Small Scale Research Articles

Offshore vagrancy in passerines is predicted by season, wind-drift, and species characteristics

BackgroundMigratory birds accomplish remarkable feats of long-distance navigation. Vagrants, few individuals who migrate to incorrect locations, reveal conditions where orientation and navigation fail. Studies of vagrancy on a continental scale reveal the importance of external factors such as strong winds driving birds off course, clouds obscuring migratory landmarks, and natural disruptions in the Earth’s magnetic field interfering with migratory orientation. Species may also possess characteristics that make them more prone to vagrancy. The external drivers of vagrancy on a smaller scale are less understood.MethodsI used eBird, a community science dataset comprising millions of bird observations, to study land passerines observed over the Pacific Ocean, here termed offshore vagrants. These data present the opportunity to study a particular case of vagrancy: small-scale displacement into highly inhospitable areas. I modeled how season, wind, lack of visibility, interference with magnetoreception, and species differences may predict offshore vagrancy. Then, I modeled how species vagrancy likelihood is predicted by morphological and life history traits.ResultsVagrancy was more common in the fall and positively associated with stronger tail winds in the spring. Species with greater preference for understory foraging habitat were less likely to occur as vagrants. Species vagrancy likelihood was higher in birds with a longer migration distance and rounded wings, but the relationship was weaker in birds with a pointed wings. Brown-headed Cowbirds were the most common offshore species in terms of absolute number of records and proportional to onshore frequency.ConclusionsOffshore community science records proved revealing of mechanisms for small scale vagrancy in passerines. Offshore vagrancy can be driven by wind drift in the spring, but not in the fall despite higher overall levels of vagrancy. Life history characteristics like foraging habitat preference and migration duration may make some species more vulnerable to the effects of wind drift. Species with longer migrations may have more time to encounter vagrancy causing events, but greater aerodynamic efficiency may counteract this effect.

Effective and efficient coded aperture cone-beam computed tomography via generative adversarial U-Net

Coded aperture cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) represents a crucial method for acquiring high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D) tomographic images while reducing radiation exposure. However, projections are non-uniformly and discontinuously sampled with the coded apertures placed in front of the x-ray source, leading to very small reconstruction scale and time-intensive iterations. In this study, an alternative approach to reconstruct coded aperture CBCT based on generative adversarial U-net is proposed to effectively and efficiently reconstruct large scale 3D CBCT images. Our method entails predicting complete and uniform projections from incomplete and non-uniform coded projections, enabling the requirement of continuity for the use of analytical algorithms in 3D image reconstruction. This novel technique effectively mitigates the traditional trade-off between image fidelity and computational complexity inherent in conventional coded aperture CBCT reconstruction methods. Our experimental results, conducted using clinical datasets comprising CBCT images from 102 patients at Nanjing Medical University, demonstrate that high-quality CBCT images with voxel dimensions of 400 × 400 × 400 can be reconstructed within 35 s, even when 95% of projections are blocked, yielding images with PSNR values exceeding 25dB and SSIM values surpassing 0.85.

Localization–delocalization transition for light particles in turbulence

Small bubbles in fluids rise to the surface due to Archimede's force. Remarkably, in turbulent flows this process is severely hindered by the presence of vortex filaments, which act as moving potential wells, dynamically trapping light particles and bubbles. Quantifying the statistical weights and roles of vortex filaments in turbulence is, however, still an outstanding experimental and computational challenge due to their small scale, fast chaotic motion, and transient nature. Here we show that, under the influence of a modulated oscillatory forcing, the collective bubble behavior switches from a dynamically localized to a delocalized state. Additionally, we find that by varying the forcing frequency and amplitude, a remarkable resonant phenomenon between light particles and small-scale vortex filaments emerges, likening particle behavior to a forced damped oscillator. We discuss how these externally actuated bubbles can be used as a type of microscopic probe to investigate the space-time statistical properties of the smallest turbulence scales, allowing to quantitatively measure physical characteristics of vortex filaments. We develop a superposition model that is in excellent agreement with the simulation data of the particle dynamics which reveals the fraction of localized/delocalized particles as well as characteristics of the potential landscape induced by vortices in turbulence. Our approach paves the way for innovative ways to accurately measure turbulent properties and to the possibility to control light particles and bubble motions in turbulence with potential applications to oceanography, medical imaging, drug/gene delivery, chemical reactions, wastewater treatment, and industrial mixing.

