Search Results (337)

Titanium oxide (TiO₂) is of great interest in solar cell manufacturing, hydrogen production, and organic compound photodegradation. The synthesis variables and methodology affect the morphology, texture, crystalline structure, and phase mixtures of TiO₂, which, in turn, affect the optical and catalytic properties of TiO₂. In this work, the effect of acetic acid as a catalyst and chelating agent on the morphology, texture, crystal structure, optical properties, and photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ samples obtained using the sol–gel method with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a template was investigated. The results indicated that acetic acid not only catalyzes the hydrolysis of the TiO₂ precursor but also acts as a chelating agent, causing a decrease in crystallite size from 18.643 nm (T7 sample, pH = 6.8, without addition of acetic acid) to 16.536 nm (T2 sample, pH = 2). At pH 2 and 3, only the anatase phase was formed (T2 and T3 samples), whereas at pH 5 and 6.8, in addition to the anatase phase, the brookite phase (11.4% and 15.61% for samples T5 and T7, respectively) was formed. The band-gap value of TiO₂ decreased with decreasing pH during synthesis. Although the T2 sample had the highest specific surface area and pore volume (232.02 m²g⁻¹ and 0.46 gcm⁻³, respectively), the T3 sample had better efficiency in methylene blue dye photodegradation because its bird-nest-like morphology improved photon absorption, promoting better photocatalytic performance. Full article

Information on the breeding of the Pinto’s Spinetail (Synallaxis infuscata), an endangered Brazilian Furnariid, is scarce. This study aims to complement it, by looking at nest and clutch parameters, breeding period, and nest success. Once nests were found, they were closely monitored from a hide. Between 1986 and 2018, 33 nests were found in the Pedra Talhada Forest near Quebrangulo. Nests were found year-round, except in middle of the dry season. Nests were of the closed/retort type, weighing 552.1 g, and measuring 37.6 × 28.8 cm, with a side arm of 30.6 × 4.9 cm, on average. The clutch size averaged 2.10 eggs, which measured 22.3 × 17.2 mm and weighed 3.2 g. They were white and had an oval to pointed-oval shape. Mean incubation period was 21.5 days and mean nestling period 14.71 days. The apparent nest success was 27.3%, while Mayfield’s was 21.8%. Predation was the main cause of nest failure, accounting for 81% of cases. The breeding data we collected on S. infuscata falls within the range of observations of a comprehensive analysis on other Synallaxis species. This breeding information is important for conservation, as rates of nest loss are a key factor in evaluating population viability. Full article

The impact of tourism on Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) in Patagonia is a complex issue that requires a balanced approach between conservation and sustainable tourism development. While tourism in the region can bring significant economic benefits, it can also have a negative impact on the penguins by disrupting nesting behavior and chick rearing, and even increasing the risk of disease and predation. We examined a comparative analysis of scientific papers on the impact of tourism on Magellanic penguins in two breeding colonies in Argentinean Patagonia, which have been visited for 10 to 50 years and whose visitor numbers range from 10,000 to 120,000 per year. We analyzed different physiological parameters (i.e., immunological, hematological, biochemical, and stress parameters) and behavioral respond (alternate head turns) in adult birds and chicks in these colonies. Although the results suggest that Magellanic penguins have adapted well to the presence of tourists in their breeding colonies, we documented changes in certain physiological parameters that indicate chronic stress due to high exposure to tourism. It is important to promote sustainable tourism in Patagonia that not only minimizes these negative impacts but also improves the protection of the penguins and their habitat. This includes the creation of new nature reserves, environmental education, and the regulation of tourism activities. Implementing responsible tourism practices can ensure economic benefits while protecting the well-being and health of penguin populations. The combination of increased tourist awareness and concrete conservation measures can protect not only the Magellanic penguins but also the natural wealth of the entire Patagonia region. Full article

Nest architecture and surrounding habitat features can strongly influence the reproductive success of cavity-nesting birds; however, quantitative data from natural environments remain limited. We examined how nest structure and surrounding habitat features correlate with reproduction in the small bee-eater (Merops orientalis). A total of 38 natural nests were monitored during the breeding season. The Conway–Maxwell–Poisson model showed that cavity depth was a significant positive predictor of clutch size (β = 0.46 ± 0.22 SE, p = 0.036), whereas entrance diameter and nest height were not significantly related. Principal component analysis (PCA) of standardized cavity dimensions (cavity depth, entrance diameter, and nest height) showed that nest height (captured by PC2) was strongly associated with higher breeding success (OR = 0.002, p = 0.021), whereas overall cavity size (PC1) had a weaker, marginally positive correlation (OR = 3.87, p = 0.09). Habitat distance variables showed only weak, non-significant trends after accounting for multicollinearity. Nest structural traits explained more variation in reproductive performance than landscape variables (pseudo-R² = 0.80 for clutch size; 0.59 for breeding success). Field monitoring of 38 nests showed a mean clutch size of 3.9 eggs, an overall hatching success of 77.5%, and a fledging success of 51.2%, yielding a 37.1% breeding success. Our results highlight the importance of conserving sandy streambanks and mitigating human disturbance in proximity to active nests to conserve breeding success in small bee-eaters. As these findings were based on one site and a single breeding season, broader generalizations will require replication across additional years and locations. Full article

