Life Sciences Commons^™

Comparative Finite Element Method-Based Optimisation Of Coir Fibre Laminates: Aluminium Skins Versus Carbon Cloth Skins, Muhamed Swaleh Ahmed, Bernard Wamuti Ikua, Abel Nyakundi Mayaka

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Natural fibre composites offer a sustainable alternative to conventional composite materials. Their mechanical efficiency is influenced by laminate structure and skin material selection. This study presents a comparative finite element analysis and optimisation of coir fibre-reinforced laminates employing either aluminium skins or carbon cloth skins. COMSOL Multiphysics was used to determine their mechanical response. Optimisation was performed using the BOBYQA algorithm to enhance load sharing between the coir core and skin materials. Results indicated that aluminium-skinned laminates achieve superior compressive and flexural performance, achieving a peak compressive strength of 210 MPa and sustaining a flexural load of 0.65 kN at …

An Iterative & Analytical Hybrid Deep Learning Framework For Enhanced Brain Tumor Detection And Segmentation In Mri Video Scans, Swati V. Sakhare

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The critical need for accurate and robust brain tumor detection in MRI video scans is for early diagnosis and treatment planning operations. However, the existing methods suffer from several limitations, such as not being able to capture spatio-temporal features, handling class imbalances, and generalizing across datasets with diverse characteristics. To address these challenges, I propose a hybrid deep learning framework that integrates multiple advanced techniques to enhance the detection and segmentation of brain tumors. My approach starts by using the 3D CNN-LSTM (ResNet3D-LSTM) to extract spatio-temporal feature, which utilizes ResNet3D for spatial detail extraction and LSTM for temporal coherence across …

Framing Inclusive Heritage Urbanism Reconfiguring Publicness In Mosque-Centered Precincts In Historic Cairo, Ghada Sayed Ghazala

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Mosque-centered precincts in historical cities face a continuous tension between touristic-led redevelopments, security management policies and urban life of commons. Recently in Historic Cairo state-led interventions occur in major mosque-centered settings with upgrading intent by enhancing visual order, crowd control and visitors’ experience, yet socio-spatial inclusivity stayed insufficiently incorporated in those implications. This study discourses this gap by initiating the Heritage Socio-spatial Inclusivity Framework (HSIF) to assess inclusivity across major mosque-centered realms – AL-Hussein Mosque & Al-Sayida Zeinab Mosque precincts -

HSIF synthesized urban design & heritage conservation concepts through indicators covering aspects like communal livability, users experience, governance & …

Optimizing The Lightweight Steel Fibre Reinforced Bacterial Concrete With Nano-Silica And Coconut Shell Aggregates Using Taguchi Method, Damodaran Pooja, Mayilsamy Yuvaperiyasamy

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Concrete is essential for construction due to its high strength and durability. It supports most modern infrastructure globally. Cement production is a major source of CO₂ emissions, posing serious environmental concerns. Additionally, the rising demand for concrete is straining the limited supply of essential raw materials, such as aggregates. Researchers are examining alternative materials to improve Sustainability while maintaining structural strength to address these issues. This research aims to improve concrete performance by enhancing cement durability with nano-silica. Coconut shell, an agricultural by-product, functions as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional coarse aggregates, alleviating their scarcity. Microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation …

A Machine Learning–Based Framework For Traffic Classification And Threshold-Based Load Management In 5g Network Slicing, Safi Ibrahim, Younis S. Younis, Kamal S. Hamza, Mohamed M. Ashour

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study proposes a machine learning–based framework that applies machine learning techniques to improve the efficiency of 5G network slicing through automated traffic classification and threshold-based load management . The proposed model optimizes resource allocation among the three standardized 5G slice types: enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), and massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC). Two supervised learning algorithms—K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM)—are trained using Quality of Service (QoS) parameters such as packet delay, loss rate, and Quality Class Identifier (QCI). Experimental evaluations were conducted on two large-scale datasets containing over 400,000 traffic instances, demonstrating that the …

Advancing Ultrahigh Carbon Steel Characterization: A Metaheuristic-Tuned Deep Learning Approach, Walaa Omar El-Farouk Badr, Hossam El-Din Mostafa, Rania Elbana

