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OBJECTIVE: To assess the pharmacokinetics and sedative effects of a single administration of oral gabapentin in African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) at 2 different dosages. METHODS: Adult cheetahs (n = 16) located at 3 different zoological institutions were prospectively enrolled to receive single doses of gabapentin administered at 2 different dosages (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg). Venipuncture was performed under behavioral restraint at predetermined time points over a 24-hour period using a sparse sampling model. Plasma concentrations of gabapentin were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. A modified domestic felid sedation scoring system was used to assess animals at each time point by 3 masked scorers, and sedation scores were compared between time points. RESULTS: Mean ± SE maximal plasma concentrations were 24.0 ± 12.8 µg/mL and 31.4 ± 8.57 µg/mL for the 10- and 20-mg/kg dosages, respectively. For both dosages, concentrations remained elevated at the final collection time point of 24 hours (2.39 ± 1.97 and 3.93 ± 3.09 µg/mL for 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively). Mild sedation was achieved for both doses up to 24 hours postadministration, with no significant differences between dosages. CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin was well absorbed following oral administration, and concentrations remained elevated 24 hours postadministration. Gabapentin produces mild sedation at 10 or 20 mg/kg for up to 24 hours. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gabapentin given to cheetahs at these dosages is a useful tool for improving patient welfare due to its mild sedative effects over a clinically relevant time period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the correlation, precision, mean percentage difference and agreement between cardiac indices (stroke volume [SV], cardiac output [CO], SV index [SVI], and cardiac index [CI]) measured by noninvasive cardiac output monitor (NICOM®, Cheetah Medical, Boston, MA, USA) and 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D-TTE) across gestations in Chinese pregnant women. Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study performed in women with singleton pregnancy at 11–14+6 (n = 152), 19–24+6 (n = 152), 30–34+6 (n = 141), and 35–37+6 (n = 103). Cardiac indices, including CO and SV, were obtained by NICOM®, which uses thoracic bioreactance, and 2D-TTE. CI and SVI were calculated from CO and SV adjusted for body surface area. The measurements of cardiac indices obtained using NICOM® were assessed relative to that of 2D-TTE by calculating correlation coefficient, bias, precision, mean percentage difference, and 95% limits of agreement, adjusted for repeated measurements. Results: Comparison of the SV and SVI measurements by the two approaches showed significant moderate correlation in the first trimester (r = 0.2–0.3; p =.01). Overall, the SV and SVI measurements obtained using NICOM® relative to that obtained by 2D-TTE revealed a bias of −12.1 mL and −6.1 mL/m2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −44.5 to 20.2 and −24.8 to 12.5), respectively. Comparison of the CO and CI measurements by the two approaches showed significant moderate correlation in the first trimester (r∼0.2; p =.01). Overall, the CO and CI measurements obtained using NICOM® relative to that obtained by 2D-TTE revealed a bias of −0.50 L/min and −0.18 L/min/m2 (95% CI: 2.26–3.27 and −1.79 to 1.39), respectively. Mean percentage difference for all cardiac parameters in all three trimesters were more than 30%. Conclusions: In Chinese pregnant women, NICOM® has underestimated cardiac indices (SV, CO, SVI, and CI) compared to that measured by 2D-TTE. The mean percentage differences for all cardiac indices are more than 30%, which are higher than the clinically acceptable limit. Future research is needed to determine whether adjustment factors should be applied to the proprietary algorithms used by the NICOM® for the estimation of SV and CO in the Chinese pregnant population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigates the importance of the timing of early experience with conspecific and human models on the long-term perception of humans. We compared the reactions of wild-born captive adult cheetahs to the presence of motionless familiar and unfamiliar humans according to their developmental history, i.e., orphancy and subsequent hand-rearing either as a young cub (at a stage when it would be hidden in a den, Early-Orphaned) or as a somewhat older juvenile (at a stage where it was accompanying its mother outdoors, Late-Orphaned). The results show clear differences, with Early-Orphaned cubs showing more affiliative behaviours, especially towards familiar humans, contrarily to Late-Orphaned cheetahs which showed none of these characteristics despite being attentive. As a whole, this suggests that the timing at which the deprivation from the primary conspecific caregiver and human hand-rearing happen can shape the future perception of humans. This also suggests that the timing in which the primary caregiver is replaced can also affect the social cognition of non-domesticated animals, thus having implications also for conservation and care in human settings. It has been argued that domestication explains the ability of domestic animals to use human cues, but similar abilities exist in wild animals repeatedly exposed to humans. Little is known on the importance of the developmental stage of this exposure for developing such abilities. Orphancy and subsequent hand-rearing constitute a quasi-experimental situation for investigating this question. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are interesting as they present a two-step development, spending their first two months of life in a den with occasional visits from the mother, and then accompanying their mother outdoors. Mother loss may occur at any of these stages, and the orphaned cheetahs are then taken under human care. We tested the importance of the stage of development on their long-term perception of humans by comparing the reactions of adult wild-born cheetahs, orphaned at "den-age" (Early-Orphaned, 0–2 months) or at a later stage (Late-Orphaned, 2–6 months), to motionless humans (familiar vs. unfamiliar). The results showed that Early-Orphaned, but not Late-Orphaned cheetahs, produced affiliative calls (purrs) towards humans and discriminated familiar and unfamiliar humans. Taken together, these results suggest that the timing in which an emotional bond is created with the primary caregiver (humans in the case of Early-Orphaned cheetahs and the mother in the case of Late-Orphaned cheetahs) is crucial in determining the reaction towards the species of the early caregiver throughout life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased integration of renewable energy sources (RESs), such as photovoltaic and wind turbine systems, in microgrids poses significant challenges due to fluctuating weather conditions and load demands. To address these challenges, this study introduces an innovative approach that combines Unscented Transformation (UT) with the Enhanced Cheetah Optimization Algorithm (ECOA) for optimal microgrid management. UT, a robust statistical technique, models nonlinear uncertainties effectively by leveraging sigma points, facilitating accurate decision-making despite variable renewable generation and load conditions. The ECOA, inspired by the adaptive hunting behaviors of cheetahs, is enhanced with stochastic leaps, adaptive chase mechanisms, and cooperative strategies to prevent premature convergence, enabling improved exploration and optimization for unbalanced three-phase distribution networks. This integrated UT-ECOA approach enables simultaneous optimization of continuous and discrete decision variables in the microgrid, efficiently handling uncertainty within RESs and load demands. Results demonstrate that the proposed model significantly improves microgrid performance, achieving a 10% reduction in voltage deviation, a 10.63% decrease in power losses, and an 83.32% reduction in operational costs, especially when demand response (DR) is implemented. These findings validate the model's efficacy in enhancing microgrid reliability and efficiency, positioning it as a viable solution for optimized performance under uncertain renewable inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droughts are increasing in frequency and severity globally due to climate change, leading to changes in resource availability that may have cascading effects on animal ecology. Resource availability is a key driver of animal space use, which in turn influences interspecific interactions like intraguild competition. Understanding how climate‐induced changes in resource availability influence animal