bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resposta Do Paciente Com Lúpus Eritematoso Ao Tratamento Com Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA)
Authors: Fonseca Karine Lucas Tavares da , Sobrinho Raul Breves
Published: May 2021

Estima-se que 5 milhões de pessoas no mundo tenham algum tipo de Lúpus. É uma doença auto-imune, idiopática e até o momento incurável, que afeta, sobretudo mulheres em período reprodutivo. No Ocidente, seu tratamento é educacional, essencialmente medicamentoso, com administração de antiinflamatórios, antimaláricos e imunossupressores. Para a Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC), Lúpus é antes de tudo um desequilíbrio sindrômico, que varia conforme a sua manifestação. O conjunto desses distúrbios é classificado como deterioração do Baço (Pi) e do Coração (Xin), enfraquecimento do Fogo e da Porta da Vida. O tratamento pela MTC ocorre com a administração de fitoterápicos, dietoterapias, acupuntura, massagem, moxabustão, Qi Gong, magnetoterapia, ventosaterapia, florais e outros. YNSA (Yamamoto Neue Schädelakupunktur) é uma escalpoterapia somatotópica que, dentre outras vantagens, possui pontos de acesso aos 12 meridianos principais, bilateralmente. Usualmente empregada em caso de dores, distúrbios neurológicos e condições cirúrgicas, dispõe de métodos diagnósticos próprios que servem também para monitoração do tratamento. Ryodoraku é o instrumento diagnóstico atual mais sensível e reproduzível para identificação da energia média circulante nos meridianos. Essa pesquisa visou identificar utilidade da YNSA no tratamento do paciente lúpico. Nesse processo, monitorou-se a evolução energética de uma paciente portadora de lúpus considerada grave, ao longo de 23 aplicações de YNSA. Comparou-se com os resultados da acupuntura com os da alopatia. Com a YNSA, além de relaxamento e controle da dor, houve maior adequação energética. Os ganhos relevantes ao longo das 23 aplicações de YNSA, chegando-se ao triplo do padrão energético inicial, recuaram quase totalmente ao tratamento exclusivo com alopatia. Com efeito, o difosfato de cloroquina trouxe muito mais perdas do que ganhos.
A contribution to the earthworm diversity (Clitellata, Moniligastridae) of Kerala, a component of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India, using integrated taxonomy
Authors: Thakur S. S. , Lone A. R. , Tiwari S. K. , Jain S. K. , James S. W. , Yadav S.
Published: May 2021

Earthworms (Clitellata, Moniligastridae) of Chaliyar River Malappuram, Eravikulam National Park, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar National Park, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary and Wayanad Forest, Kerala, a component of the hotspot of Western Ghats, India, were studied by the standard method of taxonomy, and their DNA barcode signatures using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) were generated for the first time. This study represents eleven species of earthworms of the family Moniligastridae: Drawida brunnea Stephenson, Drawida circumpapillata Aiyer, Drawida ghatensis Michaelsen, Drawida impertusa Stephenson, Drawida nilamburensis (Bourne), Drawida robusta (Bourne), Drawida scandens Rao, Drawida travancorense Michaelsen, Moniligaster aiyeri Gates, Moniligaster deshayesi Perrier, and Moniligaster gravelyi (Stephenson). In the phylogenetic analysis all the species were recovered in both neighbour–joining (NJ) and maximum likelihood (ML) trees with high clade support. The average K2P distance within and between species was 1.2 % and 22 %, whereas the clear barcode gap of 2–5 % was suggested by barcode gap analysis (BGA) of studied species, reflecting the accuracy of characterization. The study presents the first step in the molecular characterization of the native earthworm family Moniligastridae of India. Data published through GBIF (Doi: 10.15470/l2nlhz)
BUILDING OF CONSOLIDATED CARGOESSUPPLY LOGISTICS FROM UKRAINE TO EUROPE
Authors: Pavlenko O. , Nefyodov V. , Velykodnyi D.
Published: May 2021

The paper analyzes the existing trends and prospects for the cargo delivery logistics development in the direction from Ukraine to the European Union within the individual companies work and certain routes, which allowed to form the research purpose in this development. The chosen topic is quite relevant, because the consolidated cargoes delivery processes are an logistics formation integral part in modern production processes. One of the ways to reduce the cargoes cost and services is to reduce the supplying cargoes cost. In the scientific works of Ukrainian and foreign scientists it was determined that a well-developed logistics services market with appropriate operators and infrastructure, will effectively implement the consolidated cargoes delivery technology in international traffic to reduce costs for all participants in this process. It is determined that it is necessary to choose a methodical approach to building efficient consolidated cargoes delivery logistics from Ukraine to Europe. It is proposed to consider this process in the two alternative channels to determine the effective consolidated cargoes supply building from Ukraine to Europe: "Shippers - Departure country terminal - Consignees" - "Logistics Channel-1"; "International Transport Company - Shippers – Destination terminal - Consignees" - "Logistics Channel-2". For example, "Logistics Channel-1" should be used for the consolidated cargoes delivery over long distances, where the use of light and medium load capacity vehicles is inefficient. The total supply logistics cost was chosen as an evaluation indicator of the efficient supply channel choice. Influence relevant parameters are taken into account: cargo shipment volume, shippers (consignees)number, carges transportation distance in international traffic, distance between shippers (consignees), one ton cargoes loading time, one ton cargoes warehousing time. A full-factor experiment simulation was performed, based on the results of which a regression model in power form with a nonzero coefficient was determined, in which each coefficient indicates the corresponding factor influence degree on the performance indicator. It is established that this model is the most adequate. When comparing the evaluation indicator values - the total costs, for each option, showed that the lowest value of 7.13 euros was obtained at the minimum cargoes orders volume values, the cargo transportation distance, the orders intensity. And the biggest difference of 199.86 euros was obtained when using "Logistics Channel-2" for the maximum cargo orders volume values, the cargo transportation distance through the Ukraine territory.
A MODEL OF TECHNOLOGICALLY CHOOSING EMPLOYEES IN AN AEROSPACE INDUSTRY PROJECT
Authors: Rachenko Y. , Dotsenko N.
Published: May 2021

