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A correction notice to the article, "Comparative omics analysis of a deep-sea barnacle species (Cirripedia, Scalpellomorpha) and shallow-water barnacle species provides insights into deep-sea adaptation," published in the previous issue of the periodical.

Barnacles have demonstrated adaptability to a range of habitats, spanning from shallow water to the deep sea. Given the harsh conditions present in hydrothermal vents, hydrothermal vent barnacles serve as the model organism for investigating the interplay between evolution and adaptability. In order to gain insights into barnacle adaptive characteristics, particularly within hydrothermal vents, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the mitogenomes and transcriptome in a deep-sea barnacle (Neolepas marisindica), in comparison to its shallow-water related species. The mitogenomes with the same genetic skews and the non-synonymous/synonymous mutation ratios (Ka/Ks) of the mitogenomes indicate that the protein-coding genes (COIII, ND2, and ND6) of N. marisindica are under positive selection. Meanwhile, the functional annotation shows that distinctly positive selected orthologs in N. marisindica are predominately related to neural signal transduction, immunity, antiapoptotic, and energy metabolism. These results indicate that the mitogenomes and key genes found in transcriptomic analysis are under high-temperature and highpressure conditions, and which may contribute N. marisindica to have evolved to adapt to the extreme hydrothermal vent environments. The findings shed light on the mitogenome and transcriptome of N. marisindica, which lays a foundation for the in-depth understanding of the adaptation mechanism of sessile invertebrates to the deep-sea environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adhesives are in general chemically or physically sticky substances used to join surfaces. In case of gluing biological and living substrates, there is a need for bioadhesives that meet requirements such as biocompatibility, non‐toxicity, and degradability. Inspiration for bioadhesives is found in nature, where distinct mussels, sandcastle worms, barnacles, caddisfly larvae, spiders, and glowworms amongst others, use mainly protein‐based glues for various purposes. There is a great selection of reviews and books covering the use of various bioadhesives in various applications, but here the focus lies on advances in the development of bio‐inspired protein‐based adhesives for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Maritime Organization has adopted a revision to the 2023 International Maritime Organization biofouling guidelines and has been discussing the development of guidelines for evaluating the efficacy of inwater cleaning systems. In hull cleaning, which involves aquatic invasive species removal, capture is considered very important in preventing the release of by-products. However, capture efficacy is difficult to evaluate due to the absence of unified evaluation guidelines or standardized methods. Here, we describe a new test method for evaluating the capture efficacy of in-water cleaning systems, using artificial barnacles that simulate the physical characteristics of actual barnacles. The test was designed to evaluate the impact of in-water cleaning on biocide release and biofouling organisms in the marine environment. We used a test plate with artificial barnacles attached to evaluate the capture efficacy with respect to the fouling rating. This test overcomes limitations in the evaluation of the capture efficacy of in-water cleaning systems and provides a reference for the development of more comprehensive tests and in-water cleaning regulation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerobiont communities from Messinian Clypeaster-rich beds at Terziza (Djebel Murdjadjo, NW Algeria) are described. Endobionts are exclusively composed of domichnial structures of polychaete annelids (Caulostrepsis isp. Maeandropolydora isp. and Trypanites isp.), clionid sponges (Entobia geometrica, E. retiformis and Entobia isp.), and endolithic bivalves (Gastrochaenolites torpedo and Gastrochaenolites isp.). Among sclerozoans, epibionts are represented by barnacles, bryozoans, juvenile oysters, serpulids, and vermetid gastropods (with attachment scar Santichnus mayorali). Host organisms include Ostrea lamellosa, Clypeaster, and Pecten. The studied assemblage is ascribed to the Trypanites ichnofacies, indicating nearshore, high-energy deposition influenced by storm events, and post-mortem bioerosion. Clypeaster-rich beds mark the initial Mediterranean marine transgression on the southern flank of the Murdjadjo horst, characterised by three distinct phases. The bioerosion pattern parallels that of the Tafna basin, suggesting uniform environmental evolution during the Early Messinian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most ecological studies attempting to understand causes of population dynamics and community structure disregard intraspecific trait variation. We quantified the importance of natural intra‐cohort variation in body size and density of juveniles for recruitment of a sessile marine organism, the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides. Barnacles are representative of species organised in metapopulations, that is, as open local populations connected by larval dispersal. We tracked the individual growth and survival of a cohort of juvenile barnacles from two shores of North Wales. Barnacles settled as larvae in spring of 2002 on previously cleared rock. The density of these new recruits was experimentally manipulated in June and randomly selected individuals were monitored from June to October to evaluate the role of barnacle size and density in predicting survival. In doing so we characterised density at three spatial scales (quadrat: 25 cm2, cells within quadrats: 25 mm2 and neighbourhood: number of neighbours in physical contact with the target barnacle). At all scales, variations in juvenile body size exacerbated the effect of density‐dependent mortality on population size. While density‐dependent mortality was very intense in the small‐sized individuals, large‐sized individuals experienced very weak density‐dependent mortality and showed high survival rates. Using the concept of 'Jensen inequality', we show that important biases in estimations of survival, based on population size only, occur at high barnacle densities, where survival is low. Our study highlights the role of body size variation in understanding dynamics of open populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floating materials of both natural and anthropogenic origin affect marine ecosystems and human economic activities. Although the tracking of floating materials is important to manage the economic risks, it is difficult to trace them back to the events of origin, such as tsunamis and underwater volcanic eruptions. The gooseneck barnacle Lepas anserifera, a rapid colonizer in pelagic environments, is a potential "natural logger" of floating materials. In this study, we performed temperature-controlled culture experiments and growth line staining in the laboratory to quantify the growth increments of shells (scutum and tergum) consisting the capitulum of L. anserifera separately, and to examine the effects of the temperature on their growth. Following calcein staining, the growth lines of L. anserifera were visualized under a fluorescent microscope, and gross (capitular length and width) and individual (scutum and tergum) shell growth were compared. Shells grew in twice as much in the capitular length direction than in the capitular width direction owing to the larger growth increases in the scutum than in the tergum. Growth increments were unaffected by temperatures in the range from 20°C to 30°C, although the growth appeared to slow down in September and October compared with August. The stable oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) of the shells represented the water temperature as previously known, and the present results showed that 18O enriched in scutum than tergum in most cases. Further understanding for the biomineralization process of barnacles is required for the precise application of environmental proxies in barnacle shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanomorph (acorn) barnacles are found throughout the world's coastal oceans, and their success is dependent on a hard, mineralized, outer shell. Although macro-scale morphology of