Open Access Research Articles

Insights from the top-cited papers in the critical care nursing literature: A bibliometric and visualized analysis.

Highly cited papers in critical care nursing can offer valuable insights for all stakeholders engaged in the research process by highlighting key research trends, guiding resource allocation and shaping future research priorities. To gain insights from the top-cited papers in the top critical care nursing journals. This was a bibliometric analysis of the top-cited papers in the top critical care nursing journals as reported by the Journal Citation Report 2023-released in June 2024. Data were tabulated and visualized using Microsoft Excel and the VOSviewer software. Forty papers from the top four critical care nursing journals (Intensive and Critical Care Nursing [ICCN], Nursing in Critical Care [NICC], Australian Critical Care [ACC] and American Journal of Critical Care [AJCC]) were analysed. Half of the analysed papers were related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and mental health was the most addressed theme (n = 11 papers). Papers from the ICCN featured contributions from 17 countries, the highest among the journals analysed, followed by NICC, with contributions from 11 countries. Articles received more citations than reviews (median [interquartile range]: 18 [9-23] vs. 8 [8-11.5]), and open-access papers were cited about twice those published under a subscription model (19 [16-31] vs. 9 [8-15]). In ICCN, 9 of the 10 analysed papers were published open access compared with 3 in NICC and ACC and 2 in AJCC. The identified themes in this paper underscore the dynamic nature of the field of critical care nursing and the ongoing efforts to address key challenges in critical care nursing practice and health care delivery. Publishing open-access articles on trending topics and collaborating internationally seem to be effective approaches for gaining more citations. Understanding these prevalent themes has significant implications for guiding research priorities, informing clinical practice, shaping policy and improving patient outcomes. Academic journals need to encourage increasing the representation of researchers from the Global South in both journals' editorial boards and submissions to the journals.

Saturated hydraulic conductivity and steady-state infiltration rate database for Brazilian soils

ABSTRACT Soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and steady-state infiltration rate (SSIR) are essential and necessary soil properties for different geoscience applications. Values of these hydraulic properties for the Brazilian territory are difficult to access and are dispersed in research efforts carried out around the country. This study developed an easy-to-manipulate, freely accessible database of soil saturated hydraulic conductivity, comprising field and laboratory analyses, and steady-state infiltration rates for Brazilian soils. This database was named Ksat-SSIR-DB. One analysis of the Ksat-SSIR-DB aimed to evaluate its coverage in Brazilian territory and in different soil groups. Average values of these hydraulic properties were also presented for textural classes, with values compared to those reported in international literature, and for other groupings, such as soil class, land use class, and porosity class. The variability of Ksat data in these groupings and in their combinations were also analyzed. The Ksat-SSIR-DB showed broad national coverage, comprising a total of 2,579 records, corresponding to 409 sampling sites, with Ksat and/or SSIR data and other associated soil information. A significant difference was observed between Ksat values for the vast majority of Brazilian clayey and very clayey soils compared to soils from the same textural groups from temperate regions. The two groupings that presented the lowest variability in terms of Ksat standard deviation values were the combination of textural classes with soil classes at the second category level of SiBCS (Brazilian Soil Classification System), and porosity classes with soil classes at the second category level of SiBCS. The Ksat-SSIR-DB has enormous potential for developing and testing Ksat pedotransfer functions in Brazilian soils, serving as a reference source for different geoenvironmental applications and, in particular, for modeling land surface processes. It is open access and can be accessed at https://www.sgb.gov.br/ksat-ssir-dbbase-de-dados-de-condutividade-hidraulica-saturada-e-de-taxa-de-infiltracao-basica-emsolos-brasileiros , which also includes the python script for data analysis.

Leveraging an open access platform to provide organizational value in clinical environments

The Ascension Nurse Author Index is an example of how resource-limited clinical libraries can provide value to their organization by creating a database of peer-reviewed journal article publications authored by their nursing associates. In 2024, Ascension launched a database index to highlight its nurse authors, bring attention to subject matter expertise, foster collaboration among authors, and recognize impact within the profession. The index uses an open access platform, software intended for reference management with a public-facing cloud option, to minimize expenses. This unconventional use of the platform allowed us to capitalize on the software's bibliographic database management capabilities while allowing us to input institutional-specific metadata. By creative use of the open-access platform, librarians can successfully partner to create value for their organization by highlighting the work of its nurses.