space use, and how species‐specific responses scale up to affect intraguild dynamics, is necessary for predicting broader community‐level responses to climatic changes.Although several studies have demonstrated the ecological impacts of drought, the behavioural responses of individuals that scale up to these broader‐scale effects are not well known, particularly among animals in top trophic levels like large carnivores. Furthermore, we currently lack understanding of how the impacts of climate variability on individual carnivore behaviour are linked to intraguild dynamics, in part because multi‐species datasets collected at timescales relevant to climatic changes are rare.Using 11 years of GPS data from four sympatric large carnivore species in southern Africa—lions (Panthera leo), leopards (Panthera pardus), African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)—spanning 4 severe drought events, we test whether drought conditions impact (1) large carnivore space use, (2) broad‐scale intraguild spatial overlap and (3) fine‐scale intraguild interactions.Drought conditions expanded space use across species, with carnivores increasing their monthly home range sizes by 35% (wild dogs) to 66% (leopards). Drought conditions increased the amount of spatial overlap between lions and subordinate felids (cheetahs and leopards) by up to 119%, but only lion‐cheetah encounter rates were affected by these changes, declining in response to drought.Our findings reveal that drought has a clear signature on the space use of multiple sympatric large carnivore species, which can alter spatiotemporal partitioning between competing species. Our study thereby illuminates the links between environmental change, animal behaviour and intraguild dynamics. While fine‐scale avoidance strategies may facilitate intraguild coexistence during periodic droughts, large carnivore conservation may require considerable expansion of protected areas or revised human‐carnivore coexistence strategies to accommodate the likely long‐term increased space demands of large carnivores under projected increases in drought intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial in Frontiers in Immunology explores the role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in viral infection and inflammation, focusing on their impact on the immune response against viral pathogens. It also discusses TLR signaling pathways, macrophage tolerance, lectins as TLR agonists, and sex-specific immune responses in acute inflammatory diseases. The document also provides a detailed analysis of genetic markers and chromosomal structures in various species within the Felidae, Canidae, and Mustelidae families, along with information on accelerated calciprotein crystallization time and impaired lung diffusion capacity in systemic sclerosis patients. Additionally, it lists various species of animals and the number of individuals observed in each species. [Extracted from the article]

Less than 7000 cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) persist in Africa. Although human–wildlife conflict, habitat degradation, and loss of prey are major threats to cheetah populations, illegal trade in live cubs for pets may have the most significant impact on populations in the Horn of Africa. We developed a novel, stepwise decision support tool to predict probable trafficking routes by leveraging the power of distinct modeling approaches. First, we created a cheetah habitat suitability index (HSI) to determine where source cheetah populations may occur. We then created a trafficking network model linking known and predicted cheetah populations with documented destinations in the Arabian Peninsula. A significant area in Eastern Ethiopia and Northern Somalia was estimated to harbor undocumented cheetahs. When these predicted populations were used as a supply source, the trafficking network model showed multiple routes passing through Somaliland and across the Gulf of Aden to Yemen, supporting the notion that undocumented cheetahs may be supplying pet market demands. Though we demonstrate how our decision support tool can inform law enforcement, conservation strategies, and community engagement, we caution that our results are not fully validated due to limited accessibility, alternative trafficking routes, and the cryptic nature of illegal wildlife trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need to reduce human–wildlife conflicts in the area around Liupanshan Nature Reserve in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. This study investigated the financial losses caused by wild boar and their causes. A questionnaire investigation (n = 135) and a field test were conducted, which included 108 sample lines and 97 infrared cameras. A principal component analysis and generalised linear model was used to analyse the importance of the effect of the factors on wild boar damage. Based on an estimate of 17,049 wild boars in the study area, we found that in the agricultural land owned by the residents, the boar density of each county and distance from the village to the nature reserve were the most significant factors that affected crop damage. Then, financial losses in spring, summer, and autumn had a moderate effect on financial loss, and the crop type had the lowest effect. We recommend reducing the wild boar population by increasing leisure hunting and the number of leopards. Additionally, a focus on farmland protection is a practical way to prevent wild boar invasions. Meanwhile, it is also necessary to conduct long-term monitoring of wild boar population status and manage the relationship between the government, research teams, and local people to more efficiently and comprehensively reduce conflicts between humans and wild boars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the more common diseases affecting zoo-managed cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) is chronic renal disease, which can impact their welfare and ultimately shortens their lifespan. Early diagnosis, for which estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is one such tool, is imperative to help mitigate the negative impacts of this insidious disease. GFR was determined by measuring the serum clearance of iohexol in nine clinically normal, cheetahs managed under human care that presented for voluntary blood collection. A 2-sample iohexol clearance method was performed, along with serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) determination. SDMA has shown promise in humans, dogs, and cats, as an early biomarker of renal disease. Additionally, the relationship between GFR and SDMA, along with serum creatinine and BUN were analyzed. The mean values for the uncorrected GFR and corrected GFR were 2.08 ± 0.215 mL/min/kg body weight and 1.87 ± 0.173 mL/min/kg body weight, respectively. No significant correlations were observed between GFR, SDMA, serum creatinine, or BUN. Both the uncorrected and corrected iohexol-based GFR values were similar to an inulin-based GFR reference interval determined in zoo managed cheetahs and a reported domestic cat iohexol-based GFR reference interval. Serum SDMA values support previous research suggesting cheetahs have a separate reference interval from domestic cats (0–14 μg/dL). Measuring GFR by the serum clearance of iohexol shows promise as a readily available, cheap, and easily administered clearance marker that can be used in cheetahs trained for voluntary blood collection, thereby avoiding the need for anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Light Industry Machinery is the property of Light Industry Machinery Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The cheetah Acinonyx jubatus has suffered considerable range contractions in recent decades. Despite the importance of up-to-date information on distribution to guide conservation, such information is lacking for large areas within the species’ remaining potential range. In Tanzania, the largest tract of potential cheetah habitat without such data is the Selous–Nyerere ecosystem. Although the cheetah is considered possibly extant in this landscape, the last confirmed sighting was in the late 1990s. During 2020–2022, we carried out sign-based (spoor) and camera-trap surveys across Selous Game Reserve and Nyerere National Park. We did not record any evidence of cheetah presence, and opportunistic enquiries with tourism operators and protected area management staff did not provide any evidence of current or recent presence. Our findings suggest that current cheetah presence is unlikely, and that Selous–Nyerere should not be treated as potential contemporary cheetah range. We discuss the possibility that Selous–Nyerere may have never hosted a resident cheetah population, and was either occasionally occupied by dispersers from other populations or represented the edge of populations that spanned areas now treated as corridors.

