Morphological Variation Research Articles

Late Pleistocene onset of mutualistic human/canid (Canis spp.) relationships in subarctic Alaska.

Large canids (wolves, dogs, and coyote) and people form a close relationship in northern (subarctic and arctic) socioecological systems. Here, we document the antiquity of this bond and the multiple ways it manifested in interior Alaska, a region key to understanding the peopling of the Americas and early northern lifeways. We compile original and existing genomic, isotopic, and osteological canid data from archaeological, paleontological, and modern sites. Results show that in contrast to canids recovered in non-anthropic contexts, canids recovered in association with human occupations are markedly diverse. They include multiple species and intraspecific lineages, morphological variation, and diets ranging from terrestrial to marine. This variation is expressed along both geographic and temporal gradients, starting in the terminal Pleistocene with canids showing high marine dietary estimates. This paper provides evidence of the multiple ecological relationships between canids and people in the north-from predation, probable commensalism, and taming, to domestication-and of their early onset.

Redescription of Physaloptera sarcophili Johnston & Mawson, 1940 and the description of Physaloptera dasyuri sp. nov. (Nematoda: Spirurida) parasitic in Australasian dasyurid marsupials

ABSTRACT Physaloptera sarcophili Johnston & Mawson, 1940 (Nematoda: Spirurida), originally described from the Tasmania devil, Sarcophilus harrisii (Boitard), is redescribed based on additional material from this host species. Physaloptera dasyuri sp. nov. is described from quolls, Dasyurus maculatus (Kerr) from Tasmania, Dasyurus hallucatus Gould from the Northern Territory and the Kimberly District of Western Australia and Dasyurus albopunctatus Schlegel from New Guinea. The two nematode species are distinguished by measurements, with values of those of P. sarcophili being approximately twice as large as those of P. dasyuri sp. nov. and by differences in the ratio of right to left spicule lengths. Limited morphological variation in the distribution of the papillae on the caudal bursa is described. Both species are differentiated from congeners in Australian mammals by the presence of four sessile post-cloacal papillae arranged in a single row, the arrangement of the three pairs of post-cloacal sessile papillae and spicule measurements. The differentiation of both species from congeners in South American marsupials and eutherian carnivores is also discussed.

Behavior of PGS/apatite foam scaffolds during incubation in SBF, PBS, Ringer's solution, artificial saliva, and distilled water.

Poly(glycerol sebacate) is a polymeric material with potential biomedical application in the field of tissue engineering. In order to act as a biodegradable scaffold, its incubation study is vital to simulate its behavior. This study explores the degradation of porous poly(glycerol sebacate)/hydroxyapatite scaffolds subjected to incubation in various physiological solutions. The research involved monitoring pH and conductivity values over a 14-day period, as well as analyzing the swelling capacity and mass alterations of the scaffolds. In simulated body fluid (SBF) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), the pH levels remained relatively stable, whereas Ringer's solution caused a pH decrease. Conversely, artificial saliva demonstrated an increase in pH, and distilled water caused a slight decrease. The conductivity values remained stable in SBF and Ringer's solution, slightly decreased in PBS, increased in artificial saliva, and significantly increased in distilled water. The swelling capacity of the scaffolds varied depending on the solution used, with the lowest equilibrium swelling observed in SBF and PBS. The effect of the presence of ceramics on this parameter was also observed. The mass changes of the scaffolds indicated deposition of particles or salts from the incubation solutions, and subsequent rinsing in distilled water led to a decrease in mass. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and elemental analysis confirmed the presence of crystallized salts on the scaffold surfaces after incubation in SBF. Surface roughness measurements revealed changes in roughness depending on the solution, with deposition of additional layers in SBF and degradation in artificial saliva. In summary, the scaffolds exhibited biodegradation in physiological solutions, with variations in pH, conductivity, swelling capacity, mass changes, and surface morphology depending on the specific solution and scaffold composition.