Development of an open access systematic review instructional video series accessible through the SPI-HubTM website

Given the key role of systematic reviews in informing clinical decision making and guidelines, it is important for individuals to have equitable access to quality instructional materials on how to design, conduct, report, and evaluate systematic reviews. In response to this need, Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Center for Knowledge Management (CKM) created an open-access systematic review instructional video series. The educational content was created by experienced CKM information scientists, who worked together to adapt an internal training series that they had developed into a format that could be widely shared with the public. Brief videos, averaging 10 minutes in length, were created addressing essential concepts related to systematic reviews, including distinguishing between literature review types, understanding reasons for conducting a systematic review, designing a systematic review protocol, steps in conducting a systematic review, web-based tools to aid with the systematic review process, publishing a systematic review, and critically evaluating systematic reviews. Quiz questions were developed for each instructional video to allow learners to check their understanding of the material. The systematic review instructional video series launched on CKM’s Scholarly Publishing Information Hub (SPI-HubTM) website in Fall 2023. From January through August 2024, there were 1,662 international accesses to the SPI-HubTM systematic review website, representing 41 countries. Initial feedback, while primarily anecdotal, has been positive. By adapting its internal systematic review training into an online video series format suitable for asynchronous instruction, CKM has been able to widely disseminate its educational materials.

Interventions in the Sexuality of Men With Stomas: A Scoping Review.

To map interventions in the sexuality of men with stomas. Scoping review, following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines to report results. Databases consulted were PubMed, via National Library of Medicine, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Brazilian Electronic Library of Thesis and Dissertations, CAPES Catalogue of Thesis and Dissertations and Open Access Scientific Repository of Portugal. Texts were read by independent reviewers, with no time or language restrictions. The final sample included 10 studies. Data were synthesised and grouped for its similarity to approach models, preoperative orientations, self-care promotion, collecting pouch hygiene and safety, sexual health discussion and education, construction of bonds and sexual function evaluation. Interventions in the sexuality of men with stomas included adherence to models for approaching sexuality, focusing on the permission and coparticipation of the patient, open conversations on the topic, self-care promotion, collecting pouch hygiene and safety, encouragement to the creation of bonds, sexual function evaluation in pre- and postoperative periods and individual and/or collective sexual health education. This study contributes to the sexuality of men with stomas. It identified recommendations to approach and conduct the topic at hand, addressing the rehabilitation process since the surgery to place the stoma is considered. This study addressed scientific literature on the sexuality of men with stomas. Most were from Europe and results demonstrated a gap in knowledge. This research will impact the stoma therapy research, affecting teams involved in the care to men with stomas, encouraging reflections on the sexuality of these patients. This study complies with the PRISMA-ScR. There was no patient or public contribution. The protocol of this scoping review was registered in the Open Science Framework, registered under DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/X9DSC. It can be accessed through the following link: https://osf.io/x9dsc/?view_only=a9c62ef6c11f44499f7b2bfe1fe379f9.

A multi-modal neuroimaging data release for Meige Syndrome and Facial Paralysis Research

The sharing of multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data is of utmost importance in the field, as it enables a deeper understanding of facial nerve-related pathologies. However, there is a significant lack of multi-modal neuroimaging databases specifically focused on these conditions, which hampers our comprehensive knowledge of the neural foundations of facial paralysis. To address this critical gap and propel advancements in this area, we have released the Multimodal Neuroimaging Dataset of Meige Syndrome, Facial Paralysis, and Healthy Controls (MND-MFHC). This dataset includes detailed clinical assessments of 53 individuals with facial paralysis (FP), 31 patients with Meige syndrome (MS), and 102 healthy controls (HC). To promote open access, the BIDS-formatted data and associated quality control reports can be accessed through the Science Data Bank (SciDB). By sharing this comprehensive dataset, our aim is to facilitate further research and exploration into the intricate neural mechanisms underlying facial nerve-related pathologies.

