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Digitization of Natural History Collections (NHCs) and mobilization of their data are pivotal for their study, preservation, and accessibility. Furthermore, thanks to digitization and mobilization, Natural History Museums can better showcase their collections, potentially attracting more visitors. However, the optimization of digitization workflows, especially when addressing small and/or historical NHCs, remains a challenge. Starting from a practical example, this contribution aims at providing a general guideline for the digitization of historical NHCs, with a particular focus on pre-digitization planning, during which some decisions should be made for ensuring a smooth, cost- and time-effective digitization process. The digitization of the algarium by Aristocle Vatova and Victor Schiffner was carried out following an image-to-data workflow, which allowed for reducing the handling of the specimens. The metadata were organized according to the Darwin Core standard scheme, and, together with the digital images of the specimens, have been made available to the scientific community and to the general public via an online portal. Thanks to the application of digital technologies and standardized methods, the accessibility of the collection has been enhanced, and its integration with historical data is possible, highlighting the relevance of shared experiences and protocols in advancing the digital transformation of natural history heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Museum specimens are an increasingly important tool for studying global biodiversity. With the advent of diffusible iodine‐based contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (diceCT), researchers can now visualize an organism's internal soft tissue anatomy without the need for physical dissection or other highly destructive sampling methods. However, there are many considerations when deciding which method of staining to use for diceCT to produce the best gray‐scale contrast for facilitating downstream anatomical analyses. The general lack of direct comparisons among staining methodologies can make it difficult for researchers to determine which approaches are most appropriate for their study. Here, we compare the performance of ethylic‐Lugol's iodine solution with aqueous‐Lugol's staining solution across several vertebrate orders to assess differential imaging outcomes. We found that ethylic‐Lugol's is better for visualizing muscle attachment to bone but provides overall lower contrast between soft tissue types. Comparatively, aqueous‐based Lugol's provides high‐contrast imaging among soft tissue types, although bone is more difficult to discern. We conclude that the choice of staining methodology largely depends on the type of anatomical data the researcher wishes to collect, and we provide a decision‐based framework for assessing which staining methodology (ethylic or aqueous) is most appropriate for desired imaging results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This whitepaper examines the prevalent challenges and negative implications of using disposable absorbent product swabs for urine collection in cognitively impaired and/or frequent to fully incontinent individuals. Despite the growing use of this method in healthcare settings, it needs to be revised and or eliminated due to the high risk of contamination, leading to misdiagnoses, inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, patient discomfort, and wasteful healthcare spending. Through an analysis of the current practices, this paper highlights the need for innovative solutions prioritizing patient dignity, diagnostics accuracy, and care efficiency. The objective is to focus on scientifically researching and developing validated urine collection methods that reduce the risk of contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on curation and digitization experiences of a large collection of Bryozoa (>19,759 of estimated 38,000 lots digitized, >1,000 type lots). Storage of one to two histology slides in capped glass vials and larger series in twenty-five-slot histology boxes is optimal. Bulk dry material is stored in acid-free containers (cardboard, plastic). Fluid specimens are stored in 70 percent ethanol, with small specimens housed in 20 ml scintillation vials with conical polypropylene lined screw caps. Digitizing is most effective by georeferencing immediately. Unidentified material should at least be roughly identified (family, genus) to encourage loans and ensuing expert identification. Taxonomy and nomenclature are challenging and require an experienced taxonomist. Approaches to specimen counts are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of testing sandwich specimens with composite facing layers and a transversally soft core for four-point bending was formulated. The localized external load from the loading rollers to the facing layer of the specimen was assumed to be transmitted through composite tabs, which reduced the stress concentration in the compressed facing layer. The external facing layers and tabs were analyzed for deformation mechanics using S.P. Timoshenko’s kinematic model. The model considered compression in the facing layers but not in the tabs. The core was classified as transversally soft with zero tangential stresses. The tabs were connected to the facing layers through adhesive interlayers, and the displacement vectors of the front surfaces of the tabs were coupled kinematically with the displacement vectors of the front surfaces of the facing layers. The relationships between the transverse shear stresses and strain in the facing layers were assumed to be physically nonlinear, with the shear modulus being a function of the shear strain.Using the generalized variational principle of virtual displacements, a system of nonlinear differential equilibrium equations for the facing layers and tabs was derived. The system was closed by three more equations, which were the conditions for the kinematic coupling of the facing layers with the core based on tangential displacements. To numerically solve the formulated problem, the finite sum method, also known as the method of integrating matrices, was employed. This method involved reducing the original boundary value problem to integro-algebraic equations with Volterra-type operators of the second kind and additional relations for determining the unknown integration constants. The algorithm of the developed method was implemented as an application software, which facilitated a series of computational experiments. The results obtained were compared with the experimental data on the four-point bending of sandwich specimens with the facing layers made of a unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite characterized by specific geometric and physico-mechanical properties, as well as with tabs under the loading rollers. It was shown that the use of tabs significantly increases the ultimate compressive failure stresses in the facing layers.