bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Straw Mulching with Minimum Tillage Is the Best Method Suitable for Straw Application under Mechanical Grain Harvesting
Authors: Lei En , Wang ChaoBo , Li Wen Xue , Wang Yue Dong , Yang Yong Bing , Zheng Hua Bin , Tang Qi Yuan
Published: December 2021

Mechanical grain harvesting is a crop production development direction. However, the residue management methods suitable for mechanical grain harvesting have been not established. In order to study the effect of residue management modes on maize yield formation and explore the best residue management methods for mechanical grain harvesting, four crop field surveys were carried out in Southwest China. Crops were mechanically harvested, and the residues were shredded and returned to the field using various straw application methods including straw deep burial with plowing (SDBP), straw shallow burial with rotary tillage (SSBRT), and straw mulching with minimum tillage (SMMT). The first-season rape residues were returned to the field, and the second-season maize yield under SDBP and SSBRT was significantly higher than that under SMMT. However, with the increase in rounds of residue application, compared with SDBP and SSBRT, SMMT continuously increased the soil moisture content in the 0–30 cm soil layer at the early stage of maize growth, increased the soil alkaline-hydrolyzed nitrogen content in the 0–20 cm and 40–60 cm layers, and reduced the soil compaction under 40 cm layer, which were more conducive to the root system growth. Maize yield with the SMMT increased by 5.4% compared with that of the previous season, while the yields with SDBP and SSBRT decreased by 16.7% and 12.7%, respectively, compared with those of the previous season. In conclusion, it is recommended to employ the SMMT method during crop mechanical harvesting, which is of great significance to improve soil quality and increase maize grain yield.
Spectrum and Prevalence of Thyroid Diseases at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Retrospective Study of 976 Cases
Authors: Hassan-Kadle Mohamed A. , Adani Abdulkamil Abdullahi , Eker Hasan Huseyin , Keles Esra , Muse Osman Marian , Mahdi Ahmed Hussein , Görçin Karaketir Şeyma
Published: December 2021

Background. Thyroid disorder is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide and neglected public health issues in Somalia. The aim of the study thus was to investigate the thyroid disorders in patients attending to the largest tertiary referral hospital in Somalia. Methods. This retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted to the internal department of Somalia Mogadishu-Turkey Education and Research Hospital, Somali, between January 2017 and December 2019. Patients who were tested for thyroid function tests and had complete data were included. Patients with incomplete data and currently treated for any thyroid disorder were excluded from the study. Abstracted data including patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, thyroid function tests, and histopathological findings were retrieved from the hospital database system. Results. A total of 976 patients with thyroid disorders were enrolled, of whom 66.6% (n = 650) were female and 33.4% (n = 326) were male. The mean age of the patients was 47 ± 18.5 years. The majority of the patients were reported in the 31–50 (35.9%) age range. The most reported thyroid function disorders were 58.8% euthyroid sick syndrome followed by 15.4% hypothyroidism, 12.5% subclinical hypothyroidism, 7.6% hyperthyroidism, and 5.7% subclinical hyperthyroidism. The distribution of comorbidity indicated that 13.4% had diabetes mellitus, 10.4% had HIV, 4.9% had malaria, and 4.5% had HIV and malaria coinfection. Thyroid malignancies were detached in 22 (2.2%) patients including eleven papillary thyroid cancer, nine patients had follicular thyroid cancer, and two patients had differentiated thyroid cancer. Conclusions. Euthyroid sick syndrome was the most common type of thyroid disease in our setup. Hypothyroidism is the second most common, followed by subclinical hypothyroidism. Papillary thyroid cancer was the predominant histology among thyroid malignancies, followed by follicular thyroid cancer. This study revealed that thyroid diseases emerge as an important endocrine disorder encountered in Somali, necessitating a major public health response.
The Process and Model Innovation of Ideological Education Network Communication in Colleges and Universities Based on Cloud Computing
Authors: Zhan Haiyan
Published: December 2021

The purpose is to improve the power and innovate the communication mode of mainstream I&P (Ideological and Political) education in C&U (Colleges and Universities). The opportunities and challenges that I&P education is facing or will face in media times are analyzed from three factors: the subjective, the mediator, and the environment, which affect the power of mainstream I&P in C&U. Educational means, carriers, resources, places and times, and the interactions between educators and the educated can bring opportunities for the improvement of the educational power of C&U. However, there are great challenges in all aspects of the mainstream ideology, such as education methods, education ideas, education content, education leadership and discourse power, and network public opinion control. Finally, a series of measures are proposed to improve the power of mainstream I&P education in C&U in media times, and they are updating the concept of media education, strengthening the ideological guidance, ensuring the direction of mainstream I&P education, and optimizing the media environment so that a more perfect innovative mode of I&P education is constructed. The research enriches and develops the theory of mainstream I&P education in C&U, innovates the methods of mainstream I&P education in C&U, and enhances the power of mainstream I&P education.
Application of Video Processing Technology Based on Diffusion Equation Model in Basketball Analysis
Authors: Feng Yafeng , Liu Xianguo
Published: December 2021