Radial variation of fiber morphology and wood density of the commercial species Drypetes sp. and Myroxylon balsamum

Studying the radial variation of wood density, an essential biophysical property that reflects the quality of commercial species in tropical forests, is crucial. Understanding how these variations relate to wood anatomy provides valuable insights. In this study, we evaluated fiber morphology and radial density variation using X-ray densitometry in two commercial species from southeastern Peru. Ten trees from each species, Drypetes sp. and Myroxylon balsamum (Peru balsam), were analyzed. Fiber characteristics were assessed using macerated tissue, and density profiles were obtained via X-ray densitometry. The results indicate that in Drypetes sp., density decreases from the pith to the bark, whereas Myroxylon balsamum shows no significant radial variation. These findings are important for the efficient use and processing of these species.

Intraspecific variability of rice root knot nematodes across diverse agroecosystems for sustainable management

In the rice agroecosystems of Southeast Asia, rice root knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) significantly impairs yield, representing a major species within the ‘graminis-group’ known for its morphological similarities with other root knot nematodes (RKNs). This study delves into the variations in reproductive potential, morphology, morphometrics, and genetic diversity among thirty RKN populations in rice across three distinct agroecological zones in Jharkhand, India. Despite notable differences in reproductive potential among the populations, morphological and morphometric correlations to reproductive potential were inconclusive. However, male and juvenile morphometrics were crucial for identifying intraspecific variability. Genetic analysis utilizing five molecular markers (ITS, 18 S rRNA, D2-D3 of 28 S, COX-I, and COX-II) affirmed the populations as M. graminicola, with ITS marker revealing significant intraspecific variability. Phylogenetic analysis underscored the close relationship between M. oryzae and M. graminicola, distinct from other mitotic RKN species. Low genetic distance and nucleotide diversity, coupled with high haplotype diversity, negative Tajima’s D, and Fu’s Fs of haplotype network analysis, suggested that all M. graminicola populations are expanding. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive management strategies against M. graminicola, providing valuable insights for growers, extension officials, and plant breeders to develop targeted management approaches and resistance breeding programs.

Study on the deformation mechanism of chair-like bedding rock landslides under the coupling effect of geological and hydrological factors

Chair-like bedding rock landslides are prevalent in the Three Gorges Reservoir area (TGRA), necessitating further investigation into their inducing mechanisms. This study focuses on the Muyubao and Tanjiahe landslides, conducting a comparative analysis of their deformation characteristics and mechanisms while comprehensively considering geological and hydrological factors. The findings indicate that the Muyubao landslide was primarily triggered by the combined effects of rainfall during the water storage period and the rise of the reservoir water levels (RWL), with a threshold of approximately 165 m. In contrast, the Tanjiahe landslide was influenced by a rapid drawdown in RWL, heavy rainfall, and a high RWL, with a threshold of around 175 m. Both landslides exhibited a clear response to the rise in groundwater levels in the steep sections, with significant deformation occurring when groundwater levels reached 175 m (Muyubao landslide QSK1) and 245 m (Tanjiahe landslide QSK2). Notably, variations in landslide morphology, permeability coefficients, and fluctuations in groundwater levels can facilitate the mutual conversion between different landslide types (seepage-driven and buoyancy-driven). To investigate the influence of chair-like slope morphology on landslides, eight landslide models were constructed, featuring a range of dip angles for the rock formation (15° to 30°) and varying length ratios of gentle to steep sections (2:8 to 5:5). The UDEC Code was employed to simulate and analyze the governing effects of slope morphology on landslide deformation and evolution. Through a comparative analysis of the Muyubao, Tanjiahe, Jiuxianping, and Qianjiangping landslide cases, we examined the significant influence of landslide morphology and permeability coefficients on landslide behavior. The results indicate that the length ratio of gentle to steep section is a crucial parameter. When this ratio exceeds 2:8, the landslide is characterized by pushing deformation; conversely, when the ratio is lower, it tends to exhibit overall movement. Additionally, geological factors affect groundwater seepage and water level variation under the influence of rainfall and reservoir water, resulting in distinct deformation characteristics and mechanisms across different landslide types. Factors such as slope angle and the length of the gentle section influence the extent of the submerged area, leading to varied landslide responses to rise of the RWL.