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the morphological properties of cholecystectomy specimen gallstones. Materials & methods: Permission to conduct research using human subjects was obtained from the Research & Ethical Committee of the Institution where the study was conducted.The study was conducted on specimens obtained from 60 postcholecystectomy patients at the Index Medical College Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Results: Of the 60 gallbladders that showed pigmented calculi, 49 had numerous calculi and 11 had only one. Of the gallbladders that had several calculi, 13 were cholesterol stones, 30 were mixed stones, and six were pigmented stones.Among the 60 gallbladders that contained calculi, 36 had calculi that were round to ovoid, 11 had calculi that were polyhedral and multifaceted, and 14 had calculi that were irregular in shape.The gallbladder size was normal in 35 patients, enlarged in 16 patients, and fibrotic in 9 patients. Conclusion: Various factors such as lifestyle and dietary habits play a significant role in gallstone development. It would have been beneficial to conduct chemical analysis of the stones to determine the causes more precisely. The risk factors for developing chronic cholecystitis, a condition associated with gallstones, were found to be associated with the female sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, distributional record of the moss Physcomitrium eurystomum Sendtn. for the state of Assam is established for the first time. Taxonomic description and illustration of the same, based on specimens collected from Kamrup and Morigaon districts of the state are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sludge from water treatment plants (WTP) is a waste from the water process. This study evaluated the effect of incorporating water treatment plant (WTP) sludge, replacing the water used in compacted soil–cement mixtures. The materials were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) associated with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The soil, with the addition of liquid WTP sludge, presented an apparent dry specific weight (ƴd) of 1.77 gf·cm−3, the optimum moisture value in the compaction test of 15%, and the cement contents tested were 7, 11, and 14%. The specimens were molded using a WTP sludge–cement–soil mixture under the conditions mentioned above, and the simple compression results showed values within the range of 2.5 to 9.3 MPa, as specified by the Brazilian Technical Standard (NBR) 8491/2012. The hydraulic conductivity performed on the test specimen after 28 days of curing resulted in a coefficient (k) of 7.49 × 10−9 cm·s−1, classified as little permeable. The result obtained from aluminum leaching was 0.12 mg·L−1, within the maximum limit allowed by NBR 10004/2004. Therefore, liquid WTP sludge has a significant capacity for incorporation into the compacted soil–cement mixture and the potential to manufacture ecological bricks, an alternative environmentally sustainable brick. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of Natural History collections, particularly paleontological collections, is usually structured around specimens. However, it might not be feasible when the collections are incorporated from sources where the whole cycle of specimen collection is unknown, making it hard to determine what fossils belong to a single specimen and if these specimens belong to a single fossil-assemblage, taxon or individual. The Sociedade de História Natural from Torres Vedras (Portugal) manages such collections using a management strategy approach based on the spatial location from where the fossils were found. To achieve this, we have implemented a methodology for field collection and developed a spatial database in PostgreSQL/PostGIS to manage the entire stages of paleontological collections management. On top of the database, a second layer of web services, Web GIS (Geographical Information System) applications, and desktop GIS, all based on QGIS, are also under development to facilitate access to data stored in the database to internal and external researchers and partners, as well public institutions. This effort is made in close collaboration with in-house actors and stakeholders and has yielded promising results. The development of this system provides four advantages: (i) it played an essential role in supporting the transfer of the collection to new storage facilities; (ii) it provides overviews of the distribution of the characteristics of the collections; (iii) it enhances institutional partnerships by providing consistent and reliable data and(iv) it supports the establishment and development of research lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the methods of statistical quality control of finished products (methods of statistical quality control by an alternative criterion). The analyzed methods make it possible to reduce the time of control of a batch of products. We note that a sample or a batch should be fully controlled. However, in the case of application of a single inspection tool, the inspection time of a sample is not smaller than the sum of inspection times of all products in the sample. The aim of the present work is to develop a method aimed at the evaluation of the number of defective products of a certain class in a sample by using a single inspection tool based on the use of specimens. This method enables us to minimize the sample inspection time. The specimens are connected in parallel to the controlled products and then connected to form a series circuit. All products in the sample are controlled together with the specimens, the total value of the controlled parameter is determined for the circuit, and the number of defective products in the sample is computed by the formula proposed by the author. The efficiency of the proposed method is confirmed by an example of monitoring of electromagnetic relays. The sample inspection time, in this case, reduces down to the inspection time of a single product. We recommend to use the method for the inspection of samples and batches of products in which defects are regarded either as unilateral deviation of the controlled parameter or as its location in one of the two possible states. As products of this kind, we can mention, e.g., contact-type electromagnetic relays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinary anatomy plays a crucial role in the curriculum for veterinary medicine and surgery. The integration of modern information technology in veterinary education can greatly benefit from innovative tools such as augmented reality (AR) applications. The aim of this study was to develop an accurate and interactive three‐dimensional (3D) digital model of an animal skull using AR technology, aiming to enhance the learning of skull anatomy in veterinary anatomy education. In this study, a canine skull specimen was isolated, and the skull bones were scanned using a structured light scanner to create a 3D digital model of the canine skull, which