Video event detection and annotation work is an important content of video analysis and the basis of video content retrieval. Basketball is one of the most popular types of sports. Event detection and labeling of basketball videos can help viewers quickly locate events of interest and meet retrieval needs. This paper studies the application of anisotropic diffusion in video image smoothing, denoising, and enhancement. An improved form of anisotropic diffusion that can be used for video image enhancement is analyzed. This paper studies the anisotropic diffusion method for coherent speckle noise removal and proposes a video image denoising method that combines anisotropic diffusion and stationary wavelet transform. This paper proposes an anisotropic diffusion method based on visual characteristics, which adds a factor of video image detail while smoothing, and improves the visual effect of diffusion. This article discusses how to apply anisotropic diffusion methods and ideas to video image segmentation. We introduced the classic watershed segmentation algorithm and used forward-backward diffusion to process video images to reduce oversegmentation, introduced the active contour model and its improved GVF Snake, and analyzed the idea of how to use anisotropic diffusion and improve the GVF Snake model to get a new GGVF Snake model. In the study of basketball segmentation of close-up shots, we propose an improved Hough transform method based on a variable direction filter, which can effectively extract the center and radius of the basketball. The algorithm has good robustness to basketball partial occlusion and motion blur. In the basketball segmentation research of the perspective shot, the commonly used object segmentation method based on the change area detection is very sensitive to noise and requires the object not to move too fast. In order to correct the basketball segmentation deviation caused by the video noise and the fast basketball movement, we make corrections based on the peak characteristics of the edge gradient. At the same time, the internal and external energy calculation methods of the traditional active contour model are improved, and the judgment standard of the regional optimal solution and segmentation validity is further established. In the basketball tracking research, an improved block matching method is proposed. On the one hand, in order to overcome the influence of basketball’s own rotation, this article establishes a matching criterion that has nothing to do with the location of the area. On the other hand, this article improves the diamond motion search path based on the basketball’s motion correlation and center offset characteristics to reduce the number of searches and improve the tracking speed.
Prediction of Evolution and Development Trend in Sports Industry Cluster Based on Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Cong Rui , Wang Hailong
Published: December 2021

Sports industry cluster refers to the economic phenomenon that sports related enterprises gather in a large number in a specific area. For the sports enterprises in the cluster, they can obtain huge competitive advantages through enterprise agglomeration, thus obtaining better development and rich economic benefits. The optimization of particle swarm optimization is interlinked with the agglomeration of industrial clusters. Therefore, in view of the limitation of the standard particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm-diaphragm particle swarm optimization (D-PSO) was proposed and used to simulate the formation of sports industry clusters. D-PSO introduces the cell membrane processing mechanism of the biological system into the PSO algorithm, which improves the ability of the PSO algorithm to get rid of local extremum points. The competitiveness value of the sports industry cluster is the value of the objective function solved by the D-PSO algorithm. The geographical coordinates of the industrial cluster were the locations in the particle search space of the D-PSO algorithm. The D-PSO algorithm is used to simulate the aggregation process of enterprises in the cluster. Compared with the standard PSO, the D-PSO algorithm has better convergence performance and optimal rate. The results of case analysis show that the proposed method can effectively predict the development trend of sports industrial clusters.
Tiger-Striped PASH: Recognition of a Unique Morphology Allows for a Zippered-Up Diagnosis of Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia of Breast
Authors: Sakibuzzaman Mohamad , Kendziora Ryan W. , Ghosh Toshi , Solanki Malvika H. , Conners Amy Lynn , Ahlberg Lisa J. , Sturgis Charles D.
Published: December 2021

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) of the breast is histologically characterized by anastomosing and slit-like spaces invested by collagenous stroma and lined by flattened, spindle cells. These clear spaces that may mimic microscopic vascular channels do not contain red blood cells. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies may also help to confirm a diagnosis of PASH, with the spindled cells marking positively with CD34 and PR while demonstrating no reactivity with more specific endothelial antigens such as CD31 and ERG. In the current case, a 39-year-old female was diagnosed with cellular PASH of the right breast with unique histological patterns showing “tiger-striped” and “zippered” histologies. To our knowledge, this is the first report of these unique variant PASH morphologies.
Laboratory Study on Changes in Gas Desorption Properties of Anthracite after Cyclic Loading
Authors: Li Tie , Wang Dong , Liu Mei-Hua , Chen Liang , Liu Hao
Published: December 2021

