bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The linearly polarized light field in clear, tropical marine waters: spatial and temporal variation of light intensity, degree of polarization and e-vector angle
Authors: Cronin Thomas W. , Shashar Nadav
Published: April 2021

Sensitivity to polarized light is widespread among marine animals, including crustaceans, cephalopods and some fishes. They use this ability to orient and find prey, and possibly for a number of other visual tasks. Unlike the ultraviolet-sensitive polarization receptors of most insects, the polarization receptors of marine invertebrates tend to be maximally sensitive near 500nm, suggesting that polarized light in water differs from that in air. The underwater field of partially linearly polarized light has been studied for nearly 50 years, but data are still limited and sparse. We measured the submarine polarized light field from 350 to 600nm throughout the day on a coral reef in the Florida Keys at a depth of 15m using the underwater laboratory Aquarius as a research platform. Our results show that the angle of polarization as viewed along any given line of sight at this depth is a relatively simple function of solar position and that the degree of polarization is greatest 60–90° from the sun. Both e-vector angle and degree of polarization vary only slightly with wavelength, although light is sometimes less polarized in the ultraviolet. Since light is most intense at medium wavelengths and polarization is nearly maximal at these wavelengths, invertebrate polarization photoreceptors are spectrally well placed. Also, the relative spectral constancy of the angle and degree of polarization supports fish polarization sensitivity, which relies on spectrally diverse photoreceptor sets.
Visual pigments in the early life stages of Pacific northwest marine fishes
Authors: Britt Lyle L. , Loew Ellis R. , McFarland William N.
Published: April 2021

Microspectrophotometry was used to measure the visual pigments in the rods and cones of 22 species of marine fish larvae netted from the surface waters off Friday Harbor Laboratories, Washington, USA. 13 species had rods, 12 of which contained visual pigments with a wavelength of maximum absorbance near 500nm, while one, the sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus), had its absorbance maximum at 482nm. The 22 species of fish larvae possessed varied combinations of single, double and twin cones, ranging in peak absorbance from 353nm to 584nm. Of these, green-sensitive single cones were present in 20 of the 22 species, and were the dominant cone type. Double and twin cones were present in 13 of the species. Most common were identical green-sensitive (twin) cones (in 11 species). Green/yellow-sensitive double cones occurred in four species. In a single instance (Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus) twin blue-sensitive, twin green-sensitive and double blue/yellow-sensitive cones were recorded. Of particular interest was the finding that 18 of the species had ultraviolet- and/or violet-absorbing single cones.

It has been suggested that short-wavelength photosensitivity may be beneficial for planktivory by extending the spectral range over which vision can occur. The high percentage (82%) of ultraviolet and violet visual pigments in Pacific northwest fish larvae supports the prediction that short-wavelength sensitivity may be common in marine fish larvae.
THE effects of tonic lung inflation on ventilation in the American bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Shaw
Authors: Sanders Colin E. , Milsom William K.
Published: April 2021

This study was designed to determine whether lung inflation stimulates or inhibits breathing in frogs by examining the effect of tonic lung inflation on the ‘fictive’ breathing pattern of decerebrate, unidirectionally ventilated bullfrogs. Neural discharge was monitored in the trigeminal nerve as an indication of the frequency and force of contraction of the buccal pump, and in the laryngeal branch of the vagus nerve as an indication of glottal opening, and hence fictive lung ventilation. Based on the temporal coordination of discharge in the trigeminal and vagus nerves during naturally occurring breaths it was possible to characterize the fictive breaths as inflation, deflation or balanced breaths. Increasing lung inflation increased absolute breathing frequency by reducing the duration of apnea between breaths and promoting a change in breathing pattern from no breathing to single breaths, breathing episodes and, finally, to continuous breathing. Associated with this was a decrease in the amplitude and area of the integrated trigeminal electroneurogram associated with the lung breaths, indicative of a reduction in the force of the buccal pump, and a shift in the timing of the trigeminal and vagal discharge, indicative of a shift from inflation to deflation breaths. Taken together the data suggest that lung deflation produces infrequent, large-amplitude inflation breaths or cycles, but that progressive lung inflation changes the breathing pattern to one of high-frequency attempts to deflate the lungs that are largely passive, and accompanied by contractions of the buccal pump that are no larger than those associated with normal buccal oscillations.
Calcification in the planula and polyp of the hydroidHydractinia symbiolongicarpus(Cnidaria, Hydrozoa)
Authors: Rogers Constance L. , Thomas Mary Beth
Published: April 2021

This study examines calcification in planulae and polyps of the hydroid Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus. We observed that established colonies produce a crystalline mat on their substratum and that crystals visible by polarized light microscopy occur in the vacuoles of the gastrodermal cells of both polyps and planulae. The crystalline mat was found by infrared spectroscopy to contain calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite. The composition of the vacuolar crystals and the cellular mechanisms for manufacturing them were explored by alteration of calcium levels in the environment and by the use of pharmacological agents (acetazolamide, caffeine, DIDS, diltiazem, nifedipine, procaine, Ruthenium Red, ryanodine and verapamil) that affect cellular uptake and transport of calcium and bicarbonate. The results indicated that the crystals in the vacuoles contained calcium carbonate. The gastrodermal cells are hypothesized to serve as a physiological sink for excess calcium that enters the organism during motility, secretion and metamorphosis of the planula, and to create a crystalline substratum for the colony of polyps.
Mechanisms of urea tolerance in urea-adapted populations ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Etienne Regine , Fortunat Kechener , Pierce Valerie
Published: April 2021

