bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The interaction between land‐use change and fire regimes, directly and indirectly, affects the urban avian assemblages of Darwin, Australia
Authors: Fischer Sarah , Edwards Andrew C. , Garnett Stephen T. , Whiteside Timothy G. , Weber Patrice 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe interaction between environmental stressors may be a greater threat to biota than any individual ecological threat on its own. Land‐use change and inappropriate fire regimes are known to pose great challenges to biodiversity conservation worldwide. Despite much research being conducted into their singular impacts on ecosystems, very few have investigated how their interaction may be affecting the biota of a region. We used data from surveys in 1998/2000 and 2019/2020 to compare the feeding guild assemblages of bird communities in different habitats within the greater Darwin region. By compiling two sets of spatial data, land‐use change, and fire history mapping, we were able to investigate their interaction and impact on the avian assemblages in the Darwin urban area. Using Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) we found that an increase in urbanization significantly affected fire occurrence across study sites. Furthermore, we found that the interaction between land‐use change and fire regimes had a significant effect on species that primarily feed on fruit. We conclude that while an increase in urbanization did not directly affect the avian assemblages, the impact of land‐use change on the fire regimes indirectly impacted urban bird community structures.
Humidity stress and its consequences for male pre‐ and post‐copulatory fitness traits in an insect
Authors: Simmons Leigh W. , Lovegrove Maxine , Du Xin (Bob) , Ren Yonglin , Thomas Melissa L. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGlobal declines in insect abundance are of significant concern. While there is evidence that climate change is contributing to insect declines, we know little of the direct mechanisms responsible for these declines. Male fertility is compromised by increasing temperatures, and the thermal limit to fertility has been implicated as an important factor in the response of insects to climate change. However, climate change is affecting both temperature and hydric conditions, and the effects of water availability on male fertility have rarely been considered. Here we exposed male crickets Teleogryllus oceanicus to either low or high‐humidity environments while holding temperature constant. We measured water loss and the expression of both pre‐ and postmating reproductive traits. Males exposed to a low‐humidity environment lost more water than males exposed to a high‐humidity environment. A male's cuticular hydrocarbon profile (CHC) did not affect the amount of water lost, and males did not adjust the composition of their CHC profiles in response to hydric conditions. Males exposed to a low‐humidity environment were less likely to produce courtship song or produced songs of low quality. Their spermatophores failed to evacuate and their ejaculates contained sperm of reduced viability. The detrimental effects of low‐humidity on male reproductive traits will compromise male fertility and population persistence. We argue that limits to insect fertility based on temperature alone are likely to underestimate the true effects of climate change on insect persistence and that the explicit incorporation of water regulation into our modeling will yield more accurate predictions of the effects of climate change on insect declines.
A multidimensional framework to quantify the effects of urbanization on avian breeding fitness
Authors: Chen Sihao , Liu Yu , Patrick Samantha C. , Goodale Eben , Safran Rebecca J. , Pagani‐Núñez Emilio 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUrbanization has dramatically altered Earth's landscapes and changed a multitude of environmental factors. This has resulted in intense land‐use change, and adverse consequences such as the urban heat island effect (UHI), noise pollution, and artificial light at night (ALAN). However, there is a lack of research on the combined effects of these environmental factors on life‐history traits and fitness, and on how these interactions shape food resources and drive patterns of species persistence. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature and created a comprehensive framework of the mechanistic pathways by which urbanization affects fitness and thus favors certain species. We found that urbanization‐induced changes in urban vegetation, habitat quality, spring temperature, resource availability, acoustic environment, nighttime light, and species behaviors (e.g., laying, foraging, and communicating) influence breeding choices, optimal time windows that reduce phenological mismatch, and breeding success. Insectivorous and omnivorous species that are especially sensitive to temperature often experience advanced laying behaviors and smaller clutch sizes in urban areas. By contrast, some granivorous and omnivorous species experience little difference in clutch size and number of fledglings because urban areas make it easier to access anthropogenic food resources and to avoid predation. Furthermore, the interactive effect of land‐use change and UHI on species could be synergistic in locations where habitat loss and fragmentation are greatest and when extreme‐hot weather events take place in urban areas. However, in some instances, UHI may mitigate the impact of land‐use changes at local scales and provide suitable breeding conditions by shifting the environment to be more favorable for species' thermal limits and by extending the time window in which food resources are available in urban areas. As a result, we determined five broad directions for further research to highlight that urbanization provides a great opportunity to study environmental filtering processes and population dynamics.