barnacle shells has been studied extensively, relatively little is known about shell properties at the micron-scale and if such properties vary among species. We assessed shell structure, mechanics, and composition in seven species of balanomorph barnacles from five genera. Three species, Amphibalanus amphitrite, Amphibalanus improvisus, and Austrominius modestus, were laboratory-reared, enabling direct comparison of shell properties of barnacles grown under the same conditions for the same duration. Four other species, Semibalanus balanoides, Amphibalanus eburneus, Chthamalus stellatus, and Tetraclita rubescens, were field-collected. At the macro- and meso-scales, shell properties varied markedly among species, with differences in the number of shell plates, the presence of canals within the plates, mineralization of the base, and shell plate thickness. At the micron-scale, however, structure was remarkably similar among species. Plates of all species were constructed of irregular micron-scale crystallites, with a broad range of crystallite dimensions observed within the same shell. Similarly, micromechanical properties did not vary among species, regardless of testing orientation. Calcium carbonate was identified as calcite in all species assessed with no other mineral phases present, and calcium content did not vary among species. Hence, despite variation in the overall macro- and meso-scale morphology of barnacles, all appear to be built using the same, evolutionarily conserved, mineralization pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We sequenced and assembled a chromosome-level barnacle genome. • A WGD event was identified in barnacles for the first time. • This WGD event is more ancient than the divergence of Thoracicalcarea. • Ohnologs were subject to sub- or neo-functionalization for intertidal adaptation. • The ancient WGD event may associate with the origin and diversification of thoracican barnacles. Whole-genome duplication (WGD) is one of the most sudden and dramatic events rarely reported in invertebrates, but its occurrence can lead to physiological, morphological, and behavioral diversification. WGD has also never been reported in barnacles, which is one of the most unique groups of crustaceans with extremely speciallized morphology (calcareous shells) and habits (intertidal sessile lifestyle). To investigate whether WGD has occurred in barnacles and examine its potential role in driving the adaptive evolution and diversification of barnacles. Based on a newly sequenced and assembled chromosome-level barnacle genome, a novel WGD event has been identified in barnacles through a comprehensive analysis of interchromosomal synteny, the Hox gene cluster, and synonymous substitution distribution. We provide ample evidences for WGD in the barnacle genomes. Comparative genomic analysis indicates that this WGD event predates the divergence of Thoracicalcarea, occurring more than 247 million years ago. The retained ohnologs from the WGD are primarily enriched in various pathways related to environmental information processing, shedding light on the adaptive evolution and diversification of intertidal sessile lifestyle. In addition, transcriptomic analyses show that most of these ohnologs were differentially expressed following the ebb of tide. And the cytochrome P450 ohnologs with differential expression patterns are subject to subfunctionalization and/or neofunctionalization for intertidal adaptation. Besides WGD, parallel evolution underlying intertidal adaptation has also occurred in barnacles. This study revealed an ancient WGD event in the barnacle genomes, which is potentially associated with the origin and diversification of thoracican barnacles, and may have contributed to the adaptive evolution of their intertidal sessile lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound waves have been employed to control marine biofouling but their effects on fouling organisms remain poorly understood. This study investigated the influence of ultrasound waves on barnacle (Tetraclita stalactifera cyprid larvae) pre-settlement behavior. Substrate inspection constituted most of the larval time budget, with a focus on the bottom surface rather than lateral or air–water interfaces. The frequency of substrate inspection decreased at 10 kPa when compared to higher acoustic pressures, while the time spent in the water column had an opposite trend. Various larval swimming modes were observed, including rotating, sinking, walking, and cruising, with rotating being dominant. Barnacle larvae exhibited higher speeds and less complex trajectories when subjected to ultrasound in comparison to controls. The impact of ultrasound waves on barnacle cyprid larvae behavior had a non-linear pattern, with lower acoustic pressure (10 kPa) inducing more effective substrate rejection than higher (15 and 20 kPa) intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of species interactions in setting species range limits is rarely empirically explored. Here, we quantify host and parasite densities in subtropical eastern Australia (26.65°–30.20°S) to examine whether parasitism might contribute to range limitation of Acropora corals at their cold-range boundary. 79% of Acropora corals had endolithic barnacles (family Pyrgomatidae), with higher parasite load in larger corals and up to 141 barnacles per coral. Parasite load increased poleward and closer to the mainland and was greater in cooler and high nutrient environments. Parasite burden was higher at sites with fewer Acropora corals, broadly consistent with the hypothesis that parasites can fragment host populations where host densities are low, and the parasite is a better disperser than the host. Whilst the mechanism is unclear, our findings suggest that at the high densities recorded here, coral-barnacles could influence range dynamics of Acropora corals at their poleward range limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological species identification is the traditional way to identify species. More recently, biodiversity studies have depended on DNA barcoding for species identification. Mismatches between morphological and genetic species identification caused by voucher specimen misidentifications lead to ambiguous species identification. We used barnacles of the genera Amphibalanus and Balanus to investigate this issue. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of the Barcoding of Life database and determine the true species affinity of three inconsistent barnacle barcode index numbers using an integrative taxonomic approach. To this end, we re-identified barcoded voucher specimens, or we identified specimens based on a dichotomous key that we barcoded subsequently. We found that 75% of Barcoding of Life clades representing genetic species showed inconsistent species assignments. One clade (BOLD: AAG0069), containing mostly unidentified Balanus sp. individuals, was morphologically and genetically Balanus balanus (Linneaus, 1758); a second clade (BOLD: AAB1410), containing specimens mostly identified as B. balanus , turned out to be morphologically and genetically Balanus crenatus Bruguière, 1789; and a third clade (BOLD: AAE2482), containing different species of Amphibalanus , was Amphibalanus improvisus (Darwin, 1854). This study showed that morphological species identification and taxonomic expertise can resolve the widespread misidentification in barcoding data. To prevent this problem in the future, morphological taxonomy and molecular species identification need to interact more closely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broadly distributed species need to perform well in a range of environmental conditions, but knowledge of how wide‐ranging marine larvae perform along latitudinal gradients remains limited. The fatty acid composition of larvae is important for their physiological responses to changing conditions. Here, we investigated the fatty acid composition of the last, non‐feeding stage of barnacle larvae (cyprids) using an integrative (larvae–environment) and comparative (latitudinal) approach. We measured fatty acids in the pelagic particulate matter and cyprids from Chthamalus bisinuatus, Chthamalus proteus, and Semibalanus balanoides from tropical to polar (Arctic) latitudes to identify potential food sources during the feeding larval stages (nauplius) that precede the cyprids and to ascertain larval capacity to integrate neutral (energetic) and polar (structural) fatty acids. We demonstrate that particulate matter in