Biodiversity Informatics
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Welcome to the machine: A Pan-Continental overview machine learning applications in ecology and conservation
Get PDFMachine-learning emerged as an excellent alternative to understanding ecological patterns and processes at different spatiotemporal scales. Our study aimed to offer a pictorial overview of the status quo on the use of machine-learning in ecology and conservation globally. Using keywords in the Scopus engine, we indexed all publications in ecology and conservation using machine-learning. We employed descriptive statistics and regressions models to provide an overview and predict geopolitical patterns. The majority of manuscripts were condensed in economically affluent countries, such as the United States (USA) and China (CHN) which together amount to 91 (36.8%) studies. There is a spatial aggregation in the authors’ affiliations, once 182 (73.7%) studies derived from both Nearctic and Palearctic teams, whereas Tropical teams published 65 (26.3%) manuscripts and the most-cited papers also are concentrated in northern regions. In ecology and conservation, machine-learning first appear in the literature in 2003. Yet, increased exponentially since the 2010s. In 2010, this overview indicated nine manuscripts, whereas 10-yrs later reached 120 publications. Most studies (N = 173; 70.1%) are focused on landscape and vertebrate ecology. The primary aims of the publications were widely variable but strongly adherent to providing the best-information on both landscape-scale classifications and species distribution modeling. The manuscripts encompass different methods, from maximum entropy to boosted regression trees and random forest, sometimes using a gamma of deep-learning architectures. Finally, the predictive variables (i.e., mammal diversity and per capita GDP) do not exert significant influences on the number of studies published
Examining Racial Segregation in Montessori Schools: A National Analysis of Enrollment Patterns and Sector Differences
Get PDFThis study examines racial enrollment patterns in Montessori schools across the United States and evaluates how these schools relate to broader patterns of school segregation. Using a national dataset of public and private Montessori and non-Montessori schools, we analyze Montessori programs’ racial composition, demographic alignment with surrounding districts and neighborhoods, and contribution to within-district segregation. We estimate 37 percent of Montessori students are Black or Hispanic, with notable variation across school sectors. Further, we find Black or Hispanic students are underrepresented in many Montessori schools as compared to school district averages. Our multivariate analyses suggest Montessori schools contribute slightly more to within-district segregation than do non-Montessori schools, primarily due to enrollment patterns in private Montessori schools. Though Montessori education emphasizes inclusivity and cultural responsiveness, variation in enrollment patterns suggests access remains uneven across school sectors. This study examines the relationship between school choice, segregation, and the Montessori model, providing a baseline for evaluating current efforts to improve accessibility and inclusivity in Montessori schools nationwide
A review of the nest-entrance lurkers of meliponine bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Get PDFStingless bees (Tribe Meliponini) are a group of considerable biological, economic, and cultural value. Despite their significance, information about their natural enemies remains limited, particularly regarding animals that lurk at the hive entrances and prey on bees entering and exiting the colonies. This study reviews the literature documenting these interactions. A total of 15 publications were compiled, detailing 41 records of 33 different organisms acting as nest-entrance ambushers. In addition, the mantid Acontista cordillerae Saussure & Zehntner (Mantodea: Acanthopidae) is reported for the first time ambushing bees at nests of Scaptotrigona mexicana (Guérin-Meneville) in a meliponary in central Veracruz, Mexico. The dynamics among the ambush predators and other social bees are discussed, including their defense strategies and nest structures
Investigating the Effects of Doxorubicin on Mesenchymal Versus Basal Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survival in 3D Culture
Get PDFAge Related Differences in Neck Muscle Mechanics and Its Implications on Head Impact During Falls
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Going Beyond a Training to Foster LGBTQ Inclusive Collegiate Athletic Contexts: Next Steps
No full textThis qualitative study explored how to facilitate greater inclusion of LGBTQ student-athletes and employees within the context of a collegiate athletic department that participated in a multi-level bystander intervention training for athletes, coaches, and staff. Beyond scholarship that recommends an initial educational training, there is limited literature detailing possible next steps athletic departments can take to facilitate a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ student-athletes and employees. Eighteen interviews were completed with coaches, athletic department staff, and a student-athlete. The thematic analysis revealed five themes summarizing potential next steps athletic departments could take: (1) Expand Training and Education Efforts, (2) Increase Acceptance and Accountability Across the Athletic Department, (3) Shift to Action, (4) Increase Visibility of LGBTQ Inclusion, and (5) Develop Resources for LGBTQ Students and Employees. The findings of this study provide concrete implications for creating more inclusive spaces, practices, and policies for LGBTQ individuals within collegiate athletic departments
The Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Curcumin on HCT116 Colorectal Cancer Cells
Get PDFColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, often originating from benign polyps in the colon and rectum that may become malignant if left untreated. While current treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are effective, they often come with severe side effects that impact patient quality of life. This has spurred interest in natural compounds like curcumin, which may offer therapeutic benefits with fewer adverse effects. Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties in various studies, suggesting its potential as an adjunct therapy for CRC.
This study investigates the effects of curcumin and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a chemotherapy drug commonly used to treat CRC, on HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. 5-FU works by inhibiting DNA synthesis, ultimately leading to cancer cell death. The cells will be treated with varying concentrations of curcumin and 5-FU, and cell viability will be assessed using MTT assays at 24 hours to evaluate treatment efficacy. Apoptotic effects will be evaluated using the eBioscience™ Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit, and morphological changes will be observed under a microscope. The primary goal is to determine the LD₅₀ concentration of curcumin and observe morphological changes at that concentration. This research aims to provide insights into curcumin\u27s potential as a safe adjunct or alternative to current CRC therapies. By identifying effective concentrations and comparing their effects to those of 5-FU, the study seeks to contribute to more informed treatment strategies for CRC.
Lipid Peroxidation as a Biomarker for Heavy Metal Stress in Plants
Get PDFHeavy metal contamination in soil poses a significant threat to plant health, agriculture, and ecological stability. This study investigates the potential of lipid peroxidation, specifically malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, as a biomarker for oxidative stress in plants exposed to heavy metals. Plants were subjected to varying concentrations of Copper Sulfate, and physiological parameters such as root length were recorded to assess growth inhibition. To quantify lipid peroxidation, a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay was performed, with a standard curve generated using 1,1,3,3-tetramethoxypropane (TMP) as an MDA equivalent. Results revealed a dose-dependent increase in MDA levels correlating with reduced root growth, indicating enhanced oxidative damage under metal stress. These findings support the use of lipid peroxidation as a reliable indicator of heavy metal toxicity and lay the groundwork for its application in phytoremediation studies and environmental monitoring