bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assembly rules for island metacommunities
Authors: Whittaker Robert J. , Fernández-Palacios José María , Matthews Thomas J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
‘Assembly rules for island metacommunities’ reviews the search for hidden tramlines in the composition of island biotas (i.e. non-random patterns that may carry biological meaning). It highlights three general challenges: the detection, attribution, and resolution problems. It describes Jared Diamond’s seminal studies of incidence functions, checkerboards, and related distributional patterns for Bismarck Island land birds. It reviews subsequent literature exploring the distinction between analyses restricted to ecological guilds and to broader groups or metacommunities and the roles of trophic hierarchies and of ecological networks. It reviews species incidence functions, nested distributions (where island biotas are proper subsets of successively richer islands), and beta diversity partitioning, each reflecting insular species’ responses to island properties. It describes functional and phylogenetic diversity metrics and their application to island biotas. It reviews longitudinal studies of island disassembly following disruption, and of island assembly, principally through data for Surtsey and the Krakatau Islands.
Colonization, evolutionary change, and speciation
Authors: Whittaker Robert J. , Fernández-Palacios José María , Matthews Thomas J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
‘Colonization, evolutionary change, and speciation’ considers how founder populations may develop into island endemic forms. It briefly reviews the nature of the species unit, where species and subspecies fit into the taxonomic hierarchy, and the use of molecular methods, stem age, and crown age, in the depiction and dating of evolutionary relationships. It notes the distinctions between allopatry, sympatry, and parapatry in island evolution, and between novelty arising within islands and endemism through relictualism. It describes and evaluates, using case-study evidence, the phenomena of founder effects, genetic bottlenecks and genetic drift, natural selection and sexual selection, alongside processes of ecological release, density compensation, and character displacement. It describes general speciation models under the frameworks of allopatric/geographical speciation, competitive speciation, and hybridization, noting the imperfectly understood links between hybridization, polyploidy, and apomixis. It concludes with a brief evaluation of anagenesis and cladogenesis as frameworks for insular analysis.
Evolutionary diversification across islands and archipelagos
Authors: Whittaker Robert J. , Fernández-Palacios José María , Matthews Thomas J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
‘Evolutionary diversification across islands and archipelagos’ identifies, outlines, and evaluates three general models: the taxon cycle, adaptive radiation, and non-adaptive radiation, each in an insular context. It evaluates taxon cycles through case studies on Melanesian ants, and birds from the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Melanesia. It examines adaptive radiation, illustrated through multiple oceanic island systems and fish radiations in lakes, noting the roles of trait disparification and convergence. It considers whether adaptive radiation is a race towards specialization. Non-adaptive radiation is illustrated through insular snails. Detailed attention is given to Hawaiian lobeliads and Macaronesian Laparocerus weevils, demonstrating the fine-scale relationships between island geodynamics and the most impressive radiations. It describes and evaluates the island progression rule, back colonization, and upstream island–mainland colonization events and their prevalence for selected case-study systems. It draws upon consideration of in situ and external biotic and environmental drivers and mechanisms of insular evolutionary change.
The human transformation of island ecosystems
Authors: Whittaker Robert J. , Fernández-Palacios José María , Matthews Thomas J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
‘The human transformation of island ecosystems’ documents the timing and impact of the human colonization of the world’s islands. It distinguishes between palaeoinhabited islands (settled &gt; 2 ka), neoinhabited islands, and those first colonized during the European age of expansion (15th century onwards). It describes the great range in initial contact and settlement dates within each major ocean basin. It describes the concept of a prehistoric island survival kit, the package of commensals, and practices underpinning multiple successful colonization events. It notes that modern European colonization frequently induced dramatic changes to earlier island peoples and societies as well as to island environments and biotas, although prehistoric settlement was also typically impactful. It provides accounts for the Caribbean, Micronesia, Macaronesia, and Polynesia (e.g. Rapa Nui/Easter Island), demonstrating subtle differences in the transformation and biotic homogenization of islands brought about by the different cultural waves that have swept over the world’s islands.