Genotype and corticosteroid treatment are distinctively associated with gray matter characteristics in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

This study investigated if structural variation in specific gray matter areas is associated with corticosteroid treatment or genotype, and if cerebral morphological variations are related to neuropsychological and behavioral outcomes.The CAT12 toolbox in SPM was used for MRI segmentations, assessing subcortical structures, cortical thickness, gyrification, and sulci depths for DMD patients (n=40; 9-18 years) and age-matched controls (n=40). Comparisons were made between DMD vs. controls, daily vs. intermittent corticosteroid treatment (n=20 each), and Dp140+ vs. Dp140- gene mutations (n=15 vs. 25). MANCOVA, CAT12 3D statistics and Pearson correlations were conducted.DMD patients showed differences in volumes of distinct subcortical structures, left hemisphere cortical thickness, and gyrification in multiple brain areas compared with healthy controls. The daily treated DMD group exhibited differences in subcortical volumes and different patterns of cortical thickness, sulci depth, and gyrification compared to the intermittent treated DMD group. DMD Dp140+ patients displayed altered gyrification and sulci depth compared to DMD Dp140- patients. Finally, we found correlations between neurobehavioral outcomes and brain areas that showed differences in cortical morphology associated with corticosteroid treatment.Both genotype and corticosteroid treatment are associated with variations in subcortical volumes and cortical morphology, albeit in different ways. Corticosteroid treatment appears to have a more profound association with differences in gray matter characteristics of brain regions that are associated with functional outcomes.

Phenotypic and Genomic Insights Into Bacillus spp. and Peribacillus spp. of Spanish Olive Groves With Biotechnological Potential.

Spore-forming organisms are an integral component of the rhizosphere, providing plants with significant advantages. Previous studies determined the antimicrobial activity of the olive sporobiota, identifying five candidates of particular relevance, belonging to the Bacillus subtilis, Peribacillus simplex and Bacillus cereus clade. This study aimed to determine their biotechnological properties, safety aspects, spore structure and resistance, and interaction with the environment through a combined microbiological and genomic approach. We report on the ability of these strains to produce hydrolytic and surface-active enzymes and provide evidence for differences in population behaviour through the formation of strong sessile or floating biofilms. Electron microscopic analysis revealed for the first time the presence of an exosporium layer in olive sporobiota isolates belonging to the P. simplex and B. cereus clade, including numerous pili-like structures on the latter. Spores showed significant differences in their resistance to wet heat, oxidising agents, and UV exposure. Whole genome sequencing of isolate Peribacillus frigoritolerans yielded information on its antimicrobial compound biosynthesis and environmental safety. Overall, our findings provide insights into the phenotypic, morphological and genetic variations of spore-formers from Spanish olive groves, which can be useful for the development of bioactive compounds in sustainable agriculture.

Multivariate analysis of morphological variation, biochemical content, antioxidant activity, and molecular characteristics of autochthonous Berberis crataegina DC. genotypes in Central Türkiye

BackgroundOne of the wild fruit species with a natural distribution in Türkiye, and historically used for medicinal purposes due to its rich composition, is Berberis crataegina DC. Various parts of the plant, including its roots, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits, have been utilized in traditional medicine, while its fruits are also consumed in various forms as food. This study aimed to characterize the morphological, biochemical, and molecular traits of B. crataegina genotypes naturally growing in the Kayseri region, located in central Türkiye.ResultsThe fruit weight of the genotypes ranged from 0.047 to 0.137 g, fruit width from 3.06 to 4.64 mm, and fruit length from 5.80 to 9.05 mm. Similarly, the leaf traits of the genotypes exhibited wide variation. The total phenolic content ranged from 190.53 to 297.55 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid content from 82.03 to 203.89 mg QE/100 g, total anthocyanin content from 4.54 to 11.76 mg cyn-3 gluc/100 g, and total antioxidant capacity between 57.76 and 87.93%. A principal component analysis (PCA) of 11 traits identified four principal components with eigenvalues greater than 1. The first four components accounted for 71.89% of the total variation, with PCA1 explaining 23.48%, PCA2 18.68%, PCA3 16.39%, and PCA4 13.34%. ISSR molecular analysis using nine markers revealed a band count ranging from 4 to 13, polymorphic band count between 3 and 10, and polymorphism rates from 61.54 to 100%, with band lengths ranging from 200 to 1000 base pairs. According to the UPGMA dendrogram based on molecular analyses, the genetic similarity between the genotypes ranged from 0.64 to 1.00, with B2 and B13 being the most similar genotypes.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the Kayseri region is rich in B. crataegina genotypes with wide genetic variation. The genotypes identified in this region may serve as valuable genetic resources for future studies.

