bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lactobacillus fermentum HFY03 on the Antifatigue and Antioxidation Ability of Running Exhausted Mice
Authors: Zhang Junxiao , Chen Ling , Zhang Lingyan , Chen Qiuping , Tan Fang , Zhao Xin
Published: September 2021

Yak yogurt is mainly produced in Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. It is a kind of naturally fermented dairy product. It contains abundant microorganisms. Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) HFY03 is a lactic acid bacteria derived from it. Our main research content is to study the influence of LF‐HFY03 on the antifatigue and antioxidation ability of running exhausted mice. We gave different doses of LF‐HFY03 to mice by gavage for 4 weeks. We selected vitamin C as the positive control group, mainly to study the relationship between antioxidant capacity and fatigue resistance and LF‐HFY03 in mice with running exhaustion. The results showed that LF‐HFY03 and vitamin C could significantly improve the running time of mice. And with the increase in LF‐HFY03 concentration, the exhaustion time of mice was also extended. LF‐HFY03 can reduce the content of urea nitrogen and lactic acid and also can increase the content of free fatty acids and liver glycogen. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, serum creatine kinase, and aspartate aminotransferase in mice decreased gradually as the antioxidant peptide level of walnut albumin increased. LF‐HFY03 can reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in a quantification‐dependent manner and can also increase catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. LF‐HFY03 can also increase the expressions of CAT mRNA, Cu/Zn‐SOD, and Mn‐SOD in the liver of mice. At the same time, LF‐HFY03 can also increase the expression of protein of threonine transporter 1 (AST1)/alanine/cysteine/serine, mRNA, nNOS, and eNOS. At the same time, the solution could reduce the expression of TNF‐α, syncytin‐1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The results showed that LF‐HFY03 has a high development and application prospect as an antifatigue probiotic nutritional supplement.
Clinical Observation of Effects of Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Weight Gain during Pregnancy on Neonatal Weight and Delivery Outcome
Authors: Jin Yan , Dai Xiwang , Wang Nan , Hu Yaowei , Quan Limei , Zhu Shuli
Published: September 2021

Objective. The increase of BMI before pregnancy and during pregnancy will lead to hypertensive disorder in pregnancy (HDP) and abnormal glycolipid metabolism, as well as increase the risk of neonatal weight abnormalities and adverse pregnancy outcome. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 358 women who were admitted to the obstetrics department of our hospital from January 2018 to July 2019. And the relationship between prepregnancy BMI, BMI increase during pregnancy and delivery methods, postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal weight, premature delivery, neonatal asphyxia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and hypertension during pregnancy (HDP) was observed and compared. The results show that both high BMI before pregnancy and excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to the incidence of abnormal birth weight and adverse birth outcome increase. Therefore, in order to reduce the incidence of neonatal weight abnormalities and adverse birth outcomes and to prevent the adverse effects during pregnancy and postpartum, clinically, obese women should be guided to eat according to reasonable diet and exercise to control their weight.
Real-Time Implementation of AI-Based Face Mask Detection and Social Distancing Measuring System for COVID-19 Prevention
Authors: Teboulbi Safa , Messaoud Seifeddine , Hajjaji Mohamed Ali , Mtibaa Abdellatif
Published: September 2021

Since the infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, it has become a public health problem in China and even around the world. This pandemic is having devastating effects on societies and economies around the world. The increase in the number of COVID-19 tests gives more information about the epidemic spread, which may lead to the possibility of surrounding it to prevent further infections. However, wearing a face mask that prevents the transmission of droplets in the air and maintaining an appropriate physical distance between people, and reducing close contact with each other can still be beneficial in combating this pandemic. Therefore, this research paper focuses on implementing a Face Mask and Social Distancing Detection model as an embedded vision system. The pretrained models such as the MobileNet, ResNet Classifier, and VGG are used in our context. People violating social distancing or not wearing masks were detected. After implementing and deploying the models, the selected one achieved a confidence score of 100%. This paper also provides a comparative study of different face detection and face mask classification models. The system performance is evaluated in terms of precision, recall, F1-score, support, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy that demonstrate the practical applicability. The system performs with F1-score of 99%, sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 99%, and an accuracy of 100%. Hence, this solution tracks the people with or without masks in a real-time scenario and ensures social distancing by generating an alarm if there is a violation in the scene or in public places. This can be used with the existing embedded camera infrastructure to enable these analytics which can be applied to various verticals, as well as in an office building or at airport terminals/gates.
Ferroptosis: A New Promising Target for Lung Cancer Therapy
Authors: Xiong Rui , He Ruyuan , Liu Bohao , Jiang Wenyang , Wang Bo , Li Ning , Geng Qing
Published: September 2021

Ferroptosis is a new type of regulatory cell death that differs from autophagy, apoptosis, necrosis, and pyroptosis; it is caused primarily by the accumulation of iron and lipid peroxides in the cell. Studies have shown that many classical signaling pathways and biological processes are involved in the process of ferroptosis. In recent years, investigations have revealed that ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the progression of tumors, especially lung cancer. In particular, inducing ferroptosis in cells can inhibit the growth of tumor cells, thereby reversing tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of ferroptosis from its underlying basis and role in lung cancer and provide possible applications for it in lung cancer therapies.
Analytical Solutions for Girder Distribution Factor in Steel‐Concrete Composite Girders with the Effect of Parapets
Authors: Zhang Zejun , Liu Yongjian , Feng Bowen , Ma Yinping , Zhang Guojing
Published: September 2021