When behavioral avoidance cannot prevent an animal from being exposed to novel environmental toxins, physiological mechanisms must cope with the toxin and its effects. We are investigating the basis of urea tolerance in populations of Drosophila melanogaster that have been selected to survive and develop in food containing 300mmoll−1 urea. Previous research has demonstrated that the urea-selected larvae have lower levels of urea in their body than control larvae reared under the same conditions. The current series of experiments focuses on three possible ways of reducing urea levels in the body: urea metabolism, increased urea excretion and decreased urea uptake from the environment. We tested for urea metabolism directly, by assaying for activity of two urea-metabolizing enzymes, and indirectly, by looking for reduced urea content of their medium. To measure urea excretion rates in whole animals, we reared control and urea-selected larvae on urea-containing food (urea food), switched them to normal food and monitored the loss of urea from their hemolymph. We measured urea uptake by rearing control and selected larvae on normal food, switching them to urea food and monitoring the rate of urea appearance in the hemolymph. We found no evidence for urea metabolism by either direct or indirect methods. Control larvae excreted urea at a higher rate than selected, probably because they contained more urea than the selected larvae and thus had a greater gradient for urea loss. The rate of urea uptake in selected larvae was 2mmoll−1h−1 slower than the rate in control larvae, a difference that could account for the measured differences in body urea levels. Thus the selected larvae appear to have adapted to urea exposure primarily by decreasing the ability of urea to enter their body in the first place. The mechanism responsible for this reduction in uptake is uncertain.
Haemolymph sugar levels in foraging honeybees (Apis mellifera carnica): dependence on metabolic rate and in vivo measurement of maximal rates of trehalose synthesis
Authors: Blatt Jasmina , Roces Flavio
Published: April 2021

Previous investigations of haemolymph sugar levels in honeybees have reported very different results, probably because different experimental conditions affected the activity levels of the animals. The present study investigated the dependence of haemolymph sugar levels in foraging honeybees on metabolic rate and whether the haemolymph sugar level is regulated. Free-flying foraging bees were trained to collect controlled amounts of sucrose solution of different concentrations (15%, 30% or 50% sucrose w/w). Immediately after feeding, metabolic rate was measured over a given time depending on the sucrose concentration, then crop-emptying rate and haemolymph sugar levels were measured. Bees exhibiting a wide range of metabolic rates were compared to establish whether the observed differences in haemolymph sugar levels were due to limits in the supply of sugars from the crop or in the rate of trehalose synthesis in the fat bodies. Independent of the concentration of the sucrose solution supplied, haemolymph trehalose, glucose and fructose levels were constant for metabolic rates from 0 to 4.5mlCO2h−1. At higher metabolic rates, trehalose concentration decreased while that of glucose and fructose increased, with the exception of bees fed 15% sucrose solution. As the supply of sugar from the crop via the proventriculus was sufficient to support even the highest metabolic rates, the observed pattern must result from an upper limit in the capacity of the fat body to synthesise trehalose. The maximal rate of conversion of glucose to trehalose in the fat body was therefore calculated to average 92.4μgglucosemin−1. However, for bees fed 15% sucrose solution both the rate of conversion of glucose to trehalose and the rate of sugar transport from the crop to the ventricle were limited, together resulting in a decrease in total haemolymph sugar levels for metabolic rates higher than 5mlCO2h−1.
FIREFLY FLASHING IS CONTROLLED BY GATING OXYGEN TO LIGHT-EMITTING CELLS
Authors: TIMMINS GRAHAM S. , ROBB FRASER J. , WILMOT CARMEN M. , JACKSON SIMON K. , SWARTZ HAROLD M.
Published: April 2021

Although many aspects of firefly bioluminescence are understood, the mechanism by which adult fireflies produce light as discrete rapid flashes is not. Here we examine the most postulated theory, that flashing is controlled by gating oxygen access to the light-emitting cells (photocytes). According to this theory, the dark state represents repression of bioluminescence by limiting oxygen, which is required for bioluminescence; relief from this repression by transiently allowing oxygen access to the photocytes allows the flash. We show that normobaric hyperoxia releases the repression of light emission in the dark state of both spontaneously flashing and non-flashing fireflies, causing continual glowing, and we measure the kinetics of this process. Secondly, we determine the length of the barriers to oxygen diffusion to the photocytes in the aqueous and gas phases. Thirdly, we provide constraints upon the distance between any gas-phase gating structure(s) and the photocytes. We conclude from these data that the flash of the adult firefly is controlled by gating of oxygen to the photocytes, and demonstrate that this control mechanism is likely to act by modulating the levels of fluid in the tracheoles supplying photocytes, providing a variable barrier to oxygen diffusion.
ACOUSTICS OF A SMALL AUSTRALIAN BURROWING CRICKET
Authors: BAILEY W. J. , BENNET-CLARK H. C. , FLETCHER N. H.
Published: April 2021