Coal mass is subjected to cyclic loading during pulsating hydraulic fracturing (PHF), and changes in its gas desorption properties affect gas drainage. Therefore, it is of great importance to correctly understand the influences of cyclic loading on the gas desorption properties of coal mass. Firstly, loading tests with different frequencies and amplitudes were performed on anthracite from Qinshui Basin (Shanxi Province, China) using a fatigue testing machine. Secondly, gas desorption tests were performed to determine the associated curves for each test group at different equilibrium pressures, and the initial desorption capacity and diffusion coefficient of the gas were calculated. Finally, the influence of different loading conditions on the gas desorption laws were analyzed. The test results demonstrate that a greater loading frequency increases the ratio of the initial desorption capacity so that the desorption rate of coal samples is higher, and the gas desorption properties become increasingly better in the initial stage. However, variations in the amplitude have minimal impact on the ratio of the initial desorption capacity. When the amplitude is too large in the initial stage, the diffusion coefficient decreases and the gas desorption properties worsen. In addition, the above test results are used to discuss the selection of the amplitude and frequency in the PHF process from a macroperspective. The contained research results provide an important theoretical basis for the field application of PHF technologies in coal mines.
Delayed Diagnosis: Tuberculous Arthritis of Right Knee Joint in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Senarathna H. , Deshapriya K.
Published: December 2021

Background. Though skeletal tuberculosis (TB) accounts about 3% of all TB cases, it occupies 10–35% of extrapulmonary TB cases. Common osteoarticular sites involved include the spine (40%), hip (25%), and knee (8%). Co-occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and tuberculous arthritis involving peripheral joint is rarely reported in the literature. Case Presentation. We present a case of 42-year-old Sri Lankan-Sinhalese male with right knee joint pain and swelling for one-year duration. This patient had a history of long-standing RA with interstitial lung disease for which he was on multiple immunosuppressive medications including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. His knee joint aspiration fluid was positive for both acid fast bacilli (AFB) and polymerase chain reaction for TB (TB-PCR). He was started on anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. Conclusion. TB should be considered as an important differential diagnosis for chronic mono-arthritis of knee joint with a high degree of suspicion, particularly where TB is endemic.
Hourly and Day Ahead Power Prediction of Building Integrated Semitransparent Photovoltaic System
Authors: Kaliappan S. , Saravanakumar R. , Karthick Alagar , Kumar P. Marish , Venkatesh V. , Mohanavel V. , Rajkumar S.
Published: December 2021

The building integrated semitransparent photovoltaic (BISTPV) system is an emerging technology which replaces the conventional building material envelopes and roof. The performance prediction of the BISTPV system places a vital role in the reduction of the energy consumption in the building. In this work, the artificial neural network (ANN) is used to predict the performance of this system by optimizing the important parameter of the feature selection. The Elman neural network (EN) algorithm, feed forward neural network (FN), and generalized regression neural network model (GRN) are investigated in this study. The performance metrics of the errors are analysed such as the root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean square root (MSE). According to the findings, the model behaves consistently at the specified time and place in the experiment. Forecasters utilizing neural network models will have better accuracy if they use techniques like EN, FFN, and GRN having the RMSE of 0.25, 0.37, and 0.45, respectively.
Social Stability Risk Diffusion of Large Complex Engineering Projects Based on an Improved SIR Model: A Simulation Research on Complex Networks
Authors: He Zhengqi , Huang Dechun , Fang Junmin
Published: December 2021

The development of China’s new urbanization has driven the rapid increase in large complex engineering projects, which have the characteristics of large‐scale investment, long‐term construction, and wide social influence, easily causing benefit conflicts among relevant stakeholders, and breaking out social stability risks. In the previous research, the risks of large complex engineering projects mainly concentrated on the assessment of economic risk, schedule risk, etc. However, there were few studies on social risks, and they did not consider how the risks spread on the complex networks based on the social connections such as interpersonal relationship. From the subject of social stability risk diffusion of large complex engineering projects, this paper constructs a related risk diffusion model based on the SIR model to analyze risk diffusion mechanism. Through NetLogo simulation platform, the model is placed under a small‐world network environment that is closest to the topology structure of real social interpersonal relationship network for simulation research, aiming to find out key factors of social stability risk intervention for large complex engineering projects, which greatly contributes to the social stability risk management of large complex engineering projects.
Learning Whale Optimization Algorithm for Open Vehicle Routing Problem with Loading Constraints
Authors: Yu Nai K. , Jiang Wen , Hu Rong , Qian Bin , Wang Ling
Published: December 2021

This paper addresses the two-dimensional loading open vehicle routing problem with time window (2L-OVRPTW). We propose a learning whale optimization algorithm (LWOA) to minimize the total distance; an improved skyline filling algorithm (ISFA) is designed to solve the two-dimensional loading problem. In LWOA, the whale optimization algorithm is used to search the solution space and get the high-quality solution. Then, by learning and accumulating the block structure and customer location information in the high-quality solution individuals, a three-dimensional matrix is designed to guide the updating of the population. Finally, according to the problem characteristics, the local search method based on fleet and vehicle is designed and performed on the high-quality solution region. IFSA is used to optimize the optimal individual. The computational results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively solve 2L-OVRPTW.
Role of Calcium Signaling Pathway‐Related Gene Regulatory Networks in Ischemic Stroke Based on Multiple WGCNA and Single‐Cell Analysis
Authors: Lin Weiwei , Wang Yangxin , Chen Yisheng , Wang Qiangwei , Gu Zhaowen , Zhu Yongjian
Published: December 2021