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Accurate classification of ultrahigh carbon steel (UHCS) microstructures is essential for elucidating processing-structure-property relationships and enhancing material performance. While convolutional neural networks (CNNs) offer powerful automated classification, navigating their complex, high-dimensional hyperparameter spaces present a significant computational bottleneck. To advance automated materials characterization, this study proposes a metaheuristic-tuned deep learning approach for robust and efficient microstructure classification. Two architectures, VGG16 and MobileNetV2, were evaluated under both pretrained and fine-tuned configurations, with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) applied for systematic hyperparameter tuning. Results show that GA substantially improves the performance of fine-tuned VGG16, achieving …

Multi-Method Energy Optimization: Linear Programming, Hmm Modeling And Arduino-Based Simulations, A.E. El-Alfy, Eman Elayat, M. A. E. Sheta

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This paper presents the simulation and optimization of hybrid energy systems integrating renewable energy and storage technologies. Linear Programming (LP) is utilized to minimize operational costs, while a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) improves reliability by accurately predicting energy flow. Hardware-in-the-loop simulation in Proteus demonstrates efficient energy trading, significantly reducing dependence on conventional sources. The results from a 24-hour analysis show that the system achieves an 87.14% load factor, indicating high efficiency in utilizing the system's rated capacity, 26.23 system reliability, and a 20% improvement in cost efficiency and enhanced sustainability, providing a robust and practical framework for hybrid energy solutions …

Trident-Bladder: A Resolution-Aware Multimodal System For Robust, Calibrated Bladder Cancer Diagnosis Across Endoscopy, Histopathology, And Liquid Biopsy, K. Sankar, S. Venkata Lakshmi, Gummadi Reshma, V. Gokula Krishnan, M. Ganesan, V. Vijayaraja

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Bladder cancer diagnosis demands the integration of cystoscopy, histopathology, and biomarker testing, yet the majority of AI systems continue to be modality, specific and sensitive to acquisition variations. TRIDENT, Bladder is a resolution, aware multimodal framework that we have developed to address this issue. The method combines cystoscopic lesion segmentation, whole, slide image (WSI) molecular subtype prediction, and urine miRNAclinical data through reliability, weighted fusion and a utility, aware decision policy. The endoscopic branch features a quality, gated super, resolution component, resulting in mDice 87.5, sensitivity 92.1%, precision 91.4%, boundary, F1 85.3%, and ECE 0.023 at 32 FPS. mDice on …

Development Of Enhanced Dingo Optimization Algorithm For Distribution Network Reconfiguration, Samson Oladayo Ayanlade, Ignatius Kema Okakwu, Richard Oladayo Olarewaju, Ayodeji Akinsoji Okubanjo, Joseph Bukola Samson, Oluwadare Adepeju Adebisi, Emmanuel Idowu Ogunwole, Oluwadare Olatunde Akinrogunde

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This paper presents the Enhanced Dingo Optimization Algorithm (EDOA) to reconfigure the radial distribution network with the long-standing problem of active power loss minimization while maintaining a stable and acceptable voltage profile. EDOA enhances the standard Dingo Optimization Algorithm (DOA) through the integration of adaptive search control, elite-guided local refinement, and crossover-based diversity preservation mechanisms tailored for distribution network reconfiguration problems. The proposed method has been tested on two test systems: the IEEE 33-bus standard as well as the real-world Ayepe 34-bus distribution feeder in Ibadan, Nigeria. In the IEEE 33-bus test system, EDOA reduces active power loss by 56.00%; …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Hard Coastal Protection Structures For Long-Term Erosion Mitigation, Case Study: Eastern Rosetta Shoreline, Nile Delta, Egypt, Basma Sayed, Ayman Sabry Koraim, Tarek Hemdan Nassrallah, Ahmed Abouelfetouh Abdelaziz, Nada Mansour, Fahmy Salah Fahmy Abdelhaleem

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Coastal erosion threatens densely populated shorelines worldwide. At the Rosetta Promontory (Nile Delta), shoreline retreat has accelerated since the construction of the Aswan High Dam due to reduced fluvial sediment supply. This case study numerically evaluates shoreline response to six hard-protection scenarios along the eastern promontory, combining groins and detached breakwaters, over a 20-year forecast (2022–2042). Offshore wave conditions were transformed to nearshore hydrodynamics using MIKE21 Spectral Wave, and long-term shoreline evolution was simulated with DHI-LITPACK. The numerical models were forced using a 40-year wave dataset derived from the ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis. Results indicate that the configuration with eight detached …