The existing studies have shown that parapets have great influence on the girder distribution factor (GDF) of bridges. However, there is no method in the design guide to estimate the GDF considering the effect of parapets. This research aims to develop a simplified method for estimating the GDF by considering the effect of parapets. First, a simply supported steel‐concrete composite girder bridge was tested to investigate the effect of parapets on the GDF. Then, finite‐element (FE) model was established and verified by the field test data of strain and deflection. In addition, error study showed that the bending stiffness of the bridge was increased by about 92% and 19.1%, respectively, due to the effects of parapet and continuous layer. As the effect of the continuous layer on each girder was relatively uniform, the simplified method was optimized only considering the effect of the parapet. Finally, the effect of the parapet on the GDF was compared and discussed. Considering the effect of the parapet, the GDF of the exterior girder calculated by the simplified method and FE analysis decreased by about 26.92% and 23.53%, respectively, and the adjacent interior girder decreased by about 15.22% and 12.77%, respectively. Comparing the GDF calculated by the AASHTO LRFD specifications, the GDF calculated by the simplified method decreased by about 30.77% in the exterior girder and 41.30% in the interior girder, respectively. The results indicate that the method of calculating the GDF without considering the effect of the parapet in AASHTO LRFD specifications is conservative. The GDF calculated by the simplified method was basically close to the field test results, meaning that the proposed simplified method considering the effect of the parapet was relatively accurate.
Personalized Course Recommendation System Fusing with Knowledge Graph and Collaborative Filtering
Authors: Xu Gongwen , Jia Guangyu , Shi Lin , Zhang Zhijun
Published: September 2021

Personalized courses recommendation technology is one of the hotspots in online education field. A good recommendation algorithm can stimulate learners’ enthusiasm and give full play to different learners’ learning personality. At present, the popular collaborative filtering algorithm ignores the semantic relationship between recommendation items, resulting in unsatisfactory recommendation results. In this paper, an algorithm combining knowledge graph and collaborative filtering is proposed. Firstly, the knowledge graph representation learning method is used to embed the semantic information of the items into a low‐dimensional semantic space; then, the semantic similarity between the recommended items is calculated, and then, this item semantic information is fused into the collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm. This algorithm increases the performance of recommendation at the semantic level. The results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively recommend courses for learners and has higher values on precision, recall, and F1 than the traditional recommendation algorithm.
Ethnobotanical and Biochemical Study of Berberis lycium Royle Collected from Different Areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Fiaz Bukhari Syeda Maria , Ali Ghazanfar , Abbas Syed Rizwan , Anjum Zeeshan , Ahmed Nasim , Munir Ammara , Wali Abdul , Ayub Muhammad , Khan Kafaitullah , Khames Ahmed , Musthafa Muneeb Muhamed
Published: September 2021

Berberis lycium Royle has a long history of medicinal uses to treat different diseases. It naturally grows on the mountains of Indian subcontinent. Its ethnobotanical and biochemical study from the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) was not previously explored. So, the objective of the current study was to explore the ethnobotanical and biochemical properties of the B. lycium Royle population of AJ&K. For this purpose, samples of B. lycium Royle were randomly collected from five districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including thirty-five locations. Demographic features of informants such as plant part used, methods of preparation, modes of administration, conservation status, and ethnomedicinal uses were documented. It was used for treating different diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, joint pain, and stomach ulcer. This plant is very famous for providing medicinal roots, leaves, and fruits which are extensively used in many parts of the world. The biochemical analysis was conducted for total phenolic contents (TPC), chlorophyll contents, and antioxidant activity. The highest level of TPC found was 88.66 ± 1.07 µg/g of gallic acid equivalent phenolic (GAE) from leaves collected from Patikka (Chanjhal), Muzaffarabad District, AJ&K. The highest total chlorophyll contents (3.75 ± 0.53 µg/ml) were found in samples collected from Sathrian, Neelum District. The highest antioxidant activity with lowest IC50 value (33.26 µg/ml) was obtained from the root of sample collected from Bakreyali, Muzaffarabad District, as compared with other districts. The concentration of berberine was found to be 4.76 percent in the root bark of B. lycium Royle, estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In syrup composition, 0.95 mg/5 ml of berberine was used. Hence, it is concluded that amongst the five districts, the plant parts (stem, fruits, and root) collected from Muzaffarabad District, AJ&K, showed the highest medicinal potential due to its unique climatic conditions.
Characteristics of the Near‐Ground Typhoon Morakot
Authors: Wang Yanru , Li Yongguang , Fu Bin , Wang Xu , Zhang Chuanxiong , Fan Guangyu
Published: September 2021