OceanNet: a principled neural operator-based digital twin for regional oceans

While data-driven approaches demonstrate great potential in atmospheric modeling and weather forecasting, ocean modeling poses distinct challenges due to complex bathymetry, land, vertical structure, and flow non-linearity. This study introduces OceanNet, a principled neural operator-based digital twin for regional sea-suface height emulation. OceanNet uses a Fourier neural operator and predictor-evaluate-corrector integration scheme to mitigate autoregressive error growth and enhance stability over extended time scales. A spectral regularizer counteracts spectral bias at smaller scales. OceanNet is applied to the northwest Atlantic Ocean western boundary current (the Gulf Stream), focusing on the task of seasonal prediction for Loop Current eddies and the Gulf Stream meander. Trained using historical sea surface height (SSH) data, OceanNet demonstrates competitive forecast skill compared to a state-of-the-art dynamical ocean model forecast, reducing computation by 500,000 times. These accomplishments demonstrate initial steps for physics-inspired deep neural operators as cost-effective alternatives to high-resolution numerical ocean models.

Primordial black holes in non-minimal Gauss–Bonnet inflation in light of the PTA data

Here, we investigate the formation of primordial black holes (PBHs) in non-minimal coupling Gauss–Bonnet inflationary model in the presence of power-law potentials. We employ a two part coupling function to enhance primordial curvatures at small scales as well as satisfy Planck measurements at the CMB scale. Moreover, our model satisfies the swampland criteria. We find PBHs with different mass scales and demonstrate that PBHs with masses around O(10-14)M⊙\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {O}(10^{-14})M_{\\odot }$$\\end{document} can account for almost all of the dark matter in the universe. In addition, we investigate the implications of the reheating stage and show that the PBHs in our model are generated during the radiation-dominated era. Furthermore, we investigate the production of scalar-induced gravitational waves (GWs). More interestingly enough is that, for the specific cases Dn\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$D_\ extrm{n}$$\\end{document} in our model, the GWs can be considered as a source of PTA signal. Also, we conclude that the GWs energy density parameter at the nano-Hz regime can be parameterized as ΩGW0(f)∼f5-γ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Omega _\\mathrm{GW_0} (f) \\sim f^{5-\\gamma }$$\\end{document}, where the obtained γ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\gamma $$\\end{document} is consistent with the PTA Observations.

Encoding spatiotemporal asymmetry in artificial cilia with a ctenophore-inspired soft-robotic platform.

A remarkable variety of organisms use metachronal coordination (i.e., numerous neighboring appendages beating sequentially with a fixed phase lag) to swim or pump fluid. This coordination strategy is used by microorganisms to break symmetry at small scales where viscous effects dominate and flow is time-reversible. Some larger organisms use this swimming strategy at intermediate scales, where viscosity and inertia both play important roles. However, the role of individual propulsor kinematics-especially across hydrodynamic scales-is not well-understood, though the details of propulsor motion can be crucial for the efficient generation of flow. To investigate this behavior, we developed a new soft robotic platform using magnetoactive silicone elastomers to mimic the metachronally coordinated propulsors found in swimming organisms. Furthermore, we present a method to passively encode spatially asymmetric beating patterns in our artificial propulsors. We investigated the kinematics and hydrodynamics of three propulsor types, with varying degrees of asymmetry, using Particle Image Velocimetry and high-speed videography. We find that asymmetric beating patterns can move considerably more fluid relative to symmetric beating at the same frequency and phase lag, and that asymmetry can be passively encoded into propulsors via the interplay between elastic and magnetic torques. Our results demonstrate that nuanced differences in propulsor kinematics can substantially impact fluid pumping performance. Our soft robotic platform also provides an avenue to explore metachronal coordination at the meso-scale, which in turn can inform the design of future bioinspired pumping devices and swimming robots.