tropical waters mainly consisted of low‐quality saturated fatty acids derived from detrital pathways, while particulate matter from polar waters was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids originating from living microalgae. Across the studied regions, neutral fatty acids were assimilated from various food sources including diatoms, dinoflagellates, detritus, and microeukaryotes. Cyprids consistently retained higher essential fatty acid levels than the relative share in the particulate matter. Particularly, the essential docosahexaenoic acid (22:6ω3), which was scarce in the particulate matter, was highly retained across all species but highest for the tropical cyprids. We argue that this latitudinal pattern in fatty acid retention is related to periods of reduced nutrient intake, increased energetic and/or synthetic requirements, and responses to physical large‐scale differences in environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rocky intertidal habitats occur worldwide and are mainly characterized by primary space holders such as seaweeds and sessile invertebrates. Some of these organisms are foundation species, as they can form structurally complex stands that host many small invertebrates. The abundance of primary space holders is known to vary along coastlines driven directly or indirectly by environmental variation. However, it is less clear if the invertebrate assemblages associated to a foundation species may remain relatively unchanged along coastlines, as similar stands of a foundation species can generate similar microclimates. We examined this question using abundance data for invertebrate species found in mussel stands of a similar structure in wave-exposed rocky habitats at mid-intertidal elevations along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia (Canada). While the most abundant invertebrate species were found at three locations spanning 315 km of coastline, species composition (a combined measure of species identity and their relative abundance) differed significantly among the locations. One of the species explaining the highest amount of variation among locations (a barnacle) exhibited potential signs of bottom-up regulation involving pelagic food supply, suggesting benthic–pelagic coupling. The abundance of the species that explained the highest amount of variation (an oligochaete) was positively related to the abundance of their predators (mites), further suggesting bottom-up forcing in these communities. Overall, we conclude that species assemblages associated to structurally similar stands of a foundation species can show clear changes in species composition at a regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humpback whales in Bermuda have been observed engaging in a unique behavior of expanding their oral pouches and rubbing them against the seafloor. This behavior is believed to be a method of skin maintenance in areas where barnacles and whale lice congregate. The whales were observed swimming together, often in pairs, and descending into sand holes to rub their expanded pouches against the bottom. This behavior is different from feeding and may serve as a way for the whales to exfoliate and clean hard-to-reach areas of their bodies. Further research is needed to fully understand this behavior. [Extracted from the article]

The spread of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) is driven largely by shipping and global trade. Biofouling on vessel hulls is a major source of invasions, but many biofouling organisms are sessile (non-motile) and require reproduction, which often produces mobile, waterborne propagules (e.g., larvae) that can colonize new regions. The ability of biofouling organisms to reproduce, however, can depend strongly on abiotic conditions at the time of reproduction but also potentially prior to any reproductive event. For many organisms, past environments can influence performance later in life via within-generation carryover effects, but how carryover effects influence potential NIS introductions is unclear. We conducted a laboratory experiment to explore within-generation carryover effects of salinity and how they operate across different environments in the barnacle Amphibalanus improvisus, a common biofouling organism. We exposed newly settled barnacles to two different salinities (15 and 28 psu) for three weeks, maintained them in a common salinity for five weeks, then re-exposed them to the two initial salinities in a fully-factorial design prior to measuring their reproductive output. We found that barnacles that switched salinities between the initial and final exposures tended to produce more nauplii larvae (up to 50%) than those that remained in the same salinity conditions, possibly because of a stress response induced by physiological acclimation to early life environments. Because adult biofouling species are likely to be exposed to variable environmental conditions during vessel transits, carryover effects and their impact on propagule output may be important to consider when evaluating potential NIS introductions via biofouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The port fouling fauna from Mexico has recieved greater study in the last 15 years. By improving our knowledge of fouling invertebrates on artificial substrates on the Southern Pacific coast of Mexico, we can better understand their distribution and prevent bioinvasions. The specimens listed in this present study come from PVC plates that were placed between June 2019 to June 2020 submerged at 1 m depth, on four docks of the Chahué Marina, Oaxaca, Mexico. Forty-four taxa, representing nine phyla were identi-fied: Sipuncula (1 species), Entoprocta (1), Bryozoa (3), Arthropoda (3), Porifera (4), Cnidaria (5), Chordata (6), Mollusca (10) and Annelida (11). Thirty taxa were identified to species, with two still requiring confirmation. Five were identified to genus, two to family, and five to class level. From the 30 identified species, 18 were non-native species: one entoproct, one mollusk, two bryozoans, three hydrozoans, three barnacles, four polychaetes, and four ascidians. These results include seven new records from the state of Oaxaca: one entoproct, one barnacle, two bryozoans, and three hydrozoans.

The article discusses a scientific study that misidentified a species of hydrothermal vent barnacle, which has implications for the interpretation of the data. The study compared the genetic makeup of two barnacle species and concluded that one had adapted to the deep-sea environment. However, it was later discovered that the barnacle used in the study was actually a different species. The article also mentions the diversity patterns of hydrothermal vent barnacles in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting a hypothesis about their dispersal. The authors stress the importance of correctly identifying species in scientific research. [Extracted from the article]

The levels of mercury (Hg) were examined in the leg muscle of the crab Grapsus grapsus from five sites on four islands within the Galápagos archipelago. Mercury values obtained using a Milestone DMA 80 evo direct mercury analyzer varied both within and among sites. Total mercury concentrations (mg kg−1 dry weight) ranged from the lowest at a protected location at Isabela Island (0.06 ± 0.02) to the highest at the San Cristóbal urban location (2.04 ± 0.069). Crabs from South Plaza Island also had surprisingly high levels of mercury with a mean of 1.2 ± 0.6. Values from urban sites at Isabela Island and Academy Bay, Santa Cruz, had intermediate values. When converted to wet weight, crabs from both San Cristóbal and South Plaza were within or above the levels (0.3–0.5 mg kg−1 wet weight set by various government agencies) considered potentially harmful to human health if ingested. A lesser number of both oysters and barnacles were also analyzed for mercury at South Plaza and Academy Bay, and while the values were lower compared to the crabs, they followed the same pattern of elevated levels at South Plaza compared to Academy Bay. It is unclear as to whether the mercury comes from natural sources, such as volcanism, or anthropogenic causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, MapReduce has become a popular tool for handling big data. At the same time, uncertainty is related to arbitrariness, fuzziness, ambiguity, irregularity and incomplete knowledge. In RS theory, the uncertainty behaviour of the data in the dataset of interest is managed by using upper and