For most insects, size determines the call frequency. This paper describes the acoustics of a small brachypterous cricket (Rufocephalus sp.;body length 9.6 mm) producing a call with a carrier frequency of approximately 3.2 kHz from a subterranean burrow. Crickets such as Gryllus campestris are approximately twice this length and produce a call frequency close to 5 kHz. The burrow of Rufocephalus opens via a small hole with a diameter of 3.2 mm. The neck of the hole at approximately 1.4 mm depth opens to a vertical two-part burrow with an upper vase-shaped chamber 16.1 mm in height with a diameter of 9.4 mm. This top chamber connects via a 6.4 mm high (diameter 5.2 mm) neck to a more irregular chamber approximately 18 mm high with a width of approximately 11 mm. The walls of the top chamber neck and of the upper part of the lower chamber are smooth and appear to be sealed with saliva.

The song has a mean centre frequency of 3.2 kHz and is made up of variable-length trills of pulses of mean duration 15.8 ms. Many song pulses had smooth envelopes and their frequency did not vary by more than ±40 Hz from the centre frequency, with a relative bandwidth Q-3dB of over 50. Other pulses showed considerable amplitude and frequency modulation within the pulse.

When driven by external sound, burrows resonated at a mean frequency of 3.5 kHz with a mean quality factor Q of 7.4. Natural-size model burrows resonated at similar frequencies with similar Q values. One cricket,which had previously called from its own burrow at 2.95 kHz, sang at 3.27 kHz from a burrow that resonated at the same frequency.

Life-size model burrows driven by external sound resonated at similar frequencies to the actual burrows; models three times life size resonated at one-third of this frequency. In all models, the sound pressure was more-or-less constant throughout the top chamber but fell rapidly in the neck of the burrow; the phase of the sound was effectively constant in the top chamber and neck and fell through approximately 180° in passing from the neck into the lower chamber. A numerical model of the sound flow from region to region gave essentially similar results.

A resonant electrical model fed from a high-impedance source with discrete tone bursts at different frequencies showed similar amplitude and frequency modulation to the various types of song pulses that were observed. It is suggested that the high purity of the songs results from close entrainment of the sound-producing mechanism of the insect's wings to the sharply resonant burrow.
Locomotor function of the dorsal fin in teleost fishes: experimental analysis of wake forces in sunfish
Authors: Drucker Eliot G. , Lauder George V.
Published: April 2021

A key evolutionary transformation of the locomotor system of ray-finned fishes is the morphological elaboration of the dorsal fin. Within Teleostei, the dorsal fin primitively is a single midline structure supported by soft, flexible fin rays. In its derived condition, the fin is made up of two anatomically distinct portions: an anterior section supported by spines, and a posterior section that is soft-rayed. We have a very limited understanding of the functional significance of this evolutionary variation in dorsal fin design. To initiate empirical hydrodynamic study of dorsal fin function in teleost fishes, we analyzed the wake created by the soft dorsal fin of bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) during both steady swimming and unsteady turning maneuvers. Digital particle image velocimetry was used to visualize wake structures and to calculate in vivo locomotor forces. Study of the vortices generated simultaneously by the soft dorsal and caudal fins during locomotion allowed experimental characterization of median-fin wake interactions.

During high-speed swimming (i.e. above the gait transition from pectoral- to median-fin locomotion), the soft dorsal fin undergoes regular oscillatory motion which, in comparison with analogous movement by the tail, is phase-advanced (by 30% of the cycle period) and of lower sweep amplitude (by 1.0cm). Undulations of the soft dorsal fin during steady swimming at 1.1bodylengths−1 generate a reverse von Kármán vortex street wake that contributes 12% of total thrust. During low-speed turns, the soft dorsal fin produces discrete pairs of counterrotating vortices with a central region of high-velocity jet flow. This vortex wake, generated in the latter stage of the turn and posterior to the center of mass of the body, counteracts torque generated earlier in the turn by the anteriorly positioned pectoral fins and thereby corrects the heading of the fish as it begins to translate forward away from the turning stimulus. One-third of the laterally directed fluid force measured during turning is developed by the soft dorsal fin. For steady swimming, we present empirical evidence that vortex structures generated by the soft dorsal fin upstream can constructively interact with those produced by the caudal fin downstream. Reinforcement of circulation around the tail through interception of the dorsal fin’s vortices is proposed as a mechanism for augmenting wake energy and enhancing thrust.

