Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Petros Roussos, Anastasia Mitsea, Demetrios Halazonetis, Iosif Sifakakis
Summary: The study using geometric morphometrics found significant differences in the craniofacial complex of beta thalassemia patients compared to controls, mainly characterized by smaller mandibular body, midface protrusion, and decrease in posterior face height.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Berna Demirci, Hilal Bedir, M. Mustafa Akiner
Summary: This study conducted a comparative morphological analysis on Ae. albopictus populations from different regions in Turkey, revealing shape and size differences among populations. The procrustes distances phenogram derived from wing data illustrated these variations.
JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Nathan O. Hirtle, Julia E. F. Stepanuk, Eleanor Heywood, Fredrik Christiansen, Lesley H. Thorne
Summary: Studies of body condition are crucial for understanding the health, bioenergetics, and ecological roles of marine mammals. However, quantifying variability in body volume is challenging due to difficulties in studying marine mammals at sea. Three-dimensional (3D) models provide a promising tool for accurately estimating body volume and condition with few measurements.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Sanja Budecevic, Uros Savkovic, Mirko Dordevic, Lea Vlajnic, Biljana Stojkovic
Summary: This study on the seed beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus found that females were larger than males and had different modular organization, indicating that reproductive function plays a central role in forming patterns of modularity.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jordan Hernandez, Amado Villalobos-Leiva, Adriana Bermudez, Daniela Ahumada-C, Manuel J. Suazo, Margarita Correa, Angie Diaz, Hugo A. Benitez
Summary: This study analyzes the morphological variability of Caquetaia kraussii and finds that environmental stress influences about 10% of its body shape, while the majority of the variability is not directly influenced by environmental parameters, suggesting a possible effect from sexual dimorphism. Additionally, there is shape variation among populations of different localities, which may be subject to environmental and sexual stresses.
Article
Entomology
Carolina Vilaseca, Marco A. Mendez, Carlos F. Pinto, Darija Lemic, Hugo A. Benitez
Summary: This research focused on analyzing the biological adaptation of the Triatoma infestans vector species from two different regions in Bolivia, using advanced geometric morphometric tools. The study revealed the morphological variation of T. infestans and provided insights into its biological adaptation.
Article
Fisheries
Jordan Hernandez, Amado Villalobos-Leiva, Adriana Bermudez, Daniela Ahumada-Cabarcas, Manuel J. Suazo, Hugo A. Benitez
Summary: C. kraussii is an endemic fish species from Colombia and Venezuela, and it is a valuable food resource for local communities. The management and captive breeding of this species face difficulties due to the anatomical similarities between sexes and the cryptic morphological behavior. A study on individuals from different localities revealed sexual dimorphism within locations, with males exhibiting less morphological variability and females exhibiting greater morphological disparity. This dimorphism may be influenced by environmental variation.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Rasha Friji, Faten Chaieb, Hassen Drira, Sebastian Kurtek
Summary: In this article, a geometric deep learning approach called KShapenet is proposed for 2D and 3D landmark-based human motion analysis, using both rigid and non-rigid transformations. The method demonstrates its competitiveness in action recognition, gait recognition, and expression recognition tasks with respect to the state-of-the-art techniques.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PATTERN ANALYSIS AND MACHINE INTELLIGENCE
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Paula N. Gonzalez, Mariana Vallejo-Azar, Leandro Aristide, Ricardo Lopes, Sergio F. dos Reis, S. Ivan Perez
Summary: The study found that the pattern and magnitude of brain morphology asymmetry in different New World monkey species are influenced by group and home range sizes, while brain size is significantly correlated with inter-hemispheric differences.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Neeta Parajulee Karki, Robert E. Colombo, Karen F. Gaines, Anabela Maia
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of water-soluble 17 beta estradiol exposure on the external morphology of Bluegill, showing changes in male dimorphic characters and morphological structure. These changes could potentially impact reproductive success and mate selection in fish populations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Hoang Ha Nguyen, Bich Hai Ho, Hien Phuong Lai, Hoang Tung Tran, Anne Laure Banuls, Jorian Prudhomme, Huu Ton Le
Summary: Geometric morphometrics is an important approach in studying insect morphology, and this research proposes a novel automatic landmark detection method that achieves comparable accuracy to state-of-the-art methods while requiring less initial annotated data and running faster.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Jun Wan, Zhihui Lai, Jing Li, Jie Zhou, Can Gao
Summary: This article proposes a multiorder multiconstraint deep network (MMDN) for learning more powerful feature correlations and shape constraints, including an implicit multiorder correlating geometry-aware (IMCG) model and an explicit probability-based boundary-adaptive regression (EPBR) method. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of MMDN on challenging benchmark data sets.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL NETWORKS AND LEARNING SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Marco Crepaldi, Alessandro Barcellona, Giorgio Zini, Alberto Ansaldo, Paolo Motto Ros, Alessandro Sanginario, Claudia Cuccu, Danilo Demarchi, Luca Brayda
Summary: This paper introduces a robust simplex Body Channel Communication (BCC) system for visually impaired individuals, with high versatility, wearability, and installability. The system operates with ground referred-transmitter (TX) and features synchronization, demodulation, packetizing, and threshold control defined by software, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and text-to-speech notifications through a cell-phone application. The hardware achieves a Packet Error Rate (PER) of around 0.1 at 550 kHz pulse center frequency and 1 kbps data rate, with an average current consumption of 44 mA.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON EMERGING TOPICS IN COMPUTING
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Tianhao Peng, Mu Li, Fangmei Chen, Yong Xu, David Zhang
Summary: Existing facial attractiveness analysis mainly focuses on geometric features such as ratios and distances, which are incomplete for representing all the face information. This paper introduces angle features to describe the angle of different facial components, enhancing the performance of the analysis. Additionally, the chaotic and inefficient use of geometric features in existing landmark models is addressed by proposing a common feature set and a special landmark model.