Background. This study is aimed at investigating the changes in relevant pathways and the differential expression of related gene expression after ischemic stroke (IS) at the single‐cell level using multiple weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and single‐cell analysis. Methods. The transcriptome expression datasets of IS samples and single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) profiles of cerebrovascular tissues were obtained by searching the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. First, gene pathway scoring was calculated via gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and was imported into multiple WGCNA to acquire key pathways and pathway‐related hub genes. Furthermore, SCENIC was used to identify transcription factors (TFs) regulating these core genes using scRNA‐seq data. Finally, the pseudotemporal trajectory analysis was used to analyse the role of these TFs on various cell types under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Results. The scores of 186 KEGG pathways were obtained via GSVA using microarray expression profiles of 40 specimens. WGCNA of the KEGG pathways revealed the two following pathways: calcium signaling pathway and neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction pathways. Subsequently, WGCNA of the gene expression matrix of the samples revealed the calcium signaling pathway‐related genes (AC079305.10, BCL10, BCL2A1, BRE-AS1, DYNLL2, EREG, and PTGS2) that were identified as core genes via correlation analysis. Furthermore, SCENIC and pseudotemporal analysis revealed JUN, IRF9, ETV5, and PPARA score gene‐related TFs. Jun was found to be associated with hypoxia in endothelial cells, whereas Irf9 and Etv5 were identified as astrocyte‐specific TFs associated with oxygen concentration in the mouse cerebral cortex. Conclusions. Calcium signaling pathway‐related genes (AC079305.10, BCL10, BCL2A1, BRE-AS1, DYNLL2, EREG, and PTGS2) and TFs (JUN, IRF9, ETV5, and PPARA) were identified to play a key role in IS. This study provides a new perspective and basis for investigating the pathogenesis of IS and developing new therapeutic approaches.
Ultrasonic Elastography Combined with Human Papilloma Virus Detection Based on Intelligent Denoising Algorithm in Diagnosis of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Sun Lu , Shan Xiuling , Dong Qihu , Wu Chong , Shan Mei , Guo Hongxia , Lu Rui
Published: December 2021

The aim of this research was to study the application of ultrasonic elastography combined with human papilloma virus (HPV) detection based on bilateral filter intelligent denoising algorithm in the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of CIN. In this study, 100 patients with cervical lesions were selected as research objects and randomly divided into control group and experimental group, with 50 cases in each group. Patients in control group and experimental group were diagnosed by ultrasonic elastography combined with HPV detection. The experimental group used the optimized image map of bilateral filter intelligent denoising algorithm for denoising and optimization, while the control group did not use optimization, and the differences between them were analyzed and compared. The diagnostic effects of the two groups were compared. As a result, the three accuracy rates of the experimental group were 95%, 95%, and 98%, respectively; the three sensitivity rates were 96%, 92%, and 94%, respectively; and the three specificity rates were 99%, 97%, and 98%, respectively. In the control group, the three accuracy rates were 84%, 86%, and 84%, respectively; the three sensitivity rates were 88%, 84%, and 86%, respectively; and the three specificity rates were 81%, 83%, and 88%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of experiment group were significantly higher than those of control group, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). In summary, the bilateral filter intelligent denoising algorithm has a good denoising effect on the ultrasonic elastography. The ultrasonic image processed by the algorithm combined with HPV detection has a better diagnosis of CIN.
Analysis of the Spatial Structure of Regional Enterprises and Its Impact on Regional Economic Development Based on the Data Envelopment Analysis Model (DEA)
Authors: Wang Lei , He Yuan , Wang Tongwen
Published: December 2021

This paper adopts the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to conduct an in-depth study and analysis of the spatial structure of regional enterprises and their impact on regional economic development and to apply the analysis of the impact between the two. Firstly, the concepts of urban agglomeration, regional spatial pattern evolution, and coordinated regional development and their connotations are explained to define the research topic of this paper. Then, we systematically analyze the theory of regional economic growth, development stage theory, spatial polarization theory, and regional spatial association theory and review the existing studies on regional economic growth, regional development stage, regional spatial association, and pattern evolution, as well as the efficiency and quality of regional economic growth, which further clarify the research focus and research ideas of this paper. The time evolution, spatial divergence, and spatial association characteristics of the economic growth rate of the central urban agglomerations are measured, then the DEA model and entropy value method are used to calculate the economic growth efficiency and economic growth quality of the urban agglomerations, respectively, the time evolution characteristics and spatial pattern evolution characteristics of the economic growth efficiency and economic growth quality are analyzed, and finally, the coupled model of regional economic growth rate, efficiency, and quality is constructed. Finally, a coordination model of the coupling of regional economic growth rate, efficiency, and quality is constructed and the time-series evolution characteristics and spatial-temporal divergence characteristics of the coupling coordination degree of the three are comprehensively analyzed, and the spatial classification of the coupling coordination type of each county unit is made. The direction and path of regulation for the optimization of spatial structure and coordinated spatial development of urban agglomerations are proposed, and finally, the leading factors for the reorganization of the regional economic spatial structure are analyzed, and the regulatory countermeasures for the optimization of the economic spatial structure of urban agglomerations are proposed according to the spatial structure of urban agglomerations and their evolutionary characteristics.
Autophagic Flux Unleashes GATA4‐NF‐κB Axis to Promote Antioxidant Defense‐Dependent Survival of Colorectal Cancer Cells under Chronic Acidosis
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Zhao Minnan , Sun Xue , Meng Zhenzhen , Bai Xiaojing , Gong Yanchao , Xu Limei , Hao Xiaohe , Yang Tingting , Wei Zhao , Zhang Xiyu , Guo Haiyang , Li Peishan , Liu Qiao , Gong Yaoqin , Shi Yufang , Shao Changshun
Published: December 2021