Swimming in fishes involves the partitioning of locomotor force among several independent fin systems. Coordinated use of the pectoral fins, caudal fin and soft dorsal fin to increase wake momentum, as documented for L. macrochirus, highlights the ability of teleost fishes to employ multiple propulsors simultaneously for controlling complex swimming behaviors.
Evaluating the use of ram and suction during prey capture by cichlid fishes
Authors: Wainwright Peter C. , Ferry-Graham Lara A. , Waltzek Thomas B. , Carroll Andrew M. , Hulsey C. Darrin , Grubich Justin R.
Published: April 2021

We characterized prey-capture strategies in seven species of cichlid fishes representing diverse trophic habits and anticipated feeding abilities. The species examined were Petenia splendida, Cichla ocellaris, Cichlasoma minckleyi, Astronotus ocellatus, Crenicichla geayi, Heros severus (formerly Cichlasoma severum) and Cyprichromis leptosoma. Three individuals per species were filmed with video at 500Hz as they captured live adult Artemia sp. and Poecilia reticulata. For each feeding sequence, we measured the contribution of predator movement towards the prey (i.e. ram) and the movement of prey towards the predator due to suction. The use of ram differed significantly among prey types and predator species, varying as much as sixfold across predator species. High values of ram resulted in high attack velocities. Jaw protrusion contributed as much as 50% to overall ram values in some species, verifying its role in enhancing attack velocity. Suction distance did not vary significantly among species. Diversity in prey-capture behavior was therefore found to reflect differences among species in the strategy used to approach prey. Limited variation in the distance from which prey were sucked into the mouth is interpreted as the result of an expected exponential decline in water velocity with distance from the mouth of the suction-feeding predator. We propose that this relationship represents a major constraint on the distance over which suction feeding is effective for all aquatic-feeding predators.
Metabolic power, mechanical power and efficiency during wind tunnel flight by the European starlingSturnus vulgaris
Authors: Ward S. , Möller U. , Rayner J. M. V. , Jackson D. M. , Bilo D. , Nachtigall W. , Speakman J. R.
Published: April 2021

We trained two starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) to fly in a wind tunnel whilst wearing respirometry masks. We measured the metabolic power (Pmet) from the rates of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production and calculated the mechanical power (Pmech) from two aerodynamic models using wingbeat kinematics measured by high-speed cinematography. Pmet increased from 10.4 to 14.9 W as flight speed was increased from 6.3 to 14.4 m s–1 and was compatible with the U-shaped power/speed curve predicted by the aerodynamic models. Flight muscle efficiency varied between 0.13 and 0.23 depending upon the bird, the flight speed and the aerodynamic model used to calculate Pmech. Pmet during flight is often estimated by extrapolation from the mechanical power predicted by aerodynamic models by dividing Pmech by a flight muscle efficiency of 0.23 and adding the costs of basal metabolism, circulation and respiration. This method would underestimate measured Pmet by 15–25 % in our birds. The mean discrepancy between measured and predicted Pmet could be reduced to 0.1±1.5 % if flight muscle efficiency was altered to a value of 0.18. A flight muscle efficiency of 0.18 rather than 0.23 should be used to calculate the flight costs of birds in the size range of starlings (approximately 0.1 kg) if Pmet is calculated from Pmech derived from aerodynamic models.
Juvenile-Hormone-Mediated Plasticity of Aggregation Behaviour and Olfactory Processing in Adult Desert Locusts
Authors: Ignell Rickard , Couillaud Franck , Anton Sylvia
Published: April 2021

In desert locusts Schistocerca gregaria, aggregation behaviour is elicited by aggregation pheromones. In this study, we show that the behavioural response to the major and most potent adult aggregation pheromone component, phenylacetonitrile, is age- and juvenile-hormone-dependent. Furthermore, we show that juvenile hormone influences the responsiveness of olfactory interneurons in the antennal lobe to aggregation pheromone, whereas the responsiveness of antennal receptor neurons is not changed. Old locusts and locusts injected with juvenile hormone, in contrast to young locusts and locusts deprived of juvenile hormone through allatectomy, i.e. after surgical removal of the gland producing this hormone, do not display any aggregation behaviour, as indicated by long-term behavioural observations. The lack of positive olfactory-guided behaviour coincides with an impairment of the central olfactory system, which displays a lower number of neurons responding to aggregation pheromone. Indirect and direct actions of juvenile hormone at different levels of the central nervous system may thus contribute to the regulation and modulation of behavioural responsiveness in the locust.
Functional organisation of anterior thoracic stretch receptors in the deep-sea isopodBathynomus doederleini: behavioural, morphological and physiological studies
Authors: Iwasaki Masazumi , Ohata Ayako , Okada Yoshinori , Sekiguchi Hideo , Niida Akiyoshi
Published: April 2021

The relationship between segmental mobility and the organisation of thoracic stretch receptors was examined in the deep-sea isopod Bathynomus doederleini, which shows a developed adaptive behaviour during digging. The movements of segments during digging were analysed from video recordings, which showed that a large excursion occurred in the anterior thoracic segments. Dye-fills of axons revealed four types of thoracic stretch receptor (TSR): an N-cell type (TSR-1), a differentiated N-cell type (TSR-2), a muscle receptor organ (MRO)-type with a long, single receptor muscle (TSR-3) and an MRO-type with a short, single receptor muscle (TSR-4 to TSR-7).