Two WJ‐3 anemometers placed at the same height on the top of an architectural engineering building in Wenzhou University are used to determine the wind speed of Typhoon Morakot during its landing in real time. This study aims to explore Typhoon Morakot’s wind field characteristics, including mean wind speed, probability density distribution of fluctuating wind speed, power spectral density, correlation analysis, and coherence, on the basis of data measured by the two anemometers. Results show that the probability density distribution of the fluctuating wind speed of the typhoon follows the Gaussian distribution, and the measured cross‐power spectrum of fluctuating wind speed is in good agreement with the modified Karman spectrum. The autocorrelation decreases with the increase in time interval (τ). The longitudinal autocorrelation coefficient decays rapidly with the increase in τ, and the lateral autocorrelation coefficient decays at an unchanged rate. The exponential attenuation coefficients of the longitudinal and transverse fluctuating wind speeds increase with the increase in the mean wind speed, and their mean values are 10.86 and 15.33, respectively. The change trends of the coherence coefficients of the two wind speed components with the mean wind speed are the same. The measured coherence coefficients of the two wind speed components are in good agreement with the exponential function.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment: Seeking a Single Cutoff Score May Not Be Optimal
Authors: Yang Chongming , Wang Ling , Hu Hui , Dong Xinxiu , Wang Yuncui , Yang Fen
Published: September 2021

Background. Cutoff scores of the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) for screening mild cognitive impairment in older adults differ across the world and within the Chinese culture. It is argued that to seek a cutoff score is essential to classify test participants. It was unknown how taking a classifying approach might reveal the cutoff score for identifying mildly cognitively impaired older adults. Methods. Participants, selected from 13 communities in Wuhan, China, were tested with the Chinese version of MoCA and rated with the Activities of Daily Living and the Clinical Dementia Rating scales. Mixture modeling was applied to the data with certain covariates and MoCA sum scores as the outcome of the latent class. Models with different numbers of classes were compared in terms of information criteria, likelihood ratio test, entropy, and interpretability. Results. A 3-class model (normal, mildly impaired, and severely impaired) was found to fit the data best. The normal class averaged a MoCA score of 24, while the severely impaired class averaged a score below 18. For those cases with MoCA scores above 18 and below 24, it is not certain if they are in the normal or the severely impaired classes. Conclusion. Latent variable classification modeling provides another option to identify MCI in older adults. Some categorically different cases of MCI cannot be captured with any single MoCA sum score. A range of 18–24 MoCA scores might serve as a better screening criterion of MCI. Older adults who scored within this gray zone should be monitored for potential interventions.
Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy and Breast Cancer Risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers: Assessing the Evidence
Authors: Conduit Ciara , Milne Roger L. , Friedlander Michael L. , Phillips Kelly-Anne
Published: September 2021

Without preventive interventions, women with germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1 or BRCA2 have high lifetime risks for breast cancer and tubo-ovarian cancer. The increased risk for breast cancer starts at a considerably younger age than that for tubo-ovarian cancer. Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (rrBSO) is effective in reducing tubo-ovarian cancer risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, but whether it reduces breast cancer risk is less clear. All studies of rrBSO and breast cancer risk are observational in nature and subject to various forms of bias and confounding, thus limiting conclusions that can be drawn about causation. Early studies supported a statistically significant protective association for rrBSO on breast cancer risk, which is reflected by several international guidelines that recommend consideration of premenopausal rrBSO for breast cancer risk reduction. However, these historical studies were hampered by the presence of several important biases, including immortal person-time bias, confounding by indication, informative censoring, and confounding by other risk factors, which may have led to overestimation of any protective benefit. Contemporary studies, specifically designed to reduce some of these biases, have yielded contradictory results. Taken together, there is no clear and consistent evidence for a role of premenopausal rrBSO in reducing breast cancer risk in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers.
The Accuracy of Hemoglobin A1c and Fructosamine Evaluated by Long-Term Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Bomholt Tobias , Rix Marianne , Almdal Thomas , Knop Filip K. , Rosthøj Susanne , Heinrich Niels Søndergaard , Jørgensen Morten B. , Larsson Anders , Hilsted Linda , Feldt-Rasmussen Bo , Hornum Mads
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The accuracy of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as a glycemic marker in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) receiving hemodialysis (HD) remains unknown. To assess accuracy, we compared HbA1c and fructosamine levels with interstitial glucose measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in patients with T2D receiving HD. Methods: Thirty patients in the HD group and 36 patients in the control group (T2D and an estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min/1.73 m2) completed the study period of 17 weeks. CGM (Ipro2®, Medtronic) was performed 5 times for periods of up to 7 days (with 4-week intervals) during a 16-week period. HbA1c (mmol/mol), the estimated mean plasma glucose from HbA1c (eMPGA1c [mmol/L]) and fructosamine (μmol/L) was measured at week 17 and compared with mean sensor glucose levels from CGM. Findings: In the HD group, mean sensor glucose was 1.4 mmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–1.8) higher than the eMPGA1c, whereas the difference for controls was 0.1 mmol/L (95% CI: −0.1–[0.4]; p < 0.001). Adjusted for mean sensor glucose, HbA1c was lower in the HD group (−7.3 mmol/mol, 95% CI: −10.0–[−4.7]) than in the control group (p < 0.001), with no difference detected for fructosamine (p = 0.64). Discussion: HbA1c evaluated by CGM underestimates plasma glucose levels in patients receiving HD. The underestimation represents a clinical challenge in optimizing glycemic control in the HD population. Fructosamine is unaffected by the factors affecting HbA1c and appears to be more accurate for glycemic monitoring. CGM or fructosamine could thus complement HbA1c in obtaining more accurate glycemic control in this patient group.
A preliminary assessment of odonate diversity along the river Tirthan, Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, India with reference to the impact of climate change
Authors: Singh Amar Paul , De Kritish , Uniyal Virendra Prasad , Sathyakumar Sambandam
Published: September 2021

