Data Base Research Articles

Scientific production of open access articles on hate speech: a scoping review

This work presents a study of scientific publications on hate speech with the objective to map the trends in the field. This study follows a scoping review using the PRISMA-ScR methodology. The search was conducted in four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Social Science Data Base, and Social Science Research Network) using the terms ‘hate speech’ and ‘communication’. The research analysed a sample of 102 open-access scientific journal articles from the period 2016-2021. The analysis focused on production aspects, topics and relevance of the papers for hate speech studies. The study shows a significant increase in production since 2020. However, a low level of depth and specificity is detected when addressing hate speech. Many articles are loosely or barely related to the topic or do not provide specific definitions. There is a prevalence of studies linked to online cases, though not strictly hate speech but rather general topics of cyberbullying or online harassment and an increase in computer-based methodological approaches. Despite a growing scientific production on the subject, the overall quality of most articles does not offer a significant contribution to the understanding, debate, or prevention of hate speech.

From reconstructed DICOM images to 3D printed models: anthropomorphic dosimetric phantoms

This study explores the construction of anthropomorphic dosimetric phantoms by leveraging Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technology and DICOM images processed through the Slicer software. This approach involves segmentation and processing of DICOM data bases of human subjects to extract specific anatomical structures that are to be converted into a format suitable for 3D printing. The objective is to create accurate models for radiation dosimetry applications. These phantoms hold great potential in advancing medical radiation research, allowing for more accurate and personalized assessments of radiation doses in various clinical scenarios.

Spatiotemporal distribution patterns and assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic plankton communities in Liujiaxia Reservoir at the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

Eukaryotic plankton are important parts of the aquatic ecosystem and their community composition and spatiotemporal distribution patterns are affected by environmental factors. The Liujiaxia Reservoir is located at the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and is a vital resource for communities and agriculture in the region. Revealing the plankton diversity and their correlation with environmental factors is essential for understanding the ecological processes and mechanisms by which plankton contribute to, and maintain the ecosystem function of, the Liujiaxia Reservoir and beyond. This study investigated the detailed spatiotemporal distribution patterns and assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic plankton communities in Liujiaxia Reservoir for three periods during 2021. Significant spatial and temporal variations of abundance and community distribution of eukaryotic plankton were demonstrated. In addition, environmental factors such as water transparency, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and pH were confirmed to have the most significant impact on the distribution of these communities in the reservoir. The dominant eukaryotic plankton group was Pyrrophyta, and the species interactions were predominantly cooperative. The trophic level index indicated excellent overall water quality in the reservoir. Deterministic processes were demonstrated as the predominant factors governing the assembly of eukaryotic plankton communities. This study provides valuable insight into the eukaryotic plankton community structure in the Liujiaxia Reservoir and reveals the complex relationships between plankton communities, environmental factors, and water quality.IMPORTANCEBased on 18S rDNA high-throughput sequencing, the spatiotemporal distribution patterns and assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic plankton communities were investigated. This study provides valuable insight into the eukaryotic plankton community structure in the Liujiaxia Reservoir in the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and the relationships between eukaryotic plankton communities, environmental factors, and water quality. Through the dynamic changes of these communities, the water quality of the reservoir was assessed to provide basic data for the protection of its biodiversity. The findings of the present study will help to improve knowledge and understanding of the ecological processes and mechanisms by which plankton contribute to ecosystem function in the Liujiaxia Reservoir and beyond.

Difficulty of diagnostic accuracy of periprosthetic joint infection: a retrospective analysis of revision surgery of total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty in a tertiary hospital