Geometric morphometric analysis of cranium shape differences in sheep from colonial Sydney, Australia

Geometric morphometrics (GMMs) is a valuable tool that can be used to identify variability within species, thereby distinguishing between breeds and closely related animals (e.g. sheep and goats). Identifying fine morphological differences is key to better understanding early herd management practices. Interestingly, GMMs has yet to be used in a colonial Australian context, particularly in the foundational period of colonial Sydney from 1790 to 1850. Given the overall importance of sheep to the development of colonial Australia, this analytical gap provides an opportunity to identify potential morphological variability, and so better understand colonial herd management strategies. Here we use GMMs to analyse an archaeological assemblage of sheep crania (n = 27) from the colonial Clarence Street site, in Sydney, Australia. These crania are compared to modern sheep specimens to test GMMs’ effectiveness at distinguishing between, as well as potentially allocating individuals to, specific breeds. We found certain morphological variations between the study assemblages, and so discuss our results in the context of a variety of explanatory frameworks such as differences in husbandry practices in colonial Sydney.

Variation in flower morphology associated with higher bee diversity in urban green spaces.

Urbanization is a leading threat to biodiversity, but scientifically informed management of urban ecosystems can mitigate negative impacts. For wild bees, which are declining worldwide, careful consideration of flower choice in public and private green spaces could help preserve their diversity. While floral density and species richness are both linked to wild bee diversity, the mechanisms underlying these relationships are not fully understood. Here, we tested two hypotheses relating the influence of floral trait composition to bee species richness, which we have termed the within-trait diversity and optimal floral trait hypotheses. Specifically, we assessed whether variation in bee richness relates to variation in the weighted variance (trait diversity) and mean (optimal trait) of floral traits observed in urban green spaces across the city of Montreal, Canada. Our analyses focused on two floral traits relating to pollinator feeding success: nectar sugar concentration and corolla length. After accounting for variation in floral density among sites, bee richness was positively related to community-weighted variance in corolla length, supporting the within-trait diversity hypothesis. These findings suggest that management practices that increase the diversity of flower morphologies in urban green spaces can promote the persistence of wild bee communities in cities.

An automatic eddy detection algorithm based on quadrant angle of velocity vector and its application