was found to be indistinguishable from the original specimen by measurement of skull proportions. Furthermore, the interactive AR model of the canine skull, displayed using Unity3D, was subjected to testing and evaluation by 60 first‐year veterinary medical students attending the gross anatomy of the animal. The students were divided into two groups: the traditional group and AR group. Both groups completed an objective test and a questionnaire. The evaluation of learning effectiveness in the test revealed no significant difference between the traditional group (which learned using textbooks and a canine skull specimen) and AR group (which learned using AR tools). However, in the questionnaire, students displayed high enthusiasm and interest in using the AR tool. Therefore, the application of AR tools can improve students' motivation for learning and enhance the comprehension of anatomical structures in three dimensions. Furthermore, this study exemplifies the use of AR as an auxiliary tool for teaching and learning in veterinary anatomy education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calabria, the southernmost tip of the Italian Peninsula, is a biogeographically very interesting region for lichenologists, characterised by the abundance of oceanic and suboceanic species with subtropical affinities, but also by the presence of the southernmost outposts of several boreal species on the highest peaks. The lichen biota of Calabria, which began to be intensively studied only from the 1980s, hosts more than 1000 infrageneric taxa. The lichen herbarium of the Botanical Garden of the University of Calabria (CLU) is the most relevant lichen collection from this region. It was established in 1985 and it presently includes 16926 specimens, most of which were collected in Calabria, although there are also several specimens from other parts of Italy and from abroad. New information: This dataset contains 16926 records of lichens for a total of 1316 species. Of the 15219 georeferenced specimens, 10254 were collected in Calabria, while 4965 in other administrative regions of Italy. The dataset is available through GBIF, as well as in ITALIC, the Information System of Italian Lichens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The preanalytical phase encompasses the time between the clinician's test order to the sample being ready for analysis. Of all errors during the laboratory diagnostic process,70 % appeared in the pre-analytical phase. In clinical laboratories, it is crucial to ensure proper specimen collection and handling, which is essential to guarantee quality assessment, monitoring process standardization, improving performance, and ensuring patient safety. Despite this importance, no study has been conducted in the study area to investigate the rate and reasons for human immunodeficiency virus viral load sample rejection. Objective: To determine the rate of human immunodeficiency virus viral load sample rejection (number of preanalytical errors) documented during the preanalytical phase and articulate possible causes for specimen rejection. Material and methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 1st to January 31, 2023. During the study period, 5950 samples were extracted from the human immunodeficiency virus viral load laboratory sample tracking log books, which were sent to the hospital for viral load testing between August 2021 to November 2022. The collected data were cleaned and entered into EPI data version 4.6 before transferred it to STATA version 14.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and cross-tabulations were used to summarize the findings. Results: The study found that improper sample handling was common during the preanalytical phase. According to the current study, 3.6 % of the sample was rejected at pre analytical stage. The most common reasons for specimen rejection were using inappropriate containers (64.0 %) uncentrifuged specimens (20.4 %); hemolyzed specimens (7.0 %); insufficient specimen volume (6.2 %); clotted specimens (1.9 %); and specimen labeling problems (0.5 %). Conclusion: This study found that the most common preanalytical error was using an inappropriate sample collection container, followed by uncentrifuged samples, Therefore, it is recommended that mentorship programs be developed to educate staff on the preanalytical phase of laboratory testing, specifically on sample collection, storage, and transportation for HIV viral load testing. Additionally, the quality management system of laboratory processes should be strengthened to ensure accuracy and minimize errors.

Objective To investigate the effect of PDCA cycle method in reducing the rate of hemolysis in venous blood samples. Methods The PDCA cycle method was used to implement the standardized procedure of venous blood sampling, and the hemolysis rate of venous blood samples from inpatients and outpatients in the same period of 2020 and 2021 was compared and analyzed. Results The rates of hemolysis in venous blood specimen of hospitalized patients and outpatients after implementation of PDCA cycle (in 2021) were significantly lower than those before PDCA cycle (in 2020) , respectively(5. 40% vs. 2. 42%, P＜0. 01; 7. 01%vs. 5. 09%, P＜0. 01). Conclusion The application of PDCA cycle method is effective to reduce the rate of hemolysis in venous blood specimen. (目的 探讨运用PDCA循环降低静脉血标本溶血率的效果。方法 应用PDCA循环法实施标准化规范化的静脉采血操作流程, 对比分析2020年与2021年同期住院部静脉血标本和门诊静脉血标本的溶血率。结果 实施PDCA循环管理后, 2021年住院部静脉血标本和门诊静脉血标本溶血发生率分别为5. 40%和2. 42%, 较2020年的7. 01%和5. 09%降低, 差异有统计学意义(P＜0. 01)。结论 应用PDCA循环法能够降低静脉血标本溶血率, 优化静脉采血流程。)

Digitization of Natural History Collections (NHCs) and mobilization of their data are pivotal for their study, preservation, and accessibility. Furthermore, thanks to digitization and mobilization, Natural History Museums can better showcase their collections, potentially attracting more visitors. However, the optimization of digitization workflows, especially when addressing small and/or historical NHCs, remains a challenge. Starting from a practical example, this contribution aims at providing a general guideline for the digitization of historical NHCs, with a particular focus on pre-digitization planning, during which some decisions should be made for ensuring a smooth, cost- and time-effective digitization process. The digitization of the algarium by Aristocle Vatova and Victor Schiffner was carried out following an image-to-data workflow, which allowed for reducing the handling of the specimens. The metadata were organized according to the Darwin Core standard scheme, and, together with the digital images of the specimens, have been made available to the scientific community and to the general public via an online portal. Thanks to the application of digital technologies and standardized methods, the accessibility of the collection has been enhanced, and its integration with historical data is possible, highlighting the relevance of shared experiences and protocols in advancing the digital transformation of natural history heritage.