Thema and world needs: exploring bibliodiversity through open access book subjects

Thema and world needs: exploring bibliodiversity through open access book subjects

Rapid implementation of open-access pandemic education for global frontline healthcare workers

BackgroundThe recent global pandemic posed extraordinary challenges for healthcare systems. Frontline healthcare workers required focused, immediate, practical, evidence-based instruction on optimal patient care modalities as knowledge evolved around disease management.ObjectiveThis course was designed to provide knowledge to protect healthcare workers; combat disease spread; and improve patient outcomes.MethodsA team of global healthcare workers responded by rapidly creating a competency-based online course. To promote transcultural applicability, the course was developed by an international team of more than 45 educators from over 20 countries. Course delivery included a built-in language translation tool, routine updates, and several innovative course design elements. User feedback was collected to determine efficacy of course content, structure, unique delivery elements, and delivery options.ResultsAn initial population of online learners (n = 147) living in 23 different countries and representing 22 languages completed the course and participated in post-course surveys. An additional population of learners (n = 505) attended an in-person offering of course materials. Course participants gave positive feedback and several requested additional courses in similar formats.ConclusionGlobal open access education courses may provide needed resources to empower healthcare professionals during health crises. Responsive course design can accommodate diverse learner resources and transcultural applicability.

Spectrum of thyroid disorders among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and objectives: Thyroid disorders (TD) are common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Information on types of functional and structural TDs among Bangladeshi patients with T2DM is scarce in the literature. The present study aimed to determine the magnitude and characteristics of different TDs among Bangladeshi diabetic patients attending an urban healthcare center in Dhaka. Material and methods: The study included patients with T2DM who attended an urban Endocrinology Outpatient consultation center in Dhaka over a period of two years. Diagnosis of TDs was based either on previous medical records or on investigational results of thyroid functions/gland during the first visit. Standard criteria were used to diagnose TDs. Results: Total 1424 patients with T2DM were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the study population was 48.8 ± 12.9 years and 45.2% and 54.8% were male and female respectively. Among 1424 participants 217 (15.2%) had functional and/or structural abnormalities of thyroid gland. For those with abnormal thyroid function (14.3%), the most common was clinical hypothyroidism (10.5%), followed by subclinical hypothyroidism (2.6%), and clinical thyrotoxicosis (1.3%). Except for one, all patients with overt hypothyroidism had primary hypothyroidism. Among patients with overt thyrotoxicosis, Graves’ disease was the most common entity (50%). Multinodular goiter was the most frequent diagnosis among structural abnormalities (7 out of 13). Female sex (OR: 3.0, 95%CI: 1.5, 6.1, p=0.003) and obesity (OR: 2.3, 95%CI: 1.1, 5.0, p=0.039) had higher odds of having a diagnosis of overt hypothyroidism among patients with T2DM. Hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in diabetic patients with overt hypothyroidism. Conclusion: TDs especially hypothyroidism are common among female Bangladeshi patients with T2DM. Dyslipidemia and obesity are significantly more in overt hypothyroidism among patients with T2DM. January 2025; Vol. 19(1):008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.19.008 *Correspondence: Md Rakibul Hasan, Department of Endocrinology, Medical College for Women and Hospital, Uttara, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh. Email: dr.mrh46@gmail.com; © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License(CC BY 4.0).

How open are hybrid journals included in transformative agreements?

Abstract The ongoing controversy surrounding transformative agreements, which aim to transition subscription-based journal publishing to full open access, highlights the need for large-scale studies assessing the impact of these agreements on hybrid open access. By combining multiple open data sources, including cOAlition S Journal Checker, Crossref, and OpenAlex, this study presents a novel approach that analyses over 700 agreements. Results suggest a strong growth in open access, from 4.3% in 2018 to 15% in 2022. Over five years, 11,189 hybrid journals provided open access to 742,369 out of 8,146,958 articles (9.1%). Authors who could make use of transformative agreements contributed 328,957 open access articles (44%) during this period, reaching a peak in 2022 with 143,615 out of 249,511 open access articles (58%). While this trend was predominantly driven by the three commercial publishers Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Wiley, open access uptake varied substantially across journals, publishers, disciplines, and countries. Particularly, the OECD and BRICS areas revealed different publication trends. In conclusion, this study suggests that current levels of implementation of transformative agreements is insufficient to bring about a large-scale transition to full open access. Peer Review https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway/wos/peer-review/10.1162/qss_a_00348

Improving Population Administration Services at the Buleleng Regency Population and Civil Registry Office through the Development of 6 Service Innovations, Detailed Service Information Systems, and Service Monitoring Displays