BackgroundDiagnostic accuracy of periprosthetic joint infection still remains controversial and an unsolved problem with respect to clinical signs and laboratory measures. Influencing factors of diagnosis like age, sex, abnormal physical findings and comorbidities are published with different results. The aim of our study was to find factors strengthening the diagnosis.MethodsWe therefore retrospectively investigated all revision surgeries of total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty in the years 2019 and 2020 in a tertiary hospital with special regard to diagnostic accuracy of periprosthetic joint infection and switch in diagnosis to aseptic mechanical loosening or vice versa. All patients were divided into 4 non-hierarchical groups: suspected and discharge diagnosis periprosthetic joint infection (P1), suspected and discharge diagnosis mechanical loosening (P2), suspected diagnosis mechanical loosening and discharge diagnosis periprosthetic joint infection (P3), suspected diagnosis PJI and discharge diagnosis mechanical loosening (P4).ResultsIn the years 2019–2020, 106 patients underwent revision surgery of total knee arthoplasty and total hip arthroplasty. 33 patients showed periprosthetic joint infection (31.1%) according to Infectious Diseases Society (IDSA) criteria, 73 patients showed mechanical loosening (68.9%). Of the periprosthetic joint infection -patients, 15 were men (46%) and 18 were women (54%). The patients with mechanical loosening were 27 men (37%) and 46 women (63%). In group P1 (25 patients), 22 could be classified according to the histopathological classification Krenn and Morawietz grade 2 and grade 3, 2 patients to grade 4 and one patient could not be classified. In group P3 (8 patients) all could be classified according to the classification Krenn and Morawietz grade 2 and 3. Groups P1 – P4 were correlated with categorial basic data: All Groups P1 – P4 showed a statistical correlation towards American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) categorization 3–4 versus ASA 2 (p = 0.01). In the pairwise comparison in the exact Fisher´s exact test P1 and P2 showed a statistical correlation towards ASA categorization 3–4 versus ASA 2 (p = 0.01). Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) categories 5–7 versus 0,1–2 and 3–4 showed a statistical correlation towards groups P1-P4 (p = 0.007) and in the pairwise comparison in the exact Fisher´s exact test a discrimination of P1 and P2 (p = 0.001) and P1 and P3 (p = 0.007). The preoperative corticoid therapy showed a statistical correlation to groups P1-P4 (p = 0.05) and in the pairwise comparison in the exact Fisher test a discrimination of P1 and P4 (p = 0.02).ConclusionWe therefore conclude that diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection still remains difficult. Switches in diagnosis during hospital stay from periprosthetic joint infection to aseptic mechanical loosening and vice versa are not unusual and the role of different diagnostic tools needs further investigation. Patients categorized according to ASA and CCI as severely ill might be more likely to be diagnosed correctly with periprosthetic joint infection.

A Minimal-Data Approach for Film Thickness Prediction in Tribological Contacts Using Venner’s Equation

The accurate design of tribological contacts, such as those in bearings and gearboxes, makes them highly efficient and helps reduce emission in all driven systems. Traditionally, this process requires more lubricant data than data sheets typically provide, mainly kinematic viscosity at 40 °C and 100 °C and density, which limits the design process. This study introduces a simplified methodology for determining lubricant film thickness, one of the main design critical parameters, using minimal viscosity measurements obtained with a high-pressure viscometer. The researchers demonstrate that essential lubricant parameters can be derived effectively from a few measurements. By combining state-of-the-art models for film thickness with practical measurements from an EHL tribometer, this study confirms that reliable film thickness predictions can be made from basic viscosity data. This approach streamlines the design process, making tribological simulations more accessible and cost-effective, and enhances the design of tribological contacts under extreme conditions.

Multi-Modal Dataset of Human Activities of Daily Living with Ambient Audio, Vibration, and Environmental Data

The detection of human activities is an important step in automated systems to understand the context of given situations. It can be useful for applications like healthcare monitoring, smart homes, and energy management systems for buildings. To achieve this, a sufficient data basis is required. The presented dataset contains labeled recordings of 25 different activities of daily living performed individually by 14 participants. The data were captured by five multisensors in supervised sessions in which a participant repeated each activity several times. Flawed recordings were removed, and the different data types were synchronized to provide multi-modal data for each activity instance. Apart from this, the data are presented in raw form, and no further filtering was performed. The dataset comprises ambient audio and vibration, as well as infrared array data, light color and environmental measurements. Overall, 8615 activity instances are included, each captured by the five multisensor devices. These multi-modal and multi-channel data allow various machine learning approaches to the recognition of human activities, for example, federated learning and sensor fusion.