The challenges of interviewing candidates for positions in cybersecure communications of aerospace industry. Data and experiments conducted as evidence that the improvements to the current model of selecting employees are needed in the real-world applications. A proposal of a newly developed method of selecting job candidates using information technology.
ABOUT CONSTRUCTION OF A UNIFIED INFORMATION ADDRESS SYSTEM OF UKRAINE
Authors: Shypulin V.
Published: May 2021

The problem of Address registers of settlements according to uniform rules and single a unified State information address system is acute on the agenda in the last decade. Addresses are a component of many cadasters and registers that have been created and operate in Ukraine today. The problem of creating the Unified Address system of Ukraine is exacerbated in the conditions of accelerated digital transformation of public relations.
The analysis of recent research and publications allowed to characterize the state of creation of the Unified Address Register of Ukraine as unsatisfactory, revealed shortcomings and lack of a common vision of aspects of addressing issues.
A new comprehensive solution to the problems of targeted issues is proposed - the construction of a single unified State information address system. Substantiated and presented common approaches, understandings, definitions, structure and relations of address data are the conceptual provisions of the construction of a single unified State information address system and the basis for the development, approval, adoption at the legislative level.
The construction of a conceptual model of address data is based primarily on the internationally established specifications of address data used in Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community (INSPIRE) and the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure of Ukraine.
The address system is defined as an information system, that consists of a set of interacting four structural components: 1) addresses, 2) a single address register, 3) address points, 4) address electronic services. The address system performs the functions of identifying the object of addressing, identifying the location of objects of addressing, ensuring the interaction of registers, creating an information address resource of the state, mapping the object of addressing, providing search for the location of the object of addressing.
The concept proposes to use the Geographical Identifier of real estate objects of the established structure and addresses, which creates conditions for joint processing of real estate data in geographic information systems and the introduction of a single address register.
CHANGES IN THE PARAMETERS OF FUNCTIONING OF INTERCITY PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Authors: Dolia О. , Dolia K.
Published: May 2021

Taking into account the geographical location of transport hubs, their social and economic characteristics are used as factors of attractiveness or resistance to passenger correspondence, which affects the parameters of the elements of operation of vehicles. At the same time, at this stage of development of scientific approaches to the formalization of the parameters of passenger transport correspondence, the complex level of taking into account the flow of technical and economic parameters of driving to meet demand has been insufficiently determined. Therefore, the study of a comprehensive approach to the modeling of passenger transport correspondence, taking into account certain parameters is relevant. The analysis of modern scientific methods for the calculation of passenger transport correspondence during the operation of vehicles revealed that they are not sufficiently studied. This necessitates the conduct of experimental studies of the parameters of the experimental system and the subsequent establishment of correction factors for the known dependencies of the definition of passenger correspondence in the system. It is advisable to gravitational modeling of passenger transport correspondence, as acceptable for research.
THE VIABILITY AS AN EMERGENT PROPERTY OF SELF-ORGANIZING SYSTEMS
Authors: Mygal G. , Protasenko O.
Published: May 2021

The necessity of a man-machine system considering as a self-organizing one is shown. The most significant difficulty in such a system is the study of its emergent properties. The paper focuses on viability as an emergent property of the system. The concepts of hardiness, human factor, system resources, biosystem were considered. It allowed proposing the viability’s concept of a self-organizing system based on biomimetics principles. The roadmap of convergent research and analysis of the man-machine system’s viability is presented. The convergent approach to the self-organizing system’s viability is realised in the proposed roadmap.
Analyzing indicators of the results of applying forecasting methods for production plans (A case study at the Diyala State Company for Electrical Industries)
Authors: Ismael Emad Khaleel
Published: May 2021

Economic organizations operate in a dynamic environment, which necessitates the use of quantitative techniques to make their decisions. Here, the role of forecasting production plans emerges. So, this study aims to the analysis of the results of applying forecasting methods to production plans for the past years, in the Diyala State Company for Electrical Industries.