Green Hydrogen-Based Decarbonization Approach For Steel Industry With Hybrid Renewable Energy Sources, Raju Kumar Maurya, Dharmbir Prasad, Rudra Pratap Singh

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This work provides a micro-pilot techno-economic and environmental assessment of a green hydrogen-driven decarbonization scenario for low-carbon steel production at the capacity of 1 ton steel produced (i.e., requiring 50 kg of green hydrogen). In this work an integrated renewable energy (RE) scenario for the steel production site at Jamuria, West Bengal, India is planned to utilize solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines (WTs), battery storage and a diesel backup generator to meet the hydrogen production load from an electrolyzer using HOMER Pro software. The results show that the proposed micro-pilot system produces excess electricity with respect to the plant's operating …

Herbivore Offense In Plant–Herbivore Coevolution, Xosé López-Goldar

Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences

Coevolution between plants and herbivores has been proposed as a major evolutionary force that resulted in their radiation and diversification. Plants have evolved a broad array of strategies that directly or indirectly avoid, repel, deter, or kill herbivore attackers. These include (but not limited to) tolerance to damage through compensatory growth of tissue lost from herbivory, resistance via physical and chemical defenses, induced responses, and avoidance through reduced apparency or phenological mismatch. In response, herbivores have evolved adaptations to circumvent, resist, detoxify, and even use plant defenses for their own benefit (e.g. sequestration). These include anatomical, physiological, and behavioral adaptations, …

Course Revision To Enhance Preservice Student Knowledge Of And Engagement Within Collaborative Learning Communities, Emily M. Jones, Oscar Nunez Enriquez, Zack Beddoes, Dan Phelps, Deborah Garrahy

Faculty Publications - Kinesiology and Recreation

This article shares a collaborative approach to refining an upper-level physical education teacher education seminar course. The primary goal of this refinement was to thoughtfully consider the existing course structure, content, and relevance to the evolving needs of schools. The approved course content focused on sociopolitical issues in education, strategies to navigate the complexities of professional roles in schools, and the transition into the teaching workforce. Through this process, the use of professional learning communities (PLCs) was considered as a viable approach to support preservice teachers’ learning and engagement in course content. Furthermore, by embedding PLCs into the course, the …

Study Of Fire Regimes In Southwestern Australia Using Geospatial Techniques, Ana Do Carmo Carvalho

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The Northern Jarrah Forest in Southwestern Australia (SWA), part of a global biodiversity hotspot, is home to fire-sensitive tree species such as marri (Corymbia calophylla) and jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata). As climate change intensifies drought and extreme fire events, understanding the drivers of fire severity is increasingly critical. This thesis analyses fire regimes within the Mundaring drinking water catchment to better understand the spatiotemporal complexity of fire severity in relation to fire history and environmental factors.

The thesis commences with a review of three Fire History Databases (FHDs) used in SWA, highlighting significant inconsistencies and data gaps across time and space. …

Missing Planktivore Functions Drive Global Variation In Reef Fish Productivity, James Gahan, Helen F. Yan, David R. Bellwood, Graham J. Edgar, Leo T. Nankervis, Alexandre C. Siqueira, Rick D. Stuart-Smith, Sterling B. Tebbett

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The functioning of high-diversity ecosystems, such as coral reefs, is intrinsically tied to the integrity and efficiency of the trophic pathways within these systems. Coral reef productivity depends, in part, on the input of external nutrients, primarily zooplankton, that is assimilated by extraordinarily diverse fish communities. The plankton–planktivore trophic pathway is thus crucial for sustaining the productivity that exemplifies coral reef ecosystems; however, it remains poorly understood at large spatial scales. Here we explore global patterns in reef fish community structure, revealing a major discrepancy between the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean in the productivity and fisheries potential of planktivorous reef fishes. …

Increasing Body Size Unlocks Gelatinous Planktivory In A Key Coral Reef Fish Species, James Gahan, David R. Bellwood, Renato A. Morais, Leo Nankervis, Isabelle Ng, Alexandre C. Siqueira, Cecilia Villacorta-Rath, Sterling B. Tebbett