Conclusion
Authors: Forjwuor Bernard 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The concluding chapter summarizes the key points in this book. The emphasis of this summary is to highlight the evolution of the colonial in present postcolonial politics. The persistence of the colonial, the chapter argues, is sustained through, and because of, normative epistemological traditions that foreclose engagement of the colonial in its complexity. Thus, it argues that normative political theory must be transcended because of the ways it totalizes and demarcates the plane of politics in Africa as affirmation of Eurocentrism. By this objection to normativity, the author is not suggesting at the same time that we abandon any further discussion of colonialism and Eurocentrism. Instead, he strongly suggests we abandon reinscribing normativity/Eurocentrism as innovation and move beyond the enlightenment as critique.
In Defence of the National Interest
Authors: Kinsey Christopher 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This chapter examines the use of mercenaries in Yemen by the UK and Saudi governments. What it highlights is UK government hypocrisy towards the use of mercenaries, but also the extent it went to hide its involvement while benefiting politically and strategically from their actions. Mercenaries offered the British government a robust and covert option to protect its interests in the Federation of South Arabia. However, the operation also came with considerable political risk if discovered and would certainly have been seen as very controversial in the eyes of the international community if exposed, but more so given the UK government’s objection to the use of mercenaries in the Congo. The other critical aspect of the operation was the role of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in supporting the mercenaries. As the chapter points out, it was Saudi Arabia and not the UK that benefited the most from their actions. This was due to the Crown Prince being able to better manage the competing logics that shaped his decisions. Not only was he able to successfully deny having anything to do with the mercenaries by operating through proxies, he was also able to control their actions through financing and supplying their operation. This last point is important as it enabled him to achieve politically what he needed to, and then close the operation down.
Mercenaries and Private Military and Security Companies as State Instruments of Foreign Security Assistance
Authors: Kinsey Christopher 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This chapter covers the USA, Russia, and China and their use of mercenaries/private military contractors in Africa to support their foreign policy objectives. The use of mercenaries and military contractors enables government to circumvent sociopolitical constraints attached to the mobilization on uniformed personnel. These constraints include domestic aversion to high casualties, and political scrutiny by domestic opponents. What is more, these constraints appear to be similar, if not the same, faced by all three states. However, unlike the Cold War, the use of mercenaries/private military contractors is not shrouded in secrecy. Ultimately, the use of private force offers political leaders a way to connect the gap between governments’ national security objectives and domestic political constraints over the conduct of foreign policy. The chapter also seeks to explain each country’s different approach to using mercenaries/military contractors on the continent. This is particularly the case regarding Russia and China. Russia has very limited resources to engage in open competition with the West in Africa, such as in providing foreign military assistance programmes. Therefore, it has chosen to turn to Russian private military contractors as a way of negotiating both domestic political constraints and material shortfalls. China, on the other hand, has yet to rely on private military contractors, However, it has used private security companies, while this reliance is likely to increase as China’s presence in Africa grows.
The Analysis
Authors: Matthew Christopher A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This chapter examines how Eratosthenes could have used a sundial to determine the angle of a shadow cast in Alexandria equivalent to 1/50 of the circumference of a circle (which is an integral part of his calculation of the circumference of the Earth). This was done by comparing the ratio of the distance between the base of the gnomon and the intersection of the noon and Summer Solstice lines on the face of the sundial for two instruments calibrated for two different locations (Alexandria and Syene). The concludes with a number of sections which individually examine the potential errors that are inherent in the assumed knowledge that Eratosthenes was working from, and other forms of error within the experiment, to determine their impact on the resultant calculations. This examination demonstrates that all of the potential sources of error had such a minimal impact of Eratosthenes’ result as to be negligible.
Selection, naturally and otherwise
Authors: Cutter Asher D. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Shows how evolution gets mediated by natural selection, artificial selection, and sexual selection. Considers timescales of evolution to demonstrate time as measured in generations rather than in years. Explores examples of adaptation from nature and from laboratory experiments that are informed by both molecular genetics and quantitative genetics, including cases of pigeons, coelacanth, race horses, finches, viruses, and moths. Discusses cryptic evolution that is nonetheless easy to prove by examining DNA in genomes. Explains how selection on sex and reproduction, not just survival, can lead to dramatic elaborations of traits. Explains the logic of fitness, heritability, and how humans can mold genetic variation to direct the course of evolutionary change.