The Diyala State Company for Electrical Industries was chosen as a field of research for its role in providing distinguished products as well as the development and growth of its products and quality, and because it produces many products, and the study period was limited to ten years, from 2010 to 2019. This study used the descriptive approach in the theoretical side of the study, on the practical side, the current study used the statistical application (SPSS), and some other statistical means to process and analyze what was collected from data related to the company, the research sample, from its official website.

The research concluded that flooding the Iraqi market with alternative imported products for the products of the Electrical Industries Company led to the cessation of production of some of the company's products, As a result, its resources were not invested efficiently and production costs were high. The current study suggested that the Ministry of Electricity buy the company's products, as these products have a good quality compared with the foreign ones.
Comparison of Some Methods for Estimating Parameters of General Linear Model in Presence of Heteroscedastic Problem and High Leverage Points
Authors: Saheb Qasim Mohammed , Hussein Saja Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Linear regression is one of the most important statistical tools through which it is possible to know the relationship between the response variable and one variable (or more) of the independent variable(s), which is often used in various fields of science. Heteroscedastic is one of the linear regression problems, the effect of which leads to inaccurate conclusions. The problem of heteroscedastic may be accompanied by the presence of extreme outliers in the independent variables (High leverage points) (HLPs), the presence of (HLPs) in the data set result unrealistic estimates and misleading inferences. In this paper, we review some of the robust weighted estimation methods that accommodate both Robust and classical methods in the detection of extreme outliers (High leverage points) (HLPs) and the determination of weights. The methods include both Diagnostic Robust Generalized Potential Based on Minimum Volume Ellipsoid (DRGP (MVE)), Diagnostic Robust Generalized Potential Based on Minimum Covariance Determinant (DRGP (MCD)), and Diagnostic Robust Generalized Potential Based on Index Set Equality (DRGP (ISE)). The comparison was made according to the standard error criterion of the estimated parameters  SE ( ) and SE ( ) of general linear regression model, for sample sizes (n=60, n=100, n=160), with different degree (severity) of heterogeneity, and contamination percentage (HLPs) are (τ =10%, τ=30%). it was found through comparison that weighted least squares estimation based on the weights of the DRGP (ISE) method are considered the best in estimating the parameters of the multiple linear regression model because they have the lowest standard error values of the estimators ( ) and ( )  as compared to other methods.

Paper type: A case study
The The Effect of Continuous Suspension Constraint on the Free Vibration and Buckling of a Beam
Authors: Németh Róbert K. , Alzubaidi Bilal M. A.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the free vibration and the buckling of a continuously suspended simply-supported beam are analyzed. A semi-analytical approach is used to calculate the natural circular frequencies and the critical forces of the beam. The length of the suspension is used as a parameter, and the natural circular frequencies and the critical forces are presented in a frequency map or a buckling map. The maps are analyzed in view of the trivial solutions, and the frequency map is compared to the map of discrete cable-stayed beams. Finally, for the validation of the results a numerical, finite element analysis is performed.
Elaboração e caracterização de fermentado probiótico com geléia de uva roxa (Vitis vinífera l)
Authors: Marçal Eduarda Josefa Alves , Lima Joyce Almeida , Felinto Ana Clara Bezerra , Oliveira Igor Macêdo de , Sousa Juliana Barbosa de , Bú Steffany Albuquerque do , Melo Wagner Gomes de , Cavalcanti Mayra da Silva
Published: May 2021

O iogurte é um alimento fermentado por microrganismos característicos. Contém componentes essenciais para a saúde, como vitaminas e minerais, proteína, cálcio, potássio, fósforo, vitaminas B6 e B12. Diante disso, o objetivo desse estudo foi desenvolver e caracterizar fermentados com potencial probiótico adicionado de geleia de uva roxa (Vitis vinífera L). Para tanto, foram elaborados três tipos de iogurtes (S1) fermentado controle composto somente pela cultura starter, (S2) fermentado contendo a cultura starter e a geleia de uva roxa, para a formulação probiótica (S3) foi acrescentado Lactobacillus acidophilus, a cultura starter e a geleia de uva roxa. Os produtos foram avaliados quanto aos parâmetros de umidade, acidez titulável, pH, lipídio, lactose, cinzas, sinérese, como também a contagem de células viáveis da bactéria e a qualidade microbiológica. Foi observado que os iogurtes elaborados atenderam aos requisitos físico-químicos e microbiológicos estabelecidos na legislação brasileira vigente, tendo as bactérias lácticas apresentando valores superiores 107 UFC/mL, e ausência de coliformes totais, presença de bolores e leveduras estando dentro do valor permitido pela legislação. Ao fim, verificou-se que a elaboração de fermentado probiótico com geleia de uva- roxa pode demonstrar uma influência positiva, ressaltando a necessidade de mais análises, na comercialização industrial para produtos lácteos que tenham propriedades funcionais, uma vez que apresenta adequadas características físico-químicas e microbiológicas.
Tratamento endodôntico conservador em lesão periapical extensa asséptica: Relato de caso
Authors: Travassos Rosana Maria Coelho , Negreiros Jhony Herick Cavalcanti Nunes , Teixeira Joás de Araújo , Lyra Maria Carlla Aroucha , Barbosa Lívia Mirelle , Lima Netto Osman Jucá Rêgo
Published: May 2021