Optimizing the automated recognition of individual animals to support population monitoring
Authors: de Lorm Tijmen A. , Horswill Catharine , Rabaiotti Daniella , Ewers Robert M. , Groom Rosemary J. , Watermeyer Jessica , Woodroffe Rosie 
Published: July 2023

AbstractReliable estimates of population size and demographic rates are central to assessing the status of threatened species. However, obtaining individual‐based demographic rates requires long‐term data, which is often costly and difficult to collect. Photographic data offer an inexpensive, noninvasive method for individual‐based monitoring of species with unique markings, and could therefore increase available demographic data for many species. However, selecting suitable images and identifying individuals from photographic catalogs is prohibitively time‐consuming. Automated identification software can significantly speed up this process. Nevertheless, automated methods for selecting suitable images are lacking, as are studies comparing the performance of the most prominent identification software packages. In this study, we develop a framework that automatically selects images suitable for individual identification, and compare the performance of three commonly used identification software packages; Hotspotter, I3S‐Pattern, and WildID. As a case study, we consider the African wild dog, Lycaon pictus, a species whose conservation is limited by a lack of cost‐effective large‐scale monitoring. To evaluate intraspecific variation in the performance of software packages, we compare identification accuracy between two populations (in Kenya and Zimbabwe) that have markedly different coat coloration patterns. The process of selecting suitable images was automated using convolutional neural networks that crop individuals from images, filter out unsuitable images, separate left and right flanks, and remove image backgrounds. Hotspotter had the highest image‐matching accuracy for both populations. However, the accuracy was significantly lower for the Kenyan population (62%), compared to the Zimbabwean population (88%). Our automated image preprocessing has immediate application for expanding monitoring based on image matching. However, the difference in accuracy between populations highlights that population‐specific detection rates are likely and may influence certainty in derived statistics. For species such as the African wild dog, where monitoring is both challenging and expensive, automated individual recognition could greatly expand and expedite conservation efforts.
Distance from human settlements favors wild‐type appearance of feral cats (Felis catus) in Mediterranean woodland
Authors: Dubiner Shahar , Namir Itai , Chen Ron , Levin Eran 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCamouflage is a common trait enabling animals to avoid detection by predators and prey. Patterns such as spots and stripes are convergent across carnivore families, including felids, and are hypothesized to have adaptive value through camouflage. House cats (Felis catus) were domesticated thousands of years ago, but despite artificial selection for a wide variety of coat colors, the wild‐type pattern of tabby cats is very common. We aimed to determine whether this pattern grants an advantage over other morphs in natural environments. We collected cat images taken with camera traps in natural areas near and far from 38 rural settlements in Israel, to compare the habitat use by feral cats of different colors. We tested the effect of proximity to villages and habitat vegetation (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI) on the probability of space use by the tabby morph compared to the others. NDVI had a positive effect on site use in both morphs, but non‐tabby cats had a 2.1 higher probability of using the near sites than the far sites, independent of NDVI. The wild‐type tabby cats' probability of site use were equally likely to be unaffected by proximity, or have an interaction of proximity with NDVI whereby the far transects are used with increasing probability in sites of denser vegetation. We hypothesize that the camouflage of tabby cats, more than other colors and patterns, confers an advantage in roaming the woodland habitats for which this pattern evolved. This has both theoretical implications as rare empirical evidence of the adaptive value of fur coloration, and practical implications on managing the ecological impact of feral cats worldwide.
Seasonal changes in diel haul‐out patterns of a lacustrine ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis)
Authors: Niemi Marja , Nykänen Milaja , Biard Vincent , Kunnasranta Mervi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSeasonal changes in diel haul‐out patterns of the lacustrine Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) were studied using a combination of satellite telemetry and camera traps during 2007–2015. We found the haul‐out activity patterns to vary seasonally. Our results show that during the ice‐covered winter period before the seals start their annual molt, the peak in haul‐out generally occurs at midnight. Similarly, during the postmolt season of summer and autumn when the lake is free of ice, the haul‐out is concentrated in the early hours of the morning. In contrast, over the spring molting period, Saimaa ringed seals tend to haul out around the clock. The spring molt is also the only period when a slight difference in haul‐out behavior between the sexes is observed, with females having a haul‐out peak at nighttime while the males have a less visible diel pattern. According to our results, the diel haul‐out patterns of Saimaa ringed seals are similar to the ones of marine ringed seals. Gathering information on haul‐out activity is important in order to safeguard the natural patterns of Saimaa ringed seals in areas that are prone to disturbance from human activities.