Mapping evidence of postgraduate research supervision experiences at higher education institutions in Africa: A scoping review protocol

Background The evolving landscape of the African higher education sector necessitated by global higher education reforms and the need for research informed responses to address contextual challenges is partly dependent on effective postgraduate research supervision. A wide range of postgraduate research supervision models and practices are documented globally. In the African context, the experiences of postgraduate research supervision are not clearly understood from the experiences of all stakeholders. Aim The proposed scoping review aims to map evidence on the range of postgraduate research supervision experiences at higher education institutions in Africa. Methods The methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley will be used to conduct the review. Relevant articles will be sourced from different electronic data bases namely; ERIC, Web of Science, EbscoHost and Scopus. A combination of search terms and Boolean operators will be used to obtain the relevant articles based on the inclusion criteria stipulated within the Population, Context and Concept (PCC) framework of study identification for this review. Results Studies reporting on postgraduate research supervision experiences from the perspective of academics, students and support staff in the African higher education context will be included. The results may also provide insights postgraduate supervision experiences from varying postgraduate research disciplines. Conclusion The findings will provide consolidated empirical evidence on experiences of postgraduate supervision in the African higher education context, thereby providing holistic insight on postgraduate research supervision practices, models currently used, implementation challenges and highlight research gaps. This may inform recommendations that advance knowledge within this field, particularly in the African higher education context.

Effects of Microplastic Pollution on Microbial Activity and Carbon Metabolism Function in Soil

Clarifying the ecological effects of microplastics （MPs） in soil is a frontier problem in environmental science research. A 60-d microcosmic culture experiment was conducted using soil with three relative abundances （2%, 5%, and 10%, MPs/soil）, of traditional MPs polystyrene （PS） and biodegradable MPs polylactic acid （PLA）. Additionally, the changes in microbial activity and carbon metabolism function in the soil after cultivation were analyzed. The results showed that： After cultivation with MPs, the soil pH decreased and the content of dissolved organic carbon （DOC） in the soil significantly increased. The addition of MPs significantly reduced the activities of catalase and polyphenol oxidase in the soil and the reduction degree was related to the concentration of MPs. However, the addition of PLA significantly enhanced the activity of soil urease, while PS had no significant effect on urease activity. The addition of MPs led to a decrease in the carbon metabolism ability of soil microbial communities. The carbon metabolism ability of soil microorganisms cultured with PS was higher than that of those cultured with PLA. The inhibitory effect of both on soil carbon metabolism was positively correlated with their concentration. The concentrations of PS （10%） and PLA （10%） had the strongest inhibitory effect on soil microbial carbon metabolism ability, with a decrease of 63.91% and 82.27%, respectively. PLA had a greater impact on soil microbial activity and carbon metabolism than that of PS because PLA in soil degraded easily to produce harmful dissolved organic matter and smaller plastic particles. The research results provide a theoretical basis for clarifying the ecological effects of MPs in soil and basic data for future development of standards related to soil MPs pollution.

Impact of assets and liability on the efficiency of banks in Nigeria

To demonstrate the extent to which key bank performance indicators influence the bank's net interest margin, the research gauge the assets and liability of bank by use of: capital ratio (BACAR); Bank Loans (BLOAN); Asset Quality (BAQUA); Bank Deposits (BADEP); Deposit Rate (BDERA) and Bank Interest Spread (BISPE). The ex post facto research design was used. Whereas, quantitative data analysis was employed. The design involved the collection of secondary time series data from online data base. The population comprised banks while commercial banks serve as sample. The published CBN statistical Bulletin and World Bank indicators for the financial period of 1993 through 2022 were used. Results show that BACAR, BLOAN, BAQUA and BDERA has significant and beneficial values. BADEP shows negative but not significant values. BISPE confirms negative but not significant values). The regressed model clarifies 62.88% changeability in the net interest margin (R-squared = 0.6288), and the model is statistically significant. Sequel to the results, the study recommends that banks should prioritize increasing their capital base to improve risk supervision and boost profitability. Governing authorities should authorize that banks maintain adequate capital buffers. Banks should seek to increase their loan portfolios by exploring new credit markets and improving the creditworthiness of potential borrowers.