Effect of Hot Isostatic Pressing and Solution Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting

A powder-bed-based additive manufacturing process called electron beam melting (EBM) is defined by high temperature gradients during solidification, which produces an extremely fine microstructure compared to the traditional cast material. However, porosity and segregation defects are still present on a smaller scale which may lead to a reduction in mechanical properties. It is important to have a better knowledge of the influence of post-fabrication treatments on the microstructure and mechanical characteristics before the use of additive manufacturing parts in specific applications. In this study, the effects of solution heat treatment (SHT) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated by the EBM process have been investigated. The SHT and HIP treatments can significantly improve the ductility of EBM Ti-6Al-4V due to the coarsening of α laths and the formation of β grains.

Small scale pool fires: The case of toluene

Industrial applications adopting toluene as a solvent have been largely extended in recent years, including solutions within the framework of the energy transition and energy storage technologies. The potential use of this flammable compound in a different set of operative conditions and compositions requires a comprehensive and complete knowledge of its fire behaviour and combustion kinetic. To this scope, an innovative experimental procedure applicable to liquid reactive systems was developed for this scope and implemented at different boundary conditions. More specifically, the specimen was exposed to air and heat fluxes between 7 and 50 kW/m2, at a constant sample surface of 0.01 m2, an initial sample thickness of 0.01 m, and a distance between the sample and the horizontally oriented conical-shaped heater of 0.025 m. Measurements were compared with data from the current literature, when available, demonstrating the robustness and validity of the adopted procedure. Although an increase in the external flux leads to growing mass burning rates (i.e., from 0.47 g/s to 0.85 g/s), negligible effects on the ignitability were observed. Conversely, a peak in the heat release rate at 35 kW/m2 was measured. The observed reduction at higher external heat fluxes was attributed to less effective combustion, demonstrating that the maximum expected heat flux cannot be considered as an aprioristic worst-case scenario for the evaluation of pool fires. The collected data were, then, further utilized to obtain insights on the formation of the main products, including soot tendency. Based on the collected data a simplified kinetic model suitable for the computational fluid dynamics was proposed to reproduce the chemistry of the system.

Sorbents based on foamed phosphate glass for collecting petroleum oil products from contaminated soils and water surfaces

Relevance. The need to clean from pollution soils and water areas contaminated with oil and chemical industry wastes. Physico-chemical methods are one of the effective ways of cleaning, provided that sorbents are applied in time to collect contaminants from the surface of water areas and landscapes. Sorption is the most efficient and cost-effective method for relatively small scale pollution. Despite the variety of existing sorbents, in most cases when cleaning up accidental spills, first of all, economic benefits and oil capacity value of the sorbent are guided. However, such essential criteria as: 1) main purpose (type of polluted surface and nature of pollution); 2) physical and chemical properties, including structural characteristics and acid-base adsorption centers; 3) peculiarities of oil or other pollutants adsorption. Taking into account these factors, it is possible to develop and improve the formulation of sorbents based on phosphate foams. Introduction of various modifying additives into material composition is likely to expand their field of application. Aim. Development of formulation and technological features of obtaining new phosphate sorbents in relation to their intended purpose: for collecting oil and petroleum product spills from soil or water surfaces. Methods. Gravimetric, microscopic spectroscopic, statistical and comparative methods. Results and conclusions. The authors have compared sorbents no. 1 and 2 in terms of physical and chemical properties, morphology and cleaning efficiency. Based on our laboratory studies, we concluded that sorbent no. 1 is better suited for sorption from aqueous surfaces and sorbent no. 2 is better suited for soil cleaning. Both sorbents have the potential to improve their technological properties. This allows refining the formulation of these materials with further testing in laboratory and field conditions, for example, at oil spill sites. For this purpose, it is possible to change the material composition using a different foaming agent, applying modifying additives and varying the temperature mode of firing. Development of new compositions and methods of sorbent foaming will make it possible to select optimal characteristics for each type of contamination. The author proposed as well to create phosphate biosorbent obtained by immobilization of fungi and bacteria on the surface of highly porous carrier. In this case, after sorption of pollution, adsorbed substances will undergo biodegradation with the formation of safe products, and the sorbent will perform the role of fertilizer.