The Population and Civil Registration Service of Buleleng Regency has been managing population data since 2022 through the AKUOnline application and in 2023 it will develop into AKUOnline-NG. In 2024, AKUOnline-NG will be available in a PWA (progressive web apps) version and can be accessed via mobile devices by all residents of Buleleng Regency. With the largest population in Bali Province, public administration services for population through AKUOnline-NG need to be improved. In order to prepare open access for AKUOnline-NG to 826,000 residents of Buleleng and anticipate complaints/questions related to AKUOnline-NG which currently only provides a login page. In addition, to accommodate 6 innovation services (BALITA, AKSAMA, NYAKSI, SAKKINAH, APISAN and KK DILAN) which currently do not have features, AKUOnline-NG needs to be further developed. The purpose of this study is the development of AKUOnline-NG in accommodating 6 innovation services, improving the detailed service information system (SIM) not just a login page, and developing a service monitoring display so that evaluations can be carried out on public services. In addition, this study also aims to determine the impact of the implementation of 6 digital-based service innovations, detailed SIM services and monitoring displays on improving public services. During the implementation of the study, qualitative research was conducted to determine the business processes that would be digitized and the agile development approach so that it could involve users, especially Disdukcapil. In addition, quantitative research was conducted with the USE questionnaire (usefulness, satisfaction and ease of use) as a model of technology acceptance.

Evaluation of gamification as a tool for open access publishing among researchers: insights from a conjoint analysis

AbstractThe recent developments in the scientific system have been characterized by an increasing openness, with open access (OA) publishing emerging as a central principle. OA represents an alternative model for publishing research articles, diverging from the traditional subscription-based model. While positive developments have been observed, obstacles for OA remain, including elevated publication costs and the imperative to publish at the highest level in the scholarly community with a significant impact. To overcome these obstacles, it may be beneficial to consider using non-monetary incentives, such as gamification, to promote OA publishing. To address this challenge, an experimental study employing a conjoint analysis has been conducted to investigate the impact of various gamification options on researchers' publishing behavior. The study utilized a sample of N = 356 subjects. The results demonstrate that the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) is a dominant criterion for determining where to publish. However, gamification, particularly in the form of badges associated with an article, can also significantly influence journal selection and support OA. Additionally, qualitative data was collected to identify other factors influencing the choice of a journal for OA from the perspective of the participating researchers in the experiment.

Contribution of Open Access Databases to Intensive Care Medicine Research: Scoping Review.

Intensive care units (ICUs) handle the most critical patients with a high risk of mortality. Due to those conditions, close monitoring is necessary and therefore, a large volume of data is collected. Collaborative ventures have enabled the emergence of large open access databases, leading to numerous publications in the field. The aim of this scoping review is to identify the characteristics of studies using open access intensive care databases and to describe the contribution of these studies to intensive care research. The research was conducted using 3 databases (PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science) from the inception of each database to August 1, 2022. We included original articles based on 4 open databases of patients admitted to ICUs: Amsterdam University Medical Centers Database, eICU Collaborative Research Database, High time resolution ICU dataset, Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (II to IV). A double-blinded screening for eligibility was performed, first on the title and abstract and subsequently on the full-text articles. Characteristics relating to publication journals, study design, and statistical analyses were extracted and analyzed. We observed a consistent increase in the number of publications from these databases since 2016. The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care databases were the most frequently used. The highest contributions came from China and the United States, with 689 (52.7%) and 370 (28.3%) publications respectively. The median impact factor of publications was 3.8 (IQR 2.8-5.8). Topics related to cardiovascular and infectious diseases were predominant, accounting for 333 (25.5%) and 324 (24.8%) articles, respectively. Logistic regression emerged as the most commonly used statistical model for both inference and prediction questions, featuring in 396 (55.5%) and 281 (47.5%) studies, respectively. A majority of the inference studies yielded statistically significant results (84.0%). In prediction studies, area under the curve was the most frequent performance measure, with a median value of 0.840 (IQR 0.780-0.890). The abundance of scientific outputs resulting from these databases, coupled with the diversity of topics addressed, highlight the importance of these databases as valuable resources for clinical research. This suggests their potential impact on clinical practice within intensive care settings. However, the quality and clinical relevance of these studies remains highly heterogeneous, with a majority of articles being published in low-impact factor journals.

