Conspicuous coloration in animals serves many functions such as anti-predation.Anti-predation strategies include motion dazzle and flash behavior.Motion dazzle markings can reduce the probability of being preyed on be...Conspicuous coloration in animals serves many functions such as anti-predation.Anti-predation strategies include motion dazzle and flash behavior.Motion dazzle markings can reduce the probability of being preyed on because the predators misjudge their movement.In flash behavior,prey demonstrate conspicuous cue while fleeing;the predators follow them;however,the prey hide their markings and the predators assume that the prey has vanished.To investigate whether bovids use conspicuous hindquarter markings as an anti-predatory behavior,we undertook phylogenetically controlled analyses to explore under what physiological characteristics and environmental factors bovids might have this color pattern.The results suggested that rump patches and tail markings were more prevalent in bovids living in larger-sized groups,which supports the hypothesis of intraspecific communication.Moreover,we observed the occurrence of conspicuous white hindquarter markings in bovids having smaller body size and living in larger groups,suggesting a motion dazzle function.However,the feature of facultative exposing color patterns(flash markings)was not associated with body size,which was inconsistent with predictions and implied that bovids may not adopt this as an anti-predator strategy.It was concluded that species in bovids with conspicuous white hindquarter markings adopt motion dazzle as an anti-predation strategy while fleeing and escaping from being prey on.展开更多
For an effective thermoplastic pavement marking replacement strategy, the rate at which the marking’s retro-reflectivity deteriorates in service must be well established in order to avoid re-stripping that is too soo...For an effective thermoplastic pavement marking replacement strategy, the rate at which the marking’s retro-reflectivity deteriorates in service must be well established in order to avoid re-stripping that is too soon or too late. Against this background, this paper undertook a review of models that deal with degradation of thermoplastic pavement markings under different traffic and environmental conditions in order to establish service life and the terminal retro-reflectivity levels that have informed re-striping. Service life in the context of this paper is the time taken for a newly-installed marking to degrade to some minimum retro-reflectivity level below which motorists would find it difficult to navigate on the carriageway under night-time and poor visibility conditions. It was established that the minimum retro-reflectivity requiring re-stripping intervention reported varied, although commonly-adopted values tended to range from 50 mcd/m2/lx to 150 mcd/m2/lx. A number of empirical models, based on site specific conditions, have been developed by researchers using field data, to estimate marking retro-reflectivity at any time since placement. Whereas some of the models used time as the only independent variable, others used a combination of time, traffic level and a few other parameters to estimate retro-reflectivity. Even though degradation of marking retro-reflectivity is a reflection, among other things of material degeneration impacted by environmental and service conditions, almost all the models reviewed failed to consider environmental factors. Additionally, for some of the models, non-inclusion of the initial retro-reflectivity level and their generally low coefficient of determination statistic erode the confidence in their reliability.展开更多
In this paper we present relevant contributions and important features related to the study of the retroreflectivity performance of pavement markings.The contribution of this paper is threefold.First,we propose an art...In this paper we present relevant contributions and important features related to the study of the retroreflectivity performance of pavement markings.The contribution of this paper is threefold.First,we propose an artificial scheme to allow some randomization of the treatments owing to several restrictions imposed on the choice of the experimental units.It is an experiment involving one fixed factor(three types of materials)in a randomized block design executed on a high-traffic-volume highway.Under this condition,the traffic volume works as a stress factor and the degradation of the retroreflectivity of pavement markings is faster than the degradation on rural roads or streets.This is related to the second contribution:the possibility of a reduction of experimental time.The current experiment spent 20 weeks to collect the data.And finally a mixed linear model considering three random effects and several fixed effects is fitted and the most relevant effects pointed out.This study can help highway managers to improve road safety by scheduling the maintenance of pavement marks at the appropriate time,choosing adequate material for the pavement markings and applying the proposed artificial scheme in future studies.展开更多