A total of 19 species of odonates, including eight species of Anisoptera (dragonflies) and 11 species of Zygoptera (damselflies), were recorded along the Tirthan River, Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA), Himachal Pradesh. Among these species, 17 were reported from the area for the first time. With the addition of these new records the number of odonates known from the GHNPCA is increased to 23 species representing 18 genera and eight families. Indothemis carnatica, Agriocnemis femina, and Argiocnemis rubescens are reported for the first time from the western Himalayan region. The study found a significant change in the species composition of odonates over a period of 18 years in the area, which may be due to changes in microhabitat conditions associated with climate change.
Intestinal coccidiosis (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in a Himalayan Griffon Vulture Gyps himalayensis
Authors: Vimalraj Padayatchiar Govindan  , Parag Madhukar Dhakate  , Ayush Uniyal
Published: September 2021

A free-ranging juvenile Himalayan Griffon Vulture from the Haldwani forest range division, Nainital, Uttarakhand, on detailed inspection, showed dullness, weakness, emaciation, ruffled feathers, droopy head, and watery whitish diarrhoea. It was unable to bear its own weight on both the legs. The bird died later and the post mortem revealed haemorrhagic intestinal tract. Based on the findings and microscopical examination it was confirmed as intestinal coccidiosis.
A reference of identification keys to plant-parasitic nematodes (Nematoda: Tylenchida\ Tylenchomorpha)
Authors: Ghaderi Reza , Hosseinvand Manouchehr , Eskandari Ali
Published: September 2021

The present review has documented a list of keys for identifying plant-parasitic nematodes at different taxonomic levels including superfamily, family, subfamily, genus, and species. It was compiled as a current source of information to assist students and professionals in the discipline of nematology for identification of this important group of soil nematodes.
Ethnozoological use of primates in northeastern India
Authors: Deborah Daolapogy  , Talukdar Nazimur Rahman , Choudhury Parthankar
Published: September 2021

Ethnozoological practices to cure various diseases have a long history. Communities that reside near the forest collect wild animals and their derivatives to prepare medicines and get relief from diseases. Northeastern India is home to many tribes with vast traditional ethnobiological knowledge, and there are many reports of zootherapeutic uses in the region. In an attempt to understand primate-based ethnozoologic use in the area a literature survey was carried out using different sources. The findings revealed that Hoolock hoolock was the most used species among the primates (48 %), followed by Macaca assamensis (20 %) and Macaca mulatta (10 %). Among the materials used, the flesh of primates was the most dominant (43 %), followed by the blood (20 %) and brain (14 %). This paper highlights the negative effects of ethno-medicinal uses of primates to draw the attention of conservationists and encourage conservation education to address the damage to primates in the name of health care. Government agencies are also requested to strengthen health care systems to discourage the killing of valuable primate species.
Disentangling earthworm taxonomic stumbling blocks using molecular markers
Authors: Lone Azhar Rashid , Thakur Samrendra Singh , Tiwari Nalini , Olusola B. Sokefun  , Yadav Shweta
Published: September 2021

Taxonomic classification of earthworms based on anatomical features has created several challenges for systematics and population genetics. This study examines the application of molecular markers, in particular mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI), to facilitate discrimination of closely related earthworm species. Molecular markers have also provided insights into population genetics by aiding assessment of genetic diversity, lineage sorting, and genealogical distributions of populations for several species. Phylogeography—a study that evaluates the geographical distribution of these genealogical lineages and the role of historical processes in shaping their distribution—has also provided insights into ecology and biodiversity. Such studies are also essential to understand the distribution patterns of invasive earthworm species that have been introduced in non-native ecosystems globally. The negative consequences of these invasions on native species include competition for food resources and altered ecosystems. We anticipate that molecular markers such as COI and DNA barcoding offer potential solutions to disentangling taxonomic impediments in earthworms and advancing their systematics and population genetics.
First record of the genus Tibetanja (Lepidoptera: Eupterotidae: Janinae) from India
Authors: Alka Vaidya  , H. Sankararaman
Published: September 2021

The genus Tibetanja Naumann, Nässig & Rougerie, 2020 is reported from India for the first time.
Argentinian odonates (dragonflies and damselflies): current and future distribution and discussion of their conservation
Authors: A. Nava-Bolaños  , D.E. Vrech  , A.V. Peretti  , A. Córdoba-Aguilar
Published: September 2021