Physiologically, TSR-1 and TSR-2 are tonic-type stretch receptors. TSR-3 to TSR-7 show two kinds of stretch-activated responses, a tonic response and a phasico-tonic response in which responses are maintained as long as the stretch stimulus is delivered. Both TSR-2, with a long muscle strand, and TSR-3, with a single, long receptor muscle, have a wide dynamic range in their stretch-activated response. In addition, TSR-2 is controlled by an intersegmental inhibitory reflex from TSR-3. These results suggest that, although TSR-1 has no receptor muscle and TSR-2 has a less-differentiated receptor-like muscle, they are fully functional position detectors of segmental movements, as are the MRO-type receptors TSR-3 to TSR-7.
Detection of Mycotoxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxins in Poultry Feed of Balochistan Pakistan
Authors: MAJEED FA , AKBAR A , SHAFEE M , SADIA H , IQBAL S , PHADUNGCHOB B , KHAN GI , KHAN SA
Published: April 2021

Mycotoxins are secondary toxic metabolites of fungi, commonly associated to agriculture commodities. Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Claviceps genera are the most common mycotoxigenic fungi and the most important types of mycotoxin are Aflatoxins, Zearalenone, Ochratoxin, Fumonisins and Trichothecenes Mycotoxins can be carcinogenic, cytotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic, neurotoxic, nephrotoxic, estrogenic and immunosuppressant. This study was conducted to examine the presence of mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in poultry feed used by the poultry farmers of Balochistan. Samples (n=100) were analyzed and found contaminated with fungi such as Aspergillus, Mucor, Rhizopus and Fusarium genera, amongst them Aspergillus species was observed highly prevalent (89%). Aflatoxin production in culture plates were initially screened with the help of ammonia hydroxide vapor test, and subsequently analyzed with the help of AgraStrip®. The Aflatoxins (77%) and Fumonisins (92%) were found in direct examination of feed samples. Toxins presence was also confirmed with the help of ELISA using AgraQuant® kits. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were used for characterization and quantification of aflatoxins. It was concluded that the feed samples were abundantly contaminated with aflatoxins and fumonisins and the fungi responsible for their production. This contaminated feed is one of the reasons for economic lossesfor poultry farmers of the region.
Evaluation of Milk Yield and Milk Composition of Honamlı Goats
Authors: AKBAŞ AA , TAŞÇI F , ELMAZ Ö , SAATCI M
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the milk yield and milk composition (total solids, fat, protein and lactose), freezing point depressionand somatic cell counts of Honamlı goat during second lactationin Turkey. The animal material of the study consisted of a total of 30 goat. Total milk yield was detected by using Fleischmann’s method. Milk composition was analyzed by Bentley 150, and somatic cells were counted by Bentley Somacount FC. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the effect of lactation stages on milk yield and milk composition. In the study, mean lactation period and lactation milk yield of Honamlı goat were detected as 202.4 days, and 92.6 kg, respectively. The percentages of fat, protein, lactose, total solid, freezing point depression, and somatic cell counts /mL of milk were 2.4%, 4.2%, 5.1%, 12.7%, -0.57 °C, 82.8 and 2.9%, 4.2%, 4.7%, 12.7%, -0.59 °C, 483 on the 60th and 120thlactation day respectively. Total solids, fat, and protein values significantly increased especially towards the end of lactation (P <0.05). Lactose value decreased slowly from the beginning to the end of lactation. The somatic cell counts increased in milk particularly at the end of lactation (P < 0.05). The freezing point depression remained stable throughout lactation. It was thought that results of study were important representing the second lactation milk production of Honamlı goats that is one of the native goat breeds of Turkey.
Assessment of the Microbiological Profile, Species Diversity and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Recovered Bacteria from Retail Honeys in Turkey
Authors: GURAN HS , DURUKAN G , MANN D
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological profile, coliform and staphylococcal species diversity, and the antimicrobial susceptibility of coliform and other Gram-negative bacteria recovered from retail honeys in Turkey. A total of 150 honey samples, including extracted honey and comb honey samples, were purchased from honey sellers. The honey samples were analyzed for total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB), total mesophilic anaerobic bacteria (TMAnB), coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus spp., lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeasts, and molds. All presumptive coliform and Staphylococcus isolates were identified at species level and then Gram-negative isolates were screened for antimicrobial susceptibility. TMAB, TMAnB, LAB, yeasts and molds mean counts (log cfu/g) in the samples were 3.26±1.08, 3.0±0.89, 2.93±0.52, 2.90±0.83, 1.80±0.53, respectively. Eighteen point seven percent and 15.3% of extracted and comb honey contained coliform and Staphylococcus spp., respectively, with a mean count (MPN/g) of 8.06±1.23 and 0.71±0.66. TMAB, Staphylococcus spp. and yeast contamination rates were significantly higher in the extracted honeys (P<0.05). Presumptive coliform and Staphyloccus spp. isolates were mostly identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens, and Staphylococcus hominis and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively. Among coliform and non-coliform Gram-negative recovered isolates, antimicrobial resistance was highest against ceftriaxone (92.4%) and cefepime (91.5%) followed by tigecyclin (46.2%). The results obtained in this study provide insight on the microbiological profile of honey and the diversity of coliform and Staphylococcus species in honey samples. Moreover, these results show that honey, which is considered beneficial for human health, may contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Znaczenie Dunaju w europejskiej sieci dróg wodnych
Authors: Kastory Agnieszka Małgorzata
Published: April 2021