Small watersheds are the best control and management unit for improving soil conservation services in karst areas

Climate factors and changes in landscape patterns are often recognized as the primary drivers of soil conservation services. The influence mechanism of climate factors and landscape patterns on soil conservation service is scale-dependent and spatial heterogeneous. However, it is not clear whether small watershed scale is more conducive to soil erosion control than large scale such as county scale and township scale. For the purpose of creating land use development plans that take local conditions into account, it is crucial to clarify the effects of climate and landscape pattern factors on soil conservation change. Wujiang River basin (WRB), a typical karst basin located in the catchment of the largest first-level tributary on the upper Yangtze River in China, was used as the study area in this research. Soil conservation services provided by water erosion control (SPC) in WRB from 2005 to 2020 were evaluated using the RUSLE model based on the modified rock exposure rate. By using stepwise regression model and multi-scale geographically weighted regression model (MGWR), the spatial heterogeneity of the influence of different driving factors on soil conservation service was comprehensively studied at the scale of district, township and small watershed. The results show that the SPC fluctuates obviously, but the trend is not significant. Climate factor is the dominant factor affecting SPC. With the change of scale from large to small, the adjusted R2 of the regression model gradually increases, especially the factors related to landscape pattern, and more driving factors can be revealed more comprehensively and effectively. Therefore, the small watershed scale is the best control unit to improve the SPC when formulating the regional management landscape plan. The findings of this research also have benchmark significance for other ecological fragile areas, and can provide more comprehensive suggestions for local ecosystem management and landscape planning.

Weak lensing combined with the kinetic Sunyaev Zel’dovich effect: A study of baryonic feedback

Abstract Extracting precise cosmology from weak lensing surveys requires modelling the non-linear matter power spectrum, which is suppressed at small scales due to baryonic feedback processes. However, hydrodynamical galaxy formation simulations make widely varying predictions for the amplitude and extent of this effect. We use measurements of Dark Energy Survey Year 3 weak lensing (WL) and Atacama Cosmology Telescope DR5 kinematic Sunyaev-Zel’dovich (kSZ) to jointly constrain cosmological and astrophysical baryonic feedback parameters using a flexible analytical model, ‘baryonification’. First, using WL only, we compare the S8 constraints using baryonification to a simulation-calibrated halo model, a simulation-based emulator model and the approach of discarding WL measurements on small angular scales. We find that model flexibility can shift the value of S8 and degrade the uncertainty. The kSZ provides additional constraints on the astrophysical parameters, with the joint WL + kSZ analysis constraining $S_8=0.823^{+0.019}_{-0.020}$. We measure the suppression of the non-linear matter power spectrum using WL + kSZ and constrain a mean feedback scenario that is more extreme than the predictions from most hydrodynamical simulations. We constrain the baryon fractions and the gas mass fractions and find them to be generally lower than inferred from X-ray observations and simulation predictions. We conclude that the WL + kSZ measurements provide a new and complementary benchmark for building a coherent picture of the impact of gas around galaxies across observations.