lower approximate sets and classification accuracy. The RS model is integrated with data clustering technique for optimal outcomes. With this motivation, this study designs an Optimal Clustering with RS‐Based Rule Generation Model (OC‐RSRGM) for data classification on MapReduce environment. The OC‐RSRGM technique aims to generate an optimal set of rules using RST for the data classification process and it involves a two‐stage process namely Optimal Fuzzy c‐Means Clustering (OFCM) and RSRGM‐based rule generation with classification. The OFCM technique is derived to eradicate the local optimal problem of the FCM (Fuzzy c‐Means) model using Barnacles Mating Optimizer (BMO). It provides the decision‐makers with all the information needed to design appropriate mechanisms to support their decision‐making activities. The Hadoop MapReduce tool is used to handle big data. The proposed method combines an FCM, BMO, RS theory to accomplish effective decision‐making. The OC‐RSRGM technique can be employed to continuous value dataset where data point does not offer any class details and it might be uncertain. To validate the performance of OC‐RSRGM technique, a detailed experimental analysis is carried out to highlights the betterment of OC‐RSRGM technique. The proposed OC‐RSRGM technique has obtained an effective outcome with the CT of 5.43 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave climate is shifting over the last decades along the Atlantic coasts of Europe ultimately driven by large-scale patterns of atmospheric variability forced by anthropogenic global warming. Changes in wave height and surf zone orbital currents are hypothesized to drive marked shifts in the shape of intertidal organisms such as the stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes, whose quality and market price are known to decrease non linearly with the peduncle length: width ratio S. This study evaluates wave trends in NW Iberian Peninsula, using the Spanish Port System 2006–2020 SIMAR wave hindcast. On the other hand, trends in stalked barnacle morphology and quality are estimated from 26 sites at the management regions of Baiona and A Guarda between 2011 and 2020. Results show evidence of temporal changes in barnacle quality and, especially, morphometry caused by simultaneous shifts in winter wave induced orbital currents. Because of the non linear relationship between S and the high quality threshold, large increases in S are usually translated to small reductions in quality. However, we identified a tipping point around S = 2.4 that if surpassed can lead to great drops in barnacle quality. In addition, changes in wave forcing will have different effects at each extraction site, as trends in wave climate are decoupled from barnacle morphometry at steeper sites sheltered from the predominant wave direction. In conclusion, this knowledge could be applied to develop site specific barnacle harvesting strategies based on annual wave climate forecasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show in this study that the population of Chthamalus dentatus along the Atlantic coast of Africa displays a genetic division into four clades, namely: the South African, the Namibian-Angolan, the Cameroonian and the West African clade. This division is based on four genes – two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the control region (D-loop), with the addition of two nuclear genes, the elongation factor (EF1) and the sodium-potassium ATPase (NaKA). The unique morphological feature of C. dentatus – dentated sutures between the shell compartments – is apparent in the specimens of the four clades, thus we define these clades as cryptic species of C. dentatus. The present work extends previous studies on the population genetics of C. dentatus that were based on COI only, by adding more genes and expanding the range of collection sites. In addition, the availability of new specimens from West Africa also enabled us to increase the northern limit of this species' range to include Northern Senegal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plastic pollution is a significant issue on the East Coast of Surabaya, emphasizing the need to develop microplastic monitoring programs. Barnacles became one of the potential microplastic bioindicator species on the East Coast of Surabaya. This study aimed to characterize the visual and polymers of microplastics found in barnacles and assess their potential as a bioindicator species for microplastic pollution on the East Coast of Surabaya. Methods: Microplastic polymer analysis was performed using ATR-FTIR. Results: A total of 196 microplastic particles were found in barnacles, water, and sediment. The size of microplastics in barnacles, water, and sediment varied, with the size in barnacles dominated by class 1 (1–10 µm), in water by class 2 (10–50 µm), and in sediments by class 3 (50–100 µm). Fragments dominated the shape of microplastics in barnacles, while water and sediment were dominated by fiber. The microplastic color in barnacles, water, and sediment was dominated by blue, and the microplastic polymer composition on barnacles, water, and sediments was dominated by cellophane (36%). Amphibalanus amphitrite was found to be predominant and identified as a potential microplastic bioindicator because it is a cosmopolitan species. Its population was found to correlate positively with cellophane (CP) accumulation. The Pearson's correlation test between barnacle length and microplastic length at a = 0.05 was inversely proportional to r = − 0.411 (p < 0.05), categorized as a strong enough correlation. These findings are essential in developing monitoring programs and mitigating the impact of microplastics on the marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-potential method (SP) has been used extensively to reveal some model parameters of various ore deposits. However, estimating these parameters can be challenging due to the mathematical nature of the inversion process. To address this issue, we propose here a novel global optimizer called the Modified Barnacles Mating Optimizer (MBMO). We improved upon the original approach by incorporating a variable genital length strategy, a novel barnacle offspring evolving method, and an out-of-bounds correction approach. The MBMO has not been previously applied to geophysical anomalies. Prior to inversion of real data sets, modal and sensitivity Analyzes were conducted using a theoretical model with multiple sources. The Analyzes revealed that the problem is modal in nature, model parameters have varying levels of sensitivity, and an algorithm that can well balance global exploration with local exploitation is required to solve this problem. The MBMO was tested on theoretical SP anomalies and four real datasets from Türkiye, Canada, India, and Germany. Its performance was compared to the original version under equal conditions. Uncertainty determination studies were carried out to comprehend the reliability of the solutions obtained via both algorithms. The findings indicated clearly that the MBMO outperformed its original version in estimating the model parameters from SP anomalies. The modifications presented here improved its ability to search for the global minimum effectively. In addition to geophysical datasets, experiments with 11 challenging benchmark functions demonstrated the advantages of MBMO in optimization problems. Theoretical and field data applications showed that the proposed algorithm can be used effectively in model parameter estimations from SP anomalies of ore deposits with the help of total gradient anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charles Spence Bate (1818–1889) was one of the more influential mid to late 19th century crustacean taxonomists, with broad interests spanning several taxonomic groups, such as Amphipoda and Decapoda. Despite several contemporary obituaries, no full publication list for him has ever been assembled. In the present contribution, we provide a complete listing of publications and all species- and genus-level crustacean taxa described by Spence Bate, and indicate their current status. Corrections to publication dates are listed, and several decisions are made to stabilise crustacean nomenclature. In a scientific career spanning almost 50 years (1850–1889), Spence Bate described a total of 402 species and 70 genera in Decapoda, 181 species and 46 genera in Amphipoda, as well as eight genera and eight species of Cumacea, four genera and 16 species of Isopoda, three of Tanaidacea