The Role of the Danube River in the Trans-European Waterway Network

In the 20th century, the Danube Region was subject to numerous and far-reaching political transformations, which had a negative impact on the expansion of the Danube waterway transport, affected mainly by political, economical and military crises that took place in the 1990s. Nowadays, only 9% of all river cargo is shipped via the Danube River. The European Union makes an effort to increase this number up to 30%, and to ensure the river’s permanent inclusion in the Trans-European Transport Network, with an ongoing process of adjusting the Danube shipping law to the regulations applicable to other European rivers. Nonetheless, the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region has little effect on the transportation growth in the Danube Basin so far – due to insufficient support from the European Union, the Danubian countries’ unwillingness to carry out expensive investments, and difficulties related to the process of redirecting the existing trade routes.
Unia Europejska a zapomniany konflikt o Naddniestrze
Authors: Koszel Bogdan
Published: April 2021

The European Union and the Forgotten Conflict over Transnistria

The European Community/European Union was not formally involved in the resolution of the Transnistria conflict. It was believed that success would be possible with the help of an OSCE mission with active Russian participation. The EU considers the rebellious Transnistria as an integral part of Moldova. It sought to support its pro-Western course through the PCA and the Association Agreement. Moldova’s lack of prospects for EU membership and strong Russian influence in the country perpetuate existing divisions. In Europe, hardly anyone remembers the frozen conflict over Transnistria. After a brief period of armed struggle in the early 1990s, it did not accumulate any more international tension and attracted no more attention from the international public opinion.
Possibilities of Applying the Chinese Social Credit System to Combat Terrorism
Authors: Dziwisz Dominika
Published: April 2021

2011 saw the start of the pilot phase of the Social Credit System. The societies of democratic states interpreted it as an extreme example of human rights violation. In turn, what is usually forgotten is that the SCS is not the first citizen assessment system, because similar systems have been successfully functioning since 1960s in democratic countries. Scientific analyses of SCS operations are usually limited to its negative consequences. There are fewer attempts by governments of democratic states to assess the use of elements of SCS and algorithmic data analysis, for example in order to increase the level of security of citizens. As a result, this article presents the research hypothesis that elements of the SCS may be successfully applied also in democratic states for the purpose of more effective combating of terrorism. With modern methods of analyzing Big Data sets, it is possible, for example, to accelerate recognition of terrorist networks, support identification of sources of radicalization in online communities and increase the effectiveness of anti-terrorist strategies in order to protect citizens against contemporary terrorist threats. For such a system to be as effective as possible, it should take over some assumptions of the SCS which are explained in this article: Firstly, it should be centralized and controlled by the state. Secondly, the information obtained and processed should be used solely for the purposes of the state security policy, i.e. in the scope smaller than in the case of China. Thirdly, the data should be obtained from multiple sources, public and private ones, in order to increase the accuracy of predictions. Fourthly, the violation of the principles of social coexistence might result in specific penalties, and compliance therewith – in rewards.
‘Straight back to learning’
Authors: Francis Emily
Published: April 2021

It's been an exciting month at Lessness Heath Primary School, during which children have settled back ‘beautifully’. Emily Francis reports on the delights of seeing children playing together and giving full rein to their imaginations.
Standing on formality
Authors: Kay Louise
Published: April 2021

In the first of a three part series Louise Kay examines the historical development of the school readiness agenda. With EYFS reforms now seeming to support a further ‘push-down’ of formal schooling into the Reception year, she asks if this is really best for children?
Building connections
Authors: Solly Kathryn
Published: April 2021

‘The little things are the big things’ when it comes to ensuring all children belong and participate in the setting, says Kathryn Solly. Getting it right from the start means pronouncing and spelling names correctly, providing warm welcomes and working in genuine partnership with parents.
Fit for purpose
Authors: Stjepic Leonor
Published: April 2021

Montessori Centre International's new professional accreditation framework is aiming to upskill existing practitioners and attract new recruits to its approach.
Entrevista a Pilar Prieto
Authors: Igualada Alfonso
Published: April 2021

Entrevista a Pilar Prieto.
Discurso narrativo en población infantil con Trastorno del Desarrollo del Lenguaje: perfil y estimulación
Authors: Camus Torres Alondra Elisa , Resina Curado Paula , Aparici Aznar Melina
Published: April 2021

El desenvolupament del discurs narratiu constitueix un bon indicador de la competència lingüística i mostra una forta relació amb el desenvolupament lingüístic i acadèmic en la població infantil. Els nens i les nenes amb Trastorn del Desenvolupament del Llenguatge (TDL) presenten múltiples dificultats en la producció i la comprensió narrativa, aspecte que afecta les seves habilitats de comunicació i possiblement afectarà el seu aprenentatge escolar. La implementació de programes d’intervenció enfocats a potenciar les habilitats narratives mostra canvis significatius en l’alumnat amb TDL, per la qual cosa implementar aquests programes resulta útil no només per desenvolupar la competència lingüística sinó també per impulsar el rendiment acadèmic.
Ser sord implica tenir trastorns del llenguatge? Factors de variació lingüística en la població amb sordesa
Authors: Sánchez Amat Jordina , Cedillo Vicente Pepita , Quer Josep
Published: April 2021

