bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dolphins, sharks, and barnacles: Use of photographs to examine intra‐ and inter‐specific interactions in bottlenose dolphins in Mozambique
Authors: Marley Sarah A. , McConnell Laura , Allen Chloe , Wettner Shaye , Hunt Thomas , Rocha Diana , Gullan Angie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUnderstanding interactions within and between species is crucial to ecological research. However, for cetaceans such interactions can be difficult to observe in the field. Photographs offer an opportunity to study intra‐ and inter‐specific interactions, by capturing ‘snapshots’ of their occurrence over space and time. At‐surface and underwater photographs of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) inhabiting Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR), Mozambique, were used to examine evidence of interactions with other dolphins, predators and ectoparasites. Intra‐specific scarring levels significantly differed by sex and age class, with males displaying more scarring than females. Similarly, adults had more scarring than juveniles or calves. Shark bites significantly differed in their distribution across dolphin body areas, with the dorsal side being more frequently wounded than the ventral side. The presence of barnacles was exclusive to fluke, dorsal and pectoral fins, and showed strong seasonal trends. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of photographs for examining marine ecological interactions. It provides the first insights regarding dolphin social behaviour, predation risk and health for this population. These in turn will support future research into the population dynamics and conservation of the PPMR dolphins, which is urgently required in the face of locally increasing anthropogenic pressures.
Dining in danger: Resolving adaptive fish behavior increases realism of modeled ecosystem dynamics
Authors: Schnedler‐Meyer Nicolas A. , Andersen Tobias K. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAnimals occupying higher trophic levels can have disproportionately large influence on ecosystem structure and functioning, owning to intricate behavioral responses to their environment, but the effects of behavioral adaptations on aquatic ecosystem dynamics are underrepresented, especially in model studies. Here, we explore how adaptive behavior of fish can affect the dynamics of aquatics ecosystems. We frame fish behavior in the context of the central trade‐off between feeding and predation, calculating the optimal level of feeding determined by ambient food availability and predation risk. To explore whole‐ecosystem consequences of fish behavior, we embed our behavioral model within the Water Ecosystems Tool (WET), a contemporary end‐to‐end aquatic ecosystem model. The principle of optimality provides a robust and mechanistic framework for representing animal behavior that is relevant for complex models, and can provide a stabilizing effect on model dynamics. The model predicts an emergent functional response similar to Holling type III, but with richer dynamics and a more rigorous theoretical foundation. We show how adaptive fish behavior works to stabilize food web dynamics compared to a control model with no optimal behavior, and how changing the strength of the underlying trade‐off has profound effects on trophic control and food web structure. Furthermore, we demonstrate how including fish behavior allows for an overall more realistic response of the model system to environmental perturbation in the form of nutrient enhancement. We discuss the structuring effects of behavioral adaptations in real ecosystems, and how approaches like this one may benefit aquatic ecological modeling. Our study further highlights how a mechanistic approach based on concepts from theoretical ecology can be successfully implemented in complex operational models resulting in improved dynamics and descriptive power.
Phenotypic variation in hypocotyl elongation among elite sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum) lines
Authors: Liu Yujie , Cui Xiaoyun , Li Xiaofeng , Ran Ruilan , Chen Guoxiong , Zhao Pengshan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum), widely distributed in Central Arid Asia and prevalent in the sand dunes of northern China, presents a promising potential as a climate‐resilient crop. The plasticity of hypocotyl growth is the key trait for sand rice to cope with wind erosion and sand burial, ensure seedling emergence, and determine plant architecture. In this study, we assessed the overall hypocotyl phenotype of six sand rice elite lines, which were collected from different regions of northern China, and selected by our group over past decade through common garden trials. Significant phenotypic variations were observed in thousand‐seed weight (TSW), seedling emergence percentage, hypocotyl length and diameter, and seedling fresh weight among the lines. The elite line Aerxiang (AEX) exhibited excellent agronomic performance with superior and synchronous emergence, and high survival percentage, distinguishing itself as a prime candidate for further large‐scale cultivation. Contrastingly, the lines from the arid regions showed markedly lower performance. Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLSPM) was used to assess the impact of seed provenance climate factors, including annual mean temperature (AMT) and annual mean precipitation (AMP), on trait variability among lines. The findings indicate a significant correlation between climate factors and hypocotyl length, highlighting the intricate adaptation of sand rice to local climate. The comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind phenotypic variations offers valuable insights for sand rice de novo domestication and innovative germplasm resources, and lays the foundation for ecological restoration in sandy areas.