Hatchery release is a common and effective practice for protecting and restoring wild resources,and the success of the practice is commonly assessed using mark-recapture technology.We investigated the use of different...Hatchery release is a common and effective practice for protecting and restoring wild resources,and the success of the practice is commonly assessed using mark-recapture technology.We investigated the use of different dimensional X-ray imaging techniques for the strontium(Sr)marking of fish fin rays for stocking.Megalobrama amblycephala juveniles were marked by culturing specimens in 800-mg/L SrCl_(2)·6 H_(2)O solution,the cross-sections of dorsal fin rays were subsequently obtained,and the concentrations Sr was analyzed by 2 D imaging using an electron probe X-ray microanalyzer.Our preliminary findings indicate that the immersion marking method is effective for the Sr marking of fin rays in experimental fish.Moreover,we generated a bird’s-eye-view 3 D mesh image of the Sr concentrations,which can provide a more comprehensive information for fish stocking than that using normal 2 D imaging.展开更多
Currently,in STEM environments,female employees are often recognized as minorities due to their positioning or occupancy rate,which may lead to experiences of“imposter syndrome”.This study applies frameworks of mixe...Currently,in STEM environments,female employees are often recognized as minorities due to their positioning or occupancy rate,which may lead to experiences of“imposter syndrome”.This study applies frameworks of mixed-gender discourse,such as limited involvement in activity as an agent,markedness,and gender-differentiated roles,to clarify how women in STEM position themselves or are positioned by the society.Using corpus linguistics and content analysis,it is clarified that female researchers are usually linguistically marked or tend to distinguish themselves as non-experts.Thus,their portrayal within a misogynistic society may considerably interact with how female researchers represent themselves.展开更多
The smooth development of energy transition is inseparable from the stable guarantee of traditional energy such as oil In 2023,the total global primary energy consumption amounted to 619.63 exajoules,marking a 2%incre...The smooth development of energy transition is inseparable from the stable guarantee of traditional energy such as oil In 2023,the total global primary energy consumption amounted to 619.63 exajoules,marking a 2%increase compared to 2022.展开更多
The hook formation mechanism in continuously cast slabs of ultra-low carbon steel was analyzed in detail through numerical calculations and experimental observations using optical microscopy,and its distribution chara...The hook formation mechanism in continuously cast slabs of ultra-low carbon steel was analyzed in detail through numerical calculations and experimental observations using optical microscopy,and its distribution characteristics were determined.Numerical simulations confirmed that the freezing–overflow mechanism is the primary cause of hook formation.They also revealed that the freezing event occurs unpredictably,while the overflow event takes place during the positive strip time.The average pitch of oscillation marks(OMs)on the slab surface was 8.693 mm,while the theoretical pitch was 8.889 mm,with a difference of approximately 2%.This discrepancy primarily results from varying degrees of overflow,which affects the morphology of the OMs and the positions of their deepest points.Notably,this result further confirmed that the freezing and overflow in the meniscus were indeed caused by the periodic oscillation of the mold.Higher superheat hindered hook formation,leading to a negative correlation between the hook depth distribution around the slab and the temperature distribution within the mold.Therefore,the depth of the corner hook was greater than that of other positions,which was caused by the intensified cooling effect of the corner.Moreover,key factors influencing hook development were analyzed,providing insights into transient fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics within the mold.Transient fluid flow and heat transfer contributed to the randomness and tendency of hook formation.This randomness was reflected in the varying angles of the hooks,whereas the tendency was evident in the negative correlation between superheat and hook length.Based on the randomness and tendency of hook formation and its profile characteristics,a new method for controlling hook depth based on“sine law”is proposed.展开更多
During the final proofing stage of the paper,the wrong version of Fig.2 was accidently used when replacing it with a high-resolution version.The star and circle marks were missing in the published version.