In terms of conservation, Argentinian odonates have not been assessed using a quantitative approach. One way to achieve this is by modelling their distribution to gather the extent of occurrence. Thus, we modelled the current and future (projected year, 2050) potential distribution of 44 odonate species that occur in Argentina as well as in neighboring countries. Our models of current times indicate a fairly wide distribution for most species but one exception is relevant for conservation purposes: Lestes dichrostigma has less than 30,000 km2 and falls in the ‘Near Threatened’ category according to the IUCN Red List. Another seven species have less than or close to 100,000 km2: Elasmothemis cannacrioides, Erythemis credula, E. paraguayensis, Heteragrion angustipenne, H. inca, Lestes forficula, and Mecistogaster linearis. Future distribution estimates suggest that: a) 12 species will lose or gain around 10%, four species will increase their distribution beyond 10% (up to 2,346%), and 28 species will lose more than 10% (up to 99%). Although current protected areas embrace most odonate species in Argentina, it is still premature to conclude whether this situation will remain in the future given the physiological tolerance and dispersal abilities of the study species among other drivers of distribution.
Wildlife hunting practices of the Santal and Oraon communities in Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Authors: Barkat Azizul Islam , Liza Fahmida Tasnim , Akter Sumaiya , Shome Ashikur Rahman , Rabbe Md. Fazle
Published: September 2021

Humans have been depending on wild animals from ancient times for food, medicine, economy, tools, and others. Santal and Oraon are two of the indigenous communities present in the Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. They practice wildlife hunting as part of their traditions. We investigated the wildlife hunting practice of these indigenous communities using a closed-ended questionnaire survey.  We interviewed 100 households of both communities from four villages. The study indicated that 76% of respondents hunted (88% Santal and 67% Oraon); and they usually hunt mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, of which the bird is the most preferred (73%) and snake the least (1%). The response of hunting among the two communities significantly differed for tortoise, bird, rabbit, mongoose, jackal, and the Jungle Cat. Eighteen sets of animal taxa were significantly correlated indicating that households exercised preferences in terms of prey. The result also showed that only 14% of Santal and 7% of Oraon were familiar with the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012.  Although the impact of wildlife hunting of these indigenous groups is still ambiguous, the present study provides a preliminary database of hunting practices of these communities for future conservation management.
Two new additions to the orchid flora of Assam, India
Authors: Sanswrang Basumatary  , Baruah Sanjib , Lal Ji Singh
Published: September 2021

Bulbophyllum tenuifolium (Blume) Lindl. and Bulbophyllum parviflorum C.S.P. Parish & Rchb.f. of the family Orchidaceae are reported here as additions to the flora of Assam. Brief descriptions, images and geographical notes are provided.
Bivalves (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in Malaysian Borneo: status and threats
Authors: Abdulla-Al-Asif  , Hadi Hamli  , Mustafa Kamal Abu Hena , Idris Mohd Hanafi , Gerusu Geoffery James , Ismail Johan , Abualreesh Muyassar H.
Published: September 2021

Species checklists enlist the species existing within a distinct geographical biome and assist as an indispensable input for evolving conservation and administration strategies. The arenas of conservation ecology and biology face the challenge of exaggerated biodiversity, accredited to the non-recognition of taxonomic inconsistencies. The study’s goals are to organize all scattered taxonomic information regarding bivalve molluscs from Malaysian Borneo, i.e. Sarawak and Sabah, under one umbrella. Available literature regarding Malaysian Borneo was reviewed. The published taxonomic data on bivalve species, conservation status, inconsistencies, habitats (marine, fresh, and brackish), research aspects, threats, and conservation strategies are presented. A critical review of the checklists and distributional records of the class Bivalvia from Malaysian Borneo and subsequent validation of species names with the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) database revealed that currently 76 bivalve species from 12 orders and other entities, 18 superfamilies, and 27 families have been recorded from the area. Twenty-six inconsistencies with WoRMS were found, and the corrected names are presented. The study indicates most of the enlisted bivalve species have not been evaluated by the IUCN Red List authority and have ‘Least Concern’ or ‘Data Deficient’ status for Malaysian Borneo. To date, published documents on conservation decision strategies and guidelines for future research are not good enough. Nevertheless, potential threats and their remedies for bivalves in the enriched Malaysian Borneo ecosystems are discussed herein.
Catalogue of herpetological specimens from Meghalaya, India at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History
Authors: Chandramouli S.R. , R.S. Naveen  , S. Sureshmarimuthu  , S. Babu  , P.V. Karunakaran  , Honnavalli N. Kumara
Published: September 2021

We present a catalogue of herpetological specimens collected from select community reserves of Meghalaya, northeastern India. The collection comprises a total of 75 species of the herpetofauna, including 29 species of amphibians from 20 genera in seven families and 46 species of reptiles from 30 genera, in 10 families. We provide the details on number of examples, sex, museum numbers, and collection details including location and collector along with the relevant remarks where applicable. A total of five species of amphibians and four species of reptiles remain to be resolved systematically since no precise name could be attributed to them.
Distribution and threats to Smooth-Coated Otters Lutrogale perspicillata (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae) in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal
Authors: Joshi Gopi Krishna , Joshi Rajeev , Poudel Bishow
Published: September 2021