Rapid global urbanization has led to the loss and degradation of many natural habitats, causing numerous bird species to inhabit and breed in cities. Here we investigated the influence of multiple factors on the number of chicks of the four common waterbird species, from Anatidae [Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)] and from Rallidae [Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra), Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)], nesting in Gdańsk (Poland) in 2020 and 2021. We found that the harsh winter before the 2021 season may have resulted in a lower number of chicks in rallids. Rainfall and higher temperatures during breeding season increased the number of rallids’ chicks. Larger waterbodies were associated with a lower number of chicks (except for Moorhen). However, a longer shoreline was related to a higher number of chicks of all species. The Normalized Difference Moisture Index, indicating absence of urban fabric, positively impacted the number of chicks of all species, except for Mallard. The distance of waterbody from areas with varying degrees of urbanization had a diverse effect on the number of chicks of each species, except for Swan. Our results emphasize the importance of urban reservoirs for breeding birds and highlight the need to preserve natural features, such as allowing bank vegetation and reeds to grow, to provide nesting sites and shelter. Full article

Chromosomal inversions and copy-number variants (CNVs) drive genomic and phenotypic diversification in birds by reshaping recombination, gene expression, and genome architecture. Here, we report a complex structural polymorphism on great tit (Parus major) chromosome 1A that occurs in the Siberian population with a 19% heterozygote frequency. Using cytogenetic and genomic approaches, we show that this rearrangement combines a ~55 Mb paracentric inversion in the long arm with a dramatic (>30 Mb) expansion of the short arm driven by extensive amplification of multiple genomic loci. These include a region homologous to the poorly characterized FAM118A gene, whose paralog FAM118B has been recently shown to play a pivotal role in innate immune activation. This region is missing from the current reference genome assembly while present in ~20 copies on wild-type 1A chromosome and nearly twentyfold amplified in the rearranged variant. It contains a nested 630 bp tandem repeat, encompassing the entire exon 3, which has burst to a total of ~50,000 copies in the rearranged chromosome. While functional analyses are required to uncover the biological effects of the genomic features linked to this rearrangement, our results offer a unique framework for studying how complex structural polymorphisms drive genome innovation and adaptive diversity. Full article

Procellariiformes are among the most threatened seabirds globally, yet viral pathogens affecting this group remain poorly understood. Herpesviruses are widespread in birds and capable of establishing latency, reactivating under immunosuppression, and causing severe disease, particularly in cross-species transmission. We surveyed herpesvirus in 50 individuals (12 species) that stranded along the southeastern Brazilian coast (2017–2023). A nested pan-PCR protocol targeting the DNA polymerase gene detected herpesvirus DNA in 24% (12/50) of the birds. Seven distinct herpesvirus sequence types were identified, all clustering within the genus Mardivirus, including two previously known variants and novel lineages. To our best knowledge, this represents the first herpesvirus report in the Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris), Cape Verde Shearwater (Calonectris edwardsii), Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus), and Southern Giant-Petrel (Macronectes giganteus), as well as new host reports for the Yellow-nosed Albatross (T. chlororhynchos) and Cory’s Shearwater (C. borealis). No associated lesions were observed in histopathology. Our findings expand the known host range of herpesviruses in Procellariiformes and reveal possible circulation among colonies and non-breeding areas across the Southern and Northern hemispheres. Our results underscore the need for integrative ecological-, virological-, and population-based studies to clarify how seabird ecology influences herpesvirus transmission dynamics and long-term persistence in this group. Full article

The common swift is the most observed swift species in Germany. During the summer months in urban areas, juvenile swifts in need of help are frequently cared for in wild bird rescue centers. Providing adequate housing and veterinary treatment for hundreds of juvenile swifts can be very challenging for non-specialized organizations and contact with other bird species is often unavoidable. The knowledge about the transmission of infectious diseases between individuals of this bird species specialized in an airborne life and of other bird species is limited. In this presented case a wild juvenile common swift was hand-reared for about 17 days and was noticed to have increasing feather abnormalities in a wildlife rescue center with close proximity to other wild birds. At the time of the investigation, the swift was of an age of about 35 days, and in good physical condition. The affected body, wing, and tail feathers showed retentions of feather sheaths, malformation of the feather vane, and circumferential constrictions with feather loss. The virological examination of the dystrophic feathers revealed a positive result for the circovirus and a negative result for the polyoma-consensus-nested PCR. The detected sequence of the circovirus showed the highest identity in 300 base pairs of 83.11% to a Canary circovirus isolate in NCBI Blast analysis. In addition to a transmission between common swifts during the nestling phase, other wild bird species can be discussed as a possible source of the infection. Full article