En aquest article argumentem que el factor principal de variació lingüística en la població amb sordesa prelocutiva és el tipus d’intervenció exclusivament oral que es realitza majoritàriament en l’actualitat. El fet de no exposar els infants sords a la llengua de signes a més de la llengua oral des del moment del diagnòstic de la sordesa els posa en risc de privació lingüística i d’alteracions cognitives, socioemocionals i de salut mental. A partir de la descripció de les dues variables principals que són font de la variació de perfils lingüístics en la població amb sordesa, les modalitats lingüístiques que empren i la presència o absència de trastorns del llenguatge, analitzem els factors que influeixen en aquesta variació lingüística. La identificació del principal factor de variació en la intervenció que es realitza ens condueix a proposar algunes mesures per contribuir a millorar aquesta situació.
Insuring life, insuring debt: Life insurance in sixteenth-century Spain.
Authors: Casado Alonso Hilario
Published: April 2021

Com a tècnica suposadament nascuda al segle XVIII, la pràctica d’assegurar la vida és un tema que encara roman per investigar. En aquest article es demostra que la contractació d’assegurances de vida era ja habitual a Espanya dos segles abans. En aquest sentit, s’estudia la legislació existent, especialment les Ordenances de Contractació d’Assegurances del Consolat de Castella a Bruges del 1568, però sobretot les nombroses pòlisses conservades, i s’estudien les de l’espanyol Juan Henríquez, el corredor d’assegurances d’Anvers més important als anys 1562 i 1563, com també i, fonamentalment, les 174 pòlisses conservades en l’arxiu del Consolat de Burgos dels anys 1566-1605. La majoria van ser contractades per persones que prestaven ducats, però que exigien, com a garantia de pagament, la signatura d’una assegurança de vida per part de qui rebia els diners. De fet, un sistema que segueix predominant en la pràctica bancària actual.
Professions of exchange: Circulating expertise between Spanish Habsburg lands and Saadian Morocco.
Authors: Gilbert Claire
Published: April 2021

El present article reuneix diversos escrits de l’«alfaqueque flamenco» i traductor marroquí Jorge de Henin (floruit 1597-1628), per il·lustrar com la categoria professional d’home d’estat va sorgir gràcies a les estratègies de construcció de la identitat i la imatge pública desenvolupades per diferents agents que buscaven créixer en el si de la Monarquia Hispànica. La seva professió no era la d’un estadista, sinó la d’un intermediari professional que s’assegurava fer de manera correcta diferents traduccions entre poders mediterranis separats per profundes rivalitats religioses, polítiques i econòmiques. Les seves elogioses credencials —redemptor de captius, conseller reial, expert en economia—, juntament amb la seva facilitat per als idiomes i la seva habilitat per fer de traductor entre parlants holandesos, àrabs i espanyols, van ser el nucli de la identitat de Henin com a home pràctic o d’experiència —un paper que final- ment ell va equiparar al d’home d’estat— capaç de garantir la reforma i l’èxit de la monarquia espanyola.
Mediterranean trade in the Pyrenees: Italian merchants in Puigcerdà, 1300-1360.
Authors: Comuzzi Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

A partir de les evidències notarials que encara existeixen de la pirinenca vila de Puigcerdà, aquest article investiga la connexió entre l’interior de les regions muntanyoses de la Mediterrània i les xarxes comercials mediterrànies més extenses a la fi de l’Edat Mitjana. Es mostra que, seguint la ràpida expansió de la producció de draps als Pirineus catalans durant el final del segle xiii, mercaders italians (la majoria toscans), alguns dels quals provinents de petites ciutats d’in- terior, van començar a viatjar no només des dels principals ports de la Mediterrània, sinó cap a l’interior del Pirineu català, on venien draps tenyits des de finals de l’any 1302. Sembla que l’activitat comercial d’aquests mercaders es va incrementar durant les primeres dècades del segle xiv, ja que la producció de draps a Puigcerdà va continuar creixent i va persistir fins a finals de la dècada dels anys seixanta del mateix segle. Aquest article, mitjançant una comparació entre el nombre de mercaders italians actius a Puigcerdà i a la petita vila catala- na de Castelló d’Empúries, revela que el nivell d’accés dels productors mediterranis en el comerç a l’interior de les regions muntanyoses va ser significativament més baix que el de la costa. Sembla també que les dues viles formen part d’una xarxa interconnectada que va veure alguns dels mateixos mercaders comerciants a Puigcerdà i a Castelló. Probablement, aquesta xarxa tenia la base a Perpinyà, amb un alt nombre d’italians mercaders com a residents. El nombre d’italians venedors de tint a la costanera Castelló va superar de llarg els de Puigcerdà, la qual cosa suggereix que, si bé els Pirineus interiors estaven vinculats al comerç mediterrani, aquestes connexions econòmiques eren menys denses que les de les zones costaneres i més limitades per la geografia local.
Vertical transmission of chikungunya virus: A systematic review
Authors: Ferreira Fátima Cristiane Pinho de Almeida Di Maio , da Silva Anamaria Szrajbman Vaz , Recht Judith , Guaraldo Lusiele , Moreira Maria Elisabeth Lopes , de Siqueira André Machado , Gerardin Patrick , Brasil Patrícia
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To describe and estimate the frequency of pregnancy outcomes, clinical and laboratory characteristics of vertical transmission of CHIKV in the neonate.