This study investigated the influence of specimen geometry on the mechanical properties of 3D‐printed parts by material extrusion (MEX). Four widely used technical standards were evaluated (ASTM D638, ASTM D3039/D3039M‐14, ISO 527/2, and ISO 37), and all possible geometries were tested. The specimens were subjected to uniaxial tensile loading using a universal testing machine to obtain the mechanical properties of ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and Young modulus. Mean, SD, and CV values, as well as NS10 (number of specimens tested to reach at least 10 valid data) are geometry‐dependent. A critical analysis of these data allowed proposing the standard evaluation index (ISE) of the specimen geometry (standard) based on data variance and test efficiency to achieve valid data. The results indicate that ASTM D638 performed better than any other standard. For investigations involving the mechanical properties of tensile strength Types I and II (ASTM D638) are the most recommended specimens geometry (standard) for 3D MEX printing because it combines the lowest CV¯ with the minimum NS10. By following it, researchers and material suppliers can ensure accurate and reliable assessments of the mechanical properties of 3D‐printed parts, contributing to increased safety, reliability, and quality in additive manufacturing. Notes: MEX – Material Extrusion, ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials, ISO – International Organization for Standardization, SD – Standard Deviation, CV – Coefficient of Variation, NS10 – Number of specimens tested to reach at least 10 valid data, ISE – Standard Evaluation Index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first part of the article [1], a physically and geometrically nonlinear boundary-value problem, that describes the compression of a fiber-reinforced plastic rod with [0]s layup, was formulated. The rod had a rectangular cross-section and thin elastic side tabs. The boundary-value problem was reduced to a system of integral-algebraic equilibrium equations containing Volterra integral operators of the second type. To find its numerical solution, the method of finite sums in the variant of integrating matrices was used. The advantage of the method is the possibility of a strong local thickening of the computational grid in the region of large gradients of solutions. Based on the algorithm constructed, an application software package was developed. The results of computational experiments showed that the test specimens under compression according to one of the most commonly used test schemes predominantly failed when the localized transverse shear stresses reached their ultimate values. Failure was also possible according to the shear buckling mode in stress concentration zones. The identification of such modes was possible by using a proposed refined geometrically and physically nonlinear deformation model built in the quadratic approximation with account of transverse shear strains and transverse compression. To verify the numerical method developed, physical experiments were carried out on unidirectional carbon-fiber-reinforced specimens with [0]s layup. They showed a good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic ability of mpMRI, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI combined with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in detecting and localizing lesions, and further clarify the accuracy of these examinations in tumor staging. Methods: Seventy patients who underwent mpMRI, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and radical prostatectomy were enrolled. The abilities to detect index and clinically significant lesions by three examinations were compared. We further evaluated the ability of these examinations to localize lesions to the superior, inferior, anterior, posterior, left and right halves of the prostate and analyzed their accuracy in local and lymph node staging. Results: There were no significant differences among mpMRI, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI combined with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in their ability to detect index (p = 0.48, p = 0.23 and p = 0.07) and clinically significant lesions (p = 0.30, p = 0.29 and p = 0.06) or to localize lesions in six half divisions of the prostate. With postoperative pathology as reference, both mpMRI (p = 0.10) and mpMRI combined with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT (p = 0.10) can accurately assess the local staging of prostate cancer. However, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT underestimates the local staging of prostate cancer (p < 0.01). Regarding lymph node staging, the three types of examination showed no significant differences compared to postoperative pathology (p = 0.63, p = 0.51 and p = 0.14). Conclusions: With postoperative pathology as reference, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT underestimates the local tumor staging. MpMRI combined with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT has no obvious advantages in detecting, localizing or staging prostate cancer compared with mpMRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Histopathological diagnosis is considered as the gold standard for diagnosis of pathological conditions. The first and the most important step in histopathological diagnosis is grossing. Identifying and describing the specimen is paramount as it has direct implications on the final diagnosis. One of the steps in grossing is describing the color of the specimen. Oral specimens come in an array of colors and provide a significant insight into the nature of the specimen. Currently, there is no standardized technique for description of color. There is a high degree of inter observer discrepancy. Aim: The aim of the study is to standardize color description of gross specimens among training post graduates. Materials and Methods: Two different color palettes were created. 30 oral pathology residents from 3 institutions were included for the study. 5 simple specimens were used. The oral pathology residents were asked to write down the color of each specimen in the conventional manner and then write using the color palette(s). Results and Conclusion: Intraclass correlation coefficient showed statistical significance between the variables. This infers that there is substantial decrease in inter observer discrepancy.In this study, we have made the first attempt to standardize color description during grossing of pathological specimens. More studies with larger samples are needed to evaluate this method’s global performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photogrammetry is technique which allows generation of three-dimensional models using photographic images. It is relatively new technique and very rarely used, as for now, in anatomy, but in our opinion, it has a great potential for being great alternative for conventional anatomy teaching methods. In the anatomy department of Wroclaw Medical University, we decided to check usefulness of this method as it comes to generation of anatomical models. In process we came up with a very simple, yet effective way of taking photos and generating models sufficient for didactics. We based our technique on very accessible and user-friendly mobile phone apps, basic medical-grade lamp setup, mobile phone cameras, and free computer software. All that makes our technique easy, fast, and cheap – which makes this method a better, potentially widely available alternative for conventional learning materials. We are sure photogrammetry will become more and more popular because of its superiority to digital anatomical resources such as three-dimensional atlases. Additionally, we can see a rise in popularity of technologies such as VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality), which can be useful in further implementation and development of photogrammetric 3D anatomical models as studies have shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soil-dwelling organisms populate the spaces--referred to as interstices--between the litter on the soil surface and the pores in the soil's organo-mineral matrix. These organisms have pivotal roles in soil ecosystem functions, such as the breakdown and decomposition of organic matter, the dispersal of bacterial and fungal spores and biological habitat transformation. These functions, in turn, contribute to broader ecosystem services like carbon and nutrient cycling, soil organic matter regulation and both chemical and physical soil fertility. This study provides morphological data pertaining to a range of soil organism sizes, specifically in Argiudol soils subjected to varying levels of agricultural activity in the Rolling Pampas Region, one of the world's most extensive and fertile plains. The primary focus is on soil microarthropods--namely, Acari (mites) and Collembola (springtails)--with a body width of less than 2 mm. These organisms constitute the majority of life in the intricate soil pore network. Additionally, the study documents species of earthworms (Oligochaeta, Crassiclitelata), recognised as ecosystem engineers for their ability to create physical channels in the soil matrix and to distribute organic matter. Moreover, the study includes measurements of morphological traits of soil-dwelling "macrofauna" (organisms with a body width greater than 2 mm), which are also implicated in various soil ecosystem functions. These include population regulation by apex predators, organic matter decomposition, biogenic structure formation, nutrient mobilisation and herbivory. New information:In this paper, we report both the geographical locations and individual measurements of key morphological traits for over 7,000 specimens, covering a range of soil-dwelling organisms. These include springtails (Entognatha, Collembola), mites (Arachnida, Acari), earthworms (Oligochaeta, Crassiclitellata) and additional soil macrofauna. All specimens were collected from typical Argiudol soils located in three distinct agricultural systems characterised by varying levels of land-use intensity. To our knowledge, no other dataset exists providing this information for the Argentinian Pampas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Primary occurrence data (‘what, where, when’) enable study of species distribution and diversity, facilitating reactions to societal challenges from food security to climate change mitigation. Scientific names integrate information and are made concrete through reference to a type specimen. Research and conservation planning requires timely open access to this data. Around 2000 vascular plant species are described each year, and many are narrowly endemic and face conservation threats. Twenty‐four percent of those published between 2012 and 2021 is available openly, and only 12% of taxa is represented by digitised type material served from within their native range. We make several recommendations to increase open access to this vital information to support prompt conservation action and future research. Summary We review access to literature and type specimens, key resources for taxonomic research. Takeup of open access (OA) publishing in plant naming is analysed using the International Plant Names Index (IPNI) data (2012–2021), and online availability of specimens analysed using the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Integration of the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) taxonomy and distributional data is used to examine regional variation. We found that 23% of vascular plant names are published OA, and 41% are digitally undiscoverable: contained in bibliographic works without a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) or with an unresolvable DOI. The most common OA publishing model used is ‘gold’. We also found that 30% of taxa are represented by a digitised type specimen mobilised from within the continent of their natural range and only 12% from the (more precise) country. We recommend clear article processing charge (APC) waivers for authors from low and middle income countries to better enable ‘gold’ OA and promotion of deposition repositories to better enable ‘green’ OA. Nomenclators should clearly indicate the OA status of literature and mobilise type citation data as material citations to aggregators like GBIF. Names registration systems should promote the capture of code‐recommended elements such as catalogue numbers for type specimens. Digital mobilisation of specimen metadata and images from collections based in low‐ and middle‐income countries must be accelerated to help increase in country taxonomic capacity to document and conserve plant diversity.