Assessing the information‐content of messy data to reconstruct population recovery dynamics for the world's rarest primate
Authors: Turvey Samuel T. , Lau Erika Y. X. , Duncan Clare , Ma Heidi , Liu Hui 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the dynamics of population recovery in threatened species requires robust longitudinal monitoring datasets. However, evidence‐based decision‐making is often impeded by variable data collection approaches, necessitating critical evaluation of restricted available baselines. The Hainan gibbon, the world's rarest primate, had possibly declined to only seven or eight individuals in 1978 at Bawangling National Nature Reserve but has experienced subsequent population growth. Past population estimates lack detailed reporting of survey effort, and multiple conflicting estimates are available, hindering assessment of gibbon recovery. We investigated all reported estimates of Bawangling gibbon population size from 1978 to 2022, to evaluate the biological signal of population trends and the extent to which noise associated with varying survey effort, reporting and estimation may mask or misrepresent any underlying signal. This longitudinal dataset demonstrates that the Bawangling population experienced a series of bottlenecks and recoveries, with three successive periods of growth interspersed by population crashes (1978–1989, 1989–2000 and 2000–2022). The rate of gibbon population recovery was progressively slower over time in each successive period of growth, and this potential decline in recovery rate following serial bottlenecks suggests that additional management strategies may be required alongside “nature‐based solutions” for this species. However, population viability analysis suggests the 1978 founder population is unlikely to have been as low as seven individuals, raising concerns for interpreting reported historical population counts and understanding the dynamics of the species' recovery. We caution against overinterpreting potential signals within “messy” conservation datasets, and we emphasise the crucial importance of standardised replicable survey methods and transparent reporting of data and effort in all future surveys of Hainan gibbons and other highly threatened species.
Combining spaceborne lidar from the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation with local knowledge for monitoring fragmented tropical landscapes: A case study in the forest–agriculture interface of Ucayali, Peru
Authors: Cooley Savannah S. , Pinto Naiara , Becerra Milagros , Alvarado Jorge Washington Vela , Fahlen Jocelyn C. , Rivera Ovidio , Fricker G. Andrew , Dantas Augusto Rafael De Los Ríos , Aguilar‐Amuchastegui Naikoa , Reygadas Yunuen , Gan Julie , DeFries Ruth , Menge Duncan N. L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractImproving our ability to monitor fragmented tropical ecosystems is a critical step in supporting the stewardship of these complex landscapes. We investigated the structural characteristics of vegetation classes in Ucayali, Peru, employing a co‐production approach. The vegetation classes included three agricultural classes (mature oil palm, monocrop cacao, and agroforestry cacao plantations) and three forest regeneration classes (mature lowland forest, secondary lowland forest, and young lowland vegetation regrowth). We combined local knowledge with spaceborne lidar from NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation mission to classify vegetation and characterize the horizontal and vertical structure of each vegetation class. Mature lowland forest had consistently higher mean canopy height and lower canopy height variance than secondary lowland forest (μ = 29.40 m, sd = 6.89 m vs. μ = 20.82 m, sd = 9.15 m, respectively). The lower variance of mature forest could be attributed to the range of forest development ages in the secondary forest patches. However, secondary forests exhibited a similar vertical profile to mature forests, with each cumulative energy percentile increasing at similar rates. We also observed similar mean and standard deviations in relative height ratios (RH50/RH95) for mature forest, secondary forest, and oil palm even when removing the negative values from the relative height ratios and interpolating from above‐ground returns only (mean RH50/RH95 of 0.58, 0.54, and 0.53 for mature forest, secondary forest, and oil palm, respectively) (p < .0001). This pattern differed from our original expectations based on local knowledge and existing tropical forest succession studies, pointing to opportunities for future work. Our findings suggest that lidar‐based relative height metrics can complement local information and other remote sensing approaches that rely on optical imagery, which are limited by extensive cloud cover in the tropics. We show that characterizing ecosystem structure with a co‐production approach can support addressing both the technical and social challenges of monitoring and managing fragmented tropical landscapes.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Amide Directed Regioselective γ‐Alkenylation of Unactivated Alkenes with Vinylcyclopropanes
Authors: Keerthana Meledath Sudhakaran , Jeganmohan Masilamani 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHerein, we have demonstrated a palladium‐catalyzed γ‐alkenylation of unactivated alkenes with vinylcyclopropanes. A bidentate 8‐aminoquinoline directing group was utilized for the regioselective γ‐C(alkenyl)−H functionalization of unactivated alkenes with vinylcyclopropanes. This protocol exhibits wide substrate scope and good selectivity. Additionally, substrate diversification was performed to demonstrate the synthetic utility of the protocol. Mechanistic investigations were carried out to provide an insight to the reaction mechanism. A plausible mechanism was also proposed for the present methodology.