Evolutionary accelerants and speed bumps
Authors: Cutter Asher D. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Explains the factors that help or hinder the speed of evolution. Documents the roles of genetic variation, genetic interactions, mutation, population size, and sex in speeding evolution along. Considers the evolutionary virtues of being small. Demystifies how genetic complications influence the pace of evolution, including the multiple pleiotropic effects that mutations can have and the tethering of effects of adjacent genes because of their linear arrangement in DNA. Explains the causes of correlated evolutionary changes to untargeted heritable characteristics, whether involving one gene or thousands of genes. Illustrates the merits of a selection index in artificial selection as a composite metric of all traits of interest. Examples feature tomatoes, Dalmatians, tardigrade water bears, and human height. Shows how new genetic novelty enters into a species, and how humans can influence the production of genetic novelty with genetic engineering.
Hijacking genetics
Authors: Cutter Asher D. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Explains how people can edit the DNA sequences of genomes using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and other biotechnologies. Describes how CRISPR-Cas9 itself evolved as a bacterial immune system and how its co-option by humans exploits cellular mechanisms of DNA repair. Explores how humans can intervene into evolution using genetic engineering techniques based on CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing or more basic methods of introducing mutations. Some genome editing is transgenic, adding DNA from another species, whereas some genome editing is cisgenic, using DNA sequences from other members of the same species. Examples highlight pigs and Caenorhabditis nematode roundworms. Shows how in vitro fertilization and cloning techniques intersect with the genetic manipulation with CRISPR-Cas9, and how people can apply them to mammals and birds alike.
Do-it-yourself speciation
Authors: Cutter Asher D. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Describes how human intervention through genetic engineering can recapitulate the origin of species. Considers the limits to depending on pre-existing genetic variation for creating new species barriers. Fruit flies illustrate how CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing can assist in engineering genetic incompatibilities as synthetic species boundaries. Illustrates how humans can create evolutionary novelty by directing evolution. Uses examples from industrial applications that direct evolution in synthetic vanilla production, synthetic biology construction of microbes that can make proteins with “unnatural” amino acids, and how people might go about giving hen teeth. Begins to outline some of the hazards and limitations of artificial selection and evolutionary engineering.
Evolving Deterrence Requirements
Authors: Baylis John , Eames Anthony 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Détente and the development of superpower arms control generated a technological arms race that forced deterrence requirements to evolve. Franco-American nuclear cooperation concealed from the British and the independent dimensions of the UK Chevaline programme highlighted the continuing ‘mistrust within trust’ in the Anglo-American nuclear relationship. British investments in its own indigenous weapons system provided it with a technical choice, but the budget and political issues associated with going it alone made the US Trident weapons system a much more appealing option. Securing Trident required deft diplomacy, as the US was in the midst of a change in foreign policy philosophy due to the fallout over Vietnam and the demands of superpower arms control.
A methodology for designing a narrative generator based on problem-solving
Authors: Pérez Rafael Pérez y , Sharples Mike 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This chapter introduces a four-step methodology for developing a narrative generator based on problem-solving: (1) Choose a main problem that a character must solve; this is known as the driving goal. (2) Develop the story’s outline where the driving goal is the core motivation. (3) Using the outline as a reference, build a goal-oriented plot graph (GOP-graph). (4) Employ the goal-oriented plot graph as a guideline to define the characteristics of the story-world and the attributes of the data structures. Our methodology starts with a very general idea, which is refined little by little, until we can specify the data structures to be used in the program. We introduce the concept of nested goals and explain the use of rules when defining goals.
Mexica
Authors: Pérez Rafael Pérez y , Sharples Mike 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this chapter we introduce the general characteristics of our proposal known as the engagement and reflection cognitive account of creative writing. During engagement the writer devotes full attention to creating a chain of associated ideas and turning them into text. During reflection the writer reviews the written material, invokes memories, transforms ideas, and identifies what new material to create. We explain how this proposal shapes the design of our computer model for narrative generation. Then we describe MEXICA, a realization of this model. The program produces outlines of short stories about the Mexicas, the former inhabitants of what today is México City. The program represents the emotional relations and the conflicts that are established between characters as the story develops. These representations are the key element to progress the plot. We provide a detailed example of how it works, and describe some of its main features, like its capacity to produce collaborative narratives and evaluate its own outputs.