PATTERN RECOGNITION
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Jose Miguel Cerda, Pamela Palacios-Fuentes, Mariana Diaz-Santana-Iturrios, F. Patricio Ojeda
Summary: The study evaluated the discriminant power of sagittae otoliths for distinguishing between Auchenionchus crinitus and Auchenionchus microcirrhis, finding that shape indices were not effective in differentiating the two species. Geometric morphometric analysis, on the other hand, showed distinct differences in sagittae otolith shape between the two species.
JOURNAL OF SEA RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Nielson F. C. Franca, Alex B. Moraes, Abner Carvalho-Batista, Marilia C. R. B. Melo, Fernando J. Zara, Fernando L. Mantelatto, Fulvio A. M. Freire
Summary: This study combined molecular and morphological analysis, including scanning electron microscopy, to effectively identify and distinguish three similar species within the Farfantepenaeus genus. The results contribute to more effective identification of these species, providing a baseline for their fishing management practices.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Alex Barbosa De Moraes, Daniele Cosme Soares De Moraes, Carlos Eduardo Rocha Duarte Alencar, Allysson Pontes Pinheiro, Sergio Maia Queiroz Lima, Fulvio Aurelio De Morais Freire
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive assessment of faunal diversity of the Macrobrachium genus in two ecoregions in northeastern Brazil, identifying five species and recording their occurrence in several river basins for the first time. It also serves as a basis for future evaluations of potential anthropic impacts on biological diversity in these regions.
Article
Ecology
Veronica Bernardes, Alexandre de Oliveira Marques, Vivian Fransozo, Rogerio C. Costa, Gustavo M. Teixeira, Fulvio Aurelio M. Freire, Adilson Fransozo
Summary: This study compared the spatio-temporal variation in abundance of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri before and after the establishment of a Marine Protected Area in the Ubatuba Bay on the Southeast Brazilian coast. The results indicated a stable population density of X. kroyeri after the establishment of the protected area, suggesting the effectiveness of conservation measures.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Eudriano F. S. Costa, Gustavo M. Teixeira, Fulvio A. M. Freire, June F. Dias, Adilson Fransozo
Summary: This study explores the complex interactions between biological and environmental factors on fish population dynamics using Paralonchurus brasiliensis as a model species. The results highlight the importance of fish biomass, hepatosomatic index, and condition factor as biological factors, and temperature and organic matter as abiotic factors. The study emphasizes the need for robust and flexible statistical methods to model fish population dynamics and the inclusion of biological and environmental factors in fishery resource management.
JOURNAL OF SEA RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Thais Agues-Barbosa, Priscilla V. C. Andrade, Priscila Fernandes Silva, Clarissa de Almeida Moura, Nicole L. Galvao, Fulvio A. M. Freire, Ana Carolina Luchiari
Summary: Individuals within a population show behavioral responses that vary due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This study investigates the relationship between behavior and hormonal levels in the fighting fish Betta splendens, finding that aggressive behavior and learning performance are related to reproductive investment and variation in hormone levels.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Alexander Cesar Ferreira, Fulvio Aurelio Morais Freire, Jose Vitor Machado Rodrigues, Luis Ernesto Arruda Bezerra
Summary: The construction of shrimp farms and salt ponds has resulted in the destruction of multiple mangroves worldwide. In regions with a semiarid climate, where few mangroves can withstand the harsh environment, these forests are particularly vulnerable to human activities. In Brazil, aquaculture facilities and salt ponds have been established on mangroves and adjacent sandy areas known as salt flats ('apicuns'). These hypersaline areas can be colonized by mangroves if tidal coverage increases, making it imperative to protect them in order to ensure the preservation of mangroves against the predicted rise in sea levels. This study presents the successful restoration of a mangrove ecosystem in a former saltworks area in northeastern Brazil by implementing hydrological restoration measures, including the construction of channels to restore estuarine water flow and facilitate the growth of planted and naturally occurring mangrove propagules. The results demonstrate significant mangrove expansion within a two-year period, with high survival rates of planted Rhizophora mangle propagules and the establishment of dense stands of Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa. This research sheds light on the recovery processes of degraded coastal areas and provides valuable insights for the restoration and management of mangrove forests in semiarid regions.