Engaging Monograph Authors in the Open Access Movement

Engaging Monograph Authors in the Open Access Movement

Spatial Analysis of Vulnerability and Social Capital in Relation to COVID-19 Mortality in the 50 States of the U.S. in the First Year of the Pandemic

The lack of social determinants of health has significantly influenced COVID-19 mortality; however, the few studies that have investigated the relationship among social capital, vulnerability, and COVID-19 mortality have either shown mixed directions of association or were not conducted at a larger scale on the state level. Our study aimed to fill this research gap. We aimed to test the association of comprehensive vulnerability and social capital measures and COVID-19 mortality in 50 states in the U.S. during the first year of the pandemic. We hypothesized that states with low social capital would register the highest mortality rates and high vulnerability would be proportional to a high number of deaths due to COVID-19 in the U.S. Methods: Our ecological analytic study used aggregate secondary data from nine open access databases. The outcome was COVID-19 mortality (January 2020 to July 2021). The main exposures were social capital and social vulnerability. We also tested 28 covariates and selected socioeconomic variables at the state level. Statistical analysis consisted of a multivariate technique factor analysis and a bivariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) analysis. Findings: Social capital (SCI) and social vulnerability (SVI) explained 57% of the COVID-19 mortality rate variation (R2 adjusted = 0.57). This analysis resulted in a statistically significant model (p ≤ 0.001), where SCI (β = 23.256, t = 2.649, p = 0.011) and SVI (β = 150.316, t = 4.235, p = 0.001) were predictors for COVID-19 mortality in the investigated period.

A short narrative on article processing charges (apcs) for open accessed journals (oa) in scientific studies

Many open-access (OA) publishers impose fees on authors in exchange for unrestricted online availability of their papers. This work reviews the literature on article processing charges (APCs) published since 2000. Although some OA journals allow free publication, most OA papers are published by commercial publishers that impose article-level charges (APCs). To cover these costs, authors rely on a combination of personal funds, library budgets, and research grants.APCs have raised two primary concerns: their impact on journal quality and the inability of authors with limited funding to publish their research. Waivers have not effectively resolved the underlying issue over time. Studies in the literature reveal limited expansion of waiver utilization, unintended negative effects on co-author networks, and concerns about the eligibility criteria for waivers. Recent bibliometric research indicates that APC-charging publications influence citations similarly to journals with other revenue streams.This short narrative review examines whether APCs are essential for OA publishing.

VIRTUAL SCREENING AND PREDICTION OF ADME PERAMETERS OF A SERIES OF 5-ARYLIDENE SUBSTITUTED DERIVATIVES OF RHODANINE WITH BENZOTHIAZOLE MOIETY IN THE MOLECULES

The knowledge of the ADME profile of the active substance’s molecules is important in the development of new drugs. Before starting the synthesis, it is advisable to determine the value of the compounds for medicinal chemistry and to predict their bio- and synthetic availability. For the assessment of the drug-like properties of the molecules, it is necessary to determine their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. The 2-thioxothiazolidin-4-one (rhodanine) derivatives are interesting in pharmacological terms, as their diverse activity is influenced by the 5-arylidene moiety. It is known that they have antiviral, antidiabetic, anticonvulsant and other types of biological activity. In order to find effective ligands that have affinity for several biotargets, it is advisable to combine the so-called privileged structures in one molecule. One of such molecules with a wide range of biological effects (antitumor, antiviral, antituberculosis and other) is benzothiazole. A considerable number of possible ways for the structure modification of these heterocycles prompted us to study them in depth. The preliminary studies allow us to state that the combination of 5-arylidene-substituted 4-thiazolidine scaffold with a benzothiazole moiety is a viable approach to create drug-like molecules. In continuation of our previous studies, we decided to use an open access in silico tool to calculate the molecular descriptors of the studied compounds in order to predict their behaviour inside the human body, and to thoroughly study the most promising ones in vitro and in vivo in the future. The aim of the research. On the basis of the molecular structure of differently substituted 5-arylidene thiazolidine derivatives with a benzothiazole moiety at the 3-position of the basic heterocycle, perform in silico prediction of their ADME parameters. Materials and methods. On the basis of the pharmacological potential of the lead compound (N-(4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl)-2-(2-oxobenzo[d]thiazol-3(2H)-yl)acetamide), 17 differently substituted 5-arylidene derivatives were selected for virtual screening. To determine the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters of the molecules, their drug-like properties and suitability for medicinal chemistry, we used the SwissADME web service, which is in open access. Research results. We have studied the effect of aryl substituents at position 5 of the rhodanine cycle on the peroral availability of molecules, predicted the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of compounds. The obtained prognosis data indicate the viability of the search for promising compounds with optimal physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters for medicinal chemistry among rhodanine derivatives with a benzothiazole moiety in the molecules. All the investigated derivatives are characterised by sufficient drug-like properties with moderate bioavailability and easy synthesis, and compound 8 is predicted to have the best ADME profile. Conclusions. The in silico prediction results outline a plan of further actions for the targeted synthesis of compounds and experimental confirmation of the data obtained. To optimise the ADME profile, we plan to carry out structural modification of the compounds. A promising direction we consider is the modification of the 5-arylidene moiety by introducing potential pharmacophore groups. The search for pharmacologically active compounds among rhodanine derivatives with a benzothiazole moiety is ongoing.