Solid tumors are usually associated with extracellular acidosis due to their increased dependence on glycolysis and poor vascularization. Cancer cells gradually become adapted to acidic microenvironment and even acquire increased aggressiveness. They are resistant to apoptosis but exhibit increased autophagy that is essential for their survival. We here show that NF‐κB, a master regulator of cellular responses to stress, is upregulated in colorectal cancer cells adapted to acidosis (CRC‐AA). NF‐κB is more relied upon for survival in CRC‐AA than in their parental cells and drives a robust antioxidant response. Supplementation of antioxidant abolishes the increased sensitivity of CRC‐AA to NF‐κB inhibition or depletion, suggesting that NF‐κB supports the survival of CRC‐AA by maintaining redox homeostasis. Because SQSTM1/p62 is known to mediate the selective autophagy of GATA4 that augments NF‐κB function, we tested whether the enhanced autophagic flux and consequently the reduction of SQSTM1/p62 in CRC‐AA cells could activate the GATA4‐NF‐κB axis. Indeed, GATA4 is upregulated in CRC‐AA cells and augments the NF‐κB activity that underlies the increased expression of cytokines, inhibition of apoptosis, and reduction of reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, secretory factors derived from HCT15‐AA cells, the soluble ICAM‐1 in particular, also possess antioxidant cytoprotective effect against acidic stress. Together, our results demonstrate a prosurvival role of the p62‐restricted GATA4‐NF‐κB axis in cancer cells adapted to acidic microenvironment.
Influence of Spontaneous and Mechanical Ventilation on Frequency-Based Measures of Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Bubshait Khlood , Alabbasi Yasmine
Published: December 2021

Frequency-based measures of heart rate variability have been shown to be a useful physiological marker in both clinical and research settings providing insight into the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. Ongoing interactions between the autonomic nervous system control of the heart and lung occurs during each ventilation cycle because of their anatomical position within the closed thoracic cavity. Mechanical ventilation and subsequent removal change the normal ventilator mechanics producing alterations in the tidal volume, intrathoracic pressure, and oxygen delivery. A noninvasive method called heart rate variability (HRV) can be used to evaluate this interaction during ventilation and can be quantified by applying frequency-based measures of the variability between heartbeats. Although HRV is a reliable method to measure alteration of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and cardiopulmonary interaction, there have been limited reports concerning the changes in the frequency-based measure of HRV during both spontaneous and mechanical ventilation. The purpose of this methodological study is therefore to describe the physiological influence of both spontaneous and mechanical ventilation on frequency-based measures of HRV.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Clinical Characteristics and Perinatal Outcomes in a Multiethnic Population of North Italy
Authors: Caputo M. , Bullara V. , Mele C. , Samà M. T. , Zavattaro M. , Ferrero A. , Daffara T. , Leone I. , Giachetti G. , Antoniotti V. , Longo D. , De Pedrini A. , Marzullo P. , Remorgida V. , Prodam F. , Aimaretti G.
Published: December 2021

Aim. To evaluate clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes in a heterogeneous population of Caucasians born in Italy and High Migration Pressure Countries (HMPC) women with GDM living in Piedmont, North Italy. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed data from 586 women referring to our unit (2015–2020). Epidemiological (age and country of origin) and clinical-metabolic features (height, weight, family history of DM, parity, previous history of GDM, OGTT results, and GDM treatment) were collected. The database of certificates of care at delivery was consulted in relation to neonatal/maternal complications (rates of caesarean sections, APGAR score, fetal malformations, and neonatal anthropometry). Results. 43.2% of women came from HMPC; they were younger

p
<
0.0001

and required insulin treatment more frequently than Caucasian women born in Italy (χ2 = 17.8,

p
=
0.007

). Higher fasting and 120-minute OGTT levels and gestational BMI increased the risk of insulin treatment (OGTT T0: OR = 1.04, CI 95% 1.016–1.060,

p
=
0.005

; OGTT T120: OR = 1.01, CI 95% 1.002–1.020,

p
=
0.02

; BMI: OR = 1.089, CI 95% 1.051–1.129,

p
<
0.0001

). Moreover, two or more diagnostic OGTT glucose levels doubled the risk of insulin therapy (OR = 2.03, IC 95% 1.145–3.612,

p
=
0.016

). We did not find any association between ethnicities and neonatal/maternal complications. Conclusions. In our multiethnic GDM population, the need for intensive care and insulin treatment is high in HPMC women although the frequency of adverse peripartum and newborn outcomes does not vary among ethnic groups. The need for insulin therapy should be related to different genetic backgrounds, dietary habits, and Nutrition Transition phenomena. Thus, nutritional intervention and insulin treatment need to be tailored.
Investigations on the Respiratory Function in COVID‐19 Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Moyi , Zhou Congyang , Jiang Jian , You Huangjun , Liu Chongchong , Shen Peng , Feng Zhen
Published: December 2021