and one of Cirripedia. Of these, 36.2% of species and 45.7% of genera are still considered as the accepted names for their taxa today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic plasticity of the penis and cirri of acorn barnacles is well documented for intertidal species. We investigated whether these phenomena also occur in the epizoic sea-turtle barnacle, Chelonibia testudinaria (Linnaeus, 1758). We compared the morphologies of the penis and cirri, and fertilization rates for adult, hermaphroditic barnacles on different regions of the carapace of sea turtles, and at different levels of crowding on the carapace. Barnacles were more abundant in the posterior position of loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta (Linnaeus, 1758), followed by the central, central costal, and anterior positions. Barnacles in clustered groups were fertilized 68% more often than solitary individuals. Penis size increased with barnacle size and among individual sea turtles. Cirrus length and width also varied with barnacle size, among individual sea turtles, and among positions. Larger barnacles had longer and wider feeding cirri, and cirri were longer and wider in the central and posterior positions of the carapace than in the anterior and central costal positions. The phenotypic plasticity of the morphologies of the penis and cirrus is far less dramatic in Ch. testudinaria than in intertidal species. This may be explained by the epizoic barnacles not being permanently fixed and able to move to preferred positions on the host shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the reproduction of the barnacle Tetraclita kuroshioensis Chan, Tsang & Chu, 2007 (Cirripedia: Thoracica: Tetraclitidae) at different heights in the intertidal zone in Okinawa, Japan with a focus on gonadal development, the brooding of eggs, and unhatched larvae, as well as the role of environmental factors in breeding rhythmicity. Histological observations collected around each full moon from September 2019 to October 2020 showed various stages of oocyte development in September and October 2019 and from March to September 2020, whereas mature testes were observed from April to October 2020. The breeding season of this species thus lasts for at least seven months under long-day conditions at a water temperature above 21 °C. Barnacles collected from three tidal levels on multiple occasions during April, August, and October 2020 displayed little vertical variation in their stage of ovarian development, but there was a noticeable difference in the percentage of brooding individuals in August and October, as well as an increased prevalence of brooding during the new-moon phase at the upper and middle tidal heights. Our findings indicate that larval release by T. kuroshioensis undergoes seasonal variation, apparently influenced by the cycles of lunar (major factor) and tide (minor factor) in their habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first to sequence the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Perforatus perforatus Bruguière, 1789 (Balanomorpha: Balanidae). The 15,536-bp long P. perforatus mitogenome contained a typical set of animal mitochondrial genes, along with one control region. The P. perforatus mitogenome had an inverted gene block (trnP-ND4L-ND4-trnH-ND5-trnF) between trnS(gct) and trnT. This inverted gene block had been detected six species in three subfamilies of the Balanidae family (Balaninae, Acastinae and Megabalaninae), but our results show that it is also present in Concavinae, in which P. perforatus is included. The phylogenetic tree based on the concatenated sequences of the 13 protein-coding genes and two rRNA genes showed that P. perforatus is closely associated with Acasta sulcate and Balanus trigonus within Balanidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unitary and modular sessile organisms both dominate in marine benthic communities, commonly preyed upon by the same generalist predators. The differences between unitary and modular defensive strategies may underlie the ways generalist predators control community structure, but this has never been empirically examined. We hypothesize that the individual size of an omnivorous mesopredatory shrimp affects the relative vulnerability of unitary and modular prey and hence translates into community structure. In a short‐term laboratory microcosm experiment, we assessed the effect of the shrimp individual size on an epibiotic assemblage of red algae blades initially dominated by three species of modular bryozoans and a unitary serpulid tubeworm. We found that the individual size of a shrimp determines its effect on the prey community composition. Large shrimp stronger than small shrimp increased the proportion of unitary tubeworms among the epibionts surviving predation. While large shrimp reduced the proportions of all the three dominant bryozoan species, small shrimp, in contrast, mostly increased the proportion of a bryozoan species with the smallest modules and largest colonies. This bryozoan, like the tubeworms, demonstrated a higher survival rate with larger individual (colony) size. Yet, against large shrimp this bryozoan was outperformed by the largest tubeworms almost immune to predation. Partial predation by small shrimp modestly improved survival of the largest bryozoan colonies. Thus, relative vulnerability of unitary and modular prey is determined by the predator individual size. Our findings clarify the complex way the size structures of generalist consumers and their prey shape communities by affecting the species‐specific relative performance of modular and unitary organisms. The demography of a foundation species and the competitive hierarchy can have additional effects by altering the balance of predation and competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In March 2022, human remains were discovered submerged 15 metres underwater, near Cubagua Island, Venezuela. The remains were intricately entangled and secured to the seafloor. The investigation was conducted by the Servicio Nacional de Medicina y Ciencias Forenses (SENAMECF) of Venezuela, and it involved an underwater recovery operation, followed by a comprehensive examination. The medicolegal, anthropological, odontological, and taphonomical analyses alongside diatom test were conducted to ascertain the identity of the remains, determine the cause of death, and estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI)/post-mortem submersion interval (PMSI). Collaborative efforts with international experts on adipocere and barnacle analyses allowed for the refinement of the enhanced the precision of information provided in plea announcements, which facilitated the identification of the subject. Forensic analyses on incomplete and highly decomposed human remains present inherent complexities, which are exacerbated in underwater environments. Compounded by the limited experience and expertise in aquatic forensics among law enforcement agencies worldwide, the present case exemplifies a successful professional collaboration that surmounted a diverse array of challenges. This case underscores the critical importance of knowledge-sharing within the continuously evolving field of forensic science, serves as an illustrative example, and provides guidelines for the investigation of similar cases in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Relationships of microbial corrosion and barnacle cement. • Infrared peaks of biofilm were found in the junction of barnacles and shipwreck. • Photoluminescence spectroscopy was used to identify the corrosion regions. Wooden shipwrecks submerged in underwater environments are susceptible to physical and biological corrosion. This study investigates the microscopic morphology and structural composition of barnacles and the wooden surface of the Yangtze Estuary II shipwreck. Analytical techniques, including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier infrared transform spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), were employed to analyze the corrosion processes. The findings have unveiled a distinct pattern of black corrosion, prominently concentrated within the interface region where barnacles attach to the wooden shipwreck. This corrosion primarily consists of FeS, FeS 2 and Fe 3 S 4 and exhibits a notable tendency to expand along the wooden surface to interior region. Additionally, a striking ultraviolet fluorescence phenomenon emanates from the barnacle cement within the adhesion region of barnacles