ABSTRACT Eddies assume a pivotal role in both the oceanic heat cycle and marine dynamic processes. The development of real-time satellite observations, coupled with advancements in computer intelligence, has propelled automatic eddy detection algorithms to the forefront of ocean remote sensing research. Nevertheless, target omissions and accuracy degradations are inevitable for multiple detection algorithms due to strong morphological variations in ocean eddies. This paper proposes an automatic detection algorithm based on the quadrant angle of the velocity vector in the flow field. Firstly, a rectangular search box is established, and the corresponding quadrant angles at the four vertices are calculated. Secondly, the centres and types of eddies are determined according to the cumulative sum and variety rules of quadrant angles. Then the outermost boundary is identified by regularity of quadrant angles in eight directions expanding outward from the centre of the eddy using the stream function equation. The new algorithm is assessed and verified using geostrophic flow data derived from the CMEMS standard gridded sea level anomaly product. Furthermore, its detection capabilities are demonstrated through a comparative analysis with several other algorithms. All methods exhibit consistent efficacy in detecting the majority of eddies with similar spatial distributions. In cases where the new algorithm identifies a specific eddy not detected by the FF15 and ND10 algorithms, sea surface temperature data is employed for verification. The sea surface temperature distribution map, along with the obtained results, illustrates the superiority of the new algorithm and its adaptability to products with varying resolutions. Additionally, the results undergo verification through a manual detection method, revealing that the new algorithm achieves SDR of 91.73% and an EDR of 3.54%. This percentage significantly surpasses the lower acceptable limit of 80% for the SDR parameter. The new algorithm is applied to study eddies with lifetimes exceeding ten days, spanning from March 2022 to February 2023, within the East China Sea and the South China Sea. The radius of SCS eddies is generally larger than that of ECS eddies, both cyclonic and anticyclonic. This further confirms the significant influence of regional ocean dynamics on the structure of eddies in different regions. Finally, the algorithm is applied to SWOT data to test the adaptability of the algorithm to non-regular grid data. The results show that the algorithm can effectively analyse SWOT data within 60° latitudes.

Identification of Key Genes Correlated with Economic Trait Superiorities and Their SNP Screening Through Transcriptome Comparisons, WGCNA and Pearson Correlation Coefficient in the Sea Cucumber Apostichopus Japonicus.

Variation in morphology-driven economic traits is a common issue hindering the development of the sea cucumber aquaculture industry. In this study, transcriptome comparisons, weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) were first employed to identify key genes correlated with morphological variation in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, after which the relationship between identified key genes (relative expression and genotype) and economic trait phenotypes was investigated to screen potential biomarker targets for molecular-assisted breeding. The results showed that three genes (putative ficolin-2, fibrinogen c domain-containing protein 1, and angiopoietin-4) were closely associated with economic trait superiorities. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the putative ficolin-2 gene as having a strong correlation with body weight and papilla number. The findings from this study will enrich breeding biomarker resources and benefit the development of molecular-assisted breeding techniques in sea cucumber aquaculture.

Genetic variations in morphology, chromosome number, and physiology of backcross progeny of the triploid hybrid clone ‘Beilinxiongzhu 1#’

BackgroundAneuploidy in plants commonly presents as large variations in morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and genetic effects owing to its karyotypic imbalance.ResultsIn this study, the trait variations of 393 offspring obtained by pollinating Populus alla × Populus glandulosa ‘YXY 7’ (2n = 2x = 38) with Populus ‘Beilinxiongzhu 1#’ (2n = 3x = 57) were explored. The results showed several morphological variations in the cotyledons, including two (69.68%), three (24.07%), and four cotyledons (6.25%). Additionally, the progeny exhibited extensive segregation of ploidy levels, ranging from 38 to 74. Furthermore, seedlings with different chromosome numbers varied in growth traits and physiological activities during growth and development. The backcross progeny with 51–60 chromosomes had a significantly larger basal diameter and seedling height than those with other chromosome numbers. The phenotypic correlations between the traits indicated that the dose effect of the chromosomes significantly affected the basal diameter, petiole length, and leaf length, particularly with stomatal length and stomatal density. Weak and negative estimated correlations were observed between the physiological traits associated with photosynthesis and most of the studied traits.ConclusionsThis study provides new genetic material with different chromosome compositions, which will contribute to analyzing chromosomal function and integrate the variations in chromosomal dosage into Populus breeding programs.

Hydrothermal synthesis of tungsten oxide photo/electrocatalysts: precursor-driven morphological tailoring and electrochemical performance for hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reaction application.