Embora o fator etiológico mais frequente de injúria pulpar seja a presença de microrganismos que estabelecem um quadro infeccioso, uma polpa injuriada (assepticamente) por traumatismo torna-se mais sensível às bactérias infectantes que uma polpa dental saudável.  O caso clínico apresentado neste trabalho descreve o sucesso de um tratamento endodôntico conservador de um elemento dentário necrosado por trauma e apresentando extensa lesão periapical crônica.  Após a realização do acesso, limpeza do conduto e implementação do curativo de demora à base de pasta de hidróxido de cálcio, ocorreu a reagudização expressiva da lesão.  Porém, o callen associado ao PMCC apresentou eficácia para o tratamento da lesão quando adotado como segunda escolha para a medicação intracanal. Após a obturação do canal radicular pela técnica Híbrida de Tagger, foi realizada a proservação do caso durante 1 ano, constatando-se radiograficamente a remissão da lesão. O sucesso do tratamento deste caso esteve diretamente relacionado ao correto diagnóstico que permitiu o estabelecimento da melhor conduta.  Abordagens mais conservadoras devem ser a primeira escolha do profissional mesmo diante de casos complexos, como o apresentado.
Envolvimento com o trabalho em diferentes situações de trabalho
Authors: Franco Juliana Bianca Maia , Vasconcelos César Ricardo Maia de , Formiga Nilton Soares , Azevedo Ismael Mendonça
Published: May 2021

A escala de envolvimento com o trabalho tem sido relatada como um preditor significativo de vários desfechos no local de trabalho. Todavia, há evidências empíricas limitadas sobre o instrumento com associação de resultados comportamentais. Por isso, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estrutura fatorial do envolvimento com o trabalho de trabalhadores em diferentes situações de trabalho. Participaram do estudo 504 trabalhadores brasileiros atuando presentes nas organizações ou em teletrabalho. Após a análise dos dados, observou-se que a estrutura fatorial da medida da escala é consistente e se revelou invariável ao avaliá-la nas amostras com a especificidade situação de trabalho. Revelando, assim, indicadores psicométricos consistentes, confirmados pela análise do teste t. Assim, tais resultados possibilitam o desenvolvimento de práticas de intervenção psicossocial quando se pretender investir no desenvolvimento e manutenção comportamental e emocional dos trabalhadores, tanto na iniciação, quanto na manutenção das ações laborais.
Giant chronic foot ulcer with damage to the calcaneus and lower leg, simulating a malignant tumor
Authors:   Stupino Regional Clinical Hospital, Kovalenko V.L. , Stepochkin A.V. ,   Stupino Regional Clinical Hospital, Kuznetsov A.A. ,   Stupino Regional Clinical Hospital
Published: May 2021

The article presents the observation of a rare form of chronic foot ulcer with damage to the surrounding tissues and regional lymph nodes, proceeding as a malignant tumor. The article demonstrates the complexity of the clinical and morphological differential diagnosis of this form of the disease.
Symptom experience of adverse drug reaction among male and female patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis in Thailand
Authors: Thontham Apichaya , Polsook Rapin
Published: May 2021

Background: Patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis often suffer from adverse drug reaction symptoms, which leads to the automatic discontinuation of anti-tuberculosis drugs. Thus, understanding symptom experience of adverse drug reactions is necessary. Objective: This study aimed to examine differences in symptoms experienced in four dimensions: presence, frequency, severity, and distress of adverse drug reactions, between male and female patients. Methods: This was a quantitative survey with a cross-sectional design, with data collected between January and April 2020. A total of 394 patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis was selected through a purposive sampling technique. The symptom experiences of adverse drug reactions were measured using a validated instrument. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and independent t-test. Results: The most commonly reported symptom was itchiness (24.1% in males and 34.9% in females). Vomiting occurred as the most frequent symptom among males (x̅ ± SD = 2.73 ± .88), and fatigue was found to be the most severe and distressing symptom across male patients (x̅ ± SD = 2.50 ± 1.61 and 2.06 ± 1.30, respectively). In contrast, yellowing of the eyes and skin was most frequent and severe among females (x̅ ± SD = 3.17 ± .75 and 3.83 ± 1.47, respectively). In addition, flu-like symptoms were evaluated as the most distressing symptom for female patients (x̅ ± SD = 2.80 ± 1.09). The symptom burdens of the females ranged significantly and reached higher than those of the male patients at a p-value of .05 (t = 3.33). Conclusion: Females taking anti-tuberculosis drugs should be carefully monitored to deal with adverse drug reaction symptoms. This finding would help to decrease the severity of disease and improve their quality of life. Funding: This study received funding from the Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand (GCUGR1125633058M).
Assessment of the Level of Competence of Dentists in the Diagnosis and Classification of Periodontal Tissue Diseases
Authors: Imanalieva A. , Kuttubaeva K. , Abaskanova P. , Tursunaliev O. , Bakiev B.
Published: May 2021