Introduction. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a global public health crisis. However, whether it can cause respiratory dysfunction or physical and psychological disorders in patients remains unknown. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the respiratory function, activities of daily living, quality of life, and mental status of patients with COVID‐19. Participants and outcomes. Data was collected from the follow‐up of eligible patients who attended the fever clinic of three hospitals in Jiangxi Province, from March to May 2020. The outcomes included respiratory muscle function, degree of dyspnea, aerobic capacity, activities of daily living, quality of life, and mental status. Results. A total of 139 patients (72 men and 67 women) were included in this study. The proportions of mild, moderate, severe, and critical cases of COVID‐19 were 7.1% (10 cases), 68.3% (95 cases), 20.1% (28 cases), and 4.2% (6 cases), respectively. The rates of abnormal maximal inspiratory pressure were 10.0%, 25.2%, 25.0%, and 16.7%, respectively. There were 50%, 65.3%, 50%, and 66.7% of the patients with abnormal dyspnea in the four clinical classifications, respectively. Patients generally show a decline in quality of life, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Conclusions. Respiratory dysfunction, decreased quality of life, and psychological disorders were present in each clinical classification of COVID‐19. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out respiratory rehabilitation and psychological intervention for COVID‐19 patients.
Effect of Electroacupuncture on Reproductive Disorders and Insulin Resistance in a Murine Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model
Authors: Ji Chang , Xu Wanling , Zhang Zhiqing , Cui Shuai , Yi Wei
Published: December 2021

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common, complex, and heterogeneous endocrine and metabolic disorder. There is no standardized treatment, and it therefore requires individualized therapies according to the symptoms and pathogenesis of each patient. The present study aimed to determine the effect of electroacupuncture at the acupoints Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Neiguan (PC6) on reproductive disorders and insulin resistance in a murine model of PCOS induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Vaginal smear analysis was used to determine mice estrous cycle; intraperitoneal glucose and insulin tolerance tests were adopted to analyze metabolic characteristics; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure hormone levels; gene expression was quantified with real-time PCR; hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe ovarian morphology. We observed disordered estrous cycle, polycystic ovarian morphology, and higher levels of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and testosterone (T), indicating successful modeling of PCOS. DHEA increased levels of estrogen (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and EA treatment restored them to levels seen in the control group. EA reduced the days in estrus caused by DHEA, improved the abnormal sex hormone receptor genes, and attenuated the DHEA-induced histomorphological changes in mouse ovaries. The average expressions of the androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor (ER), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genes in the ovary greatly increased after DHEA treatment and significantly decreased in the DHEA + EA group. After EA treatment, the cystic follicle (CF) number was reduced and corpora lutea (CL) increased in the DHEA + EA group compared to the DHEA group. EA improved glucose intolerance and insulin intolerance. Statistical analysis of intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test-area under curve (IPGTT-AUC) glucose levels revealed a significant decrease in DHEA group mice compared to the control and DHEA + EA groups. EA was found to restore fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, and HOMA-IR. In summary, our study suggests that EA has a remarkable effect in the DHEA-induced murine PCOS model. Management of EA could improve estrous cycle, hormonal disorders, abnormal sex hormone receptors in ovaries, ovary morphology, and insulin resistance in PCOS mice.
Two-Player Location-Price Game in a Spoke Market with Linear Transportation Cost
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Song Qiankun
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the location game of two players in a spoke market with linear transportation cost. A spoke market model has been proposed, which is inspired by the Hotelling model and develops two-player games in price competition. Using two-stage (position and price) patterns and the backward guidance method, the existence of price and location equilibrium results for the position games is proved.
Updated distribution of seven Trichosanthes L. (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae) taxa in India, along with taxonomic notes
Authors: Kanakasabapathi Pradheep  , Soyimchiten  , Ganjalagatta Dasaiah Harish  , Muhammed Abdul Nizar  , Kailash Chandra Bhatt  , Anjula Pandey  , Sudhir Pal Ahlawat
Published: December 2021