Profiles of bacterial communities and environmental factors associated with proliferation of malaria vector mosquitoes within the Kenyan Coast
Authors: Mutinda Josphat , Mwamburi Samuel Mwakisha , Oduor Kennedy Omondi , Omolo Maurice O. , Ntabo Regina Mongina , Gathiru James Muhunyu , Mwangangi Joseph , Nonoh James O.M 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Since Anopheles mosquitoes which transmit and maintain the malaria parasite breed in the outdoor environment, there is an urgent need to manage these mosquito breeding sites. In order to elaborate more on the ecological landscape of mosquito breeding sites, the bacterial community structure and their interactions with physicochemical factors in mosquito larval habitats was characterised in Kwale County (Kenya), where malaria is endemic.
Materials and methods
The physical characteristics and water physicochemical parameters of the habitats were determined and recorded. Water samples were also collected from the identified sites for total metagenomic DNA extraction in order to characterise the bacterial communities within the breeding sites.
Results and Discussion
Sites where mosquito larvae were found were described as positive and those without mosquito larvae as negative. Electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, salinity and ammonia were lower in the rainy season than in the dry season, which also coincided with a high proportion of positive sites. Pseudomonadota was the most common phyla recovered in all samples followed by Bacteroidota and then Actinomycetota. The presence or absence of mosquito larvae in a potential proliferation site was not related to the bacterial community structure in the sampled sites, but was positively correlated with bacterial richness and evenness.
Conclusion
Generally, the presence of Anopheles mosquito larvae was found to be positively correlated with rainy season, bacterial richness and evenness, and negatively correlated with electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, salinity and ammonia. The findings of this study have implications for predicting the potential of environmental water samples to become mosquito proliferation sites.
Probing thein-situvolumes of Arabidopsis leaf plastids using 3D confocal and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Knoblauch Jan , Waadt Rainer , Cousins Asaph B. , Kunz Hans-Henning 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLeaf plastids harbor a plethora of biochemical reactions including photosynthesis, one of the most important metabolic pathways on earth. Scientists are eager to unveil the physiological processes within the organelle but also their interconnection with the rest of the plant cell. An increasingly important feature of this venture is to use experimental data in the design of metabolic models. A remaining obstacle has been the limited in situ volume information of plastids and other cell organelles. To fill this gap for chloroplasts, we established three microscopy protocols deliveringin situvolumes based on: 1) chlorophyll fluorescence emerging from the thylakoid membrane, 2) a CFP marker embedded in the envelope, and 3) calculations from serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM). The obtained data were corroborated by comparing wild-type data with two mutant lines affected in the plastid division machinery known to produce small and large mesophyll chloroplasts, respectively. Furthermore, we also determined the volume of the much smaller guard cell plastids. Interestingly, their volume is not governed by the same components of the division machinery which defines mesophyll plastid size. Based on our three approaches the average volume of a mature Col-0 wild-type mesophyll chloroplasts is 93 µm3. Wild-type guard cell plastids are approximately 18 µm3. Lastly, our comparative analysis shows that the chlorophyll fluorescence analysis can accurately determine chloroplast volumes, providing an important tool to research groups without access to transgenic marker lines expressing genetically encoded fluorescence proteins or costly SBFSEM equipment.Significance statement -sentence summaryThis work describes and compares three different strategies to obtain accurate volumes of leaf plastids from Arabidopsis, the most widely used model plant. We hope our contribution will support quantitative metabolic flux modeling and spark other projects aimed at a more metric-driven plant cell biology.
Identification and Description of Emotions by Current Large Language Models
Authors: Patel Suketu C. , Fan Jin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe assertion that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot grasp the complexities of human emotions has been a long-standing debate. However, recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) challenge this notion by demonstrating an increased capacity for understanding and generating human-like text. In this study, we evaluated the empathy levels and the identification and description of emotions by three current language models: Bard, GPT 3.5, and GPT 4. We used the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the 60-question Empathy Quotient (EQ-60) questions to prompt these models and score the responses. The models’ performance was contrasted with human benchmarks of neurotypical controls and clinical populations. We found that the less sophisticated models (Bard and GPT 3.5) performed inferiorly on TAS-20, aligning close to alexithymia, a condition with significant difficulties in recognizing, expressing, and describing one’s or others’ experienced emotions. However, GPT 4 achieved performance close to the human level. These results demonstrated that LLMs are comparable in their ability to identify and describe emotions and may be able to surpass humans in their capacity for emotional intelligence. Our novel insights provide alignment research benchmarks and a methodology for aligning AI with human values, leading toward an empathetic AI that mitigates risk.