Northwest African cheetah populations have declined precipitously, with expert opinion estimating that <420 individuals persist across parts of Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Mali. However, no reliable density estimates exist in the remaining subspecies strongholds throughout the Sudano‐Sahel Zone, including the W‐Arly‐Pendjari Complex and Greater Zakouma Ecosystem within the Bahr/Salamat landscape. Camera trap surveys were combined with spatially explicit capture–recapture methodologies in both regions to estimate the cheetah density and detectable demographic composition of these populations. Following 15 429 camera trap nights, we detected nine individuals during the dry season and four individuals during the wet season in Pendjari (2021), nine individuals (dry season; 2023) in Zakouma and none in Siniaka Minia. Cheetah densities were thus estimated at 0.17–0.24 and 0.37 cheetah per 100 km2 in Pendjari and Zakouma, respectively. While marginally higher than predicted, such low‐density estimates are concerning in the last remaining habitats harbouring this critically endangered subspecies. Considering the substantial contraction of regional cheetah distribution, we estimate an overall population size of 68 ± 29 individuals across the studied areas. These novel estimates are among the lowest formally determined densities throughout cheetah range in Africa, where a high frequency of people and livestock detected on camera traps highlight the ongoing risks to large carnivores in these protected areas. Subsequent management recommendations include implementation of the established regional conservation strategies that encompass the distributional range of these cheetah, continuous monitoring of populations, genetic analyses to inform management, curbing illegal trade and increasing international awareness around the plight of the subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important problems for energy management in power systems is optimal power flow (OPF). Typically, OPF takes into account both the equality and inequality constrictions and optimally modifies the electrical grid's control variables in order to minimize the different objective functions. In this study, a suggested cheetah optimizer-particle swarm optimization (CHO-PSO) approach is implemented for the best possible distribution of TCSC units in electrical power grids, to reduce total system power losses. Furthermore, the OPF problem of the power system with and without the TCSC device is solved using a modified Cheetah optimizer (CHO-PSO) algorithm. The CHO algorithm was recently developed as an effective optimization algorithm based on imitating particular cheetah hunting strategies. Basically, the proposed algorithm introduces the idea of leaving the prey and heading back home to avoid local optimal points. The significant benefit of the CHO method over the other metaheuristic methods is the CHO method's ability to function without the need for algorithm-specific parameters. Two test systems (standard IEEE 30-buses and the Iraqi power grid(IPG) are simulated with and without TCSC device to minimize two objective functions, including transmission active power loss and voltage deviations, while maintaining power balance constraints, voltage and the loading of transmission line limits, in addition to the physical boundaries of TCSC unit. The results are compared with some of the results of other algorithms that have been addressed in the latest literature. For the first system, without TCSC allocation and compared to the HFSS and HGS algorithms, the proposed CHOPSO achieved a 0.2376 MW and 0.5793 reductions in power losses respectively. Additionally, compared to the HGS, the suggested CHO-PSO algorithm achieves a noteworthy reduction in voltage deviation from 0.1195p.u to 0.1013p.u. Similarly, with TCSC placement, 0.3144 MW less is achieved in power losses by the suggested CHO-PSO in comparison to the SSA. Furthermore, the suggested CHO-PSO is implemented for the best possible distribution of TCSC devices in transmission power systems, to reduce total system losses. Thus, the outcomes show that the suggested algorithm provides an excellent and efficient solution in terms of the power flow problem of electrical systems integrating FACTS units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The beet webworm, Loxostege sticticalis, a worldwide pest of many crops, performs a seasonal migration, causing periodic outbreaks in Asia, Europe and North America. Although long‐distance migration is well documented in China, patterns of transboundary migration among China, Russia and Mongolia are largely unknown. We performed a phase analysis of L. sticticalis periodic outbreaks among three countries based on 30 years of historical population data, analyzed the wind systems during migration over boundary regions, and traced the migratory routes in a case study of outbreaks in 2008 by trajectory simulation. RESULTS: Highly synchronized outbreak years of L. sticticalis were observed between China and Mongolia, China and eastern Siberia, China and western Siberia, Mongolia and eastern Siberia, eastern Siberia and western Siberia from 1978 to 2008, indicating possible transboundary migration between these regions. Winds at 300–600 m altitude, where adult migration usually occurs, also showed a high probability of northwestern winds in Haila'er (China), Chita (Russia) and Choybalsan (Mongolia), favoring successful adult migration from these areas to northern and northeastern China. Back trajectory analysis further showed that the first‐generation adults that caused the severe outbreak of second‐generation larvae in 2008 originated from eastern Siberia, eastern Mongolia, and the boundary regions of China–Russia and China–Mongolia. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that the source of L. sticticalis outbreaks in northern China was closely related to the outbreaks in Siberia and Mongolia via long‐distance transboundary windborne migration. This information will help guide international monitoring and management strategies against this notorious pest. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese government has introduced a carbon neutral policy to cope with the rapid changes in the global climate. It is not clear what impact this policy will have on wildlife. Therefore, this study analyzed the suitable habitat distribution of China's unique leopard subspecies in northern Shaanxi, and simulated the potential suitable habitat distribution under different carbon emission scenarios at two time points of future carbon peak and carbon neutralization. We found that in the future SSPs 126 scenario, the suitable habitat area and the number of suitable habitat patches of North China leopard will continue to increase. With the increase of carbon emissions, it is expected that the suitable habitat of North China leopard will continue to be fragmented and shifted. When the annual average temperature is lower than 8 °C, the precipitation seasonality is 80–90 mm and the precipitation of the warmest quarter is greater than 260 mm, the probability of occurrence of North China leopard is higher. The increase in carbon emissions will lead to the reduction, migration, and fragmentation of the suitable habitat distribution of the North China leopard. Carbon neutrality policies can protect suitable wild habitats. In the future, the impact of carbon neutrality policies on future wildlife habitat protection should be carried out in depth to effectively promote the construction of wildlife protection projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this study, a multi-objective version of