The polyethiology of periodontal diseases introduces certain difficulties in the diagnosis and adequate selection of treatment methods and dictates the conditions under which the complexity and individual approach are the main conditions for successful treatment. Therefore, it is very important to timely diagnose and correctly determine the prognosis of the disease, which directly depends on the level of professional knowledge of dentists. The aim of the study was to analyze the level of competence of dentists on the methods of diagnosis and classification of periodontal tissue diseases in patients in Bishkek. Questioning of respondents — 87, statistical. For the study, a questionnaire “Dentist’s awareness of modern principles of diagnosis and treatment of periodontal tissues” was developed, containing 14 questions that reveal the ideas of dentists-therapists about modern principles of classification, diagnosis and methods of treatment of inflammatory diseases of periodontal tissues. According to the results of the survey, low competence in the diagnosis of periodontal diseases was revealed: 34.5% of the respondents are well aware of classification issues; adequate evaluation indices for assessing the hygienic state of the oral cavity and inflammatory changes in the tissues of the gums are used only in 20.7% and 77.0% of cases, respectively; laboratory and diagnostic research methods are used only by 59.8%. The use of a large number of diagnostic and prognostic indices in periodontics makes it possible to objectively control the dynamics of the disease, assess the depth and prevalence of the pathological process, carry out mathematical processing of the results obtained and compare the effectiveness of various methods of treating periodontitis.
Risks in Construction When Increasing the Efficiency of Investments
Authors: Ziyaev M. , Mirjalilova D. , Uzbekova E.
Published: May 2021

In the construction sector, various risks affect the success of a company. Research has shown that the construction industry is exposed to multiple sources of internal and external risks, which underscore the investment climate, inflation, effective demand dynamics and social responsibility for the safety of projects. This article is aimed at identifying the most pressing risks inherent in construction companies, with a focus on the group of financial and economic risks and the creation of final products in this industry.
Iterative Object Ranking Verification Method: Programming Implementation, Fields of Application
Authors: Khubaev G. , Shcherbakova K. , Petrenko E.
Published: May 2021

This paper provides an overview of the originality and advantages of the Iterative Object Ranking Verification method, analyzes an example of the Python programming implementation, describes possible fields to apply the method.
Public-Private Partnership and Its Definition
Authors: Sharifkhodjaev U. , Abdullaev J.
Published: May 2021

This article discusses that public-private partnerships (PPPs) are an effective mechanism that will be used in the Republic of Uzbekistan in the future, which will be successfully used in developed countries and plays an important role in the further development of the business environment, small business and private entrepreneurship. There are also various definitions of PPP and its essence, interpreted by scientists, specialists and international financial institutions of foreign, CIS countries and national economists.
The Subject of Terrorism in the Modern Russian Legislation
Authors: Savvateeva V.
Published: May 2021

The article reflects such an important problem of the world community as terrorism, divided into state, domestic and international. The article also analyzes the concept of modern terrorism and offers a definition of terrorism, international terrorism and their most serious and widespread manifestations — a terrorist act and makes recommendations for improving the criminal legislation of Russia.
“On Deposit”: animal acquisition at the Zoological Society of London, 1870–1910 (Patron's review)
Authors: Larsson Eleanor
Published: May 2021

When the zoological gardens in Regent's Park opened to the public in 1847, they immediately became very popular, providing a source of both entertainment and instruction for visitors and a vital stream of revenue for the Zoological Society of London. However, the ongoing popularity of the gardens was endangered by the consistently high mortality rates which afflicted the Society's animals throughout the course of the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. This paper examines how the Society's efforts to combat this challenge led them to foster and sustain relationships which centred on the act of animal “deposit”. Often a temporary arrangement, somewhat like a loan, depositing involved a range of individuals involved in the animal trade, including commercial animal dealers and the naturalist Lionel Walter Rothschild. Through the system of depositing, the Zoological Society became the custodians of a wide range of animals which they could exhibit. However, their lack of ownership of these animals, combined with a lack of knowledge about how to care for them, ultimately constrained the Society's management of them and impeded its longer-term goals of reducing both animal mortality and the impact of high mortality rates on the menagerie's ability to attract visitors and sustain its economy.
Annual plants, pigeons and flies: first signs of quantitative ecological thinking in Linnaeus's works
Authors: Podani János , Rózsa Lajos , Szilágyi András
Published: May 2021

Thinking about the dynamics of populations of plants and animals goes back to Linnaeus. He used at least three examples to show what happens when the population of a species grows without limitations and to illustrate the potential reproductive capacity of organisms. We examined the mathematical precision of calculations Linnaeus used in presenting these examples and reviewed the assumptions under which Linnaeus's conclusions are valid. In the case of a slowly reproducing annual plant, additionally cited by Darwin, the final result was incorrect, although little different from the true value. In the example of a pair of pigeons, the calculations were accurate, although the well-known fact that pigeons breed several times throughout their lifetime was ignored. Though the input parameters must have been unknown to Linnaeus, a short statement in Systema naturae regarding the population increase and feeding capacity of bluebottle flies was found fairly correct and robust enough to withstand minor changes in input parameters.
The Shanghai Museum and the introduction of taxidermy and habitat dioramas into China, 1874–1952
Authors: Tai Li-chuan
Published: May 2021