Cutibacterium acnes were used to induce lipase production,and to establish ex-vivo skin model of inflammatory response and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,in purpose of exploring the mechanism of chamomilla recuti...Cutibacterium acnes were used to induce lipase production,and to establish ex-vivo skin model of inflammatory response and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,in purpose of exploring the mechanism of chamomilla recutita extract.Clinical study was designed to investigate the effects of chamomilla recutita extract on Chinese volunteers with sequelae of adult acne,by evaluating the severity of acne,post-acne erythema and pigmentation,skin basic physiological conditions.The results showed that chamomilla recutita extract inhibited lipase activity,cellular inflammatory response,and melanin production.In the clinical study,the acnes were relieved 173%,with a 78%lower post-acne erythema index and 202%less hyperpigmentation as compared to placebo,after applying samples containing 1%chamomilla recutita extract for 28 days.Meanwhile,chamomilla recutita extract showed instant oil control effect.The extract significantly reduced sebum secretion by 293%,increased skin moisture content by 102%,and strengthened the skin barrier by 193%after 28 days application,which provided favorable skin physiological basis for the prevention and improvement of acne vulgaris and sequelae.展开更多
During the continuous casting process of low carbon steel,the solidified hook formed in the mold has great effects on the surface quality of the cast slab.Some factory experiments have been conducted to investigate th...During the continuous casting process of low carbon steel,the solidified hook formed in the mold has great effects on the surface quality of the cast slab.Some factory experiments have been conducted to investigate the microscopic characteristics and reveal the influence of process parameters on solidified hooks.The depth of the hooks showed a positive correlation with the deflection angle,length,and oscillation mark(OM)depth,which indicates that the OM depth can serve as an approximate indicator for evaluating the depth of the solidified hooks.On the wide and narrow faces of the cast slab,the depth of the solidified hooks and the temperature distribution in the mold show opposite trends,with lower depths of solidified hooks at positions with higher temperatures.In addition,the influence of process parameters on solidified hooks was analyzed.With the increase in superheat,not only the depth of solidified hooks gradually decreases,but also the ratio of depression-typed marks increases.Increasing casting speed and decreasing immersion depth of the submerged entry nozzle will both lead to a decrease in the depth of the solidified hook.展开更多
AIM:To compare the accuracy of manual marking versus an image-guided system for toric implantable collamer lens(TICL)implantation and evaluate the short-term postoperative rotational stability of TICL and corneal surg...AIM:To compare the accuracy of manual marking versus an image-guided system for toric implantable collamer lens(TICL)implantation and evaluate the short-term postoperative rotational stability of TICL and corneal surgically induced astigmatism vector(SIA).METHODS:Retrospective analysis was conducted on eyes with TICL alignment achieved through manual marking(n=75)or VERION image-guided system-assisted marking(n=83).Each group was further classified into horizontal and vertical subgroups based on implant orientation.Additionally,patients were categorized into superior and temporal incision subgroups according to the position of main corneal incision.The misalignment and rotational stability of TICL were analyzed using slit-lamp anterior segment photography.Surgical predictability,efficacy,safety,and corneal SIA were also evaluated.RESULTS:In general,the TICL implantation with manual and digital image-guided systems all achieved robust predictability,efficacy,and safety.The misalignment of TICL was comparable between the manual and VERION groups(0.16°±3.97°vs 0.52°±5.59°,P=0.633),while a significant difference was observed in the absolute misalignment of TICL between the two groups(3.02°±2.55°vs 4.28°±3.61°,P=0.043).There were no significant differences in the distribution of TICL misalignment between the manual and VERION groups or between horizontal and vertical implant orientation groups(P>0.05).Furthermore,different orientations of TICL placement did not show statistically significant differences in rotational stability(P=0.46).Statistically significant differences were found in anterior corneal SIA between the manual and VERION groups(0.46±0.27 vs 0.33±0.21 D,P=0.001),especially for superior incision position(0.60±0.27 vs 0.35±0.23 D,P<0.0001).The anterior SIA exhibited a significant difference between superior and temporal incisions in the manual group(0.60±0.27 vs 0.35±0.20 D,P<0.0001).CONCLUSION:Compared with the conventional manual marking method,this study indicates that the digital image-guided system with VERION is safe and effective in TICL implantation.The digital system offers the advantage of minimizing corneal SIA compared to the manual method.展开更多
Accurate estimations of animal population size are pivotal for implementing management strategies properly.Recapture technique based on sounds as a specimen identifcation mark has barely been used for marine mammals.H...Accurate estimations of animal population size are pivotal for implementing management strategies properly.Recapture technique based on sounds as a specimen identifcation mark has barely been used for marine mammals.However,inferring abundance estimates from acoustic methods could enhance the accuracy and precision of population size assessments.Here,we tested the possibility of using signature whistles as individual marks for estimating the size of common bottlenose dolphin(Tursiops truncatus)populations.Data were continuously collected for 326 days in 2015–2016,by using a fxed acoustic device located in the Sicily Strait(Italy).The SIGID method was applied to identify Signature Whistles Types(SWTs)over 7,000 h of recordings.Eighty SWTs were detected as long as their stereotyped fundamental frequency contours were repeated in bouts of at least 6 renditions.The mean SWTs monthly recording rate resulted in 0.19(Standard deviation=0.16),with 20 SWTs recorded over 5 or more different encounters(until a maximum of 30 encounters).The Jolly–Seber model(with POPAN formulation)was run in Mark software to estimate the population size.The estimated population size resulted in 171 bottlenose dolphins(95%confdence interval=137–215).Even if the detection and identifcation of signature whistles required crucial precautions,and animals could be detected differently from visual techniques,the population size estimate obtained was comparable with previous results based on physical marks data.These outcomes demonstrated that signature whistles can be considered a strongly effective tool for integrating traditional mark-recapture techniques with fnely estimated dolphins’population abundances.展开更多
基金This study received support from the Tibet Major Science and Technology Project(XZ201901-GA-06).