Influence of damage degree of recycled coarse aggregate concrete-filled steel tube columns strengthened with envelope steel jacket under seismic load

ABSTRACT In order to discuss the influence of damage degree of recycled coarse aggregate concrete-filled steel tube columns strengthened with envelope steel jacket (ESJ) under seismic load, eight columns were designed and manufactured to simulate seismic loading, with the design of ESJ strengthening after pre-damage and destruct tests under seismic load. This experiment was conducive to accurately evaluating the influence mechanism and synergistic effect of seismic damage degree and recycled coarse aggregate on the hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, ductility performance, energy dissipation performance, and bearing capacity performance of each specimens, and a suitable seismic damage model was proposed. The ductility coefficient is from 3.36 and 4.64, satisfying the requirements of seismic design. The research results indicate that the degree of seismic damage and recycled coarse aggregate are unfavorable to improve the seismic performance of recycled coarse aggregate concrete-filled steel tube columns strengthened with ESJ under seismic load; Taking the ductility coefficient of specimen SEJS-0 as the basic data, specimens SEJS-1 to SEJS-3 and FC-0 to FC-3 increased by 22.02%, 20.24%, 8.33%, 18.15%, 38.10%, 35.71%, and 23.51%, respectively. Under moderate and severe damage, the ductility performance of enveloped steel jacket-strengthened seismic-damaged specimens decreased by 15.47% and 15.18%, respectively, and the reduction amplitude of both was similar. As the degree of seismic damage increases, the value of the ultimate bearing capacity first decreases and then increases. The method of using recycled coarse aggregate to replace half of natural coarse aggregate has certain feasibility in the field of concrete-filled steel tube columns. Recycled coarse aggregate has a significant impact on the bearing capacity of each stage, while the degree of seismic damage only has a greater impact on the ultimate stage. The established seismic damage model for recycled coarse aggregate concrete-filled steel tube columns strengthened with ESJ under seismic load is feasible and can be used for quantitative evaluation of the seismic capacity of such components.

Effectiveness of Ketamine As a Rescue Drug for Patients Experiencing Benzodiazepine-Resistant Status Epilepticus in the Prehospital Setting.

Accumulating basic science data, early clinical findings and various feasibility considerations have provided rationales for administering ketamine as a proposed rescue medication for midazolam-resistant status epilepticus (SE) in the logistically challenging prehospital environment. This report details the multiyear experience of paramedics managing midazolam-resistant SE following the introduction of a ketamine-rescue protocol. A 7-year, population-based, observational study was conducted to evaluate outcomes of patients treated with IV, intraosseous, intramuscular, or intranasal ketamine for SE despite sufficient midazolam dosings. Tracked outcomes included: 1) rapid/sustained termination of clinical seizures in adults while under paramedics' care; 2) corresponding evaluations in children/adolescents; 3) any concerning observations regarding need for assisted ventilation, intubation, or other active interventions post-ketamine; and 4) any identifiable associations between outcomes and circumstances, demographics, or medical history. Emergency response 9-1-1 system serving a large, diverse U.S. county (jurisdictional population, 961,000/1,769 sq miles). Those receiving ketamine from paramedics for persistent seizures. Adults and adolescents: 100 mg ketamine IV/intraosseous/intramuscular/intranasal; children: 1 mg/kg intramuscular/intranasal. Among 81 total cases, 57 involved adults (18-86 yr old) receiving the SE-midazolam + ketamine protocol. Ketamine rapidly terminated convulsions in 56 (98.2%) without recurrence during prehospital and hospital arrival phases. For approved reasons, paramedics administered ketamine directly (no midazolam) in eight adults and one child, terminating convulsions in every case. Among 15 childhood/adolescent cases treated per protocol, ketamine rapidly terminated SE activity in 11, but only mitigated it in four, including two retrospectively judged to involve nonseizure activity and two involving intranasal administration. Among all 81 ketamine-treated cases, there were no identifiable clinically significant complications attributable to ketamine, particularly the need for any additional active interventions. Ketamine appeared to be consistently effective in treating adults with ongoing out-of-hospital seizures that were resistant to sufficient dosings of midazolam. Similar results were observed in children/adolescents.

Characterization of the effect of creep and multiaxial loading situations on fatigue of short fiber reinforced thermoplastics

The present study is concerned with an experimental study into the effect of superimposed creep deformation, varying local fiber orientation distributions, and more complex multiaxial stress states on the fatigue of short fiber reinforced thermoplastics. The cross-interaction of these effects is a relevant feature in all fields of applications of short fiber composites since molding related variations of the local fiber orientation states cannot be avoided for injection molded structures. Long term loading will result in a combined occurrence of fatigue and creep and thus an interaction of the related effects. The study is based on a short glass fiber reinforced polyamide 66 as reference material which is a common material grade in many automotive applications. A basic characterization is performed by means of tensile and DMA experiments. Subsequently, creep and creep fatigue experiments are performed at ambient and elevated temperatures. In order to include the effects of locally varying fiber orientation situations and locally multiaxial loading situations, the coupon experiments are complemented by experiments on breadboard specimens featuring notches, holes, and structural component related external geometries. Superimposed creep deformation might accelerate fatigue failure, however, for notched specimens might also result in an increased fatigue lifetime due to creep-induced stress relief at the notch roots. The results reveal that care has to be taken when transferring the results on idealized coupon specimens to generalized, realistic problems. The results also serve as a development and validation data base for a continuum damage mechanics material model presented in an oncoming contribution.