AbstractTristaniopsis spp. (pelawan) trees hold great significance in ensuring biodiversity sustainability and supporting the local species within Kepulauan Bangka Belitung Province. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in fostering the social and cultural aspects of the local community. However, the pelawan population has faced great threats due to land conversion, unmanaged forests, and mining. To address these challenges, the local government has shown a commitment to expanding the in-situ conservation areas beyond Namang Biodiversity Park. In order to enhance the conservation status of this species, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive study of the tree’s distribution, morphological characteristics, species delimitation, and genetic diversity. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain information on pelawan distribution, morphological characteristics, species confirmation, and genetic diversity. It was conducted at five natural populations, namely KK (Kota Kapur), BB (Berbura), LAP (Labuh Air Pandan), PN (Pangkal Niur), and LB (Limbung), and the genetic character was observed using ITS and RAPD markers. The first instance of establishing a nucleotide sequence database for pelawan on Bangka Island was also represented, showing the presence of two distinct taxa groups based on ITS sequence nucleotides. Based on morphological characters (bark color and leaves), the two groups were determined to be pelawan merah/orange (Tristaniopsis sp. 1) and pelawan air (Tristaniopsis sp. 2). Significantly, the genetic diversity analysis yielded a range of HE values, from 0.283 (KK) to 0.353 (PN). The PCoA and dendrogram analyses exhibited the formation of a cluster comprising populations from Bangka (KK, BB, LAP, and PN), while LB formed a separate cluster. The result showed significant genetic differentiation between regions and populations, without mixing seeds or seedlings. It was suggested that the conservation strategy for pelawan trees on Bangka Island should be developed with several considerations. In-situ conservation sites should be designated based on the presence of pelawan merah/orange and pelawan air taxa. Additionally, ex-situ conservation plots needed to be established, with at least one location dedicated to each taxonomic group. To preserve the remaining natural genetic resources, KK and LB populations, which had the lowest HE value and different genetic structures should be prioritized. Strategies for ex-situ conservation included KK, LB, and PN. The prioritization of PN for conservation was necessary, and further genetic study of the pelawan should involve larger populations representing the natural distribution of each species.

BackgroundTridimensional medical knowledge of human anatomy is a key step in the undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, especially in surgical fields. Training simulation before real surgical procedures is necessary to develop clinical competences and to minimize surgical complications.MethodsLatex injection of vascular system in brain and in head-neck segment is made after washing out of the vascular system and fixation of the specimen before and after latex injection.ResultsUsing this latex injection technique, the vascular system of 90% of brains and 80% of head-neck segments are well-perfused. Latex-injected vessels maintain real appearance compared to silicone, and more flexible vessels compared to resins. Besides, latex makes possible a better perfusion of small vessels.ConclusionsLatex vascular injection technique of the brain and head-neck segment is a simulation model for neurosurgical training based on real experiencing to improve surgical skills and surgical results.

Individual human hair fibers exhibiting a curly morphology were procured from a female donor within her early thirties (30s). The selected hair fibers donor had refrained from undergoing any form of chemical treatment, including dyeing, relaxing, and bleaching, for a minimum period of six (6) months prior to specimen collection. The isolated single fibers were subjected to uniaxial tensile testing at various strain rates (100.s−1,10−2. s−1 10−3. & 10−4.s−1). Furthermore, the specimens underwent testing under dry conditions at a temperature of 25°C, as well as full immersion in a saline solution at both 25°C and 35°C. The ensuing mechanical attributes, encompassing engineering was analyzed following the tensile testing.

