in the gradient studied. The areas showed different assemblies of AMF among the sites with higher and lower clay content, and the main factors structuring the species were carbon, clay and potential acidity. In addition, field samples and trap cultures showed different assemblies; through the use of cultures it was possible to detect additional species. Soil properties have been found to be determinants for the distribution of these microorganisms and further studies in different vegetation types can help to understand the ecological preferences of AMF species.

Increasing elevation affects many abiotic factors, such as a temperature decrease and an increase in radiation, as well as multiple biotic characteristics such as richness and composition of plant communities, both of which contribute to the formation of different habitats in mountainous landscapes. Both biotic and abiotic factors also affect belowground arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities, but there is scarce information available from tropical mountain ecosystems. The objective of this study was to determine the diversity and distribution of AM fungi in different mountainous habitat types in the Chapada Diamantina mountain range in Bahia (NE Brazil). Soil samples were collected in five habitats types: high‐altitude cerrado savannas (HAC), natural grasslands (GRA), gallery forests (GAF), in natural rocky rupestrian fields (shrublands; CAR) and in rocky, rupestrian field in the regeneration stage (CRR). A total of 49 AMF species were identified, of which Glomeraceae and Acaulosporaceae species were the most representative families. The AMF communities did not follow the shifts in plant communities. The composition of the AMF communities differed only between CAR and HAC and between CRR and GAF, while the other habitats had similar AMF communities. Our conclusion is that the AMF community assemblages in tropical mountains are related to the heterogeneity of habitats of these ecosystems. In our study, silt and coarse sand contents were the main factors related to the community composition of AMF in the different habitats.

Context: Companies’ Digital Transformation (DT) intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic, involving the digitization of processes and cultural adaptation for continuous innovation, increased productivity, and service quality. The interaction of people, procedures, and technologies is crucial in this process. Problem: Traditional organizations with rigid cultures rely on outdated procedures, hindering the adoption of more efficient work practices. Solution: This research explores the use of the Business Process Management (BPM) life cycle to improve three processes in a Brazilian company, integrating user journey to improve processes towards DT. IS Theory: This study is carried out under the Socio-Technical Theory, examining the interaction between people, processes, and technologies to achieve balanced and effective digital transformation. Method: This exploratory research carries a qualitative experience report of the mapping and redesign of business processes of a countryside unit from "Alpha", a Brazilian vocational education organization. Summary of Results: Three financial processes were mapped, analyzed, and redesigned with the use of BPM and user journey map. The improvement proposals were based on the problems and opportunities identified in the processes. Changes in systems and innovative actions were proposed within the company to enhance process efficiency and agility through digital transformation. Contributions and Impact in the IS area: This study reports one execution of a BPM process integrated with user experience techniques aimed at DT. Through the lens of the Socio-Technical Theory, the research presents steps taken into the mapping, analysis, and redesign of processes contributing in similar contexts for both practitioners and researchers in the Information Systems (IS) field.