Feasibility of Periauricular Incision for Parotidectomy: A Retrospective Study.

Various incisions are used in parotid surgery, yet they often result in visible scarring on the neck and potential deformities. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and feasibility of utilizing a periauricular approach for excising parotid tumors irrespective of their location and size. This retrospective study involved 46 consecutive patients with parotid lesions, who underwent minimally invasive excision through a periauricular incision performed by a single surgeon between January 2022 and January 2024. Basic demographic data were recorded. Parameters such as the need for incision extension, total volume of drainage, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and final pathological diagnosis were also documented. The main trunk of the facial nerve was successfully identified in all patients, and the tumors were excised without requiring incision extension. Warthin tumor was the most common pathology (n=20, 43%). Three patients (6.5%) had malignant tumors. The inferior portion of the superficial lobe was the most frequent tumor location (n=18, 39%), with 11% of patients having deep lobe parotid tumors. Median operation time was 114 min (range, 90-170), tumor size was 2.8cm (range, 1-6.5cm), and drainage volume was 45mL (range, 10-80). Postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients, with sialocele formation being the most common (n=5, 11%). No serious complications like permanent facial paralysis or skin necrosis were observed. The periauricular approach is feasible for parotid tumors across all levels of the parotid gland. Its cosmetic advantage lies in the smaller scar size that does not extend into the neck.

Analysis of nitrogen flow in the Yellow River Basin over a long time series.

Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have led to increased nitrogen (N) inputs, causing excess N in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) and leading to various environmental issues. Based on the basic statistical data and related parameters of the YRB from 2000 to 2019, an N flow model was characterized using the full nitrogen flow analysis (FNFA) and the emission factor method to analyze the characteristics of N inputs and outputs in the YRB. The results revealed that over the past 20years, both the total N inputs and outputs in the YRB have shown a significant increasing trend. Specifically, the total N input rose from 12,806.69 to 18,553.42 Gg, while the total output increased from 9250.93 to 12,955.0 Gg. Among the subsystems, the industrial and cropland subsystems were the largest contributors to the N balance, accounting for 28.30% and 26.22% of total N input and 40.48% and 26.23% of total N output, respectively. Overall nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) across the subsystems requires improvement, particularly within the cropland subsystem, which exhibited an NUE ranging from 25.67% to 36.10%. In contrast, the livestock subsystem had only half the NUE of the cropland subsystem. High emissions and inefficient N utilization have led to a continuous increase in environmental N loads, particularly in atmospheric N loads. Additionally, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of industrial N revealed that a substantial amount of N was enriched in the atmosphere. These findings provide a scientific basis for regulating N inflow and outflow within watershed areas and for formulating more rational integrated management strategies for N.

Do Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Have an (In)Adequate Level of Physical Activity? A Latent Class Analysis Approach

Introduction: Regular physical activity (PA) has a beneficial effect on joint pain, stiffness, strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of PA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to identify potential barriers to this activity. Material and Methods: The study involved 132 patients with RA. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F), the Tampa Scale for kinesiophobia (TSK), Strength, Ambulation, Rising from a chair, Stair climbing and history of Falling questionnaire (SARC-F) for sarcopenia assessment, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression. Basic socio-epidemiological data, disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28), duration of disease, and therapy information were retrieved from electronic patient records. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subpopulations of patients. Results: The study included 109 women (82.6%) and 23 men (17.4%). Low levels of PA were observed in 16 patients (12%), moderate levels in 70 patients (53%), and high levels in 42 patients (35%). Symptoms of pronounced fatigue were significantly associated with low PA (28.5 ± 11.3 vs. 37 ± 7 vs. 37 ± 10; p = 0.002). The risk of sarcopenia was significantly higher in RA patients with low PA (p = 0.05). Kinesiophobia was present in all three groups (65.2%). LCA identified two classes. In the first class, patients were more likely to be non-exercisers compared to the second class. Patients in the first class were characterized by a higher probability of being female, obese, with lower education levels. Patients in the first class had pronounced fatigue, kinesiophobia and more frequent symptoms of depression. The second class (65% of the total population) included patients who exercised moderately to frequently (93%) and were middle-aged. They were less obese, highly educated, employed, and majority of them achieved low disease activity or remission. In addition, they had lower risks for sarcopenia, depression, fatigue, and kinesiophobia. Conclusions: This study showed that RA patients with moderate and high levels of PA have better disease control, fewer symptoms of fatigue and depression, and a lower risk of sarcopenia. However, kinesiophobia was significantly present in all three groups, indicating a need for further promotion of this non-pharmacological treatment.

