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Coping with the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Plight of Urban Slum Dwellers in Kolkata, India
No full textWe analysed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on slum dwellers in Kolkata, West Bengal, using a primary questionnaire-based survey and time use survey of the head of the household and his or her spouse from 252 households, with a total of 504 respondents. The unconditional quantile regression analysis shows that the monthly household income didn’t change significantly during the pre- and post-COVID-19 periods even though there was a slight decrease in the income of male slum dwellers in the post-pandemic period. Second, women’s full-time and part-time employment increased in the post COVID-19 period compared to the pre-COVID-19 era, because women who had not worked prior to the pandemic joined the labour force to maintain their monthly household income. We also conceptualized the “Me-Time” concept, which is the sum of time spent on leisure and sleeping. We used a 70% percent median me-time in the sample data as a threshold for the time poverty line during the post-COVID-19 period. Our findings show that me-time is 48 minutes and 88 minutes less, respectively, for fully employed or partially employed women, compared to their male counterparts. The number of children under 10 years significantly reduces an individual me-time across all employment status subgroups. We also used a time poverty threshold based on the committed time of the respondents, where the threshold is defined as 1.5 times the median committed time in the sample. We observe that 25% of fully employed women are time poor, compared to only 8.3% of fully employed men
The Problem of Digital Trust and Readiness to Use Digital Technologies among Adolescents and Parents in Russia
No full textThe purpose of the article is to study digital trust and readiness to use digital technologies among adolescents and parents. To achieve this goal, an empirical validation of the construct “Digital trust and readiness to use digital technologies,” a methodology for its measurement, and a descriptive analysis of the data obtained among adolescents and parents were conducted. The descriptive data analysis showed that, for almost all indicators of digital trust and readiness to use digital technologies, both similarities and significant differences between parents and adolescents were observed. Adolescents demonstrate higher digital trust and greater readiness to use digital technologies in their daily lives compared to parents. The discussion presents possible explanations for the identified similarities and differences, as well as ways to overcome the problem of low digital trust and readiness to use digital technologies in Russia
A New Alternative for Feature Selection in Coronary Artery Disease Detection
No full textoronary artery disease (CAD) is a major global health issue. Early detection plays a crucial role in reducing risk and improving patient outcomes. This study proposes a novel, efficient approach to CAD diagnosis by integrating a histogram-based feature selection method with a specially designed long short-term memory (LSTM) classifier. The method is evaluated on two benchmark datasets: Z-Alizadeh Sani and Cleveland. Imbalanced class distribution, a common challenge in medical datasets, is addressed using the synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE). The proposed feature selection technique offers a fast and simple alternative to traditional optimization methods like particle swarm optimization (PSO), teaching-learning-based optimization (TLBO), and the whale optimization algorithm (WOA), which typically require extensive parameter tuning and longer processing times. The histogram-based method selects features based on their distribution similarity to a Gaussian profile, aiming to enhance classification performance and computational efficiency. The selected features are then classified using a custom-designed LSTM architecture optimized through Grid Search and validated via k-fold cross-validation (k-fold). The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing it with other feature selection approaches using metrics such as accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and the F1-score (f-score). Experimental results show that the histogram-based method significantly improves classification accuracy and reduces computational time. This approach offers a promising, low-cost, and scalable solution for CAD diagnosis, especially in resource-constrained settings, and provides valuable contributions to the field of medical data analysis
Conservation gap analysis for Erica (Ericaceae)
