Individuele variatie in voedselopnamegedrag en -mechanica bij zangvogels

Abstract: Granivory in songbirds is a biomechanically challenging endeavour. Seeds need to be dehusked before consumption, requiring complex and precisely controlled beak and tongue movements. Because seeds are small, birds also need to consume large quantities to meet their dietary demands. In short, granivorous songbirds need to be fast and efficient at processing seeds. However, the biomechanics of seed dehusking are still poorly understood. In this thesis we investigated how seed feeding performance varies within a population of Domestic Canaries (Serinus canaria), and what the potential sources of this variation could be. Individual differences in beak morphology, food preference, and age may all influence dehusking performance, raising important questions about how birds can adapt to environmental changes. Using high-speed video recordings and automated beak tip tracking, we quantified feeding performance, beak kinematics, and seed handling skills of birds during feeding on two seed types. Contrary to expectations, higher beak kinematic capabilities did not result in faster or more successful dehusking. Higher maximal closing speeds even reduced success rates. Instead, efficient seed handling skills, specifically the ability to orient seeds for splitting the husk in two halves, resulted in faster feeding. Next, we explored potential drivers of variation. Beak morphology was an important factor: longer beaks showed higher opening-closing frequencies, while deeper beaks, presumably associated with higher bite forces, reduced feeding time on tougher seeds. These results align with the known force-velocity trade-off observed across bird species. Seed preference was examined through food choice trials. While individuals showed strong differences in preferences, these were not meaningfully related to improvements in seed handling or kinematic capabilities, suggesting that handling skills might be easily transferable across seed types. Finally, we studied the effects of age. Our longitudinal analysis showed that beak frequency in function of age followed a parabolic curve, increasing in youth and declining in old age. Seed handling skills improved with age in males only, and success rates showed a parabolic pattern with age, which was more pronounced in males. These findings suggest that early-life learning enhances performance, while later-life declines may stem from muscular or neuromotor deterioration. In summary, this thesis highlights the complexity of granivory in songbirds and demonstrates the importance of skills for efficient feeding on seeds. Future biomechanics research on feeding should therefore focus on identifying skills and studying underlying aspects of skill acquisition and maintenance, such as cognition and sensorimotor control

Computer simulations to study the mechanisms of cold plasma-induced degradation of amoxicillin

Abstract: Due to the increasing water pollution worldwide, wastewater treatment remains one of the most important issues. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has emerged as a promising and versatile technology for wastewater treatment in recent years, offering potential advantages in terms of effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Although several studies have been conducted, the mechanisms by which CAP degrades antibiotics, one of the main pollutants in pharmaceutical wastewater, remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the degradation mechanisms of the antibiotic amoxicillin using reactive molecular dynamics simulations. Specifically, we explore the interaction mechanisms between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (i.e., O, OH, HO2, H2O2, O3, NO, NO2, NO2 and NO3) generated by CAP and the amoxicillin molecule. Our simulation results reveal that some of these species form weak attractive (HO2, H2O2, NO2 and NO3) and weak repulsive (NO and NO2) interactions, whereas O3 exhibits both weak attractive and weak repulsive interactions with the amoxicillin molecule. OH radicals exhibit the same interaction mechanisms as O atoms; in other words, O atoms react with amoxicillin in a manner similar to two OH radicals. The simulation results for O atoms show that their reactions with amoxicillin lead to the formation of hydroxyl and hydroperoxide groups, the opening or breakage of the beta-lactam ring, the shortening or widening of the benzene ring, and the fragmentation of the structure. Our findings are consistent with experimental outcomes on CAP treatment of amoxicillin. This study provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of antibiotic degradation by CAP in wastewater treatment

Clinical and analytical evaluation of the Abbott Alinity m HR HPV assay in a new generation first-void urine collector