In India, lack of revisionary work in the genus Trichosanthes L. (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae) over the past 38 years had resulted in several taxonomic and nomenclatural issues, which had implications in determining actual distribution status of taxa. Based on field observations, collected specimens, data from various specimens in herbaria and critical study of all the resources available, here we confirm the extended distribution of T. anaimalaiensis Bedd. in the states of Manipur and Nagaland; T. cordata Roxb. in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar; T. cucumerina L. subsp. sublobata (Kundu) K. Pradheep, D.R. Pani & K.C. Bhatt in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha; T. dicaelosperma C.B. Clarke in Nagaland; T. kerrii Craib in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur; T. majuscula (C.B. Clarke) Kundu in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Assam; and T. truncata C.B. Clarke in Nagaland. Two taxa, namely, Trichosanthes dicaelosperma and T. majuscula, earlier subsumed with T. ovigera Blume or T. cucumeroides (Ser.) Maxim., and T. dunniana H. Lév., respectively, have been resurrected at the rank of species. Lectotypes were designated for the names of above two species. For the first time, female plants of T. majuscula have been described. This communication provides an updated distribution status of seven taxa of Trichosanthes in India along with field and taxonomic notes, and additional taxonomic characters.
Observations on the foraging behavior of Tricoloured Munia Lonchura malacca (Linnaeus, 1766) and its interaction with pearl millet fields in Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: M. Pandian
Published: December 2021

Study of foraging behaviour of Tricoloured Munia Lonchura malacca and its interaction in pearl millet crop fields was conducted in six villages of Tindivanam taluk, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu from April to June 2020. A total of six flocks containing 1,640 birds of Tricoloured Munia were enumerated. The number of birds per flock varied from 60 to 800. They never split into small flocks and maintained the same flock size throughout the day. Tricoloured Munias used nine plant species for roosting. Twelve quadrats (0.3 ha) each of 5 m x 5 m size were laid in the pearl millet fields covering six villages. A total of 10,295 spikes were counted in these plots, and of these 3,785 spikes (36.7%) were found damaged by foraging munias. The maximum damage of 99.6% was observed in Thenputhur village. Along with Tricoloured Munia, five other granivorous birds, such as Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus, Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica, Common Babbler Turdoides caudata, Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri, and White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata were also found foraging without any inter-specific competition. Farmers adopted various traditional bird repellent techniques such as beating utensils, throwing pebbles/soil on the crop, placing scarecrows, tying multi-coloured ribbons, and hanging bottles to chase the birds away.
Nomenclatural notes and report of Boehmeria penduliflora Wedd. ex D.G. Long from the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Gupta Amit , Hurrah Imtiyaz Ahmad , Shukla Aparna , Wagh Vijay V.
Published: December 2021

Boehmeria penduliflora Wedd. ex D.G.Long (Urticaceae) is rediscovered after 81 years  in Barahi range of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the present article, detailed description, digital photographs, illustration, nomenclature update and relevant notes are provided to facilitate easy identification.
Roosting patterns of House Sparrow Passer domesticus Linn., 1758 (Aves: Passeridae) in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
Authors: Foram P. Patel  , Dodia Pravinsang P.
Published: December 2021

The House Sparrow Passer domesticus is widely distributed across the world, and local alarming declines in sparrow populations have prompted studies focused on this species. An understanding of fundamental life history aspects such as roosting patterns is necessary for the development of efficient conservation strategies. This study examined House Sparrow roosting patterns in urban, suburban and rural areas of Bhavnagar during 2017–2018. Potential roosting sites were identified, and peak arrival/ departure times and roosting duration of sparrows were recorded. We found that peak arrival and departure times were correlated with solar timings, indicating a strong influence of photoperiod on sparrow behaviour. Little variation was observed in sparrow arrival and departure times across the urban, suburban and rural gradient. However, arrival duration was significantly larger in urban and suburban areas. This may be due to the restricted availability of suitable patches within these habitats, requiring birds to spend more time foraging. House Sparrows mostly preferred thick vegetation for pre-roosting activities and roosting, and the loss of thick vegetation poses a threat to sparrow populations worldwide. In addition to increasing nesting opportunities by providing artificial nest sites, the importance of retaining appropriate habitats should be a major focus of conservation strategies.
Latrine site and its use pattern by Large Indian Civet Viverra zibetha Linnaeus, 1758: record from camera trap
Authors: Bist Bhuwan Singh , Ghimire Prashant , Sharma Basant , Khanal Chiranjeevi , Subedi Anoj
Published: December 2021

Latrine sites are the places used for urination and defecation, which mostly act as a signaling agent for multiple purposes like territorial marking, confrontation with extruders or potential predators, delivering different inter and intra-communication messages. To understand latrine site visit pattern, a single camera trap was deployed for 91 trap nights at the latrine site of Large Indian Civet during the months of December 2016 and February & March 2017. Latrine site was found under the tree with abundant crown cover and bushes. At least two individuals were found to be using a single latrine site in an irregular manner between 1800 h and 0600 h with higher activity between 1800 h and 2300 h. Our results indicated an irregular latrine site visit pattern, hence similar studies with a robust research design in larger areas are required to understand specific latrine use patterns.
Diversity and distribution of macro lichens from Kalpetta Municipality of Wayanad District, Kerala, India
Authors: Greeshma Balu  , A.R. Rasmi  , Stephen Sequeira  , Biju Haridas
Published: December 2021