and the wooden surface. This observation has led to the hypothesis that the origin of this black corrosion is intricately linked to the barnacle cement, its role in biological corrosion, and subsequent biomineralization processes. To conclude, this study provides an intricate account of the microbial corrosion process influenced by barnacle cement in the context of the wooden shipwreck. The research findings offer valuable insights that can serve as a point of reference in identifying the sources of disease and implementing protective measures for waterlogged wooden cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are mutagenic, carcinogenic, and persistent organic pollutants of the marine and coastal environment. No previous research has precisely used barnacles as potential PCBs bioindicators in the Caspian sea. The present survey was done to add the PCBs concentrations amongst the barnacle and sediment samples collected from 5 important Iranian ports besides the Caspian sea. Barnacle and sediment samples were collected from Astara, Anzali, Caspian, Kiashahr, and Chamkhaleh ports. Samples were transferred to the laboratory and analyzed for the presence and concentration of PCBs using GC-MS. Eighty different types of PCB were detected in the examined samples. PCBs concentration ranged from 02.00±00.10 to 53.00±00.60 ng/g. PCB-77 (53.00±00.60 ng/g in Chamkhaleh, 53.00±01.20 ng/g in Caspian, 53.00±02.40 ng/g in Anzali, and 53.00±2.7 ng/g in Astara ports) had the highest concentration in barnacle samples. PCB-52 (53.00±00.70 ng/g in Chamkhaleh port) had the highest concentration in sediment samples. PCB-114 had the lowest concentration amongst the barnacle (02.00±00.10 ng/g in Astara port) and sediment (03.00±00.20 ng/g in Anzali port) samples. This study is the first report evaluating the presence and concentration of PCBs in barnacle in the Caspian Sea. The role of barnacles and sediments as biomonitors of PCBs was determined. It seems necessary to set strict rules to prevent pollutants from entering the Caspian Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I describe the parasitic barnacle Mycetomorpha abyssalis sp. nov. from the crangonid shrimp Sclerocrangon zenkevitchi collected from 3893–3890 m depth off the eastern coast of Iwate, Japan, northwestern Pacific. This is the first Mycetomorpha rhizocephalan from the abyssal zone and the third species in Mycetomorpha. Mycetomorpha abyssalis sp. nov. differs from its congeners M. vancouverensis and M. albatrossi in (1) triangular shield lacking, (2) stalk one-quarter of length from posterior end of externa, (3) mantle opening clearly anterior to stalk, (4) different host genus, and (5) depth range much deeper. I determined partial sequences for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA genes and nuclear 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA genes from M. abyssalis sp. nov. for future DNA barcoding and phylogeny. Kimura 2-parameter distances between M. abyssalis sp. nov. and M. vancouverensis were 21.2% (16S), 0.6% (18S), and 1.5% (28S). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrachaelasma southwardi Newman & Ross, 1971, a bathylasmatine balanomorph, has been recorded from the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon (ca. 38°S, off the coast of Argentina), at two stations located at significantly different depths (1950 m and 2934 m). A total of 29 specimens, complete or damaged but with soft parts intact, were collected. This unusually large number of well-preserved specimens allows us to add supplementary descriptions and document intraspecific morphological variations. The differences between T. southwardi and T. tasmanicum Buckeridge, 1999, the second species of this genus, are re-evaluated. A map and an updated list including all the records of the genus Tetrachaelasma Newman & Ross, 1971 are provided. The distribution of the genus Tetrachaelasma in the Southern Ocean is discussed. Furthermore, a single specimen of another bathylasmatine balanomorph, which was assigned to the genus Bathylasma Newman & Ross, 1971, was also obtained at the 1950 m station herein studied. This is the first record of the genus Bathylasma from the South-West Atlantic. This specimen has one T. southwardi attached to it, marking the first time that members of these two genera have been found living together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bay barnacle Amphibalanus improvisus (Darwin, 1854) has been found in Northern Germany in brackish marine sediments of the Holsteinian interglacial. Whereas the cause of the contemporary distribution of this species is anthropogenic and there is evidence that it has resulted mainly from shipping, the fossil findings demonstrate that A. improvisus had also already reached Europe naturally during the Pleistocene in Europe, probably via the Gulf Stream system of the Atlantic. Today, A. improvisus is considered one of the most successful aquatic invasive species worldwide and it is characterized by a high environmental tolerance. The ingression of the Holsteinian Sea, during the Pleistocene, took place during the climate optimum from the North Sea into the 'Elbe Estuary' through the Hamburg region and far to the south‐east into Brandenburg. It has been possible to reconstruct the palaeo‐ecological conditions based in particular on molluscs. Accordingly, environmental conditions ranged from normal marine in the north, via brackish in the transitional area to limnic–fluviatile in the Berlin region. The morphological features of the bay barnacles and their ecological parameters are described here in detail. In addition, we provide a general review of the known Pleistocene Balanidae in northern central Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of nemerteans along the Pacific coast of the United States is regarded as well characterized, but there remain many cryptic, undescribed, and "orphan" species (those known only in their larval form). Recent sampling of nemerteans in Oregon and Washington has begun to fill in these taxonomic gaps, but nemertean diversity in California has received relatively little attention over the past 60 years. During the summers of 2019 and 2020, nemertean specimens were collected from 20 locations in the Bodega Bay region of northern California, USA, including rocky intertidal shores, sandy beaches, mudflats, and other habitats. Based on morphological assessment and DNA sequence analysis (partial Cytochrome Oxidase I and 16S rRNA genes), our surveys identified 34 nemertean species. Only 13 of these (38%) can be confidently assigned to described species. Another 11 represent species that are new to science, including members of the genera Riserius, Nipponnemertes, Poseidonemertes, Zygonemertes, Nemertellina, Oerstedia, and three species of uncertain affiliation. The remaining ten species include undescribed or cryptic species of uncertain status that have been found previously along the Pacific Coast of North America. Our surveys also document extensions of known geographic ranges for multiple species, including the first records in California of Antarctonemertes phyllospadicola, Cephalothrix hermaphroditica, and Maculaura oregonensis. This is the first report of the genus Nemertellina in the northeast Pacific and Riserius in California. Overall, our findings highlight how much remains to be learned about the diversity and distribution of nemerteans in the northeast Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stingless bee propolis is a popular traditional folk medicine and has been employed since ancient times. This study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive activities of the chemical constituents of aqueous propolis extract (APE) collected by Trigona thoracica in a nociceptive model in mice. Methods: The identification of chemical constituents of APE was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ninety-six male Swiss mice were administered APE (400 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg, and 2,000 mg/kg) before developing nociceptive pain models. Then, the antinociceptive properties of each APE dose were evaluated in acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction, hot plate test, and formalin-induced paw licking test. Administration of normal saline, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 100 mg/kg, orally), and morphine (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) were used for the experiments. Results: HPLC revealed that the APE from Trigona thoracica contained