This article aims to assess the distribution, threats and perceptions regarding otters in Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP). It also provides an overview of the conservation efforts of the Nepal government within and outside the protected areas. The study was carried out through preliminary survey of the wetlands using direct sighting techniques, plus indirect evidence including fur, spraints, dead remains, pugmarks, transect survey, key informant survey (n= 15), and questionnaire survey of households (n= 70) in buffer zone. This study found that otter signs were mostly concentrated in the moist soil near the wetlands area. Otter distribution was mostly recorded in Radhapur river, Kalikhich lake, Chaudhar river, Hattinala near hattisar area of pipraiya, Bahuni river, Shikari lake, and Salgaudi lake of Shuklaphanta National Park. Fire and extraction of construction materials from wetlands were identified as severe threats through social survey and key informant survey. For the maintenance of viable population of otters these threats should be minimized through effective biodiversity conservation techniques such as awareness programs and enforcement of laws inside the park. In recent decades, the populations have declined as a consequence of hunting and the overall loss of natural habitats. Overall, our study shows that information on the status, distribution and population trends of Smooth-coated Otters is limited. Therefore, we recommend that more studies should be carried out in this region to establish status, distribution and ecology to improve our understanding of otters in the face of increasing impacts on their habitats. In addition, it is mandatory for the implementation of conservation activities such as awareness to the locals and policy makers, appropriate habitat management and initiating scientific research to ensure a minimum viable population of the species in the country.
Factors influencing the flush response and flight initiation distance of three owl species in the Andaman Islands
Authors: Shanmugavel Sureshmarimuthu  , Babu Santhanakrishnan , Honnavalli Nagaraj Kumara  , Nagaraj Rajeshkumar
Published: September 2021

Effects of anthropogenic pressures on birds of the Andaman Islands have been documented to some extent, however studies on the effect of human activities on the behavioural response of these birds are limited. This study assessed the anti-predatory behaviour (flush response - FR and flight initiation distance - FID) of three owl species (Otus sunia, Otus balli, and Ninox obscura) in response to human stimuli and factors influencing it on the Andaman Islands. In total, 63 % of owls flushed from their roost sites in response to approaching human, and such a response varied between species. Similarly, FID varied widely among the species ranging from 4.23 to 6.73 m. The FR of N. obscura was influenced by the count of climbers, presence of spine, and branch status, while roost height, ambient temperature, and lower count of climbers contributed to a higher FID. For the two Otus species, camouflage and pairing were found to influence their FR while FID of O. balli was influenced by roost height, pairing, and presence of spines. Our results indicated that the anti-predatory behaviour of owls on the Andaman Islands was species- and site-specific and prolonged disturbance to their roost sites may affect the survival and reproductive rate of these owls.
A cytomorphological investigation of three species of the genus Sonchus L. (Asterales: Asteraceae) from Punjab, India
Authors: M.C. Sidhu  , Rai Singh
Published: September 2021

Three species of the genus Sonchus L. (Sonchus asper, S. oleraceus and S. wightianus) were collected from the Malwa region of Punjab during 2019 to 2020. These species were studied for cytomorphological variations. The species under investigation were identified based on their morphological descriptions. Sonchus asper (L.) Hill and Sonchus wightianus DC. possess the same number of chromosomes (2n=2x=18) whereas Sonchus oleraceus (L.) L. is tetraploid with 2n=4x=32 chromosomes. Chromosome number of S. wightianus (2n=2x=18) was worked out for the first time from the state of Punjab. Sonchus olereceus has larger pollens than S. asper and S. wightianus. This study will be useful for researchers, taxonomists and cytologists for accurate identification of these three species.
Glyphochloa acuminata (Hack.) Clayton var. laevis (Poaceae): a new variety from central Western Ghats of Karnataka, India
Authors: H.U. Abhijit  , Y.L. Krishnamurthy
Published: September 2021

This communication describes a new variety of Glyphochloa acuminata var. laevis from the lateritic plateau of central Western Ghats of Karnataka, southern India.
Wildlife art and illustration – combining black and white ink drawings with colour: some experiments in Auroville, India
Authors: Ramanujam M. Eric , Joss Brooks
Published: September 2021

Mixed media and wildlife illustration has been experimented with and the combination of using puristic black and white media along with colour has been found most interesting, creative, and expressive.
Rediscovery of Aponogeton lakhonensis A. Camus (Aponogetonaceae): a long-lost aquatic plant of India
Authors: Dey Debolina , Yadav Shrirang Ramchandra , Devi Nilakshee
Published: September 2021

Aponogeton lakhonensis A. Camus is rediscovered after a gap of 123 years from India. The detailed morphology of the plant along with a comparative analysis with Aponogeton natans (L.) Engler & Krause has been provided in this study supported by photographic illustrations.
Understanding human-flying fox interactions in the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary as basis for conservation policy interventions
Authors: Sherryl L. Paz  , Juan Carlos T. Gonzalez
Published: September 2021