The Shanghai Museum, which was established by the primarily British and American expatriate-led North-China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society in 1874 and continued to operate until 1952, had a major influence on the popularization of natural history knowledge in China. It contributed to training the first generation of Chinese taxidermists, many descendants of whom continue even today to hold positions in academic institutions related to natural history in the country. Moreover, the Museum's habitat dioramas, in particular, played a significant role in raising public awareness about environmental issues among local and foreign residents of Shanghai. This paper traces the salient aspects of the Museum's history, focusing on the key individuals involved in its development and the contributions that it made to the production, dissemination and popularization of natural history knowledge and techniques.
John James Audubon's overlooked “Great Work”: hisOrnithological biography
Authors: Logan Peter B. , Sidor Martin A.
Published: May 2021

John James Audubon's five-volume Ornithological biography (1831–1839), published as the textual companion to The birds of America (1827–1838), remains a rich source of information about North America's avifauna. Issued separately from the prints for both practical and economic reasons, this classic but often forgotten work contained individual biographical accounts of each species shown in the illustrations, based upon the naturalist's decades of field observations. The demands associated with the publication and marketing of the prints compelled Audubon to wait until the end of 1830 before he began to write it, just as the first volume of 100 plates was being completed. Assisted throughout the endeavour by Scottish ornithologist William MacGillivray, who edited Audubon's manuscripts and provided scientific descriptions of each species, the naturalist published the first volume in 1831 in both Edinburgh and Philadelphia, the latter to secure the US copyright. A second Philadelphia edition appeared in 1832. Succeeding volumes were published in Edinburgh in 1834, 1835, 1838, and 1839, following the completion of each of the remaining three volumes of plates. An American edition of the second volume was published in 1835, but almost three-quarters of the copies were destroyed in a Boston fire. With sales of the last three volumes lagging, significantly fewer than 750 complete sets were ever sold.
A national glacier inventory and variations in glacier extent in
Iceland from the Little Ice Age maximum to 2019
Authors: Hannesdóttir Hrafnhildur , Sigurðsson Oddur , Þrastarson Ragnar , Guðmundsson Snævarr , Belart Joaquín , Pálsson Finnur , Magnússon Eyjólfur , Víkingsson Skúli , Jóhannesson Tómas
Published: May 2021

Abstract — A national glacier outline inventory for several different times since the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA) in Iceland has been created with input from several research groups and institutions, and submitted to the GLIMS (Global Land Ice Measurements from Space, nsidc.org/glims) database, where it is openly available. The glacier outlines have been revised and updated for consistency and the most representative outline chosen. The maximum glacier extent during the LIA was not reached simultaneously in Iceland, but many glaciers started retreating from their outermost LIA moraines around 1890. The total area of glaciers in Iceland in 2019 was approximately 10,400 km2, and has decreased by more than 2200 km2 since the end of the 19th century (corresponding to an 18% loss in area) and by approximately 750 km2 since ~2000. The larger ice caps have lost 10–30% of their maximum LIA area, whereas intermediate-size glaciers have been reduced by up to 80%. During the first two decades of the 21st century, the decrease rate has on average been approximately 40 km2 a-1. During this period, some tens of small glaciers have disappeared entirely. Temporal glacier inventories are important for climate change studies, for calibration of glacier models, for studies of glacier surges and glacier dynamics, and they are essential for better understanding of the state of glaciers. Although surges, volcanic eruptions and jökulhlaups influence the position of some glacier termini, glacier variations have been rather synchronous in Iceland, largely following climatic variations since the end of the 19th century.
Native Rhizobia Strains Enhance Seed Yield of Groundnut Varieties in Northern Ghana
Authors: Wilson Godfre , Ulzen Jacob , Abaidoo Robert Clement , Opoku Andrews , Adjei-Nsiah Samuel , Osei Ophelia
Published: May 2021

Rhizobia inoculation with effective strains is an environmentally friendly approach for enhancing nodulation and yield of legumes. To obtain an ideal strain for inoculant production, the strain's performance must be matched to the environmental conditions. A 2 × 9 cross-factorial experiment laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications on farmers' fields in the northern part of Ghana was set up to evaluate the rhizobia's performance. The factors were groundnut varieties (Chinese and Samnut 22) and nine strains consisting of five native rhizobia (KNUST 1001, 1002, 1003, 1032, and 1031), two commercial strains (Biofix and BR3267), and a positive (N+) and absolute control (N–). In addition, the population of the strains was assessed after a cropping season. The strains' performance on groundnut was location and variety dependent. At Cheshegu, KNUST 1031 and 1002 significantly increased seed yield of the Chinese variety compared to other strains; however, KNUST 1031 elicited a 24% yield increase while KNUST 1002 caused a 16% yield increase over the control. Strain KNUST 1031 increased the seed yield of the Chinese variety by 24% while KNUST 1002 increased the seed yield of Samnut by 16%. Only KNUST 1002 elicited a significant seed yield increase in Samnut 22 at Cheshegu. At Binduri, strain KNUST 1003 significantly increased the seed yield of the Chinese variety by 35% relative to the control. Samnut 22 did not show a clear preference for any of the strains. The Chinese variety did not show a clear response to the strains at Tanina. However, Samnut 22 responded to KNUST 1002 as it increased seed yield by 45% relative to the control. On average, the seed yield at Tanina (846.15 kg ha−1) was less than the seed yield recorded at Binduri (1,077.66 kg ha−1) and Cheshegu (1,502.78 kg ha−1). Inoculation with strains KNUST 1002, 1003, and 1031 was all profitable under the current experimental conditions as they recorded value cost ratios (VCRs) above the threshold of 3–4. The study has shown that strains KNUST 1002, 1003, and 1031 have the potential to be used in inoculant formulation to increase groundnut production and enhance the income of smallholder groundnut farmers in northern Ghana.
The Airway Pathobiome in Complex Respiratory Diseases: A Perspective in Domestic Animals
Authors: Mach Núria , Baranowski Eric , Nouvel Laurent Xavier , Citti Christine
Published: May 2021