文摘Conspicuous coloration in animals serves many functions such as anti-predation.Anti-predation strategies include motion dazzle and flash behavior.Motion dazzle markings can reduce the probability of being preyed on because the predators misjudge their movement.In flash behavior,prey demonstrate conspicuous cue while fleeing;the predators follow them;however,the prey hide their markings and the predators assume that the prey has vanished.To investigate whether bovids use conspicuous hindquarter markings as an anti-predatory behavior,we undertook phylogenetically controlled analyses to explore under what physiological characteristics and environmental factors bovids might have this color pattern.The results suggested that rump patches and tail markings were more prevalent in bovids living in larger-sized groups,which supports the hypothesis of intraspecific communication.Moreover,we observed the occurrence of conspicuous white hindquarter markings in bovids having smaller body size and living in larger groups,suggesting a motion dazzle function.However,the feature of facultative exposing color patterns(flash markings)was not associated with body size,which was inconsistent with predictions and implied that bovids may not adopt this as an anti-predator strategy.It was concluded that species in bovids with conspicuous white hindquarter markings adopt motion dazzle as an anti-predation strategy while fleeing and escaping from being prey on.
文摘For an effective thermoplastic pavement marking replacement strategy, the rate at which the marking’s retro-reflectivity deteriorates in service must be well established in order to avoid re-stripping that is too soon or too late. Against this background, this paper undertook a review of models that deal with degradation of thermoplastic pavement markings under different traffic and environmental conditions in order to establish service life and the terminal retro-reflectivity levels that have informed re-striping. Service life in the context of this paper is the time taken for a newly-installed marking to degrade to some minimum retro-reflectivity level below which motorists would find it difficult to navigate on the carriageway under night-time and poor visibility conditions. It was established that the minimum retro-reflectivity requiring re-stripping intervention reported varied, although commonly-adopted values tended to range from 50 mcd/m2/lx to 150 mcd/m2/lx. A number of empirical models, based on site specific conditions, have been developed by researchers using field data, to estimate marking retro-reflectivity at any time since placement. Whereas some of the models used time as the only independent variable, others used a combination of time, traffic level and a few other parameters to estimate retro-reflectivity. Even though degradation of marking retro-reflectivity is a reflection, among other things of material degeneration impacted by environmental and service conditions, almost all the models reviewed failed to consider environmental factors. Additionally, for some of the models, non-inclusion of the initial retro-reflectivity level and their generally low coefficient of determination statistic erode the confidence in their reliability.
文摘In this paper we present relevant contributions and important features related to the study of the retroreflectivity performance of pavement markings.The contribution of this paper is threefold.First,we propose an artificial scheme to allow some randomization of the treatments owing to several restrictions imposed on the choice of the experimental units.It is an experiment involving one fixed factor(three types of materials)in a randomized block design executed on a high-traffic-volume highway.Under this condition,the traffic volume works as a stress factor and the degradation of the retroreflectivity of pavement markings is faster than the degradation on rural roads or streets.This is related to the second contribution:the possibility of a reduction of experimental time.The current experiment spent 20 weeks to collect the data.And finally a mixed linear model considering three random effects and several fixed effects is fitted and the most relevant effects pointed out.This study can help highway managers to improve road safety by scheduling the maintenance of pavement marks at the appropriate time,choosing adequate material for the pavement markings and applying the proposed artificial scheme in future studies.
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2022 YFF 0608203)the Graduate Student Scientific Research Innovation Projects in Jiangsu Province(No.KYCX 22-0706)。
文摘Hatchery release is a common and effective practice for protecting and restoring wild resources,and the success of the practice is commonly assessed using mark-recapture technology.We investigated the use of different dimensional X-ray imaging techniques for the strontium(Sr)marking of fish fin rays for stocking.Megalobrama amblycephala juveniles were marked by culturing specimens in 800-mg/L SrCl_(2)·6 H_(2)O solution,the cross-sections of dorsal fin rays were subsequently obtained,and the concentrations Sr was analyzed by 2 D imaging using an electron probe X-ray microanalyzer.Our preliminary findings indicate that the immersion marking method is effective for the Sr marking of fin rays in experimental fish.Moreover,we generated a bird’s-eye-view 3 D mesh image of the Sr concentrations,which can provide a more comprehensive information for fish stocking than that using normal 2 D imaging.