Abstract: Urine-based self-sampling approaches can simplify cervical screening programs whilst increasing response. This study reports on the performance of Abbott Alinity m HR HPV on urine, self-collected at home using a new generation first-void urination device that is suitable for postal delivery (Novosanis Colli-Pee Small Volumes). First-void urine and paired cervical samples from 297 females attending colposcopy (age 25-65, NCT04530201) were analysed for the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. Cervical disease was confirmed by colposcopy and/or histology. HPV testing on first-void urine was less sensitive for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2\u2009+; ratio 0.91; 95% CI: 0.83-0.99), though equally specific (<\u2009CIN2; ratio 1.04; 95% CI: 0.92-1.19) compared to cervical samples at the manufacturer established cut-off for cervical samples. Adjusting the cut-off for first-void urine improved sensitivity for CIN2+ (ratio 0.96; 95% CI: 0.90-1.03), whilst maintaining equal specificity compared to cervical samples (ratio 1.00; 95% CI: 0.88-1.14). Cohen's kappa agreements of HPV outcomes between sample pairs were good to excellent at both cut-offs (range: 0.64-0.85). Using the HPV test's adjusted cutoff for first-void urine, no difference in clinical sensitivity or specificity was observed between first-void urine and cervical samples. These data highlight the importance of evaluating self-sample-specific cut-offs for HPV assays, previously validated on cervical samples

'We are soldiers now' : green militarism and (foreign-assisted) military training in conservation

Abstract: Militarized conservation is accelerated when insecurity\u2014violent conflict or heavily armed poaching\u2014poses an immediate threat to wildlife and the integrity of protected areas. However, militarization often remains long after acute threats fade. To understand how violent conservation becomes an ingrained state of affairs, this article focuses on the broader geopolitics of green militarism. It explains why rangers continue to be trained for war even without any immediate security threats. Focusing on the case of Uganda, we show how the NRA/M government has extended military logics into nearly all civilian sectors and issues, including conservation. We explore how training curriculums and practices encourage park rangers in Uganda to become \u2018like soldiers\u2019 and adopt a warfare mentality. In-depth fieldwork in the Murchison Falls National Park reveals how such training represents occupational violence against the rangers themselves and contributes to their use of lethal violence against park intruders. This training is provided both by the Ugandan army and through partnerships with foreign militaries and private military companies, who use the same curriculum when training soldiers for warfare. Therefore, we argue that militarization is not only prompted by immediate security threats, but by the broader geopolitics of green militarism\u2014reflecting the political interests of authoritarian\u2013military governments and their international backers

Enhancing the IP system through Dispute System Design

Abstract: The effectiveness of the IP system hinges on effective enforcement, including alternative dispute resolution processes, such as mediation and arbitration. In turn, the effectiveness of the dispute resolution processes used for IP disputes hinges on the overarching system in which they are embedded\u2014a comprehensive structure known as dispute system design (DSD). Most literature on IP dispute resolution focuses on encouraging the use of one or more dispute resolution methods, or on comparing the strengths and weaknesses of these methods. This article seeks to adopt a more systematic approach to dispute resolution, assessing the relationship between IP and DSD. Using the DSD analytic framework, it describes and analyses IP dispute systems, including specialized IP courts, small claims courts and dispute systems set up by IP offices, universities and collective management organizations. We suggest strategies from the DSD theory for designing and improving IP dispute resolution, taking these various contexts into account. Among other things, we argue that challenges such as the underutilization of ADR mechanisms for IP dispute resolution stem from design flaws in IP dispute resolution systems. Finally, we call for a DSD analysis of IP dispute resolution systems and for the integration of DSD principles into these system