the recently proposed cheetah optimizer called multi-objective cheetah optimizer (MOCO) has been proposed. MOCO draws inspiration from the targeted hunting strategy employed by cheetahs, which involves a sequence of actions: searching for prey, patiently waiting for the right moment to attack, swiftly launching the attack, and then retreating from the prey and returning to their habitat. MOCO is the result of modification and enhancement from its single-objective counterpart, utilizing a Pareto dominance-based approach. This adaptation allows MOCO to efficiently handle multiple objectives, explores and exploits promising areas in the optimization landscape, and identifies non-dominated solutions, offering valuable tradeoff choices for decision-makers. To demonstrate its practical applications, the MOCO method has been employed to address five intricate structural design problems. These problems involve a pair of competing objectives: the minimization of structural weight and the reduction of maximum nodal displacement. To gauge the efficacy and efficiency of the proposed algorithm, a comparative analysis is conducted against three alternative state-of-the-art multi-objective algorithms. Furthermore, a rigorous evaluation is carried out utilizing hypervolume testing. The findings reveal that the MOCO algorithm surpasses the performance of the other algorithms, underscored by its capacity to uncover a diverse array of non-dominated solutions. To delve deeper into the experimental results, statistical analysis employing Friedman’s rank test is employed. The solutions generated and the convergence patterns exhibited by the MOCO approach underscore its exceptional proficiency in resolving intricate design problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Apotheke is the property of Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The cheetah Acinonyx jubatus has suffered considerable range contractions in recent decades. Despite the importance of up-to-date information on distribution to guide conservation, such information is lacking for large areas within the species' remaining potential range. In Tanzania, the largest tract of potential cheetah habitat without such data is the Selous–Nyerere ecosystem. Although the cheetah is considered possibly extant in this landscape, the last confirmed sighting was in the late 1990s. During 2020–2022, we carried out sign-based (spoor) and camera-trap surveys across Selous Game Reserve and Nyerere National Park. We did not record any evidence of cheetah presence, and opportunistic enquiries with tourism operators and protected area management staff did not provide any evidence of current or recent presence. Our findings suggest that current cheetah presence is unlikely, and that Selous–Nyerere should not be treated as potential contemporary cheetah range. We discuss the possibility that Selous–Nyerere may have never hosted a resident cheetah population, and was either occasionally occupied by dispersers from other populations or represented the edge of populations that spanned areas now treated as corridors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scripture encourages parents to pass on faith to children, and a multitude of studies show that the biggest predictor of the faith of kids is the faith of their parents. However, raising kids in faith is more complicated and nuanced than simple "parent to child" religious transmission. In this paper, animal family models are used to explore the relationship between congregations and families. By engaging instructions from scripture, research on changing household structures, and contemporary perspectives on parenting, this paper offers a new way of thinking about religious transmission within intergenerational family relationships and the uniquely central role for congregations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the complexities of reintroducing cheetahs in India as part of the Project Cheetah initiative. The authors address the challenges of extrapolating data from African cheetah populations to predict the space use of cheetahs in India's Kuno National Park. They highlight the differences in ecosystems, vegetation, and human activity between the two regions, which may affect cheetah movement patterns. The article also mentions the strategies employed by Project Cheetah to manage cheetahs' ranging patterns and mitigate conflicts with humans and other animals. The authors emphasize the need for empirical data on cheetah spatial ecology in India and stress the importance of adaptive management in the reintroduction process. Overall, the article provides insights into the complexities of reintroducing cheetahs and emphasizes the need for time and careful planning to ensure the success of conservation and restoration projects. [Extracted from the article]

This paper proposes a hybrid COA‐QNN approach for an interleaved KY converter with closed‐loop control for a single‐phase grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) system. The proposed strategy combines both Cheetah Optimizer algorithm (COA) and Quantum Neural Network (QNN), and it is commonly named the COA‐QNN technique. The interleaved KY converter is connected in the converter side. The primary goal of the COA‐QNN technique is to enhance PQ while maximizing PV electricity being transferred to the grid. The proposed COA is utilized to identify the optimal closed‐loop controller enhancements for on‐grid solar photovoltaic systems. The QNN is used to predict the optimal control parameter. The PV‐interleaved KY converter is managed by a predictive control mechanism to carry out both tasks of PQ enhancement. By then the COA‐QNN technique is implemented on the MATLAB platform and compared with existing methods. Finally, the proposed method shows better results in all methods, such as GWO, FF optimization and combined GWO‐FF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the spatial ecology of translocated leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) is crucial for their conservation and the effective assessment of conflict management strategies. We investigated the home range and habitat preferences of five radio-collared leopards (n = 5; 2 males; 3 females) in the Gir landscape. Additionally, we examined the usefulness of the capture-release strategy for these animals. We assessed home range and habitat selection using kernel density estimation (at 95% and 50% levels) and compositional analysis. Our findings revealed that leopards exhibited distinct patterns of movement, often returning to their original capture site or nearby locations or exploring new areas within 3 to 25 days, covering distances ranging from 48 to 260 km. The average home range (95% FK) was estimated at 103.96±36.37 (SE) km2, with a core area usage (50% FK) of 21.38±5.95 km2. Seasonally, we observed the largest home ranges during summer and the smallest during winter. Males exhibited larger home ranges (95% FK, 151±64.28 km2) compared to females (56.18±14.22 km2). The habitat analysis indicated that agricultural areas were consistently preferred in the multi-use landscape at the 2nd order habitat selection level. Additionally, habitat around water bodies was highly favoured at the 3rd order, with distinct variations in habitat selection observed during day and night. This study highlights the significance of riverine and scrubland habitats, as leopards exhibited strong preferences for these habitats within their home ranges. We emphasize the importance of conserving natural habitat patches, particularly those surrounding water bodies. We also report on the characteristics of the capture-release strategy and provide