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Coral reefs depend on the assimilation of off-reef nutrients, particularly from zooplankton, to fuel on-reef productivity. Planktivorous reef fishes thus play a critical role in sustaining a key ecosystem function as the major consumers of plankton. The importance of gelatinous zooplankton to the nutritional ecology of larger-bodied planktivorous fishes is becoming increasingly apparent. Yet, the extent to which feeding on gelatinous plankton within these taxa is a product of ontogeny has not yet been addressed. It has been hypothesised that Caesio cuning, a key planktivorous species that contributes substantially to reef fish biomass on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, undergoes an …

A Metabolite-Dependent Mechanism By Which Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis Promotes Bacteroides Colonization, Khashayar Shahin, Liang Wang, Zihan He, Bomin Lv, Arya Van Alin, Richard Lo-Man, Hao Wu, Philippe Sansonetti, Jean Marc Collard

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Prokaryote-prokaryote symbiotic relationships influence interactions within microbial communities, affecting colonization, survival, and organization. Unlike competition, consortium species facilitate growth via metabolite cross-feeding. This study explored interactions between two early human gut colonizers: partially aerotolerant Bifidobacterium spp. and strict anaerobic Bacteroides spp., using omics techniques. Promotion of Bacteroides spp. growth by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis was demonstrated through co-culture experiments in anaerobic conditions. Metabolomic analysis revealed over 150 unique metabolites present in B. animalis subsp. lactis supernatants are absent in other Bifidobacterium species, including 3-hydroxycapric acid, D-alanyl-D-alanine, 2-isopropylmalic acid, and D-glucose 2-phosphate. These compounds served as nutritional substrates, including carbon and …

Crustose Coralline Algae, Algal Turfs, And Coral Reef Calcification, Sterling B. Tebbett, Scott D. Ling, David R. Bellwood, James Gahan, Alexandre C. Siqueira, Kyle Morgan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Crustose coralline algae (CCA) play a central role in coral reef framework consolidation and vertical accretion, yet their contribution to reef-scale calcification remains poorly quantified, particularly on reefs dominated by algal turfs. We examined how CCA calcification rates differed across ten reef sites with varying benthic composition around Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Using tiles from calcification accretion units (CAUs), we quantified CCA carbonate production on light-exposed tile surfaces and related these rates to CCA cover and the Epilithic Algal Ratio (i.e. the spectrum of algal states from CCA to turf dominance), quantified on both tiles and the adjacent …

Common Census Methods Can Lead To Fundamentally Different Ecological Interpretations Of Coral Reef Fish Communities, Helen F. Yan, Samantha K. Crisp, David R. Bellwood, Alexandre C. Siqueira, Sterling B. Tebbett

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In an era of large-scale stressors, scientists are racing to collate equally large datasets to answer macroecological questions. Coral reefs lie at the forefront of system-wide transformations and are thus the focus of many macroecological studies. A lack of standardised, global data across time, however, has resulted in the coalition of data from disparate sources, often comprising different survey methods. However, can we make the same ecological inferences from data collected using different survey protocols? Here, we employed two of the most common reef fish census techniques—point counts and belt transects—of varying survey effort (time and area) to assess whether …

The Role Of Agricultural Biomass In Supply Chain Decarbonization, Ruxia Lyu, Sobhan Arisian, Zhitang Li, Mohammad S. Taskhiri, Reza Kiani Mavi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To achieve supply chain decarbonization, environmentally conscious manufacturers are transforming their energy infrastructure. While certain manufacturers are adopting a pure bioenergy strategy in their production processes, others are opting for a hybrid energy approach that combines traditional energy with bioenergy. This choice is often influenced by limitations in land capacity and the developmental stage of biomass conversion technologies. This paper introduces a game-theoretic model that explores the optimal approach to achieving supply chain decarbonization by strategically selecting energy portfolios. Our findings reveal that in scenarios where the market size is small, manufacturers tend to adopt a hybrid energy strategy, particularly …

Limited Site-Specific Blue Carbon Recovery Following Tropical Seagrass Restoration In Thailand, Ratchanee Kaewsrikhaw, Milica Stankovic, Pere Masqué, Mathew A. Vanderklift, Tipamat Upanoi, Anchana Prathep