An improved mathematical model was constructed to describe the geometrically and physically nonlinear deformation of specimens of a fiber-reinforced plastic with a rectangular cross-section. The specimens had thin elastic side tabs on the clamping ends in the test fixture to transfer the external load to the specimens in kinematic loadings (by the friction forces that arise between the tabs and rigid elements of the test fixture). The specimens had the form of a three-layered rod. For the tabs, the S. P. Timoshenko shear model taking into account the transverse compression was used. For the middle layer across the thickness, a linear approximation for the transverse displacement and a cubic approximation for the axial displacement were accepted. The kinematic relations and equilibrium equations of the theory were obtained based on geometrically nonlinear relations of elasticity theory in a simplified quadratic approximation. They contained geometrically nonlinear terms that, having the necessary degree of accuracy and content, make it possible to identify the classical bending and nonclassical transverse shear buckling modes of the specimens during their compression tests. For unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastics, the physical nonlinearity was taken into account only in the relationship between the transverse shear stress and the corresponding shear strain. When compressing a [±45] fiber-reinforced plastic, the physical nonlinearity was also taken into account in the relation between the normal stress in the specimen cross-section and the corresponding axial strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Primary occurrence data ('what, where, when') enable study of species distribution and diversity, facilitating reactions to societal challenges from food security to climate change mitigation. Scientific names integrate information and are made concrete through reference to a type specimen. Research and conservation planning requires timely open access to this data. Around 2000 vascular plant species are described each year, and many are narrowly endemic and face conservation threats. Twenty‐four percent of those published between 2012 and 2021 is available openly, and only 12% of taxa is represented by digitised type material served from within their native range. We make several recommendations to increase open access to this vital information to support prompt conservation action and future research. Summary: We review access to literature and type specimens, key resources for taxonomic research. Takeup of open access (OA) publishing in plant naming is analysed using the International Plant Names Index (IPNI) data (2012–2021), and online availability of specimens analysed using the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Integration of the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) taxonomy and distributional data is used to examine regional variation.We found that 23% of vascular plant names are published OA, and 41% are digitally undiscoverable: contained in bibliographic works without a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) or with an unresolvable DOI. The most common OA publishing model used is 'gold'.We also found that 30% of taxa are represented by a digitised type specimen mobilised from within the continent of their natural range and only 12% from the (more precise) country.We recommend clear article processing charge (APC) waivers for authors from low and middle income countries to better enable 'gold' OA and promotion of deposition repositories to better enable 'green' OA. Nomenclators should clearly indicate the OA status of literature and mobilise type citation data as material citations to aggregators like GBIF. Names registration systems should promote the capture of code‐recommended elements such as catalogue numbers for type specimens. Digital mobilisation of specimen metadata and images from collections based in low‐ and middle‐income countries must be accelerated to help increase in country taxonomic capacity to document and conserve plant diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of publications on taking samples and equipment (tools, devices) for this purpose is given. The processes of determination of the amount of impurities in the metals: oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, are considered. The methods of analytical sample preparation passive and active: are systematized. The most representative methods of analytical sample preparation are given and discussed (PWI Laboratory of Gases in Metals). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biopsy specimens go through a diagnostic pathway before a pathology report is rendered for the clinician. Errors can occur at any step in this pathway. Methods: A 1‐year prospective study was conducted at a single academic institution to identify and characterize errors that occurred in the diagnostic pathway from the clinic to the dermatopathology lab. Results: A total of 25 662 specimens were processed and 190 errors were recorded (an error rate of 0.7%). The most common errors were an incorrect biopsy site (n = 65), incorrect data entry of a correct diagnosis (n = 25), and specimen mix‐up (n = 23). There were 17 diagnostic errors. Errors most often occurred in the pre‐analytical phase (n = 128). The clinician was responsible for 34.2% of errors, the dermatopathologist for 23.7%, and the histotechnician for 18.9%. Slips were the most common type of human error (n = 156). Conclusion: The most common error involved an incorrect biopsy site at the clinical stage. Over two‐thirds of errors occurred before the slide reached the dermatopathologist. Diagnostic errors (analytical phase) rarely occurred, and when they did occur, the clinician was most likely to discover the error. Examining and addressing common laboratory errors help to reduce their incidence and lead to quality improvement in dermatopathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inland vagrancy and overland dispersal by seabirds are rare phenomena for which the causes and consequences are poorly understood. Studying inland occurrences of seabirds is important because continental land masses form barriers to dispersal of genes and parasites; thus, the permeability of land barriers influences the extent to which seabird populations evolve on separate trajectories and co-evolve with distinct parasite faunas. The boobies (Sula spp.) are a clade of saltwater-obligate species occurring in tropical and subtropical oceans. Booby species tend to exhibit population genetic structure among oceanic regions. Although they rarely wander inland, the Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) has occurred numerous times as a vagrant in interior North America. Previous inland records from far western North America originated from Pacific populations (subspecies brewsteri), whereas those from eastern and midwestern North America originated from Caribbean populations (subspecies leucogaster). In this paper, we describe 2 new specimens of S. leucogaster, first state records for New Mexico and Colorado, salvaged from localities nearly equidistant from Pacific and Caribbean source populations. We used mitochondrial DNA sequences to conclusively demonstrate that both specimens originated in the Caribbean. We next examined the helminth parasite fauna of the 2 S. leucogaster specimens and an inland-vagrant Blue-footed Booby (S. nebouxii) from New Mexico. The guts of these boobies contained a suite of helminths, including multiple freshwater-obligate taxa. Based on our findings, we suggest that susceptibility to freshwater parasites may cause overland dispersal to fail for boobies, or other seabirds. Thus, freshwater parasites may contribute to explaining the relative rarity of transcontinental dispersal, maintenance of strong inter-ocean population genetic structure, phylogenetic conservatism of specialization on salt-water habitats, and the strictly pelagic distributions of ocean-dwelling species from several avian families. La errancia y dispersión en tierra adentro de las aves marinas son fenómenos raros