A hydrothermal approach was adopted to synthesize tungsten oxide (WO3) nanocatalysts with tailored morphology, using oxalic acid (H2C2O4) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) as precursors. This precursor-driven method yielded two distinct WO3 catalysts with unique structural and functional properties, viz. rod-shaped WO3-ox and nanoflower-shaped WO3-h. Characterization by FESEM and XRD revealed variations in morphology and crystallite size, contributing to their specialized catalytic applications. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed strong UV absorption by WO3-ox at 283.57nm with an optical band gap of 2.86eV, making it ideal for photocatalytic activities. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated that WO3-ox effectively drives the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), while WO3-h is more suitable for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), an essential process in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In practical applications, WO3-ox achieved an 83.9% degradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB) within 3h, validating its high photocatalytic efficacy for wastewater treatment. Meanwhile, WO3-h, utilized as a cathode catalyst in MFCs, significantly enhanced system performance, elevating chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency to 78.7% and improving coulombic efficiency by 3%. These findings underscore the potential of precursor-driven hydrothermal synthesis for optimizing WO3 catalysts tailored for energy and environmental applications, specifically in hydrogen production and sustainable wastewater treatment systems.

Population Genetics and Gene Flow in Cyphotilapia frontosa and Cyphotilapia gibberosa Along the East Coast of Lake Tanganyika

The radiation of cichlid species in the East African Great Lakes is remarkable and rapid. The population genetics of two deep-water Cyphotilapia species along the east coast of Lake Tanganyika from Burundi to southern Tanzania was determined using ddRAD-seq. A combination of ADMIXTURE, PCA, genome polarization, and 2D site frequency spectrum analyses confirmed the presence of two species, C. frontosa in the north and C. gibberosa in the south, as documented in other studies. We also found evidence of a potential hybrid zone connecting the two species at a sharp genetic cline centered in the middle of the lake and apparent introgression in both directions, but predominantly from ‘gibberosa’ into ‘frontosa’. The highest proportion of introgressed ‘gibberosa’ ancestry was present in the southernmost populations of C. frontosa collected near Karilani Island and Cape Kabogo. At the intra-specific level, there was support for between 1 and 3 populations of C. frontosa, whereas the results indicated only a single homogeneous population of C. gibberosa. The presence of different morphs in the lake despite the low levels of heterozygosity suggests that a small number of loci may be involved in the morphological variation and/or that there is a more complex interplay between genetics and the environment in different locations.

Synthetically modified mixed phase inverse spinel CuFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles: Structure, physical, and electrochemical properties for photocatalytic applications

Copper ferrite nanoparticles with crystallite sizes between 21.8 and 27.0 nm are developed by modified co-precipitation (C), two-step hydrothermal (H), and polymer-assisted sol-gel (S) methods. The synthetic conditions caused a structure and morphology variation, resulting in their optoelectrical and electrochemical properties becoming markedly different for specific photocatalytic applications. The nanoparticles are p-type semiconducting with direct optical band-gaps between 2.06 and 2.65 eV and carrier concentrations between 1017 ∼1018 cm−3. Magnetization studies demonstrate that the C-sample exhibits saturation magnetization of 32.44 emu/g nearly double as compared to that of H-sample (16.4 emu/g); however, the latter shows the highest coercivity. Impedance spectroscopy reveals faster electron transfer kinetics across the grain boundaries in the S-sample. The pellets prepared from C- and S- samples have larger dielectric constants and better oxygen ion-led conductivity owing to their larger grain size. Density Functional Theory-based calculation shows that oxygen ion conductivity plays a vital role in hole transport and thus an enhancement in the photocatalytic properties. Photocatalytic activity in the H-sample is superior with a degree of methylene blue dye degradation of 55 % in 2 h and a faster rate kinetics of 0.004 min−1 in the first hour under simulated sunlight.

The miR319-based repression of SlTCP2/LANCEOLATE activity is required for regulating tomato fruit shape.