Study design

We performed a systematic review evaluating the clinical presentation of perinatally-acquired CHIKV infection in neonates. The search was performed using Medline (via PubMed), LILACS, Web of Science, Scielo, Google Scholar and Open grey to identify studies assessing vertical transmission of CHIKV up to November 3, 2020. There were no search restrictions regarding the study type, the publication date or language. Studies with no documented evidence of CHIKV infection in neonates (negative RT-PCR or absence of IgM) were excluded.

Results

From the 227 studies initially identified, 42 were selected as follows: 28 case reports, 7 case series, 2 cross-sectional studies and 5 cohort studies, for a total of 266 CHIKV infected neonates confirmed by serological and/or molecular tests. The vertical transmission rate was 50% in the Reunion Island outbreak, which was the subject of the majority of the studies; the premature delivery were reported in 19 (45.2%) studies; the rate of fetal distress was 19.6% of infected babies and fetal loss occurred in 2% of the cases. Approximately 68.7% of newborns were diagnosed with encephalopathy or encephalitis after perinatally acquired CHIKV. Most of the infected neonates were born healthy, developing CHIKV sepsis clinical syndrome within the first week of life.

Conclusions

We alert neonatologists to the late manifestations of neonatal CHIKV infection, relevant to the management and reduction of morbidity. A limitation of our review was that it was not possible to carry out meta-analysis due to differences in study design and the small number of participants.
Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Kenyan healthcare workers regarding pediatric discharge from hospital
Authors: Paul Shadae , Tickell Kirkby D. , Ojee Ednah , Oduol Chris , Martin Sarah , Singa Benson , Ickes Scott , Denno Donna M.
Published: April 2021

Objective

To assess attitudes, perceptions, and practices of healthcare workers regarding hospital discharge and follow-up care for children under age five in Migori and Homa Bay, Kenya.

Methods

This mixed-methods study included surveys and semi-structured telephone interviews with healthcare workers delivering inpatient pediatric care at eight hospitals between November 2017 and December 2018.

Results

The survey was completed by 111 (85%) eligible HCWs. Ninety-seven of the surveyed HCWs were invited for interviews and 39 (40%) participated. Discharge tasks were reported to be “very important” to patient outcomes by over 80% of respondents, but only 37 (33%) perceived their hospital to deliver this care “very well” and 23 (21%) believed their facility provides sufficient resources for its provision. The vast majority (97%) of participants underestimated the risk of pediatric post-discharge mortality. Inadequate training, understaffing, stock-outs of take-home therapeutics, and user fees were commonly reported health systems barriers to adequate discharge care while poverty was seen as limiting caregiver adherence to discharge and follow-up care. Respondents endorsed the importance of follow-up care, but reported supportive mechanisms to be lacking. They requested enhanced guidelines on discharge and follow-up care.

Conclusion

Kenyan healthcare workers substantially underestimated the risk of pediatric post-discharge mortality. Pre- and in-service training should incorporate instruction on discharge and follow-up care. Improved post-discharge deaths tracking–e.g., through vital registry systems, child mortality surveillance studies, and community health worker feedback loops–is needed, alongside dissemination which could leverage platforms such as routine hospital-based mortality reports. Finally, further interventional trials are needed to assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of novel packages to improve discharge and follow-up care.
Gut microbiota of endangered crested ibis: Establishment, diversity, and association with reproductive output
Authors: Ran Jian , Wan Qiu-Hong , Fang Sheng-Guo
Published: April 2021

Gut microbiota is known to influence the host’s health; an imbalance of the gut microbial community leads to various intestinal and non-intestinal diseases. Research on gut microbes of endangered birds is vital for their conservation. However, a thorough understanding of the gut microbiome composition present in crested ibises at different ages and its correlation with crested ibis reproductive capacity has remained elusive. Here, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to explore the fecal microbial structure of nestlings and adult birds, and the difference in gut microbiota between healthy and sterile crested ibises. We observed that (1) bacterial microbiota, alpha and beta diversity of one-day-old nestlings significantly distinguished from other nestlings; abundance of Proteobacteria decreased, while that of Fusobacteria increased with an increase in the age of the nestlings; (2) there was no significant difference in community composition among adult crested ibises aged one, two, three, and five years; (3) the abundance of Proteobacteria and alpha diversity indices were higher in sterile crested ibises than in healthy crested ibises; thus, Proteobacteria can act as a diagnostic biomarker of reproductive dysfunction in crested ibises. This study significantly contributes to the field of ecology and conservation, as it provides a platform for assessing the reproductive capacity of endangered crested ibises, based on the gut microbiota composition. Further studies may unravel additional factors influencing crested ibises’ reproductive health, which will further help the management and control of the crested ibis population.