Introduction: The aim of this investigation was to study the developmental potential of human fragmented embryos to blastocyst stage and to evaluate thedeveloped blastocysts in the term of size, cellularity, the type of inner cell mass(ICM), trophoetoderm (TE) and the number of dead cells.Material and Methods: Four to eight cell fragmented human embryos wereobtained from the embryology lab of Royan Institute. Embryos were scoredaccording to the degree of fragmentation, using invert microscope, into four groups(group I: embryos with least fragmentation, group II: embryos with small fragmentamong blastomers, group Ill: embryos with large fragment approximately in the sizeof blastomers and group IV: embryos with necrotic fragments). Each group wascultured in rS2 medium and their development was recorded to the day six (embryoswere cultured in rS1 for first 3 days).In this study the size and the quality of developed blastocyst and number ofblastomer in the ICM and TE were evaluated .The number of dead cells in eachblastocyst (apoptotic or necrotic) were counted using TUNEL staining and theresults were analyzed statistically by X2 and ANOVA.Results: High percentage of embryos from group IV had developmental block at 2- 4 cell stage. In addition, a high percentage of embryos from all groups stoppedtheir development at 8-cell to morolla stage. The rate of blastocyst formation ofembryos from group I and II was higher than group III and IV. The results showedthat size of embryos from group IV was statistically lower than groups I and II.Blastocyst quality (the number of blastomers in ICM) of embryos from group I and II was better than group III and IV. Differential staining results suggested that the ratioof ICM to TE in embryos from each group is not statistically different compared toother groups. But the mean total number of blastomer and the mean number of ICMand TE of embryos from groups I and II was higher than the other two groups. The results of TUNEL staining showed that embryos with high number and size offragmentation at 4-cell stage had a high number of apoptotic and necrotic cell.Conclusion: Embryos with high fragmentation have reduced developmental potential, blastocyst size, low quality blastocyst, low quality ICM and TE, and lownumber of total cell number. In addition the number of dead cell was higher.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fragmenting forests into small and isolated areas due to deforestation increases the risk of species loss. Management of fragmented forests is needed to mitigate global warming, diversify income, recycle nutrients and water resources, and provide habitat for many species. One form of forest resulting from fragmentation is customary forests, which are managed by indigenous communities. This study objectives were to 1) assess the vegetation structure and biodiversity within customary fragmented forests, 2) evaluate soil characteristics, 3) estimate their carbon storage potential, and 4) analyze community perceptions and management practices related to this forest. The goal is to support the sustainable management of customary fragmented forests by providing scientific and social insights to maintain their ecological functions and community benefits.METHODS: The research was conducted in the Imbo Putui Customary Forest in Petapahan Village, Kampar Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia. Observations were conducted on 18 sample plots. Vegetation analysis was conducted to assess stand structure and composition, which formed the basis for calculating carbon stock potential. Biodiversity analysis was performed using open source software, which was used to calculate biodiversity indices (species richness, Shannon-Wienner diversity, and Simpson diversity). The analysis of variance was used for statistical tests comparing biodiversity metrics between tree and pole stage groups. Soil characteristics observed included physical, chemical, and biological aspects. Carbon stock was calculated on above-ground biomass with tree diameters greater than 10 centimeters. Flora and fauna diversity were identified from general literature, and community perceptions were obtained through field surveys using direct interviews.FINDINGS: Five species with the highest importance index are Scorodocarpus borneensis, Syzygium glabratum, Richetia hopeifolia, Santiria oblongifolia, and Xylopia malayana. The Shannon-Wienner index value was 1.75, indicating relatively high species diversity. Simpson''''''''s index value was 0.8 at tree level, indicating relatively lower dominance of some species and higher overall diversity. The soil is classified as Ultisol, which has low fertility and acidity. Cation exchange capacity and soil physical properties are suitable for supporting plant growth and soil water availability. Carbon sequestration potential is significant, with potential above-ground biomass of 177.24 tons per hectare and carbon stock of 83.30 t C/ha. Community perceptions are quite good towards conservation and environmental values, with a significance value greater than 0.05, indicating the same perceptions in all community structures and clusters.CONCLUSION: Imbo Putui Customary Forest is a fragmented forest with relatively high species diversity. The  site’s soil has good physical characteristics to support plant growth and groundwater availability. In general, the forest still has high conservation value,  significant carbon sequestration potential, positive community perceptions, and potential for sustainable use of ecosystem services.