Generating linked data in the model of RNPLS&T Single Open Information Archive (SOIA) using GEMET multilingual thesaurus

The practical use of linked data in library projects implies their representation in the RDF format for further use and processing in information systems, and, on the other hand, enrichment of information delivered to the search portal users. In this study, the authors examine the aspects of information enrichment for search outcome. They used GEMET multilingual thesaurus as the basic data set for linking. The RNPLS&T Single Open Information Archive (SOIA) portal has been built based on advanced technologies and trends in using linked data. These trends are also reviewed. Despite plenty of data sets available via the Linked Open Data Cloud, the library projects embracing the linked data technology use just few overlapping data sets.To build the links between UDC codes and subject headings with GEMET concepts, the authors analyzed the entries in the e-catalogs of SOIA and “Ecology: Science and Technology” database. The analysis results demonstrate that approximately 20% entries comprise subject headings and UDC codes that might be linked to GEMET thesaurus concepts.The links between GEMET concepts and Internet-based DBpedia are seen as the most promising option. The authors suggest to supplement these links with the references to Ruwiki (Russian online encyclopedia). These additional links were established for UDC upper levels in the operational database and will be further created for every GEMET active concept.

A vadlúd monitoring eredményei a 2021/2022-es idényben Magyarországon

The author presents the results of the HUNGARIAN GEESE MONITORING (Table 1.) for 2021/2022 in the form of a data base. After reviewing the basic data recorded at each site of observation (Table 3-21.) he analyse the obtained data separately for each species, i.e. Brent Goose (Branta bernicla) (Table 22., Map 1., Figure 1-2.), Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) (Table 23., Map 2., Figure 3-4.), Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) (Table 24, Map 3., Figure 5-6.), Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) (Table 25, Map 4, Figure 7.), Greylag Goose (Anser anser) (Table 26., Map 5., Figure 8-10.), Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris rossicus) (Table 27., Map 6., Figure 11-13.), Taiga Bean Goose (Anser fabalis) (Table 28, Map 7, Figure 14.), Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) (Table 29., Map 8., Figure 15.), White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) (Table 30., Map 9., Figure 16-18.), Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) (Table 31., Map 10., Figure 19-20.), as well as for the total of observed geese (Table 32., Figure 21-23.). In respect of dominance – when data recorded monthly in each of the observed sites (Table 3-21., Figure 24.) or those referring to the total of geese present in Hungary (Table 33., Figure 25.) are analysed, it is found that in conformity with the numbers of individuals, also in the season 2021/2022 White-fronted Goose was the most common goose species in Hungary (max. 274 907 birds, max. 93%), followed by Greylag Goose (max. 55 864 birds, max. 100%), Red-breasted Goose (max. 249 birds, max. 0-1%) and Tundra Bean Goose (max. 205 birds, max. 0-1%) ranking third and fourth. Dominance of Lesser White-fronted Goose – a globally threatened species – ranged from 0% to <1% (max. 26 birds). If the data obtained for the season 2021/2022 are fitted into the database of long-term monitoring, the following conclusions can be drawn from the actual changes in population numbers of the geese species in the Pannon region. In the season 2021/2022, we observed max. 1 Brent Geese, max. 9 Barnacle Goose, max. 2 Bar-headed Goose, max. 1 Pink-footed Goose and max. 5 Taiga Bean Goose. For the globally threatened Red-breasted Goose may be considered higher (two times – 249 birds) to the maximum counted in the season 2020/2021 (147 birds), but much lower to the record number counted in the season 2014/2015 (1258 birds). Greylag Goose continued to be present with high numbers in Hungary. However, in the new season its peaks (55 864 birds) were found to be higher (+42%) those counted in the previous 2020/2021 season (39 261 birds). Peak number of Tundra Bean Goose (205 birds) was lower (29%) as the maximum counted in the season 2020/2021 (711 birds). The dramatic decline in the dynamics of the Tundra Bean Goose population continued in the Pannon Region. Peak number of White-fronted Goose (274 907 birds) was 4% higher as the maximum counted in 2020/2021 (265 010 birds). For the globally threatened Lesser White-fronted Goose may be considered higher (26 birds) to the maximum counted in the season 2020/2021 (10 birds). The maximum numbers of total geese in the season 2021/2022 registered simultaneously (321 729 birds) was 5% higher to the maximum number of the season 2020/2021 (306 526 birds).