Enhancing understanding of the rotating magnetic field in electric machines through active learning and visualization
Authors: Abbasian Mohammadali 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a method aimed at improving comprehension of AC electric machine principles by facilitating the learning of the Rotating Magnetic Field (RMF) through visualization tools provided by Finite Element Method (FEM) software. First, traditional methods used in textbooks to explain RMF in electric machines are reviewed, with an analysis of various instructional strategies. Acknowledging the limitations of these conventional approaches and the inherent complexity of RMF comprehension, a novel visualization method is proposed. Understanding RMFs in electric machines is fundamental for electrical engineers due to their crucial role in electric machine design and optimization. While textbooks typically rely on mathematical explanations and simple sketches, advancements in computer and software technology offer opportunities to utilize finite element tools for enhanced comprehension. Through dynamic animations and interactive simulations, emphasis is placed on prioritizing conceptual understanding over mathematical descriptions. Furthermore, this paper explores the development of pre‐simulation models in FEM tools to facilitate RMF learning in AC electric machines, and the process of creating a model to teach rotating magnetic fields in electric machines is carefully outlined. This approach holds promise for engineers seeking a deeper understanding of electric machines and can also be utilized by educators to enhance their teaching methodologies.
Preliminary development and validation of the Indonesian Pediatric Epilepsy Questionnaire (INA‐PEPSI) to determine epilepsy and distinguish focal and generalized epilepsy in infants and children with unprovoked seizure in low‐resource settings
Authors: Handryastuti Setyo , Tiansyah Rizal Agus , Mangunatmadja Irawan , Saputra Deddy R. , Octaviana Fitri , Budikayanti Astri , Alatas Fatima Safira , Pusponegoro Hardiono D. , Tridjaja Bambang , Soebandi Amanda 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo outline the preliminary development and validation of a questionnaire for diagnosing epilepsy and distinguishing focal and generalized epilepsy among infants and children in Indonesia, where electroencephalography and pediatric neurologists are generally not available.MethodsA 10‐question questionnaire comprising of 43 items was developed through literature review and expert panel discussions. Then, the questionnaire was administered by pediatricians to 75 children aged 1 month to 18 years old presenting with >1 episode of unprovoked seizures at an interval of >24 h. Subsequently, the questionnaire was assessed for content validity with item‐level and scale‐level content validity indices and ratio, construct validity with item‐total correlation tests, criterion validity with diagnostic parameter assessments, and inter‐rater reliability using Cohen's kappa (κ) and internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficient.ResultsThe questionnaire exhibited favorable internal validity and reliability in diagnosing epilepsy and distinguishing focal and generalized epilepsy, with excellent content (both indices and ratio at 1) and construct validity (rcount > rtable at p < 0.001), inter‐rater reliability (κ = 0.86 and κ = 0.84), and internal consistency (α = 0.634 and α = 0.806). The questionnaire had a sensitivity and specificity of 96.4% (95%CI 89.1–99.5%) and 95.0% (79.5–99.6%) (area under the curve [AUC] 0.946 [0.900–0.992, p < 0.001]) in diagnosing epilepsy and 80.0% (57.4–95.7%) and 97.4% (89.7–99.2%) (AUC 0.889 [0.783–0.995, p < 0.001]) in distinguishing focal and generalized epilepsy, with a misdiagnosis rate of 4.0%.SignificanceThe questionnaire shows promising potential in diagnosing epilepsy and distinguishing focal and generalized epilepsy. Further external validation studies in larger and more diverse populations are required to confirm our findings.Plain Language SummaryThe diagnosis of epilepsy in children is challenging, particularly in resource‐limited settings such as Indonesia, where advanced diagnostic tests and pediatric neurologists are scarce. The Indonesian Pediatric Epilepsy Questionnaire (INA‐PEPSI) is designed to address these limitations by enabling healthcare professionals in Indonesia to diagnose epilepsy and classify its types without relying on advanced diagnostic tools. Although the questionnaire is still in the early stages of development and validation, this study demonstrates that the questionnaire exhibits good overall diagnostic performance in diagnosing epilepsy and distinguishing epilepsy types among Indonesian children.