Adsorption characteristics of aqueous Cr(VI) by using magnetic γFe2O3/Fe3O4 lotus stem biochar by NaOH modification
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Xie Xiaoxiao , Wang Jie , Tao Jun , Li Yaru , Ye Xiaochun , Xu Kai 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe article aims to investigate the adsorption characteristics of aqueous Cr(VI) biochar by magnetic γFe2O3/Fe3O4/NaOH lotus stem biochar (SMBC) which was synthesized with modification of γFe2O3, Fe3O4, and sodium hydroxide. Biochar samples before and after adsorption were characterized with Brunauer Emmett Teller, X‐ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer, magnetism. The results showed that SMBC was successfully prepared with the saturation magnetization of 66.608 emu/g and the BET specific surface area of 239.56 m2/g. The adsorption isotherm study showed that the theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of SMBC for Cr(VI) was 196.270 mg/g. The process of its adsorption of Cr(VI) fit the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model and the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, indicating that this process was chemical adsorption. The adsorption mechanism of SMBC to Cr(VI) mainly included electrostatic interaction, redox, and complexation. Desorption and regeneration experiment results showed that SMBC after adsorption could be easily recycled from the solution under the force of an external magnetic field. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of SMBC reached about 80% of the original even after six desorption/regeneration cycles. This study proves that SMBC showed great potential as a separable and reproducible adsorbent to remove Cr(VI) in wastewater with excellent adsorption performance, strong adaptability, environmental friendliness, and good recycle.
Unfavorable public attitude toward people with epilepsy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis study
Authors: Biresaw Mengesha Srahbzu , Irawan Anggi , Halász Peter , Szucs Anna 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to show the pooled prevalence of unfavorable public attitude toward people with epilepsy (UPATPWE) as well as the effect estimates of associated factors in Ethiopia.MethodsBetween December 1 and 31, 2022, we searched for the English version of published research reports on public attitude toward epilepsy in Ethiopia in PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO. The research reports' quality was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. We extracted the relevant information from the searched papers in a Microsoft Excel format and imported it to STATA version 15.0, for analysis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) reports guideline was used. A random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used to estimate the Der Simonian and Laird's pooled prevalence of unfavorable public attitude and its associated factors.ResultsNine out of the accessed 104 research papers meeting the pre‐specified criteria were included in this study. The overall pooled prevalence of UPATPWE in Ethiopia is 52.06 (95% CI: 37.54, 66.59), resulting in excommunication, physical punishments, and assaults against people with epilepsy as well as frequent lack of diagnosis and proper treatment. The pooled effect estimates for witnessing a seizure episode were done and it was (AOR = 2.70 [95% CI: 1.13, 6.46]).SignificanceAs interventions and new strategies to change attitudes and facilitate a supportive, positive, and socially inclusive environment for PWE may root in education and scientific research outputs, our result hopefully evokes the policy makers' attention for building a well‐designed and comprehensive health education and campaign strategy.
The internal aqueous phase gelation improves the viability of probiotic cells in a double water/oil/water emulsion system
Authors: Abbasi Shahrokh , Rafati Alireza , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad Hashem , Roohinejad Shahin , Hashemi Seyedeh‐Sara , Hashemi Gahruie Hadi , Rashidinejad Ali 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis research studied the viability of probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) encapsulated in the internal aqueous phase (W1) of a water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W1/O/W2) emulsion system, with the help of gelation and different gelling agents. Additionally, the physicochemical, rheological, and microstructural properties of the fabricated emulsion systems were assessed over time under the effect of W1 gelation. The average droplet size and zeta potential of the control system and the systems fabricated using gelatin, alginate, tragacanth gum, and carrageenan were 14.7, 12.0, 5.1, 6.4, and 7.3 μm and − 21.1, −34.1, −46.2, −38.3, and −34.7 mV, respectively. The results showed a significant increase in the physical stability of the system and encapsulation efficiency of L. plantarum after the W1 gelation. The internal phase gelation significantly increased the viability of bacteria against heat and acidic pH, with tragacanth gum being the best gelling agent for increasing the viability of L. plantarum (28.05% and 16.74%, respectively). Apparent viscosity and rheological properties of emulsions were significantly increased after the W1 gelation, particularly in those jellified with alginate. Overall, L. plantarum encapsulation in W1/O/W2 emulsion, followed by the W1 gelation using tragacanth gum as the gelling agent, could increase both stability and viability of this probiotic bacteria.