文摘Currently,in STEM environments,female employees are often recognized as minorities due to their positioning or occupancy rate,which may lead to experiences of“imposter syndrome”.This study applies frameworks of mixed-gender discourse,such as limited involvement in activity as an agent,markedness,and gender-differentiated roles,to clarify how women in STEM position themselves or are positioned by the society.Using corpus linguistics and content analysis,it is clarified that female researchers are usually linguistically marked or tend to distinguish themselves as non-experts.Thus,their portrayal within a misogynistic society may considerably interact with how female researchers represent themselves.
文摘The smooth development of energy transition is inseparable from the stable guarantee of traditional energy such as oil In 2023,the total global primary energy consumption amounted to 619.63 exajoules,marking a 2%increase compared to 2022.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52174306)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Nos.N2225023 and N2425006)the Basic Research Projects of Liaoning Provincial Department of Education(No.LJ212410148027)。
文摘The hook formation mechanism in continuously cast slabs of ultra-low carbon steel was analyzed in detail through numerical calculations and experimental observations using optical microscopy,and its distribution characteristics were determined.Numerical simulations confirmed that the freezing–overflow mechanism is the primary cause of hook formation.They also revealed that the freezing event occurs unpredictably,while the overflow event takes place during the positive strip time.The average pitch of oscillation marks(OMs)on the slab surface was 8.693 mm,while the theoretical pitch was 8.889 mm,with a difference of approximately 2%.This discrepancy primarily results from varying degrees of overflow,which affects the morphology of the OMs and the positions of their deepest points.Notably,this result further confirmed that the freezing and overflow in the meniscus were indeed caused by the periodic oscillation of the mold.Higher superheat hindered hook formation,leading to a negative correlation between the hook depth distribution around the slab and the temperature distribution within the mold.Therefore,the depth of the corner hook was greater than that of other positions,which was caused by the intensified cooling effect of the corner.Moreover,key factors influencing hook development were analyzed,providing insights into transient fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics within the mold.Transient fluid flow and heat transfer contributed to the randomness and tendency of hook formation.This randomness was reflected in the varying angles of the hooks,whereas the tendency was evident in the negative correlation between superheat and hook length.Based on the randomness and tendency of hook formation and its profile characteristics,a new method for controlling hook depth based on“sine law”is proposed.
文摘During the final proofing stage of the paper,the wrong version of Fig.2 was accidently used when replacing it with a high-resolution version.The star and circle marks were missing in the published version.
文摘Cutibacterium acnes were used to induce lipase production,and to establish ex-vivo skin model of inflammatory response and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,in purpose of exploring the mechanism of chamomilla recutita extract.Clinical study was designed to investigate the effects of chamomilla recutita extract on Chinese volunteers with sequelae of adult acne,by evaluating the severity of acne,post-acne erythema and pigmentation,skin basic physiological conditions.The results showed that chamomilla recutita extract inhibited lipase activity,cellular inflammatory response,and melanin production.In the clinical study,the acnes were relieved 173%,with a 78%lower post-acne erythema index and 202%less hyperpigmentation as compared to placebo,after applying samples containing 1%chamomilla recutita extract for 28 days.Meanwhile,chamomilla recutita extract showed instant oil control effect.The extract significantly reduced sebum secretion by 293%,increased skin moisture content by 102%,and strengthened the skin barrier by 193%after 28 days application,which provided favorable skin physiological basis for the prevention and improvement of acne vulgaris and sequelae.
基金the financial support of National Key Research and Development Plan(No.2021YFB3702000)National Natural Science of China(Nos.52074076,52174306 and U20A20272)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Nos.N2225023 and N2425006).Author information。
文摘During the continuous casting process of low carbon steel,the solidified hook formed in the mold has great effects on the surface quality of the cast slab.Some factory experiments have been conducted to investigate the microscopic characteristics and reveal the influence of process parameters on solidified hooks.The depth of the hooks showed a positive correlation with the deflection angle,length,and oscillation mark(OM)depth,which indicates that the OM depth can serve as an approximate indicator for evaluating the depth of the solidified hooks.On the wide and narrow faces of the cast slab,the depth of the solidified hooks and the temperature distribution in the mold show opposite trends,with lower depths of solidified hooks at positions with higher temperatures.In addition,the influence of process parameters on solidified hooks was analyzed.With the increase in superheat,not only the depth of solidified hooks gradually decreases,but also the ratio of depression-typed marks increases.Increasing casting speed and decreasing immersion depth of the submerged entry nozzle will both lead to a decrease in the depth of the solidified hook.