Respiratory infections in domestic animals are a major issue for veterinary and livestock industry. Pathogens in the respiratory tract share their habitat with a myriad of commensal microorganisms. Increasing evidence points towards a respiratory pathobiome concept, integrating the dysbiotic bacterial communities, the host and the environment in a new understanding of respiratory disease etiology. During the infection, the airway microbiota likely regulates and is regulated by pathogens through diverse mechanisms, thereby acting either as a gatekeeper that provides resistance to pathogen colonization or enhancing their prevalence and bacterial co-infectivity, which often results in disease exacerbation. Insight into the complex interplay taking place in the respiratory tract between the pathogens, microbiota, the host and its environment during infection in domestic animals is a research field in its infancy in which most studies are focused on infections from enteric pathogens and gut microbiota. However, its understanding may improve pathogen control and reduce the severity of microbial-related diseases, including those with zoonotic potential.
Emergence of Invasive Serotype Ib Sequence Type 10 Group B Streptococcus Disease in Chinese Infants Is Driven by a Tetracycline-Sensitive Clone
Authors: Zhang Li , Kang Wen-Juan , Zhu Lei , Xu Li-Jun , Guo Chao , Zhang Xin-Hua , Liu Qing-Hua , Ma Lan
Published: May 2021

Background

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of serious infections in infants. The extensive use of tetracycline has led to the selection of specific resistant and infectious GBS clones. The sequence type (ST) 10 GBS strain, causing invasive infections in infants, is becoming prevalent in China. We aimed to understand the clinical and microbiological characteristics of this GBS strain.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on infants with invasive GBS disease from the largest women’s and children’s medical center in Shanxi and collected data between January 2017 and October 2020. GBS isolates were analyzed by capsule serotyping, genotyping, antibiotic resistance, and surface protein genes.

Results

All ST10 isolates belonged to serotype Ib; type Ib/ST10 strains were responsible for 66.7% (14/21, P < 0.05) of infant invasive GBS infections during the period and all resulted in late-onset (LOD) and late LOD disease (14/14). Infants with type Ib/ST10 GBS disease had significantly higher rates of meningitis (9/14, 64.3%, p < 0.05) and clinical complications (5/14, 35.7%, p < 0.05). The Ib/ST10 GBS isolates had limited genetic diversity, clustered in the CC10/bca/PI-1 + PI-2a genetic lineage, showed resistance to erythromycin, lincomycin, and fluoroquinolones and sensitivity to tetracycline, and possessed genes ermT, ermB, and amino acid changes in gyrA and parC.

Conclusions

The probable clonal expansion can result in severe infections in infants and ongoing emergence of multi-drug resistant isolates. Continued monitoring for type Ib/ST10 GBS infections is warranted.
De Novo Sequencing Provides Insights Into the Pathogenicity of Foodborne Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Liu Jianfei , Qin Kewei , Wu Chenglin , Fu Kaifei , Yu Xiaojie , Zhou Lijun
Published: May 2021

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common pathogenic marine bacterium that causes gastrointestinal infections and other health complications, which could be life-threatening to immunocompromised patients. For the past two decades, the pathogenicity of environmental V. parahaemolyticus has increased greatly, and the genomic change behind this phenomenon still needs an in-depth exploration. To investigate the difference in pathogenicity at the genomic level, three strains with different hemolysin expression and biofilm formation capacity were screened out of 69 environmental V. parahaemolyticus strains. Subsequently, 16S rDNA analysis, de novo sequencing, pathogenicity test, and antibiotic resistance assays were performed. Comparative genome-scale interpretation showed that various functional region differences in pathogenicity of the selected V. parahaemolyticus strains were due to dissimilarities in the distribution of key genetic elements and in the secretory system compositions. Furthermore, the genomic analysis-based hypothesis of distinct pathogenic effects was verified by the survival rate of mouse models infected with different V. parahaemolyticus strains. Antibiotic resistance results also presented the multi-directional evolutionary potential in environmental V. parahaemolyticus, in agreement with the phylogenetic analysis results. Our study provides a theoretical basis for better understanding of the increasing pathogenicity of environmental V. parahaemolyticus at the genome level. Further, it has a key referential value for the exploration of pathogenicity and prevention of environmental V. parahaemolyticus in the future.
Heart Rate Fluctuation and Mortality in Critically Ill Myocardial Infarction Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Guo Qi , Li Hongwei , Ouyang Huijun , Sun Runlu , Wang Junjie , Wu Maoxiong , Pan Yue , Wang Jingfeng , Zhang Yuling
Published: May 2021

Background: Whether heart rate (HR) fluctuation after admission has an impact on the outcomes of critically ill myocardial infarction (MI) patients in intensive care unit remains unknown.