Article
Ecology
Amanda Thais Godoy, Alexandre de Oliveira Marques, Gustavo Monteiro Teixeira, Fulvio Aurelio de Morais Freire, Rogerio Caetano Costa, Adilson Fransozo
Summary: This study investigates the temporal and spatial variation of a benthic brachyuran assemblage in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and explores the possible explanations for the patterns observed. The results show that environmental factors such as water temperature, salinity, organic matter, and sediment texture play a role in shaping the composition and abundance of the brachyuran community. The study provides valuable information on the modulating variables in benthic brachyuran communities.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
L. Lane-Medeiros, C. T. Puppin-Goncalves, R. Angelini, A. S. Lira, F. Lucena-Fredou, F. A. M. Freire
Summary: Macroalgal bloom events have become more frequent in recent years. Eutrophication and overexploitation fishing are potential drivers of these blooms. This study investigates the drivers and consequences of macroalgae blooms in two tropical coastal ecosystems in northeastern Brazil. The results suggest that fishing does not promote macroalgae blooms, but rather the high concentration of nutrients in the semi-arid conditions. The decomposition of macroalgae biomass affects the ecosystem structure and functioning, particularly the main fish resources. Investigating blooms is crucial for effective management.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Geovan Menezes de Sousa, Vagner Deuel de Oliveira Tavares, Ana Cecilia de Menezes Galvao, Raissa Nobrega de Almeida, Fernanda Palhano-Fontes, Bruno Lobao-Soares, Fulvio Aurelio de Morais Freire, Emerson Arcoverde Nunes, Joao Paulo Maia-de-Oliveira, Daniel Perkins, Jerome Sarris, Draulio Barros de Araujo, Nicole Leite Galvao-Coelho
Summary: This study investigates the effects of emotional, cognitive, and physiological parameters on the antidepressant potential of ayahuasca. The results suggest that changes in depressive symptoms and salivary cortisol levels during the dosing session are associated with improvements in mood and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. These findings contribute to our understanding of the biological response to psychedelic therapy as an antidepressant treatment.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Stephania Ruth Basilio Silva Gomes, Mariana Bessa de Queiroz, Juliana Aparecida Souza Leroy, Juliana Luiza Rocha de Lima, Fulvio Aurelio de Morais Freire, Khadija Jobim, Francisco Adriano de Souza, Bruno Tomio Goto
Summary: This study found that aquatic ecosystems harbor a rich diversity of AMF species, which differs from terrestrial environments. The aquatic/rainy season has the highest number of AMF species, indicating significant differences from the terrestrial/rainy season.
Article
Psychology, Biological
Priscila F. Silva, Carlos Garcia de Leaniz, Fulvio A. M. Freire, Vanessa A. M. Silveira, Ana C. Luchiari
Summary: This study investigated the effects of two potential variables, fish origin and environmental parameters, on zebrafish behavior. The results showed that increased light intensity led to changes in fish behavior, specifically an increase in freezing duration and distance from the bottom of the tank, indicating increased anxiety. Swimming activity increased at the lowest temperature (25 degrees C), but different levels of background noise did not cause significant behavioral changes. Differences were also observed between zebrafish strains and populations, with the AB strain from laboratory 2 being more affected by changes in temperature, light, and background noise compared to the AB strain from laboratory 1. The study highlights the importance of considering and reporting variation in strains and holding conditions to improve data interpretation and reproducibility.
BEHAVIOURAL PROCESSES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Carlos Eduardo Rocha Duarte Alencar, Francisco Jackson da Silva Gomes, Izaira Carla Ferreira Alves, Renato Jose Pires Machado
Summary: An extensive review of occurrence data has revealed that the South American native antlion Dimares elegans is endemic to specific regions of South America. Its distribution range has been expanded, with new records indicating a wider range than previously thought.
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE ENTOMOLOGIA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alex B. De Moraes, Daniele C. S. De Moraes, Carlos Eduardo R. D. Alencar, Fulvio A. M. Freire
Summary: This study used geometric morphometric analyses to identify differences in the cephalothorax shape that would help discriminate the native and non-native species of Litopenaeus of the South American coast. Significant interspecific differences in shape were found in the shape of this body structure.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carlos E. R. D. Alencar, Paulo V. Do N. Araujo, Lara C. Amorim, Mauro S. P. Lima, Liana De F. Mendes, Fulvio A. De M. Freire
Summary: This study characterized the fishing activity of spiny lobsters in the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil. It found that artisanal fishermen engaged in illegal practices and different lobster species varied in their fishing pressure. P. laevicauda faced pressure for all size classes, while P. meripurpuratus only experienced partial pressure on certain population cohorts.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2021)