文摘AIM:To compare the accuracy of manual marking versus an image-guided system for toric implantable collamer lens(TICL)implantation and evaluate the short-term postoperative rotational stability of TICL and corneal surgically induced astigmatism vector(SIA).METHODS:Retrospective analysis was conducted on eyes with TICL alignment achieved through manual marking(n=75)or VERION image-guided system-assisted marking(n=83).Each group was further classified into horizontal and vertical subgroups based on implant orientation.Additionally,patients were categorized into superior and temporal incision subgroups according to the position of main corneal incision.The misalignment and rotational stability of TICL were analyzed using slit-lamp anterior segment photography.Surgical predictability,efficacy,safety,and corneal SIA were also evaluated.RESULTS:In general,the TICL implantation with manual and digital image-guided systems all achieved robust predictability,efficacy,and safety.The misalignment of TICL was comparable between the manual and VERION groups(0.16°±3.97°vs 0.52°±5.59°,P=0.633),while a significant difference was observed in the absolute misalignment of TICL between the two groups(3.02°±2.55°vs 4.28°±3.61°,P=0.043).There were no significant differences in the distribution of TICL misalignment between the manual and VERION groups or between horizontal and vertical implant orientation groups(P>0.05).Furthermore,different orientations of TICL placement did not show statistically significant differences in rotational stability(P=0.46).Statistically significant differences were found in anterior corneal SIA between the manual and VERION groups(0.46±0.27 vs 0.33±0.21 D,P=0.001),especially for superior incision position(0.60±0.27 vs 0.35±0.23 D,P<0.0001).The anterior SIA exhibited a significant difference between superior and temporal incisions in the manual group(0.60±0.27 vs 0.35±0.20 D,P<0.0001).CONCLUSION:Compared with the conventional manual marking method,this study indicates that the digital image-guided system with VERION is safe and effective in TICL implantation.The digital system offers the advantage of minimizing corneal SIA compared to the manual method.
基金the project“BIOforIU project PONa3_00025-Multidisciplinary Infrastructure for the Study and Development of Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity in the Perspective of Innovation Union.”Part of the analysis was funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan(NRRP),Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.4-Call for tender No.3138 of 16 December 2021,rectifed by Decree n.3175 of 18 December 2021 of Italian Ministry of University and Research funded by the European Union-NextGenerationEU,Award Number:Project code CN_00000033,Concession Decree No.1034 of 17 June 2022 adopted by the Italian Ministry of University and Research,Project title"National Biodiversity Future Center-NBFC".
文摘Accurate estimations of animal population size are pivotal for implementing management strategies properly.Recapture technique based on sounds as a specimen identifcation mark has barely been used for marine mammals.However,inferring abundance estimates from acoustic methods could enhance the accuracy and precision of population size assessments.Here,we tested the possibility of using signature whistles as individual marks for estimating the size of common bottlenose dolphin(Tursiops truncatus)populations.Data were continuously collected for 326 days in 2015–2016,by using a fxed acoustic device located in the Sicily Strait(Italy).The SIGID method was applied to identify Signature Whistles Types(SWTs)over 7,000 h of recordings.Eighty SWTs were detected as long as their stereotyped fundamental frequency contours were repeated in bouts of at least 6 renditions.The mean SWTs monthly recording rate resulted in 0.19(Standard deviation=0.16),with 20 SWTs recorded over 5 or more different encounters(until a maximum of 30 encounters).The Jolly–Seber model(with POPAN formulation)was run in Mark software to estimate the population size.The estimated population size resulted in 171 bottlenose dolphins(95%confdence interval=137–215).Even if the detection and identifcation of signature whistles required crucial precautions,and animals could be detected differently from visual techniques,the population size estimate obtained was comparable with previous results based on physical marks data.These outcomes demonstrated that signature whistles can be considered a strongly effective tool for integrating traditional mark-recapture techniques with fnely estimated dolphins’population abundances.