Bio‐based building components: A newly sustainable solution for traditional walls made of Arundo donax and gypsum
Authors: Barreca Francesco , Cardinali Giuseppe , Barbaresi Alberto , Bovo Marco 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTo contribute to the use of bio‐based materials in the building sector, a novel bio‐based wall panel, with a high thermal performance level, is proposed in this work. The panel is based on an ancient rural technique, widely diffused in southern Italy, which makes use of Arundo donax L. canes combined with gypsum plaster to build walls and ceilings of rural buildings. The enhancement of the thermal capacity of these panels by means of the introduction in the canes of a natural wax oleogel (WO) is proposed in this paper. A specific experimental campaign aiming at the comparison of traditional and innovative panels was carried out to assess the enhanced thermal performance of the proposed solution. The maximum value of heat flow absorbed from the panel with WO was 61.08 W/m2 around a mean panel temperature of 24°C, corresponding to the melting temperature range of the WO. The panel without WO at the same temperature absorbed an incoming heat flow of 34.64 W/m2 which is about 57% of the panel with WO. The panel with WO released at a temperature of about 27.5°C, a heat flow of 43.42 W/m2. At the same temperature of about 27.5°C, the panel without WO released a heat flow of 34.38 W/m2 which is about 80% that of the panel with WO. The results highlighted that the addition of natural WO has enhanced the thermal capacity of the panel facilitating heat dissipation through the borders. These characteristics make the panel a suitable component for internal partitions of controlled temperature zones such as residential rooms, storage food areas, livestock buildings, and where it is necessary to obtain a constant environmental temperature. In particular, the null or low toxicity of the panel's materials allows for partition use, also in hygienically safe environments.
Role of male partner in women's fertility decision and family planning utilization in four regional states of Ethiopia: A mixed‐method study
Authors: Gudu Wondimu , Bekele Delayehu , Surur Feiruz , Teklu Alula , Abesha Yonas , Nigatu Balkachew , Kassa Munir , Lako Tadele Kebede , Sium Abraham Fessehaye 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the role of male partner involvement in fertility decision‐making and intention to use contraceptives by women in four regional states of Ethiopia.MethodsA mixed‐method quantitative–qualitative cross‐sectional study was conducted among 2891 women of reproductive age in four emerging regions (Benishangul‐Gumuz, Gambela, Afar, and Somali) of Ethiopia. Key informant interview, in‐depth interview, and focus group discussion were performed for qualitative data extraction. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data, and frequency, means, and proportions were used to present the results. Qualitative data were analyzed.ResultsApproximately half of the women (1519/2891, 52.5%) discussed contraceptive methods with their partners. Most women did not have the freedom to make independent decisions on fertility preference, with the highest being in the Afar region (376/643, 58.5%). In all regions, the male partner was the dominant decision‐maker behind the intention to start using or continue using family planning methods by the woman. Better educational status of male partners and a good attitude towards use of family planning by the woman were associated with contraceptive use by the women.ConclusionsMale partners play a predominant role in fertility preferences and decisions on family planning use by women.
A machine learning‐assisted multifunctional tactile sensor for smart prosthetics
Authors: Li Yue , Yang Lin , Deng Shihao , Huang Hong , Wang Yingyi , Xiong Zuoping , Feng Simin , Wang Shuqi , Li Tie , Zhang Ting 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe absence of tactile perception limits the dexterity of a prosthetic hand and its acceptance by amputees. Recreating the sensing properties of the skin using a flexible tactile sensor could have profound implications for prosthetics, whereas existing tactile sensors often have limited functionality with cross‐interference. In this study, we propose a machine‐learning‐assisted multifunctional tactile sensor for smart prosthetics, providing a human‐like tactile sensing approach for amputations. This flexible sensor is based on a poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)–melamine sponge, which enables the detection of force and temperature with low cross‐coupling owing to two separate sensing mechanisms: the open‐circuit voltage of the sensor as a force‐insensitive intrinsic variable to measure the absolute temperature and the resistance as a temperature‐insensitive extrinsic variable to measure force. Furthermore, by analyzing the unsteady heat conduction and characterizing it using real‐time thermal imaging, we demonstrated that the process of open‐circuit voltage variation resulting from the unsteady heat conduction is closely correlated with the heat‐conducting capabilities of materials, which can be utilized to discriminate between substances. Assisted by the decision tree algorithm, the device is endowed with thermal conductivity sensing ability, which allows it to identify 10 types of substances with an accuracy of 94.7%. Furthermore, an individual wearing an advanced myoelectric prosthesis equipped with the above sensor can sense pressure, temperature, and recognize different materials. We demonstrated that our multifunctional tactile sensor provides a new strategy to help amputees feel force, temperature and identify the material of objects without the aid of vision.
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