cuyas causas y consecuencias se entienden poco. Estudiar registros en tierra adentro de aves marinas es importante ya que las masas continentales forman barreras a la dispersión de genes y parásitos; por lo tanto, la permeabilidad de las barreras terrestres influye en qué tanto las poblaciones de aves evolucionan en trayectorias distintas y co-evolucionan con faunas parásitas distintas. Los alcatraces (Sula spp.) constituyen un clado de especies obligadas de agua salada que se encuentran en oceános tropicales y subtropicales. Las especies de alcatraces tienden a exhibir estructura genética poblacional entre regiones oceánicas. Aunque raramente deambula en tierra firme, el alcatraz pardo (Sula leucogaster) se ha reportado muchas veces como errante en tierra adentro de Norteamérica. Previos reportes de tierra adentro en el lejano oeste Norteamericano se originaron de poblaciones del Pacífico (subespecies brewsteri), mientras que los del este y el medioeste de Norteamérica se originan de poblaciones del Caribe (subespecie leucogaster). En este artículo, describimos 2 especímenes nuevos de S. leucogaster, primeros registros estatales para Nuevo México y Colorado, procedentes de localidades casi equidistantes de poblaciones fuente de Pacífico y el Caribe. Utilizamos secuencias de ADN mitocondrial para mostrar conclusivamente que ambos especímenes se originaron en el Caribe. Luego, examinamos la fauna de helmintos parásitos de ambos especímenes de S. leucogaster y de un alcatraz de patas azules (S. nebouxii) que vagaba tierra adentro en Nuevo México. Los intestinos de estos alcatraces contenían una serie de helmintos, incluyendo varios taxa obligadas de agua dulce. Con base en nuestros hallazgos, sugerimos que la susceptibilidad a los parásitos de agua dulce puede ocasionar que la dispersión en tierra adentro no sea exitosa para los alcatraces u otras aves marinas. Por lo tanto, los parásitos de agua dulce pueden contribuir a explicar la relativa rareza de la dispersión transcontinental, el mantenimiento de la fuerte estructura genética inter-oceánica, la conservación filogenética de la especialización en hábitats de agua salada y la distribución estrictamente pelágica de especies oceánicas pertenecientes a varias familias de aves. Palabras clave: agua dulce, errancia, espécimen, helmintos, parásito, Sula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although breast surgeons can request frozen section biopsies to evaluate margin status in breast-conserving surgery (BCS), specimen imaging is also a useful assessment tool. Intraoperative digital specimen mammography (IDSM) has recently been introduced in Korea. To estimate the clinical role of IDSM, this study compared the clinicopathologic factors of patients whose specimen was assessed with IDSM with those assessed using conventional specimen mammography (CSM). Methods: From October to December 2021, 78 breast cancer patients who underwent BCS were included in this study. The obtained specimens were assessed using IDSM (n = 44) and CSM (n = 34). Clinicopathologic factors included margin involvement status in specimen mammography and the results of frozen section biopsies. The radiation dose emitted from the specimen after mammography was measured using a portable device. Results: There were no significant differences in clinicopathological factors between the two groups, except the type of surgery for axillary lymph nodes. The closest distance from the margin to tumor was longer in the CSM group than in the IDSM group, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.894). Margin involvement was accurately detected using IDSM due to the absence of compression (p

Aim: The German classification system of the completeness of mesocolic excision aims to assess the quality of right‐sided colonic cancer surgery by review of photographs. We aimed to validate the reliability of the classification in a clinical context. Method: The study was based on a cohort of patients undergoing resection for right‐sided colon cancer in two university hospitals served by the same group of pathologists. Prospectively collected photographs of the specimens were assessed twice by six colorectal surgeons to determine the intra‐rater and inter‐rater accuracy of the German classification and a modification assessing extended right‐sided resections. Results: Specimens from 613 resections for right‐sided colon cancer were reviewed. Twenty‐one specimens were found to be non‐assessable, leaving 436 right hemicolectomies, 139 extended right hemicolectomies and 17 right‐sided subtotal colectomies. Intra‐rater reliability was 0.57–0.74 and weighted kappa coefficients 0.58–0.74, without differences between subgroups. The percentage of agreement between all six participants was 20.3% for all specimens, 21.1% for right hemicolectomy specimens and 18.1% for extended hemicolectomy and right‐sided subtotal colectomy specimens. For the right hemicolectomy specimens, the model‐based kappa coefficient for agreement was 0.27 (95% CI 0.24–0.30) and for association 0.45 (95% CI 0.41–0.49). Conclusion: The German classification of right hemicolectomy specimens showed low intra‐rater reliability and inter‐rater agreement and association. The use of this classification for scientific purposes appeared not to be reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Documentation of plant taxa has long been subject to the temporal and spatial selectivity of professional research expeditions, especially in tropical regions. Therefore, rare and/or narrowly endemic species are sometimes known only from very few and very old herbarium specimens. However, these taxa are very important from a conservation perspective. The lack of observations of living plants and confirmation of the actual occurrence of taxa hinders the planning and implementation of effective conservation measures. Community science networks have recently made tremendous contributions to documenting biodiversity in many regions across the globe. The rediscovery of six species of Nasa (Loasaceae) from Peru and Ecuador primarily via the platform iNaturalist, is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical data, combined with current data on species distribution, are a valuable resource for tracking changes in biodiversity and can potentially be applied to developing models in conservation biology and designing and assessing conservation strategies. Historical data supporting current knowledge on the natural history of the African continent are primarily held in Western museums. The Zoologisches Museum Berlin (ZMB), which is today part of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN), is the primary source of reference for zoological collections from former German colonial territories including Cameroon. Here, we document for the first time a catalogue of the type material in the mammal collection of the MfN from the point of view of a geographical region. The type collection includes 91 type specimens identified in the catalogues as originating from German 'Kamerun' and which correspond to 31 described species, of which 12 are currently accepted (valid) species names. Of the 31 described species, 21 are represented by holotypes, three para-holotype series, one para-lectotype series and six syntype series. We hope that this first analysis of zoological objects, based on geographical location, will lead to similar research on other geographical locations of collection. This could provide more information on the provenance of collections and on colonial collecting practices, as well as contribute to the accessibility of collections in Western museums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural history museum collections are the most important sources of information on the present and past biodiversity of our planet. Most of the information is primarily stored in analogue form, and digitization of the collections can provide further open access to the images and specimen data to address the many global challenges. However, many museums do not digitize their collections because of constraints on budgets, human resources, and technologies. To