Trends in antimicrobial consumption : long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract: Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a global decrease in antimicrobial consumption (AMC) in 2020. However, the persistence of this downwards trend is not known at a global level. This study examined the global and longer-term trends in AMC after the emergence of COVID-19. Methods: The change rate of AMC was compared (a) 2020 over 2019, (b) 2021 over 2020, and (c) 2022 over 2021 using monthly sales volume data of antimicrobials in 69 countries obtained from the IQVIA MIDAS information service. Changepoints were detected using time-series data of global monthly antimicrobial sales from November 2016 to December 2023. We defined antimicrobials as oral and parenteral drugs classified as J1 by the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical code. Antimicrobial sales were reported in standard units, as defined by IQVIA. We assessed the data using standard units per 1000 population per day, with populations based on World Population Prospects data issued by the United Nations. In addition, interrupted time-series analysis was used to examine the impact of movement restrictions in G7 countries. Results: In the IQVIA MIDAS data, 68 of the 69 countries had more than one changepoint between 2016 and 2023. Of these 68 countries, 61 experienced a decrease in AMC after the COVID-19 pandemic started. However, 53 of these 61 countries showed a reverse increasing trend in AMC in 2022. Interrupted timeseries analysis revealed that movement restrictions had a negative impact on AMC in all G7 countries. Discussion: The global decrease in AMC in 2020 might not have been because of COVID-19 itself but to non-pharmaceutical interventions such as movement restrictions. Human mobility could possibly be one of the key determinants of antimicrobial use at the population level. Shinya Tsuzuki, Clin Microbiol Infect 2025;31:594 (c) 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Fabrication of \u3b1-Fe\u2082O\u2083 nanoparticles/g-C\u2083N\u2084 direct Z-scheme heterojunction of durable photocatalytic activity

Abstract: The fabrication of a nanohybrid photocatalyst that combines \u3b1-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is reported. The ensuing direct Z-scheme heterojunction greatly boosts the photocatalytic activity of the \u3b1-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 nanohybrids. This results in organic dye degradation rates more than two times higher than its individual components, promoted by the efficient charge separation and transfer of the Z-scheme heterojunction mechanism of the nanohybrid photocatalyst. In addition, recyclability tests show an outstanding stability of the nanohybrids spanning five consecutive dye degradation experiments, during which the degradation rate is slightly improved. The origin of the improved photocatalytic performance of the nanohybrid lies in the intimate interaction between \u3b1-Fe2O3 and g-C3N4 afforded by the two-step fabrication process, which enables the direct and controlled growth of \u3b1-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on g-C3N4. A first ultrasound impregnation step promotes the effective anchoring of stable Fe species via Fe 12N and C 12N/C 12O bonding, while a second microwave phase conversion step induces the subsequent growth of \u3b1-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the g-C3N4 sheets. Careful control of the FeCl3 precursor concentration up to a threshold value of 0.25 M during impregnation enables complete control over their size and phase. This approach clearly highlights the benefits of microwave reactor systems in the fabrication of hematite-based Z-scheme photocatalytic, overcoming the limitations of conventional thermal treatment technology

Data from: Beak dimensions affect feeding performance within a granivorous songbird species

Abstract: Beaks of granivorous songbirds are adapted to dehusk seeds fast and efficiently. This is reflected in the large variety of beak shapes and sizes among species specialized in different seed types. Generally, larger beaks improve the dehusking of larger seeds by transmitting and withstanding higher bite forces. Meanwhile, smaller beaks are better suited for processing smaller seeds by allowing faster beak movements and better seed handling dexterity. These patterns are presumably the result of a trade-off between force and velocity inherent to lever systems. Since beak shape also varies among individuals of the same species, we investigated whether beak shape relates to variation in feeding performance and beak kinematics in the Domestic Canary (Serinus canaria). We analysed beak morphology of 87 individuals through both traditional size measurements and 3D-landmark analysis to capture metrics such as beak depth, length, width and curvature. We related these metrics of morphology to data on feeding performance and beak kinematics during feeding on smaller canary seeds and larger, tougher hemp seeds. We found that individuals with larger absolute beak depths were faster at dehusking the large seeds. Despite that individuals with shallow or long beaks displayed higher beak opening-closing frequencies, this did not result in a significantly shorter processing time of the smaller seeds. Our data are therefore in line with the presence of a force-velocity trade-off within a species, but without a velocity-related drawback of beak-size adaptations for increased bite force on the handling performance of a smaller and easier-to-crack seed