Investigation of an eco‐friendly polyacrylic acid binder system on LiFePO4 cathode electrode processing to enhance the performance of coin‐cell and pouch‐cell graphite||LiFePO4 batteries
Authors: Vo Tram Tran Bich , Nguyen Minh Thu , Pham Thanh Liem , Nguyen Trung Thien , Tran Van Gia , Tran Van Man , Le Phung My Loan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of two types of binders (aqueous and nonaqueous) on the LiFePO4 (LFP) electrode processing and its electrochemical properties. Specifically, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) were dissolved in NMP (N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) or the aqueous solvent (H2O) at varying mass ratios of 5%, 10%, and 15%. Binder durability and inertness were assessed by immersing prepared LFP electrodes in an electrolyte comprising 1.0 M LiPF6 in EC:DEC:DMC (1:1:1 in vol%). Notably, PVDF/NMP 10% and PAA/H2O 10%‐based electrodes displayed good durability without peeling. Electrochemical characteristics were evaluated through cycling voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling with potential limitation. The PAA/H2O 10%‐based‐LFP electrode exhibited a specific capacity of ~148.9 mAh g−1 with a Coulombic efficiency (CE) of around 97.27%, surpassing PVDF/NMP 10%. The graphite||PAA/H2O 10%‐based‐LFP electrode in a full cell demonstrated higher capacity and superior retention after 30 cycles. In a pouch cell (6 cm × 4 cm), utilizing graphite||LFP with PAA/H2O 10%, a capacity of 25.5 mAh was achieved, maintaining 93% capacity with a CE of about 99% after 30 cycles at a rate of 0.1C.
Phytoremediation Potential of Azolla filiculoides: Uptake and Toxicity of Seven Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at Environmentally Relevant Water Concentrations
Authors: Lintern Gina , Scarlett Alan G. , Gagnon Marthe Monique , Leeder John , Amhet Aydin , Lettoof Damian C. , Leshyk Victor O. , Bujak Alexandra , Bujak Jonathan , Grice Kliti 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Environmental contamination of aquatic systems by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has generated significant health concerns. Remediation of contaminated sites such as the fire-fighting emergency training grounds that use aqueous film-forming foams is a high priority. Phytoremediation may help play a part in removing PFAS from such contaminated waters. We investigated the potential of the water fern Azolla filiculoides, which is used for phytoremediation of a wide range of contaminants, to uptake seven common PFAS (perfluorobutanoic acid [PFBA], perfluorobutane sulfonic acid [PFBS], perfluoroheptanoic acid [PFHpA], perfluorohexanoic acid [PFHxA], perfluorohexane sulfonic acid [PFHxS], perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], and perfluoropentanoic acid [PFPeA]), during a 12-day exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations delivered as equimolar mixtures: low (∑PFAS = 0.0123 ± 1.89 μmol L−1), medium (∑PFAS = 0.123 ± 2.88 μmol L−1), and high (∑PFAS = 1.39 μmol L−1) treatments, equivalent to approximately 5, 50, and 500 µg L−1 total PFAS, respectively. The possible phytotoxic effects of PFAS were measured at 3-day intervals using chlorophyll a content, photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm), performance index, and specific growth rate. The PFAS concentrations in plant tissue and water were also measured every 3 days using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry. Treatments with PFAS did not lead to any detectable phytotoxic effects. All seven PFAS were detected in plant tissue, with the greatest uptake occurring during the first 6 days of exposure. After 12 days of exposure, a maximum bioconcentration factor was recorded for PFBA of 1.30 and a minimum of 0.192 for PFBS. Consequently, the application of Azolla spp. as a stand-alone system for phytoremediation of PFAS in aquatic environments is not sufficient to substantially reduce PFAS concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2157–2168. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Exposure of Azolla filiculoides to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) did not lead to phytotoxic effects. The use of Azolla spp as a stand-alone system for phytoremediation of PFAS is inefficient to substantially reduce PFAS concentrations from contaminated waters.
Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of tert‐butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole and propyl gallate as synthetic food antioxidants
Authors: Esazadeh Karim , Ezzati Nazhad Dolatabadi Jafar , Andishmand Hashem , Mohammadzadeh‐Aghdash Hossein , Mahmoudpour Mansour , Naemi Kermanshahi Mohammad , Roosta Yousef 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSynthetic food antioxidants such as tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and propyl gallate (PG) have been extensively utilized in different food industries because of their high protectant activities to stop food spoilage and remove foodborne diseases in humans and animals. It would be emphasized that increasing the intake of antioxidants through intracellular may lead to cyto/genotoxicity, and their complex formation with biological molecules eventually accelerate the progress of various diseases like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, neurological disorders, cardiac vascular disease, cancer, etc. Therefore, their toxicity is one of the challenging subjects due to their extensive use in food‐related industries. TBHQ, BHA, and PG antioxidants have cytotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects if absorbed in high doses through the gastrointestinal tract. Thermodynamic parameters presented that the hydrophobic bind plays a key role in the complexation of the TBHQ, BHA, and PG with albumin. The molecular modeling results showed that subdomain IIA plays a vital role in the interaction of TBHQ and BHA with albumin. To comprehend the mechanisms of the cyto/genotoxicity effects of these food antioxidants and conformational alterations of albumin macromolecule, we aim to overview numerous types of research that evaluated the cyto/genotoxicity effects of these antioxidants using several procedures.