Historiography of Scientific Publishing across Cultures and Disciplines.

Historiography is a vital perspective of our scientific literature that charts the evolution of scientific publishing, from its early origins to the present status. The key transformations including the shift from a limited self-published legacy to specialized and professional peer-reviewed journals, the impact of technological advancements, and the emergence of new profitable business models are learning points for the future course and couture. Science is pursued and persevered by real humans in social and cultural contexts and not in isolation of laboratories or clinics. Survival of the impartial pure scientific bent of mind and its translation into tangible works has not been easy through the turmoil of various forms of force majeure. The lack of gender parity and even its divergence in some ways was palpable in the discourse of scientific research. Despite that, when provided with a common platform with comparable impact factors and rates of publications, gender inequality seems to vanish and equivalence in academia is discernible. The roles of authors, publishers, and readers have also evolved chronologically, adapting to the influence of cultural and disciplinary factors through the ages. The challenges of predatory publishing, open access, plagiarism, and data capitalization are also growing alongside. Ultimately, understanding the historical context and persistence of the predecessors in the course of scientific publishing can enhance modern scientific research and communication.

EDNA Uncovers Hidden Fish Diversity in the Coral Reef Ecosystems of Karimunjawa National Park, Indonesia

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a powerful tool for swiftly assessing coral reef ecosystems, particularly for detecting fish diversity. This study focused on employing eDNA to investigate fish biodiversity and its functional traits in the Karimunjawa National Park (KNP), Indonesia. The use of eDNA and then validating with visual census results to reveal fish diversity was implemented across four management zones within the park (i.e., the core zone at Taka Malang, the protection zone at Menjangan Kecil Island, the tourism zone at Cilik Island, and an open access location at Genting Island). Sampling involved collecting one liter of seawater per site, filtering, and processing to target the 12S locus, and then sequencing using the MinION machine (Oxford nanopore). The eDNA results show higher species diversity in the tourism zone compared to the core, protection, and open access zones. However, beta diversity analysis revealed no significant differences in community composition between the zones. Moreover, this research revealed 147 species belonging to 31 families, with 60% species and 30% families identified solely through eDNA, that were not covered by the visual census. This research also reveals that eDNA is an excellent approach to detecting functional trait diversity, including environment preference and migratory and nocturnal behavior. This research underscores the potential of eDNA for evaluating fish diversity in KNP, proposing a combined eDNA and visual census approach to fill existing gaps in biodiversity assessment. Such integration promises to bolster conservation efforts within Marine Protection Areas like KNP.

Protocol for extracting flow hydrograph shape metrics for use in time-series flood hydrology analysis.

The shape characteristics of flow hydrographs hold essential information for understanding, monitoring and assessing changes in flow and flood hydrology at reach and catchment scales. However, the analysis of individual hydrographs is time consuming, making the analysis of hundreds or thousands of them unachievable. A method or protocol is needed to ensure that the datasets being generated, and the metrics produced, have been consistently derived and validated. In this lab protocol, we present workflows in Python for extracting flow hydrographs with any available temporal resolution from any Open Access or publicly available gauging station records. The workflow identifies morphologically-defined flow and flood types (i.e. in-channel fresh, high flow and overbank flood) and uses them to classify hydrographs. It then calculates several at-a-station and upstream-to-downstream hydrograph shape metrics including kurtosis, skewness, peak hydrograph stage, peak arrival time, rate-of-rise, peak-to-peak travel time, flood wave celerity, flood peak attenuation, and flood wave attenuation index. Some metrics require GIS-derived data, such as catchment area and upstream-to-downstream channel distance between gauges. The output dataset provides quantified hydrograph shape metrics which can be used to track changes in flow and flood hydrographs over time, or to characterise the flow and flood hydrology of catchments and regions. The workflows are flexible enough to allow for additional hydrograph shape indicators to be added or swapped out, or to use a different hydrograph classification method that suits local conditions. The protocol could be considered a change detection tool to identify where changes in hydrology are occurring and where to target more sophisticated modelling exercises to explain the changes detected. We demonstrate the workflow using 117 Open Access gauging station records that are available for coastal rivers of New South Wales (NSW), Australia.