our observations indicating no escalated aggression by leopards' post-release. In conclusion, this study evaluates widely employed approaches to conflict mitigation and suggests the continuous review and assessment of management strategies for mitigating human-leopard conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From their foundational role in electronics to their pivotal contributions in the structural domain, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exemplify a revolutionary nanomaterial with broad applications. The chemical inertness of the CNT surface is a primary limitation that restricts the full utilization of CNTs for mass use in several applications. Herein, works performed on the development of surface‐modified CNTs known as periodically patterned structures are focused. Different structures including shish kebab, nanofiber, nanoflower, and cheetah skin CNT have been studied. Periodic patterning on CNTs offers a chance to improve the nanotube's surface properties and roughness, facilitating better interaction with a matrix. Additionally, the fully controllable processing procedure opens significant opportunities for additional modification and attachment of phases onto specific areas of periodically patterned CNTs. The periodic patterning aspect holds promise for the mass production of surface‐modified CNTs, enhancing their surface multifunctionality. This advancement has the potential to cater to a diverse array of applications, offering improved surface functionality in a mass‐production setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the design, simulation, and prototype creation of a quadruped robot inspired by the Acinonyx jubatus (cheetah), specifically designed to replicate its distinctive walking, trotting, and galloping locomotion patterns. Following a detailed examination of the cheetah's skeletal muscle anatomy and biomechanics, a simplified model of the robot with 12 degrees of freedom was conducted. The mathematical transformation hierarchy model was established, and direct kinematics were simulated. A bio-inspired control approach was introduced, employing a Central Pattern Generator model based on Wilson–Cowan neural oscillators for each limb, interconnected by synaptic weights. This approach assisted in the simulation of oscillatory signals for relative phases corresponding to four distinct gaits in a system-level simulation platform. The design phase was conducted using CAD software (SolidWorks 2018), resulting in a 1:3-scale robot mirroring the cheetah's actual proportions. Movement simulations were performed in a virtual mechanics software environment, leading to the construction of a prototype measuring 35.5 cm in length, 21 cm in width, 27 cm in height (when standing), and weighing approximately 2.1 kg. The experimental validation of the prototype's limb angular positions and trajectories was achieved through the image processing of video-recorded movements, demonstrating a high correlation (0.9025 to 0.9560) in joint angular positions, except for the knee joint, where a correlation of 0.7071 was noted. This comprehensive approach from theoretical analysis to practical implementation showcases the potential of bio-inspired robotics in emulating complex biological locomotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professor Wolfgang Wickler, a highly respected and knowledgeable scientist, passed away on January 12, 2024. He made significant contributions to the field of ethology, particularly in the areas of animal behavior and evolutionary biology. Throughout his career, he emphasized comparative work and conducted extensive field research in Africa and other locations. Professor Wickler was also known for his leadership skills and his ability to foster independent research among his students and colleagues. He published numerous articles and books, both for scientific audiences and the general public, and was dedicated to sharing the insights of ethology with a wider audience. His impact on the field of ethology and his dedication to scientific excellence will be greatly missed. [Extracted from the article]

Rewilding landscapes through species or population restoration is an increasingly applied practice in biological conservation. There is expanding interest in wildlife release projects for apex predator population augmentation or reintroductions in historical ranges. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are an IUCN Vulnerable-listed species with a declining global population facing major threats, which in southern Africa primarily include lethal persecution on livestock farms and bush encroachment transforming open habitats to woody areas. We used GPS radiocollars to monitor ten adult cheetahs from 2007 -- 2018 in the Central Plateau of Namibia encompassing an area restored as an open savanna field (13.7 km²) located in a matrix of woodland savanna affected by bush encroachment. We generated a set of a priori hypotheses that tested the effects of various factors on cheetah movements indexed by step length. We compared cheetah movement metrics based on their history as wild, rehabilitated, and/or translocated individuals. Day/night activity, habitat type, and habitat edges were significant predictors of cheetah movement. Wild resident cheetahs displayed significantly longer steps than the other cheetah classes, possibly suggesting increased territorial behaviour in response to the presence of introduced cheetahs. Some cheetahs temporally segregated by moving extensively during daytime, but most individuals were primarily active during crepuscular periods. Small prey remained constant across time, whereas large prey declined over the study period. Cheetahs appeared to adjust behaviourally by increasing movements in years when large prey were scarce. Cheetahs appeared to be ecologically adaptable and behaviourally flexible in response to varying prey populations and when translocated to new environments, specifically at the interface between bush-encroached woodland and open savanna. Environmental settings and animal history need to be carefully considered in rewilding and ecosystem restoration, and monitoring of released and resident individuals, if present, is important to understand ecological dynamics at release sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeting the issues of slow speed and inadequate precision of optimal solution calculation for multi-user detection in complex noise environments, this paper proposes a multi-user detection algorithm based on a Hybrid Cheetah Optimizer (HCO). The algorithm first optimizes the control parameters and individual update mechanism of the Cheetah Optimizer (CO) algorithm using a nonlinear strategy to improve the uniformity and discretization of the individual search range, and then dynamically introduces a differential evolutionary algorithm into the improved selection mechanism of the CO algorithm, which is utilized to fine-tune the solution space and maintain the local diversity during the fast search process. Simulation results demonstrate that this detection algorithm not only realizes fast convergence with a very low bit error rate (BER) at eight iterations but also has obvious advantages in terms of noise immunity, resistance to far and near effects, communication capacity, etc., which greatly improves the speed and accuracy of optimal position solving for multi-user detection and can achieve the purpose of accurate solving in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revealing phylogeographic structure is important for accurate subspecies delineation and understanding a species' evolutionary history. In leopards (Panthera pardus), there are currently nine subspecies recognized. On the African continent, only one subspecies occurs (P. p. pardus), although mitochondrial DNA from historical samples suggests the presence of three putative continental clades: (1) West Africa (WA), (2) Central Africa (CA), and (3) Southern Africa (SA). So far, whole genome data did not recover this phylogeographic structure, although leopards in the southern periphery of their distribution range in Africa have not yet been investigated in detail. The Mpumalanga province of South Africa is of particular interest, as here, the CA and the SA clade possibly meet. The aim of this study was to characterize the first mitogenomes of African leopards from Mpumalanga, to help clarifying how South African leopards fit into continental patterns of genetic differentiation. Complete mitogenomes from nine leopards, including a strawberry leopard, were assembled de novo and included in phylogenetic analysis, in combination with 32 publicly available mitogenomes. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses identified two deeply diverged putative clades within South Africa, which were more genetically distinct than two subspecies in Asia. The clades dated back to 0.76-0.86 million years ago, indicating that they originated during the climatically unstable Mid-Pleistocene, as seen in other large mammals. The Pleistocene refuge theory states that the maintenance of savanna refugia in East and Southern Africa promoted the divergence between populations. As such, leopards may reflect the unique climatic history of southern Africa, which has resulted in eminent and endemic genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheetah is one of the endangered wildlife species in different countries around the world, including Iran, and has been included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Today, Iran is the only place where Asiatic Cheetahs can be found, and the latest estimates indicate that only 30 to 40 Asiatic Cheetahs remain. The present study aimed to prioritize the ecosystem functions and services for Asiatic Cheetahs in Iran from the perspectives of experts and professionals. After a literature review, based on the 2018 Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES), among Provisioning, Cultural, and Regulation and Maintenance functions, the Cultural and Regulation and Maintenance functions and 14 services were extracted for Asiatic Cheetahs in Iran. Next, by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Delphi method, the priority of functions and services was investigated in two stages. The results showed that the most important functions and services were, respectively, as follows: Cultural (4.37), Regulation and Maintenance (4.32) functions, and services related to the Bequest value (4.95) of Asiatic Cheetahs; Existence value (4.93); Educational (4.58); Aesthetic (4.47); Entertainment (recreation and ecotourism) (4.44); Symbolic (4.40); Scientific (3.67), Cultural (3.55), Biodiversity (4.82); and Disease control (3.82). The necessary measures for preventing the extinction of Asiatic Cheetahs include the construction of wildlife corridors in habitats of Cheetahs, promoting participation of communities and non-governmental organizations in the sustainable management of Cheetah habitats, and designing coins with Cheetah to attract public attention and support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age is a key demographic in conservation where age classes show differences in important population metrics such as morbidity and mortality. Several traits, including reproductive potential, also show senescence with ageing. Thus, the ability to estimate age of individuals in a population is critical in understanding the current structure as well as their future fitness. Many methods exist to determine age in wildlife, with most using morphological features that show inherent variability with age. These methods require significant expertise and become less accurate in adult age classes, often the most critical groups to model. Molecular methods have been applied to measuring key population attributes, and more recently epigenetic attributes such as methylation have been explored as biomarkers for age. There are, however, several factors such as permits, sample sovereignty, and costs that may preclude the use of extant methods in a conservation context. This study explored the utility of measuring age‐related changes in methylation in candidate genes using mass array technology. Novel methods are described for using gene orthologues to identify and assay regions for differential methylation. To illustrate the potential application, African cheetah was used as a case study. Correlation analyses identified six methylation sites with an age relationship, used to develop a model with sufficient predictive power for most conservation contexts. This model was more accurate than previous attempts using PCR and performed similarly to candidate gene studies in other mammal species. Mass array presents an accurate and cost‐effective method for age estimation in wildlife of conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multi-objective economic load dispatch problem (ELDP) with non-smooth cost functions and ramprate limits presents a challenging optimization task in power systems. This paper proposes the use of a modified cheetah optimizer (MCO) that incorporates opposition-based learning (OBL) and a dynamic adaptive weighting factor to efficiently solve this problem. The simulations are conducted on standard test systems using MATLAB programming. A comparative study is performed, evaluating the performance of the MCO against basic CO and other similar heuristics. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the MCO in achieving optimal solutions for the multi-objective ELDP with non-smooth cost functions and ramp-rate limits. The proposed approach offers a promising solution for addressing the complex optimization requirements in power system operation and planning. The optimal cost is determined using multi-criterion optimization (MCO) in 3-bus system as $6,838.6434/h, $7,738.789/h, and $8,252.033/h for 700 MW, 800 MW and 850 MW demand levels respectively. The optimal cost is evaluated as $17,988.96/h for the 13-bus test system considering a total demand of 1800 MW. The optimal cost is evaluated as 121960.30 $/hr, for the 40-bus test system considering a total demand of 10500 MW. These outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of MCO in resolving the ELDP with generator and valve controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a pressing issue worldwide but varies by species over time and place. One of the most prevalent forms of HWC in the mid-hills of Nepal is human-common-leopard conflict (HLC). Leopard attacks, especially in forested areas, can severely impact villagers and their livestock. Information on HLC in the Gorkha district was scarce, thus making it an ideal location to identify high-risk zones and landscape variables associated with such events. Registered cases were collected and reviewed from the Division Forest Office (DFO) during 2019-2021. Claims from DFO records were confirmed with herders and villagers via eight focus group discussions. To enhance modeling success, researchers identified a total of 163 leopard attack locations on livestock, ensuring a minimum distance of at least 100 meters between locations. Using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and considering 13 environmental variables, we mapped common leopard attack risk zones. True Skill Statistics (TSS) and area under receiver-operator curve (AUC) were