There is no documented flying fox hunting study done in the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) which is known to harbor many threatened wildlife species. The Large Flying Fox Pteropus vampyrus is known to be threatened by hunting in the AMWS despite existing laws, such as the Wildlife Act. We conducted semi-structured interviews from September 2017 to January 2018 with 240 hunters in 10 villages through purposive sampling to determine the socio-demographic and economic profile of the hunters, their conservation awareness, perceptions on the monitoring scheme and enforcement, possible hunting patterns, and hunting drivers. Results showed that farming and fishing are the most common livelihoods of hunters. Most hunters achieved an education at the elementary level (42.9%), and belong to a household with 4–6 members (55.5%), often with only one member having a meager daily income (80.7%). Annual flooding was the main economic constraint to the hunters. Largely comprised of indigenous Manobos (62.9%), the majority of hunters did not believe in avoiding taboo species (85.4%). Most of the hunters were unaware of laws protecting Wildlife (62.9%) and unable to differentiate between threatened and non-threatened species (86.3%). Poor implementation of the monitoring scheme and insufficient enforcement were also observed in AMWS. Kites with hooks (55%) and guns (31.7%) were used to hunt P. vampyrus mostly for local consumption (83.3%). Multivariate analysis revealed that daily income and engagement in conservation negatively affected hunting intensity. With many constraints in totally banning hunting in poor and wildlife-dependent indigenous communities in AMWS, flexible policies must be considered. It is more reasonable and realistic to consider science-based hunting quotas in policy interventions to balance conservation and human welfare. Positive behavioral change towards sustainable hunting and trading bans requires a combination of effective education campaigns, engagement of indigenous communities in conservation, improved enforcement, and sustainable livelihood programs.
A review of research on the distribution, ecology, behaviour, and conservation of the Slender Loris Loris lydekkerianus (Mammalia: Primates: Lorisidae) in India
Authors: Singh Mewa , Singh Mridula , Kumara Honnavalli N. , Kumar Shanthala , Gnanaoliu Smitha D. , Sasi Ramamoorthy
Published: September 2021

The Slender Loris in India includes two subspecies, the Mysore Slender Loris and the Malabar Slender Loris, with unidentified populations at overlapping ranges of the subspecies. Prior to 1996, the knowledge on Indian lorises was mostly limited to laboratory studies, or some anecdotes from the wild. Since late 1990, several intensive field studies have been carried out which informed about the status, ecology, behaviour, conservation issues, and management of the Slender Loris in India. Here, we review all these studies, discuss the major findings and identify directions for future research.
An annotated and illustrated checklist of the porcelain crabs of Panama (Decapoda: Anomura)
Authors: DE AZEVEDO FERREIRA LUCIANE AUGUSTO , ANKER ARTHUR
Published: September 2021

The present study is the first exhaustive checklist of porcelain crabs (Porcellanidae) distributed on the Pacific and Atlantic (Caribbean) coasts of Panama, based on literature records and material collected between 2006 and 2019. The Panamanian porcellanid fauna is currently composed of a total of 76 species, with 26 species reported from the Caribbean coast, 45 species reported from the Pacific coast, and five species reported from both sides of the Central American Isthmus (Isthmus of Panama). In other words, the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Panama each harbour, respectively, 31 and 50 species of porcellanid crabs. However, this total includes two problematic porcellanid records from Panama, viz. Clastotoechus nodosus (Streets, 1872) and Petrolisthes brachycarpus Sivertsen, 1933, as well as a putatively undecribed taxon reported as Pachycheles sp. The following four species are recorded for the first time from Panama, viz. Euceramus panatelus Glassell, 1938, Pachycheles riisei (Stimpson, 1859) [also being new for Mexico], Petrolisthes dissimulatus Gore, 1983 and P. tonsorius Haig, 1960. In addition, Minyocerus kirki Glassell, 1938 is newly recorded from Colombia, extending its previously known distributional range significantly southwards. Most species are illustrated in colour, several for the first time, based on material from Panama or other localities. At least 20 further species (16 in the Atlantic, 5 in the Pacific, and 1 in both oceans) are suspected to occur in Panamanian waters, based on their records from the neighbouring Costa Rica and/or Colombia, or their wide distribution in the Caribbean Sea or the tropical eastern Pacific. The presence of several cryptic or pseudocryptic species (at least some of them presumably undescribed), especially in the taxonomically challenging Petrolisthes galathinus (Bosc, 1802) species complex, or the eventual species splitting within some taxa currently seen as transisthmian, will likely further increase the total number of species present in Panama. The porcellanid fauna of Panama is also ecologically remarkably diversified. Most Panamanian porcelain crabs are free-living under rocks, in crevices of rocks, dead coral heads, coralline algae, coral rubble etc., or on mud, among mangrove roots. Euceramus panatelus lives in possibly self-dug burrows in soft mud or muddy sand, whereas its congener E. transversilineatus (Lockington, 1878) may occasionally be found in association with holothuroids. At least 15 further porcellanid species occurring in Panama live in permanent or facultative associations with a variety of other marine organisms, including sponges, cnidarians (octocorals), echinoderms (sea urchins, sea stars, sea cucumbers), polychaetes (parchment worms) and other decapod crustaceans (hermit crabs), making them one of the most attractive groups for studies of symbiosis-related behaviour and evolution.
Hyporheic ostracods (Crustacea, Ostracoda) from Texas (USA) with six new species
Authors: KÜLKÖYLÜOĞLU OKAN , HUTCHINS BENJAMIN T. , YAVUZATMACA MEHMET , SCHWARTZ BENJAMIN F.
Published: September 2021