Nest predation is a major factor limiting avian reproductive success. It depends on factors such as bird community, land use, vegetation structure and landscape. Anthropogenic disturbances in native forests, such as logging and livestock grazing, alter forest structure and understory, potentially affecting nest predation rates. In this study, we analysed the susceptibility of open-cup nests to predation in Nothofagus antarctica forests in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina), comparing 15–50 years ago thinned—T and unthinned forests, the latter classified as open—O, closed—C or very closed—VC. We also identified nest predators through camera traps and the main variables influencing predation using a Generalized Lineal Model. Data were collected from 32 sites representing the four studied categories of canopy cover across two years (256 artificial nests per year). Artificial nest predation rates varied between year (9.4% in 2018 and 40.2% in 2022) and among forest types. In 2018, the O forests had the highest predation rate (50%, 12 in total), whereas in 2022, VC forests showed the greatest predation (38%, 39 in total). Camera traps identified three nest predators: Milvago chimango, Campephilus magellanicus and Xolmis pyrope. In 2018, canopy cover was the only variable that influenced artificial nest predation, while in 2022, tree sapling cover, patch shape, open-cup nester density and tree basal area were the most influential (in that order). We found annual variations driven by different ecological factors in N. antarctica forest of southern Patagonia. Although thinning showed no significant long-term effects on artificial nest predation on this study, more research is needed to understand the influence of low impact forest management in austral bird communities. Full article

Birds are important indicators of ecosystem health and provide a range of benefits to society. It is important, therefore, to understand the impacts of agricultural land use changes on bird populations. The cultivation of energycane (EC)—a sugarcane hybrid—for biofuel production represents one form of agricultural land use change in southern Florida. We used passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) to examine bird community use of experimental EC fields and other agricultural land uses at two study sites in southern Florida. We deployed 16 acoustic recorders in different study plots and used the automatic species identifier BirdNET to identify 40 focal bird species. We found seasonal differences in daily avian species diversity and richness between EC experimental plots and reference agricultural fields (corn fields, orchards, pastureland), and between time periods (pre-planting, post-planting). Daily avian species diversity and richness were lower in the EC experimental plots during Fall and Winter months when plants reached maximum height (>400 cm in some areas). Despite seasonal differences in daily measures of species diversity and richness, we found no differences in cumulative species richness, suggesting that there may be little overall (season-long) effects of EC production. These findings could provide insight to avian seasonal habitat preferences and underscore the potential limitations of PAM in areas experiencing dynamic vegetation changes. More research is needed to better understand if utilization of EC cropping systems results in positive or negative effects on avian populations (e.g., foraging habitat quality, predator–prey dynamics, nest success). Full article

This study presents a comparative analysis of two bio-inspired optimization techniques: the Dragonfly Algorithm (DA) and Cuckoo Search (CS). The DA models the collective behavior of dragonflies, replicating dynamic processes such as foraging, evasion, and synchronized movement to effectively explore and exploit the solution space. In contrast, the CS algorithm draws inspiration from the brood parasitism strategy observed in certain Cuckoo species, where eggs are laid in the nests of other birds, thereby leveraging randomization and selection mechanisms for optimization. To enhance the performance of both algorithms, Type-2 fuzzy logic systems were integrated into their structures. Specifically, the DA was fine-tuned through the adjustment of its inertia weight (W) and attraction coefficient (Beta), while the CS algorithm was optimized by calibrating the Lévy flight distribution parameter. A comprehensive set of benchmark functions, F1 through F10, was employed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and convergence behavior of each method under fuzzy-enhanced configurations. Results indicate that the fuzzy-based adaptations consistently improved convergence stability and accuracy, demonstrating the advantage of integrating Type-2 fuzzy parameter control into swarm-based optimization frameworks. Full article