Twenty Years of Thermal Infrared Observations (2004–2024) at Campi Flegrei Caldera (Italy) by the Permanent Surveillance Ground Network of INGV-Osservatorio Vesuviano

Thermal infrared (TIR) time series images acquired by ground, proximal TIR stations provide valuable data to study evolution of surface temperature fields of diffuse degassing volcanic areas. This paper presents data processing results related to TIR images acquired since 2004 by six ground stations in the permanent thermal infrared surveillance network at Campi Flegrei (TIRNet) set up by INGV-Osservatorio Vesuviano. These results are reported as surface temperature and heat flux time series. The processing methodologies, also discussed in this paper, allow for presentation of the raw TIR image data in a more comprehensible form, suitable for comparisons with other geophysical parameters. A preliminary comparison between different trends in the surface temperature and heat flux values recorded by the TIRNet stations provides evidence of peculiar changes corresponding to periods of intense seismicity at the Campi Flegrei caldera. During periods characterized by modest seismicity, no remarkable evidence of common temperature variations was recorded by the different TIRNet stations. Conversely, almost all the TIRNet stations exhibited common temperature variations, even on a small scale, during periods of significant seismic activity. The comparison between the seismicity and the variations in the surface temperature and heat flux trends suggests an increase in efficiency of heat transfer between the magmatic system and the surface when an increase in seismic activity was registered. This evidence recommends a deeper, multidisciplinary study of this correlation to improve understanding of the volcanic processes affecting the Campi Flegrei caldera.

Strengthening facility-based integrated emergency care services for time sensitive emergencies at all levels of healthcare in India: An implementation research study protocol

BackgroundThe healthcare system in India is tiered and has primary, secondary and tertiary levels of facilities depending on the complexity and severity of health challenges at these facilities. Evidence suggests that emergency services in the country is fragmented. This study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators of emergency care delivery for patients with time-sensitive conditions, and develop and implement a contextually relevant model, and measure its impact using implementation research outcomes.MethodsWe will study 85 healthcare facilities across five zones of the country and focus on emergency care delivery for 11 time-sensitive conditions. This implementation research will include seven phases: the preparatory phase, formative assessment, co-design of Model “Zero”, co-implementation, model optimization, end-line evaluation and consolidation phase. The “preparatory phase” will involve stakeholder meetings, approval from health authorities and the establishment of a research ecosystem. The “formative assessment” will include quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the existing healthcare facilities and personnel to identify gaps, barriers and facilitators of emergency care services for time-sensitive conditions. On the basis of the results of the formative assessment, context-specific implementation strategies will be developed through meetings with stakeholders, providers and experts. The “co-design of Model ‘Zero’” phase will help develop the initial Model “Zero”, which will be pilot tested on a small scale (co-implementation). In the “model optimization” phase, iterative feedback loops of meetings and testing various strategies will help develop and implement the final context-specific model. End-line evaluation will assess implementation research outcomes such as acceptability, adoption, fidelity and penetration. The consolidation phase will include planning for the sustenance of the interventions.DiscussionIn a country such as India, where resources are scarce, this study will identify the barriers and facilitators to delivering emergency care services for time-sensitive conditions across five varied zones of the country. Stakeholder and provider participation in developing consensus-based implementation strategies, along with iterative cycles of meetings and testing, will help adapt these strategies to local needs. This approach will ensure that the developed models are practical, feasible and tailored to the specific challenges and requirements of each region.

Molecular xenomonitoring as an indicator of microfilaraemia prevalence for lymphatic filariasis in Samoa in 2019