Macro lichens of Kalpetta Municipality of Wayanad District of Kerala state were studied. The study revealed about 21 macro lichen species. All the species identified are either foliose or fruticose forms belonging to families Coccocarpiaceae, Caliciaceae, Physciaceae, Parmeliaceae, Collemataceae, Lobariaceae, and Ramalinaceae indicating the dominance of these groups in the study area.
New distribution record of a true coral species, Psammocora contigua (Esper, 1794) from Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park & Sanctuary, India
Authors: Chandran R. , R. Senthil Kumaran  , D.T. Vasavada  , N.N. Joshi  , Osman G. Husen
Published: December 2021

Reef-building corals are generally confined to tropical waters across the world oceans. But some coral species are able to tolerate even inhospitable environments and suboptimal extremes, and form lower diversity reefs habitats such as the Gulf of Kachchh, located along the northwestern coast of India. Among the reported hard coral species so far from the Gulf of Kachchh, genus Psammocora is represented by only one species, P. digitata. The present study confirmed a new distribution record of Psammocora contigua from Narara Island. Due to the changing hydro-geographic conditions in the Kachchh region, ramose and branching coral species have been believed to be extinct completely, leaving no sign of live colonies. P. contigua, recorded during the present study is the only living species with ramose growth form recorded so far from the Kachchh waters. The present study also holds out hope to record more new coral species records from the region.
Dragonflies and Damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Aryanad Grama Panchayat, Kerala, India
Authors: Reji Chandran  , A. Vivek Chandran
Published: December 2021

A year-long study to document the diversity and seasonality of odonates was conducted at Aryanad Grama Panchayat, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, southern India. A total of 93 species (56 dragonflies and 37 damselflies) belonging to 12 families were recorded. Twenty-four species of odonates recorded are endemic to the Western Ghats, three to peninsular India and one to India. Small streams showed the highest species richness, hosting 69 species and ponds the lowest with 59 species. Species richness showed a peak during the southwest monsoon season and a dip in winter. The study highlights the importance of biodiversity documentation at regional level.
Two additions to the flora of Kerala, India
Authors: P. Murugan  , Basil Paul  , M. Sulaiman
Published: December 2021

Acilepis pothigaiana (Asteraceae) and Psychotria henryana (Rubiaceae), are recently described taxa which are endemic to Tamil Nadu state. The present paper reports two distribution records for Kerala state. A short description along with nomenclature, distribution, image, and phenology is provided for further research.
Crop and property damage caused by Purple-faced Langurs Trachypithecus vetulus (Mammalia: Primates: Cercopithecidae)
Authors: Nijman Vincent
Published: December 2021

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Photographic record of Dholes predating on a young Banteng in southwestern Java, Indonesia
Authors: Dede Aulia Rahman  , Syamsudin Mochamad , Firdaus Asep Yayus , Afriandi Herry Trisna , Anggodo
Published: December 2021

A long-term camera-trap study of the Javan Rhinoceros in 2013 in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP), Indonesia, allowed us to document the first photographic evidence of Dholes preying on a young Banteng and other species. Our photographs suggested that Dholes get in large packs to predate on Banteng and commonly separate young from adults when attacking the young. Future research should examine the Dhole diet and interspecific relationships between Dhole and Banteng to gain a better understanding of the ecological impacts of endangered predators on endangered prey in UKNP.
Diversity of moths from the urban set-up of Valmiki Nagar, Chennai, India
Authors: Nagarajan Vikas Madhav , Rohith Srinivasan  , Mahathi Narayanaswamy
Published: December 2021

A study was conducted at Valmiki Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India to explore its moth diversity  from December 2018 to May 2021. This manuscript presents a partial checklist of moths from Valmiki Nagar. Four locations around the colony were studied to record the moth fauna. The study sites were surveyed twice a month using a mercury vapour lamp along with a white sheet, along with over 100 visits at night. Diurnal surveys were conducted bimonthly to observe larval host plants and day flying moths. A total of 135 species were recorded from the study area, belonging to nine superfamilies. The most diverse family of moths recorded was family Erebidae, with 39% of moths recorded in the study belonging to this family, followed by Crambidae (30%), Geometridae (8%), and other families constituting the rest. The moth diversity in the month of July was seen to be the highest. Along with this study, future studies on similar lines will help in documenting the moth diversity of Chennai.
Checklist of Odonata (Insecta) of Doon Valley, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: De Kritish , Sharma Sarika , Singh Amar Paul , Uniyal Manisha , Uniyal Virendra Prasad
Published: December 2021

In this communication, we have collated a checklist of 97 species of odonates from Doon valley, Uttarakhand by reviewing the literature. These species are distributed across 13 families, 58 genera, and eight superfamilies. Of these species, 60 were Anisoptera (dragonflies) and 37 were Zygoptera (damselflies). Three species of dragonflies and two damselflies are endemic to India. This checklist updates existing knowledge on insect diversity in the Doon valley and will aid conservation management of wetlands in the region.