The Africa Bird Data packages: African citizen science bird data in R

The African Bird Atlas Project (ABAP) and the Coordinated Waterbird Counts (CWAC) are the main citizen science bird monitoring programmes in southern Africa. ABAP data are collected by volunteers that compile bird lists over a grid of geographic areas known as pentads, resulting in millions of records that are key to studying bird distribution. In contrast, CWAC collects data on waterbird abundance at a selection of wetlands twice a year, offering important data on waterbird population dynamics. ABAP and CWAC data are extensively used in research. They also provide the evidence base for conservation decisions, site management and national reporting obligations against international agreements. The respective project websites provide distribution maps, summary statistics and basic data download features. However, a more advanced use of these data for modelling and their incorporation into analytical workflows requires flexible and direct access to the databases. The Africa Bird Data R packages presented here provide an important functionality to download and process data directly into the analytical software R. Apart from accessing the databases, there are functions that help with the analysis of these data by incorporating model covariates or formatting data for R packages that are popular for the analysis of this kind of data. Our objective is to make African bird data more accessible and easier to work with in order to unlock their full potential for research, and to inform management and conservation actions.

The advertisement call of Leptobrachella dushanensis (Anura, Megophryidae)

We describe the advertisement call of the Dushan Leaf Litter Toad, Leptobrachella dushanensis, based on recordings obtained from three individuals from its type locality. The advertisement call of L. dushanensis consists of a single note with a dominant frequency of 4.84–4.91 kHz. Furthermore, we compare the differences in advertisement calls between L. dushanensis and its sister species, Leptobrachella dong. The advertisement calls of L. dushanensis and L. dong can be clearly distinguished. Our findings provide bioacoustic evidence supporting the taxonomic status of L. dushanensis and provide basic data for future behavioral and ecological studies on Leptobrachella.

Redefining Calciphylaxis as a Uniquely Bone Forming Subcutaneous C5b-9-Mediated Microvascular Injury Syndrome Associated With Localized Subcutaneous and Systemic Complement Pathway Activation.

Microvascular thrombosis is key to the pathogenesis of calciphylaxis. C5b-9-mediated microvascular injury reflective of complement pathway activation could be a key pathophysiologic event. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study of 24 patients who have had biopsy-supported calciphylaxis from the 2010-2022 data base from Emory where C5b-9 immunohistochemistry (IHC) had not been conducted and the 2019-2023 data base from Cornell where C5b-9 IHC was done as part of the routine calciphylaxis work up. IHC for C5b-9 on lesional biopsy specimens was assessed and correlated with routine light microscopic findings and clinical features. Most of the patients in our study had uremic calciphylaxis associated with obesity, diabetes, dialysis, hypertension, hyperparathyroidism and elevated serum phosphorus. Most patients did not have defined procoagulant and/or hyperviscosity states. The vascular pathology was predominantly limited to the subcutaneous fat and ranged from a calcific intimal arteriopathy to microvascular thrombosis with endothelial injury with or without endothelial calcification. In most cases (ie, in excess of 80%), there was prominent deposition of C5b-9 within the vasculature including the microvasculature and arteries of the fat at least localized to injured vessels suggesting a causal association. In about 40% of cases, there was evidence of systemic complement pathway activation revealed by concurrent dermal microvascular C5b-9 deposition. Calciphylaxis is characterized by subcuticular vascular changes that reflect an interplay between complement triggered endothelial cell injury, resultant vascular thrombosis, and subsequent abluminal calcification. Complement inhibition therapy defines a potential intervention that should be explored.