This study was conducted to assess the involvement of two lizard species: the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) and the common lizard (Zootoca vivipara), and their Ixodes ricinus ticks, in the circulation spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. complex. Lizards were captured at three study sites in suburban areas of western Poland. Common lizards were less abundant and occurred only at one site. A total of 1129 ticks were collected from 167 sand lizards and 164 individuals from 42 common lizards. Biopsies of the distal part of the lizard tail were taken from 172 animals. All samples that tested positive by real-time PCR underwent subsequent nested PCR targeting the flaB gene, followed by sequencing. At least 6.3% of I. ricinus ticks (MIR) from L. agilis, and 6.1% from Z. vivipara, were infected. Borrelia lusitaniae was the most prevalent genospecies in L. agilis-derived ticks, accounting for 73.2% of all infected samples, followed by B. burgdorferi s.s. (23.0%). Conversely, this latter species prevailed (90%) over B. lusitaniae (10%) in tick samples from Z. vivipara. Therefore, we believe that sand lizards are competent reservoir hosts for B. lusitaniae, while the role of Z. vivipara for this species is unclear. The high prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.s. was also found in infected larval samples (40.7%) and biopsies (60%) of L. agilis. Thus, in our opinion, these two lizard species could be another group of reservoir hosts for this human pathogen, along with birds and rodents. Full article

With the acceleration of urbanization, environmental degradation is increasingly restricting the improvement of residents’ quality of life, and promoting the transformation of old communities has become a key path for sustainable urban development. However, existing buildings generally face challenges, such as the deterioration of the performance of the envelope structure and the rising energy consumption of the air conditioning system, which pose a serious test for the realization of green renovation. Inspired by the application of bionics in the field of architecture, this study innovatively designed five types of bionic envelope structures for outdoor air conditioning units, namely scales, honeycombs, spider webs, leaves, and bird nests, based on the aerodynamic characteristics of biological prototypes. The ventilation performance of these structures was evaluated at three scales—namely, single building, townhouse, and community—under natural ventilation conditions, using a CFD simulation system. The study shows the following: (1) the spider web structure has the best comprehensive performance among all types of enclosures, which can significantly improve the uniformity of the flow field and effectively eliminate the low-speed stagnation area on the windward side; (2) the structure reorganizes the flow structure of the near-wall area through the cutting and diversion of the porous grid, reduces the wake range, and weakens the negative pressure intensity, making the pressure distribution around the building more balanced; (3) in the height range of 1.5–27 m, the spider web structure performs particularly well at the townhouse and community scales, with an average wind speed increase of 1.1–1.4%; and (4) the design takes into account both the safety of the enclosure and the comfort of the pedestrian area, achieving a synergistic optimization of function and performance. This study provides new ideas for the micro-renewal of buildings, based on bionic principles, and has theoretical and practical value for improving the wind environment quality of old communities and promoting low-carbon urban development. Full article

Edible bird nest (EBN) has a longstanding tradition in Chinese herbal medicine as a natural supplement for enhancing health and well-being. Current scientific research indicates that EBN possesses properties conducive to improving male reproductive function. These properties include promoting cell proliferation, containing essential reproductive hormones, and exhibiting antioxidant activity. Despite these promising characteristics, the potential of EBN’s specific effects on male reproductive health, particularly in addressing infertility, remains sparsely discussed. Hereby, this review aims to present the available scientific evidence, discuss potential benefits, and underscore the importance of future research in advancing our understanding of EBN’s role in male reproductive health. This work is imperative to expand our knowledge of the biological underpinnings of EBN so that it can be developed as a food supplement and alternative treatment for male infertility. Full article

Reintroduction efforts of wildlife species seek to re-establish self-sustaining populations of targeted species within their historical ranges. Our study focuses on the Indian Grey Hornbill, which faced local extinction in the Gir National Park and Sanctuary, Gujarat, India. The last recorded direct sighting of the Indian Grey Hornbill in the study area dates back to the 1930s. Its presence gradually declined, leading to its eventual extinction in the region between 1950 and 1960. Since the declaration of Gir Forest as a sanctuary in 1965 and subsequently as a national park in 1975, habitat conditions have significantly improved. This positive trend created an opportunity for the reintroduction of the hornbills to establish a self-sustaining population. The reintroduction was conducted in two phases. During the first phase, twenty-eight birds were captured from known hornbill ranges within Gujarat, and five of them were equipped with PTT/GSM satellite transmitters. And in the second phase, twelve birds were captured, and six of them were fitted with PTTs to study their ranging patterns, habitat associations, and potential breeding activities. During the establishment or initial phase of reintroduction, the birds exhibited exploratory behaviour, resulting in larger home ranges (mean ± Standard Deviation, SD) (60.87 ± 68.51 km²), which gradually reduced to smaller home ranges (5.73 ± 10.50 km²) during later stages. Similarly, the daily and monthly distances travelled by the birds were significantly greater in the initial phase than in the later one. Nest site selection correlated significantly with girth at breast height (GBH) and tall trees. Our study provides essential information for hornbill reintroduction in the Gir landscape, aiding future conservation efforts for Indian Grey Hornbills. Full article