Fruit morphogenesis is determined by the coordination of cell division and expansion, which are fundamental processes required for the development of all plant organs. Here, we show that the regulation of TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) LANCEOLATE (TCP2/LA) by miR319 is crucial for tomato fruit morphology. The loss of miR319 regulation in the semi-dominant La mutant led to a premature SlTCP2/LA expression during gynoecium patterning, which results in modified cell division during carpel development. As a consequence, La mutants exhibited elongated ovary and fruit shape, and a reduced number of ovules and seeds. Elongated fruit shape in La may be partially due to the SlTCP2/LA-mediated repression of OVATE activity in young floral buds. Further analysis showed that the de-repression of SlTCP2/LA decreases auxin responses in young floral buds by directly repressing SlYUCCA4 expression, but SlTCP2/LA also acts in parallel with ENTIRE (E) to orchestrate fruit morphology and seed production. Our study defines a novel miRNA-based molecular link between the domestication-associated OVATE gene and auxin responses. Given the striking variation in fruit morphology among members of the Solanaceae family, fine-tuning regulation of gene expression by miRNA coupled with modulation of auxin dynamics may be a common driver in the evolution of fruit shape diversity.

Fuel-Dependent combustion synthesis of CeCrO3 nanomaterials: Morphological control and its impact on electrochemical properties and device applications

Perovskites exhibiting pseudocapacitance are among the leading energy storage materials as supercapacitors. The cations in perovskites significantly affect storage due to their involvement in redox reactions. CeCrO3 (CCO), a challenging-to-synthesis perovskite, has not yet been investigated for its electrochemical performance. The electrochemical properties of a material heavily depend on each step of the synthesis method. The combustion synthesis of CCO is carried out with different fuels, such as glycine (G), citric acid (C), and sucrose (S), resulting in samples CCO–G, CCO–C, and CCO–S, respectively. This makes combustion with different fuels yield products with peculiar properties and variations in morphology. Consequently, all CCO samples using different fuels exhibit noticeable differences in their electrochemical properties. A systematic investigation is conducted to understand the suitability of CCO for supercapacitor applications. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) techniques are performed in a 2 M KOH electrolyte. CCO–G exhibits the highest specific capacity among the samples, achieving the specific capacity of 461 C g-1 at 1 A g-1 current density. It maintains good cyclic stability of 72.98 % even after 10,000 cycles at the current density of 10 A g-1. To explore its practical applicability, a hybrid supercapacitor device is fabricated with activated carbon (AC) AC@Ni-foam as the negative electrode and CCO–G@Ni-foam as the positive electrode in a 2 M KOH electrolyte. This device demonstrates a specific capacity of 204.80 C g-1 at 1 A g-1 current density. The maximum specific energy, the device achieved is 36.92 Wh kg-1 at 1 A g-1 current density, and the maximal specific power is 7.91 kW kg-1 at current density of 20 A g-1. These significant values emphasize the applicability of this novel material in the field of supercapacitors, paving the way for advanced energy solutions.

Prevalence of malocclusion and craniofacial morphological variations among 7-13-year-old children in Elementary School, Kediri

Background: Craniofacial morphological variations can influence malocclusion. Mesocephalic head tends to form mesoprosopic face and class I malocclusion. Dolicocephalic head tends to form leptoprosopic face and class II malocclusion. Brachycephalic head tends to form euryprosopic face and class III malocclusion. Emphasizing the importance of malocclusion early treatment, research on malocclusion prevalence and craniofacial morphology variations in growing children is needed. Purpose: To determine malocclusion prevalence and craniofacial morphological variations among 7-13-year-old children at Medowo III Elementary School, Kediri. Methods: This descriptive study used 44 samples of Medowo III Elementary School, Kediri students. Head and face length and width were measured using a spreading caliper. The cephalic and facial indices were then determined for the classification of head and facial types. Results: The dominant craniofacial morphological variations in the samples were hyper-brachycephalic head (39 samples) and euryprosopic face (14 samples). The highest prevalence of malocclusion among individuals with hyper-brachycephalic head type was Angle’s class I malocclusion. Class II malocclusion was found in 1 sample, and class III malocclusion in 3 samples. Among the samples with this head type, the most common malocclusion variations were anterior crowding (36 samples), followed by deep bite (15 samples). Conclusion: The highest prevalence of malocclusion among Medowo III Elementary School, Kediri students was Angle class I malocclusion, characterized by specific craniofacial morphological variations, namely hyper-brachycephalic head type and euryprosopic face.