BackgroundLymphatic filariasis (LF) is a globally significant, vector-borne, neglected tropical disease that can result in severe morbidity and disability. As the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis makes progress towards LF elimination, there is greater need to develop sensitive strategies for post-intervention surveillance. Molecular xenomonitoring (MX), the detection of pathogen DNA in vectors, may provide a sensitive complement to traditional human-based surveillance techniques, including detection of circulating filarial antigen and microfilaraemia (Mf). This study aims to explore the relationship between human Mf prevalence and the prevalence of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive mosquitoes using MX.MethodsThis study compared Mf and MX results from a 2019 community-based survey conducted in 35 primary sampling units (PSUs) in Samoa. This study also investigated concordance between presence and absence of PCR-positive mosquitoes and Mf-positive participants at the PSU level, and calculated sensitivity and negative predictive values for each indicator using presence of any Mf-positive infection in humans or PCR-positive mosquitoes as a reference. Correlation between prevalence of filarial DNA in mosquitoes and Mf in humans was estimated at the PSU and household/trap level using mixed-effect Bayesian multilevel regression analysis.ResultsMf-positive individuals were identified in less than half of PSUs in which PCR-positive mosquito pools were present (13 of 28 PSUs). Prevalence of PCR-positive mosquitoes (each species separately) was positively correlated with Mf prevalence in humans at the PSU level. Analysed at the species level, only Aedes polynesiensis demonstrated strong evidence of positive correlation (r) with human Mf prevalence at both PSU (r: 0.5, 95% CrI 0.1–0.8) and trap/household levels (r: 0.6, 95% CrI 0.2–0.9).ConclusionsFindings from this study demonstrate that MX can be a sensitive surveillance method for identifying residual infection in low Mf prevalence settings. MX identified more locations with signals of transmission than Mf-testing. Strong correlation between estimated PCR-positive mosquitoes in the primary vector species and Mf in humans at small spatial scales demonstrates the utility of MX as an indicator for LF prevalence in Samoa and similar settings. Further investigation is needed to develop MX guidelines to strengthen the ability of MX to inform operational decisions.Graphical abstract

Solvent Minimized Synthesis of Amides by Reactive Extrusion

AbstractHerein, we report on the translation of a small scale ball‐milled amidation protocol into a large scale continuous reactive extrusion process. Critical components to the successful translation were: a) understanding how the different operating parameters of a twin‐screw extruder should be harnessed to control prolonged continuous operation, and b) consideration of the physical form of the input materials. The amidation reaction is applied to 36 amides spanning a variety of physical form combinations (liquid‐liquid, solid–liquid and solid‐solid). Following this learning process, we have developed an understanding for the translation of each physical form combination and demonstrated a 7‐hour reactive extrusion process for the synthesis of an amide on 500 gram scale (1.3 mols of product).

Entrepreneurial Marketing and Business Sustainability in Bayelsa State

This study investigated entrepreneurial marketing and business sustainability in Bayelsa State. The study formulated three specific objectives, three research questions and three hypotheses. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of this study consists of 900 entrepreneurs and employees of the fifteen selected small scale businesses under investigation in Yenagoa Bayelsa State. Taro Yamane formula was used to arrive at the sample size of 200. A purposive sampling method was adopted. A structural questionnaire consisting of 15-item questions on a 4-point rating scale titled “Entrepreneurial Marketing and Business Sustainability Questionnaire (EMBSQ) was used for data collection. The research instrument was validated by three experts in the Department of Business Education of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Port Harcourt for face validation. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained using the Cronbach Alpha Reliability method. After the analysis, a reliability coefficient index of 0.78 was obtained which deemed the instrument highly reliable. To analyse the data collected, the mean and standard deviation was used while the hypotheses was tested using the t-test at 0.05 alpha level of significance. Findings revealed that entrepreneurial proactiveness, innovativeness and calculated risk-taking to a high extent relate to business sustainability in Bayelsa State. Hence, entrepreneurial marketing dimensions adopted for entrepreneurial ventures are very important and indispensable for the sustainability of the business. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended that entrepreneurial proactiveness should be propagated and encouraged as it seeks novel ways in creating value for the customers. Entrepreneurs should continue to invest in innovation that yields positive and significant influences toward the sustainability of business in Bayelsa State of Nigeria.

Solvent Minimized Synthesis of Amides by Reactive Extrusion.

Herein, we report on the translation of a small scale ball-milled amidation protocol into a large scale continuous reactive extrusion process. Critical components to the successful translation were: a) understanding how the different operating parameters of a twin-screw extruder should be harnessed to control prolonged continuous operation, and b) consideration of the physical form of the input materials. The amidation reaction is applied to 36 amides spanning a variety of physical form combinations (liquid-liquid, solid-liquid and solid-solid). Following this learning process, we have developed an understanding for the translation of each physical form combination and demonstrated a 7-hour reactive extrusion process for the synthesis of an amide on 500 gram scale (1.3 mols of product).