used to evaluate and validate the Output. Furthermore, 10 replications, 1,000 maximum iterations, and 1000 background points were employed during modeling. The average AUC value for the model, which was 0.726 ± 0.021, revealed good accuracy. The model performed well, as indicated by a TSS value of 0.61 ± 0.03. Of the total research area (27.92 km2), about 74% was designated as a low-risk area, 19% as a medium-risk area, and 7% as a high-risk area. Of the 13 environmental variables, distance to water (25.2%) was the most significant predictor of risk, followed by distance to road (16.2%) and elevation (10.7%). According to response curves, the risk of common leopard is highest in the areas between 1.5 to 2 km distances from the water sources, followed by the closest distance from a road and an elevation of 700 to 800 m. Results suggest that managers and local governments should employ intervention strategies immediately to safeguard rural livelihoods in high-risk areas. Improvements include better design of livestock corrals, insurance, and total compensation of livestock losses. Settlements near roads and water sources should improve the design and construction of pens and cages to prevent livestock loss. More studies on the characteristics of victims are suggested to enhance understanding of common leopard attacks, in addition to landscape variables. Such information can be helpful in formulating the best management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Escherichia coli is an important intestinal flora, of which pathogenic E. coli is capable of causing many enteric and extra-intestinal diseases. Antibiotics are essential for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by pathogenic E. coli; however, with the widespread use of antibiotics, drug resistance in E. coli has become particularly serious, posing a global threat to human, animal, and environmental health. While the drug resistance and pathogenicity of E. coli carried by tigers and leopards in captivity have been studied intensively in recent years, there is an extreme lack of information on E. coli in these top predators in the wild environment. Methods: Whole genome sequencing data of 32 E. coli strains collected from the feces of wild Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica, n = 24) and North China leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis, n = 8) were analyzed in this article. The multi-locus sequence types, serotypes, virulence and resistance genotypes, plasmid replicon types, and core genomic SNPs phylogeny of these isolates were studied. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed on these E. coli isolates. Results: Among the E. coli isolates studied, 18 different sequence types were identified, with ST939 (21.9%), ST10 (15.6%), and ST3246 (9.4%) being the most prevalent. A total of 111 virulence genes were detected, averaging about 54 virulence genes per sample. They contribute to invasion, adherence, immune evasion, efflux pump, toxin, motility, stress adaption, and other virulence-related functions of E. coli. Sixty-eight AMR genes and point mutations were identified. Among the detected resistance genes, those belonging to the efflux pump family were the most abundant. Thirty-two E. coli isolates showed the highest rate of resistance to tetracycline (14/32; 43.8%), followed by imipenem (4/32; 12.5%), ciprofloxacin (3/32; 9.4%), doxycycline (2/32; 6.3%), and norfloxacin (1/32; 3.1%). Conclusions: Our results suggest that E. coli isolates carried by wild Amur tigers and North China leopards have potential pathogenicity and drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of microgrids arises from the growing integration of Renewable Energy Resources (RES) and Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) into Distribution Networks (DNs). Effective integration, coordination, and control of Multiple Microgrids (MMGs) whereas navigating the complexities of energy transition within this context poses a significant challenge. The dynamic operation of MMGs is a challenge faced by the traditional distributed hierarchical control techniques. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques is a promising way to improve the control and dynamic operation of MMGs in future smart DNs. In this paper, an innovative hybrid optimization technique that originates from Cheetah Optimization (CHO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) techniques is proposed, known as HYCHOPSO. Extensive benchmark testing validates HYCHOPSO's superiority over CHO and PSO in terms of convergence performance. The objective for this hybridization stems from the complementary strengths of CHO and PSO. CHO demonstrates rapid convergence in local search spaces, while PSO excels in global exploration. By combining these techniques, the aim is to leverage their respective advantages and enhance the algorithm's overall performance in addressing complex optimization problems. The contribution of this paper offering a unique approach to addressing optimization challenges in microgrid systems. Through a comprehensive comparative study, HYCHOPSO is evaluated against various metaheuristic optimization approaches, demonstrating superior performance, particularly in optimizing the design parameters of Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers for hierarchical control systems within microgrids. This contribution expands the repertoire of available optimization methodologies and offers practical solutions to critical challenges in microgrid optimization, enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of microgrid operations. HYCHOPSO achieves its optimal score within fewer than 50 iterations, unlike CHO, GWO, PSO, Hybrid-GWO-PSO, and SSIA-PSO, which stabilize after around 200 iterations. Across various benchmark functions, HYCHOPSO consistently demonstrates the lowest mean values, attains scores closer to the optimal values of the benchmark functions, underscoring its robust convergence capabilities.the proposed HYCHOPSO algorithm, paired with a PI controller for distributed hierarchical control, minimizes errors and enhances system reliability during dynamic MMG operations. Using HYCHOPSO framework, an accurate power sharing, voltage/frequency stability, seamless grid-to-island transition, and smooth resynchronization are achieved. This enhances the real application's reliability, flexibility, scalability and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The nasal cavity has been studied extensively in dogs. However, in cats, there are few studies of the specific anatomy of the nasal cavity, and as far as big cats are concerned, we have not currently found any studies. This work describes the anatomy of the nasal cavity of the domestic cat and three big cats (leopard, lion, and cheetah) using computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and rhinoscopy. The aim of this study is to highlight the specific anatomical characteristics of each of these species, as well as the differences between the domestic cat and its nondomestic congeners. This study highlights the advantages and disadvantages that each imaging technique provides for the study of the nasal cavity. This will help veterinary clinicians diagnose the pathologies that can affect this anatomical region and thereby improve their treatment. In addition, these big cats are in a vulnerable state, close to extinction, and better diagnosis and treatment of their pathologies would improve the survival of these species. The objective of this work was to study the normal anatomy of the nasal cavity of the three species of big cats (leopard, lion, and cheetah) compared to the domestic cat through the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and rhinoscopy. Computed tomography allowed us to clearly visualize the entire bony and cartilaginous framework that supports the nasal cavity. Magnetic resonance imaging permitted better visualization of the soft tissues of this cavity. On the other hand, rhinoscopy enabled the direct visualization of the mucosa of the vestibule and nasal cavity, which is very useful in the diagnosis of masses or foreign bodies. Furthermore, with this technique, it has been possible to observe several small orifices from the nasolacrimal duct, the pharyngeal auditory tube, and the lateral nasal gland. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and rhinoscopy are useful tools in analysis of the anatomical characteristics of the nasal cavity in these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, transmitting medical data has been a regular process. Although strong, safe, and dependable encryption techniques are necessary for medical data, cryptography is largely a computational process. The research presents a selective encryption approach for the transfer of sensitive data. This study proposes a novel technique for selecting the optimal keys to offer more security to medical data. Initially, the medical data is encrypted using the hybrid AES–DES technique. To make an efficient encryption method, the most optimal keys are selected utilising an improved Cheetah optimisation algorithm (ICO). Finally, the keys are optimised, and the input medical data is safely kept in the cloud system according to the established model. As a result, the proposed approach utilises the Python tool to evaluate the results. The simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms others in terms of encryption time 96 s, decryption time 92 s, memory usage (16), and latency (0.006). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) has lost a significant proportion of its historical range, notably in north-western Africa and South Africa. Recent studies have explored the genetic diversity and population structure of African leopards across the continent. A notable genetic observation is the presence of two divergent mitochondrial lineages, PAR-I and PAR-II. Both lineages appeared to be distributed widely, with PAR-II frequently found in southern Africa. Until now, no study has attempted to date the emergence of either lineage, assess haplotype distribution, or explore their evolutionary histories in any detail. To investigate these underappreciated questions, we compiled the largest and most geographically representative leopard data set of the mitochondrial NADH-5 gene to date. We combined samples (n = 33) collected in an altitudinal transect across the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, where two populations of leopard are known to be in genetic contact, with previously published sequences of African leopard (n = 211). We estimate that the maternal PAR-I and PAR-II lineages diverged approximately 0.7051 (0.4477--0.9632) million years ago (Ma). Through spatial and demographic analyses, we show that while PAR-I underwent a mid-Pleistocene population expansion resulting in several closely related haplotypes with little geographic structure across much of its range, PAR-II remained at constant size and may even have declined slightly in the last 0.1 Ma. The higher genetic drift experienced within PAR-II drove a greater degree of structure with little haplotype sharing and unique haplotypes in central Africa, the Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the South African Highveld. The phylogeographic structure of PAR-II, with its increasing frequency southward and its exclusive occurrence in south-eastern South Africa, suggests that this lineage may have been isolated in South Africa during the mid-Pleistocene. This hypothesis is supported by historical changes in paleoclimate that promoted intense aridification around the Limpopo Basin between 1.0--0.6 Ma, potentially reducing gene flow and promoting genetic drift. Interestingly, we ascertained that the two nuclear DNA populations identified by a previous study as East and West Mpumalanga correspond to PAR-I and PAR-II, respectively, and that they have come into secondary contact in the Lowveld region of South Africa. Our results suggest a subdivision of African leopard mtDNA into two clades, with one occurring almost exclusively in South Africa, and we identify the potential environmental drivers of this observed structure. We caution that our results are based on a single mtDNA locus, but it nevertheless provides a hypothesis that can be further tested with a dense sample of nuclear DNA data, preferably whole genomes. If our interpretation holds true, it would provide the first genetic explanation for the smaller observed size of leopards at the southernmost end of their range in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of social media, the volume of photographs uploaded on the internet has increased exponentially. The task of efficiently recognizing and retrieving human facial images is inevitable and essential at this time. In this work, a feature selection approach for recognizing and retrieving human face images using hybrid cheetah optimization algorithm is proposed. The deep feature extraction from the images is done using deep convolutional neural networks. Hybrid cheetah optimization algorithm, an improvised version of cheetah optimization algorithm fused with genetic algorithm is used, to choose optimum features from the extracted deep features. The chosen features are used for finding the best-matching images from the image database. The image matching is performed by approximate nearest neighbor search for the query image over the image database and similar images are retrieved. By constructing a k-NN graph for the images, the efficiency of image retrieval is enhanced. The proposed system performance is evaluated against benchmark datasets such as LFW, MultiePie, ColorFERET, DigiFace-1M and CelebA. The evaluation results show that the proposed methodology is superior to various existing methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, both domestic and international research on quadruped robots has advanced towards high dynamics and agility, with a focus on high-speed locomotion as a representative motion in high-dynamic activities. Quadruped animals like cheetahs exhibit high-speed running capabilities, attributed to the indispensable role played by their flexible spines during the flight phase motion. This paper establishes dynamic models of flexible spinal quadruped robots with different degrees of simplification, providing a parameterized description of the flight phase motion for both rigid-trunk and flexible-spine quadruped robots. By setting different initial values for the spine joint and calculating the flight phase results for both types of robots at various initial velocities, the study compares and analyzes the impact of a flexible spine on the flight phase motion of quadruped robots. Through comparative experiments, the research aims to validate the influence of a flexible spine during the flight phase motion, providing insights into how spine flexibility affects the flight phase motion of quadruped robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article I intended to further explore Jürgen Frembgen's supposition about the late presence of the spotted hyena in South Asia with the help of available textual sources. My aim was to determine what kind of animal is meant by the word tarakṣu, which is the common Sanskrit name for the hyena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]