encourage the digitization process, we present a guideline that offers low‐cost and technical knowledge solutions yet balances the quality of the work and outcomes. The guideline describes three phases of digitization, namely preproduction, production, and postproduction. The preproduction phase includes human resource planning and selecting the highest priority collections for digitization. In the preproduction phase, a worksheet is provided for the digitizer to document the metadata, as well as a list of equipment needed to set up a digitizer station to image the specimens and associated labels. In the production phase, we place special emphasis on the light and color calibrations, as well as the guidelines for ISO/shutter speed/aperture to ensure a satisfactory quality of the digitized output. Once the specimen and labels have been imaged in the production phase, we demonstrate an end‐to‐end pipeline that uses optical character recognition (OCR) to transfer the physical text on the labels into a digital form and document it in a worksheet cell. A nationwide capacity workshop is then conducted to impart the guideline, and pre‐ and postcourse surveys were conducted to assess the confidence and skills acquired by the participants. This paper also discusses the challenges and future work that need to be taken forward for proper digital biodiversity data management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The esophagus undergoes shrinkage after resection and fixation. The surgical in situ margin is greater than the specimen margin, measured by the pathologist. The length of disease‐free margins is critical to therapeutic planning. We propose specimen fixing to avoid discrepancies between the operative finding and the pathological result. Esophagus undergoes shrinkage after resection and fixation. The surgical in situ margin is greater than the specimen margin, measured by the pathologist. The length of disease‐free margins is critical to therapeutic planning. We propose specimen fixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) and appendiceal diverticulitis are rare diseases. There has been no previous report on MVT complicating appendiceal diverticulitis. Herein, we report the first case of MVT complicating appendiceal diverticulitis. Case presentation A 70-year-old male patient with right lower abdominal pain presented to our hospital. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) suggested MVT complicating appendiceal diverticulitis. Initially, we started conservative treatment with antibacterial drugs, but on the 2nd hospital day his general condition deteriorated due to sepsis that seemed to be caused by appendiceal diverticulitis. Therefore, we performed laparoscopic appendectomy. Histopathological findings of the specimen showed appendiceal diverticulitis. After the operation, he gradually improved. He was discharged on the 30th hospital day. Conclusions We report a successfully treated case of MVT complicating appendiceal diverticulitis by surgical intervention. This is the first case of MVT complicating appendiceal diverticulitis.

Introduction: The carcinoma of gallbladder is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract. The incidence of this carcinoma varies geographically. Incidental gallbladder carcinoma is diagnosed during histopathological examination after cholecystectomy due to other reasons. Histopathological examination of all cholecystectomy specimens are very essential to rule out these incidental gallbladder carcinomas. Aim: To this study to estimate the frequency of incidental gallbladder carcinoma in patients undergoing routine cholecystectomy and also to evaluate the necessity of routine histopathological examination after all cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in Department of Pathology, Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India between January 2014 to December 2019 (six years) covering 650 patients who underwent laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. Patients' demographic data, pathologic results, macroscopic appearance of the specimen, cancer staging were recorded and frequency of incidental gallbladder carcinoma were calculated. Result: Total 650 cholecystectomy specimens due to benign gallbladder disease were received in pathology department. Histopathological examination revealed 18 cases of incidental gallbladder carcinoma which comprised 2.8% of all the cholecystectomies. Among them 13 were female and five were in male with male: female ratio of 1:2.6 and the age ranges from 35 to 68 years. Among 18 cases 10 cases showed invasion upto lamina propria (stage T1a), five) cases had invasion in muscular layer (stage T1b) and three cases showed perimuscular connective tissue invasion (stage T2a). Conclution: The present study observed that the incidence of incidental gallbladder carcinoma in cholecystectomy specimen was little higher range in East Indian population and so routine histopathological examination of all cholecystectomy specimens are recommended

This article considers the results of an experimental and numerical study of the three-point bending problems of a composite specimen (beam). The numerical analysis of the beam behavior, in a physically and geometrically nonlinear statement of the problem, assumed that the beam is made by layering a unidirectional carbon fiber along the specimen axis. The Tsai– Wu criterion was used to determine the ultimate load at which the composite phases of the specimen lose their strength. The comparative analysis of the specimen behavior at different values of the beam thickness and the diameter of the loading roller was carried out. The results obtained show that the failure of the short specimens occurs as the material loses its strength under the loading roller (in the middle), and the long specimens become delaminated along the adhesive layer. This effect is explained by the loss of stability of the adhesive layer in a non-classical transverse shear mode. Our study demonstrates that the roller diameter has practically no effect on the value of the ultimate load, while the load at which the layer buckles on the front surface of the specimen is very sensitive to changes in its value. A good correlation of the numerical results with the experimental data was revealed.

Although breast surgeons can request frozen section biopsies to evaluate margin status in breast-conserving surgery (BCS), specimen imaging is also a useful assessment tool. Intraoperative digital specimen mammography (IDSM) has recently been introduced in Korea. To estimate the clinical role of IDSM, this study compared the clinicopathologic factors of patients whose specimen was assessed with IDSM with those assessed using conventional specimen mammography (CSM). From October to December 2021, 78 breast cancer patients who underwent BCS were included in this study. The obtained specimens were assessed using IDSM (n = 44) and CSM (n = 34). Clinicopathologic factors included margin involvement status in specimen mammography and the results of frozen section biopsies. The radiation dose emitted from the specimen after mammography was measured using a portable device. There were no significant differences in clinicopathological factors between the two groups, except the type of surgery for axillary lymph nodes. The closest distance from the margin to tumor was longer in the CSM group than in the IDSM group, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.894). Margin involvement was accurately detected using IDSM due to the absence of compression (p < 0.001). In addition, the sensitivity and accuracy of IDSM were higher, and the false-negative rate was lower. Both specimen mammography methods were highly accurate in evaluating the margin involvement status. However, the margin status could be examined more precisely using IDSM because the specimen was not compressed to perform the examination. Because the IDSM system was installed in the operating room, it not only shortened performing routes but also reduced the operating time by providing immediate results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]