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Seagrass restoration is gaining popularity as a nature-based method for climate change mitigation, owing to its effectiveness in capturing and storing organic carbon (Corg). However, demonstrating blue carbon additionality — defined as a measurable increase in carbon stocks directly attributable to restoration activities — remains challenging. This research assessed sedimentary Corg stocks and carbon accumulation rates in restored tropical seagrass meadows throughout Thailand. Despite successful restoration at multiple sites, sediment analysis showed little Corg accumulation, low Corg and organic matter content, with non-significant differences among restored seagrass areas, patchy natural meadows, and nearby bare sand areas. Limited sediment accumulation was …

Spatio-Temporal Responses Of A Migratory Shorebird Community Reflect Complex Trade-Offs Among Overabundance Of Predators And Disturbance, K. M. Aarif, Aymen Nefla, Zuzana Musilova, Petr Musil, Sora M. Estrella

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Animal selection of foraging grounds is a trade-off among available feeding resources, intra and interspecific competition, disturbance and predation risks. The present study was carried out at Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve on the West coast of Kerala (India) in the Central Asian Flyway. The Reserve hosts different coastal habitats, including mudflats, mangroves and sand beaches, and although 31 species of shorebirds are commonly present, it is heavily impacted by human activities. The findings highlight the necessity of robust management of anthropogenic waste and reveal the detrimental impacts of human activities on species communities of conservation concern. We investigated how the densities …

Sulphur Metabolism As A Key Factor In The Evolution Of Environmental Adaptation Of Acidihalobacter, Eva Vergara, Himel Nahreen Khaleque, Gonzalo Neira, Elizabeth L.J. Watkin, Jorge H. Valdés, David S. Holmes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study compares predicted sulphur metabolism genes across four Acidihalobacter type strains and two metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), revealing genomic differences that appear to correspond to ecological specialization. Phylog-enomic analysis separates the species into two clades: clade I includes Acidihalobacter ferrooxydans from a geothermal region in Italy and the two MAGs derived from deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean, while clade II comprises Acidihalo-bacter aeolianus and Acidihalobacter prosperus from a geothermal region in Italy and Acidihalobacter yilgarnensis from a saline and acidic drainage in Australia. Variations in sulphide/quinone oxidoreductases (SQRs) across the species, in particular in Ah. ferrooxydans and Ah. …

Influence Of Rice Hull Biochar And Cedar Bark Media On Strawberry Productivity And Carbon Sequestration Potential In Hydroponic Systems, Sakalya Rajapakse, Munehiro Tanaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study evaluated the influence of rice hull biochar (RHB) and cedar bark media (CBM) as sustainable substrates for hydroponic strawberry cultivation. The total yield from virgin CBM was 413 g/plant and that from virgin RHB was 354 g/plant. Used CBM increased the yield by 4 % (429 g/plant) while used RHB increased yield by 18 % (419 g/plant) compared to the virgin, with no significant substrate differences. Fruit yields and physical properties were strongly correlated, particularly with particle density (R2 = 0.573). After 7 years of cultivation, plant residues had accumulated in both substrates. Uncarbonized carbohydrates in RHB indicated …

Invertivore Fish Predation Is An Overlooked Source Of Carbonate Sediment On A Turbid Coral Reef, Jake L. Nilsen, Nicola K. Browne, Kyle M. Morgan, Joshua L. Bonesso, Dylan Benson, Shannon Dee, Michael J. O’Leary, Lisa A. Kirkendale, Peter U. Middelfart, Michael V.W. Cuttler, Jennifer L. Mcilwain

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The geomorphic stability of coral reef islands depends on a continued supply of biologically derived sediment from reefs. However, the ecological processes that produce detrital sediment remain poorly resolved. The role of fishes as sediment producers has largely focused on coral sand generated by parrotfishes (Labridae: Scarinae) in clear-water settings, while the contribution of other groups, such as durophagous invertivores, remains poorly understood. Here, we quantify the contribution of invertivores to carbonate sediments at an inshore reef in the Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, by combining fish census data and dietary analysis, coupled with taphonomic and compositional analysis of benthic sediments. …

Success Criteria: Sustainable Efficacy In Australian Farmer Groups, David K. Mckenzie, Janine Joyce, Kerstin K. Zander, Penelope A.S. Wurm, Kim M. Caudwell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: To examine the factors and processes that sustain the efficacy of farmer groups as extension intermediaries for influencing collective innovation, and knowledge co-creation and exchange. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data was collected from farmer interviews, focus groups, and the published digital documents of five farmer groups across SE Australia. A grounded theory mixed-methods approach was used for data collection and analysis, aided by Atlas software in constructing concepts and a concept map representing group processes. Findings: The ability of groups to influence farm innovation, and farmer learning and knowledge co-creation, depends on the group efficacy. Group identity in advancing farmer interests and …