No full textThe flowering plant genus Erica (Ericaceae) includes well over 800 species and numerous formally described subspecies and varieties. Many of these are threatened in the wild. The Global Conservation Consortium (GCC) for Erica was established under Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) in order to collaboratively prevent species extinctions. To target this work, we need fundamental information on species distributions, conservation status in the wild, and representation in ex situ collections. In large, complex groups like Erica, such data are not necessarily available or easily accessible. Here, we document the current state of ex situ and in situ conservation of threatened Erica species, identify knowledge and resource gaps, and set out priorities for future work. We further developed and consolidated the large body of data on Erica nomenclature, taxonomy, and diversity now openly accessible as a result of collaborative efforts, in particular through the World Flora Online (WFO), the e-Flora of South Africa, and contributors to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). We obtained accessions data for living plant collections from BGCI’s PlantSearch and from botanic gardens directly, and wild distribution data from GBIF. We linked and summarised data in an updated version (4.03) of the openly available Erica Identification Aid to assist in prioritising work. Through discussions in thematic working groups of GCC Erica we identified further priorities for conservation action. The volume of openly available, georeferenced records for species have increased dramatically in recent years. Although fewer than half of threatened Erica taxa are in ex situ conservation collections, many more botanic gardens hold African/Cape species and could contribute to distributed meta-collections. The most urgent research gaps include undescribed and poorly understood diversity (particularly in South Africa and Madagascar) and shortfalls in up-to-date threat assessments. Between ex situ sites we need to establish accession-level comparisons of data and sharing of conservation grade material. We must improve knowledge of seed longevity and techniques for effective cultivation. We should secure species and collect data through collaboration with landowners and the public. Priority action in situ should include clearance of invasive alien plants as well as habitat restoration and reintroduction
Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Hylurgus ligniperda, including six new species from eastern China
No full textHylurgus ligniperda is a highly successful invader among bark beetles (Scolytinae), and has become established in every continent where its host plants occur. Bark beetles maintain a close symbiotic relationship with ophiostomatoid fungi whose morphology is highly adapted for beetle dispersal, and the presence of these fungal symbionts actively facilitates successful bark beetle invasions. At present, the fungal community associated with H. ligniperda in the newly invaded eastern China is still unknown. The aims of this study were therefore to characterize the ophiostomatoid communities associated with H. ligniperda in China. To achieve this, a total of 435 ophiostomatoid fungal strains were isolated from 326 adult samples collected in galleries and traps. Through morphological analysis and multilocus phylogenetic approaches, 13 species across six genera (Ceratocystiopsis, Graphilbum, Hawksworthiomyces, Leptographium, Masuyamyces, and Ophiostoma) were identified, of which six species were described as new. Fungal recovery rates differed significantly between gallery-derived and trap-collected adults (χ² test, p < 0.01). Furthermore, comparative analysis of ophiostomatoid fungal communities associated with H. ligniperda across five continents revealed distinct and well-defined assemblage patterns in each geographical region. This study elucidates the symbiotic relationship between H. ligniperda and ophiostomatoid fungi during invasion, providing a theoretical foundation for further research on their cooperative invasion and colonization mechanisms
Description of the larva of Cybister (Melanectes) brevis Aubé, 1838 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Cybistrinae)
No full textCybister (Melanectes) brevis Aubé, 1838 is an endangered species in Japan. Here, we present the first description of C. (M.) brevis larvae, emphasizing the chaetotaxy of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment, and urogomphi. Morphological differences between the subgenera Cybister Curtis, 1827 and Melanectes Brinck, 1945 include (1) the width of notches between medial and lateral projections of frontoclypeus, (2) the shape of egg bursters, and (3) the appearance of the clypeal lamellae
An illustrated checklist of liverwort flora of Mount Tebu Forest Reserve, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia
No full textWe present an illustrated checklist of the liverwort flora of Mount Tebu Forest Reserve, Tereng-ganu, providing diagnostic features for each species. Our study recorded 80 species belonging to 28 genera and 10 families, representing 10% of 804 species and infraspecific taxa, 23% of 120 genera, and 25% of 40 families reported for the Malaysian liverwort flora