Landscape connectivity for African elephants in the world's largest transfrontier conservation area: A collaborative, multi‐scalar assessment

Abstract Landscape connectivity operates at a variety of scales, depending on the geography of the area in question and the focal species or ecological process under consideration. Most connectivity studies, however, are typically focused on a single scale, which in the case of resistance‐based connectivity modelling, is often the entire landscape or protected area (PA) network. This large, single‐scale focus may miss areas that are important for connectivity at smaller scales and that can be documented via observed animal movements without resorting to landscape‐wide statistical modelling and extrapolation approaches. Here, we characterize landscape connectivity at three different scales (local/micro, inter‐PA, and landscape‐wide/macro), using observed animal movements rather than conventional resistance surface models, to produce a connectivity conservation blueprint for African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the Kavango‐Zambezi transfrontier conservation area (KAZA) in southern Africa. This analysis is based on an extensive, high‐resolution GPS tracking database comprising approximately 4 million GPS locations from nearly 300 tagged elephants and their associated herds. Our results show that high‐fidelity elephant use of micro‐corridors is typically—though not exclusively—related to directed movements towards water, often amidst heavy anthropogenic presence. Movement pathways that connected KAZA's core protected areas were longer and variable, with some channelled into narrow areas of use and others more dispersed across larger sub‐landscapes. At the largest scale, a network analysis incorporating all used landscape grid cells revealed several clusters of large‐scale movement corridors that connected distant parts of KAZA. Synthesis and applications: Our three scales of analyses reveal disparate geographical priorities for connectivity conservation that collectively could help ensure the functional connectivity of KAZA for its largest inhabitants. Each scale will require its own set of inter‐related conservation interventions, while further research into areas with sparse data collection, and other species of conservation concern, could reveal additional connectivity priorities at each scale.

Exploring maladaptive patterns of small-scale green roofs through evaluation in a capacity of heat mitigation: A case study in seoul

Climate change leads to more frequent and intense heat waves, exposing urban populations to extreme heat conditions and significant health risks. Many cities are adopting Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to mitigate urban heat, with green roofs emerging as a widely recognized NbS. Although numerous green roof projects are implemented on a small scale, research on the effectiveness of small-scale green roofs on an urban scale is limited, making it challenging to identify the critical factors for both maladaptation and success. Therefore, we assessed the cooling potential of 18 small-scale green roofs in Seoul, Republic of Korea. This comparative study that adopted a multi-site approach examined the cooling capacity of green roofs to reduce surface temperature and identified characteristics of effective and ineffective green roofs. We utilized a developed difference-in-differences method to improve causal inference, effectively isolating the effects of individual green roofs from background climate change. The multi-site comparative approach and more robust causal inference methods improved our understanding of the effects of small-scale green roofs. The findings of this study indicate that three out of 18 green roofs were statistically significant maladaptation cases with an increase in LST. This evidence can help an urban planner reduce ineffectiveness and enhance effective adaptation practices. Our proposed method is expected to support government projects, especially those with limited budgets, in efficiently managing urban heat and reducing trial and error.

Predicting 3D and 2D surface area of corals from simple field measurements

The structural architecture of coral reefs is a known predictor of species richness, fish biomass and reef resilience. At a smaller scale, three-dimensional (3D) surface area of corals is a fundamental determinant of physical and biological processes. Quantifying the 3D surface area of corals has applications for a broad range of scientific disciplines, including carbonate production estimates, coral predation studies, and assessments of reef growth. Here, we present morphotaxon-specific conversion metrics to estimate total 3D surface area and projected 2D surface area of individual colonies from simple field measurements of colony maximum diameter. Underwater photogrammetry techniques were used to quantify surface area and estimate conversion metrics. Bayesian models showed strong non-linear (power) relationships between colony maximum diameter and both total 3D surface area and projected 2D surface area for 13 out of 15 morphotaxa. This study presents a highly resolved and efficient method for obtaining critical surface area assessments of corals for various applications, including assessments of biotic surface area, tissue biomass, calcification rates, coral demographic rates, and reef restoration monitoring.