Between 2015 and 2017, 58 ostracod taxa were collected at 30 locations in 111 samples from the hyporheic zone of surface streams in Texas, U.S.A. Six new species (Bradleycypris foresteri n. sp., Bradleystrandesia macula n. sp., Pseudocandona lordi n. sp., Indocandona rusti n. sp., Stenocypris sancari n. sp., Cyclocypris dalyana n. sp.) are described based on carapace and soft body parts. Additionally, 17 species and two genera (Vestalenula and Indocandona) are presented as new records for Texas, and Indocandona rusti n. sp. is the first record of the genus outside India. Taxonomic positions of the new species are discussed along with ecological information. One-hundred and six nonmarine ostracod species are now reported from Texas. However, ongoing studies suggest that actual species richness is much higher.
Bigmouth Strikes Again: The Controversies of Morrissey and Cancel Culture
Authors: Pereira de Sá Simone , Pereira Alberto Thiago
Published: September 2021

On May 14, 2019, Morrissey performed on American television using a pin of the far right For Britain party. When criticized, he succinctly responded on Twitter: “ Why don't you have freedom of speech? Or freedom to wear a pin on TV?” His online fandom reacted vehemently suggesting a “cancellation” of the artist. In this context, our proposal is to track constitutive parts of this process of “deception” with Morrissey, focusing specifically on a phenomenon that has gained visibility on socio-technical networks: the idea of “canceling.” To gauge the reaction of his fandom, we address this event from the perception that this response to the singer took place on the horizon of expectations constructed through the experience that fans had with his career over the decades. We also use the notion of expressive coherence, as an analytical guide to understand some of the implications and tensions related to Morrissey’s trajectory, examining how his historically constituted nostalgic performance tracks and sheds light on two questions that are essential to our analysis: “Was he really always like this?”; and “How did he become this person?” These are conjugated to a definitive affirmation: “I cannot be his fan anymore.”
Eleventh International Women in Surgery Career Symposium, February 14-16, 2020 Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Florida
Authors: Ross Sharona , Luberice Kenneth , Rosemurgy Alexander ,   the Plenary Faculty of the Women-In-Surgery Career Symposium
Published: September 2021

Surgery, society, and the world are ever changing. The role of women in surgery is changing too and changing fast. For many women, this change is too slow, too fast, too disruptive, too confusing, and too dependent on others. A symposium such as this helps direct our discussions and thoughts, but many answers will evolve only with and after thoughtful consideration, debate, and action. The symposium is not a “gripe session,” but a call to arms for all stakeholders, including surgery. Surgery must evolve commensurate with the times and recognize the huge and unique talent pool women represent. Herein is the summary of the plenary session of the symposium. Hopefully, it will stir emotions and initiate debate which will lead to enlightenment and benefit to surgery, our patients, our employers, and all surgeons, both current and future. For those who want to be part of the dialogue, please take advantage of this opportunity. This symposium will continue to be held annually as we build our awareness and develop impactful ideologies to further the beneficial impact of the surgical community. Lead, follow, or get out of the way; your choice. We encourage all to be part of the process.
Moving Toward Individual-Specific Automotive Seat Design: How Individual Characteristics and Time Alter the Selected Lumbar Support Prominence
Authors: Buchman-Pearle Jessa M. , Fewster Kayla M. , Pinto Brendan L. , Callaghan Jack P.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To explore how individual characteristics influence selected lumbar support prominence (LSP), seated lumbar flexion, seatback average pressure, contact area, and center of pressure (CoP) location before and after 1 hr of driving.

Background

An LSP can alter posture and may reduce low back pain during prolonged driving. Although LSP preference varies across individuals and may change over time, few investigations have explored the time-varying response to individually selected adjustable seat parameters.

Method

Forty individuals selected LSP settings in an automotive seat through a series of systematic adjustment trials. The average LSP setting was fixed for a 1-hr driving simulation, followed by one final adjustment trial. Regressions were performed between individual characteristics and selected LSP, lumbar posture, and measures of seatback pressure from the initial adjustment trials. ANOVAs were performed to determine the effect of time and sex on these dependent variables. Discomfort was also monitored throughout the protocol.

Results

Individual’s standing lumbar lordosis, selected LSP, and height and mass were significant predictors for seated lumbar flexion, seatback average pressure, and contact area, respectively. Discomfort levels remained low; however, following the driving protocol, individuals altered their posture to decrease lumbar flexion and increase seatback average pressure without significant adjustments to the LSP.

Conclusion

These findings highlight individual characteristics to consider in automotive seat design and that the method for determining LSP settings may facilitate appropriate LSP selection.

Application

A systematic method to determine LSP settings may reduce discomfort and automate seat adjustments, such that only short-term postural adjustments may be required.