Methods: A total of 2,031 MI patients were enrolled from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) database. HR fluctuation was calculated as the maximum HR minus the minimum HR in the initial 24 h after admission. Participants were divided into 3 groups, namely, low HR fluctuation [<30 beats per minute (bpm)], medium HR fluctuation (30–49 bpm), and high HR fluctuation (≥ 50 bpm). The main outcomes were 30–day and 1-year mortality. Cox regression and restricted cubic spline model were used.

Results: Each 10-bpm increase in HR fluctuation was associated with a higher risk of 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.122 (95% CI, 1.083–1.162) and 1.107 (95% CI, 1.074–1.140), respectively. Compared with the low HR fluctuation group, the high HR fluctuation group suffered a significantly higher risk of mortality after adjustment, with hazard ratios of 2.156 (95% CI, 1.483–3.134) for 30-day mortality and 1.796 (95% CI, 1.354–2.381) for 1-year mortality. A typical J-type curve was observed in restricted cubic splines for the association between HR fluctuation and 30-day or 1-year mortality of MI patients, with the lowest risk on the HR fluctuation of 30 bpm. Sensitivity analyses emphasized the robustness of our results.

Conclusions: This retrospective cohort study revealed an independent positive association between HR fluctuation and 30-day and 1-year mortality in critically ill MI patients, which warrants further investigation.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Human Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
Authors: Guo Yang , Li Xiaosu , Wang Zhijian , Yu Bo
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the major risk factors to human health and human studies on association between gut microbiota and hypertension or blood pressure have received increased attention. In the present study, we aim to evaluate gut microbiota dysbiosis in human hypertension using a method of systematic review.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched until March 2021 to identify eligible articles. Additional articles were also identified by searching specific authors in this field. Inclusion criteria were observational studies based on stool samples with hypertension group and control group. Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020212219.

Results: A total of 17 studies enrolling 9,085 participants were included. Fifteen of the enrolled studies showed good quality and two studies showed fair quality based on NOS. We found alpha diversity in hypertension decreased significantly and microbial structure can be separated compared with control groups. Gut microbiota of hypertension showed depletion of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producers and over-growth of some Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes members. Up-regulation of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, phosphotransferase system, ABC transporters, etc. and down-regulation of some amino acid metabolism, etc. in hypertension were reported. Fecal SCFAs levels increased and plasma SCFAs levels decreased in hypertension. Stronger microbial interactions in hypertension were seen.

Conclusion: In conclusion, gut microbiota dysbiosis was observed in hypertension, including decreased diversity, altered microbial structure, compositional change of taxa, alterations of microbial function, nutritional and immunological factors, and microbial interactions. Poor absorption and high excretion of SCFAs may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. These findings may provide insights into etiology study and new microbial-based therapies of hypertension.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO database, identifier CRD42020212219.
In Search of the Holy Grail: A Specific Diagnostic Test for Rheumatic Fever
Authors: McMillan David J. , Rafeek Rukshan A. M. , Norton Robert E. , Good Michael F. , Sriprakash Kadaba S. , Ketheesan Natkunam
Published: May 2021

Current diagnosis of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease (ARF/RHD) relies on a battery of clinical observations aided by technologically advanced diagnostic tools and non-specific laboratory tests. The laboratory-based assays fall into two categories: those that (1) detect “evidence of preceding streptococcal infections” (ASOT, anti-DNAse B, isolation of the Group AStreptococcusfrom a throat swab) and (2) those that detect an ongoing inflammatory process (ESR and CRP). These laboratory tests are positive during any streptococcal infection and are non-specific for the diagnosis of ARF/RHD. Over the last few decades, we have accumulated considerable knowledge about streptococcal biology and the immunopathological mechanisms that contribute to the development, progression and exacerbation of ARF/RHD. Although our knowledge is incomplete and many more years will be devoted to understanding the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the spectrum of clinical manifestations of ARF/RHD, in this commentary we contend that there is sufficient understanding of the disease process that using currently available technologies it is possible to identify pathogen associated peptides and develop a specific test for ARF/RHD. It is our view that with collaboration and sharing of well-characterised serial blood samples from patients with ARF/RHD from different regions, antibody array technology and/or T-cell tetramers could be used to identify streptococcal peptides specific to ARF/RHD. The availability of an appropriate animal model for this uniquely human disease can further facilitate the determination as to whether these peptides are pathognomonic. Identification of such peptides will also facilitate testing of potential anti-streptococcal vaccines for safety and avoid potential candidates that may pre-dispose potential vaccine recipients to adverse outcomes. Such peptides can also be readily incorporated into a universally affordable point of care device for both primary and tertiary care.