p-coumaric acid (R² = 0.999) and caffeic acid (R² = 0.998). Although all APE dosages showed inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction, only 2,000 mg/kg was comparable to the result of ASA (68.7% vs. 73.3%, respectively). In the hot plate test, only 2,000 mg/kg of APE increased the latency time significantly compared to the control. In the formalin test, the durations of paw licking were significantly reduced at early and late phases in all APE groups with a decrease from 45.1% to 53.3%. Conclusions: APE from Trigona thoracica, containing p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid, exhibited antinociceptive effects, which supports its potential use in targeting the prevention or reversal of central and peripheral sensitization that may produce clinical pain conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an elitism-crossover barnacle mating optimization (ECBMO). It is an improvement of barnacle mating optimization (BMO). The original BMO suffers from local optima problem leading to a low accurate solution. A new method of offspring generation is adopted into the original BMO structure. Some features of the best-so-far solution are incorporated into the generated offspring. The accuracy performance of the proposed algorithm is tested on several IEEE functions. A statistical analysis is conducted to compare its performance over the original BMO. It is also applied to optimize proportional integral derivative (PID) parameters for controlling output voltage of a buck converter. Result of benchmark functions test shows the proposed algorithm has attained higher accuracy for all functions compared to BMO algorithm. Application on the real problem shows both algorithms control the converter voltage satisfactorily. However, the ECBMO has achieved more optimal PID parameters and leading to a better output voltage response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global ecological concern regarding the transfer of fouling organisms to ship hulls is increasing. This study investigated the species composition, dominant species, distribution patterns, community structure, and life-cycle differences of hull-fouling macroinvertebrates on five research vessels (R/Vs: Isabu, Onnuri, Eardo, Jangmok 1, and Jangmok 2) operated by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST). Hull-fouling macroinvertebrates were collected three to five times on quadrats from the upper and middle sectors of the hull sides, bottom, and niche areas (the propellers, shafts, and thrusters). A total of 47 macroinvertebrate species were identified, represented by 8519 individuals (ind.)/m2 and a biomass of 1967 gWWt/m2 on the five vessels. The number of species, density, and biomass were greater on the coastal vessels Eardo, Jangmok 1, and Jangmok 2 than on the ocean-going vessels the Isabu and Onnuri. Among the coastal vessels, barnacles were the most abundant and had the greatest density, while mollusks had the highest biomass. Differences between hull sectors showed that the highest species abundance and density appeared on all hulls in ports and bays where the Jangmok 1 operated, while the highest species abundance, density, and biomass were identified in the niche areas of the Eardo, which operated farther from the coast. The hull-fouling macroinvertebrates that exceeded 1% of all organisms were the barnacles Amphibalanus amphitrite, Balanus trigonus, and Amphibalanus improvisus; the polychaete Hydroides ezoensis; the bivalves Magallana gigas and Mytilus galloprovincialis; and the amphipod Jassa slatteryi. The dominant species were cosmopolitan and globally distributed, and many of them were cryptogenic. Six native species were identified: M. gigas, H. ezoensis, the amphipod Melita koreana, the isopod Cirolana koreana, and the barnacles B. trigonus and F. kondakovi. Eight non-indigenous species (NIS) were detected: the barnacles A. amphitrite and A. improvisus, the bivalve M. galloprovincialis, the polychaete Perinereis nuntia, the amphipods J. slatteryi and Caprella californica, and the bryozoans Bugulina californica and Bugula neritina. Of the fouling macroinvertebrates found on the vessel hulls, 13% were native, and 17% were NIS. More diverse communities developed on the hulls of vessels that operated locally rather than globally or in deep oceans. The species diversity index correlated positively with the total number of anchoring days and coastal operation days and negatively with the total number of operation days and ocean operation days. The macroinvertebrates differed by the area of operation, the port of anchorage, the number of days in operation and at anchor, and the hull sectors. There is no previous research data on hull-fouling macroinvertebrates in the Republic of Korea, and this study provides a basis for future studies to identify introduced species and their differences based on operation area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on several field investigations, many molluscan shells and chondrichthyan teeth, together with other invertebrate and actinopterygian remains were found from the marine Bangkok Clay deposits in Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, at a depth of ~ 5–7 m below the topsoil surface. Animal macrofossils recovered from these Holocene marine deposits were identified and their chronological context was investigated in order to reconstruct the paleoenvironments of the area at that time. The majority of marine fossils recovered from the site consist of molluscs, with a total of 63 species identified. Other invertebrate species include a stony coral, a mud lobster, barnacles, and a sea urchin. The vertebrates are represented by fish remains, including carcharhinid shark teeth from at least nine species, stingray and trichiurid teeth, and one sciaenid otolith. The molluscan fauna indicates that the paleoenvironments of the area corresponded to intertidal to sublittoral zones, where some areas were mangrove forests and intertidal mudflats. The fish fauna is dominated by the river shark Glyphis, indicating freshwater influences and possibly occasional brackish conditions. The carbon-14 analysis of mollusc and charcoal remains shows that deposition of the marine sediment sequence began during the mid-Holocene, spanning approximately from 8,800 to 5,300 cal yr BP. This study provides in-depth insights into the diversity of fishes, marine molluscs, and other invertebrates from the Bangkok Clay deposits, supporting the existence of a marine transgression onto the Lower Central Plain of Thailand during the mid-Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study undertakes a detailed examination of the host range and distribution patterns of Rhizocephala, a group of specialized parasitic barnacles, within Korean marine environments. It aims to expand the understanding of their biodiversity and ecological impact. Methods: Employing both morphological observation and mitochondrial DNA sequencing, the study identifies the variety of rhizocephalan species infecting decapod hosts in Korean waters, aiming to document their diversity and distribution. Results: The investigation identifies 26 rhizocephalan species parasitizing 28 decapod hosts, including the discovery of three new parasite-host relationships not previously reported. It was observed that while a few rhizocephalan species infect multiple hosts, most have a narrow host range. Additionally, the study maps out regional differences in Rhizocephala diversity across three Korean marine ecoregions, noting the highest diversity in the warmer East China Sea ecoregion and lower diversity in the colder Yellow Sea and East Sea ecoregions. Discussion: The findings underscore the necessity for continued taxonomic research on Rhizocephala and their host species to better understand and manage these parasites, which hold significant ecological and economic importance. The study suggests that geographical variations in host-parasite relationships are influenced by regional climatic conditions, particularly winter water temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diverse sessile barnacle fauna from a Miocene shallow‐water deposit at Dolnja Stara vas in Slovenia is described. It includes the first descriptions of early post settlement juveniles of Actinobalanus sloveniensis attached to mangrove leaves. These represent three distinct growth phases, the earliest being interpreted as being less than 24 h post settlement, the others being 1 to 2 days post settlement. An assessment of their taphonomy