High Coral Thermal Tolerance At A Potentially Climate-Resistant Reef, Kate M. Quigley, C. Siqueira, Kira Brereton, Andrew H. Baird

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Ecosystems globally are under increasing pressure from warming caused by climate change. However, some locations appear resistant to impacts. Although rare, these locations might be able to better resist damage from thermal stress. In marine environments, coral bleaching is widely viewed as one of the most pervasive stress responses threatening reef health, structure, and function. Yet we still have a poor understanding of the drivers of spatial and temporal variation in the scale and severity of coral bleaching. Here, we characterize a prolonged, intense, and widespread marine heatwave event and uncover a conspicuous lack of bleaching at the southernmost coral …

Strengthening Ocean Literacy: Marine Science Education And Training To Ensure Australia's Blue Future, Prue Francis, Rachel Kelly, Louise Swanson, Tanveer M. Adyel, Benjamin Arthur, Kirsten Benkendorff, Melanie J. Bishop, Helen Bostock, Marnie L. Campbell, Emma Church, Corrine Condie, Vaibhavi Dwivedi, Michelle Dyer, Matthew England, Liam Fullbrook, Charlie Huveneers, Malcolm Johnson, Brianna Le Busque, Rebecca R. Mcintosh, Amelie Meyer, Benjamin Mos, Jana Mrazova, Allyson O'Brien, Gretta T. Pecl, Amandine Schaeffer, Rebecca J. Shellock, Grant A. Smith, Scott Smithers, Ana Vila-Concejo, Graham Wood

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This white paper sets out a national vision for advancing ocean literacy in Australia and outlines the role of marine science in fostering an informed, engaged society capable of addressing the challenges and opportunities of our changing oceans. As environmental pressures intensify, and marine resource demands increase, Australians’ capacity to engage with ocean issues, understand risks and opportunities, and participate in marine decision-making has never been more urgent. Marine science will play a central role in building ocean literacy by delivering credible, actionable science, and strengthening education and training systems that enhance understanding of, and connection to, the ocean. Our …

Edible Coatings Application For Postharvest Fruits Preservation: Bibliometric Trends, Material Design, Physiological Mechanisms, And Safety Perspectives, Muslim Qadir, Navjot Kaur, Dali Vilma Francis, Abdelmoneim K. Abdalla, Zora Singh, Zienab F.R. Ahmed

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Fresh fruits play a vital role in ensuring food and nutritional security, while also making significant contributions to global trade. However, due to their highly perishable nature, they are susceptible to postharvest losses during storage, transportation, and marketing. Edible coatings (ECs) and edible films are effective postharvest preservation technologies for retarding senescence and preserving fruit quality. This review provides a comprehensive update on recent developments in ECs and films aimed at reducing postharvest losses in fresh fruits. These coatings are formulated using biopolymers, including polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, along with food-grade additives. The review discusses how ECs modulate postharvest physiology …

Wuthuga (Dugong) Population Status In Gathaagudu (Shark Bay) Sea Country, Holly Raudino, Amanda Hodgson, Chris Cleguer, Kym Reeve, Molly Moustaka, Osmar Luiz, Simone Strydom, Kathy Murray, Neilisha Oakley, Tariq Mcdonald, Abby Leyendekkers, Jay Hayes, Marlee Hutton, Julian A. Tyne, Kelly Waples

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Monitoring trends in wildlife populations and their response to pressures is integral but challenging for conservation managers. Wuthuga (dugongs (Dugong dugon)) are increasingly vulnerable as extreme climatic events, such as marine heatwaves and flooding, intensify with a warming climate and increasingly impact the seagrass they are dependent upon.

Methods: This study estimated wuthuga abundance using two methodologies: conventional observer aerial surveys, as part of a time-series of surveys, alongside aerial imagery, in Gathaagudu (Shark Bay), Western Australia in 2023. We compare the contemporary abundance estimates with long term monitoring data (1989 – 2018) to identify temporal trends in abundance …