First records of Mops johorensis (Dobson, 1873), Northern Free-tailed Bat (Chiroptera, Molossidae), from Borneo, with new information on their genetics and echolocation calls
No full textThis study presents the first confirmed records of Mops johorensis (Dobson, 1873) (Chiroptera, Molossidae) from Borneo. Specimens were recorded at three sites: Sabah (Sungai Kangkawat, 50 m a.s.l) and Sarawak (Lubok Antu, 30 m a.s.l and Mount Penrissen, 1200 m a.s.l). Echolocation analysis revealed site-based variation in call frequencies. Morphological comparisons showed subtle differences between Bornean and Peninsular populations. Genetic analysis using the mitochondrial COI gene showed minimal divergence between Bornean and Peninsular individuals. Spatial modelling identified hotspots for Molos-sidae in northern Sabah and central Sarawak, with habitat suitability strongly influenced by bat and cave density, climate, and land use
The next level in marine fish cytogenetics via the latest developed short-term in vitro method: A novel karyoevolutive consideration of two marine fish species (Actinopterygii)
No full textIn this study, the chromosome numbers and karyotypes of two marine fish species, representing two families, living off the south coast of the Black Sea were successfully determined using the short-term culture method (PB-MAX™ application). Although the culture incubation periods, depending on postmortem timing, are non-identical for each species, the kidney tissues of the fish samples were treated in Falcon tubes filled with PB-MAX™ for 3–4 h. Subsequently, hypotonic and fixation procedures were applied consecutively, and then spreading was done by dropping the cell suspension onto steamed, clean slides. Giemsa staining, C-banding, and Ag-NOR banding were applied to the preparations. We determined that the Mediterranean horse mackerel, Trachurus mediterraneus (Steindachner, 1868), 2n = 48, has 6 metacentric, 16 submetacentric, 18 subtelocentric, and 6 acrocentric chromosomes (NF–70); while the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758, 2n = 42, has 4 metacentric, 4 submetacentric, 10 subtelocentric, and 24 telocentric chromosomes (NF–50). Trachurus mediterraneus represents the family Carangidae, while Scorpaena porcus belongs to the family Scorpaenidae. In conclusion, while the number and location of NOR and C+ chromosomes in both species differed from previous studies, in the presently reported study we also observed similarities in the 2n counts. The differences in karyotypes were also observed, in comparison to other studies. This study, using image analysis software, updated information on the chromosomal structures of both species. Thus, the in vitro method used has proven to eliminate the problem of failing to obtain high-quality chromosomes in marine fish, making it undeniably the most efficient and economical short-term culture method. Furthermore, it can be predicted that enabling the exposure of chromosomes from even post-mortem fish samples will provide advantages and time savings, as well as facilitate the easy, rapid, and high-quality chromosomes required for further molecular cytogenetic studies. This study aims to pave the way for chromosome research on sea fish to be conducted in a shorter timeframe with practical approaches. It also seeks to revise the karyotypes of the two marine fish revealed by this short-term cell culture
Stemflow for detecting mammalian environmental DNA: a case study in a zoo
No full textAs mammalian diversity declines, effective biodiversity monitoring tools are urgently needed. To address this issue, we assessed the detectability of mammalian environmental DNA (eDNA) using the eDNA metabarcoding method with stemflow. We collected stemflow samples six times from June 2024 to January 2025 on 11 trees in the Oji Zoo, Kobe, Japan. One tree was inside the cage, which could be directly contacted by captive mammals whereas the others were outside the cages, which could not be directly contacted by captive mammals. Then, we amplified eDNA extracted from the stemflow samples with MiMammal primers targeting the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene and the PCR products were then sequenced. We detected 25 mammal species eDNA, 16 of which were zoo-kept species and 9 of which were not. Environmental DNA of a captive mammal species which could directly contact the target tree was detected all the six sampling times. According to statistical analysis, there was a significant negative relationship between DNA detection and the distance from each mammal cage to each tree, as well as significant differences in the composition of the detected species between the trees inside and outside the cages. Moreover, the results suggested that significantly fewer species were detected in stemflow collected from trees with rough bark. We hereby show that eDNA analysis using stemflow is useful for detecting mammalian eDNA, indicating that this method has the potential to contribute to understanding the mammalian fauna in the field