is provided. Associated adult balanomorphs are attached to a variety of organic substrates, including mangrove leaves and branches, fragments of the conifers ?Taxodioxylon, Carapoxylon, pine cones, molluscs, and cetacean bones. The barnacles include A. sloveniensis, Amphibalanus venustus, and Perforatus perforatus—many with opercula retained within the shells. A. venustus retains some of the original shell color. This is the second record of barnacle–plant associations from the Central Paratethys from Kamnik and Trbovlje. The paleoecology and paleogeography of the site are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maria Sibylla Merian, a remarkable woman born in 1647, made significant contributions to the field of entomology through her study of insects and their interactions with other living creatures. Her observations and illustrations challenged widely accepted scientific beliefs, particularly Aristotle's theory of spontaneous generation. Merian's research took her to Suriname, where she studied the diverse species of insects and plants. Despite facing obstacles as a woman in the 17th century, Merian's privileged background and access to resources played a role in her success. The story of Bobbi Wilson, a young Black girl with a passion for entomology, highlights the racial and gender inequalities that persist in science today. Both Merian and Wilson demonstrate the importance of breaking down structural inequities in scientific education to create a more inclusive space for scientific discovery. [Extracted from the article]

Research into renewable energies is expanding quickly, especially photovoltaic (PV) systems. PV systems are employed extensively in several renewable energy applications. The primary challenge with PV systems is maximizing electricity output. Consequently, a significant amount of research into modeling PV continues to focus on maximizing the generated power. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) refers to the optimization of PV power generation. Accordingly, an effective MPPT approach deploying a converged barnacles mating optimizer (CBMO)-based adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is introduced in this paper. The mentioned strategy is utilized to detect and track the maximum power point (MPP) in two phases. At the initial stage, ideal voltages are determined using the CBMO algorithm in various temperatures and irradiances in the offline mode. After being trained, the ANFIS calculates the ideal voltage depending on the radiation conditions on solar panels. It then enters the tracking cycle and attempts to identify the MPP. To evaluate the behavior of the suggested technique, a Matlab/Simulink-based MPPT model is created. The proposed approach is evaluated under various weather conditions. The results demonstrate that the suggested methodology for tracking is efficacious under all environmental circumstances. Simulation of the suggested technique is carried out, and the results demonstrate that the introduced MPPT algorithm will effectively give the global maximum under a variety of climatic circumstances. Additionally, this approach is exceedingly effective, rapid, and stable. The findings demonstrate that the suggested technique properly identifies the optimum MPP at 99.3% efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a Barnacles mating optimizer‐based multi‐resolution proportional‐integral derivative (MRPID) controller for precise speed control of the hybrid stepper motor (HSM). The proposed approach is a barnacle mating optimizer (BMO) control scheme. The main objective of this approach is to use the MRPID controller to improve speed control in particular and uncertain conditions. The BMO is utilized to create the proposed MRPID controller. The proposed converter has a low switching voltage and uses a low input current. The proposed converter supplies a large amount of power to the voltage source inverter (VSI), which converts DC to AC and then supplies it to the HSM. The HSM can be utilized in various settings, including robots and factory applications. Then, the performance of the proposed system has been evaluated in the MATLAB platform and compared with various existing systems. The existing adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and the moth flame optimization algorithm (MFO) methods are used to validate the efficiency of the proposed controller. The proposed system rise time is 0.0007, the settling time is 0.1, the recovery time is 0.221, the AMU is 1.205, the IAE is 0.1034, and the SSE is 0.234. According to the simulation findings, the suggested system is statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annelid biodiversity studies in the Red Sea are limited and integrative taxonomy is needed to accurately improve reference libraries in the region. As part of the bioblitz effort in Saudi Arabia to assess the invertebrate biodiversity in the northern Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba, Perinereis specimens from intertidal marine and lagoon-like rocky environments were selected for an independent assessment, given the known taxonomic ambiguities in this genus. This study used an integrative approach, combining molecular with morphological and geographic data. Our results demonstrate that specimens found mainly in the Gulf of Aqaba are not only morphologically different from other five similar Perinereis Group I species reported in the region, but phylogenetic analysis using available COI sequences from GenBank revealed different molecular operational taxonomic units, suggesting an undescribed species, P. kaustiana sp. nov. The new species is genetically close and shares a similar paragnath pattern to the Indo-Pacific distributed P. helleri, in particular in Area III and Areas VII–VIII. Therefore, we suggest it may belong to the same species complex. However, P. kaustiana sp. nov. differs from the latter mainly in the shorter length of the postero-dorsal tentacular cirri, median parapodia with much longer dorsal cirri, posteriormost parapodia with much wider and greatly expanded dorsal ligules. Additionally, two new records are reported for the Saudi Neom area belonging to P. damietta and P. suezensis, previously described only for the Egyptian coast (Suez Canal) and are distributed sympatrically with the new species, but apparently not sympatric with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Corals support coral reef biodiversity by acting as hosts for symbionts. • Four major taxa of coral parasites were compared for their host specificity. • Totals of 203 coral-associated invertebrates and 335 host coral species were recorded. • Coral barnacles and gall crabs are more host-specific than serpulids and date mussels. • Coral symbionts in the Indo-Pacific are more host-specific than those in the Atlantic region. Coral-associated fauna predominantly consists of invertebrates and constitutes an important component of coral reef biodiversity. The symbionts depend on their hosts for food, shelter and substrate. They may act as parasites by feeding on their hosts, by overgowing their polyps, or by excavating their skeletons. Because some of these species partly reside inside their hosts, they may be cryptic and can easily be overlooked in biodiversity surveys. Since no quantitative overview is available about these inter-specific relationships, this present study adresses variation in host ranges and specificity across four large coral-associated taxa and between the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans. These taxa are: coral barnacles (Pyrgomatidae, n = 95), coral gall crabs (Cryptochiridae, n = 54), tubeworms (Serpulidae, n = 31), and date mussels (Lithophaginae, n = 23). A total of 335 host coral species was recorded. An index of host specificity (S TD) was calculated per symbiont species, based on distinctness in taxonomic host range levels (species, genus, family, etc.). Mean indices were statistically compared among the four associated taxa and the two oceanic coral reef regions. Barnacles were the most host-specific, tubeworms the least. Indo-Pacific associates were approximately 10 times richer in species and two times more host-specific than their Atlantic counterparts. Coral families varied in the number of associates, with some hosting none. This variation could be linked to host traits (coral growth form, maximum host size) and is most probably also a result of the evolutionary history of the interspecific relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]